oh, provençal!

I had a shoot last Saturday, and normally, working on a weekend would instantly bum me out, especially since I was just recuperating from a bad case of the sniffles. But the shoot proved to be a respite from the city stress. Plus, since Francis now has Saturday work again because of his new project, leaving the comforts of home on that day didn't seem to be a bad idea (versus being stuck at home, alone).

Arriving at the location meant instant stress-relief. Consider this view: 

I had this urge to just run up those hills and soak up the sun (this lass didn't have any basking-under-the-sun summer, so...). And the charm of the place is just so wonderful!  Francis and I could spend the weekend there, shut off from any social network connection, and everything will still be perfectly all right.

Apparently, I am already itching to get a break. That Hanoi trip can't come any sooner!

P.S.
A pleasant surprise after the shoot: a spur-of-the-moment date with le hubby, who drove all the way to Nuvali from work just to pick me up. *giggles*

after almost a five-month hiatus...

Wow. I had no idea until now that I haven't been updating this blog for almost five months! Tsk, tsk. Such a shame!

So, what have I been up to the past months that I've become such a lame blogger? Work, mostly.  It's been crazy-busy, but mostly fun. I am not complaining. In between the hectic work schedule, though, are pockets of glitter and joy.

Last February was our 5th wedding anniversary.  Francis planned a surprise dinner date for us. A full day of anticipation found me with my sweet hubby at La Cocina de Tita Moning. It was such a romantic dinner, and the food was really good! 

Pretty blooms from le hubby on our 5th anniversary

Then it was his birthday and mine. We spent Francis' hatch day with a brunch date at Rustic Mornings, then headed to Nuvali on a whim. Impromptu roadtrips rock, yes? Meanwhile, my big day was spent reviewing Philippine history and culture at the National Museum, and was concluded with a fantastic dinner at Harbor View Restaurant in Manila, where we basked in the marvelous sunset of Manila Bay. 

A lovely mid-morning at Rustic Mornings as hubby and I celebrated his birthday

On my 34th birthday, we got front-row seats to this magnificent view!

There's so much more to be excited about in the coming months. At the top of the list is an upcoming Hanoi trip with my family. It's going to be a belated celebration of my Mom's 60th birthday. Despite the different travel philosophy between me and my sister (haha!), I am very much stoked about this trip. It's been a while since Francis and I have flown out of the country, so this is a much-deserved break. Add to that the fact that this is the first time my family will be traveling to another country, so it's going to be a fun riot, for sure. I just pray that the weather here in the Philippines will be bright and sunny as we leave and come back from Vietnam (it's going to be summer there, so hurrah!). 

Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi. Image from meracushotels.com

Another wonderful thing that has happened is an unexpected collaboration with my fave sandal brand of the moment: Renegade Folk. I have written about it in my other blog a few month's back, and I've already purchased two pairs from this amazing local brand. Naturally, I have posted a few Instagram photos of me wearing my pairs. It's one thing to have them like those photos; and another to see them asking for my email address. I immediately replied, of course, and was a bit intrigued. Long story short, they asked me to do a collab project with them! It's so amazing and surreal, really. Aside from the obvious perks, what I love about this endeavor with them is that I get to be really creative and expressive using a medium I love: photography. Along the road, I hope to once again rekindle my passion with photography (my 400D misses me already!), and ultimately, inspire others to embrace their passion and celebrate their uniqueness. See more of this cool collab on my Instagram and on my VSCO Grid.

My third Renegade Folk pair, along with some of my arsenal for our Hanoi trip

And yes, I really, really will work harder in updating this blog more often. Definitely no months-long hiatus!

Have a wonderful weekend!

it was another roller coaster ride

January just breezed by! I'm not complaining, though, because the first month of this year proved to be a roller-coaster ride.

First, there was this confirmed trip to Hanoi. My sister and I will be treating Mom to her first out-of-the-country trip for her 60th birthday this April, but it's going to be a belated celebration. So when the tickets were finally booked, I felt so excited, of course! 

