Bulacan
Our family = Always in the hustle, so nothing beats a family quality time for the Holy Week. I hope everyone had a meaningful one as well :)
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.
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.
Love does not consist of gazing at each other, but in looking together in the same direction.
-Antoine de Saint-Exupery
It was my cousin’s (Kuya Ian) wedding last 060511. It was my first time to attend an Inglesia de Cristo wedding, more so enter the Inglesia! Awesome.
My dad’s one of the sponsors, he’s required to suit up in the middle of the afternoon. Philippines is one heck of a baking oven.
The Mango Farm after for the reception! The weather started to cooperate so we had a pretty nice afternoon snack. The dinner buffet was delicioso, too!
I wish my hair can be as light as my sister’s now, but I think I still have a few more chemicals to go. Haha!
Congratulations Kuya Ian and Ate Cookie! <3
Weddings and Beyond
Last Saturday, my sister and I went to the “Weddings and Beyond” Expo at the PICC Forum. Manila Bay, we meet again! I was supposed to meet up with Janica but we missed each other since my transpo took longer than expected. Sadface.
Edible flowers!
Yes, we had shots in the middle of the day. They’re free and yummy! Problem?
Hello Trina! Please ignore my Hagrid hair.
We ate at this seafood restaurant with inhuman service charge fee after (no photos though). My sister and I just keep ranting and laughing how we could have eaten on a fast food restau instead. Overall, t’was a fun day!
Mother’s Day
Visited mom to drop by our greetings. Yeah, she’s rocking with the big guy up there now. I still miss her everyday. Happy Mom’s Day, Ma!
We checked the newly opened mall near our subdivision after. I read in the newspaper that their target market are the nearby subdivisions (Kingsville, Vermont Park, Vermont Royale, Filinvest) so I’m pretty stoked that they’ll bring in big brands as well!
Some stores aren’t open yet, though.
Cool lighting concept!
My niece. She’s like Sunny from A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket. She likes to gnaw on things! Good thing she don’t have teeth yet.
THERE’S A TUTTI FRUTTI BRANCH. THAT’S JUST AWESOMESAUCE.
The night before, I helped my 6-month old niece make this simple card for her mom. She crumpled added the texture! Fine Arts huh :>
lol a bit late, but I bid all your mommas a Happy Mother’s Day!
Farmville
We recently acquired a new farm at my dad’s hometown. This had always been one of my mom’s little dreams you know, to own a farm. Even though she’s not with us anymore, we’re still trying to live her dreams. ‘Tis for you, mom, and advance happy mother’s day!
There’s a resthouse near the farm. THE WIFI’S SO SUPERSONIC FAST MY 987654 DOWNLOADS CAN FINISH IN A ZAP. Anyway, non-stop karaoke! A few more practices to go and I can smoothly rap out Jaden Smith’s part in “Never Say Never!!!”
I’ve been watching a ton of cooking shows lately. Not a good idea since I’m on my summer break and the fridge’s always loaded. I really, really want to try Sofia’s “Petolé” italian dessert from Junior Masterchef, though!
