Social Media Changed Us by Diego Dela Rosa

Social Media has to be the most powerful platform for communication. Advertisements, commercials, etc. is now all seen through social media. This has now become a medium for almost everything you could ever imagine.

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The impact it has on me as an Augustinian is life changing. Growing up in elementary school, social media was not in my vocabulary, so I could still say that I enjoyed my childhood without technology. In my whole high school life, social media has affected me in way wherein I learn something new everyday. This is also where I get to practice my social responsibility, and I use this responsibility in real life situations. These situations made me who I am today.

Everyday I would be on my phone scrolling through facebook, chatting with my friends online, spending hours on social media, just to find myself in a quiet, empty space.

http://d11sjosxu0rtpd.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/social_media_strategy.jpg

Social media has it's benefits, and also it's downsides. The benefits are the usual, faster communication, freedom of speech, marketing, bigger and wider idea of socialization, and many more. But the downsides, I must say, is a problem only faced by this generation, and probably the next generations to come.

http://www.hdwallpapers.in/walls/social_media-wide.jpg

Nowadays, social media is being used for a lot of schoolwork, even. Times have really changed, and it can never be the same anymore.

Social media did many things for me, it introduced me to new friends, it gave me news about new things everyday, it shows me how my friends and family are doing everyday, and I simply love it.

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Though I told you the simple pleasures and benefits of this powerful medium, everyone should be aware of the dangers infested in social media. Scandals, gossips, reputations being destroyed, and cyber-bullying could all happen with the power of social media.

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I am reminded everyday that I should be responsible with whatever happens on social media. I always think about what one click could do.

Paradise in Mindanao by Patrick Fale

Mindanao is known to be a place of violence. The media has shown that most rebels are from there. Yes it is true, there's war in Mindanao and most rebels are there but Mindanao is a big place. There are places in Mindanao that are dangerous but there are also places that are for us to appreciate.

Lake Sebu in Surallah South Cotabato is definitely a peaceful place! Approximately 2 hour flight from Manila to General Santos and 1 and a half hour by land from there to 

Surallah, South Cotabato.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Sebu,_South_Cotabato

Lake Sebu is known for its product, tilapia. There are a lot of restaurants there that has tilapia dishes that vary.

Aside from their product, you should also try their zip line that is one of the highest in the Philippines and in South East Asia.

http://kodakerdabawenya.com/tag/south-cotabato/

Riding the zip line will give you a glimpse of the 7 falls in the area. After the zip line, you will get to appreciate the rock formation and the water falls in a closer perspective.

Mindanao truly has its own beauty despite some situation in some places. I would go back to this place if were given a chance. I had a great time and learned to appreciate what nature has to offer.

To learn more about the place, visit http://lakesebu.southcotabato.org/

The Way to an Aesthetic Life by Diego Dela Rosa

The best, the most solid, the most amazing lifestyle there is, for me, is the Gym lifestyle. I mean, there is no downside to this. Gym life would make you end up being jacked, strong, and aesthetic, it gives you the opportunity to give you control over your body, and this makes you shape, carve, and turn your body into anything you like. 

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/3a/de/d3/3aded3f27f21f9dbb0f98b55cadf13d8.jpg

These are the reasons on why you should hit the gym: Happy? Hit the gym. Sad? Hit the gym. Heartbroken? Hit the gym. Angry? Hit the gym. Bored? Hit the gym. Hyper? Hit the gym. Insecure? Hit the gym. I can go all day with a long list of reasons in why you should hit the gym, but my point is that the gym lifestyle should be part of everyone's life if they could or if they have enough time. 

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You could make good friends who share the same hobbies as you because of the gym. Gym partners, gym buddies, is how many people call it. These are the guys that accompany you in the gym and do the same work outs as you and enjoy gymming with you as well. These guys help you with your work outs and all which is a big part of hitting the gym.

http://thumbs.dreamstime.com/z/young-man-motivating-gym-buddy-bicep-exercise-men-35311066.jpg

There are many names for guys who are really into the life of gymming, and these people are usually called by the names of gym rats, gym sharks, which for me, if called that, is a compliment. These people usually hit the gym for about 4-7 times a week, and that is amazing.

http://cms.bbcomcdn.com/fun/images/2014/make-twice-the-gains-with-the-hodgetwins-workout-4.jpg

With all that said about the gym, the gym lifestyle isn't all about working out, but actually keeping a healthy body, which means proper nutrition. To be able to attain proper nutrition, one must be able to diet properly. If you want to lose some weight and cut off some fats, then fix your diet, same with if you want to gain some weight and add more fats. 

https://munishalini.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/diet-in-gym.jpg

Keeping a proper diet is a lot harder than working out, because to keep a good and proper diet requires a lot of discipline and patience, while working out just requires proper form.

The gym lifestyle means a healthy lifestyle. Being healthy is a way of life, and should be kept that way. Let's be part this healthy life.

Bound Up North... by Patrick Fale

Bound Up North

By: Patrick Fale

Get away from the busy streets of metro manila and stress from work. Take a break and connect with nature and learn more historical places in the Philippines! My family decided to go to Ilocos and it was indeed a great place!

http://www.julesmariano.com/blog/vigan-ilocos-sur-travel-tips-and-more/

Ilocos is known for its world heritage Vigan and it was mesmerizing to see preserved structures. It was like a throw back to the early Spanish regime.

Paoay church, one of the oldest and biggest church in the Philippines is also in Ilocos.

