On Hold Until Further Notice

Taking a breather from thesis as I fly my butt to my home town, Davao City, tomorrow morning and come back to Manila after a full seven days. I feel guilty for putting things (namely thesis and nothing else) on hold to go on this mini-vacation. I can't help it though if my life was pretty much planned and The Bureau (Adjustment Bureau reference) suddenly decides to adjust my life plan.

I think we need to breathe once in a while. Sometimes, literally, especially when people and certain circumstances just do not make a good match and will eventually cause your blood to boil, your face to burn, and your sanity to go down the drain.

So grab that yellow tape and bind all your worries away... Until further notice! ;)

Lola Fridays: My Version of FFF

Two nights ago, I came home from one of the happiest and most carefree Fridays I've ever had in such a long time. I'm not much of a party-goer, as in those held in clubs because it's dark and noisy and just too high-maintenance a lifestyle for the life I'm used to; laid-back, chill, and simple. Nothing against my party-people friends, I would love to join them each chance I get but I'm just not happy. Haha.

Speaking of happiness, I was with a few of my best friends last Friday: Joh, AJ, Ivy, and Jacob. And man are they party people! Haha! It made me wonder if I somehow caused them a rare phenomenon that particular Friday night: "Lola Friday." (Cabrera, 2011.)

We met up at Greenbelt and played at Timezone, just like high school kids. We talked and jeered like college kids (well, Ivy and I are still in college haha). We bunked and settled at Chubby's Rib Shack, ate tons and drank so few, like the mature young adults that we are.

Joh, the ever so lovely best friend that I eternally miss!

This is me and the equally fabulous Ivy and Jacob!

Not in photo, everyone's boyfriend, AJ, who happens to be credited for these Instagram photos from AJ's new iPhone 4 White! So nice, I'm so jealous!

Welcome to my own FFF. Fiamma Fresh Fridays. Fun Friday with Friends!

Having a great time does not end where differences begin. I say, more Lola Fridays! ;)

Simple Joy

Despite all that which and who induce stress and the likes of it, I turn to my family for support; moral support that I hold on to when all else is falling apart. I try to make time not only for myself, but for my family, too. And by family, I mean Linus as well. My parents', brother's, and my theory: without Linus, we'd all be treating each other cold and we'd probably be fighting over the pettiest things. Linus simply takes our minds off the negative vibes. :)

Between assisting my brother with his college application processes and doing a bit of chores, Mom and I watched Hachiko: A Dog's Story. I've seen it once in class but I missed on chunks of scenes because of time constraint. It left me teary-eyed, nonetheless. Tonight, though, the tears fell freely; probably because I watched it with my movie-induced-cryfestmate, Mom. I'm pretty sure Linus loved it, too! (This wasn't staged, btw. He really does watch TV sometimes; the FIFA, UAAP basketball, cartoons, movies, even the news. Anything that's on, actually. Haha!)

Handog Musica

I have never gone to a piano concert (or the like) before without it having to be required for school. When my good friend Rap invited me, my kumareng Sem, and even my folks to this event, I said yes without an inkling of hesitation. Turns out, the pianist, Dr. Rey P. Roa, is Rap's uncle. We didn't just have a great time, we also got to meet, greet, and congratulate him for an outstanding performance.
Handog Musica is presented by the Yamaha School of Music Philippines, Inc. in cooperation with Black&White Asia Inc. The concert featured Dr. Rey P. Roa, achieved pianist and artistic director; June Ong-Roa, violin and soprano; with guest artist Nick Bautista, baritone. I was surprised to see a colleague from the Cultural Arts Office, Roberto Cruz Brilliante or simply Bob to us from CAO, flutist.
My favorites of the night: Habanera from Carmen (G. Bizet), Se (E. Morricone), Two Guitars (Russian Gypsy Folk Song), Ave Maria (Vladimir Vavilov arranged by R.P. Roa), Denk An Mich from Das Phantom der Oper (A.L. Weber).

The purpose and ultimate reason for all music is to glorify the Lord and to refresh one's spirit... - Johann Sebastian Bach

Indeed, the experience had been one that has refreshed my spirit. After everything that has happened today, I deemed it necessary to unwind. That Caramel Macchiato wasn't enough, I knew it.

Bravo, bravo!

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! ;)

A Day of Sorts

MOST AWESOME FAMILY BONDING WEEKEND YET!

We all woke up at the ungodly hour of 3AM because we headed to Nuvali in Laguna for the Bull Session 3. No, I didn't participate in it (wish I did, though), but Daddy did! And yes, the whole family was there to support. Haha. :)
The Bull Runner, Jaymie Pizarro, giving out instructions on groupings.

If I'm not mistaken, that's The Bull Runner's group doing a 5 minute run, 1 minute walk.
I think 5:27 AM is pretty late starting time for a long run. By long, I mean marathon long. It'll be too hot by the time runners cross the finish line. Then again, that's just my musing.
Mom, brother, and I ran our own route. I disappointed myself with my performance today. My mind, lungs, and legs weren't in harmony. I lack practice! I've been a bum for three weeks now. But can you really blame me for bumming and pigging out after the finals week of my third term for junior year? Haha.
Hi-ho, hi-ho! Laborers on their way to work on a bright Sunday morning. Two more and they'd pass up as the Seven Dwarfs. Heehee.
With these signs, Nuvali seems like a very friendly place. I like it there!

