Holy Week Staycation = Instagr.am

So I can't seem to fall asleep. Though when I told myself last night that I'd take a nap, I slept until the next day. Yes, my body clock is screwing me over.

Anyway, I'd like to explain the title. Holy Week is an awaited part of the year for every Filipino [whether you're a catholic or not]. Mainly due to the fact that you're given nearly a week off from work/school. It's traditional for families to journey and spend this time together, giving thanks or just basically having a short vacation. Everyone seems too be on the road back to the province or to some getaway touristy location. 

Well, everyone except me and a couple of people I know. I do not choose to travel during this time, cause I don't like crowds. [One of my biggest pet peeves when travelling is the noisy call center agent group that won't let other people sleep as they loudly flaunt some of the English that they have. This is usually a group of girls trying to get the attention of some foreigner in the same vehicle and....*forcefully ends rant*] I am the type of traveler that likes getting lost and being immersed in my destination. So, off peak travelling is more of my thing. Oh another thing is that since everyone is travelling, everything is booked, there's traffic everywhere and everything is a hassle. So during this time I stay in and have myself a staycation (stay-in vacation). 

During this year's Holy Week Staycation, I was able to do the following things: 

1. Teach! Chemistry moreover. Since, I had no work to attend to and my former student needed help with some homework and her regular tutor was out. I was more than happy to take the job. As weird as it is, I loved the 6 hours we spent researching and answering Chemistry problems [I hate Chemistry btw.]. I also loved the chance to catch up. She's definitely grown but I'm really glad she's a happy kiddo now. Let me just say that I miss being a student[and a tutor]!

Me And Brina

2. Midnight Coffee Bonding. One night, Arck and I got stuck in a deserted Eastwood City. Good thing Aya was there too so we had a nice midnight gab session. I like Manila when it's quiet. Arck and I hung out a lot over the weekend. Since, we had opposite work hours we haven't spent as much time together. So here's a snippet of what we did: 

 

When you find someone that doesn't mind your weirdness and you guys can be weird together then there's definitely some love there.

3. Ninang Bonding. I also got to visit my best friend, Mai, and her twins. We had a lot of catching up to do and I missed her little girls. I wanted to get her some Gong Cha before I got to their place but the establishment was out for the entire weekend. I ended up bringing pizza instead. 

Me and Leigh

4. Hacking: An Old Habit. As a child I liked tinkering with things. Sooner or later this tinkering moved into the nitty-gritty workings of computers and electronics. I have never tried hacking a phone before but once I heard that Instagr.am was released in Google Play, I had to have it. So I read around and initially bricked my phone but I was able to fix it and upgrade it to a compatible Android version. So the pictures below are ones I've taken with Instagr.am of our Holy Weekend:

   

 

And I've been active ever since. As much as I want to bring my DSLR everyday, it's not really allowed at work. I appreciate Instagr.am cause I finally found an avenue for my everyday mundane documentations. It's turned into a look book of what I'm wearing, what I find funny, what I'm reading and an avenue for me to practice my photography in terms of composition. So if you guys are interested, you can follow me on Instagr.am. I am @xylith. Here are some other pics from my mesh of material there. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My current read.

Not too bad with the post processing effects that Instagr.am has already incorporated but I use another app for post processing on my phone. That's Photoshop Express and Photoshake if you guys are wondering. 

So I'm going to crawl back into bed and try to fall asleep again. Wish me luck.  

My ZALORA Wishlist

Arckham and I just reached our 4th year together last April 23 2012. I am of course super happy that we have come this far. [I love you, Arck!] 

Anyway, we haven't quite celebrated yet. Mainly due to the fact that we are both working and we have other responsibilities [money wise that is], moreover our shifts are in opposite hours. That's right, he works at night and I work in the day time. You now probably have an idea of how little time we spend together. We have a joke about this saying that we barely see each other... at the same time. ;P This is since he sees me when I'm asleep which would be at night and I see him when he's asleep which would be during the day. 

Basically, we wouldn't last this long if we didn't put time and effort into our relationship. Hence, we figured that the best time for us to bond would be when I get home from work and right before he starts his shift at night. Which is why our dates as of late have been slotted for dinner. Arckham and I are rarely picky about the food as long as it's good and affordable and we're together then we're both happy and so are our tummies.  

Though, I wanted to do something special seeing that we've reached a milestone in our relationship. Nothing too fancy, just a nice dinner where were both dressed up nicely in a nice place. That's why I was really excited when Nuffnang and ZALORA started the My ZALORA Wishlist Campaign and is giving me a chance to make a part of my dream anniversary celebration come true. I'm an avid online shopper[I mean with a schedule like mine definitely a big help not having to walk around all the time just to shop.] so I signed up for ZALORA and checked out their awesome pieces where I made a wishlist. 

I picked out these pieces not just for me but also for my boyfriend as well [They have a great selection for men]. The key thing that I paid attention to is that pieces should be something I can wear from work and straight into a date and in his case from a date and straight into the office. It's casual but chic and classy. 

