Endings and Beginnings

The CMS 135 bloggig class is the supreme reason for having this blog put up. And last Wednesday, 19th of March, the group had a launchig of online magazines that i was part of as well. The launch was held at St. Mikes dormitel- a stunning place that looked so much like a museum of fabulous artifacts more than a dorm. The launch was a success.

The launch gave way to another milestone for the class. For weeks, we have planned and designed for two big online magazines. And March 19th was the day of its birth to the online sphere.

Here are the two blogs that we’ve presented to the UPV community:

hashtagpeyups.tumblr.com

hashtag peyups is an online magazine handled by my other blogger friends. It’s definitely full of UPV stories, tips, and other write-ups that will undoubtedly entertain you!

 

 

iskodiaries.tumblr.com

isko diaries, on the other hand, is my groups offspring. It’s an online magazine filled with portals that lead you to stories about the university that you can either discover here or relate to! My birthchild in this site is the EAT UP! page where i write about the cool places in UP you just can’t miss and the food you just can’t taste! The site’s fun and it really gives you an inside look into our little world in the university.

Well, altough this launch is the beginning of another sphere, it is as well the end of our journey as a class. This blogging class was really a great adventure and it helped us see the amazing perks of being online. there are a lot of realizations in this journey and it has been one hell of a roller coaster ride.

 

 

My Excitement in Words

Now that the secret’s out, I can finally let you guys know how ecstatic I am for this year’s trip out of the country!

Since my mom and I promised ourselves at least one getaway every year, we’ve booked a trip to Singapore! We didn’t tell my dad and my brother at first but now that they found out, it’s just fair that I write about how excited I am in preparing for this getaway.

Well right now, I’m still saving for the trip. It’s almost summer and we all know that we don’t get allowances in summer. But taking advantage of the internet, planning the vacation’s such a delight for me and my mom. The boys, Josh and dad, still don’t have their tickets but they might come as well.

Anyhow, mom and I aren’t on the same flights going to Singapore. She’s going to arrive early via Manila and I’m flying from Iloilo. It’s gonna be a four-hour flight and I’m flying alone (that’s if we don’t get our boys tickets) but it’s gonna be one hell of a challenge for me. I haven’t been on an international flight alone so it really gives me the goosies thinking about it (but I do hope some cute guy sits beside me or better yet, no one at all lol).

The plan’s really more of a back-packers kind of trip. Thanks to Juris, a friend working in Singapore, we’ve figured out cheap hostels to stay in for the nights we’re there. Here’s a link to finding the cheapest, best, and cutest hostels in Singapore. http://www.hostelbookers.com/hostels/singapore/singapore/

It’s really the back-packers type of lounges but there are a lot of freebies for the guests like free city tours that mom’s really excited about. There are some that offer bike rentals as well. Reading their reviews I can just imagine how great the trip’s gonna be!

There are a few things and places in mind that we really have got to visit and try. For one, the Merlion’s a must-see and Sentosa’s never not an option. We’re most likely to spend a whole day at Universal Studios Singapore and another day shopping around the city. There’s a lot of things to do in mind. But as of the moment, saving’s really the mission.

Well, here’s a sneak peek into the pre-getaway stuff. Hopefully you’ll get to join me in Singapore through my blog. And if you have ideas and suggestions about adventures in Singapore, feel free to comment.

Summers at Boracay

 

Summer vacations are nice. You get to relax and enjoy time alone or better yet, with the people you love most.

What i love about this time of year is that you get to travel when you go on vacations. You get to see new places and different people. You get to spend time away from work or school and just enjoy yourself. But really, summer vacations are not the same without having a trip to the beach.

Boracay- undoubtedly the best place to be in summer.

It’s seemingly tradition that the family takes a trip to Boracay every summer of every year. It has been like this since the 90’s. And well, this tradition has made me experience the transition of Boracay from being a virgin island into becoming one of the summer capitals in the whole Philippines.

