Love, Carla

We all have our own body acceptance story to tell, and since what we want is for women to get inspiration from one another in this big, fat community of love, here's what Carla has to share. I'm sure, like me, you'll love her spunky attitude. Prepare to munch on her nuggets of [body] wisdom! :)

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To borrow words from Erwan Heussaff, I got to this size because of a "sedentary lifestyle." Being in a family of 10 kids, you learn to take every opportunity you get. This includes snacks, chocolates, chips and normal food. I grew up being toted to restaurant after restaurant with my dad while he took business meetings. Visiting restaurants and trying the food was part of our bonding, midnight runs to Wendy's included. He spent so much time with work that when he realized that we could accompany him, we never stopped. Until now, he and I still attend meetings together. 

As I always said while getting stuffed with yummy food, "if you die fat, at least you die happy." Or something along those lines. 

When I was younger everyone used to call me "taba," or worse, refer to me as "the fat one" and each mention still kind of stings, especially with strangers. I never let it get to me, and just ignored it. Even worse for me is when people referred to me as "cute," like a nicer and politer way of saying that you were too old to still be that fat. I still didn't let it get to me. Really. What else could I do but ignore them? I didn't want to lose my weight, I was fine! And when will I ever run into these strangers ever again anyway? 

I guess I could say that fashion kind of changed the way I looked at myself. When I started caring about how I dressed and as I developed my own style, "taba" turned to "ganda" or "sexy" and cute eventually became "fashown," which is as good a compliment as any. I guess that means that my confidence actually shows now? Now only my dad calls me "taba" as a pet name, and I love him all the more for it.

I've kind of accepted my weight, despite everyone around me being a lot thinner. Several people have told me that I would never have a boyfriend because of my size. While I have never really had a boyfriend, I shrug off the thought that it's because of my weight. Please. If a guy can't accept that this is how I look, then he's not worth my time, even if it does hurt to think so sometimes. 

I love the way I look now. I love that I have curves, I love the fact that I've got more "assets" (or "boobs that could save the world" as my friends always say) and I love being who I am. Sure I would like to lose weight, but I don't mind not losing it. My work involves going to restaurants and eating delicious things (possibly getting bigger with each day), but I gain confidence from the fact that I know who I am. I'm not just a curvy body and a pimply face. I'm a person who can sing, write and draw the pants off of anyone while giving them a sweet smile.  

I'm actually comfortable in my own skin now, and I love it!

***

Plump love,

Danah

First feature for 20-dozen!

Finally! I'm blogging! Well it's more of a photo montage of the night of our shoot for the Y-Star feature/article, "Everybody is Beautiful" by Christopher De Venecia. :) This happened two weeks ago, and the article was published on January 20, Friday. Do check it out, we're featured together with other fabulous youngsters and their take on the body topic. :)

I won't do much blogging today (because I'm lazy and I'm feeling pins and needles on my leg which makes it hard for me to focus) so I'll let all the photos handle that. ;) Our mom gave us both our own Siri/iPhone4S for Christmas that's why we have lots of photos now! We're officially Instagram freaks! YAAAAY!!! :) Follow us both @anastazcia and @danahnasmoothie. :)

On Me:

Black top Dorothy Perkins | Blazer, Skirt, & Wedges Forever 21 | Eyeglasses Greenhills

On Danah:

Sheer nude top Forever 21 | Jeans Dorothy Perkins | Heels Forever 21

Thanks to Azta Urban Salon for our hair color! As for our makeup, I did mine myself, and our mom did Danah's. Thanks, mom! :)

Because body squishing is an action of endearment where we came from :)

The happy and hard-working team behind the shoot! Danah with the stylist, the photographer, and the author of the article.

After the shoot, my sweet sister invited me to dinner at Belinni's since we haven't eaten there, and we just recently saw this restaurant featured on a random local TV show!

Sticks of bread

Forever goofy

Our waiter who can speak Italian fluently. BONGGA!

Their risotto is perfection! Creamy, al dente, and very delicious.

