Say Tioco (Lifestyle and Beauty): March 2011

I am honored to be part of the group of beauty and fashion bloggers who were invited by United Laboratories, the country's leading pharmaceutical company, and its personal care subsidiary, Innovitelle, to the launch of Myra E’s newest endorser. The event was held at ThaiPan. I received the invitation and being a Myra E user (specifically the Myra E Sun Protect Facial Moisturizer), I did not hesitate to confirm my attendance. I tried to combat the traffic on the way and fortunately I was able to arrive just in time. The events coordinator invited us to go inside the air conditioned area and treat ourselves with some Thai food while waiting. I honestly did not know anyone in there. I sat by myself and patiently waited for Anne Franco of the Nuffnang Team.

The Thai food was definitely tasty! I especially loved the grapefruit salad and the desserts! The iced tea was a tad too strong but overall, the food was great! I was filled up before the event started. A few minutes later, we were all called to take our places outside since the launch will already commence. I took my seat together with the rest of the bloggers. I actually felt lucky since I was closest to the set—which meant good shots for the photos! I had with me my HPV5560U to record footages and my point-and-shoot Cybershot W130 to take photos.

Sam Oh was the host for the event. She did a quick introduction and announced who the newest endorser of Myra E is. From behind the set came in Iza Calzado, looking blooming and fabulous in her outfit! It was my first time to see her up close, and she looks as beautiful as she does on screen!

When asked why she has been looking very blooming lately, she jokingly answered that it was because of her dress. Later on she shared that she has taken a step on being healthier in terms of lifestyle. She said that she has been running more, working out, and watching what she eats. It truly showed during that interview with Iza. She looked positively radiant and blooming! Iza herself presented the behind-the-scenes TVC of her latest endorsement, Myra E. Simultaneous with this is the unveiling of the set’s background with Myra E’s logo.

Iza told everyone how watching herself as the newest endorser of Myra E brings tears to her eyes because she worked really hard for it. She shared that the one thing she likes about the brand is that Myra E believes that beauty is more than skin deep. She personally thinks that it is great to be working with people who have the same visions and same principles that she has. When asked what Vitamin E does to the body, Iza explained that the vitamin repairs the cells, bringing out beauty from within. She shared that the newest d-Alpha Tocopherol stays in the body longer because it is natural. The body then is able to absorb it more and protects it from the harmful effects of free radicals & toxins which we get from our daily life. Iza talked about the wide range of products that Myra offer, from facial moisturizers, to lotions, to lip balms and press powders. Sam Oh makes a remark that the Myra Team has been very impressed with Iza.

As the closing part of the launch, Tina Cuartero, the brand manager of Myra 400-E, gave a thank-you speech and handed Iza a bouquet of lovely flowers.

After the launch, everyone who attended was given the chance to have a one-on-one interview with Iza. Us, bloggers, were the first ones in line. Iza was definitely very pleasant to talk to. My fellow bloggers asked her what her tips are when it comes to staying beautiful and healthy, she answered that aside from taking Myra 400-E, getting rest and taking care of the skin are very important. She shared how staying positive makes a person happier and more blooming. And of course, eating lots of fruits and vegetables and drinking lots of water were also included in Iza’s answer. Continuing to the next questions, we got into talking about Iza’s workouts. She told us that she loves running and using the Kettlebell. She noted how much she loves running that in between shoots, she’d ask for a longer break so that she could run! Iza showed us that even amidst her very busy schedule, she really tries to find time to work out. She told us that going to the gym is not the only key to successfully losing weight. It is really up to someone whether it’s going to work or not. As quoted by Iza, “You can exercise at home! You can do push-ups, if you wanna run, you can run anywhere!” We also discovered that Iza likes having home massages, and working out when she’s stressed. She emphasized how much she loves working out since it releases stress from her body and mind. When my fellow beauty blogger asked her about makeup, Iza expressed her interest in MAC Cosmetics. When it comes to her favorite makeup look, she likes to keep it simple, like a lip balm that gives a natural tint to the lips, blush that gives a natural flush to the cheeks and the likes. Since I am a beauty blogger who caters to both high-end and local brands, I asked Iza if she likes any local makeup. She told me how she liked Fanny Serrano’s face powders. She wasn’t really into local brands since according to her, somebody else buys the makeup for her.

