Photo via Moenneko

The year is coming to a close. Indeed time passes us by in a blink of an eye. I suppose a year-ender summary would suffice, but my memory fails me…instead, I have good ones that I keep dear in my heart.

2011 was a blast. All the difficulty, tears and challenges were all worth it. It was during that time that I get to know myself more—the good and the bad side of who I am. I am not so certain if I have truly learned the lesson for every situation I have encountered and I am sure I’ve felt angry and ungrateful even for the challenges I face!

I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you. I am forever grateful for being a part of your life and mine. I may not be the most lovable person in the world, I may not be perfect, wise, and up to par to your expectations but I do however hope and pray that I can be true to my nature at every moment possible.  I am sure I am bound to make mistakes, I ask you to be gentle, kind and upfront about it. If the reason behind correcting such behavior is because out of love, then by all means—do it.

At this very moment, this is my wish: that may love and light be felt all over the world. Let us send our love to the ones who need it the most and that it may bring warmth to the coldest of hearts…

Cheers to a wonderful year. Now, let us make new and wonderful memories! Perhaps I can start with a memory jar?

The gift of wisdom lies within chaos and uncertainty. For in this situation we are given the opportunity to discover who we truly are… Let us contemplate. Give thanks to what we have at this very moment and pray for all of the victims of Sendong; for everyone who are feeling weary, listless and lost  and most of all, for the world.

Here’s how you can help: 1 and 2 or in your own very simple way, you can help by making the shift.

——————

Photos via tumblr.

Things I should Always Remember and Practice

It’s been a while I guess…I haven’t really blogged about what I have reflected upon. I am at this point in my life where I am evaluating what I have done. With such evaluation, I have felt: disbelief, sadness, shame, remorse, happiness and acceptance.  I remember my younger self writing in her journal: “When will I ever change?”, “I feel so inexperienced, shallow and inadequate.” , “What’s it gonna be 5 years from now?”.  The answers come when the student has learned a lesson. It took me a while before I learned it. It’s different process for everyone. For me, it was slow and painful. Hahaha!

What I do know is, if you know someone going through a hard time with themselves, be kind. I know I am not in the right position to say this, but I really appreciate the people who stood by me during the times when I am least bearable to be with. I know it’s easier said than done. Whenever I encounter a situation like this, I try to remember my darkest days.

Alas, I’ve rambled too much!

I know it maybe too early to make a new year’s resolution but I suppose this list would suffice. These are the things that I really want to work out with myself.

1) Let go of my baggages. One by one.  I sometimes find myself in a situation where I am really angry, I always ask myself why. If there is anyone who would suffer greatly from my baggages, it would be really me.

2) Stop pointing fingers. I love blaming others for my demise. I love it when I play the victim.

3) Peace cannot be achieved through status, society and wealth. Peace can only be achieved from within.

4) Accept and embrace life.

5) Stop comparing.

6) “There is the mud and there is the lotus that grows out of the mud. We need the mud in order to make the lotus.” – Thich Naht Hahn

7) Be compassionate. I realize my heart has grown hard and cold over time. I condemn people in my mind without really understanding what they are going through or what they have been through. With a lot of madness and pain going on in this world, will you still choose apathy?

8 ) Love each moment and the people I am with.

9) Transcend from my small “I”.  I should always remind myself that “I” am not the only being living in this world.

10) Stop gossiping about others. I admit it. I love doing this and I am guilty of this crime.

Image credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

]]> http://tangerinelullaby.com/2011/11/07/alwaysremember/feed/ 4 http://tangerinelullaby.com/2011/11/03/you-always-look-up-in-hk/ http://tangerinelullaby.com/2011/11/03/you-always-look-up-in-hk/#comments Thu, 03 Nov 2011 12:35:20 +0000 tangerine http://tangerinelullaby.com/?p=509 Posted in travel

Posted in travel

I miss HK. The lights, the striking contrast of city and nature and the balmy October weather.

I can’t believe it’s been a year since we went there—and here I am trying my best to recall the best part of the trip perhaps I can only list the things I love the most about this place. I am not really good with words. I hope the photos are enough to describe my experience.

Dusk, The Peak facing Victoria Harbour - It was very cold and balmy at the Peak.

Ngong Ping 360, Lantau Island - We breathlessly took in the scenery. This would be really nice if they have something like this in Baguio.

Brightly-lit streets and skyscrapers are one of the city's attraction. You always look up in HK. See what I mean?

