PAQ Ganern

I first saw his works back in 2012. I think it was on Facebook. I have been a fan ever since. My desktop wallpaper is a shot of his work, Paskuhan 2012 I think. 

I'm not one who does fangirling. Fangirl, yes, but not to the extent that I go after them, join a fan's club or what. I simply follow them on social media, gush over them and rave about them. There are occasional tweets directly addressed to them but that's about it. Mabibilang sa daliri kung sino ang finafangirl ko.

One day happened. I was told I'm supposed to meet someone on a Friday. All of a sudden, I was told we were going out that day, Thursday. I was told to skip class, go home, freshen up and collect her, Julie. Excited siya, ako hindi. Sinabi sakin sino ang immeet. Gusto ko matae. As in!  Butterflies in my stomach feeling times one million.

Yung finafangirl ko for four years, mameet ko. Mygaaaaaaaasssssss!!!

September 15, 2016, Thursday.

SURREAL.

I looked around and saw him standing there, with a smile on his face as he greeted my friend while I was starstruck and incoherent. Nataranta ako, habang sila masaya. Tinanong ko si Julie bakit andun siya. Kinausap niya ko at nag-explain. Mas nataranta ako.

I decided to stand and shake his hand, asked for pardon since my hand was stone-cold from seeing him there. Sabi ko naman sa inyo, I don't do fangirling. So malaking bagay na andun siya. He talked a bit and handed a big paperbag. OH. MY. GOSH!

I thought that was it. I sat down to keep calm. Much to my surprise, he decided to sit down as well... beside me! What sorcery is this?! Hindi ko natanggap ang memo na may gantong ganap. Natatawa na lang si Ju sa mga ganap.

It took me a good twenty minutes  to compose myself from the shock of seeing him, sitting down with us and starting a conversation. Wooooooow! We talked how much of a fangirl I am and other things, mostly travel. He asked about what I did for my birthday the recent years and I decided to tell him the last birthday celebration I had. A shot to make him remember me. I think I did make a mark. HAHAHA!

He hangout with us for about an hour. In a short span of time, we have talked about a lot of things. That feeling like you have known him for quite a while now, instead of just meeting him for the first time. That kind of feeling is priceless, precious. PAQ ganern!

10 Things You Should Know About Rach by Rach et al.

I was supposed to post this the day I came to be but circumstances didn't allow me. It was such a busy day and I wasn't able to finish my editing. It took me over a week to put together everything and I hope you would bear with me reading this post. I also hope that you would enjoy.

For this year, I decided to write the ten things you should know about me. This is easy as I know myself well or so I say. I got this idea from my icon, Bianca Gonzalez' article. The challenge was to write something what others don't really know. I feel like good friends know me so well that this blog would be less informative. After reading this, I hope you have learned new things about me.

1. Camwhore
Present day, I would have been called selfie goddess which is way better than a camwhore. Back in the day, I invaded my friends' phones with my photos. Yung feeling mo akin yung phone nila sa dami ng pictures ko dun. I love capturing moments. It's something to look back once I grow old.

2. Umbrella ella eh eh???
I've always been proud of my color. Kayumanggi, brown, tanned, sun-kissed. I've grown darker through the years and some would remark it as negra or worse, ulikba. I don't really mind because I totally love it. Akala niyo maiinsulto ako? Sorry, hindi. Kinikilig pa nga ako :) My love for sunshine is insane that I don't use umbrella on a very hot day. Sure, I have it with me but the only time I open my umbrella is when it starts to pour.

However, due to some important events this year, I have taken refuge on my trusty umbrella to hide from Mr. Sun. I occasionally put sunscreen and use papaya soap just to lighten my skin A BIT.

3. A passive chocolate eater
Choclit, that's how I usually say it. Chocolate is a piece of heaven on earth. I've seen people drool over it and some even get really giddy about it. I'm just not one of them. Lagi kong sinasabi hindi ako kaagaw sa tsokolate maliban na lang kung Belgian o Swiss chocolate yan.

I once saw this video about the people of Ivory Coast who plant cocoa, main ingredient of chocolate. They have never tasted a chocolate bar in their entire life. The look on their faces when they first tasted it was so priceless.

I have vowed to send boxes of chocolates to Ivory Coast. One day will come.


4. No to raw...
...except bloody steak and salad! Yumyumyum! I don't eat anything that's raw. If you give me a sunny side up, I would want it well done. Squishy yolk is not for me! Hindi ko kakainin yan hanggang hindi luto na luto.

5. Mariquina
I go loco over shoes and not bags! Most girls shop for designer bags but I am more than happy to get myself local shoes. Liliw will be my best bet. I saw this independent movie entitled Mariquina and I hope and pray to be a shoe mogul someday. Wait and see :)

6. Biyahilo
I like to travel and I enjoy adventures but I can't last without my medicine during the trip. If I miss it, I turn into a monster and worse, I throw up. I usually starve myself during trips to avoid puking. Nakakawala talaga ng poise eh!

7. Batang yagit
If you have lived with me, then you should know that I walk around and outside the house barefoot. It's not the lack of slippers but rather the stubborness to wear one. I have never outgrown it to this day. Parents and siblings would have to scold me repeatedly about this.

8. Cambodian
I was born and raised in the Philippines but I  never mastered the mother tongue. I once blurted out that I was a Cambodian when I was a little kid. Hindi ko nga alam saan yun, narinig ko lang sa pinsan ko.

If you would notice, I would always post in English or Taglish. Bad in English, waaaaay terrible in Filipino. Aminin niyo, ang hirap ng Filipino subject sa school! Mabuti na lang at may Wikapedia, natututo na ako kahit papaano. :)

9. Blogger
I started writing my thoughts back in 2005 but made my official blog in 2009. Very few people know about my blog. If you know it, consider yourself lucky. My not-so deep thoughts, you have read. If you want to know about it, please give me some time. I shall fix and relaunch it next year. Naks! Feeling Patty Laurel lang. Hahaha!

10. Gaya-gaya
Feeling ko, pag sinabi sakin yung too sa reply, nawalan ng choice o ginaya ako. This is just my crazy mind thinking. For example, I miss you. Your usual reply would be "I miss you too". That would be okay. What would melt my heart would be a simple "I miss you" or "I miss you more" or I" miss you mucho". Feeling ko kung hindi ko sinabi yung I miss you, hindi mo naman sasabihin eh. Basta ganun. Hahaha! So next time I say, I miss you, please reply the exact same thing or something more.



