Church. Family. Birthday.

Last Sunday was a indeed a special day! It was my sister Janine's birthday, and my whole family went to Matina Baptist Church together after a very long time. I hope that won't be the last time that I'll be listening to the word of God with these special people.

We were supposed to have lunch at my Mom's favorite restaurant, Yellow Fin. But we didn't know they're closed during Sundays. EPIC FAIL! We got really disappointed. It was high noon! We were really starving, so we decided to just eat at Shakey's Pizza, SM branch instead. These are some of our photos:

Meet my mother Emilie and sister Mikee.

I'm with my sister Janine, the birthday celebrant.


Green Sisters! We are green, just not the mind.


I never want to miss a solo photo of myself. :-D


These are some of our orders.

My father isn't with us in our photos because he doesn't like stuffs like that. All of the photos of him that I took are blurred. Yeah, he's really a joy killer. But I understand that it's just but normal for men to like this girly habit. Anyway, happy belated birthday Janine! :-)

MYSTIC NYMPH supports PETA

Animal cruelty -- knowing someone who does this makes me feel so sad. When will they ever stop hurting those poor animals? When will they realize how badly they treat those lovely creations? I just couldn't take seeing how animals suffer from other people's diabolic deeds which they don't deserve. My heart bleeds and grieves for them. If only I can do something to stop those rude people from doing any further damages to our creatures.

I am very passionate towards animals. I care for them deeply. Some may be dangerous, but humans shouldn't inflict pain to them. I get daunted whenever I read news about people torturing dogs, cats and even the deadliest predators in the world. Why do they have minds like that of a lunatic person? Don't they know that animals have feelings as well? Maybe they really don't know. I just hope they change their minds someday. I know it's never too late.

The Almighty Creator created the humans to be the stewards, not the destroyers of the Earth. Taking care of our ecosystem also means taking care of all the organisms it has, especially the animals. We're supposed to protect and maintain other life systems here in the world, and not to murder them instead.

Whenever I know of people who don't have the heart and conscience to treat animals properly, I give an immediate dislike to them. If they can't be good to animals, how much more to other people? I despise those people who have cruel intentions towards other life forms. I'm totally down on them! They're repulsive and abominable criminals. Shame on them!

I am ultimately glad that there are still good people who don't hold back in fighting for animals' welfare and rights. I am seriously grateful to God for having the People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) around. I may not be their official member, but in my heart I am. I pray that with their presence, people will learn to love animals like their own. I hope those cruel people get tired, and eventually cease their wicked actions towards the helpless animals.

No life is a waste. We don't have the right to make life any harder for others. To all the PETA supporters out there, let us not be lackadaisical in saving the lives of the animals we hold dear. Let us do our part in helping them live peacefully with other human beings. We must learn to cultivate that value. Screw the thought of beating them to death. In any case, I know there is still hope. So, help us God.

The image in this post is not intended for copyright infringement.

Music to my Ears and Soul

Music is my sanctuary. I consider it a safe place in this troubling world. It makes me sane from all kinds of pressure I’m undergoing. Without it, I’d probably have an extensive degree of exhaustion every time I deal with some trials. It’s my preferred companion whenever I want to rest my mind, body and soul. I don’t want to rant much about the different problems I have. Instead, I just listen to the songs in my play list and boom, I’m ok that instant.

Despite my extreme dedication to rock music, I still have some songs that are just light you could sleep while playing them. But of course, I don’t do that. I listen to them whole-heartedly, cause their lyrics and melody are just so lovely. I’ve had these songs for ages now, but I never get sick of them. So, before this part here gets too lengthy, let me dish out this list of some easy songs I have. I downloaded them from 4shared. Here it goes:

1. Wonderful – Joao Gilberto
2. Inevitable – Anberlin
3. I will Follow You Into the Dark – Deathcab for Cutie
4. Slow Down – Real Big Fish
5. L O V E – Keisha Cole
6. We’ll Never Sleep – Rilo Kiley
7. The Moon – The Swell Season
8. History – Funeral for a Friend
9. Dream a Little Dream of Me - The Mamas and The Papas
10. Angel - Jack Jonhson

There is no use giving way to despair. Just take a dosage of soothing music, and you’ll be fine. Stop trifling the hours away by not keeping your cool, and drowning yourself in too much alcohol. If you have problems, so does everyone else. Just imagine what others might have. Know what I’m saying? My point is to just take it easy. Just sit, and listen to songs with lyrics and tunes that can help you loosen up a bit.

