Thursday, November 30, 2006
Warning: Some of the pictures you are about to see [specially the last one] are not suitable for children under 12 years of age. They are extremely explicit in content, view them at your own risk. And please reader, whoever you are, behave accordingly.
Recent comments from the post: Hang..over, show that the (un)fortunate readers of this blog are eager to witness the highly-anticipated pictures from the talent show, while laughing their hearts out. Due to insistent public demand, I now present them to you. I know they're long overdue, sorry. By the way, I have recently switched to Blogger Beta, after thinking it over for two days. (So what? We want the pictures.)
First up, let me introduce my blockmates. Well, at least most of them.
Block 20 goes to Ilocos, August 26, 2006
*click here to enlarge
Sitting down, from left: Ian, Chamie, Dom, Mia, Edz, Arnel, Krisi, Alison, Pam
Standing up, from left: Anna, Grace, Jane, Prof. Mateo, Joan, Steffi, Candice, Nelle, Iumi, Karylle, Marest, Glaiza, Denis
Here now are the pictures from practices and from the talent show.
Mga 'pulubi' ng UP at the RH lobby, wearing Chia's shades collection
From left: Denis, Angelo, Ian, Arnel
The OT Posse
From left: Joan, Chia, Mia, Marest
The PT Posse
From left: Karylle, Anna, Krisi, Raina
The SP Posse
From left: Cathy, Jane, Dom, Edz
And now, without further ado, here's what you've always been waiting for: our transformation. Remember, I warned you from the start of this entry. View it at your own risk.
Please take note: The 'gays' that you see in the picture are not real gays. They just did it for fun.
Back row, center: Denis (Bossley)
Second row, from left: Edz, Jane, Karylle, Anna, Raina
Front row, from left: Ian (Blossom), Arnel (Cherry)
This picture above officially ends the block 20 photo marathon / scandal. I decided not to post the picture of the so-called 'boss' of the chinabels, Mabela, as it would only worsen the case of this blog (peace). At least now you know who to avoid when you go to Robinson's Place Manila. After seeing the last picture, I highly doubt it if you'll go back to my blog ever again.
*thanks to Karylle for uploading the pictures!
*Reming changed its course and will no longer hit Manila.. (useless suspension of classes..)
Recent comments from the post: Hang..over, show that the (un)fortunate readers of this blog are eager to witness the highly-anticipated pictures from the talent show, while laughing their hearts out. Due to insistent public demand, I now present them to you. I know they're long overdue, sorry. By the way, I have recently switched to Blogger Beta, after thinking it over for two days. (So what? We want the pictures.)
Block 20 goes to Ilocos, August 26, 2006
*click here to enlarge
Sitting down, from left: Ian, Chamie, Dom, Mia, Edz, Arnel, Krisi, Alison, Pam
Standing up, from left: Anna, Grace, Jane, Prof. Mateo, Joan, Steffi, Candice, Nelle, Iumi, Karylle, Marest, Glaiza, Denis
Here now are the pictures from practices and from the talent show.
Mga 'pulubi' ng UP at the RH lobby, wearing Chia's shades collection
From left: Denis, Angelo, Ian, Arnel
The OT Posse
From left: Joan, Chia, Mia, Marest
The PT Posse
From left: Karylle, Anna, Krisi, Raina
The SP Posse
From left: Cathy, Jane, Dom, Edz
And now, without further ado, here's what you've always been waiting for: our transformation. Remember, I warned you from the start of this entry. View it at your own risk.
Please take note: The 'gays' that you see in the picture are not real gays. They just did it for fun.
Back row, center: Denis (Bossley)
Second row, from left: Edz, Jane, Karylle, Anna, Raina
Front row, from left: Ian (Blossom), Arnel (Cherry)
This picture above officially ends the block 20 photo marathon / scandal. I decided not to post the picture of the so-called 'boss' of the chinabels, Mabela, as it would only worsen the case of this blog (peace). At least now you know who to avoid when you go to Robinson's Place Manila. After seeing the last picture, I highly doubt it if you'll go back to my blog ever again.
*thanks to Karylle for uploading the pictures!
*Reming changed its course and will no longer hit Manila.. (useless suspension of classes..)
Labels: block 20, entertainment, talent show
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
'Reming' (International codename: Durian) is now a super typhoon and is expected to hit Manila in the next two days, according to PAGASA. Nathaniel Cruz, chief of PAGASA, stated that the typhoon will hit Manila on Friday morning. Storm signals are as follows:
Signal No. 4: Catanduanes
Signal No. 3: Albay, the Camarines provinces and Polillo Island
Signal No. 2: Sorsogon, Burias Island, Quezon and Aurora
Signal No. 1: Metro Manila, Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Nueva Ecija, Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac, Pangasinan, Zambales, Bataan, Cavite, Rizal, Laguna, Batangas, Romblon, Biliran, Masbate, Marinduque, Mindoro Oriental, and Lubang Island
After Paeng (woo paeng, haha) and Queenie, Reming is the third super typhoon to hit the Philippines this year. Also, Reming is now officially recorded as the 18th typhoon to hit the country this year.
Presidential Chief of Staff Michael Defensor said that the suspension of classes was recommended by the National Disaster Coordinating Council. I know this is what everbody is waiting for. NO CLASSES TOMORROW IN METRO MANILA, ALL LEVELS. We will surely have a very long weekend to come.
*But please do pray that the country would not be badly damaged by this typhoon, you know how typhoon 'Milenyo' came here and left 200 people dead in the process.
*Oh, and by the way, I will try to post the photos of my block this weekend.
Labels: news
Saturday, November 25, 2006
Kapag sineswerte ka nga naman.
Nakakatuwa ang kauna-unahan naming karanasan sa CAMP Talent Show na ginanap sa Girl Scouts of the Philippines HQ diyan sa Faura. Simulan na natin ang istorya ng isang napakahabang araw sa buhay ng mga myembro ng BS-OT Block 20.
