TOPAZ HORIZON

This is my brand new red Samsung Omnia SGH-i900. I love it because it's sleek, fast, elegant, and red!
I won it in a writing contest, too, so I'm very puffed up with pride and happiness right now. Samsung held the contest early this year, asking people to answer this question: "How can the Samsung Omnia make your wishes come true?" So you write down your wishes and then you describe how the Omnia's features can make your wishes come true. Simple enough except by the time I joined, there were thousands of entries already. I truly did hesitate!
But I figured I have something going for me--I can write pretty darn well so this writing contest shouldn't be so hard! I studied the phone's features. It has a sensitive touch screen, very much like the iPhone (Vince's phone) and I liked that. You can surf the Internet with it, has Windows Mobile and Microsoft Office suites so it's like a super miniature netbook. And then there's that fantastic 5MP camera which beats iPhone's sad excuse for a camera. Oh, don't think I dislike the iPhone, okay? I love the iPhone, too! The Omnia has a host of other fab features but I don't really know what they are (really! All I do with this is text and call and fill up the calendar) so I'll let PinoyTechBlog give you the details instead.
Anyway, it looked like a phone I'd like to win so I wrote down my answers (there was a word limit, too, which added to the challenge!) and submitted my entry with fingers, wrists, arms, toes, ankles, legs and eyes crossed --yes, this is my lucky secret! I think I did well but I didn't think I did that well because when I got the email from Samsung congratulating me that I was the one and only winner in the entire country, I was shocked to my bones!
Oh, I'm so happy. This is the second prize I've won this year in a writing contest. The first one was the Gucci bag.I actually claimed this phone just before Typhoon Ondoy struck so, even though I was so happy with my luck, I didn't feel it was right to write about it when there was so much suffering everywhere. But life goes on and, despite the fact that bad things are to be expected in life, good things happen, too, and I'd really like to point those out and be grateful.

Oh, what a lucky girl I am! There are many other contests actually--do check out Nuffnang--but I only join when I really really want the prize. And I do believe that if you really really want something and you work for it, the universe will give it to you. Uh, yes, you still have to work for it!

1. A recent blog post of Vince on Citizen Nerd. I think that in the wake of Typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng, we people need to save the earth... and our data! And don't you just think that my husband writes so well? Hop on over to his blog to see what I mean!
2. The Christmas decor at Rustan's Makati. And all the lit up trees and carols blaring over the speakers. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas indeed!
3. Being the only girl in white in a glam event (see more about the affair here). The only other time this happened was at my wedding and that was more than two years ago. So it felt nice to be different again!
Oh, and there's one more thing I also am loving right now... visiting your blogs! That's why I haven't updated--I've been reading your blogs and discovering my readers. This could also be the reason why I have dark circles under my eyes--I've been staying up till 4am reading so many interesting blogs! You're a pretty cool bunch, did ya know? Thanks for always dropping by and leaving such nice comments! I feel like I have so many friends suddenly!

Hot accessory brand Vita Fede had a lovely gathering this afternoon for us magazine editors. They were keen to show us their fab products--to-die-for rings, necklaces and bangles made of Italian leather and plated in 24-karat gold--and we were all blown away by how edgy the designs were and yet still simple and elegant. Love, love them!

I was especially interested because Hollywood celebs are all wearing Vita Fede. Kate Hudson, Jessica Alba, Cameron Diaz, Katherin Heigl, Lindsay Lohan, Emmy Rossum, Paris Hilton, Hayden Panettiere, Ashlee Simpson, Ashley Tisdale, Carrie Underwood, Eva Longoria, Fergie, Halle Berry, Jennifer Hudson, Jessica Simpson, Jessica Biel, Katy Perry, Lauren Conrad, Leighton Meester, Michelle Trachtenberg, Miley Cyrus, Mischa Barton, Rihanna and Selena Gomez are just some of the stars who are fans of Vita Fede.
Quite pricey, though. With prices ranging from PHP 2,250 to PHP 9,250, owning one of these babies will be a status symbol. But you're paying for the design, the luxurious material and the 24-karat gold and sterling silver. And for the fact that Hollywood's crazy over these accessories.



