TEEPEE | bringing thailand to the philippines

I have to admit I'm having a hard time incorporating blogging into my system again. Kasi naman, may hiatus pang nalalaman. Hehe! But I have high hopes I'd get my rhythm back. Else, I would have to quit altogether. I know, me and my unconventional issues. 

I digress. I've mentioned Teepee already, right? Tonight, I'm bound to talk, erhm, write about it in detail. Here we go. :)

TEEPEE, WHAT?  So my brainchild, Teepee, is an online shop that carries bohemian bags imported all the way from Thailand. We {I really should say "I" because it's just me, myself and I working on Teepee but I find it odd to use "I" when talking about the biz sooo..} started with the embroidered ones but we'd love to offer vintage and patchworks too. Also, those with faux coins, beads and lotsa pompoms -- the more offbeat, the better. And then from bags, who knows we might bring in clothes and accessories too. Hmm.

The first three photos I took.

IN STOCK
Item Name: Tote Bag - Rose
Item Code: TB - RS
Description: Fully Embroidered, Pompom Straps,
Zipper Closure, Inner Zippered Pocket
Size: 13" x 14"
Price: P1395 (free shipping)

IN STOCK
Item Name: Crossbody Bag - Gold Bird
Item Code: CB - GD
Description: Fully Embroidered, Pompom Strap,
Zipper Closure, Inner Zippered Pocket
Size: 14" x 7"
Price: P850 (free shipping)

OUT OF STOCK
Item Name: Wallet - Sky
Item Code: WL - SK
Description: Fully Embroidered, Pompom Pull Zipper
Inner Zippered Pocket
Size: 7.5" x 4"
Price: P1195 (free shipping)

 

SO WHY TEEPEE?  It was once "No Biggie" but I was forced to rebrand -- and make new accounts, goodness -- after an unfortunate incident happened. After all, from preloved stuff I slowly shifted to selling boho bags. Going back to the question, why Teepee? Drum roll please! *badumtshhh* Simple! Because our bags are made in Thailand and imported to the Philippines. Thailand-Philippines. TP. Teepee. You got the emphasis? Hahaha! I honestly find it witty although some might disagree. Good thing it's my business -- MY BUSINESS. Haha! Kidding. :P

Teepee x Paradigma
Patricia Prieto
 Love is for Everyone

IN STOCK
Item Name: Crossbody Bag - Gold Bird
Item Code: CB - GD
Description: Fully Embroidered, Pompom Strap,
Zipper Closure, Inner Zippered Pocket
Size: 14" x 7"
Price: P850 (free shipping)

Polo & Joggers

IN STOCK
Item Name: Crossbody Bag (Rectangle) - Blue Flower
Item Code: CBR - BF
Description: Fully Embroidered, Pompom Strap,
Zipper Closure, Inner Zippered Pocket
Size: 11" x 7"
Price: P850 (free shipping)

Sent this tote her way too.

IN STOCK
Item Name: Tote Bag (Large) - Multi Bird
Item Code: TBLP - MUB
Description: Fully Embroidered, Pompom Straps
Zipper Closure, Inner Zippered Pocket
Size: 19" x 12"
Price: P1650 (free shipping)

*also available in sling bag

ESTABLISHED WHEN?  No Biggie excluded, Teepee was established December of last year. 2015-ish actually 'cause I worked on it during the holiday season. It's funny how having a business was a goal of 2012 {so three year ago. yuck!} and just when I almost forgot about it, I chanced upon the website of my supplier in Thailand. See? The universe has wonderful surprises sometimes. Yes, even for the lazy butts. *cough*

Teepee x Boho & Vintage Huntress
Lyndsay Picardal

 Of Hues and Patterns

IN STOCK
Item Name: Tote Bag - Rose
Item Code: TB - RS
Description: Fully Embroidered, Pompom Straps,
Zipper Closure, Inner Zippered Pocket
Size: 13" x 14"
Price: P1395 (free shipping)

Summer Mood

IN STOCK
Item Name: Crossbody Bag - Gold Star
Item Code: CB - GS
Description: Fully Embroidered, Pompom Strap,
Zipper Closure, Inner Zippered Pocket
Size: 14" x 7"
Price: P850 (free shipping)

WHERE IS TEEPEE NOW? Things are still slow for the biz right now 'cause I started with the mindset "nothing serious". Oops! But heyy, I'm blogging about it right at this very moment and this could mean I'm taking it a little more seriously now. Although, I'm not oblivious to the fact that anything boho is difficult to market thus, no grand expectations. Just a temporary bread and butter 'til my work ban gets lifted. DON'T ASK. I'd love to remain a mystery. Hahaha! Hints are scattered throughout this blog though. Ang papansin ko minsan. HAHAHA!

