Written Words

Thoughts put into words. Words put into paper.

Minutes ago, I was far from busy about this thing because I only wanted to find a “recyclable” current 1x1 photo for a paper requirement for Theology. However, my eyes caught something else: a glass box. A glass box full of letters which I thought to be already covered in dust since these can be traced back as far as when I was still in my 5th year in elementary school.
Most of it were retreat/recollection letters or better yet, “palancas” as we called these. This kind of letters is made to honestly speak out our minds about someone’s attitudes, positive or not —— it’s your choice on how to say it.

Retreat letters these were, the good old days where I spent the nights cramming just to give my classmates, even those who I wasn’t close with, a piece of my mind about what they should change about themselves or improve in any aspect.

Digging deeper in this box, I found more heartfelt messages, those that were unexpected ones given by your best-est friends… or even those who weren’t! Messages that I know were from their hearts: wishing me the best for a quiz, staying with me through the hardest times of my life, greeting me a good morning or even just a random “you’re my #1 fan!” joke…. those little things. It was also very touching, though, that these friends also put in effort by choosing a paper colored with my favorite color, orange.

In this box contains more than a lot than from what I remember what it contains or haven’t I noticed until now? A random drawing from my 6-year old cousin, a silly lollipop wrapper which I first bought in Starbucks, my then nerve-wracking schedule in high school and a letter about a petty fight among other things.

Looking back, a lot of things have happened during those years wherein I still managed to sleep 8 hours. I achieved a good friendship with people who, I’m more than glad to say, I’m still close with or, at the very least, I can still talk to about random things.

In these letters have I realized that it isn’t how creative or cute the paper used are, or if you used a very special stationary. It’s the things that touch people which is more important, the things that come from our hearts.

Towards the light

 

What it might seemed like only a day to watch Filane’s show for Teen Ambassadors of the Earth 2011 became an unexpected “photoshoot” for the three of us, Melissa, Filane and I. Melissa being the photographer, Filane being the model (as always) and I… a “model-modelan.”

As for the show itself, Mel and I became Filane’s back-up dancers because she danced our never-ending favorite Rainbow song, “A.” Too bad we weren’t able to capture any video of it since we were on a rush to get the music ready for the performance itself.

Filane and I in the backstage area

 

The next photos were taken at the back area of Burger King in Marikina. Thanks to the people who provided us dinner! :D

Yayyy, Technicolor power! ♥♥♥

All pictures © Melissa Mercado 2011

Dear Mom

My mother, the source of my being and the only female I could possibly talk to about everything. The person who was always there despite me being hard-headed, low-tempered and cranky most of the time, the one who’s mostly caught up with my teenage mood swings and inattention.

I know I may never have had the chance to say those three words for some reason I can never explain until now but thank you so much for everything! From the hard labor you had to experience back to when I was born to the disappointment that I wasn’t a Merit Card Awardee in high school anymore and to the near failing GWA I’ve had my first year of college. I know I may not have been the best daughter that I should be, I knowing that I’m slightly a spoiled child. These words are probably the last things I want to say because I’m too afraid of letting my actual feelings show.

I want you to know that everything I’m doing now… striving so hard to have high grades and exerting effort to change my negative side are all for the family and please never feel that you’re “always the last one” to know. You’ll always be the first not because it’s obligatory to do so but for the reason that I want to and everything is from my heart. I feel so blessed to finally have a mother who’s always been there, patiently waiting for me to grow up and realize my mistakes.

You’ll always be the woman I will call “Mama.” One and only.

Happy Mother’s Day, Mama!

And to all mothers out there, here’s a song for you. Happy Mothers’ Day, as well :)

Last piece of that Saturday

I’m still probably hungover this period in my life but, oh well. Might as well leave it hanging first for school.

2AM on a hot, sunny day

Anything you will read here would possibly be the fan account that you’re looking for or the story that will make your heart flutter.

Two months prior to this event, I didn’t have any intention to go nor do I have in my thoughts to spend any amount just to see them. 2AM, how do I even describe the fandom, if there is any, that I have for them? At first, I was only, more or less, interested in their nice vocals. I was more of a 2PM fan because they’re all funny. 2AM? Who are they? Quite frankly, they have lesser shows than the latter, they only focused on singing ballad songs. However, as the time went on since their debut, all of them have showcased their abilities. Take Jokwon for an example. Who would ever think that this hardcore abs guy (well, male artists from JYPE have abs but whatever XD) can do a ssanti dance? (“Ssanti” dance can be thought of a “cheap dance”). Anyway, I'm not here to actually debate on how these guys have abs and nice vocals but I will share how their showcase have leveled-up my love for them.

