Feeling Twenty Too (Hitting the Big 2-0)

I Don't Know About You...But I'm Feeling Twenty...Too.

Birthday thoughts

What does one feel when the first line of their age reaches the number 2?

I still don't know as of the moment. I'm trying to process the truth that just yesterday, I just said my goodbyes to my adolescence.

****

During a stop over after a summer retreat yesterday, I was in line at my favorite fast food restaurant (sorry McDonalds, Jollibee makes the best chicken in the world), ordering fries for my disciple. As I chilled on the counter, Cathy (a camper) leaned right next to me.

"Oh my gosh, happy birthday pala!" she said.

I smiled. My morning had already been filled with sweet greetings from friends. There was good in spending your birthday at a youth camp where all your friends and acquaintances are - you get to be greeted personally. Not just an HBD post on Facebook, a real greet. Cathy's greeting was like any of them- or so I thought.

"Thanks," I replied.

Her big eyes then somewhat cringed and a joking shocked expression was on her face.

"Oh-em girl, twenty ka na!" she exclaimed, "Twenty! Twenty ka na!"

As if once wasn't enough, Cathy had the nerve to repeat the phrase twenty ka na over and over again as we stood in line for food (I still love you, Cathy, don't worry). And as she did, I felt myself faltering each time she did. It's as if I just realized-

I AM freaking TWENTY years old.

I've lived seven years of my life with the suffix -teen attached to my age. When people would ask: "How old are you?" the answer would usually be a two-digit number beginning with a 1 and ending with random numbers from 3 to 9. I remember feeling very elated when I reached thirteen. Finally, I was a teen! Not a pre-teen but a legitimate TEENAGER!

The greetings then were filled with advices on manning up (how I wish the term womanning up existed), becoming mature, lessening the baby talk and just looking forward to the dramas of teenage years. It was something to look forward to. I've always believed that the teenage years would be the coolest and hippest years of my life. To consider yourself as a teenager meant you're part of the IN CROWD: the young, wild and free.

Looking back, being a teenager wasn't so bad. It wasn't all sunshines and rainbows, I guarantee that. But it was a roller coaster ride, bittersweet at that.

Exactly at twelve midnight two days ago, my age dropped the number 1 from the first digit line and replaced it with a big fat 2. For the first three hours of my birthday, I didn't realize that I had aged a year already. In fact, I felt the same...nothing different. But when I looked at my watch and saw it was past twelve, I knew the time had come.

Turning twenty made me realize that I've stepped into the life of being an adult. Oh, I'm not there yet but nearly. I'm still in school but by God's grace, I'll be out of it in a span of months. When I turned thirteen, people kept reminding me that it's time for me to cut my own meat and think like a teen. Now that I'm twenty, apparently it's time to stop being a teenager and start thinking like an adult.

When my friends at camp heard that I just turned twenty, all of their greetings were attached with this:

"ANG TANDA MO NA!" ("You're so old!")

Is 20 that old?

To be fair, I have been living two decades now- that's two ten years. I've witnessed numerous significant events in the Philippines and all over the world. A number of famous people have died while I lived. Numerous boy bands reached fame while I giggled wildly. Much has happened.

It was time to say goodbye to my teenage years. In reality, I'm sort of scared. I don't want to leave my adolescence behind. If possible, I want to stay secluded in my shell, protected and clueless of the harsh reality outside. But the Lord did not intend me to stay as I am, and I know I have some growing to do.

As I celebrated my special day with the best of people, my heart leaped with joy despite the little shade of fear. I saw how God has blessed me all these years through the people I am surrounded with. My journey with Him was solidified with the help of my family and friends. Being able to reach another decade was a blessing and it allowed me to realize that I can still look forward for more of Him.

I heave a sigh- a good, reminiscent one at that.

