My 2013

Can’t believe we’re down to the last few hours of 2013! This year went by so fast; everything was a blur. It was a tough and memorable year for me, especially during the 3^rd quarter where I experienced a lot of mishaps- my LRT moments and being held up that cost me my iPhone, Swatch and purse. If I could just reformat my mind to erase that holdup incident, I will do it in a heartbeat. It was the most traumatic I’ve experienced by far, and it still gives me chills whenever I remember the incident and I still get paranoid everytime I ride a jeepney. If there’s one thing I learned from it, it would be to be more cautious and never use your smartphone in public. I mean, I’m aware of it but I didn’t expect that it would happen to me. At noontime.

2013 is also the year when I turned 21! It was a fun, fun night and definitely one for the books! I was able to gather my friends from elementary, highschool and college + my relatives! 6 months had passed but the memories are still fresh like it was just yesterday. I am thankful to have such amazing friends and loving families whom I can always count on.

Uniqlo buttondown | Coach chino pants | SM Dept Store socks | Swatch shoes | Axis watch

But the highlight of my 2013 is me finally graduating from college (though the graduation itself is yet to happen on March/April since my university doesn’t have October graduation)! I just got my diploma a week or two before Christmas, and it was the best Christmas present I’ve got. I cannot wait to have it framed and post on our wall in line with my brother’s and sister’s! I had a major separation anxiety leaving my Alma Matter, UST, and still have an entry left in my UST bucket list. Hoping to strike it off on my graduation day!

Hype this on lookbook here.

I am looking forward to 2014- not only because it’s a new year but also because I’m starting off with another chapter of my life. I’ll begin working on the first Monday of January and I am beyond excited and nervous about it. Ahh, the thought of me entering the real world gives me shivers! But I am ready to face it and do the best that I can. Here’s to a wonderful and successful 2014! I’m claiming that it would be a year of achievements for me!

MY LIFE TODAY

I only took two university entrance tests – DLSUCET and USTET. Both are my dream schools. I was not considering the fact that when I failed both exams, I will enter no school in college. All I know is that I only wanted to go in either of these universities. God is good, he let me pass USTET. My perspective of becoming a doctor changed as I understand its complexity (and the fact that I hated physics back in high school. Case in point: pre-med courses have physics subjects. Correct me if I'm wrong!) and decided to pursue Bachelor of Science in Accountancy. It was my choice, as far as I’m concerned. It wasn't my mom’s or my dad’s, it was my own decision. I was so inspired by (or envious of) my friend, her dad is a successful CPA abroad and an alumni of UST. I said to myself, I want to be like him, to become a CPA.

But there was a leap of fate. The universe did not conspire in my favor. I was shifted to Management Accounting because of a failing grade. I've accepted the fact rapidly, thinking BSA is not really for me, and that God might have a better plan in stored for me. During my 2nd year college, I failed once again. I even doubted my ability and considered transferring to College of Commerce. I've already passed the shifter’s exam and all but I was informed that I will be delayed for one academic year. I told my parents about it and they were not in favor of it so I stayed in my current degree.

“I doubt myself too much.” she said. “Self-doubt is an opportunity to prove yourself wrong.” he replied. A conversation I read on twitter.

I tend to doubt myself too much, and it’s escalating everytime I fail to succeed in what I do. I always do my best, of course, but it wasn’t good enough. For me though, it’s the greatest I could ever give. And so the self-doubt continues to heighten.

What do I really wanted to be? A question I’ve been asking myself since forever. Before I started dreaming of becoming a CPA, entering the PBB house was my first delusion. I was in first year high school when I got so hooked up in that reality show and it made me want to experience the hype inside the house. After 8 years, it’s opening its doors again and I’m really determined to try my luck this time. I’ll laugh at this post if I let the audition pass.

"Failure will never overtake you as long as your determination to succeed is strong enough."

I just graduated from college. I can’t help but to be proud of myself because, after 4.5 years, I will finally have the diploma that I worked hard for. It was a long, tough battle. I’ve been through ups and downs. I’ve experienced the worst of the worst, academically, physically (my LRT moments!), psychologically (I was held-up and a gun was pointed directly to my head) and emotionally (back in my early first year college days when I’m still not used to being far away from home and not being with my family for so long) speaking. I also have regrets of not giving my best in everything I do. I’ve always been a mediocre; being satisfied with just a passing grade.