Hindi ako nagising nang maaga. Mabuti na lamang at kahit 7:30 na ako nagising ay wala kaming klase sa History 2, sapagkat pinayagan kami ng aming propesor na mag-ensayo para sa nalalapit na talent show. Mabuti na rin at hindi ako umuwi ng aming tahanan, at sa dormitoryo lamang natulog, kaya nakarating ako sa CAS ng 8:20 sa kakamadali.
Nagpalit na kami ng damit. Matapos mag-ensayo sa kahuli-hulihang pagkakataon, kinailangan na naming magbihis bilang paghahanda sa presentasyon namin. Ilang damit din ang aming sinubukan bago makapag-desisyon sa aming susuotin. Mahirap pala maging babae. Hindi muna kami nagmake-up sa kadahilanang ayaw naming maglakad sa Faura ng ganoon ang aming hitsura. Sinuot muna namin ni Ian ang aming mga T-shirt at pantalon habang papuntang GSP, sa ilalim ay ang aming mga karumal-dumal na mga costume.
Nagmistula kaming mga alalay. Lahat ng mga wardrobe ay sa aming mga lalaki ng block ipinadala. Puro kasi sila babae, at mahirap naman kung mapapagod sila. Nagpaka-maginoo na lamang kami at dinala ang kanilang mabibigat na mga gamit at ang mga props na gagamitin namin sa pagtatanghal. Hay, ang bait talaga naming mga lalaki sa block, hahaha.
Umulan. Tila pati ang kalikasan ay naiyak na sa awa para sa aming mga hitsura. Umambon habang papunta kami sa GSP, habang dala dala namin ang mga kagamitan, at hawak ang isang payong sa kabilang kamay. Mainit naman pagkatapos, kaya naisipan naming hubarin na ang aming mga T-shirt (mga lalaki lang, syempre) upang mahimasmasan ang init na nararamdaman ng aming mga katawan, una dahil sa kaba, at dahil na rin sa init na dulot ng panahon.
Late na nagsimula ang palabas. Ang nakalagay sa ticket, dapat 1:00 PM ang simula nito, ngunit dahil Pilipino tayo, 2:30 PM na ito na-umpisahan. Bago umupo sa kanya kanyang mga upuan, nilagay na ang mga make-up namin ni Ian, at nagdasal pagkatapos. Siyempre, sa tagal ng aming paghihintay, kumuha ang ilan sa amin ng mga litrato. At ngiti pa rin kami ng ngiti kahit hindi ko pa nakikita ang hitsura ko sa harap ng salamin. Bumili na rin muna kami ng C2 at V-Cut sa coop sa labas, bilang pamatid uhaw at gutom.
Palakpakan, hiyawan, tawanan. Bukod sa mga mismong kasali ng show na ito, mayroong dalawang intermission number na inihain sa aming ng mga propesor at faculty ng aming kolehiyo, ang CAMP. Pamilyar ang mga mukhang nakita namin doon, lalo na si Sir Mitch, guro namin sa NSTP. Tawa lang kami ng tawa, wala sa loob na kakanta pa kami mamaya sa aming pagtatanghal. Lalo pang lumakas ang tawanan noong nagmistulang mga danseur ang mga kalalakihan ng CAMP. Hindi ko alam kung mayroon pa silang mukhang ihaharap sa amin sa susunod naming mga pagkikita. Salamat sa kanila at nawala ang aking kaba. Dahil sa kanila, hindi na kami magmumukhang kahiya-hiya nina Ian, Lemuel at Chamie sa harap ng mga manonood namin.
Huli kaming magtatanghal. Lalo lamang kaming kinakabahan dahil habang pinapanood namin ang mga naunang nagtanghal sa amin, nalula kami at lalong natakot, habang palapit ng palapit ang oras namin upang magtanghal sa harap ng mga kaibigan, at kaklase sa ilang mga asignatura. Kamangha-mangha ang kanilang mga ipinamalas sa amin, naisip kong mistulang mga baguhan pa lamang kami sa talent show na ito, at ang ilan sa kanila ay mga beterano na; pinaghandaan talaga nila ang palabas na ito. Samantalang para sa amin ay 'katuwaan' lamang ito.
Heto na. Kinailangan na naming pumunta sa backstage upang maghanda para sa aming pagtatanghal. Puro tawanan pa rin ang naririnig. Napakagaganda ng mga babae sa block namin lalo na ng mga oras na iyon. Hindi na ako magbabanggit ng mga pangalan sapagkat lahat sila ay kasali, at pahahabain lang nito ang aking dapat ilagay dito. Ngunit kahit maganda pa sila, hindi maikakaila na mas maganda kami ni Ian kesa sa kanila. Minsan pa lang ako nagcross dress sa buhay ko, at ito na yata ang pinaka-masaya. Noon lang namin nakita ang aming mga sarili, sapagkat may salamin doon, at inayos namin ang aming mga hitsura sa kahuli-hulihang pagkakataon. Salamat nga pala sa aking mga sponsor, sina Mia (orange at black na flip flops, green na palda, red na bag at white na headband) at Chia (pink na tube at pink rin na shades) para sa pagpapahiram sa akin ng mga gamit at damit pambabae. Bahala na kayong magmuni-muni kung ano ang hitsura ko nung mga oras na iyon.
Hindi ko na maipaliwanag ang ilang mga eksena noong kami'y nagtanghal na. Wala akong masyadong nakitang reaksyon ng mga manonood sapagkat kinailangan kong alisin ang aking salamin (eyeglasses) upang maging ganap na babae (bading) kami ni Ian. Ang masasabi ko lang ay ginawa lang namin ang aming makakaya noong oras na iyon. At proud kami roon. Manalo o matalo, nag-enjoy lang kami sa palabas.
Meron pa. Matapos banggitin ang mga nanalo (hindi kami kasali roon, tulad ng aking inaasahan) mayroon pang After Party na ginanap sa Abas diyan sa J. Nakpil St. sa Malate. Uminom kami at nagsayawan hanggang alas nueve ng gabi, di alintana ang ibang taong nakapalibot sa amin, pagkat sila'y taga-UP rin. Basta nag-enjoy na lang kami nung gabing iyon. Naka-usap namin ang ilang mga taga-CAMP, at nakarinig ng ilang papuri at katatawanan mula sa aming mga batchmate, lalo na sa pagganap naming bakla ni Ian.
