Life Lately Chapter 6

I am sorry that I missed a complete week of posting. Not because I've been lazy but work is crazy and I've been spending my time making more moments with people dear to me and also, sleeping. But of course, I won't let another day pass without catching up with you guys. I hope you guys are holding up well and doing great as the half of August just swept by that quick.

Wednesday (August 5) -- backtracking for two weeks!!
It was quite special because I've met up with someone dear to me. It was great to catch up after a while. :)

That week, we also released Episode 0 of WeGoneGeek!! :D I am so proud of us! Do check it out and maybe subscribe to our YT channel?



The rest of the week was spent meeting friends, working (!) and we met up over the weekend for GISHWHES! GISHWHES is the Greatest International Scavenger Hunt the World Has Ever Seen and it was my first time to join this year. I had so much fun despite the time restraints hence we were only able to do limited tasks. Our other team mates (from all over the world) were all kinds of awesome and went the extra mile to tick off some tasks from the list. Shoutout to Misha's Jaguar Pack team!! :D You guys are the best!

Made this as one of GISHWHES' tasks! Thought it would be easy!

Monday 
Quite a stressful day. We had a pre-trial at the RTC (long story) that got rescheduled to September and I got sick as well. -__-" What a way to start the week.

Tuesday
Tuesdays are quiz night days. And it was also my younger sister's cake day! Happy Birthday, @anncmlle!

Anddddd I also got a new baby -- TOLITS!! (Magka-Tolits man lang ako sa buhay) Hahaha!!

Now part of the X family! Say Hi to Tolits, my X-M1. 

Been playing with it for a while now and it's almost always with me. So far, I'm happy with it! It's compact and output is superb. *lives on cup noodles for the rest of the month* Haha!

Rest of the weekdays were not really eventful. Just busy with work (as always) and last Friday, I presented at work regarding competitors of the brands we work with and some social media trends. My nerves were twitching all throughout the presentation but I think I did well. And I'm quite proud of the deck that I made.

Here comes the weekend!!

Attended a Watercolor and Food Illustration workshop by my good friend, Jane (@eats_eggs_for_lunch on IG) and it was really fun! :D


Hi Janeeeeey!! Thanks for the awesome workshop! Sama naman ako sa tile stamp next time! And salt dough clay!


My output!! It was a good day to renew dormant creativity. :) Now, I'm feeling kinda pumped to get back on making artsy stuff.
PS. I have a workshop this weekend! Details at the end of the post! :")

Sunday
Had brunch with a really close friend for his birthday! Happy Birthday, dude! xo

I also picked up these cutest paos from Mrs. K's Deco Pastries! Spent the afternoon shooting em and will write about it soon on WhenInManila.

Teaser photo! Yep, fandoms on food! Baymax siopaaaao!! :3 ♥

And that's a wrap! Monday's quite a b*tch and greeted me with backlogs but all is good!

How's Monday treating you guys? :)

Also, I'll be having a Brush Lettering x Digitizing workshop this coming Saturday, August 22, 12nn-4pm at 100 Miles Cafe in BGC! Slots are still available!

You can sign up here: http://manilaworkshops.com/events/brush-lettering-x-digitizing
I hope to see you there! :)

read more " Life Lately Chapter 6 "

Life Lately Chapter 5

So I've decided to change my CURRENTLY series to LIFE LATELY, so that I can share more stuff with you guys by doing a recap of my previous week and also what's currently going on with me. Hope that's alright! :)

Monday
Met up with friends from Thomson Reuters and had dinner with them. It's nice to catch up with people you practically consider as family. We dined at Corazon in EDSA Shang and we got so amused by their servers' names. :P And their suman in tsokolate is really good. :3

PS. Take care on your trip, Enny Wenny!

