Ring my bell, Isabel.

Braids and Drops

2012-02-24T23:53:00.002+08:00

Channeling that summer boho/indian vibe.

A loose dress with a light fabric helps so much on days as hot as this. Got this particular one from Cinderella on sale for really cheap. Peacock feather earring by yours truly and the new drop necklace I got for a hundred bucks! (I love bargains!)

Mimi says Hi!

2012-02-24T00:53:00.000+08:00

Lately, I've been swamped with so much work. Let me take this time off to ogle at this impossibly cute photo of Mimi the dog.

She says, "I want a house".

2012-02-21T00:14:00.005+08:00

She talks and talks, then pauses to smile. She talks again. She builds and builds her house of dreams. "Ooh, the bigger and better to spite you all with!", she says though she will never admit to this. A deception of self, something built out of fragile words and fake hearts.

Taller and bigger she makes her house. With higher ceilings and bigger spires! More and more, she demands and takes. No regard to those who give, just a fake smile full of fake appreciation. The builders toil into the night, they work for their muse as if lives depended on it, as if her unattained approval is sustenance to their souls. They work, they tire, they go on.

And then they break. The well oiled machine refuses to work. There is no more progress. Her shouts and screams, abrasive and demanding, are heard but unheeded.

There is much work, but broken things cannot do much. They just sit and wait for the construction to eventually collapse onto them, onto the muse. Soon, there is only the wreckage and the frame of what the house could have been. There is only dust and darkness.

She sits and stares at all that was broken.

She doesn't realize. The workers aren't fragile, but anything you push and push and push will all eventually break.

The Great Mr. John Lesaca

2012-02-20T23:48:00.000+08:00

It was a great surprise when I came home Saturday afternoon to find John Lesaca setting up in our backyard. He was kind enough to play a little something for us and family members who've visited from the States. It's always beautiful to hear live music, so much better when the one playing is a master violinist. By the end of his performance, not only clapping, but also, screams and cheers could be heard.

Thanks, Tito John!

Malate Church

2012-02-20T01:24:00.000+08:00

Took a short tour around the city with family today. After a quick lunch at a nearby restaurant, we visited the Malate Church. It's amazing the beauty you see when you're actually looking.

Snippets

2012-02-18T23:30:00.000+08:00

I just found the coolest app that makes photos into collages. Incidentally, I was also looking for a new wallpaper. When I couldn't find one to my liking, I ended up turning the photos I've collected in my Tumblr account into this. (I do not own the photos)

Chiffon & Layers

2012-02-18T11:49:00.001+08:00

Floating layers and colors and all. Such a presko outfit.

Boarding today for Mellow 94.7's School of Jocks. Tune in everyone!

NYX Round Lipstick: Paparazzi & Milani in Tangerine

2012-02-17T23:33:00.002+08:00

Got myself a bunch of new lipsticks, but I only had time to try two of them on.

NYX Round Lipstick: Paparazzi (second to the right on first photo)

Most people think that NYX has a consistency that's too soft. Given that it melts easily, that doesn't really help when living in a tropical country. I like it though, prefer it to the heavy lipstick feel.

Milani in Tangerine (Rightmost on first photo)

This shade is more orange than the photo shows. It also has this grown up perfume smell. Nice cheap drugstore lipstick. Got this from Target.

Lip balm, NYX Round Lipstick in Paparazzi, and Milani in Tangerine. Excuse the bags,these were taken with only lipstick, powder concealer, and of course, eyebrows.

Okaaay. Admittedly I was playing around hence that last photo. Haha!

Shades & Leather Jackets

2012-02-17T02:03:00.001+08:00

The closest we'll ever get to matchy matchy outfits. The closest you'll ever get to a valentines post from me.
All of these from the Hot Air Balloon fest, including the silly, wonderful hats we have on. Hohoho!

On old blogs.

2012-02-16T00:33:00.002+08:00

I've been looking for an article I wrote a while back when I stumbled upon my old blogs. I have been blogging since 2005, at a time when I used the internet as a diary. Looking back, I've realized that I learned so many things about myself through my emotionally charged ramblings (as is evident in my previous blogs), and that there has been so much change in me and around me.

I used to be so afraid of losing myself. At a time when everybody was struggling to find who they were, I was trying to cling on to the identity I thought I wanted. I tried to make sense of all these feelings, simmering, boiling over inside of me, that I never had the time to realize that all things hot eventually turn cold. I liked the anger and spite in myself that I mistook for passion. I never listened.

Reading up on all these things, I laugh and I hurt. I remember how broken up I once was. I remember the sadness and discontentment brought about by my loss of identity. I remember how painful it was to learn.

I know all of these, and am familiar with them because in truth, these lessons never stopped. I still hurt and try and bruise and cry-- only, there is a resolute knowledge that something has been gained. I trust the course of nature and decide to learn and live.

Six years ago, I spoke in my freshman college class about my writing. It started with this phrase: "What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger". The talk ended on a semi suicidal note prompting a classmate to walk out, crying.

Today, I say that still. Only this time, I believe it. I say it with a smile and know that there are good things to come. I will not be giving up anytime soon.

Dog Tags and DIY shirts

2012-02-15T23:35:00.000+08:00

Wearing a DIY cut out shirt and a messy bun on a hectic day. Rosary necklace, my own creation and the dog tag from Phil DogTags.

Hot Air Balloon Fiesta 2012 at Clark, Pampanga

2012-02-14T00:35:00.000+08:00

Visited the annual Hot Air Balloon Fiesta in Clark yesterday. Interesting day, it was. There were so many cool stuff to see but we got so tired we ended up in a place called Coffee Academy and continued on in our fabulous ways (inside joke).

I literally cried for these photos as I lost them when my iPhoto force closed (ugh, don't ask). After a lot of trying to cheer up, I finally found a way to get them back through a program I downloaded. Things work out. Yay!

Corals are alive!

2012-02-10T20:57:00.002+08:00

I could never understand how corals could be alive. I've read and confirmed this fact on every textbook, website, and Discovery channel show, and yet I could never come to believe it. I could not understand how or why, I just couldn't accept it. They looked lifeless enough to me.

And yet I stumble upon a really cool science blog and find these time lapse videos.

These are actual videos of corals climbing out of what could have been a very sandy grave. Amaaaaazing.

I apologize to all the coral feelings I've hurt with my firm (and erroneous) stance on their "mortality", or (assumed) lack of.

I stand corrected and promise to be appalled (even more so than I usually am) at issues of dynamite fishing and the death of our seas (those murderers!).

Corals live! Yes, they do.

Draft at The Fort

2012-02-06T00:51:00.002+08:00

Fun night with good food, great beer, and even greater people.

And guess what? I drove! I drove to the fort for the first time, drove home, and am still in one piece! I got lost too, but that's another story (I curse confusing signage!).

We checked out Draft at the Fort, great place! Wait for my WIM on this here: Draft

Still hung up on how crazy big that Hoegaarden mug is.

