Beat that Summer Heat!

And so I thought that day was about complying with a requirement in my Natural Resources class but the way it turned out, I was satisfying a hidden zealot that had been rebelling since summer officially started—the extreme desire to beat the summer heat!

“Nature holds the key to our aesthetic, intellectual, cognitive, and even spiritual satisfaction.” So true and I’m going to share it with you.

It was an approximately 30-minute ride from school, WMSU, until we pulled over to start our so called “hiking” which only took us a miraculous 5-minute walk to get to our destination. We had to get the permission from the caretakers (forgive me for the ignorance of the term) of the watershed to get in. The place is called Canucutan (I overheard some saying “Kalungkutan” just for fun) still a part of Barangay Pasonanca. If the place doesn’t sound familiar to you—you have a bunch of allies in us! Only means that there are more for us to discover and take pride in this city.

Once inside the premise, you’ll be met by a rough road, some parts muddy, but still manageable. You'll be welcomed by the luscious green grass and big trees that the town deprives you of and breathe fresh air in the absence of hustles and bustles of vehicles.

The scenery actually reminded me of my childhood in our “bukid” where mud, clays, leaves and rivers were considered cooler than Play Station, Xbox, computer games and, uhm, Jollibee (Suman and home-made delicacies brought so much delights already).

Have you ever tried crossing a hanging bridge or ever seen one? Here you’ll get the chance to do both! If you’re in for the adventure then this is something that you don't want to miss.

When we got there (My small piece of brain can't remember the exact name for this spot), I saw these seedlings of Cacao and Narra trees as part of the government’s action to plant millions of trees. Well, the essential part is growing these trees and not just to plant then leave them die in the next few days. Wouldn't you want to plant and grow something for the future generation to benefit from? I know I would.

The water! I just had to get a feel of that crystal clear water or else it’ll haunt me down in my dreams. The cool breeze of the wind is a wonderful accompaniment of the inviting and undisturbed currents of the river as the shades gifted by the big proud trees assures you of protection from the scorching heat of the summer sun. It made me feel like I flew miles away from Zamboanga altogether—spectacular!

And when I say crystal clear, I meant this clear! I have the feeling that I’m not going to die from amoeba or whatever sort of disease you can get from dirty water if I’d use my bare hand to scoop and drink it--just like that.

The water was so cold that it made somebody blurt out, she won’t be needing refrigerator in that place. Just imagine the life of our forefathers when the trees were left to grow to their maturity and rivers were places to bathe and not to mine.   

If my grandmother was with us in this trip, she won’t leave there until she got this orchid. That’s for sure! This is a rare sight, isn’t it? My boyfriend, who grew up in the city, can’t identify the kinds of fruit trees by their leaves! I can! HAHA. The luxury of growing up in the bukids of Tungawan.

Along the way, we saw the efforts of our police personnel cleaning the riverbanks and I also felt the sincere endeavor of the entire community in conserving the place. I read something that says everything that we enjoy now in and from our environment is something that we just borrowed from the future generation. To say, we don’t have the right to destroy but only the duty to preserve them for our children to enjoy the same. The destruction of this place is corresponding to losing potable waters—and the list of danger goes on.

And in line with responsibilities, I’m borrowing these rather humorous yet very useful and true lines from Dean Eduardo F. Sanson, when you go there “Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints and kill nothing but time.”

Uist! Leave nothing but footprints NOT s***ls! (HAHA. Love you Rafdeck!)

A moment of silence + inner peace = tranquility

Live in love<3

JustSaying: On numbers and 24th Birthday :) (PART 1)

JustSaying: On numbers and 24th Birthday :) (PART 1): Adrift in a sea of change, A curmudgeon heart, a misplaced value of growth The longest exeunt in the modern world In...

On numbers and 24th Birthday :) (PART 1)

Adrift in a sea of change,

A curmudgeon heart, a misplaced value of growth

The longest exeunt in the modern world

In a vacuum of hopes and promises,

A story heavily grounded on metaphor,

Dark and nameless.  

The present, a precipice of shaded happiness

Past is but a fire of shadowy images

But tomorrow never knows

Surrender to the void.

