When Losing is More Like Winning

Like millions of Pacman fans out there, I was hurt when he lost his 60th fight, against Timothy Bradley. This article helped me completely moved on and embrace reality --- there will be times when losing is more like winning.

An article by Cito Beltran (The Philippine Star) Updated June 13, 2012


No one likes to see a popular champion go down, more so in the case of Manny Pacquiao who has become the modern day icon of the little guy making it big, an underdog becoming world champion and more recently, the icon of redemption.

Unfortunately we can all analyze the controversial decision of the “3 blind mice” to death but it won’t change a thing. But being the humans that we are, we all need to make sense of the “unbelievable,” or justify the unacceptable. What I noticed is that most people have focused on the controversy, or the small picture, rather than on the “Big picture.”

Right after the split decision was announced a heckler-friend of mine quipped that Pacquiao lost because he had become born-again. In fact prior to the fight, practically all local newscasters and commentators had mused or speculated that Manny Pacquiao’s redemption or embrace of God and Bible might soften him as fighter.

As I watched the newscasts and endless replays, I also needed to make sense of Pacquiao’s loss. I was initially tempted to go the way of most critics and focus on the fight, but my heckler-friend led me to ponder about Pacquiao’s loss in the big picture. What sort of impression will the world get seeing Pacquiao lose in spite of his new found faith?

Considering Pacman’s recent redemption and embrace of God and the Bible, the proverbial question: “Why do bad things happen to good people?” comes to mind. Because of our religious culture based on reward or punishment, most people would assume that Pacman should have won because he had already turned from naughty to nice, from sinner to saint. So how could such a bum deal go the Pacman’s way?

To see the big picture, we should recall how a string of victories and 8 division titles turned Manny Pacquiao into the poster boy of materialism, promiscuity, and self-indulgence. Even when he was being more than naughty, he was the people’s champ and as far as everyone was concerned, he earned the right to live the life he chose. Yes, Manny Pacquiao “gained the whole world but (was about) to lose his soul.” Not only did he almost lose his soul, he nearly lost what was most important in his life, his wife and children.
In that tumultuous season, Pacquiao also almost, or may have in fact lost his last fight against Juan Manuel Marquez, but he won by way of a controversial decision. Yes he won, but it was what we would call an empty victory. Back then in the midst of doubt, and the threat of a serious marital separation, winning must have felt more like losing.

By God’s grace, Manny Pacquiao encountered people who were used by God to shed light on the Pacman’s real state of affairs and draw him towards the Bible. What people scoffed at as the desperate struggles of a man drowning in his success, turned out to be the true repentance of a sinner. Unfortunately the world and media at large are uncomfortable talking about God and living by the Bible especially in America.
The big picture is about how God gets into the picture.

After Manny Pacquiao’s redemption, both local and international media was suddenly full of Biblical sound bytes that could not be edited out, because a world champion and an ex-champion sinner was talking and all he wanted to talk about was God and the Bible. Pacman sang words of praise and the cameras could not edit it out. He had become an official spokesperson for God and an icon of unification between Catholics and Christians. Suddenly Manny Pacquiao was living out what the apostle John spoke of when he said, “He (God) must be greater and I must be less” (John 3:30).

So why did Manny get such a “raw” deal? I surmise that in God’s divine plan, people had to see just how far or how deep Manny Pacquiao had changed. If Manny simply won as many expected, people would have taken his redemption for granted. Without any challenge to his character and his faith, how would people fully realize that the people’s Champ had truly changed? It would have been all about boxing and not about faith.

Manny Pacquiao’s unceremonious and unexpected defeat had put him to the test not only as a warrior in the ring, or a world champion for that matter. In that defining moment, he stood before the eyes of millions eager to see and hear his reaction. His loss and his response revealed exactly where he was with the Lord. If Pacquiao’s redemption were momentary and planted on shallow soil, he would have buckled, perhaps howled in protest and raised up a storm in anger.

Instead he humbly accepted the decision and dismissed any suggestion of filing a protest. Manny Pacquiao’s PDA or Public Display of Affection for God moments after such a stinging defeat was the best preaching any priest or pastor could have made that day. Watching Manny Pacquiao holding hands with his wife and children, quoting Bible verses and putting up strong faces was the best reminder for all the rich and famous around the world, that in the end, even in defeat, the two things that will remain of great value to you are your Family and your God.

