I really feel flattered. They were only supposed to be shoppers. Girls in pretty little avatars that shop in my online dress shop. Well, if you are clueless, I actually began an online boutique almost a year ago. I sell a collection of tops and dresses. It was through this online shop that I met G and F. G, a self-confessed shopaholic, was actually one of my very first shoppers. In less than a year's time, we had about 10 transactions already. F is another Cebuana fashionista who loves to shop online. F usually places her reservations and orders as soon as I posted new clothes. That's how fast she is! G and F started out as mere shoppers. But in time, we became friends as we talked about our lives way beyond our closets. So when G came here in Manila, I treated her out for lunch at Piazza Pazzo in Powerplant. It was exciting to finally meet the pretty face in the avatar. Over pizza and pasta, we talked about our lives in Cebu and Manila. Glaiz thought that life in Manila is too fast-paced while I thought that life in Cebu is too laid back. Before G and I said goodbye, G handed me a gift from F. It was a big box of my favorite Shamrock Otaps, the pride of Cebu. F was really so sweet and thoughtful. F had asked G to bring the Shamrock Otaps for me when she found out that G is going to Manila. Actually, F and G only became friends when they bumped into each other while shopping in my dress shop. Now they became very good friends who go out on dinners. I hope I can hang out with F on her next trip to Manila. I am truly grateful to gain friends like them. Till we see each other again! :)

Sometimes, it really makes me wonder why B asked for my hand and married me. I was only 22 and B was only 25 the year we tied the knot. Well, I know for a fact that he loves me very much. But isn't it that most men find it hard to say goodbye to their bachelor life? Especially at the age of 25? I certainly don't know what has gotten into B. While all his friends are enjoying bachelorhood, B chose to settle down with me in marriage. And I confess that I'm a very possessive and demanding woman. B knew that in the 5 years we were together. Wasn't that enough to scare him away? As a matter of fact, B's friends even refer to me as the commander or worse, the kryptonite.

When M celebrated his birthday last Saturday at Green Maris, I noticed how B acted very differently around his friends. B was the only married man in the group. All the rest were bachelors with raging testosterones. While his friends were speaking in a green language, B sat in his seat, silent and tamed, as they went on discussing about sexy FHM models and girls they hooked up with. B showed no eager interest. If anything, he tried to shift the topic to business or gadgets. Deep inside, I start to wonder if it's all because of my presence and if B would have behaved otherwise if I wasn't there at all. I also start worrying if B had any regrets marrying me and giving up his bachelorhood. I guess I'll never know, would I?

But as B embraced me in his arms that night, something told me he cherishes this marriage more than anything else in this world. With that, my worried heart was eased. :)

Last Saturday, I drove to Starbucks Silvercity to hang out with my good friend, F. F invited me to attend the event "Dialogues at Starbucks" where Anton Diaz of Our Awesome Planet is going to give a talk. Even before I started blogging, I have always visited Anton Diaz's blog to learn and catch up on the interesting hidden places in Manila. So I was really glad to be able to meet the man behind the blog. Anton is an ordinary guy with an extra-ordinary perspective of this world. That is what sets him apart from the rest. And that is what I admire most about him. I also got to meet his beautiful wife, Rachel, who happens to be a schoolmate some 10 batches higher.



F was so sweet that she got me my all time favorite Mocha Frappuccino. I swear nothing brightens up my day like a frappe! It's no wonder that B always gets me a frappe as some peace offering after we have our quarrels. So while F had her iced tea, I had my frappe and we chatted about what's new in our lives. We were also offered chocolate frosted mini donuts that Sophie can't seem to get enough of. Sophie picked the donuts up by herself on the table and stuffed them into her small mouth. All by herself. She ate about 3 donuts and she still wanted more. Not to mention that I already bought her Auntie Anne's pretzels earlier that day. I really can't help but laugh at how cute she is.



I really wish I could stay longer but I had to excuse myself and leave early because B & I still have a dinner party that night. Sophie and I truly had a fun afternoon. Well, Sophie had a yummy afternoon. Thanks so much, F! I hope we can have more Saturdates! :)

The 2nd year of marriage is symbolized by cotton. Soft and delicate. The warmest source of comfort. This June, B and I celebrated our 2nd wedding anniversary!

Before we got married, B and I only celebrated one anniversary every May. But now that we've tied the knot, we celebrate two anniversaries every year in the months of May and June. May is the month we fell in love. June is the month we exchanged vows. It gets quite confusing at times when I try to explain it to people. But what do they know about these special dates anyway?

I woke up early that day to prepare a special breakfast for B. Breakfast consisted of B's favorite ciabatta bread from Le Souffle with a choice of butter and a special olive oil dip. When B got out of his shower, I excitedly dragged him out to our dining room. B normally skips breakfast. But this time, B sat down and ate about 5 slices of ciabatta bread. I wished that B can declare our anniversary as a holiday and spend the entire day with me. But B had to leave for work. Before he left, B planted a kiss on my lips and reminded me about our date tonight. A kiss that lingered on my lips for the rest of the day. :)

When I see my ICA friends, I always feel like I'm back in high school. I can be crazy and carefree once more. No holding back. No acting all grown-up and mature. And this is what I love most about my friends. But when V invited us for dinner at Le Souffle to celebrate her 25th birthday, I was taken aback. The numerals made quite an impact to me. Wasn't it only yesterday when we can't stop talking about our prom during algebra?! Are we really turning 25 this year?


Pretending to be the girls of Sex and the City, K proclaimed herself as the ever fashionable and stylish Carrie Bradshaw. S, with her promising career and boy cut 'do, refused to accept that she is Miranda Hobbes. C, miles away in Tokyo, is Samantha Jones. While I was unanimously voted as conservative and idealistic Charlotte York. Someday, years and decades from now, we girls would still be dressing up, catching up, sitting together, having dinner, and sipping our coffees and teas while we talk about our crazy lives!

PARTY SUPPLIERS

Jelly Bellies Party Experrts
Shaw Blvd. Mandaluyong
02-7247695

Kitchen Krafts
Calbayog St. Mandaluyong
02-5335288

Leilani Marcelino
0922-8330016