Hey, goodmorning. We watch the sun come up, it’s calling, how about another day with you?

This song was released way back in 2009 by British Recording Artist, Example. Its dance-pop and hip-house in genre; makes me feel relaxed and calm with its symphonic beats and atmospheric tune. Listen to it, hopefully you’ll like it.

Watch The Sun Come Up by Example

Much has happened over the past week, that I can’t seem to remember specifically what occurred unless I try to write down things again. Most of the time, I find myself in a speeding lane of headlights and happenings, and it’s seldom this trip makes a quick stop somewhere for me to breathe. 

Do you feel that too? Or is it just me, that things seem to be happening faster and time is just passing you by? 

Photographed by: Jenica Mendoza

Bomber Jacket| Gray Cropped Top from Oxygen| Shoes from Forever 21|  

Two things I’ve learned and come to accept, which I think will stay constant for a while:

First, time will never stop, no matter how much you want it to pause. When you’re in that moment, where everything feels alright and happy, savor it, because it will never happen the same way again. When you decide on giving up, everything else around you will still continue on moving forward so its either you keep up with it with your own phase, or die.

Second, we all move in our own phase. Life is not a race to becoming the best, because seeking that title means death because there is no such thing. I have to constantly remind myself not to put too much pressure on my being because it is important for one to accept that we do not have to be like everyone else around us. 

Hey, goodmorning. We watch the sun come up, it’s calling, how about another day with you?

This song was released way back in 2009 by British Recording Artist, Example. Its dance-pop and hip-house in genre; makes me feel relaxed and calm with its symphonic beats and atmospheric tune. Listen to it, hopefully you’ll like it.

Watch The Sun Come Up by Example

Photographed by: Jenica Mendoza

Bomber Jacket| Gray Cropped Top from Oxygen| Shoes from Forever 21|  

Much has happened over the past week, that I can’t seem to remember specifically what occurred unless I try to write down things again. Most of the time, I find myself in a speeding lane of headlights and happenings, and it’s seldom this trip makes a quick stop somewhere for me to breathe. 

Do you feel that too? Or is it just me, that things seem to be happening faster and time is just passing you by? 

Two things I’ve learned and come to accept, which I think will stay constant for a while:

First, time will never stop, no matter how much you want it to pause. When you’re in that moment, where everything feels alright and happy, savor it, because it will never happen the same way again. When you decide on giving up, everything else around you will still continue on moving forward so its either you keep up with it with your own phase, or die.

Second, we all move in our own phase. Life is not a race to becoming the best, because seeking that title means death because there is no such thing. I have to constantly remind myself not to put too much pressure on my being because it is important for one to accept that we do not have to be like everyone else around us. 

Photographed by: Chanel Velhagen

So long very sweet summer and here I am opening the last book of my college life. Summer just flew by so fast, things I was hoping to find were never found. I guess thats why Im so bitter with this beginning. Quite honestly I’m not even the slightest bit excited for this yet because of certain reasons. 

Here’s another song I added to my “feel good” playlist which I got from Gossip Girl’s soundtrack. I’ve been watching Gossip Girl Episodes from Season 3 to 4 all summer and I’ve found tracks I really dig. Here’s one of them.

Another One Down by Asher Roth Feat. D.A. Wallach

Over the summer, I’ve been setting this goal for me to find myself with deep-self thinking and reflection. There are things that really need time. I wanted to set my goals straight and find myself during the summer, both, unfortunately, unattained. Though clearly, I can never stop being thankful for the amazing time I had with my family, I’ll really miss them all over again.

Either way, I’ll just take a deep breath, accept reality as it is, I’m back in Manila, missing home and family more than ever and my Senior Year in college has just begun. 

First class today was Draping 3, we had to draft three gowns inspired by Victoria’s Secret and we have to use “jeepney basahans” as a materials of this project. This should be a challenge, what a great opening to begin this year with. 

AYJ

Goodmorning Boracay! Who wouldn’t want to wake up to this scenery just a few steps outside your resort room? 

We decided to skip the hotel’s breakfast buffet since we already had it the day earlier. Instead, we ate at Pancake House. I know its a bit unnecessary to dine here since this is all over Manila anyway, but what the hec, this was a no fail place to dine for breakfast. We really needed this for the heavy day ahead.

Zorb Park was our first stop. Mom was so excited for this since she saw Kris Aquino & John Lapus do this on tv. So it’s pretty intriguing to see the kind of fun of tumbling down a hill in a inflated ball with water then landing on a pool. Well it fun, except for the part where mom’s fear turned to laughing than screaming inside the ball. 

