The Adventures and Misadventures of the Three Musketeers

When Hazel told me that there's a bazaar at the World Trade Center in Pasay, as soon as I got home, I already asked my aunt for permission. I also called my dad on the phone to tell him about it. As always, they had second thoughts but they eventually gave in when I compromised. I said I wanted to try something new, like commuting from Sta. Rosa to Buendia with my colleagues in school. They don't need to worry about the gas and toll fee since we'll be commuting and we'll try to be back by 5pm, so I could attend mass with them. It was a deal. So last November 5, Hazel, Serie, and I braved the unpredictable weather just to be at the Super Sale Bazaar. It was a day full of adventure.

We got so surprised when we saw the long line outside the World Trade Center. It was crazy! And we even got more surprised (and a little bit confused) when we realized that the majority of those who were in line were guys. We were able to got in easily since the ladies' line was empty. When we were inside, we saw people wearing their cosplay costumes and no booths. Then it occurred to us that we were in the wrong event. The Super Sale Bazaar was at the small room located beside the World Trade Center. Kaya pala! Imagine how the three of us laughed. That's why we felt so indifferent. Haha!

It was a relief when we finally reached our destination. We were welcomed by cupcakes, gellato, and other sweet stuff. Yes, this is our thing.    

 

Gellati gellato which we never got the chance to taste! It looked so yummy!

We spent approximately two and some hours inside, looking at displays. There were a lot of interesting items from different booths. I saw some familiar people and even those who are making a niche in the fashion world (fashion bloggers). I had a fangirl moment when I saw Patricia Prieto and Lisa Kahayon in person! I never expected to see them there! I was supposed to ask Patricia to have a picture taken with me but I became so shy. :l

Anyway, here's a picture of me and Hazel while shopping at Happy Boon's booth. We weren't prepared for this! Got the picture from the shop's Facebook page.

I looked so stressed while Hazel looked so pretty and fresh. Haha!

   And here are my purchases from the bazaar.

Top/Dress from Happy Boon

Boat shoes from Tutum

We went to SM Mall of Asia after looking around because there are more food selections. Haha! We rode a cab instead of the shuttle because it rained like there's no tomorrow. We ate lunch at Sizzling Pepper Steak. Look at those cute sign boards! All you have to do is flip them...

...when you're okay with your order and don't need anything...

...or when you need anything/assistance.

Here's what Serie and I ate: Beef Pepper Rice. I forgot what Hazel ordered. Hihi.

 

 

 

Perhaps, you already know them if you frequent my blog. Haha! :p

Hi Serie and Hazel!

I didn't regret commuting because I had a great time with Serie and Hazel. Haay, commuters' life. Fun times!

Just in case you're wondering if we made it by 5pm, well, we didn't. But I was just in time for mass so everything was absolutely fine. ;)

The weather makes me feel sad

The weather in the Philippines is definitely unpredictable. It's so hot during the day but heavy rains pour come night. No wonder why a lot of people catch cold and fever nowadays due to weather changes. It doesn't feel like Christmas season too, because it feels like we're still stuck in the month of May, June, July, and August... also known as the "rainy months". Like what Elmo Magalona said in his tweet before, the rain makes everything more dramatic. Maybe this is the reason why I feel sad. Or upset. I don't know.

On the brighter side, I selected songs from my player which I think are perfect for this kind of weather. Or if you feel like the way I do right now, I do hope that these will cheer you up.

Wonderwall by Oasis

As Long As It Matters by Gin Blossoms

Fix You by Coldplay

Tomorrow is another day. Let it be good to all of us. Think of happy thoughts.

Dreams Do Come True

These days, it's not that easy to get the job that you want. You have to go through a lot before you finally land on your dream job. A series of interviews and tests come along the way and you have to be brave enough to accept rejections.

I know how it feels to find a job and how it feels to be rejected because I've been through these things last year. I was just a fresh graduate from DLSU and I felt quite nervous yet excited about sending my resumes at different preschools. So imagine how I felt when I finally got accepted at the preschool where I can see myself grow and be a better teacher. I cried on the day I received a call from the directress and thanked God for the wonderful opportunity. I will never ever forget that. Moving on.

My fellow Humblebee Ekai wasn't an exception. She also experienced what I experienced last year. She bravely took risks and never gave up. Some weeks ago, she surprised everyone, including herself, when she got accepted as the Editorial Coordinator of Meg Magazine and her boss is none other than the Bianca Gonzalez! I was so thrilled when I learned about it and I congratulated her as soon as I read her tweet and her sister's status on Facebook. It's truly worth the wait. Indeed, everything happens for a reason. Dreams do come true.

This pretty young lady will go places. :)
*photo taken from her blog, Life in Euphoria*

If there's one thing I learned from her, it's about not giving up. You have to keep going in order to reach that goal or dream of yours. Sometimes, you will feel like you're a failure or worthless but also remind yourself that making mistakes is okay because it helps you grow, learn and become a better person. Don't stop trying and believe in yourself. Lastly, keep the faith. God knows the best for you. What's happening to you right now is a part of His plan for you. 

