Shit I Learned in 2013

I try my best not to sound so cynical about everything, but sometimes, the world just tries to pull one on me and turns me into this pessimistic (yet realistic) monster. 2013, I would have to say, was not my year. Sure, there were "numerous blessings" -- and don't get me wrong, I'm not discounting those.. but in essence, it could have definitely been better.

I turned 20, in 2013 -- a pivotal time in my life, as I had dreaded this day since I was young. I've always had the notion that life ends at 20. It's a little dramatic to say the least, but I honestly believe that my best years are behind me.. I know a lot of people will disagree with me on that and say that "Life starts at 20!" (or 40, whichever). I mean, gone are the years of my happy go lucky lifestyle. I now had to start being more responsible, and for someone with my personality, it's a bit much to handle.

Being the poster child for all Aries signs, and I quote "The #Aries goal in life is safety. The climbing, the power, the success -- it's all about feeling safe." -- I took 2013 by the horns and took control (or tried at least). The challenges and opportunities 2013 presented to me, made me learn a couple of things that I surely won't forget as I grow older and as I welcome this new year. I wouldn't necessarily say that 2013 made me a better person, because, there is so much room for improvement in my life, but it did change me in more ways than one. Thanks for being a bitch 2013, cause without you, I still would've been the naive fresh DLSU grad I was.

1. Do your laundry regularly.
For anyone who has lived alone, this is of utmost importance. You wouldn't want to be caught in a situation wherein you're down to your last underwear with class the next day and no underwear left.. I think this is the most important lesson 2013 taught me. 2013 -1 Carla - 0

2. Socialize even if you don't want to.
Most people would say I'm an extrovert, but I would say I'm a closeted introvert. I rarely reply to texts (except if your name is Cha, Je, or Isabel), avoid phone calls at all costs, mark Facebook messages as unread even if I have already read them, and basically just tune everyone out.. although, my numerous posts on Instagram and regular partying in the middle of 2013 would suggest otherwise. Having lived alone in a place without any friends or family, I cannot assert this enough that socializing is of utmost importance. Whether you like hanging out and talking to people or not, socializing is just a part of human survival. Being around people, talking, and just seeing human interaction is enough to keep you sane and to keep those homesick jitters away. Plus, networking will ALWAYS do you good.

3. Learn to walk away from something that does not/will not do you good. 
When I say this, I am talking not just talking about relationships.. I am also talking about consumer goods. Haha! When I was younger (around 5-7 months ago), I had the habit of entering a store and ALWAYS leaving with something in hand.. especially if there was a sale going on. I felt as if it were my moral obligation to buy a product for less than its worth. I felt like the product deserved to be bought even though I didn't need it. With that, I also saw me quickly burning a hole in my savings account for things that I could ultimately live without. Same goes for people.. Try your best not to burn yourself out by making time and putting effort in relationships that do not make you feel good about yourself anymore. In the long run, you'll be saving yourself from a shitload of unnecessary drama that yet again -- you can and should live without.

4. EXERCISE.
In 2012, I remember I was the stoutest I had ever been. In October of that year, my dad passed away from multiple complications. He had a bad heart, diabetes, and continued to smoke at least 1 pack of cigarettes a day. I am predisposed to these sicknesses because both my parents' families have them, and gaining pound after pound at an alarming rate really made me stop and rethink my lifestyle. So in 2013, I decided I would lessen my intake of unhealthy food -- keyword being LESSENED.. I still have a burger & fries every so often.. and pizza. PIZZAAAAAAA. But on most days, I just eat salads and fruits. Also, I signed up for the gym in uni and got addicted to running and yoga. Running became so therapeutic for me.. Whenever I'd have a bad day, I would put on my workout gear and go to the gym and just run for half an hour and take a yoga class after. Same went if I wanted to have a good day -- nothing boosted my energy and disposition than a good run before a class. I wasn't only exercising to be fit, I was doing it to feel good which made it feel less torturous but more therapeutic.

5. Nothing in excess.
If there is one bad habit I have that really pesters me and keeps me up at night, it's doing too much of everything. I shop too much, curse too much, pick others apart too much, eat too much, stay up too late, work too hard (sometimes), and most of all... and definitely the most sinful of all... I love too much. Man, you should see me obsess over the smallest things. A bag, a color, a blanket, a book, a character, a TV series, and the occasional person. Everything in moderation is really what I should implement this new year.

