Oh, Margaret

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

(her first sleepover in Laguna three years ago)


(with our friend James three years ago)

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

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

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

Happy Birthday Bestfriend Margaret!!! :)

The Sweetest Story I've Ever Heard

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

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

I Wonder What's Going On Today

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

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

A Little Girl's First Heartbreak

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

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

On a Wednesday Night

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

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

Tomorrow is another day. My game face is on.

*Photo from Tumblr*

The Fortune Cookie

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

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

*Photo taken by Kaye*

Iccarageous

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

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

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

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

Happy Birthday Iccarageous!!! :)

Do the Pretty Girl Rock

Pretty Girl Rock by Keri Hilson has been playing on my iPod for days and it's on repeat mode! Kaye suggested to download this song and I'm glad I did. It's so catchy, it makes me want to dance! HAHA. I love the video because it's so creative (in my honest opinion) and it pays homage to some of the inspiring and beautiful black women in the world like Josephine Baker, Diana Ross, Janet Jackson and TLC. Moreover, this song tells all the girls to love themselves and to keep remembering that they are beautiful, no matter what other people say. To sum it all up, let me quote Eleanor Roosevelt, "Nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent".

On a completely unrelated note, Keri as Janet Jackson and T-Boz (the lead singer of TLC) are my favorite scenes. :)

The Guy We Love to Hate (Or Hate to Love) Sings!

Tom Felton, who is best known as Harry's arch rival Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter series, sings very well and plays the guitar. He is also pretty good in writing his own songs. What's more? He just released his album, In Good Hands, and it's available now in Amazon.com.

It's a refreshing change from being a villain to a musician. His music is a far cry from his character in Harry Potter; It's so sweet and calm. I like his music and listening to his songs makes me feel good in a way (I actually searched for the songs in the list from the link I posted above on Youtube. One by one. Haha!).

Here he is with his song, If You Could be Anywhere. Fall in love more with Draco Malfoy... I mean Tom Felton. :)

Get Ready for Autumn

If there's one season that's interesting for me, it would be autumn. The changing color of the leaves from green to orange (in some cases, yellow) never fails to amuse me. My lovely Auntie Sari used to collect autumn leaves whenever she gets the chance to visit our relatives in the States, and I have always enjoyed looking at her collection whenever she shows it to everyone here in the Philippines. I haven't been to a country where there's autumn so I feel very lucky to be able to see, touch and hold an actual autumn leaf.

Last Sunday, we went to Uncle Menor and Auntie Elon's house to have merienda with our balikbayan Uncle Sergio and Auntie Josie (I belong to a very big family tree that's why I have so many uncles and aunties). I was hesitant to go at first because it's an "all-adults" get together, but I still joined my three other aunties and my dad. I brought my cellphone with me just in case I get bored. While eating merienda, I realized that surrounding myself with people 40-50 years older than I am has disadvantages because I get to learn more about our family and their life before. They talked about their younger years, the things they do when they were my age and the like. During the conversation, Uncle Sergio also showed us the photos of my cousins and their children for us to see how much they've grown and changed, using his iPad. He showed us too the photos he took of the autumn leaves/trees in their neighborhood and the robin's eggs he found in their garden.

(A robin's eggs)

By the way, have you seen a robin's egg? Yes, your eyes aren't deceiving you because the eggs you see in this photo are definitely blue. Now I know that not all eggs are white. Fascinating, right?

(Autumn in Boston's public garden)

Everyone was so happy, most especially Auntie Sari who received another batch of autumn leaves. It was indeed an entertaining afternoon. Contrary to my presumption, I didn't get bored at all! I actually had a great time with them, and I hope it happens again soon. And oh, I'm going to add Boston to my top 8 list (making it top 9 now) of travel destinations. It would be such a delight to finally experience autumn. :)

*Photos from Google images*

The Time is Running

My brain and my friends say I should go for it but my heart says otherwise. February 11 is just around the corner and I haven't made any decision. The final decision. I'm still having second thoughts. Why is it hard to answer this simple yes or no question? Is this a risk worth taking? What if... but what if?

I'm torn and confused. I should pray more. God, please guide and enlighten me.

Wow, it feels like high school senior year all over again.

