Academic Life Status : Currently On A Halt

Hey there!:P Another come back...Obviously!Hehe!:P (it's quite a late one though....Since sembreak's almost over...Boohoo... :( ) But nevertheless,enjoying my well-deserved break...That's why I'm able to blog again and make it up to you guys today... :P

Well, the first half of the academic year has finally gone...Atleast now,more or less so,we already have an idea of college life.Honestly,first sem felt like a whole year!No joke...Maybe the reason for it to seem like so was because we had so many things done and learned in such a short span of time.Not too mention how we've changed a lot!Since I'm in the same block with 2 of my closest h.s. buds, so we were able to judge ourselves how much we've changed and matured.Comparing college from highschool.Surprisingly, even our pictures managed to show evidences of such!:P

It's been quite hectic for us the past sem.Though the first few weeks of class weren't,the remaining half till the end of it was.We had a bunch of experiences actually....Probably considering the sem our first dose of CFAD life.(Yup.Just a dose of it...) We had our share of laughs,joys,triumphs,failures,worries,sadness and ofcourse frustrations...Haha!:D

We had many "firsts" All were unforgettable...Haha...And after a sem of CFAD Life, we're kinda getting used to it.Though we clearly know that there's still more to expect...More of the UNEXPECTED.Terror profs probably...and an even TIGHTER sched?!?Oh well... :P

So far our class wasn't that bad at all. We easily get along with each other,we cooperate when it's needed.We find healthy competitions in the room.Judging from how our profs treat us
(1ID-2),we seem to excel than the other 2 blocks in INT1.They expect more from us.And it's clearly seen whenever they give our plates and activities and how they set our deadlines.So being in such a class definitely motivates you to do your work better.

Though admittedly,I'm still not satisfied with the outcome of my grades.Aside from having a few hard-to-deal-with-profs that give you pains,the tight sched was indeed a factor of getting such grades.That's why I plan to work harder and give extra effort in the next sem to come.Knowing that I could do better.Ü

**By God's grace, I've finally graced through the first semester of my college life.There may be more to expect and more trials to come, but with God, I'm sure I'll make it through...Ü

Till the next entry!♫♥Ü

Logging Back to the Realm of Thoughts...

Again...I left my blog dead...Not only for a month...IT"S BEEN MORE THAN A MONTH!
Sheesh...Sorry to keep you guys waiting...

Well, here's the sitch...Obviously,the reason why I wasn't able to update my blog for the past month is ofcourse....COLLEGE LIFE...PLATES...PLATES...and more PLATES!
Tracking back, it seems that I get less sleep as the weeks go by...(as of now I'm having the maximum of 4 hours) and soon enough, am pretty sure that we wouldn't be having sleep anymore.Lessons are getting tougher,professors piling up assignments for us,submission dates are side by side and drawing near....then finally....the FINALS for the first semester...

We have this subject involving free hand drawing...Among all the subjects, this is the one wherein the class gets the lowest grades.I dunno if it has something to do with the prof or just us.It's this subject wherein we have experienced to be working under the sun for hours.Drawing the different landmarks found in the university.It's good that she finally gave us a break and started to let us draw indoors.Drawing still life that is.This has been quite a challenge for most of us.We have to perfect our works in 5 hours max.Shading and textures included.Somehow,we still managed to...By God's grace...Ü

Sometimes it was so hard that I already thought of giving up...Then surprisingly you just find yourself being able to accomplish your work...Giving you a boost of energy to encourage you to go on...In college, life is indeed full of surprises.

It's been quite a breeze for us...(at the same time quite slow) But one thing's for sure, in just a span of a few months, we've learned a lot.We wished for breaks and no classes a lot though...Just so that we could breathe.Haha...Ü

**Till the next entry!(I actually just tried to squeeze this one for you guys...Ü)

After a Month...Ü

Wow...It's been a month since I've posted another entry...Couldn't believe that time flew away so fast. In fact,so many things have been going on that I have neglected posting for quite a period of time.My sincere apologies for that...Ü

But as promised,I'd try my best to make time to update you peepz...So here it goes!Ü

It's been a month since the start of classes, and by now, I could further tell you more about things happening in my life.College life to be exact...

Like I've mentioned in the last entry, I'm now taking up Interior Designing in the University of Santo Tomas.And like most of my blockmates, I mentioned that this has been my "dream" eversince.First few weeks of classes were still cool.Having longs breaks since there's nothing much to do yet.Just the first few introductions to what we're gonna learn and familiarizing ourselves with our new environment.But as the weeks passed by,soon,our schedules transformed from being "maluwang" to being "tight".Sometimes even "too tight". Nevertheless, our first experiences in the university remained unforgettable.Ü Things like, having to take a long walk from our building to the other areas of our school,doing researches in the school library,eating wherever place we could find in case all restaurants were full,experiencing heavy downpours and flooded streets and etc... As for my course, here are some of the things I've learned regarding it.Designing interiors might sound easy and practical to do.Up to a certain point that others even think that it's just about colors,furniture arranging,make-overs,renovation...Some even believe that anybody could do what interior designers are ought to do.As for some of us,we expected the same such.Little did we know,how much you have to go through first before you become one professional "IDR" It's not as easy as it seems to be.Neither, is it what it seems to be...

