The year that was 2015
You know that queasy feeling in the pit of your stomach which comes right before a performance or a big presentation? As if you're going to vomit up your lunch and your skin is ice cold, but only because you're insanely excited to do what you're about to do? The fear is real and present because the stakes are high. This is what I feel right now. My 2015 has been amazing, but 2016 is my big opportunity to grow not just myself but Project Vanity as well.
Two hours before the year ends, I'd like to remember my favorite moments. Let take a look back before we say goodbye to 2015!
January. I got to visit Balesin for the first time thanks to Nivea! It was an early start to a wonderful summer. The island was beautiful and the food was pretty good! I also enjoyed bonding with beauty blogger friends.
February. I got to tour four universities to give a talk on grooming and confidence for Silka Papaya. It was fun to meet teens and help them with their beauty issues. I remember one of them asking about body odor and how they can tactfully tell their friends about it! That was a funny discussion haha.
March. OMG, the Project Vanity 7th Anniversary party has got to be one of my best highlights this year! Over 80 people attended and I just felt, wow. These are the women I've been writing for for seven years. I've been talking to many of you for the better part of seven years. I got to meet so many awesome readers! There are no words to describe the sensation.
So, who's ready for the 8th anniversary this March? ;)
April. Tokyo for the fifth time. Spring is beautiful with the riot of colors from newly bloomed flowers. I got to experience cherry blossoms for the first time! I thought I wouldn't be able to catch them but there were still a few trees remaining.
I was also given an opportunity to model for Menina Step, a brand of utterly comfortable leather shoes from Spain. I've worn my Meninas in all my travels and they’ve stayed comfortable and complimentary to my personal style. I love them! Thanks Shari for introducing me to the brand!
MAY. BeautyMNL asked me to become a columnist for their online magazine, Bloom. Of course I said yes! I love how BeautyMNL makes it easy to shop for the good stuff. I enjoy working with the team, too, since they’ve been patient and enthusiastic with me from the start. Shoutout to Steph, the best handler one can possibly have. Do read my articles if you haven't yet!
JUNE. I’ve never been into sports so it was a huge surprise to me that I like tennis. It’s been five, almost six months since I became obsessed with the game and it’s all thanks to James, who was a tireless and patient teacher. <3
JULY. I went to Singapore for the Urban Sketchers Symposium. Painters and sketches from all over the world converged to share their love for the art. I learned a trick or two from my excellent workshop instructors! It was also a treat to visit Art Friend in Bras Basah again. It's the best place to shop for art materials!
While in Singapore, Luxola, one of the top beauty e-tailers in the region (recently acquired by LVMH/Sephora too), invited me to tour their office. They also shot a few pictures of me so they can do a feature on their website. ^_^ Thanks to Weina for taking care of me during my visit.
AUGUST. I've done quite a few watercolor workshops at this point, but my most memorable are the ones I did in Fully Booked. I love FB since they sell hard-to-find art books and art materials. It's a small dream come true for me to hold a workshop in their High Street branch.
OCTOBER. Visited Osaka for the first time with my parents. The food, my god, the food! It's as good as they say it is. Kyoto was quaint and beautiful; I should like to explore it again soon. Here's my Osaka travelogue with more pictures!
NOVEMBER. Last month I ran around like a headless chicken. Here's what went down, in a nutshell.
Went to Hong Kong (November 8) with James and a couple of friends. They had to sign a business contract, I was just there to get art materials lol. It's fun pala to go abroad with friends...well, as long as they're chill like Sev and Anna.
Right after Hong Kong, an event I've been planning with Dianne (a fellow watercolorist) came to fruition. The first ever Just Add Water: A Watercolor Fair was a - ok I'm going to be shameless about it - resounding success! Last November 14, about 200-250 came to Commune in Makati to attend the talks by artists, trade their works, and shop for new materials. That was unbelievable to say the least! We didn't know so many would attend! I also got to spend time with my fave artists.
November 19, I went to Tokyo again but this time with James. It was more memorable because I got to spend it with the love of my life. (Cheese redacted) <3
While in Tokyo, I found out that Project Vanity was named at the Philippine Blog Awards as the best Beauty and Fashion blog. That was unexpected! Thanks to the Bloggys team for recognizing my work.
November 26, I was back to work with a client event attended by mommy bloggers and magazine editors. I handled the PR and event management for Crane, a brand of humidifiers and air purifiers from the US. I love my Crane because having a humidifier around really helped with my breathing problems.
November 28 was my Lip Party with Estee Lauder. Always fun to hang out with PV readers and my friend Mira!
DECEMBER. The International Premier Tennis League rolled into Manila, bringing Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams to a crowd of tennis fans. I got to watch it because of Smart and Kitkat woo! So surreal to see top tennis players battle it out live and up close.
I was also invited to talk at the 11th Philippine Blogging Summit about beauty and fashion blogging. I remember attending a couple of these when I was in college, so it was quite an experience to deliver a talk myself. Thankful to Janette Toral for the opportunity!
To end the year, I finally did what I've been wanting to do for years: hire a Project Vanity team to bring you more and better content. Honestly, I am so scared right now. But what is it they say about fear? If you're not afraid, then you're not growing. I'll talk more about the new PV soon!
Here's to a new chapter. Here's to an even more amazing year for all of us. Thank you for staying with me through all the changes in our lives. Thank you for allowing me to be part of your world.
Signing off 2015. What were your highlights of the year?
