Nine Months

There are really days that its just so interesting how things unfold in front of your eyes. Earlier today, I heard that one of my cousins gave birth to her child and here's the catch we didn't even know she was pregnant in the first place. Okay, I'm not really sure how many of my relatives is reading this but, I just really have to put words to what exactly I feel.

I've always believed that every child is a blessing. So I was really torn on what I felt upon hearing this news. Wait, I have to remind you that this particular cousin of mine is actually two years younger than me. TWO FREAKIN' YEARS. I've heard teenagers getting pregnant and stuff and if you're one of them I would take my hats off you. You're so strong to go through what you've gone through plus the fact that you stood for what is right, and for that alone you've got my respect. I realized its different when its a family member.

Our family structure is a little different now, I mean, I would love to explain further how things are but really, I don't think its part of your business. We maybe cousins but I have no business with her right now and I don't think I have the right to judge or whatever but the fact remains that I felt hurt not for her but for her dad, for our family. I seriously do not get the logic behind not telling us about all of it?! And the last time we were with her family, it seemed like her dad had wanted to tell my mom/ aunts about it but he can't for reasons no one really knows. I don't even think they'll even show up on Christmas with another baby in their family. I mean really, you really opted for us to know through FACEBOOK and seriously I do know that they know we already know so why not be upfront about it NOW. We maybe all maldita and we maybe have our own say at it at the back of our minds but I think really it would be better if they have told us straight up, sorry parang 'di lang pamilya turing samin eh. Our situation maybe a little different from what it was like a few years back but family will always be family right? 

Through the years many things have changed and that this incident just proved that as much as we are 'bonded' in spirit, seeing each other, being with each other, still feels different. Its still better compared to just being connected via mobile or even the internet. Seeing the person is an assurance of how they really are besides no one can really hide anything if you're all facing each other because you are family and you would know if something bad is going on right? Catching up is always better because you get to talk about so many things from the present-future-past-and back to the future and then back to the present. I always think that at some point we need to be there and I mean really there. 

Time flies and just make everything count, because before you know it everything will just be a memory you would learn from, a turning point in your life. Make sure to ask your family how they are, catch-up with them, try seeing them as often as you could, cherish the moments while you can do things together because before you know it you're too old for it. Do not let life just pass you by but instead you get through life with your family. There really maybe days that you won't get to see each other, not even talk but what's important is picking up where you left of. And just make the most out of the time that you have with them. 

PS. Tonight we had dinner and celebrated the birthday of one of my lolos. We didn't really plan all of this and as soon as we all got the chance to be together and got to talk about everything, we just realized pano kami nalipasan ng panahon. My titas were even asking "o ano, sino na susunod sa inyo" and we were all quiet because none of us there is even in a relationship and then one of my cousins said "wag na kayong magtanong kung ayaw niyo mashock ulit" but seriously today I was reminded of how crazy my family really is. And oh, what a super coincidence we were all together while the Sinag Pilipinas game was on. We weren't really watching (only the dads) but then the older ones kept on talking about Kiefer, talk about family support. :)) 

Best of Both Words

Our family is our friends that's with us, 24/7.
Our friends could also be our family.
I have friends that are like my family.
And you know whats the best thing about this?
Its having the best of both worlds.

I'll Do Better Than My Best

Last Saturday my family went to watch Sound of Music at Resorts World. If you haven't seen it yet, you better make time for it. First, because who doesn't love the Sound of Music? I mean seriously?!?! Second, the production is world-class!!! The production design was jaw-dropping, how they actually brought you to each place, each room, the feeling in each scene. And of course the cast was really really and I mean really good. Our Gretl, was super adorable, you just wanna hug her every time she was on stage!!! And our Maria was Joanna Ampil and we had Audie Gemora was our Capt. Von Trapp. Lucky huh? :) anyway, the supporting cast was also good!!! But seriously, go watch it. You won't be disappointed, sa LED pa lang, super sulit na nung bayad mo :)

Sound of Music is one of my most watched VHS tapes when I was younger together with Casper and Parent Trap. When I was watching this when I was around 7 or 8, it was for the music. Do-Re-Mi, My Favorite Things etc. but I didn't realize how moving and touching the story really is, I was holding back my tears the whole the whole time. Sound of Music, reminded me the importance of family, values, love and faith. :)

Mother Abbess: What did you learn from the abbey?