To Ekai, if you're reading this, I just want to say that I'm so proud of you! You've come this far! You deserve to be in that position. Please don't forget us when you become famous, okay? :p Good luck and God bless. See you soon! Animo! :) 

P.S. Please visit Ekai's inspirational blog too. For sure, you will love her positivity too. :)

The Reflection

Feeling sleepy while the mass is ongoing is quite inevitable for me. Whenever the mass ends, I feel bad because it didn't turn out to be as meaningful as I expect it to be. My mind usually wonders off the great halls of the church, most especially when it's time for homily. Sometimes, I participate in singing the songs but it's not effective. Nakakahiya talaga kay God at sa mga taong nakapaligid sa akin. So yesterday, before leaving for mass, I drank a cup of brewed coffee to keep myself awake.

The coffee didn't fail me. I was full of energy from the beginning until the end of the mass. I was able to listen to the readings, the psalm, and the gospel. And I understood the homily. For the very first time, the priest's homily became meaningful to me. I got so affected and I can't help thinking about what he said. He made sense.

Does my life have direction? 

Where am I going? 

What have I done/accomplished so far?

Do I ever cross the mind of the person I think about every single day too?:p

Okay, please ignore the last question. Haha! Haay, I hope I don't drown in my pool of thoughts. Well, on a lighter note, at least my brain is working double time. :p   

And in another life, I would make you stay...

"Sometimes, when I miss you, I put those records on... I should've told you what you meant to me..." 

- The One That Got Away by Katy Perry

In my honest opinion, this is the best song of Katy Perry in her album, Teenage Dream. This song isn't new to me because it used to be my last song syndrome last summer. I'm also glad the music video came out already. I love it! It's so touching. :')

When you have the chance, go tell the people you love that you love them... what they really mean to you... before it's too late. :)

Of Traveling and Living Abroad

A few days before my birthday, I had a small talk with Hazel about the countries we'd like to explore and I'm glad to know that she also dreams of traveling the world one day. It was a brief yet meaningful exchange of thoughts and she somehow inspired me. Yes, I want to go to a lot of places but, unlike Hazel, I never tried searching for random flights that fit my budget to make my traveling dreams come true.

Oh well.

Recently, I noticed that some of my batchmates (from gradeschool, highschool, and college) have moved in to Singapore, to follow their dreams and reach their personal goal. Well, being lost in a new place, learning new things, and meeting new people are a whole lot of fun, but nothing beats that priceless feeling you get when you're with your family and loved ones after a long day at work. It must have been really hard for them to leave the special people in their lives. But this is the life. Sometimes, we have to go through some twists and turns and make big decisions (should I take it or not?).

James, a childhood friend once asked me, "If given a chance, would you live in a foreign land?" That's a tough question, I must say. It took me some time to collect my thoughts, before I finally answered him. After five or ten minutes of debating with myself, I bet he was a little bit surprised when I said "no". As of that moment (until now, actually), I haven't considered writing "to live in another country" yet in my bucket list. I haven't pictured myself living abroad, away from my family. Perhaps, I'm not yet ready to leave the life that I have here in the Philippines. Traveling, on the other hand, is a different story.

But maybe, just maybe, there will come a day when I'd change my mind, make a big decision, and consider living abroad. We'll never know. ;)

Close to Nature

It was a sunny and a little bit windy afternoon so I decided to go out and just walk around our garden. I borrowed my brother's camera because I had a gut feeling that I'd take photos of things that interest me. I wasn't wrong when I saw the fallen leaves from our santol tree on the grass. The leaves reminded me of autumn because of their colors... brown, red, and orange. For some strange reason, I also felt that I wasn't in the Philippines. 

Auntie Sari once said that it's nice for me to walk around the garden to appreciate nature's beauty... God's gifts ika nga. Indeed, that afternoon, I got to appreciate what's around me. I loved the feel of the grass on my feet. I loved the gentle wind that caressed my cheek. I enjoyed watching the chickens that roam around our garden, looking for food (yes, we have chickens at home but we consider them as pets). It was quite relaxing and I somehow had forgotten about the things that usually occupy my mind. I think I should do this more often.

Since the camera's with me, I didn't let the chance of having my pictures taken pass too. I looked for a spot where I can put the camera, set the timer, and then ran back and forth our garden to check if the shot's okay. Unfortunately, my solo picture was a big failure so I had to call my brother to help me out. :))

   

Better! I put on the 1960's and vignette effect on the photo to add a bit more drama. ;) It was also the day I felt like a model. Haha! What if I submit this photo to Candy magazine's website? Will they choose me as the It Girl of the Week? Haha! Just kidding. Going back, can you see the leaves that surround me? By the way, I commend our kuya gardener for doing such a good job in maintaining the look of the garden. 

