MIKKI GALANG

January 27, 2016 In Beauty, Life By Mikki Galang

#ProSculptPH

2 weeks ago, one of my favorite makeup brand invited us for an afternoon of arts, self-development and creativity at Sip & Gogh, in relation to a launch of a pro-sculpting line which is very MAKE UP FOR EVER. The brand and founder (Dany Sanz) started making business out of makeup which was realized first and consistently through art – painting, theatre, film.

Processed with VSCOcam with a8 preset

The launch was held at Sip & Gogh,which is the first-of-its-kind paint and sip studio in the country. It was my first time in that place, and a long time – prolly years!! – after doing some traditional art – I used to do theatre arts. And since my month has been all about business, it was the perfect way for me to relax and refocus my mind.

The studio is a product of passion for fine wine and good art, according to the founders. Van Gogh’s fascinating life story and his astonishing masterpieces made them decide to partly name the business in his honor.

Processed with VSCOcam with a8 preset

I like that this place allows my creative side while enjoying people, art and really delicious wine! Will definitely be back with friends who like artsy and creative things!

Now for makeup and launch, it was a great start for the brand because they’re strengthening their contour – I like the term scuplting more!! – lines which I think a pigmented makeup brand with great quality and wearability can definitely pull off.

Processed with VSCOcam with a8 preset

Some of Dani’s great quotes and philosophies!

The queen of the line: A pro-sculpting cream palette!!

Processed with VSCOcam with a8 preset

Now just by the look of it, I can see how professional and creative this palette can get! The packaging is like paint, with highlight, color, contour and blush shades. Lately, I’ve been realizing how more long-wearing and deep a contour can be using a cream formula. I’ve always used powders because I tend to layer, but I’ve been friends with creams and while they’re less convenient in terms of application, they tend to really last. A blog post / review of these products coming soon including this one.

But what’s more interesting about it is how detailed and less canned it is when it comes to educating makeup users about contouring. We’ve known a specific kind of contouring – well, because of the Kardashans 1- but I believe the below guide more because each person’s face shape is different and we don’t want to overdo this technique especially at day time.

Processed with VSCOcam with 4 preset

I’ve road tested the brow, lip (comes with a highlighter end), and the palette and I must say: top of the charts when it comes to pigmentation, professional quality and most especially, wearability. With my round face shape, I can contour my face deeply yet not so pageant-ish with these products.

Moreover, the products – together with the face painting activity below – demonstrate how to balance out light and shadow and bring out high-precision definition when it comes to contouring/sculpting. The products dont feel so heavy and intense!

Processed with VSCOcam with a8 preset

Best white wine I’ve tasted, which is available in this store!

Processed with VSCOcam with a8 preset

Processed with VSCOcam with j2 preset

Processed with VSCOcam with a8 preset

There were a lot of things that I learned from the activity, thanks to MAKE UP FOR EVER and Sip & Gogh!! Make-up/color/paint wise, I learned that brushes are very important when it comes to precision. Also, consistency and blending are very much dependent on the kind/quality of the paint or product and how you can make the pigments more fluid. And lastly, aside from remastering my color theory, that expression/art is really dependent on what’s inside you. Cliche, but very true. =)

Processed with VSCOcam with a8 preset

January 16, 2016 In Life By Mikki Galang

Great Summer

I attended a lot of music festivals last year and I must say, I’m quite developing my taste for #EDM music LOL – I really like those with very nice lyrical content! I watched a lot of talented artists such as Rebecca & Fiona, Porter Robinson, Martin Garrix, Dash Berlin, Steve Aoki, Diplo, Major Lazer, and Showtek and I’ve come to discover more of their songs + new affinity to Kygo, Years & Years, etc which you can hear through my soundcloud below.

I hope you had a great summer, everyone and wishing for a better one this year!