Maria: To accept the will of God no matter how hard it is

I simply remember my favorite things and then I don't feel so bad

-My Favorite Things

Climb every mountain, search high and low

Follow every byway, every path you know

Climb every mountain, ford every stream

Follow every rainbow, 'til you find your dream

A dream that will need all the love you can give,

Everyday of your life for as long as you live

Climb every mountain, ford every stream

Follow every rainbow, 'til you find your dream!

-Climb Ev'ry Mountain

I've always longed for adventure
To do things I've never dared
Now here I'm pacing adventure
Then why am I so scared?
A captain with seven children
What's so fearsome about that?
Oh, I must stop these doubts
All these worries
If I don't know I just know I'll turn back
I must dream of the things I am seeking
I am seeking the courage I lack
The courage to serve them with reliance
Face my mistakes without defiance
Show them I'm worthy
And while I show them,
I'll show me
So let them bring on all their problems
I'll do better than my best
I have confidence
They'll put me to the test!
But I'll have make them see
I have confidence in me
- I Have Confidence

11.11.11

People have been making a fuss over 11.11.11 for a long time now. Some people say, if you make a wish a today, it would most likely come true. I'm not the person who says 'today is just another day.' There's nothing wrong in believing that today might be a great day, your 11:11 wish would come true, I would rather just pray to God about the things I would want for my life, for it is with Him where I could guarantee that all my hearts desired are met.

Today, God reminded me, that I am destined for greatness, I may not be as over-achieving as people around me are, but I am and will be great in MY OWN special way.

Today, I will pray for myself. For my dreams and the things that I want to do, for the things that I want to happen.

Today, God reminded me that not until I believe that I am good let alone great, no one else would see it.

Today marks the day that I will be thinking of myself as much as I think of other people.

Today will start the journey of a new me. :)

Please Be The One

I read somewhere that people meet their partners at the age of 16 or even 13. I just can't remember, but that's for most people. If I put that in my case, I may have passed by him, know him from a friend, he could even be my  friend or maybe I am not part of 'most people' maybe I have yet to meet him. 

A week ago I had this conversation with my friends and that night we realized one thing. "all guys are jerks, some of them change for the girl they love, we just have to figure out who is the one worth fight and sacrificing for" and at the end of that night we all asked this one question: "asan na SIYA? Where is that one guy that would turn our fantasies into realities. Where is the guy that God has prepared for us"


After a few days and a lot of thing I came up with this.

Maybe the reason that God had not made it happen just yet, is because He knows that I am not ready yet. He knows that I am not emotionally strong to handle it and MY perfect love story would be put to waste because I am too immature, weak and superficial that I wouldn't even realize that HE was THE ONE for me. Or maybe because God wants me to figure out the real me first, to be secured in myself so that when I will be in THAT relationship, we would not depend for each other to complete us, but rather we will just have to complement each other and help each other to even become the better version of ourselves.

God has given me little heart aches every now and then and in the process made me learn things about myself and the more I learn the more I grow as a person and the more it readies me to handle what life would throw at me, and yes even relationships. It doesn't follow that since God has put us together it would be easy, it will never be easy especially for those who rush into it, unprepared for it. Being in a relationship takes time and only time could tell when I will have mine. So as I wait and pray for him, I will better myself, explore all my possibilities, do things I've always wish I could do, be spontaneous and carefree, learn about myself and life.

And to whoever you are, I hope you will be doing the same and when the right time comes and things fall into place, we will live OUR love story, and we could both say that it was well worth the wait.

Ironies of Life

Small thing happen in our life to prepare us for bigger things and these big things  teaches us how to appreciate the small ones.
Its just like meeting the wrong person for us to know who the right one is.
Like how we are capable to feel pain and sorrow because we have experienced how it is to be happy.
Its just like how we manage to surrender because we feel weak only to find out how strong we really are.
Things happen, its how we respond to these events that sets us apart from other people.

Stranger Things Have Happened

When you're down on your knees and all hope is gone you pour your heart out in crying, crying your frustration and depression out. Wallowing in self-inflicted pain and pity. Until the moment that you get too tired of crying is the only way you can see clearer, making you want something more than before, making you go for it without thinking of what may happen and once again following your heart wherever it leads you because you ant to cry not of frustration nor regret but because of joy, because after all the crying you did, you are happy now and it made you believe that there can still be hope. 

