Finally.

For the first time after 17 years, I woke up knowing that I would not be going to school anymore.

I woke up not worrying if papa left my allowance at the dining table, if I left any homework unfinished, if I’m wearing what I’m supposed to be wearing, or if my bag’s completely packed with my favorite pens.

Immediately, there was comfort at the present state of things. You know, the I’m-free-like-a-bee kind of thing. However, the pressing feeling of uncertainty, or the looming question, What’s next?, crept up almost instantly.

God knew how BADLY I wanted to graduate on time just as much as  He knew how much I delayed entertaining the thought that I was actually about to leave the student life. Besides, I cannot move on that easily from a single memorable day. WHAT MORE, 17 years worth of milestones one after the other?

Truth be told, I’ve had way too many costume parties when I was still in Kindergarten. I’ve had way too many private-Catholic-school-related dilemmas during my elementary days. I’ve had way too many Chemistry/Physics/Trigonometry/Calculus problems to solve when I was in high school. When I reached college, well, I had to deal with…life.

I’ve had way too many things going on during those 17 years. If there is just one lesson that perfectly captures everything, it’s this: He will allow you to be temporarily disappointed, but never permanently frustrated (Bro. Bo Sanchez, Kerygma No. 263, Vol. 22).

To everyone who believed and doubted, remembered and have forgotten, trusted and hesitated, cheered and boo-ed: I don’t know if we’ll meet again, but I’m damn well sure that I’ll bump into more people like you as I turn to the next chapters of my life. So, thank you for shaping, preparing, and gearing me up for whatever guardians or monsters are waiting for me in the years to come.

TO SPECIFICALLY SHOW MY GRATITUDE, HERE IS A MODIFIED VERSION OF THE ACKNOWLEDGMENT SECTION OF MY UNDERGRADUATE THESIS:

After 17 years, I bid adieu to my student life.

Looking back, I know I could have done better on a lot of things. But honestly, I would not change anything because all those things, both good and bad, shaped me into the strong individual that I am today. I would not have reached this far, if not for the people who made everything worthwhile. I dedicate my last piece of accomplishment to all of you.

Mama, Papa, Ate Keziah, and Ate Theresa: You four, of all people, witnessed my highest hi’s and lowest lo’s. For treats, pats on the back, hugs, kisses, and unspoken ways of solace and assurance, you are God’s greatest blessings to me.

Sir Villar: I may not have been one of your most active advisees, but it is my hope that I did enough to make you proud. As I leave the gates of UP Manila, I will remember your words of wisdom when life presents me with greater trials and triumphs.

Sir Burn and Dr. Agbayani: For being two of the most accommodating panelists, thank you very much for helping me make my thesis come to life.

All DAC (and my GE) professors: For unleashing the best and worst in me, you ALL have my utmost admiration and respect. May you continue inspiring young souls to discover their limits in ways they would surely treasure until their old days.

(Photo source: Arlet Villanueva)

108 respondents (advertising, media, events management,  marketing, petroleum, airlines, telecommunications, academe, church, banking, government, public relations, pharmaceutical, and medical industries): For taking some time off from your busy schedules just to fill out my survey questionnaire, I cannot thank each one of you enough. You are the heroes of this study.

#FRIENDS: I know we will prove that there is really such a thing as “friends forever”. Here’s to (dysfunctional, random, cheesy) friendship beyond college!

(Photo source: Arlet Villanueva)

Ria, for accompanying me to UP Diliman that one rainy afternoon for my library dues, writing and/or doodling morale-boosting notes on my planner that you actually bought for me, sending text messages that never fail to tear me up, and for being my seatmate, co-officer, and buddeh all rolled in one, you are the definition of awesome. I have been and will always be one of your biggest fans, wlrslorax. Ashley, you are just as awesome. Perhaps, even more awesome when it comes to your where-did-that-come-from-#friendsfries moments. It’s never complete if you’re not around, dancing p3t!

Kate, for showering me with positivity during times when I cannot even manage to smile, no one can ever EVER replace you as my pare. I’m pretty sure you’re a Legion in another life!

Pat, for lending your ID during that one desperate library moment, for being my unofficial statistician, co-officer, and teh, I could not have survived without you. I’ll always be grateful, stressed woman!

