Saturday, December 31, 2011

2011, A Year Of Friendship

Friendship. Such a fragile word for me. I have always been so sensitive when it comes to friendship for all relationships should be founded by this. In my life, I have built a wonderful, unyielding friendship with my family. Then here comes an affectionate friendship we foster with our partners, our significant others. And lastly, the basic friendship we develop with our circles, our friends--the family we have chosen. Therefore, friendship is love. We can never say we love these people until we establish the kind of friendship we have with them.

My 2011 took me to a roller coaster ride. I've touched the clouds, felt the ground, floated in the midair, twisted me into the loops and oops of life but in the end, my safety belt buckled up by people who love me faithfully kept me alive. I almost gave up, but I was secured by the kinds of friendship I just defined. And just like any other rides, roller coaster rides come to an end. It stops on the right time. And it's up to you if you're willing to take risks and want to ride again.

If I were to answer my own question, yes, I want to ride again. There must be some views I missed because I'm too scared so I closed my eyes. Who knows, I might be braver this time.

Friendship rekindled, friendship rediscovered. New-found friendship, friendship wiped out. Best friendship remains. Welcome to my 2011.

It's quite challenging for me to post this year-ender blog. First, I don't know how to start and second, I have a lot of things to note I don't know which to prioritize. I don't want to call this the best of my 2011 because clearly, I share even my saddest emotions. Let's just go with the flow. But nonetheless, this is also my way of saying THANK YOU.

 I've been to a beautiful island called Guimaras.
This 2011, I turned a year old in the good hands of TV5.
Rachel and I have finally patched things up.
We also celebrated Mom and Dad's 30th wedding anniversary this year.
I watched Justin Bieber's concert without dropping a Hamilton.
And this year, I finally step a foot on SoFA.
I got to see the NBA superstars like Kobe Bryant and Derrick Rose in real life for free and Kobe was this close to me.
My dream of becoming a fashion stylist happened in collaboration with my favorite online brands Royal Kouture, MARiS and Loca Trends.
For the first time in my life, I went to Puerto Galera and braved the strong winds and waves on our way there.
Also, Resorts World Manila brought my forever favorite The Sound Of Music. I can't describe the feeling!
2011 is really a year of firsts. My college friend Kim tied the knot with her long time boyfriend, Mon. She became my first girl friend who walked down the aisle.
Another first is my first beach trip with my high school best friends Mika, Maro and Ailyn. We went to Boracay in one, two, three, four days!

I went to places I've never been, met new people and called them good friends.

Two of the best highlights of my 2011 is my 23rd birthday. I threw a party and asked my guests to wear something with animal prints on it. Truly, they made the night I turned 23 memorable. Turning another year older is always wonderful, just like when Paolo and I turned seven.

So many things to be thankful for! I can't even enumerate all so if I missed something, it doesn't mean I forgot you. I'm just too clouded on what to prepare tonight and I'm not feeling well.

But here's a special shout out. My 2011 is dedicated to all my friends. It's a year of friendship and I look forward to spend the same, best times with these people who love me unconditionally without judging me, without asking for anything in return. They know who they are. :)

Cheers to 2011 and 2012!

♥,

Friday, December 23, 2011

Krismas Mas Mas Masaya!


I may not be able to update my blog until Christmas (but I promise to at least try) so I'm wishing you a merry, more blessed Christmas!

♥,

Monday, December 19, 2011

Christmas With Christ

A week before Christmas, the southern part of our country was hit by a tropical storm named Sendong. It took away 600 (and counting) lives of our fellowmen particularly in Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, Bukidnon, Compostela Valley, Negros Oriental, Zamboanga del Norte and Surigao del Sur.

It tears my heart to see them suffer when in fact, they should be merry and ready to celebrate the coming of Christ. It's going to be traumatic to most of the people there, compared to us here who are blessed enough to be alive today, preparing our presents and receiving gifts from people, enjoying our everyday existence, attending parties and busy planning what to wear and cook on the eve of Christmas day.

