philippines – Page 2 – The Pin-up Girl Manila

Ballet Manila Goes to Hong Kong! Join the exclusive preview

Published on July 29, 2015July 29, 2015 by thepinupgirlmanilaLeave a comment

Almost every little girl was put into some kind of activity by their mother’s. Ballet, gymnastics, ice skating. Mine was ballet, yet despite most little girls who were forced to join such an activity hated it as they grew up, I ended up loving it. These two photos are from my first ever ballet recital and I was four years old. My mom had a thing for curls because she was so inspired by Shirley Temple. It wasn’t just ballet it was also tap. I did this until I was 14 (the age I moved to the Philippines). I was on pointe by that time for two years and my feet were at it’s breaking point. *pun intended*

Sadly, from the pain I could not bare (I have so much respect for those ballerinas who continue), and moving to a new country I had to stop my dancing career. If you can call it that.

But having to stop dancing doesn’t mean I can’t stop loving it. I am so lucky to be invited once again by Ballet Manila to their preview of “Flight”. This concert showcases the company’s entry to the Asia Grand Prix International Ballet Competition to be hosted in Hong Kong. Performances such as “Don Quixote”, “Sleeping Beauty” and “Swan Lake” will be performed.

“Two nights, two completely different programs.The back-to-back concert will showcase the best of Ballet Manila and highlight the skill and artistry of all the dancers-competitors. I am truly proud of the year’s competitors; keeping my fingers cross that we will do well this year.” says Liza Macjua-Elizalde, Artistic Director and CEO of Ballet Manila. (Check out my one-on-one with Philippine’s Prima ballerina!)

Having met many of Ballet Manila’s dancers, choreographers and crew I can surely say that we have a fighting chance at this years competition. They will make our country proud with their passion, hardwork and love of performance.

The concert is divided into two nights “Flight 1″ (July 31) and Fight 2” (August 1) both at 8PM. The venue is at Ballet Manila’s home theatre Star Theatre alongside CCP.

Buy your tickets now and bring your girlfriends, mother, grandmother, little sister/brother, or even drag along your boyfriend for a wonderful date night. I brought my boyfriend last time and he surprisingly enjoyed himeself. You just never know.

I’ll be at this Saturday’s performance with my best friend Sasja followed by dinner and drinks, so if you do decide to come (which you will) say hi to me!

Summer! Poolside and Burgers; An Alternative to Laboracay

Published on May 1, 2015May 1, 2015 by thepinupgirlmanilaLeave a comment

It’s Summer and Labor Day Weekend! While most of Manila’s finest are headed to Laboracay, I had a mini vacation in my own backyard. A few beers, some Jim Beam and a yummy burger by the poolside is just as fun as the pounding music with sweaty bodies clushing togther in the spirit of summer.

Swimsuit is from I Love Koi! Kiomono is from Supre.

*I’m a size 6-8 US.

Summer! Mermaid Peplum Skirt

Published on April 21, 2015April 21, 2015 by thepinupgirlmanilaLeave a comment

Summer is here!

A light colored wardrobe is in play now, and with this pretty teal peplum skirt makes me feel all summery (if thats a word). I bought it back when I had big red mermaid hair, and when I would wear this…ala Ariel! The top is a china floral print in a bustier structure so it’s fun for summer and perfect for the heat. A denim jacket during the humid hell of summer? Don’t worry it’s a very light jacket and needed for when at night the summer night becomes cool and eerie.

Clean Cut: Hombre Manila Salon for Men

Published on April 20, 2015April 20, 2015 by thepinupgirlmanilaLeave a comment

My long-time boyfriend, Diego, is in medical school. That comes with exhausting hours of studying and endless exams. Leaving him with no time for a good clean haircut. Last Saturday, we had been in the city for some errands. While at it, we passed by Hombre Manila. A fairly new salon for men that has just opened in January 2015 located along Arnaiz St. (Pasay Rd.) at Park Square . Upon walking in from the summer heat, we were greeted by the owner Jen Leung. She knew her stuff. Immediatley she knew how Diego’s hair was. Difficult, a mess, and all over the place. You see, Jen had studied in the states and had been cutting hair for 21 years over at the capital (Washington D.C.) She’s not the only one with years of experience. Her staff even includes a barbera! Yes, a woman barber! And don’t worry ladies, they do women’s hair too. So if you want to get your treatment done, a quick trim or even a mani-pedi while your man is getting his cut on, welcome the new bonding experience. Diego began with a good massage, which he definietly deserved after months of final exams! And soon the magic began… The Junior stylist Horhe began clipping, snipping and styling at ease. And soon Diego looked like a gentleman. Fresh and clean, and no more stressted-out medical student.

Great products used for a traditional shave. Produced in the Philippines, Blue Sail’s aftershave gave the scent of a true gentleman.

The great staff at Hombre Salon with owner Jen Leung (far right).

Hombre Salon for Men is located on the ground floor at Park Square, Ayala Center, Makati City. (Across SM Makati) Hair cuts range from P450-P1,200 Contact and Follow: (0917) 721-6337 Facebook: Hombre Manila Instagram: @HombreManila

A Date Night with Dance

Published on March 1, 2015March 1, 2015 by thepinupgirlmanila2 Comments

My date.

