Trendsetter's Bazaar - Summer Series [March 3-5]

MADE IT ON THE LAST DAY of the Trendsetter's Bazaar last Sunday! It was the first wave of their Summer Series, which is expected to have a second blow on April and the third on May. The event is simply a gathering of the most sought-after and well-loved brands on Instagram, which all set the hottest trends today!

Catching the first deal of the series wasn't really part of my plan, however, I was so fortunate to be given a free day last March 5, so I grabbed the opportunity to strut my stuff at the World Trade Center right away! *big smiles* Oh wait, I'm not planning to hoard a lot and spend too much, I just really want to experience the event and share the good things I may find here on my blog.  

GETTING READY

We arrived at the WTC tent at around 1:30 PM, it was already full with people (a stressful sight at first), going in and out, chatting, eating and lining up. I went straight to the ticket booth and bought two, which costs 100 pesos each. The ticket comes with a raffle coupon which you need fill-up and drop inside a box before entering the hall. At the entrance, you just need to present your ticket and get stamped. 

TICKETS. There's an entrance fee of 100 php, which also entitles you with one raffle ticket.

Now you're ready to explore!

LET'S START SHOPPING! Looking forward to find a lot of unique items inside the tent.

You can explore at your own pace, no need to rush. It started at 11 AM and I still have 7 1/2 hours before it closes at 9 PM. There are a lot of stalls inside selling trendy items and some stuff that are really hard to find in malls.

LET'S GO SHOPPING!

Below are the booths which caught my attention:

Cute rompers are available at Shortcuts

Shop Basicph are loaded with affordable gym outfits, but that string halter blouse captivated me. 

Everything fancy at the That Chic Shop

For jersey lovers, TMTRAXX is the shop for you...they also have native delicacies!

Forgot the name of the shop, but they sell super cute phone cases

Tomboy-Chic look is achievable with their cool items

It was my first time to see playful sun hats like these :)

Cosmic Concept Manila offers cool tees that are made on-the-spot!

Cool and affordable specs at Wear Vintage

Hello Glamorous got tons of lippies!

Interested with makeups as usual... :)

Hoarded face masks! 4 for 100 php only! (My bangs are down here...why?)

Stylish and very affordable flats at Monique

I want the angry bird!!!

This stall sells super affordable items, the usual "uso" fashion pieces

Shoppers can't get their hands off the clothes!

Tired shopper here -_-

Some of the shops that I follow on Instagram were here as well:

I didn't bought a lot, I just snatched those that are plainly good deal. If you missed the first wave, don't worry because you can still catch the second before holy week starts. But before that, let me give you some quick tips so you can have an even delightful visit next month.

1. Wear comfortable clothes. This is so basic, because you can't roam around wearing high-heeled shoes or inside a tight-fitting dress. You can still look fashionable yet comfortable. But keep in mind that this is not an ordinary bazaar, almost all of the shoppers that you'll bump into (even the sellers) wear nice and trendy clothes---'coz after all, it's TRENDSETTER!

2. Bring a shopping bag. I forgot to bring one, good thing I bought a pair of gladiator sandals at Erin and it comes with a pretty pink paper bag. If you'll be hoarding fashion items, bring a large one please. 

3. Either visit early or late. Early bird catches the worm right? You'll definitely be the first to secure a lot of awesome treats on the first day, or if you'll come early. But, if you want some great deals (super discounted items), visit on the last day just like me (Got a bomber jacket for only 150 php, which was originally sold at 350 php...how's that sound?)

4. Bring your own water and light snack. If you're like me who is super matipid (thrift), I'll spend my 200 bucks on a blouse rather than buy an overpriced bottled water and a sandwich. There are a lot of food stalls outside the tent, but most of them sells pricey products. 

5. Don't be an impulsive buyer. You saw a cute blouse? but don't buy it yet, take several rounds in the area and maybe you'll see something similar but more affordable or more fashionable than the first one. You'll see a lot of cool, beautiful and trendy items, but you should also be wise in buying because you'll surely end-up broke and regretful. Don't just think twice, think a hundred times!

