Kids, I'm Gonna Tell You A Story... (How I Met Your Mother tribute)

Kids, it was 2013 and I found myself staring at the white page of Google Images, hoping to find the perfect wallpaper for my phone. I had just watched an episode of my favorite long-time series of all time: How I Met Your Mother. 

The episode that night was one of a kind, I kid you not, kids.

Before I go into further details why I thought the episode was one of a kind, let me tell you my fascination with the series (don't worry, I won't take 9 years to tell it all).

It was 2008-

No, I think it was 2007.

Okay, I really don't remember. I do know that I was in high school back then, a sophomore I think, I had actually become quite shy that-

Anyways, off topic. Moving on.

I was a sophomore in high school and a good friend had invited me to their home. As I walked in their living room, I heard wild laughter from their viewing room (yes kids, the friend had a viewing room. Viewing rooms are like the home cinemas of 2032). Her brother was inside and he was watching something on the screen that made him laugh like a hyena.

"What's he watching?" I asked.

The friend's eyes twinkled.

"Oh we're having a How I Met Your Mother season 4 marathon," she said, "It's one of the best series."

My mind rings a ding (get it? Ring a ding? Okay, never mind). The series did sound familiar. In fact, I heard a couple of kids talking about it at school. What I knew about the series was very little. I knew they had a guy named after a purple dinosaur who runs after women but is gay in real life. And that the series is about a guy who tells his kids about how he met their mother.

Kids, that was the how I met How I Met Your Mother.

Okay,  that wasn't the time I met her. That was the time I first glanced upon her and looked away.

I wasn't interested with HIMYM that time. I can't remember what series I was hooked on: Ghost Whisperer, I think? Point is, I brushed off the series that would one day be a part of my college life.

Fast forward to 2012.

Kids, for the life of me, meeting HIMYM was one of those moments that just had to happen.

College was stressful. A good thump on the head with the Bible kept me going. Friends cheered me on.My family would raise flags in honor of me if they could. There was so much one can do in a span of five minutes.

By that time, I had said my goodbyes to Ghost Whisperer when I found out the show was cancelled after the fifth season. It felt odd not to have a series to hang on. We didn't have cable that time so I had no luck in finding one.

I fully met her one fateful night as I lay on my parents' bed, impatiently flipping the channels for a good show. I stopped on channel 9, ETC. On the screen, I watched as a blonde dude sing about suits and dancing along with four other people also in suits (even the women!). From what I could understand, this guy was singing about his preference for suits than women.

As I watched, I had this gut feeling that I was finally watching the legendary series.

And kids, that was how I met How I Met Your Mother.

After that, it wasn't instant love at first sight. It took months of encouragement from the babbles of my friends who are big fans and that certain dorm mate who took the liberty of sharing her HIMYM files (seasons 1 thru 7) before I gave in to the craze and joined the bandwagon for the search of the lady under the yellow umbrella.

And the rest they say is natural history.

Going back to that time I was staring at the white page of Google Images, I knew what sort of wallpaper I wanted for my phone.

The season finale of season 8 was one of the most explosive endings in my entire life, kids. Finally, after 8 seasons of wrong relationships, ducky ties, tramp stamps and runaway brides, The Mother was revealed. I stared at the face of the Mother everyone has been searching for.

You could imagine my excitement for season 9.

Anyways, I typed 'Ted and the Mother' on the search space. From Harry & Ginny to Katniss & Peeta, this new lovely pair added to my list of favorite couples ever since episode 1 of season 9. At first, Cristin Milloti seemed a bit off to play The Mother but as I watched her, I knew that they had a reason for casting her in such an important role.

When the page finished loading, I saw some of the most beautiful pictures in the world.

The Mother and Ted*

LOVE in a picture, kids. Love in a picture.

Entertainment Weekly's HIMYM shoot struck me like cupid's bow. Titling their article The Mother of Goodbyes, I felt the slow farewell of my favorite series, which was bound to end on March 31, 2014. 

Time flew so fast. 

I decided to look for more pictures of the shoot. Google never failed to give me what I wanted.

It seems like yesterday that Barney swore off women for good and got himself engaged with Robin. I never thought that such relationship would push through. Who would've thought a slobbering womanizer like Barney would end up with Canadian rock/ previous teeny bopper singer/past anti-marriage girl like Robin. The weekend wedding of season 9 (dragging it may be on some occasions) has been an interesting ride towards the end and also a revealing change for the both of them.

