FULL IMPACT WITH STAR FISHER ASIA

I've been away from my blog for far too long.  And I don't know when I will be back on a regular basis but here's one of the things that kept me busy:  SALES TRAINING.  Ya, I know, it's work, work, work. But hey, Sales Training never been so much fun especially because for some time, it takes you away from everyday pressure and really think back why you do what you are doing.  In July, we, Nuffies, together with the ladies from Outcomm, our sister company, had a chance to break out from the sales pressure with Starfisher Asia.  It's a people development company that offers development programs for personal, team, and leadership excellence.

For a couple of days, we've done fun activities by reviewing a few things that what most sales people should do.  You know, all that sales, sales, sales rally :) Here's one of them:  Listening skills activity (Photo from Jel). 

We all know how important it is for sales people to be listening to their clients all the time, eh?  Another is doing a full impact presentation like what the group of Denise did (Photo from her blog, too) :) 

And I must say it's really good to go back to basics especially when you've been in the field for much too long.  It serves some time for you to be reminded why you want to continue the things that you do.  

For more details about Starfisher Asia:

(02) 727-5970

(63) 927-4292986

leadership@starfisher.asia

www.starfisher.asia

My fashion.  My statement.

BellaDonna

AFTER THAT REBELLIOUS BUN

This is what happens if you tie your hair on a bun:

Instant perm!

I have long been thinking to do a perm. But my purpose of growing my hair will be defeated. So for now, I think I'll settle with electric perming and mousse. That is, if I have the time to do it. This morning, I thought I could but I woke up at 7 and still so very sleepy. Blame it on red days.

More love to life,

Bella Donna

THE REBELLIOUS BUN

My hair's been rebellious lately. It falls, it flies away, it slips from the pony tail. And this morning I spent almost an hour just trying to achieve a practical hairdo. But since it seems to have a mind of its own today, I bind it altogether in a bun.

Made me look more plumpy but it's better now. At least I know for now it will stay in place. Happy Tuesday, everyone!

More love to life,

Bella Donna

MONDAY MORNING BLUES

Hello! Monday Morning! :)

I know everybody almost hates a Monday morning and almost everyone has his own Monday morning blues just like me. But not now because I have given myself some "me" time last weekend and it was really a relief. I hope everybody's getting a great week. As for me, I'm starting it off on an early Monday with my increasing desire to be rich. Hehehe.

More to love to life,

BellaDonna

NUFFIES AND NUFFNANGERS AT PUNCH OUT BOXING GYM

Last night, the Nuffies and Nuffnangers went out for a boxing night at Punch Out in World Center Building, Makati. It's one of the activities of Nuffnang for its bloggers to bond together.

I've been encouraged by my long time friend to try this work out and I've watched her several times during her session in a gym in Kalayaan, Makati. But I never really got the time to go back and try it out so, here's my chance.

The whole experience was fun. This gym provides an instructor who teaches beat and rhythm while you box, along with the music. It's not like the traditional boxing class with a coach just like how they train Manny Pacquiao. This one's equally fun only with a different approach.

The beginners' session was just as intense and I felt like my endorphins are rushing in. I did not mind the sweat and the pain of every stretch, punch and crunch. I was just smiling all throughout the class.

I think now, I'm fully convinced that this is one work out I should consider enrolling. I was already thinking to plot a schedule for boxing work out and on top of that, how to continue my pole dancing class with my pole buddy. Think, think, think.

While I'm thinking how to sort things out, I'll leave you with these photos and if you're also thinking to try out a boxing class, you may want to check out Punch Out Boxing Gym.

And before I forget, thank you so much Punch Out for accommodating us last night. We really enjoyed your class. It was really fun!

For more photos, check out my album on Facebook.

More love to life,

Bella Donna

THE LONG DAY IS OVER

Yes it was, and I managed to steal a few shots for my post by asking one of my colleagues to click the digicam for me before I go home. Yes, it was a long day and I guess there's also the period talking. The "visit" is drawing near and I can feel my body aching.

Then along with the "visit", I knew I would have an incredible mood swing and nausea. Oh my, I hate it. Anyway, I don't need to vent out how my day had gone crazy and lunatic. It's a given. I just hope that after that, I'll finally get to where I'm driving at.

