SANITY PROJECT: The Catching Up Series

Looks who's back! Mwahaha! I know, I know. Sabi ko noon goodbye to this blog already but here I am again. Funny right? (or not really?) But why am I back nga? Bakit nga kasi? Hahaha! First of all, I really miss writing. Sometimes I write long captions on Facebook when I feel like writing. Kaya lang we all know that Facebook isn't the best platform for our deepest thoughts. But aside from the fact that I miss writing, I suddenly had this urge to "fix" everything. Feeling ko andami kong backlog sa buhay so here I am again trying to get my $h!t together. And of course, that would include making this blog catch up with my life.

So where did we stop? Are you ready to know? Dundundun! 2016!!!! Hahaha! So that's gonna be four years worth of photos and blog posts. BUT I AM READY! (naks!) Actually, I have edited all photos for my 2016 posts already. Kitams?!! This  time around, I am serious about this. Sabi nga ng tagline ko, I have a penchant for documenting life; and I feel like I won't be able to move forward until I no longer owe this blog those four years worth of documentation. Hehe! Me and my issues! Call me petty if you want. :P

But what happened to Borbonita.com, you may ask? I wrote a few travel posts early 2018 but life happened and I became a bad blogger again, as per usual. Haha! But I'll see. I might just turn it into a travel blog, or maybe my new blog altogether. I'll decide when I get to finish my backlogs -- 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019. Easy peasy! Ano ba naman yung apat na taon. :)) Hahaha! But I am loving the process so far cause I also get to organize the gazillion photos lying around. I stopped doing back-ups since I stopped blogging so this little sanity project is gonna hit two birds in one stone. So please bare with me. Or better yet, cheer for me! ;)

Blog posts comin' up in 3.. 2.. 1!

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goodnight, a taste of apple

I saw thing coming -- the day I'd say goodbye to A Taste of Apple. And let me tell you, making the decision wasn't easy. This has been my home since late 2010 and I love this little island in cyberspace. Six years ain't no joke, man! But I haven't been a good blogger since forever the second half of 2014. I had sporadic updates until October but after that I was completely gone. It's only until March of 2015 that I finally decided to resurrect the blog. I realized that life was picking up and I didn't want the blog to miss up on the wonderful memories. So I played catch-up. Check out the CATCHING UP SERIES here. I made detailed posts for the second half of 2014 and the entire 2015.

Aside from the fact that I've been neglecting the blog, another reason for this goodbye would be the fact that life lately is all about new beginnings. I know I've said this numerous times already but I'll mention it again for the last time here. I had to stop working for exactly 3 years and 3 months {because I was sick and not because I only want to -- you got that?}. That's from February 2013 to April 2016. Imagine that! But God remains to be good. Come May 2016, I finally got myself a new job. I can't say I completely got my good health back but at least I'm well enough to go to work again 5 times a week.

Another milestone would be me turning 30 last July. Yuck dba? Hahaha! As much as I hate the idea, we all don't have a choice when it comes to aging. So I'm embracing it with open arms. I am considering August 2016 as a new beginning. Fresh start, bagong simula! I'll write more about this milestone soon. Hindi pwedeng hindi because I feel like I have gained so much wisdom from the 3-year break that I took. Ang daming life lessons, ang daming realizations. So I really have to write about it. I honestly can't wait to do just that, if only I have enough time in my hands.

So with all that's been happening, I thought to myself, heyyy, my blog needs to be revamped. I was thinking of changing the layout, probably come up with more precise categories and make it feel edgy {because fashion-wise I bid farewell to my girly self already}. But the thing is, I love A Taste of Apple so much that I can't get myself to touch it. It was a war in my head. I wanted a fresh start yet I can't let go of what I have now. So I made a decision -- I'm preserving A Taste of Apple. I'm preserving the template, the layout, the pages, everything! Including the goals that I never got to do. Dito lang sila. Even if it's embarrassing that I never got to do a lot of things that I wanted to do, okay lang. I still plan to accomplish them in time pag naayos ko na ng tuluyan yung buhay ko but for the meantime, dito lang sila. Utang ko muna sa sarili ko. Hehehe.

Another decision that I made? Adopt a new island in cyberspace. That's how it goes right? Goodbyes come hand in hand with new beginnings. I decided to preserve and say goodbye to A Taste of Apple but I'll give life to borbonita.com soon. See? I even bought a domain this time. And I vow to be a better blogger. I also vow to keep loving life and staying inspired so I won't have to go through another hiatus. I generally feel good about everything right now and I'm so grateful.

