Regression

I have always been close to both my parents. They're my role models and I don't get to see them often, so whenever they're around, I try to be with them as much as possible. My mom has been here with me since May 16th, and I'm sad that I couldn't spend as much time with her as I had hoped.. When she was here last September, things were different because back then I didn't have an internship. I would spend the entire day with her, have coffee/tea after a huge meal, and in between classes we would always be together.. Over the past months of course, I have built friends in school and in UniPro (the Filipino organization I am proud to be part of). The past weeks have been the busiest weeks for UniPro, so ugh I just felt so bad leaving her for a meeting or something, plus I have been more social so I try to make it to school events too. I am just so blessed to have an understanding mom. So all my weekends are dedicated to her.. Sundays especially.

My cousin, April, came to visit during Memorial day weekend. We wanted to do something special for her so we treated her to dinner at Le Cirque that Saturday. Her boyfriend, Damon, and our good friend/cousin Onell were there too. The next day, we attended mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral, then went to the Met afterwards. We actually went there for the Prada/Schiaparelli exhibit (must-see if you love fashion), then had early dinner at our favorite BonChon!!! :)

April's Graduation dinner at Le Cirque

Bloomingdale's before dinner at Le Cirque

at the Metropolitan Museum of Art

In exactly 2 weeks, my mom’s going to be leaving me for home. As much as I want to be selfish and have her all to myself, I know that it’s not possible since I have 3 other sisters and my dad she has to go home to, plus her social life and work that are both waiting eagerly for her return. Since she got here, I have regressed to how I was when I was 10 or 11. How lucky am I to be going home every single night from work/school with a complete meal cooked for me, an apartment that has already been cleaned, and clothes that are fresh from the laundry?! My mom is the QUEEN of our home in the Philippines, and she doesn’t even have to lift a finger, since she has ‘angels’ doing everything for her. Here, she treats me like her baby, doing everything she can to take care of me. I will never get tired of this, I swear. So I know that 2 weeks from now, when she leaves, I will be crying like a baby. It is just timely that the topic in my Principles of Modern Finance is "regression analysis". Purely coincidental.

Be a blessing to everyone

It's Spring Break and I chose to spend it with my family in Baltimore, Maryland. I haven't been there in 4 years, and as soon as I got there, I felt like I was home - because of the people I was with - Tito Francis, Tita Lhong, Paolo, and Marcus. As I was on the bus home to New York City earlier, I realized that I booked my ticket to Baltimore as soon as something bad happened to me weeks ago. At the first strike of the problem, I found solace in running to my Uncle. I know my sister is here with me, but I have no idea why I did what I did. 4 years ago, I went to Baltimore during the lowest part of my life. Really, it was my lowest point. I won't even talk about it anymore, because it would just bring up sad memories. But right after that trip in 2008, I came home to my parents a complete person. I didn't do touristy stuff like go to the Inner Harbor or go to Fort McHenry, I've done all those stuff before. Similarly, the past weekend was all about family and I'm so thankful I went there to visit them. Best few days I've had so far.

On the bus ride home earlier too, I realized how important (and symbolic) Baltimore is to me. Maybe it's because of the family I have there. Whatever the reason is, the trip I had recently healed me in some way. I was listening to music on my way back home, and when I heard NSYNC's "This I Promise You", tears just started to fall from my eyes (yes, drama queen lol). I felt like it was God talking to me. The first lines just hit me:

When the visions around you bring tears to your eyes

And all that surround you are secrets and lies,

I'll be your strength, I'll give you hope, keeping your faith when it's gone

The one you should call was standing here all along..

So I came home to NYC a happy lady. The Lord is always with me, no matter what happens. I just have to trust Him always in all ways. What made me extra happy today was seeing my friend, Karen's status on BBM - "Thank you Claudine for the good vibes". I just talked to her the other night and early this morning about how amazing God is and how we should trust in His goodness all the time. To see that status - I felt that I was a blessing to her, which feels so amazing. I am here to tell everyone how great God is, and to be a living testimony of His goodness. I could spend the whole day talking about how amazing He is, and not get tired of it. :) Thanks Karen, I really am happy that I was able to be a blessing to you. :)

Spreading good vibes to everyone!

