CLICK HERE FOR THOUSANDS OF FREE BLOGGER TEMPLATES »
Showing posts with label XMas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label XMas. Show all posts

Saturday, December 7, 2013

Ghosts of Christmas Past!

"A Happy Memory is a hiding place for Unforgotten Treasures."
-Paul L. Powers
================
With Christmas fast approaching - it is  always good to look back
at some of the past ones...
 they bring back memories that are dear to us...
1993:  XMas totally dedicated to that loving Pooch, Baxter! 
San Francisco, CA - USA

2003: Narita Airport
Narita, Japan
2007: XMas with the Family
Taytay, Rizal - Philippines

2010: Attending an  XMas Pa.rt given by
the PNN Group
Manila, Philippines
2011: last Christmas spent with Mom
Rizal, Philippines
2011: Hanging with Juju, GioGio, Lisa et Gaspard
Taipei, Taiwan


Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Holiday Season Officially Starts

...and leading the way it this Uber Cute, Uber Stylish collaboration between Barney's New York and Disney...  Introducing, Barneys Holiday theme campaign - taking a Cute to Walt Disney's world famous, Electrical Parade : "Electric Holiday" to be unveiled to the public come Nov. 14th....  But o course, tidbits, info and even some photos have been surfacing all over the web... and even causing a few to stress (over the characters' - Minnie, Daisy & Co - new found lankiness/skinniness - to don the Designer Duds, of course!!!
 
This festive season, Barneys’ Madison Avenue flagship will feature a three-dimensional electric light show; a moving art short film in the window displays that will turn Disney’s most favorite heroes into runway supermodels and fashion regulars into Disney types, and an original score by Oscar-winning composer Michael Giacchino.

It has been stated that: "Barneys worked closely with Disney to make sure the concept was as true to the real fashion world as possible.   The world of the Paris fashion shows, of fashion, of people in fashion, of the rituals, all of the idiosyncrasies. Everything had to be authentic. It really had to hit the nail on the head in every detail.”

The short film centers around Minnie Mouse’s fantasy to be at the Paris shows. There she comes across key Disney characters — Mickey Mouse, Goofy, Daisy Duck, Cruella de Vil, Princess Tiana and Snow White — all decked out in unique designer clothes as they make their way down the runway.   For the occasion, as seen in the Press Released photos so far,  Minnie is all decked out in Alber Elbaz for Lanvin, Goofy by Olivier Rousteing for Balmain, & Daisy by Dolce & Gabbana.  Other charcters already confirmed to be all decked out for the Holidays are  Cruella De Ville by Rick Owens, Princess Tiana by Proenza Schouler and Snow White by Peter Copping for Nina Ricci.
 
In collaboration with this Holiday Campaign, Barneys will be offering  an exclusive, limited collection of holiday items at Chelsea Passage, select Barneys stores and barneys.com, including several collectible Vinylmation figures designed by Paul Smith and Diane von Furstenberg, and Mickey Mouse ears from Rag & Bone and L’Wren Scott. And so much more....  Barneys will donate 25 percent of sales from Electric Holiday products to a charity, undisclosed yet.
 
It seems that FASHION is high on Disney’s agenda these days. It has been said that, for a different project, the company  tapped several London designers, including Giles Deacon, Michael van der Ham and Richard Nicoll, to celebrate Minnie Mouse’s status as a cartoon fashion plate, and Meadham Kirchhoff will unveil a Minnie Mouse collaboration during its spring 2013 show. Proceeds of sales of the project’s items will go to the British Fashion Council/Bazaar Fashion Arts Foundation.

I, for one, cannot wait to see this project take center stage....  I only wish that I will be LUCKY person.  Or even just on the net will suffice, just as long as I get to see it all...  and of course, the VINYL offerings in collaboration with various designers are total MUST HAVEs!!!

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

made it through XMas... *SIGH*

this week I have been here with my Mom was very much like an emotional (and physical) roller coaster... not just for her (going trough it all) but for me and her husband....  she had so many episodes of ups and downs....   no sleeping but just writhing in pain....   moments when she just wants to give up....  and luckily, at times, just moments when she can just sit still for an hour, look out the window, watch the children play outside and just reminisce with me about her life, our (her children) lives when we were still with her....  Memories of our grandparents (her parents) when I was just a little kid....  as well as our Dad, who left us when I was barely two....  whom I did not see again till I was about 12....   Her stories were full of love, happiness - even in the last stages of their marriage - and, of course, like most stories go - suffering and longing....    Most of the sufferings were from the hands of my first stepfather - who was a bit vicious and abusive...  but those memories I have long forgotten and got over with.....   I was just glad our Dad did not fully abandoned us and brought us to the US.....