From the amount of rainfall to signal warnings, lack of evacuation plans and local government preparation to illegal logging (which they said primarily caused the flash flood), no one should be blamed alone. We are all held responsible for this. Christmas or not, this tragedy pinches us right at the bottom of our hearts. I also grieve for those who survived the catastrophe but mourn the loss of their loved ones.

My subscription to a free daily devotion called God’s Minute sent me a very striking message a day ago. This perfectly fits those who are suffering from the loss of a loved one this Christmas. If not, the message encourages the subscribers to forward this piece to those in distress.

"My First Christmas In Heaven"

  I see the countless Christmas trees around the world below
  With tiny lights, like Heaven's stars, reflecting on the snow
  The sight is so spectacular, please wipe away the tear
  For I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

 I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear
  But the sounds of music can't compare with the Christmas
  choir up here.  I have no words to tell you, the joy their voices
  bring.  For it is beyond description, to hear the angels sing.

  I know how much you miss me, I see the pain inside your heart
  But I am not so far away, We really aren't apart.
  So be happy for me, dear ones, You know I hold you dear.
  And be glad I'm spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

  I sent you each a special gift, from my heavenly home above.
  I sent you each a memory of my undying love.
  After all, love is a gift more precious than pure gold.
  It was always most important in the stories Jesus told.

  Please love and keep each other, as my Father said to do.
  For I can't count the blessing or love he has for each of you.
  So have a Merry Christmas and wipe away that tear
  Remember, I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ
  this year.
                                                                   Author Unknown

I just read this today because I was not able to check my email this past weekend and upon reading it this morning, I found myself crying. I pray for those who are burdened, those who are battling with courage that they may be able to see the light.

“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, not crying, neither shall there be any pain: for the former things are passed away.” (Revelations 21:4)



P.S.: I recommend that you subscribe to God's Minute, too! It's free, click here to subscribe.

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Power Cuffed Girl

Hi readers! This is a quick post on what made my day today (we all have our shallow sides)!

I had no idea that cuffed pants are so back in the season until I read an email message from Who What Wear this morning. I rarely wear pants these days because I'm running out of new and nice tops so most of the time, I wear dresses. Just to show you what I'm wearing as of the moment:

Sorrehhh for this lame photo!

And then I saw this in my mailbox--


Farrah jeans from Buffalo David Bitton.

I preferred wearing flats but cuffed pants can be worn with almost any kind of shoes!

I roll with Ashley, Rihanna, Rachel, etc! Roll your eyes if you disagree, give me a drum roll if you're with me. #corny Again, sorry for posting lame and grainy photos. I really have to learn taking outfit shots (and I need someone to patiently take photos for me). We'll soon be there!

♥,

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

To Those Asking

It's twelve days before Christmas but I haven't crossed out anything on my Christmas gift list yet. I'm sort of intrigued why such thing is happening because if I'm not mistaken, as early as December 5 last year, there are already wrapped presents under our tree. I promise to get this thing done this weekend, though. I'm almost late for Christmas!

Looking on the bright side, I have received questions on what I want to receive this Christmas. Yes naman!!! :) So for the benefit of doubt (or those in doubt, hahaha), I'm HEREBY listing some of the things I want to get this Christmas. And for the first time in my life, I wish my parents will be able to read this post


1. A simple tote. No brand required, I take even the cheapest ones as long as it can carry all my stuff around. Any color will do, too but if you still want to know which color I prefer the most, brown.

2. Shu Uemura eyelash curler. Please don't ask me why but for me, this is the best eyelash curler in the world! I haven't moved on from my stolen SU eyelash curler in Baguio until now.

