I wrote this about six months ago:
“Right now, you’re in between jobs and life is mostly made up of getting up from bed to pee, then back to read about the lives of strangers who seem to be leading lives that are infinitely more fascinating than yours. What’s worse is that they’re all so much younger than you.
You spend countless hours in front of your laptop, with a bag of chips on the side, reading blogs of different kids (travel, fashion, design). You wonder why life seems to be so beautiful on miss fashion blogger’s side of the world. She doesn’t have a job, but she has dozens of designer bags and clothes. That must be why she’s so thin. She probably doesn’t eat. At least her boyfriend tolerates her fashion addiction and even takes her photos for her. What a perfect life.“
It’s funny because right now, I feel the exact opposite. I’m never idle these days anymore and I kind of miss the down time. But I dare not complain as I’ve been incredibly lucky to have all these opportunities in my life. I’ve been working on an exciting new project with friends called, “Restless Cities“. It’s an outlet for me to combine many of my passions together and to meet even more likeminded people. We haven’t officially launched yet, but we’re doing shows in both Manila and LA sometime in March. Apart from that, there’s my regular job and my freelance photography work that’s just been incredible. I’ve been meeting so many talented people on almost a daily basis. Sometimes, I’d like to think these things are enough for me to disregard my perpetual loneliness. When I’m really busy, I forget about it. I think there’s a reason why I found that really old blog entry above (which was never posted publicly, btw). It’s a reminder to myself to be thankful and to appreciate what I’ve got right now, because months ago, I was doing nothing. And you all know that idleness combined with loneless is even worse.
The sad truth is my feet have been sporting band aids for weeks now. I find myself carrying a box with me whenever I leave the house because leather shoes take quite a bit of time to break in. My Clarks have yet to feel 100% comfortable although it fits way better now than when I first got them. I also have a pair of Steve Madden combat boots which I got in 2010 and it’s become my go-to shoes when I just don’t feel like wearing Toms.
I discovered recently that my mom’s pink boat shoes are the shiznit. I walked five miles that day and did not feel a thing. Sebago shoes are awesome and they last a really long time too. When I first got my brown pair, I don’t remember having to break them in. The material’s naturally soft and comfortable and it looks great too. The leather still looks very polished even after a year. I think I’m going to invest in another pair soon to save my poor feet from falling apart.
I am very happy to report that the first couple of weeks of January have been quite productive. My band, Vicious the Boat, with Erwin will be releasing an EP in February full of original songs. Two days ago, we uploaded our first original entitled, “Love Song” which was recorded with the help of Shinji Manlangit and Francis Cabal (two awesome boys from The Strangeness). I guess it’s fate that paved the way for me to become friends with Erwin who happens to share the same taste in a lot of things (most importantly, music). I’ve always loved to sing since I was very young, but traumatic experiences had turned me into a very shy girl. I also had a band with close friends back in college, but we never got around to playing in public (we played rock music). Another thing I really like to do in my spare time is write lyrics. Erwin and I have been sending lyrics back and forth for months with the intention of turning them into real songs one day. I guess that day has come! I’m just so lucky, really, to be surrounded with amazingly talented and creative people.
Another dream project that I’m working on: Today From Far Away. 2012 is turning out to be a really incredible year for opportunities. TFFA is going to be a blog about the daily activities of people from around the world. Weeks will be themed and submissions are welcome from anyone at all. Also, there’s no set medium: anything is okay. Photography, illustration, graphic design… even written works! It’s a supplementary blog for Spaces and will be updated daily. I’m so excited about this.
Let me (and the rest of the internet) know how your day went. The first theme is “My First Day”. Email me for more information!
People often say this about their mothers, but my mom is one awesome cook. She has the best versions of everything – chicken adobo, spare ribs, carbonara, etc etc. We’re a very well-fed family and we consider food as one of our most important indulgences in life. We don’t mind spending reasonably well for a really, really good meal. It is our fuel, as they say, so might as well make sure only the good kind gets in our bodies, yes? Otherwise, won’t we end up not functioning very well?