Nakipagsapalaran, tila isang adventure ang aming ginawa noong araw na iyon. Natapos ang lahat sa KFC Padre Faura, sa pagbili ng pagkain, huling hirit ng mga tawanan, bago kami nagsipag-uwian. May NSTP pa ako mamaya, ngunit duda ako kung papasok pa si Sir Mitch, ngayong alam na namin ang kanyang lihim.
Bahala na lang kung makapal pa rin ang mukha ko upang magpakita sa CAMP.
*Edit: sandali lang ang NSTP namin kanina, mga 20 minutes. Siguro pati si Sir Mitch may hang-over din dun sa ginawa niya. XD
Nakakatuwa ang kauna-unahan naming karanasan sa CAMP Talent Show na ginanap sa Girl Scouts of the Philippines HQ diyan sa Faura. Simulan na natin ang istorya ng isang napakahabang araw sa buhay ng mga myembro ng BS-OT Block 20.
Hindi ako nagising nang maaga. Mabuti na lamang at kahit 7:30 na ako nagising ay wala kaming klase sa History 2, sapagkat pinayagan kami ng aming propesor na mag-ensayo para sa nalalapit na talent show. Mabuti na rin at hindi ako umuwi ng aming tahanan, at sa dormitoryo lamang natulog, kaya nakarating ako sa CAS ng 8:20 sa kakamadali.
Nagpalit na kami ng damit. Matapos mag-ensayo sa kahuli-hulihang pagkakataon, kinailangan na naming magbihis bilang paghahanda sa presentasyon namin. Ilang damit din ang aming sinubukan bago makapag-desisyon sa aming susuotin. Mahirap pala maging babae. Hindi muna kami nagmake-up sa kadahilanang ayaw naming maglakad sa Faura ng ganoon ang aming hitsura. Sinuot muna namin ni Ian ang aming mga T-shirt at pantalon habang papuntang GSP, sa ilalim ay ang aming mga karumal-dumal na mga costume.
Nagmistula kaming mga alalay. Lahat ng mga wardrobe ay sa aming mga lalaki ng block ipinadala. Puro kasi sila babae, at mahirap naman kung mapapagod sila. Nagpaka-maginoo na lamang kami at dinala ang kanilang mabibigat na mga gamit at ang mga props na gagamitin namin sa pagtatanghal. Hay, ang bait talaga naming mga lalaki sa block, hahaha.
Umulan. Tila pati ang kalikasan ay naiyak na sa awa para sa aming mga hitsura. Umambon habang papunta kami sa GSP, habang dala dala namin ang mga kagamitan, at hawak ang isang payong sa kabilang kamay. Mainit naman pagkatapos, kaya naisipan naming hubarin na ang aming mga T-shirt (mga lalaki lang, syempre) upang mahimasmasan ang init na nararamdaman ng aming mga katawan, una dahil sa kaba, at dahil na rin sa init na dulot ng panahon.
Late na nagsimula ang palabas. Ang nakalagay sa ticket, dapat 1:00 PM ang simula nito, ngunit dahil Pilipino tayo, 2:30 PM na ito na-umpisahan. Bago umupo sa kanya kanyang mga upuan, nilagay na ang mga make-up namin ni Ian, at nagdasal pagkatapos. Siyempre, sa tagal ng aming paghihintay, kumuha ang ilan sa amin ng mga litrato. At ngiti pa rin kami ng ngiti kahit hindi ko pa nakikita ang hitsura ko sa harap ng salamin. Bumili na rin muna kami ng C2 at V-Cut sa coop sa labas, bilang pamatid uhaw at gutom.
Palakpakan, hiyawan, tawanan. Bukod sa mga mismong kasali ng show na ito, mayroong dalawang intermission number na inihain sa aming ng mga propesor at faculty ng aming kolehiyo, ang CAMP. Pamilyar ang mga mukhang nakita namin doon, lalo na si Sir Mitch, guro namin sa NSTP. Tawa lang kami ng tawa, wala sa loob na kakanta pa kami mamaya sa aming pagtatanghal. Lalo pang lumakas ang tawanan noong nagmistulang mga danseur ang mga kalalakihan ng CAMP. Hindi ko alam kung mayroon pa silang mukhang ihaharap sa amin sa susunod naming mga pagkikita. Salamat sa kanila at nawala ang aking kaba. Dahil sa kanila, hindi na kami magmumukhang kahiya-hiya nina Ian, Lemuel at Chamie sa harap ng mga manonood namin.
Huli kaming magtatanghal. Lalo lamang kaming kinakabahan dahil habang pinapanood namin ang mga naunang nagtanghal sa amin, nalula kami at lalong natakot, habang palapit ng palapit ang oras namin upang magtanghal sa harap ng mga kaibigan, at kaklase sa ilang mga asignatura. Kamangha-mangha ang kanilang mga ipinamalas sa amin, naisip kong mistulang mga baguhan pa lamang kami sa talent show na ito, at ang ilan sa kanila ay mga beterano na; pinaghandaan talaga nila ang palabas na ito. Samantalang para sa amin ay 'katuwaan' lamang ito.
Heto na. Kinailangan na naming pumunta sa backstage upang maghanda para sa aming pagtatanghal. Puro tawanan pa rin ang naririnig. Napakagaganda ng mga babae sa block namin lalo na ng mga oras na iyon. Hindi na ako magbabanggit ng mga pangalan sapagkat lahat sila ay kasali, at pahahabain lang nito ang aking dapat ilagay dito. Ngunit kahit maganda pa sila, hindi maikakaila na mas maganda kami ni Ian kesa sa kanila. Minsan pa lang ako nagcross dress sa buhay ko, at ito na yata ang pinaka-masaya. Noon lang namin nakita ang aming mga sarili, sapagkat may salamin doon, at inayos namin ang aming mga hitsura sa kahuli-hulihang pagkakataon. Salamat nga pala sa aking mga sponsor, sina Mia (orange at black na flip flops, green na palda, red na bag at white na headband) at Chia (pink na tube at pink rin na shades) para sa pagpapahiram sa akin ng mga gamit at damit pambabae. Bahala na kayong magmuni-muni kung ano ang hitsura ko nung mga oras na iyon.
