Golden Chains of 2019

a little blog from us to you; BS Education - English majors

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Welcome majorette!

Hello! We’re the class of English majors from University of Southeastern Philippine. Take what you need, and leave what you don’t. if this passes by your timeline, we hope it’ll give you at least a little spark of joy :)  

Masterlist

[goldenchains2019]

"Deserve ko 'to" said a K-pop stan for the 987198683th times

Ah yes, people say it’s a waste of money, some people say it’s too much, but some people say: “it’s your money and happiness, so why bother?”

This all started in 2017 when I began to like a group named BTS – bow a big deal in the music scene, and I bought an unsealed album, because I said: why not?

And it all when down a rabbit hole from there. I slowly collected their albums from time to time, whenever they have a new comeback or a new release, and I slowly collected them for over 4 years now. At first, I told myself to only buy albums, but I got tempted to buy their DVDs as well. But of course in 2018-2019, BTS never bothered come to the Philippines for their Love Yourself Tour concert, I was so sad that I just bought their albums to fill a void. But thankfully, I learned to control myself from buying because it can be a downward spiral when you don’t know how to control yourself.

And then recently I got into new groups named Stray Kids and Ateez. I told myself to just buy an unsealed album from them because it is much cheaper, and I only wanted the cd and other inclusions in the album. But now here I am collecting the random photocards of my favorite member/s or bias/es.

Honestly, it’s all fun because not only I get to have sparks of joy – or an entire fireworks display – I get to bond with my friends about it too, both online and offline friends. Yeah it may not be fun for my wallet, but at least my happiness if fueled.

And that’s the same thing I would say to any other collector too. If it makes you happy, then there is no problem with that.

Just to sum up why I like these K-pop boys, they bring joy and comfort to my life. They may not know me, but I am happy that they became a part of my life because life can get rough – maybe way too many times – and their music and their shows can give me the comfort I need.

And no, just because I don’t understand their language doesn’t mean it’s meaningless to me. As long as it resonates with me and I get to understand what their lyrics say, it’s enough for me to enjoy and love the music they do.

Anyways, stan talent, stan BTS, Stray Kids, Ateez, and TXT for clear skin and good grades.

[goldenchains2019]

I never thought dancing was so fun

Okay, this is part 2 of my love for music. For dancing, I wouldn’t say that I am the best dancer nor do I consider myself a dancer, BUT I know for a fact that I enjoy doing it. Ever since I was a kid I was told I liked to dance, I even remember how I always liked dancing for fun. However, it wasn’t all happiness. I lost confidence in myself when I was told that I was too fat or too chubby to dance, I was also told that I wasn’t good either. And then there was a time when we were asked by our teachers: “who likes to sing?” “who likes to draw?” “who likes to dance?” I raised my hand to all of those but when I raised my hand for dancing, some even told me that I wasn’t part of the dance club so I shouldn’t raise my hand, I didn’t care and still raised my hand, if I can clearly remember, I was in 3rd grade at that time. And I had one classmate that told me that my body was stiff.. At that point my confidence for dancing went down, I told myself and everyone that I couldn’t dance for the life of me.

But that didn’t seize me to dance in my room.

I absolutely love to listen to music, vibe to it, and dance along to it. But I was just too shy to dance and deliberately didn’t dance too well because I was always told I wasn’t good.

Until 10th grade. We had a dance competition. I was so excited yet scared for it because I know I wasn’t the best but I can try my best to do well, because my P.E. grade depended on it. While practicing, my classmates at that time were already different – because my classmates from 1stgrade to 8th grade we pretty much the same because I was in the lead section or the section full of honor students – and they complimented me on my dancing. I was so speechless, I could still remember what my classmate told me “hawd man pud diay ka musayaw, Renee.” [You’re actually good at dancing, Renee] And the other girls who were listening to us – mind you, they were all dancers – they agreed with her. And I have never felt so empowered and happy about my dancing in such a long time.

One of my friends also told me I should continue doing it because I was good and could improve more. And I did. Ever since I got myself into K-pop I learned choreographies, both K-pop and choreographies from dance studios on YouTube.

Needless to say, I am happy that I am able to dance the way I used to again. I really do hope that 9 and 16-year-old Renee is proud of 21-year-old Renee. And I will continue to learn more about dance as year go by. Even though I am already 21, I still think if you like something, you can do it in any age because it’s never too late.

I wish I could upload a video of me dancing but for now, I am still quite shy about it so here are just some photos of the people that inspired me to learn dancing

in the photos from left to right: bts, ateez, keone and mari, sean and kaycee, lia kim, and dytto

[goldenchains2019]

Music: The Chicken Soup for my Soul

Now, Music has been one of my “best friends” in life.

