To be honest, I never thought I would find myself in such a summit – the Digital Influencers Marketing Summit – because for a time, I disliked the word “marketing” and everything associated with it. I felt that I did not have the required guts to be involved in anything related to “selling.”

But after years in theater and events, and a full year at a rock bar where I did pretty much everything myself, I realized I have been doing marketing without really knowing it.

When I needed customers to come to my bar and other events, I did marketing. When I needed sponsors for my events, I did marketing. When I met with my suppliers, I did marketing.

I have been doing marketing ever since I have been traveling, “marketing” the places I go to by posting my experiences, my photos and any information related to these places. I have been doing marketing since I put that online retail shop, Kikayism, with my good friend from graduate school PJ Valenciano, now designer and owner of Palamuti- a line of handmade accessories made for women. I have been doing a lot of marketing and I never actually realized it.

I found out about the summit from my friend Ana Locsin, the woman behind Pitaka Lifestyle Billfold, a line of tarpaulin wallets with adhoc Filipino designs, who shared the summit’s poster on her wall. At first I was really just interested in being able to come see Thunderbird Resorts.

There were two venues on two different weekends. One was for February 2, at Thunderbird Rizal, which was quite close to where I lived. Another was for January 26, at Thunderbird Poro Point in La Union – less than an hour away from the surfing capital that is San Juan. At first thought I decided I was going to the one in Rizal because of the proximity. On second thought, I thought going to La Union was also a good excuse to come out there to do some surfing.

I compared the two schedules, modules and speakers and found that they were not too similar, and that I could benefit from attending both. And so I did.

Part 1: DIM Thunderbird Poro Point

The Journey:
I took the 6-hr bus ride from El Nido to Puerto Princesa, flew in to Manila, and took the 5 hr-bus ride all the way to La Union, from Thursday til Saturday. I arrived in San Fernando very early in the morning, quite freezing and very sleepy, but very happy to be there. I got to see the sunrise and had delicious coffee with the view of the San Fernando sea.

I was the very first to arrive at the resort and was perhaps, the first one too to the coffee table. I needed it.

The Speakers:
The speakers were varied, but I loved them all. From the honesty of Vanj Padilla of Pangalatalk.com, admitting how she found it hard to switch from traditional to new media, and how difficult single motherhood was (and how I loved her in every way!)

…to the quirkiness of Vincent Tabor of LakbayBaguio.

…to the lively discussion on search engine optimization from speakers Ben Francia and Tof Salcedo.

 …to the even livelier talk from Mae Paner – the lady who has found it in herself to advocate change, not just on herself, but in society in general, and has, through Juana Change, produced a 2-volume DVD composed of 31 music videos, shorts, and other presentations, including the “Lupang Hinirang” video which, for me, debuted at the PAG-ASA weekend seminar in 2008.

…as well as the talks from Joma Giron and Mannix Pabalan where they shared local industry observations, personal experience, and insight on how the internet is used for commercial and trend setting purposes, how to use social media for customer relationship management, as well as how to become a brand advocate and influencer.

…and to the purchase behavior studies presented by Dr. Nick Fontanilla.

The talks were all inspiring, motivating, informative, and even challenging.

I had all sorts of ideas running through my head, that inevitably, I was one of the most engaged members of the audience, along with Francis Romero of Spyder and Behind Thick Framed Glasses.

I love Francis. I could probably say that he is one of the best things that happened to me in that summit. I met him over lunch. Being a participant who came alone, I was going to be eating alone, but I happened to have just picked the right table to join – his and Aris‘, the team from Spyder.

We knew some people and talked about them openly and sincerely. We laughed a lot. We got along so well that at the end of the summit, we found ourselves together on a jeep bound for San Juan. And we ended spending nearly all of Sunday surfing and lounging under the Bacnotan sun.

The Reasons:
There are a number of reasons why I loved the summit, and they were mostly people.

1. Janette Toral
I salute her for having brought all these people together. I don’t know how long she has been at this but I am grateful for all that she has done and is doing, and look forward to anything she will come up with.

2. Mannix Pabalan
I worked for a marketing company for a week or so, and met him at the lobby. It was, apparently, his last day at the office, when I saw him and other participants of the La Union summit too.
And through a shared background, having both come from the same university, and other shared interests in marketing and digital media, we have come to be friends.

3. Francis Romero
What is it exactly that brought us first together? I would have to say JJ. And that is all I will say about that. And everything else follows. Our shared humor and interests coming a close second and third.

