arathebella

[arathebella]

The season of Becoming 🍃

While I wrestle with feelings of uncertainty, I’ll have to trust that I’m on my way. The road may not be clear, heck there might not even be a road. Who knows, I might be a pathfinder.

There’s a new me emerging, evolving into someone new. I’m looking further beyond until I finally see what I’m looking for.

“we love the light because it shows us the way, but we must also love the darkness because it shows us the stars”

[arathebella]

Camping Weekend Visual Diary

Thankful for days I wake up grateful to be alive. Some days just make you feel grateful for the gift of life, to breathe in a new day. It’s so good to disconnect, to live in the moment. Slow living, slow weekend, just the way I like it.

[arathebella]

January & February were crazy in their own ways but March is the month of big changes. Celebrating my 25th birthday, ending my 3.8 years in McCann, starting my new job in Globe, and preparing to move out of the condo by the end of the month. Sounds like a whirlwind of month! Knowing my boundaries, prioritizing where I spend my energy on, and making rest a priority is important! 

[arathebella]

My 25 year-old self saying hi to my future self. Hello, future ara!

Turned 25 today, don’t really know how I feel about it. It was simple, low key, and actually just how I wanted to spend this day. Just spent it in the office, my team “surprised” me, we had pizza and brownies. Had dinner and dessert with the family and Adri afterwards.

Each year, the greetings become fewer. But at least it lets me know who’s important in my life. It makes it more meaningful that these people remember the small things. And although some close friends might have missed it, I understand that they have other things going on in their lives. I guess we’re at the age we’re all starting to live our own separate lives. I am officially in the 25 and above club. I’ve always feared this age cause it feels like the point of no return. I guess I’m finally here. Now what? This only means better awesome things ahead. Let’s see what the next few years will bring. Cheers, self!

[arathebella]

The #MillennialManghuhula

Shot pictures of Loise for her new venture. She set up a page for her tarot card readings ✨🔮

[arathebella]

#3, done. Started this month with my resignation (finally!) My official last day is on March 14, a few days after my birthday. Wow, to turn 25 and start a new job.

[arathebella]

It’s 2019! January was tough year. Yes, it was that fucking long. I started the month with so much questions (and even visited a fortune teller to help me get my shit together) and now I’m closing it with my choices.

From juggling my heavy full-time load, adjusting to my new part-time, and doing freelance and job interviews/applications in between, I WAS GOING NUTS!

But this cake is proof that you can always make something beautiful out of a shitstorm. Yes, I fucking made this. And I’m so glad I was able to finally join a cake decorating/buttercream piping workshop!

Now onwards and upwards!

[arathebella]

Halloween 2018 was clutch.

Dressed up as Lizzie McGuire in the movie, but ended up as a call center agent anyway without an Isabela and Paolo. Dan paid a lot for his robe that looked like a night gown, and Bene came as a construction worker.

We left the condo at 12:30. My friends were everywhere and hard to catch. All the places we were hitting up in BGC were full. It was turning out to be a fail night.

Made a last ditch effort at 2am and made my way to the Halloween Street Party in Poblacion. While I came in a little too late, the vibe was great! Super big thanks to Bene Santi and his friend for taking me around.

Until the next Halloween!

[arathebella]

Never thought the day would come when I’d be learning and talking about stocks, shares, and investments, but here I am. Been such a financial freak lately, absorbing all financial advice, articles, books, and videos. Finance is actually fascinating, can’t believe my liberal arts self is saying that. I’m only realising now how important it is to be financially literate. My liberal arts degree did not prepare me for this.

My cash flow story tells a lot. A 24 year old adult struggling with low pay, with too much liabilities/expenses and very little assets.

By the end of this year I should have minimised my liabilities, increased my income and subsequently my assets.

Can’t believe I’ll actually be sitting down with Vick, Kopio, and Lao to talk about the stock market and money. Or we could be playing golf while discussing it. Jesus, I feel so old. The goal is to start investing in the stock market by start of next year.

All I know is, I don’t wanna be poor in the futue and I want to be financially independent as soon as possible. #TheRoadtoBeingACrazyRichAsian

[arathebella]

Ara’s Cooking Chronicles

Back at it again since we have finally got a new stove! I screwed up the chicken and probably didn’t thaw and cook it right so I wasted most of it. Redeemed myself with the second batch and was able to cook edible chicken without the risk of salmonella lol. I cooked spinach cheese omelette as well and butter garlic herb potatoes.

[arathebella]

These three are growing up so quickly too. Audrey at 7, Lucas at 4, Javier at 2. This was taken during Sunday befofe we went to Landers for grocery.

Playing with the Kodak Toy Camera simulator that mimics the disposable camera (that speaking of, I have in real life and can’t wait to finish and develop!)

[arathebella]

The 3 M’s that’s missing in my life right now.

3 years working in McCann, turning 25 in the coming months.... the pressure is real to make a decision for my future. I’ll need to figure it out and make a move by the end of this year.

My next step pretty much just comes down to these 3. I need a job that pays well, so I’m able to live a more comfortable life and save enough money to live my best life. I need a job that allows me more free time so I can focus on the things that are important to me. Also, if I do plan to stick it out in the advertising agency, I want to be in a good one.

Things aren’t panning out yet for me - but hopefully the end of the year will ring in all the good luck and things work out in my favor.

[arathebella]

Capped off the vacation leave week with a quiet stay in Subic. This week was a lot of contemplating about my career and future and it looks like I’ll be making big important decisions soon. New direction? We’ll see.

[arathebella]

My biggest freelance gig yet and I’m quite glad with how my shots turned out. This is for my work client’s personal business.  It was an exhausting full day shoot [all by myself!] but very well worth it!

[arathebella]

Some pictures I took for the launch of our family business last July 2018.

[arathebella]

I took a leave

for a week since I haven’t used my Vacation Leaves this year yet (and Lord knows how much I fucking deserve one)

This leave involves randomly booking a stay in a glamping tent in the middle of nowhere in Baler and taking a 5-7 hour bus ride. Good thing my friend Rio was up for it!

So this is that random trip in 16:9. Hopefully I can develop the shots from my disposable camera soon too.

that first light giving me a rush of excitement

nothing invigorates me more than a beautiful sunrise

We took the Kombi out to town and headed to Sabang beach

We spent the afternoon sipping coconuts, listening to music, reading, shooting and painting

Meet Barry the Buko (and Rio’s feet)

The sun was setting soon so we decided to go explore the beach nearby before it got dark

It was so isolated and beautiful.

By night random creatures (lizards, frogs, spiders, snakes) started attacking us so we decided to lock ourselves up in the tent. Sad we didn’t get to shoot the stars that night.

[arathebella]

Adobo cup/football is officially over, and so is summer. I definitely missed the rain, I’m not complaining about the weather at all! While I didn’t get to compete this year, I’m glad I had the chance to play and train the past month :) Also thankful for the chance to bond more with other McCann friends!