Tuesday
Tuesday was just okay. I attended an event launch for YouPoundIt and hello, hello -- Sir RA, Ramon Bautista, Jun Sabayton, and Lourd De Veyra was there! :D Also, Tuesdays are quiz nights! If you're in the Ortigas area, do join us in Mario's Kitchen for a night of brain exercise! It starts at 8:30-ish, usually 9. No reg fee, just order from the menu and there's no limit to team members so gather your friends! Did I mention Mario's has awesome churros? ;)

Wednesday - Thursday
Pretty uneventful. Just spend it mauling over work stuff. Went to Sucat in the morning to take care of my other 'job' and then back to Ortigas in the afternoon. The things we do for work! ~__~

Friday
Last Friday we had a house warming + birthday party for my mama and aunt. I immediately rushed from work so I can join the fun won't miss the food. Haha! LECHON!!

Also, we had a mock presentation at work and I got a lovely compliment from the bosses that my speaking mentor (from highschool) would be so proud of. :D I'm not fond of presentations as I get anxious like there's no tomorrow but when I get serious, I make sure I apply all that I learned from my public speaking days. It actually boosted a bit of my confidence. So, thank you bosses! ^_^

Saturday
My hair color journey went into full circle last Saturday as we bleached and toned my hair and actually achieved a shade of silver/gray that I've been wanting for so long. It was supposed to be blue but we have gray a try and I am happy we did. I'll re-dye it again with silver dye instead. :D Also had a late night shrimp-loaded dinner with Grace! She went blue-green this time!

Sunday
RAK OF AEGIS day!! For the third time! I know. I'm such a fan. :") I was supposed to go with le familia for a date but due to inevitable circumstances, it became a date with my mama. I'm not complaining but I wished the sibs could go see it too because I want to expose them to the PH theater scene and also to how amazing our local shows are. Maybe next time!

Monday
I took a leave from work because it's attorney day. Long story but we had to visit our family attorney to talk about something important. It was quite draining really but I'm relieved as to how things are threading. My fingers are crossed for things to get better.

Currently
At a coffee shop. Working while passing time and waiting for my friends for quiz night!
And watching Gaki no Tsukai! Hahahaha!! I've been watching episodes the whole week and it's a good picker-upper.

Surprisingly, I am productive when I'm not working at home. Particularly at this place too (Tully's Coffee in Ortigas), probably because it's not crowded and the ambiance is cozy.

Also, we're gonna shoot an unboxing tonight!:D

And that's it! Ang daldal ko haha!

How's your week going so far guys?

read more " Life Lately Chapter 5 "

Currently Chapter 4

This is a very late post as life is pretty much a hurricane, a lot of ups and downs happening but all is good and I don't want to fall out of this series just because I'm a few days late. So here we go~!

CURRENTLY

READING

Should I be ashamed for not being able to read any books for the past 2 weeks? T__T Sorry, reading gods!

WRITING

Articles for work. Articles for blog. Whew.

LISTENING TO

Vicious Love by New Found Glory!! MV came out today! Watch itttt! I love them!

We fight as hard as we love!

SMELLING

Nada. Olfactory senses are still wrecked.

WEARING

Crimson Red and Grey.

THINKING

About upcoming plans. This coming weekend. The situation I am in and lots of things in between. I am really vague when it comes to this. Haha.

FEELING

Surprisingly good. :)

LOVING

The past weekends and dates with my Lolas.

Rodic's Lunch with the Lolas | Fun with the sunflowers (find meeee!) | Photo edit that ended up looking like an OBB for a TV show | And eeep~ meeting Pepe Herrera again after a year! Pwede bang ako nalang ang Aileen nya? :")

WANTING

To catch Rak of Aegis again. Because I am overly smitten over Pepe Herrera. #noshame -___-"

NEEDING

More time in a day and more days in a week.

WISHING

For an out of town trip. I miss going to far places. Sometimes I feel tired just thinking about all the grueling preparation and the actual on-the-road shenanigans but I honestly miss all the stress that comes with the joys of traveling.

How are you doing, btw? :)

read more " Currently Chapter 4 "

Currently Chapter 3

Here we go to Week 3 -- so far, so good. My hands are quite full tonight so I might keep this short (or not). 