According to our professors,Interior Design doesn't deal on arranging furnitures and designing interiors alone.Before doing so,there are so many things to learn and apply.You couldn't rely on your artistic ability alone as most of us thought so in the first place. You have to learn to deal with measurements and logic,applying geometry,free-hand drawing,using your wildest imaginations,rendering(coloring),sociability and so much more.
So upon conclusion, I believe that Interior Designing is a bit of everything.Art,sociability,math,language,dealing with relationships,psychology,science,history all come with it.Yup...As stated,you have to learn all these things before you could create an effective design.Plus pass a board exam! We have the obligations to change people's lives through our work.Make them feel happy and comfortable,designing rooms or pads that they could call their own.Be it a bedroom,an office,a clinic,a store...NAME IT!.Ü

So in order for us to be able to fulfill our "dreams" of changing people's lives and making the world a better place,we have to go through all these...Dealing with ink pens that blot and are so hard to erase,drawing lines without using rulers,dealing with drawing pencils of different shades and rendering techniques in using them,using scales and metric tapes in measuring...Even if we have to measure a millimeter or two...Hardly seen by the naked eye...All those kinds of things and yet more to expect in the future as the days pass by...Translating to MORE EXPENSES...

So much for that...HEHE...:P But we also find simple joys in accomplishing our plates (works or projects),rewarding ourselves by eating ice cream(almost everyday!), bonding with some of our blockmates be it breaktime or classtime...Trying our very bests to think that what we're doing doing is enjoying and not FRUSTRATING at all...After all, we ended laughing our heads off...Ü Despite the pressure in accomplishing every school task,homework or assignments. and having "raccoon eyes" in just a mere month! Haha!:P

I guess this is COLLEGE LIFE....ENJOYING DESPITE HARDSHIPS...You learn to succeed after failures,you learn to do things right after committing mistakes,you earn everything by giving your best and all are from your every drop of sweat.But whatever happens,never lose hope or let situations hinder you from achieving your goal.Always have your mind set.You just have to try and never cease in doing so.And don't forget to trust in God and draw strength from Him.Standing firm in your faith and always keeping in mind that with Him, anything's possible...Ü

**Till the next entry! ♫ ♥ Ü

Embracing a New Chapter of Life...

**Well...Here I am again...Ü Making a "come back" after a long break from blogging haha!: (That's why I do have "utang" to you guys for not updating you earlier haha!Ü) Well anyways...Here it goes! ;P

After saying goodbyes to highschool days, it's the official start of another new chapter of life, "college life" that is...And it's already been 2 weeks since the start of classes for us "Thomasians".
Yup..."that" gives away the fact that I now study in the University of Santo Tomas. Ü
And I'm pretty sure that most of you thought I love singing so much(and I really do!♫) and so I'll be taking up Music in college.But sad to say----I'm not giving you guys false hopes but I'm currently studying in the College of Fine Arts and Design with the course of Interior Designing.Ü

Well,like I said,most of you didn't expect this.(Though quite a few of you already did see this coming... Ü ) My world didn't revolve around music alone...I also loved ART very much hehe...
It's actually my "first love" haha...♥ I learned to love it long before discovering my talent in singing...Believe it or not...haha!Had long been fascinated by colors and details,lighting,furniture,style and house facades. And so it had been my childhood dream to be an Interior Designer ever since...Ü

But before elaborating things regarding that "dream" of mine (in the next entry...Ü),
Let me narrate first about the changes that I'm currently experiencing...College life is indeed different from old highschool days.In short, you being in a new and bigger environment.
Wherein you tend to get lost at first due to it's vast area,meet with lots of different nationalities,with profs coming late for a class perfectly normal,having a very long and tiring sched---And so much more!

During our first day of classes,(that was a Wednesday) our professor for our first subject didn't show up!And us being freshmen who knew nothing about college scheds and rules,we waited for 3 hours!In a room with a freezing temperature!But that wee three hours of waiting made way for us to get in touch and know our blockmates. It's good that there are a few of them who were daring enough to break the ice by starting to try to get into a conversation with each of us.Doing it from one table to another.Never knew that my blockmates were so jolly and hyper!(and friendly too!) Though there were only a few of us who were Chinese and three of those were Korean and most of them who were Filipino,we all got along pretty well.From a silent room transforming into a noisy chat room... Ü Finally,the older ates and kuyas from the other room dismissed us nrin and let us knew a few things about professors coming late."You are given the right to leave or dismiss yourselves if it's already after 15 mins and the prof doesn't show up.Unless informed so..."So you can now probably tell the looks on our faces!Haha!Ü Never knew that there were such things such as 3 hour lecture subjects and 5 hour major subjects. Didn't know about about getting dismissed earlier or profs coming late or not showing up at all.To be frank,I was more shocked with such things as scheds rather than getting culture-shocked...And also found out later that professors not showing up for sessions is completely normal during the first few days of class...Well atleast now we know a little something!Ü

Breaks...Having classes from 7am-5pm or 6pm almost everyday,we usually have a one or two-hour lunchbreak.Usually scheduled around 10-12 or 11-12. And that's already for the whole day!And since our building( the Beato Angelico Building) is located in the corner between P.Noval and Espana,it's quite a distance from the university's food chain.(located near the UST Main Building) ----So we have to walk that distance everyday just to eat and satisfy ourselves.
Here's another prob...Most of the students in UST have their lunchbreaks scheduled from 10-12.Translating to bombarded restos and no places to eat.(Dining in a first-come first-served basis) So incase we don't find any luck,we just have our lunch take-outed and seek the aid of the university's Benavides Garden(or more popularly known as the "Lover's Lane") But it's not only designated for lovers ofcourse.Haha!Ü

Requirements...CFAD and Architecture course requirements only translate to one word...EXPENSIVE or in Tagalog MAGASTOS...(No need to elaborate...)

