Model : Dee Villanueva Photographer: Richard Briggs Make Up: Grace Simpson

With one day left to go, before the 2013 NT Fashion Week kick off with lavish  and opulent Milliner’s Garden Party. I wish someone will invite me. Just kidding.

Back home, our friends from Lucire Magazine get a social media boost for their “Made to Model contest through Promoki with two weeks to go,which can be found at http://lucire.promoki.com

Announced in late April, Promoki launched a modelling photo contest with the magazine, where the winner is the party with the most likes and shares. Promoki is one of the hottest start-ups and a participant in Wellington’s Lightning Lab.

Lucire publisher Jack Yan says that it was natural that his magazine (at http://lucire.com), which was the first commercial online fashion publication in New Zealand 16 years ago, would work jointly with another innovative firm. In the weeks so far, Mr. Yan says he is delighted with the results.

Model : Inder Sandhu . Photograph : Deepak

‘Promoki’s challenge is very of-the-moment and harnesses the power of social media to decide who the winner is. It’s innovative, transparent, and very powerful for participating brands,’ he says.

‘We’ve been thrilled to see more people engaging with Lucire on Facebook and Twitter and there’s a good amount of netizens out there excited about the competition.’

Promoki CEO Brinkley Warren says, ‘It’s been really exciting to see the big social media spike for Lucire. Tapping into the power of crowd creativity is good for marketing, and it’s a perfect fit for the fashion world.’

The first prize sees the winning team profiled in a future issue of Lucire. If the winner is a New Zealand model, they will get a shoot led by the magazine’s fashion editor Sopheak Seng.

Model: Brittany Farrant Photographer: Phill Bailey

Silkbody, Smashbox and Label M have also provided prizes. Silkbody’s prize can be redeemed internationally, while Smashbox and Label M’s prizes are for New Zealand only.

The competition concludes on May 31. Promoki was one of the start-ups presenting at Lightning Lab’s demo Day on May 15, and was introduced by Mr. Yan.

It was a fun day.

In the afternoon, I went to Italian Darwin festival, organized by the Italian Festival Association of Darwin and held at the lawns of Parliament House ,Bennett Park and the Chan Building.

According to Ms Laura Tucker, one of the event coordinator, this is the first time a large scale public event has been held here in Darwin.

The event was an ex exhilarating mixture of food, drinks, arts, and culture and wonderful entertainment. All I can say, the festival celebrates all things Italian .

I love the Pizza and the calamari. Italian beverages was over flowing. Amazing range of mouthwatering and traditional Italian dishes with more than 12 food vendors.

I order a BBQ Italian sausages share space with mountain of delicious pasta, heavenly slices of pizza ,prawn and olive spaghetti with Tiramisu.

The organizer bring together a heady mix of interstate and local acts along with community and school group in celebrating the joy of Italian entertainment in Darwin. Such as :

Joe Avati is one of Australia’s top comedy exports. He is also the world’s number one selling bilingual comedian and David Cotter of Dean Martini Show.

The traditional Italian folk dance group Darwin Tarantella Dance troupe entertained the visitors with their amazing dance moves.

Best of all, the most sought after title in the Top End – The 2013 Darwin Italian Festival Spaghetti Eating Competition.

If you missed the Festival last Saturday and want to experience and taste Italian food at it’s best. You can check this Restaurants :

IL Trader – Antipasti – BBQ sausages Bellinis – Wine

Salvatores – Lasagne – Fusilli – Boscaiola – Machheroni – Tiramisu

Azzuri – Spaghetti & Penne Bolognes – Arrabbiata – Principessa

Pizza A La cart – Woodfired Gourmet Pizzas

Il Lido – Arancini – Meatballs – Pork belly

Il Recinto – Lamb risotto – Vegetable skewers

Viva La Vida – Braised Short Ribs – Capretto stew – Polenta

Italian Club – Gelati – Desserts

La Pizza – Pizza – Garlic Bread

Manolis – Octopus – Calamari

The Panini Hutt – Variety of Pannis

Lucky Cow goes Italiano – Salads – Frittatas

]]> http://micosantos.wordpress.com/2013/05/20/benvenuto-a-darwin/feed/ 0 New Image2 micosantos New Image6 New Image4 New Image3 http://micosantos.wordpress.com/2013/05/15/last-minute-fix/ http://micosantos.wordpress.com/2013/05/15/last-minute-fix/#comments Tue, 14 May 2013 17:03:53 +0000 micosantos http://micosantos.wordpress.com/?p=4078 Continue reading »]]> Last minute dress for Millner’s Garden Party.

