The Joys of Summer
Hello everyone! Finally, I am now on my long awaited summer break. Although, since I have to review for my college entrance exams, I still have to do loads of studying during the vacation. Ugh. Oh well, if I'll be able to ace it, then it's all gonna be worth it. Hopefully (^_^;)
Alright! It's been a third of a year since I last made an entry. Given that the last couple of months of the school year have been tough (a math statistical research paper? Yes, a task of torture), I'm infinitely glad that I could finally lift my head from the murky waters of school life and into the utter joy ride of sunshine, greenery, and twelve-hour slumbers that is summer vacation. Except, you know. I have to wake up everyday at 6 am to go to my review center. Otherwise, my break is going peachy keen!
So now that summer's begun for us, it's time to answer the million-dollar question: what are your plans for the three months of freedom?
WELL, actually a lot. No lazing off for me, because I'm going to go to college soon. Lots of prep going on. And since I decided to become a well-rounded person and take up a sport, I tried out for the table tennis varsity in school (I am yet to be an official member, but I am still required to attend the summer trainings). Then there is the practices for this musical we're having for school, which I am so excited about (*-*)
Speaking of musicals, the weekend my school ended (two weeks ago), I watched the musical of Les Misérables here in Manila. And, oh my goodness. Hold my teacup for me please, I am going to faint from wonder. Um, HELLO PEOPLE DO YOU HEAR ME IT WAS AMAZING (=´ ∀｀)/ I was crying at the end of the show. Or idk maybe it's just me and my sensitive theatre heart well then ANYWAYS I loved the cast as well, they were all so good I am going to cry again. Kerrie Anne Greenland is a stunning Eponine. And sparks, Paul Wilkins is asdfghjkl dude omg. And y'all Simon Gleeson absolutely slayed! Well, everyone did. I have nothing but praise for the musical <3 I am so glad I got to watch it (>//u//<) YO SINGAPOREANS, THEY ARE HEADED THERE NEXT. GO WATCH THEM OR REGRET YOU DID NOT.
Let's see, what else? Ah, you— my dear reader— may have noticed the use of Undertale music in my current lineup. Yeah, I just finished watching Cryaotic's playthrough of it last week, and I loved it! Man, the pacifist route is so feel-y and sweet and SPOILERS, a little grim at the end. I also watched Jacksepticeye's genocide run. So yes, spoilers abound if I discuss it, so I'll just leave that topic for another day. Anyways, if you do have some time and are curious about Undertale, please give it a try! The RPGMaker graphics might turn someone off, but what it lacks in graphics it makes up in the story line, quirky characters, and beautiful soundtracks. But hey that is but my view of it, pardon me if you didn't like Undertale XD
Now, back to the actual question: what am I gonna be up to? Yeah, aside from studying, I guess I'll simply be doing what I usually do during summer. Watch some anime (currently watching Sailor Moon. My inner 90s kid is squealing AAHHH), some Youtube, and just keep busy with my hobbies in general. Oh, and a little volunteer work ain't bad too! And I'd try to get a decent night's sleep, and just enjoy the days I could run around the yard with my dog, bask in sunshine (put on sunblock, people!), and feel the nice and quiet breezy rural village-esque vibe my neighborhood has. Summer is amazing people, get out of your houses and enjoy (while staying cool and hydrated. Even if you're not moving around, drink some water)!
Well, I'm in a chipper mood today so I ought to stop here before I ramble on. This post is already longer than what I usually write, I think (^_^;) Imma try to be back with another post some time!~ Feel free to comment down below and tell me how your summer is going, and what your plans are gonna be \(^0^)/ And if not, well then simply do tell what your ideal summer is like >:3
Hm, I suppose that will be all for now. See you guys soon, and thank you for sticking around. Have a great day! (> u <)/
Labels: summer, theatre
The Horse And His Boy
Hello, everyone! How's it going? It's already been around a month since my last post, isn't it? Ah, time does fly by quickly, especially when you're quite busy. Especially now that it's exam season over here, we got a lot of things to accomplish and submit...
