Real Life Goddess - Angela de la Calzada

Whenever self-loathing possesses us, we can always play deaf to the tiny yet repetitive voice in our heads and turn to our closest girlfriends for support and comfort. Just like you, I am grateful to have such - whether nearby, distant or even imaginary - to rely on. I am truly blessed to have an effortlessly beautiful, witty and genuinely big-hearted friend like Angela de la Calzada. We may not be as inseparable as before due to our current conflicting work schedules, but, when in self-doubt, I always recall how she carried herself and dust myself off and crawl out of the cocoon I've imprisoned myself into.

I first met her in the workplace. She's an instant standout with her tall stature, big figure, pretty face, creamy skin, big curls, perfect nose, excellent fashion sense and apparently endless supply of self-appreciation. Although I was intimidated by her strong personality, I was instantly drawn to her. Beneath her attractive exterior lies even more pleasant qualities - her deep faith that she does not push for everyone else to subscribe to, her eloquence and ability to mingle with all sorts of people, her appetite for good times, her reliability during bad times, her wisdom in spite her young age and so on.

Non-work related moment with Anj in San Juan Batangas in 2005.

She's not even aware of it all. She was clueless why I found it delightful that her family dubbed me as her twin (in terms of body size) behind my back and she was always the last to admit that a cute guy has the hots for her. How could someone be so self-assured yet so meek? And have I told you nobody else gets "featured" here until this fat lady sings? Which reminds me, she's the best walking iPod in town!

Lornadahl: How would you describe your personal fashion style?
Angela: I guess a mix of trendy (but revised/altered to fit my body) and classic casual. I love jeans.

Anj's usual casual look. Taken in Puero Galera in 2006.

Lornadahl: Which celebrities serve as your style icons?
Angela: Nicole Richie, Ashley Olsen... I love the outfits of [fictional] Serena Van der Woodsen in Gossip Girl.

Lornadahl: How about Angelina Jolie? I thought she's one of your icons. Also, can you specify what made you like Nicole Richie, Ashley Olsen and Serena Van der Woodsen? Diba Ashley Olsen is the one who usually wears loose clothes?
Angela: Mary Kate is the one who wears loose clothes. Ashley is the more classic trendy type. Yes, I love Angelina Jolie she is my icon too, but her fashion is a little too sophisticated for me. I like Nicole Richie because her fashion is a bit on the bohemian side yet at the same time, trendy. Same with Serena. Though not always, but I like Serena's casual looks on the show.

Lornadahl: What's the best fashion accessory for big women?
Angela: Big woman? Big bag.

Anj, her angas look and, yeah, her big bag. Taken outside Capone's Bar in 2007.


Anj and another big bag. Twogether for my beerday night at saGuijo Bar in 2008.

Lornadahl: Big bag, yes. I notice you're into big earrings and big necklaces, too. Not anymore?
Angela: Yes, I still like big earrings, bracelets, necklaces, even rings! But not because I think it suits my body, I guess it's more because of my personality.

That personality that lets her get away with striped tops. Let's drink to that! Photo taken in Bacolod.


...and get away with reading glasses.

Lornadahl: How do you deal with I'm-so-fat-and/or-ugly days?
Angela: Put a little more effort in my makeup, wear something a little more flattering than a t-shirt and get on with my day.

Anj in lovely eye makeup.

Lornadahl: Would you agree that guys only chase after skinny women?
Angela: No. Notice, yes. But chase? No.

Lornadahl: Do you think a great number of men appreciate big girls, too?
Angela: They do? Haha! In my opinion a great number of guys like big girls, not necessarily because they are big but because of their personality, sense of humor and the like. I guess you could say they value who the girl is, more than how good she looks.

Lornadahl: What's the secret behind your self-confidence and body acceptance?
Angela: The secret I guess is just knowing that if I didn't like my body, I would have done something about it. And since I didn't, that means I'm okay with it.

Lornadahl: You went gymming before, right? What made you do so? Do you think you would have continued if not for your busy schedule?
Angela: Yes, I tried gymming but more than my busy sched, I was too tamad to continue. Haha. May gana lang in the beginning but after a couple of months nagsawa rin ako. It takes a lot of commitment and dedication kasi, which I don't have.

