Lesson of the Week: Don't be Judgmental

Have you ever judged a person simply because of his or her physical appearance?

There is some point in our lives when we become judgmental. We easily tend to judge others by looking at how they walk, talk, sit, stand, eat, and dress. We immediately make conclusions and assumptions towards people even if we really don't know them. Am I right?

Last Sunday, my friend asked me to watch a video of Susan Boyle in You Tube. When I saw her, I thought that she was just like the other ridiculous contestants who joined American Idol, because she looked very different. The audience were laughing at her and making funny faces too while she was introducing herself. By the way, she joined the singing contest, Britain's Got Talent and not American Idol.

(This is Susan Boyle before [left] and after a major makeover [right])

Like Simon Cowell and the others, I was really surprised when I heard her sing a song from Les Miserables. She was so amazing! She even got a standing ovation from the judges. It was an "incredible performance". A star is born!

May this serve as a lesson for everyone. As the old saying goes, never judge a book by its cover.

I'm glad she had a major makeover though. :D

*Photo retrieved from http://new.music.yahoo.com/blogs/thatsreallyweek/45342/april20-27-fests-lies-and-videotape/*

Summer Getaway

Before the end of the school year, most of my classmates' status in YM and blogs in Multiply were about going to the beach. They described how the beach gives them a relaxing feeling whenever they walk on the sand, swim, eat, take pictures, and simply enjoy. They've been to Boracay, Palawan, La Union, Calatagan, and the like. They are so lucky because they get to visit these wonderful places around the Philippines. Everytime I look at their pictures in Multiply and Facebook, I always tell myself, "Haay, sana ako rin.." v(",)v

I just came from Calatagan, Batangas today and now I know why my classmates love the beach so much. Cheska, Lo, Maryse, Mye, Nikki, Raymund, Tasha, and I enjoyed the whole afternoon swimming with the waves and taking wacky pictures. Of course, we also loved eating the food that Tita Sol (Raymund's mom) cooked for us. I had a great time collecting shells and beach rocks as well.

(These are the shells and the rocks that I collected and my slippers. :D )

On our way there, it was raining hard so we thought that we would not enjoy the day. However, when we arrived at our destination, it suddenly stopped raining and the sun welcomed us as soon as we hit the beach. I'm really thankful to God because He gave us a sunny day. Because of the heat of the sun, my skin is a little bit darker. I've got tan lines! ;)

(The beach of Calatagan, Batangas. :D)

My trip to Calatagan with my college friends is a truly memorable one. I'm definitely happy because my parents allowed me to go. My summer this year has never been this goooood. :D

*P.S. I will post more pictures soon!*

Open Happiness

Every Sunday noon, I always watch ASAP 09 because of Enchong Dee. He is my schoolmate in La Salle and I only see him very often. I usually see him at the swimming team's tambayan (he is a member of the swimming varsity), SJ walk, or Yuchengco lobby. And when he passes by, I can't help but notice the girls silently giggle or smile dreamily. Oh yes, he is the man.

Our school is known for having celebrity students. Enchong is one of them. However, even if they are celebrities, they are treated as "normal students". They never get special treatment from the professors which I think is fair enough. And I realized that school is the place where they can be themselves because there are no screaming fans and flashy cameras around. As a matter of fact, I saw Enchong having fun with his team mates some months ago. He was dancing like no one is watching! Don't get me wrong. It just happened that I volunteered to accompany my friend, Lo. We went to Yuchengco lobby on purpose because we wanted to take a look at the t-shirts and other I Am Ninoy accessories. And there he was (their tambayan is near the Yuch lobby). Haay, he really got my attention and I totally forgot about the I Am Ninoy t-shirts, pins, and shades. He was so funny.

I have a lot of encounters with Enchong in school but I never had the guts to approach him. Even if we are like 1 cm away from each other, I just look at him or walk away. I don't know. But, after those encounters, I proudly tell my friends that one day, he will become my friend.

On the 27th day of March 2009, my dream finally became a reality in a way. I was in school because our class was required to attend a plenary session for INTOECO. During the plenary session, Claude and Karlene informed me that they saw Enchong inside the William theatre, hosting an event. After our plenary, I went to William theatre because Karlene asked me to go there. The event was almost finished when I arrived.

