Milk Tea: an old habit

Even before the milk tea fad, my sister and I have been drinking hot tea with milk. I won't deny that I jumped into the bandwagon at its height. But eventually, I missed the warm, bitter taste of real tea leaves. And here I am, back to my old "drinking habits," hot tea with milk.

This concoction has been my comfort drink since my college days. And right now, it brings nostalgia drinking it.

The past year was challenging and overwhelming with uncertainties. Having a feeling of familiarity and calm doing activities has become distant for me. I guess this is why I like drinking hot tea with milk. It makes me remember the serene and joyful moments in the past - a break from the present chaotic situation that we all face right now.

If ever someone is reading this right now and feels anxiety from what is happening around them, I hope you find time for a break. And do activities that are close to your heart, activities that make you serene and strong inside.

“When the storms do come; you can only allow them to slow you down, but don't let them stop you, there will be delays, detours, and disappointments but you have to keep pushing through it.”

― Bernard Kelvin Clive

Realization because of Cello's Donuts (something to do about relationships)

 As I mentioned in my previous post, my sister and I had a realization while we were eating Cello's donuts yesterday.

Cello's Donuts is along Katipunan Ave, Quezon City, and it is a stone-throw away from my school and Rei's school. We had our individual stories regarding that place, both about a relationship. As we shared each other's stories yesterday, we realized that Rei was a side character of a shoujo manga.

Rei had a crush on Prince*, the best friend of the protagonist. And if I were to describe him in my own words from yesterday:

"So, he is that best friend. The quiet, mysterious, upper-class, pampered, good-looking, intelligent best friend." Practically the best friend of the protagonist in every shoujo manga. The protagonist, King*, is athletic, outgoing, friendly, independent,  middle-class, and does well in academics.

For some reason, Rei invited Prince to go to a hobby shop, which is the same place and is the same owner of Cello's Donuts. On the way there, they met King. He was surprised that Rei and his best friend were together. He then started to tease my sister and Prince. When he left, Rei apologized to Prince because of the teasing. Prince smiled and shrugged it off. They then continued to their destination.

Upon realizing the "characters" in her story, she said:

"No wonder I was not getting anywhere! I was a side-character in a shoujo manga!"

These brought us both to tears laughing.

As for me, I told Rei that mine was not as compelling as hers.

Cello's Donuts brings me bitter and sweet memories. A confrontation happened with the person I had a relationship with, and the said person walked out. Though, it was also the same place where I met a close friend of mine. I told her that the relationship between the person I was involved with and me was over. We had an engaging chat while eating after that.

At first, we just accepted my memory as a simple story. I then jokingly said that if I changed the gender of the people in my narrative, maybe it might become a BL manga. We laughed aloud again, but then I realized that was possible. And from then onwards, I continued to fall into a dark rabbit hole. Update on a story based on my college relationship maybe in a few weeks? or months? We'll see.

The most ironic about all this is that my sister is known for being a fujoshi queen. In the end, she was part of a shoujo manga. For me, I admit that I tend to like shoujo mangas. In the end, it was me who is part of a BL manga.

The irony of it all.

“No day, but today”

There have been posts in Facebook recently where someone tags you and you have to post for 7-12 days about books, movies, or songs that inspired or moved you (there are different variations of these posts). Unfortunately, I am not the kind to post something like that everyday, because I am lazy also, I only have a handful of “things” that have moved me. 🤣🤣🤣

So I decided to just make a blog post about it. 🤣🤣🤣

Well, another reason why I want to make a post about it here is because in the facebook posts, you are not allowed to put any details why or how the picture/video you posted changed or moved you.

In my case, I want to share, why these musicals/ movies have influenced me.

First off, The Phantom of the Opera.

I cannot count how many times I have resolved to watching The Phantom of the Opera when I hit a brick wall while doing projects at school. You could say I liked the glamour of the movie but at the same time I liked the angst within the movie.

Next is, Prince of Tennis the Musicals (Tenimyu).

I didn’t watch the anime nor read the manga, but the musical I sort of followed. 😅😅😅 It was my dear friend Tessa and my sister Rei who introduced me to the musical. The songs from the musicals helped me through my college years, a year in medical school and my first few years working. I remember we even had a high grade in our Physical Education class when we used one of the songs from the musical, in addition to that, we “forced” our professor to let us use a badminton rackets instead of the usual rhythmic instruments used in dancing. I was gutsy in college. 😑😑😑 It was also because of these musicals that I had more confidence in dancing any style I want.

