Forever 21 Philippines - First and Forever

Hey Coffeeholics! Sorry, it's been a while I know. I've been on sick leave ever since I was hospitalized so now I'm catching up on some of the events that I went before I got sick. One of the events that I was so happy to attend was the relaunching of the newly made over Forever 21 store at SM Megamall! Has anyone been there? I was so amazed to see how very organized and so much cooler it has become. Shopping at Forever 21 has now become so much easier! Check it out.. Forever 21 - the First and Forever. 

When California’s fast-fashion line Forever 21 entered into the Philippine retail landscape in 2010, its flagship store in SM Megamall distinguished itself as the defined fashion mecca for stylish apparel that catered to every personality.  With a huge selection of hip, trendy clothes and accessories, Forever 21’s arrival on Philippine shores was highly anticipated; so much so that when its first branch opened, the anticipation had built up to the point of frenzy. On a larger scale, the retail giant’s foray into the Philippines marked a surge of change within the fashion industry, effectively ushering in the concept of big-brand fast fashion into the country and opening the floodgates for its burgeoning international retail fashion market.

Now on its fourth year of operations in the Philippines, Forever 21 has become a household name – with 9 stores spread across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, and another one fast on its way within 2014.

Change, as with all things in the fashion world, was always in the offing. Now also in its fourth year, Forever 21’s SM Megamall flagship store receives a sophisticated and streamlined makeover, reflecting the brand’s new international look. 

Restyled. Revamped. Reinvented. 

Gone are the ornate Lucite chandeliers and patterned walls; in their stead, fresh white walls with splashes of black, touches of whitewashed wood and brick, and industrial-inspired shelving provide a clean and chic slate underscoring the veritable fashion playground for which Forever 21 has become known. A glimpse into its newly-renovated Megamall store provides a clear overview of the brand’s offerings, with neon signs demarcating each collection. 

Stronger sections for brands-within-brand 21Men, Girls, Active, Basics, Denim, Lingerie, and Forever 21 +, as well as for accessories and shoes, round out the rest of the store’s 2,600-plus square meters.

A Refreshed Shopping Experience

With an easier-to-navigate layout and a clean palette for a backdrop, the Forever 21 experience at SM Megamall is better than ever. It is now easier to spot treasures perfectly suited for any personality amongst the massive collection. New items are displayed on the floor three times a week, giving customers something new to look forward to at any given time.

Customers can also look forward to a more varied selection of items covering a multitude of trends, from boho chic to normcore to understated elegance. With fresh takes on partnerships with Keith Haring, Jean-Michel Basquiat, NBA, and Mattel, Forever 21 shoppers can literally wear their hearts, hobbies, and interests on their sleeve. 

 

Clearly, apart from the tastefully laid-back pieces that fit the stylish individual’s lust for ensembles that flaunt either a festive, tropical vibe or an edgy, of-the-moment feel, there’s more to look forward to at Forever 21. This overall effort serves as a testament that not only is Forever 21 staying true to the constant renewal of fashion, it is also committed to further the absolute thrill of shopping.

So coffeeholics, what do you think of the "new" look of SM Forever 21? I really really like it! It's easier to look for the items that I want.. and those neon signs really help. :) I like how they organized all the basics in one place and the active wear in another.. I remember at the old setup of the shop, you really have to take time and look around before you can find those basic skirts or spaghetti strap tops. Now its all in one place. Very convenient! So after checking out the store, we were also treated to a mini fashion show on what's the latest at Forever 21.

 

 

 

Me with Shopgirl Jen

Thank you Forever 21 for inviting me!

Shop Forever!

Forever 21 partners with MasterCard this season for Shop Forever, a raffle promotion to gear up MasterCard holders with a chance to win any hardcore shopper’s dream: a wardrobe in Forever 21’s latest collection. A minimum single-receipt purchase of Php 2,500 with a Philippine-issued MasterCard gives the cardholder (1) e-raffle entry for a chance to win a Php 21,000 shopping spree at Forever 21. Double your chances of winning with an SM Advantage, SM Prestige, BDO Rewards, and PRiMO cards. Promo runs until October 31, 2014. Terms and conditions apply.