Teepee x 365 Stories to Tell

Lexie Puzon

Weekend Vibes

OUT OF STOCK
Item Name: Crossbody Bag (Rectangle) - White Flower
Item Code: CBR - WF
Description: Fully Embroidered, Pompom Strap,
Zipper Closure, Inner Zippered Pocket
Size: 11" x 7"
Price: P850 (free shipping)

OUT OF STOCK
Item Name: Tote Bag (Large) - Orange Flower
Item Code: TBLC - OF
Description: Fully Embroidered, Cloth Straps,
Zipper Closure, Inner Zippered Pocket
Size: 20" x 14"
Price: P1650 (free shipping)

HOW TO GET CONNECTED? You may (1) Follow us on Instagram -- @shopteepee. (2) Like us on Facebook -- https://facebook.com/shopteepee. (3) For orders and inquiries, you may vibe us at 09277010717. Again, viber only! (4) Lastly, for collabs and other concerns, that's shopteepee@gmail.com. We'll be waiting! :)

IN STOCK
Item Name: Crossbody Bag - Pink Rabbit
Item Code: CB - PIR
Description: Fully Embroidered, Pompom Strap
Zipper Closure, Inner Zippered Pocket
Size: 14" x 7"
Price: P850 (free shipping)

OUT OF STOCK
Item Name: Tote Bag (Large) - Orange Bird
Item Code: TBLP - OB
Description: Fully Embroidered, Pompom Straps
Zipper Closure, Inner Zippered Pocket
Size: 19" x 12"
Price: P1650 (free shipping)

 Random Summer Inspos

@offbeatcuts

By the way, the current collection is uploaded HERE. Lots of sling bags up for grabs! It's summer time, remember? And I'm telling yahh, they're perfect for your beach stash -- sunblock, tanning sprays, sunnies, phone, hotel keys, moolah. Inside your Teepee sling bag, all they go! So what are you waiting for? GO GET ONE! {OR MAKE THAT TWO?} Hahaha! :))

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boho bags up for grabs

Have you heard? I now have an online shop. Yep yep! ;) I'm still a Professional Bum Person but at least I found something new to keep myself busy with -- that explains my blogging hiatus but I know y'all understand. Right? I started selling my preloved accessories, shoes and clothes and now I'm selling brand new boho bags too! Share the excitement with me and drop by my Facebook and/or Instagram account. By the way, mode of payment is through BPI or Metrobank and I ship through Metrowide Express. And here's more: shipping can be as low as P50! Isn't it amazing? Hehehe! Add me up! Add me up! :)

Update 04.04.2015

I've rebranded to Teepee (@shopteepee) just.like.that! Detailed post about the biz HERE.

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three years in the making

September 2010, I started this blog along with my very first bucket list - 25 before 25. Number twenty of the said list says..

20. JOIN VOLUNTEER WORKS
Exactly on my mind is the likes of 'Habitat for Humanity'. I may look fragile and oh-so arte but I've always wanted to try the works of carpenters {I'm referring to those who build homes, whatever the appropriate term is}. First, I like to try painting walls. Every time our house gets repainted, i get so inggit when they paint the walls with that roller thing. Next I can think of is mixing cement. I find it fun ever since I was a kid but the parents won't allow me try. Poor me gets contented watching kuyang karpintero do it. Hmm.. and anything related to building homes I want to try {probably be a karpintero in my next life}. So to fulfill the dream I might join Hands on Manila. They have various outreach programs, from community projects, to health and nutrition, to sports and education. The sister is already a member of HOM {not active though}, she can tell me the how-to's. 

I wasn't able to finish that bucket list but I closed it anyway July the following year - dream and do update. One of the items I wasn't able to accomplish is obviously, #20. Join Volunteer Works. That and five others. 

I didn't want to give up on the six things that I missed so come 2012 I made another bucket list - 2012 goals. That consists of the leftovers and twelve new ones, total of twenty.

5. JOIN VOLUNTEER WORKS
Someday I'll be brave enough to go to a volunteer work alone. There's no one I can drag these days.

But as some of you may already know, last year is by far my ugliest year - career and health wise. Because of the drama that was my life, I was seven items short in completing my second bucket list. One of them, again, is #5. Join Volunteer Works.

