The 'Bonggang' Dance Number

Dancing makes me happy. Glad I finally have time to share with everyone our 'bonggang' dance number during my Ama's 80th birthday party. Watch the video and see what I mean. Please click the link below to watch. Enjoy! :)

The Official Dance Video

Never Wasted

Why God, Why?

Something worth sharing... :)

I woke up this morning mad. I had to get up at 6 am for workouts. I asked God, "Why do I have to get up so early? I just want to go back to sleep." No answer. Later that day, I got into an argument with one of my friends. I asked God, "Why did You allow us to get into such a bad fight?" No answer. Then I got a call and learned that a close family member of mine passed away. I asked God, "Why do You take the people I cherish the most out of my life?" No answer. As I was driving home that evening, I got a flat tire. Angry, I pulled off to the side of the road, and asked God, "Why do all of these bad things keep happening to me?" No answer.

When I got home, I sat down, mad as ever before, and pleaded out, "God, please, where are You when I need You? Why do bad things keep happening to me?" God then spoke to me. He said, "Even though you may not see me, I have been by your side this entire time. Having faith is not seeing, but believing in what you cannot see. I woke you up early this morning because I know the dreams you have. Sleep brings poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich. You and your friend got into a fight because a man of many companions may come to ruin, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother. He was going to betray you next week. Your grandfather who died? It was time for him to be free of pain, and I needed another angel to help watch over you. I made your tire flat because there was a drunk driver on the road, and I wanted to make sure the roads were safe." I didn't know what to say. God then said, "Say nothing, for I need no apology. Do not doubt me or second-guess my judgement, for everything I do has a reason. I am with you at all times; I will never fail or leave you. My love for you is unimaginable.

Teatro's Trip to Boracay

As I entered the room, the song started playing. The song which reminded me of someone... Someone who once meant so much to me. I paused for a while as my heart literally sank. I wanted to leave the room and run away, but I could not. I really could not. I was tasked to observe and be a part of Teatro Jubilano for this month's club meeting. And so, I knew the show must go on. I had to go on. Mrs. Canceran, the club moderator, greeted me with a big smile. Trying to be strong, I, together with my fellow clubmate Jewel, introduced ourselves to her. We didn't have the time to tell the members of the club why and what we were doing there since they've already started their agenda for that session. That being said, Mrs. Canceran told us to just observe and enjoy the two hours we would be spending with them. We then agreed and smiled at her. I got curious on what the task would be, but to my surprise... Each member already had their eyes closed! And this.. This is where it all began...