That aside, I would like to talk about a theatrical performance that my church mates and I watched yesterday. It's a rendition by Trumpets Inc. of The Horse And His Boy, the third book (chronological order) of The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis. This book is about Shasta, a boy in the land of Calormen who attempts to escape to Narnia with Bree, a talking horse. Unlike the other books, the main protagonists of The Horse And His Boy are not the Pevensies. Instead, it is Shasta and Bree, who are later joined by Aravis and Hwin (the latter is also a talking horse).
I've already read the book prior to watching the production, actually. It wasn't the best book in the series, but I did enjoy reading it. I really liked Shasta in the book, though it took me quite a while to form a mental image of his appearance (when I was reading it). But I did like his clumsy personality. I found that sort of awkwardness endearing, especially in book characters. Needless to say, I have added him to my list of literary boyfriends (╯✧∇✧)╯
Aravis, on the other hand, was my #goals. Like ugh, a brave fighter and at the same time a sought-after maiden? Um, SIGN ME UP. Aravis should give me lessons, as she is the warrior princess I aspire to be. I ship her with Shasta.
Now, for the stage production itself. It was held in this large auditorium in the Meralco Theater. We actually missed the first part because of traffic caused by the temporary closing of some roads (thanks, APEC). Nevertheless, I had a wonderful time watching the two-hour presentation. The actors and actresses were amazing! Please, their skills are literally goals. The props and costumes were also really cool, especially the ones for the Talking Beasts (that's Bree, Hwin, and Aslan)! I'm sorry, I am positively obsessing right now, I cannot get over it. The play was absolutely smashing!
And oh, Shasta and Aravis! Please, catch me right now. Hold me back before I go on a fangirl speech. Their OTP score has absolutely skyrocketed. I shipped them, yes. But after watching the play, I was simply... surprised. I am also very sorry, but I just have to say this— Shasta is so cute. I like Shasta/Prince Cor ⁄(⁄ ⁄•⁄-⁄•⁄ ⁄)⁄
He was so adorable and I just wanna hug him after watching the play, and... Ffffff, I cannot even right now. I am in that phase. Sorry Shasta/Prince Cor's actor, I am kind of obsessing over you right now.
I also saw him up close after the play. I didn't ask for a picture or anything though. I was too awkward (yep, living up to the blog name).
All that aside, I guess that my takeaway from the show is the reminder that things happen for a reason. Just like Shasta/Cor, we go through a ton of difficult things. We may see ourselves as extremely unfortunate. But really, in the end things will work out. All those hardships are simply a form of trial, training, or test to further your abilities.
Well, I suppose that's all for today. Thanks for reading! Tell me, have you ever read the book or watched this play that I was talking about? Do share your thoughts in the comments!
Alrighty, until then. Ciao!~ <3
Labels: theatre
The Joys of Summer
Hello everyone! Finally, I am now on my long awaited summer break. Although, since I have to review for my college entrance exams, I still have to do loads of studying during the vacation. Ugh. Oh well, if I'll be able to ace it, then it's all gonna be worth it. Hopefully (^_^;)
Alright! It's been a third of a year since I last made an entry. Given that the last couple of months of the school year have been tough (a math statistical research paper? Yes, a task of torture), I'm infinitely glad that I could finally lift my head from the murky waters of school life and into the utter joy ride of sunshine, greenery, and twelve-hour slumbers that is summer vacation. Except, you know. I have to wake up everyday at 6 am to go to my review center. Otherwise, my break is going peachy keen!
So now that summer's begun for us, it's time to answer the million-dollar question: what are your plans for the three months of freedom?