So what songs do you have in your play list that can make you lessen your mental stress? Do you mind sharing them to me?

40 Months of Romance

I can't believe we've come this far. It felt so surreal. This has been my longest relationship, and I don't want to lose it -- EVER! I thank God for giving me the perfect man for me this early. Trite as it may sound, but we have really experienced a lot of obstacles that we thought would ruin our bond. But hey, we're still loving each other for three years and four months now. We're getting stronger every single day. Daddy, I love you. Please know that all the time.

"Whenever I'm alone with you, you make me feel like I am young again..
However far away I will always love you.. I will always love you!"

I am your greatest fan my drummer boy!

I hope to see us with our children someday.

Je T'aime.

Katrina's Thought Bubbles III

+ I love my outfit today. Chiffon top, knitted cardigan, jeans and gladiator sandals. OMG! I'm going crazy over cardigans just like Mom.

+ My hair's getting longer, and I like it. I've never been contented with my hair. I hope I won't experience bad hair day this 2011. Haha! :-D

+ I wanna have my first major night out at Eastwood City. Based on what I've seen on photos, the place is really beautiful. I need plenty of bucks!

+ I'm entertained with how my classmates spent their holidays. One of them even had an "action-packed" one. She got to witness some crimes!

+ Our cat, Jun Pyo is so cute! Because of the coldness, he covered his nose with his paw. He really acts like a human. He eats cheese too! :-D

+ I imposed a hygienic rule for myself. No matter how cold the weather is, I shall never miss the chance of taking a bath. No to dirty self!

+ What I love about cooking shows is that they make us believe that we can also do those sumptuous dishes usually served in restos at home. :-)

+ If you ever feel tired and troubled with what you're doing, go back to what you wanted to attain. Know your goal. Have a sense of purpose.

+ Browsing La Toscana Italian Restaurant's website. The photos make me crave for their finest selection of delicacies. I have to dine there!

+ When you compete with yourself you become better, if you're continuously competing with others you become bitter.

Principles of Photography

I am an art enthusiast. That’s why I never missed the chance to enroll in the Arts and Humanities 5 under the very exciting, Prof. Julius Quiz. One of the best things I learned from that class, aside from those paintings and sculptures, is the “Principles of Photography.” It is very helpful especially for my course, since pictures are also a form of communication. As what the famous adage goes, one picture is worth a thousand words.

I’m just so sad that Sir Quiz is no longer in UP Mindanao. Too bad he no longer handles the Basic Photography subject. He is by far the best photography teacher in school. Not everyone gets the chance to have his valuable pieces of knowledge, that’s why I somehow feel lucky. Learning the basics of this sought-after hobby helps me feel confident that I don’t just take pictures, I MAKE pictures. Here, I’m going to share you what I’ve learned, for FREE!

Rule of Third (applying balance)

Classic-S Curve (line of beauty)

Natural Cropping (removing unwanted space)

Funny Perspective

Natural Shadowing

Natural Framing

All the shots were taken at Camiguin Island during our field trip last February 28, 2010. I hope this information helped you. Let this be your guide in making pictures. Bear in mind that it doesn’t really matter whether you’re using a Point-and-Shoot or a Digital Single Lens Reflex Camera. Always remember that knowing and applying the art of photography matters more than the kind of camera you use.

Invigorating the Soul (Rock Music)

I’m a rockphile. I’ve been arming myself with hardcore music ever since. I love rock music, but I don’t even know how to play at least one musical instrument. Whenever someone finds out that I actually listen to some hardcore anthems, I’m instantly asked whether I can play the guitar or whatsoever. I feel so embarrassed answering that question. Do I really need to show that I could jam with a band just to prove that I’m a rock fanatic? I apologize for getting emotional again.