I mean, c'mon kids, the rehearsal dinner was a definite heart-tugger.

If Marshall & Lily are Mr. and Mrs. Awesome, Robin & Barney are Mr. and Mrs. Legen- wait for it- Dary!

Mr. & Mrs. Legendary

Speaking of Marshall and Lily, I can't imagine a more awesome married couple than them.

I've always been a fan of their quirky and odd married lifestyle. In their little group, L & M are the only ones who are so attuned to one another that should one stomach ache, so would the other. Marshall has been a very loyal hubby, doesn't attempt to instantly lust after other women because of his intense devotion to his Lily-pad (despite the latter's odd desires and somewhat bisexual preferences?). Not only that, his 'oh-shucksy-doodles' demeanor has bought him closer to our hearts.

Lily's the typical small but terrible girl who proves that life can bring you down but you can always stand up and Aldrin Justice those who deserve it.

Now, they have Baby Marvin who is the epitome of baby awesomeness. Their streak as the best couples is now being overrun by their goal to become the world's most awesome parents.

Lawyer'ed by Mr. & Mrs. Awesome!

And then, there's Ted.

Kids, for the life of me, I've never met a dad who would take 9 years in telling his kids the story of how he met their mother.

Ted has been the poster child of all those who are searching for love. I don't know how long it took him in the series to find the Mother. Must've been 5? 6? Well, all I know is he was past 30 when he got married. And let's not forget the 20 plus women he dated and slept with, with only 5 of them significant: Victoria, Zoey, Cindy, Stella, Robin and of course, The Mother.

Hopeless romantics loved Ted. He searched for love high and low, in bars, laser tags, and the likes.

His long narratives pissed, not only his kids, but also us. Like I said, kids, it took him 9 seasons to get to the end of the story. There were false alarms like Stella, Cindy and Robin and all of them caused me to bite my pillows furiously. Though he'd been broken one too many times, Ted persevered (although I wanted to smack him when he wanted to leave for Chicago)

Finally, after 9 seasons, he was going to meet her.

The Yellow Umbrella Couple

Despite the fact that Ted finally meeting the Mother meant the end of a wonderful show, I knew that at some point, we all had to let go. We had to let Marshall & Lily unpause and settle for the biggest decision of their lives: Marshall becoming a judge or Lily becoming an art-consultant in Rome? Barney and Robin must finally seal their wedding with a kiss and prove to others that lone wolves can live together and be happy forever.

And Ted should finally meet the Mother.

Kids, I will never forget How I Met Your Mother. It taught me not to stop believing, to never give up on hoping that love will be found by you when you're ready...that there's so much more to life than just finding the One. 

Someday, you'll understand why your old Mom loves yellow umbrellas. 

Because they remind me the things are going to be legen- wait for it- dary.

Legendary.

Barney & Robin

Lily & Marshall

Legendary Fab Five +the goat

(c) Ashley Petallano, 2013
*Photos from Entertainment Weekly September 2013 Issue

Fire is Catching: Catching Fire Review

Fire is Catching!

(Hunger Games: Catching Fire)

Fire is catching and fire was indeed caught in the second installment of the Hunger Games, Catching Fire. 

Unlike any die-hard fan, I wasn't able to watch the first showing of the film. Lack of budget and I had a date planned for it. So, it took all the self-control I had in me not to squeal in furious delight once I caught sight of the magnificent poster at the cinemas when it was my time to watch. I had a lot of anticipations for the second movie adaptation. In all honesty, Catching Fire is my favorite book in the saga because of its delicious plot twists, the growing tension of the rebellion and the tangy love triangle between Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) and her two leading gents: Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) and Gale (Liam Hemsworth). Let's also not forget the Quarter Quell. I expected to see blood, blood and definitely more blood but with class.

Once I was all comfortable in my seat, popcorn in hand and doughnut in another, I swam into the second installment of Suzanne Collins' novel.

I applaud the scriptwriters for remaining so faithful to the book. I agree that some books need to be altered in the movies in order to fit popular demand but Catching Fire, from beginning to end, needs no drastic alterations. It was as if the book had truly come to life and I was watching every page of it. 

