Love Chic

Worn on a lovely Saturday out with my mom. Shot on a wide open field just outside our village, near a small plaza that houses our favorite homey café and restaurant. I’ve been based in Pampanga since December, the longest I’ve ever stayed here ever since moving to Manila for college many years ago. When I was younger and San Fernando was not yet the bustling and progressive city that it is today, I dreamt of going to Ateneo and getting a job and living in Manila. I thought of it as this place where you have access to everything: the good malls and restaurants, the good theme parks, the good hospitals, the TV stations and magazines and advertising agencies where I wanted to end up working.

Grass really is greener on the other side—as soon as I got to Manila, I found myself always wanting to go home! I was overwhelmed by the intense traffic, the faster pace of everything, and the way people my age seemed worldlier, socially savvier and more wais about certain things than I was. I started to appreciate the simplicity and mellowness of life in Pampanga. Makes me think how we can take for granted the things we grow up with, keep longing for that which we do not have. When we finally have a taste of it, yes, it is wonderful and amazing, but often turns out to be not exactly what we had imagined. We discover that like anything in this world, there are trade-offs and downsides to every perk and upside. And then we realize that what we’ve always had is what we’ve always wanted in the first place, or at the very least, that it wasn’t so bad after all.

Every time a new school year starts, I think of all the freshies out there and wish them well—especially those on a scholarship like I was, because it means additional expectations and challenges. As the first one in my family to leave town, I know how it can take a while to get adjusted to everything in Manila, to develop and polish everything from the way you dress to the way you relate to people and the way you speak and present yourself, while still retaining your values and identity. Above all, to learn to be strong through trials and temptations that will come your way while your family and support system are miles away.

Of course, it helps a lot that my house is just an hour or so away from Quezon City and that whatever is there is also here now. Still, it wasn’t always the case, and it took me quite a while to get the hang of things, and there was a lot of hard learning that had to happen (there still are, actually). I always say that in my years in college, I learned infinitely more from life outside those classrooms than inside. I’m glad I got to experience both sides of the grass—only here, grass might literally be greener. Heh.

Changed my hair because we were planning to shoot a song there and the wind was blowing my waves all over the place. I do a decent French braid, but my mom’s is definitely loads better, don’t you think?

Anyway, we tried to do a couple of takes but there were a lot of welcome distractions: the sound of birds, dogs barking and children having picnics and playing around. We ended up making friends with them instead!

The girl holding my ukulele, Angelica (same name as my mom’s), was the first one to run to us. She sat down beside my mom and quietly watched me sing and play. Soon, her sister and friends followed and we had a fun chat with them. They told us they live nearby, at a car muffler shop, and they often come to the fields to have lunch under the trees. A great idea that I can’t wait to try with my family when we’re all home.

So I ended up doing the song in our basement, where I also did this and this. :) “On The Side Of Me” is by Corrinne May, a Christian musician from Singapore. I’ve always loved this song, and I decided to sing it as thank you to my family, friends and blog readers—the words are so real for me I wish I wrote them myself. Hope you like it! I don’t have much yet, but you can watch my other silly videos and subscribe to my channel here.

Outfit details: Binkydoodles dress, Ziggy & Zooey shoes, Fab Manila bag, SM Accessories bracelet and ring.

Hype this on Lookbook here, Chictopia here.

As if the then-and-now of last Thursday’s Throwback wasn’t coincidental enough, I found these. Five-year-old flower girl on the left, twenty-something Santacruzan girl on the right.

Blind Clothing one-shoulder dress, CMG wedges, SM Accessories necklace, earrings and clutch bag, XOXO watch. Contacts from Japanese Candy.

Hype this on Lookbook here, Chictopia here.

Sometimes I get asked how I think of look titles or entry themes. It’s nothing serious or scientific, haha. While uploading the photos, I usually just look for a detail somewhere in the outfit and then try to connect it to the day’s story.

Like this dress with all its lines. Wore it to a dinner date with some awesome people. Lately I’ve been having a lot of these dinners, with old and new friends from diverse backgrounds and countries. Different folks with different strokes, yet somewhere along the conversation, we find intersecting interests. I’ve been learning a lot from them and loving it. I think the Universe is making up for a couple of years of incidental social constrainment. :)

On another note of gratitude, to everyone who’s been continually interacting with me through this blog, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and/or YouTube, thank you :) It’s still as kilig and inspiring as the first time, and so lots of exciting things are in the works. Here’s to a great week ahead!

What I wore to my brother’s graduation. Shopaholic at SM Department Store dress, Asian Vogue pumps, SM Accessories necklace, bangle and clutch bag.

Hype this on Lookbook here and Chictopia here.

That day, realization upon realization started hitting me like a snowball in the face (not an entirely unwelcome prospect in this hot and humid weather).

My alma mater. I would often come back here for random things—meeting friends who are now teachers, going to church, running errands. Snowball number 1: for years, Ateneo was just a place for me to do stuff at. I never bothered to look around and marvel at the fact that this was where I was shaped, where I grew in intellect and in faith.