Why best friend? It has been one of the little things in life that have made a great impact in my life. My mom told me she listened to so much music while she was pregnant with me, and both my parents were such big fans of music. So, while growing up I was exposed to so many genres of music.

Imagine a warm day in 2004, mama would be blasting a Kylie Minogue song and 4-year-old Renee would be dancing to it. and imagine a chill day, and my dad just came home from abroad and he blasts Hoobastank and singing along to it even if he is kinda, slightly, tone-deaf (love you, papa. hihi). Those were some instances that I associate music with. I am a very nostalgic person, so I tend to love to listen to old music especially music from the 70s-80s.

Now as I grew up into a young adult, I have grown to love almost every genre. Because if the song has a great vibe, I vibe to it. And there is something about listening to the little things in a song too, like how the beats go, what instruments are used, vocal techniques used, and effects that had been used throughout the song. It’s all fun, really. That’s why I have grown to love singing, dancing, and playing instruments.

You see, at the age of 2 my mom told my mom told me I already picked up the microphone and she taught me how to sing Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On”. That’s where everything kicked off. In 3rd grade I joined the school choir, until I was high school. In the first few years I was a mezzo soprano but now I have shifted to alto. For some reason, I could hit low notes now and I could not fully hit a note with a full voice, I end up using my head voice instead. Trust me, I have no idea why I had a reverse puberty. Or at least I kind of went through a male puberty in the voice department. But hey, I’m still happy I’m able to have a wide range. Funnily enough, over the pandemic, I got to learn the ever famous Mariah Carey dolphin squeak, also known as the whistle note. Now before you go and assume I could flawlessly do it, well, think again! I can’t.. yet.

For instruments, I started out with a toy snare drum, because my mom gave me one. But I later learned I had no sense of rhythm with drums, so I went with a guitar. I know, generic, but at least I can play when given easy chords! There was a time where I tried to learn a song in fingerstyle, but dang it’s difficult! I guess, you can say I’m an intermediate with my guitar skills. Some of the songs I started out with were:

- Speak Now by Taylor Swift

- What’s Going On by the 4 non-blonds

- I’m Yours by Jason Mraz

With piano, I’d say I am a total beginner. I could only play with my right hand and horrendously try with both hands. I like to some melodies on it especially with song that I like at the moment. I some songs (not full, just segments of the songs) I knew were:

- They don’t know about us by One Direction

- Therapy by All Time Low

- I Need U by BTS

And after that started I started to learn the ukulele because it is basically the bass guitar turned smaller and the sound is much higher. In the guitar equivalent, you have to put on capo on the 5th-6thfret to have a similar sound to a ukulele. There’s something about the ukulele that’s so fun and uplifting whenever I play it. The vibe is what makes it so fun to play when you’re about to feel down. Also, recently, I mean in 2020, I bought a kalimba and I swear, it’s so fun, it’s like a piano but make it metal and tiny. It’s how a Ukulele is to a Guitar and how a Kalimba is to a Piano.

Some of the songs I’ve learned on ukulele:

- I’m Yours by Jason Mraz

- I Do Adore by Mindy Gledhill

- Can’t help but falling in love by Elvis Presley

- a medley of K-pop songs to make it look like a whole song

Then on Kalimba:

- Happy Birthday Song

- Black Swan by BTS

- some of the songs I learned on piano too

But of course, I will never not be thankful to have a voice as one of my instruments as well, and honestly, it’s the instrument I use every single day. Every single day, there has not been a day where I have not listened to music, and I sing along to it every time. At this point, I don’t really care if they find me annoying, as long as I get to have fun.

[Also it’s a form of revenge towards my neighbors too, because they are awfully loud, especially the crying children.]

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Painting and drawing: my forever home <3

This has been my forever home, safe place, and at the same time a not so TOTGA (The one that got away).

I get to express myself and release some of my creativity on to paper, canvas, iPad, or whatever surface I could paint or draw on! Also, since I have fandoms, I make a lot of fan art if I have the time to do so. Usually I use watercolors, pencils/graphite, ink, acrylics, and gouache. There are so much art mediums I want to explore, especially oil paints but it’s absolutely daunting, but I am definitely down for a challenge!

Now my favorite subject to draw are people and landscapes, I don’t know why but there something so therapeutic when painting a person’s skin tone, finding the right shade, and looking at their features. As for landscapes, that’s what I started drawing as a kid, besides the Power Puff Girls and SpongeBob Square Pants. But there something so comforting about painting the horizon and looking how nature is so beautiful and coming to life on paper.

