:: I Can Write Yey! ::

The Second to the Last Day of January

2012-01-30T23:54:00.002+08:00

People get surprised when I tell them that I stayed in a dorm during my college years. They thought I travel from Laguna to Manila every single day, being driven to school by the driver. But only the rich kids in my school do that. For practical reasons, my parents and aunt had to let me stay in a girls' dormitory near my school. I was so against it at first because living without all the luxuries that I enjoy in the comforts of our home meant torture. I know I sound exaggerated but prior to my dorm days, I'm used to having someone do all the work for me--- cook food, fold clothes, prepare and fix my things...

Fast forward to today, I've never felt this thankful to my parents and aunt who encouraged me to live independently in Manila. For three years, I got exposed to reality and I became more open to things which I though I'd never get to understand. I met new and different people and I learned so much from them. I learned how to commute in all types of vehicles--- pedicab, LRT, MRT, cab, bus, jeep, shuttle--- so I could watch UAAP games live in Araneta or simply stroll around Mall of Asia or Greenbelt. I learned how to budget my allowance. I learned how to discipline myself. I learned the Filipino value, pakikisama. I learned how to survive. Indeed, the elders know best.

I never imagined that staying in a dorm would become one of my most unforgettable moments in college. And it's fun to relive the memories again and again and again.

Before writing my dorm experience, I was listening to a cover from Boyce Avenue. It made me miss dorm life even more! As I listen to the cover, I suddenly remembered my dear friend, Marita who introduced me to this band. Marita and I were classmates in high school and the both of us stayed in the same dormitory. She goes to our room every night and she does her schoolwork with us. One beautiful night on a weekday, while taking a break from school work, she let me listen to the band's covers. She said she likes Boyce Avenue and she had downloaded a number of songs from them on her iPod. If I'm not mistaken, she's a huge fan. ;) Segue: Marita, I miss you! :)

This music video is Boyce Avenue's cover of It Will Rain, originally sung by our very own Bruno Mars. I admit that I like the original, but in my honest opinion, this cover is a much better version. I love it. Please let me know what you think when you press play.

And here's another cover of my favorite song, Coldplay's Fix You! This time, the band's lead singer collaborated with Tyler Ward, a musician who also found a niche in the music industry through uploading his cover songs on Youtube. Boyce Avenue and Tyler Ward are becoming known to many, because they keep on sharing their musical skills in the world wide web.

For those who are staying in a dorm right now, consider yourselves lucky. Not everyone gets to experience living in a dorm! Of course, feeling homesick is normal but I assure you, you'll get by. Just think of it as an opportunity for you to get to know yourselves a little bit more... as an avenue for you to see a lot of possibilities. In the future, when you graduate from college, it's something that you'd be proud of. Embrace your independence but don't forget to be responsible too. Take it from me. ;)

Me and my cupcake dream

2012-01-26T23:29:00.000+08:00

I remember the first time I entered the Cupcakes by Sonja's shop at Serendra in Bonifacion High Street. I was with my cousins, Luisa and Cente, and we just finished a hearty lunch at Sentro with the elders. While inside, Cente told me that this shop has the best cupcakes in town. I ogled and admired the colorful display of cupcakes right infront of me. I had a hard time deciding which one to get since it was my first time to be in that magical place. After a five minute internal debate with myself, I ended up with vanilla sunshine cupcake, as suggested by Cente. And mind you, he bought it for me. How lucky was I?

As I bite into the soft and sweet piece of vanilla sunshine, the feeling was indescribable. It was absolutely delicious and it was delightful to eat. It was one of the best cupcakes I have ever tasted so far. "One day", I told myself, "I will bake cupcakes too!"

Photo retrieved from Google images

For some reason, I've been fascinated with cupcakes lately. I watch videos about baking cupcakes on Youtube, and look at cupcake photos until I feel sleepy. I also noticed that my recent purchases have cupcake designs... from shirts, necklaces, to rings. Name it!

Photo retrieved from this blog

Since cupcakes are my latest fascination, I finally figured out what I shall do in summer--- baking cupcakes! I already talked to my aunt about this plan and I told her my reasons why I thought of this. I hope it pushes through!

Photo retrieved from Google images

I'm so excited with this plan! My cupcakes may not turn out to be as best as Sonja's cupcakes but I'll make sure that it'll be delightful to eat too. *wishful thinking* Here's to a productive summer! :)

The Stargazer

2012-01-19T22:15:00.002+08:00

Spongecola does it again! I definitely fell in love with the band's latest single, Stargazer. It takes me back to my good old high school days (particularly my sophomore year) because it reminds me of their popular song, Gemini, back then. I've been a fan for six years now.

Stargazer is so poetic and it just shows how talented Spongecola is when it comes to writing songs. The music video, on the other hand, may be simple but it gave me chills and goosebumps when I watched it for the first time.

Was it epic for you at all? Or just a memory... a moment, nothing more? This line.

Someone said that this song is about two people who fell for each other but something's holding them back because for some reason, they can't be together. That's why in the music video, Yael and the girl have chains. They represent these two people that are not meant to be. For me, it seems like a Romeo-and-Juliet kind of love story but I guess it does happen in reality. Haay.

If ever Yael and the rest of Spongecola come across this blog (well, it can happen who knows :p), you guys keep on inspiring people with your music! And please visit Paseo de Sta. Rosa again so my friend, Mau, and I can watch you perform live. :D

One of those days when I do nothing but reflect

2012-01-18T23:36:00.000+08:00

My Sundays are usually spent with my family. My aunties from Manila come to our house here in Laguna to eat lunch with us. Eating lunch together every Sunday has been a family tradition.

First lunch: January 1, 2012

I have always loved our Sunday luncheons because I learn a lot from each member. They've been through a lot of thick and thin, and these molded them to be the wise people that they are today. I keep in mind what they always tell me, because I honestly believe that it could be really helpful in my future endeavors.

Speaking of the future...

I wonder how my life would turn out in the next ten years. Thinking of the future scares yet excites me. But I'm looking forward to what is in store for me. I will embrace the challenges that are about to come my way, and I'm hoping that they'll be able to bring out the best in me and not to bring me down.

By the way, let me share with you a photo which I found while blog hopping the other day:

I saved, printed, and posted this photo inside my room to remind me to make each day awesome. ;)

"Life begins at the end of your comfort zone", so they say. I've been living a sheltered life for the past 21 years and the people I know personally can attest to that. But this year, I will slowly but surely break the boundaries that make me a "sheltered person" by trying out something new... like dyeing my hair, cooking food, baking cupcakes, and the list goes on. Wish me luck. :p

Haay, I've been ~~thinking~~ reflecting a lot lately. But I guess this isn't a bad thing because my brain gets to maximize its full potential. Hahaha! Kidding aside, I wish everything will turn out well. My game face is on.

Get cape. Wear cape. Fly.

Words of Wisdom from Mr. A-Z

2012-01-13T02:11:00.001+08:00

I Won't Give Up by Jason Mraz

"We've got so much to learn... no, I won't give up. I don't be the one who walks away so easily... I'm here to stay and make the difference that I can make. Our differences they do a lot to teach us how to use the tools and gifts we got... I won't give up... even if the skies get rough..."

I have a different perspective on this song though. Jason Mraz may have been talking about not giving up a relationship with that special someone... I see it as not giving up on what life, in general, has to offer. :p

Think Positive, Be Positive

2011-12-31T16:15:00.000+08:00

In less than 24 hours, we'll begin a new chapter in our lives. Good bye 2011, hello 2012!

If I were to describe 2011 in three words, I'd say "It was challenging!" 2011 had tested my strength, faith, patience, and principles. Looking back, I have had the best and the worst days of my life. It wasn't really a blast and a year of awesomeness, but I learned so many things from my good and bad experiences; I got to discover myself a little bit more. I became more open minded to what is happening around me and I'd like to think that it has given me a chance to "grow up" and be "a big girl".

I'm grateful that my family, friends, and especially God never left me in times when I needed them most. They all supported me in every way they can and they gave me the strength and courage when I was about to give up. They inspired me to not to dwell in the past and to keep moving forward.

The Sunset: December 29, 2011

As we prepare for the coming of 2012, always remember that we should be thankful for everything that happened, whether they're good or bad. Count our blessings instead. Also, I just realized that what happened to us this year has helped us to grow up and be a better person.

Let's all welcome 2012 with a positive attitude, bringing our hopes and dreams along with us. Leave our fears behind as we try to come out of our comfort zones. Let's start doing the things we love and be an inspiration to other people.

Happy New Year everyone! :)

P.S. Please also drop by Regina Belmonte's post. I love what she wrote. I hope to meet her someday. :)

The Dream Catcher

2011-12-31T15:52:00.000+08:00

The other day (December 28), I had the urge to take photos. Since Mr. Sun was up, I grabbed the dream catcher that has been hanging on my bedroom door for five years, borrowed my brother's camera, and took some shots. I love the results! I thank Mr. Sun too for cooperating with me. ;)

It's hard to choose only one so I decided to post all of them! As I look at the photos, the second and the third ones remind me of the beach. It's probably because of the coconut trees that surround our garden. :p

I love my brother's camera because it makes me feel like a pro. Hahaha! But I also have to keep in mind that I need to buy my own, come next year, so I won't have to borrow from him. No, I don't dream of owning a DSLR because that's beyond my budget. A simple Canon digital camera will do... but if someone would give me a DSLR, I'd totally appreciate it. Hahaha! :)

Greetings from Summer and Tom

2011-12-31T14:53:00.001+08:00

How can you not love them? :)

It's a Tumblr Thing

2011-12-27T21:59:00.000+08:00

My thoughts exactly...

You light up my world like nobody else

2011-12-27T21:05:00.000+08:00

What Makes You Beautiful by One Direction

Am I too old for this? It feels like highschool all over again! :)) Kidding aside, I find the lyrics nice and sweet. And I think that every girl wants to hear these words from the guy she likes. ;)

Can't Get Over You

2011-12-27T20:58:00.000+08:00

*December 25, 2011*

One word, six letters: H-E-A-V-E-N :)

No words can truly describe how I feel right now...

2011-12-25T02:08:00.000+08:00


The Blueberry Cheesecake- December 24, 2011

Oh my goodness! Been drooling over this blueberry cheesecake since it arrived at our house yesterday morning. I love, love, love blueberry cheesecake! But I only get to eat it once in a blue moon. Hence, I'd fight tooth and nail just to have at least a slice of it because it's for free. :)) Haay. Why does it have to be too pricey? Rhetorical question, I know. Hahaha!

Merry Christmas everyone! :)

Lazy Daisy

2011-12-24T21:30:00.000+08:00

It's one more day before Christmas! I'm sure everyone is busy preparing for the most special day of the year. I, like you, am busy too--- busy wrapping presents that is! I started wrapping presents yesterday and I haven't finished wrapping the rest today. Oh well. Towards the end of this entry, you'll know why. ;)

This year, I'm on a budget so I didn't buy Christmas wrappers and gift tags. I wanted to be resourceful and creative at the same time. I searched the world wide web to get some ideas. I came across my rolls of black cartolina, then got my recently purchased scented specialty papers and glue. Upon seeing these things, I suddenly had my lightbulb moment. Here's what I did:


From left to right: scented specialty papers, glue, tape, scissors, stapler, black cartolinas, and personalized gift tags

I decided to make paper snowflakes! This was inspired by Teacher Mariel's discovery time activity with her preschool 4 kids. She used this activity for the kids' fine motor skills. Anyway. The next picture shows the steps on how to make a paper snowflake.

1. Cut the paper in any size you want. By the way, make sure that the paper is easy to fold so you won't have a hard time cutting it.

2. Assuming that that's the size of the paper you chose.

3. Fold it in half. (Should be in triangular form)

4. Fold it again in half. Then fold one more. (Re: You will fold the paper thrice)

5. Cut the edges, sides of the paper. It's up to you. Unleash your creativity!

6. Your paper will look like this (similar to this one) when you cut its edges/sides.

"Open" the paper and tadaaaa!!! Snowflake!!!

Yes, I made a lot of paper snowflakes in different sizes!

I wrapped the presents using the black cartolina then glued the paper snowflakes and the personalized gift tag. I put them under our Christmas tree and took a picture of how they turned out:

What do you think? :)

It took me approximately 3-4 hours doing the whole thing. The good news is I was able to wrap more than ten today! However, I still have four remaining unwrapped presents. But right now I'm just too lazy and I wanted to log in on Facebook and Twitter to greet everyone so I'll probably do it again after Christmas. Haha!

Wishing you all a blessed and joyful Christmas! :)

The True Spirit of Christmas

2011-12-23T15:07:00.002+08:00

Christmas season is supposed to be the happiest season of the year. In the Philippines, everyone is in festive mood. You can really feel that Christmas is just around the corner because colorful lights and decorations are everywhere. Children (and some people) go caroling from house to house not only to earn money but to bring joy and entertainment to others. People rush to the malls to shop for gifts to give on Christmas day or on different Christmas parties that they have to attend to. And what I like about Christmas is it's the time of the year when our families are complete. Nothing beats celebrating this special day with the family.

