2 Things.

Number 1. This makes me laugh. Found it on the profile of some cute guy on an online dating site.

Number 2. "Slow down everyone. You're moving to fast. Frames can't catch you when you're moving like that." - Jack Johnson, Inaudible Melodies. This is something that I'll keep having to remind myself to do.

Hope you guys have a good Friday.  And have a great and safe Memorial Day Weekend!

Love is....

....a lot more than just a wedding, but man, is a wedding pretty darn close or what?

I know I owe you guys more pics of my trip but I had such a good time at my friends' wedding this past weekend, I thought that I'd post some pictures of the wonderful event. My friends Rick and Whitney (whom my friends and I label "Shmoopy" on account of that one Seinfeld episode) got married at the Los Angeles River Center & Gardens last Friday and boy, what a great time is was! It was so beautiful and was pretty much planned by Whitney herself with tons of help from her mother and bridesmaids. 

The venue a more intimate affair filled with close family and friends. It is times like these where one can't help but pause and evaluate where they are in life and who they are in love with.  I'll admit, for a minute there, I did get saddened by the fact that I've been single for the past two years, having been dating a guy for the past year and the relationship has not transformed into anything substantial (as far as commitment goes), and that at this point, I do feel lonely.

But all those thoughts escaped my mind as soon as I set foot into the ceremony area where I saw a space filled with family and friends from all walks of life. Immediately, feelings of happiness invaded my sorrow and I reveled in the fact that I was surrounded by people that I love....who love me back.

And throughout the rest of the night, even with the hitches of drama, love and enjoyment were seen from many angles.  And in addition, the weather was perfectly fair and the cupcakes were to DIE for. It was beautiful and I couldn't have asked for a better evening.

Some highlights of the event:

-The bride was walked down the aisle escorted by her two grandfathers (how cute is that?) and when asked "Who gives away this bride?" one of them (the one with the walking cane) said "I do, but Rick, if you do not take care of Whitney, I will punch you. So sweet and cute.

-The flowers were gorgeous, you'll see.

-My friend Rick looked like most nervous man in the world, while Whitney looks like the happiest woman in the world.  I guess that's how it usually goes, right? :)

-There was a photobooth with props, and a photobooth always makes the party better!

-I cut up a rug on the dance floor!

-The flower girls wore tutus. 

-My best friend's boyfriend got super drunk (in the best possible way) and was hilarious cuz he went crazy on the dance floor!

-My friends and I had some major laughs and good times with each other. God, I love the 31O. And I got to see people I haven't seen in quite a while plus meet some cool new folks.

-Maids of Honor got a little too tipsy.  Note to self: never give flasks full of booze to your bridesmaids as a gift right before the wedding.  God, I love Whitney, but what the hell was she thinking? One MOH caused some drama with the best man and his friends and the other ended up puking all over the hallway. But I guess crazy things like that happen at weddings that hold open bar, even if it was just beer and wine.

-The boys started a puny moshpit consisting of like 6 guys.  Lol.  Gotta give the guys an A for effort cuz when Metallica starts playin' ya gotta get wild!

-This is disgusting but extremely noteworthy (at least it is to me) and beware, what I'm about to say is vulgar and may offend.  But the people at my table said that the water looked and smelled like cum (semen). When they asked me what the water smelled like, in total innocence (which is unusual on my part) I said that it smelled like pond water....until they told me what it THEY thought it smelled like. Ya, gross.  So new brides, make sure the water at your reception is tip top.  Otherwise you'll be having people talk about the jizzy water on your special day.

Anyway, enough of the yammering.  Here are some shots from Shmoopy Day. :)

Awww. <3

Lol, where it all starts.

Gotta handle some boob tuckage!

Me and some awesome ladies.  My dress is from H&M, belt and ring from Forever 21, boyfriend watch from Fossil, and I wore white patent leather wedged heels that totally made the outfit (sorry you can't see them).

A dance with a family member.

The beautiful venue.

Some of the 31O krew, plus Whit's auntie.

The guys moshing and my friend's mom joining in the song. :) So cute.

Groom getting carried away.

Me with my buddy Jer (one of the best men). I being totally filipino, pointing with my lips.

Crushing hearts and beer cans since 1994.

This moatorboatin' SOB is cheek deep!

If you are reading this, then you were not saved by Jesus in the second coming. :)

Awwww, darn it! Well, at least I can celebrate being home from the Motherland! That's right, I'm baaaaccckkkkk! From the Philippines, that is. I've actually have been back for a week and a half and while overcoming my week-long jet lag happily celebrated a wedding, my best friend's graduation, and other bff's birthday brunch this past weekend. Man, I know I just got back from a long vacay, but I'm tired.

I am ready to be up and running though. Headed back to the grind this week and will get back to my regular blog writing regimen (not that I really had much of one -- still a newbie blogger here).

My trip was fantastic and it was refreshing not to be wired and connected to the Internet 24/7.  I managed to clear my head and am excited to write again.

