The beginning of the rest of my life.

I start going to work tomorrow. Not a makeup shoot or a hosting job, but an 8-5 going to the office sort of thing, and the truth is, I'm pretty excited.

My default answer for the past how many months was, "I don't want to start working yet." After this weekend I feel like I'm ready to start something new.

I went on a retreat from friday to sunday that helped me rest, refocus and listen to God. I have this great sense of calm and steadiness, compared to the worry and anxiety of before.

Today, I woke up early and played golf with two of the funniest guys I know and had a great lunch afterwards.

Tomorrow will be a good day. this month will be a good month. this year is my year.

Today's thought.

I don't really want to meet new people. I just want the old people to meet me again.

In my mini makeup kit

One question that I get asked a lot ever since I became a makeup artist is "What cosmetics do you recommend?"

Here's what I keep in my personal cosmetics kit, the stuff I use on a daily basis.



Base: Cinema Secrets Cream Foundation and Larenim Powder Foundation

I haven't tried a lot of foundation out there, but I'm completely happy with how Cinema Secrets performs. It can go from full coverage to as sheer as you like it. Just mix it in your moisturiser for a light tint if that's all you need.


Cheek and Lip: NARS blush/bronzer duo in Orgasm/Laguna, Benefit Benetint, Bobbi Brown mini face blender brush.

I absolutely LOVE this blush/bronzer duo. It flatters all skin tones and is pretty much foolproof.


Eyes: Smashbox eyeshadow trios: Twilight and Beam, Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes! mascara, L'oreal Kohl Black Eyeliner, In2it clear brow gel, Bobbi Brown mini eyeshadow brush, Tweezerman tweezers, and Shu Uemura eyelash curler

These two trios are so basic, everyone should have a version of it in their makeup kit. I usually fix my own brows, so the tweezers are a must.

I also usually have lip balm/gloss, but that's already in my purse. My makeup kit doesn't go with me everywhere. I make sure I have blotting papers too.

What's in a name?

I first learned about Cory Aquino's passing in Facebook. It's the first thing I check in the morning, and along than sadness, I felt this sense of relief. I knew she was sick for quite some time, so her passing meant that she didn't have to suffer and feel pain anymore. I really believe that she was ready to join God in heaven. She prayed so much and showed so much faith in Him. That's definitely something I try to emulate.

My parents were there in EDSA in 1986. They did their part in the revolution. My uncle was very active in the opposition. Though we are not big art collectors, a Manny Baldemor painting depicting the EDSA revolution hangs in our dining room, reminding us everyday of the Laban days.

My mom and dad would tell me stories of those times, how they could have migrated abroad after Ninoy was assassinated and the country's future was so uncertain but they chose to stay here. They are both very nationalistic, which I think rubbed off us kids.

I was told that when I was born in October 1986, my parents were thinking of giving me a name relevant to the times. I've heard recently of someone named Revolution or Revo for short. In my case, they were seriously considering naming me Liberty (dictionary meaning: the state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority on one's way of life, behavior or political views.)

My older sisters objected to this name, since Liberty was also a brand name of a popular condensed milk. So I was named Bertha, after my dad. Growing up, my nickname at home was Tata. Now friends call me Bertha, Berts, Bert, or Ta.

Thinking about it some more, Liberty would have been an uncommon name to have, plus it stands for something so ideal. I'd still be called Berts/Bert for short. However, I'm still glad they named me Bertha (meaning: bright one). I'm still the only one I know with my name, although I know someone named Alberta and Berta, so it makes me feel pretty unique.