PROJECT 2013: Face of the Month for November

November: From Mourning to Dancing

Make-up and Styling: Arielle Alvarado (Me)

Photography: James Elij San Andres (jamessandresphotography.blogspot.com)

The month of November is characterized mostly by All Souls' Day.  It is the time of year that commemorates the passing of loved ones, and one that can be sorrowful for many.  As the day is spent revisiting the memories of people who had significantly touched our lives by sharing old stories and offering flowers; there is that sting that is felt by the heart as the feelings of mourning and loss are rekindled once again.

Death and loss, grief and sorrow, and everything else in between.  These are situations and emotions that can really crush the spirit -- tear the soul in half and leave it quite empty; and what is worse is that no matter how much time has passed, there is something inside that is not the same again.

What people fail to remember about November is that although it begins with a solemn holiday, it ends with Thanksgiving -- a time when family gathers to celebrate just simply being together and all of the blessings throughout the year are shared over a simple dinner.  It is a night of acknowledging all that has past and all that is to come, and recognizing the good in between all of the bad.

Sadly, not many celebrate Thanksgiving; and yes, it is such an irony to have two very contrasting holidays celebrated on the same month -- but, this is exactly what people fail to realize: that there is always the light at the end of the tunnel, that there is a reason for everything that had to happen, that there is always something to hope and live for despite the trials the heart has difficulty coping with and understanding.

Acknowledging the gift of the present.  To not dwell in the past.  And to hope for a brighter and better tomorrow.  These are the gifts that my friend (more of like a little sister I never had), Viel Eugenio, has shared with me in the few short years that I have known her.  

Viel is a woman who is spot-on about almost everything; she is very organized, she enjoys being involved in the community especially when it involves her talents in dancing ballet and in playing the piano (very flawlessly, I might add), and she is ever so graceful and poised (she puts me to shame, at times, haha!).  

She is probably one of the most respectful girls I know, and also one of the kindest and pure of heart -- someone that if I could, I would keep her safe from the harshness of the world.  She is as delicate as a porcelain doll and as beautiful as one, too; but what is most captivating about Viel is that she has a light that shines through her despite gloomy days and feelings of despair that may overwhelm her at times.  She reminds you that there are people in this world who are truly good and genuinely loving and gentle, and in general, someone who contributes to making this world a better place -- that glimmer of hope in a world that is dark and filled with despair.  

Although November has passed, let us all be reminded to try to focus on the all the good things and people in our lives and appreciate their existence.  Let us not dwell on past hurts and lost dreams and grief.. but instead face the future with hearts filled with thanksgiving, acknowledging that the world is an evil place, but choosing to fight it instead with goodness and optimism. 

After all, the season of love and hope follows November.. coincidence? I think not. :) 

To my friend, Viel, continue to be a light that shines amidst the darkness. :) Continue to inspire people just like you inspire me to be a better person.. to give me a reason to believe that the world is still worth praying and fighting for.  :)  

And most importantly, to continue to serve as an example of how God can truly turn mourning into dancing again just by being present in our lives and in our hearts; that despite the questions we may never get answers to and the desperation we feel to search for the missing link.. He will be enough to get us through. :)

                                      

" 'Then maidens will dance and be glad, young men and old as well.  I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow,' declares the Lord."

(Jeremiah 31:13 and 14b) 

PROJECT 2013: Face of the Month for September

September : Only When It Ends

Make-up and Styling: Arielle Alvarado

Photography: Fritz Dalida http://shutterbugfritz.wordpress.com/

There isn't much to be said about September.. except probably for the 9-11 attacks that occurred 12 years ago in New York City.  Otherwise, September is just one of those "meh" months that everyone would just go through and hope would pass by quickly.. looking forward to the parties lined up for halloween in October, the family reunions and visits to the cemetery in November, and the joyful celebrations of Christmas in December. 

But I always personally dreaded September.. hence, the title.

September 14, 2002 was the date that my aunt, Judy Garcia (whom I fondly call "Tita Cookie"), passed away.  She suffered from colon cancer, and I watched her fight the long battle against it for nearly 3 years. 

Tita Cookie and I were very close.  See, when I was a baby it was my mother who was diagnosed with colon cancer and it was my aunt who stayed with me and played with me at home.  She basically raised me.  She taught me how to play cards at such a young age, she would read to me a lot, she exposed me to  tv shows, she took me shopping, etc.  

11 years since her death, and I still remember how she exemplified strength as she lay in her hospital bed and yet try her best to sit up and force a smile when I would come in to visit.  I still remember accompanying her to the dentist's and hear her moan and groan in pain but come out to meet me with a smile on her face and a joke that she's ready to crack.

