moments that filled my cup this summer vacation

My final week as a third-year student last month of May was incredibly intense and exhausting. We crammed all pending demonstrations into a single day to meet our subject requirements, leaving me mentally and physically drained. The nightmare didn’t stop there, we faced thesis defense with last-minute revisions that stressed our group out. Thankfully, the defense went smoothly. Then came the pre-board exams, with questions so unfamiliar I was glad I hadn’t studied. After that nonstop grind, all I could think about was how to spend my summer doing stuff that makes me happy, like a reset for my mind and body.

I was basically a zombie in bed for weeks, too tired to do anything. By late May, I finally got up and started on things I’d been wanting to do. I had all my supplies ready so I didn’t need to go out much. While scrolling the Medium App, I saw an article titled "Always fill your own cup first and allow the world to benefit from the overflow" by erised, it's about “filling your cup” like the act of recharging your mental, emotional and physical energy. It totally inspired me on how I wanted to spend my summer. Today, I’m sharing moments that really recharged me this vacation. Things I’m super into and wanna keep doing even when the new academic year starts. 

Improving my skills in using goauche 

Gouache is my main medium when it comes to art. I love using it not just ‘cause it’s fun to play with but also 'cause it’s kinda pricey, so I wanna make every drop count. I’ve been playing with gouache for years and this summer, I finally figured out the style I’m going for with my pieces. Back in the day, I’d get inspired by other artists and try to mimic their “perfect” art styles but I realized I’m way happier embracing my own process the kinda messy, definitely not perfect but totally me. Honestly, after all these years of practice, I can see my skills have gotten so much better with this medium. 

Loving and Appreciating the Philippine Cinema 

I wrote a piece last July about some of my favorite Filipino films but after diving deeper into Philippine Cinema, I’m kinda kicking myself for not getting into it sooner. I’m a huge fan now and discovering the incredible work of Pinoy directors and actors has me so proud, it’s like Filipino talent never lets us down. Recently, I watched some "Cinemalaya" entries, that awesome Philippine film festival that champs indie filmmakers. Those films were amazing, capturing life in our country through all sorts of relevant themes. I’m eager to check out more and I really hope the older classics get digitally remastered and pop up on streaming platforms soon.

Making felt fabric charms 

I recently started messing around with making bag charms out of felt fabric. At first, I had no clue what I was doing but then I tried using my sewing skills with the felt and they came out super cute! I’m honestly kinda shocked I pulled it off, lol. I’m thinking about making more to give as gifts and maybe even trying some bigger, fluffier stuff later on. 

Continuing my love for making playlist

My music taste is basically anything that sounds awesome to me. I’m into all kinds of genres and I was totally shocked when IV of Spades dropped their reunion track, Aura, it’s so good! Putting together playlists for different vibes and genres is just the best feeling. Plus, I love how I can make my Spotify playlists look cool with custom designs. Lately, I’ve been vibing to new artists like Hey June and d4vd their songs are straight-up bangers!

Trying hand painted acrylic keychains 

I got inspired to try this cute craft I spotted on Pinterest earlier this year and I finally made it happen! I'm super thrilled with how it turned out. I had a blast putting it together and will definitely do more when I have some free time. Most of my designs were inspired by stuff I'm into right now, especially the awesome work of mada.exe, nauesgone and sashadecember.

Crocheting my own pouches 

I've always been super intentional with my crochet projects, usually making pouches for my bags and stuff. I'm a total over-packer but I love keeping everything organized inside my bag. The pouches I create are simple, functional and honestly, I'm pretty happy with how they turn out!

Finally doing a literal Junk Journal Spreads

I've been eyeing this crafty project online and had always planning to try it but never getting around to it during academic months. Recently, I finally dove in and started collecting random junk I had lying around, mostly food sachets. I’m shocked with how cool they turned out! I wanted the spread to feel super authentic, all about the real junk with minimal stickers or fancy designs.

