Happenings After Graduation

Our Sablay and Diploma Jacket

DISCLAIMER: This post will contain a lot of photos. Prepare to scroll down some more.

Clearly, I still couldn’t get a hang of our graduation ceremonies which I blogged about last week. I can’t stop thinking of writing about it again, because it feels like I still have a lot of things to share. The problem is, I couldn’t put them in words. Blame it on the post-graduation jitters that’s been bugging me for more than a week now. My mind’s still on a haze, so I’m saving all those thoughts about the joy of finally completing a bachelor’s degree for next time.

After graduation, I kept myself busy looking for available jobs at JobStreet. Fortunately, I found some that I deem are suitable to what I usually do best; the downside is, their offices are located somewhere far from my hometown. I’m still not ready to leave my peaceful and comfortable life here in Davao City. So friends, I beg you to stop flustering me with the great opportunities Makati City has to offer until I’m emotionally and financially prepared. LOL!

I choose to stay here in Davao City until such time that I’ll realize my calling of working in an advertising firm, which has been my ultimate dream ever since I started studying Communication Arts. But until that happens, I’m going to set myself up for any adventure life may throw my way. Anyhow, I got an offer to play guest host for a TV show with three others. I actually find it weird that I’m one of the chosen ones given my shy and delicate sensibilities. Despite that, I agreed to do it and I’m quite excited to work on cam ‘cause I know it’s going to be a great experience.

Enough about work and stuff, so now I’m going to talk about the highlight of my week. My true friends Regine, Lerr and I reunited after four months last Wednesday. The last time we saw each other was when they visited me here at home last Christmas. I missed them big time and it’s sad to know that we’re going be apart again soon (tears), but of course that didn’t hinder us from having fun. Here are our photos to suffice our celebration of food and friendship.

Waiting for Lerr to arrive.

Lerr finally arrived after 30 minutes.

This is our only photo together. 

I will never stop loving Ramadeey.

Regine says this is going to be her Facebook DP.

Regine and Lerr’s photo opp at Zabadani’s façade.

Off to our next food destination.

Tunisian Whole Breast (My order)

Beef Kabsa (Regine’s Order)

Lemony Chicken (Lerr’s Order)

Isn’t it odd that I’m such a huge fan of Zabadani Café? I always suggest going there when my friends and I find time to pig out, and I thank them for considering my opinion when it comes to food. I will never get tired of feeding myself with Zab’s Middle-Eastern delights. This food spot is definitely one of Davao City’s pride. Now that I mentioned Zab, they just opened their newest branch at Gaisano Mall’s The Peak yesterday. Anyway, after having our lunch there, we went strolling to find somewhere else (with wifi) to stay. We had a hard time deciding where, and finally we chose to head over at Café Demitasse for our frappe and pizza fix.

18 oz. worth of brain freeze. Almond Praline frappe (my order), Strawberry Smoothie (Lerr’s) and Mudslide Frappe (Regine’s).

Pepperoni Pizza

That was my second time to be at Café Demitasse. The last time was over a year ago with my boyfriend. I remember blogging my review about it. In case you haven’t read it, here’s the link. I love this place because it’s very feminine. I love the colors of the chairs, wall and the chandeliers. They’re very pretty! I will never say no to something that pleases my eyes. Another thing that I love about Café Demitasse is their fast internet connection. I could have finished downloading five movies, if it weren’t for my laptop that’s running out of power.

Before I forget, I also would like to share that after a very long stretch, I finally had a good dose of spiritual knowledge once again this week. It really feels so great to stay in tune with the Lord. I'm going to give that a separate blog post so that I can talk about it more. Another thing, I also just finished watching Season 1 of The Lying Game. The finale was epic! I am totally stoked for Season 2. I heard production will start this summer, and the show will start this winter. That’s it for now folks. Much love!

PS: One last thing, I apologize for not posting much and for not blog-hopping much lately. I'm quite busy looking for a job. I hope you understand.

UP Mindanao Class of 2012

THE SABLAY

April 18, 2012 was a big day to UP Mindanao's Iskolar ng Bayan Class of 2012. It was our Graduation, or shall I say, SABLAY day. The Sablay is our alternative to the usual toga and cap, which made it very unique. One advantage of its advantages is that we don't just rent it, we have it for keeps. It is a very sacred thing especially to us UP students, because for us, it is synonymous to our academic success.We transfer it from the right to left shoulder upon graduation as a sign that our college life in UP has finally ended.

