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...

...continue reading more

I never realized that I would have accomplished and experienced so much even after only 2 days of OJT in the House of Representatives. I’ve managed to help finalize a draft for a specific bill, review past bills and the Tax Reform Act of 1997, write a few paragraphs as part of the explanatory note of that bill, learn how to file it, learn how to search archives, and attend my first session. Of course that’s just the tip of the iceberg. The best part about representing a congressman is attending the workshop conference on Political Parties earlier. I’d love to talk about that more thoroughly at another post just because it was such an overwhelming experience. It was amazing to experience the intensity of PolSci in action. hahaha. It’s like everything I learned from my past POS classes were put into good use, while we analyze a bill on political parties. It was such a wonderful exposure and I really learned so much. Two days and I already feel like I’m not just a mere OJT student. I does get quite exhausting since after my OJT, I usually have a COA meeting from 6-9PM at the Ateneo. I will have another one tomorrow. But more on my first week at my next post.

The point of this post is to share some pictures during the previous reunion I had with my high school family. Just before I start work, I had to find time for a little bit of celebration.

We usually allot at least once a month for a class reunion. And during the summer, we try to have at least one overnight affair. This one felt so rushed actually, but I’m happy that there were still quite a number of us who got to go. And that included our Madame President, Cheeze, who was also our amazing 2-time class president. We stayed at a private...

...continue reading more

For the past three summers, I’ve been going back to visit my province in Camiguin with my family and even with friends. Of course, most of my summers as a child growing up were spent with my grandparents and relatives over there as well. So it’s safe to say that Camiguin has always felt like home. It’s a far cry from the place I grew up here in Makati. And though I still believe that it would be incredibly different to part ways with the city lifestyle, I occasionally crave for that form of escapism that only the provincial life can bring. There’s just something about being so close to nature that makes you want to just embrace your surroundings and immerse yourself in the wonders of the simple life.

The island has always been very beautiful, and the fond summer memories growing up with my cousins and relatives will always be an important part of me. It’s a tourist attraction in itself with glorious beaches, pristine waters and all sorts of natural goodness. haha. This time, I skipped all the tourist attractions (mostly because I’ve been to most, if not all) and found solace and comfort in meeting my relatives and cousins, bonding with my little sister (Damn UP for having such a tedious enrollment process! Because of that, my other sister, Rubie couldn’t come.) and finding time to think about my future. Haha. Emo ba? Honestly, it’s really not so much like that. It is more on finding that motivation and inspiration to accomplish my immediate goals. I simply found time to think about what I will take on soon as I embark on my last undergrad year. It was what I needed to face my busiest year yet.

One of the many things I love about Camiguin is that everyone knows everyone (and everyone knows my mom! haha.). There’s just that refreshing atmosphere of...

...continue reading more

I just got home from a long, intense, yet surprisingly fruitful shoot for our History165 video project. It was supposed to start at 1:30pm, but we only had the chance to finally shoot 2 and a half hours later. Blame the holiday for the lack of admin people. We had to go through so much red tape. Freakin SOPs. Thankfully, a few contacts, name-drops and kickass, no-nonsense phone calls from mom saved the day.

Our adventure started from Luneta Grandstand, Luneta Park, Intramuros, Fort Santiago and ended back at Intramuros’ Barbara’s Restaurant. For most part, I was donning a shimmery green terno. We had to shoot at several places inside Fort Santiago. So just imagine the flock of foreign tourists wanting to take pictures of me and some of my groupmates, decked out in full Filipiniana gear. I really didn’t mind. I was just glad that we got the chance to shoot there and take advantage of the beautiful spots and scenery. Haaaay… Intramuros is the place to be.

Even if I really didn’t have much scenes that time, shooting was still very exhausting. Going from one place to another without having any time to stop and eat took its toll, because now I am just poofed. I have yet to study for my 7:30am Public Management group midterms tomorrow. Aaaahh. Good luck.

I really tried to make the most of my 6 day rest. I had the chance to watch 3 movies: Surf’s Up, A Love Story and The Bourne Ultimatum. All of which I enjoyed for different reasons. I even had the chance to check out the Urban Bazaar at the Rockwell Tent last Saturday. Retail therapy is something I always enjoy. Great, great finds! (Nakita ko pa si Anne Curtis, Raymond Gutierrez and Jericho Rosales.) Haha. Ang ganda ni Anne. :P

But I guess my short vacation had to end at this time. I’m about to start studying because the next few days… weeks will be...

...continue reading more

I phrased the title that way because as soon as I got on board our 5:10AM flight to Cagayan de Oro, Gwen Stefani’s Sweet Escape blasted through the plane, and turned my happyhappy (mode#1, hun. haha.) mood just a little bit up the notch. at 5AM folks!!!

My trip last weekend counts for a full photo blog entry. I’ll try my very best to not go crazy with the photos and just focus on the highlights. Mainly because there were one too many, and everything seemed to fall under the unforgettable category. But I digress.

This was definitely a spur-of-the-moment plan of the ‘mommys.’ You see, I have an extended barkada. From my close circle of friends, I have three friends whose families are also close to my own family (inclusive of thy sweet siblings). Jam, Karen and Adrian are three of my close high school friends whose parents (moms most especially) are considered as close friends of my own mom. To make it even more interesting, their own siblings: Jam and her two younger sibs (Janine and Jenelle), Karen and her younger sister (Trina), and Adrian and her younger sister (Alex) are also friends of my two younger sisters (Rubie and Mara.) Janine worked with Rubie during their council days in High School and have gotten close, while Trina, Alex and Mara are all from the same batch.

Phew. However, you have to admit it is pretty cool, and there are some wild perks into having an extended barkada such as this. Our recent summer adventure should be the best proof of all. Planning was totally random. Over one buffet dinner at Dads sometime end of April, Camiguin became the topic of interest amongst the four mothers. (FYI: It’s also my province, and I’ve been going there ever since I was a kid.) I guess since they are parents and have actual resources in their pockets, they can easily plan trips like these. Sheesh. The next thing I knew, everyone...

...continue reading more