January 14, 2016 In Home, Life By Mikki Galang

Passion for Beauty

When I was very young, some people told me that when I choose to be gay (well, I’ve known myself as woman ever since), I’ll struggle with career, and end up just putting makeup on my myself, and other women. I cannot work in companies, because I act and dress up like a lady (I used colored lip balms back then. So I did everything I could at school complete with eyeliner and mascara, and desired to the highest level – I wanted to be a doctor, a chemist, the leader, a CEO of a big company, everything that they tell me I’m not. I sort of sucked everything I needed to learn for the real world. I prepared a lot for it, really. Lots of hard work and sleepless nights.

Then at college, I didn’t excel so much in my accounting classes, neither in my hardcore chemistry classes which I thought could be my pre-Med. But I remembered I had so much fun doing lipstick lab experiments, makeup of girls and boys at fashion shows I get invited to by orgs as MUA (even the one I manage as president!), marketing of cosmetics and just everything about beauty that interested me. I minor-ed in everything haha

Then come corporate, was lucky to get assigned by my bosses to do digital, which I realized as something anyone could own and serve as platform for any kind of passion (and job also!!). It took me a long time maybe to realize that the world, rather the Universe, will just conspire for something that you want, a career (can be also a job!), something that would make you wake up with a smile. Yes, I’m that person who ended up doing, marketing and teaching makeup or salon stuff but I didn’t have to think about what others say about my profession, or my industry, especially if you’re not doing the wrong things.

I’m just so happy now that I can be passionate, creative and prolly smarter at what I do and choose to be. I hope I can do and show this further in my blog (and career!) in the coming months and years. So… here’s to passion projects, guys! Whatever that is =)

Hello, 2016! This was quite delayed for everything that i plan to happen for this year and I hope the same thing to you and your passion!

January 1, 2016 In Break My Spell, Home, Life By Mikki Galang

We Got The Sparks

2015 is a great year for me, and in as much as I want to celebrate with fireworks and all and welcome 2016 which I’ll slay by the way =), my nose reacts so much with smoke. I remembered growing up just looking at the window of our house as my dad would ignite lots of fireworks outside. When I was a kid, I always hated my clogged nose (which i still have as of the moment), our foggy home and littered village due to all the grand putukan.

But last night, it was just a simple handaan at home with family. I just decorated our white wall with white christmas lights, took photos of myself and members of the family, and watched some fireworks from afar.

However, I got time (yey) and inspiration to do my makeup.

I searched my baul of falsies from 2 years ago, wore them in layers, and on top of layered shimmers and glitters, and thought: Isn’t it a celebration of us and the year that was 2015? And for me, it was all about igniting passions. I know that this blog came late because I didn’t want it to be haphazardly created, but a I started a lot of things this year in my career and those wouldn’t happen without realizing some potentials and working hard to make them run. I’ve got more and I hope to have your support still!

I wouldn’t want to make this a long essay, so let me just express it through above and below photos haha (some photos I merged with firework photos from music festivals I attended early this year):

Key products used:

The rest of my NYE celebration? bonding with family and our helpers at home. They’re my team of photographers, supporters, motivators, managers and family who help me do the things that I do.

I wish you a prosperous and happy new year!

December 25, 2015 In Life By Mikki Galang

#REDUN10N @ The Beech

It’s been 10 years since High School and bringing back the good old memories is definitely one way to celebrate the season. I graduated from San Beda College in 2005 and I just missed everything about it: the Mendiola life, all the boys (and girls – we call ourselves gems), NCAA seasons we’re required to support, all the games we’re required to play, and just the days in secondary school which has a very strong foundation for me.

So when one of the batch mates (thanks to JR!) stood up to lead and organise this #REDUN10N, it was definitely one nostalgic event. I’m sure every reunion is like that, and while I usually have the time to really connect with friends and my girls every holiday outside of Facebook, meeting everyone again was like being back to when I first transitioned, especially because I’m not wearing the kind of clothes I used to have (and oh, we wore polo barong uniform before haha)

The HS Gems

Our reunion was held at The Beech, which is a new resto-bar in Quezon City (Panay Ave.) owned by a batchmate who also established Enroute, which was like a second home to me the past few months.