With $25 million in the bank, your loving family at your side praising God and hundreds of global celebrities on your side, I’m sure that this was one time when losing felt a lot like winning.

Another Busy Sunday!

Thank you Lord for all the blessings!

Thank you ladies and see you!

Basic Makeup Tutorial - Kristina Aberin

Nothing compares to the feeling of fulfillment when you know you're able to share your knowledge and passion. When I started my makeup artistry career, I also planned of sharing what I know by conducting classes. Though I only have weekends to practice this profession, I have to make sure I balance and spend the weekends right - wedding events, trial makeup sessions, tutorials, family time, and of course rest and me time.

KRISTINA ABERIN

She's my best girl friend. I would say she's into makeups long before I started this career. She's always well-groomed. She's my favorite bridal makeup model (start of her involvement into makeup/fashion crowd). And when she told me she wanted to explore more on makeup artistry, I got so excited, we got so excited! and started planning our events, dreaming big LOL. We had series of makeup 101 sessions. She started joining my wedding engagements and after completing basic makeup application tutorial, she took advanced makeup classes and hair styling class (Style Studio Fashion School). After couple of months, she's doing it her own! :-) She completed her first studio and outdoor photoshoot where she did hair and makeup on models. She's very much ready to step into the makeup industry!

Here are photos on our Basic Makeup Tutorial Class, Belair Soho Makati

 

Kristina's first ever complete makeup application - PRIME LOOK

Kristina's Works - Citrusnap Studio Shoot

Kristina's Works - Manila Digital Photographer's Shoot

Congrats GF! Thank you for letting me be a part of another milestone in your life. Thank you for sharing the passion with me. Let's make the world a beautiful place to live! ;-)

Personal Makeup Tutorial by MV Balo

It was a success! Yehey! My first time to conduct group tutorial on Personal Makeup Application. My previous clients (Imee, Geann, Dea) and wedding coordinator Marj enrolled in March session. Maximum participant at 4 to render close hands on tutorial. Link on the ad and course outline CLICK HERE

Here's to account before and after shots, the look they want to achieve and how they did it!

IMEE
Imee is a Dentist by profession and so clean makeup look should be achieved. But here's the catch, Sis Imee never had any experience on doing her own makeup! I was even surprised she doesn't know what eyeshadows and some makeup tools are, how they look :-) And that's the goal for her --- get herself familiarized with basic makeup line products and basic makeup brushes, how to use them, what suits her skin and skin tone, and how to do it on her own. Basic makeup products used: Liquid foundation to cover uneven skin tone, discoloration and facial marks, pressed powder, eyebrow makeup, neutrals eyeshadows, blush and lip color closest to her natural lips. Her evening makeup look - since Imee is really simple and doesn't want a heavy makeup on, double set powder, added eyeliner on upper and lower eye waterline and highlight on outer corner of her eyes, changed lip color to pink shade (frost finish). My verdict - Imee is a fast learner! I was amazed how she immediately learned to do her brows (most difficult to learn).

MARJ
Being events coordinator, makeup is a must for Marj. I have been with her in several events already, myself being the HMUA and her team as wedding coordintors. Though wedding events are a serious 100% sure sweat efforts (coordinators should be on top of everything!), doing makeup and make sure it stays on should be a primary concern. Basic makeup products used: Liquid foundation to cover uneven skin tone and undereye color, powder foundation to set, eyebrow makeup, neutrals eyeshadows, blush and lip color closest to her natural lips. On her morning wedding events, her prime look will look just great for matte browns on her eyes, shimmer coral lips, and well groomed brows. Transforming into evening weddings, double set powder foundation for a heavier coverage, added silver highlights on her brow bone, peaches on cheeks and matte light shade on her lips. My verdict - Marj did her prime and evening looks just right understanding nature of her job. Kudos!



DEA
Dea said it was her first time to apply makeup using appropriate makeup tools/brushes and when I saw her first strokes, it doesn't show it was her first! Like Imee, she's a fast learner :-) She doesn't have facial problems or marks except for dark undereye which for her skin tone is a usual feature. Basic makeup products used: Liquid foundation to cover, pressed powder to set, neutrals eyeshadows, blush and lip color closest to her natural lips. Dea used to wear any red shade lip color, now its time to try pink shades. On one event where I did her makeup, tried on old rose and it compliments her color perfectly! Now a lighter matte shade of pink plus peach blush. Dark browns to highlight outer corner of her eyes and brow set to add a kick on her eyebrows - that brown colored brows :-) Dea looked so beautiful on her own works - prime and evening looks!