CURRENTLY

READING
Haven't done any reading this week as I was swamped with work. -_- Hopefully I can catch up this week and start on my Hand Lettering book.

WRITING
The report I am due to present tomorrow. *cramming intensifies*

LISTENING TO
My sister playing Papers, Please beside me. The whirring of a nearby electric fan. The tap-tap-tap sounds I make while typing this. 

SMELLING
The scent of rain. All we had this week was rain.

WEARING
My pjs. I'm ready to go to sleep, but work ain't done woman! Hustle!

THINKING
Just getting things done so I can start this week well and in order. 
This week had been stressful. A family drama that we've already buried in the past came back to life.

FEELING 
Sleepy but absolutely determined. :)
Also, a little inspired to work harder because my hard work is appreciated. 



LOVING
Weekends spent with dear friends and my siblings. Ever since I've embraced the single life again, I decided not to spend it on being sad but be awesome with the people around me (friends, family) and doing the things I love. That's the way to recover from a heartache, ladies and gents.

WANTING
SPICY BEEF NOODLES *^* Craving for food at midnight is not good.

NEEDING
More hours in a day. 

WISHING
That things will eventually fall in their right places. And I wish to travel the soonest please, Universe. 

And I still hope my body learns to cooperate and learns to wake up early. A week passed and still no improvement. Damnit body clock.

How was your past week, guys? 

read more " Currently Chapter 3 "

Currently Chapter 2

Week 2! I am actually getting the hang of this :) How's everyone doing? I hope all is well on your end despite the rainy weather we've been having.

CURRENTLY

READING
The Fangirl's Guide to the Galaxy by Sam Maggs | So far, it's okay. Some points irked me a bit, a little stereotyped but I'll give my last words when I finish it. 

WRITING
Emails. Emails. Emails. When will I ever run out of emails? Haha!

LISTENING TO
The NoSleep Podcast. Tied with Welcome To Night Vale as my most favorite horror podcast. It's my automatic playlist when I'm working and I may have already listened to all the episodes more than 5x. Give it a listen! :)

SMELLING
Nothing. Currently battling a cold so my olfactory functions are not on their A-game.

WEARING
A sleepy, too-comfortable-this-bed face. 

THINKING
About all the tasks that I need to get my hands to. This afternoon's assignment photoshoot and praying so hard that the rain would stop so we can do it outdoors. The past week was nothing short of great, I had my down days (but definitely less of what I had to go through last week), and I've been finding more reasons to carry on with a lighter heart and a grateful spirit. So that's great.

FEELING 
Calm and collected with a dash of overwhelming jitters.

LOVING
The cool weather. The circumstances and opportunities coming my way. And my new phone, an iPhone 5c that I called JARVIS. :D 

Also the fact that I am making art again and actually taking my time to seriously study about the letterforms. (WHOA.) I know I can get lazy sometimes but you know, that's not the way to learn things and I figured that I really love doing this so might as well get serious with it. 

WANTING
Some hot noodles. And more hours in a day.

NEEDING
A long comforting hug.

WISHING
That I will learn to manage my time and tasks better this incoming week because lots of things coming up! I'm actually really excited. 

And also, I hope my body learns to cooperate and learns to wake up early. 

How was your week, guys? 

read more " Currently Chapter 2 "

Currently Chapter 1

Hi y'all, if you've stayed long enough with me through my blogging journey, you've already known by now that I am bad at updating and also that I'm a workaholic hence why I can't find the time to write here.

However, I am making amends because this was where it all started and this was one of my comfort zones and I'm glad and thankful to have you guys here. :) *big hugs!*

So I'm starting (and planning to commit, fyi) on this series of life update posts which I am planning to write every weekend. This is inspired by my friend Krissy's Currently posts. The goal is to just keep writing and chronicle how the rest of this year goes. :)

CURRENTLY

READING
Eeep~ all my shame because I'm reading fanfictions again (what am I?! 13?!) but yeah, current guilty pleasure.

WRITING
Emails. Lots of it.

