Child’s Play: Graduation Outfit

Photo courtesy of Rene Arias (This photo is not the actual soft copy. This is just scanned.)

Photo courtesy of Lito Sy (This photo is not the actual soft copy. This is just scanned.)

What I wore on Graduation Day:

Dress – Sabella RTW

Shoes – Mendrez

Bag – G by Guess

Bangle – SM Accessories

Earrings – Gift from Mom

Sablay (Sash) – Hablon

Everything that I wore that day (except for the bag) was Pinoy made -- from the dress, shoes, bangle and Sablay.

Here’s a quick post before I’ll have my hiatus again. It’ll just be a short-lived break anyway, since I’m going to be busy processing matters for my “job seeking escapade” this week. And oh, I will also be one of the facilitators for a Youth and Kids Camp organized by our church. The event will be held from the 17th to 19th of May. I pray that we nail it perfectly well, so we could be able to give the participants a summer that’s divine and worth-remembering.

Anyhow, this is another graduation post but this time it’s about what I wore. I don’t know with the graduates from other UP system units, but UP Mindanao graduates are required to wear beige or cream dress and shoes for girls; and beige barong and black pants and shoes for boys. The reason for wearing neutral colored garments is to lay emphasis on the symbolic Sablay. We’re not allowed to wear any other ostentatious accessories other than the latter stated.

I selected this ruffled neck chiffon dress with pagoda sleeves because it looks vintage and feminine. My dress is already very detailed, that’s why I decided to pair it with this simple 3-inch beige shoes. The catch is, we also needed to put on stockings and I hated it because its silkiness gave me a tough time walking. I didn’t know how to deal with it with flair considering I don’t normally wear high heels. Luckily, things folded quite nicely that day.

I wore the bangle and the bag only before and after the ceremony; because like what I’ve said earlier, we had to highlight the Sablay all throughout the program. What I love about my bangle from SM Accessories are the faux gold and diamond embellishments. I’m just totally in love with anything shiny, shimmery and golden. I also got thrilled when I saw Karylle (A Filipino celebrity) wearing the same arm candy in red hue in one episode of It’s ShowTime.

I was so happy with everything that I donned that day; because apart from The Sablay, nobody sported the same dress, shoes and accessories as I did. Basically, what we had to pull off for our graduation outfit is the fashion statement called “Pop of Print” to accentuate the thing every UP student yearns for. So, that’s it for now. I guess this ends my series of graduation posts. Take note of the phrase “I guess”. Just kidding. ‘Til then! Much love!

Hype this look in Lookbook.

UP Mindanao Class of 2012

THE SABLAY

April 18, 2012 was a big day to UP Mindanao's Iskolar ng Bayan Class of 2012. It was our Graduation, or shall I say, SABLAY day. The Sablay is our alternative to the usual toga and cap, which made it very unique. One advantage of its advantages is that we don't just rent it, we have it for keeps. It is a very sacred thing especially to us UP students, because for us, it is synonymous to our academic success.We transfer it from the right to left shoulder upon graduation as a sign that our college life in UP has finally ended.

Sablay is actually a Tagalog word that not only means "failure or missed chance" as many of you might think. It also means "a loose piece of clothing, worn by a person, that is simple yet elegant and joined in front by an ornament, and two, the draping object or fabric on the shoulder. The Sablay gets its inspiration from the Muslim malong but incorporates various traditional elements found in other Philippine cultures. Running through the Sablay are geometric motifs of indigenous Philippine tribes."

It seems not so long ago when I was only imagining myself being a part of UP's unique college graduation  ceremonies and rocking the highly desired Sablay, and suddenly now, it's already my first day of being a UP graduate! I still can't believe it to tell you honestly. I know, of course, that life doesn't end when you get out of college; but it's just but normal to feel ultimate joy when you've accomplished something every student in this world covets for. It's one thing to actualize yourself. One dream down. To God be the Glory!

I could really say my college life was one heck of a ride, full of highs and lows in various aspects. You see, I'm not an achiever. I got my bachelor's degree without any academic or leadership distinctions at all. I've flunked a number of subjects many times, got extended for a year and experienced disheartening social issues along the way. I may have failed more often than not, but I believe those misadventures made me even more mature and equipped for the true battles of life. UP education truly made me a better citizen!

Anyhow, I know you want proof of our Graduation Day so here are I'll be dishing out the photos of what I'm talking about.

The iconic symbol of the University of the Philippines, The Oblation, also wears Sablay during Graduation Day.

Taken during Graduation practice. These Red and Green Vinta is one of the main attractions in our school's Atrium during Graduation Day.

Seats on the stage are occupied by the UP Board of Regents, The UP Mindanao Chancellor and the guest speakers. 

This is my only photo with UP Mindanao Chancellor Gilda Rivero, Senator Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel (our guest speaker) and UP President Alfredo Pascual.

Taken before the program when we still wore the Sablay on our right shoulder.

Taken after the program when the Sablay is finally on our left shoulder and when we already had our diploma.

Another shot of the most important people in the program yesterday.

With my sister Miko and her bestfriends Nica and Czeichelle.

With my family, Ate Mamu and some photo bombs.

With my mother and one of my dearest college friends, Charina.

We're not supposed to take pictures during the program, but hey, we can't help it. LOL! With my seatmate and partner in crime, Maicie; and with Troy and King in the background.