Mrs. Canceran asked her members to think of the four most important people in their lives and had their names written down - one in each paper. That moment I told myself it would really be one long day for me. (Excuse my exaggeration, please.) Because I felt like joining the activity, I thought of my four most imporant people and listed them down in my head. Though I must admit, I found it really hard to choose my top four. I bet, the members felt that way, too. The moderator then continued. She told everyone that there's a boat, a "barko" to be exact, in the middle. Everyone was to pretend that he's in that boat with his top four people. "Papunta kayo ng Boracay kasama ang mga pinakamahahalagang tao sa buhay ninyo. Habang papunta kayo, nagkwekwentuhan kayo, naglolokohan, at nagsasaya. Sa wakas, nakarating na rin kayo sa Boracay. I-imagine ninyo na napakasaya ninyo, na iyon ang pinakamasasayang araw sa buhay ninyo dahil kasama ninyo ang mga pinakaimportanteng tao sa buhay ninyo. Nagpapalitan kayo ng mga sikreto, nag-aasaran, at talagang nag-eenjoy lang ng oras na magkasama kayo,"she said. Then she added, "Pagkaraan ng ilang araw ng pagsasaya, dumating na ang oras na kailangan niyo nang umuwi dahil tapos na ang oras ng bakasyon. Sumakay na muli kayo sa barko. Nang makalipas ang ilang oras, isinabi ng kapitan na kailangan daw ng bawat isa sa inyo na magtapon o mag 'let go' ng isang tao mula sa inyong top four. Pumili kayo ng isa mula sa apat na inilista ninyo at itapon sa gitna," Mrs. Canceran said. The members didn't want to throw anyone. I told myself, "Do I really have to throw one? Do I really have to?" And suddenly, "Hindi pwedeng hindi magtapon. Kailangan niyong magtapon ng isa kundi lulubog ang barko. Kaya mamili na," replied the moderator. The members started bursting into tears and I myself could see how painful it was to let someone you love, go. Hard as it may seem, they had to. Even I had to. After throwing them away, Mrs. Canceran said, "Ngayon na naitapon niyo na sila, tinanong nila kayo, 'Bakit ako? Bakit ako pa ang napili mong tapunin? Sa lahat ng tao, bakit ako? Ako na laging nandiyan para sa'yo. Ako na laging handang makinig sa'yo. Ako na laging handang magsakripisyo para sa'yo. Anong nagawa ko sa'yo para matapon mo 'ko ng ganun-ganun na lamang? Pero kahit na ako ang tinapon mo, tandaan mo kailan man ay hindi kita iniwan. Kahit na ako ang tinapon mo, nandito pa rin ako handang tulungan ka. Hindi mo na ba talaga ako mahal kaya mo ko tinapon? Kahit ganoon pa man, mahal na mahal kita." And oh, by the way, the song I mentioned earlier was playing the whole time so yah, I was really affected, as well. I mean, how do you even pretend to be okay in a place where people don't know you and you know you've no right to burst into tears because they might end up wondering? That was not the end. As a matter of fact, that was just the start.

The moderator went on. She repeated everything, that the boat was still sinking and little by little, we had to let go of one more person, and another. The song continued and she constantly acted as those that were thrown away asking us why of all people, we threw this person and that. It went on and on and on... Until there was only one person left among our top four. She then said, "Sabi muli ng kapitan na kailangan niyo uli magtapon. This time, either isasakripisyo niyo ang sarili ninyo o itatapon niyo ang natitirang taong kasama ninyo. Kailangang magtapon ng isa kaya mamili at itapon na." That time, I really couldn't stand it anymore. It was really really really hard. Tears started falling and Jewel was like, "Ui, umiiyak ka ba?" As much as I wanted to joke around and tell her, "Ay hindi. Hindi. Tumatawa lang." I could not because I felt really... I don't know. I can't find the right words to explain how I felt. After a few seconds, Mrs. Canceran added, "Kung sarili niyo ang itinapon ninyo, step backward. Kung ang natitirang tao, step forward." Many stepped backward and sacrificed themselves. "Kung ang taong iniligtas ninyo ang nasa kalagayan niyo, isasakripisyo din ba nila ang kanilang sarili para sa'yo? Gagawin din ba nila ang lahat para lang sa'yo? O ikaw lang talaga ang wagas magmahal na mas pipiliin niyo pang mailigtas sila kaysa sa inyong sarili?Kung di ba nila kayo pinili, sila pa rin ang pipiliin niyo? Ganoon niyo ba talaga sila kamahal?" the moderator suddenly said. That was so WAAAAH!!! Like literally KABOOM, MY HEART. Oh the feels!

Soon, it finally ended. The moderator made us watch a video about God's unfailing love for each and every one of us, that no matter how tough life gets, God never gives up on us. God remains the same despite the constant change in life. She told us to hold on to God always and assured to us that everything would be okay in the end. Whew, I felt so relieved after that video and encouragement! Mrs. Canceran then said she only chose that task to make her members cry, to know who could cry and be the perfect actors for their upcoming play. Wow, it was really thoughtful of her! I mean, yes it gives you that really heavy feeling in the chest, but there is joy in learning to value and knowing the worth of the people in your life. :)

Then, they had another activity. Mrs. Canceran asked each member to act a dramatic scene. They can cry or do anything they want as long as it falls under drama. I was amazed to see how dedicated the members were! 'Twas just an impromptu, but it looked as if they rehearsed for it. Later on, they were able to choose the actors for the play. A few more minutes passed and it was already time to dismiss us. I and Jewel personally thanked Mrs. Canceran for the opportunity to watch and get involved in Jubilee's Teatro Jubilano. To think that I've only been there for an hour or two, this club has become one of my faves, already! Kudos to Mrs. Canceran and to all the members for a job well done! 

