Fast Paced Month (Part 2)

Now, continuing my previous blog…

Case Study Presentation at HP – McKinley Hill.

About two weeks ago, we went to HP in McKinley Hill to present  case study. The presentation went well but unfortunately, we didn’t make it to the top 3. I’m surprised that they bought us food, they really took care of us. Their rooms are also entertaining because they’re named after fruits and festivals here in the Philippines.

That morning, I just went to my dentist and I have a tooth to be extracted.

Another long day with friends.

This was a Wednesday. I started my day with a Starbucks breakfast while waiting for my friends, Verna and Frances. We talked about going to the job fair in school. While looking around, we saw Serge and Rachelle.After turn of events, Serge, Rachelle, and I decided to go to Edgar’s house and watch the UAAP Women’s Volleyball Finals. We really had fun, especially because my bet won. We talked about watching the 9th USTv Awards that night because we assumed that it will happen that night. It’s funny! When we arrived in UST, there was no noise, no crowd, just the stage and performers. We realized that it was a rehearsal for tomorrow’s real event. Frances and Verna were also coming because we really thought it would be that night and we didn’t stop them from going. We just hang out by the fences in front of the stage enjoying the music from the rehearsals.

More food and bonding with friends the whole day.

We went to school again to check our grades and since it’s still early, Rachelle, Serge, Tonet, Deric, and I went to the mall and have lunch and coffee. We had so much time to wander because the USTv Awards will be that night. I met up with Jown and Mookie so we could save seats for the program.

(1) Seat by the stage for USTv Awards. (2) Got the chance to ave a photo with Gretchen Fullido of TV Patrol. (3) I can’t hide my joy after seeing Kris Aquino in UST to receive her award. (4) Group photo with friends after the program.

Jown, Mookie, and I sat by the stage and reserved some seats for our friends coming over. When the program started, people rush to the Benavides Park and we followed. We saw Tonet’s relative, Gretchen Fullido of TV Patrol ready to go live on- air. On her gap, the Patrol staff allowed the crowd to have a picture-taking with Fullido. Good thing, Tonet was able to approach her so we get a very nice shot. I was really happy!

As the awards were being given, I checked Instagram and saw Kris Aquino’s post saying she’ll be in UST. I totally freaked out (if you’re not aware, I’m a fan.) and my friends we’re laughing and very supportive. When she was called to accept her award, everyone was trying to check if she’s coming out. And she came out! I was screaming together with the crowd. I can’t explain how I was that night. What made that night better was when Ted Failon, Ryzza of Eat Bulaga, and Angel Locsin showed up. After the program, we just had a very quick picture-taking with the stage behind us.

(1-2) Photos taken during my niece’s birthday at Jollibee. (3) Decided to let go on my anklets after 4 years.

I’m actually surprised that we’re going to Jollibee in the morning. It was my niece’s 1st birthday party and as usual, I did the prayer thing. I also grabbed the chance to have a photo with Jollibee himself. It’s just awkward that while taking the photo, the man in the suit was telling “Juggy!” to me. What that Juggy from Showtime? No one knows but him.

That night, I was able to let go of my 4 year-old anklet. We’ve been through a lot and the’re very sentimental to me.

Lovers’ Lane Birthday Picnic with friends.

We attended our graduation orientation and after that we stayed at the Lovers’ Lane and had pizza, chicken, and palabok. The March Birthday Celebrants (Verna, Kamile, and Deric) treated us. It was very fun! I also grabbed the chance to shoot for our class video.

Bloody Extraction

Just last week, I had my tooth extracted and there’s so much blood. I’m taking some medicines until now for that tooth extraction.

With friends, Verna, Rachelle, Serge, Beverly, Ann, and Emil at Eastwood City.

Last Friday, we went to Eastwood City to go to a particular company and take an exam for a job application. I really don’t know if I did well. Not to waste the rest of the day, we had a stroll and submitted some CVs in other companies in the vicinity. We went to this ad company and they’re looking for a web designer so we took the test. I actually got the highest mark but not enough to get in. It was sad.

Panorama Fail at Serenitea

That day was pretty fun and we bonded so much.

I finished our class presentation for the graduation rites this weekend. The process of creating that was just frustrating. I won’t tell it anymore. Graduation is fast approaching. I don’t know what to feel.

