At Least We Have Forever 30 - Even If It's The End

Disclaimer: I don't own Yu Yu Hakusho and its characters. I do own the plot, Riya and other OC's of this story, though.

Warning: The characters might not be in their usual selves. In other words, possible OOC.

AT LEAST WE HAVE FOREVER—Chapter 30: Even If It's The End

Even though Riya slept late last night—or rather morning since she slept way past midnight—she woke up ealier than the others. In fact, she woke up way early, just before the sun began rising up to the sky. She was about to get up when she felt something wrapped around her body. Frowning a bit, she turned around in bed and stared at the person lying next to her with his body facing herown.

That was when she remembered that Kurama insisted on staying beside her after they talked last night. It was his arms that wrapped around her body now, his breath fanning her face. He was sleeping peacefully on his side, with a small smile on his face. All she could do was to smile sadly to herself as she continued looking at his face.

Tennis Court Murders 7

TENNIS COURT MURDERS

(Sequel To "The Targeted Tennis Player Of Seigaku", Part 2 of "Detective Tennis" series)

Standard disclaimer applies. You are warned that the characters might not be in their usual selves (in other words, possible OOCness).

-x-x-

CHAPTER 7

8:03 PM, Fuji residence…

Fuji was just done eating dinner when he went to his room and do whatever nightly routines that he had in mind at the moment. After a few minutes or so, he did all his nightly routines and resumed yo reading a book that he hasn't finished reading yesterday. He was about to start opening the book where he left off when his cellphone suddenly rang. It was placed on the bedside table so he went there and looked at the name on the screen.

He frowned when he saw that only a cellphone number was registered on the screen. Nevertheless, he decided to answer it since he felt nothing dangerous in doing so. Besides, he has to know who would call him at the hour.

"Hello?"

Promised Love In Autumn 2 - Good Night Song

PROMISED LOVE IN AUTUMN

(#3 of "Seasons of Chances and Love" series—Oishi Shuichiro and Miyuzaki Kana's story)

Standard disclaimer applies. I only write for pleasure and fun—but a few reviews would surely pay off all my hard work on this one. You are warned that the characters might not be in their usual selves (in other words, possible OOCness).

Author's Notes: The setting of this story is in first year high school. Momoshiro and Kaidoh aren't exactly present in this part of the story since they are still in middle school, only in their third year. Ryoma isn't present either as he was residing in America (at least he was in this story). The timeline and original anime plotline will somehow be changed in this fanfic, especially about Tezuka supposed to be going to Germany, Oishi supposedly not going to enroll in Seigaku's High School Division, and Kawamura supposedly going to quit tennis after junior high to pursue being a sushi chef. In any case, this is my story so I guess that's just some of the changes that I had to do.

Enjoy reading!

-x-x-

CHAPTER 2

"I can't believe it!" Kana suddenly blurted out in the middle of tennis warm-up that the girls' tennis club had for that afternoon.

"Can't believe what?" Aika and Hanako asked in unison with hints of confusion in their voices.

Just what could have made their red haired friend blurt out something like that? And to think it was almost time for practice, too…

But the answer that first came out from the said person's mouth was a sigh—a heavy sigh. It was then followed by a pout and a look of envy on her face.

"You know, Kana, you've been acting weird ever since the Kanto Regionals. Is that what you always become whenever you're playing in Singles 3?" Hanako said.

Another sigh came out of Kana's mouth that made Aika and Hanako look at each other. "Something is definitely wrong with her."

"I just can't believe that…" Kana paused and faced her friends.

"That?"

"That two of the Five Columns of Seigaku had already found the love of their lives. Of course, it's already inevitable for Kazu-chan to find hers since she returned here for the purpose of asking Tezuka-san's forgiveness. Although shocking, Tezuka-san turned out to be in love with her, as well—even longer than we thought. But for Miya-chan to have found a love life, as well… I can't believe how it all happened. And it was so fast, too."

No one from the other two Columns spoke a word after hearing that.

Ever since their ingression as regulars in the girls' tennis team, the five freshmen (Kana, Miyako, Aika, Hanako, and Kazumi) had gained a group nickname—The Five Columns of Seigaku, courtesy of their captain Hirota Asami. Kana was dubbed as the Valkyrian Column for some reasons. Until now, the red head was trying to figure out what could possibly be the meaning of her Column name. But she knew it has nothing to do with rankings. Although she has to admit that among the Five Columns, Aika was considered to be the strongest despite not being an all-rounder like their captain. In fact, her blue-haired friend was a counterpuncher.

Anyway, that was not the case she wished to discuss for now.

For her friends Kazumi and Miyako to find the love of their lives was already something she deemed as inevitable. The circumstances had been laid down in front of them. It was just a matter of manipulation, convincing, and faith for everything to happen as it was planned. Or maybe it exceeded beyond everyone's expectations. And to be honest, Kana was glad with that.

But even if she was glad with the events, something inside of her felt like losing hope. And she was sure that Aika and Hanako could definitely relate to what she was actually feeling at that point.

The struggle of falling in love with someone who happened to be your friend—your close friend, best friend, childhood friend, family friend. Kana had been dealing with that kind of struggle for so long. Her friends knew but didn't dare try to do anything at all. Not that she was bitter about it. But Miyako and the others knew she was defenseless—or rather, her heart was immediately left defenseless—when love was the issue.

Especially if the issue was her own feelings for her childhood friend…

"I guess that's just how love works," Aika said that made Kana snap out of her musings.

The red head faced her with a confused look. "What do you mean?"

"We don't have any means of knowing whether or not love has already blossomed or at least sparked between two people. Just take Tezuka-san's feelings for Kazumi-chan as an example. All this time, we really thought that such stoic person had never felt something as intense as love for once in his life. We all thought he has no time to feel such emotion at all. And yet, we just found out that he only shielded his heart and isolated the rest of his emotions to the rest of the world for one reason. Tezuka-san had long given his heart to only one girl. He just needed to retrieve what he had lost in the past by seeking forgiveness to the person he lost so that he can be with her again. That way, he was given the chance to at least mend what was broken and finally have her back in his life for good," Aika answered seriously, despite the small smile on her face.

Kana could only stare at her friend in awe. I guess that's what love can do to a person's perception about everything, huh? But analyzing the words that Aika had spoken, she could only say that the blue-haired girl has a point.

"And now he was proudly showing that world how much he loves her," Hanako stated, but added something with a smirk. "In his own stoic ways, of course."

That did it.

The three of them burst out their laughter, but still tried their best to stiffle it as to not disturb other members who were practicing and doing warm-ups.

"But I think it's better compared to Miyako-chan's relationship with Fuji-kun. From what I can see, she's the only person who can keep up and at the same time minimize that freaky tensai's sadism."

"Well, she had been dealing with Seiichi-kun's personality for years, that's why," Kana responded to Hanako's comment.

"Seiichi-kun?"

Kana nodded. "Yukimura Seiichi-kun. He's Miya-chan's and my childhood friend, even though I hadn't technically lived in Kanagawa longer than Miya-chan. I guess that's why he's closer to Miya-chan."

"Jealous?" Aika teased.

