​

I was so honoured when Jocel messaged me and asked if I wanted to be Ninang! I remember back when Jocel and Leo were still dating and I joked with them how I must be Ninang for their first son! It's awesome that joke became true! Hahaha! I still can't believe that one of my bestest friends now has a kid. Luke is such a ball of light and happiness for everyone! I can't wait for the group (Jocel, Rox, K-ann, and I) to get together soon and all mush over Luke. Haha.

It was a great celebration (obviously). The picture taking did take longer than the actual baptism though.... HAHA. 

You know how a lot of geeks have this one story of what "saved" them? Well, Overwatch is mine (Together with Lego). I have never loved a game this much. I have never allowed a game to consume my life this way (in a healthy manner, of course). I thought Crash Bandicoot & Call of Duty were my addictions. I was so wrong. Overwatch definitely takes up more than 50% of my thoughts. If I could only live and breathe this game, I would... Hahaha. 

Anyways, it's been 3 years and i felt like it was time to make a lengthy and "profound" post about the game that saved me from depression, anxiety, and hopelessness. Cool, huh? A game can actually create awesome impact in a person's life.  

Back then, when I started Overwatch, I was in a major funk. I had no idea who my friends were. I was spiralling down into depression. I hated my job. I had no clue what I was meant to be doing with my life. I got the game because I saw Bastion and I fell in love with her. Next thing, I know, I had new friends. Strangers became friends because we would talk about Overwatch all the time. I had something to go home too. Today, I gained a best friend because of the game. I'm invited to the wedding of one of my Overwatch friends. The list goes on. 

So, there's a song by Nerdout! called "Be The Hero". It goes, "Earn your place up on the posters. Just one man and his controller. Be the hero that you are, put the world up on your shoulders." Thing is, a lot of us find a lot of answers through our games (or anything under our geek culture). We fall in love with our characters because of their stories. We choose our mains because for a bit of time, we are heroes. For a tiny bit of time, within the 24 hours of the day, we mean more than we think we do. The thing about Overwatch is the game is really about teamwork. So, when your team realizes they can depend on you as a support / healer, you have some sort of purpose. I guess, this opened up my mind about a lot of other things and eventually, things fell in to place. Deep huh? 

Overwatch is now part of me, just like the millions of players who have found some kind of meaning through the game. No, I'm not a pro-player with the game. I don't have a gaming channel, but damn, this game gave me A LIFE. It gave me experiences that are irreplaceable. It has created memories that remind me how awesome life is. Yes, the game can be salty and toxic, but when you're playing with people who love it as much as you? It's ALL good. 

After 3 years, I've collected a whole bunch of Overwatch stuff because yup, Overwatch is part of who I am. D.VA is the gamer girl in me. Lucio is the hopeful support in me. Junkrat is the naughty and rowdy side of me. Yah, through these characters that I love so much, I become my own little hero - and i most definitely believe it, because I can play them damn well. I can defend, support, and attack with everything in me. In real life, same thing. 

​Thanks, Blizzard. 
​
Here's to 3 years of Overwatch! *cling clang* 

The 1 day of the year when JC and I cancel all our plans because we're ready to hunt and be total fan girls. Haha. It's also the time of the year where our designer brains make good points and we dream of how we can make things better for these guys. Advertising wise. Haha. It's all for fun and we're good with that. 

We don't really join all the special events if we're not 100% passionate about the topic or speaker, and that's because we're not willing to spend a cent just to see someone famous. We're happy to roam around appreciating all the cosplayers and admiring all the fan art done by the concept artists. This year was good. I can't wait for next year! 

We didn't stay for the entire Day 2 because there's really only so much you can do, but we did have fun at the Netflix booth. We particularly enjoyed all the good looking men walking around and talking to us... Hahaha - even if it's their job to do that... Hahahaha. We tried to take sneaky photos of them! 

I didn't have a whole bunch of funds for this year, so I had to choose wisely. Haha. But i did find interesting stickers and prints that I reaally wanted! They were all at affordable prices and to be honest, I would have paid a bit more for them because I understand the passion and hard work that goes into creating these works. Respect to them and I really hope their artworks get noticed more! I particularly love love love the ones I purchased because of the style! They're clean and beautifully done! Good job, guys! 