*back to the past two months*

“Woah! Pupunta 2AM dito? Bigatin magpapapunta dito nun ah!” Yes, that was my first reaction but that was it. So, the two months have fast passed.. I got bitter for not being able to watch the Script, I’ve cried over my Computing project, blahblahblah. I was even busy sending the company who’s presenting them here details about Daily KPop News’ intention of covering the event but to no avail but that wasn’t actually the main “drama,” if you’re looking for any, here.

The sun was up already when I woke up, worried that my mother wouldn’t allow me to go to Eastwood as early as 11AM to avail of the CDs to even catch a glimpse to 2AM. I’m telling you, me being a fan of KPop is very much “not” costly because I always want to watch every idol who goes here in our country though I’m not a fan of them. (Echusera, kumbaga) Anyway, I’ve already thought of cleaning the house to catch the good vibes I needed for that day and at the same time, help my mother. Fortunately, she agreed! The only thing which obstructed me from getting to the venue earlier was the heavy traffic in Libis. When I arrived there to buy my supposedly P650 of a CD, I bought the VIP thing instead. It was worth it, though. Their 3CDs, a poster and a shirt! However, I really thought I wouldn’t be able to see them up-close because there were no IDs left, my friend said, but! Much to my surprise, the people there at the counter released a final set of 10 VIP IDs. It was destiny. (LOL) We waited for the gates to open from 12NN to 3:30PM with, yes, feet hurting from stupidly choosing to stand up for three hours. During that span of hot, feet-trembling time, some fans started shouting like crazy and then that adrenaline rush came over me and imagine me shouting with them. It was crazy. 2AM ARRIVED EARLY! Around 2:30 plus, I saw my tan, Korean-looking crush. (Echusera.) Not to mention, naka-shades pa kaso naka-backpack. Back to 2AM, they had their technical rehearsal just hours before but a tarpaulin covering them. They sang parts of “I Did Wrong.”

The “chosen hour” has arrived *trumpets sounding* We wanted good seats but were so disappointed not to have them. We still waited for a couple of minutes though. First up the stage were Krissy and Ericka who sang the same set of the song, according to my friend, they sang the day before that at the The Venice Piazza in McKinley Hill. Nonetheless, although the two were singing onstage, I sensed more of the anticipation of the crowd to see 2AM in their Grand Showcase. And finally, they were introduced onstage! Upon hearing their names, I ran to the front without second thoughts. Why? I don’t know if it’s either excitement or just my adrenaline rush again. Anyhow, their entrance was great and full of emotions, not the usual “annyeong haseyo, *insert group name here* imnida!” They sang “I Won’t Let You Go” first. They were the most mesmerizing group I’ve ever watched… well, take aside Super Junior XD Then there was Jinwoon who suddenly turned to our side and smiled. Attention, everyone just melted.

Jo Kwon

Jinwoon and Jokwon

Changmin

They performed four more songs after that. I was dumbfounded at their performances and how they were all ~*gwapo*~. Here’s their cute random solo intermission number started by Jokwon with his infamous ssanti dance. After him, the crowd just started to cheer Jinwoon, Changmin and Seulong, respectively, to dance theirs!

A sweet surprise was also held for Changmin and Jinwoon’s birthday on last May 1 and 2, respectively! Such a sweet thing to do for them! And there was also a cake! In return, the boys sang an English song. Best harmonization ever. One of…

Im Seulong

Jinwoon, Jokwon, Changmin and Seulong with their translator

Jung Jinwoon :”>

That should be it for now. Hello, energy vampire!

1..2..2AM! (Teaser)

Just like with what I have done with my Facebook wall which I flooded with some pictures of today’s event…. *drum roll please* 2AM’s Grand Showcase in Eastwood! I’ll just tease for just now, though, for the reason that 1) I have to sleep already, time check is 1:04AM and 2) I’m dead tired.

Book overload.

 

When I went upstairs to get the book I’m reading, “The Wildfire Season” by Andrew Pyper (which, btw, I bought for only P50 because of this sale at National Book Store!), I randomly remembered those books I’ve always intended to finish but never had the chance to. These books have been in my so-called book library since forever. I vividly remember being able to touch them since… last summer! It’s even been almost a year. “The Winner Stands Alone” should be already in the books-already-read list.

Anyway, if I may add, I chose the Pyper’s book out of all the books present at the sale last week because it’s got some catchy feeling on the title cover. Not all books talk about wildfires! So might as well try.

