Moving Forward!

Yes, I am alive!

I can't say "I'm back" though, for one main reason: there is no assurance that I am indeed back on the blogging, and if this time it is for real. The past three months were a whirlwind of learning and adjusting to new people, places, things... New life, perhaps?

What I can say is that my blogging would still be intermittent bordering on nil-nada-zilch. Aside from the fact that I rarely use a computer outside the office now, when I do, I always end up choosing to do other things. I love writing, especially if it's recording my daily life experiences, musings, and whatnot, but sometimes I find comfort in just keeping things reserved. At some point, I felt like I was on the verge of winning the Queen of Overshare crown. As much as it sounds like it's a royal award, I don't think I would like that.

Anyway, this will probably be the last of my journal entries...

For the year! Haha! I don't think I can ever let go of this blog. I've deleted a ton of things that contained years of memories; all those posts prior to the first entry of the rebirth of this blog, and I'm not about to put this all to waste. I will keep this like it's treasure.

I probably won't be writing as frequently as I did when I was in school; back when I had time to write endlessly because I always put off doing my homework. Haha! And I probably won't be writing as much about the details of my life, just because. I never really worried about security or stalkers or whatever; I always believed that I was responsible for everything I published and I still hold that idea that everything that goes on here will be accountable to me. It's just that life gets pretty mundane one moment and super exciting the next. I guess if I write about everything from both ends and everything else in between, I would run out of things to say, and I wouldn't want that. Or if I keep having words to say, which is mostly the case, I would become less interested in what life has for me.

I want to keep this blog for... I dunno. I don't wanna have a purpose for this anymore. Maybe this creature of habit finally found her kryptonite at breaking the writing habit, I don't know. It would be sad but rest assured that I will be coming back. To write about a new career opportunity, to write about family, to write about life and love, to write about the random things I always do, to write about what what drives me to go through day to day...

That said, I will be moving forward, with myself, with work, with family, with love... With life. I am now keeping a journal (yes, the old school one!) and so far have been unsuccessful at making the quota of writing one entry a day! Haha. Quantity doesn't deem to important nowadays when all that matters is that I write with the heart and the mind in the same direction.

Thank you, 2011. You have been an amazing, amazing, amazing year. No words for the greatness you have brought into my life. Welcome, 2012. I have high hopes with you!

And to you, my friend, here's to yet another year gone by and to another year to make hella awesome memories again! Cheers!

Oh My Jux!

Yesterday, my friend and high school batch mate, Chokie (Lalaine to you!), asked me if I've seen The New Web's (TNW) article about Jux, the new blogging platform I told you about in a previous entry. She says that my Jux page/site was featured! I was ecstatic upon learning about it but I simply couldn't check it out just yet! I was minutes away from defending my thesis, finally achieving 99% of my university requirements, and eventually that college diploma.

So today, I checked out the article from TNW, and voila!

I feel a bit guilty that I've neglected Jux for a long time. And this blog, too! I promise to post more frequently from now on, since I really have no excuse about being busy with thesis anymore. (OMG, I'm done with thesis. It hasn't sunk in 100% yet. Haha!)

On the side, last August 17, Lalaine recognized her favorite bloggers by giving out these awards:

Guess what? I got my first (second and third?) blog award! Haha! I don't think I'm worthy, though. My blog might be one of Chokie's favorites but to be awarded with these... I humble myself and thank Chokie with all my heart!

P.S.

I know I'm supposed to include some information and answer a few questions and all that but I'm afraid this entry is too long. Maybe in another entry! ;)

From The Heart to The World, BIDA: Be The Change!

Last weekend was the deadliest, most tiring, and equally fun weekend of my life so far. I was recommended by the Cultural Arts Office Director to be a facilitator at the CEAP Bidahan youth camp, with two other officers from the same office. I was iffy at first, thinking that it would be such a hassle, with thesis and the term nearing its end. But I met new people who are now good friends of mine; that alone takes away all the worries and doubts. I also gained so much experience in facilitating a large group of people with a vast set of unique personalities, as well as in dealing with different kinds of situations. I still have so much to say! But I'm still tired from those two days, so here I am, reporting that I am still alive after all the mental, physical, and emotional chaos I went through last week.

Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP)

BIDA: Be the Change (Bidahan) 2010 Youth Camp

November 27-28, 2010 | Assumption Antipolo

From the heart to the world, BIDA: Be The Change!

Earth keepers, ethical leaders! Ate Misyel Avelino pep talks all facilitators at the Faci HQ, aka Bat Cave!

Facilitators from DLSU (CAO, SLIFE, DO, LSPO) with Sir Lysander and Sir Jupiter!

The fusion of crazy facilitators that is DLSU and CSB! The oldies couldn't handle us. Hehehe.

More photos!

Butterfly Twin Popsies with my newly-found cousin, Margie!

Ever so kulit duo from LSPO, Nino and Chase!

Co-facilitator Aya and I with the brains of Bidahan, Mr. Rene Salvador San Andres!

Thanks to Geom (in blue) for bringing us to untouched girls' room with a shower head!

Okay, so on my way to the wash room to brush my teeth... Let's just say there were so many interruptions that led me to this... The most dyahe fan photo that Paolo Santos will ever have. Haha. He was cool about it anyway!

On to the next day...

I have to admit. I like sleeping on the floor but I hate waking up to find that I was on the floor all night. My back, hips, and joints won't stop screaming at me. But at least I was wearing the panda socks that Joh gave me. Hihi.

The trio just can't stop bonding. Haha.

Forcing a smile despite the extreme exhaustion.

Time to go home!

The Dexter Drug

I was never a fan of watching TV series on TV. I know, it defeats the purpose of it being a series, but I'm monster when it comes to TV shows I like. I prefer to sit it out from the first to the last episode of the season! Take today, for example, I watched the entire third season of How I Met Your Mother. Talk about the formula for a major headache.

Recently, I finished watching all four seasons of Showtime's Dexter. I can't get enough of it. When season four ended at a note I never expected, let alone, broke my heart... I felt how addicted I am to the show. It's like a drug! Not that I take drugs, but I am hooked! Badly.

Anyway, here's a video clip. Dexter's opening ID/billboard has got to be the smartest, wittiest, most thought out TV show intro ever. Haha. It's full of deception, irony, and non-verbal puns (if there is such thing).

Another Inner-G Bonding

No brothers today; only a brother and a sister. With Ate J and Miguel again, plus Kathy, who I fondly call atsie (Chinese for big sister). Because we were so unlucky seven days ago, I think life is giving back! I believe we found our team building venue in Laguna! Only we're not so sure yet which of the two we'll pick.

Again, they shall remain unnamed. Both were really nice places: facilities, accommodation, the like. Laguna Venue#1 was just that, but Laguna Venue#2 was so much more! Photos!

Laguna Venue#2 is very nice, I tell you. It's beyond nice! But I doubt a measly student could afford it for a team building seminar. Either way, here, photos!

So. Which one? :)

Summer Weekend

Yes, the entire summer "vacation" was equal to one weekend. I'm not bitter at all, I had a great two months of summer season; there just wasn't much of a "vacation" per se. (Come to think of it, the way I quote the word vacation makes it sound sarcastic, huh.)

So yesterday, May 28, was almost like two months' worth of vacation. Spent the whole day with Yanee, Sem, Zean, and Zean's sister and two cousins. I'm not close with more than half of the gang but I had a grand time. Everything was so chill. No preemption, pretension, or whatever care in the world. Just fun under the sun. (Okay, stop the cliches. Haha.)

We went to Enchanted Marine Base Beach Resort at Ternate, Cavite. Man, was that a looong drive from Manila! Three to three and a half hours! Left Makati at around 5:45 AM, arrived at Ternate 8:35 AM. Road trip was superb, the beach was really nice, the company was fun and crazy!

Less talk, more photos:

In Zean's car. Still sleepy. Can't wait to get to Cavite, though!A "We're here!" photo with my kumares!Hello, beach! Hello, sea! Finally!"Dolly? Otep?" My Agua Bendita shot. Hahaha.Basking under the sun with Yanee! Tita, mission accomplished? Haha, based on the results, it's quite over accomplished. Sunog! Sunburn, oww! We asked for sun, we got sun. Haha!Lounging and chitchatting under the tree was awesome. That same tree where we all fell asleep under for at least an hour! Power nap under a tree along the shore, for the win!
Love these kumares! To bits!

