Maraming Salamat

I cant thank you enough Alby. Maraming salamat for the feature (for the 2nd time). This is the only way I know how to thank you.

This is Just My Way

The best way I know.

My Christmas Gift

More of my early Christmas gift here. I hope you got yours early too!

Expression of Gratitude

Its the last week of November, a great week to say thank you to those people closest to my heart. More about it here.

IRRI Bazaar - Update

Full story here.

See You At The IRRI Annual Bazaar

Carrie Cordero Designs will be at IRRI in Los Banos Laguna on November 17, 2010, Wednesday for their annual bazaar.

See you there!

My 10KM Challenge

Who says I can't finish a 10km race? Find out what happened here.

Copper Bracelets

My 2010 Copper Bracelet Collection can now be viewed here. Full story here.

Enjoy!

World's Biggest Group Hug Happening Today

Good luck to all participants. I hope you make it.

My Youngest Sister Turned a year Older

Yey! My youngest sister turned a year wiser and (older) today. Happy Happy Birthday Joyce!

Our 15 year age gap doesn't seem to exist at all. We have grown together and have always renewed our bonding. Through thick and thin we always reminded ourselves that no matter what, we are family and will stay as family forever.

I wish you good health (start reducing LOL!), happiness all your life, more blessings and most of all the gift of nurturing your child to be the best she can be. Being a Mom is not an easy task but you showed us that you can handle every situation with grace and free from stress. Good job sister!

Aluminum Earrings Now Out

You can view my aluminum earrings here and my earring inspirations here.

Enjoy!

Copper Earrings Displayed

My copper earring collection is now displayed at flickr with full story here.

Enjoy!

Biggest Group Hug

Repost from Psoriasis Philippines Mailing List.

Dear Friends,

On October 30, 2010, Psoriasis Philippines will aim to break the existing Guinness World Record for the Largest group hug that was established in Romania on May 29, 2009 with 9,758 people. We hope to break it with a new record of at least 10,000 people at Roxas Blvd, Manila.

In celebration of the World Psoriasis Day in the Philippines, we aim to break the existing record and to rally support from the general public for our Psoriasis advocacy. Psoriasis is a chronic condition that has no cure at this time and believe to affect 125million people worldwide. In the Philippines, 1-2million people are believed to be suffering in silence with this debilitating disease. It is not rare that people with Psoriasis suffer discrimination of all forms from people who think that it is contagious. The physical pain that this condition brings to the patient is nothing compared to the emotional and psychological pain that people may be causing psoriasis sufferers.

We appeal to you for help, that through this effort, we may be able to educate our community that psoriasis is not contagious, and that psoriasis sufferers need to be treated without prejudice and be given equal opportunity like everyone else.

To achieve our goal of a new world record, our needs may vary from logistics to human presence. If you think you may be able to help in any kind, we wish to hear your offer. Please email us at info@psorphil.com.

If you can sponsor any of the following, we will gladly welcome and thank you in advance.
• Photographers and videographers: who will document the event
• Shirt
• Balloon
• Signage, tarps and posters for the event
• Drinking water
• Snacks
• volunteers
• Artists: to design logos, shirts and posters

Please join us and invite your friends, classmates, officemates, families and let us set a new Guinness world record -- "The World's Biggest Group HUG" as we support psoriasis sufferers all over the world. Please feel free to circulate and forward this email.

With warmest regards.

Josef


-- 
Josef De Guzman

President/CEO
Psorphil
Chairman: World Psoriasis Day SC
Member: IFPA Executive Committee

*** Please spread the word. Thanks. -Carrie

Aluminum Bracelets Displayed

At last my aluminum bracelets are now posted at flickr! Blog posting here. Enjoy!

Let me know if you want one!

Busy Weekends

October 25 and 26 was a busy weekend for Din. Full story here. And this past weekend I was busy with this.

Check out the links. Im sure you'll be surprised!

