I'm So Packing Excited

We still have a little more than three weeks before our next out-of-the-country trip and I've already packed. Excited? Yes! And that is an understatement. In fact, I am too excited that I almost forgot I'm in the middle of wedding preparations that I left everything on pause since we got our visas approved. Hashtag that, priorities. Duh.

Packing semi-winter clothes for a first day of spring trip.

Just so you know, I used to pack a day or two before the trip. I took pride of my light packing skills. I can fit everything I need for a 4-day trip in a small backpack. But now? I have to ask Jan to get us a check-in baggage because all my clothes won't fit in a medium-sized luggage.

Yes, I have unfortunately gone to the dark side.

My Timeless Pieces and How I Take Care of Them

One of the reasons why I was not really into fashion (aside from being boyish and lazy back then) is that I don't have the luxury to splurge on every new trend that hits the town. I was always under the impression that fashion requires a lot of money (blame that to magazines and fashion writers who only feature designer brands, as if frugality has no place in fashion).

I was doing okay with my casual style until one day, I got into a job position that requires meeting and interacting with some of the big names in the industry. From then on, I set all my life bars higher, including my style.

Double Weddings but Not Really

December last year, two of my closest girl friends from the same circle had their weddings on the same day, same time, but different places. Sounds impossible but, yes, we were able to make it to both wedding ceremonies and receptions.

December 28, 2017. Claire and Karren's wedding.

And just recently, two of my closest guy friends invited me to their weddings on the same day and same time. How I wish I could pull off the same stunt I did before, but one wedding was held three hours away from where I live. An attempt to do another Kage Bunshin No Jutsu is certainly futile at this time.

Smart Casual on a Budget

This entry was supposed to be for the color run I was too excited about, but that didn't happen. And that's not even the worst part yet. There was a bit of lashing from disappointed and frustrated participants and we, the bloggers who promoted the event, were somehow caught in the crossfire. I would have loved to talk shit about it since my pre-event post has convinced a fair few people to join. But as a courtesy, I'm keeping my mouth shut until the organizer issues a public official statement - to which as of this writing is still zero, zilch, zip, nada!

This is why I preferred keeping this blog clean from sponsors and ads. Somehow I took the bait and now I feel a little pressured to consistently update this blog with POSITIVE content. I definitely miss those times when I had tons of shit to say without feeling a single ounce of guilt or worry. But right now, that's not going to happen.

Breaking Norms

I started to purge my closet and got rid of the clothes I no longer wear. Most of my clothes are ukay-ukay, so I have this bad habit of buying anything since it's really cheap because I know I won't feel bad about it even if it's something I probably wouldn't wear. I sorted them according to frequency of use and unsurpsingly, I got more clothes I have not worn and don't remember at all.

Most of them are chic, really.

I have not worn my classic closet staples lately and I have no plans of wearing them unless necessary. I thought of just tossing them in the box with the intention of donating it (my clothes are not shabby, I promise) for a total wardrobe change.

My role as a Vice President of Davao's premier blogging community will be interacting with PR managers and probably big names from known brands. My usual jeans and shirt would be too underwhelming. And I hate to think that I might sell myself short just because I have not made an effort to look, if not impressive, at least presentable. Bad impressions have higher chances of breaking deals, you know.

Last Thursday, I did the unthinkable.

I'm Ditching Jeans

After more than a month of wearing dresses, squarepants, and all things chic because I felt the need to dress my age (my style has always been juvenile and has not changed since high school), I conclude that denim jeans are the least comfortable clothes ever. 

Okay, the "need to dress my age" part is not true at all. I was, honestly, left with no choice because all my clothes are still in the laundry, and that includes all the four jeans I have.

I finally understood why some women do not like wearing jeans. All this time I was led to believe that these closet staples are the comfiest, being conservative and non-restrictive to movement, but my whole life has been a lie.

I love how this hangs like a skirt but is actually pants. I hope this style lasts a long time because I'd like to make it my closet staple like how I did with jeans.

I Fits

"Miss, may bigger size kayo nito?"

"Ilang taon po ang susuot, maam?"

"10."

I lied.

A Grand Christmas Ball to Remember

"Hey, I got a new badge on my blog."

"Congratulations! You deserve that!"

"Thanks! But I want to add something right there."

There was a pause.

"I want to win a Palanca," I told Jan flat out loud.

He gave me an eager look as he continued to listen to me and my absurd dreams.

I rolled my eyes, gave out a soft sigh, and blurted, "I just do not know how to do it."

You see, I've read this year's winning entries - mostly from established writers, journalist, and columnists - and I certainly do not make the cut.

Dress Diaries

I'll be honest. Even though I'm no fashionista and my wardrobe is always out of season, I would be lying if I say I don't like dressing up. It makes me look human.

But what I hate about dressing up is the misery of finding the dress that's actually wearable. And by wearable, I meant something that's casually comfortable but could still be elegant and not unflattering at the same time. For my body type, that's kind of elusive, you know.

My body is so specific. I am skinny but I've got curves. So dresses from the department store can either be too big on the waist or too tight on the bust. Usually, I had my dresses done for me and that's a bummer because it is more expensive than buying RTWs. The ones I got from the department stores are not and will never be perfect fit and had to be sent for repair.

It Was Indeed the Fairest Night of All

I have never thought that a year after attending my very first Davao Bloggers Society Christmas Party, I will be one of those who will prepare and manage this year's Christmas party.

You see, I have been appointed as the sexy-tary, I mean Secretary of the Davao Bloggers Society. Have I known about the drawbacks that come with it, I would have not accepted the role. Because first, I am no longer eligible to win raffle draws nor will I have the chance to bag the Best Personal Blog Award for this year's Davao Blog Awards again. Bummer, isn't it? Second, being an officer can get exhausting. No kidding, kapoy sya.

Black Dress, a Broken Lipstick, and a Night to Remember

As someone who doesn't wear make up, the most comforting words I'll ever hear from another woman are, "I don't know how to put a makeup on either."

Yes! I am still a woman after all. Haha!

The other day, I found new (still sealed) lipsticks in one of our drawers. It was from my dad and mom said it was for me. I'm not really sure how long has it been sitting in there. But I tried it on anyway. I smoothed the lipstick on like a pro, 'cause it was as easy as putting a ChapStick. Then the next thing I know, one of my buck tooth's covered with red. And I broke the lipstick.

I'm an artist. I can make bad designs look good. This should be easy.

A White Night to Remember

First of all, damn I have got to think of a killer opening line for my blog post... "First of all" just doesn't cut it. But yeah, first of all, I'd like to congratulate myself for totally nailing that 299-peso ($6) dress and made it look like Marilyn Monroe's iconic flying skirt.

I am no fashionista.

Yet despite that lack of fashion sense, I definitely am no sloppy dresser either.

I dress up like an eighteen year old with a devil-may-care attitude college student in tees, jeans and Chucks. So, what's the big deal?

I am almost thirty.