Style and Soul @styleandsoul-blog - Tumblr Blog

The Leap of Choice (by Melai Style and Soul) I've got a new blog post on Style and Soul! For more outfit details, check the full entry here http://www.styleandsoul.net/2013/07/the-leap-of-choice.html. Coming from the University of the Philippines, sunflowers mean something to us other than just a flower. When it starts growing along university avenue some time in February, it marks the beginning of the end of college for a lot of students. Once it has fully grown, it symbolizes a new chapter in the life of those fresh grads who are zealous to face the real world. For me, these sunflowers signify that the best is yet to come. This year, I felt ready taking on new challenges. Don't forget to read my full entry :) http://www.styleandsoul.net/2013/07/the-leap-of-choice.html

Life on Instagram

Instagram is a lie.

In one way or another, but not always.

People (I am not excluded) would usually post about everything that's amazing about their lives therefore creating the "myth of perfection". We can't be sure which photos reflect one's reality, which one's fake or even forced.

Example, one person may upload a picture of his expensive gourmet meal at some high-end restaurant but what we may not know is that, this person has lost a loved one, his job or is eating alone with no one to share the moment with.

Yeah sure, a photograph may say a thousand words. However, there are also a lot more (tens of thousands more) that it doesn't (couldn't and even wouldn't) express.

My life is way complicated, filled with trials, drama and the country is under compelling social issues. But what the heck does that mean in this "me" generation right? In instagram, everyone seems to be having the time of their lives eating good food, traveling to places, shopping for material things. Instagram depicts all the superficiality (most often than not) there is in this world.

And I am not any different, haha. Or wait am I? Echos!

Isn't it ironic? Don't you think?

#life #personal #instagram

osaccessories

GET A CHANCE TO WIN THIS OS ACCESSORIES SEACAGE CAP!!!

1. Follow OS ACCESSORIES on Tumblr (make sure you do, we will check!)

2. Reblog this photo with the tag #osaccessoriesgiveaway

Winners will be chosen on July 7, 2013!

http://www.os-accessories.com

styleandsoul-blog

I wanna win some bones!!! #OSACCESSORIESGIVEAWAY

#ThrowbackThursday: Because I'm Human

I have a niche following and it's not that much so I guess, not everyone has read my past blog posts yet.

To those who have no idea, this was one of the entries that truly redefined the way that I blog. Since then, I've moved towards achieving the most honest and most authentic blogging that I can.

The comments were positive and moving and that's what kept me going in this direction of writing.

"I think this is one of the best and strongest heartfelt blog post from a local blogger I've read for a long time. :) Couldn't be more proud of you. I don't have to say anything else because you know by heart what I want to say to you now. :)" - Paul Jatayna of Paulhighness

"i love this. I'm so proud of you.. I respect you so much Melai." - Karl Leuterio of Inkarlcerating

"I've been having the same thoughts/feelings/reservations for so long and i've really been struggling with them." -Bestie Konisis of bestiekonisis.com

"I really felt you here Melai and that's what makes posts great...not the events...not the products... :) It's refreshing to see a post amid a sea of entries that seem like press releases already... I'm just happy you're keeping it real and is finally coming to terms on what blogging really is for you." -Roma Agsalud of Popjunklove

"It's really moving and enlightening. I am glad to know that you are strong enough to admit your mistakes and make up for them. Not everyone can do that." - Channie

"I was moved by your words, Melai. You are such an inspiration. I somewhat got teary-eyed reading this post. Continue inspiring us!" -Gemnikka Alcantara

Read full entry here. :)

I maintain this blog for random musings and blobs. But for my real outlet and visual diary, follow styleandsoul.net on Bloglovin. :)

#throwback #thursday #personal #life #Soul #blogging

Bloggers United 5 Bazaar

It's now a month later since Bloggers United 5 Bazaar. I had a blast! I didn't have the chance to roam around since people were coming non-stop in my booth (not that I'm popular or anything, they just really want to shop).

Since I haven't been blogging that much or attending any events, I find it surprising that a few people still recognize me or would tell me that they read my blog. I hardly update but it means so much to me to hear that you guys still do visit whenever there's something new. :)

And you know one of the moments that really made my day? It's when David came up to me and told me, "Alam mo gumaganda ka."

Kinilig ako promise (praaaaamis)! LOL.

Check my outfit post in my official blog to see what I wore last BU5! :)

#Bloggers United #Bazaar #shopping #events

#UPCAST

A big part of our choices in life will deeply impact our future. I wouldn't be working in the indie film and video production industry today if I didn't join UP CAST (Cinema Arts Society) when I was in college.

I met interesting, artistic and talented people and I think, all of them in one way or another, helped shape the person that I am today. Who would have thought that my interest in film would soon become my passion and advocacy - to help uplift the quality of Philippine cinema through powerful narratives in order to help create a thinking audience.

I love what I do. I'm a production manager for indie films who moonlights as a character (wardrobe) stylist and has now ventured into film producing as well.

And like I said before, because I've found happiness at work, I never have to work a day in my life. :)

It all started here. If you're a student from the University of the Philippines - Diliman, and interested in film and video production (+ photography and more!), APPLY NOW and be a member of #UPCAST. :)

Good luck newbies!

