#jaccarlos

[haifacarryon]

Hi, kuya Jac. I'm sorry if I was too late. I still can't believe it. But I know you are happy and you're singing loudly while dancing. Have a blast! Hahaha Rest in peace, kuya. I miss you. @jaccarlos-blog

[patricia-blogs]

A Tribute to my Fake Boyfriend

I have friends who sent me messages asking why I didn’t tell them anything. My photos with Jac were my profile photo and cover photo for the past few months. They thought that I already have a boyfriend. Yup, he was my fake boyfriend.  

I heard the news a day later. To say that I was devastated is an understatement. When I heard it, I was in denial. It just can’t happen. He woke up after his surgery. He even posted an Instagram Story!!

I decided to check social media: Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. No posts from his family. I checked his latest photos on Instagram and I saw some comments that confirmed the news. They were posted hours ago.

Hours after, I went to the chapel; still hoping that it was fake news. I arrived a bit late for the mass so I waited outside. When the mass ended, my Dad saw me and told me to come in. I immediately went to the coffin, alongside my parents and sister. The moment I saw the body inside the coffin, tears instantly fell. It was really him. He was only 24.

Apparently, some people thought that he was my crush. That’s not true. I didn’t have a crush on him because from the very beginning I knew he was my cousin. Our mothers are cousins. Even if he’s a distant cousin, we are still related. I know its hard to believe that we are cousins ‘cause we definitely don’t look alike. We went to an event together and some of the people we met really thought that we are a couple. I suddenly realized that he’s the only man I ever brought to an event. I usually bring my sisters or female friends.

This was the last time we talked offline. 2 years ago at a wake. 

I reread our messages and saw this. I totally forgot that he said “Labyu” to me before. May kailangan kasi siya. HAHA. Joke. As you can see I didn’t reply “Labyu” back ‘cause that would be weird. And honestly, I can’t remember him giving me anything. I never got that “something.”

I even trusted him with my cameras more than my own sisters. HAHA. Here he is with Penny (my DSLR camera). 

He is the only guy who knew and followed all my social media accounts. I even congratulated him for finding my Tumblr account. LOL

 He used to work with James Reid and Nadine Lustre aka JaDine. He only have good things to say about them, which made me so happy because I stanned the right people! He even watched On the Wings of Love (though I think he wasn’t able to finish it)! OTWOL is my favorite Filipino teleserye. He even photobombed JaDine’s viral photo after admitting their relationship at Araneta Coliseum 2 years ago!

When we reunited in 2013, I can’t remember being awkward with him. We just clicked instantly as if we’ve been hanging out for years. It also helped that we share similar interests. He is one of the few people in my life who saw the real me (I have multiple personalities. :P). Despite all of those, he understood and genuinely accepted me. I shared with him my life secrets and problems. Whenever I feel down, I just send him a simple hello and by the end of the day I felt better. He was my confidant, best friend, and advisor.

He kept our photo in his wallet, which was unfortunately stolen. Whoever stole his wallet, I hate you from the bottom of my hypothalamus!

He is handsome, smart, creative, well mannered, generous, and kind. He is such a gentleman that he actually made me realize that I am a girl. HAHA. Bakit nga ba wala siyang girlfriend?? 

He carried my bag after a long day. I actually refused his offer, but he insisted. 

Thank you, JAC for setting the standards real high. I am actually preparing myself to be single for the rest of my life. HAHA

I will always remember you this way. :)

I really thought we still have more time. When he died, that’s when I said that God is unfair and actually meant it. I still consider his death as the biggest heartbreak of my life. A part of me died with him. I have been crying every day for 6 months already and I am not even exaggerating.  

I am doing my best to move forward, JAC. I’ll try to keep the good vibes rolling. I hope you are proud of me. I miss you so much!!

It was an honor to be your fake girlfriend. I love you forever. ‘Til we meet again.

Please check out his blog and YouTube channel. Unfortunately, someone hacked his Tumblr account. :( His videos with Wil Dasovich are on his channel.

