Cesare Paciotti’s A/W 2013 with the label’s signature dagger and red lace soles.

I attended the opening of Cesare Paciotti’s first Philippine store at SM Aura wearing K&Company’s new lace tunic. At the shop, I got to try on the beautiful shoes.

Cesare Paciotti was founded in 1948 by Giuseppe Paciotti starting with a line of hand made and hand finished shoes. In 1980 his son Cesare took over the company, creating his own collections under his name. The company has produced shoes for other major fashion labels such as Versace, Dolce & Gabbana and Roberto Cavali. Today the company produces top of the line shoes, accessories with boutiques in top fashion capitals all over the world including Manila.

I love how the dagger emblem is used in both a subtle and bold way.

This was so lovely. The heel was lower than the other stiletto pumps, but not quite kitten heeled. And that gorgeous metal dagger… so sexy!

This one is a work of art!

With TV personalities CJ Jaravata, Phoemela Baranda and Ruffa Gutierrez. I’m wearing my new Cesare Paciotti ankle boots. They are so comfortable even with that thin high heel. Must be the buttery soft leather and that famous Italian craftsmanship.

Cesare Paciotti is at Level One of SM Aura Premier, Taguig. For more information visit www.cesare-paciotti.com or follow on Instagram @PaciottiPH.

We watched the opening performance of Barbie LIVE! last December 11 at SM MOA Arena. I was there with my three daughters and Tessa Valdes was with her littlest one Athena. We loved the show! The costumes were fabulous. Songs and dance were fun. Stella kept asking if they were real or dolls.

If you’re looking to treat your kids to something fantastic and festive, get tickets to Barbie LIVE!. Show ends on December 15.

In collaboration with EMS Entertainment, Barbie will bring fans a new opportunity to sing and dance with the introduction of an all-new musical, Barbie™ LIVE! Barbie LIVE! is an engaging production featuring contemporary music with empowering lyrics, energetic choreography and a modern storyline that will appeal to fans of all ages. Barbie LIVE! debuted last September in Singapore and will travel Asia through 2014. In Manila, the show will be staged at the Mall of Asia Arena from December 11-15, 2013 with 11 performances only.

EMS Entertainment, leading global creator of high-quality interactive exhibitions, family entertainment and live stage productions, received the global touring rights to Barbie Live! from Mattel in 2012 and has worked for almost two years to bring this vision to reality.

Tickets for Barbie™ LIVE! are now available in all SM TICKETS outlets located in all SM Cinema ticket booths. For schedule and ticket information, visit www.smtickets.com or call 470 2222.

Barbie™ LIVE! is promoted in the Philippines by Vivre Fort Entertainment and Happy Junior Productions.

For more details about the show, visit www.barbielive.com or call (02) 470 6956.

This local Pantene ad has touched millions of people. I’ve been thinking of its very powerful message.

Sheryl Sandberg, CEO of Facebook Inc., in her own Facebook page says “this is one of the most powerful videos I have ever seen illustrating how when women and men do the same things, they are seen in completely different ways.”

I am a fan of Sandberg’s book Lean In. We are raising three young daughters to believe they can achieve anything they want and go anywhere in the world in the future. Like Sandberg pointed out, the term “bossy” should not exist to reference young girls who show great leadership skills.

And yet in my own current experience, I am still going through the same struggles as a woman who represents herself and runs her own negotiations both in media and business. I have heard some negative comments and perceptions — labels.  When I first moved to the Philippines, I was advised to soften up and not be too direct. That’s the least; I’ve heard worse.

Meanwhile back in the house, I struggle with the guilty feeling that I am still not giving enough time and attention to the children. I know that a lot of this is also self-inflicted judgement on myself. This is why I liked Sandberg’s book. She admitted that equality in the workplace can only be achieved if there is equality at home — shared responsibilities. In the home department, I lucked out.

Other sites like Huffington Post also carried the #whipit discussion. They praise the campaign for calling attention to double standard which will hopefully inspire some important conversations. See Huffington Post’s discussion here.

I’m curious to know what it’s like for you. I know I have a lot of smart and empowered women who read this blog. Share your thoughts with me.

Vicky Morales wearing K&Company at the recent Asian TV Awards.

Last weekend, I shrieked when I saw K&Company’s new long dresses — part of their current Cocktail collection.

Beautiful black soft lace comes with a shorter inner dress. I love that the red appliqued lace dress has short sleeves. Sorry I shot this pictur through glass, hence the reflection.

I’ve been wearing the gold and gunmetal grey brocade dresses all season. This weekend, these rich jewel tone brocades were released.

As always with every K&Company piece, you get great quality, the most beautiful fabric, and classic silhouettes that never go out of style. K&Company dresses are timeless. I got one of these long dresses and after I wear it this season, you’ll definitely see me wearing it again in the future.

With all the holiday festivities and weddings happening in the next couple of weeks, you have to visit K&Company first. You’ll definitely find something that’s for keeps.

K&Company is at Rockwell Power Plant Mall, Shangrila EDSA Plaza, Glorietta 4 and Alabang Town Center. See all of K&Company’s current cocktail collection here. To shop online for foreign and local orders, click here.

I was at the Cath Kidston shop in Singapore last weekend. And I thought I’ve had enough of this brand, but apparently not. They are just too adorable. And they bring me back to my childhood. I remember seeing prints like this in our curtains and table cloths. Happy times.

Here are some lovely pieces I’ve picked out from the Cath Kidston site. I wish I had bought the Stanley salt and pepper shakers. Why did I  hesitate? Ugh.

01 Santa Stanley Mug

02 Garden Rose Cross Body Bag

03 Big Spot Large Zip Bag

04 Wild Ponies Skirt

05 Garden Birds Saddle Bag

06  Stanley Salt and Pepper Shakers

07 Highbury Rose Folded Messenger Bag