Hitched

Just so we're clear, I'm not married nor did I get married recently. However, we went to a family friend's wedding in Intramuros, Manila on Friday. I had to skip work for half the day to get ready. It took place in Baluarte de San Diego, which was this amazing garden venue by the historic Intramuros walls. Love was definitely in the air and all of the guests could not be any happier for the couple. So to Jazzmin and Jason, congratulations and best wishes! Make lots of beautiful memories and babies together! :)

Anyway, here are a few snapshots of what went down that night. Please pardon the poor quality of the photos, I only had my phone and trusty old digital camera with me then. :)

Perhaps I must give you a short kwento about the two. They have been friends for the longest time. It was in high school when they started dating, and despite 11 years of ups and downs, they managed to stick it out until the end and look where it got us! It's true what they say: "Sa hinaba-haba ng prusisyon, sa simbahan din ang tuloy."

I'd like to believe that a love like theirs is rare. Having someone to love and someone to love you back is difficult enough, but surviving of 11 years through all the odds, now that's something special.

The cutest cake topper ever!

Welcome to wonderland!

OMG the long queue to the free frappe counter! Thanks, Starbucks! 

The stunning bride. :)

 

All we need is love!

Then came the night's most moving moment, when they were thanking their respective parents

Mr. and Mrs. Salazar! :)

 And now, moving on to the reception proper:

Hello, BB cream and your reflective properties! :))

Mom and Friends.

The couple share their first dance as husband and wife.

Yiheeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

Photo op!

Mom giving the couple pabaon.

 

As we bid farewell to the festivities.

And it goes without saying, that I will share what I wore to the event:

Dress: Vintage

Belt: Vintage

Fascinator Headband: SM Department Store

Heels: Parisian Shoes and Bags

Bangle: Gift from Mom

Weddings always inspire me and restore my faith in love and the goodness of the universe. It's a reminder that there is hope for all of us, that somewhere, somehow, there's someone out there for us. God has handpicked that very person to make all of our pain, our heartbreak, our disappointments in previous relationships, worth the tears. At the end of the day, we will be led to the one we're meant to spend eternity with.

Scarlet Sunday

Now that we're on the topic of catching up on my backlogs, here's another one from not-so-long-ago.

It's no big secret that my family and I love spending our weekends in Tagaytay (it's just 20 minutes away from our home). So, on my dad's last weekend with us (before he flew out for work), we had our usual prospects - mass and breakfast at Mile Hi Diner.

I've been browsing through a lot of hipster and bohemian blogs and mood board inspirations, hence my style sensibilities lately.

You've probably seen these boots a couple of times here. Well, they're my only pair of boots and I adore them to death! I wish I'd gotten them in gray and black, but since they're phased out, I'm left in shambles. :(

 

The Batik top came from Zamboanga, my dad's hometown. It's been stuck in my closet for a while and haven't quite found the right day and weather to don it out. Luckily, one sunny Sunday, it had a chance to show itself to the rest of the world!

 

Batik Dress from Zamboanga

Boots: Payless

Bangles: Luxe and Luster

Belt: Genevieve Gozum

I wonder where this Sunday will take me. ;)

Weekend Warriors: Comfort Zone

Hey, y'all! How's your weekend going so far? Mine's a little bittersweet. Today, my dad flew out to the States to get back to work after a 4-month hiatus here in the Philippines. Just when my mom celebrated her birthday (yes, today), my dad naman had to fly out. Also, I got unexpected news today from a friend. It really got me thinking more about maybe considering another path, about chasing down my dreams.

Despite all the bitter parts, I'm still glad I can smile. I was able to come to the UPLB Febfair (which I try to really go to every year, despite all the craziness in my life at the moment). I met old friends and rocked out to Malay and Pedicab. It was such a blissful state and I'm really happy I managed to make it, kahit na I was about to collapse from exhaustion. Super worth it. I slept for a solid 15 hours after that!

Oh, I can't even begin to tell you how crazy my week went! I was supposed to fly out to Manila on Wednesday morning from Isabela but our flight (the ONLY flight back) was cancelled. We had no other choice but to be rerouted to Tuguegarao. Imagine having to spend one more day in Tuguegarao with no extra set of clothes and having to cancel all your meetings because you won't make it back in time!

At the end of the day, I found my center again (I hope!), back to my comfort zone - in the midst of family and friends. That's where I feel recuperation from all the stress, the worries, and the fears. In their company, I feel like I can take on the world again.

Anyway, speaking of comfort zones, this outfit shot was taken last weekend in Tagaytay, during one of our random days out with mom and dad. We failed to make it to mass (we left home pretty late) so we grabbed breakfast at our usual place instead.

It was pretty chilly then so this ensemble fit the easy breezy weather then. Enjoy. :)

Meet my Mom and Dad! :)

We're the biggest goofballs around!

The beanie-wearing me is back!

Hello, old friend! This pair is actually about 6 years old now. Tibay ng Chucks!

They're the happiest parents I know. :)

Top: Random

Inner shirt: Random

Jeans: Random

Shoes: Converse

Beanie: from Baguio 

Oh, and we stopped by this A-M-A-Z-I-N-G ukay place in Tagaytay! I got about 10 pcs. of stuff and spent only a little over Php 500! I can't believe it either! There are lots of branded stuff like Uniqlo, Zara, H&M (if you're a little brand-conscious). Good thing they were on sale when we came by. Definitely going back for more! You should check it out when you're in Tagaytay.

Coffee-lovers and actual lovers. ;)

Easy peasy. :3

Daddy's girl. Always have been.

Stay cool, kids. :)