We wrapped up our interview with fashion-related questions, giving attention to Iza’s killer shoes during the launch. She told us that they were Pam Quinones’. Each blogger was able to have a photo op with Iza, and that basically ended the session as the other groups took their turn.

After finishing our lunch, I said my goodbyes and thanks to Frances and the Nuffnang team and headed home. On our way out of ThaiPan, we were given goody bags from Myra E containing Myra 400 E capsules, Myra Hand & Body Lotion, Myra Vitaquench Hand & Body Lotion, Myra Vitawhite Whitening Face Lotion, Myra Vitaglow tinted moisturizer, Myra Sun Protect facial moisturizer, Myra Regular facial moisturizer. This is truly an event to remember.

I especially want to thank United Laboratories and Innovitelle for picking me through the wonderful Nuffnang

Philippines

team to be one of the bloggers to be able to be part of this event. I am truly honored and grateful.

*This is a sponsored blog post.*

I don't consider myself a 'big celebrity' to hold meet and greets--so let's call this one a casual get-together with subscribers/readers. This is only part one as I am planning a big and official meet and greet this summer. This get-together was requested by a reader/subscriber and at the same time a school mate of mine, Cake Lee.

I came from school because it was the last day of my final examinations. You can tell by the corporate uniform I am wearing in the photos! Cake and I met up @ Flavors of China to eat lunch. The place was alright, but nothing to rave about since I hate restaurants with flies.

The interiors look oriental. Felt really humid although there were AC's all over the place.

Here is Cake!

I told her not to move in this photo. *laughs* I wanted to capture a "looking-in-the-menu" shot.

Probably my most decent photo with Cake.

I was surprised when Cake told me she bought something for me. How sweet can this get?

This ledge right beside our table was very helpful. Wouldn't miss vlogging during a M&G!

What Cake ordered. I think this is the Fish Fillet in Taosi Sauce?

Here's what I ordered. Taosi Spareribs. Nothing to wow about, really.

Cake was seated across me originally, but I told her to sit beside me so we could take photos together and film the vlog.

We were waiting for Cake's friend, Hannah, but then we left the venue to stroll around since we were already done eating. We were also anticipating the arrival of my fellow beauty guru, Sheena, who I personally met during Judy's Meet & Greet in Manila, and her niece as well. We all agreed in meeting @ Starbucks.

I ordered my favorite Coffee Jelly and a piece of this yummy looking Whoopie Pie.

Another photo with Cake.

A few minutes later, Sheena and Cy came! Sheena looked soooooo pretty in her circle lenses! Don't you guys find her beautiful? She's sooo cute! Hahaha! I know you'll be laughing over this, Sheenz. Anyway, Cy is Sheena's niece. We met during Judy's Meet and Greet. If you're an avid reader of my blog, you would have probably seen them already.

This is Hannah. Cake's friend! She's into makeup as well. It was weird when they asked for a photo op. Totally not used to it! And look at me! Believe it or not, it felt super humid in Starbucks as well. This mall should close down. (Or maybe because I was talking too much?)

This photo right here (with Sheena) is taken with my HP V5560u. I love the quality! You can never go wrong with 12MP or higher. This is so far my favorite photo with Sheena. You guys should totally check her out!
Here is her YouTube channel link: http://www.youtube.com/user/elbonita93

After a loooooooong talk in Starbucks, we went makeup shopping! It was totally fun. I was planning on going home earlier, but we finished at 6PM. So basically that's over 5 hours of fun with the girls.
I am looking forward to my next meet and greet session! Hit me up if you want a meet up and we'll schedule a fun date together! Thank you Cake and Hannah! Till next time!

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

░ MYRA New Endorser: Iza Calzado ░

Monday, March 28, 2011

░ Meet and Greet: Casual Get Together with Subbies ░