Oktoberfest, Honeymoon Babies, and Gratitude! October 20, 2010

So, October is really my month! September was all about hibernation and domesticity- baking, reading, DVD marathons, and other slow-paced stuffs- but for this month, the chaos is back! Girlfriends have been ringing me left and right, am back to my old shopaholic self (yeah, but smarter this time. :p), and there’s a birthday  party by the last weekend that need a little bit of planning. *wink*

It’s a good thing I have a weekend of respite for this month, which I will be devoting entirely to my spirituality and faith, and this will be on the weekend before my birthday weekend. I could not ask for more; this has got to be one of the best birthdays ever. Well, except that my heart is still lonely in some places. But we’ll get to that later. For now, life has been looking up, and my heart could definitely burst out in gratitude. It’s definitely far from a perfect story – the protagonist can be klutzy and emotional sometimes and the happy ending is not anywhere visible on the horizon, yet- but the story is moving forward, and that’s all that matters. For now.

successandhappiness.net

P.S.

An interesting trivia: Honeymoon babies are real. My parents married on the 30th of January and exactly nine months later, on the 30th of October, 28 years ago, this honeymoon baby greeted the world in small piercing screams. Yeah, just saying. 😀

27 Things I Did and Learned On my 27th Year October 12, 2010

In a few weeks I will be turning 28.

The past year had been stormy, heartbreaking, gratifying, and liberating all at the same time. I had my share of heartbreaks, learned a few things, accomplished some, and made a few worthwhile discoveries along the way.

Before I turn a year older, I would like to share a few things which had made me a year wiser – these are nothing more than the ramblings of a girl who lives inside her head most of the time – and some things which afforded me a few laughs here and there. So here goes.

I spent my 27th year…

1. attending my high school 10th year reunion.

2. learning how to swim.

3. dressing up for three weddings – my brother’s included.

4. learning that decent guys are a rare breed.

5. hoarding books.

6. visiting the melancholic mountains again, after two years.

7. trying to forgive myself. 🙂

8. hitting the jogging oval during summer afternoons.

9. attempting to get drunk. Beer and margaritas, anyone?

10. allowing myself some spiritual growth.

11. baking! Muffins, cupcakes, sweet rolls, and chocolate desserts.

12. helping organize my best friend’s wedding.

13. meeting up with friends for coffee/hot chocolate/tea and very deep conversations.

14. learning that mothers are not perfect, but you can love them with your whole heart anyway.

15. wishing I could spend a week in Europe.

16. failing to attend at least one of two very important weddings of two of my girlfriends, held on the same date, with the same color motif, but oceans and miles apart. 😦

17. making new friendships and deepening old ones. Though I have to say that some friendships have gone sour, too.

18. going out on a date, flirting with a player, and discovering that pointless dating, flirting, and playing are just that – pointless. (!)

19. hoarding summery, frilly tops. It’s perpetually summer in the country when there are no rains.

20. obsessing over my skin. When you’re nearing thirty you better have some strict skin care regimen to keep those pores from expanding and those dark eye circles from magically appearing during odd snapshot moments. (Wait, did I just say thirty? How did I get so old all of a sudden? :-()

20. witnessing drunk girls striptease-ing at some lousy bar for some lousy prize money. The things that alcohol makes you do, tsk.

21. going gaga over Glee!

22. trying to keep my weight down. I’d like to think I’m doing good. Bye bye McDonalds!

23. curbing my shopaholic tendencies.

24. wanting to be a pastry chef.

25. allowing myself a good cry when I need to.

26. Facebooking and blogging. Haha.

27. discovering, through Paulo Coelho, that true freedom is not a place, a hobby, or a person. “The true experience of freedom is having the most important thing in the world without owning it.”

