15 REASONS WHY LEI IS A BETTER PARTNER FOR SHAN CAI THAN DAO MING SI

I've had several unsuccessful attempts at resuming my blogging streak and so I’ll try again with this.

This week, I was able to borrow a CD from a friend to watch the classic Taiwanese drama, Meteor Garden. Being a story that focuses heavily on romance, it was almost a given for me to get invested in a ship/pairing. The soap opera functions in such a way that it revolves around a love triangle, leaving not much room anything else. Each event is aimed at either causing a rift between the main character and a particular love interest or strengthening their relationship. In this case, because the plot is terribly simple and straightforward, you’ll find yourself preferring only either Dao Ming Si or Hua Ze Lei for Shan Cai (unless you’re into crackships).

I've always known about who she ends up with, but that didn't stop me from deciding that she was better off getting it off with the sensitive and dreamy Lei. While I do occasionally like Dao Ming Si and his feisty attitude, I believe Lei x Shan Cai would have made the better pairing with their cheesy conversations and laidback outings/dates-- whichever you prefer to call it. And here are my personal reasons for thinking so (yay it’s been a long time since I wrote a list-type post)...

 15 REASONS WHY LEI WOULD BE A BETTER MATCH FOR SHAN CAI THAN SI:

1.) He doesn't and wouldn't hit her, or any girl for that matter.

  I just generally get a bad impression when boys hit or inject any kind of physical abuse on girls. The fact that Ah Si did it more than once to Shan Cai (and other females) doesn't bode well with me. If Si loses his special feelings for her, he'll end up treating her like the other girls which is why it is also not acceptable (in my opinion) if he stops hitting her but still does it to other girls.

 2.) She gets him to talk.

   Lei has always been the quiet and reserved type but as the episodes progress and he gets closer to Shan Cai, he becomes chattier. We can also note that he's less uptight when it's just the two of them talking, and he even reveals a playful and cheeky side at times. 

 3.) He doesn't have to change himself for her.

   I like how Shan Cai changed Ah Si for the better, but the fact that he had to change so much of his personality and being for her makes me skeptical. Their love is young, and a lot of things may change when it is not so fresh anymore. Si may revert to his old self and Shan Cai will go back to hating him. Of course, this will never happen if she had ended up with Lei because she's always liked him just the way he has been, and vice versa.

 4.) She doesn't lie or hide things from him.

   I've noticed how Shan Cai always has something to hide from Si. Whether it's about meeting and getting close to other boys or losing the things he gives her, she just can't seem to tell him the truth. In contrast, she never lies to Lei and even admits to eavesdropping on his conversation with Jing. Honesty is a key factor in any relationship.

 5.) Love fades.

   When they are no longer young and hopeful, Shan Cai and Si will end up bickering all the time. This environment is stressful, which is why she's better off watching the ocean and flying kites with Lei.

 6.) They valued each other's feelings (at one point) over their personal desires.

   Shan Cai told Lei to fight for his love for Jing despite being deeply attracted to him herself. Similarly, Lei helped her look for her lost necklace and often helps her and Ah Si even though he personally fancies Shan Cai. Such love is unselfish and wonderful. Think about it, had their positions been flipped, would Dao Ming Si have done the same?

 7.) She's headstrong while he's gentle.

   Yin and Yang (as opposed to Yang and Yang). Opposites attract. A perfect match . Need I say more?

 8.) They talk about other things than love.

   Shan Cai and Si usually just insult each other and then go on about their intense love, which is good except they do it all the time. Like, the only thing they do other than what I've mentioned is expressing their love by making out or hugging, etc. They don't really seem to talk about anything else. Lei and Shan Cai talk about other topics and people which is refreshing. It also means that they cover more common ground than Shan Cai and Si.

 9.) He wouldn't force her to do something she doesn't want to do.

   Because we all know he has never and will never force her to kiss him. Si has done that twice but I'd rather not look back on it because it makes me sick.

10.) She liked and chose him first.

