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If there’s one thing I’m totally in love with, it’s music. Whenever I feel sad or down, music never fails to make me feel better. Whenever I’m happy, music just makes the moment so much more alive and vibrant. It transforms my soul into something tangible—into something I can hear, into something I can say. I’m just in awe of how music can bring the world together and make our lives fuller. This week, I have two songs that I listened to every single day. They were on repeat in my iPod because of their lyrics, their melody, and most of all, because of the way they make me feel whenever I listen to them.

1. Live High - Jason Mraz

When I watched this video on Tumblr, I instantly fell in love with the song. First of all, the lyrics are amazing. Unlike a lot of the songs now, they’re so poetic. And also, it bears such a positive message: live high, live mighty, live righteously. Putting that with a beautiful melody makes the song even so much better. When I listen to it, it never fails to make me happy. It makes me feel good about my life and myself. For a couple of days, before I stood up and got out of bed in the morning, I always listened to this song first because it put me in such a wonderful mood. It’s nice to put these lyrics in your mind when the sun is shining on your face: Celebrate the malleable reality.

2. Crawl - Chris Brown

After listening to this song, all I can say is, Chris Brown is back. While I was doing some schoolwork, my sister was playing this in the background. I couldn’t ignore the song because it sounded so amazing. So I went on my own laptop and looked for the lyrics. Once I read it, I got goose bumps. The lyrics are so beautiful. Then when I listened to Chris Brown singing it, I actually teared up a little! Yes, I found it THAT good. And after all that Rihanna-Chris Brown drama, this song just brought this hot singer back to life. It actually makes me believe in love again.

What they say is true, you know: no music, no life. It’s amazing what it can make me feel and do. I can’t imagine a world without it.

Last summer, my friend from Russia e-mailed me and told me about this International Essay Contest. Participants were to write about democracy. The top three essays (from each region) will be given the chance to participate in a Democracy Conference for the Youth in Indonesia next summer. I thought that it was such an interesting opportunity so I grabbed it. My question for the essay was: What historical event changed the way you thought about democracy? Proud of being a Filipino, I decided to write about how the People Power Revolution changed our country and the world.

In August, I started researching. I went looked at numerous articles, watched videos online, and even asked my parents about their own stories. I was overwhelmed by all the information I received. I wanted to say so much but I knew I couldn’t make the essay too long. Towards the end of the month, I started writing the paper. In order to keep myself inspired, I kept on watching videos of the actual events unfold. Doing that helped me so much because I was moved by what the Filipinos did for democracy and the country. I usually had goose bumps and sometimes, I even cried. While doing the paper, I realized that writing is a tough job. It’s hard when you just don’t feel writing. It’s hard when you suddenly have writer’s block. But I also realized that writing is such a beautiful thing. Whenever I get into the moment, words just flow out and suddenly, I see myself come up with such powerful words. By September, I had the first draft. I showed it to a few people who gave me very helpful comments and suggestions. One of them even said, “You gave me goose bumps.” After editing it, I had the final essay in my hands. I was ready. I was ready to let the world know how proud I am of being a Filipino because of the amazing act we did for our country. All those who read my essay assured me that I would get it.

While waiting for the results to come out, I hoped and prayed. I wanted it so bad that I used the Law of Attraction. I thought about winning the essay contest every single day. I had an image in my head of myself winning and I played that over and over. I believed in myself and was confident about it.

Last Tuesday, the results were out. I went to the website and checked it out. When I looked at Asia, I realized that my name wasn’t there. My essay didn’t make it to the top three. I was sad. I wondered, what did I do wrong? Wasn’t I already using the law of attraction? But then I realized that I didn’t do anything wrong. I did everything I could to get there. I gave my best and put my whole heart and soul into it. Because of that, I was happy, too. I have absolutely no regrets of joining the essay contest. I actually gained so much from it. I learned to love our country even more and I honed my writing skills as well. I’m glad I joined the contest. And even though I didn’t win, it’s perfectly okay. This won’t stop me from running from dream to dream with the same enthusiasm, the same spirit, the same heart. This is what chasing dreams is all about—learning from what you go through and getting up from the fall.

