where is this sun you speak of?

2013 is leaving in just a few hours and I am thankful for it to end. I feel a mix of emotions looking back through the days. I am thankful for the bad experiences from people who constantly try to make me feel sad because they make me strong despite the tears I have shed. I am very much thankful for the memorable experiences I have throughout the whole year which made me hopeful to more better days! Thankful for the little simplest (abstract or not) things I have received from people who care. Thankful for the people I know and strangers who were nice to me in those few moments within the year. Thankful for the few friends I have and the few relatives who share their joys with me, who lifts me up, and guides me through. I have no other words to say but I am graciously leaving the whole year with a smile. Life is still great and my faith is strong that I still hold on to it and try to live life to the fullest. Although sometimes certain instances make me go moody and mad and cranky but...

Japanese artist Oruha showcases her very first international Mandala art exhibition at SM Lanang Premier Atrium. It holds Charity Painting sessions for the benefit of the typhoon Yolanda survivors which will be held at 2:00 pm, 3:00 pm, 6:00 pm, and 7:30 pm from December 9-13, 2013. A Light in the Dark exhibit presents one of a kind Mandala art pieces to the Filipino audience.  She is from Akashi, Japan and attended Kobe City University of Foreign Studies. In 2011, she came upon Mandala art and ever since she has drawn more than 1,000 Mandala artworks and has held solo exhibits in Japan. It is her dream to have an exhibit overseas and has chosen Davao City, Philippines as her first stop. The following photos are some of her framed masterpieces. A Light in the Dark What is Mandala? Mandala art is from Sanskrit meaning "vessels of essence." For Oruha , it signifies the universe and the infinite existence, the earth and nature, ourselves, and together...

A book full of wit. The story revolves around The King whose actions and reactions to almost everything he does are funny. I enjoyed reading this book! Thanks Goodreads First Reads and Scott Bartlett for such a witty, good vibes, book! :)

A spontaneous night which was spent existing for the love of volunteering and music all for the intention to help the victims of typhoon Haiyan, locally known as Yolanda, the strongest typhoon to ever hit land in the history of humanity. Half of the night was spent with friends at Philippine Red Cross packing different sizes of bottled waters by a dozen. It was almost 9 in the evening when the operations stopped so we spent some minutes at Freedom park while waiting for other friends to come by. We found ourselves at Sales Bar Tekanplor where we heard three local bands play their masterpieces. Almost everyone sang along while I listened carefully to the beat of every song. I became an instant fan of The Sound of Go. We sat in a small, comfy sofa farthest from the stage among other strangers. So in between each glances of every band, I see passing silhouettes with red and green dancing spot lights on their bodies. The Sound of Go in action. Everyone seemed to...

There are various ways for me to cope up with stress. It really depends on the nature of it, what the situation is like. Most times I turn into an indoors man full-time (and I am already an indoors man most of my days!) - I try to divert myself into doing things I enjoy like listening to my favorite music albums or watch something funny, or write. I would read a book until I fall asleep. I cry, too - maybe because I find it more healing to cry my worries away.  And most of the time, I think about how big this universe is and that I am just a mere "dot" among other "dots". So in a way, I remind myself that my worries are small and all things happen for a reason. Doesn't mean to suppress the emotions at all, but to remind that somehow you've got to get over it someday. One step at a time.

I am in love with the characters. The story is very moving, insightful, something I can relate to, surprising and fun. Among other lessons I learned from this book, it taught me to be reasonable and fair to any situation. The characters of Jem, Dill and Jean Louise were very relatable as I have somehow been like them at some point in my childhood days. While reading, I feel like I am already part of their journey. Atticus' character definitely inspired me to be the kind of adult that is reasonable and smart enough to handle any kind of situation. I do not intend to be exactly like him but the way his character moves, it taught me to focus on what really matters. It may seem vague for now but I think I would somehow, if not fully, understand more as I grow older. Surprisingly, the issues raised in the story is present up to now. Racism, government issues, among others are present. This book may open your mind to these kind of situations... it helps you think deeply ...

I want to explore the world, I want to achieve my dreams, I want to do everything in my list, I want to cook all these delicious recipes, I want to experience new things, meet new people, and leave behind those who have been dragging me down for years now. To step out of the border, I can not wait any longer.