Future, an overzealous investment

Strong enough to tether you to yourself

I long to arrive even before getting there

For once life, cohere.

Not since the birth of Christ himself has a miracle of this enormity embraced and blessed the human race.  Yes people, that day that we’ve dreamed of since our eyes were graced with kaleidoscopic view of colors.  That day has finally come true—my birthday has fall due. (Did I exaggerate that? Blame it all to the hokey song I just heard for writing that, what I hope to call, POEM)

Number 1 and the secret (HAHA)

This month has been grilling me since day 1 for a reason that’s utterly obvious, say it—Moi getting a year older! NUMBERS! I abhor everything about you except when you come in a form of a currency. My dislike for numbers can be traced back from the genes deeply entrenched in my (“curvacious”) body.

I can prove that to you through this consequential evidence. My 67 year-old Grandma, while watching an afternoon soap, raised her hand somewhat counting 1-2-3 like we do when we were in grade two, suddenly stood up and asked the crowd (us), “How many 100 pesos are there in one million?” COULD YOU BELIEVE THAT? Her disheveled face evidenced how confused she was at that time. So you can’t blame me for pouring dismissive and disinterested antics over numbers. It makes people crazy! And now it stings me again on my birthday! By the way, my Grandma was a Supervisor in DepEd before she retired so it’s just us against numbers.

Anyways, in my disturbed state of consciousness, I want to impart these sappy insights of a girl who’s now getting a year older in her rather distracted world of constant consumption (patay-gutom kahit sa blog?)  

I love birthday cakes! (Thanks love)

And the cake again :)

People often misspell my name (How 'bout Shame Lie?)

On what I don’t need and can’t leave without. (I must have read this somewhere)

CAUTION: There are snakes everywhere (even in life)

1.       Listen to people moderately. You can’t expect all the people to appreciate you because we’re born insecure. And we can’t live a happy life if we continue to mind what they have to say—do good or bad, people will have to say something about it. I used to stick by what I believe is a great idea of pleasing people but now, this idea floats aimlessly along with other principles that once defined me. If you keep yourself too busy worrying about them then you won’t have enough time to return the love to those who cares for you. Being positive is being comfortable with yourself, as long as you’re not hurting anybody.

People that you don’t need:

A.    Pop-ups: Those people who will “pop-up” when they need something from you. Can relate? I think that we all have the tendency to be pop-ups which means that we have to be conscious. People might take it against us.

B.    BUT people: E.g.

YOU: Hey friendship, I bought this new outfit and I can’t wait to try it on for the party! I think it’s really cute on me.

FRIEND: Really, girl? I’m so happy for you! BUT I think it doesn’t fit you well. Your belly bulge is protruding and you look a lot older than you are. People will probably notice that and it’s very embarrassing, you know. (Hush! Go get yourself a mirror and see what you’re made of?) These people will never be happy for you and it’s their problem, so leave it that way.

C.     Selfish: They think that they have bigger problems than you and it’s enough excuse for you not to bother them, even if it’s them who’s becoming your problem. I have lots of encounters with these kinds; they will make you feel exhausted and frustrated altogether. Don’t do that.

As the old aphorism goes, “Do 100 good things and people will remember the single blunder.”

2.     Cushy lifestyle. Don’t get me wrong, I still want to be the next Henry Sy. That would be the crux of my existence! I can literally shop ‘til I drop, go on vacations whenever and wherever I want, buy me-self the biggest diamond, haute couture outfits, and get married under the sea (That would be heaven on earth!)

But in reality, that would be next to impossible unless the whole universe will conspire to my dreams—soon (LOL.) While money is important to humans, it is also the root of all evil. I may be dreaming to be rich and willing to work hard for it but I also submit myself to His will. As the reality of life slowly unfolds before me, I am making a promise now; I shall not accumulate my wealth at the expense of the others.

3.      Fortress of solitude—family, friends, a dog, a lover and bed. (haha)

A.      There ain’t broken in a broken family. While the language says it’s correct to use the term “broken family,” I refuse to think that it’s proper. The connection and love between family members can never be broken even if it’s under the guise of the term broken family. Even if they’d be oceans and continents apart, you can never break what has been linked by blood. I say this because even if my parents got separated and had a family of their own (Mom is not remarried) they’re still  my parents and I’m still their daughter and I still have their blood and genes running through my veins. We may not stay under the same roof but we stay in each other’s heart.  

