Curtain Call
After five amazing years on PaintersWife.Com, I now write my last and final entry.
My journey on this website has been nothing but awesome. My growth as a mother and a person in the last five years is chronicled on these pages, and I will always refer to them whenever I’m feeling nostalgic. Basti grew up here as well. This space will always be special to me.
To all my readers who were with me from the beginning and even way before The Painter’s Wife, a heartfelt thank you. We’ve shared many things together.
To new readers who I have only recently reading my site, I hope you can follow me to the new one. I promise it will be worth the ride.
To the brands and companies who have been so supportive of painterswife.com in the last years, I am truly grateful.
To my fellow bloggers, especially the SoMoms, your support, love and friendship kept this relevant, special and meaningful. I love you all.
So are you ready for this?
MoMaMa.Me is coming to you live on Monday! I’m excited to go on this new journey with all of you.
This is The Painter’s Wife. Signing out. See you on the other side.
Makeup Artist, Me
If you’ve been reading this blog for a while, you might remember that I took a professional makeup course a while back. Since then, I’ve been steadily trying to find my place in the world of makeup artistry, and I’d like to share my journey with you guys so far.
I spent some time backstage doing makeup for my home theater’s first Meralco production in a while, Trumpets’ The Bluebird of Happiness. It’s been some time since I’ve connected with my fellow Trumpeteers since I took a step back from the theater world several years ago. It was nice to reconnect with some of them on a different platform.
After that, it was straight on to the hair design team of 9 Works Theatrical’s Grease. I didn’t do makeup for this production. Instead I spent a lot of time with combs, hairpins, foam, gel and lots and lots and LOTS of hairspray. It was such a fun production, a fun cast and I really learned a lot about handling hair. Hairstyling is the bane of my makeup artist existence. It’s so much different from makeup. If makeup were painting, then hairstyling is sculpture. It’s fascinating, really, but oh so challenging!
I’ve had a few makeup gigs here and there. Some were true blue clients, some were friends, some, family. Weddings, debuts, graduation parties – your usual special days. There was also the occasional photo shoot, which are always fun!
I also do personal makeup classes. A teacher will never stop being a teacher so it seems. Even though I’ve stopped teaching little kids, it’s the women and their deer-in-the-headlights expressions when it comes to handling makeup that has my heart these days. I LOVE teaching personal makeup classes. It’s my favorite part of my journey as an MUA. Apart from the technique or being able to do your own makeup, for me, it’s about empowerment and being able to groom yourself with #confidenceandconviction (TM). #signaturephrase
While I love teaching all ages and all kinds of people from all walks of life, it’s my fellow moms that I connect with the most. As a mom who’s been there and been that (ika nga ni Ate Vi), I know how it feels to want to rise from the dirty dishes and diapers, and remember, feel like, and actually be the woman that is struggling to fight and rise from the fatigue that comes with motherhood. No more losyang! Let’s do this, ladies!
One of the classes I enjoyed a lot was a session with the #SoMoms. Casa Marcos was ever so kind to be a venue and food sponsor and all the SoMoms walked away with treats from K-Palette and Cure. Thank you so much for the support! The class ended with Jenny wanting to know more about doing her brows. #dropmicmoment
Priscilla Manila wrapped up a few months ago. Just recently, #TeamMyrene was the hair and makeup team for Noli Me Tangere at Resorts World. It made me want to read the book all over again. It’s just my second opera to work on (the first being Rigoletto at the CCP for a couple of shows), and it’s always nice to divert from working with musical theater. Opera is something I’ve always wanted to understand better and working with these amazing artists have really opened my heart to it a bit more.
This weekend is the last run of Atlantis Production’s run of Shrek the Musical, and I’m glad I was able to catch a couple of weeks as part of the MAC makeup team. I wish I could show you guys the pictures! It’s such a fun production to work on.
I feel so grateful for all the opportunities that have been given me. I am so thirsty to learn more about makeup artistry, work with more people, more production, more products… I just want MORE MORE MORE!!!!
Breathe.