But I also enjoy using colored pencils, markers, and sculpting clay! For colored pencils, that’s what I was used to use when I wanted to color in coloring books, which made me like using them now although not as much as paints. However, I use them for tiny details for my watercolor paintings. As for markers, that is what I usually use them for calligraphy nowadays because they just look so cool – at least for me. And finally clay, I started become a little serious with sculpting when I was 12 and continued on as a 13 year old. When I was 15, I was so proud that I was able to make Mockingjay pins when I was ultra-hyped up for the Hunger Games.

The photos I have put above are some of the works that I’ve made over the years and honestly, they’re all my babies. Although most of those clay pieces were done when I was 12, I can’t wait to get back to polymer clay sculpting again!

And finally, the most recent, Digital Art. I started when I was 15 with a drawing tablet connected to my laptop, and now I have upgraded to an iPad. I must say it had a big learning curve, but thankfully it still ended up nicely.

(insert digi art pics)

If you’re wondering what’s the reason why I put in “TOTGA” for art, is because there have been times where I just lose my passion for it, but thankfully I grow back to it again *plays black swan by BTS* but in all seriousness, there have been many days where I just give up on it because I feel like I’m not improving nor have I had the time to paint for myself. But I do truly hope I will never lose my passion for this because a part of me would pass away if ever my love for it would fade. It’s a frustrating thought process, if you ask me.

(now if you’re wondering why I said playing black swan by BTS because it is a song about losing one’s passion of something and it feels as if it’s one’s first death)

But for real, I am so lucky to have art in my life, because it lets me breathe and lets me be creative. I’ll leave you with a quote by Robin Williams from “The Dead Poets Society”

““We don't read and write poetry because it's cute. We read and write poetry because we are members of the human race. And the human race is filled with passion. And medicine, law, business, engineering, these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for.””

[goldenchains2019]

Things I want to do

by John Ray Sartiga

This is a personal list of things that I want to do or accomplish while I am still alive. It is really not necessary for me to finish it all. I have decided to post this as a blog so that I may be able to look back at it from time to time and keep track of the things I am passionate about in the future. The things I’ve included in the list are based from what I can think of at the time of this writing. (Of course, my interests will definitely change over the years thus affecting this list, but only time will tell.)

1. Haul a big one

I’ve always wanted to experience being in the middle of the ocean just to feel the breeze of the wind and the sway of the waves while smelling the saltiness of the water. I imagined it to be a serene view where the blue water meets the white clouds and sunshine in between. With that kind of experience, it would even be better if I am out there fishing a big fish. The relaxed feeling from the calmness of the water and the pumped up adrenaline rush from a raging battle with at least one fish is a bizarre combination, I know, but it is something worth trying. I’d be satisfied with a fish with a length of 3 to 5ft. However, I am still up to the challenge if it were to be much bigger.

2. Do at least one impractical, stupid, and dumb impulsive buying

Yes! I want to get that one. Before I start explaining, I just want to say that I really curse the day of the innovation of online shopping. It started one day when a broke student like me went to scroll through some online shopping platforms where I stumbled upon that item. It was a rookie card of Luka Doncic, an NBA player, and it was only a raw card (no slab, no label, just the card) which means that its price is superbly low when compared to the one provided in the picture. Still, the price is not something I could ever save up at that time, so I said to myself that it’s something I’ll definitely get back to in the future. When that time comes, it won’t be just a raw card I’m purchasing. It will definitely be inside a slab that is graded by PSA with a label, Gem Mint PSA 10. They sell that high and its value appreciates as years go by. I did say impractical, stupid, and dumb; it’s because I will not plan on reselling it.

3. One Grand Prix

Just like in the 2nd entry, the problem about being a sports fan is that the thought of buying merchandise, sports memorabilia, and attending events will always cross in mind. It was in the 2021 season that I started developing an interest to motor sports; Formula 1 in particular. It was in that season that I witnessed an exciting battle between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen which pulled me in the sport. The last lap of the championship decider race in Abu Dhabi might be controversial, but the overall season was fantastic. Whatever Grand Prix I’d possibly witness in the future, it would be great to see Lando Norris finish in a podium.

4. Treat my parents royally

Here goes the mushy part of the blog. By the time you reach this part, you are probably exhausted from reading already, kidding. Anyway, when it comes to my parents, I will always have a soft spot for them. The best thing about this entry in the list is that I can be creative with whatever I plan to do in the future. My parents deserve to experience a worry free life, and I will ensure that they do through ways that I can best deliver it to them. Years from now, I’ll be assisting in paying off the house loan, take them to places with majestic and serene sceneries, and everything I could ever imagine. Like I said, being creative will come into play for this one. All time is well spent when it comes to family.

