As promised, here's that long overdue backlog post. Just cause I feel so free at the moment. Free from work and school load, at least.

Early this month, I got to be part of a high-end production for our Event-Advertising Class under the brilliant Sir Kevin Piamonte. It was for the Sarabia Jewelry Brand Launching, held last December 10 at the Museo Iloilo in the presence of some big time personalities. I don't feel like this is a time for some narrative, so instead I give you photos, taken by my good friend and classmate for this class, THE Diody Fadullan, with some half-baked captions by my lazy self.

Expensive. The event was practically worth millions. A piece cost hundreds of thousands (at least). Imagine how tight security had to be. At least 40 securities were deployed to man the event.

 

Big Time. Gina Sarabia, Amor Maclang, David Celdran. Nuff said.

The production was pretty simple. It began with black-robed monks lighting up medieval candelabras over the runway, to the beat of some mysterious hymn played by a live band. I saw it bring people goosebumps. It was a brainchild of our brilliant professor of course. A few minutes later, the fashion show began, David Celdran hosting in-between collections. The pieces were inspired by different Iloilo Churches; this explains the whole medieval gregorian peg feels. The models gracefully strut their way to again, some sort of gregorian tune in a slow-paced, soft-faced walk. Then cocktails followed, a "big band" played for it, some sales talk commenced but  we had to bail before that, since our job there was basically done. Oh and yes, that's Froilene in the middle, our dear friend and classmate! So beautiful right.

Well that's us during cocktails, cocktailing our way to free buffet. And that's our awesome professor right there. Best. Class. Ever.

Enthralling, would be the right word. Can I just say, enlisting in this class will forever be one of the best decisions I have ever made in my whole student life. This is the same class that brought me to SM Little Stars, Korean Festival Fashion Show, and the recent SM City Christmas Opening. We certainly couldn't wait for that Petron Triathlon gig next year! Because of this experience I'm certainly looking into an Events career in the future. Yikes, that sounds near omg three months til graduation *dies.

Let's just say, I am in that period of my life. Where a lot of things are changing. A shift in perspective maybe. But at this point I'd like to call it a regeneration, a spiritual renewal of some sort.

Because 2013 has been difficult. We had troubles at home, I was being torturedly shriveled by my own insecurities and doubts, my self-esteem wasn't at its best, and basically home wasn't a place I wanted to be at anymore. There have just been a lot, and it was difficult, seeing everything I ever believed in being torn apart into pieces. What made it even worse was the fact that I couldn't tell anybody about it. Not because nobody was willing to listen, and not because I never wanted to tell them. It's just that.. it's how I've always been. I don't tell people my heartbreaks, my weaknesses, my doubts. Perhaps because I find it easier that way. Because then I wouldn't have to tell people about anything, I wouldn't owe them any story, or any explanation for the quiet tears I shed at night. I know they know I cry... a lot. But they don't ask, maybe because they know I don't want them to. And I like that. I like that they don't ask ― most of the time, at least.

With all these I thought, maybe this was a time where my faith was being tested. There were times when, everything just seemed like a big fat blur. I didn't know what to do, or where to go, or just how to keep living. And then I remember I have Him. He would nonchalantly breeze in in front of me in one of my dazes, as if reminding me He's always there, and I just needed to look. His works are indeed mysterious, like how He brings someone into your life when you need it the most, that being, him, my boyfriend. But he is more than just a need. I like to look at him, my boyfriend, as a present from Him. He has been a leap of faith for me this year. I don't know how, or where, or when, but I realized how everything just fell into place when he came. One morning I woke up and said to myself, I am never going to put this present into waste. For the first time in my life, I wanted to keep something, someone, for myself. And I thought this was a good thing, considering how much I've lost in my life. Suddenly all the loss are blurred out by this gain. It felt good.

And I guess that's just really what it takes to be okay. You just have to feel good. No matter how painful, regretful, embarrassing and ill-fated the situation you are in, you just have to suck it up and feel good. It will be difficult, yes. And it's okay to be sad, but not sullen, and not for a long time. You have to feel good as soon as possible. Think of the things you have rather succumb into the things you don't have. Focus on the gain, rather than focusing on the loss. It sounds cliche, but it always, always worked for me.

I know it's not like me to post a personal rambling here. I just felt like this is one of those quiet moments, where I have to revisit all the good thoughts. Plus, the fact that I recently got hold of a very important secret. It's one of the reasons I'm actually blogging right now. A few days ago I got in a fight with my boyfriend. The reason being, the usual me, so negative and torturously damaging, throwing things at his face (figuratively, of course) without even giving a logical explanation. After about two days we made up. And he told me to look for the film "The Secret" and watch it. He's actually been telling me about it for weeks now, but my response would always go like "Okay but I want to watch it with you" (when really, I was just too lazy to download an hour and a half film online). Until one day when I think he really felt the need for me to watch it, so he insisted. So I did, good thing our dormitory internet was cooperating that time. And it was totally worth my time. And is totally worth sharing in any way possible. So here.