Hindi ko na maipaliwanag ang ilang mga eksena noong kami'y nagtanghal na. Wala akong masyadong nakitang reaksyon ng mga manonood sapagkat kinailangan kong alisin ang aking salamin (eyeglasses) upang maging ganap na babae (bading) kami ni Ian. Ang masasabi ko lang ay ginawa lang namin ang aming makakaya noong oras na iyon. At proud kami roon. Manalo o matalo, nag-enjoy lang kami sa palabas.
Meron pa. Matapos banggitin ang mga nanalo (hindi kami kasali roon, tulad ng aking inaasahan) mayroon pang After Party na ginanap sa Abas diyan sa J. Nakpil St. sa Malate. Uminom kami at nagsayawan hanggang alas nueve ng gabi, di alintana ang ibang taong nakapalibot sa amin, pagkat sila'y taga-UP rin. Basta nag-enjoy na lang kami nung gabing iyon. Naka-usap namin ang ilang mga taga-CAMP, at nakarinig ng ilang papuri at katatawanan mula sa aming mga batchmate, lalo na sa pagganap naming bakla ni Ian.
Sabi nga ni Dan sa akin, "Makakapasok ka pa kaya sa MaSci?"
"EWAN KO."
Nakipagsapalaran, tila isang adventure ang aming ginawa noong araw na iyon. Natapos ang lahat sa KFC Padre Faura, sa pagbili ng pagkain, huling hirit ng mga tawanan, bago kami nagsipag-uwian. May NSTP pa ako mamaya, ngunit duda ako kung papasok pa si Sir Mitch, ngayong alam na namin ang kanyang lihim.
Bahala na lang kung makapal pa rin ang mukha ko upang magpakita sa CAMP.
*Edit: sandali lang ang NSTP namin kanina, mga 20 minutes. Siguro pati si Sir Mitch may hang-over din dun sa ginawa niya. XD
Labels: entertainment, flashback, hangover, sabaw, talent show
Monday, November 20, 2006
Disclaimer: Before you start reading this blog entry, I would like to point out to you, (un)fortunate reader of my blog, that I am not a gay. This entry is for entertainment purposes only, and should not be taken seriously.
Ano ba yan, so many ka-chorbahan na ang nangyayari sa mga iskolar ng bayan. Pati ang federasyon ng kabadingan, nagugulumihanan na. Kalookah ever! Ang chaka ng mga shomabels sa UP Manila! Ang eklabu naman ng mga isyu dito. Ahaahaay, trulalu!
Now I'm having problems with 'gender sensitivity'. Our OT Block is composed of 8 gentlemen only (minus one, I doubt), and we are surrounded by 22 ladies. We (the guys) were just using the gay lingo to fire up some conversations. But now I'm afraid that I might use the gay lingo in my everyday life.
Student: Buket di mo chinuva yung girlalet? Malaki naman ang susey ng lola mo ah.
Hunk: Winnie cordero nga dude, smelanie marquez naman, wit na.
Basketball Coach: Ok, beks, keber sa kalaban, jus focus, we cannot afford to luz valdez. You, achievin mo yung last free throw. Ok, go for gold to the highest level!
Doubts coming from my friends are drowning me (and Ian too, perhaps). Looks like they took our joke seriously. So seriously, that they have even reached the point of asking me (us) baklush questions, as if I (we) could answer them easily. This joke is not doing me (us) any good at all.
A certain blockmate of mine even asked me these questions through a YM conversation:
Now that's bad news. I was only 'training' for the upcoming Talent Show, but things went wrong. Now I am carrying the burden of getting my whole reputation back. Now I'm back to square one. Or at least I'm trying to go back to square one.
But then..
Just recently, Ian and I tried out our costumes for the show. Only LOL's were heard, and nothing else. We just laughed our hearts out because of our horrible look. Hay, ang eklabu talaga ng mga shomabels sa block ko.
Let this be a promise to myself (I don't really know if I could fulfill it though):
After the CAMP Talent Show (which will be on November 24),
I will (try to) STOP using the gay lingo.
And please friends, always remind me not to use it anywhere in my next blog entries. If I do, please tell me. Hahaha.
Ehem. This officially ends myblasted blog entry.
*Thanks to Erica for the text message (the one in the blockquote)
*Some more words of wisdom, here
Ano ba yan, so many ka-chorbahan na ang nangyayari sa mga iskolar ng bayan. Pati ang federasyon ng kabadingan, nagugulumihanan na. Kalookah ever! Ang chaka ng mga shomabels sa UP Manila! Ang eklabu naman ng mga isyu dito. Ahaahaay, trulalu!
Now I'm having problems with 'gender sensitivity'. Our OT Block is composed of 8 gentlemen only (minus one, I doubt), and we are surrounded by 22 ladies. We (the guys) were just using the gay lingo to fire up some conversations. But now I'm afraid that I might use the gay lingo in my everyday life.
Imagine if all straight guys were talking in a gay lingo...
Student: Buket di mo chinuva yung girlalet? Malaki naman ang susey ng lola mo ah.
Hunk: Winnie cordero nga dude, smelanie marquez naman, wit na.
Basketball Coach: Ok, beks, keber sa kalaban, jus focus, we cannot afford to luz valdez. You, achievin mo yung last free throw. Ok, go for gold to the highest level!
Doubts coming from my friends are drowning me (and Ian too, perhaps). Looks like they took our joke seriously. So seriously, that they have even reached the point of asking me (us) baklush questions, as if I (we) could answer them easily. This joke is not doing me (us) any good at all.
A certain blockmate of mine even asked me these questions through a YM conversation:
Blockmate: arnel, seryoso, nagugulat ako sa mga alam mong vaklur words
Me: sus.
Blockmate: hindi ka ba talaga straight na lalake?