As I type this, I can't help but think about what's happening in Cagayan de Oro right now. Days before Christmas, some people lost all their belongings and their loved ones due to typhoon Sendong. Through the news and social media networking sites, I learned that the death toll has reached 1000 plus and some are still missing. I feel bad for what happened to my fellow Filipinos, specially the children, living in CDO. I wish I can do something more than just pray for them.

Here are some ways to help our brothers and sisters in need. Please click the following links below:

1. De La Salle Schools and organizations

2. Philippine Red Cross

3. Ateneo De Manila University

4. UNICEF

5. Sagip Kapamilya:

ABS-CBN accepts donations in cash for BDO Account (Account Name: ABS-CBN Foundation Inc.-Sagip Kapamilya / Swift Code: BNORPHMM / Peso Account Number: 39301-14199 / Dollar Account Number: 39300-81622) & BPI Account (Account Name: ABS-CBN Foundation Inc.-Sagip Kapamilya / Swift Code: BOPIPHMM / Peso Account Number: 3051-1127-75 / Dollar Account Number: 3054-0270-35). You can also volunteer.

You can also extend your help through sending a text message:

Red Cross via Globe:

Text RED to 2899. You may transfer P5, 25, 50, 100, 300, 500.

Red Cross via Smart:

Text RED to 4143. Valid donation amounts 10, 25, 50, 100

Globe G-Cash:

Text DONATE(space)AMOUNT(space)MPIN(space)SLB and send to 2882

Our help, whether big or small, can go a long, long way. Quoting my friend, Ekai, "Christmas is not really about receiving, it is about giving back..." Let's spread more love this Christmas and share our blessings to them. :)

It's six days before Christmas

2011-12-19T02:17:00.000+08:00

Please don't judge me just because I'm posting not one but two Justin Bieber music videos. Come on! Let's give him a break, it's Christmas season for heaven's sake! And I think Mistletoe and Fa La La La are nice songs. :p

Just a Reminder

2011-12-19T02:06:00.000+08:00

Found this from a random someone's Tumblr. How relevant. :)

My Christmas Wishlist

2011-12-19T01:30:00.000+08:00

The other day, my colleagues and I made our Christmas wishlist. To be honest, making one has always been a struggle for me because I couldn't think of what I really want to receive on Christmas day. What is undecided. :))

Good thing, I was able to browse the world wide web the night before I made my wishlist. And I'm happy and proud to tell you that the things I wish to have this Christmas are all "needs over wants". ;)

Serie sent me a link of Clonestamp's page on Facebook. There I saw pictures of a lomo camera planner. I find it cute and unique! And guess what? It only costs 350php. Much cheaper than the Starbucks or Belle de Jour planners! I remember telling myself that I have to use a planner next year because I need to organize my life again. HAHA. Kidding aside, I have this bad habit of writing important things on different papers/notebooks and I always end up losing them. :l I want to avoid this bad habit so starting next year, I'm going to use a planner. New life, new beginning, and a more organized me! :D

Camille Co, a Filipina fashion blogger, featured this Roxy x JBL earphones on her blog. Aren't they adorable and fashionable at the same time? And the earphones come with a pouch where you can keep them in to. She's actually giving these away to a lucky reader but I don't feel like joining in. :)) I need new earphones because the ones that I'm using are overused. Kawawa na sila.

Ah, yes. This is an iPod classic case. If you see my iPod case, I'm sure you'll have pity for it. It is the perfect definition of worn out. It looks more pitiful than my earphones! Kaye and I talked about my iPod case's condition last Thursday and she said, "It's about time" (that conversation reminds me of a scene in a soap opera haha). Well, she is right! It's about time to have it replaced so my old one can finally rest in peace.

Every teacher needs a set of colored pens. Do I need to explain further on this? :p

There's one more but I decided not to include it here. I just realized that I have tons of bags in my room already. I wrote satchel bag in my wishlist for the reason that it's a fad and I couldn't think of anything else. Plus I'm running out of time. Hihi.

What about you? What's on your Christmas wishlist? :)

Just Because

2011-12-11T00:32:00.001+08:00

See what happens when my brother leaves the camera beside my laptop? Not that I'm bored. It's been a while. ;)

Someday...

2011-12-06T22:30:00.001+08:00

Lantern Festival, Thailand

... I will have my own Tangled moment here. :) ♥

How do you feel today?

2011-12-04T18:57:00.001+08:00

Do you remember my post about Bamboo's break-up some months ago? Well he's back and this time, he's going solo. I was watching ASAP (a variety show in the Philippines that airs every Sunday noon) a while ago where he sang his latest single, Questions, from his debut album, No Water, No Moon. I think it's a nice and a relaxing song to listen to, specially on a weather like this (it has been raining all day). I love the ballad-rock vibe of this song.

"...we're all just waiting for these answers that may never come our way. So we hold on to each other to find what's missing... It'll all get better, all you need is time..."

Welcome back to the music scene, Bamboo!

There's another song that I added on my player and it's none other than Ako Nalang by Zia Quizon. Some critics say that it was easy for her to enter the entertainment industry because she's the daughter of 2 Filipino icons, Dolphy and Zsa Zsa Padilla, but she proved them wrong. She's making a name for herself, using her talent in singing as she slowly moves away from her parents' shadow.

She reminds me of Up Dharma Down, Norah Jones, and Adele combined all together!

On an unrelated note, these songs describe how I feel right now. Questions keep on coming and I wonder when will I ever get the answers that I've been looking for. Ako nalang sana. Haha! How I wish. :p

From Tom Riddle

2011-12-03T22:09:00.001+08:00

Look what I found from someone's Tumblr! I can't imagine Tom Riddle (a.k.a Lord Voldemort) saying these words (well, except for Avada Kedavra). But it's cute, isn't it? Hihi. :p

The Highlight of the Year

2011-11-30T16:23:00.001+08:00

Just when I was about to give up, something wonderful came along and it changed the way I think about my future. I was having dinner with my aunt on the seventeenth of November, and I told her that I wasn't feeling good. Obviously, the day wasn't nice to me. And then I received a call from our school directress.

Two miscalls. Not one but two. Oh no. My heart sank for a moment and I immediately reflected on my activities in school that day. After sending a risky text message ("Hi Teacher! You miscalled two times po."), I was really hoping for the best... hoping that I didn't do something wrong. And then my phone vibrated. It was our directress.

I couldn't believe it. What did I do to deserve this? I felt cold. My heart beat faster.

Our directress was in a happy mood. She just called to say "CONGRATULATIONS!!!" At first, I had no idea why she said that word. And then it hit me. "I passed the LET?", I said. Oh my goodness. I can tell that she was extremely happy and excited. And I think she was in her car when she called because I heard vehicles beeping and honking. Karla and Serie also sent me messages. I literally jumped and screamed after I put my phone down. Kinilig ako.

That night, I felt like I won the lottery. It was the happiest day of my life.

LET stands for the licensure exam for teachers. I took the LET last September 25 along with Karla and Kaye. Out of 10, 000 plus educators all over the Philippines, only 22. 68% made it. And I'm proud to say that I'm one of those who made it. I'm also proud of Karla and Kaye and my other friends because they also passed. :)

Unlike the others who post polaroid photos on their wall, I have these instead.

My LET journey was not easy. I had to make sacrifices for the sake of LET. I turned down a couple of invitations too to give myself a time to study. I didn't do a "super hardcore study" though. There were days when I was too lazy to read. But I tried to discipline myself because I was aiming for a goal. That is to pass the LET. For instance, I know I'm not good in memorization so I made notes written on small pieces of Manila paper to remind me of the theories, theorists (how can we forget our best buddies Piaget, Vygotsky, Pavlov, Skinner, Bruner...), philosophies, philosophers (um, hello Aristotle and Plato!), mathematical formulas and equations, and the like. There was a time when my cousins from abroad came to visit but I wasn't able to see them because I was in Manila, studying in the review school. Kahit na super tempted ako na mag-absent pero hindi ako pinayagan ng elders. There was also a time when my friends from PLICA decided to watch Zombadings (an indie movie). I've always wanted to watch that movie and when the opportunity came, hindi ako pwede. Everyone was there, except me. While they were watching the movie, I was staying in a hostel near the review school, preparing for my last two review sessions with our coaches. I stayed there for 2 nights, 3 days. Good thing my room had a cable TV, an aircon, and a wi-fi so my days weren't boring after all. But still. And the biggest sacrifice I made was waking up early in the morning just to be in time for the review class. The school is located near the Katipunan area and I live in Laguna. North and south. Both ends. Just so you know, all these things happened over the summer and the first few months of the new school year. And if you're wondering why I enrolled in a review school that's miles away from home, it's because I wanted to meet new people, learn new things, to become more open to what is around me.

Despite everything... despite all these sacrifices... everything was truly worth it. What I learned from my LET journey is something I will treasure forever. I'm glad and proud to say that I didn't learn from books but from experiences too. Hence, I learned in a meaningful way.

You can reach your goal long as long as you try your best and work hard for it. There is no room for giving up. Don't be afraid to let go of your comfort zones. Think outside the box. Having said these, I realized that true learning begins when you go beyond the norms. Kahit mga little things or acts lang yan, they'll go a long way. Just like the new ad of Globe says, "break free, go lang ng go". Don't forget to pray too. Praying to God is the most powerful weapon, in my honest opinion. Hindi Ka niya pababayaan lalo na pag nakikita niya na you're doing your best. Trust me. ;)

Because we don't twinkle... we shine! :)

This note welcomed us when we entered Teacher P's office. How sweet of her. :)

The unexpected gift!

And Teacher A (the head of our sister school) came all the way from Green Meadows just to give Kaye, Karla and I this cute glass-like tumbler from Starbucks! She's one sweet lady too. :)

Photo courtesy of Karla. Polaroid effect, yours truly.

Last but definitely last the least, our photo. That's Kaye, Karla, and myself smiling from ear to ear. We are the new professional teachers! And we are sooo ready to teach minds and touch lives. :)

This would not have been possible without the help of the people around us. A big thanks to our respective families, our PLICA family, and friends for their never ending support. Let me take this opportunity too to thank Ms. Alice and Sir Albert and the people I've met along the way for inspiring me. God, thank you for everything. :)

If you walk away, everyday it will rain...

2011-11-28T22:42:00.000+08:00

Not a super big fan of the Twilight Saga (haha pero okay lang talaga kahit panoorin ko ulit yung movie) but can I just confess that I'm really in-love with Breaking Dawn's soundtrack? Oh yes I am! I have to agree with Karla when she told me that the soundtrack consists of chill, relaxing, sweet yet melancholic songs. Great selection indeed! It Will Rain, Turning Page, Love Will Take You, Requiem on Water, and A Thousand Years are forever on the loop. I have no idea when will I ever get tired of listening to these songs. Well, I doubt it. ;)

Here's Bruno Mars with his amazing performance of It Will Rain on The X Factor USA. Don't forget to plug those earphones of yours while watching the video! :)

The Day I Gave Edward and Bella a Second Chance

2011-11-27T22:48:00.001+08:00

When I was still in college, I read Twilight for the sake of being curious and just to be in the know. At that time, people my age (specifically girls) were so mesmerized by Stephenie Meyer's masterpiece and when they talk about how sweet and loving Edward Cullen is, I feel like I belong to a completely different universe. So imagine how I felt when I got to share my thoughts about Edward Cullen to my then room mate, Mela. It was awesome and cool. :))

However, I wasn't able to appreciate it as much as I appreciate Harry Potter. It took me months to finish the book because of school requirements. Priorities first! For this reason, I lost my interest and I totally forgot about Edward and Bella. And did I mention that I fell asleep while watching the movie adaptation on my laptop? I woke up when it was about to end. Sad, isn't it?

Fast forward to a few weeks ago, Teacher Mariel gave me something which I cannot refuse. She gave me a deluxe complimentary pass of Breaking Dawn Part 1! It's like a ticket for you to watch a movie for free. I don't usually get complimentary passes so I told myself, why not give Edward and Bella a second chance? :p

I watched the first screening of Breaking Dawn Part 1 with my brother a while ago. It was strange to see kids inside the cinema (but they're with their parents/guardians of course!). I thought teenagers would dominate the whole place but I stand corrected when I saw adults (probably in their 40's or early 50's) too.

