Memory 33: The Manila Times

I had my internship at The Manila Times. It was a 200-hour practicum required by the CEO and Executive Editor Sir Dante "Klink" Ang II. Initially, I was assigned to the news section under Sir William Depasupil. He was based at the defense corps office of Camp Aguinaldo at that time. I stayed for a few days in the camp and found my batch- and major-mates Ara and Axel; both from JRN4. It was hard for me since I'm not really into news. 

When the opportunity came to be part of the lifestyle section, I wrote a letter to the Executive Editor and got transferred right away. With the lifestyle section, I found the thrill I was looking for in a writing job. It's not about the loot bags but the excitement every event made me feel. I find news a thrilling experience but there's more with the lifestyle section because my interests are closer to that area. I'm happy to be able to work with the lifestyle people especially my mentors Ma'am Tessa and Miss Euden.

Here are my pride. It's not much but the experience is worth remembering. I love Times! If it weren't for them, I wouldn't be able to discover a lot of things about myself.

THE PRE-BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

Four days before my birthday, I invited my relatives and close friends to a lunch at our new house. We enjoyed the homey food, magic sing, bonding with friends & cousins, and capturing moments. I really had a great time especially the "bonding of the cousins" at night and catching up with my best friends Xartee & his boyfriend Clyde and my college close friend Bettina. I super had fun. Better setup next time :)

Check the pictures here :)

Photos from July 28-29, 2012 Pre-Birthday Celebration

If you're not busy...

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https://twitter.com/ichbinfaye0731

THE COUNTDOWN: Day 18 of 31

What's the countdown? Nothing. I'm just always excited when July comes in. First, by the end of the month it will my birthday. Second, a lot of my friends and KPOP idol members celebrate their birthdays this month. Lastly, I just love July.

I would be given a chance to spend my birthday with one KPOP group, I'll pick SHINHWA. I just love the mix of personalities of this 14-year-old group. Hands up, Changjo!

Klang Reise 005: Sistar's Alone

Sistar's Alone was released early this year. When I saw the teaser with the sexy red and black set plus the beautiful Las Vegas, I know Sistar is up for another femme fatale concept. After the controversial tail dance from last year's So Cool, here comes the butt dance for title track Alone. But this one's a little decent than the former. One fact -- SISTAR CAN DANCE.

My favorite is the lead vocal and dancer Hyorin. After watching her from Pattaya last year dancing to Love, Sex, and Magic, she's definitely one of the sexy females of girl groups. Even the male idols who participated in Pattaya confirmed that with their "wow" reactions while watching Hyorin dance. Personally, I would love to have that sexiness with a little innocence... and Hyorin knows how to do it effortlessly.

Here's the oozing smokin' hot MV. Did I add a lot of adjectives there? Forgive me. Just a fan.

Credits to YouTube

Memory 32: A Hardcore KPOP Fan With Moderation

I'm a confessed KPOP fan. From Shinhwa, Super Junior, Big Bang, 2NE1, f(x). 2PM, and down to the rookie groups, I watch them online and keep myself updated with their activities. A lot of thanks to the World Wide Web, indeed I get in touch with a lot of fans like me. We always gather in every social networking site out there and talk about our favorite groups. 

One thing I'm proud of being a fan is that we know the meaning of moderation even if we spend a lot of bucks and sleeping time for our loveys. Yes and we are that devoted. Thanks to the internet. Even if we missed an hour or two of the comeback performances or release of music video, teasers, etc., we can still watch it and abuse the repeat button.

I know a lot of KPOP fans who would skip meals just to save money for an album from Korea to be shipped here in the Philippines. I did that twice and realized that I can just download their album for free on the internet (for private use). But the thought that you can help them with the digital sales (fans know about the Hanteo charts, etc. and we're all dying to make our loveys top the charts), buying their albums are worth it. As for me, I don't collect. I buy my favorite albums. Sorry fans. I'm supporting more than one group and so I can't open my wallet for all albums. Hihihi. But rest assured, I love my biases.

