Christmas 2012

Mostly same as last year but there was less excitement in the air. If this day isn't one of the days I could actually dress up, I'd be spending it in front of my laptop or probably my sewing machine and just do something I normally do. We went to church late and was just able to attend the mass during a baptism. Boy, was I surprised! Then lunch was on...the usual menu:

Lumpia, Menudo and Macaroni Salad...

 There was also liempo but it was served later when we started eating outside. And I was able to drink wine again. My brother bought me one of Baguio's strawberry wine. I haven't had it since high school when we went there for a leadership training.

Strawberry wine from Baguio City~ Hmm...

 Because the weather was great, and we want to sit down and eat together, we decided to eat outside. It has a nice feel to it.

My dad, Tita She, & Eldest brother

My baby cousin~ Sooo cute :">

I received less money this year and some of those who usually give me presents didn't give me one this time around.

Gifts~! :D

I got a Baylis & Harding Body wash and lotion, some money, and a cardigan(?) I don't really know what to call it. The notebook and coin purse was something I got during the kris kringle with my college friends.

The day went by & all I could think about was you~ <3 td="td">

GKF Kris Kringle & Surprise Birthday Celebration

Date: December 22, 2012

Venue: Robinson's Ermita Manila & Chicboy Pedro Gil Branch

What I knew of the plan was only a kris kringle within our group. I decided to attend because I always miss out on the group's social activities. I may be eccentric and socially awkward but I want to try my best to interact and create memories with other people.

before we started eating...XD

We first gathered at Robinson's (Rob) to determine whom we will be giving gifts to. Each of us prepared a piece of paper identical to one another and there, we wrote down our wishlist and names. Then we used the fishbowl method to determine the recipient of our gift. I think we had to go at it 5 times before we were able to avoid getting our own names. After that, we split into two groups and went around the mall to shop. I shopped by myself because I ended up getting grouped with the person I got. I had trouble finding the gift my friend wanted and ended up with the first one on the list, colored pencils. I then decided to regroup with the others. I called and they said they don't know where they are. They got LOST. I just strolled around and called them from time to time and when I finally gave up, I looked somewhere where I could sit comfortably. Art's Cream Gallery was the right choice. I got myself a cup of hot earl grey tea and relaxed while waiting for my other companions. When they finally arrived, we wrapped up our gifts and then headed to Chicboy.

Cake~ Cake~ Cake~

 At Chicboy, we had our lunch, a little picture here and there. When we were done with our meals, I was surprised that we have a cake! I thought it was only some sort of tripping but then I saw our names...Mel & Angelica. OMG. They still managed to celebrate my birthday. Although I already had a hint that they were planning something while leaving me out, I hadn't thought they would use this opportunity to execute their plans. How could I have missed it. I honestly thought this was just a Christmas celebration. I know I'm not really a well-spoken person but I'm glad I have these bunch. Thank you Lord for letting them into my life. They're one of the best friends I could ever have.

Us 6~ There are more but they already have plans for today...
I'm still really happy though it doesn't show

 After eating and a little bit of small talk, we headed back to Rob because they still want to shop for presents. Again, we strolled for a bit and before we went back home, we took some shots at the midtown.

Rob's giant Christmas Tree~ Photo by my friend, Olib

It was a really fun day for me. I hope that I will be able to maintain my friendship with them. Hearts for you guys~!!

Letters they made for me for my birthday

BACK IN MANILA~

I finally got the motivation to write here again...I've been catching up on anime shows that I've meet during my one month stay at Bay, Laguna.

It was an awesome experience and to sum it all up here are some events I don't want to forget:

• Seeing a chicken that looks so much like "Nagoya" in Tonari no Kaibutsu-kun
• Eating different veggies like Ginatan na Langka, ang Puso ng Saging
• Learning other terms like Sintunes
• Being pooped on by lizards & birds
• Seeing a very clear night view & the shadow of the moon
• Sleeping using a kulambo
• Picking veggies along the road
• Going to SM Calamba
• Getting excited for fast food and malls
• Riding on a motorcycle
• Celebrating my birthday without electricity
• Making an Christmas lantern using indigenous materials
• Watching local drama series
• Walking around at night not worrying about dangerous people but of supernatural beings
• Getting head lice and purging it out by overusing a prescribed shampoo
• Crossing an irrigation through a simple lumber
• Making Buko Ice Candy out of scratch
• Having girl siblings
• Experience Caroling and get 500 in one house...>:P

When I got back in Manila, we had our graduation pictorial and I got birthday presents too. Again, I'm still backtracking TV Shows, J-dramas, and anime series. So, I'll probably get back into action some time when I've done eveything I missed.

CIP Seminar/Workshop

After not being around for a while, I'm back. And I'm going to start with my [unofficial]FIRST DAY back to uni.

My formal classes does not start until this coming Thursday but I had to come attend a seminar/workshop today and tomorrow regarding our community immersion program, a requirement and supposedly anticipated event for graduating students.

