Kimi to Boku 2

I really enjoyed watching this anime. Season 2 continued right where season 1 ended.

and I love how they are so ever often compared or pictured as cats. 

but then, this anime also made me remember how much I dislike graduations. 

Woe is me for having to witness a graduation yearly. -.-'

Kimi to Boku

I seriously never expected that I’d enjoy watching “Kimi to Boku” as much as I did. After all, the drawing animation style seemed “quite laid-back” that it gave me the impression there’d be times where in I’d feel somewhat sleepy watching it. Don’t get me wrong though, I am not criticizing the animation style. In fact, I do like it. It’s just that when something is quite laid-back, you have this tendency to get relaxed and then just doze-off at some point.

Fortunately, though it is indeed a light watch, it is not something that made me doze-off. In fact, every moment of it was full of feels for me—funny, entertaining, amusing and even heart-warming. It makes one nostalgic with all their fun and youthful days back in school spent with their treasured friends.

It is simple but true.

The Zahir

I've actually read "The Zahir" and "The Guardian" around August. They were both good reads for me in different ways and I've almost forgotten that I made a reflection sort of type of review for "The Zahir".

Here it is:

"Forget your personal history."

Have A Little Faith

 

It's been quite a while since I last read a book, and a very insightful and inspiring one at that. Though I suppose I've to expect no less since it's by Mitch Albom. I may not know much about the man--stuff aside from the "about the author" page--but I am a fan of his work since high school. Since reading Tuesdays with Morrie and Five People You Meet in Heaven. That is why when I found books of his from a friend's house, I was grabbing it even before asking permission to borrow some.

Have A Little Faith is about the author's sole rabbi asking him if he can do the eulogy for when the rabbi dies. I can just imagine how awkward it had been for Mitch in the beginning, since one, Albert Lewis is their community's great rabbi and two, he doesn't really know him on a personal basis. Thus, begins visitations and discussions to get to know the man better.

What was at first expected to be just a couple sessions turned into years of quite regular visits; and who was once an intimidating force being ran from became a valuable person being looked forward to seeing. 

The book, however, isn't solely focused in one rabbi's story. It also tells the tale of a pastor who once had such a dark past, yet, overcame it and became a full-fledged servant of God. 

Have A Little Faith can mean different things to different people. It could be a reminder of their faith, a renewal or even a journey to finally discover it--an enlightenment. It is a story of hope, of trust and besting the hurdles of life. I had such a wonderful time reading every page of it.

My 2012 Summary

2012 has been one heck of a year for me. Indeed, a lot has happened in the previous year. I learned a lot, committed a lot of mistakes, experienced many frustrations, experienced many adventures and explored my world. It has been one crazy roller coaster ride with all the ups and downs, zigzags and loops.

JANUARY – spent some quality time with my college best friend, who went back to Abu Dhabi this same month [she works there]; Braving Reality Day, a day in which everyone is supposed to let loose and bare a part of themselves to everyone. I may not have really participated in the activity, but I’m part of the committee who worked to make it happen—and boy, it had been hard work and quite frustrating; did a little painting/lettering in the wall, something I have truly wanted to try. I even went up a ladder. ^^

FEBRUARY – Foundation Celebration of our school—had some of my friends come over to be judges for some of the contests; got to be part of the hs dance’s cotillion, just because they’re short on girls. I never imagined that I’d get to experience something like that in my age. LOL; went to Dawn’s house for their house despedida and we made graham cake~ <3

MARCH – took class pictures and toga pictures of pupils and students. I even did some minor editing in photoshop; again, participated in dance since there’s shortage on girls. It’s tango this time, but the final performance was such a fail; finally learned how to ride the bike; lots of splurging and marathons; graduation preparation—lots of stress, tears and frustrations.

APRIL – failure in USB flash drive orders for the graduating pupils and students. As damage control, I shouldered the extra expenses, including Mahal. -.- P2,800 in total; got back to arnis lessons; How I Met Your Mother all-out marathon; attended World Tai’Chi Day Celebration in UP. ^^

MAY – Princess, the darling Pomeranian dog, died of cardiac arrest; did an all-out office cleaning which gave me allergies [due to all the dirt and dust]; movies; The Last Princess; start of my anime marathon: Summer Wars and Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion; Pottermore: galleonfang23488~

JUNE – Code Geass R2; Ouran Host Club; Eco Park and Cafe Lidia with Kada Meow~ wall-climbing, zip-line, Pictionary and walkathon galore; start of school year 2012 – 2013: launch of tablet education; Gantz and Gantz: Perfect Answer; stressed-out and burned-out due to tablet adjustments; first foot spa experience; first full combo in drummania.  

