Moors of Me

Do I still catch your eye?

[moorsofme]

#WithRefugees

I don't usually write long messages, but this is something that is very important to me - "for a more humane humanity".

2016 was a hard year for me to watch the news regularly. I couldn't believe how crazy the world has gotten, not only overseas, but in my very own country.

I especially couldn't get the faces of the children in Syria out of my head. I kept asking myself "What can I do? How can I help?" I felt completely useless, staring at my laptop screen.

Today, I decided to take action. Through the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), I was able to donate 700php. This might not seem like a lot, but it can make a big difference to a family in need of shelter and medicine. The UNHCR helps provide necessities to displaced families in Aleppo - families devastated by the perils of war. I've gotten my family on board, so that each month we can donate this amount. Since I can't physically be there to help, I want to support organizations who CAN by giving them financial aid.

It is a new year - a time for a fresh start. Let's help that beginning for the families in Aleppo. Email [email protected] for more information.

Sign the petition: http://www.unhcr.org/refugeeday/ Donate: Account Name: UNHCR Philippines Banco de Oro Savings Account: 5340067468 Bank of the Philippine Islands Savings Account: 2973005998 Metrobank Savings Account: 6073607130990

#WithRefugees

[moorsofme]

First gig of the year with TheSunManager, and it felt amazing. I have such hope in my heart for 2017. It’s gonna be a great year for local Filipino music!

(c) Andrew Gregory Nacilla Son (@AndrewMHDLAA)

[moorsofme]

Man was not born to live in a concrete cage. Break the walls, before it is too late.

[moorsofme]

Blessings may be shy creatures.

-Mel Ferrer (@mamamelf)

[moorsofme]

2016

[moorsofme]

Things I Learned in 2016

1. Saying "yes" opens up a lot of doors. Don't be afraid to take a leap out into the wilderness. 

2. Lemon water is literally the cure for E V E R Y T H I N G.

3. Let meditation and (even yoga) become part of your lifestyle. Do this if you have inner demons/voices/hurts that just cannot be purged through vices. It is a shower for the soul.

4. Be there for your friends, especially for the big things - like graduations and birthdays. Investing time towards someone is how I show love.

5. Put your cameras down at concerts and enjoy the ACTUAL MOMENT. You'll never feel this young/alive again.

6. Any day could be your last. A split decision can save your life. Treat everyday as a blessing.

7. Paying for music and movies feels good and it is RIGHT. Stop torrenting. I've subscribed to Spotify Premium, iFlix, and buy music on iTunes. Never have I ever regretted it.

8. Teaching is truly a noble profession. I've spent the last few months of my year losing sleep over lesson plans and losing my mind over the checkables. But it's all worth it - the students are worth it.

9. Time can heal even the deepest of wounds. Letting go of lovers and even friends is OKAY. Sometimes we are only meant to pass into each others' lives for a moment in time - not forever.

10. You know I love a challenge, so take a book challenge!!! They get super productive results out of me - I've read 17 (legit) books in 2016.

11. Support local cinema! This year's MMFF had an amazing lineup of movies and their successes make me excited for 2017. I look forward to even more socially relevant, political, and historical screenplays.

12. Even if you've got school or work deadlines - if a friend calls you in the middle of the night and needs you, give him/her your time and full attention. Be the friend you promised you'd be.

13. Cook. Cook. Bake. Cook. Control what you put inside your body. It has been SO therapeutic for me. You get a good life skill AND make people happy by sharing. :)

14. Don't forget to treat your siblings just as good as you would your friends. I forget that, sometimes. Feelings should not be set aside.

15. TAKE CARE OF YOUR TEETH GUYS. Brush. Gargle. Floss. Scrape. Dad has dentures now and oh my god I do not want that future. He's struggling with it. (sorry Papa haha mwa)

16. College goes by so fast. I had the best years of my life in UP (both LB and Diliman)- and I'm sad they're at an end. ENJOY IT, KIDS. You only come out stronger and wiser.

Special mention to my parents who have supported me emotionally and financially throughout all my years studying (roughly 19 years). I can't wait to hand you my diploma in 2017!

To everyone reading: THANK YOU, SALAMAT, & DANKE FOR EVERYTHING. 2017 will be scary but hey, let's face it with our chins up high and hopeful hearts on our sleeves.

[moorsofme]

Sometimes I wish I could repaint the world. Perhaps then, you could see what I see.

[moorsofme]

Ladders are not always climbed, and so they are forgotten.

[moorsofme]

song links are better than flowers

Mel Ferrer (@mamamelf)