Jagged Lines

2012-02-05T22:00:00.002+08:00

Finally got a chance to wear this mullet skirt I ordered online. Isn't it darling? Wearing one of my chain finger bracelets. Check out more of them here: NEON Jewelry

NEON Jewelry

2012-02-02T23:53:00.010+08:00

Finally, I've decided to sell them. Still a work in progress but "like" NEON Jewelry on Facebook for details and updates on the upcoming collection. For all your finger chain bracelet needs and more!

Check it out!

I think I love you, Ryan O'Connell.

2012-02-01T02:48:00.002+08:00

I know, I know. It's impossible to love a 25 year old gay dude from New York who you think you know through the internet.

And yet, I feel he knows me. These short articles are love letters to me. Little things I could never admit to myself, the things that tug on my heart. He knows them, he feels them too! Ryan O'Connell, why must you rip out these feelings from under me and flaunt them for all the world to see? I love you, but then again, I hate you. You tell the world my secrets. How could you have known about the trivial problems of my twenty four year old self, and how I hate awkward catch up lunches? And yes, I've gotten that drunk too!

Ryan O'Connell, I feel like I know you. You are my literary muse. I adore you! The Hemingway to a depressed soul. Or whoever they read now, I wouldn't know-- I'm just a confused twenty something trying to grow up when beer doesn't seem like such a good idea anymore.

I'm tired and it seems like no one gets it. I just want to be whatever it is that we turn into when we grow up, Ryan O'Connell. And yet, it never seems to work out. Either I'm too young, or too old, or too drunk (not fun drunk these days, feels like maturity is growing on me !EEEP!). Stuck deciding if it's time to man up or just let go and forget it. This $hit is hard.

I'm tired of growing up! (or at least trying to)

But Ryan O'Connell, I'm sure you understand me.

Ryan O'Connell

DIY: Gradient Nails in Stripes

2012-01-31T21:44:00.000+08:00

I have never been this obsessive with nail polish all my life. As mentioned in my previous polish blog (here), I have been polishing and re polishing my nails.

I have been looking for a certain shade of red orange polish, but I could never find a cheap version of it. Exasperated, I decided to paint my nails pink and orange instead. Not bad I think, considering this was the result of desperate fury.

A new twist to the gradient trend, these are three very close colors done in clean (well, as clean as I can manage) stripes. I put the darkest pink polish on, and then the lightest orange polish at the tip of the nail. Last step would be painting on the middle stripe.

Still a little messy since I made the mistake of falling asleep after I finished painting them (eek!) but I like it. Thoughts?

Red Orange

2012-01-29T23:16:00.000+08:00

Unimaginative. Lazy. Loud. Vulgar. Accidental. Coincidental.

..at a loss for words, on a slow Sunday.

..hide behind orange lipstick, and everyone thinks it's red.

High Kicks and Leather Jackets

2012-01-28T13:55:00.006+08:00

Lazy clothes with a leather jacket and combat boots, they end up looking badas$.

Growing up, I was never a girly girl, and more often than not, I'd imagine myself looking cool. A cross between Lara Croft and Sarah Connor, that was the idea.

I look back at the snot nosed mess that was the pubescent and pre pubescent me.. no, I didn't look tough, cool, or badas$. Missed that peg by a mile.

Making up for it allllllll on this blog, with this outfit. Puberty, I beat you! Haha!

Sooooo, the boy says I look more cutesy and not bada$s. Oh well.

Love and other bugs.

2012-01-24T10:00:00.001+08:00

When there are no feelings there is nothing. No sound, no light. Just the slow, shallow breathing of the person devoid of emotions. A shadow. For him there is no start, there isn't a build, there is no anticipation to the climax, not even the gentle descent into the solitary blues. Nothing. Silence and cold and the lonely heart's beating.

You don't know what you're missing. The muffled glee of a girlhood crush, or the patient and building love of an elderly couple. Not even the devastation that a failure brings when you think you've ruined your life for the nth time, each time as if you're being ripped to shreds. Nothing. Silence.

Grasping and groping for affection. We all need someone who can and will give it to us. And then we become the warm, fuzzy, cheesy people we all swore we'd never become.

But it feels so nice.

The Wedding Buzz

2012-01-23T23:38:00.001+08:00

Love is in the air and a wedding is in order.

Left for the province this weekend for a shoot with my cousin. What an experience! Just a little teaser before I get the actual shots ready.

Prints and Hand-me-downs

2012-01-23T22:22:00.003+08:00

So many cool clothes are coming to me lately, like these cool pants that my mom had hidden in her closet for the longest time. Am currently in love with skirts that are actually pants, they're just so comfy!

And yes, I've just discovered the beauty of using a tripod and this blue wall at home.

Flaring Up

2012-01-21T09:30:00.000+08:00

There was a flared/elephant jeans stage in my life. This was when low waist pants and t-shirt hoodies were everyday wear, showing an inch of tummy skin was acceptable, and Vid Ok! was a channel I actually enjoyed. Gone are the days.

I retired these pants for so long, but I could never throw them away. Today, I justified all that sentimentality.

Not bad, yeah? I say they're making a comeback.

Because I spent the last 30 minutes crying over a book.

2012-01-20T02:14:00.000+08:00

The moment I knew was the moment realized I was scared to lose you. How you walking out that door could be last I'd ever see of you. And though it isn't, thank god it isn't, I find myself holding breath every time I make little calls, this thin invisible thread connecting me to you-- an excuse to talk, to tell myself you're never leaving. Time does not help. As it grows, the more frightened I am of loss. Of fate and change.

I still pray. In between doubts and fear and thoughts. I know you're coming home to me.

"What if I hear your name and it will ring no bell?" (Xsite)

But no. You're here, we're home. We're all safe.

DIY: Tie Dye Nails 2

2012-01-19T21:38:00.005+08:00

My obsession with nail polish upped a notch because of this blog. I've been trying and trying all these DIY patterns, and it's been fun-- only I've gotten a little loopy with all the polish fumes. For the past three nights, I've been putting on, and removing polish.

A few months ago, I tried the Tie dye nail thing (check it out here), but I wasn't really satisfied with the results. I thought, what the heck, it's been a week of trial and error anyway, inhaled all the fumes I could inhale.

Proud to say, I've succeeded this time!

Here's a revised tutorial for Tie Dye Nails. You'll need:

A white polish, three contrasting colors of polish, a cup with water, tape, and a plastic knife.

First step is, of course, the white base polish so the color really comes out .

This time around instead of using petroleum jelly, wrap tape around your finger exposing only the nail.

Drop polish on the cup with water and drag the knife along the polish to create patterns. Make sure to do this quick as the polish dries fast.

Dip your finger (the one covered with tape) onto the glass, nail facing the water. Make sure you pick the area where the colors really mix together to get the tie dye look.

Before lifting your finger from the water and polish, make sure to pick out the leftover polish with the plastic knife. If not, the leftover polish will stick to your nail and ruin the design. Do this with every finger.

Here's what it will look like with the tape and without the tape.

After everything, you will end up with something like this:

But then again, your nails will be looking like this:

What do you think? Better than the last time, yeah?

(I apologize for this last photo, but c'mon! I took it without using my hands!)