So here are the things I would love to have for our 4th Anniversary Dinner: 

1.  This Gibi H2082 for Arckham. I took into consideration how it looks with slacks and the comfort that he would also be needing since he'll still be spending a full shift after our dinner.

2.  This nice Jacket by Merger. It's called a Zipper Hidden Flap Pocket since there are 2 Zipper Pockets and 2 Flap pockets on the chest area. I like the style and the details of this item. It's casual without being overly so.  It's also very functional since I know that he would be needing a jacket to stay warm in a 16degree environment at the office.
3. This perfect pair of Button Toe Heels by Everbest. Since, I can sport it at work and it's comfy enough to be moving around in the office for 8 hours before our dinner. Plus its simple elegance is what really draws it to me.
4.  This AMY Empire Pleatted Dress by Nana G which can be both fun and business casual at the same time. It also matches Arck's Merger jacket since the skirt is not too casual but still quaint.
5.  I chose this shoulder bag by The Little Things She Needs since it would be able to pull the entire outfit together. It's also big enough for me to carry my DSLR for me to take photographs during our anniversary dinner. Plus it also matches the shoes. :D

I really want all these pieces together so that Arckham and I would just need to worry about where and what to eat. I would really like to make this dinner special by not worrying what we're going to wear and just focus on each other. I really want these pieces to complete our evening and make it something awesome. 

And if you're looking for a great place to shop, check out ZALORA where all the above pieces came from 

[credits to ZALORA for the photographs as well]. They have a great selection and awesome payment plans. [I totally love the COD and 3 Hour Delivery feature.] Click on their badge below and create your own wishlist: 

Oh and just a quick note before I got cross my fingers for this one: when you sign up for ZALORA's newsletter you get a PHP 250.00 rebate on your next purchase. Awesome isn't it? 

Channeling My Inner Dragon Part 1: January

So as the month of January rolled in, I was still very much stuck in 2011. Arckham not being here for 2 important holidays was really bugging me. I was as I called it "fighting the lonely". [I've tried the LDR thing. It's not for me.] It also didn't help that things at work were not as smooth as they should be since we were also transitioning into the year.

Anyway, I think my month really started when January 12 hit. Since that's around the time that Arckham and his siblings finally came home. Let me just say that hugs then were way to precious. I also loved that they had these for me:

Apparently my love for earrings has been noted

Since, Arckham was back. I planned a getaway trip for us. It started out as a group thing then it ended up as just me and him [which was pretty much fine by me.] We headed to La Union because I also wanted him to meet the friends I had there. I also wanted to surf and since Jano was coming along he could take pictures. My 55-200mm was really put to good use.

Look at us looking more relaxed on the second picture :P

Arck bonded with Dimitri. Two shots on the right are mine though.

Awesome people I know in San Juan

With my mentor, Honeywell.

So of course, besides drinking by the beach and surfing. Eating well was on the agenda. Choot came along to sample the food:

Midway 

So, first stop was Midway. It was a diner and it had Wifi which immediately gave it plus points. The menu consisted of sizzling and grilled dishes. I got gambas and Arck had pork chop. I like the ambiance well enough. It reminded me of 50's Diner in Baguio but this was made more of steel than vintage. Food was roughly PHP 100-250 per person including drinks which was not so bad.

Taipan Garden Restaurant

Just before we left for Manila, we decided to eat in the city. The last time I was in Taipan, I was craving the Schezuan Crab [which apparently does not exist]. Anyway, I was still craving crab so I had one in the form of sotanghon crab and Arck had the Chopsuey. Taipan is a bit pricey (PHP 250-500 per person) but they've improved a lot as opposed to the last time I was there. The space is bigger, though servers are still just as inattentive [AFI, guys].  

Anyway, other meals provided by friends there as well as by SeaNymph. Our stay was relaxing and just as nummy. :P

Side note: This was also the month were I became the lead POC of one of our accounts in my present company. I also got regularized just this month so it's quite an accomplishment. Yay!

Last Look at 2011

So, before I tell you what fun I had at the latter part of December. Let's look back and see what I've done in 2011:

Here are the 11 things for 2011:

1. More Travel - Well, I've visited the beach a lot through out the year. So I guess I can cross this out.
2. Freedom! - I definitely showed her I don't live in fear anymore. Thing is I still need to convince 3 others.
3. MechaPinay - Finished a gundam
4. Marathoner - Is there a double strike through for this one. [Let me see Voyager, Big Bang Theory, Leverage, Chuck, Game of Thrones...] 
5. Net Life - Best friend acquired. 
6. Photography - Dimitri definitely helped me a lot. 
7. Made Up - Slowly learning more techniques.
8. Bookworm - Building my library is something I can still work on in 2012, but of course I've been reading a lot. 
9. Cos Play - Didn't do as much but came out with this and this. So definitely needs more work. 
10. Three Times the Charm - We had a rough year but I'm glad we got to three.
11. Movie Year - More like super hero year.  

