My online world in 2012 as interpreted by Isabel Gatuslao and photographer Terry Uy.
As new collaborations and projects for DAPHNE® start in 2013, I say goodbye to the one that started it all — DAPHNE Linens. We had a great three years with the collaboration, but now we’ve reached the end of our contract. I will be forever grateful for the trust and support of my wonderful partners Diana and Albryan.
Three years ago the idea of retailing products under my name was just a dream I thought of but never actually voiced out. When Diana approached me with the idea of creating a line of bed linen for me, I realized, the universe can read my mind. I had my name registered as a trademark right away but it took a while to get the “®” mark. Now DAPHNE® is legally mine. I had to do it because it’s not everyday that one gets to retail in SM, Our Home, Rustans, Dimensione and Bench. The line of bed linens set the tone for the world I wanted to create — one that’s pretty, comfortable and soft, one that reflects a smile, and that’s tasteful but attainable. Then other collaborations followed.
Daphne Furniture® at Dimensione, photographed by Everywhere We Shoot, styled by Bea Ledesma. I have lost 10 pounds since this photo was taken. I don’t know how. I wasn’t on a diet and I didn’t exercise any different.
I haven’t actually spent too much time mulling over the identity of my brand. I still can’t speak straight about it without going off tangent and sounding like a valley girl. I need a word version of Isabel’s eye to interpret the DAPHNE world and totally “get” what I’m trying to do. I am inspired by the talent and creativity that surrounds me through my team and close friends. 2013 brings a lot of excitement for us. There are new possibilities and projects are already lined up.
In this time of social networking and instagramming, I feel I have somehow contributed in the creation of a happy place for us online. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings with me. You inspire me. You touch me.
This blog was born out of my want to create and chronicle. It was initially just for friends and family. The audience and community came later. Then the industry followed. I don’t know what will happen to this dynamic world of blogs. It is getting crowded and cluttered. But I don’t think of too much of it; like the way I don’t think of numbers and stats. Like I always say, whether I have 5 readers or 50,000 readers a day, I will still write and take photos the same way. So thank you for sticking by me and sharing your stories. This is our happy place. Sure there may be some bad days, but I try hardest to keep it always kind.
To quote the late great Michael Jackson, “It’s about LOVE.” Haha. Sorry for the mush.
In my mind I was writing a year end report. This isn’t it. I think I shall write that tomorrow. My 2012 was full of extremes — major unbelievable highs and a few uninspiring dragging lows. But things happened just like I wished they would when I wrote my 2011 year end review. The bottom line, it was a kick ass year professionally. I’m happy to say that the ups and downs were only in the professional side because my personal life is blessed with a constant stream of love and happiness. I’m not bragging. It’s my real life that keeps me humble.
We spent Christmas in the same rustic beach house just me and my family.
Having this blog is great. Having sponsors and collaborations are even greater! But the most important thing and the one I am most grateful about is the real world I live in. They are the reasons I have things to write about — my three girls, my husband, our rickety old house, the kitchen project that just won’t end, the love of the family I was born into, the love of the family I married into, the good health and comfortable life of my parents, and the very few real, quality friends I have.
I’m hearing fireworks. It’s 10:59pm on New Year’s Eve.
Everyone wishes for good health and prosperity. May your cup runneth over.
For 2013 I wish for all that… plus a kind world. Let’s all be kind to each other. Let’s remind our kids to do the same.
Love to you all!!!