Rhymes and Ammo

Before the year ends....

2008-12-26T20:10:00.002+08:00

I have a good feeling about 2009. For the first time in a long time, I feel like my life is making sense and I am exactly where I should be.

The past few years have been a bit crazy in a quiet way. On the outside, everything seemed normal, but I was so confused. I couldn't even decide whether I wanted to live in Sydney or Manila. I couldn't make any decisions for my future because I just kept going back and forth, doing freelance work in both places, but not really knowing what to do with my life.

I made that first step and finally decided on a few important things:

1. I wanted to live in Manila.

2. I loved editorial work and I couldn't imagine life without writing and magazines involved.

3. I wanted to start my own business. A small one, but something that could act as an outlet for both creativity and stress, and would also make me some extra cash on the side.

Leaving my family to live in another country (actually, to come back home) wasn't an easy decision, and it wasn't done on impulse either. It gets lonely being in Manila alone (With Ananda of course, but you know what I mean), with my dad coming and going and being with the entire family only a few weeks per year (and on this trip we're only really complete for just a week total), but at the same time, I am happy to be making my own decisions, to be relying on myself to figure my life out and to be going through situations that I feel are completely MINE.

I've always been independent, but even more I learned to fend for myself, emotionally more than anything else. I'm grateful that I have been blessed with a great circle of friends and relatives that definitely are my support system and act as my crutches in times of need.

I turn 30 in 2009, and for the first time in my life, I feel good about getting older. My spirit remains young, but I feel like I've been through enough to make me wiser, know when to fight for something and when to take things in stride. I know what is good for me, and peer pressure no longer affects me. I can take failure, even if I still don't like it. I strive to be a better version of myself everyday. I've accepted that this is who I am, this is what I was dealt with, and you know what, it ain't so bad. I also know that things change, people change, and everything I'm probably so sure of now will eventually change as well.

I don't usually make resolutions, because I find that I forget about them soon after the new year begins, but I have a few things that I want to keep in mind in 2009:

- I will remain grateful for all my blessings. I get a lot of them, possibly more than the average person. I get to see more new places in a year than some people do in five, I am not swimming in money, but I am doing better than a lot of others. I have a job that I love and that has perks that most other jobs don't. I am surrounded by people who love me and who I love dearly, ones that make me laugh, listen when I cry and are just generally a joy to be with and have in my life.

- I will nurture relationships that are important to me and that help me grow. I'll end ones that don't. I don't need the extra stress and my time and effort can be diverted to more important things.

- I will be more patient. I know that this is not one of my strong suits, but being a mother, and a single one at that, this is something I really need to work on.

- I will remain a non-smoker. No ifs or buts.

- I will stop trying to control everything that happens in my life. I already made this resolution earlier this year (and even got a tattoo to remind me!), but it's worth it to say it again, just to remind me.

- I will be happy, unconditionally. I will try to stop feeling like i "need" things all the time. I don't think I'll ever stop wanting, but I will stop thinking that wanting=needing. Life will probably be less complicated that way.

To all of you who have made a difference in my life the past few years, thank you! To my friends and family, I don't get around to saying it much, but I love you. (I always am thinking it! ;p)

October/November Updates!

2008-11-29T18:02:00.014+08:00

Here's what I've been up to the past month!

1.
Caught up with some of my friends from Brent. I can't believe it's been ten years since i graduated!
Ten years ago at the Brent Pasig Art room with Jane, Rae, Missy, Natalya, Tina and Macky

2.Went to Rockeoke a few times. Above: Boogie with Monica singing Skid Row I think ;p
I believe this was me singing Like a Virgin at 2 in the morning! haha!
With Sarah and Banj before our rendition (me, sarah and monica) of Stay by Lisa Loeb
and the winner is....All the guys (banj, Mars, Stephen, Boogie, Marc and Jor) singing that 4 Non-blondes song.
Mio and Boogie on another Monday night singing Sweet Child o' mine by Guns n' Roses

3.Went Trick or Treating with Ananda in Loyola Grand Villas. She was sick a few days before Halloween, we were panicking na!
And my turn at night! Went to Into the Twilight at Embassy with Boogie and my girls
An angel, Catwoman, Gina the Luchador (in case you didnt know who it was haha), Karl Lagerfeld and a boxer
We switched places that night and went as each other ha-ha-ha.

4. Escaped to Boracay for a few days! We're both always out of town but never together so we decided to go away for a couple days.
All we did was eat. Manana, Kasbah (my favorite restaurant on the island) and Smoke. Burp!
I seriously love the beach. Obviously. hahaha.

5.Tagaytay for the weekend with Gina, Emilio and Ananda. We were checking out the church where they are going to get married at in January!
Ananda doing what she loves most. She already asked me for a horse for her next birthday. I'm in trouble.
Meanwhile, Gina and I were doing what WE love most--and it's not biking! haha

6.Chaperoned Ananda on her dates. Play dates that is ;p With Lucas
and with her love/hate friend Pio

7.Went out randomly. Here at Embassy with Sarah and Margaux for Banj's bday
With Bea at Cuisine...
Watched the much awaited movie TWILIGHT. I am a fan of the books. The movie did not do the 1st book justice. But then I remember Im not the target market and if I were 15 I would have been in Edward heaven!
Went to many events, launches and etc. Here at the DKNY event in Alchemy

8.Early Christmas dinners. REALLY early because Im leaving on December 1. Here at Vicky's house
And at my house last night with Ateneo girls. On the menu: Cheese and cold cuts, roast chicken, pizza, steak, lamb, macarons and chocolate cake. Oh my!

9.Had a garage sale (no we didn;t sell our children!) to unload of my too many clothes and stuff!

10.The very last Metrowear for 2008, at Edsa Shang Hotel. Here with the rest of the Metro staff minus Kat. boohoo.
With our Fashion Assistant Andrea. Getting ready to watch the show!

And that's all folks. I'm off to Australia for the next month starting Monday! Peace out!

PART 2!

2008-11-16T22:19:00.002+08:00

Thanks to everybody who came by today! The Garage Sale was fun and I got to meet a lot of people! For those who couldn't make it, or are still thinking about something they saw at the sale today, there will be another one next Sunday, November 23!

Text me 09278142678 or email me at ericaparedes@gmail.com for details!

xoxo

MY CHRISTMAS WISH LIST

Dear Santa,

I think I've been pretty good this year.

1. A Canon G9 or G10 camera

2. A new ipod with lots and lots of memory. Maybe the ipod classic 120GB

3. A French Bulldog. White.

4. Books : Anthony Bourdain's books, and a bunch of Fashion books whose titles I can't recall right now.

5. iMac. I think it's time I also had a desktop computer.

6. I really really want my own place. Did you hear that Santa? haha.

Sydney in two weeks. With Boogie and Ananda. yay! Fun!

Why Fashionistas are Poor...

2008-11-06T23:01:00.003+08:00

Fashion lovers always look have cute clothes. We scour the urban jungle, flea markets abroad and even the most obscure provincial ukay-ukays to score one of a kind pieces that start up conversations or that we know will work with anything in our closets, and live through trends. Being a fashionista doesn't necessarily mean following every little trend that gets featured in all major magazines each season, but finding your own personal style and letting the trends revolve around that style and not the other way around.

Being in love with clothes also means knowing when to let go-to get rid of the clutter (Why hello cardigan I have not used in 4 years and will probably never wear again. What are you still doing in my closet?) and make space for newer (or vintage!), but definitely better things to drape, wrap, button and zip unto our bodies.

That being said, I would like to invite you to my NEW BEGINNINGS GARAGE SALE, where I'll be unloading many of my pre-loved clothes, shoes, accessories, bags, unused and unopened makeup and fragrances for a fraction of their retail price, old magazines, books, children's clothes and toys and basically anything else I find myself no longer needing. Hopefully they will find a new and better life with you!

It will be on Sunday, November 16 and Sunday N0vember 23 (If there is anything left, which I hope is not the case so it would be better to come on the 16th ;p) from 10 am-6pm

Please text me at 09278142678 for the address or email me at ericaparedes@gmail.com

Hope to see you there! Peace Out!

October Update!

2008-10-13T23:15:00.026+08:00

Phew! The past month has been a succession of activity and travel. I'm finally home with no plans of leaving for at least the next two weeks for the first time n awhile! My next trip is to Boracay, but not until November. so I'm using this time to get my sh*t together work-wise before my month-long trip to Sydney in December. Woohoo. Can't wait!
The new Cuisine. I went to the re-opening of one of our favorite places to chill with some magazine friends. It ended in mayhem, as usual.
Spent some time with friends I should see more often! Here at Barcino with Chicho, Cla and Sarah

Watched the Apo 40th anniversary concert at Araneta with Mom, Boogie and even Ananda! (although she fell asleep halfway through! It was way past her bed time!)
Met up with the girls at my dad's photo exhibit (minus bea and sarah left by the time we took this photo)
Went short and blond for a day! hahaha! I also have photos with a short, black bob and this sarah palin looking 'do (unintentionally haha!)
Thailand with my relatives. Here on the river cruise with my cousins Lissy, Elaine and Andrea.
Then we went to Siem Reap, Cambodia to visit temples! Up there is Bantay Srei or what they call the Lady Temple since it's pink in color. The second is me at the Bayon Temple in Angkor Thom (I got in trouble for that photo! heehee) and lastly, watching the sunrise at Angkor Wat. I love Cambodia!!!!
Lastly, we jumped our way through Saigon! The first photo was taken at the Post Office, the second at the legendary Rex Hotel and the last one was at the Reunification Palace.
THe night we got back was also Elaine and Andrea's last night before going back to the States, so Boogie and I brought them to Cuisine and Embassy!
Sandro's little girl Sachi turned one and had a backyardigans themed bash!
El NIdo, Palawan for a shoot with Sarah. I brought Ananda and Andrea too! We finished the shoots quickstyle, so we had time to do all the fun stuff like snorkeling, kayaking etc.
Lastly, last weekend, I went to Bora for the 1st anniversary of the Tides! I'll be back on the island in a couple weeks. Thank God for Palawan and Bora trips, I have a tan once more yipee!

The next few weeks will be dedicated to work, work, work!

Peace Out!

Viva la vida

2008-09-08T22:33:00.006+08:00

...according to Coldplay, and I agree.

It's been awhile! I remember when I started blogging 4 years ago, I would post something new every single day, sometimes even twice a day. It started when Ananda was born and I had nothing to do while she was asleep, and also because I was just too excited about being a mom to keep anything in. Then, it turned into therapy, and a way to release emotions and trapped energy I accumulated through out the day. Everyone knew everything about my life. I hid nothing. Maybe I'm more mature now (!!!), because I don't feel the need to divulge every single detail anymore.

I find myself going through days, weeks, even months without blogging, and when I do, I end up just posting photos or talking about useless things. I know some people who used to love reading my blog are super bored now, but oh well. Maybe I'll go back to the long, insightful entries and sharing my thoughts and opinions, but for now, I'm happy with just rambling. Maybe tomorrow I'll be in the mood to say something real, then just post photos again the next day.

Maybe I'm just too busy living :)

My girls, minus Vicky, who has abandoned us to have another child :p---If Lisette and Dee could be here then I'd be one happy camper!
My boyfriend, who after two and a half years, I still find so cute hahaha!- In our matching plaid shirts haha.
I saved the best for last- the keeper of my heart forever and ever, the wonderful, little girl who changed my life!

If you love to read about food and travel....

2008-08-01T23:27:00.003+08:00

...then check out my other blog. I just started it today. I will be keeping this one as my personal blog, photo album and toilet for verbal diarrhea :)

Check out manangfishball.blogspot.com

Muchas Gracias! xo

My Wish List

2008-07-27T14:50:00.010+08:00

Things I want right now, just because!

1. Canon Powershot G9
I realized I'm unhappy with my Fuji Finepix camera (which I got on sale in Australia last January) I want a nice, easy to use digital camera that will make my photos look like they are professional hehe. Perfect for all the food photos I love to take! Plus, I hate how my camera takes so long to focus!

2. Vintage dresses

No matter what trends come and go, what different looks I try out every so often, I realized my heart is really in vintage. I just got a few dresses and tops yesterday from Ukay. Cute 70's flower child dresses that I can't wait to accessorize with boots and gold accessories. I want more.

3. Black biker boots and White Doc Martens
Wala lang. I'm kind of feeling the whole 90's grunge look also-updated and less scruffy though.

4. A gold iPod
Not a shuffle though. Wala lang, just because! haha.

5. Tickets to Panic at the Disco and Rick Astley.
-Anybody????

6. Gift Certificates to Blow up babies.

7. A potbellied pig or teacup chihuahua or yorkie
So cute. Waaaaah. I've been dreaming of one for the past month!
We have two yorkies, and neither of them is as cute as this!!!!

SIGH. Perhaps The Secret will get me everything on this list? But money may be a better option. I wish I Wish I Wish.

Monthly Update

2008-07-13T09:04:00.040+08:00

It's been awhile since I last updated. What was once a fun part of my daily routine has become harder fro me to bring myself to do regularly because I've been so busy, and by the end of the day I'm just too tired to do anything other than read in bed, listlessly watch tv, or just crash.

Updates from the last time I posted:
I have a new boyfriend! Who also happens to be my ex-boyfriend. After much thought and contemplation, we decided to be together. So far, so good. It's been a moth and a half.
Went to Camarines Sur with the Metro team for a shoot and parties for us! In this photo are Kelly, our Associate Editor Bianca, Me, Hair stylist Jerry and Make-up artist Barbi.
Copying the Joel (or Jesse) Mendez ad at the Manila airport hehe. L-R Bianca, Photographer Noelle, Me, one of my closest friends Jon who was visiting from NY, Barbi and our Senior Associate Editor Audrey.
Watched my first Kjwan gig in a REALLY long time. Since possibly before Christmas 2007.
Celebrated his birthday quietly this year. Kjwan gig Tagaytay
Celebrated one of my favorite girls' Vicky's 18th (!!!) birthday. haha. L-R Vicky, Bea, Me and Pam
The same people with the addition of Jon, Tollo and Gina. It was a quiet, early night but we managed to get tipsy ;p
Some of my favorite people to hang out with-whether it's going out to dance, drinking at my house or just being silly on a street corner-it's always fun times.
Celebrated my favorite little girl's birthday with a Dora swimming party. Thanks to global warming, her usually rainy June 7 birthday was sunny and extremely HOT.
Mom and Ninong Jon stealing candy from the children. Ha ha ha.
Fashion editorial by the dirty ice cream cart. For some reason, whenever I'm with these two, the day always ends in camwhoring.
Random nights out with party animal Jon. Here with Gina at Tabu for Soul Food.
Embassy for their Independence Day Party on *DUH* June 12. haha.
I was kinda of masungit for a few weeks in June because I quite smoking.

YES, I QUIT SMOKING!
I QUIT SMOKING!
UNBELIEVABLY CRAZY BUT TRUE.

It's been 3 weeks and 6 days. One month tomorrow! I seriously deserve a prize.

Sold my This Kid Loves Vintage clothes at the Hippie Flea Market at A.venue Makati
My daughter was running around screaming "Buy from our store. We have the bestest clothes." haha.
A few more Kjwan gigs. Only when it's near my house and/or there are chairs to sit on hehe.
Marveling at how pretty my daughter is becoming! Here at the salon after a trim.
Metrowear at Rockwell Tent. First ever with our new EIC and 50% new staff. Well done everyone! Later on, met up with Patring and Martin at Grams Diner.
Pigged out (SERIOUSLY, We were soooooo matakaw!) at The Fireplace at Hyatt Hotel and Casino. The food is sooooo good.
My absolute favorite food in the whole world-Foie Gras. It's bad for you, it makes you dizzy, Peta folks will hate me, but I don't care.
Wild mushroom risotto with truffle oil. Why oh why does truffle oil have to be so expensive? If I had my way I'd add it to everything.
Rosemary Garlic lamb chops with lamb jus. I love lamb also. I don't understand how people can not.
Rib Eye steak and potato au gratin. I told you we pigged out. I didn't even photograph Boogie's French Onion soup and for dessert we had Mango Dacquoise with Malibu ice cream. Yum.

Went to Kuala Lumpur for a press launch of their Mega Sale Carnival. Above at KL Tower and below with the Petronas towers in the background (on a cloudy day!) Shopped too much. Oh well, if you cant' smoke, you shop.

And that's all for now folks.

Attention Make-up Junkies

2008-06-06T14:59:00.005+08:00

Hey Guys! For those who have been asking me to teach make-up the past few months, please contact School of Fashion and the Arts (SOFA) at 4915536 or 8928807 to enroll in my class! I think deadline is today or soon, so if you want to learn basic make-up techniques, please do join us! Classes start on June 21 and will be held every Saturday from 1-4pm for 14 weeks. SOFA Manila is located at 55 Paseo de Roxas ave, Makati City.
An advertorial I did make-up for. Liberte in Robinson's Department store and this came out in Cosmo.
This one was for the fashion pages of Chalk magazine.
This one was a personal shoot that I did with my friend. We were trying out 60's looks :)

For more, check out my site at iheartmakeup.multiply.com

where in the world have i been?

2008-05-23T15:09:00.038+08:00

Wow. I haven't posted in almost 2 months. I guess I needed a break from everything. I basically spent my entire summer in Boracay. I'd stay 4-5 days, come home for 3 and then go back. I went 5 times! Crazy! I was lucky that I had a lot of work related events and shoots which allowed me to leave a lot over the past two months. I definitely needed it after my roller coaster few months before that. I'm feeling much much better. Life is good again.

So much has happend so I will post photos instead.

EMBASSY's 3rd YEAR ANNIVERSARY and HAPPY MONDAYS WITH ZON, MELA, MAIA, RC, AND BEA.
BAGUIO WITH BEA, VICKY, GINA, PAM AND (NOT IN PHOTO) ROBBIE, RAY, MARC AND THE KIDS!
RANDOM EMBASSY NIGHT WITH BEA, PAM, PEEWEE AND GINA (AND MELA!)
SHOOTS FOR THE MAG AND OTHERS THAT I AM A CONTRIBUTOR OF. I BRING ANANDA TO MOST OF THEM ;)
RANDOM NIGHTS AT KAMPAI WHEN I FEEL LIKE GOING OUT BUT NOT GOING "OUT!" HERE WITH LUIS, JHOON AND KEL
CUBAO X WITH GINA, PATRING, MARTIN AT BELLINI'S. AFTERWARDS WE WATCHED BRIGADA.
WATCHED DURAN DURAN WITH BOOGIE! MY GOD IT WAS SO MUCH FUN!
BORA FOR MYX SUMMER FEST WITH BEBETH AND DIX....
.......BOOGIE AND KJWAN
AND ANDREAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH. FUN.
MARS' BIRTHDAY PARTY AT EMBASSY. WE WERE MEANT TO STAY UNTIL 1 BECAUSE I GOT SICK FROM TOO MUCH FUN IN BORA. WE WENT HOME AT 4!!!!
THEN BORACAY AGAIN.....HERE WITH MY FAVORITE ISLANDER DANE WHO I GOT TO POSE AND EVEN JUMP WITH ME FOR SUNSET SHOTS!
WITH TRINA, ONE OF OUR WRITERS AND ALA'S BEST FRIEND. WE WERE IN BORACAY SHOOTING FOR THE MAGAZINE.
AND OF COURSE, MY BEAST AND PEST FRIEND GINA, WHO ALSO WRITES FOR US.
HONG KING DISNEYLAND WITH OTHER PRESS PEOPLE FOR 3 DAYS OF RIDES, PHOTO OPS WITH MASCOTS AND SHOPPING AT H&M!
WORKIN' IT WITH DONALD AND DAISY!
MISSED THE GIRLS SO WENT TO EMBASSY FOR SOME BOOTY SHAKIN' HERE WITH SARAH, BEA, GINA, PAM AND MARGAUX
LISETTE CAME ALL THE WAY FROM SYDNEY FOR MY BDAY WEEK SO WE TOOK HER OUT. HERE AT HAPPY MONDAYS WITH SARAH AND GINA. WE ALL DID SOMETHING KIND OF CRAZY THAT NIGHT BUT I WON'T TELL YOU WHAT! ;P
MY BIRTHDAY SALUBONG AT CAV WITH ANNA, ALEXI, GINA AND LISETTE!
A LITTLE TOO MUCH WINE? HAHA. IT'S MY BIRTHDAY AND I'LL DRINK IF I WANT TO!
LUNCH AT AUBERGINE WITH CAMPOSES, MY DAD, AANDA AND LISETTE!
THEN AT NIGHT WAS MY SUPER DUPER AWESOMELY RAD 80'S PARTY!
BACK TO BORA THE NEXT DAY. HERE WITH DIX WHO WAS THE EVENT'S PHOTOGRAPHER!
SARAH AND LISETTE ON OUR LAST NIGHT ON THE ISLAND. BORA BOUND AT GUILLY'S!
LISETTE'S LAST NIGHT WAS SPENT AT EASTWOOD JUST EATING AND TALKING. ANANDA WAS HAPPY BECAUSE SHE GOT ICE CREAM HAHA.
BORA AGAIN. THIS TIME FOR SHOOTS FOR THE MAGAZINE. THE WAVES WERE CRAZY!
MY ROOM IN MANDALAAAAAAAAHHHHH. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND YOU STAY HERE.
AT SOME EVENT THE OTHER DAY FOR U MOBILE.
ANANDA IN HER FAVORITE PLACE IN THE WORLD-THE MAC COUNTER IN GLORIETTA. HAHA.

