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Simple, Painful Holidays
Albert RJ O. Miranda
Published in PDI 2BU :) 

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Robin Williams’ character in One Hour Photo said something to this effect: “We usually photograph only the happy moments in our lives and leave the sad ones”.

The same goes with Christmas celebrations. When Christmas is brought up; images of parties, gift giving/receiving, “no diet” feasts and class or family reunions are top of mind. It is unusual to hear someone relating how unpleasant Christmas is, not unless he/she is The Scrooge.

I also share those candy-coated,unfortunately naive perceptions of Christmas.. However, these types of Christmas celebrations are too generic to be considered memorable. It is ironic that the most memorable for me involved the simplest and most painful one.

In December 2002. I was recuperating from my first (and hopefully the last) major operation: appendectomy. I had almost died because my appendix had exploded before I got to the hospital. The poisonous substance slowly paralyzed me preventing me from walking.

 It scared the hell out of me to be under the knife. But thanks to the wonders of anesthesia, I never felt a single pain during the surgical procedure. But post operation is a different story. All the pain that I should have felt sans the anesthesia seemed to have joined forces to remind me the excruciating reality my mortality.

 No matter how many antibiotics I’ve took, my surgery wound got infected. Cleaning it was a nightmare, not only for me, but for my loving mother as well. She suffered the same sleepless nights, attending to my needs and making sure that I am comfortable despite fluctuating body temperature caused by stubborn fever.

My dad is in constant anxiety, checking regularly if I was ok. And my sister, although not showy with her feelings, expressed her moral support. Friends, classmates and relatives came to visit me either in the hospital or in our house. 

Due to the physical and financial constraints caused by my hospitalization, we had to make the traditional Noche Buena as simple as possible that year. All the trimmings are considered unnecessary. But despite this reduced setting, I really enjoyed it. What made the difference is the fact that we were complete during these tumultuous times. 

Cliché as it may sound, no other grand party or expensive gift could match that satisfaction I felt during those times. What made that Christmas also more meaningful was the realization that I was given a second lease with my life. It is like being reborn with a purpose. 

Whatever that purpose may be, I am grateful I am alive with an opportunity to be a better person everyday. There are no pictures to prove the difficulties I experienced but my scar reminds me of that Christmas all the time. 

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How Will You Make it Cooler in Summer?
Albert RJ O. Miranda

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Its official!!! Summer is already here, striking us with its scorching presence. With PAGASA estimates of 33-35°C in average temperatures, alongside a looming El Niňo and worsening global warming, we can surely expect a loooooooong hot season ahead of us. So apart from the usual halo halo and frequent trips to malls for free air-conditioning, how can you make your summer this year a little bit cooler? 

I'd put any minty lotion inside the ref and smooth it on my skin before going out. Its an easy and certified pick-me upper.
  • Ingrid Nieto, FM Radio DJ Mellow 94.7
Go on road trips; engage in different activities with friends such as staying over in an awesome beach front hotel,baking, cooking, working out, partying; start a mini business, get involved in any internships related to fashion or simply go home to the province.
  • Alexandra Frances Noval, UP Clothing Technology Student 
I'd wear pretty maxi dresses and comfy sandals. Less heat means less headaches and being cranky. Haha :) I'd definitely be a good idea to hangout at Whitemoon bar to watch the sunset with my yummy cocktail in hand. Perfect! Its Boracay in Manila, right? :)
  • Andrea Torres, Account Manager Circuit Magazine
I’ll go to the hidden places in the Philippines like Siquijor, Cagayan Valley, Tawi-Tawi, places that don’t have much publicity. If there’s a beach, great! If there’s none, fine, at least I’ll get to experience adventure in unusual places. It will also greatly help to wear my long skirt ala Joss Stone and let my hair down.
  • Ninay Escover, Assitant Stage Manager, Universal Studios Singapore
Take plenty of ...water water water and water
  • Michaela Vergel, cosmetics buyer based in Dubai
Do the same last year. My cousins and I sold Discolemoneyd coolers! Instant bonding with cousins with earning just a bonus!
  • Che Espinelli, Account Executive, YOCard
By doing something that is both good and enjoyable, like cleaning up the beach :)
  • Roger Arpee Pineda, English Teacher
Learn aqua drumming with street kids. Hands On Manila's still teaching it, i think. :) 
  • Jihan Pring, Brand Manager. DPC
Sometimes we always make an effort to make our summer cooler. You don't need those expensive flights out of the country. A simple walk in the park and finding a great spot to lounge. A a cold San Miguel at hand and cool chill out music on loud speakers is nothing short of aweeesome! and I plan to do that somewhere unexpected.. now that is cool!
  • Jerik de Guzman, Travel Blogger
Whether your strategy in cooling it off is as grandiose as having an island gate away or as simple as drinking lots of ice cold water, what is important is keeping an attitude open to all the fun possibilities summer has to offer. Oh, and while your at it, don't forget to slather sunblock with the highest SPF possible. A clear and healthy skin is always considered cool whatever season it is. 