Found out I mostly enjoyed tragic genre 

So, last time I grabbed a classic book, thinking I’d dive into it. I’ve read some classics and other genres before but they just don’t hit home for me. I’ve realized I’m drawn to tragic stories, you know, those gut-wrenching plots that break your heart but teach you so much. And you know what? I’m okay with sticking to one genre. Reading’s supposed to be fun and I shouldn’t force myself to go through books that don’t spark joy to me. 

Going out and Spending time alone 

Being a homebody has always been my thing but traveling solo? That’s a whole different vibe. I’m used to having a friend when I head out, so going it alone felt like a big shift. Still, I decided to do things up and try doing stuff on my own and honestly, it’s been awesome. I’ve been watching on cinema, splurging on things with my hard-earned salary and checking out seminars and events. It was a bit nerve-wracking at first, especially since I tend to get dizzy while traveling but by the end of the day, it’s super rewarding.

Eating my food cravings 

I got hooked on this combo last April and lately, I’ve been craving spicy siomai and an avocado frappe nonstop. My sister tried it with me last time and she’s obsessed too, so we grab it whenever the craving hits. Food, even the simple stuff just makes me happy. I’m also a sucker for carbonara but with a twist ! my sister makes it with 555 hot & oil and cheese. She’s a good cook which probably makes it taste even better.

Discovering my Art Style 

I've been experimenting with all sorts of art styles, chasing that spark of something I can truly call my own. I’ve tried crafting objects, characters and scenes but they often felt forced and didn’t quite click with me. This summer, I dove into abstract art and for the first time, I felt genuinely satisfied with my work. Every time a wave of emotion hits, I pour it into creating and the results really capture what I’m feeling. I’m excited to keep exploring abstract art. It’s starting to feel like my thing.

Consistent Reflective Journaling 

As someone with a bunch of ideas swirling in my head, I can’t help but absorb the world’s problems, sometimes more than my own life. Journaling has been my go-to for sorting through all that noise and keeping myself from going crazy. I pour those thoughts into one journal while I keep a separate diary for my raw, personal stuff. To spark more varied ideas, I lean on prompts and inspiration from poetry books.

Looking back on the way I write

At first, I felt like I was over sharing in my writing, especially in the pieces published in our school paper and on my blog. So, I tried switching things up, experimenting with different styles and projects. But honestly, those didn’t resonate with me, they didn’t feel like me. I realized I was overthinking my writing process, worrying too much about how it came across. Now, I’ve decided to just let it flow, to write straight from my heart and mind without fear or shame. My words are a reflection of who I am, so why hide that or dim my light? Looking back, I’m proud of sticking with it. I’ve found my own writing ways, my own formula and it feels good to embrace it.

Assisting kids and Tutoring classes 

Last month, I had the chance to help out at a daycare and tutor some elementary kids one-on-one. Let me tell you, it was exhausting but such a rewarding experience! Working with those kids got me thinking about creative ways to teach effectively. It was challenging and drained me after every session but I realized something important, what kids learn when they’re young really shapes who they become as they grow up. 

Binge Watching Documentaries 

I've been diving into some documentaries I hadn't gotten around to in a while and it's been a blast binge-watching both local and foreign ones. I've also been revisiting some history-related stuff which I totally love. One that really hit me hard was "Embalsamador de Motor" by Kara David. It brought me to tears! The compassion those people show is just incredible and it makes me wish more people were like them. It also really drives home how tough life can be when you're struggling financially.

Going back to Fangirling mode 

I've been catching up on all the cool stuff my favorite boy groups have been up to, like their latest vlogs and content. I'm super shocked that BTS is finally back together now that they've all finished their mandatory military service. Hoping they drop a banger album soon! Also, I kinda fell into stanning another group, "All Day Project". I wasn't planning on it, but their talent and skills totally won me over. So yeah, I'm in full-on fangirl mode while I've still got some free time. 

Cleaning and Decluttering my space 

Lately, I've been making it a monthly thing to declutter and clean up which I couldn't really do much during the school year, lol. It's been so nice rediscovering my old stuff, it brings this wave of nostalgia every time. Honestly, cleaning has been kind of therapeutic for me. My space feels so much fresher and more spacious now!

