Crafts/DIY: Bumblebee Gift Wrap for Toddlers

Here's another gift wrapping inspiration for you. I made this for Allie's classmate who I hope had a wonderful Bee-day last week. 

Resources after the jump...

Crafts/DIY: Wrap Gifts for Toddlers

There are about 30+ kids in my daughter's school. Although the teacher-to-student ratio is just 1:7, everyone in school is invited whenever kids have birthday parties. You can just imagine how many birthday parties my daughter goes to. The first birthday party gift is easy enough to wrap. I just took whatever wrapper was available in my house. 

Eventually, I had to be more creative in wrapping the gifts because I wanted them to be different each time. I'm on my third birthday this week, and I think I've finally figured out how I can make unique and cute wrappers by just investing in a few materials -- plain sheets of double-sided kraft paper.

Inspired by saksblogg's Instagram page, I created this cute owl gift wrap, and I loved how it turned out.

Resources:

1. Light blue/kraft two-sided paper: National bookstore
2. White bond paper, punched using EK 2" circle punch: Scratch paper from home
3. Black crepe paper for eyes, cut manually: National Bookstore
4. Gold crepe paper for beak, cut into a triangle: National bookstore
5. Scrapbook paper for head, fringe-cut: Gourdo's


I'll definitely be making more cute animal gift wraps. I hope this inspires you too. Have fun wrapping!

Body: Style Origin 2014 from My Point of View

I've always admired ramp models and fashion bloggers. They just exude that special confidence. Models walk like it's nothing. Fashion bloggers post their own photos on their blogs. I am neither of the two. First, I don't have the height and the body to become a model. I'm 5'5" and I weigh ... uhm, let's not talk about specifics. Fine, I'm a size US 4 for tops and 6/8 for pants. Second, I haven't dwelled too much on the idea of becoming a fashion blogger, and it's really because I feel insecure about my body, especially after I've given birth to Allie. I know I shouldn't but I really do. Although I'm almost at my pre-pregancy weight, I don't think I'll ever have my pre-pregnancy body ever unless I have plastic surgery.

Mommies, you know what I am talking about -- stretch marks, preggy tummy fat, and oversized hips. Oh yeah, put that bigger boobs on that list, too. I can't believe I'm saying this but I actually prefer smaller ones. Don't tell me husband I said that. Haha.

I've tried quite a few workouts - I had a personal trainer at the gym once upon a time, then I tried anti-gravity yoga, then just plain yoga, and more recently, crossfit. Nothing kept me going. Going to the gym just makes me super hungry afterwards, and I actually gained weight from it. I had a bad experience with anti-gravity yoga -- never again in a million years. Ordinary yoga was kinda alright, and I'm willing to try it again. But crossfit and my body are still incompatible as of today. I will try it again soon when my body's stronger, but not yet. It's too strenuous for me. But I am about to embark another fitness regimen to make my body more fit and leaner. I'll talk about that next time.

A few weeks back in June, I got invited to guest at a fashion show for Style Origin that was held in Trinoma. I figured it was going to be fun, and I get to tackle my body insecurity head on. So I joined. Well, I was in for a big surprise. I didn't expect it to be big, BIG. But it was BIG. I walked the ramp with professional models, fashion bloggers and celebrities. Oh my gosh. It was even directed by Mr. Robbie Carmona himself.

First, I got to pick my own clothes from Ensembles, a local brand that I really like. We were asked to bring our own shoes, so that really helped my confidence. Then, I met with my fellow bloggers and practiced walking. Eek, I think I was the most inexperienced one. But I told myself, I can do this, I can do this, I can do this. 

I had my hair and make-up done by the Shiseido team. They transformed administrative offices to temporary hair and make-up studios. The place was insanely busy. So yeah, I felt really out of place, and my insecurity was just building up. My consolation that time was that my make-up artist told me I had really, really good skin. He even asked me what products I use.

Okay, so when the time came for us to go backstage, the professional models and celebrities were there with us.  The organizers were arranging the clothes to be worn by the models. It was crazy messy. It was like they were having a warehouse sale. Well, that, and there were tons of abs everywhere. Yes, those abs made me forget about the butterflies in my stomach for a moment.

I was the first blogger to walk, and I was still getting the jitters at the last second. Bloggers walked alone. I came after these beautiful, skinny models. Thank goodness, I was able to go through with it. Here's proof that I was there. Haha.