That list doesn't look too bad. 8/11. Definitely burned major cash over the year. So here's how I capped off 2011:

• CVG Christmas Parties. And lots of them. I can't really post a lot of pictures cause I fear company policy will come chasing after me but oh boy I was not expecting to attend 4 Christmas Parties for just one company. I have spent so much on clothes for just these parties. Oh but they were definitely good productions and lots of fun. Here are a few choice photos:

• Dream Team Christmas Dinner. The night we had this dinner Arckham had left the Philippines and had gone to Bahrain for the holidays. [His parents are there so, for this year we spent the holidays separately. It was definitely not easy for me.] The good thing is that I have a lot of awesome friends who made sure that I would be taken cared of this season. Of course, one of which is my colleagues from my previous company [who now generally work in various companies and industries which keeps things interesting for all of us]. I definitely had a great time with them. Awesome people right here:

• Bookclub Christmas Tradition. Given the season, I definitely made it to Baguio. [Though only for a short while.] First on the agenda would be to see my siblings from other parents. :P It is in this group that I have felt unconditional love. So every year we get together to bless each other through small gifts. Friendship can not be truer than this:

Giving and Receiving gifts.

• Reconnecting with Family. Though as short as it was, I was definitely happy to see my siblings. It was also a nice surprise that there are people that don't care about my past and don't judge as bad as others I know. It was very nice to see E, my long lost twin. Rekindling an old connection is definitely interesting. Major hanging out with the father's side which is awesome since I am getting to know them so much better. Yay, family!

No matter what we are siblings. 

Long time no see. 

• Meeting New Family. It was my inaanaks' binyag [Godchildren's Christening] on Christmas Day. So I hightailed it back to Manila just in time to play photographer and Ninang [God parent] to one of my best friend's twin girls. I am super excited since they are my first godchildren. I also learned the true meaning of what it is to be a God parent. [I unlearned my old paradigm of what it meant.] Hurrah to new learning:

I guess I ended things on a high note. Yes, moving forward posts may be photo heavy. I decided to not slack off with the photography.

Let me just add an interesting side note: I spent the entire bus ride from Baguio to Manila with an old friend's boyfriend. Small world. 

Of 2010 and For 2011

Well, in about 15 minutes, it would be Feb 1. I've taken the entire month of January 2011 to look back at 2010 and look forward to 2011.

So here are a 10 notable things of 2010:

1. Career Growth
• This isn't merely because I got more responsibilities at work but also the growth in my skills and the feeling of accomplishing something. That something being worth while and meaningful. There are a lot of people whose lives might have changed due to getting a job, I'm glad I played a part in that. In the least, I know where all my OT, blood, sweat and tears had gone too. Hopefully next year, I'd be able to do things better and treat myself better as well.

2. Travel
• Well, this is discounting the Baguio trips which is something I've been doing since college. I was able to fulfill this To Do around December. I would like to extend my thanks to E who was kind enough to be our tour guide and host. This mountain girl loves the beach!
• 
3. 2nd Year
• Of course, despite the turbulent 2nd year we've had. We're still here and stronger than ever!
• 
4. Cosplay
• This I have to admit is fun. I think I got the push and encouragement I needed courtesy of my mentor in Cosplay, K. Teh, salamas!
• 
5. Gadgets
• Corby Pro, though you are not an Andriod, I absolutely love you, my every ready companion.
6. Hunger Games
• This is definitely my Book series of the year. Despite my excruciatingly busy schedule, I finished this series in 2 weeks. I hope the rumored movie won't disappoint. I STRONGLY suggest you read this trilogy.
• 
7. More of Moore 
• And Christopher Moore is my author of the year. Thanks, for making me laugh when I needed it the most.
8. Beautiful Script
• Thanks to R for bringing them on top of my music pile again. This still is a favorite of mine: 
9. Standing Up
• Well, this was the year where I finally stood up for myself. Despite fear, oppression and pain, I was able to stand up for me and for those precious to me. Thank you Papa God, for helping me up.
10. Far Apart but Closer Together
• Despite the pain we are subject to, we are closer than ever. We are working our way to happy.
• 

Here are the 11 things for 2011:

1. More Travel - I want to see the world, well, perhaps just the Philippines for this year, but why not the world? 
2. Freedom! - I want to show them that we can live free of fear.
3. MechaPinay - Yes, I will finish that Gundam. Oh and I will get Nobel.
4. Marathoner - I've started with Star Trek: Voyager and will continue my marathons until I've caught on with the world both Comedic and Animated. 
5. Net Life - If last year, it was Corby my constant companion. This year, I'm aiming for a new best friend. 
6. Photography - By end of year, new shots, new colors and new perspectives will come your way.
7. Made Up - Made up with Make Up. Walking a little bit more into the girl side of life.
8. Bookworm - Returning to an old love of mine. It's about time to start slowly but surely building up my library again.
9. Cos Play - More that just costumes this year. Major projects are: Eva, Genesis, Pegasus, Shooter and 23rd [Yes, code names for now.]. Minor projects will be announced throughout the year.
10. Three Times the Charm - I'm counting on 3 this year.
11. Movie Year - With all the movies lined yup for 2012, I can not NOT go see them.

If 2010 was great,

2011 is going to be AWESOME!