WELL, actually a lot. No lazing off for me, because I'm going to go to college soon. Lots of prep going on. And since I decided to become a well-rounded person and take up a sport, I tried out for the table tennis varsity in school (I am yet to be an official member, but I am still required to attend the summer trainings). Then there is the practices for this musical we're having for school, which I am so excited about (*-*)
Speaking of musicals, the weekend my school ended (two weeks ago), I watched the musical of Les Misérables here in Manila. And, oh my goodness. Hold my teacup for me please, I am going to faint from wonder. Um, HELLO PEOPLE DO YOU HEAR ME IT WAS AMAZING (=´ ∀｀)/ I was crying at the end of the show. Or idk maybe it's just me and my sensitive theatre heart well then ANYWAYS I loved the cast as well, they were all so good I am going to cry again. Kerrie Anne Greenland is a stunning Eponine. And sparks, Paul Wilkins is asdfghjkl dude omg. And y'all Simon Gleeson absolutely slayed! Well, everyone did. I have nothing but praise for the musical <3 I am so glad I got to watch it (>//u//<) YO SINGAPOREANS, THEY ARE HEADED THERE NEXT. GO WATCH THEM OR REGRET YOU DID NOT.
Let's see, what else? Ah, you— my dear reader— may have noticed the use of Undertale music in my current lineup. Yeah, I just finished watching Cryaotic's playthrough of it last week, and I loved it! Man, the pacifist route is so feel-y and sweet and SPOILERS, a little grim at the end. I also watched Jacksepticeye's genocide run. So yes, spoilers abound if I discuss it, so I'll just leave that topic for another day. Anyways, if you do have some time and are curious about Undertale, please give it a try! The RPGMaker graphics might turn someone off, but what it lacks in graphics it makes up in the story line, quirky characters, and beautiful soundtracks. But hey that is but my view of it, pardon me if you didn't like Undertale XD
Now, back to the actual question: what am I gonna be up to? Yeah, aside from studying, I guess I'll simply be doing what I usually do during summer. Watch some anime (currently watching Sailor Moon. My inner 90s kid is squealing AAHHH), some Youtube, and just keep busy with my hobbies in general. Oh, and a little volunteer work ain't bad too! And I'd try to get a decent night's sleep, and just enjoy the days I could run around the yard with my dog, bask in sunshine (put on sunblock, people!), and feel the nice and quiet breezy rural village-esque vibe my neighborhood has. Summer is amazing people, get out of your houses and enjoy (while staying cool and hydrated. Even if you're not moving around, drink some water)!
Well, I'm in a chipper mood today so I ought to stop here before I ramble on. This post is already longer than what I usually write, I think (^_^;) Imma try to be back with another post some time!~ Feel free to comment down below and tell me how your summer is going, and what your plans are gonna be \(^0^)/ And if not, well then simply do tell what your ideal summer is like >:3
Hm, I suppose that will be all for now. See you guys soon, and thank you for sticking around. Have a great day! (> u <)/
Labels: summer, theatre
The Horse And His Boy
Hello, everyone! How's it going? It's already been around a month since my last post, isn't it? Ah, time does fly by quickly, especially when you're quite busy. Especially now that it's exam season over here, we got a lot of things to accomplish and submit...
That aside, I would like to talk about a theatrical performance that my church mates and I watched yesterday. It's a rendition by Trumpets Inc. of The Horse And His Boy, the third book (chronological order) of The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis. This book is about Shasta, a boy in the land of Calormen who attempts to escape to Narnia with Bree, a talking horse. Unlike the other books, the main protagonists of The Horse And His Boy are not the Pevensies. Instead, it is Shasta and Bree, who are later joined by Aravis and Hwin (the latter is also a talking horse).
I've already read the book prior to watching the production, actually. It wasn't the best book in the series, but I did enjoy reading it. I really liked Shasta in the book, though it took me quite a while to form a mental image of his appearance (when I was reading it). But I did like his clumsy personality. I found that sort of awkwardness endearing, especially in book characters. Needless to say, I have added him to my list of literary boyfriends (╯✧∇✧)╯
Aravis, on the other hand, was my #goals. Like ugh, a brave fighter and at the same time a sought-after maiden? Um, SIGN ME UP. Aravis should give me lessons, as she is the warrior princess I aspire to be. I ship her with Shasta.
