[Project FeeTrail September 2015]: Wedding in the woods

You might think where did I take this feet shot?

It's from my cousin's wedding in the woods!

That wasn't really a good shot. I just sneaked in a feet shot because I don't want guests to think I'm such a weirdo taking the photo.

But that feet shot was taken minutes after my cousin Chimayne and Ian's Humanist Ceremony. It is actually my very first time attending a wedding outside the country and attending a humanist ceremony at that. I was thinking that it could be traditional British wedding, but my cousin said their wedding will NOT be a traditional one.

What is a Humanist wedding exactly?

A humanist, non-religious wedding ceremony gives you the opportunity to marry where you want, when you want and how you want. There’s no set script: it’s too personal an occasion for that. Instead, each wedding is tailored to meet the particular couple’s requirements. You can set the tone that’s right for you and choose your own words and music. (source)

Now I don't wan't to spoil the details but my sister Aprille Araguas of www.aprillearaguas.com did the flowers. I'm excited to publish it on our blog but I there are two more wedding on cue as of this writing.

[Project FeeTrail August 2015]: Sitting in Snowdonia

I haven't forgotten my Project Feet Trail! It just took me some time to retrieve files. Anyway...

This photo was taken in Snowdonia in Wales. My cousin's fiance, now husband, Ian, took us there on our first week in United Kingdom.

It's been 11 days since we arrived from our month-long UK trip and I have yet to update this blog. I can still remember the feeling of sitting on the grass and just looking at the water. I keep thinking what an incredibly good day that was. I have lots of stories but I guess I will tell stuff probably on an installment basis. I don't want to bore you guys in one big blow.

And yeah, I still cannot believe that I've been to UK.

[Project FeeTrail July 2015]: Graduation Garden

It's going to be three years next year since I joined the Office of Public Relations. I've participated in three graduations so far.

In April 2013, I was feeling a bit bitter of not having graduated on time. But then again, if I did, it's not like I am rushing on to the next. But sometimes, the race to graduation in graduate school stings a part of me. We just watched on the sides that day. (Then I graduated October that year)

In April 2014, I am finally a certified graduate and was able to walk on stage on both graduations (Hooding Ceremonies and University Graduation). I attended every recognition day, even the graduation ball that I normally do not participate in, so in other words, I enjoyed every minute of it.

This year, July 2015, is the first graduation that happened in July since UPLB switched it's academic year to start in August. Also, this year my friends Aya and Frankie graduated at the same time. It's also my first time to really be part of the behind the scenes team, attending the Commencement Exercises meetings and so on.

Never mind that there was a little bit of a mishap. The stage was so beautiful, we had LCD screen at the back and man-made water falls complementing the lush garden, the stage was made into that day.

I just had to take a photo and it made it here.

August is coming up this weekend! I'm  EXCITED!!!

[Project FeeTrail June 2015]: Break in Baguio

I owe my friend a visit to her house in Baguio. When she told me she finished renovating her house (Read: Come up here, Kea!) I knew I must grab the next long weekend trip to Baguio, and I did. Besides, I badly needed a break.

I took this photo on my second night at her house's door step. I am so amazed at how her house, her space, screams her personality. It was so homey. I woke up feeling like I am in the country with this great cabin-like feel.

I wish I could show you photos, but she's very private and trust me, the photos did not do justice.

I can't wait to go back. Maybe with less tourists this time.

[Project FeeTrail May 2015]: Contemplating at Chapel on the Hill

I'm testing out this procedure to stop the auto publishing of my blog to my Facebook account, so I'm publishing this post early. Usually I wait til near end of month to see if something new will come up, but I guess this is good to go.

In between taking photos of our first May 2015 bride, I sat outside the chapel on the hill. It was my first time in this chapel and quite a series of firsts once again:

1) First time I covered the entire wedding ceremony by myself,
2) First time to egress the illusion door, the ceremony decors, and all other set up, all by myself,
3) First time to be the only one, literally, left in the church, after all the guests and suppliers have gone.

It was a rainy sunday, the Philippine's Manny Pacquiao just lost to Floyd Mayweather on a boxing fight, it was cold and chilly, and I got left alone at the church. Never mind that it's raining really hard. Never mind that I do not have a jacket. I'm not even bothered one bit.