[jaccarlos-blog]

Dinoy’s is a small resto just nearby ABS-CBN where we would usually eat at back when I was still at MYX. It’s got some pretty cool art on the walls and of course, good food that’s the closest we could get to home-cooked food in that area. This night, I met up with MYX friends just to catch up and as usual, it was a fun time (even though we weren’t complete, again). It’s good to hear everyone’s doin fairly well and things are just like how we left it! Well... kinda. Hehe. Til’ next time!

Keepin’ the good vibes rollin’!

[kohicat]

Inside the Blogosphere: The Benefits of Blogging

Technology has definitely changed the way we normally live. One discovery that is rapidly becoming a necessity for most people is the Internet. It has paved the way for easier communication and self-expression. Letting your voice be heard is as simple as a click of a button. And one way of doing so is through blogging.

A blog is a personal website which serves as an online journal where in the individual can voice out his opinion. There are a lot of websites today that offer free blog hosting. Some of the popularly used blog sites today are Wordpress, Blogger and Tumblr. 

As of today, more than 200 million blogs have been created worldwide. It is becoming a craze that is popular among the younger generation.

Blogging may seem like a petty activity that people do just to get attention. But in reality, it is so much more than that. People today don’t just blog to put their lives in the spotlight. Blogging actually requires a lot of time and effort.

Creating a blog is an easy thing to do but maintaining one is easier said than done. There are a lot of factors to consider in running a blog. One of which is the reason why you want to blog. Blogging without a specific purpose will lead to nothing.

It’s a cliche to say that people blog to express themselves. Self-expression may be the main purpose of blogging but the reason why people actually maintain blogs varies. Jac Carlos of jaccarlos.tumblr.com, a 20-year-old Fil-Canadian lifestyle blogger says that he blogs for three main reasons: to express, to inspire and to be inspired.

“The best thing about blogging for me however besides being able to express myself, is that I am able to inspire others through the things I write and photos I post. Knowing that I’ve somehow made a positive impact on a person to get out and live their life to the fullest is one of the best feelings you can get.” says Carlos.

Blogging has its positive effects. In a world where cyberbullying is rampant, blogging proves that internet isn’t exactly a bad place. Social media sites such as Twitter and Facebook is where cyberbullying commonly happens but as for the blogosphere, harmonious acquaintances are being made rather than nonsense heckling.

Another reason why people blog is to feel a sense of belongingness. Blogs can be about anything under the sun from movies to books, to music and travel or even about your favorite celebrity. Blogs do not need a specific topic in order to exist. With the amount of blog categories present today, you can certainly find the perfect audience for your posts.

Book blogger Lourdes of lifeandtimesofindigostarr.tumblr.com,  says that blogging has helped her find people who share the same passion for books as her.

“I’ve met so many wonderful people that share my love of books that I would never have met otherwise. I blog because I want to share my love of reading and books and find other people who share that love.” says the blogger.

Blogs can also serve as an outlet of your creativity. You can post pictures of your artwork, videos or graphics you made or even stories and poems that you wrote. The internet may seem like a scary place to publish your work since it makes it open to criticisms but blogging offers a platform where in your work will not be judged but rather appreciated. It allows you to meet people who are in the same field as you. People who will not exactly criticize your work but instead help you improve it.

Shaun Perry of shaunbperry.tumblr.com, a literature blogger says that he blogs because Facebook is overrated. He hates being judged as the negative guy on Facebook for voicing out his opinions.

“Facebook is a social place where people talk about trivial things, things with no substance and it's pretty terrible really. Blogs are the avenue to do it. I use my blog here [Tumblr] because it seems this is a place where you can write dark and meaningful things and people will enjoy it and share it. There's an audience here and it's helped me learn more about literature.” says Perry.

According to a study conducted by the American Psychological Association (APA) entitled The Therapeutic Value of Adolescents’ Blogging About Social- Emotional Difiiculties, blogging may help teens dealing with social distress. This study shows that teens who blog show signs of improvement in their self-esteem, social ease and emotional well-being as compared to those who do not blog.

