i felt like i'm in elementary again

I have more than one reason why I love writing (the editorial kind, that is). For one, I get to travel and meet new people, like in last Saturday's assignment. Well, fine, it wasn't like I flew to Cebu to feature a posh resort or something; nevertheless, I was still excited about the trip because it brought me to this big bottling company in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, and it felt like I was having a field trip back in elementary. I saw assembly lines of bottles being filled with sodas and juices, I got to wear a hard hat and this reflective vest, and learned a lot about the process of how a bottled iced tea is made.

Here was how that day went, in pictures.

the week that was...so far

Before I go on to write about my first day of school, I mean, my first day back at work, let me first rave about my trip to the CD/DVD sale last weekend.

Sure, Francis and I promised ourselves to be more careful with our spending especially now that we'll soon be paying for our new unit's equity (down payment). But who in their right mind can resist a sale where original CDs and DVDs sell for as low as Php20 (CDs) and Php150 (DVDs)? Definitely not us.

And so we went crazy and went home with these:

This isn't our first time to hoard. Last year, we went to the same sale by Universal Records and got home with loads of CDs. Majority of my selection were CDs of indie Brit bands, most (if not all) of which I'm not familiar with, but I did not regret buying them. This time was the same, though I bought more DVDs (last year had less good choices) than CDs. So now Francis and I would listen to new albums every night, or watch a DVD that we feel like watching (as of writing, Massive Attack is playing).

If you're envious (haha!) and are raring to go, wait until this weekend (and until this weekend only--Friday, Saturday, Sunday, from 10am to 7pm; the sale has been ongoing since the first weekend of June) then rush to the 10th floor of Universal Tower along Quezon Avenue (that's near Parco). But if don't have time, don't despair; Universal Records usually holds a yearly sale (sometimes even twice a year!), so there's still another chance to hoard. Just be on the lookout for an announcement in newspapers or check out their Facebook page. I'll also post here as soon as I got wind of another sale.

Now on to my return venture into the work force. After two months of leave, I got back to work yesterday. I actually sneaked back in without most of my co-workers noticing me, in the hopes that I can remain unseen so I can pretend I'm not at work yet. But of course this isn't a fantasy world so they noticed. Sure, I was touched when they told me they were glad I'm back. Still, I can't help but feel a tad sad that I'm already back to the grind.

If there's one thing I realized during my "vacation", it's that I'm ready to leave my desk job. I wouldn't be saying this if I were writing this entry three years ago. Back then, I didn't feel ready yet to be a freelancer; I wanted to belong to a team and be able to have summer outings and Christmas parties. It's a funny reason to want an office job, I know; but since there are really no summer outings and Christmas parties have become rare, then what's the point right? Or maybe, I've already grown mature enough to embrace the idea of having all of my time in my own hands. That way, I can control the stress level in my life. Now, I can imagine myself working on a deadline in our cozy pad, without me running like a headless chicken (answering emails, entertaining AE requests, printing documents, replying to a supplier's text message and conceptualizing special executions in my head--all happening at the same friggin' time).

But in life, mature people have to make choices according to their priorities; so I chose to go back to work and try my very best to still put my best foot forward; nevermind if I'm wincing while doing so. I know it's not the best attitude, but that's the least I can do to prevent myself from going jobless and broke (hello, monthly amortization!). And if there's anything I've gleaned from self-help career guide articles I've read, it's this trick to keep one's mind sane at work when mulling over printing that resignation letter: find something you really like to do to distract you from the stress and distress. In my case, that would be photography, music and writing. Staying in my job got me closer to opportunities related to these three (photography and writing, especially). If only for that, I am very thankful. So yes, Imma stick it out a little bit more and wait and see. I've waited for the past three years already, so what's a year or so? Like I have written in a previous entry, I shall grab every opportunity that comes my way and let go of things I have no control of. I'm tired of hearing myself whine without me really doing anything; this time, I will do something and just see what happens next.

