Prince Charmings don’t exist. This is what parents fail to explain to little girls when telling them bedtime stories of far away kingdoms. These stories have done more harm than good to little girls growing up believing that one day a man will rescue them from whatever hardships they are facing. Sadly, they think that if they are good enough, well behaved enough, pretty enough, smart enough, thin enough, they will be wanted and loved and become a princess. People, we should teach our daughters, sisters, nieces, etc, that they are their own savior. That only they can rescue themselves from the wicked witch/stepmother/wizard/curse/dragon. These little girls should feel loved no matter what. Fat, short, pimply faced, unruly haired, dark, slow in math, flat-chested, uncoordinated. Their self-esteem, self-image and security depends on our affirmation: that they are validated human beings and any man would be lucky to be with them. So many little girls grow up to become women who rely on a man for their happiness, for a man to complete them. They do everything to please men and sometimes even resort to devious tricks to “hook” a man. Do these men even know of the daily and not so daily tortures women have to go through in order to be considered desirable? We tweeze, tease, shave, bleach, wax, douche, get scrubbed raw at spas, sweat it out in the gym, blow most of our cash buying a new dress, shoes, a bag to match, highlights, lowlights, signature haircuts, acrylic nails, eyelash extensions, permed lashes, liposuction, flower arrangements, laserlight, foot spas, mesotherapy, sclerotherapy, microdermabration, facials, pimple injections, rhinoplasty, breast augmentation, tummy tucks, botox, facelifts, chemical peels and I can go on and on and on (and I haven’t even mentioned the cosmetics women buy). Women do all these in the hopes of landing a man or holding on to their man. They don’t realize that even with all the modern technology in the beauty industry, there is no guarantee that they won’t be traded in for a newer model. Why? Because new is always better than overhauled. How many times do we have to kick ourselves in the head when we find out that yet again, we have been used, cheated on and taken advantage of? When did we get so desperate to be with a mate? When did we start losing ourselves in the fairy tale? When will we understand that having a man in our lives is not as important as loving and being content with ourselves? When will we realize that true happiness comes from within, from family and friends and most importantly from Our Father who loves His little princesses. Green skin, warts and all….
Finally, I have started to teach makeup at the Center for Aesthetic Studies (formerly ICI Training Center). I have always considered myself blessed and lucky to have found a job I love doing. They say when your work is something you love, it never seems like a job. Every experience is something new, you learn new things about the task at hand and about yourself and you always strive for perfection. I still get butterflies in my tummy before a gig and that's a good thing. I still get excited and nervous, hence I always say a little prayer before I dive into my makeup kits and create something beautiful (when all else fails, prayers are my miracle workers). I have always been generous when sharing what I know. I do not claim I know everything and I do make mistakes but the things I share, I have learned and delt with firsthand. I believe that what you give, when done out of the goodness of your heart, will always come back to you in more ways than one. Besides, I love makeup so much that it gives me joy when I see clients and friends perk up with a little touch up here and there (I even go as far as shopping with clients and students). The goal is to love who you are, embrace your God-given beauty and enhance it, not change what you have that people won't recognize you. Makeup is fun. Experiment with different looks and colors. It's really trial and error and sticking to what works for you (or creating a variation of the trend you wanna try). Practice. And blend, blend, blend. If it doesn't work out, that's what the makeup remover is for. Rome wasn't built in a day. Neither are the perfect makeup techniques. 
Finally back home. As much as I love visiting new places, I missed my son, my pad, my junk food, driving around and most especially my better half, Francis. It's good to be home and to get back into the swing of things. Time to check and double check on the cosmetics i left (to make sure every thing is in its right place) and my new loot of cosmetics i got from my trip. This time I was careful not to buy so much (it took a lot of will power). Makeup expires and i dread having to part with spoilt makeup. Such a waste. The trip also taught me a valuable lesson -- never handcarry liquids over 100ml even if it is in the required ziploc bag. I had to leave some expensive cosmetics at the gate and it was either that or i get stuck at the Bangkok airport (not a bad idea mind you). And no matter how much you explain, argue or charm the airport people, they won't budge. Oh well, room for more in my makeup kit! 
A few hours to go before our flight to Cambodia... and I'm running around like a headless chicken. So many things to do before I leave, so little time left. Still have to figure out which tools and products to bring, not to mention my personal effects. If we are lucky enough, we might have to stay 1 extra day at Bangkok. I am soooo excited! Aside from seeing the beauty and culture of Cambodia for the first time, hopefully I get to visit 1 of my favorite shopping haunts. I can't wait to haggle with the locals and eat authentic phad thai.
Only thing is, Migz is suffering from separation anxiety. He keeps hugging and kissing me and cries from time to time, whimpering, "Mom, I'm going to miss you." Bless his sweet little heart. Please pray for our team's safe trip and protection for my little one. It would mean a lot...
I am anxious and excited about leaving for Cambodia for a shoot this August 13-19. Aside from being away for the supplier's meeting for a bridal fair, I won't be around for the ingress and set up of my booth. But what truly makes me anxious is that I'll be away from my 7 year old son, Miguel. He'll be staying with my siblings while I'm away and i know that they'll take care of him. I guess I'm just being paranoid, hehe. Oh well, I hope to have fun as well as create fabulous looks during the shoot. I haven't been out of the country in a while and i soooo love to travel so this is a great opportunity for me to absorb a different culture, different textures and colors. Let the juices flow -- creative that is!
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