Back to the Pilgrim City

I could have just waited another month for our semestral break and save all the money and effort in going back and forth to the province. But I've already allotted a part of my allowance for the fare and luckily enough, there wasn't much schoolwork for that weekend. So I pushed through with my plans of going home in Naga. It's September, you see. And on that particular September weekend, the fluvial procession of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, lovingly called Ina by the Bicolanos and devotees, was scheduled to take place.

Festival at the Pilgrim City

My experience of attending fluvial processions of Ina is always unique every time. The first one was way back during my high school year. I was with Mama and Papa then. All three of us were new to the tradition and so we didn't know where to go or what to do. And so, we merely followed the flock of people. We ran (yes, feel free to imagine!) from bridge to bridge, hoping to catch a glimpse of Our Lady's passing retinue. Needless to say, the riverbanks and bridges were packed with people and we couldn't see a thing. Not seeing Ina can already be a reason to feel down, but there was just something about hearing all those people present shouting "Viva Divino Rostro! Viva la Virgen!" in unison while waving their handkerchiefs in the air which moved me. Clearly, it was the voice of faith, filled with conviction and passion. It was, then, that I became a devotee.

Ice Cream Cake Party

What's with my frequent galas? I don't know if it's just my coping mechanism from not having Bennard around, or I really have lots of friends celebrating their birthdays on March. Random thought: March babies are conceived on June. Hihi. Anyway, as I was saying, I have been sooo game in almost all invitations from my friends. The latest of which is KEM's induction night and Grace's twentieth birthday. As usual, there is Brige and Jen and Rich for the surprise committee. This time, however, we had with us Ven, Gicka, Kayer and their roommate Nikki.

The plan was to buy a DQ ice cream cake for Grace since I recall her telling me she'd want to try that sometime. Brige and Ven also bought balloons as extras, wala lang, just to get away from Jen's birthday extra which are flowers. The birthday girl, together with Jen, would come from the Induction night. (Segue: Let's wish Jen and Grace good luck and best wishes on their being inducted as Educational Affairs and Ways & Means VPs, respectively!) I went ahead of them because I had to help with the preparations. I don't know what Jen did to convince Grace in going to Kamia (their dorm is the neighboring Sampaguita residence hall) but what I know is that she succeeded in doing so. I guess she used reverse psychology. That always works with Grace. HAHA.

I was in charge of documentation again, so here you go!

Our clandestine operation

Our ice cream cake with candles

Nagslide yung ice cream! Oh noes. 

Surprised June baby

Saengil chukhamnida, Grace!

Good job, girls! :-)

The meltdown!

Symmetry ang peg!

Who's celebrating next?

Cheers to a Freakin' Weekend

Three days ago, Bennard left for the States where he will be staying up until June. I know it will be just like our usual summer for the past years where I am staying in Virac and he's in either Nabua or Manila--we won't be seeing each other for the same period of time. But the thought that he is halfway across the globe gives more gravity to our present situation. I cannot text him because it's damn too expensive. I have to be lucky enough to be online while he is online so we could chat (did I mention Dilnet is fauly so I get disconnected every now and then?). We live in different timezones. And most of all, he isn't just a taxicab away. I was so used to spending my time with him that I panicked just thinking what to do with all the time I will have, alone, now that he's going to be away. Really, at first I thought it will be difficult. But on my first three days, I think I'm doing a pretty good job!

I spent Friday afternoon after class sleeping, surfing the net, watching a movie, and writing in my diary.

Saturday was dedicated to accomplishing my application form and doing the skills tests for Inhenyero. At the same time, it was also the deadline. Not being able to send it before 12 midnight was another story--net was unexpectedly down and so I had to send it first thing the next day (through compshop since net didn't return til 2PM of Sunday) and asked for the Inhenyero editors' reconsideration. Luckily, they still accepted it! (In fact, my interview is scheduled tomorrow, Tuesday.) This Saturday, I thank Ate Joyce and Ashley for visiting me in my room even if their purpose was to copy movies from me. You don't know how much it means to me having visitors who come without me even asking. :"> Also thanks to Gicka for accompanying me to dinner at Kenny's.

