Friday, May 25, 2018

EYN: It Holds Everything You Need

     iPhone case is one important thing in protecting one’s precious phone. Another use of iPhone case is showing the public one's identity and character. It is both an armor and an accessory, which displays the owner's priorities and considerations for his/her phone. I'm very particular with dressing up my iPhone. I make sure that the case will not just protect my phone every time it accidentally slips off my hand, but also holds my identity as its owner. 

     My case back then was the one I bought from a mall. I just got lucky in being at the right place and at the right time. That case bears the image of a wolf in an artsy way. I just felt that the wolf represents me as a wild hunter chasing after my dreams. The wolf also symbolizes the school where I'm currently teaching at. There are a lot of iPhone cases available at every corner here in the Philippines, but buying and replacing my wolf case will take a lot of convincing. I already did multiple attempts in shopping for a replacement, but ended up empty handed. I just can't find the right replacement for my dilapidated and much loved wolf case until... EYN came in.

     EYN is a product based in USA and it specializes in wallet cases. An all in one purpose where one don’t need to carry all his/her cards and cash. I really love how this wallet case was able to solve my one problem every time I attend events where suiting up is mandatory. There I am all dressed up and ready to impress, but both my pockets look very bulky. What are in my pockets? Two phones, a wallet, a bulky card and ID holder, and a handkerchief. Now that my phone is fully dressed up courtesy of EYN, my ootd's have never been this swag.

     This iPhone wallet case also solved my agony when binge watching my favorite TV series online. You can only imagine how tired my hand and wrist are just by holding my phone for hours. Those days when parts of my body needed sacrificing for the sake of pleasure. Now, no more tired hand and wrist. I can binge watch anytime and anywhere just by letting my phone stand on any surface. This cool iPhone wallet case can be positioned upright for binge watching and video calling purposes as well.
     You think that's the only positive thing about it? Do you know that it also helped me with my grooming habit? No joke! This iPhone wallet case also has this builtin mirror where I can use every time I shave. Before, I would normally open my front camera and shave. Now, All I need is to open my wallet case and see myself clearly without turning on my front camera, without adjusting the brightness of my phone (my phone's screen is always set at its dimmest), and without using up my phone's battery.
     Other features I love with this wallet case are its lightness and smoothness. Yes, it doesn't weigh much even though it carries a lot of functions and it looks thicker than normal iPhone cases. And the smoothness? It's very smooth to the extent that it feels like soft. I just love the sensation it provides my hand. By the way, the back portion really fits my palm as if it was really designed for my hand.

     Worry about branding? No need to worry. EYN has this decency of not placing their brand name exposed and set with colors too loud for people to notice. Instead, their brand name can be found inside. No flashy colors or whatsoever. That's another plus for me as I don't need to carry with me products with screaming brand name.

     Still needs convincing? Still in doubt because you're in to slim? When it comes to your phone's security, extra function, and style... no need to think twice. Slim is out, multipurpose is in. It’s just "Everything You Need".   

Current wallet cases available as of this writing are the following:

iPhone 8 & 8 Plus
iPhone 7 & 7 Plus
iPhone 6/6s
iPhone 6 Plus/6s Plus
iPhone 5/5s/SE
iPhone 5c
iPhone 4/4s
Samsung Galaxy S4



     Go visit and shop EYN now. Don't forget to use my referral code: ARTISTMAT. Need awesome deals? Just click HERE.

Photos courtesy of my student, D.M.L.

Friday, May 11, 2018

Kulay Sining Hagonoy 2: Passing on the Torch

     It was early morning of May 8, 2018 when Arch. Osie, Jade, Bianca, Ando, and I traveled all the way to Hagonoy, Bulacan to attend the Kulay Sining Hagonoy 2 Recognition and Exhibition day. The event was the conclusion of a month-long art workshop series organized by the Hagonoy Art Group (HAG).
Had a chance to pose with artists of Hagonoy Art Group.
A student took a pose with one of his works.
     Seventy students aged five to twelve from Santiago Trillana Academy, DepEd Hagonoy West, and DepEd Hagonoy East took time, effort, and willingness in participating and in finishing the free summer workshop held at Santiago Trillana Academy grounds. They were taught fundamentals of drawing and rendering, which are essential in creating visual masterpieces. Every week, they were introduced with different media and techniques for them to work on until they find their own style and showcase their final work for culmination.    

