Versace x H&M

My sister Celine and I were pretty impressed with the Versace x H&M collection when we first saw it online, and so were both dying to get our hands on our favorite pieces. Of course, we knew that we weren't the only ones who want the same stuff, (designer goods at H&M prices??) so we expected that the lines would be crazy.

And because we are just normal folks, we had to queue for hours. It was launched in stores November 19th (Saturday), so Chi and I had a game plan. We wouldn't sleep Friday night so we could line up at 4A.M. which is exactly what we did. When we got there, there were already 115 people ahead of us and it was 38^oF outside. To say it was cold is an understatement. We were literally freezing. AND the store opened at 8AM. Oh, and the worst part is, at 6AM they started giving out wrist bands that would give you your scheduled time to shop at the Ladies' collection. We found out we were in the 11:25-11:45AM slot. I wanted to cry and go home, but of course I couldn't, because that's a stupid idea. We were already there so might as well get the things we want right.

So we were inside the store by 8AM. We could shop at the men's section and everywhere else except the Versace x Ladies' section. The men's section was CHAOTIC. It was like a marketplace. Big guys running around grabbing whatever they could get. In fact, there was a very rude guy who actually snatched two shirts from my hands. I was too tired to complain, so I let it pass. But still.. :( Boohoo

While waiting around the store (with no seats), I passed by one of the normal racks (not the Versace x Ladies section, since it was closed to the public then), and saw the leather jacket I wanted. It was in my size. Talk about meant to be, right!

This is the one. It was a bit tight so I told Chi I'll hold on to it until I find my size when it's our turn already. Good idea not letting go of it. When it was our turn, ALL THE LEATHER PIECES were sold out. The people before us hoarded all the good pieces. If I didn't get this leather jacket I would've been so bummed, but I got what I wanted so yay.

Here are some of the other stuff I got for myself. And my sister, Ciara.

Didn't get the other purse, the colorful one, since I want something that's usable..

This is such a pretty bracelet.

I got this for my sister, Ciara.

I have one for myself and one for Ciara. :)

This was an experience of a lifetime, and I would never do something like it EVER AGAIN. I'm dead serious about that one. It was the worst experience I've had in New York. But I'm happy I got the stuff I wanted. I wouldn't do it again for material things. That's just stupid and shallow. So yes, I was stupid and shallow that weekend. And because I splurged my allowance (poor me), no more Black Friday shopping for me.. Except maybe a winter coat..

xoxo

Travel Post: EUROTRIP (Venice)

I've always wanted to go to Italy, that when we left Paris for Venice, I didn't feel sad at all. Sure, Paris was one of the most romantic cities in the world, but history and culture trumps romance for me. Err and food. I love love love Italian food.. I was most excited for Rome, so I'm pretty happy that we saved the best for last.

So we rode the Eurostar going to Venice via Milan, and let me tell you, it was a long ride. 7 hours going to Milan, then 3 hours to Venice. We switched trains thrice on the way to Venice, which was such a hassle for us since the 6 of us had 3 luggages each, which made it 18 pieces of luggage. We usually travel light, and we thought we traveled light. Enough for a month. Gaaah that was the rough part of the trip. We took a water taxi from the Santa Lucia station to the apartment, which was a good 10-minute walk to San Marco.

Chi outside the St. Mark's Cathedral

Venice is known for its canals connected by bridges

This was before we had the gondola ride. Right behind us is the Doge's Palace and beside that was the St. Mark's Basilica

One of my favorite photos of this trip. After 27 years of marriage, my parents are still so in love. I miss both of them terribly :(

This was edited, obviously.

My baby sister Ciara inside the Doge's Palace (Duke's Palace)

I want to write so many stuff about Venice, but all I remember is that the food was great, but more expensive than other Italian cities, everything was within walking distance, the places were just too picturesque (I had to pinch myself a couple of times), and I'd definitely want to go back.

