“When you want something and work really hard for it, the universe conspires to make that happen.” 

I have been a firm believer of this thought since forever and now I’m still pinching myself but I must start believing that I finally got one of the things I really dreamed of doing. But to be able to move on to something greater, there’s one thing that I need to accomplish. Not for the sake of finishing it nor doing it for other people but for myself. I owe it to myself after all. May this entry remind me of the hard work and the good fight I have put up, the sleepless nights, limitless tears and countless others when I get to read this months or even years later. So before I embark on another exciting journey, may this remind us of the bittersweet endings one has to go through to an even better opportunity that lies ahead thus motivates us to do better. For the greater glory of God.

Never give up. 

P.S. This video inspired me to write this entry. Blog update after N years. 

Sharing with you one of my all time favorite poems.

"You may write me down in history
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may tread me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I'll rise.

Does my sassiness upset you?
Why are you beset with gloom?
'Cause I walk like I've got oil wells
Pumping in my living room.

Just like moons and like suns,
With the certainty of tides,
Just like hopes springing high,
Still I'll rise.

Did you want to see me broken?
Bowed head and lowered eyes?
Shoulders falling down like teardrops.
Weakened by my soulful cries.

Does my haughtiness offend you?
Don't you take it awful hard
'Cause I laugh like I've got gold mines
Diggin' in my own back yard.

You may shoot me with your words,
You may cut me with your eyes,
You may kill me with your hatefulness,
But still, like air, I'll rise.

Does my sexiness upset you?
Does it come as a surprise
That I dance like I've got diamonds
At the meeting of my thighs?

Out of the huts of history's shame
I rise
Up from a past that's rooted in pain
I rise
I'm a black ocean, leaping and wide,
Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.
Leaving behind nights of terror and fear
I rise
Into a daybreak that's wondrously clear
I rise
Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,
I am the dream and the hope of the slave.
I rise
I rise
I rise." 

Maya Angelou

Phoenix

They just had their concert in Manila last week and I let the chance slipped by. I kinda regret it coz maaan, I like them and their music is abso-freakin-lutely amazing!

Anyway, here's Rome. One of my personal favorites. Sharing this to all of you. Enjoy!:)

Memories are forever

So many things happened in the last quarter of my 2013 and I regret not writing them soon. :( In a snap or two, here and there, a lot of things had happened but either I was too busy or just lazy thats why I never got the chance to share them all here.

In this case, Id like to just share some of the most exciting events I have had from August to December of last year. So please bear with me. :)

We planned this trip way before for a long weekend in August. We went to the queen city of the South (Cebu City), one of my favorite cities down south for a mini vacation with some of my good friends. Thank heavens to the Solera family who welcomed us in their home, we saved our pennies allotted for accommodation. hihi We went to Bantayan Island where we originally planned of going to. The weather may not have cooperated that well with us during our stay but we surely had a blast on the island. What I loved most about Bantayan was its laid back atmosphere. We rented Japanese bicycles and toured around the island on our own. We visited the 'School of the Sea' where I learned a lot of ideas on recycling and information, education campaign. I got to meet THE Atty. Oposa and did some volunteer works. In a span of 2 hours, a lot has had changed in my view of advocacy. Truly one for the books. When we went back to the mainland, I met with my brother who is based in Cebu and also with my high school bff, Tin, whom I havent seen in years. We were screaming while hugging each other like crazy. haha We visited the southern part of Cebu and stopped over Carcar, a place known for its lechon (absolutely perfect lechon). Of course our trip wouldn't be complete without Cebu's staple food. We had lunch (picnic style) at a nearby park and went to a ranch afterwards. We had horse back riding, got connected with mother nature again. I'd say fun is an understatement. The whole trip was awesome! Can't wait for my next Cebu adventure. 

Kring's baby shower. Man, time flies real fast! I couldn't even fathom the idea that all my childhood bffs now have kids and soon enough, our topic of discussion would not be all about 'guys' anymore but more on babies/kids and family. haha This has got to be one of the happiest and most fulfilling times Ive had with them. They are a part of me. They are already a family to me. I love you friends and Im absolutely happy to be part of your journey. Cheers! 