Our Graduation Ceremonies started at 6:45 in the morning; and since, there were only 135 graduates, the program ended as early as 9:30am. It's difficult to take decent and strategic shots during events like this especially when  you don't own one of those HD DSLR cameras. Thanks to those who have one, and also to our official photographers. I still have to wait for them to upload and print it though. Anyway, we headed straight to Loring's Lechon House & Restaurant (Matina branch) for our intimate celebration with only a few  invited friends and relatives. Thanks to my parents for making everything happen! Here are our photos there.

Wrong spelling for my sister Miko's name. FYI, Gelie is my nick.

Array of food.

Shanghai Rolls

Chopped Pork Lechon

Beef Kare-Kare

Chicken Pancit Canton

Sinigang na Bangus soup

Sinigang na Bangus

Mom's Home-made Brownies for Dessert

Mom's Home-made Chocolate Cake for Dessert

Watermelon and Pineapple for Dessert

Aunt Nerie and Cousin Patrick

My sister Mikee's forner nanny and her daughter

Shaira, my sister Janine's cute and bubbly bestfriend.

My sister Miko's bestfriends Czeichelle and Nica

My college friends Dolly, Harvey and Maxine

Hi Harvey!

Hi Maxine!

Me and my family went to Lito Sy at SM for our studio pictorial right after our party. The pictures will be ready by Sunday, and I just can't wait to let you see our family and prestige shots. I'll surely keep you posted for that. Now let me express my gratitude to our guests Aunt Nerie, Cousin Patrick, Ate Nene, Uncle Boy, Nica, Czeichelle, Shaira, Harvey, Dolly and Maxine. Thanks for gracing us with your presence!

My boyfriend Ciovic and my true friend Regine were also invited, but they weren't able to make it due to some concerns. Ciovic is still in Cotabato for a family affair, while Regine was in Manila for some training. I would love for the rest of my closest friends who are also part of UP Min's Class of 2012 to be with us for lunch, but I know they would be with their families to celebrate as well.

On that note, I would like to greet all of us a resounding, Congratulations!

PS: Thanks for bearing with this very long post. I will be writing another graduation post soon. :-)

Deepest Thanks to Thee

 

After 13 hours of waiting in vain with my three batch mates at Clare Heaven's Bookbinding services, here come my seven hardbound thesis copies.

Thesis is indeed one of the hardest parts in every UP student’s academic life (not to mention about it being a solo project), because it leads to having a mixed-up mind that usually results to anxiety and depression. What was unimaginable for me three semesters ago was actually possible three semesters later. It’s a surreal feeling that the research study I’ve been working on for the past three semesters is finally done, and it would not have been possible if not because of those people who gave me support in any means.

 

I am very grateful for the constructive feedbacks my panellists and adviser have given my thesis. If not because of those comments and pieces of advice, my study would still have been very shallow and unorganized. I want to thank Prof. Dennis John Sumaylo for helping me narrow down my scope during the thesis proposal part; to Prof. Karen Joyce Cayamanda for giving me the idea that I should just highlight one part in my thesis; and of course, to Prof. Sheila Grace Europa for being patient with me all throughout.

 

I want to thank the beautiful and charming CHSS Librarian, Mrs. Merlyn Castaneros for showing her genuine kindness to me whenever I disturb her for the books I couldn’t locate only to find out that they’re just actually in their assigned shelves. She understands about our situation, and I acknowledge her for that. Her words of encouragement to me and my colleagues never failed to help me feel that I can really get it over with.

 

 

It’s a pleasure to express my appreciation to my pretty friends Jael Magbanua, Ann Marjorie Luz, Maicie Ceballo, Christine Bayang, Regina Doctura, Francis Lyn Malalis,  Ella Rinos, the Aguzar siblings and Ali Altizo for helping me cope with pressure. They made it easier for me to deal with difficult circumstances by hanging out with me to get rid of stress. Thanks for the happy memories we had during our fashion photo shoots, laugh trips, and pig-out moments.

 

Similarly, I want to thank my batch mates and special friends namely,  Janice Javerle, Jewel Rose Torotoro, Maxine Alexandra Villas, Shimea More, Lavinia Oliveros, Ria Petrache, Troy Requizo, Jesse Pizarro and Charina Amor for giving me guidelines on how I should go about with my thesis. They were also the ones who were there for me in times when I didn’t know what to do anymore. They gave me strength and motivation not to give up on what I have already started.

 

I also feel so gratified with the boost my boyfriend-and-bestfriend Ciovic David Sol Balabbo has given me. I’m thankful because he never complained about me being busy with school the past year. He always raises my spirit, and he always believes in my capacity. He sees the good in me even though I’ve been very short-tempered lately because of too much tension. I thank him for understanding me and for giving me confidence all the time.

 

More importantly, I owe my deepest gratitude to my family Miko, Janine, Mikee, especially to my mother who didn’t ever surrender in providing for me despite the many short-comings and disappointments I’ve caused her. She is my number one inspiration in doing my best for this thesis, because I don’t want to fail her again. She gave me countless chances to prove myself, and I’m forever thankful for that. I hope you’re proud of me. I also want to thank my father who accompanied me and my friends until 2am while we were waiting for our hardbound copies. I don’t know what could have happened to Ate Jael, Charina and me if he wasn’t around. I love you Mama Bebet and Papa Bebot!

 

Lastly, this thesis will never be feasible without the divine help coming from my Almighty God and Savior. I thank you My Lord for sharing me your knowledge and wisdom so that I can be able to finish this requirement successfully. Thank You for giving me peace of mind when I need it the most. Thank You for always listening to my unending requests and rants. Thank You for granting the necessities of this study. Most of all, thank You for all the blessing! I offer all these in your name, My Lord.