That's all for now. I have so much to do. Papers, presentations, they just keep piling up. I'm overwhelmed but I love the challenge.

xoxo

Travel Post: Eurotrip (PARIS)

I have uploaded albums on FaceBook and photo sets on Tumblr that featured our most recent family adventure. It was way back in May, and it was one unforgettable experience. The last time we went out of the country with just us 6 (Ma Pa and siblings) was back in 2005. After that, we always travelled with extended family and friends. As much as I love traveling with a big group, I miss being with just my nuclear family.

It drove my dad crazy to be stuck in one place with his 5 girls, but I'm sure he loved every minute of it. My eldest sister already has a family of her own, and Celine has been living in New York for the past 2 years, so it was on most days just me, Ciara, and my parents. I enjoyed the whole 3 weeks we were away from reality. And in my dream destination, Europe. Ever since I was a kid I've always been fascinated with history. So I was more than ecstatic when we arrived in Paris. The Louvre was just a 15-minute walk from the apartment we rented for a week. The Bourse train station was just a 5-minute walk from our place. It was like I was living in a postcard. I had to pinch myself at one point because I felt like I was in a beautiful dream and I didn't want to wake up from it.

On our first day in Paris, my mom, sisters and I walked to the Louvre (never mind the jet lag) and then went to the Eiffel Tower. My dad stayed at home, since he and Celine just flew in from NYC that morning.

Ciara and I with the pyramid of Louvre at the background

The Mona Lisa behind me

Celine enjoying Paris

Ate and the Eiffel Tower

Of course a trip to Paris wouldn't be complete without seeing the Eiffel Tower, attending mass at the Notre Dame Cathedral, and going to Montmartre... And a day trip to Chateau de Versailles!

Ciara and Papa at the Notre Dame

We were lucky enough to have attended the mass celebrated by the Archbishop of Paris. But a lot happened prior to that. There was a group of young gypsies who surrounded us while on the train. If it weren't for this good French guy who caught the gypsies trying to steal from us, our trip would have probably been ruined. He kicked this gypsy girl from the train and started yelling at her in French. It was horrible, but thank you kind sir. We just laughed about it, but we were definitely more alert about our stuff after that incident.

Versailles

My beautiful parents at the Bourse train station while waiting for our ride

The Eiffel at night

Arc de Triomphe de l'Étoile along Champs-Elysees

Shopping in Paris was heavenly. With the GST refund, my mom, sisters and I were going crazy. We did a lot of damage in Italy though, Paris was just for our b-bags, foie gras, and Laduree. :)

Sacré-Cœur Basilica in Montmartre

As much as I loved Paris, Rome has captured my heart. It is, for now, my favorite city in the world. New York is a close second. :) Will post about our Italian adventures next time. For now I have to finish my econ paper and my readings for next week's classes.

xoxo

BBM & Skype

I would never have survived my stay here in New York if it weren't for BBM and Skype. My day isn't complete without IMing my family and friends through BlackBerry Messenger. Oh and the wonderful Skype! To see your loved ones face to face and talk to them at the same time. What happiness!! How hard it must've been for people in long distance relationships back when these technologies weren't available then. Imagine, to tell your boyfriend who lives in the Philippines about how you are and stuff would take you at least 2 weeks (snail mail) or would cost you a lot (overseas phone calls). Thank God for internet and RIM :))

How cute is this little boy???

He was watching me while eating chocolates. Awww this was when my mom and I were talking through Skype last night and I asked for my nephew.

Life is tough without the company of your loved ones, but I am so blessed because I have my sister Celine with me. At least I'm not completely alone here. Registration for Spring semester is in two weeks, which means..... I'll be home in a month and a half.

School's been getting tougher, but I know I'll manage because of God. He's the best! Thank You Lord!

xoxo

My first snow

My Ate and I spent Christmas last 2005 at my uncle's place in Baltimore, Maryland. I thought then that I would finally achieve my childhood dream of seeing snow fall from the sky. Of course during the 2 weeks that we were there, it didn't snow. Not once.

Ate, Wacky, Tito Francis, Me and Paolo outside Church (December 2005)

Fast-forward to October 29th 2011. Woke up at noon, and my sister told me to open the blinds because it was snowing. It was such a beautiful sight. Snow falling from the sky. *sigh* I was feeling kind of down the past few days, but what I witnessed this morning was God's testimony of His goodness. I will bounce back, and I am claiming it. No pictures of today though, spent the whole day inside, where it's warm. Next time it snows, I'll make sure to take pictures.

