There are many ways to go about this, I guess. I can (1) increase the frequency of my blogging across all my blogs (I do have a number of them, you see), (2) find the time to blog-hop, (3) get over this bug that editorialises my brain thus taking away the desire to share stuff online (have it for 3 years now), and (4) stop over-analysing the situation and just write. Sounds easy, ain’t it?

I’ve been a bit caught up with life’s many dramas so I’m quite glad to have found something familiar to engage myself in as I retrace my steps and leave the former behind. I’ve found one answer to the question, “Now, where do I start?” Since I do spend quite a bit of time and effort updating Style Manila, finding this style-themed blog carnival, Pretty Shiny Sparkly’s Bloggers Do It Better Series was brilliant.

With renewed excitement, hope, and what fervor and resource I can possibly muster for the activity, I had tackled my first assignment: Military Chic.

The beauty about participating in the BDIB Series is that I see it as a great avenue to go about the business of re-connecting. It pushed me to blog and I actually had fun doing it. It stimulated creativity and positivity. It allowed me to discover new blogs that I can add to the list I plan to visit more often.

I know it’s too early to tell but I’m already finding things quite refreshing and favourable. To stumble on a community of bloggers who are kind to and supportive of their fellows is an incredible thing for me because it’s something I’ve missed being a part of.

If you’ve been a regular reader of my personal blog or have come across it for the first time today, will you be kind enough to leave a comment to say hi and a link to your blog so I’d know where I can come visit you online and return the favour? Oh, also, if you read any of my other blogs (Tops2Bottoms.com, SashaManuel.com and StyleManila.com), please do let me know!

Many thanks and cheers!

xoxo
Sasha

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UPDATE: This blog is now defunct. For more on indie fashion, feel free to visit Style Manila.

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November is an anniversary month for me. I’ll be celebrating Tops 2 Bottoms‘ 3rd year on the 17th and yesterday marks the official date of my taking on the b5media blog, Indie Style File.

“Welcoming the new month is the arrival of my own filed thoughts on Indie Fashion. Hi all and I’m Sasha Manuel. I’ve been a fashion blogger for as long as I can remember myself blogging and so, taking on Indie Style File is a great pleasure cuz I absolutely love Indie!” — Sasha Manuel, Indie Style File

The excitement I had felt when I found out that I can stretch my fashion blogging reach to include and embrace something that I’ve always appreciated, Indie fashion. I’ve been working on creating more awareness on and, hopefully, more business for these talented local designers. Now, I can develop more content focused on the topic. I’m stoked to see the Indie fashion blog grow and build a community.

As if my other fashion blogs aren’t enough, yea? Well, each has its own allure. Anyway, to recap, you can now find me elsewhere on the web:

Fashion: Tops 2 Bottoms | Style Manila | Indie Style File (new!)

Beauty: Beauty Bento Box | BeautyGlitz (new!)

PhotoJournal: SashaManuel.com

Hope you guys can keep me company! In turn, feel free to share where I can find you online. I love to blog hop!

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We all have dreams and wants in life that seemingly fuels our drive to wake up each morning and do the things we ought to do for the day. We may wish for small things and, sometimes, we dare to dream big. The important thing is to never stop dreaming and, of course, chasing after those dreams.

I’ve always been the type who’d set goals and establish a list of wishes that leads to the achievement of the goal. It often feels like I would always prefer to go for the bigger fish but would still find joy in a school of little fishes that can somewhat be likened to getting the big fish, know what I mean?

Anyway, here are seven (7) of my dreams that had been fulfilled, not last week, but during the course of my lifetime. Comes with the memory is a reminder of what I am thankful for this week:

1. Live independently at 25. Ah, freedom! Even when twas just for only a year. But I lived it! On my own, no allowance. No running off to mummy when you need a decent meal or money when the month’s utility bill comes. Not even going home on weekends. I was definitely living independently. My reasons for moving out was nothing to be proud of, though. But I reckon that’s how I often learn, eagles do push their young off the nest so that they can learn how to use the wings they were born with. I’m now back living with my mum but not because I need to but because we need each other. I’m thankful she allowed me to have the same amount of freedom as when I had lived on my own.

