Prabal Gurung Resort 2014

This vacation at home is giving me so much time browsing the net. I've been keeping my eye on style.com, looking at different designers. It's such a breath of fresh air and I have to admit, I miss updating myself in the world of fashion. Prabal Gurung Resort 2014 is a favorite. I love the clean sharp cut, color-blocking, details, such as the feather like material used in the first photo, and patterns, as seen in the second and last photo. And that black, white, and red color combo gown in the fourth photo spells a no nonsense sophistication.


Image source:
1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th

The Year That Was

Time just went by so fast! In just a few days, we will all be welcoming the new year. But it felt like 2013 just started yesterday. And look where we are now? Seriously, a fast forward button must have been turned on... Before we bid farewell to 2013, let me just go back and see once again what my 2013 was like.

 I spent my 26th birthday in Korea.

Got my Master's degree.

My family visited me and had their first out-of-the-country vacation.

I decided to have my hair curled the night before going back to the Philippines.

Then, I had a change of heart and had it straightened after a few months.

Went back to research work in the same institute as I have worked before.

But after five and a half stressful months, I resigned.

 And thank God, I got a new job right after.

Did a lot of bonding and catching up with friends.

Then, I cut my hair short.

Went home and spent Christmas with family.

So yeah, there goes my 2013. It was a fun yet challenging ride. Though there were also times where I felt like my life was stagnant, especially during the time when I was looking for a job. Completing my Master's degree was my greatest achievement for the year. The biggest challenge, however, had something to do with work. It's difficult when you and your supervisor have no connection whatsoever because you have different perspectives. It is difficult working everyday with a person that's stressing you out. But I'm glad I did the right thing. I left that job and move on with my life.

If there's one important lesson that I learned this year, it would be this:

Respect yourself enough to walk away from anything that no longer serves you, grows you, or makes you happy. 

                                                                                               -Robert Tew

With all the ups and downs that I experienced this year, I have to say I am still thankful because each of them has contributed in molding me and enabled me to learn more on the subject called 'life'.

Hoping to for an awesome and blessed 2014!


P.S.
An interesting read here.

Christmas At Home

Finally, got to spend Christmas with my family!

I hope you guys had a Merry, Merry Christmas!

Safety and December Blues

It's been a really, really long time since I last posted here. The past few weeks was difficult, full of stress and anxiety. I was reminded that people, especially women, face great risks everyday. You'll never know someone's already keeping an eye on your every move. So you have to do the necessary actions to protect yourself. Safety and awareness are the main concerns.

Anyway, onto other matters... It's just a few days before christmas! Can you believe that? But the problem with me is that the christmas spirit hasn't dawned on me yet. Something is missing. Or maybe I'm just getting old. Or maybe I'm still stressed because of the recent unfortunate events. But before christmas passes me by, let me just share the gorgeous photograph of one of my favorite fashion bloggers, keikolynn.

P.S. Since I transferred to a new place, I still don't have a wifi connection. But thankfully, I can use the network connection in my mobile. Thus, this is my first time writing an entry from my cellphone. Hope things will turn out okay. =)

Image source here

On Untaken Exam & Postponed Dream

Today is the date of that exam. That life changing exam. I already paid for the testing fee. Already got my registration form and room assignment. I should have taken it but I didn't. It just doesn't feel right taking it without reviewing well. It's like going to battle unprepared.

Thus, I am once again postponing that dream.

Up to now, I am still not sure which path to take. That dream or the other one? I used to think that when a person is already in his/her mid-twenties, he/she has already decided the path or career to pursue. But I am nowhere in that stage. I am still confuse which one to choose because I love both fields. Argh! If only I am super intelligent, maybe I can pursue both. You see, there's already a degree if you want both. But the selection is very competitive, as well as the funding. And I am not even a laude holder to begin with. Ok, so now I am totally rambling. Sorry guys. But if there's one thing I learned at being twenty six, it's -

You can never really be sure of where you're going...

