Tres Marias (SM Fairview Thieves)

Are you from the Philippines, particularly in Quezon City? If yes, you've probably been to SM Fairview. I personally been there a thousand times. What I wanted to share is my experience in that mall. Well not inside the mall, but specifically on our way home.

MY PHONE GOT SNATCHED! There, I said it. It is not an expensive phone, not an Iphone, but this phone holds a lot of memory. My highschool memories. Our selfies, messages and such. And it is not just and item that I lost, it is the sentimental value that was stolen from me. 

The brand of my phone is Alcatel, One Touch Inspire 2. You can search what it looks like and how much does it costs cause all I can show you is the box that I am left with and the memories that lies within. My phone has a big scratch in the middle of the screen. From upper right to lower left of the screen dividing it into two different sides. But even though it has a crack, it still functions pretty well.

So here's what happened. On our way home, we crossed the road from SM Fairview to Jollibee Lagro because there are jeeps available there for us to ride on our way home. I have my blue jansport back pack on my back and a groceries on both of my left and right hand. Of course, both are heavy that I don't notice people behind my back. So when we are on the other side of the road, rode the jeepney and checked my bag....THE ZIPPER IS FOOOKING OPEN. I checked if anything is missing - apparently my phone is not in there but luckily the camera that I borrowed from my school paper adviser, the camera which I used for my photojournalism contest is not stolen. 

What is the point of ranting this issue that happened a long time ago? (not sure if its 2014 or 2015)

My phone is synchronized to one of my account and all of the photos I took is included. And I think God is on my side. The thief (thieves, actually) took a picture using my phone and it was uploaded in one of the apps in my phone. Here is the picture:

They are called 'Tres Marias' (three-girls). How did I know? well I asked some of the vendors on the road and inquire if they have heard of any thieves that steals peoples phone from backpacks, thieves who took advantage of the crowd crossing the street and making a move to people who is carrying heavy loads and steal something from them. And most of the people said "ay yung tatlong babae yun" the said - tres marias. Finally, thanks to my cellphone app, they are caught in action. What we just need to do is to let a lot of people know about them, Share this and give warning to people you know from the Philippines who always go to SM Fairview or the newly constructed Fairview Terraces.

I wanted to share this to give people some advice. Never put your backpacks at your back (ironic huh?) especially when you are not in a safe and peaceful place. There are people who will take advantage of you. I seldom put my bag at the back it just so happened that I am carrying two heavy loads that's why it will be more convenient to put my bag at the back. One of the advice I'll say is to always be aware of your bag, and make sure you are alert. That even though your bag is at the back you can still feel if there is something wrong. Okay?

So please, for the sake of every people who goes to SM Faiview, please do share! 

Have you ever experience the same tragedy? DO COMMENT BELOW FOLKS!

COMPLIMENTS

What is the best compliment you've ever heard of about yourself? 

I started this short blog with that statement to directly let people think what are their best characteristics that people have told them about.

My mom always call me 'masipag' not just because I'm the youngest child that needs to do all the chores left at home while the rest of the fam finish their job but also because I am really industrious in all terms possible. My siblings always tell me that I'm smart. Both of them graduated from the University that I alway dreamt of, and they always say that I can pass the entrance exams in UP and graduate with a degree (yup, that's how my sister and my brother see me, hehe). While my father always says that I'm a good person. I go to church every Sunday, I help people in the society and such things that can support that I'm a good girl. Few people, that I can really count using my hands told me that I'm beautiful: my ex-es, my best friends and of course my family. Though I can't really accept the term beautiful to describe myself because every time I'm told that I am beautiful I just feel like I'm being lied to. No-pebebe-intentions. Hehe. 

