On the past and the present it made

I started this blog around 2005 as a daring teen, looking for a space of my own.

The things I've seen, the places I've been to, the people who touched my life (both positive and negative)--I have shared some of them here. Not to mention my usual occasional rambling-filled entries, this site is indeed me.

But when I read some random entries from way back, I couldn't help but think, "I really wrote this?"

If I have to describe the feeling, I suppose that it wouldn't be much different from time-travelling (not that I've ever done so).

Entries from the past provide a background to contrast the present me and the previous me as if to say, "You've changed."

As to the extent of change and the kind of it, I'm still pretty uncertain. But I'm quite happy with my discovery because we always pretend to remain the same that we prevent ourselves from moving forward. May it be good or bad, we just have to embrace that change in us rather than be stuck as someone we no longer recognize.

With that said, I guess I no longer am the same daring teen when this blog first started.

But who I am now could not be without being that teen back in 2005. And before 2011 ends, I would like to relish the moment that I came to understand a bit more and welcome the path that another year will bring. So that when that time comes, I'll be prepared to accept whatever lies ahead.

Just Dropping By

Huwaaa~

Spent the entire day catching up with my kdrama fix. I'm such a bum! :|

Oh well, better cherish such moments. I wonder when I'll be able to have so much time again. Heehee!

I'll update soon when I have done more sensible things. :)

Colors from East to West

Usually, experiencing a new culture requires travel and a lot of money. But today, I feel so lucky to have attended a Japanese tea ceremony demonstration and a performance by Quatuor Diotima String Quartet without the need to fly to Japan or France.

I think I have posted enough entries to express my fascination with Japan and its culture. And it has always been a dream of mine to witness, if not take part, in a Japanese tea ceremony or, in Japanese, cha no yu. Witnessing the demonstration made me realize all over again Japan's "obsession" with restraint and order which is incomprehensible yet sensible to me. 

Despite the seriousness and solemnity called for by the tea ceremony, I was still able to enjoy the occasion due to a couple of things. Seeing my sensei in her kimono as she performed the ceremony got me totally amazed. Watching my classmates' attempt on the said art was kind of amusing too. But the fact that I got to taste the wagashi and authentic matcha made by sensei sent me immediately to cloud nine. Too bad I wasn't able to bring a camera and take pictures to share though. :(

Just after attending the cha no yu demonstration, my friend and I immediately went to the venue for Quatuor Diotima's performance. We arrived a bit late as the quartet already started their first song so we had to wait before we can enter the hall. Too bad for us youngsters as a strict-looking lady scolded us while we waited at the lobby. :|

To be honest, I have a love-hate relationship with classical music. But when we were invited by a friend to go see a French string quartet FOR FREE, I'm like, 'why not?'. And, the invitation really came on time as I am currently rekindling my affair with classical music since last month. I realized that it helps me keep my sanity through all the things I have to do. 

I can't help but respect Quatuor Diotima and, along with them, all those who are so dedicated to playing instruments. I really felt goosebumps while listening to them perform and sometimes, I would get so carried away by the melody the my head sways to the beat. Watching people like them inspires me to just be good at what I can. I mean, if they can affect me so much by being so good in their music then, I must work hard to be good in my craft too before I can start aspiring to influence others in a positive light. I feel sad that I am not able to speak French. I wanted to express me appreciation but I can't. (As if I can do such thing in Japanese if I will be able to attend a Yuki Kajiura performs. LOL!) Maybe I should start studying French too?

In the end, my friends and I got to get a picture with the quartet members. :P 

I'm really thankful for this day. Makes me love my school even more for bringing in such rare opportunities closer to students. 

MORE! MORE! :D

Promised Memories

Back in preschool, somebody told me that I am special. I responded with a toothy, childish grin because I believed.

Elementary days came by and someone said that I'm capable of great things. I held on to it.

My teen spirit wanted to run free. But you said that I should wait. I did.

Long years are gone and we're almost at the finish line. Yet you say, forget everything.

It's breaking my heart. Because for so long, I placed my faith in you only to hear you say it's over.

They say there's beauty in waiting. But it pains me to realize that I was made to wait for nothing.

Perhaps it's foolish to continue holding on. It's all I have.

I have waited this long. Maybe a few more years wouldn't hurt so bad.

Though it's useless if I'm the only one who's all in.

I'm not closing any doors because I remember you telling me that we'll always be together.

Hopefully, it's not yet forgotten. Because I don't mind returning to dust if we're all together.

