Honey, Life Is Just A Classroom

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One month to go! Dear You, It's a month away from the big day. The day your younger self wouldn't even imagine will happen to you.

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Livin' a Chocolate Dream

Livin’ a Chocolate Dream

The day I promised myself not to consume more sweets, the chocolate cake many has dreamed of getting suddenly has given me a taste of reality.

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A couple of weeks before my semester ended, I asked my good friend Nigel Ebio if I can write about him. I write about people I know and somehow close to, whose passion and commitment towards something they really want is on fire! In other words, these people fascinate me and never failed to give me a slight nudge of inspiration.

I was surprised that he said yes amidst all his photography shenanigans this so-called vacation. Even more shocked that he wanted to do the interview in person, a chat or email would’ve sufficed but who would say no for a free quick photo shoot? It’s interesting to see photographers in action – a backstage pass to all the behind the scenes. Moreover, it’s truly fascinating hearing their stories how they got in to photography.

HOW HE STARTED

Having his phone with him sometime last year, Nigel has been a fan of street photography. He started capturing candid moments, casual happenstances, and daily occurrences in public places.

With a little help from YouTube tutorials and a dash of inspiration from Shaira Luna and Jessica Kobeissi, Nigel is also delving in portrait photography. Later, he was exposed to different Facebook groups about cameras and photography which lead him to an introduction to a vast number of experienced photographers. He shared that his real photography exposure began when someone in the group asked if there’s someone willing to be a photography buddy at UP Diliman. Combined by his eagerness to learn more and interest in sunflowers, he took the opportunity.

Street photography by Nigel Ebio

Street photography by Nigel Ebio

Street photography by Nigel Ebio

Street photography by Nigel Ebio

In the moments when he’s with the skilled ones, he observed their styles and how different angles can be captured. Then, he started doing his own by sharing the ideas he had in mind. With all the moments and poses he captured, his distinct style has seen as a potential which eventually opened doors for him. He was invited to some occasions, including events for Spotted Magazine, Art Fair 2018, Manila Fashion Festival 2018 and Manila Next.

He was given an all access pass during Manila Next, where he got the chance to meet the models up close and personal, who later became subjects for his shoots. I am not here to cut down your skills or even downgrade your self-esteem, but believe it or not he was contacted by one of the celebrity’s handlers to be one of the official photographers for a grand event this September 2018. (Hint: It is considered as a ball that aims to celebrate the discovering of their new talents. You got an idea? Okay cool.)

full set: – facebook.com/nreimages – #portrait_perfection #earth_portrait #fujifilm #portrait_vision #portrait_mood #fotografia #vsco #fujifeed #portraitpage #portraitstream #behindthelens #btl #vscofeature #creativesocialmag #agameoftones #visualsoflife #visualambassadors #moodygrams #portraitcollective #aovportraits #peopleinframe #moodyports #doports #discoverportrait

A post shared by Nigel Ebio (@nigelebio) on May 2, 2018 at 5:21am PDT

full set: – facebook.com/nreimages – #portrait_perfection #earth_portrait #fujifilm #portrait_vision #portrait_mood #fotografia #vsco #fujifeed #portraitpage #portraitstream #behindthelens #btl #vscofeature #creativesocialmag #agameoftones #visualsoflife #visualambassadors #moodygrams #portraitcollective #aovportraits #peopleinframe #moodyports #doports #discoverportrait

A post shared by Nigel Ebio (@nigelebio) on Apr 28, 2018 at 1:31am PDT

PORTRAITS

Having a number of models captured, Nigel prefers foreigners as they have different ways of expressing emotions and their style differs than the locals. The models are more liberated when it comes to their clothing and posing. This holds true for different nationalities.

Portrait by Nigel Ebio

Portrait by Nigel Ebio

According to Nigel, foreign models are always on time since they do not have this concept of “Filipino time”. These models always work fast. It’s not that they always seem to give their best shots but they work smoothly and efficiently.

Portrait by Nigel Ebio

Portrait by Nigel Ebio

But of course, being a photographer at his young age, he still feels jittery every time he starts shooting. Sometimes he doesn’t know how to approach the models, but with his persistence and dedication he always gets the job right.

