ciento FRESHIEnto :)
MAY 5th, Monday
I woke up earlier than usual. My dad's driver picked me and my mom up at six in the morning. I picked my best casual-yet-serious-looking shirt, donned my favorite jeans, used my new white bag, and wore my new YSL sandals (aka Yari sa Liliw, haha), checked my Blue Clearbook of Important Documents, and off I went. This is it, I told myself.
I was greeted by the huge banner, "Mabuhay mga bagong Iskolar ng KAL!" as I arrived at the College of Arts and Letters, or Kolehiyo ng Arte at Literatura (KAL). I munched on my McDonald's fries with anxiety as I step inside the halls of my soon-to-be building. We were led by the security guard to the second KAL building at the back. There we were greeted by another welcome banner, and several students with their moms. All were eagerly waiting for the start of the briefing which will be given to us at eight o'clock. There I sat down and tried my best straight-not-excited face just so I won't look to eager, but I'm not sure how well I did, I'm not a theater major anyway. A few moments a later, another mother and daughter pair arrived and sat next to us. Our moms started talking, and so we started talking. Thus, my first ever friend in UP, Haila. She's from Marikina Science High School and is going to take up BA English Studies. After a while, we were escorted up the building and were welcomed warmly by the secretary of the dean of CAL, Señor Maranan. He was an old, kind gentleman who emitted that grandfather vibe. He told us his role in our lives as CAL students, and advised us as we take on this new journey. He kept on telling us that we are UP students, therefore we must be proud of what we have achieved just by getting into the school. So, a huge responsibility is on us: to study well and do good. Our school may not be as class or as "sosi" as the others, but we must get by because this is life inside the UP, everyone is equal, everyone is up for the same challenges. He gave us his two basic rules: 1.) We are not allowed to joined fraternities and sororities, and 2.) We should truly prioritize our studies -- no more gala or tambay. This made our parents extremely happy, my mom especially. More reminders later, and we were escorted to the other building to meet with our respective advisers.
I claimed my Form 5A and Student Directory, then immediately went to the second floor, Room 2061. It was there I was supposed to meet my future adviser, Prof. Los Baños (immediately followed by a chuckle inside my head, "LB in Diliman! Hahaha, funny,") By the stairs, I saw three other students waiting. One of them asked me, "Creative Writing ka ba?" to which I replied, "Oo." So we sat there, waiting and chatting. Two more arrived, and thus the completion of the Creative Writing students block B-11: Karla, Andee, Rose, Jamie, and Catherine. Yes, there were only five of us. We fooled ourselves into thinking that more will be coming but alas, no one else did. So we just spent the time chatting and getting to know each other. To my surprise, there were three Paulinians in our block! Andee was from St. Paul Pasig, Rose was from St. Paul QC, and of course, yours truly from Parañaque. I saw it as a blessing in disguise because we all got along really well already. But of course, our other two blockmates were great as well. We joked and laughed about different things, talking like we've been friends for a long time. After what seemed like an eternity of waiting, a tall, bald, macho man came and asked us, "Are you all CW?" Stunned, we nodded in unison with the realization finally dawning on us: It was Professor Los Baños.
I entered the room, with huge
I came out of the room probably with a stunned-slash-relieved expression on my face, which I'm afraid, kind of scared Andee. But I managed to smile at her before she went in, and I was finally able to breathe. I immediately went to my mom, telling her the story as I gasped my breath. We walked to the Office of the University Registrar (OUR) to finally get enrolled. Upon arriving, I told my mom I'll go in already since parents weren't allowed inside. And thus my first taste of the University of Pila. Everywhere you go, there's a queue waiting for you. Some long, some short, some quickly moving, some not moving -- but a line all the same. Thankfully there were a lot of student assistants who were there to guide us and help make everything easier for us freshmen. And good thing too that we were seated so it wasn't really much of a struggle. It was in the line that I saw Inna, who came from the College of Engineering. We didn't get to talk much though because the line moved right away and we were separated. I went to window after window, floor after floor, form after form. I was looking at my neatly arranged Blue Clearbook of Important Documents (special thanks to my Mom, who graciously and voluntarily did that for me -- because that's what moms are for right, Mommy?) and ensuring that I was doing the right thing on the particular step. And then it hit me, I was doing everything on my own. No Inna, no Mommy, no one to complain to or to ask someone else to do the job. Just me and my Blue Clearbook of Important Documents. Hence, another realization: in college, kanya-kanya na talaga.
After a perpituity of windows and tables, I was finally assessed. I still can't help telling myself that "Ang mura talaga sa UP," in spite of its overtness. I paid cold hard blue-green cash at the cashier, took my receipt and finally, finally -- I'M ENROLLED. Yahoo! :)
MAY 6th, Tuesday
Once again, I woke up earlier than usual. Tuesday is the orientation of the May 5 enrollees. With me is Inna, who asked if she could go with me because her parents are out of the country. We were both so nervous and yet, very excited. We didn't know what's in store for us but we're pretty sure we're ready for it. With huge dirty ice cream cones in hand, we braced ourselves as we made our way to the Diosdado Macapagal Hall in the College of Economics, where the orientation will be held.
Outside, I immediately saw my blockmates Jamie, Andee, and Rose. The other one, Catherine, was missing. But nevertheless we stuck together already. I introduced them to Inna and told them that we should sit together inside. One man approached the two of us and gave us fliers. Apparently, it's a group against the tuition fee increase in UP. We looked at each other and couldn't help but laugh -- not at them of course, but the fact that it's just our first day, and already there were people inviting us. Haha. Anyway, we entered the big hall after registering and sat there, anxiously but eagerly. Several minutes later, after everyone has settled, the program started.
The theme was: "Ciento FRESHIEnto, Isko Ako! The Centennial Freshmen Orientation." Just the title itself was already exhilirating. Obviously, this year is very special for us since it is UP's 100th (Centennial) year, and we are the Centennial Freshmen. That in itself is already quite a recognition :)
The emcees were very engaging, telling us to shout "Cheeseburger!" if they ask us how we were. It was funny, actually, especially when they ask all the colleges one by one and get different responses from each. The College of Engineering reply with such low voices because most of them are boys (except for Inna! Haha). The College of Music meanwhile, had someone shouting in a very high voice. And the Department of Library and Information Science -- well let's just say, he had no one else to say Cheeseburger but him. Yep, all alone. May mas konti pa sa course namin, thank God! :) They were extremely hilarious, even spoofing the other colleges that weren't there (haha, sorry College of Science, Home Eco, Educ, and the others! Haha) and giving us trivia, tips, and other whatnots about our future school. They got us really excited about the UP Fair and other events too! Now I can't wait for everything!
The Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, Prof. Dr. Elizabeth Enriquez later gave her welcoming remarks. "Fresh na fresh pa talaga kayo, hindi pa nakakatikim ng kwatro (4) at singko (5)!" she said, to which an uproar of nervous laughter from the freshies followed. She told us how extremely lucky we were by giving us facts and numbers: we were one of the 12,000 who passed among the 66,000 who took the UPCAT, and 2,000 of the 40,000 who aspired to go to UP Diliman. Indeed we should be proud that we are Iskolars and are studying in the flagship campus of the state university. All throughout the program, the emcees kept on telling and reminding us how many great scientists, presidents, lawyers, national artists and other successful people graduated from UP. It was very overwhelming, definitely, but gratifying all the same.
The UP Concert Chorale and the UP Pep Squad were also there to welcome us! Grabe, I
was amazed by the UPCC's performance. They just came from Switzerland and Italy by the way, bringing home the grand prize for excellence in various competitions there. They were definitely world-class. Then the UP Pep Squad came and taught us the school cheers! Inna and I were looking at each other, already concocting plans inside our heads for the UAAP games. We live for UAAP, and now we're actually going to cheer for a school -- OUR SCHOOL! I had goosebumps while shouting the ever famous "U! nibersidad! ng Pilipinas!" cheer, with matching drums and actions! And yes, it was defnitely better than cheering with the UP crowd on TV.. and that was just the orientation! What more for the real actual games? :) They also taught us the UP hymn, "UP Naming Mahal." It was of course going to take some getting used to since twelve years of "Hark, children of the great St. Paul!" and "My goal as a Paulinian is this.." will forever be etched in our memory. But Inna and I swore that we're going to practice all the cheers and songs, and really shout our hearts out in upcoming events! Haha. School spirit, anyone? :)After all has been said and done, we came out of the hall feeling the exact same way we did when we entered; nervous and very, very excited. But I'm going to be the first to say that the orientation only sparked our excitement even more. Now we're starting to bleed Maroon, and we wouldn't have it any other way -- or color :)
ISKOLAR AKO! :)
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heroes are not born, they're built.
When your dad leaves for a business trip, your maid goes on vacation, and you don't have any siblings, that usually means you're stuck with your mom. And for some it's a bad thing. But for me it isn't.
So today, out of boredom (and laziness to cook and clean up, haha) my mom and I went to SM to watch Iron Man. She didn't want to go initially, saying that it's usually my dad who is my movie buddy and that she does not fancy those action-packed movies -- even suggesting the Aga and Anne movie. HAHA. But I won her over, using the fact that she used to have a huge crush on Robert Downey Jr. when he was on Ally McBeal, and that Gwyneth Paltrow would be in it. So Iron Man it was!
I enjoyed the movie! Sobra. It wasn't your average superhero movie because it was certainly interesting. First, the actors. I initially thought Robert Downey was too old for the role, but he carried his role well. And besides, Tony Stark's character obviously had some age, class, and experience, he was perfect for it. It was also quite a surprise to see Gwyneth Paltrow there because usually the leading ladies aren't really big A-list stars. It was refreshing to see her in a less serious role for once. The special effects were terrific too, and I think, unlike most hero movies, it really had a touch of reality in it. I loved how his "machines" were all so human because they talk back! Haha. My mom kept teasing me na baka sa sobrang ka-geek-an ko, I'd program my gadgets like that too. LOL :)
As some of you may know, I'm in love with superheroes. Not the comic-book-guy kind of love, but just a regular teenager completelylooking up to crushing on these fantastic (non)humans. I mean, who doesn't want to have superpowers and unwavering strength? I concoct thoughts of me wearing that red, gold, and blue costume and flying away as Wonder Woman. But what really captivates me more are those without the genetically altered DNAs though, the ones with only their willpower and resolve to change the world. Like Batman. And that's how Iron Man came to be. He was awaken to the truth that he was part of the problem, so he found a way to be the solution. It wasn't easy but his efforts did pay off. Well, I wouldn't really tell you all the ending of course, but do you honestly think there's a superhero out there who didn't deliver? :) He was still human though, no spider bites, no Krypton ancestry, no cosmic ray exposure -- just really mad Math skills.
It got me thinking though. His obvious passion for Math paved the way for his exceptional abilities. So did the creator and producers somehow want to send some kind of subliminal message that we should take Math and Science seriously because it IS useful in real life? Most of the superheroes are, undeniably, geeks and nerds who excelled in class right? Peter Parker and Mr. Fantastic, to name a few. Maybe in some weird way it will encourage all of us to do well in these normally hated subjects because it will be the key to "greatness." Haha.
Whatever, I'm going to be a writer anyway :P
And now the plates and silverware are summoning me. (Un)fortunately, I have to go and hone my superb dish washing skills. Since we have no maid, and because I am just the dutifully obedient daughter that I am (HAHA!), I have been volunteering my services and not complaining. You can call me Lababo Queen now. Haha.
Let me leave you with this.
Now this really, really, really got me thinking.
HAHAHA :))
So today, out of boredom (and laziness to cook and clean up, haha) my mom and I went to SM to watch Iron Man. She didn't want to go initially, saying that it's usually my dad who is my movie buddy and that she does not fancy those action-packed movies -- even suggesting the Aga and Anne movie. HAHA. But I won her over, using the fact that she used to have a huge crush on Robert Downey Jr. when he was on Ally McBeal, and that Gwyneth Paltrow would be in it. So Iron Man it was!I enjoyed the movie! Sobra. It wasn't your average superhero movie because it was certainly interesting. First, the actors. I initially thought Robert Downey was too old for the role, but he carried his role well. And besides, Tony Stark's character obviously had some age, class, and experience, he was perfect for it. It was also quite a surprise to see Gwyneth Paltrow there because usually the leading ladies aren't really big A-list stars. It was refreshing to see her in a less serious role for once. The special effects were terrific too, and I think, unlike most hero movies, it really had a touch of reality in it. I loved how his "machines" were all so human because they talk back! Haha. My mom kept teasing me na baka sa sobrang ka-geek-an ko, I'd program my gadgets like that too. LOL :)
As some of you may know, I'm in love with superheroes. Not the comic-book-guy kind of love, but just a regular teenager completely
It got me thinking though. His obvious passion for Math paved the way for his exceptional abilities. So did the creator and producers somehow want to send some kind of subliminal message that we should take Math and Science seriously because it IS useful in real life? Most of the superheroes are, undeniably, geeks and nerds who excelled in class right? Peter Parker and Mr. Fantastic, to name a few. Maybe in some weird way it will encourage all of us to do well in these normally hated subjects because it will be the key to "greatness." Haha.
