Early Christmas Presents from Nii-sama!

My brother just got back from Japan for the holidays. He was assigned to Tokyo so he was able to get me some merchandise from my fave titles recently.

• A Midousuji Akira file folder with division (Yowamushi Pedal)
• A Shinkai Hayato keyholder (Yowamushi Pedal)
• A Kagari Shusei pluggie
• A Ginoza Nobuchika sliding tin with mini notes

Here are some closer look with these items:

This is the front and back design for the Akira folder. You can see the colors of Team Kyoto Fushimi (Kyofushi) as well as his many expressions.

 

 There are three compartments/ division for your documents in this folder. It can hold from A4 to Letter sized papers. The following shows how they would look if you have documents on different compartments.

If you have one on the outermost side, it's all plain and simple.
Only the Kyofushi colors and name are shown.

If you have nothing on the first copartment, and the other two are occupied, this is how it looks. You can see Akira!

It looks just the same with one division occupied as without any papers at all.
Complete with all the faces, Akira's whole body and the Kyofushi name

Secondly, we have the Shinkai key holder. You can see that the border is transparent so it may seem like Shinkai's floating on any background you want~

It's made of pvc plastic and it's bigger than what I expected from the photos online. Normally, I see charms like this in 1-2 inches sizes. This one's bigger and here is how it looks when I'm holding it.

My hands aren't as big as a man's but I really find this key holder quite big. It always occupied my whole hands!

Next up is the Kagari pluggie. With most smartphones not having space for cellphone straps nowadays, pluggies have been made to add some spice on phones. It is placed on the earphone jack of phones usually 3.5mm in size.

It's made of hard metallic material. I know it's not the ideal accessory for phones if you don't want scratches on it. Still if the jack is on the bottom part (like most apple products), I don't think it'll be much of a problem.

I find it really cute having Kagari dangling on my phone whenever
I send messages, take photos, or simply browse on the internet

Lastly, we have the Ginoza sliding tin can. I'm not really sure how to make use of the notes inside this one but it got me with Ginoza showing such a cool silhouette.

The design on the front part kind of looks like a sticker though...

Well, contrary to the Shinkai key holder, this one is smaller than what you may think. With only a little more than two inches, this little tin holds mini notes. You may write short messages or even codes here if you want! The papers come with the MWPSB Logo so it looks like a legit message for the inspector/ enforcer in you.

The top of the can is removable~

Cutting Family Ties via the Internet

My December was greeted with a very unfortunate event. Before all of this, I didn't know how easy family ties could be cut off.

Let me start from the very beginning.

My aunt CC from my mother's side and my grandmother LL sent us a message via FB that they wanted to spend time with us and in order to do so, would like to have a trip on local tourist spots in our country. They are living on the other side of the world. The travel would definitely be quite the challenge and they both have been gaining some age.

Aunt CC asked my eldest brother AG to help her plan the trip. It was around September and at the time, I wasn't sure if I could come due to work issues. AG tried to make the plan as agreeable to most as possible. A lot of changes occurred during the process. That was issue number 1.

When the dates were finally settled, aunt CC wanted to save money on accommodations and asked my uncle RD from my father's side if they could use his apartment for a few days. At first, it was okay, but after some thoughts, uncle RD decided that the place would be too small for 3 people to live in, not to mention there were boxes and I mean huge boxes of my little cousins' toys. It would have been embarrassing to offer such a place to guests. It seemed that aunt CC wasn't very happy about this. She excluded uncle RD's family to one of the planned trips. So another change to her perfect plan had to be changed. This was issue number 2.

The most recent change was the hired driver's fee. It was earlier agreed upon that the total cost for the driver would be 2500 PHP (56.12 USD) PER DAY. As we were supposed to be hiring him for 5 days, the TOTAL cost would be 12,500 PHP (280.62 USD). A couple of weeks before the planned date, the driver opened up that one of the places would be really far from the other places in the itinerary, about two hours from the farthest place. He wanted 500 PHP (11.22 USD) to be added to the TOTAL COST. So instead of 12,500 PHP, it will be 13,000 PHP (291.84 USD). This was where aunt CC snapped at my brother AG. A lot was said. Her words seemed like we were the ones who will gain something from the payment. My usually calm emotions swirled and I felt sick just remembering the things she said. AG stopped replying to her messages. This was issue number 3.

