Graduation is in the Air

Yesterday, we had our block pictorial for the batch yearbook. I still can't believe that graduation is just seven months away. I got these photos from our block's resident photographer, Mark Tiu. This is my beloved block since freshman year, Block R1. 

Meanwhile, these are my JTA blockmates for two semesters.  

This was my college block during our freshmen orientation seminar back in 2006. How time flies!

Casino Royale 18th Birthday

My cousin, Misha, celebrated her 18th birthday at the Manila Polo Club last August 22. I've got to say, it was one of the most well-planned and brilliantly-executed parties I have ever attended. The theme of the party was ala Casino Royale complete with all the things you normally see in a casino setting. There were also lots of exciting prizes in store for everybody during the games. My relatives came all the way from Cagayan de Oro and Cebu. The best part of the night was the photo booth. It was so fun to goof around and be our silly selves!

Farewell Cory

Last August 5, we gathered at Anda Circle for the funeral of former Philippine President Corazon "Cory" Aquino. I had the rare privilege to go near the Manila Cathedral together with Sir Cholo and Johnoelle. Uniformed policemen gathered at the premises of the Manila Cathedral to control the crowd. The police were asking all the bystanders to leave the area because it was only for the media. But when we flashed our Ateneo IDs, they allowed us to stay. Sir Cholo, Johnoelle and I got the chance to see the bigwigs from politicians to movie stars to socialites.

We watched from a giant screen the mass officiated by Fr. Arevalo. His homily was very touching and the last words by Kris Aquino left us all teary-eyed.  After the mass, the rain poured so hard as we waited for the remains of Cory Aquino to pass by for the final procession. Despite the bad weather, catching a glimpse of the icon of democracy for the very first and last time is something I could proudly tell my grandkids someday

Discovering Manila

It has been three years since I moved here in Manila but I have never taken the initiative to check out the cultural sights in the city. If I were in a different city or country, I would have immediately checked out whatever there is to see since day one no matter how small or mundane they may be. But here in Manila, I never had the interest to go sightseeing.

When our Computer Science professor asked our class to visit the National Museum as part of our assignment, it made me realized how ignorant I am of my own country's historical sights. From the outside, the building does not look so bad compared to most of the unmaintained structures in the city. 

Afterwards, we decided to go to Binondo, the Chinatown in Manila. We dropped by the shop selling Lord Stow's Egg Tart. It's been ages since I last tasted this. For lunch, we went to President Teahouse. They serve the yummiest dimsum!

ASD Team Building

Last May 30 to 31, the ADSA Student Deputies had a team building activity in Las Haciendas, Batangas. It was a perfect R&R together with the staff and deputies of the Student Affairs Office and the InTact Core Team. We stayed in very cozy bamboo huts. I loved the drapes and Japanese lanterns as well as the bed cushion.

After lunch, the whole gang went trekking. We all trekked until we got to Ambon-Ambon Falls. The long walk and slippery rocks were all worth it!

As proud student deputies, we managed to form the letters ASD, which stands for Adsa Student Deputies.

Later in the afternoon, we took a dip in the pool. I am definitely gonna miss my ASD Family when I graduate soon.

No Longer a Teen

I can't believe that I am no longer a teenager. For my birthday this year, I didn't have any concrete plans but as always, God has this unique way of surprising me. May 1 was Labor Day so we didn't have any class. Gui and I went to Sizzling Pepper Steak just beside my boarding house.

Over lunch, Gui randomly asked me if I wanted to go clubbing in Embassy with some of our friends that night. I do not really fancy going to clubs because I hate the smell of cigarette on my hair. But I decided to go this time because the following day is a Saturday and I have a reason to celebrate..I am turning 20!

Cebu: Microtel Resort

Last April 9 to 11, my family and I met up in Cebu for the Holy Week. I was at first hesitant to join this trip because I still have to study for my final exams. School has been so hectic since the JTA semester is almost coming to an end, but I figured I needed to unwind a bit. Hence, I brought my lecture notes with me so I could study in the presence of the beautiful Mactan Beach.