I'm sure critics have had expressed their opinions about the movie by now. Well, in my honest opinion, it's not as great as Harry Potter (do I sound biased? Haha!) but it's a pretty decent and interesting movie. Every scene had me glued on the big screen and I felt the kilig again, most especially during the wedding of Edward and Bella. However, mind you, Breaking Dawn is more than just a movie about the love triangle of a vampire, a werewolf, and human being for it also focused on the importance of family, friendship, and moral values. You'll actually learn something good from it. And if there's one character that has a big impact on me, it would be none other than Jacob Black. Regardless of his good looks, I admire him for being brave, for fighting for what he believes in, and for doing what he think is right.

If given a chance, I would watch it again.

Well, on a different note, I love the movie's soundtrack. I've been listening to Christina Perri's A Thousand Years for hours already!

"...don't be afraid, I have loved you for a thousand years... I'll love you for a thousand more... I will be brave, I will not let anything take away what's in front of me... One step closer..."

This song! It makes me teary-eyed. It's so sweet and sincere. Haaay. :)

A Typical Day in School

2011-11-27T20:43:00.001+08:00

Let me share with you some of my random conversations with the cute little kids at school. I love talking to kids everyday because I learn a lot from them.

While inside our directress' office, before the start of our 9am class...

Adorable Kid 1: Where is Teacher P?

Me: Maybe she is on her way. Why, do you miss her?

Adorable Kid 1: Yes!!!

Me: But you saw her yesterday...

Adorable Kid 1: Um, yes! I saw her yesterday a while ago!

Me: *trying to control my laughter*

During my enrichment class for the Preschool 4 kids...

Me: *looking at the adorable kid 2's hand* I see, your teacher didn't give you a star. Perhaps, you didn't listen to her.

Adorable Kid 2: Hindi! Ayoko ng star kaya wala akong star sa kamay koooo! (I have none because I don't want a star on my hand)

Me: O_o

During my enrichment class for the Preschool 2b kids...

A kid was crying loudly because he's not yet ready to go home. I was with Adorable Kid 3 and we were about to start our writing session. Take note: She's only 3 years old.

Me: Okay, Adorable Kid 3, let me see your beautiful hand writing *big smile* :)

Adorable Kid 3: *starts writing*

(while writing her name)

Adorable Kid 3: Ano ba yan! Ang emo-emo ni *insert crying kid's name here*! (He's so emo!)

During my tutorial session with an adorable three year old boy, while coloring the things that start with the letter Bb...

Adorable Kid 4: Teacher, I only watch Chef.

Me: Why only "Chef"? *I assume "Chef" is either Masterchef or Junior Masterchef*

Adorable Kid 4: Kasi gusto ko maging cooker pag laki ko! *smiling with twinkling eyes* (Because I want to be a cooker when I grow up!)

Me: *trying to control my laughter* Oh, that's nice! You want to be a cook or a chef when you grow up! Can you cook for us? I'll go to your house. ;)

Adorable Kid 4: Hindi mo naman alam bahay namin eh! (You don't know where our house is!)

Me: *thinking of a palusot* Well, I know your house. It's near the school, right? :)

Adorable Kid 4: Malayo yun eh! (It's far!)

While helping my grade 3 student spread some glue for her arts project, tutorial class in the afternoon...

Adorable Kid 5: Teacher, si *insert her classmate's name here* at ako, ang tagal na namin classmates. Simula K1 hanggang ngayon. (Teacher, we've been classmates since we were in K1)

Me: Why, you don't want to be classmates with him?

Adorable Kid 5: Gusto po. Kaya lang, ang ingay-ingay niya sa classroom at isip bata pa. (It's not that I don't like him. It's just that he's too noisy inside the classroom and he's so childish)

Me: Woah. So does it mean you think like an adult now? ;)

Adorable Kid 5: Hindi naman po. Basta hindi na po ako isip bata. (I'm not childish anymore.)

Me: Okaaaaay. Let's go back to work. ;)

The bottomline is, when you work in a school and when you talk to kids, expect the unexpected. Never ever underestimate the way kids think because they are capable of blowing your mind away. ;)

We don't twinkle because we shine

2011-11-18T23:30:00.001+08:00

Photo courtesy of Karla

I will tell you why soon. :)

The Adventures and Misadventures of the Three Musketeers

2011-11-18T21:29:00.001+08:00

When Hazel told me that there's a bazaar at the World Trade Center in Pasay, as soon as I got home, I already asked my aunt for permission. I also called my dad on the phone to tell him about it. As always, they had second thoughts but they eventually gave in when I compromised. I said I wanted to try something new, like commuting from Sta. Rosa to Buendia with my colleagues in school. They don't need to worry about the gas and toll fee since we'll be commuting and we'll try to be back by 5pm, so I could attend mass with them. It was a deal. So last November 5, Hazel, Serie, and I braved the unpredictable weather just to be at the Super Sale Bazaar. It was a day full of adventure.

We got so surprised when we saw the long line outside the World Trade Center. It was crazy! And we even got more surprised (and a little bit confused) when we realized that the majority of those who were in line were guys. We were able to got in easily since the ladies' line was empty. When we were inside, we saw people wearing their cosplay costumes and no booths. Then it occurred to us that we were in the wrong event. The Super Sale Bazaar was at the small room located beside the World Trade Center. Kaya pala! Imagine how the three of us laughed. That's why we felt so indifferent. Haha!

It was a relief when we finally reached our destination. We were welcomed by cupcakes, gellato, and other sweet stuff. Yes, this is our thing.

Gellati gellato which we never got the chance to taste! It looked so yummy!

We spent approximately two and some hours inside, looking at displays. There were a lot of interesting items from different booths. I saw some familiar people and even those who are making a niche in the fashion world (fashion bloggers). I had a fangirl moment when I saw Patricia Prieto and Lisa Kahayon in person! I never expected to see them there! I was supposed to ask Patricia to have a picture taken with me but I became so shy. :l

Anyway, here's a picture of me and Hazel while shopping at Happy Boon's booth. We weren't prepared for this! Got the picture from the shop's Facebook page.

I looked so stressed while Hazel looked so pretty and fresh. Haha!

And here are my purchases from the bazaar.

Top/Dress from Happy Boon

Boat shoes from Tutum

We went to SM Mall of Asia after looking around because there are more food selections. Haha! We rode a cab instead of the shuttle because it rained like there's no tomorrow. We ate lunch at Sizzling Pepper Steak. Look at those cute sign boards! All you have to do is flip them...

...when you're okay with your order and don't need anything...


...or when you need anything/assistance.

Here's what Serie and I ate: Beef Pepper Rice. I forgot what Hazel ordered. Hihi.

Perhaps, you already know them if you frequent my blog. Haha! :p

Hi Serie and Hazel!

I didn't regret commuting because I had a great time with Serie and Hazel. Haay, commuters' life. Fun times!

Just in case you're wondering if we made it by 5pm, well, we didn't. But I was just in time for mass so everything was absolutely fine. ;)

The weather makes me feel sad

2011-11-14T21:39:00.001+08:00

The weather in the Philippines is definitely unpredictable. It's so hot during the day but heavy rains pour come night. No wonder why a lot of people catch cold and fever nowadays due to weather changes. It doesn't feel like Christmas season too, because it feels like we're still stuck in the month of May, June, July, and August... also known as the "rainy months". Like what Elmo Magalona said in his tweet before, the rain makes everything more dramatic. Maybe this is the reason why I feel sad. Or upset. I don't know.

On the brighter side, I selected songs from my player which I think are perfect for this kind of weather. Or if you feel like the way I do right now, I do hope that these will cheer you up.

Wonderwall by Oasis

As Long As It Matters by Gin Blossoms

Fix You by Coldplay

Tomorrow is another day. Let it be good to all of us. Think of happy thoughts.

Dreams Do Come True

2011-11-13T19:41:00.001+08:00

These days, it's not that easy to get the job that you want. You have to go through a lot before you finally land on your dream job. A series of interviews and tests come along the way and you have to be brave enough to accept rejections.

I know how it feels to find a job and how it feels to be rejected because I've been through these things last year. I was just a fresh graduate from DLSU and I felt quite nervous yet excited about sending my resumes at different preschools. So imagine how I felt when I finally got accepted at the preschool where I can see myself grow and be a better teacher. I cried on the day I received a call from the directress and thanked God for the wonderful opportunity. I will never ever forget that. Moving on.

My fellow Humblebee Ekai wasn't an exception. She also experienced what I experienced last year. She bravely took risks and never gave up. Some weeks ago, she surprised everyone, including herself, when she got accepted as the Editorial Coordinator of Meg Magazine and her boss is none other than the Bianca Gonzalez! I was so thrilled when I learned about it and I congratulated her as soon as I read her tweet and her sister's status on Facebook. It's truly worth the wait. Indeed, everything happens for a reason. Dreams do come true.

This pretty young lady will go places. :)
*photo taken from her blog, Life in Euphoria*

If there's one thing I learned from her, it's about not giving up. You have to keep going in order to reach that goal or dream of yours. Sometimes, you will feel like you're a failure or worthless but also remind yourself that making mistakes is okay because it helps you grow, learn and become a better person. Don't stop trying and believe in yourself. Lastly, keep the faith. God knows the best for you. What's happening to you right now is a part of His plan for you.

To Ekai, if you're reading this, I just want to say that I'm so proud of you! You've come this far! You deserve to be in that position. Please don't forget us when you become famous, okay? :p Good luck and God bless. See you soon! Animo! :)

P.S. Please visit Ekai's inspirational blog too. For sure, you will love her positivity too. :)

The Reflection

2011-11-13T18:30:00.001+08:00

Feeling sleepy while the mass is ongoing is quite inevitable for me. Whenever the mass ends, I feel bad because it didn't turn out to be as meaningful as I expect it to be. My mind usually wonders off the great halls of the church, most especially when it's time for homily. Sometimes, I participate in singing the songs but it's not effective. Nakakahiya talaga kay God at sa mga taong nakapaligid sa akin. So yesterday, before leaving for mass, I drank a cup of brewed coffee to keep myself awake.

The coffee didn't fail me. I was full of energy from the beginning until the end of the mass. I was able to listen to the readings, the psalm, and the gospel. And I understood the homily. For the very first time, the priest's homily became meaningful to me. I got so affected and I can't help thinking about what he said. He made sense.

Does my life have direction?

Where am I going?

What have I done/accomplished so far?

~~Do I ever cross the mind of the person I think about every single day too?:p~~

Okay, please ignore the last question. Haha! Haay, I hope I don't drown in my pool of thoughts. Well, on a lighter note, at least my brain is working double time. :p

And in another life, I would make you stay...

2011-11-12T20:39:00.000+08:00

"Sometimes, when I miss you, I put those records on... I should've told you what you meant to me..."

- The One That Got Away by Katy Perry

In my honest opinion, this is the best song of Katy Perry in her album, Teenage Dream. This song isn't new to me because it used to be my last song syndrome last summer. I'm also glad the music video came out already. I love it! It's so touching. :')

When you have the chance, go tell the people you love that you love them... what they really mean to you... before it's too late. :)

Of Traveling and Living Abroad

2011-11-07T20:17:00.001+08:00

A few days before my birthday, I had a small talk with Hazel about the countries we'd like to explore and I'm glad to know that she also dreams of traveling the world one day. It was a brief yet meaningful exchange of thoughts and she somehow inspired me. Yes, I want to go to a lot of places but, unlike Hazel, I never tried searching for random flights that fit my budget to make my traveling dreams come true.

Oh well.

Recently, I noticed that some of my batchmates (from gradeschool, highschool, and college) have moved in to Singapore, to follow their dreams and reach their personal goal. Well, being lost in a new place, learning new things, and meeting new people are a whole lot of fun, but nothing beats that priceless feeling you get when you're with your family and loved ones after a long day at work. It must have been really hard for them to leave the special people in their lives. But this is the life. Sometimes, we have to go through some twists and turns and make big decisions (should I take it or not?).

James, a childhood friend once asked me, "If given a chance, would you live in a foreign land?" That's a tough question, I must say. It took me some time to collect my thoughts, before I finally answered him. After five or ten minutes of debating with myself, I bet he was a little bit surprised when I said "no". As of that moment (until now, actually), I haven't considered writing "to live in another country" yet in my bucket list. I haven't pictured myself living abroad, away from my family. Perhaps, I'm not yet ready to leave the life that I have here in the Philippines. Traveling, on the other hand, is a different story.

But maybe, just maybe, there will come a day when I'd change my mind, make a big decision, and consider living abroad. We'll never know. ;)

Close to Nature

2011-11-02T20:17:00.000+08:00

It was a sunny and a little bit windy afternoon so I decided to go out and just walk around our garden. I borrowed my brother's camera because I had a gut feeling that I'd take photos of things that interest me. I wasn't wrong when I saw the fallen leaves from our santol tree on the grass. The leaves reminded me of autumn because of their colors... brown, red, and orange. For some strange reason, I also felt that I wasn't in the Philippines.