So pano? Til Borbonita.com is up! :)

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catching up series: truths, realizations and some old photos

I'm back! My thoughts have gone bonkers YET AGAIN and I'm down with no other refuge but to blog. {Read: Too broke to shop. Hahaha!} So what's going on exactly? But wait! I'm kind of talking to myself here trying to figure things out so don't mind me. Unless you really, really want to. Go ahead! Haha! Anywayyy, there's this chapel I regularly visit. It's where I pray 'cause take this -- I don't attend Sunday mass. Oops! So I visited it few days ago and as usual I reflected on life. And guess what? FINALLY! Medyo natauhan ako. WHAT AM I DOING WITH MY LIFE?! 

T R U T H S

Truth #1. I've been unemployed since January 2013 and if we're going to count the months that's freakin' 30 months already! Like how?!!! The last time I checked, I have this very demanding job that I very much love  -- never ending to-do's, impossible deadlines, difficult people? Bring it on! So what happened? Illness happened! There you go, now you know. I am not a professional bum person just because I want to be one, or because I can afford to be one. For the record, I am a professional bum person because I am a professional sick person too. {And yes, I read John Green a lot. Ha!} Although I have this little online shop that allows me to go out or shop once in a while. Having said that, please follow @shopteepee on Instagram for cool bohemian bags and wallets. Hehe! Shameless plugging right there, 'cause I can. 

Now what? An epiphany came to me one sleepless night -- I realized I want to teach kids! It's no secret, right? I love kids to bits so I'm thinking that might be easy for me. No stress, I hope. But two more things I should hope for.. that my doctor approves of it and that I qualify for it. Hehe! Medyo malayo lang naman yung tinapos ko from teaching so I don't know. I have a particular learning center in mind but I have yet to do my research. By God's grace, I'll be able to go back to work. This should be the start. Kailangan nang ipilit to!

Truth #2. Life is far from perfect. Got that friends? I am fortunate enough that my family can back me up through this tough time but it's no easy for all of us. Okay? It's just tiring to hear from people that we are wealthy enough I can afford not to work. Like this is my choice, NAWMSAYIN'? Hehehe! 

And to convince you more that our life isn't a bed roses.. did you know that living where we live sucks? If you have time to spare, you can begin with this link. Yep! The Araneta's are trying to shoo us from our homes 'cause according to them our whole village was theirs when clearly, we have land titles of our own. From what  I understand, the former president Ferdinand Marcos issued a presidential decree that offered our area to Malacañang employees {my uncle used to work for ze president, that's why}. Apparently, it was declared as unconstitutional and since then, the Araneta's did literally everything to claim our place. And with everything, I mean kill people and take away our basic necessities -- electricity, water, phone and internet lines, name it! Ugh! Thank God for generators, seriously! And for water deliveries too, if I may add.

See? Life ain't easy, man!

R E A L I Z A T I O N S

Realization #1. As long as you have your family, you're okay! Take it from the person who isn't allowed to live life, has nothing at all but is perfectly fine. I mean, I'm not the happiest of happy but I know for sure that I'm not sad. At least not anymore. Our home provides me the comfort I need and it never runs out of ways to help me survive. I was actually thinking that even if the time comes that we're left with no choice but to leave our house, we'll all be alright. And that's because our home is one another. Wherever life takes us, that will be home. And also, I guess it's faith. I don't know why but I'm confident about the good days that are about to come. I have this weird feeling of lightness despite the ugly circumstances. Call me a weirdo 'cause yes I am. Hahaha!

Realization #2. I really, really want to teach kids. Haha! I know I've mentioned that already but apart from teaching for a living, I'd love to teach less fortunate kids too -- and for free! Since I got sick, I started thinking deeply about life and I decided to live it with a purpose. I've always known too that it's going to be about kids but it's only during that night of epiphany that I imagined exactly how. I'd gather my favorite kids from the village probably grades 1 - 3, teach them Math & English, give them treats that they don't get to eat often. Gahh! I can't wait to be able to do that!

Realization #3. I have to start NOW! As in by hook or by crook, kahit ano pa yan! If I can't go back to the life I used to live, I'm willing to compromise with what can work with my current situation. Thank God for knocking some sense to me that faithful chapel day. I honestly can't believe I waited this long! Might be the sickness, huh?


S O M E  O L D  P H O T O S

This has got nothing to do with my random thoughts. Instead, this is the next item in my neglected drafts. If you've been here early May, you'd know I'm trying to catch up on my documentation. But since I'm a huge mess, I got lost again. Hahaha! Anong bago dun di ba? Good thing I found my way back this afternoon. Shout out to my awakening!