Kitchen at Greenbelt

2012-01-19T14:19:00.003+08:00

It was last week when we found ourselves in Greenbelt looking for a place to eat. Me and my friends, JC and Ian, were off to an art event later on in the night, but we wanted to catch dinner first.

We ended up in Kitchen, (spelled with a backwards K, just because) which was a perfect setting for the grown up dinner we had imagined.

The place had this modern yet comfy feel. The dim interiors and the clean lines added a touch of simple sophistication. Details like bare brick walls and exposed pipes were part of the whole look of the place. As one of my friends put it: reminiscent of a NY loft.

We took a long time ordering, we just couldn't choose! I love how imaginative the names of the dishes are. We also saw the cool glass door that leads to the bathroom. You could see the bookshelf of the other restaurant through it.

Here's what we finally ordered:

Spinach salad (I forget the exact name) Very good, the peanut brittle was a very good touch

On Barbie's Cue (meat and seafood kebab). According to Ian, this is what he always orders here.

The pasta JC had. This has mozzarella, kesong puti, and keso de bola in it. Goooood.

It's So Good It's So True. Yes, I kid you not, that is this dish's name. Salmon with tagalog beefsteak sauce.

The drinks: Ian's panda drink (green), JC's gulaman like drink, and my grape shake.

It was a nice place with it's cute little quirks like their very big plates and utensils and the use of salt as decoration. When we asked the waiter about said salt, he told us, "Ah, concept lang po yan", and then gave us a quick smile.

Very nice place, good ambience. Perfect for intimate meals and grown up dinner dates.

Kitchen, Greenbelt 3

G/F Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center

Makati City, Metro Manila

Philippines

(02) 757-4565 to 66

PF Chang's, Alabang Town Center

2012-01-18T23:40:00.000+08:00

Here's a few photos from the lunch we had last Tuesday at the new PF Chang's Restaurant. Check out my full article here: PF Chang's for When In Manila

All this food for four people!

Our cocktails: Something sweet for the lady and something strong for the gentleman. All this beside a martini glass full of Dynamite Shrimp.

The people who brought PF Chang's to the Philippines.. taking a photo of the people taking a photo of them.

Terracotta Warriors

2012-01-18T00:47:00.001+08:00

Guess where we went today?

Starts with a "PF, ends with a "Chang's".

Haha! Okaaaay, off to PF Chang's today for their media lunch. More on that later here and on WIM.

Wait for it!

Mellow 94 7 School of Jocks Auditions (2012)

2012-01-17T21:30:00.002+08:00

Have you always wanted to be a DJ? Do you have what it takes to be on radio? Are you tough enough?

Take on the challenge!

Mellow 947’s official student-centric radio show opens its doors this year 2012 to all aspiring bona fide college students to try out and be part of School of Jocks.

Show us what you’ve got and make your way to LAZERXTREME, 4TH floor of MARKET MARKET on February 04 Saturday at 12noon. Bring your resume and a copy of your school ID, and be ready to meet your favorite Mellow 947 jocks. Exciting surprises await the first 50 auditionees! School of Jocks OPEN AUDITION 2012. Special thanks to LazerXtreme, extreme fun for everyone!

AB Paredes' Silent Swim at Nectar

2012-01-15T23:30:00.001+08:00

Just a few of my favorite paintings from AB Paredes' Silent Swim at Nectar. Read more about it on my WIM article here.

These photos do not give these paintings justice. You have to see for yourself.

ART in heART

2012-01-15T00:00:00.008+08:00

Last night was a good night. Grown up dinners, art and wine pairings, and more talk of art. Learning of concepts and lusting over furniture. The streets of Makati, and me finally gathering up enough courage to drive outside of the south. And, the quest to find the perfect light, and a perfect place to talk, both of which proved to be impossible when on heels.

Photos by Ian and JC, but mostly Ian (who noticed my awkward pose tendencies).

Let's do it again? Most definitely!

Scrapbook

2012-01-11T22:10:00.003+08:00

I should be studying but I'm on my blog. So, since it is the middle of midterm week, will hurry it up.

For this term I was asked to submit a scrapbook of my family and the people in my life. Here's a few favorite photos.

(these photos are from my dad)

There are so many other photos, of family, of people, of more friends, and of pets, but there is never enough space. I am thankful to whatever cosmic force that gave me all of this, for blessing me with all of this niceness in my life.

I end this with a final note:

Remember that you are to the world whatever it is you choose to show it. Never be afraid to be judged, when you know that all you do is in the right.

Good night, everyone. Cheers.

To that (not so) dear girl.

2012-01-06T01:23:00.004+08:00

My dear girl,

You do not have the right

to take it upon your hands.

To mangle more the strings

of those who were trying to fix.

To take what is there

because you feel entitled,
enabled,
empowered?

My dear girl,

Things fall into place, yes.

But who are you to put them,

as if in infinite finality

and assume it is the end?

The premise that you hold,

the conviction for the false.

My dear girl,

Things crumble as you say

..you've seen.

But never believe that lesson

was not yours to keep.

In end you lose, you break, and weep.

Remember what you sow

you reap.

Jang Ga Nae: Authentic Korean Food in BF

2012-01-04T01:34:00.004+08:00

It was last summer when I worked as a tutor to Korean students and unexpectedly grew a heart. I ended up falling in love with the kids, and most especially their cuisine.

I'm sure I don't know much about Korean food, but what I've tried, I loved. That one day last summer when our Korean boss, Mr. Kim, brought us to a Korean restaurant (then named Minato), I felt like that meal made the whole no-summer-but-instead-work thing worth it.

I have been coming back to that same restaurant with anyone and everyone I could convince. It has now been renamed Jang Ga Nae, and still serving very good food. Last Tuesday we were due a visit since I needed my Korean food fix.

As you can see, the place is very neat and tidy. I like the fact that they have these exhaust like pipes coming from the ceiling, you'll see what for later. Being in BF, I imagine that this was once a residential dwelling turned into a commercial spot. The place has many rooms that serve as dining areas/function rooms and being a fairly large group that night, they seated us in a room for ourselves. Loved the privacy.

What we had:

Jap Chae (noodles mixed with assorted vegetables) Php 250

Nejang Tang (spicy meat's intestine noodle soup with rice) Php 230
We usually order Al Tang (spicy fish egg soup Php 250) or Have Mul tang (spicy seafood soup Php 250) but we made a mistake and ordered this. It's of the same spicy broth, but I personally like the seafood versions better.

Sam Kyup Sal (Grilled pork belly strips) Php 230, this is two orders

Cha Dol (Thinly sliced sirloin beef) Php 350, again, this is two orders.

All of this included with the meat orders. I love that kimchi pancake!

More side dishes (that come with the pork and beef plates)

Waiting for the servers to grill our food (yes, they do it for you, and in front of you).

Almost done!

Finally eating. (Yeah, switched to wooden chopsticks, those metal ones are just too heavy)

Once before, on a quest to try exotic food, we stumbled into a Korean Restaurant somewhere in BF. Everyone inside was Korean, which was a good sign, only no one could explain the menu to us. In Jang Ga Nae, the servers are Filipinas who know their Korean menu. Such a big help for people like me who can never remember the names of these dishes.

