Love: Paperman

Am I the only person in the world who hasn't seen Paperman until 10 minutes ago? It's such a cute story!

Shopping: Tory Burch Private Sale

If you haven't gotten the email yet, you are up for a nice little treat from Tory Burch. This coming Thursday, March 21 (US time) until Monday, March 25, Tory Burch is holding a private sale online. So prepare your credit cards and ask permission from your husbands (hehe), and shop to your heart's content.

Here are some of the items up for grabs.

Logo T Stacking Bangle

Dakota Large Top Handle Hobo

Marianne Haircalf Pump

Printed Tic Tac Toe

For more information, visit their Facebook page here.

Shopping: Keds x Kate Spade NY

When I was in grade school, Tretorn was all the rage. Then Keds came along, and that became a hit. It's been a while since I bought Keds. Maybe it's an age thing. But this collaboration with Kate Spade NY is so adorable, I think I may have to rethink my footwear choices. Haha. Ang kyot kasi noh.

via Teen Vogue

I think these sneakers would look so adorable with colorful cropped pants. I think I can still pull it off. Haha. I love the stripes and the ginghams. The hot pink ones work too. :)

via Kate Spade instagram

They're supposedly available at Kate Spade NY, Nordstrom and Nordstrom.com since February 2013. But I can't find them there. Anyone knows where to get them?

===
Update: They are in Kate Spade NY stores in Bangkok, but pricewise, it's way too much -- almost twice the price than if you buy online.

A Scholarship from Downunder in Manila

 

I came across this fantastic opportunity for high school students who are about to graduate this year. Filipino families, in general, value college education a lot, and I mean a lot. I hear of stories where parents do whatever it takes just to get their kids to college. It is a dream for every parent to see their children graduate with a degree. 

Times are getting tougher though. Tuition fees have nowhere to go but up. So, when I came across this great news, I thought that I should share it with you guys. If you know someone who is graduating this year, and wanted to get a degree in Accounting, please tell them about this. Bonus points if they're a fan of Hugh Jackman (he's Australian, haha). It's a scholarship offer from the Australian Catholic University (ACU) Manila.

The deadline is fast approaching so hurry up! :-)

=-=-=-=-=

via ACU Manila

The Australian Catholic University (ACU) Manila has announced that it is offering full and partial scholarships this coming school year.

Based on academic merit and talent, the “Esteban Scholarship Awards” will provide one full scholarship, two 50% scholarships and ten 20% scholarships. A full scholarship is valued at AUD 5,200 or PHP 246,000 per year. All scholarships are offered for the entire 3-year program in Manila. 

ACU Manila offers the opportunity to gain a world-recognised Australian Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) degree and equips students to practice the profession in both Australia and the Philippines.

To apply, graduating high school students must have a minimum academic average of 85%; demonstrate level of analytical skills by writing a paper on how Australian business education can empower him or her as a global citizen; like and visit ACU Manila’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/acumanila); complete application and referral forms; and attend an Information Session with a parent or guardian.

Scholarship slots are available to graduating high school students, as well as to first to third year undergraduate degree students. Application deadline is on April 03, 2013.

The ACU Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) degree offers units specific to Australian accounting requirements in addition to Philippines-specific units. It prepares students for entry-level employment as well as future managerial positions.

ACU students develop an understanding of how commercial, industrial and service organisations operate. They also acquire skills to practice in a wide range of finance and accounting occupations such as accountant, auditor, investment manager, financial analyst, stockbroker, tax specialist or treasurer.

The ACU Manila campus is located at the Ground Floor of the Makati Stock Exchange Building, 6767 Ayala Ave., Makati City. For further inquiries, you may call (+632)5019347, (+632)4748345, visit www.acu.edu.au/manila, or email acumanila@estebanschool.org.

Shopping: Laduree x Uniqlo

I first had my taste of macarons when my pastry chef friend made some. Cafes in Metro Manila have started to offer French macarons and people are buying them. Bizu has so many flavors to choose from. Brasserie Cicou has special flavors too like wasabi. da.u.de has the cutest macarons, which I think Allie would adore. Even French Baker has macarons already.

I have yet to try Laduree because it's pretty much non-existent on my side of the world. But maybe next year, I'll get to travel and get some for myself. Haha.

Laduree and Uniqlo have teamed up to come up with these cute designs. Just adorable. I'm not sure if every design is available but yes, Laduree x Uniqlo is available in Manila too! Yay!

UT Laduree now available in Uniqlo Mall of Asia and SM North Edsa, The Block.

via Laduree

via Uniqlo

Event: McCormick's Grill Nation

This sounds so much fun!

"One flaming passion for flavor! One fiery showcase of grilled cuisine! Experience the flavor and the thrill of grilling and get a chance to take home an exclusive McCormick Grill Nation Kit! See you and the entire Family!"

This coming April 7, 2013 at the Bonifacio High Street. More information here.

Party: Easy DIY Comic Callouts

My cousin had a videoke party a few weeks ago as a bridal shower. It was a videoke place where you can get a private room for you and your friends to sing your hearts out and order food as well. It was a fun night, and my sister's 10-minute DIY callouts made it more fun.

All you need are thick card stock, scissors and a thick black marker.

[1] & [2] Draw a callout on a piece of card stock, and cut it.

[3] Write down your selected phrase.

[4] Color the edges using the same market.

 You can always use other colored markers to decorate it. Have fun!