The other day, while my mom was preparing Pork Giniling, a Filipino dish that’s an absolute favorite of mine and my sister’s, I decided to snap every step (except for one wherein she put her secret ingredient). There are many variations of this dish – some add boiled egg, some put raisins to add sweetness (which my mom does sometimes as well), and some add beans. Another good thing about this dish is that you may put in anything you like as long as it doesn’t put the taste out of balance. Enjoy and if you decide to try it out, let me know how it goes!
NOTES: 1.) Season to taste. Some like it saltier than others. You may also try adding fish sauce or catsup. 2.) This goes well with steamed rice or bread. But go with steamed rice first THEN some bread.
I’ve been intentionally neglecting to post outfits in this blog because I still feel uneasy about the whole idea of seeing fashion-related posts here. Also, it’s easier to do that stuff on Tumblr since I usually take photos right before I leave the house. I don’t know why I do that, but it always feels like the perfect time to! Anyway, here are some of the outfits I posted for the month of December. I don’t know if you’ve noticed the dominant presence of a certain flannel shirt that I seem to wear all the time. I just love it a lot for its color and fit on me (except for the fact that I can’t button it all the way up). It’s quite sunny where I am which sucks because I was looking forward to layering and wearing snug sweaters.
A couple of new (and pretty basic) pieces I’ve acquired over the last month of 2011: A pair of gorgeous cords from Levi’s, a bow tie – finally, the most flattering pants from J. Crew, and a thick brown belt.
Other shows worth noting: Sufjan Stevens and Raymond Raposa for “Beyond This Place”, Chris Colfer opening for Dashboard Confessional, George Sarah and The Strings, Ken Camden, Ha Ha Tonka, and Letting Up Despite Great Faults. Also, note: The photos for Moscow Olympics and The Radio Dept. are actually screenshots from videos I took. I didn’t bring my dSLR that night. 
I’m looking forward to seeing even more shows in 2012. A little useless fact: I’ve only been to two shows my whole life before 2011 (Jens Lekman and Paramore). Crazy, right? I had a pretty traumatic experience at the Jens Lekman show in 2010 and I dreaded the idea of squeezing myself in a crowd for a long time. That ended when I watched Sufjan Stevens (also in 2010) and felt the most amazing feeling after. I’m really thankful that I get to combine two of my biggest passions in life: music and photography. More of it in 2012 please!
The fact that this year will end in a couple of hours is pretty insane, but it relieves the hell out of me because so many things have happened. I have reasons to believe that 2011 was somehow intent on breaking me to see if I could actually pick up the pieces and slowly rebuild myself to become a stronger and better me that I could ever be. Now, here comes 2012, the chance for me to show the year that was that yes, I am a pretty tough person despite my size and that yes, I will bounce back from everything it threw at me. Back when I wrote about being excited about all the opportunities 2011 presented, I really meant it. Now, a short recap: The first 3/4 sucked. The last 1/4 was good. I’m still getting over the repercussions of the things that happened, but I swear, I’ll make no mind of it as soon as I get back on track with work and other real world things. That’s the best thing about anticipating a new year, you’re resigned to believe that things will change and it might just be for the better. Yes?
So, resolutions. I always do this, but I never get to do half of the things I list down. But yes. Resolutions. Just a few this time and ones that I could actually do:
- Take better pictures.
- Be brave enough to let people in.
- Take risks, but THINK.
- Work extra hard.
- SAY YES!
Last year, I celebrated New Year’s in Las Vegas with the company of friends. This year, I am in the comfort of my home. Home means being surrounded by people you love and love you back, right? Then yes, I am home.
Grab a plate and eat as much ham as you can because it is the ONLY time of the year that calories don’t matter. Have a great one and enjoy with your loved ones! Don’t forget to tell every single person you love that you’re thankful for their presence in your life. It matters.
To my friends in different parts of the world: I love you and I’m always thinking of you. <3
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