1. Never hate.
2. Live simply.
3. Expect a little.
4. Give a lot.
5. Always smile.
6. Live with love.
7. Be with God.

“Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence”

     What do we really mean by happiness? Many have been asking the same question for a thousand years now. Happiness doesn’t really need to have just one meaning, it can change depending on the person or the opinion of others. I don’t think that any person in this world knows what happiness is actually is. Even though all of us have its own opinion of what it really means, we are all meant to discover it one way or another. The search of happiness is the ultimate goal of human existence.

     I, for instance, see it as the one that makes you feel that you don’t need to worry in life and nobody can hurt you. To be happy for me, is to be contented of what you have in life, to feel the love and to feel safe with all the people around you, to enjoy whatever you’re doing and, more importantly, it is when you feel like you can do anything and just forget about the past, the future, and just enjoy the mere present.

     However, I still know that it is really hard to define what happiness is. But this will not stop me searching for it and devote it to everything I do, I am and I achieve. We are born happy and we want to die the same; this is the true ideal that we all crave for reaching. Wealth, fame, or knowledge means nothing without someone who cares about what have achieved. Whether we admit it or not, we need other people to share our secrets with, to share joy and sorrow, as genuine joy can only become happiness if there is another person by our side.

      To conclude, I think we must be grateful that our life is blessed with such noble purpose, the one of finding happiness and holding on to it. We just need to learn how to create our own happiness independently, without letting anyone control how we perceive things. Whereas, “going with the flow”, getting through the bad times, learning to appreciate what we have, and with God in our lives, make us a happy person.

So, I’m leaving you this question, for you, what is happiness?

With love,

CQ

Fact: We only dream of what we know. Our dreams are frequently full of strangers who play out certain parts – did you know that your mind is not inventing those faces – they are real faces of real people that you have seen during your life but may not know or remember? The evil killer in your latest dream may be the guy who pumped petrol into your dad’s car when you were just a little kid. We have all seen hundreds of thousands of faces throughout our lives, so we have an endless supply of characters for our brain to utilize during our dreams.

1. At least five people in this world love you so much they would die for you.
2. At least fifteen people in this world love you in some way.
3. The only reason anyone would ever hate you is because they want to be just like you.
4. A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone, even if they don’t like you.
5. Every night, someone thinks about you before they go to sleep.
6. You mean the world to someone.
7. If not for you, someone may not be living.
8. You are special and unique.
9. Someone that you don’t even know exists loves you.
10. When you make the biggest mistake ever, something good comes from it.
11. When you think the world has turned its back on you, take a look: you most likely turned your back on the world.
12. When you think you have no chance of getting what you want, you probably won’t get it, but if you believe in yourself, probably, sooner or later, you will get it.
13. Always remember the compliments you receive. Forget the rude remarks.
14. Always tell someone how you feel about them; you will feel much better when they know.
15. If you have a great friend, take the time to let them know that they are great.

After reading this post, what came into your mind? I would love to hear your thoughts!

Health is beautiful. Sickness is beautiful. It doesn’t matter if you’re skinny or fat, mentally disabled or a genius, a star athlete or an amputee, a normal person or a cancer patient. You have the ability to think, experience, share emotion. Challenges face everyone, and some are very unique. It doesn’t matter what the state of your body is like; the ability to show the world the light of your smile, the ring of your laugh and the strength of your heart, you are beautiful.

I have no reason to believe that whatever happened today was unexpected. Life  taught me the same lesson again: when you get your hopes up too high, you are bound to face disappointment. This is not the first time in life I have been disappointed and it won’t be the last; yet, no matter how much I try I can’t get used to the feeling of disappointment. It feels like as though a sharp blade has pierced into my stomach, lacerated my abdomen, and left a huge gushing open wound that refuses to heal. But instead of lying on the floor wincing in pain with my hands covered in my own blood, I am typing in front of my laptop. In reality, there is no wound and no blood. But the pain is all too real, and every bit as insufferable and torturous.