I’ve been devoted to rock music since third year high school. I was fifteen years old then. That time, I used to listen to Pinoy Pop Rock songs, which I loathe now. Good thing someone introduced me to the Home of Nu Rock, NU 107. It’s my ultimate favorite radio station. But a couple of months ago, its management decided to stop the operations. That’s one of the saddest news I’ve got last year. I hope they’ll come back with a bang someday.

Home of NU Rock.

Because of NU 107, I got familiar with some foreign bands like Taking Back Sunday, Anberlin, Shiny Toy Guns, Avenged Sevenfold, Rage Against the Machine, Deftones and City Sleeps; and local bands like Urbandub, Typecast, Faspitch, Franco, Queso and some Red Horse Muziklaban Bands. I kept up with this station because it gives me additional information on the rock bands I follow the most. I never dare to miss out a single day without having my fix of Stairway to Seven, NU’s daily countdown on the most requested rock songs. The Remote Control Weekend was another I program I frequented in NU. Avid listeners can request for songs of different rock genres guaranteed to blow their ears out.

My enthusiasm for rock music grew fonder when I met my boyfriend, Ciovic. He was the drummer of an underground post-hardcore band from Cotabato City. He really had a great taste for rock. He just doesn’t like the songs he adores, he plays them as well. As what one of his friends told me, he is a double-edged drummer. Of course as his girlfriend, I couldn’t help but be blown away with what he can do. He’s that good, in fact he is the best drummer I’ve ever seen play. He can perfectly perform tracks from As I Lay Dying, Saosin, Bullet for my Valentine, Mudvayne, Funeral for a Friend, Valley of Chrome and from other heavy metal royalties. Is that enough to bloat your ego, Mr. Ciovic David Sol Balabbo?

Taken almost three years ago.

I am really not much of a screamo fan. I feel somehow battered whenever I listen to songs that are full scream and full grunge. I just like to listen to songs whose lyrics are clear. A rock song can still be a hot stuff with less scream and more hardcore breakdowns. That is why I couldn’t get enough of A Day to Remember, Asking Alexandria, Escape the Fate, Eyes Set to Kill, Scary Kids Scaring Kids, Chevelle, Katatonia and A Skylit Drive. I can play their songs nonstop at top volume!

Just last 2009, I found out that some of my favorite rock bands recorded a compilation of their pop songs cover. The album is called Punk Goes Pop. I wasn’t able to download their first album, but I have the second and the latest one. There are also some pop cover songs that were recorded, but are not included in the said album. If only pop songs are just played the Punk Goes Pop way, I would definitely be a party animal. No doubt! The pop versions are terrific. Superb, I have to say! Hardcore bands made those pop songs sound way better! I suggest you listen to A Day to Remember’s Over My Head, The Word Alive’s Heartless, Woe is Me’s Tik Tok and Red Summer Tape’s Hot n Cold. You’ll know what I mean.

Punk Goes Pop rocks!

I love rock music because not everyone likes it. I don’t like listening to songs that are everyone’s favorite. I like songs that are loved by few. But don’t get me wrong. I don’t listen to rock songs to signify my alienation from the government, and to signify my angst against the society. I even don’t have the slightest feeling of any of those two that I’ve just mentioned. I listen to rock songs, because I just like it. Period. But of course I still have some light and easy music in my play list from Aqualung, Metric, The Bird and the Bee, 311, Tori Amos, Rilo Kiley and The Pipettes. That is to balance the emotions I get from my library of music. With that, I would say music makes me sane, because music is LOVE! J

All images in this post are not intended for copyright infringement.

Everybody Has a Secret

I’ve already seen the trailer of “She’s the Man” long before. That was two years ago, I think. I liked it a lot, but I never got the chance to watch it right away, because I got contented just watching the movie clips. I was not that into movies at all. But I thought the girl was so cool, because she had a great way of pulling off a guy role, although she kind of looked like a grade school boy.