Happy birthday to me. 🙂

August Rush September 16, 2010

My August for this year had been so full that for this September I am willingly resigning myself to some domesticity. Except for the regular Thursday meetings with church friends (who are so crazily fun to be with you would not think church people are like that, at all), weekly trips to Watson’s for some essentials, and Fridays spent with the besties over coffee and chitchat, I will be spending most of my free days indoors. August has stripped my wallet dry as well, so for now staying put is the only viable option. :p

So this is how my August had been.

don't you just love those smiles!

that's the attorney with her magazine... flipping through wedding ideas!

Aug 6. Should have watched Sarah Geronimo in concert at the Atrium, but my besties decided to go with other plans. So we ended up talking non-stop at some mall coffee kiosk, had grilled chicken and some soup for dinner, and treated ourselves to some dreamy gelato at Missy Bon Bon, where we also took as many snaps as we could, and talked about weddings and proposals, and the fact that one of my besties is expecting one within the month. Hence the fixation with the Weddings mag. 🙂

boating before breakfast

the old pier at daytime

Aug 7. Traveled to Lanao Del Norte, some 3 hours away from my home in Cagayan de Oro to visit my cousins. Rode the bus with Mom, my sister, my cousin J, Mom’s friend, Tita A, and her young daughter. Went boating at early morning (lovely!), and on our first night, we walked with our cousins to an old village pier and watched the gazillion stars (lovelier!) until we were all drowsy from all the talk and laughter. We also visited two waterfalls, went swimming, and had our pictures taken a thousand times.

oh Candy's how we love thee!

the photobooth souvenir. yee-ha!

Aug 21.  Dinner and coffee with my best buddies from my ex-office. Nashy and Candice were home for the weekend, and I had no problem convincing Ella to come home as well (thank you understanding hubby! :p). Another Ella was there too, so it was one big, raucous get-together, with some happy news (shhh!) on the side. Dinner at our favorite Candy’s and then coffee at Coffeeworks, where we went ga-ga over the photobooth, wigs, weird sunglasses, hats, and all! See crazy photos for reference.

some REALLY close-up snaps at the birthday/engagement party

So. it will just be Estee and myself, once Sora gets hitched. and Marshie too, who'll be home from New Zealand in time for the wedding. Yay!

Aug 25. Finally, one of my best friends got engaged on her birthday! Sora, the feisty, fashion-forward attorney who’s been my best friend since high school freshman year finally got the rock on the eve of her birthday, after seven years of a drama-filled but nevertheless admirable relationship with her lawyer better-half. What else can I say? I’ve been anticipating this proposal as if it were my own and now that it’s here, I’m just elated! Excited for the exclusive house party/ engagement party, the bridal shower, the pre nup pictorials (which I heard will be shot on location at Impasugong, Bukidnon, weee!), and of course the dreamy, dreamy, big day.

Love, love. “Without love, our world is a tomb.”

Of Wedding Hopes and Dreams August 20, 2010

photo credits to Armand Ansaldo and Marty Bryan of Ansaldo Photography

This is a bird’s eye view on the breathtaking ornate altar of the Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Ormoc City the morning of June 25, 2010 when my brother got hitched to his long-time girlfriend, Carla. The long church aisle was dotted with yellow and red flowers – red roses, yellow mums and daisies, green ferns. There were also lighted candles hanging from gold-painted iron flower stands. The choir was lovely, and even lovelier was the fact that they were able to perform an amazing rendition of Chantal Kreviazuk’s Feels Like Home for the bridal march.

Someday I would love to have my own beautiful wedding, but I want more than just a picture-perfect one. More than anything, I hope to have a happy celebration, where there is laughter from beginning to end, and a few tears that signify happiness, nothing else.

Here are more wedding pictures. Enjoy! 🙂

that's me! 🙂

i love you, guys!

