Thursday, March 8, 2012

Big Bang


First time I stepped into the sunken,
makes me wonder how life rolls in the struggle of anew environment.

People over here.. people over there..
seemingly someone’s curious about me,
same way I am to everybody.

After the twilight, friendship contemplates and
trust arises in the proximity of consciousness opening the chapters of a tale
ready to be aired live without any assurance of a happy ending.

Hellos and goodbyes keep on repeating,
weeping sounds of joy and sadness overflow,
and contentment seems to stay quiet.

No wonder life tends to be an astounding bomb..
nothing is permanent,
and there will only be one chance to have a sensible life,
so as to produce the most worthwhile ignition of lifetime.


PHOTO FROM: http://adoptanegotiator.org/2009/11/01/the-big-5-fire-crackerspost-diwali/

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Dress Up Hannah #8: The Bridesmaid

Event: Joe & Bewow Wedding
Location: Kalibo, Aklan
Date:
Complete Photos on: Facebook and Multiply (links to be followed)

Accessories from: Ofie Paguntalan (mom)
Shoes: 3" silver heels from Alexander Perry

Dress Up Hannah #7: College Graduation

Event: College Graduation 2010
Location: Miriam College
Date: March 27, 2010
Complete Photos on: Facebook and Multiply (links to be followed)

Outfit by: Adora's Creations
Shoes: 3" Wade black heels
Hair and Make-up by: Hannah Meryl

March To Remember

It's finally March! One of the most celebrated months in most people's lives. It is where happy endings and new beginnings open the portal to a new chapter of life, awaiting new struggles and hardships leading to a trendier and challenging life.

March is when Graduation is usually celebrated. Graduation is a kind of ceremony wherein students of different levels receive their diplomas or certificates, signifying their entry to higher responsibilities. For some, Graduation tends to open new challenges seizing new learning while in school, and for others, it opens the opportunity to apply what has been learned in school to a working environment.

It is also the most awaited celebration of parents and guardians. Seeing their child walk their way to the stage, receiving the proof of achievement, will always be the best gift and accomplishment parents are forever proud of.

Meeting a lot of people is also an important aspect in school life. These people may do good or harm influences, but it keeps you from staying responsible on your own self. Finding true friends started in school and graduation foresees how friendship will last or vanish thru lifetime, as people go on separate ways, searching for better future ahead.

School is definitely a lot to miss. As a student, you may think that it is the hardest of the hardest, but as soon as you graduate, you’ll realize that it is a lot easier and fun to stay in school. What more can you ask for? Allowance, food, clothes, social life, happy days and nights – most of these are free. Earning your own money makes you realize how your parents save in order to provide your needs and wants – all those luho.

Here's a peak of my college graduation.
Complete photos on: Multiply
Dad, me, Kuya, Mom
 

My college buddies

Some of my blockmates CA-5
Miriam College Glee Club lower batch
Graduation outfit made by Adora's Creations

Happy Graduation!




Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Tour the World #1: Boracay Escapade


Location: Boracay, Philippines
Date: October 21-24, 2009

Complete photos on: Facebook, Multiply (links to be followed)

Boracay is one of the most famous tourist attraction in the Philippines found in the northwestern area of Panay, Western Visayas. The area is studded with clear water, surrounded by white sand and various sea shells. It is ideal for adventure-lovers as the place is jammed with loads of fun activities to look for - beach, restaurants, malls, food, tattoos, bars, and lots more.

We took an early flight on October 21-24, 2009 to Kalibo through Zest Air and rode a bus that took almost 2 hours of travel to Aklan port. We ate lunch at a nearby Andok's while waiting for the ferry to arrive that will take us to Caticlan port in Boracay. Upon arriving Caticlan, we rode a multi-cab that brought us to Villa Frency Resort where we stayed for our trip.



 
Boracay consisted of three stations, which normally defines social hierarchy, as most people would say. Station 1 has the whitest and softest sand, and luxurious hotels and restaurant. Station 2 is occupied in the middle of the island, where most happenings are found. And, Station 3, is said to be most affordable area in the island.
We didn't actually take the opportunity to go snorkling, banana boat, and other water adventures, but we indulged ourselves with such a family bonding as we took lots of photos, enjoyed waves of the ocean, saw the beautiful sunset, and grasped the fresh air that blows around us.






