Mark Go

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Allergies. 

Got my hair cut today in preparation for NJ tomorrow! 

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Project 09

It’s almost been one year since my last post on here. Now’s the time to work! Starting a new project soon with old and new friends. Let’s see how this turns out! 

Test shots with my co-worker Jonathan. He’ll be one of my assistants through out this project! Can’t wait to see where this goes.

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New York City - Day One

Before summer ended, I spent the rest of my days in New York City!

Left Toronto with my good friend Sokphal in the afternoon and landed in Newark airport, New Jersey. It was such a short flight, like an hour and a bit. Not enough to finish the Lego Movie though. Met up with Jeremy in NJ and took the train to Penn Station.

The train was so spacious, enough to fit all my luggage. From the station we took a taxi to our apartment we rented out. It was so quant! I'll add a photo of the room in the next post.

Once settling in, we decided to walk around and grab something to eat. I just love the overall feeling of New York City! 

Ended up in Madison Square Park around sunset! The park was filled with people. Such a busy time but love the atmosphere. 

Decided to get Shake Shack! It was my first time, and the line wasn't as long until after we got in line. 

I got crinkle cut cheese fries with a SmokeShack burger. Oh and a strawberry shake, because I love shakes!

So good!

Getting around was confusing at first, but soon I learned to love the subway transit.

Flat Iron Building.

Walked around more, past K-town and the Empire State Building, and headed home around 9pm after such an exhausting day. Definitely loved New York City after one day! 

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Vancouver - Day one

This might just be the best trip I've ever taken! Vancouver was absolutely breathtaking! I had the opportunity to travel to beautiful British Columbia for my youth groups conference held July 18th to the 21st. But of course that left room for sightseeing!

Left the house and arrived at Toronto Pearson Airport around 5:30am. Met up with a bunch of members from my youth group, CFC-Youth, and departed at 7am. This was my first time flying out, so I was excited and nervous at the same time. Technically, I flew out to Mexico when I was 5 but who really remembers anything when you're 5. 

Arrived in Vancouver at noon. The plane ride was just stunning. Roughly 5 hours. I got the window seat and was able to see it all. The mountains look like a combination of steak or cookie and cream mmm. 

Landing in BC, everything felt different. The scenery was painted with mountains in the back like a photoshopped photo. The air was definitely cleaner. It was so beautiful I miss Vancouver just thinking about it! 

At the airport, we were all divided into different groups and destinations. One of the Titos (uncle) from Vancouver drove us to our hosts place. 

After settling in, I headed out and met up with my Vancity friend Nuri. Strange enough, manoeuvring around Vancouver was easy. Using a card system for easy travel around town. That and Google Maps kept me safe. 

Met up at Oakridge Mall then took the Sky Train to downtown. The Sky Train was honestly one of the best parts of the trip. Back here in Toronto, there is no signal while using the train since it goes underground. Signal on the train is just beautiful.

Robson Square.

Waterfront is must visit. Absolutely beautiful. Right near the Calderon and the Fairmont Pacific Rim, which also has a great gelato place.

Gastown, an older part of town, has a great sense of culture.

With minimal time left, we toured the city quick and passed by China Town, and Science World. If you're looking for a great tour guide, I recommend Nuri! 

Made it just time for the dance workshop at Studio 604. Took Jerome Esplana's workshop with Becky, Robert and JP and a few other people from Toronto. Definitely an eventful first day!

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Feels like Spring!

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It’s finally starting to look and feel like Spring in Toronto! After weeks of bipolar weather, it was absolutely a beautiful change from all of that. Went to downtown Toronto to meet up with Johna and Bianca. Met up at Adrenaline Tattoo for Bianca’s tattoo. Seeing her receive one made me think of wanting one soon haha. 

Walked to Harbourfront and took photos there. Unfortunately, I didn’t realize how many bugs live near the water. If you happen to go near the docks, prepare for a swarm of flies to latch on to you.

Although the sun was out, it was still a tad chilly for shorts. It was the best weather in the longest time but I probably won’t wear shorts again unless I’m ready to embrace the cool winds. The wind also ruined my hair many times. Curse you wind!

Bianca and Jo tend to go on their phones when I take photos of them. Camera shy perhaps?  

Blue and white floral print shirt (GAP), shorts (H&M), watch (MK), shoes (Aldo)

The bag was a gift from a friend for my birthday! Thanks buddy! (No idea where it is from)

After each of these photos I’d freak out and attack the bugs that would mount on me. Note to self: bring bug spray or repellant. Other than that the location was great! Gotta explore more of Toronto like this again!

