January to March 2016 Favourites

I haven't done a favourites post in awhile and I need to make it up to you. I've already missed the first three months of the year, but don't worry because today, I will going through all that I have been loving from January to March.

~ Disclaimer: I am not paid to advertise any of the things that I mention below. I also am not affiliated with any of the companies that I mention below. ~

Photos taken by me

Adidas Gym Shorts

Recently, I have been wearing gym shorts more. I bought them to encourage myself to workout more and really get into my health and fitness. To be quite honest, I haven't been working out with these shorts, but instead using them for everyday use. The shorts that I bought are from Adidas and they are extremely comfortable. They're soft and they have pockets. Some even have zippers for the pockets so that when you work out, whatever you put inside doesn't fall out. I definitely recommend the climalite kind if you're looking for gym shorts for working out or just for bumming around in comfortable clothing.

Photo taken by me

Hair Ties

If you've seen me these past few months, then you will know that I have been growing my hair out. It's gotten long enough that I want it out of my face. To accomplish the task of keeping my hair out of my face, I bought a pack of hair ties from the local supermarket and I just really like having my hair tied now. I am a little disappointed at the brand that I got because it said "extra stretchy" but I've already broken six of them. If you know a really good brand, feel free to let me know in the comments. I am in need of good quality hair ties.

Photo taken by me

Fujifilm Instax Mini8 Polaroid

These past few months I have been using my polaroid more and I'm just really happy with it. You take a photo of a specific moment and then you immediately have a physical copy of that moment. The science behind it amazes me. As someone who enjoys living in the moment, capturing moments to remind me of them is really important. If you've been thinking of getting one, I really recommend Fujifilm's Instax Mini8! It comes in several colors and the films that you can get are really pretty. It is a bit expensive though but I can say that it is worth the money. I love polaroids so much that I've written an entire blog post before dedicated to it. 

You can read that here: Polaroids

Photos from Tumblr

The Revenant

This film stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hardy in the lead roles with Alejandro G. Iñarritu as director and co-writer alongside Mark L. Smith. Leonardo DiCaprio is great in this film even if he barely had any speaking lines for most of the film. He really gave 110% and it paid off because he finally has an Oscar in his home. I'm no expert in cinematography but I can say that he way each scene was captured was really effective in highlighting the emotions, setting the scene, and telling the story overall. The story itself is remarkable. The issues it tackles and the pace that it has are plus points for this film. I definitely recommend that you watch this movie. It's amazing and it doesn't disappoint.

Photo from Tumblr

Kung Fu Panda 3

I surprisingly enjoyed Kung Fu Panda 3 a lot. It has the same humor that the first two films had. I didn't expect to laugh that much but they still manage to get me with their jokes (maybe I'm really just 7 years old trapped in a 16 year-old body). While watching the movie, I realized that the movie was tackling serious and relevant topics like identity issues, adoption, and having a different family setup. The way they dealt with these topics really made it easier to digest these topics more. I'm really happy with this movie. I recommend watching this movie if you're looking for a light but meaningful film to watch.

Screenshot from Leroy's video

"All I Ask" by Adele (Cover by Leroy Sanchez)

This song gives me so much feels. It's the kind of song that makes you feel like you and your significant other are going through something even if you don't have a significant other in your life. There is so much emotion in this song and the lyrics really hit hard. It's also written by Adele and Bruno Mars which is an amazing collaboration in my opinion. This particular cover that I like was done by Leroy Sanchez, who is an amazing vocalist. Leroy slays the song with his powerful voice and beautiful falsetto. All I Ask is my favourite song from Adele's 25 album and you should go listen to it!

Youth Revival by Hillsong Young & Free

This album was released around February and it has been my go-to worship album ever since. What I like most about this album is how personal the lyrics are. There are a lot of worship songs that have really personal lyrics but personally, the songs on this album really spoke to me. My personal favourites are Only Wanna Sing and Trust. There's a Spotify playlist below of the entire album if you want to check it out!

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Those are all of the things that I have been loving from January to March. Links to some of them will be below. I promise to not miss any more favourites posts. I finally got around to adding photos onto my favourites post! I'm really excited to work with my camera more on this blog. I hope you enjoyed reading this super long post. That's all for now!

Until Next Time!

~ Luis ~

Links:

Fujifilm Instax: http://instaxfilm.tumblr.com/

Revenant Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LoebZZ8K5N0

Kung Fu Panda 3 Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10r9ozshGVE
All I Ask Cover: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1qbnUH7fMI

Previous Post: Color or Colour?