On Sunday, I attended the 11AM mass, my first time again to attend mass in the morning in the UP Parish since second year. Luckily, I spotted Tiny and so we sat together. After the mass, we saw Jen too, so we had all lunch together at Rodic's. I went back to the dorm at 1PM and started reading my PI100 articles until I fell asleep. From 2-4PM, I finished one article. Yay! This is all thanks to my determination in resisting temptations to open my laptop and check if there's net connection. By 4:30PM, I prepared my stuff for leaving. I was off to Rhomuell's birthday dinner and sleepover party!

With me were Jen, Ashley, Grace, San, Kevin, Christia, Dyan, Miriam, and Marienne when we arrived at Rhomuell's home in Pateros. Beforehand, we have already bought a dedication cake for him, and we hope it somehow surprised him. HAHA. Look, look, look!

Same Red Ribbon cake as Jen's

When we went inside, Rhomuell had other visitors too--friends from high school, I suppose, and of course, family. It's always a good sight seeing family members coming together for a special occasion. This was my first time to see one in the city. And so it made me happy, and nostalgic at the same time. His niece and nephews were there too, but we particularly took interest in Eion because he was interested in us too. Talk about reciprocity. :))

Eion aka City Hunter

Rhomuell's mom prepared food which was so yummy! I really like pasta in oil, and the side meals such as pork adobo and chicken with pineapple. While eating we watched Scott Pilgrim vs The World. It was a funny thing because Christia so enjoyed the movie that she cried when it ended.

Christia wiping a tear

Later during the night, KEM 07 friends Kuyas Chix and Emman arrived. Even later, Riuji, our 09B batch head, came too. We watched Just Like Heaven next to Scott Pilgrim. Before the second movie ended, Grace, Christia, Dyan, and Miriam decided not to stay for overnight and went home. Some of their pictures:

Jen, Miriam, and Eion

Christia, Dyan, and Marienne

Kevin, the prettiest girl you'd ever meet, and Grace

Dyan and Eion

What we did next was choose the third movie, but since every person wanted a movie different from the rest, Rhomuell played Gumiho Ep 11. The only people happy where Rhomuell and I. So okay, we decided that Sherlock it is! We agreed on watching one episode, but you know what happens next, as is always the case for other overnight Sherlock fans. Teeheehee.

Watson welcomes you to the fandom!

Sleep is for the weak!

Without any sleep (except for Kuya Emman, Kevin, Ashley, and Marienne) and even before the household was awake, we already said goodbye to our host at 6:30 AM. Of course, group picture first.

Cuuuuute niyo, guys!

Super fun overnight! Thank you friends! >:D<

That has been my weekend. I wonder how I will fare this week. Wish me luck!

PS. This is my reward for being a good girl--a super adorable picture with a squirrel. <3 :-* :> >:D<

Dinner. It's more fun with friends.

Three days later and I've got a new post again! Whoah, I am loving this newfound dedication to my blog! *confetti*

This one's about Jen's two-time birthday celebration, and Bennard's first ever organized event (at the same time, his despedida too). Let's start with Jen's actual birthday: March 13. Brige, Grace, Rich, Bennard and I decided to surprise Jen with a cake and a bouquet. It was actually difficult to make our operation clandestine because Jen is such a busy girl and we never really know where she is at a certain time. She's got a Petron scholarship awarding ceremony, and then a group meeting after that so we (just Grace, actually HAHA) kept on asking where she is. We finally made it happen in front of Eng'g Lib. I don't know if Jen was surprised at all, but I'm sure it made her happy! Here are the photos.

Dream came true! LOL

Wishes

Awesome dedication from awesome friend

Culprits and the celebrator

My artsy shot which I'm so proud of!

We shared the cake with Jen and Grace's 124 groupmates and KEMer friends Geordie, Ashley, and Mia. :) Happy Birthday, Jenigurl! Wishing you more happiness and fulfillment in your future endeavors (and we know there are lots)! >:D<

Next story happened just a moment ago. Bennard's organized despedida merged with Jen's birthday blowout. We held it at Conti's in Katipunan. Attendees were: Gicka, Niezl, Rich, Ven, Kayer, Grace, Mae, Timmy and her boyfriend Kit, Raisa, Geordie, Brige, Jen, Bennard, and I. Lea made it by the time we were having our dessert, and Leo, Bennard's brother, joined us too after his Kuya coerced him into staying. Poor kid! HAHA. (Wait, narealize ko lang: Lea and Leo. HAHAHA. Funny coincidence!)

