almost 2008.

Here it is, the layout I was telling you about. It's not much actually, just one of those pictures from our Christmas party I was playing around in Photoshop that eventually turned into a header. Haha. Like what I said, this will be my new year gift to my blog. And an advanced anniversary gift too! On February, Bombastarr will be 3 years old! Can you believe it? I say blogging is much better than getting a shrink for so many reasons. It's free and you gain friends! Haha. Anyway, I hope you love it in all its pinkness.

How was your Christmas? Mine was great. We had lunch at my father's side, then we went straight home to Batangas for our Christmas dinner with the mother's side. I got pretty cool gifts from everyone, some I already had a feeling about while others were totally unexpected! I loved that most of the presents I received this year weren't default gifts -- in other words they were given much thought. It's a comforting feeling knowing that someone cares enough to give you something you want because they want to make you feel loved, rather than giving just for the sake of giving. So.. did you all get what you wished for? I most certainly did! =)

Have you heard about the merging of the UAAP and the NCAA for 2008? (Click this to read the whole article) This will be for the centennial celebration of the University of the Philippines. Since UP is one of the founding schools of NCAA (they transferred to UAAP in 1938), the administrators thought that it would probably be a good idea to join the two divisions together and have one big collegiate championship, the UAAP-NCAA Centennial Cup. If you ask me, it's quite an ambitious idea considering that both the UAAP and NCAA have been independent for a lot of years already. And imagine how long the playoffs will be. But it's still pretty terrific! If it pushes through, I'm sure it will be all the more exciting since there will be 16 schools participating! One of the things that's bothering me though is how are they going to squish the crowd from 16 different schools in the Cheerdancing Competition in one venue? Hmm, just wondering. I'm definitely going to watch out for this. Whether they push through or not, I'm still going to be the big UAAP fan that I am now. Hopefully, my first real UAAP experience will be a blast next year. Can't wait for Season 71! =)

I'm hooked on yet another book series that I've been wanting to read for sooo long but only recently have I gotten a chance to get my hands on one. The first of the Jessica Darling series by Megan McCafferty, Sloppy Firsts, truly was a captivating read. Aside from the fact that the lead character and I both have a best friend named Hope (whom we both love dearly!), I like the familiarity it brings and the humor each page delivers. It's the answer to my hormonal teenage anxieties. I bought Second Helpings just today and I'm afraid of reading it right away because I might finish it. Nevertheless, I'm excited. =)

Spotted!
K and H

Anyway, speaking of books and Hope, I got her to start reading my all-time favorite series Gossip Girl and yes, she was immediately hooked! Gone are the days of ranting about how stupid Nate is for fooling around behind Blair's back or how unbelievably bitchy and nice Blair and Serena are, then realizing that my friends know nothing about the Upper East Siders. Also, at least I have someone super close to me who can relate, unlike before where I have to talk to the GG fans who watched the series first before reading, and thus have a misconceived notion about some of the characters (It can be quite a pain to explain to them the real story so I just let them do the talking, haha). Seriously. I'm dying to watch the entire first season of the show, but from what I've been hearing the plots have been twisted big time! So it's a good thing I christened Hope into the books first. Hehe. I'm going to let her borrow the third one when we go back to school again. Let's not fight like B and S, Enemy! =)

May all your troubles last as long as your New Year's resolutions.

-- Joey Adams

Maybe New Year's resolutions are trivial to some, but we've got nothing to lose if we at least try to become better persons for the coming year, right? Whether you decide to make one or not, I just hope the new year will bring you strength and courage to face whatever zit-causing troubles that will come your way!

Let's rock 2008!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!

the wait is almost over.

Let's see what's in store, shall we? In random order..

1. One Tree Hill. On January 8, the new season shall begin. As most of you know, Season 5 will be four years into the future which means the whole gang is all grown up now. I'm so looking forward to the new season, especially for The Scotts! =) Nathan and Haley are proud parents of little Jamie -- and they are still so adorable! Nathan is still hot as ever. You have to see the sneak peeks, because I swear they make me more excited than ever! Click.


2. College Admissions. I applied in five schools: UP, Ateneo, La Salle, UST and St. Paul Manila. As of the moment, I've only heard from SPUM, so I only have one school right now. All the others will be releasing their results sometime in January and February. There's no denying that the anxiety is building up on me -- and I'm sure on every senior in the country as well.


3. Heels. I've waited for this day since first year high school. Fourth year students are always required to wear their heels to school as a formality towards the end of the year. On January 3rd, every senior in our school will grace the campus with their hot two-inch shoes and feel all dalaga. Haha. I have to buy a pair now.


4. Graduation Ball. It's nearing and I still don't have a date! Haha. I already have a dress and shoes though. Just this week, another meeting was held, and as the Honorary Vice President, I attended. Mr. & Mrs. Lardizabal, Tin's parents and the HSPC heads discussed some money matters and other things regarding the occasion. I cannot wait! =)


5. Summer Parties. I'm pretty freakin' sure that our class and/or batch will do some serious partying or something because it's our last year together! We have yet to think of the perfect summer getaway but I'm sure we will! It would be nice if both the Pullout and Regular will have one big bash since we never get to do that. Can't wait to bring out the swimsuit again! =)
   


6. Starbucks Planner. Would you believe I only have one friggin' sticker left?! I cannot not get my hands on one tomorrow. I cannot wait to doodle my torments in that gorgeous journal! My Trigo notebook has always been filled with scribbles, "blog" entries, sketches and whatnots. I think it would be nice if I had a more proper place for all those spur-of-the-moment scrawlings. The doodling helps me stay awake in class though.. hmm, whatever. LOL.
   


7. Upcoming concerts. I heard Maroon 5, Justin Timberlake and Incubus are coming to Manila on 2008! IMAGINE THAT! All my three hot crushes will arrive and give me a visit! Waaah. Gotta save up for all of them.


8. My new layout. I just finished it today and i cannot wait to use it =) I'll upload it probably after I come back from Batangas. New year means new layout, right?
   

and of course..


9. Christmas. How can we forget? In just 3 days, the whole world will be celebrating the most anticipated holiday of the year. Little kids will be forcing themselves to stay up late just to watch out for Santa. Moms will be busy preparing their Christmas feast. Dads will be taking pictures of the whole family as they do their yearly traditions. Ninongs and ninangs will surely run out of crispy new bills. Relatives will fly home from all corners of the globe. It's the most wonderful time of the year, and what person in the right mind isn't excited about it?!

I hope you all enjoy the holidays, and the new year ahead. But of course, let us not forget that all the merrymaking isn't worth a thing if we don't remember the one person whose birthday we are celebrating -- Jesus Christ. Let's not only make Him the center of this holiday, but the center of our lives all throughout the year as well.

Merry Christmas everyone!
I hope you all get what you wish for!

emo-therapy.

According to physicians, stress is one of the leading causes of sickness and death. It has been a plague, killing us gently one by one. There a lot of ways to battle stress. Squeezing a stress ball with all your might is one. Shouting at the top of your lungs is two. Writing your thoughts in a diary or journal (like this one perhaps?) is another. And ripping the head of your doll -- well, that works for some. We all have our ways.

But I think the most popular, if not the most effective, way of taking out all the anxiety on your body is by singing your heart out to an angsty punk-rock emo song. How many nights have you spent, with the volume turned to the maximum, mouthing Dashboard Confessional's "Hands Down" while lying in bed? How many times have you and your friends crooned to Fall Out Boy's "Thnks Fr Th Mmrs" all while thinking of your oh-so-tragic love affairs? How many hours have you spent doodling down Jimmy Eat World lyrics at the back of your Physics notebook as your iPod plays? I won't deny that I'm guilty of the abovementioned scenarios sometimes, but aren't we all? Some of us may not wear thick eyeliners, or sport dark-rimmed glasses with one-sided bangs but like what Peyton Sawyer said, "I’m into the music, not the uniform." There's always going to be an emo inside each of us, waiting for its angst to be unleashed, often by a hot underground band.

