TWO THOUSAND FOURTEEN.

 "LIFE IS NOT REALLY ABOUT WHAT YOU HAVE BUT RATHER WHO YOU HAVE THAT REALLY COUNTS".

This maybe one of the saddest year any daughter could have. Losing Papa was and still is the saddest thing that ever happened to me, life since then has never been the same - there's still that gaping whole in my heart that I know no matter what I do it will never be whole again. But despite that there are a lot of things to be grateful about.


FRIENDS:
Life has been so amazing having you around. Thanks for making all the unbearable moments bearable for me. All your thoughtfulness and sweet gestures are much appreciated. I couldn't fathom the idea of losing any of you in my life. I love you.

FAMILY:
You are and will always be the greatest impact of my life. You guys are my day to day strength and you never fail to give me enough reason to be the happiest. I know we've been through the strongest storm in our lives this year and losing Papa is something we never want to happen but then despite that each of us remained strong for each other. I love you Mama, Ate, Kuya and Manoy. I wouldn't trade you for anything else in the world. You guys are my life.

PAPA:

Lastly, Papa. I know you're in a better place right now Pa. But still even if I try my best to convince myself with that thought, it still hurt me to realize that I wouldn't be able to greet you anymore on your birthday, on father's day and all other special occasion. The thought alone that I wouldn't be able to hug and kiss you again pains me so much. I love you so much Papa. I love you with all my heart. And I miss you everyday.



Now, since 2014 is about to end, allow me to THANK YOU ALL BIGGEST TIME for being there. Let's make 2015 a blast. Looking forward to making more memories with all of you.


<3, LittleApril.

The People of My Twenty Thirteen. :)

I've been wanting to have my own list of "THE PEOPLE OF MY YEAR" ever since but I just couldn't find the perfect time and thoughts all up together. I know random people have their own list of who made their year worth remembering, different media are now too busy recalling who made the year "what it was"  and the likes but at the end of the day it all boils down to one point,

 "WHO HELPED YOU BECOME WHO YOU ARE NOW."

Let's get to know the people who made my 2013 an awe-inspiring year:

1. The Bakulaws - Kingdom Animalia

I couldn't imagine ending my college life without them. It was quite a journey, events here, exams there and not to mention all the crap deadlines that we all had to meet then. It was difficult especially that you can't afford to disappoint all those people who entrusted you with so many responsibilities. Yet, everything went out all and we succeeded college with flying colors because I had them all. And I still have them until now. I miss you, mga palakaon! :)

2. The Production Team

They are the true definition of "FRIENDSHIP KNOWS NO DISTANCE". Despite the fact that I rarely see them and be with them I know that deep down when I need them, they'd always be there. These are the people whom I know that NO MATTER what happens I would always have their back.  I just love them!

3. Nanay Sandy Andolong and Mama Lorna Tolentino

My forever inspirations. These two lovely ladies who showed me what true "HUMILITY" is all about. I've learned that it's not about what you have in life that matters but it’s how you value the people around you that means a lot. They've taught me that whatever you've achieved, you must to have God in your life. He has to be there all the time. Indeed, these two are the Epitome of Simplicity and Perfection.

 4. WORKMATES

I never realized that the quote "CHOOSE A JOB YOU LOVE AND YOU WOULD NEVER HAVE TO WORK A DAY IN YOUR LIFE" would cross my way as early as this year. It was a massive  adjustment when I entered the reality world of "WORK". I had to adjust and remind myself that everything I do would matter for the Company I'm working with. A simple mistake could lead me to something serious and all these things aren't like school wherein you can always re-take the subject if you fail. It wasn't easy. It was quite a journey when I started but my workmates made everything more bearable for me. They've helped me cope up with the changes and encourage every inch of me to go on. I just couldn't picture out as me "working" without them. I now consider them as my second family whom I can run to when life stresses me out, they're the ones who never get tired of listening to all my pointless drama. It just feels so good to be doing what you want with the people that you truly love.

5.  MY BESTFRIEND

We don't talk that much, we don't get to see each other as often as before yet I know and I'm secured that I would always have her NO MATTER WHAT. It's almost 10 long years that I have this crazy-stupid-not so thoughtful- weirdest best friend in my life yet I still get excited whenever we plan out to see each other. No dull moments, no dramas, no pretensions - JUST US!  If there's one person who knows me well other than my family that would be her.  I know there were ups and downs of our friendship but I'm just glad that we both are mature enough to choose our friendship over our stupid egos. I love you literalllllyyy, ANGELA!!

