Happy Easter!

I feel like I should be compelled to write everything I haven’t had the chance to write about. I’ve been meaning to make several detailed posts since those pre-Graduation days, but just didn’t have the time or by some reason whatsoever. But the past few weeks have been so much fun that blogging here is simply a way for me to look back and relish all those moments once again. This blog has documented practically my entire college life that it is a shame to put a halt to something that I’ve always considered as a personal artistic outlet. Now that this will cross-post from my official weblog to Facebook, I can actually tag people. Also, this post will be photo-heavy.

March 28: I really felt so emotional throughout our graduation ceremonies. It was the overwhelming feeling of that sense of finality, nostalgia, gratitude, passion, pride and love that seemed to take hold of me as I marched, got my medal, listened, observed, reflected and hugged a whole lot of people at the end. It’s great to have ended my college years with people, whom I have endured a lot of life-defining moments with – my block and coursemates. It was so funny because as usual, we were probably the loudest there. My Ateneo education and formation have given me so much, and I know that I’ve worked hard to graduate with honors. Yet it still feels surreal to think that it really has ended. There is no doubt that I will miss it. Photos above: (top) The ladies of Block I. Semi-complete. (middle) An almost complete photo with my block! (bottom) The Political Science Honor Graduates.

Right after graduation, I, together with my CSA CBCD High School friends (mostly Ateneo ones) who have also graduated flew to Boracay for a much needed getaway. It wasn’t much of a surprise that we were greeted by a whole lot of other Ateneans that seemed to invade Club Paraw every night.

But it was really a whole lot of fun! Mostly because the company was great. We’ve been together for around 8 years now, and even if our worlds, our crowds, our ambitions have gotten bigger, we all remain to be very, very close. Photo above: (top) With CBCD people during our first night at Club Paraw, Boracay. (middle) Playing in the sand by the beach. I miss this. (bottom) Hanging out right before we take a swim.

While sipping our wonderful shakes at Jonas, I got a text from my blockmate that I passed without any interview for Ateneo Law School, I remember letting out a short scream of pure glee and jubilation. I’m already grateful that I have UP already, but knowing I passed Ateneo was just so much more exciting for me.

We were able to make the most out of our trip (as seen in some of the photos above). This includes island hopping, snorkeling, banana boat, Paraw sail ride (right before we leave), ATV, sight-seeing, swimming, etc. I think there were probably more that I can’t remember at the moment. Even if most of us were in financial crisis mode after, it was so worth it. I think Boracay is definitely a great getaway to share with friends. A big BOOOOO to Charz for failing to upload our photos until now. He has a whole lot of SLR photos that were taken during the entire trip. Fail, Charz. Fail.

Only a few days after my Boracay trip, my family and I headed to Macau and eventually Hong Kong. Our vacation is quite limited because my sister has summer classes and Mom refuses to go out of the country without her. The 6 days proved to be such an indulging and exhausting trip.

It was our first time in Macau and our stay in The Venetian was divine. It’s so big that you can spend an entire day inside the hotel (which we basically did). We all ended up shopping a lot! Photo above: (top) Riding the gondola inside the hotel. (bottom) With the performers inside the hotel. Most of them were Filipinos and very, very friendly.

The next day, we finally went around Macau. It’s fun to go out on our own and discover the city. The best thing about it was the cool weather. I would really love it if the Philippines had the same. I could walk around all day and it wouldn’t matter. Photo above: (top) Outside the Venetian. (bottom) At the Ruins of St. Paul Church and the other photo is with my sister at some park in Macau.

We eventually left Macau and stayed in Marco Polo, where we fortunately got upgraded to a huge suite. I’ve always loved Hong Kong just because I am too much of a city girl. The tall and grand buildings, the rush of crossing the streets with busy and seemingly interesting people, the bright city lights – I love it! This time we really explored the city by ourselves and went all over town. It’s amazing because no matter how many times I’ve been here, I always get to see something new. An added bonus was that it was sale season too! I got to purchase so many stuff that are a lot cheaper there than here. Photo above: (top left) At The Cheese Room in Central. Cheese is one of my ultimate weakness. (top right) Walking towards H&M for some serious clothing spree. (bottom) Along the streets of Hong Kong with my sisters.

Our last day in Hong Kong was spent at Disneyland! Even if we’ve been there before, we all just love Disneyland. Got to see blueREPpers perform! The only downside was there were so many people because of the holidays. By the time we had to go back home, I couldn’t feel my legs anymore. Non-stop walking is painfuuull.

We arrived yesterday and it’s good to be back home, especially when you are greeted by our lovely Chow! He had a new haircut and looks so cute that I just have to share it.

Reality sinks in and there are more things to accomplish and fix before it’s too late. And as a lot of my friends are searching for jobs, going on interviews and finding ways to be employed, I will enjoy my summer before I study again in law school.

PHOTO CREDITS: (Boracay Photos) A mix of Angel and Sher.