Sunday, February 12, 2017

My Chanel Collection Part Deux

If you're following me on Instagram, you will know that I'm an avid fan of the French luxury brand Chanel. The reason why I became a Chanel lover, as described on my first blog, is because of my mother.

My favorite Chanel pieces are from the 80's and 90's as I am really into vintage Chanel. Most of my Chanel accessories and bags were bought online or in a vintage shop during my travels abroad.

Since I wrote my first blog about my Chanel collection which was two years ago, here's an update of my growing collection.


I really like the black bucket bag (from Chanel Cosmetics) but I regret I didn't buy the big one. I first saw it in Sydney, Australia some years ago but I didn't buy. So happy I saw them again in Bangkok, Thailand. The shoes behind are really cute but I haven't use them yet.

The Jumbo Half Moon Caviar Bag behind was a birthday gift for myself. Really happy when I found it by accident, the moment I saw I said Yep I'll have that bag. :)

These are my costume jewelry earrings collection from the 70's, 80's 90's and now. My favorite earrings are the Christmas tree, very unique and rare. The bag behind is my first Chanel purchase.

My latest Chanel purchase! These are vintage and I love it. :)


If you want to see more of my Chanel collection, follow me on Instagram.

Sunday, January 1, 2017

Trollbeads Found A Fan Party

Some days ago, I was invited at Trollbeads Found A Fan Party (Hội cuồng TROLLBEADS - No FAKE) in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Trollbeads The Original is a Danish jewelry brand that was founded in 1976. It specializes on glass beads and silver/gold beads with each bead design comes with a meaning.

The event was about Trollbeads fanatics and collectors, gathered together at a café in Dong Khoi Street to share their one passion. Not only it was about meeting new friends, the event was also about team work. Fun games were played and a raffle draw was made with Trollbeads jewelry as prizes.


My Trollbeads Necklace


The Trollbeads Story

The story about the original and unique Trollbeads all started in Denmark in 1976. The first bead, which later gave name to the Trollbeads collection, was a small bead decorated with no less than 6 faces. It was designed by Søren Silversmith and sold from his father Svend's jewellery shop in central Copenhagen. The beads were created at a time where it was fashionable to have a silver bead hanging on a leather thong around the neck. But instead of letting the bead hang in an eyelet, Søren wanted to let the leather cord go through the bead. Later on, Søren's sister, Lise, began to put the beads on silver bracelets, one on each bracelet.

Lise opened another jewellery store and one day a customer asked to have an extra bead put on her bracelet. The storekeeper was surprised but followed the customer's wish. From then on, the adventure and Trollbeads movement started. In cooperation with the customers and according to their wishes, the collection grew. This was the invention and the beginning of an original jewellery concept that today is enjoyed worldwide.


While waiting for the event to start.

Trollbeads team handing out Trollbeads vouchers to the guests.

The Trollbeads Manager of Vietnam, Ms. Amy, explaining the mechanics of the game..

Some of the Lucky winners with Ms. Amy and Vietnam Trollbeads Ambassador.

And the beads are out. :)


Tuesday, October 18, 2016

Things To Do Around Cagayan de Oro City

Dubbed as the City of Golden Friendship, my hometown in the Philippines- Cagayan de Oro City and its neighboring towns has many daring activities to offer. If you are thirsty for an adventure, you will definitely enjoy your trip to the gateway of Northern Mindanao.



1) White Water Rafting. Cagayan de Oro City has always been famous for its white water rafting. A total of 4 hours adventure (Basic Water Rafting) chasing the rapids of the mysterious river of Cagayan de Oro City, you will also get to see the beautiful jungle as you travel downstream. Book your water rafting adventure here.




2) White Sand Beaches Of Initao. If you want to take it slow, just lie on beach and have a nice barbecue picnic then head to Initao. About 30 km from Cagayan de Oro City, you can either rent a car or take a taxi to get there or simply stay at one of the beach resorts in Initao to have a break from the hustle and bustle of Cagayan de Oro City.




3) Dahilayan Adventure Park. Do you want to try Asia’s longest dual zipline and fly like Superman from a launch point at 4,700 feet above sea level? Then Dahilayan Adventure Park is certainly the place to go! It is about 40 minutes - 1 hour away from the bustling commercial center of Cagayan de Oro City. Aside from the zipline, the adventure park has many attractions and activities to offer. To get there, click here.