I'm an ELF, VIP, Blackjack, Changjo, aff(x)onate, Hottest, Boice... name it. Having more than one fandom makes us love Korea as a whole including dramas, culture, and its people. :)

I'm shouting this out to non-KPOP fans. I hope they don't take us as crazy fans because we know our limitations. Well, other KPOP fans are way overboard but don't take us as a whole. We know where we stand and our loveys will always be on the internet. Again and again, THANK YOU INTERNET! IF IT WEREN'T FOR YOU, BEING A KPOP FAN WOULD BE DIFFICULT. THANKS TO YOU WE CAN WATCH ANY TIME AND ANY DAY!!

Klang Reise 004: Demi Lovato's Give Your Heart A Break

I'm really excited about the 28th. I'll throw an early celebration with my closest friends and family at our new home. It's going to be fun. I hope they confirm their attendance soon. Hihi. Today marks day 17 of 31. Waaa!

Let me share this song from Demi Lovato. I'll let the song "Give Your Heart A Break" and Demi Lovato tell you why this song is just... LOVE!

Credits to YouTube

THE COUNTDOWN: Day 13 of 31

They say today's an unlucky day since it's Friday the 13th but I think it's just an ordinary day. We can experience unlucky events any day and blaming it on Friday the 13th is just crazy. We're making our own monsters.

Anyway, today is declared to be "The National Day of Remembrance" for the Comedy King Rodolfo Vera Quizon a.k.a. Dolphy by the President of the Philippines, Noynoy Aquino. Everyone is mourning for his death because of his countless contributions for the industry and to the lives of the ordinary Filipinos. He is truly a legend and rightful to be awarded of the National Artist Award. I'm praying that even if he wasn't able to receive that before his death, it will be given to him soon with his family accepting it for his behalf now he's gone.

I didn't grew up watching his TV shows but saw some of his movies and indeed, it made me laugh and forget some of life's realities. He is the medicine for he is the laughter of every Filipino.

This day, 18 days before my birthday, I offer my sincerest condolences to the Quizon family and to the Kapamilya, Kapuso, and Kapatid out there who were touched by the Comedy King's humility and kindness.

RIP Dolphy. You will be remembered.

THE COUNTDOWN: Day 5 of 31

Challenges welcomed my month. I'm not going to let them bring me down. I'm up for anything. So bring it on!

July is my birth month. 31 is the day! I'm excited even if I don't have concrete plans of throwing a small party or eat out. But one thing's for sure, I'll be a year older but will always be a child at heart. That will remind me of who I really am. 5 down, 26 days more!

Memory 31: Emotionally Draining

This summer has been a roller coaster ride of emotions. I've been positive about the things happening in my life but at the end of the day, reality check, I'm losing my hope bit by bit.

A friend told me that she shares the same sentiment with me. "Is there something wrong with me? I gave it my best but it's always not good enough," she whined. Those words screamed inside my head.

What is happening, really? Should I give myself a break for a month or two? I'm considering a summer vacation extension in a rainy season. Yes. My situation is that bad.

I'm thankful that somehow my parents are not pushing me but the thought that I want help them really bugs me. It's not an obligation but a responsibility that pushes me to make an action. I've done a lot of actions but none paid off. Maybe trying too hard is not the key. Timing it is. Why? No matter how dedicated you are, if it's not meant for you, nothing will happen.

But seriously, this is emotionally draining. Even if I have the strength to go out everyday, my heart wants to shut down. I feel like I can give more but I don't have the energy to push through in the end. When you know what will happen, it's not exciting anymore.

Besides the Almighty Father, my family and friends are my source of strength. I just think about them or scan our reunion pictures make me the happiest. Slowly, I regain my strength.

I just want to escape for a day to a far away place. Just me. I just want my alone time again like what I had in Calereuga. But it will take me some time to be in that place. Soon.

Memory 30: My Journey As Bridgetine (Batch 2008)

Memory 29: The Tomb

We had bible studies before and Pastor Dunnrae always lead us. We would listen to him sing inspiring songs and share motivating stories. We also shared our thoughts and experiences, and listened to others' stories as well. It was a bonding not just with our friends and classmates but also with God.

It was September 23, 2009 when Pastor Dunn asked us to write our tombs then our friends would write good things about us. It was a memorable activity and I'm glad I've kept this one.

Memory 28: To The Person Who Loves Me Unconditionally

I had a close friend who loves me unconditionally. I've been rude and mean to her but still, she treated me the same. I love her for that. I'm sorry for everything, Cez!

