#hannahomengandiary

[hannahomengan]

091417

Hey, I’m okay.

I hope you are too.

[hannahomengan]

The Past Few Months in Film

I know I haven’t been around in a while and I just always seem to make up for the absence with photos, but what can I do? It’s the easiest way for me to let you guys know what’s been going on. And also, it makes me type less, you know? I’m sure you don’t want to be reading a lengthy text post, too.

APRIL:

Catch up dinner with Elaine

MAY:

Last-minute invite from the cousins to go out for some drinks to rant out a lot of our feelings

Our Lola’s birthday dinner at the Omengan old house

JUNE:

Eliel

Third month at European Chamber of Commerce with Dana and Elana

JULY:

The TRX training continues with Stephen

Impromptu photo walk adventures with Drix and Niq

xx,

Hannah

[hannahomengan]

063017

I remember someone telling me this during one of my bad days and it has stuck with me ever since. Often times it’s those little things that people say and/or do at the right time, when you needed it most, that stays with you.

I cannot stress enough how this simple phrase has gotten me through the worst attacks and breakdowns. It rings in my head over and over again. And as cliche as it may sound, things do turn out okay in the end.

For anyone going through hardships right now, if no one has said this to you, let me be the one to say it--everything is going to be okay.

Stay strong, trooper.

[hannahomengan]

Thank you, 2016.

It’s a bit soon to bid farewell to the year but I do want to acknowledge the fact that it’s been an amazing one. My strongest and happiest one, so far. 

This time last year, I was probably at my lowest from taking all the punches that life could possibly throw at me. And so I packed my bags and flew to the city I love most and made a promise that in 2016, I will do everything for me. I will do anything for my happiness. And I am so grateful that I held on to that promise and put myself first before anyone else. You can only give and do so much for others until you finally realise that that’s it. It was finally time to be selfish.

This year, I was very lucky to have visited new countries, new cities, and met new people--some I would like to keep, others that I would like to leave in the same year because I’ve learned to let go of the fear of losing people in my life. Quality over quantity.

You can’t always be the one who gives and understands the other person. Every relationship or friendship needs to have two people being on the same side and working hard to keep it that way. It can’t always be you trying to be the patient one or always the one making an effort to keep the whole thing going. That’s just not fair on your part. Imagine the amount of energy you’re exerting towards a relationship with someone who’s heart is not in it all the way.

You have so much good in you to give to others who actually want and deserve it. So find them. And don’t ever stay because of familiarity. Sometimes, leaving that place can do so much more for you than holding your spot over something uncertain.

xx

[hannahomengan]

"Why do you shoot with film?”

That’s probably the most asked question I got over the past couple of months apart from “Kamusta lovelife mo?” Ha.

Luckily, with the former question I have a few answers to give. On the latter, I learned from a friend I made in Europe that “less talk, less mistakes.” So I’m just going to keep my mouth shut regarding my lovelife. BUT CAN I JUST SAY, the less you post about it on social media, the better. *wink wink nudge nudge*

Anyway, back to the primary reason of this blogpost.

Why film?

There’s something about taking photos with film that I like so much. For one, you get the photo as it is. No room for post-editing, unless you get it processed and scanned on digital format (which I usually do first before having them printed out). Second, I like how I can’t see the photo I just took. We’ve taken digital photography for granted that we just aimlessly shoot and have no time to really compose a picture before taking it. I like how I have to think about the photo composition before pressing that shutter. 

Another, it gets very exciting for me when I finish a roll or two and bring them to the photo store for processing. I wait for about a week or sometimes less before I get that text message saying my photos are ready for pick-up. And lastly, I like how film photos are permanent. I like permanent things. I like it when something I love stays for good. Something I can keep with me for a very long time.

xx,

Hannah

[hannahomengan]

Chapter 23: Page 1 of 365.

[hannahomengan]

061716

“Ang sad lang kasi alam mo yung willing ka maging understanding and patient pero he wouldn’t give himself a chance to find that in me. Ang hirap pa kasi parang lumabas na kalaban ko yung future niya.”

“Han, mahirap yung kalaban mo yung dreams niya.“

And then I ugly cried in the car.

[hannahomengan]

November: Birth Month

I’ve recently come back from a trip to Tokyo (surprise, surprise. nattt) and I already miss it. Although let’s be real, missing Tokyo or Japan in general is like a constant feeling for me now. All year round.

First of all, the trip was completely sponsored. My parents didn’t shell out any money out of their pockets; just my allowance--which surprisingly, I didn’t make a dent on. I HARDLY BOUGHT ANYTHING FOR MYSELF. *pats self on back*

Second, there are barely any photos I can share during the trip because.. for once I took more time in enjoying the moments rather than pulling out my camera from my bag and take photos every single time. I’m quite sad about this one though because I just bought my XT10 a new prime lens specifically for this trip. *boo* I still have a few to share, but there won’t be any bulk of blog posts coming through unlike my previous trips.

Third, this was my shortest visit I ever did. Stayed only for FIVE days in the city. I usually go for SEVEN DAYS. On the minimum. And this is also the first time I ever stayed at a hotel! I always stay at my friend’s flat so...

Lastly, I was lucky enough to start my birth month on my favorite city during my favorite season.

I’ll get into sorting things out and see if I can make another blog post about the trip. But for now, this is pretty much it.

xx,

Hannah