My Biggest Style Inspiration

       Your sense of style is something that always changes. As you grow older, you learn to love or hate new fashion trends and change your style completely. As I say time and time again, it is something that is solely up to you. It is never constant and is always changing.

       However, most people have a difficult time in finding their own comfortable sense of style. They have a hard time finding what their style preferences and result into just throwing on clothes that they may not really be appealing to their own sense of style.

      Growing up, I was in the same situation and just wore whatever without thinking twice about it because I did not know what I preferred in terms of style. Over time, I found my own sense of style through looking for style inspiration. Even if I believe that what you choose to wear should be completely you, there is nothing wrong with taking inspiration from other people.

      When I am in a style rut, I love to go on social media sites such as YouTube and Instagram to look at how people style their outfits. One of my favorite YouTubers and biggest style inspiration is a girl named Karen from the YouTube channel, Iamkareno. I feel as if she is my soulmate when it comes to fashion. Whenever I am uncertain about what how to wear a certain clothing piece, she is the first person that comes to mind to see how she styles that clothing piece.

     Her videos are very artistic and unique. She is definitely someone I recommend watching if you love videos that are aesthetic and informative.

       Even if she is my style inspiration, I always make sure that whatever I decide to take inspiration from her is something I really would want to wear and not just to imitate. I cannot express enough that it is important to always be yourself.

     I always talk about self-confidence and being true to yourself and I will tell you that again. Never forget that fashion is for YOU and not anybody else so have fun and enjoy it.

     Happy Styling!

    -Sofia Tan

Archery: It's a Mind Game

Copyright: Seven Bueno

By: Seven Bueno

There is something more than just the typical sports you play on the streets, or on the fields and country clubs...

Archery.

The sport is well known as a hunting game or sometimes a show like Robin Hood. I myself am an archer, and I fell in love with the beauty and discipline of the sport.

Unlike basketball and football, archery is a non-contact sport. Other than that, it also doesn't require much movement. It is purely the concentration of your energy and power on your mind, your arms, your eyes, and your back.

It is purely discipline. Practice day and night, not only through physical activities, but also through mental toughness. Competitions aren't really just for stamina. Archery shoot-offs are also intense and the archers themselves are put under much pressure.

Copyright: Geoffrey Divino

Why enhance mental toughness? If you are pressured in a competition, your heartbeat pounds faster. When you have a faster pulse, your arms shake while aiming and eyesight becomes blurry. Therefore, mental toughness is a big thing in archery.

My experience in archery was quite fun. I started off as a member of the Manila Archery Center, then represented the Philippines in the Philippine Thailand Archery Friendly Cup and brought home silver in my division, then currently a representative of the city of Makati in the Regional Meet of the the Philippines (aka Palarong Pangrehiyon ng NCR).

Do I aim to be part of the Olympics someday? Why not!?! Although I am far away from the Olympics, and Southeast Asian games, I do believe that with a lot of training, someday it can be possible.

Anyways, it's really just in the brain.

Copyright: Seven Bueno

I've gone through several coaches of different nationalities. All they tell me? "It's just in the head!" or "Nasa isip mo lang yan!" or "ilgo!" and even "tête dans le jeu". Whatever language it is, or whatever challenge you face, push through it and think positive. That's one of the life lessons I've learned in archery.

Archery? It's truly a mind game.

Abra and Mountain Province become Hotspots

by Julia Belleza

Copyrights to De Jesus, Julliane Love of Philippine Inquirer
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/745786/pnp-identifies-6-elections-hotspots

Copyrights to Penarodendo, Ernie of Philippine Star
PNP chief Director General Ricardo Marquez
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2015/12/08/1530175/pnp-validating-possible-poll-hotspots

Many areas of concern in the Philippines are being kept at close watch by the Philippine National Police or PNP because of the upcoming elections this May. According to PNP chief Director General Ricardo Marquez, the initial list created by both the PNP and the AFP, Armed Forces of the Philippines include: Pangasinan, Masbate, Negros Oriental, Western Samar, Maguindanao, and Lanao del Sur. An area can be considered an "election hotspot" when four things can be found:

1. A history of intense partisan political rivalry.

2. Incidents in the past being either politically-motivated, incidents which happen before the campaign period, or election-related, incidents which happen during the election period.

3. Presence of threat groups such as Abu Sayyaf Group, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, and private army groups.

4. A sudden increase of firearms

File Photo http://www.philstar.com/nation/2015/12/09/1530537/6-provinces-eyed-poll-hotspots

In these election watchlist areas or EWAS personnel, resources, and logistics will be doubled to ensure safety for the people. Even with the elections being 2 months away, both parties look for other regions and towns they may have overlooked. Recent additions such as Abra and Mountain Province are one of them.

