MY BROTHER'S WEDDING (photo diary)

My super adorable princess, Louis Faith.

Our growing family. L-R. Bibs (my husband), mama, Tin, kuya, Louis, papa, m

e. 

 

 

 Entering the reception area. Mala-survivor, may apoy apoy effect.

THIS moment made me tear up. Mama and kuya.

Bride with her father + groom with his mother

Before the bouquet and garter thingy, the host asked kuya to go way back and dance his way to Tin. I commend kuya for being so game. Kitang kita naman sa face oh! hahaha

It's always a wonderful mystery how God brings two people together. He's five years older. She's the same age as the man's younger sister. But love knows no limits, no boundaries. And I believe that if God destined two people to be together, regardless of the struggles and challenges, in the end, you two will still end up together.

I am a witness on how much happier my brother has been ever since Tin came into his life. And I couldn't be  happier for them. For whatever issues there were before, I'm glad all those are over and now, I could genuinely say that I am happy to have Tin as my sister. 

Cholo & Tin

November 17, 2012

My Only Sunshine

I've been sitting in front of my laptop for a couple of hours now, thinking what to blog. And then it dawned on me that I haven't made a post yet about my daughter. And since she's on her 28th month today, I think this would be the perfect time to this. 

Everyone, meet my lovely daughter, LOUIS FAITH.

  
I found out about her in, let us say, the most inconvenient time possible. At that time, my then-boyfriend (now husband) and I decided to call it quits. I was in the office the first time I took the P-test, and my mind went wandering the whole afternoon thinking and worrying. I even thought the kit was broken and so I took everything back to where I bought it. But the saleslady didn't give me the answer I wanted to hear. And so I bought another one. And another. Still, 2 lines. 


Suddenly, everything else didn't matter to me anymore. I was too preoccupied in thinking about what would happen to me and to the baby. You see, my dad has been very strict on us when we were growing up. And I remembered him clearly saying when he found out one of my cousins got pregnant, "Pag sa inyo nangyari yan, papalayasin ko kayo." I was too scared and unprepared to face and tell anyone, especially my parents. Oh, and did I tell you that my then-boyfriend (now husband) was still studying at that time? So yeah, dagdag pa yun worries ko. Plus, there were still so much that I wanted to do that I know I couldn't afford to do with a baby. I felt so alone and lost.


But despite all those, I decided to keep the baby. With or without help. Never did it even cross my mind to have abortion. NEVER and I will forever be against it. Though it was not my plan to have a baby at that time, I trusted God that He has something good for me and that He would be with me throughout this journey. And so things went on smoothly afterwards. My then-boyfriend (now husband) and I got back together, our parents took the news positively, got married, quit my job to be a fulltime mom, yada yada yada. 


Today, as I look back to what I was before knowing about the pregnancy, I couldn't help but thank God for giving me my daughter. In more ways than one, she saved me. I'm not as "rebellious" as I was before. I stopped smoking and drink rarely now. I learned to respect and appreciate my parents now that I am one. I learned the value and to value money. I now put someone else's happiness before mine. I finally found out my purpose here on earth. To love and to care for this wonderful creature. To be her mom. I never knew I had so much love to give till she came.

It's amazing how this not-so-little kid teaches me soooo much about life. I learn from her more than what I've learned from my parents, teachers and other elders combined. Everyday, I discover new things to laugh at. Figured not to worry so much. Trust and have faith in God. And that life is good. REALLY GOOD. And I can't wait with what she will teach me next. My little girl, my precious gem, my Louis Faith.

Vanita' - Luxury Next to Skin

Most of the time, when us girls do our shopping, we go for looking for trendy clothing, shoes or bags. But what we actually forget to invest on is our underwear. I'm actually surprised to have some of my friends tell me that they don't buy or shop for their bras/panties. So sinong namimili for you, nanay mo? Well, actually, guilty din ako dati dito kaya sige na, wag na kayo mahiya, aminin niyo na. ;) 


And then I wondered, bakit nga ba ganun? We spend a lot of money on our outer clothes, and spend less (or none at all pag si mother bumili) for our inner wear? We do wear them everyday, right? So might as well get the quality ones. 

Dun papasok si Vanita'. The very FIRST and ONLY luxury lingerie line in the Philippines. Combining style and comfort, renowned designer Fabiola Marin created this line for the Filipinas using only but the finest European materials in superb craftsmanship. Comprised with 4 collections: Donna, Fiore, Blu and Essenziale, you are sure to find something that would suit your personality and your style. 

Now, as usual, let me share with you my top picks. 

Martina from Essenziale collection

Essenziale is the newest collection of Vanita', carrying basic pieces like strapless bras, bandeaus, and light briefs. And if you look a little closer at the photo, you'll see lace details on the brief. So chic! :)

Valeria from Blu collection

Blu is the swimwear collection of Vanita. This suit takes me back to  the 50's. Bow infront and polka dots = Vintage!!!

Simonetta body from Donna collection

This has got to be my favorite item from the bunch!! I want this in violet. It's a body suit made from very light material. Hindi yung mainit and nakakairita sa higpit ng tela. Pair it with your favorite denims (shorts or pants, bagay yan) then place a kimono top or blazer over, then you're good to go. Some other items from the collection are corsets and lingeries making Donna the most sexiest collection from Vanita.  