To cut the long story short, when the event ended, Karlene introduced me to Enchong (thank you Karlene for making it happen!) and I shook his hand (it's really soft..haha). It was an unforgettable day for me. As soon as Karlene finished taking our picture, Enchong and I had a little conversation for about 2-3 minutes. That precious period of time is one of the happiest moment of my life! We talked about school stuff. He told me that he just finished his practicum, and he's graduating on June. He also mentioned that the event was their final requirement for this subject and he was so happy because it was successful. On the other hand, I asked him if he knows Caroline, the "founder" of Only Enchong Dee (he said, "Oo naman!" with a smile), and I told him that I came from our INTOECO plenary session. Surprisingly, I was able to talk to him with confidence, even if I haven't had combed my hair. After our conversation, I thanked him and shook his hand again. We walked towards Karlene and they had their little conversation as well. They know each other since she took a picture of him for Ang Pahayagang Plaridel before. By the way, APP is the school's newspaper written in Filipino.

Many girls like Enchong because he is good looking and a very talented person. But I believe that he is more than his good looks and talents. Beyond the walls of showbusiness, he is definitely like us, the "ordinary people". Like us, he dreams big, loves his family and friends, and values education. Hence, I admire him because he has these qualities.

We may be acquaintances as of the moment, but I'm still hoping that we will become friends someday. And when that day comes, I'll be the happiest girl in the whole world.

I am writing this entry because I am not yet over with our little conversation, and I saw him on TV a while ago. As soon as I turned on the TV, he was right infront of me, talking about the Open Coke, Open Happiness campaign with Shaina and Kim. I was not really expecting to see him first. Then after a while, the Gigger Boys (his group) danced. Oh well, I think this is a good sign.

Haay, I hope he still remembers me.

New Look and Random Updates

Well, I finally changed the template/layout of my blog. It looks very different now. Thanks to Blogbulk.

On the other hand, our finals week is officially over. I'm free from schoolworks so I can sleep in peace. What I want to do this summer break is to go to San Francisco and Los Angeles to visit my cousins. I miss them so much! And I want to see the Golden Gate Bridge and Hollywood. If only my aunt and dad would fix my Visa... HAHAHA.

(This picture was taken Christmas 2007: Luisa, Dana, and Cente)

I'm currently loving the new song of Hale, Sandali na Lang. It is giving me the last song syndrome. Also, its video reminds me of fun summer days at the beach. Summer mode! v(",)v

Sandali Na Lang - Hale

Photoblog

Instead of cropping the pictures, I decided to make a photoblog! It is like an online scrapbook. I love it because it's much easier to do, more creative, and more colorful.

February 12 was a really good day. After class, I spent my free time with Armine, Anne, Kathy, and Mela, my other friends from CED. We stayed at the Sports Plaza where Mau was manning the booth. While we were sitting on the edge of the plant boxes, Mau got her camera, and she took pictures of us. I like the shots! Fun times, good vibes! HAHA.

I really had a great time with them! Well, the pictures say it all. v(",)v

Of Harana and Roses

On the day of February 12, 2009, I was able to feel the spirit of Valentines. When our ECEDEVA class had just ended, the DLSU Chorale members (2 guys and 1 girl) knocked on the door of our classroom. They walked towards the platform, and one of them began playing his guitar. Taking it as a cue, the girl sang a song while the other guy read a very meaningful note. I felt the goosebumps all over my arm as I listened to the both of them.

My friend Icca did something special this day. She asked the DLSU Chorale members to sing for us. She also gave us red roses. It was really a super sweet gesture.

I am very happy and thankful that I've got friends like Icca, Mye, Mau, Lo, Kat, Maryse, Nikki, Ocha, Cheska, Trish, and Sab. You guys are the reason why I enjoy college life so much! Thank you college loves! And I'm looking forward to more fun moments with you. v(",)v

I know this is a super late post, but it's better late than never. v(",)v

(P.S. Our professor in ECEDEVA, Ms. Claudette Tandoc, is in the picture too. She is the second girl with a bag from the right side.)

Plain Non-Sense or Not

Today, while taking a break from doing the curriculum content for ECEDCUR, I took one quiz in Facebook about Harry Potter. I found out that I belong to Gryffindor and I'm Hermione Granger. Of course, I was very glad because I really wanted to be in the same house, where my favorite Harry Potter characters stay during their school days. On the other hand, I felt a little bit flattered because I've never thought that I would be like Hermione. I don't totally consider myself as studious as her.