Should Have Been in Bantayan Island Today… March 20, 2010

~~~~~~~~

… to witness my good friend Dennise’s lovely beach wedding at sunset. But instead I am stuck at home, nursing a dancing hangover, and writing this lousy blog post. I canceled my trip to Cebu and to Bantayan Island early this week due to work complications. This freelancing thing is getting on my nerves, and with the scheduled blackouts disrupting my writing schedules almost on a daily basis, I was left with no choice but to choose work over vacation this weekend, or else I’ll go broke before month-end.

Plus, today is also Chaya’s wedding in Malaybalay, held at the same church where I want to profess my marriage vows in someday, the Monastery of Transfiguration. For months, I had been in a dilemma, thinking how I will inevitably be missing one wedding, by taking part in another.

But because I promised to grace Dennise’s wedding first, and talks of her getting married in early summer surfaced way before Chaya began planning about her own, I was leaning towards the Bantayan Island wedding party. As early as January, I began shopping for a dark-violet strapless dress to wear to the beach wedding, as well as an abaca-made wrist bag to go with the summer-beachy theme. Also, I bought some new eye make-up, and prepared the pink and brown printed  summer dress which I never had occasion to use, intending to wear it over breakfast after the wedding party.

So much for being a fashionista girl scout. Today, I am at home, feeling a bit wistful, wishing I were someplace else, where blue skies and chilled margaritas go perfectly together. Well last night I went clubbing with the girls, and though I had some Gilbey’s Premium Strength Gin and danced for two hours in my 3-inch party heels, I’d still much rather be in a deserted white beach, witnessing another happily-ever-after, and staring dreamily into the sunset.

Gahd. I feel like crying right now. Weddings and spoiled plans always do that to me.

😦

Coffee and Muffins and Some Thoughts on Marriage March 15, 2010

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Mocha Espresso. Yum.

What a full day I’ve had. I woke up today and blogged about going down with the flu but now it’s almost 1 a.m. and I’m still wide awake, having just arrived home from Bo’s after a long evening over espresso and muffins. I think the flu has subsided a bit, thank heavens, after taking lots of Vitamin Cs and loads of water.

My aunt who’s now married to an American and already based in the U.S. arrived at the house this afternoon and will be staying for a few weeks or so while visiting friends in the city. I got myself two white leather handbags and some makeup as pasalubongs, which is great because I’ve been planning on buying a really nice white bag for the summer and some eye make up for impromptu parties. And tonight she’s decided to treat us out for coffee and muffins because she cannot stand the 5-hour rotating brownouts for the entire evening. Of course I would not want to be left home while the power was out so I slipped into my jeans and top and kind of looked forward to coffee.

While we were at Bo’s some friends of my aunt came to sit with us at the table, and one of them jokingly asked me and my sister if we were already married. We politely replied that no, we are still in our mid-twenties and not at all planning on getting hitched very soon. But the old man was quite in the mood for kidding around, and opined that now is the best time to get married and that marrying when you’re already thirty and up is a huge, huge mistake.

Really? I’m 27, single, having the time of my life, and not at all wanting to settle anytime soon. Well, okay, stability is a huge factor, and at this point, my savings are not anywhere near impressive, so perhaps that is one huge reason why marriage is the farthest thing from my mind right now.

Perhaps, a year or two from now, if that someone proposes to me, I’d gladly say yes. If. A huge IF. But anytime soon is not at all possible. So whoever says I should get married now will do well to shut up. You don’t get married because it’s the right age, you get married because you have the right person in your life at the RIGHT TIME.

Who cares if you get married at 35? At 40? Hello. At this time and age, not every girl is lucky to have a decent man just when their cheeks are at their rosiest and their ovaries are at the pink of health.

But tonight I did not shut the old man up. He was fortunately too funny for that. 🙂

Night Swimming Madness March 8, 2010

tired from swimming