    There's the possibility of Shan Cai developing feelings for Ah Si in response to his devotion to her. What I'm saying is that she might suddenly wake up someday and wonder why the heck she fell in love with him in the first place. Sometimes, I feel like she ended up liking him only because he liked her. I feel like she was subconsciously pressured into falling for him. Shan Cai, of course, was smitten with Lei long before fancying Si. Lei fell for her later on in the series, but it happened when she was already preoccupied with Si. It means that he ended up liking her of his own accord, too.

11.) He isn't possessive to the point of driving her crazy.

   Possessive boys stir up a lot of drama where it isn't needed. You need to constantly worry about pleasing him, either. Good thing Lei isn't!

12.) They make each other happy.

   Notice how much Shan Cai smiles whenever she's around him, and vice versa? They're actually good at making each other laugh and lifting up their spirits. Si is usually the source of all of Shan Cai's woes and they bicker a lot of times.

13.) They flirt even as platonic friends.

   Example being that Lei calls her pretty all the time. He also invites her to a cup of coffee and they reminisce their first date. Shan Cai, on the other hand, asks to hold his hand and is comfortable with sleeping next to him and sharing a blanket. These aren't things ordinary friends would do. Maybe they've been doing them...... subconsciously? 

14.) They run to each other when they're in trouble.

   Lei is always there for Shan Cai. She runs to him whenever she has trouble with Dao Ming Si. He is her shoulder to cry on (literally), and he is the only one with whom she can share her real feelingsl. I don't  think she's that open to Si even during their happy moments. Lei is Shan Cai's guardian angel, and he always watches out for her. He even goes to the fishing village to settle her debt and bring her back to Taipei. Conversely, Shan Cai is the person that Lei can talk to the most openly (if at all) about his failed relationship with Jing. He even kisses her in the beach scene and says something along the lines of 'I can bear it in the day but the nights are unbearable.'

15.) They would have totally gotten together already if Lei didn't step aside for Si.

Because of all the reasons stated above........ Lei could have gotten Shan Cai if he wasn't such a good friend. No fights, no crying, they would have been perfect if the timing was right... sniff sniff!

I wrote this months ago and while my sentiments are the more or less still the same, I feel like the writing is a bit off... Of course, I wrote it at four in the morning when I was high on Meteor Garden feels (because Dayum that show is like a drug sometimes). Do keep in mind that I based all of these arguments on Season 1 because I have never and will probably not watch season 2. Also, as I am typing this, I doing it through the crappy mobile version, so there are probably more than enough grammatical and writing errors. I'd like to fix them but honestly I find it too tiresome to. Anyway, I'll return to this post and fix those errors sooner or later...

I guess it's been a while since I posted. This isn't exactly the best comeback post ever, but it'll have to do.

Xoxo
Bea

She Lives

I wasn't able to write or post Parts 2 and 3 of the Hong Kong trip because I got really lazy busy.

Anyway, I just got back from a retreat that is 10 hours away if you take the bus- which, we did. For personal reasons, I won't name the area because I'm too paranoid about my friends or acquaintances accidentally discovering this blog, but I will say that it's cool. Literally.

It was a 4-day trip including the travel time and actual hotel time. My classmates and I enjoyed every minute of it.

I won't go into detail and instead will post random things I took pictures of.

I am by no means a photography expert or even an enthusiast. That being said, I do like recording various things and sights and being able to capture their brilliance.

xoxo

Bea

After the scholarship dinner

I'm tired.

I just got back from that scholarship orientation, and I have to say that this day left me exhausted and sad. It was surreal, seeing all of my summer friends at the exact place I met them... actually being in that place for a few hours and interacting with... everyone.

But I'm home now... and that short period of time has once again turned into a memory. A fresh memory that will be morphed by time. Memories shall fade, and this experience, too, shall get away from me someday.

 It was heaven, although I didn't realize it at that time. I had forgotten that my hours were numbered as I basked in the presence of my old friends. I must have been blinded by my own excitement. And then it was time to go.

That was surreal, too... saying goodbye to everyone just like that and leaving the most beautiful place in the country. Hopping into the vehicle and driving away. In a second, they were gone. I was gone.

