End-of-the-year Bonding

EDITED: Dec 16, 2012

I can't believe I'm talking about this now... We have 16 days left before this year ends! This is a total cliche but really, this year flew by quite fast! Anyway, I'm not here today to talk about anything sentimental. Haha. But before we begin, I must ask for your forgiveness for the lack of photos in this entry. I brought my camera with me... Only the battery was empty. *facepalm* Most pictures are grabbed from friends. Sorry! I will *try* not to make the same mistake again. In fact, I'm currently charging my camera battery now. Hahaha. :P

I had to wake up extra early today because we had to perform in a "Reader's Theater  today for one of my Uni classes.

I was a mongoose in the presentation. Why I have bunny ears, I have no idea. Haha.

(Picture from Mela Valdez)

My group performed Furs and Feathers quite well with only about 30-minutes or so of practice. Haha. Anyway, after this, the entire class went to Market! Market! for a get-together/Christmas party/End-of-the-year-party. I don't think I would want to eat at Shakey's again... ; 3 ; They set some glasses on our table and it's not difficult to tell that the glasses were dirty... Probably not even washed! They give it to you with a little water and some particles in it... Totally unhygienic  I asked our glasses to be replaced, only to be given the same glasses, but now without the water in it. Later on, my classmate asked yet again to have our glasses replaced, only to be given "other" dirty glasses. One plate with "crumbs" was even laid out at our table. YUCK! Nonetheless, I had to stay and eat there because the entire class is. >_>

Check out the very bad, but nevertheless very revealing photo I took with my phone. >_<

Nevertheless, we SMILE! Here I am flashing an ultra-big grin with kitty ears on. XDD

(Pic grabbed from Star Bacani)

The gang chowing on pizza and pasta... Hopefully they are not contaminated. Lol

(Pic grabbed from Mela Valdez)

I just had to take a pic of this! Ain't it pretty? *_*

(Pic from Mela Valdez)

After the big group broke up, we were left with our original classmates, and some long-time friends; one of which we haven't seen for a while!

Joemalyn, me, Melai, and Neth Mark

(Picture grabbed from Mela Valdez)

In this part, I will have to be extra descriptive because most photos have not yet been uploaded by classmates. :P I will add them later on, PROMISE! just because!!! XD

We all decided to go to Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf for a chat. This unexpectedly turned out to be a balut-eating-challenge (at least it was for me!). For those of you who are not familiar as to what balut is, it is basically a duck egg... Only you eat it when the duckling is almost about to see the world. Hahahaha. Google it if you dare, but be warned! It's a little gross.

The cake was supposed to be "guilt-free..." I hope it is because it was so sweet and just yummy. ; 3 ;

(Pic from Mela Valdez)

Playing with the eggs. LOL Yeah we are kids like that. :P

(Pic from Mela Valdez)

WARNING NEXT PICTURE WILL BE REPULSIVE FOR SOME!

I suggest you scroll down fast if you don't wanna see it!

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READY? Here it is!

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Honestly, I don't think it's that repulsive! Hehe. And yeah, we were totally ruining the TCBTL ambience. Hahaha.

(Pic from Mela Valdez) 

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Okay back to safe zone. :P

I have not eaten a balut since when I was four. I enjoyed balut a lot before, it actually tastes good! But there was one time in my childhood that I got an egg where the duckling already had a beak... That is just too grotesque for anyone, let alone a four-year-old girl. After that, I never ate balut again... Until today.

This my disgusted face trying to eat the "chick" with a fork... ; 3 ;

(Pic from Mela Valdez)

Melai, Mark and I shared one egg... But they ate the good parts and left me with the "bato" the hard, not-so-yummy-part and the duckling. After much encouragement and teasing from the group, I had to eat it. So I did. I rarely pass up a challenge. The duckling wasn't so big yet, anyway. There's PROBABLY no beak yet. >_> To tell you the truth, though I had almost gagged because of the thought of the baby duck, the taste was not bad! Truly, it's just mind over matter. I won't be eating balut again anytime soon though. HAHA! I would give you a lame excuse and say, "These baby ducks need to live!" And you just have to respect me for that. Hahahaha.

After the balut-challenge and ate Ella giving out Garnier samples for free, we went outside the cafe to play some good ol' party games. We played the classic charades and the game we call "Pinoy Henyo," a game similar to 20 Questions. Learn more about it here. Yes. I linked you to Wikipedia. Hahahaha.

We ended the day trying to get each other wet at the fountains in High Street. It's so beautiful there. The fountains are illuminated with changing colors. Just lovely! Not long after though, we had to say our goodbyes and see-you-next-years as everyone was tired. ; 3 ; And so, we ended the day with a prayer.

Our group is very fun and spontaneous and lively. Most of us still have the child in us. I just love these guys. How I wish we can still continue to hang out long after this program ends. REALLY. I would WANT that. I really believe in what ate Queenie said, that we all met for a reason. I hope that our relationships will continue to grow long after we part ways. <3 I love you guys! :P

P.S. I want the group pics, Kuya Bernard. I will still have to edit this. :P