Like a Circus Girl

Obsessing with Mindy Gledhill's circus girl as of the moment. No, I don't look like a circus girl in this post. I look less of a color wheel. I'm wearing something very casual on a random day. If there's a word count for random, there's more than five hundred hits on this blog and others too. We just call it random just because. The sweater is American Gap and the bag is thrifted vintage and of course, my all time favorite oxfords from Forever 21. They're opening a store in Cebu and my wallet is ready. Well, just thirty percent of it goes to F21. In less than twenty-four hours, we're saying goodbye to my birth month. October is so close. Are we ready?

I walk on a wire, jump through a fire for you
Hang from my knees on a trapeze while you
Make me spin
Yes, you make me twirl
Like a circus girl
From overseas, we'd acquire the most bizarre oddities
And charge quite the fee for the people
Who will flock just to see
I wonder what they'd pay
To see my heart on display

Cupcake Society

Tonight, she could be suffering from anorexia. For the first time, she eats. 

All them greasy foods, goes well with cupcakes and other sweets.

No, I don't have problems with my weight. I am very much confident with my body. And yes, those cupcakes looks too cute to be eaten. You can have the entire bakery too.

 Life is short, eat all you can't. 

FIDA Cebu

This is no longer last Friday Night although that Katy Perry song is playing in my head. Fashion Institute of Design and the Arts opened its doors to Cebuano's two Fridays ago. It was on the 17th to be exact. Two days after my birthday. I don't know why I still talk about my birthday even if it's no longer my birthday. I officially declare the month of September as The Chyrel Gomez month. Pardon if I get too self-absorbed most of the times. There are times when I think about myself and thoughts of him even if I'm suppose to talk about the grand launch of FIDA Cebu. Oh, I just can't help it. Don't I? Cheers to me, then. This is my blog, after all. I can say whatever I want. 

There will be no photo captions but there will be word of mouth. I have to personally thank Miss Enthusiast for letting me use her photos for this entry. I didn't lug around a camera on that day. A camera is a blogger's best friend. That's the inconvenient and widely-known truth. Pictures are important aside from the obvious that it doesn't lie. Except of course when you're good with Photoshop. It's one proof that you were there in the flesh. It also entertains your 'readers' if your writing sucks. Like this one. If you don't convince them with your writing then give them their two cents worth. Show them good photos. Or even awesome. You are most likely to grow your readership. This part here feels like talking about blog statistics than FIDA.  

Bloggers in attendance were Michelle of From Runway to Realway, Ephraim, the owner of Best Finds Thrift Shop, and Carma from The Stylish Seeker and Kimberly Mendero the photographer. I don't really have the rates or schedules of classes but if you are interested to enroll, do visit FIDA's facebook page. Or you can leave me a comment with your email address and I can forward it to you. Gawd! I feel so commercial and I don't know what. Seriously, visit their page cause this entry is not at all helpful. I love the last three photos and the first one reminds me of the lovely interiors. As for the second one, I wish I have my own sewing machine. And of course! Books! They have books on fabric sewing guide and if you'll learn how to do so, there would be no need for you to enroll in FIDA. Just read them all away. Well, good luck to that. 

John and Yoko

Now that I have a lot of things to blog, I can't find time or I lose interest with blogging. Maybe I'm just being a sloth or I just have a poor vocabulary. I couldn't even think of a title other than the shirts that Bal Marsius and I are wearing. I know, these are not your ordinary couple shirts. It's John Lennon and Yoko Ono for crying out loud. I'll shoot you this instant if you don't know who those legends are. We're promoting artwork and this is not a paid ad, as usual. If Google directed you to this site after searching the keywords of those two luminaries then you're not in for anything. I won't give you the satisfaction. Ever. You were tricked and unluckily misrouted. Photos on this entry are taken by Rox, the brilliant author of the blog Bigbangs and Tidbits. 

My bangs were still brushed in a sideswept motion on the day I met my boyfriend's circle of friends. I had a haircut the day after. Well, I got my hair trimmed and have full bangs again. I couldn't help but chuckle when we stepped inside the salon. I just matter-of-factly said haircut, the same way a person exhale's and the receptionist asked if it's for him. To her point of view, he needs the haircut more than I do. But, I love his hair the way it is. It's even sexy. Hair grabbing moments are. Don't you just love those intimate moments. Yes, I do!  I love the smell of his hair. Reality check. I'm getting annoyingly cheesy. XD

Hair strokes aside, the whole gang met up cause Rox and her boyfriend's relocating in Manila. I would have loved to live in Manila cause almost everything's cheap there but my heart will always be for Cebu. Always. I've lived in this city for twenty-five years but I've never tried eating those saccharine treats in Ice Castle. The guys from zerothreetwo confirmed that it's a purely Cebuano food chain. As how Rox blogged it, it's for bitter folks with sweet tooth. If you have issues with your body weight, I suggest you skip Ice Castle. But if you're not then indulge yourself. You can just choke right after eating or reading this entry.