Being emo is usually associated with being too sensitive and tormented, all whilst wearing tight-fitting sweaters and canvas sneakers. But maybe some of us can like the music without painting our fingernails black. I'm no hardcore emo, I have my share of pop and R&B loves too. But every once in a while, in some ironic and twisted kind of way, wallowing myself in desolation through these anguished songs.. feels oh so good.

The irony of misery. It only feels good when you sing about it.

Which is why, I'm off to try and see if warbling out the Sum and Difference Formula will help ease my frustrations severely caused by Trigonometry.

Adios, dah-lings.

karla the word nerd.

It's hard enough that we have to miss a couple of days' worth of class for this, we also have to study weird words and their etymologies as well. I'm talking about the Spelling quiz bee that Cathe, Cecile and I are joining tomorrow. Don't get me wrong, it's fun to not bring notebooks and worry about homeworks but there's not much to smile about when you hear your classmates talk about addition and subtraction of sines and cosines, and you realize you're clueless. Anyhow, we're here spending a few precious minutes in the CAI Lab, supposedly researching for the most difficult words in the world but knowing me, I just have to sneak in some blogging time. =)

Our periodic test in Accounting took place this morning and practically every otherAccounting student has had his/her mind rattled. I wouldn't really say I didn't review since I memorized the formats for adjusting, reversing and closing entries. It was a mind boggling test that usually left you feeling stupid afterward. HAHA. Hopefully I get a pretty decent score. But that's just one of the many worries to face this December. Next week will be our Periodic Tests already. And I'm nervous because I've missed quite a few days due to reviews. I seriously need to photocopy Hope's notebook ASAP! I probably will this afternoon. Oh, this is such a stressful month.

Add the upcoming holidays to the tension and I think I'm going to explode. I'm saving cash so that I've got money to burn this Christmas. I mean sure, I'm going to receive gifts but I also want to scratch somethings from my wishlist on my own. HAYY. It's going to be one anxious month for me. Seriously, I wonder how I still manage to wake up and stay energized sometimes. If you ask me, I think students are the most burned out people in the world. I swear. Sure adults have to worry about bills, bosses and piled up paperwork, but what about us? We have to budget our allowances, make time for studies and social life, listen to parents' and teachers' nagging and complete all projects and assignments within deadlines quicker than you can say pronto. It's a crazy life, don't you agree? Everybody else who works hard gets special treatment, teachers have service day and employees have 13th month pays. And what do we get? Weekends spent on doing schoolwork? I think they should give us a students' day or something. They've got to give us credit somehow, right? I say, Save the Students, Save the World! LOL.

I think all the words are taking their toll on me. So before I go all Elle Woods on you and start making a bill on student rights and privileges, allow me to sign off and say adios to you all. I'll be back before you know it. Oh and btw, thanks to all those who comment and tag. I'll update my links as soon as I am flush again. Mwah. Love to all =)

Meanwhile..


*drool*I love you ADAM!

stresstabs.

Stress is taking its toll on me. This past few weeks have been so Hectic with a capital H, I don't even know where to begin. Things-to-do have been piling up, and every time I get to accomplish one, another one comes along. I guess I should have been used to this by now, but I'm only a mere human being (even though I force myself to believe I'm some kind of superhero, LOL) and I get tired too. I just want this day, this week, this month -- this YEAR to end. I want to rest.

But the world won't stop moving if I do, so there's pretty much nothing I can do about it but just get it over with. It's easier said than done, but what the heck. I'd rather stress over these things now than later. So here I am cramming for what seems to be a week's worth of due assignments and notes (because I missed classes for quiz bee reviews) and preparations for this Friday's Youth Camp. I want to sleep like a normal human being but I can't. So I'm fighting the urge to close my eyes and doze off in wonderland. I think I'm going to be like this for the next couple of weeks.

I guess that means goodbye to perky and masipag me, and back to my real ways: stressed and procrastinating. It's nerve wracking.. but in a comforting kind of way. Because ironically, I also function better when I'm stressed. REALLY. Sa totoo lang talaga. (HAHA how many times did I say the word 'stressed' in that paragraph?!)

Indeed, I am a walking irony. I'm weird. Haha.
I have to go back and hone my cramming skills. Off to my room to fix my things and pray that there will be no quizzes tomorrow!

Adios, mi amigas.

sheer fantasies.

There are three guys whirling inside my mind right now: Brandon Boyd of Incubus, Adam Levine of Maroon 5, and Justine Timberlake. Three devilishly hot men, with swoon-worthy vocals, undeniably charming looks, and words that make and break your heart all at the same time. While doing my Filipino paper, they showed Maroon 5's "Won't Go Home Without You" for the nth time tonight, and for a moment I felt like Adam was looking at me and pleading me to come back to him. I wanted to be the girl in the video and desperately look back at him and tell him I'm willing go home with him. Seriously! Then the other night, the JT and Beyonce song "Til The End Of Time" was requested thrice in one night and gave me a bad case of LSS that I immediately grabbed my brush and started singing along in front of the mirror. How I wished I was Beyonce. Because if I had JT's love, then that would be enough til the end of time! =) And as all other nights, Brandon Boyd always always always meets me in outer space and makes me want to stay there in another realm with him. The effect of his voice -- ooh, brings chills to my spine!

But after being induced in some kind of vocalist euphoria, I suddenly realized how opposite my reactions are to what we're discussing in Music IV. You see, there are three types of listening: 1) Sensuous, which appeals to the senses and makes you want to sing or dance. 2) Expressive, which talks about the emotional level and brings out all your feelings, and lastly 3) Sheerly musical, which refers to the musical elements in a song. Obviously, i'm such a good sensuous and expressive listener -- aren't we all? But our teacher says we HAVE to be sheerly musical, because a song is more than just the lyrics. Music per se, includes the tempo, dynamics, rhythm, and all that. And she also mentioned that to be an effective listener, you must not fantasize nor imagine about anything but rather just focus on the music itself.

But how can you be a sheerly musical listener when three people like them come to mind? Surely, I need to practice more on the third type, but right now who cares. I think they should create another type: Sheerly whimsical is more like it. =)

HOWEVER..

There is still that one guy who my heart keeps on beating for: NATHAN SCOTT. And you thought I forgot about him haven't you? How could I -- he's the love of my life! And he's coming back, along with the whole gang! On January 8th, One Tree Hill shall return on its fifth season, and it's four years later! What makes it even more exciting are the sneak peeks here -- you should see it! Now I'm even more excited for the new year! Come quick 2008, I can't wait!

LOL, all my sentences in that paragraph ended with an exclamation point. Can you say excited?! Haha. Anyhoo, did you feel the earthquake kanina? Wala lang, it caused such a commotion but everyone was racing through the doors not because they wanted to be safe or something, but they wanted to escape Trigonometry class. Funny in a sad sort of way. I believe Math causes far worse headaches than earthquakes do.

Off to sleep. I'm wiped out. Later, y'all.

can you feel the spirit?

On my previous post, I said I haven't been feeling the Christmas spirit just yet, but I think today it did. Or maybe this week. All I know is that in my head, the countdown already began, and every inch of me is looking forward to this holiday.

They say that nothing can ever satisfy a girl the way shopping does. And I totally agree with it. Today, my tita bought me a new pair of very, very hot heels from VNC at MoA. They're pink and gold, with a ribbon on the top. It's so girly and cute! And they're on sale -- 50% off! What's not to love?! Did I mention they were oh-so-hot? I'm going to use it for the wedding I'll be attending next year and of course, for other special upcoming events (ehem, Grad Ball? Hehe). I was also able to buy the dress I've been eyeing on for months at Shapes. It looks similar to the dress Haley wore at their prom! When we went inside, I was afraid na it was out of stock already since we saw it around September pa. They only had one left -- and it fit me perfectly! Talk about lucky! It's not the pink one though, but I still loved it because it looked so dalaga and all. And to top it all off, I got a cute shirt from Zara. SUPER DUPER cute talaga! It's always nice to shop and get what you want every once in a while, isn't it? No, scratch that, it's a GREAT feeling.