And that my friends has been my life the past two months. BOW.

Life is a beautiful struggle

2008-03-27T20:10:00.003+08:00

The process of learning and experiencing cannot be rushed.
I'll miss the lessons if I don't practice patience.
The struggles are what make us stronger and better people.
Life has it's ways of putting you back on your path when you throw yourself off it.
I'm aware of my pain, but also aware that it won't last forever.
The Universe has plans for me that I have yet to understand.
And when I do I'll look back and it will all make sense.

Relapse

2008-03-24T09:53:00.003+08:00

You know when you were a kid, and you were getting anxiety attacks, but at that time you didn't know what they were called, and all you knew was that you wanted to just hide under the covers and stay there because you didn't know what to do with yourself?

I think I'm semi in that place right now. Everytime I think I'm feeling better, I take two steps back. My best friend keeps reminding me that what I'm going through is normal and I just need to give it time. I know all that already, and what I wish is that I could stop myself from feeling anything.

Even just being in this country is a huge, blinking, loud siren reminding me. And now, all of a sudden, I feel like I have no reason to be here anymore. But, I also feel lost, like what am I supposed to do? Should I stay and stick it, following my plan of staying until mid next year? or should I just leave everything behind-again and for real this time-now?

My emotions keep toying with my mind. The two just won't seem to meet. I feel anger creeping in and I keep trying to stop it. Anger towards him, towards me and the situation. I feel anger because I allowed myself to listen to my emotions so much, towards him and his insecurities and issues, everything. I'm angry that I left my family and missed out on so much-just to feel like this now, angry that I feel so out of control right now.

I need to change my reasons now. Redirect my energy to things that weren't really a priority for me when I moved back. I have to make those things my priorities now. Otherwise I'll go crazy and be sad even longer.

A word of advice. When you've broken up with someone, and you both still have feeling for one another, it is never a good idea to see each other, unless you have intentions of working things out. Otherwise, you are prolonging the healing process and you'll never get over each other and dig an even deeper hole. Besides, i realized that if something makes you feel this bad, then you are better off without it. Easier said than done, I know, and even if I haven't been followiing my own advice-which is probably why I'm in this predicament now, I know it's the right thing.

It's my lola Alice's birthday today. I miss you. I know you are watching over me. I really need a favor right now, please help me?

Re-learning

2008-03-17T17:32:00.010+08:00

I'm starting to have genuine fun again-as opposed to the forced going out and getting drunk to forget fun that I was having the past month.

I'm starting to feel alright on my own, and although I have pangs of missing once in awhile, I finally feel like a separate entity from him already. that's the toughest part-still feeling connected even if you are no longer connected. I think I made it through ok. It sucks though coz when I see him i still find him so cute. Haha. Well, I guess I always will.

It really helps that I have great friends and family-and that I was raised in a loving and supportive home, which made me into a confident person. And when shit happens, and that confidence wanes a bit, I'm able to bounce back.

One thing I learned about myself is that I have this quality that is typical of my Taurus sign. In general, I'm not fearful of adventure or new things, but when there are changes that involves me and a loved one, be it a family member, boyfriend or friend, it's hard for me to go through those changes. I try, and eventually I'm ok, but it's a long, hard process for me. And I realized I am as afraid of leaving people behind as I am of being left behind. When I care about someone or love, I'm there 100%, so seeing that go away is totally devastating for me.

So, like I said, I'm lucky that growing up, it was made clear to me that it's always ok to make mistakes, and that failure is inevitable, or now I seriously might be in a really bad place.

Ananda had her moving up day at school last week. I can't believe how big she is already and that she's going to be in Kindergarten already. Crazzzzzzzzzy!
My cousin Sandro got married to his longtime girlfriend Sheng last Saturday and Ananda was a flower girl!
Between the Paredeses and Riveras I wonder how there was space for anybody else in that church!
Walking into the reception as Mr. and Mrs. Alejandro Paredes! Congrats guys!
Attended Express yo delf yesterday at Fully Booked in Bonifacio High Street. Chill Sunday Afternoon with good music, good company and open bar!
Dinner at Chelsea after gettign drunk off Bacardi Cokes ;p Many pictures along the way hehe

The Bora weekend

2008-03-10T23:50:00.007+08:00

I went to Bora over the weekend with Ananda, and it was so nice and quiet. The whole swarm of Holy Weekers weren't there yet, but there were enough people to make it not so lonely.

A piece of unsolicited advice to those who want to get away to FORGET-well, it doesn't work. I learned that no distance or beach or anything can really make emotional turmoil go away-nothing except TIME can do that. So, I actually think in retrospect that I'm in a much too vulnerable state to actually have run off by myself like that, and 1/2 of the time, I kept thinking of him. Argh. I swear memories are like rashes that just won't go away! Aside from the Tides Launch, my last Bora trip was with him, and everywhere I looked reminded me of him, and it was so annoying! Plus we really liked going to the beach in general, so yeah now that I think about it, I shouldn't have gone yet or I should have at least had a bunch of people with me.

Don't get me wrong, I had a blast with Ananda, but there was a lot of down time for me to just think, even if I didn't want to, and that kind of sucked. Although, in a way, I think I'm switching from being depressed to the aversion phase. Argh. I know I need to be more patient and I just keep thinking that ok It sucks, but from day 1 to now, it doesn't suck as much anymore, and someday it won't suck at all. Gosh, I can't wait.

What made the trip all worth it, is that the little girl enjoyed herlsef so much. According to her, "Boracay is the most beautiful beach in the world"- like mother, like daughter I guess :)

Savior Complex

2008-03-04T21:35:00.002+08:00

I realized that a lot of women, myself included are guilty of this. We see something wrong with a guy, we think we can fix it. We see potential that he isn't using, we try to fix it. He has issues, we try to fix it. In the end we realize we can't and we feel like we somehow failed. I guess what we have to learn is that it's not our responsibility to fix our partner's life, and the only person who can do that is himself.

What happens is that you start to blame yourself and think everything is your fault. It becomes, as ugly as it sounds, a project. If you succeed, you feel good, if you don't, you wonder what you did wrong. The thing is, you didn't do anything wrong, except maybe spoonfeed and live for the other person, when really they should learn for themselves. If he's lazy, let him be lazy, but you should still go and follow your dreams. If he has anger issues, let him be mad at the world, but don't try to change the world to suit him, because that won't help in any way.

We aren't their mothers or psychologists. It's not up to us to change how they view the world, themselves or to fix their ugly parts. We're not the Ghostbusters who are responsible for getting rid of their monsters. We fought our own demons, they should fight theirs, not just because it takes its toll on us to do all this for them, but also because it will benefit them in more ways than one to do it themselves.

I found some old journals the other day, and I was flipping through them and was amazed at my insights and thoughts. I felt like a was relearning so many forgotten lessons-and from-of all people, my younger self! I've been feeling so much better lately, and life is starting to look good to me again.

I'm off to Bora on Friday, but this time, with the little girl. She's never been there so I'm excited to take her for a little mommy-daughter mini-holiday.

xoxo

Live and Learn

2008-02-27T11:06:00.002+08:00

I've been thnking a lot lately and here are a few things I learned in the past few years a.k.a. my own Relationship 101:

1. Never rearrange your life for somebody you are in a relationship with. If you were planning to live abroad, do it. If you wanted to go back to school, then study. Don't move to a different country for a girl/guy unless you have concrete plans to get married, otherwise, you might end up not knowing what you want anymore when the relationship doesn't work out. That said, I don't regret my 2 years, sometimes-long distance relationship with Boogie, or moving back to Manila. I just learned that I'm never going to do that again.

2. Don't just fall into a relationship. Be conscious of every decision you make with the other person, and what you are getting yourself into. If early in the relationship you realize that this guy doesn't possess certain qualities that are important to you, or even worse, has qualities that are dealbreakers for you, end it as soon as possible. Obvious examples can be cheating. lying, disrespect, not so obvious is fear of commitment. Since you don't really talk about it until later on, you don't find out until later on-when you are madly in love and try not to care. But there are signs. Ask about former relationships and stuff like that. You'll get an idea of where his head is at.

3. Trying your best doesn't guarantee that the outcome will be favorable. Some things are beyond your control. You can't control how another person will react or feel about a situation, and you also can't make another person apologize for being the way he/she is. Sometimes people just don't fit, no matter how hard they try. It could be because they are in different stages in life, and they can check back later on-although I wouldn't count on it, or just because they are so fundamentally different, they can't find common ground.

4. Don't be jaded if a relationship doesn't work out. There are billions of people on earth. So one hurt you, and you hurt another. It's not the end of the world, and it doesn't mean everyone will, even if it sure feels like it for a few months after.

5. Don't get into a relationship if you are not ready. Just because he/she is cute, nice, respectful and has a million qualities you like, if you aren't ready, then what can you possibly have to offer? Even after you have had time to heal from the last, you need time to be on your own too.

6. When you choose to love, do it 100%. It's the only way to go. Be smart but don't overthink. Just enjoy the ride.

7. Forgive but don't forget the lessons you learned. After going through heartbreak, we discover this renewed strength, this passion for life we forgot about and find our way back to our original path, and then you meet someone new, and there all that goes!

8. You can use your head without compromising what you feel, and you can use your heart without losing your head.

9. If you really love somebody, you want them to be happy and live their dreams, even if they don't necessarily involve you.

10. Give yourself a break. Stop thinking it's all your fault if it didn't work out. Give yourself time to mourn and grieve. Be with friends who don't mind hearing your thoughts over and over. Don't stop until you find that love inside yourself again. We'll always be ok.

Time Out

2008-02-22T10:29:00.007+08:00

They say the best way to go through a break up is to do stuff totally unrelated to the person.

So the past two weeks I have:
Invited my friends over to drink , gossip, laugh, smoke and generally just spend time together.

I went out for the first time on Friday last week. At first I didn't want to and when I got there I was so masungit and mad at the world. But little by little, friends, kurrant 7 and hip hop changed all that and I had fun.
Ive also been spending a lot of time with Ananda. I bring her almost everywhere I go and she hasn't left home to sleep at her dads place once since it happend. Today is the first day and Im getting separation anxiety.
I tried something new. I had a shoot at Sm Bowling Center and we decided to try it out after. It's actually fun hehe. I won't quit my day job though ;p

I decided that although I can't help my emotions and how I feel, I can totally choose to NOT drown in depression. Instead of just sitting here and being depressed, I can do other, more productive things with my time. I'm allowing myself to go through the process without it totally taking over my life. I let it for a couple of weeks, but now it's time to just get on with it. My emotions are still majorly swinging back and forth but I just keep thinking of my goal-w/c is to feel great again-and it seems worth going through.

I still miss him so much, but yeah, I think it's time to take care of me.

Gratitude

2008-02-18T10:24:00.002+08:00

What I'm going through right now is not fun at all. I know that in retrospect, this will all be a learning experience and won't be as bad as it seems, but right now, I'm owning my pain. There really is no way around it. You need to feel it, to let it course through your system. It's the only way it will find a way out.

It's been a big clash of emotions for me lately. My mind and heart can't seem to connect yet, and even though we probably did what was best, my innate emotion-driven self keeps saying, but we can do better next time, let's just give it a chance.

I feel like we tried so hard, both of us. Against all the odds, against life telling us we shouldn't be together. We both gave it what we could, and I wish life could have just given us a break, been fair, let us have it because we really deserved it.

But I'm old enough and have been through enough to know that regardless of how much you want something and how hard you try, there are no guarantees of the outcome. Life will throw curveballs at us when we least expect it, and it will happen forever.

I also know that the struggle is the blessing, it's what keeps us growing, it's what makes us better people, stronger, more resistant to being destroyed. At our lowest, we can only think of going up, there is no other way, and when you climb all the way to the top, it makes you appreciate everything you've been through.

So, I've decided, that in order for me to get a better perspective of the whole situation, I've decided to come up with things I'm grateful for.

1. I'm grateful for Ananda. Without her, I wouldn't be the person I am today. I would have forgotten that life is a marathon, not a sprint. She is the reason I want to pick up my head everytime I lose it. She reminds me of what life is really about. She is shaping me into the person i was meant to be.

2. I'm grateful for my family. They are always there for me. They cheer for me when I succeed and pick me up when I fall. They love me unconditionally, and that kind of love is hard to find.

3. I'm grateful for my ability to write. It helps me when I need to heal, it keeps me company when I need it most. When I'm happy, it gives me a way to express it. It really is a gift, and I'm thankful I can also help other people.

4. I'm grateful for my friends. I know they don't always know how I feel, I know they can't always be there for me every second of the day, but I appreciate every bottle of wine they've brought for me, every cigarette, every funny story, every hug, every second they've allowed me to talk about it and every text they've sent asking how I'm doing.

5. I'm grateful for my rocky experiences in the past. Because of them, I have more confidence that things will always be ok, regardless of what the situation is right now. Although it doesn't make it easier, it helps me remember that it isn't forever.

6. I'm grateful for all my work. I'm one of the lucky people who can do what she enjoys and earn from it. I get to travel, meet amazing people, and many times I'm the recipient of great products. I can't imagine myself surviving as a corporate slave. I'm really, truly thankful.

7. I'm grateful for the signs and answers that the universe sends me through random people. I've had so many realizations, recieved so many answers or just plain felt better after brief conversations with strangers or lengthy discussions with unexpected people.

8. I'm grateful that I have a roof over my head, food to eat, clothes to wear and the finances to buy things to make my life more comfortable, travel if I want to and be able to give my daughter a happy childhood, buy nice gifts for people dear to me and just make day to day living easier in general.

I'm still stumbling in the dark now, but I know I'll find a way out eventually. For now, I'll just sit tight, and wait for the storm to pass...

Velentine Shmalentine '08

2008-02-14T14:43:00.005+08:00

Valentine's Day has never really been that important to me. I've always hated how we're expected to show some great gesture of love on one particular day-and a day when everyone else is doing the same thing. Like I said in past Valentine blog entries-I would rather be shown random acts of love on an ordinary day, when it's really a surprise and no pressure to do so.

This day is just another excuse to jack up prices of chocolate, flowers and jewelry. It has nothing to do with loving anybody. If i disliked Valentine's day in the past-I REALLY hate it this year!

So, I decided to boycott Valentine's Day by buying horror movies for my PIZZA-WINE-DVD MARATHON tonight. I have The Omen, Exorcist, Underworld, Vampires lined up and Scarface and Goodfellas on standby. I have numerous bottles of wine ready and Melt Away mints (MY FAVORITE!) for dessert.

NEW CHAPTER, NEW HAIR

Girls are known to do something really drastic with their appearance when they end a relationship. I've chopped my hair off numerous times after a big break-up, or gotten a tattoo to commemorate a new chapter in my life. Some people get piercings, girls who don't wear make-up get make-overs, we get digiperms or go blond-whatever it takes to separate that girl in that relationship from the girl right NOW.

This time, I decided to grow my hair instead. Louis Kee of Razzle Dazzle in Makati put these gorgeous hair extensions on me. They are supposed to last around 3-4 months but I'm not sure about actually keeping them on for that long. It's made of real hair and you can style it like you would your own hair. He lightened my hair a bit also to match the extensions, and although I was a bit aprehensive at first-because I swore never to dye my hair again-I ended up realizing after a few days that hair a little lighter than my natural color actually suits me better. It doesn't look as harsh against my fair skin, and I don't need as much eyeliner to define my eyes either.

So, yes. I love it! Will swish my hair around while it lasts! :)

This other "change" is not really a post break-up thing. I was actually planning it for months and months already, and even asked him to come with me to get it. It just so happened that the day I scheduled for turned out to be 3 days after we broke up, making everyone think this is the product of that, but for the record-it isn't!
Ew. Ignore how yucky my foot looks in this picture and focus on my lovely new tattoo. It's almost two weeks old and not fully healed yet. I love it! It's actually a memorial tattoo for my lola Alice, who passed away in 2002. I was really close to her and she used to have a collection of orchids (hence the catleyas), and the lillies of the valley represent me-it's may's birthflower. It's my biggest tat so far, and my most painful one at that. For those who have low tolerance for pain, never ever get a tat on this spot. You'll die.

My sister had a happy valentine's day though-she just called me five minutes ago screaming because she saw Daniel Johns walking in Circular Quay. She shouted that she loved him and he smiled and waved.

Can I die of jealousy now?

11 days and counting...

2008-02-09T08:07:00.000+08:00

11 days.

God. The agony of being newly broken up. The weeks go by in slow motion and the days are even worse. Don't get me wrong, I am not falling apart. I repeat, I am NOT falling apart-but I am very emotional and sad. How can I not be? I'm mourning the end of a relationship I invested a lot of time and feelings on, not to mention the constant jetlag and adjusting due to flying back and forth between Sydney and Manila.

I'm not pretending that I have any clear idea of how I feel about the whole thing right now. I'm admittedly still confused, wondering if we did the right thing, missing him, trying to understand his side, figuring out whether I could have done anything different, sorry for the times I wasn't exactly the model girlfriend, and forgiving him for the times he wasn't a perfect boyfriend.

It's not like anything bad happend. Nobody cheated on anybody or anything like that. I think that's what makes it worse, because now I keep second guessing my decision and swaying from one side of the spectrum to the other. This freakin' sucks.

Unlike other past exes who could have moved away or died without me caring, I actually still feel like our differences can be worked out, maybe just not right this second. But then again, this is just me. I have no idea how he feels.

I just want to be completely ok. Like i said, I am not falling apart, but there is definitely something that has been off about everything for me lately. I can't go ten minutes without thinking about what happend, or him, or that day, or some nice thing that happend in the past. I try to push it away and most of the time, I manage because Im busy but at the end of the day, when Im no longer surrounded by people and Ananda is asleep, that's when it really hits me.

I was reading old emails, looking at pictures from the past two years (and gosh there are a whole lot!) and I felt melancholic, but was smiling through my tears as i remembered certain trips or occasions because of the pictures. We were a funny, unexpected pair. We were so different from each other, but for some reason, maybe that's what kept us wanting to try.

I know I haven't been this open about my personal life in a long time, and I made a vow not to anymore when I closed my old blog, but right now I don't care. I'm sad. I'm missing someone very much, and right now, I'm just at a loss for what step to take next.

In the meantime, I'll drown myself in taking care of Ananda and work. He doesn't read my blog, but in case he ever does-I really hope you are ok. And I miss you very much. :(

Crazy little thing called Love

2008-02-03T23:54:00.000+08:00

I learned recently that it doesn't matter what the reasons are, or who brought it up or who decided it, the fact of the matter is, losing someone special in your life, whether it's your friend, boyfriend or husband sucks.

I wish I could go back to being a teenager, or even my early twenties when all that mattered to me was me. I was allowed to be selfish and absorbed with only Erica because I was young and single. Now that I have a child, I willingly accept that I need to put her ahead of everything else. It's not even a choice. But how lovely would it be to be able to be young and in-love, with no need to be logical or practical. You could stay with someone just because you are crazy about each other. As we get older, that changes. We start thinking about values and if we are on the same path. We start assesing our relationships to see whether we have the same goals and if we are compatible in the long run.

Suddenly, you come to terms with the fact that love in itself is a great thing, but it might not be enough to sustain a relationship, especially one whos members seem to be at different points in their lives. It's sad to let someone go when you are still in love with each other, even sadder than if you have an obvious reason like infidelity or abuse. I keep thinking whether or not I made the right decision and if there really is no reason to go on. I keep second guessing myself and wondering if we're both just being proud and refuse to compromise.

But as I learned from the past, life goes on and all will be well in the end-regardless of what the outcome. Perhaps time and space is all we need, and if that fails, then maybe it was the right thing to do.

Rock n' Roll Buddy

2008-01-30T09:29:00.000+08:00

I've been trying to get back into the groove of real life, after being away not having to do anything for almost a month.