BTW, visit my official blog, styleandsoul.net! To get updated on my latest entries, follow Style and Soul on Bloglovin.

#UPCAST #film #filmproduction #organization #application #announcement

Have a Stylish (and Of Course, Safe) Travel

I've been away for quite (a looooong) while and one of the things you probably didn't know is that, during my absence from blogging and other social media activities, I turned a year older.

Yes, last May.

My birthday was hidden (on purpose) from Facebook's birthday calendar because I thought to myself, only the people who think I matter and only the people who matter to me would give me meaningful greetings. Call it some sort of birthday protest (gumaganun? haha).

However, to those who haven't greeted me (but wished you did, if you only knew), don't fret. I don't take it against you. It's not you. It's me. Even I, myself, am not good at remembering my friends' birthdays, hehe.

To my delight, one of the best birthday gifts that I got was an artsy luggage from Saxoline PH. If you follow my official blog and have read my latest entry, then you would know what design I picked (but wait, I think my previous post has spoiled it, LOL)!

If only I can have everything!

#lifestyle #luggage #bag #SaxolinePH #collaboration

Jeka's Fashbook Compilations

I have a new styling intern - Jeka. She is the founder of Tumblr Fair (hey, hey, put all gossips aside - wala pong issue between Bloggers United and Tumblr Fair, hehe) and she owns Butingtings, an online store selling different types of accessories.

Jeka is promising. She's a multi-tasker and a go-getter - the types that I wanted to have in my team (Plus, really funny haha. Bakla lang si atey).

I'm really choosy when it comes to people. I want those with initiative, those who work without being told or supervised all the time and especially those who have the right attitude, who can take constructive criticisms, know how to work hard and give it their all. If not, then I easily let go.

I can also be very tough (it's tough love, really) on my interns and associates so it's really rare to find people who can accept me when I'm in my working mode (because I just really want people to push themselves when I know they really can), without taking things too personal. This is why I treasure Adly and Joanna, who have been with me for quite a while now since we've gone through rough patches as well in the course of working together.

Jeka has been with me for two episode tapings already (and a half I guess because of the Ryzza interview) hehe. And I'm amused by her instagram documentation and compilation!

#ryzzamaedizon #ryzzamaechacha #fashbook #gmanewstv #work #styling #celebrity #solenn heussaff #ruffa mae quinto #fashion

I'm Shoe in Love: Find Your Perfect Pair Year 3

The LiST Group is giving away 10 pairs of shoes! 10!!!

And this is all in line with their upcoming event, I'm Shoe in Love: Find Your Perfect Pair Year 3! This is said to be the metro's biggest shoe sale ever and it's happening on July 20-21, 2013 at The NBC Tent from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

"Wanting to add a twist to the usual bazaars that we do, we thought about creating an event that the whole family can enjoy equally. It was back in 2011 when the idea of a shoe bazaar came up.

Just as our personalities are different, our preference for footwear also varies. There's the trendy style maven who can always be found wearing the latest heels and platforms, there's the equally sartorial male whose shoe collection can put some women to shame, the girl-next-door who collects flats in all colors and styles, the hip mother who is now all about comfortable yet trendy "walking shoes", the active father who's always looking for the best bargains in rubber shoes and walking sandals, the tiny tot unknowingly being dressed by his or her parents but would rather run in those squeaky shoes, and the grandparents who insist that they have more than enough shoes but we still insist on getting new ones for them anyway -- but regardless of our preferences there's always a perfect pair for each one of us."

For more information on the event, you may visit our page: http://www.facebook.com/TheLiSTGroup

*You can also follow my tumblr account via Bloglovin!

#bazaar #TheLiSTGroup #ImShoeinLoveYear3 #announcement

Baggage Encounter (by Melai Style and Soul) Know all the details of this look on http://styleandsoul.net! Print-on-print-on-print look for another day of work. Retro printed top over stripes over doodled-print luggage. This DIY head wreath totally completes the look! :)

shortformblog

I’ve poured my blood, sweat, tears, energy and money into for almost 2 years. I was both astonished and demoralized to find that my entire brand, image and web personality was swiped for use in a marketing campaign by some massive multi-billion dollar a year company, without ever being asked for permission or acknowledged.

Turner Barr, creator of the popular travel blog Around The World In 80 Jobs (currently down) • Discussing the theft of his concept by a human relations company, Adecco, which was so adept at stealing the concept that they trademarked the name themselves, created a video similar to Barr’s that featured an actor pretending to be a travel blogger, and overtook Barr’s own concept in the search results. The company defended its actions on its Facebook page, stating: “We understand there is concern with the use of the term ‘Around The World In 80 Jobs’ and we take this seriously. We’ve worked to resolve this and to create a mutually beneficial solution. We will continue to do so.” Dear Adecco: If you feel like stealing the concept for ShortFormBlog, please don’t. (via shortformblog)

@solennheussaff in a sexy cut-out dress from @lovemitzhi and shoes from @sophisticatshoes. Accessories c/o of #MagsPh and +-x÷ (#plusminusmultiplydivide)

#magsph #plusminusmultiplydivide