So (ehem ehem) I would like to announce that I have an FB page up – http://www.facebook.com/MakeupWithEliza, and if you would like to receive updates, view my work or even book me (!!!) for a class or have your makeup done, please do send me a message and let’s talk! I would love to do makeup with you.
Pole Dance Fitness is Ouch (and Love)
Whatever your notions of Pole Dance Fitness are (it’s sexy, it’s daring, I could never do that, etcetera, etcetera), throw it out the window. RIGHT NOW.
I’ve long wanted to try pole fitness. It looked like a hell lot of fun, but I had all sorts of excuses that kept me from trying it. Basti was still too alagain, I was too busy, I need to get more fit, I need to lose weight for it because I was too fat to wear short shorts. Of all the reasons, being too heavy was the most compelling one for me. My sense of insecurity from the pounds I’ve gained from pregnancy and motherhood is a heavy weight on my shoulders, yet I could never find a workout or a routine that inspired me. Yes, I’m that kind of person. I can’t just bank on discipline and a picture of my former fit self to get me going.
I first met Ciara when I was working as part of the hair team for 9Works Theatrical’s Grease, and it was then that I promised her I would try it out. Someday. A very non-committal “someday.” Months later, I have yet to show my face at her pole dance classes yet the thought was very much poking at the back of my consciousness.
And then I saw this video:
And the last bit of the brick wall caved in. As serendipity would have it, my friend Myrene invited me to join her pole class for a trial. Fate was pushing me to the pole!
After my first pole class with Ciara and Myrene. I was hooked after one session!
From that first class, I started taking pole fitness classes twice a week. Every week, I feel myself getting stronger, getting more flexible, gaining more confidence and getting more comfortable on the pole. Not to mention getting used to the pain, the pole burns and the bruises. Ouch. It’s all part of the process. I think I’m losing weight, but I’m having way too much fun to check as of the moment.
And so, along with a few mommy friends of mine, we now have a regular group of pole fitness fanatics. Not happy with the not-mommy-friendly schedules of the different pole classes in the metro, I dragged a handful of friends to form our own group so we can take classes at our convenience. This beast is our teacher.
Teacher Jen, just hanging out on the pole like nobody’s business.
Nothing’s more fun than getting back to shape with your trusted friends in an encouraging environment.
Pageant pose, sige na. With my pole classmates, Daniela, Paola, Chinky, Joyce and Teacher Jen. Yes, I hid behind her.
So from my first day when I couldn’t even lift my legs up while holding the pole, I can now do this:
And if I can do it, so can you.
Looking to trying out pole fitness to get yourself back to shape? Check out these places:
Polecats – at Strata 100
Stardanz Fitness Studio – GF, Landsdale Tower, 86 Mother Ignacia St., Brgy. Paligsahan, Quezon City; 0917 408 7170
One Day of Magic with K-Palette
Receiving an invitation from K-Palette Philippines is always something that gets me all excited. Aside from the wonderful events that Beautybox Corp. always holds, we always get first dibs on the new stuff that K-Palette has to offer.
I’m a huge fan of K-Palette, something I’ve written about before. So on a rainy holiday afternoon, I went to the K-Palette 1-Day Magic event with Basti in tow. (No babysitter, sorry na)
Top: The K-Palette 1 Day Magic product display; Catching up with Kris of OCMomInManila.com and our lovely host, Karrots Nazareno; special guests from K-Palette Japan. Bottom: Cheryl of K-Palette Philippines (Beautybox Corp.); a demo with the cutest Japanese MUA; my seatmates – Jackie of Go Jackie Go! and Michelle of My Mom Friday.
As much as the event was so much fun (and lovely, if I may add), I am going to zero in on the new stuff from K-Palette, because that’s what y’all are excited to see.
This series is called the 1 Day Magic Collection (as opposed to the 1-Day Tattoo collection, something we all know and love) and is comprised of four new products for our everyday beautification.
First off – The 1 Day Magic Liquid Eyeliner.
K-Palette also has a product called the 1-Day Tattoo Real Lasting Eyeliner.
1-Day Magic boasts of the same 24-hour lasting power and smudge free formula. The main difference is the brush.