First of all, work has been good. I finished a lot of my assigned stuff before I even left so right now I'm just finishing off whatever else I didn't get to do pre-vacation. On the first week I was back, my Ateneo girls and I scrambled to pull off a JOINT SURPRISE PARTY for both Patring and Gina, whose birthdays are only weeks apart.

Originally, it was suppose to be the week after I arrived to give us more time BUT I was suddenly assigned to cover an event in Davao, so we had to rush everything on the week I got home.

It was the most stressful day ever! Everything was set. We were going to have it at Fiama on January 18, Friday. I told Gina it was some event or other, and she didn't suspect a thing because she always comes with me anyway. Patring was a bit trickier but I aske dher officemates to tell her there was an event she had to attend for her magazine.

Then all of a sudden at like 4 pm on the day of the party, Patring calls me and says she's tamad to go so she's skipping the event. I kept my composure while talking to her and panicked the minute I put the phone down. I made hella calls and just waited and waited-until finally at around 745 pm, she called me and said she had to go after all.
The birthday girls getting tipsy tipsy tipsy! (This is a still normal picture of Gina. I won't event show the progression from sober to gone)
Vicky and Bea! I missed you both while I was away! Vicky became a co-conspirator with out her realizing it haha!
Some Ateneo friends and my main partner in pulling this whole thing off-Amina with her new short 'do!

Then the next week, I had to fly out to Davao from Thursday-Sunday for a Nivea event at Pearl Farm. I must admit that I was not in the mood to go at first. I had just gotten back and wanted to stay put for awhile. By the end of the trip though, i knew I would have regretted not going. I had so much fun, and even joined in the games-something I normally don't do when I go to these beach events.
The last night before the pool throwing started. Me with Tatum of People Asia (who I stole this photo from) and Pam from Marie Claire
The second night on Malipano island with Pam. I swear we weren't drunk! REALLY.
The Pink Nivea Visage team. We won first place all-around and we were the only team with mostly women. Yay for us!
Some of my favorite people from the trip! Wanggo, Brad and Tatum a.k.a. The Bitches of Eastwick hahaha

My horoscope says I have lots of travel in the cards this year. I hope that's true! Thanks to my Tita Rosanne who is giving me her Mabuhay Miles! Now, I just have to decide where I wanna go!

Life is good. Rock n' Roll!

REALITY CHECK

2008-01-18T10:18:00.000+08:00

So...I'm back in the real world-or at least MY real world for now. I spent a month in Sydney with my family and friends and it was the best time I've had in a while.

Last few days were spent:
On a yacht, cruising around Sydney. Fortunately, I didn't get sea sick! And Ananda had so much fun!
At Cronulla Beach with the family-minus my mom who had the sudden urge to clean the house.
At Featherdale-again! We were supposed to go to the aquarium but Ananda kept saying she wanted to feed the kangaroos. Hay.
Melt at King's Cross with Sydney friends. Before that, had dinner with Lisette, Vince, Tim and Mio at the Codfather in Stanmore. Good food, but couldn't finish it!
My last day was spent at Bicenntenial park in Homebush at a picnic for Ala and Nino with friends and family.

Now I'm back in Manila and I'm half happy to be back at work and being productive, but I'm also kinda sad because now I don't know when we'll be a complete family again ;(

2007 year end Survey

2008-01-01T21:24:00.000+08:00

1. What did you do in 2007 that you'd never done before?
Live in a different country from my whole family. Ay wait. I have na pala. Ok, Live in a different country, with a daughter, without my family!

2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I don't like making New Year's resolutions. I forget them or end up not following them.I'd rather see what fits along the way....

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
My cousin's girlfriend gave birth to the cutest baby!

4. Did anyone close to you die?
Nope not this year (Thank You God!)

5. What countries did you visit?
I was back and forth Manila-Australia and also went to Guam
With my siblings and Ananda by the Sydney Opera House during one of our Family Field Trips
Guam's Pleasure Island, the strip for luxury goods-with other people from the press :)

6. What would you like to have in 2008 that you lacked in 2007?
TIME for myself.

7. What date from 2007 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
Probably June 3, 2007-because Boogie threw me a surprise birthday party on his birthday!

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Managing my time between Metro, TKLV, makeup, Boogie, friends and being Ananda's mom

9. What was your biggest failure?
Again, being an immigrant ;p

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Nothing serious, but that flu I got while in Dumaguete was pretty horrible

11. What was the best thing you bought?
Plane tickets!

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Ananda, of course! She's really turning out to be a little girl!
She likes to dress herself in very Carrie Bradshaw-ish outfits and ask me to take her picture.

13. Whose behaviour appalled you and made you depressed?
Let's not name names hehe. But let me just say, girls will be girls will be girls....

14. Where did most of your money go?
Travel, Ananda's stuff, Gas, Celphone

15 What did you get really, really, really excited about?
This kid loves vintage and going back to editorial work

16. What song will always remind you of 2007?
Straight Lines by Silverchair

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:

i. happier or sadder? Happier, busier but happier.
ii. thinner or fatter? The same. My weight goes up and own but it's usually around a 5 lb difference.
iii. richer or poorer? Richer!
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?

19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Procrastinate!

20. How will you be welcoming the NEw YEar?
We'll be in Prince Alfred Park in Parramatta with Ananda, my parents and the Moraza's. Don't wanna leave Ananda so not going to the city.
22. Did you fall in love in 2007? Yes, with onions. Never liked them before, now they are in everything I cook.

23. How many one-night stands?
None!

24. What was your favourite TV program?
Miami Ink!, America's next top Model, Grey's Anatomy, Food shows like Jamie Oliver, Anthony Bourdain, Bizarre Foods and Iron Chef!
I love tattoos and I think it's my secret wish that I could be as inked up as these guys.

25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
Not really. I stopped hating people a long time ago. They piss me off, yes, but I don't hate anymore.

26. What was the best book you read?
The devil and Miss Prim by Paulo Coelho

27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Not new artists, but the Common and Alicia Keys cds that came out this year were dope. I've been on an old school trip this year.

28. What did you want and get?
To open my little store, to work in editorial again and write to my heart's content, to be able to travel to and from sydney.

29. What did you want and not get?
To go back to London. I'm planning that for 2008. Also to win the Powerball :)

30. Favorite film of this year?
Pan's Labyrinth (I dunno if it came out this year but I watched it this year), Factory Girl, Notes on a Scandal. I dunno I can't think of any more.

31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I went to Opera Bar with Sydney Friends, then Chinatown the next day for lunch with family. Then when I got back to Manila, Boogie threw me a surprise party/joint party because it was his birthday too.
At Opera Bar for my birthday where my brother was ambushed by my friends! Sinuwerte sya! hahaha

32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
being able to travel all over the world with Boogie, Ananda and friends
Well, at least I got to go to Dumaguete with Ananda and Boogie and Vicky wa smy roomate at The Tides Launch

33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2007?
As usual, a mix of boho-street-comfortable. Boots made a come back, as did heels.

34. What kept you sane?
Ananda-who at the same time also made me insane.

35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Johnny Depp. Can you blame me?

36. Who is your real-person crush?

37. What political issue stirred you the most?
I try not to pay attention to politics

38. Who did you miss?
My family in sydney. Friends and my lola Alice

38. Who was the best new person you met?
Lisette! Waddup girl! :)

39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2007.
You can't control how others think, act or feel-but you can work on yourself

40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year
"Get in your car and drive, you never know what you just might find, on this road of life-are you livin' or just along for the ride?"-The Procussions

*****AND LASTLY!!!
1) GOALS/DREAMS FOR THE NEW YEAR:
I wanna get to London somehow, just for holiday, expand This Kid loves Vintage hopefully.

2) PREDICTIONS FOR THE NEXT YEAR ON:
A. LOVE –
Big decisions need to be made

B. CAREER -Big dreams, big decisions!

Under the Sydney Sun

2007-12-29T19:19:00.000+08:00

I've been having a blast here in Sydney. It's nice to be a complete family after 6 months!
The PAREDES family on Christmas Eve. After the children's mass at 6 pm, we had a quiet dinner of steak and stuffed mushrooms, before sitting by the tree to open gifts while eating cheese, cold cuts, mom' strawberry shortcake and drinking champagne from Boogie! It's VERY different from Christmas Eve in Manila, which is traditionally spent with the Paredeses at our house. It was nice though, to be able to talk to each other and really spend time on that special day.
We went to Soldier's Beach in the Central Coast yesterday and it was so nice to see a sunny day after a week of grey, gloom and cold. Too bad I couldn't swim because of women's issues haha. It was fun nontheless and Ananda had a great time and didn't want to leave!

Speaking of beaches, what is this about having shark sightings in Bondi? If that's true, why on earth are people still swimming!
Today i went to the Glebe markets with ala and Chini. No, i didn't sell. Today i went as a shopper!It was nice.
On our walk down to Pitt street, we decided to go to Broadway Betty, a vintage store, and try on weird clothes-and document the whole thing. This was the best part of the day and I highly recommend doing this to everyone. It's super duper fun. We were dying, rolling on the floor laughing. Here is Chini in a "gorgeous" glittery green and white cocktail dress.
Ala in a "lovely" aqua mini dress once worn by the singer Selena in one of her concerts (Not true haha)
Here I am in a STUNNING electric blue 80's prom dress. If there is "pretty in pink" I am "BLUE IN BLUE"
Ala in her zoolander shirt, and a very 80's coat-both she and her shirt are doing THE MAGNUM
I wonder how many different animals went into this coat. It looks like a farm exploded on it!

Anyway, you get the idea-it was fun. I wanna do that again. Who's in? haha

I've got two more weeks here and I will definitely make the most of it. Hay, miss this place. When I'm here naman for a long time, I miss Manila. But, I definitely love both. ;p

Hope you all had a Merry Christmas! Have a great New Year's celebration too! Peace!

Merry Christmas from down under!

2007-12-24T17:06:00.001+08:00

Pictures

2007-12-16T20:01:00.000+08:00

At this time on Tuesday, I will be in the sky on the way to Sydney. I'm so, so excited! I really can't wait to hang out with family and friends. Lately though I've been super busy trying to finish all my work, plus cramming in just enough time to spend with friends and Boogie before I leave.

With Bea at the new wing of Embassy during the shoot of the Oh, Kate! Collection of This kid loves vintage.
With Bebeth at the Abs Cbn Publishing Christmas party. We were anti-social all night haha
Christmas dinner with my Ateneo girls. It was so good. We had home made pesto (Patring), Steak and cheddar/sour cream mashed potatoes (me), Manchego, Brie, pate and crackers (Alexi), Salad and Garlic Bread (Anna), Roast Chicken (Amina) and Banofee Pie (Gina)
Ananda's Christmas Program at School. She sang 2 English songs and 2 Chinese songs. So cute!

Dinner at Damaso and drinks at M Cafe with magazine friends. Super fun night last night!
My daughter dressed herself. Ummmm...Ok. Very Carrie Bradshaw :)

Tomorrow is my last day of work and Christmas dinner with Boogie and then I'm off to Australia. YAY!

Oh, Kate now available!

2007-12-07T15:07:00.000+08:00

Our Oh, Kate! Collection is now available at vintagekids.multiply.com!

A sneak peek:
Photography: Dix Perez
Styling: Erica Paredes
Make-up: Benjie Angeles
Model: Amina Aranaz
Shot at Embassy (New Wing-The place is Fab!)

visit This Kid loves Vintage today. NOW! :)

COMING SOON!

2007-11-28T17:29:00.001+08:00

I'm Excited for this! Coming Super duper SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOON!!!!!

ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS...

2007-11-19T20:31:00.001+08:00

...is to be in Sydney and spend it with my family! And guess what! I am! I'm so excited! Just one more month to go and I'll be there already. Last year, Dada and I spent it in Manila and we enjoyed dinner with the Camposes and then Noche Buena with the Paredeses. The next day we had our traditional Christmas lunch at lola's house-but it was still different and kind of sad because we weren't with my parents and siblings. Plus, I haven't experienced an Australian Christmas yet and I'm excited to hit the beaches!

Before that I have to finish my work so I can stay in Sydney longer, have my yearly Christmas dinner with my college friends and finish all my shopping! I've come up with a list already but have not moved my butt to buy anything!

And C'mon that's not ALL i want for Christmas! Here is this year's list:

1. A Holga or Oktomat camera

2. A new digital camera

3. A chiuahua, french bulldog or mini schnauzer (Although it wouldn't be smart for me to get another dog. I just think they are so so cute)

4. A stack of new cookbooks-French, Italian, Indian, Chinese and a Bakiing Cookbook!

5. A Year's subscription to Yummy magazine!

6. A Damier Azur Speedy!

7. A nice new leather wallet in a cute color. The long kind with a lot of space to put all my licenses and cards.

8. A make-up chair (like a director's chair but taller) and a new case with a built in mirror and light bulbs!

9. A couch and coffee table for my room.

10. A trip to London!
11. A short culinary course!

It's getting colder, the parols are up and the department stores are blasting Christmas Carols! But I'm preparing myself for a HOT SUMMER CHRISTMAS. Woohoo!

When did she get so big?

2007-11-17T22:54:00.000+08:00

When I started blogging , Ananda was a newborn. Look at her now! she's 3 1/2 already! I see pictures like this sometimes and I still get shocked at how fast she's growing! Before I know it she'll be a teenager already-and I'll be old! haha!

Costume Parties!

2007-11-13T11:04:00.000+08:00

When You are invited to a Theme party or costume party, you should really make sure to make an effort to dress that part.

Why?

Well, First of all, the host made an effort to fix the place and dress up and basically put everything in order for you, so in return you should follow his/her request of dressing up.

Second, you never know what you might win as a prize for BEST COSTUME :) In my case, it was a pretty Aranaz clutch that I've been eyeing. Plus, Ananda also won best costume for her category-because we were dressed in similar outfits.

So the theme was Lucas' Sports Camp, and the celebrant was Lucas, Amina and Rafa's son. After going through all the Olympic Sports, we decided the easiest would be to be basketball players.

But then, I though, that's so easy and kinda baduy-so I spiced it up a bit.

I had two jersey's made. Both Hot Pink with black piping!

In front, it was exactly the same. We had our last name PAREDES across our chests and of course, a Peace sign below it, as our logo!

But, the back of the jersey's were different. Hers said "Baby Joe" while mine said "Joe Mama" We decided to wear matching knee high socks, short shorts and cute kicks and at the end of our costume planning, our official title was "Old School Ball Players"

I super love dressing up. Halloween is like the biggest and best holiday there is for me, and usually when I throw parties, there has to be a theme. A few years ago, the Ateneo girls and I threw a Cuban "Havana Nights" party, where all our drinks, food and outfits were inspired by Cuba and the movie with Diego Luna. This year, our Christmas party will have a color theme. Ananda's party had an all-out pirate theme, then I planned my sister, Ala's last birthday with a Hollywood theme. I wonder what's next!

In other news, I can't wait to get back to Australian soil, even just for a few weeks! I miss my family so much and I miss cheap clothes at valley girl, fresh mushrooms and woolies. Ang babaw ko. Haha. Just one more month! Woohoo!

Short Cuts

2007-11-09T14:40:00.000+08:00

It seems like everybody is chopping off their hair! Even Boogie has decided to cut off his famous locks! I'm so happy, it's a refreshing change! The look we were going for was a longer version of Brad Pitt a.k.a Rusty Ryan in Ocean's 13. Now his only problem is finding the patience to apply product to his hair every morning! I think cutting off a significant amount of hair is very liberating, and can also signify letting go of a lot of issues of the past and looking at what it's front of you now and at the future.

Now let's go blonde! ;p

GIRLS, GIRLS, GIRLS

Girls can be really petty, catty and mean to each other. That's why growing up, I had a lot of male friends. Guys are less complicated. If you piss them off or act like a bitch, they tell you to your face, whereas girls will talk and talk and talk-to everybody except you. Most of my arguements with my male friends last all of 15 minutes, while some fights with girl friends have resulted to months of the silent treatment and complaining to family and other friends.

Don't get me wrong, I am not rejecting my own, I just wish women could be more 1. HONEST 2. FORGIVING and less 1. CATTY 2. VENGEFUL and in general just be nicer to each other. I feel like girls always look at other girls as competition: Who has the better job? Who's prettier? and everyone's favorite Who's skinnier? Who's getting married first? Who's having a baby first? Who got a better deal at the last sale? Who has a hotter boyfriend?
Furthermore, women also have very obvious defense mechanisms when they are feeling insecure: Eew she sucks. Don't worry about her, she's so not pretty. oooh, is that ****? She's so fat now. She can do so much better than that guy. Look at her, she's so hung up on *** and again, everyone's favorite God she's such a slut.

Face it, girls-yes me, you and every female out there, can be REALLY mean. And besides, didn't they say in Mean Girls that calling someone ugly doesn't make you prettier, calling someone fat doesn't make you thinner and calling someone stupid doesn't make you smarter.

What I despise most is the whole ring leader syndrome. There's this one girl I see occassionally, and when she's alone and I know most of the people around, she's all "Hi Erica! how are You?" *Smile smile* but when she's with *ringleader* she completely ignores me, because I suppose ringleader doesn't like me for reasons I believe speak more about her hangups then me.

Speaking of which, I also dislike when you have been introduced to somebody, you've spoken to them, and sometimes even hung out with them, and whenever they see you, they act like they don't know you. It pisses me off like anything because you know in all honesty, I can be a major bitch if I chose to be, but if I know that i know you, I won't think twice about aknowledging your presence.

Cliquish girls annoy me. Are we in high school?

I'm just really happy that somewhere along the way, I found a some girls, who are unique,smart confident, honest, fun, and don't take themselves too seriously.

Life is too short to have to deal with drama.

We heart Baguio

2007-11-05T18:31:00.000+08:00

So what did you all do for the long weekend? I took my daughter to Baguio. The last time I was there was 4 and a half years ago, long before I had her. It was so nice to be back in our house, to feel the cold, clean Baguio air, the warmth of our fireplace and to buy fresh fruits and veg in the Baguio Public market! Ananda's first market experience. If you ask her she'll say "What market? That icky place that smelled like suka?" hahaha! OF course I had to take her to do all the traditional Baguio things. My dad always says that when you have children, you go through childhood all over again, and he's right. I found myself going to Wright Park (Twice!) to ride horses, Burnham park to see the boats and Mine's View Park-all for the benefit of my daughter. We've had out Baguio house for about a decade now and not once do I remember going to most of the tourist spots. The first time we went to Wright Park, she wanted a big horse and for me to ride with her. The next day she wanted to ride a horse all by herself. And it had to be one with Pink hair. The one we originally wanted had nice long hair, like Starlight from Rainbow Brite. Unfortunately some other kid was riding it and we'd have to wait 30 minutes, so she settled for Strawberry. We spent two of our three nights in front of the fireplace at home, with Gina and I eating cheese and crackers and drinking wine and Ananda devouring marshmallows and slurping down hot chocolate. She was so excited the whole time we were there that she actually had eye bags from lack of sleep. She'd wake up so early, already shouting for the horses! We had a whole ginormous bag or giant marshamallows in two nights. That can't be good! Of course, I HAD to go to Good Sheperd and get strawberry jam (I'm not a fan of Ube! Although it smells heavenly when newly cooked!) I also got home made peanut butter (w/c is alwys good), guava jam, guava jelly, mango jam and guava candy. Can you tell I like Guava? All I drank when I was preggers with Ananda was Guava juice and it just stuck. The ironic thing is, I don't care so much for the actual fruit. Anyway, it was fun and I'm looking forward to going up there more often. I can't believe I waited this long! I love our house and I love the weather!

BOO!

Before we left for the mountains, I went out for Halloween! We just roamed around the Fort area. It was fun.

Bea as a...actually I don't know what, Me as Alice in wonderland (in Navy Blue!) and Gina as a Japanese Girl-in Piedra
Alice, Alexi as a witch (too cute to be a witch!), 2 baduy costume-less guys Rob and Pao , Monique and Ginasachiko at Cuisine.
Alice, Jena, Ginasachiko and Unfinished Dress Patring- a little detour to Jaipur!

I love Halloween and I'll dres sup every year forever and ever!

Chuvaness

2007-10-28T00:07:00.000+08:00

To Cecille Zamora, I don't know you but I'm borrowing this title hehe

Last night, despite my horrible digestive issues, I had to attend this Champagne tasting event at Cuisine hosted by Mumm Champagne. I tried this Champagne at The Tides launch in Boracay, which is good because I didn't want to drink last night. Instead, Gina, Vicky and I took 65 (yes SIXTY FIVE) pictures of ourselves with different themes. This particular one is called "THE PAM" after our friend, superstylist Pam Quinones.
This is mine and Vicky's version of "THE GINA" after crazy girl Gina Reyes-who always manages to look like this in pictures after a few drinks-and also when sober.
This particular shot is entitled "The Catfight" starring Vicky and Gina hahaha!
And of course our forever "Nanalo sa lotto/Wowowee/Deal or no deal/Kitchen Showcase pose"

See Kids, you don't need alcohol in your system to act like a retard ;p

HAIR TODAY, GONE TOMORROW!