My Big Leap

I used to be part of Creative Outlet, but just recently I decided to move on a different direction and registered for my own business. Consecutively, I also decided to move my creative blog to another blog address. You can now catch site of my handcrafted jewelry here.

With the recent move, there are so many surprises in store for you. Expect for more intricate and unique pieces as I put an edge on my craft.

Today is a Blessed Day

I didnt know that today will be a different and special day. At the start of my day, I was excited to meet with friends at Bonifacio Global City to test run the Adidas KOTR 10km route, except of course for the flyover marker which we opted to simulate it at Lawton Road. We started at 630am and ended past 8am. The route was challenging to say the least. There were enough hills to make me go slow and ponder on if I will really join the race and endure this route again. When we reached Lawton Road the part going to Mckinley, I thought I could never go back to where we came from but an unknown kind of strength and focus helped me go through the uphills again. I made it and my friend did too! We were dead tired, hunched but most of all injury free. What followed was a happy breakfast moment between my friend and our husbands.

Then when I got home and opened the computer, I got the biggest surprise - my business name was finally approved by the Department of Trade and Industry. Now its official, my creations will officially be under Carrie Cordero Handcrafted Jewelry Designs. I will still use my flickr account to showcase my collections and I can now be reached at carriecorderodesigns@gmail.com

As in all blessings, they come in 3s. My third blessing for today was an email from a friend informing me that she showed her writer friend my flickr account and her friend's reaction was - "cool. will forward it to my editor". Who wouldn't be happy with that news. =)

Yes, today is a good day. A blessed day indeed!

I Want to Be Official

This morning I received an email from the Department of Trade and Industry informing me the business name that I applied for was rejected. The reason they gave was valid and they even gave me a guideline for re-submission of my application. I have listed 3 new names and the first name in my list was accepted. I opted for Carrie Lynn Designs Handcrafted Jewelry and the search that came out in their database was name still available. =) Now I just have to wait for their email of confirmation and instructions thereafter. Crossed fingers!

One of a Kind Pieces: From Me to You

Since yesterday my brain is working overtime thinking about a company name. I wanted it to be reflecting how I express and love my art. So for the meantime that I havent come up with one yet, let me refresh your memory of my collection. You can view them at Carrie Cordero

Let me remind you too of the services I offer.

• Recreate an item which is already sold, please check designs in my flickr account.
  
• Customize a design for you and your friends for that very unique 'YOU' look.
  
• Restring a pre-loved item which you cannot use anymore.
  
• Reserve a private time for you and your friends for an exclusive 'All Girl Accessory Party' of the collection in my home or I could bring them over to your home at your most convenient time.

I hope to share inspiring stories about my handmade jewelries to you, your family and girlfriends. Drop me a line or two at carriemcordero@gmail.com. Hear from you soon!

Going solo? Hell YES!!!

Im still in awe that I was able to pull through a solo bazaar. I didnt imagine that I would be using two tables, my own beading table and the organizer's. Who would imagine that I filled up every space there was with items I did. I started creating since January but I didnt give as much passion as I gave when August 1 came. Since the first day of August I was like a machine - cutting, circling, twisting, match making and packing. I made a lot of everything I wanted to show, share and sell. Because of my early preparations, I was able to practically sit and relax the day before my big day. Yup, I went to the mall and bough two lights for my booth and had a wonderful dinner with Din, a first for me.

From the time I started joining bazaars with my cousins I was always, always still in a hurry to make something or to finishing something or to prepare for something. I always get tensed and restless the day before which affects my mood for the big day. As I was thinking of the many reasons why I was always like that, I could only think of one major reason and that is if I would be able to make a sale since my cousins and I make the same items. We only vary with the bead colors we choose and the materials we want to play with. And since doing the solo thing yesterday, I realized a lot of things.

