HAZING TO DEATH

Another law student died due to senseless brotherhood. It's sad that those who dreamt of serving justice someday, ends up seeking for one.

Andrei Marcos, a first year law student at San Beda College was brought to DLSU Medical Center in Dasmarinas, Cavite Sunday night and was pronounced dead yesterday, Monday afternoon. It is said that the initiation happened at a farm in Cavite, which the son of the owner, Gian Veluz, happens to be a fourth year law student in San Beda.

The thing about being paddled, whether on the arms or legs, is that it limits the normal flow of the blood, which we all know affects the heart. That's why us girls would sometimes have those "pasa" during menstruation right? Or even by just being slightly hit by an object. So just imagine being strongly paddled that the lower part of your body would literally be colored violet. Yes brothers, one can die not just by seeing blood, but also by controlling its normal blood flow. I know this is not the direct aspect that I should tackle, but I just want to push to those KIDS that you are no different from those with guns and knives. Yes, you too can kill someone, even if it was just a wooden paddle. Again, to further explain the what-may-seem-to-be-an-irrelevant-topic, I would just like to BEG if you could make your initiations non fatal. TOO MUCH IS DEADLY - maybe I could explain my point with that phrase. Coz I know these fraternities won't stop, and even the process of initiation won't change. It has been like that since whoever stupid man started those kinds of brotherhood. So the least that I can do is to screw on their head how a hard hit of a paddle can lead to death, not just a week old injury... if it was not taken moderately.

I remembered a part on this year's Cinemalaya entry 'The Animals' where in the role of Patrick Sugui (being a neophyte at a HS fraternity) was asked to randomly beat up someone at an open party, and ends up beating the poor kid to death just bec.Patrick wasn't able to control himself. See? That's even worst. You get to kill someone who isn't even part of your nonsense craving for brotherhood. 

What made the Andrei Marcos news more alarming is that the same incident, on the same college, occurred just last February of this year! Marvin Reglos also died due to hazing, two suspects were arrested while the rest are yet to be found. YET? How soon is yet. I hope that the soonest those deaths due to hazing occur in a year, is the same as how they are resolved too. Unfortunately NO. Hello to the case of Lenny Villa (Ateneo) who also died from hazing, it was just this year that they made a final decision... after 21 YEARS BABY! 

I swear, two very similar incidents in 5 months, is very alarming! I will not fully attach San Beda College from this, but I feel sad for them because inevitably news like this does leave an impression to people... to parents. One great way to vindicate the San Beda College of Law is to basically make it good on producing bar exam top notchers. At the end of the day these parents would still want to send their kids to the most credible school for law. I also do believe that those studying law are at the right age to make their decisions. Yes I would still advice parents to have an open communication regarding it, but you students, c'mon IT IS YOUR DECISION AND CONSEQUENCES. This doesn't just apply to the victims of hazing, but to the suspects as well. See, instead of enjoying life as a future lawyer, you are now to wherever country your filthy parents can send you, just to hide from the justice system. 

Again, too much paddle can lead to death so be moderate with the initiation. San Beda, continue the great education you offer students, and guide them to the deeper practice of PAX (greeting of peace thought in San Beda). Those who are planning to get in a fraternity, it is your choice, but you are not a hero nor Jesus Christ to be beaten to death, wag kang feeling. And to those who actually hit the paddle, how sweet it is to finally get back at those neophyte days of yours right? It's finally your turn man! F.U.! 

I wrote an old post about hazing back in 2007, this time about Chris Anthony Mendez's (U.P.) death, and I hope I won't be writing a third one anymore. 

To end this up, I would just like to leave a simple message: love yourself and be contented with those who love and cares for you. After that, I don't think you need some sort of initiation rights to prove you are worthy. HE already sacrificed Himself for us because we are wonderful as it is, you don't need to sacrifice yours anymore.

