FREEDOM!

After almost 5 months of academic hard work, my long-awaited summer vacation is finally here!

I hope you guys will also enjoy the brightness of the sun in this season of fun! I'm sure I will ;)

First Rain Fall

For days, the sky was just filled with heavily-burdened clouds.

And then, it just rained recently, washing away all the heat of summer. It was a bit eerie yet the rain fall made me happy.

Much as I love the summer season, the sudden rainfall was refreshing.
I really love the smell and atmosphere brought about by rain falls.

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This is gonna be the first official entry of the year. It is just now that I felt the energy back into my heart. Finally, I got rid of all the drama from last year that desperately clung unto me for the past two months. Aren't you happy for me??? :D

Let's get this party started!

Summer season is up!

Before I Hit the Books

If I am to describe the previous semester, I am definitely choosing ‘crazy’.

What started with the A(H1N1) plague ended tragically with the Ondoy-Pepeng typhoon tandem lashing. Add to the equation the other personal messes I got caught up. Simply, my sanity (even my heart) undertook a rollercoaster ride. I can’t deny the fact that I felt really tired in the duration of the semester. You can even take the scarcity of entries as another sign of how crazy things were.

But the semestral break has come, I gratefully dispatched all the weariness and stress I accumulated from the past four months and welcomed the vacation with a huge hug! I do hope you guys did so too.

Tomorrow, I’ll be going back to school with a more intense workload and crazy schedule. I’m really excited! Crazy, I know. But that’s the result of a happy and eventful vacation! :D

The first day of my sembreak, October 16, 2009, was uneventful… really. That was until my mom told me that she booked us a flight to Kalibo. Not really exciting then, she continued saying that we’ll head to Boracay upon landing. Now that’s sweet~!

Actually, I was just tagged along by mom upon my dad’s suggestion (yay, thanks daddy!). She attended this nurses’ convention to be held in Bora. But before that, we actually did the more fun activities. We toured Boracay island by boat, did snorkeling (I saw lotsa fishies! So colorful!), had a spin on the banana boat (I sat in front – felt like a rodeo on the sea :D) and had lunch by the beach.

For the succeeding days of the seminar, I was left to my own devices and what’s a good girl gonna do? WANDER! I walked the entire long beach, looked around, bought pasalubongs and simply enjoyed. It was cool walking on the sand all the way since it was white and really finely grained. On my way back, I walked near the water. It was really relaxing since the weather was not really hot and the water was not too warm. Too bad my mom borrowed the digi cam for her convention so I wasn’t able to take pics during my alone time wandering. I wanted to get my hair braided but I pushed the thought away… my curly hair might get curlier :|

After three days in Bora, we headed to Aklan, specifically Caticlan then Kalibo. In Kalibo we visited this reso

rt called Sampaguita Gardens and it was really nice and cute. They have this shop dedicated to everything Precious Moments. There a lots of cute dolls and other cutesy stuff. My mom and I could not resist

cuteness that much so we gave in to the temptation. We bought this adorable doll looking like a native participant of the Ati-Atihan and the other one was a cute ballerina doll. There were lotsa other cute dolls but I don’t think we’d be able to bring them back properly. There are other cool places inside but my favorite is the Precious Moments store… no wonder really. Oh, and I saw the owner of the Precious Moments foundation there, in the flesh :D He was there.

Kalikasan Nature Detachment which is actually a forest with a path leading to underground waterfalls. It’s so amazing! In fact, while trekking down towards the waterfalls, I felt like I was in an Indiana Jones film. The forest is sooo cool! But before I got to enjoy that part of nature, I first had an intense dose of adrenaline from what the Army men call Slide for Life.

If you have experienced Zipline in Tagaytay and got really scared, Slide for Life will definitely make you run for your life! Slide for Life is a commando-style version of Zipline. Suspended 100 feet off the ground, wearing one set of waist harness, your hands grabbing on to the ropes above your head for dear life as you slide high speed… I swear I thought my heart stopped. But it was really worth it! The guys should really try this if ever they get the chance. WOOHOO!

After the adrenaline-filled morning, later that afternoon we were able to get to visit the Sta. Barbara Church in Ilaya, Capiz. The said church houses the largest bell in Asia. The church was built during the Spanish era so imagine how old that bell is. We climbed up the bell tower and the steps were really steep so if you have acrophobia, I suggest that you go there with a couple of friends to help you if you really wanna see that cool bell!

On our way back from the church, my mom and I bought lots of dried food stuff which were popularly made in Roxas as pasalubong to the peeps back in Manila. We still went back to Camp Peralta but it was really late and our flight back to Manila was really early so I was really beat.