And since we're still in the first few days of classes and we still don't have much to do,we're usually dismissed earlier pa...So we get to roam around the campus.So I also just happen to find out that there are a lot of Stephenians in UST!It's as if it became our second home!Ü Seeing familiar faces everyday(atleast more than 10 from SSHS) People from our UECM Church family and also from my other former schools( St.Jude and PPCHA respectively)So that made it a whole lot easier for me to adapt to the new environment.Ü

Religion...Like most of the universities here in the Philippines,UST is also a university practicing a Catholic faith...But the thing is,it's not only a Catholic college,it's even officially given the title as the "Catholic University of the Philippines" So it's gonna be quite a challenge for me.(Since I'm a Protestant Christian) But thanks to my past experiences in St.Jude,it won't be much of a shock for me...Ü And with God by my side, I'm sure to be guided all my life through...Ü

I've still got a long way to go...And also a few more years in this university.
Still have more things to learn and discover about this new part of life.Ready to embrace it's every aspect.Walking hand in hand with God and keeping my faith strong as I now face new challenges and strive to step-up on each of these stones that'd eventually lead me to achieving my dream and a bright,successful future...Ü

**Till then...I'll keep you guys posted!Ü

Ten Years Older In Just a Few Days?!?

**Just came from our church's annual junior summer camp last May 24.Just decided to drop an entry here.Hehe...Ü

Older by ten years in just a span of few days?!?(I know some of you are already thinking that I'm mad or what...But surely am not....Ü) Is it possible?!?Yep...It is...(not literally though!Haha!)

(Like indicated above) So I was saying that I just came from camp 2 weeks ago...A junior/children's camp that is...Well it's true that I'm supposed to be used to these kinds of stuff since I've been to so many and have grown up with the event itself.From a tiny-winy camper,to a junior officer,and now a senior officer...Time really flew so fast that I didn't even notice it passed by so quickly!Before I was one of those who were taken cared of.Calling all the junior and senior officers "Achie" and "Ahia" Now I'm the one being called such!Sometimes I still can't accept the fact that times has changed situations so much.But,indeed,it has cause 8 years have already gone...

This year,our camp was held at Kuhala Bay Resort, Cardona,Rizal.Among all the camps that I've been through all these years, I'm sure that this one would be memorable for me.(Not that the other weren't!Ü) It's just that this one is a bit different.

This year,I went there as a senior officer for the second time around.(I had my first time last year 2007) But it was a whole new and different experience for me this year.Kids' age range is from 8-14 as it is every year.Only that this time around,we had younger campers.Their ages ranged from 7-10(Well,most of them...) And the number of counselors and senior officers this year were quite few...So it was indeed quite a challenge for most of us.Everything had to be done "hands-on"

From day one, it was already challenging.From the travel to the activities. In fact , so many things have happened.Something with the Arts and Craft part that we couldn't push through with it that day.So we ended up doing the Games that afternoon instead.It was the first time that I got to experience making water balloons and it's not that easy!Especially if you're doing it for the first time!So I really GOT WET...LOADS OF TIMES...But eventually,I got the hang of it..Haha! It was really fun also! And since we had younger kids,they were much more active and noisy.Much harder to control or hyper---to be exact...Yes,they really were...And who can forget the ever-so-notorious building 3 Rm.7?!? Most of us were stressed but in a good way atleast...Ü
And as officers,we had to abide all the rules of the camp.Since were supposed to be the ones to set as an example to all those kids.So our every move has to be watched.Cause if anything happens to them, we would be held responsible and we wouldn't like that.Would we?Ü

This year, I was a part of the music committee, as a back-up singer.We had so many songs and some of those had actions!I'm not really good with actions so I usually resist to do them and have someone else do them for me.But this was the first time around that I was actually forced to do them!And I enjoyed it too!Haha...Miraculously perhaps...Haha...Ü (I hate dancing kc...)
And the kids were also quite demanding when it comes to entertaining them.(counselors and senior officers acting,singing or making actions is a form of entertainment for them)

Each and every task turned out to be very big and important to us.Well,for the music committee, the "Praise Night" was the biggest to accomplish.It's mainly about singing,doing actions,having fun while glorifying the Lord through songs of praise.This year's theme was "animal" or "jungle" so we had prepared animal praise songs for them and even have them do their own costume!We had them make their own masks and paint their own animal shirts!Those were what they made during the arts and crafts portion...Ü

Though it was very tiresome,all of us had a great time.This whole experience taught us so many things in life and had also made us realize how hard it was for our parents to handle and take care of us from the day we were born.Taking care of kids isn't as easy as it seems to be.PATIENCE,in particular is one of the most valuable lessons that we have learned.(I'm pretty sure all the officers agree...Ü) Even more so should we really be thankful to our parents for having taken care of us.During the camp,we eventually grew up,learn to do our duties and tasks carefully and mature.And ofcourse, in the Godly way...Finally leaving Neverland...Ü

A Glance Ain't Enough...Why Don't You Take Another?!?

