Really, Darling.

Amanda.

noreply@blogger.com (Sammie Masigan) — Sat, 07 Sep 2013 10:41:00 +0000

I apologize for my absence this past month. University life has been hectic, but thankfully in a good way. I've been very productive, conducting photoshoots and what-not to practice my photography. This is just one of the many sessions I've had these past few weeks.

I'd like to introduce to you my dearest cousin, Amanda. She is practically the sister I never had. She's 13 and absolutely gorgeous. ♥

Styled and Photographed by Samantha Masigan

Make-Up by Samantha Masigan

Model: Amanda Masigan

xx

Sammie ♥

Cinemalaya 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Sammie Masigan) — Fri, 09 Aug 2013 11:38:00 +0000

Last July 27-August 4, I officially moved into CCP #jk. All jokes aside though, that big old space was second home to me for a week since it showcased none other than Cinemalaya 2013 (which, I may add, I was lucky enough to have as a requirement for school)! I'm so glad it turned out greater than I expected it to be, since this year marked my first Cinemalaya experience ever (I tried last year but failed to get tickets for anything, bummer).

I was fortunate enough to watch 5 films this year with my boyfriend (who looks like a big grump in the latter picture, haha):

Debosyon and Rekorder were definitely my favorites! The message of both films were so powerful, and the visuals were fantastic! Sana Dati was lovely as well, although I didn't love it as much as everyone else did. Maybe that's just me? Also, I can't wait for Ekstra and Transit to start showing nationwide! I'd be more than bummed if they didn't push through with the screening. I really wanted to watch both, but time just didn't allow it.

It was a great year for Cinemalaya, and I can't wait for the next one!

How was your Cinemalaya experience?

- Sammie ♥

noreply@blogger.com (Sammie Masigan) — Mon, 29 Jul 2013 01:26:00 +0000

(XX)

Instagram Review #2

noreply@blogger.com (Sammie Masigan) — Mon, 29 Jul 2013 01:23:00 +0000

The past few weeks for me have been about making memories that'll last you your whole lifetime. I'd like to be able to look back 50 years from now and say that I lived a good life.

a.) A picture of me back when I was 6 years old

b.) A photobooth picture of me and my grandmother circa 2012

c&d.) Me and my cousin (more like sister, really) Amanda

f.) Me getting close to achieving my weight goals

g.) Me and my grandma on her 82nd birthday.

What are some of your best memories?

Sammie ♥

noreply@blogger.com (Sammie Masigan) — Mon, 29 Jul 2013 01:01:00 +0000

I'm alive and kicking, people. Hey there! It's been a while since I've updated, and I apologize for that. I've been insanely busy with my majors. Thankfully, my professor gave me some good news today and decided to give our class a free day--and what better way to use this 'free day' than to tell you guys about the congress I was just in!

Last July 27-28, I was fortunate enough to attend the Student Media Congress, a 2-day event held at De La Salle University-Manila with the theme "Exploring Media Breakthroughs". Students from different schools around the country attended--with this, you can then assume that the crowd was, indeed, crazy. I'd show you pictures, but the environment was a bit too claustrophobic for me to take photos properly. Nevertheless, I was somehow able to manage and take a few just for you guys! ♥

I was blessed enough to spend the whole congress with one of my best friends, Alex. I got a bit too excited when I found out that she was going too--we haven't seen each other in a long time! It was more than great to spend 2 days catching up with her (hi bb, I missed you!).

We had an excellent set of speakers for the first day, some of whom being:

Mr. John Nery (Senior Editor, Philippine Daily Inquirer), who talked about the importance of print media in this day and age.

Mr. Val Victa (AVP For Ad & Promo, Manila Broadcasting Company), who reiterated that radio still has an impact on the society, even in this digital generation.

Mr. Jaemark Tordecilla (managing Editor, Interaksyon.com), who gave his insights on how important it is for today's generation to take action and involve themselves in media-related activities.

and Ms. Maria Ressa (CEO & Executive Editor, Rappler.com), who showed just how important the role of technology is in today's society, and how it helps connect each and every one of us.

