Free As The Wind

One of the wonderful places that we visited from our trip to Ilocos last April was the Bangui Windmills in Ilocos Norte. Yes! We have those here in the Philippines! :-) According to one of the locals, the Bangui Windmills are the main suppliers of electricity in the province of Ilocos. If I remembered it correctly, there were around 20 towering windmills in the area, all facing the sea (the locals say it is already the South China Sea). The sight of these windmills was really majestic and breathtaking. Being under one of these gigantic windmills and feeling the sea breeze through your hair and face, one would have an exhilirating feeling of freedom. For all those visiting the northern region of Ilocos, the Bangui Windmills is a must-see landmark.

Journalling: As Free As the Wind.. Bangui Windmills, Ilocos Norte, Philippines, April 2010.

Credits for this layout: Escape Kit by Jayedid Designs; Only by Request font and Fontmoochers font both available at Kevin and Amanda.com;

Neo & Apple

Last January 2, 2010, my officemate Apple got married to her fiance' Neo. Prior to their wedding, we gave Apple a bridal shower last December. We rented a hotel room in Makati, and connived with Neo so that the bridal shower would be a surprise party for Apple. It was good that Neo was cooperative and was a fast-thinker, because he was able to convince Apple to accompany him to the hotel room. Of course, there was some hesitation and doubt on Apple's part, but Neo assured her that the hotel room they were about to check was for Neo's balikbayan aunt and cousin. When they got to the hotel room, Apple was so surprised when she turned on the lights and a bunch of ladies shouted "SUFRISE!". We deliberately said SUFRISE as a tease or pang-aasar for Apple because she mispronounced this word before. To Apple and Neo, belated congratulations and best wishes!! :-)

Credits for this layout: My Romance Kit by Caroline B. available at Kreative Kreations Korner.

Good Company

I enjoy watching my brother when he is with his friends and girlfriend. Somehow it reminds me of my own friends (and okay.. past boyfriends.. tee hee!!). How fast time flies. Several years ago, my brother was still a timid gradeschooler who usually spends his free time here at home playing with his toys and his Ate (me!). As soon as he entered his teenager years and high school life, things slowly changed. He now enjoy more the company of his friends, and definitely wants to spend more time with his girlfriend. Not that I am jealous or against it. In fact, I am happy that my brother is in good company. I know most of his close friends (since they spend countless overnights here in our small home), and he has introduced his girlfriend to the rest of the family (and his girlfriend's family know my brother). In this layout, my brother is with his girlfriend Nella, and his best buddy Inno.

Journalling: Keep good company and ye will be counted one of them - Scottish Proverb

Credits for this layout: Funky Kit Collab Kit from DigiscrapmaniaShop; WordArt from Party On! WordArt by Tina Chambers available at Digital Scrapbookplace.

Eyeglass Models

I just had to create a layout using this picture, no matter how simple it would be. This is one of the wacky photos taken with my friends from my previous work. It was sent to me by one of my friends who's also included in the picture. There's a funny story behind this funny shot. One of our "mothers" (i.e. one of the more "senior" employees) in the office was selling eyeglass frames during that time. We can't help but notice that some of the frames had "shocking" colors, we were wondering if those frames are "sellable". And so to help one of our "mothers" in selling those frames, we agreed to model the eyeglass frames for almost several hours in the office, and even took a picture wearing those eyeglass frames.

Journalling: Together friends can see things clearer and better.

Credits for this layout: Wubulous Kit by Amy Sumrall Designs.

Trees

Since I was kid, there is no subject that I enjoy most back in high school and elementary other than Literature and Creative Writing. Though I must admit, I'm not really that gifted in the art compared to my writer friends. Nonetheless, writing has helped me express myself and say those things that I can't say in verbally. It has become my outlet to voice out what I truly feel. People who know me well know that I can write my best compositions during those moments when I am very happy or very sad. And one of the pieces of literature that "inspired" me to hone this love for writing is Joyce Kilmer's poem, Trees. I remember learning this poem back in elementary (I just can't remember which grade level). The poem was simple enough to be understood and memorized by a grade school kid like me, but it's meaning is something even adults should learn and internalize - "Poems are made by fools like me.. but only God can make a tree" - Man can create the most fluent verses and the most advanced machines, but only one God has the power to create and give the greates miracle of all - Life.