On a lighter note, I found it funny when Francis and my mom asked me how my back-to-work day went yesterday, as if it was my first day in school. Where's my allowance, mom?

of christian bautista and tales of a domesticated life

This is my second time to interview a celebrity. The first one was actor JC de Vera for Cosmo mag's Man on Fire section last December. This time, it was singer Christian Bautista, for the same magazine and section, which is due this coming August.

I'm not a big fan, but I must admit he has a swoon-worthy voice. He's really cute, though, and very nice and witty. When he saw my list of questions, he was shocked to discover that I have 43 items on my list. I bet he thought it would take us forever to finish the interview, but I assured him that all 43 questions are "fun" ones, which means he wasn't expected to give lengthy answers (the section is just a Q&A anyway).

So if you're a fan and you want to know more about this hunky singer's opinion on love, marriage, women and many other things, wait for the Cosmo August issue and grab one as soon as you see it on the newsstand. Oh, and Christian will also be in the September issue, so wait for that, too! (haha, shameless promotion!)

In the meantime, here's a sneak peak:

On the way to the shoot venue in Antipolo, Cosmo's managing editor Camille, formerly my co-editor in our department, and I were talking about our frustrations about renovating/improving our respective homes that we're just currently renting. Then we talked about how Francis and I found the unit in Sofia Bellevue. The conversation spun to other domestic concerns--floor vinyls, house cleaning woes, cooking, etc. We both laughed when we realized that it wasn't so long ago when clothes, bags and shoes dominated our conversations; now it's mostly about being (happily) married.

i'm so excited and i just can't hide it!

The suggested floor plan for a 40sqm unit,
which we'll most likely adhere to.
Oh, and ours has a balcony, so weee!

I have a good motivation to work hard (yes, despite my ranting in my previous entry). In fact, right now, my head is so filled with plans for our new--our own--home in Sofia Bellevue.

The dining area/living room and bedroom of the model unit

We weren't really actively looking for our own house. We just made it a habit to drop by those clusters of agents and scale condo/house and lot models frequently found in malls. Francis and I would collect flyers and then sift through them. Then we came across this flyer of Sofia Bellevue, a cluster of mid-rise condo buildings in Capitol Hills. Seeing that the price won't make us empty all our savings in the bank (well, hopefully that won't ever happen), we got in touch with the agent whose name was stamped on the flyer.

The kitchen (my turf! I love the frosted cupboard doors!)
and a sneak peek of the bathroom

Long story short, we saw the model units for a 36sqm and a 40sqm. The latter has more room for two bedrooms, and so we decided to wait for a slot whose monthly amortization we can afford. The more affordable ones were already all sold out; the only option left was either to wait for a slot to be re-opened or wait for the official selling date of the ones in the newest building (there are five buildings, and there's only one building left to be constructed). However, if we were to go for the new building, we'd risk breaking the bank, so Francis and I agreed to just wait for a slot.

Unfortunately, after a month of two of waiting, our agent never got back to us. Well, she did, but every time she does, she always insisted on the new building despite the many times we've told her we can't possibly afford it. Good thing our couple friend, who already bought a 40sqm unit last year (and they're probably busy moving in this week), referred us to their agent, Lawrence. They said he's very diligent and is trustworthy. Seeing there's nothing wrong with trying, we told Lawrence what we wanted, and he assured us that he'll just give us a call or send us a text message if there are any developments. We prayed for it and waited.

The site development plan. Our unit is housed
in Woodridge building.

Then the good news came (story here). We really praise God for saying "yes" to our request. Not only did we get the deal we wanted, we also got a unit that's strategically located--it's on the sixth floor and has a balcony which overlooks the clubhouse and a golf course!

And so now, I am preoccupied with all the design plans possible. Since the actual unit is bare (all of the units are), we have to first erect divisions for the two bedrooms. Then it's down to the interior design. I am super excited because Francis and I have agreed to go tropical/modern zen, with hints of Baguio, since we are so enamored with that place (think Café by the Ruins with a dash of Vocas art gallery; writing about this actually makes me feel all fuzzy!). I'm here wrecking my brains as to how to incorporate Baguio elements--wood, greens, nature, strawberries (this, we have down pat, thanks to the strawberry scented oil we have, haha!), coziness--and everything in between. I guess it's wise to heed the advice of home magazines: make a mood board. So we shall!