?i think i can fly, when I’m with you? #squad #bestcousinsXbestfriends #tgis

A photo posted by M I K K I M I N A J (@mikkigalang) on Oct 3, 2015 at 9:11am PDT

This team who would #resbak you from a group of girls (ugh, celebs!) who would bully you because of your gender and for using the women’s bathroom. ?? #chuckyNiyoooTehh #SquadGoals #loveee #GVGVlang

A photo posted by M I K K I M I N A J (@mikkigalang) on Oct 2, 2015 at 9:00am PDT

Happy place ? #vsco #tgis

A photo posted by M I K K I G A L A N G (@mikkigalangdotcom) on Oct 2, 2015 at 8:25am PDT

I like The Beech the same way that I liked Enroute, because it is an affordable yet luxurious place to hang out, eat, and drink with friends. I’m sure that QC/North people would agree. I specifically like the modern by-the-beach feel of the place with wooden interiors, grass walls, and warm lights.

Tinder mix ? A photo posted by M I K K I M I N A J (@mikkigalang) on Dec 29, 2015 at 6:39am PST

The food and drinks are very affordable at P100-400. I really love their Buffalo Wings! The bottles of alcohol are priced higher though.

I’ve been there 3-4 times since its soft opening. Overall, I like it, with excellent service too (there’s free valet parking for all + very welcoming and efficient staff). So you prolly know now where you can kidnap me LOL

HS friends

Brick Wall-ing

Below are more photos of the new resto/bar/cafe at Panay Avenue. It replaced the former Gerardo’s Grill, in front of the M Place Condo. There are also spacey and well-designed function/karaoke rooms which cost P5000-P30,000 (consumable) that can be used for parties, conferences, reunions, etc.

So far my favorite place in QC, and a memorable reunion on top of it this holiday =)

December 8, 2015 In Beauty, Life, Style, Workshops By Mikki Galang

Makeup at Noel Bazaar

I signed up for Noel Bazaar, one of the country’s leading Christmas Expo’s, as featured blogger and entrepreneur for their series of bazaar legs for the holidays. I was invited to do two makeup workshops (on a big stage!!) so below are some photos of those + my great finds at this huge expo.

The bazaars in Filinvest, SMX and WTC were the most-selling legs for me and Mikka’s Closet. I like how they organize and attract all kinds of customers with music, various stores and merchandise, celebrity appearances, shows and demo’s. For sure, it’s one grand sale of almost everything and anything but entertaining as well.

OOTN (all bought in the bazaar) for the last leg of the bazaar at SMX

My EOTD for the holiday tutorial

OOTD prior to the workshop

Off to @noelbazaar for my makeup workshop ( they moved to 6pm yay haha ??). Come and visit us for last minute holiday shopping. Proceeds also of bazaar sales go to GMA Kapuso Foundation ❤️ #mikkigalangbeauty

A photo posted by M I K K I G A L A N G (@mikkigalangdotcom) on Dec 20, 2015 at 12:59am PST

My Booth

Burgery, my favorite at the bazaar!

November 24, 2015 In Life By Mikki Galang

Dash Berlin in #CGMF2015

A few months ago, a good friend played at his car two songs: “People of The Night” – which you’re listening to now – and “Here Tonight” by this Dutch artist, Dash Berlin, and I instantly fell in love with his #EDM songs with unique sounds and lyrical content. Timely, I saw from fellow blogger Chin Obcena’s IG, that Dash will be playing for the Cosmic Ground Music Festival to be held at the SM MOA Grounds so I didn’t let this pass by.

My OOTN featuring my New Era cap!

The festival featured different international and local acts as well but we arrived just a few acts before Dash Berlin- we were able to watch ECTwins and Project 46. As for Dash, the audio-visual display stayed true and consistent to his album, We Are, with mixes of popular pop and RnB songs. I really enjoyed this music festival because it’s not too crowded and most importantly, I just loved his music!! That’s what is it about, right?

