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Weekends are sparkling gems in the midst of the doldrums of school and academic requirements. We look forward to them as they approach and we look longingly back at them once they’ve passed us with such speed. The prospect of having to share these gems with an activity that doesn’t involve sleeping in, watching TV, or chilling in the mall almost always peeve us.

That was my initial reaction when I found out that I had to spend four hours of my Saturday at an outreach for children as it is a requirement for all freshman blocks. After an exhausting week of academics, I thought it was the last thing I needed.

But no. In fact, it was EXACTLY what I needed.

What I had dreaded to be an exhausting burden turned out to be one of the best experiences I’ve ever had this year. We were assigned to a class of third graders who wore us out—in a good way! We played tons of games like newspaper dance, agawan base (we lost 2-1, hahaha) and agawan buko (a hilarious creation by one of my blockmates).

But I think what we all enjoyed the most was the sing-alongs and the very impromptu dance-off that left us all dancing and singing like there was no tomorrow.

I know we were brought there to give a little generosity to the kids but I think they had given more than they had received. We came bearing food and games and prizes but they gave us something more: a chance to be kids again.

I got the buko!

This little kiddo got swag! If there’s anybody who can teach you how to dougie, he can fo sho.

Me with my adorable kids, Iris and Kyla.

One big group shot!

Looking back, February 4 was definitely a weekend well spent. And something worth repeating!

Have you guys done something like this before? If you haven’t, you definitely should!

Give up a gem for an entire treasure trove.

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Music never fails to give me inspiration, but this one song is something you guys should listen to whenever you’re feeling lost! It’s actually a relatively old song, but I found myself instantly hooked as soon as I was introduced to this a few days ago:

It’s amazing because the lyrics are actually the words of an essay written by Chicago Tribune columnist Mary Schmich. The song is very upbeat and unique (this is so going on my feel-good playlist!) but more than that, it’s actually a great song that all young folks should hear!

On another note, the song reminded me of this assignment I had for my Psych 101 class, where we had to write a letter addressed to our future teenage children. My feeling-Yoda-level wisdom came out as I wrote that letter, despite having only 19 years of experience!

So I was thinking, why not share it with you guys? Here are five things you girlies need to know!

Love yourself. No matter what flaws you may think you have, use them to your advantage. Moreover, learn to love yourself because no matter what others think, never forget that you are a gem—priceless and irreplaceable!

Don’t let anyone get in your way. Have the courage to stand by what you believe in, but don’t forget to listen, too. As teens, we often think we’re always right to the point that we fail to listen to the people around us. Sometimes the most unexpected people can tell you exactly what you need to hear!

Cliché, but it’s flat-out true: Everything happens for a reason. You may not understand why or how certain things happen at first, but in time you’ll understand.

Learn to let go. This is a major setback for a lot of us, but we forget that letting go can be good sometimes. People often think it’s something bad, but it actually isn’t! The act of letting go isn’t just giving up and allowing something to slip out of your hands—it’s understanding that the best is yet to come.

And of course…

Quoting A Cinderella Story, “Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.” Never let fear keep you from doing anything. Don’t be afraid to dream, don’t be afraid to fall in love, don’t be afraid to set big goals. It’s okay to be impulsive—sometimes taking the plunge can lead to the most life-changing events in your life!

That’s all I have to say to all you Candy Girls! Then again, I’m only 19 and in all honesty, I have the experience of a baby panda and I’m still learning too. But hey, go and write your own story. Just get out there and experience all that life has to offer… oh, and don’t forget to wear sunscreen!

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When you hear the word “proposal,” I’m sure the first thing that pops in your head is a wedding proposal (or even a project proposal.) But here in my school, this kind of proposal is the most popular right now—a PROM PROPOSAL! I’m very fortunate to be studying in a coed school especially during the prom season because once January comes, you’ll see illustration boards that spell out “PROM?” everywhere, girls holding bouquets of flowers, and more. Trust me, they get more unique and bongga every single year!

I interviewed three pairs of juniors and seniors about how they got asked to prom. I categorized them based on their relationships: friends, best friends, and a little more than best friends (hihi). Oh yeah, sorry for the quality of the videos and the noise.

1. Friends – I just had to include this story because it was so cute! I think this prom proposal is perfect for those who are friends—it’s not too cheesy, but it’s really such a surprise! If you two are just friends, don’t go over the top but make it heartfelt.