My favorite part? My engagement ring can fit in the tiny pocket. So--ideas for my male readers--why don't you surprise your girl with a Vita Fede bracelet and then watch her scream her head off when she realizes the bracelet is hiding a diamond ring? I think it's a fantabulous idea! If I were a guy, I'd do just that! Unless you're giving her a huge rock! I think only a one-carat diamond will fit... But it's a fab idea, yes?

Vita Fede will be launched in November and will be available in Rustan's Makati and select boutiques. All photos courtesy of Vita Fede.

At a recent event, a woman was introduced to me. I said, "Hello, I'm Frances Sales from OK!"

"Oh," she said. "What's your position?"

"I'm the editor-in-chief."

"Really? What's OK! anyway?"

"It's a Hollywood celebrity magazine."

"Omigod, that's my favorite magazine ever! I, like, read it every month. I have every issue! I, like, read every page! It is so nice meeting you! What's your name again?"

I said, "Wow. Thank you for being a huge fan of OK!." Then I walked away.

She's either stupid or she thinks I'm stupid. I don't mind if you don't read my magazine--my own husband doesn't. I don't even mind if you don't like the magazine--I get hate mail regularly enough to not care. It's a gossip rag anyway so I totally get why a lot of people wouldn't waste their time and money on it. But please don't lie to me. Ever.

Meanwhile, for those who are actually fans of OK!, I'm hoping you've already gotten yourselves the October issue. It's our annual style issue featuring the closets of Taylor Swift, Eva Longoria Parker and Nicole Richie. We also have our Best Dressed Celebrities List, with the lovely Anne Hathaway and Emma Watson (yes, the girl from Harry Potter!) as just two of the glamour goddesses we picked for this year's list. We got an interview with Project Runway's Tim Gunn and a ton of style tips and tricks from a host of Hollywood stars!

It's another fantastic issue and I hope you pick up a copy. But if Hollywood's not your thing, it's okay, really. I'd rather meet honest folks who don't like celebrities than annoying people who fawn over you when they find out you're a magazine editor and aren't even very good at hiding how fake they are.

The Manila String Machine.



My brother, a cellist, is part of this quartet, and they were the ones who played at my wedding. They also played at Issa Litton's wedding. And they will perform soon at my friend Mariel's wedding.

I noticed as I was blog-hopping that there are so many bride-to-be's out there, all furiously/dreamily/feverishly planning their wedding. Well, might I make a suggestion? If you're the type of bride and groom who care about the details, then a string quartet definitely makes your wedding more elegant and more beautiful.

My wedding was just lovely--intimate, quiet and glamorous. Well, my parents would have preferred a large and noisy event (I'm from a large and ridiculously noisy family) but for Vince and me, the only sound we wanted to hear that day was that of well wishes and laughter and the music of strings.

My uncle, Papa's brother, did decide to stir things up and campaign for a senator (to my horror, the uncle even showed up in jeans and a campaign shirt)... and that is a story for another day!

Aside from that annoying snafu, my wedding was elegant. And while I have my friends and sisters-in-law to thank for that, I also know that the beautiful music my brother and his friends played was the thread that held it all together. Never underestimate the power of music. In this case, on perhaps the happiest day of your life, the Manila String Machine will be the perfect accompaniment to start your journey to happily ever after!

This post is for my family and dear friends but in case there are actually some of you out there who'd be fabulous enough to send me items on my wish list (please! please! please!), kindly take note of the following:

Item 1 - blender... my kitchen is yellow, black and white with stainless steel accents (photo here) so I'd really want a red blender. Or a black and steel one.

Item 2 - Jamie At Home cookbook... while I want Jamie's book, I'd also appreciate DVDs of his Jamie At Home show and then I can sit back on the sofa and appreciate how there's a Jamie cookbook on my kitchen shelf and a Jamie DVD on the tv stand shelf.

Item 3 - Schu flats... I'm a size 36 or a size 6. Schu gift certificates also welcome!

Item 5 - Snickers... I'm not a fan of dark chocolate or almonds so the standard ordinary normal Snickers will very much do it for me!