LISTENING TO
This playlist. :)

SMELLING
The aroma of freshly-baked bread!

WEARING
My heart on my sleeve.

THINKING
About a lot of things. Being broken and focusing on staying intact. Being back to zero. Plans. The future. I'm an overthinker, am I?

FEELING 
Hopeful. Mostly because I don't want to drag myself down further.

LOVING
Both the melancholic and fresh taste of independence.

WANTING
To get out of here. And oh, I've been dying to go to the beach.

NEEDING
Clarity and strength to keep my head over my heart.

WISHING
To feel the sand on my toes and the waters taking me in. And also, for it to rain Funko Pops. Haha!

read more " Currently Chapter 1 "

Cheers to 2015!

I believe my blogging juju is coming back ~ hurray! I hope you would still join me on my adventures this 2015! :) Happy New Year!

What are you looking forward to this coming year?
Would love to hear from you! ♥

Like this

read more " Cheers to 2015! "

TYPE KITA: A Typographic Exhibit for a Cause!

If you guys are following me on Instagram, my love for calligraphy wouldn't really be new to you and my new-found love for hand lettering. I'm not the best at it but I'm slowly learning and practicing! And if you're like me who loves typography, lettering and everything about it -- then you should really go and see TYPE KITA. It's a typography benefit exhibit in which the proceeds will go to the Yolanda survivors. Type Kita will be featuring lots of talented local artists, calligraphers, letterers, crafters & type-lovers.

Your Php50 admission fee will go a looooong way! So, drop by 10Alabama on March 15 & 16 and appreciate the awesomeness that is typography! 

They have lots of activities for everyone and it will surely be a lot of fun! See you guys there! :)

It had been 3 weeks since I've gone to Abbey Sy's Love, Type workshop and it sparked up the hobby. Ever since I've been trying to do some lettering every other day. :)

ETA: I just found out about now that my go-to coffee place CBTL has featured my photo on the Brew Your Best Year site! Cool beans! :P

read more " TYPE KITA: A Typographic Exhibit for a Cause! "

Fun and Fancies Friday

HELLOOOOOOOO!!!

I've been contemplating for the past days on how can I get my ass up and make blogging a habit. And so I've decided to start with prompts! So, I'm gonna start with the Fun and Fancies Friday wherein I'm gonna share with you guys some stuff and whatnots that I fancy or just for pure plain fun. This is also a good round-up for *ehem*Christmas presents*ehem*.

 So, let's start the list!

From beauty stuff *insert aghast face here*, stationery, SOCKS!, my new found #lolahobby, FOOD! and of course, a bit of from my geekdom. :)




[x] Oil of Argan - I've been hearing a lot about Oil of Argan since it is said to be great for colored/treated hair and I finally got the chance to try it! I've started using it this week and so far, I like the results! It's not only good for keeping your hair healthy but it also works great as a moisturizer! I immediately noticed how it helped lessen the oiliness on my face. *thumbs up* 

You can check out Oil of Argan's page by clicking the x! :D

[x] Wax Seals from Scribe Essentials - If you're following me on instagram, you've already known by now how crazy I am about paper stuff and stationery. A penfriend sent me a letter and sealed with wax. I was instantly in love! So I want to get my own in letter "C". 

You can get wax seals from Scribe Essentials or get them online thru Zalora. Speaking of Zalora, I've been eyeing a few more items from their site. If you're like me who mostly prefers online shopping because it's convenient, especially when the Christmas season is just around the corner, you can check out Zalora's Christmas Gift Guide already!

[x] Geeky Socks from Thinkgeek - HOW CAN I NOT LOVE THESE?! I love keeping my toes warm and be geeky while I'm it so this is to love. There are Doctor Who socks too, and I badly want it. D: I could spend my entire lifetime savings on Thinkgeek. SRSLY. 

