Rajo's Blog | StyleBible.ph

Camille’s Wedding!

rajo — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 04:54:17 +0000

I recently had the wonderful opportunity to take part in dressing up a really wonderful bride. Her name is Camille Pratts. My relationship with Camille goes way back! She had asked me to create her debutante gown a couple of years ago! I love the fact that I have grown with my debutantes and I am now doing their weddings!

I love how peacefully radiant Camille looks here!I knew that Camille wanted something really special and unusual. From the very minute that we met, I knew that her gown would be an adventure. First, it was not your traditional white or off-white. Second, she requested a very intricate bodice with lots of crystals and fine details.The gown featured several crystal arrangements on a hand-corded bodice, which was finely traced by sugar crystals. The bodice alone took around 3 months to finish.

I took it all in and after several sketches found a way to incorporate all her desires. The result was a dress fit for a princess! I was teasing her that if her famous TV character Princess Sarah ever got married this would be the dress! LOL!

Camille standing beside her gown! It was quite large and it completely covered a California king size bed! LOL!

The skirt is made up of several layers of gold and ivory pleated tulle, which explodes into a full train in the back.

I love how all the colors and the various elements worked in the gown. I had to be careful because Camille is quite petite and I wanted to maintain a balance as well as correct proportions.

It was a magical wedding filled with so much love and family! I want to thank Camille for making me a part of her wedding and I only wish her the very very best!

A double image!

Me with the bride, posing before heading off to church.

Minutes before walking down the aisle! Even if the skirt was voluminous, it was still very very light.

I love it when you here this audible gasp of "Oohs" and "Aahs" when the doors of the church open to reveal the bride. For Camille you could really hear and feel the excitement of the crowd inside the church. This made me very happy!

HUGS!

RAJO!

RAJITO Spring/Summer 2010

rajo — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 10:36:26 +0000

I just have to show you the latest collection for my children’s line called RAJITO!

The collection is always so well received and it is a continuous bestseller in our store! The great thing about this line is that I have 3 beautiful nieces a to test drive the dresses. We also have some shirts for boys that Santino my nephew checks out before it hits the racks!

I have to say thank you to Daphne O. Paez for mentioning us in her popular blog! I met her beautiful daughters during the launch and they are really all so lovely!

Just want to let you all know that the collection is out and would love to invite all of you to come and visit us!
HUGS!
RAJO!

Sandra Wears Celestina!

rajo — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 03:53:35 +0000

I just want to share with you some good news! Reeling from last nights Academy Awards show, I woke up this morning with this lovely piece of news! Best actress winner Ms. Sandra Bullock was carrying a CELESTINA clutch at the Oscars! OMG! HOW HUGE IS THAT!?!

I am so proud of my friends Tina and Rico Ocampo! They must be so happy! BRAVO TO THE FILIPINO Designer! YAHOO!

HUGS!

RAJO!

THE OSCARS 2010!

rajo — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 11:29:19 +0000

I am loving the clothes this year because there is so much variety; lots of color and a lot of personality. I really loved it, I tried my best to write about some of the most memorable dresses here in my blog. I know that everyone loves this part of the program so here are my views.

I am in love with Carrey Mulligan. I still have not seen her movie, "An Education," but there is something about this young actress that I find so appealing. I find her so modern and fresh! I love how this entire ensemble is styled! (Source: http://www.redcarpet-fashionawards.com/)

Her dress is by PRADA and there is something subversive yet sweet about it. The dress is embellished with scissors, knives and forks! I find all that captivating. (Source: http://www.zap2it.com/)

I love the color of the Dior Couture dress on Ms. Charlize Theron. However, those two folded-cabbage roses on her breasts are really distracting! I am reminded of the Japanese robot anime from my youth, APHRODITE, whose breast became missiles to kill her enemies! LOL! (Source: http://www.redcarpet-fashionawards.com/)