The shoes up close.

Me wearing them.

Aren't they bee-yoo-ti-fool??

Did you know that there are three storms surrounding our country right now? Mina, the supertyphoon as we all know is about to hit the country in just a few hours. Lando, the previous one, has had a change in course and is going back to our country. And now a new typhoon has just formed, Nonoy (if I'm not mistaken) is about to arrive too. A part of me is happy about this because there's the possibility of the cancellation of classes and of course, I love the cold! I'd get to wear my jackets and use my cute apple green umbrella. But a part of me is also saddened and worried, especially for the people whose lives will be ruined yet again. Imagine the families who have to stay in evacuation centers for weeks with no food, no water and no electricity. Some are still recovering from the previous typhoons of last year, and now here they are again -- times three. I hope and pray that whatever happens in the next couple of weeks, everything will turn out okay.

Just a few more weeks to go and we'll be saying hello to a brand new year. 2008 is going to be a big year for me because of the following reasons:

1. Release of the college entrance test results. We'll find out where we passed -- and where we didn't! This is all too scary.
2. Heels. Seniors wear their heels to school starting January.
3. Graduation Ball. Practically every senior in our school is secretly worrying about this even though they won't admit it. Haha.
4. Graduation. Who isn't looking forward to this?! Buh-bye, black and white uniform!
5. Last summer before college. It's the last hurrah before we go our separate ways.
6. COLLEGE. Enough said.

Changed the layout, by the way. Obviously, inspired by my favorite drink, the Peppermint Mocha. I'm dying to have myself yet another relaxing cup. In the meantime, I shall settle for the new Del Monte Fit 'N Right, which contains L-Carnitine that burns fat! Haha. I seriously need to lose some inches. When I got so thin last summer, my jeans became loose. And now they're a little tight again, so I have to fit in them! Sigh. We always want what we can't have. LOL.

BTW, Happy birthday Ate Patty! She's going to celebrate her birthday tomorrow. One month apart pala tayo. Hehe.

Gotta go print my assignment for Music. Love to all.

of hardcore cheesiness and peppermint delights.

We all know that the best part of being masipag is knowing that all your hard work paid off. I'm so glad that my perky-school-girl mode resulted to some pretty great rewards especially for the Long Tests. I'm not really grade conscious, but who doesn't want getting good scores? I'm happy with my results so far. I'm still crossing my fingers for the rest of my other subjects, though. Waaah.

Have you seen One More Chance? I swear, it is THE movie to watch! Almost everyone I know is talking about it! I'm not a fan of local films like this one but this is one of the very few which I really loved. It's a story of two longtime lovers who drifted apart and had to deal with the aftermath of their break-up. It's quite unlike the other films of the similar genre (haha, if you call hardcore cheesy a genre!!) and it actually made me cry! YES, I WAS CRYING THE WHOLE TIME, and at one point I even wanted to jump inside the screen and change things. LOL. I know a lot of people who can relate to it.. hehe. Their poster is undeniably ridiculous though, because they look like they're posing for a deodorant or something. But other than that, it's a great watch. You should see it, it might seem tacky but so what? We all deserve the cheesy ka-kiligans from time to time! HAHA.

Funny how I had the desire the blog tonight when I cannot really think of anything except how happy I am that finally the Starbucks Peppermint Mocha is back, in all its caffeinated glory! It's my number one favorite Starbucks drink. (My former favorite drink Mocha Valencia apparently contained alcohol which means I can't legally have it again until 2009) My friends always say it tastes like toothpaste. And I always have to say, "It's mint," with matching breathy voice to let them smell the aroma of the wonderfully tingly taste. HAHA. It breaks my heart that they only offer it during the holidays because I swear I need the bliss it brings all year long! But then again, if that's the case then I'll get bored with it and it wouldn't be this exciting. Anyway, part of the reason why I'm thrilled is of course, the Starbucks Planner. I'm always itching to get my hands on one every year. I'm always excited to fill it with important dates, appointments and secret entries. LOL. Thankfully, my generous titas and parents will gladly complete the stickers for me since I only get the regular high school student allowance, and this doesn't include iced, tall, Peppermint Mocha Frappucinos (nonfat milk) in the budgeting. LOL. Hayy, I can't wait for my next PM. Whee =)

Peppermint bliss =)

Speaking of Christmas blends, are you starting to feel the holiday spirit already? Yes, the weather's getting a little chillier everyday, the malls are starting to play Christmas carols, streets have been filled with Christmas decors and hit songs have been getting their X-mas remixes, but honestly I'm not feeling it just yet. Hopefully it will hit me soon because it's one of my favorite occasions of the year! And besides, I think I've been fairly nice this year. Hmm, I wonder what I'm going to get from Santa?? =)

BTW, I'm now a confirmed Catholic. Last Saturday, 150 of the 240 seniors in our school were confirmed at the St. Andrew's Cathedral. We have been discussing it in our CLE for quite a few quarters already, since it is a very important sacrament that we were to receive. It was funny how our batch wasn't really prepared for this since we only had our practice a day before and everything else was rushed -- from the preparations to the other details. But all in all, it was succesfull. I had three godparents -- one ninang and two ninongs. And then Nica had my mom as her ninang. And all my other classmates had our classmates' parents be their godparents, so parang we're all siblings by Confirmation already. Hehe. At least, di ba. Anyway, I guess this marks my journey as a mature Christian. Hmm, where shall I begin?

Probably by being responsible and finishing my homework. Teehee.
Toodles =)

senioritis.

Today we had our class picture taking, a couple of weeks back we had our annual picture taking, this week we will be having our Confirmation and in a few months, we will be wearing heels and finding out which schools we got into! Senior life is so stressful, and yet exciting all the same. You always feel like you really have to do your best because you know your time in school is running out -- in a few months you'll be leaving for real. When we talk about college and how we're going to be a year from now, the issue of separation from friends always comes up. What if we passed in different schools? What if someone migrates? It's scary to just even think about not being with your friends, but that's the reality we have to face everyday from now on: our time is really limited already because by March 16 we'll be bidding everyone farewell. I know we'll be seeing each other again, but who knows how often? We'll be going our separate ways and every single time I think about this, I feel a knot in my stomach. I feel like a giant clock is tick-tocking before me, counting down the number of days until I keep my checkered uniform for good. Everyday I feel this way, all mushy and nostalgic during random moments of the day and sometimes I think maybe it's just hormones at work but no, I really think I've got a bad case of senioritis.

Which probably explains my suddenly ardent urge to study really well. Not that I've not been studying hard, but you know, I seriously want to do better. After the sem break, I really didn't want to go back to school but now it seems like this strong wave has hit me and I'm in geek mode again. I've been doing my assignments religiously (this week at least) and I'm so determined in making sure my notes are a-okay. I update my Filipino notebook every chance I get because I don't want to submit an incomplete notebook when our teacher collects it unannounced. I haven't really been feeling sleepy in any of my classes (yet, haha) and though I've been sleeping late I'm still pretty energized. What is wrong with me? All of a sudden I'm Miss-Excited-For-School all over again, just like in grade school. LOL. Haha. I hope this goes on. I mean, sure being a lazy bum is, how shall I put it -- relaxing, but doesn't it feel more gratifying when you're reaping rewards out of your hard work? IT SURE IS. Karla the Geek is back, and she comes with a fixed pair of ubercute white eyeglasses. Heehee =)

I'm all up for making the most out of this year not just because I'll be graduating in March but because I know I can really do better. I wonder if I'm the only one feeling this way though? HMM.

---

I'm totally loving Incubus this past few days. I've always had their songs on my iPod but the other day when it was in shuffle mode and played I Miss You, it's as if I've only heard them for the first time and just like that I'm in love with Brandon Boyd. Doesn't it make you want to be with him when he sings I Wish You Were Here? Or to meet him in outer space when you hear Stellar? As far as I know, I'm currently an Incubabe and I seriously wish I was his Southern Girl.

