I listed some of the things that I learned from 2018.

1. SLEEP
In 2018, I learned the importance of sleep and how it affects the brain as well as the overall immune system. Even though I am used to staying up late, I tried taking several naps throughout the day to refresh my brain as well as my mood. Doing this trick, I found that I was more energetic and active and that I was able to think faster than usual. It was also the end of this year when I am slowly keeping myself out of coffee, and switching to drinking tea instead. I know that coffee is a big factor of disrupting one's sleeping schedule. Health is Wealth ;)

2. GROWTH
I had so much academic struggles on the second half of 2018. There were failures that I can look back on, and that I could use each obstacle that I experienced as a stepping stone to grow.

3. TOXIC CULTURE
The term "Toxic" was coined all over social media this year. This is where you drop people who are toxic and problematic to you. These are the people who did nothing, but gossip on other people, be envious of other people's success, and drag people down. Stay away from them to avoid negativity in your life.

4. FANDOM's LOVE
I did not know that being a part of a fandom can truly help you emotionally through life's up and downs. I was not aware that it can be---- really become a support system for me. Thank you for keeping me going. With our idols, I did not forget to work hard and used it as an inspiration to reach my dreams. To be honest, this idol=fandom thing was a big part of my 2018. I am very thankful to have them.

5. MONEY = LIFE
I am going to make this short. No matter what happen, please do not let money control you. Enjoy life.

6. GENUINE HAPPINESS
This year, I felt that I was pretending to be happy at times because I have to. You just gotta change yourself into a brighter mood, but in reality you do not really feel that way. Of course, 2018 was a happy year for me. This 2019, I hope that we would all be happy, genuinely.

7. A GREAT LISTENER
When a person is having problems, make sure that you are always there to listen and give opinions to.  Being beside a person who is in need of emotional support means a lot to them.

8. SILVER LINING
To always view what you see and hear in different perspectives, that there is always a good side to no matter what happen in life. Give purpose.

