Who says one needs to go outside of the Metro just to get that "Spanish Colonial Period" feel? Mj

Today, after doing some shoe business errands, Nikko and I went around Marikina City to explore the shoe capital of the Philippines. We initially wanted to visit the Shoe Museum but it was already closed when we got there. Thus, we ended up visiting the Our Lady of the Abandoned Church and having dinner at the Cafe Kapitan, along J. P. Rizal Avenue, Marikina City.

The majestic Our Lady of the Abandoned Church is where Nikko hears mass every Sunday. It is currently undergoing renovation.

Cafe Kapitan is located inside this 200+ year old ancestral house of Kapitan Moy Guevara, the father of Philippine shoe industry. In fact, the first pair of shoes in the Philippines is said to have been made inside this building. The building now houses different restaurants and an events venue/reception hall.

That Spanish Colonial Period feel.

Blue Marlin in Lemon Butter Sauce

Tenderloin Tips

And of course, we got some snapshots of shoe stuff around the area.

Can't wait to go back!

I'm back!

After more than a year of hiatus, I'm going back to telling my story. To friends and happy readers, enjoy! To haters, go ahead and envy! :)

Galaxy

Galaxy printed designs are love. I had my shoemaker make these Galaxy-inspired, black-glittered Heelless Wedges for me to complement the skirt. And I chose a black top so my red ombre hair would be highlighted.

These pictures were taken during the Superb Bazaar at the World Trade Center. Thank you, Nikko for taking them. :)

Skirt - Strings Manila ; Shoes - Sophisticat Shoes ; Bag - Prada

 

Get them now! :)

Colorful

Hello! Sorry haven't blogged in a while. I had been really busy with school and Sophisticat Shoes.

I got this top from With Love Clothing during the Superb Bazaar last Oct. 19 to 21. The owners are lovely and are very meticulous in creating their bustier tops, which are made of really good fabric. I especially chose this print so I could match it with my new creation for the Sophisticat Shoe Line: Laureen Cut-Out Heels.
 

Dainty

I love dressing up as the girly girl that I am for school. When I saw this blue green dress in Forever 21, I knew I had to have it. Even though the top part is actually sheer and it didn't come with any bandeau, I knew I could find something in my closet that would go with it and that it would still be perfect for school. It matched well with my pink shoes and accessories and one my favorite bags.

Also wore this to a meeting with my cousin Gabby and her girlfriend, Cristina Decena. They interviewed me for a school project in De La Salle University about our shoe line, Sophisticat Shoes. It feels good to get interviewed 'cause I feel like I get to inspire some people to do all the things they want at the same time.

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Dress - Forever 21; Shoes - Sophisticat Shoes; Bag - Prada (gift from Daddy); Accessories - from my shopping spree with Nikko at that shop near their place.

Photos taken by: Nikko

African Fire

I'm loving this Safari-themed mullet dress that I got over the summer at a shop in Greenhills Theatre Mall. It suits my red hair perfectly.

The photos are taken in between classes at the Ateneo Law School. They are taken by my friend, Hannah Ang. Thank God for friends, who never get tired of my vanity!

Dress - Greenhills Theatre Mall; Shoes - Betsey Johnson; Belt - some bazaar; Necklace and Bangles - from my shopping spree with Nikko.

Sorry if I look kind of angry. The sun was really hard to avoid.

I can't believe I just discovered this area for outfit photos!

And yes, we just had to take a photo of the hair again. :)

Corregidor

Yesterday was my third time in Corregidor. (First was in 2005 with my family, and the second was in 2010 with Nikko -- shall post photos from these trips soon) Nonetheless, I still had a great time exploring the historical tadpole-shaped island. Corregidor day tours is one of the most fun, organized and interesting day trips I have ever experienced. You will certainly get great value for your money. I highly recommend it to families, couples and friends, who want to see extraordinary views and have a great learning experience about Philippine history and World War II.

Here are some photos:

Top - Paperdolls (Gift from Nikko); Shorts - Bazaar; Shoes - Steve Madden

With Kuya Louie

Dad and Kuya Louie (my uncle)

Mom and Dad

Dip-dyed

Mile-long Barracks

Sorry for the vain photos, I just love my ombre hair!

With Dad and Mom

Pacific War Memorial

The Lighthouse

Dad had this photo requested 'cause this is where Douglas McArthur left for Australia

Our tramvia

Inside the Malinta Tunnel. The Lights and Shounds Show at the Malinta Tunnel was a great one-of-a-kind experience. One will learn a lot from it and being inside the Malinta Tunnel itself during the show is just cool.

So for some reason, I like this photo.

Corregidor Day Tours
c/o Sun Cruises
http://www.corregidorphilippines.com