Blogapalooza 2014

Are you a blogger (or at least attempts hard to be one)?

Great news, Blogapalooza 2014 in finally here.  The event was such a success from last year, thanks to its (ehem) rockstar organizers: 

• Vince Golangco – Radio DJ at Mellow 94.7, TV Show host of Tek Tok TV (Tech Talk TV) and Publisher of WhenInManila.com
• Francis Simisim – CEO of Gang I.T. Ventures Inc., online marketing specialist and blogger on TechFilipino.com
• Anton Diaz – One of the top online personalities in the Philippines. His blog is OurAwesomePlanet.com

...a repeat was an obvious MUST!


WHAT IS BLOGAPALOOZA?

Blogapalooza is an online writer's induction to real life blogging. 

It aims to link businesses who have something cool to share and the online community of people who loves to share.

The event also promises lots of freebies and an opportunity to meet fellow bloggers who share your passion for writing and reading, love for new experiences and courage to speak out their mind.

 

BLOGAPALOOZA 2014 will be held on September 20 (SATURDAY) at the SM Convention Center Halls 1 & 2, SM AURA in Taguig. 

Hurry sign up now and join the fun. >>>REGISTER HERE.

PINOCCHIO - OnStage

 

My children love theater plays, however, it is not very often we get one for very young audiences. 

 

I was happy to learn that Repertory Philippines has brought to life one of my beloved classical fairy tale, Pinocchio.

 

(Photo courtesy of Repertory Philippines website)

 

My boys were both awestruck to see Geppetto's puppet.  

 

They both loved the Blue Fairy, as she waved her magic wand to bring Pinocchio to life and later she transformed him into a real boy.

 

And they hated the nasty Coachman and the conniving duo, SignoreVolpone (fox) and Signore Gatto (cat). 

 

My five (5) year old was sad to see Geppetto laments the lost of his puppet boy.  My son was so immersed in the play and was worried when Geppetto, while looking for Pinocchio, made his way through the audience and existed the scene using the Fire Exit.

 

He asked, "...Why is Geppetto looking for  Pinocchio inside the Fire Exit? What is Pinocchio doing in the Fire Exit?"

(oh so many questions) 

 

The play was crafted with the young audiences in mind. It invited sing-along and viewers' interaction. The props, setting and casts costume were colorful to hold the target viewers' attention.

 

The casts were equally enthralling.  They were very good, especially the lead character Pinocchio.  I was amazed to learn after, that Pinocchio is played by a real kid, who belts out songs and acts like a pro.   

 

 

The play was a success in teaching good values such as, obedience and love for study, but not over bearing (which was good).  

Highly recommended!

For a different kind of educational entertainment, please come and see  Pinocchio at the OnStage Theater, Greenbelt 1.

 

Pinocchio runs from August 16 to December 14. 

Tickets are available at TicketWorld.

 

BDJ Box ~ Let the Beauty Begin (June 2014)

I was a little overwhelmed with this month's BDJ content.  After the previous month's heavy and full packed box,  I was expecting full sized samples this time. 

 

What I got are tiny sample sized products of an apparently expensive brand.  I hate sampler sizes, too small to test if they actually works for you.

 

This month's BDJ tie up is with an international brand ~ Benefit Cosmetics.   

 

Benefit's packaging and branding is quite edgy and obviously aimed at sassy, yet adventurous babes. Gazing through an accompanying brochure sure was an eye candy.

 

Now if only they were full-sized.  

 

I have seen and read the good reviews of other BDJ box's subscribers on June's package and I am a little apprehensive on how to pull this review off. 

 

 

So what's inside?

 

Inside my package are seven (7) Benefit's products.

• Porefessional PRO Balm - 22ml costs P1600. The box has two (2) 3.0ml size balm.  This is supposed to help minimize pores and fine lines.  I have actually tested this one and it went straight to my cosmetic bag.  I love the fact that it is non greasy and leaves a silky finish.  Unfortunately I find it quite expensive, literally.

• Fake Up Concealer- 3.5g costs P1600.  The sample is 0.5g.  The product guide says it helps conceal dark circles in your eye area.  I haven't tried it yet.

• Big Easy- 35ml costs P2000.  The sample is 3.0ml.  It is a BB cream that moisturizes and controls oil on your skin.  I am a fan of BB creams and this one got me a little bit excited.  I already finished my sample, but I can't say if it worked or if it was any better than the existing brand I am using. 

• Stay Flawless - 15.5g costs P1900. This product acts as a primer that helps your foundation to stay on for up to 15 hours.  This is next on my trial list.  

• It's Potent - 14.2ml costs P1800.  Included in the box is a 3.0g sample. According to the product guide, this eye cream helps maintain and improve elasticity of the skin around your eyes.

• Lollitint - 12.5ml costs P1700.  The sample is 2.5ml. This is a lips and cheeks candy-orchid (it is actually a lot like pink when I applied it on) tint that can last from day to night.  I used it twice, but it leaves a bad on my lips, I so it went back inside the box.

• Benetint - 12.5ml costs P1700.  The sample is 2.5ml. This is also a lips and cheeks tint, but in rose  stain.  I really did not like the taste of the Lollitint and I am afraid this one tastes the same, so I haven't used it yet.  

Included in the box are two coupons: (1) a free makeupper and (2) a P300 brow wax service (with any product purchase).

 

 

VERDICT

I am not a fan of really expensive cosmetic brands, especially imported ones.  I often find US brands particularly quiet harsh on my skin and I sometimes doubt, if these were made for an Asian skin in mind. 

 

Having said that, however, for Benefit's Cosmetics, I could say the ones I have tested were gentle on my skin. But, due to the size of the samples, I can't really say if they worked well and if they were good enough to spend ludicrously amount of money on. 

 

I hope BDJ starts shipping full sized products for testing.  I feel, these tiny samples are so small and are just like freebies sales ladies handout to prospective customers.  

 

Sorry, but this month's BDJ was a let down.