She was such a strong woman.. one who chose to remain joyful in spite of the endless hospital visits and treatments that she was given.  And upon her passing,  I found out of a prayer that she made to God while my mom was diagnosed with colon cancer: that if someone be spared.. it be my mom because I needed a mom, while my aunt was not married and had no children.. she felt she had nothing to lose. 

Up to this very day, my mom is alive and healthy and without a trace of cancer remaining in her body.  And everyday, it is still one of the biggest miracles performed by God and greatest gifts that anyone has ever given to me.. a prayer that was made by my aunt and answered by God.

Although September is a month that reminds me of all of these things, it also inspires me to exhibit the kind of strength that my Tita Cookie exemplified and the kind of joy and optimism that she had to get her through.. and it is for these reasons that I chose my best friend of nearly 14 years.. Ica Ducanes.. for the month of September.

Ica and I always came in a pair. If you find Ica.. you'll most probably find me.  Anything shared with one, there's a risk of the other finding out about it and vice versa.  We never really had a group to hang out with.. although occasionally, we did.. it was always the two of us transitioning from one group to another. She knows EVERYTHING about me; and I know EVERYTHING about her.. and our friendship is one that I am truly blessed to have. :)

In the 14 years that I have known Ica, the one thing that really sets her apart from most people that I know is that she has the strength of a tiger.  She is someone who has a firm grasp on her emotions -- she doesn't easily get mad, she doesn't easily lose her patience, and when she's frustrated you would rarely hear her complain.  She, just like most of us, has had her share of heartbreaks, rejection, and trials.. but Ica has always been the kind of person who naturally learns how to adjust and adapt to difficulty.  And the best part about it is that she comes out of it victorious and with a smile on her face.

Ica is the kind of woman who rarely relies on other people.  She gets things done, makes decisions on her own, and she strives to achieve the goals that she has set for herself.. and no matter what other people say, she stays focused on her goals and on the positive. :)

Ica has little to no drama in her life; and even if she does, she rarely overreacts. And that's what I love about her.  She looks at situations with different lenses and perspectives.. she chooses to see what is beautiful and good.. and she never loses sight of her faith in God.

So here's to you, Ica, thank you for being my backbone throughout all of these years.  Thank you for being an inspiration to me.  And thank you for reminding me of the love that my tita showed me.. unselfish, undying, and always accepting. :)

Thank you, Ica, for everything :) It's been a great 14 years. Can't wait for more adventures :)

"The Lord is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation.  He is my God, and I will praise Him, my father's God, and I will exalt Him."

Exodus 15:2

PROJECT 2013: Face of the Month for August

August : Don't Let it Rain on My Parade

Make-Up and Styling by ME (Arielle Alvarado)

Photography by Andrew Pamorada (http://www.andrew-pamorada.com)

In the Philippines, there are only two seasons to choose from - rain or shine; and the month of August is famous for the former.  It is usually during this month that rainfall is not only most frequent but also the strongest in terms of magnitude.  In fact, during the first week of August last year, the country suffered from a typhoon that caused severe flooding in several areas and enough damage to seek nationwide help in terms of healthcare, donations, etc.  

The seasons of life do not really differ from the seasons that the world experiences; nor are the storms that come and go in our lives that may be in the form of pressures and stress from work or academics, dealing with difficult people, disagreements with loved ones, failing to achieve goals, dreams that had to be put on hold.. the list is endless.

But the question is.. What would life be without these trying times? And what would the world be without turmoil? 

Easy.  Without hardships, we wouldn't know perseverance.  Without failure, we wouldn't know success.  Without trying, we wouldn't value effort.  Without sadness, we wouldn't appreciate happiness.  And mostly, without hopelessness, we wouldn't know faith.

My friend, Bernie Camacho, is someone whose inner strength never fails to shine through during even the darkest hours and moments of life.  No matter how devastating or hopeless a situation may seem, Bernie is the person who will always flash a smile and try her best to make everyone around her feel good about themselves.  Despite her own anxieties and the doubts that she may have, I have never seen this girl buckle down and give less than her best.. she is ever-present, ever-reliable and she always delivers.

It is not just Bernie's inner strength, however, that makes her the beautiful woman that she is -- it is the grace, patience, kindness, and goodness that her heart so naturally possesses that enhances this inner strength in order to help others reach their maximal potential.  And it is also this kind of faith that keeps her motivated and focused on the dreams and goals that she has set for herself no matter how difficult they may be.

Indeed, Bernie Camacho is a friend who remains close to my heart (and most definitely will for the rest of my life).  She continues to inspire me just by simply being the beautiful woman that she is. :)

It was a pleasure doing this photoshoot with you; and just to prove how much of a fighter my lovely friend is.. this photoshoot was taken while it was actually raining. haha. :)

I love you, Bernie. :) Keep smiling. Keep shining. :)

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." - Hebrews 12:1