leoshrdns

[leoshrdns]

still wandering off the path…

lost but passionate…

I need clearer vision…

You only have 24 hours everyday. How are you going to spend it? An hour of worrying? 2 of feeling the fear? 3 to 5 hours spending on social media absorbing negativity you’ve seen there. Gossiping? Talking bad behind people? Then you’re complaining why there are nothing progress happening in your life. It all starts with your day. It starts with right mentality. Right mindset… Right perspective and right people that surrounds you.

I don’t know how I landed in writing. Maybe because I’m an introvert. Most of the time being misunderstood by many. Until I’ve realised that being silent is much better than proving your point to someone who has the perception on the level that they can only understand.

I’m a 23 year old girl. An ambitious girl who wants to achieve much. Does pandemic will stop me from achieving my dreams? What are my dreams really? Is it something big? Or simple yet meaningful?

This pandemic made me realised a lot of things. Like all these things are fleeting. People come and go. You outgrow even the people you never thought you’d lose along the way but that’s life. You gotta accept that this is life. Points me to the never take things for granted. Love the people around you even sometimes they aren’t deserving of your love. Less complaining. Appreciate more. Give your best in everything you do whether small or big. Honour, love, and obey your parents. Laugh more, worry less. Be sensitive with what you allow your mind to entertain because it will manifest in your life. Invest in yourself. Don’t be afraid to try things. Pray always. Pray without ceasing. God is listening. He hears you. He is near you. He is within you. In everything you do, do it all to glorify God.

[leoshrdns]

Great is Thy Faithfulness!

October 14, 2020.

It’s been 4 years since I last wrote my blog here. So many things happened. Ups and Downs. Achieving this and that. From breaking to breakthrough. I can finally say that GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS!

May 24, 2017 - College Graduation

YES! I finally made it, making my parents proud. Thank you Mama and Papa for your unending support especially when it comes to my academe. This is all for you! You are my strength. My source. My life. I love you ‘til eternity

To my college besties,

My college days will not be as fun much as it was without you! It was a roller coaster ride.. huhu! Now that it’s already 2020, cheers to our 7 years of friendship! Love you Mycs, Ross, Cloi, Mik, and Ekang. You guys are the best!

[leoshrdns]

19 Years of Existence

Time flies when you’re having fun (Ventocilla, 2016)

On August 9, 2015, I celebrated my debut at Sofitel Philippine Plaza together with my family, relatives, and friends. I didn’t ask to have this grand celebration of my debut but thanks to my Papa for pushing this event to happen. 

As I grow up and seeing tons of surprises set up made by my schoolmates with their friends, I whispered to myself and prayed that I wanted this to happen to me. I told no one coz I just want to keep it to myself. Years had past, I celebrated my day just like an ordinary day. 

I covered my face coz I was so haggard that day! hahahahaha 

However, it happened on my 19th birthday. My friends surprised me at school! Thanks to 4V1, especially Myca, Tricia, and Tania! It became more special because my boyfriend Daren was involved with their plan ❤️❤️❤️ (Hi baby if you’re reading this I wanna let you know how much you mean to me.  I love you so much!!! Thank you for the flowers 😍💞💐)

We also had a simple dinner get together at home with my family. Papa lead the prayer.

Thank you so much Lord! I am indeed blessed for having my family, friends, and boyfriend. I couldn’t ask for more! You have given me more than I deserve. All glory and praise to You! 

[leoshrdns]

It's hard to admit but I'm still not yet over you...

[leoshrdns]

We cannot change what is in the past but we can make a difference in our future by starting it now which we called the present

[leoshrdns]

Brave Woman by Grace R. Monte de Ramos

I am a mother of sons.

Two joined the army when they were young; There was not enough money for school, They had no skills for jobs in foundries And factories, and it was easy to sign up And learn how to handle a gun.

I am a mother of sons, two sons And one, the youngest, now gone. In his youth he was taken By men whose names I never will learn. I only know they were soldiers, like my sons, Cradling fearsome guns. He was a fine young man. I took care of him For seventeen years and they took him away And now I am searching for his bones.

I will never learn their names. Alone I try to imagine the scene: were their faces Bearded or clean-shaven? Perhaps their bodies were robust. Did they wear uniforms the color of shrivelled Sampaguita or fresh horseshit? How pointed the bullets from their guns?