Semestral break’s coming to an end. It was a good one for me. Although I didn’t go abroad like a couple of my friends did, I still had fun because I was able to rest and at the same time be productive. One thing I’m going to note about this break is the fact that I watched FIVE MOVIES in the cinemas– FIVE movies in THREE weeks. I’m just so amazed because during school days, I don’t really have the time to go out and watch movies.  It was a pleasure buying tickets, being with my family and friends, and letting myself watch another story unfold. Here are my reviews for all that I watched:

1. 
   Whom I watched it with: My mom loves the kitchen to death so as soon as she heard about this movie and realized that I was on sembreak, she asked if I wanted to watch with her. Wanting to spend some time with mum, I said definitely! I also have this desire to learn how to cook and bake so this movie seemed like a good one to me.

   What I liked about it: I loved the movie. Even though it was quite long, it was a good watch because Meryl Streep and Amy Adams portrayed the characters so well. Also, all the cooking and the baking were so interesting to me! The storyline was good, too. And the setting was wonderful: New York and Paris-what more can you ask for?

2. 
   Storyline: Everyone must know the storyline by now. I loved this movie because it was unique and original. Unlike most of the movies now, the couple didn’t really have a happy ending to their story. It was actually bittersweet-bitter because they didn’t end up together; sweet because they still were good friends.

   Favorite Songs: Although the soundtrack is amazing, I have three favorite songs. “You Make My Dreams Come True” by Hall & Oates, “Sweet Disposition” by The Temper Trap, and “She’s Got You High” by Mumm-Ra. Just like the storyline, the music is unique and actually very good. The movie wouldn’t have been as good without their soundtrack.

3. 
   Favorite Part: Although I do have several favorites, the number one spot belongs to the part when MJ sang “The Way You Make Me Feel.” My heart melted and I fell in love with the song even more while watching it. I loved the new spin MJ gave it, the back-up singers, the girl for the song, and the way MJ just performed it. It gave me goose bumps.

   Realizations: They put so much work and effort into the whole concert. Judging from all the props, effects, and costumes, it would have been one AMAZING show. But while watching it, I also realized that maybe it was meant to be a movie so that the WHOLE WORLD could see it. If it was a concert, the only ones who would be able to watch it would be the audience.

4. 
   Laugh Out Loud: Although the story was kind of shallow, the movie made me laugh so hard. I love Sandra Bullock. She can always pull off shallow and stupid jokes. The personality of her character was laugh-able, too. The other characters were hilarious as well. But in order to appreciate what they do, you have to be that type of person who can laugh easily.

   The Situation: I think I enjoyed this movie more because I watched it with my best friend. We were both kind of sad when talking the other night so we realized that we needed something to make us happy. It was a good thing we chose this movie because it made us forget our problems and instead, it made us appreciate each other with laughter.

5. 
   Not My Kind: Suspense and crime aren’t really my types of movies. I usually go to the cinemas for chick flicks with my friends. I save suspense and crime for when my Dad’s watching DVDs at home. That day, I wanted to watch “All About Steve” again but since I was with my guy friends, I figured I should just give them the chance.

   Reactions and reflexes: In the end, I actually liked the movie. It had such an intelligent storyline because of the twist the writers gave it. There were a lot of parts where I had to cover my eyes and put my fingers to my ear because of the sights and sounds. It was so gory and morbid and I don’t like gun shots! There were times, too, when I got so shocked that I jumped out of my seat.

I forgot how fun watching movies in the cinemas is since DVDs are readily available these days. It’s definitely a different experience from watching at home. And having friends and family watching with you also makes it a more enjoyable experience.