Really, we were so loud in the lower hall of the said restaurant. I just hope no other customers complained because of our noise. They were speaking in conyo (I refuse to admit I took part in said activity) and if I am right, it's because the food was a little higher off our budgets. It was really funny! If someone must win the Consistency Award, it's Grace. If it's Attitude and Execution Award, it's Mae. HAHAHA. I pity the waiter who Mae picked on!!!

Here's what happened:

Waiter: Okay na po ba lahat ng orders nila? 
(silence, because we already got our food)
Mae: Iced tea.
Waiter (surprised, then relieved after coming up with this idea): Ah, mag-oorder po kayo?
Mae: No. I ordered. 
Waiter (epic face of confusion and shock)
Mae: I'm kidding.
(laughter breaks out, Kuya Waiter smiles an embarrassed smile)
-----

This ones' are the most benta anecdotes for the night, if you ask me:

(Niezl and Gicka convinces Jen to buy Chardonnay)
Gicka to Niezl: Di ba ito yung nasa song na Ironic? (sings) And isn't it ironic?
Grace (out of the blue): Don't you think? Aww, Nay, I like that song also!

(Mae puts Kit into hotseat)
Mae: Ahh, so you've been into Daet already? Wow!
Grace: Yes! He's been in Daet! I saw...(long pause then laughter, because Grace pronounced it as "so")
Jen: You "so" them?
Grace: Hahaha. Grabe, you didn't let me finish! I meant "I so know him na!"
(...ayun naman pala eh. HAHAHA)
-----

I hope everybody else had fun as much as I did! Thanks to Jen for our free desserts! Thanks to the Conti's crew for a lively Happy Birthday song performance for our celebrator! And congrats Bennard for a job well done! Have a safe flight to the States with Leo and your dad. I'll miss you!!!

Before I go shed a river of tears, here are the photos.

Organizer and dessert financier

Kit and Timms

Brige and Kayer

Gicka and I

Raisa and Geordie

Ven and Grace

Niezl, seriously drawing her Monster costume for the Gaga concert (just my assumption)

Frappe girls

Angel and the Younghusbands HAHAHAHAHA

Ex-roommates

Chubbers

Of course, as much as possible, I selected the photos with me in them! Create own blog if you want to flaunt your own face. >:D

That's for now! Looking forward to more events like this! *coughGrace'sbirthdayonthe21stcough*

The 2011 Year-End Report

Last, last year, I made a similar report out of too much excitement on the new year ahead. Originally, I attempted making a list of the top stories which made it to the news in the year 2010. But since I haven't really watched news then (is staying in the dorm enough of an excuse?), I got nothing to write about. Hence, this list. Turns out it was something good. A summary of my year's highlights. And knowing myself all too well, I just love 1) lists and 2) looking back at the fond, and even the not-so-fond, memories of the past. Here goes my year-end report for 2011.

1. This year can probably be dubbed as the start of my social networking activity. And when I say activity, I mean "super active." I have been in Facebook since 2008 or 2009, I think, but this year, this website just became one of the default sites I visit whenever I get hold of the internet. Then there's Tumblr, which I joined in 2010 but really became a part of my life this 2011. In fact, I was so often visiting here--liking, reblogging, and posting stuffs--that I gained followers I never thought I would've gained! Plus over the hundreds of notes I received from posting photos, etc. I was so absorbed in Tumblr that during summer, I barely left the computer, doing nothing else but scrolling the day away. Also this year, just recently actually, I signed in at Twitter. Tbh, I fought so hard so not to join another social networking site because it's already eating up so much of my time. But the temptations are too strong, I finally gave in. It was at first boring. I did nothing but read updates from celebrities I follow: friends Georgina Wilson, Isabelle Daza, Solenn Heussaff, Liz Uy, and Anne Curtis, among others. Then I went to a phase where I used this site as my news source: I followed ANC, Inquirer, and Maria Ressa. And finally, I entered the phase where I actually followed and been followed of friends and people I know. There are other sites I visit too, such as Google+, Gmail and Ymail (of course), Youtube, 9gag, Inquirer.net, and some fancy blogs I follow--all bookmarked in my laptop. Had I been super OC again, I would've accounted all the hours spent surfing the net, whether it's on social networking, reading, or artsy-fartsy sites. (Hmm, nice idea there!) Approx one-sixth of every day, perhaps? GOOD GOD.

