Lately, I've stopped posting new blogs but I shall post them as soon as the holidays are over. I've been busy with work, and getting gifts to be prepared this Christmas. Since I have a job now, people might think that I should be more generous with my gifts but I realized that it's the thought that really matters. That is why I am doing DIYs as my gifts for families, friends, and workmates this year. I want to share them a piece of my effort, so that they would remember me always. :) A month before December starts to sink into my mind, I have planned what to give to my favorite people. Listing down all the materials needed for every project and it almost drove my crazy as hell. I've been in and out of DIY, hardware and online crafts store just to look for the perfect materials. But some didn't go as I planned because one: I lacked materials; and two: I don't have enough time to finish them all. So here are some of the materials I've bought when I went to the mall with my mom. Some baking needs, and jars for the snow globe. I will post the finished projects soon too. Because of too much stuff that I have bought. It almost ate up my room, especially my work station. Again, I went crazy because of this mess and it's still messy right now. Don't worry, I was still able to find things here in this crazy jungle. This is just 1/4 of my room and I should clean it first before showing the whole thing. I definitely need to clean this mess up before 2013 ends and welcoming 2014. Start the year right! Happy Holidays! I hope you too could try out DIY projects as well. It's not just it would cost less but you just put your heart out to that and it would really mean a lot to the person you will be giving it to. Will keep on exploring more DIY projects and I am excited for 2014!
The real plan was just to pick up the wheel chair which my aunt used and it will be donated now to my mom's friend since one of their relatives got injured from the typhoon Yolanda. And we end up hanging out at Sky Ranch Tagaytay. But we check out Nuvali first before heading there.
Ever since I was a kid, I used to write down the things I want for myself (or at least the things I want to achieve) on a piece of paper, and keep it like a bucket list. Until the list got longer and I realized that maybe the things that won't tick off my bucket list/ wish list, aren't coming because it's not the right time to have them yet. Like in my favorite quoation: "Not all the things we want are the things we really needed." (Hindi lahat ng gusto, kailangan.) To get things straight, Bucket list and Wishlist are almost the same. It's just that Bucket list is achieved long term or it's the list of things you should do before you die. On the other hand, wishlist is the short term goal and most of the time it would consist of material things. This 2013, I want to share my wishlist for this Christmas. I am calling the attention of my family, school buddies and office friends (especially who got my name for the exchange gift!) BTW, I wished for a planner, phone lens, or cropped hoodie from Forever 21 because it's sweater weather! lol so yeah, here's my real wish list --- that I would really love to buy for myself since I have my job now. But if you're generous enough to give me some on the list, you may reach me.. via railway. Choz! You can reach me anyway, duh. Char! 1. Dream catchers Who doesn't want to have these cuties? I tried making myself one. Searched Google how to DIY and it seemed very easy. Tho I have successfully made one, I want to change the materials I've used since I just used whatever is here at home. I find making the web very addicting so I want to buy more materials for this. Making one serves as a stress reliever. But for now, I'll probably look for an online shop who sells these kinds of designs. 2. Floral Crowns Most of the time, I'm good with loose shirts and shorts because I'm kind of boyish. But some things in people change, like in my sense of fashion. I still have the boyish side of mine, but I have to accept that I am a girl and I am in love with flowers too. I'm not seriously going gaga over flowers literally but they are pretty, so I think these floral crowns are perfect for every girl's crowning glory. It's like an instant accessory for us girls. I don't mind if it's too big or too minimalistic. I'm good with both sizes and any colors. Just like in the dream catcher, I made one DIY-ed floral crowns. It turned out really cute but I think I need more practice with designing it or just tightening the stem tapes over the flowers and wire. Yay for DIYs! 3. Brown Rice 2014 Planner I've been using a planner since I entered college and now I find it hard not to have a planner with me, even if I have a smartphone with planner apps. There's nothing better than having the usual paper and pen so I could doodle, plus with my own font style. lol. So anyway, another campaign from Dakila is promoting Brown Rice, together with Oxfam. I know coffee and tea shops are having their own planners, giving it away in exchange of the stickers. But for me, it's not really practical to have that kind of planner, plus I'll be gaining weight from all the sugar and calories from frappe. hehe. And this is why I think the Brown Rice Planner is perfect for me since I'm giving myself a healthy living for next year (or at least I could start now right) You could have these planners too! Check them out here at the Brown Rice Facebook page to go to the Yogi Fair and get one! Here's a closer look on the planner. 