Whatever, I'm going to be a writer anyway :P
And now the plates and silverware are summoning me. (Un)fortunately, I have to go and hone my superb dish washing skills. Since we have no maid, and because I am just the dutifully obedient daughter that I am (HAHA!), I have been volunteering my services and not complaining. You can call me Lababo Queen now. Haha.
Let me leave you with this.
Now this really, really, really got me thinking.HAHAHA :))
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how do i love thee T? let me count the ways.
I got tagged by Ceejae. Thanks to you, now I have something to blog about! Hoorah :)
And now I will tag: Ayiene, Cars, Mary, Ate Patty, Elise, and whoever wants to answer it :)
I'm off to sleep guys. I'm leaving tomorrow for Batangas. I'll be back on Thursday or Friday, I think. I still have to pack my things pa pala. Haha. Later y'all.
* New layout, by the way :) Tell me what you think about it, mmkay?
NAME TEN THINGS THAT START WITH A 'T'
- Ten Things I Hate About You. Who doesn't love 10 Things I Hate About You? I saw it again today, and I swear I was practically holding my breath in the mushy-kilig scenes. I even surprised myself by reciting along with the characters' lines because I still remembered them. It's one of the very few movies that you can really, really remember even if you've only seen it once or twice in your life. I wish I had a Patrick Verona in my life to woo me.. and read a poem to! Haha. Man, I miss Heath Ledger.
- Twilight. I can't get enough of reading Twilight news and updates! Anything related to it gets me really giddy these days. I want Breaking Dawn (the fourth book) already! I need my dose of Edward and Bella.
- Tree Hill. Thanks to my very, very good friend Nica, now I can watch new episodes of OTH! Finally! Even if Season 5 kinda sucks for Naley.. I'm still going to watch it! Oh the wonders of the Internet. What would I ever do without you?
- Plain White T's. (Okay, so it doesn't really start with a T) I was playing Shuffle again with my iPod and suddenly, it was "Hey There Delilah." I love that song. It always reminds me someone and something. And I like that it somehow complements another song I really like, Samson, for very obvious reasons. (Samson, Delilah, anyone? :P) Their other songs are pretty rad too. They are one of the few bands I don't ever get tired of.
- Tasty bread. Is that how you spell it? Basta, the square shaped bread from the loaf. Haha. It's my ultimate comfort food! Add in condensed milk.. ayy, hebeeen. :)
- Thailand. We're leaving on May 15! I think I'm going to start my countdown. I miss Bangkok already. I haven't been spending money on clothes or shoes because I'm saving it all for our trip. Suan Lum Night Market, Platinum Plaza, Chatuchak, Big C, Pratunam.. I'm coming soon!
- Touch My Body. I've got a really bad case of LSS over this song. I always hear it on the radio, and see it on MTV. It's a cute song, but when you hear it for more than five times a day it just gets tiring. And what line keeps repeating inside my head?
- Totally Spies. I miss being in grade school and wanting to be a secret agent. It was so cool back then! Now I'm 16 and I know better.. but I still enjoy watching the show. Its airtime on Disney Channel always saves me from boredom. It almost makes me want to say, "Thanks, Jer!" LOL :)
- Telephone. For the past few weeks, I've been disconnected with my phone. I barely touch it, and I don't even send GMs anymore! I just suddenly got lazy and I didn't really want to SMS people unless I have something to say to them. I only text my really, really close friends and reply only to important messages, but other than that, I'm bored with it. Haha, does this mean I'm old and boring already? :P
- Tattoo. Last night I stayed up until midnight because of Miami Ink and LA Ink. The dangerous and wild side of me wants to get a tattoo either on my lower back or left shoulder. I don't know, it looks sexy for me. I just don't have the guts to have myself permanently marked like that. But I admire the people in the show who get their selves inked for life, especially when it signifies a significant event in their life that they want to remember forever. And I really find the tattoo artists so awesome! They lead such interesting lives. They're sooo talented too. The customers just describe something, and whoosh, they suddenly come up with sketches that are exactly what the customers want! One day, I might get a tattoo.. henna lang. Haha :))
AWWWWWW.
(Photo courtesy of All Movie Photo)
And if you run your mouth and brag about this secret rendezvous, I will hunt you down.
And now I will tag: Ayiene, Cars, Mary, Ate Patty, Elise, and whoever wants to answer it :)
I'm off to sleep guys. I'm leaving tomorrow for Batangas. I'll be back on Thursday or Friday, I think. I still have to pack my things pa pala. Haha. Later y'all.
* New layout, by the way :) Tell me what you think about it, mmkay?
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megan's a fox.
I could not be anymore happier when I found out that Megan Fox is this year's Sexiest Woman In The World for FHM. I mean, who would ever argue? HOTNESS, babeeh. :)
I so totally have a huge super duper mega girl crush on her. The first time I saw her on Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen, I already liked her even if she was the bad girl. And her character's name in the movie was Karla Santini, if I'm not mistaken, so that kinda makes me feel that we're connected in some way. Haha. I fell in love with her even more in Transformers! Probably one of the coolest movies ever, and she was there! Who would ever forget the "Baby, come back!" scene? She was such a babe, but she kicked ass. I wanna be like that. HAHA :)) Someday, you will be as hot as her Karla, someday!
I have got to tell Jeremy about this right away. He's my crush-mate when it comes to Megan Fox. Hahaha. And yes, we both agree that she is waaay hotter than Lindsay Lohan!
Dear Santa,
please make me as hot as Megan Fox
before Christmas. :P
Last night, I watched Pride and Prejudice starring Keira Knightley, and I must say I am very impressed. I rarely find myself appreciating book-to-movie adaptations because more often than not, they do not give the novels any justice. But this one is an exception. I almost felt the exact same emotions I felt as I turned the pages of the book when i read it. The exact dialogs were used in the movie, and the scenes were not just the precise images of what I envisioned in my head -- they were even better, actually. And of course, the actors.. they truly delivered. The last scenes gave me chills! :) I am very delighted. It just made me fall in love with the book even more! I still believe in reading the novel before watching its movie counterpart, but the movie is definitely worth watching.
And since I am in my Classics phase, I have no intentions of stopping just yet! I'm in the middle of Sense and Sensibility. Coming up: Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights, and Emma. It takes a while to get used to the seemingly "deep" language, but once you get the hang of it, it's hard to stop. I'm actually finding the more grown-up novels very interesting. I still check out the Young Adult section of course, but lately I feel like I'm old enough to handle the more mature works of fiction. Besides, I am pretty sure that all this reading will pay off in my course anyway!
All my friends are currently having a blast this summer. Nica just left yesterday for Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Trixie is in Korea. Inna will leave for Hong Kong. Mikka is taking taekwondo classes. Cars just had an uber fun birthday party (Saw 2 na tayo! Haha). And me.. well, I'm going to Bangkok again this May. I guess you can say we're all really enjoying our last summer because after this, it's college baby! And who knows what will happen? I'm crossing my fingers!
May na next week! My, how time flies. :)
I so totally have a huge super duper mega girl crush on her. The first time I saw her on Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen, I already liked her even if she was the bad girl. And her character's name in the movie was Karla Santini, if I'm not mistaken, so that kinda makes me feel that we're connected in some way. Haha. I fell in love with her even more in Transformers! Probably one of the coolest movies ever, and she was there! Who would ever forget the "Baby, come back!" scene? She was such a babe, but she kicked ass. I wanna be like that. HAHA :)) Someday, you will be as hot as her Karla, someday!
I have got to tell Jeremy about this right away. He's my crush-mate when it comes to Megan Fox. Hahaha. And yes, we both agree that she is waaay hotter than Lindsay Lohan!
Dear Santa,please make me as hot as Megan Fox
before Christmas. :P
Last night, I watched Pride and Prejudice starring Keira Knightley, and I must say I am very impressed. I rarely find myself appreciating book-to-movie adaptations because more often than not, they do not give the novels any justice. But this one is an exception. I almost felt the exact same emotions I felt as I turned the pages of the book when i read it. The exact dialogs were used in the movie, and the scenes were not just the precise images of what I envisioned in my head -- they were even better, actually. And of course, the actors.. they truly delivered. The last scenes gave me chills! :) I am very delighted. It just made me fall in love with the book even more! I still believe in reading the novel before watching its movie counterpart, but the movie is definitely worth watching.
And since I am in my Classics phase, I have no intentions of stopping just yet! I'm in the middle of Sense and Sensibility. Coming up: Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights, and Emma. It takes a while to get used to the seemingly "deep" language, but once you get the hang of it, it's hard to stop. I'm actually finding the more grown-up novels very interesting. I still check out the Young Adult section of course, but lately I feel like I'm old enough to handle the more mature works of fiction. Besides, I am pretty sure that all this reading will pay off in my course anyway!
All my friends are currently having a blast this summer. Nica just left yesterday for Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Trixie is in Korea. Inna will leave for Hong Kong. Mikka is taking taekwondo classes. Cars just had an uber fun birthday party (Saw 2 na tayo! Haha). And me.. well, I'm going to Bangkok again this May. I guess you can say we're all really enjoying our last summer because after this, it's college baby! And who knows what will happen? I'm crossing my fingers!
May na next week! My, how time flies. :)
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we've only just begun..
I know every other UP-D Freshman out there has been rattling and panicking over the pre-enlistment for the past couple of days. The sudden crashing of the server, the fear of choosing difficult subjects, the apprehension over the schedules and order of subjects.. all these are more than enough to cause a newcomer to go berserk.
Yesterday, I finally got myself pre-enlisted. At first I was quite annoyed because of the thought that WE had to choose our subjects. We had blocks but we only had the core subjects enlisted, unlike the other universities where the school already arranges everything for the freshmen. However, I also realized what a great advantage that was. I was able to weed out the subjects I didn't like and wasn't really good at (aka CHEMISTRY) and at least be able to focus on the subjects I do enjoy. It also gave me and Inna, my future roommate, to have a class together which is PE. And at least I can work the subjects around and organize our subjects according to how convenient they are for us. I guess this is one of our perks. And now I'm completely satisfied with my schedule. Though of course there are still some classes I'd rather take, or I'd want to go home earlier, I have to make sacrifices. Compromise -- as Edward Cullen puts it.
So, I guess this is our first taste of the UP lifestyle -- the stress, the anxiety, and the excitement! They say nothing can ever compare to your first college experiences, especially when everything seems so awkward and unfamiliar. But I'm pretty sure I can survive my first year. I'm crossing my fingers! :) I caaaan't wait for June 10! Now I just have to know the route of the UP Ikot and Toki. Hehe.
I'm in B-11, by the way. Hello, future block mates, if you're out there! Haha. :)
Yesterday, I finally got myself pre-enlisted. At first I was quite annoyed because of the thought that WE had to choose our subjects. We had blocks but we only had the core subjects enlisted, unlike the other universities where the school already arranges everything for the freshmen. However, I also realized what a great advantage that was. I was able to weed out the subjects I didn't like and wasn't really good at (aka CHEMISTRY) and at least be able to focus on the subjects I do enjoy. It also gave me and Inna, my future roommate, to have a class together which is PE. And at least I can work the subjects around and organize our subjects according to how convenient they are for us. I guess this is one of our perks. And now I'm completely satisfied with my schedule. Though of course there are still some classes I'd rather take, or I'd want to go home earlier, I have to make sacrifices. Compromise -- as Edward Cullen puts it.
So, I guess this is our first taste of the UP lifestyle -- the stress, the anxiety, and the excitement! They say nothing can ever compare to your first college experiences, especially when everything seems so awkward and unfamiliar. But I'm pretty sure I can survive my first year. I'm crossing my fingers! :) I caaaan't wait for June 10! Now I just have to know the route of the UP Ikot and Toki. Hehe.
