Best of EWWM 2012

Cover art by Jelito De Leon

Ellie’s Wicked Wednesday Mixtape was a late music discovery for me. Maybe I listened to too much mainstream radio stations that I was not able to come across this. But anyway, I am glad I learned about it on the latter part of 2012.

Little did I know that Ellie Centeno, who for me is a music savior, is also a fellow Artlet. Had I known then I would have told her how I love her passion for music especially that her choice has a very wide variety and I, being in love with mainstream and indie could totally dig to the mixtapes even if I never heard most of the tracks before. Like I said, learning and discovering is fun. It would not hurt to know a new band or a new song. In fact, it is therapeutic for me. I get to widen my choices as well making me more in love with music.

I have yet to download previous EWWMs and since the segment (as of the moment) is not  being aired I could just follow EWWM which is now Ellie’s Wicked Weekend Mixtape online.

 So far, my favorite mixtape is the “Pity Party: Heartbreak Edition", it could be because it is timely or the tracks are just pleasing to my ears. Please don’t think of me as a masochist. In my defense, I just like the tracks on that mixtape. You might want to check out the preview here so you could get a chance to love it as well: Pity Party: Heartbreak Edition

To prove that listening and saving EWWM is worth it, here’s the list of the tracks from the BEST OF EWWM 2012:

Krispy Kreme celebrates 76 delightful years!

Krispy Kreme turns 76 today!

As a treat, they are selling 6 pieces of their signature original-glazed doughnuts for only PhP 76.00 (1 box). You just have to print or screen grab the voucher and show it via your phones/ tablets. Voucher can be downloaded here: Krispy Kreme Promo.  Details are already indicated on the voucher. You may download as many as you want.

Krispy Kreme Voucher

Each person could only avail maximum of two boxes. Promo runs from 7 A.M.-6 P.M. Hurry and brave the long lines, it's raining doughnuts today!

I already tried my luck today and bought a box for me and another for my office mate at Krispy Kreme, Ayala Branch.I actually didn't know this promo until this morning, I just learned it from my service-mate and since I am an early bird, why not try it?

This is what welcomed me when I entered their store!

Waiting area

People already surpassed the start of the line, that's how long the line is but it's nothing compared to J.Co

.'s line

.

I told you I didn't know about the promo. I went there with nothing. I just noticed the people got print-outs and I asked the lady behind me. She told me there needs to be a photo or a printed voucher. Good thing she was kind enough to lend me the voucher. I took a photo of it and showed it at the cashier. WE FIND WAYS.

Happy birthday, Krispy Kreme!

Look! Monsters University donuts spotted. It's Sulley and Mike Wazowski!

Thank you, Krispy Kreme! You made today special. <3>

Follow them on Instagram: @KrispyKremePh
Twitter: @hotlightgirl

*This is a free advertisement for Krispy Kreme by LadyLuckGazette

Friday Beauty Haul and Pumpkin Soup craving

This is the latest I can get.

Last Friday, I decided to finally buy the things I needed as of the moment, along with things I don't really need but found useful. I went beauty/hygiene shopping in Landmark, Watsons and SM Makati of course with a help of a special friend. I don't usually do this because I only purchase stuff one at a time depending on the need. That's how I tend to be practical, sometimes too much. The factor that I now earn money adds to my practice of practicality. It's a good practice though, but there need to be a right timing and right execution. You don't need to deprive yourself of the beauty of commercialism once in a while. Just don't be a shopaholic.

So far after this sort of retail therapy, I am satisfied. My latest beauty haul which consist the following:

Ladyluckgazette's beauty haul

1) Maybelline Baby Skin Pore Eraser- I always see this in the mall but I didn't know how it is being utilized. It's a good thing Youtube Guru Say Tioco Artillero introduced this to us during the make-up workshop (I have yet to blog). This can do wonders, I swear! If I have time I might review it. I would not buy this if it's not useful, remember, practicality. Available in department stores nationwide for PhP 299.00.

2) Nail Polish Remover- Also known as Acetone. I need this now because my nail polish are chipping off already. At PhP 15.00, this would last long for me since I rarely paint my nails.

3) Maybelline Clear Smooth All-in-one Shine-free Foundation- Another Maybelline product right here. I got this in "Honey shade" because that is the darkest shade they offer. My Maybelline press powder's swatch broke so I needed a new one. Since I attended a make-up workshop, I decided to switch to foundation because it's more lasting and appropriate as cover-up. Apparently, what I bought was only a refill. It has no mirror. I'm actually okay with it. It's more handy and less likely to break unlike the ones with mirror. I already forgot the price but it's ranging from 149-170. (If my memory serves me right.)