They say when you go to a new church, you have to prepare for three wishes. I've been doing mine since I don't know, and frankly, I forgot what I prayed for.

Lately, I'm just saying my thank you's. I say my thank yous even though there's really not much milestone to add up, but you know, just being able to do things I like.

I said in my last Feet Trail post that I'm not really here for the hits, so today I think I'm going to really gear towards this blog as a personal blog, what it was originally, and document my life lessons. I've been running this blog for 5 years already and honestly I do go back to some cringe worthy entries that I had, just so I have something to post, and leave with a little smile and relief that Thank goodness I'm not in that place anymore!

I miss writing when it was therapeutic for me. Maybe I guess I have to go back to it again and with me disconnecting the auto-publish feature, let's see how my statistics will go.

[Project FeeTrail April 2015]: Regina Rica Rosarii

This month's Feet - trail goes to Regina Rica Rosarii. First five days of April was included in the holy week. So our family, together with our closest family friends, went to do station of the cross at the Regina Rica Rosarii in Tanay, Rizal, on a Maundy Thursday. It was such a beautiful, well-maintained place with a  huge Mama Mary statue situated on top of the hill.

Short story before climbing up the statue that the "cape"of mama mary symbolizes protecting her people and the child Jesus she was carrying had a sandal-snap accident because just like any kid, he once got scared of something and jumped to Mama Mary for protection.

Best tip I can share before going: Arrive Early. We arrived at 6am and went down at past 9:30 am, finding a lot of people lining up for the orientation. Yes, there is an orientation before you can explore the place.

I also noticed that the sunflowers lined, going up the Virgin Mary on top of the hill, all face the same way. I was told that they got their name because they "face the sun". I could have taken a lot of photos for blogging purposes during that trip, but it's lent and I assume that people probably don't want to go to some place sacred only to end up in someone's blog.

Anyway, I haven't been writing in this blog that much this month for I am busier with my life offline. I actually miss writing, it used to be therapeutic for me. I am actually thinking of disconnecting the auto publish function to my personal Facebook account, just because. I wasn't here for the hits anyway (but THANK YOU!)

I'm actually glad its going to be May tomorrow. I know internet meme's gonna be like:

I'm glad because when it's May, rain starts to drop by every now and then. Last year it rained heavily on my graduation day (April 26) but now, it's really hot. We need another term now for the dry season. I can't be writing every year how much I am hating not liking summer.

April was very busy for me. I asked something from the Universe at the start of the year and I am now receiving it, but more of that in the coming months.

How did your April go?

[Project FeeTrail March 2015]: Firsts at Padre Pio's Shrine

Three firsts:

1. First time to attend Sunday mass at this church (where all church goers are 95% tourists).
2. First time to cover a wedding in this church.
3. First time to do make up of the sister of the groom.

I knew I wanted to see this church the first time my friend Aya instagrammed the photo of the cross. I couldn't help but stare, half-open mouthed while looking at the cross of this church. I like how the church is open air, salakot formed to keep in touch with Filipino culture, it also used local materials like bamboo, wood, etc.

March was very busy and humbling for me. I have a lot of stories but I'm too lazy to write as I go running from one project to another. Tiring but I am very, very, very grateful.

How about you?

[Project FeeTrail February 2015]: Such a sweet swan

Not my first time in Fernwood Gardens, but it was my first time to actually see the swan (and how big it is pala in real life) in Fernwood.  Such a bonus that it could've been just any other swan but it happened to be a very sweet and generous swan.

I took a video and instagrammed this little, big darling, getting food from the plate and shared it with her fish friends. It's like a mother feeding her babies. I really could not help myself but step up to this man-made rock formation and took a photo of my feet while peaking. The little flower girl in the venue must have found me weird and amusing that she started stepping on the same rock formation too, (to the horror of the mommy).

On the other side of Fernwood gardens is also another solo swan with fish friends, but swan number 2 does not share her food at all.

February felt like it was only a few weeks! How did yours go?

[Project FeeTrail January 2015]: January Jump for Joy

Starting the Feetrail project with a jump for joy because we saw THE POPE in the FLESH!

Wrote about it here.