B.      Friends. No, it’s not normal to have none! Find yourself some true ones, you need some craziness once in a while and they’re the right people to tag along.

My little LACKIE charm :)

C.      Lackie I’m in love with my dog. Lackie is my raucous dog and although sometimes I forgot to give him a bath, he still treats me as his boss. I like the idea that he can love me and not wanting so much in return, love in its truest sense.

The Battle of the Tight-Pants! (AHAHA)

D.     Lover. My boo-boo, love, is my partner, best friend, confidant, personal driver, bodyguard, alarm clock, messenger, reminder, planner, and diary all rolled into one. (and a lot more) He’s this person who knows me best, more than I know myself. I love it most whenever he says that I’m his life and his everything. I honestly think that it’s the other way around<3

E.      Bed. My bed is my path to contentment, my ever-obsequious servant. This is my home inside our home. My silent witness, he feels my heartbeat, caresses my aching body from a day’s labor, warms my spirit and recharges my primal energy. (Not to mention the secretive sound of every farts and snores, NASTY!)

Age. Just numbers as they say BUT when you hate numbers, you’ll definitely feel the same for your age. (HAHA) Seriously, I’m thankful for another year, another chance, another possibility of realizing my dreams. With age comes wisdom.

I got so many things that I want to share but this has to end here or else I’ll blabber like somebody dead to the world! There’s going to be Part 2 for this where I could share pictures of my actual birthdayJ

If you want to join me in my writing journey, please press that blue button that says “Join this site.”

Live in love <3

How I Survived College Life :)

Straight from recollection! :P

More for recollection hangover! @_@

 It's almost June and I figured, why not try to help the incoming freshmen? So here’s my college life story in its most condensed form, hope you’ll enjoy reading it and get learning snippets along the way. <3

Hometown (Skinny and haggard!)

If you are a “Promdi” (provincial girl) like me, then going to a city to attend tertiary education is a challenge. I’ve taken my secondary education in our Municipality, Tungawan, a place of friendly people and breath-taking tourist spots. So the only courses that I knew then, honestly, were Nursing, Doctor of Medicine, Law and Education which, I realized, was a BIG PROBLEM! As owners of our future, we should be responsible of what course to take up because this will somehow determine what kind of life we’ll have.  This places this TIP on TOP.

To be a Journalist or Scientist?

FIRST TIP: Be updated with the in demand courses today.

Internet has been sprawling in far-flung areas rapidly and so,   I won’t be surprised if you’re reading this at home because Telecommunication companies are focusing on bringing connections inside the households.  Search possible career paths for you! If you want to secure a job after your graduation, make sure your course is highly in demand today. If you love to do something else, one that is not counted as in demand, it’s OKAY! Go get it, just as long as you’re really sure about it. I’m saying this because the main concern here is your happiness. If you’re not happy with what you’re doing then, you’re equally miserable as the unemployed. When you have thesis breakdowns...

As for me, I took up AB Mass Communication major in Broadcasting just because, at first, it was one of the three remaining Departments accepting new students (I had no choice). I was very late for enrollment because of the Regional Athletics Meet. Your girl is athletic--BEFORE! The good news is, I came to love it (very much) and that’s why I survived four years in college BUT that would be totally different if I DIDN’T LEARN TO LOVE IT. If fate turned otherwise, I would have ended up shifting to another course or worse, another school. You all know what that means; waste of time, effort and money! Lose time and your friends will graduate ahead of you. Waste effort and you’ll get very TIRED and discouraged to continue school. Lose money and you’ll hurt your parents who work so hard to get you to college. Please don’t do that to yourself and to them.

Don't dare waste your future, Prince! (Spot the differenT)

I have this feeling that since we’re down to the last week of May, students have already enrolled. So, this brings us to the next TIP.

USP in action! (USP po tayo..)

SECOND TIP: Join ORGANIZATIONS. (Constantly Challenge Yourself)

There will be “SIGN HERE” signs in conspicuous areas for membership registrations, DO SIGN UP!