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ABOUT FOREVER 21

Forever 21, Inc., headquartered in Los Angeles, California, is a specialty retailer of women’s and men’s clothing and accessories. Known for offering the hottest and most current fashion trends, at a great value to consumers, Forever 21 is a model for fast fashion. This model operates by keeping the store exciting with new merchandise brought in daily. The retailer operates over 600 stores in the United States with international operations in Canada, China, Europe, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Japan, Korea, Latin America, Mexico, Philippines and United Kingdom. For more information please visit: www.forever21.com

In the Philippines, Forever 21 is located at Megamall, SM Makati, SM City Cebu, The Block North Edsa, Mall Of Asia, Lanang Premier, Aura Premier, SM City Fairview, SM City Clark, and soon to open at SM Southmall.

FOREVER21.COM

Facebook.com/Forever21ph

Twitter.com/Forever21ph

Instagram: @f21philippines

Product Review - Proactiv Advanced Daily Oil Control

Hey Coffeeholics! Yes its that time again to share to you my latest update about my war against Acne. Unfortunately this last month has put a toll on me and my skin. Lack of sleep and stress at work (a teacher's work at the end of the quarter is NOT easy.. aka report cards) has taken its toll on my face. But the good news is, Proactiv sent me something to try out -- the Proactiv Advanced Daily Oil Control.

But before I share more on that, let me tell you the other half of the good news that Proactiv has for us. They have a promo right now which started last July 15 and will end this December 31, 2014.
The promo is that whenever you buy the Proactive 60-Day Kit Limited Edition pack, you get an an upsized Refining Mask (from 1oz to 2.5oz) and a FREE Proactiv Advanced Daily Oil Control at 50ml all for the same price of Php 3,995 only.

What is the Proactiv 60-Day Limited Edition Pack?
The Proactiv 60-Day Kit Limited Edition pack is complete set of Proactiv 60-day supply,
with an upsized Refining Mask (from 1oz to 2.5oz) and Free Proactiv Advanced Daily Oil
Control 50ml - all for the same price of Php 3,995 only.

Contents:
Proactiv Renewing Cleanser 120ml (inside the box)
Proactiv Revitalizing Toner 120ml (inside the box)
Proactiv Repairing Treatment 60ml (inside the box)
Proactiv Refining Mask – upsized from 1oz to 2.5oz (inside the box)
Proactiv Advanced Daily Oil Control (shrink-wrapped with the box)

This promo pack is exclusively available at Watsons and SM Department Stores (Beauty
Section) nationwide. These special packs are specially marked with a red sticker on the upper
rightmost corner of the box. Make sure to ask for it as items on display at Watsons or SM
may be non-promo packs or dummy boxes only.

So I guess you're probably wondering what's the big deal with the Free Proactiv Advanced Daily Oil Control (50ml). Well according to Proactiv, the Proactiv Advanced Daily Oil Control is designed to absorb excess oil to help give a more mattified appearance while helping to assist the skin in the fight against acne. This lightweight, oil-free moisturizer helps the skin to remain soft, smooth and hydrated without looking or feeling greasy, giving way to a more satiny, flawless looking complexion. It helps control excess oil throughout the day to keep skin from shining and makeup from streaking, and gently balances the skin while keeping your skin hydrated and healthy looking.

How to use the Proactiv Advanced Daily Oil Control: 
1. Apply daily or as needed onto clean skin.
2. Use fingertips to gently apply a thin layer to the entire face.
3. Allow to dry completely.
4. For best results, use after Repairing Treatment.

 

So of course, since I've been dealing with my oily face like forever -- I really was thrilled to try out the Proactiv Advanced Daily Oil Control. Finding the right moisturizer for my oily face is tough as it is already. The only apprehensions that I have with "Oil Control" moisturizers was that it would dry out my face. The directions on the back of the product mentioned to cover the entire affected area with a thin layer one to three times a day. With this in mind, I decided to test the product not on my whole face but to my oily zone which was the upper lip and chin area. Most of the oily face issue I have is on that area and my forehead. But the acne warzone was basically the mouth area and I wanted to target that. Also for the first time to test it, I decided to try it out at night. Since you can actually apply the product three times a day, I wanted to see how it worked at night (yes.. even at night guys.. my oily issues does not go away!) and later on try it on during the day with makeup on. So the following photo was 2 hours after I washed my face and put some of the Proactiv Advanced Daily Oil Control on my face.

