Remember this Dress? :)

And the rainy season has officially started. Thank you Lord for an amazing day with friends over delicious food at a fine dining resto. I feel so blessed and lucky to have these people in my life right now. <3

Recent food escapade

As people close to me would agree, I have such a knack for sweet stuff. Sweet gestures, sweet compliments, but most of all, sweet foods. Teehee :3

For the most part, this summer has been about experimenting in the kitchen and trying out new food places. Food never fails to give me that satisfaction. For today, my good friend Chass and I tried out this new pastry shop at ATC. I've been hearing a lot of people raving about it and I must say, what really caught my interest was the cutesy interior of the shop which, you all will find out upon scrolling down on this post. 

We met up past lunch time this afternoon despite the heavy downpour. We both needed comforting and what better way to console each other's ails than through cupcakes? :) It took us around 30mins to find the place because a.) all I know is it's on the 2nd floor; b.) the guard we asked directions from misled us; and c.) it's been awhile since I last went to ATC so I no longer know how to maneuver through it (esp. now that Metro point mall also recently opened there). Lesson learned? When visiting a new place, never forget to look it up. Knowing how to specifically go there won't hurt. tsk tsk... Although being lost at a not-so-big mall seems stupid, through all the reasons provided and much more, I beg to differ. Haha So anyway, we found the place, and whoala! Vanilla Cupcake Bakery was everything I expected it to be and waaay more. ❤

I must say, the owner must have such an amazing taste when it comes to furniture. The interiors were really amazing. I'm sure all young girls and young-girls-at-heart out there once dreamt of a room with such a splash of pastel colors. It was really refreshing and relaxing. Now I know what it must have felt like to sit and have tea in a little princess' room. It really gave a vibe like that. 😊

Look, even its ceiling gives off a super girly vibe.❤

 I

Every inch of the little shop was well thought of that one will find little cute trinkets like these in almost every corner. Cute, no? 😊

See, even their menu is soooo cute. I must say though, this has been the biggest menu I've gotten hold of. Hahaha

Here's another interesting piece. Can you catch a glimpse of the cute refrigerator? No? It's the pink one. Yep, pink fridge. What girl wouldn't want that? Heeeeee

I'd have to admit though, it was really difficult to choose from the assortment of cupcakes available. Everything just looks so delish!!! I tried picking out eccentric flavors but to no avail - almost everything is! Hahaha I was kind of really tempted to order out one of each. 😁

So in the end, Chass and I ended up with Blueberry Lemon, Vanilla Peach, and Luscious Salted Caramel on our girly plates. I just have to say though that it was really interesting to find out that the cutlery and chinaware they are serving their cupcakes with are really high-end. And by high-end, I meant European brand high-end. Yep, you heard that one right. It was no shocker therefore that one of the staff followed us outside when we decided to switch tables. She must've overheard the remark I made jokingly of how I'm real close to taking home everything in the store. Yep, everything's really that cute! 😊😁❤

And just wow, even the tiniest detail as in tea bags weren't left off un-cute (if that's even a word. Haha). Bawal ang pangit sa store na to. Who wouldn't be enticed with these colorful teas? Not to mention, it tastes amazing!!! One of my two favorite teas so far (the other one's from India). ❤ *insert whisper here* Oh and btw, I think y'all should know, these teas are from Paris. No wonder I felt so bongga in an instant. Haha😄

Read: It's okay to die of cuteness any minute now. I really fell in love with this teapot. Someday, mate, somedaaaaay!!! ❤

Ahhhh... What a better way to drown everything from problems to worries to as simple as rain than with a soothing cup of tea? It really went perfectly well with the sweet pastries we had for the afternoon.

Chass and the lovely corner table. It was definitely one of my favorite things on the shop.

My outfit's color ensemble matched the whole of the cuteness surrounding me. Notice though how interesting their chairs are. This is the gazebo area already, btw. It had a garden vibe to it complete with artificial grass, archways, fake grass and fences. It was totally adorable. 