My soldier sons come home When life in the barracks is still. I hide their brother’s picture; It makes them cry and remember. Perhaps they, too (God forbid it), Have given other mothers sorrow. Perhaps my son had to pay for what they borrowed.

I cannot cry, though I am told It is better to cry and let go. Where is my son’s body for me to bury? I only wear my grief in the lines Of my face, my sunken cheeks. Silent, I mourn a woman’s Bitter lot: to give birth to men Who kill and are killed.

My personal analysis:

Being a mother is never easy. It's a life time responsibility yet giving birth, feeding and clothing the child doesn't end up the responsibility of being a mother. Although the destiny of a person cannot be controlled by anyone, mothers will always be there to support her child even in the hardest battle. Any mother can do anything just to sustain the needs of her children but the mother in this poem cannot do anything. She doesn't have enough money to bring her children in school that's why she was forced to take her two sons to be trained as soldiers.

It takes her a lot of courage to face the reality that her youngest son is now gone because of the war. The reality that her sons were being born because they will be kill and will killed. Just like the mothers of other soldiers, they are left hanging and have no clue what are appearances of those who have killed their sons. This mother is brave because she has to. And this kind of mother is worth to be salute by everyone yet all the mothers in this world that are continuous doing everything for their family deserves to be looked up by everybody else.

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY TO ALL MOM OUT THERE! 

[leoshrdns]

Marseille, France 🇫🇷

After the long awaited flight from Manila, stop by in Abu Dhabi, reaching Rome, another plane ride going to Genova, and lastly a bus ride going to Savona, Italy where the Costa Diadema is located for our embarkation; 

 It was all worth it waking up in another country and seeing the beauty of Marseille, France from the ship. My first day in the ship was a mixed emotions feeling that excited, thrilled, yet terrific for the reason that I still can’t believe that I was in Europe already. 

While Davey and I exploring the top deck of the ship before we took our first breakfast, those men that were cleaning and preparing the balcony I remembered my brother – in – law because he used to be like these men when he was still working in a cruise ship. And it turns out to be a realization that I am truly blessed because of the opportunity that Assumption College had given me to reach Europe at the very young age. When it was about time to take our breakfast, we went down to the 3rd deck and a Filipino waiter assisted us. He offered us something to eat and we requested bacon and egg, waffle, and more foods that we see with our Korean seatmates. We didn’t know that there’s a bucket list of menu for breakfast. When we were already done, we had our own excursion that Ms. Wilma given us. We were all excited, took a lot of pictures while walking around Marseille. Around 11 o’clock I think, we attended mass together with Sir Ricky, Ms Phannie, and other students in St. Augustine Church. 

Though it was in French, the ambiance of the church, how the people committed themselves to the Lord and how the preacher welcomed us made me blessed during the mass. As long as I remember, we used to walk around Marseille and waited for H&M to open. Yes, we took lots of pictures with the corners of Marseille and I can say that it was a beauty because it was new for us. While waiting for the shop to open, the gang stayed in Starbucks to have some Wifi. At first I was so annoyed because I wasn’t able connect with the Internet. So I shopped in H&M for a mean time then went back to SB to wait for us to be complete and go back to the ship for our lunch. When we were walking going back to the bus, there was a lot of seller of different items like authentic soap from Marseille, ref magnets of course, and many more. It was like a bunch of boutique sellers in the street or street shops as I say. The people there are very accompanied with the tourist/ buyers even though some of them can’t speak in English but you can see that they are trying to communicate with us. I bought some authentic soap and ref magnets as souvenirs. We went back to the ship for lunch then Ms Phannie gave us time to explore the ship for a mean time. It was my first day of my monthly period so I just stayed in the cabin because I had dysmenorrhea. And I wasn’t able to eat dinner as well.

[leoshrdns]

ITALIA 🇮🇹

BOUNJOURNO! 

Pompeii, Naples

As the lyrics of Pompeii song says, “But if you close your eyes does it almost feel like nothing changed at all? But if you close your eyes does it almost feel like You’ve been here before?”

It was a great experience of visiting the most famous and historic ruins in Naples, Italy. I felt like I was in the time of Romans and I was a privileged to see how they preserved it. Almost 250 years of being the tourist attraction in Naples, It was truly an honor to be able to visit this place. 