Set designs were admirable, too, especially the Capitol and the Arena. I was gobsmacked with the Arena; it was a nightmare/dream come true. Compared to the original Arena in the first movie, there's a certain vibrance emanating from this year's arena, given the fact that it's a beach/jungle combination. 

Jennifer Lawrence is THE boss. She has done an excellent work in portraying the drastic changes of her character from the first book to the second. Katniss in her hot mess state (I simply cannot count the number of times she broke into tears, threw a fit, became all wild and crazy) was just a beautiful masterpiece. I loved how she manages to adapt all the little things about her character: from the way she moves, how she cares for Prim and all that. She also deserves applause for staying pretty despite the fact that she suffered an explosion or was just attacked by a poisonous haze. However, I am not a fan of her kissing. I did feel some sparks when she locked lips with her co-stars but they seemed...awkward.

Or maybe she was just that good. 

Katniss and Cesar Flickerman

Her leading man Josh Hutcherson who plays the ever sheepish, shy, secretly-hurting-over-being-friendzoned-or-used-by-the-girl-he-likes-so-she-could-survive-the-Games baker boy Peeta was successful in collecting squeals, blushes and uneven heart beatings from the audience. I'm a huge Peeta fan; ever since he threw that bread to a rain-soaked Katniss, I fell in love with him. And it doesn't help that Hutcherson is portraying him. Josh + Peeta = OH-WHY-ARE-WE-STILL-TALKING? He nailed the lines in perfect Peeta fashion especially when he said: "No one needs me." 

Peeta Mellark in his Capitol interview getup

Their onscreen chemistry was just heart-melting. J. Law and J. Hutch's tension-filled duo keeps the audience wanting more of Katniss and Peeta. Josh is the typical friendzoned guy who wants to make amends while Jen is the clueless girl who doesn't have any time to think about love but practically snogs Gale behind Peeta's back (shame on you!). I was so amazed with their Capitol parade entrance; they looked like demigods on that chariot. I was practically bowing to them in awe.

Sizzling!

Several of the cast did well in their roles. Hemsworth proves his worth as Katniss best friend/lover with his sultry eyes, hurt demeanor and rugged appearance. I loved Jena Malones' portrayal of spunky District 7 tribute, Johanna Mason. She was gutsy and I adored it. Of course, I have also anticipated Sam Claflin's take on the extremely gorgeous District 4 tribute, Finnick Odair. If I were to make use of the UP grading system, I'd give the guy a 1.75. I guess I expected too much from the character that I wasn't able to fully appreciate Claflin.

Yes, he was great as Finnick-Battle mode but as Finnick who is known for his seductiveness, I don't think Claflin was able to mimic that. But kudos to him for giving the warrior in his character an edge. My heart did pang a bit when he cried over Mags, so job well done, Sam!

Quarter Quell Tributes

Compared to last year's Hunger Games, this year has more memorable scenes for viewers like I. Add to the list the following: the tingling Victory Tour (yes, I tingled at the sight of the Districts rebelling in secret), that moment when Katniss, Peeta and Haymitch found out about the Quarter Quell's tributes (I got goosebumps watching their varied reactions to it), the Reaping (and Peeta volunteering and the trademark District 12 farewell), meeting the other tributes, Effie's goodbye, Cinna getting beaten up and so on and so forth. Let's not forget Johanna undressing in front of an awkward Peeta, an agitated Katniss and a deadpan Haymitch.

The ending was a bit off for me. I've always imagined it with Gale telling Katniss, "There is no District 12" then a close up of her face with just a shocked expression, then darkness. The film took a different approach. My friend and I called it 'The Twilight End.' The way Katniss struggled with emotions (sobbing and sudden bursts of anger) ended with her staring at the camera, signifying her anger at the enemy. It reminded me of how Breaking Dawn part 1 ended: Bella opens her red, red eyes. She was making a statement yes, but still. That was kind of odd but anyhoozles, it did give the hurtful 'Why-would-you-do-this-to-me?' ending.

Let's just hope that Mockingjay part 1 won't end with them retrieving Peeta and a close up shot of him opening eyes and then attacking Katniss out of nowhere.

All in all, I give Catching Fire a rating of 90%. Why not a 100? No movie is perfect. There will always be flaws but the movie deserves a line of 9 for the amazing sets, good actors/actresses and the faithfulness to the novel. Catching Fire caused us to jump, cry and palpitate all at the same time. Though Mockingjay is my least favorite of the books (less screen time for Peeta, very disappointing, very technical), I'm still looking forward to watching the movie adaptation if they would be able to exceed their standards for the next film.