I didn’t know Amanda Bynes actually starred the lead role of this film. Call me a loser, but I’ve honestly seen her first on Easy A, and I instantly had a bad impression on her. We just downloaded this film, because my sister found out that Channing Tatum was part of it. We’re crazy about him! He’s just so hot! But now that I’ve watched this ultimately fun chick flick, I end up liking Amanda Bynes a big deal!

I seriously don’t like my timid and super feminine attitude. I think it’s totally boring! In fact, I’m sick of me being too sensitive and weak. I’m actually not good at mingling with the opposite sex, unless of course we’re that close. I always get the feeling of uneasiness whenever I interact with guys I’m not familiar with. Maybe it’s because I’m used to have just girls with me. I’m not comfortable with a lot of men around.

Yes, I’m that conservative. I grew up knowing that men are dangerous. I admit that I really had that sort of lame views. I’ve always wanted to be confident enough to face men, without coming off as desperate for their attention. I want to be a manly woman. I really dig boys’ activities like playing musical instruments in a band, and being into extreme sports. But I don’t have the talent for those kinds of stuffs. How I wish I could be like Viola who knows well how to be a man and a woman at the same time. Tough, isn’t it? Two thumbs up for She's the Man!

Holidays 2010

I'm still having a hang of last night! Christmas and New Year Celebrations are so fun at home. Mom bought and cooked extra special goodies. She's really the best! Here are some photos I took. Too bad we didn't have a good camera to perfectly capture the moment. Let's get the foodnography started!

SMORGASBOARD

I didn't like the Goldilock's Cake we bought that night. :-(

I never got to taste the wine. I didn't want to get drunk on a holiday.


May Juice. This is actually a carbonated juice. It tastes a little like white wine.

Baked Conchiglie Pasta, Hamon de Bola and Queso de Bola.



SWISS Deli and Purefoods Hams. I prefer the first one. So delicious!


Red Ribbon's Tiramisu for New Year. I love this cake BIG TIME!


Tiramisu and Mango Float are both adorable sweets. Can't get enough of them!

We still have a lot of food in the fridge. I think by tomorrow they will all be wiped out. We eat like there's no tomorrow. That's how my family loves food.

Although I ate a lot this vacation, I still don't feel any improvement on my weight. I'm still 41lbs. Bad! I have to put on even a little weight this year.

So, how was your holiday celebration?

Creative Juice (My Intense Devotion for Art)

I have this innate passion for art. My childhood life revolved around it. Believe it or not, I began to draw people, dresses and mansions when I was seven. I could say I did pretty good sketches and designs compared to the second-rate stick drawings of other children my age. I drew my pieces with intense conviction and eagerness. It was like someone was possessing me whenever I get a hold of my pencil and drawing book. I was too focused on my craft that I really felt my imaginations encapsulating my whole being, and taking me further from reality. My family couldn't even come close to me whenever they see me doing what they think as my hobby. For me, drawing was more than just a hobby, it was my life.

I've already let my heart out. With all those emotions I've poured, maybe now you trust that my adoration for art is not a make believe at all. It was real, and as big as life. I swear, I'm not kidding you (LOL). Did I sound so desperate for approval with that? I'm just trying to goof off to balance drama and comedy. Anyway, let me continue with my testimony on art by talking about what I learned about it two semesters ago.

According to an art historian in the name of Barzon, humanities are man's spiritual creations. Under this discipline are: philosophy, literature, language, religion and ARTS. Studying humanities makes us human, cultured and defined. Humanities believe that man is an individual. It is highly subjective, and it values judgment.

Let me share you this term I learned from our professor, Sir Julius Quiz: Aesthetic Sensibility. In layman's term, it is called taste or preference. Sophisticated term, isn't it? You might want to use it instead. Our aesthetic sensibility has something to do with exposure to the arts. We can not say that something is artistic or unrefined without knowing what is true beauty. You can not grasp something until you don't experience it.