Beauty: Sephora + Pantone Universe

I am a lover of energy. I am a lover of possibility. I am a lover of power. Energy, possibility and power represent emerald, the Pantone color of 2013. So it's no surprise that this is my favorite color of the year from Pantone so far.

via Pantone

Now, folks, we don't have Sephora (yet) in the Philippines. But you my lucky readers who have a Sephora near you, you get to see the wonderful Sephora + Pantone Universe collection in person.

via Sephora

Bring out the confidence in you by getting this six-piece makeup set featuring emerald colors. Although I won't be using all these all at the same time, it's good to have because using at least one will enhance your eyes, I'm sure. :-)

"This year, Sephora + Pantone Universe evolve their breakthrough partnership to forecast the color of radical modernism, where graphic shock meets the speed of modern life. Transfixing and dynamic, the Color of the Year sparks a highly charged mood for the seasons ahead. Visualize a color revolution of infinite potential—from subtle effects to saturated statements—fueled by a hunger for high-tech impact. Experience Emerald from every angle through never-before-seen formulas designed to energize the way you wear color in 2013. Connect. Charge. Power up with the Color of the Year." -Sephora

Sephora has three Color Theory Shadow Block ($26 each) under their Sephora + Pantone Universe Collection.

via Sephora

If you ask me what my favorites are, I love the Elemental and Bionic Color Theory Shadow Blocks, and these ones below.

1 Mini Graphic Effect Lacquers $18
2 Color Byte Lip Wands $24
3 Graphic Lift Liquid Eyeliner $17
4 Color Theory Sculpting Blush $24
5 Color Block Beauty Box $38

What do you think about the Sephora + Pantone Universe collection? Yay or nay?

How-To: Apply for the PRC Professional Exam

Once upon a time, I applied for the Architect's Professional Board Exams at the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) down at Maynila. It was terrible. Traffic, waiting in line, etcetera etcetera. I know y'all feel for me my fellow pros. This time, when I went back to PRC to take another board exam, I found that it was super super easy to apply na.

It took me less than 30 minutes to get my Notice of Admission (the final paper you have in order to take the exams). Lucky, lucky you, because I am going to share with you what my experience was. Haha.

[1] Apply online at www.prc.gov.ph. Before, they will let you submit a printed application, but online application is now mandatory at PRC. If you go to PRC and you have not applied online, your application will not be accepted. There are online stations on the opposite side of the street fronting the PRC office, but for security reasons, I recommend you to apply online on your own. Besides, it's super easy. You just need to input your information and follow the directions. Make sure though that you have your Community Tax Certificate (cedula) information handy because the online application requires you to put those in.

[2] Complete your documents before going to PRC. The documents required are listed as you go through the online application. 

Here are some tips:

    a. Transcript of Records (TOR). The length of time to get this usually depends on your school. If it is your first time getting your TOR, it takes longer. If you already have a copy of your transcript, you need to make sure that you have your photo printed on it, as well as the words "FOR BOARD EXAMINATION PURPOSES ONLY". I know that in UP, you can just give them your old transcript and a photo, and they will scan it and print the photo on your old transcript in less than 2 minutes. Easy peasy.

    b. NSO-issued birth certificate and marriage certificate (for married females). These are the easiest to get. No problem here. You all know the drill.

    c. NBI Clearance. I guess it depends if your profession requires this. I suggest you get this one at least a month in advance. If your name hits a match in their system, it would take at least 2 weeks before you get clearance. You can apply online for this too. You will get a final orange paper, half of which will be given to the PRC when you apply.

    d. Photocopy all your documents in advance. They're going to get the copies except for the NBI Clearance. But of course, bring the originals because they will cross check them.

    e. Make sure all your names in your documents are the SAME to prevent the hassle of going to the Legal Department or not being able to take the test. 

[3] Go to PRC. PRC is located at 

P. Paredes Street corner Morayta Street,

Sampaloc, Manila

Tel. (632) 314-0026 / Telefax (632) 735-4476

It is very easy to locate as it is very near Espana. I suggest you either commute or bring a driver with you because parking space is not adequate. I went there around 2pm and the volume of people applying was not that bad. Don't go during breaks (12nn or 3pm) as some windows will be closed. That's just how it is.

Now this is important. Bring your own pen, stamp pad and glue. 

[4] Buy the Documentary Stamp and Metered Envelope near the entrance. The documentary stamp window is located near the stamp pad area. The one behind the counter will give you a receipt, and it's only P21. Buy it when you enter the complex so that you don't have to go out the main building and lose your position in the queue. The metered envelope can be bought in another window, and it's also P21. You can buy this now, or later, it doesn't matter. Although, you might forget later when you have your NOA already.

[5] Proceed to the main building. It is located at the far end of the complex, opposite the window where you got the documentary stamp. You want to go to the right side where it says "Application Division".

[6] Submit your picture at Window 8 (or wherever they tell you to). You'll need one (1) passport size photo with white background, and your name tag. There's a small makeshift box in front of Window 8 where you will drop your photo. Yes, just drop it there.

[7] Proceed to the Pre-Assessment / Processing area (Windows 5-7). You will submit your documents to the person behind the window. They will check if you have your completed documents, and give you a printed copy of your online application. All you can do is cross your fingers they can access the internet when you get there. 

[8] Pay the fee at the cashier.

[9] Get your Notice of Admission from Window 9 or 10. 

Yay! That's it. You just check the website or call PRC to confirm the place and time of your exam. They will post it a few days before the actual exam. Good luck!