4. Vincent Tabor
We may not be close enough in terms of interests, because I have not actually been to Baguio in 6 years, and at that time I was just passing by on my way to Sagada. So make it 17 years. The last time I really went around Baguio and explored it was in 1996 and I was thirteen. But I like Vincent simply because he was nice enough to help me out with a marketing contact. I appreciate people who are not selfish, and he certainly isn’t.

5. Ben Francia
I get in touch with Ben Francia a lot these days – because I am a fan of his Digital Mastermind group concept and a believer of his advocacy. If there is anything I learned from my rock bar venture, it is that it is never good to be alone, in anything. Someone has to be there to tell you what you are doing is right, and more importantly, someone has to tell you that what you are doing or want to do IS WRONG. I would have appreciated someone telling me what to do, because a lot of times, I was either lost or too busy or sleepless to think properly.

6. Mae Paner
I first met Mae in the Nick Perlas-led event PAG-ASA weekend conference in Tagaytay back in 2008. Other than the fact that she, Raymond Lee (of Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros, Zombadings: Patayin sa Shokot si Remington and Endo) and I were in the same work group, we share the same birthday – May 24, all seven years apart.

Though Raymond and I have kept in touch through the years, through connections in the film industry, I lost contact with Mae. Last time I heard from her was when she was about to launch the first ever Juana Change video on YouTube. Or maybe it was even Raymond who gave me the link, I don’t remember anymore. Though Mae and I have more than enough connections in the theater industry, Uleb Nieto and Nicco Manalo to name a couple at least, we have not worked together or met again, until the summit.
It was nice to see how much weight Mae has lost, and how so many things have changed but her humor is even more marvelous.

 7. Nick Fontanilla

His research is just awe-inspiring. I always love it when there are numbers, facts, and thorough research behind every idea or activity. With an undergraduate degree in Biology, and trained in research and writing, I appreciate when thoughts are put into writing through numbers, graphs, and devoted study. Looking at his slides and his research, I could not help but think, “If I can be this thorough about my own thesis, I would be fine. I could even be publishable, which is more than fine.” I was really quite inspired to go back to a field that I actually enjoyed – research writing.

8. Joma Giron
The face of Thunderbird Resorts, at least for me, Joma has that face you would be happy to see in any crowd. And I am always happy to see him, with that big smile of his. Even if his favorite word is “actually”, which is actually, one of my old favorite words, until someone pointed it out to me. Joma has a geniality that one can emulate.

Baccarat at the Fiesta Casino at the end of the day

Just hanging out at the Fiesta Casino VIP lounge

At the end of the day in Poro Point, I met so many people that I look up to and ask for guidance every now and then. And how fitting that is, because for me, marketing has never been just about the sharing of information, or the selling of the product, it has always been the people. It has always been about the people: what I can give other people, and what they can get out of it. Just as in teaching, I do not just want to give the lessons out of the text book, I want to give a learning experience that they can use outside of the classroom. In marketing, I do not just want to sell a product, I want to sell an experience.

And as part of who I am as a person, I do not sell just any product, I only “sell” something that I use myself, that’s why I can recommend it, or something that I love, that’s why I would, and could, recommend it.

There is still so much to learn, so many people to meet, and so many ideas to share. My world is becoming more and more interesting, more challenging as I meet more and more people that are inspiring in the things they do. I look forward to becoming more a part of this new world, this new group of people, that I have found through Digital Filipino and the Digital Influencers Marketing Summit. I look forward to learning more and sharing more – sharing what I know, what I have experienced, and what I can become.

Part 2 of this blog will be on the Digital Infuencers Marketing Summit in Thunderbird Resorts Rizal.

For photos of our mini-tour of Thunderbird Resorts Poro Point, click HERE.

A product of The Reading Room, an exquisitely interesting little shop located in Cubao Expo, these little ninjas are out to reign over terror, and bring mankind peace & cuteness-overload-moments throughout the coming centuries.

The plush ninjas remind me so much of the little Ugly Dolls that I used to collect and makes them extra close to my heart.