GEANN

Last but not the least, Geann, who to me is effortlessly pretty. Among the four, Geann has the most makeups! We both love to collect all colors! :-) She has a complete set, as in! Even skin care products, name it! She regularly puts basic makeup on her daily work and during events so what she wanted to achieve on this training is confirmation on the right application, what colors will compliment her skin tone, tips and techniques. Hopefully she learned some! :-) Basic makeup products used: Liquid foundation to cover, pressed powder to set, eyebrow makeup, neutrals eyeshadows, blush and lip color closest to her natural lips. Sweet barbie look for that pink lips, dewy textured makeup for a much young looking skin and not to forget a well groomed but not strong eyebrows, just right for Geann's personality, sweet and simple.

All photos posted on my facebook account CLICK HERE

Here are some photos behind the scenes photos:

Ladies on their Prime (No Makeup) Look

Ladies on their Evening Look

Thank you! See you again!



Busy Weekend! [March 24-25, 2012]

It'll sure be a very busy weekend! See you all ladies!

Makeup Tutorial by MV Balo

 Skin care and preparation (30 mins)

- CTM Principle (Cleanse, Tone, Moisturize)

- Before applying your makeup

Makeup products and tools (30 mins)

- Makeup brands (Budget vs High end)

- Basic makeup brushes you will need

- Eyebrow tools

Your skin shade (45 mins)

- Skin Tone/Shade Meter

- Yellow vs Pink Shades on Foundation and Powder

- Hands on (foundation + powder application)

Eyebrow 101 (45 mins)

- Eyebrow grooming

- Eyebrow definition

- Hands on (eyebrow grooming and makeup application)

The Prime Look (1 hour)

- Theory, colors and overall look

- Hands on

- Headshots photoshoot

Evening Evening Makeup (1 hour)

- Theory, colors and overall look

- Transition from day to evening makeup

- Hands on

- Headshots photoshoot

 

Bride - Mai Miralles

My very cheerful bride! :-)

Photo by Michael Balo

 Photo by Michael Balo

 

 Cool couple! Photo grabbed from Mai's FB :-)

 Photo grabbed from Mai's FB

Photo grabbed from Mai's FB

Prenup Photoshoot: Anne and Kat

Kat and Mark

Anne and Kat are two of my brides who became really close to my heart. Like most of my GT brides, these two are easy to talk to and work with. There were ranting times, pressures/issues (hey! wedding preps bring out most of the stress of bride-to-be's), but they handle them with grace and composure. I salute them being hands-on brides (not demanding type) and I just can't believe how they can still manage to complete their DIYs. Applause for brides like them!

Anne's

It was December 12, Monday, and our 5th year anniversary. But it's a special for my bride-friend so I needed to allot time for her - early in the morning to do her hair and makeup --- correction VERY early! We agreed on 3:30AM!!! good thing, Anne and Mike (her husband) lives in Cavite as well. This is the only date and time available for the couple and photog so we really had to work out.

Prenup Location - Parks and Wildlife QC. So another question in mind was that, will the makeup stay considering the travel time, and even under the sun (nearly lunch shoot). Thank God, Anne's one of those gifted ladies whom you will really wonder, does she sweat? Her makeup stayed on up to the last shot and no need for touch ups. Another thing to note here, Anne's eyebrows looked great! From our first meeting (trial makeup) when they were only thin lines of hair, huge improvement (itago ang tweezers!).

Photos grabbed from Anne and Mike's FB accounts:

 

Kat's

Prenup date fell on a Saturday and so I'm free! We were set to do a location hmu in Airforce Museum and Park which I thought was located far away somewhere in Pampanga LOL! It was a lunch to afternoon shoot and the weather that time was a big challenge. We had rain showers like every 15-20 mins but overall, nature gave us just enough time for great shots and if you see the actual photoes, you wont even think it was raining. The couple also brought home-cooked lunch for everyone, sweet!