Officially… Mrs. Dupaya

“A soulmate is someone who has locks that fit our keys, and keys to fit our locks. When we feel safe enough to open the locks, our truest selves step out and we can be completely and honestly who we are; we can be loved for who we are and not for who we’re pretending to be. Each unveils the best part of the other. No matter what else goes wrong around us, with that one person we’re safe in our own paradise. Our soulmate is someone who shares our deepest longings, our sense of direction. When we’re two balloons, and together our direction is up, chances are we’ve found the right person. Our soulmate is the one who makes life come to life. ” — Richard Bach

May and TJ saying their vows.

Just last Friday, January 27, 2017, I had the honor of witnessing my dear friend, Mary May’s most special day in Tuguegarao City. It was my first travel for this year and the first destination wedding that I’ve attended. May and TJ really were made for each other, and it's when you see a love like this that I think of the opening quote from Richard Bach. Umm, I'm not crying, that's just the fake eyelashes irritating my eyes hahahaha!

Looking back to May 2016, on Mary May’s birthday in Indonesia, at sunrise. TJ proposed to Mary May. It was the most perfect moment for her. I was literally brought to tears when May told us girls. It was because I couldn’t imagine my dear friend be with someone other than TJ. Knowing the struggles that they’ve been through as well. Long distance relationships have a very slim chance to succeed. But here they are, starting to plan their wedding and build dreams together as a union. Oh my God, I felt so giddy like a love-sick puppy dog!

On her wedding day, I know I am probably slightly biased... but Mary May is genuinely one of the most beautiful brides I have ever seen. It was such a magical moment watching her walk down the aisle in her father’s arms, all of us seeing her in her dress for the first time before we were whisked off to the venue. THERE WERE TEARS! I tried my best not to cry because I wasn’t sure if my mascara is waterproof lol! Seeing Mary May's parents get misty-eyed really tugged on my heart strings too. There's something so special about the father of the bride in particular, seeing his daughter in her wedding dress for the first time which you just can't put into words.

Selfie with Mrs.Dupaya, the Most Beautiful Bride!

Squad Goals with The Newlyweds.

Congratulations Mary May and TJ! You’re love story is such an inspiration. Love you both!

People of my Year 2016

It is the time of the year where everyone is off to a good start. Every New Year means fresh beginnings and new opportunities. It is always exciting when a new year comes coz it’s a fresh start to work on our goals. We all know the feeling, everyone starts making resolutions and in just a few weeks or months we all end up forgetting them. As for me, it has been my annual routine that instead of listing down my resolutions, I put up an annual theme. I’ve started this routine in 2014 and it worked so far! I started it with #redemption2014, #fearless2015 and #extra2016. If you follow me on Instagram, you would already know that my theme for this year is #rise2017 (the reason behind this is also stated on ig, so might as well follow me there, my handle is @balongging) ;)

Anyway, aside from my annual theme on my social handles, I also see to it that I pay tribute to the people who stood out and made my last year (which is 2016) a memorable one. But this year, I decided to make it a bit different. It is usually a list of 10, but for this year, I’m just keeping it simple.

The Breakfast Club

Growing up, my Mom would always tell me “don’t skip breakfast, it is the most important meal of the day.” Since then, I’ve always start my day with a full meal at our pantry. And as the days went by, I’ve already formed a group with these people who happen to love eating breakfast as much as I do (it is their most important meal as well hahahaha). My day wouldn’t be complete without eating my breakfast with them.

The Breakfast Club in our "you can't sit with us" mode.

At our Christmas party 2016

The Supermoon Friends

The moon is a familiar sight in our sky, brightening dark nights and reminding us of space exploration, past and present. But the Supermoon last November 14 was especially “super” because it’s the closest full moon to Earth since 1948. My apologies for the TMI hahaha! We won’t see another supermoon like this until 2034, I am just so blessed to witness it this 2016. What made the Supermoon “super” special is that I got to witness it with these people in the most beautiful island in the world! Hence the name “Supermoon Friends” which comprises Mami Tina, JB, Mei-Mei, Nicky, Odette, Quim and Me (the most beautiful one lol). I already know we’re bound to travel a lot of places coz with them, I know I had already found the Barbs in my Trisha. ;) #DieBeautiful

The Supermoon Friends version of Tai-Chi LOL

San Juanico Bridge

The Tapdasan Family

Of course! How could I skip this part? My family has been in the hall of fame!

As a family, 2016 is also very memorable to us. To name a few of our happy thoughts:

• My Mom, well she knows how to upload photos on FB (in bulk) now. Also, she already has an Instagram account now, follow her @sergvtops hahaha!
• My Manang is now a full-pledged School Principal not to mention topping the principal’s exam, top 1 in Region 9! I couldn’t be more proud.
• I am the happiest Tita. I’ve already been a “Tita” at 4 years old. Even before Tita’s of Manila (or wherever) even existed. My nephews and nieces were complete last Christmas!

Oh well, I’ll let the photos show how happy we were spending Christmas and New Year!

Wacky poses the Tapdasan way!

Post Christmas Dinner at our Manoy Bobong's abode.

Our New Year's eve feast.

I hope you guys have an awesome 2017! I look forward to sharing more memories with you guys this year.