My Sister's Wedding-- A Late Congratulations from Me

A month ago, my sister got married to her boyfriend of 4 years. The wedding was a beautiful one and I have seen how everything has transpired. Of course, I should know these things because I was always there when my sister and her fiance spent a hundred Saturdays going to different places in Metro Manila to find their wedding venue, dress, caterer, band, and whatnot. I have been both an accomplice and a rival since we only had one car at that time. Since most of my Saturdays were spent at Greenbelt, I did not have a car to go out of Paranaque from. That's why I ended up staying home the whole day.

Mr. & Mrs. Ronnie Lao

The preparation for the BIG day started around June 2010. That was the time when my sister formally told me that she was already engaged. But even so, she was scared to tell our dad that she was engaged. It was only in September that my sister's fiance got the nerve to talk to my dad. Considering they were already adults and that they have been together for 4 years, everyone just thought that it was the right and logical thing to do.

During the preparation, I specifically asked NOT to be the Maid of Honor. I was too busy with work and hearing the sort of stuff that were lined up for a Maid of Honor, I got cold feet and knew that I would not be able to work as much if I accepted the responsibility. Also, I always thought that the Maid of Honor should be someone whom the bride is closest to. Although it was only recently when my sister and I got close, I could not help but recall the weeks and months when we would not speak to each other. (Yes, I tend to shut someone out of my life if I am mad at her/him. Even if we live in the same house, I can last a year without talking to him/her.) That's why I asked not to be the Maid of Honor.

So alas! The big day came. Everyone arrived at Parque Espana while we were still having breakfast. The makeup artists arrived then the bridesmaids. It was a good thing that I got to take shots of the items before the photographers arrived. I was a bit disappointed that I didn't get to take pictures of my sister in her wedding gown-- I only got the behind the scenes shots.

My sister's custom made shoes

Cute di ba? Ronnie's shoes also has 'I DO' on the bottom 

Stuff for the wedding 

Well, these aren't the real wedding rings... 

The gown and the bouquet

My sister's make up artist Shin Chua did her magic on me. I was really amazed at how well I looked that day. But most importantly, I have never seen my sister so beautiful. In fact, it was the most beautiful that I ever saw her.

My awesome makeup by Shin Chua 

I stole this shot. :)  

Beautiful!

Too bad my brothers weren't there...

At the venue, I became the unofficial Maid of Honor-- escorting our relatives to their seats, making sure that no one would trip on the loose carpet, tending to guests who were already hungry, etc. I was wearing around 3-4 inches heels (I think) and I was able to run around in my gown.

As she was walking down the aisle with my dad, I could not help but shed a few tears. I even saw some relatives making a fuss that they saw me crying-- but who cares. I was ecstatic for my sister and I could not control myself.

My dad and sister 

Ronnie sung the bridal march -- Angels Brought Me Here

My sister's trail

When I was told that I had to give a speech to my sister, I was shocked. I knew that my dad had to give a speech so I prepared his speech already. But I never knew that I would speak in front of people as well. One by one, the bridesmaids and groomsmen went on stage and congratulated the couple. They talked of how this new union would be and how they hope it would last forever, while I sat dumbfounded, I could not think of what to say!

When my turn came, I joked that I would not go on stage because it was too difficult to climb down on my heels. With my heart on my throat, I mentioned my sister's name and looked back at her. When I saw her crying, that was it for me. Tears streamed down my face like never before. This was the first time that I cried good tears for my sister. The other times that I cried were all because I hated her and another because of a fight she had with my older brother.

Me and my emotions!

She came over to hug me and I still could not stop crying. I knew I had to say something so I just talked about how I wished we were complete during her wedding day. I told her how happy I am of the person she has become and that Ronnie has truly brought that out. I know my sister has come a long, long way and our new life in Manila has changed everything about us. The past 4 years have brought us together. And now she was marrying the love of her life; her rock and her inspiration. I imagined how it would be if Mom was still there-- if she was there. And I could not imagine anymore because deep down I knew that my sister has always acted as my Mom.

Ack!

I was a bottle of tears that day. I could not help myself. Sayang ang makeup! But yes, it was a beautiful celebration. I am truly happy that my sister found someone to take care of her. Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Ronnie Lao!

After all the drama....

4 Tips for Living On Your Own-- Keeping House

So it's been a month since I decided to move out and be independent. The whole month has been a roller coaster ride--sometimes sad, at times fun, but mostly super busy. I have been filling my free time every chance I get so I don't end up having a sad time thinking that I'm really alone. Aside from work, I occupy my time with school (which I decided to take a break from), exercising, work and more work. The free time I have I usually spend with my friends or family. When I don't feel like it, I would spend time on my own instead.

Lately, one of the things that has helped me deal with the stress is doing household chores-- cooking, cleaning, and buying groceries. With this, I've decided to share some of the few things that I've learned on my own:

1. Don't store garlic and onion in one container.
They grow and cultivate and this reminds me of our science experiments back in grade school.

