O Captain! My Captain!

It's finally happened!!! My brother graduated from college and is now a licensed private pilot to the delight of all our family members, well-wishers, and friends. By now, it's evident that I am someone whose top priorities include her family. I am the type of sister who involves herself way too much in her brothers' lives. When the older brother graduated in Manila Hotel last 1 April 2015, I was bursting with pride to the point that it's insane how I handled it. I mean, since I practically wrote his thesis and another final project, I deserve to jubilate right? Hahahaha

Dress used as top: Promod | Necklace: from a bazaar | Skirt: Kultura | Belt: Mango | Shoes: Zara

Yet again, I found myself forgetting to take photos of what I'm wearing that I've to resort to uneven cropping. Oh well. The invitation clearly states that female guests must wear either a long gown or a Filipiniana gown. I've lots of both in my closet since I rarely give my gowns away even though I've already used them so it was easy to decide on what I'm going to wear. But a day before the graduation, it dawned on me that I'm only the sister of the graduate so I've to look less formal than my Mom while still being in theme which meant that I've to re-examine the pieces in my wardrobe. I wanted to wear a top that has the Imelda Sleeves then pair it off with dress shorts for the modernized youthful Filipiana look but I can't find it. I, however, managed to get my hands on its bottom counterpart. I can't find anything that will balance its length and design out so I opted for a simple top and a statement necklace. Perhaps the final look doesn't look much but do you realize how much thought process went into it? Hahaha



Even my make-up and hair were evaluated the night before. Sometimes I really make someone else's event my event hahaha Just kidding!



My brother with our proud parents
My brother happens to be the eldest grandchild in both our Mom's and Dad's sides so he has a special place in everyone's eyes (next to me, naturally). He also happens to be the first pilot in our family. He graduated with a degree in BS Aviation major in Flying from Airlink International Aviation School. We celebrated with the usual company - my two first cousins in the country, two grandmoms, and two uncles. This time though, my Mom invited my cousins' cousins from their Dad's side just to make it more festive. We dined in Market Cafe in New World Manila Bay Hotel. We've tried a couple of buffet restaurants in different hotels (which I'm trying to sort in under the RESTAURANTS tag for easier categorizing) and this is actually among those that are really deserving of its price. The food choices are diverse while the taste is superb.



I briefly talked about being the Filipinana Queen when I was in elementary in this POST, a title that is self-bestowed. I used to ask my grandmom to make me a dress year after year just because even then, I didn't want to wear the same thing over and over again. Luckily I was able to store them. Here are my cousin Rayne and her cousin Jamille in the gowns I wore when I was in Grade 5 and Grade 6.





My brother is among the few people who have found the perfect match in their chosen career. Not that I'm judging my brother and his preferences (although I enjoy doing that in front of him as a form of bonding), but he's among those whose personality is so strong and developed that he thinks that there is a certain way to live. His views are wrapped around the idea that exclusivity must be embraced. Personally, I also subscribe to the same philosophy but in a less extreme way. There's nothing wrong with aspiring to live the "good life" so to speak especially when one works hard to attain it, and subsequently choose to share it with people who also think the same way. Others might find his aloofness and opinions as hallmarks of snobbishness but he's always been the straightforward kind, one who doesn't do the typical mundane nonsense we all have to deal with. Perhaps it's a trait that has to be corrected but ultimately, I don't think that it posits big problems. After all, the extent of his clout is small. The damage, should there be any, is only within the people whom he likes to associate himself with. It actually sits well with me. There's nothing wrong in living with a certain set of standards and allowing only a few people to matter. It's all just a matter of choosing what's most comfortable to live with.

I've graduated from college more than a year before. Check it out HERE. 

Changing Colors

Sometimes, it's easier to speak in metaphorical tongue rather than state the obvious. Say something out of your ordinary babbles and everyone around you would assume that there's a problem in your corner. Explaining why I did what I just did isn't exactly one of my strong suits. You see, there's a difference between explaining the facts as you saw them and being defensive about the circumstances. And often in that difference, do I find myself misinterpreted by most. To prevent myself from getting entangled into deeper complications, let's leave the obvious and start with the metaphorical context. 