Slowly Drifting Apart

That moment when I saw him again after a long time, I was looking forward to catch-up with him, to be with an old friend once again. When it was just the two of us, I thought we could be back to normal, but I was surprised to see that even for him I already have a wall put up, that I didn't let him through, that what seemed to be our usual conversation, all bubbly and random, was pretty much silent, our hearts just beating, dying in the silence of our surroundings. I thought we could be okay, but then I guess life has just to happen and we have to grow and sometimes, growing means we have to grow apart as well. I wanted to cry just when I realized that it could never be the same anymore.

Alone

Earlier this week a very good friend of mine tweeted me this:

Am I really that great in pretending and showing off to the world that I am happy. If only you knew that I was once dying inside and just beginning to pick myself up. I am screwed up inside in ways no one even thought possible.

And then it hit me, I was THAT alone, no one really knows how I feel, no one knows how it is to be me, and no one knows how much I have to psyche myself to appear as strong and happy in the world.

Maybe, I really don't have a friend and everyone are just people who I happen to get to hang-out with every so often but no one really knows ME.

What Drives You?

When we want something we do everything to get it, but what really drives us what pushes us to attain the thing that we want really bad. 

All my life, I've seen myself as a mediocre piece of crap (what a way to describe myself huh?) but yea, the back story's kind of long so lets just put it that growing up I had the notion that I could not achieve anything great, and no matter how hard I try I always fail being great at the thing I am doing, unlike others I am not destined for greatness. It was so hard battling this kind of insecurity, its so hard that ones it got to me, I couldn't really get away from it. It was so hard that it actually stopped me from dreaming the biggest dream, because what would it do to me if despite all my efforts I still wouldn't succeed. 

I've lived the past few years of my life scared of failing but at the same time determined to change things, determined to change how people looked at me and most importantly how I looked at myself. Ironic but true. I was so scared of achieving so much because I was even more scared of disappointing myself, of not actually getting it done. So I settled for the easier things, which by the way hasn't gotten me far either. Earlier today, I was driving around endlessly on the same road and I realized, I am living my life as such going around in circles and not taking enough risk because I was afraid. The roads I drove on, I've mastered driving around them, I've been driving the same route since driving school and yet somehow I can't manage to go the different direction. Well I think its also because our driver didn't want me to. Yes, story of my life. I've put up with whatever people tell me and say to me that I just go around endlessly with no certain direction, my life has lost the value of excitement all together. 

Then it hit me, what drives people to achieve their goals, their dreams. What measures does people take to just have that one thing come to life and live that dream. Then I ask myself, why do I keep on going 'right' if I could actually go 'left' and I answer 'because you don't know what happens next'. Yes we do not know what happens but our lives are designed with mysteriousness in mind. But despite the uncertainty, some people still go for it, some people still want it, and I ask 'what's pushing them?' Probably,  they've long dreamed of being there so they take all possible measures to be there. 

We try, we may fail or succeed but what kind of fulfillment will it bring in our life? How will it make us a better person? I can re-butt all of this by saying at the end of the day, we now know our limits, we know what we can or cannot do, blah blah blah; but lets think about it, we are usually driven to the top not because it would complete our identity, but it is our bragging right to show everyone who doubted that we can do it that we can be successful but is that really enough, are we going to be continuously blinded by the things that won't matter in the end? And do we really just want to live our life continuously proving to others that we could do it or we were there because we were forced to because people expected us to be there or for once are we gonna do it for ourselves, because it really is what we want in life and what we hope to be doing. 

I'm not really sure if you're also undergoing that stage in your life when there are more uncertainties in your life than the sure ones, but don't fret, in time you will figure out the thing that you want to do with your life just like how I am figuring things for me. Its not easy because we are wasting not only our time but also our efforts and ourselves, I mean c'mon in everything we do, there's a certain emotional attachment to it right? 

Don't let the universe dictate to you what you should do but rather let your heart lead you to where you truly want to be. Don't let your judgement be clouded by the people that surrounds you. In all times remember that you are who you are it may take awhile before you could label who you really are, but take as long time as possible, learn more about yourself while taking as many wrong turns 'cause one of those will lead you right back where you should be.

Its funny that I am writing this blog and yet I can't really take THE risk because I am still in fear, but I am getting there, I'm slowly figuring out my life's map and getting there and really being there and staying there to wherever my destination will be. 

So now I ask you, where are you going and what drives you?