She replied with a laugh. "Sort of. I mean, having a childhood friend as good-looking as that Child of God is something to be proud of. But I have no intention of bringing that up to other people, especially the other girls who ogle at him and his pictures almost all the time. Anyway, Seiichi-kun and Fuji-san both have their sadistic streaks in various things. Their smiles, though charming to most of the girls, are in some ways creepy. You rarely see what's real in those smiles and their charms—which work differently—are definitely enough to drive many girls crazy and to their feet. You know what I mean, right?"

The other two girls nodded.

"But I guess having Miya-chan in Fuji-san's life is better than not have one at all," Kana later said in a serious yet relieved tone.

"Well, Fuji-kun did fight for Miyako-chan despite what she did to make him stay away from her. After what they've went through, I'll be cursing fates if those two still didn't end up together," Hanako added.

I wish I could do the same… Yeah, right. As if it was that easy—cursing fates, that is.

"But something tells me it's not about our friends' love lives that bothers you, Kana-chan. It's Oishi-kun again, isn't it?"

Though she was surprised at Aika's words, she chose not to show it. Her friend managed to read her already, anyway. "I think I'm about to give up, Ai-chan."

"Give up? At this point. That's not like you, Kana-chan."

"I only thought of it, though. But to be honest, it crossed my mind a lot more than usual. Can I still wait for him? Should I tell him the truth? What about our friendship? Could I afford to it? To be honest, I'm not even sure if it's the right thing to think about," Kana said almost sadly.

"I guess Aika and I can relate to your situation," Hanako suddenly admitted that made Kana look at her two friends.

At that point, she realized something.

That's right… Hanako and Aika were also going through the same predicament as she was. Aika was secretly in love with her childhood friend/family friend Kawamura Takashi while Hanako to her childhood friend since elementary Inui Sadaharu. Both girls were strong and fearless in courts. But what it comes to the one they love, they crumble down for many reasons.

Just like I do… And at that point, Oishi could really crumble down Kana's defenses long before he knew it. It was hard, but that was the truth.

She was weak… when it comes to her childhood friend who also happened to be the only man who captured her heart.

Oishi Shuichiro…

-x-x-

Well, her predicament was surely something that almost distracted her with her daily activities. But since she wasn't allowed to slack off at all cost, she was doing her best not to be affected entirely by the situation. One way or another, she must not show that she was, in fact, struggling at some point. Especially when Oishi was just near.

Yes, it was starting to get that hard for her and her envy for her two friends' successful and happy love lives was getting to her. Now she strongly wished that she finds the one who would love her. But… how would that happen if there was already one person who she wanted to fall in love with her?

A ring from her cellphone disrupted the flow of her thoughts. She was currently in her room at the Miyuzaki estate just three houses away from the Yumemiya estate. Yes, by estate meaning Kana was also as rich as Miyako for the sole reason that the red head's family belonged to the renowned Miyuzaki clan. Her mother was a Miyuzaki, that's why. Her father—originally named Shinjou Sasumu—took the Miyuzaki's name upon marrying her mother.

She picked up the phone and frowned at the sight of Oishi's name on the screen. Not to mention, her heart's tempo increased that she was already used to feeling. But what could have made Oishi call her at that hour?

"Hello? Miyuzaki Kana here," she started in a bland tone.

"Eh? Kana-chan, are you alright?"

"I-I'm fine. What made you ask that?" Weird. As far as she knew, she wasn't sick or anything close to that. Why would this guy ask for something like that?

"The way you greeted me. Are you perhaps sleeping already?"

"No. In fact, I can't sleep… for some reasons." And it was the truth. It was already past nine in the evening which was way past her bedtime.

"Is there something bothering you?" Oishi asked after a long pause. His voice was serious but wasn't enough to hide his concern for her. "You know I hate your habit of keeping your concerns to yourself. Tell me what's wrong."

If only I could just do that, Shuichiro… But what will you do if I tell you that you're the one bothering me? Wait! That was just the wrong phrase. It was the thoughts of him which bothered her till late that night. And this was going on for such a long time already.

Was there any way for her to stop this? This feelings for her childhood friend and her first love… Could she stop this so that she wouldn't suffer at all? Loving her childhood friend had always been one hell of a torture to her, especially if she couldn't tell him the truth…

She was a coward… and that was all she would ever be.

"Kana…"

A sad smile crept on Kana's face as she sighed. "I'm alright, Shuichiro. But thanks for worrying about me, anyway. Hearing your voice like this is already enough for me to feel fine."

"Do you want me to sing a song for you? It might help you sleep," Oishi offered that made her smile gladly at that.

"I thought that was my job to you."

"You're the one who needed the sleep, so I should be the one singing. No buts or I'll head there and scold you until you get tired of listening to me and sleep soundly."

"I think I'll prefer the lullaby more than your motherly scoldings," Kana joked. This was one of those times when Oishi could really make her smile. But perhaps it would have been better is he was doing it for the one reason she strongly wished to happen.

"Make sure you're already lying on your bed before I start singing. I don't want you to sleep on your study table or wherever you are right now as you listen to me singing this song. Just bear with my voice for a while, okay? You know I'm not a good singer."

Kana complied with what he said and laid her body down on her comfortable bed. With the large teddy bear on her right side, she placed her earphone on her ears and closed her eyes while saying to Oishi on the other line, "I'm ready."

She heard him sigh on the other line; an indication that he was preparing himself to do the task. A few seconds later, he started singing.

To her amazement, he sang one of her favorite songs. In fact, it was the one she occasionally sang to him whenever he would sleep on her lap.

There's a star in the sky tonight

And it trembles like my heart

In this world we're all alone tonight

So close and yet so far

But she couldn't help wondering. Why would Oishi suddenly decide to sing that song now, of all times? Yes, it was one of her favorites but it wasn't just that. That song held another deeper meaning to her.

A meaning that even Oishi doesn't know at all.

Oishi singing that song was a good way of distracting her away from her worries, nevertheless. This time, she must enjoy this wonderful moment with the one she loves—although all she could do was to love him secretly.

My heart would never be

I can feel you want me too

And if that star should fall

Then baby, here's what we should do

No matter how her heart loudly screamed out her affection for him, it would forever be unheard of to Oishi. And now, it hurt her to no end.

But there was nothing she could do. Maybe that was all she would ever be to him.

Just a friend… nothing else…

That thought was the last thing on her mind before she dozed off and a tear feel from her closed eyes.

-x-x-

Wish, take me by the hand and wish

Hold your breath and we may find

It might come true on this starry, starry night

Singing a song to Kana was something that Oishi usually do whenever he could tell that something big was seriously worrying that red-haired childhood friend of his. He couldn't help feeling troubled for her because of that. After all, Kana was someone who would rather keep her worries to herself than let the others be bothered about it.

But he couldn't help thinking that… perhaps… it was him who actually bothered Kana. He smiled wryly at that. Well, that was possible considering her actions after settling the issues about Miyako and have the blonde-haired girl become Fuji's official girlfriend.

Yes, that must be it.

Wish, look into my eyes and wish

Reach out for the dream that's there

For me and you

And we might fall in love tonight

Oishi doesn't need this night—or any other night—for him to know that he was in love with his childhood friend. He already realized that a long time ago—long before that particular night came their way. And since he was a natural worrier, it was no surprise for him to think of the consequences if ever he told that hidden truth to her.

More than anything, he couldn't risk their friendship getting ruined if he did that. He couldn't afford to lose her because of that.