4) Mintugsok Falls. There are two ways to get there. By trail hiking from Indahag or from Mapawa Nature Park. If you ask me, I always pick the trail hiking from Indahag! It's more fun and you will see the beautiful nature around. How to get to Cagayan de Oro's Mintugsok Falls, click here.


Saturday, September 10, 2016

For the Love of Vintage Paris

During my short visit to Paris last month, I made sure to squeeze in a trip to at least one vintage shop. I have read from different blogs about their magnificent Paris Flea Market finds but sadly these flea markets are only open on the weekends.




I went to Réciproque, as it was recommended by Olivia Palermo on her blog, to check on their vintage Chanel pieces. The shop is located at Rue de la Pompe and from where I'm staying (Boulevard Hausmann), it only took 7 stops via the Metro. Réciproque is one of the biggest consignment shops or dépôts-vente in Paris. When I stepped into the shop, it felt like coming into a fashion heaven with arrays of Chanel, Dior, Givenchy, Hermés, Louis Vuitton, Christian Louboutin and many more.

Like a kid in a candy store, I was confused and couldn't decide which row to start first. Luckily, one of the owners of Réciproque was there and very helpful. Although my objective of this vintage tour is to find vintage Chanel earrings, I ended up shopping Gianvito Rossi wedge sandals and a new Hermés silk scarf.


With one of the owners of Reciproque.

My lovely Reciproque finds!


Reciproque Dépôt Vente
Address: 95 Rue de la Pompe, 75116 Paris, France
Tel: +33 1 47 04 30 28

Friday, September 2, 2016

My Review Of The Reverie Saigon- Romeo And Juliet Italian Lounge And Restaurant

A few nights ago, while catching up with a good friend in Saigon, I was given the pleasure to pick the restaurant for dinner. I immediately thought of The Reverie Saigon- Romeo and Juliet Italian Lounge and Restaurant in Dong Khoi street since it was recently recommended to me by a Vietnamese friend who works in the hotel and restaurant business. This friend also introduced me to Maximilian and Marco, the managers of the restaurant.

Upon arriving at the fabulous establishment, we were greeted and ushered by the receptionist and brought us to our lovely table. The entire dining room was absolutely beautifully furnished and set, the lavish and intricate design gives a very romantic ambiance with a background music very relaxing to the ears.
Marco came to our table to accommodate us with the menu. The carte du jour consisted of different savory Italian dishes and since it was hard for me to decide, I took the Salmon.




Welcome drinks came promptly after our orders then drinks followed by bread with olive oil and balsamic vinegar dip. To our surprise, a palatable complimentary starter was introduced by the cameriere. After a few minutes of chit chat, the main course arrived. The food was presented artistically. The Italian chef drop by the table to say hello and asked about our dinner. My verdict? Every bite is divine. Since the food was really good, we decided to end it with a sweet treat. I had a special dessert, Tiramisu, made at our table plus another complimentary Italian cream cake pops served in a glass jar of liquid nitrogen.








Romeo and Juliet Italian Lounge and Restaurant provides excellent service and food. A 6-star experience indeed! Two thumbs up, The Reverie Saigon


Monday, August 1, 2016

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

For my love of elephants, I decided to turn my birthday party last year into a fundraising event helping Asian elephants.

During my visit to Sri Lanka, one of the highlights of my trip was to visit an elephant orphanage. Known for having the largest herd of captive elephants in the world, Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is a remarkable place for caring and protecting many orphaned wild elephants found wandering around the forests of Sri Lanka.

Located at Pinnawala village, 13 km northeast of Kegalle town in Sabaragamuwa province. The orphanage was first established in 1975 by the Sri Lankan Department of Wildlife Conservation for feeding, providing care and sanctuary to orphaned baby elephants that were found in the wild.

In the village, you will be able to enjoy watch the elephants being fed and bathing in the river.


Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
Address: B199, Rambukkana 71100, Sri Lanka
Coordinates: 7° 18′ 2″ N, 80° 23′ 18″ E
Admission: 16 USD













Saturday, July 30, 2016

Finding Peace

There is no path to peace. Peace is the Path. -Gandhi




You will forever be missed and yet remembered, my dear father!