In 2009, a certain documentary was released to finally allow ardent fans a look at the billion dollar enterprise that is American Vogue. It was called The September Issue—and it prominently featured editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, arguably the most powerful woman in the fashion industry.

If 2006's The Devil Wears Prada left viewers gossiping about how much of the plotline was grounded in reality (the author of the book it was based on, after all, was a former Vogue staffer), The September Issue shut them up all at once. While I'm sure there's plenty to fear about Wintour, the documentary also showed her less formidable, often humorous, and always insightful side. If anything, the film proved that this is a woman who's more than capable of helming a title that's perused by countless people the world over.

Since watching The September Issue, I've become hooked on getting my fill of behind-the-scenes looks at fashion institutions I admire. Every time I gaze at a spread in a magazine or marvel at the intricacies of a beautiful dress, it's almost second nature for me to wonder about the hours spent getting that particular shot or the expertise needed to have the fabric fall just so.

If you were to ask me what it’s like to write for a living, I would tell you that it doesn’t feel like work at all. It’s not just because I really enjoy being a writer; it’s because there’s usually little to no physicality involved. If I’m not attending events and conducting interviews, I’m basically in front of the computer writing, thinking, and reading.

On rare occasions, however, I do find myself doing a bit of heavy lifting. In fact, just yesterday, some members of the FN team and I were at The Peninsula Manila to shoot a series of photographs for another FN Challenge (stay tuned for that one). Unlike our first challenge, however, this required me to get physical. Leg lifts, push-ups, and crunches—you get the picture!

On board to help me with the workout is the hotel’s fitness center manager, Anthony Francis Salvador, who showed laudable patience in teaching this sedentary creature the right way to exercise.

Want to get an inside look at our shoot? Scroll through the gallery!

(All photos by Mike Dee)

2012 was a great year for me. I was able to travel locally and internationally, shoot for magazines, and get a new camera to boot. But while I had an awesome 2012, I'm planning to make 2013 a little bit better.

This year, it’s time for me to ditch bad habits. I also want to fully develop my skills as a photographer. In relation, I intend to accomplish a project that I've been working on since last year. So far, progress has been made, but I still have a long way to go. Check out my list of resolutions for 2013.

(All photos by Mike Dee)

2012 had me in a style rut. Those 366 days flew by with me pretty much wearing combinations of my staple dresses, cardigans, sweaters, and skirts. Dressing up was anything but thrilling or new—either I layered a cardigan over a dress, or I paired a cozy sweater with a skater skirt. On my feet? Flats, naturally. For someone who says she lives and breathes fashion, 2012 was, let's face it, a bit of a dud.

Which is why I'm very determined to shake things up in 2013. While I don't see myself making any drastic changes (no Miley Cyrus-like haircuts or wardrobe choices of Nicki Minaj proportions, thanks), I am looking forward to making small choices that could spell the difference between predictable and exciting. Lest you think my 2013 resolutions are 180-degree overhauls, they're definitely not. Instead, they're baby steps toward a better dressed me. Here's hoping I accomplish all of them!