When the Clock Strikes 12

With a few more days left for me before I finally say goodbye to high school, I found myself cherishing the sparkling eight hours filled with moments I spent as me, only in a fancy hotel and a lavish dress.

Regularly, I’m more like just a piece of the 300 some students making up the Seniors Batch 2008 with my nose buried on some book or probably fussing about the next quiz. And when prom season came in, I felt surprisingly excited about it. During the previous year level, I had the worst perspective and experience of the so-called ‘prom’. To go to the prom was already bad because of my insecurity issues coupled with the fact that I have to dance with a partner whose attitude spells M-E-A-N and whose dancing capabilities is that of a baby.

Exactly a year after the said tragic event, I just found myself staring at the fancy glass doors of the Shangri-La with the well-dressed ushers and usherettes waiting for me to step inside. All the ‘ifs’ and ‘buts’ that were racing inside my head just faded away as my feet had its way. I didn’t really give a thought on how the people were looking at me as I literally kicked my billowy skirts as it made walking a short distance seem more difficult. I was kind of stunned when I finally arrived near the function room because the last time I attended a party in Shangri-La, the place looks a bit dreary. All those lights, the exquisite chandeliers, the stunning people of my batch in their transformations, I’ve got nothing more to say. It’s every girl’s dream come true.


Days before the Seniors’ prom, I discovered a lot of things about myself. Since I entered high school, my social confidence started from zero. Being bulky is a big no-no. Getting A’s is equal to boring and a social torture is an initiation measure for transfer students. Dancing a sensual dance like rumba made me realize how thankful I should be. I may not be that ‘butch’ to pass the norm but I am still given an illness-free body. Feeling great about yourself and knowing how good you are starts from small steps. Surrounded by people I can be honest with is a chance given for me to grab the chance to give myself some credit. There is more than the dance itself. Appreciating your self, enjoying other people’s company, earning the respect of your partner – these life’s simple lessons dawned to me not from some textbook but from taking the experience. And because of that, I presented myself as a full person, before and after the prom.

After the formalities of the program, carefree people hit the dance floor, grooving to the hip mix of tunes. And to think that Teachers Jinky and Nil initiated the wild night, how cool is that? I thank the teachers for really letting us have our way, at least just for that night. What’s more, I actually became a party person that night, well, before the slow songs filled the airwaves. Not that I’m bitter or something but I just don’t understand why people often associate proms with romance. I guess everyone’s just feeling hopelessly romantic given that we held our prom during the season of love.

Though I sat for most of the slow dancing portion of the affair, my seven slow dances this year meant so much more than my 18 dances during my previous prom. The guys I danced with were the ones who actually saw me through all these years and became my close buddies, hopefully forever. But that night, I actually had one wish. They say that the last dance is the most special of them all and before the night ended, I told God that if a guy I’m not really close to dances with me for the last dance, I’ll be the happiest person in that occasion. While hopefully waiting for that particular moment, I spent most of my time capturing memories and of course, happily watching the people on the dance floor whose arms surround each other and finally gazing into each other’s eyes.

When Teacher Reymond announced that there would only be 1 song before the prom’s last song is to be played, I just sat there and waited for God’s response. Finally, the song “Bubbly” filled the room. I kind thought that God’s decision didn’t favor me so I just decided to pull myself from the comfy seat and call my dad to fetch me when Jayson Ramirez stood in front of me and asked me to dance. I thanked God silently for that moment not because I’m getting gigglish or romantic. Though Jayson and I are on speaking terms, we are not that close at all. I just knew him from my freshman days and that was it. I asked for that kind of dance from God because I’m in need of guys who can see girls not just objects of romance but great friends as well. I am hoping that this is a chance for me to form new and lasting bonds outside my shell.

I’m not really into making life complicated. Promenade or no promenade, I believe that love should be celebrated everyday, no need for fancy demonstrations but if you want to, you may give me a blue tulip. My seniors’ prom definitely gave me a clear picture of life’s real lessons than I have inside the classroom. As the Spice Girls once sang “If you want to last forever, friendship never ends”, I’m surely going to make the lasting bonds of my life now.

Happy-ever-after’s do happen.

Sweetness,
Allyne

P.S. Did you notice that this post is now loaded with pics? Well, as much as I want to post all of my 142 pictures during my prom night, I don't really think that will be a good idea. If you reaaaallllllyyyyy want to see them, just tell me okay?

Flicks over Dates

The moment my eyelids flew open this morning due to the weird buzzing of the alarm clock, I immediately thought of school. Then, my sister poked her head from the divider and said, “Ate, Happy Valentine’s!” and I was like ‘really?’.

