Christmas

Christmas has always been a memorable experience for me. I believe Christmas is a celebration of love and happiness. Christmas is a time for change, a time when all of us are gathered as one family, a time when it is good to share, a time where evil is abolished, and a time when Jesus is the in the center of our hearts.

Flipped

When you hear about a movie about teenage love, first love, or perhaps a coming-of-age story, you'd probably roll your eyes and dismiss the idea. Obviously, we all know the storyline: boy meets girl, they fall in love, then suddenly something tragic happens, etcetera etcetera.

We've had these sort of movies ever since. Some were great, some were good, while others are completely forgettable. We've seen it. Lots of it.

But wait a minute. So, how is it possible that Rob Reiner's new film about a 1960's love story, Flipped, manages to capture everyone's heart?

Firstly, for me, it would be the narration. Throughout the movie, we get to hear the narration of the two leads, our hero Bryce and his ladylove Juli. We get to understand the movie in two new perspectives and point of views. Two narrators could be a dangerous move but it's what shines through in this movie. It's what separates it from other tween love stories because they creatively devised it. That leads us to the second reason why I admired the movie very much. It's because teenagers like me, who are reckless and enthusiastic about love, can heartily relate to. Juli is this girl who's very outgoing, smart, and attractive yet can get quite annoying sometimes. She has a huge crush on Bryce, a boy in their neighborhood ever since they were young. Unfortunately, Bryce does not feel the same way. As they grow up together, certain things and distractions resulted in the sudden turn of events - family problems, financial problems and even personal ones too. All in all, these movie is great for all families out there. Plus, the 1960's backdrop and theme (I love their fashion sense!) is a perfect addition to this outstanding film.


To end this, I can say that I've flipped. :)

Narnia-listic

I just finished watching the third movie of the Narnia series. I did enjoy it, but to be honest I think it's not as good as the previous two. Why? The sole reason is because the two older siblings, Peter and Susan, are NOT included in the movie. Seriously! It's not complete without them. :( But they did have a small screening time in the movie, a cameo rather for about, uhmmm 10 mins. Latte, anyone?

Anyway, it was good to see new faces in the film such as Eustace, the Pevensie kids' cousin, who I totally adore because of his unique features and incessant mouth. Also, the effects were amazing. Hands down. Only in this movie did I realize Aslan's (the lion) true essence. In Narnia, he is a lion. In the real world, he's there up above.

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (2010)

Lucy and Edmund Pevensie return to Narnia with their cousin Eustace where they meet up with Prince Caspian for a trip across the sea aboard the royal ship The Dawn Treader. Along the way they encounter dragons, dwarves, merfolk, and a band of lost warriors before reaching the edge of the world.

Simbang Gabi

Simbang Gabi or Mass at Dawn is one of the longest and most popular among the Filipino traditions in the country. It is a nine-day novena to the Blessed Mother. The novena begins December 16 as early as 4 in the morning and culminates with the “Misa de Gallo” on Christma.

ORIGIN

Simbang Gabi traces its roots in Mexico when, in 1587, the Pope granted the petition of Fray Diego de Soria, prior of the convent of San Agustin Acolman, to hold Christmas mass outdoors because the Church could not accommodate the huge number of people attending the evening mass.

During the old times, the pre-dawn mass is announced by the ringing of the church bells. In some rural areas, an hour before the start of Simbang Gabi, a brass band plays Christmas music all over the town. It is also believed that parish priests would go far knocking on doors to wake and gather the faithful to attend the misa de gallo. Farmers as well as fishermen wake up early to hear the Gospel before going to their work and ask for the grace of good harvest.

SIGNIFICANCE

Simbang Gabi has become one of the most popular traditions in the country. But it is not just a tradition that is celebrated because we need to do so. It is a significant moment not only because it strengthens relationships among family members but also because it is the time where our faith is intensified. This is the time where we mostly feel the presence of the Lord because it is the spiritual preparation for Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ. It does not matter if one has the stamina to complete the novena or not, what really matters is what is inside the heart. The blessing does not depend on the number of mass attended, but what is important is the disposition of the person who receives the Lord’s blessing.

Assumption Iloilo and Me

Wondering what made my day yesterday? Aside from the awesome fact that exams are over- yes, late nights and eye bags are no more! - the one simple thing of seeing the poem I composed during CAE class published on the school paper was the perfect addition for a joyful disposition. :))

Assuption Iloilo and Me

I never thought I'd walk these doors
Didn't imagine it really happened before
I found it really hard to believe
That this is the school life I would enter and would live.

People around me say it's the best
Far better than the rest
A choice you would never regret
An experience you'll never forget

They have been right all along
Been cheering my school days all years long
Going to Assumption is a blast
Unforgettable moments spent here would forever last

You'll find and get the best education
Teaching you values like love, simplicity, and cooperation
My days here I will always treasure
The one who shaped me to be the best that I can be.