Dress: Daniel Hechter | Bag: Ralph Lauren | Shoes: BGBG | Watch: Anne Klein

2 days before the graduation, all the would-be graduates were called to school for our third to final (there was the Recognition Rites the following day which I opted not to attend anymore) school activity. And let me tell you there's no better way for you to feel you're truly graduating than wearing your toga for the first time. It's in that instance where we all had to put it on did I feel the completion of all the things I worked for in the past 3 and a half years. That was it, I was truly graduating. More than the excitement though, I was bothered. I'm a very sprightly person. I hate doing nothing. Whether I'm doing something I would benefit from in the future or doing something that would incriminate me eventually, I always prefer being busy. That's why I couldn't get off my frustration, even when I was already in my academic attire. I knew I was headed to a few months (which I hope will end soon) of nothingness. Who knows how the rest of the year would unfold for me and though I do not despise the unknown, I fear the future. 

Enough of my sentiments! 

If I were to study college once more, I would've chosen De La Salle University over and over and over again. I highly doubt there's a more suitable university for me in the country. I liked all the competent professors (Sir Gojocco who taught me Philosophy, Sir Villacorta from my Great Works class, Sir Lim of Market1, Ms. Reyes who taught me Statistics2, and of course my thesis mentor Ms. Lysa were my favorites) I had the privileged to be under to, the top of the line technology used inside the campus, the well-constructed and decorated buildings especially the recently risen Henry Sy library, and of course the type of students who were admitted in DLSU. I'm not a snob but I take pride in knowing that majority of the people I came across with, either in a class we shared or just along the halls as we transferred from one building to another, are the future shapers of various industries in the country. 

FOR ALL THE WONDERFUL MEMORIES YOU'VE LET ME EXPERIENCE, THANK YOU DLSU! I now understand why the graduates of this university are still in one with the activities of the present batches spiritually, physically, and financially. La Sallian education is indeed incomparable.

Thank you for all the photos, Hannah!

Just Like That, It's Over

It's really funny when life catches up with you. It's even funnier when you realize that in this race of a life, there's no choice but to continue running because whether you like it or not, there will be a finish line. If life were truly a race, I just did a 10K distance. It's not much but it is certainly a milestone. And although I didn't finish first, nor did I stand out among all the other racers, I was able to cross the line. My eyes probably wandered off from the proverbial prize but at least I got my feet running where they were intended to in the first place. 

My batchmates and I had our graduation rites in PICC last 8 February 2014. The ceremony started at 8am. I remember distinctly that more than 3 years ago, I was a bit late for LPEP, DLSU's frosh orientation. Fast forward to Saturday's graduation, I was, yet again, late. I arrived quarter to 9, with all my course- batchmates done with our obligatory bow in front of the audience. I marched too, don't worry. Only, I marched with the rest of the late-comers. What can I say, I hate breaking traditions. Haha!

my college sisters!!!

with my proud parents!

with my two grandmoms, two uncles, two parents, two brothers, and two cousins

I celebrated my graduation in Antonio's in Tagaytay which is officially now in my list of the Top 5 best restaurants I've ever eaten in. The food was divine, the ambiance was tasteful, and the service was agreeable. I changed from my academic attire into another favorite: my new gown designed by my favorite Filipino designer, Rajo Laurel. That's

 a lot of favorites, isn't? 

Gown and belt: Rajo Laurel | Shoes: BCBG

The gown itself is a stand alone. It doesn't need a belt really but I thought it needed some sparkle. I took two different belts, attached the first on top of another, tied it around my waist, and that's when I decided I'm satisfied with my look. I kind of thought this is how I want to look like as I welcome the challenges of the real world.

I know, I know. I also thought it would've taken me longer to find the push that I need to continue publishing egocentric stories here but all of a sudden, I just felt like something has to anchor me down as I meet the demands of a world I'm about to enter into. Since this blog has served this purpose for quite a long time, it's best that I turn back to it especially at a time like this. So, yes, this blog will continue rolling. It'll witness all the mundane things I do, with special activities in between.

I may have to start earning my own keep, lose some of my inappropriate quirkiness, and acquire new traits that'll save me in future endeavors, but so what! I've always chosen to run along instead of being just a spectator anyway, preferably in heels though. Cheers to a start of a more mature life! :)