The Re-incarnation of the Show Choir

If you've been following my tweets then you may be weird-ed by the fact that I tweet a lot about how proud I am of Central A3's Show Choir. So in case you do not know, in YFC we do not only pray we also have this thing called Creative Competitions and we take this seriously. For the past year or two, our cluster didn't join the A Capella/ Show Choir competitions, why? I do not know, well maybe there was the lack of members among other things but this year this group was re-incarnated.

So it all started when after the Covenant Orientation, the girls decided to just 'jam' and sing. Kryzha was convincing Trish and I to form the show choir and all we said was, go basta ikaw head niyan. And she took the responsibility seriously. Stressed over the line-up and practices. After days worth of practice they competed in Central A's Sector Conference.

This was my first time to hear them sing and man, was I impressed. They were soooo good and the concept was really cute and they were eventually chosen to represent our sector for the Metro Manila Conference. So with added pressure, they changed songs and some of the members couldn't go to the MetroCon so we have to 'out source' just to have a complete line-up. And as I expected they were as good. Last minute changes happened, stressful morning but it was still all good.

Sadly we didn't win during the MetroCon to represent Metro Manila for the ILC, but then it really isn't about winning, and as how Paolo Panagsagan put it, its all about HIM. Giving back all the praise to God.

So I hope you enjoyed watching and can now relate why I'm just so proud of them, my babies. :)

xoxo, MCV. :)

MetroCon Challenge: Accepted!

Last weekend I attended the 10th YFC MetroManila Conference. This was my 9th MetroCon, goes to show how long I've been in this community. Personally there's a lot of pressure that I feel inside. I've attended all the past MetroCons and truth be told some of them, I only went to because I had to. On my 3rd MetroCon I was asked to be a part of the production team and a few MetroCon's after I've been a staple face in the stage. After sometime, I guess something inside of me died and I turned my back on prod dance. (well this is another story all together) and MetroCon was just an annual thing for me, I had nothing to look forward to anyway, once again I will be a member listening to the talks and taking care of my members.

Lets backtrack to mid-September. Its when I started to feel that I'm on my lowest. Self-Doubt. Self-confidence down the drain, frustrations, disappointments and a lot of things just seem to not happen my way. I mean, can't life just give me some slack. For some reason I felt so lost that I don't know who I was or what was I suppose to do. I'm so confused that even I couldn't really share it to other people without having to explain so much and that was the things I didn't want to explain it 'cause it hurts even more. In short, I wasn't happy. 

Fast forward to the third week of October. I was asked by a friend how I was and as much as I wanted to cover up what I was exactly feeling-- I flat out said that I was sad most of the time. I am happy when I'm around people but when I'm alone I just seem as lost and confused as how the day started. It feels weird though. Then I was really looking forward to the MetroCon there was just something about this conference that made me really want to be there, it seemed like I knew from the very start that I needed this and that God wanted me to be there; strange thing was I was really frustrated and disappointed that a couple of the YFC's that I wanted to be there but wouldn't be able to go. I wanted them to be there because I knew they needed it plus the fact that it would be extra enjoyable given that they are the people that I spend most of my time in YFC with. I swear I just wanted to like cry and put sense to people but in the end its their decision and maybe it really was part of God's plan.

Lets go back to real time. As I said earlier, this MetroCon was like it was meant for me to listen to. It was as if that God really dragged me to that field, and made me listen to every single word the speakers, worship leaders said. I was asked by the same friend how MetroCon was and how was I feeling and I told him that this conference was for me. It was that personal and to prove to him my point I really quoted him 2 of the strongest lines of the night for me..

"We lose sight of God's victory when we experience disappointments from failed expectations"

"We often get disappointed when we don't receive the same amount of love we give"


... and he really did agree. I could tell you the jist of the talks and the whole conference but I wouldn't. I just wanted to share what God made me realize just this weekend. Sometimes we will feel pain along the journey but we must not be burdened, we may fight our battles alone along the way but we do not need to worry, because these are nothing compared to the victory that we will receive beyond the horizon; that through every battle HE IS THERE. All He is asking of us is to trust and totally surrender in His name and He will be there for us. The pains and suffering, that we are put to are just means of making us stronger.

This years theme was Be. Live. Love. Like Jesus and the only way for us to be Like Jesus is if we totally surrender to God's plans. If we are TRUST and HONEST in our faith, we bring PASSION and CONVICTION to the things we do and we show DISCIPLINE and OBEDIENCE in our life. Easier said than done yes, but then we have God so why do we even worry right? This conference challenged us to Be Like Jesus, no we don't have to die on the cross, just by our little ways we can be like Him, we just have to share to everyone our Jesus experience everyday.