What I liked about these Boracay rides i that they always have a shuttle service to bring you anywhere you want to go next, for free. We stopped at Dreamland, which was a little theme park. I think it would be good to go back here at night with the kiddies. We wanted to go drive ATV’s up to the peak of of the mountain to see the view of the entire island. 

Seriously, I want my own ATV. 

I was greatly speechless at this view, it was too amazing and breathtaking. It’s even better when you see it with your own eyes. I could live here!

We were drained and exhausted. Had our late lunch at 1. We ate at this Indian Restaurant, because I’ve been craving for tasty food, particularly spices. We had vegetable stuffed dumplings, Grilled Tandoori Chicken and Vegtable Biryani Rice. It was really one hot meal. 

Cafe del Sol’s Mango Cheescake was probably the best one I’ve tasted. 

The entire family gathered at Mexican restaurant, Ole for dinner. 

The kids were very entertained with the coloring pages given to them. I myself tried on picking up the crayon. 

My 4th Banana Shake for this trip. It’s really refreshing.

We had different kinds of Paella that night, this one is Paella Negra made out of squid ink.

We checked out Discovery Shores afterwards, we were pretty intrigued with the resort Kris Aquino usually stays in.

Our usually picks, Mixed Berries & Green Tea ice cream from FIC. 

And here’s another track I’m loving so I’m sharing it out. Disco Fries Remixes are undeniably good. This was part of our playlist on the way to Caticlan. 

I really wanted to separate this post to emphasize on the view of our resort during the evening. The yellow lights were gorgeous, it just illuminated the place with the well aqua blue-lit swimming pool. It was just paradise. 

The moon was pretty full as it was approaching a super moon in a few days. Im glad I captured it with the deep blue sky and the evening clouds.

This is Sea Breeze restaurant, where we have our breakfast buffet.

Vacation is not complete without music. Tito Patrick surely didn’t forget to bring his BOSE speakers along. The family was out here by the pool area and I was pretty surprised no hotel guests complained regarding the noise we were making. 

So anyway, here’s one of my favorite electronic tracks. It’s very relaxing and tranquilizing especially when you have your headphones on. It’s perfect when you’ll be lying down on the sand watching the night sky. enjoy!

Leaving Ilo-ilo at three in the morning was definitely not so pleasant considering the family had a dinner party a few hours ago in celebration of Lola Nita’s 80th (My lola’s eldest sister out of nine siblings) but at least, we arrived at Boracay Island around 8 in the morning which gave us enough time to enjoy the sun and it’s morning glory.

We we’re all starving that we just hit the hotel’s breakfast buffet. We were staying at Boracay Regency, and the place was perfect for family fun. I couldn’t wait to jump in the pool the moment we arrived. 

We had a good variety of choices for welcome drinks, most of the selections were fruity drinks with a little twist, non-alcoholic of course, that would keep you cool with the heat.

After a quick swim, Mom, Bea, Tita Ali and I walked outside on the shores in search for late lunch. We ate at Aria over a good conversation. We had Pasta Marinara, Salad, Carbonara & Pizza. My favorite was the pizza, it had olives, artichoke and mushrooms plus their hot sauce made out of Olive Oil was good.

Bea, Mom, Me, Tito Howard, Tita Ali & Bianca. This was when we took a walk after late lunch at D’ Mall. I enjoyed this chill afternoon walk of window shopping, things they sold really gave me the beach vibe.

Tita Ali is actually my second cousin, she’s the oldest of us, and next to her is Tita Anne, who is Bea’s mom. Technically Bea & Bianca are my nieces, but I consider them like my cousins. Their family is so entertaining and fun to be with.

This was the first pool I swam in of the four pools at the Resort. It was around noon time when I went dipping on my own and explored the shores and the nearby restaurant and finds. It feels refreshing and very unwinding to be in cool waters. I loved our resort. I took the time to sit by the beach shore and watch people para-sailing from afar. Actually, our location wasn’t the crowded side of the island, which I liked.

Bianca, Me, Daniel & Bea after we went swimming.

Daniel is Bea’s 7 year old younger brother, he is pretty energetic and full of ideas. Apparently these kids I consider as cousins are my nephews and nieces, there are about 7 of them.

Lola Doti & Lolo Pedro, reading newspaper for their afternoon date.

Lola Doti is actually my aunt, since she is my dad’s first cousin. Just like Tita Ali, she is the eldest of their generation. She’s the grandmom of Bea and the others. 