6. Work hard for what you want.
Back in college, I was set on getting 1.0s. Mainly because I had a thriving social life, an online business that was at its peak, a great relationship, and lots of time to sleep. I took the easy way out by letting my grades suffer and relishing every passing moment. But these "moments" in life, will not get you into a good graduate school program, and it will not get you a job. You know what will? Good grades, extra curricular activities, and internships. After graduating, as I was preparing for my Graduate Record Exam (GRE), I had a hard time applying to schools abroad, mainly in the US because I had a low GPA and no professor willing to write me a letter of recommendation because I didn't stand out in their class or simply because they thought I was not ready to enter grad school. However, instead of feeling discouraged by all of this, I transformed all the negativity into something positive. I applied for an internship at a prominent nonprofit organization based in New York with an office here in Makati. I interned for Asia Society, thrived during my time there, and next thing I knew, I found myself accepting my offer at one of the top universities in the world. I worked my butt off in grad school, and found my grades more than pleasing at the end of the semester. Now, I have an edge in my field and in the work force. Same goes for your passions in life -- not just with work. If you want to have that dream body you constantly talk about -- put in your hours at the gym, eat healthier food, and drink lots of water. Stay committed to the bit. If you want a happy and healthy relationship -- you have to work hard at it too. Find the time to tell your partner everyday that you love them, show them how much you do, and hope for the best. Working hard for what you want isn't an assurance that you'll actually get what you want. I've seen people put their hearts into what they do, and they still don't walk away with the grand prize. Sometimes, it's really not in your fate to have something or to experience it.. but working hard is a good lesson enough in itself that teaches you so much more about life than just winning.

2014 has so far, proved to be fickle for me, but I keep on looking back at these 6 things I've written about, to remind me of what I should do in any situation I'm faced with. I hope you, my dear reader, find some sense in all of this as I have written this sporadically under the influence of alcohol, some other things, and insomnia. Wishing this year will be an amazing one for you x

The Search For Something More

I feel like my blog posts always start with apologies for having been gone a long time -- but I assure you, the latest excuse for my absence is totally valid. Around 5 months ago, I moved to Sydney, Australia to take my post graduate degree. I wasn't really planning to move just yet since I had just found a great internship and planned to continue working there until I could find a paying job, but my mom had been nagging me for quite some time to apply for grad school already. In late 2012, I was planning to move to the US, but changed my plans as the steps for grad school here in the US were way too tedious for my lazy self to put up with. Australia on the other hand, provided a swift and easy process.

somewhere in the city

More than just pursuing higher studies, I intended on leaving Manila to have a new life. Manila, although a bustling metro, can feel constricting at times.. It's the same crowd you see everyday, same places you hang out in, same parties, and just really too much unwanted familiarity. Although I have to admit, this familiarity is comforting in a way, I somehow felt like I was not growing.  Besides, at that time, I was nursing a broken heart, and a getaway seemed perfect. 

bondi beach during winter

somewhere along campbell parade, bondi

the usual suspects

As you can see in the photo above, we have the mainstays of my life -- the people who make familiarity bearable and enjoyable. I think this was the hardest part about leaving.. being separated from friends whom I've grown to love and care for as my family. Life was gonna go on for them in Manila -- what with their boyfriends, families, jobs, school.. and they would all have each other to cling on to should anything come up. But here I was, leaving this great support system behind to venture a part of the world on my own. But you know what?? I was extremely lucky, because no matter how far away I was, they remained to be a text message away. Funny how technology has the power to make home a few clicks away -- the distance doesn't hurt as bad that way..

at ikea tempe

panoramic shot of circular quay

manly beach

sydney harbour bridge

museum station

Moving to a new city, no less a new country, more so a country you have never been to is challenging. I didn't know anyone, didn't know anything about the place, didn't understand the transport system, didn't feel comfortable.. Sydney was worse than familiarity, it was totally alien to me -- and to make matters worse, I had arrived right in the middle of a rainy winter day.. I wondered about the warm Sydney sun I had seen in photographs.. the Sydney that greeted me was bitter and cold. 

