Soshal Climber Mandug Edition

So I showed my friends this really fun website called thesoshalnetwork.com, w/c features funny yet entertaining “soshal climbing” antics by three truly talented lawyers.

They thought it was so much fun, so we decided to have a quick soshal climbing edition while we were in our community in Madug. Everything was so random, so please forgive us if it wasn’t that well thought-of. xxxx

The hassle of commuting...Waiting at the Subway. Must get to the Upper East Side by 10am. 

#NewYork #Commute #Subway #SoshalClimber #TheSoshalNetwork #ClimbsPaMore

Enjoying the “Cirque du Soleil” at Resorts World Manila. 

#Amazing #Acrobats #SoshalClimber #TheSoshalNetwork #ClimbsPaMore

Hmmm…What to watch for our movie night in my home theater?

#Chill #MovieNight #Popcorn #BondingwithFriends #SoshalClimber #TheSoshalNetwork #ClimbsPaMore

Thanks for the fun experience, EK! Now, time for some souvenirs!!
#HoudiniSouvenirShop #TheMagicNeverEnds #EnchantedKingdom #SoshalClimber #TheSoshalNetwork #ClimbsPaMore

Time to change my Havies!!

#Havies #SoshalClimber #TheSoshalNetwork #ClimbsPaMore

More limited designs to choose from!!  

#Havies #SoshalClimber #TheSoshalNetwork #ClimbsPaMore 

Grabe! So hot here in Egypt! Next stop: NILE RIVER!!  

#Wanderlust #Travel #vacation #SoshalClimber #TheSoshalNetwork #ClimbsPaMore

Been a while. Time for some brace fix at my Ortho! 

#Orthodontics #Braces #Nerd #SoshalClimber #TheSoshalNetwork #ClimbsPaMore

Haaaayyy…Collecting water in my hacienda. 

#Hometown #AncestralHouse #SoshalClimber #TheSoshalNetwork #ClimbsPaMore

Phone died…Thanks to this handy powerbank, I’m always good to go!

#ChargetoExperience #SoshalClimber #TheSoshalNetwork #ClimbsPaMore

The summer feels! Thanks to our chauffeur for touring us around the city! 

#SummerinBangkok  #SoshalClimber #TheSoshalNetwork #ClimbsPaMore

Gelato to fight the heat. 

#IceCream #Cone #ItalianStyle #SoshalClimber #TheSoshalNetwork #ClimbsPaMore

So thar you go!!! hahaha! We had so much fun coming up with these ideas in such a short span of time (around 10-15 minutes). lol! I hope we got you entertained.

MODELS: Alva, Budik, Jed, Neym; SPONSOR: Roze

#TeamMandugBatch1

The Speed of Time

I woke up at 6 am today, only to realize that I got the weekend off, so I decided to get back for a sleep-in. It felt like just half an hour had passed, and when I opened my eyes again, I was surprised to see that it was already 9 in the morning.

Then I remembered those past days when I would return home at 5 in the afternoon, check my social media sites, watch some Youtube videos and without knowing it, it was already 8 pm and I haven’t had dinner yet.

At this point, you could say, “Time sure flies by so fast.”

But I remembered when I was a kid, time seemed to tick slower than today, when in fact it never changes; it still runs 24 hours a day. So what happened? Is it because I’m a grown up now, and I’ve got more responsibilities to attend to in a day, compared to when I was a kid?

One of the conclusions that I’ve drawn is the fact that these days, the world has become too industrialized that aside from the basic things we do everyday, we multitask with other things such as going to the gym, watching movies, playing video games, stalking celebrities, uploading photos on social media sites, and everything else that actually steals the time we have to relax and watch the clock tick by.

While doing these things, we are not aware of the time passing, and when we are done, we’ll be surprised at how much time flew.

Like right now. I finally woke up at 9 am, prepared and ate my breakfast, played a round of games on my cellphone and wrote this blog. There were only 3 things that I did, and you’d say “meh,” but believe me or not, it took me 2 hours to finish everything. Yes, it’s exactly 11 am right now.

Eight Fantastic VIP Years

2007-2008

I admit, I never knew about BigBang until I heard their song “Lies” 8 years ago. At that time, I was more into DBSK, and Fin.K.L (long after they disbanded). 

When I first heard of “Lies”, I liked the song, but I thought BigBang was just another amateur group who wouldn’t last in the industry. Despite that negative thought, I got hooked, and I started researching about them. In 2007, it wasn’t an easy feat because I didn’t have an internet at home, and I had to spend hours in computer shops, enduring slow internet connections.

I watched a number of their videos on Youtube, and downloaded their song lyrics. I didn’t know how to read Hangul yet, so I had to struggle with the romanized lyrics. Before I knew it, I was already addicted. BigBang became my guilty pleasure. I was transformed from a skeptical K-Pop fan to a total VIP overnight.