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BEANIE-bining Beanie's (Ms. Beanie's) fashionable sideline 
Albert RJ O. Miranda

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Henry Walton of Indiana Jones, the Marlboro Cowboys and Pablo Picasso have one thing in common. Well besides being iconic, they all have been donning hats which have been highly identified with them.

Walton has a fedora, the Cowboys has a namesake hat and Picasso, a beret. Besides being an effective way of hiding receding hairlines, hats are chic fashion staple capable of completing any look.
Shellerey Espinelli an Account Executive by profession, recognized this. She created a line of crocheted beanies I WANT THAT HAT. Always been a business-minded artist, Sherelley took her 20 years of crocheting from a therapeutic hobby into a viable and profitable side-line business.

Way back in High school I was fond of watching The Secret World of Alex Mack. I adore Alex's head gear accessories. She looks very nice wearing those knitted hats, caps, and tams. Since I don’t have enough money to buy cute beanies back then, I made one for me”.

Who would have thought that a Nickelodeon series with a science fiction plot could inspire her to do something in line with fashion.

Shellerey shares more about her love affair with beanies:

I WANT THAT HAT (IWTH) is a catchy name. How did you come up with that?
Every time I go out wearing my beanies, I always get the compliment “Gusto ko yang hat mo!” (I want that hat!) . So I decided to use it as my brand name. I think it sounds really cool.

Where do you get your inspirations for your designs?
When I crochet, the pattern comes out naturally. The outcome of my designs depends on my mood - grungy, hippie, Rastafarian or even extreme. I also look on the internet and magazines for additional inspiration.

Who usually wears your beanies?
IWTH buyers come from different walks of life - extreme sports enthusiasts such as skaters, surfers, bikers and wake boarders; musicians and beanie collectors.

Do you think beanies can be a staple in Pinoy’s wardrobe, considering we have a tropical climate?
Initially, I had hesitations about that. But the youth now are very open and bold in expressing themselves especially when it comes to fashion. Despite the tropical climate, a lot of people I know still wear beanies because it complements their personalities and lifestyle.

Did you expect this kind of response?
At first, kala ko, it wont work. I was really surprised when I posted it on FB (Facebook), inquiries started coming and I was really glad that they love my collection. So far I have orders as far as Abu Dabi and everyday I have inquiries.

Can you share with us some style tips on how to wear IWTH?
Pair it with something basic and uncomplicated.

Any plans expanding your product line?
Oh yes of course! I am very open to any possibilities. I want to try crochet with fabric. Watch out for my new collection! =)

Your thoughts on earning extra cash?
If you want to have sideline make sure it is close to your heart. Enjoy what you do then money will follow.



Check out http://iwantthathat.multiply.com/ for updates on new designs or search I WANT THAT HAT on. Facebook. For orders you may contact the following numbers 09164316916 / 09228747880 or shoot an email via [email protected]









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