Cinemalaya 2013

Last July 27-August 4, I officially moved into CCP #jk. All jokes aside though, that big old space was second home to me for a week since it showcased none other than Cinemalaya 2013 (which, I may add, I was lucky enough to have as a requirement for school)! I'm so glad it turned out greater than I expected it to be, since this year marked my first Cinemalaya experience ever (I tried last year but failed to get tickets for anything, bummer). 

 I was fortunate enough to watch 5 films this year with my boyfriend (who looks like a big grump in the latter picture, haha):

Debosyon and Rekorder were definitely my favorites! The message of both films were so powerful, and the visuals were fantastic! Sana Dati was lovely as well, although I didn't love it as much as everyone else did. Maybe that's just me? Also, I can't wait for Ekstra and Transit to start showing nationwide! I'd be more than bummed if they didn't push through with the screening. I really wanted to watch both, but time just didn't allow it. 

It was a great year for Cinemalaya, and I can't wait for the next one!

How was your Cinemalaya experience? 

- Sammie ♥

Instagram Review #2

The past few weeks for me have been about making memories that'll last you your whole lifetime. I'd like to be able to look back 50 years from now and say that I lived a good life. 

a.) A picture of me back when I was 6 years old

b.) A photobooth picture of me and my grandmother circa 2012

c&d.) Me and my cousin (more like sister, really) Amanda

f.) Me getting close to achieving my weight goals

g.) Me and my grandma on her 82nd birthday.

What are some of your best memories?

Sammie ♥

I'm alive and kicking, people. Hey there! It's been a while since I've updated, and I apologize for that. I've been insanely busy with my majors. Thankfully, my professor gave me some good news today and decided to give our class a free day--and what better way to use this 'free day' than to tell you guys about the congress I was just in!

Last July 27-28, I was fortunate enough to attend the Student Media Congress, a 2-day event held at De La Salle University-Manila with the theme "Exploring Media Breakthroughs". Students from different schools around the country attended--with this, you can then assume that the crowd was, indeed, crazy. I'd show you pictures, but the environment was a bit too claustrophobic for me to take photos properly. Nevertheless, I was somehow able to manage and take a few just for you guys! ♥

I was blessed enough to spend the whole congress with one of my best friends, Alex. I got a bit too excited when I found out that she was going too--we haven't seen each other in a long time! It was more than great to spend 2 days catching up with her (hi bb, I missed you!).

We had an excellent set of speakers for the first day, some of whom being:

Mr. John Nery (Senior Editor, Philippine Daily Inquirer), who talked about the importance of print media in this day and age.

 Mr. Val Victa (AVP For Ad & Promo, Manila Broadcasting Company), who reiterated that radio still has an impact on the society, even in this digital generation.

Mr. Jaemark Tordecilla (managing Editor, Interaksyon.com), who gave his insights on how important it is for today's generation to take action and involve themselves in media-related activities.

and Ms. Maria Ressa (CEO & Executive Editor, Rappler.com), who showed just how important the role of technology is in today's society, and how it helps connect each and every one of us. 

 Day 2 of the congress was a lovely experience as well, since Alex and I were fortunate enough to get into the talks of Mr. Carlo Ople (Managing Director, DM9JaymeSyfu) & Ms. Ann Jacobe (President, Youphoric Labs), who gave us insights on Digital Marketing and Knowledge Management respectively. 

Mr. Ople was even kind enough to let us have our picture taken with him! 

And did I mention that Ms. Ann's outfit was too gorgeous for my life? That skirt! ♥

Money well spent. It was a lovely congress, and I learned tons. 

So how was your week, darlings?

Sammie ♥

Karissa.

Today was one of those perfectly good days. With Karissa finally visiting and me skipping class for a free day (haha), I can pretty much say that today was more than just satisfactory.

And look! I wore my glasses today, yaaay! For some reason I had terrible eye-bags this morning, so I needed something to cover them up. Make-up just wasn't doing the trick for me today.

Anyway, Paulina, Karissa and I met up at Papa John's anticipating that we'd be 6 all in all today. Sadly the rest couldn't make it, so we had to make a French exit and go somewhere cheaper (plus, the combo meal would be too much for our bellies haha). We felt awful afterwards though, since it seemed like we only went inside to take pictures. FREELOADERS! Kidding. 

Shaula followed afterwards...

 -- with her minion! ♥ I wanted to get one so bad, but apparently McDonald's sold out in just a few hours after the day began. Damn.

 And to cap off a perfectly good lunch date, we took a group selfie since the photo the waitress took was a bit blurry (awww man).

We tried, we tried.

How was your day, darling? xx 

Sammie ♥

Good days.

Amidst the fact that the weather was being one notch above depressing, today turned out greater than I actually expected it to be. Good company never lets you down, people.

With my my 4:20 PM class far from happening, I decided to meet up with my two dear friends Pam and Paulina after I spent an excruciatingly awkward 30 minutes doing ice breakers for Lasallian frosh retreaters last lunchtime.

Pammy was such a darling to take photographs of. It was so nice catching up with her after such a long time of not seeing each other. ♥ We ate at this place called Food Channel--man, did the Shawarma stench stick to your clothes though.  

After Pammy left for her 2:40 PM class, I met up with Paulina at Cafe De Seoul, a cafe crazy enough to install Samsung Galaxy Tabs into all their tables (quuuurl, u cray). Anyway, Pau and I sat for a while discussing future plans, and I swear I got too excited when she revealed her new business plans. You guys should wait for it! I'll be posting updates here soon.

Naturally, Pau loved getting her picture taken. I literally have 50 consecutive shots of her in my camera (haha). I'd love to post them all, but my blog would explode.

The overall vibe of this day was just wonderful, and I couldn't feel more blessed.

Oh, and this is me trying to pose like Karla Deras (She's too fantastic, my God).

Stay gorgeous, darlings! Wishing you great days like this one. xx

Sammie ♥

Expressions.

I realized a few weeks back that my boyfriend Rex has one of the most expressive faces I have ever encountered. He's a darling to take photographs of too. 

And since he got a haircut after, I decided to take him again. 

Of course, I tried to be just as expressive...

...totally failed (haha). Thanks to Rex though for taking these pictures of my pimply face. Flaws make you beautiful, holla.

Stay gorgeous, you!

Sammie ♥