[x] Yarns and Crochet Hooks! - I tried my hand at crocheting again and I'm HOOKED! Heh. :P I made myself some florettes and even wore one to work and last night, I finished a coaster! I'm planning to make myself my own beanie with earflaps for the holidays. :D



[x] Famous Belgian Waffles Philippines - My recent guilty pleasure. It's cheap, it's good and it makes me happy. What more can I ask for? My favorite it the new Choco Caramel wafflewich with bananas! What's yours?

[x] Doctor Who Hidden TARDIS Mug - Yes, I am a very big Whovian so don't be surprised if you see a lot of Doctor Who in my blog! :P Aside from the Disappearing Tardis Mug from Filbar's, this is a new addition on my endless Doctor Who wishlist. Anyone? :P

And that's it! I tried to limit it to non-boring list but I have so much more to share! So, until next Friday then? :)

read more " Fun and Fancies Friday "

Quarter-Life Crisis? Nah!

Hello all!

It had been a while, isn't it?

I am a bit sorry for being away too long and not updating, but I've been having a blast for the past months I've been unheard of. :) If you are following me on instagram, then you know what I mean.

Since 2013 came, changes in my life poured. Since I turned 25 this year, I feared that this might be my quarter life crisis! Haha!

My traveling life decreased after our trip to Malaysia and I badly miss travelling every single day. I started to grow weary of my job and started to question my career choices. Sounds very quarter life crisis, no?
However, this was also the year that my creativity crashed down on me. And it was wonderful. My hands were idle no more! I learned calligraphy, tried rubber stamp carving, paper cutting and got into snail mail again. I missed this side of me. The enthusiasm to learn and try new things. I started reading regularly again and the bibliophile in me is happy again.

Now that  I am getting the hang of things already, I've decided to take it all in. Let all the things I love live in me harmoniously. Sounds a little overwhelming but I'm determined, these are the things that makes me happy so why should I deprive myself of it, right?

I can't wait to start sharing things with you guys again and I hope you're still there. :)

read more " Quarter-Life Crisis? Nah! "

Hi, Hello!

Hello! I hope you guys are still around (anyone?) April and May have been very busy for me and no complaints from me. I barely have the spare time to post here but it is always on my to-do list to try to squeeze it in. So I'm pretty thankful for today's work downtime.

Watcha been up to guys?

For the past two months, I've been trying to ignite the creative spark within me that's why you can see a lot of calligraphy, rubber stamping, doodling in my instagram feed. I'm not the best at it but I'm pretty happy that I am making things with my hands again. I didn't realize sooner how much I've missed it.

I also took a break from the traveling (and I terribly miss it already) and from the writing/blogging gigs. It was a good detox. I've been blessed enough already last year and it's time to give others the opportunity. I'm hoping to get back to it eventually though. But I'm into prioritizing my blog this time. :)

I've been sick for the past 3 weeks too, down with a persistent cough. I was on an observation phase last week and it turns out I have allergic asthma. I feel quite devastated about it but I'm waiting for confirmation tomorrow. My fingers are still crossed that this isn't chronic or limiting. The past 3 weeks have been testing (a lot of food restrictions and I couldn't even stand everyday dust!), I just hope to get well very soon.

That would be it for now. :) I hope I can update soon with the past happenings (a lot happened, really!)

What's new with you?

read more " Hi, Hello! "

Music is Making Me High, Join Me?

Who here loves music? Raise your hands!

I guess most of us did.

So, here's a little something to make up for my erratic absence --

MUSIC MONDAYS!

I'll be sharing some of my favorite playlists, tracks or bands/musicians in hopes that you might like them too. These playlists keep me company at work and I guess listening to good music is a good way to beat the 'I hate Mondays' feel.

Here's a few you might wanna try listening to this week:

Good Morning! playlist by EyeDoc (his playlists are mostly my favorite on 8tracks)

I Won't Quit 'Cause I Want More by timeunwinds

Perfect Shower Mix!!! by Goodmananthony

Best of Male Vocalists by fermtza (my current favorite!)

Let me know if you liked/loved em! And do share some of your favorite playlists too. ;)


PS. I'm watching The Script's concert on the 31st (all the way up in the GenAd), who's going?

read more " Music is Making Me High, Join Me? "

Sinong Napasaya Mo Today?