Hope you're all having a great long weekend in the Philippines :)

xoxo

Despedida

Days before I left for my new adventure (August 19th to be exact), my Ate Mae threw a surprise going away party for me (despedida). She invited my closest family and friends to have one big bash before I bid adieu to Manila. Of course my parents and Ciara couldn't be there (Papa had a going away party with his friends too that night, while Mama and Ciara were in Spain for the World Youth Day). It was a night of fun, laughter, and lots of love. I felt the love from people I cared for. And to my other friends who weren't able to come, I still love you guys and I hope to see you this December.

Here are some of the pictures taken by Robert Garcia. I made it into a collage so I only have to upload it once. :)

Miracle Potion!

I know I'm supposed to be studying for my upcoming midterm right now, but I'm too early for my ManEcon make-up class that I'm too bored to start studying. I met up with my Math group mates at 2, and my next class is at 3:40. I already finished the coffee I brought from home (cheapskate that I am), and well I have nothing much to do. Nobody to Skype with, since everyone I know (back home) are probably all tucked in bed, except for Inna, who might be at work right now. Because of that, I decided to blog about this product I am currently in love with.

I have always been a fan of eyeliners. I myself am obsessed with it. I have literally tried at least 5 brands of eyeliner. From liquid, to cream/gel, to pencil liners, I've tried them all. But give it 2 hours on my skin, and it already smudges. Just last week, I bought a Christian Dior waterproof eyeliner at Bloomingdale's because the sales lady told me that it was 100% smudge-free. Well an hour on my skin later, it already smeared, plus I looked like a raccoon. I couldn't throw it away since it was a whooping $29 (+tax), plus I kind of deceived my mom into buying it for me hehe. Same thing goes for eyeshadows and mascara. They couldn't stay still on my eyes, could they?! Well, thank goodness for my sister, Celine, who suggested I buy this miracle product (it is for me!)

Here it is, the Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion Tube, which I bought in Sephora for only $19. I have been using it for days, and my eye make-up stays on the entire day (and night). It is a must-have for people with oily skin (or just oily eyelids like mine). I'm not sure if they sell this product in the Philippines, but I highly recommend this to all make-up lovers out there. To my friends in Manila who want this, but couldn't find any store offering this product, just let me know and I'll try to bring home a tube or two for you when I fly home in December.

Now will try to study for my next class. :)

Reality bites

My sister, Celine, just bought her own domain. Check out her blog here. She obviously got bored, but she's a great writer. Hope she posts more often. Her recent posts were about our family trips.

**

Getting busier with school, but that's fine by me. I need to keep myself busy, otherwise I'd wallow at the fact that my mom already flew home to Manila last night. Kept crying last night, even while watching Big Bang Theory. I've been so used to my mom being with us here, and remember how I'd always rush home from school to spend time with her. Was making myself a cup of coffee after lunch, and it felt weird drinking it alone. She's my coffee buddy. Now it's just me and my sister in the big city. This is now my reality.

Me and my mom a month ago. I miss her already, and it hasn't even been 24 hours since she left NYC!

**

Would love to post more about the past couple of days, and the adventures I had with Trish (my best friend when she came to visit), but I'm running late. Have a lot to do today. Will have to clean the apartment and rush to church to attend the 5:15 mass, then study for my classes this week. Will be having my Business Law midterm this week, so I need all the luck I can get. It's a very busy week. Have a good week, y'all!

It's about time!!!!

I finally got to revive my blog. It took me months to remember what my email address was. And let me tell you, it was mind-boggling. A piece of advice to all those who have multiple email addreses: KEEP A LIST OF ALL YOUR EMAIL ADDRESSES. I couldn't access my blogger account because I couldn't remember the email address I registered with this. I didn't even remember that I had a globelines webmail account 'til the time I was trying to login to blogger. Talk about memory gap!!