I love Korean food so much that writing this just made me want some more.

Jang Ga Nae is located in BF, along Aguirre St. It's just across the street from Central.

Red Horse Muziklaban 2012 TVC

2012-01-03T16:20:00.002+08:00

Check out Red Horse's new TVC for Muziklaban!

I'm on fangirl mode.

Happy Holidays!

2012-01-03T00:37:00.001+08:00

I usually sleep through the holidays. No parties and celebrations, just me and my bed. This year was different, though. We had a lovely spread and a lovely time.

There's a first for everything

Here's a peek at our holiday festivities: food, glorious food! Everything, Nanay prepared. We pitched in, too.

Small gifts from two very pretty little girls..

This has been such a refreshing break. I just wish I switch back to work mode soon as I have really been enjoying myself and productivity has plummeted to zero.

Hope you enjoyed the holidays as much as I did!

19: Feel me.

2011-12-28T23:37:00.000+08:00

It's the mishmash, the pitter patter of emotions.

The swelling of a feeling, how it builds into a tidal wave and breaks into a million little droplets, never to be seen again. It's using all your sanity and restraint, a dam that keeps everything from flowing, though angry reason questions the need to control. The loss and the wreckage it brings, you ask is it worth it?

What is peace? What is the difference between wrath and retribution?

DIY: Chain Finger Bracelet 2

2011-12-28T02:16:00.001+08:00

What I love about the holiday break is the amount of activities or little projects I can squeeze in before all the schoolwork (and the drama) start pouring in.

As posted here previously, I've made a chain finger bracelet thingamajig. Having fallen completely in love with this bracelet style, ended up making another one.

This one is less cluttered and has cleaner lines.

Thoughts?

The painted closet wall.

2011-12-27T18:17:00.002+08:00

Once upon a time, we tried painting a room. Owing to my delusion of being able to DIY anything and everything, my friend Joelle let me, and a bunch of other friends (try to) paint her room. We started with her

closet and what resulted was a mishmash of colors that even the most abstract of abstract artists would never understand. Joelle was so disappointed, she cried.

Fast forward to now, her closet, our "artwork" on that closet, has long been painted over and this is what stands in its place.

Joelle's DIY graffiti wall/closet decor. I just love it.

I say, we've learned from past mistakes, yes?

DIY: Chain Finger Bracelet

2011-12-26T21:06:00.002+08:00

Just a small holiday project. Been seeing these everywhere.

A result of linking chains together to finally form the shape of the bracelet.

Happy Christmas to all.

2011-12-25T23:01:00.005+08:00

After a day of festivities and merriment, I'm back in bed with my lovelies.

DIY: Christmas Nails

2011-12-25T19:47:00.003+08:00

In keeping with the season, I painted my nails these colors. Started with a plain red and green base coat.

A few coats later, I found it still wasn't christmas-y enough. And since on this holiday you can never use up too much glitter, I decided to use the glitter gradient technique (from I'm so fabulous I piss glitter nails tutorial). A few bottles of different types of glitter polish later....

Happy Christmas, Everyone!

DIY: Christmas Cupcakes

2011-12-23T15:42:00.003+08:00

That time of the year again, and for some reason, Camille and I always find ourselves cramming to make/find gifts.

She suggested we give out the red velvet cupcakes that Anton made. She also suggested we put name toppers on them. I suggested we put their (most sh*t faced) photos on the cupcakes.

Camille and Anton set to work on the cupcakes. They baked, we designed. This is what we ended up giving our friends:

And, they loved their cupcakes!

Too bad the moisture seeped onto the photos when these were taken.

Would you like a cupcake?

Trip Christmas Party 2011: United Nations

2011-12-22T14:21:00.005+08:00

As mentioned earlier, I spent the weekend with friends for our annual Christmas celebrations. Oh good god, the hilarity that ensued! This year's theme was United Nations. I can say with full conviction that my friends are very good sports. Everyone (I mean EVERYONE!) came with costumes drag queens would be proud of. Achieve!

I wonder what the people in the house next door were thinking when they saw a bunch of kids(?) pouring out into the lawn, all costumed up at 10 p.m.

I am so blessed to have these people in my life.

And now for the costumes.....

Ms. Africa

Mr. and Ms. Peru

Mr. and Ms. Spain

Ms. Morocco

Ms. Puerto Rico

Mr. and Ms. Japan

Mr. and Ms. Hawaii (Not a country/nation, but don't ask. Haha!)

Ms. Hungary

Grecian/Spartan pair

Ms. France, Cheska's "substandard compliance costume"

The winner of the night: 1/2 of the USA couple.

Here's a photo of almost everyone from Charm. Check out Mr. Korea (in the green) and his silly hat.

We missed a few other friends, we still have next year, yeah?

To sleep, to think, to dream.

2011-12-20T01:20:00.002+08:00

The lull of slumber begins to seem enticing. I strain myself with thoughts of you. What it was, I could never put a finger on. What it's going to be, that becomes the only important thing.

I fall victim to the call of dreams, I close my eyes and hope I find you there.

Fabric Paintings

2011-12-20T00:28:00.003+08:00

A friend of mine, JC, has always been such a creative person. When I passed by his house the other day, he showed me these. They were just too pretty! He did most of these for school, mostly from fabrics but there's also a painted one. My favorite is his rendition of Van Gogh's Starry Night with yarn on tulle.

His self portrait:

Tagaytay Weekend

2011-12-18T22:39:00.000+08:00

Spent the weekend at a log cabin in Tagaytay. Definitely a great time with great friends.

Cool cabin, just minus the very crappy management of the people who rent it out.

Posting photos of the party at a later date. Can you guess what our theme was?

Manila Seedling Bank Compound

2011-12-16T19:46:00.000+08:00

As if that seven days in Mindoro was not enough nature for me, I found myself at the Manila Seedling Bank Compound in Quezon City today.

My mom loves these places. I usually don't like them, but today wasn't bad at all (a lesson learned from the immersion, perhaps?)

Anything and everything from orchids, flowering plants, herbs, cacti, ornamental plants, pottery, gardening needs, etc... you can find here. Certainly a haven for those with the green thumb.

Learn about this place here: Manila Seedling Bank Compound

A few sights from the wilderness of Mindoro

2011-12-16T09:41:00.001+08:00

These are the very few photos I managed to take while on that Immersion trip. Most were from the second market day wherein we had to take a two hour jeep ride to get back to the city.

The random things you find in the dark.

A cow.

Only one jeep travels to the city per day. How much do you want to go to school?

The jeep just cruised along as it crossed dirt roads, water, mud, and rocks.

My muddy zebra boots.

Leaving the mountain to buy supplies.

Sufficiently Immersed, I am.

2011-12-15T15:29:00.002+08:00

Home, finally and just took a good long bath.

The past week I've: braved the wilderness, formed a tribe, lived without the internet, eaten only food we cooked, walked an hour on a dirt road to take a bath, decided that spiders and bugs are not so scary, guarded our stuff from unexpected thieves, pitched a tent, been the most tired I've ever been in my life, did number 2 in a Chowking, woken up in the middle of the night to rain water dripping on my head, sang so much songs in a span of a few days to battle the boredom the loss of technology brings, substituted Mirinda and buko juice for water, and walked around in the dark.