While the 1-Day Tattoo eyeliner pen is a thin brush, the 1-Day Magic eyeliner pen has a flatter brush, allowing you to cover more ground if you want a thicker line, yet topped with a fine tip for the tip of your winged eye looks. Awesome! (Plus it’s pink. Cute!)
Second – the 1-Day Magic Eyeglue Liquid.
It’s what we all know as eyelid glue and is used to cheat an eyefold for those with monolids. I have a secret – I actually use this because I have a slight hood on the corners of my eyes. On my previous post about K-Palette, I used eyelid glue to lift up my eyelid and open my eyes a little more. Now if you believe Michelle Phan and her testimonial about how eyelid glue can permanently even out your eyelids, you should give the 1-Day Magic Eyeglue Liquid a try. PLUS: You can actually use Eyeglue Liquid as an adhesive for false lashes! It’s waterproof, and fast-drying.
Third – The 1-Day Magic 3D Palette.
Finally, K-Palette came out with an contour, highlighter and blush palette. It’s so cute.
The blush is pink and orange, the highlighter has little bits of shimmer in it, and the contour is a nice even versatile color. It comes with this tiny brush that I have yet to see if I can actually use because I carry a powder brush with me all the time.
While I don’t see this palette as part of my pro kit, I can definitely see it in my everyday makeup kit. It’s small enough for touchups, yet has everything I need for a quick on-the-go-spontaneous-lunch-with-important-people polishing up.
The last product on the 1-Day Magic series is the 1-Day Magic Fiber Mascara. I saved the most interesting for last.
It’s a double ended, with one side consisting of a waterproof, smudge-proof, lasting-curl mascara, and the other side, a formula made up of fibers.
So you put on a coat of the mascara as a “primer”, coat it with the fibers, then put another coat of the mascara.
Voila. Falsie-like lashes. Laveeet. It’s a little difficult to take off though, so make sure you have an oil-based makeup remover handy to take it all off.
Overall, the 1-Day Magic line of products is a good collection for the everyday makeup enthusiast. The products are easy to use and the long-wearing formula makes it perfect for those who are busy and on-the-go. Awesome, especially for busy busy moms like you and me!
Thank you for the wonderful time, the wonderful food and the awesome products, K-Palette! It’s always a pleasure.
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The K-Palette 1-Day Magic series is available in all Beauty Bar outlets.
1-Day Magic Liquid Eyeliner, PhP695
1-Day Magic Magic Fiber Mascara, PhP895
1-Day Magic 3D Palette, PhP895
1-Day Magic Eyelid Glue, PhP650
Shakin’ My Groove Thing at Priscilla Manila
I posted a status message a few weeks back on Facebook. It’s something Basti said:
“I don’t love mama anymore. I will live with lola na. Lola is my new mama. Mama, you go to work na lang.”
Awwwwwww right?
Well it’s because I have been engulfed, encompassed and enamored by the stage spectacular that is Priscilla Queen of the Desert at Resorts World Manila. Since the last week of April, my life has been all about this musical. Well, the hair and makeup of it all, that is. My friend Myrene is the heart and soul behind the hair and makeup design, and I took on the challenge of being her assistant for the production. It was a good time to dust off my production manager skills from the baul and put it to good use. If you must know, the wig changes for Priscilla are, for lack of a better word, NAKAKALOKA.
It’s a good stint for me. I love learning about hair and wig design and management. Hair styling is not one of strong points or my passions, and building this skill is something I’ve been wanting to do. Myrene’s team is composed of some people who have mad hairstyling skills. She chooses her people well. They are a fun, kooky bunch and it’s pure joy to be working alongside them. Along with the hair team, I am privileged to be working with my favorite makeup brand, MAC, as a guest artist for the makeup of Priscilla. It’s one of the best parts of working for Priscilla Manila, really, getting to know the other MAC affiliate and guest artists. Such wonderful people. The slots are rotated for each show, and it’s nice to see different people coming in for makeup duty.
Putting on makeup for Red Concepcion; some of the MAC makeup artists for Priscilla Manila; the hair team out for a meal; my workstation.
