Child's Play: Vampire

I'm not a huge fan of The Twilight Saga or Vampire Diaries, but I find the fashion sense of vampires very appealing. There's something about their style that can make you go prying over them. They definitely dress to kill. I love it how they are associated with dark colors, specifically with black. That hue just makes them look even more fierce and mysterious. For me, that's a deadly combination but it's very attractive. Stunning, I have to say. I wish I'm a vampire, so I have the power to entice with just one look and by dressing up.

For my pilot episode of my new blog series, Child's Play, I am going to show you how I become a vampire. I don't have that much of a sophisticated vampire-looking garments, but I do believe that we can do so much of what we own. Am I right my friends? Oh before anything, let me apologize for some shots that are blurry and noisy. My youngest sister, Mikee took them. Janine was not yet around when we had that "photo shoot". But it's okay little sissy. I'll teach you how next time. So, here's my Vampire get-up folks!

Kat the Vampy

I used Avon blush-on as an eyeliner, so I can achieve a vampire-ish look somehow.

My Outfit

Tank Top: Secret Possessions
Hand-crocheted Bolero: Next
Skirt: Topshop
Boots: Le Donne
Bag: Secosana
Bangle: SM Dep't Store

Studs: From England
Necklace: Marcella's

Do you think I achieved what I want to achieve? So, that's it for my first ever post for Child's Play. See you again next time. I'll keep you posted as much as possible.

How do you dress to kill?

Artistic Couple (Katriovic)

One thing my boyfriend and I have in common is our irrevocable love for art, alongside love for music, love for food, love for both in-depth and inane conversations and most of all, love for each other! Cheesy! He has already drawn my face, and I tell you, he made it look just like me. The bad news is, I can't remember where I placed it. Too bad! Looks like I have some searching to do now, cause I want to show it to you.

Today, let me give you a glimpse of one of his artworks and mine. Next time I'll be posting as many pieces as I can. So, watch out for them.

GRAPPLER's PAINTING

He still doesn't have a name for this abstract piece.

BLOGGER's DRAWING

This piece is an imitation of a famous Opt Art.

I'm ultimately proud of Ciovic cause he definitely is talented. He can paint, he can cook, he can play instruments, he can sing, he can make me laugh. I'm just so glad to have a man like him. I'm thinking, does he brag about me too?

More art posts to come soon.. :-)

Now Loving Comics

I was actually not a fan of comics, despite my passion for drawing and painting. Maybe it's because comics don't show us the real appearance of humans, instead they're distortion of what is reality. For me, comics defy and bastardize what is conventional. For an instance, characters have over-sized body parts. They're portrayed with huge eyes and whatsoever. They're exaggerated, I have to say. That's what I didn't like about comics then.

As time passed by, I began to love the defiance of comics to what is typical. I don't know what got into me that says I have to appreciate comics. Maybe it's the child-like individual in me or something. That change in me, started off when someone introduced the Eyesores Facebook App to me. Then just yesterday I stumbled upon another comic artist by the name of Natalie Dee. I've seen some of her works before but I didn't know she was the one who drew them.

Here are some of my comics top picks from them.

Natalie Dee

EYESORES

They're utterly adorable, right? Check out these cute comics in these sites: Natalie Dee (A Sharing Machine Comic), Tumblr and Wordpress. Do you know other fun comic artists? Please share their links to me. :-)

All images used in this post are not intended for copyright infringement.

MYSTIC BLOG FEATURES... SOON

Do you get fed up with your niche at times? I actually feel that as of the moment. I've been asking myself lately, "Is it just me, or Mystic Nymph is getting boring?" I've been thinking of ways on how to spice it up, because I don't ever want to be in a terrible fate of ditching my three-year-old personal blog. I want you, my readers, to have something to look forward to every time you drop by here.

So, after many weeks of contemplating and pondering, I've finally composed myself. I've thought of dishing you in a silver platter, three new blog series that might pique your interests. I hope these new things will hype you more in your every visit here at Mystic Nymph. Here are the three upcoming Mystic Blog Features I'm talking about:

GUY DIARIES

I will feature groups of three guys in every episode of this blog series. This will be about their views and opinions on different matters regarding us, girls. In other words, this is going to be your ultimate guy guide. How 'bout that? Just email me if you have questions in mind that you want me to ask them. For the guys, feel free to volunteer yourselves.

CHILD's PLAY

In this blog series, I will be playing like a doll being dressed up all the time. I will fancy myself all girly with different outfits -- may it be a goth, classic, laid back or hot chick style. One themed get-up per episode. Just email me if you want to suggest a style that you would like me to feature in the next episodes. For an instance, if you wish to see me on how I dress up for a date, it will be my honor to do so. I'm just an email away.

