142. Braced Up For 2013! Thank you so much 2012!!

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Feeling active blogger that I am here writing on New Year's eve. It's been a while I know but let me set that aside as we all saw how the Mayan calendar failed and now we're about to welcome 2013!

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141. Yearly Birthday Post

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I would describe this year's birthday celebration a surprise-filled-I-feel-so-special birthday. It's one-of-a-kind. I do believe that as years pile up in our lives, so as the people who surround us. There might be relationships that have been gone with the wind as years went by, but God have replaced and will surely replace those with who knows, even more genuine ones. I, thank you! Haha feeling answering a Miss Universe question.

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140. Monday Musings: Let me call it separation anxiety

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And just because the full moon attracts the depths of my sentimental, melodramatic, over-emotional, sadness whatever, I am posting at this wee hour thinking of what tomorrow, or rather later may bring. It has not been a smooth ride for both of us in that place where it all began. But for the past two years and seven months we were just near each other, figuratively and yes, literally. If you recall my Poignancy post, it's about my bf's resignation from the same company I (now 'used to') work for. Funny how I try to dry run the supposed to be typical day, and supposed to be together/for both of us, but we will have to do it separately now. And trust me, I get overemotional with the littlest things. No more lunch together or randomly window shopping inside the Makati malls. No one to walk with along EDSA then crossing Pasay Road. At the start of the shift, I go to the coffee nook to get two sets of mug, glass, teaspoon, Milo and Nescafe and then it just makes me OA-ly sad that I just have to get A SET! When I look at the contacts of my office communicator, his name would be greyed out and labeled 'presence unknown'. I'm dreading it!!! The middle of the start and the end of the shift brings me a lot of things. But for the past two years, it has been easier with him just SO NEAR. A breakdown or overjoy, it's immediately shared with him. He is a constant reminder of who I should be. And at the strike of the end of the shift we either walk together along Ayala Avenue or he walks me to my shuttle. BUT COME LATER IT WOULD BE TOTALLY DIFFERENT!!!

How could I be this self-absorbed! Not thinking that it might be harder for him. It will totally be a new environment to him while I remain in this comfort zone (except that he's taken away from this zone). I must look at the brighter side -- how cliche and how easier than done these words are.

And as this huge change arrive in front of both of us, I just know that through prayers, trust -- in Him and in the both of us -- this too shall pass. At the brighter side, we just know that being in one company is not for forever. We both need to grow up and hopefully as we do, our bonded relationship also does. As your dreams are starting to unfold, and as we wait for mine, we will hand in hand face them. I will miss our random everydayness. This won't be easy -- the hard consequences of getting used to. But we will eventually get through this and happily look back that we've indeed made it through.

I pray for all the strength, patience, knowledge and wisdom that you'll need. I may not be as near as I was before as a visible reminder of a helping hand, listening ears and shoulder to cry on, but I'm still near, though not visible, but inside of you (BBM, text, email, call, snail mail?? Thank God for technology!). God bless you on your next journey! I love you!

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138. Backpacking Adventures 2: Malapascua, Cebu

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We don't have the luxury of time and kaching kaching but we're glad that we were able to squeeze in some vacation this second half of 2012. Thanks to Tiger Airways (Seaair) for the sale airfare we got – just a little less than Php550 roundtrip air fare for me and Luke!!! So let me blog about our second backpacking adventure to Malapascua, Cebu.

I’m thinking that this be a quick one as this is loooooong overdue!

One of the things I'm grateful about is that I have relatives scattered around the country and around the world. This includes Cebu so our first day in Cebu was spent in Cebu City where some of my relatives live. :) 

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137. Of Blazers

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One of the must-haves and must be a staple in anyone's closet - blazers!

The gloomy weather made me want to shop for blazers. And I mean lots of blazers!!Gone are the days that blazers are worn only for the corporate setting and the business world. This piece of clothing has evolved from formal to casual. I grew up seeing my parents wearing them and pairing them with pencil skirts and tailored slacks. But that is so 90s! Fast forward to this age, we commonly see it casually easily breezily paired with jeans. It's fun to style outfits and top them off with blazers. You know those days when one is too lazy to dress up -- just pull on any undershirt, even as simple as a white undershirt then just put on your trusty blazer and voila! You're good to go! But of course don't forget to wear any bottoms. 

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136. Poignancy

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As I lay myself to bed and lean my head to my pillows. 
As I curl myself beneath the sheets wishing that I be swallowed. 
As each duct tears and the heart fears. 
As the used to be will be gone. 
As the once was seemingly endless now foregone. 
As the thoughts gush the rain pours. 
As the memories flash the future is blur. 

Promises and words to hold on to.
Faith and actions too.
Through saving grace, prayers and praise.
Our true love will bring us through.

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135. Monday Musings: Rule of a Creator's Life

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Stumbled upon this image once upon a time while Pinterest-ing. I can't help but ponder on it as this photo is very relative to me! I know many of us do! We all can relate and on my part, there is just the urge and maybe a need to live by these words.

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134. The Much-deserved Vikings!

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133. A Forced Date!

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It was planned by someone named Chat without I and RV knowing about it. Thus, forced! It was a holiday, anyway, that we didn't have a choice but to give in. Joke lang, Chat! It was actually a fun breezy day with these two ladies. Might I add that I am the youngest among us three and somehow gave me a 'refreshing' feeling as usually I am the eldest among a group. Binuking ang sarili ko! Idaan na lang sa face value -- people usually guess my age younger! O diba?

Props to RV for the effort of coming all the way from the North to bond with us here at South! And yes, nowhere but in ATC! :)

Pizza, pasta, colors and smoothies -- this is how I summarize how our day had been.

First off, we had our late lunch plus random talks over Cibo's pizza and pasta. Aaah I love Cibo!!

Cibo's Linguine alla Ghiotta and Prosciutto di Parma Rosa

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132. Fashion Friday: Of Peplum

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Fashion Friday! I know it's so usual but just allow me okay? Anyway, I’m just posting for the sake of sharing my love for peplum!!! Anything peplum easily catches even the cornerest part of the corner of my eye. That was O.A. But yes, I do like peplums. Why am I talking about peplums? I just recalled me sketching quite a no. of peplum pieces for a contest I joined. But then the spontaneity in me decided otherwise. And guess what?! I didn’t win but a peplum piece made by another contestant won! Imagine my regret! So here I am now passing onto you my regret by blogging my adoration for almost anything peplum.

What is a peplum?

 a flared ruffle attached to the waist of a jacket, bodice, etc. (thefreedicitonary.com)

Let me show you some of the peplum pieces I've stumbled upon while window shopping online. Aah! If only budget is not a problem!

1 - Topshop || 2 - River Island || 3,6 - House of Fraser || 4 - Dorothy Perkins || 5 - Miss Selfridge

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131. Something New With My Lovelies

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This is a late post. But before I tell the tale of one Saturday night, can you allow me to rant the reason why I can't seem to blog on time? It's because of my crappy internet connection. It gets me annoyed so easily so I am defeated and usually end up not posting and not being able to do cyber stuff. And right now that I am writing I am thinking of switching to a new one. And my laptop isn't helping that much as well. It has a lot of clutter inside as it was never reformatted for almost five years now! Yes, that's how old my laptop is that I'm thinking of buying a new one or an equivalent. End rant. Thank you.

It took us two months to see each other again but the fondness and the bond with each other did not diminish. It was yet another fun but scary-gory night with my lovelies.

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130. Monday Musings: Hello August

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There is the rushing feeling inside me whenever July is torn from or is flipped on the calendar and I see that August is already the month. September comes next and then it's again the end of the year. August rush eh? But, yes, I do feel like everything's rushing as soon as August's up. And what I'm thinking now is this "August, you're up and I must already have done something big but I feel like there isn't big. I am starting to feel frustrated but no, I guess there were these little things I have accomplished and these shall fuel me. I must do more..." Self-helping, I read these quotes already compiled on one of my favorite blogs, Mark and Angel Hack Life -- never fails to pick me up and put me back on my senses. I find these words very encouraging and hopefully, these words remain ringing in my head. Bring it August!

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129. Random Days are Random!

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There was a dire need for a break away from the confines of a seemingly-suffocating workstation. Sorry for the blunt words but yes, dire need for a break and suffocating workstation goes along pretty well. I won't dwell on this. Instead, I will share to you what happened on my three-day-randomity - the boyfriend included. 

First day is all about BGC.

The first stop is fated to happen! Ang galing galing lang ni Lord. :) That moment when we are about to walk out the door but then, everything just went into their proper places. That was what the boyfriend and I (most especially him) are thankful of. Our egos were boosted, just what they needed. After that ego-boosting moment, the walking pushed through. Walked here, there and all around, until the sun is about to set. And then it's time to reward ourselves from all the walking!



KrispyKreme merienda!



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128. Sometimes, we need to get through a tunnel to appreciate light, to appreciate brightness.

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Sometimes, we need to get through a tunnel to appreciate light, to appreciate brightness.

—What I would have said to him in this time that he feels so down. But then I realized it applies to me as well. And made me realize how unfair I was with my thoughts the past days compared to him; compared to other people who are going through harder times than him. And made me realize that I may not be wearing the fancy pair of sky-high heels that everyone adores, but definitely I’m in better shoes, regardless if it’s just a plain pair of simple black flats.

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127. Good Times with Friends!

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An anonymous saying goes “Books and friends should be few but good.” I don’t just agree but totally can relate to it – both in books and friends. Let me dwell on ‘friends’. Having few but definitely REAL friends is way better than a lot of on and off shallow friendships. It’s better to have few of whom you can surely turn to on down times than to be passed around to those numerous friends. But I am not against having many friends! If you’ve really got a lot of trustful ones, then you are blessed! Having few friends -- I blame it for my being introvert, my conservative parents, being a home buddy – content with art and reading materials, writing medium some TV shows. I may have a few but I’m more than definite to keep them for the rest of the time I’m breathing air. 

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126. Father's Day

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Before anything else I wanna tell you that I'm not a Daddy's girl. No. I'm not sad and I don't remorse over that fact. If you want to know why, I have a very dramatic theory. And  I won't share it. Lol. But I love my Dad just the same.

My Dad, Papa, as I call him, is one of the most brilliant person I know. He is witty. And he is far more patient than my Mom. He could tell on endless jokes and myths, and horror stories to barbero stories -- he'll never run out of stories to relay. Coming from a brilliant trace of the Clarete's from Bohol, he is one smart guy (that makes me a smart gal yeah!). I always hear of his employees and colleagues alike complimenting him how smart he decides, most especially on those days he was on the upper management of the corporate world. I like a lot of things about my Papa -- we can debate and harmoniously talk on any topic; he is more liberated compared to my Mom hence, I always ask for his permission instead of my mudra; and sometimes he gets me more than my Mom does!

And though he is just not the showy-type in terms of affection, just the same I love you, Papa!

 

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125. First Backpacking Adventure: CARAMOAN ISLANDS!

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LAG POST at its finest.

As mentioned in one of my previous previous post, this was what I got giddy about. And now, time allowed me to update this blog regarding this unforgettable, first time, fun backpacking adventure at CARAMOAN!

Remember, or did I? Anyway, our initial plan way back August/September was supposedly November of last year. But our pockets didn't allow us to. Blessedly, February was good to us, because we were expecting our SL conversion! The budget automatically went to Caramoan trip. :) No regrets, 'cos we deserved this trip.

The curiosity of 'how does it feel like having a long train ride?' led us to try PNR from Divisoria to Naga, Bicol. This is added to the fact that we planned this trip to be tightly-budgeted. It's way cheaper than a plane ride, but also took way longer as well. The islands are not easily accessible. And since we're on a tight budget, we have to do the commuting the 'rough' way. San niyo gusto mag-start ang commuting? Okay, let's take off from Buendia station. No, not MRT, the PNR train. Kwento type. PNR to Divisoria. From Divi to... okay an unnecessary longer than usual stopover at Lucena! Nasira si PNR. We stopped there for an hour. Which made us arrive at Naga Station at around almost 6AM already instead of 4AM. From Naga train station we have to ride a tricycle to the shuttle van station, which lead us to Sabang port. From Sabang port, we had a rough boat ride!! The waves were rough. Someone who has motion sickness would definitely not make it to the islands without vomiting. I don't intend to scare, it's just my way of telling how rough the ride could possibly be. After an hour of the rough boat ride. We finally reached Guijalo port! The ride to Guijalo already teased us with what's awaiting us at the islands.

At the sleepers coach, PNR.

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124. What Sundays May Bring

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I just love those days when I can pamper myself even in the tiniest possible way. For the past week, I have been bothered by the mishaps at work, specifically on my training. My training for a process, is currently delayed and I blame the uninvited bugs who came to party on our software we were supposed to use. Just so they know, they caused delay and my schedule is now screwed. On  other note, I have accomplished tasks more more mooore than the load I should have done. I am raising my forehead on this. I think I did a good job. Kudos to me! Due to the semi-stress and for the job well-done, I'm patting myself on the back through a well-deserved pamper -- sauna and massage. Teehee.

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123. Mother's Day

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Both parents are special to us but nothing beats a mother-daughter tandem. And in my case, I admit that I'm a Mama's girl. I've grown to be spoiled to my Mom. And what I am now is greatly influenced by her -- emotionally, physically (I got most of my genes from her except my built which I got from my grandmother Father's side), the 'instincts', her love for dressing up, her being choosy and even how people have their first impression on us as 'matarays'. Yes, I don't know if those are carried by the genes as well but I sure have a lot of obvious resemblance to my Mom.

Cakes, gifts, flowers, long queue everywhere! No it's not Valentine's day, it's Mother's Day! :)

Our family also celebrated it -- despite 'celebrating it' on a queue for one-third of the time. So next time, I'll make it a point to book reservations.

After attending church service which of course the sermon and the ceremonies are all for our mother dears, I gave her the cake I bought from Tous Les Jours.

Tous Les Jour Cake

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122. In An Attempt To...

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Wow, cool. I'm just surprised with myself that I'm posting again -- one of the reasons why I love a 12pm-9pm shift over 3pm-12mn.