---b o n u s---

9. STAY MAGNANIMOUS
No matter what position in life you may be, do not forget where you came from. Always be humble, and keep yourself grounded. No matter what success you may have reached, stay unselfish and big-hearted <3

~~~

xo,
rj

Finally! I am back with blogging! I have officially ended my fall semester.
This blog post will be about my academic struggles for the past few months.

The semester started well, the classes went well for the first couple of weeks. Most of my classes were doing good except for one. This teacher in particular was nowhere near to how she teaches compared to the other effective teachers that I have. I could not understand her at all, and I know to myself that I was not the only one who was struggling in that class.
I sat right in front of the teacher during lectures and tried to listen. I turn off my phone every time before class to avoid distractions, and that my only focus was about our lesson for that day. Drinking coffee every class session to keep me awake. On Canvas, a specific site where teachers can post different materials online for the convenience of students, where all of the powerpoint slides are posted for the rest of the semester. As the weeks went by, I noticed that the powerpoints in class did not match the ones that were given to us online. Yes, I can compare them right away because I use my iPad to take notes with. The powerpoints do not match, at all. The teacher's slides were so lengthy and unorganised. I know-------  I know that I was not the only one who noticed, but no one spoke about it. On the next meeting, I talked to the person next to me and said, "Hey, did you notice that the slides that she (the teacher) posted online are not the same as the ones that she shows in class?". The person said, "Yeah. They are not the same". I was so happy when I heard that from the person because I was not the only one who noticed it.
A few minutes into the class, the person seating beside me decided to take pictures of my teacher's powerpoint slides! Lol. I was really really planning on doing that on that exact same day, but the person did it before me. The teacher said, "Please don't take pictures of my slides, they are already posted online". We were sitting right in front, so it was really obvious. We just looked at each other with a mugging face. We were panicking on the inside because the first exam was coming up.
A study guide was given to us, but the materials included on the guide was not even on the book and not on the powerpoint slides that she posted online. At this point, I had no idea on how I would study for the first exam. It was so unorganised, I was obviously unprepared.
That struggle continued until the first exam came. As expected, I did horrible on the first exam. The exact same situations went on and on until the midterm exam.
I was at my highest panic mode at that time, and I wanted to pass that class. Our grade was only consisted of the First exam, midterm, final, and a term paper. Yes, that's it.
I basically studied the entire book weeks before the midterm exam. Two or three hours after the exam, our exam grades were posted. Even though I felt a little bit confident on the midterm, I was not sure if I would pass the exam. When I looked on our grade book, yes I passed the exam, but I did not get enough points to get an overall grade that I want.
The term paper was due at the second week of November, and I have worked so hard to get at least a B on that paper. After the thanksgiving break, the paper was returned to us. I was very nervous when the teacher was handing out our papers back to us. Whilst I was waiting for my paper, the person behind me said, "Thank God I got a 74, because I do not know what she really wanted". In my head, yeah the rubric does not really make sense. I got some help from the Librarians in school, but I felt that it was not enough. I also tried contacting my teacher for office hours, but our schedules never worked out. She would run from classes to classes. Oml, I feel like I am just rambling in here. Yeah.
The person behind me was so happy that he got a 74 on the term paper, and he was like the 'star student' in that class who knows everything. So in my head, I was like, "If he got a 74, I probably got a lower grade than him?". I was really worried about my grade, and as I looked around the classroom, I saw the disappointed faces of my classmates while they read comments that were written on their term paper. I was praying. I was praying to at least get me a 70 on that term paper. After a few seconds, the teacher handed me my paper, and I breathed deeply. I peeped on my grade, and it did not even touched the 70s. I was very disappointed to myself, that I wanted to cry inside the classroom. I felt that my face was so red, that the person seating next to me asked if I was okay. I was shaking and sweating to death. I did not know what to do, I wanted to at least pass the class. But a part of me was also saying that I do not have a chance to pass the class, and might as well not try. The person seating next to me talked to me after class, and said that he was also struggling in that class. He said that we should at least try for the final exam, aka the last chance to get our grade up. Since the December 1st to December 12th, I was non stop studying for the final exam. I was sleeping less, and eating unhealthy food. I also thought that it would just be a miracle in december for me to pass the class.
The final exam came, and it went very smoothly than the past exams. I actually felt good about that final which was really weird for me. On the last day of the semester, a notification popped up on my phone saying that the final exam grade was posted. Guess what? My score was a 90.5/100!!!! And my overall grade went up like 10%! It was such a miracle and unbelievable because I was all over the place preparing for final exam and I have no clue how it happened. When I saw my grades, I was literally crying in my room. I was very happy that I made it. I am thankful, and blessed.

Now, I am relaxing at home not stressing about academics. Happy Holidays!

~~~~~~~
xo,
rj

I saw this one viral video on Twitter where a boy made a 'fanlight' or a 'light stick' for Kuya Will. The video clip was so funny, and it inspired me to make one the next day. All of the materials used in this blogpost was bought with my own money mainly for this post unless otherwise noted.


YOU WILL NEED:

1. 2 Printed Logos

2. 1 Pair of Scissors

3. 1 Pencil

4. Glue/Hot Glue

5. 1 Black Marker

6. 1 Vellum Paper - $0.80

7. 1 Mini Flashlight - $1

8. 3 Batterties - $1

9. 1 Black Plastic Folder - $1

10. 1 Gold Paper - $2

11. 1 X-Acto Knife - $7


THE PROCESS:

Making Circles:
I used the lid of a container that is bigger than the size of my printed logo. I made 2 circle cutouts with the black plastic cover, and also 2 circles of the same size for the vellum paper.

Logo Cutting:
I glued the printed logo onto the black circle plastic that I just made (put the 2 circle vellum papers on the side). After letting it dry, I used my exacto knife to cut out the black portion of the print out. The black portion of the printed was made on purpose so that when I light up my 'lightstick', the blank portion would be the only part that would light up. This process took so much time, at least 30 minutes to trace and cut out everything per logo. Remember, you are going to make two of these. Your lightstick will be two sided, okay?

