The Ultimate Harry Potter Experience

So I have two months to spend in America, and I've already wasted away two weeks! My parents have work and my younger brother has school, and my older brother is still away in New Jersey! I'm cooped up in my room, watching anything and everything I could watch. The only thing keeping me sane is the thought that in a few days' time, my whole family will be driving to Orlando, Florida to spend a week at Universal Studios Orlando, the home of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!!!!

I always knew dreams come true.....I just wasnt sure this one would do for me!!!!

So, we've finally arrived, and I can't wait to go the theme park!!! But of course, we wanted to be practical. We saw that the place was packed during our first day, so we opted to visit the HP theme park on our second day. So, we went to the Wet N Wild theme park, and...well, got WET, of course.

Second day, we still didnt think it was a good idea to rush into the HP park since there were still a lot of people. ugh. By this time, I was getting impatient. WHEN ARE THESE FRIGGIN PEOPLE GOING TO LEAVE. But i had to contain myself...breathe in, breathe out.

Delayed gratification.

Third day, YAY! The crowd isn't as big anymore, so no more excuse for delaying the visit to the HP park.

Universal studios is a big place. and the HP theme park is at the far side of the whole Universal Studios property. So we had to weave our way through all the other parks. Until, finally, we've arrived.

Finally. I've been to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!!!

The place was perfect!!! Everything any potterhead could ever dream of...and more!

The Hogwarts Express. This british guy is as pleasant as I imagined british people to be. I tried to get him to say "bloody hell" as Ron would in the movies, but he said "My mum taught me better than that". Oh well, I tried.

 And then we got to Hogsmeade. It's a hot spring day and the sun is high here in Florida, but the snow here in Hogsmeade is clinging still. Of course, I know, they're fake. But still. I appreciated the snowy rooftops.

The Three Broomsticks. We got our butterbeer here. 

I must say, the butterbeer tasted like Gong Cha's wintermelon. We didn't get inside the pub since it's quite packed, plus, there were still a lot of other stores to visit!!

           

 Zonko's Joke Shop. Now this is fun. The shop really stayed true to the books. The merchandise, the feel of the store, all the robotics. OMG. Everything is just amazing. I wanted to buy that Wizard's Chess so much. They really move!!! But I didnt have money nor do I have a job. I suppose I could've asked my brother, but I was saving this favor for a real Wand---which I got when we went to see Olivander's.

 Honeydukes. Oh this place. I wish I could buy all the sweets. I got a chocolate frog from here. I got Salazar Slytherin as my first wizard card. And a chocolate wand.

 We even met with student from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang!!! They had a pep rally, and, despite the scorching heat and the blazing sun, I stayed in the crowed and watched as they performed. After the rally, we fell in line to take pictures. And I must say, they really stayed in character. Even as they left the yard.

Of course we rode the Dragon Challenge and The Flight of the Hippogriff. The dragon challenge is the ultimate roller coaster. We had our legs dangling the whole ride through. We rode it two times. The first one, we went aboard the Chinese Fireball. And next, of course, the Hungarian Horntail. 

The Flight of the Hipogriff is another story. It's a ride, yes, but it's for the oldies and the kids who can't take the Dragon Challenge. It IS still quite thrilling though. It was fast, but it didnt have loops like the Dragon Challenge. Plus, we got to see Buckbeak and Hagrid's Cabin.

The Castle. I couldn't take more pictures because I was busy gawking over everything my eyes could possible see. It was AMAZING. Seeing everything in their physical form. Everything was just so loyal to the books and to the imagination! 

Even the skeleton at the DADA room!

I couldn't take pictures of the castle ride. I physically can't. All I can say is that I rode it three times! And I just couldn't get enough.

And, of course, the Castle. The great, great castle. It was complete with the greenhouse and the mandrakes, I just couldnt take pictures because I was too excited to enter the castle!!!

The experience truly was a dream come true. And I plan to come back next year!!!! Hopefully. I heard they're renovating the place. I think they're adding Diagon Alley and a REAL Hogwarts Express train. SOOOOOO EXCITED. Can't wait to go back!!

There's a Rift, After All.

The Rift Is There, After All.

All this time, i thought there's nothing i need to worry about. I thought that whatever is going on, it's just a phase...that it will come to pass...that nothing's wrong.

Since when do we have secrets? Since when do we talk behind each other's backs? Where is the line that separates concern and mere malice?

I dont want to do this anymore.

I dont want to feel like this anymore.

But how to stop it?

How do we stop something we refuse to acknowledge?

I really wish i could tell you that i'm here. That if you need a non-judgmental friend ready to listen and talk things out, i'm here. But how? When im not used to doing those fuckin' deep convos and heart to hearts. Ugh.

I miss what we all used to be.

We always said we were whole..compact..solid..different. We were proud of that. We were proud that we are not just like any other cliques. That we had something unique. Something intangible that nothing and no one can break.