Sablay is actually a Tagalog word that not only means "failure or missed chance" as many of you might think. It also means "a loose piece of clothing, worn by a person, that is simple yet elegant and joined in front by an ornament, and two, the draping object or fabric on the shoulder. The Sablay gets its inspiration from the Muslim malong but incorporates various traditional elements found in other Philippine cultures. Running through the Sablay are geometric motifs of indigenous Philippine tribes."

It seems not so long ago when I was only imagining myself being a part of UP's unique college graduation  ceremonies and rocking the highly desired Sablay, and suddenly now, it's already my first day of being a UP graduate! I still can't believe it to tell you honestly. I know, of course, that life doesn't end when you get out of college; but it's just but normal to feel ultimate joy when you've accomplished something every student in this world covets for. It's one thing to actualize yourself. One dream down. To God be the Glory!

I could really say my college life was one heck of a ride, full of highs and lows in various aspects. You see, I'm not an achiever. I got my bachelor's degree without any academic or leadership distinctions at all. I've flunked a number of subjects many times, got extended for a year and experienced disheartening social issues along the way. I may have failed more often than not, but I believe those misadventures made me even more mature and equipped for the true battles of life. UP education truly made me a better citizen!

Anyhow, I know you want proof of our Graduation Day so here are I'll be dishing out the photos of what I'm talking about.

The iconic symbol of the University of the Philippines, The Oblation, also wears Sablay during Graduation Day.

Taken during Graduation practice. These Red and Green Vinta is one of the main attractions in our school's Atrium during Graduation Day.

Seats on the stage are occupied by the UP Board of Regents, The UP Mindanao Chancellor and the guest speakers. 

This is my only photo with UP Mindanao Chancellor Gilda Rivero, Senator Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel (our guest speaker) and UP President Alfredo Pascual.

Taken before the program when we still wore the Sablay on our right shoulder.

Taken after the program when the Sablay is finally on our left shoulder and when we already had our diploma.

Another shot of the most important people in the program yesterday.

With my sister Miko and her bestfriends Nica and Czeichelle.

With my family, Ate Mamu and some photo bombs.

With my mother and one of my dearest college friends, Charina.

We're not supposed to take pictures during the program, but hey, we can't help it. LOL! With my seatmate and partner in crime, Maicie; and with Troy and King in the background.

Our Graduation Ceremonies started at 6:45 in the morning; and since, there were only 135 graduates, the program ended as early as 9:30am. It's difficult to take decent and strategic shots during events like this especially when  you don't own one of those HD DSLR cameras. Thanks to those who have one, and also to our official photographers. I still have to wait for them to upload and print it though. Anyway, we headed straight to Loring's Lechon House & Restaurant (Matina branch) for our intimate celebration with only a few  invited friends and relatives. Thanks to my parents for making everything happen! Here are our photos there.

Wrong spelling for my sister Miko's name. FYI, Gelie is my nick.

Array of food.

Shanghai Rolls

Chopped Pork Lechon

Beef Kare-Kare

Chicken Pancit Canton

Sinigang na Bangus soup

Sinigang na Bangus

Mom's Home-made Brownies for Dessert

Mom's Home-made Chocolate Cake for Dessert

Watermelon and Pineapple for Dessert

Aunt Nerie and Cousin Patrick

My sister Mikee's forner nanny and her daughter

Shaira, my sister Janine's cute and bubbly bestfriend.

My sister Miko's bestfriends Czeichelle and Nica

My college friends Dolly, Harvey and Maxine

Hi Harvey!

Hi Maxine!

Me and my family went to Lito Sy at SM for our studio pictorial right after our party. The pictures will be ready by Sunday, and I just can't wait to let you see our family and prestige shots. I'll surely keep you posted for that. Now let me express my gratitude to our guests Aunt Nerie, Cousin Patrick, Ate Nene, Uncle Boy, Nica, Czeichelle, Shaira, Harvey, Dolly and Maxine. Thanks for gracing us with your presence!

My boyfriend Ciovic and my true friend Regine were also invited, but they weren't able to make it due to some concerns. Ciovic is still in Cotabato for a family affair, while Regine was in Manila for some training. I would love for the rest of my closest friends who are also part of UP Min's Class of 2012 to be with us for lunch, but I know they would be with their families to celebrate as well.

On that note, I would like to greet all of us a resounding, Congratulations!

PS: Thanks for bearing with this very long post. I will be writing another graduation post soon. :-)