Holidays 2011

As much as I love New York City, I wouldn't want to be spending the holidays alone here with my sister, away from my family. So as soon as I finished my last final, I went rushing back home. The 30+ hour travel time to Manila was worth it. I had the worst experience flying from LA to Manila, (so yes, I'm not the biggest fan of Philippine Airlines anymore), but as soon as I saw my family at home, all the trouble I went through seemed worth it. I now miss them terribly as I was only there for 2 weeks. But I maximized the 2-week visit. Starting with get-togethers with friends.

On my first night back, I had dinner with my AGSB friends. I missed them so much. Of course we spent the whole night catching up on everything I missed out on. Most of them are graduating by August this year, so I'm pretty excited for them.

The next day (December 23rd), Celine came home from NYC. Yes we didn't go home together, since she had a final on the 20th, and I just couldn't wait for her. She stayed in Manila 'til January 18th, but I had to be back in New York by January 3rd so I decided to fly earlier than her. Anyway, as soon as she landed, we had lunch at HEAT (minus our parents, since they were in Bangkok then), then Rockwell for Iona's birthday, and rushed home for our annual Christmas party with friends, which was quite a success! This year's theme was Winter Wonderland, and as usual, those who aren't dressed for the theme had to take shots (as punishment lol). It was so much fun. We had a mobile bar, unlimited chicken meals (thanks to Krisyrol), and karaoke. The best part of the night was reuniting with friends. There were those who didn't make it, but I think we had a pretty good turnout this year. The party ended at almost 5AM.

Here are some fun pictures from that night.

with Yhoraya and Miggi

with Jutz, Miggi, Julio, and Inna

my first year loves - Inna, Rowell, Abbie, and Oana

My girls - where was I when this photo was taken? Hmmm

One of my high school best friends - Ria

Group photo of our table
The girls with Ade

CHEERS!

Looking forward to our Christmas party this 2012. Lol I know it's gonna be even more fabulous than last year's!

Christmas eve was the day after our party. We have been spending the past 4 Christmases in Canyon Woods, because it was much colder there compared to Manila, but this year, my family decided we'd start a new tradition. We attended the evening mass at the village chapel, opened gifts at home right after, and then had noche buena at the clubhouse my dad built (behind our house - that's where we had the Christmas party too btw). Our household helpers and drivers wanted to have a party so on Christmas Eve, they performed for us by dancing and singing, and we gave out prizes. The drivers won, since they were more prepared than the our angels.

the loves of my life - Riley and Margaux

The drivers

with Randy, Celine, Ate Mae, and Aaron

with my gorgeous mom

This is the only family photo we had

We never had the chance to take a decent and complete family photo during Christmas and New Year's. On Christmas Eve, Celine was too jet lagged, she wasn't able to eat during noche buena. On New Year's, everyone was too busy doing their own thing, we didn't get to take a complete family picture.

There's no place like home. The day after Christmas, my family (with extended relatives and Inna) flew to Hong Kong and stayed there for 5 days. Will talk about that in another post. For now, I have to finish a ton of assignments due next week. It's been crazy busy since I got back. Crossing my fingers for something big that's gonna happen next week. More stories next time.

xoxo

2-0-1-2

Happy New Year! I know I'm 12 days late, but I've been really busy the past few weeks. Got back in NYC from my brief stay in Manila (just for the holidays, and that will be an entirely different post, hopefully this weekend). I took this picture from the balcony of my sister's house during New Year's Eve using my new Canon S100. Yes, got something from my wish list :) This camera was my gift for myself for Christmas. I think I deserve something great from the roller coaster ride that was 2011. As much as I loved everything that happened to me the past year, I am now claiming 2012 to be my year. Will achieve more this year, with God's grace.

What are you thankful for?

It's Thanksgiving Day, my first to celebrate it in the United States. Today is supposed to be a day to celebrate things we are all thankful for. Despite the emotional roller coaster I am currently on, I have so many things to be grateful for. I'm thankful first and foremost to my Almighty Father, for always being there for me. I wouldn't be where I am today if it weren't for him. He has made all things (even those that seemed impossible) possible for me. I will continue to praise and glorify His name. I'm thankful for my parents, they are the best any girl could ever have. I'm thankful for my family, and my friends. I have the best support system, and I'm so blessed to have such amazing people surround me.

This day is probably the worst day I've had in a really long time, but I know I'll get through it because of God and my family. Happy Thanksgiving!

xoxo

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