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I find it amusing that sometimes the most relevant advice can come from the most unexpected people. Advice I tend to live by usually comes to me through some random person in a seemingly prophetic manner, almost like the universe conspiring to give me relevant information that would turn out to be an eye-opener of sorts.

Yup, you guessed it. The universe did send me two prophets this week.

The first is this guy on Youtube named LC. I don’t know why I never came across any of his videos, seeing that he was already a hit sometime late last year. But then again, fate has a way of handing me relevant advice when I need it the most. Despite how entertaining and comedic this guy is, he actually has some pretty good advice when it comes to moving on.

The second was, surprise, a former professor. It started off with him teasing me about something and eventually the conversation turned out to be a heart-to-heart of sorts. For some reason, it becomes easier to share every thought when you’re talking to someone who barely knows you. There seems to be an increased likelihood that you’ll end up getting a more objective opinion, if there is such a thing. As I see it, he was the prophet of prophets, telling me exactly what I needed to hear.

And so I’ve realized that despite the heartbreak I had gone through in the past, I’m happy that I pulled through. Love will always entail heartache but then again, nothing worth it ever comes easy. Cliche as it may sound, we all know it’s true:  What doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger.

Now I pass this on to you, Candy Girls. Don’t let fear get in the way of you experiencing something as incredible as falling in love. I only have 19 years of experience on my side, but trust me when I say that the fall will yield results that are incredibly out of this world. <3

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That is the question! To the incoming high school seniors out there, listen up; I know most of you are torn between taking CET reviews or not, so I’ll lay down what I’ve learned from last year’s experience.

When I was an incoming senior, most of the fresh graduates and alumni of my highschool told me that review classes are useless. I kind of took their advice and took it easy on my reviews. I just enrolled in school, and I learned a lot, but I guess our materials didn’t suffice unlike other review centers with mock ACET, DLSUCET, UPCAT and more. I knew I had to work harder, so I borrowed a review center’s kits from my friend and used it.

A week before my ACET, I studied every free time I had with the materials I got from school and the review kit. I had to refresh my memory with past lessons in between juggling deadlines from projects and my finals coming up. It hit me that I had to focus more, and so I did. A few months later, I found out I got in my first choice, BS Health Sciences (an honor’s program); and just a few weeks ago, I confirmed my slot in Ateneo.

I also took DLSUCET, which was actually my first choice for my college, but sadly I didn’t land the course I wanted because I guess I took the test for granted unlike Ateneo’s. I was completely devastated at first, but a greater opportunity opened for me. You see, most people would say that you don’t have to review for these tests, but I absolutely disagree. How can you seriously rely on your brain with around four year’s worth of lessons without refreshing it? It takes a huge amount of luck and courage to do that.

My point is… don’t play it safe with college entrance tests. I suggest that you take review classes, but make sure you go beyond that. You may attend review classes, but do you really listen? You may have all the materials you’ll need, but are you really reviewing them? Study every free time you have a month before your CETs, and don’t cram a few days before. Also, don’t just aim in getting in the college you want—aim for your FIRST CHOICE in your course because not getting it may lead you to a different path. Remember, luck is not always on your side, trust me.

You have nothing to lose when you work hard for your entrance tests, but your entire world may come crashing down when you find out you didn’t get in your dream school.

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Last week, my family and I went to Baguio to escape from the summer heat and also to get away from the busy streets of the city and enjoy summer ’12 while it lasted. It was indeed a memorythat I’m sure to keep. Here, I’ll show you some photos I took from the trip. (I just used myphone’s cam so please bear with me! Hahaha!)

{My sister, Faye, with an Igorot}

Taken 5 years ago, the real reason why we went to Baguio was to find our long lost sister! Hahahaha, kidding! Really, this photo is an instant happy pill!

{Strawberry Taho}

The one and only thing I told myself that I must not miss in Baguio is to taste this one. A taho seller already greeted me on our first stop and of course, I just couldn’’t wait to try it! This little cup of heaven was certainly delicious! Uh-oh, I’m craving for one now!

