From Being Half-Orphan to Marrying my Better-Half, and All the Life-Changing Crazy Things of 2017

It’s the last day of the year, and I normally do not blog to review what happened in the last 364 days, but for 2017, I’m making an exception.

There has been no year that has saddened, challenged, frustrated, and uplifted me so much. So to give reference, and make me remember in the future, I’d like to share with you my year, in review.

January – Mom passed away.

Not exactly the thing I was expecting for the first week of the year. And for the rest of my life, starting at my 27^th year on earth.

I never felt so low in my life, and be subjected in a state of so much disbelief. This is something you can never recover from, but you can get used to.

Sadness. Longing. Regret. Few of the many despairing words you feel when someone you love dies. But then again it leaves you with so much awe how that person has affected you so much, that the feelings left can actually change and improve your perspectives on how you would want to live your remaining days until you see her again.

As for me, I want to make her proud everyday.

February – I got engaged.

Again, disbelief.

As I accepted that ring 31,000 feet above the ground I knew my life is about to change even more.

At that moment, I knew this year is going to kick my butt every chance it gets. It maybe for the better or worse, but I just have to be ready at every whim when the kick comes.

But this one, I love so much.

I was single for 4 years from a colorful 6-year relationship, and at 26 I was worried that I might be still single until I’m 30. I’m not getting any younger, and I was a bit panicky for myself already.

But hey, love finds you when you least expect it.

I just can’t believe I’m getting married to a younger man I met in a club. 😮 And I’ve never been more sure in my life.

 

March – I resigned.

I ended my 5-year tenure to one of the most established and elite real estate companies in the country.

I never thought I could be that brave. But then again, choices have to be made, and things are going to turn in one way or another.

My resignation just happen to be marked on this month.

It was a big leap, the biggest actually for my career. It was heart-breaking and liberating at the same time.

And the most forward-thinking if I may say. I wasn’t planning on shifting to another organization, so it was truly a game-changer.

I was now on my own, planning my own game.

April – I got my first paid freelance talk and a feature in Rappler. And, I changed my hair color!

Changing my haircolor to a very bold hue was one of the bravest and best decisions I made in my life!

Changing it didn’t just paved the way for new opportunities, it also armed me with a whole new gear of confidence for much riskier and happier adventures!

A month ago, I never thought someone would want to hire me to talk in their company. I mean, I’ve never talked anywhere without representing where I’m working for.

But that day, I felt like a superwoman! I felt like I could do anything, as long as I pour my heart into it.

I created a new module and syllabus, and facilitating it felt like I was already teaching it for a long time.

I really have to thank my experience and the opportunities given to me before, without which I wouldn’t have the skill to create something of my own.

I will always be grateful. 🙂

And I also made friends with a young photographer and writer who happens to be having her on-the-job-training in Rappler. I didn’t knew participating in her OJT interview feature assignment would actually end up being released in this bigtime news site!

🙂

May – I got a publicist and had my first meeting with a celebrity for Versaheel.

This was waaaaay over the top. I was like, it’s barely half a year! And now this? I met this International Blogger and Publicist named MJ Racadio, and he opened doors I never knew were even there before!

I met him in a Francis Libiran Fashion Show, and he took interest in my shoe work, and before I know it, I was meeting and dressing up Jaclyn Jose.

 

June – I was named a blogger ambassador for a brand.

My blog is still new. I wasn’t that kind who was very religious when it comes to updating her blog, but I am striving very hard, that was why I was so shocked when I got an email about a brand wanting to partner with Encyclopevia.

Gown for Rent couldn’t be timelier as I was set to be married soon. So it provided a really good angle for me to write on. And I enjoyed shooting amazing gowns from their studio!

And since you’re right here already, next time you need a quick outfit fix for an event, you can rent your beautiful dress for a price you can’t refuse, and get 20% off! Use my code: GFRVIA728

(Hehe :* :* Plug plug plug! :p )

 

July – Together with my then-fiance, we booked our major wedding suppliers and I was invited to talk in a business expo in SM Megamall.

At this moment, I was extra concerned already because I haven’t quite done a good deal for our wedding planning. I was totally freaking out about the date I wanted, if it’s still available in our non-negotiable church.

To my good grief, it was STILL! Not the best time slot, but it will do! 🙂

I felt so triumphant, because after two days, we were also able to book the reception and caterer which is just 5minutes away from the church! Yay! 😀

#SmartBride

I also had the stage all to myself when I discussed Instagram Marketing with a bunch of business owners, marketers and students in an expo in SM Megamall. Mall talks are a big deal for me!

This was the same organization that gave me an opportunity to talk in Glorietta last year. Gladly, I was more calm on this one compared to the travel expo in 2016.

August – I travelled to Cambodia and Malaysia and got my first feature in a TV show.

This year is totally giving me a lot of firsts.

I got to visit Siem Reap, Cambodia and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia! I love travelling! It has made me understand more people and their unique cultures!

I believe aside from being a good story-teller, you also become a better and more tolerant person when you travel.

Plus, I got to see my face on TV for the first time! Not as an audience of a show, but actually as myself!

I got featured in News5 at TV5 for my story as a shoe designer, and a live interview was also held in Pambansang Almusal at Net25 featuring my work and some designs.

I never thought I’ll have these opportunities this early when I am just a girl who is madly fixated with shoes.

 

September – I enrolled in a shoe construction class.

Taking my shoe designer dreams and skills to the next level! My then-fiance and I thought it would be a great move to learn more about the craft.

I was so excited because I have always dreamed of studying in SoFA (School of Fashion and Arts).

I learned to design with more precision, do pattern-making and the actual shoe-making! I am stocking so much leathers at home already! 😮

I even earned my first battle scar! 😀 I accidentally cut myself while I was tracing my pattern in the shoe last. I am so thrilled on getting my own shoe machines soon!

 

October –My first shoe collaboration project happened.

Before I was just taking photos from the shoe factories, Marikina Public Market, and the basement of Farmers’ Plaza, but now I actually experienced shooting a collection of my own designs! What’s better is that it is for a collaboration between a New York-based artist, Peter Marco of MARCO NOT POLO.

My heart swells with joy as I also made good collaborations with Tobi Cabrera of Funkadelic Photos and Joshua Miguel Paungan of A Day in the Life.

 

 

November – I met new people for the first time who recognized me and read my blog.

This was such a revelation for me. Some people ARE actually reading my blog! OMG!

 

I went to some events and met new friends, and to my surprise they recognize Encyclopevia! As it turned out, they’ve visited our humble page before already! I was so kilig and happy! I cannot wait to meet all of you soon and share stories together! 🙂

December – I got married.

I may have started this year pretty sad, but the happiness it brought me as 2017 ends was unimaginable.

Photo by: Yves Bryan Photography

There were a lot of hiccups that happened on why we were able to celebrate our civil wedding in the last month of the year. 

There were age, time and ID issues to name a few, but I guess everything came in to fruition when we finally set the date on December 20, 2017 – exactly two years after we first met!

With only 28 days for planning, I am pleased to write that we were able to carry out our goals, and even got bonuses along the way.

Photo by: Yves Bryan Photography

It’s just fleeting to celebrate a very special day with all the people you love, who reciprocate the same ardour (fortunately for us) as well.

I cannot explain how happy I am that my prayers were answered and the long wait for God’s perfect time was all worth it.

So 2018, get ready! I’m tougher and (more) ready for your new kicks! 😀

Wishing you more love and happiness for the year to come! :*

 

**, Via