Fast Paced Month (Part 1)

It has been a month since I posted a blog entry. I didn’t notice that days passed so quickly and my Graduation Day is getting nearer. Because there are many thing to tell, I’ll be brief and sweet.

(1-2) With my team mates and the members of our panel after our successful our Business Plan during our presentation. (3) Blood-typing with Jown and Paolo.            (4) Hanging out and having desserts with Jown, Frances, and Verna.

The last thing I blogged about was Ash Wednesday. After that week (I think), we had our Business Plan Presentation for our Entrepreneurship class.  It was such a relief because we’ve been editing our paper over and over until everything paid off. With friends, Edgar, Jown, Mookie, Paolo, and Patrick, we took a video of ourselves doing the Harlem Shake because we got so bored.

I really can’t recall why we’re early that day but Jown, Paolo, and I decided to get blood typing courtesy of the Red cross Youth Council in the Engineering Building. I got a copy of a special The Varsitarian issue bearing a false (not sure if this word is appropriate) front page. The page is a reproduction of the first issue of the 85 year-old student publication, I believe.The next day, I’m supposed to help Jown with their Business Plan documentation, but we just ate until we met with Frances and Verna and we ate again.

(1-2) On the last Friday of February, classes got suspended because of the heavy rain, Jown and I just went to the mall and eat because we’re starving. (3) I got a warning from the Asst. Dean’s Office because of improper uniform. (4) Spent the night with friend over Kamille’s place.

It was on a Friday when Jown and I went to school together. They’ll be having their Business Plan presentation that day. We’re on our way to UST when we saw this man riding a jeepney in front of us and it really looks weird. I don’t want to be mean but it as funny. I really laughed so hard!

Unfortunately, classes got suspended but their presentation pushed through. On our way to the mall, we saw another weird person in the jeepney. I can’t explain it further, I’m laughing again. I’m sorry. When we reached the mall, we’re looking for somewhere to eat and we found Adobo Connection. Their Adobo sa Gata was really good!

The next day, I went to school wearing my Sanuk footwear and the guard caught me. I was sent to the Assistant Dean’s Office and go a warning. What can I do, it rained so hard the day before that my shoes where still wet. Well, that was a first for me. And last, of course.

On the same day, we’ll be going to Kamille’s place. With Jon, Jown, Paolo, Mookie, and Patrick. They were doing their Case Study for one of our courses and I just came to big them. But I fell asleep so they worked in peace.

(1) We spent about 5 hours outside the building because we we’re waiting for our next class. (2-4) Jamba Juice went to UST and it was such a blessing or me.

There was a day when all of us were just hanging out outside the Engineering building because we have n other place to stay for about 5 hours. We’re waiting for our ext class that time and all we do was eat, talk, laugh, take pictures, and bond. I think that was the longest break we had the entire year. I actually had fun that day.

I had Strawberries Wild for two days when Jamba Juice went to UST. As much as I want them to stay, I’m leaving college already so yeah. I think I didn’t make sense there.

(1-2) Taken during the last day of our Final Exams after dying my hair black again. Brown, actually. On he same day, Marc treated us a huge pizza for his birthday.          (3-4) We celebrated Kuya’s birthday at T.G.I. Friday’s at TriNoma!

There was nothing talk about much regarding our Final Examination. It was really a crazy week since there’s so much pressure for us graduating students. I had to dye my hair darker again because of the security guards, it’s not black so I don’t look like a rat. On the last day of exams, Marc was celebrating his birthday and he treated us with pizza. It was such a huge pizza that I want some now. The day after, it was Kuya’s birthday and we went to dinner at T.G.I. Friday’s at TriNoma. What a heavenly weekend that was!

This was one of our longest days!                                                                                    Ultimate Bonding Experience or UBE as what my friends says.

We went to school in the morning to get fitted for our graduation toga. Frances, Verna, Rachelle, Edgar, and I went to Cerealicious for snack. We were waiting for our friends to finish fitting and some taking a special exam.

Just before lunch, we decided to go to Love Desserts in Banawe, Quezon City. I was with Ernestine, Verna, Edgar, Beverly, Ken, Zhao, and King. It was actually Vern’s birthday to we got her a cake from the buffet table and laced some candles. The funny thing is, we’re eating at a deserts shop so she’ll be paying for her cake. We had really talked a lot. Maybe the longest time spent with the Chinese people in our class. Seriously, it’s like I’m in Hong Kong. We also went bonding at a nail salon and a tea shop nearby.