"Good night, Kana… I love you…" But Oishi doubted if Kana even heard the last three words he uttered. Heaviness soon filled his heart as he ended the call after singing that lullaby for her. Will I be able to say those words to you, Kana? Will I be able to let you know how much I love you?

Now, more than ever, how he wished that he would be able to do it—the sooner, the better.

If only he has the courage to say it to her…

Why am I such a hopeless person?

-x-x-

Forgive me for not being able to update this story sooner even though I've been itching to give updates as soon as possible. Anyway, this is it for Chapter 2. Do you like it? Somehow, I'm losing the drive to continue this one since no one reviewed on this. Even the other story (Perfect Love In Summer), no one reviewed on it so I thought no one like the story.

Can you tell me what you think about it? Even about what you think with this chapter? Of course, I appreciate favorite and story alerts so much. But reviews give me inspiration and at the very least, I know that people appreciate my stories. Constructive criticisms are welcome, of course. I know I still have room for improvements and such.

And with that, thanks for reading! Please read and review!

Finding A Special Heart - Chapter 9

MAHIGIT isang linggo na ang nakalilipas mula nang huling beses na nakasama't nakausap ni Czarina si Seth. Ganoon katagal na rin siyang nangungulila sa binata. Litong-litong siya kung bakit iniiwasan na siya nito. Hindi talaga siya makaisip ng matinong rason para gawin nito iyon.

Kahit ganoon, nagpatuloy pa rin siya sa pagpunta sa mga lugar kung saan posibleng makatulong sa kanya sa paghahanap sa nawawalang alaala. But all she could recall as she went to those places were her moments with Seth as he helped her with her predicament. Hindi niya napigilang mapaluha.

Heto na nga ba ang kinatatakutan niya. Masyado siyang nasanay na kasama ang binata. Kaya ngayon, hinahanap-hanap na niya ang presensiya nito.

Hindi sapat na kasama niya si Chris at halos araw-araw na bumibisita sa kanya para maibsan ang pangungulila niya. She wanted Seth. Gusto niyang makasama itong muli gaya ng dati. Nang sa wakas ay magawa na niyang aminin dito ang tunay niyang nararamdaman.

At Least We Have Forever 29 - Stepping Up To The Truth

Disclaimer: I don't own Yu Yu Hakusho and its characters. I do own the plot, Riya and other OC's of this story, though.

Warning: The characters might not be in their usual selves. In other words, possible OOC.

Author's Note: This chapter basically contains the letters that the gang had written during the previous chapter. I've written them in order so I hope it make sense in some way. And I'm terribly sorry for being late in updating. College life. In any case. enjoy reading!

xxxxx

AT LEAST WE HAVE FOREVER—Chapter 29: Stepping Up To The Truth

Yumi's letter

9:16 PM

I was the first to write my thoughts on paper. I should've expected that since I was the one who suggested it. So now here I am. By far, I have to admit that I've been doing a lot of thinking about this senseless battle. At first, I thought that by possessing the Dragon Sword of Flame, I could finally find my father without facing a dangerous battle such as this at all. But then I was wrong.

Tennis Court Murders 6

TENNIS COURT MURDERS

(Sequel To "The Targeted Tennis Player Of Seigaku", Part 2 of "Detective Tennis" series)

Okay… I know I've been in an extremely long break with this story but that doesn't really mean that I abandoned it. It's just that I've been quite busy these past months because of my Thesis project, my college graduation stuff and all that, and not to mention—job hunting. Well, I haven't found one yet but I'm trying. So it's only now that I find myself FINALLY updating this story. I know sorry will never be enough but I still hope you will enjoy this chapter—though I must say that it's more of a bonding moment that Kourin will have with the Echizen family.

With that, let's get on with this chapter. Enjoy reading!

Standard disclaimer applies. You are warned that the characters might not be in their usual selves (in other words, possible OOCness).

-x-x-

CHAPTER 6

After they finished eating at Kawamura Sushi, the team and the kids went on to their separate ways. The rest of the Detective Boys headed to Beika District but not without Kourin reminding Haibara to keep their conversation a while back a secret for a while. Of course, the shrunken scientist agreed since she knew the gravity of the case from the beginning.

Promised Love In Autumn 1 - A Rainy Afternoon

PROMISED LOVE IN AUTUMN

(#3 of "Seasons of Chances and Love" series—Oishi Shuichiro and Miyuzaki Kana's story)

Standard disclaimer applies. You are warned that the characters might not be in their usual selves (in other words, possible OOCness).

Author's Notes: The setting of this story is in first year high school. Momoshiro and Kaidoh aren't exactly present in this part of the story since they are still in middle school, only in their third year. Ryoma isn't present either as he was residing in America (at least he was in this story). The timeline and original anime plotline will somehow be changed in this fanfic, especially about Tezuka supposed to be going to Germany, Oishi supposedly not going to enroll in Seigaku's High School Division, and Kawamura supposedly going to quit tennis to pursue being a sushi chef. In any case, this is my story so I guess that's one of the changes that I had to do.

Enjoy reading!

-x-x-

CHAPTER 1

Kana was panting when she reached the main building of the high school division. Well, she has to run in order to go there since it was already raining. And mind you, it was raining hard. She should have expected this since the clouds earlier that morning began to turn dark and loomed over the sky, predicting a heavy rainfall.

And here comes that heavy rainfall.

The only problem was she didn't bring her umbrella because she forgot to bring one. So right now, she has to wait for it to stop.

If ever this rain will stop… she thought before heaving a heavy sigh and then she proceeded to enter the building to shield herself from the rain. But then she thought that it was already useless since the rain got through her. She was half-wet and yet, she didn't mind. Somehow, she liked getting wet by the rain for some reasons.

Saturday Night Thoughts # 1

Oo na. Hindi Sunday, kundi Saturday. Wala lang, feel ko lang naman. Gumagana na naman ang utak ko sa pag-iisip ng kung anu-ano. And since I couldn’t  push through (at least not yet) with the video journal thingy I’m planning, I think it’s better for me to write it for now. And it’s for the best if I do it at night since my mind fuctions better during night time. Hindi nga lang ako `yong tipo ng tao na nagpupuyat. Hindi kaya ng brain ko. Ang bilis mapagod.

Wait… Isip ko ba o katawan ko ang may problema? Ah, ewan! Saka ko na pagdedebatehan ang tungkol doon. Basta ang alam ko, parang nawawalan ako ng ganang gawin ang mga bagay na dapat ay priority ko. Tinatamad na nga ba talaga ako? nawawalan ako ng drive na i-focus ang sarili ko sa mga dapat kong gawin, eh. Naturingan pa akong panganay niyan, ah. I should be the one doing the word and not my younger sister. But no! I’m the one who couldn’t find myself doing any work at all. Wala akong ibang gustong gawin kundi ang magsulat. Mabuti sana kung puwede kong gawing full time ang pagsusulat, eh. But even when I’m doing the one thing I loved to do, it seems like I’m losing the initiative.

It’s downright frustrating, to be honest.

Idagdag pa na, heto, pinapaalis na kami dito sa nirerentahan naming bahay dahil laging delayed ang bayad. I’m not sure who to blame. Or I should include myself to the list of people to blame for that. But I don’t want to do that. As much as possible, I’m trying not to. I’ve been thinking of too much negativity lately and I don’t want that to influence my trail of thoughts right now.