Filled a paper bag! My fave was the gladiator sandals from Erin by Etsy :)

Will come back again for sure :)

It was a nice experience, and I'm sure that you'll also enjoy shopping for trendy items too. I just hope that the next wave will be better, I'm expecting more unique pieces and more stalls please Trendsetter Team! :)

DON'T MISS the second and third wave of the series!

I hope you enjoyed this post! Follow them on Instagram <@trendsetterteam> for more details, freebies and free tickets! I also regram a lot of their #TrendsetterGiveaway post so make sure to follow me on IG as well <@missg_diaries> :)

'Til next time lovelies! 

Slay it with grace,

Gunpla Expo 2017 + Dong Won + Pyromusical Competition

IT WAS A BUSY Saturday for me because I’ve been to the first-ever Gunpla Expo in the country, dined at Dong Won Korean BBQ house and watched the 8th Philippine International Pyromusical Competition---all of these in just one day! Whew! Tiring, but all worth-it *huge smile*

I’ll be sharing the whole experience below, so please continue reading. 

GUNPLA EXPO

Attending the week-long Gunpla Exposition at Mall of Asia was already planned. Mr. J is a certified builder and collector and he would certainly never miss the opportunity to secure some rare kits, which are expected to be sold at the venue. When we arrived at around 3 o’clock in the afternoon, I felt so discouraged to go inside because of the huge crowd, and even felt hopeless when I saw the long line at the cashier, which already reached the other end of the hall. But still, we tried to fit ourselves in the narrow spaces between the shelves. As I looked at the kits, I felt the urge to buy and try to build one for myself *wink* But the thought easily slip off (I still have a lot on my plate, maybe some other time though) and I just went on and observe the builders/collectors as they scrutinize each kits. 

Even if you’re not a gunpla builder, you’ll absolutely enjoy the expo because there are a lot of gundam exhibited at every corner of the hall. You’ll learn about the history and evolution of gunpla, take a closer look at the different “grades” (classification of gunpla) and have some photo op with life-size gundams; I can’t help but take pictures of these perfectly-assembled models! There must really be a great satisfaction when one finishes a model and even greater when it has been personalized or modified. I fully understood how strong the “poison” that these kits secrete, which makes the builders go crazy! (the term  “poisoned” is part of their jargon, which means “went mad over gunpla kits”). 

GRAY & BLACK. Comfy in shirt + skirt + sneakers + backpack

HAPPY KID. Supporting his "pagka-lason" in building and collecting gunpla.

During our first visit, Mr. J got himself three kits. After a few hours, when his older brother arrived, he snatched two more kits! (poisoned indeed). Two were super rare in the country while the other three are just good deal because they were on discounted prices. After a few shots, we left with a grumbling stomach. 

GOING KOREAN and FIREWORKS

Our cravings for Korean food lead us to Dong Won Korean BBQ House. The supposedly casual dinner became extraordinary because it was the second leg of the Pyromusical competition. The restaurants situated at the veranda of Mall of Asia (facing the bay) were all exclusive for reservations, or walk-in guests, at that time, so as to prevent bystanders in watching the show for free. The rates of food on the menu are a bit higher than usual because of the privilege to watch the firework show; grilling has been ceased as well as part of the mall’s security protocol for the said event. At first, I thought it was not a good idea, but when the food was served and the show started, I realized that it was a worthy deal. 

SHOW YOUR BANDS. China did pretty well on their 15-minute firework display. 

DOUBLE-DATE. Continuously burping over bibimbap, samgyupsal and beef stew.

The food at Dong Won weren’t super exceptional to be honest, so if you’re craving for yummy authentic Korean food, I don’t recommend the place; unless you are just up for the “grilling” thing and Korean experience, then the place can be a good start (just don’t visit during the Pyro event, no grilling remember?). But of course, since the food was consumed over a lovely conversation and under the glowing sky (because of the firework display), it became really special. 

