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I've always wanted to play in front of Ateneo's blue sea.

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The pandemic prevented me from taking the steps in further chasing my dreams to play for the Ateneo Men's Basketball Team. Growing up, I've watched the Blue Eagles play from the time of Kiefer to that of Thirdy, even though I didn't study at Ateneo back then! My high school life was filled with hard work - both academically and in basketball - just so I could be closer to fulfilling my dreams of playing for Ateneo's team, so when I realized I couldn't continue chasing these dreams of mine in the ASHS, my heart felt heavy. I still continue to hold my head up high, though, as I believe in God's perfect timing.

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A picture of Migs, Cuad, Boa, Ted, and I (from left to right) when we visited Ziej's wake.

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Going through the experience of losing a classmate - let alone a friend - was one of the most life-depleting moments I've encountered last 2021. From discovering the news with my fellow class officers, simultaneously having projects to fulfill, up until going through class processing sessions with our guidance counselor, losing a friend was an experience that was not easy to go through.  Although I was able to see my friends and classmates for the first time in-real-life here, I wished it would have been under better circumstances.

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A picture of me before boarding the plane en route to Manila.

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LD: Coming back to Manila After My Stay in my Hometown

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LD: Coming back to Manila After My Stay in my Hometown

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It's always a challenge to leave something you love so much, and leaving my hometown to go back to Manila was no exception. Even packing my clothes into the bags and suitcases was hard! I wholeheartedly enjoyed my stay there, and I didn't want to leave just yet, but nothing lasts forever - I had to go back so I could regain focus on school and be reunited with my dad who was waiting for us there. Although not the most life-depleting experience, it definitely was one that made me sad for a little while.

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Here' s a picture of me and my cousins celebrating our tita's birthday before I went back home to Manila! I love and miss my family back home so much!

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Returning to my hometown in Cagayan De Oro City was one of the best things that I and my family were able to do last 2021. Before coming back there last November, we weren't able to take a trip back home for the past 2 years due to the pandemic; the last time we were back home was during Christmas 2019. When we finally got to go back, we were able to make so many amazing memories - from road trips, mini-vacations, playing video games and sports with one another, having mini "photoshoots", or even just driving and going around the city at night, I will treasure all these moments forever.

Despite not being able to physically see and bond with another for 2 years, my family is still as close as ever and I am extremely happy about that! When life gets tough, family really is the first group of people I can turn to, and knowing that truly gives me life.

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Here's a picture of me taking a jumpshot!

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The pandemic has hindered me from doing a lot of the things I love, and basketball was one of them. Basketball is a means for me to have fun and compete whilst also relieving stress. When this was taken away from me, I felt very sluggish; as if I wasn't the same person I used to be, always on the go. Come 2021, courts finally started to open again and I was able to play the game I loved. Dribbling the ball, shooting it, and hearing the swish of the net gave me the same pump of adrenaline that always used to get before the pandemic, and it was amazing to feel it again!

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A pic of me and my two closest friends in the ASHS, Pau and Cuad, celebrating our finished radio show project for FILSA! 

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Throughout the past 2 years, spending time with my friends in our friend group (especially with Pau and Cuad) has kept the ODL set-up bearable. No matter how draining and tiring the academic workload may get, bonding with them while working on our assignments and projects makes life fun. They are also great friends beyond the aspect of school - they support me in all my endeavors, and correct me when I need it. We've made so many memories and formed extremely strong bonds together, and for that, I am forever grateful. It truly is a great thing to know that I have friends that will be there for me no matter what!