Revisited: Triumph, Tribulation, and the Bags I Bought

From the window of a room at Radisson Blu, Paris; un-boxing my birthday gift to myself.

It has been seven years since I started collecting bags.  It is still not about luxury, for luxury's sake. There is always a reason behind every purchase. Since 2013, I'm quite successful in my intent of limiting my purchase to one bag a year only, and taper it down to a budget that is respectful of hard-earned money.  I don't really need a lot of bags, after all.  I tend to buy a bag that will age well, so I can use it for a long time. 

To this day, I'm still using the very first branded bag I bought in 2010 at LV Greenbelt in Makati.  It was no other than the iconic LV Speedy 30 Damier Ebene.  I was giddy as a teenager.  I thought about this purchase for a month.  I was not getting enough sleep for a week, spending late nights browsing LV's online catalog.  I couldn't even wait for my next trip to HK.  I gotta have it one Friday night.  I left my car in the parking office and hailed a cab, in order to get to the LV store before they closed for the night.  I was delivering a big project with success, and getting by after making a tough decision to finally leave something behind.  I was thinking, "I'm all grown up now.  I deserved a 'grown up' bag."

Speedy 30 Damier Ebene.
Photo grabbed from the official Louis Vuitton website.

Two months later, I found myself wandering along the busy streets of Canton Road in HK.  The Prada flagship store was so attractive to my eyes more than ever.  A week before that trip, I sent an email to a Prada store to request for a quotation for a Tessuto bag with leather bow. The bigger the change a project would bring, the bigger the adversary.  I was simply glad that work was flowing as expected.  I rewarded myself with a Prada bag that night in HK. I also bought my first Longchamp Pliage with matching pouch during that trip.  

Since I bought 3 bags within 2 months, I went on a self-imposed bag ban for 10 months. Then another big project at work was completed, and the Marc by Marc Jacobs Baby Groovee became the latest addition to my closet.  As new projects started to roll to production, time for a short break again in HK.  I got another bag - a Gucci coated canvas tote.  

Seize the happy, single life! In 2012, I traveled to EU.  It was mandatory for me to visit the LV store at Champs Elysee in Paris.  My birthday gift to myself - a Speedy 35 Bandouliere and a large Longchamp Eiffel Tower bag (very useful for travel).  

LV Speedy Bandouliere 35.  Photo taken at Versailles.

Beginning 2013, it was one bag a year (most years).  Every purchase was backed by a story of celebration for overcoming difficult scenarios.  I usually timed my purchase while on vacation, so acquiring a new bag becomes a more rewarding experience.   Here are some of the pieces that added sweetness to my travels.  

BAG-abond.  Travelling with my Lonchamp Pliage and Metallic Black Tote from Ronald Reagan International Airport Washington DC to JFK in NY.

LV Neverfull MM. Photo grabbed from the official Louis Vuitton website

LV Kimono. Photo grabbed from the official Louis Vuitton website. 

Disney World is not the only happiest place in Orlando, Florida.  A couple of miles from Disney Downtown is the Orlando Vineland Premium Outlet - and they have a Prada boutique there with great selections.    

 --------------

Part 1 of this article is still posted in my old blog Meowth Moments - Triumph, Tribulation, and the Bags I Bought.

Herbalife Philippines Is The Official Nutrition Partner Of The Philippine Volcanoes

MANILA, PHILIPPINES (APRIL 10) – Global nutrition company, Herbalife Nutrition proudly announces its newest sports partnership with one of the most exciting team in the local sports scene to date, the Philippine Rugby Football Team-Philippine Volcanoes. 

Herbalife Philippines General manager Rosalio T. Valenzuela and Philippine Rugby Football Union (PRFU) President Rick Santos led the contract signing which was held at Herbalife’s Philippines corporate office. Also present to witness the momentous event were Herbalife Philippines’ management team; PRFU’s William Bailey (treasurer), Ada Milby (secretary-general), Jake Robrigado Letts (National Teams Head), and national team players’ Justin Villazor Coveney and Acee San Juan.

“This is another milestone for Herbalife Philippines, as this partnership exemplifies the company’s commitment to a healthy, active life, supported by good nutrition. Together with the Philippine Volcanoes, we are confident that we can inspire more people to make better choices towards a healthier lifestyle,” said Rosalio T. Valenzuela, General Manager of Herbalife Philippines.

The Philippine Volcanoes are one of the Philippines most successful national teams. Just recently, they bested 10 other countries to win the top prize in the Asian Rugby Sevens Trophy Series competition in Qatar. Currently, the team is ranked first in the Southeast Asia (SEA) after bagging the gold medal in the 2015 edition of the SEA Games.

With the recently forged partnership, Herbalife becomes the Official Nutrition Partner of the Philippines Volcanoes. The team will receive a monthly supply of products which includes the recently-launched sports nutrition line Herbalife24 F1 Sports and Rebuild Strength.