I am still confident that the Lord will guide me as I traverse this new realm we all call as adulthood. He's been there during my childhood, never abandoned me as I pursued adolescence. I'm pretty sure He'll be there during this stage till the very end. It's time for me to take life up a notch in His presence. Though life's troubles will surely level up, I know with my Lord, I can face them with no fear.

I'm quite excited to see what God has in store for the next ten years of my life. Sure, there's the unknown. I might die during those ten years but I am rest assured that whatever happens, it is His will. I look forward to the new faces and experiences, new growing pains too.

Yes, 20 is old. But I might as well enjoy it while it lasts because sooner or later, I'll be 21. Then 22. The list will go on.

So, yes Cathy, I am 20. Twenteen? Haha. Yes, that is old but still, it's a blessing.

I'm not saying goodbye to the life of merciless giggling, endless puppy love dramas, head banging and all that- I'm still bringing them with me. Although, I might have to overhaul them so as to fit this new life.

I'd like to say thank you to all who greeted me on, before and after my special day. Your greetings have made my day and I'm sorry if I wasn't able to reply. I love you all, that's for sure! I love Facebook for reminding you as well! Ha-ha! :D As for those who forgot...well...haha. You missed greeting the awesome-est person in the word! LOL. Joke. Joke lang. Humility.

Here's to another year!

Cheers!

P.S. Here's a post birthday selfie.

That looks so twenty, that's for sure. 

Last Forever? (How I Met Your Mother Finale review)

Last Forever?

A review of HIMYM's finale

Warning! Contains spoilers. Do not read if you haven't watched Last Forever Parts 1 and 2 unless you want your HIMYM experience ruined.

Kids, you remember your old Mom talking about this certain series she liked when she was young. She loved it so much, she even wrote a blog post about it. As you can see, I was very drawn to the comedy sitcom How I Met Your Mother, which follows hopeless romantic Ted Mosby and his search for love. 

Before the series finale, the show's creator Craig Thomas & Carter Bays described the ending as '...heart breakingly beautiful." I knew I wasn't alone in the anticipation, kids. My friends were all hyped up for the best ending ever. Season 9 was the longest wedding weekend and we couldn't wait for the Last Forever- the day Ted will finally meet The Mother. There was so much to look forward to: Barney & Robin's happily every after, Marshall & Lily's Rome trip and Daisy and the likes. 

But after watching the long-awaited finale, I came to this conclusion: it was heart breaking.

I'll be honest with you, kids. The Mother (Tracy McConnell, as we all find out, though not really cause there's this episode that somehow gave it out- okay, I'll stop) being dead the whole time was a letdown but quite an acceptable end for me. A friend of mine said it was inevitable. So, when I realized our worst suspicions came true, I accepted it wholeheartedly. Maybe it was for the best, maybe the creators had artistic reasons for ending it that way.

But kids, that wasn't the reason why the Finale broke my heart. There were several unexpected reasons. I'll name two:

1. ) Goodbye, Swarkles.

I cannot believe that the producers broke off the SwarKles love team. Up to this day, I still can't. You see kids, there was a drastic character development for both Robin & Barney during that time: both lone wolves who don't believe in serious commitments. The former, who was never for marriage and kids and all for success, was suddenly transformed into a woman desperately in need of a man who will assure her (she did say that when she was about to pull off a Runaway Bride stunt). The latter, who dedicated his life to scoring women and avoiding getting tied down, burned his Playbook, said some pretty serious vows and looked as if he was about to go the distance.

Swarkles (from Fanpop)

But then, the creators had to go the other direction.

Barney and Robin getting divorced will haunt me forever. They were perfect for each other, complimented the other's flaws and even transformed for the sake of their love. R.Train and B. Nasty, kids! When James got divorced, they were supposed to be the image of hope (although it went the other way around- James went back to Tom). 

The divorce brought the worse out of the two: Barney goes back to his womanizing ways while Robin leaves her friends for her career and secludes herself. Kids, most of the viewers suffered silent agony as they watched that scene. I felt terrible for Barney- his love for Robin supposedly redeemed him from his disgusting ways. 