UNITED STUDENT’S PARTY (USP)

My first organization was and still is—United Student’s Party (USP), a political party in WMSU where you can meet fellow freshmen from different colleges and departments, be under the guidance of instant Kuya’s and Ate’s and, not to mention, find your crush (No Mr. Crushie for me back then, Granny said I was a tomboy! lol.)

The USP loyalists! <3

YOU, my dear, can also have a place to stay during lunch breaks or during waiting periods because, I’m telling you, a place to relax is very hard to find in WMSU (not the case for private schools) where there are thousands of students inside the campus. During my first week at school, I practically just roam around the campus like a lost chick just because I’ve got nowhere else to stay. No! You can’t sit too long at the canteens because hungry people without seats will stare at you like you’re going to be their viand.


Campaign is very real; you talk to people, shake their hands like a PRO, present your platforms, face controversies, and have plenty of supporters and at the same time, haters.

Amidst all these, looking back, I’m very grateful for having braved the challenge. I found my real friends; I found out that there will always be people who’ll believe in you and in what you believe in. College is not just about academics, preparing for your future is a lot more than that. Find yourself, find your true friends or find your soul mate but never lose focus—to graduate.

JAMBANGAN DANCE TROUPE

Just imagine my guts going there to audition ALONE. Jambangan is the official cultural dance troupe in WMSU. This group has wowed international audience and won several awards for their performances. It’s also known even in our Province, so I want to be a part of it. One of the most embarrassing moments in my 2o plus years of existence, I danced in front of several others auditioning! But I managed to finish the dance, 50% perspiration and 50% prayers--PASSED. I became a member just for a while because I diverted my attention to dancesports.

Definitely not moi! Can't find my own pics :(

WMSU DANCESPORTS VARSITY

This organization was my family. I had several good trainers and all of them worked (SO) hard to teach me how to look “sensual” in Rhumba, “buwis-buhay ( I’m compelled to use the term)” in Jive, “sexy” in Cha-Cha-Cha, “sizzling hot” in Samba and do the “maton dance” in Paso Doble. LOL. Without dancesports, life in college is not as unforgettable as it is today. Through this, I went to places outside the city and I also happen to meet someone that I used to call “Mr. Crabs” in one of those trips (Not the red crab who owns and operates the Krusty Krab restaurant where Spongebob works) I’m not that good at history so, moving on.

You see, life is about experience and if you’re so afraid to try, to fail, to learn, then life would be as idle as a quiet and boring afternoon. I love this part of my life, I did what I want—dancing, I enjoyed every strike of the challenges. Believe me, I cried several times! I couldn’t get the dance steps right, I often forgot the routines, I frequently quarreled with my partner  Dave-- like a wife, I was scolded a lot of times for missing out practices and all those other mishaps. BUT if there’s one thing that I can say—IT’S NORMAL. Go on and discover how it is to be hurt, to be humiliated or to be the subject of hearsays and ridicules. You can’t fully taste life until you savor its bitterness. All those experiences will HUMBLE you.

I have joined other organizations too but these three are the most memorable. You have to do something to have good and lasting memories. Do nothing and just be a mere passerby in college and you’ll remember the trees, the big lawn, the gym, the long line during enrollments, the nasty comfort rooms, etc. You can do it! We both won’t know until you do it.

Let's drink to that!

THIRD TIP: Don’t be a snob, mga bes!

Of course we are vested with the right to choose our set of friends but hey, “The more, the merrier!” Truth is, people skill is very important at work, it can determine promotions or troubles with the people you work with. Now what better way to start honing this skill than practicing during your college days! College is about survival, that’s why I’m writing this, and you can’t survive alone. If you’re like me, away from home and not having around people you used to turn to for help, then you need FRIENDS, BEST FRIENDS! Lots of them. I’m so lucky to have found MAPLANNS and Company (you know who you are). The thing about friends is, they have the power to either help you or harass you. If you’ll meet “suspicious” beings, it doesn’t mean that you should be friends BUT you can be civil. After all, education is the key to a civilized society.

