Welcome Aboard.

HAHAHA,

2008-05-19T06:54:00.000+08:00

Belated Happy Birthday. To me. :)

Unusual

2008-04-30T09:59:00.000+08:00

I do not know what came to me while i was resting after a visit to the hospital, but hey thanks to Irvin.

Welcome Arnel Uyaco, here is your handwriting analysis.

Arnel uses judgment to make decisions. He is ruled by his head, not his heart. He is a cool, collected person who is usually unexpressive emotionally. Some may see him as unemotional. He does have emotions but has no need to express them. He is withdrawn into himself and enjoys being alone.

The circumstances when Arnel does express emotions include: extreme anger, extreme passion, and tremendous stress. If someone gets him mad enough to tell him off, he will not be sorry about it later. He puts a mark in his mind when someone angers him. He keeps track of these marks and when he hits that last mark he will let them know they have gone too far. He is ruled somewhat by self-interest. All his conclusions are made without outside emotional influence. He is very level-headed and will remain calm in an emergency situation. In a situation where other people might get hysterical, he has poise.

Arnel will work more efficiently if given space and time to be alone. He would rather not be surrounded by people constantly. In a relationship, he will show his love by the things he does rather than by the things he says. Saying "I love you" is not a needed routine because he feels his mate should already know. The only exception to this is if he has logically concluded that it is best for his mate to hear him express his love verbally.

Arnel is not subject to emotional appeals. If someone is selling a product to him, they will need to present only the facts. They should present them from a standpoint of his sound judgment. He will not be taken in by an emotional story about someone else. He will meet emergencies without getting hysterical and he will always ask "Is this best for me?"

People that write their letters in an average height and average size are moderate in their ability to interact socially. According to the data input, Arnel doesn't write too large or too small, indicating a balanced ability to be social and interact with others.

Arnel is secretive. He has secrets which he does not wish to share with others. He intentionally conceals things about himself. He has a private side that he intends to keep that way, especially concerning certain events in his past.

In reference to Arnel's mental abilities, he has a very investigating and creating mind. He investigates projects rapidly because he is curious about many things. He gets involved in many projects that seem good at the beginning, but he soon must slow down and look at all the angles. He probably gets too many things going at once. When Arnel slows down, then he becomes more creative than before. Since it takes time to be creative, he must slow down to do it. He then decides what projects he has time to finish. Thus he finishes at a slower pace than when he started the project.

He has the best of two kinds of minds. One is the quick investigating mind. The other is the creative mind. His mind thinks quick and rapidly in the investigative mode. He can learn quicker, investigate more, and think faster. Arnel can then switch into his low gear. When he is in the slower mode, he can be creative, remember longer and stack facts in a logical manner. He is more logical this way and can climb mental mountains with a much better grip.

Arnel is a practical person whose goals are planned, practical, and down to earth. This is typical of people with normal healthy self-esteem. He needs to visualize the end of a project before he starts. he finds joy in anticipation and planning. Notice that I said he plans everything he is going to do, that doesn't necessarily mean things go as planned. Arnel basically feels good about himself. He has a positive self-esteem which contributes to his success. He feels he has the ability to achieve anything he sets his mind to. However, he sets his goals using practicality-- not too "out of reach". He has enough self-confidence to leave a bad situation, yet, he will not take great risks, as they relate to his goals. A good esteem is one key to a happy life. Although there is room for improvement in the confidence catagery, his self-perception is better than average.

Arnel has a temper. He uses this as a defense mechanism when he doesn't understand how to handle a situation. Temper is a hostile trait used to protect the ego. Temper can be a negative personality trait in the eyes of those around him.

Arnel has difficulty trusting anyone. In fact, he trusts no one completely. This is a result of his trust being betrayed in the past. He has closed up, thus ceasing to allow close friendships. Arnel truly wants close friends and desires physical relationships, but he fears he will get hurt, again. He is lonely, yet has a crying need for close friends. This trait can cause much unhappiness. However, it can be changed.

Arnel is selective when picking friends. He does not trust everyone. He has a select group of people that are truly close to him, usually two or three. He is careful when choosing his inner circle of friends.

Arnel has a healthy imagination and displays a fair amount of trust. He lets new people into his circle of friends. He uses his imagination to understand new ideas, things, and people.

Delusions

2008-03-20T14:26:00.000+08:00

Usually, I post entries my abode in wordpress, but for some reason Multiply got to work its template on me. Shocking. Lol. Nothing interesting here anyway. Just something to put in my so-called 'Multiply blog.' This one can also be seen lying around Zantetsuken's rosy white page. If you have already read this there, you can save yourself some time and press CTRL+W now. Otherwise, wait until someone answers.

“Hello, welcome to the Psychiatric Hotline.”

If you are obsessive-compulsive, please press 1 repeatedly.
If you are co-dependent, please ask someone to press 2.
If you have multiple personalities, please press 3, 4, 5, and 6.
If you are paranoid-delusional, we know who you are and what you want. Just stay on the line so we can trace the call.
If you are delusional, press 7 and your call will be transferred to the Mother Ship.
If you are schizophrenic, listen carefully and a little voice will tell you which number to press.
If you are phobic, don’t press anything.
If you have a nervous disorder, please fiddle with the * key until a representative comes on the line.
If you are depressed, it doesn’t matter which number you press. No one will answer.
If you have amnesia, press 8 and state your name, address, post code, phone number, email address, date of birth, nationality, and mother’s maiden name.
If you have bipolar disorder, please leave message after the beep, or before the beep, or after the beep. Please wait for the beep.
If you are anxious, just start pressing numbers at random.
If you are delusional and occasionally hallucinate, please be aware that the thing you are holding on the side of your head is alive and about to bite off your ear.
If you have short term memory loss, press 9.
If you have short term memory loss, press 9.
If you have short term memory loss, press 9.
If you have low self esteem, please hang up now. All our operators are too busy to talk to you.

Taking Off

2007-07-19T21:02:00.000+08:00

The runways are now ready for the last flight of the Airlines.

Just in case you do not get it,

Go now to MY NEW BLOG. :)

Tic Tac Tour

2007-06-20T22:00:00.000+08:00

Sa tinagal tagal ng interval ng posts ko sa blog ko, sa palagay ko langaw na lang ang dumadalaw dito at mga di inaasahang blogger na napadpad lang basta (at nakikipaglink-ex), kaya heto gawa na lang tayo, este, ako pala ng bagong post. Tagalog naman, para maiba; nakakapagod at nakakatamad na magpunas ng ilong kapag nagbabasa maski ng ibang blogs eh. Para may alam kayo, ang post na to ay tungkol sa mga lugar pinagtapunan sa akin ng karumal-dumal kong boss noong high school pa ako - noong wala pa akong malay sa mundo (stir: 1st year pa lang, namulat na ako sa mundo, ng Maynila).

Singapore - Unang out of country experience ko ito, pero hindi naman unang beses sumakay ng eroplano, kaya ayos lang ang pakiramdam. Hindi kailangang magdala ng jacket at kung ano pang pampainit sa katawan dahil parehas lang naman ang range ng temperatura sa Pilipinas. Kailangan lang magdala ng Gameboy at cellphone na pwedeng paglaruan, kasi puro oldies na ang kasama ko dito. Kapag minamalas nga naman. Mas dekalidad ang mga kagamitan at kung ano ano pa kaysa Pilipinas, dahil halos lahat ng daan ay sementado at walang kalubak-lubak at wala ring open manholes na talaga namang nakakainis. Wala ring mga enforcer masyado, dahil disiplinado rin ang mga tao rito. Maski mga barricades na kulay pink, wala kang makikita. May mga puno sa bawat aisle sa gitna ng kalsada para naman maging maaliwalas pa rin ang paligid. Hindi ka makakakita ng itim na usok na bubuga sa mukha mo tuwing tatawid ka dahil dumaan ang lahat ng sasakyan sa smoke emmission testing, at panay Honda, Toyota, Mazda at kung ano pang brands ang makikita.

Malaysia - Malapit lang naman siya sa Singapore kaya pwedeng sumakay ng bus papunta dito. Dadaan ka nga lang sa Singapore-Malaysia Second Link at daranas ng halos isang oras na traffic bago makarating dito. Nakanood pa ako ng isang movie sa bus nung pumunta ako dito, kaya pwede na rin. Sulit naman ang biyahe dahil marami ring magandang makikita. Hindi nga lang tulad sa Singapore na marami nang nagtataasang buildings, mayroon pa ring mga puno at kagubatan sa Malaysia kumpara dito. Hindi ko nga lang nalubos ang oras ko dito dahil ilang araw lang kami namalagi, kung hindi magiging illegal ang stay namin. Sa pagkakatanda ko, two days lang ang validity ng passport stamp na makukuha mo galing Singapore kung pupunta ka dito. Kung gusto mo talagang magtagal sa Malaysia, dapat ang flight mo ay galing mismo sa Pilipinas.

Japan - Dito sa bansang ito ako namangha ng husto. Bukod sa dito ako pinakamatagal na nagbahay-bahayan, marami kasi talagang kapansin-pansin dito. Airport pa lang ang tapakan mo, para ka nang nasa novelty shop o di kaya eh mall. Hindi mo tuloy malaman kung nagsho-shopping o nadaan lang ang mga taong masasalubong mo tuwing maglalakad ka. Lumindol man nung araw na dumating kami, hindi namin nalaman yun hanggang pagdating namin sa hotel. Intensity 4 pa daw yun. Kung tutuusin malakas na lindol yun ah. At ayun na nga, dahil sa teknolohiya ay marami akong naranasang bago dito, tulad ng pag-aalaga ng latang naglalakad, este yung Aibo pala, salamat sa Sony Computer Entertainment. Bawat isla rin na puntahan mo ay may ipagmamalaki, tulad ng Odaiba, mini-New York. May Mini-statue of Liberty kasi na nakatirik sa gitna ng isla, at mga lumang kanyon sa mga watergates papasok doon, kaya mukhang astig kung titingnan sa malayo. Sikat din ang Rainbow Bridge sa napakahabang Sumida River, na madalas daanan para tumawid sa mga isla papuntang city proper at pabalik. Nasubukan ko rin ang Global Positioning System o GPS sa mga sasakyan ng host parents ko at talaga namang cool ang locator na to. Tiyak na di ka maliligaw. Samantalang sa Pilipinas, tanong tanong ang aasahan mo. Salamat din at napadpad kami sa Disneyland na talaga namang pagkalaki-laki at kinulang ang isang araw para masubukan ang lahat ng rides doon. Mayroon pa nga silang parang iMax pero mas astig manood dun dahil parang realistic lahat ng makikita mo pag suot mo yung special shades nila. Nakapunta rin ako sa Tokyo Tower na pagkataas-taas, para kang nagpuntang Baguio. Mababago pa ang air pressure, na medyo masakit sa tenga sa umpisa pero ayos lang. Nakasakay sa LRT, ay Shinkansen pala, na suuuper bilis, at umiikot ang mga upuan. Hindi na kailang mag-U-turn di gaya dito sa atin. Enjoy talaga magstay sa bansang ito, yun nga lang kailangan mo rin talagang mag-aral ng nihongo para makipag-usap ng maayos. Pero sulit pa rin ang lahat ng hirap mo. Magdala ka na rin pala ng pera.

Saan kaya ako susunod na liliparin ng hangin?

Talk About Randomisity

2007-06-03T12:31:00.000+08:00

He's Back.