Anyway, I don't know if you can relate to this post, but as the title says, this is just plain non-sense. I'm still mending a broken mind because I haven't slept normally for the past few weeks. I feel that my mind isn't working properly recently, and I need some time to gain my full energy back. Honestly, our third term in La Salle is the most stressful so far.

Oh well, two more days to go and the sleepless nights would be over.

This coming school break, I am challenging myself to become a better blogger. I will update as much as I can AND try my best to post more interesting stuff. I promise to make my summer vacation more productive and memorable this year. v(",)v

Almost...

There is a reason to celebrate because our "hell week" is over! However, we will still have our finals after the Holy Week so we are not officially on vacation. And there are some papers that we need to finish. But I think that our workloads this time are way better than before.

Right now, I'm looking forward to our trip in Calatagan on April 23! I'm excited because it is my first time to visit a beach, and hang-out with my friends outside the borders of Manila. I'm so thankful because my parents allowed me to go. And for this reason, I'm inspired to study even harder. v(",)v

Enjoy your summer vacation, people!

It's A Kaleidoscope World

It has been one week since I learned that Francis Magalona passed away. I still could not believe what happened. He was so young! Really, I was surprised when I heard the news from our kasambahays because they were talking about him before dinner.

Everytime I blog hop, I would always visit his blog, A Free Mind. As I read his blog entries, I realized that he was such a good father, husband, and friend. He used his talents well to inspire a lot of people, particulary the youth. Through his songs and business, the Three Stars and a Sun, the Filipinos are beginning to show some love for our country because they exhibit patriotism.

Now, I'm also beginning to look up to him for he is a good role model. v(",)v

Thank you, Mr. Francis Magalona. You will be missed. Rap in peace, 'yo! I know you're happy with your new Kaleidoscope World in Heaven.

Kilala Niyo Ba Sila?

I am missing two people lately. I don't know what is happening to them right now because we lost communication. (O_o) Oh well, I hope that this blog entry will let this two people know how much I've missed them.

And oh, by the way, this song by Five For Fighting reminds me of my "long lost friends". So I present to you, my dear readers, 100 Years. It is such a beautiful song. Enjoy listening!

100 Years - Five For Fighting

What I Just Need

Today, I found a really cool blog. Thank you Lia for posting the link in Facebook. Now I know where to go, whenever I want something to inspire me. This is what I just need.

"Some days it seems like it'll never end. Like there's just too much to do.

The reality of the situation is, you'll never be finished. If you finish all the work you've got to do, you'll find more to do. You can never really reach the end.

So accept that. Be ok with it. Find the peace you're looking for in the now. In this moment.

Right now. Every now. "

***

(Retrieved from http://www.pleasefindthis.blogspot.com/)

This blogger really knows how I feel and what I'm going through right now. HAHA. I'm your new fan. v(",)v

Push to the Limit

Now, I am already hit by the reality. I only have seven more weeks to improve myself in school. I still want to be a part of the list, but how can I achieve my goal if I'm not striving harder? The time is passing by so quickly. I think I should recite and read more often. Maybe, by doing so, my grade will be a little bit higher. Honestly, I'm really afraid and confused. I'm tired. So many works, so little time.

I think I should push myself more. I'll help myself. And I will start today. v(",)v

God, please help me again.

Unforgettable Wednesday

It's already one thirty in the morning and I'm still wide awake.

I should be sleeping right now but I guess, I'm too excited to share with you what happened to me last Wednesday. The memory is still fresh and I don't want it to happen ever again.

Okay, let's get started.

1. I did not know that we will have a long quiz in INTOECO. I crammed for the remaining ten minutes to save myself. And I was not able to buy a booklet so Mau gave me her extra booklet. I was such a parasite. Buti nalang, hindi ako late.

2. I forgot to pass my booklet where my answers to the long quiz are written. I had to run as fast as I could, as soon as I realized that it was on my desk. I found it with my things. Buti nalang, naabutan ko ang aming professor. God is so good.