 


Aside from the fascinating surroundings, Boracay has creative people who make sand arts for a living.
Sand Castle
Sand Art with candles placed inside each holes
We also walked our way to Mt. Luho, mini forest environment, wherein overlooking view around the Island can be seen.
  

We never missed out trying Boracay's grilled street food like isaw, and Manila food like our favorite Starbucks and Shakeys during our last night in Boracay.

Shakeys
 
 
 

On the last night of the trip, we got our henna tattoos on different parts of our body. A tattoo cost  minimum of 50 Php, depending on the size of the design chosen.
Cousins with henna tattoo artists
Overall, the trip is outrageously fun. Going to Boracay is such a stress reliever. Beach adventure, shopping, eating, partying -- everything can be found in this place. People used to worry that going to Boracay would cost a lot to enjoy. Yes, most probably.. But no worries, because not all people who go there aim for water adventures. There are some, like us, who seek for stress relief and enjoyed Boracay thru family bonding, enjoying free waves of the ocean and soft sand on the beach, meeting new people, and grabbing food at the best cost.




Dress Up Hannah #6: The Queen's Final Walk and Turn-Over


Event: Duenas Town Fiesta 2009 Coronation Night: Town Fiesta Queen 2009 - Final Walk and Turn-over of Crown and Scepter
Location: Municipality of Duenas, Iloilo
Date: September 30, 2009
Complete Photos on: Facebook and Multiply (links to be followed)

Outfit by: Adora's Creations
Accessories from: Ofie Paguntalan (mom)
Shoes: 4" Gibi heels customized with ribbon by Adora's Creations
Hair and Make-up by: Pong

Dress Up Hannah #5: Hip Hop Glam Pictorial


Event: Hip Hop Pictorial for the Hip Hop Glam Debut Invitation
Location: Dormitoryana, Loyola Heights, Quezon City
Date: October 2007
Photos taken by: Shai Lagarde
Complete Photos on: Multiply
 
Outfit from: Hannah Meryl
Make-up by: Shai Lagarde

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Truly Yours.. Yours Truly..

Enough is enough.
If it's not yours, then it will not going to be yours..
even if it takes a lifetime.

Wait till you get the best drop initially intended,
only for you..
destined by heavens above.

That's what you can call
TRULY YOURS,
which will bring true happiness and peace of mind..
even if it takes a lifetime.
PHOTO FROM: http://withasoutherntwist.com/2010/03/mine-mine-mine-bag-tags/








Monday, February 27, 2012

Just For One Night: The Greatest Hits Tour


It's a blast!
It's a dream come true!

Yey!

I watched "The Greatest Hits Tour" featuring boybands a1, Blue, and Jeff Timmons of 98 Degrees at Smart Araneta with my mom last February 25, 2012. It was all worth it! :D



I am an avid a1 fan ever since they started in the music industry. I've collected all their albums, whereas cassette tapes are still being sold in record bars during those times. I have all of their albums from regular to special edition original copies. Currently, I felt lucky for having their current album with autographs on it, as it was released during the concert.

Complete photos on Facebook.


So the concert..

Jeff Timmons was a member of the boyband 98 degrees. He started the performance singing 98 degrees' hits like I Do and enchanted the audience by his manly appeal. He has a very good vocals, as I may add. Jeff also surprised the audience as he collaborated with the Filipino band "South Border" and sang the OPM hit "Rainbow".

Visit Jeff Timmons on: Official SiteFacebook, Myspace, Twitter


a1 returned onstage after ten years and their performance was still amazingly high-energizing and it totally rocks the Araneta away as they performed their greatest hits from their previous albums like Everytime, Like a Rose, Same Old Brand New You, and Ready or Not, and some songs from the newest "Waiting For Daylight" album. Ben Adams, Christian Ingebrigsten, and Mark Read blew everybody as they shared that they found out their adopted Filipino names: Bentoy, Chan-chan, and Macoy or Mac-mac. Seemingly among the three performers, they were the ones who sang longer than the others.

