ShaneNanigans

 

A 3-hour ride from Binan, Laguna to Pililla, Rizal is all worthwhile once I saw giant fans sticking out the distance. If I didn’t know where we are that moment, I will easily assumed that we are heading to the Bangui, Ilocos Norte but on the second thought I realized that there’s no shores of Ilocos at all, instead, we are at the highlands of Rizal.

 

I got all excited once we reached the actual wind farm. We hurriedly brought out our cameras and tried to capture good photos while fighting against blustery wind that was ruining our hairstyle making us look like Sadako. After some quite good shots, we gave up and decided to roam around the wind farm.

I was amazed not just by how good the wind turbines look up there, but also the idea that it supplies electricity to over 60,000 households in many parts of Luzon.

We, then, went to the viewing deck of Pililla Windfarm and saw the breathtaking view of Laguna de Bay. I felt my heart melted as I scan the horizon. The beauty of the sky left me spellbound just like what it always do everytime. You see, I have this kind of fascination in sky especially when it is on its pretty colors. Unfortunately, because of too much enchantment to the place, I wasn’t able to take a lot of pictures. I didn’t regret it though I enjoyed the whole time I was there.

After the going to the Pillila Wind Farm, we travel an hour and a half to reached the Pinto Art Museum at Antipolo, Rizal. Whether you are an art enthusiast or just looking for some IG-worthy places, the Pinto Art Museum is just for you.

This contemporary art space is located in a private subdivision in Antipolo exhibits a combination of Filipino paintings, sculptures and native art. It will surely gives you a Santorini feels because of its Mediterranean-style villas.

 

While scanning through all the photos we took here in the museum, I realized that I don’t look presentable at all so I chose to not include those shots here in my blog haha.

 

I enjoyed roaming around the museum, there are artworks that really caught my attention, something that is really appealing to my eyes but there are also artworks that I wasn’t able to appreciate, maybe because I’m not that really into arts. Nevertheless, I still enjoy the time we spent here.

Honestly, I was expecting that my first trip to Rizal would be boring and all that stuff but it turns out to be the other way around. I enjoyed it and we all had fun.

 

They say that we need to experience struggles in life for us to be a stronger version of ourselves, but no one told me that it is going to be this hard in order for someone to be strong. I never expected that life is going to be tough for me. I never thought that with just a glimpse of an eye, my life could turn upside down.

I would consider my life as a very convenient one. I can get most of the things that I want as long as my parents can afford it. We have a house that shelters us, I got my family that is always there with me through ups and downs, friends who support me everytime and a lover who made me feel special and loved. Somehow, I was contented with everything I have but life could be tricky. One day, everything is going fine then the next day you’ll stumble upon something then the next thing you knew, everything is a complete mess.

2018 is ruthless. It is the worst year of my life and is surely an unforgettable one. It was the first day of March when my grandfather passed away. We all knew that it was going to happen because of his condition. He was diagnosed with colon cancer and was also diabetic, because of that, he also experienced complications such as kidney failure and imbalanced platelets. His medications were pretty expensive and my mom was having a hard time to think where on this earth can she find money to provide everything that my lolo and everyone in the family need. My mom is the one who struggles the most from all of us since she is the provider of the family, she’s in-charge with all the expenses from electricity bill and my tuition fee to medical expenses of my grandfather. I know that it is not easy but she finds her ways to get through it. Days passed and my lolo’s condition is getting worst. He always screams even at 3 o’clock in the morning probably because he is getting upset and irritated of what he was going through. He wasn’t even having a good sleep at night, and so is everyone in our house. Later on, due to increasing monthly expenses, my mom was buried in debt and lost her job afterwards. It was really frustating to watch how my mom was having a hard time to look for a large amount of money we need in order for us to survive. I got really affected with everything that was happening. There are times that I had to cry even in school because I can’t think of any way on how to get things right. I can’t do anything to help her. I even think of ending my life so my problems will end as well. I know that my mom’s tired as well but she refused to show it to anyone but I know that deep inside, she’s hurting.

It was gloomy all morning when I woke up. My mom checked my grandfather’s room after she finished cooking breakfast. There she found my lolo, peacefully asleep and wasn’t breathing anymore. I skipped school that day. I wasn’t feeling well. All I did was reminisce all the memories I had with my grandfather.

