A True to Life 'Princess Diaries' Story

As promised on my last post, I am going to share with you a true to life version of the movie 'Princess Diaries' (which was based on Meg Cabot's novel of the same title). The fairytale like story happened to a teenage girl named Jazmin Grace, a resident of Palm Springs, California. However, unlike Mia Thermopolis from the film Princess Diaries, Jazmin was well aware who her father was, it was only the public that was left with no clue of her true identity.

Jazmin, or Jazmin Grace Grimaldi, is the daughter of Prince Albert, the head of the House of Grimaldi and the ruler of the Principality of Monaco, with former waitress, Tamara Jean Rotolo. Her middle name was after her grandmother, the late Prince Grace (Kelly) of Monaco. She was born on March 4, 1992, more or less 9 months before that day; the prince had an affair with her mother, who came to visit Cote d'Azur in Monaco, for a vacation.

Although Prince Albert was listed on Jazmin's birth certificate, it was only in 2006 that the Prince officially acknowledged to the public that he is her father. The announcement came after a DNA test proved Jazmin's his own flesh and blood. The prince was forced to tell the public about her illegitimate child after news about her existence was leaked to the press. He was hoping to protect her by concealing her relation to him until she has reached adulthood.

The other thing that separates Mia's story from Jazmin's, is that the latter cannot inherit the throne, because she's not the prince's legitimate child. Aside from Jazmin, Prince Albert also fathered another child, Alexandre Coste. Both Jazmin and Alexandre, though, can inherit Prince Albert's wealth, which is worth more than 1 billion dollars today. Not bad for a 'previously' ordinary Californian girl, right?

Jazmin, described by many as sweet and intelligent, is now in college and attending Fordham University. After a humanitarian visit to Fiji, Jazmin decided to put up the Jazmin Fund, an organization created to help children in remote island villages in Fiji. She has all the makings of a perfect princess, too bad she can't be called one.

Princess Diaries Trailer

Meg Cabot's Princess Diaries Novel

Cinderella & Catherine

This picture was posted, and re-posted on Facebook over and over again, which is why I have to blog about it. Was this a mere coincidence, or was it orchestrated, because Duchess Catherine felt her story's similar to Cinderella? I just love it! It makes me smile whenever I look at it.

Kate's story's very far from a 'rags to riches' one, but it's as close to a fairytale romance as one can get, isn't it? She's a commoner who became a royal after marrying her prince, and she would be queen in the future, surely that counts as a fairytale love story. Speaking of which, I did read before of a true to life 'Princess Diaries' story - that's coming soon, here in my blog! :)

Justin Bieber - Somebody to Love???

I used to like Justin Bieber, because he was a good example to kids, especially to the ones who would like to pursue a career in the performing arts. He sings well, he plays several musical instruments, he's a good dancer, and he writes songs. Would a mom like me, have a reason to discourage her kids from singing along JB's songs, when he's a good person to emulate? Probably before, there were no reasons at all, but now I have one - for him being a SNOB!

My proof is the video that's been circulating lately on the web, of JB tossing a CD that a NAIA (Ninoy Aquino International Airport) employee tried to hand to him, so he could autograph it. No amount of jetlag, not even the flu, can excuse the bad behavior that the young artist has exhibited. If he wasn't feeling well that time, he could have just told (nicely) that poor man that he can't give him an autograph.

Fortunately for us, someone was recording a video of his arrival, or we wouldn't have known how rude Justin Bieber really is. It may be a onetime incident, but at least, we caught a glimpse of how JB is, behind the camera and the stage. Incidentally, by the way, reports of Mr. Bieber performing on his concert despite of a chest infection was released after the videotaped occurrence came out on YouTube. Was he really sick at that time? Or was it circulated just to cover up what the young man did?

Watch the video here.

My2cents? JB - you were praised on YouTube, now you will earn criticisms on the same vehicle that launched your career.

Boracay Rum - Capturing the Boracay Island Vibe Anywhere in the Country

I love travelling, and my dream is to someday travel all the beautiful places in the Philippines. Unfortunately, though, I have a fear of flying. So, even though I wanted so bad to visit places like Cebu, Bohol, Palawan, and of course, the famous island of Boracay, I couldn't do so. Well, not right now, and not unless I conquer my fear and board an airplane (hopefully a prize for a blog writing contest could help me conquer my fear. ha ha).

