1372 Designs: Unique and Creative Shop

Still thinking of gifts that you want to give this Christmas? 

Whether for exchange for your monito or monita and a surprise present for your loved ones, make it extra more special by giving them something from recycled materials but at the same time, locally made. You can find and buy one at 1372 Designs.

I was very happy and privilege to meet Sir Seb, co-owner of Kariton 1372 Designs. Our first interaction was during the Philippine Romance Convention and I fell in love with his lovely and inspiring cover notebooks. I bought one and even promised to visit his physical store so I could buy another set.

I finally had a chance to drop by their actual shop of 1372 Designs when we had a Romance Writing Coffee and Conversation last September.

First meet-up

When you ride an LRT, 1372 Designs is just a walk away from Carriedo station.

Look for HUB Make Lab at First United Building. It is the first store that you will see when you enter the area.

Aside from their uniquely designed notebooks that range from small to large, you should check out their other wonderful items like sketch pads, notepads, postcards, stickers and bookmarks to name a few.

1372 Designs' products started from as low as 15php for their stickers to almost 500php for their sketch pad.

I was grateful that I was given a chance to interview Sir Seb and get to know more about their awesome store and products.

Here is my short but meaningful interview with Mister Eusebio De Jesus or Sir Seb:

Pau: What is the meaning of the name behind Kariton 1372 Designs?

Seb: Kariton is actually the name of the brands that we are trying to make. 1372 is like an umbrella coup that when you search in google, it's already there. 1372 is actually the ending of our birth years, mine, my wife and my two daughters.

Pau: Wow! That's so cool! When were 1372 Designs started?

Seb: Officially, it was registered in Singapore in 2010 while my wife and I assigned there. We started at Paranaque and participated in bazaars. Back then, we only sell origami boxes and folded stars in a bottle. Surprisingly, when we came out with own version of picture frames it was sold-out. We moved to repurpose cans like putting stuff toys inside.

One time, we go around our residence area and we saw thrown boxes, papers, and magazines that are good quality. We started to pick them up because sayang naman. That's where the notebooks started. We saw a supplier at Singapore who sells the recycled paper. I began binding notebooks and we don't print the designs. I draw it one by one.

Pau: But, when did you actually started here at the HUB?

Seb: We were here two years ago (2016). We joined the Saturday Feature Market, which was one of the most visited bazaars. We like the outcome. When we were given the opportunity to have a physical store, we grabbed it. The rent was also cheap.

Pau: That's so nice... You talked about your designs, where did you get the ideas or inspiration?

Seb: Initially, I got the idea from a local store in Singapore and I told myself, I like something like that. I got it as well from Papelmerotti and from another entity called Kariton. It was a huge store at Rustan's Makati. They also made handmade paper stuffs like stationeries.

Pau: Aside from kartons, what materials do you use with your products?

Seb: As much as possible we are trying to use recycled papers and of course, repurpose materials like used illustration boards, shoe boxes, and old notebooks. We rely on our kid's projects and we asked for help from our friends in Singapore like the things that they didn't use anymore. Its hard to find here good quality because we have competitors, the scrapers. Nowadays, we buy craft papers. As long as we know that it is recycled.

Pau: I'm quite curious, how long would it take for you to create or finish one product?

Seb:In terms of assembling, it takes me one day. I can do the cut-outs in 20-30 minutes. When I say assemble, I have to punch the hole, bind and trim them. The design itself, I have to think. I'm thinking of themes because Filipino like it. We usually like Fanmade themes like Star Wars. I'm a Star Trek fan and I'm planning to come out with few designs. But, still, the overall design should be Filipino heritage.

Pau: That sounds fantastic! Are you planning to expand? Like other branches?

Seb: For now, our finances are not enough yet we have a consignment at the moment. We have tie-up though with Craft Central at Sm North and Vertis North.

Pau:Yes! I saw your products there. Do you have an upcoming event?

Seb: We will attend a school event on Dec. 11.

Pau:Awesome! For my last question, if you will give an advice to those who are into crafting and also want to start a business, what would it be?

Seb: Start a market first. You have to join bazaars like look for a good venue. Here at the Hub, they have Saturday Market. You have to observe first and get the feel. Study the pros and cons. Check out the buyers. If you are familiar with it, then focus on those people who will be your customers. Put your character and twist in your products.

Thank you Sir Seb for the time!

Kariton 1372 Designs is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 11 am to 10 pm at Hub Make Lab, Escolta Manila.