This situation reminds me of a famous poem written by Robert Frost. I can’t usually recite poetry from memory, but I remember this poem:

“Some say the world will end in fire,
Some say in ice.
From what I’ve tasted of desire
I hold with those who favor fire.
But if it had to perish twice,
I think I know enough of hate
To say that for destruction ice
Is also great
And would suffice.”

Yes, I know its a strange poem but it has meaning to me. If someone were to burn me, I would die. But I would die easily. It would be fast, brief and I would face death only once. But ice is different. Ice refers to the coldness of human emotion and action. Ice won’t kill you immediately. It will take its time as the person slowly freezes to death. It is more painful, more prolonged and the pain lasts longer. Same can be said about human emotion and action. It has the potential to kill – and kill slowly and painfully.

Today, I certainly feel like I have faced death – not by fire, but by ice. It is a strange game of reality. Life gave me everything I wanted, let me feel true happiness and bliss, and then after a short, fleeting twelve hours, decided to take everything away from me.

I do not blame anyone but myself. Getting my hopes up was my fault. Getting too eager was my fault. Creating the situation was my fault. I do not feel any anger, fury, or rage. Rather just disappointment, and I cannot blame anyone but the girl who is being reflected on this laptop screen.

I am lost. I have lost.

I should have new hope for tomorrow. It’ll be a new day with a new beginning. After all, anything can happen in the future right? And I have Shakespeare to thank for that wisdom:

“To-morrow, and to-morrow, and to-morrow,
Creeps in this petty pace from day to day
To the last syllable of recorded time,
And all our yesterdays have lighted fools
The way to dusty death. Out, out, brief candle!
Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player
That struts and frets his hour upon the stage
And then is heard no more: it is a tale
Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,
Signifying nothing.” – Macbeth

Read it twice. It is the best Shakespeare soliloquy ever.

I have to admit. I was irrational yesterday night, the other night, every night. There are just things that I just really don’t understand. I was fine for the whole day; but yesterday, when everyone’s asleep, I decided to write, I was overcome with feelings of depression and despair. I think what I’ve learned is that I’m not as rational as I think I am or  like anyone else. I, too, can sometimes be overcome with my emotions. Even though there are millions of people who look up to me as a “great” motivational speaker, who would have thought that the person who gives them hope still needs someone to do the same way she does for people? Ironic isn’t it. But that’s why I’m writing this blog. I’d rather work these things out myself than end up hurting someone by talking to them.

What I really wanted to say is that, there’s this person… who continue to disappoint me. I don’t know why I’m feeling this way but maybe I was just too attached and all of the things he/she does really affects me a lot. Maybe because I just really care and love whoever this person is. Until now, I’m seeking for answers. Why? What’s with you that makes me cry every night?  - I’m not gonna mention any name because I know that one day, this person will realize that he/she is the one I’m talking about. If you ever get to see this blog, I want you to know that I’m grateful that you are part of my life.

Today, I am back to feeling how I felt all day yesterday. The emotional rant last night or the other nights were just probably a phase – probably an important phase in accepting the griping the ultimate reality. Nevertheless, I am back to thinking logically and doing what’s necessary. In doing these things, I guess I’m back to facing the reality with a level head and a new plan of action. I will look at things with a different perspective, try to understand things the best way I can, and  react to the situation as it demands (as what I always tell myself).

I am thankful…

Thankful for all the people around me, to those who never forget to talk to me everyday, who calls me randomly and ask how am I doing, those who send random, funny text messages that makes me smile, or the good morning and good night greetings. Maybe for some people, this is just nothing, but for me, it’s something important. With these simple things, somehow, I feel important.

Thankful because I have God in my life. And everyday, I remind myself how blessed I am with all of the things I have, and I continue to receive a lot of blessings that I never thought I would be getting. But sometimes, I just seriously need someone to remind me these things!

Thankful because there are those people who continue to reach out even though I kept on shutting them all out of my life. I tell you, I love you.

As I end this blog, I want everyone to know that, I, Clara Quiambao, is much stronger than yesterday. I am learning. Keeping my faith strong.

It is time to usher in a new year. It is also the time to look back and think of the things that happened in the year that went by. 2012 had been an unforgettable year for me, it was year that tested my limitations, brought me a lot of challenges and also a year that guided me to sweet success. I am thankful. The challenges made me stronger, and the success made me grateful. It was a year punctuated with new challenges and quality time with family and friends. I am looking forward to what 2013 has to offer.