"I wish you were here."

sugarfall.

I really have no idea what that means, but it's a pretty hot song and I actually like it. I'm referring to one track in Britney Spears' latest album, Blackout. I don't think it's out here in our country yet, but what can you say, I have my sources. (Haha, the joys of Limewire) I remembered what E! News reported the other day about it, saying that music critics actually gave praises for the album. They said it was probably the best record she has made so far, and predicted it to top the charts. And who was I not to check it out? So whilst everyone else is fast asleep, I'm drowning myself in some hip techno-slash-dance music, which is un-Britney yet totally familiar, in an ironic kind of way. It's honestly pretty good you know, despite her overly-processed voice, because they're the type of songs wherein you cannot NOT nod your head to the beat. And here's the rad part: She mentions The Philippines in one of her songs!!

"I’m Miss American Dream since I was 17
Don’t matter if I step on the scene
Or sneak away to the Philippines
They still gonna put pictures of my derrière in the magazine
You want a piece of me?"

-- Piece of Me, Britney Spears

Pretty cool, huh? Haha. I swear I rewound that part a million times just to make sure she really did say 'the Philippines.' At least she doesn't go ranting about the so-called bogus reputation of our medical field. *ehem* And by the way, nice use of language, Britney. Derrière is actually a French word for butt. Haha, classy.

I still miss the old Britney though. Hit me baby one more time? HAHA. I bought her first ever album when I was in first grade. We had her concerts on DVD. I always attempted to copy her moves in I'm A Slave 4U in Grade 3. And when I was in sixth grade, I remember being totally LSS-ed on Toxic and waiting almost all day on MTV just to see the video. Total hotness which only she can deliver, I believe. I'm still secretly rooting for her, though. I really hope she makes a jaw-dropping comeback that will make everyone shut up and just forget all the mess she's put herself in.

ANYWAAAY. Enough Britney.

I'm hooked on our Wii yet again. I've been spending hours playing on that thing! And I swear, the reviews are for real -- it's totally addicting. But in a nice kind of way though. One may look crazy smashing imaginary tennis balls or boxing like mad using the Wiimote, but who cares. All the games you play require total body movement, so I guess that counts as workout? Hopefully! Haha. =)

This sembreak is so bitin. I want to relax and just not think of anything related to academics all day but a little voice inside my head keeps screaming, "Projects! Assignments!" and it's driving me nuts. I knoooow it's not due yet but I have this innate nerd in me that wants to get it done. Of course the procrastinator part always wins which is why I have been luxuriously spending my time in front of the PC or playing Wii instead. I've made an agreement with myself though: I'll find time to do them by Sunday. If I do, well, that's a deduction from my To-Do list. If I don't, I'll give up junk foods for the rest of the week (and hopefully lose weight, haha, I'm getting fatter by the minute). Either way, win-win for me. LOL.

How was your All Saint's Day, by the way? Mine was spent grave hopping. Haha. After our prayers, my tita and I decided to go "grave hopping" and look for our other relatives. I saw a couple of my classmates too, and some titas and titos. I've always looked forward to this yearly occasion because it means bonding with the family, even the departed ones. Besides, who doesn't love making candle wax figures?! HAHA. I remember making candle wax balls when I was a kid, tapos palakihan kami ng mga pinsan ko. But now, since we're all "grown up" hanggang siomai na lang na mukhang hakaw nagawa namin. It eventually became fishes though, because they put fins on it. LOL =)
Happy Birthday, Kassandra Obsum! =) We're going to her house later. Hehe. Can't wait!

[edit]
Currently watching Gossip Girl episodes! =) Whee. How hot can Nate get? I really love Blair, even though they made her seem like the bad girl there. I still think I'm her sometimes. LOL =) It's bliss watching my favorite book series for real. Oh, the joys of the Internet talaga! Okay, back to watching.

Team Blair!

[/edit]

LATER, Y'ALL.

unraveling with every word.

Two months, two quarterly tests, one Sabayang Pagbigkas, three college entrance exams, four new books, dozens of clothes, a good report card, a birthday and tons of happenings later..

I am back.
Whoot, whoot!

I guess you're expecting some lame-ass explanation as to where I've been and what has happened to me since my last post but I'm going to spare you the boring details of the past two months and just satisfy myself by greeting you with the biggest smile on my face as a SIXTEEN YEAR OLD! =) Yes, three days ago (last Friday, the 26th) I celebrated my sixteenth birthday and became a lady. Haha, okay so the whole lady-like transformation probably hasn't occured yet and I'm probably pretty much the same person I was four days ago. But nevertheless, I am 16 and ready to rock the world! LOL.

Just like last year, my birthday was also Intramurals in our school. The very idea of it sounded exciting, but in reality that meant not being able to spend the whole day with your friends especially if you're all involved in events that will take place that day (swimming for me and cheering for them). But all in all, the day was great. It was a little rough around the edges, but looking back it's probably one of the happiest birthdays ever. I seriously thought it was going to suck because I was sick and everyone else was busy, but surely life has its way of turning things around. I'm thankful I didn't really crumble that day. Of course, big hugs goes out to all of my friends, Nica, Trixie, Hope, Mikka, Tin, Kassey, Kaila, Cathe (who taught me a little game involving jeepneys and your fate, haha) and all the rest.. you know who you are! It really meant a lot to me when everyone treated me extra special that day. WHEE.

Go Lilac swimmers! =)

In recent news, I voted for the first time ever today! As one of the perks of being a sixteen-year-old, I have to exercise my right to vote for the Sangguniang Kabataan or SK elections. For the first time in my life, I got to experience the whole "Eleksyon sa Pilipinas" scenario, and trust me, it was as cliche as cliche can get. At first, I didn't really want to vote since I did not know WHO to vote, except for my neighbor-slash-childhood friend who will run for SK Kagawad. But because she came over here the other day together with one party-mate, they handed me a list of the candidates from their party which gave me a reason to go. Together with my parents and titas, we went to PNHS Central to get it all over with. Unsurprisingly, it was packed with people -- literally. Almost everyone I crossed paths with gave me fliers and were shouting names I couldn't even understand. The place was so noisy, crowded and dirty. As we went up to search for our precincts, people from all walks of life were there to make sure their vote counted. Since I already know where my precinct is (thanks to my candidate friend), I decided to go with my parents first. Apparently, the list got mixed up and they found their names in different rooms. Supposedly, they should go to the same room since we lived in the same street and had the same surname, and besides that was how it was last elections. My parents were able to vote, but my tita wasn't because she couldn't find her name anywhere. They practically searched the whole school but to no success. I wasn't surprised though, because isn't this how they all said the elections will go? After that, my dad accompanied me to my precinct. A part of me was excited, a part of me dreaded getting my finger inked. I checked my name on the list by the door, just so I would know how it felt to be relieved upon seeing your name. Haha. There it was, on the first page. I took a deep breath, entered the room, signed my name, left my thumbmark, wrote down the candidates, had my index finger stained by the indelibe ink, and that was it. The whole thing lasted for about five minutes or less. It was funny how everything else was so chaotic when that's just basically what you're going to do: ink, sign, write, ink. I heaved a sigh upon leaving the room, but it wasn't really one of relief knowing that I was able to exercise my right and let my vote count, rather more of a sigh that said, "I am now officially part of the crazy circus that causes too much crime and economic instability: Philippine Elections." Hooray for me -- not?