Day 2 of the congress was a lovely experience as well, since Alex and I were fortunate enough to get into the talks of Mr. Carlo Ople (Managing Director, DM9JaymeSyfu) & Ms. Ann Jacobe (President, Youphoric Labs), who gave us insights on Digital Marketing and Knowledge Management respectively.

Mr. Ople was even kind enough to let us have our picture taken with him!

And did I mention that Ms. Ann's outfit was too gorgeous for my life? That skirt! ♥

Money well spent. It was a lovely congress, and I learned tons.

So how was your week, darlings?

Sammie ♥

Instagram Review # 1

noreply@blogger.com (Sammie Masigan) — Sun, 14 Jul 2013 13:10:00 +0000

Hola, amigas! It's time for my first Instagram review (this is so exciting haha)! These past few weeks have been pretty insane, mainly because of midterms season. I've been studying and researching non-stop, I think I'm about to explode (haha!). Thankfully though, some things have been keeping me sane.

1.) My Fitness Goal. I've been on the Insanity Workout for the past 3 weeks. I think if I hadn't been cheating and munching on chocolates every weekend, I would have lost 10 pounds by now. No regrets though since chocolate is divine haha! Anyway, the workout's been very therapeutic for me. It is insane, but the instant fulfillment after makes it all worth it.

2.) Celebrity sightings! I saw a legendary Filipina actress in the mall yesterday--Ms. Caridad Sanchez. She's one of the classiest ladies I've ever met. She was so gracious and willing to have her picture taken with us! What a darling!

3.) Vacation flashbacks. Man, I love the beach. If only I could, I'd be in Balesin right now sipping orange juice by the seashore.

4.) Love--from my friends, and from my boyfriend. These people have kept me sane throughout the most stressful situations, and I'm so glad to have them in my life. I love them with all my heart ♥

How about you, darlings? How have you been?

xx Sammie

Mon.

noreply@blogger.com (Sammie Masigan) — Tue, 02 Jul 2013 15:54:00 +0000

MON. * June 20, 2013

Two weeks ago, I was fortunate enough to work with my friend Monica on a homework assignment for my photography class. It was such a pleasure to have Mon model for my first photoshoot ever! Her shots turned out beautifully!

Photography & Styling: Sammie Masigan

Model: Monica Puno

Stay beautiful! xx

Sammie ♥

words.

noreply@blogger.com (Sammie Masigan) — Sun, 30 Jun 2013 04:39:00 +0000

(XX)

Karissa.

noreply@blogger.com (Sammie Masigan) — Wed, 26 Jun 2013 15:54:00 +0000

Today was one of those perfectly good days. With Karissa finally visiting and me skipping class for a free day (haha), I can pretty much say that today was more than just satisfactory.

And look! I wore my glasses today, yaaay! For some reason I had terrible eye-bags this morning, so I needed something to cover them up. Make-up just wasn't doing the trick for me today.

Anyway, Paulina, Karissa and I met up at Papa John's anticipating that we'd be 6 all in all today. Sadly the rest couldn't make it, so we had to make a French exit and go somewhere cheaper (plus, the combo meal would be too much for our bellies haha). We felt awful afterwards though, since it seemed like we only went inside to take pictures. FREELOADERS! Kidding.

Shaula followed afterwards...

-- with her minion! ♥ I wanted to get one so bad, but apparently McDonald's sold out in just a few hours after the day began. Damn.

And to cap off a perfectly good lunch date, we took a group selfie since the photo the waitress took was a bit blurry (awww man).

We tried, we tried.

How was your day, darling? xx

Sammie ♥

Throwback: sea me

noreply@blogger.com (Sammie Masigan) — Sun, 23 Jun 2013 05:32:00 +0000

I've had the most passionate affair with the ocean ever since I was a tot.

Not-so-sadly, I never really outgrew it.

And I don't think I ever will.

Stay in love with life, darlings! xx

Sammie ♥

Good days.

noreply@blogger.com (Sammie Masigan) — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 16:13:00 +0000

Amidst the fact that the weather was being one notch above depressing, today turned out greater than I actually expected it to be. Good company never lets you down, people.

