Cherry's Journey

This layout has been long overdue since Cherry and Camie settled down a few months ago already. Just couldn't resist the urge to create this for Cherry as she looks so princess-like in her wedding attire. Seen along with her proud mom and dad, she projects the aura of someone totally in love and ready to embark on a lifetime journey with Camie. Wishing always the best for them both, especially to Cherry--someone who embodies beauty inside and out.

(Credits: Dragess quickpage, EM Glass Hearts elements, MZP Friendship element)

Turning Japanese

Everywhere we go, I find it amusing how a lot of people would mistake my hubby as Japanese....that is until he speaks fluent Tagalog. And they will become more impressed thinking, "whoooaah! a Tagalog-speaking Japanese...coolness!" But in reality my better half is Chinese born in Manila and migrated to America. Now, he considers himself more of American than anything else. The values he has imbibed are purely Westernized now that at times we find it hard to see eye to eye. But as much as we disagree on some things, our love and respect for each other enables us to meet halfway. After giving birth, I will be moving with him to Los Angeles, and the thought of it just makes me anxious thinking of the culture shock I will be faced with. But my love knows I will find the whole experience an eye-opening transformation. As long as he is by my side, I know I will welcome my whole new life with open arms.

(Credits: Frene Alexeva Sushi Bar elements, MMD Bamboo papers, Doucer Renivrante by Petit Moineux, Black Glitter Glue alphas, Amelie Scrap Designs Essential elements)

Doctor Love

When I caught my hubby fooling around with my blazer, I felt I just had to capture the moment and make a layout. He really looked like a real doctor wearing my gown (hmmm well except maybe for the shades..hehehe). Just couldn't ask for anything more married to my 24/7 doctor. Just always there to shower me with lots of love and affection---an overdose of kisspirins and yakapsuls! He can sense my aches and pains by just one look, and immediately he would come up with the remedy I need! Love you so much Doc Edison! ;)

(Credits: KB journal frame stack, Sal Get Well elements, Joyce Paul Just To Say paper, DS bonus cardboard edge, Gretchen Tripp Birthday Bash ribbon)

On This Day

On this very special day, as I look into the eyes of my beloved Edison, I just cannot help but shed tears of joy. My voice quivers as i recite to him the promise of my everlasting love and devotion. I tremble and feel overwhelmed with happiness as I hear him boldly recite his promise of forever to me. Right there and then, I have never felt so lucky to have someone whose love for me overfloweth. Despite the odds that incessantly pass our way, our love for each other just shines through. Both of us have given up a lot for each other, and I firmly believe that the future can only be bright and beautiful for us. As the days go by, I can only feel our love growing more and more. Knowing that he is always there by my side, through thick and thin, gives me a feeling of happiness and contentment. Knowing that he is mine for keeps is the greatest gift of all.

(Credits: TO HAVE AND TO HOLD - Summer Driggs Moments papers, April Cotton Valentine polaroid frame, Mysticato datebits strip, FeiFei stuff pin, Scrapbook Factory Deluxe elements; FOREVER - Thora HOH quickpage, Digi Lover's Addiction word art)

Coffee Lovers

Since my honey came back from LA, both of us have been constantly hanging around The Block. Three main reasons why he loves it there so much? -- 1) the mall is freezing cold which makes him quite comfy and helps alleviate the heat rash; 2) the "happy hour" coffee at Gloria Jean's and the free wifi that comes along with it; and 3) the pleasure of the company of our barista friends (Vangie, Fabrice, Maco, and Ian.) Edison loves coffee so much that his morning is not complete without it. He will just have it black and can gulp as much as 3 or more tall cups a day! Being a coffee lover myself, I'm not really that particular with the coffee I'm drinking. Frankly, I'm quite happy with the 3-in-1 we have at home. But to my honey, he speaks of coffee like a poet reciting his poetry with much passion and enthusiasm. He will take your mind to new heights and depths --- and he is just talking about coffee! What a cool guy! :)

