So I’m officially done with college! After the strenuous months of hard work, we can finally relax and breathe for once! Me and my friends found no other way to scream and celebrate the beginning of our summer than to take a quick trip to Enchanted Kingdom once again, and literally scream our lungs out. It was such an awesome day.

My sister was staying with me for the weekend and I guess today was the highlight of her trip, she got to meet my ever so awesome, funny and energetic friends on this lovely summer day plus she was turning 17 today! 

Here are my favorite photos, all of which I snapped with my iPad. I was very much excited to use this new app I downloaded which automatically produces these polaroid snaps with authentic film/vintage filters which was perfect for today’s occasion. It’s called INSTANT: The Polaroid Instant Photos for Ipad for $1.99. 

Always more than a good day whenever I’m with these people. Much enjoyed, and here’s another moment written for us to remember.

Over the course of my busiest state, INSTAGRAM has been my only source of outlet to share the little details of what I have been up to.

Follow me at INSTAGRAM: andiejavelosa

Blogging, has been quite impossible to achieve since 1. I’ve been so busy with my last term in college and 2. my laptop broke so my iPad was my only way to express what I wanted to share; may it be as simple as having a happy breakfast or posting my recent sketches to eventually showcasing my graduation show collection, yes INSTAGRAM was the outlet to my creative juices.

Follow me at INSTAGRAM: andiejavelosa

For as long as I could remember, I’ve always wondered what my Graduation Fashion Show would be like and now it has finally happened; what was once just visions and ideas in my mind now became a reality. 

We just didn’t know how everything we’ve been learning for the past four years has been preparing us for this single day. There is just so much I wish to share about this entire life-changing experience. Clearly it has been a long, difficult road, but in spite all the intense pressure and stress that led to a number of sleepless nights, countless tears, self-doubt and emotional exhaustion, I’d still do this all over again. I mean, I don’t blame it,  I’m glad it happened and I’m thankful for what it put me through because at the end of it, I found myself proven that I could do what I thought was so far to attain. It’s funny how time flies and eventually evolves artists to becoming designers.

Here is my capsule collection; BLACK SUMMER FIRE.

Photos by: Miguel Ferreras and Beatrice Puertollano. 

The inspiration behind my collection was supposedly the laid-back bohemian blog, “Spell & The Gypsy Collective”, but half-way through the process of developing my creation, I took a shift of direction towards something I wasn’t so familiar with, thus resulting to an experiment quite far from my original peg.

This is my “first” garment but it so happened to be the last one I finished (literally finished the swimsuit on the morning of the show itself). Swimwear was never in what I forecasted myself in doing, but eventually I’m quite happy with the outcome.  Over it is this daring not-so-cover-up dress; definitely not a typical one you’d find in stores because of it’s cut and choice of skin area to show. 

Here’s the view from the side. It’s actually sexier. It’s considered as “25 of the best looks from the show” by  Rappler.com: ”‘BLACK SUMMER FIRE.’ Andrea Javelosa’s daring cover-up is anchored by chunky jewelled heels.”

read more at: rappler.com/life-and-style/25091-in-photos-altered-perspective-fashion-show

Thank You to DAS Shoes for these two pairs of killer babies that went perfectly with my collection! You dolls are amazing. 

DAS on Facebook: http://facebook.com/dasmyshoes

I’m much fascinated with the Native Americans’ culture and accessories, which is the reason behind the Indian War Bonnet. I made it myself from scratch, and the beading was once again just finished on the day of the show itself. I’m such a crammer. This is a deep plunging maxi dress with two slits in the front. I just regret how I wasn’t able to properly fix details well due to the backstage commotion. 

The night before the show, I was this close to not including this headress because I feared it might look like a “chicken headress”. I’m thankful it pulled off. 

I’m very much aware with the Karlie Kloss Issue on Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2012 that made such a commotion of disgraced reactions. The supermodel, in lingerie, was wearing the headress on national tv which a lot found it as an insult to the culture of the American Indians. With my awareness, I mean no harmful intent and disrespectful actions with this look. It’s as wholesome as it is, the model is not in provocative clothing. 

My last garment is a cut-out swimwear combined with a floor length dress; braided at the top. My bandeau swimwear also has gold fringes at the center, similar to my 2nd garment’s treatment.

There was much revisions that transpired to create my final look, most of which I chose to settle due to time constraint. I’m still happy with the outcome. Modern-Chic Bohemian.

Models: Steph Stefanowitz, Farah Ramos & Charmagne Gonzales 

A backstage photo with my models is a must! These girls were amazing, they were so easy to work with and they definitely rocked my designs.

Thank you to CampfireMedia for this photo and for considering it as one of the interesting designs of the show.

Read more about the article: http://campfiremedia.wordpress.com/2013/03/27/altered-perspective-fashion-show/

I look like such a happy kid, walking next to Steph for the final walk.