Since January I have been playing with one material which my cousins do not usually play with and that is wire (aluminum and copper). From that time I fell in love with the things I was able to do, create and define. Now that I have concentrated on a medium and made the most of what I could think of given the time I have, I was so happy to say that the bazaar yesterday at Tahanan Village was a sort of a solo exhibit too for me. I showcased all of my creations! And my audience loved them! But don't get me wrong here, little did I know that my cousin wont join the recently concluded bazaar have I not asked her if she is already preparing for it. I was shocked to hear that she wont join and forego of this wonderful event. With that, well I couldn't do anything about it and just informed her that I will try my luck and go solo. Luckily, luck was on my side and the situation made me realize that I could pull through, relaxed and happier!

Tahanan Village Bazaar 2010-UPDATE

My first bazaar for 2010 was a success in a lot of ways. It was my first solo bazaar since my cousins and I started in 2007. Sans the solo stint and the profit, I guess the one thing that made it a success was the presence of my dear Din. Yup, he was with me from the start till the last mass, through the hot weather and sticky air, through setting up my table until pack up time, through customer inquiries and orders, through a sale or a no sale, through being my assistant to his "kind" of selling. Its like a three in one promo for me. We got to spend quality bonding time together and at the same time I was able to market my goods and share a couple of quick chats with my clients. Now, who says that Sundays should be boring and only spent at home?! Also I was able to see and talk with friends I only see during bazaars--my bazfriends! It was really a good and memorable Sunday--and yes, we got our bases covered before 12nn!

Celebrating Milestones and Joys of Running

Isn't it nice to celebrate a love one's birthday and a few milestones through running and being able to meet new friends?

Din and I had the opportunity to experience just that last August 15 at Run to Read at the Fort. August 15 was the 100+ birthday of our beloved grandmother Lola Josie. And since she is not with us anymore Din decided to give her his own birthday gift by running his first 15km. Since this was the case, I too decided to dedicate my last 5km too to my dear Lola Josie. Happy birthday Lola!

To top the celebration, we were greeted by Ms Nora (Life Begins at 50) and her family. Nora and I had agreed to meet in person at the Takbo.ph Runfest but unfortunately I had a severe bout of asthma and was not able to run and meet Nora. Then I found out that Nora and her family will be running at Run to Read, so I looked forward to our meeting. During the race I totally forgot that Nora will be there running with her children, I was surprised when she took the chance to greet me and Din. I was so happy to meet Nora and her kids. At last I had the chance to meet the person behind the very inspiring blog Life Begins at 50. with Ms Nora and daughter Eia

with Nora's family

Loving Our New Look

The Running Duo got a new look! Super thanks to Jonas Diego! Hopefully this will inspire me more to reach my running goal for this year.

Tahanan Village Bazaar 2010

Its official! Creative Outlet is registered at the upcoming Tahanan Village Bazaar to be held on September 5. This time my two dear cousins/partners will not be able to join due to work related activities but nevertheless I assure you my dear customers that I will be showcasing the best of what I do and will be able to do. If you have been a loyal customer, you will be able to guess the material/s I so very like to play with - aluminum wire! And yes, I added a new kind of wire to "compete" with my ever loyal aluminum. Yes, you read it correct, I said compete, why? with the versatility of the new wire that I am playing with right now, I think it will surpass the aluminum's popularity in terms of color, shine and design. But then again, who knows. Now its up to you to discover what I'm trying to say here :)

See you all at the bazaar on 5 September 2010 from 8am-8pm booth # 3. From the covered courts entrance just turn left. :)

3 Events: 2 Good, 1 Not so Good

Here are the links to our recent runs.

Nature Valley Run

Philippine Independence Day Half Marathon

The Bottle School Project

New Creations for Creative Outlet UPDATE

Remember my post last May 3 ? Well then, here they are - my newest creations for Creative Outlet. After almost a month of waiting, Din had the chance to get a picture of them.

These are made from copper wire which I got from the hardware store. I experiemented my hands on making jewelry chain specifically the Byzantine Chain from this Davidchain. David's site is awesome! His tutorials are very easy to follow, thus making the journey of discovery so enjoyable. The first picture from the top is my version of the Byzantine Chain. The second and third pictures were experiments using different kinds of medium to make circles most especially with my jig.

