May 19 One On One Basic Beading Workshop with Lynne Jadol of Rosario, Cavite

Lynne of Rosario, Cavite had a workshop with me yesterday. She availed of our Basic Beading Workshop. Lynne was a fast and creative student! I enjoyed working with her on her jewelry lessons. We started the day talking about the basics of beading, design inspirations, and moved on to making projects. I gave her the freehand to choose her components and concepts for her projects. Currently, she has a school supplies store within their subdivision and she plans to expand her business by adding accessories. She would very much want to try her hand at making wedding and debut souvenirs. Lynne was able to create 3 kinds of earrings (dangling, dangling with bead caps, wire wrapped earrings). For her bracelet she made a stretchable cross bracelet with pearls and swarovski studded spacers in between and in the middle was a bail pendant with a cross. She also made a double chain charm bracelet, a semi precious bracelet consisting of a mixture of tiger eye and eventurine, and for her loop bracelet it was a combination of multi-colored crystals with a cluster of each on both sides. Very creative! For her neckalace, it was a charm necklace with a crystal studded strawberry consisting of various charms with white crystals as accents. She also made a princess collar necklace which was a combination of pearls and crystals with a cross as its main pendant. For her cp charm it was a rose polymer clay with a silver leaf charm. A touch of a whimsical feel. It was followed by a locket chain adorned with sea creatures and a teardrop pendant. Below are Lynne's creations:

New food choices at Pergola (Fruity Fro Yo and Mexan

A couple of days ago I went to Fruity Fro Yo to try it out.  Read about it as well as the reviews and I wanted to try it out myself.  At Fruity fro yo like I Love Yo you get to decide how much yogurt you want.  You can also have it either plain or flavored.

 There are various toppings in elongated transparent containers to choose from ranging from sweet treats to fruity selections.  There are different cup sizes as well   So, off  I went and got  my cup filled and added some mango cubes (mangoes were too ripe for my taste)  and chocolate syrup to add to my yogurt.  The taste is great.  No doubt about it.  The price was a whopping Php176.  Surprised? Don't be.  That is usually the case if your yogurt is being weighed.  Taste wise its like California Berry and Yogato (you can find it at Teriyaki Boy and Pepper Steak).  My vote?  Its a toss between California Berry and Yogato.  But if I won't take into consideration the promo card at California Berry, then my vote would go to Yogato HANDS DOWN.  The serving at YOGATO is simply spectacular!

Today I tried MEXAN.  A small watering hole type of resto over at Pergola here at BF Homes, Sucat.
I ordered two of their quesadillas.  Garlic and cheese and chicken.  I also tried their iced tea.  My verdict?  Go for the garlic and cheese.  The chicken quesadilla was not quite what I expected.  From my previous encouters with the quesadilla this one tasted like it had ranchero sauce in it.  The order consisted of several quesadilla slices with some nachos and some mayo and salsa.  No great shakes but if you're having a craving for mexican food its good for a quick fix.  Prices are affordable and service was fast.  Music sucks though.  Restaurant owners should know that good music and good food always go together.  Plus, invest in a high powered aircon.  Take your cue from Tropical Hut hamburger.  How did they survive the deluge of burger joints well aside from good service and good food, the aircon is a vital tool..Make that a very vital tool especially if your country is known for its  tropical climate.

Casa Dolores - Batangas Beach Resort Review

May is the final leg of the summer season.  Aside from how unpredictable the weather is and the upcoming birthday of Pax falls on July (known typhoon season) we decided to hold an advance celebration of some sort.  I searched, and searched some more till I came across Casa Dolores.  Actually I found out about it from another native of Batangas. (I guess word of mouth advertising does work!)  I tracked them on fb (since everybody seems to be on FB anyway).  Saw the pictures, called them on several occasions and finally we went to the resort on May 12.

