happy 2014!

Since last year is just a mere two weeks away, I guess this entry is still not too late. Like everyone else who felt compelled to look back at how last year had been, I, too, will jump into the year-ender tradition.

To sum it all up, 2013 was a wonderfully blessed year. 

1.

The first quarter of 2013 found me relishing in my new job as the managing editor of Real Living magazine. I had always wanted to be part of an editorial team. My prayers were finally answered. Now, I'm part of a hardworking team that churns out fantastic inspirations month after month. Plus, with the many home stores we feature, my own house gets all the perks with the home decor items I eventually buy, haha! And of course, the magazine also inspires me to take care of my own household and make it as inviting and pretty as the homes we feature.

2. 

Francis and I were able to bring home this baby last March. We christened it Midori, Francis' favorite character in the film adaptation of Murakami's Norwegian Wood. (Francis actually has a crush on the actress who played the character, haha!) This car has been such a great blessing. We are now able to unwind and go anywhere after a busy week at work. The only downside? We have been eating out more often lately, and we know we have to curb the bad habit because it's not practical!

3. 

My little sister got hitched to the love of her life! It was a bit stressful being the matron-of-honor, but all was well that ended well. It was a lovely night of music and mini-reunions, as with all weddings. Now that my sister is a Mrs. herself, I hope this new chapter in her life will bring us closer together. Do I smell frequent double dates?

4. 

I got to pick up my 400D and shoot food again! It's always a joy to take photographs of food. I always get a kick whenever I look at the shots--whether they're mine or my fave food photographers,  like Helene Dujardin.


Thanks to my friend Mems and her business partners, I got to shoot their food products. The brand is called Forklore Bites, and it has really yummy goodies! (I'll post about their products soon in my other blog.)

Unfortunately, while I was packing up after the shoot, my camera, with my 50mm still attached to it, fell on the floor. Ugh. It's a good thing the camera body is okay, but my beloved 50mm is now useless. I better get myself a new one in time for more photo shoots with Forklore Bites!

5.

Francis and I were finally able to get bedroom side tables! We were initially gunning for upcycled bespoke side tables from Resurection Furniture and Found Objects, but when I saw wood crates that were made into tables (like this one and this one), I was instantly enamored by the idea. And when I showed the photos to Francis, he got really excited that he wanted to buy crates pronto. 

I actually saw wood crates at Urban Abode, a new home store in CW Home Depot in Ortigas (I promise to writer about Urban Abode in my other blog soon). So the following day, I called the store to have four crates reserved. We picked them up once the weekend came. Francis stained them in mahogany, and ta-dah! Not your run-of-the-mill bedside tables!

Also, I promised Francis that this year, I'll start improving our unit, and the bedroom is the best place to start since we've neglected it for quite some time. As soon as I'm done with it, I will move on to our living area, which needs less tweaking compared with our bedroom. I hope that by the end of 2014, our tiny abode will be homier and cozier so we can have friends more frequently. We love entertaining, that's why Francis and I are hell-bent on keeping the place tidy (no more dust- and clutter-gathering corners!) and welcoming. 

So, it looks like 2013 was fantastic, and 2014 is looking equally promising. And despite the many trials our country had gone through last year, our resilience and faith will pull us through anything (but there's no harm in praying for a gentler new year, right?).

Have a wonderfully blessed new year, everyone!

shuffling here and there

The past months in photos (or, My Excuse for Not Posting Anything Decent Here Lately).

I'm not allowed to post photos until after the groom and bride have posted the pics themselves. Heh.

My li'l sis' pre-nup photo shoot, which was shot in the outskirts of the metro, kept me busy looking for pegs and doing a bit of post-edits. First stop was Thunderbird Resort in Bingonan, Rizal; then it was at Jardin de Miramar in Antipolo, where the couple will be holding their wedding reception.

The weather was considerate enough to let us have enough natural light. Sadly, no blue skies were in sight that day. 

***

At work, every single one of us at Real Living was running around like headless chickens because of our first ever major event, the Real Living Space. 

It was a one-week event last September that showcased the model units and function areas of the Trion Towers in BGC. These units/spaces were patiently and meticulously designed by seven designers who were very nice enough to work with us despite the short lead time. The result? Real Living Space was a resounding success! All the hard work really paid off, thanks to our partner stores, sponsors, the designers, the Events team, and our publisher Tom. The event may have been very challenging to put together (birth pains!), but the feedback we got told us that it was all worth it! Thank God!