Those are the few compliments that I always receive (except for 'beautiful' Cause I seldom hear that) 

But I'm not posting this blog to let people know how I boost my confidence, HAHA lol. Not also to boast my character that a few only know of. HEHE. You, what are the things that most people say to you? Are you the 'ang gandang bata talaga nito' that you're titas and titos always compliment during reunion? Or you are the 'ang talino talaga nito' type of student being praised by the teachers? Maybe you're the 'ang sexy mo besh' kind of person that your friends look up to as their body goals. Well I can't think of any other cliche terms people tell each other to increase their confidence level but I can tell you this:

To be called beautiful, smart, industrious, sexy or hot is the simplest compliment you have received. Probably the best thing a person can say to you is not how sexy you are but how you rock every fashion, style and outfit in the world. It's not the best feeling to be called smart but to be called a hard working person that does everything whole heartedly. Also, to be called pretty / beautiful is an understatement.... All of God's creation is beauty, and there's no exception but to be called a God - fearing person is the best. 

See? Those common words we hear are not the only words that can help us gain confidence. Always listen to what people say that are good about you and do your best to improve and keep that characteristic in you throughout your whole life. Cause in the end, this small simple details that some noticed about you are actually the big things that when handled properly can be handy in the future. 

If you want to make a girl or any person in the world, pay attention to every single thing that they do best and preach them sincerely in that aspect. I can guarantee you that human being will most likely remember you for the rest of their life. 

See full blog here: https://funknows.wordpress.com/2017/06/22/complement-the-compliments

Don't forget to leave a comment  compliment below! :))

-SnFF

Inspirational Speech: Teenage Dream

In the last semester of our Oral Communication Subject we had a task in which we need to make our own speeches about 'DREAM' and to recite it in class. Initially my classmates thought of "I have a dream" by Luther King  probably because it is common. But my teacher told us to be realistic. She doesn't want to see dreams like "world peace, unity, no corruption, etc..." but a more personal dream we want to achieve as a teenager. So here is my composition:

I have a question for everyone..What is your dream? My dream is completely different compared to that of other teenagers. They want to be flawless, wished to be like those Victoria Secret Models.

or a Bench Ambassadors. They dream to be beautiful. I personally don't want to be beautiful, for this generation's beautiful means being a skinny person, it means being tall, having white & fair skin, having a long gorgeous hair, a pointed nose and of course a flat belly.

I have a dream that someday: teenagers won't starve themselves to death or drown to lotions and cosmetics because they feel that they're not good "beautiful", that they're not enough, that they are just fat, short, dumb, useless human beings. 

STOP! Let's all stop dreaming and wake up. Drink a hot coffee or if you want it cold, so be it! You decide for yourself. Stop dreaming. And start screaming! "Scream for what you think is right! Let your voice be heard. Step out of your comfort zone but always BE YOURSELF.

Don't let the society fool you. Those magazines photo shopped their models for hours. Do not dream to have a photoshopped body, dream to have a healthy one.



Those Facebook likes, Twitter favorite, Instagram hearts, Snapchat views do not define your beauty... Just like how grades do not define your intelligence. 

You are beautiful, handsome, smart, perfect, you are worth it! You are loved, you are important. I'm telling you right now, if they don't appreciate you...I do!

People tend to question this generation: Are they still the "Pag-asa ng Bayan" our national hero; Dr. Joe Rizal is referring to? On behalf of the Filipino Youth, I would say...Yes! Of course, we are still the hope of this country. We just need to focus more on our inner beauty, be a good person, work hard, strive for the best and God will do the rest. Believe because you have to.

Once again, my dream is completely different compared to others because I dream to be the inspiration of this generation. Stop hasty generalizations and unite as one for this nation.

Now, I'm going to ask again...What is your dream?

So that is basically my speech. I got 39/40 for our oral exam. Not bad, right? *taps myself on the shoulder* Good job! I may not scored the highest during that time but I love the feeling after my speech where everyone in our class approached me and told me "It was an inspiring message" and such alike.

Regarding this matter: I will post a somehow connected article about this. As for now, thank you for reading and I hope I helped you gain your self confidence even just for a little. Always remember: I do appreciate you beautiful-worth it-human-being!