As much as I enjoy my tumblr account, this is my original blog, and I am strongly attached to it. So starting today, I would only use tumblr for what it's originally meant for- to reblog interesting stuff I find there (that's for me, not sure about the rest of you). It is in this blog where I saw how much I've grown. You see, I started blogging in 2005 as an outlet for my nursing school stress. I used to type whatever nonsensical things would pop in my mind. My most-mentioned topic is usually Andy Roddick or Margaux (my niece). I stopped blogging though because first, I got busy with work, second, I got busy with Facebook (HAHA), and lastly, I forgot my username. How smart right. :))

One busy day a few months ago (sarcastic), as I was busy looking at Balenciaga purses online, I remembered this blog from way back and checked if it was still alive. Then I got hooked on reading what I have posted years ago. As I was checking it out (while desperately trying to remember what my username was), I realized how much I've grown from the time I last posted here, which was in 2008. A lot has happened to me since then. From Nursing, I shifted careers, worked for our family business, and am now in business school in New York. I still feel like I'm living a dream. I mean, 3 years ago I thought that by now I'm earning as a Registered Nurse in Maryland (where I'm licensed) or in the Philippines. Either that or I'm in Med School. Both never happened though. I was never able to use my licenses in the Philippines and in MD, nor was I able to go to med school. But I've never been happier.

Glad I'm able to post my ramblings in this journal. Will definitely be posting here more often.

My mom leaves for the Philippines this Saturday, which means more time for school (and internet). Wow how lame. :))

10 Love Lessons from 'Sex and the City'

All girls love Sex and the City, I got this article from Yahoo! Personals, and just wanted to share this to everyone, SATC fan or not hehe :)
*Oana, remembered you while reading this article, I know you're one of the show's biggest fans :) Miss you girls!!

1. Single is Not a Dirty Word

The SATC gals transformed "single"--"spinster"'s more evolved cousin--from being a hole to a presence; they made singledom cool. Even when it hurt.

One of my favorite moments is when Carrie's silver Manolos get swiped from a smug-married's apartment and the friend refuses to reimburse her. She lectures Carrie about spending too much on shoes and not enough on family, playing right in to her singleton's shame.

This, after Carrie has bought engagement, wedding, shower, and baby gifts for her. In a genius move, Carrie registers herself at Manolo Blahnik just for those shoes, single "bride" that she is, forcing the friend to pay up. To me this said the single life is just as valid as the married. We deserve as many gifts and even blessings from our friends and society, regardless of what others might think of our struggles and choices.

2. It's Okay to Expose All to Your Girlfriends

Women talked about sex with their friends long before SATC. But the show gave us permission on a large scale to get graphic and detailed in cathartic and hilarious ways. It was like a six-season long Consciousness Raising group with better outfits.

3. Fate is Not Always Fate

It's so tempting to interpret the tea leaves of love, to decide that fate is (finally) working in our favor. When Trey saved Charlotte from being mowed down by a speeding taxi, she decided it was fate. Not just that he was a nice guy who saved her life, but that he must be the guy to live out her "marry tale" with.

Turns out--not so much, and I think after that divorce, Char developed a very different notion of fate, i.e.-we don't know how the universe works and just because it seems like synchronicity, it doesn't mean you have to marry the dude. A lesson better remembered than re-experienced.

4. Sometimes to Be Real You Have to Get Ugly

When Charlotte first met her handsomely chiseled divorce lawyer, she kept to the prim, nice decorum that defined her. When she realized she needed to be fierce --and ugly-- to battle her Bunny-in-law, she dropped him for sweaty, obnoxious, bald Harry Goldenblatt and then felt free to be as nasty as she wanted to be, fangs and all. Turns out he found her "incredibly sexy" anyway. And once she was able to shatter her preppy, WASPy notion of her ideal man, voila, there he was, right in front of her.

5. Be Vulnerable

More than anyone else on the show, Samantha and her mien of steel taught us that true strength is in opening and trust. She started to get this from her girl-flame Maria ("I've got monogomy, I think I caught it from you people") but mostly from her hot-hot boyfriend Smith Jarrod.