While we were running back to Solenad, we decided to quit so we could take in the scenic surroundings. They may be man-made but it's almost unnatural to not be awed.
So yes, we had to stop for photo-op. Haha! :P
And so after we cleaned up, we fed millions of Koi fishes! They're gross when they crowd and go crazy over tiny fish food pellets. It's fun, none the less. :D
The taxi boat ride was just too tempting to let it pass up. Haha, such dorks. Besides, Daddy was still running then. Haha, excuses!
Speaking of Daddy, spot Dad run! In case you can't zoom in, he's making a funny pretend-binoculars gesture with his hands against his eyes; and I wonder why I get too goofy at times. Haha!
Yay, fun boat ride! Dorks 101.
I am not ashamed to say why this photo looks pathetic: I'm such a chicken for not going up to Jaymie Pizarro (The Bull Runner). All I wanted was to take a photo with her but I don't know what got to me. Hey, don't judge me for being pathetic, okay. We have our days. Haha.
So... Here's Daddy, with really bad tan lines. No, it's brown lines. It doesn't show how burnt his arms and legs were, though. Anyway, it got too hot that morning. Point is, it's a summer morning. I hope the TBR Dream Marathon starts earlier so each first time marathoner can finish the run sans injury and heatstroke! Haha. I'm excited for my dad! Someday, I will run my first marathon. Someday!

We were exhausted! It wasn't from running, I'm sure about that. Say, the Koi fish feeding? Or the boat ride? Oh, it's the heat! We were too tired that after an Italianni's lunch, we weren't so interested in shopping at Paseo. There wasn't much to see anyway. Too lazy to have taken photos on this part of the day as well. We all collapsed onto our beds and woke up hours later. After hearing mass, hello, Selecta Ice Cream Land!
Selecta Ice Cream Feast at the South Parking of the SM Mall of Asia! For only P50, you get a free ice cream on a cone, and once inside, line up all you want and get high on unlimited ice cream! Well, it got limited when they ran out. Haha. I had a cone and three cups. Ow, my tummy. I know.
The ride wasn't THAT great. It wasn't too shabby, too. But I. Was. In. A major screamfest! HAHAHA. I blame my brother for pushing me to experience "Underworld" on the X-Rider. Haha. The lady at the counter sheepishly nodded when I asked if my screams were too loud. Dammit. Hahaha.

I look forward to more days like this. It's hella tiring but it's great to get to spend time with folks despite my unfair summer schedule. :)

More Soon?

Movie Club Mondays Week 3 happened last night at Il Ponticello. It was good. Technical problems hindered us from starting on time, but as soon as it was fixed, all good, yeah. Thanks to Mr. Maui Mauricio for proposing this project to us. I personally hope this Monday night activity goes well. It would be of great mutual benefit to both parties (GMG and Movie Club Mondays) if it goes long term! :)

I have to give props to our performers, too: Raleene and Rizza Cabrera! The duo was awesome! I think Riz was more than stoked about last night's Movie Club Mondays! Hee. I'm more a fan now than I already was. Haha. :)

Here are some snapshots I took with my phone last night. Sorry if some faces were transformed into something like James Cameron's Avatar characters, haha. My phone's flash is oddly blue. No idea why. So here:

Hello. Thanks, people, for coming! Thanks, Ponti! :)

Thanks, GMG friends! Your support meant A LOT. :)

One word: AWESOME.

Hee. Shameless fan-girl photo. HAHA.

Happy Hiatus

I'm getting quite used to these hiatuses. It's really nice, you know? Although I still panic whenever I'm actually not doing anything or whenever I'm trying to not get stressed, I have to say, It's very therapeutic. Holy Week this year was definitely less "holy" than the last few years because I don't know why, so to speak. My family still did the tradition, though: did the Way of the Cross, but not Visita Iglesia; stayed home and didn't bathe because it's Good Friday; things like that. Yeah, about the not-bathing thing, don't ask. I've no idea why I comply but it's what my late maternal Lola always ordered us to do. Haha. Hit me up in the comments if you know why, okay? Enlighten me!

I expected to do tons of school work and all that, but I never came around to even thinking about school. Or work, ehem. I slept, pigged out, bonded with my folks, played a lot of games, watched DVDs, doodled, la la la. I felt like a kid again. Everything was so carefree. I wish everyday was carefree.

Holy Wednesday: Meryl and I shot our video PSA about water conservation at Bonifacio High Street with Gabe, my brother, as our talent.

Maundy Thursday: The family did the Way of the Cross and attended the Washing of the Feet at the National Shrine of the Sacred Heart, San Antonio Village, Makati.

Good Friday: I was a total bum. I grew roots on the couch, yo.

Black Saturday: Why is is called such? Enlighten me. I know there's Google but I'm just so lazy. Heehee. I went to the longest mass of the year: Easter Vigil Mass. How long? Try two and a half hours?
So today is Easter Sunday; new life, new start for believers of the risen Christ all over the world. HAPPY EASTER, EVERYBODY! :)