Lornadahl: If you were to appear on a billboard or magazine cover, how would you look like?
Angela: Embarassed. Haha. I don't know, I guess however the stylists and photographers want me to look. But never in sleeveless.

Maybe something feminine and relaxed like this, Anj?

Lornadahl: Why not in sleeveless? Bigla naman akong nahiya sa mga sleeveless moments ko! Hahaha!
Angela: Haha! Wag ka mahiya! Ako kasi, I can't wear sleeveless talaga because my arms are my waterloo, as my mom would say. Basta I've always had a problem with my arms. They're like my biggest problem. Literally.

Sleeveless moment with Anj. Taken during the Lebita-Chavez wedding reception in Villa Imaculada, Manila in December 2010.

Lornadahl: What is beautiful about being big?
Angela: I don't know about that, for me kasi it's more of how you are and who you are despite your size. For me, if you know how to look your best and have a great personality to boost, you are beautiful.

Lornadahl: I so agree! How do you respond to the argument that obesity is unhealthy?
Angela: I would have to agree. Unhealthy in the simplest terms, meaning you are more susceptible to certain sicknesses and diseases like diabetes, etc.

Lornadahl: Given a chance, would you join reality shows like "The Biggest Loser" or "Thintervention with Jackie Warner"? Why or why not?
Angela: No! Because I'm camera shy. Also, I don't want people I don't know knowing my business.

Lornadahl: What do you say to people who say you’re addicted to food?
Angela: I think I am, in a way. Maybe not addicted, but I do love food. Obviously. I wouldn't say addicted, because that sounds unhealthy but I have to admit food is something I know how to appreciate.

Lornadahl: How do you feel if people stare at you? yell degrading stuff at you? Do you ever experience that?
Angela: I either feel pretty, or I check if I have something on my face. Haha. When they yell degrading stuff (which hasn't happened to me since I was in high school yata), I just ignore them. Well of course I don't feel great about it, who does naman. But I don't get hurt. What can I do naman if it's true, right? Parang I want to say, "I know, I know".

Lornadahl: Do you ever confront people? What happens when you do?
Angela: Nope. One time yata a street kid asked me, "Ate, bakit ka mataba?" I answered, "Hindi ko nga rin alam eh". But I've never confronted anyone talaga. I guess it's because I know naman it's true, but I still have friends and people who love me so I don't think it really matters what my weight is.

Lornadahl: What do fat people want to be called?
Angela: I don't know about others but for me, big is okay. Just not o-bes, mispronounced pa. I hate that. Mang-iinsulto ka na lang, mali pa. Haha!

Lornadahl: I know you've traveled everywhere. Does a big woman's self-appreciation and self-love root from the culture/environment she's accustomed to? What can you say about Filipinas and their self-appreciation?
Angela: I wouldn't say everywhere, I haven't been to Europe for example. But yes, I do think our self-appreciation and self-love roots from where we grew up, more than the country we live in, our home. Everything you are naman is rooted from there eh, whether good or bad. If you grew up in a home where you are loved and appreciated no matter how you look or how much you weigh, it's easy to shrug off the negative comments outside, because you know deep down that you are appreciated and loved everywhere else. Filipinas have good self-esteem if they grew up in a loving environment. Doesn't matter what country you're from, it all starts at home.

Anj: It all starts at home.


Anj and her supportive family.

Lornadahl: Some big girls are unaware that they're beautiful and sexy. What would you tell them?
Angela: Hey girl, you're beautiful. Haha. Well, sometimes naman they're panget right? And I don't mean in a physical way, but they have bad attitudes and are so defensive over how they look. But I think a nice thing to tell them would be to relax and accept how you look. Otherwise, go change it then!

***End of interview***

How To Stunt A Big Girl's Sexual Confidence

Unlike the teenage girls I see in the boob tube and the silver screen, I initially found it too difficult to strip off my clothes in front of this one guy who seemed to had appreciated my soul first before the rest of my body. Where did those teenage girls find the balls to expose their privates to someone or to a large crowd anytime as if everyday were a spring break party? While other teens were occupied acting on their raging hormones, I was a portrait of inhibition.