But you will get there.

P.S. The last statement is for the needed positive outlook in life. =)

Super typhoon Haiyan: Stories of Loss, Survival, and Unity

It's heartbreaking seeing all the pictures and videos of the victims of Typhoon Haiyan. These people not only lost their houses, personal belongings, things that they all worked for, but they also lost their loved ones. It's one thing losing a property. But nothing compares to losing a mother, father, grandparent, brother, or a sister. For the ones left, for the survivors, life will never be the same again. The stories of loss will forever linger each passing day.

For those who have survived, they now have to face the aftermath of the storm which is rather more difficult. They now have to continue living but without food, water, shelter, and money. Well, even if they have money, there's not much to buy really. It's hard and it's getting harder and harder when you see all the dead bodies of your neighbors. In a place where things were turned upside down, the only thing left is the will and the courage to continue living. It's just sad that some people resort to looting and taking advantage of what was left. Call it survival of the fittest but it feels so wrong that people are losing their morale just to live.

It's just a sad, sad picture. But looking at the other side of the spectrum, this tragedy has also brought unity among the nations of the world. Unity to help those in need. Days after the storm, international relief aids are pouring in the Philippines. The European Union and its member states, USA, Japan, South Korea, China, are all sending relief efforts, grant aids, and humanitarian assistance. It's just heartwarming. It's good to know that in the middle of this tragedy, the world becomes one in helping the victims.

The government of the Philippines is also doing its role. Though there maybe some issues, such as the slow deployment of relief goods, politics and rivalries, finger pointing of some people to those who they feel are at fault, I hope that the Philippine politicians and leaders would set aside personal motives and  focus on helping the victims instead. The last thing that we need are people who have ulterior motives, who are just using this situation to make their names shine on the next elections. Please lang, mahiya naman kayo. Respeto naman sa mga biktima.

And of course, we should not also forget the organizations and individuals who are doing their part in helping the victims, including doctors, soldiers, police men, news reporters, and voluntary workers. I've seen a lot of stories in the news, an old Filipino lady offering a pack of opened milk, she's offering it even though it's already opened because that's the only thing that she has; a Japanese boy donating his savings; people volunteering in packing of goods until late at night; people writing inspiring messages on the cans of sardines; and so much more.

It's a tragedy that claimed thousands of lives. It's a tragedy that ripped people of what they have. It's a tragedy that will never be forgotten. But it's also a tragedy that brings humanity into one.


Image sources:
1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th

Brave

To all you guys out there who are having a hard time expressing who you really are, those who are in a rough position, those who are in the middle of nowhere, those who are trying to pursue their dreams, and even to those who are living their dreams...

I wanna see you be brave.

 

Thank you Sara Bareilles for this wonderful, wonderful song! Please continue making inspirational and empowering music.

Resiliency And The Filipino People

Experiencing typhoons is something every Filipino is familiar of. Every year, the country is visited by several typhoons. Typhoon signals consist of 1 (being the weakest) and 4 (the strongest). Yesterday, the Visayas region, which is the central part of the Philippines, was hit  by super typhoon Haiyan, locally named Yolanda. Provinces, such as Leyte, Samar, Cebu, Capiz, Bohol, and parts of Palawan, were under Signal number 4. Here in Luzon, northern part of the country, most provinces were either in Signal number 2 or 1. In the province where I am currently staying, we were in Signal number 2.

AFP News - This NOAA image shows Super Typhoon Haiyan taken by the Japan Meteorological Agency's MTSAT at 0630Z on November 7, 2013

High waves pounding the sea wall amidst strong winds as Typhoon Haiyan hit the city of Legaspi, Albay province, south of Manila

But amidst this calamity, there's one thing that depicts the Filipino people...RESILIENCY. 

The statement of one commentor (dudesk001) in a news report perfectly describes what it is all about.

"Time to get to the know the hardy Filipino people...unbelievably resilient, long suffering, good natured, uber friendly, loyal, ingenius, and a bunch of survivors.

