Tres Bellas

Tres Bellas is the blog of three beautiful sisters living in three different cities. While they may be separated by distances, they are connected within this thread of a textscape where they further explore the lands they travel and the lands of their imagination. The name “Tres Bellas” is a word play of three languages: tres as in three in Spanish; tres as in very in French; bella as in beautiful in Italian; bellas as in the plural of beautiful in Spanish. As the lives of the three sisters are multilayered and rich in experience, so is their blogosphere and the very reason it exists. Tres Bellas. Three characters. Three sisters. Three lives. To get in touch with us, send us a shoutout to tresbellaschic "at" gmail "dot" com. We can't wait to hear from you.

[tresbellas]

Waiting for time

Tick tock tick tock

*Looks at watch*

*Stares at ceiling*

*Counts fireflies*

*Looks at clock*

*Counts heartbeat*

*Looks into the future*

*Stares into the distance*

                                               You are doing the right thing.

Counting time?

________________________________________________________

#Inspired by a conversation with Saatchee

[tresbellas]

The Irony of Chinese Hygiene

A good family friend once told us a joke that the Chinese put a secret ingredient in their dishes -- the Hoktu. What's the Hoktu? And then he goes on to do the spitting action. 

Yuck, right?

But that's how the Chinese are. They spit, pick nose in public; kids pee and shit anywhere. Yes, anywhere.

I don't know where they got this habit. I'm thinking it has something to do with the MSG. Chinese love MSG. They put it in all their dishes. Maybe MSG gets stuck in the throat or something so they have to spit it out.

Men here also love to wear their pinkie fingernails long. I once was told that it's a Chinese belief that the pinkie should be the same length as the ring finger for luck. Riiight. Nice cover up there. The real reason is so it's easier for them to pick their nose and ears. Disgusting I know. 

And what about those babies pants with a rip for the butt and privates? Yeah, it's for easy access. They do it everywhere! On the streets, or on the subway where people can see them. Sometimes they do it in a plastic, sometimes just directly on the ground. No wonder they were likened to dogs decades ago. 

What bothers me though is that, won't they be more prone to rashes or diseases cos it's open like that? I mean, their bums sit on the dirty grocery cart. Or what about during winter? Won't they be cold?

What I find ironic about all this is that the Chinese are very health-conscious. They have a long-standing tradition of Chinese medicines; they know what to eat, what not to eat. They are sensitive to the production of food products. 

So if that's the case, haven't they thought that it's not healthy for their human waste to just be lying anywhere and exposed like that? I know it's a long shot from your shoes to the dinner table, but you never know how germs travel. 

Developed as the country is, perhaps they still have a way to go to reach that cultured step. And when they do, I hope I'll still be here to witness it. 

[tresbellas]

Winter wear therapy: A Guide to Winter Wear Essentials

Today is winter wear shopping day. 

Of course there's no better place to hunt for Shanghai's best bargains, regardless of season, but at Qi Pu Lu.

I already had the items I need in mind. So it was quite easy for me to spot what I need amidst the chaotic array of choices ahead of me. 

Here are the stuff I deem necessary to survive winter in Shanghai.

1. Snow boots

I know. I know. Uggs are ugg-ly. But I couldn't help it. My feet are freezing in my leather boots. Or I prolly should buy leather boots with fur inside. Nevertheless, I think Uggs works and just depends on how you style your outfit.

And I know. It doesn't really snow in Shanghai. Well it did this year, which was a surprise, and I wasn't even here to catch it. Normally, when it snows here in Shanghai, it's so thin that it melts right when it touches the ground. 

Still, I'll stand by and with my Uggs.

2. Thick socks

I was looking for ones that reach up to the knees in colorful patterns but I guess these will do for now.

3. Gloves

I really looked for ones with fur inside (as suggested to me by Prim). My hands really get cold and dry in the winter.

4. Thermal innerwear

I like going for classic colors, black for instance for innerwear since it's easier to pair. This is a basic. Once you have that, you can go for more colorful tops or accessories. 

I was also on the look out for a thick down jacket that reaches up to the knees. I don't know how fashionable this is but I saw most locals wore this last winter and since they prolly know more than I do in keeping warm, I'm taking a tip from them.

I didn't see any that I particularly liked. I was looking for one that's a bit form fitting like the one I saw at H&M. Since I wasn't in a hurry to buy one, I let it pass.

And then, I still went home with the exact jacket that I wanted.