I SUCK. Ikr?! But heaven must have felt pity on me already so it sent a bucket list angel in the form of JHOOV! Naks!! She literally forced me to accompany her to their company activity which is to volunteer at Villamor Air Base.

Truth be told, I said NO to her at first. To volunteer: why not?! But to mingle with strangers aka her officemates: HELL NO! Hahaha! I have inadequate social skills, if I may remind everyone. :P I tried my best to stick with my NO but my conscience kicked in. Plus, she told me we'd be taking care of kids! I rested my case that instant. 

4am of that day, Jhov woke me up. Heey, I did wake up! But I'll whisper something to you.. shhh, don't tell anyone but I slept again. :P I  was fashionably late as usual but we're lucky like that, we still caught their company van. Tapos syempre, pinamukha ko kay Jhov na hindi kami naiwan. Now who wants me for a friend? Uhmm. Guys?? Yoohoo!! Oohh, so I guess no one. *sobs*

selfies to jumpstart the day
pasensya na :P

We arrived there at around 8am. Lo and behold! The HR rep told us we didn't have pre-arranged assignments and that we'd have to look for a booth/activity center where we can help. In my head I was like, "Liaaars! You said kidss!! Where are they?!! Show me the kids and no one gets hurt." Hehe. That's how I keep my self sane. We registered at the gym instead and got in at around 11am if I'm not mistaken. Thank God for free rides around the air base, it kept us entertained the whole morning.

I was a little overwhelmed when we got in. You can't blame me, it was the first time I ever saw a warehouse for relief operations. But more than that, I was excited. Dream come true moment ko kaya yun! Bawal basig trip. :P  We were already briefed outside but we were given few more reminders before we started. (1) Wrap your feet with plastic bags, you'll be stepping on the pile of rice grains that's why. (2) Six scoops of rice when using the small dipper, or 3 when using the bigger dippers. (3) Tie the plastic bag. (4) Put the tied plastic bag in another open plastic bag. Easy peasy!

glimpse of our area

Here's a side note: I've always believed in the saying, "Do it passion or don't do it all." It's just so true. I really can't see the point of doing something without even trying to be good at it. For crying out loud, there are too many mediocre things in life already.

And with that, I'm pretty sure what I did that day was far from being mediocre. Jhov and I even got special attention from the other workers because of how efficient we were. One guy would throw us plastic bags from time to time, another would open sack after sack intended just for me and Jhov. I even heard someone joke around na may kinikilingan daw. I'd like to believe that was because of our hardwork more than our charm. Pero syempre factor pa rin ang charm. Hehehe. ✌

 

 

Late lunch followed past 1pm then we freshened up to transfer to the day care. I wasn't expecting much from the next activity cause we already saw the day care when we roamed around earlier that day. There weren't much kids. True to my expectation, the number of volunteers that were already inside the booth was more than enough. We were asked to sort clothes instead but we had to wait until they're able to setup the tent. 

this is how vain people wait :P

The sorting part was rather funny. There were underwears, rotten clothes, stained ones, among others. We finished a good number of sacks and boxes considering we only had less than an hour to do so. We left them labelled as adult-tops, adult-bottoms, kids and rejects. The last one gave us a good laugh 'cause we weren't even told to separate them, hindi lang talaga namin ma-take how ugly the other clothes are. Which brings me to another point, we donate clothes not to merely dispose of our old stuff, we donate clothes so that the people on the receiving end can actually have something to use. Good judgment goes a long way. ;) 

We're done by around 4pm but Jhov and I extended the afternoon with a short stint in her office plus dinner at KFC. This is entirely irrelevant to the topic of volunteering but I'm obsessed with their cheezy bacon fest rice bowl.  Like really obsessed, I'm salivating right now. 

 

via
uuyyy, magccraaavvee na yaaaan

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mt.pinatubo: itinerary, expenses and a link loving ♥

Here's our Mt. Pinatubo Itinerary and Expenses as promised. Please note that aside from the 888-peso deal we got from Nature Trip Travel and Tours through Metrodeal, we also availed of their van rentals for 700/pax, minimum of 10 people.  We had to deposit half of the total amount (P3500) for reservation.

itinerary from Nature Trip

Lastly, click on the link below for my Pinatubo disaster stories. :P

mt.pinatubo: a worthy disaster

Nature Trip Travel Tours

naturetriptravelandtours@yahoo.com

0922-890-6380/ 0917-883-6363

0928-505-0764/ 455-4248

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mt. pinatubo: a worthy disaster

Hiyaaa! Just got back from Ilocos. I have tons of photos to upload and stories to tell but let me continue first where I left off.. with our Pinatubo Trip!