“Uglydoll is a brand based upon a line of plush toys which began as a long distance letter between the creators David Horvath and Sun-Min Kim. The Uglydoll line was first launched in January 2001 and is distinguished by its definition of the word “ugly”. In the “uglyverse”, Ugly means unique and special…that we should be celebrating that which makes us different, never hiding the twists or turns which make us who we are, inside and out. …

Uglydolls were awarded the Specialty Toy of the Year award by the Toy Industry Association in 2006.” – Source

These adorable little ninjas will be available at the UP Fair 2013 from February 12-16, as well as other goodies from The Reading Room and Pitaka Lifestyle. Find them (or us!) at Booth A9, left side of, and near the stage!

The Reading Room
Shop #39, Cubao Expo (former Marikina Shoe Expo), 1101 Cubao, Quezon City, Philippines
Hours: Mon – Sun: 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Phone: 0917 535 5974
Email: benjaminsbeltran@gmail.com
Websites:
http://soulcardreader.blogspot.com
http://bagsonmymind3.multiply.com
http://pippinart.multiply.com
http://facebook.com/thereadingroom

For more photos of the shneaky li’l ninjas, click HERE.

]]> http://www.angkulet.com/2013/02/10/shneaky-lil-ninjas-at-the-u-p-fair-2013/feed/ 0 http://www.angkulet.com/2013/02/09/pitaka-and-so-much-more-at-the-u-p-fair-2013/ http://www.angkulet.com/2013/02/09/pitaka-and-so-much-more-at-the-u-p-fair-2013/#comments Fri, 08 Feb 2013 21:53:17 +0000 angkulet http://www.angkulet.com/?p=13638 PiTAKA prides itself with Pinoy ad hoc designs inspired by everyday Pinoy culture.

I am a brand advocate for Pitaka: Your Lifestyle Billfold. I absolutely love these cute little things, that I blog about it enough, promote it as much as I can, recommend it to my friends, and even gave nearly everyone a little pitaka as a Christmas token.

Read my other blogs about this Proudly Pinoy-made brand: Pitaka: Your Lifestyle Billfold (August 15, 2012) and My Favorite Brands at the Global Pinoy Bazaar 2012 (November 7, 2012).

This year, Pitaka is also participating in the U.P. Fair bazaar, along with The Reading Room, with a booth located at the left side of the stage. Here is a map of the area and we are located at booth A9! (Click on image to view original size). Do drop by any time from February 12-16, because we will be there!

Along with wallets, organizers, passport holders, iPad sleeves, mobile cases, travel pouches and bill clips, are also available, with prices ranging from Php35 – Php400.

Mobile phone cases

Click HERE for more photos.

Money clip-type wallet

Click HERE for more photos. Php200

Multi-purpose pouch for your toiletries, cosmetics or just about anything that fits!

Click HERE for more photos. Php220

Passport holder

Click HERE for more photos. Php150

iPad sleeve that fits snugly to protect your ipads while inside your bags and because it has an interior foam, you can be confident that its well compact and secure while you are on the go.

Click HERE for details. Php400

Pitaka wallets in assorted designs.

PiTAKA {Your Lifestyle Billfold}
Globe: 0916 747 4028
Sun: 0942 490 5566
Landline: 02 3818286

Email: thinkcreative2010@gmail.com

www.pitakaonline.multiply.com
www.pitakalifestyle.com
https://www.facebook.com/00Pitaka00

After going around all the booths quickly, Lia and I went back to the booths we liked. Lia absolutely loved this booth selling felt finger puppets and funky hats. She entertained other shoppers while there.

This row had all the booths selling items for kids, which weren’t a lot, and right next to it was the booth of “Likhang ArteSana“, and they had books, journals and other crafts items.

I was told by the owner who was manning the booth that their items are also being sold at Powerbooks. How I love the items at Powerbooks!

Likhang ArteSana, Inc.
17 P.Gomez St. Pasig City
Cellphone: +63.917.836.2250
Telefax: +632.641.0201
Email: info.artesana@gmail.com

Lia fell in love with the “Fun Artivity Book” and though I thought it was a bit complicated for her age, she didn’t want to let go of it anymore, so we brought her one.

Next to the ArteSana’s booth is one that sold children’s clothing and I loved their music-themed shirts! We definitely had to buy one for the kids.

I got Lia the shirt that had “Rolling in the Deep” in it because that just made me think of our friends in El Nido.

And then we were off to visit our friends who were sharing a booth – Palamuti by PJ Valenciano and Pitaka: Your Lifestyle Billfold by Ana Janer Locsin.

Ana had then gone to her Shopwise stall that was also opening the next day. PJ and Lia talked about accessories.