Will most definitely happen again! ;)

Swak-to!

I got this quiz from Meryl's entry last night. Just like her results, wow, I'm impressed. It's as if the quiz knows me too well. I don't think I am a few things it showed, but maybe I just don't see it the same way? Hmm. See for yourself:

Your Existing Situation
"Very social and needs a highly social environment with people who depend on him, in order to feel safe. she is a go-getter and can adapt to almost any situation. " [Like, yahhh. Uhm, I'd like to think so, at least.]

Your Stress Sources
"Demands to be noticed by others as an important individual, needs attention and recognition. [Well, not so much. I prefer wallflower-ing but excelling. ;) ] her current situation is leaving her dissatisfied. she feels she needs to make friends with those who hold the same high standards she does. [Standards pala ha.] Wants to stand out as someone at the top of her class and be admired by others. she needs to feel in control which makes it difficult to give of herself to another person. [YES! YES! Control freak, that's what I am! Hmpf.] she feels isolated and alone but refuses to appear weak and continues to be emotionally distant from others in order to keep her attitude of superiority. " [Yes, because I cannot connect with them youngins anymore. And to keep my (I prefer the term) authority, I isolate.]

Your Restrained Characteristics

• Open and emotionally involved in relationships and easily finds satisfaction through sexual activity. [Hohoho-hold it right there, cowboy! Hahaha! Crazy.]
  
• "Current situation makes her feel unable to prove himself, but tries to make the best of things."
• He is being forced to be happiness and pleasure on hold for new due to her limiting circumstances. [Saaad, I know. Responsibilities. Huhu.]
  
• "Is emotionally demanding, especially during intimate moments, which leaves her feeling frustrated because she is unable to find a perfect union." [KABOOM! Pearl Harbor is bombed.]
  
• He is being forced to be happiness and pleasure on hold for new due to her limiting circumstances. [Hello, ayoko ng paulit-ulit.]
  

Your Desired Objective
Seeks to be known for something she has accomplished and uses her social abilities to win people over. Emotional and sensitive and romantic. [Hmm.]

Your Actual Problem
Fears others will try to hold her back from achieving her goals and the things she wants. Puts on the charm and can be manipulative towards others hoping she can get them to do as she wishes and making it easier for her to reach her own goals. [Heeey. I'm selfish sometimes, but not in this way. :( ]

Your Actual Problem #2
"Impressed by unique and one of a kind things, and by people with exceptional personalities. Tries to takes the characteristics she likes in other people and apply it to herself as well as coming across as a unique individual." [Hmm. Who doesn't idolize? :> Haha.]

Half true, half bull. Haha. :)

Election Day, Momentous Day

MOMENTOUS. I can't say that I have waited for this day with excitement for so long because I have been apathetic until last night, as I filled out the Sample Ballot that COMELEC mailed to each registered voter.

On TV at 6:214 AM. I feel so giddy! Not over Atom Araullo! Giddy to vote, dummy! Hahaha!
Dad and Mom locating our assigned cluster precinct room at the La Paz Elementary School.
I feel so grown up! I can finally vote for change, betterment, or whatnot for my country. Or maybe I really should be feeling that way cos I already am grown up. Hahaha. So my parents and I arrive at the voting precinct at 6:45 AM and a woman was already arguing with screaming at a teacher/Board of Election Inspector about not being given any priority. First come, first serve, yes, but if you can't show the tiniest hint of respect, even for yourself, then don't bother. She wouldn't stop, oh my God. Can't blame anyone if I'm clustered with registered informal settlers, right? Anyway, this is me waiting beyond the queue...
I didn't plan on cutting but I didn't have to line up all the way because my precinct made its own system to keep things calm and collected after that incident with the loudmouthed woman; we have service numbers! Haha.
An hour and about 15 minutes later, I can flash you the dirty finger! >:) Hahaha! And a dirty thumb. ;) It's all worth it though. I think I had an awesome first time because I didn't have to wait hours and hours to get through the ridiculous long lines and insane heat. It pays to be early! ;)
It was a great experience! Social classifications, discrimination, and all other boundaries were broken because today, we vote as an ordinary Filipino citizen. Today, I did my part. I love my country, and this is what I can offer. I continue to pray that my one vote can make a change.