Mabuhay, Philippines!

My yearly Philippine Independence Day photo -

Shot from Libingan ng mga Bayani

Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!

Happy Independence Day!

© Pamela Cabrera 2011

Sun and drops

Because I really miss my hobby -

Sun and drops in B&W

Shot taken from Manila Ocean Park

© Pamela Cabrera 2013

Bolinao Cave

The enchanted cave of Bolinao, Pangasinan.

What made it more enchanting is the cool clear waters.

© Pamela Cabrera 2013

Bolinao, Pangasinan

Shots taken from Bolinao, Pangasinan.

© Pamela Cabrera 2013

Summer Waves 2

 Lovin' the summer waves!

This is the reason why I really love summer. :)

Shots taken from our weekend Bolinao, Pangasinan trip.

© Pamela Cabrera 2013

Paradise somewhere down the road

View on our way home from Morong, Bataan

Shots taken somewhere down the road (Hehehe!)

© Pamela Cabrera 2013

Summer waves

Shots taken from Morong, Bataan

© Pamela Cabrera 2013

Orange skies and the kiss of sunset

This is what I love every summer - the sea and the enchanting orange skies during sunset

Shots taken from Morong, Bataan

© Pamela Cabrera 2013

I'll make my mom proud!

Last 2008, I left high school then I entered college. I entered the historical Arch of the Centuries - the mark of my Thomasian beginning.

I didn't choose UST to be my school, but it chose me (I guess).

I learned. I grow. I met the best people and made new friends to be kept forever.

This whole college experience molded me to become who I am today and who will I be in the next years.

In March 2012, I'll be graduating from college. It is not the end, but only the beginning... the beginning to the real world.

Hi Mommy! This is all for you, thank you for everything. For the hard and long hours of works and for raising me and my sister alone. I love you! :* See you in March, huh?

Thank you Lord, for all the provisions, blessings and guidance! :)

Toga shot (UNEDITED)

Formal shot (UNEDITED)

BOHOL: From pure thesis to a great experience

Last October 17-20, 2011, I together with my thesis-mates/friends went to Bohol for our thesis. Yung halos ilang buwan na plano (palit dito, palit doon), natapos ng apat na araw. From a pure thesis plan then came a lifetime to remember experience not just from the people we have encountered but also to the place - it is truly a wonder that we live in the Philippines having much to be proud of!

Chapter 5 [Data gathering] we're done with you! Analysis on the process. We can do this! :)

Acknowledgments: Dejaresco Family and The Bohol Chronicle; Mr. Marianito Jose M. Luspo; Arch. German Torero; Dr. Jemma Jay; Mr. Ludwig Quirog; and Ms. Juvy Lim

Meet the team!
CABRERA, PAMELA T.
CRUZ, ALYSSA ASHLEY M.
JUAN, PEEVI JANNSEN N.
SACLAO, ALEXANDRA MARIE C.
STA. ANA, MAIQUI ROME FRANCIS M.
VICTORIA, DENESSE VZMYN

BOHOL, 2011 ©

Seeking knowledge

OCTOBER 4, 2011: The day I spent to join the Mobile Unit of Virlanie Foundation for my developmental journalism article. I honestly claim that before this day, I used to ignore and stay away from kids living on streets, but this experience changed my whole perspective on them.

Every Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesday, Fridays and Saturdays the Mobile Unit team composed of a team leader, teachers, a nurse, and a social worker would go to Binondo Plaza (despite the heat) to teach these children who wished to have proper education.

Ms. Marie, the team leader and a modern epitome of Mother Teresa
as she teaches the kids to pray.

© PAMELA T. CABRERA, 2011

Teaching basic literacy and education to children,
but they need more than the basics.

© PAMELA T. CABRERA, 2011

© PAMELA T. CABRERA, 2011

© PAMELA T. CABRERA, 2011

© PAMELA T. CABRERA, 2011

We are indeed in search for new knowledge
everyday.

© PAMELA T. CABRERA, 2011

Education is the most valuable treasure
a parent can impart to their children.

© PAMELA T. CABRERA, 2011

Favorite place to think

© PAMELA CABRERA

Thinking place.

I've always wanted to go back to this place.

Somewhere in Taguig City.

Not far from the civilization and modernity.

Yet, it is a place where there is peace and quiet.

A good lighting for a perfect photo-scape.

A nice atmosphere to think and make your mind at peace.

Away from all the distractions on this world.

Been longing to visit this place again.

Soon. I will. Soon.# -PTC

If it's His will, let it be done

I've been thinking for a while if I'll take Law after graduating from Journalism, my mom wants me to but I'm thinking to work as soon as I graduate. I've been praying for it - for the answers and signs that God might provide in order for me to make my decision upon this matter. But I never expected that His answers will come very soon (the least I expected it).

Last Sunday (August 21, 2011) during our service in our church I asked God for answers whether I'll take Law or not, I asked Him to give me signs for my decision to make. I even talked about my mom that night what school is best to take Law courses - she suggested some but I am still undecided about it.