2007-10-26T18:45:00.000+08:00

This was me last night at the opening of the Kiehl's store in Greenbelt 5
Early in the evening with Gina and our fashion assistant at Metro, Andrea!
And with Pam and Vicy. As usual, my hair wa sin a boring old ponytail because I didn't know what else to do with it!

And this is me right NOW!
I finally chopped my hair off. Yay for me! It's so liberating! The under layer is actually really cropped, to add volume to the back, then the front is a bit longer, right below the chin. On the left side of my face there's a part right above my ear that's cut shorter and i can kind of scrunch it up to make it look messy.

I asked Drea Zulueta (of Piandre) to give me a cut that was FUN, PLAYFUL, EASY TO MANAGE, FUNKY but not TOO MUCH that I'll hate it after a week. Loves it!
Buti nalang I have an event tonight, so I can make a hair debut! hahaha!

that's all for now haha. I'm just happy about my hair!

Hafa Adai!

2007-10-16T20:16:00.000+08:00

I'm back from a fun but VERY TIRING trip to Guam. I left Friday night at 1030 pm, arrived at 430 am Guam time (They are ahead 2 hours) checked in and got settled by 630 am and had to be ready for breakfast-and all the activities of the day by 9 am!

So, with barely an hour of sleep...We-

...Toured the hotel wth the rest of the Philippine journalists-from beside me: Judith from High Life, Becca from Philippine Star and Cheryl from Lifestyle Asia.

We stayed at a hotel called Pacific Islands Club. It had something like 7 swimming pools and all these water activities. I think it would be the perfect place if you had your kids with you. There is so much for them to do. Otherwise, I'd book a room at the Hyatt (for couples and lone travelers)

...Went to Two Lovers Point. Legend is that this Chamorro (Native Guamanian) Chief wanted his daughter to marry this Spanish guy, but she was in love with a strong Chamorro Warrior. So, much like Romeo and Juliet, they deviced a plan to die together because death was preferable to a life without each other. They tied their hair together in a knot and jumped off a cliff-now known as Two Lovers Point.This is where the two lovers supposedly jumped to their deaths! Young people are crazy, eh?

...Attended this super cool, super yummy event called Pastries in Paradise in another hotel. It was like a contest/exhibit of desserts from all the hotels and restaurants in Guam (I'm actually not sure if it's just the Tumon area or literally the entire Guam) Anyway in these photos are Strawberries dipped in chocolate and rolled in pistachios and a spread of cookies! There were also mini pavlovas, macaroons, panacottas and lots more.

...and as if we weren't stuffed enough from the pastries, we went straight to Jamaican Grill for yummy jerk chicken. The food was like a fusion of Jamaican and Chamorro cuisine. Too bad i was so stuffed, I could only manage half a piece and some rice.

...To cap off our already tiring day, we were brought to two clubs to experience Guam's Night life. In the picture above, we were at Club Pash and below was 80's night at the Globe with Bryan (our Manila GVB Representative) and his friend Vince. We were SO tired already then.

The next day was filled with activity as well. As early as 8 am, we were having breakfast already because we were scheduled to ride a submarine!
I was excited but then disappointed because we didn't see anything cool like sharks or even an octopus or a manta ray or something. At one point we were 140 metres underwater and all I saw was...water-whoopee! haha.

Next we went to Underwater World after lunch. It's like an aquarium. It's kind of small but cool nonetheless because they ahve these giant turtles, mantarays and stuff. It's like the Sydney Aquarium where you walk through a tunnel and the marine life is all above you.
A Shark A shark! Oh btw, on the submarine ride, they started playing the music from Jaws WTF?
Me touching a baby shark. I swear, whenever I'm at aquariums or zoos, I turn into this little kid. I get so excited!
Camwhoring at the Underwater World sign before leaving for DFS (Duty Free!)

Behind us are stores like Hermes (in photos) beside it Louis Vuitton, Chanel,Bally, Bulgari etc. We drooled, we lusted over, but sadly, we were all too short on funds to each nab ourselves a Chanel bag (The ultimate, mother of all bags! Screw Hermes. I don't even like the Birkin!)

We went to the Micronesian Fair after, but I was too tired to take pictures-I thought I was going to pass out so I begged for an early dinner, we all ate in our rooms and rested a little bit-then went to K mart after to splurge on American food that we can't find here.

I got Apple Jacks, Twinkies and Funyuns among other things woohoo. I love it. Bring on the calories.

On our last full day, we SLEPT IN! I still didn't sleep THAT much (around 6 1/2 hours) and we had the morning free. After lunch at Hyatt, we went to GPO (Guam Premier Outlet) and Micronesia Mall to go shopping.

After a really good buffet lunch at Hyatt. I checked my weight here when i got home and I gained three pounds in three days! Ack! Starvation for the next two days!

After the mall, we had our last group dinner at Capricciossa, a Japanese owned Italian restaurant chain (I believe there is one in GB) This is the last photo I have of all the Philippine delagates to Guam on this trip-
Aside from us print media people, the Sports Unlimited crew was there as well. Here we are with Corey Wills, Mark Nelson, Jackie Castillejo (Dianne not in picture) as well as the GVB Philippines marketting Reps Bryan and Michelle and GVB Guam people-who were such good hosts :)

LAst minute shopping at Kmart followed and we had to be ready to go to the airport at 4am. No sleep-again. Today was spent alternating between playign with dada and sleeping. Still not fully recovered. Tonight I will get real rest.

It's always good to be home. I wonder where my feet will take me next :)

Happy Birthday B!

2007-10-09T13:02:00.000+08:00

Guess who is back in town?
Bea a.k.a B Joe. This was at Mamou in Serendra last Saturday, before we went out to drink!

We went out for Bea's belated birthday. We were all out of town for some reason on the weekend of her real birthday so Vicky, Gina, Jocelle and I decided to have a small dinner, gossip and alcohol session last Saturday.

She's actually been back for about a month now but this was the first time we hung out because it's just been crazy hectic. It's always nice to see old friends :) specially when everyone is always bouncing in and out of Manila.

Gina, Vicky, Jocelle, Moi and birthday girl Bea at Mamou. We're so old, we didn't even go to Cuisine or the club. We were sitting outside Cafeteria the whole time drinking and watching people walk by and feeling old!

Everyone was out for some reason. It was nice seeing people I hadn't seen in years! Like last time was pre-Ananda pa. Crazy!

Guam on friday! yay!

From Boracay to Tagaytay

2007-10-04T11:55:00.000+08:00

These days I feel like I'm out of Manila more than I am in it. I'm not complaining though, I love going out of town and checking out new places. Last week it was the newest and hottest new hang out/hotel in Boracay-The Tides.

It was a 3 day affair, with parties, an all day buffet, open bar at any time of the day, nice, cozy beds and POOL THROWING! Thank God I was sick (haha I'm thanking God for being sick) and that was my excuse the entire time (Don't throw me in, I'm sick *cough cough*-see?!)
Danielle, Me and Vicky at The Tides' Launch party entitled "Golden Tides" Drink of the night? Bubbly of course!
Boracay White beach during Habagat. For those who say you wanna live on that island-go there during storm season first, then decide! haha!
I can never leave the island before eating at REAL COFFEE and ordering calamansi muffins to take home! They deliver now!

A few days after I got back from Bora, Ananda and I left for Tagaytay for a little trip-just the two of us. We stayed at T House, a nice little Bed and Breakfast spot, away from the main area of Tagaytay city-it's actually on the other side, on the way to People's Park.

I really liked it. The room we stayed at was EARTH themed (the 15 rooms are divided into clusters named after the elements) Ours was a suite, mostly black and white accented with brown, rust and beige. It was so relaxing and I readily spent the entire rainy (stormy!) day curled up in bed reading a book, while Ananda watched cartoons and read books of her own.
Our little recieving area. I have no idea what Ananda is doing! haha!
Our bed. The place is nice. I liked the room. I'm actually inspired to paint my room all black and white and just use colors as accents.

The food was good too! Man I ate so much! Their Tribecca crepe is the best for breakfast. It's a creamy mushroom crepe accented with truffle oil. So rich but so so good. Their set menus are only P550+ but I never finished any of my meals because the servings were huge. Sulit!
Bagong Gising! hahaha

So I'm back in Manila for the next week. Next stop-Guam! :)

Back from Down Under

2007-09-24T22:19:00.000+08:00

Actually, down under was just Dumaguete hehe. I spent Wed-Sat with Boogie and Ananda in Antulang, which is an hour south of Dumaguete City. I went for work but I was also lookign forward to a nice vacation with my man and my baby.

I GOT SICK! Argh! The day before we left for Dumaguete was Metrowear. Already I was feeling under the weather so I doped up on meds to try and kill the fever before it could come. I couldn't sleep that night. My throat was killing me and I could feel my sipon dripping into my throat (Gross. i know) by the next morning I was already feeling the start of a fever. I got rained on from the airport to the plane and had a high fever by the time we arrived at the resort.

My whole first day was spent in bed, barely being able to eat, move or even breathe. I was pleasantly surprised at how well Boogie and Ananda got along with out me. My daughter likes him but is usually jealous of him when she sees us together, so we always make an effort to include her, even during activities like watching television. They were totally fine without me, swimming and playing.
The first day i was resigned to just take pictures because I was too sick to do much else.

Thank God I was slightly better on the second day. I still felt quite sick but my fever went down, so Ananda and I went horseback riding in the morning and the three of us went on a cruise in the afternoon. Like i said in a previous post, I think I've developed motion sickness because I disembarked feeling really woozy and sick.

My white horse was called Michael and Ananda's was named Joseph hehe parang White Castle Whiskey haha!
The look of a distressed three year old on a yacht haha. she was scared at first but was ok after awhile.
On the beach before getting on the boat.

On the third day, we left Antulang and staye din Dumaguete city for a day. I had Jo's chicken Inato (Yum. I loved this last time I went to Dumaguete) and we were told not to leave the city without buying silvanas at Sans Rival-which we did!

It was a good break, even if I was sick through most of it. I love being away from Manila. I have a love-hate relationship with getting on planes. My grandfather on my dad's side died in a plane crash, so I always have this fear-but everytime i get on a plane I know I'm gonna get off somewhere else, which is why I love it too.

So, this is a week of shoots. Today was Mamou in Serendra (two thumbs up!) and more places until wednesday. Thursday I'm off to Boracay for the opening of The Tides. I'm crossing my fingers that my cough and cold go away already so I can enjoy my stay.

peace out joes!

NEW STUFF AT THIS KID LOVES VINTAGE

2007-09-16T20:26:00.000+08:00

CHECK OUT VINTAGEKIDS.MULTIPLY.COM to check out our new stuff! Peace out!

Discoveries!

2007-09-08T02:22:00.000+08:00

I realized that I dislike cold soup. I had gazpacho before and I didn't like it, and yesterday, i went to an press lunch where I was served cold watermelon and tomato soup. I had two sips and that was it for me. I put my spoon down and reached for the bread basket.
There's just something about certain tastes that should be hot or cold and they can't be interchanged. Speaking of gazpacho, if they wanted something to refresh them on a hot day, why not just make fresh lemonade or eat a popsicle? I just don't get what's good about cold soup. I really don't like it.

I also discovered that I recently developed motion sickness. I was on a yacht for an event earlier this week and I seriously felt like I was going to barf. I had to stay in one place almost the entire time because I was feeling so sick. It's never happend to me before.Sometimes, i also get car sick when I'm not the one driving. It's so weird.I stopped liking boats when we were on a very turbulent boat ride in Davao years ago. It was so scary and it was night time and my dad actually set up a buddy system already just in case. I really thought it was going to capsize.I felt a familiar fear when the yeacht was swaying really strongly from side to side. It was a good event because it was differnt from the usual that's held in clubs or hotels, but it was kind of scary.

Another thing I realized is that I think I'm doing a good job being Ananda's mom. I've stopped second guessing myself and I'm more confident now. I know I'm doing the best i can given the circumstances. I'd love for Ananda to grow up in a more family environment, you know where there is a mom and a dad and all, but if that's the only reason I have right now for wanting to get married then I don't think it's a very good reason. The fact of the matter is, I'd like for it to happen someday but right now I'm not ready for it. So, for now, I've accepted the fact that I'll have to play both roles, I have to play both good cop and bad cop with her. It's hard at times but our relationship is so much better now. We don't fight as much anymore and I'm seeing her more like my daughter and less like a little sister. I know that sounds weird but I explain to her more why i get angry and all that instead of just getting mad and letting her figure it out on her own. Basta, it's hard to explain but I'm just really happy right now that Ananda came into my life. I've always said in the past few years that I'm trying to fit into my role as mom-and now I think that I'm not trying to be that anymore, I AM that.

Anyway, I've been so busy lately. I want a day or two to just get away and breathe. I miss my family. I miss Sydney. Weird.

Who am I?

2007-08-29T09:37:00.000+08:00

* I was asked to answer the question Who am I? This is what I came up with.

I always thought the question “Who am I?” would be one of the easiest to answer. After all, we all know what we are and aren’t, what we like, and we are all something-a student, a wife, a lawyer, a doctor.
Then I remember what my dad told me once, when I was at a crossroads in my career. I was an editor for a teen magazine and I was caught between two colliding worlds. I loved what I was doing but at the same time, I didn’t want to turn into a product of my environment. I have always loved fashion, writing and meeting and working with different people, so in that way, my job was perfect. On the other hand, I also didn’t care if I was beanpole skinny, although I loved fashion-I never followed trends, I did not like gossiping about people in the industry that one day I finally cracked and asked myself if I wanted to be what was beginning to feel like a shallow, superficial line of work. When I asked my dad for advice he told me that what I was doing did not equate to who I was, unless I chose it to. He said that I didn’t have to give in to the evils that lurked in that industry and just concentrate on what I love about it instead.
My life became a lot easier once I came to terms that my spirituality would always be at odds with the material world I also enjoyed so much. It was what I loved to do, what I feel I was always destined to do. I just learned to catch myself every time I start thinking that I will die with out a Balenciaga bag or that Marc Jacobs is God.
In no way am I religious in the traditional sense. Not at all. I don’t even go to church. But I know there’s more to life then the things that seem super important. Most of this stuff I realized the day I found out I was going to be a mother. Then, I think I kind of went overboard for a while. I refused to go out, I felt no association with my old life and some of my old friends. I was the polar opposite of the girl I was before I got pregnant. I remember trying to do stuff I would have done before, and I felt like someone playing a part in a movie. I couldn’t marry my past and present and in the process, I found myself lost.
Throughout the past few years, I feel I have found my balance. I have discovered so many aspects of myself that I can be whatever the situation calls for. I can be a mother to my daughter, sometimes a nice one, sometimes one that gives tough love. I can be a partner to my boyfriend, a daughter to my parents, a reliable partner in business, a professional in my industry. I am a kid trapped in a 28 year olds body, but at times I find myself more mature than I ever thought I could be. In my college yearbook I have been described a walking paradox, as a woman spewing pearls of wisdom one minute and is cart wheeling like a 5 year old for her little cousins the next.
So, to ask me the question “Who am I” is unfair to me, and unfair to you, because no matter how many words I type, and how many pages I take up, it won’t be enough. I can say I’m a thousand things, but there will always be more.

TKLV @ Happy Mondays

2007-08-18T13:17:00.000+08:00

Yay we are featured in the I section of Manila Bulletin today (August 18) and on Kikay Exchange! Thank You very much for featuring This Kid loves Vintage. We are very happy :)

So, we finally had a party to launch the line. It was held at Cuisine last Monday, August 13 (HAPPY MONDAYS!) and was really fun. We only invited close friends and a few people form the media. We had out dresses displayed, we decorated the tables by drawing on the with colored sand. It was open bar on Bacardi and all in all a successful evening.
One of the "This kid loves Vintage" tables. We scattered candy, stickers and bussiness cards around the table too. And we put a bar of modelling clay for our guests to play with!
Maia and I with our two models Rc and Zon (you'll see them on our multiply site!) We heart them!
With best friend, biggest supporter of TKLV and Honorary third partner, Gina hehe :)

Thank You Malaya, Ornusa and the rest of the Happy mondays crew for letting us have it on your night! Thank you bacardi for our drinks hehe!

It was a good night. I feel good things coming. No complaints right now!

Peace joes!

KJWAN!

2007-08-13T11:22:00.000+08:00

For those who watched or heard about the Asean Ikon contest---

KJWAN won the contest in Malaysia last night! They won against 10 other bands in Manila including big hitters like The Dawn and proceeded to kill the competition in Malaysia last night.

I'm so proud 0f Boogie and the rest of Kjwan!Philippines represent!

Last week, they also represented the Philippines at the Bay Beats Festival in Singapore. There were only two bands from the Philippines that played there-Kjwan and Urbandub. Someone from Singapore wrote a really nice review and posted this picture on his blog:

That's voclaist marc waving the Philippine flag at the bay beats festival. Good job Guys!

They come home today! yay!

Are you a make up junkie?

2007-08-07T01:17:00.000+08:00

Do you want to learn how to apply make-up? Are you in a make-up rut? Wanna do something different with your friends? Do you need an alternative to your usual bridal shower?Let me help!

I studied in London and have been doing makeup professionally for the past 2 years. I have experience in glossies, newspapers, catwalk, music videos, personal shoots, weddings, both in Manila and in Sydney.

Hit me up for my rates! ericaparedes@gmail.com
I teach groups of a minimum of 6 maximum of 10!
iheartmakeup.multiply.com

Kopi-tiYUM!

2007-07-28T18:54:00.000+08:00

The other day, I ate at this place called Kopi Tiam. It's located in Horseshoe and owned by the same people who brought us North Park, Next Door and Tiananmen Bar. From that information alone, I knew I was going to like the food. North Park has always been the best cure for a hangover, the best companion when you need comfort and the best thing to eat when you are famished. Tiananmen, on the other hand, has served me many of my kurrant 7's and their five spice fries are to die for!

So, Kopi Tiam literally means Coffee Shop, and it has everything you would expect a cafe to have. The minute you enter you see a buffet of rolls, breads, cookies, cakes and other desserts laid in front of you. On the menu are also things you crave for, a.k.a comfort food. I tried the Binondo Mami, which your basic mami noodles with a truckload of things on it-it has 2 pcs of siomai, wanton, asado pork, boiled egg and a chicken fillet to be exact and it's something I would totally love after a boxing session or if I'm going through a break-up. We also tried the Snowfish and oh my gosh! This one needs to be ordered by those who love sea bass! It won't cost you as much pa! It's served with a mango flower and 8 kinds of mushrooms. It was so good. If I wasn't sharing and didn't have so much food in front of me, I swear i would have eaten the entire thing! The beef belly was also a major winner! It came with Kani salad (I'm not much of a fan of mayo so i skipped this) and the 8 mushroom thing again. By the way that mix of eight mushrooms is great. If you are a mushroom freak, as I am, you will devour this side dish and ask for seconds.
I also don't really like ube, but I took a bite of their Ube Parfait, which contained home-made pandan macapuno and sago, and I ended up eating half of it. I also ate half of the Peach Almond Jelly. Nakakahiya ako but the food was so good I couldn't stop eating. They serve the same yummy lemonade as the one in North Park-it's all lemon! No powder or anyting artificial. I am not a fan of lemonade but this one isn't sour, nor is it super sweet because they over compensated with loads of sugar. there was nothing that i didn't like in this cafe. Their menu was very long and there is loads of variety. Expect only a few of your North Park favorites and a whole lot of new things to try out and love.
The place is also very chill. It's an old house converted into a restaurant. Everythign is made of wood and it's so relaxed you can come in chinelas and no one cares. The best part aside from the price and the food is that it's open from 9 am until 2 am and they deliver! They even deliver all the way tot eh Ateneo area (for a minimum order of course-it's a little steeper than if you live in Horseshoe but hey THEY DELIVER!)
I've also been converted. I stopped drinking coffee years ago when I got pregnant with Ananda. Their House Kopi is so good though I drank a whole cup-and I wasn't gagging or forced to-I really liked it! Though I don't think my caffeine desires will ever come back full force, I will order this coffee whenever I eat there-and that will probably be often!
Anyway, this place is great. You can't go wrong with a place that is related to North Park and Tiananmen, but don't get it twisted, it has a personality all its own.

Love, peace and yummy food joes!

Just a few things...