Jared, how I wish you were my tatay as early as freshie days. You are one of the sweetest guys I know. Thank you for cracking the worst jokes at times when I needed to hear them the most, hopefully-soon-to-be captain.

Venus, you always make me feel special in the most fabulous ways. For reminding me that I can always turn to someone whenever (wherever), lots of hugs and kisses for you. Who would have thought, right? We didn’t even hang out ever when we were still MandSci kids, but now, I know I can trust you with almost anything. Thanks a lot, BC.

Luigi, for being such a good listener and extremely understanding (you very well know why), you are the BEST lolo in the whole wide universe.

Nicole, aside from your ANTM fierceness, the cherry bomb has ALWAYS looked up to you for your passion and strength. Keep on inspiring others, master!

Arlet, your one-of-a-kind attitude towards a lot of things and perseverance in whatever you set your mind to have always been true testaments why people adore you…myself included. You keep on staying real, labs!

Jenoshua, welcoming me as third wheel during your lunch dates was really de-stressing. You guys will always be one of my favorite couples.

OrComSoc family: I could not have loved any other organization this much. For helping me keep my sanity during the most physically, mentally, and emotionally draining days, my deepest gratitude goes out to all of you.

OrCom 2012: We made it. I’m proud to be marching with each one of you. FINALLY. See you at the “real world”!

OrCommunity: Mantra—Make Goldhaber proud.

University of the Philippines Manila: For defying, reinstating, challenging, and strengthening my values, ideals, and principles in varying ways and degrees, MARAMING SALAMAT! Tatak Iskolar ng Bayan!

And yes, dear God, you made EVERYTHING possible. I lift all praises back to You.

Finally.

A person is a flow of powerful subjective life, conscious and unconscious; a whispering gallery in which voices echo from the distant past; a gulf stream of fantasies with floating memories of past events, currents of contending complexes, plots and counterplots, hopeful intimations and ideals. A personality is a full congress of orators and pressure groups, of children, demagogues, communists, isolationists, war-mongers, mug-wumps, grafters, log rollers, lobbyists, Caesars and Christs, Machiavellis and Judaes, Tories and Promethean revolutionists.

-Henry Murray, 1940

My 4-day (reflection) date

The question Bro. Bo Sanchez  posted at the beginning of the RISE UP: The Grand Easter Feast 2012 celebration held at the SMX Convention Center, was a wake up call.

WHAT IF YOU WERE THERE? 

He sweated blood due to an extreme level of loneliness at the Garden of Gethsemane, was betrayed with a kiss, arrested, humiliated, and mocked by the same people He touched and healed, lacerated until his muscles, flesh, and bones were torn into bleeding pieces, crowned with thorns that cut deeply into His scalp and skull, carried the cross in which He was later nailed to, continuously laughed at and accused in front of His agonizing mother, and eventually surrendered everything to His Father. He was physically, emotionally, mentally, and psychologically tormented.

EVERY INCH of His humanity was lambasted, assaulted…gone.

He died…to save us.

THE CATALYST SAYS

I will be speaking as someone who repetitively failed to realize the real meaning behind the most solemn days of the Roman Catholic community before, but now wants to share what big difference it makes to experience overwhelmingly peaceful moments with Him.

I have nothing personal against those Catholics who choose not to spend Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Black Saturday in prayer and reflection. But then again, I just hope they realize that He does not ask much every Holy Week. He just wants us to spend it together as a family; a family united in veneration for His Father who gave Him up just so we do not have to carry our crosses alone. 

All He is asking from us are a few days. At one point in our lives, we came across a situation when we felt like we were not loved back. So, we must know how He feels when He sees that His brothers and sisters are not taking any time to commemorate His sacrifice, His death…His ultimate expression of love. This is NOT about religiosity anymore, but the effort we put into building a genuine relationship with Him.

Trying to break the Filipino tradition of early summer merriment (during the exact same days when He was all drenched in blood, sweat, and tears) is next to impossible, I know. Just as much as I understand that they only want to have some quality time with their loved ones and be away from the stress that their workloads cause them, I’m sure He also understands. However, that does not take away the fact that feeling their neglect after everything He did hurts more than the actual pain and suffering He had to endure on His way to Calvary. There are 50 days in the Catholic calendar allotted for Easter celebration. Him asking us for three days when we can pour our hearts out, think things over, simply talk to Him and patiently wait for that victorious Sunday, is not, in any way, too much to call for.

