Under the Raindrops

On the 17th day of February, after work, I went straight to my beloved alma mater to be a part of the university's most-anticipated event: the culminight. It was my first time to celebrate the last leg of the university week's celebration as an alumni. 

I had the "that-feeling-you-get-when-you-visit-your-alma-mater" moment upon entering DLSU. I was so happy to be there! The halls and buildings made me reminisce my college days. I also saw some familiar faces but I guess they already graduated too (well, except for Cabe Aquino, the incumbent president).

I met up with my college friends whom I haven't seen for such a long time. I was so ecstatic to see them! It was really nice catching up with them. I'm so proud of what they have become now. And I'm happy that they're really determined to follow their dreams.

We decided to eat dinner outside since the place was so crowded. We ended up at Goodles, a cool restaurant located at the newly renovated University Mall. Cheska, who lives in Taft Avenue, followed when she learned that we were there. Tasha and her boyfriend also dropped by the restaurant to say hello.

They said you'll need 3D glasses for better viewing. :p Nonetheless, I still love this shot.

We went to our own separate ways after dinner. They decided to sing karaoke at Providence while I went back to the campus to meet my bestfriend who's graduating this year (woohoo!) We watched the live performances of the guest bands--- Taken by Cars, Radioactive Sago Project, and the one and only Updharma Down.

Taken by Cars

Radioactive Sago Project

Sir Lourd de Veyra of Radioactive Sago Project :)

After the last song of Radioactive Sago Project, raindrops fell from the sky. But the rain did not stop the concert. As they say, "the show must go on".

Raindrops make everything dramatic.

After a few seconds, Updharma Down appeared on stage and greeted everyone. We were all beyond excited! There's really something about Updharma Down that makes its audience go crazier. They performed the all-time favorite songs such as Oo, Indak, Taya, Sana, and Tadhana. We went wild when Armi sang Tadhana. I had goosebumps all over. Grabe.

Raindrops + Updharma Down = magical.

Thank you for the wonderful music, Updharma Down! :)

I have to agree with Regina Belmonte when she mentioned that we Filipinos are “spectacularly good at and spectacularly shameless when it comes to getting photos taken with celebrities”. :p Well, just to try my luck, I sneaked inside the backstage where Sam YG, the Ramon Bautista, and Slick Rick were happily talking to each other. I surprised myself when I confidently approached the three of them. With the huge amount of self-confidence that I had that moment, ayan, I now have a picture taken with them. Yeah men! :)

Ramon Bautista, myself, Slick Rick, and Sam YG | Thank you for being so friendly and accommodating! :)

 Margaret and her friends also had their photo taken with the trio.

Through this picture taking, I gained new friends. I got the chance to meet Abby and Roseanne. It was nice meeting you two! :)

We thought they'll cancel the fireworks display because it was still raining. But lo and behold! God's hands work in mysterious ways. It stopped raining, just in time for the fireworks display.

The only decent fireworks display photo that I have.

Celebrating university week is more fun in DLSU indeed! Next year ulit! Animo La Salle. :)

The Best Last Song Syndrome Ever

Bababababanana... potatoooo!!! This is too cute and funny! But for some reason, Despicable Me 2 will be released in July 2013. Haay. I wish it's worth the wait. :p

Positivity

*Smile! | March 2, 2012*

I got myself this cute bread from Breadtalk today.  :)

On my way home, I realized so many things. Thoughts keep flowing in and I repeatedly tell myself to look at the brighter side of life and never lose the one small ray of hope that I have. Don't linger on the past, accept the present, and embrace the future.

Oh what traveling from home-to-school-school-to-home can do!

Note to self: Pray, pray, and pray and ask for guidance.

 

The First Day of March

There are some things that are better left unsaid. But not being able to say what's in your heart is one of the hardest things to do and one of the worst feelings in the world...

ASDFGHJKL. :((

It's not easy to take these all in but I have to be strong. As the photo above says: "Everything passes. Don't worry." I don't know why I have to go through this kind of situation that I describe as a "mind blowing emotional roller coaster ride" but I'm sure that in the end, I will get to understand why this has to happen.