2. Own a car. Technically it wasn’t mine yet. I was still paying it off but it was very much for my own use. I love cars. Owning that car allowed me to learn how to fix certain things, i.e. what to do when the car won’t start, but I have yet to change a flat tire. Anyway, twas a white 95 Corolla GTi, 16″ wheels with chrome rims, turbo-injected and that vroom-vroom muffler. Oh, yea. You’d think it was a guy’s car. LOL. Too bad I had to say goodbye, reason? See #4.

3. Become a model. I know. I know. I wouldn’t even dare say this out loud had it not come true. Whatta embarrassment. LOL. But, to my surprise, it did. Life is filled with one cliché after another and this one is no different (was approached by a scout in a mall! LOL). After a series of ramp gigs during the initial months, got signed by a modeling agency in Makati, approached by a free agent, attended numerous VTRs and cast calls, appeared as an “extra” in some nondescript beer commercial back in 2004 (Nyahahaha!). I’m so glad to see this chapter of my life closed. But I do sometimes miss the photoshoots. Ah, well. See #7. Ha.

4. Travel. Who has no dreams of going abroad? Growing up with parents, my mum in particular, who loved to take their kids around, had let in the travel bug to infect us. I’ve always wanted to travel and see the rest of the world. Initially, I had dreams of conquering Asia first. But I had wanted to be different. While most talk about going to Hong Kong, my first trip outside the country landed me on Singapore (back in 1999 then again in 2001). Then this early year, I had been to Vietnam and Cambodia. Yes, I still haven’t been to Hong Kong. LOL. Then this reminded me of my plans of visiting a “Western” country next. As usual, everyone is talking about going to the US, I had found myself taking a two (2) 3-month sabbaticals in Australia. Yes, two! September to December 2005 then January to April 2006. True to His word, he had given me the opportunity to have a different travel experience. It’s kinda’ awesome when you think about it.

5. Local trips. Where do I even start? One of the things that makes me proud as a Filipino is that we do live in a gorgeous country. From vibrant cityscapes to amazing stretches of untouched shorelines. If you’re able, let it be part of your life’s itinerary to visit the different Philippine locales. I’m glad to have had the opportunity to experience places like: Boracay, Cebu, Bohol, Tagaytay, Punta Fuego, Vigan, Puerto Galera, Zambales, Subic, etc. AND, of course, the place that occupies the top spot in my heart, Palawan.

6. Sustainable lifestyle. From that day I wrote it down on my journal, I’ve been daring myself to try new things. Grabbing opportunities to experience things that I haven’t thought of doing. Now, I’m able to confidently say that I’ve learned what I sort of lifestyle I would love to keep. I take simple joys from quiet walks, coffee breaks, thrifty and splurge shopping sprees, economy flights, modest accommodations, or a luxurious home. Actually, I’m not entirely done yet. I still hunger for a certain balanced lifestyle that suits my personality and needs but I’m taking my time. There’s no rush. I’m simply thankful that I’m fortunate enough to continue seeing and making full use of opportunities that nurture and even stretch it.

7. Find a passion. Getting to enjoy my current work is awesome. It has allowed me to exercise certain things that I didn’t imagine I’d be passionate about, writing and photography. I’m able to enjoy fashion, styling and beauty almost everyday. It paved a way for more opportunities to come into my life. Oh, I’m so excited about the new ones that seem to be drawing my online work offline! I can’t wait to tell you guys about it. Soon!

Thinking of these things made me realise how one can be undeservingly fortunate. I’m overwhelmed by the wonderful things that had happened in my life. It’s such a delight to be reminded of the fact that dreams do come true. They may not come in the exact form as you may have imagined it, the important thing is that they came and they were all for you.