With my my 4:20 PM class far from happening, I decided to meet up with my two dear friends Pam and Paulina after I spent an excruciatingly awkward 30 minutes doing ice breakers for Lasallian frosh retreaters last lunchtime.

Pammy was such a darling to take photographs of. It was so nice catching up with her after such a long time of not seeing each other. ♥ We ate at this place called Food Channel--man, did the Shawarma stench stick to your clothes though.

After Pammy left for her 2:40 PM class, I met up with Paulina at Cafe De Seoul, a cafe crazy enough to install Samsung Galaxy Tabs into all their tables (quuuurl, u cray). Anyway, Pau and I sat for a while discussing future plans, and I swear I got too excited when she revealed her new business plans. You guys should wait for it! I'll be posting updates here soon.

Naturally, Pau loved getting her picture taken. I literally have 50 consecutive shots of her in my camera (haha). I'd love to post them all, but my blog would explode.

The overall vibe of this day was just wonderful, and I couldn't feel more blessed.

Oh, and this is me trying to pose like Karla Deras (She's too fantastic, my God).

Stay gorgeous, darlings! Wishing you great days like this one. xx

Sammie ♥

Wishin' #1

noreply@blogger.com (Sammie Masigan) — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 09:30:00 +0000

The day I become filthy rich is the day I finally star in the tv series "Hoarders" (haha). There are just so much lovely stuff in the world, and it would be so great if I could have them at this very moment. However, since that dream is still in the making, I'll stick with making wishlists.

I've been obsessing over neutrals lately. I love the simple, casual vibe they exude. Maybe it's the weather in Manila these days; It's been a case of on and off sweater weather, and all I've been wanting to do is relax in comfortable clothes, binge on Wheat Thins and watch 'Girls' episodes non-stop. Man, oh man.

1. Victoria's Secret Cropped Crochet Top | 2. Le Labo Unisex Rose 31 Eau de Parfum | 3. Cole Haan x Jen & Oli Mary Jane Sandal | 4. Citizens of Humanity Boyfriend Cut Jeans | 5. Nearly Natural Areca Palm Silk Plant w/ Wicker Basket (I've been wanting one for my condo so bad) | 6. Philosophy Hope In A Jar Extra-Rich Moisturizer For Normal To Dry Skin | 7. Stylenanda Looped Vintage Rings | 8. Staples Composition Notebook

Stay warm and cozy, darlings. xx

Sammie ♥

Moodboard #1

noreply@blogger.com (Sammie Masigan) — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 06:53:00 +0000

There has been an abundant amount of love happening these past few weeks. Opportunities are opening here and there, and I couldn't be any more thankful for everything. Because of which, I have since been on a constant inspiration-high...

1. Cheers to classy neutrals and fresh faces

(Country Road S/S '13)

(J.Crew February 2013)

2. Cozy spaces to snuggle into

(xxx)

3. Room to inhale and exhale

(xxx)

(Steven Alan)

4. The perfectly sunny weekends

(xxx)

5. And being right on track.

Stay inspired, darling. xx

Sammie ♥

Expressions.

noreply@blogger.com (Sammie Masigan) — Sat, 08 Jun 2013 08:46:00 +0000

I realized a few weeks back that my boyfriend Rex has one of the most expressive faces I have ever encountered. He's a darling to take photographs of too.

And since he got a haircut after, I decided to take him again.

Of course, I tried to be just as expressive...

...totally failed (haha). Thanks to Rex though for taking these pictures of my pimply face. Flaws make you beautiful, holla.

Stay gorgeous, you!

Sammie ♥

PFW Holiday 2013, Menswear

noreply@blogger.com (Sammie Masigan) — Sun, 02 Jun 2013 14:02:00 +0000

Last 26th of May, I was fortunate enough to watch the Menswear collection for Philippine Fashion Week: Holiday 2013 since my brother was ramping. That's one of the perks of having your brother take up modelling as a profession: you get to attend all the shows he ramps in for free (haha).