Meanwhile, as I was enjoying my spare time with Tumblr after a long time, this post from Crae of followandreblog caught my attention from my present activity of watching Leighton Meester’s movie, “The Roommate.” Might as well share it with everyone:

Seven deadly sins — seven lively Asian cities. We all stray off the path of righteousness from time to time.

So if you’re going to end up in hell due to a temptation to eat more than your fair share of stinky tofu, take a detour to Taipei first. Or if pride’s your vice, take a turn toward Manila.

These Asian cities take a sin and turn it into a raison d’être. 

 

1. Gluttony: Taipei, Taiwan

Cheap eats, everywhere, day or night. 

Taipei sports 18 streets dedicated to nothing other than food. Where you might usually expect a bus shelter, instead you’ll find a barbecue. Sidewalks become snack stalls. The pungent smell of stinky tofu fills the air. 

Night markets in Taipei have become famous for their snack selections, or xiaochi, literally meaning “small eats.” 

The dishes may be little, but so are the prices, running around US$1-2 dollars. A fat gut never came so easily. 

 

2. Sloth: Seoul, South Korea

Seoul’s Internet has been honed, sculpted, streamlined and sped up to such a degree that no one really needs to move, at all, ever, except maybe when the orc hordes descend in “World of Warcraft” and some rapid double-clicking is required.

South Korea has been ranked the 15th laziest country in the world (and the first in Asia) by The Daily Beast. And there’s every reason to assume they’ll get even lazier. 

A recently proposed government policy seeks to advance digital technology in the capital, partly influenced by demand for online gaming and streaming video, and will take Internet speeds to 1,000 Mbps by 2012. 

So if some of the 39 million connected South Koreans wanted to emulate their favourite national soccer heroes, they may as well just do it via “FIFA Manager.”

 

3. Pride: Manila, Philippines

Much is made about the loveliness of the Filipino female. But you wouldn’t know it by talking to the Filipino men — they’re too busy gazing lustfully into the mirror.

According to a study from Synovate, Filipino men are the most narcissistic in Asia. A whopping 48 percent consider themselves sexually attractive.

And if the ladies reading this think the guys’ encounters with the brow tweazers are for your benefit, sorry — nine out of 10 Filipino men polled said they liked to look good for themselves, not anyone else.  

By way of comparison, just 25 percent of men in Singapore considered themselves sexually attractive, 17 percent in China and Taiwan and a measly 12 percent of Hong Kong guys think the same. 

 

4. Greed: Shenzhen, China

The financial crisis is for suckers.

When everyone else was tightening the belts, Shenzhen carried on regardless, pumping out billions of dollars worth of high-tech products.

Shenzhen is one of the fastest growing cities in the world, with a provincial GDP of US$42 billion — that’s more than some countries such as Guatemala and Lebanon, and four times more than Iceland. 

Meanwhile, China’s millionaires keep millionairing — it won’t be long before there are 1 million U.S. dollar millionaires in the country, guided by Shenzhen’s philosophy: if you can’t make a million, make a billion.

 

5. Lust: Tokyo, Japan

According to “Pink Box” author Joan Sinclair, “Japan offers absolutely everything imaginable.”

From gratuitous puke porn (and worse) to the barely titillating maid cafes, Tokyo is like a dirty old man in a teenager’s body. But one who celebrates his lewd desires with the gusto of an exhibitionist poodle on heat.

Head here to indulge your fetishes or simply to have yourself bathed by a pretty young thing in a uniform. 

 

6. Envy: New Delhi, India

More Indians emigrated in 2010 than any other nationality in the world except for Mexicans, according to the World Bank’s Migration and Remittances Factbook 2011. 

Some 11.4 million Indians headed elsewhere to find a better life, drawn by the lure of things done properly. 

India, and its capital New Delhi, has the world’s worst case of grass-is-greener syndrome.

 

7. Wrath: Pyongyang, North Korea

Pugnacious, belligerent, quarrelsome … the North Korean capital is the moody adolescent of the continent. But unlike most spotty delinquents who express their angry insecurities by piercing body parts or coloring their hair, this one sinks ships and shells islands. 

North Korea’s national sport is Taekwondo. If there’s a food shortage, the military get served first. Propaganda films talk of the “invincible power” of the North Korean army and posters in the capital state, “The way to peace is on the point of a bayonet.”

Its army comprises nearly 1 million troops, out of a nation of 24 million. 

Still, the Dear Leader Kim Jong Il does claim to have made the world’s best ever golf score— an astonishing 38 under par on a regulation 18-hole course incuding five holes-in-one. And that on his first ever attempt, too.

Perhaps he’s not so bad.

Are we in.. or out?