The lush vegetation of Lantau Island is a huge contrast from the hustle and bustle of the city. What I love about HK is if you want to retreat to a quieter place, I only can think of Lantau---I read that they also offer an eco tour for the outdoorsy tourist. This scene also reminds me a bit of Baguio---if only they've preserved the mountains then it would have been as nice as this!

Boddhisattva Statue, Lantau Island - The walk from the stairs to Tian Tan Buddha is a wonderful experience. What about you? Have you tried going up?

A Tram ride only costs HK$2 and not only that, when you're lost, you're always sure to bump into a fellow Pinoy to ask for directions. Now that's a relief!

Cafe Dream On, Causeway Bay - If you want to discover new places in HK (restaurants and shops), you always have to look up. This place is divine because it's a perfect quiet spot in Causeway Bay.

 

For homesick Pinoys in HK, they can always drop by Jollibee to taste the food reminiscent of home. At least if they miss Chicken Joy.

A PW-friendly traffic light in the streets of HK

Not bad, for the price of three, we only paid HKD62. I think that's roughly 344 in pesos. Not bad!

Okashi Land, Tung Chung Station

We're heading back to Sunny Bay

These are identical bags sitting on the bench. I swear, no one was looking after them but they trust that it won't be stolen by some random stranger. I think it's cute that these kids have identical bags.

Bodhi Tree, Lantau Island

A Cloudless Sky...

4 Days is not enough to move around HK. I have underestimated the size of the place. I thought that in the span of four days, we’ll be able to see a lot of tourist attractions. I am grateful for HK’s superb public transport. You can really go around just by riding the Tram and MTR. I was very surprised when I saw a few private vehicles—it was the most practical choice to reduce pollution. I swear, during my travel, I’ve only spotted two gas stations! Sigh.

See you again Hong Kong! I thank you for welcoming me with open arms.

]]>

And just when we thought the rain is over, another one has arrived and a new typhoon will be coming on Tuesday. Sigh. I hope it will be over soon, or best—they’ll all just dissipate into thin air—a lot of people are suffering somewhere in ways we can’t imagine.

Yesterday, after a quick signal #3 quick in SM. It just so happened that yesterday was a day of inexplicable glitches starting from the cash register down to my husband’s PC. To make the long story short, I decided this day will not be another day spent on local TV shows. I have given up TV a long time ago and I’m happy ever since.

So, what do you do with a child stuck at home? I found my son’s old white (no yellow) shirt. Instead of turning it into a basahan, I think it’s nice to treat it like a canvas and that’s what kiddo did. Just as long as he’s enjoying, then I’m content with that.

What do you do with your old tees? You can use it as a floor wiper or if you like, you can treat is as your canvas.

I almost forgot I have a canvas lying around.  What will I do with this? I ask myself. I have nothing in mind yet. After doing a quick sketch on my pad, I decided to draw it on the canvas.

It's been a long time...it feels so weird working on a canvas.

I feel a little nervous working on acrylic. Apparently, it is my first time. @_@

Another view of the work

The Guardian of the Mountains by YKM

I’m happy I was able to create something out of the canvas. It’s been a fun day for me. I pray it will be sunnier for the next days to come.

Back in the days, I used to have those cute to die for “Paper Dolls” (Ha ha ha, I was just exaggerating!).  I don’t remember how much they cost then, but I think they’re only around 5 Pesos or less? Correct me if I am wrong please. My memory fails me nowadays!

Do you remember these? Aren't they adorable? These cuties are available at the Kawaii Shop Japan.

If you’d like to see more of them, please visit these links: 1 and 2.

Being an overgrown kiddo that I am, I tend to take a peek at the stores to see if they are still selling things like this. To my dismay, there may be Paper dolls sold but they are not as good as it was. I’d really love to buy some for myself.

Looking back, I never thought that one day, I’d be drawing dolls myself. It’s not the paper type though. It’s something like this:

Please see the working game on CDE by clicking on the image. (PS, I didn't program the game.)

I hope you’ll love her as much as I do! I did my best to capture the essence of a Mori girl, thankfully there’s a lot of wonderful Mori Girl blogs out there to draw inspiration from.

If you can’t click on the image, you can simply visit this link.

Working on this project was so much fun and I don’t mind drawing dolls for as long as I live!

—

NB. How is everyone doing today? Please stay safe and warm. As of this moment, Pedring is now in our domain, I won’t be surprised if we won’t have electricity in the next few hours. It doesn’t matter though as long as we’re all in good shape.

Love to all!

I think it wouldn’t hurt if I post something here about my, erm, “style”. I really can’t say what my style is, I guess it depends on what I would like to wear at the moment. I would say though that I like a boyish approach to fashion but it doesn’t mean I won’t be wearing a dress anytime soon.