I have been on blog break for just 16 days only to see myself in front of the computer again, while staring blankly at my black ASUS cellular phone. Recently, I haven't been able to visit certain blogs that I regularly read, and I have been 'Invisible to Everyone' in the ever-reliable-in-blogger-conferences, Yahoo! Messenger. Even my phone symphathizes with me, because as of now, I do not have credits (load, load, load). All text messages just come in, and no reply goes back to whoever sent it - just read and then delete. Even those important ones go unnoticed, thanks to me, for not giving the poor SIM card what it badly needs for survival.

Choked Marriages, et cetera.

June brides are preparing as of now, because obviously it's the month of June and their marriages are intended to be held within this month. (If you still don't get the logic, read the sentence over.) Everybody is excited and happy, not just because of the newly weds, but also of the food that they're about to eat after the wedding. Praying and hoping to survive years of living with each other under one roof, couples ask for advice as early as now, on how to live a longer marriage life. But really, no one knows what will happen to them. Weddings come and go unexpectedly, you know.

Someone may even ask:
"What's in store for these couples?"

Well, all I know is that they're not just in for some honeymoon.

Class Nightmares Begin.

Speaking of June, classes will once again begin sooner or later. The inevitable everyday rush at the start of the semester will show itself up one more time, after a month or so of 'leave.' Ecstatic parents standing outside the premises of the school, waiting for their children, an ocean of black and whites, skirts and blouses, and many more sceneries and signs of classes will surface again and become visible to everyone's eyes. Meeting new faces, teachers and a lot more will perhaps be the highlight of your first week. Excited? Nah. Better be afraid than excited. Your expectations may just turn you down.

*This is a totally random blog entry. This just signals my so-called 'return' in the blogosphere. My childhood picture has been exposed for so long now, and it needs some rest.

In a Nutshell

2007-05-18T00:00:00.000+08:00

Exactly 70 years after the same day that Karol Jozef Wojtyla saw the light, a bouncing baby boy was born and named after his ecstatic father (not to mention the two of them looking a lot like each other.) He was the first, but sadly the last in the family too; he doesn't have any siblings. So being an only child, he was spoiled by his parents during his younger years (or should I say until now), until he found a way to 'freedom,' literally and figuratively, after the words "school" and "outside" were given the chance to boom in his ears.

During his childhood years, he easily believes and follows what is told to him, until he learns what is right and wrong in his acts. Studying was his priority then, and he was a consistent honor student in class (I am not lying.) He may be classified as a nerd a few years back, but still he has time for fun and play. Though his daily travel routine was school-home only, the 'child' inside the body of the 5 year-old boy still managed to escape from the four corners of what he calls home back then. But then again, there came a time for everything to change.

After six long years of realtime studying, he was introduced to the smoke-from-the-vehicles friendly world of Manila, and met friends in the persona of his new classmates in his new high school. The routine was totally changed, with the LRT added to his transportation 'difficulties,' plus the fact that he stays there until seven in the evening, which made Manila his second home. For almost six years (and counting), he was able to withstand and endure the painstaking daily activities that he had encountered (and will be encountering, too) during his life there.

Yet, after the time has gone by, the eerie environment still reminds him of the 'good old days' that he survived living. He is now in college, and still in the 'quiet' arms of Manila, along the busy streets of Padre Faura and Pedro Gil spending his days with his blockmates and friends (Faura Rangers also included). And finally, after seventeen years, he has grown up, or so I hope. Fortunately, he is still alive, and able to inhale the dusty air of the busy metro. Cool.

Happy birthday to him, by the way.

*I am still on hiatus. But then, if giving a birthday present to the celebrant is the cause of your visit, so be it. A suitable host for this blog is top priority. :)

Coming Up Empty

2007-05-11T18:15:00.000+08:00

I have been facing the computer more than notebooks recently, because of games (you name it, I, no, we play it.) Aside from that, voice conferences have been flying up until recently, that perhaps some of the bloggers can even make a blog entry out of it. Yes, my mind may be full of 'wonderful' (yes, wonderful) things, yet I could not create even a decent paragraph out of some nonsense.

Some things just aren't in their proper place at the moment, so I do not expect you to be visiting this blog for perhaps, a week or so. Thanks to my summer classes (plus freshman orientation, plus meetings, plus playing), I am going to get busy. So there goes this blast dratted entry, for now. I guess you readers deserve an apology or a compensation, somehow.

*Thanks to Billycoy for the new header, by the way. (Look up.)

Dancing at the Ball

2007-05-05T20:08:00.000+08:00

In behalf of my blog, I apologize to you, dear readers (if you still read my entries) for being away for such a long time. Summer has been killing me lately.

And aside from that, I had the privilege to be a guestblogger in Kuya Chico's Blog. Do not expect a long entry because I need not explain what you're supposed to do to be able to read it.

GO TO KUYA CHICO's BLOG. NOW.

CLICK HERE.

Well, then I guess I must now start honing my writing skills. Mind you, my guestblog is in Tagalog, not my usual 'forte.' Still, do comment anyway.

Sweet Nothings

2007-04-26T14:20:00.000+08:00

Ayoko ng masyadong nag-iisip tungkol sa mga bagay bagay, lalo na kapag kailangan kong magdesisyon ng harap-harapan. Lagi kasing nangyayari yun sa akin, at minsan ay napapahamak (at napatatawa na rin) ako dahil sa mga naturang sitwasyon. Kapag tinatanong ako madalas ang sagot ko ay nasa gray areas, kaya naman sinasabi ko sa inyo na huwag na huwag niyo akong aasahan pagdating sa mga ganyan. Nung nagsaboy yata ng mga salita sa si Lord sa mundo, ang mga nakalap ko lang yata noon ay 'Hmm..' 'Ahh..' 'Ayos lang..' 'Pwede..' 'Hindi ko alam..' 'Ewan ko..' at lahat ng mga iba pang 'hindi siguradong' sagot na papasok dyan sa isip mo.

Kahit sa simpleng pagsabi ko ng order sa mga fastfood chain, hindi pa rin maiwasan na mapaisip ako ng malalim bago sabihin ang gusto kong bilhin. Nakikipag-usap din kasi ako sa kung kani-kanino habang nasa pila pa ako, para hindi ko maisip na matagal na kaming naghihintay doon. Ayan tuloy nalilimutan na rin kung ano yung bibilhin ko kaya naman wala na akong magawa kundi ngumiti na lang at minsan pa nakakatawanan ko na rin pati yung cashier na kaharap ko. Sayang nga lamang at hindi pa ganoon kalakas ang aking charm para malibre ako sa pagkain sa mga resto. Hanggang carinderia lang ang powers ko. Yuck cheap.

Maraming beses na rin yata akong napahamak dahil sa sakit (ganito ko na lang tatawagin) kong 'to, pero sorry hindi ko ito sasabihin. Sikretong malupit yun. Mabuti na lang hindi pa nangyayari sa akin ang mga pinakamalalang aksidenteng posible gaya na lang ng pag-crash ng eroplano, paglubog ng barko o pagbagsak ng mga meteors sa likodbahay namin, kundi baka wala na kayong mabasang post dito sa blog ko kundi isang epitaph na walang laman dahil hindi ko rin maiisip ang ipapalagay kung sakali. Pwede na siguro yung "Namatay dahil sa.." na message, wala na akong paki, tutal patay naman na ako. Pero malay natin, baka magbago pa isip ko.

Maski sa kahuli-hulihang pagkakataon bago ko ilathala ang post na 'to, nag-iisip pa rin ako kung hahabaan ko ba, kung English ba o Tagalog ang ipapabasa ko sa iyo at kung anong magandang pamagat slash titulo ng post na ito (Kita 'nyo na, sabi sa iyo eh). May draft muna kasi ako kapag gumagawa ng mga ganitong klase ng post, dahil siguro sa kakulangan sa oras para mag-isip ng maisusulat at dahil nga, tulad ng sinabi ko kanina dun sa itaas, ayoko ng masyadong nag-iisip sa mga bagay bagay.

Give It Up

2007-04-21T13:30:00.000+08:00

Sa mga panahong ganito na summer na at malapit na rin ang eleksyon (at ang birthday ko rin pala, papansin lang), usong uso na naman ang mga patayan, holdapan, nakawan, bentahan ng droga, ~~laman~~, at kung anu ano pa. Karamihan sa mga ito ay nagaganap sa Padre Faura, isang sikat na kalye sa lungsod ng Maynila. Dahil nagiging talamak na ang mga ganitong sitwasyon, kailangan na nating tawagin muli at buhayin ang mga dakilang tagapagtanggol ng 'Mahal kong Maynila', ang mga Faura Rangers!

Red Ranger - Tinaguriang pinuno ng grupo (kahapon lang namin siya nahirang), siya ang pinakamatindi mag-isip ng parusa sa mga kampon ng kasamaan. Inaaway si Green Ranger kapag magkakasama silang lima, at malakas bumanat at humirit ng mga uber sa galing na timing at straight-to-the-point na mga panunukso sa kung sino sino. Dahil diyan, ito na rin ang naging main weapon niya laban sa mga masasamang loob, taste the power of the 'Shadow Word.'

Yellow Ranger - Kanang kamay daw ni Red Ranger, ngunit kahit kanang kamay lang, siya ang naghahari-harian sa grupo. Siya naman ang mortal na kaaway ni Blue Ranger tuwing magkakasama ang lima. Napakabanal na tao raw niya, kaya maraming sumusunod sa mga pangaral na ipinagkakalat niya. Dahil doon, ang gamit niya naman laban sa mga masasamang loob ay ang kanyang 'Holy Word,' bukod sa kanyang charisma sapagkat siya ay isang alagad diumano ng kabutihan, isa siyang 'pastor.'

Blue Ranger - Siya naman ang pinakatahimik na miyembro ng grupo, pero nung una lang iyon. Mula ng makalabas galing sa mapait na mundo ng kadiliman (hindi literal), bigla na lang lumabas ang mga salita sa kanyang bibig at nawala ang 'Curse of the Silent.' Ngunit wag kayong mag-alala mga kalaban namin, sapagkat hindi ito ang kanyang superpower, kundi ang kanyang napakamakapangyarihang 'Finger of Death.' Siya nga rin pala ang pinakama-'L' sa grupo, ayon kay Yellow Ranger na mortal nga niyang kaaway.

Green Ranger - Siya ang pinakamaliit na miyembro ng grupo. Maliit ang sulat, maliit ang boses, maliit na rin daw ang lahat ayon kay bosing Red Ranger. Mahilig din daw siya sa mga maliit, sabi ng iba. Akala niyo lang madali siyang kalaban pero wag niyong maliitin iyan dahil walang dudang napakalakas ng kanyang superpower: ang 'Scream of Pain.' Swerte pa namin kung bading ang makakalaban, sapagkat tinagurian din siya bilang isang Super G-Vac o gay vacuum.

Pink Ranger - Masasabing isa siyang 'bading' slash bading-badingan dahil kalalaking tao ay nagsusuot ng pink na costume at mahilig tumingin sa mga boys kasama ni Green Ranger. Mahilig din mang asar kay Green Ranger kasama ni Red Ranger, at madalas katawanan ng grupo. Marunong rin siyang magpalit-palit ng boses ng kung sino sinong tao dito sa mundong ibabaw. At dahil doon, gamit niya na rin itong panlaban sa masasamang loob upang matakot sila sa kanilang pinaggagawang mga kalokohan, at tinawag itong 'Voice Morph.'

