Lifestrong at 18 : A Celebration of Purpose

 

Some hosting are extra special.  And that hosting day was last September 18, 2026.

I recently had the pleasure of hosting LifeStrong at 18, a celebration of the 18th anniversary of Lifestrong Marketing Inc. held at SOS Children’s Villages Alabang.

It was such a meaningful morning because it wasn’t just about celebrating an anniversary. It was about bringing everyone together—especially the kids, moms, ates and titas—for a morning filled with activities, learning, beauty and, of course, a lot of fun.

I was especially excited for my session with the mommies, ates and titas, where we had a little beauty bonding moment.

One thing I always enjoy sharing is how makeup doesn’t have to be complicated. We did a simple fresh makeup routine—just enough to brighten up the face, look more awake and feel a little more polished. Basically, that fresh and put-together without looking too made up kind of look that I personally love.

It was also nice seeing everyone enjoy trying things out, asking questions and simply having that little moment for themselves.

Because sometimes, especially for moms and women who are busy taking care of everyone else, a few minutes to put on makeup, fix your hair or simply do something for yourself can make such a difference.

And that's what I loved about this event.

From the kids' activities and games to the beauty session with the moms and titas, there was this wonderful feeling of everyone simply being present, participating and enjoying the morning together.

As a host, I always love events where I don't just get to stand on stage and follow a program—but actually connect with the people in the room.

Thank you, SOS Children’s Villages Alabang and Lifestrong, for having me be part of LifeStrong at 18.  Thanks to my fellow Content Creators for being there putting smiles on everyones' faces.

A beautiful celebration, a little beauty bonding, lots of smiles—and a good reminder that confidence can start with something as simple as taking a little time for yourself.

And yes, I definitely left the event feeling happy… and inspired to do my own fresh makeup routine too. 

ROOTED IN CONFIDENCE: Real Women, Real Stories, Real Hair Journeys

 

Some events are more than just a celebration—they create conversations that stay with you.

I recently had the privilege of being the moderator for “Rooted in Confidence: Real Women, Real Stories, Real Hair Journeys,” a meaningful gathering celebrating women, their stories, and the everyday strength they carry.

Under the theme #NotAllHeroesWearCapes, we heard from real women—a teacher and moto-taxi rider, an educator and mother—about balancing work, family and their own needs.

Our conversations with Coach Pia Acevedo and Dr. Rafael Fortus also explored stress, burnout, wellness, self-care and the importance of not always putting ourselves last.

We ended with “Her Hair, Her Confidence,” talking about hair health, lifestyle and the connection between feeling good and feeling confident.

As moderator, I loved being part of a conversation that reminded us that being strong doesn't mean doing everything alone.

Sometimes, strength means slowing down, asking for help, setting boundaries—and simply choosing yourself.

A beautiful reminder that confidence isn't about being perfect. It's about being rooted in who you are.

Thank you to Hairreve and Dra. Janina Gutierrez-Tan for creating this meaningful space for women to share, learn and connect.

Real women. Real stories. Real confidence.

GRWM: Hair, Makeup & My On-Camera Look as a Makeup Trainer

Here's my GRWM from start to finish.

 

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A post shared by Nikki Tiu 黃素華 (@askmewhats)

 

There’s something about getting ready for an event when you’re the one who’ll be stepping in front of the camera—and as a makeup trainer, I’m naturally a little more particular about the details.

For this GRWM, I’m taking you behind the scenes as I put together my hair and makeup look, from skincare and base to eyes, lips, and the finishing touches that pull everything together.
I wanted the final look to feel polished but still like me—fresh enough for the camera, long-lasting enough for a full day, and with just enough definition to make everything pop.

What I love about getting ready isn't necessarily having a lot of makeup on—it's knowing what works for you, what photographs well, and how to make the look last.

As a makeup trainer, I'm always reminded that makeup is really about enhancing what you already have and making you feel confident enough to walk into the room and own it.

Cathy Doll Ups Heartful Color Lip Mask Fresh Apricot Review

I have always been a fan of lip products that can do more than just add a little color. If it can give my lips a nice tint and keep them feeling moisturized, even better!

So when I got to try the Cathy Doll Ups Heartful Color Lip Mask in Fresh Apricot, I was immediately curious. It looks like a lip tint at first glance, but it is actually a lip mask with a pretty wash of color—perfect for those days when I want something effortless and low-maintenance.

Cathy Doll Ups Heartful Color Lip Mask says ---

Cathy Doll Ups Heartful Color Lip Mask is a moisturizing lip treatment that combines lip care with a beautiful hint of color. Its lightweight, comfortable formula helps keep lips feeling soft and nourished while adding a fresh, natural-looking tint. Available in several wearable shades, it’s an easy everyday lip essential for anyone who loves effortless color and hydration in one.

 

AMW says --- 

Pros:

• Cute Packaging
• Warm peach apricot shade that looks fresh on most Filipinas.
• Not overly bright shade, gives a subtle yet healthy-looking lips.
• Lips appear naturally healthier and more alive.
• Texture feels comfortable upon application.
• Gives more of a lip care feel

Cons:

• If you're after highly pigmented lip color, this may feel too sheer.

• Has a slight fragrance that could be tiring after a long while.

• Like most lip-care products, reapplication may be needed throughout the day depending on eating and drinking.

I Thought I Was Just Wearing My Favorite Keds… Then I Won Homecoming Queen!

 

I walked into the Keds 110th Anniversary celebration thinking about one thing: putting together an outfit that felt completely me.

A little preppy, a little nostalgic, effortlessly classic—that's always been my style. So naturally, I reached for my favorite pair of Keds Mary Janes to complete the look.  This look has been my go-to look since Highschool and College days so I thought nothing special about it!  

I honestly thought I'd simply be celebrating an iconic brand that's been around for 110 years, catching up with fellow creators, and enjoying the festivities.

Little did I know, I'd be walking away with the title of Homecoming Queen.

Celebrating 110 Years of Keds

The event perfectly captured what Keds has always represented: timeless style, individuality, and effortless confidence.

For over a century, Keds has remained a wardrobe staple for people who appreciate versatile footwear that never goes out of style.

One of the reasons I've always loved Keds is how timeless their shoes are. They effortlessly complement different styles, whether you're dressing casually or leaning into a polished, preppy aesthetic.  Best of all, I tend to pick them more often because I can walk more than 10,000 steps with their pairs and my feet aren't tortured at all!