Since I love bracelets most especially chain and charm bracelets, I thought of trying to make my own from scratch using my favorite medium - wire. After much experimenting here they are, my own version of charm bracelets made from aluminum wire. Its so lightweight and goes with any outfit of my choice.

I really had fun making these and a lot more. So see you in our next bazaar sometime in September and surely I will surprise you with more new and exciting pieces.

Thank You CariDee English

Here is the link of CariDee's interview at www.stylelist.com.

Thank you for bravely sharing your battles with psoriasis. You really inspire people around the world.

There is HOPE for our disease. There is LIFE beyond psoriasis.

The Most Important reason to join Running Events

Upon reading the Bald Runner's blog, I pondered on some questions posted on his May 18 entry. Specifically about the most important factor/s we consider in joining races since there are a lot of running events going on this month. And yes, I do agree with the Bald Runner when he suggested that May be the Month of Running. Why not?!

Now, going back to the factors to consider in joining race events. I could only vouch for me and Din since the question we always ask is "if and is the race for a cause (for the environment, for the sick and needy, housing projects, etc)?"

If yes, then we would be sure to join the event and help in anyway we can. We close our eyes to registration fees, the route (no matter how difficult they may be, this is what happened to me when we joined Takbo para sa PGH- I had no practice for the event and just ran my heart out all along thinking that for every step I make I could be helping a sick child), to race organizers, the singlet (we can run using our own shirts anyway) and most especially to the loot bags. No amount of loot can surmount the joy and happiness we feel when we know we can help in our own little way.

I also cannot deny that when we first joined running events we were sucked up by the event's publicity and hype, celebrity endorser and sponsors but in the end we realized and felt that it was quite fulfilling to be part of something grand like helping others.

With this, I hope there will be more running events geared to helping others, to alleviate pain and suffering and more to education. To the Bald Runner, thank you Sir for posting those questions. I think every runner should think twice before joining events especially those super hyped up events. Well, to each his own, no matter our choice is I just hope its for a good cause.

Creative Outlet drives me crazy

Im full of ideas for Creative Outlet - from experimenting on new designs to packaging to product stickers to new calling cards. So many little projects on hand and on mind, all of them half baked. Im still in vacation mode I guess :) From this time to mid August surely I hope to finish them all and have you take a peek :D

New Creations for Creative Outlet

Our trip in Singapore inspired me a lot so ever since we came back I have been experimenting with working with wire. A lot of bending, wrapping, drawing and wire waste after, I have come up with two designs to add to my wire collection this year.

Im giving Din ample time to take some pictures of my new creations though. He is so busy with work and I dont want to pressure him so. Hope you understand. But dont worry it will be worth the loooong wait :)

Bangle Galore

On our 3rd day in SG I insisted that we visit Little India. From my cousin Pia's flat we took the train and landed in Little India. We do not know anything about the place but we just explored and walked around. Below are two of the best stores that we went to. I had an awesome time trying all the bangles that I want. Different colors for every outfit that I have. Yipeee!!!!



This is every girls dream visit. Singapore's Little India is one jewelry haven. I need to go back there soon!

Singapore 2010

There were a lot of things going on in my life for a few weeks now. Some of them I have already shared with you here. Like being a new Aunt to my sister's baby Audie. The little girl is 8 lbs now, she grew so much in just a month :). A few of my running stints with Din and what's new with the Psoriasis community. Today I will share with you my adventures in Singapore with Din, my cousin Pia and her best friend Griz.

Din and I visited my cousin in SG sometime in March. We stayed there for a couple of days. Visited the city's malls, ate a lot, rode all means of transportation available, saw Sentosa, took pictures of every animated character we saw, ate the biggest burger we could find and had a blast at their roller coaster. And oh we even had dinner at Din's long time friend Kate who also lives in SG.