2. Best friends – I witnessed this during Mitchelle’s surprise birthday party. I was there when Andrew was fixing everything, and you could see that he really wanted it to be perfect for her. He was running around carrying the materials, and fixing the candles and lighting them. If you want to ask your best friend, don’t just do the usual illustration boards. Go a little beyond it. Show how thankful you are by making the proposal unique and memorable.

3. More than best friends – Anton actually talked to me before he asked Alicia to prom, and I saw the effort in him. Who would have ever thought that this guy would spend his free day burning himself with a glue gun and being artsy by making the PROM banner? If you’re more than best friends or a couple, it’s time to go all cheesy and romantic! Go the extra mile.

Prom is just around the corner, so good luck to all of you, Candy Girls (and the boys reading this). I hope you got inspired. For those who still don’t have dates—TAKE A CHANCE!

As for my prom proposal? It’s yet to be written, but last year’s was something I’ll never forget. Hihi!

Posted in Etcetera, Happy Thoughts, Relationships | 1 Comment »

The first chapter of 2012 has gone at a dashing speed and now, we’re off to conquer February! Everyone’s expecting a love-filled month, obviously, because this is the time we celebrate Valentine’s Day!

This blog post is dedicated to my love for love. A hopeless romantic? Yes, indeed! During my spare time, I usually watch several couples’ pre-nup and wedding videos, sing my heart out, or get kilig while watching my all-time favorite movies. I decided to list (hope you’re not getting tired of this, haha!) some of my no-fail, feel-good movies since this is the month of love after all!

It’s nice to be in someone’s shoes for a few hours from time to time—getting trapped in all the emotions running, proving whether or not love could really conquer all, and proving that non-fictional characters actually have the power to melt our hearts!

Here’s my It List of romantic movies that I’ll never get tired watching over and over again.

A Walk to Remember – I bet this is every teen girl’s favorite! Ready your pack of tissues ‘cause you’ll be needing tons once Landon starts ticking things off Jamie’s bucket list! (Being in two places at once? Included in mine!)

Something Borrowed – Dex and Em’s story is enjoyable, and the cast will make you laugh while you’re all excited to see the ending.

Serendipity – Seems impossible? Mind you, destiny does its magic at no particular time

The Wedding Singer – “I wanna make you smile whenever you’re sad…” Who wouldn’t fall in love when someone serenades you with “Grow Old with You”?

50 First Dates – A rom-com like this is undeniably worth remembering!

10 Things I Hate About You – This might be cliché, but I swear, this movie will claim a spot on your own list too!

If Only – The mind-blowing story exposes why people should not wait for tomorrow to show their love and appreciation for others.

These movies can really make my heart skip a beat. But still, I have a lot of watching to do. What are your personal favorites?

Dana xx

P.S. I have really high expectations for The Vow! Can’t wait! <3

Posted in Etcetera, Happy Thoughts, Lists | 2 Comments »

With the stress from all the schoolwork, the frustration of everything happening one after the other, and the impatience from the busy world around you, it’s almost impossible to find a chance to relax. Take a few minutes of your time and escape your hectic life by visiting Oceana Nail Club.

Oceana Nail Club, located in the heart of the metropolitan city of Makati, offers you an escape from the work and stress you have to deal with everyday. Refuel yourself for another crazy week ahead by pampering yourself with their treats. From their full-body massages to hand paraffins, and foot spas to body scrubs, Oceana provides the best and finest treatments and services for their customers.

Aside from their wide range of services, I love their treatment area! Their seats are so comfortable and their extra pillows help you feel right at home while getting your hands and feet done. Not to mention, Oceana plays really chill music. Sometimes, you can hear the ocean while getting treated! It really helps you relax and drift away from the city.

I personally enjoy their Get Glowing Spa Manicure (P280), Tension Relief Peppermint Power Pedicure (P350), and Stressed Back Relief Massage (P250). Still, you should definitely try their spa treatments, paraffin treatments, and body massage treatments! I love how they have services for little kids—Kiddie Manicure, Kiddie Pedicure, Bubblegum Yummy Spa Manicure, and Bubblegum Yummy Spa Pedicure. They even have treatments for guys so you can take your boyfriends, dads, and brothers along when you get your nails done!

Oceana Nail Club
Ground floor, GF&P Building,
139 HV Dela Costa St., Salcedo Village
1227 Makati, Philippines
Book an appointment: (02) 519-6030
Visit Oceana Nail Club’s Facebook group here.

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