Yes, I know I probably was the one with the fattest body who walked. I felt like it too. I learned not to care what other people think by then, as long as I feel comfortable and beautiful like the Dove women that I see on commercials, I'll be fine. Just keeping it real folks. Besides, I think I was the only mommy blogger there, so kudos to me. Haha.

I'm glad I joined. I felt I could do anything. Would I do it again? Absolutely.

Pouf-a-Palooza

I love poufs. Poufs make me happy. I literally was looking at all the poufs on One King's Lane all afternoon admiring each one. Here are just a few of them. They all look lovely right? Don't you just feel like you want to relax on the pouf and read your favorite summer book?

Well, I do.

One King's Lane asked me to style a room based on one special pouf of my choice. I picked the Abigail Round Pouf.

The room I came up with is a small reading room. I imagined it to have a white modern desk with vibrant home accessories. Here's the mood board I made.

I started with the pouf and played around with the accessories. I chose the big items first and went on from there.

I wanted a modern white desk, and this Alba X-Leg Desk fit the bill. It has modern "X" legs that I love. The drawers reminded me of the Parsons desk. A yellow rug with a subtle pattern was what I had in mind to ground all the items together. The Zeus Flat-Weave Rug is perfect. The color is a bit mustard and the pattern mirrors the desk's legs.

On the wall, I opted for a bluish rectangular mirror. I think this went perfectly with the turquoise bookshelf that was a steal at less than $60.

As for the small accessories, I wanted a bit of metal and color, so I chose the following: a chrome lamp and a green ceramic artichoke for the table. I picked an  oversized jack to display on the bookshelf because I just love them, and white will just pop out from the blue bookshelf. Of course, a couple of bookends is a must, and these pinecones ones work, especially if they're just $15. I also got a trio of boxes for storage in pink, and a hydrangea arrangement to bring some outdoors in.

Well, this is just my mood right now. It's kinda gloomy here in my side of the world, so I wanted some vibrant colors for my reading room. What would you choose? Drop by One King's Lane and I'm sure that you'll find what you're looking for.

Images courtesy of One King's Lane.

Gift Wrapping Ideas

I love wrapping gifts. So naturally, this holiday season really excites me. I have yet to finalize my theme for this year, but I have a pretty good idea on what it will be.

I attended a gift wrapping workshop hosted by the folks at Unilab, and it was such an inspiration. I was bummed that it was just a presentation. I wanted to get my hands durrrty! Hmmm maybe I ought to have a gift wrapping workshop down at CRAFTED, don't you think? Haha, I digress. Moving on...

A gift wrap enthusiast should always have a basketful of holiday odds and ends -- ornaments, leaves, ribbons, pips, etcetera. Inspiration can be anywhere from the pine cones you pick up in Baguio or your backyard to old ornaments you have no use for.

gift wrap idea no. 1 
kraft paper + artificial holly + twine

gift wrap idea no. 2

plain white paper + thick ribbon + old christmas tree decor + pine cone

gift wrap idea no. 3
cartolina + sheer ribbon + berries + leaves

gift wrap idea no. 4
kraft paper spray painted with copper + wide metallic ribbon

Crafts/DIY: Chalkboard Party Decor

This is another party craft that you can do on your own. These awesome chalkboards were made by my sister for the birthday of her friend's son. Read on how she did it and be inspired with the photos.

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My officemate was on a budget for her son's chef-themed first birthday party and she asked me to help her create centerpieces similar to those menu chalkboards we see in restaurants. Instead of writing the party menu, we leaned towards writing quotes. I looked up quotes on Pinterest about food, baking and cooking.

For the design, I restrained myself from my usual girly lettering. I had a hard time staying away from pinks and curls. I first tried it with ordinary chalk but it was a craft fail. The result was too dull.

Luckily,  I have crafty siblings and it just so happened that I came across these perfect chalk in pens. I used them for the chalkboards and the effect was solid and less messy. My favorite part was mixing the colors together while the ink was still wet to get a watercolor effect.

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Our chalk ink pens were from Amazon, and these chalkboards were supplied by her officemate. But you can DIY your own by using some chalkboard spray paint from Rust-Oleum on cheap frames.

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Shopping: The Customer is Always Right

I love, love, love and miss, miss, miss how much freedom US consumers have. They're very lucky shopping-wise. Let me count the ways.

A pregnant me, shopping

1. You can change your mind about something you bought yesterday, last week, last month or last year. Depending on the store's policy, you can return stuff you bought earlier. If you felt guilty change your mind about this $400 dress you bought yesterday on impulse, it's okay. No biggie. Just go back to the store (sometimes, even another store branch), they will credit it back to your account. Most stores offer 30-day returns, a few having 90, a handful with forever. They will even let you return even without a receipt.