Here are some photos we took during the visit:

Members of Teatro Jubilano

The "Barko"

Yellow papers - the people they threw/let go

Some members of Teatro crying their hearts out

P.S. Thanks to Ms. Gaza for sending me to Teatro Jubilano! If it wasn't so, I wouldn't have many new learnings today. And I have got to say, I'm glad I got to apply lessons like direct quotations from you last year. HAHAHA. I just had to say it. You really taught me well! :D

Oh My Faves!

During my God-and-Me time, I always listen to these songs. They're actually... Oh my faves! You should go listen to them too. Be a blessing and share God's love with your friends. :)

1. One Thing Remains
2. Unfailing Love
3. 10,000 Reasons
4. Faithful
5. Blessings

Then and Now

As I was browsing through my photos taken years ago, a thought suddenly dawned on me. For the past few years, I've been that pessimistic and happy-go-lucky kiddo. It's kind of silly, actually. I like funny things. I have a lot of energy and I tend not to care about anything else in the world, but myself. Oh, I meant... teasing and making fun of my little sissy.

Yup, that's right! Up until now, I still tease her a lot and I've no idea why, but I just love doing it. As you can see, the picture above says it all. *insert evil laugh* 

Though the world keeps turning and moving so fast, and even when you feel like you can't hold on to anything and nothing seems to last, it's so good to know that love still remains - my love for my little sissy, in particular. I mean, ain't you glad that some things never change? But that doesn't mean your perspective of it can't. Because now, at this very moment, I already have the courage to say I know who I am. That is, of course, STILL the cute little girl everyone knows, but I am now one optimistic kiddo! :D

Dear Teacher

Dear Teacher,

A great teacher is one whom a student remembers and cherishes forever. Thanks for being a great teacher! You've taught me so much about staying grounded and trusting every plan of the Lord for me. Thanks for being ever patient. (no matter how many mistakes we make and no matter how many times you need to explain) Not all teachers value his students, understand them, and most of all, discipline them in such a way that the student really learns.

I really admire your passion and dedication in what you do - all your hard work, sacrifices, and enormous efforts for the class. (and how you can always make the class fun, how you ensure us of our behavior, and remind us of the things we need to do) Though some people think you're over doing things, I believe it is well a good thing too that you've high expectations because it encourages us to always work and give our best, as well. I love how you can always develop strong relationships with us and how we can always trust you with anything.

I wouldn't have reached great heights without your help, Teacher! Many thanks to YOU! Keep smiling as it is really contagious, it encourages us, too! I am really glad to have been given the opportunity to be your student.

❤,

Michele :)

                                                                                                                                                      

                                                                                                                                                                          

Behind The Blog

You know that moment when you're looking for something that's just around the corner? (When you're looking for your phone when it's just in your pocket? Or when you thought you've lost a memory that you can never ever go back to when it's just in your mind?) Well, I've been looking for things to write about, and I thought, why not share how I came up with my blog address and title? After all, everything I post here goes with it.

As I have mentioned on my former blog post, this blog would be about me, myself, and I. In simpler terms, it’s kind-of-a-personal-blog-thing. That’s basically one of the reasons why my blog address is “THEcheleashley” (Yes, it makes me want to gag myself to be identified as “THE MICHELE ASHLEY.”) Because I believe sharing a part of me, of who I really am, is the essence of this. For in life, there’s no ordinary person. Everybody is extra-ordinary and this is me – MICHELE ASHLEY.

