#sydneycrespo

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HOW TO’s 101: #Blogging at UST

I remembered about 6 years ago, I was inspired to blog because of my favorite bloggers. I started with posting fashion inspirations, outfit shots (before it was called #ootd), and everything in between. I was 12 years old back then and even I wasn’t sure of what I was doing.

My #ootd during my first ever talk as a blogger in my Alma Mater.

Fast forward to this day, I still couldn’t believe how many people I was able to inspire through blogging. I think I am still that 12-year old who just wanted to take good outfits shots wearing a floral bandage skirt and a 4-inch color blocking heels. 

I was invited to be one of the guest speakers at the PharmaWeek of Faculty of Pharmacy in UST. The event was entitled, How To’s 101: Status Update: A Guide To Having Your Own E-diary”. It was really exciting and a humbling experience to see so many young women like me who inspire to become a blogger. It made me appreciate everything I’ve been through. 

Always follow your dreams XO

[sydneycrespo]

What I Learned From Travelling For The First Time

Beyond the Instagram-worthy shots, amazing food, and the beautiful sceneries I’ve seen in my first travel experience –– I learned quite a few things about travelling and myself, too. In this post, I will share with all of you some of the things that make my heart say “awe”. Singapore has a special place in my heart and I am happy to see the beauty with my own eyes.

I flew to Singapore last May and stayed there for 2 months. I had difficulties with getting my passport for about 3 years or so which is why I’ve never been with my family when they go out of the country. It’s been my insecurity and depression for the longest time, honestly. I’ve been wanting to see things and experience them on my own, but I couldn’t––that lasted for years. It was horrible, really. 

This year is very special to me. I know a lot of people would think of it as a joke, but to me it’s a huge deal to explore a different country for the first time. It taught me how to be independent despite being with unfamiliar people. Below I listed some of my realizations during my whole stay, maybe you’ve had this thoughts too!

1. SOMETIMES IT’S GOOD TO BE ALONE -  I was a bit scared to be alone in an unfamiliar place. After a few days, I loved the idea of being alone. The freedom to do what you want and where you want to go without asking for someone else’s thoughts––if they would agree to go or not. It was a bliss. I didn’t have to think about time and I can be as slow as I can while I’m walking in the streets or eating in a restaurant. 

2. DON’T BE AFRAID TO MEET NEW PEOPLE, IT’S NORMAL - My friends who know me personally would say I am an extrovert type of person and that I like being with groups and going to hangouts, social gatherings, stuff like that. This year I had been in a “sort of” identity crisis, I’m not really sure what it is called. But, I started to hate the fact that we have to meet new people. It felt very stressful to me when I think about it. The idea of introducing yourself again, knowing the person’s interests, and trying to make him/her like your personality. It’s like when you’re dating and you /need/ to impress that person. It was really weird but yes, I’d been in that situation. I made new friends and met a lot of people during my stay in Singapore. After few more weeks, I got more comfortable with having conversations and sharing insights. I realized that I shouldn’t shut the world out just because I think they wouldn’t like me. 

3. WHEN YOU’RE LOST, EXPLORE - I’m really really bad with directions. It’s a whole different level of failure, no kidding. If you’d ask me how I go home everyday from school, I wouldn’t be able to explain it to you clearly. So, a different country + 94839841 train stations (my numbers are exaggerated, I really don’t know how many train stations they have) + locals who are always in a hurry + ME = Chaos. I remembered doing a full Snapchat story when I missed my bus stop. The funny thing is I only had to count 4 bus stations. Yes, four. But still, I got lost. Despite that, I still enjoyed every single moment of being lost. I felt independent after exploring and helping myself out. 

4. EXPERIENCE OVER MATERIAL THINGS - Money cannot buy happiness. Sounds familiar, right? I proved that it is true.

5. LEAVE THE NEGATIVITY BEHIND - Before I left for Singapore, I was experiencing a really bad depression. My vacation was also my way to get out of the toxic air I’ve been having. Words couldn’t articulate how this vacation helped me so much. I focused on all positive things as much as possible. We must leave all the negativity behind.

These are just few of the scattered thoughts I have. One thing I am very sure of is that this isn’t going to be my last. Try to get out of your comfort zone, experience something new, aim for the unfamiliar. You don’t know, it might change your way of thinking and perspective in life. 

xo

#MissBliss,

Sydney

[sydneycrespo]

Breakfast Diaries

When you randomly want to take photos at past 1am because why not? It’s my first time to take indoor photos with a real camera, and not just with my phone.  More photos down below.

