Saturday, January 29, 2011

All dolled up with Pullips






















“All dolled up with Pullips”
Sun.Star Davao, Jan. 29, 2011

Top fashion stylist Otoy Mercado could never forget the magical moment when he received his first Pullip doll.

“I was extremely excited and anxious waiting for the doll to arrive. It was like this certain emotion you have during Christmas Eve when you want to open gifts and check if you have the things you really wanted”, he fondly recalls with a smile.

“It was my first time to purchase online--- a gamble I never do because I have this idea in my head that the package might not reach me or the seller might run away with my money. But, when the package arrived, I never felt so elated! I would compare it to my first bicycle ride when I could confidently ride alone with the wind on my face. I had a grin that simply could not be wiped away, no matter how I wanted to stop it”, shares the Philippine Women’s University Fine Arts graduate.

Otoy eventually named his first Pullip doll, Tiffy, an adorable Audrey Hepburn ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ replica.

For the uninitiated, Pullips are collectible fashion dolls created by Cheonsang Cheonha of South Korea in 2003. They have fully articulated (30 articulation points) hard plastic bodies measuring 11 inches in height with oversized heads and large eyes that can be controlled by a special eye mechanism.

All dolled up

During Otoy’s early years, he was already fascinated with dolls and how pretty, fragile and feminine they looked. He was mystified by how lifelike they were when properly clothed and fixed.

“I used to collect designer Barbie dolls. These were especially issued ones by esteemed designers such as Dior, Chanel and Givency. However, I gave them all away when I started to collect Pullips”, discloses the avid art collector.

Otoy discovered Pullips when he was online looking for a hard-to-find toy. He chanced upon a Multiply user who collected these precious dolls. “The very moment I saw the Pullip dolls, I knew that it was the doll I had in mind ever since I was young…stylish; flexible with expressive eyes; very detailed assembly; and incredibly photogenic!”.

Impressed, the professionally trained make up artist relentlessly went through websites and even mustered the courage to inquire from Pullip collectors whom he did not personally know. After a while, he became friends with them and even joined Pullip Pilipinas, the exclusive club for Pullip collectors and enthusiasts in the Philippines.

“Pullips are not that popular in Davao City. This is because it is not a commercialized item that you can randomly buy in the department stores. Moreover, it is not as reasonably priced as the regular dolls. I would say it’s a toy for grown ups”, Otoy explains.

Playtime with Pullips

Otoy’s extensive background as a fashion designer for 16 years to several local fashion houses as well as a fashion and beauty editor is tastefully reflected in his growing Pullip collection. Playtime with his Pullip dolls would mean staging fun and glamorous photo shoots with them.

The dolls become Otoy’s personal muses as he plays ‘dress up’ with them, creating multiple evening and daytime looks from formal, dainty, playful to fashionably Goth.

“Most of my dolls’ clothes are hand sewn by me. Having quite a good training in tailoring came in handy. Accessories like the shoes and bags are from Barbie, Bratz or Rement which are Japanese miniature collectibles. The jewelry is made especially for them by my tinsmith. I even re-wig them”, he describes.

Otoy also invested in the Pullips’ elegantly furnished doll house complete with crystal chandelier, heavy draperies, French armchairs, and other pieces most of which are made of resin.

The multi-talented artist reveals that Pullip dolls are easy to maintain. “Play with them regularly to avoid discoloration and mildew from lack of moisture and humidity. Being made from PVC and rubber, you should clean them with a damp cloth”, Otoy instructs.

The Pullip makers issue a new doll every month so the collectors get to enjoy the latest choices. However, Otoy considers early doll models as the real collectibles. “These are the limited editions. If you get the rare pieces, they are like prized trophies. It’s a feather on a Pullip owner’s cap”, Otoy relates.

For those who want to seriously start their Pullip collection, Otoy reminds them to be patient and do research on the internet for the latest information on the dolls. He advises them to know the real sellers from bogus ones as there are real online swindlers.

“Just an essential tip, when you collect something it doesn’t always have to be for the resale value of the item. The most important thing is that your collection should bring you happiness and enjoyment. After all, that’s the best part in having these kinds of hobbies”, Otoy cheerfully concludes.

E-mail the author at mom.about.town.dvo@gmail.com. Visit www.momabouttowndavao.blogspot.com.

Saturday, January 15, 2011

Ava in One-derland

























“Ava in One-derland”
Sun.Star Davao, Jan. 15, 2011
It all started with a dare.

