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Two weeks ago, I wrote this for my online diary:

This past week, I’m sure that we’ve all experienced Typhoon Ondoy’s wrath one way or another. We’ve seen the horrific images on the news and on the internet; we’ve heard stories about other people and their houses. The waters might have damaged our own houses, too. I had my own experience with Ondoy last Saturday, the day it hit the country. I was on the road for seven, long hours and nothing surrounded me but floods, water, chaos, and people running for shelter. It was a sad, sad sight. It was the first time I ever experienced a strong typhoon outside the house. And even though it will sound sort of cynical, I’m glad I was able to go through it because at least I know the reality and the depth of the calamity our country is going through right now. But more than that, seeing my fellow countrymen in the heart of the chaos actually pushes me to do something for them and to help them.

The day after the typhoon, I was thinking of ways I could help. One thing I could be sure of was praying. I offered up my Sunday mass for the victims and our country. I also donated P100 to Red Cross via cell phone. Then, my family and I went grocery shopping for the victims. We shopped for things that could help the people such as canned goods, bottled water and packets of biscuits. I also went to two relief centers with my friends: St. James in Alabang and Ateneo. I packed goods, counted packs of rice, and sorted out clothes. It was really tiring but at the end of everything, I was definitely fulfilled. I was happy I was able to contribute something and do my part for my fellow countrymen.

But one thing I was really happy for was the AMAZING love, help, and kindness that came from so many Filipinos. Never have I seen our country so strong and so united in one cause. Never have I seen the youth so involved and so caring. Never have I seen Facebook and Twitter being used for the more important causes. It’s such a nice thing to know that even amidst all the problems we Filipinos are experiencing, we still have so much heart and love to offer to each other. It’s so nice to know that we haven’t turned helpless. This is what makes me JUST SO PROUD to be a Filipino. We have the resiliency like no one else does. We have the courage and the bravery to stand up for each other. And even though it isn’t obvious most of the time, we still have the right values in our hearts.

If there’s one thing we should take away from this tragedy, it’s the pure goodness and love. I know it’s hard to forget the things that hurt but we should be happy that there are wonderful things to look at, too. Filipinos are definitely each other’s gifts.

To the victims of Ondoy: We’re going upside down with you.

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When the Council and I were brainstorming for the mini-magazine, I right away knew what section I wanted to be part of: Fashion & Beauty. If it isn’t obvious from my personal blog entries, I love fashion to death. But besides that, I knew taking part in this section would mean having the opportunity to pull out clothes, accessories, and shoes from stores! It’s just like shopping but it’s so much better because you don’t really have to worry about the money. You can just pick whatever you like, sign some papers and off you go with the shopping bags in your hand! If only shopping were really like this, huh? Aura, CJ, and I were definitely excited when we finally headed our way to Glorietta to pull out clothes for the fashion & beauty shoot.

We went to The Row in Glorietta. The Row has three stores in it: Solo, Freeway, and Ensembles. Three stores means three times the fun!

Aura and I found some lovely pieces we could use for the shoot. We found so many cute and stylish ones that our hands were full!

CJ found other great pieces, too! Look at those white shorts! And it seems like she’s checking out the dresses on the rack as well!

I had to sign some papers. I felt like such a professional!

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By the end of the day, I was so seriously so tired. I never knew pulling out clothes could be so tiring. It was also challenging because pulling out clothes required us to be creative on the spot. We had to think carefully about all the looks, taking into consideration every single detail. It’s actually not as easy as you think! But of course, I had such a fun time with Aura and CJ! It was definitely an experience! I enjoyed it so much because it was something I was passionate about. And I knew it was something I would be willing to do again and again.

I hope you Candy girls loved the looks we came up with because it was definitely a labor of love.

Posted in Etcetera, What's In | No Comments »

Because the first semester of this school year is almost over for us Ateneans, we have last minute requirements, tests, and projects to attend to. The past few weeks have actually been a whirlwind for me. I’m so busy brainstorming group reports, writing papers, and studying for tests. At the end of the day, I always feel so exhausted. While doing all those things, my mind, more often than not, drifts to another place- an alternate universe where I am not doing things I HAVE to do but things I WANT to do. These are what I often catch myself thinking about:

1. Having a nice, good massage.

Hours in front of the laptop makes my body ache. Whenever I lie in bed and stretch after using the laptop, I always feel pain and fatigue.  And when I do, I always dream of getting a massage. I try to massage myself but it’s no use because I feel even more tired! So I pretend that a masseuse is doing the job for me. I can’t wait for that to come true!

2. Going to the parlor.

My hair is long and dry and my nails are not exactly the most good-looking ones in the world. Whenever I look at myself in the mirror, I don’t feel so good. I know that the best remedy for this is to go to the parlor, cut my hair, have a hot oil, and paint my nails. I just don’t have the time to do that, unfortunately. So while I wait for the time to come, I’m deciding on how short I should cut my hair and what color should go on my nails.

3. Reading books.

I’ve been reading too many academic books! I need to read books that I actually want to read. I have a list in my drawer of all the books I’m interested in: Truth About Forever, How to Walk in High Heels, Perks of Being a Wall Flower, and The Road Less Travelled. Once I clear my room of all the books for school, I’m running to Powerbooks.