I made it a goal last year to trek Mt. Pinatubo and see its majestic crater; but as you all know my 2012 was crazier than crazy {not saying it's completely bad, ha :P}. I decided not to give up on last year's dreams so I PUSHED for this trip. Emphasis on push 'cause I really got stressed, annoyed and pissed before, during and after the trip! Hahaha! I am not exaggerating, it was that bad!

It all started when I saw Metrodeal's Pinatubo Day Tour for P888 inclusive of  breakfast, 4x4 ride and tour coordinator. I immediately created a group conversation with my college friends {plus two former officemates} on Facebook. Only 8 confirmed but we had to buy 10 because it's in the fine print that every weekdays and Sundays, group of  5 persons is required per booking. Our target date was a Sunday. I shouldered the expenses first with one's promise that he'll help me fill the remaining slots. So far so good.

Then the expected happened. Yep yep, I said expected 'cause all the while I had a premonition that one of them will back out. See, I know my friends that well. On the brighter side, Jun  was able to tag along 3 people {a former classmate who is closer to him, a friend and a friend of the friend :P} so at that point, we're back to 10 in the group. Okay na naman ang lola nyo.

We were all set for March 10 only to find out that there was a landslide along Pinatubo's trail and all tour schedules until the 15th were cancelled. Nakakapikon. I had to communicate with everyone again just to find out our next common free day. We all agreed for April 7. It was a long wait made even worse by the fact that I haven't gotten back my money.

Few days prior to our new trip schedule, the friend who happened to promise he'll help me with things backed out. Of all people, dba? Imagine the horror! I find his reason lame so we had a little argument. Jun saved the day again by tagging along a friend of his friend's friend. True story. 

April 7 then came but Sheena was nowhere to be found. Our call time was 3 am and meeting place was McDo, Quezon Ave. We had to leave the place without her because we can't reach her - I am guessing her phone was in airplane mode at that time. :P We only got a text message at around 11 am telling us that she fell asleep. Oh joy!

Btw, our van service was from Nature Trip and Travel Tours also, the owner of the deal that we got from Metrodeal. It's priced for P700 each. They also offered lunch for P100 but we declined. You can reach them at these numbers: 

0922-890-6380/ 0917-883-6363/ 0928-505-0764/ 455-4248 or through 

naturetriptravelandtours@yahoo.com.

I can't remember the exact time we arrived at but most likely around 6 am as expected in our itinerary. We were served hotdogs, egg and rice for breakfast. And take note, hilaw yung kanin. It's as if the bad vibes given by  some irresponsible people around weren't enough. Haaay.

After breakfast, we signed waivers and paid the miscellaneous fees - P300 conservation fee, P100 DOT tour guide and P150 entrance fee for a total of P550 each. We still had to pay for 10 pax even though we were only 9 in the group 'cause that's what we committed prior to the trip.

early morning shots

tourism office, restroom and cafeteria at Sta. Juliana

The fun part started with the 4x4 ride. We were divided into two groups 'cause the 4x4 can only accommodate up to 5 people. I was with my sister, Jhov and kuya in one 4x4 while Dwin, Jun and his friends shared another 4x4. Our group was so energetic we kept on singing and fooling around with whatever catches our attention. We also played race with the other 4x4's. Good thing our driver and guide were both game. Ang saya lang!

We stopped by a vast open area for photo ops. We also saw Aetas selling bananas, chips and biscuits. We bought some bananas for the sole reason of helping.

the aetas ♥

our group's photo op with the big rock

Our next stop was where our 4x4 left us to start trekking. I missed trekking so bad that when our driver gave us options where to drop us off, I chose the longer walk. I cannot even wait to leave our ride!

all nine of us

and then the trekking began..

last three photos are Biege's photography

After ten minutes or so, we reached Crow Valley. It is the default drop-off point of the 4x4's {unless like me, you want to walk longer}. It was our opportunity to use the restroom and squeeze in some rest.

chillin' for a while

Few steps from where we rested is this famous signage. A Pinatubo trip is never without a photo of this. I should know, I've seen many blogs. Although what's written on it should not be believed in. It took us around 30 minutes to reach the crater. I honestly do not get the purpose.

the famous signage

Unlike the 4x4's trail which is a vast field of lahar, the trail after Crow Valley is more of a lush terrain. It has a lot of trees which provided us shade and made the trek more bearable. It has a lot of streams too but they had rocks where we stepped on. I made it a point not to get my sandals wet. I succeed. :P

lush terrain this time

Finally, we reached the crater. I was in awe with its beautiful turquoise hue. I must say it's worth all the stress I put myself into. Although I expected that I'll be marveling at something beautiful, it's entirely different when you finally see it up-close.

