Make a Statement!

       I was inspired by a very close friend to make this neckpiece collection I called, Statement Accessories. She asked me to make her a simple, elegant neckpiece but striking along with a structured, elegant dress. As my thesis partner in college and like an older sister, I am quite sure of what design she really wants. 

       With that request, a thought crossed to my mind...why not make accessories that would make a STATEMENT??! And so the first batch of Statement Accessories Collection was born.. And I named every piece after my dear friend's name, Kerry Anne.. Surely, these pieces would make you WOW!! :) 

       To view the entire album of the collection and for orders, kindly visit my Facebook Page: Designs by Charinson.

The dress I designed for Ate Kerry.

Actual dress is more fabulous than the sketch with great texture of fabrics.

 

Kerry Neckpiece

K Heart Neckpiece

K Tribal Neckpiece

Anne Neckpiece

Punta Bulata Resort & Spa + Danjugan Island

       It’s summer time once again! And as a beach lover this is my favorite time of the year. As a person who wants to be close to nature, I love going to isolated beaches and islands.  Feeling the sea breeze, listening to the gentle waves rushing to the shore, and soaking in the water under the heat of the sun have a soothing effect for me and the best way to experience total tranquility. 

        As a Negrense, I would like to share with you two of Negros Occidental’s treasures – Punta Bulata Resort & Spa and Danjugan Island. Both are situated in the municipality of Cauayan, 158 kilometers south of Bacolod City and can be reached by approximately 4-hour drive from Bacolod. Punta Bulata is a secluded stretch of white sand beach with lush green background perfect for relaxation and quality time with loved ones. With their modern Filipino rooms, garden-inspired bathrooms, Ayu Spa, and accommodating staff, true comfort was felt during our stay. Here are some of the photos I took..

 

Creamy white sand and blue green  water of Punta Bulata

 

A beautiful view at dusk

Punta Bulata at low tide

Such a nice experience to walk barefoot on these soft sands

 A scenery of tranquility

An early morning swim :)

       Danjugan Island, on the other hand, is a 10-minute boat (bangka) ride from Punta Bulata Resort. It is a marine reserve and sanctuaries perfect for scuba diving and snorkeling. With its abundant forest and five (5) lagoons, other outdoor activities can also be experienced like trekking, bird watching, and kayaking. Here are some of my photos..

Danjugan Island Marine Reserve and Sanctuaries

 View from one of the island's watch towers

 The lush mangroves 

 Bat Cave

 One of the five (5) lagoons

For more info about Punta Bulata Resort & Spa and Danjugan Island visit www.puntabulata.com and www.prrcf.org

Sweet Treat!

          The town is painted with red! It’s the time of the year once again when every corner has something red—the color of love and romance. Yes, it’s the Red Day, Heart’s Day, Valentine’s Day!! Hmmm, so what’s the best treat for our loved ones or the special someone? What else??! Something SWEET!! Yeah I’m talking here about food, desserts specifically.

            As a chocolate fanatic (I guess I’m not the “addict” type yet.. **wink!) and someone who has sweet tooth, I crave for sweets most of the time. And when life gets bitter, eating sweets is my key and life is heaven once more.. :)

            I will share with you two (2) of my favorite sweet shops. First is Cara Mia Gelateria. Under Amici chain of restaurants, this modern day version of traditional Italian's gelateria is well-suited for Filipinos' taste buds. 

 Cara Mia's Mango Symphony

 Mouth-watering mango chunks mixed in gelato on a bed of graham crust

Nocciola Gateau Cake

Hazelnut cheese cream & dark chocolate filling between layers of crispy meringue speckled with cocoa powder, crushed hazelnut on top & side

 My all time favorite Mint with Chocolate Gelato

  Sans Rival Gelato

           My other fave dessert shop is Park Avenue Desserts (PAD) by Chef Buddy Trinidad. From minis to regular sizes, PAD truly makes cakes in a very special way. They accept customized cakes and they have other sweet treats as well.  

Roca Cake

Cream brulee and caramel on almond biscuit covered in chocolate & almonds

This is my favorite! :) An explosion of chocolate in my mouth. Such a piece of heaven!

Red Velvet Cake

Park Avenue Desserts Branch:

G/F Paseo de Magallanes Commercial Center, Makati City

Cara Mia Branches:

-Don Bosco Compound, Makati City

-Ayala Triangle Gardens, Makati City

-Mega Atrium, SM Megamall

-The Annex, SM North EDSA

-Bellagio Square, Quezon City

-Missouri Square, Greenhills

Life is uncertain, eat dessert first.

-Ernestine Ulmer