At the end of the day the Filipinos will just shake off the dirt from their clothes and thongs and go about their business...and SMILE. They do not complain much, they will bear as long as they can.

Maybe this is why they were given the "privilege" of bearing the burden of the strongest typhoon ever recorded.

The indomitable human spirit at its finest."

Stay strong Philippines!

Sources:
Image 1 here
Image 2 here
Stamement here

Don't be hard on yourself. You've been spending a lot of time thinking about the future. Maybe all you need is this: Just enjoy the moment...the present...what's right in front of you.

Hello November

Ten months have passed already. We're now in the second to the last month of the year. Oh, hello

November!

Time runs so fast! But I have no complaints. I'm just thankful because amidst all the challenges and problems I've encountered in the past months, I'm still here standing strong. Through it all, I know that God has always been there for me. He never left me even though there are times that I feel like I do not deserve His love. He never left me even though I'm a sinner. 

Aside from giving thanks, I am also dedicating this day in giving prayers to the souls of my departed loved ones - my lolo and lola in my father's side (lolo is a Filipino word for grandfather and lola for grandmother ), my lolo in my mother's side, my uncles and aunties, and cousins, who were gone too soon. May their souls be in a place of eternal happiness. May their souls be in the loving arms of God. Amen.

Life

What does it mean to live life?

Each one of us has our own answers but no matter what our answer is , there is a force encompassing all of them - the pursuit of happiness.

At this point in my life, my pursuit of happiness revolves around three things, things that I wanted to do, things that I dreamed of.

See the WORLD

Have an IMPACT

Meet my one true LOVE

Image sources:
1st 2nd 3rd

To take the test or not?

I paid P1,900 thru bank deposit last Friday. In the form, it says Check your email after two banking days for your payment confirmation email. So I was expecting that I'll receive the confirmation on Tuesday or Wednesday next week. I didn't bother to check my mail yesterday but this morning, lo and behold, I saw the confirmation email (which was sent yesterday night).

In just a matter of one month I'll be taking an exam. I already took it four years ago but I didn't push through with my plan. Honestly, I am not confident right now. I haven't started reviewing yet (the serious type) because I've just left a miserable job and have just started a new work last week. I'm still recovering from the "trauma" the previous job has caused me and still adjusting in my new work environment. I actually wanted to back out and take the exam next year instead. But...maybe I should not delay this anymore. Waaah, one confused girl here! I just hope that if ever I decided to continue, I'll be prepared, calm, and collected on the day of the exam. Please help me God.

I have always wondered 

what it feels to be on the shore 

in a winter season.

Haeundae, Beach Busan, South Korea

*Picture taken by me.

Lately...

Blog Header

This morning I did some tweaks here and there and viola, hello to my new [slightly modified] blog header! I'm not a techie person but sometimes a little change in the blog is a refreshing welcome. Same picture as some of you may know; I just cropped the sides, added a filter and an overlay of banner and text. Got the idea from here but I only used one photo editor, the picmonkey. Finally, a bigger and better header!

Goodbye Dear Molar

The dentist gave me two options: root canal treatment (RTC) or extraction. RTC is more expensive so I opted for extraction. Last Monday I had my molar removed. It was a bittersweet moment actually. I could have saved my tooth but what's done is done. I can never have my tooth back. After a month I'll be getting a bridge (a replacement for my molar, made of porcelain and will be cemented on my gums). I still miss my real tooth, though.

Independence Day

Another bittersweet moment: I had my despedida/farewell party in the lab last Friday. Bittersweet because I'll be missing my colleagues who have been supporting and giving me joy amidst all the chaos in my laboratory life.

Selfie? How about group selfie? Posing and smiling with my GTL family.♥

This is one big card! Each one of them wrote a message and it's really, really touching. Definitely going to miss them. They're not only colleagues or labmates, they're friends and family. They saw what I've been through in those difficult five months. They listened to me when I was down. They were there when I couldn't help but cry. They supported and gave me advice. They made me smile and helped me be strong.

