Lee Denim DIY Rip and Repair Workshop: Denim Refreshment

The LEE Denim DIY Rip and Repair Workshop just concluded it's event last May 29-31st at the SM Mall of Asia Atrium. I went there on an afternoon and was excited to have my pair made professionally and if possible do it myself since they encourage you to do so.  I didn't do well the last time and I think I ruined the whole thing by trying to be over the top. I guess this time I would have to leave it to the professionals so I could decently wear it later on. They still encouraged me though.

They got me this card with some steps to follow so I could DIY my own set of denim pants. Lee's current mission is all about Denim Refreshment. Since we all do wear jeans almost everyday, it's a good idea to actually freshen it up for the season. So picking a denim color, denim texture and fit is truly a big undertaking. Lee makes it simple though because once they take out things in season, they also give you the option to choose what fit you would like in jeans. I don't mind wearing low rise ones but this time, I prefer something that falls in the middle because it would be more comfortable to have one while walking the streets of Manila. Remember, it was super hot during summer... but it might rain a little hard a couple of weeks from now so I have to choose something appropriate for both seasons, like something in between.

LEE Denim has been super successful with the new denim pieces that they've released this past year. Judging from the things I saw on the event, they've come out with different textures and treatments so when you modify further modify these jeans, they just look even better when they become weathered. They DIY part comes in this part of the program. You slash, put it in machines that can make it look a little older and used like it's an old one. It just looks better like that right?

Along with the joy of making our own refreshed denim looks, we were also treated by this gorgeous DJ at the SM Mall of Asia Atrium. Aside from that, these gorgeous models provided inspiration on how we probably should make our denim pants look like after the DIY session.

And I like what I was seeing. You see, there's an easy kind of vibe on how you can wear your denim pants, shirts and other clothing pieces during this season. Don't they look perfect on them?

This guy right here was helping me all throughout the process, although it was very easy to understand, he went the mile of assisting me about the form earlier.

First up was to change the LEE label. I wanted the black one with gold insignias. They further personalized it by putting in stamped names on it. They used the gold leaf and metal letter press so it would show on the label. It would make your set of pants stand out from the crowd.

Aside from that, this man right here was a master in doing weathered treatment on denim pants. He used drills, scissors, and a couple more things to complete the look. 

They also had a station for painting. This was something where I failed miserably the last time so I wasn't too keen to gamble the look of my denim jeans. I just wanted it simple and weathered this year so I'm not touching this one. The others were really good at it by the way so if you're much of an artist, don't hesitate to use them to your own liking.

As or me...

It looks like my Denim Refreshment dreams came true. I wore it several times already and I've had nothing but complements about it. You can have one of these too by purchasing LEE Denim online or in stores now. You may check out their channels below for more information.

Remember, you can make your Lee Denim refreshments at home. Jazz up your old pair so you can still wear them today. The possibilities are endless, so don't be afraid to experiment, don't be afraid to tear it up and take matters with your own hands. If you feel it looks good on you, why would anybody stop you right? Go right ahead and make Denim Refreshment - DIY projects of your own today and wear them comfortably like any Lee Denim Jeans owner would do. Stand our from the crowd. Watch out for the next DIY Workshops from Lee Denim by following their social media accounts too.

For more information about their products:

Lee Jeans Philippines

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http://www.lee.com/

A Special Afternoon at Discovery Country Suites Tagaytay

Had the pleasure of visiting Discovery Country Suites in Tagaytay City a couple of weeks ago with my Mom. As you may have seen on the Discovery Country Suites Facebook Page, I have dedicated a few words for her and I didn't even tell her it was posted there publicly. Discovery Country Suites also had a surprise in mind so when I asked my Mom to free her schedule a couple of days before that, I didn't tell her what it was all about. So when she went there and met the warm people of Discovery Country Suites, she didn't really know what she was in for. 

While they pulled her off and gave her a huge bouquet of flowers, a luxurious massage and a nice drink on the Discovery Country Suites lawn, they got us inside one of the function rooms in Discovery Country Suites Tagaytay and had us bake real deal chocolate chip cookies. 

They also got us to decorate these sweet treats so we could give it to our Moms later on with personalized dedications on them. I would have loved to show my finished product but we're too shy to do that on public blog posts LOL.

The Interiors

The place originally was a vacation house of the owners of the Discovery Leisure Company and they didn't quite use the space and spent time here only yearly. The smart thing would be to lease it out and they thought to have had a bed and breakfast even before other establishments of the same kind sprouted in Tagaytay. You can say that they were pioneers and with the renovations started immediately so they could accommodate people who would want to spend a weekend, a month, or several ones when they're in Tagaytay as this place just screams serenity, comfortable country living which you can travel a few hours from Manila. The interiors pretty much is an upscale woodsy shabby chic without the glitzy ceramic pots for tea and weathered furniture. I think it was really made to be a country home rather than a hotel-esque environment hence the look. The place gets packed during the weekends though so it's better if you book a few weeks so you could secure a room, or the whole house if you've got money to spend.

PWD Farmer Plants Seed and Goes Global

Let's change the mood a bit and read some good news. See the photo above? You're looking at a very inspiring and determined man. His name is Donald Carpo, a man who works as a maintenance guy from SM City Rosales in Pangasinan - a province in Central Luzon. Just like the rest of us, he's got a family too. He's trying to make ends meet, trying to use the little things he earns so he could feed the people at home.

