Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Happy 5th Birthday Laura

 

It's early morning and It's Laura's birthday today. 5 years have passed. Oh my, time flies so fast.

We went to the mall today after her class. It's a treat for her during her birthday. I placed them on the playground while I watched the Contraband movie of Mark Wahlberg. The movie is amazing. My heart did stop at some scenes.

The kids went to the playground today since Dylan requested it. Dylan seldom requests from me so if he says he wants to go to the playground, I oblige right away. After picking them up at the playground, we went to the Fully booked store. As usual, my bill amounted to 3,500 pesos. The books that they buy are expensive. Almost 1,000 pesos each. It's ok for me since they usually use it.

Went home around 8pm and just bonded with Laura in her room. Dylan just stayed at his room. He was busy with his ipad.

Laura fitted her birthday clothes and she was so happy and kept jumping on the bed.

 

Monday, January 30, 2012

How much is a Birthday Cake at Red Ribbon

I ordered 2 birthday cakes for Laura this February 1.

I ordered it at Red Ribbon because I have a bad experience with the Goldilocks Birthday Cakes. It tastes bland. They scrimp on sugar. It's like tasting tofu. This year I decided to try Red Ribbon.

I ordered a Rebecca Large Cake for 1,650.

Then for the house, I ordered a Barbie Cake for 2,600

I'll post the pictures once I get them. 

Bought goodies for Laura's Loot Bag

I went to Parco today to buy goodies for Laura's Loot bag. We bought a lot. Laura knows which candies to buy. We also passed by Mcdonald's to buy some nuggets and at Burger King. 

Stayed at home and spent some time with the kids.

I feel contented and happy. 

Sunday, January 29, 2012

Hanging out at Krispy Kreme Trinoma

I usually buy take out from this Krispy Kreme branch. Never had the chance to sit down and eat. It's a good thing Laura was insisting on eating her doughnuts. A fun bonding on a Sunday afternoon.

Soft Ham and Cheese Muffin at Krispy Kreme

I love the doughnuts of Krispy Kreme. Today, Laura was begging me to buy half dozen while we were passing by their store at Trinoma. I usually notice the muffins but have never bought one. Since Laura would like to eat her doughnut right away, I decided to buy one piece of their ham and cheese muffin. 

The dough is soft but it sticks to the wrapper. It really sticks so hard that you really have to use your hands to separate the dough and the wrapper. Hindi puwede pa sosi sosi dito. You need to use your barehands. A fork will not do the job. As for me, I ate it directly and really enjoyed it. I never tasted the cheese but it still taste great. They also give you a serving of mayonnaise. I took small bits of the muffin and dipped it into the mayonnaise. Just like french fries.

My verdict : Good, but I hope they change the wrapper or don't place a wrapper at all. The wrapper sticks too much at the dough, there is so much wastage. Price per muffin is about 65 pesos. Quite expensive, but why complain, it's Krispy Kreme.

Beautiful Red Dress with Beads made by Mama for Laura

Laura's birthday is coming up very soon. She's turning 5 on February 1. Time flies so fast, so so fast.

We bought some fabric a week ago at Megamall. This beautiful red spandex was only 180 per yard. The beads are quite expensive. It totalled about 1,000 pesos. We bought it at Carolina's at Megamall.

Mama is really creative in making clothes. I'm so excited since there will be new seamstresses that will come in tomorrow and I could start doing my fashion collection. I like to have an in house sewer so I can really do what I want. I will also try to come up with 4 new suits designs per month. I need to have it done at my Kamuning tailor.

The red dress of mama is so beautiful. At first I have apprehensions on the beads. Like if it will shine. True enough it glitters even without light. It's nice collaborating with Mama on the clothes since 2 heads are really better than one. I also need to really practice. I'm good with my hands. I'm not that creative but I learned that you really have to study so you can improve yourself. 

Finally my Chitika income came back

For the past days, my chitika income dropped drastically. Good thing that my traffic came back to normal and so does my chitika income. It levels about 35 to 40 dollars a day.

I'm thinking of how to increase it to 60 to 100 dollars a day which I have experienced before already.

Saturday, January 28, 2012

A busy day at the studio

Met Kaveh and Amin at the studio. They came and they just left kaloka as usual.

Had a shoot with Kael, Toni. My shoot with PJ was cancelled he does not like me. Well, well. Went home around 3am. Crazy shoot. Next time come home early.

Played with Laura and Dylan during the morning and late afternoon.

Friday, January 27, 2012

A Great Peg for my Valentine's Open Photoshoot

A great peg for my valentines open photoshoot.

Watched the Darkest Hours with Dylan and Laura

Today I had a shoot with Zyd. His body now is really sculpted. Very adonis like. He came to the studio around 3pm and we finished around 4pm then I went to school to pick up the kids. 