XOXO

Quarter-life

For my 25th birthday, I had a very low-key celebration at home, with the most important person in NYC for me, my sister Celine. It was simple, very heartfelt, and I wouldn't have spent it any other way. I attended mass at noon to thank the Lord for another year (and for more blessings), went to school at 5:40 (and received my Finance midterm--got an A! Sweet!), went home at 8, then cooked pasta for me and my sister. Celine went home with a cake for me, and I was so happy with what she got me. We actually had two types of pasta for dinner: red and white sauces.

What I cooked: Linguine alla Vodka

Birthday cake from Chi

Celine's carbonara

Me and my birthday cake

She's gonna hate me for this, but what's a birthday without pictures, right?

I cannot believe I'm already 25. I'm torn if it means I'm that old or that young. I feel pressured to be a single lady still at 25. You see my mom got married when she was 24, my eldest sister got married when she was 23, and I am still single with no boyfriend at 25. The irony of things. And then I remembered this Filipino movie from 10 years ago starring Claudine Barretto and the late Rico Yan entitled "Got 2 Believe". I looked it up online and watched it. The lead character was basically pressured because she was 24 turning 25, and she believed that their family had a curse where if you get past the age of 25 as a single lady, you'll be an old maid forever. She wanted to meet the perfect man ASAP but ended up with the guy she least expected to fall in love with. It was funny, and it's still one of my favorite movies to date. Anyway, after I watched that, I kept laughing and told my sister I'm already at the finish line. And then I realized I shouldn't be pressured at all. I'm living in New York City, where 25 is still YOUNG. People my age are having the time of their lives, and I should be doing the same. So now, I'm happy and content to be who I am, and where I am today.

My birthday week wasn't exactly a good week for me, it was stressful, and very tough. Completely different from what I expected it to be. But the experiences I had in that week only made me stronger. And I have learned to accept things as they come, since everything happens for a reason. And I really should stop worrying about so many things and live for the moment. I have surrendered my life to the Lord and I am certain that He will provide only the best for me. I'm sure the road isn't going to be smooth, but it's gonna be an amazing journey. This is gonna be MY year. :)

xoxo

It's my birthday tomorrow

Prior to this year, every time January comes, my family would always hear me say "My birthday's coming up soon!" everyday until February 28th. Yes, even when I was 23 turning 24, my parents would laugh at me at being all giddy and excited for my birthday. Last year though I was a bit tame, I only started saying that at the beginning of February. However, this year is a different story. I'm turning 25 in 23 hours, and although I am happy that the Lord has given me another year to add to this amazing life, I'm not exactly as excited as I was, probably because I'm going to be spending it with just my sister. Plus, it's midterm season, so I know we'll just eat late dinner at home then resume studying. It is a milestone to be quarter of a century old, it's just sad that it's only gonna be me and Chi. But I do hope I'll have a very happy birthday. Despite being away from my family and friends, I hope New York would treat me well, as it is my home for the next few years.

A week ago, my mom asked me what I wanted for my birthday, and surprisingly, I told her I didn't want anything, as she has given me more than I could ever ask for. And that was a real and honest answer. I didn't say it so she'd be proud of me and offer me something nice. I meant it. I have countless bags I don't get to use (I left a lot in Manila, but I still want more), shoes and clothes I don't get to wear that often, a beautiful apartment, an amazing family, wonderful friends a great life, what more can I ask for? I guess what I really want for my birthday is to have a fruitful career (hopefully make it here in New York), do good in school, bring honor to my family (and country), be a blessing to a lot of people, have an intimate relationship with God, and to make a difference in this world. When before I would normally ask for material things for my birthday, what I want now for my birthday are intangible things. Not to be a hypocrite, but I still want bags and shoes and all that stuff. It's just that I can have all of those when I get all that I wished for on my birthday :)

Now, since it is my birthday week, I am claiming it to be one of the best and greatest weeks ever. :)

Melody

While I was studying last Sunday night, I realized that the most played "playlist" on my iTunes both on my computer and iPhone was my high school playlist - or the songs I listened to while growing up. It brought back memories of my high school days, and how carefree and fun life used to be. I didn't worry about real-life stuff and was too engaged in building friendships. The only problems I had back then were grades and what college I would get into. Those were the good old days. Even the songs that were playing were (in my opinion) better than the songs that are widely popular nowadays. Here are a few of my favorite songs from way back.