Now that's bad news. I was only 'training' for the upcoming Talent Show, but things went wrong. Now I am carrying the burden of getting my whole reputation back. Now I'm back to square one. Or at least I'm trying to go back to square one.
But then..
Just recently, Ian and I tried out our costumes for the show. Only LOL's were heard, and nothing else. We just laughed our hearts out because of our horrible look. Hay, ang eklabu talaga ng mga shomabels sa block ko.
Let this be a promise to myself (I don't really know if I could fulfill it though):
After the CAMP Talent Show (which will be on November 24),
I will (try to) STOP using the gay lingo.
And please friends, always remind me not to use it anywhere in my next blog entries. If I do, please tell me. Hahaha.
Ehem. This officially ends my
*Thanks to Erica for the text message (the one in the blockquote)
*Some more words of wisdom, here
Labels: entertainment, gender issue
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Everyone we meet in the world is fighting a hard battle like we do. There are people everywhere who are in need of a good word, perhaps an uplifting compliment to fire their hopes and dreams in life. Giving them true words of encouragement is the best thing to do.
Be sincere and simple. Don't you remember repeating someone's (perhaps your really special someone.) admiring words over and over again, without losing the boost they give? Mark Twain once said that he could live for two months on just one good compliment. But, there is more to a compliment than flattery. An insincere compliment may sweeten the tongue, but it also sours the stomach. A flowery phrase is usually unnecessary. Simple but sincere compliments will do.
Be sensitive to the time and place. A word spoken in right circumstances can have a tremendous impact on the life of a person. Even a little nod of acknowledgement given deftly, at the right moment, can stir a soul. If you are watching the NBA, PBA, or even an ordinary basketball game, you'll see players wink or nod to each other whenever they score after receiving the ball.
Recall your personal examples of struggle. Some of us may always believe that successful people never made any mistakes, but that's not so. Anyone facing dificulty needs to be reminded that challenges and failures haunt us all, on any given time. Nobody's perfect, after all.
Take time. Any unthinking compliments of ecncouragements won't do. These compliments do not have the power to move, even when they are really meant. A real encouragement is much like a well-written letter, prepared and thought over before sealing and sending.
Encouragement is simple. It may be a single word, a compliment, or even a pep talk. Take a look around you. Pick someone out. Then, just give them the best you've got. There is no need for a sermon or a special advice: just fine words of encouragement.
The right words, at the right time, can work wonders. Always remember that.
Be sincere and simple. Don't you remember repeating someone's (perhaps your really special someone.) admiring words over and over again, without losing the boost they give? Mark Twain once said that he could live for two months on just one good compliment. But, there is more to a compliment than flattery. An insincere compliment may sweeten the tongue, but it also sours the stomach. A flowery phrase is usually unnecessary. Simple but sincere compliments will do.
Be sensitive to the time and place. A word spoken in right circumstances can have a tremendous impact on the life of a person. Even a little nod of acknowledgement given deftly, at the right moment, can stir a soul. If you are watching the NBA, PBA, or even an ordinary basketball game, you'll see players wink or nod to each other whenever they score after receiving the ball.
Recall your personal examples of struggle. Some of us may always believe that successful people never made any mistakes, but that's not so. Anyone facing dificulty needs to be reminded that challenges and failures haunt us all, on any given time. Nobody's perfect, after all.
Take time. Any unthinking compliments of ecncouragements won't do. These compliments do not have the power to move, even when they are really meant. A real encouragement is much like a well-written letter, prepared and thought over before sealing and sending.
Encouragement is simple. It may be a single word, a compliment, or even a pep talk. Take a look around you. Pick someone out. Then, just give them the best you've got. There is no need for a sermon or a special advice: just fine words of encouragement.
The right words, at the right time, can work wonders. Always remember that.
Thursday, November 16, 2006
I was on the way to my mother's office when I noticed five or six mute students who got in at UN Avenue. They caught the attention of all the passengers (including me, of course) inside the jeepney because they were doing the sign language to communicate.
They were simultaneously combining handshapes, orientation and movement of their hands, arms, and facial expressions to fluidly express their thoughts. They were able exploit the unique features of the visual medium by using only these signs. Their signs were arbitrary, it took only a single glance and they were able to understand what the 'speaker' wanted to 'say'.
We, the other passengers, were in awe of their marvelous ability to do what seemed to be difficult for us to do and understand. Almost everyone inside the jeepney had their eyes fixed to the students "talking" happily with each other. Well, the jeepney driver is an exception. His eyes are solely for the road, or else I wouldn't be able to post this blog entry at all.
I thought it was very hard for them to express what they really feel but still, smiles were visible in their faces. They were just like normal people, able to talk and listen to each other's thoughts. I even saw one of them smile at us, then I saw ourselves smiling back at them, too. Seeing those mute students doing the sign language with ease makes me think that it isn't that difficult to learn this certain 'language game' after all.
Perhaps its about time for me to learn a new language game.
They were simultaneously combining handshapes, orientation and movement of their hands, arms, and facial expressions to fluidly express their thoughts. They were able exploit the unique features of the visual medium by using only these signs. Their signs were arbitrary, it took only a single glance and they were able to understand what the 'speaker' wanted to 'say'.
We, the other passengers, were in awe of their marvelous ability to do what seemed to be difficult for us to do and understand. Almost everyone inside the jeepney had their eyes fixed to the students "talking" happily with each other. Well, the jeepney driver is an exception. His eyes are solely for the road, or else I wouldn't be able to post this blog entry at all.
I thought it was very hard for them to express what they really feel but still, smiles were visible in their faces. They were just like normal people, able to talk and listen to each other's thoughts. I even saw one of them smile at us, then I saw ourselves smiling back at them, too. Seeing those mute students doing the sign language with ease makes me think that it isn't that difficult to learn this certain 'language game' after all.
Perhaps its about time for me to learn a new language game.
Labels: language games, sign language
Monday, November 13, 2006
After last sembreak's weeks of rest and laziness (daydreaming, perhaps), I will once again step back in the reality of my everyday college existence.