But the excitement gave way to worry when we learned that Mom had to undergo an angiogram to rule out any suspicion of serious heart problems. I was on edge, but something told me that I shouldn't worry. I couldn't help it, of course, and  I was somehow preparing to cancel that Hanoi trip in case the findings are not favorable. 

I was still at a shoot that day when Mom underwent the invasive procedure, which was two hours delayed. But when my sister texted to tell me Mom's clear, I was greatly relieved! Who wouldn't be? And because of that good news, I had reasons to believe that that "something" that told me not to worry too much was God--He was assuring me that everything will be fine, and that I only had to be still, as Psalm 46:10 says. 

So yes, Hanoi preparations will restart! Mom will finally be able to wear an ao dai, haha!

now you see me

Hello, hello!

Been a while since my last post, but before I compose something that details what I've been busy with lately (mostly work, but I am not complaining!), let me share my other blog. This one's devoid of mindless ramblings and drama, haha!

I am trying hard to maintain that blog as well, and I am doing a lame job at updating that. Hahaha!

Here's to hoping that everyone is having  great Friday! It's the weekend, so hurrah!

when work feels like work (haha!)

Okay, so work has been taxing lately. I'd like to believe that it's all because of this big issue that we had to come up with (a.k.a. birth pains), and the hard work that comes after that in order to ensure a good follow-through. 

But here's the thing: despite the many all-nighters, the weekend work, the hectic schedule and the plenty of sidebars we have to come up with in order to make every issue (starting July) more jam-packed with bite-sized information--not to mention the quite rigorous mentoring we've been undergoing for the past couple of months--I still feel a sense of fulfillment after every turnover date. 

Seeing this pretty thing on my desk makes me feel like all the back-breaking work is worth it after all.

So yes, let me switch to my Managing Editor Mode and beg you all to grab a copy of our 10th anniversary issue this July. Our team's sleepless nights spent in the clutches of anxiety will pay off if this baby flies out of the newsstands faster than you can say "Real Living". 

Thank you!

vargas museum first-timer

This is an embarrassing confession, but it was just recently when I stepped into UP Vargas Museum for the first time. How sad, right? More than a decade has passed since I graduated, and it was just a few days ago when I got to actually see the campus museum. 

Well, it's better late than never, as the cliche goes.

My first time was rewarded by a wonderful exhibit, which I blogged about here.

I found a cozy nook at the museum's cafe, which fronts trees and a mini-park that faces my college. The only regret I have is not discovering that cafe earlier while I still had time in my hands as a freelancer. Had I found out about that spot, I would probably have been motivated to move my arse out of the house whenever I needed to beat deadlines. Now I don't have the same luxury. But not to worry; that only means that I have a new reason to stop being holed up at home like a lazy couch potato. Haha!

master juggler

Hello, hello!

Been slacking again at blogging lately. My apologies. It's just that I am currently unbelievably busy juggling two day jobs (well, technically, I'm part-timing on both jobs): reporting for Job No. 1 on an MWF setup, and TTh for Job No. 2. But in two weeks, my contract with Job No. 1 will expire, and Job No. 2 will take the front seat as my *drum rolls please* new (regular) day job!

Okay, okay, I think it's now safe to announce what my new day job is all about (I posted about it a few weeks back): I am coming back to Summit as the new Managing Editor of Real Living magazine!!!

AHHH. YES. ANSWERED PRAYER!

I've been sitting in as a freelancing managing ed since January while my contract with Job. No. 1 is still in effect, but I really can't wait to go full time and focus all my energy on this new career journey. I'm still getting the hang of things, and it's such an exciting experience. I know that there are expectations of me, but I try not to dwell in them (lest I drive myself insane with pressure, and that is never healthy). Instead, I will do my very best to deliver the goods and improve myself in this endeavor that I decided to immerse myself in.

So yes, while I'm still juggling two jobs, I may not be able to blog as often as I would like to. But I promise to come back with a vengeance (haha) in two weeks.