{Our view at Camp John Hay}

Our stay in a cabin at Camp John Hay was just the perfect place to unwind and relax. The breathtaking view and the serene area are enough to make me stay indoors for a week, I swear!

{At Mothe’s Garden. Say hello to the really giant pig, Michelle}

Interactive – that’s the perfect word to sum up our tour there. We were able to feed a lot ofanimals and learn a thing or two about their culture. It was a first for me to go there and I reallyhad a good time!

{Magic, the horse + me}

One activity you can find in Camp John Hay is horseback riding. It’s been ages since I last rode a horse, so I was really excited for this! The Kuya even asked me to control Magic all by myself and that made my experience a whole lot more fun!

{Baguio Bounty Salad + Tenderloin w/ ginger sauce @ Café by the Ruins}

TDF! Everything we tried was just so scrumptious! This place is a must-try! Their food will keep you wanting more!

From the picturesque view to the smell of the pine trees to the cool weather down to the delectable food often made with strawberries, this city is surely worth the visit and most certainly something I’ll miss!

xx,
Dana

P.S. Hope you grab a copy of Candy‘s May issue to see my and Bea’s makeover!

Posted in Etcetera, Happy Thoughts | 3 Comments »

A few Saturdays ago, Erika and I were given the opportunity to attend the Oishi O, Wow event inTrinoma where they revealed Oishi’s new brand ambassador! In the activity center, there were3 HUGE covered boxes containing surprises for everyone. I, for one, was extremely curious onwhat the surprises were! I couldn’t wait to see them!!!
Before the big reveal, the hosts got some people to play games. There was a pyramid buildingcontest and a talent show – very entertaining! But the viewers were way too excited to see whatwas inside the boxes so one by one, the hosts and dancers revealed the surprises. One by one,they removed the covers and showed everyone in Trinoma Oishi’s big surprise!

And last but definitely not the least, ELMO MAGALONA.You would not believe the rush of emotions I had when I saw Elmo in the box!

After the revealed the surprises, they announced that Elmo is the new BRAND AMBASSADORof Oishi. Who could better represent Oishi than him right? Once all the screaming and theadrenaline rushes died down, Elmo and Julie Anne took their place back on stage and sang All ofthe Lights.

The crowd screamed so loud when they sang! Sadly, Julie Anne had to leave but Elmo startedto rap different songs and even sang “What Makes You Beautiful” by One Direction, which hededicated to all the girls (hihi).

Then Callalily came out! They played a number of their songs and the crowd went wild. The leadsinger, Kean, was pretty crazy staying super close to the crowd (to the point that the girls weregrabbing him) and he even jumped over the barrier to stay in the playground! It was crazy butwas loads of entertaining.

The night finally ended with Julie Anne, Elmo, and Callalily coming back out and giving out Oishi products to the crowd. It was wild, people grabbing onto them and screaming their name. Aahh luckily Erika and I were inside the barrier so we got pictures with Elmo Magalona!!!

Thank you again Candy and Ms. Marla! Truly an unforgettable night

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I tend to be a dork about the music that I love, especially when I think that theproduction is insane. Despite spending most of my life among dancers likemyself, musicians have always held a special place in my heart. I’m not sure ifit’s just my unfortunate musically-handicapped self talking, but I mean it when Isay that I have great respect for people who have the ability of crafting the aurallyappetizing. Anyone who can rock a guitar solo and make my ears bleed glitter isdefinitely an instant suspect for stealing my heart!

Insanely amazing guitarists (and bassists!) aside, I’ve actually always had a thingfor beatboxers too! Of course I believe it’s crucial that they can still carry a tune (Imean hello, this girl dreams of being serenaded one day!) but really, being ableto sing any instrument better than I can actually play it is a huge plus!

Take this guy, for example. Mike Tompkins instantly captured my heart as soonas I saw his mashup of “Teenage Dream” and “Just The Way You Are!”

And can I just say that I am now officially Kimbra’s biggest fan? I knew she couldsing but dang, an elaborate one-woman arrangement?! Someone please get metickets so I can marvel at her live! :-(

I wish I were as talented as these guys; unfortunately, I can’t beatbox to save my own life. Luckily, I have these guys to teach me how!

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