After I cut out the logo, I glued the rest of the black plastic onto the vellum paper. When it dried out, I noticed that the logo curled up. I decided to put it under three books to let it straighten out a little bit. Put the two logos aside and make the handle.

The cutting with the exacto knife was not easy. As you can see, I do not have smooth edges and kinda sloppy. Guess what? It makes it more unique when every shape is different lol.

The Handle:
I cut a 2.5x6 rectangle on my black plastic folder to wrap my flashlight in. Using the hot glue, I glued the plastic around the flashlight. Lol, this is pretty self explanatory. You know the drill. Just make sure you line them up together, and of course, make room for the batteries so that you can change them when they run out.

The Sides:
Making the sides were kinda tricky for me. Hot gluing the first logo (it did straighten out a little bit after I placed it underneath the books, but I feel like it is more suitable if I used hot glue to place the white portion of the logo rather than the elmer's glue) onto the side was pretty easy, but the second logo as you close them was really difficult. After placing the first logo onto one side, I tested how the light would spread into the rest of the logo. I noticed that the light just made a straight line, and did not lit the rest of the logo. It was more of onto the center, and it was not looking good. I then decided to add a strip of aluminum foil inside the plastic sides that I got from our kitchen, so that it would possibly make the light travel, and bounce inside in between the two logos. After closing the two logos, I again tested out the light by just holding the handle as if it was a finished product. And yes! the light was so much better!

Closing Up:
I have no idea what you call this part, but it is when you stick the handle with the head of the lightstick. Closing up the gap in between the handle and the head was confusing. I had no idea what to do. I just cut out the left over black plastic and glued it onto the sides of the head extending it so that no light would come outside. After letting that dry, I used a marker to blacken the dried out glue so that it would be just pitch black.

Gold Strip:
I added a gold strip onto the handle for a final touch! and..... CHARAAAANN! There is your finished lightstick!

**Oh, the mini flashlight had a strap to it. It really looks like a lighstick!




~~~~~

Anyway, I just made this lighstick for fun. Of course, it was inspired by someone's lighstick lol. Version 1? I just also wanted to add that gold paper on the handle ;D

~~~~~
This was my first crafting blog post! I hope you like it!
~~~~~

'Til the next crafting!

~~~~~
xo,
rj

I waited for this film for months since I knew that they are going to make a movie out of the book. I was aware of the book for a couple of years, but never got the chance to read it. I am not really a book type of person, I am more of a movie person.
Okay, before I get to this movie review if you would call, I am not a movie expert or something. I am just going to say what I felt after the movie.

!!! DO NOT READ BEYOND THIS POINT IF YOU DO NOT WANT ANY SPOILERS !!!

! I WARNED YOU !

! SPOILERS SOON !

! I WARNED YOU !

=========
=========
=========
=========



The story began in London (I forgot the year, but they would show this separate screen telling you the  year and location) where a Chinese lady trying to check-in in a hotel. The hotel staff were grossed out because her family and herself were all wet due to the rain shower. She asked a staff if she could use the phone to call her husband, but was directed to a telephone booth outside of the hotel. Now, this part was kinda confusing for me since I was a little bit sleepy lol. These scenes went by really quick. The Chinese lady, was apparently the wife of the highly respected guest that was currently in the hotel. He said that 'Oh she is now the owner of -something something in Singapore- I am not sure what he exactly said. The lady and her kids smiled at the staff and said non verbatim, "Oh the floor is dirty, please clean it" and went inside the elevator. To be completely honest, this was one of my favourite parts of the movie. It was so iconic. Lesson learned---- Always be nice to people.

The film made me feel really proud because of the all Asian cast. This does not happen often, so I was really excited for this film. The cinematography was great! I loved how they captured the nightlife in Singapore, and it makes me wanna go there. The music that were used were mainly in a different language. Maybe they were using different Asian languages, but I am not sure since I do not understand the language in their used musical scorings/soundtrack.

Okay, I was expecting their extravagant lifestyle. Well, maybe even more in some way? I could not really point out which one, but I think they should have shown what a real "CRAZY RICH ASIAN" is. There is something that is lacking as you watch the film. It was not really that crazy rich. There are more films out there that showed literally crazy rich asians better than this film.