I was then specifically drawn to TOP because of his unique voice, amazing rap skills and of course, that perfectly chiseled face. Yes, I am a TOP-biased for 8 years. It never changed, really.

2009

When I got to MedSchool, I met friends who were also into BigBang, and imagine my happiness for having someone share my fandom with. But then, things became pretty busy and I sort of lost my way. I would watch random BigBang videos when I got the time, but I wasn’t able to follow all their activities anymore, unlike before.

In 2009, I bought a BigBang Lightstick online. Online shopping wasn’t as easy before, and I had to make sure the seller was legit before spending my hard-saved money. Though I never got to use the lightstick for concerts, I used it as a night light in my room. Very convenient, though.

In the same year, I started watching Family Outing re-runs on Youtube. Daesung and Lee Hyori were actually the reasons why I started watching the variety show, but I wasn’t able to watch all episodes due to problems with availability and copyright. Later that year, I was again lost to follow-up and wasn’t able to watch until the show’s season-ender in 2010.

2010-2011

I wasn’t much updated with BigBang anymore because I’ve been concentrating a lot with MedSchool, but then GD&TOP released their first subunit album and I just couldn’t help myself. At this time, I already had unlimited access to the internet at home, and I even had my own laptop to spend nights with. I would spend most of my time at home watching videos of GD and TOP (instead of studying. lol!)

2012

Things got pretty rough in MedSchool that I decided to drop my K-Pop and K-Drama addiction for a little while and concentrate more on my studies. In 2012, BigBang came back with their “Alive” album, and I had to die a lot inside when they held a concert in Manila. I was very much stressed with MedSchool that BigBang’s Alive album became my breath of fresh air. I had to buy the album online, and would listen to it on my iPod every time I study.

2013

I wasn’t really that much updated unlike before, that I didn’t even follow much when GD released his EP’s in 2013. Though I watched their MAMA performance, the only song’s from GD’s EP that I knew were the ones he promoted on music shows.

Later that year, a friend of mine introduced me to Running Man and my very first question was, “Is there an episode where BigBang came?” She said there was, but couldn’t remember the episode number so I had to search for it myself. I couldn’t find any download link so I had to stream it at home and voila! I found it. I’ve never been too excited my whole life. I came back, and I felt like I was coming back for good.

I watched and re-watched all the shows where they came as guests, and then the long wait started. I lined up in the queue of VIPs waiting for their KINGS to come back. TOP starred in the movie “Commitment” and even that I had to wait for its release on DVD since it wasn’t shown in our local cinemas.

2014

In 2014, Taeyang released an album and even though I was disappointed that it wasn’t a group comeback, I am a VIP and therefore I gave my full support to Taeyang’s RISE album. Later that year, GDYB released a single titled “Good Boy” and TOP released his digital single “Doom Dada” which drove me literally crazy. He then had another movie, which I was only able to watch 2 months ago (worth it, though).

I’ve been hearing a lot of comeback rumors, but after those didn’t actually come true, I stopped expecting, and just started reminiscing through their Alive album.

2015

Early this year, YG officially announced BigBang’s comeback. I was like, “I won’t believe until they really do.” And they really did. Apart from the comeback, they started their world tour in April, and once again died inside when they announced their Manila concert on July. I am currently on my internship year, and I knew I couldn’t go and watch.

BigBang dropping songs from their MADE album every month was too much for me to handle. Before, they used to be my guilty pleasure. I never told my friends how much I am addicted to them but this time, I am proudly screaming to everyone out there that yes, I am a proud VIP for 8 long years now, and for 8 more years after.

HAPPY 9^th ANNIVERSARY, BIG BANG! Thank you for the music, laughter, and love for all the VIPs around the world. xoxo

Twenty-Eight

As much as I celebrated my birthday last year with a loud bang, and extended parties, I spent this year’s birthday solemnly. Well, maybe because of the fact that it’s actually our first day back in school for the second semester. lol!

But really, it wasn’t as grand as how I celebrated it last year. It was simple, and I wasn’t even able to gather all my friends for it.

The best thing that happened today was how Team 73, my adoptive family surprised me with a little yet very amazing present. Yes, a cake…SURPRISE! hahaha!! But really, it was a gesture that I would keep in my heart forever. :)

So since it was the first day of class, I spent most of my day in school, thanking the people who greeted me in all way possible: phone call, text, Facebook message, Facebook wall, Twitter, Instagram, or personally. Though some of them greeted me because they saw in their notifications that it was my birthday, I still appreciated it all the same.