Braved the early morning city trip, long exhausting walk, climbing and jumping off barricades, body-against-body crowd, screaming devotees, potential and mini stampede, rain, long lines, limited food, ALL FOR THE LOVE OF POPE FRANCIS!

Seriously, it's true that when you see him in person, its so surreal.Never have I imagined seeing a Pope in the flesh, and when they started the 20 year old song "Tell the world of his love", I was crying and I didn't realize that I still know the words to the song. I was in fifth grade when the last Pope came to the Philippines. And I just said that I want to add seeing Pope and hearing papal mass to my bucket list on Friday and I checked it off my list in two days! 

Honestly, I have no plans for that Sunday. At 7pm I got a call from my friend Joy looking for raincoats because Ellis, her husband, is going to see the Pope together with his colleagues. Few minutes later, my mom told me that my sister plans to go see the pope and leave very early in the morning and I immediately said I wanted to go even though I lack sleep. We were able to finalize travel plans in an hour, buy raincoats just 5 minutes before closing time, and you know the rest of the story.

To cut things short, I asked, and without much thinking, I received.

Thank you Dear Papa Jesus!

P.S. I was telling my doctor, who was also there but didn't stay long, that the feeling is so surreal, the amount of people is unbelievable, the faith is inexplicable, I have never seen anything like it.

Also, I realized how great it must be to be a member of the Vatican-accredited media. :)

[Project FeeTrail December 2014]: The most wonderful & busiest time of the year

It was my first time to tag along during my wedding florist sister's visit to her suppliers. My sister personally inspects these flowers, running her fingers through each petals, checking out the stems and health condition of the flowers making sure that she will be bringing nothing but the best for her clients.And after that, she personally and single-handedly creates all her bridal bouquets, all hand tied bouquets, bride or not, actually.

Forget the June Bride cliche, December is really the most popular time to get hitched. So popular that it was our busiest time of the year  that we did not get to shop for each other's gifts, with the exception of some important members of the family of course.

But we're not complaining, we are very thankful!!! I'm so proud of my sister!

My tagging along at 330AM deserves a feet shot 

We haven't really updated our website yet, but we update our clients list here.

I hope you're all having a great December, Bride or not. :)

[Project FeeTrail November 2014]: Last Sunday's Wedding Lingers

This month's Project Feet trail goes to the Transfiguration Chapel in Caleruega, Nasugbu, Batangas. This is my wedding florist sister's second wedding held here and it's my first time to set foot in this area.

As usual, we were "covering" event for www.aprillearaguas.com and I found myself listening to Fr. Allen's (from Caleruega) wedding sermon. To date, may I just say that, of all the wedding ceremonies I have covered, this, by far, is the most informative, educational, personalized, creative sermon that the officiating priest really did get to know the couple, shared to everyone at the church their love story, and was very funny and witty all at the same time. The sermon was long but his lecture was so worth it, I felt like whipping out a notebook and start taking down notes.

He spoke about investments, practicality, and all that ( I was already so close to tapping the shoulder of one of the guys from Nice Print Photography, our co-wedding suppliers, to ask for a copy of the video of the sermon clip alone, haha) and a lot more. But probably one of my biggest take away from the sermon was (non-verbatim):

"If you think, that on this wedding day, this officially ends all your heartache, you are wrong. It just means that you will experience all your heartaches all over again and a thousand times more. So you bettter think, (the bride) , think and decide while you can. This is your last chance. You can stand up and go to the reception since every thing is already paid anyway. I want you to imagine everything you went through. All the struggles, all the heartaches, failures and disappointments, and I guarantee you that you will endure that one thousand times more with the groom. Now, are you willing to endure that for (the groom)?"

Bride replied with a fierce "Yes Father!"

And of course, the little Carrie Bradshaw in me sneaked up behind my ear and whispered what Father Allen had said. I thought of everything I went through (You know of the feeling of going through hell and back, then brushing dust/ashes off your shoulder's after running through fire? That's what it felt like after reminiscing). I have not found someone who makes all those pain worth enduring for.

Special Guest: My mom who posed when she saw me taking a photo of the church from my phone. 

I tell you, I enjoyed the wedding ceremony. If the fifteen thousand cost of church is true and you get this priest, well it was so worth it. So worth it that I asked for the priest's name and have taken note of it. His sermon/ceremony was long and I learned a lot. I don't know the couple personally but felt how they were loved by everyone inside that church. More of that soon on www.aprillearaguas.com.