My favorite! Prosciutto and basil pizza ♥

Winin' and dinin' with le awesome twin sistar who paid for everything! :) Wish she did this more often! HEEHEE! :P

Free limoncello after dinner! :) Quite strong (alcoholically speaking), but very yummy. :)

The walls of the restaurant were made alive with beautiful paintings of Italy.

This is the closest I can get to riding a gondola...for now. ;)

We definitely had fun with the shoot and the dinner date! GOOD FOOD + SHOOTS are something we both love and take delight in. :) Christopher, the author of the article who introduced himself as Toffee, was really funny and comfortable to talk to. He had very interesting questions that were never even asked to us before. :) Read his article here.

Bellini's was fantastic--we got to end the night with a delicious and satisfying dinner! We loved the ambiance of the place. You know the food's authentic Italian because the owner was a legit Italian man! :) He was very hospitable and we even asked him for recommendations. He suggested the risotto with red wine, and it was superb. Can't wait to go back with our family (since they haven't eaten there) and have a feast! :) 

It was my first time to visit Cubao Expo and I liked the vibe of the place. It was flocked by hipsters and artsy-fartsy people, which made the crowd interesting. I even saw a group of jazz musicians just funkin' out on the street that night! Awesome.

I had a great night all in all. I'm so grateful for our first feature this year! :) And I'm always grateful for bonding sessions with my twin. I've been too busy with work and I missed dinner dates with her! ♥

--S

Stylishly Curvy

Alyanna is definitely one of the country's young talents when it comes to fashion styling. Among the wave of stylists that are budding right now, she has caught our eye because of her beautiful curves, and the way she exudes unbelievable sexiness and confidence. I've always loved seeing her photos because through her seeps effortless glamour and fun, creative styles. No wonder she's the official stylist of the many prominent names in the world of showbiz, because truly, Alyanna takes her career seriously, but is lucky enough to be doing the very thing she loves.

What is your size?

US 8

How old are you?

25

Who is your favorite fashion icon?

I dont really look up to one specific person but it's more of a combination of different styles of different fashion icons through the years.

Favorite store?

H&M, because they are affordable and always up to date with trends.

Favorite pieces of clothing to wear?

Dress with a blazer

What interested you in fashion and styling?

I loved to shop and read magazines so styling sorta came naturally to me.

Is it different being a full-figured stylist? If so, why?

Living in an Asian country where FREE SIZE meaning size 0 is the norm does make clothing selection a bit more difficult, that's why I love stores like H&M where they carry an array of sizes on all their items.

Have you always been curvy? How come?

Curves run in my whole family both sides. There is no one I am related to that does not have bust, hips and a butt, hahaha!

Best and worst thing about your job:

Best is that I get paid to do what I love to do; worse part is the stress and and sleepless nights that come with it.

Do you wish to see more full-figured women in the industry?

I love full figured women. They are a challenge to style. Anyone can dress and style extremely thin models but it takes creativity to dress a curvier woman :)

Please give us styling/fashion tips for curvier women :)

Accentuate your favorite parts and camouflage what you feel your flaws are.

Where do you see plus-size fashion going this year?

I hope to see curvier women on the runways and on covers of magazines to show what REAL women look like. Stick thin is actually not attractive so I don't know why people always try to attain to look that way.

Have you ever felt pressured to lose weight being in the fashion industry? Why or why not?

Hasn't everyone? Haha! Some styles do look better on certain body types but I have learned through the years to love my body and know how to dress it.

What do you do to stay in shape?

I like to eat healthy foods as much as possible. I also lead a very active lifestyle. I have a trainer at the gym, do dance classes, bikram yoga, I jog and go wakeboarding. I like to always keep moving when I can. I always believe a good sweat is the only way to really keep fit!

How do you want people to see your style?

Of course I would like to always project a certain style but I believe a good stylist can adapt and adjust to any style. Lately I like to emmulate a hot trend straight off the runway. I want to look stylish yet up to date but never conforming or copying what I see directly.

Where do you get your confidence from?

I believe confidence comes with time, experience and age. I have always been a very shy person, but through the years I have been able to get over my shyness and push forward. as long as I feel good and I look good it shows. If I am uncomfortable with whatever I am doing or wearing, no matter how much confdence you have it will show. So it is important that you are comfortable in what you are wearing. This is totally different from sacrificing comfort for style (AKA high heels), hahaha!