Rach in numbers:

6: Starbucks cards I have so far.
 

Lalalooove

3:  lowest grade in college. Better tres than cinco they say!

21: My second favorite number for no apparent reason

18:  total number of provinces I've been to in the Philippines

3000: amount of my first ever paycheck from a football event in 2009.

Ang hirap pala kumita ng pera


So as not to be biased, I decided to ask my personal council to write ten things they know about me. Partida, may ibang mga version na, ten things about Lexi, ten things you should know about my Rachie at ten things I love about you. Bentaaaaaaa :)

These are the people who know me in a heartbeat and wouldn't mind to be harassed with the time pressure. I have spared some precious gems from this tedious task as I know their plates are full. Di bale, may next time guys! Some really took the time to think about it, while the others typed in pronto. I am so thankful that they have responded to my request. Like what I said, long or short, it doesn't matter. I know you love me. Hahaha!

The ones italicized are the things they wrote in common.They know me too well. The ones underlined are close to what I wrote about myself. Those italicized and underlined mean we all wrote something similar.  I have made comments on what they wrote about me. Read on! :)

This was written by a very good friend. We didn't really see each other eye-to-eye the first time we met and we had to know each other better to prove that first impressions don't really last. All you have to do is give each other a chance and who knows you might be in for a great rollercoaster ride called friendship.

10 things you should know about my Rachie

1. Hola!We must kape!She loves KAPE and the people she shares kape with. Having coffee time with her is a time to catch up 'coz she misses you and time to bond,just be with you even though both of you are not saying anything and celebrate the 1st day of each month. ***Hindi na masyado nasusunod ang 1st of the month pero okay lang. Ang importante magkasama at magcatch up pag may pagkakataon. Soon, kape tayo!

2. True-blooded Scorpio girl.
What you know about the Scorpio sign, she's definitely one of them. Worth loving,keeping and holding on until forever
What she wants,she'll do everything to get it *** Isa lang naman ang mailap sakin. Hindi kasi kinukuha yun, binibigay ni Lord :)

3. Fan girl.Minsan lang siya maging fan girl and she gives her time and effort for them namely Maroon 5, JM De Guzman,Alex Medina, Bianca Gonzalez, Janine Tugonon,W.C, JC haha *** Inisip ko talaga sino si JC promise! Unang pumasok sa isip ko, JC Intal. Dahil siguro kay Bianca G. Tapos natawa ko nung naisip ko sino si JC. HAHAHAHA!!!Salamat sa suporta sa lahat ng kahibangan ko sa pagiging fan. I'm really happy you are there :)

4.Mahal kong Pilipinas!
She always supports Filipino products (shoes,bags,accessories),food (pero di siya mahilig sa kakanin)atbp *** Proud to be Pinoy.

5.Cinemalaya lover
Suportahan natin ang Pelikulang Pilipino. 2 years and counting that she enjoys indie films at medyo malakas na ang loob niya magpapicture sa celebrities *** 3 years na! :) This year lang naging intense. Hala! Isa pa rin lang ang napapicturan ko dahil pa sa kagustuhan ko na makita niyo na andun nga si Alex. HAHAHAHA!

6. Selfie or Groupie and Foodstagram
Pictures from her ipod and FB show how much she loves spending time with people she loves!hindi pwede walang picture to treasure the moments together **** Capturing moments so there is something to look back once we grow old :)

7. Baby Stalker, Baby Sitter
She loves kiddos from age 0months onwards haha! 2011 takot pa siya magkarga ng days old baby but now I'm so proud that indeed you don't need to worry if your bebelove is with her. She spends time with them and makes sure they feel special kahit teenagers na sila.(That's a sign she'll be a good mother someday) *** Very far future. For now, I will just borrow babies from people. Hehehe!

8.Adventure Time Dora the Explorer
She loves the beach kaya Filipina color ,she loves to travel kahit mag-isa siya,she wants to try other things for the 1st time,she loves the Philippines and the world *** See as much as I can. Must explore God's beautiful creations.

9.True love-One Love
Forever Love
N.B.S.B. She believes that her prince charming is just around the corner pero di pa nga lang siya nahahanap,or nagkabanggaan na sila pero not the right time or andiyan na, hindi lang siya nakikita sa ngayon dahil masyado busy mag-aral, sa trabaho o nag-eenjoy pa sa single life ***Busy sa taping? HAHAHA! Yung description mo, pasok si JC dun infernus!

10. More than a diamond, gold or any treasure in this world. She's our favorite person in the world. If she says she loves you, then you are the luckiest and blessed person. So keep her and take good care of this sexy lady 'coz it's hard to find someone like RACHIE she's a treasure that can never be replaced. *** So much love for this last thing. Thank you so much for the love,support and appreciation. I don't need a lot, just a few who would be there through whatever will get me through. I love you and your entire family. Alam na alam mo yan :)



I have not seen you nor talked to you for quite a while so asking for this was quite tricky. I had some qualms that you might not be able to do it as I know you have a busy schedule. Thank you mucho that despite my constant reminder, hindi ka nakulitan and made it to my deadline :) I miss you mucho and I hope to see you soon. Ang mga kwento, naiipon!
10 things I love about you hahahaha

1. Sporty babe *** gotta sweat it out and have fun

2. Likes to be tanned *** oh Mr. Sun! :)

3. Wanderlust *** let's go next year please!!!

4. Beach bum  *** I go sunbathing, you go hide. Hahaha!

5. Likes to play with cute little kids *** Kailangan talaga cute!!!

6.  Small but awesome *** awww... Thank you! :)

7. She loves lollipops :) *** strawberries and cream flavor please

8. Starbucks! Kape lover *** Must have coffee. Oh barista!

9. Happy go lucky *** Because it's so much fu living life this way :)

10. Rachy on the go!!! *** let's go!


We haven't see each other for a long time. We barely text. I've missed a hiking trip with you guys but all the same, you managed to do this for me. Only goes to show that true friendship doesn't mean being together all the time nor talking a lot. What matters the most is you both know that no matter what, you will be there. Hindi palaging ramdam, pero alam mo andiyan lang. Maraming salamat! :) Magdate tayo soon.