*high five*

-SnFF.

I ONLY HAVE ONE JOB.

                I KNOW I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WHO FEEL USELESS, WORTHLESS, AND TRASH, right?  Admit it - everyone have experienced this feeling. Where you feel that you are not worth anything at all, that you feel useless in all ways, that everything you do just seems not to fit in this world, that you're a trash. Well, if you haven't...you are lucky. And if you have, welcome to our life. 

That's it! We happened to encounter this feeling because that's simply how life works.

*SHORT STORY*

My family is neither rich nor poor instead we are blessed. We eat three times a day (sometimes four, five, six, and the list go on). We have an internet connection, constant electricity and good source of water may it be for drinking or for bath. We are indeed the - commoners. And lately, I've been spending a lot of money that is used for my own good. This is where I feel frustrated about myself, it feels like sh*t.

I want to go to Harry Style's Concert here in our country. (Tickets range from 2-7 thousand pesos)

I need a long gown/dress for the debut. (required attire that would cost 1000+ pesos)

I want to have my underarm treated so that it'll be fine. (My underarm is not too dark but it is not cute, so to make the appearance somehow likeable it'll cost 2000 pesos)

*So here is the point*

I want to buy my elementary best friend a nice gift for her debut. ( Apparently the perfect gift she'll loved to receive ranges from 800 pesos to 1000+ pesos.)

(On the debut day, I also need a make up artist or go to salon that'll cost about 300+)

AND lastly, 

I think my dog needs to undergo surgery. I am not a Veterinarian but seeing her situation everyday, the way she cries at night and sometime at random times of the day - I know it is all because of the pain that she is experiencing, that I cannot feel becaue obviously, I'm not a dog and I don't speak dog. *bark bark* (we all know that a surgery for a human is expensive, how much more for a dog?)

Summing this up will cost A LOT. Though I know my sister, my brother and with the little help of my mother - this financial problem is not a problem at all. The real problem is ME.

Most of the things listed above are things that I need. Things that I want and things that would satisfy my dear self. But none of those expenses are meant for other people, except for the case of my dog. And if I need to sacrifice my concert ticket for the wellness of my dog, I'll do it. I'll be crying for a month or three but if I lost my dog, I'll probably cry for the rest of my life. (just kidding, i'll be crying for a year or two if I'll miss Harry Style's concert, but I am willing to take the risk).

I do believe that my siblings are willing to pay for my dog's *surgery? or just a check up from her veterinary. And there is nothing wrong about that. I am happy about it. What makes me sad is that if I can only earn money like them, then I'll be able to afford things that I want even without sacrificing for the things that I need. I'll be able to buy my friend a nice gift, buy the dress that I want, use every single penny to make my skin and my underarm perfect, I will be able to go to any concert that I want, not looking at the prices and directly buying the VIP tix that I've always dreamed of. THIS IS WHERE I FEEL LIKE A TRASH, I'M USELESS, I'M WORTHLESS.

If only I can earn money, if only I have a job, if only I can do things that they can do. I can't believe I'm putting myself down because of my inability to produce my own money, because I cannot do anything for my family. But this is life, welcome to my life.

*MY ONLY JOB* 

I may not have a job right now that could buy everything. but I do believe I have the job that is easy yet very important. The only job that I should do in order for me to give everything back to my family is to STUDY HARD.

 "That is the least that I can do. All of them are working to give me a better future and I should also work hard and focus on my study to show them that all of their hard work in their own jobs are worth it. That their sweat and tears are in good hands."

*message to all of the people who feel useless...*

              To all the people who feel like they have no purpose in life, that everything is nonsense, well snap the hell out of yourself. Please come to your senses! Don't overthink and do not focus on the things that do not matter. If you think too much of the things that may happen in the future, then you'll be blind to see the things that matter in the present. "Always focus on YOUR JOB TODAY and that will lead you to a BETTER JOB SOMEDAY." You may feel useless as of the moment but don't let it bring you down, make it as your stepping to stone to reach further your goals and towards a fruitful tomorrow.