Wish me all the best in my new career!

gunning for a better look

My apologies if for the past few weeks, this blog has been undergoing different template looks. I can't seem to find one that I'm comfortable with, but this one now (a more "dynamic" look, as the theme's name says) may be something I'll be sticking to for a while. I'm giving it some more time to grow on me. Otherwise, I may actually consider moving over to Tumblr. Hmmm.

In the meantime, feel free to explore the other "interactive" looks that this template offers. See the dark gray bar on the top of the page? Explore Classic, Magazine, Flipcard view--whatever rocks your boat. And in case the About Me button is missing (or the Blogroll or Archives), just refresh the page, and you'll seem them again on the right side. Simply hover your mouse for those buttons to peek out.

I hope this template sits well with you! Have a great week!

let me pull myself together first

So the holidays have been a whirlwind of activities and a trip to Singapore that almost got ruined because my body suddenly decided to get sick while I was there. 

Anyway, I'm excited to post entry after entry (with lots of photos!) of the holiday that was. In the meantime, forgive me as I collect myself first. Being sick during the holidays--and as I was out of the country, at that--didn't do my brain good. It's still reeling from all that had taken place. 

I hope to be back on my feet soon, like tomorrow, perhaps. 

Happy New Year, everyone! I pray that 2013 will be kind and blessed to the brim!

like stepping into Tolkien's world

This photo was taken by Francis; all else were by me

 After church then dinner, Francis and I took a walk in UP to check out if Quezon Hall is already decked in the holiday garb. Though there are not so many Christmas lights yet, nighttime in UP proved to be picturesque. The night's cool weather and the fog that enveloped our Alma Mater even made our evening walk more mesmerizing and photogenic. Unfortunately, I have only my phone with me, so these photos don't really do justice to the actual scenery. 

And since I just finished re-watching the LOTR trilogy (in preparation for The Hobbit movie; yes, I am such a huge Tolkien fan, please don't get me started), I can't help but think that some of these scenes look like they're straight out of Rivendell...or Ithilien or Lothlorien or the woods in the Girdle of Melian (in The Silmarillion). Just add in a few ethereal elves carrying flickering lamps, please! 

 

exciting months ahead!

I got to go behind the camera again this weekend, after months of hiatus!

A good friend is launching his sugary products in time for the holidays, and I was asked to shoot the goodies! Here's a sample.

Sugar (and) Spice, and everything nice for Christmas!

Will post more details about Sugar Spice soon, but in the meantime, let me rave about another thing: an SG trip next month!

Francis and I will be spending Christmas day in Singapore! I am super stoked! It's my first time to spend Christmas away from home (and I'm being all sentimental about it, but it's not like I'm gonna pass up the opportunity, haha!). I've been busy planning the trip, but I must finish this story I'm assigned to first (it's a cover story for Good Housekeeping Jan/Feb 2013 issue!), so I can have undivided attention to our holiday tryst.

And so with that, I must first write, write, write, so I can then plan, plan, plan!

(Sorry for the very random post. I'm just too excited not to share these blessings. Haha!)

and the bar is raised

So the other night, I was telling Francis that I never got starstruck nor did I go gaga over the male celebs I've interviewed...

Me: Di ko sila type, though yung ibang girls super kilig na. Yung kinilig lang ako, yung kay Luke Landrigan. The rest, wala lang!

Hubby: E syempre, masyado na mataas yung standard na si-net ko!

Oh my. I think I married a demi-god.

no slumber party

If there's one bad thing that this new career path has brought in my life, it's this messed up body clock. 

A few weeks into this freelancing lifestyle, I've been sleeping at two or three in the morning, typing or editing away; lately, I got caught up with watching Outsourced. Then, I'd wake up early morning to prepare hubby his breakfast, then go back to sleep again only to wake up at lunch. Because I still feel too sluggish to cook, I'd end up eating lunch at two or three in the afternoon. Sometimes, I get to lazy that I end up ordering unhealthy burgers and fries. Once I get my fill, that's the only time I feel in the mood to work on my writing/editing stints. 

And then I'd get online, and everything goes downhill from there. 

The 500-word article that usually take two hours to finish would end up getting done and ready for email at, oh, one in the morning. Thank you, distraction in the form of the Internet!