1.      First things first, she’s NBSB (choosy)  *** It's not being choosy, it's the lack of choice. Kidding! Mabuti na maingat at pihikan kaysa laging broken-hearted. Let's wait for my ONE TIME. BIG TIME.

2.       Silent but deadly *** My silence is not a good thing. So if you don't hear anything from me, halaaaaaaaaa!

3.      Adventurous   *** Totoo na. Tara na sa Pulag. Next year! :)

4.      Machong kikay *** One of the boys pero maarte. Maarte in a good way please :p

5.      You can share anything to her and expect a good conversation with advice. ***  Thank you for appreciating. Please tell me if I'm being madaldal already! Mananahimik na ko. Try ko.

6.      Mighty mouse (girl power) *** Maliit man ako, hindi ko uurungan ang pagsubok. Kung kaya nila, kaya ko rin! :)

7.      Family-oriented *** Ohana means family, nobody gets left behind.

8.      Human birthday calendar. Lahat ng Birthday ng friends niya natatandaan. *** Always good with numbers for some strange reasons. Remembering birthdays is a must for me. It's that once-a-year event to be extra thankful for the people who were born to make my life worthwhile :)

9.       You’re lucky if you are close/friend with this aling maliit (you’ll know) *** HAHAHA!!! Aling Maliit. I am lucky to have an awesome person like you.

10.  You should know that Rachel has a handsome bestfriend that will protect and serve her at all cost. Will help her at any time, as long as it is not regarding financial problems. Wheneveryou need me, whenever you want me. You know you can call me,I'll be there shortly, don’t care what your friends say, 'cause they don't know me. I am your BESTIE and you be my homie. *** I roll up, I roll up, I roll up, Shawty I roll up. Pinilit ko talaga itago ang identity mo. Kaso ang give-away mo dito sa last eh. HAHAHA!!! We are the kind of bestfriends who are sure that we have each other's backs despite crazy scheds. See you soon please!

As if that wasn't enough, I got more. You are such a sweetheart! Thank you for making your own list. Let's go out more so we'll get to know each other more.

1.      Beachlover *** Kaya tayo connect eh. Tara sa summer!

2.      Starbucks addict *** Alam mo yung tumambay tayo sa Starbucks literal tapos umalis ng walang binili, Rakenrol!

3.      Friendly *** Thank you! Sabi kasi isnabera daw ako. hihihi!

4.      Kalog *** Once you get to know me, I get comfy and unleash the craziness in me.

Sobrang busy mo. Thanks mucho for finding time to do this. Always know that we don't need a padurr to complete us. I know one day will come. For now, let us enjoy Cinemalaya, fangirling and just about everything :)
10 things about Lexi

1. Tall. (reference:sb drinks) *** drinks pala pinag-uusapan. Akala ko ibang description. Hahaha!

2. Explorer. Wanderer. Traveler. *** well said. Let's see places together please.

3. Lover - of?? Hahahaha! Life! :)

4. Most dedicated friend awardee *** hmmm... Thank you for appreciating it

5. Sincerest person I've met. *** Wooooow! Really? Maraming salamat po!

6. One with great memory and good with dates. *** It is both a blessing and a curse. Hahahaha!

7. On-the-go kind of friend. Call/text whenever you need someone to talk to or hang out with.  *** I've always said it. I am one call/text away. I will be
there. Just let me know. This holds true to all those who matter :)

8. She enjoys and treasures simple things. *** the best things in life :)

9. You just have to be there in order to please her.  *** Yes!!! Stay with me through hell and back again. Is that too much to ask?

10. God. Family. Friends. Students. Eyecandies. Strangers. Animals. Self. (Her priorities in order) *** hmmm... Let's re-arrange. God. Family.  Friends.Students. Animals. Eyecandies. Strangers. Self.


I know you don't really write, so to harass you late at night was such a stress! Add to that, an alocohol intoxication from you was the least I wanted when I asked for this favor. Nonetheless, you took the challenge and did it right away. I was surprised!!! I know you got my back. Know that I got yours as well.

10 things I know about you!!! I bet this is the best and FYI done in 60 secs

1. Small frame, huge heart, even bigger personality *** Coming from you, wooooooow! Sweet. Thank you! :)

2. Resting b*tch face is on point but when you get to know her, she is as sweet as diabetes *** Only the tough ones pass the test.

3. Her kilay will kill, but what is really deadly about her is that smile. Purely evil at times! Lol *** Good laugh with the kilay will kill. Wicked grin is the lethal weapon :)

4. I call her ate and her sage words of wisdom often help me in most problems... Okay sometimes it could get you into trouble! Lol *** Exactly 13 months apart. Siblings through and through

5. Lover of dogs...if you don't love dogs you're not human *** I don't want to be human anymore. A tamagotchi please!

6. When a volleyball player playfully slaps you on the arm, you better flex. So if she's gonna slap you...play dead *** That's called cariño brutal. You'll be getting tons, once you get your arse home! HAHAHA

7. Her addiction to Starbucks needs to stop, like she needs help. Real help    *** Nooooooo. I will die.

8. She bleeds yellow and growls with pride, she will rep that school all day everyday  *** Gotta be thankful and be proud of the Alma Mater :)

9. If you're a dude and you're trying to get with her, you better know your sports...and man the hell up *** Sporty must be with sporty. Or that would suck. A LOT. Imagine if I'm better in sports, aguuuuuuy!

10. She is low key romantic!!! Bet you didn't know that!!!! She can stab you though! Don't f*ck with her! *insert emoji here* *** Heeeeeeey! That's totally a secret. HAHAHA!


We've know each other for a long time and I mean a LOOOOOONG TIME. I'm  really blessed and thankful to God that we have survived the tests of friendship and came out stronger. Indeed, a sister from a different set of parents. Thank you so much! :)

10 things you should know about Rach


1. When we were kids, she liked Kerokerokeroppi and I dont actually remember kung kailan niya nagustuhan si Mickey Mouse. Hahahaha.. *** Ang weird, takot ako sa palaka pero paborito ko si Keroppi. HAHAHA! Yung crush ko kasi favorite si Mickey Mouse. Kaya naging favorite ko rin. Gaya-gaya lang.

2. We became classmates for nine years since I started going to AAM in 1995. Isang school year lang kami hindi naging classmates and that was 3rd grade. *** Courteous ako, Cheerful ka. Sayang grandslam sana eh!