Camille of camille-daily.net, a photography blogger says that blogging has taught her how to express herself and has made her realize that she isn’t alone. Blogging also allowed her to interact and create friendships with people who feel the same way as she does.

The blogosphere provides an escape for bloggers. It allows them to release the stresses and pressure that society inflicts upon them and just express themselves. By expressing themselves, they are able to share their experiences with others and discover things they didn’t know about themselves.

Two bloggers who can attest to that are Abbey of artistic-dreams.com, a 21-year-old lifestyle blogger and Elaine of  elainewillread.blogspot.com, a multimedia arts graduate/book blogger. Abbey says that blogging exposes her to a lot of new things and it helps her explore the world in a better perspective while Elaine says blogging has made her realized that she actually has a voice and that she is capable of articulating her thoughts.

There are a lot of reasons why blogging is so popular today. Aside from giving people a chance to voice out their opinions, it allows us to feel a sense of belongingness. Blogging helps us discover sides of us that we never knew existed. It allows us to be ourselves and inspire others by sticking to who we truly are.

A feature article I wrote for school in the summer. 

[denicemagbanua]

Hey Denice! First off, damn you've got some amazing photos and overall - a really neat and well put together blog! Yeah, thanks for following. How'd you find me btw? And cool you're from CSB. My sister goes there too, but she's a graduating Fashion student. Anyway, looking forward to seeing more of your stuff. Take care!

Hi Jac! Thank youu! I found your blog through an answered TA from another blogger that i’m following (can’t remember who lol). btw i’m no longer studying at CSB. I transferred na :(( haha. you too! stay awesome!

[jaccarlos-blog]

Well this sesh was probably the most sudden we ever had, but like I always say; “things are always better unplanned”! And that night proved my theory right, once again! Let’s just say many problems were solved. Girl problems to be specific. And of course the regular ratchet-ness with the brothers. Priceless.

Keeping the good vibes rolling!

[hunting-nature]

Oh that's cool. Good you got into it. I take photos too but mostly just from my phone aka "phonography" cos I have no camera. :( Haha alright, no problem man.

Haha but its still just as good! I just need to remember how to take them cause it always takes me like 72 trys to get one right hahah

[jaccarlos-blog]

Late Night Hits - Tagaytay Roadtrip

It felt so good being able to chill with this group of high school friends even though once again, we were not complete, it’s still never a dull moment! It’s funny comparing how we hangout now compared to before, now that we’re all working and have our own different schedules.

This late night hit, we decided to take a roadtrip to Tagaytay and eat at this Korean resto that apparently offered a promo that we couldn’t resist! So we took our chance on it! Unfortunately for us, because of the traffic and other circumstances, we didn’t make the cut! We were already there sitting and ready to order in the resto, just to find out we weren’t gonna get that majestic meal, hahahuhu... But, we had a plan B! Nearby was another Korean resto that offered the same food. Although they didn’t have a special promo, we ate there because well, we were all pretty hungry already!

Of course, while were at Tagaytay, we wanted to spend the night right and stay as long as we could so we went to what they said is the biggest Starbucks joint. Oh and I tried one of those secret Starbucks recipes, the Nutella Frappucino, and I gotta say it was heaven!

There I learned one of the most intense games - Monopoly cards, which pretty much tests your friendship. I swear, if you haven’t tried the game, you WILL get addicted! Just be warned, afterwards, you might not have any friends anymore (and money) hahaha!

We hung around there and played til closing time, which sucked because we still wanted stay, so we took a walk around and went off back to Laguna. But, we didn’t stop there, because the game was not yet over! The night was still young, so they stopped by at my place where we played for another good two hours or so. Yup! That’s how addicting it is. 

Never a dull moment with these guys and I’m sure we’d have another night like this soon!

Keeping the good vibes rolling!

[jaccarlos-blog]

Lost In My Mind

And we were all in such a hurry to grow up. 

I thought I had everything figured out. But like they say, "change is inevitable." My goals and my vision for myself after graduating from college have and are slowly changing. 

Call it a semi-quarter life crisis, but I'd say it's the phase of REALizations. Things just keep getting more real! It's honestly devouring me from the inside with all the pressure to succeed, finding what I really want in terms of career and just the overall stage of adulthood (bills, tax, legal documents, etc). 

