Shainne Hostalero

I came across a video of TEDxMidAtlantic that tells about Sam's philosophy for a happy life. It made me really interested. I know, some of you (like me), when it comes to "happiness" and finding it, are interested too. As we had tried to look beyond all the edges, caves, boxes and other storage of where happiness is to be found. We, along the process, made an agreement with ourselves that we will try our very best to be happy and that we are choosing happiness by all means - for it is a choice and yes, it is a decision. From the TEDxMidAtlantic conference, Sam or Sam Berns, a teenager who has progeria - a rare genetic disorder wherein its symptoms resembles aging at early age and usually occur during the first few months of the patient showcased his philosophy for a happy life. A syndrome like Sam's is rare. Only 350 kids worldwide have this kind of illness, making us realize that it's definitely hard to have this kind of challenge especially in this wo...

I've had it way too many times. My heart into broken pieces. Times you wouldn't be able to oversee or think if it will pass you or if you can get over it. Damn it. As we grow older, we choose quality over quantity. That's true especially when we are talking about friendship. As you get on with life, you choose people who truly understand you, the ones who will be there when everything is going against you, the ones who will take a bullet for you if need be, the ones who will not let you do stupid things...alone. People come and go. First, it will be quite depressing to think about or you hope that they can stay longer in your life because you are happy being with them - well, you think so. If you are not used to people coming in and out of your life, this scenario will take its toll on you. You might overthink things but you must always remember that if they are bound to stay in your life forever (hoping that it exists), they will be there for you, in your life, no matt...

at kung ano ba talaga ang nangyari. Once and for all. Hahaha! Disclaimer (and being too defensive. Nageexplain!): Since I quit all vices I had during college (we've all been there!), drinking is one of those. I stopped drinking because it felt like I'm too old to be drunk and I have engaged myself with sports. I don't want that (drinking) to be a hindrance why I can't run 10k, swim or whatever.  And since all of us are going through something sometime in our lives, we all had our moments. So, I welcomed the drinking spree and yes, it couldn't get any better than this. Bwahaha! We had a serious conversation of how things went and conversation of pure foolishness and somehow, it was perfect.  One-on-one inuman: Me:  S abi nga sa movie, pwede tayong umiyak gabi-gabi, uminom gabi-gabi... repeat until fade. Friend: Oo nga. Pwede naman talaga yun. Pero bakit di mo ginawa? Bakit di ka naman umiyak gabi-gabi at uminom gabi-gabi? O uminom ka gabi-g...

The Good Read:             For One More Day by Mitch Albom In this life, how often would regret things that you have done before? How often would you think stuff that occurred, circumstances that you thought would turn out nice but it didn't, situations that would have gone better if you just made the right decisions? At times, we have thought about these and just like any given times, we have wished to make these right, though it wouldn't be possible; then we wished to make up for it. Photo from the web Charles Benetto is the same. He had no idea how his life went on. What remained clear was his willingness and eagerness to end his life after all the turmoil in his career, personal life and his family. He couldn't take back things but he was able to go back. Not to change anything but to realize what had happened to his life, the things he missed and how people around him went on while he remained stuck in the moment wanting to be dead. Like man...

The Good Read:               Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert Photo from the web Yes, you are right! This book is really familiar because it is a hit and it is now a major motion picture (2010). I know all of you guys know that this book was about finding one's happiness, surviving the loneliness and understanding things that came after a certain relationship (or life, in general) turmoil. I, myself, came from countless of it too; and like many of you, I have experienced loneliness and the deepest of it in all possible ways it can be felt. It was indeed hard and finding happiness is kind of subtle but one thing I have learned was - happiness is a choice and though there are times you want to surrender and give up everything because it is just too heavy, there will always a part of you wanting to survive. Simply because you want to experience that certain happiness again and you want to see the bright side. There are no permanent things in...

My friends (and perhaps you too) might think what the hell I am doing here in front of the laptop, listening to some rock/alternative playlist writing these words on a Friday night when in fact, it is 'drink' night and they are just across me having the time of their lives. I, as well, is having the time of my life. In a different manner, of course. I am inside our apartment luring with these words and emotions I have in me - pretty much happy and pretty much of everything in between... because we are humans, we have hormones and sometimes they are not cooperating. I am not stuck, I have so much things to be thankful for in my life and things I wish I have right now, but they just come secondary. The long day is over and it feels like it, that is why I am convinced that I have survived this day, the week and every moment that sent me swirling earlier. The spectrum is vivid and I cannot understand some of the things I am into, the choices that I have made in my life, choic...

Hello there, 2015!! I'm happy to have survived the year 2014 and I'm grateful that I still have those people who I went through a lot with the said year. Though it's a bit strange to think about the twists and turns of how the year went, it was indeed a fun ride and I'm happy to brag that I don't have any regrets about the year that was. 2015 has taken its vision. I'm happy about my independent living as well. I am 20-something in the world full of transitions, digital avenues and dilemmas; I am a bit far from the 'top' but who cares now if I get there or not? I left home for independence and I am glad that I am living it. It did make me love my family more, miss them more and appreciate more what we have way back home. It makes me do things on my own and with the people around me - it's like knowing yourself even better, loving your own and everything in between; everything just went so lovely. There will be lots of adjustments and flexing to ...