✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

“What does your name mean?”

Whenever I ask where my name came from, My mother constantly tells me that my first name comes from a renowned model, and that my second name was chosen at random to make my name longer and less boring in their eyes. Don't get me wrong, I like my name. 

I've always believed that my first and second names were linked in some manner, for example, a raven is a type of bird that can fly, and when a bird flies, you can see it in the sky, like raven in the sky, with a slight change in my version of sky because it has a letter "e."

I usually feel at ease when I see clouds, but I never imagined it would become such an important part of my life. I don’t want to exaggerate, but I believe I have a unique point of view on the beauty of the sky. When we travel, I'm often noticing different images while viewing the clouds, or I'm captivated by how varied colors can offer a sky varied meanings.

Taking photographs and watching the clouds are two of my favorite pastimes. I believe that the sky tells various stories each day, and it is up to the individual's eyes to interpret them. And for me, who considers photographs to be a form of memory documentation, I began taking photographs of clouds last year; it was a low key, calm, and enjoyable hobby.

“To parents...”

What is your worst nightmare? What could it possibly be? A child's early death, a wrecked future, eating harmful foods, a traumatic experience, or having to face your child's secrets?

Sit down and relax, as the story you’re about to read revolves around a bright, innocent young girl and a childhood mystery. She was indeed an average eight-year-old girl who is pleasant, enjoys playing games, and dislikes midday nap time. A vulnerable young child who trusts people, greets everyone, and is nice with anyone... especially relatives.

This young child didn't take a nap one calm and serene afternoon, instead choosing to play games. She was comfortable, peaceful, and alone in the living room, playing with her toys. It was an ordinary afternoon... her ‘last' ordinary afternoon. She only recalled that the next day, she wasn't alone and wasn't playing with her toys. She was with her uncle, a man she knew as a close relative. She is a bright and obedient child who obeys everything an adult tells or asks; perhaps this is why her childhood and innocence were stolen at that same moment. 

She has no idea... she was a kid with a grownup, her uncle, who had terrible intentions and made her to do things for his own satisfaction. Because that is what she was taught, the poor child believes it is a game or an instruction to follow. It went on... she was harassed by a family member. As she grew older, she learnt and recognized whatever was happening, and as it came to an end, she ran away. But it has never been revealed.

Everything has returned to normal, except for the fact that this child has hidden and refused to confront the person who has wronged her. Years passed, and the once-innocent girl matured into an adolescent who is always learning new things and capable of self-defense. But it was never enough, since the moment she tried to trust again, it was a life-changing decision.

It was a cold night she hadn't expected to be traumatized of it in the dark. She was awakened at 3 a.m. by a sound, a sign that someone was standing near her, watching and doing something. She was terrified at the time; she couldn't tell what the face looked like because everything was shadow, but she knows she made a mistake by trusting a family again.

She tried to communicate within the next few days, but no one noticed... and no one listened. Not because they don't trust her; because the individuals she believes will be on her side have personal commitments and responsibilities that prevent them from taking the time to sit down and listen. It was her parents.

“Way Back into Love”

“I smile because you’re my father. I laugh because there’s nothing you can do about it.”

I always wanted to have this conversation with my father. You know the one that will create intuitive thinking and sound reasoning. As I sat in our living room reading one night while he watched television. An hour passed before I realized it, and I felt bad for not speaking during that time. I asked if he was OK, and he said yes. Then I apologized for not talking more. “Raven,” Pa replied. “Talking is like a silent wind as it whispers. You don’t need the intelligent words to speak of nor clever ideas to work on—and if you like the company enough, you don’t need the conversation.”

My father is always been a great observer and an adamant mentor to us. He may never had the greatest job nonetheless it is enough for our family to move along the tides of this life. 

Never a perfect husband, father, or person. He lies, makes poor life decisions, provides inconsistent answers and, if I may include, he has a shockingly bad sense of humor --- roughly. Despite this, he kisses us goodnight quietly, does his utmost to laugh at troubling times, be positive at trying situations, and always says 'yes.' He may never be that chatty but with him around there is no dull moments. 

“White Sneakers Stories”

It was a hot sunny morning when my friends and I planned to go to Manila for an adventure. Museums, overlooking, ancestral places, and of course foods intrigued me and made us go through this journey. I wore a newly-washed white pair of sneakers to give comfort to my feet who’s going to be my best friend today.

I already know it will be tough to commute and probably my white sneakers won’t be as white as they are right now after this day. However, I had the urge to see the beauty of Manila so we pushed through. We first went to the museums in Luneta. 

The National Museum of Natural History mesmerized me with its architecture and things that lie there. It’s pure white interior can be compared to my shoes. We then move on to the National Museum of the Philippines (Fine Arts) and we are almost late to our scheduled appointment we booked online but thanks to my shoes, we are able to amidst  the strong striking rays of sun.

My feet already felt numb as we roamed around the whole museum and our stomach was starting to call for food so we decided to move on to our next stop. The walled city of Manila --- Intramuros. As soon as we entered the gate, I was stunned. I even forgot that my feet felt numb and suddenly my eyes are just glued with the view as we continue strolling and searching for food. 

I can conclude that Manila’s street foods, especially the dirty ice cream, hits completely the best on a summer day! Having ice cream plus taking photos with my friends in front of the ever beautiful Manila Cathedral. After that, we rented a bamboo bike in Bambike Ecotours which costs 100 php per hour. As we ride the bike, the sun is burning hot but the wind is also cool, this is the meaning of serenity for me. It’s already past noon and the sun is setting.