All in all, it has been such a wonderful day with this strong, beautiful and amazing woman. Nothing can be more perfect than an afternoon spent with a well-trusted confidante. Until next time, love! Here's to more years of dates and cupcakes to be shared! ❤❤❤

Some ME time

It has been a long time since I last went out by myself. I guess the thought of being alone scared me more than being lonesome itself. And then I realized just now how I missed being by myself - not worrying about the world's complexities and just enjoying the 'now'.

Life has been messing up with me for the past couple of months that it has been so easy for me to lose sight of who I was and what I want to be here for. This week, I was reminded that no matter how shitty things have gone, not much has actually changed - I'm still here. And that should've meant something, right? I mean, if God wanted me out of this world, He should've just let me die during the shooting a couple of weeks ago, or could've caused some accident to annihilate me BUT HE DIDN'T. And I guess that should've accounted for something.

As cliche as it sounds, I know He doesn't give us problems we cannot handle. And as I was trying to look at the bigger picture, it isn't too late for me, after all. I can still be happier. I can still find the man of my dreams. I can still become a doctor. I can still pass all my subjects. I can still go to places I have always wanted to visit. I can still build myself into becoming a better person. I can still work on something in my life that my future self will thank me for. ☺

It hasn't been easy to be in this place I'm at right now. It took me months to stop with all of the crying and moping. I was on the verge of self-destruction. I wasn't myself - I was nobody, actually. I wanted myself dead. I thought I'd be doing the world a favor if I just disappeared. But then, just like what I said a couple of weeks ago, one will never know his strength until he is at his weakest. I was stripped away of the life I used to know and the only person I loved truly was suddenly taken from me. It was the lowest my life has been - well, it sure felt that way, if ever it really wasn't. Haha Well, my point here is, I just want to thank my friends and family for everything. I wouldn't have been able to surpass everything without their help. So, here goes...

I thank my MedSchool friends for all the support and help. You guys really never gave up on me even when I was doing so on myself. Thank you Steph and Jeanne for always listening and accompanying me just so I could focus and study. Thank you for all the advices and understanding. I know you may not have approved of all my decisions, but you guys were always there, giving me a hug or a spank whenever I needed one. hehe :) Thank you Melvin and Justin for always being there as well. I know I haven't been talking to you much lately but I have always felt your concern. I know you have always wanted to protect me from all the hurt but you just can't do anything about it. And for that, I thank you. Thank you Yen, Kath, Vivi and Jerro. You have always been there to listen and to make me smile during my lowest times. All the fun and great energy you provide me with is incomparable. I really needed that. You never failed to give me something happy to take home with me at the end of the day. Every passing day, I always had something to be thankful for because of you guys. And you don't know how much that means to me.

I want to thank my orgmates from UPTC for being so understanding and caring. You guys have always looked out for me since time immemorial. You were my second family and I still consider you so even after all these years. Thank you Gretchen and Janboyet. You know I love you and you are the people I'd give my life to if I have a chance. You were the epitome of true friends. We haven't been together as much as we used to but you never failed to make me feel your presence even if we already have different lives of our own. Whenever we meet, I feel like I'm in Elbi wherever we go. Haha Thank you for all the love and support you have and are currently giving. The four of us were the tightest of the cliques before, and now that it's only us three remaining, thank you for never leaving me on my own. I don't know how much I can thank you but there, I have given you a lot of thank you's for this post, haven't I? Haha Thank you Dre for all the wise words. You have always been the big brother I looked up to and you just always know the right words to say every single time. Thank you for all the understanding and for always being the bigger person for everyone concerned. I knew I could always count on you. And of course, thank you Chass for all the listening, understanding and care. We have been through a couple of major things together recently and it has been easier because of you. Thank you so much for everything. The recent events made me more closer to you than I have been during my whole stay in the University and I thank you for opening up the way you did. You're one of the few youngsters I truly love. And I know for sure, one day, we'd be happier. ♥