It's crazy, I know! And I better start losing this bad sleeping habit. Must fix this body clock ASAP, or I'll be a walking anemia.

this afternoon

If you were here with me right now, I imagine we'd be out on the balcony looking at the white tufts of clouds slowly moving across the sky. Then we'd notice how the buildings are being washed with warm rays in this golden hour.

Unfortunately, you're there somewhere in Manila, doing whatever it is you best do as an engineer. Then you'd have to go back to your office to process all the data you've gathered in your day's field work.

But I don't have to worry. The next few weeks have holidays in store for us. Then, we can idle away looking at those clouds and taking in the late afternoon sun together. 

I can't wait.

a love affair with order and chaos

A couple of years ago, I could not see myself working as a freelancer. Back then, the idea of not being a part of a company did not appeal to me. I could not imagine myself working at home because that was too boring. I tried that for a month or two, when I was in between jobs, but I felt like I was growing roots telecommuting. I wanted Christmas parties and company outings. How trivial, right?

Fast forward to a few years: I was imagining, no visualizing, myself sitting at a cozy corner in a coffee shop, furiously typing on my laptop as I try to beat article deadlines; or I'm at home, waking up early in the morning to prepare breakfast for my husband, then napping again and waking up late in the morning to attend to domestic duties in between freelance stints. There's not much stress--only a degree of that that I can manage. In place of uncontrolled chaos is some kind of order that gives me the career satisfaction that I need. 

That vision came true. I am living it now. I am no longer a slave to emotional, physical and mental stress that used to box me in. I no longer wake up each morning dreading deadlines and cranky clients and Murphy's Law. My phone is no longer ringing off the hook. I am free from inhumane multi-tasking. I am free from sudden bursts of rage because of projects (and people) who drive me crazy. There's less crankiness in me now. 

Now, there's more balance. My freelancing stints interspersed with my copy editing part-time job give me just the right kind of busy-ness. In fact, I am enjoying this new experience of managing my schedule. So far, so good, never mind if I get constantly derailed by the Internet whenever I sit down to write or edit an article. My part-time work injects that kind of routinary rhythm that balances off the unpredictability of my freelance career. I don't get overwhelmed too often nor do I get bored too much. In other words, what I do now is something sane, something I should have done two years ago.

But there are really no regrets. I know it's never too late for me to be trying this. I also know that I may eventually find myself signing up for another day job, sooner or later (when that happens, I pray that I do it voluntarily and not because I don't have any other choice). 

Right now, I am basking in this new-found career freedom, and I shall enjoy every single drop of this. This is a blessing that should never be taken for granted, a kind of peace that I will always thank God for.

when the going gets tough, the tough goes dating

The Prism Plaza gets illuminated with these changing light

Francis has been so stressed lately, we've been frequenting our favorite massage place once every two weeks. His current project assignment has been much of a challenge for him. Actually, I've never seen my husband this tired and...whiny. Hahaha! It's usually me who's complaining!

But I guess me being a freelancer now is of good timing. I can't imagine both of us coming home from work, grumpy and all stressed out and ready to lash at each other because we're already at the end of our respective rope. At least now that I have a relatively relaxed work pace, I can readily attend to his rants and needs. I try my best. Whenever I can (and I'm glad I can do it often), I prepare dinner so that by the time Francis gets home, all he needs to do is plop down on the dining chair and attack his grub. I volunteer to do the dishes even on those days when it's his turn, because I know such a simple task can add up to his physical stress.

Honestly, it's pretty alarming to see him looking all harassed. Like I said, it's usually me who's in that state. Sometimes, I feel helpless, but I remind myself that I'm in a better position to do something about his situation and help him cope with things at his work. And so in another attempt to ease up things for him, I took dear hubby out to dinner last Sunday at the Prism Plaza in Two E-com Center, MOA Complex. There's this good Thai restaurant there called Just Thai, and I thought he'd appreciate good food amid a nice place like Prism Plaza. (Good thing I discovered the area when I had a meeting for a project a couple of months back.)