Luckily, I did not go through the he-might-cheat-on-me-if-I-continue-to-withdraw-sex paranoia. I had a healthy amount of confidence in my irreplaceable qualities. But I was totally aware that I was one Muse who can't make him write psalms about my body.

Photo from weheartit.

Eventually (read: about 29 days), his patience convinced me that my imperfection does not really matter. After all, he's far from impeccable, too. Whatever intimate moment we share together was not to be recorded for an audience's scrutiny. It's all about love. [insert romantic expressions here].

However, I felt my insecurity resurface one afternoon. I was sitting on his lap, wearing nothing but my undies and rose-colored glasses. Little did I know we were seated in front of his huge mirror. The typical post-coital sweet-nothings came into a halt; he stared at my eyes through the mirror and said, "I know I have no right to tell you this," then paused to gesture to his love handles, "But don't you think you should...start working out?" His eyes were then fixated somewhere between my bra and panties.

My brain took it as "Let's stop having chocolate cakes together when either of us is upset," and "Don't drink as much as I do," It also sounded like I'd gone complacent about my appearance and I should start checking out my competition. Ultimately, it made me feel that he wanted to spend less time with me...out there and in between sheets.

Ok, maybe he was just being preventive of any health issues his lovely girlfriend might face. So how will you explain the resulting scarcity of the highly recommended, doctors-prescribed sexual cure?

See, I was aware I was big...and getting bigger. Heck, it didn't matter what others say behind my back. I had an amazing guy standing next to me...until he expressed my weight gain was making me a lesser person than I was.

MUSIC MONDAY: Freshlyground - "Pot Belly"

♫♪♪ Even though I have fat thighs ♫♫♪
♫♪♪ Flabby arms ♪♫♪
♪♪ A pot belly still gives good loving! ♪♫♫

What else could be more romantic than to this song? Thank you, Freshlyground! You just captured what love is all about!

Happy Valentine's Day, everyone!

We've Got Male - Larry Coffey

Photo lifted from Tethered 2 Home.

Single ladies, we've got male this Valentine's Day! Whether you're on your temporary lonely state that results to a great need for external validation and/or appetite for dark chocolates or you're in the mood to hear mushy lines, here's one worthwhile Q&A for you.

I met this Californian dude in our mutual friend's timeline on Plurk. His sense of humor is as intense as his sensitivity to determine when you're in deep shit (as evidenced by the private plurks he initiated). There's no such thing as too much science fiction and red wines for him. And for that, let's have a drink! I know you're breathlessly waiting for the interview part.

Larry Coffey: I <3 Real Women.

Lornadahl: So you like real women. What makes a woman real?

Larry: A “real” woman is hard to define, yet you know one when you meet one. She has an inner confidence, a sense of playfulness, and is just as comfortable in jeans and a tee-shirt as she is in high-heels and pearls.

What she isn’t, is fake. She doesn’t hold back, but speaks her mind. When she laughs it’s not a repressed twitter, but a full-on guffaw that induces laughter in others. She doesn’t sap the joy out of a dinner date by ordering the small salad with dressing on the side. No, she’s likely the one ordering the double-sloppy bacon-burger with extra chili topping while washing it down with a beer – and not a wimpy lite beer, either.

She may not be perfectly happy with her looks – and who is? – but she doesn’t let her insecurities show. She does the best with what she was given. She’ll wear make-up, but she won’t obsess over it if it wears off during an evening of fun and revelry. Why bother? She’s having too much fun, that’s why. Nice clothes, cool shoes, she’s a class act. Boob enhancements, botox, and face lifts are for the other woman, the insecure girl.

Her attitude about life is infectious, for she lives it to the fullest and does everything to the best of her ability. She works hard, but plays harder. She sleeps when she is tired, she eats when she is hungry, and she’ll tell you to your face when you’re acting stupid.

That is a real woman.

Lornadahl: How would you describe your attraction to big women? Fetish? Preference?

Larry: First, to be clear, I’m attracted to several different types of woman, some of which may be classified as “big”. With experience I have found that once a woman has become comfortable with her own body, she is a much happier person to be with. A bigger woman sometimes matures faster into that acceptance, and therefore is a great deal more fun to “be with”.

It’d probably be more accurate to describe my attraction to bigger woman as an attraction to a big woman’s attitude. A display of self-confidence is the biggest aphrodisiac in the universe.