Ok. So, to console my long, crazy day, I'd like to believe what people were telling me that I lost weight somehow because comparing from my previous photos (that I did not post anyway), I think I did and I'm liking it. Well, gaining weight and becoming heavy for my height were a few of my concerns that I need to attend soon. Maybe I was less concerned of really becoming big but more of becoming short because my shape was rounding up and unfortunately, I'm not endowed with the height that should somehow compliment the extra pounds. So there, thanks to daily client calls, I walk, I run, I hurry most of the time - my alternative to cardio and work out :) No, I'm not complaining. I just wish I have more time!

More love to life,

Bella Donna

WELCOME THE LOVE MONTH WITH LBD

I feel extra inspired yesterday morning.  I wanted to dress a little bit not only because of the upcoming meetings for the day but also because I missed dressing up for my blog.  So I did.  LBD has always been a favorite.  I think I have a couple of posts on this dress accentuated with different accessories.  This time, with a layered necklace given to me last Christmas.  It's been a really long day and I failed to write a post last night when I arrived at my apartment.  It's been really late and all I could do was lay down in bed after attempting some "maarte" pose. 

I've been wanting to buy a tripod and a new digital camera.   First, because it's hard to get pictures when you try to get one for yourself.  And second, I'm borrowing this digicam from my bro since I started blogging and I want to give it back.  So there, it's on my list for 2012 plans.  So far, I only have 1 item checked out of too many! :)

More love to life,

Bella Donna

ISOLATED RAIN SHOWERS

Just a quick post before I sleep. This maybe the first isolated rain showers that we have experienced for the year 2012. Weather forecast said it's because of the cold front. Well, it was refreshing after a very hot morning. But my flats became oh so wet! And this pic is not as decent as I tried to do it. Suddenly, I miss my blogging buddy. It's been a year that I'm missing posts. Oh well, God knows how I will tried each day, but I just can't just keep up with it.  Blame it on work. Oh no, I'm not complaining! I love my job, really! :)

By the way, I also said goodbye to this cow-girl inspired skirt (with a very sad face). The accessory was torn and I had to take it out. So you'll notice I don't have it anymore on this post.

Now I'm wondering what to do with the pieces of rings and threads??? Any suggestion?

More love to life,

Bella Donna

VMV PORE MINIMIZER | My First Step to Beauty Makeover

A few days before the year ends, we had a Sales Training 101.  One of the sessions discussed how to leave a first impression to our clients.  This includes the nitty-gritty details of caring for oneself, grooming and necessary beauty makeover or maintenance.  I'm used really used to all of this since I've been in sales for quite sometime now.  And care for your skin and wearing make-up is always included in the package of being a sales professional especially make-up for us, girls. But sometimes, you get so familiarized with your client and for some reasons, you get so relaxed with the way you look, to the point you don't care at all whether you wear make up or not, or if you skipped your moisturizer for a week, or simply the fact that you are so lazy to at least put on a thin coat of lipstick when you go to a meeting.  This is what's been happening to me in the last few months.  I was just simply drained at work - I just wanted every "to do" item on my list be done but then, it keeps on piling up - for me to even care to wear make-up at all. 

But then, on this refresher sales training, I rekindled my affinity to all things kikay: skin care regimen, make-up, spa, hair cut, nails, everything about pampering.  It reminded me that all of these reward your hardwork in ringing up the sales, bringing home the bacon and closing the hardest deals ever.  And pampering yourself reflects a great deal of positivity at work or at home.  So I was encouraged by my Sales Manager to replenish my toner with VMV's pore minimizer.  We actually had this small "field trip" in High Street visiting not just this store but also Make-up Forever and Healthy Options to check on some beauty products that we may be interested in.  And luckily, I found a good deal at VMV because this bottle of regimen was discounted at half the price.  I wanted to buy two bottles but I realized, I'm trying it out so, I settled for one - for now. 

I have this oily face problem and a friend of mine used to say "Oiliness is next to ugliness".  It's horrible and funny at the same time, but it is also true.  Hahaha.  And since I want to take out as much oil out of my face as possible, I've tried out a lot of products simultaneously:  oil strips, toner, matte foundations, water-based moisturizer, but you know, oil didn't completely leave my face.  So now, I'm trying this out.  Perhaps I'll make another post after I consume the bottle if it worked on this oil-rich face of mine.  My manager said I'm supposed to apply it twice a day to achieve its full potential.  So, yeah, we'll see. 