P.S. Friends, don't get me wrong. I'm talking about the board exams for teachers. The deadline for the requirements is on February 11 and the exam day is on April 3. *sigh*

The Ear Candy

Before I hit the sack tonight, I would like to present my current last song syndrome... it's Misery by Maroon 5 from their latest album, "Hands All Over". I heard they're coming back to Manila for a concert on May 23 at the SMX Convention Center. Exciting! :D

*I can't take my eyes off Adam Levine. Wala lang. :))*

The Ships Had Sailed

What is happening to Pinoy Rock Music nowadays?

Last January 9, the Filipino rock band Bamboo had disbanded. The band's vocalist, Bamboo Manalac, confirmed the break-up in a statement he posted on their website. I've always been proud of these guys because they compose songs that make the Filipinos, particularly the youth, become socially aware and nationalistic. Their songs such as Noypi, Masaya, These Days, Mr. Clay, Hallelujah, Much Has Been Said, Probinsyana, Tatsulok, Kailan and Kalayaan sparked the patriotism among the Filipino youth. I also used to believe that they can do well in the international rock music scene but this happened. Oh well. Like what Bamboo said, "Things change... a chapter closes and a new one begins... We move forward for all the right reasons."

On the other hand, Ebe Dancel, the vocalist of Sugarfree, announced on his Twitter account that he's set to leave the band by the end of February to pursue a solo career. This simple tweet broke my heart because I love Sugarfree. I was one of the many students who screamed and sang along with the band when they performed in DLSU two years ago. And did I mention that their duet with the Manila Symphony Orchestra was epic? I wish I had been there! Mariposa, Hari ng Sablay, Prom, Tulog Na, Wag Ka Nang Umiyak and Nangangawit were a huge part of my highschool and early college life. I'm really sad because one of my favorite Filipino bands has to go.

I'm ending this post with Masaya and Nangangawit by Bamboo and Sugarfree respectively.

So long, farewell.

Note to Self

(From Tumblr)

Was browsing through a magazine which I bought a while ago and I came across this one:

"Accept that things may not always go according to plan--- and most of the time, something even better comes along."

I just feel that it's the perfect line for me today. This month's feature tells me to do my best no matter what and to be more open to the opportunities that come my way. Just what I need. :)

What's up, Bruno?

"The song is about loving someone so deeply, and the pain of knowing that the person you love does not feel the same. The actions in this video serve as a metaphor, and should not be taken literally. I am aware of the power of visual media, and I encourage everyone who watches this video to understand that it is an artistic interpretation of the song, and not something to imitate." -Bruno Mars

Well, what can I say? People do crazy things when they're in love, aren't they? :)

Today's a laid back Sunday

The weather in the Philippines is so unpredictable lately. Sometimes it's sunny-windy, rainy or just plain sunny. But I love it! And because of the weather, there's a reason for me to drink a cup of hot chocolate topped with marshmallows. It feels good to have an easy-going atmosphere at home.

So for a laid back Sunday afternoon, here's Train with their feel-good song Hey, Soul Sister from their album Save Me, San Francisco. Enjoy listening! :)

Keep Peace in Your Soul

How inappropriate. Those were the first words that came to my mind when I read a comment from a social networking site. I know we live in a democratic country and we're all free to express our feelings, but I don't think this celebrity has the right to say those below-the belt-words to someone he hardly knows. I admire people who are smart and very opinionated but saying something like that is just absurd, rude and immature. He has gone too far.

Dear celebrity, what happened to the morals/values that your parents have taught you? Oh, please, next time think before you speak. You are a public figure so your life is an open-book. And remember, a lot of people are looking up to you.

A piece of advice:

I hope you have the time to reflect on what you said. It would be much better if you apologize to the person. You've hurt his feelings and you owe him some apology. There's nothing wrong if you say "sorry". I know it's hard for you to do but sometimes you just have to eat your pride and take responsibility for your actions. Hey, it's already 2011. Change your ways. Be a good role model. :)

Thank you for the memories...

It is too shocking to see that DLSU's field looks like this now.

This field has been a part of the university's rich history, and it has made a remarkable impact in the students' college life because big events, such as the University Week, are celebrated here. The cadets from the ROTC and the foot ball varsity team usually have their trainings here to further develop their skills for it provides enough space for them. And it is where the students play frisbee during their free time. I feel sad in a way because it is being demolished in preparation for the Centennial year.

When I come back to visit again, I will no longer see this piece of beautiful land. However, sometimes we have to let some things go, so there would be a room for better things that are yet to come. I'm going to miss it. Definitely.

