You are what you eat.

In an effort to revive my blog I'll start with a few snaps of all the things I've been devouring this summer. Apart from the frequent tavern visits and the usual socializing, I've been indulging in anything and everything edible. I've also developed a knack for cooking - what seems to be a growing trend now thanks to MasterChef and the Asian Food Channel. I know managing this blog is fail at its best - I can barely maintain Tumblring.
This is going to be a quick one so I'll just briefly mention my not-too-recent purchase of a DSLR camera: the Nikon D90. Though I rarely bring it out with me - its bulkiness makes it difficult to lug around - it's been great.

Oh, these times are hard

For lack of any better photos, yes. So here's a weak attempt to sum up what has gone by since my last entry. Oh, and please check out justacigarettegone@tumblr it's worth your time!

• In six days' time, I would have gone 40 days without red meat (yay!) and what an accomplishment! The temptation was abundant but that goes without saying; no sacrifice is completely effortless. My sister and I plan to treat ourselves to Korean BBQ after this ordeal (haha). I'm not a die-hard carnivore but I've almost forgotten how beef tastes! I have to thank those of you who were so accommodating and considerate though, couldn't have done it without the encouragement.

• Last Thursday I attended The Script's concert, and - do I even have to say it? Saying it was extraordinary would be a total understatement. It was the cherry bomb business. For the most part, it was because I was smack front and center and I was able to adore every bit of Danny O'Donoghue standing only several inches away. Being able to hold his forearm and watch him forget lyrics... is so enchanting. Gonna take a while for me to recover..

• I'm finally nearing the end of my freshman year and wow, rush of emotions haha! Time flies, how so many things can happen in just one year. Honestly I've just been so caught up in God-knows-what this past year that I can't seem to gather anything decent, anything whole from it all. I plan to use this coming summer perhaps for some reflecting.. perhaps not?

• Tomorrow morning will be a much-needed morning rendezvous with my beloved bestie. I've been thriving on daylight coffees and chillages with the very few close friends I have. I haven't had these in so long it feels like I'm feeding on a new energy. Not only should we be thankful for coffee houses that serve excellent lattes and brilliant cheesecake, but also for the company you enjoy them with.

Get me with those green eyes, baby

I apologize for the lack of creativity in today's photos. The weather isn't cooperating to allow me to show off my remarkable outdoor photo-taking skills, so you just have to bare with the random contents of my room (plus Lilu's been making plenty appearances). For some reason I've been indulging in "productive activities" lately.. I just opened a Tumblr account (http://justacigarettegone.tumblr.com) I'm definitely hit by the social networking plague.. When you are the owner of a phone with constant internet access, you are prone to this disease - don't say I didn't warn you.

• Tomorrow marks the first day of Lent and my 40-day pescatarian diet. To be honest, I did consider going completely vegan, but since I'm not big on tofu and I have a mushroom allergy, I would be significantly lacking in protein by the 15th day. Not to mention, I genuinely need bubble tea in my life. I've revised this 40-day diet enough to be confident in myself. Though I always forget to remember that this is my Lenten sacrifice and that this deed is supposedly entirely selfless - the self-reminding needs a little work.

• So I recently purchased some skincare products from this brand that I discovered. It's drugstore, and it's called Simple. After struggling with the inconsistency of my Biore-Dermalogica routine for so long, I decided to try this out. It looks exactly that - simple. I purchased the Kind To Skin Refreshing Facial Wash Gel and the same line's Purifying Cleansing Lotion, and I'm so glad to say I think I've finally found my skincare regimen. So first off, Simple claims to be fragrance and soap-free, which was what instantly attracted me. I'm a big believer in "Less is More" when it comes to face products, so when I read the very short list of ingredients I was already convinced to try it out. My entire nighttime regime also includes The Body Shop's Aloe Vera Toner (my 4th bottle and still loving it) and GNC's Aloe Vera Skin Gel (2nd tube, not fragrance-free though), both of which I highly recommend.

• I surprisingly forgot to mention in my last entry the recent concert craze in Hong Kong this season. I'm still fresh from the experience at Taylor Swift's Live in HK concert, which, with the exception of Lady Gaga's concert I attended last year, was quite incredible. It's a wonder to me how Taylor Swift can sound so bad when she sings at award shows because she sounded flawless live that night. Quite a number of big names in the music business are having gigs in HK. I've already purchased tickets for The Script, and I'm still contemplating seeing Maroon 5. It's just too much splurging if I got those too. But rumor has it that Bruno Mars or Rihanna might come by, so I'll be smart and wait for confirmation before I do any more purchasing.

• So that's it for this week. I must get back to my big ugly pile of work now. Hasta luego, chicos y chicas!

Just a cigarette gone no you couldn't be that far

Believe it or not, I'm going to resume frequent blogging, yes I am. Well, I can promise you I'll try. This morning found me reading two of my chicas bonitas (kuripotchic and bubonelove) and thanks to them I'm now compelled to write another long-overdue entry. I know it's starting to become a drag with the really slow updates but bare with me, I promise it will be over soon.