 

photos grabbed from Jhov

Few minutes after we reached the crater, we prepared for lunch. I didn't expect that there are some sort of cottages at the peak. Our guide helped us find a spot because there were a lot of guests at that time. Hello, it's summer!! By the way, we took out our lunch from the same cafeteria where we ate our breakfast. It's no longer part of the package and we had to pay for P100 for a grilled pork and rice meal. It's not good either but not as bad as our breakfast.

our spot for lunch

Here's another unfortunate truth: Instead of the usual 1:30 PM trek down, we had to start trekking down by 12:00 PM. We were told that there was a Balikatan Exercise being held and that the road back will be closed by 1:30 PM. I honestly read about the Balikatan prior to our trip but I didn't receive any formal email from Nature Trip about it. My bad that I didn't confirm further. 

We have no other choice but to make the most out of our remaining 5 minutes or so. Picture galore!!

had to crop you kuya, sorry :P

jumpshot anytime, anywhere

thank you still, Pinatubo

On our 4x4 ride back, they were teasing me.. something like kung anong ikina-ingay papunta, sya namang tulog pagbalik. Hihi! I was asleep almost from Crow Valley to some sort of a checkpoint where all 4x4 had to stop and wait for a go-signal before proceeding. It took a while before we left but we didn't go down anymore because we were tired already. 

On our way to Manila, we capped off the day by a dinner at Chowking. We were dropped off at Quezon Ave. again where everyone parted. 

Horrible things may have happened but I have no regrets. For one, I learned my lesson.. and that is not to trust people easily. Second, despite everything, it's still a goal ticked off from my bucket list. What's not to love about that?

I'll post our itinerary and expenses next so stay tuned! Much, love. ♥

PS.

How about checking this blog out for me: Get Better In Style? Or better yet, follow. Thanksies!

 mt. pinatubo itinerary, expenses and a link loving ♥

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boracay: itinerary, expenses and some link loving ♥

I do not have much words right now 'cause I'm in a hurry. Domestic works are waiting for me. So here yah go guys,  seven freaking days in Boracay for almost P13500!! That would even be more than P20000 if I add all other miscellaneous expenses - clothes, swimsuits, cover-ups, toiletries.. Yikkeess!

 

Links, links, linkkkss!!

day 1: let's fly to boracay

day 2: banana boat and atv

day 3: got inked xD

day 4: beach boom booms

day 5: helmet diving and parasailing ♥

day 6: fishing and snorkeling

day 7: some good things never last

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day7: some good things never last

day6: fishing and snorkeling

Day 7. It was time to go home! Our flight's ETD was 12:30 pm so at around 8 am we were already taking outfit shots outside St. Vincent. Noticed my braids? Got that the previous night for P150. It felt weird at first, I felt bald! Hahaha! It's also the first time that I got to see the shape of my head. Can't thank heavens enough I only had half of my hair braided. It must have felt a lot weirder.

last outfit, goodbye boracay

While waiting for Ruel and Ken, we killed time taking photos. Mark and Dwin were the photographers. Ano ba naman bago dun? :P

As soon as we were all ready, we went to the beach for some last shots. We left Boracay at around 8:30 am. 

 

badjao and friends bidding boracay goodbye

Same as how we got there, tryc from station 2 to Cagban Port for P25, boat ride from Cagban to Caticlan Jetty Port for P125 {boat fare and terminal fee, no more environmental fee}. From Caticlan, we hired the same van for P1200 again to bring us to Kalibo airport. After 2 hours of van ride, we arrived in Kalibo airport at around 11 am. 

Since our flight was at 12:30 pm, we had lunch first at Bagobos Resto Grill. I had a sandwich and shake for P180. 

brunch at Kalibo

When we got in the airport, we found out that most flights got delayed hence it was full of people. Our flight originally scheduled at 12:30 pm got moved to 1:30 pm. Why, thank you again, Zest Air. We had a lot of airport memes, massage being on top of the list.

We were back in Manila at 2:45 pm. From the terminal, the guys walked a mile to where they can ride jeepneys. Monique and I settled for a cab to our condo in Eastwood. The taxi driver charged us P400 but we didn't mind. Pagod kame, try to understand. Hahaha! 

Back in the condo, I slept the rest of my Saturday away. :D

boracay: itinerary, expenses and some link loving ♥

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