Going back home, I encountered some Amazing Race contestants stopping cars at the elliptical road itself. It's the highway and they are not scared to really stop people and ask them where to go. I really got to see an actual shooting of the Amazing Race. Finally, since I have been a fan since it started.

We arrived at Trinoma around 5pm and we have a good lead time to watch the Darkest Hours which will start at 5.45 pm. I bought a lot of sweets and goodies for the kids. As usual, both Laura and Dylan were noisy inside the cinema. Good thing I usually occupy the first seats so even though they are noisy, you can hardly notice them since we are the only ones in front.

The movie is so, so but a nice concept. Aliens invading Moscow.

Went home around 8pm. Passed by Andoks chicken. I just love grilled chicken.

 

Thursday, January 26, 2012

John Chow's Six Practical Tips for Better Blog Content

It was a nice read.

General Quality

Identify Your Target Audience

Monitor What Your Audience Likes

Be Consistent

Stay Ahead of Your Niche

Don’t be Boring

Read the article here 

I plan to have about 4,000 visitors by May 2012 for my photography blog. I'll stick to these rules and let's see.

Another Day at Trinoma

There are a lot of great movies showing this week. Everyday, between 1 to 4 pm I'm at Trinoma watching a movie. I watched Haywire today, directed by Stephen Soderberg. The movie's treatment is like an indie film. No special effects, no sounds. Just pure punching. The lead actress is beautiful but not that appealing, that's for my own opinion only. The story is also confusing. The director is famous for his films, but on this film, I think he failed.

It lacked the suspense appeal and also the lead female star is not that appealing to me. Unlike yesterday's movie, Underworld, where Kate Beckinsale was oozingly hot all throughout the movie.

After the movie, I picked up Laura and off we went to Red Ribbon to order her birthday cake. I ordered 2 since one is for the house and the other is for the school. Her yaya is still now around so I'm really worried that I will be the one to celebrate her birthday at school. My bill for the cake amounted to 4,200 pesos. One very expensive cake.

After ordering at Red Ribbon, I went to the studio to work. Charles told me that they will be late so I told Kenneth that we should go to Office 1 to buy some stuff. When we got there, I dropped by the Standard Chartered Bank to pay my credit card bill. Office warehouse was a bit quite. It's funny the salesperson there flirted with Kenneth. Super flirt. I might pass by that store most of the time. The sales people are extra friendly.

Charles and his cousing Simon, arrived at the studio around 8pm. We finished our shoot around 10:30. Charles unfortunately cannot wear underwear because he has terrible rashes on his but. I need to have that checked with a dermatologist asap.

We went to Mcdonald's to have our dinner. Then I was in a hurry to go home since I'm after the True Blood show on HBO. Unfortunately when I got home, True Blood is not on air anymore. I think the series is already done for the season. Well, I just prepare Laura's things for tomorrow and we got to sleep around 1am. She really has the energy to stay up late. 

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Sleepy but still watched Underworld

I slept around 3am last night, that's quite a feat for me. I'll try to sleep early. First time that I bathed my daughter Laura. Even Dylan, I haven't tried bathing him too.

Laura enjoys my hot shower in my room, so she always requests if she can shower in my room.

Sent them to school and for myself, I watched a movie at Trinoma. Watched Underworld. The movie still scares the hell out of me. Kate Beckinsale is always beautiful. She moves so effortlessly in the movie that it seems that her wardrobe does not even get dirty.

Went to have a shoot around 5pm but Egay arrived around 7pm. The models were good. Mark and Godfrey. Went home around 1am. Ate our dinner at Mcdonalds, saw Jam with his bf. Cute guy.

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Jhun Tailoring

1. My first bill is 6,500.

My first bill with Edwin is 3,700.

Had 8 Polos made and my new collections with Sir Jhun

Woke up late as usual. I thought it was still 9 am and to my horror, it was already 11 am. I should really sleep early so I can wake up early. 

Went to Kamuning market to have my clothes made. I had a lot made and I hope that they can finish it on time. They told me that it will be finished by Saturday, it will be done. They also made new swimwear. I hope it will be done properly. I'm still having thoughts on the swimwear.

What's so nice about my new tailor is that he taught me how to measure. I plan to make new suits this February. I'll try to include this on my product line.

I also had a shoot with Xtian and his cousin Mac - he's one of my image models. Kel also dropped by to say hello. I hope I can finish his suit on time. 

Went home around 10pm. Will sleep after the news. 

Chinese New Year at the Megamall

Today is Monday and it's the Chinese New Year. We opted to go to the mall and just hang around. We went to Megamall and there was no crowd. I think most of Manila was off to the provinces since it is a long weekend.

Megamall was on sale as usual. I went to this mall today because I'll buy some fabrics for my long sleeves shirts. I browsed the selections at Fabric Warehouse. I bought about 11 pieces. So I have 11 new long sleeves. I also bought 11 pieces for swimwear. 