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Final Fantasy X | X-2 HD Remaster

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I picked up my copy of Final Fantasy 10 / 10-2 yesterday at Gamestop! Final Fantasy 10 | 10-2 is a remake of the classic 2001 / 2003 game for the Play Station 2 developed by Square Enix in a beautiful HD remastered version.

I preordered about a month ago which gave me the limited edition version. Unlike most game cases which are all plastic around, the game box is like a book.

I love this little memo inside left by Yoshinori Kitase, producer of the Final Fantasy 10 series.

The Final Fantasy 10 series has to be my favourite. The whole concept , story, characters and gameplay was just perfect. It is honestly so beautiful. Saying good bye to my social life as of now!

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Cafe Princess

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Went out to celebrate my belated birthday with my best friends Jennifer and Stephanie! Marking my double decade of life unfortunately. I’m growing older and I am more closer to 30 than 10 now which scares me. 

Met up with them at Islington station and went to downtown Toronto for dinner. Unfortunately, Joey’s was reserved until 10pm, so we ended up at Jack Astor (haha twice in one week for me!).

They have these nifty tables using brown packing paper as a cover! Usually I play games of tic tac toe or doodle while waiting for the food! And usually I lose haha.

I love nachos. They were mouthwatering and appetizing! With a side of sour cream I could not remove my hands from the plate! 

We ordered the nachos and beer first, then got burgers all around. Surprisingly the burger was filling! Or maybe the fact that I had too many nachos before that. And we didn’t get carded which was astonishing! I am finally looking my age sadly.

Got a complimentary brownie with whipped cream and caramel drizzle! Wish I could have captured the firework better.

Afterwards we headed to the station and went north to Finch Station. Right outside is a charming Korean cafe called Cafe Princess. It’s a small cafe that gives an elegant feel with their classic french tables along side the urban couches. They mostly server different types of tea (hot or cold), smoothes, beverages, and desserts. Jennifer and I ordered a taro bubble tea with tapioca while Stephanie ordered a original milk tea.

We talked about everything! From catching up, to recent events, made videos, and played a game. We wrote down each others most memorable moments, favourite foods, worst traits and best memory. It was like a test of friendship game haha! 

Dark cape (Zara) over white long sleeve (TopMan) paired up with gold broach (TopMan).

The broach is cute but it keeps getting out of place! Used my iPhone’s front camera as a mirror.

We were so full that we didn’t order cake. I still haven’t blown out candles for my birthday yet! Overall we had great night out!

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Skating!

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The weather changed so quickly within two days! It’s been two years since I’ve gone on the ice (except for when I slip on the side walks). I felt like a fish out of water! I love winter and ice skating, despite being bad at it. After work, I headed downtown to Nathan Philips Square with Lance, Daniel, and met up with Leoj. I rented skates from the booth. They were quite rusty with a red exterior. Being flat footed also added pain. All in all it was worth it! I also found it difficult to record and take photos on the ice haha. 

The warm lights continue to give a festive mood along side the frigid weather. 

Looks like someone was prepared! I should have brought my gloves and scarf too! 

My tweed coat from Zara is great for layering but not alone in the winter! So cold! 

After wards they took me to an adult store and got me a belated birthday gift haha! Probably one of the most memorable gifts yet. 

I believe I heard that this was the last week for ice skating as they are closing down for the season. Really glad I was able to go this year! 

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False Winter

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First post on a new blog is always exciting! The weather these past days were terrible. Surprisingly today was warm! I guess 3 degrees is pretty warm considering the past week being below 0. Because of the great weather, my friends decided to treat me out for a belated birthday in downtown Toronto.

Long button-down shirt black & white (KC by Kill City), leggings (Zara), beanie (American Apparel), watch (Michael Kors), shoes (T.U.K), and the wallet was a gift.

Decided to wear a beanie because I was not having the greatest hair day. Beanies fix everything.

Wearing black socks along the leggings gives the illusion of tights but the leggings end at the ankles. I swear these shoes add one inch to my height! Needed insoles for extra comfort though. Also with the warm weather, I wasn’t afraid to bring these out! Haven’t bought suede protection yet, so I was debating on wearing them or not. Still, I have to admit I do love the height increase.

Right now, everything looks like autumn; feels like spring, but hints of winter coming can be seen. Still not ready to wear bolder colour with this bipolar season. Staying safe with the neutral colours for now and not just because majority of my clothing is black and white.

Took photos right outside the Eaton’s centre with Johna. Once Vanessa and her sister came, they treated me to lunch at Jack Astors. Haven’t seen Vanessa in ages! It was a great way to catch up. Good friends, good food, and good weather, that’s all you need in life.