But I always believe that being successful does not always depend on grades alone (though I sometimes hate this thought as it makes me the mediocre that I am). Yes having good grades is an advantage, but after all, succeeding in life depends on us. My mom and dad can prove to that. They are not the smartest but because of their perseverance, hard work and diskarte, they are successful. They will always be my inspiration. Provided that I did not perform well in college, cast it in stone, I will stand out in the corporate world—the real world.

I’m having second thoughts as to studying again for another year to get a BSA degree and take the CPA board exam by 2015 or applying for work and get a master’s degree by June. I asked for a sign and got the second option, but thoughts and quotes about chasing one’s dream keep on flashing everywhere. Now I’m confused which way to go.

This will be, by far, the hardest and toughest decision I'll ever make in my entire life. *lights scented candles and starts to muni-muni*

Sinong prof mo?

A random guy approached me at the Tayuman LRT Station.

Non-verbatim.

Stranger: Kuya, mahirap po ba mga accounting exams?

Ako: AMV ka?

Stranger: *nods*

Ako: Ah, oo mahirap. Pero depende sa gagawa tsaka sa prof eh. Sino bang prof mo?

Stranger: Si ****** po.

Ako: AH OO MAHIRAP YAN. Di kasi magaling magturo yun eh.

*eh kasi naging prof ko na yun so I can assure hahahaha*

Ako: Anong year mo na ba?

Stranger: First year po.

Ako: Ah Basic Accounting. Madali lang yan. Ang mahirap lang diyan Adjusting. (uy nag feeling matalino hahahahaha)

Stranger: Eh sa retention po?

Ako: Ay samin kasi wala pang retention eh.

*tapos pagbaba ng train, nalaman kong 2nd year na pala si koya. medyo magulo*

May iba pa siyang tanong. Sabi ko nalang bumili sya ng Valix na reviewer. Tas sabi nya ano daw spell =)))) tapos ngayon ko lang na-realize na Hairy Potter pala ni Sir JC ang sinabi ko dapat. hahahaha hashtag fail

Okay yun lang. Tapos pala pag-sakay ko ng jeep. May narinig ako: napunit yung pants ko!!! (na suot ko nung nahulog ako sa LRT :))) Tapos bumili ako ice cream sa jollibee, biglang natapon eh 1/4 palang nakakain ko :( tumulong na nga minalas pa!

*photo credit to Sir JC Domingo*

21

I'm officially a grown up man today! Living a good life for 21 years already! As cliché as it may sound, time really flies so fast, like everything was a blur. I can still remember my previous birthday celebrations the past years that I've shared with the most important people in my life.

Life may be hard at times, but that's what makes it worth living. Being in a state of stress-free existence is no good as you may not discover your real being. Imagine having no problems at all, facing no life trials and difficulties, will you uncover your problem-solver side? Will you be as strong and tough as you are now?  Will you know the people who really care for you? Challenges make life more exciting.

As I turn 21 today, I have a few things in me that I’d like to change and keep. I added a few entries to my bucket list. I set a goal. And I have a few more wishes to ask for. I’m keeping my resolution and goal to myself instead and hoping I won’t end up eating my own words.

My life is far from being perfect but being surrounded with good friends, loving family and The Almighty God, my life is complete. Thank you Lord for the 21 years! Thank you for everything and may You continue to shower me with more blessings. :)

Instagram instadam: January 2013

I just realized upon doing this post that most of the photos in this set is food. I guess you have to get something to wipe off your saliva as you go over this post. Can't believe we're almost done with February!

1.) Matching outfit with my kapatid sa noo, Billy Crawford.

2.1) Ryu Ramen and Tantanmen at Ryu Ramen and Curry. YUM

2.2) These and the ramen above are all birthday treat of my friend, K.

3.) Sweetness overload at Love Desserts! I could stay here forever! Or not. Good luck naman sa ngipin ko!

4.) Newest home to my DLSR! It looks big in picture but its just so perfect for my camera. Got it from Artwork for a real affordable price.

5.) Found a new study haven just around the vicinity! Uy, feeling studious. Coffee + pasta. Why not?

6.) Lunch at The Chicken Rice Shop. I have a goal of dining-in at every food establishments inside UST before I graduate.