For someone who loves nature, my fear, known as aerophobia, is such a dilemma. It's a good thing that where I am located, which is Luzon, you don't need to hop on a plane to visit gorgeous beaches. South Luzon has the beaches of Batanggas, Mindoro, and Camsur (where you can go wakeboarding), while North Luzon boasts of the beaches of Bataan, Pangasinan, La Union, Zambales, and Ilocos that includes the beach called 'Blue Lagoon' in Pagudpud, which has been coined as the 'Boracay of the North. I have not visited all the beaches in Luzon, but I have been to most of them, even the beautiful (and used to be unspoiled) Potipot Island in Zambales.

Forever 21 Stores in Manila

For years, shopaholics have been dreaming of a Forever 21 store finally opening in the Philippines. No, I am not referring to boutiques who sell Forever 21 items, or boutiques with the same name but it’s not the ‘real’ Forever 21 store (I think they’re in a legal battle right now. The original retail giant opened its first Philippine store last July 2, 2010at SM Megamall Building A. Before the day of the launch, the SM founder himself, Mr. Henry Sy, presided over the ribbon cutting ceremonies.

What's available in the store? Of course, there's the Forever 21 line (neutral closet staples, vibrant basics, and resort wear pieces), 21Men (men’s clothes which range from casual to urban), Love 21 (for the more sophisticated look), Twelve by Twelve (couture-inspired fashion), and Heritage 1981 (vintage-inspired pieces that are very collegiate in style). Visit the store and you’ll be amazed to see very affordable finds, not straying far from prices of clothes sold by local brands.

Forever 21 also has stores in Japan, Canada, Korea, and the US (where it has over 400 stores), where it all started. The first Forever 21 store was first introduced to the public as ‘Fashion 21’, in April 1984. The store meant to target only lovers of Korean-American fashion, but fortunately for the owners (who are both Korean), Don Won Chang and Jin Sook, the brand attracted a lot of fashion forward shoppers. The store grew more and more popular, opened additional branches, and Fashion 21 became Forever 21.

The second Forever 21 branch opened last April 8, 2010 in SM Makati. Visit Forever 21’s Facebook page here.

Princess Blair?

Will the Queen B finally get her crown?

In last week's episode, 'The Princesses and the Frog", I saw Blair finally get engaged - - to the wrong guy! I saw a teaser before I watched the show, and knew that Blair will end up with an engagement ring on her finger. The question that played in my mind was, "to whom would she say yes to"? Much to the disappointment of Blair and Chuck fans, the Queen B got engaged to Prince Louis Grimaldi of France. Sounds to me like another Grace Kelly in the making.

However badly I wanted for Chuck to be that guy, I was pretty sure the writers wouldn't do that, since the conflict between them is the main reason why Gossip Girl got exciting again. Honestly, there was a period in the show where I got bored, especially when Chuck and Blair were in good terms. It's the reason why I have mixed feelings about the Chuck-Blair Love Story. I wanted them to end up together, but maybe only when the show finally ends. Weird, huh?

If it's any consolation to Blair and Chuck fans, here's a spoiler for the finale episode, 'The Wrong Goodbye'. A picture where it appears like the two are in good terms. Perhaps Blair will not end up as princess, but a lady to her dark knight. xoxo

Photo courtesy of wetpaint.com

The Royal Wedding: A Hat Fashion Showcase

April 29, 2011....finally, Kate Middleton became Duchess Catherine, when she wed Prince William, second in line to the British Throne. Together, they became the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Their wedding was the biggest royal wedding in three decades. More than a celebration of love, the royal wedding became a big fashion event, of course, starting with the gorgeous gown that the bride wore, designed by Sarah Burton of the Alexander McQueen fashion house. However, it was not the designer dresses that caught

the attention of many, but the hats, ranging from simple & elegant designs, to eccentric ones like the one that Princess Beatrice wore.

Watching the couple exchange vows, my only wish is that their marriage will last a lifetime, not like William's parents, Prince Charles and the late Princess Diana.

The gorgeous Grace Kelly inspired gown

"These are the Days of our Lives"

Lady Frederick Windsor's hat looked very elegant

Sorry, but Queen Elizabeth II's hat looked like a cake. :D

In my opinion, the Spanish princess (Princess Letizia) is the prettiest of them all.

Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice wearing their Philip Treacy outrageous hats.