So anyway, here's where we left off -- Avie's baptism & birthday celebration. Now the photos below are from her post birthday celebration for the family. It was the usual dine out, sing & dance, play scenario. But what was unusual was mommy's {my cousin's wife} muryot. Hehehe! She got pissed off after we weren't able to make it to City Buffet and she felt like daddy {my cousin} was blaming her for not making reservations. We had to settle with Racks but she went on hunger strike and they continued to annoy each other. We continued anyway because heyy, that's food. Hahaha!

the birthday girl with her mita & pito ❤️

remember mithril? the new kid on the block?
it was her first official gala :P

the little family within the family ❤️

resident maaartes

After we were full, we went to our go-to amusement center to further amuse ourselves. Hehe! It became Marisse's {my brother's girlfriend, Mithril's mom} initiation. We forced her to sing and dance with us. We did the same to mommy way back 2011. That Waka Waka dance number still brings us to laughter every time we'd reminisce about it. Hahaha! So alam na! To the future members of the family, be ready! I bet that's why my sister and her boyfraann broke up. HAHAHAHA peace, baby girl! :*

the singers in the family (and yep that doesn't include me)

Marissa's initiation ✌️

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catching up series: heyyy, I have short hair now

I have to do this for my own sanity. I mean, write about the things that happened while I was away -- from this blog, at least. So you already know I have a little bag business. Teepee, yeah? Now, I have another revelation to make. Haha! I FINALLY GOT MY DREAM HAIR CUT. Yeyyy! Hahaha! I'm acting like it happened just recently when the truth is I made the bold move back in November. Five freakin' months ago but heyyy, I already said we're catching up here, right?

But wait. Let's dig down further. Two years ago, I said I wanted to have my hair permed. I love how beach waves look on me hence the decision. But who am I kidding? Merely five months after I wrote that post, I contemplated a pixie cut. Indecisive, that's what I am. :P Then salon day came and to my despair, the stylist won't let me have my dream hair cut. Rebonded hair issues, ugh! My only consolation then was my newly straightened hair. And fine, I was a little happy with my shorter do too.

Fast forward to a year after.. I pursued the pixie cut I've been wishing for. It was really something big for me 'cause I was never the experimental type when it comes to my hair. I always had long hair actually -- well, maybe except back when my mom was still deciding for me. Haha! That's a totally different story. So anyway, imagine the terror as I sat down the salon chair; I was so nervous. Even my niece cried not just once - BUT TWICE! - 'cause she's not used to seeing me with short hair. She was hugging me too almost the entire process. Hahaha! I told you the hair cut was kind of a big deal.

via
the inspo I showed the stylist slash our neighbor :P

And since I suck at taking selfies, I had to steal {and crop} a photo from my first public appearance :P just to have something to show you. Hehe! I really love how it turned out although I have to admit it's a little difficult to maintain. Medyo close na tuloy kami nung kapitbahay ko. We used to be just civil with each other. Haha!

that kontrabida smirk you make when you feel purty harhar

I'm itching for another hair cut as we speak. I'm eyeing an even shorter do ala Michelle Williams 2014 but we'll see. I should have been warned this hair thing is addictive. What now?!

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starting over

UGH! This has got to be the most difficult part of going on a hiatus.. STARTING OVER. You know? Welcoming yourself back, composing your opening line, thinking of your first word. Should be grand ideally, right? But after all the words that I typed, deleted and retyped, I settled with UGH. Pasensya naman. You have to understand that this is difficult for me, okay? Hehehe! :P

You might be wondering what went wrong. To be honest, I myself can't put a finger on the culprit. Let's backtrack instead, what do you think? Fine with you? Okay, let's do this.

I  had a pretty good first half of 2014. Yup, that's until June to be exact. And since I wasn't able to do a rundown of the year that was, let me do the honor of making this post rain with links. Let's see.. So last year, we got to visit the farm in Bulacan for the first time. Not ours, trust me! Then, the overdue catching up with college friends happened. Of course, the family days too and my father's birthday celebration. And then our mini vacay at the farm. Add here too my defunct The Happiness Project series {1, 2, 3}. I'll try to revive it for my ego's sake. Haha! Then to end the quarter, I took my niece's first ever moving- up day too seriously. More.Family.Daysss. Song addictions that I'm too lazy to link up, sorry! Again, my niece's Kiddie Crew stint. IKR? I'm a stage aunt, there's no point in denying. :P My bohemian transition, long way to go though. Foursome times a traumatic incident -- canine incident to be exact. Two doses of TFIOS {read: two trips to the cinema}. Then end of quarter. Let's say this altogether, WHEEW!