Other Favourites: Favourites

Color or Colour?

A few weeks ago, my friends and I were talking about how certain words are pronounced or written differently by people depending on where they come from. For example, some people would spell the word "color" with just an "o" while some people would spell it with a "u" (colour). Some people would pronounce "vitamins" as "vie-tah-mins" while other people pronounce it as "vih-tah-mins". I was surprised to know that one of my friends actually pronounces it as "vih-tah-mins" and I was just genuinely amazed that I knew someone who says the word it differently.

I think it's pretty amazing to have differences like that because it really shows how people can still get along in spite of differences. These differences make us unique and are things that we should be proud of. We shouldn't let these differences cause a divide between us.

it wasn't until after the conversation ended that I realized that there are things that are true for me but might not be true for others. It's a reminder that the people that I encounter or interact with each day different from me in many ways (interests, family background, beliefs, preference, etc.). I think it's important that people know and understand this.

If some of the preferences or ideas aren't the same as yours, knowing -- and more importantly, understanding that other people have something that isn't the same as yours is necessary. Doing so takes away any bias or prejudice against anyone. It takes away misconceptions and stereotypes. It allows people to live without fear of being judged or forced into a box. By knowing beforehand that people can and are allowed to have a different idea or understanding of certain matters, we prevent ourselves from reacting rashly and negatively.

It isn't necessarily accepting what the other person prefers or believes in, which I think be what some people fear and misunderstand. It really is just being sensitive to other people's feelings, which is something, everyone, including myself, should try doing.

This post definitely took a turn but it's something that's been on my mind for awhile now. I just wanted to share it here because I think it's important that we're aware about something like this. We all have our own unique stories. Let's be sensitive to those stories and hear each other out.

Until Next Time!
~ Luis ~

Previous Post: http://whatdoesluissay.blogspot.com/2016/01/goals.html

Goals

Welcome to 2016! I know I'm already a month late, but better late than never right?

I took a break from blogging in January because classes resumed and there were already a lot of requirements to do. I wanted to focus on getting back to work mode before working on my blog again. But now I am back and ready to blog again.

For my first post of the year, I wanted to set some goals. I wouldn't say that I am the best at reaching my goals, but whenever I do set goals for myself, I'm motivated to do more and give my best.

Without further ado, here are my goals for 2016!

~

Be More Active

2015 was the year that I started working out. Although I wasn't as consistent with my workout as I hoped I would be, I definitely saw changes not only physically, but also emotionally. I was happier and much more enthusiastic whenever I got to work out. This year, I want to make an effort to work on my health. Hopefully, I get to work at least two or three times a week. I guess this would mean really setting aside time for working out.

Being active physically is great, but, in my opinion, it's also important to work on your spiritual walk with God. 2015 was the year that I encountered God the most. Throughout the year, I experienced His love and mercy, and I can definitely say that I am blessed because of Him. This year, I want to make a conscious, genuine effort to seek God. I recently learned that seeking Him is within the heart and requires an "I want" attitude for it to actually happen. Doing my devotions is one thing. Genuinely doing my devotions is another, and that's what I want to do this year. 

Volunteer

It isn't a secret that Hannah Hart inspires me on so many levels. From cooking, making puns, and just being all around positive, Hannah Hart has taught me a lot about being happy, but there's one thing that she does that really sets her apart. Hannah Hart volunteers and she does with her viewers through her volunteering organization, Have A Hart Day. She's helped a lot of people and organizations by giving time and effort to volunteer along with her viewers. This year, I want to do the same. I want to give time and effort to those who need it, and it is a good way of using your resources. God calls us to be good stewards of our resources. He also wants us to have a heart for other people. I have a five-month break before going to college, so I hope to be able to volunteer during that time.

Try New Things

While it is easier to stick to what is familiar and "safe", there's no harm in going out of our comfort zones and seeing the world outside our safety bubble. Of course, we have to be cautious about the things that we do try because some can be harmful, but what I'm talking about is going on adventures, trying out new hobbies, and seeing what's out there in the world. I've always been hesitant about trying new things partly because of my anxiety, but whenever I do try out new things, regardless of the outcome, I feel great and refreshed by the experience. Just last week, I tried avocado ice cream for the first time, and I loved it! Thank you to my friends who suggested it a long time ago. If I hadn't tried it, I wouldn't have figured out for myself that avocado ice cream is amazing.