And I quote the words of Wayne Dyer, "When you dance, your purpose is not to get to a certain place on the floor. It's to enjoy each step along the way." This best explains why my blog is entitled “Step into the Rhythm.” You see, the melody represents life and whatever the rhythm may be, I go on with the flow. Yes. Change is a constant thing in this world, but it's one of the many great things we can learn in life. Change in music, change in style, change is inevitable, but I'm here to stay. I'm here to step into the rhythm. Lalala J

Me and my partner Charlene Sullivan in the CHAR-LEY's ANGELS: The Main Attraction (The Lounge-act concert)

Confessions of a Sore Loser

I am competitive. That is oh so true. In fact I am overly competitive that failure is never a viable option for me. I take losses seriously and for this reason, I am a sore loser.

Perfection is my art and with perfection ideally comes, or at least in my mind, a hundred percent guarantee of winning. The world, however, has its many ways of proving me wrong. Thinking that I am certainly going to succeed in everything I do has boosted my pride to unreachable heights. Because of this too much pride in me, I find it so hard to accept defeats. In being a sore loser, I realized that perfection may well be a good thing, but it brings about all the negative things when you allow it to consume you.

I remember during my junior year, I always hate to lose that every time I do, I always find a reason so that I would not be the one blamed for losing. Last Student Council elections, I and my team put in our best efforts and did everything we could to win, but to my disappointment, we lost. Every time such things happen, I always get mad with my team members because they let me down. And so, I always put the blame on them every time we lose, but what I don’t see is I possibly could have made more mistakes than all of their mistakes combined together.

I sometimes  always think highly of myself and always see myself on the winning side. It is what I will call optimism to the next level. Maybe not optimism, maybe it’s too much confidence, or maybe too much of both. I know I have the skills and that I can always succeed, but this confidence and optimsm is pulling me down to failures. I will always get overly complacent and let others get ahead of me. I am like a runner who runs first the whole race, but at the last few strides suddenly slow down knowing that they’re all too far behind. Every time I slow down, they always do get ahead of me and I end up finishing third or second. Knowing that I have the skills to win, losing is just so wrong and ironic, just like how a predator gets eaten by its prey.

        

And as the years have passed and to satisfy the societal demands of good conduct, I have learned to slowly bury it deeper and deeper within me, locked up in the deepest pits of Tartarus in me hoping that it never will come out again.

More of You, Less of Me

John 3:30 says, “He must become greater; I must become less.” This verse means the most to me because it gives me a sense of purpose in my life.

We all go through our darkest hours in life and lately, I’ve been going through mine, too. Unlike other people, I always overthink. Yes, ALWAYS – and that’s one thing that really kills me. I make little things big by taking them way too seriously. At an instant, problems are created by my thoughts even when they aren’t really there. As a result, I become super depressed to the point that I actually cry myself to sleep.

When summer 2013 started, bad news constantly came my way. First off was the results of the Student Council elections. I was running for High School Vice-president. Actually, before the votations started, I was really really really nervous ‘cause  for some reason, I felt like there’s less chance of winning for me. At the same time, I also tried out for the Badminton varsity. I even told myself, “Kung pasok ako sa Student Council or varsity, edi good! Just go with it.” Truth is, I always thought I could win either of the two, but as days passed, I learned that I wasn’t accepted for the varsity team and that I didn’t win in the Student Council elections.  Dun dun dun! I felt sooooooooooooo sad. (Yes, exag talaga!) I didn’t really understand why I had to lose in both fields. I always prayed to God that as said above,  (kahit isa lang makuha ko, okay na ‘yun! Basta kung ano man will ni God para sakin, I’ll go for it!) It took days, weeks, months (??) for me to really fully accept these facts.

Then June came and class sections were out. Shockingly, I’m already part of the intensive class. And the moment I knew that I got in, I was like “Oh no! Why?!?!?” (Yah, weird right? I was super negative!) Maybe because I got used to being in a regular class and almost all my friends are in regular classes. Also, one of my biggest fears now is that I might not make it to the honors’ list anymore, but I don’t know. I asked my family and friends about it, and they made me realize that I should not worry for something that isn’t there yet. I mean, how bad could it be right? It’s never too late to have a first time! Yah, no doubt that it’s really risky since I’m a graduating student, but I thought maybe it’s really part of God’s plan. I didn’t get into the varsity team and the Student Council so maybe He wants me to focus on my studies this time. I prayed and prayed and prayed to Him and I said, “Yes, Lord. I’m choosing to trust You.”