I'm not on fire for Catching Fire, I'm literally FLAMING for it.

Farewell for now (*insert District 12 goodbyes*)

The Rat-tat-tattles of a Pre-rog Newbie

The last few days have been-

FAITH.

As I type, I'm hearing Napoles and her trial and I can't help but feel annoyed with the woman. Honestly, it's like I'm watching a bad, low money-making soap opera starred with an actress whose only lines are: "Hindi po" "Hindi po totoo" "Sa iba na lang paguusapan." Blah. Blah. Blah.

It irks me to watch how she denies everything without giving much proof or detail.

But this is isn't what I'm supposed to be writing about. 

Lord, kayo na bahala sa mga kumakain ng excess pork.

Anyways.

For the first time in my college life, the online registration has failed me. 

Little background: our online reg in UPLB, the SystemOne, has always been like an online Hunger Games for us. We struggle for slots in the subjects that we need badly and we pray with all our might that prior to the registration, we'll be given an initial sched with the subjects. 

I've never been a big fan of the online reg. For the past 4 years, I've had interesting yet head-aching challenges with the system (doses of multiple online crashes, heartbreaking lags, people getting in while you're desperately raping the F5 button) and even had to do it in school for one sem. The rants in social media that comes with it are interesting, however. It's fun to be bonded through trying times such as these. 

Despite the hardships, I always managed to get the sched that I want. A day or 2 after the online Hunger Games, I would press the finalize button and finally enroll the next day. I would come to school, hassle-free and registered while the other students are in a frenzy- PRE-ROGGING.

Now, I'm sad to say-

I am one of them now.

Next week, I would be holding a form 2, probably going bananas worrying if the professor will say yes or no to me. 

Thank God, I can somehow use the mejo graduating powers against the other students who I'll be up against for the slot. 

There's just so many worries. What if the professor won't accept? What if the teacher won't come? What if I experience difficulty in enrolling? The long lines? The hassle?

But then I am reminded that I have a big God.

My faith has been tested heavily these past days. Apparently, God had a different test of faith for me. I thought He might possibly consider giving me the slots I needed for ENG107 and SPCM104, that by some miracle, I would get out of the waitlist. However, three days later, nothing.

That 1/4 sign is so unholy.

Just today, I had to make a decision.

To finalize.

And to accept my pre-rog fate.

To normal UP students, this ain't a big deal. It is for me.

I want a hassle free enrollment.

But then, I'm brought back to one of the things I learned from my vacation quiet times.

Even though I already have a plan in my head, a schedule for the to-do's of this sem, things can change radically once God says NO. His NO doesn't necessarily invoke negativity, although it may for some, but I've learned that despite my plan, the Lord can still choose to fulfill His purpose in my life through another way.

Jeremiah 29:11 speaks of God and His assurance for us. His plans for us. How He will give us a hope and a future. This verse echoed in my head. I studied this particular verse so I wouldn't take its real meaning for granted. Verses 12-14 goes on with seeking God and finding Him if we look with all our heart. 

Basically, the gist of it is you may think your plan is already perfect, organized. But if God's purpose does not match your plans, you can say goodbye to it. Why? Cause He has something bigger in store.

I might never understand why God allowed all of these enrollment hassles. But who am I to understand Him? He's God and I'm not. There are times that I find myself complaining and just asking Him: "Why?"

At the end of the day, He'll always say:

"You'll see."

I know that pre-rogging is not such a big deal for other people (why, they've been doing it all their college lives!) but it's a test of faith for me. I've gotten so used to easy enrollment, to coming to UP registered and with no problems that this new situations is kind of scary for me, especially since I'm on the verge of graduating next sem and hopefully running for laude.

But my God's purposes are greater than my plans.

So, here's to a week of stress with worthwhile results from the Father! I know that He will be with me as I beg my professors to let me in and for Pete's sake, do not think twice in signing.

