PAUmpanga Adventure!
12.19.11 My twin (Sandy/Pau/PauPau)’s 18th Birthday Celebration part 2 @ her hometown, Pampanga!
I love love love love adventures. I don’t mind commuting at all (as long as I’m given a detailed version of what to ride to where, lol) just to get to destinations. Keeps the thrill pumpin’ + you get to exercise your geography skills (which we all know, I’m in dire need of)!
Oh and adventure time with blockmates? OZOOOOOM!
We stayed overnight at a lovely villa in Fontana. Private pool, yessir!
“Livin’ the life”
The Chamber of Craziness have been opened. Viewers of this entry, beware!
We played card and dare games as the night passed. I LOVE OUR EPIC DARES!
Lonely nights under the moonlight ft. Jeno HAHA
SHOT OF THE CENTURY HAHAHAHAHA I’ll spare you with the horrid details
Dare, not drunk ;)
We visited Nayong Pilipino the next day. Sandy’s dad greeted her via P.A.! “Happy Birthday Anak, Love you! Aalis tayo ng 4PM!” ♥♥♥
Happy Birthday Twin! We love youuu ♥
Run for Pasig River 2011
11.20.2011 || 5K Run for Pasig River || Pedro Gil to SM Mall of Asia Route
Let’s get this straight: Some people (myself included) may think that running a marathon that’s earlier than the sunrise just to ‘help’ clean a river is somehow ‘pointless’ (when you can ask us to clean the river itself); and even though we had to wake up on the ungodly hour of 2AM (no transporation support provided) just to get to the starting point and we really can’t do anything about it bec it’s a school requirement, this marathon was actually, haters gonna hate, FUN!
P&S photos so I apologize for some noisy quality of some!
Tips if you’re joining a marathon like this: Set up a meeting place with your friends before the event. Telecom signals will screw up and consider yourself lucky if you actually spot your friends! I was lucky enough to spot some of my closest blockmates that made the run crazier than it can be!
If you were at the run, YES, we were that crazy group that greets strangers with “Hellooo! Ako Budoy!” and cheers “Go USTe!” randomly. Sorry and welcome to our life! :))
Freebies! Water, Champion Detergent (lol), Smart C juice bottles (which people kindly hoarded) and open water sprinklers!
I have no proper photo of the UST Yellow Jackets, but did you know that when Thomasian runners passed by Adamson’s drum group (sorry idk what they’re called), they played the “Go USTe!” drum beats! One for Pasig River!
This run was tiring to think of in the beginning, but fulfilling at the end. Hopefully our sacrifices pay off soon!
Tinseltown: CFAD Week 2011
Squeezing in a week’s worth of post in one entry!
This year, the UST- College of Fine Arts and Design makes a comeback in celebrating it’s 11th College Week with the theme ‘Tinseltown’!
Tinseltown is a slang term for Hollywood. The original meaning of “Tinseltown” is not complementary. People have used the word “tinsel” since the 1600s to describe something that is showy or even gaudy.
- Wisegeek.com
First day highlights: Parade (where I came in late. Boo. But my rough morning was instantly remedied upon seeing MY FOLKS! HAHA! Bellatrix Lestrange, Harry Potter and Hagrid! ♥)
Got blue hair towards the end of the day. 
Second day highlight: Sportsfest and Room Premiere Opening! The Second year students under CFAD collaborated to showcase a room in accordance to their theme and of course, t’was a non-stop movie marathon!
Our block got the Superheroes theme. The concept was to create a skyscaper view so that the ones entering the room will feel like they’re the “giants”, that they’re the one that’s super. Ya dig? We lacked time to prepare though but the room was so cozy, we nearly considered to sleepover! haha
Trollin’
Third day was tattoo day (for our block because we’re crazy like that) and One Shade Dance Concert. M A J O R S W A G!
Fourth day was “stalk and shoot” day
NERD ALERT! NERD ALERT! We invaded the library as we maximize the free time and did our research for Photography Paper
Oh and fifth day is Lemon drops Sabawfest + Awarding + Concert + Frisbee day!
Even though our room design was partially crammed… we won Second Place for the Room Premiere Challenge! Goojab, 2AD6 and 2IND1!
Pag may fireworks ba, Paskuhan na agad? Di ba pwedeng CFAD WEEK muna?
CFAD week ends with a BLAST! EPIC WEEK IS EPIC, This post doesn’t even give justice to it. Kudos to CFADSC!!
Fashion Watch 2012
Last night (11.04.11), Geeni and I attended Fashion Watch 2012 at the Rizal Ballroom, Makati Shangri-la hotel huge thanks to Ms. Trish Velarmino!