Miss Vangie, the Head Barista at Gloria Jean's is one great woman! We instantly had a connection knowing we are both Paulinians. Other than that, astrologically speaking, we are both Earth signs which makes us grounded and realistic (much to the dismay of our guys!) Every time Edison and I would drop by, we would always be welcomed by our barista friends with their warm smiles and greetings. Vangie had been constantly there to see Edison and I fall more and more in love each day, and even during our "down" moments she was there to silently offer comfort and assurance that everything will be okay. On our part, we are just thrilled seeing her bloom in love as the months pass by. Who would imagine a love story can unfold in a coffee shop?! Ours did! :)

Fabrice, on the other hand, is one dynamic guy! I find his sense of humor quite loaded with caffeine hehehe! Aside from that, the multiple talents this guy possesses (singing, dancing, acting) makes me wonder why he got into this job in the first place. He will be missed though as he has moved on to greener pastures. These guys really have lots of potential!

(Credits: COFFEE BOYZ - Scrappy Cats Eggplant papers, KEKA Isabella alphas; SIS BY HEART - SIC elements, AWP Citrus Berry papers and alphas, Scrapbook Factory Deluxe elements; BLAZING BARISTAS - Little Mrs Liz Designs' Hold It Together quickpage)

I Am Paper.

The Sweetest Escape

Finally, the moment both of us have been waiting for - a chance to get away from it all and reward ourselves with a much-deserved R&R. Our Baguio adventure turned out into a little "mis"adventure of sorts - boarding the wrong bus and booking a semi-rundown hotel. But these didn't seem to matter much at all. All I know was I was with my Edison, my knight in shining armor. I knew fully well everything will turn out just fine. It has been years for both of us since we last visited the summer capital and were quite surprised to see lots of changes. Mines View Park still holds a breathtaking view of the neighboring valleys and mountains. An additional delight to the shoppers are the numerous "tiangges". The imposing Mansion is still a favorite picture-taking spot. Other places we went to were Camp John Hay, Burnham Park, Bell Temple, and lots more. Though the sights were already familiar, everything seemed new and different seeing them once more with my honey. Walking with him side by side, hand in hand, I just cant help but feel such immeasurable joy. With him, my eyes open up to all the beauty surrounding us. Indeed, at this point in time, I felt we had our little piece of heaven.

(Credits: NBK Froggy papers, Jeanette Bollinger Papillon stitches, Wimpy Chompers She's Beautiful Girly accents, Rlynn Falidays journaling, Shabby Princess SM Word element, Val B Old alphas)

My honey just manages to surprise and amaze me always with his infectatious glee. So many people just warm up to him in an instant - people of all ages and at any given time and situation. What kind of magic could my dashing debonair hold up in his sleeve that makes him so endearing to everyone! Truly, at the sight of his ever-smiling face and joyous demeanor, the people around can sense goodness and sincerity of heart -- and I tell you, they become hooked! I am always just so proud of him. He constantly teaches and encourages me to be the best I can be - to grab the reigns, to overcome my fears, to throw away my anxeities. Beside him, I feel brave and strong, and that the world is full of infinite possibilities that are up for grabs. Thank you, my love, for always inspiring me!

(Credits: Pirocha Amazing Dream papers, KSKD Rebecca Start elements, AWP Springtime photo corners, Miss Aunt Painted Season elements, RMG Grungetta Revisited elements, RPENN Express Yourself alphas, Mandarin AAC wordart)

Of course, our vacation comes with meeting new acquaintances. We met up with Elizabeth, my honey's best friend sa internet chat scene. We "eyeballed" at Don Henrico's over scrumptious buffalo wings, pizza, and pasta and instantly had a connection. Zabeth is prim and proper, very petite, and utterly pleasant and charming. She glows and beams with pride upon talking about her children and the man she loves. In a way, she reminds me of my mom at how she cares for and looks over her kids. She is one cool woman! Though our encounter was only brief, I am looking forward to the next opportunity of meeting up with her again.

(Credits: Unique Spring Out Loud quickpage, Pixie Queen Pure Love & Happiness elements)

Can someone please tell me if really being with your sweetheart all day gives you gas? LOLZ. I swear each and every time, he manages to come up with something fresh and original to make me smile or belt up with uncontrollable laughter! His sense of humor is just so captivating. There are times I would feel guilty for making him sad during my grumpy moments, because I know he doesn't deserve that at all. Here is a list of some of the things he does that make me flash my smile:

1. when he imitates my grumpy face by askewing his pointy lips on one side

2. when he eats voraciously his favorite dishes at Gerry's Grille, Mann Hann, Yoshinoya, Kamay Kainan, Congo Grille, Aristocrat, Dencio's (we just love to eat!)