5. Coats

H&M was on sale! This is the exact jacket I've been eyeing. Got it for half off. I must have done something good recently. In white I'd prolly look like the Snow Queen. Hehe. 

Two weeks ago, I also went home with the trench coat I had my sights on at C&A.

Again, got it for half off. Indeed, karma's at work here.

When we walked into Marks & Spencers, I was hoping that the brown ankle boots would be half off as well (Haha! Betting on my lucky streak), they're not. Oh well, 2 out of 3 is good. 

Maybe I'll go back to Qipu and just buy the boots I saw there. Hope the vendors won't remember me after I've bargained pennies for those boots and just got a "thank you, you may walk away now" from them. HAHA.

So that's it. Let me add scarves and hat to the list, but I didn't buy any more on this trip as my current ones still suffice. Or that I'm just waiting to receive these on Christmas *ehem ehem*. 

Stay tuned to see my winter outfits as the season rolls. Keep warm y'all!

Metro: Line 10, Tiantong Lu

Take utmost care of your belongings while in that area. Rain related to me how she almost got pickpocketed by nonetheless women, one of which is even pregnant (or prolly just pretending to be).

Oh, I do have to go back, maybe next month. My dad gave me a task and I forgot to do it. Forgot to bring his suit to buy an exact set. Oh well. 

[tresbellas]

Swifting to December

I've been listening to too much T.Swift songs lately. I'm hooked on her new (yes they're still new to me) songs Back to December and Mine.

What I like about her songs is that they tell a story. It sort of lulls you into a world, one which you are all too familiar with - your own. She tells YOUR story - small town girl, young girl in love, heartbreaks. 

I listen to these songs when I ride the subway to the city. When I'm lucky I get to sit. If not, I stand next to the door and gaze out to the fields and city developments below me. I imagine that I'm shooting an MTV video. 

Saatchee asked me, so to whom are you dedicating that song to? 

To Taylor Lautner as well, of course. HAHA.

Speaking of December, I'm excited to spend the holidays in Manila. No leaves or ticket yet. Ahia's already booked. So to all the OFWs out there, better book your flight already, lest it be a lonely Christmas for you (you know who you are).

See y'all soon!

[tresbellas]

Random Sunday

So I've gone back to using tumblr since I can no longer access wordpress here in China (yey for tumblr!). Check out our wordpress blog: http://tresbellaschic.wordpress.com. I expect that my sisters will update that other blog from hereon *ehem*

Still on online sites, my good friend Allan started a website focused on making money through Chinese language skills and home-based online jobs. He included me in his first feature (yey for me!) so make sure to check it out at www.moneyinmandarin.com.

Lastly, I found that I do have photos of my stay in Manila. Only two. 

(L-R) Dodong, Allan, Me, Roommie, Pinky

Roommie and shobe surprised me with a birthday video including photos and messages from good friends *tears*. I really loved it! Now I have something to cheer me up here when I'm down. Thanks again roommie and linchee!

Dinner at Amici and dessert in Banapple, Ayala Triangle

[tresbellas]

Pushed, squished, moshed in Patriotic Beijing

I met Ditch in Beijing for the National holidays and we couldn't have chosen a better time but on one that fills Beijing up to the brim (whoopsie!) that we were just hanging by the lid at the end. 

October 1-7 is China's week-long celebration for the founding of the People's Republic. Of course, being the nation's capital, most people will definitely choose to go to Beijing and celebrate it there. 

We were simply being patriotic (riiiiiight).

We did the usual touristy places, except for Temple of Heaven, when by the end we had enough of the crowds (it was hard to get away from them even with my heavy disguise). 

And now for the paparazzi shots.

People..

..people..

..and more people!

I love my corn! Unlike Linz' wine and cheese..

Teethless Speechless

Is that me? Teehee..

I like the Mutianyu side of the Great Wall better than Badaling.

Here, you have the steps, unlike the sloping climb at Badaling..

AND, it doubles as an amusement park with the cable car going up and toboggan going down. Weee!

DON'T. Don't hug Mickey Mouse outside the subway stop of the Bird's Nest. Damage? 10rmb.

Suzhou street at Summer Palace

I regret that I didn't buy this sniff bottle. Want to imagine that a Qing Dynasty Prince gave it to me..

..at my palace..

Relaxed last day

Let's Burger, Let's Forget. Why? See below.

BIG fries!

Looks scrumptious? Found a hair here later. Eep! And the shrimp is not fresh. Boo.

Flash mob Chinese style

Commute: Beijing via the new fast train. 5 hours for 555RMB. Same price via air if you booked at a good rate. 