In the Philippines: The return policy is virtually non-existent. It's basically store credit or exchange -- and the offer does not even last a whole month. Usually, it's just 14 days.

2. One store sells it at a lower price? The other will match it. Granted stores only do this price matching game with brick-and-mortar stores, they still are willing to match the exact same product at the lower price. Most stores also accept competitor's coupons. Which leads me to No. 3.

In the Philippines: You'll just probably see this happen in bazaars, and that is, if you're lucky.

3. Coupon craze all over town. I was once one of those who collect small pieces of papers that would give me discounts. I would keep coupons that I think would be used in the near future. My favorite ones are the grocery coupons from Kroger and Target. Kroger because they are personalized based on your shopping history. Target because, well, it's Target. I'm biased. Don't judge me.

In the Philippines: Coupons are starting to appear here and there, mostly by SKU, usually restaurants. Oh yeah, and there's Deal Grocer and Groupon, too. They're like Zulily and Gilt. I have yet to see a big store opening up to coupon craze though. If SM or Rustan's does this, that would be the day.

4. Customer service reps are more forgiving. This happened to me recently. I did some online shopping and used my US credit card, then I didn't get the email alert they usually send when it's almost time to pay, so I forgot. Silly me. I just called customer service, and asked if they can waive the late fee. The fee was about $30, give or take, and the agent nonchalantly took it off. Amaze-balls.

In the Philippines:  You will fight an arm and a leg, and probably lose them both and not be waived a single cent. I am deadly serious.

5. Good quality private label brands. I say this because I miss Archer Farms and Trader Joe's. They are great examples of good quality food products.

In the Philippines: I have yet to see this in big stores. One thing that is noticeable though is the dramatic entrance of independent food sources/manufacturers that are really amazing, like this very creamy and delicious salted caramel ice cream, and this local supplier of organic meat products.


I do hope though that retailers here realize the importance of customer satisfaction and consumer rights. It might be because they are scared that people will take advantage. What if they return used products? Tell them you only accept unused ones. You might get lied to about a lower price? Do your regular research (data is king!). What about coupons that are fake? Well, get a control number. Good customer service is a must for satisfaction, and good private label brands, that is just a plus.

I say give your customers a chance. They might prove you wrong, and you might get the better deal.

Travel: Oriental Residence Bangkok

Oriental Residence Bangkok knows design. I love the look of their toiletry packaging.

Okay, fine... their interiors too!

Visit here for more info.

*Hotel's interior images from Oriental Residence Bangkok.

Tech: 8tracks App

Handcrafted internet radio on the rise here. One of the things I missed when I moved back to the Philippines was Pandora. Pandora, as in internet radio, and not the charm bracelets because we have that here.

Well, my sister introduced me to 8tracks the other day. 8tracks is a collection of music playlists. It lets you choose a music playlist based on categories. Pwede na siyang pamalit sa Pandora. First, it would let you choose from the following.

Say you choose 'happy'. Then it will let you choose from these subcategories.

Then you pick the playlist.

Then hit play.

There are lots of playlists to choose from. Maybe you're in the mood for pop + workout... or some breakup + sad music.

Love it yet? Well, you can access it through your laptop (http://8tracks.com) or even your mobile phone by downloading the app.

Love: Dove Real Beauty Sketches

When I first watched this video, I was moved -- moved because what it says is true. Women are their own worst critics. They focus on their flaws, and they tend to disregard their own beauty. This video by Dove just proves it.

Go on, watch it for yourself.

Inspiration: Ladders, Ladders, and More Ladders

Ladders are wonderful things. They are useful in the kitchen when you need to get that hard-to-reach Speculoos Cookie Butter in the pantry... or maybe in the library when you want that Pride and Prejudice copy that you placed on the top shelf.

But you know, you can use ladders to decorate an empty space, or repurpose it into something else. Here are some ideas I found on what you can do with ladders.

[1] Stepladders as Storage from My Home Ideas 

Just make sure to get bamboo or some wood that resists humidity.

[2] Susanna Vento's Ladder Shelves

You can do these shelves yourself; it only requires 

at least one ladder, or more of the same kind, and long planks of wood.

[3] Library Ladders from CocoCozy

Reach your upper cabinets using this library style ladder.

[4] Stepladders in the Bedroom from Martha Stewart

Make use of the vertical stacking space of a stepladder to store books,

lamps and other stuff beside your bed.