Boracay’s a wonder. Since then, the white sand beach is definitely the real reason why everyone’s drawn to the place. But now, the scenery, the party, the shops, the tourists, the parasailing, the banana boat rides, the flying fish, these are plus points making the whole isalnd a wonder.

From Iloilo City, Boracay’s a six hour drive. This is why the family often leaves at around midnight in order to have breakfast in the island. But on the way is the sea food capital, Roxas City. So you guys might want to drop by the place. After the drive to Caticlan, you get on a ferry to the island itself. And setting foot, you either get on a multicab or a trike to your hotel.

Well, there are a lot of activities you get to do when you’re on the island. One of which is well, swimming on the beach! The clear water will definitely entice you. And it’s best to go swimming early in the morning when the sun’s not at its peak.

Another thing is going on beach activities like banana boat riding, parasailing, flying fishing, and boating! These rides take about ten to twenty minutes but i bet you’re gonna enjoy it as much. Boating, however, takes two to four hours. You get to visit different islands, go fish feeding, and well, buying coconut juice from vendors who sell it on bangkas.

 

Lastly, you shouldn’t miss partying on the island. Filipinos around the country and tourists around the world gather in Boracay to have the ULTIMATE experience and it wouldn’t be complete without partying.

 

 

 

*photos are not of the author’s property*

Stress Freedom

It has been a very long week and the work load and pressure in school and at home gives me so much tension and i have been getting these rashes and mini-breakdowns that eventually made me write this post. And well, taking my own advice really helped me a lot. I hope you get something from it too.

Stress can cause different side effects to different people.

Some people under stressful conditions can be very productive. This is if one knows how to handle and work under so much pressure. But some can get easily paranoid or depressed when under a stressful situation. Some can’t sleep , eat, or drink when under stress. Some others turn to taking huge amounts of alcohol or drugs.  And well, some get to thepoint of making stupid decisions or attempting to take one’s life.

Stress cannot be avoided in our everyday lives. It is inevitable and may strike anytime. Thus, i have prepared some helpful tips in order to battle stress.

1. Cry, if you must. According to sharecare.com (2014), “Tears help wash away emotional stress brought on by intense feelings of joy, grief or panic”. In short, crying is a good way to wash out stress. As they always say, let your feelings out. Holding in your feelings will just worsen your mood.
2. Make a list. Sometimes stress can be caused by being disorganized. Keeping things together will keep you from unnecessary panicking and help you get things done on time. A list will help by telling you what to do first, second, and so on.

A list may also be in the form of a table. It will relieve you from stressing in making an important decision. Writing down the pros and cons and seeing it from the best point of view will help you get over stress and give you the best solution yet.

1. A timetable, perhaps? Along with a list may come a timetable- a schedule on what to do and when to do it. Keeping things in order and doing things on-time does not only keep you from further stress but may get you to do more things given the extra time for you to spare!
2. Get a hobby. I dance when i’m stressed. It keeps me from losing my sanity. Take it from me, a hobby will get you to temporarily forget what your head is revolving around. It may not necessarily be a something you’re good at. You may jog, write, box, swim, do whatever that keeps you and your mind away from the world. It will keep you from overthinking and making bad and stupid impulsive decisions. After sweating or busying yourself from your hobby, you may get to see a better view of your problem and may come up with better decisions and solutions.
3. Eat chocolate. Chocolate fights depression. The intake of chocolate make the body secrete serotonin and endorphins. These are the same chemicals that are secreted when one gets wounded.These hormones relieve the body from stress and pressure. They are otherwise known as anti-depressants. So the intake of chocolate will not only keep your tummy happy but your mind as well.
4. Exercise. Exercise does not only strengthen your heart and your body, it gives you confidence as well. Knowing that you are healthy inside and out will keep your mind in a stable state and boost your self esteem. Exercise lowers your blood pressure and and increases energy level (webmd.com, 2014).
5. Surround yourself with comforting people. When i’m stressed, i always surround myself with people who i know loves me and comforts me. People like your family will always be there to comfort you and make you fell good about yourself. As humans that we are, being told things that make us feel good always relieves the stress. Being with your friends and having a good time gives you the opportunity to momentarily push yourself away from problems that may swallow you and make you depressed. These people help you in ways like clearing your mind and giving you a quick break from your workload.

