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.

Nostalgia: Review Days

I already passed the license examination and the next step for me is finding a job. My friends and I rarely meet up and each of us is already focused on finding employment. I just missed how we were still so carefree during our review just a few months ago.

I don't think we ever gave that 100% in studying. That left me a regret I would carry all my life. Still, I miss the times when we would go out and buy every reviewer we find just to boost our confidence that we would overcome the examination to come. Those times, we lived off fast foods, junk foods, and sweets. I don't regret that though it is now reflected in my body...lol

Well, now I guess I just have to move on and become an adult...but gaming and being an otaku will always be there. It's hard to get out of an addiction. I won't be going through rehab though! I'll just be prioritizing things a bit. So now, I guess it's time to sort my life out. Think about it real hard and go down the path I have always dreamed of.

Yes, you should JUST DO IT

I finally got finished with my cases today and I think it's worth a blog.

We've been trying to accomplish everything for almost a year now. Today is particularly eventful. First off, I went to school to pick up my remaining case forms from my classmates who got them signed. I thought I already had everything but there was one missing. We looked for it but to no avail. I decided to just reprint it and have it signed myself. As I rode a jeepney, some woman with a baby boarded the vehicle and sat near me. She was wearing a really short shorts and had a lot of lesions on her thigh up to her feet. How could anyone miss it when it's there for everyone to see? All of the people who got in after her did not want to sit beside her. I admit I am one of them and so when she kept on sliding beside me I alighted from the jeep. When I got off, I hurriedly poured what alcohol I have to my outer thigh up to my legs. My pants was soaking wet when I got on another jeep. The other passengers might have found it really weird but I wouldn't risk getting the skin problem. I mean, I already have a lot going on my skin I DO NOT WANT TO ADD ANY MORE. The first thing I did when I got home was change my pants, clean my thigh and leg which I consider to have been "in contact" with the woman's skin. I was tempted to use some antibiotics I have lying around but I decided not to.

I ate lunch before I headed out again to have my missing and reprinted case form signed again. Going to the Philippines General Hospital, the fastest way to go is to ride the LRT. That's 23php off my pocket. I arrived earlier than I had expected but it was fine since I ended up going in circles in that hospital. My classmates said that the trauma ward was ward 8 but I was certain that ward 8 was the orthopedic ward. I first looked for ward 8 and guess what? I was right. Dang it...I had to go to the other side and tried my luck at the Delivery Room. Tired of walking, I just asked some personnel inside and they directed me to ward 14a, trauma ward. Finally, I got there looking all exhausted and there were a lot of people waiting for a certain doctor. I approached the nurses' station and didn't recognize my instructor right away. She was wearing her hair differently and had her glasses on. She sounded a little irritated and told me to wait for 30 minutes. I obliged but I had to wait for an hour before she was finished with endorsement and all. I got my papers signed at half past three. Rushing, I headed for school.

Good heavens! My luck hadn't run out. I easily spotted a jeepney that would pass through my destination. I boarded the jeep and as I look out the window, I saw another "Just Do It" sign by Nike. I guess that makes it the 4th time since I started reviewing. It seems that it appears once a month as a reminder. I don't know what I shoujd "Just Do" though.

Anyway, when I got to school, there were loads of people crowding the office. I lined up my paper for our college secretary's signature. Upon getting that done, the other officials said they wouldn't be accepting anymore papers so I just went out and spotted my friends on the hallway. They were discussing some problems regarding missing case forms. I stayed and listened for a while. I was one of the victims but their case was worse. As we talk, they said that the fee had gone down and there were still some people at the office so I went to see what was going on. And...STRIKE! They were still getting papers signed. I gave them mine and waited for hours for it to get done. I was getting really impatient since I have opened lesson slots that day. I can't afford to get late and get another penalty. The remaining people there and I had to go through a lot of hurdles to get everything as fast as we can. At 6:00, we finally got hold of everything. I accompanied one of my batchmates on the way out, rode on the same vehicle, and saw her off at her stop. She wasn't really used to going home alone at night at that hour and it was already dark! I guess we owe it to the "-ber" months.

My feet almost grew wings as I hurried home. Another thanks to God, my first lesson was left opened and I still have time to close it without incurring any violation of the rules. I got to eat and rest even for a while.

So my night went as it always does, a lesson, a little read, and then sleep.

It's just that I realized that if I didn't have the patience to wait to have my missing case signed, all my case form released, and to endure the long ride home, I would still have a lot going on in my mind. I guess sometimes, especially when you're having some doubts, you should JUST DO IT!