And because of this, it makes my ticket all worth it! Hahah!

a1 also signed 500 Waiting For Daylight albums that were sold before and after the concert, signifying the availability of the album in the Philippines. Aside from singing their songs, a1 also sang  their renditions of "Poker Face" by Lady Gaga and "I Gotta Feeling" by Black Eyed Peas.


Last to perform is Blue. This boyband performed using minus one songs since they don't have any band or back-up singers compared to the two performers. On the other hand, they were the only ones who showed choreographed performance: singing and dancing, and changed their outfit after singing a few songs. Duncan James, Lee Ryan, Antony Costa, and Simon Webb came back in the country after eight years, and still managed to blew off the crowd with their hits Fly By, If You Come Back, All Rise, Too Close, and many more.

Follow Blue on: Twitter, Facebook, Myspace





Friday, February 24, 2012

Dress Up Hannah #4: The Queen's Parade


Event: Flores de Mayo at Yell Adworks
Location: Yell Adworks, Eastwood Libis, Quezon City
Date: May 2011
Complete Photos on: Facebook



Outfit by: Adora's Creations
Accessories from: Ofie Paguntalan (mom)
Shoes: 2" Vivacci Princess open-toe shoes
Hair by: Hannah Meryl
Make-up by: Mara Navarro

******

Event: Duenas Town Fiesta 2008: Coronation Night
Location: Municipality of Duenas, Iloilo
Date: September 30, 2008
Complete Photos on: Facebook and Multiply

Outfit by: Adora's Creations
Accessories from: Ofie Paguntalan (mom)
Shoes: 2" Vivacci Princess open-toe shoes
Hair and Make-up by: Charlie Panes



Dress Up Hannah #3: The Church Parade



Event: Duenas Town Fiesta 2008: Early Parade of the Town Fiesta King and Queen
Location: Municipality of  Duenas, Iloilo
Date: September 30, 2008
Complete Photos on: Facebook and Multiply

Outfit by: Adora's Creations (Princess Belle-inspired Gown)
Accessories from: Ofie Paguntalan (mom)
Shoes: 3" Gold wedge from Parisian
Hair and Make-up by: Charlie Panes

Dress Up Hannah #2: The Float Parade of the Town Fiesta King and Queen 2008

Event: Duenas Town Fiesta 2008: Float Parade of the Town Fiesta King and Queen
Location: Municipality of Duenas, Iloilo
Date: September 28, 2008
Complete Photos on: Facebook and Multiply



Outfit by: Adora's Creations
Accessories from: Ofie Paguntalan (mom)
Shoes: 2" heels from Gibi
Hair and Make-up by: Charlie Panes

Dress Up Hannah #1: Debutante


Event: Hannah Meryl's 18th Birthday
Location: Quezon City Sports Club, E. Rodriguez
Date: December 09, 2007
Complete Photos on: Multiply


Gown by: Adora's Creations
Accessories from: Ofie Paguntalan (mom)
Shoes: 2" heels from Gibi

Quote #1: Lullaby Rhyme


I'm just sleepy.
Waiting for my lullaby rhyme.
I'm used to hearing it most of the time, few months ago.
No need to change channels.
But it was seemingly losing on the current wave,
Keeping me up, up, and away...
Requesting the DJ to play it again.
Then later,
again and again..
As long as there's this chance to make requests,
hooking up different names,
asking for a back-to-back replay.
So long, as I may say.
The sound can't continue on this day.
Sorry lullaby, you just have to be revised.
For its melody can't catch the blasting songs of today,
but no tomorrow can ever forget..
How such a classical rhyme beholds
the crest to my sleeping heart.

PHOTO FROM: http://j-toki.tumblr.com/musictoyourheart

Sunday, February 19, 2012

Best Friends Forever


December 1992 is such a history. Though the specific day is hardly to remember, but it is one of those days in December when Christmas parties are usually held.

Philippine Bank of Communications (PBCom) in Valenzuela City is where my mom used to work more than 20 years. Working with her in the same branch is Ninang Lily, one of her closest best friends and as she usually shares, someone like her sister. Ninang Lily, my baptismal godmother, has a daughter named Lyane, whom I call Yanyan. Yan and I (also known as Megmeg or Meg) first enjoyed each other's company during our mothers' Christmas party in their branch, where employees bring their children to play games and receive gifts.