I would not go into detail that much since it would take me a long time to note everything that happened so here's an outline:

• Start of seminar
• L-A-T-E. : It started at 9am. We were called there by 8am
• Introduction by our dean
• 1st Speaker
• Topic: Communication
• Activities:
• Relay Drawing - your group will draw whatever pops into their mind upon receiving the paper
• Stick to what you Feel: Red, Blue, Black - Depending on how you view your closeness to a person, stick a Red piece for those you are close with, a Blue piece to those you haven't interacted enough, and a Black piece to those you have an unfinished business/ grudge/ hate
• 2nd Speaker
• Topic: Handling Pressures
• Activities:
• String it and Drop it - two straws are tied with a string into a bamboo stick so that it is dangling. A lot of other strings are tied to the middle of the bamboo stick. Try to drop the straws into two PET bottles while only holding on the strings in the middle.
• Paper Tower Building - Build the highest tower you can using papers without utilizing any form of adhesive or attaching device.
• 3rd Speaker - was trolled by the electricity. It kept of going on and off whenever he starts to discuss the important matter

The seminar was put into a halt and the organizers decided to continue it tomorrow.

Blogging...

I'm not going to be able to blog here for a while..rather maybe for the duration of this semester since things are a bit toxic for me. We have additional clinical rotations, thesis writing, and minor trying to be major subjects. Lots of requirements very little time...so I'm going to maximize the time for all of those and maybe slip out to unwind some times. I'll make sure I express all of my ups & downs when I pass through all of these. God Speed Ahead~

Aftershoot trip to the Mall

Yesterday, I attended an open shoot with one of my high school friends. We were off to a bad start but it led to us being able to meet new friends. Even though I got blisters and a whole set of new wheals, the aftershoot trip we had with a very fun groups was the best ever!

We didn't realize Charles-nii (aka Loki) was still being a photo bomb in this pic...hahaha

Last pic before we went home~ ^^

>we ended up leaving our baggages in the supermarket...
>played loads of games at the world of fun...
>endorsed a certain product...
>got hit on by a lot of people...
>Ruled the mall like a boss!

Movie Date~!

Date: April 29, 2012, Sunday
Place: IMAX Theater, SM North Edsa
Movie: The Avengers

Just got home from a movie date~ Got free tickets from my brother so we went to see the Avengers movie together. The film was good! It was really fun watching it from the center seats of the cinema. It felt like I was inside the movie all along. My heart even skipped a beat whenever something comes out flying towards us. Why can't my brain process that it's not coming out of the screen? LOL. As always, Stark was really funny. I also found some scenes that suggested BL *nosebleeds*. I'm not going to say more that could spoil the movie. I suggest you guys just watch it~ :)

Sorry, I don't have any pictures...Left my camera at home since we were running a little late earlier. Also, the movie was sooo fun I forgot to be vain today. Next time, I won't miss the details. :P

Bonding, Birthday, Dinner, @Manila Hotel

To celebrate different birthdays, we went to the Manila Hotel for dinner last April 11, 2012. The place was really beautiful although the price isn't that budget-friendly, obviously, since it is a really prestigious hotel with a lot of history.

 The  lobby is really well-lit and the music played in the room was so calming it's like washing off all your worries before coming in this luxurious place. This place has been renovated to match the modern style while preserving the history it holds.

Paintings decorate one side of the lounge and there are many seats where you can relax

We ate at the Mabuhay Restaurant inside the hotel. It's not a buffet-style restaurant but it has a nice feel to it. They are very accomodating but be sure that you say exactly what you want to your attendants or else you risk missing out on some things they offer.

And of course, can't forget the remembrance pics~

Ramen X and The Hunger Games Movie

Date: April 1, 2012

Yes, it was April Fool's but I had to watch the hunger games after becoming a fangirl over the books. My eldest brother treated us to the movie. We also ate at Ramen X in Trinoma. The serving was big enough to really fill me up. They have really good appetizers and we had them all!

The store is located near beside Cabalen...

Started eating right away~

My brothers Gel & Jam

The arrangement's gone! Stirred the bowl already...OTL

Green Apple Soda!

Last piece of the Gyoza appetizer...*holds back*

My all time favorite, ebi tempura~

Amma go here with friends some time!!! XD

After eating, we headed to the cinema to watch the Hunger Games movie. It was good but not what I had imagined in my mind as I read the book. I almost got dizzy during the scene when they started in the arena. Still it was good. I can't wait to watch Catching Fire.

Jennifer Lawrence is really pretty as Katniss... :">

Here are some posters of the Avengers coming out this April! Got them from the cinema previews...haha

End of another Semester...

Finally got all of my grades today. Just to report and document everything, I'll share them:
(highest is 1.00; lowest is 5.00)

P[sucks] - Lec: 2.00
                 Lab: 1.75
MS2 - 2.00
Stat - 1.50
Psych Nsg. - 1.50
Rizal - 1.50
CT - 1.50
__________________
GWA: 1.675


This is a really rare sight because most of our subjects this semester are majors. We barely get a grade of 2.50 in our majors before. Still, regrets linger here and there. If only I focused more, studied more..etc. I can't do anything about it now so I must be satisfied with the result.

A visit at Logos Hope

My classmates and I went to see the Floating Book Fair some time ago~ Yes, it was the Logos Hope!

The prices were really cheap like in "booksale" but these books are in really good condition. There were different genres around. I noticed that there were more children's books than those for adults. It was probably to get more kids to read books especially nowadays where we have all these gadgets around us. Anyway, I wanted to share some photos I took during our little visit at the ship. Enjoy!

The conversion of prices

My Souvenirs from the trip

A beautiful scene to end the day