Item 6 - I found my sapphire ring and it will be officially mine soon! Yes, I'm buying it, just scraping together some cash to pay for it. Now, in case you saw a sapphire ring for me (why thank you!), my ring size is a tiny 4, but in case of fat days, size 5 will be safer! And I take back what I said about diamonds--I'd love to have one!
Seriously, though, I'm getting a bit weirded out about the birthday--nope, not because I'm turning a year older. I've never had a problem with getting older; in fact, I've always hated being so young (it's such a helpless and powerless state, in my experience). But 33 is, well, they call it the Jesus Age--He's saved mankind at 33. What have I done? A celebrity magazine. Okay, so Jesus is a tough act to follow. How about... Angelina Jolie? By the time she turned 33, she had a multi-awarded career, traveled the world, been a UN ambassador, donated millions to humanitarian causes, adopted 3 kids, gave birth to 3, and stole men from their women more than once as easily as if she plucked an apple from a tree! Okay, so the last part isn't so admirable but she sure does put a lot of pressure on 32-going-on-33 me! Why must we have it all anyway? Who made those rules? Can't I just be 33 and be average?

Anyway, if you were wondering about Item 4 - free travel... It has been granted!!! I'm flying off to Singapore next week as a special guest of Nuffnang and the Singapore Tourism Board! Now I truly do believe that if you ask, you will receive!

*outfit details: Jockey tee, Kate Torralba skirt, Schu flats (yes, the very ones!) and Longchamp bag

Because it's just so darn sexy. It's even called Hollywood Headboard. For the glamorous star in all of us!

I stumbled upon this fabulous headboard while I was wandering about the web, looking at stuff like iPhone and Kindle (this was for work), disability insurance and FTC disclosure policy (this was for blogging business) and the various blogs I love (this was for inspiration). Then I saw these headboards (thanks, Charmaine!) from Kat Burki. Here's a blue version. Not as striking as the kiwi one, right?

I'm turning 33 in exactly one month! If I were a hobbit, this means I've come of age. If I were Jesus, this means I'm about to die. And if I were to die a Muslim, then this would be the right time since Muslims believe we'd all be 33 in heaven--33 being the perfect age. Okay, the preceding thoughts were incoherent!

Anyway, I have no plans to die anytime soon (or later); what I do have are plans to celebrate another year! I've been very blessed so I just wish for more of what I already have--love and friendship and good health. I wish to be better at my career and develop other talents and skills as well. I don't mind more money coming in either!

While I'm grateful for the blessings, I also have a birthday list of material stuff I want to have on the big day:

1. A BLENDER
Yes, a blender or a food processor. I don't have one. I thought I'd get a ton of these at the wedding but I didn't get a single one! I really really want one so I can make my own fruit juices and milkshakes and crushed ice, etc ad infinitum!!!

2. JAMIE AT HOME BOOK
I love love love the TV show Jaime At Home! I'm a city girl through and through but when I watch Jaime At Home and Barefoot Contessa, I want to be out in the country, breathing in fresh air, sinking my fingers into the earth, picking flowers and fruits and vegetables, bringing them into my kitchen and then preparing a hearty meal. So anyway, Jamie has a book version of the show and I want it! I really really do!
3. LEATHER FLATS FROM SCHU
I wear my Schu beige flats every day. Okay, not every day, just four times a week. I really love these flats! They go with just about anything. I don't mind if I get dozens of these because this is the shoe that is so classic and perfect and comfy, I can wear them forever. Forever!
Of course, I wouldn't mind getting the other Schu styles, like this cutie:4. FREE TRAVEL ANYWHERE OUTSIDE THE PHILIPPINES
Yes, preferably near because I dislike long hours in a plane. Preferably a city since I'm not a fan of sand and sun. So Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Singapore (photo)... let's hope someone's generous enough to send me to you!
5. SNICKERS CHOCOLATE BARS
I can eat this all day every day. Just look at this photo I got from The Frugalista Files:

Just look at that! Chewy nougat, crunchy roasted peanuts and sweet caramel all wrapped in heavenly chocolate! I wouldn't mind getting packets of this at all. I just want to eat one bar every single day of my life!