2007-07-24T13:41:00.000+08:00

1. vintagekids.multiply.com-It is not completely done yet but This Kid loves Vintage has officially arrived. We have some stuff up already and will continue posting up more products as the dresses arrive. All of our dresses are new and there are at most 3-4 pieces of one design. We didn't source these from Bangkok or HK, we had them made ourselves. Alongside them are vintage pieces and accessories. Our first collection is mostly inspired by the mini dresses of the 60's so everything is short, short, short! Enjoy!

2. I'm open to giving make-up lessons again. Please email me at ericaparedes@gmail.com for inquiries and if you want a list of my rates.

3. If anyone can suggest a new restaurant or vacation spot to write about please leave your suggestions in the comment box. Anything new or has not really been written about. Thanks guys!

Peace out!

My week at a glance

2007-07-21T12:48:00.000+08:00

Man. What a week. I feel like I did so much. I'm spending this Saturday being a vegetable at home because I am so drained-both physically and emotionally.

So the first week of work was ok. I had to come in a few times for whatver reason and I went to a few events.

The one I went to on Tuesday around lunchtime was for a new shampoo. I missed lunch because I came pretty late but just in time for the fashion show. It was pretty impressive for a lunchtime, shampoo event. Either that or two years has just been too long and I'm not used to these things anymore. I ended up kinda tipsy because I had wine on an empty stomach. Met up with Anna afterwards in Glorietta and scarfed down a plate of Penne al Telefono at Cibo. I would have probably passed out if I hadn't.

Later on that day, Ala and I went to Bonifacio High Street for the Fully Booked launch. It is this massive bookstore with 5 floors and a theatre in the basement. It was a good launch. It was Cibo catered (pica pica with cute and apt names such as Harry Pate and the Sorcerers Santol) and a bar on every floor (Oh No. Rene Barbier you are evil!)I finally got to try cuptails and dreams-these cupcakes that are cocktail-flavored!
Ala about to devour her Cosmopolitan flavored cupcake. Soon after, I had the Pina Colada hehe
A book I found on the second floor. Natawa ako sa title. LOSE WEIGHT! GET LAID! FIND GOD! It's like the ultimate self-help book!

I got to see people I haven't seen in ages and there were a few akward moments seeing an ex and my boyfriends ex who I don't think likes me much. Pero deadma nalang! Hung out with Vicky for most of the night.

Oh and we saw the cutest thing at Hobbes (I think it was Hobbes) We came across these superduperadorable walking baloons. most of them were different breeds of dogs but there was this one random dinosaur. We wanted to buy them but they were P450-500 each. It's too expensive to buy for the sake of cuteness.
Me with my St. Bernard and Ala with her little dinosaur! So so so so cute!

Wednesday, Boogie came home from a three day work trip to Malaysia. Kjwan played in KL in like a showcase for the Ikon competition. Hey vote for them so they can represent the Philippines in KL again, against other Asian countries! So we watched Harry Potter that day and although a lot of people were saying this was the worst movie in the series, I enjoyed it. I also discovered these New York Fries with dips. Gosh so unhealthily good!

Thursday was Metrowear. Cary Santiago is the bomb. Went with Gina, Ala and Amina. Of course there are always these "sister" pictures whenever Ala and I are together. Vomit. haha.Sabi ni Boogie "So, feeling mo Hilton Sisters kayo?" haha! How I wish we were that rich.

I didn't get to take pictures because I forgot my camera (and my teeny aranaz bag wouldn't be able to accomodate it anyway!) Gina and Ala both took some so I'll update this when I get pictures from them.

Yesterday, after going to the office for awhile, I went to Greenbelt for the Harry Potter Press Party at Powerbooks. Ok, so I love fashion and events where there's alcohol and lots of small talk but I was not going to miss out on this "I don't care this is so much fun" event.

When I got there, I registered and was immediately given a GC for a free copy of book 7! I couldn't get it yesterday because worldwide launch is today. I'll probably grab my copy tomorrow. I can't wait! Patiently, I have waited for the ending of this book and now it's here! Anyway, back to the event. I was asked to pick out a piece of paper from this hat and I got Hufflepuff. I'm like "what?! NO! Who wants to be in Hufflepuff it's the dorkiest house!" So I ended up in Gryffindor, although i would have preferred Slytherin because I love Snape to death! He's so dry and sarcastic and funny! I was given my robe and ushered into "The Great Hall" where I was given a "scrumptious meal" Well, it wasn't really scrumptious but I appreciated the effort hehe. Besides, I didn't go there to eat so I didn't really care what they put in front of me.

Ala came and we both were in Gryffindor. There were games and a magic show by Eric Mana. He's so galing. I mean obviously i don't believe in real magic but he's so good at what he does. It was a 3 hour long event and for the first time, i wanted to stay until the end. I'm such a closet geek, i swear.
Aycs with the wand that Inky made. Instead of Phoenix feathers it had chicken feathers. I represented the Sorsogon School of Sorcery
Aycs and Ala from the Sorsogon School of Sorcery and Antique Acedemy of Anting anting respectively.

i spent almost the entire week with my sister, I just realized. Next post, ugly ppictures of dada part 2. That kid is such a ham, I swear!

and that was my first week at work.
Peace Joes!

Hi ho hi ho it's off to work we go

2007-07-16T21:11:00.000+08:00

So the day has finally come. I am officially part of the work force. As in with signed contracts and everything.

Say hello to the newest addition to Metro Magazine :) The former Associate Editor moved to becoming the EIC of Chalk so I took her place. Yay!

Anyway, more later on this week. Metrowear this Thursday, July 19 at the Rockwell tent.

Peace Joes!

Just a Teaser....

2007-07-11T18:22:00.000+08:00

People have been asking me "What happend to Peace Joe?"

While selling our vintage wares at the Glebe markets, I decided to change direction just a little bit. I decided I wanted to make my own clothes. In order to remain in line with the original concept of Peace Joe, which was reworked vintage and unique, recycled pieces, I came up with the idea of making vintage-inpired clothes to sell alongside my vintage ones.

In a few weeks, I'll be opening my doors to anyone who loves cute clothes. My partner and I have vintage and vintage-inspired sunnies, mini dresses, other clothes and accessories all for you to devour.

Just to tease you a little bit, here is a dress from the first collection of This Kid Loves Vintage:
There's lots more where that came from :) Stay Tuned for the official unveiling of our multiply site in a few weeks!

Peace Joes!

Binondo Food Wok!

2007-07-08T22:15:00.001+08:00

Last Saturday, along with Gina, my mom and her friends, I journeyed to an unknown land called Binondo.

After reading up on the Big Binondo Food Wok on a blog while I was still in Australia, I decided I wanted to do it. What could be more fun than exploring a new place and getting to eat everything it has to offer along the way? Thanks to my mom, who organized the whole thing, we finally went over the weekend.

We met up at the entrance of the Binondo Church, and that in itself was so cool. I vaguely remember going to that area for our History field trip when I was in college at Ateneo, but I probably wasn't really paying attention so for me, it was like a first time experience. I can't believe that it was only after 28 years of existence that I visited Binondo.
The Binondo Church also known as the Minor Basilica of St. Lorenzo Ruiz. Cool siguro to get married in a church like that.

Our first stop was one of the only remaining factories for tablea. I am a certified Filipino tsokolate addict so I stocked up on this. It wasn't really a factory, just a store. They were in the middle of moving to another location so it was pretty uneventful (aside from the rolls of chocolate w/c made up for it times a million)

Next stop was Cafe Mezzanine which is the volunteer fireman's cafe. On a side note, the firetrucks in Binondo are so cute. They are purple, because, and ok, I may be inventing some parts here but I'll say what I remember, the owner of Eng Bee Tin also owns this cafe. Back in the day when Chinese cuisine wasn't incorporated into the Filipio palate yet, no one wanted to eat hopia, until he discovered that Filipinos love UBE, so he invented ube hopia. It was so successful that he only ever wore purple, and now the volunteer firemen's trucks are also purple. Medyo malabo but I'm sure you get the idea!
Gina wanted a picture with this because it reminded her of Transformers hehe! Cute right!(the truck not Gina haha!)

Anyway, at Cafe Mezzanine, we had Kiampong rice which is essentially salted rice garnished with peanuts and toasted garlic and fishball soup. It was a good way to the start the walk because we were famished. It was 1:30 pm and we tried not to eat anything before leaving for Binondo. Anyway, that food was supposedly considered "Peasant Food" It was good, damnit!
Posing at the restaurant downstairs from Cafe Mezzanine (same owner I think)

Next, we made a run for Dong Bei Dumpling (because it was raining ack! And I was in slippers!) Ok, so this is the place I saw on a blog that made me REALLY want to go on this walking tour. It's a little 16-seater place owned by these Northern Chinese immigrants who just moved here 3 years ago. Apparently, it was what authentic Northern Chinese dumplings are supposed to be like. In the Philippines, the food we are used to is Cantonese so it was a nice change.
Dumplings are made fresh in front of you. The two kinds we tried were pork with chives (YUM) and pork with cabbage. The difference is these dumplings are boiled in water until it cooks instead of steamed. You can actually leave it to stand for however long and they won't dry up the way steamed dumplings are. We also tried this pan fried pancake like thing w/c was essentially a dumpling but flat and fried haha. Our freezer is now well stocked with Dong Bei dumplings. Thank You Mom hehe.

I wasn't allowed to take pictures at our next stop, but look for a sign that just says "SHANGHAI FRIED SIOPAO" I am useless because I don't know what street it was on but this was the last picture I took before we stopped at that place:
So it MAY be along either Ongpin or Salazar. Sorry I can't be more specific. I was too busy eating. It was really good though. I brought ten home hehe.Notice the dragons on the street signs. Cool, eh?
This place full of tongues was near it. Or was this the place where we had tea eggs. I'm sorry, I'm really confused haha! I suggest you do the tour yourself because I'm not being a good guide haha.

We went to this stall on the same street as the original Ma mon Luk (figure it out) that sells bicho-bicho. In Spain, this would be their churros, in the states maybe funnel cake (but not really) It's crispy fried bread that's chewy in the middle and covered in sugar. It was nice and hot and oh so so delicious. My stomach has been weird the past week or so so I was careful with my food intake but I stopped caring when we hit this spot. It was so yummmmmmmmmy.
Looks like Gina really liked bicho-bicho too hahaha!

If you want to know about the rest of this tour take it yourself. It's only P650 for a 4 hour (but most likely it will extend a bit longer) walking and eating tour. The guide, Ivan Dy is great, really knowledgable and funny! It is money well spent!
Gina and Aycs on the last leg of the tour. Sweaty, dirty, wet form the rain but happy!

PS Don't forget to swing by Eng Bee Tin before you head home. Their buko pandan hopia converted me from hopia hater to lover. Well, that flavor at least! :D

On other news, I started boxing at Elorde today and MAN, it was like boot camp for my unfit ass! I swear I felt like they were training me like I was going to be on the next Rocky movie-and it was only my first day!

I'll let you know how this goes after a couple of weeks. I love it though. Most of all because it's a great way to release pent up aggression-and yes I do have a lot of that still. I just hide it better now hehe.

My body is begging me to sleep but my mind is working like I'm on crack. What to do, what to do!

Work starts officially in a week but I already have some work-related events to attend to. Here we go. I'm ready!

Shortcuts!

2007-07-05T19:15:00.000+08:00

I have had long hair for most of my life and in the past ten years I don't think it ever saw itself above below-shoulder-length.

The past few months have found me extremely FRUSTRATED at my super long below my bra hair. It's so long that I can't do much besides tie it up because it's too hot to keep down AND specially here in Manila, it gets icky when it's humid! I hate going out with even semi-wet hair so i end up having to wake up mad early just to make sure it dries in time and I'm sick of blow drying it.

I have decided to go short. Today, I got what i like to call a transitory haircut. In other words, it's not the MAJOR chop yet but it's short enough for me to get used to having less hair. I think I cut about 6 inches off and layered it so that it looks good both straight and wavy.

TA-DA!!!! Earlier my hair reached Borat's torso (see shirt)

Already i am happier. When I saw the stylist cutting inches upon inches of hair, for the first time in my life, I was totally calm and not panicking. How nice. I was ready to let go of years of baggage (bad relationships, issues and etc) that manifested itself in my flat, lifeless hair.

Even shorter hair SOON! I'm excited!

Work it!

2007-07-04T00:05:00.001+08:00

So, I officially have a job! After two years of being spoiled with the luxury of my own time, I am going back to the work force.

I am going to be an editor again, but this time for an older-market magazine (and a higher position hehe!) I'm excited and nervous all at once. Work-wise, I know I can handle it with no problem, but I guess it's because it's going to be a completely different world then the one I was in at Pink. I know that everyone there has always looked at me like I'm much younger and all that, so I really need to step up my game when I start.

I think I'm ready though. My official first day is not until July 16 so I have a couple of weeks to psych myself up a little more. Of course, there's more to deal with, such as separation anxiety and guilt feelings because I will be away from Ananda more often. We got so used to it being her and me and I know it's going to be weird for awhile. I'll figure out something I'm sure. Millions of mothers work, after all. And being a single mom, well, who else is supposed to come up with money to raise her? (You can argue that her father should, partly, but haaaaaaaaaay. That's a completely different story)

Anyway, that's my news for today. Aside from the fact that......

Sometimes I can be such a fan girl.

I was watching the MTV movie awards by myself earlier and I squealed (alone!) when Johnny Depp came out. Nakakahiya.

but then again, it's Johnny Depp. You probably all squealed, shrieked and gasped too.

*sigh*

Hate Late?

2007-06-29T21:00:00.000+08:00

I should work at Pizza Hut.

One of my pet peeves is tardiness.

I hate it when you make the effort to be somewhere at a certain time or be ready at a certain time, and the other party is late. Traffic can be used as an excuse, but since we already know that Manila will always and forever be traffic, then we should just leave earlier then we think we should so we get to our destination a few minutes early, and therefore don't leave people hanging.

It really annoys me when people don't show respect for other people's time or care enough to show up at the agreed time. I could be doing other things instead of tapping my fingers on the table-ready and just waiting.

Anyway, I will not be sungs because I'm on my way to the Preview Party.

There's more to life...

2007-06-27T14:42:00.000+08:00

I just realized that a lot of people I know in Manila aren't very curious to know what is beyond the bubble they live in. I have always liked travelling and trying new stuff but I must admit that I became a lot more adventurous just a few years ago. Why is it that when it's somewhere abroad, we jump at the chance to go but if it is a place in the Philippines, it doesn't seem as exciting?

I've been wanting to go on all these tours and go to all these places to get to know the country that raised me. I think my sense of nationalism and Pinoy pride came full force when I was in London in 2005. I don't know why but since then, I have been curious and excited to go to untapped territory (untapped by me at least) and even go on the tours around Old Manila. My mom, sister and a few other people are starting off with the Binondo Food Wok. It's a 4 hour walking tour around Binondo wherein you can try the best of our Chinese quarter has to offer. I know it's been around, and that's what I mean-there's so much I have yet to see and experience. I don't want to be one of those well-travelled people, who when asked by a foreigner, can say nothing about the Philippines because they just don't know enough. I don't want to be one of those people, who when asked "Where should I go when I go to the Philippines?" the only answer I'll be able to give is "Embassy", "Piedra" or whatever.

I realized that migrating (however twisted my migration really is) to another country will bring a nationalistic surge to anyone. You don't want to be known as just "Asian" or "Pacific Islander" or whatever, you want people to know that you are FILIPINO. You realize that no matter how hopeless you think the state of the nation is, you will NEVER sell out abroad and agree when people put the Philippines down. You'll defend it no matter what.

It saddens me sometimes that most people in our own country, don't really care to really see what we are about. There are so many Filipinos abroad who can't come home and so many countries that have been ruined by war or poverty that their inhabitants don't have the same the same priviledges we do in terms of paying homage to the land that made them who they are.

Maybe I'm being overly-dramatic, but I guess I'm just wishing that more people I know would care to go somewhere other than the mall to shop or to hang out and drink. I like discovering new places and talking to new people. I even like talking to complete strangers even if I know I may never see them again. You just never know what you'll learn!

When matronas go out

2007-06-22T16:50:00.000+08:00

My college friends and I have turned into matronas. We still see each other often, but it's mostly to have lunch, dinner or go shopping. We hardly ever go out anymore like we used to when we were still in Ateneo and even up until a few years ago.

So, it was really nice that last night, after TOO long, we were all out-and all tipsy! Fun! We trooped over to Piedra for Fabric Night where Aranaz (Amina's bags) were on display and all her friends invited. There was champagne and red wine to satisfy our increasingly alcoholic blooodstreams (specially Gina, who is ready to check herself in AA), good music, and most importantly, good company.
Patring, Amina, Alexi, Erica and Anna in black and white. Missy is still in my future land of residency-London.
Me with the two crazies-Gina and Vicky!We never even left our spot that night. All our pictures are in the same area haha!
Boogito showed up after his gigs yay! It was fun and we definitely should stop our hermit-like and anti social existence and go out together more often. I almost forgot how fun these girls can be when we are all together.

I had a realization though that I only have fun going out if it's an event related to the fashion industry. I mean, everything you want to have a good night out are at these events-your friends, open bar and the chance to dress up in clothes only fellow fashionistas understand. We don't go out to meet guys, most of us are attached anyway-but we do need to go out and unwind and socialize from time to time.

Anyway, gave Ananda a new 'do. It's so cute and so much easier to manage.
From the side!
The final product. I asked for layers but to keep the length in the back so she got this cute cut.Speaking of cute cuts, I saw one of the I love You girls, Corinne yesterday and I so so want her hair. I'm thinking that after a decade or even more of long hair (shortest shoulder length, longest below my bra!) that I am ready to go short. Maybe not super short but short and a bit edgy. I need a hair make-over! It's so long that it gets weighed down and looks so flat all the time. I hate it!I also want blonde streaks again. We'll see where this goes, but I want this to happen within the next couple of months.

A quiet night tonight because Ananda is sleeping at her dads house. I miss her already. I'm cooking dinner to distract myself.

Peas on earth Joes!

La Luz, Batangas

2007-06-21T09:10:00.000+08:00

I'm sunog!

That's the problem when you go on an overnight or day trip to the beach. You try to cram in all your tanning time in a few hours and you end up red and crab-like instead of nice and golden.

I went to La Luz for a much needed beach break with Boogie. I was so white and everyone made sure I knew. Plus, the last vacation I had away from Ananda was in January so I really wanted some time to SLEEP straight through the night.

A short review on La Luz:

Beach: Sand was pebbly. Actually, I would call it pebbles and not sand. That was a major "eeeh" because it hurt to walk barefoot. But I overlooked it because I was so starved for sun and the beach. Plus there were reclining chairs and big umbrellas so I wasn't forced to lay on the sand (even with a towel it would hurt!) The waves are really strong here and the water gets deep pretty quickly so proceed with care. There's also a lot of big rocks in the water. Just wear slippers at all times.
The resort starts where you see those white things on the beach. All in all it's ok for a day trip or overnight but I wouldn't stay longer. Bring friends. There's no tv hehe.
Boogie and I with more color. Yay!!!! The pebbly beach was worth it because I don't look like mayonaise anymore.

Room: The room was quite big and we were upgraded to a Premiere w/c had two single beds and one double bed. It had a big ass shower w/c would probably fit 9 people comfortably! With hot and cold water, which is important to me. The shower, sink and toilet were all separate (Like in Australia hehe) There was no comforter on the beds. I don't understand why resorts think we can sleep w/ such a flimsy blanket. I use a comforter even w/ out the aircon on at home. Also, there is no TV so come prepared w/ iPod and speakers, hand held games or board games (although you can rent there for P100 a day) and whatever else you can think of to keep you occupied if it rains or on your down time.
Food: The food was not inedible, but I wouldn't say it was good either. For lunch, when we got there, there was a buffet of fish fillet (I took one bite and left it. The flavor was good but it was so hard it became a chore to chew), liempo (Ok lang. I would have grilled it a little longer), Chicken pastel (Alright) and surprisingly, the high light was the mixed veggies in oyster sauce. It was basically just carrots, sugar snap peas and fish balls. We devoured that one hehe.
The dining area. There is no ala carte here so be prepared to eat whatever is on the buffet. Like I said, it's not horrible but you'll definitely want something good to eat when you get out of there.
Dinner was pork cordon bleu, some kind of chicken pot pie looking stuff but with potatoes instead of crust, mixed veggies and I can't even remember what else. Dessert was watermelon and pineapple and some sort of jello and fruit salad. It was quite forgettable and you kind of just eat because 1. You are hungry and 2. It's not horrible. Breakfast was typical longanissa, this fish which I think was bangus, egg and rice. We wanted Bacon so we were a bit disapointed at the set brekky-no buffet even!
Ho-hum breakfast is boring! To make up for 24 hours of "ok lang" food we went to pancake house for lunch on the way home and got 3 pc. pan chicken (our fave yum yum!) and carbonara. I also bought Cinabon and yema and crispy dilis. Overboard. haha.