I end my blog post three day after beginning it. Currently, we are under the attack of a certain typhoon named Yolanda, who's apparently one of the strongest typhoons in the WORLD (Wowzers!). I've seen footage from those regions badly affected and all I could say is:

#PrayforThePhilippines

Our God is greater than these storms. :))

<3 A

Dramatis Personae: To Infinity and Beyond

Dramatis Personae
(People Blog)

To Infinity and Beyond

To be perfectly honest, I never liked high school that much. There were some things that just annoyed me and I never felt safe with most of my classmates. I'm not saying high school was all together TERRIBLE but it wasn't just the best phase of my life. It would've been truly terrible if I didn't have a special circle of friends...

who I still have till now.

Today marks the 5th year of our post-high school friendship: Me, Angel, Dancille and Gerard. We become close during the fourth year of high school. Well, Angel's been my best friend since 2nd year and Dancille's always been there since CASA days (but she had her own crowd) and Gerard's just...there. But circumstances during our senior year brought us closer (e.g. proms, failed 'supposed' romances, Twilight, etc.).

Once we graduated, we made a pact to still meet up whenever we had the chance. Dan and I were headed deeper in the South as we pursued college in UP while Gerard went to DLSU-D and Angel headed North for UST. We knew that we would eventually meet new friends but we also figured that we wouldn't be able to let a year pass without spending time with each other. 

Sad something. I think. 

We agreed to meet at least thrice a year, when most of us were free: sembreaks (October), Christmas (December) and summer vacation (May). We started off with 6 in the group but for the past two years, the four of us remained: stronger than ever.

I love hanging out with them. We began by just chilling at my house where we would cook pizza and fries and basically just talk about anything and everything. There was the usual sound trip and we made fun of each other. We walked my dog and we'd just take loads of pictures. 

Eventually, we leveled up. We ended up going to Gerard's house where we played his games and danced off to Just Dance 3. We still made pizzas and decided to add some deserts such as Wicked Oreos. The usual chatter was never missed and the persistent laughing came. 

And now, I'm proud to say that we have finally left the confinements of our homes and ventured to the outside world by deciding to spend time with each other...in MALLS. Yep, the floors of Festival and Alabang Town Center have been stormed by our feet. We have ridden roller coasters, bump cars and the likes. We've shared cup cakes, jumped a simulated jump rope and proven that being able to receive toys from the claw machine is not impossible.

Long story short: we've had fun, shared our stories and basically loved the company of one another!

While we were having lunch today, we talked about what the future has in store for us. We laughed as we discussed our next reunion, the 50th anniversary one, if maybe we could still be alive to celebrate the 100th one. As I listened to them, I can't help but pause, look back and be very thankful to the Good Lord for friends like them.

Quadratic Groupie = AWESOMENESS

5 years. 5 awesome years.

We don't see much (well, except Dan who's been my roommate since freshman year) but when we're together, we click and we explode! I'm so blessed whenever I spend time with them. Whether inside a house or outside towards a crazy mall, it's always fun and filled with love. I'd like to thank them one by one:

Gerard - The term BIL originally meant something different but it eventually evolved into Bestfriend in Life. Thanks for being the ultimate gentleman/undecided gender guy (okay, I'm kidding). Thanks for being there, especially when I nursed a broken heart and for making me laugh with your gay antics. Thank you for just being the BIL that I trust and I love! It's awesome that you now watch How I Met Your Mother and that you can relate to Ted! :) Don't worry, BIL, she'll come. Just not now. GRADUATE MUNA!

Angel - I know it's been long since we talked properly but I'm glad that things are looking up for you right now and it's cool to see you fill up some body fat (in a good way!). I hope we can have more time to share with each other and maybe have some more fun. I've missed talking with you about stuff and I pray that you'll be able to finish college successfully! Maybe you can be my personal accountant? Haha! Congrats on being the first to say 'Break na tayo.' I applaud you!

Dancille - This is gonna be hard. I'm not the emotionally expressive person and you know that. I always brush off your 'I miss you' comments and appear as if I'm the typical pusong bato. But I guess it's time to say that you've been the sister that I've never had. We've been together since...well...forever. From casa to grade school to high school to college! Super clingy! And now, you're leaving for OJT. I'm so glad may one week ka pa! I'll admit: mamimiss ko yung mga chika of the day mo and yung fan girling mo sa KPOP idols mo. I hope that we'll still see each other and that you can still meet up with us kahit na may OJT ka na :> Salamat sa lahat, friend!