RAIN DOWN ON ME

Sudden wet look / wavy hair. Thanks for being soaked in the rain :) #rain #hair (Taken with Instagram)

the talk. #coffee #tea #mug #awkward #south (Taken with Instagram)

palakihan ng braso night :/ (Taken with Instagram)

So despite the heavy rain, I think I still managed to fulfill all duties for the week. But of course since mr.rainy days just keep on showing on your doorstep, it was really a hassle on leaving the house for work, for leisure, or for whatever activity you have for the day. Admittedly, being offered for a ride home, or even being fetched from home, has been a life saver for me. Thank you for those concerned.

Rainy days are also moments of emotional nostalgia. Like when you look at the window and see the raindrops, you suddenly remember precious memories while Boyz2men plays on the background. Very MTV eh? Good thing as I grew up, rainy days didn't became a season to be sad anymore. I just became oblivious with that fact. 

Beer weather / The weather is inviting. Yeah, you know that feeling! Like shivering makes you just wanna gulp a glass of beer! I prefer hard though, the weather's cold and the alcohol's warm, aaaahhhh, perfect! Not to mention lighting a cigar while succumbing to the night's coldness, whew, perfect again! Best time to say the word "Chill!".

Lustly, I mean, lastly, rainy days makes you feel like you just wanna hug somebody. Or more appropriate would be, to cuddle with someone. Honestly, I can't remember associating that feeling with the rain though. But it applies to many of you I'm sure. Though I do find it romantic being inside those car windows fogging up due to the weather's humidity. That's just about it I guess. Don't get me wrong though, I love kisses in the rain, but getting wet and all, hmm... okay, I'm maarte like that :)

Rain, storm, typhoon, they're not done sabotaging us yet so prepare yourselves! Also, if you think you cannot continue your day plan because of mr.rain, not true. If there's one thing I learned last week, that is to not let the rain get in my way. Ugh, I attended the Thursday mass at St.Jude after work even if I'm aware with the rain's possible fall. True enough, it rained hard, but I don't care coz I felt like it was even a little sacrifice for the Lord! Another incident was when I met up a friend at Eastwood and have to cross the bridge at Citibank. Ow my friggin' world, it was my first time to be walking on the overpass with the very very hard rain, and whoala, strong wind as well! I was literally talking to myself as I manage to control my body from being carried by the wind. I'm on a bridge hello, that was scary! I didn't let the rain control me and managed to fight with it instead. Got a box of cupcakes and a big hug (ow hugs and rain again?) upon reaching eastwood, lovely ending. Revengeful as mr.rain is, he did gave me minor fever, flu, and never ending cough. Hmph! 

How about you, can you stand the rain?

QUIRKYNESS

RIGHT: Me wearing a yellow and green tassel &feather necklace.
UPPER LEFT: Recently purchased fabric accessories.
MIDDLE LEFT: Purple tassel necklace.
LOWER LEFT: Previous purchase of tassel and connector accessories.

All from Quirkypedia! Yay colorful :)

Quirkypedia is created by one of your favorite fashion blogger Khai Nunag.


I have been a fan of this online store for a couple of years already, and it never failed me! They constantly change themes and styles, from cross to ribbons, from connector bracelets to multiple-way accessories, from feathers and tassels, from detachable collars to turbans, and from fabric accessories and stacked bracelets / arm candies. 

I got to know Quirkypedia because of their connector bracelets and multiple-way necklaces, which happens to be my fave too. I was curious on how those things work, and became a fan after that. 
Connector ring-bracelets are bracelets with connectors to your fingers to serve as rings. 


Multiple-way necklaces are necklaces of different purposes! Yup, it can be styled into a bracelet, to another style of necklace, to a hippie band, or connector ring. This one in particular is one of their Infinity necklaces, which can be worn in SO MANY WAYS... creativity is limitless!

What I really like about the two styles is that you are not just paying for a single item, coz it's more than your usual bracelets and necklaces!

Another thing that made me love this shop, is its colors! Yeah I love colored accessories, just too eye candy to resist. Check their many uber cute vibrant and pastel colored designs!