I found this attached to my music notebook. It's the song she wrote for me during the time that we're apart and that I'm too selfish not to consider her feelings. Again, I'm really sorry Cez. Don't worry. I'm here, right? I'm not leaving you again.

This was handwritten by Cez. Sorry about the low quality of the camera hihi.

(Late greetings) HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!

It's a special day for all fathers out there! Greet them, hug them, kiss them and the most important thing is LOVE THEM! I posted this on Facebook but I wanted to share with y'all. Check out the link. :)

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY PAGUDDY ♥

Memory 27: Pieces From The Past

I was cleaning my room since we're planning to move out soon. Anyway, I found these pieces from my bed's "abandoned" drawer and was surprised that they're still here with me. I thought when we first moved in here, I lost them. I was relieved when I get my hands on them again.

These are my compositions, "Fate" and "In Our Hearts." They were the fruits of my Senior year in St. Bridget. No one never noticed me. It's because I was too shy to show what I can do before. I was the quiet one and barely talked in class. But when I'm with my friends, I'm the loudest. Hihi.

One day, the director of our musicale (our finals for music class) came to me and asked me to write a song. The other classes had original compositions while we only covered songs. I asked help from my friend Shane. She was in-charged of the music while I wrote the lyrics. So finally, we came up with FATE.

Supposedly the two main characters were to sing the song but since we ran out of time to teach them, I sang it live with Shane and Mara. I was really nervous because I'm singing my composition in a big crowd. I got compliments after show. It was really memorable for me.

Here are some pictures I compiled for the song I wrote. :)

Klang Reise 003: Ulala Session's Beautiful Night

Here's Superstar K3 winner Ulala Session. I am a big fan of this group since I've watched the whole season 3 of Superstar K3. I fell in love on how they play with notes with their powerhouse vocals. They are really born to perform onstage. Also, the story of their leader Im Taek really inspired me that despite the circumstances, if you believe in your dreams, it will happen if you want to make it happen. So let me show you what I'm talking about. They are the band to beat. Hihi.

Ulala Session's MCountdown debut stage with Beautiful Night

First performance on a big stage in Singapore: MAMA 2011

Credits to YouTube

Klang Reise 002: Lady GaGa's The Edge Of Glory

I just love Lady Gaga. Her courage to pursue her music and the crazy fashion are beyond words. Despite many criticisms that pull her down, the little monsters (Lady GaGa calls her fans little monsters denoting them as her children being the Mother Monster) will forever support their Mother Monster.

I don’t really consider myself as a little monster but I find her music really interesting. It has a hook and unlike other artists, she can do live performances. That is one charm I look for in every artist out there. Like my favorite KPOP music, most of the singers and bands that I know can go live singing and dancing for their fans.

Her fashion is very unique and avant garde. Also, her shoes seen on Bad Romance video were designed by Filipino shoe designer Kermit Tesoro. Proud Filipino, hands up!

Anyway, my klang reise entry is about her song The Edge of Glory. The music video is different from her usual grandeur gothic-like and dark concepts. But one thing that gave me a hook on this song was when a video prepared by UST for the neo-centennial graduates (like me) used this song as background music. When it was played, we really felt we’re on the edge of glory as we are about to exit the Arch of Centuries. For four years, we avoided that just not to spoil the tradition. Hihihi. 

So here's the original. Can't find the UST AVP. :))

Lady GaGa’s The Edge of Glory

Credits to YouTube

Klang Reise 001: Yiruma's River Flows In You

I've been fascinated with the German language and so I'm creating a blog segment called "Klang Reise." It means SOUND TRIP. I will take you to my world of music and how songs from various genres inspire me every minute of my life. 

Yiruma’s RIVER FLOWS IN YOU

Credits to YouTube

This is one of my favorite pieces from Yiruma. You can feel the subtleness on every note. His hands delicately touch the keys that touch your heart and soul. There’s a mixture of joy and agony in this piece. It’s like taking you to a different world; a journey full of good and bad memories. Whenever I listen to it, I feel calm and nostalgic. I just want to play it on repeat and I can get through the day with a lot of motivation to go on life.

Memory 26: Thursday Gala Day!