Waking up every morning,doing the usual daily routines,getting yourself busy and all that stuff...Probably,this is the daily lifestyle for most of us.But let's just pause for a while and start it with this part...:P

One of the first things that you probably do every morning right after you wake up is look in the mirror.What do you see???A person with eyes still half-open,a disastrous hair,with still a hint of sleepiness in his/her whole facial expression...(Yep,whether smiling or just plain bored and annoyed...) It would even look scarier if you hadn't gotten enough sleep the night before...(Yup,plus the eye bags and eyesores!) But after you've taken your shower,brushed your teeth,and done the first comb-through on your hair,the view looks a lot better.Further,after the final touches you do with your hair and apply a little touch of make-up,(I don't do this one... :P) the view even, more so, improves...

At first glance,you seem to find yourself unhappy about the way you look.Either your nose is too long or short,your eyes are of the wrong color,having a zit or two,or something's just wrong with your smile,or worse...you see everything about your face wrongly proportioned!Just as if looking at yourself in the mirror would give you a day-long eyesore! Okay...Just before you feel that you're the ugliest being who ever lived on earth...Try to look again...You might be seeing someone who has all the imperfections one could ever have and all that,but look even closer.----------Now what do you see???

You know you're a person who has unique skills.(and might even have one you could call your own!) You have the ability to make a difference.Not only in your life's situations,but also in other's lives as well.You are the right person for the job at hand.Though you might need to make a few adjustments regarding some of the situations,you see that you really do have the potential.Probably even the one who would lead the whole group to the success of that something you ought to do!

You know God is your Creator,and you clearly know that He created you perfectly.Even patterned upon His own image.And if you happen to think that you weren't given any special talents or gifts to develop and nurture,think again!You don't really have to know how to play an instrument,be good in academics,know how to sing or dance or even compose a poem or so to consider yourself gifted by God's grace!

Don't you know that knowing how to care or reach out to others is a God-given gift as well???Yes,it is...Though it might only seem to be a simple and an "anybody-can-do-that-thing" kind of situation,trust me,it isn't!Actually,if you just take another look,it ain't that simple.Not all can care like you do...Not all can also make feel one better when he or she is down like you do...(Others might even let them feel worse just by trying to attempt to!) It is a gift....And it's stated in His word.There are no such beings who are totally useless created by God!Each and every one of us is sure to have been entrusted with something by God.

There's no such person in the world without any talent or God-given gift.Even those who are mentally retarded or those who were born with disabilities do have their own specialties... Infact, animals and plants do too!You are a valuable person in God's eyes.For He created you with His own hands,and also treats you as a child of His own.The world was created perfect.But because of sin,it wasn't the same as before,and so are all it's inhabitants,including us.Yet still,God doesn't see our imperfections.But sees whatever He created in us beautiful.And even values our good more than anything else.Instead of just mumbling and getting yourself heated up there,maximize whatever He has given you.Use it to it's full potential in helping others or even by glorifying Him.So before we criticize ourselves on how ugly,unpleasant or how imperfect we look outwardly,put your "God-glasses" on and take another and even closer look...Ü

A Week Away From Civilization

Hey there!:) Just came back from YGC Youth Summer Camp last Saturday...Well,I was really exhausted so I just got to write my entry today.I got to have a six-day break from the bustling noise of Manila.Though I'm not that sure if it's called a "break" hehe...Anyways...The camp was entitled "Real or No Deal" and was held at Caliraya Recreation Center in Laguna from April 7-12,2008. (Actually,I just went there last December for our church's winter conference.:P)
This time,I went with some of my church friends to this camp.We traveled by bus and it was a pretty long drive from Manila.About 5 hours or so?Imagine that...Good thing we had a stop-over.Got to grab some coffee from Starbucks along the way...:) Upon arrival,we were all very tired from the long trip, and still had to ride a boat across the lake to get to the resort.Since we got there at 11:30,we immediately had to proceed with the opening program and the acquaintance games.Turns out,the rooms weren't ready yet.So after the games...It's chow time!Starvation much!(Yep...we were pretty hungry and were already eating horses!) and right after munching,siesta time...I grabbed the chance to replenish myself and get some needed sleep.During that evening,we had our first message.In this camp,we had to of the most renown speakers.Rev.David Cheung for the theme message and the evangelistic message (group A) and our church's very own Rev.Danny Reyes for the revival message of group B.The schedule of the camp was quite hectic...Despite having 5 days for all the activities,it was still a jam-packed sched for us.Though the sched seemed tight and all,I never regretted attending this camp.(I almost backed-out---due to some personal reasons.) My confirmation in UST was scheduled on April 8.Since I was in Caliraya,my parents had to be the ones to confirm for me...God had been so gracious that nothing went wrong.This time around,I got to experience the "Slip and Slide"(I wasn't able to experience it last December during our church's wintercon) It was so fun!!!Though dirty haha...It's a fun way of getting oneself dirty!You'd be sliding from a hill above,covered in soap water...All the way down to a whole puddle of mud!!!Yuck...but fun...:P We also had a sportsfest in our camp.The "algorithm march" was simply hilarious! Haha...:P For the last night...We had the awarding of camp ballots and some presentations wherein we had to present a bible story skit with having commercials as a twist.It was fun...:) The camp program committee had lots things in store for us for the whole camp.Never did we have any dull moment.Our team turned out to be the over-all winners in the camp activities.We were named "Phi's Angels" (since we had ahia Philemon as our head counselor in the team.) We got Starbucks Coffee gift certificates each as prizes...Neat Huh?!?Then after the awarding,we headed off to the lakeside to have some fellowship and some bonfire.We sang songs and ate underneath the beautiful silhouette of the starry sky ceiling.The sight was simply breathtaking...Had our last shots of the camp to make memories last...:P The camp had been fun...I learned a lot of things. Especially things about God and how vital and important His word is in our lives.Realizing how privileged I am to be chosen as one of His children.Some of us take His gift of salvation for granted.We should love Him for He is God.Not because of the things that we'd be gaining or benefiting from.We should realize His feelings or try putting ourselves in His shoes.Would He be happy or would He be pleased?We should always remember such questions in our mind before making any decision in our lives.I also learned that we should view things with an eternal perspective and not use worldly things as a basis in our lives.Aside from learning things about God,I also got to learn things about life as well...We had some of our camp counselors to discuss the special topics with us.They were really a great help and very informative since the topics were about the usual things that teenagers like us worry about or think about in our minds.(e.g. love life,family feud,media...etc...) Like any other camp,we had our own devotional groups with our very own counselors...Thus making the learning experience more fun.;P I'm greatly thankful that God gave me a chance to be able to experience such an event in life...To Him be all the glory...:P