That’s it for the first part! I would try to post the second part tonight and I have more things to share. Cheers!

Happy Birthday?

It’s my blog’s birthday! Well, my oldest visible post here’s just last April 2012 because I deleted my older posts already. It has been half a month since I posted here and many things occurred.

My February started pretty different because we didn’t have classes the whole day and I really can’t remember how the day went but I just know I went home alone. Pretty sad. We just took pictures in the class room.

(1) Picture-taking in the classroom because we don’t have classes the whole day.    (2) New haircut for no reason. (3) Xbox with friends!

On that day, I was on my way home when I decided to get a haircut. I wasn’t very happy about it because it was a decision I wasn’t very sure and prepared of. The haircut went okay. I just can’t do anything about it any more so I might as well embrace it.

The next week, our evening class got canceled so with friends, Jown, Charles, Edgar, and Mookie, we went to a game shop and to play Xbox. Well, not play but dance. You can see our embarrassing photo just there. But I find it really, really fun because I got to sweat a lot. More fun than my work out.

And speaking of work out. I’m trying my best to exercise more and eat healthier (less?). I’m taking it very slow because I think my mood is getting messed up.

Panaroma by midnight. Everyone’s working for our business plan.

Anyway, we had a sleepover at Ernestine’s place for our business plan. I think I was more productive than the last time we had that for our software engineering project. Before the sleepover, we helped our friends, Jon and Patricia for their costume to this event in the University. I even skipped class for his and that’s our little secret.

(1) With Edgar, Frances, and Aaron. (2-3) With Glenne, Aaron, MJ, Patricia, and Harron while painting the costumes.

Just this week, our faculty celebrated its anniversary for the whole week. I actually went to school for just 2 days (Monday and Wednesday). I went to school last Wednesday to attend mass for Ash Wednesday and I said Wednesday for so many times in this paragraph.

Ash Wednesday Mass in UST (13 February 2013)

(1) Gray Monday with Edgar, Verna, Aaron, and Frances. (2-3) Post-mass photo with Jon, Marvin, Jown, Paolo, and Patrick at the Plaza Mayor.

I supposed to spent my Valentine’s day at home but Jon and Kamille were about to see “Safe Haven” at TriNoma so Jown and I went there to join them. It was really a nice movie. I don’t want to spoil you so you better watch. And oh, we weren’t able to have a picture together.

Well for the last 2 days, I was just in my room watching Suits from Season 1 and 2. The funny thing is the second season will be on its finale next week already. What a loser, Jared. And today, Saturday, I was on my way to school when I got the message that we don’t have classes and it’s not happy about it be cause I’m already on my way.

I’ve been thinking so much about many things so I’m not very sure when will I be able to post another entry here.

Whoever’s reading, thanks.

Roadtrip

It took some weeks to plan it but it pushed through!

Last Monday, our university declared a holiday in celebration of St. Thomas Aquinas’ Feast Day and we decided to schedule our trip on that day. But after turns of event, it was moved on the next day since we don’t really have classes on Tuesdays.

We’re 17 (then 19, back to 17) that went out. Me, Jown, Charles,  Mookie, Jon, Kamille, Frances, Aaron, Verna, Glenne, Paolo, Harron, Hervey, Patrick, Sharla, Em, and Gelai. Kiel and Embi followed but did’t come with us to Tagaytay.

Destination: Nuvali

Our destination is Nuvali. It’s a huge area being developed by Ayala Land in Laguna. Well, my journey started on Monday night when I met up with Jon, Charles, and Mookie in TriNoma and SM North EDSA. We’re going to sleep at Charles’ place to carpool and meet with everyone else in Manila and do a convoy. It took a very long desition-making time if I should sleep over or not.

With friends, Jon, Mookie, Charles, and Jown in 3 photos.

That night, when I just slept, I woke up because Jon woke up because the air-condition turned off. That’s a pretty confusing event. But since that, I haven’t slept until 4 in the morning when I started to get ready for that day. Charles’ phone was alarming at 3 in the morning. It was crazy. Around 6 in the morning, Jown arrived to carpool with us but the vehicle has to be brought to the vulcanizing shop so we actually left the house about 7, I think. Well, Mookie didn’t make it to his class for attendance.