First time Yanyan and I met, we became real close. We laughed and played, and our moms told us that we followed one another all the time during the party. We enjoyed each other's company throughout the event and just stayed close until then. It was in my surprise when I found out that I already met Yan on the day she was born.

The Christmas party never stopped us from being friends. After the memorable night, it ended up that we see each other every weekend in the mall, since both parties love to shop and hangout. As we grew up doing the same thing, our moms let us leave their side and roam around the mall wherein we enjoyed playing in the coin machine of World's of Fun and won lots of tickets.

Not just the mall, but we wrote each other's stationary letters. We sent it to our moms and they'll exchange letters. Yanyan also used to stay at our house and have a sleepover.

We enjoyed boybands at that time especially our favorite a1 (Ben, Christian, Paul, and Mark), wherein we memorized, sang, and watched their music videos played on MTV. At the same time, we both shared the likes for pink stuff and Hello Kitty.

We also enjoyed our out-of-the-country trip to Singapore for a few days during our highschool years, together with our moms.

Ironic isn't it? But we get along so well.

More years came and we became busy, but since there's communication and malls, we still meet up and enjoy the day.

I was a year ahead in studies. When I entered college, my parents got me a good-for-two dormitory room (without someone to share it to) near Miriam College. Yanyan, on my second year, joined me in the dorm and we stayed there for three years. We enjoyed the environment of Katipunan and especially the fact that we seemed to be independent. We even tried to complete eating in each restaurant and experienced staying in Mcdonalds or Starbucks until early morning doing tambay, doing school assignments, and grabbing the opportunity to use free Wi-Fi access.

On the current, we hardly meet since both are already working. For a year, it seems we meet two or three days only doing shopping, movie, and dine at Megamall or Shangrila in Ortigas.

We may be meeting different people and acquiring lots of close friends, but we believe in our hears, we still are best friends.



Both found a precious company - a younger and older sister, and a true friend..

Our closeness won't even leave any shallow hole for separation..

"No one and nothing can break us" as we used to say..

Hopefully, we stay strong.
We never fight.
We love and care for one another.
And especially, we stay honest as we are..

Because friends matters to us.
Best friends connects deeply to our hearts..

Essence is Meg and Yan, Best friends Forever!




Monday, February 6, 2012

Better as Friends


Don’t ever think that what you have now will be yours forever.

You may find someone who you think is suitable for you after such a long journey.

That person will certainly make you feel comfortable after a short acquaintance.

After some span of time, you’ll surely become true friends, get closer, and bloom as best of friends.

In the middle of the enjoyable company, never make any realization for this may cause confusion.

Feelings will start to ponder, more blast of laughter and togetherness, and sooner if both parties confess and divulge the hidden clue, flags will soon waive in the air.

Love and joy will scatter all over. One big joy of hearts began to foretell another chapter of the lost book.

In the midst of each day’s celebration, it is such an unfortunate tale to find out that one already belongs to someone else. Though, heart seems to be shielded only for you, as the other says.

It is hard to give the benefit of the doubt, even though you try to understand the situation time after time.

A certain principle is applicable to change.
A specific law is open for amendments.
But the shoutouts of raging hearts will always ponder the inmost feeling on how each transpires one another and accepts imperfections within the relationship.

Nonetheless, you may still feel happy, but torn to reality.
You wanted to shout “STOP!” real loud, but you couldn’t.

On the other note, as days pass by, you utterly find solutions.
Go back. Stare at the photos and gifts. Try searching. Remember the feeling. Remove confusion. And close the book. No chapter should continue for it is illicit. You are just confused.

Not today or tomorrow, but on the latter part, you will feel that you can keep that precious someone with you if you’d stay closer as friends, real friends.

Even though the other might pursue, but there are lots of things that can divert your attention as you focused on what’s ahead for a better future.

No one needs to go away. Separation is not necessary. ‘Coz deep inside of both hearts, love is present – precious, real, and honest.
Image from Google Search: Milk and Cookies

Lose the Pounds


Way back in childhood, like usual kids, I enjoyed food cooked by my mom, dad, and nanay (my grandmom)..
Our family loves to eat most of the time at a buffet restaurant like Dad's in Megamall or Saisaki in West Avenue.
Mom used to cook varieties of meals everyday..
food are piling up inside our refrigerator,
we have baskets of bread and snacks, chocolates, cereals, and other sweet stuff,
we got stocks of softdrinks, milk, and chocolate drinks..
no wonder people used to say that we look like "napabayaan sa kusina".

