Coldplay 2012

If the world does end on the 21st of December (IT BETTER NOT!!!), then I am so glad I got to watch COLDPLAY live first! :)

Here are photos from the 17/11/2012 concert.

Happy birthday to my diamond of a sister :)

Having been away from home for over 3 months now, I've been pondering a lot about friendship and what a wonderful thing it is. And then I came to think about my 4 siblings and how blessed I am to be sharing unique bonds with each one. Most of the time too, I would think of my youngest sister Golda, and what a great friend she is. 

Looking very pretty. =D

It was not always fairytales and butterflies with her, mind you. Growing up, we've had our squabbles (lots of them), called each other nasty names and didn't talk to each other for days on end. But we got past all those (as I'm sure we'll get past all the fights we'll have in the future) and it's all because of the deep affection that we have developed for each other ever since we were kids. We shared a room as little girls and I remember having spent countless nights just laying in bed and laughing so hard at funny stories - tears rolling down our cheeks and tummies aching. This we still do to this day, and it is still as fun.  On rainy afternoons, we wrote songs (remember Graduation?) and in our make-believe world, we were supermodels or professional doctors, lawyers, teachers or even priests. 

Inspired during that time when the both of us were having dark eyebag problems. :)

As grown ups, we've developed different tastes on some things but it doesn't matter. She's one of my deepest friends (or maybe even the best) - been there for me through thick and thin, during my highs and lows. She's probably the one person who knows my deepest, darkest secrets. She's very smart, eloquent and a really deep thinker. She is not afraid to speak her mind and she challenges my beliefs and opinions. But she's not only book smart. She's funny and quirky and can make anyone laugh (most especially our father) with her most random remarks. She's a real sweetheart too - watches movies with me even if she has to see it twice, accompanies me when I have no one, and just plain listens when I need ears. The thing is, we could spend moments in total silence and still be totally comfortable. She is also very real and brutally honest - tells me when I look pretty, when I look like crap, when it's time to lose weight, or when I am being overtly stupid. 

2010 New Year's eve in Vigan :)

It is true that there is no greater gift in the world than that of a sister. The greatest, if you get along well with each other. I am blessed to have 3 in my life, whom I love ever so dearly. I share a unique relationship with each one but it is with our youngest that I've always had that LOVE-HATE relationship that even I could never ever fathom. 

In just a few hours, my sister will be celebrating her 24th birthday - so Happy, happy birthday Golda!!! I cannot thank the Lord enough for giving me a great sister like you. I love you so much and you know very well that I wish all the best for you!

If it's true what they say that diamonds are forever and that diamonds are a girl's best friend, then I am really lucky to have been given one. Looking forward to more of our love-hate-love moments! :)

The military officers spring ball

My cousin took me to an officers ball (yet again) last Saturday at the Victoria Barracks. It's the spring ball this time and the attendees were from different regiments, unlike the first one which was a university regiment winter ball (http://twentyfourcandles.blogspot.com.au/2012/08/my-cinderella-moment.html). But don't worry coz I'm not going to start blabbing military jargon here as I still do not quite understand the set-up (tho I made my cousin explain the basics like the artillery, infantry, etc.). My uncle has also been half joking/hinting that I join the military as an auditor/accountant but that would still require physical training. Gosh. So tito, my answer is still no. I'm content with just being invited to go to the ball, thank you very much. :)

Anyway, back to the spring ball. This was different from last time 'coz there were no fancy speeches, it was not just dancing, there were more people and the affair lasted until dawn. There were other fun activities like bumper cars, the casino, choo-choo train, tarot card/palm reading, portrait caricatures and food and drinks were overflowing. I had my fortune told for the first time in my entire life and I was not impressed (hope my guardian angels will not hate me for that). Though she did say some nice things! I also had a lot of fun playing blackjack in the casino, which I learned for the first time that night through the guidance of the wife of one of my cousin's friends. We lost about $4,000 though it wasn't really gambling coz we were using pretend money that we bought. The proceeds will be donated to Legacy, a charity supporting families of soldiers killed during war. I learned a very important lesson that night - NEVER EVER GAMBLE. Unless, you are using pretend money and it's for a good cause. :)     

Here are a few photos. :)

I wonder if they hold a ball for every season. Hmmm.    

Australians and barbecue

I've read somewhere that the  Aussies love their barbecues as much as they love their beaches and sports. Well, I guess they pretty much love anything that involve camaraderie and the outdoors! In the Philippines, this would be similar to our "ihaw-ihaw" by the beach, the garden or wherever we could set-up the "ihawan" then having to eat kamayan-style!

As previously mentioned, I went to my first barbecue party last Saturday at Tita Angie's, a cousin of my father. Her daughter (my cousin) was visiting Sydney from another state, so they hosted a barbecue lunch to celebrate (i) the birth of baby Olivia (ii) Tita Susan's birthday and (iii) my arrival! How lucky can I get? Additionally, it was also a talent showcase for (iv) Amelia who could play the piano and read well at age five and (v) Tita Angie's piano playing skills who learned ages ago from the same person who taught me and my sisters - Lola Ising! Apparently, all my aunts and uncles had piano lessons under her.

It was a really good day and you would see from the photos below that everyone had fun in the sun! Most importantly, I had my fill of steak, sausages, prawns and chocolate cake! I intentionally made myself forget about the winter ball. Why waste good food, right? 

The entire family. :)

Happy birthday, Tita Susan!

The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. :)

Can you adopt me please? haha :)

Skye with mama and papa. Vigan City represent!

With Tita Rochie!

Chill, chill moment under the sun :)

Tita Angie must be the best student that lola ever had. Can still read notes and play well to date! :)

Your daddy better get ready for when you grow up. Boys will fall head over heels! :)

Look at her dainty fingers go!

Here is Amelia reading her favorite stories. Tita Angie is one proud lola. :)

Thanks, Manang. =D

Another Aussie activity experienced! =D