BAZOOKA ROCKS III: ECHOSMITH

        Bazooka Rocks is the first annual Philippine indoor rock festival that started on 2012. It's a two-day concert featuring some of the best foreign and local bands of today. Since it's a two-day concert, we decided to come at the second day of the show which includes; You Me at Six, We Are The in Crowd, The Summer Set, Echosmith, Coldrain, and many more! If I had one word to describe this concert, it would be epic. Why? You'll know why. 

      We haven't really seen the whole performance of Coldrain because me and my sister were already preparing for the meet and greet of The Summer Set. Unfortunately, picture's are not allowed. Sucks right? Well, we got to see the last part of their performance and they are a good band.

ECHOSMITH

           After the performance of Coldrain, me and my older sister were walking slowly towards the front row while some people are sitting waiting for the next band, Echosmith, to perform. Echosmith is an indie band that consists of siblings who range from 15-21. Pretty young, right? But listening to their music makes it clear that the siblings have some real talent. 

       Before their performace, the siblings were fixing their stuffs on stage covering their faces. Everyone was screaming because covering yourself isn't obvious (note sarcasm). The band started with "Ran Off in The Night" and the crowd was already screaming at the top of their lungs. Well, who wouldn't? 

      Echosmith has a bright future ahead of them because the future is always bright for talented young artists like them.

                     

Meaning of Life

        I went with my dad early morning at Guimbal to swim with the dogs. I decided to take pictures of the beach as the sun rises. While taking pictures of the beach, I saw these children playing and I enjoyed taking pictures of them playing something like mermaid stuff. When I was younger, me and my sisters played a lot at the beach and acting like mermaids. 

        But looking at them was more than that. It made me thought of most of us today. Here we are, spending our days mostly in beds and slowly dying in front of our computers or gadgets, shutting our doors. We can stare at the stars, and not just at our screens. The first and last thing we hold after and before sleeping is our phone or gadget. I can't stand hearing the silence of a restaurant because most of the people around me are using their gadget. We came here to talk and not look like robots. The children today thinks it's the normal because we, the older people, are all doing it and they're just copying it. We all wished that we're thinner, happier, full of regrets because we are always caught in the net. We should be like the kids on the picture, living life the real way.

ATRING

           While me and my dad were walking towards the hill to take pictures at the place where he used to go in his childhood times, we saw an old woman just walking, alone, smoking tobacco. My dad asked me if I wanted to take a picture of her for my next drawing. I said no because I have no clue. Maybe I was shy? 

          We were walking towards the hill for almost an hour but we decided to return to my grandmother's house because I was exhausted. We were already walking towards my grandmother's house and already walking for an hour. We saw the old woman again, walking under the heat of the sun, smoking tobacco. Because I was amazed, we approached her and ask a few questions before I took her picture. Her name is Atring. My dad introduced himself and told her that he is a Garibay hoping that he might know my lola.

          After the long walk, I showed my picture of Lola Atring to my other lola, Lola Lica. She told me that she knows her and said that Lola Atring knows my grandmother but just forgot because she was also a teacher like my grandmother. She told me that she walks everyday on a rocky path from her daughter's house and walks for so long to visit her old house, alone, smoking her tobacco.

         

Humans of Iloilo City (HOIC)

Last time, I went to Iloilo Central Market to take pictures of people's daily lives to practice photography and also use some of my pictures as my reference. I got shy at first because it feels weird for me to approach a stranger and take a picture of them but luckily my dad did all the talking and the next minute I was already laughing with them. 

I always like drawing or looking at pictures of homeless people because their eyes always tells a story. I might not know their whole story but their eyes says it all. I drew the old woman at the top photo because I was inspired. She sells vegetables just to earn a living. With the high level corruption in our country, the old woman despite of her handicap, manages to earn an honest living. 

DISNEY CRUISE: CASTAWAY CAY

     Our last stop was in Disney's private island in the Bahamas called, Castaway Cay. In my opinion, I enjoyed Castaway than Bahamas and Key West because the place isn't crowded plus there are lots of activities for people like my age. This is really a good place to relax. 

The place is BEAUTIFUL. Clear turquoise waters, white sand beaches and swaying palm trees is a good place where you can relax and take lots of pictures. Like I said before there are lots of activities open for my age like kayaking, water sports, parasailing and also a feeding session with stingrays.

"What do you want for dessert?"

"Nothing."