First, he forced on her his "perverse" desire to hold hands, and then, most touchingly, shaved off his golden locks when she lost hers to chemo. We all have an inner Samantha--the part that feigns bravado in the face of pain and trusts no one. Watching her set down her insecurity-as-sword reminded all us tough girls to do the same.

6. There's a Difference Between Childlike and Childish

In perhaps my favorite episode, a guy named Wade had a comic book store, a great record collection, and a scooter. Carrie was justifiably wooed when he drew a cartoon of her telling her to call him. And the girl needed some fun! Mr. Big? Sexy, complicated, but no bag of jacks.

With Wade, she played video games, took a spin on the scooter, got stoned on the balcony of his surprisingly vast Park Avenue apartment. Turned out the guy was living with his parents. And not only that, he lied to his mom that they were smoking Carrie's pot. Lesson? If he seems like a kid, investigate to make sure he's also an adult.

7. Know When to Kiss Goodbye

Miranda asked a date up to her apartment. He declined, claiming to have "an early meeting." Later, she asked Carrie's man of the hour for insight. Berger said, "He's just not that into you," and "When a guy's really into you, he's coming upstairs, meeting or no meeting."

Miranda is instantly liberated, giddy with the blame-free simplicity of it. Of course in real life, sadly, it's not always so simple. But through this and countless other moments, the show taught us that letting go is never easy--even when he's "not into you"--but that if you don't walk away when you know you should, only misery, over-analysis, and disappointment awaits.

8. Don't Mistake Scraps for Jewels

"It was the single most encouraging moment in our relationship." Was Carrie talking about Big sharing his heart with her? Giving her a thoughtful present? Nope. She said this when he gave her the "only" extra pink toothbrush head one night.

Sure, it was the only baby step toward accepting her into his life that he was capable of. But all of us need to love ourselves enough not to mistake glitter for diamonds, scraps for a meal--exactly what that toothbrush head was.

9. Read the Signs

When Carrie got engaged to Aidan, she promptly strung the gorgeous Harry Winston ring around her neck instead of putting it on her finger. Score one for costume designer Patricia Field for the fresh accessory, minus one very big one for the happy future of Carrie and Aidan. Both continued to ignore the signs of doom--like so many of us do--in exchange for hope.

It was a reminder to all of us not to ignore those persistent yet subtle doubts, accumulating red flags--and full-blown panic attacks--no matter how much we want something to work out.

10. Patience and Compromise

Sure, the show was often about taking, and Goddess knows the characters' self-absorption grated horribly sometimes. But as the ladies matured, we saw more and more examples of selfless compromise.

Miranda agreed to have her son Brady baptized even though it conflicted strongly with her beliefs; Charlotte converted to Judaism to be with Harry; and most hilariously, Harry put on underwear to sit on Charlotte's pristine white sofa. As for patience, the girls had a giant Birkin bag full of it for each other. And Carrie, in spite of herself had it big-time with Big.

Accomplished!

I cooked my very first real food just now, and I'm waiting for the rice to be cooked.. Hahaha not the usual heat and eat! I cooked my favorite, Chicken Adobo, mentored by my uncle of course, but I kinda did all the work. :) Yey! :)

Happy birthday Chi, Ninang Adel and Tita Len! :)

Michael Phelps Mania

7 gold medals, and he's not even done yet! Seriously?? :)

I don't have a life anymore. Hahahaha. See.

Claudine Margaret Tayag Montalla, BSN, RN

I did it!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love you Lord! Super thank you for everything! I wouldn't have done this without you.. All the heartbreaks I still haven't gotten over (losing Daddy and Tatay) while preparing for the boards kind of motivated me but at the same time kind of made me doubt myself. BUT GOD IS GOOD!!! I did it! Oana, Inna, Krizka, Ate, Kuya and I were on our way home from Tagaytay when news broke out that the results were out. Sir Ori called Oana and told her she passed, then Oana asked him if Krizka and I passed. I couldn't stop screaming when I found out!! Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!! Party na toh!!! Love you Mama, Papa, my sisters, Kuya, my cousins, my girls, Nanay, my family, and just everyone who prayed for me! Thank you thank you thank you!

This one's for you Lord! And Tatay, and Daddy :)