A photo, a moment, and a short story.

A blissful day, my fellow and beloved Hivers! Another blog and stories for this day. But before that, allow me to express my sincerest gratitude for being part of this community. I am beyond happy with all the feedback and opportunity I got here. With that, I hope that you all are happy and doing great in life. ❤️

Allow me to start this blog with this question, Have you ever experienced wanting to capture something because you want to treasure that certain moment you had? If yes, then this blog is for you!

I have always adored capturing even the simplest juncture of my life. May it be about a small achievement I got, a new place I visited, and a food I just tasted. I have this deep appreciation of life's subtleties and little wonders, which I also perceived that I was molded to notice some of the world's mysterious ways and things to ponder.

Thus, today, I will be sharing with you my top 10 photographs and a short story behind each one of them. For I believe that every picture has a story to tell.

Photo #1: A golden hour of sunrise

I took this picture after I attended our church's first inaugural Misa de Gallo. To give you some information on Misa de Gallo, it is a Catholic tradition in the Philippines, where nine dawn masses are held every December in preparation for Christmas. It is also referred to as "Night Mass" in English and "Simbang Gabi" in Tagalog. Since the church is a little distance from our house, I took a motorcycle going home after the simbang gabi. I never thought I would see such a magnificent golden hour in my life till that day. That is why I hurriedly take a shot and was overjoyed when it worked out perfectly. Additionally, this picture made me reflect that beautiful beginnings sometimes arrived on days we never imagined would happen.

Photo #2: A bouquet of memory

This photo was taken on my 20th birthday last year, marking a new stage in my adulting journey. To be honest, I never thought I would get a bouquet of flowers that day since I had so much on my plate, and I didn't even anticipate that day to be a memorable one. Until someone whom I cherished deeply asked me to join him in celebrating my special day. Upon receiving the invitation, I couldn't help but broke down in tears of happiness because I knew that I still had someone to turn to when things seemed to be falling apart; how I love those people who can make us feel euphoric with just the slightest effort they give. Furthermore, as I received the flowers, I was silently praying and hoping that he may succeed at every turn of his life, for he is a great friend I once had. On that exact moment as well, I realized how bittersweet adulting life can be.

Photo #3: A museum of art

I took this picture when I and my colleagues decided to have our filmmaking near the National Museum of Cebu City. At first, I did not know that we would actually go inside the museum since our plan did not include visiting there. However, thanks to our unplanned decision-making, we got the chance to personally witnessed the amazing cultural heritage of Cebu. Upon entering the museum, I was ecstatic about all the artifacts and arts I had seen. Truly, Cebuanos are indeed oke of the multi-talented races of mankind. I went home that day unlocking new memories, exploration, and a growing passion for art.

Photo #4: A calm tide going home

After a long, long week of exhaustion from studies, this was a well-deserved break I had. I snapped this fourth picture as I went home to Olango Island to rest and recover my worn-out well-being. I usually chose to sleep every time I rode a boat. However, that day something urged me to capture the serenity of the sea going back home.

Photo #5: Payed by hardwork

This fifth photo was taken after I bought this cute black earphone using my hard-earned money from working as a student assistant at our university. It was just so fulfilling that I got to spoil myself in my own ways without asking for help from my parents. Although they are willing to give me the things that I want, but I am still eager to take risks and work hard to provide for myself.

Photo #6: Crafted with determination and love

I took this sixth photo during my journey of crafting a product as one of our major projects. The process of making this mini organizer was a tough one since it was a new challenge for me. However, seeing the result, all the tiredness and pressure that I felt that day suddenly vanished. It made me teary-eyed because my dedication was being paid off very well.

Photo #7: I live for pastries

Do you ever find yourself fascinated by seeing things you loved randomly? If yes, then we are the same. This seventh picture was taken on a random day inside a bake shop. It was after a long walk I endured that I decided to take a rest and had the chance to capture this one. I know it might be just a little thing for others, but for me, it was the reason that made up my day.

Photo #8: Live, laugh, love doughnuts!

As funny as it can be, I will always have a boundless love for doughnuts. That is why I took this eight photo when my eldest brother brought home these super delicious doughnuts I have ever tasted in my life. The first bite I took was incredibly unforgettable as it melted in my mouth; can you imagine that? The sweetness and the texture were a magical combination a human could ever bake. As I look back at that moment, I can't help but to go back to feeling those things again.

Photo #9: First harvest

As I mentioned in my previous blog, we have this little backyard of ours, with a small mango tree that I take time to climb at all times. After several years of watering and taking care of that plant, we got to experience our first-ever harvest in our lifetime. It was a very heartwarming moment of reflection that at the end of the day, if we are just willing to put in the effort and wait for the right time, everything will eventually pay off.

Photo #10: Shrimplicious

Lastly, this picture I took captures more than just a meal; it reflects my family's smile and laughter, an achievement I got, and an overwhelming sense of contentment that I felt that day. This likewise made me realize how important it is to take courage amidst the uncertainty of life, since this was my first time trying to cook for them. Thus, we ended that day with a full stomach and a happy heart.

You are now at the end of my blog! Thank you so much for reading, and I appreciate the effort you dedicated. I hope that you enjoyed the short stories I shared, and let me know your thoughts in the comment section below. Always keep your smile!❤️