[Project FeeTrail October 2014]: Mesmerizing Marian

This month I already knew what my feet shot for October. I bet my friend Frankie (the ultimate Marian Knight) would very much appreciate this post.

I want to commemorate the experience of my first time to watch at taping at GMA studio  (because I've watched live shows there before) and I used to watch a lot of tapings in ABS-CBN (other network) and also during college.

Video recording and taking pictures are not allowed because the episode was taped to be shown for the following weeks. All the photos I took are stolen shots but most of the time I found myself positioning my feet shot.

The guard must've found me weird since instead of taking a photo at the celebrities, I was taking a shot of my feet.

Happy Halloween! How's your October?

[Project FeeTrail September 2014]: Hello Hong Kong, Merry Macau

This trip to Hong Kong and Macau has long been booked since last year. Aprille and I scored really cheap tickets online and decided to book a trip to Hong Kong as gift for our mom's birthday. It's our first ever trip together as a family. My parents have been in Hong Kong years ago and our mom's last visit in HK was back in 1997 so with all the new technologies and improvement, it's like seeing HK again for the first time.

Since this trip is a gift, 95% of the total expenses was shouldered by my sister and me. And because we already knew that beforehand, we saved up and researched all the possible discounts, made our own itinerary (to save up from tour agency fees), bought USD and HKD as per recommendation of friends who traveled to HK before.

When asked how's the HK-Macau trip was, I could sum it up as: Learning experience. On top of the other stuff that I already learned when traveling, here are my discoveries in this trip:

1. When travelling with a Senior Citizen (SC), it is important to have a big, nice, very comfortable accommodation. ( I flunked this part because we stayed at a traveler's inn/backpacker's inn. The photo looked nothing like the one on the internet and I was not informed that we have to pay cash upon arrival. But it turned out good because we just really need a place to sleep with wifi, and we saved a lot on transportation as we are situated in a good location, few steps from the MTR)

2. Check your itinerary, make sure it is SC-friendly. ( Macau is probably the best decision for the SC-friendly tour as we walked and discovered the city, watched the House of Dancing Waters-stay tuned for that post-and rode a comfortable ferry.) The other travel boo-boos we had was we had Ocean Park and Disneyland as part of the trip. It requires a long walk under the sun. Although my mom enjoyed the trip to the Peak Tram and Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum, all the walking tired her out at the end of the day.

3. Book your tickets in advance to avoid the hassle. I got discounted tickets from Madame Tussauds (due to early booking online), and discounted Ocean Park and Disneyland tickets (from Travel and tour office in MTR stations). My sister booked the House of Dancing Water a week before the trip so we will not be lured in getting the priciest tickets when we get to Macau (it's a tactic, I was told).

4. Coins are important and handy, especially in MTRs. Important to pack your own tissue (restaurants/eatery don't usually give them out freely), bring an umbrella, bring a huge garbage bag for luggage protections when it rains, and when shopping, use a stroller bag. Bring your own toiletries, HK doesn't have the retail (tingi) culture, so no sachet shampoo or conditioner available.

5. Check the weather, dress accordingly. HK weather in September is HOT. Like Summer in Manila. When we were there, it didn't feel like we are in a different country at all. I also downloaded a lot of smartphone apps to help us get around including currency converter, MTR map, and journey planner in HK. I also printed out a day to day itinerary (that I made myself) and instructions how to get around HK. We were able to roam around HK like locals, made friends with other fellow pinoys (there are a lot of them!) and if only I took a picture of every Filipino that my mom made friends with, I will have a collage.

6. When in HK/Macau, pay when you can pay using a credit card (provided you are a responsible spender, of course) you never know when your actual HKD cash will come in handy.  You can buy HKD at the airport, and it is surprisingly cheaper. But always make sure to have a USD with you. Another lesson I learned when buying dollars is it is illegal to buy dollars in the Philippines if you are not travelling. You can't just buy dollars and deposit it in a dollar account. That is why some banks require you to present your passport/plane ticket/itinerary. Some banks don't allow you to buy dollars from them unless you are an account holder and charge Php 100 for it (read: PNB).