• After so much contemplation and indecision, I finally went through with the bangs! Although they're not the full-on straight cut fringe, I'm super happy with the look. My stylist advised long side-swept bangs for the timebeing, until the parting disappears - then he could go on with the straight bangs. I've been going to this hairstylist for 3 years (Haircode on Granville Rd, TST) and I highly recommend him (message me for his contact info).

• I'm about a month into my 2nd semester, doing relatively well but getting swamped with work. As we approach the month of March, school, work, life in general gets more and more intense. University is definitely not high school. And as of now, I'm juggling school, work, my barely-there social life - namely my long-distance relationships *ahem* and my attempts at networking. Don't forget the countless hours needed for the productive stuff (Facebook and TV series). May not seem like a lot, but honey, it's a mouthful.

• The only major change I underwent since my last post would be my move from Tung Chung to Taiwai. To be frank, I'm definitely happy here. Time means a lot to me, and the fact that it only takes me 30 minutes tops to get to my usual spots is pure joy. This may be something most of you take for granted, but since I'm used to being at least an hour away from everything (except the airport and Disneyland) for almost a decade, this idea still astounds me!

• So I saw the Oscars 2011, and aside from the very bland hosting (I'll get to that later), I thought it was quite entertaining! Okay, the Twilight/Harry Potter/Toy Story 3 autotune was not a bad idea. And frankly, as eloquent as Natalie Portman was, I think Randy Newman deserves the Best Speech award. As for the presenters for the night, hands down Robert Downey Jr and Jude Law. Billy Crystal doesn't count (teehee). And what in the world did James Franco inhale backstage? He looked like he was still stuck under that rock (127 Hours reference - must watch, btw) He looked stoned as hell, so it made Anne Hathaway look overly enthusiastic (like, redbull enthusiastic) and.. it just wasn't right. But it was a good show, 2011! Definitely hitting the moviehouse soon to see "The King's Speech"!

• So that should be an adequate update for now. I want to comment on the fluctuating weather but HK weather is always moody so I don't think it's worth it. Therefore, until next time! Hasta luego, amigos.

If you are wrong in all the right ways

And finally! After God knows how long I am finally taking the time to sit and blog, and it feels great. Although I really regret skipping through the phenomenal past six months, I know my attempt to summarize it will be a complete failure. It was an epic six months - yes, catch me in the cliche, there's really no better way to describe it.

• I really don't know how to make up for the abrupt pause of blogging, so in an effort to somehow transition from my recent entries, some things haven't changed: I am still waiting on The Avengers, Transformers 3 (the teaser trailer was a major tease), Sucker Punch and Beastly, and successfully completed my first out of six semesters in my International Journalism program here at Hong Kong Baptist University. My next one starts in a week, so, wish me luck!

• I am dying to do something with my hair! Last November I returned to my jet black hair. Despite the first few weeks of it looking like a synthetic wig, it eventually washed off to reveal a more natural look (thank God) haha! I was told that that was the trick for the color to stay on - since my hair was previously bleached light brown. But medium-length black hair is getting boring, so now I'm considering bangs. (I know I've been considering it for the longest time, but I just think it's the sort of thing I need a unanimous decision to go through with haha!)

• After starting in this Journalism course, you'd think to expect more frequent blogging. But honestly, tonight, if it weren't for this nasty cold that's burying me in snot-covered tissues and used teabags, I'd be out celebrating my dearly loved Tiffany's birthday in Merhabas where the notion of blogging wouldn't even have cross my mind. My coughing can be mistaken for a car engine starting up. Eugh.

• Apart from getting slightly more familiar with living away from home, excessive "socializing" and sketchy schedules involving tavern visits, my life is still the same, unrelenting crazy cycle that it is. And I'm undeniably grateful for it. Now, I've run out of things for this entry, so I'm gonna go back to my Facebook stalking (don't act like everybody doesn't do it) and hopefully my next blog will be within the next six months or so. Until then, peace out everyone :)
  

Something 'bout love that breaks your heart

Yes it's been one heated ride since my last entry. Since then I started work (summer workshop teacher), flew in and out of Manila, finished work and cleared up all my acne (woot!) Though it won't be clear much longer, thanks to all the food I've been devouring lately. Abundant input (haha!) sighh! Dieting is overrated. Anyway.

• During my Manila stay last month I hit the Ace Water Spa with my family and - omg - if you ever get the chance, you must try it. For a very reasonable price of P550 you can enjoy 4 hours of lavish hydrotherapy massages which also include aromatherapy hot tubs, sauna and steam rooms. It's definitely worth your while. And I strongly recommend you stop by the coffee lounge afterwards and try their spaghetti carbonara. You'd violently agree with me. Seriously.