Whatever happens, I'm ready. I'm going to accept and embrace it. Life goes on.

What's the connection?

My sore throat last week has led to a terrible cold that's why I frequent South Supermarket to buy more tissues. Since it started, I could finish 1-2 packs a day. One of the students from the tutorial class even thought that I collect tissues! I blame the weather for being so unpredictable lately. :(

You might be wondering why I took a photo of the tissue (It's Mickey Mouse and friends, cute isn't it? Hahaha). Well, while I was watching TV last night, I accidentally put the tissue on top of a student's worksheet. Have you noticed something? The question in the worksheet and the tissue are somewhat connected. As if it was asking me how I'm feeling. I just find it amazing. Or I'm just over-analyzing. #sabaw :p

I hope you are all feeling good. Have a great weekend! :)

It's really weird

I've probably watched this aww-dorable video of Zac Efron and Taylor Swift singing a duet on Ellen more than ten times already, and their own version of Foster the People's Pumped Up Kicks is my last song syndrome for the day. Zac and Taylor sound good, aren't they? I wish Taylor would record a song with Zac. That would be great. :)

The Teaser

I went to this big event last Friday, and I had the time of my life! Unfortunately, it's way past my bedtime so I will tell you about it soon! Gotta love some mystery. :p

The Ear Candies

Patty Laurel posted this playlist on her blog a week ago, and I think it's superb! It consists mostly of indie songs but don't underestimate. In my honest opinion, some indie songs are better than the ones in the mainstream. ;)

An Indie Affair from ThePartyScene on 8tracks.

8tracks is a haven for music lovers. It's like Facebook wherein people from all over the world can share the music that they like. While browsing through 8tracks, I realized that you don't need to create your own account just to listen to numerous playlists. It's accessible to everyone! That's a good thing, don't you think?

 Here are the other playlists that I find cool and relaxing:

     

Left: Take me to the 90's  | Right: So Not Mainstream, It's Mainstream

 

Left: Classics According to a Teenager Girl (You'll love this!)  | Right: 10 More Minutes

If you're looking for songs to play on your party, when you're driving, when you're studying, or when you simply want to "sound trip", this site is the best for you. :)

Now, I have yet to figure out how to download these. :p

Thankful

On my way home, I thought about the things that happened the entire day. My day has never been this hectic and I've never been this tired. Despite everything, I felt happy, lucky, and blessed. I didn't expect those things to come my way, but I'd like to think that He is answering my prayers, one by one. Over dinner, I opened up to my aunt because I felt that it's worth sharing. After listening to my heart's desire, she said, "God loves you."

I'm not as religious as my aunties (they're hardcore Catholics) but I make it a point to say at least "Thank you!" to Him everyday. Without Him, none of these things will happen.  

Today, I felt God's love. I'm forever grateful and thankful. :)

The Photographer

*January 1, 2012*

Haay Boohay

Made a wrong choice? Think again and keep this one in mind. There's a reason why you're there. :)

'Cause You've Got That One Thing

One Thing by One Direction

Today, I feel like a high school girl, blushing over these guys and admiring their cuteness and all. HAHA! But when reality makes me realize that I'm older than them, my dream bubble suddenly bursts and the tiny hearts in my eyes disappear. Oh well. I'd settle for Zac Efron instead. HAHAHA! 

Libre ang mangarap friends. :p

It's All About Love

I finally got my own copy of Meg magazine's latest issue, with the super lovely Jasmine Curtis-Smith on the cover. Meg magazine is the newest addition to my magazine collection, and I can proudly say that it's close to my heart. No, I'm not a part of it but someone I know is.

Meet Meg's editorial coordinator, my highschool friend, Ekai. :) If her name rings a bell, it is because I featured her on this blog last December. She's now officially a part of the Meg family and seeing her name and photos on the glossy pages of the magazine makes me feel so proud! 

