Birthday Blogpost: Sweet Sixteen Realizations

For the past days, people flatter me when they say that they read my blog. I mean, it's cool to think that someone actually visits my page. This is my personal space and I am happy that people are actually trying to catch up with someone like me. I know that I have been quite inactive, but it's time to revive this whole thing. 

Let's start with my Sweet Sixteen. It wasn't the bongga type of party or night-out with friends. I spent it in a debate tournament (one of the best I took part of). But this post is not about how I celebrated my birthday, because I am not fond of celebrating it. This is more of a reflection of things that I realized for sixteen years.

Here is to 16 years of existence. Here is to 16 years of growing up. Here is to 16 realizations of your very own Jermiss Mishania. This is hugot, all are based on significant experiences I had.

1. Never assume that you are good enough to deserve something. I know that I deserve all the best things in the world, just like you do. But some things are just not meant for me right now, at the very least. 

2. There are people who love you for who you are; there are those who hate you for who you are not. People tend to misunderstand me and my actions. I feel very sad when people judge me solely based on one imperfection. You are missing a lot.

3. People will remember you because of the wrong things that you have done. I always dispose myself as if I am that perfect kind of girl, but I am not. I commit mistakes and I learn from them. I honestly get hurt when people only see the wrong in me, when they can also look at the right ones.

4. When you destroy your own image, it's hard to make it whole again. Sadly, but true. It's hard to disappoint those who admire you because of a single mistake. If people are not open about my willingness to change, I can't really do anything right?

5. Sometimes, you just need to care less. I know that it is so important to care about the world, that's how a leader should work. But, trust me, caring too much about what others will say, is very very unhealthy.

6. Some people are happy about your downfall. Sadly, but true. I don't know why, but this happened to me countless times. If I were you, beware of those who pretend like they are concerned about you. I am not generalising, though. Just, certain people.

7. Never give up on something worth achieving. There's no other secret to success but faith in God, yourself, and others.

8. It takes time to filter your friends so the true ones will remain. You can say that you can have all the friends in this world. But you know, deep down in your heart, that there are those who will never leave you behind.

9. It's okay to be boring with less issues, than to be famous with more issues than Vogue. Self-explanatory, right?

10. Focus on doing what makes you happy. Once you realize that you are not happy about something, then quit it.

11. Allow others to respect your priorities in life. Mine include career, family and social work. No lovelife, yet. Ha-ha! What's yours?

12. You don't have to try so hard. It's not worth it to try so hard to meet others' expectation of you. You'll end up being insecure and unhappy.

13. Treasure the ones who are always there for you. I love my parents, siblings and friends!

14. Don't get affected so easily. Temper and feelings can ruin you. Never, ever overreact. The aftermath will haunt you.

15. Be bulletproof. People always have something to say. In the end, that tells something about them and not you, right?

16. Always be sincere. Never settle for saying or doing something because someone made you say or do it. It should always be true with no regrets.

I cried, but I wiped those tears. I fell, but I stood up. I was criticised, but I took them positively. I was broken, but I tried to become whole again. I think that's just how life works: You get destroyed, so you have to fix yourself. 

I am very excited about this new year that God gave me. There are A LOT of things to do. Thank you to all those who remembered my special day. Love!

P.S. I really appreciate those who tell me that I inspire them to be a blogger, an honour student, a debater, a leader, a fashionista, a change-maker. Thanks also to those who call me their "modern day heroine".  I am happy that you appreciate the little things that I do. Exceed possibilities, I will pray for you.

XOXO,

mishania

The Story of the Sexy Seniors

I am not a sporty person, I am the indoor kind. That's why for the past three years of high school, I never found intramurals exciting. I actually didn't bother about anything else, except that I get to have chill time with my friends and a break from all the school stuff. I know, what a nerd. But this year was surprisingly different. This time, I made sure that I will have a memorable intramurals. Thank God that I did, and I will tell you why. 

Opening Program (Lighting of the torch.)

Opening Program (Parade of banners.)