I had a hard time post processing these photos because it became blurred when I imported it on my laptop. Hence, it took me a while to post them. These are just randomly taken photos while we were practicing how to do an “indoor shot”.  

Photos taken by Kent Yacat 

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Before Legality

Eighteenth birthdays are usually ravishing, epic, and of course, royal-like. Surprisingly, I didn’t opt for such on my special day. After months of my indecisiveness despite the fact that we were already planning for a party (and made a venue reservation)––I ended up choosing going down South and embrace what I knew I’d be really happy about.

Simplicity is what I would choose to call my celebration… Simply satisfying.  I did all the things I want and other shenanigans––minus the stress, pressure, and preparations for a one-night party that I’m pretty sure people will immediately forget after a week or two. I’m trying not to start blabbing about the realisations before legality because it would probably take me heck of a long time to finish this entry.

I felt a certain contentment for finally updating my baby blog. I was bumming around in front of my computer when I thought––I miss blogging! 

My secret talent of neglecting my social media accounts has reached its optimum state after realising that I no longer tweet and post pictures. It was definitely worrying and scary at first, honestly, thinking I could lose interest to what I love doing. However, I learned that there’s more to social media––it’s important to keep some parts of my life just to myself. 

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Metamorphosis

I used to be boyish and simple before I became the girly girl that I am today. I often wear a pair of baggy pants and a loose shirt. My old self is so different from who I found myself today. I’m into basketball because my dad taught me to love the sport. I was just starting in gradeschool when me and my dad used to hangout during PBA games. I play outdoor games and even computer games that are usually played by boys in my generation. Just like everyone else, of course I experienced puberty. I became more feminine and I explored myself more in girly clothing— and later finding myself wearing flowy tops, mini skirts, and doll shoes.

My changes were overwhelming, but I loved it. I found my strengths within myself. I believe that women should be who they want to be. Women should be free to flaunt themselves the way they imagine without waiting for an approval from the society. Our society usually stereotypes women that all should do this, wear this, and be that. Never do the work of men, women are weak, etc etc. But all of us are gifted to change constantly; Some women may be strong enough to do the same work by other men, and some are not— but that doesn’t mean they are weak in everything. Some women may be good in math, some are not— but that doesn’t mean they do not excel in other academics. I have so many thoughts in my head that I couldn’t gather them and put into one idea. So I think I have to stop there. In short, women are free to be themselves, love their physique and talents, and dream as big as they want to be.

In my recent shoot last month with my photographer friend, Paole Dee, I have proved something to myself. Despite being a blogger, I used to have my insecurities with my looks and how I present myself in front of the camera. I usually get e-mails offering me for a modeling but sadly, I declined most of them. I let myself believe that I am busy with my schedule and stuff, but deep down I know that I am uncomfortable. I don’t see myself as beautiful as what other people think I am causing me to lose a few collaborations and opportunities. After my shoot with Paolo, I realized that I could just be myself in front of the camera. I am not expected to be perfect rather I am supposed to have fun and be me. In these photos, I am happy to tell my readers that I showed what I have, I enjoyed and that’s all.

Hence, it was really a fun shoot! It didn’t feel any pressure at all. From now on, I’d be more comfortable with my looks and physique. I promise!

Photos by Paolo Dee Marsala top | Forever 21 skirt | Forever 21 black slip-on sneakers

[sydneycrespo]

#MissBlissEats at Artsy Café

I am launching a new section on the blog which features my love for discovering new restaurants and cafés —#MissBlissEats. Here I will share my experiences and thoughts on my new-found place to dine. Hence, I hope it can also help you where to eat next!

Artsy Café is located at the famous Maginhawa St. in UP Village. I knew about it through my favourite and most-used app which is Zomato app. It is perfect for all the foodies out there like me and I suggest you download it right now! (No, this is not a sponsored post). It has the menu, schedules, pictures, and even reviews about the restaurant! I’ve been bugging Kent to take me to Artsy because I simply told him it’s so “instagrammable!”. The ambiance of the place is so chill that we actually opted to sit outside (and of course considering the natural light for my photos!). Walls were filled with quotes and art which made it more instagrammble than you could ever imagine. Three words to describe Artsy—Pastel, flowers, and woods. A lot of new cafés are offering almost the same thing such as drinks in mason jars, chopping board instead of plates, or any quotes related to the food being offered. But what makes Artsy Café different from these hipster places is it didn’t looked too trying hard and it was so natural. When you get there and sit, you will really feel that you’re somewhere far from the city life. It gives you just the right amount of I-am-sitting-outside-my-garden-sipping iced-tea-in-mason-jar kind of feeling.