Forever.

New Paths

Today marks another occasion of opportunities.

A chance of start anew.

A chance to believe once more.

A chance recover what we once had lost.

A chance to heal and have faith in love.

Happy Easter to you.

Have Me Some Bubble Tea

The worst is over...for now.

With the summer season kicking in, I temporarily left all my academic worries behind and go out with my sister. And when the two of us are out, we always look forward to eating out! And this time, we invaded Bubble Tea at The Block (Romanized Japanese: Tapioka Tii).

The said Tokyo Milk Tea Place has been around for quite some time now but today was the first time that my sister and I decided to step inside to check out what they have to offer.

There's a lot of buzz about milk teas recently. Being a tea fan, of course that's progress. I mean, milk teas are definitely better than sugar-doused drinks pretending to be tea (but hey, that's just my opinion). Due to geographical restraints, the only "milk tea" that I have been drinking for the past months was Starbucks' Iced Green Tea Latte. But today was an awesome opportunity to try something new.

Bubble Tea's shop interior is nice and, well, bubbly. Comfy couch chairs and upbeat J-pop songs welcomed us and really set a general positive vibe for the place. Aside from dining comfort, the interior of Bubble Tea is really ideal for picture happy people (like me and my sis!) which we took advantage of. :)

featuring my sister at Bubble Tea The Block

To start off, I opted to try their large Japanese Green Milk Tea (P125) while my sister chose a large Jasmine Milk Tea (P125). Other kinds of tea-based beverages are also available such as Tea Slushes and Milk Shakes. Bubble Tea offers their customers the option of having some of their beverages either hot or cold. With summer's scorching heat, we definitely both had our drinks cold.

From the first sip, I totally fell in love with my Japanese Green Milk Tea. It's perfect--not too sweet, the distinct seaweed-like taste of brewed sencha and, the tapioca cooked to just-right chewiness (also locally known as pearls) all mixing in my mouth. And while I am totally biased towards green tea (whether its hot or cold), I must admit that the Jasmine Milk Tea tastes so good as well.

Despite milk teas being their specialty, Bubble Tea also offers a wide array of snacks and meals. Sandwich, ramen, donburi, gyoza, sushi, sashimi, pasta -- whatever strikes your palate's fancy with a Japanese twist. My sister and I had Philadelphia Maki-Zushi (P195) and Yakiniku Beef Sandwich (P245). Contrary to what one can expect from a typical drink-specialized shop, Bubble Tea food is DELICIOUS! The servings are generous, newly cooked and tasty.

The Philadelphia Maki-Zushi had 8 pieces of sushi made with cream cheese, salmon, cucumber and mango, topped with tobiko (fish roe), accompanied by a side serving of gari (p

ickled ginger), shoyu (soy sauce) and wasabi. Very yummy, I assure you. Just this is enough to fill one's stomach!

Two sandwiches filled with alternating layers of tender beef strips, cheese, tomato, cucumber and lettuce are the highlights of Bubble Tea's Yakiniku Beef Sandwich. Nicely done potato salad and coleslaw sidings complement the meal, perfect for vegetable salad lovers looking for a variety.

To top everything else, we helped ourselves with a slice of Matcha Cake (P125). The best tea-based cake I've tasted so far, I swear. Who knew green tea and coffee would be soooo heavenly on a dessert? It's a must try!

The staff also gave us a Bubble Tea Loyalty Card which will entitle you to one serving of any large milk tea drink of your choice once you complete all 10 stamps. I'll definitely come back for that free milk tea!

I officially declare Bubble Tea as one of my favorite restaurants. Awesome milk tea, good food, chill ambiance for a reasonable price.

Seriously, Bubble Tea is a perfect place for girl-bonding or a chillax date.

;)

Can't wait for my next Bubble Tea!

---

Photo montages in this entry were made using the free Montager iPod App. :)

Bubble Tea official logo was captured from the official Bubble Tea website.

to lost and wandering souls

Here. There.

There. Here.

To. Fro.

Back and forth, seemingly searching. Eyes empty, drifting.

Spirit lost. Shell's all that's left.

Found, yet did not become.

Round and round, a familiar path. Spiraling down... down... deep.

To a dear lost and wandering soul, may you come back.

For shell of a body is none, 'less you be here.

Yet Another Syndrome

Perhaps procrastination is a necessary evil that paves my way towards concentration in order to eventually study for an upcoming exam. And after you read that sentence, I'm sure you thought "Oh, you're procrastinating...again?" or somewhere along those line.