YGC Youth Summer Camp 2008

Caliraya Recreational Center

A top view of the whole venue

Enjoying the obstacle course with Kristelle

Kristelle, Katherine and Me

Bonfire during the camp's last night

Goofing around with my fellow UECM colleagues

The group with Achie Mary Grace

**For the rest of the pics...Just visit http://pinksapphire08.multiply.com

A Night That Has Left a Mark In Our Lives

The day drew closer than I thought...March 29,2008 that is...The much long-awaited Grad Ball of SSHS Batch 07'-08'....(well,for some it is...hehe..:P) Another part of our highschool life and probably one of it's lasts.But definitely one of the most memorable and spectacular.Not only in our highschool life but also in our life as a whole.For you guys....Here goes my entry!:P

The Whole Table of Friends

I wasn't able to schedule any appointment for that.Haha...Goodness gracious...It's really good that I needed to get my do done earlier since they are already full with appointments by the afternoon!After getting it done,we(with my mom and sis) walked in Shakey's to grab some lunch and headed over St.Stephen's Parish for a before-performance rehearsal.By 2:00 we already left for Liberty Hall for my performance.After rendering the song,I left right away to go and get ready for the grad ball.My friend arrived just in time to fetch me.We then dropped by at his house in Dynasty Towers to get changed and eventually, set-off for the hotel.We were already in Makati around 5:20.It was extremely early and I didn't expect that we'd be so!Since Ongpin area had terrible traffic that day!Me and my friends heard about last year's "early-bird" award and we wouldn't want to be awarded "that" this year sincAt first,I wasn't really planning to attend our Senior's Night.Well,there are probably countless reasons why I didn't want to.But here are just some of the few...First and formost....The price of the ticket was quite expensive and quite unreasonable.(I asked some of my friends from other schools and it turns out that theirs was cheaper.) Secondly,being a female....EXACTLY...Countless expenses...Dress,shoes,bag,accessories,hair and make-up....(Hay...hirap mging gurl...)Less expenditures are required if you were a male.Aside from that,it also came to my mind that for a one-night-only-event,you really need to spend a lot of money!Definitely not my kind of persona...That's why my mentality was different...When it comes to those kinds of things...I'm definitely out....etcetera......And despite all these "anti-prom" reasons that I had in mind,I still ended up going in the end!It was definitely a last minute resort! (upto now I still can't believe that I my friends succeeded in pushing me regarding this matter---you know who you are....haha...:P) Well....Anyways...:P Started the day by waking up early,getting my things ready,the works....I had to go to school that day by 1:30 p.m. to meet up with Achie Pat and Pan Zhu Ren since I will be representing the school and had to perform in Liberty Hall for their ("Tsing Dian Tsiat") gathering.So I left the house at 9:00 am and got to Masangkay by 10:00 and had to crash the nearby salons to get my hair and make-up done!Sincee all those to be awarded are required to dance...Just to escape that,we ended up making circles around Makati and even dropped by Starbucks Coffee just to get our caffeine-fix since we're all feeling sleepy!Haha...Loooong story...:P We got to the hotel at exactly 6:20 just in time...It turned out na wala nman kwenta since the program also started late!Upon our arrival,there were already people around walking in the hotel lobby...Exploring and waiting for others to come.Our faces that day showed the glow of excitement even upon arrival.Clearly we were all very happy seeing each other all glammed-up for the night.Nagpipic sessions lahat ng tao pgdating plng sa lobby ng hotel.And then grabeh...We only later found out na sponsored by Candy Mag ang prom and they had a photo booth setted up.Asyd from Candy Mag tlgang nghire pa cla ng proffessional photog for the event...Shucks...The night was full of different faces and mixed emotions...Haha...So time came na mguumpisa na yng program and before we went in,we registered and even got a lot of freebies.So upon entering na talaga,they even had a sort of a"red carpet runway" setted up.We were all required to go in one by one ata or pwede by twos and had our pics taken tlga!Since our theme was "Old Hollywood". Ako I hate photog sessions...di me marunong mgpose and all that...haha...nkakailang rn kasi eh...Upto a point na I almost cried nung solo-solo for the studio picz....Pano b nman...Kung anu anong pnagawa skng pose at kng anu anu rn pinatatanggal haha!:P and then the whole room was really full of people...each of them anxiously waiting for their turn...Our food...Isn't as we expected it to be.The only buffet part was the dessert course of the meal.The rest were served.We were all starving at that point of time...To our dismay...the food seemed have to have veggies all the time...There's the aftertaste from the soup...and also each meal served turned out to be involved with veggies...Even the smell...Well...atleast we finally got the hang of that.There was hardly any food.The dessert part was the best na ata sa meals nmin.Moving on...We also had games...Such as modified bring me and musical chairs type of game with a twist...After all these things...Finally,the slowdance time came...Probably one of the most na iniiwasan ko sa prom...I even promised myself not to dance...Turns out in the end I broke my own promise!Haha...The dance was really unexpected.From the person who'll be asking you...To the people or partners that you don't expect to see together...To most of us,it was definitely a dream come true...:P (No elaboration needed...you know what I meant..:P)
Votation for the Mr. and Ms. titles and tally of scores followed.Denise even turned out to be Ms.Metamorphosis!!!In which I'm so proud of!Haha...(Love Yah Den!!!:P) They were awarded sashes amd trophies.Tiara and flowers for the Prom Queen.
Since the program ended pretty late,we weren't able to set off to Martini's anymore as we early planned to do so...We left at exactly 12:20.Since some of my friends have curfews to catch.Yup!"Cinderellas" in the car so we had to leave much much earlier than the others.They didn't reach their house at their curfew time though hehe...I was home by 1:00 am and finally ended the day with a night's sleep @ 2:00...(thought that's considered to be morning na haha!:P)That night,though I was filled with mixed emotions,I didn't regret attending such an event as I always expected, and even enjoyed every bit of the night.It's a wonderful and happy memory that I'll certainly not forget even through the years to come.