7. Forget what it says on the internet, ask the locals to show you the good finds. Everyone was saying shop at Mongkok, but there are other places for really affordable goods.

8. Earlier this year, my sister and I traveled to Japan. Japan was the comparison point we had since it was the most recent out of the country trip we had this year. I learned a lot of culture and values stuff from HK locals, that in respect for HK locals, I will not write them in this blog.

9. Overseas Filipino Workers are really nice to Pinoy Travelers. Of course, not 100%, but we were blessed to have met really nice pinoys who gladly, and willingly showed us where to go. Also, its a good thing my friend Rogus and his wife Carie are based in HK, they delighted us with stories about life in Hong Kong.

At the Venetian, in Macau

At the Ocean Park Observatory, Hong Kong 

The night before our flight, Hong Kong released a Typhoon 8 warning signal and all business establishments shut down. They sent everyone home, regardless if there are still customers in stores. I was worried that our flight might be cancelled (I never experienced that before). Carie told me not to worry because storms in HK only lasts up to 6 hours, it'll be gone by the time of our flight. But at 3am, I got an email and text from our airline that our 10:40 am flight was moved to 2:50 pm. That's alright, but when we got to the airport, I found out that all flights were cancelled due to bad weather. To make the story short, I fought to get seats for the next available flight. Although it's no one fault, I learned that:

10. In the event of a cancelled/moved flight due to a force majeure, You will have to call the airline call center (Cebu Pacific Manila Office) to rebook your ticket, otherwise you will just be considered as a chance passenger. Re-booking your ticket means your names are on the list and secured. But you can only do it once, if you re-book again on another time, you will have to pay the charges. I also found out that when your mobile phone's roaming is on, Globe charges you Php 120.00 per minute. I spent the first call to Manila for about 5-7 mins then got cut off. The second call was a success lasting 13 minutes with secured plane tickets. The next day Globe cut my line off saying I exceeded my line credit and that I have to settle it first. But my mobile phone plan was on auto-charge in my credit card, so they definitely heard from me. They heard a lot from me.

Anyway, when we finally reached home, I wrote this lengthy Facebook post to commemorate the day:

Braved Hong Kong's Typhoon signal 8; got drenched running in the rain trying to get to the airport; reached the airport found out that all flights to MNL were cancelled; called airline in Manila and fought for the last seats for the last flight of the day; got stranded for 12 hrs at the airport; camped out and napped at McDo couch; had limited pocket money; read the news about the bad weather flight to HK from MNL hrs before our flight; concealed anxiety over expected turbulence by chatting with friends via Viber and Line; finally got our new flight ticket boarding pass; flight back home got delayed by an hour, landed in the Philippines at almost 2am; and now I finally get to sleep on my own bed by almost 4. Hong Kong was fun, but I am really glad to be home! Thank you Lord! Good Mornight!

[Project FeeTrail August 2014]: Shabby chic, Serene and Sweet

If you've read my Project Feet Trail posts for a while now, you will notice how this shot is very similar to a certain post in October 2012 during my cousin's inter cultural wedding (also designed by my wedding/events florist sister, Aprille Araguas)

It was a lovely day for a rustic themed wedding and I love the whole feel of the exclusivity and intimate setting. The place even had a nice room for wedding suppliers to set up. I would like to gush more about the details but I'm going to save that for the actual complete wedding post at www.aprillearaguas.com.

In a previous post, I said how this is my first time in Casa San Pablo but our second time to cover an intercultural wedding. Hence, this automatically goes to my Feet Trail collection. This shot was taken after the wedding ceremony and I decided to include that little white lantern as well.

The -BER months starts tomorrow! Time flies so fast!

[Project FeeTrail July 2014]: Here in Hero's Home

As I have posted in instagram, it has been more than two decades since I set foot inside the house of Philippines' National Hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal. This deserves to be in my Project FeeTrail.

I remember when I was in second grade and we went to this house for our class field trip. I still recall the stair case, the wishing well, the four post bed that looked like those in horror movies.

New additions now are documents up for display like this log book of Jose Rizal's mother (?), I think, jotting down expenses. Cute, because we have similar handwriting but hers is fancier and it is also nice to know she does the accounting of the budget.