I am not so sure why she ended up with this dress. I am sure that there were so many others to choose from! This was a poor choice, but I still love the color. (http://www.zap2it.com/)

This young lady is Gabby Sibide. She is the star of the movie "Precious." I have read the novel and I am so loving the Oscars this year because of the range of actresses being represented! This is how we all should do it--embrace our curves and just seek out what looks good on all of us! Marchesa created this stunning dress for her, and all I can say is BRAVO! (Source: http://www.redcarpet-fashionawards.com/)

Penelope Cruz in a draped, deep bordeaux, silk taffeta dress by Donna Karan. I love the color but I wish it was more cinched at the waist! I am certain Ms. Cruz' waist is smaller than this, NO? (Source: http://www.redcarpet-fashionawards.com/)

Nicole Richie was drowning in this Reem Acra dress! I mean, if she was taller then perhaps this would work. I also find the dress really aging. C'mon who wants that? (Source: http://www.redcarpet-fashionawards.com/)

Miss Cameron Diaz is having a Dynasty moment! LOL! If I ever saw anything that really reminded me of the '80s, this would be it! I like the dress though. I think it is really beautiful. I just think that it was styled wrongly. (Source: http://www.redcarpet-fashionawards.com/)

This dress was a real big risk, for me! I really like the color on top of the dress, however, I think the tones get a bit too drastic at the hem. Overall, I think this one did not work for Ms. Zoe Saldana. I was really hoping it would but there something off about it. (Source: http://www.zap2it.com/)

I love this dress on Ms. Sarah-Jessica Parker. She has always been a style star! I like that it had an unusual neckline and a brand new silhouette. (Source: http://www.redcarpet-fashionawards.com/)

I love the color of this dress! Ms. Sandra Bullock already looks like a winner! I hear she works out everyday. I mean this fits her so well! It is also very age appropriate, which I think is important. (Source: http://www.redcarpet-fashionawards.com/)

Talk about "peaches and cream!" This is the perfect color and gown for this actress! I love it! Ms. Anna Kendrick made a great choice in picking this gown! GOOD JOB! (Source: http://www.redcarpet-fashionawards.com/)

Leave it to Jennifer Lopez to make an entrance! I love the dress but I can't help think that the dress is wearing her instead of the other way around. It is beautifully designed and well crafted. I just think that it's a bit O.A.! LOL! (Source: http://www.redcarpet-fashionawards.com/)

This is Elizabeth Banks, I really do not know who she is but I like the color of her gown. I think it was done by Atelier Versace. She looks great in the color. Perhaps its just me, as I am having a ruffle moment. LOL! (Source: http://www.zap2it.com/)

Miss Sigourney Weaver is almost 6 feet tall and really knows her body! This Lanvin dress is a classic that really suited her. (Source: http://www.redcarpet-fashionawards.com/)

Tina Fey wore a Michael Kors gown to the Oscars. I did not like her hair for this dress. It looks unkempt and old. Although the dress looks OK on her, I find it's not a good thing. In fact, I find it a tad boring. (http://www.redcarpet-fashionawards.com/http://www.redcarpet-fashionawards.com/)

I am really loving this ruffle trend this season! Demi Moore looks lovely in this soft petal peach chiffon Atelier Versace number. I like the textures and her hair and makeup is exquisite! NICE ONE! (Source: http://www.redcarpet-fashionawards.com/)

This Chanel Couture gown, for me, was the least of my favorites! It really did nothing for Ms. Diane Kruger! I mean, she is a beautiful woman but the proportions are all wrong and it was just unflattering. This is really disappointing because she usually looks amazing! (Source: http://www.redcarpet-fashionawards.com/)

Ooh! Every year there is a princess fantasy dress on the red carpet and this year the honor goes to Ms. Amanda Seyfried. I actually like this dress better on her than on the model of the Armani Prive fashion show. (Source: http://www.redcarpet-fashionawards.com/)

