Boardwalk Gem Awards with KC Concepcion

It was a day of excitement and inspiration when I was emcee for the Boardwalk Gem Awards, held at the Metrotent, Metrowalk. Plus, I got to meet the lovely and sweet KC Concepcion, one of the few celebrities I truly admire, all thanks to her class, wit and sincerity. 

It was immensely inspiring to meet the Boardwalk GMOs who were able to turn their lives around by being dealers of these high-quality Boardwalk products. This is an annual get-together of GMOs where the top performers are awarded with cash prizes, plaques and a ton of other amazing gifts from Boardwalk. 

Above shows me with KC Concepcion and the President of the company, Mr. Bernardo Madera, prepping for the awarding ceremony. 

Above shows Mr. Madera presenting a plaque of appreciation to a motivational guest speaker. GMOs are assisted by boardwalk from sales, marketing and even holding occasionally talks such as this one, driving them to exceed their limits. 

I am so glad to be part of this, where I got to meet a lot of people from all walks of life and from different parts of the Philippines who all came together to witness this much-anticipated annual affair, and of course, meet their idol, and Boardwalk endorser, KC Concepcion (and who was my co-host too). 

A lookback at being part of Senator Koko's Campaign and Victory Party

Way, way back (was it 2006? 2007?) I was part of the senatorial campaign of Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel. Yellow is not my color, but being part of it made me wear yellow in aspects more than just wearing a yellow shirt. 

I shared my writing expertise and also took part in a few rallies and activities. It all gets murky when you recall the tale of how Koko Pimentel finally got his rightful seat in the senate. It was long and arduous but he made it. So I would like to share a few snaps of his Victory party... 

I emceed the victory party with Jojo Alejar. 

The symbolic candle-lighting and Thanksgiving prayer with his allies including Grace Poe.  

Also present was Ms. Shalani Soledad Romulo. 

This event showed how resilience and faith in God will lead you to wherever you deserve to be. And politics aside, I am thankful for being part of this event, and somehow, this journey. (But other than this, I despise politics, corrupt government officials and especially hate how big an amount is cut from my paycheck each month for taxes - which have never benefited the Filipino people directly!) 

My Unforgettable Gig as Barbie for the Fairy Secret Party!

When I was young, I dreamt of being Barbie. And waddayaknow!?! I got to be Barbie for a day! In fact for several years now, I have been emceeing for Richprime Global Inc. as one of their official character hosts, and SM Supermalls as Barbie! 

During the same day, before hosting for SUN CITY's Anniversary Party in my blue gown (see post below), I was Barbie in Pink! Plus I had wings, too! 

The kids and we adults had so much fun as these Barbie gals (over 150 Barbie princesses) sashayed down the Barbie runway in their best Fairy getup! 

Of course, the Kids at Heart - the lovely Moms, got to play games and win Fabulous, Pinktastic prizes too! 

Can everybody say, "We Love Barbie!!!?!"

And before I wrap up this post, just a bit of fun, Pink-tastic Trivia: Did you know that BARBIE's real name is BARBARA MILLICENT ROBERTS? 

www.marylaineviernes.net

Sun City: Hong Kong's Online Sin City blazes through the Philippines!

One of the most memorable anniversary and awards night I've emceed was for Sun City. This was where I've met a lot of famous (and some controversial) personalities, and every part of the program was really interesting!

The fact that a lot of Chinese from both Mainland and Hong Kong were there - and who had an entirely different party culture - was a tremendous learning experience. I had to scheme to get their attention for they were partying on their own, gambling the night away and already drunk halfway through the program. It was a riot, and a rather fun one. This was, in a way, not as wholesome as the other events I emceed for, as high rollers were present, and money was rolling through the tables, and my list of raffle prizes kept piling on, thanks to the generous - and inebriated - online casino patrons who really made this bash memorable! 

Smiling the night away! I had so much fun and got to sing a few Chinese songs too! Well, just two, Pengyou and Yueliang Daibiao Wode Xin (The Moon Represents My Hear) that I memorized so I can also take part in Chinese events and weddings. 

