Only EL shadowstick in Golden Peach around the eyes.

This was at a church in Albay en route to the whale sharks in Donsol. A wedding was about to start but we decided in to pop in for a while.

TGIF!

M

Here’s a picture of us. Vanessa, left; me, right.

The curls, white flower in the head, and dresses were at the bride’s request. I decided to put on a Banana Republic opulent white bib necklace to accentuate my dress and look.

I am again wearing Estee Lauder products: EL Double Wear Foundation in Shell Beige 4W1 (perfect for those with my dark complexion ), EL Bronze Goddess Aqua Flash as my eyeliner, EL Bronze Goddess palette for extra blue eyeshadow and shizzle. I did my own makeup but had a touch up done. I was absolutely satisfied with EL’s staying power.

Some other pictures.

I did the make up of my mom and Tin (center in left pic with daughter C) and according to friends, she glowed! My secret? EL Double Wear Foundation in Tawny 3w1 — great for her lighter skin.

Thanks EL! 

M

From trying on a lot of products, from Neutrogena to Body Shop to L’Oreal, I finally met a brand that actually works and enhances my creativity in style and beauty.

I started using EL by chance when a friend from Alaska sent me a pallette for Christmas. When I got it, I was a bit clueless and intrigued at the same time so I went to EL’s site for tips and also watched YouTube videos on how to apply make up.

While on my way to discovering things, my friend Marj asks me to be her bridesmaid AND make-up artist at her wedding in France. While I never applied makeup on anyone but myself, I think I did well.

Here’s a picture of us with me holding a huge EL Bronze Goddess powder doing the bride’s makeup and applying finishing touches (my first ever make-up session!):

I’m thinking about taking this hobby seriously so I’ll be posting more discoveries soon.

Here’s the radiant bride and me after the civil rites and heading towards the nearby church.

M the makeup artist

If I went to India, I would have done exactly what Julia Roberts/the character of the movie did.

I never thought I’d be traveling this year but I did.  The last post I had was about my visa application and it seems like a distant memory to me now.

I don’t know if I could write everything about my trip to Europe but I can try because it was really amazing. People ask me how I was able to do it, to travel alone, but it wasn’t really a problem for me. I do remember getting muscles though from all the luggage lifting and I’m not exactly a muscly kind of gal. I also know that I achieved what I set out to do and see there.

But I’ll start with Bali because it’s the most recent and poignant. Here’s a picture of me poised on getting “cleansed’ in one of Bali’s Hindu water temples on the day of my birthday. It was a good feeling.

To more discoveries,

M

May 27, Thursday – Marj’s mom, Marj’s bro, and I go to our scheduled appointment at 8 am. Lots of people. We were number 13. French old guy at Counter 4 calls us but after checking our documents, says our hotel vouchers are just hotel reservations and therefore unacceptable. I explain that it was a voucher the travel agent gave us. He stands his ground; asks us to secure hotel vouchers. He gets up and pulls something out from behind him — shows us an example of a voucher from the glass window. I scrutinize it so I’ll know what to do. “Return tomorrow at 8 am, no appointment needed,” he said. Henri, who was behind us, talks to Counter 4 guy in French but oldie won’t budge. I call the travel agent outside for this kind of voucher he wants. By 8 pm, I secure the vouchers. We were ready.

May 26, Friday - The three of us return at 8 am. Woman behind me in the line says it was her 3rd time to go back because her hotel vouchers weren’t acceptable to Counter 4 guy. She got her new one straight from Holiday Inn in Paris and invested in overseas calls to the said hotel.  While listening to her, I was thinking about the new vouchers we had…but I was confident. The thing is, Henri and Marj were coming in at a later time so it was an uneasy feeling meeting Counter 4 guy again, just the 3 of us.

“Fifteen! One five,” called Counter 4. The sound of his voice was like remembering what happened the day before. He still looked the same — devoid of emotions, with the little hair he had left in his head sliding down front. At first, all seemed well as he flipped through our documents. I held my breath when he checked the vouchers… but he passed through them so I was relieved. But then he raises his hand a little later saying the vouchers for the certain days we were there were okay but what about the duration of the wedding? We showed Henri’s letter of invitation and documents but he stopped us.

“Attestation d’accueil’.”

I froze.

I knew this document, pronounced ates-tas-yoh ak-yu-wei. It’s like an affidavit of support. Counter 4 kept saying it over and over because Tita (Marj’s mom) kept explaining we would be staying with Henri’s family. But just like yesterday, he wouldn’t budge.

Marj’s mom kept pushing for him to look at Henri’s letter and I could see it was a stalemate. I tell Tita we need to back down. And at that moment, Henri and Marj came. I signaled a thumbs down sign to him. Henri rushes to Counter 4. Henri explains that the guy he talked to earlier said the attestation wasn’t needed that’s why he made the letters. Counter 4 suggests we go to the guy he talked to.

We move to another part of the embassy. This one had sofas (the one we were in earlier had those plastic seats seen in airports). The consul there was nice and confirmed that yes, Henri’s letter was enough and he could give us the visa but explained that recently a guy with really good documents traveling on a business visa was stopped at the border and immigration demanded an attestation d’accueil’. Since he didn’t have that, just hotel vouchers, his visa was refused. So this kind consul suggested we get it. But before letting us go, he checks our passports and looked at our visas. I thought it was nice so he would remember us, just in case we would need his help in the future.