Had dinner at Racks. Ate blacked salmon and as usual I ate half of the pork ribs. I really have to control my eating.

Had coffee at Coffee bean while Tony went to the other mall to buy some pirated dvds. Finally, I got to get hold of the True Blood, my favorite HBO movie/series.

Went home around 9 pm. It's a good thing that Laura was not having tantrums sleeping. As usual, I slept late around 4am. Very, very bad. 

Monday, January 23, 2012

Marketing Plan Clothing Line

1. Look for nice template for the online store.

2. Decide on how many models to use exclusively.

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Staying At Home at the Chinese New Year 2012

I woke up late today because I slept around 8:30 am already. My body is really aching if I'm awake the whole night. I opted to stay at home. Laura was asking me to go to the mall but I just told her that my eyes are aching that's why I can't drive and go to the mall. 

The kids just played at my room. I actually enjoy this bonding since I get to bond with my kids. They also like it too since they always harass me with anything.

I myself get to blog and upload my pending pictures. 

Where to find Hot Boys and Girls in Quezon City?

Today was a busy day. I had 6 scheduled models for shoot with Chase. Then I have a poster shoot with Audrey with her products. I also need to catalogue my underwear and swimwear for 2012. I'm used to gruelling schedule and sometimes I don't get tired anymore. My adrenaline is so high specially if I have a lot of clients.

My shoot was finished around midnight. Niclieyet passed by the studio around 11:30 pm so off we went to Karaoke. I promised to treat him on his birthday. Nic is a regular model of mine. I was with Chase, Alex, Kram who happens to be a good friend of PJ ( one of the models that I like to work with) and Nic. Ken was with me too.

The owner of Music 21 was still there. It was nice to meet him again. We were given Rm 15. The place is ok for 6 people.

Chase and Nic can sing. Alex and Kram and myself were just spectators. 

Jenus called around 3am. She wants to join us. She just came from Metrowalk. Around 4am, I took the bill. Then Jenus suggested that we go to Bliss so I happily agreed. We parted with Chase group and Jenus, Ken and I went to Bliss to meet up with Vhan and Jolo. Bliss as usual is full of beautiful boys and girls. No wonder, its the best club to be if you are in the Tomas Morato area. They are still relatively new. Only a year in operation. Bliss is managed by the hospitable Momi Meanne.

Went home around 7 am already after having our breakfast at Jollibee. 

Friday, January 20, 2012

Nude Photoshoot with Igee

I only had four hours of sleep today. There was a money scare last night, my chitika ads were not showing up. I changed it to regular ads and it worked. I was so stressed. I really need to build up my online store so I won't be totally dependent on chitika. 

Glad my clothes were finished today. 13 clothes worth 7, 200. It's quite expensive but the workmanship is superb. The t-shirt that I had made was dismal. They are not good at t-shirts. I need someone who can make quality t-shirts.

I also bought 4 meters of carpet fabric. It was used well during the shoot. I love the carpet. It was very, very nice.

Picked up the kids around 5 pm and dropped me off at the photo studio around 6pm. The models came around 7pm, Igee and his girlfriend, Jenny. Jenny was super hot. We finished around 11pm and Kyler arrived around that time. Had our shoot and finished around 2am. Had dinner at David's Tea House. Asked for my 2012 discount card.

Went home around 4am, stayed online around 6.30 am. Got to go to sleep. I still have a 2pm shoot later with Chase models. 

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Unsatisfactory Sewing of Swimwear

I went to Kamuning again to check if my long sleeves are ready. Unfortunately, it's not yet done as usual. The long sleeves are short on the sleeves and it seems to be tight. Anyway, I won't complain anymore, lesson learned. Next time, I should know the length of my shoulders just to make sure. I'm just dissappointed since I  had a lot of shirts made.

I went to the maker of my swimwear and I was not really expecting that the made will be nice. True enough, it was dismal. Swimwear is really hard to make that's why I'm not really complaining. The fee for the men's bikini is at 200 pesos each. Quite expensive. Anyway, I will still search for somebody who can really make nice swimwear.

I'm not really complaining since he was able to finish the swimwear on time. Now, I can start photographing the underwear.

I also bought new fabrics around 6 yards. I also gave him a new style. I hope his workmanship will improve. It would be better if it will improve so I can price very well my swimwear.

The 6 yards is about 1,200 pesos and will yield about 36 pieces of swimwear. Fabric cost is only 35 pesos plus the labor charge of 200. Then the cost price is 235 pesos.  I will probably sell the swimwear at 350 or 390. Not bad at all.

I also bought a nice velvet with floral accent. I had them made into a varsity jacket. The labor of a varsity jacket is only 500 pesos. I'll check if the workmanship is ok then I'll have several made.

I'm just happy that I'm able to actually produce new stuff for my online store. 