Well, that… and long dark hair coupled with an intense pair of eyes. Now that’s my real fetish.

Lornadahl: What's the best fashion accessory for big women?

Larry: Besides hot boots and a push up bra, you mean? Seriously, anything that enhances her long hair, or highlights her beautiful face would be a plus for the plus sized woman. If you fall in love with her face, the rest of the body will follow.

Lornadahl: What do you imagine she'd wear on your first date? It's up to you if it'd be a movie date, talk over coffee, a museum tour or whatever you like.

Larry: While I’d prefer her to wear nothing, or just sexy lingerie, while tied to a hotel bed somewhere, I guess that’d be an inappropriate first date. Now, movie dates are a bad start cuz you never get a chance to talk, and coffee houses are generally too bright and too crowded.

An ideal first date would start around lunch time. I would pack a picnic basket and take her to a secluded spot down by the river. We’d make conversation while finishing off a bottle of wine (or two) and strolling around the park, hand-in-hand. After, we’d enjoy the afternoon and early evening playing with the demonstrations at the Tech Museum. We’d keep it light and make up stories about other visitors to the museum.

From the museum, we’d indulge in some martinis at a nearby martini bar, while arguing deep subjects like the merits of one olive, two olives or more. After getting caught staring into my date’s eyes for about the hundredth time, I’d take her to a nice seafood restaurant where we’d get sloppy eating crabs legs and cioppino. We’d order dessert – something chocolaty and very unhealthy – and wash it down with an after-dinner drink, maybe some warmed Gran Marnier.

After dinner we’d hang at the piano bar and tip the piano player so much they’d have to play our requests all night. With corny old standards still buzzing in our ears, we’d catch a taxi (too drunk to drive) over to the midnight laser light show at the planetarium. We’d lay back in our seats, catch a contact high from the friendly “atmosphere”, all the while holding hands to thunderous music and dazzling lights.

When the night was complete, and with dawn threatening on the horizon, I’d walk her to her door. On her front step, I’d leave her a goodnight kiss that would make her panties wet. The next day, I would send flowers, with a note asking her for a second date.

Lornadahl: What a lucky girl. What song would make you ask her for a slow dance?

Larry: As she’s a classic beauty to me, I’d want a classic tune to dance with her. Maybe it’d be something from the era of our grandparents, like Louie Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World” or Nat King Cole’s “Unforgettable”. That’s not to say, however, that I wouldn’t dance other songs, though. For a true classic beauty, I’d dance every song with her, from every era.

Lornadahl: If you were to re-write the last couplet for Shakespeare's Sonnet 130, how would it go?

Ah but see this here my lady is real
Only by my ardent love could I seal

Lornadahl: Would you agree that guys only chase after skinny women? Does "chubby chase" really happen?

Larry: Just like women, men are inundated by images of the “perfect” woman: big boobs, skinny waist, pouty lips. When we men see the same manufactured beauties day in and day out, we start to think that is the “ideal” and therefore that is what we should want, what we should desire.

The term “chubby chase” is kind of derogatory, actually. Maybe there are true “chubby chasers” out there, but it’s a minority, those with a true fetish. Most of us are just tired of the synthetic women produced by Hollywood image makers, fashion magazines, and by the women who wish to be like them. The truth is, most women do not fall into this category of “ideal” beauty. There are men out there who just want a real woman, someone who doesn’t buy into the hype and accepts her body, accepts her form, for what it is.

Lornadahl: I know you've traveled everywhere. Does a big woman's self-appreciation and self-love root from the culture/environment she's accustomed to?

Larry: For better or for worse, a person is influenced by the environment they grow up in. A culture that is biased toward or demeans women can breed insecurities that are difficult at best to overcome. Through her own intelligence and her own personal awareness, a woman can surmount these issues and learn to accept herself.

However, if she is constantly beat down by those around her, she will never achieve that maturity, the personal growth that is necessary for self-confidence and self-awareness. Wherever I’ve traveled, one thing stands out: more important than cultural influences are the pressures that her own family and friends have on her. At some point, she may have to make the break between old friends and find a more encouraging network of friends. Putting some distance between an unsupportive family and herself may be the hardest decision she’ll ever have to make, but it is rare that any worthwhile growth can be done painlessly.