PFW vibes are always the best for me. There's just such a mix of different kinds of people with different styles and personalities--it's like every fashion magazine vomited all over the place, I love it so much. There is never a dull moment.

Awww, look at me being all awkward and stuff.

Dress from FOREVER 21. Shoes from PARISIAN. Watch from TIMEX. Denim jacket from GIORDANO. Earrings and rings from FOREVER 21.

My birthmark on my leg will always be a stand-out. Ugh, love you haha.

The pieces this season were pretty diverse. Everything my brother wore was quite spectacular, to be honest. Sadly, he walked a bit too fast for me to get a decent shot of him (aw man). I did, however, get a shot of this horny creature above (get it?)

Overall, the experience was pretty amazing. I even ran into Vhee Co, a fellow stylist I worked with for a few days during my internship for Ms. Xie Antonio. He is such a sweetheart, I missed him so much.

It was a blast. Until the next one! Stay gorgeous, guys! xx

Sammie ♥

Gold.

noreply@blogger.com (Sammie Masigan) — Sat, 25 May 2013 07:06:00 +0000

So I decided that 2013 would be my year, and I am so excited about everything that has already been happening. For the past months, I've already been blessed with a multitude of different opportunities, and I am not going to let that streak end any time soon. It's all about moving forward, doing what makes you happy and finding out what works for you!

Recently, I got around to making my list of goals for 2013 thanks to this wonderful goal-setting series by Lara Casey. Aside from the PSI seminar I took last April (I highly recommend that you guys take it as well!), Lara's articles also helped me a lot in terms of setting my goals straight--making them specific, attainable and just right for me. I now have around 8 very specific goals written in my journal that I am fully determined on achieving by the time the last week of December comes along.

Now I won't be going into detail about the goals I've made for this year. I will, however, reveal how I managed to reach one of my top goals last year and how I am now pushing myself to go further and achieve more.

This is me...well, was me--a solid 220 pounds of fabulosity (haha).

I've always been big. For as long as I can remember I was always the 'big' girl in class, whether it be in terms of height or weight. Diet and exercise were two of my most hated words, and I did everything I could to avoid them. Sure, I got my fair share of teasing and harsh comments about how I looked, but I never really did mind them. I was smart and I excelled in many different things, and losing weight was the least of my priorities. I was living life with no boundaries at all--I ate anything I wanted, did anything I pleased with absolutely no regrets afterwards.

One day though, things changed. I looked at myself in the mirror and sighed. My belly was all over the place, my clothes didn't look good on me, and my double chin was taking over my neck. It was at this very moment when I decided "Hey, I love my body and how I look, but I could be healthier!" So I made a list--a list of goals I was determined to achieve by the end of the year. Number 1 on that list? Go from 220 to 150 pounds.

It wasn't easy, let me you. The journey was long and tiring. After all, losing 70 pounds isn't a walk in the park (maybe more of a jog...100 times around it). There were times when I would just sit down after a workout, completely exhausted and hungry, wishing I could just eat a bag of Cheetos and cry while doing so. It was very hard, and it took more than just willpower to keep going.

But that's the thing, you see. You cannot just quit mid-way. You can't half-ass your way to a decent weight loss, because that's just what you'll get: a half-assed body.

Now, to reach a goal requires a series of steps. In my weight-loss journey, I had to follow a number of things in order for my goal to happen. People constantly ask me how I managed to lose all that weight in a year, and I believe now's the proper time to share some of the things that helped me succeed.

*Take note that these are the things that personally worked for me.

1. THERE ARE NO SHORTCUTS.

In fulfilling a goal, in my case a huge weight decrease, shortcuts don't exist. For me, I had to do it the old-fashioned way: proper diet and constant exercise.

I ate small meals every 3 hours, lessened my intake of sweets and carbohydrates, and loaded up on vegetables and fruits. Why eat a cupcake if you could eat a fruit platter with the same amount of sweetness, right? Before you say anything though, take note that I only used the word "lessened", meaning I did not deprive myself of some chocolate or a slice of pizza every once in a while.