Lastly, Rent the Musical.

First time I heard a song from Rent (other than Seasons of Love) was in high school. It was my friend Lian who let me hear the song, Light my Candle on her Discman. But it was only in my first year of college that I heard all the songs and watched the movie. This musical changed my life. “No day, but today” was my motto for more or less six years. And in those six years, I had adventures I never thought I would experience. After a few years, I seem to have forgotten this motto. I had regrets, pain and self-doubt that I lost myself. It is only recently that I began to uplift myself.. I still have those times where my emotions devour me, but I seem to manage them better now. A few weeks ago, I heard one of the songs from Rent, One Song Glory by no other than Adam Pascal. Once again, it changed me. I listened and watched snippets of the musical and felt more motivated to continue pulling myself out of the rubble of self-pity and regret. Rent the Musical Broadway Production has officially closed in 2008, but the songs still reverberate in everyone’s hearts, most specially mine.

I also like songs from different musicals but these are my top three that really made a mark in my head in in my heart.

My family and I, we are what you would call hopeless romantics. 😅😅😅 In addition to that, we are easily overcome by our emotions. Me specifically, I can be so overwhelmed by my emotions that I actually cease to function. Of course after watching and listening to these productions, I feel more motivated and refreshed, to move on and face my impending struggles.

I will try my best to live my life with content, happiness and appreciation with these songs from productions that will always inspire me. And I end my post with my favorite line from Rent, “Forget regret, or life is yours to miss. No other road, no other way, no day but today.”

feeling of haven at Miriam College

We all have that piece of haven where we feel at peace and safe, recently, for me, this haven is Miriam College. It didn't start as such though, but in the past few months, this has been my "comfort place"

For eight years, I studied in Miriam College (high school and college) and like any other student/teenager, I had my own share of drama. Despite the roller coaster of experiences while i was studying here, the high school chapel was always my sanctuary. Even after i graduated from college, i would sometimes take a day off from work just to visit the high school chapel, especially in moments of resignation and hopelessness.

I came back to my Alma mater after four years to work here as a technical assistant. Before I worked here, work-life seemed so tiring and I was always nervous about going to work because of the task I had to do. Add to that, the commute was a big hassle (Ortigas and Makati.) I was already tired by the time i arrive at my workplace. Salary wise, it felt like I was always waiting for the next paycheck. Now that I am working in Miriam College, work-life felt better. I feel more relaxed and at ease even if the work can be troublesome sometimes, at the end of the day, I am able to finish them. I don't worry about anything when I leave work as I know I can still do it the next day. I felt really at home since I started here. Of course the pay is lower than what I was receiving when I was in the corporate world, but I never felt that I was waiting for the next paycheck. Also, I already have savings, unlike when I was with the corporate world.

My God's Gift, Joy, once told me something about feeling at peace at their house (their room they are renting now) because of the altar and the prayers that seems to echo within their room. As I pondered on this, I realized, maybe, just maybe, the reason I felt at home here in Miriam College is because of the chapels (high school and college chapel), the environment (i am a nature/province girl) and the people (well educated, spiritual and very engaging conversation wise). I realized, not that I am here, I have longer prayer time and scripture reading. I am able to be more at keen to my spiritual side since I started work here. The core values being instilled in the students is the same, being an employee, maybe even stronger. I am not sure if it is just me, but being an alumnae, I feel more empowered knowing that I can also mold these students the way the school has molded and guided me with the core values.