It's true that you should expect the unexpected and that things are never as they seem. You won't really know how one thing is, unless you actually try it. This applied to me with my first job, which fortunately opened so many other doors for me. However, that's what got me questioning the plans I've set for myself. Being a person who likes to explore, challenge myself and try new things, I am now considering taking opportunities for career paths that I’ve put aside in my mind before. 

I've learned an endless amount of things about the media and entertainment industry, and of course, myself - strengths and weaknesses (new and old). As of now, I am sure of one thing... and that is that I want to stay working in that same industry. Whether it be online, TV, radio or print - I know that's where I should be. No matter how draining, dirty or toxic it can get. What I'm not sure of is what exactly I want to do. Before, I always wanted to be a successful graphic artist, writer, host, VJ/DJ, actor, commercial model, director... so many different things and it’s only now that I’m actually being given opportunities to pursue some of these! I've tried all of these before back in school/internships and realized that I have potential in those career paths, but I never really focused on one thing at one time. Plus, I was lacking courage, experience and motivation.

Now, as I freelance here and there, I’m trying out different things related to one or more of those career paths I’m aiming for, in order to discover what it is I really want and should pursue. I’ve taken some of the opportunities that have come my way, while the others are pending. A couple weeks back, I was offered a road-manager position. I also had writer position offers. My most recent offer was to join a talent agency where they manage aspiring artists. I know that if I take one, I’ll probably lose the others, which is why I’m under time pressure to make a decision. It’s not everyday that these kind of opportunities come my way and I’m truly grateful for them. Now it’s my part to make a choice, because there’s so many other factors to consider. But it realy is passion over anything.

Now usually I’m the advice-giver - that person to go to when you have a problem. But lately, I’ve been the one to reach out to my friends and family to ask for their advice on this, because I am honestly lost at the moment. So this the part where I am asking for advice... what should I do?

*This post was written awhile back on my phone, on my way back to our condo in Makati when I wasn’t 100% sober.

[jaccarlos-blog]

MYXMO! 2015

MYXMO! 2015. Last year’s MYXMO! was extraordinary because we celebrated OPM where the very first MYXMO! was held - the Araneta Coliseum! This year, we had it at the MOA Concert Grounds on Halloween and what made 2015 extra special was that this year we kicked off the no. 1 music channel’s 15th Anniversary!

As expected, it was another solid night with the MYX fam and it was so good to see everyone’s faces again and catch up! Here’s how it all went down!

Last year it was extremely tiring for me as my job for the whole night was to interview all of the artists that performed that night! Let’s just say I lost my voice by the end of the night, but it’s all good! This year, since I’m now just freelancing, I was taken as a photographer so I started on my assignment asap. I was unexpectedly attacked by the “Darrenatics” - the hardcore fans of a young artist here in the Philippines. Haha, but they were all nice so I was able to do them a favor.

While I was doing my thing outside, the MYX VJs all arrived, prep’d and were ready to get the party started! The line-up of artists this year was awesome but for me, I was really looking forward to seeing Hale, Callalily, Roxee B., Silent Sanctuary, Abra and Stick Figgaz to perform! They didn’t disappoint! I also learned about a fresh band called The Ransom Collective and was really feeling some of their songs.

Reunited of course with some of my closest friends from MYX, caught up and pretty much took advantage of the free and unlimited drinks available backstage, haha. #sorrynotsorry

Can’t go into detail with everything else that went down but all I can say is that there was no better way I would have spent Halloween, than at the biggest party of the year - MYXMO! 2015!

Keeping the goodvibes rolling!

[jaccarlos-blog]

BNO Roadtrip. This was just another unplanned night out with the fellas! We all finally had time to meet up and just chill. Although our original plans never pushed through, it was another solid night with my homeboys! Good to know nothing’s changed. Some of these guys were my closest high school friends, while the others were from college. And now, all I can say is... “You tell her... hashtag FBoy mode!” HAHA!

Keeping the goodvibes rolling!