Another thing. I'm fond of browsing through the site of fashion bloggers like Patricia Prieto and Kryz Uy. I've always admired these fashion bloggers and the people who are passionate about fashion, because they can really make a simple dress or pieces of clothing look more fabulous. I visit Candy Magazine's website from time to time to get some ideas too. Anyway, I got inspired by them so I also took photos of what I wore. :p

     

Top: Just G | Shorts: Bench | Belt: Pop Culture | Ring: Quiapo

Cupcake necklace (hardly visible): Kids of Bayo

Bag: Given to me by Auntie Sari

Sandals: Mario D' Boro, SM Department Store

Disclaimer: My solo pictures were taken by my brother, while the rest, by yours truly. :)

What we do during free time

Photo courtesy of Karla

If the corporate world has coffee break, the educator's world has the so-called "tea break". Of course, I made the latter one up. Haha! Since Serenitea opened at Solenad 2 in Nuvali, my colleagues and I haven't stopped visiting the place. And if I'm not mistaken, the servers know us now by face. :)) 

Going to Serenitea doesn't only satisfy our craving for Okinawa milk tea; it's also an opportunity for us to bond even more. :)

Through the Years

Remember the time when I was so into indie music? Fast forward to today, I have suddenly become interested again in listening to RnB or urban music. It all started when I came across Lil Wayne's How to Love while changing channels the other night. It was a little bit odd yet refreshing for me to hear him sing a "ballad" for he's best known as a rapper. I also appreciated the song's music video because it makes the viewers aware of the issues that greatly affect the life of most teenagers today. You may click the link above and feel free to share with me your thoughts or insights regarding it. ;)

Let's time travel as I present to you some of my favorite and most played RnB songs in my playlist, "Urban Mix":

Dilemma- Nelly ft. Kelly Rowland

A blast from the past! I was in my last year in grade school when this song became a hit in the music charts. There was a point when I recorded this song via a cassette player because downloading songs wasn't a fad at that time yet. ;) Dilemma may be 8 years old already (how time flies) but I will never get tired of listening to and singing along with it. I love this collaboration of Nelly and Kelly!

My Boo- Usher and Alicia Keys

2004 was the year of Usher and Alicia Keys. Their songs from their albums Confessions and the Diary of Alicia Keys respectively dominate the music charts. It was in my sophomore year in high school when My Boo became the most requested song in the radio station my bus mates and I frequently listen to. I wish they had a back to back concert here in the Philippines... as if papayagan ako na manood. Haha! They look good together in this music video, right? It's just sad they didn't end up together.

Hate that I Love You- Rihanna ft. Ne-Yo

College days! I was a freshman in college when I encountered Hate that I Love You. It's one of the songs that my blockmates used to play while waiting for our next class. I'm not a fan of Rihanna or Ne-Yo but in my honest opinion, they totally rocked this song. And can I just say that Rihanna's soooo sexy in this music video?

Superbass- Nicki Minaj

Oh yes. Your eyes aren't deceiving you. Nicki Minaj's Superbass is in my playlist and I dream of memorizing it and singing it without being bulol. Seryoso. :)) Now that I'm in the real world, this song becomes my friend when I check the papers of my enrichment program class because its catchy beat keeps me awake and entertained at the same time.

Thank you for sharing your precious time with me. Until my next blog post! :)

The Big Achievement

*Photo taken last October 9, 2011 at SM Calamba parking lot*

Five months after I "graduated" from driving school, I finally "mastered" the art of parking the car properly. :)) Seeing the car parked right in the middle of the two white lines made me a happy kid. Yay! And I hope this photo will help me in convincing the elders to allow me to drive alone. :D

By the way, the guy beside the car is my dad. ;)

The Big Two-One

My new life began last Thursday when I celebrated my 21st birthday. I thought it would be just an ordinary day and I told myself not to expect anything, but life can be sweet sometimes. It may be a rainy day but it was filled with sunshine and rainbows because of the greetings I received from the people I met along the way, and what they've done just to make my birthday extra special. To those who wrote on my Facebook wall, tweeted me on Twitter, sent me a text message, called me on my phone... thank youuuu!

Here are some snippets of my 21st birthday:

 

The preschool teachers gave this to me as soon as I entered the room. Got teary-eyed when I read the messages they wrote on the styro. They are so sweet!

What's inside the styro? OREO CHEESECAKE! Thank you so much Teachers Kaye, Serie, Mariel, and Kris! By the way, I'm keeping the styro. Sentimental reasons. ;)

This cake was given to me by the school staff. I was reviewing my grade 3 student on division with 2-3 divisors when Sir Ron suddenly opened the door and started singing "Happy Birthday!" (nagulat ako, literal haha!). Behind him was Teacher Portia, our directress, with a grade 1 student carrying the cake. The other teachers from the other room plus their students followed. They were all singing and clapping! I even saw Serie taking photos while I blow the candle. :p

Pizza played a major role on that day. I brought NY Classic, New York's Finest and Manhattan Meatlovers for everyone to savor. It felt so good to see my fellow teachers and the students enjoy my simple treat. 

And the cherry on top? This simple card given to me by my grade 3 student. :D

No words can truly express how I feel. I feel lucky, blessed, overwhelmed, happy, grateful *insert all positive words here*. Thank you!!! You are all fantastic! One big hug! And yes, exclamation points are necessary. :D

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. :)