And the question is: Sinong Napasaya Mo Today?

A simple question but thought-provoking, would you agree? Sabi nga ng kapatid ko, strain sa brain.

After a day's work, this question is something we can ask ourselves. Sino nga ba? Your boss, your parents, your siblings, a random stranger and how?

Little do we know that the small acts of kindness we do to others, they do mean a lot. Yung mga simpleng bagay na nakakapagpasaya ng sobra.

Coke's new campaign focuses on this question and encourages everyone do their share our blessings to others. It doesn't have to be grand and staged but simply, it should be straight from the heart. :)

And nothing beats the feeling whenever you make someone's day or cheered em up or simply made them smile. Would you agree?


Kaya ikaw, Sino Ang Napasaya Mo Today?

read more " Sinong Napasaya Mo Today? "

What To Do This 2013?

This pretty much sums up most of what I want to do this 2013. :D What about you?

Today, I was bombarded with bad news and disappointments. And making this made me feel a whole lot better. Some travel plans were canceled today and I think you guys know how it feels whenever one of your anticipated trips gets canceled. Not the best feeling at all. I had a great start to my year and then BOOM! It felt like I was just given a taste of something good and then headed straight into a pit. :(

But it also made me think, I still have 356 days to do what my heart desires and I can start again on paving ways to achieving my travel and non-travel goals. I might be behind my schedule a little but things happen for a reason and I will continue to believe that better things will come.

I think a few more will be added to my 2013 goals, but for now, the list above pretty much covers most of what I want to achieve this year. But on the top of my list, all I want is for 2013 to be happy and fun and as adventurous as the past 3 years. I want to continue to explore, discover, shoot and fall in love with a place, a food or an experience.

Hey, I guess I need to stop worrying to much. I can begin on that tomorrow.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

This is my entry for Pinoy Travel Bloggers' Blog Carnival for the month of January 2013 with the theme 'New Beginnings' hosted by Roj Braga of The Adventures of Anventuroj.

read more " What To Do This 2013? "

A Great Start to a Year!

Okay, I have to admit that receiving invitations to do stuff in your email is pretty rad.

Anyway, I would like to greet you guys first with a very Happy New Year! How's your first week of 2013 going? Mine's going good and I hope yours is going great too. :D

My first 2013 weekend was graced with a little staycation, not extravagant or what but it was a nice way to recharge my self to be ready to embrace the awesomeness that 2013 is going to bring. And it was a great bonding time with D too. *say cheeeeze, lol* We pigged out (our favorite thing to do) at RUB Ribs in Kapitolyo, marathoned History Channel shows, shoot light trails in Edsa, eat our favorite Chicken Katsu Curry from Yabu and capped it off with a great massage from NuLiving Spa Studio!

I wasn't able to experience a real Christmas Holiday vacation. Yes, the only days I didn't go to work was during the 25th and the 1st (it sucks, but hey, travel funds baby!) so getting a little pampering and especially a massage will do its wonders on an overworked mind and body.

NuLiving just opened last December 2012 and they are a great addition to the roster of spas and massage places around D. Tuazon area. I haven't really tried the surrounding spas but I can say that you can't go wrong with NuLiving Spa Studio.

read more " A Great Start to a Year! "

The Late Dear Santa Letter | 2013 Wishlist

This was supposed to be for Christmas but the season got too busy and I wasn't able to post it in time for Santa to pick from my list.

Dear Santa,

Let me start by saying Hello and How Are You?
I may be too old to believe in things (you for example) and I'm not sure if I really do believe in you but I surely have a thing called "hope" and "faith".

I remembered getting that sock filled with treats on our door when I was 6. And I wasn't able to find the pair of it so I believed it came from you. I still thank you for that day.