Service: The service here is pretty non existent, unless you twist their arms a bit to help you out with your bags and stuff. Most of the time, the staff is too busy messing around with each other to really pay attention to anything else. Or asleep on one of the cabanas, as they were when we left. It's kinda funny but it's kinda annoying also. I mean, I wasn't expecting a five star rating from La Luz but come on.

Would I go back? If I had a better alternative in the form of surrounding resorts then no I wouldn't. If not, It's alright for a short beach trip with friends or if you just want to get away for the day. Don't expect activity like Bora or luxury like El Nido in Palawan. It's a beach. And sometimes you just need a beach :)
Besides, if you are with good company, then it doesn't matter where you are! It didn't rain either so that was another plus. (although the weather had nothing to do w/ the resort.)

Next stop. Antulang in Dumaguete. With Dada this time.

Peace Joes!

Life has its ways...

2007-06-15T11:13:00.000+08:00

When planning out what you want for the future, you must always leave room for life to get in the way. Sometimes the best laid plans are redirected because of things either beyond our control like sickness or because of bad decision making like marrying for the wrong reasons or getting pregnant by the wrong guy (check!)

It't only been 4 years since my quarter life crisis took over my thoughts and actions but I feel light years away from it already. Back then, questioning my existence and everything I held dear and thought to be true things in life felt like the most important thing to do. I felt neither here nor there and knew that no one but myself could pull me out of the rut I was in.

I think all of us go through that transition from kid to adult confused because something happens that breaks down everything we built for ourselves in the past that we thought was "it" We spend our puberty figuring out our lives just for everything to suddenly seem wrong and senseless and even not real when we hit the crossroads between being who we were and allowing ourselves to become who we were meant to.

We will continue encountering roadblocks through out our lives but for most, this is the first one, the one we were not expecting and the one we feel we need to win against if we want to have any faith left in our futures. It is normal and expected to feel depressed and hopeless and to feel the need to force ourselves to face the everyday goings on of life.

Maybe I was lucky that my quarter life-ing involved motherhood hovering over me and counting down every second. Without another person involved, I would have probably stayed in my self-absorbed, confused, "where am I going, what is my life about" state. Although I am not telling everyone that getting pregnant is the answer, it was just what I needed personally at that time. I immediately felt myself changing after I found out I was with child, and the process of becoming a better person, a nicer person and having more clarity towards life and the world is a continuous thing for me. I know for a fact that even if I am not perfect (well, that is relative. haha jk) I am 100% better off now than I was 4 years ago.

ANOTHER BIRTHDAY PARTY

Although we spent Ananda's real birthday at Fun Ranch, we had a big pirate bash for her the following Saturday. I brought in gold and black (w/ skull print!) baloons from Australia and all her loot bags, plates and even Anette Sison cake and cupcakes were all pirate themed.
Yummy butter cake and cupcakes w/ buttercream frosting! Pirate themed w/ skulls, ships and treasure chests!
The Captain before the party! Ahoy Mateys! She's so cute! I bought her costume at that party store along Sunnyholt where we got the stuff for Ala's Hollywood party.
Ananda in the hot seat w some of the other kids and the pirate game host/magician. She was a bit overwhelmed.
Working his magic. The kids loved it! He was good. Except he kept saying "burstday" for birthday.
About to blow her nth birthday cake! Before we slept that night, she gave me a big hug and said "Thank You mama. I love you so so much. Also lola and Ninang Gina" hehe!

It was fun. I got La Comida to cater and we had yummy kiddie party food-flavored fries, baked mac, mini siopao, waffle dogs, chicken ala king tartlets, barbeque and mini pizzas. My mom also got puto bumbong and bibingka-which I didn't get to try boo hoo! All in all it was a great party with all our friends showing up (well, most hehe)Ananda had a fun day with a few sungit portions, kids had fun, adults had fun and I marketted by clam dip haha.

Next year though, I am going to rely on the good people at McDonalds, Shakeys or wherever to deal with the party. I love planning but if I do this every year I'll go broke!

Lastly, I applied at two magazines, and I've already gotten an offer for one of them. I decided to stay put for awhile and getting a job will force me to. I realized a few days ago that I haven't been anywhere for more than 6 months since 2005. I think I will now, just for awhile, so I'm not on flight mode all the time.

That's it for now. Peace Joes!

The little joe is three!

2007-06-07T23:47:00.000+08:00

3 years ago today (Well, since it's 12:15 am then technically, yesterday) my life changed in ways I never expected it would. And now, three years later, I look at my little girl and think-Ok, so I'm not perfect, we aren't perfect, but we're doin' alright kiddo!

My Ananda is funny. She makes you laugh the way a friend your age would. She knows when to deliver punchlines and where to find your kiliti. If she knows you're enjoying her "show", she'll ham it up even more.

My Ananda is the sweetest ever. She shouts I Love You Mama from escalators, across the room, while falling asleep and sometimes she says it over and over (and with a bit of acting pa) 'I love you Mama. I love you so so much. I'll never forget you" in her teary I love you so much I'm going to cry drama voice.

My Ananda is independent. She likes doing things herself. She refuses to get help unless she really is clueless about whatever it is she has to do. As much as possible, she prefers to try and try and try (until she gets pikon haha. w/c she also is!)

My Ananda means the world to me. I can no longer imagine life without her in it. I can't remember how my life used to be-seriously. I mean I can remember it on a thinking level like from memories and stuff but I don't remember how it felt anymore. She gets on my nerves-a lot. We fight-a lot. But we're also filled with a mutual neverending and unconditional love that it makes all the tantrums, brattiness, sleepless nights and everything I have had to give up in my life beyond worth it.

We spent her birthday at Fun Ranch along Libis. It was fun and she had fun in the activity center where she played in this huge jungle gym...thing. They have this weird mechanical cow that she rode-twice. It actually just walked around the grounds of Fun Ranch. It was so weird but funny and cute at the same time. She also got a massage at the Little Lamb Spa, which she thoroughly enjoyed. Oh No, now my massages won't be good enough anymore!

Ninang Gina and Ninang Patring skipped work today to spend the day with us! Potato Corner! Milo ice Cream! Nakooow!
Boogie, aycs and Ananda with our pet cow haha!
One hour Swedish Massage at the Little Lamb Spa. Bongga ka day!
She got the ROyal Treatment make-over which included Hair, make up and nails at Club Princess in Bonifacio High Street.
We had a cupcake at Sonja's and then we went to Chelsea (is it just Chelsea or is it Chelsea something?) Either way, she got another free dessert with a little candle on it. Somebody had a fun, fun day today!

Happy Birthday Little one! Mama, and so many others, Love you super duper so so much!

Let me clear my throat

2007-06-05T11:40:00.000+08:00

Let's get this out of the way.

Don't tell me how to run my life. Unless you are directly involved, then don't even voice out your opinion because it is not valid in the equation of how I plan what I am going to do. The only thing it does is make me angry at you for acting like it affects you in any real way, and for thinking I am going to withdraw certain things just because YOU think I shouldn't do it.

You don't read my blog, I'm pretty sure of that. I won't even mention your name but right now, I really dislike you. Let the person involved make the decision-that I can accept as valid and i can respect, but for you to get all up in the mix like it's your bussiness-nikkuh please.

EVERYDAY IS ERICA DAY!
In lighter, happier news, Boogie threw me a surprise birthday party-on HIS birthday! I kind of had an idea because through out the whole day people were saying weird things and acting funny left and right but, it was so sweet of him to do that. He's the bestest best!!!
Plus he ordered my favorite Annette Sison cupcakes. I swear they are better than Sonja's, Cupcakes on Pitt and every other cupcake I've ever tasted in my life.
Jor with my Birthday cupcakes! "Happy Birthday CupcAYCs I love You" Aaw. How eeswet!

So Boogie had been conspiring with Gina and my friends for over a month. He handled everything on the day itself. All I did was make my smoked clam dip (Gina and I are selling btw!--shamless plug!)--which was a hit as usual! The whole day he was picking up cupcakes, buying beer, setting up tables, coordinating with people. I'm so proud of him because his idea of a party was originally a few cases of beer and his friends.
Gina, Inigo, Boogie and Aycs in our own little club inside Boogie's house haha! We love slow shutter!

A few days before we had a dinner at the house, just Mabanta relatives and my Admu girlies and of course Gina and Boogie. It was a belated fondue birthday something for me since I wasn't hear for my real birthday, and I wasn't here last year either.

We had cold cuts from Santis (I suggest you and your friends split a cold cuts platter for your next party because a huge platter is only 1000 pesos. Super sulit. We had a lot of left overs w/c I brought to Boogie's party the next day), Cheese fondue, chocolate fondue, a cheese platter, barbecue and pasta matriciana that my mom made. We also made spinach artichoke dip and smoked clam dip (PLUG PLUG PLUG!)

It was small and nice and I got to catch up with people.
Anna, Alexi, Patring and Aycs. Amina, where are you?! I forgot to mention we also had Mango Float from Tita Ollie and Pavlova made by my mom! Yum!
Good Times! It's nice to be home! So many things to get done from now on so it was nice to have these celebrations.

It ain't even done yet! My little girl's bday is this Thursday and her party is this weekend. Woohoo. And ya don't stop. And ya don't quit.

Family Matters

2007-06-01T09:19:00.000+08:00

I am no stranger from being away from my family. As early as ten years old, I left to train in the US for a significant amount of time when I was on the Philippine Gymnastics team, without ever seeing my siblings, seeing my dad for a few days only and my mom for only a couple of months collectively. When I left, Mio was an infant and when I got back, he was walking and talking already. In 2005, I also left to go to London on my own for 3 months when I took my make-up course. It was a bit different because I already had Ananda then, but at the same time, I enjoyed having my own time and getting away form everything that was familiar. Last year, I came back home to Manila for a 5 months and only saw my dad mostly as he came in and out of the country. Most of my travels have also been on my own. I enjoy travelling alone. It's the only time I can relax. I am usually stressed and harassed otherwise.

I mention this because I will again be apart from my family on and off for long amounts of time. At this time in my life though, it doesn't feel as exciting and "wala lang" as growing up. I think I feel this because I know we are all older, and this arrangement of us not all being in the same house, or even country will eventually become normal. When I get back, Mio may be in Uni already and not necessarily in NSW, or at least not the Sydney area. Ala may have a steady job and might have moved to Glebe or wherever. I, of course, want to settle down until my citizenship-then maybe go to London (!!!) It's exciting because we're all old enough to make our own decisions regarding where we want to be and what we want to do, but at the same time it's a bit sad because of the same reasons-because we all want different things.

That's why I love hanging out with my siblings and my family-because I know that we're at that time where we probably will never really all be at one place at one time permanently anymore. It could always change. This makes me proud because we are choosing to follow what we each feel is right for ourselves, but it also makes me miss them a lot. I see my mom and dad chatting, emailing and calling their siblings all the time.

I guess you never really get completely used to it.

Back in the motherland

2007-05-25T07:26:00.000+08:00

So I'm back in really hot weather. Just when I was starting to like the chill that was coming in. But anyway, I really have to keep reminding myself of why I am here. Again. So soon. I am hoping that I made the right decision and in the end it will all be worth it when I go back.
Aaw Sydney. I miss you already. With your fresh mushrooms at every single supermarket. *sigh* I guess I am on mushroom strike once again.

Whenever I leave Manila for extended periods of time, I come home with a fresh outlook each time. I said in an old post from my old blog:

"I find that I discover a lot about myself-personal and culture-wise when I am not in the Philippines. My philosophy is to take everything in from everywhere I go and then keeping what works for me and throwing out what doesn't. I realize when I'm gone what I love about the Philippines and what frustrates me about it. Travelling really opens your eyes. Any form of it, whether you travel by car to a remote mountain province or you take 3 airplanes and 2 buses to Argentina. It doesn't matter whether you are on a 3 day trip to Hong Kong or a year long contract in Greece, you are ALWAYS a different person when you return. You will always learn something no matter how big or small when you go somewhere away from your comfort zone. There is no such thing as too much experience, there is no limit to what you can go through and learn, and travelling juts makes it all the more intresting."

Travelling is my ultimate vice. I love it. I can't get enough of it. It is definitely harder to just drop everything and leave at this time in my life because I have a daughter and I am working on something that needs care and attention right now.

Everytime I come home I am afraid to drive. Moreso when I just came back from a country with right hand driven vehicles. I get disoriented the minute I am out on the road (It's the same when I go back to Oz. I always feel at first that someone is going to hit our car or whatever) My license is also expired already. Need to put renewing it on my to-do list.

Everytime I come home, I am also very frustrated at sales people when I go to the mall. Why do they never ever know anything about what they are selling? Why do they refuse to make eye contact with you and why oh why do they either ignore you or tail you so closely you start to feel claustrophobic. Just yesterday I had an annoying experience at a department store. I was looking at these gladiator sandals that looked exactly like the brown ones I have but in gold. I got excited because they were so cute.

Me: Hi! Magkano itong sandals na to?
Salesguy: Hindi ko alam eh.
Me: *Blank stare like hello so you're going to leave it at that?* "Pwede mo alamin please?"
Salesguy: *Looks around* "Wala kasi dito mga kasama ko eh"
Me: *Getting more and more annoyed by the second* " Wala ka bang listahan na pwede tignan" -without hiding the annoyance in my voice.
Salesguy: *Picks up a completely different shoe* "P*** po"
Me: "Hello, ibang sapatos yan. Hindi naman yan yung tinatanong ko eh"
Salesguy: *Gives the Crappiest excuse known to man* "Bago lang kasi ako dito eh"

----ARGH! I HATE THAT EXCUSE. IT'S NOT AN EXCUSE, BUT THEY SEEM TO THINK THAT REASON IS GOOD ENOUGH AND YOU'LL GIVE THEM A PAT ON THE BACK AND SAY "AAW, IT'S OK!"

Me: "Kahit bago ka. Dapat alam mo mga bagay na yan diba. O kung hindi mo alam, mag hanap ka ng paraan para malaman. Mawawalan ka ng mga costumer ng ganyan and isa na ako don." *Walked away*

So annoying!

I also miss not having shops with trendy and cheap disposable clothes-like Valley Girl in Sydney or H&M in London. I mean, we have high street brands here like Top Shop and Zara but when put in the Philippine context, they become expensive and over priced. I do love my Top Shop though-something we don't have in Sydney *BOO* I will miss markets on Saturdays. I loved selling at Glebe. I met so many interesting people and saw so much cute stuff. The second to the last week I was there, I snagged a mint green croc skin bag, an aqua suede purse and a white waist belt all for $5 from these girls who were probably getting rid of all their old stocks of vintage to make room for new stuff.
I miss hangin' out and talking with my sister! And my brother (whos not in the picture hehe) At the Sydney Airport. Wait. Who is Kingsford Smith? Oh wait, never mind I just Wikied him http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Kingsford_Smith
Ananda and favorite Aussie friend Xavi. Their love-hate relationship is amusing to watch. Minsan gusto mo pagumpugin! haha!
Vince! Geraldine! Can you guys come here at the same time so we can wreak havoc here haha.

It's still good to be home although Sydney is also starting to feel more and more like it as time goes by. I have lots to do here. I'm changing direction of Peace Joe and even the name (To be announced later! hehe) Got new set cards made so hopefully can start getting more advertising gigs. Had a job interview yesterday with HR of one of the publishing companies here-for a low position, mostly writing, exactly what I want right now because I wanna do other things, but have a steady income and still have time to do (The brand formerly known as) Peace Joe and make-up of course! I saw a shirt in Top Shop that said "WHY CAN'T I HAVE EVERYTHING?"

Yeah, why can't I?

Well. I can. And I will. :D

SPIDEY-SASTER

2007-05-17T23:29:00.000+08:00

Dear Sam Raimi,

What were you thinking when you directed Spiderman 3?

No, seriously. WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?

There were just too many things wrong with the movie, I don't even know where to start.

* Did you fire all you make-up artists and ask the actors to do their own? Is that why I could see Kirsten Dunst's concealer all through out the movie? Or Toby Maguire's double chin *heehee*

* Was James Franco auditioning for his next movie role? or a toothpaste commercial? he didn't look well, he seemed more nutzo as Harry then as New Goblin.

* Was there an actual script for this movie? Because it seems like you gave the actors a general idea or summary and asked them to wing it. Parang sinabi mo: "O, ganito yan ha. Basta kelangan mag-aaway muna lahat tapos sa end, ok na lahat and hindi pwede mamatay si Spidey ha. Repeat, hindi pwede mamatay si Spidey! Sige, bahla na kayo. ACTION!"

*Furthermore, it seemed like all the writers were feeding off each other without asking for a second opinion.

Writer 1: :Wouldn't it be cool if he could wear a black suit?
Writer 2: Yeah He could totally be emo! With his hair just like this (Parts to the side covering one eye)
Writer 3: Yeah, and eye liner! And he could swagger! Make sure it's really exaggerated so people will get that he's turning bad ok!

It was like they played Mad Libs and that's what they came up with!

* That whole Toby Maguire strutting on the New York streets just went on too long. Is this Spiderman: The Musical?

That's just touching the surface. It was just really, really terrible! You know a movie is bad when you are laughing when you are supposed to be sad. I felt no sympathy or compassion towards the characters. Not even when James Franco died. And plus when Topher Grace went to try and save his symbiotic black goo, I kept thinking "My preciousssssssssssssss"

Through out the movie, you are just sitting there, shaking your head in disbelief that this movie actually made it out in the theatres. This is the worst movie I have seen in a long time. I mean, being a comic-based movie, I wasn't expecting Oscar-worthy acting but COME ON.

Please. No more weed when filming the next one.

Sincerely,

The Paredes Kids

Another Public Service Announcement

2007-05-11T12:45:00.000+08:00

I am leaving for manila very soon and won't be back for awhile, so I am putting all my stocks on sale! ALL dresses at $25 (usually 25-60 range), all tops/cardis etc at 15-20 (usually 20-30 range) Designer stuff discounted if you buy more than one item (You can mix one designer/one not)

See you tomorrow 10 am-4pm Glebe Public School Glebe Point Road, Glebe.

If you like vintage, these are steals! I plan to sell them all to a vintage store in the city (whatever I don't sell) and they will most deifnitely jack up the prices 200-300 per cent!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MEEEEEEE :)

2007-05-08T09:09:00.000+08:00

I had two birthday celebrations this year. One was last friday at Opera Bar and one was yesterday with my family. I was initially tamad to plan anything but Ala called and texted people about my pre-birthday "early" drinks at Opera Bar. I wanted to sell at Glebe the next day so I made them promise to have me home by midnight. I wasn't even going to drink that much!

Oh Well! :)

1. The Opera Bar Incident
It started out innocently enough with Ala, Mio, Vince, Trish, Nicole and I and a bottle each of red and white. I forgot to eat dinner so after a couple, I was already feeling a bit woozy and asked for some mixed nuts or something, just to make sure I didn't embarass myself at some point that night. Everyone started coming and giving me glasses of wine or pouring into my pre-existing glass and then it got to a point where I kind of stopped caring about being home by midnight, Glebe and anything else.
All in all, it was a good, well-deserved night out. I haven't had any since I got here and even before leaving Manila, I wasn't too keen on late nights anymore. I know. Lola. We ended up leaving around 1 am, and probably only because the parking lot downstairs was closing, went to Harry's in Wooloomooloo for hotdogs at 1:30 am and was home by around 2:30.
Needless to say, I didn't go to Glebe the next morning. I think I stayed home all day, recovering from my wino hang over and eating (rice!-argh, I've been so good about my no rice rule too!)
Other Birthday Celebrants, Nicole (May 6), Erwin (May 8), Ala, Inaki, MEEEH (May 7), Carlo and Jojo early in the night. Lisette, Me and Geraldine
Someone told my dad that he/she saw us at Opera Bar that night and was "disappointed" in Mio because he was drunk and seemingly popular with "the ladies" Well, I am his SISTER, Lisette is 8 years older and MARRIED and Lark is older as well and Miguel's sister! Anoooo baaaah!
With just enough alcohol and fun in our systems, we left and went to Harry's for ginormous hotdogs. I will miss my siblings.