The secret worked on me hours after knowing about it. I lost my 8GB miniature canon camera flashdrive a week ago. I was practically depressed the whole time. I kept on hating myself for losing it, because it was a gift from my father and it was just about a month old. One freaking month, that's all it took me to lose such an important thing, who wouldn't get depressed? So after watching the film, I thought maybe I should use the secret and see what happens. Guess what, the next day my classmate tells me someone found my flashdrive near the canteen. What. a. miracle. Right? These are just the little things. Imagine all the other things that can happen if I continue using the secret. So yes, I am considering this as a part of my whole regeneration process. Please do watch. All it would really take, is to believe.

Anyway, holidays are coming. I want to go home and spend it without any hate, or bad feelings, so spend it with joy I shall. I hope you guys spend it well with your folks too. Happy Christmas!

Oh and, backlog posts are coming! That of my previous events, experiences, hangouts and many more!

I love you

I love you and I will tell you everyday

I love you when the sun rises,

I will love you when it sets

I love you when our days are good,

I will love you when they’re bad

I love you for what we have,

I will love you for what we don’t

I love you like I love the rain,

When you’re there, and when you’re not

Because I love you in your presence

And I will love you even in absence

I love you

I love you and I will tell you everyday

I hate sequels. Sequels are disappointing - at least most of the time. They're like second-rate versions of the first installment.

Catching Fire however, begs to differ. It does not, in any galactic way, disappoint anyone. And by anyone I mean readers and non-readers alike. I guess some would think it could be better. But for me, a fan of both the book and the film, it is so much more than enough, so much better than its predecessor (narratively, aesthetically and technically speaking).

In this second installment of The Hunger Games Trilogy, director Francis Lawrence takes over Garry Ross, and gives us so many reasons to love it more than the first one.

For one, Catching Fire has so much soul in it, as compared to the first one. Maybe because it is where all the drama escalates, teasing us towards the climax. The uprisings, the violence, President Snow’s wrath, the Gale-Katniss-Peeta triangle, the well-thought-about Quarter Quell, and of course, it is where we see all the loved characters (cough Finnick cough). And I love that the film is able to capture all of this so well on screen.

Loved Characters
In THG there's Rue, but in here there's Finnick, Johanna, and Mags, and Wiress and Beetee, and Heavensbee. And how we see them play in the film makes them all tear-worthy. There's so much to love in the film and it becomes more depressing that we lose almost all of them. I especially love how Johanna’s character is given so much angst in the film. She is so full of swag and magnificence. Jena Malone absolutely pulled it off. Finnick is… okay. He’s not like the Finnick in the book who you would definitely swoon over at first glance, rather, he’s a Finnick whose likability escalates as the plot progresses in that he becomes more significant, thus giving his character more soul, rather than just being the drool-worthy half-naked guy (Jacob? Haha). And then there’s Effie, oh Effie, who becomes closer to our hearts in this film. Elizabeth Banks didn’t disappoint, her couture looks were all jaw-dropping! There’s also Cinna, whose most glorious scene with Katniss is at the same time the most heartbreaking. Also, I don’t know why but President Snow is more terrifying in the film than in the book! The film indeed gives so much justice to the characters.

Less romance, more politics
Another thing to take note of perhaps, is how Francis Lawrence puts everything together that it makes the film less about Peeta-Katniss(-Gale), and more about the oppression in Panem, and the whole sick idea of a Hunger Games. In the book there’s so much Peeta-Katniss moments, but in the film the focus becomes more political. Also, in the film you would know at first glance that Katniss-Gale could never happen, most of their scenes together are awkward and rather insignificant. I was expecting more from Liam Hemsworth though. Sadly, Josh Hutcherson seems overshadowed in this film, maybe because there is an obvious effort for the director to make Jennifer Lawrence the center of attention.

Visual
What can I say, the film is visually appealing; everything in the arena makes your guts reel in excitement or fear of a next death. Musical scoring is brilliant. My personal favorite would be towards the ending, when Katniss is being lifted by the hovercraft claw. Neck hairs rose with that glorious music mixed with that glorious expression on Lawrence’s face. The last scene, I think, is also one of the most powerful scenes. Lawrence’s appalling stare totally teased everyone to Mockingjay. I guess it's safe to say that Lawrence will always have a place in my heart. A few wouldn’t understand her acting, but only because it is unique - tastefully unique. Just like this film, which is so tastefully done! (PS. Wardrobe blew my mind! They were all either how exactly I imagined, or even more!)

Here’s how effective it was: at the end of the two and a half hour experience, we were practically throwing screams back our throat with a tormented “how soon til Mockingjay?”

Photos grabbed from different sites, they belong to their rightful owners

So this is where it all really begins I guess, the sleepless nights spent wondering what's next in line for us. Soon the photos we so vibrantly took begin to look better in black and white, the papers we so desperately crammed for haphazardly forgotten, and the days spent together terribly missed.