Kaya ikaw, kung sino ka man na nangangailangan ng tulong namin at nasa Maynila ka na rin lang, kami na ang hanapin mo. Basta may makita kang limang lalaki na nakasuot ng Tshirts na may kulay gaya ng mga nasa itaas, at nagtatawanan, tiyak na kami yun. Sakali mang hindi mo kami makita, sumigaw ka lang ng: "DoTA!!!" Pwede ring hanapin mo kami sa PJ Mansion, sa CAS, CAMP, basta sa vicinity ng Padre Faura St. Ermita, Manila. Matatagpuan din ang mga Rangers sa mga 7-Eleven shops na makikita mo. Chambahan mo na lang kung saan kami tumatambay sa oras na kailangan mo kami. Humanda na kayo mga bad guys and gays! Go Go Faura Rangers!

Extracting the Juice

2007-04-16T15:33:00.000+08:00

Okay, since I started it all let's get this interrogation going.

Super Xienah
"kaninong babaeng blogista gusto mo magkaanak, ilan at ano ano ang pangalan?"

- Dear naman, alam mo na ang sagot ko dito: siyempre sa iyo. Mga pito, kaya mo ba? Medyo hirap ako mag-isip ng mga ibibigay na pangalan eh. Wala pa kasi sa mga plano ko yan. Ipapaubaya ko na lang sa iyo ang desisyon. :)

Tina
"if you're to choose to live the life of a person from history(napoleon, hitler... etc).. who would it be and why?"

- Jose Rizal. Local lang no? Haha. Well, I have always been curious about how he was still able to live his life 'happily' in spite of what he has gone through, that's why.

Jhed
"If you were given the choice to choose your gender.. what will it be and why?"

- As I have mentioned in a not-so recent post, I would like to be a girl. Well, you know the secret behind that, eh?. If not, do read this one. Mysteries, mysteries, mysteries. Hehehe.

Billycoy
"kung may itatanong ako sa iyo, ano ang tanong na iyon at ano ang isasagot mo sa tanong na iyon?"

- Ito: Pogi ba si Billycoy? At ang sagot ko: Siyempre naman.

Marchie
"pag me gift kayong pwedeng ibigay sa isang blogger friend, ano yun at kanino naman?"

- Siguro, isang lalaki (macho dancer) sa loob ng box. Yung parang sa bridal shower. Late na pa-birthday ko kay Super Xienah. Hehehe.

Mariel
"do you think that college education is for everybody? even those who can't make it? why or why not? :D"

- Before I answer this one, I have a hunch this is for a position paper eh? Just kidding. Well, it should be for everybody. We all have our right to have proper education, anyway so the government (or NGO's in that case) doesn't have a reason to give it to the rich people only. I am not going against them, though. They still have the decision to make.

Ikay
"bakit kaya may mga bagay na alam nating mali pero ginagawa parin natin?"

- Kasi, kapag ginawa natin ang tama, alam rin natin na lalo lang tayong masasaktan o makakasakit ng damdamin ng iba. Bigyan kita ng halimbawa: imbes na sabihin mo ang totoo, nagsinungaling ka. Yun ay dahil alam mo na masasaktan ang kausap mo oras na malaman niya ang katotohanan. Malabo ba? Sana hindi naman masyado.

Dan Hellbound
"In the name of Degeneration X, two words... Dream date?"

- Two words.. Rhian Ramos. (LOOL.)

Pam
"why loverboyparadigms..?!"

I have nothing to say about this one. Well, I was tagged 'loverboy' by one of my blockmates. The first post started it all, seriously. The word paradigms after that is nothing.

Aaronjames
"ikaw, may suggestion ka ba? haha. at tsaka bakit eroplano ang theme ng blog mo?"

- Wala akong suggestion eh. Haha. Kasi, pangarap ko dati ang maging piloto at mahilig din ako sa mga eroplano, thus lumipad at mapadpad kung saan saan. Kaso hanggang pasahero na lang ang maabot ko. Kaya dito ko na lang ibubuhos ang frustration na yun. Anyway, nag-iisip na rin akong palitan 'tong layout ko. Bulok na yata.

Iskoo
"para sa iyo, ilang araw ang katumbas ng isang blogging day? hehe. kapag ikay piloto na, saan mo gusto unang lumapag ang eroplano mo?"

- Ang isang blogging day ay isang earthday rin naman para sa akin. Hindi ako magiging piloto dahil hindi AE ang kinuha kong kurso. May restriction kasi na 20-20 vision kaya hanggang pangarap na lang yun. Pero, gusto kong bumalik sa Japan kung sakali man. Para sa lalapagan ng eroplano yun.

Jalbladder
"bakit hindi mo kami nililibre sa chowking considering na kayo ang may-ari nun? (kudos to tito arnel for that)"

- Pa-comment muna ano ha. Aba, may gimmick ka pa sa pangalan mong bata ka. Dinamay mo pa ang daddy dito hahaha. Well, wala ka naman kasing binibigay sa akin na formal letter of inquiry eh. Kailangan yun para makuha ang pinaka-aasam mong privilege na malibre sa ChowKing na yan. Kung gusto mo, pati yung bago naming promo na Trip to HK sponsored by Nestle.

Aya
"bakit ka nagbblog? paano nagsimula ang lahat? saan mo nakukuha ang mga ideas mo pag nagpopost ka? madalas kasi mahaba sila eh."

- Sa blog ko nilalabas ang lahat ng kalokohan, sama ng loob, kabiguan (ano ka sira?) at saloobin ko, bukod sa pakikipag-usap sa mga ka-close ko. Basahin mo ang unang unang post para may thrill naman. Pangatlo: Yun nga, mga saloobin ko lahat ng nababasa mo; maski ano pa yan. At oo, kahit fiction kasali. Mahaba sila dahil may draft ako bago i-publish, pwera na lang kung marami talaga ang creative juices ko para sa araw na yun.

Prongsy
"so, wala na bang gray areas?"

- Define your terms, please. Well kidding aside, hindi ko pa alam. Marami pa ring gumugulo sa buhay at isipan ko sa ngayon. May tatlong taon pa naman para maghintay, at alam akong MORE THAN WILLING ka na gawin iyon di ba (Wala akong balak magpatawa, seryoso to). Ipapaliwanag ko sa iyo ang lahat ng sagot sa iyong mga katanungan pagdating ng tamang panahon. (PI, ang drama yata ng sagot na 'to.) In the meantime, stop being emo.

TEA
"Cute ba ako? Joke. Lol. Kung nalulunod si G1, G2, at B1 at dalawa lang ang pwede mong iligtas sa kanilang tatlo, sinu-sino sila? At bakit?"

- Oo. Joke. Lol. Langya ka haha. Sa dami ng pwede mong itanong bakit ito pa? Mmmm. Si G2 na lang pwede? Bahala na si B1 at G1 magligtas sa sarili nila hahaha. Seriously, baka sila G1 at G2. Kasi, mas close talaga ako sa mga babae. Para bang hindi ko sila matanggihan, ganun. Alam ko namang maiintindihan yun ni B1 sakali man. Pero siguro kung mangyayari ito sa tunay na buhay, wala akong maliligtas. Gago ako eh, matagal mag-isip. Lunod na sila bago ako makapagdesisyon kung sino ililigtas ko. Mabuti pa siguro ako na lang ang iligtas nila. Hahaha. Pasensya sa sagot.

Padre Salvi
"1. What is the essence of being a blogger? 2. Bakit nakakaexcite makita in personal ang mga bloggers? 3. Kung ang blog ay ibang bagay, saan mo ito ipapangalan? (example: blog = tawag sa lines ng scrollbar) 4. Anung personality ang kakikitaan sa mga bloggers ni general? Kung baga, it describes us all. 5. Sino kaya ang BIG 4 sa PBB Season 2? Bakit?"

- 1. As a blogger yourself, you should know that. Hehe. Wala lang maisip, pasensya na. 2. Kasi, iba yung pakiramdam na makikita mo kung sino ang misteryosong (or misteryosa, if that is the case) persona sa likod ng bawat entry na nababasa natin sa blogs nila. Alam mo yun, ikaw pala si ganito, ang galing mo magsulat, at kung anu ano pang pwede mong sabihin. 3. Blog. Naiisip ko lang ang blockmates ko dito eh, dun na lang siguro sa 'block' ko. Hehe. Pangit na sagot yata. 4. Bloggers are creative. Kahit ordinaryong araw lang nagagawa nating isang post agad, gamit ang mga matatalim nating pag-iisip at pagkamalikhain. Yun bang nata-transform ang bawat eksena kaya nakakarelate ang mga mambabasa sa paraang naisip ng blogger at napapa-comment sa bawat saloobin na inilabas ng blogger para mabasa ng lahat. Ayos ba? Hehe. 5. Ewan ko hehe. Di kasi ako nanonood ng PBB eh. Pasensya ka na at wala akong sagot dito.

Rex
"Name Your Top 3 favorite bloggers whom you dont know personally, and tell us why you love reading their blogs."

- Here are my favorites: (no biases, I really don't know them personally)
[Plus, take note: I count 'knowing personally' when I already saw them in person.]

Tina - She has a LOT of juices. She's very expressive, and every post that I read in her blog is quite interesting. Yes, even the random ones. She has great reviews in her EspressoBreak too.

Super Xienah - Well, who do we have here? Her interesting posts surely capture the attention of people passing by her blog. The caricature of a woman with the word 'SuperX' under it will surely make you wonder. As a song says: 'She knows what she's doing.' (which happens to be true.) Well, I would love to know her personally, too.

Eric - He has a veery informative blog, and that solely explains it.

LA
"Bakit ang tahimik mo nung PBA'07???"

- Kaya ako tahimik nun kasi nangingilatis pa ako ng mga blogger na nakita ko doon sa RCBC. Besides, bigtime yung iba eh kaya hinintay ko na lang muna sila Billycoy na pwede pang makausap. Hehe. Alam mo na, kailangan magpakabait muna sa paningin ng iba. Haha. Ayun. Hayaan mo, next time mag-iingay na ako.

Joy
"if you are a cactus, why?"

- If I were a cactus, that is because I am not anything else you could possibly think of. :)

Sherma
"fired na ba ako dahil hindi na ako pumapasok sa trabaho? if ever na fired na nga ako, paano mo gustong mawala ang iyong airplane?! hahaha! bakit ka kuha pati ng kuha ng susi ng blog ko?! saan ka nagpapaduplicate?"

- Hindi kita sisipain sa trabaho dahil likas ang pagkamabait ko. (O di ba?) At siyempre, dahil ako lang naman ang 'boss' mo, dapat ay mayroon ako parating access sa blog mo. Kaya naman mayroon akong duplicate ng susi mo. Trabaho lang.

thejoketh
"sinong lalaking blogista ang gusto mong maging tatay ng magiging anak mo? ilang beses kayong gagawa ng anak?"

- Gusto mong masuntok? Hehe, biro lang. Lalaki ako at hindi ako papatol sa kapwa ko lalaki, kaya naman wala akong magiging anak sa lalaking blogista. Labo. LOL.

There goes the question and answer portion of this blog, if you still have some complaints about my answers (dissatisfacton, etc.) do comment. I will surely answer them back, as soon as I read them.

One on One

2007-04-10T23:30:00.000+08:00

Greetings, fellow bloggers!