     We arrived at the venue early enough for me to meet the people behind this successful summer workshop and for me to witness their exhibit preparations. The program was divided into two parts - recognition rites and opening of exhibit. Recognition rites was started with inspirational talks from different successful artists that HAG takes pride of. Followed by the awarding of certificates and ended with a jolly entertainment courtesy of, none other than, Jollibee himself. 
Marc Salamat showing his life's works to students.
     The ribbon cutting ceremony was spearheaded by Trillana family and was witnessed by artists, students, and guests. I saw how family members were so supportive and so proud of what their kids have become throughout the process.
Even Jollibee witnessed the ribbon cutting ceremony.
     The exhibit is a showcase of students' transformation - from aspirants to artists. With proper training and mentoring, these kids will someday make their names in the field of visual arts and will soon join the ranks of Hagonoy artists.
Jam packed. Exhibit viewing and distribution of food. 
Final pose with teacher Alexis Sebastian.
     I was impressed with the way their outputs turned out. I enjoyed looking at the exhibit because it gave me the feeling of having a trip down memory lane where I saw the evolution of their talents. With this kind of project, I can easily say that the future is bright for Hagonoy in terms of visual arts. 
Impressive works done by Kulay Sining Hagonoy 2 students

Monday, April 30, 2018

A Message to My Younger Self

     Hey there young dreamer! This is your older self and I'm writing to you in year 2018. I'm still thirty, going thirty one on our birth month. I'm writing this in order for you to know that you shouldn't be worried of what you have become on your thirtieth year here on earth.

     I'm still a dreamer at this point in time. I never let go and will never let go. Dreaming is your super power. Never let it go. Dreaming serves as your guiding light. I know how crazily impossible you dreamed at times. But hey, don't give up on it even though people would laugh at you. Sometimes, your dreams don't signify reality, but have encrypted meanings waiting to be deciphered. Seek for those meanings. When you become tired, just rest for a while, but never surrender. I'm reminding you this though I know how aware you are in reaching your desired goals. 

     Remember how you reached that small signboard that says "Boarders accepted her." attached to our  house's canopy? Remember how you jumped several times each night until you finally reached it? That memory is still fresh at this point. It showed how determined you are in reaching your one goal. You may have failed several times for several months, but you never surrendered. You pursued until you make it.

     Still love drawing? Don't stop. That is your weapon. You drew endlessly just to express your imagination. Just continue to feed your imagination even though father would scold you for wasting your box of crayons. He would buy you several times just in a year. Just keep on drawing. Hone that sword. You'll be needing that soon when you finally enter college and pursue architecture. Yes, you'll pursue architecture and become an architect. I can still remember one time when you reached your teen years and out of the blue, mother told someone that someday you'll become a designer. I had an awkward moment that time because my concept of "designer" was only fashion design. Little did I know that an architect is also considered a designer. You'll design houses someday. I guess, being an architect was really your chosen path even before you knew what architecture is. Remember every time our family goes out of town? You would look at houses and point out those that were made beautiful in your eyes.

     Beauty has been a thing to your eyes. Another reason why you chose architecture, maybe. You wanted to see beauty everywhere. You were blessed to have taste. This can be an argument especially that beauty is subjective. You have your own sets of standards and it will evolve in a continual manner. Don't you worry, kid. Life will teach you. He will be the one to hone your perception on beauty.

     Aside from architecture, you will also pursue urban and regional planning. You'll soon become an environmental planner. Affecting people's lives will be your thing. It made you want to reach out for more lives. You'll love how your designs bring impact to your end users’ lives that you'll decide urban and regional planning will also be your thing. By doing so, you'll learn to be objective in whatever decisions you'll make. The word "Respect" emerged. Respect for people no matter what age or gender they may be, respect for the environment, respect for culture, respect for religion, and respect in everything.  

     Don't be bothered by how low your self-esteem is right now. You'll get over it. I still do remember how shy you are that even mentioning your name will make you melt. I can still remember how necessary for you to make awkward actions when entering that graduation stage simply because you were so shy to be seen by spectators. Your self-esteem will grow. It will make you confident in facing different people. The crowd will become your audience. You'll develop public speaking as your skill. Speaking engagements and hosting will be part of your life. Your spontaneity will entertain them. Be excited for it.

     How about that time when you bought two boxes of wafer the night before your class? One for your morning class and one for your afternoon class. It was so easy to consume two boxes especially that you have bunch of classmates. You went home empty handed and father then told you, "have you been playing santa claus at school?" haha. I must say that giving is in you. You wanted to be a giver ever since. You'll soon become part of an NGO that caters marginalized kids. You'll enjoy it. Trust me. You'll meet a lot of people and you'll have a lot of realizations. Just continue what you do. Just be a blessing to others. You never know what joy it will bring you.
     Lastly, on relationships... Yes, you did have several failed relationships. What you imagined as "your first will be your last" isn't a thing in you. Don't be dismayed. There is a reason for that. You may say that you wasted time in spending it to wrong people, but hey... they were never wrong. They were right people. Right people to teach you lessons that you'll carry with you. They were like boot camps preparing you to become the right guy for that right girl. Just be obedient with destiny. 