Got this from Tumblr!

2. I may have spent too much time in the worldwide Web, but I just made a breakthrough in the aspect of books, as well. This year, I read a total of six books!!! Yes, I am not big on books, then all of a sudden, this?! To think that's four of them are even included in the BBC list of books to read! What is this sorcery??! I read The Count of Montecristo and The Three Musketeers, both classics from Alexandre Dumas; Smaller and Smaller Circles, a great detective story from Filipino author F.H. Batacan; The Hobbit, prequel of the infamous Lord of the Rings Trilogy adventure, all written by J.R.R. Tolkien; The Undomesticated Goddess by Sophie Kinsella, first tween-y (but surprisingly about adults) and girly book I've read; and Bridget Jones's Diary which is soooo funny and kilig by Helen Fielding. I counted all the books I've read in my entire lifetime (school text books excluded) and I counted just a total of fifteen! (I told you I was serious about not being fond of reading!) And this year's total comprised nearly one-third of the grand total. How great this year is for being intellectual. Haha.

3. Next on the list are the series which provided me much of the entertainment I need to balance out my stressful academic life. There are the ones I already watched in the previous years: How I Met Your Mother, The Big Bang Theory, and Modern Family. Then there are the ones which have just been introduced to me and others which I watched just recently: Nikita, Downton Abbey, Hot in Cleveland, Awkward, and Once Upon A Time. There were mini-series too like Sherlock (its second series coming up this month! *can't breathe*), and Any Human Heart. I tried watching New Girl but I guess it didn't click to me that much. I have also seen the first two episodes of Suburgatory and 2 Broke Girls but wasn't able to download the succeeding episodes anymore. And oh, I almost forgot the All-Star Cycle of America's Next Top Model where I was rooting for Laura or Allison. Too bad they didn't win, but at least they made it to Greece! 2011 had also been the year where I developed a love for period dramas (Downton Abbey is one proof, and maybe Any Human Heart?) particularly to the Austen Classics. I finished Pride and Prejudice (Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle), Emma (Romola Garai), and Sense and Sensibility (whose Edward Ferrars is Dan Stevens), all BBC mini-series, in no time! I also loved Lost in Austen, spin-off of Pride and Prejudice, which I heard is going to have a film version. *excited, hope it won't disappoint*

Maybe I watched a little too much? :p

4. Aside from knowing a whole lot of new faces (to me) in the entertainment industry because of all the new shows I've been seeing, I also got to know more people in the UP College of Engineering as well this year after I became part of a new family, the UP Career Assistance Program for Engineering Students or UP CAPES, under the Publicity and Publications Committee. My friend Jona urged me to join so that we'd still get to spend time together now that we won't be classmates in most major subjects anymore. So I did apply, and imagine my surprise when I got accepted! Joining UP CAPES was timely, too. After UP Catandungan failed to be recognized as a university organization due to its lack of members, UP CAPES became my new avenue for challenges and work experiences, alongside my other org, UP KEM. The twist with this new org is that it taught (and is teaching) me a whole new lesson foreign to me: design. It has somewhat made me realize that I also have a thing for the arts and design. Also, I have learned how crucial practice and inspirations are in gaining the skill. I know I still have lots of work to do to come up with greater ideas and better output, but I can say I have done quite of an achievement this year.

Visit UP CAPES here.