I think the layered cuffs are pretty cool and it gives a modern touch to the ensemble. This gown would look amazing on a debutante! (Source: http://www.zap2it.com/)

Blue was a huge trend in this year's OSCARS! Case in point, Ms. Mo'Nique in Tadashi Shoji. (Source: http://www.redcarpet-fashionawards.com/)

Miss Mariah Carey and Nick Canon arrived hand in hand! Ang laki-laki na ni Ms.Mimi! BIG_GURL na sha! LOL! I mean I love navy and all that but this gown does nothing for Ms. Mimi! (Source: http://www.zap2it.com/)

This is what simple elegance is all about! My goodness she just looks better and better each year! This YSL gown is beautiful! (Source: http://www.zap2it.com/)

Maggie Gyllenhaal looks really chic in this Dries Van Noten gown! I love how she chose this amazing print for her gown! Ms. Maggie always chooses the most interesting dresses, for me. I love her style! Here she is with her husband Peter Saarsgaard. (Source: http://www.zap2it.com/)

Ooh! Keanu Reeves! I have not seen him for ages! He looks great! I like the shimmer of his suit! (http://www.zap2it.com/)

TOM FORD is a STYLE STAR!OMG! Can this man get any hotter! HOLY MOLY! I mean, he is PUUUURRRRFECTION! I LOVE HIM! LOL! That Gardenia is genius! (Source: http://www.zap2it.com/)

Kristen Stewart looked really great in this draped black satin gown by Monique Lhuillier! I normally would not have liked black for the Oscars but there is something really cool about her and how she wore it! (Source: http://www.zap2it.com/)

Christopher and Plummer and Helen Mirren looked amazing together! I love his navy and black tuxedo. I think I will make one for myself! I also love the dove grey gown of Ms. Mirren! They for me epitomized ELAN AND ELEGANCE! (Source: http://www.zap2it.com/)

Zac Efron looks better with bangs! LOL! (Source: http://www.zap2it.com/)

Hmm...I am not sure this bow tie is working for Robert Downey JR. Although he looks AMAZING! My goodness, he looks like he is in his 20's! Please tell me what he is doing! (Source: http://www.zap2it.com/)

Meryl Streep looked every inch the Hollywood Royalty that she is! I see her look as channeling the golden age of Cinema! Strong shoulders and all that. I just wish she did not pose too much. She looked a bit uncomfortable. (Source: http://www.zap2it.com/)

Queen Latifah Looks AMAZING! I love the color of this dress on her! (Source: http://www.zap2it.com/)

Ms. Vera Farmiga is wearing this amazing Marchesa! I love the color! I also love the cascading pleated ruffles! I love the dress but not on her! I think this is a classic case of the dress wearing the woman and not the woman wearing the dress. I still love the dress, though. I think it is really beautiful! (Source: http://www.zap2it.com/)

Another specimen of a stunning man! LOL! I want to be his friend! Jake Gylenhaal is so beautiful! He kills me! (Source: http://www.zap2it.com/)

This is a modern way to wear a printed gown! This is an Ellie Saab dress worn beautifully by Rachel McAdams. My only comment is that she should have put her hair down. I think it would have made her look 10 years younger. (Source: http://www.zap2it.com/)

Myley Cyrus does good! I love this Jenny Packham dress on her! I think It is simple and very chic! A great representative of Young Holywood! (Source: http://www.zap2it.com/)

OOH! Miss Molly Ringwald! I have not seen her in such a long time! I love the color and the cut of her gown but the 2 "swirly" elements killed it for me! One would have been enough. I also wish she had cut her hair differently! This one had "VULCAN" (Star Trek) written all over it. LOL!

