Four Hundred and One

The University of Santo Tomas welcomed four hundred and one years, as well as the neocentennial yesterday. It was one of those events that make you feel proud to be a Thomasian.

I had to go to school early and I managed to catch the last few performances of Cheermania wherein different colleges of the university competed. Luckily, one of the last few to perform was last year and this year’s winner, the College of Commerce.

It was so hot during the mass so we had some drinks at the hospital’s canteen since the carpark was so crowded and we couldn’t go out of the school. Afterwards, we heard the rest of the mass in front of the screens at Plaza Mayor.

I love Gian’s DIY spike flats

Onelighting after the mass. It was like a sea of lights. I remember how we first experienced this during the Lumina Pandit. The majesty of the scene still feels new though.

40,000 Voices for UST was one of the main events of the night. The University of Santo Tomas’ 40,000 students came together to sing different tunes including folk songs and of course, the UST Hymn.

The highlight of every big Thomasian celebration is the fireworks display. During these four years I’ve been studying in the university, I’ve witnessed around five fireworks displays but this by far blew the competition away.

At one point, I just had to let go of Padawan and just relish the moment. I held onto my boyfriend’s hand as that day marked the 15 months we’ve been together as well.

This has got to be one of the best Thomasian experiences… after the looming baccalaureate mass that is. :)

07:10PM, Jan 28 2012 25 | Comment?

The Yesteryears

On the first Saturday of January, Gian and I got together with fellow Tumblr bloggers: Jesrhel, Tina and Kayra for a shoot with the awesome Luisa & Chai. I already posted some photos on a previous post, these are the ones taken with Padawan.

Before the shoot, I just had time to take Gian’s photos. The one on the right is actually candid and coincidentally turned out to be the best out of the set.

With the charming Tina of Strutting on Sunshine

Joren was nice enough to drive us to UP Diliman after our morning hospital duty and take these photos of us while Jesrhel was getting photographed.

Last photo by Luisa

Til next time, loves! I can’t wait to see you guys again. ^__^

10:01PM, Jan 20 2012 24 | Comment?

I Can’t Tell You What It Really Is

…that me and these girls have in common. What I do know is that being friends with them is one of the best things that ever happened to me. If you guys are reading this, hi loves! :”>

The original plan for my birthday was a self-absorbed shopping spree, maybe buy a new lens and some new shoes. I second guessed it though, knowing this is our last year in college together. The experience would definitely be worth more than any material thing.

After my night shift duty, which ended at 6am, I slept until around 11 and met them for lunch and karaoke at Red Box Trinoma. I was tired and probably half asleep at the beginning but we livened it up by singing our hearts out.

I‘m not usually one to sing in front of people, what with my tone deafness, but these girls know how horrendous my voice is because I always sing during duty to annoy them.

I loved the experience and definitely want a repeat but I can’t imagine karaoke without them. I would miss their laugh whenever I sing out of tune, which is basically all the time.

P.S. The title’s from Eminem and Rihanna’s song which was our highlight song.

08:45PM, Jan 19 2012 12 | Comment?

Things To Be Grateful For

Christmas is the Season of Giving and I’m grateful that people close to me have embraced the tradition; generously giving gifts this Holiday Season. So here’s a post dedicated to the people who’ve shared their blessings with me.

My mom is helping me build my makeup collection. She happily bought me these new additions for Christmas: 

Etude House I’m Jumbo Pen Eyeliner, Mac lipstick, Mac Wonder Woman blush, Maybelline Magnum Volum Express Mascara

I have a penchant for all things glittery and shiny which coincidentally fits in with the season. These glittery brogues from Trunk Show and bangles from Forever21 are a perfect example of this. Thanks to my boyfriend. <3

Sometimes I don’t understand how some people say I’m difficult to buy a gift for. You can never go wrong with giving me something cute, pretty and useful like this reindeer antler ring from my sister; notebook and cupcake lip gloss from my cousin.

My girls never go wrong when it comes to choosing clothes I like. Thank you Gian for the leopard harem pants and Den for the super cute top from Bayo.