She did mention to me all the pain & sorrow she went through from the time our Dad contacted her about bringing us to the US....  going to the Embassy and signing the papers to give our Dad full custody of us.... seeing us off and not seeing us for a looong time after.....   all I could IMAGINE is how hard must it be to sign papers giving up your children for good - no matter how one knows it is for the good of the children's future - it still must be quite heartbreaking and such a very hard decision to make....  one she did wholeheartedly for us....   and one that we did not even think of, and some of us still do not think of.....

Then I told her stories of our lives in the US....  with my Dad....  with school... and my older sister and brother - when we were all still close...  so much moments, fun, stupid, crazy times - trying to manage our lives in the US - with a Dad that was hardly there....   leaving us with a different stepmother every now and again....  and of course, coming of age and striking out on our own....  my first job, etc... etc....   Just stories of all the times we spent away from her....  Mostly the POSITIVE parts so as  to not get her sad....

This we did night after night when it is just the two of us left - wide awake in the wee hours of the night till dawn breaks - as her sleeping clock is sooooo off....  As much as it was great to hear these stories - it still and to this very end - breaks my heart each and every nite....  all the longing....  she still longs...   long for the children who are away working.....  long for the ones around but does not come around....  and long for one who cannot find it in his heart to even call her - knowing the state of her condition....
Anyway, we still had a Merry Little Xmas - just the three of us : Me, My Stepfather and my Mom....   My stepfather cooked Pinoy style Spaghetti and made Buko Fruit Salad....   I got a cake from the bakery...  and some neighbours gave us other stuff... shared their blessings with my Mom - who is well liked in the area....   we waited till 12 midnite and welcomed and celebrated the birth of Baby Jesus.....  gave them their presents - which delighted them both - no matter how small it is....     ate as we listened to XMas music.....   and chatted as we cleaned up....

Around 2 am, as my stepfather sleeps - my Mom and I were left alone once more... she spoke of happiness that at least one of her children was with her on this day...  so she did not feel so abandoned and alone.....   she was happy...  but something triggered in her and she started crying again....  talking of giving up as she did not want to be a burden anymore and see us suffer through her suffering....  As much as i have been strong in front of her the last few days - this time around, tears came - run in front of her, as I tell her she must not give up for us.....   she should want to live longer for us and share more memories...   and just let things take their natural course....  let it happen when it is time.....  we were like this till the brek of dawn.....  and she finally fell asleep a little after 5 AM....  and I sat by her, thinking...  caressing her head....  holding her hand and crying till my stepfather got up and it as my turn to sleep....  Sweet & Sad XMas but I would not TRADE it for anything in the world.....

I will FOREVER be HAPPY and THANKFUL for making it through another XMAS with my Mom....  and can only Pray & Hope for one more.....  a long shot but  definitely worth praying for....


Saturday, December 17, 2011

Bittersweet

At the Taoyuan International Airport now... Got here in plenty of time... Too much anxiety so I just wanted to get here... Sit in quietness and refresh the mind for when I see Mom... Thanks to Jewel, Lyn, Shaun and David for taking me out for a little bit - dinner and a stroll at Warner/Mitsukoshi area...

Taking in the lights, the live entertaients and enjoying the night air... Though it was all fun and exciting, it was still quite hard to keep smiling when my heart and my thoughts are already in Manila... In wanting to see Mom and see what I can do for her now... Just to somehow alleviate her of pain.. Even just a bit... As happy as I am to be getting to her soon - am also Sad and Scared as to what is to come...

-------------
This afternoon when i was talking to my Mom, in her mumbly voice, i could make her out saying: " it's Christmas time, but I do not feel it.". I guess, even without me telling her so, we share the same sentiments... Check in counter opening soon... Am in live with sp many others - i ca see all their excitement and happiness as they will be with love ones soon to celebrate this festive season... Am smiling but I can only wish I share their sentiments...

Friday, December 16, 2011

Brrrrrrrrr........