Yep, you guessed that right.

I am supposed to be studying for my Health Informatics midterm exam. :|

*hands you a cookie (pun intended? LOL)*

While I have recently learned that procrastination is one of the symptoms for Passive Aggression, this will not be a sharing about mental diseases. I heard that sigh of relief... or was that disappointment? :))

ANYWAY.

Briefly, I just want to share my current LSS, short for Last Song Syndrome. And this time, it's the song Be as One by the J-pop boy group (band?) w-inds. -- stylized 'winds' and is pronounced in Japanese as 'uwinzu'.

Forgive me if its a Japanese song. It's such a nice song with good melody AND lyrics. Heck, I can even say that this is one of those songs that even if you don't understand any of the words, you'll feel the meaning. I could have included a translation of the song but you know, I'm in procrastination mode so... hehe, you get what I mean. :D

But if you're open to trying out what I mean, I embedded the video from Youtube for your watching/listening convenience. After hearing it, tell me what you think. :D

P.S. Wish that procrastination will leave my side. ASAP :(

勉強しなくちゃいけない！

Love,

me.

Eleven Things for Twenty-Eleven

I'm not one for New Year's Resolutions because I usually forget about them after a few days (blame it on the school system, alright?). So instead, I'll share the things I want to do AND accomplish in the year 2011. Forgive me if they sound crazy or childish or just plain weird. That's just me. :D

11. Explore.

The destination need to be some far away and secluded island. I simply want to experience different things, feel the wind blow on the face, see new sights, try new flavors and, from time to time, meet someone new. Hopefully, by the end of the year, I have already expanded my world even just a bit.

10. Move.

Life is too short for me to just sit back and watch time pass by. In every context that it would apply, I want to move and do something. Because if I want to get things done the way I want them to be, I should at least initiate, right?

9. Enjoy.

With less than 5 months remaining in my teen years, I realize that I'm a bit too straight-laced for my own good. Education is and still will be my priority but this time, I'd like to let down my hair once in a while and douse my self with some fun. Join me sometime?

8. Save.

Money, planet, others -- if the situation calls me and I deem myself capable of saving, I want to have the courage and will-power to do it.

7. Listen.

Since the advent of technology and the Internet, everyone wants (demands) to be heard. I won't deny my guilt to such crime. And coming to think about it, if everyone just keep on talking about themselves but don't even spare a minute listening to others, then what's the point? Besides, there is power to opening your ears and listening to other people -- the person sitting next to you may just be waiting for someone who will at least try to understand the grief he's long kept inside his heart.

6. Learn.

There are a lot of unknown worlds out there and I want to humble myself and not feign knowledge of everything. But I'd like to learn things about other worlds little by little. Maybe it's just me but, every time I discover something new, it prompts me to rethink of how I view myself and the world.

5. Accept.

Certain things are better left the way they are.

4. Pray.

I'll always need His guidance.

3. Create.

I don't remember who said it but, I find truth in the saying that goes something like "what we create immortalize us". Even after we die, as long as our creations remain, it's like a part of us still lives because we spent precious time of our lives in order to produce that something. Perhaps this is just a part of my humanly vanity, but I'd like to contribute something to humankind through making something -- a story, an image, an experiment -- I'm still uncertain, and hopefully, even just a small part of me will be embedded into human history (I pray it would be of the positive sort though).

2. Smile.

Aside from the fact that it will exercise my (our) facial muscles, I personally find smiles and the very act of smiling uplifting (though sometimes painful, but that's a different story). To some extent, I seem to see the world a bit brighter every time I smile or when I see someone smiling. And after all the hardships I went through the past year, somehow, smiling for me evolved into a therapeutic activity. I'd like to share the goodness smiling has brought to me so that others may also remember how it feels like to let out a genuine smile. Besides, it makes one pretty don't you think?

1. Love.

Platonic, agape, romantic, filial, humanitarian, and all other terms associated with the warm feeling called love, I'd like to open my heart into giving and receiving them. Often times, we just allow such feeling to be left unsaid, praying that others will just know that you love them. Growing up teaches a lot of things and it has taught me a harsh lesson -- Humans are insecure creatures. We like being reassured that people care [read: give a damn] about us. Why do you think Twitter is so popular if it's not the case? So keeping that in mind, I'll do my best to verbally express my love for the special people in my life. And besides, we are made by, from and to love? So let's not hold back, shall we?

Let's rock this year!