EXO - Miracles in December

AAAAAAAND IT'S FINALLY OUT!!


And I finally witnessed Baekhyun playing the piano!! YAAAAAY!

The moon and LuBaekChen's (and DOBaekChen) set kinda reminded me of the MAMA era, too.

I like how this mv showed their personalities or images, such as:

• Lay and his composing songs,

• Kris being 'Picasso',

• Tao and dressing up (and if I know, the coat's Gucci. Loljk),

• Kai and his love for dogs,

• D.O. in the kitchen (in the Chinese version),

• Chanyeol and the rings (reminds me of K.Will's mv),

• Xiumin and fixing things (in this case, the Christmas tree),

• Suho in an office (?) (being the leader that he is),

• Sehun and the colorful flowers (reminds me of the rainbow hair that he had), and

• Luhan and the beauty products (in the Korean version) (lol)

Too bad Baekhyun and Chen didn't have individual scenarios, though.



But overall, I love it!

[Full] EXO - VCR + WOLF + GROWL @ 2013 Melon Music Awards 131114

I haven't seen their performance live, so I'm very thankful for this.

OMG EXO WHY ARE YOU SO EFFIN' HANDSOME, CHARISMATIC, HOT, TALENTED, ETC. ETC. ETC.?!!

#fangirlmodeON

Reminiscing Past Memories

I actually don’t know what got into my head this evening, but after my mom’s friend saw my baby pictures, I went to my room and opened my “memory box”. It’s actually a white shoe box which contains memorable stuff, mostly letters from my father, friends, and teachers. It also contains old pictures, stuff which has sentimental value, and…secret unsent letters to my past crushes! :D

Most of my letters came from my friends and teachers when we had our reflection activity back then. We call the letters palancas. Yeah, I have kept ALL, if not most, of the letters people gave me way back elementary to high school.

I cannot help but smile while reading the letters. It brings back memories. While there are happy ones, most of my palancas reminded me of the pain that I went through during my elementary and high school days. Those days of being bullied or dislike by a lot of people who can’t understand my innate weirdness. Yes, I do admit that it had been painful. I had difficulty in fitting in and socializing, and some people did not even manage to help me get through it and were not willing to help me fit in. It was really difficult. I remembered one of my high school classmates telling me that they really thought that I would not make it through my high school after my sophomore year because of all the bullying and backbiting that I received, all of those just because of my weirdness. But she also said that they were all amazed on how strong I am, having continued on my way. That reminded me of a lot of things.

I am actually proud of myself for staying strong during that period in time when a lot of people turned their backs at me.  That reminded me to be stronger in the future challenges that I will be facing. Being an engineering student, there would be indeed a lot of hurdles that I would be facing.

Most of my friends tell me in their letters that they are sorry for judging me and for bullying me when I treated them as their friend. I am actually aware of the bullying thingy, and I had tried my best to fit in the group. I had quite a hard time during high school, but I am thankful that starting, perhaps, my junior year, I’ve gained a lot of friends and I also had my own circle. I am really thankful of them. And FYI, they were the ones who introduced me to the world of K-Pop, which I am now a really big fan.

Truth be told, I am quite concerned of the “new improved self” that I could show during our high school alumni homecoming this coming December 28^th. If I’m going to evaluate myself, I could say that I have “changed”. Well, not really changed, but there are a lot of aspects in myself now that I feel good about. Thanks to my college friends, I’m more confident, sociable, talkative, and (should I say) loud compared to myself during my high school days, the exact opposite. I’m a lot better now, and I’m afraid that my batch mates will get surprised and maybe annoyed because of that. But nothing’s stopping me in showing my new self. I just hope and pray that I would not get anyone offended because of that.

I think what’s important is that I've changed for the better.

I have forgiven them. It all happened in the past, and perhaps I’ll just consider them as memories. That would be for the best.

So, AWESOMES, see you on the 28^th!

#8: An Inspirational Story

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOlTdkYXuzE&feature=youtu.be

We are humans. We experience downfalls, failures, rejections, and other obstacles. For me, these things are natural. In fact, I believe that these are essential things that we ought to experience if we want to be fully nourished and have a strong foundation in life. However, some people take these as burdens. When they fail, they don’t know how to stand up. From that, they make a lot of bad decisions for themselves. They tend to be pessimistic and think that the world is on their shoulders.

I actually first saw this video during the College Life Symposium held last July. Since that time, I have always been inspired with this man. He gave a simple yet powerful example of perseverance and determination. With no arms nor legs but just a “little chicken drumstick”, he was able to show the world that nothing is impossible if you don’t give up. If you do, you will never reach your goal and in the end, you will regret having not tried to stand up.