Auntie Sari once said that it's nice for me to walk around the garden to appreciate nature's beauty... God's gifts ika nga. Indeed, that afternoon, I got to appreciate what's around me. I loved the feel of the grass on my feet. I loved the gentle wind that caressed my cheek. I enjoyed watching the chickens that roam around our garden, looking for food (yes, we have chickens at home but we consider them as pets). It was quite relaxing and I somehow had forgotten about the things that usually occupy my mind. I think I should do this more often.

Since the camera's with me, I didn't let the chance of having my pictures taken pass too. I looked for a spot where I can put the camera, set the timer, and then ran back and forth our garden to check if the shot's okay. Unfortunately, my solo picture was a big failure so I had to call my brother to help me out. :))

Better! I put on the 1960's and vignette effect on the photo to add a bit more drama. ;) It was also the day I felt like a model. Haha! What if I submit this photo to Candy magazine's website? Will they choose me as the It Girl of the Week? Haha! Just kidding. Going back, can you see the leaves that surround me? By the way, I commend our kuya gardener for doing such a good job in maintaining the look of the garden.

Another thing. I'm fond of browsing through the site of fashion bloggers like Patricia Prieto and Kryz Uy. I've always admired these fashion bloggers and the people who are passionate about fashion, because they can really make a simple dress or pieces of clothing look more fabulous. I visit Candy Magazine's website from time to time to get some ideas too. Anyway, I got inspired by them so I also took photos of what I wore. :p

Top: Just G | Shorts: Bench | Belt: Pop Culture | Ring: Quiapo

Cupcake necklace (hardly visible): Kids of Bayo

Bag: Given to me by Auntie Sari

Sandals: Mario D' Boro, SM Department Store

Disclaimer: My solo pictures were taken by my brother, while the rest, by yours truly. :)

What we do during free time

2011-10-30T22:08:00.000+08:00

Photo courtesy of Karla

If the corporate world has coffee break, the educator's world has the so-called "tea break". Of course, I made the latter one up. Haha! Since Serenitea opened at Solenad 2 in Nuvali, my colleagues and I haven't stopped visiting the place. And if I'm not mistaken, the servers know us now by face. :))

Going to Serenitea doesn't only satisfy our craving for Okinawa milk tea; it's also an opportunity for us to bond even more. :)

Through the Years

2011-10-26T21:23:00.000+08:00

Remember the time when I was so into indie music? Fast forward to today, I have suddenly become interested again in listening to RnB or urban music. It all started when I came across Lil Wayne's How to Love while changing channels the other night. It was a little bit odd yet refreshing for me to hear him sing a "ballad" for he's best known as a rapper. I also appreciated the song's music video because it makes the viewers aware of the issues that greatly affect the life of most teenagers today. You may click the link above and feel free to share with me your thoughts or insights regarding it. ;)

Let's time travel as I present to you some of my favorite and most played RnB songs in my playlist, "Urban Mix":

Dilemma- Nelly ft. Kelly Rowland

A blast from the past! I was in my last year in grade school when this song became a hit in the music charts. There was a point when I recorded this song via a cassette player because downloading songs wasn't a fad at that time yet. ;) Dilemma may be 8 years old already (how time flies) but I will never get tired of listening to and singing along with it. I love this collaboration of Nelly and Kelly!

My Boo- Usher and Alicia Keys

2004 was the year of Usher and Alicia Keys. Their songs from their albums Confessions and the Diary of Alicia Keys respectively dominate the music charts. It was in my sophomore year in high school when My Boo became the most requested song in the radio station my bus mates and I frequently listen to. I wish they had a back to back concert here in the Philippines... as if papayagan ako na manood. Haha! They look good together in this music video, right? It's just sad they didn't end up together.

Hate that I Love You- Rihanna ft. Ne-Yo

College days! I was a freshman in college when I encountered Hate that I Love You. It's one of the songs that my blockmates used to play while waiting for our next class. I'm not a fan of Rihanna or Ne-Yo but in my honest opinion, they totally rocked this song. And can I just say that Rihanna's soooo sexy in this music video?

Superbass- Nicki Minaj

Oh yes. Your eyes aren't deceiving you. Nicki Minaj's Superbass is in my playlist and I dream of memorizing it and singing it without being bulol. Seryoso. :)) Now that I'm in the real world, this song becomes my friend when I check the papers of my enrichment program class because its catchy beat keeps me awake and entertained at the same time.

Thank you for sharing your precious time with me. Until my next blog post! :)

The Big Achievement

2011-10-17T01:23:00.003+08:00

*Photo taken last October 9, 2011 at SM Calamba parking lot*

Five months after I "graduated" from driving school, I finally "mastered" the art of parking the car properly. :)) Seeing the car parked right in the middle of the two white lines made me a happy kid. Yay! And I hope this photo will help me in convincing the elders to allow me to drive alone. :D

By the way, the guy beside the car is my dad. ;)

The Big Two-One

2011-10-16T23:31:00.002+08:00

My new life began last Thursday when I celebrated my 21st birthday. I thought it would be just an ordinary day and I told myself not to expect anything, but life can be sweet sometimes. It may be a rainy day but it was filled with sunshine and rainbows because of the greetings I received from the people I met along the way, and what they've done just to make my birthday extra special. To those who wrote on my Facebook wall, tweeted me on Twitter, sent me a text message, called me on my phone... thank youuuu!

Here are some snippets of my 21st birthday:

The preschool teachers gave this to me as soon as I entered the room. Got teary-eyed when I read the messages they wrote on the styro. They are so sweet!

What's inside the styro? OREO CHEESECAKE! Thank you so much Teachers Kaye, Serie, Mariel, and Kris! By the way, I'm keeping the styro. Sentimental reasons. ;)

This cake was given to me by the school staff. I was reviewing my grade 3 student on division with 2-3 divisors when Sir Ron suddenly opened the door and started singing "Happy Birthday!" (nagulat ako, literal haha!). Behind him was Teacher Portia, our directress, with a grade 1 student carrying the cake. The other teachers from the other room plus their students followed. They were all singing and clapping! I even saw Serie taking photos while I blow the candle. :p

Pizza played a major role on that day. I brought NY Classic, New York's Finest and Manhattan Meatlovers for everyone to savor. It felt so good to see my fellow teachers and the students enjoy my simple treat.

And the cherry on top? This simple card given to me by my grade 3 student. :D

No words can truly express how I feel. I feel lucky, blessed, overwhelmed, happy, grateful *insert all positive words here*. Thank you!!! You are all fantastic! One big hug! And yes, exclamation points are necessary. :D

The Note

2011-09-24T11:23:00.001+08:00

Believe it or not, this simple note brought me to tears.

Goodness, I'm getting so emotional right here and I don't know where I'm going with this. I just wanted to tell you that my afternoons won't be the same anymore. You have no idea how much you mean to me, really.

I will miss you.

Teh, good luck on your new life. You're right, it's never too late to change. And I'm looking forward to meeting a new you in the future.

On my way to believing

2011-09-24T09:37:00.000+08:00

"I've got a tight grip on reality but I can't let go of what's infront of me here... I know you're leaving in the morning when you wake up... leave me some kind of proof it's not dream..."

- The Only Exception by Paramore

Because They've Got the Moves Like Jagger

2011-09-17T15:05:00.000+08:00

Christina Aguilera is back with a collaboration with fellow judge (of the hit singing competition show, The Voice), the forever good looking, Adam Levine. ;) Moves Like Jagger is the new song that's on the loop on my player! Because of its funky beat, good vibes all the way. :)

In Black and White

2011-09-12T00:46:00.000+08:00

Isn't she ~~lovely~~ stunning? Emma Watson is an epitome of beauty and brains and class, and she's the perfect example of a role model. Even if she is busy with her commitments such as filming movies and modeling, studying is still on top of her priorities. Also, despite being famous, she never lets fame and fortune get in her head. She has become a woman of essence, and I find her truly fascinating when she begins to speak her mind and stand up for what she believes in. I really admire her and I'm pretty sure that a bright future awaits her. :)

Remembering 9/11

2011-09-11T03:07:00.002+08:00

Can you still remember what happened in New York on this very day ten years ago?

Then...

...and now.

I was only 10 years old then when I heard about two airplanes that crashed into the tallest buildings in the world, the World Trade Center, or most popularly known as the Twin Towers. I was able to see how the two airplanes caused chaos and fear in the busy streets of New York City. No, I wasn't there but I got to see that "goosebumps" moment because I saw it on TV. It was probably the saddest, the most shocking, and the most horrifying news at that time for the reason that every person I see on TV was crying, asking for help, looking for their missing loved one, and the like. Not only the Americans were greatly affected but the whole world in general. I remember Auntie Lucy and my Dad thought of Auntie Belen and Uncle Pomping who live in New York, and we prayed for their safety and the safety of others too (specially the ones who were in that particular area). I felt bad for the people who lost their loved ones... and yet proud of those who sacrificed their lives to help the others who were trapped in the debris of the buildings.

Yes, a decade has already passed but the memory is still alive in the hearts and memories of the people.

The second photo shows two blue lights that are being lit up every September 11. The Twin Towers used to stand on that place. On its 10th anniversary, I hear that these lights will be turned on for the last time.

In memory of the 9-11 victims, let's all have a moment of silence and offer a prayer for them and the family they have left behind.

*Photos retrieved from Google images*

The Three Musketeers

2011-09-11T00:56:00.003+08:00

Meet Hazel and Serie, my adventure buddies.

Time flies really fast. It has been a year since I met these two wonderful ladies. I love being around Hazel and Serie because I learn a gazillion of interesting things from them. We get to talk about anything under the sun--- from Harry Potter, arts, music, movies, celebrities, our life as teachers, food, photography... you name it! And what I like best about them is that they're always game for something fun and spontaneous, which is why whenever there's an opportunity (and when I get a go-signal from my aunt or my parents), we're off on that mini adventure.

So last August 29 (it's a holiday here in the Philippines) after a hearty lunch with my three favorite aunties at Little Asia, I went to Eastwood to meet up with Hazel and Serie. They came all the way from Laguna to seek adventure in one of the most beautiful leisure places in the metro.

As soon as they arrived at our meeting place, we went straight to Happy Lemon, a store that serves the yummiest beverages with a twist. Who would have thought that rock salt and cheese could make a simple green tea taste like heaven? And did you know that Yakult would taste even better when combined with lemon? And what's the taste of Oreo cookies mixed with cream coffee? Well, if you're getting more curious about Happy Lemon, click here.

Happy Lemon can literally make you happy! Serie and I ordered Milk Tea and Black Pearl while Hazel tried Green Tea with Rock Salt and Cheese. Yes, they're that good! We will try Lemon Yakult when we get back.

Also introduced them to Golden Spoon. They were impressed because the yogurt tasted like ice cream. And did I mention that I got mine for free because there was a promo at that time? Coolness!

I end this blog by sharing with you the lovely photos I "stole with permission" from Serie. ;)

P.S. To Hazel and Serie, just in case you come across this blog, I'm looking forward to having more fun adventures with you both! Round 3 soon, okay? :)

The Gloomy Saturday

2011-08-27T16:14:00.008+08:00

"My heart's a stereo, it beats for you so listen close. Hear my thoughts in every note... This melody was meant for you." :)

-Stereo Hearts by Gym Class Heroes ft. Adam Levine of Maroon 5

It has been raining here in Laguna since morning and I'd like to assume that it's also raining in Manila because some of my friends' tweets are all about asking the rain to go away, for they already made plans for the long weekend. I know how it feels when something you've been planning for a long time has to be canceled just because of the gloomy weather. Oh well. Let's just pray and hope that the typhoon responsible for this rain goes out of the Philippine area sooner.

Stay safe everyone and enjoy the long weekend! :)

Hello There, Teacher!

2011-08-24T21:54:00.030+08:00

It's just a simple paper with doodles for some people. Maybe, the child got bored and had nothing to do that's why he wrote the numbers 1-8, and at the back of the paper, he drew seven sticks with circles... plus a pink box with a flower on top. But when you are a teacher in the preschool setting, this piece of paper means something more because every child's drawing has a story behind it.

Today, I got a surprise from two preschool kids and it's not even my birthday. Our enrichment program for the day had just ended and they were only waiting for their sundo. They saw my colored pens lying around the table and a piece of paper on a chair so they decided to draw. While checking the papers and organizing my things, one of them asked about my age then my birthday (trivia: one of them thought I was eight years old). I told them that my birthday is in October and no, I'm not eight years old. They continued drawing until Student 1 said, "Teacher, what color of cake do you like?" I said pink and ta-daaaah, they showed this to me:

Surprise! Well, friends, according to them, this is my birthday party. The pink box with the flower on top is my birthday cake. And I assume that the eight sticks with circles are balloons. How sweet of them!

For me, this simple piece of paper is worth keeping.