We arrived at our meeting place around 8 and everyone’s standing there like we have a welcoming committee. We didn’t waste any time and started driving to Laguna.

Picture-taking with the man-made lake for wakeboarding behind! Photo from Jon.

I think we had the loudest (not to mention, fun) car. We’re all screaming and laughing when we’re bout to pay for gas and for toll. We’re also singing and dancing with our windows down. It was really a crazy ride for us!

Panorama shot on Republ1c Wakepark in Nuvali.

We arrived in Laguna before 10. It’s insane! We stopped at almost every corner to meet and talk about where to go or eat.  We don’t really have an itinerary that day. So after all the topsy turvy, we arrived to Republ1c Wakepark.

Republ1c Wakepark in Nuvali, Laguna. (1) Man-made Lake (2) Not sure which friend is wakeboarding (3-4) the Wakepark’s bar/restaurant (5) A swimming pool.

I don’t have plans of wakeboarding so I’m not very familiar with the rates and stuff. If you’re probably reading this because you want to know about their wakeboarding rates, I’m sorry. I’ll try to ask my friends and probably update you with it.

Anyway, they already started wakeboarding until lunch time. On break, we had lunch or snack (because I’m not sure what was that) food and drink aren’t allowed inside but you’re allowed to eat the food you brought outside. Well, across the street.

We had our ‘lunch’ under a tree. Across the street.

We’re already eating in our cars but the guard told us we can take it across the street. Well, we can’t complain about their rules.

Just like any other trips, picture-taking! My twin, Frances and I were on a deck (or just on this structure’s second floor) to take pictures of our friends while wake boarding.

The Wakeboarders (Jon, Jown, Verna, Aaron, Glenne, and Em)

It was fun watching them! I’m thinking of trying it but not really wanting it. We’re quite disappointed that extension isn’t allowed. Actually it’s sort-of-kinda allowed because you’ll just pay an entire new rate for extending your rent.

A group picture (not complete) at Republ1c Wakepark in Nuvali. Photo from Jon.

They didn’t bother so we pushed through in Tagaytay!

(1) With friends during a stop-over. (2) A ‘turista‘ shot with Taal Lake behind. (3) With car-mates Jon, Kamille, Charles, and Mookie while having dinner.

We had a stroll at the famous Tagaytay Picnic Grove. Kamille, Jown, Charles, Patrick, and Sharla tried the zipline. As usual, not interested because I’m scared. LOL.

Friends at Picnic Grove and photo being taken by me.

Another long discussion is where to eat. Well, we got divided because our car wanted to go to Army Navy and everyone else went to this bulaluhan named Leslie’s. We had dinner with the very beautiful almost-sunset view of Taal Lake.

A very beautiful view of Taal Lake from Tagaytay.

We left Tagaytay about passed 6 in the evening. Everyone’s tired but some of us needs to be awake to keep the driver awake. I’m one of those but I failed. I slept a little but Jon woke me up. Anyway, the craziness didn’t stop because of the heavy traffic at EDSA. We had to turn in to different streets just to get home. Manila to Laguna to Tagaytay to EDSA to Kalayaan/C5 to Pateros to Marikina to Santolan to Eastwood to UP to Novaliches. It’s really, really stressful! But of course, we really had a great time with each other.

This would be really one of things I’ll miss the most after college. I’m really thankful that I get to experience these things still.

It was really an Ultimate Bonding Experience.

Challenge and Devotion

Not so long ago, I mentioned that we’ll be having our examinations last week.

E-cards I made during our examination week.

The exams were really frustrating. On our first day, we’re all cramming to memorize the formulas and to clarify some stuff on which formula to use and all. I even borrowed a calculator from my friend from another section. But we’re surprised that those formulas aren’t needed and the only word that cold best describe that exam was NGANGA. We just stared at each other and laughing because we can’t understand a single problem to solve.

Well, almost the same thing happened the next day of exams. The exam had essay question that are so hard to answer. It’s either you understood everything in the hand-outs or you remember everything discussed. Very tragic! Also, I got a low grade on another exam but I still managed the pass one exam that day. Really thankful about that.

Since we only had 3 exam days, the last day was really an awaited day. I said day over and over. Anyway, those exam were pretty easy and I really feel I passed those tests.

