My equation for a perfect evening is simple:
Downton Abbey + Rattiest pajamas + Hubby + Wine + Cheese + Dried figs/apricots + Chocolate = BLISS
This, however, would NOT be the best equation for the perfect blog post. While I do think that Downton’s ”cousin Matthew” *swoons* would be a hit, I don’t think you’d enjoy seeing me in a shirt that has a larger hole to cloth ratio. Luckily, I have another kind of evening to share with you.
I got invited to Mega Magazine’s “Most Beautiful” Cocktail Party — and YOU are plus my one 
Confession: Cocktail parties give me panic attacks. I do not have the “mingle” gene. In fact, I have come up with an entire volume of creative excuses (Ebook and paperback edition available on Amazon soon) to wiggle my way out of events that involve heels and lipstick. I could not, however, bring myself to say no to the lovely ladies over at Mega Magazine when they invited me to their event – even if I knew that it meant that I would be “presented” to the audience as part of the magazine’s “Most Beautiful” list. *cue heart attack* But I figured that with you by my side, I’d manage to survive. Are you ready? *Downs Red Bull* Let’s go!
The only thing worse than seeing an eight by eleven inch photo of yourself in a magazine is...seeing a Shrek-size version of the photo on a LED screen.
I guess I should stop hiding behind this plant now, huh?
Maybe I can just stand here and pretend that I'm one of those draped tables.
Okay, okay. I'll mingle, I'll mingle. *Gulp*
Breathe, Sam, breathe.
Thought balloon: Lord, HELP ME.
Ah, a friendly face! Yay! It was good to learn that I wasn't the only one dreading to be "presented." Thanks, Angel! 
Showtime!
Let's play "Spot the hobbit!" Note to self: bring a stool when standing next to models.
Phew! We made it! I think that deserves a “cousin Matthew” reward, don’t you?
I appreciate this post. I never thought that Samantha Sotto still experiences some butterflies in her stomach.
You look simple but very elegant in the picture. I actually love your total outfit fromt the head to toe.
Thanks, Diane! Yes, I don’t the butterflies ever leave – and I’m grateful for it. I think they help keep things fresh and exciting
More power to you. The EQ Post considers you one of the Philippines’ best people for 2011.
Thank you so much, EQ!
Oh, Sam, you looked absolutely beautiful and very elegant. I can’t blame you for being nervous — that would have made my stomach do somersaults! I’ll bet you handled the evening with more grace and poise than you imagine.
I must start watching Downton Abbey. Must.
Thanks, Kerry Ann! You definitely SHOULD watch Downton. It goes VERY well with a good glass of vino
Sam, you are a natural! You look very glamorous. If you had a panic attack, you certainly managed to hide it well!
Haha! Thanks, Muriel! The cocktails helped. A lot
wowzer, how very glamorous and posh! I do strongly believe that you deserve to be on the most beautiful list and there’s nothing you can do to change my opinion
You looked very sparkly like a champaign
May I suggest you once try wearing you hear over you forehead? I think it would look lovely on your face
Like this:
http://s3.amazonaws.com/ths_assets_production/attachment_resources/attachments/5169/original/hairstyles-for-high-foreheads-mena-suvari-3.jpg
Oooh! LOVE the hairstyle suggestion. I’ve actually been thinking of getting bangs. You’ve convinced me!
You looked lovely, Sam. What a lovely honor. Thank you for bringing us along to the party!
Thanks, Mieke! It really wasn’t my scene but it was still fun
It looks like it was an impressive event. Love the captions–and you look beautiful!
Thanks for sharing the pictures!
Awww…thank you
It didn’t take much imagination to write the captions because they were the TRUTH! LOL 
Beautiful Sam! So Chic!!
Will download Downtown Abby now!
oops abbey haha!
Haha! No worries. I used think it was “DowntoWn.”
Yes! You should watch it! Soooo addicting
p.s. Thanks for lending me your bag! You’re a lifesaver
I have not seen Dontown Abbey yet but only hear great things about it.
Look at you, nervous, but glowing and incredibly lovely. Congrats! :O)
>sigh< I got interrupted between reading your post and commenting, and, now, I can't remember what I was going to say. At all. I wish my kids would quit making holes in my mind.
At any rate, I promise not to hate you for being beautiful.
LOL, Andrew! I’m in the thick of summer vacation so I can definitely empathize. The kids are everywhere. All. The. Time. @-@
Wowser! You really do live the rock star author life, don’t you?
For all the uncomfortable anti-mingle genes you’ve got, I’d say you did pretty good. What a fun and glamorous night. I’m glad you’re always taking pictures of this stuff, too, so we can come along.
Haha! I don’t know about the rockstar lifestyle. It was more like a very reluctant Cinderella (with a borrowed purse) for the night
You looked amazing!!
BTW, I have the same favorite evening at home—Downton Abbey, Cabernet, double cream blue cheese, crackers, dried apricots, olives, and my husband to snuggle with.
DOUBLE cream blue cheese…*dies a happy camper*
You look so pretty in that dress, Sam. Beautiful photos, too.
Thanks, Len! The dark lighting hid a lot of flaws. Haha!
omg where did you get your cocktail dress????? BEAUTIFUL!!!
Thanks! It’s by a local designer. Got it off the rack for a steal. Yup, I embrace my inner cheapo
Beautiful indeed. You killed it. Yay!
YOu are lovely, that dress is gorgeous, well done!