I can honestly say that teaching is not an easy task because I have to come up with bright ideas to be able to meet the standards and people's expectations of me. And I tell you that I have the days when I feel like giving up because I think I'm not giving my best. But when I see the kids, when I hear their awesome comments, when I have funny conversations with them, when they are happy to see me, and when they hug me, I change my mind. I'm more motivated to work harder and I strive to be stronger and braver. These kids can really brighten up my mornings and I forget about the things that somehow bring me down.

Some people tell me that there's no money in teaching but the hugs, the smiles, the unexpected presents, and the greetings that we get everyday are enough to make us feel like billionaires. We receive complements like "Teacher, you're beautiful!" and "I like your dress, teacher!", most specially on days when we feel like crap or ugly. Hearing these words from them never fail to make our hearts jump for joy and dance like a ballerina. Haha! Iba talaga ang pakiramdam at nakakatuwang isipin na maganda ka pala para sa kanila. And might I add, I'm sure we all feel like we're the happiest person on this planet once our little kiddos already know how to read the alphabet, identify the letter sounds, read, and sing a song on their own. Or when they achieved something great. Haay, it's truly fulfilling! The rewards that we get are totally priceless. :)

P.S. Just to clarify, the grades 7 and 9 students in my previous blog are in my tutorial class in the afternoon.

The Detour

2011-08-13T11:15:00.009+08:00

I'm no good in math. In fact, it has been my waterloo since my grade school years. I am not friends with numbers and problem solving, and we have never had a great time together. I don't like solving equations and computing because they just give me headache. Having said this, I'd like to believe that I was born for the creative side and not for the analytical side.

But I guess God has a funny way of putting some twists and turns in our lives to make it more interesting.

Now that I'm teaching, my relationship with math has gone to the next level. Never would I have thought in my wildest dreams that I would teach math to my students. Grades 7 and 9 math to be exact. I remember, as a high school student, I cried over geometry because I got a low grade in my card. I never understood a single thing, no matter how much I tried studying until the wee hours of the morning just to prove why this figure is congruent to this figure... why a right triangle is a right triangle... things like that. Geometry and I broke up as soon as my junior year finished. But we're back together again. Bittersweet, isn't it?

I spent the week browsing through all the grade 7 books I found in our school's bookshelf and visiting different sites (yay for those that provide an answer key) in the world wide web to enlighten me on topics such as area, surface area, volume, and perimeter. My calculator and my iPod have always been by my side since Monday. Books, fillers, pens, scratch papers, chocolate wrappers and my notebook were all over my table. I felt like a student again.

With this experience, I learned two things: we don't always get what we want and God has a plan for everyone. Most of the time, we choose the path where we can carry less burden and feel care free. Easy-going. Happy-go-lucky. But sometimes, things that we don't want or expect to happen just happen. They may make us feel fearful but in time we will understand why they had to come into our lives. Maybe, this is God's way for us to overcome our fears and weaknesses. We may have to make little sacrifices but keep in mind that, quoting Bianca, "it all works out for the best in the end". God knows what is best for us. Trust and believe.

Studying geometry (trigonometry is next in line) is definitely challenging but I won't give up because I know I can do it. And yes, I'm beginning to appreciate math now. :)

On the Loop

2011-08-12T20:50:00.001+08:00

If you're a regular reader of this blog (hahaha feeling!), you can tell how much I adore Filipino bands that make nice music. So tonight, I'm updating my "Proud to be Pinay" playlist by adding new songs from Up Dharma Down, Pupil, and Imago.

Indak by Up Dharma Down

Nothing beats to Armi Millare's soothing and captivating voice. Up Dharma Down is Up Dharma Down! I guess I have to agree with someone who said, "I told you, UDD came from a different universe". ;) I feel so lucky because I was given an opportunity to watch them perform live (and it was for free!) at DLSU during my last year as a college student.

20/20 by Pupil

Pupil's music is getting better as years go by. With Ely Buendia (the former vocalist of the Eraserheads) on vocals, Yan Yuzon (he's the brother of Yael, the vocalist of Spongecola) on lead guitars, Dok Sergio on bass, and Wendell Garcia on drums, I'm sure this band will go places. I won't be surprised if I'll see them on international charts one day. Check out the video too. It's refreshing to see an empty EDSA... no cars and no traffic at all.

Ang Huling Yakap ng Mundo by Imago

In my honest opinion, Imago is a versatile band. Imago has shown its versatility not only through the music it makes but through the music videos as well. And can I just say that Aia is so pretty in this music video?

Hey Daydreamer by Somedaydream

There's one solo artist who made it to my playlist and he's none other than Somedaydream also known as Rez Toledo. He's been making waves in the music industry for quite some time now. I think that Hey Daydreamer is a lovely song and the music video is so cute!

Happy weekend! :)

It's Monday Again

2011-08-08T01:23:00.008+08:00

Chase that Monday blues away. Start the day right. Smile! :)

Last Friday Night

2011-08-07T20:22:00.022+08:00

July 29, 2011- Rushed to Alabang Town Center after my last class to watch Deathly Hallows Part 2 with my bestfriend, Margaret. Felt so worried that time because both of us were still on our way, and the movie starts in thirty minutes. Made a "pact" that whoever comes first will buy the ticket. :)) Good thing she arrived earlier than me so she was able to see the part where Harry, Ron and Hermione talked to Griphook and Mr. Ollivander. ;) Was a little bit late and even though I missed those parts, it's okay. It was my second round after all.

The movie is superb and the interpretation of David Yates is almost close to the book. The scenes wherein the trio got stuck inside Bellatrix Lestrange's vault at Gringotts, the mad yet brilliant idea of Hermione so they could go out of the vault, the the most-awaited kiss of Ron and Hermione, and the battle at Hogwarts left us breathless. But what really touched us is Snape's story. Who would have thought that behind that long black greasy hair and intimidating facade is a loyal, loving, and brave man?

After watching the movie, Margaret and I lined up for a cup of Serenitea. The line was much, much longer than the usual so we got to catch up and share our experiences in school while waiting for our turn. She ordered Hokkaido while I opted for Okinawa. I can't wait for her review on this awesome drink on her blog! :p

By the way, check out our names in the cup. The girl who served us (if I'm not mistaken she's the manager) heard my name and wrote my name right (yay!) but otherwise for Margaret. We don't blame her though. She might have been serving the moviegoers since the mall opened in the morning.

(Margaret's new name is Markel)

(Finally!)

Of course, the night won't be complete without the Kodak moments!

(Bakit nga ba ako tumatawa ng bongga dito? Haha!)

We were supposed to eat dinner but unfortunately most of the restaurants were closed (the movie ended at past 10pm) so we decided to eat at McDonald's at a gas station in SLEX, but changed our minds when we saw Yellowcab.

Finished the chicken alfredo pasta and left only two pieces of 14 inch New York Classic pizza as soon as we got home. Yes, we were that hungry! :)) It was a late dinner but still! Margaret had her nth sleepover in our house. :p Went to bed with a happy and contented feeling. Nabusog kami sa food at nabusog din sa kwento. ;)

All these combined together, I can proudly say, mischief managed. :)

And if in case the most abstract of colors fades away, I'll still be thankful for you each day...

2011-08-07T19:37:00.003+08:00

Spongecola is back with its latest single, Regal. So far, this is the most beautiful song the band has ever written and the most heartfelt one. :)

Going Indie

2011-07-22T21:16:00.008+08:00

A couple of weeks ago, I made a playlist on my iTunes entitled "It's Time to Burn Some Eyebrows" to inspire me when I study, or when I work on my students' worksheets and other activities. My playlist includes the music of Dashboard Confessionals, The Script, Maroon5, Yellowcard, Hellogoodbye, and some songs from movie soundtracks (500 Days of Summer, Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist, and Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging) which are mostly indie. Because most of the songs in this playlist are upbeat, I haven't had the sleepy feeling yet whenever it's on the loop. The pumping music keeps me alive and kickin'. So far so good. ;)

This playlist somehow helped me appreciate indie music more. It's not something that I hear everyday so listening to indie music is refreshing in a way. So for today, for a change, let's pave a way to the indies! Allow me to share with you some of the indie songs that are in my playlist:

Sugar Mouse by Oh, Atoms!

Baby, It's Fact by Hellogoodbye

Here Comes Your Man by Meaghan Smith

These songs remind me of summer, rainbows, lollipops, big smiles and any thing that attracts positive vibes. Happy weekend everyone! :)

Finding happiness in a cup of tea

2011-07-17T19:58:00.014+08:00

Can you imagine how happy I was when I finally got the chance to drink a cup of Serenitea? Some of you may think this is way too odd to be this happy or mababaw but this is how I roll. ;) Anyway, I've always wanted to try a cup of tea from Serenitea since I heard good feed backs from some friends and colleagues. But for some unknown reason, I never had the opportunity to drop by its stall at Alabang Town Center until yesterday. Just like the latest Harry Potter movie, I realized that it's also a blockbuster hit among the old and young alike because they don't mind falling in line and waiting patiently for their turn to order their favorite Serenitea.

Because it was my first time, I wasn't familiar with the tea selection so I tried Hokkaido, one of the store's bestsellers, and it was really, really good. It didn't only satisfy my craving but it also gave me a peaceful and relaxing feeling while taking a sip. Certainly, it's not your ordinary cup of tea. :)

Oh, by the way, check out my name on the cup. It's misspelled again. :p

*Haven't tried it yet? Visit the Serenitea branches located at San Juan (Greenhills), Banawe in Quezon City, B.F. Homes and Alabang Town Center*

It Never Gets Old

2011-07-15T21:44:00.004+08:00

There is something special with this Eraserheads' classic, With a Smile.

It may be more than "a decade years old" already but I never get tired of listening to it. I must say, when it comes to original Filipino music, nothing compares to this song in terms of making someone feel a little bit better, most specially if he or she is having a bad day. So, if by any chance you are feeling down today, this one is definitely for you. :)

The Dreamer

2011-07-09T14:06:00.019+08:00

I have a new addition to the "places I want to visit someday" list and it's none other than the charming city of Prague. I was reading Patty Laurel's blog the other night and I got hooked by her recent blog post. She is definitely the best example of a jet-setter because at the very young age of 28, she has been to 28 countries already! Beat that. She has traveled all her life and the experiences/learning that she gained from traveling are truly inspiring and quite interesting.

Patty's 28th destination is in Czech Republic... a place in Europe where one can see "beautifully restored buildings" which are influenced by "Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque" periods. I think it will be a huge crime if you don't bring your camera with you too once you step foot in Prague. I can't blame Patty for taking photos of random buildings while walking around the city because they're indeed beautiful!

Now, I'm spamming you with the photos I found on Google:

They say that Prague is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and I couldn't agree more. I admire their government and its citizens for restoring these ancient buildings (and I hear that some of them have been transformed into hotels and restaurants) so that people who come to Prague will not only enjoy their stay but also learn about its history. Haay, I hope we (Philippine government plus us---the extraordinary and cool citizens of the Philippines :D) also exert extra effort in restoring the buildings that have lived since the Spanish era. When will our country become like this? I wonder.

Prague, see you soon! I look forward to having my own one-of-a-kind adventures in this lovely city. And last but not the least, please visit Patty's awesome blog. You'll really learn a lot from her. :)

For Baby Rose

2011-07-03T15:49:00.005+08:00

I've always been a fan of Ron and Hermione's team-up, even if they fight like cats and dogs most of the time. I'm sure I've said this before and I hope you don't mind if I say it again: they're really my favorite couple in the wizarding world and I'm so happy they ended up together. :)

And it all ends here

2011-07-01T19:41:00.002+08:00

Fourteen days to go before the big day! I know we are all excited to see the second part of the Deathly Hallows once it hits the cinemas on July 15 (it's also the birthday of my college friend, Maryse, who happens to be big fan of Harry Potter too!). The trailer itself is so enticing and I can't help but wonder how Harry will defeat the darkest and most powerful wizard of all time on their final battle. I'm sure this is going to be epic and remarkable. David Yates has done a good job on the first one. I hope the second one is as good, if not much better. :)

But if I tell the world, I'll never say enough 'cause it was not said to you

2011-06-24T22:02:00.007+08:00

Adele's Chasing Pavements is one of the perfect songs to listen to on a rainy day. Her calm voice is very relaxing and it's like candy to the ears. And I think it's best paired with a cup of hot chocolate topped with marshmallows. Yummy! Enjoy the music video and stay safe everyone. :)

Meanwhile... recently, I've been receiving sweet messages from the people who read my blog. Let me take this opportunity to thank all of you. Your messages really mean a lot to me. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! One big hug! :)

How the Rain Made Me Feel Like I'm a Big Girl

2011-06-24T21:51:00.001+08:00

Today has been an adventure I will never ever forget. For the very first time in my entire life, I took public transportation and braved the strong winds and heavy rain. I didn't know what psyched me to commute on my own with this kind of weather. As a matter of fact, our family driver was just a call away but I decided not to call him. Of all days, today was the day when I felt adventurous.