We could not stay long because Lia was thirsty and sleepy so I did a quick round of some of the booths to take some snapshots.

There’s the booth of one of my favorite local brands, Travel Essentials…

… and a booth which I think was also at the Earthdance Manila 2012 event at Arts in the City, BGC last September, where Lia and I also bought hair clips and a little wallet.

I saw the booths of my other favorite local brands, like Agos Pilipinas, and Punchdrunk Panda, but I could not take photos because either the booths were filled with people or Lia was dragging me along.

But there are so many other booths carrying lovely, well-crafted items, from clothes, bags, shoes, accessories, and food.

The Global Pinoy Bazaar is an annual event proudly organized by Yabang Pinoy – a Filipino pride movement which envisions every Filipino being proud to be Filipino, believing in fellow Filipinos, and patronizing Filipino ideas, concepts and services.

YABANG PINOY

Website: http://www.yabangpinoy.com
Email: yabangpinoy@gmail.com
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/yabangpinoy

Yabang Pinoy’s Global Pinoy Bazaar held annually at the Rockwell Tent, showcases Filipino products made with 100% Filipino LOVE and Pride.

Tangkilikin ang mga sariling atin. Ipagyabang ang gawa nating mga Pilipino!

PHMADE PRODUCTS WORTH BUYING FOR

The Yabang Pinoy Filipino Pride movement celebrates its 8th year by celebrating PHmade products worth buying, at the 8th Global Pinoy Bazaar on November 10-11 at the Rockwell Tent, Makati City.

Global Pinoy Bazaar 2012 will feature a lineup of brands and products made with 100 percent Filipino Love and Pride: in ladies’, men’s, and children’s apparel, accessories, jewelry, bags and shoes, beachwear, travel accessories, home décor, home and wellness products, as well as Filipino art and design.

I absolutely love Global Pinoy Bazaar. I have been actively promoting and participating in it since 2009 with the exception of 2011 when I was based in Naga City and busy with the bar.

Check out the blogs:
A Day at the Global Pinoy Bazaar (2009)
What You Missed at the Global Pinoy Bazaar 2010

Here are my favorite local brands:

Yabang Pinoy Home Brand: Agos Pilipinas

‘Agos Pilipinas is a brand fit for the active yet laidback philosophy of the eager outdoor addict. Agos brings out the passion for the tropilokal spots through its shirts, sandos, barabags and rashguards. Agos is more than just a label. Its the outdoor instinct. It’s a lifestyle.’

Website: http://www.agospilipinas.com/

I first saw their booth at the Global Pinoy Bazaar 2009 and bought myself a CamSur wallet. I also wanted their surfing shirts and rash guards and absolutely loved their barabags! I bought two barabags from them – that we use to carry our snorkel and fins about. I blogged about the barabags here but the photos are missing because they were embedded from their Facebook account. Note to self: download and have own copies of photos so they don’t go missing. My barabag is by the way stuck at our house in Pili, Cam Sur because I brought my stuff there earlier this year when I was planning to go see and swim with the Butandings of Sorsogon. They have new stuff this weekend and I’m raring to check them out.

***

Yabang Pinoy Home Brand: Punchdrunk Panda 

They are a team of Filipinos that ‘funkifies’ the world with passionate, like-minded people through functional graphic-designed products and happiness-inducing events.

Now, Punchdrunk Panda carries ladies’ and men’s footwear, camera straps and other fun stuff.

Website: http://www.punchdrunkpanda.com/

I have their Paper Cranes laptop sleeve. And its my mac’s best friend. Photo below was taken at Pukka Bar, El Nido, Palawan last July. (Click here for the blog.)

PROMO ALERT!

***

Travel Essentials

Travel Accessories, Home and gadget organizers

http://www.travelessentials.info

Our 2010 booth was a few steps away from the Travel Essentials booth and I was in love with all of their products!  I have a fleece blanket, carry-all tote, travel medicine organizer (which I really use to store makeup), 4-piece luggage organizer and multipocket document case. Photo below is our luggage when we went to Tambaron Island in Bulalacao, Mindoro last May. (Click here for the blog.)

***

Pitaka Lifestyle Billfold

Pitaka wallets are made from outdoor tarpaulin, with custom and pre-made designs. It measures approximately 3 x 5 inches where you can store personal i.d.’s, coins, and even a small mobile phone. Aside from its durable material, the PiTAKA Lifestyle prides itself with Pinoy quirky designs inspired by everyday Pinoy culture which is evident in its designs.