6.  AUNTIE CONNIE

She's more of a second mother to all of us. She's the "organizer" in the family cause she's usually the one who set a date and plan out for everyone to have a little get together once in a while and it's still hurting to know that she's no longer with us physically. She's a strong woman with a very pleasing personality, she fought her cancer with a good fight. She will always be remembered. We will be missing you every day, Auntie. WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH.

 7. MY FAMILY

Last but definitely not the least, My Family. Every year they've always been the biggest impact in my life and this year is totally NO DIFFERENT. They are my day to day strength and they always give me enough reason to be the happiest. We may not have the most ideal or perfect family but the thought that we all have each other during the ups and down is more than enough for me to be thankful. I'm really blessed to have these people who tirelessly love me with all they have. I LOVE THEM THE BIGGEST TIME :)

Thank you everyone for making this year indeed a year worth reminiscing. Definitely, 2013 will never be the same without all of you. And to everybody who may not be on the list (It doesn't mean that I love you any-less, of course I truly do.), Thank you Guys for everything. It was such an honor to have spent my Twenty-Thirteen with you. Till next year and the years to come.

Let's welcome 2014 with a blast and happy thoughts :) I love you from moon to back.

xo,

LittleApril.

CORNUCOPIA OF EMOTIONS.

PERPLEXED.

Have you ever had that feeling wherein everything seems to be just so complicated, wherein you just feel so lost and you wanted to get out in order for you to find yourself back?

Lately, everything felt so crazy for me and it seems all places are just too noisy that I can hardly hear myself. Where most of the time I often catch myself staring pensively at a blank wall and not knowing what to do. It's literally like having a cornucopia of feelings and having no idea which one should I entertain first.

After having a massive week, I've realized one thing in life:

 "You are allowed to love yourself!"

I just realized that it's not being selfish to love yourself, cause there are times wherein we lose our own value in the process of valuing someone too much. And that's what happened to me since day one, I've been the "superhero" at heart person, and I allowed myself to be used and abused *not literally though*, but seriously, I allowed people to take me for granted. It's like being in a situation wherein you wanted to get out but you just can't simply because it's a "easier said than done" situation. I've always carried a feeling of "How I was so afraid to do this and that cause people might judge me and how I wanted to let things out but I was so afraid that I might be embarrassed", yet deep down I wanted to really fight it out and let things be but I just can't cause I was too afraid to let go of my pretensions.

Though I know, these hurts, disappointments and pains are inevitable in ones life but we shouldn't be afraid to embrace this painful things cause somehow these are the substances that would complete us and make us who we are. People hurt us, be hurt anyway. People use us, be used anyway.

One way or another, I'm thankful that I allowed myself to be hurt cause at some point It made me realized how much more I can take and how much more I can give.

These things are somehow the "clutter" of my life that made me who I am now..

So yes, as I woke up this morning I've decided to let go of all these confusions cause I just want to be happy. We all want, don't we? :)

Love yourself, you deserve it :)

I can't recall the day we met, it's the day I'll never regret! :)

 

Good friends should be kept, FOREVER.

There are times really when you just meet someone and you "click", and this whole thing defines our friendship. We carry different personalities and values yet we "click" simply because we compromise and try to understand and accept each other. We are not a perfect barkada but we sure have the perfect love that molded our friendship. We argue like any ordinary friends, we fight at the simplest things and we laugh at the corniest jokes.

This whole this is surely unexpected, we belong to two different groups minding our different business yet surprisingly everything took turn for a better and a real friendship came to place. This started not too long ago, during COMEPP Days, I belong to the "Program Committee" with Ana, Chung, Elvie and Edward, Anthony and other group was the Registration Committee with Ate Jacey, Noraine, Liv, Kyle, Abygail, Shienalae, Ken and Rafaila. During events such these, shortcoming and little misunderstanding is inevitable, that is why during our poignant moments we always had each other. We sympathize with one another and we started to listen and understand one's problems as we give advices and lend our shoulders to each other. We made all the unbearable things bearable for everyone. Those simple gestures were the reason of our friendship. After then, we started sharing similar things, we plan things out together.  We argue for one another and we mess with someone who messes one of us -- WE ARE FAMILY.

Schedules for us were never a hindrance, we may have different class schedules but we always try our best to meet and eat and laugh together, because friendship is not formed by time but rather by the memories you spent together and by finding a common ground.

