Sartorial Highness: 2012

I Have Something To Say

Of course I'd have something to say. How boring will it be to have a blog and not say anything at all? What's the use of that, even?

Seriously, though, I just had one of the surprises of my life this afternoon. I don't want to elaborate much for fear of some of the people I know personally to read it and spread rumors or talk about it too much...but, I can tell you that it made me a little crazy.

Have you ever had that moment in your life where there are just no words at all to describe how you feel? Moments that you can't identify if you're happy or sad about something? Well, I'm experiencing that right now.

I don't even know why I'm affected. It's a simple thing... I'm just complicating things. But here's to the guy who was my first boyfriend. Who was my first kiss. Who was my first dance. Who was my first love...and who was my heartbreak.

I suffered from depression, mental and physical illness. I threw away the opportunity of studying at my dream school. I fought with my family just so I can spend more time with you and be with you. But that wasn't enough. You went straight ahead and left me for her.

But that was 5 years ago. I became happy again. I'm a good student now - a better one, to be exact. I have new friends. I go out. I don't always hold my phone and have the need to reply asap. I have all my money to myself because I have no one to buy gifts for. In short... I was finally living my life. Years of not having a single problem about the issues of the heart. Not crying at all because I miss you. Not feeling of having to puke when I see or smell food. I loved how free I felt. It took long to get the smile back onto my face...but I still got it back. I was better.

And now... here you are. At my school. First thing I said when I saw you?

What the hell?!

You didn't answer. All you did was introduce me to you girlfriend.

Don't get me wrong. She seems nice. I even said hi, didn't I? But there is still this feeling bothering me.

You just made my world too small. Way too small that I feel suffocated. In all honesty, I don't want to see you every single day! I do miss you sometimes...but this is torture. Now I'm scared to go to the canteen or even at the close establishments around campus. I don't want to bump into you the way I did this afternoon. I was completely taken by surprise.

I don't know if this is a game that destiny's playing at me but I do hope that you don't play along with it. I am so going to be sick again if more surprises concerning you occurs.

I don't want to see you. It hurts me.

A.

Wanderlust

I have always wanted to travel. Anywhere. Be it a few cities away from where I live, I consider it travel. Maybe for most, the basis of traveling is via airplanes or cruises...but for a simple girl like me, wherever there's something new to see and worth visiting - it's a travel spot.

Last October 22, 2012, I was blessed enough to board on a plane and fly 3 hours away from the Philippines and into Thailand. It has been, so far, the longest flight I've taken since my previous flights were always just above and hour. I don't know with you guys, but I'm cool with flying for a couple of hours. Unlike some, especially my sisters, who get irritated and uneasy on long flights, I am okay with it.

Sarah, Riza and I boarded a plane at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) terminal 3 at 9:40pm. We arrived at Suvarnabhumi International Airport on the following day at 12:45am. But since Thailand time is one hour late as opposed to Philippines time, we were considered to have arrived at 11:45pm.

Alright, I must've bored you enough. Here are some of the photos.

Our plane!

Riza playing with our cute seat mate: Caleb

My very first glimpse of Thailand from the airplane

At one of Suvarnabhumi's comfort rooms. I look so stressed. hahahaha.

Look how beautiful their airport is!

This is what we looked like as we waited for our tour bus.

Free map!

Since our tour bus won't pick us up until 8am of October 27, 2012, my friends and I decided to leave the airport for a while and just come back so that we can catch our bus to Pattaya where we'll be heading first.

More photos to follow! ;)

Have a great November ahead of you! ♥

Hooray For October!

It's final! Everything is set for my short vacation on Thailand by the end of this month! ♥ I am so excited! Can you not tell by the many times I've used the exclamation point already??? Hahahaha.

Yesterday, I've already paid for my hotel accommodations and tours and earlier today, I paid for my plane ticket. If that doesn't suggest that my travel plans are final, then I don't know what is.

Last night, as I was booking my plane ticket, I conducted a research regarding the "must-see" spots in Thailand. I got so caught up on it that I managed to fill an entire paper with all the places I want to visit. I refuse to leave that country without seeing such places! So my 5 days of staying there better be filled with plans and tours.

I'm so excited that I can't wait for my own photos to upload here and let you all see what I saw! But since I won't be leaving for another 2 weeks, here are the places I want to see in Thailand.

*All photos are NOT mine

PATTAYA

1. Sanctuary of Truth

A temple made entirely out of wood filled with religious artifacts and sculptures made of wood as well. With its gothic look, it's not hard for me to really want to go there. I've always been fascinated with all kinds of temples. This is probably the closest thing to La Sagrada Familia that I can visit... but you'll never know. Someday, I just might get to travel around Europe as well.

