Throwback Thursday (way, way, back)

It's my 100th post! I know I don't post much, so I consider that as an achievement. Today, I'm going back to the year 2009. For me, it was a year of opportunities and misfortunes. I was a senior in college and president of our professional organization. I was handling an organization whilst juggling thesis writing and other school responsibilities. In addition to that, I also have my personal life and relationships that I was trying to hold on to. During that time, I was given a chance to visit Japan for 10 days to attend a seminar at Fukuoka University. For ten days, I was one of the happiest people on Earth. However, when I came back, reality slapped - nay - kicked me so hard, that I didn't know how to get up at once. Our thesis was in a stalemate; I got betrayed by someone I trust my life with; and responsibilities from the organization came crashing in like a tsunami. I was miserable. I was heart broken. Thus, I wasn't really able to fully share my Fukuoka experience to anyone, except some of my family and some friends. I didn't even posted it in Facebook! But now that I'm out of that awful past, now that I've moved on from that, and now that I've learned my lessons, perhaps it's time I look back on those wonderful ten days.

Hello Japan!

 Disclaimer: What you're about to see are photos taken using a digital camera in 2009. I know. They're a bit bad. But hey, they're worth it. Also, you will also see a clueless thin version of me. A.thin.version.of.me.

Siem Reap, Cambodia - Day 3

Finally, day 3 of our Cambodia tour! This post will be picture heavy instead, as I truly believe in the saying that "A picture speaks a thousand words". That and I have a lot of things to catch up with for school.

Part 1: Our Hotel - Angkor Spirit Palace

Vote for "Gift of Life" to Win the Webby Awards!

Energizer Philippines and Manikako presents "Gift of Life", which is nominated for a Webby Award under the category of Online Commercials. It's about a robot named Blitz falling in love with Litly, a cute doll. Watch their love story unfold, and see how true love makes sacrifices worth it. If Blitz and Lily's story wins, the Philippines will have its first Webby Award! Don't forget to vote!

 

 For those who doesn't know about the Webby Award, it's like the Oscars for the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences. This year's Webby Awards will be hosted by Patton Oswalt ("The King of Queens"). Vote now!

  

*This post is not sponsored.

Dear Reader #2

I've been seeing a lot of this sign lately:

 

Mine would be: cameras, teas, and books.

Dear Reader #1

1. Keep Calm and Tear It Down

Love,

Vintage Car Show

Cartistics Auto Restoration Garage and Petronas Lubricants held (or still holding; not sure!) a vintage car show at SM Southmall, Las  Piñas City last Thursday, August 30. I accidentally stumbled upon it because my real goal for going there was to buy a magazine and book shop a little. I love, love, love cars and vintage, so I spent a good 20 minutes drooling over the cars! Here are some of them (more photos after the jump!):

1965 Mercedez-Benz 190 (W110) “Fintail”

 1981 Mercedez-Benz 230TE

Step by Step

I opened August with a cheerful disposition, but that didn't last long. Due to our bipolar weather, I was sick a lot. Just weeks ago, I took a patch test because I itched a lot during the last two months. I found out what I'm allergic to (dust mites!) and other possible allergens that I can be allergic too. Luckily, my itching is now gone, but I can't eat meat (beef, pork, and chicken) unless they are freshly bought. I was even restricted from pineapples, apples, and lemon, which are three of my favorite fruits recently! But worst of all, I also gained a lot of weight, which I'm not really proud of. Honestly, I'm on the brink of being obese. I'm not really concerned with appearances. Heck, I go to work without make up on, and what I consider my signature look is an oversize shirt and jeans. However, I do love to dress up when possible. But nowadays, I can't even wear my regular jeans, and I wear mostly leggings these days. Most of my tops don't fit, and most of them are my once-in-a-while-pricey-splurges! Just last Monday, I saw a very cute peplum skirt at the mall. I tried on my usual size, but it just wouldn't budge. They have bigger sizes, but buying bigger sizes makes me feel hopeless. I simply went home and cried (Yes, I literally cried!). I slept with a broken heart, and woke up with a gloom. Eventually, I was sad the entire day.

Goodbye, July!

July started slow and ended so fast! I can't believe it's already August. Today, I'm back to work, although I'm working at home due to the storm that''s currently flooding the Metro. Contrary to last year, I'm more excited to go back to work this time. It's not only because of my credit card bill, but also because I like being productive. And speaking of productive, remember the list I made before July vacation started? Here's what I accomplished from them:

Accomplished:

• Learned how to drive
• Got a (student) driver's license (I have to wait a month before I can get a non-professional driver's license).
• Made multiple Divisoria trips
• Went to our company outing
• Watched Eiga Sai
• Cleaned my room

Partly-accomplished:

• Read some of the books in my reading lists - and added some more!
• Blogged - a little. I was always busy and tired due to numerous outings and plans, which is why I never get to blog a lot.

Unaccomplished:

• Lose some lbs. - Although I didn't lose any lbs, I didn't gain any! In other words, I learned how to maintain my food intake. My next step would be lessening it.
• Post some of my DIY projects - This is due to my laziness of transferring photos from cameras to my century old laptop.

I accomplished more than I thought I would, and I'm kind of proud of myself. What's best about this year's vacation is I was able to spend equal amount of time with my family and different groups of friends. :) I'm wishing that the rest of this year will be awesome! With that said...

Tea and Hope

1. Etsy

Vacation's going as I planned it. But then I realized that not everything can be planned. Sometimes, I miss that side of myself. I used to be so sure, and I used to see myself clearly in the future. Now, everything's a blur. I do have things I want to do, but I don't have the means to do them. At least, there's still tea to pour.

What I Did Last Sunday

Last Sunday, I had my very first project as an amateur photographer. No, I'm not trying to make this a profession and a source of living, but I do enjoy tweaking with my camera all the time and helping out my friends. For this project, I helped out my friend, Pampeem, for her promotional photos for her soon-to-be-launched online shop. She wanted the photos to be colorful and lively, as it is already summer here in the Philippines, so I baked colorful cupcakes (which I am selling for a very decent price. Soon to blog!) for her. I can't post the final photos yet, because I'm letting her post it on her own first. Here's a  few peek though of the behind-the-scenes:

And here's a short peek of the actual shoot:

I'll be posting her new blog once she's ready. Her accessories are great (I helped pick them too), so I hope you'd be her customers!

I'm feeling chatty.

Statement artworks have been really popular ever since I can remember. When I was little, I had this shirt that says "Kyut ako..." (I am cute) in front, and "Di ba?" (Right?) at the back. My mama would always make me wear that shirt during Sundays, when we go to parks or malls.  I don't know where that shirt is now, but I'd like to make one for my 6 years old cousin. :D Above are three statement artworks that definitely hit what I'm currently feeling.

As you may notice, the future scares me all the time. There are times when I'm assured that everything is going to be okay, but most of the time, I'm stressing out on what I plan to do in the future. I know I won't stay where I am right now forever, and I don't want to. I envy people who are so sure of themselves. I know they have worries too, but at least they're doing what they love. I have so many plans, but I'm too scared to do them. But I'd like to believe that there will always be hope for the future.

1. icanread | 2. etsy | 3. wordboner