Having been at the conference sure made me feel better and made me feel that I can be better. The challenge was to be like Jesus, and I accepted that challenge. His victory is at hand, we will all be victorious FOR and BECAUSE of him. Its an amazing feeling to be re-assured by God in all things. I surrender everything to the Lord and will work myself on becoming Like Jesus. It would take time, one step at a time, but it will happen.


And since I am at the topic of the MetroCon, let me share my pictures with my crazy cluster and the reasons why I always have a blast when I am with them. God will not let me fight on my own and these people are those that I will be victorious with. :)

Until next year! For now, lets all strive to Lead, Serve, Pray, Speak, Live and Love like Jesus.

xoxo, MCV. :)

From Me to You. :)

I've been thinking, reading and observing a lot of people lately. Let me start this in saying that, I am 20 years old and a college graduate. With my studies past behind me, I can't stop myself from asking 'Why are the young ones excited to grow up'. If I had it my way, I would prefer to still be in school; well, I studied early, didn't have grade 7 thus I graduated when I was 19 (a month and a few weeks short of turning 20); but then I just have to live my life like how life wants me to. And this leads me to my point in case for this particular topic -- Why do kids want to grow up so fast?

I'd like to believe that I have one of the best childhood experiences that I know of. I would spend countless of hours under the sun playing just about everything getting all sweaty and bruised up and it was fun! Now most of the things I played before doesn't even exist. Gone are the days of the magical chinese garter, jack stones and sungka in with the cellphones, iPod Touch/ iPad, Play Station and Xbox. It saddens me that childhood isn't the same anymore, it will never be the same.


I am sad to see kids, living off technology. I am disheartened that they don't get to experience the fun under the sun, the way you talk to your playmates and living in pretend life with your dolls and toy soldiers. They do get that in school I suppose but when at home, they miss the chance to connect to their siblings, to their parents. Lets all admit as much as there is good that technology gave us it also lessened our face-to-face conversations, it lessened our chance to explore the world. I pity those kids who spend all of their waking hours nerd-ing in front of the computer.


Another thing I wanna point-out, why do teenagers drink until they drop. Don't get me wrong, I know the fun you could have in drinking and getting drunk, but aren't you just too young to waste your organs for a "problem."  Personally, I've also had those days wherein I think, 'can I just drink this off?' I'm tempted to text a friend for me to have a drink with, but for some reason I don't pursue, first because drinking off my problems and issues won't solve it and second I think I can actually talk to a friend WITHOUT drinking. Alcohol is so intoxicating that it makes you do and say stuff that you don't normally say or do and its gives you such high and happiness that you wish it was forever a party and you'll be drinking all day. For those who could not resist drinking here's my take on it, drink to have fun and not to make papansin and be 'cool', your friends will love you even if you don't drink with them, especially if you don't want to. While you are at it, know your limits, stop when you know you can't stand straight anymore or even think straight! As fun as it is to laugh at a friend while she's doing crazy stuff it is as hard looking after them afterwards.

Here's another, can someone please explain to me why is there a fascination with having a boyfriend/ girlfriend at such a young age. I know its your life and its your heart that will be broken anyway so why do I even bother, but still, do you really think that it is fun to have a boyfriend/ girlfriend at your age when you can't even pass your tests? Boys and girls, I am 20 and I haven't had a boyfriend and yes I am not ashamed of it. I get it, the inspiration the boy or the girl gives you helps you to accomplish things and all of that but what if you suddenly have a rough patch or hit a relationship ending roadblock have you ever asked yourself if you  are emotionally ready for it? I just think that you're emotionally raw and young to deal with life's real problems when the only thing that you should be worried about it getting a high grade in your test and how to finish your homework.

Lastly, I did not learn to drive because I thought it was cool to own a car and drive myself everywhere like my friends did, but I HAD to learn how to drive. It was a need and not a want and besides I only learned how to drive after graduating from college. I've always believed that having your personal car meant added responsibilities. Cherish the times that your parents make you 'hatid-sundo' don't be ever ashamed that your parents still drive for you :) It just shows how much they love you and making them drop you off or pick-you up from a party or something is also a way of opening up to them, making them see your version of the world, unless your doing something to be ashamed of, then I suggest you just sleepover at a friends' house. I think that in order for you and your parents to have at least a good-working relationship, you have to make them understand your life as much as you have to make the effort to understand their decisions for you. Try letting your friends meet them and you'll see, your parents would trust you even more to go out with them.