Joining Global Pinoy Bazaar for the first time this year is another of my more recent favorite brand: Pitaka, created by a friend and fellow Bicolana, Ana Janer Locsin. I love her pitakas. It’s the only pitaka I use and recommend it to my friends! I also got a passport holder, one of Ana’s new products. (Click here for my blog on Pitaka and see her designs.)

Incidentally, she and my good friend PJ Valenciano are sharing a booth this year.

PROMO ALERT!

 

***

Palamuti by PJ Valenciano

Palamuti by PJ Valenciano Costume Jewelries (Palamuti Storytelling Jewels) are made by a woman who was inspired to create from the complexities of women, which transcends to accessories for every woman.

Behind every piece is a vision of creating customized and original costume jewelry for today’s modern woman using different materials, mainly incorporating an element that is proudly Filipino.

All handmade Palamuti costume jewelries and accessories are products which are painstakingly improved through a continuous process of learning and refining techniques that fuse both modern and traditional methods, and are guaranteed to be one of a kind.

Each individual piece is not only an expression of art, beauty, and style, they are interwoven with the stories of the wonderful women who have been inspirationally instrumental to the birth of these pieces.

PJ Valenciano and I go all the way from grad school where we met as Theater Arts students in UP Diliman. We were such a quirky pair! Then our friendship grew beyond masters classes to surfing! She was the one who invited me and took me on my first-ever surfing trip to Baler in April 2008 – where I was taught by the De la Torre brothers at no less than Charlie’s point. That’s how we became friends with the De la Torre brothers, Jason and Jeff, as well as the Valdezes, Daisy and Anthony.

Back in 2010, we decided to put up Kikayism – an online retail shop for locally-made products. Kikayism was also a participant of the 2010 Global Pinoy Bazaar. We carried accessories, dresses, blouses, skirts, tie-dyed shirts, shoes, and knit bikinis. We did a shoot for Kikayism in August 2010 and another local brand called Supladita in September 2010. Click here and  here for the photos.

Afterwards, PJ decided to focus on production and designing accessories and put up Palamuti while I went to Naga City to manage the bar and music venue called Wharf Galley Rock Cafe. PJ has since expanded and ventured into other aspects such as designing for weddings and debuts, with her sister who also does make-up. Go ahead and Like her Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/WeddingsAndDebutsByPjv

Also, check out her extensive Palamuti by PJ Valenciano collection and one-of-a-kind pieces HERE.

I am looking forward to this year’s Global Pinoy Bazaar! I didn’t see the other brands that I have been following and been patronizing all these years on the list of exhibitors, like Indie Art & Brown Label and Momo Custom Design, but I still hope I’d see them all there.

***

Other exhibitors include Agos Pilipinas, Dodong Puruntong, Doodled Tees, MY Likha, Rurungan sa Tubon Foundation, DCG Fashion, Babaylan Treasures, Bead It By Mikki, BUG&KELLY, Cultus Couture, Designs By Abby Jocson, Dragonfly Desserts, Whisk, Erb and Chet, Erzullie, Estrellas Manila, HDY Trading, Home and Office Accessories, I love Koi, Kandi Treats, Likhang Artesana Inc., Lotus Bloom, Lulu Swing, Marble and Co., MISISPI, Papelapelap, Pic Season, Polymer Guild of the Philippines, Precious Herbal Pillow, Sabrina, Sewn Sandals, Sinude, Sol Accessories, Manila Sole, Storage Solutions, SUELAS, The Artland Printer, The Greenbean Company, Theo and Philo, Ti & Me Handiworks Co., TONI & BERNE, Toppicks Clothing, Tribute Shoes, V&M Naturals, Vesti, W.E Garage, Your Unik Xchange, Zeal Carry Enterprises, Zelisse Intimates, Tinywonder Trading, DCG Fashion, Aromateria Scents & Sensibilities, With Love Clothing, Pink Label, Yadu, Kape ni Juan, among others.

Visit www.yabangpinoy.com for more information.

For questions or inquiries, call 0927-611-5624 or email bazaar.globalpinoy@gmail.com.

I am immensely proud of her.

After seeing her products, I suggested she join the Global Pinoy Bazaar held annually at the Rockwell Tent by Yabang Pinoy advocates, another Filipino project I am very passionate about. I was joyous at the news that her products were sold out at the bazaar and that afterwards, she participated in more bazaars with similar success.

