The Year That Was
And yup, the last update of this blog was the year-ender post for 2012. And after a year of hiatus, I'm back with yet another year-ender post.On my previous update, I said 2012 was the favorite year. But each year just keeps getting better and better for me. So I guess 2013 kicked 2012's ass.
2013 was the year I went full-blown. It was a year of overflowing blessings, opportunities, experiences, and struggles. So please let me share some of my favorite moments from such an amazing year.
In March, we had a turnover. That same day, CommSoc got the most outstanding organization for the academic school year 2012-2013. Our then president even got the most outstanding president award. Pressure was raised to the nth power.
I have barely 3 months remaining on my term, and I'm glad that most of the officers are hardworking and passionate. CommSoc achieved a lot during the first semester and there are still a lot that I want to do before my term ends, I just hope time will permit.
Of course, before entering my last year in college, we had to render 200 hours of on-the-job training. Since I took advertising as my minor track, I went to advertising agencies. On the first ad agency, I was assigned in the creative team and I had this 3-week mantra of "I'm not creative enough". But after pitching to the creative director the campaign I did, that self-doubt was erased. But since I felt like I needed to grow and explore more, I moved to a different agency where I was placed in accounts and events. It was the best 3 weeks of my summer since I really enjoyed working even if I had to go overtime. The practicum experience taught me a lot. From meeting people from the advertising, the big bosses, handling events, pitching ideas, talking to clients, brainstorming for new ideas.. It made me excited to be in the industry!
In May, I met fellow student leaders during the Scholastican Leadership Training in Baguio. Aside from the in-house sessions, we also toured around Bencab Museum and had chance to explore Baguio on our own even if most of us aren't first timers. It was a good 3-day experience!
2013 also reunited me with my first love - music. Not that I went back to playing with a band (although I wish I did), but my love for music rekindled. I started listening to good music again, discovered great artists, started strumming my guitar again, and laid my fingers on the keyboard. It is indeed true, that music heals the soul.
Also thankful that I had a chance to do a short film on my own. From concept, to screenplay, musical scoring, cinematography, editing.. And a two-person documentary about mothers of disabled persons.
Speaking of production, one of this year's highlights is being able to work with a band that I really adored back in the 6th grade - Join The Club. We did a music video of Pinatay Ng Sistema from their latest album Gera ng Balarila. It was really a tedious job. We had several pre-production meetings and post-production work. The 12-hour shooting and going to different locations (not mentioning getting permits beforehand to shoot on the locations) was really, really draining. But the experience was so worth it. One of the best things that happened not only in 2013, but in my entire life.
I also had a chance to meet Up Dharma Down! A partner organization had an event and we got them as one of the performers. I also attended several gigs of some local artists. See, told ya I went back to my first love. Lol.
Also, THE Director Brillante Mendoza called me. And it was the most epic fail moment of my life. If only I could take back that night... Well, anyway, he invited me to attend the premiere night of his film "Sapi" and I tagged along some of the CommSoc officers + friends.
Thesis. Well of course a huge part of my 2013 was about thesis. Our thesis went through a lot of struggles. From looking for a perfect topic, contemplating on whether to do a docu or an infocampaign, finding the focus of our study, losing hope because we felt like our study wasn't that strong, losing our thesis adviser.. But in the end, we got so much than what we asked for. What we received was not just for ourselves or for our parents, it's also for our professors. I think it's our own way of giving back to them.
I should probably tag the year that was as the workaholic year. I didn't have that much time to be with my highschool friends except of course on special occasions like my bestfriend's graduation party and my barkada's birthdays that I dared not to miss.
With all the blessings and accomplishments that I received, I thank You. I got way more than I prayed and asked for. And all the life lessons that came along the way, I will surely remember them.
To the people who stayed and shared the craziest moments with me, I hope to have you still on the coming years ahead.
Cheers to 2014! :)
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