Paoay Sand Dunes is one of the hidden treasure of the Philippines. Located in Paoay, it is the desert in the Philippines. Yes, we have a desert in the Philippines.

If you are seeking for adrenaline rush then Paoay sand dunes is for you to try. 4x4 vehicles will surely turn your stomach around. You can also try sand boarding, it is worth the try.

Kapurpurawan rock formation located in Ilocos Norte. You will walk around 500 meters or ride a horse going to the rock formation but its worth the effort.

Bangui windmill is also one of the famous spot in Ilocos.

Ilocos is indeed one of the best places I've been in. It is more or less a 12 hour drive from Manila. It is truly a good place to release all the tension and stress from the busy metrro.

CSA School Life Will Be Missed by Diego Dela Rosa

CSA School Life Will Be Missed

School, for me, was never exciting. As in it never was. It would only be okay for me when there would be an occasion, or event, or whatnot.

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My school life is average in general, but what makes mine different from the rest is the memories I make every single day. I come from Colegio San Agustin, class of 11-K, batch 2017. My grades are not as high as I would want them to be, but they're not failing marks either.

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I spent most of my life hours in CSA, and to me, those are hours well spent. Yes, I have encountered so many times wherein I would really hate on the system, and hate the rules, but I just learned to adapt to it and get over it. I must admit, I still disagree with some of the school's logic. But, I still choose to stay because of the friends and family I acknowledge. They are what makes CSA makati, CSA makati. If it weren't for all the people, teachers, and students, CSA would just be a boring school.

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My academics, I mostly find very boring, and I really see no fun in it, but the teaching styles of all the teachers is what makes things interesting. They are the one's that encourage me to go to school everyday.

One word to describe CSA, is home. Yes, I disagree with the system, but I love the people who makes CSA feel just like home.

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Friends in CSA, to me, are family. I know who my real friends are, and those are the ones who are there for me, at ALL times. I get a failing grade, my friends are there to help me, I pass all exams, my friends are there to celebrate with. They never fail to make me smile, and for all that, I do the same for all of them.

Grade School Life by: Terence Spencer

Grade School life

                                                         by: Terence Spencer 

                                               
                                             The last step of a new beginning 

         

       As we get older, all we have is photos of us when we were young and reminisce of all the                                      things we did when we we're back in grade school.  

        As time passes bye, the "group" of friends you have will come down to categories like the jocks , dancers , honor students and etc... 

We get matured and start to have this weird feeling to the side

Then the last step of a new beginning is when my batch mates and I graduate from grade school going to HighSchool 

My experience with the Philippine Basketball Team by: Terence Spencer

              Philippine  Basketball Team 

                            by: Terence Spencer 

As Basketball grows in the country the sport has took the eyes of many Filipino athletes 

   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0R10TRpG9kc

   

With the competition rising, I have to work hard for my spot in the team and with the blessing of my parents and with the help of My coach. 

I was motivated and determined to be the best at my age bracket and every game I would always pray for my safety and put my skills to the test. 

 

  Winning the championships against Thailand will always be forever in my head because all our hardwork , determination and the will power all paid off.

With all my determination and motivation I was selected to be  part of the mythical five 

( top players in the league with the best score sheets ) 

These are the players that represented the Philippine Team and I am proud to call them 

my brothers. 

Paradise in the Middle of the Busy Metro by Patrick Fale

Paradise in the Middle of the Busy Metro

By: Patrick Fale

http://www.asiatravel.com/en-us/hotels/philippines/manila/nobu_hotel_city_of_dreams_manila/index.html

Prom night was fun and yet tiring so we needed a place to have fun and relax. I and my friends decided to stay in Nobu City of Dreams Manila. It was truly the City of Dreams! After a long night, we arrived at the relaxing scent of the lobby to the spacious room. The room was well lighted by warm comfy lights and was overlooking the pool and Eco Park of the hotel. The bed was very comfortable and the living area was big enough to eat, rest, or work. The comfort room was fine but there was no bath tub.

http://metro.co.uk/2014/02/26/travel-top-3-celebrity-owned-getaways-from-marlon-brando-robert-de-niro-and-andy-murray-4320154/

     

The room was impressive but that is not all that Nobu hotel has to offer. Release the stress from a busy day at Nobu spa. Skilled therapists and natural stress relieving products is offered by Nobu hotel. Never skip leg day, chest day, or cardio because Nobu Fitness is up for you to use! It has complete equipments that will truly give you a good workout session and bring you to wellness. A hotel will never be complete without a swimming pool and of course Nobu has it for you. It is not a typical swimming pool though. It is an Eco Park that you can roam around and appreciate the tropical themed environment. It is truly a relaxing environment and a great place to release all stress and tension.

http://www.cityofdreams.com.ph/hotels

Nobu offers good environment and comfortable room but it will never be complete without food. A night in Nobu comes with a breakfast for two and the food is great! Premium dining at Nobu restaurant offers Japanese cuisines that are pleasing to the eyes and tongue.

http://www.ourawesomeplanet.com/awesome/2015/01/the-nobu-manila-experience.html

            My friends and I did really have a great stay in Nobu hotel. We had enough rest and enjoyed each other’s company at a very good environment. It was indeed a great time and I would suggest that if you want to get away or take a break from the busy life in the metro, you should come and visit Nobu Hotel City of Dreams at  Asean Avenue corner Roxas Boulevard, Entertainment City, Parañaque 1701, Manila, Philippines.