Barney eventually found his redemption...in Ellie. Who's Ellie, you ask? Another dumb blond bombshell? Another brunette lone wolf? No kids, it wasn't another woman- it was a baby. In fact, it was Barney's baby. Yes kids, he had a kid of his own but not with Robin. He had it with girl # 31 from his perfect month streak. 

2.) Ted and Robin - The Resurrection

Kids, for the life of me, this was the twist I never expected.

Marshall & Lily having additional kids? Bearable.

Robin & Barney getting married? Lovely.

Robin & Barney getting divorced? Tolerable.

Tracy dying? Sad but acceptable.

But the possibility of Ted & Robin getting back together?

WHAT THE FUDGEMALLOWS-RAINBOW-EXPLODING-UNICORNS-COTTONS-WHATEVER-was that about? (sorry kids, you know your Mom don't cuss)

In my opinion, Ted & Robin do not work. Yes he got her the blue french horn. Yes, they were cute during the second season and had relapses during the entire series but-really? Ted and Robin are so like Ted's parents (see season 2, episode named Brunch) and look at how it ended. 

I also found it insulting when Penny says in the end that Ted's point in telling the story is, not because Ted was hopelessly in love with his deceased wife, but because he's still in love with Robin and was finding out if it was okay for them if he dated Robin.

I thought that the whole point of HIMYM was Ted's search for the woman under the yellow umbrella. I mean, the show was a burst of yellow everywhere. I was so convinced that the series was about Ted's undying love for Tracy and to hear that it was actually for Robin?

Kids, I'll be honest, I wanted to throw plates at the series writers. It was a good thing they lived on the other side of the planet. 

During those nine seasons, I got one impression from future Ted: to him, his wife was the best woman in the world. The girls he dated were nothing compared to Tracy, and that includes Robin. Sure, Tracy was Ted in girl form and that's what made them so compatible, but if you look at it, it seems as if Ted worshiped his wife. Then to find out that all this time, he was still attached to Robin?

It was a knife through the heart, kids.

I (along with other HIMYM fans/friends) had grown to love Tracy. She was the long-awaited Mother; the reason why we waited for 9 seasons. Sure, we had some hesitations about her the first time we met her during the season 8 finale but when she brandished her wit and her lovely voice (Her version of La Vie En Rose was indeed hauntingly beautiful), we came to accept that she was perfect for Ted. 

Killing Tracy was not the problem, I'll tell you that kids. In fact, it would've made the whole finale more dramatic and agonizingly beautiful. Why? Because the show's goodbye would be focused on how Ted finally found the One, despite her leaving him early...how he met the woman who made everything better. 

Ted possibly ending up with Robin is the problem. I still can't express my disgust with that. It's like the whole thing with the Mother went down the drain because of Robin. All those years of developing the characters, showing us why Ted and Robin will never work...went to waste.

What's the sense of promoting the yellow umbrella if it's trumped by the blue french horn?

If I had it my way kids, I would write it like this:

So Barney & Robin do get divorced. They do delve into their pits as Barney becomes a womanizer while Robin shuts herself off to recover. Barney does have Ellie. Robin does return. However, it would be more awesome if Barney realizes that he needs Robin (yes, I do love R & B together), that Ellie needs a mom (let's assume Ellie's mom is dead since killing mothers is not an issue in HIMYM) and he realizes that Robin will forever be the One.

You might ask: "But mom, Ted and Robin are together now, right?"

Okay, so let's assume that they do start dating. But as I've said, Ted & Robin will never work for me. Ted realizes no one can replace Tracy and Robin realizes...well Ted's still not the One. So they break it off. And Robin goes back to be with Barney and Ellie.

As for Ted? It would've been loads better if he just ended with the story, gotten all sentimental or flashed his wife's yellow umbrella one last look. 

But of course, this was not how it ended and it left numerous fans disappointed.