This is just me hoping that when we look back at our lives, we would not regret having done enough to build His kingdom here on earth.

We all have different ways of connecting with Him, and I respect each one of them. It is true that we can connect with him even in ordinary days. But perhaps, the beauty of the observance of Holy Week is knowing that there are numerous people all around the world who are being inspired by His death and resurrection all at the same time. Just imagine the overwhelming power of everyone acknowledging that there is someone up there who is willing to share our burdens when we feel like we’ve been strong for too long.

Here are some of my favorite shots (taken by yours truly :>) during my 4-day (reflection) date with Him:

ARCHBISHOP’S PALACE, VILLA SAN MIGUEL, Mandaluyong City 

 

SANCTUARIO DE SANTO CRISTO, San Juan City

SAN BEDA CHAPEL (previously known as ABBEY OF OUR LADY OF MONTSERRAT), Manila

MANILA CATHEDRAL, Manila

 A typical “kubol” near STS. PETER AND PAUL PARISH, Makati City

14 CHURCHES LATER: Physically exhausted [✓], spiritually hyper [✓]

NEXT DOOR NOODLES, Makati Avenue

     Also known as The Happiest Place on Earth

SMX Convention Center, Pasay City

Easter lunch | dinner

STACKERS | NOODLE WORKS, Resorts World Manila

It’s been a while since I went on a (reflection) date. It was, OH WOW YES every bit, worth the wait. He is (more than) worth it.

MRF Tale 4.0: Stress-eating 101

Please, stop. Just stop…and rewind.

One thing led to another, and I just had to suck it all in and accept my fate– January 2012 was created to beat me down to the core.

In an attempt to whisk it away, silence became my company. Well, that was before I realized that real company comes in the form of long hugs (or necessary slaps/whips), day-saving text messages, and food.

Figaro, Greenbelt 3

Pepper Lunch, Rob Ermita

Peri-peri, SM Megamall

KKK, SM Mall of Asia

Vikings Luxury Buffet, MOA Complex, Pasay

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

January’s over, and with it comes all the sighs, what ifs, waiting, and hoping. It’s about time to focus on…..doing more than 11 laps worth of night jogging and…AND my…..thesis! :> And yes, other (happy) things.

Happy February! <3

2012: New year, new slate

I never really had a decent planner…..until this one came.

First surprise of the year, thank you so much buddeh! It’s maroon, it’s jam packed with inspirational verses, it’s filled with so many doodle-worthy spaces, it’s not too monochrome and not too splash-y with colors, it’s retro, vintage, and hippy all at the same time, it’s…it’s………IT’S PERFECT! <3 Well, for me at least.

“out there” is going to be big. “out there” is going to be tough. But I also know that “out there” is going to be just as awesome, if not even more for all of us. I’m excited to see what’s waiting for us “out there”! >:D<

HERE GOES MY FAVORITE PART (found on the first page):

Twenty-twelve! Here it is, the year glamorized with thought of apocalyptic phenomena and the end as we know it. Question is, do we really believe that we’ll all be eaten by zombies or collide with intergalactic planetary matter and consequently meet our unified demise, or do we go on with our lives?

We like to believe we’ll do both!

Zombie or not, we’ll fight our own inner zombies, and from now on, live with a special kind of fire — not anymore dragging our feet. We scrap our fallacious immortality and our usual uninterested selves, and instead, we begin to try new things and do what we have always wanted, fueled on the urgency of the brief amount of time left. We live meaningfully and waste no more time, doing what makes us happy and best fulfilled, simply because nothing else ever made sense. In making death real to the core of our bones, we see a life we’ve never known before. 

-Slate planner 2012

PS. I dare you (as much as I dare myself) to stick with your respective planners until the end. Let’s keep on writing, scheduling, doodling, and reminding ourselves that we still have lots to accomplish with our lives.

If we wake up everyday with the thought that the Mayans are right, we might actually surprise ourselves by just what/how much we can do. Perhaps, that is the real essence of the so-called “end of the world”.

Cheers!

MRF TALE 3.0: What’s not to love about GH?