How important are other people’s perception of you to you?

Well being a stylist of course how people perceive me and my style is very important. A stylist is their own walking portfolio/business card. You have to dress the part in order for people to trust in you and your work. But at the end of the day, everyone will always have their own opinon and own style; what matters is that you know who you are you stick to what you believe and not bother what other people may think of you.

Message to other Plump Pinays

Be confident in your own skin. Know that having curves is actually a plus! Learn to camouflage your flaws and accentuate your assets.

To have Alyanna accept our request to be featured in our blog is such a privilege!!! :) She's such a sweetheart. I will always be a fan. From the bottom of my potbelly, I thank you, Alyanna. Keep showing the world that curvy girls have a niche in the fashion world, and that we too, can carry looks straight off the runway! :)

Plump ♥,

Danah

Sweet KistyKreme!

A few weeks back, we received an email from a fellow blogger, asking if she could feature us (what's funny is we're schoolmates, yet we've never seen each other face to face). So of course, with pure delight, we agreed. :) Anyone who believes in our propaganda who wants an interview will hear a big YES from us!

Kisty is one of the top photobloggers in tumblr. She's ranked 13th in the hundreds of photoblogs, and her blog's been visited over 300,000++ times. She's a freelance web developer, a full-time blogger, a a photography enthusiast.

We had so much fun doing the interview! Specially the part wherein we shared random facts about ourselves, since it was the first time someone asked us that. Thanks again, Kisty! :)

Check out Kisty's blog, The Girl on Fire. To read the full interview, click here.

Plump love,

Danah

Dream BIG!

We are so grateful we're on the glossy pages of the first release of Candy magazine this 2011! It's so timely that our blog's year starts with a Dream BIG feature (#37 and #39). It so elating to know that our dreams can be shared with other wonderful people (who support us too!).

Hallelu-yay for DREAMING BIG! And of course, we wouldn't even be on this journey without YOU. Yes, you, beautiful you. :)

We would like to personally thank Isa Garcia for this awesome interview. And for being a rockin' plump Pinay herself! ;)

#37: TURN THE NEGATIVE INTO SOMETHING POSITIVE. College students Stacy and Danah Gutierrez, 19, are two of the country's most dedicated Love Your Body propagandists. After battling with their own personal weight issues, which resulted in Stacy's hospitalization for bulimia, the twin sisters decided it was time to reach out and promote body-awareness to a society that condemned full-figured girls. They began their blog, www.theplumpinay.com, one year ago and have since inspired hundreds of readers from all over the world.

#39: HAVE FAITH. "WHEN GOD GIVES YOU DREAMS, HE WILL GIVE YOU OPPORTUNITIES TO ACHIEVE IT."

“Keep your dreams alive. Understand to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination, and dedication. Remember all things are possible for those who believe.”

What are your BIG dreams this 2011? Do share! :)

Plump love,

Danah

Plump Pinay Pride!

We had the honor to be followed and supported by the first Filipina plus-size model we have ever known! I first heard about Jhoana Acosta from my make up artist friend, since she knows we're into plus-size fashion and models. I was blabbing about how there are no big models in the country, when there is such a huge market for them. Quickly, she mentioned her professor, who is also a model, and that was when I became completely amazed. Beauty and brains, Jhoana has worked for numerous TVCs and is currently the Vice Chair / Professor of the Marketing Management Department, College of Business at De La Salle University, Manila.

I'ma cut the blabbing and let you do the reading. Plumpies, be inspired as you get to know our vavavoom special feature.

***

What is your size?

I am a happy size 18.

Favorite store?

I love shopping at Dorothy Perkins, Marks and Spencer, and Aparador by Gretchen Castro.

Favorite pieces of clothing to wear? My favorite picks are skinny or straight cut jeans to create a silhouette, symmetrical cut tops, soft and draping cover-ups paired with a stylish peep-toe-open heel platforms or comfortable ballet flats.

