Glam up and go: Our Pink-tastic Runway Party with Barbie!

I am still buzzing with doll-light (delight) as I recall sharing the stage with Barbie girls from all over the country who answered the call to glam up and go sashaying down the pink carpet! Yes, Barbie girls unit once more for another memorable party with Barbie! Check out my #BarbieSquadGoals photo: 

PAINT THE TOWN PINK. Yes, Pink is the new red, and it is also Rad! Barbie girls came and conquered - in their cute little Barbie heels, too! 

BARBIE STEPS. Yep, the world is our runway and we can conquer the world with each small baby Barbie step... you just have to always step up, keep going and be better than you were before! 

One small step for Barbie... one giant leap for Barbie-kind! Yes, Barbie girls the world over are kind, helpful, sweet, smart and optimistic! The world loves Barbie girls!!! 

PINK POSITIVE. It was good, pink vibes all over! All of our Barbie girls who walked down the runway shared the biggest glowing smiles! Ah, it's so wonderful to live in a Barbie world! 

PINK UP THE PIECES. Yes we had so many awesome games, most of these involving pink trinkets; here Barbie girls got to design their very own Barbie tees and brought home glam prizes! 

PINK HAPPINESS IN A BOX. Got my dose of happiness boxed in today! It's not everyday that you get to be Barbie, and so, I am happy to share my honorary Barbie doll pose at the Photo Box: 

BOX OF 3S: Check out my Barbie crew... who says you cannot have three Barbie dolls in one box? Spell F-I-E-R-C-E! You KEN be anything you want to be, with Barbie! 

PINK PLATFORM. Just check out the cool set-up before the event began! The Toys R Us Girls Fair is magically fabulous! Loved the tiara arch that made the Barbie girls feel like runway royalty!

 

- Marylaine Louise Viernes (Click for more Pics)

Celebrating my memorable birthday with Thomas and Friends!

I spent every day of this week with a-TRAIN-aline (adrenaline) rush, as it had been so fantastic turning a year older - but still staying a child-at-heart! I greatly believe that my son and my work as an events host really keeps me young at heart and spirit and hopefully I won't look as old as I really am, too! May the good times remain and become greater!

This year was indeed special - for I celebrated the eve of my 17th birthday alongside Thomas the Train aka Thomas the Tank Engine's 70th birthday at the SM Mall of Asia! (Yes, I am only 17! Alright, fine... It's my 17th birthday for the 12th time!) I spent the day hosting with my son and his adorable little friends as they choo-chooed along the fun tracks with Thomas and Friends! We played games, listened to stories and even sang Thomas a Happy Birthday song!

Above: These adora-boys aboard the story express... and below I play more games with the kids and hope that I didn't disappoint them in my Train Conductor outfit... though I do need to lose weight otherwise, I will soon be Miss Mary Topham Hatt - the Fat Female Controller! 

And here I am below with the adorable Fat Controller, Sir Topham Hatt! 

Lastly, Thank you so much to my wonderful Richprime Global Family and welcome back, Ms. Julie! Glad you are once again Fisher Price's beautiful, hard-working and dedicated brand manager! 

Lord, Thank You for giving me another year of life and the chance to become better than I was before. I am grateful of Your endless mercy that even with the mistakes I've made, you have blessed me with so much more, and make me hopeful that I can look forward to a brighter Life with You and the people You bring into my life who let me feel Your Love. Bless me and my family always that I may be able to do what I love to do, and be enriched in all aspects, and protect us from all evil as we grow in You. Lead me closer to my dreams each day, and remind me always that I am nothing without You. Amen.

- Marylaine Louise Viernes (Click for more photos)

Tears, triumph and fun: one unforgettable journey in 'The Martian'

As expected, Warner Brothers Philippines presented another masterpiece, with the movie adaptation of Andy Weir's phenomenal novel of the same title. It was one beautiful journey that spoke of courage in adversity, life in barrenness, and hope in tragedy. Astronaut-Botanist Mark Watney (Matt Damon) rouses after being hit during a terrible storm and finds himself left behind to withstand the elements solo through the SOLs (term for 1 Martian day / cycle). 