The morning after the 500 peso issue, I couldn't help myself but send her message. With carefully chosen words and a little appeal on faith, I expressed how she hurt our feelings with her words. I even set my oh-so-high pride and apologized for saying my honest feelings. I found out that my other brother AJ also sent her a message the night before. Her replies made tears well up inside my heart. It was really heart-breaking that she could say such words to her own nephews and niece. She bad-mouthed our manners saying we shouldn't be meddling with the affairs, that we have no respect to our elderly, that we are uneducated, etc. She was the one who snapped at us first. She treated what my brother did like it was for naught and like he was ruining HER plans.

After everything, she blocked us on FB. My brother AJ did the same. I would have done so as well but I don't want family problems. If there was a way to patch things up, I would do it. I realize later on that what my brother AJ said was right. This was issue number 4.

"It's just an endless cycle. If that person could say and do such things to us, even if she tries to make things better, it would just be repeated. When you are already in good terms again, she would just do the same thing over and over and over again. There's no end to it."

Despite his warning, I tried to give aunt CC a chance. Sure enough, as we have the receipt for the hotel reservation, she tried contacting me a week before the plan. I gave her the information she needed and accepted her words lightly. When she was done and got what she wanted, she reverted back to her rude side. There was a nagging feeling inside of me. I shouldn't have given her anything. At the same time, I was conflicted because I felt guilt when I think about my grandmother and the stress she must be feeling. I was naive.

In the end, I decided to end it all as well. No contacts whatsoever. I will protect myself from the possible harm she may cause me in the future. After all, self-preservation is a natural instinct isn't it?

I know a lot could not be said here. Details that are meant only for us to bear. Somehow, I would just like to share how easy relationships are ended nowadays. The internet is not a reflection of your real life relations with other people but it is in the people themselves whether they would abide by this or not.

"The blood of the covenant is thicker than the water in the womb"

Beshy Adventures 2014: Manila Ocean Park

October 10, 2014

With beshy's board exam approaching we both agreed to a stress-relieving trip to the Manila Ocean Park. It was actually my first time there and her second. I had a lot of expectations but some of them were crushed by reality but heck the rest of the day was fun! We availed the cheapest tickets (550php) which includes 3 attractions and 2 shows:

• Oceanarium
• Jelly Exhibit
• Sea Lion Show
• Dry Encounter
• Musical Light Show

We first dropped by the Sea Lion show because it was on at 11 am and the park opens at 10. We were a bit lost at first while we tour most of the shops.

We got some great front seats although it got a little sunny at the latter part of the show.

Most of the people were hyped by the entrance of the sea lions, Isabelle and Vincent. I immediately thought how Vincent looked older than his female counterpart. He was a little sluggish but still good nonetheless. I'm afraid of what would happen to him in the future. Anyway, I don't want to spoil anything here so here are some shots we got that time:

After the sea lion show, Beshy and I decided to have lunch. We could get the ball rolling non-stop later that afternoon until the evening. We got into this empty shop because we were attracted by the unusual pasta dishes, jelly & tako. Sadly we didn't get to order them because neither are available. We ended up having carbonara.

Upon finishing the meal, we tried their parfaits. At least those were really good.

With our bellies full and happy, we went to see some sting rays~ OMG they were really soft and slippery. We were told not to touch their eyes and tail. Who would want to have their eyes poked, I wondered. I was being playful with the ray and flapping his sides, just like how one plays with a paw, when I got scolded by a staff. I didn't mind a more appropriate tone but what that staff did ticked me off a lot. It ruined all the fun. This is one of the things I didn't like there. Some staff needs to learn how to speak more politely to their guests. Touching the sting rays and being irritated by the staff might have contributed to how itchy I got moments later.