===================
The only real blind person at Christmas-time
is he who has not Christmas in his heart.
— Helen Keller
===================
Been FREEZING COLD the last few days here in Taipei.....  rainy, gloomy, wet....  pretty much the same each year I suppose - but somehow, this year, it feels even colder, even gloomier, and looks even wetter everywhere I look....   maybe part of it is the fact that I find myself in tears, now and again, each and everyday....  At times, it feels as if soooo much is bottled up inside - trying soooo hard to get out....

Anyway, each and everyday, I just try my best to stay focus....   keep busy....   and do just about anything to keep my mind occupied in between the waiting... waiting for the day of my flight - which is coming up FINALLY..... and now I feel even more ANXIETIES....  so much BITTERSWEETNESS ...  as much as am HAPPY I will finally get to see Mom and spend the time with her - fulfill my PROMISE of being there for XMas - am soooo scared and sad as to what is waiting - what is to be.....   The last few days, each and everytime I call her, we go through so much emotions....  she cries and cries...  in pain both physically and emotionally....   all I can do is pretend to be strong and calm her down, as tears flows....

So am scared of what is to be... scared of all the decisions I might have to face.....  and all happening at what is my MOST FAVE TIME OF THE YEAR - ever since childhood.... as far as I can remember.... Christmas has always been a time of Joy & Good Cheer... no matter where I may be...  no matter with someone, with family, with friends, or even alone....  I still REJOICE when this time comes - as it ALWAYS seem to hold so much promise, so much love, so much miracle... and not just for me but for all....

So here it is once more...  only this time, I have yet to really feel the spirits of XMas....  as much as I have been admiring all the festivities I see and hear - Xmas Carols & Decorations - I have yet to get that feeling I often get as the days get closer to XMas...   I can only HOPE and PRAY that it will all change as soon as I see Mom...   it has to - at least this is what she needs to see from me - as she too, knows how I Love this time of the year....
A BIIIG THANK YOU to my friend, Danny for sending out the YUMMYLISCIOUS, Home Baked, Freshly Made Cookies all the way from Bangkok....  it warmed not just the TUMMY but the Heart, as well...   as you can see, Jewel and I enjoyed them right away!!!


Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Trying to get into the Spirits of XMas...

and the OPERATIVE word there is TRYING... :(

Most of you who knows me well, knows well enough that XMas is still my most FAVE Holiday...  ever since childhood it has been....  I love everything about it... from picking out the perfect tree for the year....  decorating it....   watching the lights glow as I admire the finished, fully decorated tree...  presents shopping.....  getting dress to visit family and friends to hang out, feast and just feel the love.....   EGG NOG, PUMPKIN COOKIES, and yes, even the FRUIT CAKE!!!  LOL....

This time around, with the way things are going with my Mom's Health, it has been so hard for me to get into the Spirits of XMas.....   less than 20 days away and I have not really put that much thought about it....   all I could think of is getting to Manila and spending XMas with my Mom, as I promised her....   and with the two recent run back to the Hospital for her, more recent one for what seems to be a mild stroke, a couple of days ago - am really more anxious to get to her.....


Right now, I am just trying to keep myself busy with work and projects.....  taking care of jewel and   roaming the city, come rain or shine, just to keep my mind clear and alo tire myself out, so as to be able to sleep - been restless the last couple of nights....

and with hopes to get more into the SPIRIT of things, I even tried to put something up to remind me more of XMAS....  played with photographing some FAVE things in XMAS themes....
and even went XMas card shopping....  now if I can only MUSTER some ENERGY (Mentally and Emotionally) to make them out in time for XMAS.....  we'll see.....

Saturday, December 3, 2011

XMAS EVERYWHERE!!!

One of the things I always look forward to during the Holiday Season is to see how FESTIVE the windows at my FAVE HAUNTS will look.....   Though in alot of places (USA & Philippines included), XMas displays go up quite early - right along Halloween nowadays, in Taiwan it is quite keeping with the right timing...  as in right now.... 
Here's a few of my FAVES so far:
HERMES @ BELLAVITA
LOUIS VUITTON @ Okinawa, Japan & Taipei, Taiwan
BELLAVITA LOBBY: My Colorful Dreams
China Trust Park - Taipei, Taiwan
Naha, Okinawa, Japan  Shops
Shangrila & MEGA Malls - Manila, Philippines


Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Stories Are Gifts: SHARE!!!