4) Tictac candy- I usually buy mints from either Double Mint or Tictac. I found Double Mint too strong and expensive though so I stuck with Tictac. I bought this since I'm already running out of candies. I'm not a fan of mentos except for the grape one because it's delicious.This costs PhP 25.00.

5) Foot treats Moisturizer Foot Spray- For hygienic purposes, my mom recently bought a foot powder. It's good because it leaves your feet dry and odorless. However, it leaves stain on the shoes, especially if it's dark colored. She told me she found foot spray and try it instead. So there you go, bought this one just to see if it works better. I got the grape seed flavor out of the four more scents. Available in department stores nationwide for PhP 99.00.

After shopping, it's already dinner time. Usually, I plan the place-to-eat ahead of time to avoid wasting time but there are days like this when I don't have the planned place in mind. Luckily though, I remembered the restaurant in Glorietta located beside Pancake House. I forgot its name then but I remembered they have the menu outside and a flashback of a photo of pumpkin soup appeared in my head. When asked where to eat for that night, I said the description, my companion agreed and so we looked for it.

While looking for the restaurant, there was an event on the ground floor. The singer Jeric Medina of X Factor Philippines was performing live for a certain brand of bike. I recently saw him at the Bloggers United 5 but didn't watch him live so I decided to join the crowd stopping by second floor to peak and listen to his performance. He sang two songs I forgot the first one already. I was also people-watching then and I suddenly saw the restaurant we were looking for, THE SPAGHETTI FACTORY.

Upon arrival, there was a long line so it's good that Jeric was performing because we can overhear his songs. He sang my favorite The Man Who Can't be Moved by The Script. I approached the manager to ask for the menu and see their price range. There were expensive meals but the price is good especially if you are sharing food. I guess. They were very accommodating and told us that we should just wait for they are cleaning our table.

We struggled on thinking of what to eat because I wanted salad but I was hungry during that time so I know I needed something heavier than veggies. So we settled and chose pizza instead of salad. Below are the photos of the foods we ordered and the rest of my SF experience:

Spaghetti Factory Menu

Spaghetti Factory in collage

For appetizer, Creme of Pumpkin Soup! (You should know by now that this is one of my favorite soups.)

Pizza Mixa (This gives us an option to pick two flavors, we chose Italian Sausage and BBQ Chicken. Go figure which is which.)

Vangelina's Spaeribs for main course. This is not for sharing actually but we opted to share because they had big servings anyway. You can choose from plain rice and risotto. Of course I chose, RISOTTO.Tastes really good!

This is the fat me enjoying pizza.

Overall, for an Italian restaurant Spaghetti Factory was good. The waiters and manager were accommodating and they serve fast (They have service charge by the way). The food was definitely delicious and worth the price. You will not find it hard to order because the menu already had recommendations indicated in it. Those with 'thumbs up' icon are their best-sellers. The table setting was good, only the place was not spacious. No wonder people fall in line for it. I will come back to try their pasta of course. My rating is 4/5. ****

We had to burn the calories after eating so we walked and I remembered that I have no video for the day yet. Good thing I spotted a piano near the exit area. I asked my companion to take a video of me seemingly playing the piano. Later on, I found out the display was real so I played my favorite piece in it: Ni Yao De Ai (The Love you Want) by Penny Tai as heard on Meteor Garden (Yes, I can play piano, just "can" would have to learn other pieces such as A thousand miles and A thousand Years)...

Caught playing piano :(

.....and then the guard heard me and reprimanded me. Talk about embarrassment. That was the end of my Friday night, shame.

Stay tuned for more of my throwback posts and reviews.

Shop, Watch and Help

If you have no plans yet for Saturday night, come and join GRRRL Scout Manila on Ukay Alalay happening this June 22, 5 P.M. at Route 196. 

Ukay Alalay is a project founded by Blogger/Celebrity, Saab Magalona in December 2011 to help raise funds for those who were affected by typhoon Sendong.

This time around she has partnered up with actress, Lauren Young to help Marra Sucgang and her mother raise money for Marra's radiation and her mother's operation. 

(Poster by Apol Sta. Maria)

Entrance is 200 PhP which includes one beer. Note that this is a CELEBRITY GARAGE SALE with BANDS PLAYING LIVE for a cause.

Not only you could enjoy shopping, listening and watching bands, you could also help. So call your friends now and book your Saturday for this shopping and music event. Who knows that Saturday spent with friends and family could mean a lot to someone else's life?