And then July came. My birth month, and ironically, it's a consistently blah month. I never really liked celebrating my own birthday -- or at least because I'm not used to it, IDK. But for the month to be a total bore is a bit too much. I'm not directly saying that it was the reason why I "hid" for a while but maybe it was a factor. I kind of wanted to be away. You get what I mean? Am I still making sense? Hehe! So there, I did almost nothing for two months. If you're still on track with my nonsense, you'll know I'm referring to July and August. Two months, those two! I blogged sparsely though. I made it through two recaps -- OOTDs and a midyear dump of baby photos. Oh, I was contemplating a haircut at this point too. Three months after, a PIXIE! ;)

So what happened in September? Wait, Twitter against memory validation. Hehe! So yeah, I remember it right. One, I decluttered; Two, I initiated the family's garage sale; And three, I started my online business. I named it No Biggie at first because I was selling my preloved stuff and obviously at 5', -- okay fine, 4'9"-- I'm NO BIGGIE. Hehehe! It kept me busy for a good three months but now I've rebranded to Teepee. I'll talk more about it on the coming days; Not that you're interested but yeah, I will. :P For the meantime, please do me a huge favor and follow this Instagram account -- @shopteepee. Thank you, thank you! And shusshh, don't tell them it's me behind Teepee. Hahaha!

Moving on, November was pretty special. Heyy, it's not just the haircut. Come on, you think I'm that shallow? Hahaha! But yeah, I must admit the dream haircut was kind of a big thing. You have no idea how liberating it was. I had it chopped off and I felt so fuh-reeee! Hahaha! No, seriously! It meant so much. Just let me know if you want me to talk more about it 'cause I still have so many things to say. Yes, about the friggin' haircut.

Let's leave the haircut alone, November and December were about some other wonderful things too. I'll let the collages speak for themselves now but I'll be back to tell you more stories. I can't afford to let them go just like that. Nakakahiya naman sa favorite tag line kong "I have a penchant for documenting life". Hehehe!

 

Altogether again, WHEEW! Finally, I'm over and done with the hardest part of resurrecting. I have to say I missed blogging big time. It's been a part of me for four years {started late 2010} and somehow not blogging felt wrong. I'm just so happy to be back. Matter of factly, I'm hearing Pharrell's Happy in my head. Hahaha! Once a weirdo, always a weirdo. Anyways, 'til here! Let me know you missed me through the comment box. Haha! I'm fishing here, pagbigyan nyo na 'ko oh! :P

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a secret and a story

Okayyy.. so it's June already! We're halfway through it actually so I'm getting bummed that I still haven't updated. Well anywayy, at least now I'm here and I'm about to share yet another story and a little secret. What do you wanna hear first? :)

Ughh, of course the secret! Are you ready? Hehehe! It's no biggie really but it happens to be an essential part of this story so let me begin by revealing one of my irrational fears: I am friggin' scared of dogs. Hahaha! I'm not quite sure when or how a certain case can qualify as a phobia but just so we all know.. fear of dogs is Cynophobia. Thanks, Wikipedia! It's just crazy 'cause I've never been bitten by one, nor scratched whatsoever, but I've always been scared of them.  At yung OA na level ng takot, believe it or not.

Now here's the tragic story. Monique sold a puppy to Mark. You see, they both love dogs. Monique has four full-grown dogs and originally seven, yess seven, puppies. On the other hand, Mark has three now including his newly adopted puppy, Sherlock. He also has cats, if I may add, and I can't imagine how's that possible when we only have two caged dogs and one cat and I am so annoyed already. Hehehe! The culprits decided to carry out the adoption on a Saturday and since Monique's house is near ours, I tagged along. And boy, at one point I lamented my decision.

We met at a nearby mall afternoon of that day. I squeezed in a quick Wendy's fix while waiting for them 'cause I was darn hungry. When they finally got to Wendy's, guess what our icebreaker was??!! Yung defined eyebrows ko lang naman. Fine, I'll tame them a bit! Hahaha! Anyway, we then headed to the supermarket to buy snacks and fifteen freakin' kilos of dog food. I already said Monique loves dogs, right?

On our way to their house, Monique assured me that they'll lock up the dogs somewhere. Of course she knows I loathe dogs! We lived together in Eastwood once upon a time and she clearly remembers my dog-triggered shrieks. So lock up the dogs they did! Pero syempre may twist! Just as I thought we made it inside their gate peacefully, the dogs came a-running! The next thing I know, I was seating outside crying. CRYINGGGG! Hahaha! I can't even remember how I managed to get out of their house in the first place. It was soooo embarrassing but that's just the way it is! Eh sa takot ako sa aso eh. Hehehe! Pero nakakahiya talaga. *dies in shame*

More chaos followed as we stayed on the porch but there's no beating the first encounter. Although I really have to give credit to myself for staying alert from that point on and for clinging to whoever I can cling to to remain safe -- it was Monique's sister, Mary, most of the time. For lunch, Monique shooed the dogs outside and closed all points of entry, windows included! I felt safe for the first time so I managed to catch up a little on their busy lives. The puppies kept us entertained too! And for the record, I can handle these furry creatures in the innocent stage of their lives. No barking, no biting!