I don't really care about what people say about Manong Johnny - Juan Ponce Enrile - and on my left there, that lovely lady is his former Chief of Staff, Atty. Gigi Reyes. 

These lovely ladies above were among the guests who flew all the way from Hong Kong. I believe they are related to the young man who owns Sun City online casino, and a string of many other  big Hospitality and Entertainment - related companies in Southeast Asia, especially in Hong Kong and Mainland. They were really sweet lovely, and we were exchanging compliments in Mandarin! 

Notice the Glitter Tattoo on my face? I got this because prior to this fabulous Sun City anniversary party and awards night, I emceed a PINKTASTIC Barbie Party in SM Megamall! Yup, I sometimes do 2-3 events on one day. But I never wish for less work. With thanks, I pray for more strength and grace, to keep up with the boundless blessing I continue to receive. 

"Each time the Sun rises, its warm rays remind me that Things do not get easier... 

I ONLY BECOME STRONGER..." 

PRETTYLOOKS at 30!

I am thankful to Doc Susan Co Dela Fuente, for granting me the honor of hosting their Grand 30th Anniversary and Thanksgiving Party amid the sea of beautiful and talented celebrities who are also their endorsers. It was a night I will never forget as I was the Master of Ceremony at the hottest event in Solaire resort and casino, brimming with people who are beautiful inside and out, and who all came together to celebrate the success of PRETTYLOOKS for the past 30 years!  

As a guest of honor, we had the timeless beauty, Ms. Cory Quirino, inspire us all on how to look good and feel even better! 

Everywhere I look, I see PRETTY: Some of the gorgeous endorsers of the aesthetic center, include Ms. Minnie Aguilar, Princess Snell, Sheree (former Viva Hot Babes) and Ms. Lindsay Custodio. 

It may have been one star-studded affair, but for me, the real Stars, or the Pearls, of the evening were no less than Ms. Susan Dela Fuente, and her lovely daughter, Ms. Steffi Blair Ong. This party was not just about giving thanks for the 30 fruitful years and success in PRETTY-fying people, but it was also the turnover of the business to Ms. Steffi Blair, who promised to continue her mom's legacy, if not, take it up higher! 

The 30th year is said to be the PEARL Anniversary. I love pearls! I wear them everyday to add elegance to my simple office outfits. But I admire and appreciate Pearls more, when I am reminded of these amazing trivia, which I would like to share: 

1. Pearls are the ONLY gemstones made by living animals, specifically the mollusks (oysters) which produce these pearls within its shells. Once pearls are harvested, the mollusk can re-implant and produce again.

2. Pearls actually take the colors of the inside of the oyster shells within which they grow. These may range from white, gold, purple to black. 

3. Each pearl is unique; no two are alike and each comes with imperfections on its shape. 

4. The formation of a natural pearl begins when a foreign matter slips in between the oyster shell valves and irritates the mantle, the organ responsible for forming the shell. It's like getting a splinter, and naturally it reacts by defensively covering up that irritant with the same material that its shell is made of. After a while, this becomes the precious Pearl. 

I can think of so many insights at the majesty of pearls, but let me save that for another post! 

BELOW: Blair and I were so busy that night, but below, I managed to snag a selfie with the new boss of PRETTYLOOKS, looking so majestic in her pink ball gown! Excuse my giddy expression please! 

Another selfie with Ms. Lindsay Custodio, who did not even change one bit since I was watching her on TV, during her Ang TV Days! Testament to the brilliance of PRETTYLOOKS in making your beauty last forever... 

Gone are the days when being beautiful or working hard at it was something vain or shallow. Nowadays, physical qualities which bring out confidence, have been correlated with the chance of success. Of course, beauty is just one element in the formula of success, but it wouldn't hurt to take good care of yourself, because feeling good can start with looking good! 