This movie was magnanimous with scenes that tugged at the heart, and on another scene, the movie would make you laugh so hard thanks to the hearty, unexpected puns in between; it was inspiring the way Watney became the epitome of the superior creation, Mankind: that we are meant to survive, transcend our situations, and most of all, that we are created not just to exist, but to live. 

And I don't know the extent of the story's reality (as I have never been on Mars) but I found it enthralling that almost during the premier night of The Martian, news about discovering water on Mars also catapulted into the media hemisphere! I guess we will never know but some things we don't really need to know in this lifetime; what we cannot go on without is seeing this movie! Of course I won't go spoiling this amazing cinematographic blockbuster rocket ride for you all, but you need to see this riveting movie for yourselves! Go beyond Earth and watch this now!

Lastly, The Martian made me realise how important Math and Science are: the two elements that make man so advanced (such as building aircrafts, venturing into intergalactic missions, and heroic non-gravitational interception awesomeness - let me see you try to beat Mark Watney, Tony Stark!) and at the same time, these beautiful concepts form the very basic cornerstones of man's humanity and survival. So much depth in such a lofty, imaginative and well-written plot.  

Get your tickets now for one out-of-this-world experience that leave you crying and smiling at the same time... before they fly back to Mars! Don't go SOL-o, take the entire family with you for one memorable and lovely big screen journey! Thanks again Sir Francis Soliven and Ms. Mae Vecina for always inviting me! Check out MAE V. and MAY V. posing below with the Martian potatoes... and... Mae the force be with you!!! 

- Marylaine Louise Viernes

A shower of love and surprises at the Smart Parenting Baby Shower 2015

I am more than blessed to be part of this year's Smart Parenting Baby Shower, held at the luxurious Discovery Suites where over a hundred moms and moms-to-be came for an afternoon of adventure, proving that no baby bump is too heavy to prevent their loving mommies from participating on empowering activities while infanticipating!  

I met Mr. Aya Laraya who had the most humble presence and spoke unassuming words. But when he grabbed the mic as one of the main speakers, he proved that he was indeed one of the country's greatest financial minds! Speaking in a very straightforward and sometimes comical language that blew us away, he opened our eyes toward the errors and missed opportunities when it came to investing. A breath of fresh air from throngs of insurance agents who claim to be "financial advisors," he helped me reform my take on saving up for my son. See, I like seeing his savings account grow (proud to say he has a hefty amount in the bank, partly his earnings when he was about 1 year old, appearing in  J & J TV commercial, and mostly thanks to my diligence in collecting monetary gifts  from his godparents every year) but now, with my son's blessing and his own words spoken in his sweet six-year old voice, "Mommy, sa Ayala Corporation na lang," we are now gearing to get him some shares in one of the country's biggest and strongest companies.

Also met Ms. Aiza Tabayoyong, Life Coach extraordinaire! She made me and most of the mums there realise the mistakes and shortcomings that we have as moms, but we can always better ourselves for our kids! 

I even openly shared how I am too much of a permissive mom, but now, thanks to her opening my eyes, I am striving to be more of a democratic mother; because even my son's best friend believes that I am one of their playmates! And so while I want to pinch and kiss his cheeks when he asserts his royal bratty-ness (which I adore and find so cute) I have realised that it is time to shape him, otherwise his "sense of entitlement" and the fact that he always gets away with things might become inimical to his character and ultimately, his future. So here I am below with my little boss, future shareholder of major companies here in the Philippines! :-) 

Every minute of the meaningful and fabulous event was truly a blessing! So happy to be part of this, and I look forward to growing in every aspect, thanks to these amazing experiences, both as a professional and as a mom! 

From the bottom of my heart, I thank Smart Parenting Magazine and the exceptional Summit Media events team for trusting me with events especially with themes closest to my heart! 