I guess I’ll try my best in the next coming days. Whatever happens, I’ll be positive… hopefully…

Finding A Special Heart

"A-ANO'NG ginagawa mo rito?" Iyon lang ang nagawang itanong ni Czarina nang mahanap na niya ang sariling tinig. Of all days na maiisipan nitong magpakita sa kanya, bakit sa araw pa na iyon? At bakit itinaon pang kasama niya si Seth?

"Didn't I tell you? I'll come here as soon as matapos ko na ang mga dapat kong gawin," paliwanag ni Chris at napadako ang tingin kay Seth. "Pupuntahan na rin sana kita, Seth. Inuna ko lang muna ang pagpunta rito. But I didn't know na magkakilala pala kayo ni Czarina. Siya ba 'yong binanggit mo noong huling beses na tinawagan kita?"

Napatingin si Czarina kay Seth na ngayon ay blangko na ang ekspresyon sa mukha. Binanggit siya nito noon kay Chris? At least, those words proved to her that the two men knew each other. Si Chris yata ang isa sa mga kaibigan ni Seth bukod kay Jim na sinabi nito noon sa kanya. Subalit gusto niyang kabahan sa ekspresyong nakikita niya kay Seth. Ano kaya ang iniisip nito sa mga sandaling iyon?

"Chris, let me explain—"

At Least We Have Forever 28 - The Courage To Choose

Disclaimer:I don't own Yu Yu Hakusho and its characters. I do own the plot, Riya and other OC's of this story, though.

Warning:The characters might not be in their usual selves. In other words, possible OOC.

AT LEAST WE HAVE FOREVER—Chapter 28: The Courage To Choose

Riya and Keiko reached the mall's rooftop just after the team and the wielders' battle. The two girls heaved sighs of relief upon seeing their beloved and their friends alive and alright. Filled with worries and happiness, Riya ran towards Kurama and jumped into his arms.

"I'm glad you're alright," Riya said as she tightly hugged Kurama, her body trembling slightly.

Kurama eyed his girlfriend with soft eyes before hugging her in return. "I'm alright so don't worry," he gently said to her ear.

What's Happening To Me Now...

Honestly… I have no idea. I can’t say it all came so fast. It didn’t even come slow in a way that you’d actually anticipate its coming. I don’t know how it all came. One thing I know… it’s frustrating. It’s irritating, but not close to infuriating.

English ang entrada, ha? Sorry po. Pilit ko na lang munang pinapagana nang maayos ang utak ko bago ako masiraan ng bait. Hopefully naman, huwag muna. Marami pa po akong gustong gawin bago ako mabaliw nang tuluyan.

Just hold on. I’ll get through this. It’s what I want to say to myself—all the time. Kahit mahirap, kailangan kong gawin. Anyway, I can feel as if my mind is still in the zone. And what I mean by ‘the zone’, it’s still stuck in its own little world. Like, seriously speaking. I can’t even find a way to get out of it—especially now.

I’ve been doing a lot of daydreams lately. Of what I really want to do in my life. Of a lot of “what if’s”. But even with that, my daydreams seems to unable to jive with REALITY. It’s getting hard. Especially with what’s happening in my family now. Troubles and challenges brew around the corner. I’m having  a hard time thinking on how to actually escape it. Yes, escape—instead of dealing with it. I don’t really know how to deal with problems these past years. Or at least that’s what I’ve noticed.

For now, I don’t want to think of negativities, of troubles, of bad vibes. There’s still good news. There’s still good vibes. I just had to let them in so I can feel it, at the very least.

Okay, since I mentioned about me daydreaming (which happens for at least… half of the day? Haha!), I’ve been thinking of actually recording a video—of myself talking about… something? Hindi ko pa alam kung ano ang gagawin ko kapag naisipan ko nga talagang gumawa ng video. Ewan ko ba. Ang hirap na hanggang sa isip mo lang nagagawa `yong mga bagay na gustung-gusto mong gawin. Recording a video of myself? I think it’s a part of me that once wished to be an actress. Like what I said before in my post about my thoughts right after my birthday, being a singer and an actress was a childhood dream of mine. But having that dream fulfilled at my age now? I can’t tell. But if I don’t do something—even just a small step, I guess it won’t happen at all.

In connection to this thinking about recording a video of myself, I’ve had plans about it. I call most of the collective segments I’ve been thinking of posting as “About” segment. Topics that I’m thinking of discussing with this segment are:

• That Song – This is actually a subsegment that discusses my favorite songs on my playlist. And maybe I could talk about other songs that comes in my mind. At siguro, baka maisipan ko ring kumanta. Sana lang, hindi umulan kapag ginawa ko iyon.
• That Show’s Episode – Now this subsegment will talk about some of the shows/series I’ve watched (TV shows, drama, and web series). Though, I’ll only talk about just a few of it since I don’t usually watch TV shows lately for various reasons. Kaya kadalasan, sa internet na lang ako nanonood.
• AlDub/KalyeSerye – Of course, the most popular love team today. Puwede ba namang mawala ito sa mga subsegment na gusto kong i-discuss? As for this subsegment, I think I would be discussing more about my thoughts on certain episodes. So don’t be surprised if I decided to post some reaction videos. And then there are videos about the characters and my thoughts about them.
• My Writings – Since it’s been a long time dream for me to be a writer (whether published or not), I also like to share my insights about the stories I’ve written and currently writing. Some of the discussions will focus on the trivia of the stories—on how it was created and various inspirations for me to write those stories. Marami-rami rin iyon. As in!
• What I’m Thinking – In this sub-segment, I’ll be talking about… my thoughts. It’s like a video blog/video journal. Puwede ko rin itong i-consider na open video letter dahil na rin sa subjects na posible kong sabihin dito. Some of the topics here are Dear Future Husband, Dear Future Boyfriend, For That Someone, at may iba pa. Kung anu-ano ang mga iyan, saka ko na lang po sasabihin. Okay?

Another of my daydreaming would be me as an accomplished writer. Romance writer, to be exact. Well, this is a long time dream that I’ve trying my best to fulfill one step at a time. For about 6 (or 7) years, I’ve tried passing manuscripts after manuscripts to various publishing companies. But each time, I got an R (returned/rejected). Of course, depressing sa akin iyon, `no? Dumating din ako sa point na feeling ko, hindi talaga ito para sa akin. Na hindi ito ang calling ko. But my mind (and my hand since it’s the one doing the writing) didn’t let me stop. And so I wrote… and I wrote… and I continue writing. And now, even though it’s slow, it’s coming one by one. I’m happy, of course! Sobrang happy. Pero hindi ko pa rin alam kung bakit parang poke-faced pa rin ako sa lahat ng ito. Hahahaha!

Okay…

I guess a lot has been happening—at least in my mind. It’s better that I let those thoughts concealed in my mind for now. As for that video recording thing, kailangan ko na talagang magawa ito. If I really want to break out from my comfort zone and stop my insecurities (I don’t know if it will help, though), I can do this.

I’ll be able to.

Because I want to.

#ALDUBMostAwaitedDate: AlDub’s First Date (Thoughts On AlDub/Kalyeserye Episode 57)

Ano ba `yan? Parang isa na naman ako sa mga tiyak na hindi makaka-move on  sa recent episode ng KalyeSerye, ah. Paano ba naman kasi? First date ng AlDub iyon, eh. At gaya nga ng nakasaad sa HT (hashtag) for the day (#ALDUBMostAwaitedDate), it was indeed a most awaited moment. At panigurado, record-breaking na naman ito sa Twitter. Natatawa nga ako sa mgapost na nakikita ko tungkol sa pagrereklamo raw ni Blue Bird. Wala yatang araw na hindi napapahinga iyon dahil beast mode every day ang AlDub Nation.