     By the time you cross my timeline and read this, you'll reminisce how life was and how fulfilling your journey was. It was never a mistake to be you. Stay as you are - a dreamer and a believer. There were no wasted times, only beautiful memories that are worth cherishing.

Monday, April 23, 2018

Seda Edge Relaunched

     Since this blog has been revamped with a new title and a fresh new look, the very best thing to do is talk about re-branding. 

     I've been a member of Seda Loyalty Program since its inception last year. It was offered to guests, who stayed in Seda Hotels nationwide. I got mine from attending EAROPH's (Eastern Regional Organization for Planning and Human Settlement) two-day international conference held at Seda Vertis North. The loyalty program's benefits include:
  • Priority wait list for room and dining bookings
  • Access to Seda Loyalty Program Reservations Hotline of every Seda hotel
  • Exclusive line for speedy Internet access in the guestroom the entire stay
  • Precedence in receiving advisories on special offers and promotions
     But, not all good things come to last. Some were destined to be better. That is why this year, the management decided to give Seda Loyalty Program a fresh new start. 

     It was April 18, 2018 (Wednesday) when Seda Vertis North officially launched the new face of its loyalty program named "Seda Edge". The night was filled with food, beverages, music, and spectators waiting for the great reveal.
     Seda Edge [now] comes with a physical card that members can bring and show to Seda Hotels as they arrive. It comes now in two tiers: Classic and Premiere.Classic is the beginning of guest's Seda Edge experience while Premier is the passport of frequent guests. Events, rates, and promos will [exclusively] be sent via email. This time, patronage can be this exciting and rewarding. 


For membership, you may apply online by visiting https://sedaedge.erewards.net/

Friday, April 20, 2018

Aristmat: Version 3.0

     Ladies and gentlemen, I'm proud to present to you... "Artistmat 3.0"! Replacing the thirteen-year-old title with something that would live up to this blog's purpose is something that should be thought of. I did a thorough study through series of analysis in arriving to this new title. And yes, this is it. It's final. Artistmat 3.0 is the new title.

     Why 3.0? This is the third look of this blog since its conception. V 3.0 or the version three point o. It also represents my current age, which is thirty years old. This marks my journey as a blogger from thirty and beyond.

     New title, fresher look, solid direction. This is what these changes are all about. Expect more changes along the way as I am not yet done with revising this blog's entire pages. For now, please do bare with me. 

     This is Matthew Sanchez Chua, signing in for Artistmat 3.0!  

Thursday, April 19, 2018

Re-Title: Whisper of my Heart No More

     Thirteen years have passed since "Whisper of my Heart" was conceptualized by a young dreamer. The title was created out of this author's need to represent what his heart has to express for life and anything under the sun. It was a tool made for a boy's self-discovery as he venture writing.

     A lot has transpired since then. The evolution of his writing style both in poetry and prose became a manifestation of his self-discovery; movie reviews meant for inspiring people were created; and haiku became his refuge every time his "literal" and his "figurative" worlds collide.

     It was www.artistmat.blogspot.com back then and Whisper of my Heart is its official title. Last year, change had been made when this author had decided to finally buy www.artistmat.com. It was a giant leap for him. Acquiring his own domain name was a tough decision to consider, but it happened. 
     Now, another big change has to come - major makeover. This is going to be this blog's second major makeover. This is another tough decision for him to consider especially that this author values sentimentality. But, again, this has to happen. 

     New title, new layout, and new feels. This is version 3... and it is about to happen.

     Stay tuned.

Tuesday, March 06, 2018

Haiku: 1st Quarter of 2018

     Since first quarter of 2018 is almost ending, allow me to share to you ten (10) haiku I made since January. Enjoy...

.........
Dance your way all day,
This ocean is your kingdom.
Let your body sway.

.........
Floating in midair,
Showing nice colors and forms
Attracting our eyes.

.........
Run trough wind of time.
Show us the speed of your legs.
I bet you'll go far.

.........
Tell me words once said;
Let me hear how I sounded-
That love my soul gave.

.........
Moon so bright, we see
Her beauty and mystery.
Lovely night, we sing.

.........
You appeared to me
In my sweetest sleep at night,
Bending horizons.
.........
Felt your heat touching,
Awakening my spirit.
A new day, indeed.

.........
Weave me patterns, dear.
Create that lovely shelter
That catches your prey.

.........
Deafening it is,
Your unfavorable sound
Filled up this plain  room.

.........
Come and kiss my cheek.
Embrace me with your cool state.
Whisper me with sigh..