I was so hands on with the preparation together with my batch mates. I was not able to join in any of the events, because my schedule was too tight and again, I am not sporty. For this reason, I promised to give every support I could give. I really enjoyed motivating them. But nothing beats the way I cheered for them, knowing that I am not a loud person. Screaming my heart out and clapping endlessly were the best parts! 

Our class was in-charge of the banners. (Sads and her team are very talented!)

I can say that winning really meant something for us. Everyone had the vibe of being "game" with anything. We all did our best to attend practices and skip times with our groups. Every effort paid off. We won a grand slam kind of victory. The reason behind this is simple: we believed that we could make it.

I watched them practice their stunts and dances. (Congrats, guys!)

I never expected our batch to be as united as we are right now. Conflicts between sections and groups were resolved. Everyone seems to be friends.  It's cool how we found this kind of companionship. I hope everything will stay the same.

Here are a few moments I captured:

Hangout with some Faber girlfriends. Fun! (Credits: Reema Jumsali)

Monopod moment with K. (Thanks Alessi for letting us use your monopod!)

With them guys, chilling.

Intense soccer game!

So proud of these girls!

We pushed it! 

Sexy Seniors batch picture (Closing)

Trophy moment. 

I am sure that the lower year levels will feel the same way when they will reach their last year in high school. Eventually, they will understand why their ate's and kuya's went wild and crazy. I wish them all the best! The countdown to graduation really begins, I cry. Until next time, guys!

XOXO,
mishania

US Trip: Top 5 Memorable Things

I tried to do this post days ago, but I can't seem to figure out how nostalgic it will feel if I try to remember everything that happened in my PYLP journey. I guess this is the right time to do this. Whether I like it or not, I somehow need to let go. In my case, writing about things allows me to let go of them.

PYLP is so memorable, I don't think I'll ever forget it. It is the highlight of who I choose to become. It is an important event, because it is where I realized that I had to stop finding myself. I need to create who I want to become. I tried out a lot of things. I went to so many places. I met different people. Here are the five most memorable ones:

1. Homestay

We took this picture in the family room, my favourite place in the house.

I honestly got nervous about this. I used to be really family-oriented that I never let anyone influence me other than my immediate family. But in PYLP, I thought differently. I allowed three wonderful people (and one dog) touch my life for two short weeks.

If I go back to those wonderful two weeks and describe the things that I love most about the Mix family, I would say that:

I love it how Mom cooks for us. I love it how Dad prays for us. I love it how Evan talks about interesting topics at breakfast. I love it how Mom buys us our favourite ice cream. I love it how Dad drops us to school every morning. I love it how Mom patiently picks us up in the afternoon. I love it how Dad calls us "his Filipino daughters". I love it how Mom makes sure that we are warm enough. I love it how Dad tries to make me eat salads. I love it how both of them never made me feel that I was different.

Mom prepared this for us when we went to the Vogl's Farm. 

Rina and I were so happy when we saw this! So sweet.

I am very, very thankful for Mom Jane and Dad Larry for being there for Rina and me all throughout those two weeks. Both of us really feel lucky and blessed that they were our foster parents. They are truly the best! 

The reason why home stay means a lot to me is because I was really in the field of learning about the American culture. During those times, I wasn't just reading a novel that is set in America or watching a hollywood teen flick to learn about American life. I was living in it. It was also a time when I got to tell others about Mindanao and the Filipino people. It was amazing to share stories!

Rina and I took so many selfies during our last night in our room.

2. Stronghold Camp

Jump shot! (Credits: Aldrin Quintero)

Stronghold had this ancient aura. It was so cool (and scary) to stroll around. (Credits: Aldrin Quintero)

This...was the highlight of the leadership training part, I think. It's where everything was challenged and at the same time shaped--my perceptions about being a leader, my confidence about being a leader and my readiness on being a leader.

The legendary rope course. I think this is 30 feet high. (CTO)

Look, I wasn't really afraid of heights. I guess I was afraid of falling. I was scared that everything might end there. All I was thinking was, what if I will fall right this moment?

I was excited to climb my way up! (Credits: Aldrin Quintero)

At first I said to myself, "Hey, J. This is going to be easy. It's just like an equivalent of your workout routine for three days." I was so confident that I could make it, since I am used to sweating and getting exhausted. Thing is, it wasn't really about the exhaustion. It was about faith. It was about the trust I gave to the people who were supporting me, the trust I had in myself and the trust I gave to God. 