Today, I finally colored my hair all red! Haha. I can't wait for it to fade a little bit so it's not so strong, but yah! I did it! Woot!!!! <3 

I admit, there's another side into the story. I've been working on a few things and yah, it's slow but I'm happy there's progress. Also, I've realized a couple of things and I'm starting to accept it. Well... I'm grasping my life in totality and I need to stop fighting the truth. It's more peaceful that way. 

So, I did something I've been wanting to do and I feel more confident. I like that. It's something I miss feeling! Yay! Here's to good times! Can't wait for more! 

Kyle (my Creative Director + boss) took Ron and I out for lunch at Elbert. It's this really fancy steak house and I felt super under dressed.... Hahaha. Anyways, it was a good lunch. Kyle asked Ron and I how we were and all. We opened up about some concerns, but nothing we can't change. Other than the delicious meal, the conversations were good and hopeful. After lunch, it was time for the 1-on-1s and this was when I opened up to Kyle about my status at Gobo. I've only been with his company for roughly 5 months, so there are still so much to learn (especially the culture of the company), however, I am proud to say that I'm adapting quite well. I've hit a few bumps here and there, but I knew I had to fix those or my experience with Gobo will be awful - that's something I really do not want. 

Okay, so the evaluation was good and fair. I felt the concern and care on my bosses end. I felt safe to speak up and really voice out my concerns. I felt appreciated and respected. When he brought up the things I needed to work on, he did it in a way that was very respectful and professional. It was very easy to understand where we was coming from and I like that because I did feel like I can bring up some issues with him. He expounded on things and I also appreciated that. It gave me a better understanding on how to approach things without coming out like a know it all or snob. So, in short, I appreciate my boss for being kind.

This 1-on-1 made me see what kind of company I'm part of and I like it. No, I LOVE IT. I'm proud of how they built this company despite the short-comings Kyle stated. Over-all, the experience is good and I hope I can be better and offer more help. 

The past weeks have been a little tough for me, so I'm glad this conversation happened. It arrived at the right time. I hope I can improve and find my place in the company.

Another memorable shoot with my workmates + production house! This was the first time I was actually active during a shoot so, it was exciting for me. Haha. I was able to place my input and help direct the sets. I'm proud of myself. Haha. I particularly enjoyed the company, actually. I didn't feel bored or useless! Hohoho! Congratulations to us, my friends! We did an awesome job! 

To be honest, I was really nervous because... you know... Messi. But this game was so intense and the experience was awesome! I'm so glad I stayed up for this game! <3 Go France!!! 

Mel is back in town so we decided to have a mini vacation in Fran's beach house. It's like time never changed us. Of course, we're more mature and we talk about adult stuff, but we're still loud and funny. We still laugh at the most babaw things! I love that. 

On the way home, we passed by our high school, so we took a photo in front. Hahaha! This is where we met and got close. This was where out friendship was tested many many times. This is where we cried, fought, and made up. 

I'm treating this like a milestone because it's been a long time since I've obsessed over a game - a game where "love" is sort of an understatement. Hahaha. 

I headed over to Big Boys Festival Mall to pic-up my pre-order. When I saw Junkrat, I couldn't contain my happiness. I kept thanking the saleslady and had to explain to her why I was ecstatic. HAHA! It was so exciting to finally hold Junkrat! I couldn't wait to go home and take a photo of all 3 heroes because having all of 3 in my arms felt like a dream. 

I ended up purchasing Zenyatta because I really enjoy playing the Support Heroes because I get to keep my teammates alive. It's already an instinct for me to check the health of my teammates and stratigize according to their gameplay. 
​GO SUPPORTS! <3  

The day Lego released this modular building, I knew I just had to get it, but I also knew it was going to be very expensive. I would have to save up and make sure I wouldn't go through some sort of financial crisis. Haha. It took long for me to purchase this set, but it was so worth it! 

My 30th birthday came around and I told myself I would buy it for myself. It was going to be the BIG 3-0 splurge! I walked into the store and bought it with no hesitation because deep inside, I knew I needed this set in my life. I've waited for a long time! 

Why I say this set was worth spending on because, not only does it looks amazing and beautiful, the details are fantastic.

Look at this beautiful piece of craftsmanship! 

This brings back so many memories! I had to get this set because I grew up loving this game and wished they would bring it back - AND THEY DID! <3 I pre-ordered it without hesitation. Haha.