I'm in B-11, by the way. Hello, future block mates, if you're out there! Haha. :)
And before I forget..
Happy Birthday to my three very good friends,
Mikka, Trixie, and Cars!
Burger! Burger! Hahaha :) See you soon, guys!
Happy Birthday to my three very good friends,
Mikka, Trixie, and Cars!
Burger! Burger! Hahaha :) See you soon, guys!
P.S. Ang saya talaga ng PE namin ni Inna :D
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the psychology of a haircut?
According to the book Rapunzel's Daughters: What Women's Hair Tells Us About Women's Lives by Rose Weitz:
Some say getting a new haircut is like turning over a new leaf -- it's a sign that you desperately want to change your life for the better. More often than not, a drastic haircut comes after a bad break-up, or a sudden loss, or anything major happening in your life because of an unexpected turn of events. Or it could also be because a certain celebrity suddenly made it famous. Take the "Rihanna" look for example, which I am certain we are all aware of. I know of a lot of people who have cut their luscious, long locks to the now popular bob because the then-morbid cut is now considered cool, and you can walk around the city sporting the chin-length bob without having to be called "monay". Whatever reason it is, it just usually is associated with change.
Honestly, I'm not really a fan of change -- just as much as I dislike the overused "Change is constant," quote. I know that it is inevitable, and it is also healthy. But we frequently seem to have this notion that change is imposed on us, like life is the one altering the course of things in our daily routines. I think it doesn't always work that way. Sometimes it is up to us, if we want to transform ourselves into better persons, better individuals. When life gets boring, we have the option to go against the current and do something. We can say goodbye to our otherwise monotonous life if we choose to.
I just did. Okay, so nothing significant really took place.. but I do have my reasons! (aside from vanity purposes, harhar) I'm about to start a new life (i.e. college! O_o) so why not start with a new look? And besides, it's so freakin' hot! So yesterday, I said goodbye to my waist-length hair and hello to.. uhm, well, I don't know what this cut is called, but I'm pretty glad with it. :)
Hair is one of the first things other people notice about us -- and is one of the primary ways we declare our identity to others. In both our personal relationships and our relationships with the larger world, hair sends an immediate signal that conveys messages about our gender, age, social class, and more.It isn't really surprising that hair matters to a lot people, especially to us girls. It is after all our crowning glory, and especially in our generation's ever-evolving conceit, we cannot be blamed for valuing the part of ourselves that defines our personality more than any other body part. We show it off, we flaunt it, we consider it as part of our signature look -- that's how significant it is for some of us.
Some say getting a new haircut is like turning over a new leaf -- it's a sign that you desperately want to change your life for the better. More often than not, a drastic haircut comes after a bad break-up, or a sudden loss, or anything major happening in your life because of an unexpected turn of events. Or it could also be because a certain celebrity suddenly made it famous. Take the "Rihanna" look for example, which I am certain we are all aware of. I know of a lot of people who have cut their luscious, long locks to the now popular bob because the then-morbid cut is now considered cool, and you can walk around the city sporting the chin-length bob without having to be called "monay". Whatever reason it is, it just usually is associated with change.
Honestly, I'm not really a fan of change -- just as much as I dislike the overused "Change is constant," quote. I know that it is inevitable, and it is also healthy. But we frequently seem to have this notion that change is imposed on us, like life is the one altering the course of things in our daily routines. I think it doesn't always work that way. Sometimes it is up to us, if we want to transform ourselves into better persons, better individuals. When life gets boring, we have the option to go against the current and do something. We can say goodbye to our otherwise monotonous life if we choose to.
I just did. Okay, so nothing significant really took place.. but I do have my reasons! (aside from vanity purposes, harhar) I'm about to start a new life (i.e. college! O_o) so why not start with a new look? And besides, it's so freakin' hot! So yesterday, I said goodbye to my waist-length hair and hello to.. uhm, well, I don't know what this cut is called, but I'm pretty glad with it. :)
Ayun eh! HAHA :)P.S. Hindi ako magpapa-cheeseburger but I did promise Ayiene I'll treat her fishballs and isaw sa UP. At yung buko juice ko ha? I won't forget. Haha. :P
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outbursts in the sun burst.
Amidst the rage of the intense summer heat, is the fervent desire of one rather over-observant girl to rant about things that have been circling around her brain for a while. She wishes to write a proper post for each thought, however because of the randomness of these (due to laziness, apparently) she has settled on putting up just fragments of the brain waves just so she can satisfy the need to express.
(In other words, she just really needs to rant.)
In random order:
(In other words, she just really needs to rant.)
In random order:
- She spent her weekend at Camp Journey, the foundation dedicated to serving special children with her Tita and cousins. Her aunt was one of the founding members and had invited her to join the ten-day camp even for just the course of two days. Upon arriving at the venue in Sta. Maria, Bulacan, she was quite overwhelmed by the loving nature of the mentally challenged kids often stereotyped as wild and unruly. She was welcomed with open arms especially in her group, Red Pulvorons, and the children she briefly took under her wing: Em-em, Daday, Sarah, Totoy, Richard, Mark, Joshua and AR. With the help of fellow volunteers, she was able to share a part of herself to these children even if she has never seen them before. Despite only knowing them for a few hours she felt a connection with them, and though she doubts they will remember her, she will however remember them. She went there for a cause: to help change their lives. But apparently, it was her life that was changed forever. She learned that beneath the makukulit and pasaway exteriors of these kids are hearts that long for love, care, and compassion.
- She has been enjoying the time she spends each day to the classics. She is still in the middle of Pride and Prejudice (she admits she is having a hard time taking all the non-vernacular English in) and fesses up that she finds Mr. Darcy's indifference quite charming. Sometimes she puts herself in Elizabeth's shoes and wonders what it would be like to live in those innocent times, where everything from proposals to actual marriages were as simple as changing the TV channels. However, she wouldn't want to be put in the situation where she has to wed for financial purposes, which was quite a fad back then.
- Since her secret dream of becoming a writer apparently is on its way of being fulfilled and becoming real, she felt like a new secret dream should take its place. She believes that each of us is entitled to have that one secret fantasy that has a very, very slim chance of coming true. If it does come true (like hers did), that'll be fantastic because aside from the fact that it makes one extremely blissed out, it also makes way for another insane dream. So her new secret fantasy is to be involved in the Fashion industry. She loves watching Next Top Model and Project Runway! And yes, sometime she dreams of being on having a spread on Seventeen magazine, or having her designs featured on NY Fashion Week -- that would require drop dead gorgeous looks and talent though, which she completely lacks! She thinks this secret dream will remain a fantasy for good :))
- She thinks Robi of PBB is just simply adorable. And what made him gaga over her even more (aside from his obviously dashing looks, intelligence, and Ateneo lineage) is that he's going to study in UP Diliman next year.. DAW. That's according to one of her reliable sources. She and her future roommate Inna have plans of searching for him on campus and having a picture taken with him, and hopefully marrying him. Hahaha, LOL!
- While reading magazines this morning, she heard a rather familiar sound that she hasn't heard for quite some time already. Her heart leaped for joy as she rushed to her bedroom window and was delightfully surprised with what she saw -- rain! She is secretly delighted with the current weather here in Manila. With the arrival of the Tropical Depression Ambo, that just spells out more clouds and rain.. which means no more sweltering temperature! Since she considers herself the Scrooge of Summer Heat, this is really great news for her. She hopes to be able to use her umbrella ella ella eh for its real purpose: to shield her from the rain, and not from the intense UV rays of the sun. :P
- She watched videos of past UAAP Cheerdance Competitions of the different universities.. and was reminded of how soon the next season is! She can't wait to finally be one in the crowd cheering loudly. And now that she has a school to cheer for, the reality of her UAAP fanaticism being "official" (since she would be in college already) has dawned on her which made her enthusiasm level on a high! Soon she'll be one with the UP crowd shouting, "U-nibersidad! Ng Pilipinas!" :D
- She is quite thrilled by the hype that the Twilight series has been getting, and is amused by how the critics are comparing it to Harry Potter. Though she believes that they are completely different and that Harry Potter will never be replaced, she also feels excited and very much relieved to find that the rest of the world is with her in the current addiction. :)
And now that that's all out of her head, she's glad she can finally lull herself to sleep now. It just gets so tiring to be thinking of so many things at the same time, she's absolutely thankful for this blog for keeping her sane. :)
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meet daniel.
Everyone, meet Daniel Naht Anh. He's my newest baby cousin. He is the son of my uncle and his Vietnamese wife. I received this email with pictures of him yesterday. He's so adorably cute! He looks like a little cute siopao. Haha. I wish I can kiss and cuddle him right now. Unfortunately, he's in Vietnam and I don't know when I'll get to see him. But hopefully they come home soon because he's the first grandson of his lola. And when he comes home he can be sure of a certain Ate that will spoil him to death :) EHEM.Yesterday, I went to school and claimed my Form 137 from the Registrar. The first thing that came to my mind was a big sigh of relief that finally I completed the requirements from our school. It was placed in a long white envelope and contained that school seal. I opened it and looked at my grades from first year to fourth year. Surprisingly, I was still a little shocked. In my hands were the four years of high school basically, the grades that served as the "essence" of our student lives. I'd like to think that there's more to life than grades, but I still can't help but feel very much relieved that despite those times I wanted to just give up on my "good girl" image, I managed. I'm sure that everyone has experienced tremendous pressure from our teachers, and I'm not exempted. There came a time when I just didn't want to be the smart girl anymore because I was so stressed out with all the school work, I felt like a hand was pushing my head in the water and I couldn't breathe. But (as Bella Swan put it), I resurfaced. I still worked hard and I was so determined to prove them wrong that even I surprised myself. I turned out to be better than what I thought I was capable of. I'm glad I did. And as I look back on my Form 137, I felt like my old self is giving me a pat on the back and telling me I need not be afraid of what's to come. If I did it in high school, who says I can't do the same in college? :)
American Idol doesn't seem interesting anymore without Ramiele. Of course, my dear jason Castro is still there but subconsciously I know I'm watching because of her. And now she won't be there anymore. Kinda like the way I felt when Danny got booted out. :( But I'm still watching anyway. Last night, I fell in love with Jason even more because of his sweet and beautiful rendition of Somewhere Over the Rainbow. Did you know that that was the version of the song played in the last scene of one of my favorite movies, 50 First Dates? (What a long sentence! Haha) And when he stares at the screen.. oh those gorgeous eyes just make my heart melt ♥
I finished reading Eclipse this weekend. I really, really tried to read slowly and at least finish in two weeks. But I couldn't do it.. especially with how the events unfold as I turned the pages! I was in a state of shock after reading the last page. A part of me can't get over it because it was just so.. good. I can't think of any other word to describe it. I didn't want to leave the vampire and werewolf world just yet. You see, it's impossible to not get caught up in such a different world when you're reading. It's like an automatic switch is turned on, and suddenly my imagination transports you to another realm. Now I can't wait for Breaking Dawn. August, please come quickly! :)And now, I'm moving to the classics. I'm reading Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. My grandmother told me it's about time I give myself a dose of the classical novels they considered their "chick lit" back then. She said I'm surely going to need it for my course anyway. I think for the next week or so I'll be drowning myself in a totally different era -- of corsets and big ball gowns.
Sense and Sensibility, Wuthering Heights, and Jane Eyre: HERE I COME :)
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this got me laughing :))
You have to check this out. This is hilarious! :)) You should definitely try it.