2. When washing dishes, JOY Ultra Hand Care with Vitamin E will be your best friend!
I really like using it  because it does not roughen my hands after washing dishes. It feels like you just put on lotion after you washed your dishes.

This will always be part of my grocery list!

3. Mr. Muscle is wonderful!
I first learned about how good Mr. Muscle is through a friend. She swore that it would be able to remove stains and promised it will work great. So I decided to try it on a shoe stain on my tiled floors. I just sprayed it on the the stain and wiped it with tissue paper. TA-DA! The stain was gone!

Mr. Muscle, you are now the only man allowed to enter my home!

4. When buying groceries, stick to your list!
Remember the tip that people have left for those who want to go grocery shopping? Never buy grocery when you're hungry and always stick to your list. Well, those two tips are true. Unless, you want to end up spending P2,000 minimum every week!

So far, those are some of the things I've learned living alone. :) Will keep adding more as soon as there's new learning involved. :)

Out With the Old, In With the New

Life has been such a huge change for me. That's why I have not been blogging as much as I promised to. It is exactly a month since I have moved out of our home in Paranaque and moved to a condo unit I rented out in Makati. Life has been good the past month. I have been busy, rewarded, and continuously challenged. Regardless, the past month has just given me a look at how my life will be like for the next few months.

Although I've been loving my first month of being independent, it has also been making me feel sick. Lately, my health issues have started again and everyone around me says it's because I am overworking myself. Aside from being the ONLY writer for a certain SEO company, I have also been engaging myself in iOS Development classes (1.5 hours every Tues and Thurs), the blog manager for someone influential, General Manager for a Thailand based magazine, and the EIC for an upcoming yuppie magazine, EPIC. Just recently though, a guy friend invited me to join him in his diving adventures and sweet talked me into the underwater world. So yes, I decided to join. I will be starting scuba diving classes on Thursday.

With all the things I'm doing, it's still not giving me time to rest and earn extra money. Right now, all my earnings have been designated to cover fees, bills and whatnots. So I'm really working hard to make sure I meet the minimum requirement I need to earn every week.

Unfortunately, the past few days have been difficult for me. I have been waking up with cold shivers that I can no longer manage. Last Saturday, I had unbearable palpitations and could not even stand having the air from an electric fan. This got me thinking that I should take time to rest. Even though I am torn between what I should give up, I know that I have to give up something greater. For now, I am giving up iOS Development classes simply because it is putting too much stress on me right now. For one, I do not understand the language being used and it is putting a toll on what I know. Also, I do not own a Mac and it is so difficult to understand everything we are doing without a Mac. This is also pressuring me because I know I need to buy a Mac soon, but just like I said: I do not have the budget for it right now. To this, I decided I will take the second batch of iOS Development students so I can have enough time to buy a Mac.

This decision really saddens me because people might think I am giving up once again. But to be honest, I really am not. I am just taking a break because everything is too huge for me right now. I'm afraid if I don't, I will collapse and turn into a lazy turtle. That will be such a shame.

This is what happens if I burn out

Anyway, that's an update on my life right now. Sorry guys if I haven't had time to blog the past month but I hope after today, I can make time for it. Now that  we've got a new magazine, I'm hoping you guys will watch out for it and support it. :)

To this I leave with the saying:

"What doesn't kill you, only makes you stronger."

Dorothy Returns to the Yellow Brick Road

Dorothy Returns to the Yellow Brick Road

by: Trixie Torralba

This path looks strangely familiar

It's like I've been on this little brick road before

Don't know when it was

But I'm sure it was from a distant memory

I don't know why it feels the same

Even though it's not supposed to

I don't know why this road suddenly feels

So safer now I'm with you

I don't know how long it's been

Or when I was last here

I can't explain this feeling

But somehow I want to stay

Though I'm well too familiar

Of the cracks and holes of this road

Can you blame me for finding

With you I feel so at home

Will this road finally lead me home?

Or will it keep me in a lop

For now I don't want the answer

I'd rather be stuck beside you

I don't want to go anywhere

I'd rather stay glued on this very spot

You make me feel human once again

And reminded me of love

I don't know where this road leads this time

But can you please stay with me

Even if it's not forever

At least stay, stay for a while

Making Up by Sharing SoN's Cover of Slide (Goo Goo Dolls)

Hi everyone! Who missed me?

I'm sorry I haven't been blogging as much as I promised. Per my last post, I mentioned that I was moving into a new home and starting school-- all in one week. Things have been a roller coaster ride lately. There are days when I feel like I'm on top of my game, and there are days when I feel so alone. It's a circle of life that I really have to deal with.

Anyway, while I'm trying to be Superwoman, let me leave you guys with a video I took of Stories of Now playing Goo Goo Dolls' Slide. Now that my sister's wedding is done with, I think I have free time on my hands. So I'll be able to update my blog... Won't promise anything though.

Until my next post, please enjoy this song: