Day 59: The Week of Carnations

Ever since I quit my previous job, I promised myself to invest more time in making my apartment more domestic.  I have kind of neglected it for a couple of years, making it more of a place to sleep in than anything else.  Given that my current job no longer requires me to travel an average of four hours everyday, I had more time to pay attention to making it homey.  It takes effort, believe me.  Living in a one-bedroom flat that has very little exposure to sunlight can get a bit dreary.  Add the fact that my apartment is the old and rustic kind, and you sometimes really get the feeling of living in a box.  And no, the building I live in isn't charming.  Most of the time it's scary.  So, I make it a point to try and find ways to liven up my place. 

Flowers are the easiest way.  They're like make-up for a household.  They brighten up even your darkest corners, and they smell wonderful coming home to.  I try to get a bouquet every week, either at Salcedo Market or the grocery.  This week, it's carnations.  Every other day, I put the Flowers in the Window (Travis) to get them some sun.  I don't think I have a green thumb, but I may just not have it yet.

Day 58: Alice in Wonderland

Technique-wise, this probably isn't the best shot I took today.  Not very good light, out of focus, and it looks uneven.  However, I liked how this little girl reminded me so much of myself as a kid.  Lost in a world all her own in the presence of a book.  She didn't even notice me taking pictures.  I remember that engrossed feeling.  Like an Alice in Wonderland in the prescence of books.  Back then, there wasn't any fancy bookstore around other than National Bookstore.  The floors were linoleum and there weren't any chairs available for you to sit on.  Still, a book in hand can transport me from a crowded bookstore to a secret garden, filled with magical elves, missing princesses, good witches and talking frogs. 

Admittedly, I do not venture into fairy tales anymore.  Life has managed to make me jaded enough to break the rose-colored glasses.  It allows me to see reality as what it is.  I no longer get so engrossed in stories, too.  I used to spend summer days not doing anything but reading.  Forgetting sleep and food sometimes.  I can't do that anymore.  The real world calls, and I'm sometimes on speed dial.  I envy that girl, though.  I envy that ability to get lost in a wonderland.  I can't afford that now.  I can believe in fairy tales, but I can't afford to get lost in it anymore.  The pains of adulthood. 

I hope this Alice (Avril Lavigne) grows up without having to envy anyone who'll remind her of herself. 

Day 57: Believing is Everything

I like the word believe.  Maybe because my name is Faith.  Hahaha...

I do think that believing is everything.  I even have a journal dedicated to a list of things that I believe in.  I have probably gone through different hurdles and obstacles armed with nothing but belief that I can.  I've watched people change with just believing.  It has been a mantra for several things in my life.  Strangely, though, as much as I find myself driven with belief, I also find it difficult to do a synonym, which is trust.  It's safe to say that I have trust issues, but I believe in people.  Does that make sense?  I will believe in people, however, it does not necessarily mean that I will trust them.  Trust, I Believe (Blessid Union of Souls), just starts with believing.  Ok, I'm rambling.

Day 56: Igor

We were almost out of Salcedo Market when this perky little fellow said hello.  His name's Igor, and he was such an adorable little thing. 

The fourth year of my living independently marks the fourth year I have lived without a dog.  That's saying a lot, because except for those four years, I have lived my entire existence in the presence of these mangly, little Monsters (Hurricane Bells).  I, obviously, love dogs.  They're just adorable.  If there's one thing I dislike about living on my own, it's the fact that I cannot keep a dog.  I used to work 16-18 hour shifts.  If I had a dog, it would have died on me.  I don't think it's fair to keep one and not be able to properly take care of it.  I have thought about it, though.  Having a little Boston Terrier around to play with is an appealing thought.  I would have loved to have a Siberian Husky, but taking care of it would probably drive me to poverty, and I'm not even rich to begin with.

Day 55: You Remind Me Of

Pistachio is my favorite ice cream flavor.  Which is weird, because I don't really like nuts in my ice cream.  Pistachio, though, is an exception.  I remember having Coney Island ice cream when I was a kid, and I would always have either the pistachio or the bubblegum flavor.  I would lean more towards the pistachio, though.  It has a certain creaminess to it that's addictive. 

After Coney Island closed shop, I was never able to find anything similar to it.  Not until Yellow Cab.  Which is weird, if you think about it, because it's a pizza place.  They have good pizza, but I love their ice cream best.  It reminds me of the lyrics to a song; He tastes like you, only sweeter.