JULY – explosion of water works; start of module-making for grade 1; tried recording a song with Mahal and Hane; ocular inspection for educational field trip: Mind Museum, Intramuros, Rizal Museum, Amazing Show, Animation, MOA Eye Ferris Wheel; Masatami and DQ Cake; Mahal and Hane off to Singapore; got CARITAS Health Shield; SSCO elections.

AUGUST – rainy much; friend having love problems; Meow Meow Club’s 10^th Year Anniversary; Kaoru; Habagat: two times of chest-deep first floor flood; Boyong’s epic food delivery fail; conquering of Boyong’s;  Earl Grey Tea Ice Cream <3 ; welcome back, Mahal and Hane; realization and revelation that I really need to have braces since I have deep bite and my upper teeth is bruising my lower teeth. >.<

SEPTEMBER – Ao no Exorcist; Baka to Test to Shokanju: Season 1 and 2; Ano Hi Mita no Namae o Bokutachi wa Mada Shiranai; Crazy Katsu, Spartea and Casa Feliz with Kada Meow; accidentally slapped my older sister; racket: did id for Happy Victory School; Tous de Jour Bakeshop;  EFT bus plan; major accounting for payments; EFT: Heroes Square, Crocoseum, Manila Ocean Park; stress much with EFT fails; hat papier-mâché by tutu; Beelzebub; Black Cat

OCTOBER – money issues becoming more eminent; giant pizza for Hane’s birthday celebration; sew costumes for Grade 6 and even did their make-up; Bleach superb marathon-ing; teeth mold + x-ray in preparation for braces.

NOVEMBER – Bleach movies: Sealed Sword Frenzy, Memories of Nobody, Diamond Dust Rebellion and Hell Verse; Daddy Cuddly coming home for vacation: Roku dinner date; start of collecting stickers for Starbucks Planner; Masayume okaeri: Katsu Cafe dinner; finally finished after so many years: Dual! Parallel World Adventure and Bubblegum Crisis; Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukinai; quest for Migo’s customized cake: Molly Berry with Angelica; pompom making for Migo and Grade 6 pupils; Angel Beats! Special and OVA; FAPSA 15^th General Assembly at Manila Ocean Park; went to Laguna to fetch LTO glow in the dark t-shirts; Leadership Training Overnight; tooth extraction (two) + separators; Bus Gamer; I Love Lee Taeri~         

DECEMBER – molar bands + braces; Clannad; MARIPRISA Christmas Party; First Communion for Grade 3 and 4 pupils; PTA Christmas Party; Some Kind of Wonderful and Got Chaa with Angge; Riffael went into comatose; Giant Lantern Festival: Kada Meow at Pampanga, our first overnight trip; Christmas Program and Party; Faculty Christmas Party; Christmas at Laguna; went to Manila to fetch tablets; Migo’s birthday celebration: H2O Hotel~ ^^

2012 may have brought me heck of troubles and frustrations, but there were also lots of good things that happened and new experiences to cherish. Besides, it’s because of the negativities that we appreciate more the positives. What’s more, it makes us tougher. I mean, just looking at my year summary, on the first few months my stress and frustrations are quite emphasized; but as months pass by, even if I’m still experiencing such, I do not pay much attention to it like before. In a way, I learned how to downplay it. Though, I would really be extra grateful if more good things happen rather than bad. Who wouldn’t?

This 2013, I look forward to experiencing more adventures, widening my horizons, finishing my anime list and of course, learning much, much more~

Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood

 

To be able to gain something, one must sacrifice something of equal value—The Law of Equivalent Exchange, the basic principle of alchemy.  

This has been one long overdue show for me—six and a half years to be exact. Fortunately, all the waiting and excitement to finally watch it was worth it.