I was cut, bruised, beaten, hungry, thirsty and deprived.

I live. I am invincible.

Goodbye Manila!

2011-12-09T08:00:00.004+08:00

Today I leave Manila to embark on a journey to the vast unknown. No lines of technology to tie me to anything, except the burning need, and urge to come back.

See you in seven days.

I miss Manila already.

Zebra Print Rain Boots: Just what I needed.

2011-12-08T14:06:00.006+08:00

I was walking round the house, trying to get a feel of my Immersion Trip garb when I decided to take photos of my newest buy.

Say hello to these Zebra printed babies.

My sister and I had always wanted rain boots. She wanted them because she lived in Dapitan and I, well, I just wanted them. A few months ago, the sister got herself a pair from SM (she needed them for the flooded streets of Manila, I didn't since I was safe and dry in Alabang). They didn't offer decent looking boots with cute prints in ladies sizes so she ended up getting the biggest size from their kiddie boots collection.

I was at SM yesterday yesterday (still piling up on supplies for the immersion trip) and we figured boots could be very useful. I made a beeline for the kids section and was very disappointed upon the realization that even their biggest size wouldn't fit me.

"D*mn it, I'm gonna get myself boots today!", I screamed in my head (exagg ha). And, we did! I found these booties in the Ladies' shoe section. They finally have them in bigger sizes! These are from a brand named Jessica and they sell for PHP 499. Perfect!

Even the dogs loved them. They wanted to make friends.

Like I said, I was in my "Immersion trip" costume (and my favorite pambahay shirt, note the holes on the sleeves).

Maybeline Clear Smooth 8 in 1 BB Cream

2011-12-07T23:15:00.004+08:00

My friend Cheddar always picks on my make up (Hahahaha! I kid). Upon her suggestion, I decided to try Maybeline's BB Cream.

Check it out. It's your moisturizer, sunscreen an foundation, all in one. I love the fact that it has SPF 26. Most people don't realize but you always have to have sunblock on, especially on the face area. The sun can cause wrinkles (? not sure, but I know it's something bad so just do it.)

I promised myself I'd never post a "before make up" photo on my blog, but where'e the fun in that? I settled for half a face of no make up.

<-----Before

After ----->

This is just Maybeline lipgloss and the

BB cream.

Not bad for PHP 250, even got it 20% off because of their usual product sale.

Thanks, Shreddar. Cool find.

My Spankin' New Headlamp.

2011-12-06T22:16:00.003+08:00

If you didn't already know, I'll be in Mindoro for a whole week starting Friday for our school Immersion. Really don't want to talk about how I feel about it, it's not that I don't like the outdoors, I just don't like not having the net, or electricity, or running water. For a week. In a tent. In the cold. Without my doggies.

Ahhh. A few deep breaths later and a lot of sucking it up, I finally found the heart to go shopping for supplies.

And I just might have found something that would make the Immersion trip worthwhile. Say hello to.....

Isn't it just the coolest, most ingenious thing ever? The first time I ever saw a head lamp was when my photographer friend Tim had his on after a shoot that left us at dawn in Batangas. I know his cost more since I think it was a top of the line version that allowed you to see miles ahead in the dark (I may be exaggerating) but yeah. I've wanted one since then.

I got mine at ACE Hardware for PHP 248.75 with a free battery. Aside from the adjustable garter strap, it has a clip on the back. Bingo!

This thing is so cool, I've been walking around my room with the lights off.

DIY: Tie Dye Nails

2011-12-05T23:08:00.002+08:00

Finally decided to post a tutorial on the Tie Dye Nails I tried a while back. It's cute but I wasn't really satisfied with the results I got. This technique needs a little practice to get good results. Will try it again soon, though.

You will need:

A small bowl with warm water

A needle

There shades of nail polish, one to use as base and two complimenting colors

So, here we go...

Let a few drops of nail polish, both colors, drip on the water. Don't put in too much, this would cause the nail polish to sink to the bottom.

Use the needle to make patterns on the nail polish (in the bowl, on the water) to create the Tie Dye effect.

Choose which part of the nail polish blob/design you'd want on your finger then dip your finger in that area. Do this with your nails facing the polish. The polish will stick to your nail. The tricky part is pulling your finger out of the water and not ruining the design.

If you make a mistake with the polish on the water, just use the needle to get the polish out of the water, the polish will stick to it. Easy peasy.

Be sure to do everything in the least amount of time possible, the polish could dry on the water.

Tip: If you rub on petroleum jelly on your fingers before starting, the polish on your skin will just rub off. Make sure you wipe the jelly off your nails before dipping them, though

And then you have...

This thumb is my favorite result, but like I said, it's not as neat as I'd like it to be.

Whaddya think?

Derelict: DIY Periodic Table Pouch

2011-12-05T00:35:00.001+08:00

A few weeks back, the sister and I decided to clean our rooms. Among the piles and piles of paper and books and dozens of rulers, she also found a pile of maps and periodic tables.

Sooooo. What can we do with these?

Armed with a sleepless night ahead of me and some fancy tape, I set to work.

Measured around my journal, folded and cut to size.

Keep folding until you get an envelope shape and tape everything like crazy.

Voila!

Sooooo. I was very obviously bored.

Wee Nam Kee at Ayala Triangle Gardens

2011-12-04T14:59:00.006+08:00

One of our family favorites: Hainanese chicken rice. Wee Nam Kee has become a restaurant staple. Originally from Singapore, this place is known for it's authentic Singaporean chicken rice. We usually frequent the branch at Ayala Triangle Gardens, which turns out to be their first international branch.

Large Roast Chicken (PHP 888) One large order consists of two of these plates. One has the choice between steamed and roasted chicken.

Pork Asado (PHP 220) Not really a favorite of mine, but it's good too.

HK Fried Noodles This dish is a highlight. Brian's favorite. He's such a noodle boy.

Pork Asado, Kang kong with Sambal (PHP 199), HK Fried Noodles, and a cup of Hainanese Chicken Rice (PHP 40) I love that Kang Kong dish! I love my vegetables.

Hoisin/Soy sauce (?) , Chili sauce, and the Ginger sauce Not really sure if that's Hoisin or Soy sauce since I never touch it. I usually have my chicken with the ginger and chili sauce.

A view of the restaurant from where we sat.

Wee Nam Kee
Ayala Triangle Gardens
02 8468924
WeeNamKeePH Facebook page

18: Thoughts.

2011-12-04T03:06:00.001+08:00

We give up too much or too little, but never what we ought to give. At some point you find yourself making a decision. "Is it worth it?", you ask. But then you come back to a point in your life where you said: "Anything is worth it", and if you can be that sure in the midst of the chaos and the drunken haze, how could you have been wrong?

Tell me I'm not wrong.

Ayala Triangle Gardens' Christmas Light Show 2011

2011-12-03T02:08:00.002+08:00

Ever since last year, I've been wanting to see the light display at Ayala Triangle Gardens. I finally found the chance to, earlier tonight.