Yesterday, I became the happiest girl in the world when I finally got my hands on the book I've been waiting for since the first time I heard it. We went to MOA to get myself the sixth book of The A-List (Some Like It Hot) by Zoey Dean, the series which has been my current read. I brought the five-hundred-peso birthday gift I received from one of my lolas and entered Power Books in the hope of finding the installment there. But lo and behold, my mom suddenly points out something from the display, and there it was, in all its black and hardbound beauty -- The Gossip Girl Prequel: It Had To Be You. My initial reaction was to grab it and hold it securely so that no one else can get it. After about a nanosecond, I stared at it and actually pinched myself a little to make sure I'm not dreaming because in my hands is THE book I have been waiting and looking for. And to my surprise and utter delight, it wasn't very expensive too! I eventually found the A-List book, but was actually willing to not buy that because Gossip Girl was first priority when it came to books. Haha. But because of one special reason -- ehem, Birthday Weekend -- my dad told me I can buy both (hati kami sa bayad, haha). Hooray for me! And besides, I earned it because of my good grades this quarter. So I whipped out all my money for the book. But so what? For a bookworm like me, it was sooo worth it.

It Had To Be You: The Gossip Girl Prequel
by Cecily Von Ziegesar

I'm hoping this 'return' will be for good. Though I can't promise I can update on a daily basis, hopefully I can find the time every once in a while to check you in on what's happening on my somewhat-boring-sometimes-interesting life. I just missed this blog too much, I can't imagine I survived two months without a single update! But that's how life is for me. It sucks when your busy all the time. Oh well, past is past. I can't bring back the time. I can, however, come back with a new layout. Still adhering to my virtue of simplicity, this layout was inspired by the Jack's Mannequin song, I'm Ready. It was one of those boring Saturday afternoons, I put my iPod on shuffle mode and the song just surprised me. I guess the lyrics stayed and that was a beginning of a new love affair with a song. I'm hoping to learn it on the piano, but until then here's where I placed my so-called creative juices. I hope you like the layout. The links and archives are found at the bottom of the page though, because I'm getting a bit tired of the side bar. And I also temporarily removed the tagboard, so if you want to say something to me I have one word for you: COMMENT! =)

I really missed you guys. It's good to be back.
Adieu.

the little princess and her rose.

Classes are suspended (again) which means for the nth day in a row, I am stuck at home drowning myself in newly downloaded tunes, Friendster, One Tree Hill, and UAAP. (I've been downloading pictures of my crushes like crazy!!) Since the good old me finished my homeworks last night (though half of me didn't want to accomplish them because I had a very strong feeling that there'll be no classes today), I am unofficially free to do whatever I want today. And with that I mean blog. Haha =) I wasn't able to update for the past few days because something was wrong with Blogger and I couldn't log in. But now, I'm here, and I'm ready to share myself to the world again. HAHA.

In English class, we're discussing The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery. I have a confession to make (hold your breath) -- I haven't read this book yet. I swear, I haven't. Probably every person I know has read it and has been inspired by the wonderful messages hidden beneath each line. I've heard of this book and I know that it really is a wonderful classic, but now that I think of it, I have no idea why I haven't had the chance to get myself a copy and read it. Oh well, perhaps now is the perfect opportunity. So anyway, we've been talking about only one part of the book in class and it's the conversation between the prince and the fox. Our teacher, Mrs. Lee, asked all of us to write down 5 quotes from the selection and explain how we understood it. It was hard since almost every sentence contained something meaningful but perhaps what really struck me the most was this line:

"It is the time you have wasted on your rose that makes your rose important."

-- the Fox

The Little Prince took care of a beautiful rose. To some, it may look ordinary and just like every other rose in the world. But because he has taken care of that rose, it becomes something of value. In this line, the wolf is telling the prince that what makes his rose more important than all of the other roses was that he has given his time for that rose, and because of that, it means something.

I guess we all have our "roses" -- something we cherish and treasure. The first time I read this line, I immediately found myself wondering what my rose is. I have a lot of important things in life, both material and insubstantial. But I guess one thing I can consider my rose, something I own and hold really close to my heart is this blog. Okay, so it may sound cheesy, but I have devoted most of my PC time for this journal. I may not be updating often, but I go around to see my visitors, constantly think of ideas for a layout, and just come up with things to write. Not many of you know this, but I've been blogging since my freshman year in high school and I strongly believe that if it wasn't for blogging, I would have probably gone berserk right now. It's true. I consider this journal as an outlet for my emotions. I have vented out my steam more than a hundred times (in more than a hundred posts) in this blog. I have expressed myself creatively (though not brilliantly, haha) in the many layouts that I have created. I'm not a journalist, but I consider myself a writer. I write because I want to write, because writing lets me express myself. And this blog has been my avenue for all my sentiments. It has connected me to the world. To some, this online journal may just be another smidgen in this vast world called the Internet. But because I have taken good care of this for almost three years now (and counting), it becomes important. It's significant. And to me, it is unlike any other blog in the world.

"Men have forgotten this truth,," said the fox. "But you must not forget it. you become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed. You are responsible for your rose."

"I am responsible for my rose," the little prince repeated, so that he would be sure to remember.

The Little Prince and the Fox

So now, let me ask you.. what's your "rose"?

University of the Philippines College Admission Test -- the experience of a lifetime.

The whole UPCAT week (meaning the days prior and the exam day itself) was probably the most draining, tiring, and excruciating I've ever had in my life. We had our periodic exams on the same week and to top it off, parents and teachers we're pressuring us like crazy. For the whole of last week all you can hear from the seniors is UPCAT. It literally drove me insane.

From Friday to Sunday, I felt nauseous. Since I was to take the test on Sunday afternoon (last batch) the agony seemed much longer. I would suddenly wake up early in the morning with a stomach ache, or in the middle of answering my review books I'd suddenly cry. It was as strange as strange could get. I guess you could say the pressure and anxiety just crept in and overwhelmed me. I was in a dilemma: to review and absorb every last bit of information my brain can contain or not review and just let my mind relax? Saturday afternoon onward, people from the first three batches started group messaging on how hard it was and all that. I was really panicking. And then came Sunday morning. We left the house early , around 9 am I think, because we expected heavy traffic. After about an hour, we finally arrived at UP and saw lots of cars and parents (im)patiently waiting for their children. I stayed in the car, forcing myself to remember gas laws, stoichiometry and other concepts that came to mind. I really didn't feel well. Imagine being there, knowing that in a few hours you'd be taking the test that will determine your future. It was definitely nerve-wracking.

Fast forward to 11:30 am. Just an hour away from the test. I was standing in line in front of the Institute of Chemistry with my hand tightly holding my test permit (covering my very un-pretty 2x2 pic.. long story behind that picture, basta sa UP ko lang ginamit yun. Haha). Around me were students just as uneasy and fearful as I was. Some were with their friends, others were talking to each other, but I was just there standing alone, too afraid to speak out of fear that I might puke out of nervousness. Yes, that's how tensed I was. As we finally entered the building in single file, I waved goodbye to my mom, signed myself with the Cross and walked what seemed to be the longest journey from the ground floor to the classroom.

I settled in my seat, made sure that all my five Mongol No. 2 pencils were okay (yes, five freaking pencils, because I was afraid sharpening them in case they break would take too much time. I did bring a sharpener though. Haha), placed my bag in front, and just prayed. I was in constant prayer all throughout. I silently told myself that if I get tired or sleepy, I'm going to eat all my Magic Cremes and Oreos just so I'd feel normal. After a few minutes, the test booklets were distributed. We were instructed on how to fill up the forms and before I knew it I was answering the test. All throughout this voice inside me kept saying, "This is it! This is it! This is the freakin UPCAT!" that made me all the more determined to answer the questions WELL. It was hard to decide on whether to leave the questions blank or risk losing a 0.25 point. It was also hard making sure that every circle is correctly shaded (bawal lumagpas sa circle.. oh the horrors!) and every changed answer is properly erased. I thought of eating after the Math test, but I changed my mind because I might puke all the Oreos out even before I could swallow them. Harhar. It was very draining indeed. Endurance talaga. Three hundred plus items are no joke. So for five long hours, I sat there, squeezing my brain to the highest extent. Five long hours of mental agony.