4. SHMILY Shopping Spree I just found a new hobby!! Aside from the DIY dream catchers and floral crowns, I wanted to explore more DIYs. I am inspired by BuzzFeed DIY blog. I don't really know what to make right now but I wanna go shopping here at SHMILY Arts and Crafts Store! I went to Divisoria and got disappointed since I didn't find any craft store there. I should have searched Google first before going anywhere (Pffft). Anyway, they have an online store for quick transactions but I can't really choose what to buy. I might go impulsive buying again. So I want to visit this store soon!! And it's almost near my relatives' house so I know where to go. Hehehe 5. Penny Board Since the beach is hours away from home and I don't have a car to go on a road trip, I want these babies because with them, I can surf on concrete everyday! Though I'll just need to learn to ride like a pro on them. =) I don't know much about the specs of a board but I want to spend more on a penny board, just for cruising. I'm thinking about of buying at Androgyne Manila, costs 2,500 for brandless or BigH Skate Co. which costs 3,500. I'm still thinking when to buy one because I'm prioritizing buying gifts for family and friends. 6. Universal Clip Lens Even though I have a Nikon 3000 with me, I rarely use it now because it's heavy and uploading photos is time consuming. And buying another type of lens is too costly. Now that I have a Samsung smartphone, which almost everybody has their own smartphone, they come in handy when taking photos. But with photo sharing sites such as Instagram, photo-editing apps like camera 360 are too mainstream. Right now I am using Snapseed and VSCO cam. Anyway, I really want the fish eye lens but the lenses come in one package which has wide and macro lenses too. They cost around 800 per set and found them at Betina's Gadget Shop thru Google. 7. Japanese Bike or Fixie I used to have a BMX as my first bike when I was 15 but someone stole it and my dog got lost for three days. Luckily my dog went back home and I assumed that it went with the burglar. I'm half pissed but still grateful. I never bought a bike since then. But just recently, I borrowed my friend's fixie during Bayanihan Republic. and I fell in love with it instantly! Chos. But seriously, it made me feel the adrenaline rush again being on (or behind) the wheels. I'm going to use it for cruising, like for the Penny Skate. Stuck between a Jap Bike since they're a cutie and girly, and a fixie since it really blew me away. I haven't canvass yet but with online ad sites, I found some second hand Jap Bike for 2,500 and the Fixie cost around 7,6oo - 7,900. I saw some ads to that costs 7,000 (probably second hand) up to 18, 000. Wow 8. Thrift Shop Galore I am not really a fashioista but I am trying my best to look good, trying to fit in the society. Since I'm from a college that requires white blouse and green skirt uniform everyday, my fashion sense didn't bloom that much. Good thing that I have a friend who aspires to be a fashion designer and I am truly inspired by her sense of fashion. And now that I am working, I have to look professional, corporate but I also want to be chic. With the pressure I am having now and being inspired by my Mars, I want to go shopping. I don't need to shop in expensive boutiques (unless if it's payday) because I am more of a thrift shopper. I always feel guilty after going into impulsive buying or "retail therapy". But I have a Polyvore account, just to check my sense of fashion. haha! There are a lot of thrift shops popping out everywhere and here's my list of thrift shop spots in the country (or at least Luzon) 1. Baguio. (On my last visit last two years, I saw a fur coat, legit pastel pink fur coat that costs 5 pesos only.) 2. Tagaytay (My cousin told me that everything is below 20 pesos but when I got there recently, the cheapest is 50 pesos but most items costs 150 and up.) 3. Quiapo (I just passed by these thrift shops near Quiapo church but I never got the chance to check them out because it's too crowded there.) 4. Cubao/ Anonas Station (You can roam around Cubao area if you want but the best find is at Anonas Station near Cubao. My friend and I went there once. I got a comfy printed top. and my friend got a leopard print jacket for 200. Most items cost 90 - 300.) 