Nostalgia Overload

16 December 2012

University of the Philippines Diliman's Annual Lantern Parade

Padayon, UP!

A few of the participating lanterns, and floats from the UP College of Fine Arts, the delegation of which evoked characters and other pop culture icons from this generation's childhood and years begone.

My first Oblation Run

16 December 2012. If not for the coverage assignment for my photojournalism class, I wouldn't have exerted effort to attend the Oblation Run.

An annual tradition of some of the UP chapters of the Alpha Phi Omega Fraternity, the Oblation Run is a form of protest by the members on contemporary issues in the country. Taking from the Oblation, the University's symbol of a naked man with arms outstretched and selflessly giving himself up for the nation, the members run through the halls of Palma Hall and give out roses to female spectators while displaying their banners and placards. This year, the members called on the public to help preserve the rivers of the country.

It was an incredible experience for me--the adrenaline rush I had as I pushed my way through a hysteric crowd (for reasons I could not fathom, really), running to and fro to get to the position where the action was, and endlessly clicking the shutter button in the hopes of catching a good shot.

It was the first time I ever felt like I was a photographer covering an event.

'Always'

Always
by Panic! At The Disco

When the world gets too heavy,
Put it on my back
I'll be your levy
You are taking me apart like bad glue 
On a get well card.
But it was always you falling for me
Now there's always time calling for me
I am the light blinking at the end of the road
Blink back to let me know.
I'm a fly that's trapped in a web
But I'm thinking that my spider's dead.
Oh, lonely lonely little life 
I could kid myself in thinking that I'm fine
I'm skin and bone
Just a cane and a rusty throne
Oh, the castle's under siege 
But the sign outside says 
'Leave me alone'


-------
There's nothing like a good song articulating all the ‘何これ?!’ and ‘わからないよ～’ and ‘キモい!’  I've been feeling lately.

Birthdays and milk tea mania

November had been nothing short of busy and fun.

My 111111 was made of pink roses, cramped morning train, opening of team mate's tea shop, lunch and milk tea, word factory, sabaw jeep conversations, media laws, homelessness, heart-to-heart talks, high school sort-of reunion at a friend's birthday celebration, videoke until dawn, taking about ten "last shots" and laughing with friends 'til our tummies ache.

The celebration for my birthday was two days early. The high school barkada was present of course. And my team mates came all the way from the office, too. Crazy, fun night--filled with food, endless kwentuhan, and one-to-sawa videoke. I have amazing friends and family to celebrate birthdays with.

On the day of my birthday, I welcomed Kazunari (Kazu/Kaz for short) in my life. I wanted to name him with another three-letter name like Sho (as in Sakurai Sho). I thought of Jun (as in Matsumoto Jun) and Roy (as in Roy Mustang). But I decided I'd just name my car Roy if ever I'd have one. :))

Obligatory test shots. :))

I also began to venture into the world of photography with my Photojournalism class, under the Chief Photographer of EPA, no less. I am so excited to learn more about the craft from him.

In a cosplay convention, my friend and I met up with a couple of the acquaintances we made around 2009 through an online community for anime fans. Because I kind of coaxed one of them, he said he'll treat me because it was my birthday. It was kind of awkward at first because we were just online buddies, but he called it epic (it was his first cosplay at the said famous convention) and was thankful anyway. So I guess it was just fine.

I have also been helping one of my team mates accomplish her photo portofolio homework for a workshop she's been attending. We've been to various "locations" and I guess it's a good practice for photography, too.

After one shoot, we headed to the office where a cake for us November birthday celebrants was prepared. My birthday had been extended for so long already, but who am I to complain. Teehee.

After another such shoot, we met up with a couple of other team mates for a late lunch at a Persian diner and had milk tea afterwards before we set off for work later that afternoon. It was such a chill get-together that we decided we should do more of it.

A few quiet minutes

Because one of my classes is cancelled allowing me to go home earlier than usual, I decided to head to St. Clare Monastery to offer eggs and a prayer for my friend's success as she takes her licensure examination a few days from now.

I do not believe in idolatry but I do in intercession. Ever since before I took my college entrance examination, I always turned to St. Clare for guidance whenever I have to make important life-changing decisions. The peacefulness inside the church allowed me moments to reflect and today, I pondered about my purpose in life.

Recently, I feel troubled and have been doubting myself wondering if I have what it takes to be successful in the field I have chosen. The workload at the university seems to be taking its toll on me, and the school year (which is hopefully my last) has just began. I keep comparing myself to others, wondering if I have enough talent, guts, and willpower to pursue a career in journalism.

The humid air heightened my senses as I sat on one of the pews. The lightrail train swooshed above-head on my left side while I heard the chirping sound of birds on the nearby tree. The place is secluded from the rest of the city, but there is a certainty that I would be back the minute I stepped outside the cream-colored walls.

Across the aisle to my right was a guy covering his face with his hand, crying uncontrollably. It was disconcerting to see but comforting to realize that even "tough guys" do turn to Him in times of trouble. The girl beside him was consoling him. I couldn't help but heave a sigh in my mind and wish him well.

Despite my apprehensions about the people and some ideologies governing the Christian faith politics, I still find peace in the physical space it is represented by--the walls, the high ceilings and domes, the ringing silence and the infallible quietness.

It always a good idea to visit the church, take a breather from all the fuss, and sit a while to reflect.