I’m really beyond lucky to have her as my model, not only because that she is Miss Earth-Air 2012 but she is actually one of the sweetest models I’ve met with a warm personality. And look, she really held my hand, which not most models did with their designers. I’m fluttery. :)

I just can’t explain how triumphant it really feels to conquer what once seemed so far to attain- and I’m not just referring to the sole voyage of creating our own personal collection but to the whole, gruesome process of creating this entire production from absolutely nothing.

We used to tremble to the thought of having our own Grad Show in the future. It’s funny how time flies and eventually evolves artists to becoming designers.

And that moment felt the greatest.

Its finally happening and I can’t quite grasp the concept that our graduation fashion show is just around the corner. We need models, if you’re qualified please do come by. :)

Two days ago, Nestor just posted that he still had free tickets to CODE GREEN, battle of bands at NBC tent where in Lady Ransom & Mad Hatter Day would be participating it, without thinking I just called him right away. After all, I’ve been wanting to get back into gigs after four months of the absence of it.

Banana Berry & Strawberries Wild beside a pair of new drum sticks.

Pat Poblador, Mad Hatter Day’s Guitarist, and I were quite early at the venue for sound check that we decided to pass the time at Jamba Juice with with their manager Vince. It was my treat to Pat since he was bringing me home after the event. And along this, was also my quick humiliation of smashing my face right into Jamba Juice’s glass door because I didn’t see it. Pat directly saw it from the outside and according to him, the guard by the door just tried his best to hold his laughter. And for the next few hours, he still couldn’t get over it and had to share the funny incident with anyone. 

A habit of mine when I’m in a friend’s car is to always do a rundown on the playlist or take note of tracks I like. This is one of my few ways of looking for new music to listen to or go old school and cruise with songs I haven’t heard for a while. 

Gelo Cruz’ of Harlequin Carnival was sessioning in for MHD’s Andrew Son who was currently out of town and this is his Monster ride. This should be parked inside. 

One of the things I really missed about gigs is photographing them. I like capturing a split second of that moment in music and transforming them into visuals.

Lady Ransom was one of the bands I formerly worked with, and it was good to be able to catch up with them again and see them perform. I was greeted by a bunch of surprised Ladies when they saw me. They definitely did an amazing and breath taking cover of Florence and the Machine’s Shake it Off.  MHD’s vocalist, Mewa Cawad really told Brian Dacanay, LR’s Front man that they should really record the track for free download. 

Jensen Gomez was one of the guest performers along with She’s Only Sixteen, Never the Strangers and Run Manila. I’m so proud with how far this boy has gone already. Please do attend the re-launch of his Album under Universal Records at Saguijo Cafe, Makati on February 1.

I You’ll always be my little boy and I’ll always be your momma. :)

Nestor, Jensen & I; the original trio of the management now known asDogtown Studios. Happy Anniversary guys! It wasn’t so long ago when we used to work underground and now look where the road led us. Thank you the both of you :)

Quick selfie’s via my iPad with the Ladies after we had our photos taken at the photo booth.

Congratulations Mad Hatter Day for winning third place! 

Run Manila.

I love their upbeat songs, definitely a different wave of OPM.

Here’s the Photobooth pictures with the Ladies, wish there was more of this gay shiz. 

Last night just made me realize how much I missed being around these musicians and their music. Maybe Ive been unconsciously avoiding gigs for the past 4 months because I just didnt want myself to remember how much I loved this kind of Music and that kind of relief and refuge it brought me because I’d probably need to choose between what I have to do and what I want to do.

Last weekend, my grandmother came over here in Manila. Fresh from Christmas break, I didn’t really mind the idea that I already had to be back here, away from home once more because I was just looking forward to her quick trip here. Somehow, it still felt like home with her presence around, and for that I was at ease; I needed not to worry about re-adjusting to the environment again as long as she was here with me.  

My 10-month old cousin, Quito, obviously grown since I last saw him in July. His little smiles and innocent laughter just enables me to breathe. The second photo above is currently my iPad’s wallpaper; two people that really made up this awesome weekend of mine.

She was here with her sister and I was more than willing to cut two of my classes that day just to tag along with their leisure time around Makati. We had lunch at Benny’s in Rustans, followed by a quick shopping trip, and an afternoon at Hairworks Salon(infront of Greenbelt 5). Later that evening we had delicious Baked Oysters at Zuni in Greenbelt with my uncle and his family.

I had just recovered from excessive vomiting due to food poisoning, from cheap oysters a day ago(P50 a bucket over Sunday’s lunch with dad & Elle), and yet here I am eating oysters again. I never learn.

Friday was a good day, I didn’t have class so I was free to spend the entire day with the family. It was mostly spent on eating and malling. We had buffet for lunch at Kamayan, Glorietta and Shabu-Shabu at Rockwell for dinner. The days with them was basically a food-fest for my recovering stomach.

I didn’t have plans to stay with them overnight so I wasn’t prepared to bring any of my needs along when we suddenly decided that I just sleep with them at Forbes. It gave me good time to catch up with Jiggy and meet a few of his friends(in my grandmother’s night gown).

The following day we made the quickest road trip ever to Batangas, Lipa to do pilgrimage at this church. I loved the view on the way there, it was refreshing to see endless fields of green to the mountains and the clear blue sky before it rained so heavinly in Manila on the way back. 