As the time goes by, I found myself slowly healing from what happened. But just when I thought things are getting better, life tested me again. 2 months after our loss, my boyfriend was advised by his doctor to undergo an open heart surgery. I still remember what he said via messenger before he was taken to the operating room: “Hey, I have to go now. The doctor and nurses are already here. I will be fine soon, don’t worry. I love you so. Please keep in mind that I always loved you and my love for you will last for all eternity.” I was so anxious and agitated that time knowing that I wasn’t there to hold his hand because I know he’s also worried about what may happen. I waited a couple of hours after I get to hear the news that the operation was successful. That was, I think, the longest 2 hours of my life. Nevertheless, it was all worth the risk and worth all the money. He was doing fine and it made everyone around him confident that nothing bad will ever happen to him.

It was 26th of July, the night was serene but there’s this feeling of discomfort that kept me awake all night. I didn’t exactly know what makes me uncomfortable but I kept on forcing myself to forget it and try to sleep soundly. The next morning was all gloomy. The sky was sullen, a cold wind brushed through my shoulders and the rain was pouring really hard. Nonetheless, I still forced myself to go to school knowing that I still have a quiz to take and that my boyfriend was already waiting for me outside our village. Upon seeing him standing at the pavement, my heart fluttered like it was the first time. We smiled and greeted each other a good morning. While waiting for the jeepney, he suddenly fell down. He asked for water and told me that he was having a hard time to breathe. I was so worried so I called the two person I saw nearby and ask for their help. Luckily, they didn’t hesitate to help us. We brought him at the hospital. He was put on a stretcher and was rushed at the emergency room. My hands turned cold. I could feel my heart beating faster and faster as I take every step towards the ER. After I filled out the form given by the nurse, I hurriedly texted his mom and told her what happened. I didn’t exactly know what was happening, my vision was kinda blurry and I was stopping myself from crying. I just found myself waiting for him outside the ER, definitely confused of what was happening. Everything was a blur. All I know is that everyone around me moves really fast like every second worth a life. My knees are trembling, my heart was pounding, afraid of what will the doctor say once he get out of the ER. “Time of death: 8:31 am,” the doctor announced. Tears stream down on my face. I heard his mom, she’s crying too. But no sound is louder than the sound of my heart, slowly tearing apart.

The first week after what happened is a complete chaos. I couldn’t feel anything anymore. I felt empty… and lost. I already lost my grandfather, isn’t that enough that I had to lose someone again? All I wanted to do is find my way back to my old life, where everything was perfect. I even questioned the existence of God. Is He real? Because if He is, then why do I had to suffer this way? Until one day, I realized that everything that happened has a purpose. Maybe, it is a way of how life and how God taught me to become a stronger person I am today and because of that, I am forever thankful. I learned to prioritize the people I still have because I don’t think I can afford to lose someone again because if that ever happens, I think I will also lose my sanity. In the end, I realized that I shouldn’t feel broken for the rest of my life, instead, I should accept that we can’t have someone forever and that I should be happy that they are already free from all the Earthly pain that might continue to hurt them.

Philippines is known for delicious food, from appetizers, main course, desserts to snacks, name it, Philippines has it. Food has been the common ground of every Filipino. They are known for having unparalleled love for food which is characterized by enjoying snacks in between their three large meals of the day.

 

 

 

With most of the snacks seen in the typical supermarket or sari-sari store, obviously, Filipinos are madly in love with sweets. From candies to ice creams, every Pinoy do really have a sweet tooth. They enjoy food as long there is sugar in it. They eat sweets for breakfast, after lunch and after dinner. Basically, they always have room for it.

Some Filipinos admit that they are noisy eaters. They enjoy crunchy and noisy snacks. No wonder they always munch in their famous ‘chichirya’ which means ‘junk food’ or also known as ‘kutkutin’ or food that is eaten bit by bit. Chichirya has been everyone’s favorite, not only because it has a very affordable price but also it is available to every sari-sari store near them. Filipinos use to eat this while watching television or while having a chit-chat with their friends. Some even use it as ‘pulutan’.

But did you ever wonder why Pinoy snacks never failed to satisfy every taste buds? The re ason behind it is the flavors they offer, it is the secret of every Pinoy snacks. Every snacks whether sweet, spicy or savory is rich in flavor completely lacking nothing. Perhaps, what makes Pinoy Snacks closer to the hearts of most Filipinos is that everything is given with the right amount of spices on a very affordable price.



Bridge to Terabithia is one of those sugar-coated children movies that hides deep meanings and symbolism that makes me think that it is an adult movie which only use children as the major characters. Some of its central themes were obviously presented such as imagination, family, friendship, seizing the day with your loved ones and acceptance.

The movie emphasized is the idea of imagination and how it can change someone’s life and make him happy. Just like Jesse and Leslie, imagination is my sweet escape from the reality and cruelty of the world. In my imagination, I can be who I wanted to be, it’s always rainbows and butterflies, nothing is impossible.