Well, in my opinion, hindi lang ang AlDub fans ang beast mode. Pati na rin ang mga bashers at haters ng AlDub. But then, it’s better to just let them be. Gaya nga ng sabi ni Lola Nidora, ipagdasal na lang sila dahil sarili lang nila ang sinisira nila. Mabuti na lang pala at magaling ako sa dedmahan. Haha! One thing I know, I’m glad that KalyeSerye exists right now. Lalo na talaga ngayong parang nawawalan na ng silbi ang lahat ng parangal ng mga nakatatanda dahil sa tingin ng lahat (ng mga kabataan) ay alam na nila ang lahat. It shouldn’t be that way. It should never be that way. The elders are those who have made experiences their greatest teachers, that’s why they’ve survived this long in order to convey the message of those “teachers” to the current and next generation.

I’m glad Alden and Maine was given a chance to see each other again in this episode. At talagang nakapag-usap pa sila, ah. Ano kaya `yong mga pinag-usapan nila kahit sandali lang iyon? Na-curious tuloy ako. Mukhang abangers na naman ako sa laglagan wars nina Alden at Sam sa Monday, ah. Nai-imagine ko na kung paano kokornerin ni Sam si Alden ng mga tanong niya. Haha!

Honestly, ang akala ko noong una, quick change pa more ang gagawin ni Wally nang hindi siya sumama kina Paolo at Jose sa Sugod Bahay. I’m glad that wasn’t the case. Pero as usual, may gimik pa rin si Lola Nidora para kina Alden at Maine. Pahirapan lang talaga ang peg para lang marating ang dating place. Oh, well. Matching games pa more ang naganap and each matching answers equals one step towards the goal—which is the dating place and the moment everyone was waiting for. Nagawa naman nilang masagot na magkapareho ang mga tanong. Hanep din ang mga choices na ibinibigay ng tatlong lola. `Kakaloka! Nagawa nilang magkaroon ng pitong matching answers, gaya ng requirement ni Lola Nidora sa dalawang iyon. At napansin ko na kahit sasandali lang ang date nila, I can tell that it was worth it. Panira lang naman ng moment `yong alarm clock, eh. Ang ganda na ng moment, eh. kahit guwardiyado. `Yan tuloy, napaalis kaagad si Maine. Nang-iwan ng date para kay Lola. Nalungkot lang at nanghinayang talaga si Alden. But a child’s responsibility to her guardian stood above all else at iyon ang priority niya kahit obvious naman na hindi pa niya gustong umalis sa date nila ni Alden.

And then ano `yong narinig namin at the end of the episode na tinapakan `yong preno ng kotse at parang may bumangga pa yata sa kotse? Bakit sa tuwing end of the episode sa Sabado, may iniiwang matinding cliffhanger? As in! But then, it only proves na worth abangan ang susunod na episode ng KalyeSerye sa Lunes.

I’ll definitely wait for it!

Journal entry — March 9, 2006

What a lonely day! I can't stop thinking about AC. I don't know why but I felt sad when my teacher said that we only have 10 days before the vacation. I keep on thinking if I could ever see him again. But I hope I will. So that I could tell him about what I feel.

***

Busy siguro ako ng mga panahong ito dahil lampas kalahating buwan din akong hindi nagsulat sa journal ko pagkatapos ng last entry, eh. And I have a feeling na may kinalaman din dito ang finals kaya umabot pa hanggang March bago ako nagsulat sa journal. And yes, ang drama ko pa rin.

This Is Seriously Not Helping Me...

I’ve been planning a lot of things lately. I don’t know why but I always end up planning something na hindi ko naman alam kung magagawa ko kaagad. O kung magagawa ko nga talaga. It’s getting me all frustrated and confused. Forget about all my writing plans for now. Matagal na ang mga iyon. But I don’t have any urges of surrendering them or giving it all up. Ganyan ko lang naman kamahal ang pagsusulat. I know it’s my calling. For a long time, I know it’s like that. But I can’t rely solely on my calling.

Just like what I keep on saying, I’m still lacking the initiative. Fear always gets the best of me, now consuming me slowly. And that seriously sucks. I couldn’t even move out and do something. Aba’y hindi na ako magugulat kung isang araw na maging ermitanyo na ako sa sarili kong pamamahay, ah. Hindi imposible iyon.

But until I find a way to get out of my barrier, I guess all I can do is to sigh–heavily done, if I say so myself.

*And I just did it again…*

Finding A Special Heart - Chapter 7

NAKAPIKIT ang mga mata ni Czarina habang nakahiga sa sofa at nakikinig sa musikang galing sa CD na isinalang niya sa DVD player paggising niya kaninang umaga. Iyon lang ang naisip niyang gawin sa mga sandaling iyon dahil wala siyang mapagsabihan ng mga bumabagabag sa kanya. Hindi pa rin umuuwi si AJ mula sa gig nito kaya naman lalo siyang naaaburido.

She was actually listening to the CD consisting of originally composed piano songs. Tiyak niyang si AJ ang bumili niyon dahil frustrated composer ang pinsan niyang iyon. Idagdag pa na fan ito ng mga likha ng composer na si Jim Madriaga. Napangiti siya habang patuloy na nakikinig. Hindi niya alam kung ano ang meron sa musikang iyon at naaalala niya si Seth.

Pambihira lang. Czarina just talked to him the other day. And yet she missed him so much already. Palala na nga yata ng palala ang nararamdaman niyang iyon habang tumatagal na nakakasama niya ang binata. Or maybe her feelings for him from before she lost her memories only intensified now that she saw Seth again.

Ngunit sa kabila niyon, hindi naman niya maintindihan kung bakit nakadama siya ng kaba sa kaalamang magtutungo sa Altiera si Chris. Hindi naman niya puwedeng pagbawalan ito na sundan siya dahil tiyak na magtataka ito. And he even said that his friend was also in town. But she couldn't help feeling as if something bad would happen is Chris arrived. Hindi nga lang niya matukoy kung ano.

At Least We Have Forever 27 - The Day Of Succession

Disclaimer: I don't own Yu Yu Hakusho and its characters. I do own the plot, Riya and other OC's of this story, though.

Warning: The characters might not be in their usual selves. In other words, possible OOC.

AT LEAST WE HAVE FOREVER—Chapter 27: The Day Of Succession

Two days later, Riya decided to go to the mall downtown to buy some clothes, shoes, and dresses that she would need for her birthday celebration three weeks from now. Her family decided to celebrate her birthday at the functio hall of one of the hotels of that city that the Miyuzaki family owned. So far, the only peoplewho knew her birthday besides her family was Yumi, Yusuke, and Keiko. She haven't told it yet to Kurama since she had forgotten about it in a way.

Maybe she would when the trouble was over. As for now, she just needed to prepare for that big day. She had no problem when it comes to guests who would attend the party since her family assured her that her guests would only consists of her close friends, including those that she would invite.