Here's to that last chance to be the kind of awesome that we already are. I think I'm ready for my last semester in college.

PS. New skin! I have decided to scrap my banner exchange roster. I have also sifted through my affiliate list. I can't promise anything about getting back at your comments/tags right away. I don't like to feel obligated to update that much. I shall update when I feel like doing so. But still thanks for the messages!

Just some random photos from my already-giving-up Samsung Corby 1.0 phone. He's been with me for five long years. I can't believe he's giving up on me. I.. I'm so.. I can't even..

So anyway, I might buy a new one sometime this month. Enjoy the rest of August folks!

cr. as tagged

01
Hey babe. Coffee, you want?
You know I don't like coffee except when it's from you. Give me that.

02

I'm fat huhuhu.

No you're not.

Yes I am.

I'm falling even more inlove with you when you do that.

But I am fat. You used to squeeze my fat fingers and laugh at them, remember?

I was trying to make you pout.

I miss that about you.

I miss you more.

03
So where's that kiss?
Don't be so abusive.
Come on. Don't you love me?
I do. So much. :*

He loved her, of course; 
but better than that, 
he chose her, day after day.
Choice: that was the thing.
Sherman Alexie

So it's been exactly a month since my last blogpost. I'm making it a point to post something at least once a month despite the workload and well, some other personal shenanigans. This post goes for the rest of July, I guess; on bullets:

• SM Little Stars - Not really the first time I've handled a major event. But this one was extra special cause this time it was for one of our classes. I consider myself lucky to be part of Sir Kevin's CMS 144 (Implementing the Ad Campaign) class roster. It's something you don't get to experience in every class. Real, on-ground event organizing. Plus getting to work with SM City Iloilo executives. Ahh, CMS 145 is definitely something to look forward to next semester.
  
  
  

• UPV 66th Foundation Celebration - My last (hopefully) Foundation Week as a student. Thank god this year's had enough reason to be my most memorable one. With Skimmers winning 3rd in Hinugyaw, plus our uber successful Production Coverage, and of course the most awaited Oblation Run. Hahaha no I'm kidding. Seriously. Not.
  
  
  


• Boses - A must watch for independent and mainstream film lovers alike. Heart-rending and so moving to the point of chills. I got the chance to be a staff member during the special screening here in Iloilo last July 5. Got to meet the stars of the film, Ms. Cherry Pie Picache, the awesome musical duo Julian Duque ad Coke Bolipata. The film is showing commercially in SM City Cinema this July 31! Check out their Facebook page for more details.
  
  
  


• a-curious-thing - My school related, work related blog. You can find it here. All my writings and creation goes there. I decided to put it up sometime mid-July because I noticed most of my works get stuck in my bin and I'm like staring at them with pitty. I think it's unfair to spend sleepless nights on things that only one person (your teacher) will eventually see. It's time for my works to go out there, know what I mean? Blah blah.

I guess that's pretty much my July, in highlights. There's a lot more, only I'm too tired and too sore to blab about almost everything that's happening in my life. Bottomline is, I'm at the happiest peak of it. Thanks to all them special people who make everyday get better and prettier; to him.

I've been a huge sloth in blogging lately. So expect more image-heavy photosets in the coming weeks instead. I love you all, always.

I have nothing much to post really, but I've been finding a way to shove down that cheesy post right there, it makes me sick. Plus I have to get back on posting here, have to find ways to keep it alive. So here. This is a photoset of the Motorcross event my brothers went to last March. I love them dangerous photos.

Some awesome flying photos.

I'm not so much a fan of manly sports like these, but now I think it's cool. I want more of this. Soon, perhaps. I want to start spending more time outdoors. But I don't think I'll be able to sometime soon, not with this weather and the workload of my semester. I think it's getting a bit cold these days, no?

That would be all for now, until something comes out of my preoccupied mind. I love you, always.

Some nights I find it difficult to sleep because of you. I would try to shut my eyes hard, hoping it would help me shove away all the thoughts about you lingering in my damned mind, all the picturesque memories I have come to memorize in the past weeks.  I should never be left alone with my thoughts at night. They are like a torture. Sometimes I feel I think about you too much.

And it sucks. It sucks that right now, and the next long months to come all I can ever do is think about you. Never touch you, never feel your face close against mine, never feel the warmth of your embrace, never feel your kisses once again. At least not in the next eight months. Eight freaking months. How am I supposed to live with this?

I have done great alone before. Since when did spending a day without you or a text message from you become this difficult? I guess this is what love does to you – it makes you need someone so badly to overcome each day. It’s one good reason why long distance relationships suck the most.

source: (x)

It's bad enough that you are going to be far for months. Why does it have to be even harder like this? This is selfish, I know, but I will always be almost over the edge, and you will seldom be there to comfort me when I need you the most. And it sucks that no one in this universe can ever be blamed for the choices I have made. Not even you. These are the side effects you left me, and I guess I just have to suck up and live with it until you come back.

Here’s to more sleepless nights and bittersweet memories coming to haunt me in the next months.