The movie gives us the comparison between two kinds of family, Jesse’s family and Leslie’s, in my case my family resembles the kind of family that Leslie had. I am not bragging or anything but I consider myself having a perfect family not because I have everything that everyone wants but because I am contented and happy for what I have. As a kid, I have this idea of what every family should be. I think that every parents should support their children in everything they wanted to do, they should take care of them and never make them feel that they are alone and make them feel that they are special and loved all the time. But sadly, Jesse failed to experience that. The movie also gives the viewers a moral lesson that everyone needs a friend and friendship is not something you should look for because it finds its own way to you. That made me realized that all the friendships I made during the past years were all unexpected and unplanned. I never look for friends, fate gives them to me. Some of them do not really have similar personality like mine but we meet half way and we still enjoy each other’s company. Those people make my life happier and more exciting just by being in it that is why I always make sure that I make the most out of every moment we are together. I treasure every memories we shared no matter how good are how bad it was because no one knows how long you can keep those people beside you. People are temporary, they come then they will leave eventually. Some do not really want to leave but they do not have a choice but to do so while some chose to leave even though you give them a million reasons to stay and you can’t do anything but to accept it. Not everything will always be on your side. Things happen whether we like it or not. When things happen according to our plan, it will makes us happy but when things happen according to His plan, it will teach us lessons and will give us the genuine happiness we deserve.

For me, happiness is one of the best things in life that you can feel and can give to someone, simple but priceless. I grew up somehow experiencing the beauty of life. I consider my family as a perfect one, my childhood is fun and I don’t really struggle a lot when it comes to academics. I may not be as beautiful as any other girls, I may not have all the luxury in life but I know that my heart is filled with so much joy and happiness, and somehow that’s everything I need.

Making everyone around me happy is my goal. I know how being happy feels like and I want everyone to experience it in any possible ways I can. I always try to excel in school, to have good grades not because I want to brag about it to other people but rather I want to make my parents proud and happy that the money they earn from working and all their sacrifices just to send me to school are all worth it. I want my grandparents to feel that they are still loved and special just by listening to their stories even if I already heard it many times. I try my best to make my friends happy by sharing some jokes to them, by making them feel that there is someone that cares for them and pray for them every time. I realized that being in this stage of life is difficult. Growing up is high-maintenance. There’s so many things you should do, so many things you need to accomplish and so many people you meet and have to deal with just to survive. It’s kinda tiring that you have to do it all at the same time knowing that you are not used to it. Another thing that I hate about adolescent years is that people are becoming more self-centered, discontented and abusive. When they know that they can get something from you, they can easily use you. When they learned about your generosity, they tend to ask everything from you. And sometimes, kindness put someone into a terrible situation. People tend to ask for more but when you give them a little, they will complain especially if they know that you are capable of giving them a lot. They want it all, until there is nothing left for you. During these years you have to put in your mind that ‘When life gives you choices, always choose the one that’ll make you happy’ and that choice that will surely make you happy is choosing yourself. I also understand that ‘Choosing yourself above anything else is not an act of selfishness.’ I realized that I can not always make everyone around me happy especially if making them happy means sacrificing my own happiness. I also realized that it is not important if I failed to make everyone around me happy as long as I can make myself happy, then I won.

There is a big difference between being selfish and choosing yourself. Being selfish is when you are careless about the needs and feelings pf other people while choosing yourself means that you once cared for other people’s needs and feelings but you are only being used in return so this time you are choosing your own happiness and you are choosing yourself no matter what other people say and no matter what it takes.

They say experience is the best teacher and I couldn’t agree more. As I grow older, I realized that school is not the only place where we can learn new things. We can learn through our mistakes, through challenges that we face and through the people that we meet and somehow those lessons were more important than any other lessons taught in school. And because you spent your precious time to check my blog, I wanted to share the 17 life lessons I’ve learned during the 17 years of my life. Here it is!