And of course I want to thank my long-time friends Kathy, Ivy, Hanny and Anne.. Kathy, I know we haven't been spending much time as we used to but it really meant a lot when you reached out and offered your support. I can't be more thankful for everything. We're miles apart but I swear, you never failed to make me feel the sincerity of your love and concern. I hope to see you soon. :). Ibedon, thank you so much for all the empowerment and wise words, you never made me feel like I, or the situation I'm at was judged. We haven't been spending that much time together but I'm really thankful for having a friend like you. I knew I can always count on you. :) Hanibunita! Oh my gosh, how can I ever thank you enough for all the love, support and fun? You have been my bestest friend since HNF41 days and I must say, we have come a long way from our College shopping sprees and endless conversations. I really am lucky to have you in my life. Thank you for always being there for me through all the good and the bad. Thank you for teaching me a lot of things and for always being a reminder that life should always be dealt with smile and composure. We have just been through a lot that I know I wouldn't be the person I am now today if it weren't for you. Bola-ish but true. Hehe :))) And of course, Anne Krista, thank you so much for all the love, support and friendship. We haven't seen each other for literally years but you have always been there. You're still here, giving me support and you just don't know how much you helped me during those times when I was at my lowest. The daily conversations really helped me more than anything. Thank goodness for technology as I can converse with you even if you're already in Auz! I never thought that our friendship could've endured all those years. And I say we have become closer than we were when you were still here. I swear one day, I'd be able to visit you there. You are one of those friends I am lucky I am able to keep. Thank you for everything ☺

I'm not saying I'm past everything but because of you, I have come to see things at a different light. Because of all your care and support, I'm in a better place. And most importantly, because of all your love, I'm no longer afraid. I now realize that I need not be afraid for I am not alone. I am being given love more than my two hands can ever clasp.

THANK YOU AND I LOVE YOU. 

CHEERS TO MORE YEARS OF LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP! ❤☺

Coping Mechanism

Because MedSchool can be tough at times, we find ways to keep our sanity and release all the pressure and frustrations. :)

Isang araw, sa Cobo...

Bored during review

Paliitan ng mukha tactics#1

Meet Steph, the Burlesque queen..

Mi lovies. Thanks for always looking out for me <3

HULI! Natutulog during Pharma Classsssssszzzzz.

Fave game as of the moment. <3

Natuwa sa first time na free wifi sa AVR

Aral-aralan at McDo with Vivi, Yen and Kath

Milk tea craze with Melvin and Steph

And this my friends might be the most sensible poem ever. Hahaha (c) Kath Dellosa

My fave person as of the moment.Mehehe :3

Isang araw, nag-crave kami ng Chocolate Cake. <3

Paras Lect with Doc N :)

Milk tea date with half of the Babaysots. (Yes, namamaga pa diyan ang fez ko because of the surgery)

More crazy moments to come! <3

... So there you go - some of my wonderful moments this month because I need to stock up on happy thoughts. Shooo, depression! I have been blessed with more than enough awesomeness courtesy of my friends. :) <3

My take on last night's shooting

Joshua 1:9-11 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.

Around 4pm, I arrived at the mall feeling excited and hyped. I was about to meet my batch mates (from my organization in College) and it has been years since we last saw each other. When we met-up, we just talked, ate and pretty much had fun. Normal as normal can ever be. Then, around past 5pm, we headed out to have coffee. We opted to stay at the fourth floor - away from all the bustle and hustle of the whole mall - perfect location for catching up and chit-chats. We sat at the last table along the mall's main floor for we found the interior of the coffee shop too hot and crowded. For roughly 2 hours, we just stayed there, chatting. Then around past 7pm, one of our friends went to the comfort room. I remember laughing and talking unmindful of the world around me. A few minutes later, I didn't even notice he's already back. All that registered was the panic on his face, my shock, people around us running, and his shout: "TAKBO!!!!!!". Chaos followed suit.