3. She was one of my first friends in AAM (Est. 1995) *** Grade 1-PM kids rock! :)

4. She's my twin sister! Nalate lang ng  five days na siya lumabas sa mundo hehehe.. *** Late ng five days at ibang set rin ng magulang

5. She's my MG (mentos girl; basta long story na yun hahaha) *** kain pa ng mentos patago in class!!! Hahaha!

6. She is generous most especially to less fortunate kids. Kahit wala nang gaanong pera yan basta may enough para magpakain, she will spend it. She believes that a kid's smile is totally priceless.  *** Thank you for the kind words. Worth it ang mga ngiti nila :)

7. The only girl I met na gusto mangitim. (Kailan ba nagsimula yang tan days mo? Hehehe!) ***hmmm... 2nd grade pero di ko sadya yun. Yung nagpapaitim na talaga ako, 16 na yata nagstart.

8. She makes me relax whenever  I freak out. Minsan nakakalimutan ko din kumalma. *** Keep calm and husaaaaaah! Ohm. Ohhmm. Ohhhmmm.

9. She is A blessing. God simply placed her in my life as one of my true friends and I continue to pray na hanggang pagtanda na itong friendship and sa kabilang buhay. *** I am blessed to have you. Faith. Communication. Understanding. Care. Love. Masusurvive natin ang mga challenges. To infinity and beyond!

10.  She is girly with dresses, shorts and bikinis but not girly with manicure, pedicure and footspa but she does it naman with us for girl bonding. *** VERY RARE I might add. Matutulog na lang ako habang nagpapa-spa kayo please?

You say good morning, when it's midnight. Going out of my head, alone in this bed. I wake up to your sunset and it's drivin' me mad, I miss you so bad. I miss you so, so bad. So call me maybe! :) Oha! Medley pa yang intro ko para sayo. Hindi man matindi ang time difference, five hours is five hours. Tanghali na sakin, baka kakagising mo pa lang. Nothing can separate us, not distance, not crazy heartaches. I am really thankful that despite my wickedness in the past and your ka-engotan (aminin mo), we both found forgiveness for each other and look at us now. Thank you Lord indeed! :)

10 Things you should know about Rachel/Alexia/Pebs:

1. She looks snob at first look, but she is the entire opposite when you get to know her. I remember that people always get this first impression na masungit sya kasi nga naman sa kilay niya (palaging nakataas) hahaha! But wait til you be friends with her, you’ll know what I mean. She’s also kikay in her own right, very maporma when it comes to clothes, especially when she feels like it. haha! :) *** Looks can be deceiving. Don't let your first impression of me last.  I have discovered the saying look good, feel good and vice-versa. You don't really know who you might run into. :)

2. She dislikes mushiness overload. When my husband and I were still on the bf-gf stage, she would usually comment on mushy posts and literally tell me to please stop the mushiness coz it’s killing her… and don’t ever tag her with mushy quotes, she won’t like it either. haha!  *** Keso overload. Waaaaag!Sweet naman ako, ninja moves nga lang.

3. She’s an adult, but when you see her you can not even tell what exactly her age is. Who would’ve thought that she is turning 26 now? Lakas makadaya ng height at ng face pebs. alamoyan! haha! I still remember the countless times that Tides or Resorts World guards would actually stop us from getting in just to ask for a valid ID or ask us about our age. Classic! *** Kahit anong gawin ko, wala talaga. Nagmumukha lang akong teenager trying hard to be an adult. Aguuuuuy!

4. She will fight for you. I can’t remember how many times she actually proved that she is not the kind of friend who will just sit there and see you crying, she really proves that when you mess with her friends, you mess with her. *** Mabait na ko. I choose my battles now. My mantra: Let my bestfriend, karma get you. :)

5. She’s a sucker for mucho gwapito boys. She knows exactly what I mean (diba pebs?), she likes gwapo boys, and I wish this time, you find your own gwapo boy for reals. :) *** Andiyan lang siya. Chillax lang ako. Paki-bilisan! Oooooops! Sabi ko chillax lang ako eh.

6. She looks tough but she has a soft spot as well. In our circle of friends, she’s always the go-to person, whenever I feel like crying or I need to talk about my problems and what-nots, Rach is the person for me… It appears to people who don’t really know her that she’s tough and she gives tough love, but she is one of the most genuine and loving person I know. I guess you just can’t judge a book by its cover, because even when she looks “mataray” or “masungit”, she’s really really nice and she will definitely be one of those friends you will treasure for life. :) *** We've been through hell and back, so it's safe to say, we are friends until the end of time and the life after that.

7. She would literally go for an extra mile for you. I literally live a thousand miles away from her but the distance was never an issue for us. Yeah, we seldom talk and sometimes we just catch up through facebook chats, but when I ask a favor from her, even if it means to go an extra mile for me, she will definitely do it. I always remember her collecting SB planners just for me and Yuan. She will do all that it takes to be able to collect and finish those stars so she can give us (her LDR friends) the Starbucks planner that we are dying to have… *** Pwede skip this year or let's see. Super lasing na ako sa kape. In demand ang planner! 'Cause you know I'd walk a thousand miles if I could just see you :)

8. She’s very loyal. Be it to our Alma mater in high school or to her former university way back in college, she really knows how to value loyalty to her former institutions. And not only that, she’s also a loyal person, in general, but do not break her trust, because once you do, it will be very difficult to win her back. I know how it feels, we’ve had rough days, but I’m very thankful that we were able to patch things up. *** Trust issues. HAHAHA!

9. Starbucks brought us closer than ever before. As mentioned in #7, we are coffee lovers and to be exact, we love Starbucks. We love it so much that we actually celebrate our anniversary as Starbucks chickas (3rd year now) because I believe it's not just the coffee, it's all about the memories spent with these awesome ladies that I treasure the most. *** I've always wanted to drink buko back when we were in highschool. Sa Phase 1 pa lang yung buko noon. Kaso, hindi ko afford palagi uminom kasi mahal. I'm really happy that I get to drink it whenever I want with the people I like the most. Thank you for the awesome Starbucks experience! Here's to tons of kape :)

10. She’s my drinking buddy, my road trip buddy, my go-to person, my wake-up caller, my conscience, my sister from another mother. We’ve been friends for more than a decade, and I think she will be for a lifetime. She’s my maid-of-honor, and I hope to be part of her wedding as well in the very near future (very near, pebs haha!). Rach will always be Rach. We love her just the way she is right now. :) *** Isa ka pa! Tinatago ko nga identity niyo, eh sa title mo pa lang, alam na agad! Hahaha! The connection we have will be for a lifetime. You know my heartbreaks and you know how to avoid them. So please, just stay with me. Near future?? Sige January 2015, okay na ba yun? Thank you so much!:)

She made a cute post for me. Feel free to click on the link to see it: http://leelyput.wordpress.com/2014/11/03/pebots-connection/

In reality, there are more than ten things written in this post. I hope you enjoyed reading and was able to get to know me more. :)


Thank you to everyone who made my 26th awesome. Thank you to these awesome people who took the time to write this post. Thank you Lord! :) Much love from me to you.