I’m not consistent with hearing mass, but sometimes I prefer to be in the church during the dormant hours, where in I can solemnly pray alone. 

Lunch was at Peking Garden in Greenbelt and dinner was at this Vietnamese restaurant in Rockwell.

At the end of the day, I was bound to be back in reality, in my dorm room. It was when everything was finally sinking in once more that I already had to accept that vacation and family time is already over and it’s back to those sleepless nights and stressful days for my last term in college. This Christmas break was definitely one to remember. Looking back, I can’t help but just smile and feel deeply happy in the most simple way possible. 

After my grandmother had dropped me back, I couldn’t help but tear up and feel emotional and so I had to text her that I missed her already. And she replied with a quote from a movie or maybe a song and it said,

“Don’t cry for me, Argentina.” Take Care.”

In Another Side of Christmas…

In another side of Christmas, a family is thankfully dinning together, eating Turkey with Cranberry Sauce as the kids await excitedly to open their presents. 

In another side of Christmas, Santa Clause is climbing down a Chimney to kiss somebody’s mommy under a mistletoe. 

In another side of Christmas, a couple is cozily snuggling beside each other in front of a fireplace with a cup of hot chocolate with marshmallows as snow continues to fall on the ground outside.

In another side of Christmas, a castle is beautifully lit as dressed-up royal guests & friends arrive to celebrate and feast.

In another side of Christmas, happy children are singing Christmas Carols along the streets with play drums and triangles because they are really into the holiday’s spirit.

In another side of Christmas, the Grinch is deviously bitter for he is once again spending Christmas on his own(Max the dog doesn’t really count) at his mountain of ice.

In another side of Christmas, an entire town glows in lights and Christmas decorations as the busy streets continue to be filled with people doing last-minute Christmas Shopping for gifts.

In another side of Christmas, people celebrate by going to church as they thankfully pray for the year that has gone by, in spite the troubles that have passed. 

In another side of Christmas, people are celebrating through a big open house dinner to share the year’s blessings through serving roasted pig, rice cakes, and ham as they await the clock to strike midnight. 

In another side of Christmas,  Children were just safely put in their warm and cozy bed under their blankets by their parents, as they excitedly wait for Christmas morning to open what Santa will put under their tree tonight.

In another side of Christmas, people are luxuriously on a vacation at a five-star hotel in Las Vegas or somewhere probably in Europe.

In another side of Christmas, a parent is alone, away from his family….

In another side of Christmas, people don’t even know what that holiday is…

In another side of Christmas, some people are too devastated and depressed to even celebrate the season…

In another side of Christmas, a family smiles at their simple preparation, though in poverty, yet thankful that they still have each other…

In another side of Christmas, some are freezing in the streets…

In this side of Christmas, Holiday Cheese is slowly melted in the oven to be consumed with a nice cold glass of wine.

In this side of Christmas, it doesn’t feel like how it used to be when I was younger.

In this side of Christmas, it seems to be spent just like how a normal day is.

In this side of Christmas, I’m still thankful to be with my family.

Wherever you be, wherever you are, I wish you and your family all the good this season no matter what there is you are undergoing. May the miracle of Christmas fill your heart with warmth and love. I hope that your holiday would be enjoyable and may the essence of this season remain always with you and your family. Happy Holidays!

I took a dip into what’s it like to be an party photographer. My Night Vision-Eyes were still wide awake, surprisingly, after conquering a hell of a week with lack of sleep and physical exhaustion; so I’m already fresh out of finals! International DJs’, A TRAK featuring Dillon Francis at Republiq was definitely a kick off to my Christmas break. 

The music was certainly lively, definitely a let-lose ecstatic moment but I didn’t want to look silly with my eye on the viewfinder with my head still nodding.

All night long, Zoe and I just stood by waiting and selecting people we considered “photographable”, of course we’d want the most stylish and vibrant-looking people in this party caught on cam. I got the hang of approaching people to pose; definitely had the excuse to walk up to cute looking boys and ask them to smile. Some people probably thought I was Republiq’s official photographer, which I clearly wasn’t in spite the huge Identification Tag around my neck that said “CAMERA PASS”. These, however, is for a certain local magazine, watch out for the publication in a month or two!

SNEAK PEAK to a part of my works for our Apparel Creative Design Class Exhibit on wednesday. If you remember, this is my Gothic Wedding Gown Project and yes, I’m modeling it myself and taken by no other than the talented, Izac Alviz yesterday.

I’m nearing the end of this term once again and it’s been quite a ride of emotions and physical labor due to the happenings that occurred. At the end of it, I just breathe and be thankful for what has passed even though some of these situations were difficult. I have one more term to go before graduation, clearly time was on a fast lane all through out college. I still don’t know how I’ll be able to deal with all the high demands for our last term, definitely it will be the worst and most exhausting one ever. 

I have to get back to work now, working on a Magazine for Fall/Winter for our Fashion Critique Class. Can’t wait for finals to be over!