Day 54: Feel Good Music

I live my life with a soundrack.  Unless I can't or shouldn't, you would more or less see me with my headphones stuck in my ears.  I even sleep with the player on.  Nothing starts your day better than feel good music to wake you up.  It makes waiting for coffee less annoying.  I particularly like waking up to feel good music.  The kind of music that makes you feel it's all good.  Ok, I read that last line and I sounded like a crackpot.

Through the years, I have learned to appreciate music in whatever form, figure, beat, or language it comes in.  I have enjoyed OPM, rock, alternative, indie, jazz, ska, reggae, soul, blues, ballad, R&B, pop, hip hop, rap, techno, trance, electronic, classical, bluegrass, tribal, chants, celtic, folk, country, rock and roll, gospel, and choir respectively at certain points of my existence.  I go back to certain favorites, of course.  In music, though, what matters is the sound.  I may not understand a word of it, but if I liked it, I would listen to it.  It simply has to be Something That I Want (Grace Potter).

Day 53: Waiting for a Yellow Cab

This one wasn't made with technique.  It was more of an accident, really.  I made a spur of the moment decision to buy sandwich from Yellow Cab on the way home.  While waiting for my ciabatta, I realized that I haven't taken a photo for the day.  The counter became my subject.  I thought the shot was ruined when one of the crews crossed just as I clicked on the shutter.  It turned out better than I expected, though. 

Notice the focus it gives on the two crew members working behind the counter?  I love the contrast they make with the blurry one smack in the middle.  It makes you feel the movement, or at least that's what it does for me.  The overhead lights give it a really nice frame, too.  And the ciabatta was not bad, either.  Not that they kept me waiting for a long time, but it was worth the wait. :)

LSS: Stitches and Burns (Fra Lippo Lippi)

Day 52: Sunlight

Not my most perfect landscape.  But how can you ignore something as beautiful as this sunrise?  It's like the sun god saying Hello World (Lady Antebellum).  I'm not really religious, but whenever I see the sky lit with sunlight, or sparkling with the moon and stars, or filled with clouds, even dripping down rain, I feel as if it's God's way of telling me, "Well, let's have you watch this miracle again."  Sort of like a magic trick.  Only this one better than anything else.  And all I can do is stare in awe.

I remember always feeling a bit sad whenever I would hear people say that they have never seen a miracle.  It makes you realize how little we appreciate the miracles that happen everyday.  What about waking up everyday?  The sun still shining?  The moon still phasing?  Children?  I know it's cheesy, but I consciously try to live appreciating that I'm blessed enough to live in such a beautiful world.  It isn't easy, but with this conscious thought, I live working harder.  Trying to give back, in the ways I know of, to pay forward every blessing that I do not feel I deserve.

Day 51: Sunday Tea

I caught up with a friend today.  It was a good Sunday to detoxify and have a good conversation over tea.  We've spent countless times at this Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf branch talking about nothing and anything.  We don't get to do that as often as we used to, but we're trying to keep up. 

I personally prefer lounging days like these, when you can enjoy the lazy buzz of the city.  I like watching the world move from church to food to movies, or whatever order is more convenient.  I particularly like long conversations at al fresco tables paired with good food and/or whatever drink suits you.  Add a little soul jazz (currently, Soon We'll Be Found - Sia) or whatever music to compliment it and you have yourself a perfect day to unwind.

Day 50: Tequila in Roses

I'm more of a wine or beer person, since they enhance the taste of food.  On occasion, though, I drink other things to toxify.  Also, partying at a club seems impossible without a drink in hand.  Although, I would have to admit that I haven't done the club scene for some time.  I felt like I've had my fill of it when I was a teenager.  The only reason I went was because it was a birthday celebration.  It felt a bit weird going back to that scene.  Or is it just me feeling too old for it?  Might be.  Did I just shame the Teenage Dream (Katy Perry)?

Day 49: Strawberry Napoleon

After another long week at work, it's time to reward myself with Strawberry Napoleon from Salcedo Market.  The day was tiring, but the food was good, as always. 

Day 48: Halfway

On my way home, I cross this island on Buendia.  I don't usually go home this late in the morning.  Normally, traffic wouldn't be this heavy and the sun isn't too far up in the horizon.  Lately, though, I had to make adjustments in my schedule because of business needs.  It makes me see the morning in a different perspective.  It's more busy and bustling, yet still drowsy.  As if people have already had the time to take in their morning coffee, but the caffeine hasn't kicked in.  It's fascinating to watch when you're Halfway Home (Jason Mraz).

Day 47: Tea & Sympathy

My creative muse seems to have abandoned me today.  This is an obstacle in this project, which I knew was going to eventually happen.  So, around the time I started, I came up with a list of things to mitigate these lull times and still allow me to progress with the project.  One of my "plans" was to put my iTunes on shuffle, press play, and use whatever song that comes up to conceptualize a photo.  Tea and Sympathy (Jars of Clay) played.  Ergo, the photo above.