What ever happened to Antonio Banderas? OH NO! He looks scary old! I like his matte satin TUX though! (Source: http://www.zap2it.com/)

OMG! Ryan Reynolds is so beautiful I shake and shudder when I see him! LOL! (Source: http://www.zap2it.com/)

The Oscars is a sacred event for me! Ever since I can remember I have always camped out in front of my TV, getting totally engrossed in it. Normally I would call my office and declare that it was my day off. Sadly, I really had to work today so I could not watch it live. I do not have a TV in my office so I tried to watch it from my computer with out any success. Meaning, I have to catch the replay later, which somehow takes away a lot of the excitement. The great thing about the internet though is that I can see what everyone is wearing virtually seconds after they do their red carpet entrance! I was able to browse the photos via www.redcarpet-fashionawards.com and www.zap2it.com! This year the clothes were really good!

ENJOY!

HUGS!

RAJO!

Te Amarre’ por Siempre!

rajo — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 09:41:05 +0000

Te Amare por Siempre ( I will Love you Forever) is the title of the short art film that was created by Jujiin Samonte and Shahani Gania for my Spring-Summer collection 2010 launch. Jujiin and Shahani got in touch with me early this year wanting to collaborate on a film project. I am a HUGE fan of Jujiin and Shahani and was more than willing to participate in anything that they wanted to do. We met several times and to discuss about the film that they would be doing and when they asked me what I wanted to do, I just looked at them straight in the eye and said. I have only two parameters for the film, just make sure that you LOVE what you come up with and stay within the budget! LOL!

My office was transformed into the screening room.Here is Shahani instructing Maning on how he want the "paper/scrim" to be arranged.

It was not the easiest task to do.

It took more than 10 reams of paper to create the screen.

Almost there!

Doing some final touches.

Shahani, Jujiin and Paolo manually created the screen by taping it all one by one! OMG!

Voila! More than 50% of my room was covered in paper!

The effect was really special.

Testing the film!

I am the type of designer that actually works better with out restrictions and I wanted to give them the liberty to create what they wanted. I showed them them my inspirations, my drawings , some of the samples and from there they ran with it! They brought in Paolo Castro to assist in the film making and RCXY to style the clothes in the film.

Paolo and Jujiin on the day of the premiere! My nephew Santino, actually asked Jujiin if he was related to lady Gaga! LOL!

The boys posing in front of the screen! I wish that I did not have to put it down.

I never got to see the film till the day before the launch. When I saw the film I was left with goose bumps! It was really beautiful.

This is how the film looked while is was showing.

The first showing!

I love how everyone was captivated!

Another still from the movie. We actually created that Mantilla for the film.

Scenes from the control room.

The movie was shown using 3 screens all working together to create a visual feast.

We had a total of 7 or 8 screenings.

Kiko created these beautiful painting during the film making! If your interested in them, let me know as they indeed are available!

This was also one of the paintings created in while shooting the film!

I have only produced a film once in 2001. I forgot how complicated creating a film could be. There were so many elements to consider but I am very fortunate that I have wonderful allies and friends that continually support all my crazy ideas and projects. Please indulge me in thanking these people one by one for without them the film would not have been possible.

1. SONY PHILIPPINES – Thank you so very much for providing the projectors and the SONY HD XR200 cameras

2. DULCINEA – Not only did you help in providing yummy treats on the day of the launch you also helped us in providing the venue for our shoot in Indios Bravos a big thank you to Bob Noblezala and Paul John Ison. Thank you!

3. Brothers Burger – To my favorite Hamburger in the land! Probably the world! (TALAGA!) thank you for providing nourishment during the filming of the movie! I heard that the team only ate the RAJO burger the whole time! LOL! That is what you call LOYALTY! LOL!

4. Clara Ramona Centro De Danza Flamenca – OMG! That is actually what came to my mind when I saw the film and when I saw the dancing! Flamenco was a HUGE influence in the summer collection and to be able to capture and witness the beauty of the movements in the film just moved me! Thank you to the company dancers,namely Mercedes Soler, Maradee de Guzman, Liza Dino-Espinosa, Danica Lopez, Jameela Perez, Olivia Francisco. A very special mention to the principal dancer Ms. Clara Ramona for being so generous with her art! You are a true inspiration indeed!