From top: Interesting lighting fixture in Just Thai; and their delicious fare: crispy tilapia and broccoli flowers with carrots

 I'm glad he actually liked the place and the ambiance. Prism Plaza is located at the quiet side of MOA Complex, away from the busy crowd and jam-packed restaurants in the mall. There are a few people loitering around, taking pictures of the nice area overlooking Manila Bay. 

I was actually intending to bring him there just right before sunset, so we can be all cheesy together watching the horizon, haha! Unfortunately, we were both distracted by the Internet, hence, we were late. Oh well.

Anyway, dinner had been great, and the food equally satisfying. We lingered for a couple of minutes, then proceeded to stroll in the mall. (Quick shopping grab: a loose cardigan in mustard yellow from Forever 21, which I got for about 60% off!!! Plus, two back issues of Real Simple and one Travel + Leisure from Booksale!) I was coercing Francis to buy some polo shirts, but I guess his shopping mode was turned off (unlike mine, which seems to turn itself on by its own will, hahaha! But I promise to just buy small stuff, since I'm on a self-imposed shopping sabbatical again.) An hour or so of strolling tired us out, so before going home, we walked to One E-com Center to grab some coffee/dessert (Starbucks there is less crowded).

Seeing Francis looking less worked up and more upbeat a few days after our dinner date means that I succeeded in my attempt to somehow help him de-stress. That's enough to make a wifey like me feel very happy.

shopping like crazy

This may sound funny (and even lame to some extent), but ever since I resigned from my day job, I've been so scared of turning into a losyang (haggard) during the few weeks that I'll be mostly staying home. Sure, I still get to go out once or twice a week for meetings and domestic errands, but the thought of actually getting lost in this lounge-at-home lifestyle scares me. 

So what do I do to fend off that lazy tendency? Frequent fashion blogs (a new addition to my list is Camille Co's website), follow stores on Instagram (Pill Footwear and Tonic Bags and Shoes, both of which can be found in The Ramp Crossings store in TriNoma; as well as Sabo Skirt, an Australian clothing brand whose Instagram posts are pretty inspiring, fashion-wise), and check out new shopping haunts that are not part of my usual shopping list (The Ramp is now officially in my list; and yes, that should have been in there a long time ago, but I am such a late bloomer). 

Naturally, because if this weird and funny concern, I went on a sort of shopping spree. Two weeks into this new life (haha!), I have already bought: a roomy Charles and Keith bag, another statement necklace from SM Accessories, a vintage Casio black watch similar to this, and a pair of transparent flats from Pill Footwear that was inspired by this blog entry (scroll down to see her pretty shoes!). But, oh my, the craze does not seem to end here. I am currently pining for one of these purty babies!

 

 Image from The Ramp

 

I particularly like the "ice crystals" neck piece on the far right. If my kaartehan gets the best of me, I may actually go for the kill. 

Yes, yes, I know I have to be a wiser spender especially now that I'm freelancing; but promise, this will be the last (until I actually start on my three-day-a-week part-time job, haha!)!

mystery him

This guy is one of the inspirations that made me pursue photography. The older photos in his stream are just amazing and jaw-dropping.

However, I no longer see updated posts from him. Yes, it bothers me. I wonder what happened to him. Did he suddenly lose the passion? Was photography just another hobby that he pursued and then left in order to move on to another one?

It makes me sad.

forgive this stream of thoughts

Hormones have been unforgiving lately. It's a matter of being depressed and happy within a span of an hour. I must be bipolar just like the weather, hahaha!

These days, I can't help but vent things on shopping. If not actual shopping, I frequent Parfois' website for some window shopping (and scouting possible future buys). I am so in love with their stuff--quality but not pricey. If I were to disregard sanity, I will probably buy a Parfois bag every month. Oh, and accessories, too!

