Simple Yet Stunning, Justine.

Have I ever mentioned a beautiful young lady named Justine Danielle Ilagan in any of my blogs? If yes, I'm glad I did. If I haven't, let me tell you a quick story about a very beautiful young girl I met more or less 10 years ago. I met Justine, in a Kids For Chirst (KFC) Regional Conference at Jamboree Site, Los Banos  Laguna. That was I Think October or November 2001. From then on, I got to see her in every KFC activity. When I switched into YFC and annointed as a KFC Ate, I was able to handle her. She was the closest senior kid as I refer to in my heart. I mean, I am her big sister at the same time, her good friend. I share every bit of my joy with her. She has brought me joy like any other kids did to me. I could never forget our Superferry moments with other kids. That's the moment that we really got close. Sharing the cabin with kids, then Justine and I bathing together. How we got baked in Cagayan de Oro and Bukidnon, how our term of endearment ''Bakat'' started. I was one of the happiest persons when she switched into YFC. Finally. I've watched her grow in service. I could still remember the days when we'll be exchanging phone calls, or whenever I'll be asking her to join me serve in a camp, or visit an activity. I have always seen the willingness to serve in her. I have also seen how passionate she is, whether it'll be for YFC or the Kids. I also remembered when I delivered a talk in a Discovery Camp entitled: Friends For Life, she was my talk's sharer. I remembered that she was one of the reasons why I attended the RYC last 2011, she was one of the reasons why I never want to leave the service. There are plenteous of moments to tell the world about Justine. She is a one true friend, and for me basically, she is my own little sister. Unlike before, I barely see her now. But I know within the core of our hearts, nothing will ever change. Nothing.

Last week of April, I received a text message from her. Asking if maybe I could come and attend her Debut, and with no hesitation, I said Yes. That's it. That was Justine texting and asking me, and I can never afford to say 'No' to someone I have always been so proud of. A week before her night, she handed me the invitation, I searched for my name and Geez, I was like the first person in her 18 Treasures. Oh my! I've always had the idea to give her a Charcoal Drawing. It just symbolizes so many things for me. Since Pat can draw, I knew I could entrust him the gift. And the day has finally arrived. Pat spent overnight to draw her, he arrived 4am in our house to hand me the drawing looking so exhausted cause he hasnt had any sleeep. I asked Pat what was wrong, he said he accidentally broke the frame's glass. And for him, it sucks cos he even wanted me to surprise with his work, and that did not happen, but for me it was really fine. FYI, Pat only spent the evening of May 14 til midnight to draw Justine's face. I felt Pat's disappointment and exhaustion since I knew they'd still be heading to Lucban, Quezon with his family for Pahiyas Festival which I decided not to attend because I am avoiding stress and all the exhaustion. He-he. And finally, too much to get done for the day. I attended the mass at 11am at Mt. Carmel, prayed for Marc who was currently taking the CPA Board Exam, prayed for Justine and her new chapter in life, prayed for those who are with me in the NLE Battle, prayed for my lovedones. Its been a routine. And ofcourse, didnt leave the church without praying the rosary. Too much for that, after church, I went to Robinsons to buy another frame, and things needed. I went to National Bookstore to have my gift for Justine wrapped. I handed her the frame, drawing and wrapper. She seemed so anxious about cutting the edges of the border of the frame, how she teared the taped external part of the frame was very messy. I was thinking, if Patten will be the one doing this, I bet that'll be neat and stuff. I was worried. Ofcourse you never want to give a gift not to its fullest beautiful look. So I changed my mind and decided not to let the NBS lady continue with what she was doing. I went home, and waited for Pat cos i'm nooooott really good in wrapping. (sorry about that). And Pat was just ontime, to do the wrapping and stuff. Thanks, love! As soon as he finished with those thingmajijs, I went to Davids to get dolled up buuuut in my dismay, there was a a number of people in line for haircutting and stuff and no makeup stlylist was available except for the one doing the haircut. So I was in a real hassle, I went straight to Ystillo Salon, it took quite some time for the dolling up to start. I was uneasy at first because I am not really a fan of dark make ups and stuff and the sytlist wanted that for me and then I eventually loved how he was putting colours on my face, very artistic. Pat fetched me at Ystillo and we went straight home to get dressed. The make up got literally ruined because of an annoying dilemma which led to my crying for half an hour. Very silly but yes, after all the re-touching, my father and boyfriend brought me to the party's location. The walking to the stairs and blocks to the club house was a bit rough, thanks to my pumps for the very rough walking. He-he.