5. Find something to do that’ll make me happy

The thing is, this road is really not what I wanted to take. I thought I did, but it’s really not the case. Since I am here now, it is better to finish the journey and reach the end on time too. There’s still a chance that I could hop unto that train if I could make it just in time. I know I’ll never be happy doing this, but I also know that I have no choice but to go through here to cross unto that point. Until that day comes, just try to hang on and endure buddy. If I ever find myself reading this part once again, I hope I’ve already found what I’m looking for (it’s only you who knows what’s really meant here). If not, that’s okay too. I still have something to run back into if I haven’t, and I’ll eventually learn how to compensate what’s lacking.

I hope you’re doing well…

Visit me often my boy…

-from me, to me

[goldenchains2019]

My 8 Anime Recommendations (if u want to cry)

by Peter John Gimang

What will you do if you're sick of your routine? Maybe you should watch a movie you've never seen before. To enjoy yourself, you can choose from a number of film genres, such as series, drama, or even Japanese animation, also known as anime.

Are you unfamiliar with anime? Anime films have a variety of tales, including romance, mystery, and tragedy. A tragic plot that causes people to cry is one genre of anime films that is in high demand. Sad anime is one of the suggestions for you to watch. This genre of anime might assist you in releasing feelings. Prepare a tissue, because I’m going to recommend the saddest anime movies you can watch.

Uhmm…We're all different, and our sensibility levels vary: what makes me cry and scream why at the world might barely make you feel anything at all. So yes, not ALL of these movies are guaranteed to make you cry, but all of them will give you the feels, unless you're a psychopath or something, in which case, enjoy the laughter, there's no discrimination here.

1. Koe no Katachi (A Silent Voice) – 2016

This anime tackles a slightly different topic, notably bullying. "A Silent Voice" is an anime that chronicles the narrative of Shouko Nishimiya, a deaf girl who transfers to elementary school. Shouko was frequently bullied at his new school by Shouya Ishida, prompting him to change schools. Shouya's friends bullied him as a result of his acts, and he became a quiet figure as a result. Shoya attempted everything she could to persuade him to forgive her. When you see this work, you will feel emotional conflict, which is accompanied by a sorrowful storyline.

2. Ano Hi Mita Hana no Namae wo Bokutachi wa Mada Shiranai (Anohana: They Flower We Say That Day) – 2011

Aside from the lengthy title, this film is the best sad anime that will make an impression on your heart due to its story. Anohana portrays the story of friendship and sorrow through the companionship of six sweet elementary school youngsters. However, when one of their pals, Menma, dies, everything changes. The five remaining friends blamed each other for their own mistakes, overloading them with their own thoughts. They all strive to spend day after day trying to get rid of their guilt, until one of them is confronted by the haunting spirit of Menma.

3. Hotaru no Haka (Grave of the Fireflies) – 1988

This anime is sure to be familiar to anime enthusiasts. "Grave of the Fireflies" is a Hayao Miyazaki film that premiered in 1988. This anime is based on a genuine story from World War II, which is currently in progress. The brothers were killed by the American atomic bombs that were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The hardships endured by these brothers during the war will bring tears to your eyes. At the end of the story, you will realize the significance of the title of this anime, "Fireflies."

4. Hotarubi no Mori e (To the Forest of Firefly Lights) – 2011

This short animation, which lasts about 45 minutes, successfully tightens your chest. "To the Forest of Firefly Lights" depicts the story of Takegawa Hotaru, a city girl, and her first love, a genie-spirit who appears as a human and wears a mask. However, there is a problem: humans cannot touch the jinn or it will be gone forever. This tragic romantic film depicts two people who adore one other but will never be able to be together due to circumstances beyond their control. Their relationship would make you cry uncontrollably.

5. Kimi no Na wa (Your Name) – 2016

"Your Name," an anime film, is one of the most popular films because of its spectacular visual execution. As a result, this film was named the best animation in Japan in 2016. This video depicts the story of someone who is in the body of another person, and how they strive to adapt and locate each other in order to understand this bizarre occurrence. This movie will make you feel like you're on a rollercoaster. Sweet, humorous, yet sad enough to make you cry.

6. Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso (Your Lie in April) – 2016

Your Lie in April is a popular sad anime that uses song to demonstrate the significance of love and friendship. This film begins with Arima Kousei, a pianist who is devastated by playing the piano due to the death of her mother. Then he met Miyazono Kaori, a violinist girl who appears to desire Kousei to return to music. The two protagonists' tight and lovely relationship plunges us into the depths of great despair.

