before the sunflower season fades away

tweaked a line from Dashboard Confessional’s Stolen.

Another great UPD-Katip adventure with my grade school friends! 

This girl suddenly showed up beside me in church while I was hearing mass at the Parish of the Holy Sacrifice in UP! =))

^Bianca and I then had a very impromptu lunch date at Quiznos in Regis Center, Katipunan. (The first time I tried this was on a bus from NYC to DC and it was just… wow.) 

She ordered her usual, which she called “THE meatball sub.” HAHA.

After going around Katipunan, getting milk tea from Maginhawa, wandering around the Academic Oval, pretending to be part of the IE Club during the Freshman Tour, having muni-muni moments in the College of Science Amphitheater (sadly, no pictures. HUHU, next time!)… I finally ended up with Iris, who got out of Chem lab early!

We chatted over yummy brownies and Autumn fruit shakes from CASAA then headed out in the rain for our “photoshoot”. (It literally poured for around 15 minutes!) 

Thus the wet look. (although you totally can’t tell with Iris’ pictures. I have no idea how this girl looks so fresh all the time, even after 6 hours of Chem…)

On the other hand, I am a completely different story. =)) 

We literally stood in the middle of Univ. Ave with absolutely no shame. (although deep down inside I was hoping the passengers of the cars passing by weren’t people who knew us HAHAHA.)

We caught the sunset while waiting for my sundo near Quezon Hall. I had no idea what a wonderful view Oble’s backside would make. Hehe, just kidding.

I spent Good Friday around Manila with Mom, Dad and Lola Pacing.

This was the first time I’d actually gone around the University of Santo Tomas campus. No wonder they produce quality architects. I mean, who wouldn’t be inspired by all those antique buildings? :))

It was also my first time going to the Mendiola area, which is known historically as the site of violent rallies, thus the blood-like red spray paint plastered all over the arch. In fact, there’s a barrage of barbed wire under it. Pretty ironic how they call it a “Peace” Arch. Now that I think about it, it isn’t an arch either. HAHAHA.

Beyond the arch is CEU and San Beda.

We also visited Intramuros, which I hadn’t seen in a decade. We didn’t get to go inside the Manila Cathedral though, as it was undergoing repairs. Mom and Dad reminisced the day of their wedding while we were admiring the facade. (They celebrated their 22nd anniversary last January.) 

As expected, numerous peddlers waited across the street from the church, and that’s where Dad and Lola got a hold of one of their favorite snacks, mais. 

sontaken in Manila Ocean Park, during a Bio22 Lab field trip with IMED2019 last month. 

Visiting an aquarium unleashed the inner kid in me. I loved looking at the seahorses and  gorgeous fish. (The clownfish obviously reminded me of Nemo, and I was brought back to that episode of New Girl wherein Schmidt likened Cece to a lion fish. HAHA!) Pity we didn’t get to check out the jellyfish exhibit though, because they’ve always been my aquarium favorites. 

Going to Manila Ocean Park was quite convenient, as it is only a few blocks away from UP Manila. It’s situated behind Quirino Grandstand, near Luneta and Manila Hotel and has a beautiful view of the bay. 

shots from UP Manila Indayog Dance Varsity’s Sayaw Manila 9: Deadlines (February 9 and 10, 2013 at the PhilAm Theater, UN Ave)

“Because if not now, when?”

so much love for dance, my batch 18 and my newfound family. :)

bye bye, eighteen.

Undoubtedly one of the toughest years of my life, but I’d say it was also the most rewarding.

The lessons I learned from my family, friends, schools and orgs this year were astounding. I plan to always bring them with me. 

On my birthday, I felt the love.

I saw how real, established relationships don’t instantly crumble upon physical separation. I was assured that even though I don’t get to see my family and most of my close friends often, they’ll always be there for me. 

I feel infinitely blessed. 

at an uncle’s wedding at The Manila Peninsula with two of my cousins and favorite Ateneans (hehe), Kat and Kuya Marco.

It isn’t everyday we play dress-up, so… 

chasing the sun (and sneaking in some last minute vacay time) before the Christmas break ended @ Punta Fuego, Nasugbu, Batangas.

nothing but fun with my awesome little girlies, Isabelly and Sophie, who make me feel like I’m a decade younger than I really am. Hehehe.

the year that was (in words)

The sentimental value I attach to 2012 is incomparable. You could say this year threw me a thousand curveballs, or that it was the most unpredictable roller coaster ride, or maybe even use all the cliche sayings in the book that run along those lines… and that still wouldn’t cut it.

This year started out just like any other, and its first few weeks showed no foreshadowing of what an adventure the following months would be. 

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