My adventure started with riding a tricycle. I rode a tricycle to take me to the terminal. On the way, I prayed for only three things: 1. Make the rain "rest" even only for a while 2. Not be late for my tutorial sessions 3. Let this be a safe trip. It was raining hard when I arrived at the terminal and I was fortunate enough to find an empty jeepney going to my destination. I wasn't expecting this because I heard from my friends who commute that looking for a jeepney on rainy days is quite difficult. However, in my case, it's the other way around. Good thing. After thirty minutes, I was already at the workplace, feeling safe, happy, independent and brave in a way. I got wet, yes, but it's okay.

Do I regret it? No. :) For me, what I experienced today is something worth sharing. I guess I have finally moved out of my comfort zone and I'm no longer that afraid to try out something new. I'm taking my "adventurous self" to the next level, slowly but surely. Having said this, I am proud to say that I'm a big girl now. ;)

And oh, before I forget, just in case you're wondering... I didn't drive because the car that I'm using is still at the auto clinic and it's scheduled to be picked up on Monday. :)

The Blue Nails

2011-06-03T18:26:00.006+08:00

Summer is about to end and I wanted to do something different so when Ate Rina, our family's manicurist-pedicurist, dropped by our house last Monday, I asked her if she could paint my nails. After all, it has been three years since the last time I put some "color and life" on my nails. It took us a while in choosing which nail polish to put before we settled for blue.

I'm not a fan of nail polish (and my friends can attest to this) but I realized that my nails deserve to look pretty/dainty sometimes. ;)

A Maroon 5 Playlist

2011-05-23T23:12:00.004+08:00

Since I wasn't able to buy a ticket for Maroon 5's concert tonight, I looked for the band's videos (singing live) on Youtube. And then I'll imagine I'm at the concert venue too. ;)

Give a Little More and Misery

She Will be Loved plus a "bonus" in the end

Stutter and This Love

I hope they come back again soon. Next year, perhaps? I've been dreaming of seeing and meeting (wishful thinking) them in person. ;)

Thank Bro, We're Still Alive and Breathing

2011-05-22T00:17:00.001+08:00

“Today is a special day and I’ll tell you why later”. This line was immortalized by a professor I once had when I was still a college freshman. He became famous for using this line as his way of greeting his students before starting the lecture or lesson for the day. We never knew the reason behind it until our last day of regular class, when he finally shared. I cannot really remember the exact words but what he said goes like this:

Today is a special day because every day is a day that you will never have again

Yesterday, a childhood friend surprised me when she asked about my stand on “May 21 Doomsday”. It didn’t ring a bell at first but then I suddenly remembered the one article I read on the newspaper some days ago. A lot of people have been predicting that May 21 is The Day since the occurrence of natural calamities such as floods, earthquakes, tsunamis, and tornadoes recently. I paused for a while and stared at my laptop screen for about five or ten minutes, just thinking of an answer. After “reflecting” with myself, I responded to my childhood friend and we started a meaningful conversation out of it.

We spend too much of our time over-analyzing and worrying about things that don’t matter at all. Perhaps, these natural disasters occur because the Big Guy above wants to remind us to change our ways. No one really knows the end of the world, even the Bible. So why don’t we take a deep breath and think of happy thoughts, do something good or count our blessings instead?

Our life is too short to be unhappy, worried, *insert all the negative adjectives you can think of here*. Just like what our professor said, each day is a special day so we should seize every opportunity we get. At least, when The Day comes, we regret nothing because we know we lived our life to the fullest. :)

I Can't Lie

2011-05-19T23:43:00.008+08:00

It's definitely one of my favorite songs from Maroon 5's latest album, Hands All Over. It's been on loop for the nth time today. Happy listening! :p

The Beginning of a Happily Ever After

2011-05-19T22:34:00.012+08:00

It's an honor to be a part of Teacher Portia and Sir Ron's wedding last Sunday. After two or more years of being in a relationship (they're college sweethearts, if I'm not mistaken), they finally decided to tie the knot and settle for good. I'm glad I was able to share this special moment with them. It's the grandest wedding celebration I have ever attended so far, and I think it's the Filipino counterpart of the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton. The wedding was held at St. Therese in Lipa, Batangas.

This was taken before the start of the mass. As you can clearly see, we (except the guys, of course) were all wearing that cute purple headbands. The guy beside me is Sir Ron, the groom. By the way, they told me I looked like a flower girl because of my outfit. Haha!

Everyone was excited to see the wedding march. We were all smiling from ear to ear as the entourage walked down the aisle. When it was Teacher Portia's turn, the church's doors opened while her favorite song Dream was being played, and all eyes were on her. She was the most beautiful woman that day. She started to shed tears of joy when she entered the church and began walking. The guests (especially her sisters) and my fellow colleagues wiped their tears while I only got goosebumps as she approached the altar.

Unfortunately, we weren't able to witness the wedding vows because we had to rush immediately to the reception venue (Blue Roze, also in Lipa, Batangas) to finish the tasks that Teacher Portia and Sir Ron assigned to us. We checked on the sitting arrangement, the food, the cake, the names of the guests, the sound system, the souvenirs and the like. We had our "mini-pictorial" after accomplishing our tasks since we won't be able to do it once the newlyweds and their guests arrive. Here are some of our photos I got from Teacher Serie's camera:

We spent the night also at Blue Roze because the celebration ended at around past 8pm. Teacher Portia and Sir Ron considered the fact that we're all living in Laguna and it would be unsafe for us to go home late so they booked a cottage for us. There we also met their friends way back from college. It was fun! May 15, 2011 will always be remembered.

And that's all! Until my next blog post! :)

*All photos from Teacher Serie*

It's crazy!

2011-05-11T19:37:00.008+08:00

(Crazy for Crazy Bands: April 19, 2011)

When I first laid my eyes on these crazy bands, I remember telling myself that I shall buy a pack if I have some extra money in my wallet. They are colorful and they come in different shapes, enough to make them so attractive not only to kids but to kids-at-heart as well. Imagine the happy look on my face when I finally bought three packs of crazy bands some weeks ago. I was like a five year old girl whose eyes were sparkling with amazement as I show them off to my aunt. They are totally hip that why I like them.

Crazy bands have been a part of my casual attire since that one fateful day.

Meanwhile, speaking of crazy bands, let me take this opportunity to share a little something. I used to wear these (sometimes) at driving school and I noticed that my teacher seemed so interested in them. On my second to the last day, I told him to get one and he got the other number one. It's my way of saying "thank you" and letting him feel how much I appreciate his effort and patience in teaching me how to drive. If not because of him, I will not be able to learn so many things about driving. Unfortunately, I'm not sure if he's going to be my teacher on the last day. I wish I had said it personally. So Teacher B, if you come across this blog, thank you! :)

The Bieber Fever

2011-05-10T14:10:00.010+08:00

Justin Bieber is here! The Canadian teen heartthrob has finally arrived in the Philippine shores. Everyone’s tweeting about his much-awaited arrival and some say they are too excited to see him perform live on stage. I’m sure a huge number of tween girls will dominate the concert venue tonight. And most probably sing their hearts out and confess their undying love to Justin. ;)

To be honest, I’m not a fan of Justin Bieber but I admire this young man. I was able to see his Never Say Never movie slash documentary on the silver screen and I realized that he’s one talented person. He only wants to share his passion for music and fulfill his big dreams. My perception on him has changed since I watched it. I don’t think he deserves all the hate and the negative criticisms he gets from some people. Nonetheless, these are part of his profession and I have to keep reminding myself that it’s not easy to please everybody. We are entitled to express our own opinions and we shall respect them. That’s life.

I end this post by leaving a music video of Justin’s phenomenal song, Baby. Oh, by the way, did you know that the girl in this music video is a Filipina? Amazing.

Don't be shy to sing your hearts out too, okay? ;)

Gotta Get Down on Friday

2011-05-02T22:36:00.018+08:00

My high school friends and I thought about having dinner together one day on Twitter because it has been five months since the last time we last saw each other. I'm quite close to my high school batch mates for the reason that we're only 37. St. Scho- Westgrove was only a small school then, so having one batch per grade or year level was understandable. My four years in high school was a blast because of them.

Okay, my last sentence in the first paragraph sounds cheesy so before I get carried away, let me share with you what I did last Friday night with the Humblebees.

Everyone was invited but only a few of us came. It was only me, Vianne, Patcha and Karina responded to the invitation. It was ironic that the ones who organized this dinner weren't able to come. Well, they gave us valid reasons but still! :)) We met at Starbucks in Paseo de Sta. Rosa then went to Yellowcab after where we ate dinner. By the way, it's the most unique Yellowcab branch I have ever seen.

I learned about a lot of things from them. We reminisced our good old high school days , our present lives and our plans for the future. We also shared our experiences in college, job hunting, job interviews, and of course work. They make me so proud! Gosh, that night, I felt so grown up. Haha!

Joy came all the way from Makati just to be with us. She wasn't able to join us for dinner though. She arrived when we were about to leave Yellowcab. Good thing she made it.

In general, it was a super fun night. It was nice catching up with these girls. There's never a dull moment whenever I'm with them. I look forward to our next get-together and I hope to see everyone. :)

Downtown Manila

2011-04-27T22:52:00.017+08:00

Spent an afternoon all by myself in Quiapo, Manila today! Ate Rosie (our super loyal kasambahay) was in Ong Pin, buying goods for our store while Tatay Boy (our family driver) chose to stay at a dental supplies store somewhere in Platerias Street. So instead of waiting inside the car, I decided to go out on a mini adventure. It was a wise decision because I had a great time wandering around the streets of Carriedo on my own, feeling like a tourist exploring a foreign land. It was scorching hot but the summer heat didn't stop me from looking at the interesting stuff the vendors sell. Carriedo, I realized, is a "one-stop shop" for it has everything a person needs in his or her everyday life--- from batteries, appliances, fruits, kitchen tools, clothes, bags, fashion jewelry, you name it!

Was on my way to the dental supplies store to meet Ate Rosie and Tatay Boy when these funky rings caught my attention. I went gaga when the saleslady told me that each ring costs Php30 only. It was like love at first sight, so I bought six pieces. I even got a discount from her! ;)

Didn't get the chance to drop by Quiapo church though, due to the lack of time. I used to go there with Auntie Lucy before and I plan to do it again some time.

So if you're looking for some amazing finds that are budget friendly, you can always go to Quiapo. I'm sure you will have a blast, as much as I did. And oh, on a friendly note, remember to keep all your valuables such as phone and wallet close to you and be alert at all times. :)

The Taft Adventure

2011-04-24T17:33:00.034+08:00

I felt like a student again when I went back to DLSU last March 24. Classes were over at the school where I work so I had the time to visit my alma mater. I took the chance to check out the newly renovated cybernook inside the library at SJ building and I find it amazing! It has changed a lot since I graduated and I wish Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf was already there during my last year as a college student. The computers have leveled up too! No wonder why it's so crowded when I arrived. Cybernook is definitely the place to be where the students can study without distractions. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to take snapshots because I was shy. HAHA.

Walked on the school's halls once again. Maggie said I don't look a like an alumnae because I blend in with the students. Speaking of blending in, during my visit, it was the last day of voting for the new set of student council officers and someone from Santugon and Tapat, the two socio-political organizations in the university, asked me if I already voted. Kinilig naman ako. ;)

Was surprised to see the walls of the walkway between the CLA and COE buildings painted with murals. And if you're wondering about the thing covered in gray clothing, that's a solar car. If I'm not mistaken, some students from the engineering department are developing a new solar car and they're going to present it abroad and represent our country. How awesome is that?

Got to see the current situation of the football field too. And it broke my heart.

My trip to Taft wouldn't be complete without Maggie. She's also one of the reasons why I decided to drop by DLSU. She was so busy with her school requirements at that time but she spent her four-hour break just to be with me (she's the sweetest best friend!). She showed me the new University Mall. It looks like a safe place now unlike before.

Cerealicious is making a comeback via the University Mall. It was located at Sherwood when I was still a frosh but it closed due to some unknown reason. Maggie and I didn't have second thoughts when we saw it right infront of us. We eventually went inside and ordered food. And did I mention that we were the second customers to enter the establishment? It happened to be their opening day and I'm glad we're part of it.

What I love about Cerealicious is its innovativeness when it comes to mixing our favorite breakfast cereals with treats such as fruits, sprinkles, candies and the like. You may click this link if you want to see the menu. Anyway, I enjoyed my Harry Butter, Finger of Azkaban while Maggie had her I-rone Man.

Went to Noriter Cafe after. I stayed in Taft for three years but I've never been to Noriter... until that day. This humble cafe along Taft Avenue serves the best treats in town! Plus, a number of students come over to this place to study because its homey ambience is conducive to learning.

