Monday, September 28, 2009

Ondoy

September 26, Saturday -- I wake up at 11 AM to the sound of my ringing cellie. It's mother.

"Wake up, wake up! Your dad and I are in church and we sent the driver out. The maid says our house is flooded! HELP HER!" She's clearly panicking. Thinking it was a mere exaggeration, I groggily got up and walked towards the dining room. As I stepped down from the hallway and felt cold water, I realize she wasn't kidding. And the maid was already busily mopping the floor. I called Arlee right away to come over, my mom's panic attack rubbed off on me. Last time the house got flooded was back in 1994. I realize Ondoy can't be just another typhoon. I turn on the TV a few hours later and realize I was right.




My mom's poor little garden. Photo taken after the water subsided.



The garage. Cars aren't home. My parents and the driver had to leave the cars on Central Avenue because it was impassable that afternoon. As of the moment, we have a CRV there awaiting a tow truck. Tried to get through the flood that day and it broke down on me!


We're lucky the water inside the house only reached up to the ankle. Outside it was knee high but I knew it must be worse in other areas. Specifically my tita's and cousin's homes in Kingsville Subdivision in Antipolo. We were so worried about them for 2 days. Today my cousin ate Ayee finally got to see them. Thank heavens they're safe. Material things can be gained back, but health is the real wealth so to speak. I'm glad all my friends and family are safe. But I am also saddened by their losses. :-(

I have been seeing heart breaking photographs and videos lately. Children who drowned, dead pets covered in mud, smashed cars and houses. I dare not post them here. My old highschool was flooded too. There are people who took shelter under their ceiling or on their roof while waiting to be rescued for hours and even days! I've been hearing stories of loss and miracles, all very overwhelming. Especially the way people are helping each other any way they can right now.

After I publish this post I shall go back to segregating my things for relief goods. It's the least I can do.

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Goodbye Is The Hardest Word




That's me zipping up my sister's wedding gown four years ago. As I type this, she's probably flying above the vicinity of LAX by now. About to land to a new life, a new home with her husband. I really am happy that they're finally together. But it is hard to let go of the life we shared together as roommates in the 26 years of my existence (we supposedly separated bedrooms a few years ago but I still sleep in hers, LOL!) and being sisters-in-crime. Though we grew up as frenemies as children -- and still the occasional bickering from time to time as adults -- she has been my good good friend through thick and thin. My loyal fan who never ceases to text and update friends (much to my embarrassment) with events I'm doing or new publicity features. When bitches got in my way, she fought them with me. She was one of my kaladkarins (in layman's term, someone you can tag along whenever, wherever). One who listened to my whining and bore with my bitchy ways. Who is going to reciprocate when I roll my eyes at the "circus side" family gathering now? Or talk to me late at night when the lights are off but my mind still won't shut up? Or shop with me during family trips when le parents just wanna kick back and not walk for hours?

I swore not to cry because I wanted a happy new beginning for her. But as I hugged her for the last time at the airport the tears wouldn't stop from falling. Atchi was the ultimate big sister, the ideal eldest daughter. To say she's responsible and kindhearted is an understatement, thus the endless string of godchildren. That's how I know she'll make an incredible mother. Knowing she's on the baby track gives me another reason to be happy for her. And knowing they are finally together and starting a new life as husband and wife (sans Skype) stops the tears from falling any further. My eyes are puffy as it is anyway.

I'm supposed to clear her room today and move into it. But I'm not ready to do that just yet. Memories flood like crazy and sleeping alone in that big bed is just too much to handle.

In two weeks my boyfriend Arlee goes back home to Florida as well. And my other best mate Leah had left for California a few months ago too. Everyone is leaving. Maybe I should make a career out of crying. What is it with US that makes people leave? Everyone seems to be gearing up for a new life ahead. And even though I am left behind, it also leads a new life for me. A new life without my backbone, quieter nights without loud laughter and DVD marathons alone. I'm embracing this new change although it comes with great difficulty. Goodbye definitely is the hardest word.

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

September So Good!


Preview cover girl Kim Chiu in a top by me and Zara skirt and belt.


Mega Magazine unveils their Top 10 bets from the Philippine Fashion Week Holiday Collections...



...and features 25 young designers to interpret 5 design masters. All in this month's issue.



Stella's Designer Profile feature on yours truly.








Thank you, thank you, thank you. :-)

Friday, September 4, 2009

Maricar Reyes in Czarina Villa


When Alyanna asked if I would be interested in dressing up one of her Star Magic stars, I instantly said "Yes, if she were Maricar Reyes or Shaina Magdayao." And so I was ecstatic to find out that Maricar said yes to me making her gown for the Ball. Four sleepless nights and a few bottles of Redbull later, this was the aftermath.

So no, it wasn't by Francis Libiran as printed on the Inquirer today. How sad for me. :-(


Thanks to Alyanna Martinez though for this rad opportunity. Always a pleasure working with my real-girl-sista!

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Preview + Rockwell

Last Friday, I braved the traffic to support Preview magazine. They said to come in your favorite all-black Fall trend.



Happenin' PREVIEW gals: Daryl, the lovely Pauline Suaco-Juan (in Rajo. The dress is L-O-V-E!!!) and Liz Uy.




With the beautiful and talented BFFs Bibai Gaisano of Renegade Folk (aren't those hot pink shoes pretty?!) and Rachelle Que -- whose style I so adore! I look like I have a dick here though. LMAO!!



We love Daryl!



Everyone noticed Raymond Santiago's bomber jacket.



Just had to take a photo of the life size Preview September issue. My black top adorned with my Palabok detail made it on the cover. YAY!



Photo c/o Daryl (plucked out from her blog: stylesamurai). Wore my ribbed black pin tucked taffeta pants and raw edge jacket (the one from my PFW Holiday 2008 collection)


Close-up shot of the detail:




True to our glutonic selves, Martin, Eric and I pigged out at Myron's Place afterwards...



Yum...




This makes me hungry.