It's another time of the year wherein Catholics would do different things for their faith. The Holy Week is about remembering Jesus' passion in order to save us from our sins. We do things out of our faith, while some out of what their parents or grandparents told them.  

Quaresma and Mahal na Araw, Fasting and Abstinence, Visita Iglesia and the Way of the Cross, Penitensya and Panata. These words are commonly heard during this time of the year but is usually interchanged and some don't even know the true meaning of it. 

1. Quaresma and Mahal na Araw
Quaresma, also known as "Lent", is a 40-day season commemorating Jesus' fast in the desert wherein he was being tempted by Satan. Ash Wednesday marks the start of the Lenten season and ends on Easter Sunday.  Mahal na Araw, also known as "Semana Santa", is the last week of Lent embarked by Palm Sunday and concludes on Easter Sunday. 

2. Fasting and Abstinence
Fasting is to diminish one's food intake while Abstinence is to abnegate something good, just as Catholics avoid to eat meat every Friday once Lent began and on the entire duration of the Holy Week but only until Black Saturday. 

3. Visita Iglesia and the Way of the Cross
Visita Iglesia is the visitation of the at least seven churches and praying on the exposed Blessed Sacrament on each. The Way of the Cross depicts Jesus' passion and praying on each station which can be done on one church only or during the Visita Iglesia. 

4. Penitensya and Panata
Penitensya, from the root word "penance", is done when a person voluntarily punishes oneself. It can be done by hitting oneself on the back, carrying their own cross, or even being nailed on the cross itself. It can also be done in less harmful ways for as long as it is to show how sorry a person is to God for their sins, believing that they will be redeemed to God through this. Penitensya is a kind of panata. Panata is a religious vow or personal commitment to God which can be done in any way a person desires for as long as it is pleasing in the eyes of God. The person also decides how long they will do their panata. 

This is how I understood them and if these words are still not clear to you, you can just google them.


Para sa mga taong minamahal, ang pag-ibig sa kanila ay parang langka. Lang-katulad, lang-katumbas, at lang-katapusan. Pero sa mga taong sawi, ang pag-ibig ay parang kidlat, bigla na lang darating at bigla ring mawawala. Akala mo noon pang-habambuhay na kayo pero iniwan ka pa rin niya. Pinipilit mong ibalik ang nakaraan kahit alam mong wala na talaga. Ito yung mga panahong mapapa-isip ka na lang na "Kung kailan naman ako naging seryoso, doon pa ako iniwan." Ang sakit ‘di ba? Pero ganun talaga, parte ‘yan ng buhay at mahirap talaga iwasan kaya ito ang limang paraan kung paano maka-move on sa taong minahal mo ng sobra.

1. Ilabas mo na ang lahat ng iyong sama ng loob. Umiyak ka nang umiyak hanggang sa maubusan ka na ng luha, ikwento mo kay Papa Jack, o kaya pwede rin namang sumulat ka ng liham kay Ate Charo. Malay mo mapili ‘yang ipalabas sa Maalaala Mo Kaya. Basta kahit anong sa tingin mo ay makapagpapabawas ng iyong nararamdamang sakit.

2. Dapat desidido ka ng gusto mo na nga talagang makamove-on dahil ito ay isang mahabang proseso. Hindi ito parang outing na overnight lang tapos na. Maging desidido ka na ayaw mo na nga talaga sa kanya kasi baka mamaya pag binalikan ka, um-oo ka na lang agad na para bang walang nangyari. Iniwan ka na nga ‘di ba? Maaari niya lang gawin ‘yon ulit.

3. Maglibang ka. Ito ay maibaling ang iyong atensyon sa ibang bagay. Subukan mong maghanap ng bagong libangan. Maglaro ka ng sports, mag-gantsilyo o kaya nama'y mangolekta ka ng kung ano-ano tulad ng mga dyaryo, bakal at bote. 'Pag ibinenta mo yun, nakatulong ka na sa kalikasan, nagkapera ka pa!

4. Mahalin ang sarili. Paano mo masasabi na karapat-dapat kang mahalin kung sarili mo nga ay hindi mo kayang mahalin? Huwag kang magpabaya, sa halip ay pagbutihin mo pa ang iyong sarili. Magpaganda o magpagwapo ka. Subukan mong mag-ehersisyo araw-araw dahil ikaw rin naman ang makikinabang sa pagkakaroon ng malusog na pamumuhay.