Looking back during my kindergarten days, I couldn’t think of any unhappy moments, may be because I am still young and when you’re young the world seems to be a playground. As a child, it is a different world once I get out of our house. I remember running around on an open place, barbie dolls, play house, disney princesses, ten-twenty, chinese garter, patintero, tantarit, moro-moro and all that stuff. I remember sitting under the huge tree in the neighborhood while someone is telling some childish and corny stories about the mishaps of Juan and Pedro which will be followed with laughters like it is the funniest story ever told. Reminiscing those moments made me realized that ‘Life is fun when you only know a little.’ It is easier to be happy when you only know the bright side of life. When I am on my second grade, I learned that ‘You can’t always get what you want,’ mainly because of this very simple problem I faced during those times which is accepting that my class schedule is during afternoon. I personally, hate afternoon classes because I feel really sleepy during afternoon. I remember that I cried a lot that time and telling my parents to ask my teacher to move me in a morning class, but it didn’t happen. That situation made me hate school, in general. I sometimes pretend to be sick so I can be able to skip class, until I became a 3rd grader, I got what I asked for, morning class! It was all fun because my teacher makes everyone in the class realized that school is fun and learning is fun. Those were the days that I learned to, ‘Just give it a try.’ You should give anything a chance because I believed that when you expect the worst to a person, place or an event, that’s what exactly you are going to see and that’s kinda unfair. It was during my 4th grade when we went camping and I learned to ‘Try something bizarre’ like surviving 3 days without taking a bath because of water shortage, 2 nights sleeping on a tent – which is completely different than sleeping on a cozy bed – and hiking. Try something new, its a good experience which makes a good story to tell to other people. During my 6th grade I learned that ‘It’s okay not to be the best in everything’ when I expect that I can excel in journalism but it turns out that I can’t, nevertheless I found out that I can play badminton instead.

Moving on during my junior high school years, I experienced some problems that is not that big but is not that small to be ignored either. There are times that I forgot God whenever I’m happy and only remember Him when times get tough. I also reached the point of losing hope because I don’t understand what is happening. That time, I learned to ‘Prioritize God over anything else and trust His plans,’ because He made something very special for everyone, I learned that I just have to wait and trust Him. I also learned that ‘You can’t always fit in’ merely because not everyone will like me or think the same way I do, until one day I found a place where I truly belong, a place that makes me feel that I am safe and sound whenever I am there and that place is in God’s arms. I also realized that it is important to ‘Spend more time with your loved ones,’ because it saddens me everytime I missed out on something. For me, every moment counts. Just like any other teenagers, I also have insecurities, lots of them. There were days that I chose not to go out and stay inside my room because the stares of other people scare the hell out of me. I get so affected by how people thinks of my face, my body or my smile until I realized that I am beautiful in my own way and learned that ‘Insecurities are traitors. Do not trust them.’ I realized that my flaws doesn’t make me less of a human. It is also important to ‘Make people around you know how special and how loved they are,’ I always find time to join my brother in watching cartoons just as I find time to watch basketball with my father so they never got watch it alone, I always write letters for my mother to let her know that I appreciate her and I love her with every inch of flesh inside me and I want my friends to know that I am happy to have them as my friend.

As I grow older, life gets tougher. On my 11th grade I have to transfer to another school, there I met new people and just like any other people I met, some became part of my life while some taught me lessons. Those who leave taught me that ‘You don’t have to beg for someone to stay, they’ll stay if they want to,’ but it is completely okay because I realized that ‘People are temporary but memories are forever.’ We can’t always keep the people we love but we can treasure and cherish the moments we shared together instead. Nevertheless, there were also people who stayed and I am forever grateful that they did. They taught me to ‘Value those people who chose you even if they don’t need to do so.’ I am lucky enough to find these people who stayed with me during the good times and the bad times. I laughed with them, we cried as well, they saw my good side and I am happy that they still accept me despite of seeing my bad side that is why I always wanted to make them feel that I love them and I appreciate them. I also learned to check on my friends and learned to ‘Listen. Everyone has their own stories to tell.’ Some of their stories gives you a hint of what are they going through, how do they feel and who they really are.

Another thing I learned is ‘When life gives you choices, always choose the one that’ll make you happy.’ I am always afraid of choosing my happiness over the happiness of other people because of the fear that I might hurt them until parents made me realized that it is impossible not to hurt anyone, you just have to choose who you wanted to get hurt. Are you willing to choose your happiness but end up hurting other people? Or are you willing to prioritize other people’s happiness but end up hurting yourself? It is also important to know that ‘Choosing yourself over anything else is not an act of selfishness.’ It is more on being real and being practical. In the end, if I don’t choose myself, no one will do that for me.

Lastly, I learned, ‘Refuse to grow up. Do not lose that child in you.’ I may be getting older every year but I want to be the same person I am years ago. I always want to be that child who just wants to lay in the sofa while watching cartoons with her brother and her cousins, that child who always make cute cards for her mother, that child who always want to ride a motorcycle with her father and go for a short ride, that child who wanted to talk about what happened to her day non-stop, that child who is not afraid to tell everyone around her that she loves them, that child who is very fascinated with the sunrise, the sunset and the night sky and that child who never fails to see the good in everything.