Second photo to the right below shows Dr. Rizal's relative, hanging out at his tombstone. I do not know where his tombstone is, but all I know is he was shot in Luneta Park. And because the reflection of my feet is included in the photos, these made it to this blog post hehe.

And I gotta brush up on my history.

[Project FeeTrail June 2014]: Just when I thought this project is getting boring

If you happen to have read my blog for a while now, you know that each month I have a feet shot project that I started in 2012, called The Project FeeTrail.

It started when I noticed I collect a lot of feet shots, then each month I take a photo of new places I got my feet into.

Last month, I felt the pressure to have something new each month. Because I don't know what else to feature since I don't find myself in new places these few weeks, I thought of just coming up with something mundane to take photo of.

And just when I thought it is getting boring... one Saturday morning I found something to spice this project up!

My friend Kat and I were brisk walking around APEC one weekend morning when we heard a loud "Moo" coming out of nowhere! 

Then we heard one jogger said that a cow fell down in a "gutter/hole". We couldn't believe it is possible and we just have to see it for ourselves, so here is the 4 month old baby cow who fell down the hole.

And baby cow likes to have his photo taken!!!

The next morning, the baby cow is no longer there. We were told that they used a rope to pull the cow up. 

It's July first tomorrow! How did the first half of your year go? 

[Project FeeTrail May 2014]: Sandals, Season, and Sayings

Sandals
We've been experiencing really hot summer that reached 39 degrees. T'was the season for skin breakouts, dehydration, and anticipation of electric bill shock. An air-conditioning unit is no longer a luxury to be installed inside the house. It is a lot of effort to go out especially during lunch hour until 3pm. I've even temporarily ditched closed shoes and switched to sandals when I don't normally do that when travelling to the city. And I have started dressing down and wearing too-casual clothes for work because of the heat.

[Project FeeTrail April 2014]: Standing in Sablay

I did think about what to put for my project FeeTrail for April 2014, because of two things:

1) I've been to Japan (my very first time ever!) and witnessed the Sakura Season.
2) I attended my Graduation for my MS Degree.

Then I chose this photo of me wearing the UP Sablay for my graduation for my Project FeeTrail.

I can always go back to Japan for the Sakura season, but you cannot really go back to the moment where you march to the stage in front of the whole University to received your degree.

Thank you April 2014, you were wonderful!

[Project FeeTrail March 2014]: Standing in Stones at SMX

I took this photo during our event at SMX last March 4-5. Not really an exhibitor but more on working behind the scenes. I was able to sneak in a few minutes to check the booths as well and I saw this display and decided that it'll go with my project Feetrail for March 2014.

I've been so busy during this 2-day event but I'm so glad we had this event because I get to sleepover at my bff's house and managed to pick up important vacation documents. It's like I got two free trips to Manila!

I saw this exhibit at UPLB's Science and Technology Exhibit held at SMX. From the moment that I saw this display, I knew it's going to be in my collection for my Project Feetrail 2014.

Anyway, UPLB's Science and Technology exhibit was a huge success. Although I cannot say that everything is really great, knowing that I worked behind the scenes, but it was really good that we were able to pull everything off in just a couple of months or so.

Can you believe the first quarter of 2014 is almost over?

[Project FeeTrail February 2014]: Dipping Feet in Diliman

I've been to UP Diliman before, either just passing through or went directly to an office inside the campus. I've never seen their oblation other than the internet and television of course.

So when we had an official business trip to go to UP  Diliman and meet at the Quezon Hall (building behind where the oblation is), I couldn't help but take a photo.

Also I noticed that I can take my project feet shots as there are three project feetrail shot -worthy (Top to bottom from the left):
1. The steps leading towards the oblation, when standing in front of the Quezon Hall.
2. The steps opposite site of the oblation is where they held their commencement exercises.
3. The square, glass-like floor decor on the base.

And this is just in one building alone!

There is an on going urban legend across UP campuses (among students) that you shall not take photos of yourself with the Oblation while still in your academic year or else you will not or will get delayed in graduating. I felt confident taking photos of the oblation because I already graduated, cleared and received my transcript, but just when I was about to take a quite embarrassing "selfie"with the oblation, the people we're supposed to meet already arrived.

Whew! :)