Makeup free face with some of the Advanced Daily Oil Control
applied on my upper lip and chin area (aka zit zone)
Yes, its not shiny unlike my cheeks which
DID NOT HAVE any of the Proactiv Advanced Daily Oil Control. 

I also tried the product for several days, and it does its work. I tried up to 2 times a day application and I even noticed that some of my pimples dry up faster (many thanks to the salicylic acid acne treatment). If you have a lot of acne and don't wear makeup, but want to avoid having a shiny face -- then this product is definitely for you! If you wear makeup, don't worry. It doesn't dry up the skin (it targets the acne only believe me) and it makes your makeup last a bit longer because of the less oil buildup. :) Yay! So definitely, this is a great product to have with your Proactiv 60-day Product Kit.
Using the Proactiv Advanced Daily Oil Control is now part of my skincare and makeup routine. Hope you all coffeeholics and beauty lovers get to try out this and Proactiv as well. :)

Kapeng Barako Club - Samahan ng mga Bitter 2014

As you all know, I love coffee! And mostly anything or everything related to it as well. So I was quite fascinated when I heard about a certain Play that is being shown in a coffee shop of all places! I heard about it last year and now I'm pleased to share that they have another running again coming within these months. Title pa lang ng play... hooked na ko! Learn more about this Palanca Award-winning play -- Kapeng Barako Club (KBC): Samahan ng mga Bitter. 

Being bitter never tasted this good! After almost a year, one of the country’s top plays is back, Kapeng Barako Club (KBC): Samahan ng mga Bitter. Staged in cafés, KBC is set to please kape lovers once more starting this September 6, 2014. The first show will happen at Third Cup Café, one of the premier, go-to coffee shops in Rosa Alvero Street, Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City. A Special Encore Presentation will be staged for Bloggers and the Media on August 9, 2014 at 7:30pm.

This Palanca Award-winning play is written and directed by Juan Ekis, who is previously known for his other Palanca winning play "Twenty Questions" which went viral in the internet. The playwright shares with us that he “...just wanted to stage a play with the title Kapeng Barako Club: Samahan ng mga Bitter. I didn’t know yet what it was going to be about. But I just knew I wanted to write about types of people and the types of coffee they love and how their personalities are reflected in their drinks."

KBC is the longest-running show presented by Arts and Culture Asia (ACASIA), a non-profit organization aimed at cultivating the crafts of thespians and showcasing their talents across different venues. “ACASIA’s advocacy is to teach artists how to manage their talents wisely and open avenues for them to show it and them being a part of KBC is one of it. Nestled in a natural setting (coffee shops), coffee drinkers get to enjoy a play like this. Think of it as if you’re eavesdropping. It’s actually fun!” says ACASIA’s Managing Director and one of KBC’s lead actors, Ms. Daianne Moreno.
KBC unfolds the story of a group of coffee-loving friends who don’t believe in love but in reality, each one is dying to experience being loved.

The Characters

Joel, a freelance artist and struggles to confess his love to Anna 

Anna, an accounts executive and best friend of Joel

Masi, a vocalist for a band and engaged to Ed (ex love interest of Anna). 

Eric, a consulting firm manager who finds it hard to express his true feelings for Masi. 

Interestingly, Masi has feelings for Eric too.

Stef, a commercial model and just came back from her studies in Russia 

Marlowe, coffee shop owner 

Sunshine, the cheerful barista at Marlowe’s cafe.

Kapeng Barako Club: Samahan ng mga Bitter is presented by Third Cup Café and CornWorld. Special thanks to Shop Iya Misa and our media partners WhenInManila.com, DZUP 1602 and DZXL 558.

Other details:
 Seating Capacity – ONLY 30 SEATS AVAILABLE! (P500/ticket with 1 free drink)
 Reservations – (Mobile - +63 908 432 8837 ; Email – samahanngmgabitter@gmail.com)
 Online - Facebook, Youtube and Instagram (/SamahanNgMgaBitter) o Twitter (@BitterCorp)

So Coffeeholics, if you want to watch something interesting while sipping some coffee, then you should definitely try this! Keep informed on their show dates by following their social media accounts above. Have a happy weekend!