I'm blogging because I'm about to share some stuff that most wouldn't care about -- my frustrations. Close friends, best friends, the boyfriend, colleagues, batchmates, officemates, coffemate, check mate, okay enough. They are aware that I have this dream of becoming a fashion designer. But, to cut the long story short, I'm in a finance career right now. Labo no? Just you wait, huh 'Merie Clarete' would be a big name. Naks! Malakas ako sa area na 'to.

To somehow emit the frustrations I have in me, I try to sketch and draw outfits, gowns, dresses, anything that can be worn, once in a while. I don't do it 'formally'. I do it leisurely, everywhere, when the mood comes, whatever medium, kahit tissue paper pa yan, I would randomly sketch, with a theme at the back of my mind. I'm not good at drawing! One of the reasons why I have been wanting to enroll in a design school is to enhance my skills. I've got basics but look at the proportions, the rendering, the shading -- my 'works' are filled with flaws! Let's consider them 'abstract' while I'm still learning. Excuses.

Last Friday, I have just finished working on a task and not having any pends, I made use of the scratch papers scattered in front of me and started sketching. Voila! I have a three-piece summer collection.

What can you say? Oha oha! Lumelevel kay Inno Sotto! Kidding aside, I still have that dream in me. I personally believe that God has not placed this dream in my heart for no purpose at all. So watch out for what my life-long dream will become. And remember the name, Merie. *wink wink*

On a related note to fazyon, in an attempt to model and be a seemingly fashion blogger, let's pretend that this is a legit outfit post.

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121. Happy Sweet 16th

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Not a lot of people know how long we’ve been together, so do we, until we started counting. Happy sweet 16th on Cinco de Mayo! 

It's a Saturdate! Our day happily falls on a Saturday. So what to do to celebrate?? Food trip and shopping!

Food tripping started Friday up until Saturday. Friday, we ate at the food bazaar at the Venice Piazza, some call it Mercato, some call it Banchetto, but whatever as long as it serves us food. We ate all sorts of food from pizza and pasta to siomai and quek quek (yung food na mas mabilis pa sa fastfood and sopas!). Still, Saturday came, food pa rin! We don't even know where all the food we eat go. Sa papayat namin. And then we thought that we deserve some little shopping, and so be it! He did most of the shopping though. I'm still on a tight budget, kailangan mamaluktot muna.

For months now, I have been dying to own a new wallet. My red wallet is so battered by her owner, abusing it with the pulling in and out of all sorts of cards, it's so kawawa already. And sometimes I have the pure intention to make parinig to the boyfriend that I don't just want, but need, a new wallet. Today, it somehow took over him and he bought me a wallet!

First time to own one from Mango, I'm for Girbaud for the past years so let's see if this will endure me as owner.

I just feel so blessed to have him. We’ve come this far, still in love, falling deeper in love and filled with happiness.

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120. First Fashion Friday Edition

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Hello!

I'm acting like I have lots of readers. Haha! But I'm here not to update you with what's going on with my life. (I'll get there hopefully soon! I still have that pending Caramoan trip post!) Instead I'm bringing you a Fashion Friday post! Feeling blogger na blogger! No, kidding aside, I have long planned to have an outlet for my eye for fashion. But I keep on, oh well, procrastinating on this. And instead of coming up with a new blog which will surely add to the clutter of all my online accounts, I decided to do it here. :) I won't label myself a fashionista, nor a fashion lover. Not a fashion savvy, but maybe?? I might classify myself as a light (light talaga??) fashion enthusiast. I used to say 'I LOVE FASHION!' But it's so passé nowadays, right diba?? Everything seems to be of fashion, but I can't blame the world, 'cos it is!

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119. Living the Present But Looking Forward

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I have been inspired lately. Or should I say I'm trying to be as optimistic as I can the past few days. The days before seem PMS-ing-everyday. On some days, I get too emotional and lock myself up inside a cubicle until I feel somehow and a tiny bit relieved. You just have to go through those days. And of course praying helps.

I have finally laid down my plans. And I mean futuristic-ally and not just for tomorrow. You know I have been dreaming and just dreaming and just waiting and guess what?? Of course nothing happens. And then part of the 'lately' is the SNAP! Get up, don't whine and do something instead. Even just a really tiny step. And so I did. I'm just happy that I finally know where to head. Btw my plans are revokable?? How do you say it, can be changed if a really good job opportunity comes along. Lol.

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118. I Couldn't Ask for More

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I finally found someone, that knocks me off my feet. I finally found the one, that makes me feel complete. We started over coffee, we started out as friends. It's funny how from simple things, the best things begin.

It was in 2010 when I met someone that never occurred would genuinely be special in my heart. In 2011, a story of us finally unfolded.

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