I stood up, took three steps and even went back our table for I have forgotten something. Everything's still not registering. I knew I had to run, but lot of questions still ran through my head. I was more perplexed than scared. After a few minutes of running, there was another set of crowd running towards us. Yes, towards us. Imagine my scare when I realized that we're apparently running towards the wrong direction. We were running towards our impending doom. Then, one of my questions was soon answered - there were gunshots. Upon hearing it, only one thing registered - I have to run as fast as I can and hide anywhere. I am in no way's hell going to die without having tried to survive.

More chaos followed. I remember seeing my friends passing by me, one of them even fell. I tried my hardest to reach her but got taken by the crowd. Then all I can remember was trying to follow my two other friends in front of me. I just knew I cannot let myself be on my own at any cost. We managed to go down two flights of steps and hid in what I initially thought as a gym. I can't see clearly for I didn't have my glasses on, I just went in straight, found my friends and went inside what seemed like a storage/locker room. Lesson #1: when you don't have a 20/20 vision, always wear your glasses. Or better yet, use some goddamn contact lenses.

More people followed us - two sets of families, two elderly women and an old man. An infuriating old man. I guess we were all shocked at that time, just merely catching breaths between questions for each other. 'Where are other friends?' 'What's really going on?' 'Did I hear right,were those really gunshots?' 'Where are we?' 'Why is this happening?'. Then there were loud bangs at the door. I held my breath. I can imagine the gunman. I kept thinking that the only thing separating my death is a little wooden, beat-up door. My friend and I scrambled and tried to fit ourselves at a little corner filled with metal railings. If he is really out there, and we're about to die, I do not want to be the first one dead. The banging stopped. We then contacted our two other friends who got separated to know their welfare. In God's grace, they were okay. There were still shooting at the floor they were at, though. They managed to hide at a clothing store a floor beneath us. They were safe. We were all still alive. That had to be a good sign.

As I'm trying to recall the set of events, I remember this part well. From all the terror, this had to be the most comedic part. As we were locked there, scared off our asses, this old man kept insisting on opening the door. He was so damn worried about the stuff at the locker room. "Siyempre andito ang mga gamit nila, baka kailangang na nila kaya buksan na natin". Good point on the staff worrying about their things, what I don't get is why the hell would anyone want to easily open the door when there is a whole lot of chance that a gun might be greeting you? Silence. And then he still insisted. I couldn't take it. I spoke up. If I'm gonna die, I ain't gonna die helplessly and stupidly. "Wag na po muna natin buksan, delikado pa po." A lot of insisting on his side followed which made the whole room furious. No one wanted the door open. But then again, he was still persistent. Then my friend spoke up "Ako na po ang nakikiusap sa inyo, mag decide tayo as a group, may mga bata tayong kasama, wag na po muna nating buksan. Mamaya na pag alam na nating safe na sa labas." He stopped and then retaliated with a sarcastic laugh, "eh paano natin malalamang ayos na eh nakakulong tayo dito? Tinatakot nyo lang ang sarili niyo, okay naman na sa labas". I swear, my mind was already racing with all of the reasons I want to shout back at him but I still managed to shut up and maintain my composure. Fighting someone won't help given the situation. A whole lot of that happened for around 20 or 30 minutes before I decided to go out of the storage room as well. When I went out, I realized we weren't in a gym, we were at a bingo house. The most nakakaloka part? Tuloy ang bingo. Walang pakealam sa mundo.