Casa Dolores is located in Brgy. Hugom at San Juan, Batangas.  San Juan is popularly known as Laiya.  Laiya is a long strip of land occupied by different resorts.  Based on the reviews, I saw with my own two eyes the proximity of the beach resorts to each other.  When they say beside each other, they mean it LITERALLY.  Where else can you find a place where you can go to the beach and pass through the front area of another resort?  Or park in its parking area but you have to pay 100 pesos.  Only in the Philippines folks!  Initially, when we got there it was like entering a labyrinth of resorts.  Areas intended for parking well its not yet cemented.  Fortunately, we were in our beach sandals so no problemo.  But to bring our stuff to and from the parked van, ah well I will leave that to your imagination.  Let's just say you won't be needing your weights or the gym for awhile.  The heavier peeps decided to bring in the van and pay 100 pesos for it.  Fair enough rather than walk to and fro in the sweltering heat.  I would have still parked there if it was at 150! It was HOT!!

Some beach goers had an attempt at kite flying but the winds were not to their favor so it was cut short.  We saw a banana boat passing by (the ride we later found out was 1,500)  There were also two jet skis going around (which cost 3,500 per hour).  

I went around the premises and a couple of steps away is a designated kitchen where those who opt to bring their food can cook. This is for those staying in the ground floor.  The upper floors have their own kitchens.  Rooms on the third floor have common bathrooms though plus the entertainment center.  But for none cooking afficionados or for those who simply want to eat and run and not worry about the dishes, you will be pleased to know that there are mini carinderias to cater to your gastronomical whim.  That is if you're not a picky eater and you're the type who could eat and strike anywhere with no qualms. Then this is the place to beat.  Locals are friendly.  Kids are roaming around along with all kinds of dogs and cats.  Its a homey feeling.  The third floor gives you a good view of the sea and the neighboring island.  There are boaters out there who could take you there for a fee. Probably within the 1,200 to 1,400 range.  That's for the whole banca ride.  Of course you could still negotiate.  Imagine if it were June.  Natch!  Go negotiate some more!  You probably got the beach strip all to your self! My point exactly!! 

So on to the room.  We got a room which was given to us for 1,500 for a day.  If we got there at 5am and stayed till 5 no problem.  The manager was very accommodating.  I even got to use the life vest the whole time.  Plus they even offered that we could go upstairs if we wantedto  even if we didn't buy from the restaurant.  After all, it was a Thursday so we practically had the place all to ourselves. Whoopppeee!!! Goal achieved!!!  The only downside was MERALCO!! Arrrgghhhhh!! They just had to pick Thursday for a brownout.  They said it was for clearing operations intended for the rainy season.  Wonderful!  But that's ok.  Anyway, the resort tried to make their generator work but unfortunately it didn't.  I didn't mind it that much coz I was there for the beach and not for the aircon anyway.  I wasn't going to even doze off! The ONLY reason we got a room was to make sure that our belongings are placed in one secured area and our own bathroom.  The aircon was a plus.  But some of our friends managed to doze off without one so I guess it worked out just fine with them. Hehehehhee.

As for me and my friend's youngest kid, Apa, we were swimming at the beach at 12 noon!  I was pretty much enjoying the sun, sand, and the sea.  Staring straight ahead and watching over the sea for any unusual waves...tsunami perhaps...Too much tv...underwater volcano?  Those thoughts ran through my head everytime I would float in the water.  Another buzz kill though was the sand.  It was grainy.  Lots of pebbles.  Plus when you go to the sea its high tide so a few steps and you're in the deep part already.  So I had to wear a life vest. Yes, I am more than capable of swimming but its the sea that we're talking about here so no chances.  Its not like a pool that you get to reach the end then you;re good. Better to be safe than sorry.Apa got his own floatation device too.

Next number on the program, we had a kayak ride.  It was exhausting.  So we gave the kids a go at it and the pictures were great.  All that swimming and it was time to eat lunch! Ahhh lunch!  The chicken was divine and so was the Beef Caldereta!  We brought ice so Coke was the ultimate thirst quencher.  Nice, nice!!  So in summary if you don't mind the tiny pebbles which can really stick to your sandals or the occasional brown out  and the nearness of the other resorts to the point of hearing a man with no right to sing whatsoever and the brownout which turned out to be a blessing with a capital B then go for it!