I think I may have suffered brain damage afterwards. I felt woozy upon leaving the classroom. But a whole lot of weight has been lifted from my shoulders. And it felt so good.

What's funny is that I'm looking back at it now and I realize how pathetic I sound. Imagine going through all that just for an entrance exam. But I think it wasn't the test itself that I was afraid of. It was the future. The fact that I may or may not go to UP because of that test. The idea of my parents and family feeling like I failed them if I don't pass. The fear of typing my name in the UPCAT website and seeing "No results found" flashing before me. The test was difficult, but what made this experience even more grueling was the pressure. I've been using that word for the last few months and I hate it. But it's there: PRESSURE. Maybe if I wasn't in this situation of wanting and needing to go to this school, the test would seem a little bit easier. I wouldn't have been nauseating all week. But that was that. It's over and done with. A big sigh of relief -- TAPOS NA ANG UPCAT!! WOOHOO!! I survived the University of the Philippines College Admission Test. Yeah.

ACET, USTET and DLSU-EE, here I come.

Hirit ng isang Physics nerd.
Haha =)
VECTOR!!

I'm downloading songs and it's love. It has been a while since I last loaded my beloved iPod (which I'm going to rename since Bee doesn't really suit her anymore, haha) with fresh, new tracks. I miss drowning myself with new music and new bands, which is why I'm doing it today. I'm currently loving Cute Is What We Aim For. Their songs are super addicting, especially The Curse of Curves. The video is rad too! =) You should go check them out.

Thank God for the rain. Not only do we get to stay at home but I get to feel all senti and mushy -- which is so not me, but I'm liking it anyway. Haha. It's fun being a bum. But only for a short while since reality always finds a way to snap me back and make me realize I have tons of work to do. Uuugh. Later.

sugar, they're going to manila!

OMG, I CANNOT BELIEVE IT! FALL OUT BOY IS COMING TO MANILA! It's confirmed on their website! THEY'LL BE HAVING A CONCERT AT THE ARANETA COLISEUM ON SEPTEMBER 21!! More info about it here.

Anyway, our Research assignment drove me crazy. We're supposed to make an inventory of research title proposals for our investigatory projects. Our class (Pull-Out Fast) is limited to scientific topics only. The group with the best project might get a chance to represent the school in the upcoming Science Congress this February. And honestly, my mind was blank. Nada. Zip. How was I supposed to come up with 25 topics AND 5 research title questions?!? Good thing a little miracle happened and ideas came pouring in.. ayan tapos na rin. FINALLY.

I watched the UAAP games today and all I can say is that I was slightly taken aback. UP and ADMU lost to NU and UE respectively. The two teams I've been rooting for lost. Tsss. UP hasn't won a single game yet but I swear with this afternoon's game I thought they would! Did you see the steal done by Mike Gamboa? Beyond words. I tell you, it was one of the most memorable moments I've ever seen in UAAP history. But you can't blame them for losing because almost all of them are newbies, while the NU players were sort of veterans na. Still, I was cheering for UP all the way. Their pep squad rocked like hell too! They were really synchronized and the stunts were executed almost perfectly (unlike the NU squad, medyo nagkalat. Hehe, peace!). They even did jetes, which kind of made me miss my ballet lessons years back. =) Anywaaay. The ADMU-UE game was genuinely exciting. Very unpredictable. Props to Monfort for his three-point shoots by the way! Still, the UE managed to take away the lead from ADMU in the last few minutes of the game. I was literally at the edge of my seat watching! UE is still undefeated. I wonder what school will finally knock them out? Can't wait for the next games!

Yesterday, we went to Ateneo. There's a really long story behind it that I'd rather not tell because super nakaka-bad trip. Pero basta, we ended up going to UP na lang, because my dad also wanted to tour me around the campus. My tita brought me there already a few weeks ago, but who was I to refuse another trip to my dream school? =) We ended up going to the school store Maroon that sold UP shirts, jackets and other stuff. I swear I screamed a little upon entering the doors. And of course I didn't think twice about buying! Haha. (Guess what I bought?) I wanted to buy the jacket pero I didn't. Next time na lang. =P And besides it's quite off my budget. After that, we ate the trademark UP fishballs, squidballs and gulaman. Ohh, sheer joy.

Diliman Fishballs
(Photo courtesy of OtherJoseph)

After that, we went to Trinoma to watch Harry Potter 5. Honestly, it wasn't such a terrible movie. In fact the actors seemed like they have mastered their craft really well, especially the portrayal of Luna Lovegood (Evanna Lynch) and Bellatrix Lestrange (Helena Bonham Carter -- who, by the way, played Charlie's mom in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory). They were superb. Daniel, Rupert and Hermione were more in tune with their characters more than ever. And yes, Rupert was undeniably hotter than ever! =) However, from an HP reader's point of view, it is below par. A lot of major scenes were cut and it didn't completely capture the dramatic emotion of the book. I honestly forgot some parts of the book already and I only managed to weave the events together upon watching. Lucky for me, I read the novel. I wonder how the non-readers understood it though? But I guess all HP movies will turn out this way: incomplete. It would be rather hard to put everything into the movie. That might sum up to eight hours! I'm recommending the movie because it is a good watch after all. The visual effects, the actors and the choreography of the fight scenes are definitely to watch out for. But it still doesn't measure up to the hype and the novel.

I suddenly missed my grade school days, back when me and my friends would pretend that we're wizards at Hogwarts. We even had pretend names and family ancestries, with matching certificates. Mine was Amanda Hackspiere. We would use the sticks from the sliding folders as wand and we would wingardium leviosa everyone we saw. We would also speak in fake British accents and fight over Daniel (I was, of course, going gaga over Ron Weasley aka Rupert Grint. Ever since, I liked him better!). It was rather silly, actually. But back then we were serious about those stuff. We really considered ourselves witches! Sometimes I wish I could go back to those days when everything was less complicated. Being in high school, opening your eyes to a lot of things and being "real", is fun, but there's no denying that the innocence of grade school and all the pretend games we used to play are some things I sorely miss. Back then, there were no insecurities and dilemmas to trouble you with -- oh, those were the days.

I have a new goal: to buy school shirts and other souvenirs from the colleges I'm applying in =) I just thought it would be cool to feel a little school spirit-y this time of year, what with the UAAP and application fevers. I guess you know where my first shirt came from, huh? Haha. Anyway, I have to go fix my things for tomorrow. Byers.

The shirt says it all.
Oh yeah.

when the going gets tough..

..the tough go blogging. =P

I just finished my essay for Ateneo. And I swear, it was nerve-wracking! I have to make sure all my sentences were grammatically correct and I kept telling myself that I wasn't typing a blog entry so I have to make it a little more formal. No whatever's and wahahaha's allowed.. which was a bit difficult honestly, considering that I pepper my posts with them. Haha. (See?) And you can't blame me naman. Of course when I'm writing an essay on a piece of paper, I don't include the haha's and the smiley faces because I'm literally writing it down, so I have a feeling of formality. But this time it's different because I'm typing it so it certainly feels like I'm blogging. Haha. (I did it again! LOL) I hope it turns out okay.

Today is Friday the 13th, and people are acting all superstitious yet again. They blame the day for the bad luck they experienced. I for one had a pretty normal (and actually boring) day. We had no classes because of the seminar for the teachers. Nica, Mikka, Trixie, Hope and I had an early meeting here at my place for something very.. important. Then after that I tried answering my MSA workbooks. Nothing really special happened today, but nothing really awful happened either. Like what I told Nikki a while ago, I think in some ways the bad luck is also psychological. If you believe that you're going to be unfortunate, then you will be. It's like you're attracting the negative forces, right? Anyway, these past few days, there is a black cat "hanging out" at our garden. I swear he's so black, like Salem from Sabrina, that he scares the living hell out of me more than any other cat in our street does. Imagine, takot na nga ako sa pusa, tapos super black pa ng skin and yellow ng eyes. SCARY. For a moment I actually believed it was a bad omen. Pero I think good things happened this week pa. So I really don't believe in all these superstitions. But I'm still going to stay away from cats, black or whatever color for the simple reason that I hate them and I'm afraid of them. Period. =P

I just discovered a new band that is currently making me kilig and head-over-heels in love: The Perishers. I found out about them from Ate Jan, and I swear they are love! I've read the lyrics and watched the videos of a couple of their songs, and they totally describe how I feel right now. Especially the song Sway. I know a good band when I hear one, and they are most definitely on the way to becoming my favorites! They sound a little bit like Nada Surf and Snow Patrol, and the words are most definitely beautiful. You guys should listen to them. Highly recommended!!