The turning point of the film was when Nick's mom (Eleonor) was not approve of him marrying Rachel since she (Rachel) grew up in America. She had traits that is usual for Americans where his mom do not really like about. The Youngs had a reputation to preserve that is why they did not want Rachel to be a part of the family----- at first ;) For me, this part was the most realistic part of the film. Yes, most rich Asian families choose to have a perfect daughter/son in-law that could carry on their fortune. Someone who had a perfect family background that has the same family standards as them.

Oh! My most favourite part of the film of course was the Mahjong session of Rachel and Eleonor! That was sooooo gooooddd! Okay, I'll just let you watch the film for this lol

The film ended happily at the top of the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore. To be honest, the film was kinda short for me which is unusual. I wanted more of it. It makes sense because there is a second book after Crazy Rich Asians, and I will for sure wait for it.

Overall, I think that the movie was very very very good, but not perfect. I am quite a bit down or disappointed because the movie did not show any diversity within different Asian cultures and how ''rich'' they are based on the title. They mainly focused on the Chinese culture.
Maybe because of the author's background, where he comes from a Chinese descent, and was born in Singapore. Maybe that is why the film's main setting was in Singapore. Alright, that was too much Singapores lol

I rate this movie a 9.8/10 
I highly highly recommend it. It was moving as well!
My favourite character in the film was Goh Peik Lin! LOL you'll know why when you watch the film


Please watch CRAZY RICH ASIANS! :D

~~~~~~~~
'Til the next movie!
~~~~~~~~
xo,
rj

Good day! I am going to start this new "segment" I guess on my blog to list my current favourite things in life that make me happy. Recently, I saw a video that it is important to appreciate little things in life. The woman basically said that she gets excited on small things such as going to the grocery and shop for the food that she has to prepare for dinner. I believe that it was so nice of her, and made me realise that I am  thankful for what I have as well.
These are my happy favourites for the month of May and June!

- FOOD: 
1. Strawberry Ice Cream- I have been eating strawberry ice cream in the afternoon almost everyday. Summer has come, and I wanted something to beat the heat.
2. Kirkland Chocolate Almonds- This is probably one of my most favourite chocolates that I can easily buy in our area. I love nuts, and whenever I feel like eating something sweet, I tend to grab them as I watch my favourite show online.
3. Garlic Shrimp with Chili Sauce- I personally love shrimps. I had this dish on the first week of June, and it is definitely going to a right spot on this list!
4. Yachaejeon- It is a vegetable pancake that we always get from a Korean restaurant nearby. My mom loves them too!

- CLOTHING:
1. My black and white stripe button down shirt that I wore to California's Great America from Forever21.
2. Another plaid button down shirt from Michael Kors.
3. A pair of sneakers from Calvin Klein.

- GADGET: 
My camera! I know that it has been with me for several years now. It was gifted to me by my dad (well I have been asking for it for four years lol) until I achieved something. It was gifted with my trip to the Philippines the same year. I used this camera when we recently went to California's Great America.

- MOVIE:
I rarely watch movies, but the most recent film that I watched was a filipino movie entitled "Kasal". The story was really good, and we did not expect its plot twist! We were all shookt.

- TV SHOW:
I recently replaced filipino tv shows to watching KDramas recently, and for the month of May and June, my favourite show was 'RichMan' lol. It was the only show that I watched for those months, so it is the only thing that I can put in here. I would rate it a 10/10 because I liked the story a lot. It was so simple, and I really like the ending. Yes, I finished this for a total of two weeks because I cannot binge watch shows, I have no idea how other people do it.
P.S. Do not come at me when you do not like this show. I am just saying this because I really enjoyed it. I am no KDrama expert or something, I just watch them whenever I feel like it.

- MUSIC:
There has been a lot of music that was released in the months of May and June. Here are the lists of the music that I enjoy.