3. Anything animal-printed and Hello Kitty. A-N-Y-T-H-I-N-G.

 
4. Flats shoes. I love heels but I love flat shoes even more. They're so comfortable, very chic and we can never go wrong with a pair of flats. Good thing my work doesn't require me to be in heels so I welcome these kinds of babies! And heels, if you still insist! :) (P.S.: Size 8/38)

5. Makeup brushes. Please help me complete my kit! I adore makeup brushes, synthetic or natural hair brush, I would appreciate.

6. Shining, shimmering! Any clothing that will make me shine and sparkle even more. Hoho! But seriously, I'm in love with these gleaming and glistening drama.

7. Blazers. I love topping off any outfits with blazers to complete a corporate yet super fashionable feel. Tip: Items from ukay-ukay/thrift stores are accepted.

8. Clear storage boxes. I have a penchant for transparent cubes of all sizes which allow me to store anything. And they make my life easier, no need to play hide-and-seek with things I'm looking for.

9. Makeups and more makeups. A cosmetic addict like me can never have enough lipsticks and eyeshadow palettes but as of the moment, I need concealer and eyeliners. No brand required. :)

There you go! Please be my Santa, dears! In the end, you will still be the judge. I accept anything even if what you're planning to give is not listed here. It will always be the thought that counts. Plus!!! If I wouldn't be able to receive all of these, I'll do anything to have these by myself. Remember, Gossip Girl said, "If you want something badly enough, you have to go out and get it yourself."

♥,

Monday, December 12, 2011

A Little Girl's Game

I'm a proud wanderlust but there are moments I want to cancel all my plans and just stay at home, read a book, spend time in my room alone or do nothing at all. It's not about being lazy, but I guess this is normal especially to those who love going out and hanging out with friends and loved ones. My body deserves a break, I must say and I bet everyone agrees. The weather is also a factor why I chose to stay in this past weekend. I cancelled my Christmas shopping plan last Saturday and ditched the picnic plan in Tagaytay with my cousins yesterday (they went without me hahaha I'm not that special, FYI). So I bonded with my Mom, went to the spa with my Dad last night and treated him for a massage...  but before that, I found the chance to try the new eyeshadow palette I got from e.l.f. last Wednesday.

I tried to apply the smokey eye effect on me for the second time and I guess it's quite successful. Kudos to Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual book! It's very useful even for beginners like me. The instructions given are not difficult to understand. But I was such a loser for failing to get decent photos of myself due to bad lighting, camera shaking and reasonssss. I tried using my camera and my phone but all photos are still lame. The best ones I can show you are from my Photo Booth. Heee at least I have some to show you! :)

It's good for a starter like me! I claim it!

I have to work on my brows, though.

 
 
Wind effect!

 
 
Reasons of my desires.

 
Emooooote!

My eyes are really not noticeable unless you see it for real. Maybe next time I'll ask a good photographer to do me a favor and take good photos for me in a nice lighting spot. And oh, if you're wondering why I made A Little Girl's Game a title, it's because I felt like a little girl drooling over her Mom's makeup collection, put its shimmer onto her face, in her Hello Kitty shirt.

Have a great Monday morning and have a happy week ahead! :)

♥,

Friday, December 09, 2011

Manila Kingpin and Purple Eyes

I love hiphop and I love Filipino hiphop even more. I support Filipino artists who want to make it clear that hiphop isn't about being gangstahhh and big shirts. Hiphop is music, it's an interpretation of what our beliefs are, an expression of our desires, feelings and more. Mike Swift is one of these Filipino artists who believe that "hiphop sa Pinas ay hindi magwawakas." He also supports our favorite Flip Top and has done working with the Master Rapper, the late Francis Magalona.

Anywaaaay, last night we attended a hiphop night hosted by the Konektado superstars Mike Swift and J-Hon. It's a party to support an entry to the 2011 Metro Manila Film Festival, Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story and Mike invited us to meet the other Filipino hiphop artists like Mike Kosa, Jonan Aguilar, Quest and Fliptop idols Loonie and Abra and more.