And while I was in the car, staring at the mass of concrete outside the car window, I realized that it was goodbye. It was goodbye to this marvelous institution that nurtured me and gave me all of the love and attention I never deserved. It was goodbye to all of these brilliant people and seeing them on a daily basis.

It was goodbye to my dream school because I had to sort out my priorities. Somehow I felt like I wasn't ever going to go back.

As the institution faded in the distance and new structures took its place, I felt my heart grow heavy in my chest.

Xoxo

Bea

(I'm too tired to write better. I'm sorry..... )

Selfish

I haven't seen you

for some time.

Calendars have changed,

clouds have formed,

days have passed,

and memories have faded.

And yet,

when I chanced upon you today,

I was overcome with

a pressing sense of sadness

and yearning.

Thirst.

But nothing more.

Because I should not.

And I cannot.

But I wished that

you'd reached out

and given me an excuse

to do it regardless.

Because I am selfish that way.

Bleurgh. I'm sorry. I'm so bad at poems. Seriously. But I had to get this off my chest.

xoxo

Bea

If you're at the verge of giving into suicide/drugs/alcohol/sex...

A friend of mine honestly scares the heck out of me. She's been absent from class for two days in a row now, and while her best friend tells me that she's just sick, I have reason to believe otherwise. I visited her tumblr page and saw, like, a wall of reblogs- all of them pictures and posts of alcohol, drugs, and people partying excessively. Also, a lot of f*ck you world posts. In between these reblogs, of course, are some of her own text posts, and none of them deny my suspicions.

She seemed to be, psychologically, in a really bad state right now. And by really bad state, I mean suicidal. As a friend, this terrifies me more than anything- the possibility of her ending her own life and cutting herself short of all of the proper things she could have experienced. Teen suicide, of course, is a real tragedy because 12-19 years of life experience isn't really... a lot in the long run.

Assuming a person lives up to 40, that would be less than half of his life. If he reaches 70, 19 years would be about a third of that. Think about it: So many things could happen in a half or two-thirds of someone's lifetime. Suicide and young death cheats everyone of their future and potential happiness.

So please, friend, don't do it.

And don't get into drugs or smoking or partying because these things are quite addictive. Here's the deal: There's nothing wrong with being attracted to that kind of thing (or crowd, if you're talking about partying). Don't feel ashamed of being curious and getting the urge to try them. Heck, we're all humans. We're all naturally drawn to the things that harm us the most, aren't we? That being said, most of us aren't good at controlling ourselves, and most of us get addicted pretty easily. And when drugs, alcohol, and even sex start taking over our lives, well, that's where the real problem begins. Because living off these substances will only make things worse. Using them to forget our problems, if only momentarily, won't make these problems go away. Drugs will eat away your life; consume it like a fire. The flames may be pretty, but they'll be the end of you.

Another thing: Please open up to others, because we really do care. Sometimes, we just don't want to be annoying, much less know how to get you to talk. We do care, and we want to help you with your problems, but you have to open up to us first, otherwise it isn't in our place to give you advice.

Life is so precious, but it can also be like living hell. You're alone in this suffering. I honestly believe that everyone else feels alone (I sure have, and it isn't obvious at all). Nobody is as happy as they let on. Don't give up on your chance at happiness. Keep fighting, because you'll get there someday.

Thank you,

Invisible friend.

This blog doesn't really get a lot of hits, but I hope this post reaches the people who need to be reached. We all go through horrible things in life, don't let your story end there. Tomorrow will be better.

“Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.”

XOXO
Bea

2013 End of the Year Cheers!

I'll be honest- 2013 was definitely not my year. It was the worst year of my life (well, it is for now). The only thing good about it was the first half (hello summer friends!), but I remember everything else to be a horrible mess- failure, disappointment, and psychotic emotions.

That being said, 2013 was also the year I grew the most. It was the year I started trying- trying to write better and blog more, trying to rekindle my interest in the piano, and trying to become a better person. It was the year I came to a lot of realizations- more than I ever have in my past years of existence. And admittedly, it was the year I turned slightly darker and less happy-go-lucky, which makes me a bit sad, now that I think about it.