We couldn't be more mistaken.

It's the ugly truth.

But i do hope we can work things out. That it's not too late, and that we still have hopes and faith for the friendship we have..or had. I know the damage has been done. Let's just try not to fall through the cracks.

A very POTTER Debut

So. I didn't think I would have a debutant celebration. But my mother and my friends conspired this surprise Potter-themed debut, and I couldn't be happier.

My family lives abroad, and so, there are some things that we have to do in some other way. Like this birthday celebration. My birthday is in february. But the celebration's in July. Five months later.

But I'm not complaining!!!! 

No matter how late the celebration was, I wouldn't have it any other way.

The 18 Seekers, wearing their cloaks and clutching the golden snitch. 

This couldn't be more dreamy.

With some high school buds and RAF. 

RAF, of course. My college buds. The reason why I'm still alive in college. 

The family I have while my actual family is halfway across the world from me.

 I loooooooved my gown. I really did. I felt like Fleur Delacour on her wedding day. The dress is not the same, but it's close enough. I am really, really grateful.

And, of course, my CAKE. My Harry Potter cake that i was too reluctant to eat. It was amazing. It was very crafty. And I'm sure it's expensive, too! But it was given as a gift, and I am very, VERY, happy.

I'm thankful that my family and friends were there. I was pleasantly surprised to see everyone in their costumes and outfits. It definitely was a night to remember. 

Warning: Deathly Hallows Spoiler

Read at your own risk.




You've been warned. 


I’ve just finished rereading the last book...and i must admit...a tear almost fell after i read the last line: "the scar had not pained Harry for nineteen years. all was well" while reading these final words...i cant help adoring J.K Rowling for coming up with this kind of novel. a novel that definitely touched every reader like me...a well plotted story that amazed me as I read every single word of it. indeed, this is one of the novels i'll always remember in my lifetime.



One of the many chapters that I loved the most is the part when Severus Snape had told Harry of the reason behind his past actions. Why he had always hated James...why he had always loathed Harry...why he had killed Dumbledore...


Apparently, Snape never killed Dumbledore...and James wasn't always the Mr. Nice Guy...and the truth why Dumbledore gave his full trust with Snape.

James Potter, husband of Lily potter and father of Harry, as i said earlier, isn't always the Mr. nice guy. during their time at Hogwarts. He was one of the bullies who always picked on Snape. He was that arrogant, attention seeking, trouble-making Gryffindor student who fancied Lily Potter who was then a close friend of Severus Snape. James and his friends, namely Lupin, Peter and Sirius, were the popular students who never missed a detention with teachers for breaking castle rules, sneaking during curfew…pretty much like what Harry does in his own time. They always picked on Snape, calling him Snivellus and made fun of him in front of a big crowd of students. That is why Snape always loathed James…and…being  teacher of James’s son, he took revenge on James by giving Harry hard time on potions.

As for Snape killing Dumbledore with the killing curse…uhm…that ain’t true…Dumbledore already knew that he is going to die…for accidentally having himself cursed in the attempt of destroying a horcrux…apparently, the horcrux, which was the ring of the Gaunts, contained a curse that would have killed Dumbledore instantly if not because of Snape. Because of Snape, Dumbledore was given more time to live and gave him the chance to relay upon Harry the things he needed to know to bring about the doom of Voldemort.

Is Snape on the good side or on the bad side?

He is in the good side.

But how come he always hated Harry?

Remember how James used to treat Severus? It’s but natural for him to take revenge on his son. But trust me…Snape never wanted anything but Harry’s safety. In fact, he sees Lily in Harry's eyes. Lily's green eyes.


How come Dumbledore gave his full trust on Severus? What did he do to gain Dumbledore’s trust?

Here’s the story…

On the night when Harry’s parents were killed, Snape was the one who told voldemort of the prophecy about him and Harry. and Peter Pettigrew, the secret keeper of the Fidelius Charm on the Potter's place in Godric Hollow, told voldemort the Potter's whereabouts. That is how Voldemort knew where they were. That’s why Lily and James are killed. But that was then…back when Snape was still a death eater. Back then, Snape doesn’t know what he was doing. He hated James so much that’s why he joined the Dark Lord. But secretly, Snape always loved Lily. He had fallen in love with her back when they were still kids, before they even stepped foot into Hogwarts.