He illustrated an example by letting himself fall. He then let others think: if he falls a hundred times yet he doesn’t even try his luck again, there would be no way that he will get up from that position. But if he fails yet tries to get up again and again, he has given himself hope that he will be able to stand up again.

That simple yet powerful example of perseverance has allowed me to look back at those times when I was still afraid of failure. You see, when I was in my elementary years, I was used to having high scores in quizzes and exams. It was then in high school when I experienced my first ever line of 7 grade in my entire life. I sort of got upset about it for a few days that it even reached the point that I even considered myself a humiliation to my family who is always proud of my achievements. However, my parents always cheered me up by saying that I have to go on with my life. Instead of a failure, why shouldn’t I consider it as a motivation to do better in Geometry? With perseverance and hard work, I was able to increase my final grade by eight points (I’m not joking! My grade soared from 78 to 87).

I amazed me on how he was able to inspire others with all his disabilities. Being a normal person with complete body parts, of course I can’t inspire the same way he did. Being a normal person, the least that I can do is to be a strong person myself. I have to set a good example for them. I have to be good physically, mentally, socially, emotionally, and most especially, spiritually. When they need help, I will be there to comfort them and give them advice.

That video allowed me to evaluate myself once more. I realized that I am lucky enough to be given complete body parts and enjoy life to its fullest. This video would be a constant reminder for me that failure is a challenge. We must face it to succeed and to become stronger in all aspects. If Mr. Nick can do it with his disabilities, why can’t I? Or in a greater prospect, why can’t WE?

Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall. - Confucius

#7: Writing Definitions: Discipline

The word “discipline” originated from the Latin word disciplina which means “instruction given to a learner”. The word is defined in different ways depending to which field it is used. In Christianity, it is defined as the church rules. Specifically, it is the system of rules used in a religious denomination or order. In the field of education, on the other hand, the word means an activity or subject, e.g., an academic subject. It is also otherwise defined as a punishment designed to teach somebody obedience.

In a person’s lifestyle, the word can also be defined as the conscious control over lifestyle. Furthermore, it is the mental self – control used in directing or changing behavior, learning something, or training for something. Generally, discipline means self – control. This is one of the essential things that a person should have when, for instance, losing weight or working out. Specifically, discipline is a vital virtue implemented in martial arts. Being a Karatedo student in the past, I am aware of the strict implementation of discipline in the sport. From bending for a long time in perfect form to proper execution of kata, Karatedo really requires me to discipline myself. We get reprimanded if we stand when not told. We do 20 push – ups when we get late for class. As one of my seniors said, “It’s better if you learn the hard and painful way first, so that it would be easier for you to endure those in the future, so that you will feel the essence of improvement when the time comes you will acquire a higher rank.”

“The surest test of discipline is its absence.” - Clara Barton

Sources of Definitions:

Microsoft ® Encarta ® 2009. © 1993-2008 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

#6: Descriptive Writing: Conquering Asia's Longest

Can you ever imagine “flying by wire” and “experiencing extreme adrenaline” in just a day? Have you ever thought of “flying” at an astounding height of 4500 feet in the midst of a misty drizzle?

That day seemed to be unpredictable. The sun and rain were in the middle of an argument. My family and I were at the Forest Park at Manolo Fortich, Bukindon. This park is known for being the home of Asia’s longest zip line, 840 meters long and is situated 4500 feet above sea level.

When we first stepped foot, the temperature seemed to contrast the weather. It was cold, but the sun attempted to wash the cold away. Not minding the weather, my father and I decided to proceed with our activities as planned. From that cozy place where we were eating our delicious lunch, we watched the other zip liners “fly” from the tip of a mountain to another mountain. From there, I could already feel the adrenaline rush of crossing between the two tall mountains. My father and I decided to try the breathtaking main attraction of the park.

After buying the yellow wrist tickets costing 600 pesos, we headed to the equipment section, where we will be wearing protective equipment. It consists of a red helmet and a belt harness. Before we headed to the first level of the zip line, the staff in charge of the equipment made sure that our harnesses are secured. Then, we were led by two other staff members to the first level of the zip line, which is lower in height and shorter in length compared to that of the main attraction.

While we were lining up, we could already feel the thrill and the excitement of trying the zip line. When we were already zipping, I cannot help but marvel at the extravagance of the scenery. There were tall pine trees below us, as well as gigantic mountains. I could also feel the cold but soothing air of Bukidnon. I have seen all of these marvelous sites in the first level of the zip line.

