The 27th Phase: A Toast to Life

* Click on the image to see further details. :-)

Defining a Designer

In one of the seminars I have handled a few years ago on Designing in Magazines in my alma matter, I clearly remember I told the students that being a graphic designer is more tedious than being a writer. Why? Because instead of a think-and-write process, designers think, then write, before actually putting them into visual representations.

Most of the advertising agencies in the Philippines tend to spoon feed their designers. Creative Directors conceptualize everything while the designer just waits for detailed instructions and be able to manipulate the concept into computer.

Luckily, I have not worked in one of those. Or maybe, I didn't last long enough to remember I was into one. Most of the companies I have worked in, not only have beers and wine inside the fridge where you can actually grab during brainstorming sessions, or would allow you to smoke right in front of your computer, but ultimately taught me how it really is to be a designer; A designer who researches, who takes the time to get to know other designers and other styles, who conceptualizes, who painstakingly squeezes those creative juices, even at the most tumultuous time where one cannot squeeze even a drop.

I've had my share of all designers' dilemma. There were times when a big idea just pops out into mind even when the brief is still in the process. There were times as well that no matter how brilliant my idea is, the creative team usually chooses the concept which took only 5 minutes to create than the one I struggled to think about for days. Most of the times, I let sleeping or talking to someone over a cup of coffee, do the trick. These are the times that a big idea finally emerges.

More than making money out of designing, I believe that I design because this is the best way I can communicate and take part in changing the world. I am most happy doing personal projects, and those with little or no budget.

There is no regret that I took this path. I knocked down walls, gone over hurdles, been bruised and shed blood, however this is my passion. It made me ME. From where I am now and what I have become, and what I will be, that will define a true designer.

I couldn't believe I was able to do a special project such as this--the 18th Birthday of my youngest sister. Despite the distance, and a lot more challenges, there was no other choice but to pull it off. From conceptualization and design of invites, to her dress, cake, venue, giveaways, I was able to integrate what my client wants. And this has been a humbling experience.

Beachin' Around

According to my countdown clock, it's only 47 days before the most awaited trip to Bali, Indonesia. By far, Phuket still owns my heart to one of the best beaches I've ever been to (well, aside from Palawan, of course). I've been to other beaches in Indonesia such as Batam and Bintan, but let's see if this enchanting Bali would put me into awe. I just can't help but think about it all the time!

So for now, I'll leave you with my Batam and Bintan memories. I'll update once I conquered the land.

Batam View Beach Resort

Batam, Indonesia, 2009

Bintan Lagoon Resort

Bintan, Indonesia, 2010

Sisterly Luvvv

I wonder where is the next trip with my sister would be?

Taken by Juli in Bintan, Indonesia. Photo edited by yours truly.

Untitled Love

I never really realized

how much you meant to me

until we have become miles apart

It is only now I've come to realize

how every moment with you is special

Every word uttered

Every touch of your hand

Every loving embrace

Becomes a good memory in retrospect

I've lost count on how many times

we fought of our differences

or I cried because I rebel

or simply because I failed you

Our relationship may have grown over the years

Withstood a lot of storms

Tested by time and circumstances

There may be only one thing I am certain of

That even beyond your last breath

Or even beyond mine

I will forever be grateful to the Man above

That He sent you to me

Happy Birthday, Mommy.

I love you.

Arrivals and Departures

Nomad as I am, I got used to all the trades and techniques in traveling, whether heading to the beach, or out of the country, or simply just to get a gastronomic experience. Name it, we can have a never-ending conversation. But there's only thing I never get used to, the departing part.

You see, the airport brings different emotions. Excitement is what tourists feel especially if they're heading to a new destination. Others feel happiness and contentment especially if they're heading to their place of origin. While some are scared of what a new destination brings forth. There are some who shed tears because of unexplainable sadness due to parting.

I took part personally in all these emotions that almost always happen in an airport. I remember the first time I went out of the country. I was opened to a bigger and more exciting world that I have yet to conquer. It was then followed by going to destinations within the Philippine islands, and even working for the first time in a country who speaks little or no english. Now that I am working and living in another country, less than 4 hours away from the Philippines, I thought it would be a breeze on getting used to arrivals and departures, since I do it most of the times.

Honestly, the number of years of traveling maybe many, even genuine proofs of numerous passport stamps, 2 tourist visas, and 2 working visas, I have yet to learn that departures are always in conjunction with arrivals.

I sent my sister yesterday to the airport after a surprise visit nine days ago. We had so much fun together, it's as if she's living here with me. We lived luxuriously in a hotel provided for her. We watched a movie, ate and shopped everywhere. We even went to Indonesia for a short getaway.

She knocked on my door one Sunday morning, and I cried because the surprise arrival was too good to be true! (I was only in Manila a few days before she came to Singapore.) Then, when I accompanied her to the immigration for her departure after hugging her, I cried again, realizing that she won't be around anymore. But still, an airport is a hopeful place. I'd like to think there would be more arrivals soon.

* photo taken at Changi Airport Terminal 2, Singapore

That's Why

Now I know where Super Nanay gets all her powers from. Got to have that fabricated too for myself. :)