5. Taytay and Cainta, Rizal (Taytay is known for great supplies of fabric and garments, which is why it is cheaper there. I haven't checked out their thrift shops but I guess I need patience to see them all. Same with Cainta, where I live. I eventually liked going in public market with my mom during the weekends to check new arrivals. The one near the Mercury Drug mostly sells high waist shorts for 35- 75. Then on the left side of Big R, garments costs 50 all. Got legit H&M and Roxy tops, and a peach G2000 corporate coat for 150 there! hehehe And so I want to travel PH for beaches and thrift shops! Another thing for my bucket list. Yay! 9. Surf Board I am really into surfing and I wanted to get serious with it. I am not really sure what type of surf board to have first as an amateur but I found some old fun board displayed at a junk shop/ Upholstery shop along Karangalan, across Buenas Market. It needs some repairs and fins but surely it will work for me. Tho I haven't asked how much they are, I hope they're less than 5k and I'll grab it for summer. I am starting to get confused with these boards and obviously I need to know more. I need to check Surf Science more hehehe. Okay, so Aloha Board sports is now selling Fire Wire boards which costs around 30k (the last time I checked is August at Megamal branch, and I am not updated now) 10. Poi I'm not really good at this but I want to learn! The ninja LED poi looks so fun in the dark. When I was in college, there's fire dance performance by one student, and I was stunned. I want to learn so I made my own sock poi, or should I say suck poi because I seriously suck at it. Anyway, I checked out Home of Poi for some basics but it's really hard, I need real instructor. Anyway, check their shop or just go to online ads to get one. :) 11. Voxwagen with Surfboard load Since I am kind of boyish, I am into cars too, you know! I like getting behind (or on) the wheels and I am inspired by drag racing, Fast and Furious, or just Mustang car shows. Even if this baby released a new model, I still want the old one, the vintage and classic. Some are being sold even if they're really rusty, it's just that the buyers would still repair them and make them look good as new. While I was walking to my work place, I saw a Yellow Vox with a surf board on the top load. I stopped for a while in awe, literally! And again, I told myself that I am gonna have that one day and just stroll at the beach. But for now while saving enough money to have my own car, I want the toy version of it! I don't know where to get one but I'll hunt this one! Cheers for this wishlist for now! They might turn into my monthly rewards if they won't come to me this Christmas.
I grew up in this town and it's my first time to experience the Fiesta here. I know it's kinda ironic for me since I live here but we don't usually celebrate it in our subdivision. But anyway, I just realized that it is really a different world out there. And reality hit me again for the nth time. It was a Sunday and we attended the mass at Cainta Catholic Church, instead of the usual Megamall church because it's Fiesta. We met some good family friends after the mass and looking back, the church really changed a lot after some renovation it had. The biggest change is the main altar. My parents reminisce their wedding day and my baptism here. Some part of me wants to get married here too, someday. I don't know but I'll get married. After the mass, the Knights of Columbus lead the way just outside of the Church to start the lighting of the Christmas tree. Below is the video for the countdown. There was a procession before the mass started but we weren't able to see it. We just saw people surrounding these floats parked inside the church area where they carry patron saints and Mother Mary. After the mass and lighting of the Christmas tree, my family and I roamed around the "bayan" and this is what it looked like. As usual, traffic because people took so much space for the street because street vendors are everywhere. There's no organization going on here obviously. Good thing some traffic enforcers arrived and fixed this or else the baby inside the taxi with no air con would suffocate because of traffic and too many crowd. I took some courage to put out my smartphone to take these photos. I can seriously be in trouble if some stranger would snatch it away from me. I am indeed guarded by my angels! I just need to show you guys, because this is another piece of reality. We definitely need more photo journalists out there. I seriously can't get off my spot until I took a shot of this last one. Of course, trash all over the place left by human beings. OH GOODNESS. I think people should be aware of climate change and change starts inside of ourselves. I am indeed disappointed. I am not being self righteous here. I am just bothered, alarmed and what else, yes, exaggerating right now because climate change is already happening but we never act up against it.