7. Boku dake ga Inai Machi (Erased) – 2016

This anime portrays an enigmatic story. If you enjoy detective stories, you will undoubtedly enjoy this anime. Erased follows the story of Satoru Fujinuma, a 29-year-old comic artist who discovers that he has the ability to travel back in time even if he has not yet mastered it. He puts this ability to good use.

8. Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi (Spirited Away) – 2001

Finally, there's Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi, also known as Spirited Away. It is an anime film about a 10-year-old girl named Chihiro Ogino who has recently moved in with her parents. Because Chihiro's parents are greedy, they transform into pigs. Chihiro must take action in order to be able to return his parents. Chihiro must strive for spirits in order for his parents to return to being human. Many tragic events will occur while Chihiro attempts to carry out his responsibilities.

So, there are 8 anime recommendations with sad stories that are ready to drain your tears that I have chosen for you. Before watching it, don’t forget to prepare a tissue. Enjoy crying folks :>

[goldenchains2019]

a blog???

by Daniel De Veyra

Okay, so I'm not really sure what to write here on my first blog because I'm literally not the kind of person who shares my whole thoughts and life stories with the public, but since it's my personal space and it's (kind of) private, I'll go ahead and share my life journey in this quarantine era we have exclusively with you all guys.

First off, let me just tell you that this year has been so far the most boring, lonely, thrilling, exciting, scary, happy, memorable, and whatever other descriptive word there is to think of, this year can't be summed up by a word. It's literally a total roller coaster ride of emotions.

What makes it sad and lonely, though, is that I was not able to be with my family, friends, and classmates. So I'm stuck for almost a year in my house acting like a paralyzed person, and I gained so much weight this year, which I'm not so happy about, by the way.

With this kind of setup, academic was mentally draining and demotivating, but I was thankful for the gift of friends and support I have in me.We still made great bonds online during the class. Shout out to my group chat members. You know, whatever we did, we all know.

Anyway, there was actually a plot twist in the second half of my year. I got employed and started to work full time as a call center agent. Things had changed totally, and I could say that it was the highlight of my year. Thanks to the money I earned, I don't feel broke and sad anymore.

Plus, I get to know more people and have new friends and friends with something. For the first time in my life, I have experienced new things that are far from what I expected. I've gotten to know more and explore myself, get into adventures and out-of-town hangouts, and most especially, I feel more motivated in life.

Anyway, I know my thoughts here are unorganized, but, whatever. Also, I have a missing cat named Daisy. She is white and about 6 months old. If you happen to see her, Please contact me and inform me. I really miss her. So please, guys.

That's it, and thank you. Bye.

[goldenchains2019]

How do you spend your free time? A (not-actually-guide) Guide from a self-proclaimed Jack-of-all-trades

by Renee Allyssa Sagun

Oh wow, how do I start this? As you read from the title, I’ll ask you, what do YOU do you do in your free time? in simpler words, what are your hobbies? For me, well, I have a lot. I don’t want to sound boastful or whatever, but I do consider myself as a jack-of-all-trades, master of none. I even remember my senior high school quote for my yearbook

“A jack-of-all-trades master of none, but too lazy to master one.”

Oh! And just to make things a little enjoyable, I have a Spotify playlist for all the songs I’ll be mentioning in this blog, as well as some links to my works and videos if I have mentioned them!

I’m not going to bore you any longer, here are my hobbies – in no particular order. And who knows, you might want to start any hobbies in my list!

By the way! These are all hyperlinked because I have so much to say with every hobby that I have. So, just simply click on the underlined hobbies and it will take you to another post

Painting and Drawing

Music Listening to music, Singing, and Playing instruments

Dancing

Collecting Albums (mostly from K-pop)

You're done reading all four posts? Welp, sure I have a lot of hobbies and I do them often but then again however, at this point, I don't have much time to find ways to enjoy these hobbies of mine. I don’t think it’s about being lazy to master one, but rather having “too little time to master one.”

[goldenchains2019]

Rating YA Films Because I'm Not Like The Other Girls (But I Am)

by Gwen Stephanie Sumaoang

So, I may or may not have wasted my time watching a bunch of Young Adult/Teen series. Recently, I found joy in watching ridiculous amounts of show that barely have any sense with their storylines and because I like making ratings of every show I watched, this blog will contain how much I’m willing to re-watch most of the Young Adult shows I’ve seen in the later quarter of 2021.

