VOV in SM Makati!

Yesterday I was searching in the net for the VOV products that I will be asking a friend to buy in her trip to Korea. I don't know why but VOV is no longer available in the local department stores. In a TV raket way back 2007, I was introduced into using VOV make-up, it is used by a lot of celebrities and professional make-up artists. A Korean product that I loved ever since. It has a very effective coverage for me. Surprisingly, I have read a blog saying that VOV is now available in SM Makati!

Today I went to SM Makati, hopeful of my search. So excited to enter the mall. An laki ng ngiti ko when I saw the VOV stall! Yey!!!

To my dismay, the stall was in random mess.

Blush on and eye shadows mixed up. A clutter of empty make-up boxes. I asked around to help me find the product I'm looking for, but I was told that there's no saleslady assigned for the VOV stall! What??? The saleslady nearby discouraged me to buy. She told me that all the products on display were the only products left. E puro testers lang nasa display! Malapit na din daw ito i-pull out. Plenty make-up artists of the celebrities went there and were also disappointed. She then introduced me to her make-up brand stall instead. Kaloka ka 'te. Galing mo dumiskarte. Isumbong kaya kita?

I'm almost pissed off. Finally, meron nag-assist na branch manager. She then opened the cabinet of the display counter and gave me new items on stock. Although some of the make-up I was looking for was not there (VOV Two way Cake in Dark Beige and Real Fit V-Line Two way Cake in Skin Beige), I just content myself with what is available.

I am happy with the Baby Cheek in Baby Pink color for my daughter. The powder design almost looks like Hello Kitty.

I have a mixed feeling with the Pressed Powder. I didn't see it in the VOV website. And I'm used to the Korean characters at the back. Hindi naman siguro (sana) ito fake noh? Nevertheless, the shade is perfect for me and it has the signature scent of VOV. Hmmmmmmm :)

Now, I'm looking forward for my friend's trip to Korea :)

D.E.A.R. Time: Drop Everything And Read Time

I was asked to do storytelling for kids at SM City Sta. Rosa, Laguna yesterday in celebration of National Children's Book Reading Day.

Now on its third year of committed service in promoting an environment of continuous learning and values education, the event was highlighted by a book reading of Dr. Jose Rizal’s "Ang Pagong at ang Matsing" in commemoration of the national hero’s 150th birth anniversary. The program was held at the Event Centre, 10AM. SM also donated books to the Sta. Rosa City Special School as part of SM Foundation’s Donate-a-Book program. The event was held in partnership with the Department of Education, the National Book Development Board, Vibal Publishing, BDO Foundation, SM Foundation and Inquirer Read-Along.

Susan, one of the storytellers

me :)

Reading the all time favorite fable of Dr. Jose Rizal’s “Ang Pagong at Ang Matsing” was truly a great honor for me.

an excerpt from the story book

I have prepared myself for the exciting challenge, since my last stint of storytelling was during the launch of Bear Brand at Glorietta, Makati last 2008. Let me share you the things I have listed:

Provide humor
Clarify and illustrate meaning
Make points memorable
Identify with the particular audience
Persuade the audience to their point of view
Encourage thinking
Inspire people to act
Build a shared vision
Relieve tension
Raise the energy level of the group

Fortunately, my audience was very cooperative and actively participated during the storytelling session. No problem. There were almost 70 students of Grades 3 and 4 levels from public elementary schools of Sta. Rosa, Laguna. As the DepEd representative encouraged the students, to have D.E.A.R time everyday - "Drop Everything And Read time", it was truly an inspiring event for the participants and for us storytellers as well. SM City Sta. Rosa, through SM Cares Committee on Youth and Children’s Welfare, simultaneously held the event with 40 other SM malls in the Philippines, as well as in China (SM Xiamen, SM Chengdu and SM Jinjiang) with their chosen celebrity storytellers. :)

Thanks to Ms. Pam Baun, SM Public Relations Officer; Ms. Armind Cajala, SM Marketing Manager and Mr. Dominador Caringal Jr, SM Mall Manager for the opportunity.