Stay: Wangfujing Wanda Hotel. Booked via Agoda.com. Location is quite convenient: walking distance from Wangfujing and with nearby bus and subway stations. Downside: Room kinda smells and is not sound-proof.

[tresbellas]

I'm a cat lady now *meow*

I just got myself 3 cats. I plan on bringing them whenever I go out. 

Must be true what they say about spinsters. I must be turning into one now. *spin spin*

[tresbellas]

DJ in Manille

I've been in hiatus.

Went back to Manila to celebrate my birthday. And since it's my birthday (and I can do what i want to), i just let people take photos of me and with me (yes, it's a privilege granted to only a lucky few). I didn't take a single photo with my cam. And since i don't have access to facebook here in China, i have absolutely no photos with me here of my stay there.

And since my sisters always say: PHOTOS OR IT DIDN'T HAPPEN, perhaps it didn't happen after all. 

*Goes back to sleep*

[tresbellas]

Love, Loss and What I Wore: A trip down fashion memory lane

Last Sunday, I caught the second to the last showing of Love, Loss and What I Wore at RCBC Theater in Makati (the last time I was here, I got asked to be a guest speller for the musical "Spelling Bee".  It was my first 15 seconds of fame on theater!).  It is an off-broadway show written by sisters Nora Ephron (When Harry Met Sally, Sleepless in Seattle) and Delia Ephron (The Sisterhood of Traveling Pants, Hanging Up) and features anecdotes and vignettes of women recalling certain moments in their lives with clothes or fashion accessories they wore.  

The show was staged by CTE Productions and it was the first time to have an Asian premiere with an all Asian cast (so yes, it's a bit sad that it only ran for week).  The Asian premiere cast included Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, Cathy Azanza-Dy, Teresa Herrera, Bituin Escalante and Jay Valencia-Glorioso.  It was directed by Michael Williams and Cathy Azanza-Dy. 

After watching the show, I cannot help but feel bad for the guys who were there.  I am uncertain if there ever exists a straight guy who can understand why for women clothing is never just utility.  There is always something more that women ascribe to clothes, to shoes, to an accessory, to a purse and so on.  Conversely, if a woman tries to shun fashion, again, there is that whole litany---or calvary, if I might add---of complaints and stories that go along with it.  There are vignettes wittily segmented as "The Closet", "The Dressing Room" and "Black" with lines that are so familiar it sounds like I've said it one too many times as well!  Lines such as, "I have nothing to wear!" or "Do I look 5 pounds heavier in this" or "Do you have this in black?"  Or even funnier for me though I do not remember verbatim is, "I will never get why they think this and this color will be the next black.  It will never be!"  And something I have always thought of but never really said out loud which coincidentally was said in the show: I never really figured out sleeveless turtlenecks.  Are you hot?  Are you cold?  Make up your mind!

When the focal narrator, Gingy, was narrating how she was skeptical that publishers would ever notice her fashion sketches and the stories they told, she shared that she thought it was too personal.  However, it turns out, the publishers loved her storytelling because it strikes a common chord for all women.  Other narrators then mentioned all these garment pieces, clothing items that held value to them.  At this point, it was as if you have been watching television and it turns out it was your story all along.  The narrator suddenly flipped the switch and said, okay, now it's your turn.  Fourth wall of the theater has been broken and it really opened all these memories for me.

 I started remembering my first running shoes and all the memories it contained: my first Fun run (Animo Run), my best 5K time (38 minutes in the Condura Fun Run '09. not bad for an amateur! haha), running during a rainshower (Earth Run '09), jogging dates and solitary reflective runs.  All of them worth remembering.  Of course, the list goes on and I won't drag you with everything else that I remembered.  

But how about you?  What's your favorite clothing piece and what memory does it hold?

[tresbellas]

Hongkong Hangover

I have been meaning to post about my Hongkong trip if it weren't for the usual overfatigue I get after travelling to another country.  Anyway, here are the much-awaited photos of what I have done there. *drum roll*

To summarize, I ate, I shopped, then I ate some more.  My companions and I got lost (all thanks to me.  Yes, I take credit for poor navigational skills as I'm always lost, with glazed eyes and...did I just mention glazed? ooooh doughnuts!...oh right, glazed eyes and overactive random imagination) and when we finally found ourselves back in the train station, I couldn't help but exclaim, "Omygoodness! TRAINS!  I've never been happier to see a train!" then proceeded to hug the escalator rail (nope, don't expect photos of this scenario).