(These ratings are purely based on my own thoughts. Think of me as a version of Ms. Mojo except I actually watched the shows. Short explanations because I don’t want this to be too long, and this is not a formal or academic thing in any way at all. This has been a PSA)

13 Reasons Why: It was interesting, but it didn’t handle all the heavy issues properly. After seeing season 2, it seemed like they didn’t know where to go with the story. Most of the characters are unlikable as well, they attempt to force you into sympathizing with some of them (lol). It’s a show that could be cathartic to others but it’s not for me. (Also, the weird HIV/AIDS storyline… Couldn’t they have researched more on medical advancements before that?) Rewatch? Absolutely not. Unless you strap me down to a chair.

A Series of Unfortunate Events: This show is one of the best ones I’ve seen in a while. Yes, I may be biased because I’ve read the book series thousands of times. Count Olaf may be one of the best on-screen portrayals of a character I’ve seen so far. The Penultimate Peril arc ate the other girls up but no spoilers, babe. The End differs a bit from the book, it answered a lot of the secrets the books left as secrets. I did like it more than I expected, and I’d watch it again. Rewatch? Definitely!

Glee: Listen, I can defend myself. While the show is completely stupid and cannot handle a storyline even if their lives depended on it, it was actually enjoyable for the most part. There aren’t any characters that I find completely likable because they’re all hypocrites (but so am I, so where do I go from here) and none of them have characters that stay true to their values. However, some episodes are worth re-watching [top3 personal picks: Duets (S2 Ep4), Mash-off (S3 Ep6) & Home (S6 Ep2)]. Definitely would watch it when I’m bored and in need of something that doesn’t require thinking. Rewatch? Some specific episodes. Episodes where Finn isn’t present. I hate that man. I will tear him to shreds.

Pretty Little Liars: Amazing story premise, bad execution. Pretty Little Liars is my favorite show of all time. Not because it does well in telling the story but because it’s the opposite. It’s so ridiculous that it makes my headache sometimes but that’s the fun of it. The acting in the show isn’t the best. In fact, I think none of the men in the show can actually act their roles out properly, save for maybe Ezra (creep, felon, jail) or Caleb. Like nearly all early 2010s shows, it handles every sensitive topic poorly. It doesn’t have a good planned out storyline past season 3, it’s a bad mystery, I. Marlene King is a bad writer, everyone has an evil twin somewhere, but that makes it all the fun for me. The dialogues aren’t bad, in fact they’re iconic. Just look at the examples I posted.

Seen it? Have you taken it in? It’s absurd and ridiculous, but ultimately, it’s a slay. Rewatch? I am willing to watch all 160 episodes over and over again.

Ravenswood: Another attempt at mystery by I. Marlene King. Another show that failed at it. This show was so bad it was cancelled in the 10thepisode. It’s a “mystery” but it doesn’t have anything for us to solve at all. The premise is that the town made a deal with the devil but that’s it. There’s nothing deeper in it like the cast finding out and defeating the devil or making the deal void. It just tries to make you believe there’s a story. There is no point in this show and the acting is way worse than PLL. The editing is so funny you can’t take it seriously even when it asks you to do so. A show filled with a lot of things but nothing that can keep you watching it. Rewatch? No, absolutely not. This was boring from start to finish.

Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionist: Can you tell I like the franchise enough to watch the 2 failed spin-offs? This is a sequel to PLL, and it carries out the bad storytelling its predecessor has. This is basically a PLL 2.0 though they’re in college and the one who disappeared is a guy (who exactly acted like Alison). Additionally, there’s an entity called the professor which is basically just A in another form but is less iconic and possibly a flop. In true I. Marlene King Fashion, the show has bad acting. This show is just so bad which is a shame because the idea of having an entirely secluded town with ridiculous expectations on its people is actually interesting. Rewatch? No way. This was cancelled for a reason. If it wasn’t for Janel Parrish (who played Mona) and Sasha Pieterse (who played Alison), this wouldn’t have lasted 3 episodes.

Those are the 6 series’ I finished in the last 4 months of 2021. What did we learn today? We learned that I. Marlene King should not be given anymore power to create shows. I. Marlene King walked so that Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa could run Riverdale. But that’s a conversation for another day because Roberto has possibly the worst ideas of shows. (*cough* Sabrina *cough* Riverdale past season 2 *cough*)

That’s all for this blog! Which shows do you think you could rewatch?