Guess who? ♥
Take that! Apparently I look like Song Hye-Kyo and Zhang Ziyi. I've tried using my other photos and either one of them always shows up on my Celebrity Look Alike. I was laughing my head off yesterday, and up until now as I watch the morphing process. It's creepy in a funny kind of way. But it's not so bad, I mean they are considered two of the most beautiful Asians out there, right? Hmm. Does this mean supah-stardom isn't too far away? Then again the whole purpose of this website is to find your celebrity twin so.. down, girl. NYAHAHA :)
I was playing Shuffle with my radio this morning just to kill boredom. To those unfamiliar to this little game of mine, it's basically just getting your mp3 player set in shuffle mode. In the absence of an mp3 player (poor little iPod, I keep on forgetting to charge it), I used my FM radio. Then, ask a random question and the song or line that plays after you press the button would be your answer. Pretty easy. So just out of nowhere, I asked the question, "What is life?" And alas, it's Butch Walker with Mixtape. I sang along immediately with my roller brush as my mic. Halfway through the song though, I asked myself, "Life is a Mixtape!?" suddenly remembering my question. It got me thinking for a few moments. I suddenly recalled back in Grade 6. I know our generation probably didn't get that much experience with the cassette, but we did have our version of the mix tape -- the mix CD, of course. So CD burning was just beginning to become a fad, and since I belonged to the senti and dramatic class, we all wanted one! I was one of the people in class immediately listed down the songs I wanted on a one-fourth sheet of paper, gave it to my classmate who goes to a "pa-burn-an ng CD" (HAHA, that's what they called it!) and paid her Php 50, I think. After a week, I eagerly received my very own personalized mix only to be met by my classmate's words, "Wala yung ibang kanta na gusto mo kaya pinalitan na lang." I was very disappointed. I carefully selected those songs. But it was there already. Unfortunately, the forward/rewind buttons of my Discman back then were busted so I had no choice but to listen to all of it. I didn't like some of the songs, especially the rap and the metal rock ones (because I only listened to cheesy songs then, HAHA). However there was nothing I could possibly do because I was stuck with that crappy Discman. I don't know why I just didn't transfer to our other CD players, but I spent the rest of the evening listening to every track. There were so-so songs, unknown songs, but of course the few from the original list I made that were there truly made me happy. And isn't life like that? There are moments we really would rather just skip but we can't because there really are no fast forward buttons to click. Or rewind buttons to send us back to much happier times. Or pause buttons for the times we wish the world would stop when we do. But it doesn't. Life will keep on playing and playing and playing until it comes to its end. Only then can we truly say that we enjoyed the whole thing.
So I guess the bad songs (and the bad songwriters) will always find their way into our lives, but I hope we don't forget that there are good songs too, enough to keep us elated for the next tracks or so.
Hope you like the layout as much as I do. :)
I was playing Shuffle with my radio this morning just to kill boredom. To those unfamiliar to this little game of mine, it's basically just getting your mp3 player set in shuffle mode. In the absence of an mp3 player (poor little iPod, I keep on forgetting to charge it), I used my FM radio. Then, ask a random question and the song or line that plays after you press the button would be your answer. Pretty easy. So just out of nowhere, I asked the question, "What is life?" And alas, it's Butch Walker with Mixtape. I sang along immediately with my roller brush as my mic. Halfway through the song though, I asked myself, "Life is a Mixtape!?" suddenly remembering my question. It got me thinking for a few moments. I suddenly recalled back in Grade 6. I know our generation probably didn't get that much experience with the cassette, but we did have our version of the mix tape -- the mix CD, of course. So CD burning was just beginning to become a fad, and since I belonged to the senti and dramatic class, we all wanted one! I was one of the people in class immediately listed down the songs I wanted on a one-fourth sheet of paper, gave it to my classmate who goes to a "pa-burn-an ng CD" (HAHA, that's what they called it!) and paid her Php 50, I think. After a week, I eagerly received my very own personalized mix only to be met by my classmate's words, "Wala yung ibang kanta na gusto mo kaya pinalitan na lang." I was very disappointed. I carefully selected those songs. But it was there already. Unfortunately, the forward/rewind buttons of my Discman back then were busted so I had no choice but to listen to all of it. I didn't like some of the songs, especially the rap and the metal rock ones (because I only listened to cheesy songs then, HAHA). However there was nothing I could possibly do because I was stuck with that crappy Discman. I don't know why I just didn't transfer to our other CD players, but I spent the rest of the evening listening to every track. There were so-so songs, unknown songs, but of course the few from the original list I made that were there truly made me happy. And isn't life like that? There are moments we really would rather just skip but we can't because there really are no fast forward buttons to click. Or rewind buttons to send us back to much happier times. Or pause buttons for the times we wish the world would stop when we do. But it doesn't. Life will keep on playing and playing and playing until it comes to its end. Only then can we truly say that we enjoyed the whole thing.
So I guess the bad songs (and the bad songwriters) will always find their way into our lives, but I hope we don't forget that there are good songs too, enough to keep us elated for the next tracks or so.
Hope you like the layout as much as I do. :)
Guess who? ♥
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quickie post.
I just hate PLDT right now. Imagine taking away from me the only thing that really keeps me sane: The Internet. For almost a week already I've been dying out of complete boredom, getting so jealous of friends who have uploaded new pics or have just blogged, and just watching some lame ass shows on cable. The funny thing is I have all the DVDs and CDs of movies and shows to watch at home but I just can't bring myself to watch them yet. I really have no idea why. And because of that I've spent my days reading (and finishing) books. As of today I've finished three books since Sunday, and still currently reading Eclipse. Waah! I'm such a geek. Haha.
I was so happy last Sunday because I finally got myself a copy of Eclipse! I called all the Fully Booked, Power Books and National Book Stores in Metro Manila and only to be saddened by a "Sold out na po," from the branch manager. Even the Fully Booked at Bonifacio High Street disappointed me! But thank heavens for Fully Booked at Rockwell. I think it just might be the last copy in the Metro? Hmm. :) I'm trying, really trying, to read it as slowly as I can because I don't want to finish it right away just yet. So I temporarily placed it in my bookshelf first and only vow to read it before I go to sleep. Haha. Of course, that only makes me miss Edward even more! :)
I was so happy last Sunday because I finally got myself a copy of Eclipse! I called all the Fully Booked, Power Books and National Book Stores in Metro Manila and only to be saddened by a "Sold out na po," from the branch manager. Even the Fully Booked at Bonifacio High Street disappointed me! But thank heavens for Fully Booked at Rockwell. I think it just might be the last copy in the Metro? Hmm. :) I'm trying, really trying, to read it as slowly as I can because I don't want to finish it right away just yet. So I temporarily placed it in my bookshelf first and only vow to read it before I go to sleep. Haha. Of course, that only makes me miss Edward even more! :)
Yesterday was the Distribution of Cards. For the (outgoing) Seniors it also meant the receiving of our yearbook photos, souvenir CDs and DVDs from our Grad Ball and other main events. Everything was placed inside a brown envelope with your name written on it. I can't help but feel nostalgic all over again as I look at it. It's my last "souvenir" from SPCP, and it contains some of the best memories of my Senior year. I looked at my official yearbook photo, the one that looks like I had a nose job, and I can't help but laugh. I will forever be immortalized in this photograph. This is how the generations of Paulinians after me will remember me years from now -- with a nose job. Thank you very much, Photoshop. I also can't help but smile at my grades because they all turned out pretty good despite the hemorrhages our Periodic Exams gave. It was the highest average I've had in quite some time.. so I was extremely happy. All my motivation strategies worked! I successfully stirred myself to exert my best efforts especially in academics. My Senior mantra "Last year mo na to, Karla!" brought forth a positive effect! Haha. I hope I can continue challenging myself like this for the next years of my school life. GEEK MODE, activated! :))
Today is American Idol day! Yeheyy! I have a confession to make.. I think I'm falling hard for Jason Castro! Ayayay! I know the Archuletans out there will call me a traitor.. haha. But seriously, ever since their entry on the Top 12, Jason just becomes cuter and cuter every week.. especially the time he sang Michelle by the Beatles! I so love him already. :) Haha. I'm falling for the Dreadhead!
Dreadhead! ♥
I'm here blogging at my mom's office because my tita will fetch me. We'll be going to UP later to submit my Medical and Dental certificates. For the past few weeks me and my friends have been busy accomplishing our colllege-related tasks. All this school talk is making everyone in my barkada excited. My future La Sallite friends went their yesterday and reserved their slots, and checked out their future condos (sosyal talaga haha!), the future Thomasians have been learning how to commute to their school, the future Mapuans are getting ready for their future no summer break life (by making gala and outings!) and the UP peeps.. wala lang. Haha :)) Sa May pa kasi yung enrollment and everything else.
OMG I think I have to go already. Shoot, bitin ang Internet time ko oh. Anyway I'd really like to apologize, hindi pa ako nakakapag-bloghop masyado. But rest assured the moment our Internet gets fixed I'll be dropping by your blogs right away. I miss the Internet world so much! Haha. :)) Sorry for the sabog post.
Adios mi amigos! :D
[EDIT] Wooooow, God is soo good to me today! Aside from my successful submission in the Medical-Dental Certificates in UP, and my relaxing trip to Trinoma, I arrived home and found out we already have Internet! Yeheyy! :) I love this day! Okay, off to my bloghopping duties! [/EDIT]
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10 things.
What better way to spend the day than count the blessings that has been graciously showered upon my somewhat boring life? I was tagged by my good friend Ayiene, and I was supposed to answer this yesterday but I had to go to the dentist for my check-up. Anyway, here it goes!
Post 10 things that recently made you happy, then tag other people and spread the LOVE to ten people.
Post 10 things that recently made you happy, then tag other people and spread the LOVE to ten people.
- Watching FRIENDS.
For Graduation, my tita gave me two Friends DVDs: The Best of Monica, and The Best of Phoebe. We're both Friends addicts, and we love them all so much! We can spend the whole night holding marathons and just laughing our heads off. Who wouldn't agree that they're so freakin' Hilarious with a capital H?! They crack me up every time. I'm planning to complete all "The Best of" series but until then I'm going to finish these two first.
- Being home alone.
It's nice to have the house all to myself not because I can do whatever I want (okay, maybe that is part of the reason) but because I get to feel responsible and adult-like. I have to clean up for my mess, wash the dishes, clean the rooms.. I'm playing Cinderella! Some would probably find this really boring but I look at it as my "training" for my future dorm life because..
- Inna and I are really going to be roommates.
Yes, it's all settled. I've known this piece of news since last week but it still thrills me just thinking about it. As I've said before I really didn't think my parents would allow me to live away from them before, but since in my case it's practically a necessity to live in a dormitory (commute everyday to and from Paranaque to QC? Uhh, no thanks) I have to grow-up. I have to really be mature and adult with my decisions and actions. But the fun part in all this is that I get to "live" with a friend! Even if we're cities away from home, we get to have each other.. like an instant sister. =)
- My new Crocs.
I was honestly one of the few people who wasn't caught up in the early stages of the Crocs' popularity. I wasn't digging the ugly clog shoes with holes and rubbery feel. My dad kept forcing me to buy a pair similar to his, and always claiming that those were the kind of shoes doctors from Grey's Anatomy wear. As much as I like the show, I don't like the shoes. And I'm not even a doctor -- I'm not going to need it! Alas, fate has its way of knocking me out of my short-lived anti-Crocs movement. I saw the Alice, Crocs' take on Mary Janes, and yes it was love at first sight. I bought myself a pair using the Rustan's gift certificates I received last Christmas. And truly, it was heaven for my feet. I have to admit, it looks pretty! And yes, no holes. =P
Mine's blue though. =)
Mine's blue though. =)- Working on our Yearbook.
Since I am was an SC officer this school year, it automatically makes me a part of the yearbook staff. I'm one of the copy editors and basically my job is to, well obviously, type the descriptions and other write-ups. However we're also going to be brainstorming on the theme and other concepts we can put in the annual. It's pretty exciting actually because many years from now, me and my batchmates will look back on our high school days through that yearbook. It's nice to know I'm going to be part of the process of making it. =)
- Hope and Inna's joint birthday celebration.
Tomorrow we will be celebrating Hope and Inna's birthday at Trixie's house. "What?!" I hear you say. Well, Trixie's place is almost always the default venue for tambayan (next to mine, haha) and since they have a swimming pool (a real one, not the inflatable kind!) we grab the chance to get ourselves free swimming time always. And what better way to have it than to celebrate our friends' birthdays? Hope's birthday was on the 18th but since it was Holy Tuesday we didn't get to celebrate. Meanwhile, Inna's is on April 2nd, but who's to stop us from celebrating right away? Hehe. Anyway, I'm psyched because it's going to be our first summer hurrah! =)
- the ASUS Eee PC.
Around this time of the year last year, I was lusting over my current phone, the Motorola Razr V3x. You see, there's always going to be the geeky side of me, and apparently it's on a high every summer. Now what's caught my eye is the ASUS Eee PC, the very small and compact, but high-performing and sub-20k laptop that's taking us by storm. I first saw it last Christmas, when my older cousins gave it to their mom as a gift and back then I didn't really show much interest. But now that my future is somewhat set, reality is I need my own laptop for school considering that I'll be doing lots of paperwork and essays for my course. Our laptop here at home is too heavy and besides, this is practically our PC considering our real one is too old to function. I'm still contemplating as to HOW I'm going to get myself one -- okay, well, WHERE I'm going to get Php 20,000 for it but I'll find a way. Kikay nerds like me always do. =)
Don't let its size fool you -- it's fully loaded with features.