We ordered Puttanesca (P120.00), Grilled Cheese served with fries (P120.00) —shown above L-R respectively. We also got Bangus Sisig (P220.00) because it is Kent’s favourite and is not shown in the picture.

The grilled cheese was okay despite the fact that it was obviously not grilled…. WHAT. But it sufficed because it has I think about 5 different kind of cheese inside. CHEESE IS LIFE. Fries were perfect, I suggest you order it!

There are still some factors that can be put to the place to make it better. Just like what Kent said to me whilst we were eating, it would’ve been better if they have a playlist that is perfect with the ambiance. It was too quiet and it can be boring if you don’t have a good company. 

If I would rate it from 1-10, 10 being the highest. I would say Food: 7.5/10 Ambiance: 8/10 Service: 8.5/10 In this new section of the blog, #MissBlissEats, always expect an honest opinion about my experiences––sponsored or not, I will hand out my honest ratings on the food, place, staff and its services. I will share some of my cooking adventures too so keep in touch!

Send me your questions, messages, or even your own experience at Artsy Café at the contact tab above! Happy eating!

[sydneycrespo]

Life Lately

As I’m typing this, I’m lying in bed at 12:34 am contemplating about life and the certain feeling of contentment. I have neither fashion-related nor something artsy in my mind to talk about today. I’ve been MIA on Twitter and Instagram—It is primarily I have found plenty of things to do besides constantly scrolling through my phone despite the numbness of my thumb. I used to make myself believe that I have nothing else to shower my time to that’s why I’m always on social media (which I know is really stupid). Well let’s just say that these past few months, I have found the comfort that I thought I needed through social media thus my eyes are always on the screen.

Honestly, there are times which I felt that my days are so different from the others. While everyone is travelling, here I am at home either watching the same old tv shows or just sleeping. I go to malls and meet up with my friends in between those times but that was it. I badly want to go to provinces and smell the fresh air—but sadly, I am one of those people with families who aren’t so adventurous and just basically do not have a province.

And so days had gone by, I barely touched my phone and clicked on my social media apps. It feels unusual but satisfying—the feeling you get when you know to yourself that you could get through a day without reading people’s rants on twitter or double tapping their selfies on Instagram. It’s weird. If you’re wondering where I’m trying to go to with this post, I just wanted to blab about what’s happening with my life lately:

I’ve been watching a lot of movies these past few weeks like seriously, A LOT. No, I’m not complaining. I missed these films in cinemas and it feels great to finally watch them while I tuck myself in bed.

My family had a vacation in a hotel last weekend which I thought is a breath of fresh air. It was a great opportunity for me to reconnect with my cousins and other people who are close to my heart. We barely hung out even when they’re just around. “Relax and let the good times roll”, well—heck, it is true.

I’ve been experimenting and cooking lately. Mostly, western. I have found the certain bliss in cooking and plating. I never knew I’d be enjoying it, I tell you. I used to hate preparing food for myself. I’m happy to say that I’m now loving it and I’ve been searching easy-to-prepare breakfast and pastries on the web. I’m thinking about making a blog post next time!

If you are following me on Instagram, I bet you would know that I’m often in my swimsuit lately. Nothing else is more satisfying than spending half of my day dipping in the pool. Few more weeks until the summer ends and I’m just making the most out of it!

You see, these things I wrote might be ordinary to some and they can easily judge me by saying, “how boring your life is”. But, the point is this is what makes me happy. Most especially that I am lucky to do these things with the people who truly matters to me.

I hope you are also enjoying your vacation as much as I do.

[heysydneycrespo-blog-blog]

Party Pants

A lazy Saturday morning has led me to a lazy ensemble. It took me more than an hour to think what I'm gonna wear and eventually ended up wearing just a plain white shirt and a screaming printed leggings / pants. But, I had few compliments with what I was wearing though! Haha! 

Please bare with my facial emotions on my pictures below! The sun was totally distracting me and IT WAS SO HOT. But I still hope I was able to pull it off! I really love my tamang tambay peg. 

                    Top: Jockey | Pants: Get Laud | Shoes: Giallo

   Happy Sunday everyone! May you all have an amazing week ahead!

  Photos taken by Neil Tiongson

xx, 

The Evolved Villain