Paolo's bestfriend-slash-other-man, Allan, joined us so I begged the latter's girlfriend to join us. Otherwise, I'll be the third wheel! Cha couldn't say no to us despite the late notice (we left at around 10:30 PM) and I missed her crazily I told her it's the perfect time for us to have a double date.

We were all having a good night when we noticed that Paolo left his camera in the car. It was raining hard last night and we parked somewhere beside Kyss so we couldn't go back anymore to get it. I hate using my iPhone's camera especially when I have no choice but to use its flash because it gives the photo a poor quality. But as I've said... I have no choice! I had to edit the photos using an app to make it look better.

With Cha ♥

Don't we all look good with purple eyes? Elizabeth Taylor (RIP) must be really beautiful in real life! Blaaaah... I filtered the rest of the photos in a 1960 effect to match it with Asiong Salonga! I figured out that purple eyes don't look good at men. Take a look at this --

Bang!

1960 filter is better hahaha!

Allan and Cha/Mutya/Jonah!

Mike and his purple eyes, too!

Photo finale: The only photo I did not edit. Hahaha! They liked it this way.

We left at around 2 AM because of work, but nonetheless, the four of us enjoyed the night together. Can’t wait for our Christmas party with all our other couple friends RJ-Leslie, Jeff-Jen, Dianne-Christian, May-Ken etc.

And lastly, aside from Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow, let’s support Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story starring Jeorge Estregan, Jr. and Carla Abellana. Watch its full trailer here: 

 


Cliché: Suportahan natin ang pelikulang Filipino! 

♥,

Thursday, December 08, 2011

Yet Another Fash School

A couple of Saturdays ago, I received an invitation from one of the students of Fashion Institute of the Philippines who also happens to be my colleague from TV5. I giddily said yes the moment she asked me if I'm available on that day. Aside from modeling for this friend of mine, I wanted to inquire, to know the school's other offered courses and to also see the school for myself. I wanted to see how accessible FIP is, how clean its campus is and to know its difference from other fashion schools I've been to like the School of Fashion and the Arts.

Erica asked me to wear a bright, flowy top with a statement necklace so I planned to wear a plain yellow top and brought my MARiS Miss Pastel feather necklace. I also planned to wear something comfortable since I'll be going to support Paolo's Vinyl + Splash event with Fully Booked.

Before!

Forgive me but I really look so chubby here! I've been eating a lot after Kim and Mon's wedding and after our recent Boracay trip. But kebssss! It's the season to be jolly and chubby so diet resumes after the Yuletide season!

After!

I'm quite lucky that the "lesson of the day" is about eye makeups! Yay for smoky eyes! <3 We were taught how to do the smoky eyes using bright colors (blue, green) and the basic colors (brown and black). I've always wanted to perfectly create the smoky eyes a la Penelope Cruz, remember? And the last time I adored this classic eye makeup was last September during a session with Paul & Joe's Judith Pia.

 Closer look you'll see the blue and green shadows used for my schmokey eyes!

Other version of smoky eyes using brown and black shadows.

Zzz :)

With TV5 PR specialist/FIP student/makeup artist, Erica Camagong. Naks!

Sheena Ramos of TV5 New Media also joined us.

Wing tip eyeliner on Sheena. And yes, if she looks familiar.. click here. Hehehe!

Erica, Sheena and I :)

With Ella, Erica's classmate :)

Hey it's Maxx... on the magazine!

After this beauty session with the girls, I headed off straight to High Street! Right time for my eye makeup to serve its purpose! 

With this happened, I fell in love deeper with makeups! I think I'm kinda obsessed with them now. And just last night, I bought the eyeshadow palette I've been eying on since Saturday. I may blog about it, let's see! For now, have a happy Thursday, don't forget to hear the Mass (it's Immaculate Conception Day) and later tonight I'll be attending a hiphop event with the boyf, yo! :)

♥,