#At22

With today's fast-paced world, social media networks left and right, it is very convenient to keep up with the latest news. While I was browsing thru my twitter last week, I saw this topic trending --- #At22. I decided to click on the trending topic and realized why most people were making a big fuss about it.

Apparently, the daughter of the alleged pork barrel scam queen, owned a luxurious condo unit amounting $80M at age 22. This sparked the twitter world to post what they owned and had, did for a living back when they were 22.

I asked my siblings what they were like at 22. My sister said. " When I was 22, I had no career path and I was so infatuated with the wrong guy". I asked my brother how old he was when he finished college. He answered 24. I didn't ask him further. I had the answer for him. hahaha!"At 22, my kuya was stuck in school trying to pass all his subjects because he can't afford to fail any further".

#At22 I still felt like a kid, acted and thought like one at times but was a highschool teacher juggling time for studies and fun.Struggled!

That's how I felt back when I was 22. Let me break it down for you. Here's what happened to me for the past 364 days of being 22:

* All three sophomore sections threw a birthday surprise for me! Boy, was I really surprised! I would have been happy with just my own Plato but no, Darwin and Mendel were also in for some sweet surprise! I would never forget those times and will be forever grateful for those kids :)

* Masters became tougher with all major subjects and demanding professors! My social life is slowly dying at that time!

* My first ever trip to Baguio. Yes, I was already 22 when I finally made it there! I was really ecstatic when I found out I was going there for a seminar! Who would have thought that teaching would be the way to get me there? Thank you Lord! :)

* Reunited with my college buddies for UST's Quadricentennial Celebration! VIVA SANTO TOMAS! It was good to be home :)

* Working break. This is when you are supposed to be on a break but then you would be working because there is just too much workload and taking a break wouldn't be so wise! Working break with awesome friends made things bearable. Editing articles, encoding grades over a cup of kape is always fun :)

* Dicovering my new buko drink by accident! My  friends and I were having our usual kape session and I was drinking hot mocha because of the chill weather that time. I was happily sipping my drink when my good friend interrupted me. She asked if that was my drink. Of course it was or so I thought. I was drinking her white mocha for quite some time already. Kaya pala nag-iba yung lasa! From then on, I have loved White mocha ♥♥♥

* Attending Prom as a teacher! It felt so good reliving the good times. I came to prom not as a date but as part of the faculty. How time flies.

* Partying hard during Valentines! Thank you Lord for awesome single friends. At that time, I was happy being what I was  --- single. All those heartaches, fights and even break-ups were not my type! My day will come...

* Getting close (again) to that one boy who made my heart skip a beat. Oh, there I went again!

* Struggled but survived! I never thought that teaching could be oh-so-challenging! I never even thought I would teach at that age! Sure I did want to teach but when I am like 40! Without any proper knowledge about it, teaching felt like being thrown in the water not knowing how to swim. I struggled big time but with the guidance and help of my colleagues (friends), I was able to finish a year of teaching. Hooooooray! :)

* I prayed for Japan and its people after that disastrous, scary tsunami attack.

* Fun time with ate during her vacation. Ate decided to come home for summer with her Japanese friends to attend a colleague's wedding. Oh how I missed her!

* KIMchi boys are going home to Korea :l Saying adios to Jong Chan and Jong Hyun was sad. They were my Korean students who excelled in class. I definitely missed having them in class and most of all, I miss my KIMchi boys.

* It was summer vacation but I had summer classes for masters just to keep up with the rest of the class. No, it wasn't because I failed! All my classmates were doing advance classes, I had too as well if I wanted to graduate same time with them.

* I had my hair cut short again. It was summer, hot and I wanted a new look! Dora ang negrang lakwatsera back again! :))

* Little brother is home after 145186415 years! Gala lang ng gala with fellas. Must catch up! :)

* Watched Maroon 5 with friends. So what if we were right at the back of the concert?? Adam Levine is divine!!! I love him even before that but when I saw him in flesh, I was smitten all over him. Adam Levine is my forever love! This love has taken its toll on meeeeee ♥♥♥

* Liking this one boy way too much that it scared the shizz out of me.

* Why hello there Cebu! While on board, I was surprised to see my old classmate in gradeschool. She is fyling PAL as a flight attendant. Since then, Jam and I have kept in touch :) Cebu was good for history enthusiasts and don't forget about the lechon! I wasn't able to go around much but mother and I had a great time. It was a good break before heading back to another year of teaching. :)

* Starting the school year without Ly. It was tough but awesome friends made me feel I have them so nothing to worry about school. :)

* Handling a senior class could be such a headache! From disciplining them to attending their speech choir practices and helping them out in whatever means so that they can do their best.

* Birthday celebrations with the clan ---- kuya, Jaco, Ate kaz. Parties with the clan is always ffffffuuuun :)

* Ninja moves with the crew. Yes we were 22, but not all of us were allowed to see a movie during last full show! Sneaking from uberly strict parents just to  watch HP and heading to Tagaytay while we were "supposed" to be staying at the dorm . hahaha! The best part was, dropping off lj's stuff in the airport and getting him again to eat inside BF and finally dropping him off the airport with an hour before his flight. All the while, his mom thought he was in the airport 3 hours before his flight! Oh what fun :) At 22, you would think we would be free to do whatever we will BUT NO!!!

* Cheering for the Azkals and watching it live! I had three tickets for the Azkals game care of Tita Dang :) Syd and Igi boy went to watch with me. Though it was drizzling, this did not dampen the spirits of the Filipinos watching. Azkals won in that game. Hooooooray!

