TYRANNY OF THE URGENT

Tyranny of the Urgent. Mistaking what's important from unimportant. What's cheap from what's valuable. And the commodity we can potentially waste can never be earned back.

Steven Covey developed this quadrant. It categorizes some usual activities a normal person does. Most, if not all of us, devote our time on Quadrant 1. Urgent + Important. When, in my humble opinion, we should be diverting some of our precious commodity (TIME) on Quadrant 2.

3 Seconds. 

Stare at the Quadrant. 

Reflect. 

Enough Said. -CMK.

I learned that we can do anything, but we can’t do everything.. 

at least not at the same time. 

So think of your priorities not in terms of what activities you do, but when you do them. Timing is everything. - Dan Millman

PASINAYA 2012 FESTIVAL

5 Things I have learned about Pasinaya 2012:

A good new friend of mine has shown me Art Appreciation 101. It was very nice of her to invite me to Pasinaya Festival. Located at Cultural Center of the Philippines, it was indeed a feast to the senses. 

1. Art is 2012. It lives in the present. Yes, in 2012. Art doesn't belong to the 18th or 16th century. It is here. The place was crowded with youngsters and that may be a good sign that Art will be around from one era to the next.

2. Some profound things in life are free. Or relatively free. The festival only asked for a meager donation of Php 20.00 and that's it; you can see different genre be it painting, ballet, small play. And talk about class, Philippine Madrigal Singers and Ballet Philippines graced the event. They fondly call themselves "Alagad ng Sining" (Warrior of the Arts).

3. Having a known audience is irrelevant when you're doing what you want. Upon realizing this, my heart goes ouch. Not to mention that I am always peeping through the number of hits my blog has each day - this is an eye opener indeed. Being a sculptor is a much harder activity than blogging - but the former kept on making sculpture anyway.

4. There are still good people all around. When you see the ushers and artists which I am quite sure were not paid for their services, you can see a Passion in Action. Aside from the applause and smiles from their beloved audiences, I'm confident that they didn't ask for anything more.

5. Art exists. It is a way of life. That to us, it may just be a plywood exhibit but to the artists and other people, it depicts so much more. And as it is normal for us to breathe and eat, it should be a norm for us to appreciate colors, nature and movement all around us. And that my friend, is an art at its truest form. -CMK.

TRAVERSING TAIWAN

Seeing this jump shot makes me wanna laugh again and again!

It's approximately one year since we visited Taipei. It's nice reminiscing the things that transpired during that one fateful travel. Fateful - because that same time, a massive earthquake and tsunami hit Asia. Taiwan (formerly known as Formosa "Beautiful Island") lives up to its name. It's nice, serene, food-tripper-friendly. It's definitely a must-visit place for young and old alike.

Weather. As with all countries, timing is important. When we went there (March), it seemed to be always drizzling. So an umbrella is necessary. Colder than the Philippines.

Mode of Transportation. Their metros are quite accessible. But based on experience - you need to be on a walking mode. Make sure that your boots or shoes are walk-athon friendly.  

Currency. Taiwan Dollar is equivalent to approx. Php 1.50. Shopping. Very much so like what we have in the Philippines.

Food. I personally enjoyed their strawberry stuff with hard candy shell. Street foods (you have to forgive me, I didn't even know what I was eating - but it's a chicken or seafood perhaps).

Chopsticks Alert. Another lesson learned the hard way. Funny thing was - I brought along a spoon & fork with me. Only problem was I always forgot them in the hotel. :(

Hotel. Ferrary Hotel was our hub. (Effort ito - I even scavenged my drawer to find that little calling card). Twas a nice temporary home. To my surprise, there was a sauna inside our room. Me and my friend spent like hours of talking and laughing and sighing about life in general.

Language. Now, that's noteworthy to mention. Taiwanese, in general, seldom speak English so it's best to go with someone who knows how to speak Mandarin and Fukien. Tip from a friend: Always bring a hotel calling card with you so that if you got lost all you have to do is to wave your hand, give the card to the cab driver and pay of course.

Few hours away from Manila, Taipei is one place you don't want to miss.  -CMK.

“To my mind, the greatest reward of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted.” – Bill Bryson ---Relate much?! :)

MEETING IN THE DENTSU GALLERY (An Excerpt)

"You don't always have to pretend to be strong,

there's no need to prove all the time that everything is going well,

You shouldn't be concerned about what other people are thinking,

cry if you need to,

it's good to cry out all your tears

(because only then will you be able to smile again).

Sometimes, on TV, I see tunnels and bridges being inaugurated. Usually, a lot of celebrities and local politicians stand in a line, in the centre of which is the minister or local governor. Then, a ribbon is cut, and when the people in charge of the project return on their desks, they find lots of letters expressing recognition and admiration.