I hold the three of you close to my heart and I'm so looking forward to more bonding moments. You remind me of the fact that high school wasn't so terrible at all. I pray that you will continue to be lead by God in your endeavors and that you'll be successful in your chosen fields. Sana makapag-out of town din tayo when we're working. Let's stick together, ha? Walang iwanan? KAPIT BISIG! :D

I pray that we will never run out of time. That we will still be around for our 10th anniversary. You guys are awesome blessings to me and you should know that. :)

Thanks a lot guys! 

Together forever.

To infinity and beyond.

Love,

A <3

Awesome pic cause Gerard was covered! :D

Smize!

Good old days :)

Dramatis Personae: Dancing Like We're 22 (HBD, Ach!)

Dramatis Personae

Dancing Like We're 22

(Happy birthday, Ate Renee!)

Hi Ach! Couple DP :)

First of all, I'm sorry it took days before I was able to write this. Blame the mosquito who bit me, causing dengue to ruin the week. I couldn't even touch the laptop, but I'm feeling better now. My platelets are overflowing and therefore, I can now write this. 

Belated Happy Birthday, Ach! Honestly, I've planned to write a blog about you weeks before your birthday but then, like I said, I got attacked by mosquitoes. :( But even before that, I was thinking what I'd write since you're basically one of the most complicated persons I've met (alam mo yan). I've known you for years now and I never expected I'd be present for your 22nd birthday party (gah, tunders).

When my mom told me that she planned on transferring me under your care, I was like: "Her? Really? But she's so...stiff." I mean, you were the last of the Ngan siblings to actually say 'Hi' to me and you rarely smiled so you could say I wasn't exactly thrilled to transfer. But I did anyway cause God said thou shall obey they parents. 

So, I transferred. Then I found out that there was just four of us (You, Me, Kiana and Doc). I still can't forget that time you made me walk from your house all the way to the farthest Charbroiled restaurant and you kept insisting, "Malapit lang yun, siobe." And I'm like: "0_0." You know the rest of the story na, ach: I stayed, I transferred dgroups. I still can't forget that look on your face when I transferred back to my old dgroup during Trip. It haunts me till now. 

But if I recount our whole history, it would take three more blog entries, so I'mma stop here. (BTW, while I type, UDD's Oo is playing so... haha!)

Thanks for everything Ach! You've been a big part of my life ever since I transferred back to your dgroup. If I were asked to list down women who reflect the girl described in Proverbs 31, I would sincerely write your name. You're not yet there but you're halfway. I've never met anyone who can keep their composure and automatically remind themselves of the right thing to do. Your presence of mind is admirable- I wish I could have it too. You know how emotional I can be. :)

You're like the big sister I never had. Thanks for letting me call you 'Atch' and for calling me 'Siobe' because it gives me the Chinese siblings feel, which I love. I can say that you're legitly like a big sister to me because we've had our share of ups and downs. You were there when I was at my best and you were also there when I was at my worst. We've had our disagreements and I regret becoming overemotional during such moments. Salamat sa pag-restrain :) Thanks for inspiring me to lead, too! God used you to show me the ways of discipleship. Who I am now as a dgroup leader, may part ka din! :D

Thanks for all the prayers and the advises you give. I take them seriously, promise! Thank you also for trusting me with your secrets and your stories. I enjoy hearing about your experiences a lot because I find your reactions them amusing and cute. Although there are times I find myself rolling my eyes or saying 'Aww, Ach naman kasi,' I'm still amused and don't worry, I care pa din! :) Sa sobrang care ko, I always have to make myself short in pictures lalo na pag katabi kita! 

Now that you're 22, I pray that you'll keep on enjoying what you do. I know that academics can be a killer but just remind yourself it'll be worth it in the end. You'll be a vet in no time. And I'm sure that God will reward you according to your efforts. Just keep your eyes on Him. Say no to distractions! Di ka naman namin uunahan, Ach =) Don't lose hope on the love life thing. Not now lang but I really believe you'll get married someday! I support because I believe you're not meant for blessed singleness! <3 Namimiss ko tuloy yung betting days.... (sigh). Kaya ipa-giba mo na yung mansion na yun, kasi you won't be living in it. 

Thank you for being you, Ach. Although you and I don't see eye to eye on some things, I really am glad that you're here in my life. Hope to share many more laughter, tears and stories with you. Sana, flower girl ako sa kasal mo ha? Please don't forget! I pray that you will grow deeper in your relationship with God and that you will reach the Proverbs 31 woman someday. 