Lornadahl: In your visit in Cebu and Zamboanga, would you say the Filipinas have a great amount of self-appreciation?

Unfortunately Filipinas do not fully understand their worldwide appeal. While I had the honor of visiting one of the most beautiful areas of the world, I was dismayed by the poverty in which these very beautiful women lived. The economic differences between the rich and the poor most likely contribute to low self-esteem.

Furthermore, what I saw was a kind of repression, almost a discrimination against Filipinas there. They seemed to be treated differently than the men around them. For example, while leaving Cebu, I made the mistake of asking a lady next to me about immigration forms at the airport. When we eventually got in line, she was singled out because the officers thought she was with me, a white boy, and probably trying to leave the country. I overheard them hassling her as she attempted to explain that she was not with me. The passport checker quizzed me about her, too. It was all very bizarre and surreal -- I made sure I talked to no one else at the airport after that.

So, though I had just spent a very beautiful week touring the country, unfortunately my very last impression of The Philippines is how poorly they treat their own citizens, especially the women.

Lornadahl: If you were to do a photo shoot for a big woman on magazine cover, how would it look like?

Larry: Naturally, it’d depend on the type of magazine she was shooting for. For the typical woman’s magazine, I’d focus on her natural beauty with plenty of face shots, catching her lively and deep eyes. For a men’s magazine, I’d make it something more playful, probably using some sort of S&M getup. For something where a sense of humor is appreciated, I may parody one of the classic pieces of art that depicted larger women.

Lornadahl: Could you be specific?

Larry: Sure, basically the artwork of Peter Paul Rubens, noted for using images of larger women in his paintings.

Lornadahl: Some big girls are unaware that they're beautiful and sexy. What would you tell them?

Larry: It always amazes me when someone whom I think is stunning has such a low opinion of herself. Unfortunately, no one thing can turn around a person’s self-esteem. All one can do is to be polite, and continually make complimentary remarks without being sexist or suggestive. Support is the best positive action one can provide to someone lacking that kind of self-awareness.

***End of Interview***

Chubby Chase

Wow, it's that time of the year again. When we singletons attempt to distance ourselves from ubiquitous reminders of the primordial compulsion to seek for and be found by our other halves and, in my case, touch re-assess myself.

It transports me to the moment Shiela snapped me out of my satiated reverie to ask, "Bakit wala ka pa ring boyfriend?" I was momentarily blank. It's not really something you talk about after a mute moment in the elevator.

Bakit nga ba? I have a big heart that consistently pops out of my low-cut blouse. I give out rambunctious laughter that can effortlessly alter ill feelings. I have this bottomless energy to traipse from point A to point Z and insatiable appetite to try this and that. My mouth usually can't catch up to what my predominantly right brain aims to expound. I have contagious self-assurance. And, most importantly, I have so much love to give! Mindful of past aches, yes, but stronger and often eager to take care of someone special. So what's wrong with me? Bakit wala pa rin akong boyfriend?!

Must be my inability to market myself as The One. I've been told that I always project myself as one-of-the-boys gal instead of the siren that I actually am. Oftentimes I'm branded as intimidating and perceived to be already romantically attached for reasons I am completely unaware of. And I'm one limited edition concealing herself behind poor packaging.

Confused, frustrated and exhausted, I decided to search somewhere I think I can introduce myself the way I want to be known. Somewhere I imagine I will be considered presentable, appreciated from head to toe - and belly rolls in between - and accepted for who I am. Somewhere like Chubby Chase.

So I signed up, uploaded 5 of my favorite photos, filled out my profile sheet, indicated I'm after a long-term relationship and, well, I can't afford premium membership (starts at $12.49 per month). Membership type is not really pronounced at your profile page but you would know if your date is on the same state when he sends or reciprocates a template message like "I think you're cute!" and when he's unable to initiate a chat, among others. Instant dead end, eh?

But such disappointment doesn't come close to my discovery of the dearth of Filipino men's presence on the abovementioned virtual niche. Worse, a few of them had the gall to use headshots of Sam Milby and Jericho Rosales and claim it as their own portrait. I did a search for their profiles recently and I'm relieved that their insecure asses had vanished in the community. Maybe they detected a note of bitter derision out of my template message: "Wow, you're funny. I like that." and realized I'm itching to spank them in public.