I also worked out religiously, starting with a deadly "every-other-day" gym routine to jump-start my body with the idea that it has to keep moving. I would go on the elliptical machine for an hour, then switch to 30 minutes of weights afterwards. When I finally saw that my weight was improving, I slowly went from exercising every other day to merely twice a week, then eventually to once a week when my body started to get its own mojo on burning calories.

There was really no other easy way to do it. Life has no shortcuts, people. You have to work hard to get what you want, and that's exactly what I did.

2. MIND OVER MATTER.

In achieving your goals, determination and discipline are key elements that will surely help you in reaching your success. In the case of losing weight, it's all about control. You have complete control of your mind and body.

You may not actually be hungry, maybe you're just craving for something. Drink water.
You may not actually be that tired. Don't decrease your treadmill time from 30 minutes to 15 just yet. Take note that the body can do it--it's the mind part that's tricky.

For me, it was about controlling how I think. 1 hour on the elliptical is hell--10 minutes in, my mind starts telling me to quit since it's not used to being that tired. However, I disregard that thought immediately and focus on other things. Next thing I know, 1 hour's up and I'm done for the day.

You have all the control. Use it.

3. GET MOTIVATED. GET INSPIRED.

Why is that goal important to you? What will you get out of it?

What I learned from Lara Casey's article is that sometimes, a goal as simple as "Lose 5 pounds" can't really stand on its own. There has to be a reason by doing so would mean so much to you. In my case, going from 220 to 150 pounds would not only make me healthier, it would also boost my self-esteem, make clothes shopping easier for me, as well as make certain tasks easier to do. These kept me motivated to go through all that hell just to achieve my goal, because I knew I would get a lot out of it once I'm done. I constantly kept myself inspired by visualizing how life would be like once I've reached the magic number. I envisioned a healthier lifestyle, as well as a more pleasing wardrobe! (Okay, that may have been a bit shallow, but you have to admit that it's hard to wear the clothes you want if they don't carry your size)

Find something that inspires you...something that will keep inspiring you.

4. MAKE IT SUSTAINABLE.

A goal exists for the purpose of making you happy, right? Why not prolong that happiness by brainstorming on other ways to reinvent what you have just reached?

In my case, things didn't stop after reaching 150 pounds. I made another goal right after: to maintain that, or maybe even go lower to improve how I look. According to the BMI scale, 130-160 pounds is the proper weight-range for my height. Now that I'm 150, I could aim for a lower goal like 140. For now, it's not just about being healthy, it's about being my healthiest.

Make room for sustainability and reinvention.

Me with my partner in crime, Mia ♥

In the end, the sacrifice would be worth it. With that, I wish you all the best of luck in achieving your own goals. Here's to all the happiness the world can offer you.

Sammie ♥

Awkward Introductions

noreply@blogger.com (Sammie Masigan) — Thu, 23 May 2013 11:59:00 +0000

This feels like a totally awkward first date; I'm stuttering, I'm nervous, and my cellphone suddenly seems ten times more interesting. Amidst that though, I'm absolutely determined to finish this post and feel completely satisfied by the end of the night knowing that I survived the whole ordeal with flying colors.

So hi, I'm Sammie and this is actually a picture of a scenery I intentionally photobombed (sorry, scenery).

I'm 20 years old, and I am a child of the universe. I am passionate about many different things--art, fashion, food (glorious food), music, travel--and hopefully, I can share these passions with all of you through this small shindig I created in the internet. Plus, I've always had this secret lifetime goal to have a blog that's worth being acknowledged (don't be hatin' 'cause you know you want that too, baby). You can't win the lottery if you don't buy a ticket, right?

Well, this is my lottery ticket and I am determined to buy more until I get that jackpot.

Welcome to my humble abode, and I am excited to venture into this strange new concept with all of you. I hope you'll all have me in return---all 150 pounds of me. What a mouthful!

(That's what she said)

Sammie ♥

P.S. It's pronounced "Really, dahlin'"