Lastly, I don't care when you tell me you're not pretty. You're a beautiful woman inside and out, don't you forget about that. Don't let any man or woman tell you otherwise. 

I love you, Ach! Belated happy birthday! Just keep on dancing cause you're 22 (okay, wag ka na lang sumayaw. Baka ma-windang kami. Hihi)

Love,

Siobe

Hala, nene days :(

Hirap ng artistahin ang katabi...

Dramatis Personae: Of Cupcakes and Unexpected Sweet Nothings (Cara & Doc)

Dramatis Personae
(People blog)

Of Cupcakes and Unexpected Sweet Nothings

My 12 o' clock to 1:30 PM timeslot was spent in a tiny cupcake shop based in Alabang Town Center filled with frills, endless cupcakes and most importantly, sweet girl time Cara and Elyssa. 

To give a brief background, these two girls and I are the Tres Marias of our Dgroup. We were the first ones to step up and handle our own set of girls in the church, meaning we spent a lot of time sharing and being accountable during the old days. For months, it was just us in Ate Renee's D12 so we had tons of joking, BETTING, crying and heavy-laden sharing.

Recently, we haven't shared much, just the three of us, due to the stresses that life has to offer: school, jobs (job lang pala, si Doc lang working. hahaha), ministries, family issues, love lives (Thank God I'm free from this as of now, yay!). So far, the closest we get are short-time chats during dgroup then, that's it pusit. 

But because life's so full of drama and too much love can kill you (there's no connection, I just love the sound of it), we decided to fix a Sunday Date to catch up because if we were running, we'd be far behind (i-gets niyo na lang, please!).

Triple Cupcakes! Yum! :)

Today was truly fun and very unexpected. Doc, to be honest, you're the last person I'd expect to hear from with regards matters from the heart. Pusong Bato ka tol! Anyare?  I can see that God is your number one priority and that encourages me a lot. I have to be honest: na-enjoy ko ang pagkukwento mo kasi for the first time- I saw a LADY Elyssa Doctor! Whaddup! Want you to know that I'm praying for you for this and also for your family. ONE YEAR! You have one year to work hard  and I'm sure God will lead you through it! Balitaan mo ako! :) Priorities! I'll be your number one cheerleader! :)

As for Miss Cara Lo, well, apparently, I DID MISS A LOT. I did not know that you went back to that very something whatever haha. Ha-ha! You should start talking more. And I loved hearing the rapper in you. PREACH IT, SISTER! I thought I'd hear love life from you but no. You disappointed yet made me proud. Finally, Cara Lopez has no love stories of her own...no Greek Tragedies, no whispered sweet nothings in her ear...well, that's what I think...unless you're not saying anything. Ha-ha! It's cool to see you becoming a real woman now with everything that you're facing! I admire the fact that you're staying your ground in the Lord! :)

We're all grown-ups na talaga :( When Doc texted: "Kita-kits, Ladiiesss!" I was like: "Oh, Ladies na? Not GIRLS anymore?" and my heart broke a little. But that's okay.

We all have to grow up. 

At the end of the day, I realized that I really missed hanging out with you two. Hopefully, we can have a quadruple date with Atch!

Please don't tell me that we'll meet NEXT YEAR pa. I can't do that! I need my ATEs (yes, emphasis on the ATE because let's be honest, you guys are older than me) to listen to and to share! I love our dgroup but there are certain aspects of my life that I open up to you guys :) Sana we can do this like once every two months? PLEASEEE.

Once again, thank you for today! Be honored cause you guys are my first DRAMATIS PERSONAE (Character) blog entry :) I pray that we'll continue to GROW UP together in the Lord! Let's keep praying for each other, for the future and for all of that!

Missed You! I love you a lot too! :) And I know you love me too!

<3 A

Good old days with Ach's stuffed Dog :)

Good old BETTING days with Ach <3

Just. Be. Still. *repeat*

I was woken up two nights by a deafening clap of thunder. It wasn't just your typical BOOM thunder. It was the BOOM-BOOM-oh-gash-run-for-your-lives type of thunder. Felt like someone was very angry Upstairs. Scared the daylights out of me. I lay there in bed with two pillows covering my face. I hate thunder and lightning combos.

