What I've been up to the past 10 months

I constantly remind myself to update my blog, but for some reason, I always find something more important to do (I tell myself it's important, but not really).... In the past 10 months, so much has happened...

1. I graduated from Business School! Yesssss...... I now have my MBA! Got my diploma too, three weeks ago, so it means I need to be employed soon. I participated in the diploma ceremony last May, but I finished the program in August. It was tough going to school, knowing that you only have 2.5 classes left! Had to fight the urge not to be lazy and slack off.

At the University Commencement - I decided to wear my cap and gown, since I was there for Celine's graduation anyway. Out of 500+ GBA graduates, there were only about 10 of us who joined the ceremony. Yay school spirit.

with one of my good friends, Sanjay

Jenn and Roger - my 'siblings' at Fordham. I was so blessed to have met these people at one of my classes during the Spring 2012 term.. 

with my beautiful family - I wouldn't be where I am today if it weren't for them. Love love love them so much!

with the Global Achievement Award Recipient, Mr. Brendan Whyte
the biggest blessing I received in Business School (aside from my degree, of course)

I look crappy in this photo, and my better half looks good (he's going to disagree with me for sure)
outside the Avery Fisher Hall, after the diploma ceremony

with the reason why I decided to pursue graduate studies in NYC. Celine, my sister, who graduated
Summa Cum Laude from the Gabelli School of Business

2. Celine moved back to the Philippines (and traveled the world... Go, girl!)

It was bittersweet because she was one of the main reasons why I pushed myself to study here in New York.. I thought that we'd conquer NYC together, but I understand why she wanted to move back. So proud of her, and I know that she'd be successful with whatever she decides to do. She has been sending me pictures of her Eurotrip, and I am just dying of jealousy.

Because she left, the apartment seemed too big for just one person.. We used to live in a one bedroom (which we converted to a two-bedroom) apartment. It was the perfect place for two young ladies, but is certainly too big for just one little lady.

Our old apartment

We built a lot of memories in this place - mostly good. When I was going through a challenging time in my life, having Chi with me made all my troubles bearable. It really was the perfect home for us for the past two years. However, when Chi left, 7B seemed so big and empty, which leads me to the next milestone in my life....

3. I moved into a new apartment! This time, it's perfect for me. It's still in my preferred neighborhood, and it's just the right size for me.

The move was crazy. It seemed like I moved for more than two people with the amount of stuff I had (and the furniture). Chi still had so much stuff left here, that I really had to pack and move a lot of things. Moving also makes you think of minimizing clutter. I got rid of a lot of things, and am still in the process of throwing away stuff I don't need. It's almost winter, so I will be donating a lot of coats to Salvation Army soon....

Brendan really is my angel! Being a master mover (he has moved at least 3 times before), he knew what to do, how to do things, and when to do it. He was in charge of packing the whole kitchen and most of the stuff in the living room, while I packed the bedroom, bathroom, and half of the living room. I hired two movers to help with the transport of all the furniture and stuff, and along with Brendan, we moved everything I had from my old place to the new one. I would not have survived this ordeal without Brendan, and I will eternally be grateful for all the help he has given me.

I have been living in my new place for 12 days now, and I still have to unpack 3 more big boxes. Will definitely upload pictures of what the new place looks like as soon as everything looks good. I still have a huge queen bed in my place, waiting to be moved to BK (Brendan's treat). Now I have to get back to finding a job. To my prayer warriors, please include me in your prayers!

xoxo

Happy New Year!

2012 went by too fast, and we're still alive. The Mayans were wrong (I just had to say it), of course, they're not God! But I have to admit, if the world did end on December 21st, I would've been alone at home! Now that wouldn't have been fun! 2012 has been such an amazing year for me, and I owe it all to my Lord and Savior (and my family and friends). It was rough at first, but man, 2012 was awesome!