Girls Like You - Maroon 5 ft. Cardi B

Look At Me - Fetty Wap

Strawberry Kush - Fetty Wap

Bed - Nicki Minaj ft. Ariana Grande

The Light Is Coming - Ariana Grande ft. Nicki Minaj

Best Part - Daniel Ceasar

Like That - Kris Wu

- MOBILE APP:
I have not been exploring with different apps on my phone, but recently I happen to find "Split"
It is a great app to divide your phone screen into two, which is also great for multitasking! I often use it when using YouTube and Twitter at the same time! I highly recommend it.

- SCENT:
I do not really wear cologne, and if I have to it would be really light. I have nothing to share on this, but I like the smell of cleanliness.

- PLACE: 
I have been going to this taco place recently in our area. I love their tacos!

~~~

I hope you liked this new entry on my blog lol. 'Til next time!

~~~

xo,
rj

Hi, my name is RJ and I am Filipino. I will be doing this tag since the month of May is 'Asian Pacific American Heritage Month'. This is the question that I would always ask myself, Am I Asian-American? I used to ask my friends if they are Asian-American, and they would answer me that yes they are Asian-American. But the thing is-- both of their parents are Asian, born in their country, moved to America and they consider themselves as Asian-American. Okay I'm confused.
Anyway, I am full Filipino (Vanilla Filipino), I was born and raised in the Philippines then moved to America.
I remember my first day of school, I was really nervous because I did not know anyone in the school. My first period teacher (we call it first period or our first class of the day, it is also my homeroom since we walk to different classrooms throughout the day) introduced me to the class saying I am new to the school, so be friends with me. I was weirded out to be honest, but my classmates were really accepting and nice to me. We were supposed to introduce ourselves in front of the class, and tell what we did during the  summer. Well, I was already introduced by my teacher so that was an advantage for me. I remember our first task was the Bingo thing where we have to ask around the room who fits well on that specific number or slot. Of course, I was shy and did not speak a single word. My classmates noticed me alone in a corner, and they started approaching me! I was a bit overwhelmed because I felt like the entire class was swarming me. At the end, I did not get to fill out my Bingo paper, but still made new friends knowing that they already knew each other from the past school year.
Second period came, I specifically remember this Physical Education class because our teacher was actually Korean-American so I felt comfortable since I have an Asian teacher you know. I was honestly confused what we were doing at that time, but I remember my teacher being so understanding saying that he knows what I feel because he went through it already. He guided me, and toured me around the gymnasium by myself. It was a little bit awkward, but I handled it well. He asked me about how is it being Filipino and how long I have been to America. He was pretty cool.
Third period came, and my teacher this time is German! I was a little bit scared to be honest, because I was expecting the teacher to be really strict but it turned out  to be a chill teacher with specific standards lol. This was a Math class, and this is where I met my first Filipino classmate! I think. I do not really wanna go into this because this would take hours to tell you the story. Moving on.
Fourth period came, and this old lady--- honey, she was strict like really strict. She made us speak in front, say our nationality (which was weird) but it was also nice because this is where I met my Filipino friends that I am still friends with even up to this day. After we introduced ourselves, she made us pull out or Shakespeare books. Oh boy, imagine reading Shakespeare on the first day? Anyway, I was not informed that I am considered as an ESL Student (English as Second Language) which puzzled me. Yes, I don't open my mouth, but bish I can converse in English! Halfway through the semester, I was given a test to test my "Proficiency in English", and after a couple of weeks I got out of the program and proved that I can speak fluent English ya know what am sayin'??
Fifth and Sixth period were my performing arts classes that I really enjoyed. I was a part of a choir, and the teacher made us sing "Do Re Mi" on the first day, okay. I met my "ates" in my choir class, actually my friend's actual ate, and I consider her as my ate as well because she was really nice to me even though they were half European they still consider themselves as full Filipino like I am. My acting class, aaaaahhhh, where our Director would always praise me for having clear pronunciations (lol i don't know why, i just said thank you) he would often say that to me which paved my way into doing broadway shows. I was casted to be in a Musical play that lasted for six weeks. Good times, I really enjoyed broadway xD
My first year in school was amazing. The next following years, was also amazing, made a lot of friends because I spoke a lot this time. I was more comfortable as the years went by, and participated in more extracurricular activities.