Sunday nights for the past two weekends had been spent swimming at the spacious and luxurious Marco Hotel, and although I don’t fancy myself a good swimmer, I can at least say that my abilities have improved from poor to not-so-poor. Well, “not-so-poor” means that I can actually reach one portion of the pool from another without sinking and that I can float on my back for quite some time, which is good, because that gives me a chance to stare at tips of the high palm trees, the dark violet sky, and the stars during early evenings.

My swimming buddies are actually pretty good swimmers, so I have no choice but to work extra hard on my freestyle swimming abilities. Well, I’ve yet to learn how to dive without creating a scene and to actually tread water.  It’s just that if I stay in a solitary position while on water, I tend to, well, sink. Perhaps it has got to do with my legs or maybe with my mind, which shouts “sink” faster than my body can respond.  Oh well.

The gang is planning to go night swimming more often, what with all the 5-hour power interruptions and the sultry weather making us all crave for warm waters and cooler breezes. Which reminds me, I still need to buy a swimming cap (Speedo has some really cute albeit highly-affordable choices) and some goggles. Well, maybe a new tankini too, if the finances permit.

The other weekend we were treated to a full sunset and a full moon. I was able to snap some photos of the huge orange sun setting way behind the distant mountains while Carmela was driving her Pajero.

slowly sinking, sinking... sinking

And then of the the full moon that evening, during intervals of swimming, shivering, devouring junk, and setting the camera.

the fat moon

The previous weekend we were not treated to any blazing sunsets or full moons, just a sky dotted with stars. While floating I was able to make out a few constellations of my childhood, and even attempted to find the stars which Chad and I have picked for ourselves, years ago. But that proved to be too heartbreaking so I snapped out of my reverie and swam to the edge of the pool before drying off.

Exhausted and shivering, we decided to have dinner over barbecues, grilled chicken, and ice-cold Cokes.

Looks like summer is finally here. 🙂

The Highschool Reunion I Shan’t Forget February 22, 2010

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It was at Ghana, on the 29th of December 2009, and everyone who came looked fab and gorgeous. After ten years, it was high school all over again. The Moffats, Backstreet Boys, Spice Girls, and No Doubt were blasting from the speakers.  On the wide screen were videos and pictures of wide-eyed teens in uniforms and socks and black shoes. Of classrooms and sports fields and bonsais. There was a copy of the black yearbook right at the registration booth and all you needed to do was flip the pages to remember the bittersweet days of high school – Shakespeare and Chemistry experiments, prom dresses and cheering competitions, tempura and slushy fruit shakes.  The pangs of disprized love.  Of Romeos and Juliets. Ah. It was sweet high school at the Little School House all over again and for a few seconds you are transfixed.

Buy you find that something else transfixes you. Almost everyone you knew during their zit days and bad hair days and puberty days are suddenly right in front of you, dressed in lovely cocktail dresses, sporting sky-high stiletto heels, or wearing dapper collared shirts. Of course they were lovely back then, but looking at them now, you realize how time makes everything more beautiful. Gone are the awkwardness, sloped shoulders, slouched backs, unsure smiles. You are actually shaking hands and making beso with lawyers, artists, doctors, nurses, investors, chefs, successful entrepreneurs – young urban professionals, all. Trading jokes with people who have found their places under the sun, sharing tables with those you literally grew up with, squabbled, chatted, and cheated with, but people nevertheless who knew you ten years ago and are still interested in knowing you better, now. Nothing could be sweeter and you wish these sort of things happened every year. Just for the sheer fun of it.

The food was great and an unlimited bar opened right after the program, rambunctious laughter included, was over. Margaritas, Bailey’s, beer, and tequilas — everything was neon lights and alcohol, dancing and conversations straining to be heard over loud music.

So here are some of the best pics.  Some are from my camera, while a few were taken by the official photographers for the event. I was wearing a strapless number, 3-inch heels, and dark eyes, but in my heart of hearts, I am sixteen all over again, laughing and posing for pictures with my bosom best friends, knowing that these things are the very things that keep us young.

The night had been magical, at the very least. :}