Our elders. The professors, deans and leaders of this institution, without whom none of its students would be where they are now. My Science and Society professor, astronomer and physicist Fr. Jett Villarin SJ, is now University President. Snowball number 2: I was in the classrooms of the country’s most intelligent, compassionate and generous people and instead of appreciating that, I would balk and sulk whenever challenges came my way.

The ceremony. There were twice as many graduates this year compared to my batch of about 1,900. Yet even their number is but a tiny percentage compared to the millions of young Filipinos with no access to quality education. Snowball number 3: I was given the privilege of a full scholarship in Ateneo and I gave my bare minimum in return. I let each school day, each requirement pass me by like it was nothing, when it could’ve been another kid of equal skill level and aspirations in my place. I didn’t even try to run for honors or be the well-rounded Atenean I was supposed to be. I was placed in a Merit class of a legendary teacher, Max Pulan, that produced young leaders and achievers excelling in their chosen fields, while I’ve spent the last few years squandering my education on less worthwhile endeavors.

The graduates. I imagined them feeling grateful, excited, hopeful, relieved, maybe a little worried at what the real world holds in store for them. And then I remembered how I felt when in that blue toga. “I can’t wait to get out of here and get it over with.” Snowball number 4: I was so full of teenage angst at my pseudo-problems at the time—petty things that all seem so pathetically trivial now—that I failed to remember what we were taught: be a person for others. What were my trials compared to the sufferings of others? What have I been doing with what I’d been given, to make a difference in their lives?

Vince. It took all those years and his graduation to shake me back into my senses. In a happy coincidence, the resolutions came in time for my birthday.

So, instead of the usual party or dinner, here’s how we celebrated. Duyan Ni Maria (Cradle Of Mary) is a shelter in Angeles City, Pampanga that takes in children as young as newborns until they finish school and can earn their keep.

Sister Alexis Casas, S.M.E. runs Duyan ni Maria. Hers is a story of profound faith in God’s provisions. She was able to build a children’s home out of donations and fundraisers she worked on. Rain or shine, day in and out, she would commute from house to house and organization to organization to solicit funding for her children’s food, clothing, schooling and other needs. She continues to do so until now, even while struggling with diabetes. I can’t imagine my grandmother having to travel around the city in the hot sun with a never-healing wound in her leg, working to make ends meet! Yet she’s always smiling and saying that God never fails to provide her with what she needs—sometimes, it’s not what she hoped for but turns out to be even better.

Sister Alex knows all the names of all the children, and she introduced them to me one by one. They told me their stories. Some were abandoned at birth in public hospitals. Others were rescued or ran away from abusive homes. Most of them were named by Sister Alex herself, and they treat her like their real mother.

It was a small party and the food was simple—just spaghetti and fried chicken—but the way the children were so excited and happy, you’d think it was a lavish feast on Christmas eve! Gratitude is such a nice feeling.

We often see in movies or TV shows how unruly it can get in children’s homes. They were polite and gracious and cheerful. Sister Alexis’ kids couldn’t be further from that depiction. Then again, them being raised by a soft-spoken and loving nun, it isn’t surprising at all how well-behaved they are.

In collared shirt is my uncle Tito and behind her is my aunt Bunny, siblings of my mom (who took all these photos with my phone). They’ve been doing apostolate work ever since I can remember, and Duyan ni Maria is one of the places they visit to bring food and do tutoring. The lady in purple is Sister Vicky, who helps Sister Alex to manage the place. They kept thanking us profusely for coming over but what they gave me is far more precious.

Graduation. Learning enough to take you to the next level. I graduated many summers ago and each summer I turn a year older, but if I were to be honest, this year is the first time in a long while that I actually felt it. :)

Miss Sixty dress over striped tank top, Cole Haan wingtip brogues, SM Accessories hat and necklace, Veloci wristwatch, backpack from my sister. Hype this on Lookbook here and Chictopia here.

Just something for the summer. Been going on drives with my loved ones to nearby places that I haven’t been to in a while. Looking forward to more of these this year :)

Hope you’re all having a wonderful week so far! ♥

Urban Goddess top, Cotton On skirt, Asian Vogue loafer pumps, SM Accessories clutch and bangle, Wanderlust bracelets. Hype this on Lookbook here and Chictopia here.

The day started with a migraine attack. Those who’ve seen me with one, know how bad it gets every time. All I see are blinding flashes of light for a half-hour, my limbs go numb, and unless I take meds, I throw up from the pain. Not a pretty sight, and definitely not a pleasant experience. Pretty traumatizing in fact that when I feel one coming on, I panic. But this time felt different—like nothing could stop me. I was excited to get to work!

Work meant going to the press junket for actress Troian Bellisario who plays Spencer Hastings on “Pretty Little Liars.” She was in town with her boyfriend, Patrick J. Adams, who plays Mike Ross on “Suits.” While I don’t follow “PLL” as religiously as “Suits,” I watch it for Troian. I find her beautiful, smart, independent and whole, a kind of girl I strive to be. Ever since I knew about them individually and as a couple, I’ve wanted to meet them.

