Changing Colors

Sometimes, it's easier to speak in metaphorical tongue rather than state the obvious. Say something out of your ordinary babbles and everyone around you would assume that there's a problem in your corner. Explaining why I did what I just did isn't exactly one of my strong suits. You see, there's a difference between explaining the facts as you saw them and being defensive about the circumstances. And often in that difference, do I find myself misinterpreted by most. To prevent myself from getting entangled into deeper complications, let's leave the obvious and start with the metaphorical context. 

Dress: Daniel Hechter | Bag: Ralph Lauren | Shoes: BGBG | Watch: Anne Klein

2 days before the graduation, all the would-be graduates were called to school for our third to final (there was the Recognition Rites the following day which I opted not to attend anymore) school activity. And let me tell you there's no better way for you to feel you're truly graduating than wearing your toga for the first time. It's in that instance where we all had to put it on did I feel the completion of all the things I worked for in the past 3 and a half years. That was it, I was truly graduating. More than the excitement though, I was bothered. I'm a very sprightly person. I hate doing nothing. Whether I'm doing something I would benefit from in the future or doing something that would incriminate me eventually, I always prefer being busy. That's why I couldn't get off my frustration, even when I was already in my academic attire. I knew I was headed to a few months (which I hope will end soon) of nothingness. Who knows how the rest of the year would unfold for me and though I do not despise the unknown, I fear the future. 

Enough of my sentiments! 

If I were to study college once more, I would've chosen De La Salle University over and over and over again. I highly doubt there's a more suitable university for me in the country. I liked all the competent professors (Sir Gojocco who taught me Philosophy, Sir Villacorta from my Great Works class, Sir Lim of Market1, Ms. Reyes who taught me Statistics2, and of course my thesis mentor Ms. Lysa were my favorites) I had the privileged to be under to, the top of the line technology used inside the campus, the well-constructed and decorated buildings especially the recently risen Henry Sy library, and of course the type of students who were admitted in DLSU. I'm not a snob but I take pride in knowing that majority of the people I came across with, either in a class we shared or just along the halls as we transferred from one building to another, are the future shapers of various industries in the country. 

FOR ALL THE WONDERFUL MEMORIES YOU'VE LET ME EXPERIENCE, THANK YOU DLSU! I now understand why the graduates of this university are still in one with the activities of the present batches spiritually, physically, and financially. La Sallian education is indeed incomparable.

Thank you for all the photos, Hannah!

Just Like That, It's Over

It's really funny when life catches up with you. It's even funnier when you realize that in this race of a life, there's no choice but to continue running because whether you like it or not, there will be a finish line. If life were truly a race, I just did a 10K distance. It's not much but it is certainly a milestone. And although I didn't finish first, nor did I stand out among all the other racers, I was able to cross the line. My eyes probably wandered off from the proverbial prize but at least I got my feet running where they were intended to in the first place. 

My batchmates and I had our graduation rites in PICC last 8 February 2014. The ceremony started at 8am. I remember distinctly that more than 3 years ago, I was a bit late for LPEP, DLSU's frosh orientation. Fast forward to Saturday's graduation, I was, yet again, late. I arrived quarter to 9, with all my course- batchmates done with our obligatory bow in front of the audience. I marched too, don't worry. Only, I marched with the rest of the late-comers. What can I say, I hate breaking traditions. Haha!

my college sisters!!!

with my proud parents!

with my two grandmoms, two uncles, two parents, two brothers, and two cousins

I celebrated my graduation in Antonio's in Tagaytay which is officially now in my list of the Top 5 best restaurants I've ever eaten in. The food was divine, the ambiance was tasteful, and the service was agreeable. I changed from my academic attire into another favorite: my new gown designed by my favorite Filipino designer, Rajo Laurel. That's

 a lot of favorites, isn't? 

Gown and belt: Rajo Laurel | Shoes: BCBG

The gown itself is a stand alone. It doesn't need a belt really but I thought it needed some sparkle. I took two different belts, attached the first on top of another, tied it around my waist, and that's when I decided I'm satisfied with my look. I kind of thought this is how I want to look like as I welcome the challenges of the real world.

I know, I know. I also thought it would've taken me longer to find the push that I need to continue publishing egocentric stories here but all of a sudden, I just felt like something has to anchor me down as I meet the demands of a world I'm about to enter into. Since this blog has served this purpose for quite a long time, it's best that I turn back to it especially at a time like this. So, yes, this blog will continue rolling. It'll witness all the mundane things I do, with special activities in between.