Yesterday (August 22, 2011) our original room was at Room 112 for our Ethics class then it was moved in Room 201 since we will be watching a movie. As soon as I stepped inside the room, I saw a note on the left side of the whiteboard regarding the Law School Forum on Thursday and Mock Exam on Saturday at ATENEO. I considered this as a "coincidence", an accident then I thought I need more signs - "other" sign I guess.

During the latter part of our Broadcast Journalism class, the Journalism President went in our room give an announcement. *goosebumps* it was again about the Law School Forum which will take part on Thursday and person/s interested needs to sign-up for the said event. Again *GOOSEBUMPS*. Is this it? Is this the "other" sign am waiting for? It's kinda weird because the answers and signs am asking came quickly to my surprise.

Without hesitations, I signed to attend the event.

I told my mom as soon as I got home about what happened. She's happy about it and started checking some Law Schools - San Beda College and UP Diliman. We have agreed that I'll be a working student by then, I'll be the one to support my allowance thus my tuition will be shouldered by my mom.

I don't know why God gave me all this answers, I know it's His will and I believe He has His own purpose why He wants me to do this. I don't know what it is but one thing is for sure: "If it is His will, let it be done".# -PTC

Creative shot?

I know matagal pa ang October for our official Graduation pictorial schedule. Feeling ko dilemma ng almost lahat is kung ano ang gagawin para sa Creative shot nila. Syempre problema ko din yun and since eto lang yung mga naisip kong idea na madaling mahanapan ng damit (at may damit na rin ako). Help me decide kung ano mas okay! Thank you!

All images I got were from Google search, so random sources of photos lang siya.
Other creative shot ideas are also welcome! :)

#1 COWGIRL

#2 HIPPIE

HIPPIE

HIPPIE/BOHO

CLEOPATRA
(Costume I used during Mr. & Ms. Sapphire way back in HS)

World of dreams, world of trap

Since preliminary exams are over, it's time for some movie marathon! Just watched this afternoon Neil Gaiman's Caroline, now I want to get a copy of his book to actually read it on text.

--

Reality has no perfection. There is no such word as "perfection" is fit to describe the world. Everything, everywhere in this world where we actually live has its loopholes, it is only in our dreams we find all things in perfect order - just as how we want it or wished they were.

Just like how the world was perceived in the movie, in a small unit of the community - our family, it is evident how the young lady suffered from being ignored by her own parents. Busy doing their own stuff - sticking their heads on their computers *clack-clack-clack*, tickling on their keyboard keys without even paying attention to what their daughter seeks to them - ATTENTION. A little attention won't harm both parties.

However, a small tiny - a passage towards her ideal world. A perfect world - with a perfect mother and father who gives the ample attention she have longed for, the care and love that she always wanted to feel from her "original" parents.

But everything turns out like a dream. Back to real imperfect-ness of life.

Each night she would look forward to visit the "other" world and spend time with her so-called "other" parents.

Not all things which are perfect stays constant, the terminologies "perfect", "perfectness" or "bliss" only applies to dreams, intangible things, or someplace which is beyond our mortal eyes but not for something that is within our reach.

Dreams which gives us perfect notion of the world we are living are traps - deceives and tricks us. Usually we choose to stay in our dreams rather than facing the reality of life - who wouldn't like to live in a world where you can get anything and everything that you have imagined? Sometimes perfection will get something from us in exchange of the pleasure we want to achieve, it can either be something important to us, our own dreams or even our life.

This is the reality of life, it is full of imperfections, chaos and disparities but no matter how it was - that's life! It's just how it was - it is on how you deal with it, how you face it and how you struggle in order to survive. Just like how the old fellas tells us: "Live your life. Struggle, fight in order to survive and succeed."

Dreams must come and go. There is nothing wrong with dreaming a perfect life, an ideal world to live in - it is a form of inspiration and motivation for us. But living inside our dreams and not making it into reality is something which can cause some trouble(s).# -PTC

Does this signify anything?

Each time I have my devotions in the morning then afterwards I go back to sleep, I would always dream about fighting against bad spirits.

Not like the ghost busters. But what's weird is that before when I dream about those stuff I tend to get scared, I feel helpless when I'm in my dream. But now, I always speak 5 powerful words to drive those evil spirits away - "In the name of Jesus". I am not sure what this means to me? But am pretty sure it does have something to do with my life and what God wants me to do, I just don't know what it really is.

Let me tell you the two circumstances I'm talking about:

First was two weeks ago, I woke up very early for my morning devotion - 'twas about the Temptation of Jesus in Matthew. After reading the text, I had my quality time with God then I went back to sleep since my class is at the afternoon. Then came my dream, I was in my school (not sure if it was the Rizal Conference Hall, but it looks like an auditorium) and it was at night. I cannot recall the whole scenario but what I remember was there's an evil spirit. I wasn't scared that time but what surprises me was I said the 5 powerful words aloud to make it go away.