3. I forgot to pay for my bottle of water in La Casita, the canteen on the sixth floor of Andrew building. From seventeenth floor, I rushed down to sixth floor after eating my Jamaican pattie and paid for it. Buti nalang naisip ko kung bakit twenty pesos lang ang nabayaran ko sa counter. The girl in the cashier just smiled at me when I told her my story. Oh well, honesty is still the best policy. v(",)v

4. I left my ECEDTEC assignment in the dorm. When I told Ms. Yumi about it, she told me to go home (dorm), get it, and give it to Ms. Tina, the ELMD office secretary. Buti nalang, understanding at considerate si Ms. Yumi.

And these all happened in one day. What a day. What an adventure.

It is totally an unforgettable Wednesday. I won't forget this day, the day when I forgot so many important things. (Ironic much? HAHA) Anyway, I learned a lot from my experience. I hope that you, my dear readers, also learned something from me. v(",)v

Okay, I think I will go to bed now. Good mornight everyone! Ciao!

Thinking Too Much

My frequent visits to the library recently have led me into a realization that I need to strive even harder this term. Unlike before, I never leave the library without borrowing books. I see myself as Hermione Granger (Harry Potter’s friend) who always stays in the library to read and do some research to satisfy her curiosity about some issues or topics that bother her. Like her, now I am terribly afraid to fail my subjects this term. They are quite overwhelming. The professors of these subjects are incredibly good as well. Laziness and procrastination have no room in this place because they want us to create a comprehensive type of reports, high quality paper works, assignments, and the like. That is why I keep on wondering how to achieve my goal, which is to become a part of the list again.

On the other hand, an officer of UnitEd (an organization in our college) approached me last week and asked me if I wanted to become a junior officer since they're already graduating. I was thinking about it for the whole week and my friend, Cheska, told me that I should accept the offer. She gave me a lot of reasons why I should say "yes" and she convinced me in a way. However, I'm also afraid because the trainings and my academic life might have a conflict. (-_-) I want to become an officer though.

There's too much thinking right now, and I'm becoming soup minded again.

My Hot Fudge and Large Fries Will Never Be the Same Again

Last week, I saw this commercial on TV and it caught my attention. I stopped whatever I was doing and totally focused on it. I searched this one in Youtube a while ago and fortunately for me, I was able to find a copy. I watched it all over again and I noticed that some goosebumps just appeared on my arm, most especially while I was listening to the famous Eraserheads' song. It really made me say, "Awww".

What I like about the McDonald's commercials (the Filipino ones) is that, besides giving us some entertainment and making us crave for the foods, they teach us values and lessons too. And they include the culture of the Filipinos as well. Hence, they remind us not to forget our Filipino practices despite our exposure to the Western culture.

Anyway, this is my favorite McDonald's commercial so far. I like it very much, although it doesn't have a happy ending. Oh well, I would probably remember this commercial whenever I eat at McDonald's. My hot fudge and large fries will never be the same again, thank you very much.

McDonald's is definitely L-O-V-E! v(",)v

***

"...at kahit hindi rin naging kami sa huli, siya pa rin ang first love ko."

Something New

The holidays are almost over. Perhaps, some of us are already back to school. Anyway, my Christmas and New Year celebration were quite different because my cousins from Hong Kong (who study now in America) did not come home. They had their Christmas and New Year celebration in Phuket, Thailand and in Hong Kong respectively. We missed them so much! On the brighter side, they promised us that next time, they would be here in the Philippines. And I'm already looking forward to that. HAHA.

On the other hand, while surfing the net, I don't know why the word lomography popped in my head. Since I don't have a camera that has a lomo feature in it, I looked for websites that have tutorials about making a photo "lomofied". Fortunately, I found one helpful website.

Here are some of my "lomofied" pictures. The before and after:

First picture: Me and my cousin, Keithy, goofing around last New Year's Day; Second picture: Our jumpshot that a friend took when we were in Enchanted Kingdom last November; Third picture: A very soup-mode picture of me and my bestfriend during our Mall of Asia trip. v(",)v

Well, I'm not sure if you can really see the results because the pictures are small. However, regardless of the small-sized pictures, I'm beginning to appreciate lomography now. I find its effects nice and classy yet modernized. I like it! I think I should do this more often, most especially when I'm not very busy in school. By the way, I'm going back to school tomorrow. I'm excited in a way and nervous too. And oh, hello again schoolworks! Boo.