I didn't get to travel that much, but I'm blessed to have generous parents who made sure that I got home twice this year (August and December). I was able to go to Hong Kong with my sisters last August, as well as Boracay with my girlfriends! And on my recent trip home (I'm still in Marikina as I'm typing this), I got to go to Mactan with my family. I know the resort was crazy expensive because it was peak season, but my parents made it happen. They know that's what I really wanted, since I just wanted to relax and enjoy with them while I'm home.. Thanks, Ma and Pa! But on a serious note, just being able to be home at least once in a year is already enough of a blessing. As much as I enjoy being in New York City, the Philippines will always be home to me, since all the people I love are here. I'm glad I was able to spend quality time with my loves.

Family pictures right after Noche Buena (Christmas Eve dinner)

with the grandchildren, of course

with Papa my sisters, and cousins Cara and Liaa

the little lady is all grown up!

Can't believe my niece is not a baby anymore! Here we are at the Lapu-Lapu shrine in Cebu

My role models, my heroes - Celso and Meg Montalla

at Shangri-la Mactan, with my mom

with Andi, my niece - on our last night at Shangri-la Mactan

Ciara and Cara lighting up a wish lantern for NYE

Master party planner, Ate Mae, lighting up her wish lantern

One thing I'm thankful for is that I was able to embrace New York City. When I first moved there, I told myself I only was there to get my Master's degree and return to the Philippines ASAP. Who knew I would fall in love with the city? I grew up in less than 2 years, and I have realized that I embrace the independence that I have there. Even if I want to be with my family, I know that I want to stay in New York even for at least a year after I graduate (hopefully longer, we'll see), just to try to make something of myself. It might be crazy of me to try to do that, but not everyone gets to have that opportunity. I just don't want to say I didn't try when I had the chance.


xoxo

Nothing beats summer at home

Summer went by so fast - my trip back home was uh-mazing.. Best almost-4 weeks of my summer. It's always nice to be home and spend time with the people you love. I arrived exactly on my Papa's birthday - August 4th, and the most adorable little boy in the world picked me up from the airport.

On our way home from NAIA

Aside from my family, the thing I missed most about home was the food! I tried to religiously go to the gym and diet before heading home - so I could eat everything I wanted to eat without feeling guilty. Oh so about food, I came home to a feast - my sister had a chef prepare Japanese food for us. So good!! Honestly, all I wanted to eat when I got home was LECHON AND RICE. What is baboy. LOL! Later that day was my dad's birthday party - so with no sleep, I got ready and mingled with family and friends whom I haven't seen in 8 months. And in true Montalla style, the party was fabulous. Despite the heavy rains, the party went well.

August 4th - Papa's 55th birthday party. Pictures with my family, college and high school friends

Two days after coming home, my sisters and some of our friends flew to Hong Kong for a 4-day vacation. And since I splurged on myself a week before coming home, I had a very limited budget... Instead, I indulged on food, food, and more food! Trish (my best friend since high school) met up with us in HK, so I got to spend time with her too. Yay, we haven't seen each other since April when she went to NYC during Holy week..

Hong Kong

While we were having fun in Hong Kong though, the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) caused havoc in the Philippines. The damage was enormous - damages amounted to $14+ million (604 million pesos). It was hard to be having fun while most of my countrymen were in dire need of help. As soon as we got back home, my family organized relief efforts to help people who were greatly affected by the floods. Our friends trooped to our house the day after we got back to pack goods, and we handed a truckload of relief goods the day after.

Relief operations during the day, karaoke with friends at night

After that, I had dinners and lunches with friends and family, but one of the highlights of my stay at home was a trip to my favorite island - Boracay! I planned this trip with Inna back in November, when Cebu Pacific had piso fares. Our ticket to Caticlan cost 1 PhP, with tax, it was roughly PhP500 (USD12). It was a really good deal! I have been looking forward to a trip to the beach for months, so I got too excited when I saw the sun (since it has been raining nonstop when I was there). Proof? See that picture on the upper left part of this Boracay collage? I got BURNT!! Sad to say, it's already November 19th right now (what a late post) and my skin color is still uneven. I really had fun. Hahaha!

Boracay Island. August 2012.

Best almost 4 weeks of this year. What an eventful vacation. In exactly one month, I will be home. Aaaah. I can't wait. Hopefully I won't get too lazy in updating this blog. 