Lily Evans was Snape’s first and only love. Before Voldemort set to kill the Potters, Snape begged for Voldemort not to kill Lily potter…but Voldemort won’t listen. He can’t think of any other ways to protect the Potters. So he told his heinous crime to Dumbledore. He asked Dumbledore to protect Lily and his family. He begged for Dumbledore to hide the Potters. He told Dumbledore he would do anything just to spare his only love’s life. So Dumbledore did everything…but too late. The Potters trusted the wrong friend---Pettigrew. Lily, along with James was murdered. Snape felt his greatest remorse. Then Dumbledore told him, if he really loved Lily, he would help in protecting Lily’s son, Harry. Snape agreed. He devoted his whole life protecting Harry. Though Harry may not know, Snape was a spy to Voldemort. He gave the Order of the Phoenix all that Voldemort confides in him…Snape played his part well, Voldemort never found out about his true identity. But of course, Harry knew none of these. He only found out in the end, when Snape was bitten by Voldemort’s snake, Nagini.

Before Dumbledore died, he left Harry a mission. That mission is to find the seven horcruxes. Horcruxes are the extraordinary things that were of great value to Voldemort. These are things that Voldemort treasured. And enclosed in these treasures, is a part of Voldemort’s soul. See, Voldemort ripped his soul into seven parts by committing crimes and murder. He ripped his soul into seven and put each soul into seven things that Voldemort treasured. He called these horcruxes. With seven souls put into different bodies, Voldemort is invincible. Even if he dies, he stays alive because of the horcruxes. As long as the horcruxes are still alive and untouched, Voldemort will never reach his doom. This was Voldemort’s secret. None of his death eaters knew this. He thought nobody knew his secret…but he thought wrong. 

Dumbledore had always known his secret. And before he died, he has already passed his knowledge to Harry who was tasked to continue what Dumbledore has started. Before he died, Dumbledore managed to destroy one horcrux which brought about his death. Harry, back when the chamber of secrets was opened, managed to kill one horcrux, which was Tom Riddle’s diary. And so, the story goes on. The Locket, the Lost Diadem, the Ring, and the Diary are already destroyed. Now he’s got to get rid of the snake and Voldemort and Harry, himself.

Yes, Harry has to die. 

Voldemort accidentally put a part of his soul to Harry the night he murdered Harry’s parents. Because of Lily's love and sacrifice, the Killing curse that Voldemort cast on Harry backfired on Voldemort and Voldemort became less than living... but he wasn’t dead. The backfire of the spell cost a part of Voldemort’s soul to attach into the only living body present at that time, Harry. That is why he and Harry always had a weird connection. That is why Harry can talk to snakes, why Harry can penetrate into Voldemort’s mind and feel when he’s angry and when he’s happy, why he can see inside Voldemort’s head.
 
All the other horcruxes are destroyed; the only horcruxes left was Harry and Voldemort himself. Harry knew what to do. “the last enemy to defeat is death”. So Harry walked straight to Voldemort. Accepting the fact that after all his struggles to survive, he was meant to die. So he accepted his fate. He walked to Voldemort, he has his wand but he has no intentions of using it. He has no intentions to resist. Right before he surrendered himself, he was clutching the Resurrection Stone in his hand. This stone has the power to bring back the dead. And so, Lily, James, Sirius and Lupin appeared behind him, keeping his company as he embraces his death. 

For the first time in his life, he felt happy to accept death. He had been living his life escaping and surviving death. Now he’s ready to embrace it. So he walked on, feeling the last touch of grass in his feet, lavishing the cold breeze sweeping through his numb skin. He’s ready. Then his eyes looked straight at Voldemort’s snakelike slits. The next thing he saw was a flash of green light. Then nothingness. 



He found himself lying on the floor. Got up and saw himself face to face with Dumbledore. “am I dead?” he asked. Dumbledore said “you’re not but I am”

Dumbledore told him he was proud of him. For accepting death. For being the better man. He did the thing Voldemort has always feared. For accepting death, he conquered death. He mastered life’s plan. He is now the master of death. For he did not fear it coming. He accepted it, embraced it. For the first time in years, he got to know the real Voldemort. Dumbledore told Harry everything he wasn’t able to tell him. All the answers he needed was given to him by Dumbledore. He’s got no regrets. Now, he has to go back, he has to finish the battle he has stared. The battle with Voldemort only he could end.

Now he’s back, carried by Hagrid to the castle. Everybody though he was dead. But he’s alive, ready to fight. Ready to strike. The time has come. Voldemort was casting spells on everyone he could put it to. He cast it on students, on teachers, on everyone. But the spells never reached its target. He didn’t hit anyone. Then Harry spoke: “ you can’t touch them now. Because like what my mother did for me, I died for them. I did the thing you can never do. SACRIFICE.” Harry knows how to love. To gain and keep true friends. These are the things that set him apart from Voldemort. These are the things that made him the better man. 

Voldemort shouted: Evada Kedavra!

Harry said: Expeliarmus!

Voldemort’s wand flew out of his hand and caught by Harry. Tom Riddle hit the floor, unconscious…dead. Voldemort’s rebounding curse hit him squarely and he’s gone.