* Valencia girls off to Boracay! It was my second time while mom and ate was there for the very first time. The island has been magnificent as always! It was an awesome way to unwind after all the exams I had to check! How I missed travelling with the coolest people on earth! :) ♥

* Kuya Leo's sudden passing away. Fresh from Boracay, we got a call from my cousin that Kuya Leo was shot during their operation. He was a cousin-in-law but he felt very much like a family to all of us. :( Rest in peace kuya!

* 9/11/11 ---- ten years after the WTC attack but for me it was a day to celebrate! Tomas Renato Educalani Ycasiano was born that day. I now have a reason to celebrate every 9/11! :) I was also made into a ninang two weeks after he was born. I am one proud ninang ♥♥♥

* Compre!!! I thought I would go crazy with the exams. I took a leave at work to be able to make it to my two-day compre exams. Eto yung literal bahala na si batman. Akala ko sasabog utak ko sa information overload!

* After months of confusion and too much liking, I have summoned all courage to ask that one boy if we could be together. The answer was just like the old one, years ago --- NO. My heart was shattered into gazillion pieces. I had too much alcohol that night. I love my friends who were always there whenever I needed them the most. :)

* Ly's despedida party. Dear pebots is off to Jeddah for work and medication. Rrifffics and our highschool barkada reunited to see her before she left. :)

* Lola Laleng has gone to rest. It's always sad when somebody we love passes away. Lola Laleng was my lola's youngest sister. After losing nanay, lola Laleng was the only lola I had. She lived nearby, mom and I would visit her once in a while. We always see her in Church and we even slept over her place when her yaya took a leave. I miss her so much! I am thankful that God has given her a full life back when she was still alive.

* Food fest + awesome company + "fan" = Rach is back on track. I can't afford to be sad for too long. My friends have made sure that I would be busy having fun and before I knew it, I was finally over my heartache :)

* Underage "cousins" partied with us in Central. Yung mga minor pinapasok ng walang harang at tanong tapos ako tinanong ng bouncer ilang taon na. Ang fair! It's so ang fair! :))

At 22, I was crazy, carefree and lived life the best way I can. No flashy cars, no designer bags or clothes and definitely no luxurious condo unit in LA. I don't really know what's up with being 22 but let me quote Taylor Swift  ---- Uh oh, I don't know about you but I'm feeling 22.

I'm 24 but I am definitely feeling like 22 or younger than that!  What were you like at 22? What do you envision yourself like at 22?

A Good Friday Indeed!

As another Good Friday comes, I recalled what I have done the previous year, the previous months most recently. I can remember like yesterday that we were in Disneyland during Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. We already had the tickets and decided to go. Lenten season would not be forgotten in our hearts.

This year, I reflected on all the things that happened the past year. Some were good and others proved to be challenging.

Just recently, I have done things I really don't do but did anyway. I know it was a lack of judgment. A week worth of blah would make me repent for the rest of the year. How timely that shortly after that was Holy Week. I have been praying with all my heart.

Oh what delight it is to praise You Lord! I am blessed with awesome friends who just don't stick around in good times and bad, but friends who pray with/for me.

Visita Iglesia was extra fun with the rriffics. 14 Churches? No problemo! It was truly a challenge with the intense summer heat and the traffic that took longer than our praying time. We would not fail for Your sacrifice was far greater than ours. Friends that pray together, stay together.

It was a week of prayer. Then news came to me like a thief in the night. I knew it was coming my way but hit me like a lightning all the same. Your love never fails Oh Lord. In that dark hour that I felt so low, You have touched my heart. You have sent people who would help me get up. Thank You Lord for always listening. I may never understand it that time but I am slowly getting there.

Truly, You are a God of miracles and blessings. Thank You for giving us Your only Son to redeem us from our sins. Thank You for the endless blessings and forgiveness. My heart rejoices in You Lord, my God. You are an Amazing God!

A Dozen of Everything

2012 has been a great year for me. I have been very positive about this year since it is Year of the Dragon, my year. I believed that it would give me things that would surprise me and boy was I surprised. Let me take you with me as I look back at my year. A dozen of memorable dates, fascinating people and great music. I hope you enjoy!

12 Dates

January 01, 2012

Happy New Year! It's 1, We must check papers, Must have Kape and It's the Year of the Dragon! I felt that it was going to be my year. Started it right having kape with the November chicas. I realized just a few months ago that I saw WC at the start of the year. Woot woot!

February 14, 2012

V-day! Kape date with mg :) Little did we know that is was going to be a start of something great. Slumber partey in Dasma. I enjoyed reading my letters from students. Gaaaah, it's great to be a teacher. I also had chili dynamite with manong which I regretted. Too hot for me :l

March 27, 2012

AAM Graduation. Back in March 2005, I graduated highschool and was part of the first batch of Socrates. Seven years after, it was my turn to have my first ever batch of Socrates :)

Once a Socrates, always a Socrates! ♥

April 10, 2012

Toraji Family Dinner. Very posh dinner over-looking the Tokyo city lights. I felt so blessed. Quite expensive  but it was one great, oishii dinner.

May 03, 2012

2nd Anniversary in school. Trip to the beach. I celebrated my 2nd year with pebs and  her family in Laiya, Batangas. Oh how I missed the beach! :)

When we got back in the metro, we decided to drop by Starbucks ATC. It was a hot, summer night and a trip to the beach made us crave for yummy frap.

I saw this gwapo barista who would consume my thoughts the past months. I bought banoffee pie just to get a closer look at him. He even remarked my sunkissed skin as "Bagay naman" with matching killer smile. I died!

June 30, 2012

What better way to end the first month back in school with drinking. It's been a while since I went out on a Saturday night. No, I wasn't hanging out with my friends, I was rolling with my nephews and a cousin. Time flies when the boys used to be small. Now, they could carry me easily!

My cousin who is their mom had an out-of-town trip and I offered that the boys stay with us. I also invited my cousin and a niece to stay but only cousin made it with ze boys. Geeeeez, the boys can drink! I felt so mature being the ate. Yeeeeey!

We went to buy kape afterwards and went home around 1:30am. Mother said I should bring them home early. Yes, that's early for my standards. I hope they had fun :)

July 26, 2012

The gwapo barista was borrowed for a month in BF! My awesome team of kiddos supported me with stalking. So much support that they have harrassed him to take a photo with me. I was sooooooo shy and nervous! I finally had my first ever photo with gwapo!