My fashion, my statement.


BellaDonna

More Christmas Gifts

The year 2011 has the most kikay Christmas gifts ever  :)  Among the gifts I received are these.  A light-yellow nail polish from my officemate and a multi-layered necklace, again from my officemate.  I actually wore the nail color just as soon I received it.  And I have yet to find a very good plain blouse for this elegant embellishment :) 

Let's all be beautiful and bedazzled!

My fashion. My statement,

Bella Donna

MY CHRISTMAS GIFT TO MYSELF

 
Here's what I got for myself for Christmas.  A little reward for a hardworking me.  A pair of flats from Market! Market! and a pair of pants from Paseo Center Bazaar.  Nothing too fancy.  But both are comfy.  I'm catching up with the photos.  I hope next year, I'd be able to edit them in a better way. 

What have you bought yourself for Christmas? 

More love to life,

BellaDonna

A Christmas Gift

This is a gift from my brother and his family on Christmas.  It's a very nice replica and their gratitude and love are geniune!  And that's all that matters.  :)


Thanks so much Bro, Eka and Gek!

Much love,

Ate

Back to "My Fashion. My Statement."

So now, I'm trying to update my blog. Before it's totally forgotten by its owner. I've been struggling to write and I know I should do at least one post before the year ends.

I've always been thinking about my blogs. And I've been trying to steal time to work on them but never had the chance. I was too engrossed at work. I felt so guilty that I actually told my self I won't update until I got through my new job. But I was so wrong. I shouldn't have done that. Shouldn't even said that to myself. I should have taken the time at least for about 10 minutes every day. And I know now, I should never do that again. I realize that each of my blogs keep me sane. Whatever I write about, it keeps me in touch with myself.

I won't make a promise but I will try my best to keep it this time. Yesterday, I was making a list of my plans for 2012 and keeping up with my blogs are actually on top of it.

And yes, I'm retaining the old blog name.

More love to life,

Bella Donna

JUST RAMBLING

How ironic.  Since I moved to my blogging and social media job, I have failed miserably in updating my own blog.  I just miss what I use to do.  I miss blogging.  I miss looking at the good things around and writing them down.  I really wish to come back soon.  I miss dressing up.  I miss bonding with my fashion blogger-friends.  I miss the old me.  I'm too engrossed at work, deadlines and client meetings.  I'm too engrossed that I have no time for anything.  Not complaining though.  I enjoy my job, I like it a lot actually.  I'm just wishing I have more time for the things I consider as my recreation.

More love to life,

Bella Donna

GENEVIEVE, MY SEATMATE

Last Thursday was my second time attending meditation class at Brahma Kumaris. I met this lady by the name of Genevieve. She was sitting on my right, in dark-gray-almost-black dress accentuated with black semi-precious stones bib necklace. She maybe five-feet flat tall, with long colored hair, fair skinned, has mestiza features and wears a scent of nice perfume I could not recognize. She's probably old enough to be my Tita. The class was about the Art of Seeing. And although the topic was about "perspectives," I kept myself from looking at anyone. Instead, I was contented observing each one secretly in the meditation room. Most of the attendees are mature adults although, I've noticed a couple of people my age. Or, perhaps they maybe younger than I am. Genevieve caught my attention when she shared something about her childhood experience when she was growing up in Pikit, Cotabato.

She remembers it all well how life was in Pikit where each house has foxhole. They would hear gunshots here and there from time to time and as soon as they hear the sound of the guns, they'd go down the foxhole with candles and stay there until the sound of firing guns stops. It was a hard time, for those who may have watched them, yes. But for children like her in Pikit, it was a normal day-to-day living. And for her, as she relates, it was never a cause for her not to see herself succeeding in life. And never did she considered that life in Pikit would never bring her to where she is now. She even considered being a maid in Manila while studying and it didn't matter to her for her goal was to succeed in life. She has the most inspiring voice resonating in that room and the whole class was seeing her, watching her life flash before our very eyes as she relates it to us. She said that she chose to see what is positive for she knew that she may not be good at everything but she was so sure that she's really good at something. And that, she discovered and was her bullet that she carried around with her.

