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