Don’t worry, Be happy. Lee Portelli of lovethylabel.com will help you pick the best dress for you.

As you all know, on 22^nd of May the NT Fashion Week will kick off with an explosion of Fashion for both your head and your heart and lovethylabel.com is there for you.

In an interview with Mico Santos’s Style of Life, Ms Portelli said, the business started back in April 2011 after she realized that women spent large amounts of money on a dress that generally they would never wear again.

“It gave me the idea that I could have a collection of dresses available to hire and ladies could actually try them on before making the decision to go ahead with to hire and well in advance of the event”, she equips.

In two years, Ms.Portelli able to accept dresses owned by other ladies that they had already paid for and worn, so they could sell them or offer them for hire and earn some return for their investment and she take a percentage of the fee as agreed with the owner of the dresses.

“I run the business from home and fitting are by appointment only. I have labels such as Carla Zampatti, Lisa Ho, Camillia Wayne Cooper, Charlie Brown and Alannah Hill. Shoes are usually Chanel and Peep Toe. I also now hire out fascinators, hats and clutches – some I own, some others own”, Portelli added.

According to her, for short dresses, prices range from $50 to $250, for long dresses, prices range from $80 to $300.

“The dresses we charge $300 for are valued at $1000 minimum. I often complimentary shoes, clutches and or accessories with hires if they’re available”, she says.

She said the business is going very well and lovethylabel.com will be appearing at NT fashion Week for the first time.

“ I also work full time and I am a mother of two children, so the level of “busyness” I currently experience is just fine. I just provide another option for ladies in Darwin when they’re looking for an outfit and have tried to introduce labels not previously available here in Darwin”, She pointed out.

You can check Lee Portelli dresses at lovethylabel.com or to her Facebook Page.

Then, join the Millner’s Garden Party on Wednesday 22^nd May 12.30pm at Viva La Vida will showcase the best Territory made jewelery and head wear as part of NT Fashion Week.

Over the weekend, I went to Mindil Beach Sunset Market which opened last April 25th and will last until 31st October every Thursday(5pm-10pm) and Sunday only(4pm-9pm).

Actually, this is the second time I went to this Market and I’ve been here last October 2012 during my second month in Darwin. The Markets are located at Mindil Beach, between Sky City Casino and Darwin High School, Maria Liveris Drive, The Gardens.

The place are full of people from all walks of life with over 100 stalls with and extensive array of handmade craft including crocodile products , indigenous arts and Jewelry.

Aside from that, more than 1200 different menu items you can choose from different country like Vietnamese, Thailand among others. The good thing with this Market is a family friendly event. The kids will enjoy the variety of live entertainment offered including live bands, street performer , cultural dance and fire show .

But, the most amazing experience I have is witnessing the Sunset along the coastal of Mindil Beach. If you want to have a firsthand knowledge of situation, come to Mindil Market . See you soon.

(Note: Bus services Route 4 and 15 will allow the public to get to and from the markets from a bus stop at the Lambell Terrace car park. Route 15 operates on Thursdays only and Route 4 operates on both the Thursday and Sunday Market days. )

(This is a Press Release from our Ayosdito.ph friends)

Iron Man 3, The Wolverine, Man of Steel, Fast and the Furious 6 –are all movies to watch out for in the coming months. Now you can get a chance to watch them for free by simply posting an ad on AyosDito.ph

This May, Team AyosDito.ph, in cooperation with SM Cinema, will be giving away 100 Free Movie Passes weekly beginning April 30 to June 2, 2013. This really makes it a “Mas Ayos Dito!” selling experience on AyosDito.ph.

“AyosDito.ph aims to build a strong and educated Online Buy and Sell culture in the Philippines,” AyosDito.ph General Manager, Jon Santico said. “Our purpose is to attract quality advertisers, both private and professionals, and to provide a safe, convenient and memorable buying and selling experience for all our users.”

“We want to teach our advertisers especially our private sellers to talk about their ads more so they can also sell their items faster. To achieve this, we partnered with SM Cinema, to reward out popular ads weekly,” Santico added.

1. To join, simply post an ad on AyosDito.ph.

2. Once your ad has been approved, publicly share it on Facebook via the Share on Facebook button on your ad page.

3. Each week, the Ten Most Viewed Ads will be selected by Team AyosDito.ph. The ten (10) winners will then be announced on AyosDito.ph Facebook Page every Tuesday at 4PM. Winners will be announced following the schedule below:

Week 1: May 7, 2013
Week 2: May 14, 2013
Week 3: May 21, 2013
Week 4: May 28, 2013
Week 5: June 4, 2013

4. Anyone can share AyosDito.ph ads but only the ad owner will be qualified to win FREE Movie passes.

5. Metro Manila (NCR) winners can claim their passes at AyosDito.ph Makati office. Provincial winners’ prizes will be mailed.