The thought of presents is getting me excited about my birthday next week. :> Whatever happens, I already feel blessed.

08:28PM, Jan 04 2012 26 | Comment?

The Best of 2011

Before I say hello to 2012, I’m taking a look back on everything that’s happened this year. Time sure does fly by doesn’t it?

JANUARY: This is usually my month because I celebrate my birthday on the 14th but I figure I should give way to my university’s celebration of its 400 year existence.

FEBRUARY: One word synonymous to this month would have to be “love” so I put the spotlight on my boyfriend for this month for giving me the most unexpected and sweetest Valentine surprise.

MARCH: This month marked the start of our summer break. Our first summer break in the College of Nursing, mind you. We had summer classes during the past two years of college.

APRIL: April was a mix of laziness and get-togethers with old friends. The highlight would have to be seeing my high school buddies and reconnecting with a group of friends from freshmen year.

MAY: Big things happened this month. First, I got Padawan (my Canon 600D) and me and my good friend Gian launched our online shop, Claire Voix.

JUNE: Since we didn’t have a huge summer vacation, my mom decided we go explore Tagaytay and revisit Enchanted Kingdom (my last visit was years ago) then it was back to school for senior year.

JULY: Sometime during this month we went to Caleruega for our retreat. It was an unforgettable experience, spending a number of days with your close friends and getting closer to God.

AUGUST: I chose that picture because it was my first time to eat Sonja’s Cupcakes and it was good. We toured our relatives from the States around Manila, including Global City. Also, I had my first “photoshoot” for Gian’s sister’s 18th birthday.

SEPTEMBER: I will never forget the night I spent with my two loves: Den and Gian. We had that little vampire shoot. Such good memories from that night.

OCTOBER: October was the month. We had our graduation pictures taken, we had our Rizal course field trip, there’s the Black Eyed Peas press conference, that faithful food trip at Maginhawa with my best high school friends, Philippine Fashion Week and of course, our anniversary.

NOVEMBER: Sembreak! Who could forget the days I spent with my girls, my boyfriend and my family up North? We crossed mountains together. :D

DECEMBER: This month is almost done and I haven’t even blogged about it completely. There’s Paskuhan, my return to the North and the gifts and shopping finds that have piled up in just a matter of days.

I‘m crossing my fingers for even better things to come my way this year. I’m also crossing my fingers for getting through the obstacles unscathed. I hope everyone has an awesome time tonight! :D

New Year’s Resolution? To make things happen! :D

11:51PM, Dec 31 2011 24 | Comment?

Snow Falls from Six to Ten

We were sitting around the TV that night in Baguio and saw a news report about Baguio Country Club’s Christmas Village. With nothing planned that night, we decided to go ahead and check it out.

It started out with a Nativity play and then the choir sang as the lights started to come alive and the snow started to fall. It wasn’t real snow but it was close.

I guess that was as close as I can get to snow. Who knows, maybe one day I’ll get to experience the real thing. Hopefully my knees won’t shake from the cold long enough for me to enjoy the snow.

10:34AM, Dec 31 2011 24 | Comment?

Christmas at the North… Luzon

Every year, our family makes it a point to be together during Christmastime. We may spend it in Thailand or Manila but what’s sure is that we spend it together. This year we stayed at our ancestral home in La Union for the most part of the holiday season.

Here’s our barren Christmas tree. I didn’t bring my presents because I already opened them. :))

The highlight of the night is always the Noche Buena. We usually start eating at midnight after a short nap.

We had just gotten home from Baguio that afternoon so we had some carrot cake and apple-walnut cake from Ebai’s. Imagine our surprise when we found two other cakes when we got back. That’s a total of four cakes. Me and my sweet tooth aren’t complaining.

A bowl of my mom’s homemade pesto. My friends and my boyfriend love this.

We heard mass that afternoon to give thanks to the Lord for the blessings he has given us and for the guidance that has made us who we are right now…

…and of course to greet the baby Jesus a happy birthday.

04:00PM, Dec 30 2011 15 | Comment?