While there I played photographer and took some great shots. I think I took about 600 of them since it was a three week vacation in both the Philippines and Singapore. I won't bore you with so many but here's a little taste of what I saw beginning with just Singapore.  There are way too many to go through in one sitting so I'll post the Philippines ones next time.

Hope you all are well.  And glad we are all here to experience life on Earth a little longer.  :) God Bless us all.

Public transportation and the whole city itself is impeccably clean.

Marina Bay Sands Hotel and Mall

Old Church converted into food court located in the business district.

My first taste of Stingray.  Paired with Chili sauce, it's delicious.

    
                                                                 Singapore Botanical Gardens

                                                          SAM: Singapore Art Museum

Endless Book Tunnel: use of mirrors. 

Famous Chili Crab, Oatmeal Prawns, Kang Kong at No Signboard Restaurant.  Soooo good. 

SG Skyline.  With my Cousin. 

View of the skyline atop the Marina Bay Sands Hotel

Denim & Lace, Big Beats & Heavy Bass

I'm leaving for a well-needed trip to the Philippines with my pops this Sunday. And tonight I arranged a bit of a gathering to see some friends before my leave. 

I had the troops meet up at this new spot called the Townhouse Speakeasy in Venice. I'm a frequent Westside rager and am proud to say that I've have had many a Pabst tallboy at this place.  The laid back dive always had a basement, but hasn't opened its doors in years.  Well, the new speakeasy re-opened 2 weeks ago and imagine my surprise when I heard of the new Dirty Kicks gathering there Thursday nights, hosted by local radio station, KCRW (89.9- also an affiliate for NPR).

With good friends in tow, we graced through the heavy draped entrance, made our way downstairs and quickly learned that the new secret spot was AMAZING. Down in the depths of one of Venice beach's best bars, was a large, far-from-crowded room that evoked the nostalgia of prohibition in the 20s.

Dark crimson wallpaper crept to the ceiling and Venice locals peppered its comfortable booths.  Spinning beats from the DJ echoed through the dark hall and had dancers on their feet. Bellowing bass and sharp vibrations from the music tingled our bums but pricey drinks didn't fully satisfy our thirst.  The vibe was cooler than cool, it was ice cold. I loved every minute of it and it was worth the less-than-frugal drinks.  I definitely recommend it to any adventurous Angeleno with a taste for positive energy, appreciation for hidden LA gems, and an ear for good beats.

As for my upcoming trip to the Philippines, I cannot express my excitement yet, because frankly it has not hit me.  I have a feeling it will the day of. Perhaps while I sit amongst other travelers at a crowded gate patiently waiting to board the plane.

It has been over 15 years since my last trip to the my parent's lovely homeland. This will be my first time as an adult, so I do not exaggerate when I say this will be an experience of a lifetime.

Though I am a Filipino-American who has 100% embraced the grit and pride of the American culture, I'm ready to fully explore the origins of my roots.  I can't wait to see my fun family members, drink coconut water straight from the husk, and photograph every Utopian hidden gem.

I'll be honest though.  I have a few concerns and as pleased as I am to visit the beautiful country that I stem from, I am nervous about mosquitoes, Dengue fever, malaria, and possible radiation exposure (on account of Japan's nuclear plant dilemmas).  Not to mention the expected gawking from locals who can smell my American blood from a mile away.   In addition, the expected and intentional fat remarks from family won't be too pleasant. I've prepared myself for the worst and know that it's accustomed to think about the risks when traveling. I'm trying hard not to freak out about it, I am maintaining a safe and sound attitude, and will exercise full caution.

With that in mind, it'll be FANTASTIC!!! Right? Anyway, this probably means I'll won't be blogging much while I'm gone. :(

Enough of my rambling.  Here are some photos of my outfit for my special night out.

Where'd my eyes go? Bangs are a bit overgrown. 

Just can't seem to quit these holey, over-worn boots.

*Denim vest is DIY from an old jacket from Old Navy, Belt from Old Navy, Lace dress from discount store, Boots by Steve Madden, Necklace is an Italian cameo made and gifted by my ex's father who was a Gemologist.

Have a fantastic weekend! I'll soon be leaving on a jet plane...


Joy*

Blue Skies Smilin' At Me

Here are some photographs from a recent trip to one of my favorite camping spots, Joshua Tree. Now, I'm a total "concrete jungle" kinda gal but I also love taking time away from the city to turning off my phone (not that we had range anyway) and revel in nature and all it's beauty.

Warning: this post is picture heavy! There was just too much beauty to capture.

"You're my boy, Blue."

Old Mine

It was so great and I love that camping gives you an excuse not to shower for a few days. Ya, I'm a dirty birdy sometimes.

My girlfriends and I spent most of our leisurely time cooking over the open fire (it takes forever to cook that way but proud that us powerful ladies started the fire), sitting in the shade, enjoying good conversation, drinks, smoke, and music (I played some tunes on my ukulele) by the open flame. Man, the smell of wood burning really hits the spot. The weather was a perfect 85 degrees, the spring flowers were in bloom and the skies were smilin' at me. Couldn't have asked for a more perfect weekend.