Whether you are real or not, I do hope you keep making kids (and adults, too) believe in magic, in hope, in being nice and doing good (especially to others).
I will keep on being nice, just in case you want to send me the other sock's pair.
Love,
Me

I wonder when and where did the tradition of making wishlists began, but for some reason, it is always more fun to make them during Christmas time and in time for our birthdates. Maybe because the chances of them being granted is high? ;P

And now that it's the holiday season, let me share with you my wishlist! Making lists are fun and it can motivate you to accomplish it yourself or who knows, a secret santa (or an angel) out there is generous enough to grant an item or two from your list.

It's fun to see how my wishlist have transformed through the years. How some were eliminated to be replaced with better ones and how new things are added that I never thought I'd wish for or those little things that you have no idea on how it makes me happy like a little kid inside.


Here's my share of the countless wishes that was prayed for last Christmas and for the rest of the 365 days of the year:

1. A pretty decent laptop that can accomodate my editing needs and I can bring with me anywhere or a MacBook Pro (kung pwede magpaka-choosy).| There are those moments I wish I could just pull-out a laptop and start playing with photoshop or play with words. Or just read on stuff in the interwebs. Okay, I admit. Play games too. :P

2. 1TB External HD | I shoot crazy. I like to shoot. And an external HD would really be useful.

3. Praying for more opportunities for my blog this coming year | Hopefully, traveling and earning! :)

4. Illuminated Keyboard and Mouse | Because I spilled alcohol (not the drinkable type) on my keyboard, now some keys are not working.

5. Datacolor Spyder Calibration System

6. Wacom Bamboo Pen and Touch

7. Domain Renewal


1. Canon D20 Underwater Camera | I can't deny that I love the seas. I can't swim to save my life but yes, I am a water daredevil. I panic, I worry, I fear for my life but what the heck. I want to unleash the inner mermaid or shark in me.

2. Ultra Wide Angle Lens (eg, Tokina 11-16MM F/2.8) or an 85mm F/1.4 lens | Oh the photos I can take with a UWA lens. Just thinking about it makes me daydream of landscapes.

3. Sturdy camera bag for Yue | Bought myself a Benro Gamma 30 for Christmas, thanks to James for the gig he gave me!

4. Assorted Filters | I got a ND8 filter last Christmas!

5. Lomo LC-A+ camera

6. Instax Mini Films and camera films

7. Olympus OMD EM5 | Lugging around a heavy DSLR is not always fun. Like what I did here. So a pretty swell handy camera would be awesome.

7. Nikon D7000 | In case my venture into becoming an actual wedding photographer would become a reality, I'd love this camera to be my next upgrade.

8. Spare batteries for Yue

9. Nikkor 35mm F1.8/F1.4 lens

1. A reliable backpack | There's no point in turning back from this travel trail I'm taking and I realized that I need a trusty companion a/k/a the backpack on my trips.

2. Hiking shoes or sandals, my eyes are on the Sandugo Helikon | I really really want to start trekking mountains. I may not be of my most fit condition and not to mention my ankles that tend to hurt when I'm walking long distances, I will not let this hinder me from reaching peaks and heights (literally).

3. Headware | I got one from my Secret Santa at work but unfortunately, it wasn't the design I really hoped to have but still, I'm thankful.

4. Dry Bag

5. Trekking Pants

6. Nalgene Glow-in-the-Dark Water Bottle

7. Dri fit clothes

8. Tent pole replacement

1. Tenth Doctor Sonic Screwdriver | YES, I really want this. My Doctor Who feels.

2. TARDIS collectible

3. Gloomy Bears for my collection

4. Barnes and Nobles Leatherbound books | Oh pretty, pretty books. I'm eyeing the Poe and Sherlock first!

5. Calligraphy Set | I really love my calligraphy pens and I want to try using dipping pens and various nibs.



So there, chances are this is more of a to-buy list than a wishlist. :P Time to save up then!

How about you? What are on your 2013 to-buy list wishlist?

read more " The Late Dear Santa Letter | 2013 Wishlist "

Dear 2012, We Did Great!

Sharkmaine's 2012 in photos. 

Dear 2012,

Wow. 