- Summer trip to Bangkok.
Bangkok has been practically my second home because that's always our top foreign destination. I just love everything about the place -- elephants, tuk-tuks, sticky rice, and don't forget SHOPPING! It's a country almost similar to ours, developing and being more globally competitive but at the same time retaining its rich culture. You're probably wondering why I like it so much if it's so much like Manila. Well, I'm actually a city girl, I love the hustle and bustle of the urban life. So yes, I enjoy how their prosperous Thai culture is infused in their metropolitan town. They may have a different religion or a different language but trust me when I say that when I'm in Bangkok, it's as if I'm also in Manila -- without the traffic, of course!
- Season 5 One Tree Hill.
I have to admit: I've not been very updated on OTH for the past few months. Things just got so busy in school that I didn't have time to download, let alone watch episodes. I've only seen Episodes 1 - 3, and after that nada. Thankfully though, I now have the time in my hands, and I have good friends who download and burn it for me. Now I can once again indulge myself to doing what I love most: OTH Marathons, baby!
I miss them!
and last but not the least..
and last but not the least..
- Nathan Scott ♥
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summer so far.
I'm finally back from Batangas! The day after Graduation, I went straight to my grandparents' home in Batangas and spent my Holy Week there. I always love coming to that place because it has the whole rural and countryside feel but without the whole disconnection from the rest of the world because: 1) The network signal is pretty decent, 2) We have cable and a DVD player, 3) They have tons of malls there! But of course a huge part of my suddenly bum life I had to give up -- the Computer and the Internet. I guess God said, "You can't have everything," and that was my sacrifice for this week. Nevertheless, this week was definitely cleansing, like washing out the inside of my body from the pollution it has somehow acquired from the city. Melodramatic, much? Anyway, I'm back, I'm back, I'm back. Yeheyy! =)
GEEKY, haha.
So most of my time there I spent reading and reading. It's probably not obvious but I'm a huge bookworm -- a bookanaconda<, probably. I can spend the whole day and night just reading. That's my nerdy guilty pleasure. Sometimes I feel remorseful after buying an expensive book only to finish reading it in a day or sometimes hours. I immediately bought two books from the PowerBooks Power Card one of my aunts gave me for graduation: Love, Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli and New Moon by Stephenie Meyer. They were both sequels to two books I have absolutely grown fond of so I didn't feel like I wasted any money (though in this case, my tita's money) even if I read it both in under three days. Sheesh, I'm such a geek, I know.
Stargirl is one of my favorite novels about conformity, peer pressure, and first love. It isn't the typical hot boy meets cute girl-they fall in love-they break up kind of thing but despite the relatively bizarre situation and characters, it brings a deep sense of familiarity and comfort. Its plot isn't really complicated but I guess some complexities were woven on the sides of the very simple storyline to make it more worthwhile. I've read it in Grade 6, and I still browse its pages from time to time. So I was really psyched to find out that there is an installment to the somewhat hanging novel. This time, it was Stargirl narrating the story, not Leo (unlike the first book). It did not answer most of my questions but it did bring some new light to the character I thought I already knew too well.
The other book I bought is New Moon, the continuation of the star-crossed but riveting lovers Bella and Edward, a human and a vampire. While I was reading it, I had a hard time putting it down because I really wanted to know how it would end badly. If you read the book already, you probably would understand. The middle part was somewhat dragging for me, or maybe it was just because of the absence of a character (oops -- almost spoiler!) but nevertheless I enjoyed reading it. I really tried reading it slowly, even stopping every six or so pages just so I wouldn't get a headache, but to no avail. And upon finishing it, it just left me wanting for more. I have to thank Ayiene for somewhat introducing me to the series. If I didn't read it in her blog I probably wouldn't have picked it up when I saw it at the bookstore! =)
I guess all this beguilement towards this novel goes far beyond the superior writing skills of the author, but more into the danger and threats of their forbidden love. It makes you want to root for them, despite the perils that Edward brings. It's true what they say, the forbidden fruit tastes the sweetest, in this case. I can't wait for the next novel, and the movie as well!
OMG it's raining here! Summer, and it's raining! This actually makes me extremely happy. I love rain. Oooohh.. it reminds me of gloomy Forks! Maybe I'll get to meet Edward or something. Whee.
This is EXACTLY what I'm afraid of.. sounding like a complete addict. But oh well. That's pretty much my state these days anyway. LOL. I better go and do my bloghopping duties -- I missed all of you so much! BTW, thanks to all those who congratulated me. A big hug to all of you! HUUUG*
Stargirl is one of my favorite novels about conformity, peer pressure, and first love. It isn't the typical hot boy meets cute girl-they fall in love-they break up kind of thing but despite the relatively bizarre situation and characters, it brings a deep sense of familiarity and comfort. Its plot isn't really complicated but I guess some complexities were woven on the sides of the very simple storyline to make it more worthwhile. I've read it in Grade 6, and I still browse its pages from time to time. So I was really psyched to find out that there is an installment to the somewhat hanging novel. This time, it was Stargirl narrating the story, not Leo (unlike the first book). It did not answer most of my questions but it did bring some new light to the character I thought I already knew too well.
The other book I bought is New Moon, the continuation of the star-crossed but riveting lovers Bella and Edward, a human and a vampire. While I was reading it, I had a hard time putting it down because I really wanted to know how it would end badly. If you read the book already, you probably would understand. The middle part was somewhat dragging for me, or maybe it was just because of the absence of a character (oops -- almost spoiler!) but nevertheless I enjoyed reading it. I really tried reading it slowly, even stopping every six or so pages just so I wouldn't get a headache, but to no avail. And upon finishing it, it just left me wanting for more. I have to thank Ayiene for somewhat introducing me to the series. If I didn't read it in her blog I probably wouldn't have picked it up when I saw it at the bookstore! =)I guess all this beguilement towards this novel goes far beyond the superior writing skills of the author, but more into the danger and threats of their forbidden love. It makes you want to root for them, despite the perils that Edward brings. It's true what they say, the forbidden fruit tastes the sweetest, in this case. I can't wait for the next novel, and the movie as well!
OMG it's raining here! Summer, and it's raining! This actually makes me extremely happy. I love rain. Oooohh.. it reminds me of gloomy Forks! Maybe I'll get to meet Edward or something. Whee.
This is EXACTLY what I'm afraid of.. sounding like a complete addict. But oh well. That's pretty much my state these days anyway. LOL. I better go and do my bloghopping duties -- I missed all of you so much! BTW, thanks to all those who congratulated me. A big hug to all of you! HUUUG*
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a whole new world.
"I can show you the world, shining, shimmering, splendid."
Before me lies hundreds of tomorrows waiting to be discovered and ventured upon. I am on the last sentence of the end of a chapter, on the bridge or coda of a song, on the ending montage of scenes in an episode, or the final act before the credits. I am sitting on the line between the end and a new beginning, I can feel something new unfolding before my very eyes. I am almost there and my heart is nothing but ready to see what the world has in store for me.
"Tell me, Princess, now when did you last let your heart decide?"
Like a typical damsel in distress, I sometimes feel like I am locked up in my own palace stopping me from seeing beyond my walls. Fear has always gotten in the way preventing me from going to places. There are so many things I want but I cannot have all because I am afraid of failure, sadness, and defeat. I have been protecting myself from desolation that I failed to see how important it is to just let things be, and forgot how fulfilling it is to do something just because you want it.
"Over, sideways, and under, on this magic carpet ride."
They say that life is nothing but a journey full of ups and downs, sometimes resulting in heartbreaks and despair, but often bringing memories worth remembering. Once you embark on this expedition called life, there is nothing else you can do but hold on and keep going. Whatever tomorrow brings, be it good or bad, I just have to relish the moments. Life won't stop just because I do so might as well just strap in my seatbelt and enjoy the ride -- though technically magic carpets don't have seatbelts.
"A whole new world, a dazzling place I never knew."
I know that after graduation, many great things are waiting for me. I just may not know them now but I am certain that I will enjoy this new life. It may be hard and difficult, but there's nothing I want more than to hold my head up high and soar through the seemingly endless challenges. I know I can do it -- we call can. And when we're way up there, it's crystal clear, then I'll get to relish the wonderful new world. I can't wait. =)
Before me lies hundreds of tomorrows waiting to be discovered and ventured upon. I am on the last sentence of the end of a chapter, on the bridge or coda of a song, on the ending montage of scenes in an episode, or the final act before the credits. I am sitting on the line between the end and a new beginning, I can feel something new unfolding before my very eyes. I am almost there and my heart is nothing but ready to see what the world has in store for me.
"Tell me, Princess, now when did you last let your heart decide?"
Like a typical damsel in distress, I sometimes feel like I am locked up in my own palace stopping me from seeing beyond my walls. Fear has always gotten in the way preventing me from going to places. There are so many things I want but I cannot have all because I am afraid of failure, sadness, and defeat. I have been protecting myself from desolation that I failed to see how important it is to just let things be, and forgot how fulfilling it is to do something just because you want it.
"Over, sideways, and under, on this magic carpet ride."
They say that life is nothing but a journey full of ups and downs, sometimes resulting in heartbreaks and despair, but often bringing memories worth remembering. Once you embark on this expedition called life, there is nothing else you can do but hold on and keep going. Whatever tomorrow brings, be it good or bad, I just have to relish the moments. Life won't stop just because I do so might as well just strap in my seatbelt and enjoy the ride -- though technically magic carpets don't have seatbelts.
"A whole new world, a dazzling place I never knew."
I know that after graduation, many great things are waiting for me. I just may not know them now but I am certain that I will enjoy this new life. It may be hard and difficult, but there's nothing I want more than to hold my head up high and soar through the seemingly endless challenges. I know I can do it -- we call can. And when we're way up there, it's crystal clear, then I'll get to relish the wonderful new world. I can't wait. =)
-0Oo-
Tomorrow is the 62nd Commencement Exercises of our school, also known as the Graduation of Batch 2008. This is it! I cannot believe this is happening all to soon, but it is. I just hope that tomorrow, though the end of my Paulinian stay, will just be the beginning of something truly remarkable.
Loyalty Awardee
Second Honorable Mention
Certificate in Leadership
Certificate in School Representation
Not bad for the twelve years I've stayed in this school =)
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seven days.
Seven days. Sounds scary because it reminds me of The Ring and Sadako's curse. Sounds exciting because it brings to mind the mini-soap opera of Pond's flawless white. Haha.
Seven days from now will be the last time I'll get to wear my Paulinian uniform ever. Seven days from now will be the last time I'll sing the Paulinian Hymn and Paulinian Mission Song. Seven days from now will be the last gathering I'll have with all of my batchmates. Seven days from now will be the last night I get to call St. Paul my home.
Seven days from now, I'll be graduating.
I never thought it could be this so overwhelming. I'm sitting in front of my computer knowing that the week that lies before me would be my last in High School. I want to do so many things to savor the remaining moments -- take pictures, talk to people, stand in the middle of the campus and just take everything in. For twelve years I've been in this school and it was only recently that I realized how this school really is my home. My life revolved in this school, and I know nothing about the 'real world' out there. Maybe I come armed with sufficient knowledge but experience? I don't think so. So yes, I'm dying to see the world out there. SPCP has been my cocoon, taking me in as a young caterpillar, and now I'm ready to soar like the butterfly that I am. I can't wait.
But I am honestly scared as well. Like what I said, I know nothing about what's outside the walls of our school. Sure, I can commute to and from our house, MOA, SM Sucat or other nearby places, but can I really handle it all on my own? I've always felt sure of myself when I go out thinking that I'm all grown-up but in reality, I'm really still an inexperienced newbie. And yes, I can probably consider myself friendly because I have many friends from different year levels. But what if that's just because of my visibility in school? Now that I think about it, I am nothing compared to the millions of people out there, journeying the streets of Manila. Why haven't I felt this way before in my entire life?
It's probably because I've always felt safe in St. Paul, I can let my guard down here. All my friends are here, and I know most of the people in this place by their faces, if not by their names. It's my comfort zone and as cliche as it sounds, it's my home away from home. I probably spend more time here than at home considering our usual Saturday classes and late dismissals. I know of no other school than St. Paul, and I can't imagine calling myself an "alumna."
Perhaps it's not the Graduation itself I fear, but the aftermath. What will happen and what will be left of us? -- those are the big questions. And I guess we'll never really know until it comes. One side of me wants to fast forward to the 15th already while the other want to freeze time. It's like it's so close, but still so far away. But there's pretty much nothing I can do about it. It will come, and it's up to me how I'll handle life after it.