I had to attend a workshop on drag makeup (kung saan pinagpawisan ako ng malamig) and learn about the differences between the features of men and women, and the technique on how to make a man look more like a woman. Fascinating stuff. I’ve had a couple of opportunities to do the drag makeup for OJ Mariano and Jon Santos for the show. It still needs work, but I think I’m getting there!
I hardly get the chance to put makeup on boys, so this is a great opportunity to hone that. I love doing Red’s makeup most of all.
Victor Sy; Thou Reyes; Red Concepcion
My main drag (pardon the pun) is assisting with the changes for hair and makeup backstage. It’s a whirl of activity for me and the other four people on board for each show. In Act 1, I’m mostly with Red Concepcion’s character, Adam/Felicia, and some of his costume and wig changes are lightning fast. We’re talking 30 seconds to change into a whole different outfit from head to toe. Even with the frenzy of activity on and off-stage, it’s all done in good spirits, lots of camaraderie and…. lots of selfies. Har har.
It’s tedious, tiring and it takes its toll, not just on me, but on Basti as well. I feel bad that I have to leave him to the care of my mom and dad every weekend when I’m off to work. Grandparents are the best. I don’t know how I could do this without them!!! As bad as I feel, I am never apologetic, though. I want him to see me work and value work, and not to see it as something to be despised or forced upon someone. Most of all, I want him to see how good it is to be passionate about what you do. My little boy will be a hardworking man someday. I think it’s working. He doesn’t pout anymore when I say I’m off to work again. He now says that maybe he will wear all black too, go to work with mama and help me put on the makeup on the people. Hahaha!
It is theater, and that has always been and always will be fuel that gives life to my spirit. One weekend, it so happened that my acting teacher, Ana Valdes-Lim, came to see the show and visited backstage. She saw me, and said, “Oh you’re here! Are you performing?” And I was like, “I do hair and makeup.” And she said…. “You HAVE to perform.”
Sniff. Maybe one day, someday, I will again. But right now I know I’m where I should be at this point in time. I believe that striving to be a better person makes you a better parent, and that we shouldn’t give up certain aspects of our life for the sake of our children. “Give up” is not the term. “Reinvention” is more apt.
I found my reinvention in doing makeup. Though some people may see it as frivolous, I have seen how makeup can transform and empower. That’s for a totally different blogpost though.
So, everyone – watch Priscilla Queen of the Desert!!! It’s running at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Resorts World until July 13. If you do watch, do give me a shoutout! Tag me on Instagram at @painterswifeph. I’d love to see how your own Priscilla experience went. Enjoy the show!!!!
Can you guys believe this heat?????? Yesterday, Basti and I took 4 baths I think. It’s become necessary to jump in the shower to cool off if you spent some time outdoors.
The people over at Lactacyd were ever so nice to send this pack of stuff for me and Basti.
And I am especially grateful for the Lactacyd Toddlertubs Toddler Wash. Basti’s at that age when he’s beginning to smell like a tincan after spending some time playing outdoors.
I’m sure some of you used Lactacyd Baby Bath for your kids. If they’re 12 months and above, you should try the Toddlertubs already. It has better protection for our active kids, more moisturizers to keep them protected and lock freshness in. It’s hypoallergenic too! Perfect for these summer days!
Thanks to Lactacyd, three readers will get this same gift pack that includes:
- one each of the Lactacyd Toddlertubs Toddler Wash variants (Bubbles – baby fresh scent, and Splash – fruity scent. Both smell good. Not overpowering at all)
- Lactacyd Baby Bath (for babies below 12 months)
- Lactacyd White Intimate Feminine Wash (something for mommy too!)
- Lactacyd Feminine Wash
It’s easy! Join via Rafflecopter below. If you don’t see the widget, reload your page. You can also just click on the link to go to the Rafflecopter page to join.
The giveaway will be open until May 28, 2014, 11:59pm. Good luck!
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“Mama let’s take a bath again!” You just did, Basti. Hay!