Day 46: Restart

In the interest of art, I bought a fountain pen the same day I went home with about five pounds of rainforest produce.  I like writing, but I was never really fond of fountain pens.  Which should be interesting, considering that a lot of my artsy fartsy friends prefer writing with a fountain than a ballpoint.  However, I'm left-handed, and I grew up experiencing prejudice to a lefty.  Every design, concept, architecture and activity I could think of was formatted with a right-handed individual in mind.  Think of doors, keyboards, faucets, and musical instruments.  (I remember the first thing my music teacher asked me when I told him I'm left-handed, "The violin is a right-handed instrument, it's not going to be easy for you.  Are you up to the challenge?"  Arrogant little brat that I was, I said yes.) 

Then there were writing instruments.  The fountain pen was not exactly designed for a lefty.  Writing in slants isn't exactly comfortable for my left hand.  But arrogant little brat that I still am, I decided to challenge it.  The fascinating thing really is, after years of literacy, I am now practicing how to write like I was five.  Funny, it's like going back to the Start (Depapepe).

Day 45: Sugar for My Valentine

I got a sweet tooth.  The fact that I will swear by ice cream is a testament to that.  And even if I'm not exactly fond of Valentine's, I have to admit I like seeing the abundance of flowers and candy around.  It's overrated, but at least people still give love past Christmas.  One of our associates gave the candy above.  The cupcakes, I got from my colleagues.  We all get a cupcake each, and we're supposed to give them to someone we admire professionally in the company.  Well,  all that running around with the printer last week paid off with candy! 

So, I end this day eating chocolate while listening to Echo & the Bunnymen's Lips Like Sugar.

Day 44: Writing Letters

No one writes letter anymore.  I guess, in this day and age, it's so much more easier to connect and get your message across through e-mails, text messages and social networks.  I'm pretty much updated with everyone I know so long as they post on their Facebook walls.  Writing letters seem to be an antiquated activity.  No one wants to make the effort, and hardly anyone has the time.  I like old-fashioned letters, though.  In this day and age, receiving one in snail mail gives it a whole lot more meaning.  It takes more effort from someone writing to reach you, I guess.

Day 43: For the Love of Shoes

I love shoes.  I love them so much that at one point, I owned over a hundred pairs (Yes, Imelda?).  I no longer own over a hundred pairs.  I have grown more meticulous when buying shoes.  I look more at a pair's durability and ability to hold me up when I need them.  Most of the time, my shoes would not fail me.  That's one reason why I love them.  They're very good friends.  They compliment me, too.  A good pair of shoes can make you feel good about yourself.  My favorite quote on shoes came from the manga Hana Yori Dango.  One character advised the heroine, "Wear good shoes, and those shoes will take you to good places."  It has truth to it.  My favorite pairs have accompanied me to every good place and moment I had in life. 

I chose the pair above, because I like brogues.  I like wearing men's items and making them feminine.  I've been called a tomboy because of it.  I guess, some people have never heard of the term 'androgyny'.  Also, since it's Valentine's weekend, the pair made a pretty good heart-shaped image hanging like that.

Day 42: Banappled

Doesn't it look yum?  I promise you, it tastes even better.  I have always wanted to try Banapple at Ayala Triangle after hearing rave reviews about it.  I just never found the time.  After a long week of love-hate relationship with the printer, though, I figured I deserve a break.  My colleagues were playing ball at a court nearby, so I decided to drop by en route to wherever my taste bud fancied.  Turns out, Banapple was the only place open at 9am.  Well, there's BFast and Momo, but they didn't have the same appeal.

I got myself penne and my friend got the lasagna roll-ups.  They were both heavenly.  The servings, too, were man-sized.  I was already full halfway through my penne bowl, and I haven't even started with that cake yet.  However, glutton that I am, I couldn't possibly pass up the pretty slice of fruity goodness.  It was so good, it was sinful.  But it certainly felt like the right kind of wrong.

Day 41: Year of the Rabbit

I did not get to take any picture specific for the Chinese New Year that passed.  There were days when I would take a picture, but it was either too early, too late, or too poorly taken.  I guess, this is me compensating.  It was a wonder getting Yan Yan today.  I miss the food from my childhood.

There was a fascinating thought that crossed my mind today.  Now that I'm all grown up, I seem to prefer doing things I enjoyed when I was younger than the things I've always thought would be cooler to do as an adult.  I often say that I'll always be half-eight years old.  There's a part of me that didn't grow up.  It got stuck in 1992.  Every now and then it comes out and reminds me she's so much more cooler doing her ABC than me dealing with a moody printer.