5. I would also like to say thank you to the Hair and Make up artists who did such a marvelous job in the film. These are Kate Cruz-Hernandez, RV Cabigting, Gen C. Yuzon, Dave Grona, Camille Anne P. Escobido and Judy Sales. Maraming Maraming salamat!

6. To Kiko Escora and Marita Ganse. I am so deeply touched and moved by your generosity and honesty. When I was informed that you would be included in the film I was really delighted. There is so much truth that you showed in the film. A testament to both your artistry. I am deeply grateful.

7. To Maning & Jose – These two men are the most hard working and fiercely loyal individuals that I have the pleasure working with. Maraming salamat sa inyong dalawa! Kung wala kayo hindi namin magagawa ang pelicula!

8. To my dear dear Matet Esguerra – Your devotion and determination to get all of this done is humbling! I am FOREVER GRATEFUL that you are part of my team, actually strike that. You are part of my FAMILY! Thank you so much for all the hard work that you have put into making this film a reality. You just cannot imagine how grateful I am that you are part of my life! SALAMAT!

This entry only captures a small portion of what transpired in doing this project. Please enjoy the rest of the photos!

The people from Bacardi even came with a full bar! The Mojito's were not only excellent but flowing the entire night!

My darling Divine came with the Artist Kiko Escora.

My nieces Gaia and Danielle modeling the new collection for RAJITO!

The super chic Rorie Carlos show us how to do effortless summer sytle!

I was so happy that Mr. Christian Espiritu came over to visit. He is one of the most revered fashion designers of our time. It was a real honor and pleasure to meet him.

The film is now being formatted so that we can see it in youtube. I will be able to show this to all of you soon enough. In the mean time, check out this teaser of the film- Te Amare por Siempre!

Click here to view the embedded video.

HUGS!

RAJO!

The “Latina” Mood Board

rajo — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 04:59:29 +0000

It all began with a particular mood, a particular feeling. Inspired by an upcoming travel dream destination. The House of Laurel was visiting the Latin continent.

We started preparing the collection more than four months ago and just like all of our collections, we created a mood board. The mood board is very important because it grounds all the ideas and makes the vision more clear. We filled the mood board with images that would inspire to create the collection.

The palette is decidedly neutral, mixed in with washed blues and greys, punctuated with some poppy red and coral orange. I also loved the delicate embroidery, that come out of the region so we had to put that in.

I just want to share with you an important part of our design process. Hope you like it!

HUGS!

RAJO!

LA LATINA

rajo — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 02:04:37 +0000

We recently launched the House of Laurel’s summer collection called “LA LATINA”! It practically took a small army to be able to accomplish the task at hand. LOL! Let me give you a behind the scenes take on what happens when we prepare for one of these things.

I went up to the factory to take a few shots of the collection that was about to be brought down. We're doing a lot of neutrals brightened with summer colors. Texture will be a very big key to the collection.

I cannot wait to see these clothes on my clients! I am sure it will be so much fun!

When we have a new collection we try our very best to give something new to our clients. We pride ourselves in creating a brand new environment to house the collection.

We wanted the store to have a hacienda feel, so we distressed the walls in cream and white and brought in some wood furniture.

The store is then "merchandised" by arranging the clothes and dressing and styling the mannequins. Can you feel the Latin vibe?

Remember my "beach"project? Well here it is! I loved the way it turned out. It was also the best seller during our launch. The beauty about it is each piece is unique and very personal.

That is Cara, our production manager! She really did an amazing job!

Cara and Renee making sure everything is perfect!

The hacienda feel is almost complete!

I feel that is so important for our clients to “experience” the collection. So you can just imagine what my team goes through each time we come up with a brand new concept. In simple terms, it’s a whole lot of work! LOL! However, I can sincerely say that we loved every minute of it.

Our shell necklaces on display!