A former classmate in history class once told me that guests were allowed to write on the walls. However, the management decided not to do this anymore. So they thought about collecting coffee cups and encouraged the students to express their feeling through writing, drawing or painting on them.

Seeing this made me realize that styro cups look good as decorations. And we're also helping Mother Earth. What an excellent idea, right?

By the way, I satisfied my craving for blueberry cheesecake by ordering a slice of it. Heaven!

When Ate Rosie sent me a text message saying that they're near DLSU, Maggie and I returned to the campus. While waiting for my sundo, I used the remaining time to convince her to study for her next class because her professor's going to give them a quiz. HAHA. Unfortunately, my convincing power wasn't that effective. Well, I have faith in her. I'm sure she did a good job.

I agree with Bianca Gonzalez when she said that "going back to school is refreshing and inspiring". I wish I would have more time to explore my second home and hopefully catch up with familiar people.

Happy Easter and Animo La Salle!!! :)

P.S. Maggie wrote a super sweet post. Click here to read. :)

The Ultimate Roadtrip

2011-04-19T11:38:00.027+08:00

The latest issue of Candy magazine has inspired me. I've been a Candy girl for four years already and the April issue is my favorite so far. I love the feature on summer clothes, food (being a foodie, I would love to try some of Happy Lemon's "quirky yet creative combinations" and Empire's cheesecake balls), skin care, do-it-yourself summer projects and of course, Macy Alcaraz' Hello, Miss Independent article.

The article made me realize that I've been living the life of Blair Waldorf (minus the fashionable clothes and social life) and of a princess. For instance, I go to work being driven around by our family driver everyday and someone cleans my room if I'm not in the mood to fix my things. In addition, I don't know my way around the kitchen yet. Knock on the wood, but what if one day, these people who help our family go on vacation? I'm helpless.

Two weeks ago, I took the initiative to visit a driving school to inquire. I talked to my parents and aunt about it and some days later, I enrolled. My driving class started Wednesday last week, and I felt so nervous when my teacher asked me to sit on the driver's seat. He introduced me to the pedals and other car accessories first before the actual hands-on experience. I learned how to switch on and off the car, move forward and backward, turn left and right, drive up and down, and the like. First day was so-so but the following days were fine.

Yes, I know how to drive now but I'm not yet good enough.

Last night, I had my night driving session (it's part of the requirement) and it was an adventure I will never forget! This was the time when I became so talkative. I talked to my teacher for two hours, and it's non-stop! We were able to talk about a lot of things--- from music, kinds of iPod, iPad, school, family, celebrities... you name it. We reached Los Banos, Laguna, with me being in-charge of the hand wheel. It's the farthest I've ever traveled since I started driving. In my honest opinion, it's an achievement! I'm glad I have a very patient, supportive and cool teacher. He's like a kuya to me too. I think that's a bonus.

I'm looking forward to having more exciting driving classes, whether they'd be on a day or night. I don't want to think about the last day yet because it'll only make me feel sad. I wish it would be longer though. On the brighter side, I'll make the most out of my last 10 hours in driving school. Also, I'll remember everything that teacher taught me and improve what needs to be improved so I could make him happy and proud of me.

By the way, were you able to see the moon last night? My friend described it as a "cheese ball" because it was so big, round and orange. I was mesmerized by its beauty and it looked so magical. Kudos to my friend, Icca, who took this photo.

Anyway, I wonder where we are going today. Can't wait for our next roadtrip! ;)

Gone Too Soon

2011-04-17T15:31:00.007+08:00

Life is indeed too short.

When I opened my Twitter this morning, I had no idea why people keep tweeting "Rest in peace AJ Perez" and "Let's pray for AJ and his family". I thought it was a joke, but I was wrong. I got so shocked when I read an article about his untimely death on Yahoo Philippines. According to the news, the van they were riding collided with a truck and a bus, and he suffered multiple head injuries. He passed away at 12:20am today. He was 18.

I was supposed to write about something else but I changed my mind and decided to dedicate this post to AJ.

AJ was a good model to the youth. Unlike the other young actors his age, he didn't stop studying so he could focus more on his rising career. Instead, he juggled his studies and his priorities in the field of entertainment. It was hard but he was able to manage. As a matter of fact, he recently graduated from high school. His parents and loved ones must be very proud of him.

(This photo taken two years ago, when my friends from College of Business and Economic in DLSU went to a studio in ABS-CBN. AJ was the one wearing the pink and black striped shirt, sitting beside the host, Mariel Rodriguez)

To AJ, wherever you are, I know you're happy. I know you're Home. We will miss you. :'(

P.S. AJ's wake will be at La Salle Greenhills Shrine, staring today until Tuesday, April 19.

It's summertime!

2011-04-11T19:25:00.013+08:00

I think this summer is my summer. A week after I received the Bohol trip invitation, I got another one this time from my college friends, who have been sending me messages via Facebook, to inform me about our sweet summer escapade. I went on internet hiatus for one day and when I came back to cyberspace, my notifications on Facebook were filled with messages from them. God knows how much I want this summer to be different so I guess this is His way of fulfilling my dream.

I clicked on the link that they sent me and it's such a nice place. It's at Capones Vista Beach Resort in Zambales and I'm sure whoever loves the beach will also love this "paradise." I found out that this beach resort offers a lot, making it an ideal place for everyone. It can be the haven for nature lovers, adventure seekers or those who simply want to unwind. Let me share with you some photos I found from the beach resort's website and Google images:

Top view of the beach resort. Isn't it lovely? And look at the water! Swimming in this clear and blue water would be fun, fun, fun!

Overlooking the Capones Island. I wonder if island hopping is a part of my friends' agenda. Knowing them, they would probably include it in the list of activities. ;)

Nothing beats the view of sunset. It's so romantic and beautiful. A sunset like this would probably inspire you to get that notebook and pen (or if you're the techie type, bring your laptop) and write something.

For the second time, my dad and aunt allowed me to go when I told them about this. My mom wants me to join my friends too as she insists that this is going to be a new learning experience for me. I feel so lucky, indeed! Now I'm torn between Bohol and Zambales. I hope I make a good and wise decision. ;)

Can't get over these kids

2011-04-09T01:32:00.010+08:00

The newest commercial of McDonald's is so charming! I stop whatever I'm doing whenever it airs on TV. The little boy definitely impressed me when he said that "girlfriends are demanding". I know it's just a part of the script but still... I wonder if kids his age will say the same thing also. Well, I'll observe and let you know about it. :p

And here's another thing. The commercial made me realize that when it comes to love, height or age doesn't really matter at all. :D

Want over need?

2011-04-08T23:33:00.013+08:00

I literally jumped after reading the text message sent by someone dear to me the other day. She was inviting those who are also dear to her to join her and her husband-to-be in a trip in Bohol (I feel so honored and humbled to receive such invitation from her, really). I've never been to Bohol and I hear it's an interesting place to visit. My knowledge on Bohol is only limited to chocolate hills, one of the famous tourist attractions in the country (AND I wouldn't know this information had elementary history books have not included it in the chapter where land forms are being discussed haha). To know more about Bohol, I researched and here's what I found out:

The tourists have a hard time choosing which places to see and visit because Bohol has a lot to offer. A week isn't enough to explore this island and if you plan to extend your stay, you should have a bigger budget.

I already asked permission from my dad and aunt and to my surprise they both agreed. This is something new and I feel so thankful because they're allowing me. This would have been my first trip outside Luzon, without them or without a chaperon. However, the total amount of money to spend is way too expensive! Anyway, I'm sharing with you some photos of the tourist attractions in Bohol, which I want to see in the future:

My trip to Bohol wouldn't be complete if I don't check these out. It's called chocolate hills because it turns brown at the end of the dry season. Fascinating, right? They're located in the town of Carmen.

Because it's summer season in the Philippines, dropping by the beach is a good idea. I'd love to go to Panglao, which is the home of many beach resorts, to make sand castles, walk on its white sand, collect sea shells, have a bonfire party with friends and of course swim in the clear blue water.

Upon reading its description, Baclayon reminded me of San Agustin Church in Intramuros, Manila because it has a museum too and it's an old church. The same goes to Loboc. Visiting old places is fascinating for me, for some reason.

I've always dreamed of seeing tarsiers! Who wouldn't want to see these adorable animals? There's a tarsier sanctuary in Corella and I'm eager to see them in their natural habitat.

Researching on the places to visit in Bohol and looking at the photos gave me more reasons to say yes and "go for it". Like I told you, my dad and aunt have given me the blessing so the final decision is up to me. I'm still having second thoughts though. Haay, I guess I must put my Canon camera dream away for the moment. ;)

Thought for the day

2011-04-07T00:11:00.008+08:00

Let's make this world a happy place. :)

Love Yourself

2011-04-05T13:00:00.004+08:00

I love the message of this song! When you listen to it, you don't have to read between the lines to understand what it's trying to imply. You don't have to change yourself so that other people will appreciate you. Prove whoever says you're not pretty or beautiful, has no potential or can't be the best, wrong. Never let all the negative things you hear about yourself bring you down. Love yourself. :)

P.S. I also love Selena's natural look on this video. She's so pretty! :)

This crazy little feeling

2011-04-04T18:19:00.007+08:00

There is always that one special person we will never ever forget, no matter how long it has been, because he or she has made a big impact in our lives. Whenever we reminisce our good old days and this special person comes to mind, admit it or not, our smiles become wider and our hearts beat a little bit faster.

Last week, I watched this Thai movie entitled, A Crazy Little Thing Called Love, out of curiosity (here I go again haha). I don't watch Thai movies because they never interest me. However, this one caught my attention because my friends say nice things about it and it's all over Tumblr!

This movie brings back a lot of memories--- gradeschool and highschool memories in particular. The story may be simple but it can definitely make you cry, laugh, inspired and have that warm, fuzzy feeling. I know everyone can relate to it because we've also been through Nam's, Chone's and the other characters' experiences at some point in our lives.

I don't mind watching it again. :)

Dance the night away

2011-03-23T21:17:00.005+08:00

It's not a bad song for a comeback. Good job, J.Lo! And can I just say you look so stunning in this video? I can't believe you're already 40! :)

Dear Japan, Get Well Soon

2011-03-23T18:36:00.016+08:00

On the 11th day of March, the whole world was shocked when a tsunami and an earthquake with a magnitude of 9 hit Japan.

Who would have thought that on a very busy Friday afternoon, something like this would happen? It only took a couple of minutes to take away everything from the people who live in that area. The dreams of the people were all shattered into pieces and many lives and properties were all gone.

This is a photo of Sendai before and after the earthquake and tsunami. This piece of beautiful land looks different now.

I was watching a documentary two nights ago about natural disasters and it gave me goosebumps. It was like watching a horror movie. The earthquakes and the tsunamis were like the monsters that chase after their prey. I learned a lot from this documentary and it helped me understand how earthquakes and tsunamis are formed (but I won't discuss it here because you might get bored haha). When the documentary ended, I went to bed with my mind still active, thinking about what I watched. Creepy, indeed.

Because of what happened in Japan, I think that Mother Nature is trying to tell us something. I hope each one of us gets Her message and start giving Her some more tender love and care. And since we're all far from Japan, praying for those who got affected is the best thing that all of us could do. Stay safe everyone!

*All photos retrieved from Google Images*

It's not an ordinary boy meets girl story

2011-03-01T21:05:00.011+08:00

This short film has been circulating on Facebook since last week and my friends keep leaving nice comments about it--- how it touched and inspired them. I got curious so I decided to watch to know what the fuss is all about.

It may be the first of March already and summer is almost here but I guess love is still in the air. This short film was made not only to entertain us but to raise awareness and support the advocacy of The Jubilee Project. It was made for a cause.

Press play and see it for yourself. It is worth watching. ;)

The Lyrics Say It All

2011-02-28T23:04:00.009+08:00

Sway by Bic Runga. It's an old song (American Pie days) and the video can attest this fact. After all these years, I thought it's a Liz Phair song. I stand corrected. :p

On the last day of February...

2011-02-28T20:30:00.014+08:00

Please allow me to be cheesy and all. I know Valentines day is over and most of the people I know have finally recovered from the cupids' bow of love, but for some reason there's something inside of me that doesn't want this month to end. I've been sharing my sentiments to my best friend and family for a long long time and I'm glad they somehow understand. That's what I like about having my best friend and family around because they are the people whom I can talk to, most especially during the crucial points of my life, anytime anywhere.

Middle of last year, a momentous event happened and I never thought it would, in a way, shake my world. For the past eight months, I've been asking the Big Guy above a lot of questions regarding this matter. I wonder what He's up to. ;)

The best thing I can do now is pray for me to be enlightened and wait for the day when I would finally get the answer.

There's so many things I'd like to say ~~to you~~ but I don't know how and where to start. My time is running out, I'm afraid. On second thought, I'd rather keep them to myself.

