Style Reader: July 2014

Nail Files: Caronia Chasse

Something blue. Making it a twice a month routine, I had my nails cleaned and painted again last night at Sublime Salon and Spa. I suddenly had this icky feeling when I saw them chipping off. Clearly, I am changing my ways. Moreover, the gloomy days aren't over yet and this primary color is usually associated with sadness but I chose a richer and a more cheery shade.

Anyway, have a great day! :)

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, by Arra A.

Celebrating the Dark Knight

Ever since I was a kid, I've been a loyal fan of Batman. I'm not saying I am a Batman trivia master nor have I ever read the comic books, but I've always loved watching his films (and now, I'm looking forward to a new TV series called Gotham.) I don't care if he can't fly or if he doesn't have superhuman strength, but what attracted me to him is his knowledge and brilliance. Moving on, FullyBooked celebrated Batman Day yesterday!

It was Batman's 75th anniversary last July 23 but since it was a weekday, FullyBooked decided to hold it yesterday so that more people, especially those fans who have work and school, can attend. Bookstores and comic shops all over the world will be giving away this anniversary issue, Detective Comics #27, and we were lucky enough to be included!

My friend, Nike of The ElectroMagnetChick, her brothers, and I arrived at around 9AM at Fully Booked in Bonifacio High Street. The line was already so long, and I heard one of the book store's employees mentioned that people started lining up before they can even prepare the place. According to her, people started lining up as early as 6AM. This was also because Fully Booked gave away some Batman surprise to the first 75 people to line up.

denim jacket Bay Hill • orange flats H&M

As we entered Fully Booked, a huge Batman display was already on plain sight. It shows the different logos and looks of Batman.

After we took a photo with Batman, we saw the pile of comic books waiting to be given away to the fans. It includes a batarang to be enjoyed by the Dark Knight enthusiasts.

There was a crew waiting for fans who are interested in mimicking Batman's voice on the first floor. Those who will join will get a freebie.

We were directed to go up to the fourth floor to see more of what's in store for us.

The first booth held some local artists. You can get a blank comic book and let them draw your character of choice. As someone who doesn't have a talent in painting or drawing, I was clearly in awe of their works.

Batman toys from various brands were also displayed on a shelf near the comic artists' booth.

It was delightful to see a crowd wearing different Batman shirts to give honor to the Dark Knight. I'm also glad to know that some fans who just met in line became friends due to the same interests.

And yes, all graphic novels and comic books were on sale at 20% off that day! A board and cover were also available for purchase to protect your free comic book. A free Batman mask was also given away. Just tell them you're Batman in a deep and husky voice while wearing the mask. A trivia contest was also held in the afternoon.

Not only Fully Booked gave away free comics and batarangs, but they also got some Gotham doughnuts to share! Sweet!

It was another event to remember! This made me have this stronger urge to read comic books. I've always wanted to and maybe this can be the start of it. Thanks again, Fully Booked, for an awesome event and for celebrating the Dark Knight's 75th anniversary!

Happy Batman Day! :)

(Photos without watermark by Nike)

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, by Arra A.

In Bahts in Bangkok, Bangkok

Bangkok 2014: Day 1

I've always wondered how it feels to travel with your friends with no parental guidance. Not that I am planning to do anything illegal but such a trip promises freedom and independence. Who wouldn't want to experience that? And yes folks! I was able to finally travel with my friends for four days! I still remember the day when we booked our flights and it was a spur of the moment thing! All three of us were unsure and panicking but ended up saying, "What the hell! We're booking this flight NOW!" We nearly gave up because we tried booking a flight twice and it failed. But third time's the charm and we finally got a confirmation!

Together with my friends, Nike of The ElectroMagnetChick and Helen of Wanderlen, we embarked on a journey to one of my favorite places on Earth: Bangkok! This was my sixth time to visit the place and I fall in love with it deeper every single time. It also means that I served as my friends' guide during the trip. To be honest, I was actually nervous since I'm not really great at memorizing street names, especially if I'm not frequent there, but more of remembering it visually. I usually just follow my dad whenever we do our shopping walkathons as I call it. That's why I made Google Maps my best friend for a day and conducted a visual tour. I tried to feel and recall what's it like to walk on the streets of Bangkok's Pratunam area... Wow... I am not kidding when I say I had this giddy sensation that I was already there. I can already hear the loud hustle and bustle on the streets, the click and clack of carts being pushed by the vendors, and their loud voices calling in the customers, especially the tourists, to buy their products. I miss hearing the Thai language and I can literally hear them ringing in my ears.

Our tour was composed of the Emerald Buddha, the Grand Palace, and the Gems Gallery. I let my friends choose the places they wanted to see and the activities they wanted to do. Surprisingly, I haven't been to the first two places mentioned!

Here we are with our tour guide, Kitti. He was like a father figure to us during the trip. He taught me some Thai words and phrases, and I felt like a happy kid memorizing them. I loved listening to his stories and I had learned so much from him. He took care of us and made sure we got back to our hotel safely. He sent us messages asking how we were and wished us to enjoy our trip, which of course, we did. The communication lasted even after our trip. So if you're reading this, Kitti, I'm telling you now that you're the best and we wish to see you again soon! :)

A part of the very intricate hand-painted mural located at the Grand Palace.

So after the tour, we asked Kitti to drop us off the Platinum Mall. We just had Yakisoba for breakfast and we were already starving, and craving by the end of the tour. We headed to the sixth floor of the mall and changed our bahts to coupons so we could eat.

I had the pork satay (first) while Nike and Helen got the chicken ones (second). Both came with a salad soaked in vinegar, five pieces of bread, and the peanut sauce.

I paired my pork satay with this spicy mango salad garnished with peanuts, fried fish, and chicharon.

Both Nike and Helen got their favorite pad thai.

Last minute before our tour ended, we asked Kitti if we can get tickets for Siam Niramit. It is a show featuring the culture of Thailand. We booked it for only ฿1,500 which includes the ticket, the transportation fee, and the buffet.

You might wonder why we posed crazily in these photos and used the #BahtsinBangkok hashtag we humorously add every time we posted a photo or even tweeted. Funny, it was actually because of the photo I found in Tumblr as I was browsing the site religiously before our trip. It was three bats that showed three different personalities that somehow reminded me of us three. So I teased the two of them by pointing out which among the bats represent us. The inside joke eventually became a description as it circulated our department in the office.

As the tour guide, I was of course, the bat in front; Nike, as the pacifier and the most silent one among us (not that she's really quiet. LOL.), was the bat in the middle; and, the crazily weird one was Helen. Hence, our expressions on the previous photos.

It was a wonderful experience. I recommend for everyone who plans to visit Bangkok to watch Siam Niramit. It was very insightful and I am at a lost for words to describe their production. Too bad, lack of sleep and fatigue caught up with me that I blacked out at some parts. Not because it's boring but because my mind can't fight the drowsiness I felt anymore. But I promise to go back and to watch this show again, and next time with my eyes open all through out the show.