Okay, I'm signing off. I have to fix my things for tomorrow. Bye! *sigh*

Credits to: http://abduzeedo.com/cross-processed-lomo-effect-photoshop-tutorial. Try it! It's fun! And make sure that Adobe Photoshop is installed in your PC or laptop, okie? v(",)v

Bang Bang Boom

Hello again! I still cannot believe that we are going to say good-bye to year 2008! How time flies! There has been a lot of memories this year. May mga nawala at may mga dumating. We are able to learn from our experiences. So as we say good-bye to the Year of the Rat, let us forget the bad memories and keep and cherish the new ones. Let us put behind the old and unpleasant habits and change for the better. Like what Oprah Winfrey said, "Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right." Tomorrow isn't just like any other day; Tomorrow, we will begin to embrace a new chapter in our lives. So, please allow me to take this opportunity to greet you a Happy New Year! Let us welcome Year of the Ox, 2009, with a smile! v('',)v

God bless you and take care always! v(",)v

'Tis the Season to be Jolly Fa La La La La...

Hello! Tomorrow is the big day. I believe that most of you are enjoying right now and could not wait to open the gifts from your loved ones. HAHA. Also, probably, some of you are preparing for your noche buena already. Say cheers to ham, queso de bola and fruit salad!

Like you, I am excited for the coming of Christmas. Unfortunately, some people cannot feel its spirit because of the crisis that is happening around the world recently. As a matter of fact, only a few Christmas carols are heard on the radio, in malls, and other places. The number of Christmas carolers and Christmas parties also dropped. In addition, I observed that the decorations of some houses become less colorful and attractive. I even heard people complaining because they do not have gifts to give and good food to eat. Christmas is not the same as before anymore. What is happening?

A priest in our parish once said that Christmas is not about expensive gifts, delicious foods, and colorful and attractive decorations. Christmas is about sharing our blessings and giving love, peace, and joy to others. On the other hand, expensive gifts do not matter. It is the thought that counts so be happy. v(",)v

We should not feel bad when we don't have gifts to give, delicious food to eat, and colorful and attractive decorations in our home. At least, we still have our family, friends, and loved ones to spend this very special day with us.

Merry Christmas everyone! May your Christmas this year be more meaningful and filled with love, joy, and peace! Let us not forget its true meaning, okay? v(",)v

God bless you all!

I Wish

It is not only the catchy and energetic song. I admire the moves too! Beyonce is such a total performer. I wish I could dance like her. Whoa, oh, oh,! v(",)v

Single Ladies - Beyonce

"All the single ladies... now put your hands up!"

Kodak Moments

Pictures, as they say, are worth a thousand words. They have the capability of giving us a full description of what happened during a particular time and event. They also tell us the feelings, emotions, and state of mind of the people or things, whether they are happy or sad. Pictures are the frozen memories of our lives.

And as promised, I'm going to share with you our EK Trip last November. I compiled all the pictures that my friends and I took. We went there not just because we wanted to have fun. Actually, it was a requirement for our ECEDLEV (Early Childhood Learning Environment) class. We were given a piece of paper to answer, and the questions were based on the environment of EK. After working on the paper, we were given the freedom to do whatever we want!

It was a sweet escape from all the school work. Through this trip, we were able to destress and forget our worries.

It was really a super duper fun-fun-fun trip! After more than ten years, I was able to visit EK again. I was surprised to see different rides and places such as Rio Grande, Rialto, Ice Monster (yes, place din naman un ah...haha) and the latest addition, the Shake, Rattle and Roll House. Although I was not able to ride Anchor's Away, Jungle Log Jam, Rio Grande, and Space Shuttle for some reason, I promise that next time I would!

And oh, before I forget, let me include the pictures of my bestfriend Maggie and I during her six-day stay here in Laguna too.

Maggie's six-day vacation here in Laguna was cool! We did a lot of things like going to different places, eating in restaurants where yummy foods are served, sharing kwentos until the wee hours of the morning, watching Korean TV shows (may subtitles naman...haha), laughing, and taking pictures (our latest addiction...HAHA). There was never a dull moment with her. Thank you Bestfriend Maggie for everything!

I am very happy that cameras are invented because without them, we wouldn't be able to capture happy memories, the Kodak Moments, like these.

Good night everyone! God bless you all! v(",)v