The year is almost ending and looking back to what we've had for the past 360 days, it was all awesome and wonderful. Thank you for the great memories and the adventures! Cheers to you amazing 2012!

Join me as I look back to some of my 2012 adventures -- the places I've been to, the people I met, the food I tasted and everything that made it so great! :)

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Happy Holidays!!

This was meant to be a non-cheesy Christmas greeting but since we ended up with this... 

D and I would like to greet you all who got lost and stumbled by my blog and those who (actually) reads my blog -- a Very Merry Holidays! I hope you had and continue having an awesome one until the year ends! Cheers to the reason why we celebrate this season and to everything in between! 

Probably our cheesiest photo ever. This is not really us. Haha!

I hope you guys had a wonderful Noche Buena last night and that some things were ticked off from your wishlists! What gifts did you guys received? 

A few more days and we're on to 2013!! Can't wait for more adventures, opportunities and travel to come our way! My fingers are crossed! 

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UnBoxing: Accutone Aquarius

I have been pretty blessed with for a good streak of time now and other than food and travel, I have a special place in my heart for music. Music saved me way back in college when I was in a bad track. So I owe music that much, especially My Chemical Romance. Their music was my saving grace. :)

I have an eclectic taste in music. One day I can listen to musicals, the next I can go all the way punk rock. I love playlists like this one from 8tracks. It's good for perk me up mornings. And I also love music recommendations, so give me some? :)

Someone may have heard that I love music so look what arrived in the mail!

What a wonderful sight of lime! :) Say Hello to the Accutone Aquarius. It's an in-ear headset with remote and microphone.

Who wouldn't love a pretty packaging, yes? I am always easily pleased aesthetically.

Was never an avid fan of in-ears because I'm scared they'll get lodged up inside my ears.

The Aquarius is known as a hi-fi headset for smartphones. It comes in 6 vibrant colors -- light blue, purple, pink (for the girly), orange, white (for the minimalist) and lime green. They are such eye candies! 

It has a plastic body with high gloss "jelly" finish that makes it look like those affordable generic earbuds. I'm a little doubtful of its durability but we'll see. I'm still giving the "do not judge a book by its cover" a chance to prove me wrong on the Aquarius.

It has a built-in microphone so you can toggle from music listening to making calls in your smartphones. The microphone is housed in an aluminum grill for a superb sound transmission.

It also features a rotary volume control that is unlike the others. I have a small problem with its volume level though, I usually need to push the volume up for me to fully enjoy my music.

It comes with two more pairs of silicon earbuds, a cable winder and a nokia phone adaptor.

I had a hard time picking which earbud should I use because it could get uncomfortable if it doesn't fit your ear well and I am still adjusting to it because I get discomfort every now and then from prolonged usage.

I really like the chrome finishing plug!

My verdict on its sound quality *DUN DUN DUN DUUUUN* -- SUPERB SWEET SOUNDING PIECE. All caps for emphasis. This baby is more than what it seems. The plastic build may deceive you but boy does it please my ears. You can clearly tell the vocals from the instruments and I love my music/audio movies and books loud and clear, the Aquarius made it more enjoyable for me! Accutone really meant it when they put in print that the Aquarius delivers a superb balanced audio output.

There. All I can say is, the Accutone Aquarius didn't fail. Don't let its candy-looking appearance fool you! It's a power-packed headphone that delivers quality! 

Clearly enjoying my Accutone Aquarius. Excuse the dubious look on my eyes. Haha!

Listening to your favorite beat is more fun with a good headphone! The Accutone Aquarius is priced at Php1,800 and available at the following stores: Astrovision, Power Mac Center and Rustan's Department Store.

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Komikon 2012 Aftermath

The 8th Philippine Comics Convention or better known as the "Winter" Komikon was held last October 27 at Bayanihan Center - Unilab in Pasig City. D and I were there to join the fun, check out new comics and meet my comic artist friends! 

Remember when I said, "see you at Winter Komikon"? :)

More photos up next!

read more " Komikon 2012 Aftermath "