Stress will always be there. But it is always by choice that we either envelope ourselves in it or live with stress but deal with it in ways that help us emotionally and physically.

 

Six things for Healthy Relationships

Relationships are hard things to maintain- like growing a plant or keeping a printed shirt looking good as new. But it’s a responsibility that we maintain and strengthen relationships not only with our boyfriend/girlfriend but also with our friends, workmates, and especially with our family.

Maintaining relationships should be balanced and well tended. Here are 6 healthy tips on how to maintain a relationship with a partner as well as building a stronger one with your other relations and with yourself.

1. Know who you’re dealing with. As they always say, you can’t be together with someone you hardly know so know who you are/will be committing yourself to. It’s an effort for both parties and the getting-to-know part is the most crucial. It is where you build up a decision to be with or not to be with someone. But though it’s somehow a tough job, it could be as fun as well. Getting to know a person will give you space to learn about yourself as well. You get to know if you like bad boys/girls or good boys/girl; or if you’d rather date a nerd or an athlete. It’s a discovery! So don’t get on the train too quickly. Enjoy the part where the story’s just about to begin. Not only will it be an experience remembering but it surely will be an experience worth telling in the future!
2. Don’t get too clingy. Attaching yourself emotionally to one person is no problem. But don’t get overly-attached. Have weekly dates, talk on the phone, text, eat lunch together- do what you have to do to get to know each other. Just don’t attach yourself to your partner 24/7.
3. Make time for friends and family. These types of relationships are nurtured for years. There is understanding and unconditional love. But do not abuse it. Bearing the thought “family and friends will always have your back” makes us think that taking them for granted is fine- that they will understand and they will forgive. But wounds sometimes leave scars. True, they will eventually forgive us. But the things nurtured for years, like trust, cannot be easily regained. I have always believed that although there is no time to spare, if you love someone, you will always make time.
4. Have time for yourself. If (2) and (3) is a success, it will be easy to do (4). Eventually, being overly-attached will focus all your attention on your partner giving yourself no time to grow. Having time for yourself helps you make independent decisions. It gives you time to think and time for yourself. Exercise, have a manicure, a spa, relax- after all, there’s nothing wrong with “me-time”.
5. Have a schedule. A schedule is very handy, believe it or not. The world is eventually becoming fast-paced. Everything is becoming smaller and faster. And undeniably, everyone is adapting to this change. Sticking to a schedule will always be a good idea. Have time for your partner, have time for your friends, have time for your family and have time for yourself!
6. YOLO. Well, in contrast to (5), having a schedule can sometimes be quite boring and tedious. But adding fun at least once a week is something every person with a schedule will be looking forward to! So being spontaneous is never omitted in the book. Make a bucket list with your friends or your partner, have karaoke nights, have a bottle of two, eat a Sloppy Joe, do anything you want!

Relationships are hard but it can be fun if you want it to be. It’s more like a system that everyone gets into and commits to but it doesn’t have to be tiresome and you don’t have to be pressured.

There can always be fun in everything if you want it to. But what’s really important is you spend it with the ones you love, the ones you’ve shared commitments with.

Dinagyang in 57 seconds

The weekend was great- especially that it’s the Dinagyang Festival here in Iloilo again. And well, here’s pretty much the summary of my weekend in 57 seconds.

My weekend was basically strolling downtown with my friends, eating some street food and batchoy (an Iloilo specialty), and partying at smallville complex with the rest of the hyped up ilonggos.

Dinagyang’s really where the fun is so maybe you guys could join us again next year! 😀

Twenty fourteen to-do list

It’s day six of 2014 and a lot is going on my mind- adventures, airports, food, and all that jazz. The year is young and a lot is going to happen so I’ve prepared 14 New Year’s resolution/ bucket list. I hope to achieve all these in the 359 days left and enjoy myself as well.