In this post, feel free to ask a question (or a series of questions) about basically, anything - or maybe my personal life. Obviously, I couldn't think of a topic from this 'boring' life of mine, that's why this entry which you are reading right now is perhaps, short.

Before I end this anyway, all the questions will be answered in the next update, probably after five (5) to seven (7) blogging days. Well, the comment box is waiting. And so am I.

*sorry for the late update anyway.

Beating the Heat

2007-04-04T19:49:00.000+08:00

Dahil mainit na ngayon at nasabay na rin ang Holy Week, marami na sa atin ang nagsisipuntahan na sa mga beach resorts, sa kani-kanilang mga probinsya at kung saan saan pang mga komportableng lugar para magpahinga at gastahin ang kanilang oras at pera sa mga nakakaaliw na mga bagay. Pero para sa ilang bored na at walang magawa, mas pinili pa rin nilang manatili sa kanilang mga tahanan at tiisin ang init ng panahon.

Pero dahil mabait ako sa inyong lahat, narito ang ilang tips para sa mga nais ma-beat ang summer heat nang hindi masyadong gumagastos (o hindi nga ba?) at naiinggit na rin sa mga kakilala nila na nasa mga probinsya at pa-relax relax na lang ngayon.

Ugaliing gumising ng maaga. Ito ay para madama mo naman kahit paano ang lamig ng simoy ng hangin na umiihip tuwing madaling araw. Hindi mo na kailangang pumunta sa dalampasigan para maramdaman ito. Siguraduhin mo lang na hindi lang iyon ang dahilan kung bakit ka gigising ng ganun kaaga (kunwari, trabaho, etc.). Pero kung wala ka na talagang magawa pagkatapos noon, mabuti pang matulog ka na lang ulit.

Maligo kada dalawang oras. Kapag ginawa mo ito, bawat labas mo ng banyo ay preskong presko ang iyong pakiramdam. Kahit hindi ka na magpalit ng damit buong araw ay malinis ka pa rin tingnan. Daig mo pa ang mga nasa beach ngayon dahil sila, tubig-alat ang matitikman kung sakali, at kailangan pa rin nilang mag-shower pagkatapos nilang magtampisaw sa dagat. Yun nga lang ay mayroon itong side effect. Ang masakit pa ay sa katapusan mo pa malalaman kung ano yun.

Huwag magkukulong sa loob ng bahay. Tuwing matatapos ka maligo ay lumabas ka naman ng bahay. Magdala ka lamang ng payong bilang proteksyon mo sa init ng araw. Sa ganitong paraan, maaari kang makipagchikahan sa iyong mga kapitbahay na tambay din sa labas. Imposibleng wala ang mga kumpare mo doon, baka nga abutan mo pa silang nakashorts lang at nagpapaypay, samantalang ikaw naman ay fresh na fresh.

Huwag na huwag ding matutulog sa hapon o yung tinatawag na siesta. Kung susubukan mo ito, paggising na paggising mo, tiyak na magrereklamo ka na naman na mainit at baka maging kada oras na ang ligo mo imbes na bawat dalawang oras lang. Tatagaktak lang lalo ang pawis mo kung ganoon. At kahit na makipagpatayan ka pa para lang maitutok sa iyong sarili ang bentilador ay wala ring mangyayari at lalo lang kayong mapapagod. Ang mabuti pa, matulog ka na lang ng maaga para makagising ka rin ng maaga parati. Mas mapapangalagaan mo pa ang kalusugan mo, at hindi ka rin makakasakit ng iba.

Subukang magpagupit. Ito ang S.O.P. ngayong summer, ang magpaikli ng buhok. Kahit paano kasi ay naiibsan nito ang init na dulot ng panahon, at hindi na rin masyadong pagpapawisan ang iyong ulohan. Kung lalaki, maigi rin ang magpakalbo. 'In' din yata ito ngayon, yun nga lang magmumukha kang fishball. Idagdag mo pa ang iyong 'bigating' (malaking) katawan kapag nakahubad ka, naku. Dali, tusok na.

Gumawa ng mga cold beverages na gusto mo. Ilan lang diyan ang halo halo, gulaman, at kung ano ano pang papasok sa isip niyo. Yan ang usong uso ngayong summer, at bahala ka na kung ano ang napupusuan mo. Kung talagang masarap pa ang pagkakagawa mo ng mga nasabing pampalamig, bakit di mo subukang magbenta ka ng mga ganito upang magkaroon din ng pera ngayong bakasyon kahit na paano. Nakatulong ka pa sa sarili mo para magkaroon ka ng allowance / pambayad-utang. Kung hindi naman ganon kagalingan, magtiyaga na lang sa mga powdered juices at tiyaking maayos ang iyong pagtimpla kung ayaw mong lalong uminit ang ulo mo. Tandaan mo, ngayong summer dapat cool lang tayo.

Mamalagi sa mga mall. Sa kaunting barya lang (pamasahe) ay mararanasan mo ang lamig na dulot ng air conditioner sa mga ganitong establisyimento. Kahit na hindi ka mamimili ay papapasukin ka, siguraduhin mo lang na wala kang dalang bomba o kahit anong delikadong bagay. Maigi rin kung mag-sideline ka muna bilang waiter, cashier o kahit ano sa isang sikat na fastfood chain. Tiyak na mayroon kang libreng pagkain mula sa iyong mga bosing mula almusal hanggang hapunan. Kumikita ka pa ng pera sa proseso, habang pinapawi ang init ng panahon.

Kung gagawin mo ang isa o mas mabuti pa; ang lahat ng ito, tiyak na hindi mo masyadong mararamdaman ang init ng panahon at ang sakit sa bulsa (sana nga). Huwag ka nga lang magkakamaling gumawa ng kalokohan tulad ng pagsasayaw ng mala-rain dance sa mga tribo dahil baka matulad ka rin sa amin (at magkaroon na rin kami ng kasama sa wakas). Lagi mo ring tandaan: huwag mong isasabay sa init ng araw ang init ng ulo mo kung hindi ay magiging karumal-dumal lamang ang dapat sana'y bakasyon mo. Wala na nga ang init ng summer, yun nga lang, malamig na rehas nga lang ang hihimasin mo.

Enjoy your summer!!

*Kung gusto ninyong magdagdag ng sarili ninyong mga tips, nag-aabang lang ang comment box. Baka isama ko pa ang tip ninyo sa listahang ito. :)
*Ang huling tip ay galing kay Padre Salvi. Salamat!

Struck by a Spear

2007-04-01T23:45:00.000+08:00

Grabe.

Hawak ang isang e-ticket na fresh from the printer dahil noong araw na iyon ko lamang nakuha sa e-mail, naglakad na ako papunta sa elevator ng RCBC Plaza patungong Podium 4. Doon kasi gaganapin ang kauna-unahang PBA 2007 o Philippine Blog Awards 2007. Alas singco y media na noong umakyat ako, medyo maaga-aga pa para sa mismong event kaya naman nilibot ko muna yung lugar para makipagsosyalan at kumain. Laking gulat ko na lamang noong kinamayan ako ni JV, isa sa mga bigating organizer nitong prestihiyosong awards night na ito. Sa paglilibot ko, nakita ko si Aaronjames, isa sa mga nominee para sa Bloggers' Choice Award. Nag-usap kami sa buhay-buhay, at nag-link exchange na rin ng personalan.

Nilibot muli namin ang lugar para kumuha ng mga freebies mula sa iba't ibang mga sponsor at sa wakas, matapos ang tatlumpung minuto, habang iniinom ko ang kape ko na mula sa Nescafe, nag-annunsyo na si Sir Abe na magsisimula na ang awarding kaya naman pumunta na kami sa entrance ng theater. Pero bago yun ay nabaling ang aming atensyon sa media (RPN 9). Aba, mukhang may telecast pa yata ito. Napatingin din kami sa isang advertisement ng Globe. Gamit ang internet ay binuksan namin ni Aaron ang blogs namin para tingnan kung ilan na ang page views namin. Habang tinitingnan ko ang akin ay bigla akong kinalabit ng isang lalaki mula sa likuran. Akalain mo bang si Franco pala yun, at nagkakakilala na nga kami. Nakita na rin namin sina LA, Heneroso, Kevin, Jhed at ang alagad ni Billycoy at pumasok na kami para humanap ng mauupuan.

Aba, pinatunayan nilang lahat (mga organizer) sa aming mga bloggers na hindi lang basta basta itong event na ito dahil bigla na lamang kaming pinatayo para awitin ang pambansang awit. At matapos yun ay mayroon pang makabagbag-damdaming invocation si Father Stephen Cuyos na talaga namang naka'touch' sa puso naming lahat, lalo na ng mga bloggers na naroroon. Matapos yun ay ipinakilala na ang mga emcee para i-announce ang mga nanalo sa gabing iyon. Ang bilis ng mga pangyayari, sa isang iglap lang ay nasabi na halos lahat at draw na para sa mga GC's na galing sa KrispyKreme at Globe, at ang pinaka-aabangan ng lahat: ang i-Pod at cellphone. Akalain mo bang sa swerte ng ticket #168 ni Kevin eh siya pa ang nanalo nung Nokia 3230. At ako naman, nanghihinayang dahil muntik muntikan na talaga mapasakamay ko yung i-Pod na yun. Sayang talaga.

And the winner is..

1..

3..

Nakakainis pa nga si Jayvee (biro lamang po) dahil nagpa-suspense pa siya bago niya sabihin ang huling numero ng nanalong ticket. Naisip ko talaga na medyo mataas ang pag-asa ko na manalo noon dahil yung ibang ticket na may '1' at '3' sa umpisa ay natawag na nung draw para sa mga gift bags. Ang number kasi ng ticket ko ay 130. Kaya naman todo todo ang dasal ko nun para '0' ang tawagin ni Jayvee pero napasobra yata kasi '1' ang nabanggit sa halip na yung '0' ko. Sana pala pinauna ko na si AJ dun sa pila para ako na lang ang nanalo ng i-Pod na yun, hay naku. Yun pa mandin sana ang ipinunta ko dun, bukod sa makakita ng mga bigating blogger tulad nila Bryanboy, Shari at marami pang iba, na natupad naman. Masaya na rin ako dahil nakamayan ko maski 'alagad' lang ni Billycoy. Matatanggap ko na yun bilang consolation kahit hindi ako nanalo ng i-Pod.

Pagkatapos ng awarding ay photo-op na sa harapan. Kaming mga sawing palad ay ibinaling na lang ang kalungkutan sa camera ni Kevin at naka-ilang kuha din kasama ang iba pang mga blogger. Hay, ganyan talaga ang buhay. Congratulations na lang sa inyong mga nanalo, lalo na sa iyo Kevin, ang swerte mo talaga. Sa iyo rin Hener, na nakapagpa-picture pa kay Bryanboy pagkatapos ng lahat, naku talo mo pa ang nanalo ng i-Pod at cellphone na pina-raffle. Congrats din kay Abe at sa iba pang mga organizers at volunteers para sa isang matagumpay na Philippine Blog Awards na ito. Napakasaya talaga. Sana sa 2008 at sa susunod pang mga taon ay magkaroon ulit nito at mas marami pang dumalo. At sisiguraduhin ko na rin na mapapasa akin na kung ano mang premyo ang in store para sa amin. Sa uulitin!

------

*Para sa kumpletong listahan ng mga nanalo, puntahan niyo ang Philippine Blog Awards dito.

*Kung gusto niyo naman mabasa ang napakatinding invocation ni Father Stephen Cuyos, dito kayo pumunta.