Photos from www.imdb.com

Because I’m on sembreak, I’ve been spending some time on my laptop NOT doing papers and projects but instead, surfing the web for interesting and random things. Here are some of things that have made my day:

1. 
   Remember this song, ’90s kids? While my siblings and I were watching the video, we couldn’t stop laughing. It brings back so many memories! I loved singing to this song! Oh, how I miss the ’90s!
2. 

   Picture from www.fashionising.com

   Since I obviously couldn’t go to Fashion Week abroad, I drooled at all the wonderful pieces online. This picture you see here is from the Balmain Spring Summer 2010 collection and it’s one of my favorite pieces. I adore Balmain. I think it has such an edgy, fierce, and confident look. I hope to own something from Balmain someday-or at least come up with an outfit that looks just like it.

3. 

   Picture from www.lookingforlola.blogspot.com

   While I was browsing through fashion blogs, I ended up in this one. Looking for Lola is Little Miss Dress Up’s online store. They sell secondhand clothes which are absolutely amazing and vintage. Plus, they’re really cheap! I actually ended up buying a blazer from here-for only P650! Why don’t you try looking through their clothes?

4. 
   This came up on my Tumblr updates and when I saw it, I smiled because I love Seth and Summer! This picture reminded me of the last episode, when they finally got married. And I loved the part when Summer stuck out her tongue while she was walking down the aisle. It just goes to show that Seth and Summer can be so romantically silly!

When I was watching this, all I could say was, “Aaaww…” Miles is so adorable! And he’s a really good dancer. When Ellen asked him why he loves to dance, he answered, “Because dancing makes me happy.” That is so cute! I’m sure he’ll grow up to be a sweet boy and a talented dancer.

I hope you enjoyed all these things as much as I did!:)

Unlike a lot of people I know, I am not a huge UAAP Basketball fan. Even though I study in Ateneo, I don’t really make the effort to buy tickets, let alone watch the games on television. Some people actually call me “boring” for being that way but what can I do? Last week though, a friend of mine invited me to the Final Championship game. The package seemed appealing: Free upper A tickets plus Ateneo being in the championships yet again. Curious as to what the UAAP buzz is all about, I said yes to my friend’s offer and soon after my last class that Thursday, I was off to Araneta. And let me tell you that everything was worth it.

1. 
   When we got there, my friend, who invited me, realized that we had extra PATRON tickets. My friend called up his dad and he said that those tickets were definitely extra and we could have it! We jumped for joy! It was my first time EVER to watch a UAAP game live and I was going to sit in PATRON. More than that, my friends had those tickets as well! We were so glad we didn’t have to compete with other people for our seats. I was even more excited for the game!
2. 
   As the announcer called on the names of the basketball players, my heart started pumping and the adrenaline started to kick in. I could feel it. The blue side of the coliseum was roaring with school spirit. I joined in—as I did for the rest of the game. Every time we shot, I screamed! And I shouted the cheers, too! I have to admit, cheering for your team along with thousands of other people makes the experience and the moment so much more enjoyable!
3. 

   (Picture from fabilioh.com)

   Before, in my Multiply and Facebook updates, I would always see pictures of people from fabilioh.com. When my friends and I went to Araneta that day, we promised ourselves that we would get a picture! Luckily, since we were in Patron, it was easier for us to get the attention of the photographers in the court. I was hoping that one of them would be for fabilioh.com. The next day, when I checked the site, after going through many pages and albums, I found ONE picture of us! MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

4. 
   And of course, what made everything MORE worth it was the fact that we won. BACK-TO-BACK CHAMPIONS, BABY! Before the game, I was actually so nervous. I didn’t want to lose. I wanted to experience winning the game and rejoicing with the rest of the Ateneo crowd. And I experienced just that! Congratulations, Blue Eagles!

That “first” of mine was definitely fun. I can’t say I’m a huge UAAP Basketball fan still but I can say that it’s actually not so bad. I had a great time with my friends and everything was just perfect. GO ATENEO, ONE BIG FIGHT!