Like Lactacyd’s Mums and Tubs Club on Facebook! – https://www.facebook.com/mumsandtubs
Follow them on Twitter: @mumsandtubsclub
Limbo
I haven’t written much lately. More of I haven’t written at all. These days I feel like I’m on a state of suspended animation. Morning comes, I wake up, make my coffee, check my email, check my pages, get ready, do what it is I have to do for the day and go home. Blah blah blah. No matter how my afternoon went, how exciting and fun it was, my day just ends grey, dreary and flat. Why? Basti is on vacation. 😦
He’s been gone in the last two weeks, visiting the Cebu relatives in their little corner of Eastern Cebu. He’s having the time of his life. I’ve called his vacation the “Tunay Na Lalake” vacation because he’s been doing all sorts of things he can never do here in the city.
He’s feeding goats and chickens, washing the car, fetching water at the water pump, taking walks by the river and the sea, and sleeping in a nipa hut. He’s also got more cousins than he can count (because he can only count up to twenty right now) so everyday is a party.
While I’ve been enjoying my Me Time, I’m also missing him terribly. He doesn’t come back for a few days and honestly, I’ve had enough Me Time, I want my little bugger back. This house is just too empty without him.
Before Basti left, I had all sorts of stuff lined up. I was going to organize, and top of the list, I was going to blog. Sometime in the last few months, I lost my blogging mojo and my blogging voice, and I’ve been struggling to find it again. I thought I would find it while Basti is gone. I thought I would have the time and the silence to really give the blog some thought and think about what it was then, what it is now and where I want it to go. I am not succeeding.
What I do know is that with Basti gone, a part of me left with him. What I did realize that finding my voice will always and forever include his. That is the mother I am, and Basti’s presence in my life is part of what defines me. I didn’t know it, but my blogging mojo never left. My blogging mojo was always there. Basti is my blogging mojo. And it took a vacation to make me realize that.
The Painter’s Wife is on its last legs. We’ve had a good run, this blog and I. But it’s time to move on. I do have a new website in the works. I’ll announce it soon, and hopefully I’ll have lots of stuff to share to celebrate its launch.
Do any of you want to guess what it’s going to be like?
No Hope Lost: Vaccination Awareness by GSK
Before anything, I’d like to put my stand on vaccinations out there. I believe in vaccination. I believe the real benefits of vaccination outweigh the alleged risks. Basti is vaccinated completely from birth till boosters. His doctor was an emergency room pediatric doctor and her experience was key in making the decision to fully vaccinate on schedule. Between the alleged risks of vaccination and the risk of seeing Basti sick with pneumonia, rotavirus, measles and all the other diseases, I chose the path that feels safer to me.
Having said that, I was quick to say yes to attend an event hosted by GSK called #NoHopeLost, an awareness campaign on vaccination, most particularly those for pneumonia and diarrhea.
Hosted by Ria Tanjuatco-Trillo, the event also had Barbie Almabis-Honasan as a guest to recount her motherhood experiences.
All of us there could relate how difficult it is to have a sick child. Dr. Gatchalian then came on board for a presentation. Here are the points that remained with me:
- Pneumonia and diarrhea are the top 2 killers of children less than 5 years of age in the country.
- The rotavirus is a “democratic virus.” It doesn’t pick a time or a place. It’s the reason why rotavirus rates are the same anywhere, whether you live in a first-world country or a third-world country. Even if you say you live in a “clean” environment, the rotavirus can still thrive.
- The rotavirus can stay on a surface for several days, and for hours on your skin, even with handwashing.
- Prevention is the best way to protect our children from these two illnesses. The toll it takes on our children is a path I never want me or Basti to take as much as possible.
Most people think since these two vaccines are not part of the Expanded Program on Immunization for the government that they are optional. The government has already acknowledged the need for these two diseases to be prevented and are slowly introducing the PCV and Rotavirus vaccines to the public, starting with 700,000 units in the CARAGA region. Soon, the vaccines will be available nationwide.
The #SoMoms who took part in the event all put our pics to commit to the #NoHopeLost campaign.
The “No Hope Lost” campaign is initiated by Glaxo Smith Kline to support the WHO, UNICEF and the government’s efforts to reduce the incidents of pneumonia and diarrhea among Filipino children.
