Exchange Smiles

                Last February 21, the Supreme Student Government of Baguio City National High School, conducted an outreach program for kindergartens. I was very fortunate to be part of it. That day, I realized that happiness is not expensive. 

        

                            I have a soft spot for kids in my heart and seeing them happy brings a smile on my face. Simple games entertain them, kids are gullible and they are carefree; adults and teenagers were too. So then I asked myself - why can't we be contented with simple things & why can't we loosen up anymore? Why do we keep on complicating things?  

                             Life is like a game, you are a competitor. You have to face battles and strive if you want to receive the reward. 

                                       I felt happy serving and helping them. In our little ways, we were able to bring joy to them at least. Happiness can be found in little things & you don't have to pay for it. You are the manipulator of your mood, it's either: be joyful or sorrowful. I used to label happiness as concert tickets and getting what I want but then as I become exposed to my surroundings, I realized that - I can be happy by making others happy. I can be happy by sharing my time, effort & blessings.  

                                        Happiness can never revolve only around one thing because there are thousands and thousands of reasons to feel alive. It is all up to you. You just have to be more open minded and sensitive about what's happening. If something fails, you need not to worry because again there are other things to be happy about. 

The 1975 this 2015

                           When I first knew that The 1975 would be coming back here in the Philippines, I knew I had to go. One of the many reasons is that they know what music is about. They want to connect. Just like what Matty told last night "I want you to connect with me, I want you to connect with others." (Something like that) And so we put down our phones. In that moment, I didn't care if I'd be able to capture that moment with my device, the only thing that I have in mind is to feel it and loosen up just in that moment at least - to capture it on my mind instead. 

                                    

                                    I know I'm not the only one. There are probably thousands and thousands of people who adore them as well for thousands and thousands of reasons. The atmosphere in the arena was so positive and lively. We were all excited. Despite our differences, we were able to connect because of one band. "We are bigger here than in our fucking country." "Manila you are so loud!"

                                     

                                    At first, I was so afraid to go in thinking that I'll be all alone. I was clinging to my mom for a good hour. "You are not here to make friends, you are here to enjoy and see The 1975." Well, I guess seeing The 1975 actually resulted me to some friends too, mom! 

                                     7:59 PM, I was screaming  my heart out inside, thinking that in a minute, I'm finally going to hear and see them perform live. After a couple attempts of standing and sitting on the chair for about 40 minutes past 8:00 in hope of seeing them, finally the lights started to dim. 

                                     The vibe was so surreal. I didn't expect that night to be so blissful! I am so amazed. I heard great music live from outstanding artists. 

                                        The fact that George was shirtless while playing the drums is enough to destroy my whole being. It was so hot, I couldn't breathe. 

                                         Ross looks so cool and so handsome in person!!!

                                           Adam, oh, Adam! I would gladly do anything just to be your Eve. 

Oh, heyyyy Matty! 

                                        Hair is on fleek. Banging it is enough to make me drool more than I did during our travel. 

"We are the 1975 from Manchester England and you are.... Manila!"

                                 

                       Good things must come to an end but they just gave us an assurance that they'll be back here again!  "We are down to the last two shows of our tour and after that we will finish our second album and go back to Manila." The 1975 sounds so amazing live, they gave me chills, they understand music and they reach us through it. Music became our medium. This experience is something to treasure about. Listening to them for more than an hour is a satisfying proof that they are real. That they're actually the people who create amazing music that I listen to. I can't wait! Thank you for the opportunity. Thank you God. 

PS: Please give credits if you'll use my photos :) 

Technicolor (January)

                                  It's been a while since I updated my Playlist label, but here it is again! Choosing music, as well as making playlists are not that easy for me since I want a varied selection. Now a days, a lot of artists are entitled in having an album because of fame. What I've noticed in our country is that they produce albums as long as that artist has a big name. The validation is slowly vanishing; where is the quality, where is the talent? They forget the essence and meaning of music. Will it be for the gain only? I hope not, because music is an escape to majority.

                                                   This playlist is about painting the dull. This is about getting on your feet and feeling the idea of music. This is to set your soul in a positive mood. This is about happy thoughts. This is for everyone to groove about. 

Click the song title to listen :) 

A-Punk  

Hooked on a Feeling

Ugly Heart

Pop Culture

Different Colors

ɡrɪˈɡeriəsnəs

                   Sleep over at Nikki's house has been our ritual. Usually, they go unplanned. One minute, I'll or they'll be sending messages like "Nikki, punta kami dyan. Overnight." or "Guys, punta kayo dito. I'm so bored." We like to take advantage of the perks of being a couple of meters apart. Our latest overnight though was a blast. I can say that its one of my favorites. I am glad to be best friends with digital artists. ;)

                      An overnight will never be complete without a movie or two. (Shoutout to Nikki's hippie tv) Oh well, we never really paid attention. (Maybe Karina actually does.) 

                      One thing I like about my friends is that we have one mind when it comes to music. We kind of just select a playlist or an album and sing our hearts out.  

                      We're just girls, dressing up! (THAT WAS THE TUNE OF GIRLS BY THE 1975 TY VERY MUCH) I know flower crowns were so last year but this sleep over was held the last month of the year, last year, so it's still valid. 

We had a mini shoot?? 

Maybe that's why this night was peculiar & atypical.