“Our partnership with Herbalife Nutrition is inspired by our shared commitment towards improving lives through an active lifestyle and healthy well-being. The collaboration provides a much-needed boost to the development and promotion of Philippine Rugby as the PRFU focuses on grassroots development and defending the Men’s and Women’s 7s medals at the SEA Games,” said Santos.

Herbalife Philippines General Manager, Rosalio T. Valenzuela and Philippine Rugby Football Union Inc. President Rick Santos sealed the news sports partnership via a contract signing ceremony held at Herbalife’s corporate office.

Herbalife Philippines General Manager, Rosalio Valenzuela and Philippines Rugby Football Union Inc. President Rick Santos raised their glasses for a shake toast right after the contract signing. Joining them are (from right) William Bailey, Ada Milby, Acee San Juan, Jake Robrigado Letts and Justin Villazor Coveney. 

----------------- 

                                                                                                                                                 About Herbalife                                               

Herbalife is a global nutrition company that has been changing people's lives with great products since 1980. Our nutrition, weight-management, energy and fitness and personal care products are available exclusively to and through dedicated Herbalife Independent Members in more than 90 countries. We are committed to fighting the worldwide problems of poor nutrition and obesity by offering high-quality products, one-on-one coaching with an Herbalife Member and a community that inspires customers to live a healthy, active life.

We support the Herbalife Family Foundation (HFF) and its Casa Herbalife programs to help bring good nutrition to children in need. We also sponsor more than 190 world-class athletes, teams and events around the globe, including Cristiano Ronaldo, the LA Galaxy and champions in many other sports.

The company has over 8,000 employees worldwide, and its shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: HLF) with net sales of US$4.5 billion in 2016. The Herbalife website contains a significant amount of financial and other information about the company at http://ir.Herbalife.com. The company encourages investors to visit its website from time to time, as information is updated and new information is posted. To learn more, visit Herbalife.com or IAmHerbalife.com.

                                                            

Color Manila Back in Cebu for CM Challenge on May 14, 2017

REGISTRATION NOW ONGOING AT WWW.COLORMANILA.COM

                                                                                                                            

19 April 2017 - Manila: COLOR MANILA’S CM CHALLENGE RUN, which is the biggest obstacle fun run in the country, will be back in Cebu City on May 14, 2017, at the Cebu Business Park in Ayala Cebu.

“We are more than excited to bring back the CM Challenge franchise to Cebu, and we are expecting thousands of participants once again to take part in our trademark colorful run,” says COLOR MANILA VP Justine Cordero.

Participants may choose between four (4) race categories, 3K, 5K, 10K and the Yakult-sponsored 16K race.  They also have the option of choosing between the Deluxe and the Trooper race kit.  The Deluxe kit, priced at Php 750, includes a white singlet, race bib, sunglasses, and finisher’s medal and color packet.  While the Trooper Kit, priced at Php 1,050, includes a colored singlet, race bib, sunglasses, finisher’s medal, color packet, drawstring bag and headwear. Participants of the 16K in the meantime would get the following items - a white singlet, race bib, sunglasses, color packet, Yakult finisher’s medal, Yakult finisher’s singlet, and Yakult pillow.

“Previous participants can expect more obstacles, mazes and challenges from this race, as we have put more exciting elements into it.  As for first time runners, they can look forward to the color festival and various color stations which are worthwhile stopovers, just to take selfies and group photos with friends.  We are encouraging all runners, both veteran and first-timers, to take part in this very exciting event, guaranteed to be a memorable experience”, adds Justine Cordero.

Tickets may be purchased at SM Tickets, RUNNR Ayala Cebu and www.colormanilarun.com. Race kit claiming will be from May 11 to 13, 2017 at The Court Yard, Vibo Place. Sponsors for the event include Cebu Grand Hotel, Vibo Place, Nature’s Spring, Yakult, and Steel Art. 

Apart from the CM Challenge Cebu, upcoming CM Challenge events are as follows: CM Challenge - Laguna on June 25 and CM Challenge - Cavite on July 9, 2017.  

For more information, please visit www.colormanilarun.com.

Kate Spade Carmen Satchel Bag

As I was cleaning up my closet earlier, I took into account all functional items that I have been using only in rare occasions. 

Bags and shoes take most of my time in my tropical version of 'spring cleaning'.  As I was holding a beautiful arm candy, I was prompted to answer the inevitable question: to sell, or not to sell?

I just have to write about it here.  The decision-making process for this scenario is not easy.  BAGaholic folks would understand.

Inhale, exhale...

Sometimes we let go of beautiful things to make room for more.

Description:  Kate Spade Carmen Satchel Flap Bag

Color:  Buttermilk and Black

Material:  Cow leather
Type:  Medium satchel bag, flap, with detachable and adjustable leather strap, may also be worn as a cross body bag
Interior:  Cloth lining with silky texture, two compartments - main compartment has one inner pocket with zipper, secondary compartment has zipper
Condition:  Excellent condition, well-maintained, supple leather and shiny hardware

Add-on:  Original cloth bag and care card

Maintenance:  

  *   Occasional application of gentle leather conditioner and metal cleaner for the hardware.