[goldenchains2019]

There are Things We Don’t Recover From, and that’s Okay

by Immaculate Rose Cobong

“Did you ever know that you’re my hero, and everything I would like to be? I can fly higher than an eagle for you are the wind beneath my wings.” A short lyric from the song you always loved to sing and a song that evokes painful yet warm emotions I’d willingly feel in every curve and corner of my being just to remind myself that I have someone I always wanted to be like. Growing up, I have always confided my deepest and even my most embarrassing stories to my favorite person, and you, not even for once, doubted me and told me all of your secrets and your thoughts, which everyone would like to know from someone you hold very close to your heart right? But it’s terrifying to know how someone you love dearly can go from mother to angel in a space of a day.

Nothing prepares us for the overwhelming loss of a loved one regardless of whether it was clear that their time was approaching to an end or it was a complete shock. The anguish that comes with grief is devastating. What’s more is that it doesn’t disappear in a snap. Weeks, months, even years, we are left begging for, “one more moment, one more conversation, one more warm tight hug, one last hello, or one last farewell.” We learn to live with these yearnings and we figure out how to acknowledge that they won’t come true – not in this lifetime.

Ever since we were young, we were always taught that the goal is always closure and resolution, but that is not how it goes for grief. The expressions move on, or go back to normal are misinterpretations of loving somebody who has died. It does not necessarily mean that “recovery” does not have a space in grief. I believe it’s what we are recovering from that needs to be redefined. And as someone who can attest, we can never go back to the normal we had when they were still there. The person who died, the loss, the sorrow – they all just become part of our lives and they significantly change how we live and experience the world. What returns to normal is the intense emotions that we felt during their death, and the days, and weeks following their loss. I believe we recover from the intense emotions, but we don’t recover from grief itself.

The fear of forgetting their voice, the way they talk, the way they smile, the way they laugh, their nagging, their face, the feeling of having someone you can run to and be comforted when everything is hitting rock bottom, and the feeling of having someone who knows you best are constant. Continuous sorrow is normal, not dysfunctional. It is likewise normal to experience grief related musings and emotions every once in a while, because humans are bound to experience the opposite side of the emotional spectrum – not just the warm and blissful.

Although we know that the state of mourning will eventually have to end, we additionally know that we shall stay inconsolable and will never find anything to fill the hollow feeling in the stomach, and the tightness in the chest and throat. Actually, that is how it should be – for as long as the person who died will remain significant to you, grief will remain. And so, grief is one of the things you don’t overcome, but it’s okay.

-

Letter to mama,

Even in the next and the other next lifetime, I’ll find you.

Be it a million years, I will still choose you as my mama.

- Macky

[goldenchains2019]

My Family

by Princess Abegail Carisosa

Growing up, I never had a complete family. They say your family will serve as your first teacher in life, particularly our parents. In my case, they serve as a life lesson for me that if ever one day I’ll get married, I want to marry into a family that loves and treasure me just like how the man I love do.

There isn't a perfect family, but despite my family being imperfect and flawed, it doesn't make me less of a person. My parents gifted me with people whom I can cherish life with, even if my parents are no longer together but the love of a family remains the same for us.

In every struggle I face, as I walk through the path of my journey , they become my strength to continue and to strive harder. Mom, Dad and my siblings serve as my light in every dark moment I went through. They are my cheerleaders in every success. They are my shelter when it rains so hard. They were my everything

My father isn't perfect, he does things that hurt us in the past, but he strives to cope up with the things he failed to do before, he makes sure that he showers us with the same love and attention. Our relationship as father and daughter seems like a friendship that no one can break, that is why I treasure friendship so much because that's what my parents instill in us, even though he has his own family now, he remained friends with my mom, even his wife and my mom are friends. It symbolizes that strange things are not always bad, some may result in unique and beautiful relationships.

We may not come from the same mother and father, but our relationship became stronger because of the values our parents instilled in us. "Families are like branches on a tree, we grow in different directions yet our roots remain as one." We may take different paths as we chase our own dreams, we will always go back to the people that gave birth and loved us since the very beginning.

Over the years, I've learned that it's not where you live that makes you feel at home; it's who you're surrounded by.

[goldenchains2019]

Ma. Joneila Laruya's compilation of blogposts

poem #1

a spontaneous song-like piece

poem #2

love poems of a non-romantic

paragraph (drabble about her cats)

[goldenchains2019]

paragraph

by Joniela Laruya

Meow! I often tell every people I’m comfortable with that when you want to practice your patience, adopt a cat, or have a cat. Because cats do always test your patience, and most of the time, they will always ignore you, but demands the most – food, affection, whatever you can think.

In my case, I’ve been a cat lover maybe since I was born, because I still remember, I had my very first cat when I was four, it was a ginger cat which I named “Mingkay” yeah, very creative right? HAHAHAHA so since then, I’ve been fond of cats and I don’t know, I learned to understand them. And I have this kind of behavior where every single time I see cats, I would always approach them and give them a hug and ponder if I can bring them to our house.