6. A SAPPHIRE RING SURROUNDED BY DIAMONDS
While I never dreamed of getting married or even getting engaged, I did want the engagement ring Prince Charles gave Lady Diana in 1981. I was just a little girl, 4 years old to be exact, and I remember seeing that blue rock on her finger and when I asked my mother what it meant, she said, "That means he's marrying her."So since that day, I've always thought that a sapphire ring was the symbol of love and commitment. Of course, when I told Vince that I wanted Diana's sapphire engagement ring, he refused: "You get nothing less than a diamond. And look at what happened to that marriage!" So I got the diamond ring, which is winking at me fabulously now as I type (thanks, Vince, for always getting me the best!)... but I still want that sapphire ring! I'm buying myself one. I'm turning 33. I should be buying my own jewelry!

Oh, I can't wait for my birthday!

I'm a creature of habit so it takes me a long, long while to add new blogs to my blog roll. But let me present five new blogs I like to read:

1. Citizen Nerd
It's written by a very special man--my husband, Vince Sales! Before I buy any gadget, I always ask him for advice. In fact, before anyone I know buys any gadget, they ask Vince for advice. Vince is the last word when it comes to technology because he is Citizen Nerd! In my book, that makes him the most amazing man on the planet! (I hope this post gets me laid--ahahaha!--or at the very least earn me a shopping spree!)

2. Hypermom
This new blog is by my friend Jing Lejano, editor of Good Housekeeping. I like her blog because, unlike most mom blogs, hers is honest and candid and discusses motherhood frankly. Sure, she loves it but she doesn't overly glorify it. She talks about the good and the bad. I like that. And--very important to me!--it's well written!

3. The Blog King
Another well written blog! Too bad he updates once every blue moon. Elijah Mendoza is an editor, a new husband and a soon-to-be daddy (although I think his wife is giving birth right about now!). So his observations on marriage and fatherhood are a refreshing read--funny, witty and candid.

4. Style Kit
Jane Kingsu is the author of one of the best beauty and fashion blogs in Manila. She writes short and sweet and really well. I always seem to get my fashion and beauty news from her--how strange is that considering I also work in media! I like how clean and stylish her blog is... and I like how I won in her Schu contest! Thanks, Jane!!!

5. Flipflopping My Way Around Town
As you can tell from above, I like reading about technology, parenting, marriage, fashion and beauty. But I also have another passion--FOOD! Fran Haw has a delightful food blog that makes me hungry every time I read it! I love her blog and a lot of people do, too, because she's a finalist in the Philippine Bloggers Awards! Congrats, Franny! As promised, here's my vote:

Now, how come no one nominated me for this award-giving body?! Can someone please nominate me next year? I'll give a fantabulously special beauty gift bag to the one who nominates Topaz Horizon in the 2010 Philippine Blog Awards!!! Okay, I've resorted to bribery... Very bad of me! Just kidding, folks!

*images taken without permission from the aforementioned blogs. Sorry, folks! I promoted you so I hope that makes it okidoki!

The times, they are a-changin'. Used to be we looked to newspapers and television for what's happening in the world. Now, we turn to our blogs, mobile phones, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and other live chat software. It's back to the old ways of spreading the news--word of mouth. Citizen journalism is very democratic. And fast. It has its problems, too, like some of the news can't be confirmed to be true. But, for now, I'm going to think of it as a blessing.

For me, it started with Michael Jackson's death. For others, with Obama's rise to the US presidency. And for the rest of the Filipinos affected by Typhoon Ondoy, this new way of spreading the news was so true during the height and the aftermath of the storm.

And then there's the uplifting messages we get that we no longer seem to get from TV and newspapers. These are inspiring stories of people we'd never have heard of because there are so many of them out there but there's only so much space on paper and airtime on TV. With YouTube and blogs and the worldwide web, we get to learn about wonderful people like Logan.

This gets me every time. Every time. Especially now when I've lost a mother, I'm losing my beloved pet wabbit, and I see suffering everywhere. God understands. He will always understand. God bless you, people.