Surviving 2012

We all survived the end of the world. Again.

WRONG. I SURVIVED!
WRONG. I SURVIVED!

It’s been a looming prophecy since the movie came out over two years ago. I didn’t watch it, by the way. And face it, we all thought it’s a bit ridiculous that a group of people who weren’t able to predict their own extinction would be able to foresee the end of the world as we know it. Still, recent natural disasters made me think, “What if?” What if the world were to end suddenly? I didn’t really consider this thought as a major driving force in my life this year; but this teeny tiny possibility pushed me to make the most out of 2012 while I’m still young, kicking and very much alive. I’m pretty sure you know of these life lessons; but I’m sharing them with you anyway.

It’s never too late for a transformation.
Frustration over my physical health pushed me to change my body this 2012. I’m proud to say that I’ve lost a significant amount of weight over the past few months. I’m almost at my goal; but at this point, I’m already happy with what these changes brought out of me: more confidence and more self-control. As a bonus, I am loving shopping again! RTW sizes fit again! A bunch of old clothes I kept are being used again! It just feels good!
In 2013. I’m looking forward to finally achieving a healthy and stable weight and keeping it off for good. Also, I’ve started experimenting with new styles of clothing and hopefully, I’d be able to adapt and pull off a new look by next year. Time to change some more!

These ladies get to bond a lot!
These ladies get to bond a lot!

Keep in touch.
Always make an effort to keep in touch with old friends. I’m happy to still be planning meet-ups with my high school and college friends after 10 years. After all, catching up on Facebook just isn’t the same as catching up over lunch and gossiping about what your batch mates have been up to. Even if you don’t see each other as often as the girls in Sex and the City do, a get-together once or twice a year is enough to keep the ties tightly bound.
In 2013. More meet-ups and bonding, hopefully… A group trip, perhaps?

Chocolate Hills, Bohol -- woohoo!
Chocolate Hills in Bohol — woohoo!

Get out there and travel!
I traveled more than ever this year. Let’s see… Singapore, Hong Kong, Misibis Bay, Boracay, Batangas, Bohol… All beautiful places. With every trip, I am reminded again and again how awesome it is to take a break and see what’s outside the confines of Metro Manila.
In 2013. I’m in the process of planning my first out-of-SEA (Southeast Asia) trip. I just need to get my stuff in order. I’m also going back to Singapore with an intention to make a quick stop to Legoland Malaysia. It’s going to be totally awesome!!!

Wicked -- before the show started.
Wicked — before the show started.

Watch a bunch of shows.
I’m not just talking about TV shows or movies. I’ve never regretted plopping down cash for a good concert or theatrical performance. This year was off to a good start when I dropped everything and flew to Singapore just to watch Wicked. Hearing “Defying Gravity” live for the first time seriously brought tears to my eyes. It was a truly amazing experience. Aside from that, I screamed for NKOTBSB, Maroon 5, Lady Gaga and Foster the People. Of course, I had my share of regrets: missing Katy Perry in concert and Phantom of the Opera. Never mind. There’s always next year!
In 2013. More foreign acts worth watching, I hope.

2013, Here I Come!
I haven’t completely visualized 2013 for me; but I’m looking forward to it. I just need to internalize my resolutions and actually COMMIT to them. Here’s to more (life) experiences and more changes (for the better)!

Happy New Year!

the IT list #10

“the IT list” A series of posts that highlight the various stuff, old or new, that I’ve been doing… reading, watching, eating or simply obsessing over recently. It’s my personal countdown.

the IT list #10

01kindle

#ONE
I never intended to buy a Kindle for myself; but getting one from my brother and sister-in-law as an early Christmas present was pretty awesome. It can contain tons of books for a small, thin and light gadget. It’s easier on the eyes (compared to the iPad) for reading. It’s perfect for a bookworm like me. I’m looking forward to bringing it along with me everywhere in place of thick and bulky paperbacks.

02palladium#TWO
I’ve been wanting to buy leather boots for a while; and I came upon the brand Palladium at The Flat Shop in Glorietta. It’s made of durable, high quality leather. You can wear it two ways. And with the right attitude, you can wear it with almost anything. I love it.

03mindyproject#THREE
I’ve decided that The Mindy Project is officially my favorite new show this season. It started off as another comedy to pass my time; but I’ve grown to really like it. The humor is quick and witty. Mindy Kaling is hilarious. The many different guest stars are great as well. Hopefully, the show will be allowed to grow an audience so we can witness more workplace craziness in the future.

04pitchperfect#FOUR
I watched this when it came out last October. Now, the DVD is out and I can’t get enough of Pitch Perfect. It’s “Glee” in college; but much funnier. Plus, with The Sing-Off canceled, this film gives me my a cappella fix, aside from Pentatonix of course.

05weddingband

#FIVE
Wedding Band is about… Well, a wedding band. This series is simply entertaining and fun… more so as the episodes progress. It’s just a bunch of guys rocking it in different kinds of events (weddings, high school parties, adult proms) and the craziness that ensues. I also love the cover songs they do. Here’s hoping that the comedy continues well into future episodes because I’m really liking it.

“JUMP IN”

And here it is… The BIG project I’ve been talking about for the past few months. It’s finally and officially OUT. Best of all, I can now claim to be PART OF IT!

The song is entitled “Jump In.” This music video was shot over the course of four days — One day for each of the vignettes and one long day for the dancing and singing parts. We shot in picturesque locations and shot with international stars apl.de.ap and Jessica Sanchez. This huge project was a challenge to take on; and hopefully, audiences saw the “bigness” in the finish product. After all, putting it together took a lot of physical and mental energy, endless moments of stress and sleepless nights. Whew!

This MTV is for the new Smart Jump In SIM. It’s directed by Filipino-Canadian Marc Andre Debruyne, with director of photography Take Onishi and production designer Rious Caliso. Production house: Straight Shooters Media, Inc. Post house: Engine Room and Optima Digital.