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One of the major requirements for my Psychology class is the Egg Project. In line with our topic on human development, the project requires having to take care of an egg (with a partner) and treating it the same way you would treat a human child. The thought of the project seemed to be silly at first, but over the past two weeks I’ve been taking care of Eggbert (yup, that’s our baby’s name!) with my partner-slash-hubby Bert, I’ve grown surprisingly attached to the egg. Call me crazy, but this project is turning out to be one of the best experiences in college I’ve had so far!

This is Eggbert! Isn’t he the cutest?

Although only two weeks have passed and I would probably say something similar as I write about this again for the class after two weeks, the project has given me an entirely different take on parenting. I know it’s difficult to understand at such an early age, but I owe it to the project for teaching me a thing or two on becoming a parent. The experience is surprisingly a lot more difficult than it looks, so I guess you guys could say that the respect I have for all the parents out there has grown even more.

So what am I trying to say? Well, here’s the thing. My mom is a single parent who has managed to single-handedly raise her two kids. And I’d like to think that she has actually done a pretty excellent job! I owe it to her for making me and my brother the strong-willed people we are today, despite the numerous times we’ve probably gotten on her nerves for the craziest things we’ve done.

A photo of me with my mom and brother Luigi on New Year’s Eve!

At the end of the day, no matter how many mistakes we’ve made, she still loves us. And really, when you have a mother like her, what else could you possibly ask for?

So I’m dedicating this post for all the moms and dads out there, especially my mom because no matter how many times we fight, I will always be her number one fan. All this because of what a special egg taught me: parenting is something we kids take for granted too easily.

I know it’s a bit too early for that Mother’s Day or Father’s Day greeting, but remember, Candy Girls, you don’t have to wait for those days to remind your parents of how much you appreciate all that they’ve done for you. Everyday should be parents’ day, so don’t forget to tell them—or show them, if you’re not the verbal type—how much you love them!

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Whenever I blow that candle on top of a scrumptious cake on my birthday or whenever the clock strikes 11:11, I always make a wish and keep my fingers crossed that something good will happen to me. A few may ask for something in particular but in my case, I always end up setting my heart on that one constant thing I hope for: happiness… continuous happiness.

As promised, here’s another It List that automatically brightens up my mood. Sadly though, a lot of people usually neglect and forget to appreciate these things. Whether it be something small or truly life-changing, these 10 instant happy pills deserve not to be overlooked!

Whether you’ve finished your time-consuming Science homework or you’ve gone to New York to see the ever-so-famous ball drop on NYE, that feeling that you finally get to finish something you’ve worked hard on is truly gratifying.

Little kids are such a weakness!! Their effortless acts can undoubtedly turn my grumpy day around in an instant.

Need I say more?

Such happenings may squeeze all your juices out, but once it comes back to memory, it’ll make that smile pop in no time!

There are instances when people would remember things about yourself and would surprisingly tell you things they’ve kept in mind. I’d surely melt if someone tells me something I’ve told them way too long ago for them to remember.

Ahh, that moist chocolate cake is just too good to resist! Guess it’s not only you who’ll be left smiling—I bet your tummy will do, too!

When reality is better than what you expected. Don’t forget to say thanks + give a tight hug to your ‘rents after!

Good times, indeed!

In public areas, it’s nice to see that some men still hold doors for us or maybe offer a seat when you’re riding the LRT.

Nothing can be more heart-warming than knowing that the people you care for makes you feel special, important, and loved. Their presence is one of the greatest blessings and that’s why they deserve nothing but some TLC in return.

I know there are thousands of things to be happy about. We just have to reflect on some ‘cause maybe we’ve ignored lots of it that deserves a scoop of attention.

Dana xx

Background photo via Tumblr

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I understand that many high school seniors are now going through the suspense-filled season of CET results. Some of you may have already gotten into several universities while some are still awaiting further results. For those of you who are already fixated on a singular track, you’re quite lucky. But for the many others who are plagued with indecisiveness (just like how I was), choosing the right university is going to haunt you for the next couple of weeks.

So this is just me helping you out and giving you a bit of a nudge towards the bluer side of things.

5. Eye Candy

Beyond the bountiful population of bona fide Ateneo hotties (and yes there are plenty to go around), the true sight for the eyes is the campus itself. Buildings are architecturally pleasing, providing a conducive learning environment for students without sacrificing the beauty of nature as well. A personal haven of mine is the Rizal Library where a desk situated in the 4th floor (which I have baptized as mine) gives me an unobstructed view of the Katipunan strip—a calming sight for when you’re cramming that paper.