• On the movie front (since that's about the only entertaining part of my summer - just kidding I exaggerate hehe) and so far the only worth bringing up are Inception, Salt and Despicable Me. Inception had the advantage of eye-candy (Joseph Gordon Levitt and Ellen Page - both of whom I adore) and although it took a while to get to the good parts I thought it was pretty incredible. Salt was the typical Jolie movie, but I mean this in a good way, her impressive acting and stuntplay kept balance and I liked that. Despicable Me in my opinion didn't quite deliver.. The humor, the 3D, those were good, but the plot had no appeal.. thumbs up to Steve Carrell and Jason Segel though!

• Apart from the return of the CW shows I follow, I'm eagerly waiting for Sucker Punch (Emily Browning ftw), The Other Guys, The Expendables and Friends With Benefits. Of course there's The Avengers and Transformers 3 (I like Rosie Huntington-Whiteley) but I'll even the wait out.

• The coming couple of weeks are going to be spent maximizing what's left of my free time this summer. Since I officially move into my dorm on the 24th, I actually don't have that much time left for the carefree lazing around (haha) plus school starts a week after that. Speaking of school, I'm going to be taking up international journalism in HKBU (Baptist University) for those of you who were asking. I've always wanted a job as a media personality and I'm hoping that this would somehow take me there. But if I don't hit the moon, then I'll aim for the stars right?

She greets the day with her hair wet

A random trip to Broadway led to a spontaneous purchase of a new digital camera; say hello to the works of my new friend, the Nikon Coolpix S6000. So far I am loving its company; the two of us seem to work out well, it doesn't quite function like other digital cameras (in a good way) and its good looks is a bonus. For some reason I've been downgrading, ditching touchscreen for the normal button-pressing ways, first with my cellphone and now with my camera. A little bit of old-school doesn't hurt.

• Watched Salt recently and gearing up to see Inception. Preview after preview is getting me so giddy for all the upcoming movies! Sucker Punch looks great, Green Lantern, not to mention The Avengers, whose cast has been officially announced - a cast that I am ecstatic about (except for Ruffalo for Hulk, still don't know what I think about that) But anyway, I'm waiting to be blown away.. whether it be by the Ryan Reynolds-Blake Lively team-up for Green Lantern, or the Sucker Punch role that Vanessa Hudgens has "worked so damn hard" for (also itching to see Emily Browning again, in a more sexified role)

• Scarlett Johannson. Yes, most people would agree that she is the epitome of the perfect woman. She's my favorite blonde. I'm bigger on Natalie Portman, Zooey Deschanel and Emma Watson, but Scarlett has that unique charm. I bring her up because I just saw what she's done with her hair and it's burning me up with envy! If only dark hair could pull it off! I am already dying to try something new with my hair.

We're all just prisoners of birth

Sorry for the obvious lack of pictures. Been meaning to expand my photoblogging portfolio but can't seem to grasp the spontaneity skill of photography - I just don't have a quick enough eye for fleeting kodak moments. Also, my camera is currently out of town as it has, after a year and a month, given in - internal problem, my guess, something shaken out of its place (not funny, really) So my dad took it to get fixed and... well I'm anticipating its return, hopefully in A+ condition!

• Spending these few weeks maximumly unproductive. Nothing but food, shopping, movies, beaches, whatever it may be, with the company of friends. In other words, nothing that doesn't involve excess spending (sigh) but it's "all good" because in a week's time I start my official summer parttime and then my August is fully booked with mandatory workshops for uni (booooo) All in all I'm hoping the coming week will be long-lived.

• Went tanning a few times throughout the past couple weeks, needless to say that for the fair-skinned it's "the thing to do" in summer. It's amazing how female locals achieve tans sooo rapidly while I, despite being pure Filipina, have to bake for hours under the scorching sun before I drop two shades.. Tsk! But anyway. I'm about five shades darker now and I'm comfortable this way. Shouldn't be too obvious since I avoided tanning my face, but there is a difference and I only hope people notice - kahit konti lang (haha!)

• Anyway. Before I promise to have more pictures for the next post, I should remind you guys to pray for my camera. Have a good weekend, everyone!

I'm afraid I won't get out alive

Back from the motherland trip, a seemingly lacking yet satisfying trip. I'm still adjusting to short weeklong stays for which trying to fit all the rendezvouses and gatherings in is such a hard task, especially since our holidays aren't in sync. But regardless! This trip fortunately, I was able to squeeze everything and everyone in, though really they deserve the credit.

• My flight back home was turbulence-free (praise God). Issue 31 of Digital Photographer Philippines kept me busy and entertained, thanks to my beloved ate Johnalene, who is taking on the role of Lead Writer for this magazine, for providing me a copy (hehe). Not only have the articles showcased ate Jo's incredible raw writing skills (hehe no sugarcoating, promise!) but because of them I have developed an itch to purchase a Canon EOS 7D and join the realm of photography. But, given my impulsive nature and no photography skills whatsoever, doing so would be impractical. I'll stick to fluking with my Sony Cybershot DSC-T90 (haw!)