2. Mini Siam and Mini Europe

Have I not said that maybe someday I'd get to see Europe? Well, apparently I'd get to see some parts of Europe on my trip to Thailand. They have a mini version of the Window of the World in China. Even if I've read quite a number of negative reviews regarding this place, I'd still like to go see it.

3. Nong Nooch Tropical Garden

I'm not a green thumbed person but I do appreciate the beauty a garden brings to this world of ours. Apparently, I'd get to see yet another part of Europe here... the Stonehenge. Is this place awesome or what?

4. Wat Yansangwararam

Another set of temples that I'd like to visit. I don't know if it's just me who likes seeing the intricate designs of temples or it's just a fact that Thailand is a religious country and that temples really are abundant. Whatever the reason is, I'd like to see this place.

5. Pattaya Hill

Based on what I've read and seen on pictures, the hill is a main attraction in Pattaya because it enables one to overlook the amazing beach and coast of the area. Aside from that, there are also some statues (i think) on top of the hill where patrons get to pray.

6. Ripley's Believe It or Not

I was quite surprised when I stumbled upon a website that says there is one in Thailand. Looks like I'd be visiting a part of U.S.A through this one. Hahaha. I can't wait to see this museum/exhibit. It's mostly haunted stuff based on what I read.

7. Underwater World

I'd like to see this one too. Although, not so much. But if we get there, I'd be more than willing to go inside and see the ocean creatures. It may just be better (i mean, bigger) than that of Manila Ocean Park.

And of course... the main reason and attraction of Pattaya: beach! According to our itinerary, we'd go on a coral reef diving or some sort. Although I cannot swim and I don't want to get a tan, I am willing to experience the beach life in Thailand. Jomtien beach, I'll see you soon! ♥

.....to be continued.....

Fashion's Yin and Yang

Nowadays, fashion trends are more edgy and daring...sometimes even to the point of complete absurdity. However, no one really protests because fashion is no longer just about clothes and the such: it's an art. So call me old fashioned or whatever, but I still strongly believe in the balance of all things -- including that of fashion.

Plains and prints are what I consider the balance in fashion or, as the title implies, the yin and yang. Most people dare to parade around wearing printed clothes clashing on with different printed pieces. I should admit, though, that it looks good sometimes. But the thing with this "print on print" trend is it's not for everybody. Don't get me wrong. Sometimes, I myself dare to wear pieces of clothing with clashing colors and prints together just to be fun looking and catch attention from everyone around you. And trust me, here in Manila, you get everyone's attention when you dare to even dress with more than shirt and jeans.

With that said, I opted to walk my talk a few Sundays ago and I wore this plain blue dress with my, possibly, wildest and most vibrant looking wedges.

Accoring to one of my friends, this pose is called "wall, meet my foot" Hahahaha.

Pretty yet simple detailing on the back of my dress (People Are People)

Mint Green Bag: Tomato | Jewel Bracelets: Divisoria

Aztec Wedges: Jellybean

Excited

My long absence from blogging is inexcusable. For a time, it was because as I've said before, our internet connection sucks. Apparently, the area of our house is prone to our internet server's "down area". Which practically means that if there's a problem, it always starts and ends here in our place.

Anyway, I have also been busy with school. Have you ever neglected something you love dearly (like sleep and blogging) due to school? What great students we are! Right? Hahahaha. Keep it up, loves! ;) So as I was saying... I haven't had much extra time. Also, I am psyched about a few other things that they tend to keep me busy as well these past few weeks. In fact, I ended September with a BANG! But more on that later.

First off: HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE BEST DAD IN THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD! And yes, I'm pertaining to my Dada.♥ Yup, I'm a lucky daughter to have such a funny, loving and kind father. I took up my love for arts, music, movies and food from him. If it wasn't for Paolo, I'd probably his junior.

Yes, that's me when I was little. Don't judge. Hahahaha.

Second: I finally got my application form for the Work and Travel Program. I've been wanting to join this since last year but my professor said that it's just for 3rd year students... Well, now that I am one, I can join! Yaaaaay! It's this program wherein they'd send me to some place in the USA and I'd have to work there for 3 months then go back here in my country. And well, I'll be exempted from all my 500 hours of practicum duties before I graduate! ;) Is that not worth it? I mean, I'd get to work and earn my own money and even get to travel around the country for a few weeks before I'd have to go back here in Manila.

I just hope that my J1 visa application gets approved. Pray for me, friends. I really need all the divine intervention I can get. ♥

Filling out my very thick application form. Wish me luck!