You may say that I may be feeling the so-called generation gap right now, but no, I just think that I had so much fun during my childhood and living as a teen that I am able to say all of this. All the things that you do are of your choice and I respect that its just that you only have one life to live, so live it to the full. Live your life to the fullest of you. Explore your possibilities, besides you will never be as young as how you are at this very second, so make it count.

You are a teen, or maybe not, but embrace it; embrace your youth and all of the fun that goes with it. You can do numerous things in your life now that you may never have the chance to once you get older so make the most out of your life and stop trying to grow up. Once you are my age or your mothers' age I bet you'd wish that you are young again and once you make that wish, don't you dare say that you haven't been warned.

xoxo
MCV. :)

[EDITED] Happiness...

Its been awhile since I last attended a household.

And so I went to Jollibee yesterday to meet up with the girls. It was fun seeing them again and being in a hh again! Last night, I was asked 3 questions during the HH, am I happy, healthy and holy. It seemed like it was an easy question, but looking closely, what does happiness really mean?

I wondered how my life have changed since I graduated college. How my perspective on things changed. Now that my life is on a standstill, what still made me happy?

On the course of the sharings, one of them said, 'Sana po masaya ako' I asked her why and she said: "hindi ko po alam pero sana po alam ko"

This conversation struck me, do we really just pretend to be happy or we look for reasons to at least be happy or are we really happy? How do we even know if we are happy? I couldn't answer for myself. I do not know how I feel about how I live my life. Yes, I could be happy in some aspects but I'm more frustrated that I can't seem to get my life on track. Am I really happy living my life in the shadows of the past and of fear. Am I merely looking for reasons to distract myself from the reality of how my life is currently? So am I really happy or at least pretending to? Its been weeks since I've had this feeling-- unsure of how I feel about my life. Unsure about many other things. What is happiness? Do we make it up in our head and tell people what they want to hear or are we truly happy that even the littlest things that we see in our lives makes us so?

We could always pretend that we are happy, we could always tell people that we are but then who are we fooling but ourselves, right? Since I've been feeling a lot of different emotions nowadays, I've realized that in order to be happy we have to recognize that we are not.

Happiness doesn't come with a formula. Theres no scale to even measure it up. We all have to go through the journey. Figure things out, eliminate all possible causes of pain and sorrow; cherish those that brings smile to our hearts. It may take a long time getting there, but once we have it, we will know. And it will be worth it.

Ms. Universe 2011

We've all been raving about Ms. Universe 2011 and how great Ms. Philippines was and that she deserved a higher rank. Well in the end, its still great that she made it to Top5 and she was 3rd runner-up though despite it all she really deserved to win the crown. Most of the tweets, said that she had the best answer of all the 5 and yet she still placed 4th. 

During dinner, my family was talking about her answer and I came to realize that, maybe the reason why she really lost was not because her answer sucked but her answer might be offensive to other people. Our upbringing as Filipinos was centered on God and how we put Him on top of everything but on this day and age, how many are comfortable in declaring to the whole Universe that they do love God and all the more how many are comfortable in hearing that. In the society that has embraced same-sex marriage and abortions how do we now view the answer that she said. 

When she made to Top 5 I knew for a fact that it was hers to lose, I mean c'mon, the girl was just exuding with confidence, she was just glowing out there. Personally, I think she out-staged all of her competition and yes, her smile was infectious. When I heard they announce her as 3rd I was disappointed, no I was devastated and you know why, because I really thought that she would eventually win the crown if not, at least the 1st runner-up but no, the judges decided that the three other girls deserved the place better. Well yes, Ms. Angola surely did but Ms. Brazil and Ukraine I don't think so. 

So what made the difference? That despite answering in such a graceful, very well-thought of manner she still didn't win the prestigious crown. Lets be honest, I don't think her question was one that you actually practice during the pre-pageant preparation. Well, I think it was the response of the judges to her answer, in short their personal bias that made the difference. We, as God-centered individuals appreciate her answer but what about those who doesn't believe in God or at the very least uncomfortable with this topic? We can't say the same for them. After all, beauty pageants and life in general, are all based on an individuals' perception. Was the response of the judges to Shamceys answer the same way that we did, 'cause if it was so then I think it would have turned out differently. 