5. Magdasal at magtiwala sa Diyos. Ipagdasal mo ang iyong nararamdamang lungkot, pati na rin ang iyong buhay pag-ibig. Magtiwala ka na ibibigay Niya ang taong magmamahal sa’yo ng tunay sa tamang panahon. Huwag mo ring kalilimutan na hindi ka nag-iisa dahil may Diyos na nagmamahal sa iyo at tiyak na hindi ka iiwan magpakailanman.

 Ang mga kalungkutan na nararamdaman natin ay nagsisilbing leksyon sa buhay. Oo, mahirap makaranas ng dalamhati, ngunit ito naman ang makapagpapalakas sa atin. Masaya umibig ngunit hindi nawawala rito ang kalungkutan. Ang boring naman siguro ng buhay kung hindi tayo makakaranas ng pagiyak dahil sa pagmamahal. Ang proseso ng pagmo-move on ay tuloy-tuloy dahil sa oras na matigil ito, uulit ka sa simula.  Kaya mo 'yan, tiwala lang. 

This was shot last October 2013, during my birthday. I wore this dress for that special occasion. I thought it will be kind of cute if I dressed as like I was just thirteen. But yep, I'm on my twentieth year already and I'm somewhat feeling the pressure of having to be more responsible. I thank God for giving me another year to be better, to be with my family and friends and of course, to glorify Him. 





My Dad, Ruel, shot this photos when we visited the grave of my fraternal grandmother because she died before my birthday way back 2004. It was sad but we have to move on and accept that we have lost her. But anyway, about this outfit don't you just love how I look so young? Young as a twelve to thirteen years old. Hahaha!




Accessorize Headband | Guess Watch | Century Flats | Landmark Dress | Isabella Nail Salon Nails


Vote this look at: chictopia.com/iamraluna




Here's a collection of my nail polishes and nails arts during the year of 2012 to 2013.


"Silver Lining"
Red and Silver


"Fourth of July"
Blue, Red and White


"Dexter"
Teal, Yellow and Purple


"Tangerine"
Orange, Dark Yellow and White


"Cloud Nine"
Blue, Violet and White


"Patch"
Red and White


"Independence Day"
Blue, Red, Yellow and White


"Piiiiink"
Neon Pink


"Frozen"
Light Blue and Blue


"Find the hidden Mickey"
Black and White


"Mariah Carey's: Glitter"
Shimmering Pink


"I scream for ice cream!"
Yellow, Brown, Green and Pink


"Despicabe Me's Minions"
Yellow, Blue, Black and White


"The Grinch"
Shimmering Green


"Earthquake"
Black Crackle and White


"Pastel Love"
Light Blue, Yellow, White, Pink and Lavander


"Whiteout"
White


"Welcome 2013"
Purple, Black and White


"Untitled"
Aquamarine, Shimmering Tan and Orange


"Abstract"
Green, Yellow and Pink


"Christmas 2012"
Snowflakes: Blue and White
Christmas Tree: Green, Red, White and Yellow


"Valentines Day 2013"
Light Blue, Pink and Black


"Black trails"
Black Crackle and Neon Green


"PacMan"
Black, Red and White


"Line"
Black and White
So if you ask me how do I come up with themes for my nails, well I find inspirations through the internet and what's currently happening around me. For example, the Minions nails art. I had that during the movie showing days of Despicable Me 2 and many was amazed with my nails. So if you want your nails to be noticed, don't be afraid to try new things. Instead of the just wearing black nail polish, why not partner it with some other colors? I'm not saying that you can''t paint your nails only black but I suggest you try other combinations too! It'll be fun! So, any themes you have in mind that you want me to try? Just click the link at the lower left of this post and comment, we'll be glad to here from you guys too! :)
Nails done by/at:
Aiza Sanchez
Isabella Nail Salon
Palmes Spa
Fe Capistrano

Keep in mind that college is very different from high school. For some, college is a brand new start. A fresh start in life wherein you can become somebody who you were not in high school and actually correct those notions people thought about you in the past. The college level is actually a transition of a teenager towards adulthood. One must know where or when to act maturely or not because you are always around different people everyday. It is also the level wherein they enhance your skills and give you more knowledge regarding the specific program that you chose. You are already released into the real world wherein you will make decisions a lot and meet different people. So here are 15 tips as to how to make your college life productive, yet fun: 

1. Be sure of the program that you are going to take. 
"Make your passion, your profession." If you are forced into it, do your best to love it because you'll probably do it for the rest of your life. 

2. Be independent.
Don't be too "clingy" to your blockmates or college friends because in college, nobody's going to help you except yourself. People usually just come and go in college. 