[jaccarlos-blog]

Reunited. I finally had the chance to hangout with some of my closest college friends one night in Makati. Although many of our plans didn’t push through (and we weren’t complete), we still managed to have a priceless night - just like old times. You know you’ve got the right friends when you haven’t seen each other for so long, yet when you meet up again, it’s like you’re just picking up where you left off!

It’s weird, because before we’d talk about thesis and school work. But now, we actually had those mature, adult talks about work and life in general. Never thought we’d all make it as far as we’ve come and I’m genuinely proud of each one of these crazy people! Til our next hangout!

Keeping the goodvibes rolling!

[jaccarlos-blog]

Night Sessions - MYX Family Pt. 2

And because our first sesh just wasn’t enough, we had a part 2 which included some of the people who couldn’t make it the last time (again at ABS-CBN Gerry’s Grill)! Not gonna go in full detail with the things that went down, but you can watch a video I edited from that night with all the highlights - CLICK HERE!

Some people left earlier and some people still couldn’t make it the second time around, so again we’re not complete in this last photo. But it’s okay, because whoever took it clearly was more drunk than we were! #BLURRED

I got a ride home again from brotha Diego Loyzaga and with the evil Erica Abello who made us all drunk and made someone cry, hahaha (JK Erica)! They actually stayed for a bit at my condo, had a short chat and that’s pretty much how I ended the night! Priceless. Another solid night to remember. Thanks again to my MYX fam-jam!

Keeping the goodvibes rolling!

Photo Credits: Renuel Fallore and Geo Lomuntad

[jaccarlos-blog]

MYX Family

A huge part of what made my exit from MYX extremely difficult to do, was knowing that I won’t be able to hangout with these one-of-a-kind people as much anymore. I don’t like to call them workmates or co-workers, but rather friends I’ve made at work. Cos that’s exactly what they are! Straight up.

Almost everyday, I’d see these guys’ faces and enjoy their company to the fullest! Through the craziness at work - the highs and the lows - we grew together in a span of three years (because that’s how one solid year at MYX feels like) and each one of them I’ve made a unique relationship with.

I’m not going to namedrop anyone. So instead, here are some blind item descriptions of the awesome people who have somehow made an impact on me as an individual. Damn this separation anxiety is hardcore, getting me all dramatic and shit haha! But on the real though... the people below are a huge reason why I’m like this. So if any of you end up reading this, a massive thank you! This post is dedicated to you guys. :)

This person is a goofball and just an array of personalities! Never boring which I love and she became one of my closest friends. Just like her colorful personality, she could get pretty emotional too, but it’s all good in the hood cos my cryer-awkwardness has improved, thanks to her!

I learned about all the great things this person accomplished and I really look up to him. Not cos of those achievements, but cos of his attitude - how he stays humble, how he treats people and how dedicated he is to his craft. I hope that one day, I’ll be as “successful” as this guy.

I dub this person the Ms. Congeniality of MYX, simply because it seems like she’s friends with everyone! Super easy to get along with and always in a good mood that is contagious.

This person is probably the wittiest guy I know. He's like a machine gun of unlimited puns that never fails to get us all laughing - all day, everyday! Plus, did I mention he's a head-bangin' rocker and an outstanding photographer? Now that's wassup!

I’d say that she’s like the life of a party! She’s hilarious without even trying, which I love about her. I can’t take her seriously sometimes, but when we have legit convos, it’s amazing. I feel bad cos I ask her for food the most. But then again, I do that to everyone! #sorrynotsorry

One of the coolest guys at MYX and is my no. 1 idol! He’s got a pretty senti side to him, but most of the time, he’s hilarious and has definitely earned the title, “King of Hashtags”! #LikeAPogi #WalangfForever #Lolo

Not gonna lie, I have a crush on this girl, especially when I found out that behind that pretty face is a wacky, intelligent and grounded person! She’s got everything goin on for her and I only wish her the best in her career (and love life, cos she always throws that in, haha #hugot).