Derived from the word quirky (meaning odd, peculiar, unique), Quirkypedia does offer some unconventional accessories that may strike others. I remember getting certain comments from my workmates whenever I wear some of its quirky stuff. The earrings-necklace accessory got the most weird stares, haha. Imagine a necklace with feather earring on each end, so instead of locking it around your neck, you just hook it on both ears and tada... a necklace and earrings in one! My workmates thought it was a gold headset haha! 

They also have an increasing number of celebrity customers: Laureen Uy, Julia Montes, Yeng Constantino, and Cristine Reyes, to name a few.

Do check their affiliate store for clothes too: Quaint Culture! 


So, would you like to be part of one of today's quirky trends on fashion accessories? Browse Quirkypedia and grab yours now!  

MAN VS. FOOD AT TAFT

MAN VS. FOOD AT ZARK’S BURGERS! (photo from zark’s burgers page)


Since I am a burger lover… i would definitely give this one a try. This won’t be complete without the company of a heavy eater of course. We would both definitely take the challenge of the Jawbreaker! GAME ON TAFT! :D


I chose to make a less detailed / short write-up about it coz i'm reserving a post after trying it myself :)

A SWEET BYE NORA EPHRON

Today, we are saddened by Nora Ephron's death from a 6-year battle on Leukemia. I personally admire her because she's a novelist, journalist, blogger, screenwriter... and to top it all, an Oscar nominated filmmaker! She just owned all my aspirations! 

The books on the picture are my mom's, and they're just some of Nora Ephron's other numerous accomplishments. I am not gonna shove to anyone's face that I liked her for I also like her books, coz I don't. I never read her books. But I like Nora Ephron because she wrote and directed some of the heart touching movies I've seen: You've Got Mail, Sleepless in Seattle, Bewitched, and Julie&Julia, while she wrote When Harry Met Sally. I can't believe I have seen and liked most of her films. When Harry Met Sally, 1989, is one of my all time fave film! Her works are just too personal to the heart, whether it's about love, magic, or food, it will all swoon you with a hundred "Aaaaw". 

You are one of the testament that being a writer is flexible as it is. Whether on a book, a blog, or a film, writing changes people, touches the innermost oblivious struggle of the soul, and brings joy to whoever understands its purpose. 

May you rest in peace Ms. Nora Ephron, thank you for the ever charming films we would always fall in love with.



Photo taken with Instagram (follow me - faorani) : SHAMELESS PLUG HAHA!

WEEKEND SMILE

Sudden tagaytay trip from a new found ideal ride (i love SUVs).

Singing ‘We Found Love’ (Rihanna) and ‘Gettin Over You’ (D. Guetta) on the way.

Embracing the cold temperature while drinking cocktail shots.

Visited the ever darling stars and just enjoyed the over looking by pondering on the things that transpired and feeling blessed for the present.

Reached manila 4 hours after.

To complete the weekend: On the next night, gave bouncers a ride (they came from a club and about to transfer to another one) and pretended to be associated with them to get in the place for free… then made some ninja moves to the dj’s booth to give a demo! It was, yet again, a very spontaneous night. Driving, dancing, “acting”, hai, I still choose the ‘chill’ weekends. Haha!

I don’t do clubbing anymore. I love to dance but I don’t like strangers bumping and grinding with me!

But still, both days are a-ok! I couldn’t have done this months ago. I missed having fun without having to worry about someone being mad at me for the activities I’m engaged to.