Second was this morning. Again I woke up early for my devotion - this time it was about Love (loving your neighbors and enemies) and again it was at the book of Matthew. Just like before I went back to sleep since classes are suspended today (Yeeeaaay!). Then came my dream again, this time I was in my room fixing stuff and when I was about to get a pillow under my bed I saw a hand. Bravely, I asked my sister to help me move the bed, then I saw a child she's like chanting something then suddenly she sings "Jesus, You're my firm foundation". I asked her who she was and she started screaming, scratching her face and ran. We caught her by our TV table, I started praying for her and again saying the 5 powerful words to drive what's inside her away. I started crying 'coz I saw the pain of the child but I stand firm and continued with what I'm doing.

Where does this lead me?

Before I always dreamed about children. I was protecting them from an evil creature. Then this dreams came again, this time I am braver and I know what to do and what to say against those.

What does this mean to me? I don't know if dreams do manifest something - a message from God? A warning? Or calling?

I don't know, but I have to find it out soon. I must.# -PTC

It's easy to say hello but hard to bid farewell

The sky's gloomy with isolated rain showers, it was a cold Monday morning. Can you imagine how hard it is to wake up very early for an early call time? No, it is not because I got an early class schedule but to take part in the tour of the Faculty of Arts and Letters' freshies - more particularly the new breeds of AB journalism students.

For a quick recap, way back in 2008 I was also a  freshmen. Fear, excitement, confusion, shock and happiness filled my spirit. Yes, it was almost 4 years ago that I first went through the Arch of the Centuries and entered my respective building - the St. Raymund's which became my second home, the concrete and structural pillar of my learning.

Seeing their fresh faces, I once remembered what, who and how was I during my freshmen days. Of course, we also experienced the campus tour but I never imagined that 4 years ago we were the ones toured by our ates and kuyas from the journalism society in the 4 corners of the university; now I'll be the one doing the tour for the freshmen.

The rain didn't stop us for conducting the activity. We pushed it through just like it was planned.

Smiles on their faces. Strange looks. Unfamiliar actions and reactions. Some were timid and tamed, and there were also hyperactive ones.

Noticing some familiar actions during the tour - enjoying, ranting because of the heat and curiosity brings back the memories during our very own campus tour. Thinking you'll never learn something from the tour? Think again, it will help you a lot for knowing the reputation and history of your own university.

Contrary to the ecstatic and exciting feel of the freshmen I was with. I somehow felt differently aside from enjoying the company and the whole tour - the feeling of realizing that it was really my last year in UST, in AB, in the journalism academe. Adding to the feel, addressing us "seniors" - "ate" and "kuya".

Do you know how hard it is to imagine that 4 years ago you entered the historical Arch of the Centuries - welcoming you as a Thomasian then now you will realize soon (with God's grace) you'll be exiting the same arch and finally graduate?

I again looked at their faces, their actions, their smiles, their excitement then I said to myself: "I was once like you guys, soon you'll also be like us. Grown and mature. Now, you're saying hello and welcoming the institution you are currently with, but years from now you will also say goodbye."

True, it's a lot easier to say hello to something or someone but hard to leave and say farewell.

--


Freshies, enjoy every minute in UST. Don't miss the fun and the learning, more years (trials, stress and pressures) to come. Beware but be strong!

Seniors, this is the last shot, the last academic year. Thesis - yeah we can fell it now. Enjoy every minute inside the university - make the most and the best!# -PTC

Dr. Jose Rizal could be YOU!

Man of our history, our national hero

Man of the Philippine history.

Man full of mysteries.

A son and brother.

A student and teacher.

Writer, doctor and fighter.

A lover and a friend.

Once was a traveler, believer

and a dreamer.

The eye-opener against colonialism.

He's our national hero.

The root of our pride.

Of our freedom.

And our liberty.

He is Dr. Jose P. Rizal, on his 150th year.

Cheers to his heroism!

Challenge to the new breed of heroes and Rizal-like young ones!

You don't need to be named as Rizal or Jose to be one.

Young generation in your own ways, can also be a hero,

and make a change in the society.# -PTC

© PAMELA CABRERA

National mark, symbol of freedom

Freedom to choose, Freedom to reject.

Freedom to speak. Freedom to be silent.

Freedom to live. Freedom to give life.

Freedom to share. Freedom to inspire.

This is the mark of our freedom.

The start of our independence.

To have our own identity.

To live, be recognized and to die as a Pinoy.

Am a proud one, are you?

Happy Independence Day, Philippines!

Mabuhay PINOYs - NOYPIs!# -PTC

What can you say about the Aquino administration? Do you believe that things would be better with another administration?

No comment, his administration is somehow on its first phase. More years, issues and social problems will be faced for it to be compared as better or worse. :)

Got questions for me? C'mon spill it out.