February 14 – the most awaited and most ‘romantic’ day of the year, well, mostly for people whose hearts are filled with the ‘L’ word. Who cares about fact that people don’t really know who Saint Valentine are (because there are actually three, if you haven’t read my previous post)? What’s important is the idea that once in a while we make others feel more special as they already are.

What’s with that long face? Alone on the Hearts’ Day? No big deal! For us single but not (or probably) looking people, a romantic movie marathon with your gal pals is a sure way to feel the giggles of the season. Our time is yet to come so for the meantime, let’s just celebrate an alternate occasion – Singles Awareness Day!

Of course, I have prepared my Top 10 Flicks to warm your hearts. Err, apparently, this list (most probably) appeals to the girls than the guys but who knows, right? Here goes…

10.) Mr. and Mrs. Smith (Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie) – 2 secret agents, one love affair. Not really your typical romance but this movie will bring you to the edge of your seats while making you fight the urge to coo “awwww, how sweet”. Recommended to those who find love hopeless.

9.) Pride and Prejudice (Kiera Knightley and Matthew Mcfayden) – Turn back the hands of time and witness the Old English society’s view on love as the wealthy and frank Mr. Darcy falls prey to the charms and wit of simple Elizabeth Bennet. Personally, this is my all-time favorite romantic film but since we live in the modern days and not everyone appreciates intellectual love affairs (as much as I do), Pride and Prejudice have to settle for the ninth place. Of course, this movie was based on the novel by Jane Austen which is a real must-read!

8.) Just Like Heaven (Reese Witherspoon and Mark Ruffalo) – When David rents his new apartment, the last thing he needs is company. Then Elizabeth shows up, insisting that the apartment is hers until she disappears right before his eyes. He’s convinced that she’s a ghost. She’s convinced she’s alive. As they search for Elizabeth’s past, their relationship changes from resentment to romance. This love-hate flick will certainly tickle the cockles of your heart whether you like it or not.

7.) A Cinderella Story (Chad Michael Murray and Hilary Duff) – Just like the ageless fairytale, Sam Montgomery’s life is messed up by her Botox-treated stepmom and her two poser stepsisters. So when Austin, the typical high school hunk, and diner girl Sam had a connection through a Princeton chatroom, a meeting at the homecoming dance is quite the night to remember. How cheesy the title may seem, A Cinderella Story is the best chick flick ever since the fame of Hilary Duff, Lindsay Lohan and Paris Hilton.

6.) Moulin Rouge (Ewan McGregor and Nicole Kidman) – “The greatest thing you’ll ever learn is to love and be loved in return.” In the time of the rise of the Bohemian Culture in France, Christian, an aspiring English writer, was captivated by the dazzling Satine, the star of the famous Moulin Rouge. Due to mistaken identities, Christian and Satine’s tangled unexpectedly more than just an act on a theater stage into love that endures death. Moulin Rouge will surely make your heart cry due to the mix of comedy, music and of course, drama.

5.) My Fair Lady (Audrey Hepburn and Rex Harrison) -- My Fair Lady follows the transformation of Eliza Doolittle into a lady who can fool royalty with her elegance and grace. It all began as a bet when Professor Higgins states he can make any woman a lady simply by refining her speech and manners. He succeeds yet unbeknownst to him, he has also fallen in love with her. Like most men though, it takes losing her for him to finally figure this out. Definitely a classic, My Fair Lady will surely make you laugh and fall in love all over again.

4.) Closer (Natalie Portman, Julia Roberts, Jude Law, Clive Owen) – Honesty is the foundation of any relationship. Closer is the story of four individuals trying to find themselves in other people wherein trust is paid at a higher price. I really appreciated this film for its realism and reflection beyond the lies and confusion within a relationship. The idea of the film is very heavy but still very symbolic and significant. Closer exudes the importance of finding one’s self in order to love someone else.

3.) Titanic (Kate Winslet and Leonardo Di Caprio) – The Best Romantic movie of this generation, Titanic explores the love story beyond the tragedy of the historical vessel. Jack, a carefree drifter, boards the Titanic on its first voyage to find luck in the New World. On that ship, he crosses paths with the fair Rose who is on her way to marriage to a rich heir. Despite their social differences, the two lovers exuded that in love, nothing else comes close. A must see film.