There's a new face mist in town: Meet MISTique!

I don't usually switch brands especially when it comes to my skin. I have dermatitis that causes my skin to be truly sensitive. Yet, every now and then, I test products which I think will work on my skin due to their natural elements.

HG Skin is the new baby of Miss Hazel Gonzales, the beautiful and brilliant Creative Director of HG Studio. This all-natural and proudly Filipino-made cosmetic and skincare line was officially launched last September 18, 2018 at Retail Lab at Vertis North.

I was fortunate to get my hands on Mistique last August 2018, before the launching.

 

Initial Packaging

This all-in-one face mist is made of Witch Hazel Extract, Bearberry Extract, Calendula Extract, AloeVera Extract, Niacinimide Tea Tree Oil and Peppermint Oil. 

Here is my take on this magical mist:

Likes:

~As a toner -> I spray the mist thrice on a cotton pad and clean my face with it.

Proof

 

~As a make-up remover -> I've been using Loreal's newest and long lasting mascara and I must say that it wipes off everything! 

Love this!

 

~Smell - > I'm 'maarte' with odors so I would always prefer the things that I'm using odorless or with a faint smell. I commend this mist for not having that strong smell. My picky nose actually likes it. 

 

~Refreshing - > My face is feeling moisturized whenever I spritz some Mistique midday.

 

No filter. My usual face.

Look haggard but at least I'm looking fresh!

 

~Dirt remover - > I know that the mist is intended for the face but I tried it on some parts of my body. Guess where? My underarms! I actually grew tired of using deo sprays so I tried the mist to remove on my underarm. It felt clean and there was no stinky smell for the whole day! 

 

~No pimple attack. -> Usually, when my monthly period is coming, a big zit appears on my face. 

 

 

But after almost a month of use of the mist, my face was clear despite having my monthly visitor. I didn't have pimples even if I often spend long nights. 

Dislike:

~Sticky - > Perhaps because of its natural elements, the texture it leaves on my cotton pad is somehow sticky.

Should I buy it again? Definitely! After a month of use, the effect it left on my skin is commendable!

 

I love Mistique and I hope you can try it too! 

 

Yay to the new packaging! Photo from HG Skin.

 

You may get it from HG Studio located at Ground Floor, Torre Venezia suites, Sct. Santiago corner Timog Avenue, Quezon City. You may also have it delivered on your doorstep or you can catch them on bazaars in the metro! Just message (https://www.facebook.com/hgskin.mnl/ and @hg.skin on instagram) for more details.

#BeckyandAdaminPH: The Power of YA

It was a rare opportunity to have two popular Young Adult authors in a book signing and so I didn't miss it.

It was last year when I attended a BS of Jennifer E. Smith and Jasmine Warga, they both are incredible YA authors.

I was glad that National Bookstore brought Adam Silveria and Becky Albertalli this 2018.

The event happened last November 11 at Samsung Hall, Sm Aura. I woke up around four and left the house by six in the morning. 

I thought I was early enough yet there were a lot of people already lined up. And it was the earliest that I went for a book signing!

While waiting to enter the venue, I hurriedly read the book The Upside of Unrequited. There were few chapters left and luckily, I was able to finish it before meeting Becky!

The number that was given to me was 90. 

Yes! I was still one of the first 100 who lined up! I was ecstatic to get freebies. Usually, only the first 10 people received one.

There was the usual interview and a lot had participated for a chance to ask questions with their favorite authors.

I just realized that I went to several local book signing and met a few male Filipino authors but it was my first time to meet and greet a male International author!

Oh, Adam! He is 6'4 tall and hallelujah that he didn't stand up when this photo was taken. 

I was giddy when he held my self-published book and even scan it! 

He said that the cover was great and he wished me luck with my writing! He is currently writing Yong Adult Fantasy story and I'm so thrilled to read it soon!

I was speechless with the blue-eyed Becky. She was indeed the humblest author that I met so far! 

Here is a bit of review with Becky Albertalli's The Upside of Unrequited.

Molly Peskin-Suso is your average teenager who is very artistic and creative. She has 26 crushes, never been kissed and no boyfriend since birth.

She has a twin, Cassie who is into girls. And though they grow together and shared secrets, things change when Cassie has a girlfriend. 

Molly feels left behind yet she met two amazing and interesting guys: the flirtatious and friendly Will and her co-worker, Reid who is a Tolkien fan. 