5. Another new experience: I lived in a boarding house for the entire first semester. All these time since high school, I have stayed in dormitories, so the feeling of living in a boarding house or apartment outside school never failed to make me curious. I bet freedom's great--no curfews or general assemblies to mind, I used to say. Then, this happened. I did not get accepted in any dorm for AY 2011-2012. Luckily, my sister Elvy is staying in a boarding house in KNL while she's still hunting for jobs back then. I was very glad, at last I will finally have to live with my Ate. The first month of freedom was truly great! But it only lasted until my sister decided to transfer to an apartment in Shaw, nearer her workplace. I was left in the room. I had housemates, but we were never close. Just imagine, the solitude almost drove me mad. Although there is internet connection to keep me busy, it was the fact that I cannot talk to anybody whenever I got home which made me succumb to depressions. I really started to feel sad all the time, I don't know why. Plus I became so clingy! Yuck. Thankfully, I got accepted in Ilang-ilang Dorm when I reapplied for the second sem. Now, I'm happier. (Bonus: Ilang-ilang Dorm already has good wi-fi connections now relative to that of last year's! Even comparable to our internet speed in the boarding house!)

6. My sporty nature--I know I have (somewhat of) it in me but I never thought 2011 will troll on me like that. I played Ultimate Frisbee for Batch 08 during the ChE department inter-batch sports competition, and I was the only girl. It was my first time to hold a disc used in frisbee and I did not even know the rules. I joined anyway because, well, if you're already on the venue for the game and the opposing team has the chance of winning by default just because your team doesn't have any other girl player present, I don't think you can say No to playing, right? You ask me why I was there? Because of friendship. Lol. Riuji, our batch coordinator who persistently called me and asked me to join, telling me "basta 'wag lang ma-default,"  is to be blamed for all of this! Haha. But you know what, that experience was really fun, I even consider it a milestone. In case you're wondering, I served as cheerer on field, but was able to become a real player when I caught the disc and gave us one point by the end of the game. We did won. Against the freshies. Hihi. Another sporty moment was when I accepted to be a substitute player, this time in swimming. (I join the difficult games because I'm great like that. ) Same person who got me into this: the almighty Riuji Sato. My friend, still. >:D Well, I thought it was a non-serious game of swimming, where participants' favorite stroke is the survivor stroke or 'yung basta makatawid lang sa pool. I even considered wearing white shirt and shorts since there was no prescribed swimwear. Imagine my surprise when I saw that the girls wore one-piece, complete with goggles and headcap! One of them even competes for national triathlon events. Golly! I was the only person who only knows survival stroke. I swear I can see all their faces while I was swimming in the pool, too concerned I might drown halfway. But hell yeah, our ChE team (this time, the sportsfest was inter-department instead of inter-batch) composed of Kuya Chix, Karmina, Van, and I, still got the third place. Not that we're fast, but because only three departments were able to send participants. Haha, what luck! Finally, to complete my sporty streak for 2011 is my first ever 5K marathon! My first marathon, in fact. It was held in Naga, and I ran with Kuya Win and Ate Yeth. Great bonding moment!

Finish line!

7. Just like any other year, 2011 has its share of both happiness and tears. But in 2011, I experienced something I never thought would happen in my college life--a death of a dear friend. Bryan Diano. Friend, classmate, batchmate, and orgmate. His life was claimed by a jeepney accident on the dawn of Sept. 11. It was so sudden it took me a long time before the truth sank in. Someone so awesome can't die too soon, I kept convincing myself it was a different Bryan Diano I heard on the news. But when I saw my other batchmates and orgmates crying, I just knew it wasn't a joke he loved pulling on us. It was real. He was gone. For some days, I had moments when I just laid on my bed, staring at nothingness, and tears just flowed out from my eyes without me knowing it. 

Sad, sad news :(

Although there was too much grief, time heals. Now, all bitterness is lost, only the good memories remain. We love and miss you, Bry. Until we meet again.