So as soon as my vision returned, I drove as fast (and carefully) as I could from Pampanga to Quezon City, where my friend Abi joined me. She took over the wheel so I could do my makeup and try to fix my hair—in the end though, I just let it fall however it wanted. Haha.

My nails have been craving for servicing, too. I’d been practicing on the ukulele and I thought a manicure would be counter-productive. Heh. Just hoped the skirt, clutch and bracelets made up for it.

Thanks to a throbbing head and lack of prep, we arrived late at Marriott Hotel where the junket was being held. Now I admit, sometimes I can be a worrier and panic when things don’t go my way. But for some reason, the idea that I went through all that trouble and drove a hundred kilometers for nothing wasn’t bothering me one bit. Somehow, I felt like things were still going to be great.
     
And I was right. A few minutes later, I was taking Instagram photos with Troian and taking a video of Patrick saying hi to me.

Plus this awesome video of him greeting me on my birthday.
     

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Candy stripes are the order of the day in matching Giordano outfits, @PrimadonnaPH and photographed by Richard Romero. Vote for this look on Chictopia here.

Seph: Giordano shirt and blue shorts, Sperry Topsiders, SM Accessories wristbands and Bench watch.

Hype this on Lookbook here.

Shai: Giordano shirt, pink jeggings, Primadonna heels, SM Accessories bracelets and Ice Watch.

Hype this on Lookbook here.

Bangles and wristbands from SM Accessories.

When we saw these pieces in the Giordano store in Trinoma, we immediately knew how we wanted to go about the shoot—nothing fancy and with minimal styling; just candid fun, fun, fun! We love how Giordano’s latest collection adds a colorful twist to classic pieces such as striped collared shirts.

And who wouldn’t love these bottoms? Especially since they come in our favorite pastel pink and blue, for which we will forever love Giordano. Summer may be over, but on Love Chic, it never is.

Like Giordano on Facebook here.

Scroll down below for the mechanics and prizes :) But first, the obligatory fashion post.

Me&U Lovealot shirts, Chemistry cardigans, Human skirt and Asian Vogue pumps on Shai, Bench jeans and Adidas sneaks on Seph. Photos by Kristine Garduque aka Heteroheroine (check out her cinemagraphs!) and post-processed by Shai.

We shot at our friend Michi’s beautiful 2.3-hectare family garden tucked away in Marikina called Greg & Sally Tree Garden Cafe, named after her lovely grandparents.

Homemade goodness: warm egg sandwiches and brewed coffee in Me&U Human Touch couple mugs, perfect for this lazy rainy-sunny afternoon.

The lamp behind us is called “Oh sh*t!” also in Me&U. Cute doogie, and you switch it on and off by stepping on his poo. Hahaha!

The popular Mr. P in colorful grinning trash bins to dump your troubles away.

Human Touch body pillow shows a stick boy and stick girl having a can-phone conversation. Adorable!

Now for that giveaway

First prize gets the “Oh sh*t!” lamp, second prize gets a body pillow with the design of your choice, and third prize gets one big and one small Mr. P trash bin with the color(s) of your choice. Open to everyone in the Philippines, and here’s how you can join.

1. Follow Love Chic on Twitter/Facebook and Me&U on Facebook/Twitter.
2. Take a photo of yourself that answers, “Where do you feel at home the most?” It could your bedroom, a friend’s house, your car, a cafe, anywhere you call home.
3. Post your photo on the Love Chic Facebook wall. Tag @Me&u and write a short caption that tells us about your answer. Sample caption: “@Me&u I feel most at home in my kitchen, because here is where my mom cooks delicious food all the time.”
4. Ask your friends to Like your photo. Only Likes from real accounts please!
5. For extra +1 point, reblog this post on Tumblr and share on Twitter:
“@meandushop x @sephshai giveaway! http://tumblr.com/Zb7HPyATKQjW” You may also share the Me&U video we posted on YouTube. Feel free to leave a Disqus comment below to let us know you’ve joined.

Deadline for all photos and Likes is November 30 at 10PM. Winners will be chosen based on the following criteria: 40% best photo, 30% best caption, 20% most number of Facebook Likes, 10% Love Chic favorite. Have fun!

We have winners! :) Allyzon Mae Sabio gets the “Oh Shit!” doggie lamp, Dane Bangalan gets the body pillow, and Amanda Paredes gets the colorful bins! Congratulations, girls! Please email Me&U at meandushop@gmail.com for how to claim your prizes.

Hehe, just an illustration of one of those days when the both of us are on totally different yet weirdly parallel wavelengths. And, well, it could also be about how it might be sweeter if guys stayed real and avoided pickup lines, while girls paid more attention when guys try their darndest. 

Peanut butter latte and Purple potato latte in Subspace Coffee, on a super impromptu and happy rainy date with Tricia (who snapped the shots of us) and her brother Calel (who played Tiny Tower on the iPad). We came from a shoot and they were just hanging at home and a few texts later we were here having exponentially awesome lattes.

The mighty fine tuna wasabi sandwich, behind which are Tricia’s hot purple potato latte and Calel’s good ol’ milk tea with coffee jelly bits. We’re definitely going back there for more food, fun and photos.