I’m thankful to have found a sister in you. Know that you’re always remembered and will always be cherished by the people who loves you.

Have a blast!

Friends are blessings. –Aileen Siroy

August 1, 2009 came as a surprise to few people who knew I’ll be sitting at home to view the video chat while they celebrate our batch reunion. Without such grand plans, I flew hours before the event so as not to miss the action. And true enough more eyes popped wide open and took a closer look in disbelief of what they were seeing. They surely thought it was my ghost. LOL.

After 15 long years, all of the girls tried to reminisce the past and exchange updates of what has transpired along the years. I was so blessed that night. I know others would want to be there too but they chose to remain on their comfort zones. I’m glad I have made that sudden decision. This reminds me of the famous line- “There are people who make things happen, there are people who watch things happen, and there are people who wonder what happened. To be successful, you need to be a person who makes things happen.”

Let’s make things happen!

Celebration of Life & Friendship from Aileen Guirnela on Vimeo.

It was late afternoon when we arrived at the pier under Saphan Thaksin skytrain station. Just in time to witness a cloudy sunset yet too precious not to be missed with its cool shades of pink and orangey blend. I always get excited every boat trip as it reminds me of my childhood days where I used to spend my summer vacations.

There were a bunch of us who made things happen. God was so good to bless us with clear skies even though the forecast shows Bangkok will experience rain showers that very night. It kicked off with a dinner cruise along Chao Phraya river then we retreated to a posh bar downtown with Filipino live band playing a series of dance, jazz, pop and blues.

It was fun! Foods, music, birthday celebrations in the company of old and new friends.

Enjoy this unpolished slideshow which I intend to give as a surprise to M and T. Just one tip though, wait till it finishes to buffer by pressing pause before you play the whole vid. It may not be a good experience to watch it in pieces.

Live High!

What greater thing is there for two human souls than to feel that they are joined to strengthen each other, to be at one with each other in silent, unspeakable memories. –George Eliot

Nostalgic. I tend to feel nostalgic every time I attend wedding celebrations. Early this month my friend Beng have exchanged her sweet and solemn vow with the man she loves. They are such a lovely couple.

Ceremony. It was my first time to witness an outdoor wedding so I was attentive of how they do things differently. The sequence are a bit similar only with a distinct approach.

I’m Yours. During the reception, what captivated my ears was the background of their short pre-nuptial video which eventually is Jason Mraz– I’m Yours! and the lovely jazz music sang by the emcee. T had a chance to sing when the mic was passed around.

Top left -Nam Tok Moo (like pork jerky); Top right – Pla Neung Manaw (Fish with lemon and herbs) Down left- Pla Dok Foo (Fried catfish with peanuts and shredded green mangoes); Down right- Kai Nga (chicken drumsticks with sesame seeds)

Food. Isan (northeast of Thailand) food served in West End Park. All of these satisfied my palate during lunch as I joined my usual lunch buddies as we celebrated our friend’s birthday. I normally don’t take colas or sodas every after meal but during this time I really have to for the sake of digestion.

If I’m not mistaken it was the first time that we had a complete attendance of the group. It feels great to share meals with good company of friends. Our laughter echoed the hood.

From event

Hmmm. I look fat now. Oops! I’d probably reverse that. Thank God I look healthy now.

moi, bishnu, lada, satomi, mavic

I have met new faces, shook hands and shared some stories with new acquaintances.

I was making the most of it since my partner, that beautiful lady in the middle, is now assigned in the big city. I will surely miss her.

This photo was taken before our dinner at The Park resto. A welcome celebration for the participants who came from afar.

Pentecost Celebration 2009. Holy Redeemer Church, BKK.

I was commissioned to photograph a church event last 30 May 2009, two days before my big day.  Event photography such as this excites me.  It gives me a sense of fulfillment for my chosen joie de vivre.