Bulacan, Harry Potter, and Declamation

yeah! sembreak na. however, it sucks that i still wake up at 6 am. screw my body clock. i'm up so early, yet there's nothing to do but sulk over the fact that i was not allowed to join the class outing in Bulacan.


the outing... :((

the outing was supposed to be our celebratory event! for winning the cheerdance competition! why??? why do i have to be left behind??? wtf??

i even cried!!! i never cry! but i did! but still, my parents won't budge. bad trip.

i needed comfort food, and comfort book. so i ordered some pizza, and grabbed my Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

gosh. it's the seventh and last book already. do i even want to finish this??

to tell the truth, i've already finished the book. this is the second time im reading it. but the story never gets old. the deaths and the triumphs still make me cry. Jo Rowling, what have you done to me??? i'd reather read HP a thousand times than resort to reading Biology and make the outline on genetics (who does that???) HP versus Biology? That's a no-brainer.

and again, i'm reminded of the deaths. i already know which characters are meant to die. but i can't help crying!! ugh. especially when one of the twins died, opr hedwig, or mad-eye, or lupin, or tonks.

the first time i finished the book, i was so sad...so mad at myself for finishing it so early. it's the last book, so there's nothing else left to read, but everything else to reread.

anyway...i still have one thing to worry about...i have to memorize my declamation piece...mind you...it's really long! to think that the first piece i memorized wasn't even longer than half a short bond paper...! i was so surprised when the guy from EnglishForum handed me that two-page declamation piece....! woah! hope i can memorize it...wish me luck guys...(anyway. i still haven't decided which piece i'm going to memorize..so help me...)

gotta end this blog...cant wait to finish deathly hallows...again.


p.s. next time you plan to have an outing...make sure its NOT overnight so that everybody could come...okay?!

Me and my Torpe Best Friend

Back in grade school, i had this friend. this guy friend.

we were seatmates in fifth grade. he's smart, funny, honest...but also extremely torpe.

yes, torpe.


but we were buds. i know, it's unusual, since he's a guy, i'm a gal. but who cares? i never really liked being a girly-girl. i had girl friends, but i was always the boyish type (not lesbian, just boyish). i never liked gossip, and pink, and fancy stuff. i never liked oggling over cute guys or handsome professors. i liked music, and dance, and sports (although i've never played any REAL sport. hahaha. odd of me). i hung more often with boys. maybe because that's what i'm used to, being born to a family of three rough and ruddy brothers. i guess living with them toughened me up a bit.

so, like i was saying, i had a guy friend. we were close. we talked about everything. well, mostly, he talked about everything. i cant tell him everything, because if i did, i wasnt sure what's going to happen.

so, he told me everything. his problems, his insecurities, his crushes.

his crushes.

yeah. that's what i hated talking about the most. why? because I like him.

I. I. I.

do you see how painful it is for me to listen to his stories? gosh. but i kept my mouth shut. i just listened to him every single time. he even asked my to write poems for those girls. i was kinda good in poetry and cheesy stuff. i made love poems which he gave to those other girls. what he didnt know is that i was thinking of him the whole time i was writing those poems.

ang martir ko no?

well, anyway. he didnt end up with those girls. thankfully. good for me. i can keep him as my friend for longer. Yay.

and so the school year came and went.

Once, during valentines day, he came to school bearing gifts and flowers. I didnt know who he was going to give the flowers to. But i was praying my ass off that it was me. I know. Feeler ako. But who cares? I like him, and i was hoping he has grown to like me.

The whole day he had those flowers with him. Come lunch time, he still hasnt given the flowers. But there were times during the day, when we would come accross each other in the corridor. He looked like he was about to say something, but couldnt. Like he was lost for words. And there i was thinking, maybe, just maybe, he was gonna give the flowers and the gifts to me. But he never did. And so, our last period came. It was music with Sir D. It was the day of our guitar recital. I stayed behind because i had to fix my things first. Eveybody else had left the room. By the time i got out, i was stunned. My girl best friend was holding the flowers and the gifts.

Ouch.

My friend. One of the few girl friends i have.

I was hurt. MY friend. How stupid can i be? Maybe that's why he tried to talk to me in the corridor...to ask me to help him give the gifts to my friend. That's all i was to him. His wingman. Or wingwoman. Fuck. It was never me. Never.

Then the next day, i was approached by one of my gay friends. Te most chismoso among my friends. He told me that the flowers were never meant for my friend. It was all really meant for me. Me.

But i couldnt believe him. How could i? I would never let myself fall for that again. Never.

He told me the guy was just too torpe to confess to me that he liked me. And he specifically told me that his sources are sooo reliable.

I dont know the truth. And in fact, i dont think i want to know the truth.


Yesterday, i saw him. He was nice. We were civil. No more than old buds who shared a few classes together. and he was there...just standing there, silent. I kinda had a feeling we had the same unspoken thoughts running at the back of our minds, or was it just me?