The final period will be very short so I really have to do my best to pass. It will really be a big challenge since I’m really praying and hoping to graduate by the end of the academic year. Keeping my fingers crossed!

Pigging out with friends, Jown and Charles at Mister Kebab and Gelatissimo.

Last Friday, the very day when we’re all sad about the exams, Jown, Charles, and I decided to eat the stress out at Mister Kebab at West Ave., Quezon City and at Gelatissimo in TriNoma.

We’re eating and going around in the mall like there’s no exam the next day. I really want to go to TriNoma again to buy some health snack.

Gelatissimo on a Friday. 4 Fingers on a Saturday.

But the next day, Jown and I went on another eating spree . We should be going to Papa John’s Pizza but Charles might not make it anymore so we just went to 4 Fingers in SM North EDSA. I had the burger, by the way. We just can’t stop eating and now, I’m so broke.

Last night, I went to mass at our village chapel. It’s actually the last of the Triduum masses held for the Feast of the Sto. Niño. And I also brought my Sto. Niño image already there last night.

(1) The Chapel Altar adorned with flowers. (2) Mass-goers went in front to ask blessing from the priest and to get their Sto. Niño images displayed in front.
(3) Sto. Niño, the patron of the chapel since 1995 on its carozza.

Today, our chapel celebrates its 18th Fiesta. I think it has been 3 years since I last served in there for fiesta so this year, time permitted me to go there and continue my devotion to the Sto. Niño.

For those years when I’m still serving in the chapel, they allowed me to groom the image and gave me the freedom to tweak the cape and its dress. It happened again this year when I came back. I’m really happy that I’m still very welcome and as if nothing has changed. Of course, the image has a new crown, scepter, and globe.

My Sto. Niño image venerated in front for the fiesta.

The celebration is still very abundant with flowers to adorn the sanctuary. I still remember those days when I help in doing the flower arrangements.

They decided to reserve a spot in front for a Sto. Niño image for veneration and mine was chosen. I’m really taking it as a blessing because it has been a long time since I participated in the fiesta. Very humbling to see people venerating, touching, and praying to my Sto. Niño.

After the mass, a procession inside the village follows but I decided to stay and prepare for its return and entry through the front gate. I gave this idea that the carozzas should leave through the side portal and enter through the front, the main entrance of the chapel. Coincidentally, we just had a newly constructed gate and arch in front of the chapel making it very symbolic.

When the carozzas are arriving, I proudly rang the new chapel bell signaling its arrival and to welcome the images and the people who joined the procession. It was really an honor for me.

The past week has been very depressing but it lead me to strengthening my faith and renewing my devotion to the dear Sto. Niño. Viva Pit Señor!

Jumpstart!

This is my first blog entry for 2013. And maybe that’s the only thing special about this post. Here it goes!

Very much like the usual New Year’s Eve, Media Noche with the extended family. I made Leche Flan that day (about 20 llaneras) I actually tweaked mom’s recipe.

Fireworks from New Year’s Eve.

Family Picture on New Year’s Eve.

We had red wine while chatting, eating, and watching “New Years Eve” on HBO.

About 30 minutes to midnight, we started lighting up our fireworks. The first one actually fell down and went shooting to the streets. Our neighbors have alot of firecrackers! Left, right, back… There’s lights and noise everywhere!

Right after the putukan, we opened the champagne that my cousin, Ate Therese, and her husband, Kuya Dom brought. It’s actually my first time and the process of opening it was funny.

New Year’s Day in Manila.

On New Year’s Day, we went to Manila to have dinner with Blumentritt relatives. I brought some Nachos that day for snack, with red wine. Very much like a pulutan. We had picture-taking again since we didn’t really have the chance to do it last Christmas and Nanay’s birthday.

New hairstyle and color for 2013.

I got a new haircut on the 2nd day of 2013. Well, I started my 2012 with a faux hawk but this year, I think it’s still a hawk but not sure what really it is. I also had it dyed from red to brown. I thought it would be darker but it turned out to be more noticeable than my previous color. Friends told me that my hair was from Rihanna/Little Mermaid hair to Zayn Hair. Well, it’s hard to keep it Zayn-looking and I’m too paranoid that the school guard would notice it.

Panorama shot in class. Photo from Ernestine.

Another shot during our laboratory class. Our professor actually caught us taking this. Photo from Ernestine.