I guess other than being a safe place, a haven can also be a place where we feel we have purpose and we know we can move and touch other lives. A haven need not simply be a place of sanctuary, but also a place of learning, growth and inspiration, not only to ones self but also to other people.

where or what is your haven my friend? :)

meet up

yesterday, my inui-senpai wanted to meet with us and talk up her current situation in life.

we all have problems as we go through life,

there are people who easily solve their problems on their own,

while there are those who reach out to others to solve their problems.

our group, is a mixture of both. (^_~)

i was glad that we had a short catch up about what we have been doing with our lives.

it was a good opportunity for us to reflect about each other and also support each other. (^_^)

add to that, rarely does my inui-senpai initiate the meet ups.

so i couldn't turn down the opportunity.

she sounded troubled though, so i believe that was another reason why i wanted to see her, talk to her.

while out, we went to this ice cream shop (couldn't remember the name of the place).

i had strawberry parfait because of three reasons.

one, it reminded me of the golden pair (tuti + nagayan) in dream live 1st. (^_~)

second, i love strawberries.

third, i wanted to know how to make parfait so i can add it to my list of desserts. (^_^)

my reasons sound legit right? (^_~)

birthday!

to everyone who greeted me today, thank you very much. (^_^)

22 years!

i am thankful for all the blessings i have received, specially the year that has passed.

the year that has passed is quite challenging, to be more specific, the med school life.

i have discovered a lot of things about myself and this has helped me build my "self".

i am very thankful for the knowledge i have received,

my med school friends who gave me guidance and protection.

they comforted me in times of great distress,

and they have witnessed my tears and my smiles. (^_^)

i am very thankful for their patience with me specially when studying.

i will always be grateful to them.

i am also thankful that i am now a member of the singles for christ community.

they have been my support during my difficult moments.

the prayers and the company has helped me feel closer to God.

they have made me realize and strengthen my spiritual faith.

this community has also become my outlet in sharing my talents and finding a part of myself that has been suppressed for some time now.

through this community, i felt that have become stronger in a lot of ways. (^_^)

to all the people in the past and in the present who have touched my life,

who have inspired me, pushed me forward and pulled me up,

i thank you from the bottom of my heart.

to God Almighty, thank you for all the blessings you have given me and thank you for the guidance.

i continue life and live it to the fullest~

(~_~)

the last day of exams

yesterday was the last day of our finals exam!!! (^_^)V

after the exams, me and my friends had drinks.

only one bottle of vodka each and some snacks. (^_^)

after that, i went to my eiji-senpai for a visit.

i later found out that she was food poisoned and sh lost 10lbs just in a few day!

i gave her a cake hoping to make her feel a little better.

unfortunately, the cake did not taste sweet enough for her because of the meds she was talking.

we simply laughed at it. (^_^)

we watched a few shows and had a chat.

when i was about to leave, she gave me a rice crispy.

i like eating this stuff. (^_^_

thanks eiji-senpai. (^_^)

i am currently trying to arrange an outing with my "seigaku" friends. (^_^)

i hope it pushed through.

and now that summer has officially started for me,

i would like to play the song "summer" by phineas and ferb. (^_^)

later everyone. (^_^)

art exhibit

my "tezuka-senpai" invited me to the 2012 Philippine-Korean Visual Arts Exchange Exhibit yesterday. (^_^)

i was very thankful and i really appreciate her invite.

the exhibit was small but the paintings themselves were definitely worth it.

some of the artists were also there.

i also so Mr. Boboy Garuvillo, a famous singer performer from the group Apo Hiking Society.

oh, by the way, the souvenir for the event were postcards of the painting at the exhibit. (^_^)

it has been a long time since i last attended an art exhibit.

i was really excited and very very happy. (^_^)

i hope i get to attend more exhibits in the future. (^_^)

thank you

minna-san~

do you remember the roses i got last valentines day?

i finally know who gave them. (^_^)

they are not from one person but from my friends! (^_^)

due to the events that made me sad that day,

they wanted to make me smile by giving me flowers and pretending they were from a secret admirer.

as my thank you to them,

i made leche flan, topped with cream and kiwi.

unfortunately, this is the only picture i could provide.

the empty container were it was stored. (^_^)

i'm really thankful for my friends!

"my social life..." -by thera-chi

"my social life, outside (med) school revolves around >insert names of "seigaku" members<"

this was from the facebook of eiji-senpai aka thera-chi (^_^)

and i agree with what she said. (^_~)

i went out with my "seigaku" today at sm north edsa.

it's nice to go out with them despite the "crazy" med life. (^_~)

by the way, this was my outfit, all from my aunty maite except the shoes, it WAS my brother's. (^_~)

untitled

dear grades.

i am speechless.