Indeed, friendship is not always about "Who came first" but rather it's about "WHO CAME AND NEVER LEFT" :)

I'm just so lucky and blessed to have the bestest relationship with these amazing people around. I love you, Ohlala Kingdom Animalia from bits to bits to eternity and beyond. T'was an amazing experience to have spent my last college life with you, Guys :)

Let's keep in touch! :)

xoxo,

A.

Everything's worth it.

Worth it for Mama Bear <3

I love you more than anything else, Miss LT!

One month before the Sinulog week, I was informed that Miss Lorna Tolentino will have a mall tour in Cebu in line with the Sinulog Festival. That thought alone excites me to death, since Dec 19, I started counting the days. I informed my friends who's dying to see her too that she's coming over, until busy days came to place, I never entertained the thought that I might actually see her. 2 Weeks before the event, I  tried to asked Miss LT if she's really coming for the event and It surprised me to read her reply "Yes nak. SM City Mall kami sa 19." And I was literally smiling from ear to ear with her message. From then on, I was becoming so positive that I will see her, we will see her. 

Then, to my surprise it was already Jan. 18, 2013, *time really flies.* the day before the event. I asked her again about her Mall tour in Cebu and she told me "Sa SM City na tayo magkita?" her words never fail to put a smile on my face. The word "magkita" excites me even more; we were exchanging few messages about her plans in Cebu.

And finally, January 19 2013 is here. Around 5am  I texted my two friends reminding them about the event and around 9 in the morning, I received a message from the both of them telling me that they are all set and they are on their way to SM, and I was like "Srsly?" Haha.  At 1PM, I was at our meeting place - flawless - in SM already, finally I've met my friends, told them that we need to go directly to the venue of the event so that we can position ourselves to a better spot, the chairs were filled when we arrived there, it was unbelievable, the show starts 4hours from then but people were patiently waiting for the time. So what I did was, I used the power of being a marketer, I talked to the guard and told them "Kuya, can we just stay somewhere sa left  side, kahit naka squat lang kami" and he was very gentle to say yes to my request. Sheena and Rica positioned themselves right away in the left side of the stage, I was left standing somewhere in that place as well. Then I approached a girl, asking if she could offer me a chair for a while that she reserve whilst waiting for her friend, she was very eager to say yes to me again. *Nice people, around* :)

While waiting for 5PM, my heart started to beat so fast already, I knew that I will be seeing her in a little while. And while letting the time pass, I received a message from Miss LT saying "Presscon pa kami, then Gaisano Tabunok then SM City na. See you later.", her message enlighten me so much, I wanted the time to fly so fast and have her next to me.  However, traffic got in the way, 5pm, they were not there, 6PM there still not around, 7PM not even a shadow of her showed up, then I started to worry so bad -- so bad. So I gave her a beep then she replied "OOW to SM and Traffic. Umulan kasi sa Gaisano. Hi and bye nalang day po dyan, Waaaah. See you, bearhug!" After reading her message it's like seeing my world crumbles before my very eyes. I was becoming very hopeless to see her and very desperate to be near her.

Then in a minutes or so, her name was announced, she was finally there already, FINALLY! As she waves her hands on everyone whilst wearing the most beautiful and sincere smile anyone could ever have she greeted the large crowd with a “Hello”, she was very gentle, and all I did was shout and scream to death.  Seeing her face made all those sacrifices worthwhile. Until that unexpected moment came -- that gave me another life -- when she surprisingly said to the crowd  "Manuod po kayo ng Pahiram Ng Sandali. Thank you po. And APRILET / CHE Hello sa inyo. Asan kayo?" And I was like "MAMA BEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAR I'M HERE", but she sadly didn't hear a thing because of the crowd screaming. So with all my might, I did whatever it takes for her to see me. Inakyat ko ang nakaharang sa stage, kami nila Sheena and Rica and I shouted and I argued with the guards around. Kaway na ako ng kaway at sigaw ng sigaw para lang makita ako ni Miss LT. *Feeling ko galit na galit na yung si Kuya Guard sa ginawa ko. Hindi ko na mabilang kung ilang paa na ang napakan ko sa mga oras na yun. HAHA.*