Cougar Town

I enjoy watching the show and Courtney Cox looks better than the FRIENDS era. Demi Moore is even more gorgeous now. It may be the work of cosmetic surgery or something else. Those two lovely women have something in common, both dated men younger than their years. There's just something about them. It makes you want to suck their youthfulness out of them. Not that I consider myself as one, I'm too young to be a cougar. That's defense mechanism on its best, honey! What?! I just turned silver. I still have the best days ahead of me. And age is just an attitude according to this tv commercial. But I wouldn't mind joining the ranks of Courtney Cox, Demi Moore or Carmi Martin if we mention any local flavor. 

I just couldn't help but think of the word cougar when I wore the skirt. And it also reminded of the Flintstones cause of the tattered ends. It was very windy when I wore them and I almost had my Marilyn Monroe billowing skirt moment. Good thing I had my trusted bag worn like that of a Postman to avoid any unwanted peek-a-boo's. When windy, it's still advisable to wear a skirt but something other than the undies should be worn underneath. My sister Liezyl already wore this look once and I'm not afraid to admit that I'm an outfit repeater.  

I'm not so good with mixing print on print but I do love matching printed items with the basics. It never fails. I invest mostly on classic pieces like the shirt seen here. They never go out of style and can be paired with anything. It can be worn casually or on a more romantic date with the boy or something corporate.

Photos on this entry are taken by my bff Jed. I could't help but notice on how muscular my legs are. Sometimes, I just like my photos bigger. 

(Skirt by Madeeni Finds, Top by Bench, Wedge shoes by Parisian)

Counting Calories

On the eve of me turning silver, Bal Marsius and I had dinner in 30 Kitchen, located near the entrance of Paradise Village. I've heard so much about the place and it's highly recommended by friends. I've checked out zerothreetwo's website for their review and it wasn't that comprehensive. It's because you don't have to read about a restaurant. You have to experience the food and place yourself. 30 Kitchen doesn't have big servings, it's MASSIVE. I ordered mushroom soup while he had tomato for starters. We were expecting it to be an appetizer but the soup that cost seventy pesos apiece is already a meal in itself. It's so different from Cafe Cul-De-Sac where it's just enough to stimulate your sense of taste. For the main course, he had Mediterranean Fish and I had Black Angus cooked in chicken gravy. We originally planned to drown ourselves with alcohol but after the gastronomic dinner, we felt all sleepy and FULL. I'm sure you've heard about the pig syndrome. You just want to sleep all the calories consumed even if you feel all guilty. 

We prolly felt all full before eating cause of the boisterous noise made by the small group just a few inches from our table. They were just a small number of girls but their voices resonated around the place. It sort of ruined the experience but I was too happy, I couldn't let them take away my crowning glory. Besides, it's not their fault they're annoying. I'm still recommending 30 Kitchen to my friends. In fact, I'm planning to go back there soon. 

Since you've reached this part, that means you were reading. Or just merely browsing the photos. The last two photos are obviously not in 30 Kitchen but it's taken in Zayka. The only Indian restaurant in town near Cofifi. We had late lunch in Zayka and since I am forever faithful to anything chicken. We ordered spicy chicken biryani and cielo kebab. We're both carnivores, I know. Since birthdays can be made as an excuse to have more calories than the body can take. We ordered some fraps in Cofifi. I was so amazed with the Barista cause she remembered the drinks we had from the last time we were there. And when I say last time, it was almost a month ago. Now, that's what I call amazing customer service. :) 

The Birthday Girl

Time goes too quickly nowadays. I don't even know where to begin and I'm not so sure if I am making such a big fuzz about turning a year older. It just felt like I was still turning eighteen and now, I am officially silver - the hottest metal around. This year is totally different from my previous birthdays. Believe me, September 15 is my equivalent to Friday the 13th. On the previous years, I kept losing my battles and life was just too harsh with a series of unfortunate events. I WAS such a worst-case-scenario-kid. It made me question if I am really meant to keep things and anything in between. People also have this notion that I have a good life. I mean, I live this so-called sheltered life where I can have the possession of material things in a snap and yeah, what I want is always something bought by my own money. Not unless I morph into a bratty little bitch and demand from my Uncle. Hehe. In most cases, I want to and will have this and that because I worked hard for it. Materialism aside, I am proud to say that I have a beautiful family, blossoming career, equally gorgeous friends and a highly intellectual boyfriend. What more can I possibly ask for?  If you like, you can start sending cash donations for my 2014 World Cup Fund. Sorry to digress but it's one of my ultimate dream to watch the World Cup. I'm not that rich to afford it. But I already got what I wished for. I am loved. 

People experience certain peaks in their life where all the pieces seem to just fall into place perfectly... and turning 25 marked the beginning of fabulous new chapters of my life.

me = giddy ;)

Photos by Bal Marsius

How I Met His Mother

It's the classic case of  city girl and the country boy. Two Fridays ago, the boy asked me to travel up north in Liloan and just chill in their house. I live, breathe and grew up in the City. Liloan is not my turf although my dad lives in the same place as he is. It was my first time to travel via public transporation on my own to my then home. Not that it matters, we have a house in Liloan but we decided to move in the City cause it's the melting pot of civilization. Nothing discriminatory here. I just  meant the schools, malls and anything suburban. It was almost scary at first cause I don't really know the place like the back of my hand. But that's where the fun is. It may sound too shallow or something like it for some but I like overcoming my little fears. I mean for all I know, you my dear reader may travel to the moon back-and-forth. But to me it is something new. And besides, there are always different strokes for different folks.

