I guess most of us girls have been “deceived” by beautifully crafted knock off designer bags. All bags seem to have them even before they are launched in the stores. There’s class A, Triple A, replicas, etc. that are also very prices specially if its the “in” bag and the quality is almost the same as the original bag.

A lot of times I have second thought of buying a particular bag because the others, who are not to conscious or particular  about these bags might think that I bought them somewhere. Imagine our helper in using a Burberry bag almost same as mine, it’s not that I’m discriminating them, but  . . .  oh well I guess you understand.

This morning I went to Greenhills using a Longchamp Bag that I got in our recent trip in Hong Kong. We all know the the stalls sells mostly knock offs. As I went inside the store, the salesgirl came to me and said – “Mam, your bag is an original one”. I smiled and said yes, and I asked how did she know. They were also selling Longchamps, and she said the cloth is different. I was quite surprised that she knew without touching and by just merely looking at it.

In short, we should not ever, ever think that even the most expensive knock off, replica or super triple A, nothing comes close to an original bag! :-)

Tags: Bags, Burberry, Designer Bags, Knock Offs, Longchamp, Replica, Shopping

All of our New Year’s Eve were celebrated in our house. We usually spend it with a big bang – literally and figuratively.  It’s been a tradition and it’s a sort of thanksgiving to the blessings over the closing year. The eve of 2010 was different. This time, our family opted to celebrate it out of the country for a change.

Actually, it was supposed to be incidental since my brother from Chicago plans to spend Christmas here in the Philippines and we knew, their flight will have a stop over in Hongkong. Unfortunately, their plans did not push through. But we were all set including the airline and hotel bookings so the trip pushed through.

This could have been the first time that the whole family will travel out of the country as one family, complete with the grandchildren. Anyway, we started in Macau and stayed at the Venetian Hotel, almost the same as the one in Las Vegas, but personally, I like the one in Vegas better.  Being a long weekend and holiday is almost all of the countries, there were a lot of tourists. I could say the tourism business in Macau was really good this time of the year.

While our hubbies checked out the casino, us girls, checked out the mall. There were lots of specialty shops and designer labels. On the 3rd floor was a food court where prices range from low to high. A lot to choose from, that is. We took a tour of the famous places in Macau the next day. The only thing that we did not like was the bumpy ferry ride which made us all dizzy!

Our next stop was Hongkong Disneyland, now its time for the kids. We stayed at Disneyland Hollywood Hotel. The rooms were nice but nothing compared to The Venetian of course. This was where we also spent New Year’s Eve and joined the hotel’s countdown party. It was fun and our teenage kids really enjoyed! Spent the day in Disney Park, watched the fireworks and left in the evening to go to back to Hongkong proper and stayed at Marco Polo Hongkong.

This time it’s shopping, shopping shopping!  We were surprised with the long lines in Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Hermes, Bottega, Gucci! A lot of things happened during the trip, there were temper tantrums (young and old), funny and humiliating experiences and most important is the bonding time we spent together as one big family. It’s just sad that my only brother and his family were not able to join us. Well, maybe next time, who knows?

Tags: Bottega, Chanel, Disneyland Hongkong, Hongkong, Louis Vuitton, Macau, Marco Polo Hongkong, New Year, New Year's Eve, Shopping, The Venetian, Vacation

Merry Christmas to all! I know it’s a bit late, but its still the Christmas season and today, we are celebrating the feast of the Holy Family. Christmas is quite synonymous to family because this is the time that our families get together, have reunions, giving gifts to our family and loved ones.

Today, I’d like to post some trivia about Christmas to be a little different . . . Did you know that :

• The Twelve Days of Christmas are the festive days beginning on Christmas Day (25 December).
• The Twelfth Day of Christmas is 5 January – the day before the Feast of the Epiphany on 6 January.According to historical accounts, the first Christmas in the Philippines was celebrated 200 years before Ferdinand Magellan discovered the country for the western world, likely between the years 1280 and 1320 AD.
• More diamonds are purchased at Christmas-time (31 percent) than during any other holiday or occasion during the year.
• The “Twelve Days of Christmas” was originally written to help Catholic children, in England, remember different articles of faith during the persecution by Protestant Monarchs. The “true love” represented God, and the gifts all different ideas: (Note : Some says this is still arguable)
  • The “Partridge in a pear tree” was Christ.
  • 2 Turtle Doves = The Old and New Testaments
  • 3 French Hens = Faith, Hope and Charity– the Theological Virtues
  • 4 Calling Birds = the Four Gospels and/or the Four Evangelists
  • 5 Golden Rings = The first Five Books of the Old Testament, the “Pentateuch”, which relays the history of man’s fall from grace.
  • 6 Geese A-laying = the six days of Creation
  • 7 Swans A-swimming = the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, the seven sacraments
  • 8 Maids A-milking = the eight beatitudes
  • 9 Ladies Dancing = the nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit
  • 10 Lords A-leaping = the ten commandments
  • 11 Pipers Piping = the eleven faithful apostles
  • 12 Drummers Drumming = the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostle’s Creed