Back in Manila around 8:00 am last October 21, I was kinda groggy-looking but I felt really great. I feel relaxed, energized and real happy! I kinda missed the city too though. :D

After my week-long vacay over Visayas, I became more than ready to cheer for my sister in the 27^th foundation celebration of SSA. I missed those practices and dancing every October back in high school. But hey, it was also fun to be the one watching. ;D

As for the rest of the vacation…let’s just say I had more fun :D

I’m gonna go grab some sleep coz tomorrow, it’s gonna be war all over. Toodles!

S-U-M-M-E-R is a Three-letter Word

gian.ia.joseph.jules.kiel.mico.migs.nikki.stacey.vince.yves

After a roller coaster of a year (which ended with a Math20.3a Final Exam), what is there better to do than commence the summer season with the XX2 ULTIMATE SUMMER OUTING?!

March 27, 2009
Who even remembered the Math 20.3a finals after it was done? After packing all the necessities for a four-day and four-nights stay off Manila’s glitz and glamour, eleven of XX2 people hit the road to Calaca, Batangas.
The group had to split in to two subgroups for the transportation. I rode with Stace, Yves, Joseph, Kiel & Jules and despite the heavy traffic near the outskirts of the Metro, the ride was super fun as we told stories, sang songs, joked around, got carried away while driving along the zigzagged road and scared each other (Jules is a meanie). It was already quite dark when we reached Calaca so we got quite confused (i.e. lost) while looking for the place we were supposed to stay at. Getting a bit lost was quite reasonable since the place was very far from the main road, the path to it is not really paved and it was dark. Thankfully, we arrived safely to the place and said hello to Whispering Waves Beach House – our home for four days. Kuya --- (I didn’t really catch his name), the caretaker, helped us settle down when we arrived. After slightly exploring the place and arranging sleeping assignments, we all ate a happy dinner with roasted chicken and rice.

Despite the time and travel, sure had lots of energy on reserve as we still played this little hot spot game. Nikki and Kiel prepared questions which we are to get from a bottle. The questions were not really difficult and spot on but there were some that really perked up the attention of those who are present. It was indeed a long night and we all had to wake up early for we are to prepare for a surprise for Stacey the next day!

March 28, 2009
Equipped with two hours of sleep, I quietly crept out of the bedroom and joined the once who slept less or none at all (Gian, Jules and Yves) to set-up Stacey’s surprise advance birthday celebration. It was a super cute surprise made up of “H.B. Stace” pancake cut-outs, letters-in-a-test-tube hunt and 18 songs. The lack of sleep is worth it as Stace really showed her appreciation. XX2 hearts Stacey!

Before the noon, everyone scrambled, donned our swim gears and hit the cool pool! Though the beach is just nearby, we opt for the pool for the day since it was high tide, making the shore seem non-existent. Despite our watery pool fun, Nikki had to leave for Laguna by high noon so before she left, we took lotsa pictures with Kiel’s dSLR. We had fun with you Nikki! The ten of us continued pool fun for six hours before we decided to step out of the water for pasta dinner care of Jules, Kiel and Yves.

After dinner, most of us decided to stay-up and participate in the Earth Hour. We lit a couple of candles, mixed up pitchers of punch (if you know what I mean), played ‘I’ve never’ and just chilled. That night ended a bit weird as we got freaked out by things and stuff (sorry about that guys). Well, at least we got to sleep a bit. On to the next day!

March 29, 2009

Mico, Joseph, Gian, Stacey and I headed to the town’s market to buy food stuff for the day. With Kuya the caretaker, we rode a tricycle to the said area where the trade is on. Thankfully, the goods are still fresh as we bought fish fillet to fry, chicken breast, pork belly and tilapia to grill, hotdogs to roast and veggies to complement all the protein-rich foodies. After acquiring the necessities, everyone is on to preparing the Super Brunch.

SUPER BRUNCH
Crab and Corn Soup

Breaded Blue Marlin Fish Fillet with Asian and Honey Mustard Dips

Tomato Rotini Pasta
Fresh Melon Juice

Watermelon Wedges

When we were done enjoying the yummy brunch prepared by everyone, we got overwhelmed by the pile of soiled wares waiting to be cleaned up. I really salute Jules and Kiel for taking on the challenge of washing those stacks of plates and kitchen stuff. Our stay in Whispering Waves would not be complete if we did not take advantage of the beach and nature seemed to agree with us since the sea created a more spacious beach and a lower level of water. I personally liked the fine black sand and the gentle waves of water as I saw the sunset live. Too bad I didn’t have my camera back then.