For this layout, I chose some of the pictures we took while driving along the man-made Mahogany forest in Bohol. The Mahogany trees are so tall and planted so near each other that the higher branches reach out to each other, forming a canopy which provides a shade against the scorching sun to those travelling on the road. According to our tour guide, Ms. Flor, the Mahogany trees here were planted to prevent the floods from reaching the lower areas. Thus, these trees are very much protected and taken care of. How I wish all trees in Philippines are treated this way. =D

Journalling:

Trees

by Joyce Kilmer

I think that I shall never see

A poem lovely as a tree.

A tree whose hungry mouth is prest

Against the earth's sweet flowing breast;

A tree that looks at God all day,

And lifts its leafy arms to pray;

A tree that may in Summer wear

A nest of robins in her hair;

Upon whose bosom snow has lain;

Who intimately lives in rain;

Poems are made by fools like me,

But only God can make a tree.

Credits for this layout: Harvest Spice Kit at shabbyprincess.com; Teen Collection and Family History Collection at scrapbookflair.com; Endless Ephemera Collection at raspberryroaddesigns.blogspot.com; Autumn Gold Kit at bohemianart.blogspot.com; Frisson Kit at petitmoineaux.blogspot.com; Cherry Mokka Kit at digiscrapbooking.ch.

You Complete Me

If there's one thing I realized when Zion arrived is the sense of fulfillment he has brought into my life. Prior to having Zion, I must admit that I'm a happy-go-lucky type of person. Yes, I work hard and earn a decent living, but the reason and the purpose why I work hard is not that clear to me yet. During that time, I work to spend, and sometimes I spend on things that I don't necessarily need. During that time, I really had no definite goal in my life. Zion's arrival had caused a 180 degree turn in my life. For one, I learned the value of responsibility. I live no longer for myself. There was another being who's dependent on me. Today, I know I need to strive for a better future not only for myself, but for Zion as well. Today, my goals are no longer centered on myself, but it already involves a tiny being with a big importance in my life - Zion. Somehow, despite the consequences that surround his arrival into this world, Zion completed me.

For this layout, I chose a picture of me and Zion which was shot in a studio. Zion was only about 3 or 4 months old when this picture was taken.

Credits for this layout: Serendipity Kit from Mandy Mystiques at elementalscraps.com.

Girlfriends

I really think I'm feeling better now than I was early today. My tummy had "stabilized" and my headache is not that nasty anymore, though I must admit, I still get a few headache throbs sometimes. I'm partly happy for this because I know the discomforts associated with the upset stomach and nasty headache are no longer bugging me that much. Nonetheless, I am not 100% happy because I know that I should already report for work tomorrow. Hehehe.. =)

My second layout for today features my Girl Friends. To be honest, I really don't have a lot of people whom I can call true friends. Perhaps because I'm not really the sociable type. Opening conversations is not really my cup of tea. I can carry a conversation, but I'm not good at starting one. But, if you get me to talk, that's where the fun begins! This is the reason I cherish my Girl Friends. They are the few people who were able to crack and bring me out of my shell. And to these ladies, I would like to share this short quote which I found on the net (sadly, no author was given...):

Girlfriends bring casseroles and scrub your bathroom when you are sick. Girlfriends keep your children and keep your secrets. Girlfriends give advice when you ask for it. Sometimes you take it, sometimes you don't. Girlfriends don't always tell you that you're right, but they're usually honest. Girlfriends still love you, even when they don't agree with your choices. Girlfriends might send you a birthday card, but they might not. It does not matter in the least. Girlfriends laugh with you, and you don't need canned jokes to start the laughter. Girlfriends pull you out of jams. Girlfriends don't keep a calendar that lets them know who hosted the other last. Girlfriends are there for you, in an instant and truly, when the hard times come. Girlfriends listen when you lose a job or a husband. Girlfriends listen when your children break your heart. Girlfriends listen when your parents' minds and bodies fail.