While planning for the ‘Alice in Wonderland’-themed first birthday party of their darling Ava Maxinne-Rae Uy Labrador, doting elder sister Aalia Maddisen-Rae, who is only 9 years old, mischievously dared her parents Mark and Angel to wear costumes during the celebration.

But, these were not just ordinary costumes. They were outlandish ones representing the main characters of the well-loved classic’s movie version by director Tim Burton.

And so during Ava’s special day, all the guests were awed and a bit taken aback when a tall and strange-looking Mad Hatter met them at the grand ballroom of the Marco Polo Hotel. After several minutes, they soon recognized with amazement that the Mad Hatter was no other than daddy Mark heavily made up and garbed in an outfit that could rival Johnny Depp’s eccentric character!

Dare to wear

“For those who know Mark (who is a businessman/civil engineer), they know that it would only take a miracle for him to agree on such an act. And, what an act indeed! He was the ‘star of the night’ ”, laughs super hands-on mom Angel.

Angel herself was not able to escape from Aalia’s dare. Dressing up as the bespectacled White Rabbit, the Harvard University-educated mom mingled with guests in her bunny ears, intricate light gray and purple coat and pants holding a gold chained pocket watch.

On the other hand, The British School Manila student Aalia looked absolutely regal in her Queen of Hearts costume complete with heart-drawn lips and heart-shaped hair while the birthday celebrant Ava was exceptionally adorable in her dainty Alice in Wonderland-inspired beaded gown.

All of the Labradors’ playful costumes were especially created by premier fashion designer Rajo Laurel. Meanwhile, the outrageous hair and make-up were by top artist Otoi Mercado.

Ava in ‘One-derland’

Angel is widely known among friends and family to be a stickler for details and the amiable accounting graduate just doesn’t host a party, she stages a grand production. Undeniably, this is her forte and one which she enjoys doing with gusto.

“I usually have days of sleepless nights searching the internet for ideas. When I get enough, I will have Manila-based Winnie Go of Party Perks and Annie Lim of Davao collaborate and execute the plan as accurately as possible”, explains Angel.

When you have the best of the best party organizers from Manila and Davao, expect nothing but the ultimate in surprises and never-before-seen decors this side of town.

At Ava’s whimsical Alice in Wonderland party, Winnie, who is Ava’s godmother, did the awesome ceiling decorations consisting of brightly hued paper flowers and Japanese lanterns. Each kiddie chair was painstakingly made to appear like a royal throne. Aalia’s equally dynamic godmother Annie, on the other hand, set up the elaborate table decorations which had an elegant yet amusing tea party concept.

The four-tiered cake by Party Perks was a one of a kind masterpiece brimming with miniature Alice in Wonderland, Mad Hatter, Queen of Hearts, White Rabbit, Cheshire Cat, Tweedledum and Tweedledee characters. Different layers were highlighted by red hearts, the Mad Hatter’s hat and a teapot and cup.

Endless fun

Kids had a marvelous time in the arts and crafts section, kiddie salon and face painting booths.

The popular Tutti Frutti Frozen Yogurt served their bestselling yogurt flavors and toppings while traditional favorites BluGre and Basti’s Brew offered unlimited coffee and pizza to the adults and children.

Wacky event host Sugus together with seasoned jugglers, magician and face painter came all the way from Manila courtesy of Party Perks to provide exciting entertainment, spice and color to Ava’s important milestone.

All party prizes were licensed Alice in Wonderland merchandise that Angel bought in the 
U.S.

When it came to choosing the party menu, Angel left the decision-making to hubby Mark. “Mark is very picky with finding the right combination of dishes for our parties. He always wants to make sure that the food ‘reflects’ us and what we like to eat”, shares Angel.

And, true to his reputation, Mark proved to have excellent taste as the guests raved about the sumptuous buffet spread by Marco Polo and the tempting dessert centerpiece by Angel’s cousin, culinary whiz Emerald “Adi” Uy of YuYu’s displayed at each guest table.

As the vintage-looking clock pillow souvenirs were distributed by the Labrador family to the kids signaling that the celebration was about to end, guests could not help but wish that like the Mad Hatter, they could continue having endless fun partying and declaring “Tea Time!” on a whim.

We share photos of the splendid celebration by Davao’s pride, Lito Sy.
E-mail the author at mom.about.town.dvo@gmail.com. Visit www.momabouttowndavao.blogspot.com.

Wednesday, January 5, 2011



LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL

For months now, I've noticed a guy staying at an abandoned culvert along Obrero. Sometimes, he leaves his "nest" using his trusty trisikad embellished with international flags (sosyal!) and then comes back with various trash and junk.


One day, he wrote something on the culvert. I didn't mind it thinking that it was just gibberish.