2.) Love, Actually (Hugh Grant, Kiera Knightley, etc.) – Although set with a Christmassy atmosphere, Love, Actually is a great movie on the fact that there are so many ways that we can find love. Mostly unexpected but will surely be worth the wait. 8 different love stories all tangled in one movie, sprinkled with comedy and light drama, what more can you ask for?

1.) A Walk to Remember (Mandy Moore and Shane West) – From the book of the same title by Nicholas Sparks, A Walk to Remember captured the hearts of the young and old for its simple yet timeless portrayal of love as a life-changing catalyst that can survive the challenges of society and even the end of life. Perfect for everyone, single or taken. This film made me cry big time.

So there you have it guys. I hope you find this useful and fun the way I had when I watched these flicks. No violent reactions as these are just suggestions from yours truly. Well, let’s all have fun this season of love!

Sweetness,
Allyne

P.S. Be sure to check my next post! It’s all about prom! ;)

Eenie Mini Minnie Moe

To UP or not to UP?

This is a question I’ve been asking myself since the announcement of the qualifiers of the University of the Philippines College Admission Test (UPCAT). I, thankfully, passed the said examinations but unfortunately, I didn’t get the degree I really wanted. Adding up to the gravity of the situation is the fact that I also earned admission to the Ateneo de Manila University wherein I snagged a spot in the degree of my first choice.

Choosing between the two institutions is a big circumstance for me because I know that my future relies on this decision I am about to make. Before, it didn’t occur to me that I would seriously consider Ateneo for UP is the dream school for me. But after months of weighing the pros and cons, I found that it’s really difficult to choose because the said institutions have their own strong and weak points.

Sigh. If only life is not being complicated by processes which were invented to speed up the proceedings of human dealings supposedly, I guess I could just attend both. But as we all know, you cannot have it all. I do have to choose and you know what I hate most? Choosing.

They say that man is intelligent and lucky because he is endowed by the power of choice. Probably, yes. But as I see things now, as human life progresses coupled by the heights of technology, choosing becomes more and more complicated. In the ancient times, man would just probably have to decide whether to eat mango or apple. In these modern days, today’s choice is stringed to the future and so on. Life is supposed to be simple but when we often consider unnecessary details, things get complicated. Of course, it will be very difficult not to see that extra stuff in life. It adds thrill to our lives right?

Anyway, I still have at least two weeks to work on this dilemma. My SAT subject tests results are yet to come tomorrow so, maybe another option is about to pop between the Maroon and the Eagle. Keep you fingers closed and pray for me and all those who are caught in the tangles of education cliques. If it was just my parents who are to decide where I am to study, they’d immediately enroll me into Ateneo because they fear that I might turn into a radical but diploma-less activist due to the radical and independent environment of UP. But of course, everything depends on what I want (thank God for such parents).

So much for worrying about the future. Before I flip to another chapter of my life, I would still want to cherish the last moments that I am to be an Anthonian. Why hurry if I still have a chance to enjoy myself when I’m still young and in high school. You’ve got to love high school. ;-)

Sweetness,

Allyne

P.S. So you’re actually waiting for mushiness? A few more hours and you’ll get your dose of fresh and creamy love – ‘tis Hearts’ Day!

Random Beginnings

51 days.

Still, I owe you a ‘HAPPY NEW YEAR!’ greeting. It’s better late that never, right?

Fast-forward to today, aside from ‘Kong Hei Fat Choi’, I guess it’s better to wish you guys a love-filled Valentine’s month. Month, eh? Yeah, you read right – month. Admit it, when the calendar flashes February 1, your thoughts are instantly filled with heart-shaped clouds and other mushy stuff.
After a long period of ‘prose withdrawal’, I realize how precious writing is to me. The words seem to flow from my heart to my hands whenever I feel good or sad. Right now, I’m really feeling dizzy – figuratively, and the need to write happenings is totally intense. So, shall we begin?

(If you haven’t noticed, I was just rambling back there. :D)

February. Oh, the month of love when you see shimmering hearts all over the places. To those whose hypothalamuses are positively active, Valentine’s Day is the most-awaited time of the year which they are to spend with their beaus. To the love-allergic some, stopping themselves from rolling their eyes when people get mushy is a feat they need to accomplish. If you can’t really relate to that thought then, welcome to human world.
I can’t really see why people often hype about this month when the three Saint Valentines’ whose feasts we are supposed to be celebrating do not have any relation to the theme of romantic love. Sigh, the beauty of innocence.

Anyway, to sum up my introductory post on Hearts’ season, just a note for all of you out there. Taken or single, this season is for us all!

Check back for real mushy stuff soon! ;)

Sweetness to you all,

Allyne