I hope we could learn from this.. a simple trash, small it may look like but as they dumped all together, we'll be sorry for ourselves. Dakila finally launched a new event, Bayanihan Republic, where it aims to help out our fellow countrymen in Visayas, especially those who have been hit by the typhoon Yolanda. I've written a blog about this before, inviting you guys (or to whoever read it), and for your awareness for the event. As expected, everyone had a blast (for sure) The event started as early as 7am because of the Bayanihan Ride. (So much effort to my fellow Lahing Dakila because I know how much they worked hard for this and I heard they started preparing at 3am!) I came in late because I was assigned to be part of Bayanihan Jam and said it will start at 12 noon. And since my very supportive boyfriend is with me, we had lunch first before going to QC Circle. And when we got there, we bought the Bayannihan Republic shirt, each for 250! Fair enough because all of the donations, from the shirts and other monetary donations, will be given 100% to the Yolanda survivore. Yes, 100%. Of course, we had to say thanks for our sponsors (The Asia Foundation, Fully Abled Nation, QC Government, and Jam 88.3) Here, N is showing off the shirt. I forgot to ask him to take a picture of me wearing it. (Pang-ootd sana!) I had to move on. lol and so I'm wearing my favorite black skater skirt and gray surf shirt from Baler (before the Bayanihan shirt). And it's a coincidence that N wore his gray don bosco grey wolves shirt. <3 (lande haha!) N and I just roamed around and found ourselves doing a pledge. It's kind of late to do a pledge because most people would say they already gave out to other volunteers. We didn't notice that it's getting dark. I took less photos because I had to be extra careful with my things. It's a public place, with a lot of strangers, and huge crowd, I might lost my phone. N had to go home and I was left in the main booth. Got the chance to meet more volunteers! It's in my human nature to have this kapal ng face attitude, in a good way. So I used it with continuing my pledge but this time, I gave out free hugs for Yolanda survivors. Unfortunately, no one noticed me. Or I think it's my masungit face again. Well, that's life. lol I just hugged my fellow dakila volunteers because I know how tired they are. But still, I continued to roam around, switched stations, from Main, pledge booth to Jam booth, with my Free Hugs sign on me. Anyway, I gained new friends. I was about to give up my pledge but Daryo, pulled me in the other bazaar crowd and I became an instant artista! hahaha instead of free hugs, it became a photo op with me. The best part was there's we thought a couple, who aren't talking to each other, we assumed they are in a fight. We approached them and they gave in to us. I sat in the middle and Daryo took a shot. Then a guy appeared, sat beside the girl and another photo. Maybe that's the real boyfriend. Oops. So the other one is friendzoned? lol After the photo op pledge, I had my dinner. and then sold the remaining shirts. "Nakaporma ka na, nakatulong na" is our tagline. While packing, I had a playtime with my buddies there. I had a chance to ride on Rash's fixie and I realized I missed riding a bike and I want one. Another on my wish list! Plus I got to ride on Al's long board. Yes! lol a skate buddy! But definitely I need more practice on a penny board. Stoked again! And mini photo shoot by Daryo while I'm on board b using a fish eye lens. I guess it was Al's camera. After everything is packed, we had a meeting.. And so it ended. Just for this day because we're planning to continue the idea of Bayanihan Republic, to gather everyone for a cause and not just for a calamity help. Another issue to raise is to have a plan on how to have a cleaner, greener Philippines. Great example above after the event. I hope that everyone should have thrown away their own trash in the trash bin.
PS: More photos soon, to be grabbed at the Dakila's faceboook page. For now, let us all have some rest. As the title says so, it was just a random Friday night out with my parents. They are bored at home so they decided to pick me up at work and have dinner. Since it is Friday, Eastwood is crowded as usual because of welcoming the weekend and Parokya ni Edgar released their album, Bente. Most of the crowd are fans of the band, and most of them are girls. Yes, girls. Of course, the vocalist, Chito Miranda, still got the charm over the ladies despite of having a viral scandal of him and his girlfriend. It's pretty cool that Parokya ni Edgar has made their own name in the music industry, and people in our generation would never forget them and their music. Most bands end up breaking apart (disbanded) but they are holding onto each other no matter what, which makes them known for their friendship. MOVING ON... We just took a peek of on the band while their on stage. And because the citywalk is so crowded, we can't find a good place to eat. Until we ended up at Choi Palace. I wasn't able to take photos of the food because I'm too hungry. But we had some spareribs, beef curry, and my forever favorite Yang