Here are some of the pictures of our visit.



With my cousin Pia at Terminal 2.


With Pia and Griz at Sentosa.





Din and I really had a great time at Universal Studios. We were like kids roaming around the park. We hope to visit its LA version soon :)

Psoriasis: A Journey of Hope

A joint project of Psorphil and PDS with GMA7 and Philippine Daily Inquirer as media partners.

Join the officers and members of Psorphil as they embark on a nationwide spread of news - PSORIASIS IS NOT CONTAGIOUS.

Mizuno Infinity Race

Full review and pictures at The Running Duo

PIA - Pinay In Action

Full story at The Running Duo

Hello World

Just recently I became a new Aunt again. My youngest sister gave birth to a very beautiful baby girl last March 24 at 2440 gms. Friends meet Audie Leyre :)

Pastor with psoriasis delayed in boarding plane

I will be boarding Cebu Pacific Airlines soon and I fervently wish that the incident that happened to one of my fellow Psoriasis sister will not happen to me. She was delayed in boarding a local Cebu Pacific flight. The airline's reason is that she has Psoriasis and they are asking for a medical certificate issued by her doctor. WHAT!!!! These people have to be educated before they open their mouths and ask for medical certificates.

The people behind Psoriasis Philippines are always in a crusade to alleviate the conditions of people with Psoriasis. This also include advocating to a greater community that Psoriasis is NOT CONTAGIOUS. Since I joined Psorphil last year I have always been in awe how the officers and moderators of the community move mountains to make a Psoriasis patient's life easy, livable, happy, and fruitful. They have been through different means to attract media to help with the spreading of the news. And this incident happens.

I am saddened to what happened to Pastor Magnolia. More distressed by Cebu Pacific's lame excuse. I hope Cebu Pacific management will look into this incident further and start including a formal education on the different communicable diseases that we have and the effects of airline travel on them. Im sure they will discover that Psoriasis is not on the list and that traveling by air wont do anything to a person with psoriasis.

runningduo

Hubby and I decided to make a running blog together. Sharing with you therunningduo

The Web Behaviour Test

Take the test and find out what web animal are you! I am a Web Elk - social, slow-moving and specialised. I know this because I took part in a real science experiment with BBC Lab UK.

Psoriasis Checklist

Since I am in the process of a lifestyle change, I would like to share with you my fellow psoriasis patients a checklist I found at Everyday Health. We all know that lifestyle change affects the frequency and severity of our outbreaks. Are we doing something to alleviate our condition? Lets see.

• keep stress levels in check
• get exposure to sunlight
• avoid sunburns
• keep skin moisturized with fragrance-free lotions
• take short lukewarm showers
• limit exposure to people who have colds and flu
• eat a healthy diet
• exercise regularly
• stay well hydrated
• talk to your doctor about the benefits of fish oil supplements

Lets be aware and lessen our outbreaks. Lifestyle change live life to the fullest.

March Races

Southwoods Fun Run
March 6 5:30AM
Juana Complex, Binan Laguna
Yacult 10miler
March 7
CCP, Pasay City
Unilab Run for Wellness
March 7
The Fort
Ready, Get SWEAT, Go!
March 13
Bonifacio Global City
Pinay In Action 2010
March 13 6AM
Mall of Asia
1st Manila 5000 Run 5K
March 14
CCP
Takbo Para sa Edukasyon
March 14
Amityville Subdivision, Rizal
BDO Race for Life
March 20 5AM
Mall of Asia
The Green Miles
March 21 5AM
Mall of Asia
GLOBE Run for Home
March 21 5AM
Makati CBD
Steak Run for a Cause Takbo Laban sa Cancer
March 27
Calamba Laguna
CitiRun : Run Around Town
March 28
Waterfront Cebu City Hotel, Lagoon Area
VSO Bahaginan Fundraising Run
March 28
Mall of Asia
Botak Paa-Bilisan
March 28
Baguio City

TAKBO.PH

Two weeks ago I became one of the newest members of Takbo.ph a blog and discussion forum about running in the Philippines. As a newbie in running I went through most of the forum discussions, feeling the community's air and figuring out if I am cut to learn a lot and enjoy myself. Lucky for me this is not a first in terms of being involved in a community of people with the same interest, wants and dreams. I found the group very warm and very receptive. I even found the brother of an old high school friend. I hope to meet other members soon. I hope to get first hand advices from the group's pioneers and wish that I could run with them too.