I think that Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood is one of the greatest series I have ever seen. The plot is clear and solid: two brothers gifted in alchemy attempt to bring their beloved mother back to life [which is prohibited and considered a taboo in alchemy] results in failure and lost a great deal in doing so—Ed lost his leg and arm, while Al lost his body. And so, they are on a quest to get back what they lost. Along the way, they experience some more of hell and discover the dark secrets behind their country’s alchemy and purpose. 

Bleach, the series

Finally, I finished watching the Bleach series. Over the past month, it became my constant companion. I religiously watched it every day whilst riding a roller coaster of emotions—thrill and excitement for the battles and idea of finishing the series, boredom and anxiety with how the flow sometimes feel slow and taking oh-so tediously long (stalled), irritation with how some characters think and act, and of course I also had to deal with my regular life—the stresses and frustrations at work, at home, etcetera.

Bleach, in my opinion, is a great series. It may mainly focus on how Ichigo goes to battles to carry out his substitute shinigami duties and protect his family and all that is dear to him, but it's not just all about force, brute and desire to be stronger. It also shows admirable family bond and relationship, strong and reliable friendship, dedication to one's duties and quests to conquering fears and obtaining greater strengths to protect what needs to be protected.

It is pretty inspiring to see how the characters strive to win and overcome obstacles no matter how hopeless the situation may seem. They stumble and fall, but they get back in their feet.

However, it's not totally "foolproof". 

LILAC FOODTRIP II: Casa Feliz and Spartea

As promised, we returned to Lilac, a street filled with restaurants we just have to try. Though, we did not went eating at other restaurants. We instead came back to Casa Feliz--to sample their pastas--and Spartea--to sample the hotdogs.

CRUMBS

October 2, 2012--I accompanied my mother to the doctor. The clinic's located inside the mall--Robinson's Metro East, so of course, I did not get bored.

There's this newly opened shop(stall?) that sells cupcakes and as it's conveniently in the same floor and area as the clinic, I decided to try some out.

Since I know I'd be staying there for more than fifteen minutes, I bought three: Scarlet Witch, Lemon Burst and Carrot with Walnut. They all taste good! The cream used is very yummy, the cupcakes are soft and fresh and all the ingredients used for each cupcake blends well [in my opinion].

Each cupcake costs P45, and I think it's worth it. I'd try some again when I get the chance. :)

My September

September has been one heck of an eventful month. So stressful and frustrating and draining--work wise. -.-


But of course, it's not all rainstorms and dark clouds.

SM North Edsa チュチュSCAPADE

091412

What was supposed to be a trip to have my beloved Kaoru's OS upgraded and hunt for a nice-looking phone case became another foodscapade... well, at least it was a yummy trip; and come to think of it, the phone case hunt was pretty successful. ^^v

Anyways, my friends and I had lunch at Papa John's. It's not really a newly discovered restaurant [for us] since you see it in malls, but it was our first time trying the food there. Fortunately, we did enjoy the food and got ourselves stuffed--my friends didn't even finished their orders, but meh, they don't really have as big as an appetite as I do. The price range is the normal ones for mall restaurants, P180-P200++.

Cafe Flora

Marikina Hotel
Pio Del Pilar St. cor. Tangerine St., Brgy. Concepcion II, Marikina City
Tel. Nos.: 612-53-27 / 494-08-00

entrance to Cafe Flora

An eat-all-you-can / buffet style of dining. For only P150, you can enjoy a variety of dishes--from pasta to pancit to rice meals and rice cakes to sweetened bananas, etcetera. They also offer bottomless drink--red iced tea or four seasons--for P50. I like how sweet the red iced tea is. v(^^)

I am not really sure with their operating hours, but I do know that they offer breakfast, lunch and dinner. 

I haven't tried the breakfast yet, so I do not know what food they serve. But as far as lunch and dinner is concerned, it's quite satisfying. 

I have gone here with my family for about four times now. We've even seen a batch of OJTs go and have new ones come. And quite frankly, I prefer the first batch, the one with lots of females since they were more accommodating and conscious of the customers' needs. But that doesn't mean the new batch sucks. They are also pretty nice and all, just that the batch before them were better. Maybe they just need a little more practice. 

My mom doesn't really enjoy eating here since she doesn't find some of the food somewhat bland, but my dad does. And for us children, it's also fine. And hey, if you're being treated and given free food, who are you to complain? XD

I think the problem lies with the buffet table being so near the AC. That is why some of the food are already a little hard/tough. But considering the price and the good ambiance, not to mention the free wifi, it's all worth it. 