 

Ekai wrote the whole thing (the white part). She was able to present different websites where we can get ideas when we feel like we have nothing to wear. The websites in her article are really helpful and inspiring. It's a good read!

And here's the cover girl. Jasmine is so beautiful! She is like Hannah Montana, living the best of both worlds. :) She's an ultimate celebrity in the Philippines while in Australia, she gets the privacy that not all celebrities get. In Australia, she's just a simple girl with simple dreams, living a simple life.

I find this one interesting. Before, I thought that French Tips are only limited to the white and colorless nail polish. I stand corrected. Those who love painting their nails or nail art will definitely love this feature.

Please support my friend and her team. Go grab a copy of the February issue of Meg magazine! I'm sure you'll love it as much as I did. As for Ekai, way to go girl! :)

A Night in Winter Wonderland

I slept at around 3am the other day because I took photos of these wonderful things:

 This is my aunt's collection. It started when she went to the States to spend Christmas with the relatives, 20 plus years ago. She said that she fell in love with the mini Christmas village that she saw in a mall display. When she came back to the Philippines, she started assembling her own Christmas village at home. 

 My uncle who lives in San Francisco used to include porcelain houses and/or churches, figurines (people and animals such as deers and dogs), lights, trees, and other things related to decorating the Christmas village inside the balikabayan boxes to add to her growing collection.

Decorating the Christmas village isn't an easy task. Sometimes, it takes four days to a week to finish it! Good thing auntie has the forever reliable Ate Rosie and Tatay Boy who don't mind going up and down the pingpong table to fix the houses, particularly the ones in the "mountains" and taking care of the wires and other electrical stuff respectively. I wonder how auntie did it before. Hahaha! :) My task, on the other hand, is research, plan, and design. I make sure that every part of it has a story. ;)

Because Valentines Day is just around the corner. Uyyyy. :p

Though blurred, this shot, I love.

All the hard work pays off after. It feels so good when I see people appreciate it. :)

On a lighter note

Say hi to my newest purchase! When we went to SM Calamba (the place to be haha!) yesterday afternoon to buy rubber mats for Auntie Lucy's bathroom, I didn't miss the chance to walk around the accessories section of the department store. While looking at the items, I stopped at the purse section then I suddenly thought of my phone bag which zipper's got broken last Friday. :( Since I'm too O.C. when it comes to taking care of my gadgets, I bought this one so my phone won't get some scratches. It comes with 3 different colors--- light pink, hot pink, and silver. And just in case you're wondering about the price, don't worry. It's a good catch. ;)

It's too girly, don't you think? With a bow and sequins... :)) Oh well. SM is definitely living up to its slogan: They've got it all for you! :p

Last Friday Night

In Facebook, when friends post an album entitled "Last Friday Night", it usually is about their night out with their peers from either school or work to celebrate the start of the weekend. By looking at their photos, you can really tell that they had a great time. It's always fun to look at their photos, especially when they flaunt their wacky side. It makes me realize that we don't have to be serious all the time. That sometimes, it's okay to be silly. 

Today, I also had my "Last Friday Night" moment. But contrary to the photos that some of my friends upload on Facebook, my Friday night was filled with a lot of realizations and meaningful learning. 

My friend Kaye and I talked over a cup of Okinawa and a dish of chicken chops. It was long overdue and I'm glad the both of us finally had the time to catch up. We may be together at the workplace, but we hardly talk due to our hectic schedule. The only moments when we get to "talk" are when we share our experiences and observations regarding  the kids from her class who happens to be my students in enrichment. Anyway, while in Serenitea, I learned a lot from our more than 2-hour conversation. I learned from her experiences as a teacher, as a colleague, as a friend, as a daughter. And I tell you, I'm going to keep these in mind.