***

This setup was on the second floor of our church, and was supposedly for the "buffet" table, but we all ended up transferring downstairs for a bigger space.

  As my sister's matron of honor, of course I took the initiative to throw a shower party for her, with a big help from our EBC churchmates. And being the managing editor of a magazine that promotes creativity in the form of interior designing and styling, I was inspired to come up with a tablescape that features photos of my sis and her fiance, tucked inside DIY cloches made of reused empty bottles (thanks to Tala for lending me a few pieces). These cloches surround a bigger bottle that holds a twig, where paper flower balls in yellow and red hung (thanks to Dagny for giving me those pretty balls!). Tea lights completed the Shabby-chic setup, and it was such a pleasure to actually see how my sister liked what I did. Hee! (And with that first tablescape "stint", I am motivated to do more at home for special occasions and gatherings!)

This month is looking extra busy for me; aside from matron-of-honor duties, our (seasonal) band, Ice Cream Assassins, snagged two gigs to prepare for (after a year of inactivity, haha! Well, we're not really that active in the music scene given our day jobs, but we try to grab hold of gigs that come our way). And of course, the Christmas is just a couple of weeks away, and Francis and I have yet to prepare the house for that. And the thing I dread most? Christmas shopping, because I'm pretty sure we'll cram again this year. In fact, we haven't even polished our Christmas list yet. Argh! But yes, I promise to not make these as another set of excuses to lag behind blogging.

Wish me all the best!

fridge poetry of the week

I was finally able to squeeze something out of my brain. 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!

my job gives me a valid reason to shop

One of the things I love about working for a shelter magazine? I get to "discover" home decor stores. The first shop that became a favorite is DuoDeco Studio. Read all about it here.

Also, churning out issue after issue of home decor/design ideas has ignited in me this desire to really prettify our small nest (I never thought I have this nesting bug in me until I joined Real Living). It's all about creating vignettes that go well together despite the floor size limitations. And mind you, there's really no need to bust the bank. There are so many home stores sprouting here and there that offer ready-made and bespoke pieces that boast of a lot of character sans the hefty price tag. 

Now all I have to learn is how to fend off the urge to buy all those pretty pieces I discover.

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!

when work doesn't feel like work

I finally know what other people mean when they say that they don't feel like working because they do what they love to do. 

Presenting, my second issue!

What's in this issue? Find out here!

i'm 33 and happy!

It feels so good to turn a year older and see how everything is falling into place. It feels like I'm in this stage where I have already learned some important things in life, the most significant of which is to forgive myself for that one thing that I totally had no control of, and to finally forget the pain. I cannot thank the Lord enough for the emotional healing; it took a while, but I finally got to this point where I am able to ignore that Ugly Feeling and not let it affect me the way it did a few years ago. Perhaps, I am wiser now. 

On a lighter note, here's a chronicle of the wonderful things that happened leading to the day I turned over a new leaf.

Another answered prayer! We brought home our own car, Midori, last month!

We celebrated Mom's birthday a few weeks before mine at Sonya's Garden

My Mom doesn't look 59, right? Heehee!

My job entails field trips and shoots at stores that always have wares I cannot resist. This was at A11 Gallery in FB Harrison; I did bring home a paper bag-full of ceramic items. Haha!

The TOE (a Japanese post-rock band) concert last April 19 was nothing short of AMAZING!

Francis surprised me with a romantic birthday dinner at Ninyo Resto, located along Esteban Abada St. in Q.C. I have the sweetest hubby!

I decided to go back to a pixie to mark my 33rd year. Looking forward to what this year has in store for me. Thank you, Lord! You are, indeed, gracious!

fridge poetry of the week

So sorry for the lack of activity in this blog the past few weeks. To make up for it, here's some cheesy magnetic/fridge poetry (haha!)

 

I hope everyone's having a fantastic weekend! 

the first two weeks

It's been two weeks since I started on my new job/career as Real Living's managing editor, and all I could say is...I'm having a blast! I feel blessed to be part of a great team who knows how to appreciate what our magazine stands for. Sure, turnovers and deadlines can be a pain, but the hardship is compensated by a daily dose of creativity witnessed during shoots and events. And in my first two weeks, I've seen enough to be inspired. How inspired? Let's just say that all those wonderful colors I see almost every day, whether at shoots or visits to exhibits, have translated to how I decorate our own nest. 