It’s pretty entertaining to be around Lolo Pedro, when he starts talking about Politics, food, almost about anything. He’s been hurrying to go back home since he had a lot of things to do, but Bea encouraged him to try and relax.

Later that afternoon, the rest of the Ng family arrived. So there was about 30-40 of us there.

Fresh Sea Food was one of the things I really looked forward to this trip. We had a few of these later that evening. yum yum.

Its been more than a year since we’ve been running this blog on our own but we thank all the people who have supported the blog from time to time. We are expanding now, in hoping to be a better site with wider coverage so we can provide a more flexible content for everyone. 

SDA TALENT wants YOU to be part of our team for Term I SY 2012-2013 ! As long as you are from De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, you are qualified! 

Internships & OJT’s can be credited under Dogtown Studios, so join now!

Who We’re Looking For?

1.       Photographers

2.       Video Editors

3.       Graphic Designers

4.       Article Writers

5.       Events Coordinator

Email us at sdatalent000@gmail.com or visit sdatalent.tumblr.com  for inquiries and further details.

Requirements:

Photographers:

1.       Must own their own DSLR Camera

2.       Good Photography Skills

3.       Knowledgeable with photo editing softwares such as Photoshop, Lightroom, etc.

Video Editors:

1.       Must own their own DSLR Camera with Video

2.       Skilled and knowledgeable with video editing softwares such as Adobe Premiere, iMovie etc.

Graphic Designers:

1.       Skilled with Illustrating Creative Graphic Works in any medium.

2.       Knowledgeable with Graphic Editing programs such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, etc.

Article Writers:

1.       Good journalism and writing skills.

2.       Competent with formulating interview questions and must be willing to do interviews on featured artists.

3.       

Department Manager:

What you need to do:

1.       Search for  talent and people we can feature from your specific course.

2.       Good journalism and writing skills.

Events Coordinator

What you need to do:

1.       Be on the look out for events SDA Talent can feature or Events that want/can advertise on the site.

2.       Good Journalism Skills for pre and post-event write ups.

And above all, SDA Talent wants dedicated and passionate artists who are also willing to help expose fellow talented artists beyond the white walls of SDA.  We are looking for creative, diligent, easy to be with and versatile personalities who can help promote the blog’s sole purpose which is to showcase Benildean Talent for it to be experience by others.

Interested? Email us a 2-3 photos of you with your name, course, ID number and why you want to be part of the team as what at sdatalent000@gmail.com

We hope to hear from you and work with you soon!

-SDA Talent Core Team

I don’t often go up north or even south anymore for road trips everytime I’m back in Bacolod but just this once, I made an exception to take a day trip to Lakawon Island with a few of my longest friends.

For those of you who haven’t been here yet, Lakawon island is accessible by a hour and thirty minute drive from Bacolod City then you have to take a fifteen minute boat ride to the island. This is one of the nearest beaches to access.

The best beaches are always around Negros Island since most of them are not commercialized and crowded. We even seemed like we owned the shores since there was barely anyone around. It feels good to be in salty sea water’s of familiar shores. 

Seeing a great mile of blue waters and clear skies was pretty refreshing after seeing city lights and buildings for the past months back in Manila.  For short, this vacation feels good.

In the midst of global warming and this continuing increase of temperature, immersing your body in cool waters feels like the best thing on earth. Danica, Chesca, Becca & I still managed to enjoy the warmth of the sun as we just lay our skins on sand. 

Here’s lunch. Grilled Fish, Lechon Manok and Grilled Pork. I love native dishes.

Chesca & I. These girls are the one’s Im with in Manila also and its funny how they’re still the ones Im with today here. 

Chepe, Danica, Nico, Chesca, Me & Becca. Every Lakawon trip has to always have a complete group photo by the beach front.

The sunset was really gorgeous. Anywhere I go, sunsets will always captivate me.

On the way back to highway, we stopped at this tiange to buy this ice cream. Nico specified to get Ube Cheeze flavor since it was the best one Creamline sold. It was actually yummy and I liked it and how I wish they sold this somewhere in the city. Does anyone have any idea where this can be bought in Manila or Bacolod? It’s as good as Magnolia or Selecta products, it’s just not as famous. 

When we got back to the city, we had dinner at Sanders. I’ve seen this place quite sometime already but it is only now I am trying the food here. Danica & Nico surely know where the good places to eat are. This was Beef Nachos, it was so good and it’s only for P55 bucks. wow.