8. Since I became a resident member of UP KEM in 2010, I was given responsibilities and tasks to hone my skills. This year, it's been an honor to be part of KEM's major events both for first and second semester. National Chemical Engineering Congress or NCEC (Inter-U part) and Awitan. Held last August, NCEC (composed of two parts namely National Chemical Engineering Symposium or NaChES and the Inter-University Competition or Inter-U) was a big success (and I mean, BIG!) I worked for the Technicals Committee of Inter-U, under Ate Kat, and we were in charge of making the rules and the questions, consulting it with our judges, making the necessary revisions, as well as scoring and entertaining questions raised during the contest proper. To be honest, it was a committee I never dreamed of joining. The Inter-U technicals for me must be composed of the brightest people. And there I was, outlier of the group (not being emo here). It was hard for me to adjust especially it was my first time working with all the other members (Ate Kat, Kuya Karl, Ate Maricar, Jake and Jay) who were really topnotch in their respective batches. I was only a substitute for Riuji (not again!) who won't be able to perform his tasks then because he was busy with ESC work. Turned out, that committee was my most loved group of people I have ever worked with in KEM. 

Inter-U Tech team but without Jay

Just this December, Awitan was my next big project. Dyan invited me to be part of her Logistics Committee which I gladly accepted. I had my share of experiences for this event too. I got lost in Camp Aguinaldo trying to find their Aguinaldo Theater. I frequented Divi and learned how to use a map to find the things I was looking for i.e. gummy bears. I asked for every trophy maker's calling card in Recto. I became active in fundraising projects (FRPs) but only the simple ones like taho sale, jelly milk sale, Sonny's Donuts sale, and every other sale of goods imaginable. I can say I am a different person now after having done all that. And I am proud to be part of Eng'g Week 2011's best night event!

Aside from these two major responsibilities, there were still other jobs I have done for KEM especially as part of the Socio committee such as becoming LMK mommy (our contestant won the title), joining the Project Balay Aklatan of UP Prime, among others.

9. On February 8, 2011, Bennard and I celebrated our third anniversary. It still comes as a surprise for others that we were able to endure three years together, when all the panliligaw moments feel just like yesterday to me. And the better part is, as years go by, we get to know each other well and we become more than just the couple. We became best friends.

Cheers to three years and counting!

This year had been greater than ever since I got to spend time with Bennard's family as well! Last summer, I joined their Holy Wednesday (Lent) procession, a family tradition. It was the second time I went to their place. Also this year, Bennard and I joined Tita Becky, his aunt, once in jogging around Bonifacio High Street and had dinner afterwards. I was really nervous of seeing Tita Becky, let alone converse with her, because I thought she's a snob. She wasn't. She was very approachable and I haven't had difficulty in talking to  her. It was a lovely evening, after all. Lastly, my another encounter with Bennard's family was on Dec 27. Tita Dandan, his mom, and Tita Becky went to Naga to rummage "Zara." Bennard, Leo, and Shenina tagged along. Since I was still in Naga, Bennard asked me to join them. Most afternoon, while the two titas spent hours and hours looking for the best bargains, the kids went to SM. We tried the Speed Coaster 4D in exchange of a movie. We ate and looked through shops and boutiques then ate again. By dinner time, Tito Jojo, Bennard's dad, joined us in the SM Foodcourt. They dropped me off at home after that.

Although he did not get to spend much time with my family, he got to see Mama and Papa in Manila before we went home for the break. He also saw Ate Glad and family, first time, when he dropped me off at home after a pre-Christmas date. Also, he accompanied Joy in her first Lantern parade and Midnight Mercato. He always get to see Ate Elvy often.

10. Last but not the least in this list (tongue twister!) is our December celebration this year. The first part of the happenings which started when Papa, Mama and Joy went to Manila was already mentioned in my previous post. The second part which I will just tell you about is Raph's christening and our noche buena together. John Raphael or Raph, my second nephew, was christened on December 21 and I was a proxy ninang for my sister Ate Elvy. It's my first time to be one, and my second time to ever attend a baptism (first one's Gwen's). So yeah, you can expect my excitement. Plus Raph is sooooo cute in his barong tagalog!!! At reception, I did more videoke singing than eating. Haha. But of course, only at the hearing range of very few people, namely Joy, Ate Let, Ate Yeth, Ate Glad, Ate Ling, Gwen, Maine, Zye and Lianne. During Christmas eve, our family was almost complete in our noche buena salo-salo. The Pillogo siblings, my cousins from Mama's side, were there too after we've invited them when we bumped into each other at midnight mass. Just almost because Ate Glad, Kuya Nel, Lianne and Justin left for Legazpi on Dec 24 to attend Kuya Nel's family reunion. On Christmas Day, the kids opened their gifts. So many gifts for them which I can't recall I have ever experienced in my entire childhood. I felt slightly cheated. Hahaha, joke. I totally understand that time's different now, 'nubers. We're richer now, perhaps? Lol. But seriously, this I think is my most commercialized Christmas, whether you see that in a good or bad light. As long as we are together and everybody's happy, it’s still Christmas to me.