Journalling: Friendship is the hardest thing in the world to explain. It's not something you learn in school. But if you haven't learned the meaning of friendship, you really haven't learned anything at all. - Muhammad Ali.

Credits for this layout: Playful and Pretty Kit at simplycleandigiscraps.com; Summer Time Bugs Kit at simplycleandigiscraps.com; Spring Breeze Collection kit from shabbyprincess.com; Paisley Power Kit at karesnscrappile.blogspot.com;

P.S. My apologies to my other girl friends whom I haven't featured in this blog entry/layout. It doesn't mean that I don't love or cherish you that much. I just can't find the pictures wherein we are together.

Remember the Moments

Zion's 2nd birthday was very memorable. I had only about a month to prepare since I was out of the country due to an onshore assignment/training. The preparations were difficult and I was just thankful that my family was always supportive of us - physically, emotionally, and even financially (hehehe...). Despite of the lack of sleep and tiring preparations, I was so happy and touched with the turnout of the visitors/guests. Family and friends came, partied, and showed their support and love for Zion. As described, the picture was taken during Zion's 2nd birthday this year. It was taken by one of my former officemates, as an experiment of the black&white features of his new SLR camera. I am just so thankful to my former officemates (Pao and Jelly) for being my "photographers" during the event. They were trying out the features of their SLR cameras and used it to take wonderful pictures during the birthday celebration.

For this layout, I tried my hand on creating a minimalist layout and to resist the urge of putting a llllloooootttt of embellishments, I used black and white elements together with the black & white photo.

Journalling: We do not remember days, we remember moments.

Credits for this layout: Black and White side stitching, White Stamp, and White lace from Urban Kiwi Collection at shabbyprincess.com; Black brackets from MzP brackets by Coralee Evans at digiscrapdepot.com; Black and White small ribbons from Colorful Memories Collection at scrapbookflair.com; Black buttons from Tropically Hot Collection at scrapbookflair.com; Silver Pocket Watch Birds of A Feather Collection at scrapbookflair.com;

The Dynamic Duo

Zion and I had to stay home the entire day today. Yaya Linda took her usual monthend day-off, which leaves me and Zion to stay at home and enjoy each other's company. ÜÜ Luckily, Yaya Linda came home early today, and my parents were out to attend a birthday party. These fortunate events allowed me to create another layout this weekend. Ü

For my 2nd layout this week, I chose my parents as the subject. The pics used were taken while we are having a family outing at Camayan Beach in Subic. I have created separate LO's for them (check my previous layouts for my Dad and Mom) but I haven't featured BOTH of them in a single LO. So here it is right now - the Dynamic Duo who patiently and lovingly raised 2 great and bright kids (*ehem* *ehem*.. walang kokontra! Ü) and currently attempting to raise another little boy named Zion. This is the Dynamic Duo who taught us all we need to know about life and love by being good examples to us. This is the Dynamic Duo whom Philip and I are very proud of! Ü

Journalling: Parental Requirements: Affection without sentiment, attention without cruelty, discipline without aggression, humor without ridicule, sacrifice without obligation, companionship without possessiveness - William E. Blatz.

Credits for this layout: Blue Dream Kit by digiscrapbycoco.over-blog.com. Font used: Black Rose from dafont.com; Quote from www.scrapbook.com/quotes.

Relaxing Mood

I found this new mini-kit by LorieM. The colors of the papers and embellishments were refreshing and makes me feel close to nature. I can't help but create a layout using this mini-kit.

Pic used features me in front of the Batis Pool in Leo's Leisure Park in Pampanga. Similar to the mini-kit, the resort was also refreshing and makes one feel closer to nature.

Credits for this layout: Relaxing Mood mini-kit by DesignsbyLorieM at digiscrapdesigns-by-lorie.blogspot.com.

Sibling Revelry

My second layout for this week features pics of me and my brother Philip. My brother and I are not really the perfect brother-sister siblings. There are also times when we get into each other's nerves, and fight like 5-year olds (note that I'm older by 15 years... my brother is only 16 years old... hehehe.. Ü). But most of the time, we get along well. I must say that my brother Philip, despite his young age, has been one of my closest male friends. Sometimes we cover each others' backs when our parents are making their infamous "sermon".