6. The movie passes may be redeemed at any SM Cinema.

7. Employees of 701 Search Inc. and its suppliers, partner agencies and relatives up to the second degree of consanguinity are not qualified for this promo.

]]> http://micosantos.wordpress.com/2013/05/13/movie-is-on-us-ayos-diba/feed/ 0 ayosdito_logo_large micosantos ayosdito_logo_large Win 100 FREE Movie Passes http://micosantos.wordpress.com/2013/05/12/thank-you-mama/ http://micosantos.wordpress.com/2013/05/12/thank-you-mama/#comments Sun, 12 May 2013 06:03:27 +0000 micosantos http://micosantos.wordpress.com/?p=4062 Continue reading »]]>

Today, people around the world celebrates Mother’s Day. A celebration honoring mothers,motherhood and the influence of Mothers in the society . Five years ago I made a video ( above)  for my video blog “TheSIdestrip”  to say Thank you to my mothers and to my family as well.

I remember in the Philippines where I grow up , Mother is called “the light of the household” (Ang ilaw ng Tahanan)  around  which all activities resolve. During this time, I perform most chores that my Grandmother routinely handles and I pamper my Grandmother, treat her out with a dinner date with my Grandpa.

I really missed them both. I’m very lucky that I have a Grandparents,  who nurtured me and take care of me I wish they see me now and the achievement I made despite the obstacles they endured in raising me to be a Good Man.

I would like to Thank you to all the Mother’s , to my wife Iyam, I know its not easy to be a Mother. I salute you all. Thank you very much.

It’s Friday night. I was walking along Smith Street going to Daly Street when I saw this Man holding a big poster saying “Need  Job”. Then, I realized how lucky I am, I have good job sometimes you encounter billigerent  associate.  But still I have a good manager, who understand her employees. Love your Job.

I approached the man and introduced myself. I started asking him some questions such as “Why he is doing this?”. He answered me ” I love to travel around the World”. His name is Lucu Rohrer from Switzerland have been in Darwin for almost 8 weeks now and currently staying at Melauca on Mitchell. While  I’m interviewing  Mr Rohrer , Mr. Joshua Foti, a managing director of yourlocalatm approached us and  offered Mr. Rohrer a Job  and handed a business card to him to give Mr Foti a call as soon as possible.

All I can says , God works in mysterious  way and even  you don’t knowing it. This is a good lesson to me and everyone else. Stop complaining on everything. Love your job. I remember Anna Kupka  who wrote an article in Forbes Magazines  entitled “Why you need to Love you job”.

“Loving ones job is not only a “rare-to-find-nice-to-have”, no, it is essential for our entire society and for our overall well-being. The workplace is the place where we spend most our waking time and people hating their jobs is throughout the world one of the main reasons for economic downturns. If we would all use our unique talents to serve humanity (and we all have these talents!), there would be no unemployment and no stress-related illnesses.” She said .

I wish you Good Luck Mr. Rohrer   

]]> http://micosantos.wordpress.com/2013/05/10/be-humble-good-things-happens/feed/ 0 New Image1 micosantos New Image1 With Mr Foti Along Daly Street http://micosantos.wordpress.com/2013/05/04/pursuit-of-happiness/ http://micosantos.wordpress.com/2013/05/04/pursuit-of-happiness/#comments Sat, 04 May 2013 00:33:31 +0000 micosantos http://micosantos.wordpress.com/?p=4029 Continue reading »]]>

(This is media release from RedBalloon )

Is it really that bad?
Yeah I don’t think it’s really that bad
If you only think of things that you haven’t got
You could have it all and still never have enough
So don’t worry (don’t worry), be happy (be happy)

This is part of a  song by musician Bobby McFerrin, released in September 1988 telling us even something horrible, Don’t worry, Be Happy. I remember the 2006 movie “The Pursuit of Happiness” starring Will Smith. A biographical dram film based on Chris Gardner’s nearly one-year struggle with homelessness and find Happiness when won the coveted full-time position despite his situation.

What is Happiness for you?

Our friends from RedBalloon made a new survey has found 87 per cent of respondents are happy with life overall, and when it comes to what makes us smile we need to get back to basics.