I seriously love this book and I was rooting for Reid since he met Molly. The story not only covered growing-up, relationship, family and acceptance but it gives importance with the LGBTQ community.

If you want something to make you feel young, I recommended The Upside of Unrequited for you.

I was more than happy to see my bookish friends and meet new faces. 

I can't wait for the next year's book signing and I am crossing my fingers that my favorite authors will come soon. 

Hold onto your seats with HUNTER KILLER!

Other than horror, there is another movie that I rarely watch and its action film. I'm not a fan of this genre because I find that there is not so much story and I hate gross death.

Yet, when I've seen the trailer of Hunter Killer last month, I finally told myself that this is an exception. I should really catch it on the big screen.

Alas! The Universe heard me! My good friend invited me to the advance screening last night at Robinsons Galleria Cinema 6.

Here are the reasons why you should check out Hunter Killer:

1. Oh Captain Glass

Photo from iNewHub

I like Gerald Butler in 300 yet I think I salute him more as the calm and serious Captain Joe  Glass. Even under threat and there was the massive attack of torpedos, he remained composed. He truly took responsibility for getting his crew alive.

2. Submarines, Warship, and Explosives

Photo from www.diver.co.il

Photo from Slashfilm

I actually want to explore the waters with a submarine. That's why I was totally happy when it featured what was inside the submarine. The warship used in the movie was amazing especially when it halted the attack. I was speechless with the sensory explosives at the seabed, if Russia and other countries really have these weapons, I would be scared to cross their waters.

3. Heart-stopping Scenes

Photo from Abingdon Cinemall

There were moments in the film that the audience was shouting. They were afraid that the hunters might die and another submarine would sink.

Photo from Epeak World News

I was almost close to going out of the cinema house because I could not handle good people dying and sacrificing their lives.

4. The Other Story
If you believe that this is another USA versus Russia tale, think again.

Photo from att.net

Photo from Zane Holtz Web

There are sabotage, coup and saving important leader that makes it more interesting to watch.

PerksBeWithYou rating: 10.5/10.5 (I seriously love it and probably my favorite action movie to date.)

Photo from One News Page

I highly recommend that you go to the nearest mall and enjoy this action-packed film! 

A Closer Look at the FIRST MAN...

I'm not a science geek but I love the mystery of space. Everything about the universe captivated me. When I saw shows or movies about the solar system or any celestial objects it piques my interest.

Last Wednesday, I was fortunate to attend the block screening of First Man at Greenbelt 3, Cinema 2. Thank you to 103.5 KLite for the tickets!

First Man is a bio-drama about Neil Armstrong, the famous US Astronaut who said that's one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind.

Pros

1. Props to Ryan Gosling and Claire Foy

Photo from Sunshine Coast Daily

I know a lot of women out there go gaga with Ryan Gosling but sadly, I'm not one of them. I'm not a fan of him and seriously, I seldom watch his films. Sorry, Ryan! Yet, in this movie, I was clapping my hands with his acting. He portrayed Neil greatly.

Photo from Hill Country News

I saw a serious and desperate Father and astronaut. Claire Foy as always never fails to amaze me. She acted Janet Armstrong, the loving and dutiful wife.

Photo from variety.com

Great job to both of them! 

2. The Crucial Training

Photo from Cinema Vine

Being an astronaut, I believe is a momentous job. Seeing this film made me salute all the astronauts for the hardships and their mental stability. Not all are given a chance to go to the outer space, one should prove that he was capable of properly executing the mission. The journey to the moon was not easy, it took ample time of training and being away with the family.

3. Deaths and Tragedy

Photo from Mashable

It was in the 1960's and the technology was not quite developed. The mission was a failure and a success to NASA. Neil lost his daughter who had a brain cancer. Sadly, some of his friends had sacrifice their lives to give way to Neil and his group to be victorious in the being the first to land in the moon.

Cons
The Ending. I was looking forward to a closure but I was left suspending.


Quotes: 
Neil Armstrong

Photo from Slash Film

"We need to fail. We need to fail down here so we don’t fail up there." -I definitely agree with this!

"You’re down here and you look up and you don’t think about it too much, but space exploration changes your perception. It allows us to see things that we should have seen a long time ago."

PerksBeWithYou Rating: 10/10

(I love the film. I truly felt that the director conveyed the story of Neil Armstrong's life as an astronaut very clearly.)

Photo from Cinema Vine

First Man is now showing and for me it is a must movie to watch this 2018!