This is a conversation between me and our server. What I really appreciate during the cruise are the friendly cruise staffs. They will do everything to make your trip beyond your expectations. So sad that it was only a 4-night cruise. It's like everything happened yesterday. Time flies so fast.

MACKLEMORE & RYAN LEWIS

    I'm such a huge fan of Macklemore and Ryan Lewis that I memorized and sing their raps! They tell me to not even think of becoming a rapper but that won't stop me. When I knew that they're gonna come here last March 16, I freaked out. First thing that I told myself is that "I should draw them!" During the concert Jason Koenig (their photographer) was right IN FRONT of me videoing the fans. I turned into a tomato because I was thinking of showing the drawings but my confidence failed me. I was so mad at myself why I didn't grab the chance. Luckily 6 weeks later Macklemore and Ryan saw my drawing and liked it. Macklemore even commented AWESOME!

   The Heist. Shark Face Gang forever.

PIRATE NIGHT

I want to make a solo article about this becaudse it was the BEST. NIGHT. EVER. After our trip in Key West, we went back inside the ship to rest for the PIRATE NIGHT! First we had a dinner themed party where servers are dressed as pirates and greeted us with an "Arr". After dinner we watched a live Toy Story- musical for about an hour. The people were divided into two so that the Buena Vista Theater won't be crowded. So a set of people will have their dinner first then watch the show while the other set of people will watch the show then have their dinner. After the show, that's where the Pirate Night Deck Party began. Of course, some of our favorite characters were leading the people to dance along with them. While partying, there were fireworks. Yes, fireworks, during on a cruise vacation. The Pirate Night party was the first ever display who featured fireworks on a cruise. Amazingggg. And guess what? THERE WERE ALSO TURKEY LEGS! 

DISNEY CRUISE: KEY WEST

Our last trip was in Disney Cruise Line. Disney Cruise line operates four ships: Disney Magic, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, and lastly Disney Wonder, the cruise that we will be staying at. Disney Cruise Line offers different destinations: Alaska, Carribean, Europe, California Coast, Panama Canal, Transatlantic, and our destination, Bahamas. We started our vacation with a Sail-Away Celebration or party. We literally

started our vacation with a Deck Party. Once we got inside the cruise, we saw families, crew members, friends, and even some of our favorite characters dancing and singing. 

On our second day, we went to Key West, Florida. Key West in the largest island in Florida and it's also the southernmost point in U.S.  The place only gets really crowded by families who travel by cruise ship. So we decided to travel the place with an old town trolley because we lazyy. Kidding. It's actually because of the weather. It was really hot that time and it drained our energy. What I like about the place is that it looks peaceful. During our tour we passed Old town and I like looking at the houses because of the unique old American architecture because of the architecture it's obvious that it has a long history. Key West also has its own amazing culture.

Because of the really hot weather, we decided to go back in the ship and played ping pong. I'll be talking about the different activities of the ship. So the ship has three pools; Goofy's Pool (for families), Mickey's pool (for children), and Quiet Cove Pools (for adults only). The ship also has different youth clubs for teens and children to play games, and make new friends. My favorite one is the Quarters Masters, an arcade, we played here around 12 p.m. so the arcade was all ours. Yay.

MIAMI, FLORIDA

Last 2009 we went to Orlando, Florida to visit Disney World but last summer we went to Miami. Our reason actually why we went here is for the cruise and my younger sister wants to visit her best friends.

They have been best friends for how many years and her best friend moved here in Miami when they were in Grade 3 because her parents are working here. It's nice to see best friends reuniting after a few years. They were actually shy at first but a century later they started talking. Like I said, we came here to Miami for the cruise and for her best friend so we haven't done anything much in Miami aside from eating.

Our hotel is right in front of Bayside so we can just go there and shop. All we did was shop, took pictures, took pictures of people then photobombing them and then.. shop. Achievement unlocked: Eat 12 slabs of ribs. So me, my sister and my sister's best friend made a deal. The one who finished 12 slabs of ribs will be the winner. The winner gets nothing. I won. Yayyy!

On our last day in Miami we went to South Beach and had a boat tour. The whole boat tour we saw different houses of celebrities. One of my favorite house is Usher's. There are lots of fun activities to do in Miami and wished there's more time.

LAS VEGAS

First thing we did in Las Vegas was eat. Where? Carnival World Buffet. The longest buffet in Las Vegas or maybe all over the world. The place is so big that a station won't be crowded no matter how many people there are. So almost everything in Las Vegas is replicated from the Eiffel of Paris to the famous pyramids of Egypt!