I so, so love the feel of this peg! This will definitely go in our mood board.

Oh, oh, oh, I really cannot contain the excitement! It's just really fun and wonderful to finally have our own place that we can decorate and spend time (and money) on. I bet I'll lose sleep just thinking about the many possibilities!

(All images are from the web.)

i shall be back

This is the last week of my leave. After two months, I shall again be back to the grind; and in more ways than one, I feel sad.

Yes, I did miss doing something, but that does not mean I missed my work. I never missed anything about my job, except for my office friends. I never missed the stress, the deadlines, the clients.

It's funny that I missed shooting (as in me behind the lens, not work shoots) more than getting back to my desk. I missed writing for our magazines. These things make me feel much more fulfilled at the end of the day--shooting and writing. I learn from them.

Still, I am thankful for my job; it pays the bills. Yet I'm hoping there's something more...

it was indeed a baguio bliss

It seems like happy things follow me whenever I'm in Baguio. My husband proposed to me there, and this recent trip, our prayer has been answered.

It was our last night in the City of Pines when we got the good news from our broker. We weren't even expecting to get a slot, considering all the 40sqm units in the mid-rise building we're eyeing have already been sold out. So when I got the text from our broker that a unit was opened for sale, I knew right away it was meant for us; and the news was made even sweeter because we were in our favorite city.

This recent trip is more special, actually. Aside from that answered prayer, it was during that four-day stay when I learned how to embrace spontaneity. I learned how to let go of being in control; I just let every day take me wherever it wants. It was really emancipating. I got to spend almost three days of loitering around Baguio alone (while Francis got busy with his convention), taking in the sights, sounds, smell, everything, and being thankful for each and everyone of them. The happiness I felt during my stay was different--it was deep. It's this kind of happiness that was enveloped with the repose I needed.

I went to Baguio to find peace from the past months' events, and I found it. I knew I would. God was gracious enough to hand it over to me, generously.

Looks like I have more and more reasons to come back.

***

Here are the trip's highlights:

(From top) The tunnel that tells me Baguio is barely 30 minutes away already; surprisingly, I even love the traffic in this city; Francis and I got gutsy and tried civet cat coffee--twice! First time in Cafe by the Ruins and second in BenCab Museum (Francis tried cupfuls; I only dared teaspoonfuls); the cozy and budget-friendly Brentwood Apartelle, which became our home for four days; Vocas Art Gallery, which houses Oh My Gulay restaurant, never fails to liven up the senses; another sensory overdrive in BenCab Museum along Asin Road in Tuba, Benguet; An interesting creation by Anna Varona (the time is read counter-clockwise); the picturesque view from the museum's balcony; the very beautiful garden at the museum

unplanned happiness

On the roads of Pangasinan, a few hours from Baguio

This is my second day here in Baguio, and this stay is one of those rare occasions when I deliberately have no concrete plans as to what I'm going to do here. If there are plans, all are sketchy. So yesterday went something like this.

Husband registered for his three-day convention
in Teacher's Camp, then...

breakfast of waffles at Volante along Session Road
before hubby went back to his convention.


Met up with friend Mari-An, hunted for books and had late lunch
(that's Talong Parmigiana for me) at Oh My Gulay resto


Came back to our hotel with these reads


Dinner with the hubby at Ayuyang


And then we capped off the night with a yummy blueberry
cheesecake at Vizco's on Session Road

I feel like I'm Scarlett Johansson in Lost in Translation, only that I'm not lost here in this beautiful city that's saccharinely familiar. I like that I still don't have concrete plans for today's solo jaunt. All I know is that I'm going to have late lunch somewhere in SM Baguio, and then come what may.