Regardless of age, gender, where we live, how much we earn or how happy we are with life overall, the one thing that united all 2489 respondents*, and was guaranteed to put a smile on their faces, was spending time with family and friends.
It was the number one activity leading to happiness in every category of the survey, including:

• Age – from under 18 to over 60 years of age, this activity received 44 per cent of the vote. It spiked for the under 18 group with 69 per cent of the vote, and the over 60s at 53 per cent.
• Gender – 41 per cent of men and 44 per cent of women say time with their loved ones is the key to putting a smile on their dial.
• Income – no matter their combined household income, from $50,000 to $150,000 a year plus, 44 per cent of respondents enjoy time with those dearest to them.
• Location – Western Australia is the happiest state, followed by NSW, Victoria, South Australia then Queensland. But overall it doesn’t matter where respondents live, spending time with family and friends gathered 44 per cent of the vote.
• Happiness with life overall – regardless of their level of happiness (ranking from “extremely unhappy” to “very happy”), 46 per cent just want quality time with their loved ones.

According to RedBalloon CEO Kristie Buchanan, the findings indicate a desire for the simple things in life, like more time to create memories with our loved ones.

“RedBalloon is in the business of creating happiness, so we wanted to find out what gives people joy,” Ms Buchanan said.\\“We asked what would put a smile on their face, and most people – regardless of age, gender, financial situation or any of that other cosmetic stuff – just want to spend time with those dear to them.

“What a great message to see on International Happiness Day.”

To celebrate International Happiness Day, RedBalloon, a brand synonymous with fun, embarked on finding out what makes us happy. The other key findings were:

• Happiness levels in the different areas of life are:
• Home life – 89 per cent are “mostly” or “very” happy
• Where we live – 77 per cent are “mostly” or “very” happy
• Social life – 75 per cent are “mostly” or “very” happy
• Health – 70 per cent are “mostly” or “very” happy
• Work life – 67 per cent are “mostly” or “very” happy
• Finances – 48 per cent are “mostly” or “very” happy. This was the most unhappy category overall.
• Only 8 per cent of respondents ranked themselves as “very happy” when it came to their personal appearance, with 62 per cent saying they would be happier if they were slimmer. 20 per cent are satisfied just as they are.
• 88 per cent of women and 85 per cent of men are “mostly” or “very” happy with life overall
• To be happier at work, 34 per cent of respondents want more money and 18 per cent want more recognition.
• When ranking which aspect of life they put the greatest importance on in terms of happiness, the average ranking was:
  1.    Home life
  2.    Health
  3.    Financial situation
  4.    Work
  5.    Social life
  6.    Personal appearance

* The survey was conducted with 2489 respondents via an online survey between 28 February and 14 March 2013.

Over the weekend, I went to a local market to buy some ingredient for my “ “Pakbet”, a popular Ilocano (Filipino) dish. Honestly, I’m not a good cook but my wife is better than me in the Kitchen.

For the first time, I was able to cook this famous dish and thanks to Youtube and Kitchen Essential Blog as my reference .  Here are the ingredients :

¼ kg. pork with fat
¼ of small squash (peeled and sliced thinly)
5 pcs. okra (cut crosswise)
5 native bitter melons (cut into quarters)
5 native eggplants (cut to quarters)
6 pcs. string beans (cut into 2 inches long)
2 pcs. tomatoes (sliced thinly)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 medium onion (sliced thinly)
small piece of ginger (sliced thinly)
2 tbsps. shrimp paste
cooking oil
3/4 cup water

Procedure:

In a pan fry , heat oil then fry the pork until crunchy and then remove pork set aside. Use the same pan, saute onion, garlic, ginger until golden brown . Add tomatoes and Shrimp paste. Then add in all the vegetables and water . Cook until vegetables are done. Remember not to overcook the veggies. Add Salt and pepper to taste and the pork.

This is probably most important national occasion for Australia and New Zealand . It marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War.

Crowds gather at an ANZAC Day dawn service at Darwin, the capital city of the Northern Territory in Australia.

The service started at exactly 6am with a an introduction, hymn and Wreathlaying from different dignitaries, singing the National Anthem of Australia and New Zealand and prayer from Military chaplain. During the Dawn Service the atmosphere was very solemn and I felt something different and realize how lucky we are today. Because of their sacrifice, we have democracy and freedom to cherish.

ANZAC Parade along Knuckey St.

After the service, I went to Smith Mall to wait for the Annual ANZAC Day Parade. Despite the burning heat, kids, young and old line up along Knuckey Street to witness the Parade .

To recall, The Australian and New Zealand forces landed on Gallipoli on 25 April, meeting fierce resistance from the Ottoman Turkish defenders.

What had been planned as a bold stroke to knock Turkey out of the war quickly became a stalemate, and the campaign dragged on for eight months. At the end of 1915 the allied forces were evacuated, after both sides had suffered heavy casualties and endured great hardships.