As terrible and unbelievable the finale was, I'll have to admit kids, it taught me something. And that something is this:

The finale reflected real life. Sure, most of us expected a fairy tale happily-ever-after ending for everyone: Marshall & Lily, Robin & Barney and Ted & Tracy. But the HIMYM ending taught us that after a bliss, there will always come storms. Life's twist and turns can ruin or change our expectations. We realize that our ending was not as happy we'd hope it to be. People change, circumstances twist and sometimes, we just don't get that ending we've always wanted. 

Sometimes, we get a different version of it. Sure, it looks terrible at first but eventually, we learn to live with it and grow to love where we are now. 

Maybe someday, I'll learn to accept the fact that my favorite series ended in another direction. But I'll forever be grateful for all the other stuff I learned from HIMYM. Of course, I'm forgetting all the nasty and downright gross sexual references the show utilizes, but I will always remember their teachings on friendship and love...how hoping for the One is never in vain.

So kids, that's the story of how How I Met Your Mother bruised my heart. I loved that series and when it ended, it sent me wishing for more (especially with that sort of ending). But alas, all good things must come to an end. 

Though I still can't reconcile myself with the finale, I will forever remember this instead:

Because for me kids, true love will never be found with a blue french horn-

It'll always be under a yellow umbrella.

Feels-Fest 2014

Some days, it's tough being a girl.

No, I'm not talking about that monthly visitor.

Let's just say I'm being surrounded by thoughts. And these particular thoughts aren't the harmless ones that usually involve and endless parades of rainbows and unicorns nor are they harmful ones that creates shivers in my spine.

I'm just being a girl.

GIRL MODE = FEELS MODE.

In the University, I learned a new relationship status. It's the one most of us claim to be: HALAMAN. 

To be a HALAMAN means to be emotionless as a plant. To not admire someone. To not care about love, kilig and the likes.

These past months, I've managed to follow the way of the Halaman. 

No, I'm not being pagan. I'm merely humoring myself.  

I know my heart. And as the prophet Jeremiah said in his book: "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick. Who can understand it?"

Who can? I certainly don't.

Right now, I'm in the middle of a mumbo-jumbo of feels. 

It's hard when you like a guy for so long that you start to imagine the possible future you can have with him. And you don't feel bad imagining because you know that it can happen. It's not promised, but it can.

It's a lot harder to not like that guy anymore, to swear that you won't look at him as more than a friend and to train yourself to realize that he might never like you in the future so it's best to start moving on now. 

It's the hardest when you realize just now that all this time, you've been lying to yourself.

GAH.

Love is definitely not a priority as of now, but I will admit, it has crossed my mind. Frequently now that I'm nearing graduation, therefore, one step away from the single life. I'm not saying it's a top priority. I do have other things in mind when I graduate (like own a pony or personally hug Josh Hutcherson) and God has shown me that there's more to life than men.

But I won't hide the fact that considering the future in that aspect of my life has been circling my head.

All the feels are welling up inside me, like a volcano ready to burst.

The paranoia has got to stop.

Liking someone definitely has its consequences. I'm feeling some of them right now because I wasn't so careful in guarding my emotions, my thoughts. I have to constantly remind myself: "He is not yours." I have to keep on thumping my head with God, His Word and reality.

How I wish feeling can be turned off with a button.

I firmly believe that God knows what He's doing in my life. He said so in Jeremiah 29:11. Which is why I shouldn't fret. I shouldn't let the feelings overcome. If I do, I know I'm capable of thinking about too many terrible things that will just shame me and make me less of the Christian I'm aiming to be. I can do things I know I shouldn't be doing. 

For now, I'm down on my knees. Not literally, but you get what I'm trying to say.

I'm down on my knees, praying fervently to God:

"Dear God, if these feelings ain't from You and is not glorifying You in any other way, please...please just take them away."

And I mean them.

Especially today.

FEELS.

<3 A

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 :)