In spite of my long-time disapproval of long-distance relationships, particularly for those in courtship stage, I contradicted myself and entertained a couple of Caucasian men - ranging from nice guy with quirks to downright extreme pervert. I was too quick to exalt the small things and was too slow to admit that a roseate future with a man who say "just looking for now" in his profile will hardly come into fruition. However, I'm grateful for such self-realizations and friendship earned from each man I encountered.

My friend Atong's interest had waned as easy as her serendipitous discovery of the dating site. Sometimes I wonder if she had unreasonable expectations within a short period of time or I'm just being too clingy to the impossible dream for the longest time.

There goes my self-deprecatory attitude again. See, I've ceased asking myself "Bakit wala pa rin akong boyfriend?" Like what I have stated above, I'm such a great woman with a long list of admirable qualities. But where is this inconsistent flow of self-love coming from? Why does it always have to be hard work? What else do I need to work on?

This Valentine's Day, it's going to be another duel against myself. It will be another moment of cross examination with the woman in the mirror. If He loves me for who I am and so do the people surrounding me, why can't I do the same?

"You can not make someone love you. You can not be thin enough or white enough or famous enough. The choice is entirely the other person's. Then again, you might try hypnosis."

— Jessica Zafra (Chicken Pox for the Soul)

From XS to L?

So FHM's Sexiest Pinay 2010's weight gain made it to the showbiz headlines. Will she be on top again this year?

Photo by Don Romero.

I'm not exactly a follower. However, I've admired her down-to-earth aura, her bottomless love for her father, her great passion for swimming that extends to probably a long list of beneficiaries, including the Ondoy victims, and her apparent preference for long-term relationships. When she was tapped to portray Darna, I was quite impressed. I hardly spend that much time in front of the boob tube so I can't really vouch for her theatrics. But I thought it must be her morena skin that possibly made her the standout choice among the Kapuso stars back then.

Then she started endorsing Metathione. If you're born fair like Kris Aquino and feign astonishment on how this particular whitening product works, that's just typical entertainment. However, if you're bronze and beautiful, that's a statement!

Photo from Pinay Celebrity Online.
From losing 5 brownie points for that move, she lost 10 more for this news.

My poor attempt to capture the article via Paint.net.

Angel however thinks that plus size women are still beautiful."Ibig sabihin po ba hindi magaganda ang mga matataba? Huwag niyo naman sabihin na pangit kasi, ang dami kong kakilalang medyo healthy pero napakaganda naman ng ugali, napakaganda naman ng hitsura. Aminin naman natin, hindi naman tayong lahat kapayatan, di ba?" Angel said.

Why apologize to fans for being unable to meet their expectations in spite of your perceived healthy condition? in spite of your appreciation of big women? Or do you mean "Plus size women are still beautiful...but not for me?"

Still, I'm crossing my fingers Folded & Hung would come up with bigger sizes - whether Angel Locsin achieves her desired figure back or not.

[10 of] 27 Dresses

Wedding preparations can get frustrating for the budget belles, considering that local mainstream fashion is just really starting to be plus size-friendly. Although I've had my share of dissatisfaction from the clothing items some brands pass off as Xtra appealing, I cheer myself up with the thought that weddings are still festive moments. Your best friend or colleague or distant relative invited you to partake in that significant rite of passage because you, too, are significant. You can't just show up looking like you're attending a funeral waiting to happen! We really must make an effort to appear alluring whether or not, to quote a line from 27 Dresses, the only reason to wear this monstrous dress is that so some drunken groomsman can rip it to shreds with his teeth.

I've recently survived the greatest challenge in my social calendar thus far: attend 4 weddings within 2 months AND look good. I'm in the mood to retrospect in hopes to share my lessons derived from my dress-hunting adventures. Here's your instant flashback from the first to the most recent weddings I've attended.

The Molina-Marquez Nuptials
summer 2006

L-R: Edmund (groom), Anahata (bride) and myself

Please ignore the fact that that is NOT a dress. It's a perfect demonstration of what lack of inspiration can do. I was wearing a long colorful skirt I bought from Cocoon's Nest in Malate and a white off-shoulder top. Nothing tangerine (the wedding's theme) at all!