[5] Repurposing Ladders into Bookshelves

Just hang on the wall, and the rungs serve as your dividers.

[6] Another Ladder Bookshelf spotted at Idle Hand Tattoo SF, 

photo by Alex Myers

This ladder becomes thinner at the top; it was installed so that one side was horizontal.

[7] Ladder Laundry Rack by Little Lucy Lu

Roll up your sleeves and get an old ladder. This one has step-by-step photos.

[8] Pot Rack Ladder from Desire To Inspire, image by Adam Ross

Here's another way to repurpose a ladder.

[9] Bamboo Ladder as a Towel Rack from Graham and Green

What a lovely way to hang towels. Oh, and did I mention this is eco-friendly?

[10] A Branch Ladder for Hanging Flowers by Ashbee Design

Use branches from your garden and hang some pail of flowers on each rung.

Got some other ideas? Do share.

Inspiration: House Lamps

In the literal sense. How cute are these?

[1] Good Night Lamp via Design Milk
[2] Creative House-Shaped Night Lamp via Mini in the Box
[3] House Lights by Kristian Aus via Home Reviews

Inspiration: Vertical Gardens

I am loving the fact that MMDA (Metro Manila Development Authority) put up small vertical gardens at P. Tuazon underpass. They are waaaaay better than paintings, in my opinion. I just wish they would do something about the tiles.

Vertical gardens are becoming the rage I believe because of the rising costs of land and man's need for greenery. One of the most celebrated vertical garden designers (if not the most) is French botanist Patrick Blanc. His works include the one located at Icon Hotel, Polytechnic University, Hong Kong. It's my favorite installation so far. Did you hear my jaw drop?

Photo credit Patrick Blanc via eco-question.com

About:blank created this living wall in the offices of stelmat in Brazil. Can you imagine this wall greeting visitors in your office?

Photo credit About:Blank

Then there's this other living wall installation in an office again. But this time, it's a replica of New York's Central Park. It's at The Open Planning Project Offices designed by Parker Urban GreenScapes and LTL Architects. How cool is this?

via Design*Sponge

Finally, here is a garden building (Quai Branly Museum, Paris, France)... literally. It's another Patrick Blanc installation.

Photo credit Patrick Blanc

Inspiration: Unicef Auction for Action

Earlier this month, Unicef concluded its fundraising event Auction for Action benefitting underprivileged children in the Philippines and in the world. It was only their 2nd time to have this event, and they already raised over P3 million from design pieces. So amazed!

Read the whole press release below:

UNICEF’s online auction raises over P3M for children

Fans of Filipino art and design support UNICEF’s programmes for children

Manila, 30 October 2012 – UNICEF Philippines through its online fundraising event Auction for Action held from 1^st to 7^th October 2012, raised over P3 million to help the poorest and most vulnerable children in the Philippines.

The annual online auction is a collaboration between UNICEF and Daphne Osena-Paez, UNICEF Special Advocate for Children, to bring the worlds of art, furniture and design together with advocacy to protect and promote the rights of children. 

UNICEF Special Advocate for Children Daphne Osena Paez during the media preview of UNICEF Auction for Action 

This year’s auction had twice as many items as the first year, held in May 2011. More than 70 Filipino artists and designers brought together by Daphne donated paintings, sculpture, furniture and jewellery items including famous names such as Ramon Orlina, Juvenal Sanso, Kenneth Cobonpue, Manuel Baldemor, Amina Aranaz, KawayanTech and Plet Bolipata.

Well-known pieces such as Fly Up from artist Michael Cacnio’s balloon series got the highest bid at P215,000 while Elmer Borlongan’s pastel on paper painting Convoy fetched over P90,000 from a starting bid price of P21,000. Jovan Benito’s Solo Concierto oil on canvas was the most hotly contested item, with a total of 64 bids from eBay buyers. 

Fly Up from artist Michael Cacnio’s balloon series

Elmer Borlongan’s 15.5x23 inch Pastel on Paper painting Convoy

Jovan Benito’s Solo Concierto 24x30 inch Oil on Canvass

“My heart is overflowing with gratitude for all the friends, artists and supporters who participated in our auction. In order to maximize funds going to children, we didn’t have a big, live event this year but instead worked through online promotion and harnessing the power of social media.  Filipino art lovers and netizens amazed me with their willingness to participate and generate much needed funds for disadvantaged children in the Philippines,” said Daphne.  