Chicken Pesto only for P90.

Back Ribs for only P80.

This is Bacon.

I usually don’t like Shitzsu’s, I call them walking mops. But seriously, how can they see through all that hair? Their “cuteness” is too annoying. I swear.

The other day, me and my friends were heading to the beach, and I just gasped in surprise because this was the first thing I saw when I opened the van. Bacon. Finally we meet. 

Danica’s Instagram is always filled with this dog’s photos and his little adventures. From the moment she and Nico bought this dog, we all knew he was going to be a little popular fuzzball. You’d always find twitter/facebook/Instagram posts about this dog, its impossible for all our friends not to know who Bacon is. I swear his cuteness annoys me.

He rode the car with us. He road that cart to the boat. He enjoyed the boat ride and even used me as something he could lean on so he would’t fall. We gave him a biscuit which he suddenly spat out, he wouldn’t eat his meal but he was rubbing his face on sand for about a whole minute. He crapped by the beach front then smelled it. In the back of my mind, “Dani, omg why did you have to bring this dog??”. I wouldn’t even touch him to begin with.

Truthfully, it was getting hard to resist this dog all throughout that day especially when I saw him endlessly running around the beach like a little fuzzball who’s nose and tongue  is all that I can see. I’m usually a very dry person when it comes to small hairy creatures, and Bacon was no exception during the beginning. I’d call him, “Dog!” instead of his own name.

But then I learned to warm up to this dog, his cuteness was pretty irresistible that I just can no longer act numb or dry. 

Okay maybe I don’t hate mops anymore. Or maybe just Bacon. I’ve got myself saying “Bake, Bake!” just like how Danica calls him.  This dog is love. 

(Source: hernameisandie, via photographsandlyrics)

We were taking an afternoon walk around the fields, then rain finally started to pour down from the skies on this summer weather. For a moment, I didn’t want to move, because raindrops falling on my skin felt good. 

Here’s a song I’m currently in love with, I think it’s perfect with this post. Let my thoughts, emotions & frustrations sail to the middle of the sea.

Atlas Hands by BenjaminFrancisLeftwich

Take me to the docks, there’s a ship without a name
It is sailing to the middle of the sea
The water there is deeper than anything you’ve ever seen
…Jump right in and swim until you freeze

I will remember your face
‘Cause I am still in love with that place
But when the stars are the only things we share
Will you be there?

Money came like rain to your hands while you were waiting
For that cold long promsie to appear
People in the churches started singing above their hands
They say “My God is a good God and he cares”

I will remember your face
‘Cause I am still in love with that place
When the stars are the only things we share
Will you be there?

I’ve got a plan
I’ve got an atlas in my hands
I’m gonna turn when I listen to the lessons that I’ve learned.

The well-known Bascon Cafe brings you  27th Bascon, their newest venture  still located at Lacson Street, Bacolod City, just across the cafe on 27th street. I was pretty impressed with the interior because it was a fusion of the modern Filipino Atmosphere with traditional elements. 

As I said, I loved how designs of this place blend modern and traditional. The Function room on the second floor is designed with wooden windows and capiz shells, the one’s you can see in historical Filipino Houses. 

Mom brought us here for lunch for Elle’s 16th. Yes, Happy Birthday to my one and only sister today! Can’t believe you are 16 now and if its my last year in college, this is her last year in Highschool too. 

Unlike the cafe, which is known for their tasty pastries & cakes, 27th Bascon focuses on serving you full, appetizing meals that bring you the comfort of well-loved home recipes of the island in modern cooking.

My taste buds have been craving for those lutong-bahay recipes especially those that bring me that Negrense Flavor because truthfully, facing fast food chains and those complex restaurants in Manila make me miss the fuss-free cooking of Bacolod. 27th Bascon was the perfect place. 

Picking through the menu just confused me since it served almost all my favorite meals and they had a wide variety of choices. But the moment I saw Sinigang on the menu, I just had to take it. 

What we had for lunch: Grilled Chicken & Pomelo Salad, Chicken Relleno, Mango Shake, Salmon Sinigang, and Rice was unlimited served from a native basket with banana leaves which gave that Filipino-home feel.

After that, you’ll definitely want sweets to fully finish that awesome dinning experience and Bascon Cafe is just across, so why not walk there?

For Dessert: Bannoffee Pie & Blueberry Cheescake

Thank You Tita Marili Gonzaga and to your dad, Tito Dodong Bascon for accommodating us very well!

 Like 27th Bascon on Facebook.