“One who doesn’t learn from his past, cannot hope to succeed in the future.” – an old Filipino Proverb

I’d like to remember all the milestones I’ve passed, all the goals I’ve achieved, and all the lessons I’ve learned.

HIGHLIGHTS:

January: Stressed by my debut preparations. My Twitter account @ohteenquotes reached 1 million followers! I wasn’t able to get a screenshot but here’s a picture of the account with 900k followers.

February – March: Still stressed by my debut preparations. Rehearsals for the Cotillion happened. Recognition Day also happened for the month of March and I didn’t expect that I’ll be a Dean’s Lister! ☺

April: I finally turned 18! I’m finally legal! I’ll never forget this day. I was able to meet Rhap Salazar in person. He’s very nice and a talented kid! Like no doubt! – Everything turned magical ❤  It was also announced in this month that I’m one of the winners of the Thailand trip to meet Mario Maurer in Bangkok, Thailand! – I would like to thank Ms. Joyce Ramirez (PublicityAsia)  for choosing me to be one of the winners! I owe everything to her!

May: Bangkok, Thailand trip with Team Penshoppe and I was able to meet Mario Maurer in person! I also saw Ian Somerhalder in person at his Press Conference at Manila Peninsula last May 23. Plus, I’ll never forget the Philippine Fashion Week! I saw Mario Maurer again with the one and only Leighton Meester! Again, Ms. Joyce Ramirez was the one who gave us the passes and invites! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

June: First semester for the school year 2012-2013! I’m finally a Sophomore! Became a Vice President for the Year Level Officers.

July: I met Sir Edward Quinto on Twitter. Our Musical Night happened, a requirement for our Theater Arts Class with the theme: 80s-90s musical. It was so much fun! Singing, dancing, acting in front of many people. First time doing this in my entire life. I’m usually a person “behind the camera/scenes”

Photoshoot

August: SELAMS Night! I met Sir Edward in person.  I was seriously… SHY! Good times ☺

September: September 24, showing of our stage plays for the 50th year of Dramatic Guild! Happy to direct the play entitled “Sino Ba Kayo?” written by Julian Cruz Balmaceda. I have learned a lot of things with this wonderful experience. Patience. Faith. Strength. Unity. Understanding.

This is also the month when I was given the chance to attend the Penshoppe Fan Conference 2012 at Mall of Asia and I met Zac Efron in  person, had the chance to talk to him and a photo opportunity! I almost died. Seriously. I love ZAC EFRON!

Theater Arts Class

With our Theater Arts Professor before the Semester ends!

Hi ZAC my love!

October: Baguio trip for SCOPE Mid-Year Seminar 2012! Bonding with some friends. It was a lot of fun! Thank you Kuya Edward for inviting and taking care of us! We love you ☺

1st day of the Seminar – Caught in the act… bored.

ABMCB2A – Tree Planting!

November: Who would have thought that we’ll be able to meet Direk Joyce Bernal in person? One of the greatest Directors in the Philippines! Went to Starbucks to meet her then stayed there for an hour to wait for the time and then took the cab on our way back to school for the Seminar. She’s very approachable, simple and humble! Got a lot of good points from her talk

December: What I’m thankful for this month is that I was given the chance to be part of Globe Telecom! I love GLOBE! – Spent Christmas with my family and friends.

Wonderful Christmas Gift from Globe! Loving my iPhone 5!

Hi Friends!