Yes, first sem's schedule is not that toxic yet, so I expect the next schedule to be hectic. But it went beyond my expectations. I did not expect it to be THAT hectic. We have 5 straight hours (!) of class and its on a monday morning. For the fun of it, I should be up as early as 5:00 AM again and go to school by 7:00 AM, much like my schedule when I was in fourth year high school. Its like taking a step back in time, but this is a big deal. Really, its a big deal.
Am I missing something? Whatever it is that I missed, just forget it. Second semester has already begun. I guess this is goodbye nocturnal nights, and hello h___y (inspired by Chamie's T-shirt, haha) days. So, you [second sem] will come for revenge eh? Oh, I see. Well then,
Bring it on.
*luckily we still didn't have 'official' classes today. We just had our Chem 14.1 (lab) class.
Yes, first sem's schedule is not that toxic yet, so I expect the next schedule to be hectic. But it went beyond my expectations. I did not expect it to be THAT hectic. We have 5 straight hours (!) of class and its on a monday morning. For the fun of it, I should be up as early as 5:00 AM again and go to school by 7:00 AM, much like my schedule when I was in fourth year high school. Its like taking a step back in time, but this is a big deal. Really, its a big deal.
Am I missing something? Whatever it is that I missed, just forget it. Second semester has already begun. I guess this is goodbye nocturnal nights, and hello h___y (inspired by Chamie's T-shirt, haha) days. So, you [second sem] will come for revenge eh? Oh, I see. Well then,
Bring it on.
*luckily we still didn't have 'official' classes today. We just had our Chem 14.1 (lab) class.
Labels: back to school
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Manila before the Pacific War boasts of some charming boroughs, one of which is Ermita (the spanish of hermitage). But since time lavishes the opportunities for change and growth, Manila today has departed from its classic Spanish-Filipino ambience.
Bounded in the north by a vast 60-hectare area which we call the Rizal Park, which old name is Luneta or Bagumbayan (new land), in the south by Calle Herran (Pedro Gil today, in case you do not know), in the east by Taft Avenue (after William H. Taft), Ermita's landmarks have heeded the call of progress, modernization and tourism. As years (decades to be exact) passed by, Ermita has changed, and indeed it had a drastic metamorphosis.
Before, Luneta's historic claim was its ground where our national hero Jose Rizal, fell to his death, now Luneta promenaders love it for all the funning, relaxing and loving (love-making also included) it offers. This old field now includes Chinese, Japanese, and Italian gardens, a children's playground, and shady corners for the lovers (hmmmm).
Ermita was known before as a red-light district, which offered rows of night clubs, cocktail lounges, and beer joints that have catered to the wants of locals and foreigners as well as entertainment plus (you know what I mean, don't you?). After these nightspots were closed down by former mayor Alfredo Lim, nightlife in the area has dwindled. This has been picked up again with the help of the emergence of the nearby Malate district and the Roxas Boulevard Baywalk area in the nightlife scene.
Still, the splendid sunset at Manila Bay happily continues to hold Ermita's habitues spellbound to its scenic view. Hotels near it simply add a patch of grandeur to Roxas Boulevard's long stretch of sea (and hope, perhaps). Not to mention the neon lights that illuminate the bay at night.
Other than nightlife, there are a number of shops and boutiques that offer some good buys. The Supreme Court, just near the DOJ and NBI, the most frequented places by the media, making Ermita a noisy place, literally because of strikes and rallies around the corner. Sidewalk vendors add up to that, with the funny facts that they hide their products under cars to avoid detection from police raiders or even worse, under open manholes (!).
Universities and hospitals are also include in the attractions of Ermita, including the Philippine General Hospital, Manila Doctors' Hospital, Adamson University, Emilio Aguinaldo College, University of the Philippines and the Manila Science High School. The students of the schools menitioned have actually turned the nearby Robinson's Place into a bustling shopping center and rendezvous with several other coffee shops and outdoor-type cafes.
Whether the Ermita frequenters are attuned to the streets or the stars, Ermita is a place where one can go to bare his soul (pure or putrid, no matter what). Ermita is quite simply a place that hankers to be left alone.
I will be frequenting Ermita once more, second semester is about to begin.
*ang tawag kaya sa tagalog ng Ermitense (people who frequent Ermita) ay Ermitanyo?
Bounded in the north by a vast 60-hectare area which we call the Rizal Park, which old name is Luneta or Bagumbayan (new land), in the south by Calle Herran (Pedro Gil today, in case you do not know), in the east by Taft Avenue (after William H. Taft), Ermita's landmarks have heeded the call of progress, modernization and tourism. As years (decades to be exact) passed by, Ermita has changed, and indeed it had a drastic metamorphosis.
Before, Luneta's historic claim was its ground where our national hero Jose Rizal, fell to his death, now Luneta promenaders love it for all the funning, relaxing and loving (love-making also included) it offers. This old field now includes Chinese, Japanese, and Italian gardens, a children's playground, and shady corners for the lovers (hmmmm).
Ermita was known before as a red-light district, which offered rows of night clubs, cocktail lounges, and beer joints that have catered to the wants of locals and foreigners as well as entertainment plus (you know what I mean, don't you?). After these nightspots were closed down by former mayor Alfredo Lim, nightlife in the area has dwindled. This has been picked up again with the help of the emergence of the nearby Malate district and the Roxas Boulevard Baywalk area in the nightlife scene.
Still, the splendid sunset at Manila Bay happily continues to hold Ermita's habitues spellbound to its scenic view. Hotels near it simply add a patch of grandeur to Roxas Boulevard's long stretch of sea (and hope, perhaps). Not to mention the neon lights that illuminate the bay at night.
Other than nightlife, there are a number of shops and boutiques that offer some good buys. The Supreme Court, just near the DOJ and NBI, the most frequented places by the media, making Ermita a noisy place, literally because of strikes and rallies around the corner. Sidewalk vendors add up to that, with the funny facts that they hide their products under cars to avoid detection from police raiders or even worse, under open manholes (!).