  *   Since we live in a tropical country, premium leather goods must be protected from molds.  Take the bag out of its cloth occasionally, especially when not in use for a long time.  Do not place on direct sunlight. 

  *   No need to pamper this bag.  Just give it the right amount of care, so you can enjoy it for years. 

Use:  Charm + Functional.  It is a sturdy bag that can hold stuff, e.g., wallet, cellphone, cosmetic kit, small folding umbrella, and a 12 oz. water tumbler.  

I bought this beautiful satchel from a Kate Spade boutique in Southern California (think, spring time weather and road trip).  For its sentimental value, I want to sell it to a friend who knows how to take care of bags.

NATGEO Earth Day Run 2017

In store registration is until April 16.

April 23, 2017 marks another event of raising the public’s consciousness about environmental issues and health and fitness for National Geographic.  Presented by the channel and its partners Cherifer Premium and World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF), Earth Day Run 2017 aims to continue the tradition of being one of the biggest running events in the country, expecting scores of running enthusiasts and Eco Warriors to register and run for the environment. The event will be held not only in Manila but simultaneously in the cities of Hong Kong, Shanghai, Singapore and Taichung, an initiative that was adopted last year and effectively spread the vision and advocacy of Earth Day Run across Asia.

At Earth Day Run 2017, National Geographic will be celebrating eight years of social awareness through fitness with special program features using the hashtag #8withEDR. With the hopes of mobilizing all the Eco Warriors of previous Earth Day Runs, this year’s event welcomes all previously registered participants with VIP treatment and special loyalty perks to be enjoyed on the day of the run. Participants from previous Earth Day Runs will be given priority placement in front of the starting line at the beginning of the race and can claim their loot bags and finisher shirt at a special express booth. They can also make use of a special warm-up and cool down tent before and after the race to condition themselves and recover in comfort.

What: NatGeo Earth Day Run 2017
When: April 23 2017
Where: SM Mall of Asia
Beneficiary: Ipo Watershed

Last year, Earth Day Run participants ran to benefit such causes as saving the Irawaddy dolphins at the Malampaya Sound Research and Conservation Project in Palawan; giving the Earth Hour or “Gift of Life” village in Monreal, Masbate sustainable solutions that reduce carbon footprint; conservation of the Marine Protected Area and coral reef in Apo Reef in Occidental Mindoro; and beefing up reforestation efforts in the Ipo Watershed in Bulacan, which supplies Metro Manila with fresh water. Registered runners at Earth Day Run 2017 will not only experience a fun day of outdoor fitness by joining this year’s event, but will also be doing their part in contributing to National Geographic’s environmental efforts.

Earth Day Run 2017 in Manila will be held at the SM Mall of Asia grounds, where participants can join 5K, 10K, 21K and 42K categories. The event encourages and welcomes all types of Eco Warriors to take part, from fun-runners of all ages to the serious marathon runners who regularly compete. This year, Earth Day Run will also be sporting new features for its runners. As a special treat, all race kits will come with LED shoelaces, serving as a badge of pride and as a safety precaution for Eco Warriors running at night or before sunrise. Prizes will also be given to costumed runners who showcase their creativity by coming in their best ensemble made from recycled materials. Finally, to make each Eco Warrior’s voice heard in this run for the Earth, advocacy banners will be hanging above the finish line so that each runner can grab them as they cross to make a shout-out for the environment, keep as a souvenir, and use for all their post-run selfies to amplify the message of acting now to save the environment.

Registration Fee
5km - P850
10km - P950
HM - P1,400
FM - P1,800

Online Registration
Click here to register online (Until April 9)
https://regonline.activeglobal.com/Register/Checkin.aspx?EventID=1953655

Onsite Registration (Until April 16)
Ground Floor, The Block, SM North EDSA
Upper Ground Floor, SM Aura
Level 2, South Pavillion, SM Mall of Asia

Race Kit Claiming
April 8 - 16

“Earth Day Run 2017 will be the biggest version of the race yet, with more expected participants from Manila and four other cities across Asia. We’re also excited to look back on our eight years of environmental advocacy and share and celebrate with our runners the positive change that they helped make possible through the years by joining Earth Day Run. We hope that Earth Day Run 2017 not only brings communities of running enthusiasts together for the common cause of saving the environment but also that it amplifies the important message of doing your own part today to help stop climate change and commit to sustainable solutions to save our beloved planet Earth,” said Charo Espedido, Director and Head of Content and Marketing at FOX Networks Group Philippines.

Assembly Time & Gun Start
5km - 420AM | 520AM
10km - 4AM | 5AM
21km - 230AM | 330AM
42km - 1AM | 2AM

This year’s new participants can also join in the celebrations for Earth Day Run’s eighth anniversary by visiting the 8 Years of EDR Gallery at the race village and learning about what the event has accomplished over the years, including the environmental and social initiatives it has benefited with the help of its registered runners. Visitors to the gallery will learn how their participation at Earth Day Run has made a significant impact on certain communities in the Philippines as well as how their actions as individuals can affect the environment.