But despite it all, I am still proud of her. Making it to the Top 5 is a big achievement. She made  me proud to be a Filipina. She represented us, especially Filipina women in a very elegant and intellectual manner. The fact that some of the contestants actually thought that she should have won should be more all the more reason for us to be proud of her, because she truly did made everyone want to be just like her, a Filipina in that hour, in that moment. 


And since, I'm talking about BEAUTY pageants here let me share my take on beauty. Yes. You can be beautiful and smart at the same time o plus the fact that we should truly embrace your natural color. Hello, being white won't make you beautiful and being dark doesn't and will never make you ugly. Being beautiful is not based on your skin color and not even you hair color, it is  based on how you think and carry yourself that would make you one. And remember that being truly beautiful doesn't end in having a perfect body, or that drop-dead gorgeous looks, you should also be SMART whether it be book or street smart or even better, both. Yes. Your brain actually adds to your beauty. So yea, be yourself, embrace your imperfections own them, be curious and you'll be the most beautiful person that you truly are. 


xoxo
MCV. :)

On Dressing Up...

Last night we went to a debut of a family friend and I must say I realized a lot of things. Okay. May times talaga na judgemental ako on how people look and stuff pero kasi minsan hindi mo mapipigilan lang talaga eh. May mga damit lang talaga na sadyang eye-sore lang talaga. So ito na nga, through-out the night, my sister and I scrutinized almost every single guest dun sa debut. Yes. Admittedly I also have my sablay days in dressing up but that rarely happens. Pero seryoso kasi yung iba talaga hindi na talaga forgivable yung suot eh. Anyway, here are some of the things that I realized last night:

1 - Shoes will ALWAYS ALWAYS make or break your outfit. I'm always keen at looking at a persons' shoe. And here's where my obsession for shoes comes, but more than that, it really is the first thing I notice in person, the shoes they're wearing. So obviously, half the time spent people-watching last night was looking at their shoes, and I should say that statement is true. A simple back dress paired with the perfect statement shoes is better than an overrated dress with a poor choice of footwear. And OMG. I do not get why men actually wore chucks to the event. First, its in a hotel and a 5-star hotel at that so please naman, have the decency to wear something that looks kinda formal. 'wag naman yung over-used chucks mo na color red. Mahiya ka naman sa dress code which leads me to my next realization

2 - There's a purpose for dress codes. The debut was a FORMAL EVENT and it was in a HOTEL. Please. If you don't have a gown or something have time naman to look for at least a dress, a simple black dress would do okay, don't go there naman in your shorts and top lang. mahiya ka naman dun sa nag invite. Dress for the occasion at least. I mean if not for the occasion at least for the venue. Tapos ito pa yung winner yung date mo naka jeans lang. OMG. yung totoo, napadaan lang kayo. And and yung given na wala na kayong coat pero 'wag naman kayo magdark jeans lang siguro naman may black pants kayo at may black shoes diba? I guess, we've all been through grade school and high school that asks us to wear black shoes diba? Yesyes, looking good entails sacrifice lalo na if you're not comfortable with black shoes, but its just a night and its for a friend, can't you make that sacrifice, atleast? I mean pinakain ka na nga eh, punta ka naman dun ng presenatble ka sa pamilya at ibang kaibigan ng kaibigan mo. Minsan lang naman eh, minsan lang :) Sorry. It really gets to me kasi when people don't dress up for the occasion ako yung nahihiya for them. And as what I've said there's a reason for dress codes and for you not to follow it is such a disappointment.

3 - This one hindi mashado related to how you look but this ALWAYS ALWAYS get in my nerves, please naman if you're a girl don't let your boyfriend bring your purse for you lalo na pagsuper liit lang naman nung bag mo. At ikaw lalake, please lang, hindi ka magmmukhang gentleman pagginawa mo yun, seriously mukha ka lang tanga na nagbubuhat ng bag ng girlfriend mo. Forgivable pa kung yung bag yung super bigat na backpack or kung training bag or something pero yung hand bag na maliit lang, please naman kung babae ka buhatin mo na yung bag mo. Ano wala ka bang shoulder or even a hand to hold your bag. Gamit mo yun panindigan mo naman yun. Seriously, it just annoys me seeing men whose carrying a sling back.