Eleina Camisole from Fiore collection

Now, if Donna is all sexy with all the lace details, Fiore aims for the younger market -- the teens. This camisole is perfect for sleepovers with your best girlfriends. Not too covered-up, but not too baring. 

If you want to view all the items, do check out the website www.houseofvanita.com or find us in facebook here. You may also follow us on twitter here for more updates. But if you have time, I suggest you go and visit the lounge so you could see and appreciate the items yourself. The lounge is located at 19th floor, Citibank Center, Paseo de Roxas, Makati City. 

Vanita' is also looking for hard-working people to join the sales team. If you want to know more, do leave a comment or text me at 0917-8063732. 

Young Wild Free

These days, with most of the stores, both physical and online, selling ALMOST the same products, its so hard to stand out. Thank God there's Young Wild Free.

YWF is a fresh store selling unique and quirky finds by none other than Cristina Decena that will surely fit right into your budget! Let me share with you my top picks:

                                   This accessory will definitely give that edgy feel to your look!

I love the clash of the colors and prints on this leggings. Pair it with your boyfriend's or husband's shirt. Tamang chill outfit lang! :)

Okay, so I don't really agree with this. I actually love Math. I'm a nerd. But I love the contrast of the gold print on black.

Come to think of it, my choices make one hell of a chill-chill lang outfit, dont you think?

Philippine Fashion Week Holiday 2012: LUXEWEAR

Last Saturday, May 26, I was privileged enough to watch one Philippine Fashion Week show. This is my first time watching after giving birth. The invite was from Pablo Cabahug through one of my dearest friend.   It was such a treat for we get to watch 15 designers unleash their collections. Here are my picks per designer.  

ANTHONY RAMIREZ

AZTEC BARBA

DAX BAYANI

 JOYCE PILARSKY

JULIUS TAROG

LYLE IBANEZ

MARK TAMAYO

MELVIN LACHICA

NOLIE VINEZA

PABLO CABAHUG

POPOY BARBA

RICHARD PAPA

ROEL ROSAL

 

TINA DANIAC

VANIA ROMOFF

   

Photos are all grabbed from www.stylebible.ph. Visit their site to view complete sets.

Crave More

Having a collaboration with one of the hottest male bloggers in town with its previous collection, Crave More is now back with even BIGGER and BETTER items. Releasing not just one, but TWO new collections. 

First Collection: MAVEN

A whole new look for the brand -- COUTURE. This collection showcases a more mature side of the brand, aiming for that classy and sophisticated route.

Second Collection: CITRINE

Inject that pop of color to your look with these pieces. Comprised of fun, hippie-inspired, colorful items, this collection is for the laid-back and carefree side of you. 

**All pieces are handmade by Christine Liwag of Crave More. 

Both collections would be released online on May 29, 8 pm. You may check them out here and here. DON'T MISS IT! 

But if you got time to spare this week, make sure to pass by Superb  - Super Sale Bazaar at the SMX Convention Center. Crave More, along with other brands like Blessed Online, Freeway, Queen Street, Gold Dot and bloggers Vern Enciso, Ana Gonzales, etc. would be there at bazaar.

See you there! :)

The Glass Garden

A month ago, one of my cousins got married. I don't know about you, but there's just something with weddings that always leave me in tears. I cried an ocean at my own wedding. (But let's blame it on the hormones, okay? I was pregnant that time. Haha) Weddings are beautiful testimonies that love still exists in this wild world.

My daughter, Louis and I

It was on a weekday, and weather is a bit dragging, but I'm happy to see that most of my relatives were there. The place venue was in Glass Garden. I'm pretty sure some of you have heard or read about it, but for me it was my first time. I instantly fell inlove with the venue. If I had known that such place exists, I would have claimed this for my wedding too.

 

Mr. and Mrs. Los Banos

 

Everything was well planned! From the set-up, food, program. It is obvious that they have been really focused on making this day a very special moment not only for them but also to everyone who attended their wedding.  They even have a separate table for kids wherein they could color or play! Definitely one of the prettiest weddings I've been to.

Sari's finally here!!

I've been posting on my BBM, Facebook and Twitter about Sari for quite some time now. Funny that people actually think I'm having a baby again. No, I'm not pregnant. But yes, Sari is my baby. Sari is the name of my own line. And finally, some of the items from my first collection is out.

I've been dreaming to have my own line for years now. Right before I graduated from college, I knew exactly what I wanted to do (I graduated from BS Economics in UPLB). And it took me almost 4 years to get it started with, but who cares right??!!

Here's a sneak peak on the items. To see complete collection, please do visit our sites
Multiply: www.ilovesari.multiply.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sari/364479010245833


What makes Sari sooo awesome is that besides being fashionable, you get to help donate to a personally-chosen charity, the Heart of Mary Villa. For every purchase made, I send P25 to them. Cool, right? So help me spread the love about Sari! :)

My Grammys Top 5

Okay, so I wasn't able to watch the Grammy Awards due to piled up errands, and I was feeding myself from tweets from friends who had watched it. So when I got the chance, I hurriedly checked out who wore what on the red carpet. And so, Im creating my own top 5 looks.