When school resumed last January 3, everyone’s still on Holiday mood. We even took photos while classes were on-going and all we do is chat and laugh!

Just this week, we dismantled the Christmas tree and kept the decorations. Not sure if it’s sad keeping them or I’m just lazy.

My Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday.

I went to Quiapo with twin, Frances just yesterday. We went in circles and checking out thrift shops and supposedly take photos. Unluckily, her camera was very unsupportive.

Well, I actually got alot from Quiapo that day. I was able to buy new clothes for my Sto. Niño (for it’s feast day on Sunday), a string to repair my bracelets, a novena booklet to the Our Lady of Perpetual Help (just like my mom used to have), and a new rosary for my collection. It was exhausting because we didn’t have lunch that day. LOL.

This Tuesday, I woke up later than planned so I started washing/cleaning my Sto. Niño and put on the clothes I bought. I also added some more elements and accessories like the palm (symbolizing martyrdom), a coin purse (since the Sto. Niño is usually associated to luck), and my Jubilaeum Rosary (for my devotion). Yes, I’m symbolic like that.

I also cleaned my very old Sto. Niño de Cebu image. It was given to me since a kid. I believe it’s already 10 years old.

Many things happened and will happen this weeks that I forgot to tell you about our preliminary examinations this week. Please wish me luck! I shall start studying tomorrow.

Looking forward for more stuff to share! Cheers!

2012 Retrospect

I can say that 2012 was still a very good year. Everyone experiences joy and sadness, but  my year was full of great memories and experiences with family and friends. It was  year of great opportunities and challenges.

Let’s look back!

JANUARY. Looking back in to old photos (well, not too old) I found out I started my 2012 with a new hairstyle. It was a risky hairstyle because I’m not so sure if it’s allowed in the University. I really can’t remember where I got the idea of getting a Mohawk but everyone liked it.

When we came back to school after our Christmas Vacation, we started doing our capstone and system analysis and design projects. Our group actually had only one overnight session for those. I don’t know how Kamile, Hervey, MJ, and me did it.

FEBRUARY. My relatives from Canada came for vacation and stayed with us. The entire family came and I’m wondering how did we able to fit in our house. Most of their vacation was spent in Manila but they’re balik-bayans so, we had out-of-town trips like in Laguna. A first time for me was Antipolo Church but not all of us went there because most of them went back to Canada already.

Some time in February as well, I can’t believe it myself too but I was part of a quiz bee team. That wasn’t planned. We got eliminated too because of our college dean’s middle initial.

One great memory for this month was when we had a trip to Laguna. Our batch had a plant tour in companies like Coca-cola, Gardenia, Nissin-Monde, etc. At the end of our tour, we went to Enchanted Kingdom (probably the main reason we all join the tour) but there were alot of students! Peak Season Level! The line going in was crazy and it pretty much like Divisoria on a Christmas Rush because you really have to move fast and you should be good in getting through a wall of crowd. Even if we’re running out of time we still fell in line to the Space Shuttle and we’re so young and free. LOL.

MARCH. March went pretty fast for us. We have nothing to do but prepare for our capstone and systems analysis and design defense and pass the course. Also, school year’s ending so we took our Final Examinations and thank God, I passed everything.

APRIL. It’s was a second year on joining the Visita Iglesia with my relatives. Aside from living a Filipino tradition and strengthening faith, I’m able to explore Manila’s wonderful churches and sweat alot. This 2012′s Visita was different from the first one because I was able to carry a crucifix like what other faithfuls do and there was a re-routing because the Manila Cathedral was closed for renovation.

On April, I started my internship but before having one was topsy-turvy. I got in UST’s Santo Tomas E-service Providers with Marvin and some friends taking up IT and CS. It seriously felt like going to school everyday or having summer classes because I’m in my academic uniform and we stay in a computer laboratory-like office.

MAY. My May was pretty boring because of our internship. It’s always home-school days and  think it’s the month where I ate McDonald’s everyday. But there was a time that the family went to Laguna for a quick summer vacation. It’s a yearly thing and because my mom celebrates her birthday on May.

On our enrollment day,Marvin and I met up with Jown to have pizza at Sbarro. I don’t know why it’s memorable to me. Maybe it’s because that May didn’t have too much significant activities.