...so Starbucks' new slogan for the holidays go.... Yes, Indeed!!! I could not Agree more... am Loving this so much, it makes me want to go and have a cup each and every time I pass by a Starbucks....

First saw this in Manila last month, but sadly, I was not allowed to photograph at all... not sure why??? I was totally disappointed as I was really loving the TAG LINE.... and thought it was IRONIC that Starbucks was asking us to share and yet, they do not let their shops share by forbidding them to photograph... I even went as far as asking for permission first and talking about BLOGGING it... still, they would not budge... the employees, though friendly, was afraid their Bosses will be upset and they will be terminated...

Then I came back to Taipei, and saw the same familiar illustrations... yet, it is a bit different, as gone was the Tag Line... the focus more is on playing in the snow.... not much about the Sharing of Stories... which was also a disappointment...

That is until my Annual get together XMas dinner with the girls - and Juliana gifted us all with this year's cookie jar (oh so cute with a Rudolph lid cover)... as if it was not enough - the added bonus for me was that it came in a Brown Starbucks Holiday paper bag with the tag line I love most...

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Happy Happy Joy Joy

Got my first XMAS Gift in the mail today... and I could not be HAPPIER..... just too cute and soooo Perfect for how I like decorate my XMAS tree - in white and silver.....It is an "oh-so-cute!" White Reindeer with Silver accents from TY... been a long time since I got anything from this company... hmmm.... now I better DIG UP my others....

Thank You, Mary!!! Love ya!!!

Friday, October 29, 2010

GOD JUL @ IKEA

Was supposed to meet up with Juliana today at Chili's for lunch - but due to a few unforeseen stuff she had to deal with at work, we had to cancel till next Monday.... Too bad as my taste buds were already salivating from some Chili Goodies.... Oh well, just a few days more... hehehehehehe....

But since there was a break from the rain today -- not even a drop of drizzle this Friday afternoon -- I decided to take advantage of it and went for a looong walk... here and there... nowhere really in mind... just wanted to get out and enjoy being out for a change instead of being stuck in the cold indoors - like the past few days..... I was also in search of, if any, Halloween windows.... as it is the Halloween Weekend, after all....

Anyway, found myself at IKEA.... always a FUN & FAVE PLACE to visit... anyhow, I wanted to pick up a STUFFED TOY for baby Jewel - and I know they always have a nice selection of really cute and colorful ones on display and available for purchase.... and I did find out.... this really cute Pale Green Frog wearing a top with Angel wings.... HOW CUTE IS THAT!!!And of course, since am already there - i decided to look around and snap a few photos.... they always have fun and colorful displays... and always something new to offer to the mass shoppers.... the added bonus was that their XMas display & merchandise are already up... scattered throughout the shop and of course, a large section devoted to the "God Jul" line before one exits to pay... Great marketing strategy - No one will be able to resist their INEXPENSIVE Xmas Offerings.... for sure!!!! Myself Included... I was sooooo close to breaking down and buying a few things for my XMas Decor this year, especially after seeing the cute little Gnome ornaments and the Straw Reindeers in various sizes and in Natural or Red colors.... just too cute.... but I held off buying for now -- guess my mind was still more focused on Halloween....

COMPLETE PHOTOS HERE

Thursday, October 14, 2010

XMAS ALREADY!!!!! WHOAH!!!!

OMG..... i was just thinking about the Halloween project i need to do when i get back to Taiwan - and BOOM, I was hit with nothing sooooo much XMas decors and such - all over Manila.... the ride from the airport to the city was already bursting with the holiday spirits.... then once in the malls - and i mean all of them, and it is Xmas, Xmas, Xmas!!! as if they wanted to skip Halloween altogether (albeit i did see at least a couple of store windows decorated lamely for Halloween....
All U Need for XMas 2010!!! XMAS Section @ SM Mega Mall
XMas Stalls @ Greenhills Shopping Center
Poinsettias For Sale for that early holiday Spirits in your homes...
and to top is all off, I was listening to the radio when The Jackson 5's "Someday at XMas" came on.... WHOAH!!! XMas song in mid OCT!!!