I'm feeling very bloated today. My face is breaking out. I'm binging like crazy. I'm having a bad case of Cream-O withdrawal. I've gotten very insecure about my legs. I think my hair is starting to go out of control again. And I'm so irritable these past few days. Stupid estrogen. Stupid raging teenage hormones.

Anyway, have I mentioned that I have FINALLY uploaded pics to our PC? That's because we have a monitor already! Yaay! It's not new, pero it does the job naman so okay na rin. Kaya out of joy I want to share some of the pics I've been dying to post. Haha =)

After swimming.
Trixie, Tin, me, Nica, Hope and Inna

Madalian pic, baka makita ni Mrs. Laxa =P

Jen, me and Mikka sa may canopy.


Karla in the hands of who?! Haha.
Feel na feel.


Caught in the middle? LOL!!


with Kaila and Kassey sa Courtyard.

I have to go to sleep na because I'm so tired. I need to refuel myself because I still have a lot of things to accomplish this weekend. Super hectic. Haha. Anyway, I hope you all have a fun weekend. And I hope I get to see HP5 na! They say it's disappointing daw? I have to go and see for myself. Later.

my, has it really been that long?!

I miss my blog to bits. I miss updating it, I miss editing its layout, I miss having the normal blog life. But time and dad's old laptop won't let me. In fact, this is just a takas post in the middle of my Eco AND English researching. I just miss it too much. I miss Friendster and Multiply too since I couldn't upload any of my pictures. Life without our PC sucks. I have so much kwento! So allow me to speak in vernacular, okay?

Life as a senior sucks too. Okay, not really. So far it's been fun but it's just so BUSY. A lot of things happen in a day, a week and even in a month! Aside from all the college application chaos I've mentioned before (this time DLSU, ADMU and UST naman) our Long Test just finished last Saturday and tons of projects are already piled up. Can you say hectic? But in an odd sort of way, senior life is quite light compared to other years. We have fewer subjects and more time to concentrate on the major ones. It's also exciting because we have SCT (the modern name of CAT, haha) and CES (Community Extension Service) as part of our curriculum. Tapos we can practically smell college because almost every teacher mentions the words university, college, course and graduation every subject. Haha. Mas excited pa sila sa amin. =P

The UPCAT is less than a month away and I'm as nervous as a first-time skydiver. The pressure is building up. I really, really, REALLY want and need to pass in UP. I've been talking about this for practically all my posts and I just can't help but mention it. It's that huge for me. So I'm praying everyday, passing by the Cathedral every morning just to lift up this intention. I really don't want to disappoint my family. Still keeping my fingers crossed! Meanwhile, I'm also busy with my La Salle and Ateneo forms. I've been going back and forth the registrar's office, business office and the faculty room to check if they already have my recommendation forms. It's crazy! Ngayon pa lang I have to be independent na, because no one else will arrange the forms for me. Grabe talaga. It's exciting and nerve-wracking all the same because you know you're holding your future in your hands. What if natapunan mo ng Coke yung form mo? What if hindi ka pala ni-recommend? What if you made a mistake in filling up the application? Oh, the stress!! Tomorrow I'm going to get my Ateneo form from the registrar's na. Yikes! BTW, does anyone know kung kelan pwede makakuha ng UST form?

I'm super psyched about UAAP Season 70. I swear, every year since Grade 4 I look forward to it. I love watching the basketball and cheerleading. I don't know the names of all the players (except maybe for the cute ones, haha) pero I swear I'm glued to the screen when there's a game on. Tapos kapag cheerleading na, I always have my mouth open in awe. Haha. But I guess the main reason why I love watching UAAP (aside from Chris Tiu, haha) is the intense school spirit. Grabehan talaga. It's as if every student of each university, old or young, come together and just cheer for their alma mater. The opening ceremony last Saturday was amazing. From the props, to the dances, to the whole program -- kudos to UST! Everyone was really yelling their hearts out for their alma mater. I yearn for these kind of things, all the perky-cheery-love-your-school vibe. I guess after 12 years in the same school, it's normal na I want to cheer for something else na. I want to be one of the students in the crowd, proudly wearing her school color and holding a big banner with an "I Love You *name of cute player*!!" on it. Haha. =) Do you have any bets on who'll win this year? A lot of people I know are betting that UST will keep the title, but who knows? Hmm. Basta, I can't wait for Season 71 na, when I'm finally an official college student. I wonder what school I'll be cheering for though?

Here's a short, funny conversation between me and my seatmate Raissa this morning. We were talking about college and UAAP tapos napunta sa school colors and logos.

KARLA: Napanood mo ba yung game nung Saturday? Grabe gwapo ni Chris Tiu! *kilig face*
RAISSA: Talo Adamson di ba?
KARLA: Oo nga eh, go Ateneo!
RAISSA: Ang hirap nga eh kasi parehong blue yung colors nila tapos pareho pang ibon.
KARLA: Haha! Ano nga ba yung Adamson? Di ba Ateneo Blue Eagles, eh yung Adamson?
RAISSA: Uhhhhm.. Falcons?
KARLA: Ayun, Falcons nga! Haha. Tapos yung UST, Growling Tigers. La Salle, Green Archers. UE Red Warriors.. eh yung UP di ba Fighting Maroons?
RAISSA: Oo. Ano kaya yung Maroons?
KARLA: Hahahahahaha! Crayola!! Hahahahaha!!

HAHA, BENTA! Tawa kami ng tawa. LOL =P Ano nga ba talaga yung Maroons? School color lang ba nila yun? O crayola talaga sila? Haha. I must find out! =)

HAVE YOU GUYS SEEN TRANSFORMERS?! Grabe. The Best!! I so fell in love with Bumblebee! Haha. Megan Fox was super duper HOT! Even hotter than Rachel from OTH! Haha. I so want to have her abs! T_T And I must admit, Shia was as cute as ever. He has certainly evolved into a great actor. Nakakatawa nga because when I talk to my friends and classmates about Transformers, they refer to Shia as "Even Stevens" every time! As in!

"Nakakatawa kaya nung part na magkasama si Even Stevens saka yung girl sa loob ng car!"
"Mas nakakatawa nung kinausap si Even Stevens nung parents niya!"
"Ang binata na ni Even Stevens noh?"
"Pero mas cute pa rin si Even Stevens nung nasa Even Stevens pa siya!"

Haha, LOL. Parang hello, he has a name naman. Pero everyone kept calling him Even Stevens! =P And by the way, why is everybody so in love with Optimus Prime? Haha, wala lang heartthrob na siya sa school. Apparently, robots can make us fall in love too! =) Anyway.. You. Must. See. It. It's the best summer movie! (Oops, I have yet to see HP5 and The Simpsons pa pala!) Basta, wala ng aagaw kay Bumblebee. Haha.

Sorry for the sabog post. Ang dami ko na pala nasabi! Haha. I just really miss blogging, that's all. I hope our PC gets fixed by tomorrow na so that I can ditch this laptop. It does the job naman pero of course I miss doing the normal computer stuff. I can't even download songs here! I have yet to upload my pics, work on a new layout and play with Adobe. Haha. But of course, all after studying for the UPCAT. Nux, sipag kid. *wink* Anyway, I think this'll be it for now. I have yet to go back to reviewing for our Accounting long test tomorrow. Yikes! Sana naman I do good because if I'm going to take this up for the next few years of my life then I have to!! Hehe. Later y'all! Mwah. =*

while eating chocolate cake..