Lastly, if I had a resort I would probably offer spa services.  Perhaps put a a jacuzzi or two fronting the sea.  Add some massage therapists and some music (reggae or some upbeat tunes and not that dreadful karaoke machine..Can somebody ban singing in a publc places especially if inebriated???  That guy croaking his way to the tunes of God knows what drowned a million times in my head. Each time a different scenario. Sheeessshhh!! Thank goodness there was a BROWNOUT!

DIY Clay charms Jewelry Kit and Beading kit supplies for Janice

I like working with polymer clay and beads. I would make trinkets here and there as well as charms made of clay. I remembered some of my clients who had reservations about baking clay or they lacked time to make charms. But they love clay charms nonetheless. So I decided to come up with a DIY jewelry kit for polycharms. The polymer charms are already made and it comes with a tutorial on how to make a jewelry out of it. Clients get to decide what kind of jewelry they would like to make out of the polymer charms in the kit.

Below is the supplies kit for her beading which Janice requested:

Wired Jewelry Creations

Wire jewelry has been around just like beaded accessories.  The two are often incorporated together and sometimes clay is another medium used to create a more impressive outcome.  Over the years, I have tinkered with wire jewelry.  I have always been fascinated by it!  During my spare time I have a big roll of thick wire which I twist and turn to create new items with the help of some components.

 I have also taught this type of medium in my workshops along with knotting.  I plan to include it along with my new passion, braiding leather cords.  That's another area I will be discussing soon!  Here are some of my wired creations along with some of the works of my past students.  One of my students who can create such beautiful pieces is one amazing woman.  She just uses her bare hands to feel her way around the wire because she works best by touch since her vision has failed already.  Blinded yet unfazed and her spirit remains strong.

The first picture shows me with my some of my students during the PWD workshop..My student on the left side with her husband has made bracelets and hair accessories that won over the DSWD officers who took part in their anniversary.  Totally warms my heart...

Shown with me is are some of my workshop students: the husband and wife team on the left who can make pretty wired creations!  Mercy on my right, an architect by profession creates beautiful rosary bracelets!  Anafe is the current vice president shown here with another PWD officer.

My wired creations:

New beaded and polymer clay creations

To be able make accessories, one must truly enjoy creating it.  You can't just throw in beads together or create polymer clay accessories in a flash.  One look at it and you will be able to see the time and effort that was used to create a particular item.  I've got supplies stacked in transparent boxes, I've got containers in all shapes and sizes as well as those little drawers where you can put the tiniest component in.  It looked like an obsessive compulsive world!    But I'm having so much fun!  Or maybe its how I was wired to be. I enjoy creating accessories in my bedroom.  For some reason, I work best that way.  Sometimes I would go to the garden and make some there as well.  After all I do my baking outdoors. I watch my electric oven like a hawk while at the same time spend some time with my loving pets. Here are some of my new creations.  I need to re-take pictures of my other stuff since I lost some when our computer was upgraded.

Livelihood Beading Training - PWD (Las Pinas)

I got to know Anafe Maravillas of PWD - Las Pinas one fine day.  She was inquiring about our workshops and mentioned how they would love to have us teach their members to create beaded accessories.  I looked at their site and immediately set to work to help get the project started.  Fortunately two of our regular clients had big generous hearts and offered to shoulder all the expenses for the workshop.  (beading kits, food, drinks, materials, tutorials)  There were two batches and when I told Anafe, she was so happy!  She wondered how it came to be done in such a quick and timely manner.  All I said was you know Anafe, when we pray with our hearts and it is for the most noble of intentions, God listens and He helps us faster than we can blink our eyes! 

PWD is the acronym for Persons with Disability.  We call them differently abled.  I will always hold the workshops with the PWD group the closest to my heart.  Because I saw in them the resilience like no other.  Members are from all walks of life.  Some with their parents, wives or husbands who are also their guides. 