This is our MIADORE niche. Remember him? He did the most beautiful neck pieces for the collection! Everyone wanted one!

A neat little tableau featuring our jumpsuits and a linen pantsuit.

My beautiful heads displayed some headbands that literally flew off the shelves the minute we displayed them.

We would not have been able to do the launch without the generous support of our friends. Friends like Dulcinea who helped provide the beautiful finger food for the event. Their lengua de gato was just divine! My darling Sonja Ocampo for the best cupcakes in town! I also discovered a very talented florist—Rolando Roquero of Flowers Unlimited, whose arrangement just left me breathless! A super special mention to the people of Bacardi who provided us with amazing mojitos. And not to forget my favorite vodka, Grey Goose, Hardy’s wine, and Asti Spumante bubbly the whole day!

Look at the lovely arrangement of Flowers Unlimited. You can get in touch with them through flowersunlimited.multiply.com.

This is my friend Rolando Roquero. I have a feeling he is going to be very busy very soon! He is not only talented but really nice too!

The very next day the sun came out and blessed the store with sunlight!

A BIG BIG BIG thank you to you!

HUGS!

RAJO!

Snake River Farms @ LU!

rajo — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 15:23:18 +0000

There were two main courses but at this point, I was getting full already! This plate was a tenderloin brochette and some Peruvian anticucho hanger steak! Both could easily be sliced with a spoon and just melted in my mouth.

It’s funny how my love of food almost equals my devotion to fashion. It seems like I write about food more than any other topic. Well, here is another entry on a one of kind experience I recently had at LU!

The LU staff hard at work!

The tables were all arranged in a very relaxed and casual manner.

My friend Luis Terry invited me to a very special dinner that celebrates MEAT! He sounded super excited on the phone talking about what he was planning, so I had to be there! It’s a good thing that I did not give up meat for Lent or else I would have missed out on thus culinary journey that took me from Peru to Mexico, by way of India, Japan and Italy!

I see a gingham trend happening! This is Joey Qua owner of the very successful Colezione C2 stores, the one that gave us the Philippine Map shirts. He is a very cool guy!

The very cosmopolitan Abba Napa, showing us how to wear a jumpsuit with elan!

Inigo giving me a scowl! Actually he is probably the sweetest and nicest person I know, so this photo is like a paradox of sorts!

It was such a thrill to find out abut the SNAKE RIVER FARMS, who grow the best WAGYU beef and KUROBUTA pork in the world! Before dinner they presented a short video on the farm and I was told that some of these cows live better than humans! LOL!

Helen Terry is the sister of Luis, seen here together with Doctor Ome Nuguid and fantastic architect, Anna Sy.

This is Bledes Forres. she is one of the most chic women I know. I mean, will you look at how those jeans fit! I love her effortless style! Here she is taking a photo of me, taking a photo of her!

Malou Forres of Mamou fame! Nice to see the foodies of Manila having a great time! It also helps when your drinking KRUG! LOL!

There was no denying the quality of food that we were eating was of a different calibre. Each bite was a well thought of creation by Luis! My heart and palette were singing the whole evening!

The first course arrived, which was a flat iron carpaccio and curry cream nigiri, with a top blade and artichoke phyllo pinweel! I loved the fact that it came with some sake! I love sake and my seatmate Abba kept on pouring the whole night! FYI, The pinweel was TO DIE FOR!

Then we had some Kurobuta pork belly confit, "cua-pao" style, with the most amazing pork cracklings! This came together with some pork Conchinita pibil, which is a very famous mexican dish, very close to pulled pork.

Then we had some fresh water prawn salad with some ox tongue. I really liked this dish, it actually can work as a main course! Lu should put this on their regular menu!

Too bad that I had to cut the dinner short as I had to catch my brother John’s surprise birthday party. Hope you enjoy my photos from the evening! I guarantee that the pictures will leave you

hungry!

Cheers to Luis Terry! BRAVO!