JUNE. Another not so special month because we’re back on having classes. I’m pressured as well because I’m not yet done with my first internship hours but I already have a new load starting June. Good thing our supervisor allowed us to just continue the working hours until we finish everything.

Also, me and my intern friends experienced being student assistants because we were hired to take ID pictures from late freshmen enrollees. It was pretty fun because we get to wear other college uniforms. LOL. (We got paid for that.)

JULY. July’s an interesting month. We’re really excited to have our retreat in Caleruega in Batangas. It was a very moving and fun experience with the whole class, especially with the rumored ghost stories. We had alot of activities and reflections that made us all know each other more. During our stay, the weather was rainy and we all thought nothing’s bad. But we received news that classes in Manila were already and that the terrible Habagat was starting to wreck Luzon.

We’re all wondering if we will still go home on time but thank goodness the weather started to get okay. Instead of the tourist bus we use going there, the UST Varsity bus fetched us from Calerguega. At the back of my head, I might be seating on the exact seat were a Growling Tiger sat on. LOL.

On the same month, UST – Information Systems Society had its Team Building Activity (the last one I think was during my first year in college.) I was the host during the seminars and a facilitator during the outdoor activities. Another fun day in school!

Also, I got my glasses this month and everyone thinks they’re fake.

AUGUST. Another month that went so fast because of the Preliminary examinations and preparations for our capstone and software engineering project. I moved groups for our software engineering project actually, but having two different groups for two different projects didn’t give a a very hard time.

In the middle of our stressful month, we watched a UST Game in the Mall of Asia Arena. It was my first time in the Arena at it was my first and last time to watch a basketball game of the season.

Another unforgettable event was the Habagat. Huge portion of Luzon was flooded and our classes were suspended for a week so our exams were rescheduled. Our street got flooded, good thing it didn’t enter the house.

SEPTEMBER. This was a glorious month because after sleepless months, our capstone defense went pretty well. There were few misunderstandings between us but we’re all managed to get through and get a higher grade.

OCTOBER. We had our graduation photos taken on October and it pretty feels like a bonding moment with us because we almost had an entire day talking and laughing and eating. Also, we had our capstone project printed and submitted. It really feels great when your paperwork are bound already. During the final examinations week, I really go to church and pray for ours before my exam starts. I really prayed hard for my grades that semester. I believe San Pedro Calungsod helped me.

The UST Growling Tigers manage to reach the Finals facing the Blue Eagles. A public viewing was arranged at the Plaza Mayor to watch the game but since we couldn’t find a spot, we just went to Edgar’s house and watch there.

Before October ends, we attended a surprise birthday party for Edgar at McDonald’s. We felt like kids again!

NOVEMBER. After our semester break, Marvin and I treated our friends at Shakey’s for our birthday and few weeks after, Aaron, Frances, Jown, Charles and I went to the Burger Project for the first time and I really want to go back but I’m poor. LOL. November was truly a No-Diet Month.

Even if we (the graduating batch) have a scheduled trip to Cebu and Bohol on December, I still went there with the family. I was thinking that on our December Trip I’ll keep on saying, “Been there. Done that.” to everyone. I really have to mention this because I bought a Salakot there.

DECEMBER. December was jam-packed! Our (the graduating batch now) Cebu and Bohol trip was fun-filled, full of memories, and really, really crazy. You can refer to my previous blog entries (1, 2, 3, 4) to know more.

My relatives from California were also here in early December so we went to places too. We had a day at Tagaytay Picnic Grove which was a first time for me. I unfortunately missed my cousin’s wedding because I was in Cebu that time. But we all went to their home and hand a good time.

Before the Christmas Break, we had our class Christmas Party in our room. Right after that, we had fun with the rest of the Thomasian community at Paskuhan 2012.

The usual Christmas celebration happens with the family. We’re full of stories, laughter, and food. More of our Christmas here.

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Despite the ups and down of 2012, there are still things to be thankful for. I actually think that 2012 turned out to be very nice. I’ve been to many places, I’ve known my friends even better, and I’ve spent more time with the family.

And now, as 2012 bids farewell and 2013 approaches, I’m hoping to have another fruitful year for myself, my family and friends, and for everyone else as well. Challenges are inevitable but it is up to us how to deal with it. Let’s keep our faith and move forward for 2013!

There’s so much to be thankful for. Happy New Year!  Cheers!