So, what about you guys? Have any of your dreams come true? What dreams are you thankful for this week?

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Yonina Chan got in touch with me, requesting an interview cuz she was doing a piece on local fashion blogs. I agreed, so we met and got it over with. She’s a doll. Very down-to-earth.

Here’s a link to an online copy of the article:

Shout outs to style
by Yonina Chan, Manila Bulletin, 06 April 2008

After that, my week was filled with stuff to do. Like gym (aherm, aherm!), work, and events. I was at the NOKIA Soul of the Night event at the Embassy Superclub and the DELL Philippines launch at Prince of Jaipur.

THEN there’s this newspaper feature on my personal style, well, at least the outfit I wore to the Sunsilk Life Can’t Wait Event. I couldn’t really process the news properly cuz I was close to falling asleep when I got an sms from Alexei. I simply dispatched my yaya to go grab me a copy. Heh.

It’s on JR Isaac’s column in The Philippine Star, “Hue still got it”, 11 April 2008.

You can check it out here:

‘Hue still got it’, Ystyle, Philippine Star
StyleManila.com

It’s been a crazy week for me. I’m so glad I’m heading to the beach in a few hours to get some r&r (Zoobik tayo, phare!). What about you guys? How was your week? DO update me. I’d love to hear from you. Anyway, I’ll see you when I get back!

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This year, two of my b5media blogs were nominated in the GLAM Network Awards — one is my fashion blog, Tops 2 Bottoms, and the other one is my Asian beauty blog, Beauty Bento Box. I’m absolutely ecstatic! Weee!

Tops 2 Bottoms falls under the Fashion Publishers list and Beauty Bento Box, the Beauty Publishers list. There are other categories such as Celebrity/Entertainment, Lifestyle, and Shopping Publishers. You guys are free to vote for your favourite blogs (hint, hint!) under all the categories. It’ll only take a couple of minutes of your time. You can click on the buttons I’ve provided below.

P.S. Dear family and friends, don’t forget to vote for me. Please?!

Image: glam.com

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I’m currently raffling off a pair of Vintage Earrings over at Vanity Fever. If you’re a fashionista, I recommend a look. Entering the contest is quite easy.

Also, if you’re here looking for a way to sign up for the upcoming SM Hypermarket-hosted blog party, I suggest that you head on over to Style Manila. That’s where I’m collating all the names and blog URLs of those bloggers who are interested in attending. They’re capping the guest list at 500 attendees. Hurry and leave a comment if you’re interested.

Or, perhaps, I might interest you on a Lazy Bubble kick-off party at Piedra? A promise of Soulfood, Sonic Pleasures, Urban Art and Tikki Cocktails. Oh, don’t you enjoy having those drinks with little umbrellas on them? LOL. Details of the party is over at Style Manila, too. (Party starts an hour from now. Hehe)

Now, I’m off to Bonifacio Global City. Where I’m going exactly is yet to be determined. Facing an event dilemma right now. Gah.

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Well, it was Saturday, 14 July 2007. Twas the longest day ever.

8 am Weirdest of days. I’m used to sleeping in and waking up in the afternoon or, sometimes, I’m only awake at night (seemingly keeping vampire hours). But, lo and behold, I’m awake and was on the phone when the GMail notifier pinged me that I have new mail, from a certain Niña of ABS-CBN’s morning show, Umagang Kay Ganda.

10 am I received an inquiry on my email from ABS-CBN, one of the major TV stations here in the Philippines. Duh.

11am – 1pm I rounded up possible contacts for clothes pull-out and boutique availability for a location shoot. Plus I had to find a model to style.

1pm – 3pm I took care of putting together the things I needed to bring like extra clothes and accessories. Of course, I had to look presentable myself, if you know what I mean.

3pm – 5pm Model and friend, Eena Acuña, came over my place so I can do her makeup before the TV crew picks us up. I loved the experience. I realised just how much I missed being a makeup artist. It’s been a while.