The pictures were taken from different locations. The first one was taken from Camayan Beach in Subic. The second one from 8 Waves in Bulacan, and the third one from Leo's Leisure Park in Pampanga.

Credits for this layout: Seashore Splendor kit from tempusfug.blogspot.com.

50 Years

Now I can say for this week, my theme for my layouts is definitely on the "blue side of things". After my "Faith & Light" layout last Friday which utilized the color blue, here's my 2nd layout for this week - 50 Years which incidentally uses blue papers and embellishments. This is also my 2nd attempt (afte the Faith & Light LO) to use Photoshop. Hope I'm improving. Ü

Both pictures used were "stolen" shots - the first pic was taken when Zion was about 3 or 4 months old, and the second one is a picture of my Dad (Zion's grandfather) taken while he was sleeping (I'm thinking if I should show this LO to my Dad... he might ask me to remove it from the net due to his "macho" pose while sleeping.. hehehe... Ü). Zion is the "50 Years Before", while my Dad is the "50 Years After".

Credits for this layout: Jeannelle Paige July 08 Freekit at acherryontop.com for the Background paper, Blue Flowers, Blue buttons on the flowers, and the blue pins; Moody Blues Collection at shabbyprincess.com for the blue printed papers used as frames; Festival Collection at shabbypriness.com for the light blue ric-racs; Splendid Collection at shabbyprincess.com for the light blue Alphas.

Faith & Light

Here's my first (and hopefully not my last) post for this weekend - Faith and Light. This layout is created using only Photoshop CS3 (no intervention from scrapbookflair... Ü). I tried to stick with one kit only for this layout since I was trying to focus on how I could play around with Photoshop, and not really on the embellishments. One thing that amazes me with PS is the text (babaw ko ba? hehehe.. Ü). To be honest, I just experimented with the colors and the effects I could do with the text. Well.. I must admit that I still have a lllllooooooottttt to learn about Photoshop. But I hope my first layout proved that I could have a future in using PS.

Oh I almost forgot! Regarding the pic, this was taken at the Candle Gallery at the Shrine of our Lady of Manaoag in Pangasinan. Devotees who visit the Shrine, usually light candles (white or colored) while praying for their wishes/petitions. It is definitely a matter of faith.

Credits for this layout: Blue Dream Kit by DigiscrapbyCoco.

For Pao and Mau

It's Sunday and it was only now that I was able to create a LO. I was busy last Friday and yesterday studying and playing around with Adobe Photoshop because it was more "powerful" in creating digiscrap layouts, and more flexible in manipulating and altering images. I guess it will take some time before I learn some PS tricks. Still have to stick with scrapbookflair. :-)

For this post, I would like to thank my friends Pao and Mau for allowing me to create a LO for them, even if I'm just a novice in digital scrapbooking. Pao is one of Zion's godfathers during the latter's baptism. And soon (January 2010 if I'm not mistaken), this lovely couple will tie the knot in marriage. Advance best wishes to you Pao and Mau! :-)

Credits for this layout: Mother's Love Collection at scrapbookflair.com for the background, paper slices, and rose embellishment. Spring Breeze collection at shabbyprincess.com for the pink staples. At The Beginning lyrics (Donna Lewis and Richard Marx) for the notes on the post.

For The Boys

It's Friday once again and as you might have noticed, this is digiscrap time for me. A friend who just recently learned of my addiction to digital scrapbooking had asked/challenged me if I could create a layout using only a single kit, such that everything (papers and embellishments) except for the photos (hehehe.. Ü) should come from that kit. It was quite difficult at first because I was used to getting a little bit of everything from several kits, but the challenge was really interesting, so I agreed. Here's the product of that challenge - For The Boys. This layout "features" the 3 most special men in my life - my Dad, my Brother, and my son Zion. These pics were taken during our trip to Baguio last August 2007. Pictures were taken at Bakahan at Manukan with those real-looking Igorot statues (for my Dad and Zion), at Camp John Hay (for Zion and my Brother), and at the PMA (where the three boys posed in front of an armalite).