2. The Birthday PIG-OUT!
So, on my actual birthday-yesterday, we decided to go to Chinatown for lunch. I was craving dumplings in a major way so East Ocean on Dixon was perfect. We devoured our food. I seriously haven't eaten that much in one sitting in so long. Hakaw, Siomai, Garlic Prawn dumplings Oh My! haha. Yum Yum Yum cha!
Ananda and I at the entrance of Chinatown after a yummy meal. She is a siopao monster!
As if that wasn't enough, we decided to walk to Darling Harbor in the guise of just hanging out. In reality, the Lindt Cafe is there and we wanted a chocolate fix. Of course, there was much camwhoring along the way. Our day would not be complete with out it.
The Paredes girls
Ananda and I right before one of her tantrums w/c I caught on camera! haha!
And finally, my cake! Made by Ala! And flowers from Boogie! He surprised me with flowers and a bottle of Absolut Kurant-w/c is Absolut-ly my favorite!
We ate at Trellinis (I think that's what it was called) in Castle Towers for dinner and by the end of the night, I seriously could not do anythign except sit and do nothing because I was so full from everything I ate yesterday. No regrets, only a few pounds mosty likely! haha :)

Looking forward to another great year ahead :) Peace Joes! And wish you were all there!

Sunny days!

2007-05-02T10:42:00.000+08:00

We ended up going to Bondi instead of Bronte. We forgot to get the Navman and the E-tag out of the other car and we didn't wanna risk getting lost, so we decided to go to Coogee instead, a place my cousin said she could get to with no problems and my sister said she was more familiar with. We made a wrong turn somewhere and ended up in Bondi. Haha.

It was a really good day yesterday. And since I haven't had a real summer in the past year (I was here summer in Manila last year and in Manila when it was summer here, and here again now that it's summer back home. *sigh*)it was nice to just lay on the sand and not do anything. Well, not really not do anything because we had two 3 year old kids running around, throwing sand and making sand angels, that we had to watch.

I asked Dada if she liked the beach and if she wanted to live there, to which she replied "With you Mama? Yes! Yay! we're going to live in Bondi!"
I didn't have the heart to tell her we had to go back all the way out west to where we really lived. Haha. So I bought her an ice cream before we went home hoping she'd forget. She kept asking me if we could go back again next time.
Chini, Moi and Ala. Picture taken by Ananda!

A FEW QUESTIONS IN MY HEAD:

1. Would you even think of working with a present bf/gf's ex? Or with an ex's new significant other (Depending on which side you are on hehe)
A. What if it was a job you really wanted and
B. What if you were totally qualified for the job?
C. What if it might help you in the future to get this job now?

Someone told me that it would a crazy, silly thing to do. Personally, I have never been one to put aside what i think I can do really well and what I really want for any thing or any body (within reason of course and without stepping on anyones toes) I know I can be professional about things and I don't hold grudges for that long. I physically CAN'T because I get excited when I talk to new people (hehe) So anyway, I am totally not expecting anything but I applied just because. We'll see. I don't know what makes me more anxious-knowing that I will most likely get rejected due to the circumstances OR thinking "what if I get accepted?" haha.

2. How do you work on trust issues? I have them in a major way. I know it's easy to say that just because some idiots did stuff to you in the past, you shouldn't think that everyone will and all that. But seriously, it isn't that easy. Yes, I do blame all my stupid, philandering exes who have turned me into this crazy creature, but since it is all over and done and they will burn in hell someday anyway, i would like to work on myself, because I am with someone who I know would never, ever do anything to hurt me in that way. And I wanna cut him some slack.

NOTE: I am not as crazy as you think. I am not one of those psycho girls that stalk and spy. No! I just know sometimes I can be a bitch about certain things.

3. If you were a single mom what rights do you give and responsibilites would you demand from your child's father? Are there things you should demand for? I don't like the thought of "relying" on him for anything but at the same time I think that as long as he is seeing his child, there should be some things to discuss.

I am not looking to be reprimanded, judged or get shitted on, but I really want sound advice from those who think they can give any. If you are or have been in my shoes then fire away.

My birthday is in 5 days. Ack!

JUDGE JUDY

2007-04-30T21:11:00.000+08:00

I really dislike Judge Judy. I dislike the way she points fingers at the plaintiff and defendant and how she thinks she can tell people who they are based on certain actions.

But Judge Judy is not the topic of discussion tonight.

I was reading through an old blog entry from 2005 when I was going through a very painful break-up. It was a really difficult time for me and my only way of purging all the bad vibes inside of me was to write furiously in my blog. I wrote ALL my feelings on a daily basis and at that time in my life, I allowed myself to go through the pain of it all=no holds barred! I wanted it completely annihilated and for me the only way to do so is to let it completely go through you, no matter how gargantuan the task might seem.

So I did, and it was a daily dose of verbal diarrhea, if not more, for readers of my blog. I don't blog for your reading pleasure-although it is comforting to know that I am interesting or entertaining enough for people to want to read about on a daily basis. There was this one reader though who couldn't say anything remotely nice about me and my siblings.

After a particularly emo post, he left this comment:

"Things will not change for you until you change your attitude about life. Change in environment cannot and will not change your unhappiness until you summon happiness yourself.

Why do men leave? Because men are attracted to women who are naturally fun and happy, confident, lovable and smart. They do not like women who are
whinners, insecure, demanding and nags. They are like thorns on their sides.

Happiness is a state of mind! So, live in the here and now. To be loved is to love and to be happy is to give joy.

Do something more useful with your time like preparing for a real career. Make-up artists here in Australia don't earn much money working in beauty salons. How will you raise your child without nanny while working full-time?

These are real and practical issues you may want to really think about.

Good luck."

I was so upset with this stupid, judgemental idiot who thought he knew everything about my life and who I was. After a comment back from me, my sister and a few other people, he continued saying other things like we basically lived off our parents and we were so useless and all that.

First of all, I was so upset that someone whould be STUPID enough to think that being a make-up artist is NOT a REAL, credible, valid career path. Second, i was fuming at the fact that my family was being judged through BLOG ENTRIES and lastly, I was depressed at the thought that there are people this world who are moronic enough to treat other people like shit by verbally attacking them (or in this case-in writing) on their blog, telling them how to run their lives and what is wrong with them.

He also is from Australia. I actually don't know if it's a he or a she but it sounded like a guy speaking. After reading it, it made me wonder if he still reads my blog. I hope he's accidentally fallen over a cliff, drowned in the great barrier reef or mauled by a dingo in the bush.

I just got upset because I was reading thorugh my old entries in my old blog and I came across it. Ugh. Why are there so many stupid people in this universe? It is one thing to give pure hearted advice and constructive criticism and quite another to judge and put down another person-specially if you don't know the person.

In reality, I am in a semi-foul mood because of something else. Disappointed in this person who was almost like another brother to me. But oh well, shit happens.

Well, off to Bronte tomorrow. I think the two people I'm going with (Ala and Chini) really need a day at the beach.

Lisette, I know you will read this eventually, Sorry I didn't get back at you! Let's talk when I get back tomorrow!

A Taste of Heaven

2007-04-30T02:00:00.000+08:00

Make that two big gulps!

1. I was fortunate enough to have gotten a flyer (from my mom's friend) of the YSL Beaute Warehouse sale. The minute I saw it, I was itching to go. The next day, we had no cars and it was all the way in Rydalmere. When my brother finally got home, I POUNCED on him to go with me. I didn't know what to expect at first and exactly how cheap I could get the items for, but I went anyway out of curiousity.

Oh my god. The second you get in, you can pick up a BOX to put all your loot in. Women were grabbing 3-4-5 boxes of fragrances, 5 lipsticks and packs of skin care products. It was nuts! As you all know, YSL is one of the luxury brands that don't care anything below $50 (Maybe even more)

I decided to be smart about it and not go psycho and start stuffing the box with random products. I came prepared and took out moved everything in my account to another except the amount I was willing to spend-$200. I fgured if it was cheap enough, I could get a supply enough to last me a year of work and if it wasn't, then I could get a few things and my most favorite Babydoll perfume for myself.

I ended up getting 4 foundation compacts (all perfect for FIlipina skintone for when I get back to Phils!), 2 glosses, 1 lipstick, that cute gold YSL bracelet w/ the three locket things that contain a lipstick, a highlighter and a gloss, In Love Again Perfume (My second favorite now since I smelled it. I was contemplating whether to get that or the Stella McCartney STELLA perfume but, like I said before, I like sweet and/or fruity scents.), A 50 ml Babydoll perfume that came w/ free mascara and nail/lip moisturizer 9A steal at $30! I checked Myer yesterday and it retails for $59 for JUST the perfume!) and lastly two eyebrow gels in different shades (for shoots etc)

I was high for about two hours after. I felt like I got my fix and I was good to go. And the best part is, I didn't even reach my targeted budget but spent way less! *sigh* Friday was a good day! It was my sunshine through the clouds and rain!

2. So, after the high I got from the sale kinda deflated due to the fact that as soon as I got home, I realized it was my turn to cook dinner and my previously marinated chicken was sitting in a bowl, waiting to be breaded and baked. Right before my mood was completely back to harassed mode, I get an sms from my friend Lisette asking me if I was busy the next day ..."If not, I am taking you to Max Brenner!" haha! I quickly replied that I wasn't. I didn't even want to waste my time going to Glebe because all reports predicted rains through out the day.

So yesterday, I restrained myself from eating anything chocolate because I wanted my Italian Thick to be special!We met up at Max Brenner in Parramatta and gulped down a Dark Italian Thick EACH and devoured a plate of strawberries with chocolate dip (as if the THICK hot chocolate wasn't enough) Between the kwento and all the chocolate, I was feeling quite happy again and ready for some (window) shopping.

I had great self control yesterday, I must say. I kept thinking that I spent over a hundred bucks the day before on make-up so I didn't want to and COULDN'T spend more than $25 dollars today (actually I didn't want to spend anything but I gave myself that because I knew I'd cheat anyway) Saw 2 cute dresses at Valley Girl, but nope, don't need another dress. Next door at Betts, I fell in love with a pair of red patent pumps-on sale for $49.95 from $90. But-NO, over my budget for the day. At MAC, I wanted to buy the LADYBUG lipstick I've been eyeing-$34 dollars. No can do. And besides, with my 30% discount at MAC in Paddo, I could get it for ten dollars cheaper.

On the way to finding my mom, I found this little store that sold cheap stuff so I decided to check it out. It was called Groove and I was able to get my Dessert Treats whipped cream on sale and a nice latte colored bag plus a little treat for Ananda, all for less than $25.

Mission Accomplished!

Went to a house warming in Annandale last night and I am jealous of the older houses with so much character. The houses in neighborhoods like ours are nice but all look the same! Hay, when I get back and decide to settle, I will get my terrace apartment.

It's a nice day today. We're supposed to go on another Family Field Trip but it's 11 am and most people are still asleep.

So cross that Babydoll perfume off my list. And Universe, show me the MONEY! hahahaha:D

World Salad

2007-04-26T16:50:00.000+08:00

I think Verbal Diarrhea is a better term for what this is.
Today i want to talk about what I want. And complain. Sorry. But, really I'm not. Haha.

I have been so so so bored. I've been at home the past few days with the exception of a few hours at Castle Towers today. (Whoopdeedoo) It's been cold and wet (except today that's why I refused to stay home!) I still don't know what to do for my birthday, or if I should just wait until I get back to Manila. I'm too tamad to plan, and I don't have that many friends here yet that I can dump that responsibility on. I wanna go to Max Brenner. I wanna go eat good Italian food and Japanese- and I wanna raid MAC. I wanna just go back to Manila already because I wanna start with what I am going there for, but at the same time, I don't wanna leave Sydney just yet because I know I won't be back for a long while. I wanna do the whole Viaje del Sol thing. I wanna travel the Philippines. I REALLY wanna go back to London. I've been dreaming of it lately, both while sleeping and awake. I wanna travel. I wanna fix my store. I wanna write for magazines again. I miss editorial work. but I don't wanna give up make-up. I'm confused about certain things. I miss my boyfriend.

I hate the cold. I hate rain. Argh. Sorry about all this. This has been pointless so far.

MY REVISED BIRTHDAY WISHLIST

1. A Sony Cybershot T10 in PINK

2. A Holga, Oktomat or Supersampler

3. Boots. No heel. (Or if w/ heel exactly like this pair haha) Cowboy or Slouchy. This color. Or white. Or purple, green or blue in suede.

4. A nice Zimmerman Swimsuit

5. Vintage/Inspired Oversized Sunnies in Red/Black/White

6. BINDEEZ! Seriously!

7. A new iPOD. My old one is officially dead.

8. YSL Baby Doll. The only perfume (not counting cookie/cake/vanilla scented sprays or whatever) that I really like.

9. Lastly. Plenty of THIS. (Don't we ALL want plenty of this?)

Aaaaaah. Just 11 more days before I turn 28! And another step closer to being old. Maybe the universe will conspire and I will be able to get everything I want. Haha.

CIRCULAR ROCKS

2007-04-22T22:22:00.000+08:00

Today we had a Paredes Family Field Trip to "Circular Rocks" (according to my evidently confused daughter!) It looked like it was going to pour this morning but thankful our plans to go out as a fam + Beng pushed through and it turned out to be a nice day except for that 15 minutes of light drizzling while we were at The Rocks Market.

We spent the day camwhoring, watching the buskers and munching on random food we picked up along the way. It was fun because since we moved here, I've never really done the whole tourist thing and there are still so many places I haven't been to. So since I'm leaving again in about a month or so, I'm doing it as much as I can. When I move here for good (meaning no more back and forth!) I vow to get out of the suburbs immediately! I just can't see myself doing it. At least not until I am officially married and want to have another kid, and even then, closer to the city is better. I have resigned to the fact that I am really a city dweller and I thrive in that kind of environment. And I guess with what I do in life, both as a career and because it's a personal love thing-I need to be somewhere I can get fashion inspiration, and although we have a lovely house and neighborhood, this is hardly the place to gain fashion inspiration! But I digress...haha. As usual. Hay, hopefully someday I will have enough money to live in Paddo.

Children of the corn. Eating what Ala thinks is the best corn she's ever tasted.

Ala and I. A very cheesy touristy shot!

Siblings and little monkey and Opera House

Not your typical touristy shot!

Ananda took this photo!Galing o!

I found a monkey hanging on a lamp post!

Saturday was another nice day. We were at Glebe selling at the markets. The funny thing is, Beng, our helper who is here on holiday has this admirer at Glebe. He's this South American stall holder who is always smiling and winking at her. I think she's half weirded out and half kilig. I told her to marry him already so she can stay here (haha!)
Since I only have a handful of selling saturdays left, I decided that for people who show up at Glebe, I will give a special discount. I'm not giving it to people who order online, only to those who go to the markets and mention that they read my blog! I have fun when I'm there because I get to talk to so many people, but I am so sick of eating Gozleme (sp.?) or kebabs every week and i don;t have enough time to go to one of the cafes on Glebe Point Road to eat. I end up not eating (or eating Gozleme haha) I hope my friends finally out up that food stall they've been planning, because it sounds so good and I am sick, sick, sick of the food at Glebe! I mean, I'm not saying it's bad, I just can't eat it anymore. Oh and we didn't fry in the sun this week because we had an umbrella (Thanks Miles!)

Ok since I am babbling, I am pretty sure it means I'm exhausted and forcing myself to talk about interestign and intelligent things. I am not succeeding so it may be time to sleep! G'nyt Sydney! G'nyt Manila! :)

peace to joes all over the world!

GLEBEGLEBEGLEBE

2007-04-19T07:52:00.000+08:00

GLEBE Markets this Saturday.

10am-5pm. Glebe Public School along Glebe Point Road.

Hurry! Before I leave for Manila :)

Blondes have more fun!

2007-04-18T03:30:00.000+08:00

Happy Birthday Ala!

We celebrated Ala's 24th birthday last Sunday with a not-surprise but surprise theme party. Did that make sense? Haha. She basically knew there was going to be a party, but I told her to give me a list of people and then to forget about it. So, my mom and I got to work getting the decorations from our new discovery-Happy Time party store, or something like that, along Sunnyholt. The theme was Oscars that quickly became Hollywood and we got cut out clappers, lights, video cameras, street signs that said "Hollywood Boulevard", "Rodeo Drive" etc and even bought a red disposable table cloth roll to turn into the red carpet.

It was fun and people were game. Most of the guys wore suits and girls came in dresses. Some came as characters, celebs and I was a designer.

Can you guess which designer? haha! I couldnt quite get the leathery orange tan! My apologies haha!

Family Picture! Whos who???

Ananda wanted a wig too! "HAPPY BIRTHDAY.....TO YOU.." (sung the Marilyn Monroe way)

The cake! I made this! I decorated it! Naubos sya! Woohoo! Thanks Betty! (Crocker, that is!)

All birthday parties should have a theme. It's so much fun!

Welcome to the Jungle

Well, not really. Actually, it's Welcome to Featherdale along Kildare road in Blacktown, but still, it's the closest we will get to the bush right now. (Or for me, EVER haha)

It was fun and I was most concerned with the Easter egg hunt. They gave us a piece of paper when we paid to get in and we were supposed to find the big easter eggs in each part of the zoo, and get the coresponding stamp for each egg. The prize was an Easter hamper. Not that Ananda needed any more chocolate eggs and bunnies, but I'm just competitive like that. We didn't win though. Boo Hoo.

I saw my most favorite wombats. Yay! They are so adorable and I want one to sleep beside me every night. It'll probably smell and the stench will stick to me forever but they are so cuuuute!
Ananda was excited to see the Kangaroos and was happy to see the little 4 month old joey even before we went in!

Came face to face with one later on. She didn't want to leave!

And I found me a new boyfriend (Sorry Boogie!;p)

Since I'm leaving Sydney again for a significant number of months, I enjoy doing stuff with my family and going to places. Opera Bar daw for my birthday. Game. Yay.

Life is beautiful

2007-04-11T15:55:00.000+08:00

My cousin Chini is such a paradox. Even as she is a widow with three kids at 27 years old, I sometimes feel like I'm back in high school when we talk to each other. Her infectuous laughter, the way she makes chismis with her Aussie-Bisaya accent, the way she thinks out loud. She's so cute and has such a child-like heart that it's very hard no to like her.

And then all of a sudden she'll say something really mature and enlightened like "No matter what happens you should never ever get angry with God. He would never allow us to go through something we can't handle. We should always accept what he gives us"

For someone who has been through what she has, that might be a lot to ask for most people, but not for Chini. She is one of the most positive people I know. And because of that, I think about what I go through, what I whinge about and just how low my life has been at certain points. Although I really believe that you can't compare one person's grief to the next person's, sometimes you get a sense of perspective when you realize that some of the stuff you thought were so important, weren't really after all.

Most of us kind of stop believing in God, even a little bit, or for a little while when our world comes crashing down on us. I have questioned my faith many times through out the course of my life, but at the end of the day, I always realize that there is something higher than me that must be keeping me alive and keeping me wanting to go on. Thanks Chini for reminding me.

Easter at Oatlands!

BIRTHDAYS SMIRTHDAYS
My sister's birthday is on Tuesday, meaning mine is coming a mere 3 weeks after. I can't believe it's been a year since I last wrote a birthday entry on my blog. And once again, I will be spending it here without trusted and loved friends and extended family, but for some reason, this year doesn't seem as lonely. I have to give it to the people we met here in Oz for making sure I didn't stay home and sulk on my birthday last year. If not for Opium Den at Pott's Point, Blue Mountains with the family the next day and JP's Chinese feast the week after, I would have been totally miserable. I am still not used to the idea that my birthday is practically in winter here.

1. The birthday I spent at King's Cross 2. The still uncooked super delicious Chinese lauriat haha 3. Freezing our asses off at Blue Mountains

This year, I don't know what Im going to do here seeing as that the person who suggested I don't stay home and sulk (Mel) is back in Manila and the other person I can bug anytime (JP) is also back in the Philippines. Maybe I can get the WHOLE family (ahem, including a certain brother of mine) to go on a roadtrip near by or even go to the city and take a bus for lunch at Leichhardt, pasyal-pasyal then dinner at Chinatown.

Can anyone suggest anything? Does anyone wanna take me somewhere I haven't been to yet? I like having one week long birthdays and I guess since I'm in a different country, I can take advantage of the fact that less friends-less gastos haha and also, I can have intimate celebrations instead of a big one where I don't get to talk to half the people I invite.

Oh, I do have a birthday wish list in case anyone (ahem, ahem friends and family HAHAHA) is inclined to give me something. I realized though, that the olde ryou get, the less people care about your birthday, until you turn 50, then everyone makes a big deal about it again. So, every birthday from 26-49 just kind of goes by. That shouldn't be the case in my opinion because every birthday should be the special! It's the one day each year that you can feel special and no one can do anything about it. Besides, each year might be your last (not to be morbid but it's true)

1. A new digital camera because Ananda broke mine and Ala thinks I should just get a new one because it's an old model. I want a Sony Cybershot T10-the Pink one!