After lunch, I found a great escape by accompanying Monique's sister somewhere in the neighborhood to have her bike tires inflated. I kind of bugged her throughout our stay. Hehe! Thanks, Maryy!! :) Then when we came back, they're already outside the house chitchatting. It was such a relief knowing that I won't have to brave the dogs' presence again. Di naman masyadong obvious na takot na takot ako dba? :P Hahaha! Kidding aside, I really didn't wanna cause further inconvenience to Monique's mom.

FOURSOME + SHERLOCK

We sat outside until it was time to go home. We perfectly depicted the word TAMBAY. Hehehe! They went biking for a while but mostly it was kwentuhan -- and eating fries! I actually wanted to go back to the mall with them, spend the rest of the night at Timezone perhaps but Mark had to go home early. Also there's Sherlock. So I went alone instead because you know me, I'm adamant like that! Hehe! Thanks again Monakikz for accommodating us! Yes, the day was traumatic but I'd say it was worth it. Matouch kayo, please?

*photos from lolo Job :)

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the magic of fancy rings and nail paints

Just thought of stating the obvious -- I've totally gone bonkers {again} over fancy rings and boho nail paints. I can only imagine my Instagram followers nodding in agreement. Hehe! As they say, "The happiest people don't necessarily have the best of things, they simply appreciate what they have." Or at least something to that effect! Hahaha basta! My point is, it's just a matter of perspective, folks! Now that I can't go places, splurge on clothes or buy whatever {because I still can't freakin' work, but I'm still a-awesome, ok? :P}, I find bliss in the cheapest of cheap things. See? A new shade of polish, or another set of knuckle rings for that matter, and I'm solved! But of course, it isn't all about the beautiful tangible things, people; there's this equally amazing intangible ones too aka the love of yerr family and the shallow -- yet fun, if you'd ask me-- stuff you do together. Blabbed 'em HERE, by the way. So I guess I'm good. Yes, yes, I'm good! :)

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tekken nights and ice cream fixes

I have to admit I sorely miss the "grand" life. Not that I literally lived a grand life but I know you get it.. travel and adventures, shopping, daily dose of expensive coffee and well, everything else in between my then corporate duties. For the record, I've been a bum for fifteen freakin' months already. Soon enough, I'll have the audacity to let everyone know exactly what I'm going through but for the meantime, let me tell you one among probably a hundred of life lessons this drama taught me. People, LITTLE THINGS MATTER.

Here's another truth: I've always been so difficult to please. I laugh at funny quips easily; I laugh way too often but ironically, hindi talaga mababaw ang kaligayahan ko. In fact, I've always had high standards for each and every single thing. Those who know me personally can attest to that. Then, this whole life drama happened. A lot of things were stripped from me -- good health, fast-tracked career, the luxurious living. I couldn't really say that I reached rock-bottom because my family and friends kind of saved me but for someone who's never went through trials growing up, susss, ang hirap nito! Anywayyy, my point is that after I've lost so much, I learned to be more appreciative. It feels good din pala to get giddy over the simplest things. Nowadays, a good playlist, a nice quote I can relate to, a twitter mention, an instagram like, or a blog comment can make my day. Also, I now look forward to simple days out with the fam bam or friends. Hindi na kailangan ng 3 days, 2 nights out of town trips to get me excited for the next day. Haha! And although I'm praying to get back the life I used to live, I ought to keep the wisdom I got & will still get from this tough phase. :)

Andddd, speaking of little things.. Here are two nights of Tekken and ice cream fix that I happen to appreciate a lot! See what I did there? Aminin nyooo! Ang galing ko sumegueee!! Hehehe! So first night, it was just us four -- the kids, I mean. We started with my all-time favorite basketball shooting. I'm just sooo glad I have my not-so-bebe brother to share this addiction with. The sisters joined in the fun too but of course, with a different level of enthusiasm, if you get what I mean.

my score right thurrr

my brother's :)

Then Anit and Gigi, my sister and brother respectively, introduced Tekken to me and Dana. I know I know, we're losers like that. Personally, I was never a gamer! I remember being taught Counter Strike way back God knows when and all I did was to shriek like crazy. Hahaha! I'm a self-confessed reyna ng hysteria so what can you expect? And with Tekken, it's no different. I was in total panic the first time I tried. Bummer! I was screaming; I was shaking. Even Dana was in sweat out of nervousness. Talk about being first-timers. Pero eto ang twist! I actually won once and guess against who?!! Bwahaha! Against my brothaaa!!! There's hope, after all.

gotcha, bebeee! ✌

Next stop: another videoke sesh! None of the songs we sang survived my poor memory but I do remember that we danced our way towards the end of our one hour session. And oh, we took groufies too. Yep, if there's such a thing as selfie, these days, meron na ring groufie. Self-explanatory, right? But if you don't quite get it, come onnn, it's about time you wake up those braincells! Hehehe! Kiddingggg! :)

We capped off the night with an ice cream fix. You see, a FamilyMart branch just opened in Fairview Terraces. They're known for their twirl-all-you-can pakulo and we obviously weren't able to help it, we just had to jump on the bandwagon. It's worth a try if you ask me! For 25 pesos, you get a sweet belgian cone and the chance to fill it up with ice cream as high as you can. Twirling was fun actually! In the end, Dana and Gigi did a good job while Anit and I sucked at it. Tawang-tawa kami especially with Anit's work! It would have been a genetic freak ice cream serving if it was living. That bad!