Thursday, December 24, 2009

MERRY XMAS to you and yours!!!

wishing you all a SAFE & FUN Xmas filled with joy, laughter & love... with family, friends, love ones... and even on your own... and of course, here's wishing for
PEACE ON EARTH...
and give to you all, my FAVE XMas song of all time:
"Have Yourself a Merry Little XMas"... this time from the always soothing voice of the great, late Karen Carpenter.


Tuesday, December 22, 2009

timeless.... and the message still LOUD & CLEAR

HAPPY HOLIDAYS, everyone!!! Enjoy your times with family, friends, love ones... but do SPARE a LITTLE THOUGHT for the others who are LESS FORTUNATE, as well.... KEEP SAFE!

Sunday, December 20, 2009

XMas Splendour

just sharing a few of the things I LOVE about XMAS more... and they none-more visible in ASIA than in the Philippines where people are predominantly celebrates and revels on this HOLIDAY....


Photo Left: Fresh Puto Bungbong & Bibingka - treats that one can usually get right outside the churches around the Holidays...

Photos Below: Xmas Trees, Xmas Window Displays & Parols (ornamental Star shaped wonders.
NOTE: 5 more days before XMas... more places to hit and snap photos of... (^_*)

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

XMas Tree Revelers

10 More Days before XMas... so far, only a few handful have seen our tree in person... surely wish that more friends are close by and can just drop by to take a snap with the tree.... thought it would make a FUN photo album for this XMAS....
anyway, here's the GALLERY of XMAS TREE PHOTO OP victims, so far.... still Plenty of time to snap a few more drop bys... even in my absence, photos will still be taken - FOR SURE!!! hahahahahahahahahaha....
So if you happen to be in the neighborhood - FEEL FREE to STOP BY and get your photo SNAPPED... (^_*)...

Sunday, December 13, 2009

12 dAyS of XMaS

did I say "days"??? I meant Gays!!! Got this from a friend of mine and just had to share... these bois are FIERCE - truly will liven up the last 12 days before XMas!!!

Watch & Enjoy!

XMas Get-Together #2

We had our Annual XMas Get together with the girls (Juliana, Sue n Cecilia) last nite, SAT the 12th... The place: why our home of course!!! Now you know why we have been cleaning all these weeks!!! If you have ever had a few friends over for a Holiday get-together... or any kind of get-together in your home - am sure you can relate and know that it is quite a feat to pull it all off... making sure - not only what one is serving is good, or at least edible, but also that the place is clean and nothing out of place... and of course, no matter how you clean and clean and clean - to you, it is NEVER ever going to be clean enough.. LOLs!!!

Anyway, ready or not, we had it last nite and luckily enough - it went off without a hitch... it helped that the girls are really sweet and were not grading us at the end of the meal - like that BBC show - Come Dine With Me"... so a GREAT TIME was had by all....and as always, Chef Marketchow did not disappoint and treated us to some very nice dishes... and I even got to help on a few of them... just don't grade my Salmon Cakes shaped as gingerbread man and stars... well, they were supposed to be anyway....Party finished at almost 11PM... and we SURVIVED!!! and BEST of all, next dinner is at Sue & Cecilia's home.... weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee............... but we could not rest yet - now we gotta get ready for a lunch party at Shaun & Lyn's home the following day...

Friday, December 11, 2009

a very Be@rbrick XMas...

...thanks to you Miss Mary!!! got the BOX today - totally UNEXPECTED.... love them all - Just Perfect as I do not have any of these Be@rbricks in my collection yet.... they certainly will LIVEN UP the display case....

THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH, Mary!!! Love Ya... Always!

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

at long last... SNOW!!!

okay okay, don't get too excited... no SNOW in Taipei City.... this is just a BUS STOP all made up this way for an advert.... still, it is eye catching and it does give one a sense of seeing snow - from a far anyway.... took this while I was riding the #262 Bus heading to Chung Hsiao East Rd... the actual Bus Stop is Bade & DunHua corner... Passed by it many times the last couple of weeks and it always makes me smile... so I thought I would taka a photo and share with you all... this is most likely as close as I would get to seeing snow this year..... *SIGH*

Thursday, December 3, 2009

XMas Window Magic

well, this XMas window display at SOGO Department Store in Taipei is not quite like the ones (Saks 5th Ave, Macy's, Neiman Marcus, etc..) am used to growing up in San Francisco but it is none-the-less magical enough... truly brings out the child in all the passers by-myself, included...


NOTE: 22 More days Before XMas!!!