As soon as I stepped on the entrance, I saw the very gorgeous Debutante, Justine in a stunning pink gown with her beautiful Mom, Tita Nina. Just before I entered the main door, a guy called me and I was so suprised to see that the guy was Kuya Julius Comia with Gian Zara. Kuya Julius or how we call him as Kuya Tots was one of those who have inspired me aaannd it was so nice to have seen him again. I sat with them,.I was with the table with the Torch creative babies, Ikisse Uson whom I have always been a fan of her photographs, Moses Fetalvero whom I have always been a fan of his blogs and great taste in fashiioooon! Charisse Tapalla was also with us, ver beautiful in her gown, very very pretty Charisse! Was also at the table with Aiza & Peter Suministrado, Zen Guttierrez, Gian and Kuya Julius. The very funny, Jhannel was with us too. 

On the other table who arrived a bit late were my former SCG mates; My former partner in Service, Nunoy and his girlfriend Katrina Malabanan; Risafe Castante who has been a good friend; Cyd Villa who was celebrating her 20th Birthday that night; Kristinelle Guce whom I found really cute with her dress and make up, and her brother Rainer who was also one of the most memorable kids I took care of when I was a KFC Ate; Kuya Roel who has always remained a good friend, and CB who still looks genius with his get up.

On another table were another good friends in Torch. Lawrence Tapalla, (myLabs), I missed him to bits! I have been a fan on how he takes great pictures and it was so nice to have a bit of photography talk with him. With him on the table were the beautiful ladies Ashel Uson, Melan Atog, & Bamba Reyes! and the men in their coat and ties Deo at Michael Caiga, Tino Suministrado! And the hosts for the party were the ladies that I have always looked up for Ate Darrice Manalo and Ate Gerra Fetalvero. 

And the party started! Here comes the Star of the Night Justine! Maannnn, she was ssoooo stunning! As she walked down the aisle, everyone in the hall were caught by her beautiful stunning face. As the party went on, you would see at every corner beautiful and handsome faces. I guess everyone really took time to prepare for the party.

All who participated shared their greetings enough to address Justine how lucky she really is. I am pretty sure, Justine instilled in her pretty mind every bit of the word addressed to her.

And now, allow me to share the photos from Justine's Stunning Night. Just click the photo to view its original size. 

                      

With the table. 

Setting.

My long lost buddy, Missed you!

Gian. Baks. Kuya Tots.

That was me with Fonso! I missed him! :)

Lower Right was Tito Benjie and Tita Carol. 

Another was Bamba and I.

And the Debutant's sis, Bea. 

Her number with Kuya Ryan Sabaybay:

Justine as she was delivering her message. 

Kudos to Justine's older sister Bea Ilagan for really working hard on this party. It was really a blast.

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My Gift.

To my Dearest Baks, I've written this at the back of the drawing, I've said this in my message. But you know what I just can't stop saying this over and over again.

I love you and I am really proud of what you have become. You are a one tough young lady. You shine in your own little way. You are a lot to lose. Welcome to another chapter in your life, just always carry with you all the things that you've learned from the past 18 years. Always keep the faith. Always Pray. And like what I have always told you, Never get tired of doing good things. Never.

And the three reasons why I chose to give you this. 1) I met you as a very simple kid and even at this very moment (your debut) you remained simple and what I want is while you're getting older, I want you to always think that you've caught a lot of hearts because of your simplicity. 2) God loves you so much, and He sees your light (always). You are very beautiful, inside and out. Lastly, there's a glow that's inside you. Simple Yet Stunning Glow. And that's the Justine I know. You always have this beautiful stunning soul. I love you to death, Baks! 

Happy 18 Years of Beautiful Life!!