On the way home...With Erica and Denise

Double Trouble

Here it is...Just as promised...The "adlib" to my last entry here in my blog.
Like I said,we got back to Oxford Hotel by 9:10 since the mall wasn't far away and it only took us a 10 minute drive back.My pianist arrived back from dinner @10 pm.So i had to wait for him for almost an hour.But good thing that he's already in our meeting place before 10:30....Although... something really bad happened...Upon entering the room, a certain something had landed on my shoulder!(yep...you've guessed it....) Non-other than "Mr.Friendly Old Roach"!!!!Since it really gave me the creeps,it had me screaming all-over the room.Good thing,we were the only ones around the area!Well,annoyingly,my pianist remained calm and concentrated on what he's practicing....(yep...still playing on the keyboard...) and just calmly asked me---"Anu yun?Ipis ba?"---I was almost awed by his behavior...Becuase it really seemed he wasn't even shocked!His calm state didn't last for too long though...The roach remained still for quite sometime...So we decided to start practicing.But just before we started,it started to fly all-over the place again!And again it left me screaming!(I hate roaches...Especially flying ones!) Upto a point that I hid behind my pianist!Worse...I just couldn't stop screaming each time it flapped it's wings and hear it bump on the wall...My pianist then just decided to kill the roach for me.But after he himself saw how big it was....He also got scared!Though he still tried to be brave enough to try and kill it...But just before he was about to do so,it started to fly again!To his shock he also screamed!We both did!Then after running circles around the room,we just decided to postpone the rehearsal and we both scrammed out the door.We were still running out of fear till we reached the staircase..."Ay!Kailangan natin bumalik!Dali!" "Bakit?!?Anung gagawin mo?!?Hahabulin mo?!?" turns out.....He left his cellphone inside the room!Oh my.....Goodness!He urged me to go back with him but I was too scared...I did though...But i just waited outside the room and just waited for him to come outside...To make the long story short,we ended up laughing since we were actually both scared to death!haha...He's human afterall....Haha...PEACE!!!!:P So our supposed tobe catch-up rehearsal turned out to be a delayed rehearsal again after such an unfortunate incident...So we had to rush tomorrow morning so that we'd still be able to rehearse just a few mins. before the singspiration session...Instead of being a solution,it ended up being a DOUBLE TROUBLE for us...Luckily,by God's grace we were able to do the task well....:P

UECM Family Retreat 2008

Hey Guys!:P

Just got back from the retreat yesterday...:P Still feeling "groggy" (have to admit...haha...) I was even too tired to open the PC when I got home yesterday!I slept right away upon getting home.That's why I'm just typing my entry now haha...Well, anyways...:D