So here I am, still certain of our bus line. (Notice the arrogance and the conviction that we will reach our destination. Oh, for the first two photos, credits to Mea Torres and her trusty camera.)

And here we are, admitting that we're lost! (Notice the crestfallen face and the admittance that yes, I still have poor navigational skills despite me being able to figure out the train system there. A miracle a day was enough already, said the Universe.)

  On to better things: FOOD!  Below is the best lemon iced tea I have ever tasted in Hongkong.  You can buy it in Dragonbest in the Fu Tung Shopping Center (Tung Chung area).  It has the right amount of lemons and sugar (or is it honey? still not sure on that) mixed with black tea.

My steamed chicken and roasted pork lunch. YUMMY!

Takoyaki balls sold at Taste Supermarket in Citygate Outlet (still in Tung Chung area)

Misocool Japanese BBQ ramen.  Misocool is located at Stanley Street, Central.

This is what I loved the most from Misocool: Baked Spicy Oysters with Cheese. The oysters were fresh and the melted cheese was to die for.

Chocolate goodies!

Dessert Mochi in Mochi Sweets.  Mochi Sweets is located in Langham Place in Mongkok.  I was a bit sad that Mochi Cream in Sogo Causeway Bay no longer sells mochi individually.  You have to buy it by the box (minimum of 6 pieces).  Frankly, I still like Mochi Cream better.  Theirs is creamier and heavenly the moment you bite into it.  However, the lemon cream mochi in Mochi Sweets has a nice light refreshing taste considering it's a bit of a heavy dessert.

Itamae Sushi is my go-to happy sushi place in Hongkong.  They have several branches: Tsing Yi, Mongkok, Causeway Bay, Tsuen Wan, Kowloon Tong and HK International Airport. You can't miss it!  I love their salmon in soy sauce sushi and salmon head.  Don't underestimate the salmon head.  It does not look that palatable but that's one of the parts where the salmon is juiciest and tastiest.

It's beerfest at Lan Kwai Fong!

Lamb Biryani lunch at Ebenezer.  Ebenezer is located in Lan Kwai Fong, Central. They serve really good kebabs, biryani and samosas.  This serving is quite deceiving.  It may look small but it's really a lot.  I suggest sharing with someone if your appetite is not that huge anyway.  But the heck, the biryani is so aromatic and hearty.  I was able to finish mine all by myself! weee!

On our last day, we had dessert in a small nondescript eating place in Sheung Wan.  I'm a big fan of black sesame so I ordered the Hot Black Sesame Paste with Lotus Seeds.  It's not too sweet and the lotus seeds complemented the taste of the hot soup/paste.

My other companions got the Hot Almond Paste with Lotus Seeds.  It's a bit sweeter and almond fans are sure to delight in its nutty taste. (Note: everyone else got this so that made me the black sheep dessert taker that day.  I stand by my ground though. I still love the black sesame dessert!)

Oh, and I would not end this entry without including photos of my retail adventures!  

Funny that I mentioned that we got lost because when it comes to finding H&M, I'm never ever lost.  My companions called me the H&M detector as I can always sense if it's nearby already (well, it is a start for shaping up my navigational skills, huh?)

I have always associated Bershka with my sister Chichi since their collections always exuded the California Casual look which is her definitive style.  Bershka is part of the Zara Group of Companies and in terms of price points, it is quite forgiving on the pocket (not to mention that gigantic percentage sign that screamed SALE through and through).

And just a little something to end my entry.  When we were in Lan Kwai Fong, we saw the weather anchor of HK TVB.  My brother did not want to believe that I can approach him to ask for a photo and so I did. TA-DAH!

[tresbellas]

Just another day in Paradise!

I was feeling a bit upset the other day so it was good that my morning started with a request from my colleague to photograph some kids at the spa while they try the fruits and vegetable carving lesson. 

Can't post photograph of the kids kasi baka lagot

I tried it a bit and played with the kids... the kids were so cute complete with their British accent..

In the afternoon, I went to the Water Villas to photograph its interiors.  On the way, I saw this tree... The fashion designer inside me suddenly came out, as this looked like a potential inspiration for a gown.  What do you think? Nakita niyo ba ang potential? haha! O nababaliw na ako...

It was a bit gloomy in the afternoon.  Hope tomorrow is a better day!

xoxo!

R

[tresbellas]

Cute and happy song for the week!  The video is fun to watch.  

[tresbellas]

The Adventures of Dodong and Ditas

I would like to recall a happy time working as a chimay slave utusan alila helper trainee in Mamtep's household.