But I do admit, that made me crave for more. After the first zip line, I thought that we will then go directly to the most awaited site, but I was wrong. We found out that there will be a priority number, and we have to wait for our number to be able to ride the tractor that will take us to the top of Mount Kitanglad, where the zip line starts. After getting our priority number, we have to wait together with about a hundred excited people who are also waiting for their precious turn. While waiting, I can’t help but get more intrigued with the zip line at the site of people who just finished the great feat.

When the massive tractor came, or priority number got recognized, which signaled us to get on the tractor, together with 10 other people. We were to travel all the way up to the tip of the mountain. Our belted selves were on the verge of excitement as we were nearing the starting point. We did not mind the rough roads, we just thought of accomplishing one great feat: surviving Asia’s longest zip line.

When we reached our destination, we were made to cross a hanging bridge that will take us to another equipment section. Upon crossing, drizzle arrived. At that time, I was worried that the activity will be postponed for it might be followed by a heavy rain. When I reached the equipment section, we were stripped off our belt harnesses and were made to change into another type of harness. It’s blue in color, has less belts, but has a lot of wires attached, not to mention that it’s heavier. We lined up again for our turn. When our time came, we were made to hold the metal gate that will be opened when we will be released. Then the staff raised the lower part of my body and attached harnesses to the wires. As instructions are being given, I could feel my heart beating fast. I could feel the excitement, the thrill, and my adrenaline rushing. This is it, this is really is it. Then, the gates were opened…

And there I am, thrilled, astonished and fascinated with the breathtaking scenery. There were a lot of tall pine trees, lush vegetation, and humongous rocks. The latter partially alarmed me, but it faded as dust as I felt the moment of “flying” like a bird, even for just a few minutes. I screamed with all my might to release the fear and excitement of being 4500 feet above the ground. There was one thing that I had in mind: I’m going to accomplish one of the greatest feats in my entire life!

The ride lasted for about a minute and a half. As I was nearing the finish line, I felt the last moments of being on air, recounting all those moments of freedom and amazement. Then, I knew what it feels like being a bird, conquering my fears, and experiencing extreme adrenaline rush.

At the finish line, I had my photo taken and my certificate claimed. Now, I have real evidence that I indeed conquered and survived Asia’s longest zip line, in the midst of a drizzle and cold weather. It is one adventure that I will never forget.

And I do admit, I want to try it again. J

#5: My Hero: Let’s Make It Personal

“A hero is the one who does what he can. The others do not.”  - Romain Rolland

When we hear the word “hero”, most of us can’t help thinking of particular fictional characters that appear on comics and television like Superman and Batman, among others. But talking about real essence here, are there any real life heroes?

I want to share to you my experience wherein I was actually saved by a real man, a real life hero.

His name is Raymond. He is a distant relative of ours. Every time we go on vacation in our province in Negros Oriental, my cousins, my sister and I would always hang out with him. For us, he’s like our older brother. We care for him so much, as he is poor and wasn’t even able to finish high school.

Then it happened.

It was a hot summer weekend. Our clan decided to have a get – together at a river which is located at a remote sitio in our municipality. We chose to go there because the river is crystal clear and the air is cool and fresh.

After taking lunch, my cousins, kuya Raymond and I bathed in the river. We had fun together, until we noticed a humongous rock located near the bank of the river. I did not know that part of the river was deep, so I just “swam” with my cousins. So you know what happened. I have difficulty swimming because I’m a sinker (and, yes, I don’t know how to swim). So at that moment, I was sinking and drowning. Not one of my cousins dared to save me because they are afraid that they will drown with me. At the time when it seems that I’m going to die (because my legs are getting numb and I was almost out of breath) when kuya Raymond came to the scene. He (sort of) grabbed my arm and pulled me out to safety.

Until now, I am truly grateful to him because he risked his life just to save me from drowning. He dared to swim the deep part when not even one of my cousins did. I will not ever forget that time when he saved me. If not for him, maybe you won’t be seeing and reading this blog right now.

I believe that heroes need not be fictional characters. I believe that everyone can be a hero for someone, regardless of their educational attainment and social status. Lending a helping hand or even helping out an old man or woman cross the street can already be considered a heroic deed.

But believe it or not, I’m still waiting for another hero to save me from my personal distress. You see, because of that experience, I have been afraid to swim (or even dip) in deep water, particularly a swimming pool that is five feet above. I can tolerate bathing in a water in which is at most at the level of my shoulders, but not beyond that. I’m still waiting for that hero who will help me overcome this fear of mine.

Being a hero is about the shortest-lived profession on earth. - Will Rogers