Among the many defined expressions of art, there are four art styles I prefer the most: Renaissance Art, Baroque, Surrealism and Abstract Expressionism. Classic Art is the foundation of Western art history. The characteristics of Renaissance (Rebirth of Classicism) Art are rational, objective, simple, restrained and finite. Renaissance Art follows philosophy, ideals and harmony. Its philosophy includes rationalism, humanism and idealism. An art can not be considered art if one of the three is missing. Its ideals include proportion and balance. According to Plato, "Beauty is a simple quality of a thing which is undefinable. For a thing to be beautiful, it must possess order and proportion."

CLASSIC ART: Nike at Samothrace found in the Louvre Museum, France.


RENAISSANCE ART: La Gioconda (Mona Lisa) by Leonardo da Vinci found in the Louvre Museum, France.


RENAISSANCE ART: Venus de Milo found in the Louvre Museum, France.

Another art style I love is Baroque (17th Century). It started with the Reformation of Martin Luther and Calvin. It is expressed with sensuality, dynamism, movement and decorativeness. It is very different from Classic Art which is devoid of any emotions. Baroque artists used their masterpieces to allure back the Protestants to Catholicism. My favorite Baroque artist would have to be Bernini. He is said to be the most famous sculptor of all time. He was actually the official sculptor of Vatican. If you have watched the movies Da Vinci Code and Angels & Demons, you will see most of his artworks e.g. St. Peter's Basillica, 4 Rivers and The Ecstasy of St. Theresa which is a controversial piece because it's considered as a metaphor of sex. It was the most scandalous sculpture displayed in the Vatican, that's why it was exiled to Chapel de la Victoria (farthest chapel in the Vatican).

BAROQUE ART. The Ecstasy of St. Theresa found in Chapel de la Victoria.

Modern art is a defiance of what is CLASSIC. We will only understand modern art in reference of what is classic. Surrealism is a 20th Century Modern Art. It started in poetry. Surrealists say that they allow their subconscious to manipulate their hands. It was actually influenced by Sigmund Freud's psychoanalysis, but we will not delve into that. In this style, unrelated objects were juxtaposed. There is irrational arrangement of figures. Scenes in surreal artworks are dream-like. Surrealists believe in the omnipotence of the subconscious, that is why the works under this expression are free from the constraints of REASON. There are two types of surrealism: veristic and autistic. Subjects are derived mostly from lucid dreams in veristic. It is very representational. Autistic surrealism, on the other hand, is abstract. It is oftentimes confused with Abstract Expressionism.

SURREALISM. Marc Chagall's Love Above Town found in the Museum of Modern Art, New York.


SURREALISM. Marc Chagall's Love, a Hat and a Song found in the Museum of Modern Art, New York.


SURREALISM. Salvador Dali's Persistence of Memory found in the Museum of Modern Art, New York.


SURREALISM. Salvador Dali's Hallucinogenic Torreador found in the Museum of Modern Art, New York.

Abstract Expressionism is also a Modern Art. Artists of this style claim that the painting is not important, it is the act of painting that matters the most. It is very subjective and non-representational. The painter is the only one who knows the real meaning behind his masterpiece. They show and release their tension through this style. It is highly characterized by the energetic lines and restlessness. One of the famous abstract expressionists is Jackson Pollock. He was the one who painted "No. 5", the most expensive painting in the world which costs approximately $137M.

ABSTRACT EXPRESSIONISM. Jackson Pollock's No. 5 found in the Museum of Modern Art, New York.

Learning about different concepts of art is truly one of the best ways you can reward yourself. Being knowledgeable with art can help us boost our ego, because not everyone has the diligence on getting to know the different artists who made a mark on the civilization of our world. Imagine that you're in a museum, in Louvre or Museum of Modern Art for an instance, someone asks you about a certain work of art. Wouldn't it be nice if you say all the interesting things you know about it with confidence? Think about it. Don't ever let go the chance of feeding your brain with anything about art.

To sum up all the things that was taught to us in Arts and Society class, I learned that Art is not nature. It is because art is made or influenced by an individual (there is human intervention), while nature is God-made and/or biological. Art is everywhere. Art is an expression. Art is an experience. Most importantly, art is a form of communication.

All images in this post are not intended for copyright infringement.
All facts courtesy of my AH 5 lecture notebook.