• The abbreviation of Xmas for Christmas is not irreligious. The first letter of the word Christ in Greek is chi, which is identical to our X. Xmas was originally an ecclesiastical abbreviation that was used in tables and charts.
• The poinsettia, traditionally an American Christmas flower, originally grew in Mexico; where it was known as the “Flower of the Holy Night”. It was first brought to America by Joel Poinsett in 1829.
• Santa’s Reindeers are Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blitzen.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO EVERYONE!!!!!

Tags: Christmas, christmas shopping, christmas trivia, holidays, origin of Christmas

What is a “Shout Out”? For those of us who have been into the social networking bandwagon,this words are very familiar with us. Status Updates, Status, What’s on your mind, are some of the words that are used to describe a shout out. Each social networking site, have their own “nickname” for it.

By definition, shout outs are:

• A public expression of gratitude or recognition.
• An acknowledgment, credit, or greeting given for someone during a radio or television show; a mention made to show respect
• A section of one’s web page, profile or blog containing these greetings.

However you call it, one thing in common is that it is something said in public. Meaning you want everyone to know what’s on your mind, or what you want to say. Others, simply put what they are doing, what they feel right now, words of wisdom, quotes that caught your attention that you want to share, etc. etc. It is something personal, other may agree, others may like it and others might get pissed.

Nevertheless, it’s about something only the writer knows the deeper meaning. If you get affected negatively, or you think it’s you, it’s your choice to comment or simply ignore it.  People reading it should not also be conclude or judgmental about one’s shout out because you simply do not know what and why it was broadcast.

And as the writer of the shout out, I can put anything I want on it, it’s mine after all as long as it does not implicate anyone in particular. It must me a general statement.

Tags: blogs, shou out, Social Networking, status updates

There are so many things I’d like to write about. What I feel, what’s going on in my mind, what I want, what I’m sorry of, what I’m happy of, pains, dissappointments, love, loyalty, honesty, frienship, work, goals, luxury, vacation, leisure, wishes, love, family, clothes, shoes, bags and the list goes on and on.

Seriously, every now and then, ideas come to my mind, some time in form of questions, sometimes realizations, or just random thoughts. Happy, sad, excited, loved, hated, betrayed, confident, shy are some of the emotions (moods) that keeps on changing or going around my mind.

I want to talk about issues, from my own perspective and get another’s opinion, just to validate or give me some “benefit to the doubt”. I want to lay them all out for everyone to read and see and yet I’m scared of what problems or concerns it might cause. i could be misinterpreted, I could be misjudged and I couls also be wrong. Somehow, I feel that even in the web, where there are very few restrictions, you have to be careful on what you write or say.

But what I want to express are my feeling, my thoughts and my point of view. Am I not entitled to my own? I am not dealing with rumours or anything from the grapevine but all are my experiences, true, real and honest.

So what’s stopping me from writing down my thoughts? You’re guess is as good as mine.

Tags: Love, Relationships, Thoughts, Vacation, Work

I suppose most of us here in the Philippines are familiar with Charms & Crystals – the brand made famous by Kris Aquino and other famous celebrities. It’s actually a combination of  “icons” made with semi-precious stones such as Jade, Amethyst, Ruby, Sapphire, etc., each with meaning and  healing effects. These are usually made “tailor made” to fit one’s requests, wishes, sickness, obstacles, etc. These days, there are a number of shops also selling these kind of items and offering the same kind of stuff. It’s basically the same principle as Feng Shui. I myself, sisters, mother and friends have bought several bracelets not only  for our “requests”  but it is also a fashionable accessory.

Last year, as a Christmas Present, the shop owner of one of the shops I buy, gave me a “monkey on a horse” bracelet. She said it means to fast track career and business. Come January the following year, there seems to be a good development in my career, I said to myself, this bracelet should be working. A month after, the charm got broken, with the hand of the monkey chipped off. The hand is supposed to be holding on to the thread of the bracelet, the thing that holds the charms together. Bad sign?

I went back to the girl that gave me the bracelet and said that the could be some forces against it. She made another one for me. Unfortunately, it broke again. I was asking myself, what does this mean? Anyway, I got tired of wearing it and until today, the good development has not yet developed.

Last month, I got a new assignment and I really, really want to be successful this time. So I told myself, aside from prayers, I might as well add some more good luck charms. I went back to her and she suggested that I get a Cicada, which protects you from obstacles, scheming bosses, jealous and back biting friends. Indeed I got one.