Large Crowd @ SM :) #WaitingForMissLT

Then finally, all my efforts paid off, she finally saw me, then she said "AYUUUN! Dun ka sa likod, dali" and I was like "Dito na po?" then the guard started to push me away from her, then her efforts were commendable, when she told the guard "Papasukin mo siya" then as I run next to her as she did to me, we embraced ourselves like it was the end of the world. *Sa gitna ng stage yan ha? **It's been seven long months and I just missed her* She was thankful to see me and she was happy and grateful to be there and I was the happiest to be next to her as well. We had the shortest chitchat and what we did was just embraced ourselves so tight -- very tight. And there was a bit epic moment when we were chatting because I saw a lady standing in front of us and I asked her "Pwede po ba kunan mo kami ng Picture ni Ms LT" and Mama Bear was surprised and told me "Kaaaaay, siya ang aming executive producer." And I'm like "OMG, sorry po. Hmm, pa picture po kami ni Ms LT" and MB got my camera and she personally hand it to Miss Executive Producer. *Nakakahiya yun, sobraa*

Thanks Miss Executive Producer for this! *wink

After a little while and a little arguments with the security guard, Rica and Sheena followed me to the stage where I was standing with MB. I pushed them near Ms LT and gave them the chance to talk to MB and hug her for the first time. They were very happy to finally see her *I know the feeling, been there*, *4days nga pala silang hindi nakatulog sa sobrang excitement* :)) After, finally seeing her, they also embraced Ms. LT with all their hearts and they hand her their gifts, sabi pa ni Miss LT "Naku, may gift pa talaga kayo ha?" . Then Miss LT kissed and embraced them.

Happy Kiddos. The 8hours of waiting was worth it. <3

As always, it was hard to say goodbye, but we have to. She’s running so late for her flight, that’s why we need to separate ways, she was very sweet when she said, I have to go and gave me the tightest hug for the last time and many kisses. Then as she turns her back to me my heart then was the happiest at last. Then for the last time, she turns her face to where I was standing as she says “Thank you. Bye. Muah, muah, muah. *Flying kiss*”  That was unforgettable and priceless moment!

I can honestly sum up everything that happened in that day in 3 words: EVERYTHING'S WORTH IT.

P.S.

Thanks Mama Bear for the effort and for telling Manong Guard to allow me to enter the stage. Thanks for the shoutout, that was unforgettable. Thanks for making my 2013 a blast. It was a good way to start a year. I’m more than happy to see you. I love you more than you know and I have never loved anyone else as much as I love you and I will never ever get tired of loving you. 

I love you more and more from bits to bits from eternity and beyond, Miss Lorna Tolentino.

xo, A. 

The 3 Akyat Railings - Buwis Buhay Girls makita lang si Miss LT! <3

The AIMers.

THE AIMers with our very own professor Miss JY! ♥

“SUCCESS IS ABOUT ATTITUDE NOT APTITUDE” :))

Congratulating you isn't enough to show how proud leader I am for this group. Treating you a cup of coffee or two would never be good enough to express how happy and grateful I am to have you as my group-mates. Indeed, it has been a good fight!

Everything started like a mess, we got no idea about what IMC PLAN really was, we were clueless about what content can put us to limelight and passing the subject with flying colors was something we never expected. We even thought of giving up after those hardships and trials, but I'm glad we didn't. I sure am.

WOW! Indeed, this semester has quite been a journey with you and I still can’t believe that we’ve made this far, and I’m so so so proud of you guys! Thank you for communing with me everytime I say that we have to “MORNING THE NIGHT AGAIN”. We’ve shared so many memories, sleepless night, overnight stay in any coffee shops, playing around with the mosquitoes under kolk's nook, etc. Even if there are times that we can't help but fall asleep during our overnight stay in any places, but the thought of you guys being there whenever I call for a meeting is more than enough, the effort is much appreciated. I tell you.But atleast,our efforts paid off, we fought a good fight, guys! We put all our hardship to SUCCESS and I can’t help but thank God for blessing me with such groupmates like you ♥

Being the leader, I thank you guys for not making it hard on me to handle the situation and I really am sorry for sometimes I let the heat get off my head. Magninaldita gyud ko usahay, but I hope you guys understand that i’m only doing that for the betterment of our group. *wink* Selosa man ko na pagka leader gud, pero kabalo sad bitaw mo na ma okay ra ko dayun labi na naa’y mentos :))) HAHAHAHA! Seriously, knowing that all of us got a very good remark from this subject makes me feel happy and blessed :

Friends for keeps ♥

Memories for keeps :) Sleepless nights with the TEAM ♥

 

WE TRULY NAILED IT! ♥

P.S.
To our ever loving teacher, Ms. JY! Thanks for the unwavering support, Ma’am. We couldn't have done it without you :)
Dear GOD, thank you too for blessing us with so much knowledge and patience in making this project a success. Thank you!