Alas, the night of Ballet Manila’s 20th Anniversary concert. The night couldn’t be more romantic. Filled with passion and creativity, the performances were absolutely amazing. I was beyond thrilled to see the hard work and journey the company has gone through.

*please excuse the quaity of the photos I only used my phone….

Thank you to Patricia Ramirez and Ms. Lisa Macuja for the invitation!

What I wore:

Dress from H&M’s Winter collection 2012

Coat from a bazzar (a lucky find)

and the shoes are the amazing black Aldo pumps.

Hair was pinned curled with a hard side part.

Makeup was Naked Pallet 3 for the eyes and the lips were Revlon’s Love that Red.

What are your favorite date night outfits?

Exclusive: Preview of Ballet Manila’s 20th Anniversary Part 2; a one-on-one with Ms. Lisa Macuja-Elizalde

Published on February 22, 2015February 22, 2015 by thepinupgirlmanila4 Comments

Ms. Lisa Macuja with the dancers of Ballet Manila

Ms. Lisa Macuja has had an amazing on-going career living out her passion as a dynamic ballerina. She has become the Philippine’s first prima ballerina and the first foreign soloist to join Kirov Ballet (the Imperial Russian Ballet). It is easy to say that she is an icon to Philippine culture and the arts.

My one-on-one with Ms. Lisa was a dream. I have always been a fan of the ballet. Being a ballerina myself, way back when, it was such an honor in having the opportunity to talk about her hopes for the future of ballet in the Philippines. Listening to her about not just celebrating the twenty years of devotion , but her ambitions to pass on the interest to future generations was truly inspiring.

She has traveled all across the world, performing and meeting many influential people. But, when I asked her what she is most proud of, her answer was simple. Ballet Manila.

Along with ballet master Osias Barroso, the concept of Ms. Lisa for Ballet Manila began in 1995 with just twelve dancers. Focusing on the rigid Russian method of classical ballet. Today, the company has expanded to now 50 professional dancers, performing in international tours more than 140 times, and recently becoming international; bringing in guest coreographers from around the world. I can see why Ms. Lisa would be so proud of her creation.

As for the future, Ms. Lisa states that she hopes to keep expanding Ballet Manila by looking for dancers not just around the metro but from all across the country. She intends to open more branches of the Lisa Macuja ballet school, and to continue advocating the art towards the next generation. Keeping the passion high and alive. Ms. Lisa agrees with me that with social media younger generations can discover the excellence of ballet, but there is nothing better then discovering through a live performance. That is why Ballet Manila has partnered with Star City, upong purchasing an admission ticket, giving a free pass to Aliw Theatre for children to see live performances. With partnerships like this and much more opportunities to tackle Ballet Manila has many more years of accommplishments.

BM 2.0 will showcase the vision of Ms. Lisa with performances such as “Paquita“, one of Ballet Manila’s staple in shows during the early years. “Ecole” a choreography of co-artistic director Osias Barroso, which has become a rite of passage for Ballet Manila dancers. “Bloom” with special guest coreographer Annabelle Lopez ochoa, and “Tara Let’s” a clash of modern music with classical ballet. The concert will take you through the jorney of twenty years of hardwork, dedication and passion for the art of ballet. There is nothing better than celebrating one of the Philippine’s proudest achievements with one of Philippine’s icons.

So come out to the gala event! This Feburary 28 at 7.30pm to celebrate twenty proud years. (Matinee show on March 1, 3pm) Contact Ticket World at 891.9999 or visit ticketworld.com.ph for more information.

Sway like a Skater

Published on February 3, 2015 by thepinupgirlmanilaLeave a comment

Little Sunday adventure with a group of long boarders. An easy two hour drive to a secluded area with the most beautiful scenery. The skate and sunset made a perfect Sunday.

Having a pin-up style in a very active environment can be hard. No circle skirts, petticoats, or tea-length dresses. Instead I opted for a kitsch top with graphic watermelons, along with a pair of high-waisted shorts. Oh, and a hoodie borrowed from a best friend.

Top: H&M (Php 455)

Shorts: Forever 21 (Php 800)

Flats: Payless Shoe Source (Php 750)

Hoodie: Uniqlo (borrowed)

Most photos (c) Trish Shishikura

Ahoy! Sailor!

Published on January 12, 2015January 14, 2015 by thepinupgirlmanila4 Comments

I wasn’t sure of my plans for the day so I went with a comfortable look. Eventually, my best friend and I went on a little late night adventure, and went to The Collective in Makati for kebabs and shisha. So luckily my outfit was a good choice for comfy yet styling. Sailor tops are an essential for that pin-up or rockabilly look. They’re completely versatile and an all time classic. The way to style a sailor top for the pin-up look is all about matching, fit and accessorizing. I decided to go with a full black circle skirt keeping a 50’s look. But like I said, the sailor top is versatile. So experiment with not just circle skirts, but high-waisted shorts, tight pencil skirts or cut off jeans! Accessorizing with fun and colorful pieces can tie the whole look together. Try hair pieces, like bows, flowers or a red bandana! All of these pieces are from Forever 21, including the cute red bow! The sailor top was at Php 715 and the black midi skirt was at Php 1,015. The bow was just Php 185! So get that pin-up essential and let’s set sail for cuteness!

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