-bea

ristras

ristras is a mexican grill restaurant where i ate lunch with my friends from med school yesterday.

the burito was ordered was huge, what i mean is, each serving is good for 2-3 people. (^_^)

add to that, the quality was superb!

thanks mikey for bringing us that place. (^_^)

swimming party

last night was the christmas party of our "seigaku group" (^_^)

our event  organizer (aka momo-senpai)  decided that we go for night swimming for our christmas party.

though it was a very cold and slightly rainy night,

we managed to enjoy the occasion. (^_^)

we had the annual kris kringle and we had lots of food!

as for the swimming,

they only went for a swim once though as they were already tired.

as for me, i went twice. (^_^)

i attempted to go for the third time but it was already too cold and there were too many drunk men around the pool around that time.

i just went back to our cottage and had a talk with aion (boyfriend of momo-senpai) till 5am.

we shared the food that was left between the 6 of us (tezuka, momo, taka-san, eiji, aion and me) and left the place around 6am.

i really enjoyed it! (^_^)

unfortunately, two of our "members" were not able to attend.

my dear fuji-senpai who is now living in new jersey, america,

and oishi who was busy with work matters.

sorry no pictures again. m(_ _)m

lantern

it's the week after the long exams.

we are supposedly just taking things easy. but it seems it's the contrary.

there was a sudden need for people to do a lantern for the lantern fest that would represent our class.

it was to be made with recycled materials and we had approximately 24 hours to do it.

challenge accepted!

we worked on it for two nights and going to class in the morning and afternoon.

it was very tiring and we were so hungry.

in the end, it all payed off. (^_^)

we won second place! it was very beautiful!

paraded on the streets with colored cellophane that made it glow with different colors!

i was definitely proud of our work! (^_^)

ps. sorry, no picture. m(_ _)m

thanks friends

yesterday morning, i spent too much money for transportation to get certain things from a certain place.

i did not notice that i dd not have money for lunch anymore.

luckily i was saved by our friend mikey.

he lent me some cash so i could buy lunch.

despite the low budget (he offered 100 pesos but i only asked half),

i was able to eat mongo with rice,

one of my favorite dish.

later that afternoon,

i had a few drinks (liquor) with celine, maricia, david and another new friend of ours.

i told them in advance that i might not be able to join them as i did not have money to share for the food and the drinks.

they said that it's ok, i did not have to worry for they have my back.

i just have to bring myself and that's all.

thanks everyone. (^_^)

nutrition forum

today, our class had out nutrition forum for biochemistry.

we were given a case and we were tasked to make a recommended 3 day meal for the specific case.

there was cooking, poster making and researcher involved.

i was part of the poster making committee.

there were lots of food prepared because there were quite a number of groups.

for our group, we made pasta.

the theme for our presentation was an italian restaurant. (^_^)

pictures here!

busy

this week has been really really busy!

i thought it would only be the weekend,

but it was otherwise.

i could barely keep myself awake and blog when i got home.

this week was acads majority of the day and practices in late afternoon till late at night.

"practices" - i am referring to practicing for the diarrhea forum for our biochemistry class and practicing for the christmas party presentation for the singles for christ.

i tiring week indeed.

despite the tiredness and worries,

i felt rather good about myself.

i don't know why.

by the way,

i started to learn fencing with celine and maricia this week.

our classmate and friend david is the one teaching us in exchange for free dinner.

i hope i could continue with it.

minna-san, please support me in my endeavors. (^_~)

this week will also be very busy as the exam week is getting near.

i really have to get serious!

yosh!

thankful

i am thankful that there are people around me who are willing to listen, talk, pray, guide and support me.

amen.

today

this day was the extremes.

i was extremely happy after watching the live action of Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge.

it's been a long time since i last did such a marathon on a jdrama.

the fan inside of me was definitely awakened. (^_^)
unfortunately, the afternoon was not pleasing.

to summarize the afternoon,

i would say,

disappointing, frustrating and depressing.

that's today.

long time no see

this afternoon,

i went out with tezuka (moon) and kaido (amantha),

we were supposed to watch a spanish movie.

unfortunately, because i was not able to get the right information (it was not in the venue we went to, it was in a mall)

we ended up going to katipunan.

we shared stories about each other's lives while eating out. (^_^)

despite the sudden change in plans,

i'm still very glad i spent a great time with them. (^_^)

next on the agenda?

the annual christmas party (^_^)