*Photos retrieved from Milk and Cookies and A Cookie a Day*

The Top 8

I have always been fascinated by people who usually have the time to travel around the world. I enjoy looking at their pictures and listening or reading their posts about their experiences in the places where they had been to. The books I read and movies I watch are also contributing factors. I learn a lot from them and they inspire me to seek adventure and discover wonderful things.

I'd like to share with you the top eight places that I want to visit in the future. In random order, here's my list:

1. Santorini, Greece

Santorini, Greece is known for its villages which are built on the cliffs and the fantastic view of the sea, volcano and sunset. The movie, Sisterhood of Traveling Pants, introduced me to this paradise. Lena, one of the characters, made me see its grandeur when she paid a visit to her grandparents and to get to know more about her Greek roots. I'm definitely excited to see it for myself.

2. Paris, France

Paris, France is more than just the most romantic place in the world. It is full of museums and galleries such as the Louvre that exhibit world-class works of art like Leonardo da Vinci's famous painting, the Mona Lisa. The Eiffel tower and the Notre Dame Cathedral are a must-see too. I've also heard that the food in Paris tastes great. Have you watched Disney's Ratatouille? Though it is an animated movie, the food that Linguini and Remy (the rat who dreams of becoming a chef) cook looks so appetizing! I'd like to try the authentic French croissant, creme brulee, mousse au chocolat and of course, ratatouille.

3. Italy

Pizza and pasta always come into my mind whenever I hear the word, Italy. I love pizza and pasta and my family can attest to that. These are my comfort food! Meanwhile, I'm currently reading Elizabeth Gilbert's Eat.Pray.Love. Like her, I want to feast on Italian food and savor every moment while in Italy. I'll make it even more memorable by paying a visit to the Vatican, tossing a coin and making a wish at the Trevi Fountain, taking photos of the ruined Roman Coliseum and hang-out in Venice.

4. China

China is an interesting place to visit because of its rich culture. The book, Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan, encouraged me to go to China someday. Also, I saw Bianca Gonzalez' photo taken at the Great Wall of China and it was amazing. I want to have one like that too.

5. New York City, USA

It is the city that never sleeps, as they say. It is also the home of some well-known landmarks and attraction like the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Metropolitan Museum and the Times Square. I will not elaborate further on this because IT'S NEW YORK CITY! :)

6. London, England

I've been wanting to go here since I became fond of the Harry Potter series. For me, this place is magical and it deserves to be in my list.

7. Seoul, Korea

I love watching Korean romantic-comedy-with-a-little-drop-of-drama shows. Full House, Princess Hours, My Girl, Boys Over Flowers and the like never fail to show the viewers the wonderful tourist spots in Korea such as the Teddy Bear Museum, Changdeok Palace, and Jeju Island. I'm also interested in learning about their culture, thanks to my Korean friends.

8. Egypt

Regina Belmonte once shared her experiences when she went to Egypt with her family last summer. It was breathtaking to see the pyramids, even the camels, from the photos she took from their trip. From her blog posts and article on The Philippine Star, I've began to dream about touching the stones of the pyramids which were built by the people during the ancient times. I want to know too how it feels like when I finally get the chance to be inside those pyramids where the tombs of the greatest pharaohs in the world history are found.

How about you, what are your top 8 travel destinations? :)

*Photos from Google Images*

What happened in the concrete jungle where dreams are made of

My cousin, Luisa, is luckiest girl in the world! She surprised everyone when she shared her weird yet funny experience while walking down the streets of New York. She may have missed the countdown at Victoria Harbour with the family in Hongkong and the California sunshine (where she stays because she studies at USC) for snow but at least she had a greatest time with friends in the Big Apple. It was her first time to spend New Year away from family.

So while browsing through my Facebook News Feed, my jaw dropped upon reading her status:

"did i mention i saw natalie portman walking down the street the other day?"

Natalie Portman. The gorgeous Hollywood actress known for playing Padme Amidala in Star Wars.... walked right past my cousin! Luisa thought it's weird and funny at the same time because it all happened in New York, not in L.A. Of all places and of all people.

It's such a joy to hear something good, like this, in the first few weeks of 2011. Good vibes, right? Haay, I wish I'd see Emma Watson or Zac Efron someday. I won't stop dreaming. Who knows? I might see them sooner than later. HAHA. ;)

I'm leaving you with Empire State of Mind by Jay-Z and Alicia Keys. Go and sing your heart out! :)