To one of the most favorite person I’ve met this year, I’m saying this AGAIN, I’m really thankful that I was able to meet you accidentally on Twitter. If you’ll think about it, it was really CRAZY. I was overwhelmed by the trust and friendship. I never thought that we’ll be able to be that “close” – For all the inspiring words and motivations you have given me, and STILL giving me, thank you. For ALWAYS listening, understanding, and supporting me, THANK YOU. I love you my dearest Kuya Edward ☺ More laughter, more memories, and stronger friendship for us this 2013! “Alam mo na yan” :”>

I also would like to thank Ms. Joyce Ramirez, because of her, I was given a lot of once in a lifetime opportunities that I’ll never ever forget in my entire life! I’ll forever be thankful. Proud MINION here. I never thought that I was the “President” of the minions. Haha! ☺

I end the year with gratitude and humble amazement. I am grateful for all the things I’ve accomplished, lessons I’ve learned, the wonderful people I’ve met and all the amazing experiences I’ve had this year. I hope that to anyone reading this post has an amazing, rewarding, happy, healthy 2012.  May it bring your many smiles and wonderful experiences and memories to treasure

Thank you to everyone who has shared in my life.  I have enjoyed the gifts both figuratively and literally that you have given me.  I look forward to our continued journey. HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!

Love, 

Clara ☺

“I lay on my old mattress, which has sunk to match the shape of my body, looking like a small sink hole. It was easy to fall asleep in such a place I’ve grown used to. Now, it’s just turned into dreadful tear-jerking nights at me gazing up at the same white ceiling that is filled with its shapes spread across. I feel a essential tiredness that will never be cured with a full nights rest. My mind must have been going at least hundreds beyond hundreds of miles per minute with these horrid thoughts that rack at my brain, causing these chocolate brown colored eyes of mine to blink slowly. Followed by with a glassy look; soon they are filled with crystal clear tears, that have been bottled up for who only knows how long.

Normally; I’d hold it back. Considering it’s late, no one would be able to see my silent cries or even hear a soft sniffle, so I unravel. Everything I’ve ever kept in, flowing out in painful gasps. I’m clutching my aching chest; my torso is just shaking uncontrollably. The one thing I hate about crying is it causes more pain than I can ever bear, but the relief it gives me after is enough to last. 

One of my precious memories had triggered this; or maybe I’ve come to realize I’m not as strong as I thought I could be. I know I’ll just end up punishing myself with these written words that will haunt me, but for no reason at all, keep me at bay. What am I supposed to do? I’m too young for this; yet I’m taking the beating and allowing such a thing to go on. 
I’ll do anything to stop this ever flowing madness that is my mind; take medicine, find faith in a religion. I don’t care what it may be; but if this chilling madness is deleted, then this wilting soul may go back to normal.”

Listen to this song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xiLcw4juIMk - Slow Me Down by Emmy Rossum

1. Laughing hysterically
2. Dancing your heart out
3. Star gazing
4. Shopping
5. Going to the beach
6. Listening to the rain
7. Ice-cream on a hot day
8. Feeling wanted
9. Getting that warm, fuzzy feeling when you think about the one you love
10. ReceIving text messages
11. Personal jokes
12. ComplIments
13. Late night phone calls
14. Christmas
15. Hugs
16. Kisses
17. Knowing someone misses you
18. Knowing someone is thinking of you
19. Good dreams
20. Skipping school for a day
21. Lying on the grass starring into the sky
22. Going up to the snow
23. Jumping into a warm bed on a cold night
24. Seeing your guys/girls name on your mobile when it rings
25. Your first kiss
26. Talking for hours about absolutely nothing
27. Looking back on the laughs
28. Receiving presents
29. Giving presents
30. Birthdays
31. Air conditioning when it’s hot
32. Being full of energy
33. Seeing your boyfriend/girlfriend
34. Watching someone do something stupid, and them thinking no one saw
35. Nice smelling perfume/cologne/deodorant
36. Good hair days
37. Turning on the radio to hear that your favourite song is being played
38. Running into an old friend
39. Strolling along the pier at night
40. Finding $5 on the ground
41. Being home alone
42. Reading a good magazine
43. Sun baking
44. Sleeping in
45. Watching the sun come up
46. Seeing a shooting star
47. Waking up to find the person you love in your arms
48. Weekends
49. Holidays
50. Jumping on a trampoline
51. Sitting infront on the fire on a cold evening
52. Smell of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies
53. Singing into your hairbrush in your room
54. Bubble baths
55. Turning up your sterio as loud as it will go
56. Being so happy it makes you cry
57. Summer
58. Finally completing somthing you started a long time ago
58. Achieving a long time goal
59. Warm nights
60. Falling in love…