Now, for the stage production itself. It was held in this large auditorium in the Meralco Theater. We actually missed the first part because of traffic caused by the temporary closing of some roads (thanks, APEC). Nevertheless, I had a wonderful time watching the two-hour presentation. The actors and actresses were amazing! Please, their skills are literally goals. The props and costumes were also really cool, especially the ones for the Talking Beasts (that's Bree, Hwin, and Aslan)! I'm sorry, I am positively obsessing right now, I cannot get over it. The play was absolutely smashing!
And oh, Shasta and Aravis! Please, catch me right now. Hold me back before I go on a fangirl speech. Their OTP score has absolutely skyrocketed. I shipped them, yes. But after watching the play, I was simply... surprised. I am also very sorry, but I just have to say this— Shasta is so cute. I like Shasta/Prince Cor ⁄(⁄ ⁄•⁄-⁄•⁄ ⁄)⁄
He was so adorable and I just wanna hug him after watching the play, and... Ffffff, I cannot even right now. I am in that phase. Sorry Shasta/Prince Cor's actor, I am kind of obsessing over you right now.
I also saw him up close after the play. I didn't ask for a picture or anything though. I was too awkward (yep, living up to the blog name).
All that aside, I guess that my takeaway from the show is the reminder that things happen for a reason. Just like Shasta/Cor, we go through a ton of difficult things. We may see ourselves as extremely unfortunate. But really, in the end things will work out. All those hardships are simply a form of trial, training, or test to further your abilities.
Well, I suppose that's all for today. Thanks for reading! Tell me, have you ever read the book or watched this play that I was talking about? Do share your thoughts in the comments!
Alrighty, until then. Ciao!~ <3
Labels: theatre
About The Blog
A description of my little corner of the blogosphere
This digital abode of mine was established back in August 2013 as a requirement for my participation in our high school's blogging club. Thus, I scrambled to create one, The Random Thoughts of A Socially-Awkward Optimist— the very website that you are currently viewing. I've long since quit (not to mention
graduated from high school), but typing away my thoughts in this blog is rather therapeutic, and I like thinking that perhaps a smile has made its way onto someone's face because of what I write :)
“Sonder” is probably the best word that would describe all reasons why I maintain this blog. The word can be briefly defined as the realization that each random passerby is living a life as vivid and complex as your own, and through this blog, I wish to be able to satiate that feeling in other people by retelling my anecdotes, thoughts, and rants, and hopefully I would also be able to lift up spirits along the way.
Life moves on and change is constant. But I want to document my experiences somehow: those ugly-crying moments, existential crises, or tears of joy and sadness. Then once change runs its course, we can all look back at these moments and laugh at our own naiveté. And hopefully, I can do just that by typing it all away in this blog.
The Jukebox
Current aesthetic: quiet holiday mornings, the smell of Christmas in the air
A little disclaimer: I don't own nor make money off of any of these songs, it's all just for a little good fun and mood-setting lol
These are the music playing in the blog. I hope you like listening to it as much as I do ◕ ‿ ◕ Simply click on the title of the song, and it will direct you to where I got it ❤
→
Jingle Bells (jazz ver.)
→
Beegie Adair Trio - Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
→
Bill Evans - Santa Claus is Coming To Town
→
Vince Guaraldi Trio - O Tannebaum
→
The First Noel (jazz ver.)
→
Vince Guaraldi Trio - Skating
→
White Christmas (jazz ver.)
→
Beegie Adair - The Christmas Song
→
Vince Guaraldi Trio - Christmas Time Is Here
→
Beegie Adair - Christmas Waltz
Books 
My friends 
Homestuck 
More time to read books please