From now to June – We will wait for Henri’s attestation d’accueil’ and arrange another appointment with the Embassy. And yes, we will see Counter 4 guy again. (sigh) Apparently everyone goes to this old guy. But I think he’ll be happy to see that we have everything he needs! At least everything is clear now.

By the way, for those who want to know what the voucher Counter 4 guy showed me — it looked exactly like this:

Happy weekend!

M

Something she said made me panic a bit — she said I’d better book a flight now because rates for August were getting higher and higher each day.

(gulp) Visa first.

Looking back, we were even lucky to have an “early” schedule with the French Embassy because they suggested (or was it insisted) for a June or July appointment! Reason given was because visa processing took only 10 working days.

By the way, for those calling the French Embassy — be prepared that the day and time you want for the interview may not be to your liking so just have a back-up date in mind. I had to call for four people (Marj, her mom & bro, me) and consider Henri’s availability (since he’ll be in town) so it was a challenge plus the # 1 date we wanted wasn’t possible. Anyway, good luck!

More visa “learnings” in my next post!

Good night all,

M

P.S I did get the bank certificates today so it’s all up to the travel agent now. I’ll follow up again tomorrow.

My interview at the French Embassy (Schengen visa) is finally up.

Since I’m going to a wedding and staying in Europe for just 2 weeks, I would be applying for a short stay tourist visa (90 days and below).

Below are the documents I need to bring to the interview (lined are the accomplished ones):

1. Signed application for Schengen visa with photo (35mm x 45mm, white background) + 1 extra photo. (Hotel/flight booking details still being finalized)
2. Cover letter explaining the purpose of your trip as well as dates and places to be visited (My cover letter explains my friend’s wedding in France — that she asked me to be one of her two witnesses)
   
3. Hotel vouchers, round trip flight ticket booking, complete itinerary with departure and return dates (All pending with the travel agent; I also made my own itinerary indicating the places I will go to for each of the days that I will be there)
4. Certificate of employment and approved leave of absence (The specific day that I’ll be reporting back for work  was indicated and signed by my boss)
5. Income tax return from previous year, recent bank certification, photocopy of the last three months statement at same bank account (Getting this tomorrow)
6. Photocopy of the first page of your passport, all obtained visas, photocopy of your birth certificate authenticated by the NSO
7. An international valid worldwide travel insurance (Pending with the travel agent)

I’m nearly done and should be getting everything within the week. I’m keeping my fingers crossed!!!

By the way, for those who are going to attend a wedding in Europe like I am, I think it’s wise to photocopy your friend’s email inviting you to the wedding (this is apart from the formal invitation) and bring some old photos of you and your friend. Also get a letter of invitation from the European national (not necessarily the Attestation d’accueil since it will cost him/her some euros). This was what two of my friends suggested (and now I’ll be getting) and I’m now sharing with you.

I think it’s better to be confident you’ve got everything covered, right? 

Until my next visa update!

M

I sang the loudest with”Anima Christi”, which is usually sung during communion. Guilty.  Hee-hee.

I just love the song a lot!

Do you know it?

The sermon of the mass was about communication — how influential it could be to others, especially younger people and therefore needed to be wielded well and wisely. The message wasn’t extraordinary or something we didn’t know already but I think we just need to be reminded every once in a while about the “little things” in life.

A blessed Sunday everyone!

M

P.S. Bridesmaid duties update: Have a venue already for Marj’s bridal shower but need to finalize the program, food, guest list with the gang by Saturday.

P.P.S My friend Janey gave me her Lonely Planet French phrase book! Quelle chance!

With the looks of it, the ink isn’t going to disappear anytime soon.

I cast my vote at 8:30 this morning and am now hoping for the best.

I voted for someone trustworthy for president and vice president, people who have made a difference for senate, the partylist who will push programs for senior citizens, someone tested for congress, a promising mayor and vice mayor team, and councilors I am familiar with. I’m not sure if they will all win, but I think they are the ones who could really push for reform and development in the country. But we will see.

Some learnings from today:

• Praying really helps make you decide — at least it worked for me.
• Memorizing your precinct number saves you time
• Going earlier is better — people are already at the polls before 7 am; cooler
• Expect the worst – heat, no fans, standing (or sitting) in a slow moving line.
• Despite automation, the process is slower (fewer people can be accommodated)
• Have a meal before going — I was daydreaming about breakfast while waiting!

I am now glued to the news and hoping that the leaders elected will transform the country to a more progressive one.

Keeping my fingers crossed,

M

Along with another “dwarf”, Atha, we checked out places for Marj’s upcoming bridal shower on the 25th.

Mission: Failed

Despite going to several possible venues on a really hot day, we still didn’t find a suitable place although one looks hopeful. It could not however be viewed until next week so I volunteered to do it since I live nearby.

After our ocular inspection, Atha and I decided to have lunch and later listen to music. Martika came to mind! Atha’s favorite is “Safe in the arms of love” which I honestly forgot about.

So I have to place it here so it doesn’t happen again.

Remaining, immediate things to do before the wedding:

• Bridal shower (venue, guest list, food, program, managing the bride’s arrival)
• Visa requirements (which includes the bride’s family)

More crazy updates soon!

M

P.S. I just added a Travel page to include tips on the places I’ve been to. Europe is next, hopefully!