Welcome to the New World, Arch. Alessandro Baluyut, Jr!

Finally, my husband Arch. Alessandro G. Baluyut, Jr and 800+ of his fellow board-passers took their oath as the Philippines' new licensed architects last March 03, 2013. It was just one day, but it took us forever to prepare for this day.

I can't forget the day that we learned he passed the board. You see, my husband never went to a review center like most people did. He just put in what he learned from school which was 5 years ago and some experience from his previous jobs. He didn't pass the first time And he nveer learned. I told him to go to a review school. He never went to one ,still. I took the most heartache when he didn't pass. My husband on the other hand, never took it that hard. So, his aunt gave him some money to attend a review class for the next exams. He just ran off with money and he just burned down the oil 2 days before the actual exams. I just gave him a nod. He said, "you don't have confidence in me, do you?" I scolded him. "You never paid attention to this studying!" What made it worse, is that he admitted the exams were harder this time around.

Low and behold, he passed! My mother-in-law, though quiet was very happy like the rest of us!

The event required formal attire for the inductees and semi-formal for the guests. I and Mami Sil, Ali's mom went with him. My husband opted for a shirt and tie. It was easier with guys. Due to my frugality, I earlier got this Zara blouse from a thrift (ukay-ukay) store and I wore my work spants (pants which looks like skirt), a bandau from my sister-in-law. Last minute I got a $1 -pair of peep-toes shoes. Damn, They're ll black, so me. On the otere hand Mami Sil wore an 80' style set which Lady Di would surely okay.

So, come Sunday, we went almost late to Manila Hotel, the ceremony place. I was thinking it would be a solemn and formal, royal-ish event. Where people would dress extravagant but not too sexy. I can't help but fashion-critique. Most of the female inductees wore short bandaid dresses and super high heels. The topnotcher was not different,: she wore a blue straight cocktail dress and black wedges. What is this, The Embassy? They really walke awkward. But some are lucky to be able to "carry" it The men on the other hand were impressive. Most wore suits either with black bowties or just ties. Very few wore Barongs. My husband of course, my husband looks so appropriate.

the ceremony is not to last that long but getting our food did. The guests' table are seprate from the passers as expected. The inductees were almost done taking their time on the stage and we haven't had our food. Finally, before everybody's done, we got served. the Top 2's dad even quipped, "Only coffee? We're the first one to give our tabs." The waiter explained that there had been so many people. Inductees tickets should ahve been paid prior to the event, but they still allowed people to pay them last minute. We got a tuna sandwich, some macaroni and some kind of empanada.

We were not able to take a lot of picture due to the digicam ran out of batteries and the camphones didn't have that good quality.

But were able to take formal pictures with the Manila Hotel Painting on the other hand for $13. Very expensive. But we are hoping they will be nice and big as the photogs say. On the other hand, we gt something from Boysen, the event's sponsor- 3 16GB-USB memory sticks! My husband manipulated me in telling the guy that I was an inductee by showing him my ticket. We end up getting 3.

All was great. Not really that much as what I was hoping. But my opinion doesn't matter. It's not my day, it's the new architects'. All I know that everyone is happy. Specially the parents, who worked as hard as the inductees. They, like Mami Sil, deserve the credit. Finally, they are now professionals ready to conquer the world . Congrats, new Architects!