Third (and lastly): I am going to Bangkok, Thailand! Okay. Don't jinx it. It's just that, in order for my J1 visa application to 'be approved' easily, I sort of need to have my passport stamped with an abroad sticker or stamp pass that proves that I went on a recent trip abroad and I actually went back...and not immigrated there illegally or something. So yes... I'd need another set of prayers on this one. I actually can go and it's all set. But I have monetary issues.

It's scary to think that I'd be in a foreign land and have limited cash in me. It's not like I have a credit card or can just ride a cab home if I ever run out of transportation fare and money. I'd be miles away from home. Also, Bangkok is like the shopping capital of Asia. For bargain hunters like me, more like it. So how sad will it be to go there and not even savor the moment of having a mall with 5 floors full of women clothing, shoes and accessories near your hotel??? Very sad.

I hope, still, to be able to roam around Thailand and even Malaysia for short while. I like being tourist-y and taking photos of places and people and things. I'm really excited. I hope it pushes through! I'd be devastated if not.

Thailand!

Malaysia!

Have a GREAT October ahead of you all! ;)

My Hairevolution

You've all seen it. My locks have been way tooooo long and straight and just plain...there. Hahaha. But don't get me wrong. I love my hair. I get a lot of compliments for it. People say it's smooth and soft and effortlessly nice. They're right about the effortless, by the way. I only need shampoo and conditioner. I comb my hair after I shower and that's about it for the entire day. Yup, I am blessed. ♥

Anyway, you've all seen the transformation for the past months. I dyed it black then after a few months, I decided to put purple streaks then a few months later, I added a blue streak. After a few more months, I added purple and pink streaks as well. And now... I decided to ombre dye my hair.

My very long, very straight black hair.

Purple streaks (December 2011)

Blue streaks (June 2012). The purple has faded into blonde.

Pink and Purple extension streaks (July 2012)

After a boring Friday night, I spontaneously ran to the nearest salon and asked the stylist to bleach my hair until it appears to be ombre and dip dyed. I also had it styled into a layered cut instead of my old straight cut. Since school isn't over yet, I decided to not color it blue or pink yet. The guards might not let me in campus. But whatever... my natural hair color appeared and well, I kind of like it. Let's just hope that I don't get tired of it soon. I tend to change hair color nowadays.

Stylist says that my hair's far too silky and straight and somehow healthy so the chemicals can't really penetrate and lock itself into it. Haha. Lucky me! I still believe that my hair's as stubborn as me, though.

Tada! (September 2012)

I Was In Italy For Two Hours

I wish! Hahahaha. But nevertheless, I kind of felt like I was transported to Italy in some miraculous way (though literally, I had to ride a bus, a train and walk a couple of blocks to get there).

I've always wanted to go to Italy. It's the number 1 country in Europe that I'd like to visit. I know most of you prefer Paris or London (hello, shopping!) but I'm more interested on the views, historical relevance and culture that Italy has to offer... not to mention the uh-mazing food that they've invented there! Namely, pasta.

Anyway, last Thursday, I went to Cubao to accompany a friend of mine to buy a bus ticket. I don't know why we can't just buy bus tickets online like we do on planes but whatever. From someone who lives in the South of Manila, I traveled a loooooong way to North just to buy a ticket that's not even mine. I'm such a good friend, right? Haha.

It was past 9pm already and the malls were all closing. My friend and I haven't eaten yet so I was starting to get agitated. He then took me to a nearby place called Cubao Expo, a cluster of little buildings that used to house and sell handmade shoes from Marikina. But unfortunately, over the years, business there slowly died. The owner of the buildings had the brilliant idea into having the place rented off to starting off restaurant and other little businesses. Which, in my opinion, is far better than selling shoes.

The place now has several antique and vintage shops, customized furniture and bikes shops, yoga studio, painting gallery, Rags to Riches depot, milk and cookies cafe, and a bunch of restaurant and bar and grills shop. It's such a refreshing change from all the enclosed malls and commercial places that I usually go to. The place is open and so vintage looking.

What I perceived as my little secret Italy there is the restaurant called Bellini's. Everything about it is so... I don't know -- how I imagined Italy will look like. I was in a daze all throughout my dining experience. ♥

(photo-heavy post)

Painting at the ceiling of Bellini's

I spy cakes!

I don't know what these are...but they're yummy. And for free!

Me feeling and looking tired.

Photo covered walls.

There was this blind singer singing Italian and classic Filipino songs. It's so nice of the owner to have hired
this man to perform live for the customers. He's a good singer as well.

I'm not really the kind to demand my boyfriends or suitors to bring me to fancy dinners and stuff. But this unexpected dining experience was so nice that I kind of like it now. Hahaha. I'm not used to the fabric napkins being folded and put on my lap and being served free wine (even if I didn't drink it). Have you ever had a knack for fine dining?

Happy weekend, everyone! ♥