2010 goals

I owe this to myself and I decided to share it with you. Do remind me sometime if I tend to forget most items or all of it. :)

For Creative Outlet

• Be more visible in bazaars, trade shows.
  
• Be published in one of the leading fashion magazines. Or see our accessories worn by a model on a magazine's front cover.
  
• Try other craft mediums.
  
• Make more designs with fave materials. -- I love working with wire and I tend to do more projects! Yey!

For Family

• Take vacations as often as our work permits us.
• Find more common things to do. We run together, relieve our stress together and plan for our future while getting fit.
  

For Self

• Pray more.
• Remind self to eat healthy foods.
• Make more friends. Cherish existing friends.
  
• Support a cause.
• Run Carrie Run.
  

I will do it. Yes I can!

Why Im MIA

I know I have been MIA for a long time and I would like to share with you the reasons why.

• My cousins and I decided to have our own version of The Biggest Loser. Our very own Biggest Loser: Compound Edition! Yes, we are overweight and yes we want to eat. Getting together and sharing a sumptuous meal is one of my family's past times. We always, always celebrate major and minor occasions with a hefty buffet table of all our favorite dishes. But this year we all decided to embrace life and all its beauty. 6 of us committed to change our lives for the better. 6 of us vowed to exercise, eat healthy foods and promised to never let our craving be the boss of us. 6 of us made a promise to each other - to spend more time being together healthy and celebrating each life's milestone not in sickness but with wellness. We all weighed in last January 2 and will weigh out by December 23. No specific exercise, no specific diet plans, no specific training. Each of us is entitled to do whatever form of exercise we want just as long as we dont take prohibited medications and no liposuction. To date I have lost 15 pounds and counting. :D

• I have been into aerobic dancing, walking, and boxing. All of them gave me a sense of euphoria. I enjoy what I do. Im not stressed out. Im happy with these exercises and most of all I lost weight. Then Din encouraged me to do running. I first I was so not into it. I told him I couldn't run. My knees will hurt. My legs are still so heavy, my butt is heavy and my tummy is still heavy. But he insisted and one day I told myself...why not try it. I did and now Im hooked. Of course I had the help of a very good friend Russ. She directed me to an all Filipino running community takbo.ph The community is packed with a lot of information a newbie runner would want to know. In no time I registered and made some queries. Ever since that day in January I make it a point to run/walk 5x a week.

• I joined in the Runrio Trilogy: Leg 1: Century Tuna Superbod 2010 5km run. Din, my nephew and I prepared for about 3 weeks for this event. Though we all know that we are newbies in this field (well...except for Din...he used to run in college...but that was ages ago :D) but we want to have fun and experience being a runner. And so we joined and had the best time yesterday!!!! Yes, we finished the race. Hats off to my nephew who ranked 453 out of 2050 participants for the men's 5km run, to Din who placed 1134! I ranked 761 out of 1179 female 5km runners. Not bad....not bad at all. Im still overweight by 50lbs and nearing 40 in a few months but boy that race was an accomplishment! We were together the first 5 mins of the race but we all lost each other during and came together after with a big smile on our faces. Yes we did it!!!!! Yes I was there and I finished!

Din and I after the race. We did it. We finished our first ever 5km run. Woohoo!!! We hope to influence some of our relatives to join us in this wonderful sport. Join us in our next race on March 13, 2010 Pinay In Action a project of Senator Pia Cayetano. See you there :)