The Fashion Watch Quartet (brainchild of Inno Sotto and Richard Tann) Year-Ender Show featured the collection of today’s premiere designers: Ferdi Abuel, Ivarluski Aseron, Alex Bitong, JC Buendia, Ito Curata, Patrice Diaz, Jun Escario, Joel Escober, Arcy Gayatin, Oj Hofer, Francis Libiran, Jojie Lloren, Dennis Lustico, Jerome Lorico, Len Nepomuceno, Norman Noriega, James Reyes, Philip Rodriguez and Lulu Tan-Gan.
Not much pre-cocktail photos because my camera suddenly acted up. Big sigh of relief though when it came back to life again during the show itself!
On to the photos!
A few inspiring words by the Inno Sotto himself.
I’m so gaga over this.
this.
and especially this! Dear body fat, ain’t the hot Philippine weather enough to melt you off?
I can already imagine Tessa Prieto-Valdes in these!
Ecstatic over this!
Lulu Tan-Gan!! Did you know she took up Advertising Arts at UST too? #proudthomasian #proudka-cfad #proudka-adver #inspiration
We killed off some time at Glorietta after, then finally had my dose of Toffee Nut Frap! Check out the Starbucks 2012 planners.
Memoria
“Memorial day is derived from the Latin “memoria”, memory, and we our duty bound this weekend to remember those who died in our defense, and who left us with a debt which can never be repaid.”
11.01.11 spent the day with mom at Holy Gardens! HG is an uphill memorial space that gives you the view of the opposite mountains in Antipolo. Calming, serene and still view just like mom wanted it.
Angry birds balloons are everywhere. It’s funny when one accidentally flies out to the sky, it really looks like the one in the game, being launched to the other side! Haha oh and there’s actually a flying Dora one time, I just didn’t get to take a photo since I was too busy laughing
Welcome to our new crib. Hahaha!
Dad asked me to take a picture of this mountain part at the other side. Looks like improper mining’s taking it’s toll. Downer, noh?
Tip if you’re staying ‘til the night at cemeteries: LED lights make good alternative light bulbs! Instead of bringing heavy battery-operated portable light units, charge up with these and save the expense of batteries. Some LED lights are light and bright enough that you can tie it up under your tent like we did. (like a boss)
This is not a post-Ondoy blog entry.
but it’s definitely more nostalgic.
Mandaluyong Move-out!
Let me start by explaining things from scratch. In my 18 years of living, my family and I lived in two houses. 1 was in Mandaluyong where my siblings and I were born, raised, educated and grew up at and 1 in Cainta where we used to spend weekends, holidays and vacations together. We held on for almost 3 decades at M though we really reside in C. Yeah, it’s a long story. Fast forward to what this entry is about, well, we gave up our M house and staying in C for good. I’ll spare you with the other details since the amount of information i’m giving out right now is also freaking me out :)) *shots internet creepers*
Bottomline, I guess we figured it’s time to let go.
10.16.11 Whole day packing/sweat overload
One of the things I’ll miss in M is the accessibility of the area. For someone (self-confessed) as poor in directions as I am, it taught me a lot geographically-speaking. Recalling the places I went through everyday made me realize how small the world REALLY IS as long as you just know how to navigate around!
Random: These photos were taken using digicam. I missed playing around built-in macro!
I will miss our lovely neighbors. We almost watched each other grow through the years, whatever another’s age is. Upon saying goodbyes, Lola Loida told us:
“Para narin namin kayong anak, wag kayong mahihiyang bumalik ah? Ikaw Joanna, kapag na-stranded ka sa UST, dito ka nalang umuwi samin” :’(
Our house was really simple. It may not be grand, but it was enough. It was home. Thank you for the 27 years of unforgettable memories. Be home to another family soon.
Fuego Weekend
10.22-23.11 Fuego with Ate Jemma, Ate Anj, Kuya Pierre and Kuya Rurik!
Warning: Photo-heavy post!
Also, tumblr, Y U make my photos less vivid?
Stopover at Santi’s to grab herbs for Kuya Acky’s Pizza Party then breakfast at Mushroomburger, Tagaytay. Not as cold as I expected it to be, considering I was wearing shorts. Did you know they’re constructing I think 5 buildings for this SM mall already? Sigh.
Kuya Pierre and Kuya Rurik are chefs and they once competed at this show “Kitchen Battles”. We bought ducks that they cooked and made another show for them, “Keychain Bottles!” hahaha
Oh and I had my hair re-dyed since the roots were growing out already. Redder than ever!
We stayed overnight at Casa Ferreria. Super thank you for the hospitality, Ate Anj! Before going to bed, we had a massage oh and we went to mass at The Peninsula where there’s this kid who srsly looks like Amy Farrah Fowler! 
Aside from this korean family, the beach’s practically ours in the morning. This scene won’t be for long though, long weekend’s coming!
They were dragging their dog into the sea. INTO THE SEA! I mean okay it’s cute but srsly PEOPLE ACTUALLY DIVE INTO THE OCEAN! Sea animals are enough.