Directly in front of the lobby is this beachfront with eye-catching white cabanas.

Singapore: Day 4

On our last day in Singapore, we had a more relaxing itinerary. For brunch, we went to Newton Hawker Centre, said to be the biggest hawker center in the city. It was still quite early when we got there so most stalls were still closed. Good thing a couple of stalls selling Chinese food were already starting to open. We feasted on fried rice, chili crabs, and fried buns. 

We then went to Suntec City Convention Center after lunch. There was no event in the convention center that day so we decided to just walk to the nearby Suntec City Mall. We got bored roaming around the mall so we went to the cinema and watched the movie, Bride Wars. Along the way, we passed by a Filipino restaurant called 7,107 Flavours. 7,107 in the Philippines refers to the estimated number of islands in the country. 

After sunset, we visited the Fountain of Wealth, said to be the largest fountain in the world. Many were lining up to make a wish around the fountain so I did the same.

We strolled along Marina Bay at night and checked out the Esplanade and Merlion once again.

Singapore: Day 3

We alloted our third day in Singapore to visit Sentosa Island, which is half a kilometre away from the southern coast of the main island. To get there, we first made a stop at Vivo City, one of the gazillion malls in Singapore. We took a quick bite at the mall's Food Republic.

Connected to Vivo City is the Sentosa Express, the special train to Sentosa Island. When we got to Sentosa, I saw their version of the Merlion and this weird-looking guy.

There was a flower festival in Sentosa Island. Their exhibits were brilliant!

We got up the Tiger Sky Tower, which is said to be Singapore's tallest observatory.

These were taken outside the Singapore Museum.

We enjoyed the downhill Luge ride so much. It was very exciting! Then we took the Skyride, which is similar to the ski lifts in ski resorts.

In Sentosa, we also visited the Dolphin Lagoon, which is the home of the pink dolphins.

Then we went to Underwater World, an oceanarium with over 2500 species. 

Before sunset, we got to Palawan Beach, an artificial, reclaimed beach that uses the sands from Indonesia and Malaysia. I was so scared to cross the hanging bridge because the Indians were jumping and making it so shaky. 

At night, we headed to the Siloso Beach area in Sentosa to watch the musical show, Songs of the Sea. According to the Asians Attractions Awards, it is the world’s first permanent show set in the sea, featuring dramatic special effects, engaging music, pyrotechnics and a live cast creatively weaved into a magical tale.

This is Sentosa Island still alive and kicking at night. 

After a long, adventure-filled day in Sentosa, we took the Sentosa Express Train back to Vivo City. We then had dinner at the Swiss restaurant Marche. Upon entering the restaurant, we were each given a card, which we will use every time we order something in the restaurant-cum-market. It stored our bill temporarily. Such a cool concept!

I loved the whole self-service idea and the fact that all the food is laid out in the open so it is easier to decide which one to order. 

 

Singapore: Day 2

On our second day, we took a quick stroll along Orchard Road and then we went to Clarke Quay, formerly blocks of warehouses which have been transformed into restaurants and nightclubs. I love the young and playful vibe of the whole place.

There are so many restaurants to choose from. The Clinic Bar caught my eye instantly.

Other attractions in Clarke Quay: Bungee Jumping and Shopping in the nearby Central Mall.

While in Clarke Quay, we had brunch at the American chain, Hooters. I loved the cozy, wooden, pub-like interiors.

I couldn't resist taking photos of the waitresses in Hooters, known all over the world for their tight tank-tops and short shorts. All three of us were so hungry. Just look at all the food we ordered. Baboy much? Haha!

I took notice of the signs outside their toilet doors. They looked so funny!

After Clarke Quay, we went to one of the most famous tourist attraction in Singapore, the Night Safari. It is the world's first nocturnal zoo that occupies 40 hectares and houses over 1000 animals with various species.

We took this cute zebra transportation to go around the park. But I honestly didn't see any interesting animal. It was so freaking dark! The Night Safari experience didn't exactly meet my expectations. Maybe I am just too old for all these!