Lotsa shopping + lotsa food all in one place. I mean, what more can you ask for? :>

We love it so much that we slept at our friend’s house so we wouldn’t have to worry about getting home late. We just shopped the night away, checking out EVERY SINGLE STALL.

GH Night Market is just heaven on earth for people who are literally magnetized by irresistibly chic, budget-friendly fashion finds. Admittedly, I am one of them. Ha!  Ooh, rings! Lookie, cropped tops! Ah, dresses. Let’s put it this way: everything.

Thank goodness, the Christmas shopping rush has not officially kicked in yet (or so I thought) because we still managed to walk at our own pace and quickly find seats to rest and…..eat.

Beef (frckndelicioso) wanton noodle soup, Le Ching Tea House

Isaw, isaw, isaaaaaaw! Claire Dela Fuente Grilled Seafood

Scramble with marshmallow toppings, Icebreaker

I was SO full but just seeing that butter melt…..damn. Roasted corn, BOW.

They weren’t goofing around when they said SPICY. They meant it, big time. Big Daddy’s Chicken: Taiwan’s Famous Crispy Chicken Chop

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

All five of us were not in our perfect selves that night (C-O-L-D-S), but we managed to go with what we originally planned. I guess, it just goes to show that as long as you’re with the right company, the fun part just comes naturally.

MRF TALE 2.0: Eat-all-you-can. ALL YOU CAN!!!

If not for my cousin’s 18th birthday, we would have spent another Sunday (after mass) the usual way, either at home bumming around teenybopper movies and fast food delivery junk or somewhere in Ortigas/Makati looking for whatever adventure we could find.

After my dad and auntie finally decided that we’ll go to Resorts World Manila, I knew right away that we, not just the birthday girl, were all in for a huge treat.

Lo and behold, we found ourselves at Mercado (inside the Casino :>). The dishes were representative of so many foreign countries, but that distinct, charming Filipino flavor did not get lost. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, people! I could have gone for more than 3 rounds, but merely staring at the buffet table was like eating 10 different main course combos already.

What diet?!!?

Round 1: Rice, pasta, salad, and (to die for) chicken

Round 2: Sushi (whatever kind you can think of) fest!

Round 3: Panna cotta

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Special occasions, either birthdays or anniversaries, are meant to be shared with the people closest to our hearts. Spending them on fancy restaurants may cost a lot, but the dining experience that you’d share together would be priceless.

MRF TALE 1.0: Authentic Hainanese Chicken Rice, Siew Mai & Char Siew Pau

As my first attempt at making a decent food blog, I thought of sharing about my simple food escapes for my first ever trip to another Asian country — Singapore!

Whoever said that authentic meals can only be availed at exorbitant prices?

All we needed to flesh out was roughly around $15-30 SG dollars per person to feed our hungry tummies! Friendly, quick service was a huge plus.

The richness of the flavors made us all nod in approval. The natives who cooked our meals were determined to make us order another set. And so, we did.

Singapore left us wanting for more.

Bugis Street Famous Hainanese Chicken Rice, Singapore Food Trail

Siew Mai, Kopitiam Kopi Corner

Char Siew Pau, Kopitiam Kopi Corner

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

What makes travelling to other countries so worthwhile is the thrill that comes along with trying new things. One major facet under the big umbrella called culture is food. So, go ahead! Take your taste buds to a spicy, saucy, or sweet trip!

Sembreak 2011 2.0: SINGAPORE

My actions were dead giveaways for the mix of anxiety (for the unknown) and excitement (for the adventure) rambling inside me.

Aside from the fact that my last plane ride was way back in 2006 (US bound, as a full-time exchange student under the AFS Intercultural Programs) making me (kinda) forget the feeling of going on an international junket, I was a bit preoccupied with my org tasks that I felt like the trip would only get me behind supposed deadlines. But then again, the thought of going to a foreign land, with my family this time, was enough to convince me that I needed and deserved that break.

Hence…HELLO SINGAPORE!

_______________________________________________________________

NAIA Terminal 3, Pasay City

Far from the controversy-stricken NAIA Terminal 1, NAIA Terminal 3 is the kind of airport that I can stay at for hours and I wouldn’t even mind. Although it cannot be compared with the facilities and amenities offered by high-end airports, I still consider the retail shops, restaurants/cafés (with free wi-fi), and its overall minimalist vibe cozy and convenient enough for travel purposes.