Olympics and more important stuff

4 years ago, I remember watching the Beijing 2008 Olympics Opening Ceremony with my cousin April in my Tita Mitzi's LA condo. We were sitting on the couch in 100 degree weather wearing party clothes while downing a bottle of Malibu Rum with Pineapple Orange Juice. Fast-forward to today (well technically last Friday, July 27th). I watched the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympics in my living room with Onell while having Indian food for dinner...in New York City. I cannot believe it has been 4 years since that crazy 2008 summer. LOL. Man, I feel old!!! But so many things have changed since. I now know what my priorities are in life (sometimes....chos). Instead of going out that Friday night with Onell, I decided to stay home and worked on my marketing plan, which was due on Tuesday at noon, but since I'm "responsible", I turned it on Monday before I started work so that I didn't have to worry about it anymore. 

August 2, 2008 - I boarded the PR 102 flight alone from MNL to LAX... August 2, 2012? Will be boarding flight CX xxx from JFK to MNL right after my last final.. Who would've thought that I'd be in this position four years ago? Def not me... Tihee.. All I can say is that my life turned out so much better than what I have ever hoped it would be. I would've never thought that it would be this amazing. Thank YOU, Lord. :)

**

I was supposed to reward myself with a charm from Tiffany & Co to end my first year in Business school. My mom got me a charm bracelet for Christmas 3 years ago, and I realized a month ago how awesome it would be if I would buy a charm for every little accomplishment I make. After having lunch with Onell yesterday, I was supposed to go to Tiffany's to buy the charm I want, and run errands i.e. buy the stuff my sisters and friends asked for, but we decided to go Hermes before going to Onell's store (MK)... 10 minutes of being in the store and I found myself handing the sales associate my debit card.. Bye bye paycheck.. I got this gorgeous Kelly Double Tour in black leather. I've always wanted it (in white though) but I said to myself I should save up for other stuff before buying it.. No regrets though because I deserve good things, we all do!

I only buy stuff if I can pay for it, otherwise, all I can do is drool. Hahaha. And because of that purchase, I don't have shopping money for my trip to Hong Kong next week. Totally worth it, though. So no regrets... Now, back to studying (and finishing touches on packing).

Black Kelly Double Tour layered with Mom's vintage Gucci watch, my H bracelet, and a MK Astor bangle in gold

A month to go....

Whenever I'm supposed to be working on a paper, I always find myself wanting to do something else - clean the apartment, cook lunch, buy groceries, or write a nonsensical blog post, which is what I'm doing right now. I really have to get things done, and I will tonight, I promise. This is the first day since January where I spent the entire day alone. Boohoo. Yesterday was so much fun, attended a picnic and went to Brooklyn, got home past 1, and was just too exhausted that I actually woke up past noon today.. I was too lazy to cook that I ordered Chinese food for lunch (and possibly my dinner too tonight lol) and 15 minutes after eating, fell asleep in the couch. What a lazy little girl. LOL.

I just realized that I will be home in less than a month! I can't wait to see my family, my friends, and my motherland! I already finished planning my entire trip - I wanted to make sure I have time to see all my friends, since I'm only going to be there for 3 weeks. Best to maximize my time there, I could rest when I come back to NYC, really. Have to start my diet too, because for sure I will be eating like crazy when I come home - I know how it is there. 

Here are some of the things/people I am most looking forward to seeing when I come home:

the TV/Entertainment room - see the Roman blinds behind my Papa - that's my room up there. I was supposed to show a picture of my room, since I miss it so bad, but that's the closest thing I have. LOL. I miss waking up at 8am on a Saturday morning because my dad's playing loud music on his sound system (right by my room)

I miss my beautiful sisters. Every single one of them :) 

I know I was just with my parents weeks ago, but I can't wait to be with them!

My nephew, Riley :) 

That's Cebu Lechon (roasted pig). I was never really a fan of lechon, but Cebu lechon - THE BEST. 