It turned out that things weren't easy. It was too high. It was too cold. The wind was so strong. There was a slight rainfall. My helmet was too loose. I hated it when someone's on the zipline, the elements get so shaky! I felt like dying of shame up there. It felt hours--long, dragging. Worst case, I was caught in the middle with cramps on my left and right hips. Suicide. I kinda regret trying out that course. Baby steps worked out, until the last element. I couldn't swing. I sat there waiting for the support person to just rescue me. But he wouldn't. I began to cry and Ate Ces told the person to go and help me because I really could not make it. Then he said, "She can. But she quit." Those words hurt me just as how other people's insults broke me in the past. All of a sudden, it was as if all the perseverance in the world rushed upon me. I stood up and told myself that I had to finish what I started. I told myself that there was no turning back. I believed that I could make it. So I did.

Before the rope course, I was excited and scared at the same time!

The zipline ride was so short but it was the time for me to just think. For a few seconds, I screamed--joy, fulfilment, anger and a couple of other feelings that I could not understand were felt. It was crazy, but I think the rope course and all the other team building activities were really worth it. It strengthened us as a family. Most importantly, it strengthened me as a leader.

After the rope course, I was haggard but completely overjoyed.

This was taken in the castle (classic place!). All of us were feeling sleepy. (Credits: Aldrin Quintero)

I learned that being a leader is a choice. When you start to choose to be one, there is no turning back. People will need you and you will need them. I chose to lead and I have to go on. Becoming a leader is my lifetime commitment from now on.

The leaders of our time (incomplete though). (Credits: Aldrin Quintero)

3. Oak Crest Retirement Center

Oak Crest is such a happy place! (Credits: Aldrin Quintero)

I got to eat dinner with four lovely grandmothers. We shared our stories. It was short but it really meant a lot to me. I remembered my own grandmothers that time. Some of their stories were deeply sad. Some were so inspiring. I was touched repeatedly when they kept on telling me that I am so great for being a 15-year old. They told me that I am smart when I talk. They told me that it was very brave of me to travel alone at this age. They told me that I was so beautiful. I was really flattered by all the things that they said. One of them even asked me, "Do you have a boyfriend?" I laughed for about five seconds because the question was so out of nowhere! Then I answered honestly, that I'm not yet ready to fall inlove and get hurt. They said I should enjoy being alone first and I should never stop to chase my dreams. "We see you ten years from now as a successful young lady." I got teary-eyed and hugged each one of them. 

(Credits: Aldrin Quintero)

It was really meaningful to give happiness to people. I heard that they really get too happy when someone visits them. After dinner, we entertained them by performing our cultural presentation. Don't ask how No Te Vayas turned out! HAHA. The four of us were saved by our smiles. 

(Credits: Aldrin Quintero)

(Credits: Aldrin Quintero)

4. Sycamore High School

Spartans! (Credits: Aldrin Quintero)

The gym. The hallways. The cafeteria. Wow, it really felt like I was in a hollywood film. The facilities of their school were really awesome. The food was so good. The class schedule was fun.

With my shadow, Maddie. She's really smart and nice!

I find this experience really memorable because I got to interact with more American peers. I learned about their system. I liked it how they get to choose their subjects in high school. I also think that having different classmates for each class is really helpful for a stronger bond. I met some friends. They were all so nice. Somehow, my views on American high school really changed. I found out that  their schools are more than cliques and bullies. They value education, extracurriculars and friendship.

(Credits: Aldrin Quintero)

5. House Parties

With the giant oven. (Credits: Algem Crusis)

I had so much fun jumping on the trampoline with the kids, drinking the pink lemonade while talking to my friends and eating smores. The Smiths and Wells really did a good job in throwing those parties. 