How do you want people to see your style? The plus size market was once an ignored segment. Hefty-sized women resort to shopping at the men’s section or forced to wear unstylish and often times matronly alternatives. With the rise of what was once a niche market, plus size stores catered to the unmet needs of rubenesque women and provided clothes with extensive sizes meant for the special sized market. The way I wish for people to see my style is more of described as “confident and comfortable”. It is for the regular-sized counterparts to appreciate that plus sized women can sport the latest fashion trends with style, confidence and good taste.

Where do you get your confidence from?

I once dreamed of being a model. But, I knew that it was far from happening since models must conform with symmetry and appealing to the eyes of the discriminating public. Until a rare opportunity presented itself, a plus size clothing brand is in search of a new image model. With pure guts and a pocketful of dreams, among hundreds of applicants who joined the search, I was picked. It was the day I showed the world that “I am big. I am great. I am beautiful and I am loving it”. Those were the winning answers I gave during the model search’s Q&A. Since then, things changed for me. I looked at the physical differences on a broader spectrum, that sizes must not limit you from reaching the dream and it doesn't make you any less to anybody. I am blessed with a family that believes in me and supports my dreams, they are the ultimate source of both inspiration and confidence.

How important are other people’s perception of you to you? My simple take on this is: we give others the means to treat us. What we wear and how we wear creates an impression to others. It is inevitable that some will always have something to say, but just as long as you feel great about yourself, that’s what matters.

Has your weight/size been an issue in your profession (as an educator)? Or was there ever a moment you were put down in your profession because of your size?

My weight was never an issue in the profession. I am blessed to educate minds, touch hearts and change lives of students who, without judgement, love me the way I am. I haven't experienced any sad or dissapointing instance where my weight was an issue. Thank God for that.

Are you into fitness? Were you always a plump girl?
I try to manage and lose weight for health reasons and hit the gym as much as I can. I jog and lift weights, endorphins give a natural high.

I was not born plump, I started becoming voluptuous in puberty and when I practiced being a chef before. So, I know how it feels being regular-sized. I have no regrets about the weight issues as I see it as a blessing. There is more to love and big arms are meant to hug as much friends as it could possbily can.

What products have you endorsed/modeled for?
I modelled for Moda Plus Size clothing for 6 years.
I am a TV Commecial Model and appeared on the following TVCs:
*UNILAB
*Liveraide
*Petron
*BPI
*Chowking: Emperor's Beef Noodle
*Mitsubishi Adventure

Was there ever a time an agency or person discriminated you or made you feel bad while auditioning, and it obviously because of your weight?
Were you always bold and confident when auditioning or trying out for castings? If no, how did you overcome the "fear"?

Things do not happen to my favor all the time. I had my fair share of rejections during VTRs, etiher I am not fit for the role or just not the one that they are looking for. It was similar to the jobs that I have tried applying for when I was a fresh graduate. I tried applying for a Front Desk Officer for hotels, I usually end up rejected outright because what they are looking for are those with good looks matched with proportionate symmetry--meaning slender. It did break my heart but, it taught me to be tougher each time. To be a sport in the face of rejection or denial. So, I said to myself, that one day I'll prove to the rest of the world that I am different and I shall be admired for it. I have a pocketful of dreams, whenever I try my luck for a project and subject to a VTR I make sure I give my best. I live with no regrets and try to achieve.

Message to other Plump Pinays: Always see your self as a unique individual. Never let a good spirit down. Appreciate your self and what you are most capable of. Beauty is not always equivalent to a perfectly proportioned body. Remember big is beautiful and we are with our weight in gold =)

*****

Saying Jhoana is ASTONISHING would be an understatement. So proud of you, girl! Keep showing the world that big girls can be excellent in whatever field they take, and that they can definitely break the stereotypes of modeling. I hope you get more projects and breakthrough magazine covers! Thank you for supporting our advocacy and embodying it. :)

Plump love,

Danah

ADVANCE BLOGOVERSARY GIFT FROM OAP!

I woke up to the sound of my mother's ecstatic voice and the heat of the laptop on my tummy. As I wiped the sleep off my eyes, I heard my mom blab about Anton Diaz, and that our blog made it onto his 8 Most Admired Filipina Bloggers' list. I just came home that morning at 4:30 (KTV is indeed addictive), and what she just blurted didn't even make sense to me yet. After saying it the second time around (and this time, slower), it finally sank in. But still, I couldn't believe what I just heard. I gave her an are-you-serious/shocked stare, and she turned the laptop screen for me to see. AND YES!!! SHE WAS DEAD SERIOUS!

