To My Dearest Daddy

(Taken last January 1, 2009)

You are the best and the coolest dad I could ever have. I'm lucky to have you as my father. Thank you for everything. I love you! Happy Father's Day! :)

Love, Dana. :)

*Happy Father's Day to all dads! :)*

School is Back and so I Am

Hello! It has been quite a while since I wrote my last entry. I’m not updating my blog recently because I’m so involved with school stuff. On the brighter side, I'm back. ;)

After two years, I finally have an organization. I joined UnITEd, and eventually became a part of the executive board. I spent my last days of summer in school with my fellow officers, helping them prepare our booth for the freshmen orientation or LPEP. We also made plans, proposals and activities for the whole year.

(The Magic School Bus: UnITEd Version was the booth for the LPEP; the activities are for the whole school year)

During our first week as college juniors, we had a mini-pictorial with Ms. Lara, our adviser. We felt like celebrities as we smiled at the camera. I love the photos, most especially the one I posted here. We look very pretty in this photo! HAHA. In addition, we did our bulletin board at the 16th floor of Andrew Building. The place was really overflowing with creativity, imagination, and even laughter as we cut and paste the decorations. We enjoyed doing it. We all had a great time. ;)

(Can you spot Ms. Lara in the picture, upper left?)

On the other hand, maybe, you've heard the news about the swine flu outbreak in our school (De La Salle University). Our classes were suspended for ten-days because it was confirmed that an exchange student had its symptoms. The school administration advised us to stay at home and avoid going to crowded places. BUT, instead of obeying, I went to bookstores and malls to buy children's books and new clothes. HAHA. People wouldn't know that I'm from La Salle anyway.

After ten days, the swine flu issue is not a big deal anymore. Now, our life as college students is back to normal. Thank you very much.

When classes resumed last Monday, the annual recruitment week pushed through as well. I'm happy to tell you that many students from CED joined UnITEd. We are also grateful to our professors because they influenced them to join our organization in a way. And oh, did I mention that I joined ROTARACT too?

(The annual recruitment week 2k9 in DLSU-Manila)

Now, I can finally say that I'm ready to teach minds, touch hearts, and inspire lives. There may be bumps along the way, but it's okay. I'll treat them as a challenge for me to grow and become a better person. Haay. I feel that this school year would be my best and most memorable ever. :)

Yihee

Love makes the world turn upside down. I just realized that some people do crazy and weird things when they are in love. Haay. But I really find them funny, sweet, and kilig for some reason. Okay, I'm watching too much Koreanovelas. HAHA. So what? :)

Ano Kaya?

Just recently, there is a commercial slash advocacy campaign that features the different celebrities and other famous personalities such as Chris Tiu, Charice Pempengco, Maxene Magalona, Luis Manzano, Angel Locsin and Ely Buendia. They talk about their plans and promises to help our beloved country, the Philippines. I personally think that this is a brilliant idea because they are the role models of the Filipino youth of today. They could easily encourage the youth to become active in nation building, so they would be able to contribute something good to make the country a better place.

Change can happen if we only become responsible citizens of this country. Because of this commercial slash campaign, many Filipinos are now becoming more socially aware, active and involved as they make a stand and perhaps "take real actions" in changing the society. On the other hand, like everyone else, I'm hoping that this has nothing to do with the 2010 elections.

Since I'm taking up early childhood education, this is my pledge: Ako mismo ay magsisikap ng mabuti upang maging isang magandang ehemplo sa mga kabataan. :)

Note: I've also heard that you'll get the dogtag if you register in the site or if you write on the wall of commitments. Oh well, I hope so. The dogtags are totally cute. ;)

*Happy Birthday Paolo and Happy Wedding Anniversary Auntie Nene and Uncle Romy. And special thanks to Minka. Thank you so much for the award. :)*

A Mixture of Fantasy and Reality

Upon reading an article in The Philippine Star some time ago, I got inspired to write my own list of Top 5 favorite books and reasons why I love to read them all over again.

1. The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint- Exupéry

This is the very first book that I've read when I entered high school. Our English teacher required us to read this one. I thought that this book is just like the other children's book but I proved myself wrong. It is beautifully written and I actually learned something relevant from it. It all started when an airman accidentally met the little prince, when a part of his engine broke down in the Sahara Desert. The little prince approached the airman because he wanted him to draw a sheep. From then on, they became friends and the rest is history. This story is interesting because the characters are interesting too. They will make every reader appreciate the simple things in life and see "what is essential is invisible to the eye". This book will totally make you think and reflect a lot. Trust me.