Second night of our Tekken + ice cream night, we were able to drag our dear mommaa with us. We made her twirl her own ice cream with the help of Dana. Funny how she kept on whining while we were waiting in line. Yes folks, may pila! Mom said something like, "first and last, first and last". Hehehe! Meaning she has no plans of ever lining up again for the sake of a single ice cream serving. Her work turned out fine though. Wheww!

Then it was Tekken time once again. It was mama's turn to try the game for the first time. As expected, she's even more hilarious than we were. I actually got the tarantahin genes from her so just imagine. She was sooo confused with the keys and she was laughing non-stop to the point she momentarily stops playing from time to time. I even took a video of her and it kind of went viral over Facebook 'cause get this -- she's a teacher! Hahaha! Sorry, mom! :P

Now, here's what I've been waiting for! The chance to brag that I was the most improved player of the night. Hahaha! I was on a winning streak just before we left. I beat them allllll! Mwahahaha! And mind you, I really didn't know what I was doing. The pindot-bahala technique plus the random choosing of characters did the trick. The pros weren't able to use their fave characters and so the lucky one {eheeeem} prevailed! It wasn't a walk in the park though, dugo't pawis, at maraming nerbyos ang puhunan. Hehehe!

ito ang sinasabi kooo
nerbyoooos! :P

These nights were fun, yes, but I'm definitely looking forward to having papi with us the next time around. That would be twice as hilarious, I bet! Help us convince him to tag along next time, mmkaay? :)

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2013 at a glance

No, I wasn't neglecting this blog. Rather, I've been editing photos for my annual recap for days already. Wheww! Anyway, I'd say the past year was such a breather. From my busy college years down to my first four years in the corporate world, finally, I had a really long break. Woohooo!! And although my hibernation months didn't turn out to be as peaceful as I expected them to be, I'm grateful for the realization that I'm so, sooo blessed with friends. Kung may theme ang 2013 ko, that would definitely be FRIENDSHIP. I had to be a bum pa to realize that. But at least now I know and I promise not to take that blessing for granted. Thanks Big Guy! This year's theme has got to be 'work' or 'career', whichever sounds better. I'm still counting on You. ❤

JANUARY

❤ New Year
nothing like the holidays

Exerted a little effort in welcoming the new year by having our shirts customized. They say.. 'The IncrediBorbs'. That's from the animated film 'The Incredibles' plus our surname, Borbon. I know right?! Andami namin alam. :P

❤ Sanctuario de Paz Visit
a visit to lolo

Visited our grandpa in Sanctuario de Paz 'cause it's his death anniversary. It's been seven years. I'll never get tired of missing you, lolo Mach!! :* I'll see you again, but not really soon. Okay?

❤ Eastwood Despedida
so it's goodbye again

Left my company for almost five years and my life in Eastwood. Had dinner with Sheena & Dwin at Serye, another dinner in the condo with Badj, emo time in Caffe Bene and finally, shopping with Jhov.

FEBRUARY

❤ Videoke Sesh
videoke-ing adventures plus my chubby cheeks 

Gave singing another chance but it still didn't work for my cursed voice. Seriously? It's been 27 years already and I haven't found my hidden talent. Sino ba kasi nagtago nun eh?! Grabe namaaan! Hehehe.

 

❤ Republic Wakepark with ACN Friends
prelude to summer

Jumpstarted the summer with a wakeboarding sesh in Nuvali with Badj. Can I just say I hate wakeboarding? Hahaha! Capped off the night with a dinner in Paseo plus my awaited catching up time.

❤ Mall Visits and Random Days
little ones and sunday dresses 

Weekends were for random trips to the mall and endless auntie duties. To everyone who's been asking me whether or not I get bored.. my niece is the answer. And oh, my sibs are close second.

MARCH 

❤ Papi's 63rd Birthday
and on papi's 63rd, we're still epic

Celebrated papi's youth through a family dinner at KKK. I love how papi loved their food - Philippine cuisine, no less! A little shopping came next then we wrapped up the day with cray cray moments at Timezone.

❤ Holy Cow with Tin
THE tin pe benito ✌

Reunited with THE Tin Pe Benito! Dinner at Holy Cow - her treat then coffee 'til morning - my treat. That's with a lot of camwhoring on the side too. Some things never change, indeed.