So my duty groupies had our first day of rotation in the Surgery department at DDH. It took a while, we were dismissed at around 6:30 in the evening, so we just had our dinner at a little pizzeria just outside the hospital. It was also two of my groupies’ birthdays the past couple of weeks, so we decided (or were forced lol) to treat the whole group to a pizza dinner. Really, it wasn’t much, but it was fun. :)

So maybe I’ll be celebrating with my Aceteryahe Family sometime this month, and I’ll be celebrating with mom on the weekends, perhaps. :)

Duty groupies at Alberto’s Pizza. It was a joint celebration for the three of us who had our birthdays in the past two weeks. :)

Dan Brown calling Manila the gates of hell

So you know that issue circulating today, about how Dan Brown called our country’s capital the “Gates of Hell” in his new novel, Inferno, and Filipinos getting enraged about it.

I have read the book, and though it saddens me to see Manila in a bestseller, being described in a negative way, I can’t really complain that much. Because look around you, people! Though it was so much exaggerated, it’s true. And we know that Philippines isn’t the only country with citizens who live in poverty, drugs, and prostitution.

Why are you feeling so insulted about it? The problem with us Filipinos is that we are always proud of our achievements, of what we did, of our nation’s progress; but we turn a blind eye on the things we are not proud of.

Take the Bourne Legacy for example. We are so proud that part of the movie was shot in Manila, and I’m sure a lot of you watched it just because of that fact. But you were so proud of our country being featured in an international film that you failed to notice most of the scenes were shot in the slums. Though the movie didn’t really call Manila the “gates of hell” or something, but they showed the world a part of our country that we are not proud of. Then why didn’t you complain about that? Why are you guys so eager to hear only positive thoughts about the Philippines, when we know there are far more pressing issues that the world needs to know about us? Better give them a negative outlook of Manila, and realize it wasn’t entirely true, right?

So instead of complaining, or bashing Dan Brown, or asking fellow Filipinos not to read his book, why don’t you try to do something for future references not to depict Manila as an epitome of poverty? Why don’t you go and choose the proper leaders to make our economy better, instead of voting for politicians just because they’re someone’s daughter, or son, or grandchild?

All your complaining will make Dan Brown’s novel become more famous. So just keep quiet and start doing what you can as a Filipino who doesn’t want to be insulted in front of the world.

The Road Less Travelled | 03/25/2013

So in a jiffy, from Davao del Sur, we went to Davao del Norte in Tagum for a pre-Holy Week escapade.

The next day, we went to Davao Oriental for the beach!!! Bonhomie was such a paradise, truly something you’ll never realize exists. Kung baga, “Gandang ‘di mo inakala.” :)

Our car broke on the way to Davao Oriental, and we had to wait for at least an hour for our rescue to arrive. Good thing, it broke down beside a closed sari-sari store, that we were able to sit and eat, and buy some dirty ice cream while waiting.

Arriving at Bonhomie was all worth it, especially after seeing the pretty scenery, that I never expected exists in BanayBanay. :)

Once Upon a Mountain | 03/24/2013

Stayed overnight at Camp Sabros after a literally “cool” mission in Kapatagan. It was a very foggy and chilly night, and seriously, I had soooo much fun ever! :)

After the circumcision and excision, together w/ the DOH interns, we went to Camp Sabros to spend the night w/ food, booze, music, and lots of laughter! :)

My modified planking. lol! :))

The beautiful view of Mt. Apo in the morning. :)

Life Begins at Sunset

March 16-17, 2013

An overnight stay at Sunset Beach Resort in Samal. Food, drinks, music, and some “pakaulaw” moments.

Of course, the highlight of the night was the “tent nga giguyod.” hahahah! :))

Oh well, some memories, though. :)

Got off the fifteen-minute ferry ride from Sasa 11 to Villarica. :)

Admiring our humble, open cottage for our overnight stay. :)

 The calm, peaceful sea at sunset. :)

 The Aceteryahe girls. :)

In memory of Darleen’s tent. We never really found it, because Darleen said it was green when it was actually blue. lol! :))

Spent most of the afternoon putting up our tents. heehee… :)

The unforgettable night, from dinner to Firedance. :p

A photo-op before we say bye-bye….It was indeed an awesome first summer hurrah w/ my Kapamilya. :) 

Unwinding at Two Thousand Feet Above Sea Level

It’s Monday, and my friends and I decided to spend the afternoon at Eden Nature Park…ON A MONDAY! Yeah. haha! There weren’t a lot of people at the park, so we had it for ourselves. Actually just spent the whole afternoon playing, taking pictures, and eating. :p

This beautiful thing spread its pretty colors for us, and he stayed there until we finished taking photos w/ him. :)

Fun fun fun Indiana Jones! We were actually in the Children’s corner. The adults’ was on the other side. lol! :))

Bringing out the little kids in us. Played around in the playground w/ extra grown-up precautions. :)

My red raptor w/ his eyeliner full on! :)) So I told my friends we should take photos w/ these dinos because they don’t exist anymore. :p

I just lurve how the sky contrasted w/ the view. It was like taking a photo of the sky, with me as the background. lol! :))

We do love the same colors. :p

 The view, the breath of fresh air. The perfect Monday escapade. :)