It's the last day of the month. Next to posting a  life update few weeks ago, I thought of writing a follow up only because we are already done with the second quarter of the year, and today's the last month of June. 

Compared to my previous post, I'll try to keep this short and just let the photos speak on my behalf and tell you how my life has been from month 3 to 6 of 2022.

Electing a fresh batch of leaders to govern the country was also the highlight of my second quarter. And while the candidate that I voted for may not that be lucky, I don't have any regret with the choice I made -- in the same manner that I don't really give a fuck at people's opinions of my choice, including those who are mocking and making fun of me (to the extent of stalking my Facebook profile just to ridicule it on their comments) for supporting someone who I see to be someone worthy. Haters gonna hate. But there's a reason why the options "turn off commenting", "remove notification", "turn off notifications", and binge-worthy Kdramas were made.

Unexpected meetups and surprise reunions were also a highlight of my last three months. Just like when I saw my former adviser from my elementary days, Ms. Wawet San Felipe while waiting for my takeout order from a fastfood restaurant inside a mall. I don't know if it's just me, but I still get giddy seeing my former teachers (and professors too!). 

Since the pandemic started in 2020, next to becoming conscious with regards to hand hygiene, embarking on certain activities like traveling was something that I have hesitated on doing. Blame it on me being a bit of a hypochondriac, but this health crisis caused me to be a little paranoid about being exposed to the virus when taking public transportation with several people -- to think that I am already fully vaccinated. 

For two years, the four corners of our home has been my so-called "bomb shelter". While there would be times I would leave the house, my travels were limited to short-distance locations (or places that can be reached in an hour or less). And while I no longer find traveling to the busy and polluted streets of Metro Manila to be appealing, I discovered that the exact opposite is what I am feeling as I went to several towns in Rizal and nearby provinces, such as that of Laguna which I visited back in February. Indeed, there's really something  about being in a province that you will appreciate every once in a while. To me I guess, it's the surroundings and the fact that commuting and the traffic isn't traumatizing and exhausting.  

I haven't been to the Morong campus for almost two decades. Save for a very short visit to a friend six years ago while I was preparing for the Civil Service Exam, the last time I was here was in 2003 to watch the intramurals as I was part of the publication team from the Angono campus assigned to cover the different events for the school paper. And while the main building still looks the same, a few things no longer aren't. Gone were the days when this used to be flocked by students who are passing by to go from one college building to another, or by athletes either practicing or preparing for their sepak takraw match during sports competitions. 

After submitting my documents, my friend Jon gave me a quick tour of their office where I met his boss, Dr. Marilou Pantaleon, who is the Director of the Center for Lifelong Learning. My former publication adviser (and Jon's other half), Ma'am Cez arrived together with their daughter (who is also my inaanak), Ciljon just as Jon and I were trying to decide what to get for lunch. We ended up driving to the nearby town of Baras to bond over food and surprisingly, talk about the recently-concluded trial between ex-celebrity couple Johnny Depp and Amber Heard. 

On the positive side, I decided to explore my creativity further by creating another Instagram account last March. But unlike my personal IG account, The Chinita Reader is my other channel dedicated only to books that I have read or currently reading, regardless of their author or if it's an old book or a recently published one. I'm in the process of trying to finish reading another book I purchased recently and will also appear on that account. 

Between job hunting, pondering about life at the moment, and being a bookworm, I find time to go outside and check out events. I went to SM Center Angono yesterday to check out the exhibit Arte de las Flores. It's been a habit for me to see what's exhibited whenever I drop by the Art Walk, and the current ones on display are worth the visit. 

Should I go MIA again, just try to think I am busy exploring new things and going to places that can be worth writing! And before I forget, we only have around two weeks and half of they year is about to be end. I would love to hear what you've been up to and how the last six months have been for you so far.  Share any life update in the comments. I would love to read them.

.