Ang tunay naming Nicqui :D

Le’go back to my best friends, I love you guys! I consider each friend unique. Whenever I’m sad, keeping a secret, disturbed or pissed, I know who to call. The funny thing about MAPLANNS and Company (the entire MassComm peeps, Kuya Jc, Kuya Fred etc.) is that we have what we call a “Forum” where we air everything we feel towards each “bes” (our endearment). The “bes” has to change whatever that attitude problem was, for the better. In this manner, we grew to be more responsible of our actions. Try this with your friends too. The Key to Closeness is Openness.

Dreading Deadlines

FOURTH TIP: Beat Deadlines Not Beaten Up by Deadlines.

Sorry! I just have to include this, I’m a big (literally) liar if I won’t plead guilty for this. My other best friend is CRAMMING and we have a cycle of “love-hate” relationship. I’m really trying my best to get rid of it but my condition is severe. Escape while you can! You can’t bring this attitude to work so better strain the relationship now, PUH-LEASE! Figure out your study habit or better yet, make it a habit to study for crying out loud! You may say that graduating in college is liberating and fulfilling but graduating with honors and to see your parents so proud of you is EPIC! Plus, it gives you POGI/GANDA POINTS for employment purposes.

Graduation elation!!!

FIFTH TIP: Fail, Cry Hard and MOVE ON.

Wait, I’m not talking about romantic relationships yet (moving on), are we on the same page? LOL. It’s really impossible to graduate in college without experiencing those "drama" moments, it’s part of the curriculum—How to Be Strong. I have been through several failures too. Like failing quizzes, midterms but never in finals. Final examination is the time to kick a**! Work your butt for it. I just have this grand idea that teachers will remember finals than midterms! Yeah, you can laugh at that BUT it’s working for me. My greatest failure was when we competed for the Hall of Fame in the Hola Zamboanga Dancesports Competition and LOST! How’s that? Everything was wrong at that time. My partner got sore eyes, my shoes, costume, energy, vibes—everything! (Weakest alibi) But I didn’t have regrets at all, because I tried.  Remember, “Rejection is not a failure, not trying at all is.”

Moving on with sing along.

SIXTH TIP: Love.

I’m not supposed to include this but I thought that college life won’t be complete without love life or can it? Yes it can! HAHA :D What can I say? I can’t say much! HAHA. So, just BE CAREFUL in entrusting your heart to someone. It can be damaged permanently. BUT OF COURSE YOU KNOW I’M JUST KIDDING! 

I haven’t got much time for love life during college days because I already had so much on my shoulders with academics and extracurricular activities (WEH? Defensive!). I had my moments, thanks to those who made it possible. J

I haven’t got a list of crushes either. I know I sound so bring on this one but yeah, I can’t help but be boring!

Suitor/s, JUST BE THANKFUL AND NEVER LOSE RESPECT. One thing I regret was my behavior towards those who cared. If you don’t like being in that awkward situation where he’s there to give you a bouquet of flowers or a love letter, chocolates or a piece of pink jewelry in front of your friends—just imagine how doubly hard it is for him! And if you have that instinct that he’s just fooling around, still, never lose respect. Say, “What love? On your foot!” JOKE! Just be honest about it. Say it personally or through email, text or fb, say it nicely. Easier said than done, I know, BUT you’ll save yourself from a lot of trouble. You don’t want this guy to hate you and do things against you, right?

I still stand firm on this: You can explore on love once you got out of college, there’s going to be plenty of time—believe me. Also, you’ll be  wiser in spotting Mr. Right.

In love, there's more to it than what meets the eye or feeds the stomach, choose one that’s good for the heart. (*Crickets... What made me say this? IDK!)

El maga honorable de CLA (With Honors BFF)

Whether your incoming freshmen or already in college, always Make the Most Out Of It!

Friends. Deadlines. Organizations. Competitions. Success. Failures. Challenges. Love. 

#JustSaying: Yes, You Can!

You can share your college experiences too! Just leave a comment in that box that says “Post a Comment.” Please subscribe, I’m running out of reason why you should but, please? :) HAHA.

Let me know what you think about this post (I would definitely love that) or if there are topics that you want to be posted here.

Live in love<3