New Work

When one falls down, one should learn to pick himself up and move on with life. An opportunity came and I'll be transferring to a new work. I have to admit, I'm still recuperating from a rough experience but I'm hoping to get my self-worth and confidence back. I'll be starting from scratch but I'm ready for this new phase of my life.

Hope things are going with well with you guys!

Saturday shopping: Folio dress

Hello October! Whoa, time passes by so fast!

So yesterday, I had my me-time walking and shopping in SM City Calamba. SM Calamba is part of the chain of SM shopping malls here in the Philippines. Malls are popular places to shop because it's like a One-Stop-Shop, everything you need, it's all in one building. It's very convenient and it's fully air-conditioned (imagine shopping outside with the humid and hot weather? No, please.). SM Mall of Asia (see previous post here) is my favorite but I cannot always go to the city so the solution is: the nearest mall in my area.

image source here

Unlike SM Mall of Asia, SM Calamba is much, much smaller. But it's okay. There are still quite a lot of shops to look to.=)

I did my usual sightseeing first before buying anything. I always look first at all the stuff. Then, I saw a pretty white blouse in the mannequin. I checked the rack but the blouses are in sizes bigger than mine. It happens that there are also dresses in the same fabric. So, I tried them on. By the way, if there's one piece of advice I can give regarding buying clothes, it's that you should always fit/try on the clothes first because what looks good on a mannequin or what looks good on display doesn't mean it will also look good on you. On the other hand, what looks plain or boring on display doesn't mean it will not look good on you. The key is the right fit.

Being a girl that I am, I can either be an impulsive buyer or someone that takes her time(this can  be a long time actually) to decide whether she will buy a piece of clothing or not. I was even thinking of maybe just buying it next time but when I learned that the dress of my size is already the last stock, I decided to buy it right at that moment. Hehe! One of the biggest regrets a shopper can have is not buying the thing that she likes then going back to the shop to buy it only to find out that it's already gone.

So here's the white dress from Folio. I always go for the simple and clean-cut dresses. What I love most about this dress is the textured fabric with small floral patterns. I always wanted to have a white dress, so this one fits the bill.

Now here I am again, the dilemma - Where to wear the dress? Haha! I love buying dresses but I'm just not sure when and wear I'll be wearing them. A wedding perhaps? Geez somebody please invite me to attend a wedding. Haha! =)

Betina Lou

Betina Lou was launched in 2009 by Marie-Eve Emond, a Montreal designer. In Betina Lou's website, it says 

Betina Lou offers timeless, feminine, easy-to-wear pieces. The line blends classic and modern design to create essential pieces with delicate, thoughtful details. Paying homage to the past, Betina Lou’s designs provide a fit and cut that brings together elements of the male wardrobe and history’s female fashion icons. Neutral colours are used along with subtle patterns.

I am definitely loving their Spring Summer 2013 collection. It's simple, comfortable, yet chic. It's not too girly and doesn't crave for much attention. It shows, rather, an understated confidence and sophistication.

Photo credits: Betina Lou

Dream Wedding

When I get married someday, I want to have a simple and intimate wedding just like this: Set on a beautiful mountainside and a nearby lake, where everyone is surrounded by fresh air, luscious green landscapes, and still waters.

 It's all in the details...a wooden rotunda with white cloth, ribbons, and a variety of flowers.

And look at the lovely couple! By the way, they are Andy and Sonia. To know more about their love story and to have a peek at their married life, you can visit their Youtube channel, Andy Met Sonia. Sonia is part of the amazing singing duo Jayesslee.

And of course, a beautiful wedding is not without beautiful pictures. Jenny Sun and her team were able to capture the beauty of the event. There's just happiness, love, and magic in every photo. To see more images and details of Andy and Sonia's wedding, you can check Jenny Sun's blog.

Someday...one day.

Photo credits: Jenny Sun Photography