Seven days. I certainly hope that seven days from now won't be the last time I get to call myself a Paulinian.
Seven days from now will be the last time I'll get to wear my Paulinian uniform ever. Seven days from now will be the last time I'll sing the Paulinian Hymn and Paulinian Mission Song. Seven days from now will be the last gathering I'll have with all of my batchmates. Seven days from now will be the last night I get to call St. Paul my home.
Seven days from now, I'll be graduating.
I never thought it could be this so overwhelming. I'm sitting in front of my computer knowing that the week that lies before me would be my last in High School. I want to do so many things to savor the remaining moments -- take pictures, talk to people, stand in the middle of the campus and just take everything in. For twelve years I've been in this school and it was only recently that I realized how this school really is my home. My life revolved in this school, and I know nothing about the 'real world' out there. Maybe I come armed with sufficient knowledge but experience? I don't think so. So yes, I'm dying to see the world out there. SPCP has been my cocoon, taking me in as a young caterpillar, and now I'm ready to soar like the butterfly that I am. I can't wait.
But I am honestly scared as well. Like what I said, I know nothing about what's outside the walls of our school. Sure, I can commute to and from our house, MOA, SM Sucat or other nearby places, but can I really handle it all on my own? I've always felt sure of myself when I go out thinking that I'm all grown-up but in reality, I'm really still an inexperienced newbie. And yes, I can probably consider myself friendly because I have many friends from different year levels. But what if that's just because of my visibility in school? Now that I think about it, I am nothing compared to the millions of people out there, journeying the streets of Manila. Why haven't I felt this way before in my entire life?
It's probably because I've always felt safe in St. Paul, I can let my guard down here. All my friends are here, and I know most of the people in this place by their faces, if not by their names. It's my comfort zone and as cliche as it sounds, it's my home away from home. I probably spend more time here than at home considering our usual Saturday classes and late dismissals. I know of no other school than St. Paul, and I can't imagine calling myself an "alumna."
Perhaps it's not the Graduation itself I fear, but the aftermath. What will happen and what will be left of us? -- those are the big questions. And I guess we'll never really know until it comes. One side of me wants to fast forward to the 15th already while the other want to freeze time. It's like it's so close, but still so far away. But there's pretty much nothing I can do about it. It will come, and it's up to me how I'll handle life after it.
Seven days. I certainly hope that seven days from now won't be the last time I get to call myself a Paulinian.
At feel na feel ko naman.This photo was taken during our practices for our Gratitude Night. So is my picture for my new layout. I know, I know, a totally funny pose. But if I'm going to look back on my high school days, this is exactly how I want to remember it -- feel na feel ang pag-nguso =) Sayaw Darling may come and go, but I'll always be Girl Nguso. Despite the apprehensions high school may have brought to my life, I get by with pouting my lips and singing, "Whatever tomorrow brings, I'll be there with open arms and open eyes!"
OUCH, and suddenly I remembered I won't get to watch Incubus tomorrow night. Hayy. I love you, Brandon Boyd. Forgive me. ♥
OUCH, and suddenly I remembered I won't get to watch Incubus tomorrow night. Hayy. I love you, Brandon Boyd. Forgive me. ♥
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a new era.
I'm unbelievably occupied this week despite the fact that Seniors don't have classes anymore. We've been extremely busy with our Gratitude Night practices which will be held tomorrow at our school gym. It's a show the fourth year students hold every year as a way of saying thank you to our parents and our teachers. I am included in the group singing (Gasp!) which may come as a huge shock to everyone since I sound like the drunk men in late night parties singing karaoke -- only I'm not a drunk old man. Haha, that's how unpleasant I sound most of the time. But since I want to do something entirely different, as in completely different, I decided to give it a shot together with Nica and Mikka. I hope we don't give our parents too much embarrassment! Haha.
We're also practicing some Grad songs already and we were pleasantly surprised to find out that Like An Eagle is included, which was our favorite during our Grade School graduation. I can still remember the eagerness in our voices as we looked forward to High School. Anyway, one of the lines said "Like an eagle, I will soar above the sky," and once we sang it in our classroom Mikka, Nica and I immediately looked at Trixie who will soon be a Blue Eagle herself. You know those little moments where you and your friends' eyes meet and you just know you have something incredibly funny inside joke to say? Well that's what happened. Lo and behold, something that made us laugh for about thirty seconds.
Yan. We're mababaw that way. Haha. And yes, we know the Mapua Cardinal is actually a bird. Haha. =) It's only today that the very obvious fact sank in: we're going to different schools, with different school colors! I wonder how our school spirit will turn out to be next year, especially for UAAP?! Go Maroon!
Speaking of Maroon, it breaks my heart that I didn't get to watch the Maroon 5 concert. Amf. It's ADAM LEVINE, for Pete's sake, and I missed it because I didn't have money! The cheapest ticket was at Php 1,500 and that was at the bleachers! I know it would've been worth it, but now I'm just stuck with regret. Argh, we should have gone! I also have an extremely slim chance of getting to watch Incubus on the 9th. That's two of my super hot major musician crushes that I'd miss. Justin Timberlake, you better come here! I swear I'm going to use the money and buy stuff for me! =)
Just finished reading Twilight by Stephenie Meyer. It's enchanting how a vampire can become so enthralling and abhorrent at the same time. Who wouldn't fall in love with Edward, anyway? I heard it's going to be filmed as a movie. Maybe it's in the works. But whatever it is, I hope they do not stray too much from the real turnout of events.
Just like what the Gossip Girl TV show is doing. The plot lines were hugely modified and even the characters' history isn't exactly as those into the books only. It's so -- commercialized. I really am grateful that I was able to buy the original print of the Gossip Girl series because it has been my most favorite series the first time I laid eyes on it. Haha. I still really think you should read the book first before indulging yourself in the juicy gossip the show is supposedly offering. Darlings, if you think the show is juicy, then that's nothing compared to the scandalous world of the real Gossip Girl. Aww! The only downside to completing the series immediately is that I have to wait for an extremely long time when a new one comes along.
By the way, here's the new era of Gossip Girl coming this May 2008:
The New Era of Gossip Girl
Gossip Girl The Carlyles
We're also practicing some Grad songs already and we were pleasantly surprised to find out that Like An Eagle is included, which was our favorite during our Grade School graduation. I can still remember the eagerness in our voices as we looked forward to High School. Anyway, one of the lines said "Like an eagle, I will soar above the sky," and once we sang it in our classroom Mikka, Nica and I immediately looked at Trixie who will soon be a Blue Eagle herself. You know those little moments where you and your friends' eyes meet and you just know you have something incredibly funny inside joke to say? Well that's what happened. Lo and behold, something that made us laugh for about thirty seconds.
ATENEO: Like an eagle, I will fly.
UST: Like a tiger, I will growl.
DLSU: Like an archer, I can bow.
MAPUA: Like a cardinal, I will pray.
UP: Like a naked man, I will run.
*insert laugh that caused head to fall off and body to roll on the floor*
Yan. We're mababaw that way. Haha. And yes, we know the Mapua Cardinal is actually a bird. Haha. =) It's only today that the very obvious fact sank in: we're going to different schools, with different school colors! I wonder how our school spirit will turn out to be next year, especially for UAAP?! Go Maroon!
Speaking of Maroon, it breaks my heart that I didn't get to watch the Maroon 5 concert. Amf. It's ADAM LEVINE, for Pete's sake, and I missed it because I didn't have money! The cheapest ticket was at Php 1,500 and that was at the bleachers! I know it would've been worth it, but now I'm just stuck with regret. Argh, we should have gone! I also have an extremely slim chance of getting to watch Incubus on the 9th. That's two of my super hot major musician crushes that I'd miss. Justin Timberlake, you better come here! I swear I'm going to use the money and buy stuff for me! =)
Just finished reading Twilight by Stephenie Meyer. It's enchanting how a vampire can become so enthralling and abhorrent at the same time. Who wouldn't fall in love with Edward, anyway? I heard it's going to be filmed as a movie. Maybe it's in the works. But whatever it is, I hope they do not stray too much from the real turnout of events.
Just like what the Gossip Girl TV show is doing. The plot lines were hugely modified and even the characters' history isn't exactly as those into the books only. It's so -- commercialized. I really am grateful that I was able to buy the original print of the Gossip Girl series because it has been my most favorite series the first time I laid eyes on it. Haha. I still really think you should read the book first before indulging yourself in the juicy gossip the show is supposedly offering. Darlings, if you think the show is juicy, then that's nothing compared to the scandalous world of the real Gossip Girl. Aww! The only downside to completing the series immediately is that I have to wait for an extremely long time when a new one comes along.
By the way, here's the new era of Gossip Girl coming this May 2008:
The New Era of Gossip Girl
Gossip Girl The Carlyles
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please don't stop the music!
LAST NIGHT WAS THE MOST MAGICAL NIGHT OF MY LIFE.
I cannot even put into words how extremely delighted and ecstatic I am. I can still feel the Grad Ball spirit! Everything about it was beyond words.. from the food, the venue, the music, the ambiance, every moment was worth remembering. It might have ended but its memory will most definitely stay in me forever and ever and ever and ever.
The best part of it all is getting to hang out with my best friends and my batch mates. We never really get the chance to bond as one, what with all our school works and other things going on with our academic lives. But tonight was different because it was entirely FOR US, BY US (and of course with the help of our teachers and parents). We are one big happy family who danced and laughed the night away. We are one solid batch ready to rock the world as we leave the halls of St. Paul. And yes, we are one crazy batch who partied all niiiight! =)
Let my pictures do the talking. I am not capable of writing how magical it is because I still have too much excitement in my body, my words might not perfectly capture its wonder.
I cannot even put into words how extremely delighted and ecstatic I am. I can still feel the Grad Ball spirit! Everything about it was beyond words.. from the food, the venue, the music, the ambiance, every moment was worth remembering. It might have ended but its memory will most definitely stay in me forever and ever and ever and ever.
The best part of it all is getting to hang out with my best friends and my batch mates. We never really get the chance to bond as one, what with all our school works and other things going on with our academic lives. But tonight was different because it was entirely FOR US, BY US (and of course with the help of our teachers and parents). We are one big happy family who danced and laughed the night away. We are one solid batch ready to rock the world as we leave the halls of St. Paul. And yes, we are one crazy batch who partied all niiiight! =)
Let my pictures do the talking. I am not capable of writing how magical it is because I still have too much excitement in my body, my words might not perfectly capture its wonder.
P.S. I was the "head" of the dancing Caterpillar! Haha, yun ba tawag dun? Basta yung kabit-kabit na sumasayaw, ako ang pasimuno. Hahaha. EVERYONE joined and we danced all around the ballroom, sumali pa pati teachers! I rock. LOL. We rock! =)
P.P.S Nag-expect kami na issurprise kami ng pagdating ni Ne-Yo at doon siya mag-concert! HAHA, asa naman eh noh! =))
P.P.S Nag-expect kami na issurprise kami ng pagdating ni Ne-Yo at doon siya mag-concert! HAHA, asa naman eh noh! =))
Labels: grad ball
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tonight's the night.
Today was the last day of our 4th Periodic Examinations, which means: WE'RE FREE!! Usually I'd rant about how difficult the tests were, but why worry myself with it when they're part of the past? HAHA. No more agonizing Biochemistry lessons, so long mind-boggling Economics problems, goodbye to seemingly infinite Calculus.. adios to high school lessons! Sarap ng feeling!
In just a few hours, we will be having probably the biggest night of our lives: GRADUATION BALL. I bet my batch mates are all lined up in salons, doing some last-minute fittings, and resisting the urge to eat too much, all because we're so excited! As I've mentioned before, Grad Balls in our school rarely happen, but because we are a pioneer batch we are so lucky to be having it. This is the night everyone's been waiting for (aside from Graduation, of course!), even the not so girlie-girls are excited. And I bet our boys -- ehem, our MEN, are just as psyched. I can't wait, really. By one o'clock, we'll head to the salon and get my hair, makeup and nails done. Ayihee, dalaga na!