I had this personally significant experience in the arms of the ocean that I want to share. While we were playing in the open sea a bit after the sun had set, I felt that I had stepped on something. I reached down to the sea bed and grabbed a handful of sand, assuming that along with that comes the thing I stepped on. I touched the lump on my hand and to my surprise, there sat a small starfish. No, friends. I did not remember him – I saw someone else and now, the term starfish has certain significance. It is no longer a name that popped out of nowhere. There is life to it. Despite the cheers of my blockmates for me to take the said starfish out of the ocean, I opted to throw it back to the waters where it belongs.

When the skies started to darken, we raced back to the shore and retreated to the pool where they played water-based dodgeball while Kiel and I started marinating and cooking for the night’s grilled dinner. If we had a Super Brunch, we sure did prepare the Supreme Dinner. Us, girls, did all the indoor and kitchen parts while the boys took over the grilling. Preparing meals sure is rewarding!

SUPREME DINNER – Grill Night Special

Grilled Pork Belly

Grilled Chicken Breast

Grilled Stuffed Tilapia

Sautéed Kangkong

Salted Egg and Tomatoes Salad

Fresh Melon Juice

Pineapple Slices

Dragon Fruit Cubes

Mango Slices

Watermelon Wedges

So what do you guys think of our last dinner menu? If you think the night is over with such a meal, you are entirely mistaken. After eating, it was time for another surprise – KIEL’S 18th Birthday! The surprise for her involves a “H.B. KIEL” spelled out by candles near the beach, 18 plans (since she plans a lot), 18 songs and 18 flowers by a warm bonfire participated by dressed girls and polo-and-board-shorts-clad boys. I’m super happy that Kiel enjoyed her 18th birthday celebration! XX2 hearts you too Kiel! :D

With a bonfire present, marshmallows and hotdogs sure made their appearances. We talked and stargazed until we all felt the need to sleep as we are soon to head back to Manila.

March 30, 2009

As soon as we woke up, everyone was on adrenaline rush for we were running late for our slated departure time. Added to that were the tons of dishes needed to be washed from last night’s feast, personal things to pack, furniture to tidy-up and breakfast to cook. Fortunately, we were all moving to accomplish things faster. By the time our ride home arrived, we were all set to go. We said or thanks and goodbye to Kuya, the caretaker, and headed out of Whispering Waves Beach House of Calaca, Batangas.

Any fun-loving soul would appreciate a little detour especially when the destination is Zipline at Tagaytay Highlands. A super daring yet cool experience! Try it when you are in Tagaytay and feel what it is like to almost fly!

After all the fun at Zipline, we seriously headed home to Manila.

I personally want to thank Kiel for organizing this outing. Rock on, you one glamorous and lovely lady! Of course, the fun would not be complete without everyone’s – Gian, Joseph, Jules, Kiel, Mico, Migs, Stacey, Vince, Yves – presence. You guys did fire up my summer! XX2 will also rock summer school!

The beach. One house. Eleven people. One block.

Let’s get this season started!

F-U-N

*photos are from me and from Kiel's site.

Bringing in the Heat

It’s done… for now.

The first year in college seemed to be a breeze as I seat comfortably on my bed, freely tapping on the keys of my laptop. I still remember how I now got used to all the “new” things that awed me not long before along with those that introduced fresh strings of challenges and stress. Of course, I could not thank enough the people who made the year a cool one – blockmates, professors, friends and everyone in general. I just finished computing for my QPI (the verdict on my academic performance for the previous semester) and it was only then that I realized that first year is indeed over. But, there’s more to come.

You might be congratulating me for the summer season and I thank you for that. However, my scholastic duties beckon me to abandon two months on the sandy beaches under the blazing heat of the sun and spend the best season of the year within the four corners of a classroom.

Yep, you read that line right – summer school.

In place of having to spend five years in college due to my program of study, I have to take two courses for the each of the next few summers and that starts now. It’s not really that bad (I hope) since it will still be an opportunity to meet new people who will also be spending most of their summer the way I will. I sure hope the classrooms will be air-conditioned *cross fingers*.

This summer will be so new.

I’ll keep you posted on my adventures! :D
allyne

Still breathing

What a breeze.

Today was the official start of my month-long off of university stuff and it feels great! After days and nights of graphing functions, balancing chemical equations, analyzing Kafka’s works, working on evaluative papers, experimenting on the existence of ideal gases, a long and (hopefully) well-deserved rest comes. But hey, rest doesn’t mean boring ‘coz fun is just about to start!

I’ll keep y’all updated! Surprises in store! :D

Sweetness,
Allyne