Final Presentation with our Adviser :)♥ Successful, it was!

 
-ApriletOuano|2012

The Peerless Miss Lorna Tolentino.

Why Miss Lorna Tolentino?

I've been receiving like unending questions from random people, why I like Miss Lorna Tolentino, and the only thing that would cross to my mind when I need an answer is that "Why NOT her?" I mean, she's simple, glam, amazing, really beautiful and most especially she's impeccable and versatile; she's the only actress in the entertainment who can portray different role superbly and effortlessly amazing.  She's just SPECTACULAR!

Everything started not so long ago, that was technically year 2008. Though I've been seeing her shows everywhere and her movies too, but since I was too young to really think things seriously, actors and movies then didn't mean so much to me. I don't spend time watching a series every night and really get hooked to it; it is not just my cup of tea. Well I do watch but I never really get too affected about it and never get really too attached to it.

And when Dahil May Isang Ikaw started to penetrate the screen, everyone was pretty excited for the comeback team up of Jericho-Kristine loveteam and with the powerhouse cast that includes, Ms Lorna Tolentino, Mr Gabby Concepcion, John Estrada and Miss Chinchin Gutierrez . But I still didn't care about it, I thought I had more important things to attend to than just sit around and watch a TV Series. But surprisingly I got hooked up to it, I was impressed with the storyline and how each character portrayed their role, of course Miss Lorna Tolentino in no doubt was spectacular, she delivers everything so natural and impressively. She gets the spotlight effortlessly, she was that AMAZING!!

Then I started to really admire her big time, she's the only actress whom I’ve spent so much of my time just to research about her, I downloaded all her movies on net, whatever was available and I went to every movie store in our place just to buy all her movies, yes I was that crazy, even my friends and classmates are getting fed up because she’s the only thing that comes up to mind every now and then, she was the only subject that I would like to talk to with anyone, I looked for her pictures and saved it to my files, printed it too and pasted them on my wall. It was hilarious, I know, but I just love her that much. I even composted poems about her, and edited pictures of her. Yes, call me crazy and obsessed because I was and I forever will be. *LOL*

You can't blame me for being so “into” her, Miss Lorna Tolentino is superb, she has this amazing skills that would truly amaze everyone and she's beyond that, aside from having a pretty face, she went beyond her looks, she has a good heart and a bubbly personality, she treats everyone very nicely and she never cease thanking all her fans for all the love, she is a woman with a strong heart too, she just carries the exact angst of everything, she handles everything calmly and in control. She's beyond perfection.

I personally got the chance to know her more, somehow, it was a dream come true, of course. I've been telling myself "Naku, pag nakita ko lang si Miss LT, solve na, okay na ako. Okay na talaga Lord, pwede na ako mamatay." but when that finally happened and I got the chance to have a simple talk with her and then I whispered to myself "Naku, wag na muna Lord, gusto ko pa siya makita ulit." I was that crazy, I just loved her even more after that. She was so lovely and she's literally the prettiest, she has a face that would drop everyone's jaw. She's an angel.

But what surprised me more is that she would always, always try her best to reciprocate the love that she's receiving from her fans, you could really feel her love for the LORNATICS. It's incomparable; you could just think "How I wish all artists would be like her." I mean, who would expect that a Grand Slam Queen like her would love her fans to infinity. She's very humble and appreciative that’s why I love her biggest time.

 

I love her for being the best actress ever in show business but I love her even more because of how bubbly she is, how lovable she could be and how amazing she’ll always be. I just love her as HER. She’s just peerless! 

I loved her once, I love her still. Always have, and always will.

Indeed, I’m a proud Certified LORNATICS! Pang habang buhay na ‘to!

I LOVE YOU MISS LORNA TOLENTINO TO INFITY AND BEYOND.

P.S.

 I literally went out of my way just to have a glimpse of her, I was that crazy about her, but it was all worth it. REALLY WORTH. (Thanks of course to Miss LT for sharing her precious time with me, and to all my k-LTs).  My friend would usually tell me ”Naku, pansamantala lang yang kalokohan mo kay Miss LT, lilipas din yan. But I would always tell them “Hindi noh! Habang buhay ko siyang mamahalin, as in habang buhay. Itaga nyu yan sa bato” <3

♥  A|CutieExtrovert.