Complexities of a prince\’s life…

We met at a rather inopportune time. It wasn’t on my to-do list. It wasn’t exactly part of the plan. But you really can’t plan everything. The stars know better. They knew that in time, I would find love. Or better yet, love would find us.

We’re completely different but oh-so-complimentary. You bring balance to my often fast paced, on-the-dot, toxic kind of life.

To my circle,

Thanks for all that you do. For knowing when I need you to listen and not argue (even though you think I’m exaggerating) because I needed to vent out. For saying the right words when I’m feeling down. For not giving up on us and for believing that we can get through what came before us.

I’m not perfect and I’m continuously learning along the way. And I know that you’re here beside every step of the way. I just wanted to let you know that I appreciate all the things you do for me and that I’m more than blessed to have you in my life.

So here’s trying to be out of the box once in a while. Happy 5 months and 10 days bubu!

xoxo

Your square

well, without a box of tissue by your side. =D

[spoiler alert!! please stop reading if you’re planning to watch it]

Marley & Me is probably the best movie about dogs that I’ve ever seen that’s not animated. By the end of the movie I was crying bawling like a kid. Seriously, I have never cried so much and so intense by just watching a movie. Anyone who had or has a dog(s) should definitely watch this.

The movie revolves in the lives of two married couples and their journey through marriage and building their family. All of this with the inclusion of one crazy, adorable, and as Owen Wilson’s character called, world’s worst dog, Marley.

I guess I was really affected by the movie because I could very much relate to it. I remember I was in grade school when this cute little puppy came to our house. I don’t remember if we adopted him or somebody gave him to us but what I do remember is how shy it was when I held it. It was so tiny and v. v. adorable. My younger sister named him Spike. We were both Rugrats fans back in the day.

The first few weeks, I could sense that Spike was getting used to his new environment. I used to feel so bad because I would imagine how it was to be separated to your parents and brothers and sisters. But then it just happened. Spike felt that he was part of the family. He was finally home.

I remember the days when we’d run around the house playfully and then me and my sister would jump on the couch and poor little thing, still could not jump high enough. Pretty soon, he was up there with us on the couch.

From the scratches he made on the couch, on the wooden floor, on the wooden door (when he wanted to go out), these are just small things that I remember from Spike. He would run towards the end of the block and come running back to our arms. He was just an ordinary dog for many but a special dog to our family. We loved him dearly.

As Owen Wilson’s character perfectly says it in the end of the movie, “A dog has no use for fancy cars, big homes, or designer clothes. A water log stick will do just fine. A dog doesn’t care if your rich or poor, clever or dull, smart or dumb. Give him your heart and he’ll give you his. How many people can you say that about? How many people can make you feel rare and pure and special? How many people can make you feel extraordinary?”

It’s summer time here in Los Angeles and it’s getting hotter everyday. Manila, however, has been experiencing rain these past few weeks. A good friend posted some baha (tagalog for flood) videos which made me smile and look back at memories back in the day.

Anyway, most Angelinos are trying to cool down by hitting the beach this summer. I already checked out the beach scene a couple of weeks ago and it was a treat. Cool breeze, beach volleyball, hot bodies, need I say more?

Here are some simple tips to make your summer more fun and less painful (you don’t want ‘em sunburn, eh?)

1. SPF. People, I say this all the time. But bear with me. Every visit to my dermatologist is a reminder that the sun is the number one enemy of our skin. Plus, skin cancer is a very important issue since most of the people here are into getting their tan. There’s a healthy way to do it, and yes, it includes sun block.

Also, try those moisturizers with SPF. Not only does it hydrate your skin, it also protects it from the sun’s harmful rays. You may also wear a cap/hat or use an umbrella for prolonged sun exposure.

2. Keep your body hydrated. Drink lots of water since we tend to sweat more during the summer. Especially when you’re working out or hiking, make sure that you have enough water at hand at all times.

3. It’s the time to indulge in your summer reading list. Personally, I think that everyone should have a list of the books that they want to read. This makes it easier to actually lift a book and start reading it compared to just saying in your mind that you want to read something. Post it in your room or office and make those boxes where you could place a check mark once you’ve finished reading it. Trust me, the feeling of checking off something from that list is great.

If you’re not really a bookworm, try reading at least one book during the summer. This will help you become more interested in reading more books in the future. Also, if you are able to (which is hard for most students), try reading fall textbooks in advance. It’ll work wonders come first few weeks of classes.

4. Meditate. Sounds hippy-ish right? But really, working the mind and the body is great but we also need to nourish the spirit. Either by praying or by simply quietly meditating (focusing on deep breaths), this creates a peaceful surrounding. We are then able to focus on things that need to be accomplished and think more clearly.

5. Have fun with your friends and family. For most of us, this is when we have the luxury to be more flexible with our schedules.

So yeah, enjoy the summer, relax, and be safe y’all!

As the blossom of Spring give way to the warmth of Summer, another chapter unfolds. And I feel the change in me as the sweet scent of flowers and richness of soil linger. The realization that things will be different is all but an unfamiliar feeling.

At 24, I sense that my priorities are shifting. The things that I enjoyed when I was younger don’t seem as enjoyable anymore. In the process, I’ve come to a conclusion that as another page of my so-called book of life is written, I am bound to make some necessary changes.

I’m deleting most of my online “networking” accounts within this week. I reckon, if people want to talk to me they could e-mail or call me. I will, however, keep writing online.

I want to talk to people more. I want to listen. Besides, your story and mine are intertwined in many ways than one.

I’ve never felt happier and more alive. And if that means letting go of unnecessary baggage, then by all means I will let go. I don’t want to end up like ‘em older folks who rely on petty stuff to feel better and gain acceptance.

To my friends, a much deserved “thank you!” You are the ones who understand me. I am grateful for the tremendous support you have given me. Many a times I feel I don’t say this too often but I hope that my actions prove how much I care and love y’all.

So to people who matter, let’s all have an unforgettable summer. Soak up the sun, get a fabulous tan (don’t forget the SPFs), and let the summer lovin’ begin.