JUST SOME USEFUL TIPS

If you’re planning to visit the Gunpla expo, make sure you do it ASAP because it'll only run from February 25 - March 5, 2017. Moreover, I suggest you wear comfortable clothes so you can move around easily and won’t be soaked in sweat. Now if you’re a builder who’s on a tight budget, you must know what you want first and bring just enough money at the venue. You’ll get “poisoned” for sure and spend way beyond your budget, especially if you don’t have strong self-control. But what is the most important is that you have your camera ready because there are a lot to be captured! 

SEA OF GUNPLA ENTHUSIASTS!

On the other hand, it was my first-time to watch the Pyromusical show while eating dinner and it was a nice and super “sulit” experience! You may want to try it as well, with your family and friends perhaps. Just keep in mind that there are special rules applied. If you’ll be dining at one the restaurants located at the veranda, the entrance is at the right side of Coffee Bean; a reservation will also be helpful, but not really necessary.

No plans for Saturday yet? Use this post a guide! It’ll be a wonderful experience for sure :)

 

Won an invite from CLOZETTE + Preparations for the E! Bloggers Ball

HELLO LOVELIES! I prepared this post because some of you are asking me how did I got an invite for the first-ever E! Bloggers Ball, which was held last September 29, 2016 at City of Dreams Manila. 

To be honest, my hopes are low when I joined the contest, and until now, I still can't believe that my first blogger event will be this grand. If you've been following me since day one, you'll know that my blog is only less that two years old (one year and six months to be exact). Besides, I only have less than 600 Instagram followers and only less than 30K visitors for this blog site. Why am I presenting these figures? Simple, because they matter. As a blogger, your followers and subscribers define who you are. The larger your network is, the greater opportunities will come at your doorsteps. 

But I guess it's simply God's will :)

It was early morning of September 16, 2016 when I received an email from Clozette. Nothing is unusual for me at first because I always receive a mail from their team since the day I sign-up as a member of this fashion & beauty social network. 

However, when I read the content of the email, I got so excited because it's another contest! This contest thrilled me for several reasons like (1) It'll surely be a great opportunity for me to expand my network, (2) I'll get the chance to meet my favorite bloggers, (3) The venue is surprisingly related to me (because I currently work there) and (4) I haven't attended a legit blogger event before, so why not? :)

*The email which started it all...:)*

The contest mechanics was simple, you just need to tell them why you would like to be part of the EBB. According to them, they'll be picking winners based on the creativity of their answers. And so, I composed my piece and submitted it on the 20th (deadline was until 23rd), together with the links they required (blog site, IG and FB page). I've waited for their response in the afternoon of September 23...and voila! I'm in! *throw hands in the air* 

*Confirmation mail from Ms. Amanda of Clozette*

*OFFICIAL INVITATION*

It was a mixture of excitement and fear. Yes I did got a seat, not only for one but for two, however, I'm not totally prepared! The dress? The shoes? Who will do my hair and makeup? OH NO!!! I can't look like a pauper in the middle of the princesses...*shrug*

Absolutely a struggle on my part,  good thing I found someone in the internet who's selling a classy infinity gown. I bought the gown for only 1600 php, while my clutch is only 250 php (sale at Parisian). The rest are just recycled stuff. I did my own makeup and also painted my nails so that it'll match my nude theme. As for the hair, I did a low, semi-messy bun. 

I'm glad that most of you loved my look when I posted it on Facebook :)

There you go, I just did what I can and I pretty much love the result. I chose to be as simple and as classy as possible. No need to show-off because that's really not my thing. Besides, I'm attending the ball in order for me to learn from my fellow bloggers and connect with them. I'm just happy to realize that the look doesn't matter at all, it's always the smile that you wear which will set the deal. 

Again, my huge "THANK YOU" will go to Clozette for opening another wonderful opportunity for me. It has been a great, great experience that I will forever keep in the deepest part of my heart. 

And oh, you may be wondering what is CLOZETTE, you can check them out thru this link: www.clozette.co. Sign-up today and share your #ootd with the other girls in Asia. Don't worry, this community is not only for bloggers, but for every girl who loves beauty and fashion. Who knows, you may become one of their ambassadors!

Hope you enjoyed this post, 'til next time!