You’re In My Blood Like Holy Wine

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Of course I had to start this post with a James Blake music video I’ve been watching every day for the past week. Beautiful, yes, add the title which was a reference to the song. Thank you, Joni Mitchell and James Blake, you made my holidays lovelier than ever.

So it was Christmas and it was an awesome one! Fortunately, I was able to spend the Christmas weekend with my workmates, my high school friends, and my wonderful family, of course!

Spent the 23rd of December with my Lomography Manila family through a small (yet fun!) party along with Lomography’s BIG BOSS, Wolfgang Stranzinger, who tagged his family along. Wolfgang’s wife, Otchie, is a Filipina which made Wolfgang’s heart closer to us Filipinos. Such a nice guy you would not think he’s the owner of Lomography. A gentleman, too! He kept telling his two boys (shown in the photos below courtesy of Shine and Minde) that they should be kind to us girls.

Lomography MNL with Wolfgang and son Yohan Stranzinger in the middle.

With the most adorable baby in town, Liam Stranzinger! <3

Some lovely Lomo girls! From L-R: Jean, Joy, Shine, Chamie and I

The party was real cozy but we analogue people definitely knew how to make it fun! It was one of the best nights I’ve ever had with my workmates. And oh, we also made some LomoKino movies! Can’t wait for them to be processed!

The 24th was expected to be a busy one. As usual, when parties are held in our house, I turn into a cook who considers our tiny kitchen her abode. That happened and man, was it tiring! But no regrets here because cooking for one’s family and seeing their reactions upon tasting your labor of love just makes it all worth it. I wasn’t able to take photos of our Noche Buena but the menu consisted of pasta, ham, potato salad, caldereta, chicken wings and tons of pastry we almost died of diabetes. KIDDING.

Though here are some photos my brother, PeeWee, took after hearing mass and before celebrating Noche Buena and my Tita Susie’s birthday. Yep, her birthday was on the 25th that’s why she was named Jesusa, akin to Jesus.

*I got it from my Momma*

Happy birthday, Tita Susie! So cute!

Our relatives from Nueva Ecija didn’t make it in Manila this year but my Mom’s brother, Tito Lito and his two children, celebrated with us. It was fun nonetheless! Celebrations here at home ended quite early (around 2am) so I still had time to drop by my bestfriend King’s place after. Some of our high school friends were there too so it was  a nice way to end the evening’s festivities.

But then not all good things come to a happy end. I woke up on the afternoon of the 25th feeling all sickly – I had a fever and my flu was worst. I felt so bad I decided to stay in bed the whole day…. until Monday. Come Tuesday around 1am, I just couldn’t bear the heavy sick feeling I was having that Mom and Kuya Pao decided to bring me to Las Pinas Medical Center for a check-up. I was hesitant at first but I was also afraid that it was dengue (my fever skyrocketed to 39 then played at 37.7) so I agreed.

Emergency entrance

After a blood test (which brought me to tears when the med tech took my blood. SUCH A COWARD, YES) thank God, it wasn’t dengue. Turns out I have this viral infection caused by dust and pollution which also explains the painful lump I have in my neck. It’s like hay fever but worst. But all is well now and I just have to religiously drink my strong-ass medicine.

I’m really better now that I was even able to attend post-Christmas dinner with my Dumet Skate Crew last night. I did not consume alcohol though because that will fight off my antibiotics. I was soooo tempted to but I’m proud to say that all I had were Sprite and Doritos. Ha ha! Kudos for self-discipline. Also, I was able to work at home today (I filed a sick leave for Monday and Tuesday) and will be able to go to the office tomorrow. I’m really happy about it because my life is running on a normal path again.

Tons of happenings in a couple of days, eh? Crazy but that’s reality! Anyway, I’ve got to get some rest now! Enjoy the rest of the holidays, fellas! Take care of yourselves.

So far, so good

The Christmas Season is starting to grow on me. Cold nights, crazy streets on a week day, rat packed malls and of course, parties here and there – with these happening, my self is definitely getting on to the Christmas spirit.

And now, I present you my schedule for the rest of this month. Ho ho ho! Things are quite hectic, yes!

Dec. 9: Whilst We Wait Exhibit at the Lomography Manila HQ

Whilst We Wait: A Project On Waiting

I think you should know that I’m still at the office (yes at 2:30am) preparing for this exhibit tomorrow (and yeah, writing this blog, heh). We’re all excited! And you are ALL invited to go! Mount Analogue will be playing an acoustic set so as The Strangeness, Slow Hello, Hannah+Gabi and Outerhope. See event here.

Dec. 11: Rock the Riles Year 7 

Rock for Human Rights!

As usual, I’ll be volunteering at the Ayala Station where Terno bands will play. See full line-up here.

Dec. 15: N/WSK: Number Line Records x Fete dela WSK

Number Line Records x Fete dela WSK

Fete dela WSK is bigger than ever! This event is just one of a dozen they have. Good job! And oh, Similar Objects will be releasing an EP! See event here.

Dec. 16: Meiday HO HO HOE LET’S GO!

Meiday Xmas Party before we end the year!

Awesome awesome Meiday line-up as usual! See event here.

Dec. 17: Terno Recordings Christmas Party and rummage sale!

Terno Partyyyyy!

Terno Infernos NEVER FAIL to be fun! And this one? For sure it’s gonna be epic! Music and shopping (and beer! He he he!) will make this night a bang! See event here.

Dec. 23: Lomography Manila Christmas Party aka offset then buffet and drinks!

Dec. 25: Jesus’ birth, of course <3

Gaaah. Thinking of these events makes me tired already. But nah, it’s all good fun and parties like these only happen once a year. So why complain?

Anyway, I’ve got to go back to my cutting and installing of photos. It’s almost 2:45am and I need some sleep when I get home for the loooooong day ahead!

Enjoy the rest of the month, friends! Stay merry!