Prewedding Shoot

I don't want to sound defensive, but I want to explain why we ended up having this type of photo shoot just because I know that to some people, it's a bit "grand".

To start off, we didn't pay much for this shoot. Had we rented a condo unit (which I had intended when I thought renting out a yacht would be too expensive), or a public place, we would probably end up paying the same. We had a pretty good deal from a friend so we decided to push through with it! Lucky, I know! 

Years ago when we just started dating, Rab said, "when we get married someday, I'd like to have our prenuptial shoot at a yacht because it's somehow aligned to my line of work, and I also dream of having one someday. If ever I don't get to own one, I'd have those photos to look at when I'm old." It was nice to hear that from him at that stage because at least I knew I wouldn't be wasting time and emotions for him; and he was thinking about marrying me. Anyway, months before I actually had the courage to ask my friend, I was looking at different yachts for rent and they were all too expensive. I already told Rab that I think we had to go to plan b which is to rent a condo unit. As mentioned above, well, we went with the original plan.

We're not really morning people therefore we really hate waking up early. It wasn't necessarily hard to pick a date, but it wasn't easy either. I had to make sure everyone would be available: the makeup artist (a good friend), hairstylist, photo & video team, the yacht, stylist (a best friend), my dad or our driver (to drive the PV team), and of course, the groom to be. We woke up really early that day since we had to travel from Manila to Subic and start at 12NN to get good shots.

When we started, both me and Rab were very awkward because we're not really used to being subjects for a shoot! Especially me! I'm used to being the one behind the camera. But the Digital Elements team was so good we somehow didn't get lost doing poses. BIG THANKS to our HMUA as well for making us feel confident about ourselves and of course our stylist for making us look fab! Another big big big thanks to my dad who drove the team. 

I didn't think it would be that tiring but oh my gosh. There was a part of the shoot where we had to lie down and close our eyes as the PV team was doing the drone shots. I fell asleep! Lol! At the end of the day, I knew that it was a success and I WILL NOT HAVE IT ANY OTHER WAY. I love that we didn't go for plan b, and I love that we have these fab photos to look at for the rest of our lives.

Special thanks to:

Digital Elements

Makeup by Iya Gueco

Hair by Renzo Lusterio

Styling by Nikki Sapo

Here are some of the great photos:

Of course I had to include my dad!

Feeling all the love at my Bachelorette Party!

I have a lot of friends but there are a few I keep close to me. Though we were incomplete that night, I had the best time! I, once again, welcomed an old friend named Jose.

My bride squad surprised me with this party in Antipolo. My maid of honor, Nix, knows I sort of (and really, just a little bit) want to have a bachelorette party in Bali, but we both knew that would be too hard to pull off since I have 3 invitees that are overseas and will be coming only a few days before the wedding and I didn't want them to not be present. I also showed her this villa I saw which is located in Bataan but it was booked already. Anyway, this place was great and it served the purpose!

We're all adults here, yes? Though you'll see a huge di** cake, my bachelorette was rather conservative. No strippers. Lol! But Nix prepared several games which were so fun and dirty at the same time! We didn't need strippers!

I don't think I ate. Maybe I did. I don't know. Right now, all I can remember is the tequila and my girls. There were a lot of dancing and good conversations. Sums up to a perfect bridal shower. I never imagined I'd have my favorite girls in one place. 

Once again, I'd like to thank all of you for making this possible and for making me very happy! I love you all!

2019 Highlights

Yeah, yeah, I know. I'm all about our wedding. But answer this, if you were in my shoes, wouldn't you be?

My Harry Potter Engagement ⌁☍

December 28, 2018

Purple Owl, Tagaytay City
No, I didn't have any idea.
Yes, I was surprised up to my very core.
My inner goddess was screaming and jumping the whole time.

South Korea

I decided to write a throwback Korea post because as I was reviewing my first entry, it left me with dismay. I was probably too excited to blog about it to the point that I was lost for words and was very conscious of posting too much photos in one entry. The result was a short, senseless entry with the photos on a slideshow from a third party application which I believe does not work anymore. So here I am, writing about a travel four years ago hoping I do it right this time.

Personal: The Season to be Jolly

I basically had four Christmas celebrations for 2014. There could have been more, but I guess I set my priorities straight. Each celebration had its own special something; so I cannot agree more with the popular line, "tis the season to be jolly".