Weekdays will be quite busy again. So, till the next weekend love :)

THANKS MIAMI HEAT - HELLO NCAA

Currently smelling my 'hard earned' two thousand pesos.. Thanks MIAMI for making me win this conference's bet, after 3 years of losing hehe. Not a serious fan of nba, but works for me anyway haha! Next bet, ncaa bball '12 :)

I can say that I am somewhat a basketball fanatic... before. I lost the interest when I started being busy over school and then eventually at work. But UAAP and NCAA's intense spark still manages to tickle me once in a while. I prefer to use the word tickle as their players do play a big part of that interest, lol! I can still remember a very teenybopper post back in 2005: this! I enjoy watching basketball games live, the drumbeats' wild, and the people are crazy! Watching basketball to cheer your significant someone is my favorite, the way you would silently cheer and hope he gets those 3 points, and would loudly shout his name once he does <3

And going back to NCAA, hate to admit it but it looks like I'll be rooting for San Beda Red Lions this season, though I am a forever Letran Knights fan. But since Letran's the host for this year, and San Beda only has 6 players to start, maybe the Knights can bring their way back to the finals. Yes, I choose to disregard San Sebastian Stags as the possible contender. I don't like them. Period! I miss cheering for Mapua Cardinals, gone are the times of kelvin dela pena. Luckily my two fave team in NCAA, SBC Red Lions and CSJL Knights, remain to be two of the popular among the 10 teams. They were also dubbed as the ateneo-la salle of uaap. Being the two schools of good winning stats and rich ncaa history. Again, let's all be oblivious with SSC Stags alright? I saw Calvin Abueva in person, from last year's finals, and that gave me more reason not to like the team, lol peace :) I am curious with the newer teams from: EAC, Arellano & Lyceum, will they be just another ncaa basketball team or will they surpass the glory days of Beda, Baste, and Letran? I highly doubt it, but who knows. 

The NCAA would be covered by TV5's sports channel AKTV on IBC 13 starting this season. I have to get used to it after their decade-old partnership with Studio 23. Today's the start of the ncaa basketball games with Letran vs. San Sebastian at 5pm and JRU vs. Mapua at 7pm. Tomorrow, Beda with only 6 players, would go against Arellano at 2pm, GO BEDA FIGHT!

HAPPY PAPA'S DAY

happy father's day to one of the country's pillar of media broadcasting. It used to be my dream to achieve at least half of what he attained, but with the rate i'm going, I think I need to trace a gradual, rather steep, path hehe. And I know he'll still be proud of me even if I don't venture the same field... same way as how proud I am to be his daughter!

Writing about my dad reminded me of a past friend. He was the latest person I talked to about him, I rarely talk about my dad to other people actually. Anyway, one of his last message to me is to continue striving to be like, or greater, than my dad - an insincere message by the way. Considering those conversations we had about career, I realized that maybe I can try to open up to my dad directly, right? More like 'take it from the expert's' perspective. No pressure, well hopefully. I hope all parents can be like that, coz trust me, it's really hard to follow a great footstep! 

Papa's quite old already, and i think it's about time to brag about him naman kahet pano, he deserves it! So I want to introduce him to today's generation of comm.students -> http://www.asianjournal.com/aj-magazine/midweek-mgzn/4196-one-of-philippine-radios-superstars-ben-aniceto-qthe-golden-voiceq.html :)

PS: The last line on his email touched me. I hope so too pa! Wait for my wedding day! I love you <3

HARD RAIN

cuervo, bacardi and sanmig night. took advantage on the bacardi since the other two mentioned would just make me sick. Only had few shots of tequila and a half bottle of sanmig. I prefer hard liquor mixes than that. 

Went around kowloon house after, and ended up having my good old fave... KEBAB! VERY perfect way to end a very splendid night. like a boss! 

Had minor headaches after eating though, but so what, I didn't get drunk! I constantly check my alcohol intake when I am not with someone I am secured with, mindless if you can drive me home... coz you won't get to drive me home mister. 

Anyway, just posted something random before sleeping... and it's raining again! Perfect time to hug my big pillows :) I just find it ironic that rainy days, esp.rainy nights, make me smile. I love this weather... and with drinks on the side? why not! ;)

PS: HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY PINOYS! 

SUDDEN EYELASH EXTENSIONS

Eyelash extensions by i-lash salon!

