Day 30 - A photo of you when you were happy

I laughed when I saw the Day 30 dictate. I loved that whoever wrote it assumes that I was happy before, but not anymore (“when you WERE happy”).

Though I have to say, maybe that person was right after all. As I’ve noticed, whatever little joy/passion I have gets depleted as the years go by. In searching for a photo, I only had to go through my albums prior to year 2008, where I could surely find an image of myself when I WAS happy. Because, generally, things got interesting after year 2007.

But I wasn’t exactly joyful in this picture taken on November 19, 2007. As a matter of fact, I was both stressed and sleepless here. However, the picture depicts a lot about the time this photo was taken: the red polo shirt, the Sony Ericsson K750i, the name tag, the look on my face. They were all a thing of the past — fragments of a former, peaceful self.

I gave a damn; there wasa point. I gave a damn because there was a point.

In the years since, everything that’s happened could be summed up in this Sarah McLachlan lyric:

Funny, how it seems that all I’ve tried to do
Seemed to make no difference (to you) at all

— The Path of Thorns

Okay, I didn’t mean for the last entry in this series to reek of this much negativity. How about this, I’m still trying to find contentment, because I think contentment is THE bedrock of everything else — happiness, passion, fulfillment, etc. Though I think it’s bound to be a lifelong process at the rate I’m going haha!

Personally, I think the expression no regrets is a defense mechanism. It’s a way to justify our mistakes and failures as having paved the way for good change, if not a major learning experience. And it’s okay, because we’re only human. We need that reminder that we are the terrific product of having weathered storms and having gone through thunder. That being said, I think I’m more cautious and less idealistic more realistic now, thanks to the last interesting three years. I’ve also learned to set my priorities straight because, the long and short of it is, some things are worth it and some things just aren’t. I guess the way to courting contentment is by finding balance first.

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This entry a part of the 30 Day Picture Challenge

Day 29 - A photo of someone you find attractive

PERFECTION.

If you know me well enough, then you know I’m all sorts of crazy about Anne Hathaway. Not only do I find her incredibly attractive but I also think she’s the most beautiful girl in the world. (Oooh that’s a big statement!)

Of course a lot of people will contest that because beauty is subjective. Personally, what I find “beautiful” is the conventionally pretty Caucasian brunette. I don’t think that’s ever changed — since I was a kid I’ve always gravitated toward the Veronica Lodge slash Vivienne Scarlett archetype. Y’know, the dark, cunning, cold, foxy female of the species. (Wasn’t really ever a fan of Veronica’s counterpart, Betty Cooper haha!) I don’t necessarily think Anne Hathaway is Veronica Lodge personified but I think the actress would be a perfect fit for her character were an Archie’s Pals and Gals movie recreated for the times.

Clearly, Anne Hathaway’s good looks were made for Hollywood but what I also find attractive about her (at least from what I’ve seen in her interviews) is that she doesn’t take herself too seriously. I don’t think she’s quite there yet as far as stellar acting is concerned, but she’s proven to be quite a versatile actress. (Unlike someone else who always gets cast as a bride-to-be haha!) Plus, Anne just comes across as a genuine person, and that’s always a beautiful thing. 

Photo swiped from freecelebritypics.net!

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This entry a part of the 30 Day Picture Challenge

Day 28 - A photo of what you ate today

On Day 28 (June 28th) I woke up earlier than usual, had a quick continental breakfast (which I didn’t bother to photograph) and headed to Astoria Plaza, Pasig City to attend a roundtable discussion. I wish I’d fixed myself a heavier breakfast because I didn’t know my next meal would be at 1pm!

Thank god the buffet was pescetarian-friendly. I had two side salads (cabbage roulade, the other one I honestly don’t remember) and a serving of fish fillet teriyaki — everything was so good. (Or maybe I was just famished.) Again, I forgot to take a picture of my meal!

We experienced car trouble on the way home so the ride was a little stressful. When I got home I didn’t have the energy to fix myself a proper dinner so I just whipped up a fast meal: hickory-smoked vegan burger with a side of curried pinto beans. It doesn’t look too appetizing in the picture (probably because of the lighting and camera used) but for a quick meal, it was pretty decent — and filling — enough. 

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This entry a part of the 30 Day Picture Challenge

Day 27 - A photo of last summer

Sigh, it pains me a little to have to type in “last” summer. (It really is over.) Anyway, let me tell you about the uncanniest thing that’s ever happened to my life.

I went on a solitary Cebu-Bohol trip during the week of my birthday. Since childhood I’ve always wanted to go to Cebu, mainly to see Magellan’s Cross and the Mactan Shrine. Now, Magellan’s Cross is pretty easy to access, especially if you’re staying in Cebu City, but the Mactan Shrine is a whole other story.

From Cebu City, it took me two hours and two rides to get to what seemed like this remote (but idyllic) part of Cebu. It was a beautiful afternoon and there were only a few people in the park (compared with the crowded Magellan’s Cross earlier that day) so I was able to leisurely survey the area and absorb the history of the park (hehe). I was about to head home when I heard somebody call my name. Lo and behold, it was one of my best friends, Olga Bandoy! I was flabbergasted.

It took maybe ten minutes for the shock to wear off. We both live in Los Baños, Laguna, but we rarely ever see or run into each other in town. So we laughed at how our paths would unexpectedly meet in Mactan, Cebu — of all places. She was on vacation in Marigondon, I was staying in Cebu City. We just so happened to visit the Mactan Shrine that afternoon.

What are the odds!

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This entry a part of the 30 Day Picture Challenge

Day 26 - A photo of your favorite weekend

Bali, Indonesia, May 30, 2009

I had the pleasure of visiting Bali for three nights and four days but I wasn’t able to sightsee at my own pace and on my own terms. I just tagged along to wherever the group decided to go so, unfortunately, I wasn’t able to tour the place on foot nor experience public commute, which I think are essential aspects in getting the feel of a place.

One of the highlights of my short stay was exploring Garuda Wisnu Kencana Park and the Uluwatu Hill (as photographed). The limestone cliffs of Uluwatu overlooking the Indian Ocean were a sight to behold at sunset. There are no words to describe how gorgeous the scenery was. I remember staring out into the ocean and taking it all in because I knew that a week later I would be back in graduate school attending two classes I’d fearfully put off for three semesters.

After taking this picture, we made our way to the Uluwatu Temple where we were treated to a live performance of The Kecak Dance, which is based on the Ramayana. It was an incredible show and I was so relieved that I was not chosen to take part in the performance hahaha! You see, the cast members (during various acts) would pull out audience members from their seats to dance along with them!

Overall, it was definitely a weekend well-spent. I was not exactly in good spirits during this particular Indonesian sojourn but this weekend in Bali was the nice little distraction that I needed. I’m definitely coming back.

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This entry a part of the 30 Day Picture Challenge