***

"Stacy and Danah are very brave to introduce the first Fat Appreciation blog in the Philippines. I admire their advocacy of loving your body NOW and to eradicate the annoying insult that comes with the word FAT when it's only an adjective."

IT'S SUCH A GREAT REASON TO BE DISTURBED FROM MY SLEEP!!! This is truly a privilege for Stacy and me. To be included in this list is another great milestone for this blog, and we're just truly grateful for Anton Diaz and his support.

Of course I just had to share the big news to everyone, since Our Awesome Planet is one of the most famous blogs in the country. I'm so happy with the warm responses of the people who shared my joy with me!

Check out Anton's blog to see the complete list, and perhaps a glimpse of what's hot in the food industry around the metro. :)

I am so excited for our blogoversary! Hang on, we've got so many awesome posts in store for YOU!

Plump love,

Danah :)

A Random Useless Award and High Lights

Apologies, since we have been away from blogging for quite some time now. We've been busy reconnecting with old friends and making new ones. :)

I am happy to announce that our sem break is being maximized! I know because I don't have any sense of date/time anymore, and every day all I need to think of is how to spend another brand a new day. :)

Anyway, here's what's been going on in my life:

Last week, I went to a three-day Christian retreat and it was a refreshing experience. I met and made new friends, rekindled my relationship with Him and got to be still and reflect about myself and the life I live. :) On our last night (which was the special night), I had so much fun! They set up the function hall with balloons while the house band played funky music. Then they award the winners of the games that we played the previous days. I got the best dressed award! (BTW, Danah's really jealous of me since she has always been more into fashion but the award went out to me. HAHAHA! KIDDING! :D) It was really a random award, truth of the matter is, the awarding committee just ran out of special awards to give away so they ended up making a spontaneous decision to make a Best Dressed Award (how pathetic, right?). :)) Since then my girl friends at the camp kept on theorizing that it was because of my "maong-maong combo" because I was always in denim shorts and a denim jacket. HAHAHA!

OoTD: This is what I wore on the way to the camp in Laguna. :)

Polo Kasheica UK Flag purse Hong Kong Shades SM Mega Mall Dept. Store

Shorts (yes, I was wearing something underneath) F21 Slippers Old Navy

After my Zoolander moment; With Glo and Angel who also got awards!

(L-R: Danah, Angel, Me) The Winning Outfit of the Day: This is what I wore when I received The Best Dressed Award (because it's a prestigious award. HEH)

Tank Top F21 Denim Polo Topshop Shorts F21 Eyeglasses Raybans

I got blonde high lights! I actually wanted to bleach my entire scalp but my mom won't let me (YET! A little more persuasion and I know she'll get tired of me and say yes!). :( I guess this is the closest I can get to having blonde hair-- for now. ;) Since I got a job as Azta Salon's Project Coordinator, I get to avail some of their awesome services for FREE! It was my first time to get high lights I'm glad how it turned out! :) Azta is definitely an expert in hair coloring. I recommend it! :)

Food has been a major bonding ingredient between me and my food-tripper friends this break. I've gained so much weight but I am really happy because I enjoyed every moment bonding and eating with the people I like. :)

Dinner at the best resto in Lucena: Mug Cafe. Their desserts and squid sisig are worth going back for!

Lunch by the beach :)

Cocktail by the pool B)

Our dinner at Pueblo por la Playa, a Mexican themed beach resort in Quezon. The food was surprisingly good. :)

I already saw and read our cover photo and articles for next month's (November) issue of Chalk magazine! I am just so happy and thankful for the wonderful opportunities that my sister and I are being given to talk about fat acceptance and body love! :)

We'll be featured in two more magazines, Candy and One Voice. I'm not sure when it will be out but I know it's SOON, so please watch out for it. :) THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE LOVE AND SUPPORT. Continue spreading the body love! :)

Keep loving you and your sexy body,

Stacy