You see, Mr. Carpo suffers from a congenital indisposition in his limbs. He's got his left hand and legs in this predicament but this doesn't stop him from striving hard to provide for his family. So when the opportunity for training arrived, he immediately grabbed it. There, he learned to grow, plant, harvest and sell crops like papayas. His profit went to the welfare of his family, so they could live a comfortable life. The training was sparked by the Committee on Disability Affairs under SM Cares. SM Cares is the mall company's CSR arm. Words seems to have spread of how this program helped Mr. Carpo, so when SM’s project and efforts were recognized by the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability, they sent Mr. Carpo as a delegate - and finally made him go to Bangkok, Thailand.

The 2 day workshop was sponsored by United Nations. It focused on Building and Enabling PWD's. Donald says "Even in my wildest dreams I didn't know that I would be able to go to another country. I thought it was impossible because of my condition, but because of SM I was given the opportunity to not only step in foreign soil but also come to a seminar that I didn't think I would even be invited to. We listened to fellow PWD's who talked about how they improved their harvests. I also shared them my experiences here. I also went to learn from different seminars there which I could use further improve the yield of my own crops and share them in my community. I feel so confident now that I'm earning much better every month. Because of SM I have been able to get a decent job. I have been able to get a life changing experience because of them and I won't hesitate to do the same with my fellow PWD's!"

Mr. Donald Carpo definitely feels like he's accomplished a lot. He's been given a lot of opportunities despite of his condition, he has steadfastly proven that hard work really pays off. He's not just going to harvest the fruits of his labor but also share it with his fellow men. Now that is something that we Filipinos must always try to learn from. No matter what the future brings, what ever challenges we see, there's always hope if we are given the chance, the opportunity. I hope other corporations would follow suit and hire more PWD's and help integrate them into the workforce. It's a good thing.

For more information about their organization:

Official SM Cares

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http://www.smcares.com.ph/

Discovery Suites Ortigas this Fathers Day

Hi there! Glad to see you reading this article today! You see, Fathers Day is just around the corner, June 21st to be exact.  If you're like me and you haven't made plans yet, be happy that at least you're not alone. You call him Dad, Papa, Itay or Tatay, and he's practically the most important man in your life. He's provided a lot for you, worked countless hours just so he could put food on the table and send you to school. I guess just like me, you're trying to at least see how you can repay him for what he's done for your family. It's also a way to tell him how much you love him for just being who he is. Now that you're thinking about what I'm thinking, maybe you should treat him out for lunch, or maybe for dinner. Looking for a place? Have you been to Discovery Suites in Ortigas? If not, this might be the opportune time to book it. Why? Check out what we had for lunch this weekend at 22 Prime, Discovery Suites Ortigas' premier restaurant!

Amuse Bouche, French term for mouth teaser this likely Oyster dish is creamy, crunchy and fresh like the sea. It reminds us of Oyster Rockefeller without obviously going there. This is just the start.

Dyna Prime's Seafood Gumbo, made from Roux which is a base for most Cajun and Creole dishes plus tons of seafood pieces like lobster, shrimp and oysters. They wanted us to have something that came from New Orleans, Louisiana because it's hearty, spicy and would be something that Dads would love.

Grilled Road King Prawns is just another addition to the creole spicy food they wanted to serve. It's got the right amount of kick, spice and served with a side of cornmeal, roasted asparagus spears, salsa and cherry tomatoes . It's fresh, spicy, dreamy to actually have a bite of. Really good!

This is the Street Glide NY Strip Loin Steak served with Baked Broccoli topped with cheese (Broccoli Gratin), and a side of twice baked potatoes. Do you remember the time 22 Prime served me the best slice of beef I had in my entire life? (Photo here) I haven't had anything come close to that yet, but since this comes from their restaurant, I think we know now why they make it so good in this side of town. People should know, and your Dad might be a good judge of that.

To finish it off, here's their Molten Chocolate Rum Cake. Oozing out the cake's center is chocolate ganache that's not too sweet. Lovely chocolate syrup, slivers of strawberry, a shard of wafer and a dash of confectioner's sugar spiked with rum. It was a perfect way to end lunch that afternoon but they've got something up their sleeves, I knew it!

Oh yes, how can machismo and these super creole, cajun and road trip kind of concept make sense without connecting them to an iconic muscled vehicle brand such as Harley Davidson. Discovery Suites Ortigas is happy to have your Dad at their hotel and pose with these monstrous machines at the lobby. If you own a Harley Davidson motorbike,  you also get free parking space at Discovery Suites from June 20 to 21 if you plan to celebrate Father’s Day at this place. Promo rates for this Father’s Day menu costs Php 1,500 and is available on June 20-21 for lunch and dinner. You can also get the Junior Serendipity Suite for only Php 5,500 or the one bedroom suite at Php 6,500 if you want to spend a staycation there. It also includes buffet breakfast (at Restaurant 5) and FREE movie passes at SM Cinemas for two. You see, it shouldn't be complicated. Just make Dad have the best meal he could every have plus a relaxing stay at Discovery Suites Ortigas. Isn't that love?

Call them for reservations at 719-8888 or simply email them at rsvn@discovery.com.ph. Hurry before the place becomes fully booked!

For more information about their hotel:

Discovery Suites Ortigas

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Visit their official website

http://www.discoveryhotels-resorts.com/