1. Travel to 2 new countries, at least! More passport stamps, the more exciting! Maybe another trip for the Holidays? I hope so.

2. Learn how to bake. My mom always says that it’s a waste of a learning opportunity when we have baking equipment at home but no one tries to use it. So I’ve decided to YouTube-learn my way to baking. I should get myself to bake cookies, cakes, cupcakes, and other sweets and pastry that I personally like. It’s gonna be a lot of help on my cousins’ birthdays, sleepovers, tea parties, and other small occasions.
3. Climb a mountain. It has been, for years, which I have written this on my bucket list. Climbing a mountain for me, would really test my patience and perseverance. And aside from that, I really want to get to the peak and appreciate the view I have reached. Maybe take a selfie, yes? LOL. But seriously, I hope this year I could check this on my bucket list.
4. Save, save, save! I admit to being a spender. So this year, I vow to keep my hands inside my pockets and not impulsively spend on things that I do not need. Simple as that! Oh, and I have to save for future trips as well.
5. Get a taste of something new. Literally. Maybe a visit and list of new favorite restaurants and dishes would be great. One Italian, one American, one Filipino, and probably some things exotic. 🙂
6. Try a new routine. A healthier one, I expect. Since graduation is up and the next phase of my life is not waking up in the comfort of my dormitory bed, I should get a new routine. Maybe one that includes jogging early in the morning before I go to work. That reminds me;
7. Get a job. Yes, I should live a life independent to my parent’s money. (But it doesn’t mean you have to stop giving me allowance, mom!) I should probably get a job. One that I enjoy and would not quit for at least, I don’t know, 20 years? But, yeah, I should get a job. But before that I should probably;
8. Graduate on time! The main reason why all trips are postponed until the end of April 2014. Focus, I think, is the main key in achieving this. Keep calm, stay in the zone, and make my teachers happy- my main objectives.
9. Stop cutting my hair. After trimming down my hair for more than 10 times last year, I suggest (to myself) that I have it grow longer. Or even the longest in my whole life. Maybe adding a color change and a perm but my main goal is to have it looooooooooong before the graduation photos get shot.
10. Give back. One other thing that I plan for my birthday (aside from having a wild hotel room party with my co-celebrator and best friend, Ina) is to help a community of street children or orphans. It has been a weakness, not only for me but for my mom, dad, and brother that we help children who were not taken care of by their own parents. It is self- fulfilling as well as a joy to give back.
11. Pay my dues. I have been taken care of, for almost 21 years, by two of the most loving people in the whole universe. I intend to be a good daughter by providing them with occasional free spa gift certificates and making them a nice cup of coffee every now and then. But ultimately telling them how much I love them as often as possible.
12. Take care of myself. Since school’s almost over (for good), I swear to give myself enough time for beauty sleep, trips to the spa, meditation time, and food trips. It makes me healthy and glowing inside and out. I think it’s time to try to make myself appreciate my own beauty (gosh that sounds so narcissistic and gay).
13. Pray a little harder. I admit to asking forgiveness from God for not having enough time to pray. But I think I should do a little better to not only strengthen my faith but make me reflect on reconciliation with people I’ve had fights and misunderstandings with. I think it’s high time to be more forgiving and it could only be achieved through soul searching and reflection and prayer, most of all.
14. Love life and the love of my life. It sounds cheesy, I know. Forgive me, I liked the wordplay. hahaha

But on a serious note, I think I should pay more attention to my boyfriend. He’s been wonderful despite the distance and I know I’ve been unfair and selfish. So I promise to be kinder and spare him some of my attention. He knows how important he is to me so he shouldn’t be all worried and paranoid. Yes, honey, sometimes you are. But chill, have a cup of coffee. 🙂 Finally, I, selfishly speaking, have decided to YOLO (with responsibility) my way through 2014. My life, inclusive of my family, bffs, friends, classmates, and all the rest that comes along, is, to me, important that I enjoy. Welcome, twenty fourteen. I wish that you let me live the fullest this year. ❤