Anyway, I am officially a senior already and there are soooooo many thoughts in my head (AGAIN!!!) right now, so many “what if?” fears. One of the closest friends in my heart’s now already in college and I’m thinking, what if she’d have new friends? What if one day, she’d forget about me and have me replaced? What if she changes? I mean, you never know diba… (OVERTHINKING… AGAIN!) but then again, God spoke to me. He told me that I can’t let fear dictate my future, that I should win against fear, and so I continued to trust in Him and this dear friend of mine. (Hello there! :> If you’re reading this. Ummm HEHEHE :D)

Often times, we get surprised because we weren’t expecting something to happen. (I’m pertaining to the “not good one” surprises) And when such things suddenly happen, we get easily depressed. These are times that we feel so lost (well for me) because we feel like God doesn’t love us anymore. Honestly, when I went through my darkest moments in life, I asked myself, “If God is truly a loving God, then why would He let something like this happen?”

I don’t know what you’re going through today and yes, you will face moments of doubt and fear. It’s the truth, we all do and we all will. It’s a natural feeling for us because if you don’t feel it, my oh my, you’re not human anymore! When doubt and fear sticks to you, don’t let it bother you. Think of all the things you have and trust God for He never gets tired and He has endless blessings for you each and every day. You just have to open your eyes and appreciate them.

Now, I finally have a full assurance in my heart that everything happens for a reason and trust that God has a plan for each of us. We may not see what our future is, but at least we know who holds our future.  So don’t ever give up, okay? Because just when you feel like your whole world is falling apart, that’s when God’s working on something good in Your life. When things don’t go your way, it’s alright if you don’t understand because we don’t really have to understand, we just have to trust God completely and trusting Him means not reacting. Above all, the most important thing I’d like to share is to make sure that you watch over your heart that you allow NOTHING to become more important to you than pleasing God. You see, when God is all you have, then you have all you need.

“God says to us in Isaiah 43: He has called us by name, when we go through the deep waters and great trouble, He will be with us, and when we go through the rivers of difficult, we will not drown. When we walk through the fire of oppression, we will not be burned up and the flames will not consume us. For He is our Lord, our God, The Holy one of Israel, our Savior.”

*Whew! If you managed to read up to this part, I ALREADY LOVE YOU. SERIOUSLY!!!!*

“Rather as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.” -2 Corinthians 4:-10

What To Write...

YES! After an eternity plus an hour of thinking, I'm finally on the process with my first blog.

Well, what others don't really know about me is that I enjoy writing. In fact, I LOVE WRITING! :D and I'm actually giving my 101% in blogging and writing and sharing my inner thoughts. I'm not just going to blog about myself here. I'd also write and share my opinions about anything under the sun. Soo...

Hallllo! Name's Michele Ashley. My school mates call me 'Michele', while my relatives (and oh, plus my brother's friends, too!) call me 'Ashley'. Yah, for some reason my brother introduced me to them as 'Ashley' so when I'm with my friends and his friend suddenly goes, "Hi Ashley!" my friends are like... "Ha? Akala ko ba Michele tawag sa'yo sa school?" And then... I just keep my mouth shut. :| HAHA.

Anyway, I'm 16, an incoming Senior, and a proud Born-again Christian. I love watching movies, but I love dancing MORE. (dunno why, but I just feel like "I'm alive" whenever I dance.) So if you need a dancing buddy, you can always inform me! ;) I'm always on the go when it comes to dancing!! And another random thing... I'm thinking of taking up AB Communication when I get to college which is TOO SOON and I believe this would be a really good start.

And one last thing, I'm a really happy, crazy, and talkative person. (well, I think my friends do know that already. HAHAHA.) And and! If you managed to read until this part, THANK YOU for the support! :D And lastly, (seryoso na 'to. :D) just a friendly reminder peeps, keep smiling and enjoy life! :)