Spontaneity is so emancipating!

dainty streak

Anything dainty has always fascinated me (but not including the color pink and heart images, except if they're really irresistibly dainty). So naturally, when I saw these, I was not able to resist buying.

A makeup kit

A bag hook


A fan

Yes, the makeup kit has a touch of fuchsia on it but it's just too pretty for me not to grab. Then I found the perfect bag hook with such a beautiful peacock/floral design. I'm never really a fan of bag hooks because I think it does bags more harm than good--they put more pressure on the straps/handle, depending on the material they're made of. I'd rather put my bag on my lap or on the floor (should be clean) in case there's no more room for it. But then a bag hook can also be useful, especially for my sturdy bags and for hanging a dripping umbrella. (Both the makeup kit and bag hook are from SM Megamall department store). Then, there's that exquisite fan I saw in Landmark. I left my (old) fan, which is a favorite, with my sister; and since she keeps on forgetting to bring it whenever we see each other, I opted to buy a new one. It's suicide not to have one in this humid weather!

Oh, shopping--even for small stuff like these--makes me feel that I'm really back on my feet somehow.

flashback

A conversation between me and my Maker, a few hours before I went under the knife that fateful day of 23 April (what I recall, that is):

Me: Lord, natatakot po talaga ako ma-operahan. Sana po maging maayos yung operation. Pero in case po may mangyaring hindi maganda, please help my loved ones accept it. Let them know how much I love them, especially my family and my husband. Hindi po ako natatakot if time ko na. Pero Lord, gawin Niyo pa rin pong maayos yung operation kase madami pa po ako gusto gawin. Bahala na po Kayo. Amen.

(Lord, I'm really scared of the operation. I pray it will go well. But in case something bad happens, please help my loved ones accept it. Let them know how much I love them, especially my family and my husband. I am not afraid, if this is already my time [to go]. But Lord, please make the operation successful because I still want to do a lot of things. Your will be done. Amen.)

And then a couple of minutes after that, the medicine kicked in and I passed out.

gloomy morning, must write

Last night, I resolved to wake up early today so I can whip up some decent breakfast for the hubby. And I did wake up early (woohoo!). And I woke up to this gloomy sky that made me wish it will rain again to ward off the unbearable heat of this summer.


The hope of rain made me more excited to prepare some French toast and bacon. It's also my way of greeting hubby a happy wedding monthsary (haha, cheesy). So after breakfast and the morning chores, and after sending hubby to work, I decided to put to writing some thoughts that played in my head last night before I went to sleep.

After the major events that have happened lately, I have resolved to:

...write more often, about anything and in any way I can--blogs, poetry, lyrics--anything. I have more than enough pretty notebooks that are wasting away because I haven't been writing as often as I should. In fact, there have been some decent ideas that are now forgotten because I did not scribble them down. Boo me.

...be less of a worrywart. I need to realize and remember that there are some things I have no control of, and that I can't stress myself to death worrying about those things. That's what faith is for, isn't it? I can't just offer everything up to God and then worry about them after. That's not faith.

...make things happen. For those things I can control, then I will take charge. And then I will let go. I will do everything I can and set my heart on things I really want, and once I've done my very best, if they're meant for me, they'll be mine; they will happen.

...complain less and appreciate more. I'll really do my best to become less of a whiner and just focus on the good things that surround me. I shall make it a habit to count my blessings, and hopefully, be able to share them with others.

...take more pictures, especially of things and events that make me happy and (my mom and hubby will strongly agree to this) have special pictures developed. It's about time I really start scrapbooking, even if it's just really a collection of photos sans those scrapbook trinkets easily bought at bookstores (well then, that makes it a plain album. Haha!).

...take photography more seriously by taking pictures more often, like I said above. I've already started building my folio, and I will continue to do so.

...serve Him more. The Lord has been more than gracious to me since I can remember. He deserves my zeal. And although I have not been active in serving Him, I pray that I be given the resources to put my faith into more action. This may seem difficult, since I now live far from my mother church; but I want to do things I can to become more active in His service.