- Marylaine Viernes (Click for More Photos)

A Date with Hilarity: Mike and Dave need Wedding Dates, the biggest comedy flick of the year!

Laughing the night away. Where do I begin exactly in my review for 20^th Century Fox’s latest flick, ‘Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates’? I hadn’t laughed this hard since the last comedy film we saw, Vacation, also by Warner Brothers & 20th Century Fox Philippines.

When good girls go bad. Basically, this hilarious film is top-billed by one of my favourite teen pop star growing up, Zac Efron (who I can never see the same way again), along with funny sexy gal Anna Kendrick, Aubrey Plaza and Adam Devine who plays Efron’s brother in the film. These two handsome, troublemaking brothers find themselves landing hot ‘good girls,’ like how their parents wanted, all thanks to their ad that had been so successful it went viral. But just when their parents thought that Mike and Dave, finally having dates along could keep them out of trouble – guess again, for paradise has never been in trouble like this before! As soon as Mike and Dave arrive with their dates, the woes started brewing sooner than you can say 'espresso', leading viewers to the most white-knuckled pile of the funniest scenes that make you feel like you’ve been hit train after train of laughter – and yet you walk out of the movie house wanting more!

True colors. In a nutshell, underneath that exhilarating hilarity comes the recurring theme at the core of all successful movies: that love, especially for family, prevails. All we need is to be true to ourselves, to accept each other in spite of our flaws. Sometimes this task is hard enough – given the pressures all around us – expectations of society and in this case – in the movie – the expectations of Mike and Dave’s parents to sober up their act for the sake of their sister’s wedding.

Absolutely had a crazy good time. Plus loved the fact that this advance screening was held at the very luxe Uptown Mall Cinemas in BGC! So much fun in store for everyone and don’t forget to bring your special someone too; as this film can get as sultry-raunchy-hot as it is a-breath-of-fresh-air-funny.  Thank you so much 20th Century Fox for such a good time, and of course the pampering session for the media guests too; such a sweet pre-movie treat! Whether your status is single (or double), married or open relationship (or "it's complicated"), make sure to watch 'Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates' today or miss out on the most hilarious big screen adventure of your life!  

Marylaine Louise Viernes events host website (www.marylaineviernes.com)

Marylaine Louise Viernes events host portfolio (www.marylaineviernes.org)

Game, Stories, Freebies and More: Hosting the Friso Fun Raiders at the Shangrila Plaza

Raiders, Unite! It was another fun-filled and memorable Saturday as adorable little Friso Fun Raiders gathered at the EDSA Shangrila Event Atrium for learning and excitement with Alaska Milk Corporation and Royal Friesland Campina, makers of Friso Four! 

Photo above: Voyage Captain Maryndiana Jones, at your service! Each and everyone of the Friso Fun Raiders were also given their medals right after they completed the four expeditions! Below, I was with Doctor-Captain Jack "Sparrow" Herrin for some action (and education) as he gave swashbuckling tips to the mums and dads! It's not just about fun; it's about fulfilment too! 

And we also got to meet the awesome JOOMAJAM Crew over at the Music Island! We loved and APP-lauded for their awesome new surprise, the Joomajam learning App. I cannot wait to download it for my son soon as they have it for iOS. But for now those with Android phones, download this now for the most APP-mazing music and learning experience for your li'l ones! Glad to have met the super specta-COOL-ar musical star and coach and owner of Joomajam, Vin Dancel, who was so kind to let me son have first dibs with the app. Visit their JAM-azing website: www.joomajam.com

For me, hosting is not just about having fun, getting awesome extra cash or having an excuse to wear nice dresses, hair extensions and cake my face up with makeup and false eyelashes. It's about Experiencing more together with my son, and with the new friends I meet in every event! I am just so thankful for this FRISO-tacular opporunity to be an events emcee every weekend! 