This year,our church's family retreat was again held @ Oxford Hotel, Clark Eco Zone,Pampanga from March 19-22,2008.And just like last year,we stayed there for four days and three nights.But we formally started the retreat on March 20,2008(the second day) since the first night was a given free stay at the hotel.So it's free time for us though not inclusive of dinner...(Aww...haha!:P) So that night we had to go and eat outside and had our dinner at SM City Clark.
Since it was Holy Wednesday...SM had to close exactly at 9pm that night.After munching,we tried to make a few circles till the clock striked @ exactly 9.Woah...it's the first time I got to get the chance to see SM closing!Haha...anyways...Moving on...:P
When we got back to the hotel,I had to meet up with my pianist for rehearsal...Since I was attested to be the songleader in the children's division.And we hadn't had much practice back in Manila.There were still many songs we had to rehearse and with the guitarist this time.(the guitarist is my younger bro by the way haha...) We got back by 9:10 since the mall wasn't far away and it only took us a 10 minute drive back.My pianist arrived back from dinner @10 pm.So i had to wait for him for almost an hour.But good thing that he's already in our meeting place before 10:30....Although something really bad happened...(I'll be posting that incident next....so just check it out...) So we weren't really able to practice that night.So I just decided to get some sleep.For this year,I was in another room and wasn't staying with my parents.I shared a room with my choirmates hehe...and was bedmates with our boksu's daughter Wenslyn.:P We had fun by the way haha...Anyways...:P
The next day,(the official start of my job) I had to wake up @5:30 am to take a shower,blowdry my hair,and drop by my parent's room.Have breakfast by 7am and be done by 7:30 to rush for rehearsal and a prayer meeting scheduled at 7:45.The session officially starts at exactly 8:00 for singspiration and split groups afterwards.My worship teammates can already go after singspi session and go to the adults division for their activities.As for me,I had to stay since I was also one of the assistant teachers for the junior division.(So practically speaking,I was in the children's division the whole retreat)So it was really a brand new experience for me.This is my first time ever to be one of the handlers in the kids division.I got to handle 10-12 year old kids.(together with Achie Olivia) They were the oldest in the pack.The group I handled included my two other sibs!(Imagine that!) Since they were the "big kids",we expected them to be already disciplined and mature....But we were wrong...They were noisy!Very noisy!And they could be very demanding kids too!Luckily by God's grace,we were able to find a way to gain control over them.Yep...(Thanks to the score board!haha!)We splitted the group of 13 kids into two groups and conducted a contest for the whole period of the retreat.Whoever gets the most points would be given prizes on the last day of the retreat.So that's what kept them glued on to their seats.Though we had a pretty hard time controlling them,it was still a worthwhile experience for me.Our afternoons were free except for the third day of the camp wherein we had to participate in the sportsfest portion of the retreat.So for that afternoon,I went to explore Paradise Ranch with some of my fellow churchmates and my cousins.It was a wild life sanctuary located just around Clark.Well we had a great time there!Saw animals,took a lot of pictures and ofcourse bonded with the group.Even though the heat of the sun was very dehydrating....We still had fun hehe...:D Then the respected sessions resumed at 7:00 pm after eating our dinner at 6:00.The same routine went on for the rest of the retreat.The sportsfest event was loads of fun!haha...cheerin' for you team and all...There was the traditional eating contest,a new singing contest,obstacle course,ever-mouthwatering marshmallow shoot-out and the usual relay games.The games were really fun so everybody had a great time participating.But most importantly,all of us got to learn more about God.There are many first-timers who got to know Christ and accepted Him as their personal Lord and Saviour.Everybody had a lot of fun and fellowship with one another ,altogether learning more about God and serving all for His glory.
I'm really thankful that He gave me such an opportunity of a new experience and also to be eble to serve Him while enjoying it at the same time...:P And I really hope that it would always be like this in the other years to come...:P

A Song That Touches The Heart

Let Them See Christ In Me

Jesus is so real to me
I see Him through eyes of faith
I have felt His presence near
In the moments of each day
Yet so many do not know
Of the love He longs to give
Oh how would they come to see Christ and believe?


Let them see Christ in me
Let them see Christ in me
Let me be His eyes of compassion
And His ears to hear their need

Let them see Christ in Me
Let them see Christ in Me
Let me be His heart of boundless love
Let them see Christ in me


**I was the songleader for the Junior division of the family retreat and this was one of the songs that I taught the kids.This song reminds each of us to live for Christ and to set as an example to others out there.But more importantly,to lead those who are lost to God.Children of God who are yet to be found that they too might be saved and granted salvation by God's grace and at the same time experience the enlightening and life changing warmth of God's great love.This is the mission of each and every Christian that exists in our world of sin.So let us use this song to remember this duty of ours...Which is our attested mission to God...:P

Things I'd Definitely Miss...

Highschool is probably the most unforgettable part of anyone's life...Cause it's where we started to grow up...It's where we experienced more out of life...And it's also where we learned to surpass struggles and stay strong...I have really been thinking lately---What's instore when we reach college?---Just one of the many questions recently poppin' in my mind.But it's sure to be different from highschool life. Although there are so many things to be ecstatic about finally graduating highschool like leaving all those "bad memories" behind my back and never to turn to them ever again.Yet there are still so many things that I'd surely be missing after leaving that chapter of my life.---that I even dunno where to start!Haha:P Things such as friends,bloopers and happy,funny memories.Also my usual "school routine" from Mondays to Saturdays.:P
People that have already become part of my life that made "letting go" so difficult.The everyday laughs...teases...moments of sympathy...boredom...Name it!Haha...Simply the people that made life so colorful and always kept a day's warm sunshine..:P Experiences...(like extra-curriculars) meeting all sorts of people and fitting-in to different kinds of environments.All these things are sure to be unforgettable.---Especially recesses and Saturdays with the Chorale...Though rehearsals took much of my time,I never regretted joining the group.Aside from doing what I love and improving that skill,I came to know more people and their different personalities,learning how to mingle with each and every kind.Being one of the members also taught me how to be responsible and at the same time to value time.Being one of the firsts to be in the contest group in four straight years was simply a great honor.Life experiences with friends and broken friendships made me to who Iam today.Though there were many tears shed and wasted,they were all replaced with joyous smiles and laughs---such memories to keep for the rest of my life.Advantages?Trials that I met lead me closer to my Lord and made me stronger.Prepared and armed for the world that's yet to open it's doors for me.Highschool would definitely be my stepping stone to whatever things ahead.
And the Lord's guidance in my each and everyday walk to complete it.
As I face another new chapter of life and all the other things yet to come,I'll be taking these precious times with me...Forever kept in my heart...Never to forget them...Centuries to pass...

They're Too Young!(Or Are We Just Too Old?)