Chow rice. Nothing really special but I love love love the spareribs. Any kind of spareribs. haha! And I remember my 18th birthday, because it has the same ambiance as Jade Valley's. I love Chinese food! We strolled around and I found some new friends. Choz! Kanya kanyang trip lang okay! But I admire these guys for putting so much effort and sacrifice to entertain people and to make a living for their families. I just want to point out that people should respect them also and should not make fun of them. I've seen some people who would literally play on them (like get their money) and it's not funny. Anyway, so I had fun having a photo op with them. Minsan lang eh. :) Since I am a proud lahing Dakila, I am inviting everyone (or anyone out there) to come by this coming Saturday, November 30, because Dakila together with its partners, will hold a fundraising festival "Bayanihan Republic" at the QC memorial circle for the benefits of the Yolanda survivors. There will be a lot of activities to do there, you're 100 php entrance fee will be so much worth it. That day will be extra special if you get the Bayanihan Republic Shirt for only 250 inclusive of the entrance fee! .... and the Lourd has spoken, inviting you to be part of this event, featuring the Bayanihan Republic Shirt! There are also other artists who made an invitation for this event. Please check them at the Dakila Youtube Channel (link at the bottom of this blog post)
So here are some of the details that might convince you to come aside from the fun with local artists and the feeling of helping others. (Details from the Facebook event page) Dakila, Jam 88.3, The Asia Foundation, Fully Abled Nation in partnership with the Quezon City Government present BAYANIHAN REPUBLIC A Fundraising Festival for the Benefit of Typhoon Yolanda Survivors Ride | Fair | Jam | Pledge 30 November 2013| Saturday Fountain Area, Quezon Memorial Circle, Philippines ADMISSION IS FREE Limited edition Bayanihan Republic shirts will be sold on the day at a pre selling price of Php 250 (retail price Php 500) as part of fund raising for Yolanda survivors. Join the #BayanihanRide. Let the bayanihan spirit soar as we gather in solidarity for Typhoon Yolanda survivors. Ride as one with us. Come to the #BayanihanFair. Support typhoon survivors through the community of craftspeople, foodies, and artisans offering their talents to help fund relief efforts. Indulge in good food. Shop for Christmas gifts for your loved ones. Buy local artisan crafts. Get a tattoo. A percentage of the sales of these exhibitors will fund the sustained relief operations. Share as one with us. Experience the #BayanihanJam. Listen as the sound of bayanihan echoes far and wide in a symphony of hope and healing for Typhoon Yolanda survivors. Featuring performances from various artists. Jam as one with us. Participate in the #BayanihanPledge. Pitch in with a heart to rebuild what was devastated, raise up what was brought down, heal what was broken. Donate money online via PayPal or via bank transfer. Bid on or buy celebrity items online and on ground. Give food, water, hygiene products, medicines, and clothes. Volunteer to sort and pack relief goods. Pledge as one with us. More details on the Facebook event page! :) Since I'm volunteering for this event, I am mostly part of the Bayanihan Jam, where bands and musicians will have a mini concert while others having their pledge, food and art bazaars going on, and relief repacking. Please help share and spread the word by using the hashtags: #BayanihanRepublic #BayanihanRide #BayanihanFair #BayanihanJam #BayanihanPledge #LahingDakila I'm too excited for this!! GAAAAAAH and again, Para sa bayan. I've been always intrigued by these lights at Ayala and finally I had the time to see them with my family. It was my first time to see them in front of my very own eyes. Amazed and stunned, it left me in awe. (Very poetic of me) but it brought out the kid in me. Felt a simple happiness at that moment.. and so many people would come here and feel the Christmas Spirit.
It all started with me, realizing that I am seriously love being in the water. There's something magical, just like how Percy Jackson feels when he's in the water. But apparently I am no daughter of Poseidon, and I can't hold my breath more than 25 seconds tops. I am just a normal human being and I have asthma but it attacks very rarely and the sure cure for it is fresh air and cardio exercise during swimming in the beach. And this is why I love beaches.
We occasionally go to the beach during holidays or long weekends and I felt like it was kinda boring just to swim. Until I find it interesting to surf. I became so desperate to try it. I did search the best surf beach in the country, where to stay, when's the best time to go, and so on. Almost lost hope since I can't find some good accomodation for my whole family. But as for my 19th birthday wish, we went to Baler for 3 days. It's been 7 months but I am always.. stoked!! So now I am going to share my surf experience at Baler --which tops the list of best surf spots in PH via www.surfingphilippines.com (Check them out for a lot of surfing guides!) |