2. A Holga (w/ flash) http://www.lomographyasia.com/shop/?showproduct=184, an Oktomat http://www.lomographyasia.com/shop/?showproduct=107 or a Supersampler http://www.lomographyasia.com/shop/?showproduct=111 (Thanks Zee for the url!)

3. Slouch boots in off white, grey or royal purple.

4. Jessica Simpson Dessert Treats Fragrance or whipped cream (I know. Jessica Simpson. But I like to smell like cake and candy and other fatteningly sugary stuff)

5. A silver bag big enough to fit all my stuff. preferably the size of a Louis Vuitton Speedy 30.

6. What the heck, an LV Speedy30 haha.

7. Beige/Cream, White, Red vintage looking sunnies (kinda squarish shape and oversized. Think Nicole Richie)

8. M.A.C lipstick in Ladybug

9. Nailpolish in black, white, red, and bubble gum pink.

10. A really good meal somewhere I haven't eaten at. I am pms-ing now so italian sounds good haha. Cheese!

11. One last beach trip before the cold finally permanently kicks in. Bondi, Bronte, Manly WHEREVER! Mag picnic tayo!

12. A hair cut and color. At a good salon.

My dad always says Ask and you shall recieve. Maybe my mom will finally win the lotto :p Keeping my fingers crossed.

Goodnight Joes. It's past my bedtime.

LOMO LOVE

2007-04-06T09:03:00.000+08:00

I know it's the Easter Show and school break and all that but I have a stall at Glebe markets tomorrow so stop by if you can! :)

OK, this is going to be a cheesy paragraph. The first I've had about my boyfriend since I got here to Oz. I MIIIIIIISSSSSSSS HHIIIIIMMMMMM so, so much. I know we've done this before and it is much easier this time around because I know when I'm going back plus the 6 months we spent together made it more clear what we wanted and all, but it doesn't change the fact that it SUUUUCCCCKS! Even if I memorize all of Dicta License and Kjwan's songs, i miss going to gigs :D haha

Ok, so that's done. Haha.

I want to buy a HOLGA really badly. I have been wanting one for years but some more important purchase always comes along and I end up putting it off. Last night though, I went to Blender Gallery w/ new friend Lisette (hello!) in Paddo to check out THE WORLD THROUGH A PLASTIC LENS, a photography exhibit using lomography/holga cameras. If only the world could look like a Holga shot in real life...then it would be such a happier place!

I am considering buying the Holga package, which costs around $130 and comes with a book. it's cheaper then anything i would find in Manila. I also want a SuperSampler.

Or maybe I'll put it on my bday wish list since it's only a month away! ;p

Samples of Holga shots that I found on the net. What a perfect world.

I cut Ananda's hair a few weeks ago and I don't think I posted pics yet.

heehee she looks cute!

Happy Easter joes!

Not in a very good mood

2007-04-03T08:48:00.000+08:00

I am going nuts! I haven't slept in three days! Ananda has been driving me crazy. I want to get away from her for one whole night just so I can sleep without waking up 6 times because she is whining for no reason. I wake up so grouchy and not in the mood because I have a headache and ARGH. Plus she broke my camera the other day.

Anyway, I got into a semi-arguement with someone yesterday. Honestly, if thinking something is the same as doing it, then many of us have committed numerous murders, robbed many banks and shops and the world would have probably seized to exist as it does today. A lot of times, we like things we society says we shouldn't but it's how we act upon it that matters, not how we feel towards it. I just finished reading Paolo Coelho's The Devil and Miss Prym and the basic message of the entire book is that Good and Evil reside in all of us, no one is exempted. The thing is, we have the gift of choice, and those choices are what determine whether or not we let good or evil win.

We have all done good, and have all done evil, so for me judging another person for what he/she thinks is just NOT cool. You can say how you feel, even if it opposes what the other thinks but don't attack them like YOU are right and the other person is wrong.

Needless to say, the past two days have been a bit annoying and tiring. Perhaps also due to the fact that I'm bored beyond belief. All i wanna do is start production for Peace Joe but seeing as I am still here, all i can do is plan, plan, plan and I think I have planned everything I could possibly plan and all there is to do is just actually do it. I was considering leaving sooner to be able to start production sooner but I remembered I still have to finish up my vintage stocks over here.

So you guys come to Glebe when I have a stall and help me go back to Manila earlier hehe :)

Anyway, errands today. Gotta post some orders and buy stuff for Ananda's bday party in Manila to put in the box I am shipping. Hopefully my mood shifts soon.

Peace Out Joes

GIVE ME SOMETHING TO DO!

2007-03-30T09:30:00.000+08:00

IF ANYONE HAS ANY TEMP/CONTRACTUAL/PART TIME JOBS FOR ME PLEASE LET ME KNOW! I CAN DO ANYTHING! IM SUPERWOMAN!

I'M GOING BACK TO MANILA IN A COUPLE OF MONTHS AND I NEED SOMETHING TO DO FROM NOW UNTIL THEN. IT'S HARD TO APPLY FOR FULL TIME POSITION SINCE I AM LEAVING (AGAIN!)

I AM FRIENDLY AND PERSUASIVE (SO YOU CAN PUT ME IN SALES/RETAIL)

I HAVE EDITORIAL EXPERIENCE/ AM A FREELANCE WRITER/MAKE-UP ARTIST!

BUT REALLY I CAN DO ANYTHING. ANYTHING. (W/N REASON AND NOT AGAINST MY MORALS AND VALUE SYSTEM HEHE)

AND I'M BORED OUT OF MY MIND SO PLEASE GIVE ME SOMETHING TO DO!

I CAN'T WORK WEEKENDS THOUGH BECAUSE I SELL AT THE MARKETS! SORRY! BUT ANY OTHER DAY IS FINE.

MY EMAIL ADDRESS IS ERICAPAREDES@GMAIL.COM

GOD, TALK ABOUT SELF PROMOTING! HEHE

PEACE OUT!

ATTENTION EVERYBODY! YES YOU! IF YOU ARE FROM SYDNEY READ ON!

2007-03-29T12:24:00.000+08:00

VINTAGE DRESSES, CUTE TOPS, FAB ACCESSORIES AND COOL GRAPHIC BAGS ALL FROM PEACE JOE!

THIS SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, GET READY TO DO SOME SERIOUS SHOPPING !

WHAT: VINTAGE CLOTHES TO DIE FOR, GRAPHIC BAGS, BELTS AND ACCESSORIES PLUS LOTS MORE.

WHEN: THIS SATURDAY AND SUNDAY (MARCH 31-APRIL 1) FROM 10 AM UNTIL 6PM

WHERE: FOR MORE INFO, PLEASE EMAIL ME AT JOEGIRLS@GMAIL.COM OR SMS ME AT 0404366491 (don’t really wanna put my address up on my blog hehe!)

GREAT STUFF JUST WAITING FOR THEIR RIGHTFUL OWNERS!

CHECK OUT PEACEJOE.MULTIPLY.COM

SPREAD THE LOVE! SEE YOU THEN!

PEACE JOES!

INTERNATIONAL JOE DAY!

2007-03-27T09:45:00.000+08:00

TODAY IS INTERNATIONAL JOE DAY so TO ALL YOU JOES OUT THERE, LOVE PEACE AND HAPPINESS XOXO!

MAKE SURE TO HUG ALL YOUR JOES TODAY!
(I'm serious! Gina heard it on the radio!)

Speaking of Joes, I miss mine terribly. One is doing the 9-5 grind in Manila and the other is in Cali trying not to miss opportunities like me. Another is juggling 3 jobs, school and a family in Va. and another is studying to become my (free) lawyer in New York. And of course, all my other joes in Manila. *Sigh* The impending doom of cold winter months does this to a person. The past two days have given us a sneak peek.

TWISTS AND TURNS

Life's full of them and I think I just found myself in front of another fork in the road. Should I take the safe path that will leave me bored and unsatisfied or should I risk the one with dim street lamps and random things I could trip over but in the end will probably leave me feeling more fulfilled whether or not I fail or succeed?

Safe can be good but will leave me wanting more. The other one can leave me stunned and lost. The difference between the two choices is the safe choice will leave me smiling but dreaming of being somewhere else while the other will see me jumping up and down with excitement over what I am doing.

I think it's worth a shot to take the risk. It's not a stupid, silly risk after all. It's just not what my family would prefer for me. But I'm 28 in May and I think it's about time I made my own decisions. If I don't succeed, then at least I tried my best.

Hay, when I am more sure of what's going on I will let you know what this is all about haha.

Basta no matter what i end up doing, my little girl stays with me!

YOU KNOW YOU GREW UP IN MANILA WHEN....

2007-03-22T19:23:00.000+08:00

1. You find chores such as lawn mowing, toilet cleaning and washing dishes fun and amusing.

2. Your quilts/comforters may be on right on your bed, but underneath your bed sheets are a mess.

3. You forget to pick up after yourself. You leave plates where you ate and papers where you were working and some how are sometimes still surprised that they are still there when you get back.

4. You still almost get run over while crossing the street.

5. You have TFC even if you never really watched local television when you were back home.

6. You go to "McDo" (Maccas) are tempted to ask them if they can make you a special order of spaghetti.

7. You call chips fries.

8. Your head is saying GAS even if your mouth says petrol, trash can when you say bin, to-may-to and not to-mah-to and you can't bring yourself to say serviettes.

9. Don't flinch when someone honks their horn at you on the road. (You're so used to it!)

10. Find it kadiree when people walk barefoot in public places.

You can take Filipinos out of the Philippines, but they will forever prefer longanisa over lamb, jollibee over hungry jacks and Maging Sino ka man over Home and Away. Hehe.

Don't get me wrong. I like it here too hehe.

Anyway, GLEBE MARKETS this saturday. See y'all there. Make me happy :)

I WANNA BE A SUPER MODEL!

2007-03-20T10:05:00.000+08:00

My daughter has decided her fate. She wants to be a "modol"

It started with me telling my mom how this girl I knew from Manila asked if Ananda could model for one of those parenting magazines and I had to decline because I was already back here in Sydney then. She asked me "mama, what's a modol?" And I told her "Models are people who other people dress up and put make-up on and then they get their pictures taken" (I needed a simple answer ok! haha) Suddenly she got this look in her eye and I almost saw a lightbulb turn on over her head. She looked like she had an epiphany or found out the meaning of life in those ten minutes.

"Mama. i want, I want! I wanna be a modol!" And from then on, everytime we'd see a commercial on tv or an ad in the magazine, she would point and say "Mama, that's a modol. When we go back to the Philippines, I'm gonna be a modol"

The other day, I caught her reading FOLLOW, w/c is an Australian based fashion magazine. And it's not one of those mainstream mags, this one is hard core, high fashion. Then when she saw me watching her, she started showing me poses. Nakakatawa!

Ananda's "modol" poses.

Hay Nako.

MY LIFE AS A PALENGKERA

So, Glebe started out ok last Saturday. We got there early, we were able to get good parking, we set up early and got to relax a bit. There weren't as many shoppers as last week so I wasn't really getting my hopes up for lots of sales, but what really pissed me off was the sudden (but expected so i shouldnt bitch, really) rainfall that drenched my sister, our helper Beng and I while we furiously tried to save all the clothes from the same fate. Thank God, most of the items stayed dry. I should invest in a tent of some sort but they are so expensive! Does anyone have an old one the don't need? hehe!

Before the natural calamity happend.

The first time around was way better, weather and traffic wise. Sure, i baked under the scorching heat of the sun but I would rather that then getting caught in a downpour (I say that until I see more freckles sprout on my face) I absolutely hate rain and I'm afraid of it because I always get sick. So I took a hot shower as soon as I got home to prevent a part 2 of my near fatal (ok maarte) flu 2 weeks ago.

I have to admit, although I made a decent amount of money selling at the markets, it's much harder than having bazaars in my backyard, even if I have really dope stuff. First of all, there are like a hundred other stalls you are competing with and second, I don't have an Eftpos machine or anything so it's harder when your buyers only have a little cash on hand. At the bazaars in Manila, we lived right by Katipunan w/c made it really easy for people to go to the atm if they needed to and pop right back to my place.

Otherwise though, I'm having loads of fun which cancels out the stress of having to prepare my stuff each week, trying to secure a stall and setting and packing up.

So, all you Sydney-siders, pass by my stall in Glebe Markets again this Saturday. Hopefully I get a stall this weekend, please check back again on Friday. But if weather forecasts say rain, then fuhgedaboudit. I also updated my Peace Joe Sydney multiply site.For Pinoy Joes, I'll get to updating very soon too. I'm just waiting for pictures of what we have left in Manila.

AND ALL THE OTHER THINGS...

So, I am doing my first shoot here in the land of Oz tomorrow. I don't know exactly how much work I'm doing yet because I'm working with another artist from an agency that will be representing me (yay) pero nakakasar kasi it's for sunnies. Nyek! wala ka din makikita sa make-up hehe! But it's all good. I just keep thinking...portfolio, portfolio, portfolio hehe.

I seriously think I am meant to live in Paddington because all the jobs I end up getting and everything I have to do are all usually there. Aside from that, I find those terrace apartments so pretty, I love the big trees and the whole vibe. I just don't love the rent prices. Well, maybe someday when I am more set on staying in Oz for longer periods of time I'll be able to live in Paddo, but for now, I'll imagine it muna :)

I'm really excited for Peace Joe Manila. I have some great new ideas and a slight change of direction and I really wish I could talk about it further but I don't wanna speak about it just yet since I'm not even going home to get it going until June. But Peace Joe Sydney will be featured in a fashion editorial in The Australian Filipina magazine's April issue! It's a great shoot that i did with my dad and model/Aussie Lucy Watmore.

Anyway, that's all for now joes! Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi! hehe!

Where do I belong?

2007-03-12T20:36:00.000+08:00

Glebe was fun last Saturday. I'm going to try and get a stall again this weekend so please try to come!

The sun was scorching that day and I ended up going home with t-shirt and skirt tan lines. I also have tan lines from my flip flops! Lots of stalls at Glebe means plenty competition but I was happy because I went home with a decent amount of cash. Hoping to get a chance to sell at Bondi also soon.

Ananda is sleeping on her own little bed! We were sharing a queen sized one but even then, I would find myself falling off the bed in the middle of the night because she would take up so much space and move around so much! I finally put my foot down and decided enough was enough. I would wake up tired every morning from lack of sleep so when we found her kiddie extendable bed at Ikea a couple of weeks ago, we snagged it before we could change our minds.

She's taken to her bed quite well. I haven't had any problems with her and she'll continue to sleep on it by herself even after she wakes up in the middle of the night. She usually wakes up asking for milk, then will see me across the room on my bed and say "mama, sleep on my bed. sleep beside me" and I'll say "NO, I wanna sleep on my bed, I'll see you in the morning" and she'll say "Oh. Ok." Haha. At least we don't have to argue at 3 am.

Ananda's First night on her new bed

She also started her first day of Day Care, which she calls "Big School" and she loved it. I had no problems with separation anxiety or anything and she basically forgot I existed the minute she stepped into the place.

She actually ate beans! Their lunch was mexican something with beans and she came home saying she ate beans and she loves it. I was wondering why she was farting all evening. Haha.

My little girl on her first day of "big school"

Manila Manila

I like Australia. It's nice here. It's clean, it's safe and it's quiet. I'm sure I could probably get a job here and settle in and that will be it for me. But, still, I'm not sure if that's what i want to do yet. I find myself dying of boredom and bulokness when I'm here. It's not because I don't go out, because I don't go out in Manila either.
When I was in Manila, I was never ever bored. I made so many new contacts from Peace Joe and for my make-up, which gave me more jobs and more income. I felt like I was moving and doing something everyday. In other words, i felt useful and like I was doing something to get closer to my goals.

So, yeah, I sometimes feel like I'm wasting all this time here when most of my bussiness is still taking place in Manila. But still, I will give it more of a chance, because like I said, I like it here also. I just don't know if i should be here right now, at this time in my life.

I will know, in time.

Kung sa Pilipinas to, hindi ito seseryosohin. haha.

PEACE JOE at GLEBE MARKETS

2007-03-09T09:43:00.000+08:00

Hi! For all of you in Sydney and the surrounding suburbs, I'll have a stall at the Glebe Markets tomorrow.(Saturday, MARCH 10) Come by and check out my stuff from 10am-4pm at Glebe Public School Grounds along Glebe Point Road. Just look for the Peace Joe signs!

Now grab a pen, mark it in your datebook, set you phone alarms and write it on your arm. See y'all tomorrow :)

Letting Go and Life Sentences

2007-03-08T20:29:00.000+08:00

My blog was starting to feel like a piece of paper with too much stuff written on it so I decided to start with a fresh sheet. Besides, that blog carried to many memories, and although both bad and good, I decided that it's better to just let everything go at one point and start on a clean slate.

So here I am. Another blog, another set of adventures but still the same journey. There may be different versions of Aycs as I grow, slip back, stumble and get up again but it's still essentially me.

I wrote about a sensitive topic but deleted it just now. I wrote it with good intentions but the people involved may not take it as such so I decided against publishing it.

Instead I will ask the question that my friends and I are forever asking ourselves and each other: Am I ever going to get married?

1. The question is not asked out of extreme desire of wanting to get married but a well thought of inquiry based on events of the past and present situations.
2. We realize more and more that marriage is not the be all and end all of life. It is not the holy grail or the ultimate goal. Life doesn't stop after marriage.

I used to think I was going to be married at 28, with children by 30 but clearly that is not happening seeing as I am turning 28 in a couple of months and my daughter is turning three in June. The thought of marriage used to keep me in my daydreams for hours. I, like so many young (meaning like early 20's) women had my wedding all planned out, even before a prospective groom wa sin the picture. So much so that i was actually offered a job based on an article I wrote giving a blow by blow account of my wedding that has yet to happen.

Our parents got married really early so I kind of thought, it would be the same for me and all my friends. Well, here we are closer to thirty than twenty and I only know a handful of people close to me who have tied the knot. Reasons for not getting married are usually:

1. I'm not ready.
2. I still wanna do so many things.
3. I want to focus on my career first and make a gazillion dollars.
4. I'm traumatized from a past relationship.
5. I don't believe in marriage.

I, personally DO want to get married, but maybe not right at this instant. In a few years probably but there is really no rush. I do know though that it would be nice to grow old with someone regardless of any socially required labels or tags the law requires.

Some people like my best friend Dee, "just know" when they are as young as twenty, or like Amina, can be fortunate enough to find him on the first try, but for most of us, it really is trial and error. It's a wonderful and horrible roller coaster ride that we all hope will be worth it in the end.

Before I go, here's a little something to get excited about...

Peace Joe featured in the GCASH ad!

Styled by Bea Cons-who is now in Killa Cali making her fashion dreams come true!

To moving forward and cherished memories joes!

JUDGE JUDY

2007-01-05T17:05:00.000+08:00

Rhymes and Ammo

Before the year ends....

October/November Updates!

PART 2!

Why Fashionistas are Poor...

October Update!

Viva la vida

If you love to read about food and travel....

My Wish List

Monthly Update

Attention Make-up Junkies

where in the world have i been?

Life is a beautiful struggle

Relapse

Re-learning

The Bora weekend

Savior Complex

Live and Learn

Time Out

Gratitude

Velentine Shmalentine '08

11 days and counting...

Crazy little thing called Love

Rock n' Roll Buddy

REALITY CHECK

2007 year end Survey

Under the Sydney Sun

Merry Christmas from down under!

Pictures

Oh, Kate now available!

COMING SOON!

ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS...

When did she get so big?

Costume Parties!

Short Cuts

We heart Baguio

Chuvaness

HAIR TODAY, GONE TOMORROW!

Hafa Adai!

Happy Birthday B!

From Boracay to Tagaytay

Back from Down Under

NEW STUFF AT THIS KID LOVES VINTAGE

Discoveries!

Who am I?

TKLV @ Happy Mondays

KJWAN!

Are you a make up junkie?

Kopi-tiYUM!

Just a few things...

My week at a glance

Hi ho hi ho it's off to work we go

Just a Teaser....

Binondo Food Wok!

Shortcuts!

Work it!

Hate Late?

There's more to life...

When matronas go out

La Luz, Batangas

Life has its ways...

The little joe is three!

Let me clear my throat

Family Matters

Back in the motherland

SPIDEY-SASTER

Another Public Service Announcement

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MEEEEEEE :)

Sunny days!

JUDGE JUDY

A Taste of Heaven

World Salad

CIRCULAR ROCKS

*GLEBE*GLEBE*GLEBE*

Blondes have more fun!

Life is beautiful

LOMO LOVE

Not in a very good mood

GIVE ME SOMETHING TO DO!

ATTENTION EVERYBODY! YES YOU! IF YOU ARE FROM SYDNEY READ ON!

GLEBEGLEBEGLEBE