First on my list is Taylor Swift in Zuhair Muhad

I'm not a fan, though there are a few songs of hers that I do sing from time to time. But hey, Ain't she lovely in her dress? At first glance I thought it was Nicole Kidman. Nice of her to put her hair up, so that the focus would be on her dress. I love those intricate details on what she's wearing, Plus it blends so well with her skin tone! She's definitely graduated from the "pop star" look, and has now freshly entered the "superstar look".

Second is Carrie Underwood in Gomez-Garcia

Upfront it looks so simple, that her natural beauty sparkles even more than her gown. I also love the messy-bun she did. And accessorized with a simple pair of earrings and a clutch. But the thing that I liked most about what she wore was the back details on her gown. It's not the typical full-backless type. Its so chic and unique! :)

Next up is the forever fashionable Paris Hilton in Basil Soda

It's nice to see her more mature now, not just in how she behaves and all, but also with choice in fashion. This piece is so laid-back, ye elegant and classic at the same time. I love the lace details on this dress. And once again, white + gold accessories never fails! Thank you dear Greek gods and goddesses for that style inspiration.

4th on my list is Kelly Osbourne in Tony Ward

 Here's another who "matured" in terms of fashion. I remember in the previous red carpet events a few years ago, I would always ask myself: "What was she wearing?". Thank God she finally saw the light, and stepped out of her "I want to be a rock&roll icon too like my daddy" look, and opted for the more elegant path.

This dress is just wow! From the color, to the ruffle details.. and that accent on the armhole and neckline!! Well, what can I say, I'm a sucker for one-shoulder pieces. Usually I would comment negatively with weird hair colors, but with this one, I think she pulled it off.

Lastly, the ethereal beauty of Alicia Keys in Alexandre Vauthier

If I were to create a list of my girl crushes (which gives me an idea for a possible next blog post, hehe), she would be on that list. She's so beautiful, she doesn't even have to try to be one. Okay enough of that, let's go to her look. Nice to see her in an adrogynous vibe this time. An all black ensemble with only her necklace, shoes and her hair style as accessories! Genius! :)

 So, what do you think of my list? Agree? I'd love to hear from you! Share with me your own top5 too. :)

Get beautified for FREE?

Now, who wouldn't want that, right?

Pazzy Navarro is giving a FREE (yes, that's right!) make-over for the first 1000 women! Be it for any occasion, wedding, prom, party, etc. Or even if you just want to get beautified. Don't worry, you are sure to be in good hands. She was once a make-up artist, and was even tapped as the local chief makeup artist for the brands Lancome and MAC. Oh diba, bongga?? :)

Choose your style, choose your brand, and leave the rest to her. Heads would definitely be turning your way! ;)

She also sells makeups of various brands! Check out her site: www.hautemommaface.multiply.com.

What (ALMOST) got me

Last Dec 30, 2011, a few minutes after publishing my previous blog, I saw something sparked in front of me and heard a loud bang. My first instinct was maybe the outlet sparked, too many appliance being used at the same time. But as I checked, the outlet was neither burnt nor in flame. So I wondered what was that I heard. And then, something bounced with more of *tink* rather than a *boing* sound near and landed near my foot. So just by the sound, I knew it was something small and made out of metal. I looked, and it was confirmed. It was a bullet, pierced through our roof.

Thinking now of how I reacted when I saw the bullet, I cant help but laugh a bit. What I did was I walked out the door in slow motion, while everybody in the house where shouting and asking: "Ano yun?", "Ano nangyari?". I walked past them and went straight to the phone, dialed a number. Wrong number. Second attempt, a deep voice answered. I was thankful to hear one of our village's guard's voice. And so I told him what happened and asked him to come over our house.

As soon as I put down the phone, I cried. For 30 friggin minutes. I couldnt speak at all. Even to my daughter. I knew at that time my family already knew what happened. And then the guard came, and everybody did all the storytelling and inspection in our den, while I was sitting inside my room. Staring at my child crying, having random thoughts. I should have been dead by now. I could not see and hug my daughter again. etc.etc.Even all my daughter's pa-cuteness didnt work. I was as cold as ice.

Then dinner time came. By then, my mood became lighter. I uttered 2-3 words each time I feed my daughter. And when its my time to eat, I was mostly relaxed. I even made a joke about my appetite. "Kung hindi lang masarap ang ulam, wala akong ganang kumain."

Within an hour, all those things happened. In that short of a time, my life would have been over. But it's not. I am still here, very much alive, sharing my story to you. And I couldn't help but feel more thankful than scared. Thankful to God that I could still be with my family. I could still eat the hainanese chicken for dinner. I could still wake up to a new day and celebrate a brand new year. Thankful that I could still use the internet, tweet and bbm my friends. Thankful for even the simplest of things. Because God spared my life, and saved me from harm. And I believe that is because God still has GREAT plans for me this year!

So Cheers! To a brand new year, a brand new hope, a brand new life ahead of us! :)