Tennis Court Murders 5

TENNIS COURT MURDERS

(Sequel To "The Targeted Tennis Player Of Seigaku", Part 2 of "Detective Tennis" series)

Standard disclaimer applies. You are warned that the characters might not be in their usual selves (in other words, possible OOCness).

-x-x-

CHAPTER 5

Though confused about Shouko's words while they were at the tennis courts of St. Rudolph, the three Seigaku regulars decided to let it go for the meantime. They saw Conan and Kourin on one of the police cars near the other tennis court.

The medical examiner already put the victim's body in a body bag and place onto the stretcher before the remaining evidences got washed away by the rain. As expected, a mini-CD was left there again along with an orange lily.

Top 10 Writing Habits

Originally posted in my FB account last October 22, 2014

Just like the first list na inilagay ko rito, wala ring nag-tag sa akin. Seriously, feel ko lang itong i-post dito.

Matagal ko nang habits ang mga ito simula pa lang nang mag-umpisa akong magsulat. Kahit tula pa lang ang sinusulat ko, mostly sa mga ito ay ginagawa ko na. Recently lang naman may nadagdag, eh.

1 – Matagal akong magsulat, to be honest. Sa tuwing nagsusulat ako ng manuscript na gusto kong ipasa sa publishing house, iaabot pa ako ng humigit-kumulang isang buwan bago ko matapos iyon.

2 – Sa kuwarto ako nagsusulat, doon sa kama. At dapat nakasandal pa sa pader ang likod ko o di kaya ay sa headboard, although wala namang headboard ang hinihigaan ko. Hehe!

3 – I always start writing teasers pagkatapos kong maisip ang title na gusto ko para sa certain plot na naglalaro sa utak ko. Doon ko kasi nabi-visualize ang mga scenes at events, eh.

4 – I write on paper first before encoding them. Ewan ko ba kung bakit ganoon. Feeling ko, hindi ako kuntento kapag diretso kong ita-type kaagad ang mga scenes na nasa isip ko. Kahit pagkahaba-haba pa ng chapters, okay lang basta sa papel ko maisulat.

5 – Laging may theme song ang mga pinagsususulat kong kuwento. Hindi puwedeng walang music at hindi ako makakapag-concentrate nang maayos sa sinusulat ko.

6 – Tuwing gabi lang talaga ako nakakapagsulat nang tuloy-tuloy. Mga two to three hours lang siguro. Walang labis, walang kulang. Pero gustuhin ko mang magpuyat para sa sinusulat ko, hindi puwede kasi kailangan ko pang magising ng maaga. Duty calls.

7 – I had the habit of looking at the sky kapag hindi ko na maisip ang susunod na scene na isusulat ko. Kahit ano pa’ng itsura ng sky on that certain day, okay lang. Basta matitigan ko lang iyon. After doing that for a few moments, okay na ulit.

8 – May ugali akong naivo-voice out ko nang medyo mahina lang naman ang mga dialogues ng characters ko, lalo na ang sa heroine ng kuwentong sinusulat ko. Mas malala naman kapag may eksena na mag-aasaran o di kaya ay mag-aaway ang dalawang bida. Para nga akong tangang kinakausap ko ang sarili ko. Doon ko lang siguro nararamdaman at naipapaliwanag nang husto ang mga words na kailangan ko para ma-describe ko ang emotions at actions ng mga bida sa kuwento.

9 – Once in a while lang ako mangailangan ng visual peg sa mga characters ko. Pero kapag talagang kailangan ko, saka lang ako maghahanap. Madalas kong gamiting visual pegs ay Asian artists, particularly Japanese, Taiwanese, and Chinese ones.

10 – Hindi na yata effective ang kape sa akin kahit magkape ako sa gabi. Ang pampagising ko na lang, chocolate or anything sweet. But preferably talaga, chocolate. Especially Cloud 9 o ‘di kaya ay Choco Mucho. Choco addict lang. Hehe!

5 Facts About My Crush

Originally posted in my FB account last November 1, 2014

As tagged by Booklatpahina WP, Mini Apricsite WP and Princessindistress WP

1. Hindi ko pa rin siya makalimutan hanggang ngayon kahit mag-e-8 years na kaming hindi nagkikita.
2. Crush ko pa rin siya hanggang ngayon kahit may girlfriend na ang bugok at tiyak na hindi na ako maalala. Haha!
3. Siya ang inspirasyon ko sa pagsulat ng kuwentong “I’ll Hold On To You”
4. Mahilig siyang mang-asar sa akin. Hanggang ngayon, kapag naaalala ko pa rin ang pang-asar niya sa akin, nabubuwisit ako. Pero napapangiti pa rin naman ako n’on kahit papaano.
5. Dahil sa kanya, naging favorite ko ang kantang Because of You ni Keith Martin. Hindi ko nga lang mapigilang mag-imagine noon na para sa akin ang kantang iyon. Haha! Naging ilusyunada pa ako ngayon.

"The Slambook Questions" Tagged To Me

Originally posted in my FB account last August 27, 2015.

As tagged by Yasha Red Weasley

Name: Florence Joyce
Nickname: Joyce (sa mga kakilala ko), Pollen, Flor
Birthday: August 30
Age: 23
Year sign: Goat/Sheep
Zodiac sign: Virgo
Books: The 39 Clues Series, The Kane Chronicles Trilogy, Nancy Drew Mystery Files
Local author: Martha Cecilia, Sonia Francesca, Sofia, Arielle, Rose Tan, Heart Yngrid, Maricar Dizon, Camilla, Laurice Del Rio
International author: Nicholas Sparks, Rick Riordan
Movies: So Close, Up, Roger and Hammerstein’s Cinderella (1997), Ella Enchanted, Princess Diaries, Popstar, Kimi ni Todoke Live Action, I Give My First Love To You, Innocent Snow, The Twin Effect
Singer/Band: Westlife, BSB, A1, NSync, Jason Chen, Taylor Swift, M2M, Brian McKnight, Joe, Side A, Freestyle, Six Part Invention, Gary Valenciano, Martin Nievera, Sarah Geronimo, Christian Bautista, Jose Mari Chan
Music: Classic, Ballads, RNB
Food: Pansit bihon, spaghetti, carbonara, fried chicken, chicken macaroni
Drinks: Coffee, milo
Color: any shades of blue
Number: 12
Motto: A dream isn’t something that you just make come true. After all, a dream is about who you want to become. So you should work hard on your own merits.
First crush: Joshua Posadas (Grade 5 crush)
What is love? Something you don’t have to rush in order to have (ano raw?)
First love: Allen Anthony Cueto (2nd year high school)
Do you believe in destiny? Almost all the time.
Happiest moment: Nang magkaroon ako ng approved manuscript for the first time (October 22, 2014)
Most stupid ever thing done: Slacking off during my high school days. Nagloko ako sa pag-aaral ko when I was in first year.
Wildest imagination: Maging part ng Philippine entertainment industry. At magkaroon ng love story sa totoong buhay na nakakakilig katulad ng kina Alden at Yaya Dub (Maine). Wild talaga at alam kong malabong mangyari.
Dedication: High school pa ako nang huling beses akong mag-fill up ng slambook na ganito. Nakaka-miss din pala. Although hindi pa naman ako part ng PHR writers (hopefully mangyari pa rin kahit parang matatagalan pa bago mangyari), thank you pa rin sa nag-tag sa akin. Well, iisa lang naman ang nag-tag sa akin nito. Hehe!

