Roadtrip to Paradise

April 22-23, 2014

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organic way of life

Exactly one month ago, I decided to make a lifestyle change (in terms of food intake). Nothing drastic though, just a few tweaks here and there. I tried the Cohen Diet for a week just to see how it will affect me. I successfully shoved a couple of pounds during the first week so I decided to continue it but giving the diet my personal take. I'm not really a fan of restrictions because I believe that our body should enjoy as much as it can, of course in moderation and discipline. Anyways, I have been doing a "semi" Cohen Diet for the past month and it's been doing me good. I call it semi because the Cohen Diet is a strict food plan specifically personalized based on the person's lifestyle. Often times, it's exercise restricted. But I can't stand just sitting around and letting the universe thin me down. I want to earn what I worked hard for. My diet mostly consists of protein, fruits, a whole lot of vegetables and little to zero carbohydrates. I workout thrice a week + five day food plan of my diet and I give myself two days off for a "diet break" just to avoid self-depriviation. I document my food intake in my little food journal to keep on track and for reflecting reasons in the future. Also, this lifestyle change gives me an inner glow, a good mood, and lifts my spirit! It's not just a physical change, but a spiritual change as well. Cheers to healthy and organic living!

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Happy Birthday Mom!

A recent photograph of Me and my Mom in Bangkok, Thailand.

It's exactly 12 midnight of February 7th, 2012. She turns 49 today! And we're celebrating her birthday dinner later.
I am grateful to have her in my life and I wouldn't have it any other way...

Happy Birthday Mom! I love you.

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Highlights of 2011

2011 has been a magical year for me. This year, I met lovely people, one of my dreams came true, and enrolled in a new school to name a few.

JANUARY: I started my first trimester in a new school where I am finally enrolled in a course where I love what I'm doing which is Fashion Design and Merchandising. I believe that it is never too late to change paths especially if you feel you're heading the wrong direction.

FEBRUARY: Starting the year with a bang! A Deftones concert that is. I love Deftones and they have been part of my life soundtrack.

MARCH: I got closer with two people I hardly knew 2 months ago. I don't get to see them that much nowadays but I'm thankful for all the fun and laughter we shared. And I miss them to death!

APRIL: Packed with photoshoots in a month. I was helping my friend Patrick build his portfolio and styled a few of his shoots. Met new friends, learned a whole lot of things and of course, had fun on the way...

MAY: I had my first gig as a photographer at the Manila Beer Event. Thanks to my friend, Marita. I was a frustrated concert photographer, and still am.

JUNE: I went to Fete De La Musique for the first time! This was a night to remember. I met a bunch of lovely people, hung out with old friends and it was pure fun and music in one night! It was amazing and I can't wait for this year's!

JULY: Best month of the year. Why? After years and years, I finally met my music heroes, Incubus. Especially the man behind the words, Brandon Boyd. I will never forget the wonderful experience and it is a story worth telling my grandchildren. I am still in disbelief as of the moment and I probably will never get over the experience. Their music has touched my soul and seeing them in the flesh and speaking to them was very endearing and life-cherishing. Magical is one word I can describe it. Oh, and I got to meet new people I share the same passion with...

AUGUST: My first ever trip to Ilocos! It was for our History of Art and Design class. I can't believe I didn't pay enough attention to that city back then. I felt like it spoke to me, we connected. I also got to ultimate bond with my good friend, Brix! I love Ilocos and I can't wait to go back soon!

SEPTEMBER: I got into an internship with stylist Teej Nepomuceno. Although it didn't last that long, I'm glad I learned a lot from the short experience and it can definitely help me in my future endeavors in the fashion world.

OCTOBER: It has officially been one year since my 18th birthday!? Time is fast! I spent my 19th birthday with a few of my close friends in a small intimate gathering with great music and laughter. I wouldn't have it any other way...

NOVEMBER: I had my first ever trip to Quezon! The city was gorgeous! I love how raw their lifestyle is. There was inspiration everywhere! From the galleries, the pottery store where they taught us how the whole pottery process is done, and Carlito Ortega's live demonstration of his art where he showed us the simplicity and diversity of welded brass. His art spoke to me. He inspired me to explore the complexities of heating brass and playing with metal.

I got involved in one of my friend's short indie film. I'm glad I was part of the team together with a bunch  of talented people. The experience was very tiring with 16 hours of shooting! But nevertheless, I had fun and met new friends.

DECEMBER: We had our second Betches Christmas gathering which was a tradition we started just last year. Me together with six of my best friends all gather up in my place coming from different parts of the city. We would catch up and laugh just like the good old times...

Every December, our family flies to Hong Kong to unwind. I've been to Hong Kong countless times but it gets more special every year. It's the only time of the year where we really get to bond as a family and that's the most important thing about the trip...next to shopping. Hah

The gifts I've received this year have been surreal. Cheers to better years! Sending love & light to everyone! Happy New Year!

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Au Revoir

This is my good friend Daniel at his despedida party two weeks ago. He just recently left Manila and flew all the the way to California/New York. We used to hang out a lot together with our other friends during awkward days in college (freshmen). It gives me bliss when I see people pursue their dreams…

I'm so happy for my friend and I can't wait to follow my dreams too.

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Sleep machine

Today is my much awaited rest day...

Sleep away, dream buddies. Zzzz

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A college affair

My life as a "born again" freshman just took its end recently. I say born again since I transferred school last year and started my first term in my new school January of this year. I must say, it's been fun so far and to make things more at ease, I've met these lovely people on the way...

Meet Brix and Guia. I met Brix during my first day at Literature class when she approached me regarding our class readings. At first I didn't really felt her vibe and I even thought she outspoke me with her perkiness but a minute later upon talking, I instantly felt comfortable.

Guia was Brix's friend in this other class we have together. She's the fabulous girl in her signature blazer, heels, red lipstick, and an all black ensemble. She introduced me to her and next thing we know we were unconsciously creating this trio.

How attractive is that third photo?

Meet Shin and Kat. I usually hang out with them during Mondays and Wednesdays after a class we share together. During our first few meetings, our professor asked us to group ourselves for a video project. I did not know anyone in that class and for some reason I felt contented being invisible and alone. It was an 8am class and you wouldn't wanna talk to me in the morning and vice versa. I am not a morning person. But fuck it, I need groupmates. So I went up to this girl and asked her if I could join her group she said okay and left mysteriously. I was like, "Oh joy, a bitchy groupmate." But that statement gave me a slap in the face.

The three of us had lunch together to talk about our project. Funny how we just talked about ourselves rather than our project. We all share a common love which is food! Monday-Wednesday is food splurge day with these two. And on our last day, we even went out of our way just to eat at Yakimix which is an all-you-can-eat Japanese resto for a cheap price! We were sushi grabbing like a bunch of crazies.
And today,  me and Kat are looking forward to meet Shin's baby! Yes, she's entering motherhood soon.

Meet Kc and Jes. Kc was that girl I remember during our "freshman/transferee" orientation. All I remember was, she looked grumpy and I loved her outfit. Haha.

I went up to her during my first day. We talked and got to know each other. We were together until the term ended. She's a model but defeats the infamous "model stereotype". She's smart and really down to Earth and you'll be surprise how goofy she can be. Plus, we share a lot of things in common!

Jes is the sweetest. You know those kind of people where they're too kind it's scary? Haha. Jes is one of them but in a good way. I thought at first we wouldn't click since we lack common interests but I proved myself wrong. I instantly felt comfortable to her the second day I saw her.

...oh, and this is not a sorority and...I'm not lesbian.


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