Hitting the Road

2007-03-28T23:25:00.000+08:00

"The Philippine Blog Awards aims to recognize notable Filipino-owned blogs in their respective niches — a venue to showcase notable blogs with quality content that engages readers from around the globe."

March 31 is the most awaited day. Every single blogger in the Philippines, young and old, is excited to hit RCBC by a storm. Tears of joy will be shed, and select bloggers, will finally have their dreams for blogging come true. (So the drama.)

As young as just eight months (going nine, congratulations), this blog served as my outlet for all my rants about my college life. Envious of the blogs I've been seeing since, I strived hard to create a page that's worth reading. School never became a constraint, sometimes I even blog before I do the cramming, proof of my love for this corny (excuse me for my language) stupid web thing whatever they want to call it. And like what I said earlier I blog about school most of the time back then (perhaps another reason why I don't have readers then) so every day was recorded. Still, I wasn't able to get the attention of others. Lucky me.

To my surprise, after three straight months of blogging for almost every night, I got some readers, then commentators, and then fans (kidding aside). Up until recently, I have 140+ links in my blogroll and managed to make friends online, thanks to you, blog. I was even able to join Kuya Eric's blogging contest and managed to win for two weeks, another boost for my rise to blogging fame. (Hahaha.) And now, this one's coming up. Though I'm not a finalist, being a nominee is my pleasure. Well then, I guess I deserve a little break from the toxicity anyway.

Thank you to...

Shall I stop this drama now? There's only three damn days left (and counting), and I do not have my electronic ~~raffle~~ ticket yet.

Philippine Blog Awards
Awarding Night
March 31, 2007
6PM - 8PM
Podium 4, RCBC Theater
RCBC Building, Ayala cor. Buendia Ave., Makati City
Attire: Semi-formal to formal

[NOTE]

If you also like a ticket for the prestigious night, stumble upon here, okay? There'll be around a hundred tickets or so. Do you want to get yours? I'll have to get mine first. To the organizers, my e-mail is lonewolf_silencer17@yahoo.com

[/NOTE]

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Special Thanks:
to whoever nominated me, I really thank you for the effort that you exerted to do me this big favor. Though I was not able to qualify as a finalist (since I was unaware and I didn't expect it, too.) Thanks, really. I appreciate it.

*entry will be updated after the awards night, if ever I could come. I would. I should.

Of Roses and Party Dresses

2007-03-21T19:10:00.000+08:00

I can't help but think about how women would talk and think whenever they are with their companions, their circle of friends. Yes I know, some girls may be flexible and can act normally around their boy friends (boyfriends also included), but they cannot hide the fact that they'd still behave differently when we are finally out of the scene. Sometimes, I'd see them murmuring and pointing people out in the middle of their conversation, while wearing their 'Dalagang Pilipina' smiles; a typical scene everywhere I go. I became too curious to know the reason behind those pretty smiles in their faces, that I wanted to become like them, even just for a day.

Since I was a small child, being a girl (or being with girls) has always been my wish. Now that twelve years have gone by, the thought still baffles me. I wanted to be a girl one day (Or was I a girl one day?). Don't get me wrong though, I wanted to, but I cannot, and I will not. Though in one desperate attempt, I tried being with them for almost half a day, only to see failure spank me in the face and hit me straight in the eye.

After trying to join them wherever they want to stroll (that includes bringing their bags along with me), standing and waiting for at least twenty minutes outside the door of the girl's CR ~~restroom~~ ~~washroom~~ whatever they call it, (making me more interested on what is concealed behind that door) everything just got more complicated. And still, at the end of the day, I just became a slave, perhaps a specimen for the 'evil plans' (excuse me for the term) that they’ve always wanted to try doing to us guys. Afraid as ever, the coward in me comes out whenever I am with them (the girls).

Being with them is easier said than done, that even talking would seem to be like conversing with three-year olds, (maybe that is why gays are around, for translation purposes) making it more fun to be a woman, or so I thought it to be. I do not know how or why, but I managed to build better relationships with girls than I did with guys. And I can't help but wonder how I did that. There's something in me that comes out everytime I think about it. I feel an aura that engulfs me, as if I was a woman myself in my past life. Mysterious as ever, girls always knock me off my feet.

Perhaps this is just paranoia that's trying to kill me. Perhaps this is just caused by being around twenty two ladies in our OT block. As I have tackled in a previous entry, sometimes they even ask me out on what's the real deal with my gender. Still, my curiosity starts to deepen as the days pass by. But instead of having the answer that I wanted, another mystery comes up and the answer I'm waiting for still evades my clumsy hands. Perhaps trying to coax the answer will not do me any good. Hopefully, the time will come that whatever it is I'm looking for just springs unbidden in my lap.

Women, they never cease to amaze me. Still, I guess I'll never be able to understand them. That is still debatable, though.

*to put this entry it in simple Tagalog terms, "Ang hirap lang talagang intindihin ng mga babae." I'm just kidding. ;)

Twisted Fate

2007-03-13T08:59:00.000+08:00

Somewhere in the world, two people's lives were intertwined by fate. Two less complicated souls, merged into one lifestream and became one big problem, well, at least for one of them. They had a complicated understanding, one that even the best psychologists (possibly all the gists you can think of) could not explain comprehensively. It was one of its kind.

Their situation was homicidal. Never did the guy understand what was happening to them (well, at least to him). He wanted to ask for some help, but still that help was nowhere to be found. He was stuck in the middle of a big obstacle course of life, confused on where to go and what to do. Still, he took everything for granted. Now he's about to suffer the consequences. What's more is that the girl doesn't know a thing about it. (Or so he hopes.) She was part of a big problem without even realizing the perils that she is about to face. Perhaps he had commited another sin to her, like what he always did. A friendship forged was about to be broken yet again. What he does hope is that it's for the better, though.

They were both innocent people, involved in such an obscure situation. They were simple dreamveavers, but their silk both got entangled in one web. They were once traveling on a straightforward roadtrip, but the path suddenly forked ahead of them. Confusion sinks in. Now, they are baffled by the circumstances. The fun is just starting, and I guess it would not be nice if someone was to spoil it.

Who's to be blamed? What's going to happen to them? Even I, the ill-fated writer of this complex story of their lives, do not know the answer to these questions.

So

2007-03-06T00:47:00.000+08:00

An only child that I am, I've always wondered how it feels like to have a sibling, older or more preferably younger than me. I was envious to those who have been gifted with at least one, though they always say that it's not that much of a gift at all. Sure, being the center of attention of your parents is a good ( when I say good, it's really good ) thing, but I always wanted to have a sibling, just one, perhaps even in my imaginary life. The thought did not escape my mind ever since.

And then, she came along.

Everything happened in a flash. Once upon a time, somewhere in the world, we were simply friends and classmates, but soon enough we became close to each other. I do not know why or how it happened, though. One thing that I know was that we shared a common frustration: having an older sibling. She was a real time elder sister to 2 girls, and I, as mentioned earlier, was an only child. Just to my surprise, we were suddenly calling ourselves 'ate' and 'kuya' the next day. She became my sister, younger and older at the same time. Everything was never the same again after that.

Since then, we had a what I call 'sibling understanding,' much like the way realtime siblings act to each other, but in a less complicated perspective. We would be sharing our secrets, trusting the other not to tell it to anybody and promising it as well. Texting was our only way to do it, as you all know that we do not really live under the same roof. Texting reminders was also a must. From eating lunch up until dinner, to sleeping early, ( though I don't do it always ) these messages were never out of my phone inbox every single day. Funny that it makes me think a second time if we're really 'parents,' of each other, rather than just simple 'siblings.'

But like what is in reality, a so-called sibling rivalry was, as always, inevitable. Though at our age, we ( at least myself ) we're still acting like young children twelve years back. We'd fight over petty things, and have a little quarrel over it for at least an hour. Though most of the time it's just simple drama, sometimes it's for real. In both cases, I am always the bad boy: she never did anything bad against me. I was always 'fighting' her, well, of course not literally. Not to mention myself teasing her about every flaw that I see in her, though I know she'd always fight back. Maybe we ( or it was just I ) would have some laughs, but deep inside I was hurting her, and she was crying. This always happens. I guess that's the reason why I do not have a sibling in real life.

As for me though, I would still be there promising her by sending text messages ( our medium ) that I would never do it again and all that, only to know that I'm going to break that promise the next day. Whatever happened the last time would happen again. ( But this time, I really promise her not to break promises, or better yet, not make a promise at all. ) Though still, at the end of the day, everything is then back to its 'normal' state, as if nothing happened between us at all. We'd still be siblings that we were from the start. Or so I hope.

Well then, for the many ( most of them bad ) things that I have done to her and the many good things that she has done for me, I guess I owe her an apology somehow. And, she really deserves it. It may not be that much, but I hope I could make it up to her.

To you my dear 'sister':

Sorry and thank you for everything. Just remember that I will always be here as your 'kuya' and I do hope that you will also be my 'ate' always. Thanks for touching my life.

Sincerely,
your dearest 'brother,' Arnel

Perhaps having an imaginary sibling was better than a real one after all. She was now my sister. Forever. So.

Turning Point

2007-03-01T22:12:00.000+08:00

Kagulat gulat ba ang post na ito?

Kung sa tingin mo ay may mababasa ka na namang kalokohan o hindi kaya ay madugong post ngayon, sa tingin ko ay nagkakamali ka. Isipin mo naman kasi, bigyan ka ng apat na sunud-sunod na exam sa isang linggo lang, tingin mo ba makakagawa ka pa ba ng maka-nosebleed na post nun? Tingin ko hindi. Kaya nga hindi muna ako gagawa ng ganun ngayon dahil kailangan ko munang magpahinga. Ang sakit pa nga rin ng ilong ko hanggang ngayon eh. Pinilit ko lang talaga mag-update ngayon dahil baka mabulok na 'tong blog ko, wala nang bumisita. Sayang naman.

Sa totoo lang, ang daming nangyari nitong nakaraang mga linggo sa buhay ko. Pero siyempre hindi lahat ng yun ay exciting kaya kaunti lang ang ikukwento ko sa inyo. Baka kung ano ano lang din malagay ko dito, ingat ka. Baka may tamaan lang naman, lalo ka na ikaw na nagbabasa. Mabuti na yung nag-iingat tayo parati. Kailangan ring mabilis tayo sa lahat ng bagay.

Hay salamat, malapit na ring matapos ang mga bagyo sa buhay ko sa wakas. Isa na lang ang pagdadaanan kong kalbaryo (ngayong Sabado) at balik na naman sa normal ang takbo ng napakakulay na buhay ko. Baka naman gusto niyong mag-'good luck' sa akin, pagkakataon niyo na ito. Kailangan ko talaga, sa tingin ko. Kung sakali man, napakalaking tulong ang magagawa niyo para sa bayan.. Corny na, ayoko na.

Tama na muna ang pag-aaral. Hep, wag kayong magkakamali. Ang ibig kong sabihin dito ay tigil na muna ang usapan tungkol doon, hindi sa tinatamad na akong mag-aral. Kailangan ang pag aaral para sa kinabukasan natin.. Ayoko na talaga, sobrang corny na. Kasi naman 'tong mga nakikita kong campaign ad ng maga pulitiko sa TV, nakakahawa ang kakornihan nila. Ang sasarap ____ naku.. Lalo ka na P***a*, taniman kaya kita ng bomba dyan, naku makikita mo.