My kuya and I never became obese, but since we were tall when we were just kids,
we looked like "malaking bulas" as compared to other kids around us.

Never did I became conscious at myself for having a 140+ pounds as I grew up in highschool. Maybe I did try to become conscious, but did not know how to stop eating three plates each meal. Snacks are not yet counted, depending on the cravings that I had for a certain day.

----0----

Highschool life is where teenage life started to ponder around the campus. Puppy love becomes extravagant and more and more teenagers try to be matured and even change the way they look. Lots of girls and boys make sure that they're center of attention or be one of those Mr. and Ms. Popularity. This part of growing up does not become a reason for me to change. I'm like a nerd, but not the typical one, since I got lots of friends and still enjoy social life.  I just focuses on my studies and extra-curricular activities as I aim for high grades and position in top students for our batch. My goal is to stay in the 1st section every year, achieving lots of academic recognitions and awards, and I never make a deal on how I look physically.

On my fourth year of highschool, I got my braces. It's a start of anew look actually, but it doesn't change anything. I never plucked my eyebrows, not because my dad doesn't want to, but because I just don't think it's necessary. I didn't enjoy make-up unless there's a specific event and I only used to have cologne and powder inside my bag.

During that specific year, I indulge myself in extra-curricular organizations in school. I become a Center and Power Forward of the basketball team and is promoted as a c/Lt. Col Wing Logistics and Supply of the Citizenship Advancement Training (CAT) where we compete in different schools. It was at the end of highschool that I finally become conscious on how I look. Luckily, my extra-co orgs have helped me lose some weight already.

I really don't have fashion sense, because I always wear elephant pants and a short-fitted top, where in fact, most girls at my age tend to enjoy different outfit and looks really really great.

Definitely, it becomes a challenge when I started college. Studying in an exclusive all girls school like Miriam College seems to be a lot more pressure.

----0----

Since it's a long travel time from our house to Katipunan, my parents decided that I should stay in a dormitory in front of my school.

Living independently, this signifies the start of my diet plans.
For four years living in a dorm, mom used to cook different food every Saturday. As I return to the dorm on a Sunday night, I have brought with me many microwavable canisters of food and and rice which I can eat for the whole week.

Starting my diet regimen, I tried lots of things.

I avoid rice for about three months and definitely got a positive outcome.
Slimming coffee on the other hand tastes horrible.
Slimming pills are effective, but it's not a good thing to rely on it since there may be side effects in the future.
Slimming teas surely brings out the food I just ate, but will definitely keep me awake for all the suffering and sweat that I'm losing inside the bathroom.

I started to make experiments in my heating habits. When I regain eating rice after three months, I make another change. The usual three-day meal turns to two, and then turns to one. Hard to believe, but I fell to a certain situation wherein I'm having eating disorder because I didn't feel hungry at all, ending up to my realization that I haven't been eating since dinner until three in the afternoon. Due to this, I researched and found out that it's better to have a heavy meal during breakfast, small meal in the afternoon, and no dinner. It is effective - very very effective. 

Currently, I am still eating all the food that I want but I make sure that I won't go over the boundary of my intestines. I always follow my stomach. If it makes me feel that it's full, then I'll stop eating. If it's just confused of being hungry, then I divert my attention to other things.  At the same time, I believe that it is a big help if I move a lot like standing after eating for a couple of minutes or doing some chores, which is an alternative of my treadmill exercise. It is also a good thing to drink warm water or tea, because it helps with the digestion, rather than having cold drinks which only compresses fats inside the stomach.

Nonetheless, I believe that everyone loves to eat. Everybody wants to enjoy food as long as the gluttony-limit comes. But staying fit needs a lot of determination. Proper diet is not just only about limiting meals each day, but it comes with hardship to earn the pounds of our dreams. 

Since then, I lost about 20 pounds and still enjoy eating with proper diet and exercise.


It's never too late for a person to lose weight.
Pills, diet, exercise, or other remedies are useless,
UNLESS there's big determination.


2004


PRESENT