7.) Karaoke night at Karaoke Republic with my first ever college barkada. There's never a dull moment when we're together. Sounds cheesy, but true. Night out in my school uniform. That's so hipster of me.

8.) A slice of Blueberry cheesecake from Conti's. Nom

9.) Celebrated the first birthday of my instagram on January 21st at Onaka Ippai. Yup, I celebrate everything.

10.) 3 boxes of pure happiness. Or fattiness. Lol didn't feel any guilt though.

11.) Marble brownie ala mode from Shakey's. Sigh, I love you.

12.) Throwback thursday: Baguio 2012. I wanna go back and wear at least 3 layers of clothes. Haha! Why can't it be sweater weather all through-out the year?! I love summer though. Oh, beaches. See you soon!

13.) Ending this post with this picture, also from Baguio. Yes, I used to be that big! And I was already wearing all black, nyay!

I’ve been planning to print my own photographs and post them on my bedroom wall but time won’t permit me to do so. Sunday is my only rest day since I have school from Monday to Saturday, so there’s really no time for me to go to printing shops. Luckily, the universe conspired with my favor and won Glenn’s print giveaway last November 16.

You know that feeling when you had a very long, tiring day and something awesome happened? I came home from practice for our organization’s General Assembly (watch our performance here haha) last December 7 and found out that the package has arrived! :D As a person who loves gifts, I wasted no time and opened it. It contains 50 photoraphs, a book and a shirt.

I then posted the photographs on my bedroom wall the next morning!

I strategically formed a Christmas Tree since its holiday season! Please don’t hate me.

I’ve read the book already but don’t have a copy of my own so I was really happy that this is one of my prizes!

Can’t wait to wear this statement shirt! :D

I have a goal of filling the walls of our home with my own photographs so I’ll start working on it ASAP! Again, thank you Sir Glenn of pseudoperfection!

Weekend photo diary

This is how I spent my rainy Sunday.

No, that’s not beer belly that’s on Miko (farthest left). He just stole some goods from the grocery.

Had a mini-reunion with high school friends last Sunday! We seldom see each other because of our very busy and contradicting schedules. I can’t even remember our last get-together, so it was really a reunion! Well, sort of. Also a post birthday celebration of the four of us in the group so we treated the rest to lunch at Sbarro. What should a typical group of friends do when they finally go out after a long time? Catch up! We were all so behind each other’s stories! Sharing endless laughters, making fun of each other, laughing out loud like dining in a carinderia… it feels so nice to be with your long-time friends!

And oh, I installed Disqus on my blog so you may now post comments if you want! You can see the comment box at the end of this post. Thanks to my friend Donna for telling me to do so!

Surprise!

Everytime my birthday falls on a school day, I always get this feeling of not wanting to go to school. I don’t know why but I get quite shy when people greet me “Happy birthday!” especially when the whole class sing for you a happy birthday song! Funny, coz I’m far from being that type of person (my friends can tell!), it only happens during this certain time of my life. It’s as if I’m about to perform in front of 18,200 people at Madison Square Garden. My hands are getting cold, my voice cracks as if I’m Stu- stu- stu- stuttering. There’s so much that I wanna say, but something’s getting in my way.I’m Stu- stu- stu- stuttering.

Aside from all the personal greetings I received yesterday, some of my friends surprised me! I quite figured out that they’re cooking something for me though, haha! Lovely (third from left) sent me two wrong messages! Hahaha funny! But I tried not to expect cuz I don’t wanna be hurt when it won’t happen. But it did! So thank you friends! I was really surprised! As innn!! I really have no idea about this!

We then went to Main Building for the ID machine to greet me LOL the one in our building isn’t functioning yet but I just have to experience this, so yeah. It doesn’t only flashes “HAPPY BIRTHDAY” on screen, it also talks! It’s so ozzzzzzmmmmm! This feature of the machine is still pretty new so now’s the only time I’ve got to try it and I feel so pleasured that I get to experience this before I graduate hahaha. Again, thank you to everyone who greeted me! You made my day extra special!

“At home, one relies on parents; away from home, one relies on friends.” - Chinese proverbs

Friends Appreciation Post

Just because I miss my college friends. <3 The thought that I am an incoming 4th year student made me realize that I’m getting old!! But the good thing is that my friends are getting old too :P Miss you guyzzzzz!