Portrait by Nigel Ebio

Portrait by Nigel Ebio

But fret not my dear locals, Nigel also takes photos of his fellow residents too!

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SCHOOL-WORK BALANCE and FUTURE PLANS

As for Nigel, he knows what he wants but he has to finish what’s on his current plate. There were moments when he found himself in the verge of failing almost all of his courses. Instead of attending his classes, he was engaged in photography gigs which made him earn probably 25% of our entire tuition fee for the whole semester in just a span of one week. However, he was able to get through this!

Street photography by Nigel Ebio

Street photography by Nigel Ebio

As a graduating student of Business Management, Nigel plans of not pursuing anything related to his degree. He will go after what his heart desires. He is taking steps now as he inch towards becoming a full time photographer. With his passion, dedication, and setting fame aside, no wonder that this guy behind the lens will truly be successful.

Behind the Lens: Nigel Ebio

Nigel accepts photography work focusing on portraits and fashion. He also does digital magazines and graphic designs. As for events, he is starting to dive into videography alongside his prior grind for birthdays and weddings.

If you happen to be interested with his photography you may reach him through his social media accounts:

Facebook

Instagram

For full sets of his photography, visit the link here.

*all photos (c) Nigel Ebio*

Thoughts about my blog post? Don’t forget to leave your comments and suggestions. If you don’t wanna miss my posts, follow me if you’re a WordPress blogger too and if not, subscribe via email 🙂 Let life occur to you today! xx

Behind the Lens with Nigel Ebio A couple of weeks before my semester ended, I asked my good friend Nigel Ebio if I can write about him.

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If you need a place to kick your shoes off somewhere near NAIA after your hours of travel, or maybe after a long day of strolling and gaming, Savoy Hotel has got you covered. Being located in Newport City, Savoy Hotel guests have a convenient access to the luxury mall, resort and casino, and even cinema and performing arts theater. Just outside Savoy Hotel is a variety of retail shops. There’s also a designated spot for shuttle service to and from Resorts World Manila.

Savoy Hotel had its simulation last June 14 to 16, 2018, and my family was able to acquire an overnight stay before its doors publicly open later this month.

With its bright and colorful ambiance, accompanied with the staffs’ warm smiles and courtesy, one will immediately feel the great experience that awaits inside. The lobby was really spacious, and I fell in love with the place.

  The Room

Our room was located at 9th floor. It is equipped with life-saving air conditioner, flat screen TV, and mini fridge. There are comfortable beds with bed runners that match the art on the wall. You also get a hot/cold shower, a nice comfy chair, telephone, and wi-fi access.

  Having a breathtaking view from the NAIA terminal 3, my brother enjoyed watching as the airplanes prepare to take off and land.

The Facilities

The wellness facilities are on the 2nd floor.

Savoy Hotel has an indoor swimming pool. I like their high wall of greens definitely perfect as your swimsuit OOTD background.

In the shower room, there are lockers provided and at the farthest, a sauna is present for your usage. Also located in the same floor is the gym. An instructor is present to guide you with your workout.

The Savoy Café

This is actually the best part of my experience! Savoy Café serves international mouth-watering cuisine. A wide-selection of dishes to indulge on during dinner and breakfast buffets is present.

Dinner 

There may be a vast number of delicious food, unfortunately I failed to take a photo of each table and dish because I want to have a taste of every food possible. Taking photo, and looking for the perfect angle really takes time, though.

There’s a pasta station where you can customize according to your liking. You may choose the type of noodle you want. Three choices for your sauce are present – red sauce, white sauce, and pesto. Also, a crepe station is there – have it the way you want it. May it be filled with fruits or topped with some ice cream.

Among the many food I had that night, I came back to this certain dish a bunch of times. And I really did not care if my dress is about to explode or what because of my bloated feels. My most favorite dish was the Spiced Rubbed Pork Baby Back Ribs with Mango Miso Glaze! Did that name make you drool?  It’s really heavenly – so soft and savory. I never had baby back ribs that good! (I’m sorry, Ma. Savoy Cafe has beaten your cooking!)

Breakfast

I only had a hurried breakfast because I spent most of my time through a morning dip. And of course, a lot of picture taking was included. Arriving at the breakfast buffet with less than an hour before closing and with the limited time I had for eating, I only took quick photos as I passed by the tables.