Maiba lang muna tayo. Ang sakit kasi talaga, dumadami na ang mga taong nakakakilala sa amin dito sa CAMP. Bakit ba kasi naisipan ko pang dumalo doon sa Game Show (February 16) at Off the Plug: Acoustic Friday (February 23) eh, ayan tuloy notorious na ang ilan sa mga boys ng block namin. Lahat tuloy ng masalubong namin sa CAMP ngingitian namin dahil ngumingiti sila (ganun kami bumati) sa amin, at kumakaway naman pag malayo. Kunsabagay, kung hindi ako pumunta ay wala naman akong mapapala. Hindi ko pa mauuwi yung gitara ko kung ganun. At saka sayang din ang exposure di ba. Hindi na rin naman maibabalik ang oras sapagkat 'time can never have a negative value' ika nga. Kaya ayun, wala na rin kaming magagawa. Think positive na lang. Sikat ka na eh, huwag ka nang umangal.

Malapit na rin ang botohan dito sa UP. Kamayan dito, kamayan doon. Nagkalat na rin ang mga campaign stickers at posters sa bawat sulok ng UP: sa pader, sa armrest ng mga upuan, sa pinto at masakit pa, sa ~~likuran~~ ~~harapan~~ buong katawan na rin yata ng bawat estudyanteng masalubong ko. Ganun katindi mangampanya. Panay na rin ang mga RTR (Room To Room, kung di mo naitatanong.) oras oras. Gusto namin yun, kasi napuputol pasumandali ang diskusyon ng prof namin sa harapan. Makakabisado ko na nga yata yung mga paulit-ulit na lines nung ibang tatakbo eh. Minsan nga lang, ayaw talaga nila kaya ayun, lalabas yung mga nangangampanya ng kuwarto na biguan.

Oo nga pala March na, ibig sabihin Fire Prevention Month na rin. Ingat lang sa paglalaro ng apoy ha [lalo ka na Billycoy hehehe], baka sumobra ang init at masunog kayo, mahirap na. Sige, kayo rin ang magsisisi sa huli. Lumabas nga rin pala kayo sa hatinggabi ng March 3 (bale, March 4 na yun ng madaling araw) at tumulala sa ilalim ng kalangitan, may lunar eclipse ng mga panahon na yun. Ayan kahit paano, may naibigay akong impormasyon dito sa post na 'to. Pasensya na talaga ha, kailangan ko na ulit 'mag-aral' eh. Sige. Isa pa pala, walang relevance ang post title, kaya hayaan niyo lang siya diyan ha?

Fly Away

2007-02-23T19:25:00.000+08:00

I am very sorry to tell you that the Loverboy Airlines will be temporarily offline.

This is due to a week-long turbulence caused by three successive storms that will hit the area. The said turbulence is expected to eventually end on the third day of March of year 2007. During this time, we will also take the opportunity of having the maintennance of our planes for the safety of our passengers on board, and for us to be able to serve you with better facilities.

Fortunately, some flights to select destinations will still continue. Our runways are also open to newly-landed planes, but please wait a little for your names to be recorded in our logbook. Booking of tickets are also still accepted but please be patient in waiting for your flights to be rescheduled. I am also pleased to tell you that we can still be contacted via Friendster, Yahoo! Messenger or the tagboard found at the left sidebar.

The pilot will be back as soon as possible after the indicated date above. Henceforth, all air transport services of the airlines will also be fully operational immediately.

Sorry for the slight inconvenience and thank you for your continuous patronage to the airlines. See you all soon.

Remembering Laughter

2007-02-17T11:34:00.000+08:00

It was back in my high school years when I met her. She was a new face in the campus, perhaps an exchange student. I noticed that her eyes were laughing blue.

There was something different about her. She did not know how to get sore, or if she did she seldom showed it. She would smile at you whatever you would say, or laugh her clean and youthful laughter. I was always spellbound whenever she does that. Whenever she smiles at me (or at least I thought she did), I couldn't help but smile at her, too.

Since then, I had a mission: to befriend her. Sure it was easy, since we were classmates and she was very easy to approach. All the boys in class were her friends already, including myself. But I wanted to go beyond that. I wanted to be close to her than any other boys in class, or even in school.

After some time, we became closer to each other. We shared a lot of characteristics, one of which was laughing over small things. Everyday we'd talk about anything while going to school. I became used to walking and laughing by her side. I thought everything was going fine then. Then I guess, I was wrong.

But at the beginning of the next term, she suddenly became pensive. There was a problem, I thought to myself. Something was the matter, and I was touched to see her so quiet and lonely.

"I haven't heard your laugh for a week now. There is nothing wrong, I hope?"

"Nothing, nothing at all."

But deep inside her, I saw there was. As the days went by, the loneliness in her eyes got deeper and deeper and I felt bad whenever I look at her now. She was totally different from the one whom I knew before, she was a total stranger in front of me now. The laughter on her face was now gone.

Questions clouded my mind, unformed and merely hinted. I kept asking myself over again but still, I couldn't have a definite answer. I would rather find it out myself, or if I can't, I must make her laugh one more time, at least.

One afternoon on our way back from school I decided to start the small confrontation.

"There is something wrong. You haven't even smiled in weeks. Mind if I try to make you laugh again?"

She smiled wanly.

"Sure, but seriously there is nothing wrong with me. It's just that I don't feel like laughing over anything at all. At least, for now."

That was it. When one doesn't feel like laughing, there must be something wrong. But I could not think of anything to make her laugh again. My tongue was at a loss for words, I was totally speechless. Back then, it was easy to say something laughable but everything got tangled up in my mind and nothing would come out - nothing laughable at all. Suddenly, she stopped walking and held onto my arm.

"What's the matter?" I asked, bewildered.

"Nothing, I hope." she said softly.

But soon she felt faint and she sank slowly in the grass, biting her lip. I was quick by her side. I took placed her head in my lap. I was calling her name, almost in tears, but still she was not answering. She was pale and her sweat was cold as ice. All at once, she clutched her sides and threw up. I stared in terror and could not say a thing. And then, she broke the long silence.

"Please, take me home now." she whispered, wiping her lips.

"Okay, then."

I held her clammy hand and led her down the street. We parted ways since that day. It was the end of the term, and she had to go back to the States, perhaps for her treatment.

Days later, she died of a quite rare disease. When I went to their home, her mother told me: "Before she took her final breath, she told me to give you this." Then, she handed me a small note, written on a fine white paper.

"I was glad that I shared a part of my life with you. Thanks for the fun and laughter. Thanks for everything, really."

Two big tears coursed slowly down my cheeks.

Her laughter will always be remembered. I'll never forget that she once became a part of my life. Most of all, I will always love her.

Hand of Mass Destruction

2007-02-10T21:37:00.000+08:00

[ Author's note: If you are going to read this entry, read it from the start or else, everything will be spoiled. ]

Sabado, malapit nang mag-alas nueve y media ng gabi.

Tahimik akong nagbabasa ng isang aklat sa sala ng aming tahanan nang biglang may lumapit at sumubok na mang-istorbo sa akin. Sa pag aakalang aalis rin siya matapos ang ilang sandali, hindi ko lang muna siya pinapansin, at itinuloy ko lamang ang aking pagbabasa. Ngunit hindi niya pa rin talaga ako tinitigilan, kaya naman sinubukan kong itaboy na lamang siya at lumipat na rin ako ng pwesto upang doon na lamang matiwasay na ituloy ang naudlot na babasahin.

Ilang minuto na rin ang nakalipas, muli ko siyang nakitang papunta sa direksyon ng aking kinauupuan. Napagtanto kong nais niya talagang guluhin ang aking katahimikan, sapagkat kahit anong taboy ang aking gawin ay ayaw niya pa rin akong tigilan. Sinubukan ko siyang hampasin ng tangan kong libro, ngunit agad siyang nakaiwas. Ilang beses ko ring sinubukang hampasin siya, ngunit tila yata alam na niya kung saang direksyon ko ibabaling ang aking kamay upang paluin siya. Dahil doon, pinalipas ko pa rin ang kanyang pangungulit sa akin at hinayaan na lamang muna siya roon sa aking tabi.

Ngunit hindi nagtagal at napikon na rin ako sa kanyang presensya. Pinakiramdaman ko ang bawat kilos niya habang naroon pa siya sa tabi ko. Inihanda ko na ang aking kanang kamay upang subukan ang aking masamang balak sa kahuli-hulihang pagkakataon. Matapos kong umipon ng buwelo at lakas, inabangan ko siya at tuluyan nang lumapat na ang aking kamay sa malamig at matigas na salamin ng lamesa. Isang malakas na lagabog ang narinig.

BLAAAAAAAAG!!

Umalingawngaw sa buong bahay ang tunog ng ubos-lakas na palo ko sa lamesa. Halos mabasag ang salamin nito, at tuluyan na ngang nabasag ang katahimikan ng paligid. Tinamaan ko siya sa kanyang ulo, at mabilis na dumanak ang kanyang dugo sa aking kamay. Pinagmasdan ko muna siya sandali. Naroon siya, nakahandusay sa lamesa, naliligo sa sarili niyang dugo. Matapos kong itapon ang kanyang bangkay at hugasan ang aking duguang mga kamay, lihim akong napangiti at nasabi ko na lamang sa aking sarili:

"Patay kang lamok ka."

First Blood

2007-02-07T00:01:00.000+08:00

[ Random tagalog post ahead. (except for some [italicized] terms) Get yourself ready, some blood may still drip from your nostrils. This is another nonsense post, so if you do not mind, try to read the other entries instead. But if you do have 'love and concern' for this blog, then please, continue. ]

Aba, tingnan niyo nga naman oo. Sumobra na yata talaga ang pagdurugo ng aking ilong (marahil ang mga ilong niyo rin) nitong mga nakaraang mga araw sa aking mga huling isinulat. Kaya naman heto, bumuo ako ng isang tagalog na entry na para lamang sa inyo, mga mahal kong mambabasa ng blog na ito.

Ayun, dahil siguro sobrang lamig ng panahon ngayon, mas ninais ng aking mga daliri na magsulat (magtype) sa tagalog kaysa ingles. Pero nalilito pa rin ako habang ginagawa ko ito, paano ba naman, ang gusto ng utak ko eh, ingles ang isulat ko pero hindi naman dapat. Kaya hayan, pinipilit kong maging tagalog ito, dahil wala na rin namang pumapasok na kakaibang salita sa utak ko. Tila ba naubusan ako ng lakas para mag-isip ng sobrang lalim na mga kataga upang maibaling ang inyong atensyon sa kabilang mundo. Hindi sa mundo ng mga yumao, kundi sa mundo ng mga baliw at mga nasisiraan na ng ulo. Hehehe. ;)

Ngunit dahil sa isang di inaasahang pagkakataon, bigla na lamang dumami ang mga salita sa aking bibig! Bigla na lang silang nagsulputang parang bula mula sa kawalan at dahil doon, ginanahan na akong magsulat. Este, magtype pala. Pero sa totoo lang, wala ka naman talagang mababasa dito na may katuturan, dahil walang kwenta ang ginawa kong ito. Hindi, biro lang. Pinapa-excite lang kita para lalo mong basahin ang entry ko. (Yan ang mga taktika ng mga magagaling mang-uto este, mga blogger pala.) Ang tawag nga ng mga spokening dollar (pahiram ng iyong napakagandang kataga, kaibigang Heneroso) dito ay "delaying tactics" pero mas gusto kong tawagin na lang itong simpleng pang-uuto.