1. Which ethnicity are you?
- Filipino (just Filipino)

2. Which generation are you?
- I actually got help on this before with my teacher, and told me that I am first generation. I am still not sure to this xD

3. What is the first experience where you felt that demarcation of being a minority/different?
- Well there were a lot of Filipinos at the school that I attended to, so it was really not a hassle for me. Throughout the years during different classes, my classmates would often ask me if I have seen this one specific movie. I would asked them who's in the film, and right after they said who the actors were in the film, I would say that I don't know them. Another thing is American TV Shows, I did not know who Ellen Degeneres nor Oprah Winfrey was. I was lucky not to have my classmates make fun of me for not knowing these two television personalities were, but they tried hard and showed me pictures of Ellen and Oprah. They always say, I am not from America, so why not just educate me than make fun of me which was pretty nice of them.

4. Were you always proud of your heritage or was there a time you rejected it?
- Of course! I have always been proud of my heritage, but there was a time where I wanted to get rid of my thick accent even though my friends have been telling me that I speak fine and I was adapting to Californian accent. I had a phase where I just watched YouTubers every single day, and I feel like that is reason why my accent got vanished.

5. What are some stereotypes that you struggle with?
- Being in America does not mean I have a lot of money.
- Not all Asians are smart.
- We do not speak "Ching Chong Chang"
- Not all Asians watch Anime.

6. Can you speak your language?
- Yes! Well, I speak tagalog inside the house, when I talk to my pamileh, and to some Filipino friends.
I can write basic tagalog, don't let me write an essay in tagalog because I cannot do that-- I forgot how to do that to be honest. I can read basic tagalog, I say basic tagalog because I do not understand broad tagalog words if you know that I mean. Malalalim na salita. I can speak tagalog fluently (I think so) because I grew up speaking the language ;D

7. How was being Asian American affected your relationship with your parents?
- Definitely got closer with them. If they do not understand a complex English sentence, I would be there to translate it to them. I often translate to my grandparents usually because they speak minimal English, but they manage to converse with their friends in straight English. I don't know why lol.
At first, asking for help at a department store was fun for me, but as the time passed by, I tell them to ask for a sales associate themselves so that they can get used to casually speak English. I know that they speak English at work, but there is something that would always make me smile when they speak English. Though they still have that Filipino accent, it is evident that their way of speaking improves overtime.

8. How do you feel about your heritage now? Do you identify with it?
- I feel okay with it. I was born with it, so I accept is wholeheartedly.
Yes, I identify with it.

9. What is your favorite thing about being Asian American?
- The food, the white sand beaches. Our interesting Asian history overall.

~~~
Sorry, this was a quick post. I am back!
~~~


xo,
rj

It is safe to say that 2017 was quite a tough year for me. My life was unorganised, and was all over the place. Before 2017 ended, I decided to look up planners that could possibly put myself together lol. I reviewed so much planners until I stumbled upon Passion Planner! This planner was exactly what I was looking for. My idea was a planner that I can also use as my daily journal. Well as you look at the planner, it kinda looks like a journal. I love how it is minimal looking.


Like any other journals, when you open the Passion Planner, you will see this information upfront. I took this photos before writing this blog post. I have not written on this page because I was planning to share this in here!



This page is an overview of the important dates and holidays for 2018 and 2019.
Space of Infinite Possibility also appear on the weekly log, and it is where I use to doodle and write my favourite quote of the week in addition to what is on the left side of the page.
(You'll see what I am talking about later on)



This page is where you can see my June Calendar, and yes, I have not written on it yet because I have no concrete plans on this month. Plans will soon appear when I hit the month of May, for sure!!
The sections are self explanatory**



The weekly log! Probably the most used category in this planner. I would normally jot down plans or tasks on that specific day. On each specific day, I write what is the most important on "Today's Focus". I also forget to track what good happened throughout the week, so sometimes I just draw in that area. Before I start the week, I read the quote on the side to motivate me. This planner also gives a different quote every week!