I was a wide eyed kid, agape with wonder and excitement. It was beautiful, I wanted to cry.

The city sleeps again after the night's festivities.

Hear Me Out by Frou Frou

2011-12-02T00:27:00.000+08:00

I absolutely love Imogen Heap. Everything she touches is magic. Got this song stuck in my head after using it for my TV prod segment. I just wrote the script which entailed listening to this over and over.

St. James Bazaar at Cuenca Park

2011-11-30T23:08:00.001+08:00

Finally got the chance to visit this year's Cuenca bazaar. There were so many pretty things, although they aren't as cheap anymore. Today was the last day and the place was packed! I did manage to take a few photos in that big mosh pit that was the bazaar.

Tip: Because there were so many people, it was very hard to go around and go back for things. When we saw something we liked but wasn't sure about getting it, we'd get the store's card/contact. These stores usually sell online too. That way, we know where to reach them when we decide we wanna get something.

Cutest notepads ever from Quiddity

Pretty bags and necklaces.

Bling and things.

We survived this traffic!

The Nicest Thing

2011-11-30T19:29:00.004+08:00

Had a shoot today with Trish and Carlos. It turned into this lovey dovey shoot at the park. The first one after having read my camera manual.

P.S. Reedited everything. Just realized it was too yellow.

17: Upon leaving that concert with you

2011-11-30T02:48:00.000+08:00

And I remember that moment. Nothing special. We were walking to where the guys were. This was after your gig, the first gig of yours I've ever watched, I think. (Little did I know that it was the first of many times I would be watching you do what you do.) My head was light, it may have been all the beers. It may have been the fact that you invited me tonight, either way the gig zipped past me and left me in this moment. Here we were silent. There was no one to shout or cheer. Nothing was moving in the dead of the night, just the lights and the distant sound of people not caring. Nothing but you and me. At that moment, we could do anything. We were together. We held hands.

Cafe Adriatico at MOA

2011-11-30T01:23:00.008+08:00

I was at MOA earlier for a writing assignment. Again, I thank the Manila traffic for arriving late. A quick dinner was in order (it was almost 7, and my appointment got pushed back).

We ended up eating in Cafe Adriatico which turns out to be the LJC Group's flagship restaurant. Abe's, Lorenzo's Way and Fely J's are just a few of the restaurants from the group. I always find it a pleasant surprise when I walk into one of their many restos-- means they have Gising gising. I adoreeeee Gising gising.

Of course that was the first thing we ordered, along with other things:

Mao's Chicken Salad (PHP 235) This looked a lot better when they served it to us, but, as I always do, I took a bite before I remembered to take a photo. This had hoisin sauce and peanuts, very interesting.

Salpicao Rice (PHP 390) The meat was very tender. Good job! I hate it when they serve salpicao made out of leather.

Lola Ising's Adobo (PHP 435) This has been the best adobo dish I've tasted so far. Meat was also very tender. I love how it has that perfectly cooked pork slice on top of the adobo rice. Nothing wrong with the rice but I liked the meat better with plain rice, I thought it was more bagay. I'm weird like that. (Did I just say more bagay? I do apologize for that.)

Chocolate Decadence (PHP 175) This cake was good. I love chocolate cakeeeee. ;)

Contact them through here: LJC's Cafe Adriatico

Roxy Femme Fling and Energy Drinks

2011-11-28T02:13:00.007+08:00

My Saturday was spent in Nuvali for Roxy's Femme Fling. I had the good fortune of going as WhenInManila's representative.

Oh the fun that was had! This included manicures, a make up tutorial, a fashion challenge, and a shopping spree of 10k per attendee. All those bikiniiiiiiiis (and the boy already thinks I have too many bikinis).

Read more about the event here: Roxy's Femme Fling: A Nuvali Adventure

On the 'Playa Del Sol' shoot with bloggers Shen and Lissa

Trish, today's photographer, without the Rockstar energy drink. Too bad I don't have an after photo.

Upon getting there.

Meeting lovely new people. Nikki of Stylebible and Laira who helped organize the event.

Nikki, Laira, Shen of shensaddiction.com, Cecille who also helped with the event, and hyped up me with Rockstar in hand.

Laira and Roxy of Roxy. Cool no?

More Rockstar!

My manicured hand out of the frame

Our group's final photo for the style challenge.

Grabbed this from Shen's blog. Fave photo from the event. ;)

Casa Velasco

2011-11-27T02:27:00.001+08:00

Today was a very busy day. I spent the whole day in Nuvali for Roxy's Femme Fling (more on that later) with Trish. Funny how things worked out and I ended up with her as my photographer. Long story.

We got home at around dinner time, because we asked the Kuya Driver Rockstar to fly us back to the Fort (man, those Rockstar energy drinks really work! ).The night ended at the Casa with Bri and the gang. I missed it: silly dancing and songs that I somehow remember but never know the titles of. And food. There's always food-- for where there is Brian, there is food.

DIY: "I'm So Fabulous I Piss Glitter" Nails

2011-11-25T18:35:00.007+08:00

Ok. I have no idea why I've been so obsessed over nail art lately. Weird.

I've been seeing gradient nail art online a lot. Here's my take on that style.

Sorta like a glitter french tip or mermaid nails. I like my working title better.

From what I've seen, they usually use 3 colors, a base coat, and two glitter polishes to make the transition better. But since I love shortcuts, here are the two I used:

Let's begin. The base coat goes on first. Use something plain or matte so that the glitter shows. I used Bobbie's Touch of Tan. I wanted that nude nail feel.

Add the glitter polish to the tip of your fingers (I used Bobbie's Star Gazer polish). As much as possible make it a clean line. This is so the tips end up darker, and the transition of glitter to no glitter looks better.

The difference between the first coat and the second coat of glitter polish.

Wait for it to dry a little, then add the second coat. This time make sure that you only apply a thinner coat. You should be painting almost half of the nail.

Voila!

Don't forget to cover everything with a clear polish after it's dried.

I skipped that step, though.
I'm badass like that.

16: Blah

2011-11-25T01:28:00.000+08:00

Come home. Have a false sense of need to finish something. Finish it. Or not. Still feel unaccomplished. Get weirded out by the fact that there's an odd calm surrounding you. Surf the net, talk to friends. Get mad at group mates. Or not. Finish reports/assignments/readings anyway. Play games. Watch TV. Lose yourself to interesting banter with old friends. Go on Facebook. Promise to read Rilke. Learn about an old classmate's marriage. Want waffles with chocolate spread. Wonder why nothing seems significant today.

Doggy Doo Da

2011-11-25T00:25:00.004+08:00

Old photos of the doggies, just because I'm bored.

Mr. Alfie, the visitor

Mimi with Nala (?) or Tammy (?)

Big dogs want in on the fun.

"A person's a person, no matter how small".. or a dog

Julia perfectly happy with her sailor outfit.

"It's a giant!", Mimi shouted.

Boo!

Misty's face is priceless!

15: Feels like Insomnia (?)

2011-11-23T01:12:00.000+08:00

Ever since I can remember, these long nights have given me company. With the dark comes the rush of words and ideas and the restlessness.