Tama na nga, subukan na nating pumasok sa aking personal na buhay. Nagsasawa na rin naman ako sa kakasulat ng tungkol sa mga bagay bagay sa aking paligid (tingnan mo na lang yung mga nasa ibaba ng post na ito) na mga makalaglag-panga at makapanindig-balahibo sa sobrang lalim ng mga salita sa bawat talata. Kaya heto nga, rinatrat ko ng mga tagalog para mawala na ang patuloy na pagdanak ng dugo mula sa inyong (ating) mga ilong. Pero meron pa rin yatang side effect eh. Sakali mang hindi tumulo ang dugo mula sa inyong mga ilong, maaari rin namang manggaling ito sa tenga, bibig at kung saan saan pa di ba? Basta ang sinigurado ko lang naman sa inyo, hindi na kayo mano-nosebleed, pero sa iba ewan ko na lang. Bahala na kayo dun, wala na akong kinalaman diyan, kaya huwag niyo akong sisihin ha?

At dahil Miyerkules na ngayon, walang pasok! Yeah! Pero wala rin akong dahilan para magpakasaya dahil may eksaminasyon kami sa Biyernes para sa asignaturang Chem 14 at kailangan kong mag-aral matapos kong i-lathala ang ginawa kong ito. Sa mga oras na ito ay ginagawa ko na rin ang unang burador (first draft) ng concept paper ko para naman sa Comm II. Nagmamadali na nga rin akong tapusin yung burador dahil nalalapit na rin ang deadline ng pagpapasa nito. Madaling araw pa lang, marami na akong nagagawa. Napakagaling ko talaga. (sumang-ayon ka na lang.) Nagagawa kong magsulat (magtype) ng post na ito habang may mga mas importanteng bagay rin akong ginagawa. Multitasking ang tawag diyan, pero ang iba sa inyo, tinatawag itong 'cramming.' Pero dahil nga magaling ako, ayokong gamitin ang salitang 'cram,' dahil negatibo ang magiging labas ko sa mga paningin ninyo. Magmumukha akong isang sobrang bum na estudyante at tamad mag aral o gumawa ng project [tinatapos sa kahuli-hulihang minuto], kaya naman mas gugustuhin ko kung tatawagin niyo na lamang akong isang 'multitasker' kaysa naman 'crammer.' Mas maganda pa pakinggan di ba? O, wag ka nang umangal. Wala ka nang magagawa.

Siguro naman ay nahalata mo [kung sino ka man na nagbabasa ngayon] nang sabaw na sabaw na ang utak ko matapos kong gawin ang post na ito ano? (Hint: tingnan mo kung anong oras na.) Kaya naman, sige mga mahal kong mambabasa. Dahil kailangan ko na kasing tapusin ang iba ko pang mga gawain. Dito na nagtatapos ang isang naaaaaaapaaaaaaakaaaaaaaa sabaw at walang kwentang blog entry. Panandalian nga lamang pala ang mga post na katulad nito, sapagkat naghahanda lang talaga ako para sa mga susunod pang kababata, este kabanata ng blog kong ito. Maaaring gumawa muli ako ng isa pang liham, o di kaya naman ay makabuo na rin ako ng isang maikling kwento. Istey tyund.

Out in the Cold

2007-02-03T17:22:00.000+08:00

Cold gusts of wind were blowing everywhere, sending shivers down the spine of every person roaming outside. (I guess that would also include you, my dear reader.) The numbing of your whole body seems to render you incapable of doing anything at all, and that insatiable feeling of ecstasy continues to drown you in a huge ocean of air. You're on a high all of a sudden.

That cool and gentle breeze, it changed the atmosphere instantly: everything was never the same. The quietness of the day was shattered by the sudden slaps of the wind on the boughs and leaves, making them flutter and dance in mid-air, swirling around before falling helplessly in the cold ground.

After a long and tiring day, feeling the wind blow right in your face relaxes your mind. It sends you to yet another world, totally different from the realities of the world outside. Your soul sends a message, it wants to blend with the cool breeze, and leave your fatigued body behind. The wind invites you to rest, and simply throw everything away. It's like having an addiction. You're high with the wind.

That high feeling, as if you were floating in air, makes you 'fly' for a moment and leave your worries behind. Nothing can stop you now, it's only between you and the wind. It whispers something in your ear, something that calls to mind so tender, but heartwarming nonetheless. The wind lets you forget everything, making you numb inside out. The sensation that you feel, its incomparable to anything else. It's one of a kind.

Don't you just want everything to stay like this forever?

*(sorry for another lame post. i'll do better next time.)

Echoes from the Alterego

2007-01-29T19:04:00.000+08:00

[ I'm warning you. This is a post about ~~pure nonsense~~, something not worth your time reading. If I were you, I'd rather close the window or read some other blog entries right after reading this opening sentence. Still, it's up to you if you want to continue your suffering. ]

STOP READING THIS ALREADY.

If you try to continue reading this entry, the thought of closing this IE (or Firefox) window earlier will haunt you until you sleep. Insomnia will bother you for several days, or worst, forever. You don't want something like that to happen, do you? I know you don't want to, so stop this nonsense.

Wala lang talaga akong magawa kaya itong post na 'to ang tumambad sa harapan ng monitor ng PC ninyo. Isang walang kwenta at hindi man lamang pinaghandaan na blog entry, sapagkat ang utak ko ay sabaw na sabaw sa mga pangyayari ngayong araw na ito. Marahil nga't halos pitong oras lamang kaming nanatili sa loob ng eskwelahan, ngunit marami pa ring maaaring mangyari. Tulad na lang ng... Wag na lang siguro, pag kinwento ko pa lalo lang itong hahaba. Lalo ka lang tatamaring basahin ito kung ganon, di ba? Kaya yun nga, wag na lang.

But if you insist, there is a high (when I say high, its really high) probability that you'd get crazy over this post and take a little walk at PGH, in the dreaded hallway of ward seven, to be exact. Or you could try and look for 'Ederlyn' and 'ChonaMae' in Friendster to temporarily escape the realm of this entry and relax your dying brain cells a bit. Perhaps it's just nosebleed that's trying to kill you right now.

Kung sino ka mang nagbabasa, nahihilo ka na siguro sa halo-halong ingles at tagalog dito, at wala ka man lang makitang relasyon o coherence (salamat sa teacher ko sa technical writing nung high school, meron pa akong naalala sa mga tinuro niya) sa pagitan ng mga talata (yes nalaman ko na ulit yung tagalog ng paragraph!) ng post na ito. Kung hindi ako nagkakamali, nais mo nang tigilan ang pagbabasa nito, ngayon pa lang. Maski sina Ederlyn at ChonaMae, mga walang kamalay-malay na nilalang ay napagdiskitahan ko na. Baka tinigilan mo na rin habang binabasa mo pa lang ang ingles na parte nito, at hindi mo na siguro inabutan ang parteng ito. Kung umabot ka man dito, marahil ay nasabaw ka na at gusto mo na ring tigilan ang pagbabasa nito, dahil maski ang tagalog ko ay walang kakwenta kwenta. O baka nabaliw ka na ng tuluyan at nais mo na ring sumama sa amin sa ward seven. Hehehe.

Better yet, you could just kill yourself with a knife, but that happens to be the corniest thing that you could have ever done in your entire life. I'd prefer dying in a freak accident rather than committing suicide. I don't want to die because of sickness, either. Hey, why are you still reading this, anyway?

Siguro nga, nais mo nang magpakamatay matapos basahin ito, pero huwag! Huwag mong gagawin yan (lalo na kung blogger ka), sapagkat marami ka pang maaaring gawin sa mundong ito, bata ka pa (kung hindi na, yun na lang ang isipin mo) at marami pang nagmamahal sa iyo, at mas marami pa yan kung sakaling mayaman ka. Kung sakali lang naman. Pero siguro, gusto mo na akong hanting-in upang ako na lang ang iyong patayin dahil sa pagpapahirap ko sa iyo para lamang mabasa ang blog entry na ito. Di ba? Wag ka na mahiya, baka nga pati Friendster Account ko hanapin mo para lamang malaman kung taga-saan talaga ako at kung ano ang itsura ko eh. Pero bago mo magawa yun, tiyak na may nauna na sa iyo. (At sinisiguro ko sa iyo, kung sino man iyon, siya yung pinaka unang (at pinakamalas na rin) nagbasa ng entry na 'to.)

Anyway, you're just wasting your time if you even had the urge to continue up to this last paragraph. Why not hover the cursor over one of the 118 (and counting) more interesting links at the sidebar and quit reading this crap. Or maybe you could just play with the drawing board, the flash movies and the tagbox (flood it with colored posts, if you know how to do it) found at the sidebar, or play with the falling snowflakes, just to compensate for the time (about twenty minutes) and patience that you spent waiting for this page to load and understanding this blog entry. You could also listen to the songs in the mini-mp3 player, if you want to [well, you don't have a choice, unless you muted the volume of the speaker or stopped the player itself]. I know you have more important things to do, so do them now; before you break out.

Sa totoo lang, hindi ko alam kung ano ang pumasok sa utak ko at ito ang ginawa ko. Siguro sa sobrang kakagamit ko ng ingles sa mga dati kong post ang dahilan sa likod nito. O marahil epekto lang ito ng 'spokening dollar' ni Heneroso sa kanyang Multiply (wag kang mag alala, hindi ko ilalagay yung link). Sobrang konyo na rin siguro, o baka LSS lang sa Love Team ng Itchyworms na tumagal ng isang linggo, o baka sadyang abnormal na nga talaga ako. Siguro, habang binabasa mo ito ay wala na ako sa mundong ito, isa nang malamig na bangkay at tumitingin na lang sa mga blog ninyo mula sa itaas. Pero sana naman hindi. Hehehe.

*or you could just press Ctrl+A to see the whole post. (that would make you spend more time to go back to the first part and read this over again. but hey, why bother right?)

Unbelievable

2007-01-25T23:33:00.000+08:00

Perhaps this was the worst forty minutes of my whole week.

7:50 AM. Fresh Start.

The thought of coming early for the make-up class in Physics 21 continued to bother me. I was still browsing for sources in our research paper for Comm II but then I have to be in school by 8:30. Concerned about the schedule, [I cannot remember where RH 115 was, that's why I wanted to get there early] I turned off the PC and started to put in my bag all the necessary things for the day. [or maybe not..]

8:00 AM. Paranoid.

After fixing my things, I rushed outside to take a jeepney ride. While waiting impatiently for the slow elevator, I took a glance at my watch. I still have twenty minutes to spare, but I wanted to get to school as early as possible. I decided to use the stairs, [a little exercise, plus I was just on the third floor of the building anyway] greeted some people on the way, and at last, got out of the IRTC building. Running fast, now, running faster.

8:13 AM. Daydreaming.

With the six pesos in my hand, I took a jeepney ride to school. As I got down to Padre Faura, something struck me from within. Something, weird. I was checking my pockets, whether I left my phone, or perhaps a ballpen, or maybe a twenty-peso bill. But no, of all things: I LEFT MY WALLET. After waiting for the stoplight to turn red, I immediately crossed the street, as I was also running for the jeepney that was waiting for passengers at the corner. I got down again at Ayala, met some familiar faces and went back to my room to get the damn wallet. 8:15 AM. I still have some time.