So there enough of the rants. Would love to post what I wore last night but then the pictures are still with my sister and I'm too lazy to get it from here. So yea.

xoxo
MCV. :)

Strange Things Happen For A Reason

Have you seen Cars 2? If no then what are you waiting for? Go ahead and watch it. Personally, I think Cars is the better movie of the two for the very reason that this movie talks more to the adults than to the kids. Yes the cars are even cooler, but the story isn't really child-friendly just as much as Up is. So after watching Cars 2 I've realized or should I say affirmed me of things. 

Its funny how we all of a sudden meet some people that adds more color to our life. Funny how God brings about people in our lives to make us stronger; people from where we realize our shortcomings and help us become better versions of ourselves. This usually happens in the most unexpected time and yes with the most unexpected people. Whether we be in classroom, organization, or just randomly met someone we often meet one person who we get so comfortable with as if we've known them all our lives and gives us the biggest slap in the face and wakes us up from our slumber and bring us back to reality. And truth be told, these are the people that we do not expect to be close to. These are the people that God had intentionally given us, made sure we cross paths with them and experience the different kind of friendship that He wants us to share with everyone else. They are that one person outside our clique, the person that breaks the monotony in our life every so often. The one person that when everything suddenly falls apart would help you pick-up your pieces. 

Sometimes, we should not be afraid of going out of our comfort zones, knowing places and people. Strangest things happen in the most unexpected time and place; most of the time, these experiences has the most impact in our lives. Learn to explore the world we live in, know more people and experience things for the first time. Let strange be strange and you'll see you'll be in the place you wanna be, not the strangest place but the place that you initially wanted to be in. 

Forever Alone -- NOOOT!

I'm sorry if you get offended with this one but I hate it when people say they're 'forever alone'. Like seriously, how can you be forever alone if you know for a fact that you have your family and friends with you?! I mean c'mon not having a partner does not end the world, people! I don't get the concept behind people saying that they're forever alone. Sometimes, you have to open up yourself even more to the world to realize that you are never alone, that somehow in this place someone else is going through or have been through what you're going through and if your swamped with problems or what nots remember that there are people who are actually willing to help you and maybe you're just pushing them away. And lastly how can you be forever alone if you know for a fact that you have God with you, and He never abandons. So see, its really just a matter of how you look at the world that make you judge that you are alone. This though is true, when you think that you are forever alone, then unhappy you will forever be. 


And this exactly is the reason why I refuse to say I am forever alone. Because I am not. 

Human Nature

The human nature of people asks us to give what we want to receive in return. Maybe some people just give so much because they want 'that' much in return. But then what if you have been giving it to someone who doesn't know how to appreciate. Does that give us the license to feel unappreciated. Some others give unconditionally but despite that, they can't give anything anymore, you know why? Because they haven't received the same amount of 'love' or whatever they have been giving away for the longest time. And you can't totally blame them, can you? So this is what I tell you, learn how to appreciate the people around you, 'cause you don't how much trouble they have to go through just for you to feel loved. 

Looking in

The down time that I have now makes me think a lot about life, of how my life has been and how it will turn out. I am currently in one of the major crossroads in my life. I ended my life as a student months ago and now I'm stuck here at home waiting for things to happen. For things to go my way. Praying for patience to endure the wait and the discernment of what I really want for my life.

The down time that I have, made me appreciate all that I had before. The sleepless night that most of my classmates, including myself complained about and the times spent with friends laughing away as if there was no deadline set in the next couple of hours. Funny how we manage to underestimate the good things that we had in life. Looking at life, we never truly appreciate what lies in front of us, but rather we keep on looking toward the horizon and missing out the beauty of where we are now. This time I have in my hands have helped me appreciate work and all the things that go with it. I am not a workaholic but all I want is to make the most out of myself and to help the people around me. I'm also able to look back on things that happened to me in the past.  am a person of no regrets but then there are just things hat I wish, I did differently, no I am not gonna re-do it because my life turned out to be crappy but I am going to re-do it for myself. But those things have taught me a lot and one of those is to always pic-up our self. We should never be afraid to make room for mistakes because it is truly through that, that we learn. You see, because of the things that has been happening to me, I tend to question myself and how I do things in my life. It even made me question my own dreams and goals in life. Life seems to have a conspiracy against my future but then I am always humbled by the fact that God has a better plan for me, in the right time when I am ready, He will give it to me.

So at this moment while waiting for my chance at life and continue on with this journey, I am still thankful for all the beautiful blessings that He has given me and appreciate the time I get to enjoy myself and know myself even more. When the time is right, better things are bound to happen! :)