Check this Facebook event link for more details: GRRRL Scout Presents: Ukay Alalay for the benefit of Marra Sugcang
  
( This is a free advertisement for Saab Magalona and Lauren Young) 

-Ladyluckgazette

Re-introducing Ladyluck Gazette

If this blog had real life, it would have been in state of coma for the many months I've missed writing. It may not seem to be alive but it is well taken care of. It is resurrected from time to time though. I visit this almost daily, along side with all the projects I do. I always want to write but I ended up doing nada.

How do I get my writing mojo back? That was my questions for the many days I've been wanting to return to blogging and the many attempts to re-launch this blog but there were only ideas, ideas I can't seem to put into a written product. How do I get my writing mojo back, really? I have no answer yet. This is just another trial to write. I guess when you are working as a writer, writing for leisure seems difficult because you've been trained to write formally. Or was it just me? I don't know. 

Just recently, I talked to a friend who's also working as a writer. I told her what I've been up to and how I've been meaning to revamp this blog. She said that this is a good idea. I agreed and encouraged her in return. However, she told me that it doesn't work for her since she was already busy chasing deadlines, she tend to neglect writing for leisure. No time, and for her it is a different thing. I know it may sound ironic that we are writers yet we can't write but it is the way it is. Sometimes it's not just writer's block. Sometimes it is also the lack of practice. 

In my case, it is the lack of practice and time. It is hard to juggle work and leisure writing but whenever there's time I ended up staring at the blank draft post. There were too many ideas, determination and will but there's no action. So today, even if I know that this is not good of a post. I still tried. I am taking this as another jump-start. There will be many throwbacks so I could share the last two to three years I wasn't able to write.

Now while we're at it, let me re-introduce my lifestyle blog. Welcome to LadyluckGazette!

Many people who've been here asks why I named my blog ladyluckgazette. Before, it was named rrrkhryzette. That was my stickycap-Friendster days. I matured years later and renamed this as ladyluckgazette. Why? Just like in class there is an etymology. Ladyluck and gazette. Again ladies and gents, my name is Rosette so I have to choose a name that would somehow relate to mine. I thought something rhyming would do and it did. I chose the word gazette because not only does it rhyme, it also correlates to blogging. Gazette is a noun also considered to be a newspaper or a daily. I thought that was very fitting for this blog serves the same purpose to deliver news about my life and adventures. Now for ladyluck, I chose it because I consider myself lucky. When I combined both words, it sounded good to me so I've decided this would be my permanent blog url's name.

Meanwhile, I tagged my blog 'Euphoric Thoughts Ensemble' because I wish to write happy things thus, euphoria and ensemble. Together, I found them beautiful of a phrase so from then I have been using it.

There's nothing deep to the origin of this blog. I just don't want it to be common sounding and I wanted it to fit to my personality as this is my online world. Enjoy reading, you.

Heartless 2012

This is the first time I did not write the traditional New Year's Eve post.

This is the first time I am writing with so much hate and pain on a new year's day. What do they say? There are always first times. (Don't you worry, I will not make you feel like I'm hating because that is an emotional thing going on in my head)

Year 2012 had been one of the toughest I've gone through. It was heartless but also rewarding. In all fairness to it it was a fun-filled year with memories I will still cherish and am grateful for. However, it was bittersweet. There were memories I wish I could really forget. It happens. There were mistakes that could not be undone but there were always lessons gained. Instead of sighing, I could only turn these into positivism by being thankful. Good or bad, THANK YOU, 2012. 

There were several first times in 2012. First time to travel with cousins from mother side outside the country, first time to get so drunk, first time to watch a gig, first time to go to places I did not know (alone), first time to have job interviews, first time to have a work, first time to receive salary, first time to attend a Halloween house party, first time to have sleep overs on cities apart my hometown, first time to perform a solo act (for work Christmas party), first time to miss Paskuhan, first time to have a Company Christmas party... the list goes on. Those were the things I will look back for. And for that I could say 2012 is a year of first times. Who knows what 2013 might turn out to be? I am only excited for the surprises it will bring since 2012 had been really surprising too.

I am thankful for a lot of things: the books I've read, the new people I've met, the people who stuck with me on difficult and happy times, the food I ate (hence a fatter Rosette), entertainment, surprises, Neo-centennial night, thesis defense, Baccalaureate mass, College graduation (I have yet to blog), love which/who made and broke my 2012, friends, family, relatives, concerts, fashion week, events, interviews, work, money, good health, movies I've watched, songs I listened to, BBM, YahooMessenger, Facebook, Globe, interwebs, camera, photographs, gifts, travels, coffee/shopping/lunch/dinner/movie dates, prizes, places visited, TV shows, truth, survival, UST, sleep, rest days, birthday, jokes, stories, hugs, kisses, meaningful and sincere conversations, ideas and all the experiences in between. You can see that my thoughts are unorganized because this is the only time I was able to blog again. A year ago I dreamt of having a project 365 but for the lack of collaboration and time I failed  to do so but here I am blogging. Good start eh? I still owe you stories from 2011 and 2012. I will write about them but for now this blog post will serve as my summary for the year that was. 