3. when he encourages me to rub rub rub his tummy

4. when he acts and dances crazy in public

5. when he exagerrates his Californian twang

6. when he falls asleep on my shoulder while watching a movie and snores (i love this!)

7. when he hugs me tight and whispers "I love you"

8. when our gazes lock and he smiles reassuringly at me.

There are lots more but then the list would go on and on. He says he will never get tired of making me smile, and that all of his sweet and funny ways will never cease until we grow old. I believe him. He says that my eyes and my smile are beautiful. As the song goes, "If you say my eyes are beautiful, it's because they're looking at you."

(Credits: MCO Hullaballoo papers, DMK Scrapkit HD elements, AWP Citrus Berry buttons, Pretty in Pink kit, AWP Chloe elements, WG Into The Mystic element)

Receiving flowers from my honey is such a delightful surprise! Holding it and just looking at how tender and sweet the red rose buds look symbolizes our deep love and respect for each other. Like these flowers, our love needs to be constantly tended for it to weather the storms and make it blossom to its full beauty. In the two months since he came back from the States, both of us felt sure that everything will soon be in its proper place. Yet, the trials keep on knocking on our door only to challenge us once more. And though the ultimate moment we have been waiting for isn't yet to come, we hold onto one another and pray that very soon, everything that we long and desire for will eventually happen.

(Credits: Three quickpage, MS Felt alphas, Titch Taba alpha)

For now, we just settle for the contentment of how truly happy we are being together wherever we are - be it in Baguio or Tagaytay, in the malls, inside the movie theatre, or in just one private corner at Gloria Jean's at The Block sipping our brewed coffee and planning for our future. Back then, I thought I was happy just being alone and going about my daily work grind. I know now that my true happiness is in being with my soulmate Edison, the one who completes and complements my entirety. The feeling is inexplicable - an admixture of exhilirating emotions that cannot be measured but can only be shared to the people around us. We are like a walking billboard for true happiness! Spread the love - that is what living and loving is all about.

(Credits: Ateets Sun Porch papers, Val Js Chipboard elements, Edeline word stripes)

Sweet and Bittersweet

In less than 3 months' time I was back in the arms of my honey! Love as sweet as this cannot top anything else. My heart pounds and my whole being trembles just by his mere presence. His tight hugs and soft voice always reassure me that everything will be just fine despite the "bittersweet" moments. If only time would stand still so that I would be forever gazing at his calm and sweet face, forever wrapped in this magical world the two of us exist in. Indeed, even the greatest of loves are tested through life's obstacles. My only prayer is that we will be armed with patience, understanding, and perseverance to see our love through.

My love never fails to shower my loved ones with the same affection he gives to me. And though this can be received differently, he is still steadfast and sincere with his intentions. It was a happy moment for me seeing us together at a family reunion held at Dampa Macapagal - my honey along with my dad, mom, sis, friends, and the rest of the Pedrosa clan. I was so proud of him that day as he warmed his way to the other people. For sure, this is the start of good things to come, as he inches his way closer and closer to our family.

His love for me is unquestionably so true! To give up what he had going abroad just to be with me is a feat that only the brave dare tread. Indeed when love strikes us, there are no second thoughts as to the steps one would take just to be with the love of your life. Giving up his stable, sane life in LA just to be here in this jungle (in the peak of summer! lolz) is really no joke. And it's something that I dont take for granted (though I may not be too showy about it) ;) In the coming months, I feel that our love will continually be tested. But I know deep in my heart that despite the obstacles we encounter, our love will pass the test of time. I just love him so much - with all my heart!

(Credits: REUNITED: Nuit Dorce quickpage, M. Soblitz Make Your Own alphas; CLOSER & CLOSER: LLC My Guy Stickit quickpage; JUST CHILLING: Kid Couture quickpage, Jean alphas, FR Little Miss Moon Trombone elements, Flergs VC Sampler elements)