In spite of what they are going through I saw in them such optimism and joy.  I am immensely proud of the handmade treasures that they have given me. Brother Jun who creates beautiful works of art with recycled paper gave me two handmade ornaments that can double as a container for my stuff.  Mercy, Anafe's sister gave me a very beautiful rosary bracelet that she made.  Over time, Mercy would go to my house every now and then to chat and browse through my stuff and shop there.  This was our little get together time!

I also value tremendously the time my very dear friend Estee, shared with me and the PWD members.  She was our designated photographer and all throughout the event she was supportive as ever.  Estee has such a brilliant mind and its always a joy to talk to her!  I love having her around and treasure our bonding / talkathon get togethers...

Getting Kids To Start Their Own Business

I taught the children of our dear family friend how to make polymer clay accessories.  I enjoyed it so much because I saw how enterprising they were.  From the first workshop that we had, the kids were able to sell accessories to their classmates in school.  One of the children, Zes was able to create his own multiply site and has also added human nature products to his budding business! 

What I love about teaching kids how to start their own business is when I get to hear their ideas and see their eyes widen or sparkle if they have that "aha" moment for a business idea.  At his age, he's got brochures and has a notebook with his prices and marketing ideas. Aside from that he is a fast learner and quickly absorbs instructions.

Ask Zes about retail and wholesale and its like talking to an adult!  Place an order and he will diligently take down your orders and process everything in a timely and professional manner!  On top of this, he still manages to enjoy life a kid!  This should be always the case.  He's got the genes for business!  After all aside from his enterprising parents he's got a grandmother who is a fabulous crafter!  I'm a big fan of her sewing abilities and her style ideas!

Another idea of his that totally amazed me and won my vote was when he would buy candies and snacks and sell it to his siblings.  Smart kid!

His sister, Isse on the other hand would sell alphabet and number clay charms along with other handmade polymer clay accessories.  Such is their love for things that are handmade!  She was interviewed on her 16th bday no less by ABS-CBN's Kabuhayang Swak Na Swak during her bead party which consisted of beads, clays, and party favors! (She's the one on the right.  Shown here with her friends during her bday) At 16 she's got an amazing video skills!  At her young age, she's already got quite a bevy of clients ranging from students to professionals.  Older people are simply amazed and immediately become loyal clients.  She's also quite a techie who can operate a GPS tracking device.  Give her a gadget and she'll be able to figure it out in a jiffy! Nice!!!

The great thing about teaching your kids early about business is as parents, you get to develop their business acumen, how they interact and how they manage their money too.  All kids, including the youngest (8 years old) know how to manage their "baon" or earnings from their business.

E is for Entrepreneur and E-Commerce

As I have mentioned in my previous post, I have become acquainted and familiarized with e-commerce and online auction sites.  So much so that I was even able to start shipping overseas my products.  Happy with the outcome, I proceeded to create my own business online.  Even before I ventured into accessory making and conducting workshops and livelihood programs, I was already selling online like any ebayer,

Like many others, I didn't give much thought about selling my used stuff or in ebay parlance, pre-loved.  But being the diligent researcher that I am, it dawned on me that like the accessories business there too was a big market for pre-loved stuff!  As if seeing all those ukay-ukays wasn't a sign!  If only I had more hands then I would probably be back on the auction sites selling also more of my pre-loved stuff! 

I sold my pre-loved stuff, then I went on to sell brand new clothes, hand made export quality shoes (I was overjoyed when it was featured on a magazine for call center agents!).  I got to export it overseas along with lots of maxi dresses, beach cover-ups.  

E-commerce allows people to pay with different payment methods and receiving your item by courier is far more economical than driving off to a mall for a meet-up (hello gas prices and hot weather!).  I always love the sound of our door bell ringing especially if I am expecting a package! HAHA!! I don't know if its just me but I love unwrapping parcels!  The e-commerce sites allows sellers to create their own sites, sell their products and do business with other people.  Its a virtual highway consisting of buyers and sellers!  