Christopher, my ever-loyal partner, is my date. He's my partner during our ballroom, tinikling and all other dances in PE. So I'm pretty sure I won't be sulking in my seat tonight because we WILL dance! Haha. I caaan't wait to partayy! =)
For the past 48 hours, my mom has been telling me stories about her prom nights. It's funny because she still gets kilig over her partner, and can remember all the inside jokes she shared with her friends as if it was just like yesterday. It's true what they say that prom night (or in our case, Grad Ball night) is one of the biggest nights of your teenage life. I know tonight will be worth remembering. I hope I get the same sparkle in my eyes like my mom's when I look back on this night. =)
I SOUND SUPER EXCITED.. well that's because I am! Haha. I'll take lotsa lotsa lotsa pictures and promise to upload them ALL! I have to go to the parlor na. Haha. Wish us luck!
SARAP MAGING SENIOR! =)
In just a few hours, we will be having probably the biggest night of our lives: GRADUATION BALL. I bet my batch mates are all lined up in salons, doing some last-minute fittings, and resisting the urge to eat too much, all because we're so excited! As I've mentioned before, Grad Balls in our school rarely happen, but because we are a pioneer batch we are so lucky to be having it. This is the night everyone's been waiting for (aside from Graduation, of course!), even the not so girlie-girls are excited. And I bet our boys -- ehem, our MEN, are just as psyched. I can't wait, really. By one o'clock, we'll head to the salon and get my hair, makeup and nails done. Ayihee, dalaga na!
Christopher, my ever-loyal partner, is my date. He's my partner during our ballroom, tinikling and all other dances in PE. So I'm pretty sure I won't be sulking in my seat tonight because we WILL dance! Haha. I caaan't wait to partayy! =)
For the past 48 hours, my mom has been telling me stories about her prom nights. It's funny because she still gets kilig over her partner, and can remember all the inside jokes she shared with her friends as if it was just like yesterday. It's true what they say that prom night (or in our case, Grad Ball night) is one of the biggest nights of your teenage life. I know tonight will be worth remembering. I hope I get the same sparkle in my eyes like my mom's when I look back on this night. =)
I SOUND SUPER EXCITED.. well that's because I am! Haha. I'll take lotsa lotsa lotsa pictures and promise to upload them ALL! I have to go to the parlor na. Haha. Wish us luck!
SARAP MAGING SENIOR! =)
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"so, miss bernardo, what is the limit of the function?"
Karla: "The limit does not exist."
Mrs. Torres: "And what is the explanation?"
Karla: "Because the limit of f(x) as x approaches a from above and the limit of f(x) as x approaches a from below are not equal."
Mrs. Torres: "Okay, very good."
*nosebleed*
I am officially in love with Calculus. ♥
Days like these have been rare for the past few months, especially in Math class. It wasn't as exciting as it used to be. And yes, it is pretty boring most of the time. But for the past few days, it's as if a huge light bulb is TING!-ing inside my head.. I get it! And I actually enjoy it! You should see my notebook, it's full of graphs, examples and exercises. Is the function f(x) is discontinuous at x=6? Haha. This is what you call "geek speak." LOL.
Oh, and with that, I can officially mimic Cady Heron from Mean Girls screaming, "The limit does not exist! The limit does not exist!" and actually know what limits are. Yehey! (Nerd alert!)
I still cannot believe that only eight days from now, the Seniors shall be taking our fourth periodical tests -- our FINAL periodical tests in our high school life! It's a little too overwhelming knowing that the end really is approaching. After that, so long classes, and hello nonstop graduation practices! That being said, I must not take this last examination for granted because however cliche this may sound, I do want to leave a good impression. I started reviewing last night and I shall be dedicating this weekend to just reviewing.. which means no OTH marathons and YouTube tutorials. But that's okay. After next week, it's freedom baby! I can't wait!
One thing I haven't been mentioning is our upcoming Graduation Ball on March 1st. It is such a huge deal for us because things like these don't usually push through in our uber-conservative school. But because we are the first ever batch to graduate with boys in the High School department (yep, we WERE an all-girls school), we are pioneers. Haha. So obviously, everyone is going gaga over what to wear, what accessories to match, what colors suit their skin, all the enchilada. And I guess I'm one with them in the stress too. I mean, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity, right? Every girl dreams to have this one night of glamour, elegance, and beauty. I hope that night will be one of the most memorable nights in not just my Senior life, but my entire life. And I'm sure it will be, since I got myself a second pair of VNC shoes for that night! =) Haha. I'll show the pictures soon.
One of my Lenten sacrifices would be lessening the amount of time I spend on the computer. So with that, I am going on a short blog leave, just until the Finals end, so I can concentrate on more important things as of the moment. Hope you all enjoy the remaining days of this school year! =)
The most adorable guy this seasonin American Idol.
And he's the also most adorable guy in the planet.
I LOVE YOU, DAVID ARCHULETA!! ♥
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let's get these teen hearts beating faster, faster!
"When love is not madness, it is not love."
-- Pedro Calderon de la Barca
Tomorrow is the overrated, highly anticipated, and cliche-d occasion almost everyone is worried about. It's the day of hearts, chocolates, flowers and everything else that falls under the category of hardcore cheesiness. It's when girls anticipate giant teddy bears & huge bouquets, and boys go through the agonizing ordeal of buying them. Oh yes, it's Valentine's.
I can't blame people for going the extra mile just for this holiday. After all, who can resist an official day for lovey-doveys and cheesiness, right? Every 14th of February, we are licensed to act as mushy and as kilig as we want.
Kilig. Is there an English term for that? And is there ever a concrete definition for it? Because I certainly need something concrete that will define that electrifying feeling you feel when you read a passionately written love letter, or the tingle that rushes through your spine when you receive a bouquet of roses, or the rush of blood that runs in your veins as you hold hands with someone special, or just the plain blushing of your cheeks when something so incredible happens. I am a human being after all, therefore I am not a stranger to this feeling. But it is just so unexplainable and abstract, its obscurity can drive one insane.
Sometimes I don't like feeling kilig because it ruins my day. I cannot think properly. I doodle love songs on scratch papers, I spell out names on my scientific calculator, I associate limits in Calculus class with certain dates. (Unless the "limit does not exist!" Haha) My friends say when I get kilig I turn all red and I have this asim face that is so inevitable, it's like I'm wearing a huge neon "I LIKE YOU!" sign on my forehead. It sucks that this feeling can just really get right through me and leave me out there susceptible to harm. It sucks that one moment I can feel so sure of myself, and just fall apart the next because of it. It sucks that I am usually a smart and intelligent person but when I have a crush I seem klutzy and frenzied. As Jessica Darling puts it, IT SUCKITY SUCK SUCKS.
Oh, who am I kidding. It's such an immense feeling of madness that takes over you and leaves you feeling vulnerable and weak.. but boy, does it feel good. =)
May we all have our fair share of kilig tomorrow -- and for the rest of the year as well. It's too good of a feeling, we deserve to have it not just on February 14. Whether you're single, attached or "It's complicated," just as long as you are a human being with a functioning heart and overly-excited hormones, then you deserve all the KILIG you want. We all do!
I guess Mr. De La Barca is right after all.
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY! ♥ ♥ ♥
"Let's get these teen hearts beating faster, faster!
So testosterone boys and harlequin girls,
will you dance to this beat and hold a lover close?"
-- Lying Is The Most Fun A Girl Can Have Without Taking Her Clothes Off by
Panic! At The Disco
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a glimpse of bilibid.
It was a cloudy day. The skies were gray, somewhat deceitful for it kept me guessing if it would rain or not. Despite the nonstop chit-chat we had in the car, I can't remove the nagging feeling inside me. It was a strange sensation, like having butterflies in your stomach -- or wait, maybe pterodactyls would be a much appropriate winged specie. Nevertheless, there was no turning back. This was bound to be an experience of a lifetime.
We reached the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa at around 8:30. From the outside, it looked different from what we see on television. It was like a city hall, but of course with a large number of police officers from almost every corner. We were asked to sign our names and surrender our IDs at the first gate. I had nothing with me -- no cellphones or money. Only my trusty handkerchief and myself. As we walked along the corridor that led to the main gate, my buddy for the day Steph, who was also a first-timer like me, held hands so tightly. I looked back at Cathe and saw that she was a bit frightened too. It was gloomy and dark. Only five people can enter the main gate at once, and only with the permission of the chief, along with more signatures. Steph and I stood nervously by the door, not knowing what to expect. A part of me imagined Azkaban, the dark and dreadful place where the wizard criminals go. The inmates are probably much like those in the story, whose happiness were sucked out of them by the Dementors. I wondered how I can ever go through what seemed to be a saddening experience. Alas, the gates were opened. I held Steph's hands tight and we walked in.
Orange. Lots of men in orange looking at us, greeting us politely with huge smiles on their faces. A group of men wearing blue held umbrellas for us to protect us from the heat. In one straight line, we were led to the chapel. I have never seen a criminal in person, so imagine my surprise when I saw thousands of them. There was a basketball game going on in the court, and most of them were so engrossed with the game. Meanwhile, the others were just there, hanging out like they were in school or in the village. The Mass just started when we arrived so we settled in the seats they reserved for us in front. All throughout the Mass, I had this huge urge to cry. The inmates were so devoted to their singing and were actively participating. It gave shivers to my spine. The feeling it gave me was like that of the Youth Camps we had in YFC, the feeling of extreme adoration for the Lord. For a moment, I felt ashamed of myself because of how seemingly little my faith was compared to theirs. Throughout the Mass, tears kept welling in my eyes. Steph and Nica kept asking me if I was okay and I said I was. I didn't really want to cause a commotion there, so I really held back the tears with all my might.
After the Mass, they gave us a presentation. Their choir gave us song numbers which were mostly their compositions about life, love, and God. Another group of men danced and they were REALLY good, our jaws dropped to the floor! Extremely skilled, I tell you. They were obviously prepared. They asked us to do a number, and we performed an impromptu. I stood before the mic stand and the moment I said, "Yo!" they screamed their heads off. Haha. The whole Student Council sang Power of Two and Torete with Trixie on guitars. It was moving, especially when some waved their hands and sang along with us. I never enjoyed singing Torete as much as I did that moment.
After the small program, we immediately gave out the "gifts" we had for them. These contained the toiletries we bought using the proceeds from the Aring Kring-Kring Raffle Draw we held in which the whole school participated in. As we gave away the plastic bags, I cannot help but feel teary-eyed again. We were informed that the selected inmates to receive our donations were the old and those who rarely, or never, receive any visits from their relatives. Some were on crutches, others blind, others were obviously so sick. You know what people usually say, that a smile and a thank you is enough? I thought that was an overrated, showbiz answer. But a while ago? MAN. Just a simple "Salamat, iha," was all I needed. They just pierced right through me. I believe I've never felt such a rush of emotion in my life. My heart sank as I saw the unfortunate others who were not chosen by the coordinators. Later, we were led to a room where we ate and had a few chats with some inmates.
They weren't scary as some of you might think. They were like normal, everyday people you talk with. They were kind and very accommodating. You wouldn't think they were capable of illegal recruiting, thief, rape or even murder. Once I talked to them, all the fear just vanished. I didn't see them as the evil people they were, instead I saw in their eyes their genuine transformation. I saw it. I just know. I can't explain it. I talked to several Kuyas, and the other one told me he would be set free in 2009. I told him I was happy for him, but he said he was worried because he had nowhere to go anyway. He wouldn't be able to find a decent job because of his conviction, and his family is ashamed of him. I think most of them are happier there inside, where they are all equal and treat each other as brothers. They are not judged by their peers because they all did something horrible in the past. The other one who befriended me, Kuya Francis, told me that I should return next year. I said I'm about to graduate in March. But he said that even if I'm graduating already I can still get the chance to visit them because most universities like Ateneo, UST, and UP also go there for their outreach programs. I was thrilled. My heart really went out to them.
The Bilibid Outreach Program has been the project of the Student Council for quite some years already. Our school has already been awarded because of our generosity to their institution. Most people will think that these prisoners don't deserve the love we've been giving them. They killed people, ruined other's lives, and brought shame to their families. And yes, a part of me also goes out to the people they have hurt. I probably will never understand the pain they all went through. But here's one thought: Jesus was persecuted, ridiculed, and crucified on the cross. And yet He, who was God and all powerful, found it in His heart to forgive those who tormented him. So why can't we, who are only mere humans, do the same? Most of the inmates' families already forgot about them, and would never want to see them again. Where can they get the love they still deserve? What would be the purpose of their stay in prison if no one will recognize their willingness to change? PEOPLE CHANGE. Sometimes, it takes years, but they do. We all do.