6pm – 11pm Shoot, styling, profiling and interview. Gawd. I was just about ready to put away my Black Quilted Patent Peep-toe Stilts and call it a night but we had to give Eena a ride back to Makati and yea, a wine party to attend.

Then come Tuesday, 17 July 2007, the segment aired. I know. I know. I didn’t really blog about it here in my personal blog, but if you’ve been following my fashion blogs, Style Manila and Tops 2 Bottoms, you would’ve caught wind of it and were able to watch the show. Freudian slip maybe? Hehe.

Later that same day, I attended a press event, the launch of Unilever’s revolutionary new anti-dandruff shampoo, Clear, held at the Renaissance Hotel in Makati. Where I thoroughly enjoyed playing fashion photographer during “The Black Fashion Show”, which featured designs/styling from Kate Torralba, Puey Quiñones, Viktor and Folded & Hung. I came as a blogger, part of New Media, covering the event. But, of course, since I’m a fashion and a beauty blogger, they made it easier cuz I can focus on the fashion show and the shampoo as a beauty product. It’s absolutely within my niche, baby! LOL.

You can view the photos (via lightbox) of the fashion show over at Style Manila.

And over the past couple of days, I’ve been doing a bit of shopping. Post fodders, you see. (yea, right.. LOL.) Though, there was a time when I went shopping simply for therapy for reasons I’d rather not blog about. Heh. The mere memory of these two events still make my blood boil. So, I’m dropping the subject now. Hehe.

Anyway, it certainly has been an interesting week for me. ‘Twas filled with activities that are related to what I’m passionate about. Few of the things that make up the reasons why I’m grateful that I’m in this industry. Thankful for opportunities that enable me to do what I love to do.

What about you? How was your week? Were you able to do something that you’re passionate about? How was it?

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The day has finally arrived! Say hello to Style Manila!

For readers, who have been around long enough, I’m sure you’ve already chanced upon this fashion blog of mine. Well, now, it’s officially launched.

Style Manila is the latest addition to the blog roster of The Bayanihan Blog Network. It’s “a Philippine fashion blog focused on Manila fashion, the fashion that’s rich in flavour.”

The blog has been around since the beginning of the year and I’m quite ecstatic that I finally get to tell you guys about its launch now.

My ultimate goal is not to tell the Philippine society to dress the same way but for them to find a way to express their individuality through fashion that can distinctly define the concept of Style Manila.

I believe that Philippine fashion, Manila fashion in particular, is rich in flavour. From the numerous and notable fashion designers and fashion brands, I’ve come to realise how incredibly fashion-forward the country can be. Fashionistas thrive on the mall-ified influence of our country. Shopping has somehow become a bona fide activity that shoppers are considered hobbyists. And then there are the western influences that traveling and media have introduced.

The aesthetics of fashion is not something limited to the young and beautiful but is and should be made available to women of all shapes and sizes. This just means that I won’t be focusing my eyes on models or celebrities alone. Rather, I’d also want to highlight what’s really out there and not just what’s on glossy magazines.

Am I merely chronicling the fashion and style in our country? Not just. I’m also hoping to define, classify and share it.

The world deserves to know.

(About Style Manila)

I hope you guys would take the time to visit me there, too. I’m still currently working on The crocs™ Project and cooking up a few more, which you’re free to join.

This is just a taste of what you can expect from me and the blog. You can witness as I try my best to ease people out of the misconception that fashion is not intelligent. Watch me spat out theories pointing out how fashion is an everyday thing and that individuals care about it more than they let on.

The very fact that Manila is so vibrant and alive, which can be clearly seen in the different styles you see on the streets, is a cause for celebration. We’re growing a healthy amount of world-class fashion designers. Filipinos can be sophisticated shoppers. Our country is a mall country — er, note, SM Mall of Asia — and not to mention all the tiangge (flea markets) sprouting left and right, thriving. Yes, we actually have a notable local fashion scene that we can blog about simply because a lot of people like going out and hanging out. Naturally, they will dress up.