So there. I guess when life throws not-so-good things our way, all we have to do is move forward in faith and resolve that once these things have come to pass, we emerge as someone better.

munch, munch, munch

The trip to the grocery store last night has been a wonderful breather. It's one of those chores that makes me feel, um, normal again. Doing such chores make me feel like my fabulous domestic life is back on track. Haha!

A favorite section in Landmark's supermarket: the foreign goods aisle. And these are the loot that hubby and I can't get enough of!

But the Want Want we got from the local goods aisle

The yummy norimaki rice crackers

The Norimaki rice crackers is my favorite. It's got a dash of spice to it, complemented by the distinct taste of nori.

Grocery shopping is never complete without these goodies!

let's get ready to tumble!!!

So I gave in. I am now happily Tumblelogging. But not to be redundant, my Tumblr is more of a photoblog, where I post mostly my own photos coupled with my own caption or a quote from a song/book, or music. I want to believe it's more creative that way, and I'm happy because I get to express myself in writing, music and photos--all in one platform.

That is not to say that my new blog is self-serving. When I see other tumblelogs I find really interesting (mostly photos), I re-blog them.

Now I wonder why I didn't do this before. Haha! Know more about Tumblr here. Or better yet, create your account and let's follow each other!

(Abby, I think you'll like it there, especially since you post a lot of media. Lemme know if you decide to tumble!)

to tumblr or not to tumblr?

So here I am seriously mulling over whether I should jump into another blog or not: Tumblr. I'm actually supposed to do some work-related stuff while doing the laundry, but what am I doing? Thinking of adding another blog when I can barely keep up with the two I already have.

I need cool reasons to Tumblr. Can anyone give me some?

a repose in the mountains is a beautiful idea

I never had the opportunity to visit Baguio--not even once--last year. I terribly miss it.

Usually, the opportunity comes in perfect timing, say after a very stressful week from work (more often than not, that's the reason). This time around, the timing again is perfect, but not because work stress is killing me.

Francis has a three-day seminar he has to attend in Baguio, which is a great excuse to tag along. It's actually more than great. With our house in Taytay almost catching fire for the second time around, my ectopic pregnancy and the emergency operation I had to undergo, and now, someone dear is not in, um, good shape (which is such an understatement), I have reasons to believe that Baguio is heaven-sent; it's like God had just patted my back, saying, "After all the crazy things you've been through, I'm giving you this opportunity to find repose. You deserve it, my child."

And so here I am, two weeks and a couple of days before I go up the mountains, so stoked that I've actually drawn up a mental list of what clothes to wear even before the trip was confirmed. Now all I have to do is plan where to go and what to do while the hubby is busy with the seminar. I've already imagined myself sitting at the veranda of Oh My Gulay resto/Vocas gallery one nippy afternoon, with a perfectly brewed cup of coffee beside a plate of tasty eggplant parmigiana on a wooden table, as I pour over a good book. I can pass my time there as I wait for Francis' seminar to finish. We can just cap off the night at Cafe by the Ruins for some dessert and hushed conversations.

Whatever I plan to do and wherever I decide to go, I'm sure I'll enjoy my alone time taking in the city's beauty while I let it soothe my soul. The prospect of exploring Baguio alone--first time for me--makes this trip more exciting. Baguio shall be mine and I shall be Baguio's for 3 days. I shall surrender myself to the cold as it gives me the repose I so badly need.

to organic or not to organic?

Organic on the Table by moi!

Know more about organic products in the May issue of Good Housekeeping! Grab your copy now!

i am on maternity leave but…

I have gone back to reading lately. My 60-day “maternity leave” leaves me with no choice but to try and find something worthwhile to do.

I wouldn’t really mind being on leave from work for two months. Who would? But labeling this leave as “maternity” doesn’t really make the whole “vacation” fun because, to begin with, there’s no cuddly baby to take care of.

There’s no changing of diapers, no waking up late at night or early in the morning to feed the hapless infant, no cooing, no drool dripping on my shoulders.