This year, I want to go out of my comfort zone and experience new things. I want to learn a new language (French in particular), try to cook harder recipes like Beef Stew and Ratatouille, and go to museums. Hopefully, I find time to do these things during the summer break.

Radiate Love

I first encountered this phrase a little bit over a year ago while scrolling through Tumblr. Ever since, it's been one of my aspirations in life to radiate love. I wouldn't say that I'm the best at being a loving person, but I can see the positive effects of being one. Thinking about it now, I think the first time that I actually encountered this phrase was when I read the Bible. Reading about God's love, how people, who are immersed in God's love, share that same love to other people, and the great changes that that brings is really encouraging. It gives me hope that while the future may seem dark and harsh, being in God's love and radiating that same love can make a difference.

This year, I want to radiate love all the time. It will be a struggle, but it's a struggle that I am willing to go through. The positive effects of radiating love are worth the struggle in my opinion.

~

I am very excited for 2016 to be quite honest. Lots of exciting things are happening this year and I'm just happy that there's a new year to have new opportunities and experience new things. Here's to a great, God-centered 2016!

Until Next Time!

~ Luis

Previous Post: http://whatdoesluissay.blogspot.com/2015/12/highlights-of-2015.html

Highlights of 2015

It's 2016 in about a couple of hours and I just wanted to take time to reflect on the past year because 2015 was an eventful year for me. A lot of ups and downs, but I praise God because the good still outweighed the bad. I just want to share highlights from my 2015 because 2015 was a great year for me.

~ Highlights of 2015 ~

1) I finished my third year of high school! I miss my section from last year though. Shout out to Thessalonians 2014-2015!!

2) I flew to the US for the Holy Week and got to spend time with relatives there! Hello Vegas and Houston fam!

3) I attended the #ohlife GCF Youth LIVE camp! I definitely had a blast meeting new people and spending time with my friends. I was blessed by the plenaries and the buzz group sessions that we had. It's definitely one I'll remember many years from now.

4) I had review classes for college entrance tests. Those four weeks (?) were long and tiring but I guess they were, to some extent, helpful!

5) My friends and I threw a surprise birthday party for my bestfriend and we all had an amazing time! Aside from that, I attended the birthday party of one of my close friends where I participated and won in the Chubby Bunny Challenge with a total of seventeen marshmallows in my mouth! I can't wait to see what I'll do in my friends' birthday parties next year!

6) I went to the Pentatonix concert here in the Philippines! I saw Scott and Kevin up close and Kirstie waved at me. It was a great way to end the summer vacation to be quite honest.

7) I entered Senior Year and started the school year with O-Week - three days of fellowship, physical activities, and God's Word with the entire high school body. Although my house didn't win the House Cup (Congratulations, Scepters!), we did win the Cheer Dance Competition and I'm happy with that! Without a doubt, the seniors and I definitely had fun spending time with our kids and I think that's the most important part of O-Week.

8) I was placed in Year IV-Romans for this school year, and to be quite honest, I wouldn't want to be in any other section for my last year in high school. I am so blessed and happy with this section. Shout out to Romans 2015-2016!

9) I failed a quiz this year, but I still praise God for that because if I hadn't, then I wouldn't have pushed myself to do well in the exam. Even if I was initially distraught with what I got, I looked to God and saw the blessing that He was giving to me.

10) I took exams at three colleges and got results to two of them already. Praise God for His grace and faithfulness!

11) I had a misunderstanding with one of my really close friends this year. It was without a doubt tough on both of us, but we both got through it and now, we're good. Our friendship has definitely gotten much stronger because of that and I praise God for that and of course, for my friend! You know who you are. Thank you.

12) I did a concept paper on nationalism and my group's final product was a comic book in both Filipino and English! Even though it was stressful especially for my group mates who drew the comics, I can say that it was all worth it in the end!

13) I directed my last ever Dulaan, "Walang Sugat" by Severino Reyes. I'm very proud of it. Also, my role for this play was a general who gets into a conflict with the priest...again. What does this mean?

14) Tyler Oakley noticed me twice this past year! I honestly do not need to explain anymore.

15) I made new friends this year! I am so happy for them. I also got closer to some of my friends and I'm also happy about that! Shout out to my friends who make me smile each day.

16) I turned 16 this year. Woah.