August 21, 2012

Benigno Aquino Day, holiday! Since fellas are on break too, we wanted to play badminton but ended up swimming because the court isn't done yet. After swimming, I went to buko to meet the birthday boy, ginoo. Skype date with pebots. Sayang wala si gwapo, ang cute ko pa naman.hahaha!

September 16, 2012

16 days of no WC! We dropped by Starbucks Gaisano to visit Brayn. He then suggested to drop by Town, as there is a big possibility that gwapo might be on duty. True enough, gwapo was there! ❤

I was talking to mg, when he said "Hi Lexi!" all the way from the pastry area. We were sitted a bit far from there. I was shocked and surprised! I did the lamest thing, waved with a constipated smile! My goodness!

I then ordered for something else, again just to get closer to him. He asked me how I was and it took me some time to answer and I just answered "Okay" much to mg's frustration.

16 days and I missed him so bad! It was really great to see that gwapo face.

October 01, 2012

It's 1 and we must kape! We already had plans of having kape in Gaisano as Brayn is there and we needed a different kapehan but since gwapo boy would be staying in BF for good and it was his first day, I decided to have a detour. 😍

My awesome teacherriffics were ever supportive of me and trooped to buko with me :) Another photo with the gwapo barista. Happy to know that he appreciated me dropping by on his first day back.

November 23, 2012

My 24th natal parteeeeeey! 🎉🎈 I had more or less 70 people on my list but about only 25 people came. I don't really mind since these are the people who proved to be really my friends. Close friends were't able to make it due to circumstances which I fully understand. 'Di bale, bawi next time. I was looking forward to seeing gwapo, but noooooo! He didn't go or any of the baristas for that matter except for Brayn who I don't consider as barista but as a friend.

Anyway, it was an awesome time with dear fellas! Overflowing drinks courtesy of the mobile bar, so much fun that I ended up on the grass!

Cheers to being 24 and the year of the dragon! 😊

December 21, 2012

12.21.12!!! They said the world will end. I say, I'm glad I met you. It has been a year since the first time I laid eyes on WC. We came from the movies and had kape afterwards. I remember saying, "Look at that Wilson, gwapo!"

He has consumed my thoughts since May. If I had one wish, you know what it is.

After having kape with rako, I dashed off to Paskuhan. As always, date with She and we joined forces with my awesome teacherriffics. USTe will always and forever be home to me. Fireworks! 🎆

12 People

1. Tonee Hilario

It's funny how I was able to get closer or I'd like to believe that we have gotten closer to each other. For someone who didn't finish highschool in AAM and got to know me just a year, I would not have imagined to get to know Tonee better. I am happy and honored to be given the chance. Aside from my crazy oppa, we also share bad a** moves. We both like looking at the sunset and the list goes on and on.

Thank you for the opportunity to know you more Tons!

2. Jason Reyes

It has been two years since I handled Jason for his Economics class. He has mentioned it a couple of times that his favorite is my subject. I did not believe it until he graduated. I am happy whenever JC would send random txts or BBM telling me how well he did in his Economics class. It's all him as I have only taught the basics. He would always reply, "Para sa inyo po Ms".

I know you would make it big one day Jason! Keep it up! Thank you for constantly reminding me to always try my best with kids, to strive even harder. At dahil hindi na kita student, 100% ang grade mo sakin. Ikaw rin pala ang favorite student ko. Thank you for believing in me!

3. Pauline Arevalo

I fondly call her P or Poleng. She has been one of the few students I've had a connection with during my first year of teaching. We have managed to keep connected despite the crazy schedules and busy school life.

We've been going out for some time now talking about anything and everything most particularly boys.hahaha! Let's hope this is THE ONE P! Goooooo!

4. Tiara Pleno

A current student who has stood out from the rest. She managed to penetrate my BBM and a little bit closer than an ordinary student. She surprised me with a cake a day before my birthday when I told her not to bother. She's funny and crazy, probably the reason why I got a connection with her. She's also sporty. I wouldn't be surprised to see her play one day.

I hope to get to know you more Tiara!

5. Lolo Soulmate aka Sir Albert

I've been seeing him in buko for about a year now. I usually see him whenever I am there. I decided to call him lolo soulmate because I seriously believe that I will end up with his apo. Yun lang little boy pa yata yung apo niya.hahaha!

6. Ralph Comia

From Comia to Ralphy to sometimes kuya. That's what I call him. One of the few boys from Socra who has a genuinely good heart. We usually talk to each other about his heartaches back when he was still my student. We became closer over the summer after he graduated. Sweet, thoughtful and caring boy. Kuya, mahahanap rin natin ang mga Autumn natin.

7. Julie Dionisio- Jimenez

First impressions last. NOT! Our first impressions of each other wasn't exactly "friendly". Sabi niya ang lakas daw ng dating ko. Iniisip ko naman , nag-deodorant naman ako nun bakit malakas ang dating? Kidding! Ako naman, tingin ko sa kanya nun grabe mangkilatis. It took us a year before we became really close. I thank the Lord that our first impressions didn't last or we wouldn't be awesome friends. Tandaan, ang mga tao konektado sa isa't-isa. Kung hindi sa school, sa ibang lugar kita makikilala.

8. Leanne Lusañez

Beautiful face with a beautiful heart. She is called Lee but I call her bubu. It used to be Lu, short for her surname. I fondly call her baby Lu thus it evolved bu and eventually to bubu. 

Why baby? She proclaimed that we are a small family. She had so much faith that it would work but it didn't. I told her that we would survive. Me and her. No to boys who are very, very confusing! 

How did I meet her? She was from my class and just like Jason, she used to say she enjoys my class, much to my disbelief. She was consistent about it and  we became friends after she graduated. Though we seldom see each other due to hectic scheds and location, I am always here for you bubu! Study well. 

9. Nikki Galingan

Nikki is such a sweet, kind-hearted person. I would have loved her to be in my advisory class but she ended up in another section. Never did I imagine that we would be close. Being close to students wasn't really something that I expected. I have kept my ground and put a wall between myself and the students. So to be close to them is really overwhelming. 

She studied well in my class which caught my attention. She's sincere and one of the kids who showed interest in class no matter how boring it was! 