The process took me 2 hours while 3 of my other friends took it for 3 hours. It's probably because my eyelashes are quite long already hence the little effort. 88 strands of eyelash EACH EYE were glued. We all chose the Fine eyelash, the other 2 options are Natural (which isn't that obvious) and the Full option which is, well, too obvious! Each strand costs 5 pesos and 50 cents, and with 88 strands for each eye, that would cost you... do the math!

But it's all worth it, especially if you're the type who often put mascara and eyeliner, since these eyelash extensions can be an instant eye makeup already. I am just more careful when washing my face, rubbing my eye, taking off my shirt, etc, to secure the extensions. Tiis ganda!:)

I-lash salon's Ms. Denise Aquino is more famous with her beautiful hair extensions available at Tokyo Posh. I-lash Salon will soon open at Eastwood City, so for those around the area, better practice those beautiful eyes already ;)

SUNKEN

(written last april 5 - 2:30am)

I am not used to this anymore. Writing while listening to a good song, and basically just trying to put into words certain emotions. Just came from a short beach trip, and went back feeling like this. THIS. What exactly is ‘this’?

Accidentally discovered this old song from Usher entitled ‘Foolin’ Around’, and unsurprisingly fell in love with it right away. I am forever an Usher fan! As I played the song for the 2^nd time, I suddenly felt teardrops running down my face. Maybe it’s the melody, the lyrics, or maybe it’s just me and my current mood. Have you ever felt that feeling of doubting your own capacity to trust someone? I mean, gauging yourself if you trust too much or you’re just too protective of yourself to even allow someone to be part of your life? Parcel of moments flashes back at me and realized that, to a certain degree, I kinda lost some people in my life because of this so-called trust. Lost time with, lost stories with, and yeah, lost trust with as well.

I changed, I felt I did inch by inch. But I am convinced that this is for the better. Not for the best I know, but the better. Maybe there are really some things that are meant to be experienced alone, it’s not because you chose not to need those people around you, it’s just that some stories are better left unsaid. Don’t ask me though, if everything’s worth it. I honestly can’t tell. All I know is that it will always be our decision to trust someone, and most often than not, it’s up to them to take good care of it. Close minded to some, naïve to others, that’s fine. The worst part is questioning yourself already - which I believe I unintentionally asked on the first part of this post. I don’t know, I am just utterly fixated with how and where I am now. Seems so vague I know, but this is just how I can fully explain it through writing.

This is not a case of read between the lines, this is not an avenue for assumptions. This is my heart speaking and wanting to release even just a little percent of it on this platform which I hardly use already due to the fact that being private is not an invited word to the party of social media community. But spare me, the sacrifices are overwhelming. Just please, seriously please, stand by me despite its meek shadow. That even on the anonymity of it all, you would still love to see me smile. That even on my silence, I will still deserve respect.

Time and trust. The longer you trust someone, the deeper you are sunken to its every essence. Now, I guess it’s too late to even gauge it. I am down there already, below that deep carving of conviction. Believe in the goodness of people. I am off to start a new chapter in my life soon, there will be new people to meet, new friends to share laughter with, new playing field, new characters to trust… but this time, with tears falling on agreement, I won’t let myself to be too nice anymore, to be sympathetic, to be submissive. Like what I have said: spare me, the sacrifices are overwhelming. 

BEC.I DIDN'T EXPERIENCE SENIOR'S NIGHT

Became my niece / inaanak's stylist , hair, and make-up artist for her senior's night :)  


Our batch in HS is the only batch w/o a gradball or senior's night bec.we were said to be the worst batch DAW. We also don't have a gradpic and yearbook, hmph. hehe. So I was so excited for Dana's time to enjoy her last partey in HS!


She's so tall, like 5'7 already? And she's only 16 this year. She'll be taking up Tourism in UST... course for tall girls anyway,hehe.


After being her fairy godmother, I went to St.Jude, then met with a friend to grab some milk tea, and then fetched her up before midnight. I am such a good ate.. haha :)

                                     

PS: temporary grad gift ko muna yan, while buma-bum pa si ate ;)