My December in a Nutshell

How's your Christmas vacation so far? It's barely three days before the 25th and ten days before the New Year! Yeah, sure I know Math. Haha. I just want to emphasize how near it is already!!! It also means heading back to school again soon. Tsk. Oh well, before I get started in my drama of leaving home again, I will go back to my festive mood first and live each day as it comes. I am spending the holidays with my family. But this year, instead of our having it in our home in Virac, we are celebrating it here in Naga City! And also new this year, Kuya Win is here for Christmas! Nothing beats spending the holidays with your family complete. :)

Okay, now I am getting too excited.

Actually, for me, the holidays already started long before this day. It began after I have submitted my first long exam papers for ChE 123, my last exam for the year. I am doubtful it went well, but past is past so let's just move on from there. Hopefully, I will have better exam results next year to make up for that one. I must have better exam results! Obviously because I don't have Eng'g Week as a reason now.

Engineering Week a.k.a. Eng'g Week, is the most anticipated (I think) ESC event every year by every affiliated engineering student in UP Diliman. The different eng'g orgs battle it out for the Engineering Week Overall Champion or EWOC title. Being a resident member of UP KEM, the consistent runner-up for the title in the past years, I sure find Eng'g Week a big deal, although I admit I haven't really been an active player. I prefer to be more of the cheerer. This year, I have watched Smokers Night, Dulaang Eng'g, and Indakan. I have also helped out in Awitan 2011 as a logistics team member. I am less busier this year since there is no more cheering competition (which I was part of last year) but I watched and cheered for more games like Debateng'g, Dresseng'g, Casteng'g Call and Pipol Pusoy. More than any of the points earned or the titles won, the most rewarding thing to have is that org spirit I saw from everyone.

My tickets for three of the night events

My somehow-active presence during the Eng'g Week is not the only thing new about me. After Bennard's insistent request, I am donning a new hair too!

So.. how does it fit me?

I got my hair cut just in time for the Spartans' Christmas party! Like the last years, it was again held at Anton's place. Thank you Lucille, Anton and family for having us. Had so much fun! :) Here are win photos during the games. Halata bang nag-eenjoy kami masyado?

And because I am vain like that, I'll show you what I wore during our Christmas party. :P

Thanks JK for the gift! I can really make use of this. Thank you, thank you! And Raisa, I hope you like what you received. ;) 

Another thing which made my December a blast was my parents and youngest sister's visit in Manila. Papa and Mama went for their medical check-ups and so Joy tagged along. They stayed for a week and so we were able to spend lots of time together in the city. We also scoured the malls for the chikitings' gifts. Joy and I found these on Booksale.

Books for the kids

Book for me (at 45 freaking pesos)

I even toured my sis in UP during the timely Lantern Parade and we waited for the fireworks too!

Joy and some mascots

White Lady from the Balete Drive and I

Here are photos of some of the floats.

And here are the people I was with during the parade!

Jilly and I (with my Ate singit at the back)

Bennard and I posing at R-12

Me as photographer lol

After staying for a while in UP, we headed to Mercato. Para naman may foodtrip experience si Joy before going home. :) Bennard, Joy, and I had burgers, cheese sticks, garlic and parmesan buffalo wings, macaroon and melon juice. Ate Elvy and Kuya Amar had takoyaki and other Japanese food. The Off Beat burger aka Krispy Kreme Burger which I bought for us turned out to be only good when it's for sharing (the case when I first tasted it). Now that I had it all for myself, I found it less impressive. Joy liked Bennard's burger better which he bought from Ranch something. Oops, sorry Joy. Haha.

So there. This is basically how the first few days of my Christmas vacation went. Many things happened, and I can still make more things happen in the few days left I have before 2011 finally closes.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year everyone!