downing centre

random hotel in surry hills

sydney alley

flatiron building look-a-like

central station

illustrated man tattoo shop

central station

passion pit concert at enmore theatre

There's a lot you learn about yourself from being alone.. As for me, I am your typical extrovert. I am always out with friends and I feel offended when I ask someone to hangout and they don't want to.. I've never understood why people liked taking time apart from the world and just enjoying their own company. However, upon moving to a place where there was no one to ask out.. I took it onto myself to still have a good time -- even if it meant doing fun things alone. Below, you can see me attending a concert alone for the first time ever.. Now I have to warn you, this was a pretty radical move -- and although I thoroughly enjoyed my time at that concert, I wouldn't really recommend you guys trying it. Some things are really done better with the company of friends..

front row at the passion pit concert

concert set up

best concert everrrr

sydney opera house

Sydney was so beautiful and cold at the same time. She reminded me of the girls who so nonchalantly flip their hair but know that men nearby are looking closely. Sydney honestly felt like a bitch the first few days. The city won my heart, but it didn't love me back just yet..

sydney opera house shot from a moving ferry

my fave fastfood joint

an empty bondi beach

by the opera house

along george st. i think

view of the sydney harbour bridge by the opera house

sydney harbour bridge

selfie by asb (australian school of business UNSW)

Aside from all the personal realizations I gained by living alone, that was beside the point of going to Sydney. I went there to study... and study is exactly what I did. 5 difficult months of being immersed in a totally different world faced with not only with cultural but even more, intellectual challenges, but it was also 5 months of making new friends that I can keep for life. I'll try and look for a photo of all of us that I can share with you all.. I've learned so much.. not only about my course but about myself, how strong I can be, how determined I am, about life, people, hard work, and the value of a dollar. 

w/ ruchi during the ncv sydney tour

with da provider/number 1 fan/stage mom

along UNSW's main walkway

aaaaand a photo of a guy unbuttoning his girlfriend's top at school

My First Music Fest (with tips & tricks)! ♡

I'll admit, I wasn't really a fan of the bands playing at Wanderland -- but the easily swayed girl that I am, I jumped on the bandwagon and gave myself an excuse to dress like a hipster for one day. Unexpectedly though, Wanderland was a blast! I enjoyed every bit of it and am looking forward to attending more music festivals in the future.

There's something about the sun, (faux) grass, blaring music, good company, and (expensive) mediocre booze that makes for an amazing time. I spent my first music festival with a couple of my kabarkadas, and we saw some of our friends there too. I've put together some photos that the amazing Angel Castillo of plethoricnonsense.blogspot.com took :) 

A couple of reminders for those of you out there planning to attend events of the same sort:

1. Wear sunscreen! It is extremely hot at events like this and you have to protect your skin from the harsh sunlight. Try something that's SPF 40 or higher :)

2. Bring an umbrella. You'll need it whether the weather's dry or wet, and especially if you attend a music fest in the afternoon the umbrella will come in handy when you're standing up or just lounging around.

3. Bring a mat. The grass in Circuit Makati was really itchy! We assumed it was fake grass, and had we not brought our own mat our butts would have had rashes! Regardless if the grass is fake or not, bring a mat so you can lie on the ground freely and so you can put your stuff on a clean surface.

4. Pack lightly but bring a big bag. Don't bring too much stuff cause that will make it extremely hard for you to walk around with! If I were you I'd bring my compact powder, sunscreen, perfume, an extra shirt, small towel, and a hair tie. The big bag will be useful if you decide to buy souvenirs from the event like posters, shirts, and CDs. :)

5. Don't wear too much makeup. The heat will only melt it all off :p Wear a light powder instead and definitely bring some blotting sheets :P

6. Wear comfy clothes. As much as you wanna bring out your uber fashionista outfits, try to stick to something more comfy as you'll be exposed to intense heat and dirt the whole day. You can only enjoy the festival if you're into it totally and don't let your outfit hinder you from doing so.

7. Document the special day! Bring your digi cam, your phones, Instax's and what not and make sure you document this immensely fun and memorable event :) When Coachella and EDC Las Vegas were going on in the US, I kept checking my Instagram for photos of these events and obsessed over them! The pictures were so fun to look at and made me want to go to my next music fest even more. :)

If you have any questions like outfit ideas and makeup tips to ask for events like this, feel free to send me a question on ask.fm/justaskcarla :) I'd be happy to help xx