Mamtep's household is a subsystem in a larger household that is Bahay ni Uncle John. I was a mere nene young lass from Rosario when my cousin Inday, the household's mayordoma, asked me if I'm interested in a work opportunity. I jumped at the offer knowing that this is a great opportunity to hone my skills and meet new friends.

There I met Dodong.

Dodong is the household's hardinero (gardener of ideas). He's an insightful talented individual with a wide range of interests. I can talk to him about movies, fashion, career, love, life and he'd surely have an interesting albeit sarcastic comment. 

I have learned a great deal from him and as I moved out of Mamtep's household, I'll forever carry with me the great memories and close bond I have with him.

Lost and found: Phil consulate treasure coin

Wannabe Lacoste models

Cheap thrills: People watching

"One day wise old man.. next day.."

Dodong and Ditas day-off

Discover more of Dodong and his thoughts at thesuprimo.wordpress.com!

[tresbellas]

Bodu Beru

Last June 2011, the resort formed a dance group composed of its employees from different departments.

The group performs every Wednesday in the resort's Management Cocktail a local cultural dance called Bodu Beru.  Bodu Beru is a traditional Maldivian dance where 12 to 15 performers dance and sing to the beat of drums.

The performers mostly sing songs about heroism, romance or satire.  It is quite fun to watch especially when the drum beats gets faster and faster and everyone starts to dance!

[tresbellas]

Happiest place in Shanghai

...that is until Disneyland opens here.

I recently went to Happy Valley (欢乐谷) with a few expats. We couldn't have chosen a better day to go but on an impossibly HOT one at that. It is officially summer in Shanghai.

Happy Valley is divided into seven stations. Here are the ones we went to:

Sunshine Harbor

See the Soaring Dragon. It's called a flying cinema as the seats are raised to give the feel of being in air together with the dragon flying across China. Wanna be on the topmost level? Get on the third row. Gave us a scare when it started moving up. 

Happy Time

Try the Wooden Coaster-Fireball (roller coaster) and Space Shot & Turbo Drop (goes all the way up then down). But since I'm such a wuss, I just rode the Happy Bouncing - bump cars! Don't underestimate this ride; we had to line up almost two hours for this one.

Shanghai Beach

Want to know how it feels like to be on a swinging pendulum? Get on the Gyro Swing. For roller coaster fanatics, there's the Diving Coaster. And for folks like me, I enjoyed the Four Senses Theater. We watched a clip from Journey to the Center of the Earth featuring Brendan Fraser. This was my favorite feature in the park.

Ant Kingom

For kiddies! And kids at heart like me. 

Typhoon Bay

And we even bought raincoats for Shoot the Chute -- it's similar to log jam in Enchanted Kingdom but creates a really big splash once it hits the bottom -- only to find out it closes by 16:30. And for those who dare try, go for the Splash Over, it turns you 360 degrees over and over. Just watching it makes me all dizzy already.

Gugu's Chu-chu Train

Channeling the latest in Ant fashion

Tanned

Upside down

Bounce bounce

Happy seekers

*Metro: Sheshan Station, Line 9. A free bus will take you to the park.

Entrance fee: 200RMB, ride-all-you-can

Park Hours: 10:00am - 10:00pm; though most rides close by 16:30. Check the schedule for ride hours as well as show hours.

[tresbellas]

Interesting read!

[tresbellas]

Chef's Lil' Garden

The other day our Executive Chef asked me to take photos of his blossoming fruits and vegetable garden. I haven't used an SLR camera for a long time for sun down shots so I had to contact my boyfie right away for a crash course over Skype. I hope I made you proud! Haha!

At the resort, since we are so far away from civilisation, we try to grow our fresh produces in-house at our Chef's Garden.  It took time before it blossomed like this but I guess it is worth the wait as it somehow feels like a Secret Garden now.

I forgot what fruit this is... Passionfruit ba?

I asked Chef, Chef what is that? Then he said that's a Ladyfinger.  Then I kept on wondering what's a Ladyfinger, which dishes can you use this for... Then when I was transferring the photos to the computer I realised, ay Okra lang pala.  Taray ng English name..

This row smelled so good!

A lil' carrot! So cute!

Chef with the Watermelons!

String beans

On a weekly basis, we have what we call a Chef's Garden Dinner.  With this dining experience, guests have an opportunity to go around the garden and pick some fresh produces.  Afterwards, chef will use these fresh products in whipping up a healthy gourmet dinner.

Now for the sundown photos

How did I fare?