SM is holding a search for its K-Pop Rising Star to celebrate their Toon Fest collection. This song, dance, and lip-synch competition invites boys, girls and groups aged 2-14 to let their inner superstars out for a shot at the spotlight and the Php100,000 grand prize!

SM Toon Fest Brings Our Fave Characters to Help Kiddie Stylistas

Staying on the cutting edge of children's fashion, SM Department Store injects the electrifying excitement of K-Pop fashion into its character apparel. Glitzy, glam, funky and spunky looks highlighted by bright colors and bold patterns showcase the new collections, giving favorites like Garfield, Mickey Mouse, Snoopy and Barbie newfound sartorial energy. This season's SM Toon Fest exclusive lines combine all-original licensed character apparel with Korean style dynamics to elevate kids' fashion choices - while keeping things colorful and fun!

"Kids today are a lot more conscious of what's ‘in’ and get fashion ideas from their idols", states Ms. Jo Dy Juanco, VP for Children's Fashion, "These days, they draw inspiration from K-Pop stars and want to dress just like them."

Available in stores nationwide, SM Toon Fest carries trendy apparel emblazoned with the familiar faces and logos of favorite characters. Hello Kitty, Robby Rabbit, Winnie the Pooh, and Marvel Superheroes like Spider-Man are just a few of the licensed characters represented by the line. Old favorites like the Disney Princesses, Disney Fairies, and the Sesame Street gang also have their own quirky-yet-stylish collections. 

Mums --- Here are deets on how your kid/s can be SM's newest K-Pop Rising Star and win 100K!

Joining is easy! All you need to do is take a video of your young ones perform their fave K-pop songs. You may do it using your personal cams or you can visit SM malls to get HD videos of your kids. Upload the video as your entry and presto! a huge chance to shine and win cash!

To know more about the SM Toon Fest KPOP Rising Star Contest, visit www.facebook.com/smkidsfashion and www.risingstars.asia/smtoonfest/ ! 

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After touring Bangkok's Grand Palace, next on the list is its adjacent Temple (or Wat), the Wat Pho or the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. Wat Pho is just a few meters away but because our heads were already feeling stuffy from the unbelievable heat, we chose to get a tuktuk to take us to our next stop.

This temple's entrance fee is way less costly than Grand Palace's. Also, Wat Pho closes a lot later than the Grand Palace (4PM vs 9PM) so make sure you consider this when doing your itinerary.

The ticketing office did not fail to make us smile :)

The reclining buddha poses a big challenge for photography amateurs like me

Wat Pho may be popular for its herculean Reclining Buddha but the most memorable structure in this place for me is the chedi. Chedis are very ornate tower-like structures. This type of architecture displays Thai patience, passion and creativity and can be more captivating than the golden masterpiece.

A chedi houses the remains of either buddha, members of the royal family or buddhist relics (thinking of pyramids? I thought so, too!). Wat Pho serves as a ground for 91 chedis. Ninety one!

Wat Pho may be a smaller area than the first temple we visited but if you're visiting during Thailand's hot months, you'll find this place a shady, relaxing refuge. It is a cooler place than The Grand Palace.

We took a tuktuk for 100 Baht to take us from Wat Pho to Wongwian Yai station (check Bangkok skytrain map), the nearest BTS station to take us back to Pathumwan Princess Hotel. The ride was such an adventure it's the perfect way to end Day 1 of our Bangkok trip!

Day 1 Entrance and Transpo Fees (per head):

• National Stadium to Saphan Taksin BTS: 30 Baht
• Chao Phraya boat to Maharaj Pier (Grand Palace): 30฿
• Grand Palace Entrance Fee: 400฿
• Tuktuk to Wat Pho: 50฿ (divided by 3)
• Wat Pho Entrance: 100฿
• Tuktuk to BTS: 100฿  (divided by 3)
• Wongwian Yai to National Stadium: 40฿
• -------------------------------------------------------------------
• Total sightseeing expenses: 651฿ 

For 651 Baht, I can say that I got a good bargain for a tiring but meaningful Thailand Wat experience. It's a total shame I didn't visit Wat Arun because we lacked time but it just means that I have to get on the plane  back to Bangkok one of these days and settle some unfinished business!

Nature Republic's Vanilla Sky Pact SPF 30 PA+++ sure is a looker on the counter with its adorable mint cream case reminiscent of Paul & Joe products (and even the nail polish bottles are!). 

The powder smells as good as its name --- vanilla. I love that it is finely milled and gives a velvety smooth, matte finish. My scarred skin might frown at the fact that it doesn't give any additional coverage for acne scars and marks but I think that with the right shade, this works well in evening out the complexion.

I got the Vanila Sky Pact in #23 (they only have two shades: 21 and 23) and I think this shade is suited to set very yellow-toned liquid and cream bases. It appears ugly grayish-pink on my face when used solo. I will experiment how this sets off good old Estee Lauder Double Wear in Sand and will fill you in about it soon.

'replace cap' daw after use.. hehehe.

• Price: ~ 500php (will verify with Nature Republic)
• Availability: Nature Republic counters (SM North, SM Fairview, Festival Mall), contact numbers HERE
• Expiration: Manufacture date stamped at the back of the compact, not on the box; since it has good preservatives (parabens), I give it 1- 1.5 yrs before I throw it out

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While this holds off oil along the T-zone fairly well, I'm wary that it sits on the face. Like you look all made-up though not cakey. It's useful to use a facial mist/spritz to allow the powder to blend better into the skin. (Check out how Earth loved it on her skin)

Overall, I think that the Nature Republic Vanilla Sky Pact is a little expensive considering that there are other   crazy inexpensive pressed powders that are as good as this, even offering a wider shade range. However, if you're not scrimping on setting powders, you'll definitely fall in love with the matte finish this gives off plus its cutesy compact that comes with the softest & smoothest powder puff!

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Disclaimer: Product was sent to me for review purposes. Post content is in accordance with my personal experience while using the Nature Republic Vanilla Sky Pact SPF 30.

When Hortaleza Professional's Light Havana on my hair finally came to a flatline, I immediately planned to have my hair recoloured in Revlon Colorsilk's Light Ash Brown 50. However, my colorist recommended Dark Soft Brown 33 to avoid any improper hair gradation due to some presence of the previous color proximal to the hair tips.

Imagine my relief seeing how my hair colour toned down from screaming red to --- well, good old brown. I nearly made a disastrous choice in opting for Light Ash Brown. Revlon colorists sure know great stuff for the hair.

Before: Hortaleza Light Havana| After: Revlon Colorsilk Dark Soft Brown
(both pics used flash under indoor lighting)

If you think you made a bad choice with a very vibrant hair color like Light Havana (well, my blogger friends from the Goody event thought otherwise), you can go for the Revlon Colorsilk Dark Soft Brown 33 to tone things down a bit. Sure worked for me.