Last week, there were a lot of not so good incidents at work. Concerns, problems we need to address that we if don’t we might loose the account. And yes, slowly, we are losing some as the days go by. This morning, I went back to her to get something for my mom. When I was fitting one bracelet, I noticed that the Cicada got broken again! Oh my, are there really so many people/obstacles against me? What a coincidence!

Anyway, I replaced it, got some more “amulets” and together with prayers, I may be able to fight them.

Tags: amulets, charms and crystals, healing, kris aquino, requests, semi-prescous stones, success

Most of us who have been very active and can’t live without surfing the web. Bane it -  Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Friendster or Ebay, Thesaurus, Online Stores.

In online shopping, there is no actual face to face sale. One orders online, pays online or through the bank , credit cards or other ways of sending payment. Once payment is received, the seller ships the item to the buyer. This is how it goes in online stores, may it be in the US, Europe or other countries. This is also what is being done in eBay. This is what we call eCommerce.

Though eCommerce may not yet be that “mature” in the Philippines, I believe there are a good number that are quite used to it. I’m a seller and buyer at eBay.ph and one the terms on my auctions is that I don’t usually meet up. After all, what’s the purpose of selling online when prospective buyers meet up with you only to find out they will not buy the item.

As for me, who is also working, I cannot afford to do such things. I offer money back guarantee for misrepresented items on sale. I have a good reputation in eBay.ph and that is the basis for one to get an item from the seller. It’s a matter of trust. Otherwise, you can just go to the mall and buy the item there.

Some of you may not agree with me, but I’m pretty sure that there are also a handful who feels the same.

www.prettyshopaholiconline.com

Tags: online shopping, Pretty Shopaholic Online, Shopping

I haven’t posted anything here on my blog for three weeks now. I have not even updated my website Pretty Shopaholic Online nor re-listed my items at eBay. Things has not been “normal” and there was so much going at work and then here come a super typhoon.

It’s not that I had so many things to do. It was probably my “daily routine” that was “rocked” by so many changes, adjustments, getting the feel, loneliness and then the typhoon that devastated the Philippines to which we were greatly affected. All our cars got submerged, my parent’s place almost like it was burned down, my laundry shop, my mini store, sigh . . .

I need to update my website, take pictures of items for sale, read emails, update payable, prepare business plan, list prospects. clean and arrange my closet, and the list goes on. Slowly, things will become as normal as it was, i just need to give it time.

Training followed for a week, and by next week, I will probably be back to my new home base and hopefully get the feel, adjust and blend well with the people there.

Tags: back to normal, eBay, Pretty Shopaholic Online, Work

Our residence is near the San Juan River and when we were growing up, the place has always been “flooded” every time there is a typhoon. Over the years, the drainage system improved and flooding has been reduced so much. If it did, it would just be ankle deep.

Yesterday, typhoon Ondoy brought back the flood. It has been more than a decade that we have experienced such a wrath! My parents house was flooded up to the ceiling and missed our shack by 3 steps! It was so scary, since we didn’t know what to do in case the water gets to our second floor.

Our store was not saved, all the items were soaked and I guess it would be like setting up the store again. Our laundry shop was also flooded for the first time! All the machines were soaked and would probably need repairs, if not, replacement. There will be no sales in the next few days, no income. Worst, our cars, which we parked in our Grandparents house since the place was much higher, got submerged! All cars and they would not start! Battery is dead and there is mud all over the car. Such a hassle!

Fortunately, this morning, the water began to go down, and as of this time, there’s no more water but the place is filled with mud!They are staying with us right now. We have no cable, no cellphone signals, it’s a good thing there is internet connection.

I’m glad this is all over, but not for no long . . . another storm is coming up! We are still lucky that all of us are safe and sound and no one got stranded. Thank you God.

Tags: Flood in the Philippines, San Juan, Typhoon Ondoy

Whenever a friend, relative or loved one enters a difficult situation such as loss of something or someone important, unexpected happening, abrupt change, problems etc., I always tell them that “everything happens for a reason”.

Indeed past experiences have made me believe that it is true. Though I may have not known the reason on the onset, everything fell into their proper places in the right time. It is only then that I’ve realized why such thing has happened to me.

When things go wrong, 95% happens because there is much more in stored for us. Yes, it could be a learning experience, but more often than not, you are being taken away from a situation that would just make things worse. It could also be that moving on will make things easier or more appropriate to you.

It is not easy though to accept things at first, but soon we get to overcome it and live with it. But really these things shall pass.

I am now in this situation and I look back and tell myself – “everything happens for a reason”! I have to walk the talk and practice what I preach. I am not bitter, but I am sad because I am leaving something I’ve worked on several years now. I had a list of plans on future projects, but it seems, I am better off in another “field”.

All I can do now is accept these challenges with open arms and think positive, do my best – and leave the rest to God.

Tags: Challenges, Difficulties