Since I moved in to my new neighborhood, I have become more domesticated than ever. I live alone so there’s no one else I can rely the household chores with but myself. Things I was never compelled to do at home in Ilocos (or even when I was still living in a dormitory, oh the grimmest days of my life, haha) are now part of my daily grind. Hah, plus points for maturity!

I feel like I have been changed, haha. For example, I am quite reluctant to the idea of hanging out “out” now. I would rather open my door to my friends and share my unit with them than go out and spend on fastfood meals. I am also rekindling my love affair with the kitchen so I have been putting a conscious effort to make progress with my cooking skill. See?

Last night was quite a party. We almost achieved perfect attendance if only Jiru and Norman were not absent because of work. Andre, one of our professional cooks, was in charged with the food. I really appreciate how everyone’s being cooperative with my no red meat diet. I still get the jokes about healthy living from Mario but I’m used to it.

There was so much fun and laughing, as always. We greeted each other “Happy Thanksgiving” (Thus, the blog post title!) just because we’re crazy like that.

My sixteen-year-old self was pegged to become a doctor. As a matter of fact, I passed a pre-med course at another university known for its medical courses. I wasn’t as bad in science and math as I am now. I tell you, I thought I had my life planned already. But then, UPCAT results came and the rest, as the say, is history.

Now why did I take journalism? Because some people saw me becoming a lawyer, while I just saw myself having fun living in the metro, figuring out how maturity and independence work.

UP grows into you. I don’t know about other people, but I had no idea about the real value of getting in to UP when I was in my freshman year. When you’ve lived in a province for almost all your life, going to a university as big as UP can become too overwhelming that it wouldn’t make much sense anymore. All that I had in mind was the idea that it’s the premier university in the country so I must have picked the right choice.

But then, these things are not mutually exclusive. Just because it’s the best doesn’t mean it’s right for you.

What made me decide UP was worth it? Call me indecisive, but I can’t point one thing/event or another. But you know how is it with love? When you don’t know what is it but heck you know it’s right? That’s it, that’s how I feel about UP.

It’s been four years, and I’m officially a degree (and latin honor) holder. What does this have to do with life after college? I have yet to know. Oh, Dear Life, come on and bring it on!

Program photos by Jiru Rada for UP CMC’s Graduation Committee. Photo with my best friend Mario (14th) and thesis partner Ello (18th) grabbed from Facebook.

Last Saturday, April 20, I was lucky enough to have been invited to an afternoon fete for the Mini Make Your Own Havaianas (MYOH) Press Launch at Ilocos Norte’s Java Hotel.

For the benefit of the man who has been living under the rock he loves so madly, Havaianas is an international brand generally known for its superior and long enduring flip-flops. More than its much loved patented rubber formula, Havaianas comes in chic and stylish varieties that cater to the distinct tastes of men and women across generations.

I can still remember my first ever pair from Hong Kong’s Discover Bay plaza in 2006. And, I’m happy to say that Havaianas and I have been inseparable since then. I’ve constantly seen competitors replicate its form and function to no avail. I guess, once you experience Havaianas, you “Havs” nothing more to ask. #trololol

The launch was the first installment of a two-part program prepared by Visionaire Inc.’s Red Dot Boutique for the Ilocandia. Even more, it’s the first of its kind in the region. Yep, you read that right! MYOH is finally setting foot in Ilocos. :)

What’s MYOH, you ask? As the name already suggests, MYOH is  aimed to gather us, Havaianaticos, to an event where we can create our own flip-flops. This means that, whatever kind of sole/strap/pins we desire, it shall be made and given to us. It’s been done in other parts of the globe and the Philippines before, but like I said, it’s the first time it’s coming thisclose to home.

Dainty flowers/setup for such a pretty event by Ava’s Cake and Partyshop, no less.

Piña Coladas were served in this cute little containers. BUT for those who don’t take so much pleasure from spiked drinks (i.e. people like me), do not be deceived with its packaging. The alcohol was pretty strong, heh.

Would you want some chocolate brownie topped with leche flan and grilled chicken barbecue?

Renowned writer and Ilocos Times journalist Sir Herdy Yumul with Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte’s Tourism Head Sir Aian Raquel. Went straight to their table upon seeing them to thank them for the crucial role they’ve contributed for the development of Ello and I’s thesis.

One of Ilocos’ most prominent social fixture, James Burn.

LEAD Movement Founder (aka Ilocos Sandboarding Pioneer) Ms. Tina Tan with prime photographer, Marianne Pasion.

My friendship with both Ate Marian and Ms. Tina started through social networking sites. Fortunately, our virtual correspondence blossomed to something else greater.

Here is one of the *very* few photos of me from the event taken with my camera, lol. 

BTW, say hello to Ms. Tina’s eight-year-old Havaianas! Looking as good and new as ever!

Visionaire Inc.’s resident Graphic Artist Vince Canlapan, who I went to the same high school with but we never really got to talk to each other so much back then.

Also had the pleasure of meeting Visionaire Inc.’s Marketing Manager Ace Rumbao, who moonlighted as the event’s host…

and Associate Marketing Manager Ring, who was my warm and bubbly seat mate for the night! (I remember seeing her first in this post, where she looks fiercer than I can remember.)

More interesting people to whom I was introduced to by Sir Herdy and Ms. Tina. From left to right: Jojami Alcid, Visionaire Inc.’s CEO Mary Ann Cua-Macaraeg and husband Bernard Macaraeg, San Beda Law student Alexandra “Danda” Alcid, Tin-tin Alcid-Apostol and Ava’s Cake and Party Shop very own Kit Mandac.

I have no idea how I became part of this event, but I’m really grateful to Visionaire Inc., especially to Ms. Mary Ann and Vince, who personally contacted me, for the invitation.

I got to take home a loot bag with one of those gigantic Havaianas floaters you can see in the second photo of this blog!

Before the night ended, my father brought Tito Ben and I at ShareTea for some sugar fix. We all ordered from the rock salt cheese line…

and ended up with a mustache like this. Haha. (I will forever adore my father for always letting me take his photographs even at the oddest circumstances!)

MYOH will run from May 24 to 26 at Ilocos Norte’s Robinson’s Mall. You got exactly a month to save up for as many Havaianas as you wish to have. Still not convinced? Well, I heard that limited edition Ilocos pins for your flip- flops will be made available there. See you!

For more information, you can check out Red Dot Boutique’s Facebook or Twitter.