~~~~~

sora, me, estee

margaritas, anyone?

pretty party girls

hamming it up!

Senior year! 4-U

year-end fun!!!

Searching for a Wedding Theme? Go Bali! October 27, 2009

Last week, the family was invited to attend a Bali themed wedding party at the Country Village Hotel. The simple wedding ceremony was held at a secluded chapel, in the hilly areas of the city. While the ceremony was simply routine, the after wedding party was anything but.

beuatiful asian lanterns

Arriving early at the reception, we were able to appreciate the well-planned Balinese setting.  There were Asian lanterns hanging from the draped ceilings, and the lighting was subdued enough to bring out a romantic yet festive atmosphere. Happy, pulsating Balinese drum beats greeted us as we arrived at the venue, so it was difficult to feign excitement. I almost wanted to hop and grind in my orange summer dress! LOL.

drapes and summer hats

As you can see there were also lighted palm trees, which were strategically scattered all throughout the venue. To add a bit of privacy to the outdoor setting, drapes were hung, but these were also ingeniously tied with native summer hats for that authentic and exotic beach feel.

Me in my Bali summer dress

That’s me, taking a pose beside the cupcake tower and the dainty fondant wedding cake. I donned an orange and fuchsia number, with a cinched waist. The hunt for the perfect summer dress began since the time I received the invitation.  Of course, any occasion presents the perfect excuse to add another dress to my wardrobe, so I was more than happy to begin my search. The search ended when I found this pink-strapped orange dress at Mags.

roses, mums, lilies

Okay, roses are not exactly too-Balinese, but what wedding is complete without roses? It’s a good thing that Malaysian mums, ferns, and some orchids and lilies were added into the flower arrangements, so as to create a more eclectic, less formal feel. The roses came in yellows, peaches, and whites, while the mums were either bright pink, white, or orange yellow.

roses and candlelight

And I should tell you how I adored the table settings. Each table had more than three candles, an exquisitely arranged floral bouquet, rounded stones, and smaller pebbles that remind you of beaches and glorious sunsets. The tables were just the right size, so they were both cozy and intimate, seating only about six to seven people each.

the view by the poolside

The venue was right by the pool moreover, and with the sound of the Balinese drums and the pull of the exotic ambiance, it was easy to forget that we were partying in a small hotel within the city of Cagayan de Oro.

cupcakes!

Finally, I should say something about the desserts. I think every wedding should have delectable, mouth-watering desserts. Well, these sweet treats are nothing fancy, just a few chocolate and coffee cupcakes with butter icing, cheese squares, Chantilly bars and tarts, but they were served profusely and were delightful to the taste buds.

The wedding was one of the most fun celebrations I’ve been in; there were none of the strict formality and stiffness prevalent in many traditional weddings, and everybody came to have a good time. The emcee captured everyone’s attention with her crisp voice and effortless segues. The girls came in their cute summer dresses while the guys were dressed down to their short-sleeved polos, light-colored slacks, and loafers or sneaks.

Nonetheless, there was elegance to be seen everywhere – from the lights to the flowers and from the dainty desserts to the first-class photography. It was a happy affair, which is what every wedding after-party should be.

To Jojo and Charise, may you stay in love, for life! 🙂

A Potluck, Strawberry Punch, and Margarita Party in One! October 16, 2009

The potluck party with the grade school buddies at Odessa’s place was a huge success. There was food – pasta and lots of meat-, dessert, and lots of drinks, too. For the ladies, some strawberry cocktail punch and lemony margaritas, while the guys had their usual beer. It rained heavily several hours before the dinnertime party, but the precipitation failed to “rain” on our parade. We all had a whale of a time sharing stories, trading jokes, drinking booze, playing with  Odessa’s wacko dog, Jacko, and of course, posing for pictures.

Our bartender for the night, Angela, who I hope will be our official bartender from this party forward, devised a wicked strawberry punch highlighted with spiked gelatin bits. And by spiked I mean the gelatin cubes had alcohol in them. So there I was munching on the gelatin, not realizing that I was actually taking in more alcohol than I initially thought. As for the lemon margarita, it was divinely delish, and if not for the strawberry punch which I gulped down unthinkingly, I would have had more.

the wicked, wicked punch

the gradeschool gang! 🙂

the party planners 🙂

Odessa, our lovely hostess, in black.

jacko!