But be sure to not just entrust yourself - especially your skin and faces to anyone. Learn what PRETTYLOOKS can do for you! Age is just a number, just as PRETTYLOOKS may be 30 years old, but their expertise is as strong and in-demand as ever! Check out  www.prettylooks.com.ph on how you can start enhancing your God-given beauty and empowering your life today. 

Gratitude in Retrospect: My first gigs with Philips AVENT

I have been happily hosting events for Philips AVENT Philippines for the past 5 years and pray that I will always get to do so! I will never forget how they generously gifted my son and I with an amazing set of newborn-must haves, which includes the Philips AVENT Toddler feeding set, Classic feeding bottles, the legendary manual breast pump, the sturdy electric sterilizer which I still use now, four years after, and even a nice bag to go with it. Motherhood for me, has been one extraordinarily amazing and empowering journey, with Philips AVENT by my side, like they have been helping moms all over the world for years! 

I take so much pride in being part of the Philips AVENT family (distributed exclusively by the LJS Group) and I will pepper my new blog with the many events we've had! But for this very first blog post about Philips AVENT, it has to be about the first two events I have had with them. 

Just a request: please excuse my super low-res, fuzzy amateur photos! I had my Yaya , or was it my little boy, snap these. Just please feel the vibe of love and pride that emanate from these happy memories.  

Wow, Doc Chris Soriano and I (photo below) go way back! I just recently interviewed him for another Philips AVENT segment during the Baby Company Grand Baby Fair 2014! 

Happy smiles everywhere! These memories are truly special. Above was the very first time I got to work with Philips AVENT. And below was the second event i emceed for, at the Greenbelt mall, in partnership with Mothercare... 

Starting him young... I cannot remember when my passion for hosting events sparked! But i certainly will remember this very moment when my son became so fascinated at the microphone as he enjoyed drinking from his AVENT milk bottle! Or perhaps he was thinking if he can also drink from the mic, since he has seen me put it close to my lips! 

Right after, I let my hair down and we visited the bazaar which my family and I participated at. I always enjoy being with my son, my Greatest Blessing! 

To cap this tribute, I would like to zoom in on the bottle that gave me worry and fuss-free nights, that allowed me to pursue my other passions on top of being a mom. I will also talk about their recently unveiled product lines, but for now, I would like to thank Philips for introducing this world-class feeding bottle.

Learn more by visiting http://avent.philips.com and follow Philips AVENT on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter by searching Philips AVENT Philippines. 

Congratulations to Fantom Nail Studio!

I am really so grateful to behold and celebrate the success of my longtime friend, Ms. Joyce Lercana, especially in her latest venture, Fantom Nail Studio alongside her successful Fantom Car Wash Services. 

Joyce and I go way back, when we were both very young and daring. What got us together is our dedication and unfailing love for family, we both want to give our families great lives, because our loving families, especially our parents and siblings, deserve it. Both of us are also single moms, both happy and independent at our respective careers, and seeing our boys, Paul (her son) and Matthew (my son), play together as though they have been best friends for a long time, was really heart-warming. 

Above shows me and my dear friend, Joyce. She didn't tell me the theme was Hot Pink, but what do you know? True friends can read each others' minds! Below shows me with the sisters of Joyce, also there celebrating their Ate's newest feat!   

Joyce thoughtfully set this up, because she realized that there is a growing market for wellness and grooming enthusiasts. Men who love cars, actually love getting prepped up too! Sometimes, they bring their wives, girlfriends and kids along as they do their car wash and tune ups, and while waiting, they are pampered like royalty at the Fantom Nail Studio! The service is superb and I am sure this will be the first among many branches soon! 

For all of you living and chilling in the South, please do check out FANTOM Nail Studio, found right beside FANTOM Car Wash Shop! They are located at the heart of IMUS, CAVITE. 

"Know your strength to know who you will be. Never give up where you are now, never lose sight of your glorious dreams. If you feel down now, just remember that there is nothing in a caterpillar that tells you it's going to be a butterfly, except for what lies within it."