Casa Feliz

95 Rainbow St., Hacienda Heights, Concepcion II, Marikina City
Tel. No.: (02) 933-6653
Operating hours: 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.


Well, since Angelica already wrote about how we wound up in Casa Feliz, I think it's unnecessary for me to repeat the story. [ Kada Meow @ Lilac Street: Casa Feliz ]

I'll just post the pictures of the pretty and yummy cakes we tried.

SPARTEA spa and bubble tea

In continuation of our “FOOD TRIP ADVENTURE DAY”, we went to Spartea—a bubble tea place [which is walking distance from Crazy Katsu] that offers spa and mani-pedi aside from their variety of drinks.

Their menu:

 

Crazy Katsu

Most of my friends and I are into Japanese Food, and so, when I discovered that there’s a Japanese restaurant around the city, we just had to see and try it.  

We went just this Sunday, September 9. And it’s quite funny how we all do not know where Crazy Katsu is exactly located and the fact that houses around the area have two different numbers is no help at all. But no biggie. After all, that day was declared as “FOOD TRIP ADVENTURE DAY” and so, walking back and forth just to find the place is not something to make fuss about.

Boyong's, the challenging conquering

This past few months, I seem to be more indulgent with food. I don't know if it's due to all the stress coming from work or just my innate gluttonous side climbing up another level; but either way, I'm craving for food and trying out new tastes more than usual. Thus, my new past time is to look up and read food blogs.

As of now I am focused with a particular food blog since it's centered with restaurants and eateries and snack places around Marikina, my hometown. [ Marikina Food Trip ]  

This August, I tried one of the places reviewed by said blog--Boyong's.

We Still Don't Know the Name of the Flower We Saw That Day

 あの日見た花の名前を僕達はまだ知らない。

P L O T

At first I thought it would be all sad and tears and chest pains, but surprisingly—and fortunately—it's not. Ano Hana is more of nostalgia and melancholia. Well, I guess that makes it quite saddening too. But in a sense, or a different angle, it's not. It is a different kind of sadness.

I love how realistic this anime is. [Well, save for the Menma’s ghost part. But I guess, that’s a possibility as well.] The characters seem truly alive to me; and if events like these happened in real life, I guess people would react exactly—or almost like—the same. Others might find some of the characters annoying, but to me no one is. How they turned out and how they act is a product of the past that they just cannot escape from.

コードギアス 反逆のルルーシュR2

I just finished watching Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2 this weekend. The ending was very bittersweet that I actually became quite teary. I felt for Lelouch—that in order to make way for peace he had to carry all the hate and lose his comrades’ faith in him. That his raison d’être, his world's centrepiece, had been turned against him at some point. Though good for him that his ever beloved Nunally—and even Kallen plus the other members of the black knights/resistance—came to understand his actions and motives in the end. Well, at least he regained his best friend, Kururugi Suzaku, back and he stayed and helped with putting the plan into action. 

I wonder how it was for Suzaku that Lelouch had to die by his hands and vice versa. 

Truly bittersweet.

SUMMER

i want to be as calm and free as the clouds~
i want to just go with the flow and be wherever the wind takes me~
take me out for an adventure~

Bitter Tea

Everything happens for a reason. And as much as people hate to make mistakes, they still do. One way or another, mistakes are bound to happen. And all of it—as horrible and unfortunate it may seem—also happens for a reason.  Mistakes help and teach us to become better persons. Stronger and wiser. Yes, this stuff may be common knowledge and sounds all cliché-ish, but sometimes, we still need to be reminded of this fact. Especially at times where in we just encountered the problem and/or still in the middle of. -.-

The chain of regrets I’ve just gone through—and is actually still going through—may currently make me feel as one giant heap of fails and stupidity, but I know—well okay, I so honestly pray and hope—that in the very near future [when all is right in my world again], I’d regard everything as some sort of “pre-requisite” in my becoming a more mature and tougher individual. Something I’d see and feel I can be proud of having experienced. A scar that, though ugly-looking, becomes kinda pretty cool because of the amusing story behind it; not to mention a forever reminder and reference of how I should deal with the same/similar situations in the future. An eternal life’s moral.