4. The Katipunan Strip

Where else can you play “Left 4 Dead” while waiting for your pizza (bonding with the block at Shakey’s), grab a hearty dessert of Wicked Oreos (Flaming Wings), beat the heat with a tall glass of milk tea (Moonleaf, Cha Dao, etc.), get a mani/pedi, or burn those calories at the gym all within walking distance from each other and from the university as well? The endless array of the things you can do along Katipunan will make those inevitable breaks in between classes tremendously worthwhile.

3. We Fly High

Four-peat. ‘Nuff said.

2. Org Life

“Ateneo offers one of the best, if not the best organization life in the country.” —Ken Abante, president of the Council of Organizations of the Ateneo

Being part of an org provides a fun yet still productive alternative to the doldrums of academics. Awaiting you are a lot of different opportunities as well as a crazy bunch of org-mates.

Here’s a snapshot of an event I recently headed and helped organize. Definitely one of the best days of my freshman year!

1. Magis: The Ateneo Way

The heart of Atenean excellence lies in this singular Jesuit phrase meaning “more.” Magis means to go beyond—not only in academics but also in the different facets of life. I learned early on that ‘magis’ isn’t only a word but a way of life. Yes there will be more work, more late nights, more obstacles but through this you gain more of yourself—so much so that you will be inspired to be “A Man For Others.” Through this, the Ateneo will equip you with a stellar education as well as the desire to be better not only for yourself but for others as well. That’s how the heart bleeds blue.

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It’s January already and since we have many Candy Girls out there who are graduating, I’m here to share a few tips on how to end your senior high school year right.

First, stop being too stressed about college. I know the start of the year is nerve-wracking for so many seniors since college entrance test results are released at this time, but keep in mind that you only have a few months left in high school. Make the most out of it! Make every day count because time is something you can never get back.

Start taking chances. If you were too scared to grab opportunities during your four years in high school, why not start taking a leap of faith now? You don’t want to leave the place where you had some of your best experiences with no footprints. As Emma Stone said in the movie Easy A, “Not with a fizzle but with a bang.”

Talk to your friends. I don’t mean those little chit chats you have about your favorite TV show or celebrity. Ever had those heart-to-heart talks with your best friends? If not, now is the time to have one! College is a whole new world and by going to different schools, time with your closest friends can’t be assured. Cherish the last few moments you have with each other.

Last but not the least, have fun! The next months will be hectic and surely filled with so many firsts and lasts. Graduation doesn’t always mean goodbye, but also hello to a new world that’s waiting to be discovered!

photos courtesy of Sony Pictures (Easy A) and Paramount (Mean Girls)

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1. “The less you reveal, the more people can wonder.” —Emma Watson. This quote applies to social networking sites. While self-expression is much appreciated, people will assume you have nothing better to do when you’re updating your status and liking it every hour.

2. “Love your parents; we are so busy growing up, we often forget they are also growing old.” Time spent with your parents and your grandparents could shed some light to the path you’re taking or direct you to a secret passageway. They may not love us the way we want them to, but they do. Their pieces of advice come from the purest of intentions, their wisdom comes from tried and tested experiences.

3. Grab opportunities. Success will give you perks and victories; failure will give you character growth and experience. But if you don’t try, you get neither of the two.

4. Growing old with our high school friends and going through milestones make them foundational to our personalities and our happiness. Those who want to be in your life will make an effort to stay in it despite the distance and circumstances.

5. True friends will love you enough to tell you the truth that you deny and the flaws everyone else pretends to ignore.

photo courtesy of Summit Entertainment (The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, Part 1)

6. Every girl wants and deserves to be cherished. Maybe that’s why Twilight became such a big hit. Cherishing someone means calling her up, seeing the best in her, and appreciating her quirks. Cherishing someone means giving her all the reasons to stay because you can’t watch her walk away.

7. It’s never too late to say sorry. Maybe you said mean things or bullied someone years back, but humbling yourself can restore broken relationships or stitch up the torn pieces.

8. Sometimes, forgiveness frees you more than the recipient of your forgiveness.

9. When overwhelmed with negative emotions, Jesus is a better confidante than Twitter or Facebook. When you analyze your emotions, sometimes you’ll realize they’re due to your own pride, envy, or selfishness.

10. Disagree politely. You’ll meet people with different principles and upbringing. Agreeing with everyone will make you lose yourself; pretending to agree with them will not gain you their respect. Understand that everyone goes through different experiences, and while you should respect their principles, you have every right to have your own as well.

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