2. The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan

When we were in our senior year in highschool, we had to choose a book to read for our mini-thesis. I chose The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan. I did not regret reading this book because it enabled me to understand why mothers act and behave in such ways. I realized that a mother's love for her child is truly "unconditional, selfless, and irreplaceable". It touched me in a way, and I'm thankful because it helped me love my mother more. Plus, I learned something about the Chinese culture. By the way, I craved for moon cake and other Chinese food for a week after reading the book.

3. Penny from Heaven by Jennifer Stockholm

Unlike the other two, this one is not required. I bought it last year because of my resolution to read at least 3 books every summer break. After I finished reading it, I found out that we can really find real happiness through our family and friends, and even in simple things like dreaming about eating a butter-pecan ice cream and spending a Sunday dinner with the whole family. Penny really keeps me "glued" because her life, as an eleven year old, is very intriguing. Why does her favorite uncle live in a car? What is the reason why her mother's and father's family are not talking to each other? Why does her Nonny always cry when the name of her father is mentioned? Hmm. I discovered something about the Italian culture too.

4. Eggs by Jerry Spinelli

My brother was laughing at me when he saw that this one's for 9-12 year old children. He told me that I should not read Eggs because for heaven's sake, it is a children's book! BUT, I've got the last laugh, thank you very much. From this book, I learned that friendship is not always a one-way road. We have to give something to our friends in order to fill what is missing in their lives. Appreciating them for who they are is one big step for them to feel loved, special, and happy. And vice-versa.

5. The Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling

The Harry Potter series is my all-time favorite! Well, Harry Potter is not all about magic, spells, wands, flying brooms, witches and wizards. I think that J.K. Rowling wants us to look beyond and think outside the box. Harry Potter and friends teach us how to be brave in every challenges that come our way; how to love unconditionally; how to become responsible in the actions that we do; how to make choices; and how to treasure and trust the people in our lives. I consider the characters as role models (yes, even Fred and George Weasley, just in case you're wondering) because they have the behaviors and values, which can make us become a better person.

I love reading books like these because they bring me to unknown yet fascinating places where I can learn about different cultures and life's important lessons.

So what's yours? :)

P.S. Happy Mother's Day to your wonderful moms and Happy Birthday my dear friend, Kat Reyes! :)

Promises are not meant to be Broken

So as promised. Today, I'm sharing with you the photos that my friends and I took when we had our summer getaway in Calatagan two weeks ago. I did not bring my camera with me as we splashed and swam with the waves because I was afraid it might get wet. ;)

Some of the pictures are grabbed from Tasha and Maryse, thank you very much.

The first few pictures belong to my friends: Mye, Maryse, Lo, Nikki, Cheska, and Raymund. We really enjoyed the beach! We had so much fun! These are the moments while we were having some fun under the sun. However, we missed our other friends: Sab, Mau, Icca, Kat, Trish, Ocha, Danielle, and Sylvia. They had their own reasons and we understood why they were not able to come with us. Oh well, I hope that next time, we will be complete. As the old saying goes, "The more, the merrier!"

This is the "most exciting part of the sea" by the way. All of us loved this place because we were able to swim with the waves. The waves were so strong. They (the waves) can bring you to the shore in a short period of time. ;) We were like surfing without a surf board. :)) On the other hand, we had to walk on the pathway to be able to reach this place. We walked very carefully because it was very slippery. I had my Ms. Universe moment here on my way back to the shore. Ouch. :/

The last set of pictures is my favorite. I like the shots here. It is like bringing out the inner "photographer" in us. Capturing every precious moment. Plus, they show how much we enjoyed the day. And oh, before I forget, the girl wearing a bikini top and boardshorts is Tasha. I missed her too (she shifted course, that is why). Good thing, she was able to be with us on this very special day.

Like what Maryse said, "Sa uulitin!". :D

*P.S. Thank you for waiting patiently for the pictures. And Happy birthday to our dearest Auntie Sari!*

Power Punch

After two rounds, Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao won the boxing match against Ricky "Hitman" Hatton. Knock out. Everything happened so fast. Hindi ko ito inaasahan.

(The moment: The very powerful punch that totally knocked out Hitman.)

Honestly, I am not a big fan of boxing but I tried to watch this much awaited event with my aunties, here at home. I actually prayed for Mr. Pacquiao because I wanted him to win again. Well, my prayer (and everyone else's; I'm pertaining to the Filipinos, by the way.) was worth it because God heard it. But, I felt bad for Mr. Hatton because he seemed unconscious after Mr. Pacquiao hit him on the face. I'm glad to hear that he is okay now though.

Congratulations Mr. Pacquiao. You made us all proud! :)

*Photo retrieved from http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/more-sport/2009/05/04/pacman-had-the-perfect-punch-and-ricky-hatton-didn-t-even-see-it-coming-115875-21330698/*

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!