I've never liked sleeping. I've never liked the idea that somewhere in the world, someone's having an adventure, and I'm just in bed-- not that I have adventures on a daily basis anyway.

I guess there's an underlying issue. I want an adventure and I'm stuck here waiting for one. On some level, I used to refuse sleep because I was afraid that I might miss that which I had been waiting for. Certainly, I thought to myself, Asteroid B 612 was not discovered by those in slumber and Neverland didn't fly into itself.

I wanted to find my own story.

So I sat by the window and stared at those stars, and wondered how I was going to saw off the iron grills that kept me from outside (it didn't occur to me that I could just have wandered out the front door just as effectively).

No Peter Pans came my way, and The Little Princes of this universe remained elusive to me. The only thing I managed to do was drive myself half crazy hoping something grand would happen.

I wanted my story and I waited for it to arrive outside my window. Not anymore.

I want my story and now, I write it myself.

14: Upon waking to a rainy day.

2011-11-22T11:35:00.000+08:00

It's the cold and calmness that I like. And the feeling that something different is about to happen.

Food de Sentosa: Authentic Singaporean Cuisine

2011-11-22T00:28:00.002+08:00

Bri found the most amazing Singaporean restaurant along Vito Cruz. We checked it out this weekend. Say hello to the newest Laksa convert! (it's so goooooood) Here's what we had.

Tom Meow, Hainanese Chicken Rice, and Seafood Laksa.

Prices aren't bad, too. They also have budget meals.

Imagine my delight when I realized just a few minutes ago that there's a BF branch!

This place is definitely a must try. Be adventurous, people!

Food de Sentosa
Authentic Singaporean Cuisine

Unit B/2 488 P. Ocampo Sr. St, Malate, Manila
(This is just past Harrison, across the street. Between Chow King and BPI)
+632 254 6800

298 Aguirre Ave. BF Hones, Parañaque
+632 826 0105

Soderno at Molito, Food Market

2011-11-21T12:00:00.003+08:00

Checked out Soderno on it's first weekend open.

Of course I ended up with these! The isaws were ginormous! I couldn't not try them!

The birthday boy with his burger.

We left with the realization that we do not like crowds. The bazaar was packed to capacity! Will have to come back and check out their fashion markets, though.

Cooling off inside the mall.

13: The fight

2011-11-21T00:37:00.000+08:00

The silence and the tenderness. The warmth that resides in my heart. The sweet smiles thrown, hands clasped together. Safety in your presence and our hearts on our sleeves.

Retreat.

Words as sharp as daggers and sighs of disbelief. That look, that evil, evil look and a glimpse of hatred in your eyes. There is no understanding. There is no room for love.

And then it subsides. All is forgiven, but not forgotten.

In Photos: Julia wants attention.

2011-11-20T23:43:00.001+08:00

The blue wall outside the house proved to be a very pretty backdrop. Fooling around with the camera, it wasn't long before Julia showed interest. After futile attempts to get noticed, she sits on my foot.

Well played, Julia.

Photos by Camille.

Best Western Premiere F1 Hotel, Breakfast Buffet

2011-11-20T22:31:00.002+08:00

Best Western Hotel is a new hotel franchise located in Taguig. Last Friday, we finally checked it out.

F Restaurant and their breakfast buffet:

My favorites were the salmon, the shrimp, and the congee (gooooooddd congee).

F Restaurant is located at the 5th floor of Best Western, beside the pool area. The breakfast buffet cost us P 600 per head, not bad. The food was good, although we heard that there were more options (including ice cream) in the lunch/dinner buffet (P 998). Next time, then!

From http://www.bestwesternpremierf1hotel.com/:

Reservation hotline: +632.928.9888
fax:+632.928.1888
email: reservations@bwpf1hotel.com

12: On your Birthday

2011-11-20T10:33:00.000+08:00

A life without you would be drab and dreary.

Take this day and know you are loved. Take this day to look at the world and all of its beauties, including how perfectly imperfect everything is. Take this day and realize that things fall into place, that it's going to be alright. Take this day to smile. Take this day and know that today you celebrate your existence, and yes, I celebrate it with you, for I'm one of those whose life you've touched.

I think I love you.

2011-11-19T16:54:00.000+08:00

Maybeline Color Sensational: Wine & Angel Rose

2011-11-19T15:40:00.002+08:00

Two of my lipstick staples. Wine is the redder darker one. I love this since I've always thought that I could never wear red lipstick because they exaggerate my lips. This one works though.

The pink one is Angel Rose. Although the lipstick name is baduy, I like it because it's just the right pink. I don't think those shocking pink shades go well with my complexion.

Maybeline is a good cheap brand. It also doesn't melt as easily as those NYX lipsticks.

DIY: Newspaper Nails

2011-11-16T23:32:00.004+08:00

Too much StumbleUpon last night, when I stumbled upon this:

http://www.sweetandnerdy.com

I was itching for a DIY project and this was the fastest easiest one so....

You'll need:

Simple enough yeah?

First step is to paint your nails. I find matte neutral colors very suiting. Too much glitter or frost can be very distracting.

The next step calls for a bowl of alcohol and some nail dipping, but being the cowgirl that I am, decided to skip the bowl and just add drops of alcohol to my nails.

I then covered my wet nails with the cut out newspaper strips. Made sure it had enough alcohol on them so that my nails, and the newspaper strips would remain wet, and not just absorb all the moisture.

Add a little pressure on the newspaper and keep it on for a few seconds. The time depends on how dark, or light you want the print to be. Keeping the newspaper strip on your nails for too long would make the some of the paper stick to your nail though, and we don't want that.

If you don't like the outcome, wipe the print off using the alcohol and start again.

Don't forget to coat your nail with a clear polish so the print stays on.

My fingers are still a little messy but with a little soap and water, the newspaper stains on will come off.

Neat, huh?

11: I apologize for the lack of words, the lack of ideas.

2011-11-16T02:43:00.001+08:00

The traffic and buzzing and movement in my head. And yet there are days when I see things with immense clarity-- a split second and it's gone.

In Photos: Pacquiao Sunday

2011-11-15T03:28:00.003+08:00

Between you and me, the food that day was more of a highlight than the fight.

Soderno at Molito

2011-11-15T02:49:00.003+08:00

I'm very, very excited about Soderno. Apparently, they'll start this Friday (Nov 18), and then every weekend after that. Yay!

For those of you who have no idea, Soderno is basically a weekend market like Mercato, only in the south. From the same organizers, too.

This will be set up at Molito which is directly across Alabang Town Center. For people from the south like me who have been dying to go to weekend markets but always find them too far away, this is exactly the answer to our prayers.

Check out their schedule:

SODERNO LIFESTYLE MARKET every SATURDAY (7am-4pm). The Lifestyle market is the place to enjoy fashion, arts and crafts and food.
SODERNO ORGANIC MARKET every SUNDAY (7am-4pm). The Organic Lifestyle market is the place to go for food, organic and natural produce and eco-friendly products.
SODERNO NIGHT MARKET every FRIDAY & SATURDAY (6pm-3am). The vibrant Night market combines the best that each market has to offer: fashion, arts & crafts and, of course, food!

