Introductory Post: The Book Challenge

Introductory post for this new feature of my blog:
I have always been a book hoarder, up to a point where I just buy books when stopping at a bookshop. Heck, I don't even have to go to a bookshop, people give me some of their books for disposal, to which I happily adapt and let it pile up amongst the other books that I have bought recently and those that cobwebbed away.

It was almost 2 years ago that my friend challenged herself to read 50 books a year. I thought that was a terrific idea. I told myself I'd follow that in the days to come. But, to my, dismay, work got in the way, getting fired mostly so, and depression. Hence, the pile up reading materials on my bedside, no, desk-side library. I look at my pile of books like an ex-boyfriend - very awkwardly and sometimes, with regret that I haven't get to brush its spine, pages or cover. And so...

This year, I will turn a new leaf, no puns intended, and I would start reconciling with my books. I plan to read and take up the challenge of one book per week. That isn't a hefty load but to someone with an overbearing imagination and that is also easily distracted. It can be quite tricky. Moreover, my speed on reading isn't about words per minute. It varies on the content of the writer gives. So I cannot gauge my own ability to browse through a book without fully comprehending it.

Enough with the introduction, I say, let's have the books.

Highlights of 2013

I will admit that 2013 wasn't an out-of-the-box experience for me. It wasn't very 'out-there' as I would hope it would be. But looking back, I had fun with 2013 even though I deem it as a buffer year because career-wise it wasn't that very giving of a stable job. Even so, there are so many milestones throughout this year to celebrate and now, I just want to pat 2013 on the back and say "Hey, That was one hell of a ride"

***Before writing this blog and not seeing what amazing things I did last year, I was pessimistic about it. At first I thought, nothing happened to me this last year, but as I count my blessing and going through the wonderful photo diaries I've had this past year, no one is more surprised that me to have achieved a lot during my gap year. And that needs a pat on the back. Good for me.***

Here are the highlights of my 2013.

A little bit crazy. A little bit worldly. 

But a whole lot of creativity.

1. Attended K-pop Dream Concert 2013: The first concert I attended alone. 

2. Shot with a bunch of artist with a fully prepared production shoot: 7 deadly sins.

3. Completed the installation of my desk/workstation/spaceship control bridge.

4. Role-played being a Nurse for 2 weeks for my Grandpa Aguinaldo. Never liked Hospitals but for this man, I'd put up with it. :D

5. Attended 2 art exhibits of my uncle.

6. Had my first commissioned work as a freelance photographer for a pre-debut.

7. Had my second commissioned work for a pre-nuptial shoot.

8. Had a photoshoot at an abandoned building.

9. Hugged a fully-grown Siberian Husky.

10. Attended a forum with speaker Maria Ressa.

11. Role-played being an English teacher for Korean students.

12. Became a Cabesilla during Flores de Mayo

13. E-published my first ever Magazine (re-learned In-Design) and
launched PKL 4017 and Pakil New Media.

14. I became a blonde.

15. Produced a 7 episode documentary for the Historical Council.

16.  Had a photoshoot up in the Mountains

17. Hunted for Doctor Who merchandises~! Books! Annuals!

18. Semi-managed the production of an indie movie.

19. Collected 2 Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: 1996 and 2012 versions.

20. Acquired my first Sonic Screwdriver~!

21. Learned to order online~! (Bad move)

22. Became a photographer for Ginoo & Binibining Pakil 2013 (3rd commissioned work).

23. Cosplayed the 11th Doctor.

24. Produced and photographed Battle of the Bands 2013.

25. Had my 4th commissioned shoot: Pre-debut. One of my best experience.

26. Attended the 50th Anniversary Doctor Who party and became a Vampire Fish from the planet Saturnyne.

27. Been inside of the TARDIS.

28.. Got featured in Vogue 4 times this year.

29. Started my Timeless Series. More to come this 2014.

30. I finally got a boyfriend. Lol. I mean, a pet skull.