     Want to read more haiku made by me? Follow me on Instagram and on Twitter. Just key in @artistmat and click "follow". Thank you in advance!

Monday, February 12, 2018

Paalam Kawalan

Saan ngaba papatungo ang mga paang ito?
Ito ba’y magpapatuloy hanggang sa dulo?
Oras na ba para malaman ng buong mundo
Na di ko kinaya ang sakit na iniwan mo?

Minuto ang tumatakbo habang ako’y papalayo.
Mga alaala ng kahapon dumalaw sa isipan ko.
Buhay patungong kawalan akin nang tinatahak.
Paalam sayo, aking kawalan.

Ano ka ngaba sa buhay ko?
Nang dumating ka, ako’y biglang nagbago.
Ang dating mundo kong masaya
Binudburan mo ng substansya.
Mahal ko, naging masmasaya ako sa piling mo
Hanggang sa kinalimutan kong may buhay nga rin pala ako.

Ginawan kita ng espasyo sa mundo ko
Hanggang sa ikaw nalang ang naging laman nito.
Nakalimutan kong hindi lang naman pala ako
Ang nilalaman ng mundo mo.
Nabuhay akong bulag sa pag ibig.
Sa pantasya kong ito, ako’y nananaginip.

Oras na para magpaalam...
Paalam kawalan.
Oras na para isuko ko ang buhay na ito
Sa banging tumatawag sa pangalan ko.
Ano pa ngaba ang magagawa ko?
Kundi sundin ang nais nito.

Lima, apat, tatlo, dalawa, isa.
Sandali lang... meron pang isa.
Isang pagkakataon para baguhin ko
Ang buhay na itinapon mo.
May pag asa pa para bumangon
Mula sa putik na pinaglagyan ko.

Ako ngaba ang nawalan sa larong tinapos mo?
O ako lang ang nagsabing talo ako?
Mundo ko ngaba ang higit na nadurog sa paglisan mo?
O isinisisi ko lang sayo ang matagal naman nang papalubog?
Ako ngaba talaga and dapat magdusa?
O ako lang ang nagpasya sa ating dalawa?

Hindi ko kailangang tumawid sa liwanag
Sapagkat ako’y naliwanagan na.
Buhay kong ito di dapat dumepende
Sa sugat ng kahapon; di dapat magpaapi.
Eto na, buo na ang aking pasya.
Ako’y magpapaalam na sa inakala kong kawalan ko pa.

Paalam sayo, kawalan.
Ngunit... di nga pala ako ang nawalan.
Paalam sayo, kawalan.
Oo nga pala... di ka nga pala kawalan.

In.Complete

     Exhausted, I find myself resting on the floor of this old passageway filled with strangers passing by. For a moment, I feel my heart beating faster than the movement of time. I hear the beating becoming louder and louder. That annoying sound starts consuming my every being until...

     It brings me to the time when that kind of beating isn’t made by running endlessly, but by loving tremendously. I see myself younger and happier. I see myself oozing with overflowing love. I see myself complete.

     My consciousness brought me to the time when I was in love. That kind of love, which gave me the reason to continue my life and live to the fullest. That kind of love, which gave me all the rights in this world to aim for a future filled with colors. That simple love, which made me feel complete for a while. I can still smell the sweet aroma of being in love. Those trees waving triumphantly in tune with heavenly melodies until...

     Colorful surroundings slowly fading, sky’s cracking down, petals falling apart from trees. I’m feeling weaker now. I feel pain. I feel a pinch of emptiness inside of me swallowing my entire soul. I feel terrible.

     My consciousness brought me to the time when her soul left her biological dress. It was the moment when she needed to go and loose grip. It was the moment a hole in me showed up. This man in complete state suddenly turned incomplete.

     I see life in complete mess again. My world turned eternal hell. My home became my prison cell. My life converted into never ending pain. Sanity at its worst.

     Dark walls colliding like pendulums dancing in harmonious velocity. Hallow ceiling turned into moving abstraction. Cracked flooring bouncing like broken glasses in tune with flowing frequencies. I’m in complete struggle. I need to go back to the real world now. I need to revive my consciousness. I need...

     Love. I need her back in my life. I need to complete the emptiness in me. I need to seal that hole for me to be whole again. I need my world back. This is me...

     Suffering my undying pain.

Image source: frame2frame

Tuesday, January 09, 2018

Let Go

Die now, it's time for rest,
You've done a lot of best.
Leave this world if you may,
Great memories shall stay.

Time for us to let go.
Allow your spirit flow
To somewhere beautiful,
Where cups are filled in full.

It is time for goodbye.
Tears occupy our eyes.
Go now and say hello
To Him whom life we owe.

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