My beautiful Margaux. She grows up too fast, she's turning 9 this November! *tear*

Sunset in Boracay. <3

I want to post pictures of friends too, but I might miss some people out, and I don't want that. I absolutely can't wait to see all my friends, Shangri-la, Eastwood, VVCC, Canyon Woods, Tagaytay Highlands, and Boracay! Now back to reality..

Half year done

It's already July. My rent is due today, I should be doing my paper and studying for my Finance class, but all I could think of right now is how time just flew past me. I feel like it was only yesterday when my sisters left - that was in April, which was 3 months ago. I cannot believe it is already the first day of the second half of 2012. This is not a nostalgic post where I go talking about everything that happened to me the past 6 months - that would take like 5 posts. I just want to talk about how eventful June was for me. 

My Tito's family from Baltimore went to visit me and my mom on Ma's last weekend here. I bugged my Tito into coming here weeks ago because I know it would mean a lot to my mom to see her brother, sister-in-law and her nephews. I was right, and we all had a great weekend. The only downside to that weekend was how hectic my schedule was because I was preparing for my midterm later that week. I had a great time with family, but school work was compromised because my mind was on vacation mode too - I am totally to blame - I should've studied weeks before. Needless to say, I have to study harder for the final exams (which is 3 weeks away! Gaaah) Here are just some of the pictures from that wonderful weekend:

My cute cousin, Marcus

My youngest cousin, Marcus, who is 8 months younger than my nephew, Riley

Mom and Paolo

took the family out to Fordham University at Lincoln Center

with Tito Francis at Central Park

Onell and his famous pose

at Lincoln Center with my parents and Paolo

With my Papa

June was so good to me because of my parents. Their trip definitely brought me closer to both of them. Papa was only here for a week and we got to bond over a Broadway show (we watched Jesus Christ Superstar - he requested for it), drinks (at Serafina), and retail therapy at Bloomingdales. That night at Serafina (unfortunately no pictures since my phone died, as usual) was epic for me because it was the first time I ever had drinks with my Papa - just us two. He had his usual Stella Artois while I had glasses of Prosecco. I felt so mature - because at my age, I still am treated like my parents' baby. That night though, Papa and I got to talk about everything - the family businesses, my being here, the past couple of months, my parents' relationship, and the future. Back when I was still living at home (Manila), Papa and I would spend 15 minutes eating and an hour more in the dining table - talking about work, the news, what movie we're going to watch, that kind of thing, but nothing as serious as my future and my heart. Yep, my dad told me I should open up my heart and that I shouldn't be too guarded since I told him I'm being very cautious. To hear my dad say that was just overwhelming. He really just wants me to be happy. Another realization: I am getting older. Yikes.

I'm so blessed to have such amazing parents. They continue to support me and my sisters in all our endeavors, and I understand that they only want what's best for us. My mom told me on her first day here (with certainty) that by the end of her trip, she's going to be able to convince me to move back to the Philippines after I graduate. Knowing how headstrong my mom is, I kept praying that she would open her mind and see how happy I am here. God is good, because by the end of her trip, she told me that she fully supports me in all my decisions, as long as I'm happy, and just the other day told me she's coming back to NYC some time this year to look at properties, not for them to permanently move here, but for the future. How awesome is that?? 

**

I've been alone for a week now, and I thought I'd be extremely sad that to come home to an empty apartment everyday after getting used to being with Mama the past month. Surprisingly I'm not (although I have to admit, I cried like a baby when Papa left, 'cos I realized I was all alone), because I'm busy with school, work, and friends. One thing I learned over the past 6 months was that I definitely made the right decision by moving here to New York City. Things happen for a reason.. Early this year, I used to wonder if I made the right decision to move here - 6 months ago I only had 3 friends in school, and thought I couldn't meet more people. The beginning of the year was probably the toughest time for me... I was second guessing myself because I left the Philippines - where all my family and friends were. I left all that for something that was then uncertain.. Well, not anymore! I now have friends, absolutely love my school, and I have an internship I enjoy. The people I least expected to be friends with and close to are the ones who I ended up spending almost everyday with - and by choice, mind you! I'm glad I didn't give up on my dream, otherwise I'd still be where I was a year ago, and I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be as happy as I am now. Funny how things turn out, huh? 

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