_____________________________________________________

TOUCHDOWN SINGAPORE! Ah, that familiar rush upon arriving at an unfamiliar territory.

SG 1.0: Fragrance Hotel, Selegie

Pretty, little lobby, check. Comfy bed, check. Rooftop swimming pool, check. Yummy, complimentary breakfast, check. In-room wi-fi, check. At the heart of the metro, check.

Not so pricey, quality service.

SG 2.0: Little India

Just like Hawaii, Singapore is also a melting pot of cultures. But during our stay, I observed that one of the races that dominates the “Little Red Dot” is the Indian community.

From the moment we arrived, I immediately noticed there was never a place that was not populated by Indians. From the immigration crew, hotel attendants, up to cab drivers, we encountered that distinguishable accent. No wonder, there’s even a special part of Singapore, a few steps away from our hotel, that’s everything about them.

Food, clothes, accessories, movies, temples, zen hubs — everything India!

SG 3.0 Marina Bay Sands

Talk about contrast. After impulsively buying random thingums at whatever we laid our eyes on at Little India’s cheap souvenir shops, we headed to the infamous Marina Bay Sands, where price tags are skyrocket-y high.

Modern, sophisticated architecture and luxury fest.

SG 4.0 ARTSCIENCE MUSEUM 

All I kept saying was “W-O-W”. Every piece of both exhibits (Titanic & Dali), WOW. I mean, WOW.

SG 5.0: Sentosa (Cable Car Ride, Underwater World, Images of Singapore, Merlion *the BIGGEST one!*, and my personal favorite –SONGS OF THE SEAAAAA!)

OH YES, we chose a (magical ;>) Sentosa tour over Universal Studios. Instead of spending an entire day with rides, we wanted to know more about SG — how it developed as a nation, what hurdles it had to undergo just to get the kind of attention that it is getting right now, why people are strictly adhering to the laws of the land, and what measures are being implemented to maintain its pure traditions.

We were tourists hungry for a dose of cultural appreciation. We got what we wanted…and more.

SG 6.0 Merlion Park

We just had to see it for ourselves. Well, Mr. Merlion did not fail to impress. The fountain’s a nice touch. The weather during our visit was a huge plus.

SG 7.0: Qualitas Jewellery Factory

Splurge, splurge, splurge.

SG 8.0: Chocolate Gallery

Who doesn’t love chocolates? Oh God, it was heaven.

SG 9.0: Chinatown

Scenic, less crowded and less polluted than Manila’s. But then again, Binondo’s yummy food finds have always made my taste buds happy.

SG 10.0 Faber Point

We (all Pinoys during the tour) felt like we were in Baguio! Another merlion spotted! :3

SG 11.0: Bugis Street

SHOP ‘TIL YOU DROP. Enough said.

SG 12.0: Cheng Ho III Cruise, Kusu Island

There was something about that cruise that made me feel so sentimental. Everything was just breathtakingly beautiful. When we finally reached our island of destination, goosebumps!

SG 13.0: Night Safari

How can you not love a rainforest appreciation trip? As for that fire dance, damn, I have no words.

THE CATALYST SAYS

When some things in my life just seem so noisy, chaotic or overly messed up, I find some kind of solace in my family. I find comfort knowing that they will be there even if I (sometimes) do things to push them away.

Our SG trip was every bit challenging especially because there were language barriers, preconceived notions, schedule delays, a lot of trips to the forex, and direction mishaps! But honestly, bad energy dies out every time we got to see those amazing places. We couldn’t help but hush in silence together. We were observing, taking in all of the beauty right before our eyes.

I’m sure I’ll be back, but I’ll be a better version of myself by then.

Sembreak 2011 1.0: BATAAN

I almost did not make it to this trip.

If not for my mom who knew right away how much this trip meant to me, I would have been stuck at home sulking on what-ifs because my dad was being his usual (over)protective self. Normal for a father, I know. I guess I just hoped he trusted me more than anything else.

After some discussion when I got back, I understood where my dad was coming from and he also felt that more than the trip itself, I simply wanted to spend my last sembreak with the people I value most in my college life.

October 26-28, 2011 | Morong, Bataan | 

DAY 1.