How Kids Think

2011-02-22T21:50:00.006+08:00

Children say things that we don't expect. And what they say usually surprises us. I love this short story I found on Tumblr. I hope we all learn from Shane and their dog, Belker. :)

P.S. Please click the image to read the short story.

'Cause you've got a smile that could light up this whole town

2011-02-19T22:11:00.004+08:00

Welcome to the Philippines, Taylor Swift! I wish I were in Araneta to watch your concert. Oh well. I'll play your songs on my music player instead. :)

The Hang Over

2011-02-18T21:29:00.016+08:00

Last year, I posted an entry about how I missed the company of my college friends during the culminating event of our University Week celebration. I was having the time of my life in the backstage, taking photos of the guest bands. Seeing some of my favorite Filipino bands in person and watching them perform just a few meters away from me was so surreal.

Paramita started the program. It was my first time to see a lead vocalist playing drums. This band is famous for their song, Hiling, which I first heard when I was still in high school (my high school classmates, who formed a band, used this song as their audition piece when they joined the Battle of the Bands in Don Bosco Canlubang four years ago).

The Itchyworms were there as well. I enjoyed watching them perform because they never ran out of energy! Their attitude on stage was really infectious.

This is Imago. I sang along with them when they played Sundo. After their gig, I was able to get the chance to meet and greet the band's vocalist, Aia de Leon. Our one minute conversation will always be remembered. Ah, the perks of being trapped in the backstage.

And of course, the crowd favorite, Urbandub. Everybody went wild once they showed up on stage! The girls beside me were screaming at the top of their lungs! I was so ecstatic when they played First of Summer because I love this song. Just in case you're wondering if I sang along with them, yes I did. It was fun!

(The LSDC-Street doing the archer pose)

(The Animo Squad cheering)

Of course, the culminating event wouldn't be complete without the cheer of the Animo Squad and the performance of La Salle Dance Company-Street respectively. The school spirit was on high! On a different note, I wish I could dance like the LSDC-Street. *sigh*

(My friends Lo and Icca having fun in the ferriswheel)

I also took the chance to check out my friends when I got out of the backstage. It was a struggle to find them in a sea of people but the bright lights around the field literally led me to where they were.

It has been a year since this culminating event and I still have a hang over.

At this very moment, the school's celebrating it's annual culminating event. I heard this year's celebration is going to be interesting. I wonder what's happening right now. I can't wait to hear from those who went! :)

Show Some Love

2011-02-14T00:00:00.000+08:00

(The Heart-Shaped Orchids: January 30, 2011)

The season of love is back once again.

I hope you make someone feel special, loved and happy today. Nevertheless, February 14 is not the only day to show how much you love someone. Whenever you get the chance, in any day of the year, do something extraordinary for someone you love. Say "I love you" as much as you can.

Happy Valentines Day everyone! :)

Good Morning!

2011-02-13T11:14:00.003+08:00

Found this photo of Cookie Monster from Tumblr. Isn't he adorable? Say cheese! :)

No Tears Allowed

2011-02-11T22:32:00.011+08:00

Was changing channels the other night when I came across Sugarfree on a local music channel. Ebe Dancel and the rest of the band were playing their songs with none other than the Manila Symphony Orchestra. If I'm not mistaken, they're the only Filipino band who was able to collaborate with Manila Symphony Orchestra, one of the oldest orchestras in Asia. How amazing.

In my honest opinion, Sugarfree is one of the best Filipino rock bands in the Philippines. Just like Eraserheads, this band easily captured the hearts of the Filipinos, particularly the youth, because they can totally relate to their songs which depict love, friendship, happy thoughts, growing up, and moving forward. I love Sugarfree as much as I love my chocolate cake. ;)

I can't help but feel sad because the band is about to part ways come March. However, there's nothing we can do but to accept their decision. I'm sure there's a valid reason for their break up and it's probably for the best.

In a nutshell, I will miss Sugarfree.

This time, I'm leaving you with their heartfelt song, Wag Ka Nang Umiyak.

Never Be Afraid to Be Yourself

2011-02-09T23:27:00.006+08:00

This is so true. Our life is too short to be unhappy so keep on attracting positive vibes and live to the fullest. :)

Things Change

2011-02-08T22:06:00.003+08:00

My life would be in a completely different path had I studied at Ateneo. It has been four years since that one fateful day when the result of the Ateneo College Entrance Test was released. I applied for a course in biology because it used to be my favorite subject when I was still in high school. Learning about living organisms and the body structures and organs of the human being, for some reason, never fails to fascinate me. I badly wanted to be an Atenean at that time and study biology there but my life took a slight detour and brought me to a much greener side, where the Archers are. Everything happens for a reason, as they say.

If I studied at Ateneo, I wouldn't be able to fulfill my other dream which is to become a teacher.

Today, I find myself working as a teacher in a school somewhere in Laguna. I would have to say that this is the job that I love and I enjoy every single moment with my students and fellow colleagues. My day wouldn't be complete without a dose of their smile, laughter, and even kakulitan. I feel privileged when they open up to me and share their experiences in school, experiences with their friends, the latest movie they watched and the like. I gained new friends and memories that are worth remembering. These people truly inspire me to be the best that I can be.

I'm glad my life took that slight detour and I feel so grateful for how it turned out. I'm proud to be a La Sallian and I'm proud to be a teacher.

Sometimes, things happen beyond our control. We don't always get what we want because God has a plan for us. Whether it's something good or bad, we should never forget that it's for the best and it's for our own good. Just look at the brighter side, be open and believe in yourself.

Now that summer vacation is just around the corner, I will make the most out of the remaining days of school. :)

The Filipino Pride

2011-02-08T01:28:00.007+08:00

It's Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao's house in Los Angeles featured on MTV Cribs. Can I just say that it's so big and beautiful? But I heard that the one in the Philippines is way bigger and more luxurious. He has accomplished a lot and people all over the world are looking up to him.

Mr. Pacquiao, you are the man! :)

Just Like the Olsen Twins

2011-02-05T15:57:00.008+08:00

My day wouldn’t be complete without surfing the internet. I always visit different sites other than the mighty Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr to be updated on the latest happenings in the world. I also read news and trivia on the Yahoo page because I could find interesting stuff in there, just like this one: Stars Who Look Alike.

Let me start with Leighton Meester and Minka Kelly, the stars of the movie, The Roommate. Can you see their striking resemblance? On another note, I’ve always associated Leighton with our very own Georgina Wilson. In my honest opinion, she can also be in the cast of Gossip Girl series and play as Blair Waldorf’s long-lost twin sister. ;)

Keira Knightley and Natalie Portman seemed like they’re separated at birth! I was in my late gradeschool years when I learned about this. I find this fact really freaky yet awesome at the same time. If I see them in Hollywood ville together, I would probably have a hard time identifying who’s who. :p

The third pair is something new to me. A lot of people have been telling that Enchanted’s Amy Adams and Confessions of a Shopaholic’s Isla Fisher look alike. What do you think?

I was also surprised to know that Zooey Deschanel “looks exactly” like Lizzy Caplan. People in the world wide web say that they have the same facial features.

But I think Katy Perry is the one who closely resembles Zooey. As a matter of fact, I was thinking of Katy while watching 500 Days of Summer with my lovely dorm mates last year. If they dress up as twins, people who don’t know them would actually believe they are twins.

How about you, do you know any celebrities who look a lot like each other? :)

P.S. Don’t get me wrong. I can survive a week without internet. HAHA!

My Unproductive Wednesday Afternoon

2011-02-03T01:08:00.020+08:00

Because there were no classes yesterday, I spent the whole afternoon at home and decided to watch 17 Again for the nth time. While watching the movie, I saw my brother’s camera lying beside my laptop so I took snapshots of Zac Efron.

I'm not a huge fan of Zac, by the way. Yet I cannot deny the fact that he's good looking because he really is! In all honesty, I find his smile charming and his eyes expressive thus I don't blame the millions of girls who confessed their love, admiration, affection towards him. However, I never reached the point where I became so crazy about this guy and that my world completely revolved around him. My fondness for Zac is just right. ;)

Now, allow me to share with you my favorite lines from the movie:

"When you're young, everything feels like the end of the world. But it's not. It's just the beginning. You might have to meet a few more jerks, but one day, you're gonna meet a boy who treats you the way you deserve to be treated. Like the sun rises and sets with you. "

Thank you for taking some time out to read my post for today. :)

The Tikoy

2011-02-01T23:42:00.004+08:00

They look like turon or lumpia but they're actually tikoy with a twist. ;) Tikoy, also known as "Nian Gao", is a sticky rice cake that's consumed every Chinese New Year. To the Chinese, this is a food that brings good luck and prosperity. In the Philippines, it comes in different colors and flavors.

Happy Chinese New Year everyone (in advance)! :)

Oh, Margaret

2011-01-31T19:23:00.007+08:00

My last blog post for the month of January belongs to my bestfriend, Margaret. We've known each other for a decade now. We grew up together and I can proudly say that she turned out to be an amazing and inspiring person. She had gone through different challenges in her life but she never let all of these affect her in any way. Instead of giving up, she bravely faced the challenges that came her way for she believes that these could make her a better and wiser person.

(her first sleepover in Laguna three years ago)

(with our friend James three years ago)

She loves her family so much and she values the people around her. Though busy and pretty much occupied with school work, she can still allot some time for her family and friends. No wonder why she is truly blessed.

(after watching Danz Dish 5 in school last year. It was a memorable night!)

Margaret is more than just a bestfriend; I think she is my long-lost sister! ;) I feel so lucky to have someone like her.

Happy Birthday Bestfriend Margaret!!! :)

The Sweetest Story I've Ever Heard

2011-01-28T18:45:00.011+08:00

I'd like you to meet Chris Medina, a simple man with a good heart who dreams of becoming the next American Idol. He may be the sweetest guy in the eyes of all the girls in the world right now and I bet those who were able to watch his audition cried. His audition turned out to be so wonderful because he sang from the heart. I almost cried too while watching him on TV a while ago because I was moved by his lovely story. What he said in the interview impressed me: "What kind of guy would I be if I walked out when she needed me the most?" His fiancee, I realized, is indeed lucky to have him. I admire this man and I hope he makes it.

I'm posting a video of his audition just in case you haven't seen it yet. :)

I Wonder What's Going On Today

2011-01-28T16:17:00.005+08:00

My dad's operation didn't push through (note: he was already inside the operating room) because one of the doctors called up and said a bleeding might occur, due to the medicine he's been drinking since dati pa. They want my dad to stop drinking that medicine first before they could "remove" the lump in his tummy. My dad had been through a lot of tests last week and I find their reason absurd because, hello, they should have found out about it, right? As of this moment, his operation day is rescheduled. Unknown date. Sad. :(

On a much brighter side, my dad's in good condition. We don't blame anyone because if the operation pushed through, his condition could have gotten worse. We consider this as a blessing in disguise. Thank you friends for praying for him. We (our family) truly appreciate it. God is really good. :)

A Little Girl's First Heartbreak

2011-01-26T21:36:00.008+08:00

She is only four years old. And she is already heartbroken because she doesn't want to leave a guy named Steven, who happened to be her teacher. Steven might have been a cool teacher to her that's why she cries like it's the end of the world. Oh, the power of teachers. :p

I want to hug this poor little girl and tell her that it's okay.

On a Wednesday Night

2011-01-26T20:03:00.008+08:00

If you're feeling down, upset, sad, disappointed or pissed off today, I hope this photo of Elmo makes you smile in a way. Isn't it cute? :)

I'm on the verge of putting up a blog post that's full of negativity but I choose to stay calm and just think of happy thoughts. There's no point in crying over spilled milk. Only the babies do that. ;)

Tomorrow is another day. My game face is on.

*Photo from Tumblr*

The Fortune Cookie

2011-01-25T23:45:00.006+08:00

It's my first fortune cookie for this year! A fellow colleague gave each one of us a fortune cookie as soon as she arrived in the workplace. Everyone was excited to open his or her cookie to find out its inspiring message for the day. With her camera around, Kaye began taking photos of us holding our fortune cookies.

And this is the message from my fortune cookie. Aww, I find it sweet and it definitely brightened up my day. :)

*Photo taken by Kaye*

Iccarageous

2011-01-22T12:22:00.014+08:00

I call my friend Icca "Iccarageous" because she is a gorgeous girl. Icca and I met when we were still frosh students in DLSU and I feel so thankful because I've got the chance to get to know this bubbly and smart young lady. It's truly an honor to be one of her friends.

Icca's energy, sense of humor and even laughter are really infectious so we have never had any dull second with her. I miss our random moments together!

(This photo of ours is totally priceless. Both of us were beyond happy!)

She is truly one of a kind. It amazes me how she can find time for her friends, family, social life and even God despite her busy schedule in the preschool where she works. With all her achievements and happy aura, I know she will go places and more good things are destined to come her way.

Happy Birthday Iccarageous!!! :)