Roaring Twenties

Obligatory girls' room mirror shot

And this was the last photo taken with my camera (I know, why did I even bother bringing it?)

We spotted Vania in the bathroom and we all got too excited that we forgot to take a better photo 

Happy birthday, Paolo!

Thank you to Mia for the headdress & Izabelli for the pearls. My fashion friendsies are the best!!!

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Our friend Paolo chose a really fun theme for his 19th birthday this year, so when I found out that Mia was flying in from Cebu I was super excited to dress up for it! Initially I planned to wear another black dress for the night but I ended up repeating my trusty bandage LBD since it was simpler and I felt that the accessories and makeup were already over the top. The lovely people at Emphasis did my hair and I think it completed the whole 20's look. The only thing that cost me for this night's outfit were my shoes! I won't mention the brand since they left my feet aching so much by the end of the night. I may have to invest in some insoles or sell them at the next Bloggers United Bazaar. They're really pretty but I don't know why I can't seem to find a decent & comfortable pair of pumps around here. Might be because my feet are so weird-- I'm either a size 7.5, 8 or 8.5, so when choosing shoes I really need straps that go around my feet. So far all my purchases have been okay except for all the pumps.

I had so much fun catching up with Mia that day. We went around the Fort and Makati to look for last-minute beauty supplies (lash glue, false lashes, contacts, etc.). We were so loud and bubbly the entire day that we ended up feeling sleepy when we got to the party. Thankfully all our friends were there and the music was just too good so our sleepiness wore off.

Oh and since this post is in line with the 20's theme, can I just say that I am SO excited to watch the Great Gatsby-- the trailer looks amazing!!!



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Champagne, champagne!

Happy birthday, gorgeous. 

Kate + I having too much fun with the fruits 

I don't know when voting's gonna start but please support Mia for Bb. Pilipinas 2012! She's contestant no. 28. 

Mia's get-together ended late but I managed to make it to Route 196 right after to watch Robin and SOJU...

Then a few hours later we attended the lunch launch + press launch of Rob's album Overwait at Rockville (Arnel Pineda owns it)

Congrats for winning Favorite New Artist at the MYX Music Awards, Zia!!! Well-deserved! 

vibrant mural of Arnel Pineda 

Visited Manila F.A.M.E. at SMX later that afternoon... Finally had a chance to catch up with Issa!

my extended family-- kuya Vito & ate Issa

mommy Evelyn! 

the Delilah rocking chair

Dining table still by Vito... Visit his site to inquire about these pieces or visit the Manila F.A.M.E. at SMX to view them. It's going to run until March 17. 

by Paula/Vikki Rodriguez

my friend Nike (jewelry designer) made this chess set!

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Thankful that I got to see my close friends right after arriving from Baguio! They keep me sane when my parents aren't around... Will be posting photos from my short trip soon. :) 

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XXII

I succumbed to wearing a simple LBD! 

...but made sure to wear party lashes on.

EEEs 

my twin sister 

fellow interior design girls

my CDO ladies

This is probably the same blurry vision that my friends had that night while I forced them into taking birthday shots. 

Norwegian ladies

How did I end up in Republiq? Too much of a crazy night for me. 

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I think I've managed to out-party myself during the first few weeks of 2012, having the first big celebration during Sinulog weekend in Cebu and then following up the next few weeks with random night-outs with friends here in Manila (people have been greeting me since Sinulog weekend!). I felt like it was too much for me to hold another birthday celebration here, but the promoters at Fiamma were kind enough to host my birthday last Saturday. This made me try my best to pass on text messages to some friends about the last-minute plans of my 22nd bday bash just a day before the party. It was pretty funny how I felt like the universe really wanted to me to celebrate. There's really nothing else I want for my birthday after being showered with too much blessings ever since I've graduated from PSID... 

My CSB graduation is up next and then the construction for my new flat begins... These past couple of months have made me realize that I haven't been shooting for the stars. Why do I feel contented with the slightest accomplishments lately? I feel that living in a smaller town during my teenage years had me aiming for shallow things, which turned out to be easy to attain with just a bit of patience and effort. 

It's been 5 years since I've moved in with my dad here in Manila and I've been more than thankful for all the people I've met and the opportunities I've been given. A lot has been linked to this blog and I really want to thank everyone who's been reading this online diary since I've started it!!! Been gathering some small knick-knacks for my first blog giveaway and for hitting 3,000 on Twitter before 2012 (I wished for it during mid-2011 and was surprised that it came true). 

This year I'm pushing myself even harder to actually do something more significant in my life. Hitting 22 has slightly made me question my sense of urgency, career-wise. Nonetheless, I'm really thankful for so many things. Being able to breathe and actually notice so many of the things I'm lucky to have has been a lot easier after being freed of the toxic schedules I had last year. 

I know I'm not the most diligent blogger in the world, but I'm glad I have so many great memories to look back on because of this little corner I have in cyberspace. Thank you for all the well-wishes and greetings, friends! Happy birthday to my dad as well! 

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