To those who dont know yet, our barkada consists of 4 members and we've been friends since our elementary days. Three of us (Me, Kring and Maiko) are based in Manila while Leizel is left in our hometown, Cagayan de Oro. We've always wished for her to come visit us but it was difficult because of work and schedule. But truly, God works in mysterious ways. Her sister needed to go to Manila for the US VISA processing and Leizel was asked by their dad to accompany her sister. And so our mini reunion happened! :)

This was also a memorable one because I got to spend a day with Paul's nanay as we attended a wedding at Shang-rila Makati. And another day spent with his parents. I got so kilig! Im so happy to have spent quality time with them. It was priceless. Oh and the food were great too!

And then this. The moment I saw these photos from Leo's facebook, I couldnt keep myself from tearing up. Leo and Kring's little bundle of joy. I was very very happy Kring delivered baby Rocco safely, that both of them are safe and healthy. 

So there, the most unforgettable moments of (my 4th quarter) 2013. I feel like I owe myself a lot of stories so here they are. This year, I wish to create more memorable, happy moments with my loved ones and try to write them all here. In the years to come, I may read them again and be reminded of how lucky I am to have experienced such wonderful times with the people I cherish and love most.

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. Be happy always! :)

xo

P.S. Hello Monday, Im ready for you. haha

All you need is tea and warm socks.. In Baguio

Baguio. Oh Baguio. One of my favorite cities up north. The weather, the food (talk about veggies and strawberry taho), the laid-back lifestyle, the people. Its like Cagayan de Oro only colder.

Last November, I went to Baguio with friends/frathousemates. Were supposed to be holding our Christmas party there but not everyone could come so we just cancelled the party but still pushed thru with the trip.

We left Manila Friday night. Apparently, it was a long weekend so there were a sea of people in bus stations. We didnt have ticket reservations so we braved the long lines, with our heavy backpacks. The stresses and madness we went through were unexplainable, so much had happened that night but we gladly got our comfortable seats, and just slept the whole trip. The temperature was around 15degC, of course it was very cold (being from the tropics hihi) when we arrived early morning of Saturday.

And then the rest was history.

Welcome to our humble abode. We loved the place! We stayed in teacher's camp btw.

Cold, eh? My girlfriends Bhebz, Arah and Lei, embracing the coldness.

Baguio is home to bright lovely flowers like this wild sunflower here.

The obligatory couple shot at Cafe by the Ruins. Great food!

Ordered this! One of the best tapas I've tasted my whole life.

Group shot. Happy tummy.

Baguio would not be complete without 'ukay'! :P  My face - priceless! Hey I loved these boots! I was so tempted to buy them but.. Oh you know me and my ever changing mind. haha

One of my favorite photos! We spotted this family chilling, jamming. Here, the daddy is teaching his son how to play the violin! <3 I love Baguio for their parks. Parks are really parks. People utilize it as it is: a safe haven for family bonding, playground, picnic site, etc.

I wish our parks in CDO or Manila are like the ones in Baguio.

Baguio also means, berries - wild blueberries and strawberries.

At our favorite spot, the fireplace! Perfect with wine, marshmallow roasting while catching up. Oh so happy! =)

On our last day in Baguio, we went to Bencab Museum. This was my 2nd time in Baguio but my 1st time in Bencab. I didnt know of this place 3 years ago. So glad I've got the chance to visit it this time. It was awesome! So jealous of the talents these artists have. I love everything here. Will tell you all about this in a separate post. :)

Bought some pasalubong for my friends back home especially this. Hindi pinalagpas. We went back to the market for this. Benguet cofffeeee!

We stuffed ourselves with fruits, pizza, bread, etc. before we left for Manila.

Goodbye Baguio! You were (still) wonderful! It was short but sweet. Hope to bump into you again soon. xo