Check out their website: http://www.soderno.com/

Hear that? That's the chorus of southern angels and their hallelujahs. Thank God for Soderno, am I ever excited!

10: On being cryptic

2011-11-15T02:03:00.000+08:00

Emotions,

Like the tide swelling into a wave

Careful not to spill, careful not to burst.

Hold your breath, darling.

Let go, release..

either way, the tears fall.

9: Shall we dance?

2011-11-14T01:58:00.000+08:00

The challenge is consistency.

In the flurry of everyday life, nothing stays in place. How do we keep our place?

It's me and you, side by side, hand in hand. What compels me to insist that we stay as we are is the same fear that gives me my doubts, the thought that it can all fall apart.

But then I realize, the challenge is not consistency, the challenge is moving around, and not losing your footing.

In Photos: an Abstract Love Story by Niño Hernandez

2011-11-13T16:57:00.004+08:00

Nectar Restaurant

Drinking wine on the streets of Makati

Yum!

Speaking with the main man, Niño Hernandez

Brian, wine, and art.

Check out the full story:
Pinwheel’s “An Abstract Love Story” by Niño Hernandez at Nectar Restaurant

In Photos: Cuenca Lantern Festival

2011-11-12T13:36:00.004+08:00

11.11.11. Collective wishes and hundreds of hopes.

Let it go and see where the wind takes it.

7 & 8

2011-11-12T13:28:00.000+08:00

The blank page is daunting.

The lovers, the dreamers, and me.

2011-11-12T01:43:00.002+08:00

Post on lantern festival to follow.

6: Heat and Coldness

2011-11-11T01:10:00.002+08:00

When it scares me to touch you and disturb those silent stares. When finally time teaches us, that nothing ever lasts. When everything you say, and I say, are just tired, abrasive words. When space becomes more than those breaks between our bodies and our love grows tired and cold. When together becomes a distance too far to even reach. When I start to let the tears fall and you don't even see.

Remember who we are, and how we were. And hold me, just hold me.

We'll come back together-- how we were that night we ran along the endless streets of this dirty city, hand in hand.

Timmy's take on that Batangas trip

2011-11-10T22:02:00.006+08:00

By Tim Serrano

My friend, Timmy, takes the most beautiful photos ever. A very talented photographer, he's also the only person I know with this much passion and love for the art. This is a shot he took while on the shoot/trip last month. He took this using a film camera. Brilliant, yes? Check out all his other photos on http://ffeathered.tumblr.com/.

Timmy and his photos are just <3

5: Nothing to say

2011-11-09T23:41:00.001+08:00

The loss of anything to say, the period to a sentence. There is nothing more except the end.

Erase all shadows of you in my mind, haunting and tearing at my heart.
There is only the dead and dying. Leave me be, let me rest.

You do not deserve the thoughts I give you.

4: Upon coming to terms with that which I fear the most

2011-11-08T19:52:00.001+08:00

Would I, could I welcome the notion of forever? To give everything up-- surprisingly something I did not find easy to do, even in the realm of imaginations and 'what ifs'.

There's no leaving. I've decided, I'm never leaving you.

I found a place in my head. A place between dreams and waking. A place vaguely familiar, similar, but darker, sinister.

That feeling at the pit of my stomach would not stop. I was alone.

It was me who'd been left behind.

3: Lovely, we grew apart.

2011-11-07T04:34:00.002+08:00

It's water around you, surrounding you. Calm, serene and silent, floating along as peacefully as can ever be.
It is always after a storm when the waters begin to move. Raging and tearing and clawing, destroying what stood once before, strong and majestic-- but now no more.

Lovely, you were so lovely to my eyes. Perfect and shiny, I would never tire of you. I would build and grow and learn with you. I would construct my world with you. We were perfect, and you were everything I ever wanted.

Lovely, what happened? They say everything falls apart, but didn't we take care of that? Aren't these walls, the ones we made our palace of, are they not fortified to withstand the waves that come crashing in from the tides of change? Didn't we take care of that? Didn't you promise they would never break?

Lovely, these walls, are walls no longer. They keep no one out but me. All that's left are ruins. Ruins from the world we built together, debris from the friendship we once had.

In Photos: Tagaytay Family Sunday

2011-11-06T16:14:00.008+08:00

Theme for today is Alice In Wonderland, hence all the greens and the flower printed wardrobe.

Okay fine, made that up. It just happened, we didn't plan it.

Everything was shot in Josephine's Tagaytay.

2: Upon being bored

2011-11-06T00:02:00.003+08:00

Waiting for time, the clock ticks. The ticking is only in my head, everything is digital now.

Stretching this moment far longer than it should be, there is an impasse. Nothing is moving.

The ticking continues and it flows into a booming bass that goes on every other second. I have no way of knowing if I'm imagining these sounds.

A minute has passed, an hour. Nothing significant, nothing worthwhile.

Darling, can you believe I'm wasting all this time?

Inhale, exhale. How cliche, I think. I argue with myself for three seconds. Doesn't really matter, doesn't even change anything. Three seconds lost to self doubt, three seconds from the millions I lose as each day blends into another.

It's still not time, but what does it matter? Now, or in an hour, I would still be here-- a desert of time and infinity that blends and flows into each other, and everything. Nothing worthwhile, nothing different.

And yet, it's still not time. And I just wait.

I told my kids I ate all their Halloween candy...

2011-11-05T22:17:00.000+08:00

Usually don't share stuff I find online, but I saw this on 9gag and it's just too great not to share.

1: Scribble

2011-11-05T03:33:00.006+08:00

I do not know what happened, or to what I owe it to. Suddenly I was smiling and skipping.

I was not writing. I had forgotten how much words could move me. I had forgotten how much power these letters had over me. I had forgotten how much I wanted to be able to affect.

I found you, a muse, an inspiration, an embodiment of what I had almost left behind. Thank you.

Remember what I'm to do now.

It is life in slow motion,

it's the heart in reverse,

it's a hope-and-a-half:

too much and too little at once.

It's a train that suddenly

stops with no station around,

and we can hear the cricket,

and, leaning out the carriage

door, we vainly contemplate

a wind we feel that stirs

the blooming meadows, the meadows

made imaginary by this stop.

The Wait, Rilke

Leather Jackets in the Philippine Climate

2011-11-04T22:19:00.002+08:00

I've always wanted a leather jacket. I'm sure at some point in your life, you wanted one too-- or still do.

I was always told I could never have one (or bear to wear one with our tropical climate), unless I moved to New York or somewhere sophisticated sounding. The dream or walking around in knee high leather boots and a trench coat/leather jacket was shelved. Until now.

As posted previously, I just got myself leather boots (a steal!). Welcome my new baby.

What makes it so cool is....

My boyfriend tells me I'm so lucky when it comes to steal buys. Hell yeah.

So yeah, that climate issue is still unresolved, but nothing's stopping me from wearing my cool jacket! Helps that it's not really genuine leather, not that hot and stinky.

Please excuse my messy room and unpainted face and focus on my cool new leather jacket.

Wishes do come true!