An election officer named Ricardo Lampac said that its cause are possible incidents which can occur because of the political rivalry between Mayor Gabino Ganggangan, a former official of the Cordillera People's Liberation Army and Jose Limmayog, a former director of the National Bureau of Investigation for the position of Mayor

The towns Paracelis and Sadanga in Mountain Province had been subjects of election-related violence. In 2011, a precinct count optical scan machine was destroyed; and, in year 2013 a school where voting was being held was burned down in Paracelis. Though no election-related violence has been reported in Abra, it is possible that if an incident were to occur, the province would be affected because of how close the two are geographically. The main reason for Abra's being one of the hotspots is its need for assistance in case of complaints or of political rivalries.

Even though Mountain Province has only 2 of the 4 things mentioned for election hotspots, they should not be taken lightly. Taking part in politics is a dangerous and potentially fatal decision. With so many parties and opinions to take into consideration, one misstep can lead to a controversy. I feel as if it shouldn't just be those deemed as election hotspots or EWAS to have more security and personnel looking over the voting but in all regions.

It may be costly in regards to the salaries which have to be paid but it would promote more honest and open elections and campaigning.

My Love for traveling

By: Rod Benjamin J. Buñag

Photo by: Rod Benjamin Buñag

Photo by: Rod Benjamin Buñag

    Traveling to me is a very big deal, from the fact that it connects me with my loved ones, when my family and I are at home everyone is just too busy with their own problems and work. I am someone who loves spending time with people and traveling helps me attain that. This trip was very unusual due to that we used to go visit every year during the summer but stopped for more than 5 years ago. It was the trip where I gained 10 pounds while losing all the muscle mass I had gained, in other words very very bad things. This is from skipping out my diet, eating the food they served there, and being without any modes of exercise created this situation.

Photo by: Rod Benjamin Buñag

    My family and I just recently went on a travel last christmas break to California, Los Angeles which was a very fun and happy time for all of us. We all had no worries and just kept a smile on for the most of it. Since we're different individuals we couldn't help but fighting with each other at certain points. Though I believed it helped us create a deeper and more meaningful bond together. We spent the entire trip with another family, whom we have known for longer than 17 years even before I was in this world. Though I've been here countless times, this will be the trip that I'll never forget. That it started my year with a new and reformed bond with my family and I.

Photo by: Rod Benjamin Buñag

Photo by: Rod Benjamin Buñag

Photo by: Rod Benjamin Buñag

    Our trip took us to Carson in Los Angeles which we spent most our time in outlets, malls, sightseeing and restaurants to shop and such. We went to see a beautiful museum of art at Lacma, of a great number of people. All the art they had was breath taking. Then we went to Mountain High at one point, which is a ski resort but we came late so we didn't have any time to ski. Which got me really sad, since I wanted to experience gliding through layers of snow. On the bright side I saw snow for the first time or the first time I would remember, but it wouldn't be the last. Then off we went to the Grand Canyon, which was freezing even though I have this thick coat on the whole time. That is saying something from someones who loves the cold with passion. We then head off to the Hoover Dam the next day, which is a iconic dam that has been featured in many films my favorite one being Transformers. It was breathtaking seeing such a scene of a combination of natural formation and man made structures. This begins the nearing of the conclusion of the story I am telling you. Sin city is next on the itinerary of traveling to, where we spend our New Years. Where I create a promise to myself that this is my year and I'll make sure of it. Though I skimmed through many details of my travel my point is that you have to be the one to add your goal and to attain whether it may on a trip or life.

    We get back from America tired, fat and sweaty since we aren't used to the weather in the Philippines anymore. I believe this is if not the best, then top trips I have been in. Due to the mere fact the we came back a new family, new mindsets and more importantly we came home safe. My reason again for loving traveling with a burning passion is cause I of the memories I create with my family that usually I wouldn't be able to have.

My Weekend Adventures

By: Rod Benjamin J. Buñag

Copyright: Rod Benjamin Buñag

    My weekend is always filled with a new surprise or unexpected call from my best friends, I have the best memories these times as well as create inseparable bonds with them. In my weekends I would be up to my usual routine of waking up, going to gym then school work but in the middle of the day get a text from one of them. The text reads out, "Plans for today?" when I read it I know we are gonna a great time already.

    From these experiences I have came up with the conclusion that unexpected plans create the most memorable moments. No matter  the fact of how tired I am, I'm still enjoying and just going where ever.

Copyright Rod Benjamin Buñag

    Our adventures go from random food trips, road trips, staying at my place and just opening up with each other and just talking, playing video games the whole day or even the most random things. As the saying goes, "Whatever floats your boat" in our case the boat is our fun and whats keeps it floating are the adventures we go off to. Though our adventures don't go always unplanned, but there are times where there is a surprise, an occasion or just a set date. Times such as where we are go off a week to Camsur Watersport Complex in Bicol, or having dinner after school. While I don't only travel to different places, I go to a different world occasionally. When I mean by this a world of video games though it may sound childish but it feels the same as all my other adventures. Though we aren't physically together, we are mentally there through a call and talking through the midnight oil. The feeling of enjoyment, forgetting all your worries, and having the company of your best friends. I can say without a doubt those are one of the things I always look forward to.