Why am I talking about Genevieve? Because the moment I decided to rename my blog, I was determined to find and write about women who are living or who have lived their life the way a beautiful woman should. And Genevieve would be my first. That moment, I saw through her, felt her determination and her compassion even though it was my first encounter with her. I saw how beautiful she is the way she reached for her dreams. She inspired me to believe and see, to choose to see what is positive, and to get curious. She is, for me, living a life of a beautiful woman.

Cheers for Genevieve!

More love to life,

Bella Donna

MANILA GIRL IS LEAVING MANILA: FINAL POST | MY LOVE AFFAIR WITH THE CITY CALLED MANILA

THE STREETS OF MALATE

This place made me feel alive! And I must tell, made me awake at one time for one straight week. What did I do? Bar hopping with friends. Hahaha. That was long ago when I've got all this fantastic friends from PAL. I lived with them in an apartment just right behind the PAL Learning Center in Padre Faura. Now, they're either living abroad, with another airline company or already gotten married.

WHO IS?  ADRIATICO (or Macario Adriatico) was a lawyer, writer, scholar, and an insurgent.  The first Filipino director of Philippine Library and Museum.  [Source:  WikiFilipino] WHAT'S IN?  ADRIATICO is a long stretch from Padre Faura to Quirino.  A busy street past Robinsons Manila with a lot of bars, hotels and restaurants.  Years back, it doesn't have too many tall buildings.  But now, there is construction here and there.  Along this street, you'll find Ritz Spa, it's the best spa I've been to in this side of Malate; Pan Pacific Hotel, which is the best hotel for me within the area before Hyatt came; Hearts & Flour bakery, a lot of people have said the cake was fantastic, but I still have to try; there is also a Chinese temple along Adriatico which keeps me fascinated everytime I pass by; of course, the most popular Cafe Adriatico, where dining is most romantic; and Cosa Nostra, a small authentic Italian restaurant along the strip.



WHO IS? DEL PILAR (M.H. del Pilar) was one of the leading Ilustrados, a journalist, satirist and a revolutionary leader.  [Source:  Wikipedia] WHAT'S IN?  DEL PILAR is also a long stretch parallel to Adriatico.  A one-way street from Kalaw to Quirino.  You'll find a lot of businesses, from travel agencies, hotels, bars, art shops, manpower agencies, restaurants and everything else in between.  I was informed that during the 80's this is where Firehouse Disco used to be.  It's known to be the best men's club in Manila.

WHO IS?  JORGE BOCOBO is a great Filipino writer in English language, who has written speeches, articles and Law books.  A few of his works include;  A Vision of Beauty, Filipino Contact with America and College Uneducation.  He was once the President of the University of the Philippines and a cabinet member of former President Manuel L. Quezon.  [Source:  Wikipedia] WHAT'S IN?  There are two sides of JORGE BOCOBO:  one that goes from San Andres to Pedro Gil right in front of Robinsons Mall and the other, at the back of Robinson's to Kalaw.  Just like any other streets, Jorge Bocobo is a busy one especially at night and most during weekends.  You'll never worry walking late on this side of Malate because there's just too many lights, and a lot of people walking to and fro.

WHO IS?  Of course, we all know who is MABINI:  The Sublime Paralytic.  The Brains of the Revolution.  A political philosopher who wrote a constitutional plan for the First Philippine Republic.  [Source:  Wikipedia]  But, do you remember the song "Magdalena?"  When I was a young girl, I used to think that Mabini is a place where "low-flying doves nestle" and such a nasty place to be.  It's an impression that left me from the song even if I haven't been in this place some eleven years ago.  When I finally walked this street, I said, "so this is the famous place from the song."  But from there, I didn't see the place as one.  Maybe because I didn't see the holes in it.  Actually, I kinda love it for the simple reason that I can find the best take-out counter for party food in this side of Manila.  Plus, a handful of authentic Persian restaurants along with other kebab and shawarma restaurants in the area which, at first, didn't appeal to me but later on, became one of my favorites.

WHO IS?  GEN. MIGUEL MALVAR was a Filipino commander who served the Philippine Revolution and the Philippine-American war and assumed the command of Philippine revolutionary forces during the Philippine-American war following Aguinaldo's capture.  [Source:  Wikipedia]  WHAT'S IN? MALVAR is home to residence buildings, spa, KTV, and other wellness and entertainment establishments.  I found this place because of Music 21 where I did all the karaoke we want anytime whenever me and my friends felt like it. 