The table runner (first photo above) is actually a steal from Landmark: it's reversible and costs only Php199! Such a great find! Meanwhile, the pillows are from Duo Deco (the big, floral ones), SM Homeworld (the ones with green geometric prints), and Mandaue Foam Furniture (the yellow/white one with orange embroidery). Since it's already summer, I decided to update our throw pillows as a means of adding more color to our place. The ones from Duo Deco and SM Homeworld are newly acquired, actually, and I just mixed them with the one from Mandaue (which belongs to our original set). Francis and I also bought new curtains to complement these summery pillows. I was originally gunning for something printed, but decided on a plain, olive green set to temper the explosion of prints and colors on our couch. Haha!

But it's not just our home that benefits from my new job. My closet, too, got a little update, thanks to this year's Manila Fame.

There were so many pretty, locally made accessories (aside from magnificent furniture pieces, of course) showcased, but the one above, which is a neck piece  from Avatar, caught my eye and my heart (haha!) that there was no other option but to buy it.

So yes, I am loving my job. Aside from the fact that there's less stress compared with the previous one I had, seeing pretty things on a daily basis makes it less tedious. The only thing I "hate" about it? I spend on those pretty things. Haha!

on our fourth

To have spent this moment taking in this grand view with you is something that will always put a smile on my face.

Here's to more blessed and grateful years with 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!

last weekend’s engagement

This is a delayed post, but I still need to post this nevertheless.

My little sister got engaged last Sunday. I can go on and write about the details here, but I think I’d rather let her or her fiance dish out what really transpired. Suffice it to say that my sister was so stunned that she was left paralyzed, with only her eyes moving and asking “What in the world is happening???”. Mom and I were in on it, of course. What I didn’t expect was me crying like I was her mother. Hahaha!

Congratulations, Erma and Peewee! I’m excited for you two!

fridge poetry of the week

This week's fridge poetry.

mandate to self

I made a promise to myself that starting this year, I will no longer allow that Ugly Feeling, that Sneaky Little Monster, to take control of me. I will do everything I can to keep it at bay, and then maybe when it gets tired of attempting to consume me, it'll finally disappear forever.

It's a tall order, because a few weeks into this new year, three people I know made that announcement just days apart of each other. I was still reeling from the first when the second Facebook status came, and the third was posted three days after. I really did try my very, very best to ignore the negative feeling that such news stirs in me. But at some point, the rope had to break, and I had to sob a little again.

I guess it would be very unfair of me to expect myself to heal from this right away. I think it's best if I take things one at a time, and celebrate small victories like hitting the "Like" button or leaving a "Congratulations!" comment. I need to give myself some credit for attempting to do these, knowing that a year ago, I couldn't even feel genuinely happy for my friends who were then expecting. At least now, I really am able to share in their happiness, even for just a fleeting moment.

Small steps. I sincerely believe I will eventually get there.

This promise I made is crucial to my healing. I just have to put it down in writing so that I will remember to forget. 

P.S.
To my dear husband, thank you for never, ever getting tired of giving me comfort.

a holiday in Singapore: day 5

Having fever for two days almost ruined our holiday vacation, so at the very last minute (well, we had seven more  minutes to spare), Francis and I decided to rebook our flight. (I already felt way better that morning when we were packing.) Good thing we found one that departs from Singapore a little past midnight of the 3oth, thereby extending our stay for a day and a half. Also, it was great that even though our original room was no longer available for one more night, a room on the roof deck was. Running out of options, we decided to take it so we no longer have to worry about anything else--just my fever recurring, haha (it never did, thank God!). 

Once arrangements were finalized, we immediately  headed to our default hawker in Albert Center, just across Bugis Street Market. It was off to Kinokuniya after that. 

Bugis by day

Books galore
Kinokuniya is heaven. I finally found this book I had been looking for for a year or so: No One Belongs Here More Than You by Miranda July. It's the last copy, mind you, so I know it was really meant for me. But that's not the only treasure I found--there's also this food photography book by an awesome food photographer/stylist Helene Dujardin (she's in love with ambient lighting, which I also love and want to master). And to mark the pages of these books, I bought a very pretty bookmark. Hee!