    Moments like these create bonds with people that you wouldn't usually have. There are times where you would support your friends no matter their choice or problem nor how big or small. Recently I had one of my best friends finally able to go after his dream. Last March 5, 2016 he competed for a drift competition. Though I wasn't able to support him by my presence since it was my birthday my prayers and thoughts were with him the whole time. 

Copyright: Josh Arevalo

    These adventures aren't merely just with friends anymore, they have become a part of life, they have become family to me. Though I have many more years to enjoy and experience I hope for it to be with them. I urge you to have your own little adventures whether it may be with yourself or with your friends. Life is short and you should make the most out of it. 

Food Trip in the Night of Manila

    In the night of Manila there are many restaurants open waiting for you to dine in. Some are very discreet; while, others are very inviting when you walk by their entrance. I am someone who loves food as much as I love my mother. That is a love that will never fade away.

    In times like these, I would find people to have these memories with. If you are the same, I recommend calling your BFF's, "barkadas", boyfriend/girlfriend, or anyone you want to spend time with really. This would be the perfect time to unwind from stress and have a date with yourself and enjoy the food.

Photo by: Tinap Atienza

Photo by: Tinaps Atienza

    There are many hidden restaurants that are open many aren't as aesthetically pleasing to eat at, but when you take a bite you wonder how this is so good. My top pick for hidden restaurants or "carenderia" (home made food) style would be, "Kanto Freestyle" a 24/7 restaurant which is literally is on a "kanto" (side of the street) and freestyle for being able to order anything on the menu. When first my friends brought me here, first thing that came up is "Where am I?" as i didn't expect this place to have food this amazing. It really lets you concentrate on the food instead of how nice a place is, I think it really should be like this that their food is the main attraction. Great presentation of the food and very clean despite the location, would definitely recommend to try it out. If you do decide to try it this is the address and contact number, 549 San Joaquin St., Mandaluyong City; 4002268. 

Photo by: Rod Benjamin Buñag

Photo by: Rod Benjamin Buñag

     Another worthy mention for a different type of restaurant is my personal favorite is Prime 101, which is known for their steak. Which I may say is truly the highlight of the night when you eat there. This is the best steak I have had in the country and even give generous servings to all their dishes. It can be found at the 2nd Floor Ziebarct Building, 2226 Chino Roces Ave, Makati, 1233 Metro Manila. Their contact number is (02) 720 8674. They are open from 11 am to 2 pm, and 5:30 pm to 11:30 pm.

I have spoken to the owner personally to praise his restaurants food and he mentioned that they do not spend for advertisements. The reason for this being that he believes the food will speak for them and be recommended by those who eat there. Coincidentally, this was how I knew about this restaurant and furniture shop. Yes, it is a furniture store as well. They change their interior regularly to suit whichever reservation they have. Everything can be customized from furniture to the cocktails and food served. The venue also doubles as a showroom as you can purchase furniture while waiting for your food.

The two dishes that have become my routine order are (1) the steak that is fed gummy bears before being cooked, which I still don't believe, and (2) the fried chocolate cake in a caramel basket, which is just heavenly.

A Little Bit of Advice

         If you have not figured it out, I have my own sense of style. I guess you can say that I am very adventurous with fashion. I love trying new things and new styles that most people would find a little more out there and combine them in my own way.

Copyright: Sofia Tan

Copyright: Sofia Tan

          From sporting some crazy statement socks to fun graphic tees that have weird sayings, Like I have said time and time again, I wear whatever I feel even if some people look at me funny for it since I use fashion as a form of expression.   

           

A lot of people I know I feel the same way about fashion but tend to not fully express themselves because of the fear of other people. They are afraid to be judged by others based on what they will wear and cause other people to talk behind their back because sometimes, dressing differently and adventurously causes some heads to turn and may make other people to judge you. This can lower yourself esteem and can affect your attitude towards fashion. 

Copyright: Sofia Tan

         I myself had a fair share of people looking at me from head to toe with a judgmental looking stare and at times this can make me self conscious. 

         It is sometimes discouraging. However, I highly advice for anyone to dress however they want to dress and not let anyone dictate how you can and cannot dress. Fashion is a form of self-expression and dressing to please other people is suppression of that form of self-expression. It is important that you are able to be completely yourself to the fullest.

Copyright: Gianne Tan

         Even if it may be difficult, you should not let anyone's looks, stares or judgment affect your sense of style. They just have a different outlook on fashion from you and maybe the way they disagree with how you dress is not the nicest way, you should try to not let it affect you.

         After all, most of the people who judge you are people who are complete strangers who you may never see again. Why should you let them affect you and your self-esteem?

         Always remember to wear whatever you want no matter what. Even with other people watching, looking at you or judging you. At first, it may feel a little weird. You will feel self conscious or vulnerable but you are facing that fear of judgment from others and eventually just have self confidence to wear whatever you want.

          Just be yourself and the rest will follow right behind you. That is all I have for now but to whoever is reading, I hope you enjoy the rest of your day and be able to wear whatever you want confidently!

- Sofia Tan