Suddenly… Kuya Rurik’s texting in the middle of the ocean! Hahaha dope
Gourmet food everyday. I’m pretty sure I expanded over the weekend :(
The Peak before going home! It overlooks the whole of Nasugbu, Batangas.
Paniki
Zen/Master Shifu
My 3rd time of Fuego and still not (and won’t, anyway) tired of it ♥
Serenitea after sooooooo long!
Ate: “Wow, bird!”
Ate Anj: “Wow, carabao!”
Kuya Pierre: “Mga nasobrahan sa city life…” =))))
Good times!
TGIF 10.14.11
The pictures don’t give justice at all but last friday was insaaaane!
Major malls are throwing in the biggest price off sales and imagine as early as around 11:30AM some people are already done shopping because there’s actually an additional 10% off to early birdies! Daaaamn. Geared with my gifted GCs, we actually braved out the sale! Haha we weren’t able to even step foot to some trend stores *coughF21cough* but still I was able to score good pieces with the craziest discounts. Cue Shopaholic Squeal.
After the wild morning-mid afternoon, we (and by “we” I mean the house helper and I, haha! I tagged her along to assist me through the day. I brought equipment okay) got picked up by Ja then headed to her pre-debut shoot venue. 
Teaser? :>
Charlie’s dinner + Cake token afterwards courtesy of Ja’s family! SO FULL I FEEL LIKE I JUST GAINED A 100 LBS MORE. We burned it after though by maximizing the midnight Galleria sale! GOOD TIMES!
This isn’t her best photo but she’s still cute, noh? Last Wednesday (10.12.11) was my baby niece Jaimee’s 1st Birthday! We actually throw a per-“Monthsary” celebration for her but for her 1st year, we went back to the province with other relatives and it was the simplest yet most loving grandeur celebration we’ve ever achieved for her. Happy Birthday to our dear Jaimee!
Tuesday 10.12.11
consisted of tagging along dad’s meeting at The Manila Peninsula, gift-hunting for Jaimee’s birthday, korean lunch at Greenbelt 5, contemplation whether or not to attend the MOA meeting and all the other father-daughter stuff. My pops is the best!
Dance the night away, live your life and stay young on the floor // (My Eighteenth)
The long overdue post!
Warning: Photo-heavy entry ahead.
AUGUST 26, 2011
I admit- and as cliche as it may seem, I had always dreamed about my 18th since I was a kid. There is something magnetic to me with the whole concept of claiming a night of your own without anyone having the right to question it. I guess besides it being a perfect time to gather everyone you love, I had always been “overshadowed” in my life that I long for the time where I actually break free.
Yeah, I sound so melodramatic. But it’s true.
People have different views on how to spend their once in a lifetime moment, but if I were to choose (over handheld cash, extravagant trips abroad or shopping spree), I would pick throwing a debut party over and over again.
A couple of small dreams of mine also came to life through this flight. Besides having my own party, I’ve always wanted to be an Events Coordinator. I got to talk to total strangers without the awkward process! Because you know, business is business. Also, I’ve always wondered what it feels like as the one being taken photographs of this time, and the one taken pictures of at a celebration and not the one lugging around with the camera.
And if in any case you’re wondering, I didn’t have any serious pre-debut photoshoot. And I think I lost all my pre-event and after- photos. Lol sad life
Photos are (c) Alex Ruelo who is now a friend! #amused
Lol okay, this is another dream came true. Since my sister knows a group of dancers, I asked her if I can get back-ups since I wanted to sing on my bday (Makapal ako eh, and I’m maximizing the one-time-only thrill). I told her jokingly, “Basta gusto ko mala-concert ang production!” then come few days she told me, “On the floor yung song diba? 2-hr practice daw with ASF dancers on Sunday.” LMAO IMAGINE THE FLABBERGAST ON MY FACE!
They’re so professional, supporting and awesome.
I had three 18s for the night. Raves (aka Treasures), Cosmic Gift Certificates and Shots. Everyone’s so awesome but I must say, Tito Ed’s Mac gift held my breath for a while!
Hahaha hoarder ba? I can’t wait to shop!
Nea performed 2 songs. Rolling in the Deep and Katy Perry’s “ET”. I don’t know what got into me but when she was singing ET, I suddenly grabbed a mic and joined her! I still regret that deed up to this day =)) It feels like I ruined it or something but people tell me I did fine anyway :)) I guess I just don’t think my voice is somewhere near Nea’s. Hahaha! 
Emcees! Just like the photographer turned friend, they’re friends of mine now.
Instead of having the usual father-daughter dance, my dad and I performed a duet instead. We’re Karaoke buddies! I love you Pa, thank you for everything.
Yes I cried. The moment the word “Mama” came out my mouth, I couldn’t hold back the tears. My family & relatives kept telling me “kahit may kulang/kulang na tayo, andito padin kami para sayo” through the night and as much as I don’t want to sink in that my mom’s not really around anymore, it feels like Mama’s whispering to that to them because she’s really just above us but not entirely leaving us.
