MOA Flores de Mayo 2013

 Just sharing some of my favorite photos taken by hubby from the recent Flores de Mayo held at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall last Sunday, May 5, 2013. More than 30 years in tradition, this event is organized by the Congregacion del Santisimo Nombre del Niño Jesus. 

 This year's theme is dubbed "Colors of Mindanao" in tribute to the Congregacion's founder, Ben Farrales, who hails from the South. Some 30 top Filipino fashion designers participated in the event, most of whom are members of the Fashion Designers Association of the Philippines (FDAP).

 One of my favorites (of course in purple) is a gown by Buddy Reyes.

 Great colors, and the model's smile just brightens up the ensemble even more. Outfits by Francis Calaquian.

 This was my winning bet... if it hadn't been for the exaggeratedly matching outfits of the pair. You would appreciate them better if they walked separately. Great job, nevertheless, Obet Orajay! :)

 Refined magnificence, that's how I'd describe couture by Danilo Franco. Amidst bright bright colors, this pair was a refresher. Though outmatched in audience impact, they are (for me) the most elegant pair.

 Aside from the escort's head piece, I didn't quite understand how this gown went with the theme. But I just had to commend the model for doing such a great job. What you lacked in color, you made up with the radiance of your smile, Ms. Abbygale Monderin.

 For more pictures, click here. :)

Depression

Wikipedia says:

Depression is a state of low mood and aversion to activity that can affect a person's thoughts, behaviour, feelings and physical well-being. Depressed people may feel sad, anxious, empty, hopeless, helpless, worthless, guilty, irritable, or restless. They may lose interest in activities that once were pleasurable, experience loss of appetite or overeating, or problems concentrating, remembering details or making decisions; and may contemplate or attempt suicide. Insomnia, excessive sleeping, fatigue, loss of energy, or aches, pains or digestive problems that are resistant to treatment may be present.

Depressed mood is a normal reaction to certain life events, a symptom of some medical conditions (e.g., Addison's disease, hypothyroidism), various medical treatments (e.g., hepatitis C drug therapy), and a feature of certain psychiatric syndromes.

TREATMENT. Many forms of treatment are available for depression associated with a mental disorder. Treatments may include cognitive-behavioral therapy, music therapy, art therapy, group therapy, psychotherapy, animal-assisted therapy (also known as pet therapy), physical exercise, medicines such as antidepressants, and keeping a gratitude journal.

Now I am so sure whoever wrote down that long list of profound sounding therapies is highly credible so I strongly suggest you follow his. But just in case none of them worked for you, you may want to try mine:

1. Shop. Preferable shoooeeesss. But unless you have a walk-in closet the size of Imelda's for storage, this is not very advisable. Plus, sooobbbrrrang magastos. 
2. Eat. Eat to your heart's content. Usually, the saltier, the sweeter, the more MSG, the better. But unless you have abnormally fast metabolism, nakakataba or nakaka-highblood. Also, if you're the type who enjoys eating out, magastos.
3. Drink. Of course I meant with alcohol! The higher the proof, the better. But in case you don't "drink", pwede ring... Soda. Unless you have ulcer or you're acidic. Milk. Unless your lactose intolerant. Tea. Nah... if you have nothing else to drink but tea, it's more depressing. Coffee. Not just instant ha! Starbucks! But aside from the coffee cost, pamasahe or gas+toll+parking pa. Siempre, magastos.                                         
4. Watch a movie or TV series. Highly recommended: Tagalog reruns from the 80's. Incredibly funny, especially those that were not originally categorized as Comedy. If you don't have cable (like me), P10 na lang yata ang DVD (read in the proper tiangge accent please) or download from the internet. But in case this is against your morals because it is in a way "stealing", go to the cinemas. Pero siempre, magastos.                                                 
5. Sleep. Sabi nga ni Wiki:  

Sleep is a naturally recurring state characterized by reduced or absent consciousness, relatively suspended sensory activity, and inactivity of nearly all voluntary muscles. It is distinguished from quiet wakefulness by a decreased ability to react to stimuli, and is more easily reversible than being in hibernation or a coma. Sleep is a heightened anabolic state, accentuating the growth and rejuvenation of the immune, nervous, skeletal and muscular systems.  

O di ba? Kala mo ganun-ganun lang yon?! Ang lalim pala! Hindi pa magastos! Ito na!!!