But, last week while I was driving, I took the time to read what he wrote...."Be thankful 2 God. Count your blessings".

I felt a lump in my throat and got teary-eyed. Here was this guy with literally only a roof (not even a decent roof) above his head and yet his heart is full of gratitude and love for God. How inspiring!

Let us learn from "Manong Culvert" and begin 2011 with thankfulness; positive attitude and spirit; and faith in God, come what may! :-)

Wishing you all a blessed New Year!!!

Saturday, January 1, 2011

Ageless beauty within your reach


















“Ageless beauty within your reach”
Sun.Star Davao, Jan. 1, 2011

“Love at first treatment”.

This was what businesswoman; mother of three; and former model Carmen Cabiles-Go, experienced when she visited Dermaline Facial and Skin Care Center in Manila.

Dermaline, Inc. was established in 1996 by Diana dela Paz–Stalder in Manila “primarily to address the need for a professional salon for her quality-conscious clientele”. It is now a national chain of facial and skin care salons.

“I excitedly said to myself, I had the right product and service to present to my fellow Dabawenyos. Along with this, I wanted to bring the best hair style and hair care services to them. So, I didn't hesitate to invest in quality---my staff, equipment, service, facilities, and amenities”, reveals the statuesque Carmen.

Carmen’s dream finally came true when Dermaline Face & Body Care Surgicenter, along with Hair Care Signature Salon opened its doors to the city recently. With the vision to “complement, enhance and maintain beauty, hair and wellness needs”, the two new businesses promise to deliver the twin standards of best quality professional service and superb customer satisfaction.

One-stop skin center

Dermaline offers basic facial; supreme facial; skin whitening yoga-body nourishing scrub; body massage; foot and hand paraffin; IVY Glutha injection (done by the center’s dermatologist Dr. Karla Castanos); Botox, dermalifting, acne treatment, warts removal, mesotherapy and AFT-laser at very reasonable prices.

“Our team of experts is highly-trained and well-versed in their beauty and grooming expertise and skills. I am proud to say that all my skin therapists are registered nurses intensively trained in Manila”, Carmen beams.

A must-try at Dermaline is their signature Spanish Casmara Facial, a treatment which beauty and wellness expert Cory Quirino raved about in one of her regular news articles. According to Carmen, Casmara has an anti-aging effect that whitens, rejuvenates and lifts tired and stressed skin. “Once women try Casmara, they will surely know the difference”, she quips.

"I also have AFT machine; diamond peel; and a Dermalift machine that gives Botox effect without the pain of needles”, shares Carmen.

The BS-Hotel and Restaurant Management graduate continues that they have the best products backed up by many years of service with very satisfying results.

Dermaline has its own laboratory in San Isidro, Laguna which achieved its “GMP” or Good Manufacturing Practice certification for maintaining the highest standards in production and for securing all products as BFAD-FDA approved. “Our tools and equipment are always sterilized and maintained clean while our ambiance is refreshing and sleek”, enthuses the ageless beauty.

Ageless beauty within your reach

This multi-tasking mompreneur is generous when it comes to giving expert advice to fellow parents on how to maintain that youthful glow.

"As we age, our skin easily dries if we don’t take good care of it. Women should avoid prolonged exposure to the sun. After taking a shower, it is imperative that we apply facial sunblock. We likewise need to use the correct soap for our varying skin type; it is always a must for us to use toner and moisturizer both of which are available at Dermaline at very affordable prices”, advises Carmen.

“Our Diana Stalder beauty products, all of which have botanical main ingredients, are widely known in the U.K., U.S. and Asia”, she declares.

Carmen recommends that busy parents should take time out to have a relaxing facial or massage at least once a month. She gives the same advice for all hair needs as well, “Our hair gets dry due to pollution or chemical treatment, this is why we need to pamper our hair by visiting a salon at least twice a month”.

Hair Signature Salon offers non-toxic or natural products made of milk protein and yogurt. 

For services, the salon offers vegetarian and alchemic hair treatments that condition hair and protect its color; D2 for rebonded hair; power define for rebellious hair; power dose for dry and damaged hair. All treatments are done with premium products from Loreal, Davines and more.

As she welcomes 2011, Carmen is very optimistic that this will be a wonderful year for her latest business ventures.

Dermaline Face & Body Care Surgicenter and Hair Signature Salon are located along Tionko Avenue, Corner Araullo St., beside Tiresmart. Telephone number: 3051873 and 3052333.

E-mail the author at mom.about.town.dvo@gmail.com. Visit www.momabouttowndavao.blogspot.com.