I may have to start earning my own keep, lose some of my inappropriate quirkiness, and acquire new traits that'll save me in future endeavors, but so what! I've always chosen to run along instead of being just a spectator anyway, preferably in heels though. Cheers to a start of a more mature life! :)

December Inspirations

1) Designer Clothes for Kids
 Indulging the children with designer clothes has been a buzz in the fashion industry. Some said they liked it since it's generally sweet, others said they don't because it promotes superficiality. For me, I like it. I mean, training should start at a very young age and what better way to do that but to expose kids while their visions and perceptions can still mend. There was a time when I dropped by the House of Laurel in Makati to pick up a gown I purchased and while waiting for it, there were mom and daughter duos coming inside the store. The moms were looking at the designer's clothes on the rack while the little girls proceeded to where the Rajito line, clothes designed for kids, was. I bet those girls didn't even have a clue as to how much their dresses cost. Cute! To each his own, remember? To each his own.


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2) Les Miserables
 Generally, I love musicals. I add a few good points to this particular show since Lea Salonga has played both the roles of Eponine and Fantine in different productions all over the world so I really exerted an effort to familiarize myself with the story and the songs. Besides, did you know that the songs in this movie were sung live as they were being taped? Wonderful cast.



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3) Karlie Kloss editorial as a Mom
If I become a mom in the future, I'd definitely try my best to be as beautiful as this supermodel. No matter how impossible that could be.



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4) Wedding of Mary Charteris
 It's truly all in the details, isn't?



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5) Nicole Warne's trip to Iceland
 take me there! Please, I've to be there someday. I've always known Iceland is a beautiful and mysterious country. I just didn't know how much. Blogger Nicole Warne knows how to whet her viewer's wanderlust.



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I am Tinman

Everything around me seems to be contradicting each other. Just like the sun. It seems to be playing a "Now you see me, Now you don't" trick on us, so relying on it in deciding what to wear is like taking the first step of outfit failure. So I just decided to trust whatever color would pop into my mind and work with it, not considering if it'll be weather appropriate or not. Everyone in the household went to the mall over the weekend to catch the movie Brave and while I was waiting for them to settle down, I gallivanted on my own, trusting the pocketmoney my mom gave me. Hah! This girl knows how to survive on her own, for your information you doubters. Of course, only if the mom supplies her with tools for survival.

There's a difference between being downright heartless and not having the capacity to feel anything at all. Just like Tinman.

 

 

 Black Raincoat: from Migliore Mall, Korea| Red knitted top: from my favorite overrun store in Paseo de Sta. Rosa| Sunnies: Aldo| watch: gift from my best friend

 I am so fascinated with the story of Tinman from the story of The Wizard of Oz. I guess his character is the amalgam of all the feelings of pain, betrayal, hurt, loss, apostasy, and suffering. There came a point when it was either continuous suffering or death. But then along the way, he found out that there's another option: numbness. Not everyone has the ability to shy away from whatever is agonizing them so when you've developed such ability, treasure it. Hone it. Exercise it. Life throws us in different situations. It depends solely on each of us how we'll react on these things. I choose to be like the Tinman. I am Tinman.

The Rest is Still Unwritten

I am so thankful I took up my intfilo (Introduction to Philosophy) class when I've already realized the gravity of the situation. 3 to 4 terms ago, I wouldn't have given a care to what my professor in intfilo is trying to inculcate in my mind now. The world could've died then and I wouldn't even budge. In my current term now, I've enrolled in 8-9:30am class under the great Sir Victor Gojocco, shocking ALL my college friends who have warned me about his infamous way of seeping through his students' minds and planting thought-shaping ideologies. I want a sure pass prof, yes, but I also want to dare myself and test how firm my stand on my beliefs are. The latter sometimes outweighs the former.

When you react to something you've witnessed, you should either affirm or negate the situation and in the process try to make sense out of it. Sir Gojocco told us about the movie The Matrix, the one which starred Keanu Reeves (aka one of my Hollywood crushes of all time). And then he asked, "How sure are you that you are not living in The Matrix?" Remember that in the matrix, anyone who's in it can also die. It was Neo (Reeves) who tried to break free from the slumber and tried to come out of the virtual world. He had to fight the agents who wanted to keep him and the rest of the population locked in it. Those who were believing that the life they're living in The Matrix is real, didn't know that their lives were merely make-believe. How would they when they've been used to their so-called life already. What if we are also like those people, those who failed to see what's really behind all of these? What if all these are part of The Matrix as well? Where do we get the answers to these questions? Do we get them from God? To begin with, is God even real? Is there really someone Genius behind all of these occurrences? Granting that He truly exists, don't you think He's an excellent strategist or playmaker? He may have given mankind its 5 senses but He made sure these senses are not enough to explain the reasons.

We can say that life doesn't offer much answers. But the thing is, it still offers some, no matter how minor they may be. We might not find all the answers that we need but I believe we have that one thing that can be sufficient enough for all of us to find sense in all things - faith. I am therefore truly human, for I settle with the beliefs my faith has instilled in me throughout the years. They may be unproven, edging to fallacy even, but they are what I need to continue living my life the way I would've foreseen it.