Day 40: Open For Another Day

This photo should be self-explanatory, right? 

I don't want to bore you with stories of my friendship with the printer again.  This is just another day, really.  I hope your days have better stories to tell. :)

Day 39: Breakfast of Champions

I almost did not get to take any picture for today.  I spent most of yesterday and today with the printer (I raped the print button).  It was a good thing that I have good friends who I work with, and who look after my welfare when I'm beginning to forget about it.  Yesterday, they bought me my lunch.  Today, they brought me pan de sal and peanut butter, which I love and miss like Disney movies. 

I appreciate the people I work with.  I would have suffered from the insanity brought by stress if I weren't blessed enough to work with people I enjoy working with.  When things go really crazy, I know that my team is all I need.  Work isn't always fun, even when you enjoy what you do for a living.  But it's easier to get by when you're surrounded by creative and positive people who serve as constant reminders that it all boils down to the choices you make each day.  The choice to find something good everyday.  The choice to be happy.  The choice to believe. The choice to make it right.  The choice to make it work.  The choice to be a champion everyday.

Day 38: This Time

Sometimes, I find myself focusing a lot on the future.  At some point, I have also dwelled a lot on the past.  The thing is, in all this foci, I fail to pay attention on the present.  I feel like that right now.  Like I'm not focusing enough on what's happening here, right now.  It makes me feel that I'm missing something I should pay attention to, and that I should act on it.  Otherwise, I miss that opportunity.  Because this time, right now, will not come back.  And you can't really turn back the hands of time.

Day 37: In Color

When I said I should look into taking more pictures in color, the first subject that came to mind were really my colored pens.  You cannot possibly get more colorful than this.  Twenty-four colors to be exact.  Such images just gives you happy thoughts. 

I've always loved the mystery of grayscale.  I think more with black and white images because it leaves the colors to the imagination.  It probably tells you how grayscale my imagination is.  Maybe because I equate colorful to optimist, and I wasn't always exactly a silver-lining kind of girl.  During the last couple of years, though, I have moved towards being more optimistic.  Ive learned that if you want life to give you gray and melancholic images, it will give you that.  And as much as I love the classic black and white, I think I would prefer to look back and get lost in the technicolor phase.  In twenty-four colors, if you may.

Day 36: Never Gonna Leave This Bed

This came out as a semi-self portrait of sorts.  I was so sleepy, I took it lying down.  I liked the output, though.  It reminds me of the Murakami story, After Dark, and the portrait that goes with it.

I had planned to do a lot of things this weekend.  I ended up changing a whole lot of them because I spent most of Saturday sleeping.  I didn't even realize that I slept through the entire day until I woke up hungry.  I'm beginning to realize my partiality to black and white, though.  I need to take pictures of more colorful things.  A fascinating thing about this is that I've been listening to Maroon 5's Never Gonna Leave This Bed the entire week and had thought about having it as a theme for a photo.  I never had anything accurate in mind until this.

Day 35: Table for Three

Good food paired with good company is always a welcome end of day activity.  It allows you to have mundane to intelligent conversations while ingesting delightful food.  Food for the body, food for the brain and food for the soul.  What better way to enjoy life, right?  After all, life is a feast.

Day 34: Condiments

noun \ˈkän-də-mənt\ : something used to enhance the flavor of food;especially : a pungent seasoning.


Had a late lunch at Tapa King.  Squeezed it in between all the documenting, printing, signing, coaching, collaborating and regular running around I sometimes call an exercise that pays.  Literally. :D  This was about the only thing I got to take a picture of today. 


Now, exactly what kind of music goes with vinegar?  No idea.

Day 33: Walk On

Walking home is one of my favorite habits.  After a long day, I put my headphones on while I take about fifteen to twenty minutes to walk off the stress of the day.  It helps that my city is made for walking.  Due to this project, I have also become more observant with the things I pass by. 

Sometimes, I try to think of a different way to see what I always see so it'll translate better in frame.  I realize that even the littlest things can tell a story.  A street sign can tell you where you're going.  A piece of wood can express how you feel.  This street I cross can make me Walk On.  That's the beauty of pictures.  In the absence of words, your vision will suffice.

Day 32: Brave

After a long day, I needed something to perk me up.  Incidentally, I saw this stuffed turtle I "swiped" from my previous colleague.  I turned over the laundry basket and threw it on the corner.  It turned out to be just so cute.  He looks so Brave. :D