     I was really excited going to Las Vegas since the last "Hangover movie" happened here. We were only here for a day and haven't really explored deeper in Las Vegas. Las Vegas is really a place for adults. Everywhere I look, I see pictures. You know what pictures I mean. Small cards with pictures on the floor, huge billboards, and even pictures that are advertised on the cars. I don't know where to look and we just laugh at it. I was even surprised that there was this guy that was preaching at the side. People just passed him and even laugh. But wow.. He still continues doing it. Well.. I actually enjoyed Vegas after what I have just said. We had the chance to watch the Bellagio Fountains. We just can't miss it. Walking around Vegas during night time was fun because the lights are amazing. I just hope that we'll come back here... when we're already old enough. 

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA

This is my last post about California. So our last destination in California was San Diego.Our first destination in California was SeaWorld. I was really happy when I knew there are Turkey Legs in the park. Yay!

SeaWorld is opened with dolphin and sea lion exhibits but what's different with SeaWorld from other SeaWorld is its Orca or killer whale, Shamu. We sat at the the splash zone because getting splashed with water with killer whales will be fun. After a few minutes of the show we were soaking with water but I wasn't disappointed. 

I'm also happy that the animals here look healthy that they are looked after well by the staffs. There aren't many rides in the park but I came here for the animals and not for the rides. I learned a lot of stuffs from the educational exhibits. The staffs are friendly and when you ask something they know everything. If you haven't noticed, me and my other sister are taking a picture with a live animal while my other sister is taking a picture with a stuffed toy polar bear.

HOLLYWOOD: OBLIVION PREMIERE

 THE TIME HAS FINALLY ARRIVED!! I was so close to them but too bad I wasn't able to take a picture with them. Tom Cruise was the first one who arrived so he went inside ahead. While Morgan was being interviewed outside, I went inside the Dolby theater and waited for something exciting to happen. So while waiting, I saw Morgan walking fast towards the door to go inside the cinema where there were only small people around him because like I said, he was walking fast. I ran fast to him with my camera hoping that I can get a picture with him but no.. I wasn't able to take a picture with him BUT! I WAS ABLE TO SHOOK HIS HAND before he went inside. The Morgan Freeman. I could have gave the camera to my dad while running or videoed the whole thing but I was so excited that I just ran towards him. I'm just thankful for how lucky I am. I ain't even mad that we haven't took a picture with the Hollywood sign.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA

Does that ferris wheel look familiar? If you're a fan of Hannah Montana or if you've ever watched her movie "Hannah Montana: The Movie" you'll know that this is where the first scene of the movie took place. This is the popular Santa Monica Pier and it is the favorite among television and movie producers. The restaurants are great and there are also tons of vending machines.The pier has a park and you can ride rides on planks over the water. The rides are a bit pricey but totally worth it.

Santa Monica Pier is a good place to relax and take long walks. This is also a great place to go and hangout with your friends, your family, your friend's family and your friend's family friend. There are tons of artists painting on glass and people singing at the sides of the pier. If you want to relax alone you can stay at the end of the pier and fish.

Our trip to Hollywood turned out different from what we expected. Like reaaallly different. I was thinking about going to the Hollywood sign, meeting or taking pictures of and with celebrities and more shopping before Hollywood but what turned out is that there was a premiere of Oblivion starring Tom Cruise and Morgan Freeman! At least I got right at the thought of taking pictures of celebrities. Plus we didn't even know there was a premiere. PERFECT TIMING!

While waiting we were waiting for the celebrities to arrive we just roamed around the place. When I say place, I mean we never go far and we just literally walk around the shops beside the road (where the premiere is held) We've never been to Hollywood before and know I know that people who cosplays like heroes or any characters (that doesn't even look like them) will just come to you, grab your shoulders and tell you to take a picture with them. After the taking of pictures, the cosplayers will just ask for money because you took a picture with him. So next time we'll go here, we know what to do. 

CARLSBUD, CALIFORNIA

Next stop in California was Flower field in Carlsbud. It is fifty acres of colorful flowers overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The fifty acres of flowers that make up The Flower Fields blooms six to eight weeks a year. So around early March through early May. The different colorful flowers brings the fields back to life! 

It was really hot that time but I just didn't mind the heat because of the stunning view. There are a few activities like the maze and where you pick pail of sand full of stones then your stones will tell who you are. It's pretty hard to explain but it was fun and we tried it over three times.

ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA

 The next morning after we arrived in California we went to Disneyland right away. So we were kinda tired but I don't really care how tired I am because.. duh? WE'RE GOING TO DISNEY! So we left the house around 6:00 am and arrived in Disney around 10:00 am. It isn't really a long drive from Riverside to Disney it's just because we got caught in the L.A TRAFFIC and we were going to Disney on a MONDAY. Well... bad idea but luckily we arrived after 4 hours of waiting and sitting until our butts hurt but it was worth it.



I can't really say that I REALLY enjoyed the Disney here unlike the first two Disneys I went (Hong Kong Disneyland and Disney World) I did have fun but it's different from my excitement before. The Disneys of different countries have the same rides and stuffs. There might me newer and different rides but everything is still the same. My tip for you, if you want to go to Disneyland again, wait a few more years (been to disney last year in Hong Kong) and if you've been to Disney World, wait a little longer.

CHICAGO II

After our trip to Miami we went back to Chicago because that's where our relatives live. So we went back to Downtown Chicago because we have to visit Navy Pier again. It's a really fun place to go and hangout with your friends or family because it offers lists of activities for everyone. Yes, it also has the view of Lake Michigan and there are cruises and boat rides from the pier. The number one reason why tourists are attracted by this place aside from the children museum and the boat activities is the 150-foot tall ferris wheel.

On my sister's birthday, we ate at Signature Room and it's on the 95th floor of the John Hancock Center.I was so happy that we sat on the window table. Yes, the food and drinks are overpriced but you are paying for the dazzling skyline view! The food is great too. So it was actually worth it and I wasn't disappointed!

CHICAGO I

First stop in America is Chicago!

First we went to the Cloud gate or more commonly known as "The Bean" located in the Millenium Park. What's special about the Bean is that it reflects the city's skyline and it looks AWESOME! So people take pictures of their reflections on the bean. 

We just then roamed around the heart of Chicago, Downtown Chicago, where you can find panoramic skylines, great architectures, and some of the tallest buildings in the WORLD. We didn't really take lots of pictures since all we did was shop because they also have great shops there.

That's a picture of a boat cruising on lake Michigan. 

Chicago is also known for its museums. One of the museums I have visited is the Art institute of Chicago and it is located in Grant park. The thing special about the Art institute of Chicago is that is is not only a museum but it is also an accredited art school.

We also watched a ballet performance of Othello by Joffrey Ballet! It's a passionate and contemporary dance and all I can say that the performance was amazing!

DISNEY CRUISE: BAHAMAS

Our second stop was in Bahamas. The highlight of the cruise. While we were about to arrive in Bahamas we walked around the ship and saw where the captains control the ship. Pretty cool, right? 

I have to say that I haven't enjoyed Bahamas as I have expected. The beach is beautiful but you can't enjoy the bluish water and all if there are lots of people around you. My favorite part during our trip in the Bahamas was the boat ride. Yay for boat ride. Not because I'm lazy but it's because we also saw houses of celebrities. I also saw the full view of the different cruise ships. 

O CANADA

Heyo, peeps! So I went to Canada and America last year. Our first stop was Canada and stayed there for a week. These are some photos from my trip to Canada.WE LOOK SO HAPPY.

The day next morning after we arrived, we went to Stratford, Ontario. It was really cold that I have to change my jacket again. I got excited because of the snow but unluckily it was already hard. Those are my sisters and me photobombing them. HAHA. Not even sorry.

Does that place looks familiar? You might have seen the place or the stairs somewhere in a video before but you can't remember it. Okay.. so the number 1 reason why we went to Stratford is because of my sister. She likes (or loves as she tells me) Justin Bieber A LOT that there isn't a day that she haven't mentioned him. So what's with Avon theater is known for Justin Bieber singing there always when he was younger. 

We also went to Niagara Falls! It was colder and the water is icier compared to when we last came here (2009). We really didn't do anything because most of the activities weren't available because of the reaaallly cold weather. 

BUT! I was able to take a picture with Mr. and Mrs. Obama. This was actually in their wax museum. Last time we went here I cried because at the end of the museum there are waxes of people from horror movies. I went here again and still got scared. 

Then we roamed around Toronto and shopped A LOT. 

Before we left Canada we dropped our cousin off in Waterloo University and said our goodbyes. Then went to 'MURICA!