‪#‎PHRinthenow‬
‪#‎TheSlambookSeries‬

(Suportahan Po Natin)
‪#‎HeidiStarr‬
‪#‎LadyJ‬
‪#‎FionaQueen‬

Finding A Special Heart - Chapter 6

"HABANG ako'y naghihintay, 'wag sanang magbago dahil hindi ko kakayanin na ikaw ay lumayo. Darating din ang araw at sasabihin ko kung ano ang tunay kong nadarama sa 'yo..."

Natagpuan na naman ni Czarina ang sarili na kinakanta iyon. Alas-nuwebe na ng gabi subalit hindi pa rin siya makatulog sa dami ng gumugulo sa kanyang isipan.

At gaya ng inaasahan, gumitaw sa kanyang isip ang ilang mga imaheng pamilyar sa kanya. Mariin siyang napapikit dahil kasabay niyon ay ang pagsigid na naman ng sakit sa ulo niya. But she tried her hardest not to cry. Ever since that night when she and Seth had stargazing by the beach, pinipilit niya ang sarili na huwag umiyak. Lalo na kapag sumasakit ang ulo niya sa pagsulpot ng mga alaala.

Patuloy lang si Czarina sa paghinga ng malalim hanggang sa maramdaman niya na unti-unting napapawi ang pagsakit ng ulo niya. With one last sight, she looked up to the night sky and continued singing.

At Least We Have Forever 26 - Here's Love

Disclaimer: I don't own Yu Yu Hakusho and its characters. I do own the plot, Riya and other OC's of this story, though.

Warning: The characters might not be in their usual selves. In other words, possible OOC.

AT LEAST WE HAVE FOREVER—Chapter 26: Here's Love

Two weeks had passed and surely, a lot of things happened after Riya went back to school. It was just the day after that formal confession and even if they didn't tell everything to the team, it would appear that they already have an idea about what was going on. And in a way, they could see that they were really supportive about it.

When Riya went back to school after Genkai made sure that she was alright, the whole class was glad for reasons that only Ayako and Kurama knew. They never told Riya about Ayako's outburst that scared Reina and they wanted to keep it that way. For the whole two weeks, they continued the filming for their movie presentation for the Rose Festival. The filming went went and fast. The class, even the team, made sure that no fagirls of Minamino Shuichi would cause a ruckus during the filming. Keiko, Botan, Yusuke and Kuwabara had watched the filming process onetime and due to that, they anticipated to watch the whole movie. Ayako assured them that they would be watching the movie on the day of the screening on the front rows.

A Birthday Girl's Thoughts

NOTE: This was supposed to be posted last August 30, but I’ve only typed it just yesterday. Sorry for that. Isinulat ko kasi ito sa papel muna bago ko in-encode. Seriously, even in writing down my thoughts, nakukuha ko pa rin ang habit ko na sa papel muna isusulat lahat bago i-type.

It’s August 30, 2015.

Time surely flies so fast. Ang dami ko nang hindi namamalayan sa paglipas ng panahon. That means may mahigit dalawang taon na rin pala akong graduate. But honestly speaking, I still feel that I haven’t achieved anything aside from that. Nairaos ko ang pag-aaral ko kahit na hindi talaga iyon ang kursong gusto kong kunin.

Pero hanggang doon na lang iyon. Disappointing, I know. Nagkatrabaho nga ako, pero hindi rin ako nagtagal sa dalawang trabahong iyon. Ewan ko ba. Siguro nga, tama `yong sinabi sa akin ng huling boss ko. Wala akong initiative. I guess I’ve stayed too much and too long in my comfort zone. Hindi ko naman masasabing pampered kid ako. O siguro hindi ko pa nagagawang sirain ang barrier na nakapalibot sa akin hanggang ngayon. Maybe that’s one reason why I still can’t find myself dealing with the real world seriously. Lagi yata akong lutang kaya ganoon ang kinalalabasan.

Kahit siguro ganoon, isang bagay lang ang sigurado ko. Now that I’ve turned 24 today, sigurado ako sa isa sa mga pangarap ko. And it still has something to do with writing. Have my stories published, and possibly have a chance to study scriptwriting if given a chance. Oo na, medyo may kataasan pa yata ang pangangarap ko roon sa huling sinulat ko. But recently, I’ve been daydreaming of working in a television and film industry as a screenwriter. Ewan ko ba. Ayaw akong tantanan ng daydream na iyon. Besides, gusto ko ring maging isang published writer, be it in a romance novel writing or whatever genre I could possibly think of writing about. Right now, fantasy-adventure and action-adventure ang sinusubukan ko.

Malaking bahagi ng pangarap ko, may kinalaman sa pagsusulat. But until now, hindi ko pa rin nagagawang patunayan ang sarili ko. Yes, nagkaroon na ako ng dalawang approved manuscripts na hindi ko pa rin alam hanggang ngayon kung kailan ire-release. Sa magkaibang publishing companies nga lang. The first one was in Bookware Publishing and the other was inPSICOM(sa Kilig Republic category). But after that, hindi ko pa nagagawang dagdagan iyon. Though I’m still doing my best even if it really felt as if it wasn’t enough. Ang hirap. Nakaka-frustrate, to be honest. Pero kahit ganoon, ayokong panghinaan ng loob. Initiative, matinding effort at determination lang talaga ang dapat kong pairalin.

And as I write this, bigla ko pa lang na-realized na hindi pa pala ako formally nagpapakilala in any of the blogging sites I created. Masyado ko yatang itinago ang sarili ko sa madla. Kunsabagay, Team Bahay naman talaga ako. Hindi ako mahilig lumabas sa kung saan-saan. Noong nag-aaral pa ako, bahay-school at school-bahay lang ang routine ko. Noong nagtatrabaho naman, bahay-trabaho at trabaho-bahay naman ang naging routine ko. Ang boring, `no? Sa social networking sites naman na meron ako (which is Facebook at Twitter), napakatahimik ko, just as how I really am in real life. May times pa nga na napagkakamalan akong mataray, pero hindi naman. Of course, it still depends on the manner of approaching me.

With that, let’s get on with it. Hehe!

My full name (in real life `yan, ha?) is Florence Joyce Aragones Dongael. Born August 30, 1991 at panganay sa apat na magkakapatid na puro babae. Yes, I don’t have a brother. Well, I would have but then, nakunan naman ng dalawang beses ang Mama ko and we were expecting at the time na baby brother namin iyon. Born and raised in Baguio City, the Summer Capital of the Philippines. Pero ako naman ang naturingang taga-Baguio na hindi pa gaanong pamilyar sa mga lugar dito. Ang mga napuntahan ko nga lang na mga popular spots dito ay:

• PMA (Dito kami nakatira dati; baby pa nga lang ako noon)
• Botanical Garden (A few times lang; usually kapag may short movie filming kami)
• Lourdes Grotto (A few times din lang kahit sabihin pang malapit lang—as in walking distance—ito sa area kung saan kami kasalukuyang nakatira)
• Diplomat Hotel (Once lang; Signal # 3 pa pero wala namang ulan at malakas lang ang hangin; 4th year college ako noon)
• Mines View (Once lang, for real; bata pa ako noon)
• Camp John Hay (Madalang nga lang)
• Pink Sisters’ Chapel (Malapit sa 50s Diner na isa sa mga favorite na kainan namin. But I never even thought na may weird legend pala rito. Well, the legend was meant for couples, anyway. `Buti na lang pala, wala pa rin akong jowa. Haha! Walang konek.)
• Teachers’ Camp (Once lang, during Luzonwide Press Conference when I was in 2nd year college)

See what I mean? Hindi talaga ako gala, kaya ang mga lugar lang na ito ang napuntahan ko. Hindi ko pa inilagay `yong mga madalas ko talagang mapuntahan, gaya ng Baguio Cathedral,Session Road, Burnham Park, etc. Kaya may mga lugar pa rin dito sa Baguio na gusto kong puntahan. Hindi ko nga lang alam kung kailan ko mapupuntahan.