❤ Patio Isabel
just bored, apparently

Impromptu swim swim at Patio Isabel with mommy, Faye & Dana. Medyo masama talaga kami mainip. :P

APRIL

❤ Kangaroo Jack with By
best friend duties

Best friend to the rescue 'cause I'm having a difficult time. Kangaroo Jack's four cheese pizza definitely cheered me up. Pagkain lang pala ang katapat. Haha! Kidding aside, it was venting out that made me feel a lot better. Thanks, beshie! :*

❤ Ashley's Birthday Celeb
more kids, more fun

Celebrated my niece's birthday in Patio Isabel. I felt friggin' old seeing a lot of my nieces and nephews together. Must not happen again. Haha! I kid, I kid! :)

❤ Pinatubo Trip with College Friends
mt. pinatubo: a worthy disaster
mt.pinatubo: itinerary, expenses and a link loving

My most disastrous trip ever - Mt. Pinatubo!! Good thing I can proudly say that Pinatubo's majestic crater was worthy of all the hardships I had to endure in organizing this day trip. Also, I learned my lesson. Isn't that the most important thing? 

MAY

❤ Boxing Sessions
boxing sesh
round 2

Finally tried boxing! Hooraaayy!! We had so much fun because our trainers were very friendly and accommodating. Too bad two of them left Elorde already. Gotta look for a new boxing training, eh?

❤ Mall Visits
Random mall visits 'cause mommy's cousin, Ellen, was in town. Pasyal pasyal ulit sa Manila, ga. :P

❤ Ilocos Trip with Foursome
day1: ilocos sur - santa, bantay and vigan tour
day1: ilocos norte - batac and paoay tour
day2: ilocos norte - pagudpud tour
day3: ilocos norte - bangui and burgos tour
day3: ilocos sur - calle crisologo tour
ilocos sur-ilocos norte: itinerary, expenses and some link loving

Ilocos trip with Foursome - Monique, Mark and Job. 3 days and 2 nights of exploring both Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte. My favorite activity has got to be the 4x4 ride. Super fun for adrenaline junkies like uhmm *eheem*.. ME! :P

❤ Grotto Vista Resort
the art of overdressing

Elena's despedida at Grotto Vista. Unlike the usual, we thought of dressing up even if it was just few minutes away from home. Ayun nga lang, we ended up overdressed. Ooops, embarrassing!

JUNE

❤ The Andy Grammer Obsession
the andy grammer obsession
the andy grammer obsession part 2
the andy grammer obsession part 3
the andy grammer obsession part 4

The month I really got to hibernate. Thanks to Andy Grammer for keeping me company; I was sooo hooked to his music! ♫♪♪

JULY 

❤ Family Day Sunday
sunday is family day

Quick visit to papi's favorite church before his weekend meeting. I've always been grateful for days like this one and I can't ask for more when it comes to my family.  #TYL

❤ TriNoma with College Friends
birthday double up

Joint birthday celebration of the Mhogs. Hehe. That's Apog {me} + Mhoi, if you haven't heard that term before. Definitely looking forward to being with these people again, Jhov excluded.

❤ Eastwood with Wetpooh
wetpooh once again

Met another group of college friends, Wetpooh. IKR? That's so college. It's been a really, really long time since the last time Tin and I saw these two so it was catching up galore, albeit a little awkward.

❤ Recap: OOTD'S
old ootd's
say it we me, oh-oh-tee-deeee

Finally got the chance to compile my outfit shots. Did good for the first half of the year 'til I totally forgot again that I made it a goal to post more OOTD shots. Better luck this year, self! 

AUGUST

❤ Percy Jackson Night with Jhov
percy jackson kinda night

Jhov made me her personal shopper and stylist for the nth time in exchange for a dinner & movie treat. I didn't ask for those FYI, it's just that my friend knows how to compensate. I've always known I'm a lucky creature. ;)

❤ Recap: Baby Visits & Auntie Duties
our little ball of crazy 
ooohh babieesss 

A month full of babieess! My heart was overjoyed. Thanks to the three babies that visited us and of course, our resident not-so-baby-anymore, Faye.

❤ Attempts to Fitness
someone's getting fat, yadaah yadaaah

Zumba month too 'cause my tummy bulge got worse. I was consistent for a few months 'til I felt I no longer need it. Nah-uuhh, truth is tinamad lang. 

❤ Eastwood Treats from Sheena, Dwin & Foursome 
treat after treat

A lovely day full of treats in Eastwood. Lunch with Foursome at Friday's in celebration of Tiny's promotion and dinner with Sheena and Dwin at Jack's Loft just 'cause.. From the bottom of my happy tummy, thanks guys! :)

SEPTEMBER

❤ Grandparent's Day
grampa and gramma's day

Celebrated grandparent's day by visiting lolo loves at Sanctuario de Paz then having dinner with lolie. Dana and I also had the time of our lives taking photos beside lolo's pit because they were turning out surprisingly good. I know for sure grampa understands.