-SnFF

A-Ba-Ka-Da ng Pinas! (Alphabet of the Philippines)

Hello Folks!


One of our task as a Senior High School student is to present a speech. Apparently, the topic that was given by the teacher is "Philippines". She told me a follow up question: How will you convince the people to go and visit our country?

So I've decided to use the Philippine Alphabet - our very own 'A Ba Ka Da'

A- Antique Places in our country that shows how deep our history is.

Ba-Back in 2007 our very own Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park was included in the new 7 wonders of nature

Ka- Kind people, heartwarming and very hospitable Filipinos that will capture your attention.

Da- The best foods like Adobo, Sinigang, Bulalo, all are equally tasty and healthy.

E- egg plants, strawberries, indian mangoes , jack fruit, durian and other fruits and vegetables that will satisfy your tummy.

Ga- God gave us so many natural resources that can be good for business chances.

Ha- Ham, hamburger , fries and other street foods that captures our culture.

I-Isaw, Chicken Skin, Fishballs, Kickiams and other cheap food you’ll surely love.

La- Landscapes  like Chocolate hills ,Mount Apo and Rice Terraces

Ma- Man made furnitures from our high quality woods like Narra

Na- Navigation and travelling is so easy and really affordable

Nga-Nganga-or Betel Nut chewing one of Philippine medicinal plants found in the places of Cordillera.

O- On the other hand, medicine is really good in the our country.

Pa-Pageant of Ms.Universe 2017 held here in the Philippines

Ra- Rambutan festivals, Ati-atihan, Panagbenga Festivals and other festivals that are really enjoyable are done yearly in our place.

Sa- Sands of Boracay, Windmills in Ilocos and other travel worthy places to visit in the country.

Ta- Tarsiers, Whale sharks or Butanding, Philippine Eagle are some of the many exotic animals in the Phillippines.

U- Ube, Suman, Bico, Kalamay and other desserts that is not just sweet but would fill yout stomach.

Wa- What else are you looking for? We have everything in the Philippines, we eveb have the cheapest beers you can enjoy. It is indeen, more fun in the Philippines

Ya- Yah, I’m *name here* and that would be all.

I hope you learned something about the Philippines I hope that would encourage you to visit us here in our country.

What I learned from Not using Facebook.

As we  welcome 2017 I've decided to deactivate my Facebook account, deleted the app on my cellphone and avoided it when I'm using the laptop. I just want this year to be more productive than last year and one of my solution is to stop the excessive use of social media.

Just the second day of my Less-Facebook Challenge, I have learned a lot already. 

First, I don't use Facebook to kill time when I'm bored instead I use Facebook always and it kills my time even though I am not bored and have a lot of stuffs to do. 

Second, I realize how I depend my happiness on Facebook. My last post only got 10 likes and 1 comment (which happens to be my supportive sister) unlike my other post that reaches 100+ likes and 20+ comment. And guess what? I became so sad simply because I don't get the number of comments and likes that I expected to. See? I depend my level of happiness to the level of what they call 'fame' on Facebook. 

Lastly, what I learned from not using Facebook is that... It doesn't help me at all. I waste my time, I get so depressed over simple things, and not to mention the 'toxic' people and 'fake' Internet friends I have on that cite. 

I'm going to give an example about this. Recently, I went to the barbershop 💈 and had an hair cut 💇.

#TheFirstStageOfMovingOn

Just kiddin'

Anyway, to continue... I'm getting my hair cut when suddenly I heard something break, I thought it was just my heart screaming from the inside but then I realized it was my slippers. 

As we all know,  slippers is used by pair... Once the other one is lost or broken, the one left is not useful anymore. Just like me, when I was lost and broken while he remained fix. Lol. 

Right after that, one thing suddenly came out of my mind : HOW WILL I GO HOME? 

