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
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