Exactly two weeks ago, my husband Francis rushed me to St. Luke’s’ emergency room because the symptom we’ve been warned about made itself present in my abdomen—and it was such a painful symptom. My ectopic pregnancy, which was diagnosed last April 17, suddenly ruptured. I had to immediately go under the knife to save my tube and prevent more internal bleeding.

I never even knew I was pregnant, and it’s not because my husband and I have been irresponsible. We took pregnancy tests when my monthly monster didn’t show up on time, but the tests came out negative. And so we thought my monthly monster just decided to change schedule because after almost a week of absence, it came knockin’. It was only until after I was bleeding unusually (sorry, too much information there) when Francis and I finally decided to see my mom’s OB. But before we went on our way, I just thought of using the last home pregnancy test stashed in our first-aid kit. Imagine our surprise when it came out positive. Francis was ecstatic; I, on the other hand, was half-hearted about it because I knew there was something wrong. If indeed I was pregnant, I shouldn’t be bleeding. To ease our minds, we made an appointment with my mom’s OB in St. Luke’s before we met up with my mom and sis to celebrate mom’s birthday that afternoon.

After some tests, my OB concluded that there’s a possible ectopic pregnancy. She required us to come back two days after to repeat the test, and we did. It was confirmed. The ectopic pregnancy was lodged in my left fallopian tube; but it appears to be resolving itself, so my OB decided to just put me under observation for two weeks.

I was expecting to feel distraught right at that moment, but the feeling didn’t come instantly. Just when I thought I felt okay about the whole thing, I found myself crying for two nights just before I went to sleep. I feel like that “growth” inside me, which was slowly resolving itself as the doctor said, also meant that my tiny baby can’t come to term and must be flushed from my body. I felt pity—no sympathy—for him/her. I was already imagining: What if it’s a girl? What if it’s a boy? What if…Francis could only tell me not to lose hope because the doctor said that a normal pregnancy is still very much possible.

The two weeks of observation wasn’t even up when I felt an excruciating pain in my abdomen that traumatic Friday morning. It was so excruciating that I wouldn’t be surprised if I roused our neighbors with my screams. I was feeling faint and nauseated. I thank God that Francis hadn’t gone to work yet. I wouldn’t know what to do or how to drag myself from our pad on the 5th floor—sans an elevator—to the hospital had he already gone to work.

The operation was successful. I was discharged from the hospital two days after it. My left tube isn’t badly damaged. My OB told us that she just had to remove my fimbria where the growth ruptured on its way out of my tube. (I have yet to ask her on my next visit the real cause of the ectopic, and other questions that bug me to no end.) And since it was a major operation, I was advised to go on leave from work for 60-72 days.

A lot of friends and loved ones have been very supportive; comfort came with the words “Your body just went on a test-drive” and “At least you guys know you’re able to “assemble” a baby”. For those words, Francis and I are thankful. We are also thankful because we were spared from more pain: had we known earlier that I was pregnant without knowing it was ectopic, the pain of losing the pregnancy would’ve been more palpable. Still, it hurt us, nonetheless. But we know the Lord has plans. We only have to trust Him and be strong for each other. God has been gracious and merciful enough to see us through this trial, providing us with everything we needed, so we’re sure He will always see us through.

For now, all I can do is make the most of my leave, even if there are days when boredom drives me nuts. We decided to stay at my in-laws’ place for a month so I’d have people to look after me while on house arrest, recuperating (our pad is not an option, what with it being on the 5th floor with no lift; my mom goes to work so staying at our house in Taytay is also not a good option).

Francis said that I should take this opportunity to do things I haven’t found time for to do, like, um, blogging. There’s also photography on the side (which, for now, is limited to his guitar stuff since I can’t really go out and shoot to my heart’s delight, can I?). And although I cannot completely shut off myself from work (I still do some paper works, but I make sure I don’t stress myself with them), I try my best to make time for reading, which I have failed to do the last couple of months. I’ve already grown tired of watching Animal Planet/National Geographic/Discovery Channel (yes, the geek in me has not been anaesthetized!) almost every day during my first two weeks of post-op. Of course, I can’t wait to be told by my doctor that finally, I can already indulge myself in watching movies in theatres, and not just on DVD at home.