Savoy Cafe’s hot chocolate was really to die for! I loved the blend of chocolate and milk. It’s sweet but not too much. Having its light color, no wonder that a lot of milk was poured to it. I had roughly 3 cups of it. And that’s the best hot chocolate I ever had!!! (I’m sorry McDonald’s)

Opening its doors on June 28, 2018, Savoy Cafe is off for a delicious start! You may enjoy Savoy Cafe’s lunch buffet for Php 599.00 and diner buffer for Php 699.00. This promo runs from June 29, 2018 until July 31, 2018 only. 

Not only my stomach was full, even my eyes because of their wonderful and bright interiors. And oh, my camera roll too!

Overall, it was a great stay! Though it was just a simulation, and they are leaving their doors open for improvements – they are really good to go.

With aesthetically pleasing design and facilities, courteous staffs, and delicious food, our staycation at Savoy Hotel is truly exceptional.  Time really passes by so fast when you’re having fun. With that, we’ll genuinely come back! You guys must visit, and tell me all the things I failed to include here *wink*.

Savoy Hotel is located at 101 Andrews Ave, Newport City, Pasay, Metro Manila

You may check them online through their website, and Facebook and Instagram accounts for reservation and inquiries.

Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored. All ideas and opinions are my own and not influenced in any way.

Thoughts about my blog post? Don’t forget to leave your comments and suggestions. If you don’t wanna miss my posts, follow me if you’re a WordPress blogger too and if not, subscribe via email 🙂 Let life occur to you today! xx

Savoy Hotel Manila Experience If you need a place to kick your shoes off somewhere near NAIA after your hours of travel, or maybe after a long day of strolling and gaming, Savoy Hotel has got you covered.

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Dear, Arianne Jane

Amidst all my life’s wandering and experimenting, my emotional weather report remains unchanged: Light to moderate feels with scattered fits of hysteria and hints of paranoia. (more…)

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Open Letter: To All The Boys I've Loved Before

Open Letter: To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before

To all the boys I’ve loved before, (more…)

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March Faves

The third month wave of 2017 has created memories and excitement I never saw coming. Well of course, we exactly don’t have any idea as to what life has offer – “just roll with it and let it happen”. And I won’t ever get tired of telling you how obsessive I am about “life”. (more…)

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Happy 2nd Anniversary

My blog just had its 2nd anniversary yesterday. (more…)

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2016 in Retrospect

If you asked me a few weeks back, I’ll tell you right away without even hesitating that my 2016 sucked. You may be expecting me to join the bandwagon by tweeting something like, “2017 please be good to me”. But nope, I’m not one of them. I’m only telling you that because I was so consumed with the situation I was and am (yes, present tense) still dealing with right now. Not until I contemplated…

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Goodies from Serenitea and Loacker

Goodies from Serenitea and Loacker

“Matcha is not as bad you think, some may say it’s like eating grass but hey, having hazelnut taste on your drink has brought it to the next level!” Part of my caption had those words when I entered Serenitea’s Instagram photo contest. In that contest, you have to post a photo of your Serenitea Loacker drink alongside what do you love most about your drink. Affixed with the hashtag and tag…

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Moleskine Pop-up Store: MoleskinexAnina

There is no harm in trying. That’s what I always tell myself whenever I see Instagram giveaway contests. If you happen to be one of my usual blog readers, you know in some ways how lucky I am in winning such. Lucky – well, that’s the term my friends use more often. So recently, I joined Anina Rubio‘s contest on Instagram. She partnered with Moleskine Philippines to customize your purchase of the…

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Moleskine Pop-up Store: MoleskinexAnina

There is no harm in trying. That’s what I always tell myself whenever I see Instagram giveaway contests. If you happen to be one of my usual blog readers, you know in some ways how lucky I am in winning such. Lucky – well, that’s the term my friends use more often. So recently, I joined Anina Rubio‘s contest on Instagram. She partnered with Moleskine Philippines to customize your purchase of the…

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Amidst the highly and ever demanding academics – well, I can’t protest because education is essential– an eager fangirl, who swore months ago that she’ll be absent on the upcoming book signing event, has managed her time for her major exam and meeting the international author she tweeted a bunch of times.

