Toni Gonzaga and Paul Soriano's Wedding Video

(SHE)

This was how my morning looked: I was a  mess crying while eating oatmeal. No, I wasn't sad because I had to eat oatmeal - well, maybe I was, just a little. Darn thing tastes like paper! But the reason why I was in tears was because I clicked on the wedding video of Toni Gonzaga and Paul Soriano, which a lot of people on my Facebook feed have been raving about; and which now, I too, will be raving about!

Such a heartwarming video - I was in tears from start to end! Haha! The emotions not just from the bride and groom themselves, but also from their family members, were so touching. So much love! But all the happy tears were balanced by Toni's quips - I loved how she was still her usual funny self during her vows.

I'm so happy for her! Yes naman, feeling close haha! My friends would know that I am Toni supporter. I can't call myself a fan because I haven't exactly followed her projects; but I've worked with her many times when I was still in radio and she was just starting her career. I've only had pleasant encounters with her and this is why I have been rooting for her ever since.

I digress. Here's the wedding video by topnotch videographer Bob Nicolas. Watch and weep - and I mean that not in the sarcastic way lol. You will literally weep!

14th Philippine Toycon

(HE)

Drowning in a sea of toys, I try hard to control my emotions. No, I wasn’t all that sentimental. Well, maybe just a little. After all, having attended Philippine Toycons for the better part of its 14 year-existence, I have witnessed how much it has grown over the years.

What I was trying to control more specifically however was the ridiculous urge to splurge on collectibles. It was an all too familiar feeling, and is also the reason why I have boxes of toys and comic books at home that are taking up too much space in our humble abode.

Being at the 14th Toycon, though, has made me realize that I have not only collected countless detailed, articulated representations of imaginary heroes over the years. More importantly, it made me realize how these toys have helped solidify bonds with people from all walks of life.

Through collecting, I met and continue to connect with a geologist, an art director who also happens to be the son of legendary Pinoy rock guitarist, a TV and film director, an art critic, and so much more. Stepping inside the convention hall reminded me of those times when we would bond over despising and shaming hoarders and speculators. It reminded me of those times when we’d give each other gifts, just because. And it reminded me of the times when we would exchange stories, over a few beers, of some improbable crazy incident of how hoarders would literally tear a figure off a customer’s hand and rush towards the check-out counter.

Filled with such rush of memory, it was easy for me to ignore my urge to spend. Indeed, some things are worth more than money.

The Block Party: Summer Send-off

(SHE)

We headed down south last Sunday to check out The Block Party at the Makiling Park inside Ayala Alabang Village. I was very interested to see what the craft and food stalls had to offer, and also wanted to soak in the last few days of summer in a lovely outdoor setting.

We got exactly what we came for, and more. By more, I mean Sloan had such a fantastic time! I knew that he was going to love the park, but it turned out that the event had so many fun activities for kids.

For starters, there was a stall called Happy Bubble selling giant bubble makers. We bought one and immediately put it to use. Sloan loved it, as did the other attendees who saw Mike making the giant bubbles and, mistaking him for a street performer, asked him to demo it to their kids lol. He graciously accommodated of course :)





There was also a mini petting zoo courtesy of Barnyard Friends on Wheels, where the kids had fun getting up close a sheep, some bunnies, and a some chicks. Meanwhile, a pre-school set up an arts and crafts area where them tiny humans got to play with clay, make mosaics, and paint.



There were crafts and ukulele lessons that people could join for a fee. I was interested in the crafts lessons, but I found it a little too hot to work and I just wanted to be lazy hehe.

Sloan had so much fun that when we told him it was time to go, he requested that we stay for a few more minutes. We said yes, because it's always a pleasure for us to see him having fun outdoors.

For a summer send-off, the event sure was timed perfectly because the very next day, it started to rain like crazy. Yep, the wet season is here. So 'til next time, summer!