On the downside, there are buyers who are not familiar with the policies for online shoppers so they sometimes end up on the BOGUS BUYERS list and get a negative feedback or a negative strike if its in an auction site.  One can't just click away or order without paying for it.  There is a certain level of responsibility to it.  Make sure you are able to pay for your purchases before you buy.  If you can't then don't buy.  Pure, plain, and simple logic.  No excuses. Period.

How Did My Business Start?

Long before I started into handmade accessories I got to work for companies that was into clothes, shoes, etc.  The hours were crazy but like one businesswoman said learn from your experience.  I took note of the good, the bad, and the ugly.  Vowed to myself never to make those same pitfalls that others did.  I lost track of the many notebooks I wrote on.  Yes, in this day and age I still relied on my good old pen and paper.   

Turquoise Headband and bracelet se

The idea of starting my own business was always at the back of my head.  I bought business books and read almost every night.  I took notes of what business authors talked about.  I was particular about the amount of money that entailed the process of starting my business. I wanted to minimize my cost as much possible.  Thanks to the e-commerce boom my business took flight.  But that's getting ahead of the story.


I learned about e-commerce through a former officemate who was a big fan of ebay.  I on the other hand, got immersed into the virtual world of online selling because I was, yes "forcibly" made to learn the online trading business.  I was terrified of all the icons and feared that one button could ruin the templates or listings or other scenarios that constantly plagued my mind.  But since it was a job that I had to do I find myself learning all about ebay.  I learned how the Americans were all into ebay and what further revved up the motors of my brain was when I sold items online.  These were not by the dollar, the furnitures were being sold for thousands of dollars.  From ebay.com to ebay.ph and ebay.ca I cruised the virtual world and made a business out of it and I continue to be a believer in it. 

On my own site, I sold my first pair of handmade bracelets.  I remember my husband telling me are you sure??? If you can sell your handmade bracelet then I am hooked.  I will support you.  With those words ringing in my ears I sold my first lapis lazuli bracelet with swarovski spacers and earrings to match for Php 350.  My capital?  Less than a hundred!  I was shocked and in awe of the wonderful world wide web!  Most of all of the fact that these big old hands have what it takes to create handmade accessories!  Then I realized that there is a wide market out there for accessories.  The capital is not that big, but the rewards are certainly something to smile about and put a sparkle in one's eyes!!


Honestly, putting up your own business is by no means an easy task.  You must be VERY prepared for the uphill climb.  You must be prepared for the long hours.  More importantly you must be more than capable of multi tasking and you must be one hell of an organized person since you will be hearing more hats than you can imagine!  On top of that you must have GALLONS of patience. Best of all NEVER, EVER, rest on your laurels. Always find ways to grow without losing your focus.  Never lose touch of your purpose why you started your business.

Why handmade jewelry?

There is something about creating accessories on your own.  It gives you a sense of satisfaction after completing let's say a pair of earrings.  Every time I create a handmade jewelry, be it a pair of earrings or a charm bracelet, I cannot help but wonder as to how much effort I have put into every single component, from the design process down to the attachment of the final component.  

During the times that my hands are busy creating I barely notice the passing of time.  The more I make these handmade creations of mine, the more I become interested to see what I could come up with.

How did it all began? As far I can remember, I have always had reservations about me being able to create something with my bare hands.  Sure I love to paint, draw, heck back in high school I was so fascinated by the wonderful world of creating props, lighting and anything that led to production work for a school play or event.  I thought it was suitable for my big hands.  I dared not tread on the world of the miniatures or those who loved making dioramas and the like.  I felt I was like Gulliver and I would surely break components long before I could start anything out of it.  

But fate has a way of making its presence felt and she pushed and nudged and practically threw me into the world of handmade jewelry with my arms all akimbo. My first stretchable bracelet sent beads flying in all directions.  My first knot, the stretchable nylon snapped!  So, I tried again.  Needless to say my second try was not bad at all!  Needless to say, patience played a major role in my foray into the DIY route.  Plus, my first creation has greatly piqued my interest and I would scour the pages of every book and magazine that I could find.  I bought materials left and right, learned everything from scratch.