Shoes from Effegi, Pants (no brand—believe me!), Zombadings Tee (which I thankfully won from their promotional raffle), Thrifted Vintage Blazer and Fedora Hat from SM! (I got it on sale.)

———————————————————————————————————-

Why am I too old for (a) Lookbook?

When I said Lookbook, I meant lookbook.nu.  Yes, I feel too old for it. Don’t ask me why. Hahaha!

Phoenix, Wet on Wet Watercolor - January 2010

I call it–accidental artwork. I never thought it would turn into something like this, but I love it. When the heart is calm and when you’re enjoying the moment, I think that’s when I was able to create something so spontaneous as this one.

Again, I apologize for the lack of quality of the work. Apparently, I saved this one in .gif!

————————————————

I hope everyone is doing well today. Last weekend’s weather has been very crazy up here. We need everyone’s prayer and loving thoughts especially for the ones who are greatly affected by Typhoon Nanmadol. Now, thinking about how cold it is now in the next coming “BER” months, I hope this Phoenix artwork will remind you to keep the fire burning in our hearts. Stay warm!

Untitled

Remember my Untitled work here? I am glad I finally managed to finish it without feeling too OC about it.

It's finally done! Hurray!

I think I like it better when it's upside down! Hahaha!

Rationale:

I think it took me long before I finally let go of the result. Working with watercolor requires a large amount of patience you can imagine. This has helped me so much in terms of breaking into my impatience-ness (if there is a word for that) and I have to say, I still need to work on the part of being less technical about it.

Reference Credit:

Della Stock

——————————————

Fashion Illustration Kinda

I am not a big fan of Portraiture nor I consider myself a portrait artist. Which means, I have an excuse to bend it a little and turn it more into a Fashion Illustration-inspired piece.

M, as I would like to call her.

Talk about a major lady crush. Yes, I so adore Miranda Kerr. It would be a dream come true if I’d able to sketch her in the flesh someday! For this piece, I called her “M” simply because it’s a rendition of Miranda–I am not sure if I have captured her perfectly. Of course, I have a reference for this.

A little bit enhanced digitally because of the texture and contrast.

Rationale:

I had a lot of fun working on this. I can’t even say it’s work! Okay. I am not even sure if this is a rationale at all. Hahaha!

Conclusion:

I think and I feel that I’m finally free of my almost-decade long rut. I think I’m finally ready…

Where will you be this weekend? If you are planning to take a break and head off to La Union and Baguio, perhaps you’ll want to spend it meaningfully.

Flow:SurfYogaSamba Goes Raw
a surf yoga samba and raw food weekend retreat

August 27-29, 2011, San Juan Surf Resort, La Union

We’re going the extra mile for health conscious people! This special Flow retreat is complemented with delicious and healthy raw vegan gourmet foods catered by Bali-certified raw food chef, Asha Peri of Dahon Kusina to help nourish your unique journey to self-discovery.

Package Rate: 10,350 php

Inclusions:
- 1 Vinyasa and 1 Yin Yoga session with Monica E. Manzano
- 2 Surf lessons at the San Juan Surf School of Luke landrigan
- 2 Samba lessons with Escola de Samba de Manila
- Roundtrip transfers
- 3D/2N aircon accommodation
- Raw Food meals and snacks by Asha Peri
- Tote bag with freebies from our sponsors: ParaKito, Mamo Yogaandtravel, Yoga+ at the Fort, I Go Beyond Yoga, Strip Manila, Browhaus Manila, Moringana & Rudy Project Philippines

PLUS! Introduction to ACRO YOGA for all participants in a yoga fusion class with Yoga+ and Beyond Yoga

Register now slots are limited!
Online registration form: http://bit.ly/msQJgP

www.flowsurfyogasamba.mult​iply.com
www.twitter/surfyogasamba

If you’re attending Flow goes Raw, you may want to meet my friend, Fristine there. She’s one of the caterers by the way.

—————————

For those who are planning to go to Baguio, you might want to add this to your itinerary:

Graded A by the Cinema Evaluation Board. A Cinemalaya indie Film by Jade Castro will have its Baguio Premier with the appearances by the cast, Lauren Young and Kerbie Zamora.

For Reservations call: 426-6629; 0919673-4340; 0917540-4455

You can also get them at Pao Tsin SM (in front of cinema 1), Pao Tsin UB, Simply Special Resto behind Jollibee Harrison and Rumours in session Rd. See you there!

NB. I am not paid to endorse any of these events. For more info, please refer to my disclaimer page.