WHO IS?  JULIO NAKPIL was a Filipino composer who fought in the Philippine Revolution.  His works were inspired by the revolution and his composition has been a finalist for the Philippine National anthem.  WHAT'S IN?  No wonder this place called Nakpil is one that's full of fun, music and entertainment.  The place live by its name.  And is known for it.  There had been a lot of themed-parties that went on to this place.  Street party, rave party, gay shows and any kind of entertainment you can possibly find.  It has strong flickering lights at night and at daytime, it sleeps so soundly like a deserted place.  Sure there has been a lot of gimik places that popping up and will pop up everywhere but Nakpil, in my experience has never lost its flickering light. 

Named after the church Our Lady of Remedios, also known as Malate Church, this place is the center of Malate night life.  I don't know much about the church until I referred to Wikipedia.  Interesting how the early wars has influenced the Filipinos.  And how this place was associated to the rich families living in Malate.  Anyway, Malate church has been my refuge during the times when I do some soul-searching.  The tabernacle will welcome you just as you are.



WHO IS?  PEDRO GIL.  A physician, a journalist and a legislator.  He lived a life in service in these different distinguished roles.  Helped and fought for the poor and needy.  And showed so much love and concern for the people of Paco and Ermita.  [Source:  Wikipedia]  No wonder this place is named after him.  WHAT'S IN?  I have lived in this place for nine (9) years and I loved being in Pedro Gil (two years in Padre Faura) despite the crazy noises in Taft Avenue, the stinking drain water that runs from Kimberly Hotel right in front of the dorm I stayed, the flood during heavy rains, it's heavily littered street.  I loved it despite all of these. Because I have known a lot of good friends from this place and even though we have left that little dorm in Pedro Gil, we still see each other and reminisce of the times that we walked, ran and kicked the streets of Malate.  I still miss a lot of them up to now.  And it makes my heart grow so fast as soon as I hear a news from anyone of them.  A circle of rare and good friends, is what I found in this place.

ANG BAHAY NI MANG DANNY

This was a humble abode to this blogger.  It's where I've found a lot of good friends through good times and even the bad and toughest times.  You see, this convenience store used to be a computer shop but just a couple of years back, they converted it to a Mini-stop.  By then, everytime we crave for something sweet and cold, we'll just have to go down and take a sugar-coned sundae.

ALONG PEDRO GIL AND BEYOND

Our favorite convenient store sitting right at the corner of Pedro Gil and Taft Avenue.

The side street of Pedro Gil.  This building is home to UP Manila.

I've always wanted to enroll at St. Paul Manila's music courses.  They offer short ones for guitar, voice, and other instruments that interest you.

I love breakfast meals and thanks to The Original Sinangag Express, it's open 24 hours.  The breakfast meals are good anytime of the day.  Though recently, a new "Sinangag Express" has opened much like this one (including the corporate brand's color) although they have different way of serving the food.

Wow Sisig take out counter.  When you're just too tired to think of what to eat.

The Hearts and Flours Bakery.  The cakes on their window looks masarap!

Cafe Adriatico - This is probably the most romantic restaurant I've been to in this side of Malate. And the pasta dishes are really good!

Baywalk Manila where I used to run with my jogging buddy, Kim.

Rajah Sulayman Plaza infront of Malate Church.  I always find this place nostalgic because of these calesa.  Sometimes it makes me want to go back in time when Manila at the time of Rizal.  Makes me wonder how it looks like.

The Malate Church, the flowers and its vendors.

The busy street of Roxas Boulevard.

Moonlight at past five in the afternoon.  I've seen this while there is this beautiful sunset below:

The most romantic sunset can be seen everyday in Manila.  It's really such a blessing that this scenery of water and sun settling at the end of the day calms your soul after a chaotic day.  Too bad, there will be nothing like this in Makati.  But, I have to remember, even if I don't see sunsets anymore, I see the morning sunrise in Makati.  Still, Manila sunset is LOVE.

I know, I know.  This is a long overdue post.  I didn't know it would take me this long before I can really say goodbye to a place I have loved for so many years.  Just the thought that I don't be live here anymore is something that my unconcious mind did not accept right away.  I still hope to come back to Malate, Manila.  And I'm looking forward to find a place that I can call my own here.  A place named after heroes, artists and patriots.

I'm closing this post with this video by HOTDOGS. A song called MANILA.

Goodbye, for now, Manila.

Bella Donna