After the long walk in Pompeii, we’ve taken our lunch then a Filipino crew tend to teach us some table napkins and it was fun. He gave us some trivia about the steak and a brief explanation about fine dining.  

La Spezia, Italy

Leaning tower of Pisa is the highlight of the tour in La Spezia.

 Our time was limited because the tourist guide told us to be on time just to maximize our time in shopping. So every picture taking that we do is a rush. 

All the structures there are wonderful. I still can’t believe that I saw it already because it is one of the famous attractions in Italy even in the world. Then we went to Shop In center, and the only outlet store that I enjoyed there is NIKE. How I wish that we spent more time in Pisa or we go to Florence instead.

Monaco (Savona, Italy)

This is my favourite place among the others. Just like my brother said, I agreed with him the day I saw Monaco. When we were still on the bus for the panoramic tour, I fell in love with this place.

 It was clean and a place for wealthy people. Though all the souvenir shops even the restaurants are expensive, still it was all worth it. I am hoping that someday, I will be able to stay here for at least a week. And experience much more thing in Monaco and see the famous Monte Carlo.

It was the day that we disembark  All of us were so sad  We had a long trip from Savona going to Rome, around 12 o’clock in the evening we reach the budget hotel that was booked for us. All of us including my roommates were crying because we miss Costa; the ambiance, the cabin, the unlimited food, the kuyas and ates, and even our favourite place during midnight, Discoteca. On the other hand, all of us including our parents were informed that we are supposedly staying in Annacapri  Hotel in Rome but ended up with I don’t know what is the name of that place. Hahahaha.

Rome, Italy

 “Save the best for last”. I never expected that I will be able to stay overnight in Rome. However, I can’t believe that we are coming back to the Philippines. Time flies so fast that’s all I can say. The plane has a lot of unoccupied seats. 

Today, we went to different place in Roma and the only place I remember is the Vatican, Colosseum, and Pantheon. I like our tour guide, forgot his name but he’s cool. We were able to see the pope after the mass we attended. I don’t know what’s with the crowd. I am a non catholic Christian maybe that’s the reason why that is my feeling about the pope. But I respect how they celebrate and I can see the commitment and devotedness of people earlier. Then a way goes round, walking around the street of Rome, ate our lunch in a restaurant of pizza. Took a lot of selfie in Colosseum, then at 4 pm we were in the airport already. All I can say, this tour made a big mark in my entire being. I will never ever forget how I enjoyed each day here. I want to come back here. I want to travel around the world. Thank you AC for the opportunity. Thanks to my parents and to the Almighty God for the blessings I did not deserve. Arrivederci Italia! Until I see you again 💞

[leoshrdns]

Spain 🇪🇸

BARCELONA

Due to zero visibility in the sea we weren’t able to explore Barcelona at the time it was supposed to be. Around 4 pm when we had another own excursion because of the happening that day. So everything was in rush and I was so disappointed that time. But Ms. Wilma and her husband tired to fix the things. Instead of having excursion in Barcelona, it was transferred to Pompeii, Naples and we were able to experience Samsara for dinner. When everything was fine already, we visited Sagra Familia on our own. We were able to experience their subway. At first, it was hard for us because we didn’t know where to go and what to do but the professors especially Sir Ricky and Ms. Wilma tired their best to ask from the people out there. When everything was fine already, the subway going to our destination was a total different from ours. The tunnels are so clean yet the spaces are so wide compared here in the Philippines. How I wish the subways here are like in Barcelona. When we reach the Sagrada station, all I can say when I say The Sagrada Familia was WOAH! 

It was such a wonderful experience to see the largest church in Barcelona, Spain. I was so amazed and it was a love at first sight for me to see the church. Everything was in detailed. I don’t know what to say but I was so thankful though we had a hard time that day, but the experience just to see this attraction is all worth it. We weren’t able to go inside the church because of the entrance free so we just prayed outside then shopped for souvenirs near the church. We went back to La Ramblas, it’s the famous street in Barcelona. 

We were given a time to explore and shop at the same time but the time is limited. Everything was in rush so I explore the street by myself. I hope I can go back to Barcelona just a little more time to shop and experience the life there.