Fortunately we finally got to go to the Oceanarium. I really thought it would be like a mini-pseudo-ecosystem under the sea but it turns out it was just some big man-made aquarium where you can't even see the fish pass by overhead. There were lots of interesting species but it wasn't as magical as I expected. I guess kids would find it better though.

As we exit the area, we passed by a faber castell booth letting people color some line art for free. Guess who found the kid in themselves?

We almost got lost while looking for the exit to the shops. Along the way, we were getting excited for the Jelly exhibit. We stayed there the longest and had the most photos as well.

It felt like we could stay just there for a whole trip and watch jellies float around.

When we had our fill of the exhibit, we went to look around for a cafe to sit. All that walking was really hard on out feet and legs! I suggested Linsanitea because I wanted to have tea. Luckily, they were having a promo of 20php bread for every purchase of their drinks. We talked about a lot of things and was also browsing the internet while we were having our rest.

The last part of this trip was the musical light show. I couldn't take anymore photos because I was too busy watching/ criticizing the event. It was good to be honest but I would have wanted more variety of light especially when they use water effects.

 This was a good bestie-moment. A lot of walking but enough fun all throughout the area. 

EIGASAI 2014

Another late post because I've been busy with my training as a nurse and my part-time work. Anyway, last July, my best friend and I went to see some movies shown at the Eiga Sai Manila 2014. This was held at Shangri La Plaza Mall. It was our first film fest and we sure enjoyed everything.

Beshy bought some snacks before the show and look at how she enjoyed her choco-banana snack bar! She's a huge fan of Shinkai from Yowamushi Pedal so for those who doesn't know the reference, I already spilled it.

Selfie while she eats~ Lol

The first movie we saw was the Tug of War. This is about a group of women trying to become the champion in a tug of war competition to save the local cafeteria from breaking up. I enjoyed how this film had us going from being serious and laughing our hearts out.

The second movie we saw was Like Father Like Son. The plot was good and we also saw some familiar actors have a cameo appearances. The kids who were on this film were too adorable!

We decided to attend this film fest next time too provided that we get a time off from our works. Hopefully, we'll get to enjoy another day of Japanese Film Festival in Manila.

New baby: Seira

Shoppping @ Aeropostale

Venue: Aeropostale L2 Eastwing Shangri-la Plaza Manila
Date: June 21, 2014

Aeropostale has been around in the Philippines for one year but it was my first time to visit a branch in manila. For one, Tricia Gosingtian was gonna be there to give some style tips, and I am a big fan. I really wanted to meet her again after the book-signing event. Secondly, they're having this event on instagram, where you post your photo holding their paperbag.

So my aunt and I went to check it out. We thought we might as well try to participate in the IG event.

Heading off!

It was about an hour an a half drive from home to Shangri-La. We left a later than I had wanted to and arrived at the site all hungry. We had our lunch before finally going around the mall to find the shop. I hadn't been to Shang in years! I think the last time was when my other aunt, who is currently in the US, brought us there to shop and eat. Anywho, I managed to find our way and found the Aeropostale branch easily.

The shop has a really inviting vibe in it. I saw some really cute outfits and also had some unforgettable memories.

"I'm fabulous!"

 I saw this cutie right when I entered the shop. How awesome is this dog ornament? It pulled the look off like crazy!

I tried several pieces on and managed to score a few. I think I'll be shopping here again next time.

This dressing room will never have me ever again.

When I was trying some clothes on in this very dressing room, I forgot to lock the door. Someone peeked in but it's good I was dressed already. And when I did managed to lock it, I had trouble going out. I was on the verge of making a scene when I found out the trick to opening it. Next time, I'll just go and try things on at the girls' room. 

Now, going to the highlight event of that evening, I was sort of late because I was paying my bills. My aunt and I were still able to get to the good parts of the program.

I got some very useful styling tips here and I will defiinite apply it next time I go out. I want to put more effort on how I look since I've been pretty much laid-back all my life. One could easily see me as a little sloppy because of what I was wearing.