The people who sweated and worked on the project, who wielded pickaxes and spades, who laboured all through the summer heat or endured the winter cold in order to finish the job, are never seen; those who did not work by the sweat of their brow always seem to come off the best.

I want to be someone capable of seeing their unseen faces, of seeing those who do not seek fame or glory, who already fulfill the role life has given them.

I want to be able to do this because the most important things, those that shape our existence, are precisely the ones that never show their faces."

- An excerpt from Meeting in the Dentsu Gallery, Like The Flowing River by Paulo Coelho

I WANT TO BRACE-FREE!

I have worn braces for the longest time. And now is the time to break free! Woo (^-^) But - as you know after braces, come retainers. To solve my bite-problems, I need to wear a correction retainer at night time. And it's okay. Compared to having wires 24/7.

While strolling the stretch of Watson's I noticed a catchy blue case and took a closer look and poof! It's a retainer case. I didn't know one exist as the market is not that high but I'm lucky enough to score one.

BENEFITS OF HAVING A RETAINER CASE:

** Hygiene. Instead of wrapping retainers into a tissue paper, this one is a fool-proof idea.

** Breathable container. Recognize the dotted parts above and below? This makes sure that air will pass through.

** Most of all, it's affordable. Less than a hundred bucks. How can you go wrong with that?

I think it's the joy of discovering little 'unexpected' things which come along the way that makes shopping a blissful activity. -CMK

VENTUSA AT BLUE WATER DAY SPA

After a nerve-wracking week, each of us needs a respite. Some find it in sports, chat, food. But one day, me and my friend chose to find a rest in a more literal sense - Massage. 

After eating our hearts out at Contis - we headed at Blue Water Day Spa for a 2-hour regimen of our favorite service... Traditional Filipino Massage. Package includes some few minutes of ventusa (process of putting a glass on your back part and shoulders to take away nodules aka lamig) then the rest will be dedicated entirely for a head to toe massage.

The Not-So-Good:

• Noise. Not sure if it's just a coincidence but we can hear the laughing and bickering of the spa's personnel. Our massage room is just across their quarter so I suppose that's the reason.
• Price. It's a little over compared to the regular spa around the city. 

The Good:

• Ambiance. One step and you'll be guessing if you're in another dimension.
• Location. Their Makati branch is just beside Mom & Tina's. Just a gander from Greenbelt 5.
• Music. Worth complimenting since their music really induces us to relax and just drift.
• In fairness, the masseuse will ask you if the pressure is just right or you want it modified. 

Verdict: Overall, I'll personally recommend this to my friends. For a relaxing, buzz-free, afternoon delight - am sure Blue Water Day Spa will be a haven for tired and weary bodies out there. -CMK. 

ROAR AND PRINTS

Recently donning the same classics and plain staples? Why don't  you try to unleash the tigress in you? Do so by mimicking their prints! I am amazed how a simple black skirt and tank top roar when paired by these amazing prints!

http://www.scarfworld.com/scarf-blog/index.php/michelle-trachtenberg-kim-kardashian-rock-their-animal-print-scarves/

No time to dress up? Put on your basic pants and black blouse then wrap around a black and gray mixture of scarf around your neck. Add a sunnies and minimal accessories.Voila! Strut like Kim K.

Who says off-the-shoulder tops were so last year? Make a comeback by putting it on with a different print. If you think leather is too much - try satin or jersey-cotton-like fabric. That compliments our tropical weather, that way.

Finally worked up just the right amount of confidence to exude a tiger-printed top. You might want to keep your accessories down low when wearing a busy top. Being a crouching tigress was not so bad after all! -CMK.

Details:

Printed Tiger Top (see through) : Landmark
Satin Cropped Skirt : SM

Peep Toe Platform : Celine

Excess: Scarves are available in Landmark and SM Stores too.

5 TIPS WHEN PACKING YOUR LUGGAGE

Now that summer + vacation season is fast approaching. These tips might come in handy:

1. Find a suitable luggage. Makes sense right? Not until you finalize your suitcase, don't pull out your stuffs or you might end up in a room full of clutter. This will also up your chances of forgetting what's necessary.

 

 2. List. Sounds too OC? Nope. You can't rely on your memory when packing a suitcase. Surges of emotion are probably inside your head so it's best to be sure. Write a checklist of To-Brings. Once they're in the luggage, tick 'em off your list.

3. Imagine. Yes. Think of what you will be doing in the trip and what gadget / tools you need for each activity. Example - when taking a bath you need a shampoo, conditioner, comb, etc. Then write them on your checklist.