3. Be kind and friendly. 
Being independent doesn't mean that you'll have to stop making new friends. Having connections in college can really help you a lot, you just don't know when. Try to look approachable and smile a lot, especially on your first week of classes. Yes, "week", because you'll probably have a different schedule one way or another every day. Don't be afraid to be the first one to talk to your blockmate on the first day/week. They're probably 80% as nervous as you are anyway. 

4. Be yourself. 
As much as you want to have friends or have a fresh start, that doesn't mean that you need to impress anybody. You don't have to pretend to be somebody else. The worst is, lying about who you are or what you have. People don't want to be lied to. They don't want to be treated as fools because they'll find out who you truly are eventually. 

5. Don't be influenced easily.
People from provinces might experience culture shock if ever they will be studying in a city. Don't be intimidated by them. Don't change yourself too much just to fit in and have friends. If they're good friends, they'll accept you for who you are and not for who they want you to become. You don't have to smoke or drink alcohol if you don't want to. So what if they call you a "KJ"(kill joy)? You can join their click even without the involvement of alcohol and cigarettes. If they won't accept you anymore, better look for a different set of friends. Control and discipline yourself from all the worldly pleasures and focus on your priorities/resposibilities in life. 

6. Don't be late in class.
There are professors who actually give quizzes immediately as the classes start and quizzes are very important. You don't want to get low grades just because you are always late right? There's heavy traffic always? Adjust the time you wake up and leave your house; the traffic won't adjust for you. Living far away from school isn't an excuse to be late. Sleep early so you'll wake up early. 

7. Don't settle for less.
Whatever subject it is that you're taking, whether major or minor subjects, do your best. Even minor subjects deserve to be given effort because you will also learn something from it which you might use in the future, maybe not in your line of work, but in the normal day-to-day life. Getting a passing grade is okay, but don't you think it'll be rewarding to your parents if they see you get a high grade? This is college! Anything can happen. Even if you're not an honor student in high school, that can change in college. You can become a consistent dean's lister as long as you put effort into it. 

8. Always bring a pen and yellow pad in school. 
We don't want to be labeled as a "parasite" right? You always bring a bag to school. Why not put the things that should actually be put in a school bag? A pen and a paper is already suffice because that's the usual thing that students use. I tend to be confused to students who bring their bag to school and yet ask for a pen or a paper. This isn't high school anymore people! Be responsible even to the things that you should bring to school. 

9. Always submit requirements and review for tests. 
Whatever happens, always take notes in class and review them. Whether the subject is very boring, try to at least take note a few things that the professor has said. It might be useful to you when the tests arrive. Also, always bring a notebook with you so that you'll have something to write on. Requirements are very important and it can really help in pulling your grades higher. If there are students who are at the verge of failing, some professors actually consider those students who always pass their requirements and exert an effort in their subject. 

10. Try not to waste your money on unnecessary stuff.
Your parents work very hard just to be able to give you allowance daily/weekly/monthly, so spend it wisely. If you can save money, save it. So that if there is a school requirement and you can afford paying it by yourself, don't ask to your parents anymore. 

11. Try to be active in school activities. 
It's actually fun! Join a school organization. It adds spice to your college life. Of course this applies, if you can balance academics and extra-curricular activities. But I believe that anyone can do it as long as they are dedicated to what they do. 

12. Print a LOT of ID pictures.
1x1 and 2x2 pictures will do. You will need it on your first week of classes. Print as much as you can so that you don't have to always reprint and reprint every semester. And also, index cards; Well, for some colleges or universities.

13. Choose the right friends. 
Same with tip #5, if they're good friends, they'll accept you. Your friends can help you get through college life just fine so find the right ones. Don't be with people who will pull you down and deprive you from reaching your goals. 

14. Study now, "gala" later. 
Prioritize! If there's a big test coming up and your friends decided to just party it off, choose to study. They might have different priorities, but yours should be education. If ever you get tempted by saying yes to "gala" on an exam week, think about your parents who works so hard for your education. That "gala" can wait and be postponed but your tests can't. You can party right after your exams, concentrate first on studying. Good things come to those who wait patiently and prioritize education. 

15. Let God be the center of your life. 
Praying before AND after exams work! Of course you have to pray before exams so that you'll have God's guidance to remember all the things you have studied; after exams, so that you'll get good results and if ever there was a number which you found difficult to answer, the professor might give it as a bonus. Trust God and lift everything up to Him. You'll certainly get good results; of course if you studied well. Whenever you experience difficult times in life, kneel down and pray. Also, don't forget to thank God whenever you get good grades in school. He helped you through it for sure. 


With all of these tips, you'll be able to get through college productively. Also, don't forget to enjoy life and don't take it too seriously. :)