We got to bond more during cheering practices. Kulang na lang sumali ako sa mismong competition eh. Lagi akong present sa practices nila. Watching over 20+ kids was a challenge. Sakit sa ulo lalo na pag bayaran at order time for our food. Nikki was there to help me out. When I was close to breakig down due ti stress, she was there to cheer me up. Parang hindi siya pagod kakasayaw. I remember us doing the accounting for our McDonald's delivery and cleaned up their mess after eating. 

I fondly call her coco. Coco Shanelle. Nyak ang corny! Pero yun talaga yun. Though she's in college, we go out whenever possible, txt every now and then. 

Be a beautiful bee, coco! :)

10. Sydney Eusebio

Syd and I practically grew up together. We've been classmates since 1st grade. You can just imagine how close we are. We went to different schools in college but she was actually one of the few who kept in touch through the years.

Now, we work in the same school. She's the school nurse while I teach kids. Older by 5 days, she is literally the ate in school . She would help me check my exams, listen to me rant whenever pressure is too much to handle. She has been a great help since Ly flew to Jeddah. 

Mg, thank you for the awesome friendship. :) To infinity and beyond! 

11. Lydia and Raffy Valencia

I call them mama and papa. My awesome parents would always make my list for the obvious reasons. There are a few reasons to like me but a gazillion reasons not to like me. Parents are built in such a way that they would love their kids no matter how bad they turned out to be. I'm not really bad but I am one crazy, challenging kid to deal with. Ma and Pa have always been there for me. They were always ready to hear my petty rants, to scold at me whenever I did something crazy, to support my decisions in life. I would forever be grateful for all you have taught and given me and my siblings. You guys rock! Apir! I love you! 

12. Wilson Clemente

Oh my! It's soooooo exposed! His code name is Whipped Cream or simply WC. 

Last but definitely not the least. This boy has consumed my thoughts since I saw him that fateful May night. I always like gwapo boys. Boy is he ffffffffine ❤❤❤ 

The attraction has escalated through time although I have denied the idea of it. 

He's sugar and spice and everthing nice. Hahaha! Oh WC! We could make beautiful music together. Scorpio + Pisces = LOVE.


12 Songs
1. Glad you came -- The Wanted

The sun goes down  
The stars come out
 And all that counts 
Is here and now 
My universe will never be the same  
I'm glad you came

This song makes me groove and makes me think of summer time. My universe will never be the same. I'm glad WC came :)

2. Peacock -- Katy Perry
Your peacock, cock, cock, your peacock


That was the part the seniors had to dance for their cheering performance. It was soooooooo catchy it played on my head for weeks! Green if you read the lyrics but it makes one groove anyway.


3. Tadhana -- Up Dharma Down

Hilaga't kanluran
Ikaw ang hantungan
At bilang kanlungan mo
Ako ang sasagip sayo

 Waiting for tadhana to happen. This song gives me hope that one day, no matter how different you and I are, we will be together because fate happens. Just have faith, Naks!

4. Somebody that I used to Know -- Gotye

But you didn't have to cut me off,
Make out like it never happened,
And that now we're nothing,
And I don't even need your love,
But you treat me like a stranger,
And that feels so rough,

Now your just somebody that I used to know

This has been my song to all the people who are not worthy. Rough yes, very rough. I say it's better to get ahead of them. It's such a heartbreak to be dumped. Unahan lang yan. I just hope I won't experience being the receiving end of this song but just in case, oh well. Karma.

5. Sweet Disposition -- Temper Trap

A moment, a love
A dream, aloud
A kiss, a cry
Our rights, our wrongs

Definitely didn't come from 2012 but it has been playing on my nano and phone nonstop. My favorite song from 500 Days of Summer :) So much liking into it, that SBO sang it for their performance in the Concert for a Cause. Of course, I told them they just had to sing that. hahaha!


6. Call Me Maybe -- Carly Rae Jepsen

Hey, I just met you
And this is crazy 
But here's my number 
So call me, maybe?

It became viral over the summer and even extending after that time. It's so catchy probably because the song just goes on and on with the same lyrics! Plus it's a good pick-up line. My first ever note to WC which was an idea of another person had these lyrics. So call me maybe WC? hahahaha!


7. The Best One Yet -- Black- Eyed Peas

This is the best one yet, and I'm so happy
How could we ever forget?

My 24th birthday party was the best one yet! Definitely one that will go down the books :) Oh, WC is the best one yet, I would have difficulty surpassing his standards.

8. Feel So Close -- Calvin Harris

I wear my heart upon my sleeve, like a big deal   
Your love pours down on me, surrounds me like a waterfall  
And there's no stopping us right now
I feel so close to you right now

 I heard this song over the summer and wondered what the title is until finally ate tracked it down for me in a Gap store we were in. This song makes me happy and groove to the beat. This also reminds me of the time we were in Gap paying for my perfume. Good times! :) 

9. Lucky Strike -- Maroon 5

 One in a million, my lucky strike

Crazy song from M5! WC is one in a million and I hope he becomes my lucky strike! :)

10. Gayuma -- Abra feat. Thyro and Jeriko Aguilar

Ngunit hindi ko maipaliwanag
Kung ba't marahil ikaw ang laging hinahanap
Paggising ko ikaw ang nasa isip
Ka-date kita hanggang sa panaginip
Kasi ikaw ang iniibig ko

Great song, hilarious video. A song from Abra that was suggested by an old student. I couldn't stop listening to it after the first time I heard it. Laughtrip ang lyrics, mas laughtrip ang video. Waaaatch! Minsan, gusto ko na lang gayumahin si WC eh. Haaaaay gwapo why so difficult to deal with?

11. Super Bass -- Nicki Minaj

Boy you got my heartbeat runnin' away Beating like a drum and it's coming your way 

Can't you hear that boom, badoom, boom 

Boom, badoom, boom bass?

Groovy beat from Nicki Minaj makes me dance all over the place. If you have noticed, some songs on my list are for WC and this one still goes out for him. Boy he got my heartbeat running away each time I see him, each time he smiles and talks to me. I go dumbstruck all the time! 

12. Love Somebody -- Maroon 5

I really wanna love somebody
I really wanna dance the night away
I know we're only half way there
But you can take me all the way, you can take me all the way

Last on my list is still for WC. I am not even halfway unravelling his personality but I will try to get there. I really wanna love WC or perhaps I really love WC so please take me all the way :)

2012 has indeed been my year and I can't wait for 2013 to be like this year or even better. God bless everyone!