Finally! My 'most' favourite part of this planner is the Monthly Reflections!
It will remind you on how much you grew last month!

Also, I forgot to add it in here, but I keep a "Year In Pixels" page at the last page of my planner where a specific colour is assigned to the mood of the day. At the end of the year, I can review what I was feeling on that specific day. On my phone, I also keep a timeline on what good has happened.
I waited three months to use this planner whether it is effective to me or not. Fortunately, yes! It is very effective,  I became more and more productive each day. At first I thought I would regret buying this and end up not using it. Yes, the price was nothing like a basic planner, but it is for sure worth it!
I also bought the Get One-Give One type of planner, where the company gives a planner to a person in need when you buy one. <3

This is not just a normal planner, it is something beyond!

REVIEWS

Paper: 10/10 the ink won't bleed through unless it is intentional.

Structure: 9/10

Journal Prompts: 8/10

Monthly Layout: 10/10 it is not too big and not too small. It is just about right for me.

Weekly Layout: 10/10 so good!!

Convenience: 9/10
______________________________
WOULD I RECOMMEND THIS? 
YES!


~~
xo,
rj

I listed some things that I learned from the year, 2017.


1. Imagine and Create
Alright. We probably have done this a million times now, but I tend to think what I'm about to do before actually creating it. I mostly used this during my communications class, so every time we would present a speech in front of everyone, I would normally envision it first before actually writing, and creating my visual aids. I also use this method for my Instagram. Lol.

2. Emotions
Sometimes I tend to be impulsive with my emotions, and sometimes I could not even tell that I am already affecting someone based on what I feel. I wanted to leave this in 2017 :D Okay. Anyway. Yeah. Hahahahaha

3. Don't let people bring you down
This year, there were people who tried to put me down. They made me feel down, and kept saying that I cannot do what I wanted to do--- that I will never be successful. I wanted to leave this story to myself, since it is quite a bit personal. All I can say is that I always need to be ahead of that person's plan. *evil laughs*

4. Don't trust anyone easily
This happens yearly to me. Every time I wanted to do something, people tend to steal my ideas. I always think that they would not take my idea, but people still do. Another thing is when you tell too much personal stories to someone, and people tend to share that specific story to other people and sometimes, they twist the story around. This is why I have trust issues. Lol.

5. Strong Personality
I learned that little things easily trigger or affect me at any point. This year, I learned to not get affected by little things easily. I should not always over-think and not care what other people say about me.

6. Blessed
That sudden trip to the Philippines at the end of this year was my "Plot Twist" before 2018. I was expecting to be back in the Philippines back in June, but I was busy at that time of the year. I lost hope, and thought that I wouldn't be able to go back to the Philippines this year.
When I was in the Philippines, I noticed that people living a simple life are so happy with it. Sometimes, I also wish to live in the Philippines again. I also hope that we are all contented with our lives, and that we are truly blessed.

7. Don't force people to stay in your life
People come and go. You meet new people, and at some unexpected point in your life, they would suddenly vanish from your life. Let them go, and keep going with your life. You do not deserve them.

---b o n u s---

8. What If's
Nasa point na ako ng life ko where: I don't really care what happens next. All I have to do is to keep trying on whatever opportunities that would come. I am not afraid if I fail. So that at the end of my life, I can look back at myself and say, "At least I tried. No regrets, at least I experienced it". I would not look back with regret and say, "I wish I tried to do it before. What if I tried it? What would have happened to me before?" It is not good to live life with "What If's", so if an opportunity comes to you, grab it! Good Luck!

---

P.S. I am not sure if this is my last blog post this 2017. But if it is, then I hope you had a great year and of course, have a great 2018 as well!

x,
rj

2017 was the year where I discovered a lot of Tagalog Slangs. I learned about them, and of course I tried using it whenever I get conversations with different Filipinos. It is quite-- for the lack of a better term, "satisfying" or "cool" (I guess) whenever I use a slang word to another Filipino and they have no idea what that meant, so I end up enlightening them about the slang word that I used. Anyway, these are just some of the Tagalog Slangs that I learned in 2017!