Universities and hospitals are also include in the attractions of Ermita, including the Philippine General Hospital, Manila Doctors' Hospital, Adamson University, Emilio Aguinaldo College, University of the Philippines and the Manila Science High School. The students of the schools menitioned have actually turned the nearby Robinson's Place into a bustling shopping center and rendezvous with several other coffee shops and outdoor-type cafes.
Whether the Ermita frequenters are attuned to the streets or the stars, Ermita is a place where one can go to bare his soul (pure or putrid, no matter what). Ermita is quite simply a place that hankers to be left alone.
I will be frequenting Ermita once more, second semester is about to begin.
*ang tawag kaya sa tagalog ng Ermitense (people who frequent Ermita) ay Ermitanyo?
Sunday, November 05, 2006
Good Abdernoon Mlogger [excuse me, Tabulas, MySpace, Xanga and others] Briends. Horry bor the lade upbade anb the mab micdion, I have a cold. I hope it wobn'd lasd long. Pray for my recovery please. :)
After sneezing for thirty-five times(!), at least I feel better now. Anyway, I've just been back from a 3-day semestral break in Japan. (naks, rich kunwari haha) There were three of us actually, but the other two are not yet in college. It shows that I am the oldest in the group, much like a guardian. One is still a senior high school student and the other was a Filipino-Japanese friend of ours who actually lives there. We're all boys, if you would like to know.
We had a good trip, by the way. (nang-iinggit lang ako sa post na 'to) If you've been reading my blog entries this past few days, you'll see one entitled 'Wanderlust.' right? That's where we went last November 3. Too bad, we weren't able to go to DisneyLand again (nang-iinggit ulit) because we had to do some business there for hopefully being able to pursue studies there. Hakone was just a sidetrip. Anyway, I was supposed to post something before we hopped in the plane but I forgot to do it because of laziness, perhaps. I'll post it later na lang (or not).
Okay, now I'm about to have my catnap. Haha. Maybe I'm just tired from yesterday's activities. Perhaps, I'm bored at home. Classes will start November 13 pa. Good, I still have one week to rest. But then, I just remembered the CAMP talent show. Our block has to meet up for that activity and prepare our presentation. So I guess I wouldn't be able to rest, after all. Too bad.
Hmm. Enrollment for next sem is this coming Tuesday. So see you then, blockmates. I hope you're actually reading this post. I don't have credits today. Maybe I'll load tomorrow.
*JAL, (you know who you are) I wouldn't be surprised if you were the first to comment on this post. Haha.
*other blogger friends, you're free to leave a comment anyway. :)
Labels: travel
Friday, November 03, 2006
At an early age of 16, I have the height of an average 40 year-old man: 5'9". Relatives, friends, even strangers, would always notice my height. Yes, I'm taller than my mom and dad that we look like siblings when we walk along the street together. Sometimes they even mistake me to be a Korean balikbayan. I have the features of a Chinese kasi. (I have a Chinese bloodline, that's why.) But they always tell me that I look like a Korean. (But Koreans are well-known here in the Philippines because of Koreanovelas, yes?)
Sometimes, I want to have a 'normal' height. Yes, most of us would want to have the height like mine. They'd do anything and everything like taking food supplements that promise to give them the 'Height Advantage' (Cherifer and Growee are perfect examples) Height enhancers are now also being endorsed even in home TV shopping shows. I admit, I took Cherifer for about two years and got this height as a result. Perhaps these food supplements are worth the time and effort(money) after all.
Being tall may be advantageous, but there are also consequences that you should understand. I will try to discuss my views of why having the 'height advantage' is not always an advantage. I'll tell you the advantages, and then the disadvantages. After this, maybe you'd be glad to be an "average" person as you are right now.
People smaller than you get envious about your height. They'd always ask you how you were able to reach that height (hereditary, food supplements, etc.) You might even end up being a fashion model or a basketball player because of you height. People look up to you. Literally.
In crowded places like concerts and theater plays, you can still have full view of the show even from afar. You don't have to end up bumping other people to get a good look at whatever you want to look at. No blocks at all.
Again in crowded places, people would not miss a chance of seeing you. Try and ask them how they were able to find you: "Ang tangkad mo kasi eh!"
You don't need to stand on something else like a ladder, to reach objects located in high places. If you still don't get it, take a look at the Growee commercial. You'll understand my point.
You look older, really. This enables the minors (like me, haha) to drink alcoholic beverages and do other things that are not allowed for their age.
Well, of course being tall also has disadvantages. (this is the reason why I wrote this blog entry, by the way) Simply balance of nature.
You don't get to fit anywhere you like. I had experiences of hitting my head on the CEILING of a computer shop and other establishments with low vertical clearances (haha, kotse ka ba?) because I'm tall. Thank God, malls are big enough for me to fit in.
One more thing: Desks don't fit, chairs don't fit, controls designed for "average" people often don't fall where a tall person can reach them. In order to do what the "average" people need to do, you often have to stretch, reach, bump and slouch.
If you are T&T (tall and thin), you'll have a hard time trying to gain weight. I consider myself a T&T, and this is always noticed by my relatives. Unlike when I was 2nd and 3rd year high school, I had a normal BMI. If you are super T&T, you look like a walking bamboo stick.If you're just thin but not tall enough, you look like a walking toothpick.
You'll also have a hard time looking for clothes that fit you. At my age, I should be looking for clothes at the Boys Teens' Section but because of my height, I'm looking for them at the MENS' section now. Looking for shoes is also a problem. I have a size 9 foot. Well, at least imagine if you are tall and you have a size 4 foot: abnormal.
Tall people have a higher tendency to have bad backs. Tall people have difficulty moving around properly because their spines cannot take their body mass anymore. Simply because the taller you are, the more body mass you'll have.
Tall people are more likely to be seriously injured in crashes and other trauma causing events. The reason is that tall people's heads are closer to roofs, knees closer to the dashboard, shoulders closer to the doors. Also, the protective devices like seats, airbags and headrests are designed for average people and may not work optimally for a tall body. Lucky me, I'm not yet injured like that. (But I will soon be.)
Perhaps having this 'height advantage' is not really an advantage after all.
(!)Tall men have a moderately higher risk of having prostate cancer than their shorter peers.