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Dylan and Journey 2

Dylan likes these movie stand ups. I took a photo of him with the Journey 2 Movie stand up.

Laura and Dylan - This Means War

 

Monday afternoon is our movie day. After their school. The cinemas are quite and my kids can scream and play around all they want. I'm not stressed. Outside the cinemas, there was a nice poster of this movie, This Means War. Photo op again.

Advantages of Having Rental Properties

I'm currently paying 2 houses, 3 condominium units and 2 car park places. My monthly amortizations are quite heavy. This coming 2014, my 3 condo units and 2 car park places will be fully paid.

I was not able to pass by my broker to get my rental checks for 3 months already. I went today and got the three batches of rental checks. When I added it, it amounted to almost 50 thousand pesos that is ready for clearing. It's a good thing I have extra money to pay for my monthly amortization for the other house. 

Picked up the kids around 4pm and we went to Jollibee for snacks.

I have a meeting with JR around 7pm. I'll pick him up at the old studio and will bring him to the new one. After that I'll treat him to dinner.

 

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

A New Tailor at Kamuning

As usual, I woke up late since I slept late. 

Went to Kamuning after sending the children to school. Found a new tailor. Have 13 clothes made. It was quite expensive. Long sleeves polo at 500 pesos. Shorts sleeves at 400. Shorts at 400. T Shirt at 400. I really have to look for other tailor that can charge cheaper for the t-shirts. I'll try to drop by the tailor that is along the scout area side. I think he will be cheaper.

They promised me that the clothes will be finished by Friday. I'm crossing fingers.

I also discovered a nice clothing store beside it. They have a wide array of spandex. Perfect for my t shirts and for my swimwear. I plan to buy this week so I can have new swimwear done this friday. I will have to look for pegs for my swimwear designs.

Got to sleep na, it's 5 am already 

Monday, January 16, 2012

A Very Funny Movie, Alvin and the Chipmunks

We went to watch the Alvin and the Chipmunks movie today. Laura was laughing at the movie. Dylan on the other hand fell asleep. He was so tired playing at Miriam's playground. He woke up when the movie was ending. Alvin and the Chipmunks is a movie for kids. Actually, it's their 3rd installment already. Alvin and the Chippetes were on board a cruise this time.

We went home around 8pm. Bought a lot of chocolate bread from Bread Talk. Also bought a cake from Conti's. I'm really curious if Conti's is really delicious. I bought a cake, food for the gods and brownies. Their brownies are so, so. The food for the Gods is regular. Just like the one you taste from Max. As for the cake, I'll know tomorrow. I take a bite. The small cake is already 600. Amazingly expensive. 

The children as usual stayed at my room. Around 11pm Dylan went to his room to sleep. He's sleepy already. Laura fixed my foldling bed and went to sleep around 9.30pm. She woke up around 1am and I told her to go to her room which she obliged. Watched the replay of the Golden Globe awards twice. 

As usual, It's already 5am and I'm still awake. Sleep now, you still have class tomorrow. 

Sunday, January 15, 2012

A Nice Versace Look

I'll try to make this kind of outfit using the fabrics that I just bought.

Sundays at Divisoria

Went to Divisoria today to buy some fabrics. I'm so fired up since I promised myself to create new clothes every month. I should allot a budget for clothes. I can use them for my photoshoot for my clients and I can also harness my skills. Designing is a skill and you have to learn it. I'm not that creative but I'm willing to work the hard hours.

Going to the textile market is as always difficult. You have to walk around 4 blocks just to get there. The road going to the area is blocked by the vendors already. It seemed that there are many people on the road but actually the vendors blocked it. The width of the walkway is just for two way. Meaning, only two people can pass. So you can just imagine how small the pathway is. Nevertheless, I was excited to see what fabrics they do have.

 

I like the print of this fabric. Very nice. I can make a jacket out of this.

I plan to make bomber jackets. Long sleeves, shorts with garter. 
A cohesive collection for January.

This one, I will make pants out of this.

These prints are beautiful. I plan to make long sleeves and shorts with these.

These ones too are very nice. I like the prints.

A very nice purple velvet cloth. Perfect for jackets.

These are beautiful dry fit. Perfect for my own clothes. But the downside, very strong colors. 


A regular plain cotton blue. I'm thinking of what to do with this.

Our baggage was quite heavy and I was really perspiring. It's also good since it's a good exercise for me. It's a good thing that we there was a tricycle at the main road. We loaded all our heavy stuff and mama was with our luggage. So we just walked going back to the parking area of Tutuban Center.

We loaded the fabrics to the car and went back to pick up Laura and Dylan at the playground. We went to Max for dinner and as usual the kids are playing around. I'm getting used to the noise already.

Went home around 8pm. The drive was easy. No traffic very relaxed. Sunday is still the best day to go to Divisoria.