17) I performed my last ever skit for my guild, Theospian. Theospian is my baby and to have performed for it one last time made me quite emotional. The skit I performed I also co-wrote with my great friend, Yumi Paras. That skit is our precious baby. It came from our hearts. I'm happy with it.

18) I was able to serve in church more even if I took a leave from church. In my time off from singing, I was able to serve in other ministries too which I think is great. Yay Creatives Team and Tech Team!

19) I encountered God more this past year. I felt His presence in my life more. I praise Him for that! While I still have a long way to go in my relationship with Him, I thank Him for His unwavering love for me.

~

I know this post is already long, but it's the last one, so I'll fit in all that I want to say now. Moving right along, I wanted to share both the good and the bad events in my life from the past year because both of them have made an impact in my life. Having gone through what I went through this past year has really helped me change into a much better person. I still have a lot to work on, but I'm pleased with the progress that I've made this past year. This past year has truly been reflective for me. In a lot of situations this past year, I found myself in deep thought, reflecting on the things that were happening to me. I praise God for that! Being in a state of reflection has helped me see His blessings and understand even more the plans that He has for me.

I'm definitely looking forward to 2016! I know a lot of people say it, but I really do think that 2016 will be a great year. Greater than 2015? Maybe. We'll see. I have so much planned for 2016 that that alone makes me excited for the coming year. I can't wait to see what God has in store for me in 2016. I hope you enjoyed the past year as much as I did. If you didn't, then I hope that 2016 will be much kinder to you. But that is all that I have for 2015!

Until Next Time!

~ Luis ~

"No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us"

Romans 8:37

Previous Post: http://whatdoesluissay.blogspot.com/2015/12/baking-brownies.html

Baking Brownies

Hello! Ever since I posted about brownies about ten months ago, I have been trying to make the perfect batch of brownies (moist, chewy, and not crumbly). I baked brownies the other day and I wanted to share some photos that I took from that day.

I use the Betty Crocker Brownie Mix for my brownies. It already has instructions on how to make brownies, which makes it so much easier to make especially for those baking brownies for the first time.

When I bake, I use a large clear mixing and a wooden spoon. Sometimes, I use a spatula but then mixing it becomes a bit difficult. I only use a spatula when making cookie dough because it's easier to mix the dough with the spatula. Back to brownies...

1/2 Cup Water is needed for the recipe. A human needs a lot of water even if they're already 70% water. If you haven't already, drink a glass of water right now! It's good for you.

The recipe says 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, but I don't use vegetable oil at home. Instead, I used olive oil because that's what I use for all my cooking and baking needs.

The recipe also calls for 1 egg! I personally use large, free-range, organic eggs for cooking and baking. Free-range means that the chicken isn't caged in the farm and is allowed to roam around the field. Organic, in terms of food, means that there is no chemicals added onto the plants, food of the animals, or fertilizer used for the soil where the crops grow.

My addition to the recipe is 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. The vanilla extract adds a nice touch to the brownie giving it just the right amount of sweetness. Too much of vanilla extract can make your recipe go wrong in an instant, so be careful when adding it to your recipe.

Mix together all the ingredients to make your batter. The consistency should be thick but not too thick that the batter is difficult to mix already. It shouldn't be runny also. That'll make the brownie too fudgey, which will cause the brownie to break apart easily.

Transfer the batter onto a baking tin/pan. The one I used is about 9x11 if I'm not mistaken. This particular tin is not expensive. If I recall correctly, it's about 140 pesos. It's an effective baking tin/pan bought at a really good price!

Place the tin in the oven for about 40 minutes at a temperature of 175 degrees Celsius! If you haven't preheated the oven, do it now and wait for about 15 minutes before putting the brownies in.

After 40 minutes, take the brownies out of the oven and let it cool down for 30-50 minutes.

And because I'm new to photoblogging, I forgot to take photos of the brownies sliced and neatly arranged in a plate. Oh well. I promise to update this post with a picture of the brownies as soon as I can!

I hope you enjoyed reading through this post! This is the first time I'm having photos on my blog, and I really hope it looks great. I'm hoping to have photos in most, if not all, of my blogposts. That is all I have for you guys today!

Until Next Time!

~ Luis ~

Previous Post: http://whatdoesluissay.blogspot.com/2015/11/never-have-i-ever.html

Brownies: http://whatdoesluissay.blogspot.com/2015/02/brownies.html