I peeked into Luis's kitchen to say good bye! I really had to leave for the surprise party of my brother! He instructed his team to send me some dessert to go!

This was my dessert to go--wasabi and orange Tiramisu! I LOVED IT! It had the most unusual kick to the flavor! I wish I could have stayed to sample one more dish on the menu, the WAGYU rib-eye, but alas I had to go. And perhaps it was better this way as I was already too full!

HUGS!

RAJO!

It’s So Nice to be Home!

rajo — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 03:32:32 +0000

I am finally home and getting ready for the formal launch of our Spring-Summer 2010 collection called “LA LATINA”! There is still so much to do but we’re all so very excited for the launch on March 6, Saturday! Everyone is invited to come and be the first to take a look at what we have been cooking up this past few months!

I just previewed the short art film that Jujiin Samonte and Shahani Gania did, and all I can say is that you have to see it! It is so moving! I do not want to divulge anymore but this is really something to look forward to.

Look at all these goodies! OMG! I am so lucky talaga! THANK YOU PAPERTRAIL!

Oh! When I got into work I got a fantastic gift from PAPERTRAIL! I was so touched and grateful! I made an entry about them a few moons ago and I am glad that they are doing well!

It is so nice to be home! It’s the sunshine that makes me smile!
HUGS!
RAJO!

My Exodus Home!

rajo — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:55:18 +0000

There is no denying my love affair with NYC! I mean I come and visit often enough to proclaim my devotion to the city. However, this time I think she was not behaving nicely!

I woke up to this sight outside my window!

February is the most ghastly time of the year to visit but I had to come for work. I thought I was prepared! ( NOT!!!) Imagine this. On the first day there was rain, then rain and slushy snow; think an entire city blanketed in grey slush. This just equals YUCK! Then the slush turned into sleet, which made it impossible to walk as it felt like I was slipping every other step. Then the snow came, which at first was cool, then it became a blizzard! A this point I was like, UWI NA AKO!

This was the view of street!

I feverishly kept checking the computer to see if my flight was on schedule because the weather really seemed dim. Each time I checked it would say that it was on time.

We had to have someone clear the snow with a snow machine.

So I persevered. I woke up to the darkest day and I was praying so hard because I really had so much to do in Manila. My car for the airport did not arrive! Then, I slightly panicked. I had the door man call another car service and each time he tried we got a negative answer! OH NO! Finally my cousin was able to find me a car.

We inched our way to the JFK airport and incredibly my flight was pushing through. PRAYERS WORK! It was a bit weird because every other flight was cancelled but ours!

The flight was delayed for around 4 hours but we were able to take off. The thing was, I only had an hour and a half interval between my arrival in Narita and the connecting flight to Manila. I missed my flight!

Narita Airport, Japan. Waiting for the bus to take me to the hotel.

I thought I was still lucky because I was landing in Japan! First, I love Japan and second, the Japanese always take good care of their passengers. They gave me a shore pass and I spent the night in the Radisson Hotel. I had planned to head out to the city but it would have been $300 US dollars just for the cab alone! WAG NA LANG! LOL!

The view outside my hotel room. Winter is really quite melancholy, no?

The hotel seemed quite sad to me.

The view of the pool, seemed more promising.

I liked the gazebo, though.

I had a nice dinner instead and tried to get some sleep for my flight the next day. In total, I had travelled for more than 48 hours! It was exhausting but I am still very fortunate to have made it back home in one piece!

I had fun at the Narita airport, eating and shopping! I was not able to do much in NYC as I was mostly indoors and the weather was really not cooperating. Imagine carrying shopping bags in a blizzard? NOT GOOD!

I took Japan Airlines home! These were our seats. I remembered my LOLO as he always took JAL.

The view from my seat.

The view outside my window. Better skies! My food! I love JAL!

Ahh! I see the Philippines! SO HAPPY TO COME HOME!

Manila! Is that pollution or what? Hmm...

HUGS!

RAJO!