Indeed, all things considering, the world deserves to know.

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Now I wonder, what’s up for the month of June then? Will it be like queuing up for another ride on the roller coaster? My unquenchable wanderlust beckons me to go on and leap, however, my body can only take so much — esp since I have been keeping (my normal) abnormal hours again. Gah.

Anyway, here’s an initial list of things penciled in on my whatever-calendar.

Scheduled Press Events
I’m still deciding on which ones I’d be able to go to but there is a lunch on Saturday, June 02 at Circles Event Café in Makati Shangri-La Hotel that I’m certain I’ll be attending. I’m keeping my options open since some other invites may still come in. (Pretty safe assumption, wouldn’t you say? )

Style Manila Hard Launch
It’s been a long time coming cuz it’s been around since beginning of the year. Blame it on my quasi-perfectionist nature. Heh. Btw, it’s a Philippine fashion blog that’s under the Bayanihan Blog Network.

The crocs™ Project
It’s just a small thing that’s inspired by my recent purchase of their Capri variant. Hehe. I’ll be hosting it over at Style Manila, together with my b5media fashion blog, Tops 2 Bottoms. You can watch out for it.

The Cult of the Chucks
Sorry. I just can’t help it! I’ve wanted Chucks far longer than I wanted them crocs™! LOL. So, yea, this is a similar project as with what I just previously mentioned. Chucks Taylors® isnt just a pair of shoes, it’s a lifestyle. Heh.

Light Travel
Apart from the usual gallyvanting activities around the Metro, I’m looking into some out of town trips probably some place like Tagaytay.

Zsa-Zsa Zaturnnah Play on June 24
Jonas Diego posted an invite and we’ve scheduled to watch it on the said date. Rico is also planning to go and I heard that Aileen is interested. Who else wants to go with us? It’s an open invite. Just ping either Jonas or myself! We’d love to share this experience with you.

BBN Bloggers Dinner
Rico, Abe, Melissa (even when she can’t join us cuz she’s in Germany! ) and I are making arrangements to hold a dinner with the bloggers of the Bayanihan Blog Network. We’re looking forward to getting these individuals together for some offline mingling and good food!

There are more projects up my sleeve. I’m still working on them and will surely let you guys know as soon as I can.

Meanwhile, I’m still thinking of other things to do. Hmmm. Enroll in that modern jazz dance class I’ve been meaning to take up since 2003 perhaps? Or maybe pick up my boxing gloves again? As you can see, these activities are done indoors. Hehe. As much as I love the rain, I don’t like getting my hair and feet (and shoes!) wet. Heh.

What about you guys? What are your plans this month?

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Well, this is the first time that I actually went shoe shopping and splurged on two relatively expensive shoes! Can you guess what I bought? Hehe. They’re two completely different styles!

For people who know me, they’re aware of my addiction to stilletos. The last pair I bought costs more than two grand. So, it’s not a real shocker that I bought a pair this time around. It’s Syrup’s Marno in Gold (People R People, Glorietta Branch). Hehe. However, what’s new is that the pair is sorta ‘printed’, if you know what I mean. See for yourself.

I already have several outfits lined up for this one. I’ll be christening it tonight. I’ll be attending a birthday party at the place that used to be Citrus, which used to be V Bar, which used to be Venezia, and so on. LOL.

The other pair I bought is a bit of a change. Aileen can’t even imagine me wearing it. It’s a pair of Converse Chuck Taylor® All Star® in Classic Black Canvass. I bought it in Shoe Salon in Glorietta. In case you didn’t know, it’s been part of my wishlist since I put that list up. Now, I’m a proud owner!

I already worn it the other day when I went to see the Eric Bana – Drew Barrymore romantic comedy movie, Lucky You, with Rico. Hehe.

Oh, how I love shopping for shoes. What am I saying?! I love shopping, period.

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