Thank you Chin and Cosmic Ground Music Festival for this experience and to my friends who made this night extra fun! Looking forward to more in the future! More photos below:

? people of the night ? #cosmicgroundmf #ughh #dash @carlvergara27 @chinchinobcena

A video posted by M I K K I M I N A J (@mikkigalang) on Nov 22, 2015 at 8:09am PST

Above is a playlist of the recent mixes that Dash berlin played during the event.I really like his take on Martin Garrix’ Don’t Look Down (I actually even like it better that the original). Make sure to check out This is Who We Are – one of my fav’s in his album which he used to start his show. I just love Dash! He’s already one of my favorite EDM artist after listening to just a few songs!!

November 17, 2015 In Life By Mikki Galang

#FerrariMan X Revel Launch

Few weeks ago, I attended the launch of Ferrari Man In Red, a new fruity ambery fougère fragrance that is a bold and intense scent that celebrates all that is thrilling about Ferrari. I got the chance to withness its brand launch 4 years ago as you can view here, and I really like how it continuously upgrades the definition of masculine fragrances.

I attended the party which was held at newly opened and more luxe and intimate Revel at The Palace, the newest addition to The Palace Manila complex. It perfects the art of luxury clubbing which can be seen with its interiors, music and events. I’ve visited it a few times times after the launch as you can see here and here, and i like the kind of music and intimacy that it imbibes.

Upon seeing the packaging of the new fragrance, I had the feeling that it’s intense and strong but previous Ferrari fragrance launches had refreshing notes so I knew a little about what this could be. Now, the new Man in Red bottle is more modern, stylish and elegant. Glamorous curves outline an indent in the glass, creating a contemporary object that sits beautifully in the hand. Meanwhile, sophisticated and refined lines are offset by a double-lacquer finish in Rosso Corsa Red, a red invented and created by Ferrari for its cars.

Ferrari Man in Red

I tried testing it at the event and it has indeed refreshing top notes. I went home with a bottle and gave it to my dad who is also a Ferrari, car and scent lover, and he told me that it’s one of those fragrances that stays with a signature scent and that doesn’t appear too dark or heavy. The bottles are in 50 and 100 ml, EDT, but I kept on smelling the scent even after a few hours – like an EdP – whenever my dad uses and passes by me at home. It has the right balance of intensity, freshness and boldness all at one, which I really like and recommend.

The senses are awakened by fresh and captivating bergamot, whose sharpness is mellowed by the mouth-watering accents of red apple, and tempered by the cool spice notes of cardamom. Refreshed by the lively opening notes, the composition gently leads us to a fruity-floral heart, where the sensuous and dulcet notes of golden plum, refined orange blossom and unique lavandin are waiting to reveal their true character. At the base, smouldering cedar, addictive tonka bean and warm labdanum give a leathery and intensely masculine backdrop to this unique fragrance full of contrasts.

At the Man in Red launch, the new Ferrari TV commercial was revealed, transporting us into the world of the charismatic and compelling Man in Red. To cap the night off, Brazilian DJ Luane featured her sultry beats followed with a special DJ set by car enthusiast Keith Haw.

The new fragrance was launched together with Filipino-English football star James Younghusband, actor Troy Montero, Brazilian actor and host Fabio Ide, rising basketball star Chris Banchero, DJ Tom Taus, and Sonny Thoss of Gilas Pilipinas. They are all men of contrasts. Always in the pursuit of ardent experiences, they live life to the fullest – just like the Ferarri Man.

More photos of the event below:

with fellow blogger Michael Macalos

: Host Melanie Le Troyes, Chairman Charlie Jeswani, Fabio Schina, Brand Development Manager Samantha Yen, CEO Ken Jeswani, Business Development Head Francis Labora

: DJ Luane

: Ferrari at Revel

checking out Ferrari with Chin Obcena

: Anton Del Rosario, Troy Montero and Miko Palanca

: Victor Basa

: Chris Banchero

: Anton Del Rosario, James Younghusband and Jocao Cañas

: Khalil Ramos

: AJ Dee and Franco Saycon

Revel At the Palace

Ferarri Man in Red is exclusively distributed in the Philippines by Scent and Beaute Concepts, Inc. – the premiere distributor of luxury fragrances and beauty products in the country. Ferarri Man in Red is available in the fragrance section of select SM Department Stores and FRESH stores located in Alabang Town Center, Marquee Mall, Lucky China Town Mall, Glorietta 5, The District Cavite, The District Bacolod, Centrio Mall, Ayala Center Cebu, Century City Mall, Eastwood Mall, Ayala Fairview Terraces, Abreeza Mall Davao, and Market! Market!