Well, I’d say I learned an endless amount of things from this guy. Give him any topic and he’ll shoot you with facts you’ve never known! Hands down, one of the smartest people I’ve met and the very first friend I made at MYX. He’s a badass painter as well.

It was hard to get on this person’s good side, but when I did, I realized she’s actually really fun to be with. She’s got a strong personality - very straight-forward, what you see is what you get kinda thing. Don’t get on her bad side, cos I’m sure she could give you hell. Haha!

At first, I didn't think I'd get along with this polite and touchy person. But boy was I wrong cos he's actually great company! I was surprised with all the tricks he had up his sleeves. He can get pretty emotional, but it's cos he's a very passionate and caring person which is admirable.

I was intimidated to be honest, even before I met this girl cos of her background in... life! I try to avoid her as she constantly teases me with foodporn (what kind of person are you?!). I digress. She's actually a passionate go-getter and a fun intellectual to chat with over a burger! 

I easily made friends with this guy cos we have so much in common - same outlook, interests, etc. He carries a big name for himself, yet he’s able to stay grounded which I highly respect! All I can say is, I hope he doesn’t change, continues to keep it real and spread goodvibes. 

I thought this person was quiet, but she’s actually loud! All the girls are jealous and guys are head-over-heels about this head-turner's beauty that radiates across the entire office (I should get paid for that)! She's my taxi buddy, WiFi provider and one of the first friends I made at MYX. 

She’s the realest of the reals and that’s why I love her. She’s a serious person with a mysterious side and a clever sense of humor! She’s the coolest G and we have some of the best conversations ever! No joke.

This guy is another hardcore worker and I remember sharing some of the best “grub” with him! It’s goodvibes galore whenever he’s around with his endless supply of “wisdom” that’ll get you high on life!

One of the nicest people I’ve met and honestly, she makes me feel like a bad person. She’s extremely talented in the art department, can be quiet at times, but when her laugh is let loose, it’s infectious!

There was a point when I couldn’t take this person’s presence, just cos he’s such a party-pooper! But getting to know him, we actually got along well and I now understand why he’s that way. He may be the butt of many (if not all) jokes, but he’s one of the hardest workers. Mad props to you.

In a short amount of time, I got to know this person well. She’s sometimes misunderstood, which I can relate to a lot. I admire how artistic she is and although she’s quiet at times, she’s full of surprises when she’s "provoked”! Haha. 

Much love. Keeping the goodvibes rolling!

[jaccarlos-blog]

Night Sessions

Obviously I’m not the kinda guy who exits from the no. 1 music channel in the Philippines and says goodbye just like that! I had to get down for a mini “despedida” and make a night to remember with some of the awesome people I made friends with at work!  

On October 2, the MYX family gathered first at a small bar called Homer’s just by ABS-CBN. We had a round of “The Strong Juan” while playing that infamous “Never Have I Ever” game! The highlight? All the outrageous things we found out about “Kagawad/Binbin” aka Arvin Lopez (former MYX PH Production Assistant)! His heavy revelations had all our jaws drop! Legit.

Since it was pretty loud at that place, we decided to move the chill sesh to Gerry’s Grill, also just by ABS-CBN, where we met up with Diego Loyzaga (MYX VJ/Actor). After one too many rounds, many of us were buzzed. But I had it worse because... let’s just say I was anxious and more curious than others, so experience taught me a “valuable” lesson, haha. The following day I had to ask everyone what happened (which for the record I recalled after)! It was all just a blur to me right when I woke up. Well played, Jac. *slow clap*

[I spy the lady photobomber! Nice work Gerry’s Grill waitress, I give you a solid 7/10 for your sneaky photobombing skills. Haha!]

Though we were incomplete since it was a bit of a sudden sesh, I’m everyone still had a solid night! I definitely did (even though I didn’t remember how I got home or even taking the last photo in this post)! I found out Diego gave me a ride home. It’s weird because he told me I was completely fine the whole time! Hmm..

I’d say that I will never forget that night, but I can’t haha, so I’ll just thank everyone who dropped by and stayed that night! Ya’ll are the best. Never a dull moment with these guys.

Keeping the goodvibes rolling!