(Credits: Algem Crusis)

I missed swinging! (Credits: Algem Crusis)

Smores! I loved this part. (Credits: Algem Crusis)

Rina and I spent more time with the Smiths since it was closer to our house. It was so cold, Mrs. Smith had to lend me a scarf. Their house was so fancy and cozy. I love their dog, although it kept on chasing us. HAHA! We took A LOT of pictures, we even told them to do wacky (which we referred as crazy pose). It was cool hanging out with the other families. We kinda got to know each other better. 

(Credits: Algem Crusis)

(Credits: Algem Crusis)

Look up! (Credits: Algem Crusis)

We hitched in Tita Pam's car to go to the Wells'. I really treasured that short ride. I was in the front seat and I felt bad for Wynn, Sef, Rina and Niall to be squeezed in the backseat. It was really fun. I was also very thankful that I got to know Tita Pam and Niall. That boy is really close to my heart, I consider him as my little brother. 

With sweet Niall during the farewell event. (Credits: Aldrin Quintero)

I typed this for three hours because I found it hard to pick the right words to describe my feelings and experiences. These are just some of the reasons why PYLP is really life-changing. I will miss every single thing on this list. I'm sad that I might never experience anything like these in the future. But I would always remember what Tita Pam told me while I was crying during the solidarity night:

"You know what they said? Don't be sad that it ended, be happy that it happened."

Next post is about my beloved Pylpers. Stay tuned into my blog. Thank you for reading this!

XOXO,

mishania

Busy DC

Visiting another state of America sounded really exciting. I feel very honored and grateful that I got the chance to go to the capital of the United States. Set in a contemporary setup, Washington DC also has a historical setback for me when we visited some of its significant places.

Washington Monument

Thanks Ate Jas for taking this! 

Here are the exciting things that PYLP 11 did in Washington, District of Columbia:

1. Visit to the different Memorials

Vietnam Memorial

Korean Memorial

Abraham Lincoln Memorial (Outside)

Abraham Lincoln Memorial (Inside)

The notable Gettysburg Address by Abraham Lincoln

To my friends, this was a wishing well (or fountain)

Dr. Marin Luther King, Jr. Memorial

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  Memorial

Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial

Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial

One of the women I look up to, Eleanor Roosevelt.

Thomas Jefferson Memorial

World War II Memorial

1

Thanks Kuya Al for taking this!

Wise words!

I honestly liked all the memorials, I mean each of them was different in their own way. But my favorite memorial was Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s because I have been a great fan of him ever since I can remember. I kind of recognized almost all of his quotes when I walked around the park. Going there really meant a lot to me because it felt as if I got to know him more and I also had a deeper understanding of his principles.

2. Visit to the White House

Credits: Aldrin Quintero

R-L: Shamy, Ate Jas, Ate Akizah, Me, Sefie, Rina, Ate Hanie, Kuya Moby, Alyssa

R-L: Kuya Al, Me, Ate Jas, Shamy, Sefie

The White House (Credits: Aldrin Quintero)

Outside the White House (Credits: Aldrin Quintero)

We got to see President Barack Obama by chance! All of us were so honored.

3. Visit to the Department of State

The graduate was so happy!

Here, we got to meet and thank some of the people that made it possible for us to be part of the PYLP. We also told our own stories. We shared what we loved most about America. We proudly spoke about what this program did to us. It was really cool to receive our own certificates. 

4. Visit to the United States Capitol

Aside from the tour, we also got to sit-in the U.S. Senate and Congress.

5. Visit to the Smithsonian Museum

I loved the interior of the Natural Museum!

Thanks Merfie for taking this!

This was really my favorite part! 

First Ladies' gowns!

First Ladies' gowns!

First Ladies' gowns!

I love this! 

Potterhead alert!

The scenario every waiting time. I miss you, PYLP 11!

Taking selfies is still the best thing!

Selfie!

Selfie!

I never imagined that I can go to these places at the age of fifteen. This experience is, once again, something to be thankful of. I really loved DC. We only toured around the place for five short days, but it was really worth it. 

I had so many unforgettable experiences and it's also because of the people I was with. It was in DC where I felt that my journey with the PYLP11 was really about to end. But on the brighter side, I believe that it was also in DC where all of us realized that no matter what happens when we get home, once a family will always be a family.

More dramatic posts next time!

XOXO,

mishania