..and printing my homework, I decided to change my layout and blog. Super bilis lang talaga nito, wala pa atang 15 minutes. I fell in love with the lay the other day pa, ngayon ko lang na-change. SO how's my life so far?

• Everyone's in college application chaos these past weeks. Especially for UP. Since they're the school with the earliest deadline, everybody's rushing to get theirs submitted. I got my test permit already, I'm taking the UPCAT on August 5, 12:30 pm at the Institute of Chemistry. Waaaah! This is for real!
• I love SCT. Super nakakasunod ako sa mga moves. I can pass as a soldier pala. Well, almost. Haha.
• I just realized that almost all our teachers are oldies. Haha. Yung mga tipong expert na sa field nila. Kaya scary. Ang hihirap pa magpa-quiz, almost every meeting! But fun all the same, because di ba nakakatawa yung kacornihan ng jokes ng old teachers? Haha. For me, at least! =P
  
• I so hate the yearly Physical Fitness Test. I always end up in pain the following day!
  
• Mrs. Lee is so funny. Haha.
• So is Ms. Pepito (kanina, haha). And Ms. Pabelico. And yeah, okay, Mrs. Torres na rin. Haha!
• But nothing beats Ms. Toledo! YEAH! =)
  
• Takot ako sa Filipino teacher namin. Wahaaah.
• Swimming already on Friday!
• I'm falling more and more in love with PHYSICS! ♥
• I lost my elephant pencil case (with my G-Tecs in it!) HUHU! =(
• Journal writing for Accounting -- UGH. Exciting, but nakakapagod if you're doing it for three straight hours!!
• I'm enjoying Biochem because I'm getting it, haha.
• I'm broke! Pareho kami ni Nica, wala ng pera. And I refuse to use the money I saved. I'm determined to save lotsa money! =P
• We're going to go to UP Diliman and Ateneo on Saturday. My mom and dad's going to tour me.
• I hope I can get my DLSU and UST Application Forms this week, probably.
• I'm still LSS-ing on "Samson" by Regina Spektor.
• The Torch of the Fantastic Four is Hot with a capital H!
• BUT NATHAN'S STILL HOTTER!! ♥
• Our class retreat's on September na! Whee!

and last but most definitely not the least..

• Our graduation day's already set: March 16, 2008!! =) Waah, we cannot wait!
  

So far, Senior life is quite chaotic, because like what I said, everyone's arranging their application forms and inquiring about their courses. It really is different from all the other year levels. But I'm enjoying it right now, because even though our load is heavy, our schedule is so.. light. Haha, I mean, parang ang konti lang ng subjects namin. But that's because of the double periods though. Anyway, I hope everyone else is enjoying the school year so far. Can't wait to hear from you guys! =)

I hope my dad brings home a chocolate cake for me when he gets home later. Hehe. I'm craving for sweets!! Waaaah! =)

one night and one more time.

Whew. As luck would have it, our computer is malfunctioning (again) so I am here once again in the beloved neighborhood computer shop with all the gaming boys beside me, shooting guns like crazy. Which really annoy me.

Anyway. How's my first week so far? SUPER BUSY, I tell you. I even got sick last Friday due to stress! Nagka-flu agad ako. The nurse sent me home Friday morning after the mass. I had high fever, colds and cough. My dad brought me to Medical City for a check-up, and our doctor advised me to stay home for the rest of the weekend. So basically, stressed out na ko, first week pa lang. O_o I could imagine how the rest of the year will be. *uuugh* But not to worry, Bombastarr is up and alive again, I'm okay.

Tuesday is Specialization day for us. I know it doesn't sound too tiring when you say "Three hours of specialization a week" but I think people forget to mention that those are three straight hours in a DAY, so that means we had three hours of Accounting a while ago. And GAWD. Our noses almost literally bled. Haha. All the terms were enough to make you confused. Debits, credits, values received, values parted with, assets, liabilities, capitals.. AAACK. But it's very interesting. We started recording transactions in journal sheets already. It's confusing, and yes, you need patience and good analysis to be able to complete the accounts, but it's kind of fun. At least at the end of the period I can say I can use this in the future because this is real stuff. Unlike Chem. (HAHA BITTER TALAGA)

For English we have to memorize a Shakespearean sonnet, and since Shakespeare wrote more than a hundred, no one is allowed to have the same sonnet. Syempre, ako, I wanted to have the best out there. But thanks to our PC, I didn't have the luxury to surf and "analyze" the sonnets. So a while ago, while everyone else was busy writing down their sonnet numbers on our list, I just wrote Sonnet 23 beside my name just to be sure. I had no idea what Sonnet 23 was about, but at least I have something na, di ba? I just read this sonnet a few minutes ago. And it was about not being able to express your love for someone because that feeling is so overwhelming. The writer wanted to tell his lover how he felt but he can't because words weren't enough. So he wished she could see through his actions and looks, how they speak silently, how they foretell of the love buried within. And all I can say is.. WHOA. Talk about fate. =) Makes me love 23 even more.

I'm in love with this one word always used in our Advanced Algeb class. PARABOLA. I don't know but from the moment our teacher mentioned the word this year, I fell in love with it. Haha. Parabola. Ang cuuuuute. =) LOL, I'm crazy. Or maybe this is just my geekness.

Last night, I woke up from this really bad nightmare that I couldn't really remember. All I knew was that I was pushed down the stairs and I had huge bruises all over my body. Tapos I woke up crying. So I opened the TV to make me forget about it. Aba, to my surprise, Heroes was on Crime/Suspense. Grabe, nakaka-adik! I so love Claire. I wish I had her superpowers. If only my wounds could automatically heal.. life would be so much better. Hmm. Anyway, after that, I was about to go back to sleep when I had this feeling that I just had to check out ETC muna. And aba, to my surprise AGAIN, it was ONE TREE HILL! The Honey Grove episode!! Grabe. I so fell in love all over again for Nathan Scott. The best. So my point is, always check the TV when you get awakened by nightmares because you never know what shows are on. And that, as always, ONE TREE HILL MAKES ME FEEL BETTER. No doubt about that. Sarap na ng tulog ko after. =)

Sorry medyo mahaba. Just taking the opportunity kasi I don't know when my dad's gonna get our PC fixed. So yun. I have to go memorize Sonnet 23 na. And dumadami na tao dito, umiingay na. Grr. Later, y'all.

P.S. Thanks to all the commentors!! Promise I'll bloghop next time. Love you all!! MWAH! =*

"You are my sweetest downfall

I loved you first, I loved you first

Beneath the stars came fallin' on our heads

But they're just old light, they're just old light

Your hair was long when we first met."

-- Samson by Regina Spektor

(this song is LOVE. Current LSS ko toh)

senior na si karla!

• I am officially a senior!
• I belong to IV - St. Jane with Miss Pepito as our adviser.
• Mrs. Torres is our Level Coordinator.
  
• I'm still in the pull-out fast.
  
• Miss Toledo is our Physics AND Research teacher. Yaay! =)
• I am so happy to be in Mrs. Lee's English class! She is THE best!
• Biochemistry in the afternoon. UUUUGH.
• But at least it's with Sir Baggay =)
• Our assignment in Eco? Super tambak!
• I'm glad I chose Accounting as my specialization..
• ..because I'm going to ask help from mom. Haha.
• Our Filipino teacher is strict.
• I'm the secretary during Filipino class. Whee, at least dream job pa rin diba?
• Mrs. Pabelico taught us a song in CLE. Super effective!
• Our PE sched is every Friday, last two periods. Oh yeah!
• I'm just glad the Puddings are together, even for just one subject. =)

The Puddings! =)
Karla, Nica, Trixie, Mikka and Tin.
Nagpalit-palit ng sapatos. So now, can you guess whose feet are these?!