GASTRONOMY

Food is truly one of my stress relievers. It comes first before fashion and music. So to spoil myself, this blog series will allow me the pleasures of gastronomic blast. I will be sharing you some scoops of the most remarkable food experiences I have. I'll give my best for this series to show you uncommonly good eating at its best. Email me if you want me to give a food review on a certain food or food spot in town.

I hope I get your utmost support in this endeavor, my dear readers, just like how you did on "Ultimate Guilty Pleasure" and "Mystique Shutterbug". Watch out for the beginning of these new things in store for you. Anyway, my email address is iPAQ_kat@yahoo.com! Just send your suggestions there. I will be waiting for them.

Mystic Blog Features... Soon on Mystic Nymph!

Tribute to my College Friends

I've already blogged about my bad experience in college, and how I managed to go through it. And then I thought, "Why not write about the things that made me happy in that stage as well?" Half of my memories in my college life are distressing. I fought the depression of failing my parents' expectations, not having a lot of friends and being hated by many, all alone. But I could say God is good for giving me even a few but true friends who helped me surpass those challenges.

My college life will not be memorable if not because of those people who chose me to share some of their experiences with. They made it easier for me to deal with difficult circumstances. They made me feel comfortable in tagging along with different types of personalities. Most of all, they made me feel that I'm someone who's worthy of their trust and respect, despite what others used to make me feel.

I wasn't actually expecting to have new friends, because I got used to being alone. All I wanted was to know how was it like to be taught by teachers from this premier university. The only thing I honestly looked forward to when I passed UPCAT was not wearing uniform in school. That got me so excited because I can mix and match clothes everyday in my student life. One more thing is that, I had the experience of dwelling away from comfort zone because I lived for three months in the dormitory. I just went home during weekends. I enjoyed it somehow, because it was like one heck of an adventure.

However, groups are everywhere whether I like it or not. It's quite impossible to live life in college without those people you can hang on to. We need friends, not to gain something from them, but to share countless memories with them. We need each other to survive. I may shy away from groups, but I know that I will always be part of them. So now, let me introduce you to the various cliques I had in college.

MUNTING BACA NI OBLE (MUBA)

This is how our second batch shirt look like.

Freshies at Ate Ling's Old Kubo.

We were getting ready for our speech presentation.

Bloc A of BACA 2007 literally took the floor.

PUDDING GIRLS

I met Mae Joy during the Summer Bridge Program in UP. I met Dolly because of Maej.

I miss Maej and Dolly's company. I miss our laughters and conversations.

SPCM

Biodiversity field trip at Philippine Eagle.

Business Communication Finals under Ms. Elaine Isip.

Intercultural Book Launching.

MAX and JEW

Max and I love taking pictures, while Jewel loves eating! :D

It was just recently when I got close to these girls, but they became special to me instantly.

THE QUITTER's CLUB

OSA, welcome our club with open our arms! :D

Too bad, Ria and Lavinia wasn't with us when we had this group pic.

This is Lavinia. She may look bashful, but she's really not. :D

With our group's clown, Ria Gene Petrache. :D

To all the groups I've mentioned, I hope you like this tribute. I’m very grateful that God gave me a chance to get to know some of the truest people in UP Mindanao. I must have done something so good in the eyes of God. I hope we still become tight friends after graduation. I can’t afford to lose some friends again. I will do my best to keep our camaraderie stronger.

Happy graduation BACA 2007! I wish I can march with all of you, but it's impossible. Before you go on in the next chapter of your life, let me just say that you all are very special to me. The memories I had with you will always remain in my heart and mind. It was a blast having you around, and I hope we get to reunite again someday. I will miss you, and thank you so much for the genuine friendship you've given me. As what I always say, I will remain a true friend to each one of you no matter what happens! Mikimoto Angel will definitely be with you along the way.

Mystique Shutterbug: Evolution (Week 5)

I could say my life in college was the hardest part of my life, not just academically, but also socially and emotionally. I've undergone culture shock and identity crisis in that stage to the point that I became very rebellious, especially to my family. I really regret that, and I want to apologize to my parents who have become the victims of my aggressiveness before. I pray that they'll notice how sorry I am that I disappointed them a lot of times. I hope they find it in their hearts to forget the past and to forgive me.

In my freshman year, I joined a sorority even though I was not allowed to. The moment I said yes to my masters made a turning point in my life. It was from them where I learned being intense with the way I expressed my opinions and grieves. I tend to say things that are beyond the boundaries of what is accepted by the many. When issues came up with my membership with that organization, I began to lose my self-esteem more because everybody started to hate me and call me names.

Some might not know I'm that girl who squealed against a fraternity-sorority organization, but I doubt it. News and rumors spread faster than I know. I actually hate talking about it now, because it has been four years ago already. But that was one of the most unforgettable encounters I had in my past year in college. Thank God, I've managed to deal with people's whispers and smirks with head up high.

That circumstance challenged me big deal. I've experienced many difficulties that made me tougher and more mature, despite my delicate facade. I may look sensitive and reserved, but actually I’m not. I have gone through instances that sharpened and shaped the way I am now.

