New Layout!

(via pugly pixel)
Happy Memorial Day weekend, darlings!

I decided on a new layout for this upcoming summer, so I snagged this Lemon Meringue design via Pugley Pixel.What do you think? If you like, you can download this layout for your own blog free of charge.

Enjoy your holiday!

xoxo

Please support East WillyB!

Hello Darlings!

I'm excited to share a project with you that a friend of mine has been working on for quite some time now called East WillyB, a Latino web series best described as a "Latino Cheers" that is set in the gentrifying Bushwick, Brooklyn neighborhood. Intrigued? Check out the pilot season.

The mission and vision of East WillyB was created by a group of young Latino filmmakers seeking to provide an alternative to the stereotypes of Latinos so often seen in media. The series, which seeks to be a New American Sitcom, is socially-conscious and incredibly funny. It has been described as the "future of Latino entertainment." It's a great series featuring some great talent, and I'm proud to say that my friend, Mikey has independently produced each episode.

Here's where we need your help. They recently launched a fundraising campaign using Kickstarter in order to continue the production value of East WillyB. Please take the time to watch their fundraising video above and contribute.

They have until June 1 (that's 9 days!) to make history, create the first first community-funded Latino sitcom and raise $50,000. We'd appreciate your support! No contribution is too small.

Please feel free to spread the word, and as always thanks for reading!

xoxo

A lovely Mother's Day surprise

I was delightfully surprised to receive so much love from friends and family this past Mother's Day. I really didn't expect all the recognition, and it was much appreciated!

Saturday night I called my mom to wish her a Happy Mother's Day, and sent her my love from New York to Manila. As usual, we had a great talk and as always, I miss her. But I'm happy to hear she's healthy and well. I always get off the phone with her feeling rejuvenated and energetic just by hearing her voice.

About an hour later, I thought about calling my dad just to say 'hi' and as I reached for my phone, he called! It was great talking to him as well. He said that he wanted to be the first to wish me a Happy Mother's Day. I thought it was really sweet of him to do that. My dad and I haven't had this strong a relationship when I was growing up, so I'm really happy that we're starting to grow ours now. Better late than never!

I pretty much grew up with separate parents, so I'm really happy that our relationships are becoming our own. They've always been big supporters of my writing, so I more or less do it for them. You know, to keep them in the loop from being so far away. :)

Sunday morning, I woke up to a very thoughtful gift and card from Mike. He got me Katamari Forever, one of my favorite games! That afternoon, we headed to Krystal's, my favorite Filipino restaurant in NYC and our friends met us there. Btw, the weather was gorgeous. It's been such a long time since I last ate there, and I was hella looking forward to enjoying it with my closest friends while watching ASAP Rocks. It's one of my favorite things to do on Sunday, so I'm really happy we got to do that. Thanks y'all for spending Mother's Day with me!

That night, I fell asleep right when Mike crawled into bed, and I felt Arieson with me. As I dozed off, I felt him laying right next to me - his big bald head right under my chin and his heavy body snuggled up against mine. I even woke up to tell Mike about it. I don't even know why I would think he would feel Arieson near, but for some reason I woke up to tell him because I was curious if he felt it too. He didn't. Just me. :) Thanks for visiting me, Arie boy. Thank you for choosing me to be your mama!!

And just because, here's a photo of my mom and Arieson from one of our many sunny Sundays in 2008:


Needless to say, I had a very grand weekend. Thank you all for the love and support. I'll never forget it.

And a Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers out there that keep it down for the rest of us! We appreciate y'all.

xoxo

Instadiary: April 2012

We finally had a chance to try some goodies from the butcher shop across the street from our apartment: cheese and sopresatta. Great weekend afternoon snack!



The birthday card that Mike got for Arieson's 5th birthday!



Arieson enjoyed ice cream cake on his last birthday on Earth, so it was appropriate that we had some in his honor for his would-be 5th birthday.



I love Saturdays



Basking the Springtime air at Flushing Meadows on Easter Sunday







Whenever I walk out of my hair appointment, my stylist likes to leave me looking like Tilda.



Beautiful Spring day at Bryant Park



Our friend Chuck was in town again, and as usual we met up for brunch. This time we ate at Bubby's in Tribeca. Of course we had to order extra bacon for the table.



Looking up while inside Grand Central Station never fails to impress.



We attended the Tribeca Film Festival last year, so it was a no brainer that we had to go again this year. Last year we watched Beats Rhymes & Life: The Travels of A Tribe Called Quest and this year we were set to watch another music documentary, Don't Stop Believin': Everyman's Journey. Thanks to my mom and godmother's school mate, director Ramona Diaz, we were able to attend the world premiere along with the band! :)



Q&A after the screening with Ramona Diaz and Journey band members Neal Schon, Jonathan Cain and Arnel Pineda.



These glorious carne asada tacos are from the taco truck near Leilani's apartment, Tacos El Bronco. By far the best taco truck I've tried in all of New York.

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xoxo