Bidders from all over the Philippines, the US and Singapore joined the auction through eBay Philippines.

Angela Travis, UNICEF Communication and Fundraising Chief added, “UNICEF Auction for Action provides artists and buyers an opportunity to come together and help children at the same time. Everyone who participated in our auction can be assured that through UNICEF, all the proceeds will go to education, health and nutrition, protection and emergency programmes for children who need it the most. Thank you again to everyone who helped make our 2^nd online auction a success!” 

UNICEF Country Representative Tomoo Hozumi, Chief of Communication and Fundraising Angela Travis and Daphne at the media preview of UNICEF Auction for Action

To know more about UNICEF’s programs for children, visit www.unicef.ph

About UNICEF:

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to help children survive and thrive, from early childhood through adolescence.  The world’s largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. 

In the Philippines for over sixty years, UNICEF works through partners to reach disadvantaged children and communities to ensure children are healthy, educated and protected from harm. UNICEF is quick to respond in emergencies to ensure affected communities are reached and provided with services from local governments and other service providers. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments. For more information about UNICEF and its work visit www.unicef.ph

Design: 'Alyssa' Moodboard

Congratulations to all the winners of the Auction for Action by Unicef Philippines. They raised about P2.85M for the kids. It is such a worthy, worthy cause. You get to shop for a designer piece and get to help, too.

I was eyeing the Daphne chair by Daphne Oseña-Paez. But the bids have overtaken my self-imposed limit of spending on the Daphne. I knew it was going to be a competitive bidding, because it's such a pretty chair. Sigh. Too bad. Maybe I'll just buy it direct from Dimensione.

Copyright Unicef Philippines Auction for Action / Daphne Oseña-Paez

I created a moodboard for a little girl's bedroom/playroom for Allie when she's a bit older and can use a big girl's bed already. I started with the Daphne chair piece, and went on from there.

I wish there were more accessible online furniture stores (with professionally taken pictures I hope) here in Manila. I would happily browse through them before going to the brick-and-mortar store that has the item/s I wanted. That way, I would not be wasting my time passing through horrendous traffic, then finding out the store doesn't have what I like. Wouldn't that be a great sales booster? Sadly, I haven't encountered one yet, so I used mostly international brands in this final board. Good news for my US readers, right? The Daphne chair, though, is a Filipino brand, and I don't know if it can be shipped internationally.

Here are the details:

[1] The Daphne chair: I love the way it looks. It is so playful, girly and it reminds me of castles and princesses. Although it comes in a variety of colors, I chose this cream color so it can match any color palette. Available at Dimensione.

[2] The color palette: For this room, I chose Martha Stewart's Milk Glass Pink for the walls -- a bit muted but you can still recognize its pinkness when contrasted with white. I picked candy pink, aqua and grass green for the room accessories, but stuck with mainly white furniture.

[3] Bin box organizer: Ikea's Trofast storage combination in white, with green, pink and white bins is a perfect storage for this playroom. It provides easy cleanup -- just toss and slide. It matches the palette too.

[4] Bed, sheets and pillows: I just love this Brighton Daybed from Crate & Barrel. It has that cottage vibe going on, but it still matches the overall theme of the room. For the sheets, I chose this blush pink print from Pottery Barn Kids called 'Grace', which has fairy tale illustrations on it. Perfect! Then, I went with this pink Rose decorative pillow from PBTeen. It softens the linear nature of the daybed.

[5] Printed curtain panels: This Soraya curtain from Anthropologie is very whimsical. The panel is printed with a fun line drawing of flowers, leaves and lots and lots of scallops.

[6] Rug: I always put a rug in a bedroom. It softens the place and brings everything together. I chose this Land of Nod rug called Bright Braids because it's so colorful, and when you looks at it up close, it is made of braids. So feminine!

[7] Mini chandelier: I love this one. I think it brings a subtle elegance to the room, and complements the gold detail of the Daphne chair. The mini chandelier is from Shades of Light, and I chose white metal so it contrasts the walls but not the ceiling (I recommend painting the ceiling an off white color). If you don't want to splurge, what you can do is hunt for an old mini chandelier in thrift shops or garage sales, and you can just spray paint it white. Good as new!

[8] Anywhere chair: Okay, I am biased here, but I love love love Pottery Barn Kids' Anywhere Chair. So here it is, in green mini dot with white piping. I added some owl plush toys too, also from Pottery Barn Kids.

[9] Playtent: Here's another one from The Land of Nod. It's their teal polka dot Play Canopy. It's a perfect addition to any kid's bedroom to encourage imagination.