4. Leave Room. This is a sensible tip specially if you're going out of country with some serious shopping agenda in mind. I've experienced this once and oh well, I walked through HK airport with lots of carry-on that I didn't have time to enjoy the moment. But thanks to my trusty friends who helped me. So, learn from me.

5. Tie a Yellow Ribbon. Around your luggage handle. This looks like a kikay tip but not really. Leaving a too obvious imprint, like neon yellow scarf, on your luggage makes it easier for you to spot it around the airport luggage runway. Thus getting your thing ahead of others. Less stress. More fun.

Enjoy your trip wherever that maybe. -CMK.

FUCHSIA IN THE CITY

Guys commonly know the rainbow colors (ROYGBIV - Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet). Thanks to our gradeschool coloring sessions. But girls? We have Auburn, Burnt Sienna, Plum, Perwinkle, Carnation Pink and Fuschia Pink! Beat that! :)

Kidding aside, Fuschia is making a big comeback now. As they say, a pop of color a day, drives the boredom away. And I think that's true. Of course - we'll always be loving the black-and-white tandem but admit it - a splash of colors makes a getup happy! -CMK

Since Summer is almost here... why not don a fuchsia dress?

Another inspiration

Can be worn as a shawl over a basic black dress

BLACK AND YELLOW

My trusty messenger bag just retired maybe I packed my things on her too much. :( Anyhow - it's time to make way for a new companion. *:) My friend Maya and I were strolling down the Greenbelt Alley when I spotted this 'black & yellow' goody. I'm always coming back to Charles & Keith due to reasons more than one. Personally, I loved their current season's style because it matches all the qualities I like in a bag. Here's my latest loot resume:

• It comes with a long strap. (Perfect for Travel!)
• Comes with Black, Beige, Brown. (Chose black since it's cleaner for me)
• Yellow Gold and Matte Strap adds sophistication to an already classy ensemble.
• This can handle documents, makeup kit, light clothes, anything!
• You can use your BDJ coupon and they are giving a complimentary sample for Patchi Sweet Intention chocolate.

Overall, this bag made my Saturday Shopping Day a resounding success! -CMK

Details: Charles & Keith has branches in Greenbelt, The Fort, Rockwell Power Plant and Glorietta among others. :)

I

COLLEGE PEG

Remember your college days? When your only world is your university campus, term papers and tons of crushes err.. quizzes? It's just nice to relive back those younger years when all you have to grab is your trusty blouse, trousers and flats. And your brains of course. Lol! -CMK.

Blouse : Herbench

Faded Pants : Herbench

Messenger Bag : The Ramp

Flats : So Fab!

MY TRIP BACK TO YOGA

There are so many benefits of exercising and me being a self-confessed TH (Trying-Hard) when it comes to shedding flabs - have tried above and beyond but for a minimal result. Sniff! Gym, boxing, etc. Name it. The only 'practice' that made me a resident is Bikram Yoga (Yoga in a heated room).

At first - I'm having 2nd thoughts about it as I thought the practice involves spiritual stuffs but no - it's actually the science of being still. After bountiful attempts of going back to Yoga ever since I came from a recent trip - today was the fulfillment of this attempt! Haha.

What the heck is a Japanese Ham Sandwich?
http://itsapartynotapicnic.tumblr.com/post/4239532384/by30dc-day-14

I got into the room of about 38 degrees hot. "Hot room makes you flexible..." so the Yoga instructor shared. The moment I did the Japanese Ham Sandwich pose - I was completely regretful because I should have been lying in bed instead.

Japanese Ham Sandwich pose - And I know it’s meant to be a metaphor for how tightly your body should be pressed against your legs. But most teachers I study with don’t use it. They instead use the much more accessible visual of a ‘grilled cheese sandwich’. Personally, I prefer to think of a panini. One of those tomato basil mozzarella ones. With pesto. YUM. But that’s beside the point. (excerpt from the link above).

Then - I recomposed myself and prayed that first, I don't throw up. Second, I don't leave the room to pee. Then I reckoned - wait - this is the reason why I have been grumpy the past weeks. It's because I am losing focus! I am focusing on the bad and neglecting the good. That goes not only in Kristine inside the yoga room but in Kristine in life - generally. And I believe that God wants to be clear on this: He is in control.

Multi-tasking is a fiction. You need to be present. Savor each moment. If you're sweating and dog-tired. Let it be. Only then will you experience that 'fresh' feeling that you so miss for the longest. And remember that somebody up there is in control. Not only inside the yoga room but in life - generally. *wink. -CMK.

Details

Location : Makati (across Paseo Centre)

Duration : 90 minutes

Benefits : Good Skin. Focused Outlook. Flexibility.

Bikram Yoga Manila : http://www.bikramyogamanila.com/