2013 was the year I fell in love. Or... perhaps I don't know what love is yet. But it was the year I got a peek at what love could be- which is everything between admiration and inexplicable happiness to resentment and the urge to disappear forever. It was the year I actually found interest in someone, became gloomy and depressed for a few months, and eventually got over it.

Most of all, 2013 was probably the year I turned angsty. It makes me laugh now that I think about it. 2013 was The Order of The Phoenix to my life's Harry Potter- a startlingly good analogy, but kind of on the weird side. I started hating everyone and everything and kept to myself in my bedroom like a hermit for more than enough times I can remember.

And now that it's time to bid goodbye to this time period, I don't feel particularly sad like the rest of my friends are. Instead, I am looking forward to 2014. It'll definitely be a year of change- a new environment, new responsibilities and dangers, and new insights. I don't know if I can handle these changes, but I sure am up for them. Whatever may happen, I am certain that 2014 will be big.

I just hope I don't die next year, because that will suck a lot. (Random thought, sorry).

Things I liked about 2013:
1.) A certain summer program
2.) Catching Fire and Doctor Who 50th Anniversary
3.) Deepening friendships
4.) Actually not being a robot and... experiencing emotions.

Things I'm excited for in 2014:
1.) College!
2.) Living in Manila
3.) Being less uptight.
4.) Not seeing all of my horrible teachers anymore.
5.) Lots of free time!
6.) Movies! (TFIOS, etc)
7.) Reunions!

xoxo
Bea

Hong Kong Trip Day 1: Marco Polo HK Hotel

This is the first of what I plan to be a series of posts highlighting our Family Christmas get-together at Hong Kong. Here I go:

We got up at around four o'clock am (my parents probably woke up earlier though), left my aunt's complex at five, and reached the airport sometime after that. It felt more relaxed compared to our other to-the-airport travels- which usually involve a lot of rushing, yelling, leaving things behind, and stress.  Plenty of stress.

The plane ride was kind of crappy. The airline service didn't include free snacks, our seats were cramped up and we barely had enough legroom. Moreso, my eye popped when I was asleep. I spent most of the plane ride asleep, and pressure started building up in my ears. My theory is that pressure first builds up in your ears and nose, and then it goes to your eyes. That's probably what happened. I woke up with a horrible ache in the internal part of my right eye, and it hasn't been the same since. I just hope it'll be gone tomorrow.

We met up with my relatives (from the mother's side) and spent the rest of the day walking around places, checking out some stores as we waited for the check-in hour for the hotel we booked at. There was this really beautiful park we stayed at for quite some time. It's a shame I couldn't get a picture of it. The architecture was amazing.

Speaking of that, the architecture in Hong Kong is spectacular. Compared to my own country, you can really feel that the citizens pay attention to the external structure of their buildings. Most of the structures in Hong Kong are carefully planned out and well-maintained. 

The weather, meanwhile, was chilly, but not too cold. Or not as cold as I thought it'd be (but perhaps that's because of my thick sweater). The heat of the sun and cold air make a wonderful combination.

When we finally had access our hotel room, it was like the cherry on top of what is (for now) a very fun and relaxing vacation. I think choosing a highclass hotel, though somewhat expensive, really pays off because the quality is very different.

(I'll post more pics when I get home)

The room was sufficiently spacious, had beautiful decorations and a great feel. The best part about choosing to stay at Marco Polo HK Hotel, however, is the jaw-dropping view of the ocean/harbor outside our room. You are able to watch the sunset (which is what I'm doing at this very moment) while relaxing in your bed and listening to calming instrumental music.

One thing that can be improved, though, is the bathroom- which is tinier and less grand that what you'd expect. Of course, that's the only flaw of this otherwise perfect room.

(Extra note: the wifi speed is really fast!)

That's it for now. My family and I might go to The Peak later. I'm not really sure.

Future destinations:

Hong Kong Disneyland

Ocean Park

 

Xoxo

Bea