PALMA DE MALLORCA 

Compared to Barcelona, the weather in Palma was a happy sunny day. It was like in the Philippines, a tropical weather but the place was so clean. 

We did nothing much in Palma but as we scanned their environment, we have seen single person cars. It can be rented, I think so. And I hope in the Philippines it can be used also here especially in those tourist spots that are much away from each other. However, “Shopping all day” was what all we did there. The outlets there are much cheaper compared to other places during the whole trip. We stayed there until afternoon then we went back to the ship. After we ate our buffet lunch, we had a session of wine tasting with Mr Massimo, he is an expert when it comes to wine. We learned a lot from him, how to differentiate the glasses of wine, what is the best wine for different food, and many more. It was a great experience to learn a lot from him.

[leoshrdns]

My Dearest Momma

Whenever I cry, she'll come just to make it dry. Whatever I ask for food, she makes sure it tastes good. The way she sings me lullaby, didn't notice the time has passed by.

Oh momma now that I have grown up, will make sure never let you down. All the sacrifices you have made, surely sayin' I'll make it paid. For your sleepless nights, gonna make the decisions in life right.

You always pray for our success, even though you faced a lot of distress. Now that you are growing old, the woman that raised me will always be bold. Thank you isn't sufficiently, but will express my love for you endlessly.

[leoshrdns]

TOTGA

Yesterday we were just together Looking at the eyes of each other, making jokes and filled with laughter.

You were the one I never saw you coming. but I’m still hoping, praying to the Lord and asking, “Please let him be the one for me”

He granted my prayer, thou I never expected that it will end sooner. I fought for us and thought we will become stronger.

Days, and months, and a year had passed, I cannot believe that we didn’t surpassed. You said you will never give up, but our connections lead to break up.

I went to my room and stated thinking while crying, every night and morning , wishing you would come back but I’m tired of trying hoping that this pain will stop me from hurting

[leoshrdns]

Velocity 2016

Velocity is an annual event during the Business Week conducted by the Milleret School of Business Management for Women held in the Atrium at Assumption College, San Lorenzo Makati. It is a whole day Intramurals-like that consists of major sports activities such as Volleyball, Basketball, Badminton, Table Tennis, and Party Games like Obstacle Race, Balloon, and Dutch Ball. It happened on the 17th of February 2016, with the collaboration of all business students from 1st year to 4th year, Faculty & Staff from all departments (MSBMW & MESIL). This year’s event (Velocity) was organized by Mrs. Ruby Rose Barrientos or simply known as “Ms. Roba” and her class in Production Management, the block 3MM (3rd Yr. Marketing Students).

During my 3 years stay in Assumption, it was my first time to attend the most waited event of the business students and faculty members. And I can’t even remember what was the reason why I wasn’t able to attend the event when I was in my freshman year. Anyway, I spent my whole life in a co-ed school way back in pre-school, elementary, and highschool at Colegio de San Pedro in San Pedro, Laguna. Moreover, as a Junior in Assumption who would have thought that it is possible to have a whole day “Intramural’s” in our school. I was in shock when I saw the gymnasium full of girls shouting and cheering their own team. The teams were divided into 4 groups, the group of Red, Yellow, Green, and my block mate and I were part of Blue team.

At the end of the day, team Blue was the overall champion of Velocity 2016

This day’s activity was full of shouting, screaming, sweating, cheering, eating,  laughter, going back and forth to the 5th floor of the gymnasium. All the activities were fun and exciting that helped us to build trust and teamwork towards one another. We do not know who were my teammates but we do know that we were belong to one team and that we are suppose to win the game all through out being together. 

At the end of the day, team Blue was the overall champion of Velocity 2016. Thanks to Sir Ruiz for making the team so lively and full of hopes of winning this event. He is our MVP! Haha! I felt so proud of my team even though I lost my game in badminton. My skills are only for my class and not for the pro but I thank God and my tennis skills for bringing my best in badminton (still happy tho :”)) Nonetheless, I couldn’t describe the happiness I felt that time for almost missing the energy of being physically active. For all the stress we are encountering by this time because of tons of quizzes, projects, and thesis, Thank You MSBMW for giving us an opportunity to forget our stress just for a week. Thank you Lord for the Strength and Thank you all for celebrating Velocity 2016 with us <3