The evening was also made even better with macaroons and drinks! The shop even put out some bread sticks for their customers who might get a little hungry after shopping till they drop. The food was really good!

And so, after the talk, we had the usual photo session with Tricia. I also got to talk to her a little before we went home. I would have loved to stay there forever but we still had a long ride home. It was like a dream being able to talk to my idol btw!!! She is so sweet, humble, and funny. She was really interesting and she displayed her ideas on different topics well. I am becoming more and more of a fan than I already am. I hope that I'll be able to talk to her again next time.

I can't believe I didn't introduce myself...OTL

Mom's Independence Day

June 12, 2006, there was no class. I was in 2nd year high school and for the me that time, the school year had just begun. I spent the day enjoying my hobbies, working on my homework, you know the usual stuff. My uncle and grandmother from my mom's side visited us from Canada a month before and was nearing their departure.

My mother had been hospitalized a few days before because her symptoms have been worsening. She had breast cancer and it already metastasized to her lungs and bones, meaning it already spread to other organs. We paid her a visit some while back but as she had told us before she became ill, she did not want us missing out on our studies if ever something happens to her. My brothers and I were attending school just like normal, not letting our classmates, teachers, and even friends know of our family situation. That was until that evening.

 I've never stayed up late for unnecessary things before I entered college so I was in bed at 8pm. I was about to enter dreamland when I was woken up quite aggressively by my eldest brother. I had heard some noises but I was reluctant to wake up. I wanted to be in my dreamland. Again, I was shaken this time with a stern command. When I opened my eyes, I saw my grandmother at the head of the bed and she was holding a handkerchief over her mouth and nose. She was sobbing, her eyes were red, and her cheeks have turned red. I knew that something happened and she told me that my mom was no longer with us.

We rode a cab to the hospital. My grandmother was narrating my mom's final moments as I watch the vehicle pass through the familiar roads which oddly seemed new to me that particular evening. According to her, mom was supposedly sleeping when my dad and my uncle was about to have their dinner. They heard her make some sort of sigh and then it was followed by the machine's alarm going off. It was a cardio-pulmonary arrest. They hurried home to fetch us so that we could see, touch, speak to her one more time.

When we got to the hospital room my mom was in, I saw her lying silently or better yet peacefully. My dad urged us to come nearer and told us that that would be the last we're ever going to be able to touch her. I knew that. I needn't be told. I kissed her forehead, whispered the words "I love you" even though I knew all her senses would be gone by then. I was hoping that they would still be conveyed somehow. That time, I know I should accept things. Everyone will someday perish.

To give some time to grieve, we missed school for a week. Every night tears would stream down my face because I regretted a lot of things. I wished I never did the things I did when we fought. I wish I didn't told her things that made her sad. I wished I told her I love her more. I wished I had kissed her even when she didn't ask for it. I wished she didn't had the disease. I wished she hadn't left us. But it was already there. I had to face reality and accept it.

After a week of being absent, my friends dropped by. They saw me and brothers watching anime. I guess that was how we coped back then. Distracting ourselves, acting tough, trying to smile. I still remember that it was Naruto putting smiles on our faces. Upon witnessing this scene, my friends called me outside to talk a little. They told me that they thought I would be more depressed. Oh how they didn't know how much really. I asked how they knew. It seemed we were like celebrities at school. The whole school knew. I was just grateful for their sympathy but at that time, I knew something in me changed. It must be how I looked at the world. I still have my dad and my brothers but being the only girl in the family without my mom sucked. They didn't understand my needs and I had to deal with my problems myself. I had to adapt.

On the day of the cremation, my relatives were going on and on about how tough we were for we did not shed any tears during the ceremony. Personally, I thought I had wept out all the tears I had the days before. Every night. I just didn't want to let people know. I hated looking weak. I had to be strong to move forward.