If there’s anything positive that came out from this harrowing experience, it’s the comfort and affirmation of my husband’s vow when we got married.
I witnessed how he took care of me during my time at the hospital—, bringing the spittoon whenever I feel nauseated from the anaesthesia, helping me sit up, making sure I was always comfortable. He still is taking very good care of me—running errands for me, minding all the paper works needed so we can file for SSS benefits, reminding me every meal of every day to take my medicine; and most especially, squeezing my hand to assure me that there’ll be a next time and that I should not be afraid. I feel very thankful to the Lord for such a beautiful revelation.

I told my husband that if mommy Susie were alive to see what kind of husband he is, she’d be proud of her son and how he’s grown to be a responsible and loving man. And even without saying it, I know my own mom has found assurance that she “gave away” her eldest to a man who’ll take good care of her.

P.S.
I also feel blessed to have friends and loved ones who have expressed their sincere concern. Your love has been greatly felt. Thank you so much.

when it rains, it pours...and then it lets up

On our first day: we're not even halfway done yet

See how cloudy it was?

The past week was hellish for me. My anticipated beach shoot turned sour, and it all began when our Brazilian model backed out the last minute. We had to find a replacement model, but it turned out even she had a previous engagement the afternoon of our first shoot day. Since we had no other choice, the team just decided to push through with the shoot (all was set already) and just reschedule the shoot setups.

Just when everything was looking good the second (last) day, it rained--hard. To think that all our setups that day had to be outdoors. I was already on the verge of drowning myself had it not been for the fun crew we had with us. It was so hilarious we forgot that we're already all ngarag. But thank God that before lunch time, we saw a hint of sun. We grabbed the sunny opportunity and eventually, we were able to finish everything. Sadly, though, we weren't even able to take a quick dip. I suppose that's because we were all tired and were not willing to just take a quick dip--we needed more than an hour to wash away all the stress from our system.

Long story short, I got home feeling super exhausted (physically and mentally). I just had to check my Twitter account before hitting the bed, and lo and behold, a surprise greeted me.

It was as if God was saying "Hey, cheer up! Here's one reason for you to." Even for just a few minutes, I felt exhilirated. Indeed, God has His ways of making things better after a bad, bad week.

get ready for the tunic project

My reliable assistant!

This shoot was a few months overdue. My office friend, Jen, needed more time to fix her tunics and dresses after Ondoy; but the wait is over. Very soon, Jen's lovely, lovely tunics will be up for grabs online. (Meanwhile, her items will be available in the upcoming bazaar at the Rockwell Tent this Feb. 6 & 7.) I volunteered to shoot her stuff in my quest to seriously build a photography portfolio and learn more about photography (particularly landscape, product and food) so I can seriously pursue the craft and well, earn extra from it.

I actually enjoyed shooting all those pretty clothes, and I'm so proud of Jenny for her new business. Acting as my assistant/reflector man was my ever-so-patient husband. We started the shoot a little before lunch and was done by around 4pm.

A few days before the actual shoot yesterday, Jen showed me her peg. I was adamant if I could really pull it off. With no lights (yet), I decided to make do with ambient light; fortunately, I'm satisfied with the results. Using available light taught me patience, and I wish to play with it some more in future shoots. Still, I'd have to buy lights soon so I won't have to perpetually rely on the sun.

Thanks a lot to Jen for trusting my novice skills; to her family for warmly welcoming us into their home and serving yummy lunch and snacks (Marikina puto FTW!); to Iya, Jen's adorable niece, for the funny entertainment; and to Cindy, who despite being so agitated about the late delivery of her new bed, still managed to drop by for some chika.

I can't wait for Jen's Tunic Project to be up and running real soon!