[10] Monogram Art: This 'A' monogram is a diy piece. The font I used is Century Gothic, in color pink on an aqua background. I simply added mini dots on the letter. I opted to use gold frame to match the Daphne chair gold detail.

Love: For the Love of Origami

I remember when I was a kid, my siblings and I used to make paper boats and make them float on the street gutter after a rainy day. We also made paper airplanes and bet on who stays in the air the longest. I always lose to my brother. Haha.

My origami skills have gone a long way since then. I made hearts, shamrocks, bookmarks, even flowers.

Below are four origami-inspired eye candies. What's your favorite? :P

[1] Origami Brass Necklace from Project Happy

[2] Origami Paper Lamp Shade from fiber lab via Design*Sponge

[3] Paper Airplane Stationery from Pink Loves Brown

[4] Concrete Palmas Vases from Ofir Zucker and Ilan Garibi via Design Milk

Idea: Metro Manila Cities in Type

Look what I did! Inspired by Ork posters, I decided to make a city poster in type for Metro Manila. I thought it was simple to create, but it took me a couple of days of editing and finishing (at least to my liking). Do you want one for your area too?

Event: Unicef Philippines' Auction for Action Year 2

I was lucky enough to grow up comfortable - always had more than enough to eat, received presents on my birthday, went to school and played with my friends. In my head, I knew that other children weren't as lucky but it really wasn't something I'd think about regularly. What can you expect? I was just a kid and my parents did their best to shelter me from this reality, but it's really not something you can just hide. Back then, I just needed to look out the window of the car I was riding on the way to school and now, to the office.

Of course there are times when I'd be reminded - commercials on TV would urge viewers to donate to this or that charity, fundraising events would be held in school, and church lectures would remind attendees of how lucky we were. 

I've always believed that kids should be protected, and that each one deserves the right to a good quality of life. But I feel more strongly about this ever since I became a mother. I wanted nothing more than my child to grow up healthy and live a life full of opportunities -- to protect her. Call it mommy instinct if you will. I see other children who are not as fortunate, and my heart goes out to them.

I've heard about Unicef and how they reach out and help improve children's lives all over the world, because my parents always get those annual Unicef holiday greeting cards. But honestly, however iconic these greeting cards are, I think they've been already overdone. I am so glad Unicef started to think outside the box to generate buzz and increase funds. Last year, Unicef Philippines started their Auction for Action fundraising event.

I first heard about Auction for Action last year from daphne.ph, the blog of Unicef Special Advocate for Children, Daphne Oseña Paez. Auction for Action is an online auction that showcases works of Filipino artists and designers. The proceeds benefit Unicef Philippines' programs to better the lives of children in the Philippines as well as worldwide. They raised P1.4 million during the event.

A couple of days ago, I attended the preview of Unicef Philippines' Auction for Action. The event lasted about an hour. There was a short program where Angela and Tomo from Unicef Philippines talked about their mission and their collaboration with Daphne. 

Here is Daphne talking about each item on display. They now have about 80 items to auction off and they target to raise P3 million.

After they talked, everyone was encouraged to take a look around and ask questions if they wanted to. They were all so approachable and so passionate about this program.

There were so many wonderful items that caught my interest. If I had money to spare, I will definitely bid on this amazing Michael Cacnio sculpture called Fly Up. It depicts a young boy holding a bunch of balloons up a ladder. I promise, I will have one someday in my forever house. Just wait and see.

Of course, there's the Daphne chair, which I would love to get for Allie's room, or maybe for me. In the photo  below, you can see the Daphne chair on the left, while Daphne talks about Ito Kish's award-winning Gregoria chair.

Not displayed in the showroom (but will be auctioned off) is another favorite of mine, Kenneth Cobonpue's Bloom chair. Isn't it so pretty? According to Daphne, if you order this Cobonpue piece from the store, you have to wait a while. My husband and I joked it was because you have to wait for it to bloom. Haha. But seriously, if you win the auction for this piece, you only wait while it is being shipped to you.

There are so many other beautiful stuff like jewelry, furniture, and bamboo bikes. Yes, bamboo bikes! I will try to share some photos with you before the auction becomes live on October 1, 2012. Unicef Philippines' Auction for Action is open to everyone. What's good about this event is even if you live abroad, you can still participate in the auction, and get that coveted designer piece while you help raise funds for Unicef. Now that's a win-win for everyone.

The auction can be accessed October 1-7, 2012 through www.unicef.ph.