Our school calendar had been laid down even before the semester starts. Unfortunately, our prelim exam was aligned with Manila International Book Fair. Speculations spread last Amy Zhang and Andrea Portes’ book signing that Morgan Matson will be the MIBF author since the aforementioned Jennifer Niven and Amy Zhang have already visited.

Upon knowing Matson’s visit last August 26, I was escalated with a slight chance of anxiety. That morning, I accepted defeat while gripping the MIBF passes I asked for with Morgan’s face at the back of it. No luck. Exams first, after all.

But later that night, Nikki chatted that it’ll be a Saturday signing at NBS Glorietta 1. That’s when the light bulb at the side of my head popped up.

Words flooded my brain: Morgan Matson. Saturday. book signing. Glorietta. Makati. 10 am registration. book signing. Morgan Matson.

I had my Saturday schedule planted and yes, I’ll definitely meet her!

 ON THE DAY September 17, 2016

I attended my morning class then head to Glorietta at around 9:30am. I was surprised by how few bookworms were there, since 9am is really a hit during previous signings.

Nikki and I kept texting each other just to kill time. Why? Because we’re really at the opposites of the line. She arrived around 5am, our typical schedule, but due to my classes, the early bird Nikki waited by herself. I spent time tweeting the followers of @KatharineMG_PH since I’m managing the account and I was giving away bookmarks.

Upon registration, without putting my bags down yet, I was welcomed by my ever-euphoric bookworm/bookstagram friends! Meeting the admin behind the Philippine fan base account for Morgan Matson, is overwhelming! I have seen Avie in flesh. She saved a seat for me, though, but I said yes to Nikki beforehand. Thanks Avie, still.

Of course, selfies!

Introducing Isa (in front of me), Nikki, Danica and Pamala (at the back).

Unfortunately, we’re prohibited from sitting on the couch. But a selfie in front will do!

Since most of the bookworms had gone elsewhere, Nikki and I took advantage of the space NBS Glorietta hasn’t offered in previous book signings. More likely, this is how I flatlay.

Evaluating the lighting and how to position the books!

Okay, so this is how I flat lay. Just kidding! NBS Glorietta never had too much space for this.

The masterpiece!!! Follow @PageWanderers on Instagram.

Book signing ready!!! @morgamat's books and my bookmarks ♥️ Who's here today? #MorganMatsonInPH

A photo posted by Arianne Jane (@ariannejanev) on Sep 16, 2016 at 7:33pm PDT

After taking lots of photos and having lunch, sadly I have to leave Nikki for I have a major exam to take at 1:30pm. Missing the Q&A hosted by one of my fave writers, Pam Pastor made my heart sick. *sobs* I asked Nikki to take photos of Pam, but little did I know she got me a video message!!!

5-ish PM

I was back at Glorietta, with Nikki updating me thru text messages, just in time. So the thing I never ever wouldn’t forget and I guess I hated my iPhone for minutes – when “VERIFYING UPDATE” suddenly popped into my screen. Like, what? Like now, NOW? Apple why? I WAS A FEW PEOPLE AWAY FROM MORGAN MATSON!

So why just now iPhone? Why are you updating when I’m minutes away from Morgan Matson? Thank you @nikkiharriet for capturing this moment.

MEETING MORGAN MATSON

Thank Heavens for a great bookworm buddy, I was able to get photos with my Morgan-encounter!

Here are the best words, I’ve actually heard from the NYT bestselling author of Amy and Roger’s Epic Detour, Second Chance Summer, Since You’ve Been Gone and The Unexpected Everything personally. It’s an honor, actually. More or less, this is how our conversation went.

“It does that all the time! It sucks.” -Morgan on my updating iPhone. If you could just see the look on her face. So theatrical and all!

“I don’t tolerate skipping classes but I’m glad you’re here.” –I mentioned to Morgan that I actually ditched one just to get registered on time. Okay, Ma & Pa, if you’re reading this (but I guess not really), sorry for not letting you know. But it’s done anyway, what’s the point? Kidding. But yeah, apologies.