Don't mind me. I just enjoy life's little pleasures and I really know how to do so. Still about Last Friday, I knew that I'll most likely meet his mom for the second time. And I seriously had a hard time deciding what to wear. I do have an outfit planner. I'm shamefully admitting that I plan what to wear but the weather spoils it sometimes. Sudden rainfall makes me change outfit for ten times in less than a minute. I'm not kidding. It soils the pretty shoes but there are instances where I feel like wearing my barely there shorts with all the thunder and wind. Definitely not the best outfit to wear when meeting the boyfriend's mother though. I didn't want to look over-dressed or high maintenance which is definitely I am not. Sometimes, people get to typecast you with what you wear. But you know, it's what you wear that gets you noticed. But it's the attitude that really sells.

I ended up wearing my American Gap shorts which is made in the Philippines together with my favorite Forever 21 oxfords. The shorts were originally just above the knee but I folded them when the photos were taken. I don't look good with anything below the knee. Had my legs been a display of cellulites or varicose veins, then there's no way possible for me to wear these shorts. 

Photos in this entry are taken by Bal Marsius. For the first time, my boyfriend took fashion photos of me. I can barely believe it. 

American Gap shorts, WAGW Top and Belt, F21 Oxfords, Bag by Parisian

Fashion Commuter

First heard of the term fashion commuter from Ava Te's blog. It sort of inspired me to ride a public utility vehicle when I'm all dolled up. It's something I haven't tried my entire life. And I was really tempted to do something for the first time. I've even decided to wear a skirt to complete the entire experience. In most days - I ride with the boy, Captain Jak or with a cab. If  I'm not mistaken, fashion junkies from across the universe even take the train or a bus. In my own language, it's something like THIS: Sa New York gani kay mag train ra sila. (In New York, fashionably dressed people even ride the train) It sounds way better in my language cause sometimes it gets lost in translation.  Riding the PUV saves you a lot of pesos and you get all the attention you didn't even ask for. What better way to debut my JC inspired shoes, purchased a few months ago from fellow Cebuano Fashion Blogger Michelle, than to wear them on the road and in the jeep! People really stare. I don't even have to explain why. 

The whole world really stops and stares for awhile... 

top and skirt are both thrifted vintage, shoes is bought from Michelle Palomar.

Because I said So

Being perfect is not my intention. And really, to me life's too short to be worried on what others would think.

People always will and I was never one to feel the need to please them.

These previous weeks I:

 have been called a bitch one too many times, I know that already but thank you very much. was always late. spending money on the wrong things although I definitely am on a budget, I couldn't resist investing in some goodies to grace my feet again. spoke my mind on things I should have kept quiet about. kept my quiet about others. wondered if changing yourself (even just a little) for someone dear is worth it or if you should stay consistently true to yourself no matter what the consequences are.

I no longer have the fake-it-until-you-make-it mantra. Right now everything feels so fragile and delicate I hardly dare to move. BUT, I'm really dead serious about shaping up. Not just my physical self but my derailed corporate life. 

Today I:

I'm taking my friends word when both of them said on two separate occasions that it's time for me to act like a grown up. I guess it's high time I face all my demons. What I've learnt from numerous books I've read is that in the end everything is a performance and an experience. Guess, I'm one tough cookie to beat. I always feel burned out but look at me, I get over it and be awesome instead.  

 I used to think that life was all about me. And then someone comes along... Suddenly life isn't only about yourself, it's about making someone else happy as well. Enough cheeseballs talk. I've never sounded like a Hallmark card in my whole life.

Top from Kashieca, Pants from Penshoppe, Bag from Parisian, Chuck Taylors

JEDI

Oh, it's already September. I wanted to blog on the first day of the month but I opted to wait until the second. I'm dedicating this blog post to my stylish gay best friend, Jed. Today, he's officially SILVER. We are alike and different in many ways. At times, I even think he's the brother I never had. But that's too cliche. He'll always remain my almost lover if he wasn't totally gay. I don't have any crush or hidden desire on you, just to make it clear. In case you're reading this. He always has this notion that I fantasize about him. I'm not sure if he really meant it or it was just the alcohol talking. I know I should have done better and praise your gorgeousness but no words are coming out of my mind right now. You deserve all the praise but not to the point of sugarcoating things. We've been together through small and bigger waistlines, sobriety and what have you's. I remember the times when we used to go out and party like there's no tomorrow. BTW, many thank you's for making sure I am safe and OKAY when all the beer is gone. There are so many things that I have to be thankful for but I am most grateful for being your friend. You can't find another Chyrel Gomez in the entire universe, Jed. I truly wish you all the unadulterated happiness this world can offer. And who knows, love is just around the corner. :) ILY!

Happy Birthday!

 photo taken by yours truly