My cousin who works at ABSCBN gave us passes for the movie Every Breath U Take. (Thanks much Kooch!!) The original plan was to watch it with Jovi, Jerica, Jemaica, and Pia but due to some budget situation, me and Janica ended up watching it together. It was our second cinema date. The first was Unofficially Yours.

Call time's at 11AM but we met at 4. Good thing I met up with Cha in Gateway for a small chat so I didn't wait for a longer time. Since we're already late for the 4:40 showing of Every Breath U Take, we didn't see the opening. Anyway, we were enjoying our popcorn and drinks while reacting to funny and sweet scenes from the movie. Can't elaborate some reactions since it includes not-for-broadcast-reactions. Hihihi.

All throughout the film, we were laughing and even teared up a bit especially when the film was about to end. There were scenes that really touched our hearts. I'm proud to say that I watched a Filipino film and it was worth it! It's a must watch film for romcom enthusiasts.

After the movie, we took some pictures. I really had fun with my cousin and I'm looking forward to watch Born To Love You with her and my new acquaintance, Ate Donna. Here are the pictures from our movie date...

After our movie date, I rushed to meet Betts at Star Mall near Shaw Station to watch PFW's Menswear. Since we were already late, we just decided to stroll around SMX Convention Center. There was a Super Bazaar with lots of designer bags, shoes, clothes, makeup and accessories. It was a beautiful sight! Betts and I vowed to prepare for next year's summer PFW. We didn't know this year's fashion week was invitation-based. Her boss didn't inform her but it's alright. We enjoyed the walkathon and the milk tea!!

So there's my Thursday Gala Day! I really had fun though we ran out of time since I have to be home before midnight. I'm looking forward to more days like this. It was really fun! Till my next gala. Hihi.

Memory 25: All Eyes On Me

Realizations. I've been thinking about how I did for the past four years and I can say I'm proud of what I've become today in terms of growth and maturity. I guess bragging about yourself is not being arrogant but just a sign of confidence about being yourself. Anyway, this is one of my self-reflections.

Criticisms. This is what I've got to say about it: Accept criticisms graciously and learn from them. They are said to encourage a person to be better, to improve, and to realize a lot of things about oneself. I had a different view on criticisms before but I changed my mind eventually.

Before, I'm always worried about what others think of me. I would get really shy standing in front of many people. I held back my thoughts in group discussions. I couldn't find my voice in a crowd. Even if I had a lot to say, I'd rather let others say it and take credit. I was letting others shine while I let myself down.

But to tell you honestly, I always find the joy in helping others. Seeing them happy and satisfied is a fulfillment for me. For others, it may come across as too good to be true but for me, it's a sense of fulfillment. Though along the way, I must admit that I have struggled to find my own fulfillment for myself.

I've been through a lot on my last year in college and I learned a lot from it. I learned to accept criticisms graciously and never hold grudges. I never did actually. I just the criticisms get in and keep it to myself till I explode. Been there. When I exploded in anger and frustrations, that's when I learned to be strong. Like the Filipino cliche, "Pasok sa isang tenga, labas sa kabila." I think that's one of the sayings that I live by until now.

Now I value the art of letting go not just physically but also emotionally.


I've been surrounded with a lot of people and I wasn't able to realize then that I didn't know  who I was. And so when I got the chance to discover myself; I grabbed it and up to this day, I am learning about myself.

Right now, I can't say that I'm already set to reach for my dreams because I know I have to prepare myself first to the bigger world. A strong heart can conquer anything if one is ready to face what's out there. I think I'm not yet that strong to face what's beyond my circle. I guess I need more time.


Time. I value time better than before. It's like ticking on me and reminding me of what I should do. Also, it reminds me of how everyone is waiting for me to shine especially my parents and closest relatives. They're expecting a lot from me and I'm not here to disappoint anyone. I'll do what it takes to fulfill my dreams and theirs as well.


Having all eyes directed at you isn't bad at all. There's always something good in any bad. Whatever pushed me to be where I am now, kudos to you! Thank you for making me an improving fighter up to this day. I'm like the apprentice of a warrior and I love it. I'm going to fight with all my heart, soul and life for myself and my dearest family.


With that, I just want people to realize how much pressure they give to other people. It can help but too much will only make it bad.