Summer lovin'

This semester’s about to close in a few weeks. But setting all the deadlines and exams aside, I’m also busy thinking (and planning) of other things to do during the summer season. Here’s a short list of what I have in mind:

1. SUMMER CLASSES

I have to take advance classes because I’m sort of old now for college (in Philippine standards). Most of my friends, if not marching this summer, already have jobs. And I’m here feeling like I’ve been left out “social expections-wise”. So to make graduation’s reality sooner, taking summer classes will be a top priority come April.

2. IT SHORT COURSES

Aside from summer classes, I’d like to learn something extra. Tried looking online for available short courses in schools and training centers earlier, and so far I’m considering taking up Web Design and Development, Graphics Design, and Android Programming.

3. SEMINARS, MUSEUM VISITS

Photo from The Mind Museum's Facebook Page

I’ve been eyeing the Forensic Art workshop ‘coz I’m too old for CSI 101 huhu. It really excites me that little by little Forensic Science is becoming a popular discipline here in our country. It’s because of watching CSI and Criminal Minds that I became interested in this field. I know that the crime-solving speed in the shows are exaggerated but basically, the thought is there-that even the smallest spec of detail can open a whole lot of angles and possibilities, and later on answers.

So, if ever you’re interested too in one of The Mind Museum’s summer programs, you may visit their official Facebook page here for details.

For the museum part, I’m thinking of visiting the National Museum, Metropolitan Museum, Yuchengco Museum, Ayala Museum, and Jose Rizal’s ancestral home in Calamba, Laguna.

4. Go to the beach or a resort. (Okay, this may not sound productive but, it’s summer for crying out loud!)

No more explanation needed. It’s summer. Get in the water! <3

5. SUMMER JOB and SUMMER BUSINESS

I want to still earn while learning, so I’m also looking for parttime job/s this summer, plus I’m conceptualizing an expansion in my shop’s collection too that I plan to launch this May! (more details soon)

Aside from cash, I also see this as a way of having an experience that I can add in my résumé in the future.

6. (Oh! Before I forget…) Have a meaningful Holy Week

Now that I have my own family, I find myself striving to have a better relationship with the Creator, probably because I want to set as an example to my child. Since the Lenten season started, I also have started doing little sacrifices in my day-to-day routine (not eating pork, taking the stairs instead of escalators, etc). For the Holy Week, me and my family are planning a Visita Iglesia.

Do you have suggestions on other fun things to do this summer? Comment/email me your thoughts! 

BIRTHDAY POST #2

Since I’m a museum/exhibit type of person, I’d like to receive tickets/admission passes to different art galleries, cultural shows, research exhibits, and the likes. My interest ranges from paintings, to historical artifacts, forensic science, tech seminars, anything nerdy actually

Also, I like to receive things like this so I can share my experience with others through writing a review/blog entry.

You can also comment below if you know any exhibits, galleries, seminars, etc that’ll be held around the metro throughout the year! <3

**Photo from forestcountyhumanesociety.org

BIRTHDAY POST #1

It’s my favorite time of the year again! My 21st birthday’s just around the corner making me this hyper and excited. I’m not expecting anything grand this year, but as tradition goes, I’m posting my annual birthday wishlist! This list last for the whole year, until my next birthday. So, here is number one:

DSLR Camera

I’ve been dreaming of having one for a couple of years now haha. It doesn’t have to be the exact thing on the photo. I just want something that’s enough for a beginner like me, something that’s easy to use. It doesn’t have to be brand new too. A second-, or even third-,hand would be greatly appreciated hahaha!

Do you know a beginner-friendly brand (and model)? Or perhaps tips for aspiring photographers like me? Comment below! <3

**Photo from freshphotographer.com

Phoenix

The symbol for my life right now is a phoenix. As legend says, a phoenix is a bird that returns from the ashes. After everything I’ve been through these past years, like the phoenix, I feel like today I am being reborn to something greater than myself before.

My days before were really far from what it is now. I used to go to UPLB before I transferred in UE. My stay in UP was THE BEST four years of my life so far – most prestigious school, middle-class family, good friends, boyfriend, nightlife. I had it all they say.

I was the type of person that wouldn’t make an effort to excel if I feel that I am inferior to the other members of the crowd, and UP was a lair of superiors for me. I started slacking off and 5.0s were eventually raining over me by the end of the semesters. I kept myself busy on the fun moments of the college years instead, at the back of my mind the “elitist notion” that a UP 5.0 was still a respectable mark compared to the 5.0 (or even 3.0) of other schools.

Everything changed come 2012. I got pregnant. The world stopped revolving. I was at my lowest. I was thinking for months on how I can ever redeem myself from this “disgrace” especially that I was about to lose my only pride back then, UP. My parents decided that I transfer to a school here in Manila. They chose UE. My ego was crushed into pieces, powdered if you may.

But after a few months, I think I’m starting to understand what God’s plan is. My then boyfriend and I got married, and eventually put up small businesses. I was performing better at school now too, fueled mostly by the pressure of proving to myself and to others that I am still UP caliber. Unlike before, my life today seems to have a definite direction, to success. I am more focused to my studies and how my performance at school could make my own family‘s life better in the future.

Like a phoenix, I will soon rise again from the ashes, stronger and better than before.