A Recap on Graduation Day

I hope people are still not sick of me and my graduation posts! I've had countless graduation posts and updates since last wednesday so please excuse this one as it is another one of those. I've worked for this for the past sixteen years so I'm still on a graduation high. This post is a recap on how the entire day was for me!

The day started pretty early since our assembly time at PICC was 7:30 am. I had my hair and make up done at Great Cuts Salon at Intercon Hotel which was recommended by my mom's friend. 

Shoutout to Angelo of Great Cuts for taking care of me and my mom! He was friendly and professional and my look did last the whole day. Thank you! 

We went straight to PICC with our empty stomachs since I was afraid to be late and not get to walk the aisle!

Graduation was surprisingly fast and okay. With 850 plus graduates from different courses my friends and I were expecting a long, boring, dragging program but we were even finished before noon!

Of course, this day was not just about me but also for my parents who supported my education financially, emotionally (during hard times and failures and for always encouraging me), physically (by being present in all programs and events despite their schedule) and all other kinds of support they've given me for the past 16 years that I couldn't possibly put into words!

Really, really, really haggard this time since it was super hot that day and I spent about an hour roaming PICC to look for my parents since my phone gave up on me.

For lunch, I wanted to get away from the PICC area since I know that's where most people would be dining.

We had lunch at Passion Restaurant at Resorts World, my favorite cantonese buffet!!! I was starving that time since I didn't have breakfast so good thing it was a buffet, but then again 4inches of high heels is not buffet friendly so this place was perfect since it was a sit down buffet.

Right after lunch, we went straight to Chili's at Tomas Morato for my afternoon party with the family and closest friends!

Aside from my graduation, we celebrated my lola's belated birthday!

In every party, people are asked to give speeches whether they liked it or not. I, being no exception. Haha

So to all these people, whether you liked it or not, thank you!!! Haha

Yaaay! Congratulations to me!

But of course, my getting a degree is not out of my sole efforts. So many people have made this happen, my parents of course and my family, especially my mom who patiently tutored me for accounting even if I get grumpy whenever my financial statements don't balance, my dad, who from grade school up until college has done every artwork and drawing that I needed since I lacked the skills and my tita who tutored me when I was in grade school and insisted I memorized all of my notes. My teachers from grade school and high school for all their efforts and their well wishes for me until now. My professors who taught me every thing I needed and things our books does not contain. And to all my friends who went through this ride with me. We all kept each other sane in such a crazy environment. Thank you, thank you, thank you! I feel so loved and motivated to do my best on my endeavour!

Love, Paola 

Chapter 1: Student Life - DONE!

I AM NOW OFFICIALLY A COLLEGE GRADUATE!!!! After 3 and a half years of studying in DLSU, I now have my degree and I'm officially closing quite a long chapter in my life. It's still a little surreal, I've been a student for the past 16 and a half years and now suddenly, I'm done. All those years spent studying led to last Saturday, when I walked on stage and got my fake diploma (our real diploma will be mailed to us a few weeks after). Now I'm moving on the next chapter which is popularly titled as "The Real World". And just like any good book, I know the next chapter is always harder,  more challenging and hopefully, more fulfilling.  

Dress - Ever New | Heels - Topshop | Bag - Tory Burch

A separate post on how my graduation day went, up next!

Love, Paola

Recognition Rites

My Instagram, Twitter and Facebook is full of graduation vibes right now, I love it!!! Last Wednesday, we had our Baccalaureate mass, batch picture taking and grad rehearsals. Last night, it was our recognition rites. You know us, pictures galore! Right now, my social networking sites are swarming with so much graduation feels and to think it's not even graduation yet! I can feel positive vibes from everyone, even when were all board during the practice. Happiness really is contagious! Anyway, this was my outfit for our recognition rites. I love everything about this dress - from its rich royal blue color to its brocade pattern. The cut is a little simple so I decided to dress it up with gold details!

Dress - Ever New | Earrings - Koet | Pumps - Zara | Belt - Aldo | Bag - Michael Kors

Thank you Tita Glenda for directing me on my angles and poses and for taking these photos! Haha

Love, Paola

Wicked in Manila!!!

 Last night, we were able to watch the highly acclaimed theater production, Wicked, at CCP. And although I have little exposure to broadway theater, I really, really, really enjoyed watching Wicked. From the stage design, to the costumes, to the special effects, to the actors - everything was hands down amazing!!!! I was in awe the whole time! I was so giddy hearing all the songs live. Anyway, this is the outfit I wore during the show. Forgive the low quality, we forgot to bring an SLR so these are all just iPhone photos. It was a little disappointing how some people don't dress up as much for occasions like this anymore. My first theater experience was Miss Saigon also at CCP and I remember how everyone was all so dressed up and lovely that time! Personally, glamming up for occasions like this are so much fun! 

Dress used as top - Mango | Skirt - XOXO | Pumps - Charles and Keith | Chandelier earrings - Accessorize 

 Here are some photos from last night:

Set design! The flying dragon!

 The map to Emerald City.

I read in an article that this show, down to its tiniest detail, was exactly like the one in broadway in London. It's great that more and more broadway shows are coming to Manila! I'm hoping that in the following years Lion King, Sweeney Todd, Cats, The Producers, The Little Mermaid and other broadway shows just keep coming and coming and coming! Like most plays, pictures were not allowed during the show but I was able to find official pictures on the internet:

 Glinda was so adorable! The audience was cracking up because of her! She was just so entertaining!

 This scene showed the most how Wicked is connected to The Wizard of Oz.

 My favorite musical number was  no doubt Defying Gravity but the Popular number comes close!

 Jemma Rix, the actress who plays Elphaba, has the most beautiful voice!!!

Even the costumes of all the dancers are so detailed!

*pictures taken from Ticketworld.net blog, Philstar & Inquirer*

I hope I get to watch more shows like this in the future!!! I really loved and enjoyed it! I heard Wicked is extended until March so go watch it, it truly is worth it!

Love, Paola