November 17, 2015 In Life By Mikki Galang

#DoItAllHair at #ShowtekAtThePalace

After my birthday, I got a package from Pantene that dared me to #doitallhair, that is to let my hair down and celebrate. I was supposed to go to Mt Pico De Loro for this but I got the chance to do it during the Showtek concert at the Palace which was nice display of music and their #EDM hits – thanks to the Palace Pool Club team.

Prior to the concert, I took several photos of my hair to see how this amazing conditioner does to my hair every time (original review here). I actually just had my hair retouched at Cedar Salon days before this.

I have used Total Care before but the reformulation with the 3-minute miracle made it even more awesome. I only used the conditioner because I have my favorite shampoo to control the oil of my hair, and right after curling my hair, I can see and feel how manageable, soft and shiny my locks were.

The product has a siliconey feel and I only applied it on the middle section of my hair up to the roots. I usually won’t put conditioner when I party or stay outside for a long time because it usually weighs my hair down and make it oily as well, but this one is different. Also, I always curl/style my hair using flat iron and when it’s too dry, it usually breaks. When too smooth, I usually cant curl it. None of those happened and it gave me a smooth styling experience.

more at my snapchat: @mikkigalang ?? #showtekatthepalace

A video posted by M I K K I M I N A J (@mikkigalang) on Nov 15, 2015 at 9:23am PST

Below are more photos at the party where I got to celebrate with friends. Re the party, the #Showtek performance was quite lacking in terms of visual display but the songs were crazy – Satisfied, Booyah and We like To Party – this dutch artist originally known for its hardstyle or techno, definitely knew how to entertain Filipinos party goers.

After partying for around 4-5 hours, i lost the curls (of course!) but I noticed how the mid-end part still looked shiny and smooth (no combing).

Overall, this Total Damage Care x 3-minute Miracle conditioner is something that can be used everyday and for occasions that need styling the hair because it instantly repairs and manages the damages. I usually just shampoo my hair but now I’m been using this twice or thrice a week and it keeps my damaged hair sane.

Have you tried this new conditioner? What do you think?

Product review aside, before this night, I watched We Are Your Friends and ever since that movie featuring Zac Efron, I’ve been in love with the above song, and even more with electronic music – that’s why most posts in this Life category are almost all about that haha. But really, the movie tackles so much about friendship, music as art, DJ-ing as a profession, and the youth who just want to be somebody in their lives. There’s this quote from the movie that says: Nowadays, you can build an app, start a blog, sell shit online, but if you wanna be a DJ, you have to have this one track.

And I think I’m going to do all very soon! haha #ambitious!

November 4, 2015 In Life By Mikki Galang

Parties at House

Last year, I tried to stop going to clubs to party. I thought that I would rather spend time and connect with people I love in the HOUSE, or at the movies or coffee shops.

I met new friends earlier this year (who i love and who love going out too) and I got introduced to this club called “House” at Remington Hotel, Resorts World Manila. I don’t know why they called it such and while it’s quite far from home, I must say that ever since that night, I got the urge to travel, dress up and just have fun because this club is actually very artistic and creative in its performances (talented DJ’s, Russian dances), its gimmicks (interactive and extra cool Universorobots – read: not just one but two/three!!), and the fancy lights and smoke which i really like! I think that it’s actually nicer than a lot of the clubs in the metro which focus on making their bars appear glam and luxe.

Since July, I think I would go here twice-thrice a month on a normal basis. But there are a lot of special events like: I attended a men’s fashion show last August, and also watched an international dj performance (Liz Candy, who my cousins and I just loved since then) last halloween. Below are some photos of my night out’s!