The events I love most are the ones where my little boy is involved; I lead such a busy life that the chance to bond with him at work is priceless! Here he is using his imagination and creativity, checking me out with his telescope made out of a pirate treasure map sprinkled with stardust, the elixir of youth, swords, magical memories, unicorns, cotton candy, superhero capes, whimsical dreams and love... He is the greatest of my many blessings!

But while I am a proud mom, a busy busy manager on weekdays and an events host on weekends, I still have my eyes set on greater things... someday, with every small effort I take today, I will get there someday, In God's wonderful Time and only through His magnificent Grace... 

Apart from the fun games and surprises we also saw to the launch of the Friso Moms Rewards program which many of the delighted parents availed of. Thank you so much to those who joined us and those who are now reading my blog. See you again soon; but for now it's time to give my little boy a warm bath, dance with him (can you believe we dance the Whip Nae Nae) and whisper words of love and encouragement to him, every chance that I get... 

Marylaine Viernes, Events Host (Click Here for my Portfolio)

Dreams come alive at the Sky Life Celebrations Fair!

I can never forget the time I fell from the Sky - and into the most beautiful fairy tale party event, all thanks to SKY Life! We have always been Sky Cable subscribers and so I am beyond blessed to be working with them for the SKY Life Celebrations Fair, held at the Rockwell tent, with all the best party suppliers under one roof! Indeed, this is the Life; welcome to SKY Life! Still in cloud 9 thinking about the Celebrations Fair; simply loved everything about it! 

Click here for my opening video clip: Sky Life Celebrations Fair Opening Clip

 This breathtaking affair was a fairy tale of sorts: Just look at that elegant ceiling - what dreams are made of; princes and princesses galore; so much glee and excitement in store! 

I particularly loved this little Prince, who participated in most of the games - especially this CLAW-some Pompom claw-grabbing game! Loved his face paint - thanks to Make Believe Productions! 

In my <pink> element... I just had so much fun hosting and meeting a lot of inspiring people! Most of all, I thank my newfound friends: the beautiful Ms. Chrissy Caballero of Sky Cable, and the lovely girls of super efficient Global Visions event team led by Ms. Rachel Titular, Ms. Donna Ramos; loved all of them, Chi, Kikx and more! 

Games, prizes and surprises! This unforgettable party was perfect for the entire family! Mummies, daddies, princes and princesses all had a blast!

I told you there were real Princesses!!! Here I am with Princess Anna and Queen Elsa from Frozen! I said I won't LET IT GO (Let them go) down the stage without a photo with them! TRIVIA TIME: Did you know that this animated Disney hit movie was based on Hans Christian Andersen's story, The Snow Queen? Unfortunately, the original version was rather depressing (just like the original Little Mermaid story) but thanks to Disney - they made the movie adaptations kid friendly - and of course the sounds in the track - ringing in our ears for all eternity!

Another new colleague-friend who gladly sent me these nice photos - Rox Puno, photographer and artist-singer extraordinaire! If not for your remarkable lens style (and generously lens-ding (lending) me your superb snaps), I wouldn't be able to create this post; my heartfelt thanks to you! 

Oh, and before I forget, to all the ladies out there... meet Prince Charming! I dub him my newest younger brother; his voice is so phenomenal, he looks so dashing but most of all, he has a very kind heart and I wish him all the best as a total performer! Wait, so if he is my brother from a Royal mother... that must mean... I am a Princess too! Yipee! My dream finally came true, thanks to Sky Life! 

The SKY's the limit... this is the (SKY) LIFE... Fairy tales and dreams do come alive! I am so thankful to live one of my many dreams - to be an events host! 

Reach for your dreams... reach for the SKY! With hard work, commitment, discipline and Prayer ... you will be (C)able to achieve all you want to! And never forget that dreams don't turn into reality overnight... nothing is ever achieved at the touch of a button. The only thing in this world that gives us lasting satisfaction at the touch of a (remote control) button - is Sky Cable! All of your favorite shows and more; so subscribe today! 

Thanks for dropping by... 

Marylaine Viernes, Events Host (Click here for my hosting portfolio)