I will surely miss 2012 because of school but I can only reminisce the moments with a smile.

I am thankful for all that was. I am proud that despite the tears shed I have remained strong and that I even surpassed the Mayan apocalypse. If you are reading this, congratulations, you also made it! Congratulating one's self by the end of the year should be an annual ritual because you are brave enough to last and surpass 365 days even when I know there were times you thought of giving up. 

There are no expectations for 2013. I could only hope that life would be kind enough and that it will be pain and worry-free. There is only looking forward for all that will be. Ladies and gentlemen, we've reached my birthday month again. Happy New Year! Cheers to continuum! Of life and love, of family and friends, of travels, dreams, career and happy thoughts. May we have a glorious year ahead!

This is my first photo for 2013. I am with our dog Aski. Free hugs from us!

The day I missed Bruno Mars and "working"

Late March of 2011, I had my internship on ABS-CBN Foundation. I was assigned to the PSG department with my classmate Bianca and this is the time when we almost met Bruno Mars, but let's get to that later.

Brief description of our tasks for OJT:
Write scripts for Bantay Bata 163. Transcribe and code interviews. Do voice-overs to be aired on ANC. Dubbing. Inventory of video tapes. Ingesting videos to be aired. Join and assist on shoot, etc.

I've learned a lot from those tasks plus I got to meet a lot of people who were able to teach me. I also made friends with them and the other trainees. I feel like even for a short stay I got the taste of how working on Television industry works. It was an unforgettable learning experience.

Here's a view of our workplace with the people behind the camera:

(Dubbing room)

(Rosette at the office doing VOs, writing and dubbing)

(When we joined a shoot with Ms. Tina Monzon-Palma, no less)

(Keep track)

Now let's get to the Bruno Mars, part of the story. Colleagues were exchanging jokes about Bruno Mars visiting the office. I took it seriously. I don't know, maybe I got a hint that it may be true. Woman's instinct maybe? It is.

It was supposed to be our last week when we saw AF's calendar of activities. Right before our eyes was a reminder that Bruno Mars will visit AF. Was it really a big deal though? For a music junkie like me who's a sucker for celebrities, it is. Who will want to miss it when it's an opportunity coming closer to you? So we've decided (Bianca and I) to go to AF even if we have a clearance to attend to in school. We promised to ourselves that we should make it to this day.

April 8. We hurried our lunch and went straight to the office. Once we arrived, securities were all over the place we were ecstatic, there was even a red carpet at the ground floor of the office. It is really happening. In a few minutes we'll get to see  Bruno Mars. I was all ready. I prepared my camera and phone in case of a paparazzi tendency at the spur of the moment. We're all ears to the doors, if there would  be screams or camera snaps (which they said aren't allowed by the securities.) Eyes on the windows to see if his car has arrived until we were asked to transcribe some videos on a closed room. I thought we weren't allowed to go out so we just waited if they'd call us in case he was there, but no. It didn't happen. We just  continued our work. Then we heard some squealing. Right, they've already seen them, too late for us. He's already upstairs, about to perform to the children from Children's village.

Few minutes later, someone entered the room and told us they saw Bruno. How giddy they were. They were even showing videos and photos of him. I tell you it was heartbreaking in hyperbole because we were just there. They should have called us. However, they told us that we could have another chance to see him after he perform for he'll pass by our floor again. They said we should just wait. So we waited again, but later on I was asked to deliver some tapes at the Sagip Kapamilya office. I hurried to the elevator so that I could still have the chance. Inside the elevator was a middle-aged woman with a seemingly Press ID/ Bruno Mars pass ID. I smiled at her. Left the elevator ran to the office and went back to the elevator.

When I came back to our department, everyone was giddy again. Apparently, Bruno Mars already passed again. Had I not hurried I would have seen him inside that elevator. Oh chances, sometimes they're just too elusive. Turns out, the woman on the elevator was one of the organizers/ handler of Bruno Mars. I didn't know. Or maybe, seeing Bruno Mars wasn't just meant to be. Well, at least I'm almost there. Only,I didn't get there. Almost but not quite.

Later on, we were asked to return the technical equipment used during Bruno Mars' performance. I got the chance to hold on his microphone. It was a privilege like I was holding a sacred object. It may be overacting but when you're always there but not quite, you just feel happy and disappointed at the same time. Still thankful there were a lot of "at leasts" and "almosts".

Maybe there will be a next time. Let's wait and see.

(Memoirs of what-could-have-been)