The Note

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

"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

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

 

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

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

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

"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!

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

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

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

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

Last Friday Night

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...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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! :)