Now who doesn't love this song? I know this came out eons ago, but this song still has a very special place in my heart. I was so obsessed with NSYNC back in Grade School & High School.

Classic No Doubt song. Channeling 4th grade memories. I had this album in cassette tape, I believe. :))

Soulful ---

It's 2012, and I'm proud to say that these are only a few of the many songs I love listening to on my iPod. I love Katy Perry and all these new artists we have today, but the songs in the past were top-notch compared to the quality of music that we have now. Also, listening to these old songs made me realize I'm not as young as I used to be, but I'm still that girl back in High School, who had big dreams and a soft heart. Times may change, but the melody still remains.

A lot of bs

In my Marketing Management class with Prof. Kabadayi (one of the best professors I've had), he mentioned in his Social Media Marketing lecture that a good blog should be updated frequently. I keep a blog I hardly ever use. And that is why, upon learning that fact, I realized I should post more stuff. I know I don't exactly have a 'readership' but this online journal is something I can look back on 20 years from now. I'm done with that class, by the way, since it's an intensive course. Instead of having it for 15 weeks (like all my other classes), we only had it for 7 weeks, but we met twice a week. I am in love with Marketing, and I really hope it loves me back. I was originally booked in Finance, but then come Fall Semester, I switched to Marketing. Now I think I'll do a dual concentration - both Marketing and Finance. (And pray real hard I get a great job after I graduate)

Funny enough, while I was writing a paper on that Social Media (and thinking of my blog), I was too preoccupied on other matters that I ended up writing on the wrong topic. (aaaack!) I only realized that when I got to school at 6pm for my meeting with my other group mates on our marketing paper (too many papers, midterms, and deadlines are making me whack). Prior to meeting my group mates, I went up to the business floor to drop off my paper at the professor's mailbox, but ended up realizing I didn't exactly know where it was! I went to the faculty suites, which was in the other end of the building, far from the faculty mailbox, then I realized I could just drop it off after meeting with my group mates. So as soon as I saw them, I apologized for being 5 minutes late, and they told me that I wrote on a different topic. I only had 30 minutes to watch the videos and write about it, then had to run to my other class. What a crazy evening that was.

Now back to regular programming. I'm finishing the micro-environmental analysis portion of our marketing paper (currently on a break) and tomorrow, I promised myself I will go to the gym before meeting with my group mates again. With such a busy schedule in school, I still want to do so many things, but I feel I don't have enough drive. I want to volunteer at church, land an internship for the summer, and be healthy by working out, ooh and get high grades too, but I don't know why I don't have enough strength to work on all of these. I'll work on it. One step at a time. Sometimes I feel I'm being too hard on myself too. I really have to stop worrying too much.

Love month

Of all the months in a year, my favorite is February.. I think it's the best month because of 3 reasons: Valentine's day, unique - with usually just 28 days, but this year is special because it's a leap year, and lastly because of my birthday!

I'm currently juggling 3 different assignments right now for my Negotiation class later, so I have no idea why the heck I'm typing this entry right now. I just need a breather, I guess. Things have been so hectic the past weeks (and they will be 'til the end of the month), but I am getting used to the stress so far. Though I'm sad that I'm alone on Valentine's, I'm happy my sister got the Valentine she wanted. Her boyfriend's visiting for a couple of weeks, so I'm pretty happy for her.

My birthday's coming up in 2 weeks, and I'm gonna feel nostalgic in a couple of days, because spending it with just my sister would be heart-breaking. I love birthdays, and I'm sad my family and friends will not be with me when I celebrate it. Sadly, I think it will just be like any ordinary day. Maybe I'm being overly dramatic and thinking way ahead of myself.

Now I really have to finish my paper, read 2 chapters, and do my role prep for Negotiation. I love this class because the professor's great and I'm learning so many stuff, but it's just a lot of work!!

xoxo

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