I have some of her pitakas and I use them wherever I go. They are sturdy, they are colorful, and they have really nice designs that show Filipino culture.

 

Description

Pitaka wallets are made from outdoor tarpaulin, with custom and pre-made designs. It measures approximately 3 x 5 inches where you can store personal i.d.’s, coins, and even a small mobile phone. Aside from its durable material, the PiTAKA Lifestyle prides itself with Pinoy quirky designs inspired by everyday Pinoy culture which is evident in its designs.

The PiTAKA wallets are also intended for corporate giveaways and event souvenirs as the wallets can be “custom-made”. For corporate giveaways, the PiTAKA team can have the company’s logo and other elements to be used for marketing promotions and/or corporate branding.

PiTAKA wallets are also open to both online resellers, individual representatives and physical stores. Costing for these group is slightly different.

Pitaka was featured at a GMA’s 24 Oras - http://www.gmanews.tv/video/95074/24oras-early-christmas-bazaar-sa-up-diliman 

***

 

Pitaka started out with 3×5 wallets.

 

 

Check out the entire collection HERE.

 

But now they also have iPad sleeves.

 

 

The iPad sleeves go at a suggested retail price of Php 400, is open to resellers and is also open for custom design.

 

And the latest addition to their products, a passport holder.

 

 

I want one of these! They would be really cute to carry around. I would proudly take out my passport every time it needs to be inspected. The officials would take one look and think, “Oh wow, that’s nice. Something nice to see, for a change,” or something to that effect.

 

They have got a lot of awesome designs! Here are some of them:

 

 

For more designs, click HERE.

 

They also do custom designs.

 

Subscribe to the Facebook page for updates on the latest products as well as announcements for bazaar schedules. Get one for yourself, and some more for your family and friends.

 

I don’t even have to say this anymore, but please, do support Pinoy products.

 

***

 

PiTAKA {Your Lifestyle Billfold}
Smart: 0929 149 8296
Globe: 0916 747 4028
Sun: 0932 232 1191
Landline: 02 3818286
Email: thinkcreative2010@gmail.com
Website: www.pitakaonline.multiply.com
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/00Pitaka00/

I tried to take as many photos as I could, tried to take photos of all the shops, especially the ones that I liked, but there were just so many booths and there were a lot of people at times that that made that hard. Still, I came home with a good number of photos.

Our Kikayism booth was tiny, it couldn’t hold everything we had, but it was the only space we could afford!

We were selling Pinangga clothing and bags, Supladita clothing and espadrilles, Merkins bikinis, Letterbox t-shirts and Palamuti accessories.

And these were our neighbors, handicrafts:

I had totally wanted to buy that three-legged lamp from Balai Matteo and those floor lamps, because I feel my home is bare and could use some accent, but they were of a unique design, made of high-quality materials, and were thus, not that cheap. I still want it, or maybe something like it. Maybe some other time.

This booth had just about the biggest crowd around it almost all the time. They were selling door hangers for P99 each. Cheap and great as a gift this Christmas to friends and officemates!

We bought a few items from the Travel Essentials booth, and they were quite useful for the past trips. I had totally loved my purchases, and Lia so digs the blue-grey travel blanket.

I also wanted to get some of those scented soya candles from Amber Lights. The Ginger one was especially heavenly!

These frames were lovely and I had wanted to get some too, but they were a bit pricey.

So I ended up just buying a headband from Ya’Lin Handmade Accessories, for P250.

A few steps away was Jet Set and they also had great stuff for travel. Being a little bit on the OC side, I had wanted to get those packing set, for organizing all your things inside your luggage, but they cost almost a P1000. Seriously, if I bought everything that caught my fancy at the bazaar, I could’ve easily spent P20K.

These shoes were absolutely gorgeous, design-wise! Loved them!

And so were these chairs, lamps and other stuff! The designs were  fab!

I needed new swimwear too and Koi had some really nice ones but well, one can only shop so much! I even wanted some rash guards from Swordfish (no picture, it was always filled with people when I came by) but they didn’t have any in my size.

Right by the entrance:

And more handicrafts that I would have bought too, if I didn’t have a toddler who would break them all in a day or so.

Everywhere I look, every which way I turned, I saw stuff I wanted to buy: bags and purses from Fab Manila…

… shoes from Sewn, Happy Feet, Pill, Suelas (no picture),

… and clothes from Jaciendera.