I have 4 possible choices- a.)I will walk home barefooted (which is shameful) 

b.) I'll ask the barber if they sell slippers (which is obviously a big...NO)

c.) I'll borrow the the cellphone of the costumer next to me cause I left my phone at home (but I decided not to because she looks like my gradeschool terror teacher) 

d.) or should I shout and scream the name of my Super Mom so she can fly from our house to here real quick and save me.. bring me a new slipper and fly me back to our house.

I'm going insane and I'm so desperate, I was about to open my Facebook, post it as a status or share it in my stories in messenger, but I chose not to. Because how will my friends help me? They'll just know how unlucky I am and might even make a laugh out of me. And I think I did the right thing. I choose not to find a solution the social 'media' way but through socializing..  

I saw the grandmother of my neighbor just infront of the salon, she is working in the small clinic infront and is in charge in as a cashier... I walk barefooted just 5 steps in front of the salon and asked politely if I can borrow her slipper and promises to return it as soon as possible.  Thank God, I was able to go home safely with my feet neatly. 

Thanks to Grandma and her extra-slippers in the bag! 

This is her 'extra slipers' and even though it's a fake havainas, has a whole in the middle, I was still able to go home as shameless as possible. Hehe, thanks Granny! 

See? If I posted it on Facebook, what would happen? Nothing. Just me, getting few likes and me getting depressed and me walking home barefooted like a pig out of their pen.

If I can thank people for liking my profile picture, I can also thank Grandma for helping me back there.  

This maybe simple but I know this will also mean a lot to her. I gave her back the slippers I borrowed together with a 1. Monde Special Mamon 2. Skyflakes 3.Presto Cream Peanut Butter 4.Strawberry Wafer and 5. Hand written letters :) 

This 2017 will surely be full of lesson I'll get from my own experience and not from news and status updates of other people. 

Happy New Year Everyone 🎉

-SnFF 

UPDATE! 

Just like in social media, I recently received my reply and of course... I received it personally. 

Remember the hand written letter I gave Granny? Well she liked it so much. The day after I gave her the simple gift (shown above) she went to out house crying. Yes, she is crying because of Joy. She told me that I am the first one to gave her a letter (which made me so sad thinking that she is old already and must have experience this kind of appreciation). She also said that her children never greeted her a 'Happy New Year' for this 2017. They never thank her enough that made her feel sad because I, as her simple neighbor, thanked her so much for letting me borrow her slippers. But her children whom she gave everything she can, doesn't show any appreciation for her. 

In the letter, she wrote 'anak na rin kita' (You are also my child) because I remember that she became my nanny when I was just a baby until I am 2 years old (I think?) no wonder why I am comfortable and felt the closeness we have once shared. 

What actually persuaded me to update this is her message saying 'Sana Ikaw na lang ang anak ko' (I wish I have a daughter like you). It struck my heart and feel the pain she is burden with. I wasn't able to say anything besides 'Thank You po And God bless'  and she walked away from our house and walks toward their house. I wanted to gave her a tight hug but I am really blank at the moment and wasn't able to do so. But right after she went away, I locked myself in the room and cried for 10 minutes. I am not sure why but it is probably because of the mix emotion I felt during the whole conversation with her. 

Imagine if I posted a 'Thank You Grandma for letter me borrow your slippers #Blessed #Thankful'  on Facebook, I may get likes, comments and other feedbacks. But you know? Nothing compares to the feeling of receiving a 'Thank You' from a sincere heart personally.  As they say, the best things are free and those free things can actually make you more happy than expensive stuffs. 

Just like Grandma, I only gave her cheap biscuits and a simple letter but it mean a lot to her. She let me borrow her slipper and she make me happy just by the reply that I get. 

This 2017, I may not be too active on Facebook, people may not know the things that I have experienced today but I have learned a lot of things already just a few days since I started to not use my Facebook. 

2017 will truly be a different year for me. 

-SnFF