Morgan’s taking a photo of my tatt! The bookmark and the pop-up cards are on the table

“Oh wait, I need to take a picture of that.” (later that night the photo was collaged and posted on her Instagram account) -And I honestly was dying from giddiness inside! But I have to keep calm because she’s not yet done signing my copies. I showed her the red heart-shaped sunglasses tattoo on my arm that I got from Candy Magazine a few years back. Yep, I’m such a keeper.

I forgot the compliments she told me about the pop-up card and the Since You’ve Been Gone bookmark I designed *sobs* Why didn’t I write it down on my journal?

“El. Eleven! I didn’t know she was British.” – Asked Morgan’s fave Stranger Things character. Same boat with her, since we didn’t hear much of her speaking voice in season 1.

Which Morgan Matson expression is your favorite? I’m going for all four <3

“You want to take  a picture?” (clearly this is the last part of the usual author encounter and I just don’t want to hear it yet) -But she’s still blabbing about how surprised she was that Millie’s British, who plays Eleven. Yep, I’ve mentioned that above but Morgan can’t seem to stop haha. Such a fangirl!

“*talks of Stranger Things* Thanks for the pop-up card!” (while holding the next fan’s book and the fan seems like to cut us off)

Going back to my seat, I couldn’t thank Nikki more for lending her phone. We shared a lot of stories and stuff about life. We explored iOS 10 together knowing that she’s a huge Samsung fan haha. Time passed by, we need to bid farewell and see another time soon.

I decided to stay until the signing ends to see how it ends. Get it? Just for the sake of a new experience. As the people diminishes, I spotted two familiar faces! It’s Marian and Illac, my former blockmates 2 years passed. I was proud for Illac being the last person in line having number 200 as his signing pass number.

I GOT MY FIRST AUTHOR SELFIE

After everything’s done, I asked for a selfie since I didn’t have a photo with Morgan on my phone. I was fidgety at first because I’m sure that NBS staff are following protocol and won’t allow it. But my guts and instincts told me to go for it since it is done! I was asking Morgan but I was kinda looking at the weary faces of the staff, ready to accept a rejection because there’s really a moment of silence. Like, an owl in the middle of the night. Morgan decided and said yes. “You know what, let’s do it. That’s okay!”

After managing to get three selfies with her, I still followed Morgan as she sashayed to the escalator. I got her final good bye on video! *sad that I’m not on premium plan*

Being equipped with the right motivation and mindset, the part-time student and full time fangirl, who has not just managed her time for her major exam but also aced it had also spent time selling bookmarks, chatting the NYT bestselling author and being referred to as ‘John Green girl’ by one of her fave local authors/writers, has pulled this day off!

Thoughts about my blog post? Don’t forget to leave your comments and suggestions. If you don’t wanna miss my posts, follow me if you’re a WordPress blogger too and if not, subscribe via email :) Let life occur to you today! xx

Book Signing: Morgan Matson Amidst the highly and ever demanding academics - well, I can't protest because education is essential…

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Hey Kessy is a Happy Place for Me

Hey Kessy is a Happy Place for Me

I’m an arts and crafts geek! I’ve been artsy all my life and when circumstances occur, whether it be all things DIY, scrapbook, banners and everything paper art, I’m the person you can count on. *winks* (more…)

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Philippine Readers and Writers Festival 2016: Day 1

Philippine Readers and Writers Festival 2016: Day 1

It’s been a month since readers and writers here and yonder headed to Raffles Makati for Philippine Readers and Writers Fest 2016 last August 26-28. (more…)

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Why I loved The Thousandth Floor

New York City as you’ve never seen it before. A thousand-story tower stretching into the sky. A glittering vision of the future, where anything is possible—if you want it enough Synopsis: Welcome to Manhattan, 2118. A hundred years in the future, New York is a city of innovation and dreams. But people never change: everyone here wants something…and everyone has something to lose. Leda Cole’s…

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Lock Screens for Motivation Monday

Lock Screens for Motivation Monday

Monday may be the fresh start of the week but needless to say, most of us hate Mondays.  Here are some inspirational lock and home screens for you to save on your smartphones: 1. It is a new beginning. Time to let your brains do the work but hey, don’t settle! 2. Asking for God’s blessings? Particularly to pass all your subjects/courses this year? Remember, when you ask do not judge God’s…

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