There was also Punch Drunk Panda, whose laptop sleeves I simply adore. I had wanted one for my mac, but they did not have the design I liked in in 13″ anymore. They also have some shoes like the one I bought from Momo Custom Design, from the bazaar light year. Momo was, sadly, absent at this year’s bazaar.

There were a number of exhibitors that I recognize from last year’s bazaar, like Lalaughka (bought a shirt for my niece from them last year) and Ceva Designs (bought some stuff from them this year) and The Ink Squad.

And there were a lot of exhibitors that were unfamiliar to me!

I had absolutely loved the MOMtrepreneur Shop and their goodies, especially this bag, but I wish they had this last year, back when I really needed it. I don’t need it now that my daughter is a little baby no more.

I just think this bag is awesome! Love that it’s leatherette, and thus may be a little bit waterproof, would be easy to clean with a wipe every now and then instead of a total wash, and best of all, it has a lot of pockets!

I had thought of purchasing some really beautiful bangles too from Baubles, Bangles N’ Beads, but I fit a lot of them, and none of them fit just right. They were all too big for my skinny arm. *sad*

Lastly, I bought some bracelets from Lao Design – because it’s owned by people from theater and I think that we should be supportive like that. My partner, PJ Valenciano, who designs accessories, really admired Lao’s work because they were really fine and it was something she could not and didn’t wanna do – work with tiny beads! She says it takes a lot of patience and skill. PJ does her accessories using a different technique, to each his own. *smile*

At the end of the bazaar, I managed to come home with a lips color palette consisting of 8 different shades (a bargain at P1,440 because I have never in my life bought lipstick), two purses, a shoulder bag, a clutch bag, a travel blanket, travel cases, earrings, headband, bracelets, espadrilles, and some presents for people I loved. I could’ve bought more, but I’m not wealthy enough!

This year, I am bracing myself for yet another wonderful day at the Global Pinoy Bazaar in Rockwell Tent. This year, I am even more (overly) excited about going to the bazaar. Why? Because we are one of the merchants! Unbelievable, yet true! Much thanks to my partners, PJ Valenciano and Nikki Valenzuela for making this happen! Catch Kikayism at the Global Pinoy Bazaar 2010!

And with us will still be some of my favorite merchants/sellers/shops:

And it looks like I’m in to get more faves…

Global Pinoy Bazaar 2010 will feature businesses with 100% Filipino Love and Pride, showcasing ladies’, men’s & children’s apparel, accessories, jewelry, bags, shoes, home décor, beachwear, home and wellness products, as well as Pinoy art and design.

For more information, visit www.yabangpinoy.com, email us at bazaar.globalpinoy@gmail.com, or call 0927-826-3926.

CD boxes at P350

Book boxes at P250

Hand carry pencil boxes at P180

Blank Note Cards with Envelopes Set of 3, PHP 125

12 PCS I love Tree Note Cards for PHP 170

(Clicking on the photos will bring you straight to the Indie & Brown Label site at blogspot.)

I was just about to take out my wallet to make a purchase of whatever but then.. I saw this!

Waiiiiit! I have this! I bought it at Powerbooks Bonifacio High Street December last year. I made it into my own baby journal.

I went home and looked for it in my book shelf. And here it is..

I am so proud of myself! Sure I never got to finish the journal because we moved, I traveled for a bit so on and so forth.. But it was really wonderful to rediscover that journal. It made me sooo happy.

Here are the wonderful illustrations found within this beautiful journal.

MDM Journal Book Project

Here are some photos I took myself.

Children’s Journal Book Project…

The MDM Design & Journal Book aims to support and sustain the “Yamang Isip – Children’s Journal Book Project;” designed as a simple, innovative means to engage individuals, particularly Filipino children, in creative writing and illustration to develop their compositional skills and enhance their imagination!

A unique book which features graphed, lined and blank sketch pages traditionally used by writers and illustrators constructed with the highest quality to last a lifetime.

-MDM Design 2008

Who wouldn’t love this journal?

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Click here to read more on the The Journal with Creative License.

Click here to read more about the label that is Indie Art & Brown.

About the Label

…And wow!!! Another reason to make my way back and again and again to Cubao Expo: the lifestyle and design store that is Heima.

Heima Store at Cubao Expo

Click here to go to visit the Heima Store website.