(!)The taller a woman is, the more likely she is to get breast cancer.
(!)People over 6' are 27% more likely to be injured in a car crash than someone shorter.
(!)Abraham Lincoln, based on his towering height, stooped posture and long limbs, is believed to have been afflicted with Marfan's Syndrome, the most dangerous disorder that threatens tall people.
Sometimes, I want to have a 'normal' height. Yes, most of us would want to have the height like mine. They'd do anything and everything like taking food supplements that promise to give them the 'Height Advantage' (Cherifer and Growee are perfect examples) Height enhancers are now also being endorsed even in home TV shopping shows. I admit, I took Cherifer for about two years and got this height as a result. Perhaps these food supplements are worth the time and effort(money) after all.
Being tall may be advantageous, but there are also consequences that you should understand. I will try to discuss my views of why having the 'height advantage' is not always an advantage. I'll tell you the advantages, and then the disadvantages. After this, maybe you'd be glad to be an "average" person as you are right now.
People smaller than you get envious about your height. They'd always ask you how you were able to reach that height (hereditary, food supplements, etc.) You might even end up being a fashion model or a basketball player because of you height. People look up to you. Literally.
In crowded places like concerts and theater plays, you can still have full view of the show even from afar. You don't have to end up bumping other people to get a good look at whatever you want to look at. No blocks at all.
Again in crowded places, people would not miss a chance of seeing you. Try and ask them how they were able to find you: "Ang tangkad mo kasi eh!"
You don't need to stand on something else like a ladder, to reach objects located in high places. If you still don't get it, take a look at the Growee commercial. You'll understand my point.
You look older, really. This enables the minors (like me, haha) to drink alcoholic beverages and do other things that are not allowed for their age.
Well, of course being tall also has disadvantages. (this is the reason why I wrote this blog entry, by the way) Simply balance of nature.
You don't get to fit anywhere you like. I had experiences of hitting my head on the CEILING of a computer shop and other establishments with low vertical clearances (haha, kotse ka ba?) because I'm tall. Thank God, malls are big enough for me to fit in.
One more thing: Desks don't fit, chairs don't fit, controls designed for "average" people often don't fall where a tall person can reach them. In order to do what the "average" people need to do, you often have to stretch, reach, bump and slouch.
If you are T&T (tall and thin), you'll have a hard time trying to gain weight. I consider myself a T&T, and this is always noticed by my relatives. Unlike when I was 2nd and 3rd year high school, I had a normal BMI. If you are super T&T, you look like a walking bamboo stick.If you're just thin but not tall enough, you look like a walking toothpick.
You'll also have a hard time looking for clothes that fit you. At my age, I should be looking for clothes at the Boys Teens' Section but because of my height, I'm looking for them at the MENS' section now. Looking for shoes is also a problem. I have a size 9 foot. Well, at least imagine if you are tall and you have a size 4 foot: abnormal.
Tall people have a higher tendency to have bad backs. Tall people have difficulty moving around properly because their spines cannot take their body mass anymore. Simply because the taller you are, the more body mass you'll have.
Tall people are more likely to be seriously injured in crashes and other trauma causing events. The reason is that tall people's heads are closer to roofs, knees closer to the dashboard, shoulders closer to the doors. Also, the protective devices like seats, airbags and headrests are designed for average people and may not work optimally for a tall body. Lucky me, I'm not yet injured like that. (But I will soon be.)
Perhaps having this 'height advantage' is not really an advantage after all.
(!)Tall men have a moderately higher risk of having prostate cancer than their shorter peers.
(!)The taller a woman is, the more likely she is to get breast cancer.
(!)People over 6' are 27% more likely to be injured in a car crash than someone shorter.
(!)Abraham Lincoln, based on his towering height, stooped posture and long limbs, is believed to have been afflicted with Marfan's Syndrome, the most dangerous disorder that threatens tall people.
Labels: write ups
Thursday, November 02, 2006
Since I was a child, I have always dreamed of being a pilot someday.
I had this habit of waving to airplanes flying by our house everyday, back then. I was always inside planes (yes, I was only able to take a ship ONCE in my entire life.) whenever I travel, and these planes never failed to fascinate me. I've always wanted to fly, an insatiable wanderlust that drove me on a journey around the world. But that was back then. I had to give it up.
To become a pilot, the candidates vision can be no worse than 20/70 in each eye. Too bad, wearing eyeglassess to correct them (even contact lenses) will not be considered. So much for my dreams of flying, eh? Well anyway, I was able to try flying without undergoing an actual flight training. Thanks to JASDF, I got the chance to know the feeling of a real pilot. But I just have to get over it. Or not. I'm 16 now and I've been thinking about this since I was 3. Aba, ang tagal din nun ah. Forget it.
Let's just get this straight. I have a new blog layout (thanks to the one who made it, by the way) and here it is.
Now it's time to eat lunch. Plane lunch. Anyway, thanks to the free WiFi access for allowing me to update my blog. ^^
*if you don't like this skin anyway, tag or comment and i'll revert to the old skin.
I had this habit of waving to airplanes flying by our house everyday, back then. I was always inside planes (yes, I was only able to take a ship ONCE in my entire life.) whenever I travel, and these planes never failed to fascinate me. I've always wanted to fly, an insatiable wanderlust that drove me on a journey around the world. But that was back then. I had to give it up.
To become a pilot, the candidates vision can be no worse than 20/70 in each eye. Too bad, wearing eyeglassess to correct them (even contact lenses) will not be considered. So much for my dreams of flying, eh? Well anyway, I was able to try flying without undergoing an actual flight training. Thanks to JASDF, I got the chance to know the feeling of a real pilot. But I just have to get over it. Or not. I'm 16 now and I've been thinking about this since I was 3. Aba, ang tagal din nun ah. Forget it.
Let's just get this straight. I have a new blog layout (thanks to the one who made it, by the way) and here it is.
Now it's time to eat lunch. Plane lunch. Anyway, thanks to the free WiFi access for allowing me to update my blog. ^^
*if you don't like this skin anyway, tag or comment and i'll revert to the old skin.
Labels: new layout, travel