In our days today,time seems to fly so fast...Does anyone disagree?I'M AFRAID NOT EVEN ONE OF US DISAGREES...Then again, maybe there's someone who does.I'm a person gifted with a very sharp memory.Upto now,I still remember my childhood days.More detailed than any other people I know.And basing on what I remember...I seem to feel that I'm slowly running out of time.Why I say that you ask?Well let's just put it this way,we know that we're all getting older as each day passes.And it's as if we are losing precious time as we get older.Let's backtrack a little...Back in my childhood days, around age 3-5,I was usually bored.Hours seem to be longer and days even more so.You know having all the time you wanted?It even seemed that you're having too much of it that you would like a day to pass by quickly.And I'm pretty sure that that's also exactly how you felt during those times of your life.As kids,we felt hours and days were longer cause there's not so much to do. Unlike nowadays,we always feel that there ain't much time at hand.Being teenagers,we already have so much to do.More homeworks and projects to accomplish.There are many activities to be planned and organized.Alloting more time for our recreationals...and so much more...One day ain't enough!Isn't it so ironic that it had to be that way?Well, if time is not enough for us,what more for those who are already working and older than us?!?They're sure to be busier than any of us...Though sometimes they don't seem to be so...Believe me.Being an adult is really very difficult.Especially if you have a family back there to support.So if you're gonna ask me...I'd rather be a teenager for life!If only it were possible...So we really have to value every second of our time since we're starting to feel it's importance nowadays.However,some of us still continue to be lazy and always being idle...Without doing anything.(or just doing uneccessary things perhaps...)Sometimes,as teenagers,we just devote much of our time in our liesures.Just to satisfy ourselves.Although we usually feel good about it,(and sadly,it only lasts for a short time.)but heck!think again!Imagine if we'd be able to minimize having idle times like these.We'd be accomplishing more things that can be very useful and productive for our lives.We'd definitely be achieving more of our goals.And it even might be in the shortest possible time!We ain't kids anymore...Just accept the fact that we're getting older as each day passes...And at the same time,time is running out slowly...Yet still we have so many things to fulfill and accomplish.Let us embrace the youthfulness that we're still experiencing at present.And it would also be really helpful that we always have the energetic lifestyle of being a kid.Though we shouldn't forget to be mature at the same time haha...:P Life ain't that long.So make the most of what you've got left.Maximize time to it's full extent and be productive as possible.Don't be idle and keep on going.Cause in the end,you're sure to be happy and fulfilled...Live your life for the Lord.Be organized.(it really helps...although this could be very difficult for most of us...haha!:D)Maximize whatever He's given you.Cause He expects more from whom He had given more....:P Then surely you'd be surprised how much you've achieved as you reach your road's end...:D

Journey

It's a long long journey
Till I know where I'm supposed to be
It's a long long journey
And I don't know if I can believe
When shadows fall and block my eyes
I am lost and know that I must hide
It's a long long journey
Till I find my way home to you
Many days I've spent
Drifting on through empty shores
Wondering what's my purpose
Wondering how to make me strong
I know I will falter I know I will cry
I know you'll be standing by my side
It's a long long journey
And I need to be close to you
Sometimes it feels no one understands
I don't even know why I do the things
I do When pride builds me up till I can't see my soul
Will You break down these walls and pull me through
Cause It's a long long journey
Till I feel that I am worth the price
You paid for me on Calvary
Beneath those stormy skies
When Satan mocks and friends turn to foes
It feels like everything is out to make me lose control
Cause It's a long long journey
Till I find my way home to you
To You....

**This song was what I sang during my baptismal last June 3,2007.It would serve as my life testimony to others as well...Truth is, I cried even before I finished singing it that day.Hope that this would also touch your hearts as it did touch mine...;D

My Very Lasts...

It's just a few weeks away till graduation and it's exam week the coming week...(hell week in short!:P )The last one for all our highschool days!I just can't believe that we're already having our lasts of highschool life...It's as if it was just yesterday when I first stepped into highschool.Time really flies!We already had so many activities in school this week.The "Xie Shi Hui" for our chinese teachers,the bacalaureate and the graduation rehearsals and also the last guidance activity we had.Somehow...it felt like the school was already sending us off...Each and every event reminded me that my highschool life was already coming to it's end...That these were my lasts.As such events left me with teary eyes...Awhile ago was also our last and final C.A.T. session...Even Sir Neil's speech seemed to be a goodbye and sending-off speech for all of us...For the past four years of my highschool life, I have been exposed to all kinds of things and also encountered different kinds of experiences.Whether good or bad,they all have remained memorable to me.Highschool is one of the greatest times in a person's life.One of the most memorable infact.It's where I matured,where I learned to face such trials and be strong in whatever challenges I faced.It has definitely taught me how to deal with life itself...(or for a start atleast.Hehe...:P) I was able to see truth.Almost in it's every possible aspect.I even learned to distinguish true friendship from something not.Such things as these experiences has definitely molded me and made me to what Iam today.It would surely be my stepping stone as I continue my journey towards life.Taking with me all the memories...all the friendships...and most importantly, all valuable lessons learned...As I now close this chapter of life and move on to a beginning of another one...

**Now I know that I'd really cry during Graduation Day!(It would even be possible that I might during our Bacalaureate Service!)

New Year...New Blog...

Hey guyz!:p
Since another new year has started,I'd like to make this as my new personal blog....For updates regarding my sort of "boring " life...haha!Just kidding!:D Just regularly check this one instead of the old one...Thanks a lot...:P

(http://tashaliz.blogspot.com)