Also been checking out two fashion bloggers, The Walking Recessionista and Tricia Will Go Places. (The latter was embroiled in some controversy months ago, but I might digress.) I don't really follow fashion blogs simply because I find it tedious just keeping up with these girls' outfits. I mean, I am into fashion, but I don't believe it has to require much effort. Plus, I don't see the point of actually chronicling what you wear every single day. There are better things to do. But, these two blogs that I have recently been following are quite different because not all entries are about shoes and bags and accessories. More importantly, the things they wear are "achievable"--outfits that I can imagine myself wearing. I don't like fashion bloggers who go to Cambodia and visit the Angkor Wat in heels and lacy dresses, and label that ensemble as "casual". Casual, seriously?!? Heels in Angkor Wat? Is that even practical? Can you even walk in those on uneven grounds? Plus, Angkor Wat is a historical place meant to be experienced, not a catwalk that pulls attention to what you're wearing! I mean, sure, you can still be fashionable but practical and realistically sane, right? 

Anyway, I'm quite disappointed with myself for not following through with my pursuit of photography. I promised to buy a light and soft box for my birthday last April, but it's already July and I still don't have lights. I must prioritize that, I must! Photography is something that I really want to be good at, and I really have to get behind the lens more often. I think I can blame Instagram and camera phones for this complacency, haha! I sometimes find myself settling for my camera phone instead of bringing my DSLR, justifying that it's not the machine that makes for a good photo, but the person operating that machine. While to a certain degree it's true, I know that actually bringing and using a decent camera is key to honing photography skills. Aack, I have to kick myself hard and resume my pursuit!

And then there's the issue of my other blog, which I barely update. I used to have the excuse of not having Internet connection at home, hence the sparse entries. But now that I have a decent connection 24/7, what's my excuse, eh? Pfft!

It's raining again, and I'm stuck at home as of this writing because I'm not feeling well enough to go to work. I decided to just telecommute (and boy, this is a lot less stressful, I can do this for the rest of my life if only it were allowed!). I wonder what I'll preoccupy myself with in between work emails and daydreams. 

I wish it were already Friday again.

counting my blessings

Because I can foresee that the following weeks will be crazy busy, allow me to reflect on happy, blessed things that happened recently/is happening/will happen soon:

Ice Cream Assassins with UR Face Radio DJ Sick James;
that's me and hubby, screen cap courtesy of sis (thanks, Sis!)

1. After two years, our pseudo-band reunited again for an exciting radio guesting last June 21! We were all so stoked about the prospect because the last time we got together was for our wedding. The one-day-only practice had been a breeze, and the guesting itself was fun, fun, fun despite the downpour! Like I said, it's so good to have been back on the mic again.

Many, many thanks to UP Music Circle, our ever beloved college org (yes, I'm one of the founders, and yes, I am that old but shut up, haha!) for inviting us; and of course, to UR Face Radio for letting us crash and do our thang. Do listen to a collection of songs from Music Circle's bands here, and don't forget to check out Ice Cream Assassin's Coffee Dew (that's us!)!

2. There's this book I'm working on, and I can't say yet what it is so as not to preempt things. But here's a clue: it's going to be pages and pages of coooool ideas about nesting! My team is busy completing the whole thing, and I do hope we can manage to remain on schedule. I can't wait for the launch, which is going to be on the latter part of this year!

3. Every day, I am so tempted to skip work because of the sleepy weather and our cozy, cozy home. As mentioned in my previous entries, our dear nest still needs a lot of work and sprucing up, but I'm so, so in love with it already. I probably wouldn't mind staying in and just being lazy all week long. Happy sigh!

4. Hubby and I have become responsible adults recently when we decided to take a leap of faith and plunge into investments. It's not much, but it's a start. We hope and pray that we'll be blessed by it so we can share the blessings!

5. One word: Baguio. There's a trip coming up soon, this time around, hubby and I will be bringing my mom along. I promised her a Baguio trip two years ago, and it's about time that I keep true to that promise. So I'll be packing scarves and jackets and boots again real soon. Hurrah! (Plus, a Baguio trip is well-deserved, especially with the chaos I'll be going through the next few weeks.)

Well, it's true that when things are looking down, you just have to count your blessings. I look forward to counting more (minus the things-that-are-looking-down, haha!)!