Back to the topic.

Sa isang technical school ako nag-aral at nagtapos ng college. Though that school—the Baguio College of Technology—offers ladderized program in computer, electronics, and electrical courses, I still chose to finish it up to four years. Yes, may two-year course po ang Information Technology doon. Though originally, the course I wanted to take up was Mass Communicationeither sa University of Baguio o sa University of the Cordilleras sana. Pero dahil hindi kakayanin ng budget, IT na lang ang kinuha ko. Kahit papaano, hindi ko naman pinagsisisihan iyon. I still did my best para naman hindi masayang ang lahat.

Hmm…

As for personality, masyado akong tahimik na tao. At least on first impression. Pero kapag naka-close ko na ang isang tao, naku po! Expect na ang kaingayan ko. Haha! Hindi nga lang ako kalog. Wala nga yata akong ka-humor-humor sa katawan, eh. Although kapag feel kong mang-asar at mambasag (o mamilosopo), go lang ako nang go. Madalas kong gawin iyon sa mama ko. And that identifies me as a Mama’s girl kasi close kami. Parang barkada lang kasi ang turingan namin. Pati rin ang iba ko pang mga kapatid. Sa aming lima (me, my 3 sisters, and my mother), ako lang yata ang hindi mahilig mag-selfie. Ewan ko kung bakit. It’s either I’m not camera-friendly o ayaw lang talaga ng camera sa akin. Kaya naman bihira lang akong mag-post ng mga pictures ko.

As for dreams, I have a lot of them. Nabanggit ko na `yong una na may kinalaman sa writing. I want to establish a writing career for myself. Besides that, I have this weird dream to be a singer. Pero hindi naman singer-quality ang boses ko. It was actually a childhood dream of mine. Another of my childhood dream was to be an actress. Pero dahil kulang na kulang ako sa self-confidence at tibay ng loob, wala na. And I think it’s already too late to fulfill that kahit gustuhin ko. I’m 24, remember? Kaya heto na lang ang ginagawa ko—daydreaming. But I’ll definitely push that writing career, though.

Relationship? Nah! Certified NBSB (No Boyfriend Since Birth) po ako. Marami nga lang akong crushes, be it ordinary people or celebrity crushes. Hindi ko na nga lang babanggitin ang mga celebrity crushes. But I think I could still recall those “ordinary people” who had been my crush that are memorable to me since elementary days. Haha! `Yong iba nga lang, hindi alam ng Mama ko.

• Joel (Grade 3 classmate/crush; though hindi ko na matandaan ang last name niya)
• Froilan (Grade 4 classmate/crush; hindi ko na rin matandaan ang apelyido)
• Erland Jerique or Jerique Erland (Grade 5 classmate/crush, though I forgot the order of his given name and I also forgot his last name)
• Joshua Posadas (another Grade 5 classmate/crush at naglalaro dati ng sepak takraw sa school)
• Ivan Timothy Baluyot (Grade 6 classmate/crush; probably the cutest of all my elementary crushes at kakompetensiya ko pa sa class ranking academically; one of my inspirations noong Grade 6 ako)
• Alexander (1st year high school classmate/crush pero hindi ko na masyadong ma-recall ang mukha niya at hindi ko an rin maalala ang apelyido. Natigil kasi ako sa pag-aaral mid-October dahil nagloko lang naman ako during that time)
• Van Oliver Dicang (1st year high school classmate/crush. He’s my crush during my second time in 1st year high school. Active sa student council at one of the classroom officers. But one thing that everyone doesn’t know, he was the first and last na binigyan ko ng love/confession letter and outrightly rejected me by tearing the letter to pieces. After that, I got scared of doing the same thing again.)
• Allen Anthony Cueto (2nd year high school classmate/crush and perhaps the cutes of all my crushes in elementary and high school days combined. In fact, naging ka-close ko pa nga ang kumag na `to, eh. Though until now, I’m still debating with myself kung ano ba talaga ang naramdaman ko para sa lalaking `to, if it was just a puppy love, plain crush, or close to something deeper. Hanggang ngayon, hindi ko pa rin alam.)
• Jayson Ayan (First 3rd year high school classmate/crush. Bakit first 3rdyear? I stopped mid-October—again. But health reasons naman ang ginamit kong grounds kung bakit ako natigil ulit sa pag-aaral. Siguro sa sobrang pressure at stress—and slight case of bullying na hindi kinaya ng isip ko. Naging close naman kami ng lalaking ito pero sandali lang.)
• Gerald Opigal (Second 3rd year high school classmate/crush. Pero sa totoo lang, hindi ko naging ka-close ang lalaking ito, ever)
• Suren Quitor (4th year high school classmate/crush. Pero sandali ko lang naging crush ang lalaking ito. I think it was during the time na nagpi-filming kami ng group namin para sa movie project namin sa MAPEH)

As for college crushes, wala na. Dedma na ako sa paligid ko during my college days. Haha! Kaya huwag nang magtaka sa pagiging NBSB ko. Isa pa, masyadong focused sa pag-aaral ang utak ko. And I guess wala talagang magkamali. I mean, duh! Who would actually decide to approach and befriend a Plain Jane like me? Yes, ganyan po talaga ang overall description ko sa sarili ko. In fact, sa hindi ko masyadong pag-aayos sa sarili ko dahil hindi naman ako ganoon ka-conscious sa itsura ko, napagkakamalan pa rin akong high schooler hanggang ngayon. `Kainis lang.

Kahit na medyo may pagka-boring ang tinutungo ng buhay ko, okay lang sa akin. Kahit na NBSB, walang problema sa akin. I’m not rushing, anyway kahit na umabot na ako sa ganitong edad na wala pa ring boyfriend. Iyon ay kahit gusto na akong ibugaw ng Mama ko’t mga kapatid ko. Natatakot yatang maging old maid ako kahit nasa lahi talaga ng mga Aragones (side ng Mama ko) ang pagkakaroon ng mga old maid. But still, hindi naman ako natatakot. I don’t know why, pero ganoon ang pakiramdam ko, eh. Confident much? Hindi naman siguro. Although I have this weird deadline to myself na sana, before I turned 28, magkaroon na ako ng asawa. Haha! So that means, may four years pa ako para maghanap ng prospect husband. What the heck? Bakit ang ikli?

Seriously speaking, this birthday girl’s thoughts suddenly turned into a birthday girl’s introduction of herself to the world. Haha! `Ayan tuloy, napahaba pa ang entry ko. Usually, kapag entry about personal thoughts, hindi naman kahabaan ang sinusulat ko. but then I guess I made an exception today since it’s my birthday.

And so, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, Florence Joyce!