What about you? How do you like to spend your time with your best friends? :)

                 

Christmas Balls or Graham Balls?

           
                                                  This is one of my guilty pleasures, IS2G. This is one of my favorite things in the world. This is my alternative to popcorn - said my mama. I know it will be yours too, soon enough, if you get a bite of it.
                                                   I want to share this to you because I want you to enjoy the Christmas vibes with good food! This is perfect as a gift or as additional food in your Christmas family gathering. This is really quick and easy, the only hard part is that you'll be tempted to eat while preparing.

                                                     And oh, I usually don't help my mom in preparing this. I'm a professional "taga-taste" only; professional eater. So thanks Ma, for preparing this, my ultimate medicine. She was also the one who  told me the procedures and insisted me on blogging this. :)

 Ingredients: 

• Crushed Graham Crackers - M.Y San Grahams (you can buy a pack from any supermarket near you or if you'd like, you can crush the graham crackers instead; though why torture yourself if you can actually buy one with  almost the same price and result, right?) 
• Condensed Milk 
• Marshmallows 
• Sprinkles/Powdered sugar (optional)

Procedures:

1. Put the condensed milk and crushed graham into a bowl. Mix it all together, that's how we roll! 

2. Using a spoon, roll the marshmallow with the mixture of condensed + crushed graham balls.
3. Roll it with some crushed graham.

4. Roll and roll it with your clean hands, form a circle. Whatever size you want. 

5. Sprinkle powdered sugar or sprinkles on it. (Optional) 

6. Chill it in the refrigerator for a couple of minutes but if you can't wait then devour it!  

                                                     It isn't that hard, isn't it? You better get in the kitchen and try it now! Wouldn't miss a chance, right? Make someone's day by sharing. Make yourself satisfied. Make it a merry merry Christmas! Now, I ask you, Christmas Balls or Graham Balls? Enjoy! 

Without the Inhibition

                       

                                 My journals have been my escape lately. This is my way of expressing my thoughts and a little bit of my artistic side (about 0.01% because I'm not creative for crying out loud). I actually have two journals: one which I cut and paste pictures and words and the other in which I write my personal thoughts. But what makes a journal special is that, you are able to destroy the inhibitions because it is your creation, your work in accordance with what's grooving on your mind and your emotion. 

                                 Keeping a journal will help you express yourself: your thoughts, ideas, feelings and emotions. It is your personal book in which you narrate happenings in your daily life. The most fun thing about this is that you get to be unique. Unique in which you find ways to deliver your story, either through pictures, poetry, words or whatever. Your journal, your way. 

                                   

                                   How can you actually be consistent in keeping a journal? You should keep in mind that having a journal should not be an obligation. You keep a journal because it is your hobby; you are passionate about keeping one.

                                   Keeping a journal is pretty simple if you like what you're doing. All you need to have is a notebook, whatever brand you prefer, and of course ideas which I'm sure is stored somewhere in your brain. It's all up in your hands. You are not restricted, just do what you desire because again, it is your creation. Decorate it however you want! You can even put pictures of One Direction in the cover page if you want to! 

                                    

                                   In my journal number 1, all I actually do is stick cut outs from magazines, put stickers and print & cut & paste pictures that I like. So basically, my instruments are scissors, glue, printer, pen/pencil and ruler! I'm planning on putting doodles too, but since I lack visual skills, maybe not or some other time. As of the moment, I'm contented of cutting pictures of Harry Styles. Who knows? I might be able to sketch them soon ("never in your wildest dreams" - said my subconscious) 

                                 Journal number 2, on the other hand, is where I play and color with words. I narrate my experiences through essays. It is so personal because that is where I usually turn into an emo-drama queen. Not entirely though, because my latest entry was about the cute barista in Starbucks! Omg!!                                

                                    

                                 Your journal should be your treasure. Memories, experiences, esoteric stories and feelings are poured in there. It is yours, for your eyes, for your senses only. You are the creator and you aim to please yourself through your works. You are not restricted to express and to be creative. You are able to move without the inhibitions because it is the story of your life you're narrating. 

Girl Talk (Total Girl November 2014 Issue)

                         Recently, I've been included in the November issue of Total Girl Philippines. Total Girl Philippines is a magazine made especially for teens! Or adults too but mainly teen girls. There are a couple of reasons why you should grab a copy: a) 5SOS is the cover! b) Cool posters of Fifth Harmony and The Vamps!! c) Many contents which you can relate to and d) You should read my article! (wink, wink)

                         Everything happened so suddenly. A month or two ago, I was just mailing my composition to them and now this! Reminiscing how surprised I was when they replied and asked for my information - I remember opening my Facebook account when I just got home from school and there I found out one of their staffs had sent me a friend request! In that moment, I knew something good was up, something I never expected. Just about, I started interacting with Ate Mara, exchanging messages and stuffs for the Girl Talk section. I was so excited that I started jumping around the room, shaking my brother and screaming. The fact that she complimented me - "Gosh, I'm so thankful to have a reader like you!" made me extra duper happy.

                         Oh and right - "Expect the unexpected." Who knew that by just my want to express my thoughts and ideas, I'd be in a popular magazine?!


 You can get it here too!  (Free app but paid content) You can see previews here as well. Total Girl is available in local bookstores and even marts! Get it for only P100! 

PS// There was a mistake about one of the info about me ;) Let's see if somebody will know. Hehe!