1. It's always better to start from the bottom rather than the top.

Being one of the youngest in the family, being or feeling pressured is inevitable. Most of my cousins are professionals, and they're already on top of the game. I always compare myself to them and sometimes I feel nanliliit whenever I'm with them. They've come far and I'm still here. Sometimes, I wonder if I would ever reach their level. But then, Kaye made me realize that starting from the bottom makes me learn more than starting from the top. It's better to start from scratch because you'll definitely feel how much you've grown, learned, and matured. Instead of being ashamed of your humble beginnings, be proud of it. You may be traveling on a rocky road right now pero makakarating ka rin sa isang much smoother road basta hindi ka mag-gi-give up. Remember that even the successful people also started at the bottom. What they have now are the fruits of their hard work.

2. Learn how to balance your negative and positive vibes.

I'm sure we all have the days when we don't feel good about ourselves. Negative vibes come along our way and for some reason we allow it to enter our lives. We get blinded by the negative things that happen to us, hence we often take the positive things for granted. For instance, early in the morning, you feel so frustrated agad because one of your students isn't performing well in math. It makes you think that you're not an effective teacher because until now he or she doesn't know how to add and subtract yet while the other kids her age have already mastered the multiplication table. Then fast forward to afternoon, your student in your tutorial class shows you her perfect score in this particular subject. You see, the point is, for every negative things that happen to us, there's always a positive thing that comes along the way to compensate for it. The only problem is we don't appreciate the positive thing because we're too focused on the negative. We have the power to turn things over. At the end of the day, we have a full control over the events that happen to us. Appreciate the small simple things. It'll definitely change your frown into a smile. We're all capable of making our lives wonderful. Our happiness depends on us.

3. Don't let your emotions eat you up.

Let it all out! Talk to someone you really trust. It's better to open up to someone than to keep everything to yourself  because that someone could help ease the pain inside you. Opening up can lessen your emotional baggage. It allows you to have some room to breathe. You will feel 100 times better after. I'm glad I had this talk with Kaye because I was enlightened. She gave me some powerful words of wisdom to cheer me up, and she made me realize that everything will be okay soon... that everything will fall back into the right places. If you don't let it out, you might lose your sanity! Heart to heart talks can do wonders. Trust me. ;)

4. It's all in God's time perfect time.

Minsan ba, naitanong mo sa sarili mo kung bakit parang wala yata nangyayari sa buhay mo? What you planned for yourself isn't happening? You've been working so hard but you haven't smelled the scent of success and you tend to pity yourself when you see your batchmates become successful in their respective fields? With this, you begin to question your capabilities and God's love and presence. Josh Campbell once said, "You must give up the life you planned in order to have the life that is waiting for you.” You may not be getting what you want for your life as of the moment but if you keep giving your 101% in everything you do with a positive attitude, you'll be as successful (if not, more successful) as your batchmates. You may not be getting what you asked from God as of the moment because He has something better in store for you. Just like our parents, He knows what is the best for us. Be patient.

We are young and we have a lot of time to conquer the world. Just like what I wrote in number 3, everything will fall back into the right places. Don't worry. It's all in God's perfect time.


5. There's no room for giving up.

Always strive for the best! Don't just settle for "pwede na yan" or "I can't do it" or the easy ones. Our conversation made me realize that life won't be exciting if there are no challenges. These challenges are like spices because they add flavor to our lives. Challenges help shape us to be the best person that we can be. Challenges help us become stronger... and they make our brains work at their finest too because they give us a chance to think of ways how to overcome them. When life knocks you down, get up and keep moving. As the old cliche goes, "Try and try until you succeed!" Believe in yourself. You can do it!
 
6. Think positive! 

Yes, I always remind myself and my friends to think positive whenever we feel down. Thinking of positive things make gloomy days a little bit brighter. I read an entry about positive thinking and it said "A positive mind anticipates happiness, joy, health and a successful outcome of every situation and action." Happy thoughts can change your life and improve the way you perceive the world.

Serenitea: January 27, 2012 | Photo courtesy of Kaye :)

While writing this blog, Kaye sent me these pictures from last last Friday. Thank you so much! I look forward to having another Fridate with you. :)

To my 3 avid readers (you know who you are haha!), thank you for sharing your precious time. Until my next blog post! :)

The Second to the Last Day of January

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

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

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

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

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