4. Going on a beach trip.

Ah, the sun, sand, and surf—there’s nothing like the beach. I haven’t been to the beach in the longest time. I actually miss it. When my feet are part of the sand and when I face the deep-blue sea, time stands still and the world seems to be mine. I love the beach. Where else can you relax and feel one with nature while looking adorable in Roxy bikinis?

5. Exercising.

Being busy makes me feel so unhealthy. First of all, I’m always in front of the laptop typing papers or reading books and studying my notes so my usual position is sitting down. Next, because I get so exhausted, I usually get hungry. Consequently, I eat whatever I want. And since I don’t have P.E., I have no form of exercise! I feel so unhealthy and sedentary. I dream of playing badminton in the club and swimming in the pool. I need to release my energy!

I seriously can’t wait for this semester to end. Three more weeks left but there’s still so much stuff to do! I hope I make it! And I hope you girls are doing absolutely fine!

Posted in Etcetera, Lists | No Comments »

September is one of those months during the year when just so many things happen. For one, as an Atenean, it’s the last month before finals so that means attending to all the projects, papers, and tests. Also, it’s the start of the “-ber” months which means it’s Christmastime yet again! Besides that, it’s the beginning of fall (for those in the other side of the world at least) and fall means new collections from top designers! And this year, I just realized that September is when all our favorite TV series come back with new seasons! Just thinking about all the shows that are lined up for me to watch makes my heart tingle. Here’s what we should all watch out for:

1. Gossip Girl Season 3
   
   If you’ve seen the promos, then you must know that even after high school, Gossip Girl still watches our favorite Upper East Siders’ every move. Rumors continue to spread and even juicier things begin to happen! The promos tell us that Serena will show a little bit of her wild side, Dan will have a new fling, Blair will try to survive studying in the same university as Georgina, and many more shocking updates. I personally can’t wait to see the fashion of this upcoming season as well and of course, see how Blair and Chuck act as a couple—finally!
2. 90210 Season 2
   
   Last season really left me on the edge! If you don’t remember, in the last episode, Silver and Ethan share a kiss (while Silver and Dixon are still together!), Naomi screams at Annie (because she thought she slept with Liam), and Annie runs away and does something terrible. Finally, season 2 has come and it’s going to give me the answer to: so what’s going to happen to everyone? The West Coast does have its fair share of drama! And it also has one of my favorite couples, Adrianna and Navid. I can’t wait for my daily dose of Beverly Hills!
3. One Tree Hill Season 7
   
   Can you believe it? One Tree Hill’s going to have its SEVENTH season! It’s been on air for that long already- and for good reason! Like I said in one of my past blogs, unlike most TV series nowadays, this one’s not about money, or fame, power or wealth. It’s actually about pure love, friendship, strength, and deep emotion. I wonder how this season is going to turn out and what lessons it will have in store for us. The sad thing about it though, Lucas and Peyton aren’t part of the series anymore. What’s One Tree Hill without them, right? At least my favorite family (Haley, Nathan, and Jamie) and independent woman (Brooke) will still be a part of it!

Now all I need is the time to watch my favorite TV series! I hope you girls are looking forward to these three shows as well. Are there any other shows you’re excited to watch?

Posted in Etcetera, Lists | 4 Comments »

I love going through old letters. It reminds me of the wonderful and also not-so-wonderful memories of the past and as well as the amazing people I have in my life. These letters make me laugh, cry, and feel all nostalgic. Recently, I was going through my letter box and found some of my favorite lines:

1. Happy happy birthday, dearest Ding! You know you have a very special place in my heart! You are remembered always, but especially on your birthday! Continue spreading much goodness around you because you are one of a kind.

My mentor wrote this to me in her card for my 19^th birthday. She’s one of my favorite people in the world and hearing all this from her made me feel so special.

2. To our model daughter: May you always exude simplicity in your elegance, humility in your glamour, and virtue in your charm.

My parents gave me a card on Valentine’s! I was so touched and surprised because we don’t usually give each other things during the 14^th of February. Although it was short, their message showed me how much they love me and believe in me.

3. Thanks for all our wonderful memories. I really hope you never change! You know I’ll always be here for you!

My best friend wrote this to me for my 18^th birthday. Although these are phrases we often hear, they are special because I know that it came from her heart. The assurance she gave me of our friendship was one of the best things I received that day.

4. It’s like I lost a part of me when we were fighting. I miss my best friend! I miss the sister I never had! I miss your presence! I miss you! I value this friendship so much because you are important to me. I can’t imagine a life without you.

My other best friend wrote a letter to me after we had this big fight. It was a really long letter and it made me cry because I realized how much I missed her (we didn’t speak for weeks). Also, it made me so happy because then and there, I knew that we passed probably the most difficult test of our friendship.

5. You’re one of the greatest friends ever. I love you!

This came from my college friend and this warmed my heart because even though we’ve known each other for around a year only, it’s nice to know that she considered me “one of the greatest friends.”

There’s nothing like the simple yet pure feelings of happiness that letters give me. In this world dominated by instant messages and posts on walls, nothing beats good ol’ fashioned letters and cards that come from the most important people in your life. J

Posted in Lists, Relationships | No Comments »