Chester

It's been two weeks since Linkin Park's lead vocals, Chester Bennington, died of suicide. I just want to share what I posted the day I heard the news.

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I am not okay today. I just want to share some thoughts. I've been a Linkin Park fan since Hybrid Theory. I bought all their studio CD albums. I was looking for stores to buy their latest one. I cannot count how many times I have listened to their songs on my playlist. I even went all the way to Manila last 2013 and bought the most expensive ticket to see them. Their changes in music writing have been received negatively by others but I didn't care. I was still a fan. I embraced and appreciated the changes. I'd say Linkin Park is my only beloved rock band and I hold them dear in my heart since high school. I want people around me to understand how heartbreaking the news is to me. The thought of never hearing new songs from them and not being able to see a concert of them scares me.

RIP Chester. I hope the rest of the band members, their families and friends, and the fans (including me) will stay strong.

One final note: If you feel someone is suicidal, no matter how subtle the signs are, never ignore and seek help.

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Photo taken by me during Living Things World Tour in Manila last August 13, 2013.

I am heartbroken. Thank you Chester for sharing your talent to the world. You will be missed.

Sweet Lolita In Wonderland Photoshoot

My photographer friend Wena invited me to do a photoshoot again. I realized it's been a while since I had a photoshoot with her and that I had this hobby of modelling for her. We came up with an Alice in Wonderland-inspired concept with me wearing one my sweet lolita costumes. The venue was a subdivision where my other close friend Daisy lives. Daisy was more than generous enough to help set up the props and accommodate us during the day.

With all our sweat and efforts, these awesome photos were taken:

Props and Location by Daisy
Photos by Wena
HMU and Costume by me

This was such a fun day. The weather was kind of weird that day (raining a little and too humid) but we made it through the photoshoot session. Thanks to my ever talented and supportive college friends, Wena and Daisy for this another opportunity to model for them and for the enjoyable day.

Sumilon Island Escapade

As a traveler, I never get tired of visiting beaches. June is supposedly the start of rainy season in the Philippines but apparently, summer is almost endless when you live in a tropical country. I got invited by my coworkers to visit one of Cebu's famous island destination, Sumilon island, located in the municipality of Oslob.

There are several activities you can do in the island. I did trekking, swimming in the infinity pool, and kayaking. You can also do snorkeling but I passed on it because it was too hot and the waves were really strong.

Here are some photos I took during the trip:

Photo with the gang before the boat ride to the island.

Trekking!

A watch tower in the island.

Enjoying one of the small pools.

In the infinity pool.

Kayaking

I enjoyed this short weekend trip with coworkers. I wished we stayed for one night. Well, maybe next time. Until my next island/beach trip! ;)

The Fire Sisters at Bon Odori 2017

Bon Odori this year was earlier than last year's and I was glad it happened because I was able to spend Bon Odori for the first time with my second sister. My sister was back home for my first sister's wedding and the timing was just right. We call our tandem as the "fire sisters" taken from the fire sisters in the anime Bakemonogatari.

My sister really looks like a Japanese now that she has cut her hair short and spent around three years already in Japan. Most people mistook us as Japanese since they would speak in English slowly when requesting to take photos with us haha.

So these were our yukata ensembles:

This was a manual assembled obi and my sister did this for me!

The Fire Sisters. <3

We just attended the first day since the next day, my sister flew back to Japan already. Overall, the event was fun. I got to sing with the anime songs the contestants sang for the karaoke contest and the comedian trio Hapon3 were totally hilarious. :D

Hoping to enjoy my next Bon Odori again soon. :)

My Eldest Sister Is Finally Married!

My eldest sister and the eldest sibling just got married this month. She's 38 and I have a high respect for her of not giving into the pressure of my family and relatives to get married earlier. She is like my living proof that no matter what your age is, you will eventually find your true love at the perfect time. I was one of the bridesmaids and my other sister was the maid of honor. I wasn't able to give a speech during the wedding but this would probably be what I have said. I'm just too happy for her and I almost cried when she walked down the aisle but I controlled my tears because I don't want to mess up my beautiful make up.

Anyway, I would like to share some beautiful photos during the wedding. I love the color motif my sister and her husband chose; the color champagne. Also the dresses where intricately made with flowing long skirts. So here are some of the photos:

The beautiful bride with the proud parents.

Mother of the bride and the maid of honor.

Me as the bridesmaid with our parents.

The three amazing sisters. <3

To my eldest sister, I wish you the best in your married life. I am super happy for you!

First Holy Week Getaway

I've never been away for vacation during holy week but we found cheap flight tickets to Ilo-Ilo and Boracay so I said yes right away although it was okay for me not to go since I have been in Boracay last 2014. It turns out, this was a different experience or should I say, a more memorable one.

It was almost a week long vacation, departing on Thursday and getting back on Tuesday. We first spent a day in Ilo-Ilo where we had island hopping in Isla de Gigantes. The waves were crazy but the beautiful islands were worth it. 

Here are some photos during the Isla de Gigantes island hopping:

The next day, we drove for four hours to Boracay island where we stayed until Tuesday. The travel was a breeze despite of many visitors especially foreigners. We stayed in a front beach hostel. The weather was gloomy during Easter Sunday but we continued to do our water activities like banana boat and boat sailing. At night, the owner of the hostel where we stayed had a free booze party at the rooftop where we socialized with other hostel guests. I got really dizzy but I can still remember everything.

The next day, I woke up late but I still managed to eat brunch and do the most heart racing activity, the flyfish.

Anyway, here are some photos during our Boracay activities:

boat sailing with the gang

Puka beach

enjoying the beach even with algae

Boracay sunset

This was such an enjoyable trip. I never get tired of Boracay. Until my next trip adventure! ;)

Power Of Hugs

Today, I attended a recollection in celebration of the Lent season. The priest had a very simple teaching: to hug your love ones. As we feed our bodies by eating meals three times a day, we also need to feed our emotional needs and hugging is the best way to fill the void in our hearts. It is with hug that our heart is closest to the heart of our love ones, so close that no evil can get in. Then I realized, yes of course, now I know the reason why hugs will always be my favorite form of affection. I never really thought about why I really like hugs. I just feel safe and loved every time I hug or I'm hugged by somebody but my experience with the recollection has made it clear why hugs have become my favorite. Hugs bring happiness to one's heart and when there is happiness, there is nothing more you could ask for.

Now I share this to everyone; when you go home, hug your love ones. Hug your parents, your wife or husband, your children, your siblings, your grandparents, your cousins, your grandchildren, and your dog. Hug the people you know you love and who loves you. Hug them as often as you can.