We asked the security personnel and the staff of the bingo house if the situation has already been contained. We asked numerous times if we can already go out. We kept on asking them if it was already safe for us to go home. They all said yes and insisted on us leaving. I was hesitant at first. I don't think it's possible to contain a situation like that in such a short period of time without even a single police officer in sight. I remember even asking one of the staff where the police are and got no reply. We called our friends and learned that they already got out. So yes, maybe it is indeed safe already. We went out. We were walking along the floor and was already trying to make a joke out of everything. We were glad we survived that incident. We were already happy we can go home peacefully. And then, just as we were about to leave our worries behind, there were shouts again. My instinct was to run. Then I heard a gunshot - a very near gunshot. I got really scared. And then I heard a guy shout something unintelligible. Something that sounded more like "HOY!!!!!!" And then he shots were fired again. I swear, he was so near us already. Another shot and then I heard a woman behind me shout in pain. I wanted to cry at that instant. THAT COULD'VE BEEN ME HAD I ONLY BEEN A SECOND SLOWER. I ran faster. I have never ran that fast my entire life. All I can ever think about is not being shot, not being shot, I SHOULDN'T BE SHOT.

We were lucky and managed to enter the cinema area. The guards and staff were trying to stop us but I guess they saw how real our panic-stricken faces were. During those instances, all I can think about is hiding. If I don't want to die from multiple gunshots, I should hide. I entered the nearest movie house I saw. As I approached the entrance, all I can utter was "Help! Help!" Lame word, I know, but help was the only thing I managed to spit out of my scrambled head. I didn't stop running. They allowed us entry of the cinema. Halfway through its dark passage, I managed to think clearly. Where are my friends?! Luckily, we somehow entered the same movie house. We were shouting at each other thinking that we were the only ones there. No. Of course they didn't tell the people what was happening. We went up the highest part of the cinema and stayed there for an hour, I guess. Only until my friend's boyfriend fetched us were we somehow convinced that it's safe enough to get out of the mall. Of course they were still letting people enter the establishment even if the gunmen were still there; of course they were still letting cars out the parking lot without inspecting them; of course they were still letting anyone out without inspecting them at all.

Even as we got out, we were still jumpy. We still can't let go of each other's hands. We just got out of harm's way. We just survived the greatest scare of our lives.

I have never feared for my life the way I did last night. During all the chaos, all I can think about is trying to survive. So that's what it's like. Never in a million years did I think that I will experience something as terrible as that. And I do hope no one else will experience that ever again. As I end this post, I would just like to thank God for a new life, a new day. I feel as if I was given a second chance on life. I feel as if I was given this experience to realize how much I have been missing out on my life by focusing too much on things that only make me sad. This time around, I promise to focus on myself and to living the best possible way I can. And for the first time, I actually mean it when I say, "Cheers to love and life!" ❤

2 Timothy 4:17 But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth.

Badiday's Night Out

I kind of have a girl group way back in College - not the singing dancing sort of girl group, as one would know. Haha But a girl support group, as I would like to say. Though I'm literally the only one with a different course than them, they have embraced and accepted me as if I'm no different. I honestly can't remember how it all started, but I remember the coffee sessions with endless chats we had. One of the highlights of my undergrad years, I must say. These girls have definitely completed me. It's one thing to have inuman buddies, but having the comforts and understanding of women is another thing. It's just incomparable. I'm pretty lucky to have them in my life.

Although right now, it's almost impossible to merge our scheds, from time to time we do get together and still have those conversations where we left off (of course over coffee). After more than a year of being apart, last night, we happen to meet-up again. Although it was only the three of us, it was still fun. I can't quite put into words how happy I was last night. The wise words they have given me, the very insightful details they can provide a person with is just priceless. I just feel so blessed to have them in my life. Thank God for beautiful and intelligent friends!

Had dinner at Pepper Lunch because Gretchen Marie was THAT hungry :D

Ibedon and her planner. Yey you! :)

Awwww. Who wouldn't be swept away with that pretty smile? :)

That obligatory coffee shop pose with the girls. <3

Thanks for last night, girls!I can't reiterate more how fun that was. I really had a great time.
Sorry Grekka for this shot pero ang ganda namin dito eh. Hahahaha :D