Bus station to Olongapo

Bus # 70

Double Happiness stop-over

(Yellow) jeepney ride

The long (burning) walk

That bridge

Avell Beach Resort

First dip under the sun

Bonfire, s’mores, random dancing, star gazing

Booze, long hugs, late night conversations

Day 2.

Early morning walk to White Corals

Fresh from the market

Grilled lunch

Sand, waves, skies. Ah, beach.

Cards, karaoke, frisbee #competitive

Day 3.

Spell hearty meal

Leaving on a BRIGHT note

THE CATALYST SAYS

I neither imagined nor expected that we would all be this close but, look at us now. We can say anything to each other without the fear of being misunderstood. We have our own set of worries, but everything just fades out in sight when we’re together. We feel comfortable crying, knowing that contagious laughter will drown out the tears.

In simplest terms, this trip made our friendship stronger than it already is. Honestly, with you guys around, #cheese is an everyday thing.

Pare, tatay, buddehsir, lolo, teh, dancing p3t, labs, v, master, nanay, josh-ua: THANK YOU. Group >:D<!

And…..lbstsr: You are deeply missed.

You meet people who forget you. You forget people you meet. But sometimes you meet those people you can’t forget. Those are your friends.

–MLK, Jr.

*Some photos c/o Ria Landingin and Kate Tayag.

Beauty in the breakdown(s)

In total, I was able to make (or be a part of awesome teams in making) four (major) undergraduate PR plans: (1) PR Campaign Promoting the OrCom Degree Program for a High School of our Choice, (2) PRSP Grand Prix Competition, (3) Digital Comm Plan for an Organization of our Choice, and a (4) Digital Comm Plan for a Real Client.

Making a PR plan, digital or not, is on top of my defining moments as an OrCom major (so far; assuming that OrCom 200 may beat it any time soon ). I loved doing it so much that I had quite a number of breakdowns.

A. Breakdown No. 1: The OrCom Journey campaign

Not a lot of people know that words, more than concrete actions, bring me to tears. No wonder, I literally broke down that day when our PRHS plan did not reach its intended fruition. To some extent, I understood where the harsh comments were coming from. Perhaps, I just did not expect things to turn out the way they did because we thought that the positive responses we received from the high school students were enough to measure our campaign’s success. Or maybe, I was also just so disappointed that we were not able to defend ourselves well enough for the entire class to realize just how much effort we put in, how much fun we had, and how fulfilled we were during the campaign proper.

Here is the audio-visual presentation that we were supposed to show, if not for the speaker mishap. But still, good job Rz !

B. Breakdown No. 2: BIDA KABATAAN campaign

The mind is willing, but the body is surrendering. No regrets, whatsoever. Refer to this post for the full story: http://mariakarencristine.wordpress.com/2011/09/05/prsp-grand-prix-2011-the-real-victory/

C. Breakdown No. 3: HOLCIMcity campaign

Our schedules were at war with one another. No one in the team knew how to edit using Photoshop. We had to stay until 11pm at Hearts and Flours for two straight days just to see the campaign come to life. We thought of the campaign title and tagline at the very last minute. But somehow, everything worked out SO WELL during the defense; so well that we were extremely surprised to hear that we managed to make our tactics so…sexy. The feeling was so remarkable that we felt like we can conquer anything, any time of the day. HAHA!

C. Breakdown No. 4: ONE NIH campaign

This campaign proved that working with your closest friends is not a bad idea, NOT AT ALL. It was our last PR plan, and all we ever wanted was to make it perfect. The panel saw some loopholes, and we respect them for that. They are experts in their respective fields after all. We learned, we had (so much) fun, and now, we’re ready to move on to more challenges like this.

THE CATALYST SAYS

Sir Barry, we cannot THANK YOU enough. I believe I can speak for all of us in the batch when I say that you have made our lives more meaningful. The way you handled OrCom 152 was way more than what we expected it to be. The projects, discussions, seminars, values, and everything else in between made it all worthwhile. We’re glad to have found a coach, instructor, adviser, and a friend in you. Keep on inspiring more students, @babblingbarry! See you around!

Letting go doesn’t make you a weakling. It only means that you are strong enough to show your soft, more vulnerable side. Let go, jump in, what are you waiting for? ‘Cause there’s beauty in the breakdown.