June 12, 2014, 8 years had passed and a lot of things happened. I know I am still not over everything. I don't think I will ever be over it. I can only carry it all the way to the end until we're reunited again. As our country rejoice and celebrated this day as our independence day from the foreign oppressors, our family also remembers this day as mom's independence day. Today marks the day she was freed from all the sufferings brought about by her disease. She was released from the shackle of cancer.

Titus iDoodle 2014

***There was only depressing moments here so I went for a change of pace and tried joining an art contest~

TITUS iDOODLE 2014

May 23, 2014

3rd Floor, City Center

SM City North EDSA

My best friend and I had been into drawing since elementary and who knows when before that. We went into hiatus because of school but we still find some time to doodle around, mostly at the back of our notebooks or any sheet we could find.

I kind of dragged her into the Titus iDoodle contest so it's good that we both had a great time. It's kind of a bonding moment too because we haven't gone out for the whole day since forever...hahaha.

To register, you need to present a receipt worth at least 50php of Titus Pens. It was worth it since the ballpens we got would amount to 70+php. We were the 2nd and 3rd person to register for the event so we obviously got the entry numbers 2 and 3. Upon registration, we were given our kits & initial freebies, namely:

• Titus Pens (set of 10 colors)
• Mongol Pencil & Eraser
• A4 canvas
• Titus iDoodle Shirt
• Titus iDoodle lanyard
• Nametags
• Food Stubs
• Envelope to hold everything

HURRAY FOR FREEBIES!!!

So, the contest started later than I expected but while waiting, I got the food and other freebies. Oh!!! It was during this time that my heart almost stopped. While distributing the pizza, one of the organizers actually placed it over my canvas and I immediately picked it up to place in another part of the table. Man, there were only a few of us on that table so the space was quite good but he just had to place it over my canvas. It stained a little but not obvious enough that it would be impossible to draw over it. Phew~ That was a relief. 1st challenge: Pizza Stain = CLEARED. 

Stage~ Look at 'em very generous sponsors!!

Before the theme for the event was announce, I jokingly said to my best friend, "We would be at a disadvantage if they say the theme is about the Philippines because we're fans of Japan". Talk about the angel's tongue...the theme was about our country. I had to think of what to draw...it was hard. I never drew much related to my country since high school. I thought of everything I could use. Spending my university days in the center of Manila's many tourist spots gave me most of the ideas I used for my work.

Our works!!! XD

This wasn't exactly what I had in mind but my head just went blank as the remaining time was announced. Pressure really hurts your work sometimes. Anyway, I thought it was pretty common to have this kind of concept so I didn't expect much...so much for my self- esteem. I was just glad that at least I was able to finish the important parts on time. 2nd Challenge: Artwork = CLEARED

Mine (photo credit to beshy)

Beshy's

And thus the long wait for the winners' announcement began. The hosts spent some time asking some questions and giving out freebies to those who participated. They also gave some items to those who joined and posted a selfie + doodle on their (Titus Pens) facebook.

Here is the doodle I submitted with my selfie~

Everyone was asked to come up on stage. While they give out prizes, we were interviewed about our experiences with Titus Pens. The question was changed when it was my turn so I had to come up with something in that short period of time. 3rd Challenge: Q&A = CLEARED

We were interviewed while on stage (photo credit to beshy)

The hosts really wanted to document every moment. A lot of photos was taken that day. I am definitely in some of them. Sorry for looking so haggard.

Photo with other selfie people after getting our gift bags~ (photo credit to beshy)

 The terrible and looooong wait was finally over!!! The time for judging has ended and now let the awards be given. They flashed the artist's work on the screen before announcing the name. After seeing the first few that made it into the finalists, I thought it would be impossible for me to be included. Oh was I wrong... I was taken by surprised when they suddenly flashed my work and called my name. I was drinking and went "whut?!" before I could let the fluid flow through my esophagus. That was a shock. Just when I had given up, something unbelievable happened.

With my fellow finalists. Yatta!!! (photo credit to beshy)

We received a gift pack from Oishi, Arnott's Timtam, Smart C, Canson, Color & Co., HMT Comic Board, and cash prize. Those bags are filled with some awesome goodies! It was really hard to carry them around.