The experience today was most definitely life changing. I left the correctional facility a different person. I will never be the same person again. It was nothing like an Azkaban experience, or even the dreadful encounter we see on the news. It was like entering a new world, but with a feeling of familiarity. I was there with them and I was, for a moment, one of them. I will never forget what Kuya Francis called out to me as I left their gates:
"Ingat ka sa labas, Ate. Thank you."
We reached the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa at around 8:30. From the outside, it looked different from what we see on television. It was like a city hall, but of course with a large number of police officers from almost every corner. We were asked to sign our names and surrender our IDs at the first gate. I had nothing with me -- no cellphones or money. Only my trusty handkerchief and myself. As we walked along the corridor that led to the main gate, my buddy for the day Steph, who was also a first-timer like me, held hands so tightly. I looked back at Cathe and saw that she was a bit frightened too. It was gloomy and dark. Only five people can enter the main gate at once, and only with the permission of the chief, along with more signatures. Steph and I stood nervously by the door, not knowing what to expect. A part of me imagined Azkaban, the dark and dreadful place where the wizard criminals go. The inmates are probably much like those in the story, whose happiness were sucked out of them by the Dementors. I wondered how I can ever go through what seemed to be a saddening experience. Alas, the gates were opened. I held Steph's hands tight and we walked in.
Orange. Lots of men in orange looking at us, greeting us politely with huge smiles on their faces. A group of men wearing blue held umbrellas for us to protect us from the heat. In one straight line, we were led to the chapel. I have never seen a criminal in person, so imagine my surprise when I saw thousands of them. There was a basketball game going on in the court, and most of them were so engrossed with the game. Meanwhile, the others were just there, hanging out like they were in school or in the village. The Mass just started when we arrived so we settled in the seats they reserved for us in front. All throughout the Mass, I had this huge urge to cry. The inmates were so devoted to their singing and were actively participating. It gave shivers to my spine. The feeling it gave me was like that of the Youth Camps we had in YFC, the feeling of extreme adoration for the Lord. For a moment, I felt ashamed of myself because of how seemingly little my faith was compared to theirs. Throughout the Mass, tears kept welling in my eyes. Steph and Nica kept asking me if I was okay and I said I was. I didn't really want to cause a commotion there, so I really held back the tears with all my might.
After the Mass, they gave us a presentation. Their choir gave us song numbers which were mostly their compositions about life, love, and God. Another group of men danced and they were REALLY good, our jaws dropped to the floor! Extremely skilled, I tell you. They were obviously prepared. They asked us to do a number, and we performed an impromptu. I stood before the mic stand and the moment I said, "Yo!" they screamed their heads off. Haha. The whole Student Council sang Power of Two and Torete with Trixie on guitars. It was moving, especially when some waved their hands and sang along with us. I never enjoyed singing Torete as much as I did that moment.
After the small program, we immediately gave out the "gifts" we had for them. These contained the toiletries we bought using the proceeds from the Aring Kring-Kring Raffle Draw we held in which the whole school participated in. As we gave away the plastic bags, I cannot help but feel teary-eyed again. We were informed that the selected inmates to receive our donations were the old and those who rarely, or never, receive any visits from their relatives. Some were on crutches, others blind, others were obviously so sick. You know what people usually say, that a smile and a thank you is enough? I thought that was an overrated, showbiz answer. But a while ago? MAN. Just a simple "Salamat, iha," was all I needed. They just pierced right through me. I believe I've never felt such a rush of emotion in my life. My heart sank as I saw the unfortunate others who were not chosen by the coordinators. Later, we were led to a room where we ate and had a few chats with some inmates.
They weren't scary as some of you might think. They were like normal, everyday people you talk with. They were kind and very accommodating. You wouldn't think they were capable of illegal recruiting, thief, rape or even murder. Once I talked to them, all the fear just vanished. I didn't see them as the evil people they were, instead I saw in their eyes their genuine transformation. I saw it. I just know. I can't explain it. I talked to several Kuyas, and the other one told me he would be set free in 2009. I told him I was happy for him, but he said he was worried because he had nowhere to go anyway. He wouldn't be able to find a decent job because of his conviction, and his family is ashamed of him. I think most of them are happier there inside, where they are all equal and treat each other as brothers. They are not judged by their peers because they all did something horrible in the past. The other one who befriended me, Kuya Francis, told me that I should return next year. I said I'm about to graduate in March. But he said that even if I'm graduating already I can still get the chance to visit them because most universities like Ateneo, UST, and UP also go there for their outreach programs. I was thrilled. My heart really went out to them.
The Bilibid Outreach Program has been the project of the Student Council for quite some years already. Our school has already been awarded because of our generosity to their institution. Most people will think that these prisoners don't deserve the love we've been giving them. They killed people, ruined other's lives, and brought shame to their families. And yes, a part of me also goes out to the people they have hurt. I probably will never understand the pain they all went through. But here's one thought: Jesus was persecuted, ridiculed, and crucified on the cross. And yet He, who was God and all powerful, found it in His heart to forgive those who tormented him. So why can't we, who are only mere humans, do the same? Most of the inmates' families already forgot about them, and would never want to see them again. Where can they get the love they still deserve? What would be the purpose of their stay in prison if no one will recognize their willingness to change? PEOPLE CHANGE. Sometimes, it takes years, but they do. We all do.
The experience today was most definitely life changing. I left the correctional facility a different person. I will never be the same person again. It was nothing like an Azkaban experience, or even the dreadful encounter we see on the news. It was like entering a new world, but with a feeling of familiarity. I was there with them and I was, for a moment, one of them. I will never forget what Kuya Francis called out to me as I left their gates:
"Ingat ka sa labas, Ate. Thank you."
For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat; I was thirsty and you gave me drink; I was a stranger, and you invited me in; I was naked and you clothed me; I was sick and you visited me; I was in prison and you came to Me.
– Matthew 25: 35-36
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february's just begun.
(In Biochemistry)
Kassey: Anong acid ang maiitim?
Me: Ano?
Kassey: Edi.. ANINO acid!
Me: =)) =)) =))
(Kassey telling the same joke to Inna and Hope)
Kassey: Edi.. ANINO acid!
Inna: =)) =)) =))
Hope: ......
*after a few seconds*
Hope: =)) =)) =))
Haha, wala lang. Share lang.
We got the official letters from DLSU and UST today. We were so excited to finally get a hold of the real proof that we did get in. If the waiting wasn't so excruciatingly painful I would have opted to not look at the results in the Internet. Just thinking about those scenes from the movies, or even from the books (like Gossip Girl) where you get together with your friends and you rip your envelopes open, revealing your future is definitely worth experiencing. But then again, who can escape the advancement of technology, right? Some faked their excitement as they tore the seals, but I told myself my parents deserved a share of this eagerness so I didn't open mine until I got home. My mom told me she'd have them framed daw! Hahaha!
Today was Kaila's 17th birthday. We surprised her by telling her we'll be doing our Biochem project when in fact we all went to her house. She thought no one was going to be there, but apparently almost everyone was! And of course it wouldn't have been complete without her favorite Chocolate Mousse from Red Ribbon. Birthday parties are always fun, especially when we end up watching Tagalog movies. Haha. It's always been like that with us, basta those jologs-somewhat-sappy local films, be it horror, comedy, or drama. This time we watched A Love Story. Haha, super laugh trip, especially the kissing scenes! NYAHAHA. I didn't get to finish the movie because I told my mom I'd be home by 7:00 but I still had fun. Happy Birthday again, Twin! =)
It is once again February, the over-commercialized Month of Hearts. Ironically though, I keep on hearing about people getting their hearts broken, be it about their love life or some other things going on with them. Isn't it supposed to be all blissful and happy, with matching chocolate hearts and expensive bouquets? Apparently not. Maybe Cupid fell asleep and forgot to work his magic. This situation irritates me a little (just a little, really) because people are going to get all emo again. Not that I have anything against emo. But it's just so depressing to see other people, well, depressed. The normally happy-go-lucky ones are now bluer than blue, and their usual heart-shaped eyes are now filled with welled-up tears. Maybe this is a rude awakening of some sort, that maybe we shouldn't use February being the Love Month as a reason to just let things slip away. Maybe this is some cosmic way of letting us know that things will happen for a reason. If it's meant to last or end, it will, regardless of the month or date. We can't always let signs and symbols do the work for us because we do the magic. As sappy as that sounded, I actually think it's true.
However, this might also just be a rude awakening that unlike everyone else around me, I won't get my heart broken because I am single. OR AM I?
♥ ♥ ♥
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last long test!
Yesterday was the last day of our 4th Departmental Test (aka Long Test) and boy, did I rejoice! Imagine, that's the last Long Test I'll ever have in my almost-ending Paulinian life! WHOO! =) Only one major exam left, and we're off! Our Biochemistry and Trigonometry tests were total downers, leaving almost everyone teary-eyed after the test. But, we all had one common thing in mind, "Last na yun!" Haha. Senior Complex rolling in again.
We also got our annual pics given yesterday. I only have one word: HAHA! We only had two shots, and the other one we have to give back for the yearbook, so we'll only go home with one. That sucks. But I'll be ordering extra copies later. Anyway, I was laughing my head off as I saw mine because I look so FAKE! In the other one, I look like I had my nose done! Unbelievable. So I was faced with the big question: which among the two will I choose for the yearbook? The other normal so-so one, or the quasi-gorgeous with a nose lift? I asked most of my friends, and they chose the latter. Ouch, mas maganda daw ako sa "retokada." Haha. Imagine 25 years from now, the children and grandchildren of my batchmates and other graduates will look at the annual and point at my picture all while saying, "Mommy! Look at her, she has a phony nose!" Oh the horrors! But, oh well. What's done is done. At least I didn't have my eyes closed, unlike some of my classmates. Teehee, I'm so meeeean. =P
AAACK! =))
Okay, I'm giving you permssion to laugh out loud. HAHA.
For the past few weeks, my parents have been purchasing plastic containers, you know the Orocan-like bins where you put your stuff. My room is full of clutter: headbands, earrings, perfumes, colognes, clips.. so many little things that mess up my otherwise orderly bedside table. But apparently, it's not just to de-clutter my room. It's in preparation for the D word. Yep -- DORM. I always imagined myself living in a dorm in my college years, but now that it's coming, it's quite surreal. I'm an only child so I always thought that my parents will just find a way to hatid-sundo me in UP or something. But no, they're really sending me to a boarding house.. with my friends and fellow Iskolars. And it's both scary and exciting at the same time. It's like in the movies.. only it's for real. Haha. Can I handle it? I hope I can. I mean, I'm a big girl already. And it's my chance to prove that I'm not the typical spoiled-and-bratty only child. I'm different, coz I can handle myself. =)
We have to go to Mass already. Later. =)
We also got our annual pics given yesterday. I only have one word: HAHA! We only had two shots, and the other one we have to give back for the yearbook, so we'll only go home with one. That sucks. But I'll be ordering extra copies later. Anyway, I was laughing my head off as I saw mine because I look so FAKE! In the other one, I look like I had my nose done! Unbelievable. So I was faced with the big question: which among the two will I choose for the yearbook? The other normal so-so one, or the quasi-gorgeous with a nose lift? I asked most of my friends, and they chose the latter. Ouch, mas maganda daw ako sa "retokada." Haha. Imagine 25 years from now, the children and grandchildren of my batchmates and other graduates will look at the annual and point at my picture all while saying, "Mommy! Look at her, she has a phony nose!" Oh the horrors! But, oh well. What's done is done. At least I didn't have my eyes closed, unlike some of my classmates. Teehee, I'm so meeeean. =P
AAACK! =))Okay, I'm giving you permssion to laugh out loud. HAHA.
For the past few weeks, my parents have been purchasing plastic containers, you know the Orocan-like bins where you put your stuff. My room is full of clutter: headbands, earrings, perfumes, colognes, clips.. so many little things that mess up my otherwise orderly bedside table. But apparently, it's not just to de-clutter my room. It's in preparation for the D word. Yep -- DORM. I always imagined myself living in a dorm in my college years, but now that it's coming, it's quite surreal. I'm an only child so I always thought that my parents will just find a way to hatid-sundo me in UP or something. But no, they're really sending me to a boarding house.. with my friends and fellow Iskolars. And it's both scary and exciting at the same time. It's like in the movies.. only it's for real. Haha. Can I handle it? I hope I can. I mean, I'm a big girl already. And it's my chance to prove that I'm not the typical spoiled-and-bratty only child. I'm different, coz I can handle myself. =)
We have to go to Mass already. Later. =)
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