But I managed to fall asleep again.

I woke up again at 8 in the morning. The sound of heavy rain still was the music outside. Last night was already a tragedy: we had an instant swimming pool outside the house. I already planned not to go back early to UPLB due to the rain but I was definitely not expecting the news on TV.

Apparently, due to the non-stop heavy rain fall, NCR and other Luzon provinces became water worlds overnight. 

Even the South Luzon Expressway became an extension of Splash Island. Have a look:

Devastating sight :( Southwoods-SLEX

I heard that as of 10 am, people who went ahead to travel got stranded for 5 hours and from the looks of it, they're still stranded. UP people, I mean those who study with me in LB, as much as possible and as hard as it sounds, stay at home. This is what's waiting for you and if you don't want it to greet you in the face, I suggest you chill at home and do some work.

Despite the chilly weather, this is scary. 

Stay safe at home with your families, people! Don't gamble your life. And continue praying for those who are in need, specially now. I've been watching the news since 8 and the images we get are heartbreaking. Stranded families, commuters hopelessly waiting for transportation to get home, destroyed bridges, etc. 

Thankful that my family and I (even my beagle!) are dry but I pray for those who are wet with the rain and hungry. 

I commend the government for the fast information of suspension. At least, students were able to avoid these challenges. However, let's continue praying for those who are outside facing the rains. No one is waterproof. It's during times like this that we have to stay strong for one another, keep on praying and release the Filipino Bayanihan Spirit.

I watched TV today and my heart broke when I saw the hopelessness on faces of men, women, children and old alike. Their tears streaming and in sync with the falling droplets of rain. Situations like this make us doubt the presence of God. 

Is He there?

Of course He is.

Despite the bad weather, the heartbreaking happenings, we should look at this event as, not a tragedy, but an opportunity to rise up to the challenge, to mold ourselves and to strengthen our FAITH in Him. Rather than panic and lose hope, we should BE STILL and know that He remains in control. 

Before I end, I want to ask everyone to please continue praying. Also, if we have extra things like the usual (food, clothes, blanket), give them out to those in need. In CCF Alabang, there's a donation drive. Feel free to join that if you're within the Muntinlupa, Las Pinas, Paranaque area. Give love to others!

Stay safe everyone! Don't challenge the weather! You wouldn't want to take an unexpected ride down the waterworld!

As the oceans rise and thunders roar,

I will soar with You above the storm

Father, You are King over the flood

I will be STILL and know You are God

(Still, Hillsong United)

A <3

You're WATERPROOF, Nothing to Lose.

One of the things I've learned ever since I entered college:

You are waterproof.

If we were asked: "So, what did you miss about high school?"

Random Guy 1: My friends, they were the best.

Random Guy 2: Parties, they were a blast!

Random Girl 1: My lovely, lovely teachers.

Me: Immediate suspension  *insert heart breaking here*

Apparently, when you turn 16 or 17 and you're sucked into the enigmatic world of college, some unknown force gobbles you up and transforms you into this waterproof machine that can survive floods, not get blown away by the winds or possibly, avoid getting hit by lightning (it can happen, guys. It can.)

As for me, I study in the province where trees are of abundance and classes are supposedly to be suspended only when trees begin to fall down on the students. Fortunately, the governor has noticed that college students are people too and can be easily squished by our green-friends. I salute him for always involving us during suspensions (Mabuhay ka, Asiong! Asteeg!)

However, we really don't have Monday classes- so.

The rain weather has given me the inspiration to write down numerous thoughts. Like the dew drop cascading down the blades of the leaves. The unending fall of droplets from the skies, filling the streets and turning them into automatic swimming pools.

The simple student who's already asleep on top of his projects.

The cold weather's comfy as I type. I want to sleep. I want to sleep and wake up on a cloud with a chance of meatballs (whatever). I just want to...how should I say this...oh right, REST. The things of this world are wearing me out and honestly, I'd love a week break.

But who am I to keep on ranting on what's happening?

It's raining outside and I thank God for the rain. I love the feels. And He'll give me the rest I need if I just stay still. I have to stop being a maggot that wiggles a lot to disgust people or to survive inside weird cheeses. 

So I just have to stop.

I'm waterproof.

Nothing to lose.

Run away.

Run away.

Phew.

<3 A