I already owned a lot of cats (including those who were dead already and who just left our house), but currently, I have 6 and waiting for another batch because two of my cats are pregnant (gosh). But yes, that’s enough, so here are some of my cats which boosts me whenever I am sad or alone. Hehe! I love them so much! <333

---

[goldenchains2019]

poem #2

by Joniela Laruya

And yes! Though I am not a romance enthusiast myself, but still, I do get inspirations from the genuine love surrounding me <33 yipiie!

---

[goldenchains2019]

poem #1

by Ma. Joneila Laruya

Hello, everyone! We’ve gone through a lot especially in this pandemic, and as a literary enthusiast myself, I wrote a very spontaneous piece which is structured like a song. But nah, I don’t have any plans of putting any tune in it. Let it stay what it is. So, here hehe please don’t judge me.

Things may be rough as sand,

Still, life's gonna be tough as your head bangs to the band.

Darkness may eat the whole and lonely you,

but, let your voice to be the light, shining with hue.

I may face these overwhelming walls of insecurities,

I may carry these heavy sacks of uncertainties,

My thoughts may weigh like an enormous entity,

but life's gonna be like that, just sing with me.

We go through some things that may be just a peck of light,

or chased by wild dogs of happenings that may bite.

But friend, together, let's be lost in other's sight,

Let's follow our heart to the green wilderness of might.

Let me take note, there may be times like these:

You try to wreck those wall of boundaries,

Opening up your wounds to others covered with uncertainties.

But instead of comforting you with kind words,

You were surprised with a sharp knife of mockery,

And you found yourself bleeding...

releasing a silent mourn of regret.

Tsk tsk tsk, it should not be like that, but rather:

Let's forget the past sizzling tortures,

instead, let's walk to the wide comforting pasture.

Forget what other's say that we don't matter,

because, girl, in your eyes, I see the world to be better.

Now, the chilly wind, slowly resonating my skin,

In this hot, fine sand; here, my pace can be seen.

These footprints which are heavy as a lion,

are perfectly symmetrical for my determination and passion,

and life's gonna be like that, just sing with me.

We go through some things that may be just a peck of light,

or chased by wild dogs of happenings that may bite.

But friend, together, let's be lost in other's sight,

Let's follow our heart to the green wilderness of might.

---

[goldenchains2019]

Capturing Beauty

by Jowealth Nuñeza

It has always been a hobby to me to take photos of scenery, people, events, and even of myself. Photography is that one thing that I will always answer whenever someone asks me what my favorite hobby is.

It all started when I realized that I want to treasure beautiful sceneries, capture moments in candid, and cherish them as time goes by. The calming view of the skies, the astonishing rising of the sun, and its mesmerizing sunset filled my camera roll. It reminds me of a new beginning and it also reminds me that endings are not always sad and some endings are beautiful.

Through photography, my patience got developed as I have to wait for the right moment to capture that one specific frame that could not be faked. It takes so many clicks of the camera for me to be satisfied. I know it is tiring, however, the satisfaction that I get from one single photograph pays it all.

I have been to many places already. As they say, leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but pictures, so I did! Photography allows me to keep a memory of the places that I went to. These places are part of my journey already and capturing the scenery is a must to me. It brings back the time and the feeling of being in that specific place as I take a look on my photographs.

In life, things may not go well as how we imagined it to be. However, this does not defeat the happiness we can find on little things. These little things that give happiness are worthy of capturing. Whatever the size is, as long as it gives happiness, I do not fail to take a photo of it. This will also remind me that my happiness is not defined in one specific measurement only.

At the same time, my love for photography evolved as the years go by. Due to the influence of watching TV shows and online videos, I have developed a love for portrait shots. I love seeing people wearing their beautiful smiles or enticing fierce look which makes them high-fashioned. The people I get to work with say that they are not photo-worthy, but as a photography enthusiast, I see a different beauty and anyone is photo-worthy. What makes a person beautiful and photo-worthy is their differences and unique features. So, if you are hesitant to take pictures of yourself, strike a pose, wear that beautiful genuine smile or bring out that inner eye-piercing fierce look of yours.

As other people say, my eyes are like a lens of a camera, it can identify what needs to work on and how it would come out as a great photograph. So, my advice for those who want to start photography, look on things as if you are taking a photo of them within a frame, try to see things on a different perspective and on different angles, know the basics of photography until you master it, and then break the norms. Nevertheless, no camera can capture the real beauty of what we see in reality.