1. Christmas Party with them college ladies.

 I really missed them. I can honestly say that I've missed a lot of good times way back in college for some absurd reasons that's why I somehow find myself trying my best to catch up with everybody. All the girls I got to be with during this night reminded me so much of how having fun, smart, and good friends in college has helped me become a better student. Seeing them successful in their careers inspired me to do better on my own. 

2. Christmas Lunch with my dad's side 

TGI Friday's, Fairview Terraces

It's always nice to know that you are close to your family - both your mom and dad's sides. Although I rarely see them before, I'm happy we all make an effort to see each other more often. My dad has 9 other siblings. Two of them live in Butuan, one in Canada, one in the US, two in Australia, one in Cavite, and the rest are in Manila. It's really, really hard to get them all together. The last time I saw them complete was last 2012. A quick lunch with this bisaya bloodline has been great.

3. Christmas Party with my favorite people

I admit: I hate seeing "my favorite people" or "my favorite man" everywhere, but I can't help it. They really are my favorite people. I enjoy each meeting with them, and I can never have enough. For 8 years now, I guess 2014 was the first year we actually took the exchange gift part seriously. I got what I wanted! There's always a reward for putting what you want on the wishlist when asked to do so.

4. Christmas Eve with the love(s) of my life.

Ever since my first Christmas, there was only one Christmas (2005) that I didn't spend with them because we attended a wedding in LA therefore we spent Christmas in America too. Nevertheless, all my Christmas Evenings were spent with this bunch and it was always fun. I'm not saying it's fun because it would be weird for me to say it wasn't, but I'm saying it because it really was. Growing up, I get excited during the Christmas season because I was expecting gifts from everybody. Turning from a kid to a girl to a young lady and now a young woman, my Christmas expectations have changed. Sure, I won't lie. I still expect gifts. But now, during this season, I look forward to spending the holidays with the people that matter - the people I love dearly.

As far as I can remember, we've always had themes for Christmas. When I was a kid, it used to be just wearing one color such as red, brown, green, whatever. Then it became one color per family. Last year, we decided to step it up a notch. 2013's theme was a Rockstar Christmas. Early December 2014, I was thinking of a theme but was unsuccessful since I really liked the previous one. Then my aunt came up with a Western Christmas theme. I love how everybody took it seriously. 2014's Western Christmas Party was a blast. ♥

Personal: Risa Viva del Amore ( Live Love Laugh )

If I were to assume I'd live until I am a hundred years old, then I've got one more year 'till I reach the first quarter of my life. Then again with the lifestyle that I have, I highly doubt I'd reach 85 years old - which gives me all the reason in the world to live to the fullest.

I know that my current status is not very impressive, but I know the road I am to pass through. I am caught up between getting a job temporarily, continue current mini businesses, or start a small business that could eat up my idle time. Believe me, you wouldn't wanna go inside my head. In my case, it's not as easy as it seems; and it's driving me nuts. "I know I am good for something, I just haven't found it yet." People around me usually make it harder for me 'cause it adds up to the pressure I already am giving to myself. I wish I could just post something on my forehead that says, "don't ask". It's hard to answer questions I don't know the answers to; and it's hard to take advices from people who don't know the whole story. 

I know that people usually prepare a list of resolutions every time there is a new year, but this time, I am considering my 24th year a new year. I have prepared a list of things for me to work on and I hope I get to stick to the list until I reach my 25th. Unfortunately, I cannot post the list here since I plan to make it personal so I could really put my heart into it. Don't worry, I'd post it by next year just to see if I stood up for my own words.

November 26, 1990 was the day I was born and I will forever be grateful for life. As mentioned above, my current status (career wise) is not impressive, I've had my share of heartbreaks, I've learned some lessons the hard(est) ways... but I am still grateful for life. I can honestly and sincerely say that I have never been this happy in my entire life. All the things that are happening to me right now, may they be good or bad, I know that they're just falling into places. I've always trusted God's plans for me and I have been given numerous signs that yes, I am in the right path. I guess I would just have to ask for patience and more wisdom for me to accept that not all people will understand me.

November 29, 2014 - Celebration with Friends

November 29, 2014 - Celebration with Friends

November 26, 2014 | Tagaytay with my parents ♥

Late: Halloween Party

If I remember it correctly, we haven't had a Halloween Party before. We probably celebrated before, but only over a bottle of Gran Matador but never really dressed up. Personally, I was very excited for this party even if it was very impromptu because I desperately wanted to spend a lot of time with my friends and I am very grateful for this night.

Gracias por mostrarme las estrellas★