1. TRIQQERED C ACQUOEH
- I first read this on Twitter. I did not know what this meant, I did not even understand what word it is forming.(?) I did not know what it supposed to say. It is basically when you get "triggered" by something or someone that is instigating you, then you say that "Triqqered c Acquoeh" to him/her.

2. DONT ME
- Of course, when someone is instigating you, this is how you say "Don't even start with me", the Filipino way.

3. QIQIL C ACQUOEH
- When the person is slowly getting into your nerves, you say this to him/her.

4. PABEBE
- When someone is talking like a baby. Sickeningly cute.

5. CHAROT
- I learned this from my friend. I thought she was referring to "Chicharon" (Pork Rinds), so she started laughing at me. She said, "it is the cute-r way of saying JOKE in tagalog". I'm like okay.

6. BES/BESH
- Can I cheat in here? hahahahaha. I first learned this in 2016 when I went to the Philippines, my cousins kept on saying "Bes" to each other. I asked them what it meant, and they said that it is a way of saying "Best Friend" for short.

7. JOWA
- I learned this slang from a movie trailer. It was from "Loving In Tandem" that was released this year. Luke (played by Edward Barber) said, "No one touches Shine (Maymay Entrata), she's my JOWA". So I asked my friends what it meant. It means "boyfriend or girlfriend".

8. RK
- When a person is rich, you say "RK" to him/her. R.K. meaning, Rich Kid.

AND RECENTLY, THESE TAGALOG SLANGS BLEW UP ON THE INTERNET

9. LODI
- I first read it on Twitter. At first glance, I honestly thought that it was a complete different word in English. Spell it backwards, it gives you IDOL. I discovered what it meant by myself. HashtagLodiCAcquoeh

10. PETMALU
- I knew what it meant the first time I read it. Say "Petmalu" repeatedly, and it will give you a tagalog word "Malupet". Meaning, cool, exceptional, or something that is extreme.

11. WERPA
- Like Petmalu, Werpa is Pawer when reversed. Power in English. Meaning that something is amusing, good, or strong. I heard my cousin say, "Pawer!" a couple of months ago, and now they are off to saying "Werpa" instead.


*** The words above are INFORMAL. ***

Overall, I think that there is nothing wrong when it comes to using these words on our day to day conversations with our friends and family. Just don't use them when you go to job interviews, or when you talk to your boss, it is just not formal.

IN MY OPINION, using Tagalog Slangs does not make you less of an intellectual. I am happy that modern Filipinos are using Tagalog "root words" that Millennials use today.

----

I hope you enjoyed reading this blog post!
Until next time! :D

x,
rj

1. HE IS VERY CHEERFUL

2. HE IS A LOYAL FRIEND

3. HE IS GOD FEARING


4. HE LOOKS LIKE A PRINCE

5. HE LOVES HIS FAMILY

6. HE IS BIG-HEARTED

7. HE IS VERY WITTY

8. HE IS SUCH A PRANKSTER

9. HE IS CARING

10. HE WANTED TO BE SUCCESSFUL

11. HE IS GENEROUS

12. HE CAN STRATEGIZE QUICK

13. HE IS FORBEARING

These are the 13 Reasons Why Marydale Entrata Was Hailed As Pinoy Big Brother Lucky Season 7, Big Winner!




Without her supporters, there will be no Marydale Entrata up, and rising. They did the best job, and effort to vote for her to be the Lucky Big Winner! Until now, the undying love, and support continues for her career in showbiz.
Together with Edward Barber, she is now a part of Star Magic, and new endorsers of McDonald's in the Philippines.

MayWard Flyers, Team Panatag, Team Patatas, Parokya Ni Edward, Parokya Ni Marydale, MMEofc and more!

[Photo Credits to: ABSCBN/PBB, @MayWardOfficial and @mbarbera_]

~~~
I hope you loved what you read. 'Till next time!
x,
rj