Upward Falling

Hi guys! So here’s a sneak peek on my cover of the whole song. Hope you like it! All glory to my God.

What treasure waits within Your scars This gift of freedom gold can't buy I bought the world and sold my heart You traded heaven to have me again

D I A N N E

One word- uncomfortable. 

Believe me, it’s been years of trying so hard not to look awkward whenever a situation (except for singing) requires eye contact. I find it difficult to set my eyes directly looking at the person’s eyes when they talk to me. Also, please do not judge me as disrespectful. I respect those people who talk to me, it’s just that, I can’t really look into their eyes while they’re saying something to me. If the conversation is short, I can do it. But not with an extended period of time. 

But, no worries. I ain’t quitting practice. 

I guess it isn’t too late to share this post with you guys. Here are some of the thoughts I’ll keep in mind everyday for this year. Included here are the things that I should never forget, as well as the ideas that I should forget. Posting this today, I believe that in one way or another,  it can also help and motivate you to face the days ahead with hope and lots of positivity.

1. Remember that you are loved. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Even if your whole world seems to fall apart, believe that God is always there for you... waiting for you to call upon His Name. 

2. Improve your negative attitude. Face it, we all have it. The first step in achieving this would be to recognise that there is indeed something to be improved. You know your strengths, but never forget to identify your weaknesses as well. 

3. Stay fit and be wise with what you eat. In this era of McDonaldization, please choose healthy. Who wouldn’t want fries, burgers and extra rice? Of course, we all do. I’m not saying you should deprive yourself from eating such kind of foods, but please fill yourself more with the right amount of healthy foods. Also, do exercise! Run. Lift. Don’t worry, there’s nothing to lose but fats.

4. If you can’t find time, make time! Make time for people who really matter. Drop your phone for a while. Stop replacing family time with Facebook time. Keep yourself in company with your family and friends.  Make the most of your time, dear.

5. Do your best and learn. In everything that you do, do it as if it is the last time you’re gonna do it. (That’s a lot of do’s. Haha!) Well, the point is... JUST DO IT AND LEARN FROM IT!

6. What’s gone is gone. You need to move on, or else you will only be lost. It is okay not to be okay for quite some time. Cry if you want. Shout if you want. But after that, stand up and move forward. Push away negativities and say welcome to new beginnings.

7. Be up for new things. Venture new places and meet new people. Expose yourself to everything that’s new, without abandoning the goal to live righteously before God. Everything is permissible. The only question is, will it glorify God?

8. You have to dream. Why? Well, if you have a dream, chances are you will grow and you will not be static. That same dream will push you out of that sofa from just watching while eating to working while learning. 

9. Love those who seem to be unlovable. Don’t worry, we are not called to like everyone, but to love everyone. This plan of action will bring a harvest of solitude since you are at peace with yourself and with others. 

10. Get serious with your relationship with God. We’ve all got one life to live. But what happens after this life? My point is, if you’re not sure with your direction after death... then you should start to know who Jesus Christ is! Real talk! If you don’t have God, you don’t have eternal life with Him in paradise. Start to know Him and may you grow a deep relationship with Him.

A dispute arose between the Wind and the Sun about who was the stronger of the two. They decided to settle the issue by seeing who could get a passing traveler to take off his cloak first. The Wind blew with all his might, but the harder the Wind blew, the tighter the traveller grasped his cloak and wrapped it around himself. Then the Sun shined it's soft, kind rays, and as the traveller felt more of the genial warmth, he finally removed his cloak. The Sun was declared the winner. 

I am in love with..

The One who gave His life for me.

The One who paid the price of sin for me.

The One who loves me despite all my failures.

The One who corrects me when I’m at the wrong track.

The One who holds my family altogether.

The One who fulfilled my dream to study in UP.

The One who gave me skills that I can offer back to Him.

CAMO WEARIN’

I took advantage of our white wall.

Of Sunflowers and Sweet Sunshine

Today I’m into sunflowers and yellow nails.

I bought my shirt from the Trendsetter bazaar last week in the World Trade Centre. It was my first time in Trendsetter and I got to shop with Zandy (who is so cool since she drove us there with her own car), Prits, JC, and Ella. I was really looking for a sunflower shirt, and fortunately, voila!

The necklace was also from trendsetter. I got it personalised with my own name..how cool is that?

About the nails, they were in Italian Nude earlier this day. However, a friend of mine offered (mandated) me to buy this Maybelline Color Show- Sweet Sunshine 405 for only Php 45.00. I bought this cutesy artifact because (a) I loved the colour, (b) it goes along with my sunflower shirt, and (c) it comes with a very affordable price (by the way, this was sold in line with the All Orgs Fair today in UP Manila).

HENERAL LUNA

I don’t usually post my reaction and reviews about the movies I watch, but Heneral Luna is different. 

This movie is about a hero who is betrayed by his own country. He was the only one brave enough to stand up against the imperialist US. He was the only one who stood up (like, literally) against the guns and cannons of the US. He believes in the radical way of achieving our nation’s sovereignty and independence from the hands of US colonisers. 

Emilio Aguinaldo, himself, spoke about the greatness and skilfulness of Luna in leading the military during their time. However, due to these reasons:

the pride of Aguinaldo

the false accusations of their cabinet members

the betrayal of the Filipino soldiers,

and the lack of unity within the Filipinos,

...he was killed not by those we consider as enemies (US), but by those people whom we always forget, those that could be our greatest enemy- ourselves. 

It’s funny how my old history textbook during my elementary years describe Emilio Aguinaldo. He was so patronized and admired by many for his ‘contribution’ to Philippine Independence. 

With this, one can say that the written history of the Philippines is the history of the elites. 

The written history of the Philippines is the history of the rich.

The written history of the Philippines is the history of those in power and position.

I am beyond fulfilled that movies like this show the reality of old, significant stories. Antonio Luna may have been betrayed during his time, but he will now be always considered and remembered as a true hero, who bravely fought for the sovereignty of the Philippines. Without compromise. Without fear.

“Kung ang kaunlaran ay isang panaginip..

Mainam pang managinip na lang tayo hanggang kamatayan.” 

IMMERSION 2015

These photos show a glimpse of the life we (Dani, Stacy and I) had during our community immersion/ practicum in Lamao, Bataan last July. Thank God for all those people who took good care of us for a month. Behind all these photos are stories of struggle of those people who toil, yet left with nothing but poverty.

The whole month stay in Lamao was very challenging since it’s my first time to be away from my family for that long period of time. We were sent there by the Department of Social Sciences to conduct a study on the situation of our farmers and fisherfolk in Lamao. 

I have so many stories to tell but I’ll save it for our PractiCon / Practicum Conference on the third week of October (if I’m not mistaken.) If you want to witness the result (AVP) of our month-long stay in Bataan, together with the output of my other block mates, just send me a message and I will send you a formal invitation.

Mt. Samat