At the reception with Anne and her tangerine shawl. Back then, she's the only mutual friend I have with the bride.
The Acacio-Javier Nuptials
January 20, 2008

Wearing a brown dress from Versace. Don't you just love ukay ukay stores? Pretty yet uncomfortable shoes from VNC. Although I share this obsession with the color purple with the bride, I failed to display it that night.


L-R: Sha-Sha (bride), myself and, the poor victims of my repeated these-shoes-aren't-made-for-walking spiels, Venice and Shiela.

The Capuno-David Nuptials
July 26,2008

Dear Dressmaker, please get me something like this!

Uhm, NOT this!

Oh, well. Idaan na lang sa project!
The Salazar-Cruz Nuptials
November 9, 2008

Myself as one of the liturgy sponsors.


Myself as the runner-up for the much-coveted FREE round-trip tickets to Boracay and bouquet. Turned out the former was just a joke.


Wearing an asymmetrical gown custom-made by the now-defunct Clothesline Manila in compliance to the Grecian wedding theme in Fernwood Gardens. With another uncomfortable yet pretty pair from VNC slightly visible in this photo.

The Duero-Cruz Nuptials
April 2009


Wearing a plain purple dress that officemate Atong was selling that summer. It was from her sister in Dubai. Serendipity!


A closer look at my favorite fashion statement: lovely curls brought to you by Tony & Jackey!

The Varias-Salamat Nuptials
April 16, 2010


Wearing my mother's floral dress and hiding my big arms in hot pink bolero during the for-friends-only reception in Filipinas Heritage Library.

The de Guia-Basa Nuptials
December 4, 2010


And the bride had spoken: let's take back the hands of time to the 1940s! My Google image search somehow ended when I saw this photo.


Here's how it would look like on a postmodern woman. This dress was tailored by Kuya Anthony (now deceased) from Divisoria, lace gloves from SM, digital perm by Mr. Shin of Be@uty Brick, walking flats (that replaced my silver heels from VNC) from Sabella, white corset (not seen in this photo) from Segunda Mano. Photo by Kat.


L-R: The wedding organizer/host in Divisoria dress, the bride in her custom-made bridal wear from The Piña Shop and the maid of honor. BFFs!


Me in action! Photo by Kimmeh.

The Lebita-Chavez Nuptials
December 28, 2010


Wearing an P850-worth ready-made cocktail dress somewhere in Divisoria and my mother's accessories. Don't tell her, though.

L-R: Me and my beautifully big arms, Anj, Lex (groom) and Rohan.

L-R: Rohan, my seductive self, Anj and Diane.

The Caringal-Guianan Nuptials
January 5, 2011


Wearing a sleeveless silver gown from Divisoria (thanks to haggling, I took it home for P1,400!), black shawl from SM and recycling that lace gloves due to the cold weather that made it to the headlines. Staring down at the beautful view from St. Pio's Chapel in Bekkel, La Trinidad.


The masters of ceremony: Rene, Deo and myself.


As I have painstakingly detailed here, there's a reason why I was wearing those leggings and paisely-printed slip-on sneakers from Rusty Lopez.


Damian Ball left right after the bouquet-and-garter game and, most importantly, he's NOT that into girls.

The Pausanos-Israel Nuptials
January 16, 2011

The secondary sponsors (and the rest of the entourage) were all wearing Nono Palmos.Vintage Filipiñana is love!


That's Vince and I in action, putting the cord on Alistair and Ina!


As bitter as it may sound, the bouquet had to go to someone else. Why, cosmos, why?! I was NOT wearing any leggings that time! I was wearing a pair of 5-inch platforms from Payless! WHY?!

All photos for The Pausanos-Israel Nuptials by Jill Lejano.

As you can probably tell by now, I'm no fashion champion who is truly licensed to direct you what to wear. I've had moments in horror roll in the past and have more fashion tips to learn in the future. However, I take pride in the genuine smile I brought with me each time. Not a smirk for being able to up-stage fellow guests, neither a scowl for being reminded of my sorry, singleton sob story. As the title of this blog implies, there are more weddings to make a grand attendance on! Let's drink to that!