After 2 months, I've decided to write about my 18th birthday on this blog. I feel like I have a lot of people to thank for that day, people I couldn't mention while I was making my speech on the night due to my nervousness, but I did try to name everyone online after. 

To all those who helped, I mean it when I say I was and still am truly thankful you helped me plan the event and succeeded in being a quite fluent and enjoyable night. I'm definitely not the type to host my own parties, this is the first party I planned EVER, if you don't count my 16th birthday barbeque lunch (which I don't, because it wasn't so big) so for a first time thing, I think I did pretty well haha. Of course, there were some things that stressed me out and some things that didn't go to plan but at the end of the day I'm thankful God has given me another year and actually allowed me to celebrate this day. 

Hello! Happy New Year to YOU~ 

I was truly blessed at the end of 2014. I didn't deserve such blessings and love but I'm forever thankful I was able to travel to not only Philippines, but Japan aswell! Where do I even begin?! Japan was amazing! I remember getting off the airplane with literal chills because of how cold it was, and how surreal it was to actually step foot in Japan. I truly, truly was not expecting to be there! Not until years later!

I've always told my family how much I'd love to go to Japan. It was a destination I waited patiently for, and was OK waiting for. I don't really know why I've loved it all these years... I remember my brother's friend who we met in Japan asking me why I love this country so much and I kind of had to think about it, because I haven't really asked myself that question in so long, and I've been distant with everything related to it recently. I've always loved the country, it's culture and what it has to offer, the artists that come out of Japan, as well as the beautiful language and writing. I started learning the language in end of year 8 or in year 9? So I wanted to put it into practise someday. Although I was only there for less than a week, it sort of stopped my crave and allowed me to actually know and appreciate the country even more by just being there. 

It's true when they say you won't fully learn the culture/language unless you actually travel to the country yourself. 

This was the second consecutive year I was able to go to the Japanese Festival held at Box Hill. The atmosphere it brings is very appreciative of the different elements that make up the culture. 

[Ikebana arranged by a student from an Ikebana class -its so pretty~]

[stalls at the festival located downstairs]

Although they mostly showcase or sell the same things from last year, something makes it more unique and different each year. Ahh~ I have no idea how to explain it haha but basically, it was still an enjoyable festival. 

Many people from different cultures all came together to share the one interest of Japanese culture, and I think that's what makes festivals really cool; everyone shares the same interests. I'm always heavily inspired by Japanese culture, every since I was a child, so having these sorts of events satisfies my crave in wanting to go the country itself. 

Another reason I came was to also build up my folio and to get some inspiration. Because my Art theme was culture and I love Japan, I thought I could base some of my artworks from Japanese culture. *Few months later I actually did a photography and watercolour artwork inspired by Japanese culture, yaaaas*

[Cosplay as well as dressing traditionally, whether it be wearing a kimono, was heavily encouraged -I believe you could get free entry if you did so :) ]

[calligraphy -they were so beautiful~ I actually tried doing calligraphy for my Art artwork but failed so bad, nothing as good as this stuff! I applaud her 'cause I didn't realise how hard calligraphy was T^T ]

[my sad attempt at this T.T It was really hard, this photo is lying! My friend took this quick enough that it makes it look like I stood up for so long, when I really didnt haha]

This is a long awaited and due post, so much in fact all my folios are done! *clapclap T_T

I must say it was very hard, I never experienced such emotion and even physical stress before, but I'm glad its over. Of course, I feel like I shouldve done much better, but as long as I pass, I'll be fine. 

Anyway, these photos were taken few months ago, and as a class, we were worried, if anything, when we saw the amount of quality and quantity shown on each folio. They were fantastic, and anyone that enters Top Arts are brilliant. After actually completing my own folio, I realised how much dedication the students put. Whether their goal was to be in Top Arts, or if they just wanted a simple A grade.