Searching for treasures made more efficient!

Hayao Miyazaki movies!!!

I had to restrain myself from buying this one. Boo!

My treasures!

Meanwhile, Francis hoarded some Jeff Buckley literature, and would have gotten more books had it not been for a self-imposed budget (I, too, would have!). Nevertheless, Kinokuniya's selection is something I'm impressed with. Can somebody bring that bookstore over here? 

A walk in the garden 
Before heading to Gardens by the Bay (which was originally scheduled the previous day), we grabbed some pastries and sat down for a couple of minutes in Takashimaya, for we know a lot of walking would be involved in our next destination. As soon as we felt we're ready to walk for hours, we headed straight to Gardens by the Bay.

It was overcast that day, and we were afraid it might pour and ruin our outdoor sightseeing. But the weather took pity on us and just stayed gloomy, sans the rain. 

On our way to Gardens by the Bay. Wish our MRT here is as sane as in SG. Haha!

Bridgeway to Gardens

Long and winding queue

Although the Bay South Outdoor Garden is free, I suggest you check out the Cloud Forest and Flower Domes (S$28 for both) because it's worth it. Make sure to go there late in the afternoon, so that after touring the two cooled conservatories (it takes about an hour to tour each), you'll be in time to catch Garden Rhapsody, where the Supertrees get all lit up accompanied by a majestic symphony. 

Anyway, instead of blabbing about it, here's a simple vid of our Gardens by the Bay experience.   

it's another career journey (and i am bursting with joy!)

I passed the dreaded interview (and got challenged to further improve my craft), signed the papers, and am now preparing to complete the employment requirements.

In a few weeks' time, I will be officially the new Managing Editor for Real Living magazine.

(Writing that down here feels terribly good.)

I waited for this opportunity for years; it wasn't an easy wait, but I am so glad I did. Some people might actually find it crazy that I had to resign from my previous job when, after only a few months, I'd be back in the same company. I could have just endured a few more months in my old job so that I could have retained my regular employment status and all the benefits that came with it. I could have. But I chose not to.

A few more weeks in that old job would have driven me clinically insane. Those few weeks prior to my resignation, I was at my worst--emotionally and mentally, and to a certain degree, physically. I knew I had to get out. And although I don't regret the experience in my almost seven-year job in a pseudo-ad agency department (it honed me to be a better manager and taught me how to handle pressure gracefully), the stress became a monster that I was no longer willing to battle with. It wasn't worth it. Worse, I never had the opportunity to improve something I really love doing--writing (not to be confused with copywriting, please). While my managing skills really did improve by leaps, my writing skills took a backseat. Also, I believe that had I not made that big decision, it would not have been easy for me to grab this opportunity.

But now, now  I have the chance to finally do what I've always wanted to do--write, and be part of an editorial team again. I am excited to be part of a team and brainstorm ideas and see those ideas translated into crisp and colorful pages monthly--without any AEs or clients telling me to do a fourth and a fifth study, or that they're sorry they now have a different direction so please make four more mockups from scratch, or let's just tell the crew you already booked for tomorrow that we're moving the shoot next week, kthanksbye. 

Emancipation. At last.

That's not to say, of course, that there won't be any stress in my new job. There's no stress-free job, to begin with. But I know that this new set of stress is something I am willing to handle, that it's worth it. And the best part is, this new job makes me want to be a better writer, a better manager, a better team player. This motivation to give all the best that I have thrills me and excites me in a way that my previous job failed to do. 

I know that the moment I signed those papers, I also signed up to the challenge of stepping up my game and meeting high expectations. And I promise myself that I shall meet that challenge head on. The Lord has been gracious enough to give me this job. He taught me how to be patient and how to trust in Him more, and that if I remain still, He will grant the answer to my prayers in His perfect time. I know He will provide me with everything I need to be good at this so I can give back the glory to Him. 

(To my friends and family who have prayed and supported me in my decisions, THANK YOU.)

P.S.

For the record, the freelancing life has been good to me; and in case the time comes when I have to live it again, I won't be afraid anymore. Haha!

patience is a virtue

I remained still and I trusted, and He answered that prayer. 

TO HIM BE THE GLORY!!!

(Sorry for being cryptic. I'll share reveal more details soon. I have yet to finalize certain things and find words to express my gratitude.)

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!