For my fifth week in this blog series, I'm going to show you some photos I had from my first year to fourth year in college. I'd like to look back before I go on in my SUPER SENIOR year here in the University of the Philippines. Let's begin tripping down memory lane through photos.

FIRST YEAR

I was a FRESH MEAT then.

When our school was still under construction.

BA Communication Arts Batch 2007!

SECOND YEAR

At Datcom Internet Cafe's grounds.

BACA - BA Camera Addict.

After our speech presentation.

THIRD YEAR

BACA Christmas Party 2009 at Kookel's Bangkal.

This was during our Intercultural Book Launching.

Kabahin Magazine group mates.

FOURTH YEAR

This was during our Semana BACA last month.

Confident enough to take a pic with Oble despite the urban legend.

Marketing Plan groupmates with Ms. Elaine Isip.

Let me divulge something: Up to now, I still get intimidated with UP professors. It’s like I don’t know anything sensible whenever they are in front, speaking about different things that are new to me. Back in high school, I was one of the best writers, but now I think I am one of the worst. I can’t help but sell myself short whenever I encounter professors in UP. They're really up there and I'm down here.

I'm planning to have an episode here in Mystique Shutterbug that will showcase my photos with those UP teachers I look up to the most. Hopefully they'll give me the chance to camwhore with them. God willing!

What were your best memories in college?

Social Media Butterfly

I am an anti-social person since birth. I've been a shy girl even before. However as time goes by, I've somehow got rid of that characteristic from my system. It's just that, my being a loner still dominates. I feel awkward speaking a word, or even smiling to my acquaintances. I only feel at ease talking to people who have great connection t o me. Don't get me wrong, Ok. I'm not trying to come off as a mean girl. I just don't want to be a hypocrite by mingling with people I'm not close to, even though I actually don't feel like doing it. My socialization motto: No pretenses.

We had a game in one of our subjects two years ago (as far as I can remember) where each one of use should give one word description to all our classmates. Most of the words that I got were silent, meek, modest, quiet and "emo." I got five counts for silent, one for meek, three for modest, two for quiet and one for emo. The last word is extremely disapproved by me. Who dare that someone who said it? LoL!

I didn't feel surprised with what they think of me. Everything they said are basically the superficial display of how I want them want to look at me. I have to admit that being reserved is one of my personalities, but when they crack the egg shell surrounding me, perhaps they will also see the different side of me that is also fun and adventurous. When I'm with my "thick as thieves" buddies, I also laugh out loud without hesitations. I do weird things with them. I'm not as boring as what others might think of me.

Unlike in person, I'm more barefaced and outspoken in my social media life. It's probably because the Internet saves my face. As stated in the Face Negotiation Theory from Em Griffin's book A First Look at Communication Theories, our face is the metaphor of our public self-image. We do facework like verbal and nonverbal messages that help us maintain and restore face loss. Communication that happens in a computer-mediated format indeed saves face because it helps me overcome my physical and social limitations. The social media allow me to interact with people without letting them know everything about me. Web-based communication still gives me privacy and anonymity by some means.

I am a member of a number of social networking sites. Therefore, I call myself a social media butterfly. It's not that I want to meet different people. That's not my main reason in joining in those sites. I just want others to know who I really am through my posts. That's what I can't do personally -- introducing myself to people. For some reason, it gives me a sense of self-fulfillment whenever someone pays attention to what I say. I don't usually get that in person. I'm a wall flower. I say a word only when I feel like I have to. Good thing though that people around me still values my views and opinions.

Anyway, here are my social media sites.

Facebook

Facebook has become a new way to communicate to replace text messaging.

Multiply

I post pictures here.

Twitter (KatrinaAngela)

For long and elaborated tweets.

Twitter (MikimotoAngel)

For short tweets and mentions.

I also use Twitter Applications like Tweetitow, CoTweet, Hootsuite, Pixelpipe, TypePad, Brizzly, Ping.fm, Brizzly and GratitudeLog.

Mystique Shutterbug

This is my blog for my trigger finger.

Mystic Nymph

This is my personal blog.

LOOKBOOK

Hype my style here.

I’ll let you in a little revelation about my favorite usernames in my virtual sites. First is about my Mikimoto Angel pen name. Mikimoto is a famous brand of pearl accessories in America. I first saw that brand in Vogue Magazine. I got mesmerized by that label, and I thought of using it. I just added Angel from my name “Angela”. Thus, the formation of Mikimoto Angel.

For my other pen name Mystic Nymph, the word mystic really came from the show Mystic Knights of Tir Na Nog. I used to be so hooked to that show. I am also obsessed with mythologies, and nymphs are mythical creatures depicted as beautiful young women who are considered as guardians of objects and places in nature. Thus, the evolution of Mystic Nymph.

So, what social media sites do you have?