❤ Food trip with By
food trippin' with ze best friend

Surprised by ze best friend one night then off we went food tripping, hyperacidity and all. I had fun as usual although not evident on the photos 'cause I really looked deeymm sick.

❤ Savory with Sisters
once in a blue moon

My sister's once in a blue moon treat, hallelujah! I accompanied Dana in her birthday shopping then Anit followed us for dinner at Savory. Is the world really coming to an end? Oh knoowss. ✌

❤ Recap: Sickness (ughh!)
sick yet again

Quite an ugly post but I just had to do this to emphasize how sickly I've been the past year. Now I'm seriously considering living a healthy lifestyle. Then again there's coffee, soda, cheetos and chocolates so I'm really, really confused right now. Hehehe.

OCTOBER

❤ Krispy Kreme with Dana
'cause j.co's too mainstream 

Dana's birthday shopping continued. We honestly wanted J.Co for merienda but it was too crowded as usual so we settled for Krispy Kreme. We got our much deserved rest but not the donut we were craving for. Oh, well.

❤ NKTI Visit
our little warrior

Visited our little warrior at the hospital. It was a relief seeing him so happy and strong. It was also nice to finally see Teigs again, after what seemed like ages. I know our li'l boy will make it. I can't wait! ❤

 

❤ Manila Memorial Cemetery Visit
birthdays and photographs

Tits' and lola's birthday. We visited tits in Manila Memorial then we had dinner at home with lola. Our photo ops with lola really made my day. On top of that, we managed to make her blow her birthday candles. More birthdays for yah, gramma! :*

❤ Arcade Sesh with By
never lose the child in you

Arcade sesh with the best friend in between her wedding preps. I wonder if she's still as fun now that she's married. Hehehe. I shall see the newly weds soon.

❤ Something Borrowed Addiction
a little too much 

I've always been addicted to the book slash movie Something Borrowed but I got more obsessed with it when I downloaded its soundtrack. I remember listening to A Little Too Much over and over again. My addiction is indeed a little too much. :)

NOVEMBER

❤ Salon Sesh and Jamba Juice with Monique
tadaaahhh!! 

Started my jampacked month with a salon sesh with none other than my vanity buddy, Monique. I'm so happeehh I finally had the guts to let my mermaid hair go. Also, Monique introduced me to Jamba Juice. It's yummeehh.

❤ Pizza Hut with Tin
after all these years

Yet another treat from THE Tin Pe Benito. She hates it when I do this so I'll do it again and again. Haha! We had a rather long dinner but we weren't able to extend the night 'cause she has work the next day. Boo, party pooper!

❤ Tiny's Birthday Celeb
it's always a good time

Celebrated Tiny's birthday at their crib in Bulacan. I had tummy ache all day long but I still had fun. And why not? Aside from his mom being so maalaga, I loved the vibe of their home. Feeling ko ang close with Mother Nature. Haha! #anodaw

❤ Faye's 4th Birthday
time flies so fast

Our baby turned four! She celebrated her birthday at home together with her schoolmates. She obviously had a blast 'cause it's not often that there are other kids at home. Ako lang ang playmate nya usually, imagine how tragic. :P

 

❤ Catching Fire Night with Jhov
'til mockingjay? 

Jhov's shopping day turned movie night as well. And just like that, I found my Hunger Games buddy. 'Til Mockingjay, oki dokiee?

❤ Villamor Airbase Volunteer
three years in the making

My dream of volunteering has finally come to life, thanks to Jhov for tagging me along. It was so fulfilling knowing you have helped in your own little way. I seriously need to do this more often.

DECEMBER

❤ Baby Avira
avira faith

Welcomed the newest member of our family - Avira Faith. ❤ She hates my voice right now {or she hates me in general} but soon enough, she'll find out how fun of an aunt I am. Ha!

❤ By's Wedding

My best friends wedding which I wasn't able to blog about 'cause I didn't have photos. Congratulations, you two! All the best!

 

❤ Christmas 
that time of the year again 

Our most weight-friendly Christmas to date. We had a little family emergency morning of 24 so our Noche Buena table didn't have so much. It turned out for the better, we had more time for photo ops. We missed pigging out though so come New Year, bumawi kami!

 

 
❤ GBBT Night with Jhov
four times the laughter

Yet another movie night with Jhov. Girl Boy Bakla Tomboy was the perfect movie to wrap up the year with. Super hilarious!!

❤ Recap: More Auntie Duties
more of our little potato 

Lastly, photo compilation of my niece from the latter half of the year. I'm a stage aunt. Just thought of stating the obvious. 

ELSEWHERE

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