Lunch with Cycles Sensitive {Giveaway Alert!}
Cycles has long been popular in the mommy circles as a gentle but effective detergent for our kids. It’s high up on the list of the modern cloth diaper addicts users and has a strong following and wonderful feedback from lots of moms. I myself learned about Cycles years and years ago, way before I even had Basti!
When the invitation for Cycles Sensitive came, I was quite excited. I have a history with Cycles that goes as far back as college (the people behind it are friends from school) and I felt very proud of what Cycles has accomplished. Knowing the good people behind the brand makes me just a bit prouder. (Clap, clap!)
So what is Cycles Sensitive? It is a line of skincare products that’s perfect for baby’s delicate and sensitive skin. We’ve all been made aware of the many things that may have effects on our skin and body. Words such as “endocrine disruptors”, and “parabens” have become commonplace words when the topic of baby skin care products is being discussed.
At the luncheon, pedia-derma Dr. Sarrosa gave a presentation on baby’s skin, atopic dermatitis and other concerns. (Atopic Dermatitis not “skin asthma. Noted, Doc!) I was particularly interested in the details of the mosquito repellants. Having been a victim of dengue last year, dengue fever is one of my fears, with a lot of paranoia mixed in. They have two formulas – one that’s all natural, and another that’s got chemicals, but is DEET-free. The active ingredient in their non-DEET formulation is Picardin, a proven ingredient that provides up to 8 hours of protection. Good enough for me!
The lunch was fun and it was nice to catch up with some of my friends after a long period of being busy.
It was also such a pleasure to meet the Cycles Sensitive spokesperson, Cheska Kramer, with her super cute Gavin in tow. #teamkramer
Cycles Sensitive was so generous to give us a goodie bag full of all the products in the Cycles Sensitive lineup. So generous, that they also gave us three more exact goodie bags to give away on our blogs! Three readers will get a bag with these:
Cycles Sensitive Baby Lotion (500 ml size only), Head-To-Toe Baby Wash (500 ml size only), Natural Insect Repellent, Non-DEET Insect Repellent, Protective Diaper Cream and Anti-Mosquito Citronella Patches.
Enter through Rafflecopter below! (Reload the page if you don’t see the widget, or just click on the link to go to the Rafflecopter site)
Entries will be accepted until February 28, 2014. Announcement of winners will be via Facebook Page, Twitter and email. Good luck!
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Happy Anniversary Gingersnaps!
Last week, Basti and I attended the 20th anniversary fashion show of Gingersnaps at SM Aura.
Other than presenting the spring collection of Gingersnaps (which is awesome, by the way), the fashion show was also a celebration of Gingersnaps’ 20 years in the business. From its humble beginnings in department stores, Gingersnaps is now a top-of-mind brand for children’s, teen’s and maternity clothing, and have expanded their operations internationally.
Hosted by Daphne Oseña-Paez, the fashion show featured the kids who topped the Gingersnaps Kids Model Search, who were spectacular in their walk down the runway. Direction was by top fashion show director Robbie Carmona and styled by Pam Quinones.
Host Daphne Oseña-Paez; President of Gingersnaps, Mr. Jerry Uy
Little Miss MFO had her own moment on the runway. You were awesome Berry!!!
The SoKids were the real guests. Us #SoMoms were just the drivers and bantays, really.
Jenny of COANM and Naima, Michelle of Momma In Manila and Gellie, Manila Mommy Neva with her beautiful family, Jackie of Go Jackie Go with cuties Gabbie and Juro, Patty of Nonstopbabble and Sabine, Mommy Fleur and Anika.
Basti and I have been big fans of Gingersnaps since he was a baby. The clothes are great quality and are of the highest standard when it comes to safety. I also love how the clothes are stylish yet don’t make your kids look like people in small-sized adult clothes. Before the fashion show, Gingersnaps was very generous to treat Basti to an outfit of his choice to wear to the event. It was a very hard decision.
Basti’s at the age though, when he’s starting to pick his own clothes, so it wasn’t up to me. This is what he picked out. FLORAL. My boy knows his prints!
Congratulations Gingersnaps! Here’s to 20 and more years of beautiful clothes for kids!
The Painter's Wife 