Special thanks to the awesome judges!

With our doodles~ (photo credit to beshy)

So, I might not have made it into the top 3 but best 8 is enough. I had set my goals there and I got it! Thanks to God, my beshy, and everyone who supported me on this day. It's a real boost to my self-esteem right when I needed one.

Congratulations to the winners! I may not have a copy of your works but I have them all imprinted in my mind. I hope that you share your talents to the world. To the other doodlers out there, take a leap of faith! This was mine and next time might be yours~

Job Hunt & Emotional Turmoil - rant

It's been four months since the official announcement of those who passed the licensure examination. I started looking for a job the moment I got my license, which was two months ago. It feels like years had passed since then. I've received a lot of interview invitations from different companies but I did not get any from hospitals that were hiring during the time. Of course, I also applied in PGH but theirs is just for manpower pooling so even if I pass everything, I wouldn't get hired right away.

The search is really frustrating. I see some of my batchmates who are already working. I do not want to be boastful here but our performances in the board exam wasn't even the same. I was nearly questioned fate. Moreover, I nearly questioned myself. I know there are a lot of opportunities out there but I really want to get into a hospital. Any hospital will do as long as I get to do what I studied my life off. Last month was supposed to be the last month that I look for a hospital job. My dad and I agreed that I would apply as a trainee to a nearby hospital if I didn't get any offers by then. Only two of my applications seemed to have moved a bit forward. One was from OM and the other PGH. No guarantee of being hired...this depresses me.

This text must contain a lot of mumbo jumbo and does not really have a smooth flow. Well, what I am now is an emotional mess. I'm in my moon blood, papers are being rushed, my brother pissing me off with his mood swings mostly aimed at me, my cousin being a brat, needing money, not eating as much, jobless, peers drifting off into their own worlds, my life sucks.

The only thing I appreciate right now is the fan book my aunt gave me. It gives me comfort and even if just temporarily, it washes away all of these unnecessary thought.

Yes, I am escaping. It's like a defense mechanism for me not to revert the way I was, using pain to feel the warmth of life, smiling outside and crying inside.


//rant

It felt like a dream - Meeting Ms. Tricia Gosingtian

Yes! Finally. After eight long years of stalking following my fave blogger and photographer, I was able to meet her at last. I went to Ms. Tricia Gosingtian's book signing today at the National Bookstore, SM Mall of Asia. I gave her a drawing I did earlier in the morning and I hope that she was able to appreciate it. It was kind of made in a rush but I did my best!

I felt a lot of emotions before the event started. I almost lost my raffle stub because of being frantic. 

She gave a few words on how she came to write her book and shared a little of her background before all the fame and glamour.

I think people noticed that I was actually shivering standing next to my idol. You see, it was eight years ago when I started following Tricia online. I first became a fan of her photographs when she was still attending conventions. I even saw her on one but unfortunately I lost sight of her before I could approach. Anyway, I kept on being a stalker until she became quite famous for blogging and having a really good fashion style. I follow her DA, twitter, blog, instagram, and as much as possible I keep myself updated. I wanted to go to her book launch and first book signing event but I did not know the way so...great job me. Anyway, I prayed that someday she would hold a book signing event somewhere I know. God is good. My prayers were answered and I was rewarded with a great time.

Talking to her, I felt like I was just spouting non-sense. My mind was blown away and my tongue felt so stiff. I was stammering as I ask her to accept my drawing. It was just a chibi inspired by her that I drew and colored the morning of the same day. It was probably the best watercolored drawing I did so far after starting a few weeks back. I just hope that she liked it. I may be quite inexperienced with the medium but I really did my best! I did!

Oh. We also talked about the adhesive book cover I used to protect her book. I bought it from National Bookstore too! It's a pre-cut adhesive book cover that, personally, I think is a good alternative to the usual plastic cover. I use it to cover my important books. :)

So, I guess I'll end this here and I hope that I get the chance to interact with Ms. Tricia G. again someday.