Credits for this go out to : July 08 Freekit by Jeanelle Paige at www.acherryontop.com.

Remembering Lola

Here is one layout that's overdue. I created this layout as a tribute to another special and influential woman in my life - my Lola Pacing. She was a second mother to me, taking care of me since I first set foot on earth. She was a grandmother, a mother, a sister, a lawyer (who always saved my neck from my parents' wrath.. hehehe.. Ü), and a best friend rolled into one. She saw me in my best and worst fits, and loved me in both occassions. Unfortunately, some good things never last. Last April (of 2008), God decided to give my Lola her own set of wings. I surely miss her. And I know wherever she might be, she is happy. For she had a life well-lived, full of rich experiences, and wisdom gained through the years.

Credits for this layout: Family History Collection and Colorful Memories Collection from scrapbookflair.com.

Be Like Mom

Despite the fact that I'm not feeling well today, I was still able to create 2 digiscrap layouts (I'm not sure if I'll be able to finish the 3rd one this Saturday). For my 2nd post today, I chose to create a layout/post for my little boy, Zion. I've created layouts for almost everyone here at home, I almost forgot that Zion was the primary reason why I decided to go into digital scrapbooking! Hehehe.. Ü While I was going through our pics here at home, I chanced upon my picture in front of a PC which was taken on my last day at my previous company. And then I remembered taking Zion's pics while he was playing with his toy lappy. My imagination became playful which allowed me to create this cute layout.

Credits for this layout: Tropically Hot Collection from scrapbookflair.com (for the background, aqua rickracks, and swirl with butterflies embellishments); Pink and Blue staples from Spring Breeze Collection at shabbyprincess.com.

Pinoy in Canada

It's weekend once again so I get to create digiscrap layouts! Ü I have informed a couple of friends of my new addiction - that is, digital scrapbooking. Hehehe... Ü And have dared some of them to allow me to create layouts for them (lakas ng loob ko noh? hehehe.. Ü). Some of them have answered my "challenge" and readily submitted their pics. Here's my first "victim" - my good friend Jun who currently resides in Canada.

Credits for this post go out to the following: Oh Canada Collection at scrapbookflair.com (paper, red & white frames, red & white paperclips, white rickracks, red corner markers, red leaf embellishments, and Canada word-art); StitchedX from Splendid Collection at shabbyprincess.com; Red and white buttons (on the frames) from liveyourselfcreatively.blogspot.com.

San Na Nga Ba'ng Barkada Ngayon

I love weekends (who doesn't?!?)! Ü I was able to create another layout today. This time I chose my high school barkada as the subject of my layout. My high school friends and I graduated last April 1994. 14 years after, we still do our best to keep in touch - via email, chat, or text message. If one comes over to Manila for a short visit (since some of us are already living or working abroad), we try to arrange a get-together so that we can meet up, update each other on personal developments, and of course reminisce about the good old high school days! Ü I can definitely say that my high school friends are one of the closest set of friends I've had and will have. I surely miss our get-together-events, and the memories, and stories that go with it.

Since my high school buddies are much younger than my mom or my dad, I chose colors and embellishments which are more refreshing and "young". Paper background from Festival Collection at shabbyprincess.com; Green buttons from Sun Porch Collection at shabbyprincess.com; Green and Orange Flowers from Tropically Hot Collection at scrapbookflair.com; Friendship and Wonderful Memories word-arts from Sunny Days Collection at scrapbookflair.com.

Farewell to the Sun

This most recent post is all about my despedida at my previous company last July 2007. Had two despedidas that time. One was with the whole department, held at Chili's Greenbelt. And another just with my closest friends, which was held at Giligans. I must say, that my 3 years stay in Sunlife has brought about one of the tightest friendships I had. A kind of friendship that is not limited only to the 8am-5pm work schedule. A kind of friendship that you know is sincere, genuine, and doesn't think only of one's personal interest.

Credits for this digiscrap goes to http://www.scrapbookflair.com/ - from the background to the embellishments.