Movie nights with fam 

Recently, my family and I have been enjoying cozy evenings filled with delicious home-cooked meals and movie nights. Just the other day, my sister prepared a comforting bowl of arroz caldo topped with a perfectly cooked egg, which paired wonderfully with our viewing of "Seven Sundays". This heartfelt film offers not only entertainment but also valuable lessons about family and relationships making it a truly enriching experience.

Cheap watercolors can work the best 

While cleaning out my belongings, I rediscovered an old watercolor set I bought for just twenty pesos back in grade 7. Curious to see if it still worked, I tested it out and was amazed at how vibrant and pigmented the colors were. The paints blended beautifully, making it a joy to create some doodles with them. This experience reminded me that the quality of materials whether cheap or expensive matters less when you create.

Taking care of my first hydroponic plant

I've always wanted to fill my space with plants because they bring such a calming energy. However, I’ve struggled with gardening lol, my plants always seem to die despite my efforts. Recently, I came across hydroponics online and decided to give it a try. I’m hopeful this will work out and I’m excited to add more plants to my space soon!

Reflecting on my two-month summer vacation, it feels both endless and fleeting. I accomplished far more than I shared here, ticking off items from my list and feeling more productive and alive than ever. Perhaps it’s because I kept hearing, “Your last summer as a student.” It’s true, I’m in my final year with just nine months left before graduation. I know life after this will be profoundly different. No amount of advice or warnings from adults can fully prepare me for what adulthood brings, it’s a complete shift in perspective and responsibility.

As my time as a student nears its end, I’ve come to see that these years are just a brief chapter in life. One day, the things I did during this time might fade into insignificance or be forgotten entirely. Right now, I want to savor every moment of this fleeting season. Calling it “my last summer as a student” hurts a little, it’s bittersweet. I suppose summer vacations don’t exist in the working world or at least not in the same way. But for now, I’m holding on to every second of this one.

I began this piece inspired by a Medium Article and I want to close it with another from Substack, This left a deep impression on me: "The Quiet Strength in Romanticising Life." by Sugesmindfullness. Its message resonates deeply. Life can be brutal, bad things happen and bad people cross your path. I often wonder why some are so cruel. I’m not claiming to be perfect, far from it but I’m talking about those who deliberately hurt others. Or the ache of watching someone you thought you knew so well change maybe not suddenly, but undeniably. People evolve or perhaps their true selves emerge. Sometimes, they no longer choose you the way they once did. I think of those who work tirelessly only to be exploited by those in power, or who fight for fairness only to be met with betrayal. I think of people in distant corners of the world, starving, suffering or dying and the helpless feeling of watching from afar. I grieve for my country, its neglected culture, its forgotten remnants. Greed consumes some, while the bright eyes of children full of hope make me ache for the uncertain future they face. The world’s pain is overwhelming and I feel powerless to change it. 

Deep down, I know good and evil coexist, life and death intertwine and somehow it all makes sense even when I can’t fully grasp the how or why. These thoughts can consume me, as if caring so deeply could kill me. I question why I feel this way, why I carry this weight. Shifting my focus, redirecting my priorities is often the only way to find peace. Sometimes, retreating from the world and creating my own feels like the only way to truly live. Romanticizing life becomes my escape, my refuge. 

The article I read put it beautifully: "There is a cost to remaining soft in a hard world. It means being misunderstood. It means carrying sensitivity where others carry skepticism. But those who romanticize their lives have found a deeper kind of power. They have chosen not to let the world dictate the way they see it. They have made a vow, silently or aloud, to keep their hearts open." 

Romanticizing life has become my escape, my way of staying soft in a harsh world. Choosing to live on my own terms, in my own rhythm is what matters most to me now. As I close this piece, I hope that when I look back at the end of this year, I’ll see that I stayed true to myself. I want to feel proud of the choices I’ve made, of the life I’ve crafted and of the heart I’ve kept open. These are the moments and reflections that filled my cup during this summer vacation. Some were sweet, others bitter but together they overflowed with lessons and realizations that I’ll carry with me long after this season fades.