8:17 AM. A Second Attempt.

There I was again at the corner of Ayala Boulevard, the lane that divides PNU and TUP into to sections; waiting once again for another jeepney to take me back to where I came from, the street of Padre Faura. While inside, I thought of the fact that it is indeed, Thursday today. It's bowling day. Sure I had the money already in my wallet, but still..

I WAS NOT ABLE TO PUT MY PE SHIRT INSIDE MY BAG.

I got down immediately at Kalaw and ran as fast as I could towards the mini-tunnel to Adamson University, and mingled with the huge crowd of mixed white and blue uniforms of the students, not minding the fact that I was the only one who does not wear such. Not minding the bumps along the way, I had to go back to the dormitory for the second time around.

8:27 AM. Faster now, faster.

Late now, hurrying, hurrying.

For the second time now, I saw myself again inside a jeepney, spending another six pesos for the fare. Traffic wanted to scare me, but It din't. But still there's a fact that happened to be one more thing to worry about. As I walked towards the gate of CAS, I was about to get my wallet only to find out that MY ID WAS NOWHERE TO BE FOUND IN THE WALLET. Just as I turned around, I saw our professor in Physics 21 come in. Now I really must hurry.

8:30 AM. At last.

After a third attempt of going back and forth from UP and the dormitory, I was running late for class. As I hurried for RH115 [and still wondering where that room was] I was able to see a blockmate and ask her where to go. Professor Robidillo's [Chem 14.1] infamous 'misplaced' eyeglasses and beautiful smile just brightened up my day.

As I entered the classroom, I was half-disappointed and at the same time thrilled to see only four, five, six or so people inside the vast classroom deprived of chairs and a single table leg, RH 115. After all those running and scrambling earlier in the day, the few minutes of fun and more fun was able to compensate for my tiresome efforts. Good thing I wasn't late. Still, I was able to learn my lesson: never to leave valuable things unattended. ;)

Under The Moonlight Sky

2007-01-21T19:32:00.000+08:00

Suddenly it was evening. Windows were flung open in hope of wind, but there was none. The tense, afternoon air was still trapped inside the house. The cicadas shrilled in the dusty trees, and the fireflies fluttered about in the dim part of the empty lot beside our home, vague and restless in the twilight.

The moon slowly ascended above the houses, swollen and yellow in the young evening. Darkness rose like a mist from the yard. Beyond the halo of the street lamp, the leaves of the trees had caught the first ray of the moon; a radiance that was spreading in the sky. The moon was gradually brightening and silvering.

The clean moonlight finally gleamed down upon the town. It looked majestic up in the night sky, making the leaves look like sheathed daggers and silver robes. As I walked in the moon-white empy streets, past the mute shuttered houses, I sensed something cold. The wind finally blew a strong gust, one that would send shivers down your spine. The wind shattered the stillness of the hour, the moon and the wind were like comrades together, against the huge, deep and silver night.

The moon had completely transformed the town. The streets looked wider and cleaner, the lights of the cars added up a patch of light in the darkness of the night. The houses assumed loveliness in the wash of the moonlight. As I gazed up at the moon; the moon would lift me up, soaring away to the center of the night. For a moment, it was only between the moon and myself, alive with light. I could feel the moon's heart beating.

Here I am once again, dreaming under the bright and soundless moonlight sky.

*sorry for the lame post (as I see it)

On a High

2007-01-16T02:40:00.000+08:00

Papers and folders were everywhere in my computer desk, waiting to be read. Books from high school and college were piled in the same rack, not to mention those notebooks with corny stickers that have my name printed on them. The phone's headset is still plugged in my ears, playing songs randomly. My gaze wandered through the room, only to see that I was the only one left downstairs.

Gathering up my things for tomorrow, I tried to go up to my room and sleep. I lay myself down on the queen-size bed, putting away all the day's frustrations, hassles and pressure, and still trying to text everyone a morning message, looking for another person who also broke the rule of having a normal sleeping time. After waiting for a few minutes, still there was no reply. Perhaps I was the only one awake this time. After realizing that, I tried to close my eyes. I tried.

Forty minutes have gone by, and still my eyes were open, wandering aimlessly through the darkness of the room, illuminated lightly by the lamp post at the sidewalk. Though my muscles were weary and aching, I was still able to sit up, walk and go downstairs. After turning on the lights, I picked up a pack of chips from the cabinet, and got another bottle of red iced tea from the refrigerator. I turned on the computer, and while waiting for the system to start up, checked my phone for messages. Success. Someone was still alive, at this time of the day. It was 1:12 AM, and the hands of the clock were continously ticking. I only have about 4 hours left to sleep, but it's not yet time to do that. I just can't.

After finishing the light meal, here I am, typing this blasted blog entry, still desperately trying to sleep even in the computer chair. I tried to played slow songs in the player, but still no good. I read some of the handouts in Histo 2, but still I was able to finish them without getting sleepy. I turned off the lights, leaving the job of shedding light on the room to the LCD of the computer monitor. The room was filled with darkness again. I didn't have the strength to go back up anymore, so I decided to stay downstairs and wait until the feeling creeps in.

Alas, I had the perfect time for sleep. After taking a final glance at the silvery white moon outside and also my phone's clock, at 2:40 AM, finally my eyes were like on a kaleidoscope, spinning around. At last, it is time. With barely two hours of sleep, I still have to wake up early tomorrow morning, or should I say later at 5:00 AM, as soon as the alarm from my phone goes off. Until then, I'll have to keep my eyes closed.

So, yes, good night.

Breaking the Silence

2007-01-10T18:31:00.000+08:00

For the boys of our block, each passing day inside the premises of UP Manila is never complete without noise.

Armed with the corniest jokes that weren't forwarded last night (due to the possible case of flooding the inbox our blockmates' phones) and 'philosophical ideas' on the back of our heads, as always, we enter the classroom with smiles on our faces.

From dude pare to pareng idol, from walktalking (walking and talking at the same time haha) to 'philosophizing' our daily conversations (Q: Ui, 'san kayo? A: Nasa [current location]..), all goes down to making fun of the conio language accompanied by our latest phrase. We're always playing language games even without knowing it. Always sabaw, we are prepared for every conversation, interesting or not. Even texting, is not an exception.

Sometimes, we'd be inside the clasroom, laughing like idiots over something that I guess even you (reader) wouldn't find funny at all. Sometimes we'd just be lurking at the library, barging into even the most innocent atmosphere in the college and spending our free time, comforting ourselves with the aircon to temporarily escape the hot sun outside. Or you could also see us walking inside the Robinson's Mall, looking around, criticizing even those (in)security guards who welcome you whenever you enter the mall. Sometimes you'd see us at the GAB Canteen, chatting with the people at Smokey's (a hotdog stand), drinking iced coffee and still, laughing like idiots while talking to each other. So what if we always laugh? Laugh, laugh, laugh. What's the point of hiding happiness anyway?

DotA is our sanctuary, the ever reliable realm of that game never failed to amuse us. From using the hero names as counterparts of some of our blockmates in the real world to creating weird names and phrases from past 'experiences' in class, the game turns out to be more thrilling than it was without doing those things. We'll be having more fun, now that we have more people to play it with. And with every game we play, we always have this thought that 'this is for the block' blah, and that we should win it for the glory of Block 20.

From corny to funny, these things just happen 'unexpectedly', and we don't give a damn about them. We just don't want the class to turn out boring for us, and we like what we are doing. Block 20 Boys will always be Block 20 Boys. Hats off, you gay noobs.

"Over our dead bodies, we love OT." - a recent quote from EM, AU and AV. Though DP was not with us that time, I know he'd also agree. I just know, oompa loompa. :)

'Heaven in Ward Seven'

2007-01-05T00:30:00.000+08:00

[ The following entry which you are about to read is absolutely fictional. The names are all created in the mind of the author, OR suggested by his friends and relatives. If you happen to be the owner of one of the names, do react immediately. This post is just a 'letter' by a former patient of Ward 7, who found heaven in the company of his fellow patients. Do not get carried away, or else.. you know. ]

Dear MamSir/SirMam/Staff/Doctors/Nurses/Patients:

Mabuhay, ako po ito, ang pinaka-mabait niyong pasyente sa ward 7 limang taon na ang nakalilipas, si Muymuy.. Bago ang lahat, belated happy new year at advancd merry christmas na para sa taong ito. Sumulat po ako dahil wala lang, naalala ko kayo nung nagmumuni-muni ako dito sa bahay.

Kumusta na po kayo dyan? Ako, heto ayos naman po, nakahanap na po ako ng isang butihing asawa na tanggap ang buong pagkatao ko.. Pero parang kulang pa rin po ang buhay ko,tila ba hinahatak ako pabalik sa dati kong tahanan, kung saan marami akong nakikitang mga kamangha-manghang mga bagay na hindi ko na nakikita ngayon. Nami-miss ko na po kayo lahat dyan.

Naalala ko pa nga po ang mga batuhan namin ng filler ng ballpen na binali para lamang magkalat ng tinta sa aming mga katawan at sa buong kwarto namin para lamang pahirapan ang buwisit na tagapaligo namin, ang mga 'wrestling' matches na ginagawa ng aking mga kapwa na lalaki na mistulang mga superstar sa kanilang daigdig, kahit na hindi pa nagkakantian ay mayroon nang nanalo dahil sa referee naming uto uto. Lalo na rin po yung mga tahimik na away ng ibang mga pasyente dun, grabe nakakabingi talaga yun. Tumatagal pa ng dalawang oras yun. Naalala ko pa rin po ang mga oras na pinapayagan niyo kaming lumabas ng kwarto upang makapaglibot-libot sa PGH na parang isang museum na bago sa aming mga paningin. Pati na rin po yung mga gumagawa ng mga party paminsan-minsan dito sa atin, aba dun po ay mukhang mga bida kami, kahit ano ang gawin namin, pinapalakpakan kami, mas maganda pa binibigyan kami ng premyo. Hehehe.

Syanga po pala, naririyan pa ba si Eric? Sya po yung nagpapayong sa gitna ng kwarto namin para daw harangan yung ilaw, pero balak magbasa kahit madilim, nagbago na ba siya? Nami-miss ko na rin po si Jolens, yung babaeng sinasampal-sampal lang namin at ginagawang punching bag pero ayos lang sa kanya, sa pag-aakalang senyales iyon ng aming pagmamahal para sa kanya. Pati rin pala si Johnny Boy, bigla kong naalala. Siya naman po yung nagsisindi ng kandila tuwing bagong taon, at nagtatakip ng tenga habang hinihintay na maupos ito at sumabog diumano na parang whistle bomb. Nandyan pa po ba siya? Eh si Patrick po, nariyan pa ba? Yung kumakanta ng 'My Way' sa lumang videoke natin na nagloloko, kahit na tahimik siyang kumakanta eh 100 pa rin ang score nya?! Nakakainis talaga yun, samantalang ako maganda ang boses 30 lang ang nakukuha ko dun. Sinungaling. Pero ayos lang po, tanggap ko na yun. Si Karlita po, hindi pa rin ba na-release? Aba, eh nauna pa akong makalabas sa kanya ah. Sabi niya dati, ire-release na siya sa susunod na linggo pero lumipas na ang isang buwan andun pa rin siya. Ilusyonada talaga yung babaeng yun. Siya rin po yung super itim na babae na umiinom ng isang kutsarang Nivea Moisturizing Milk para daw pumuti siya, nakakatawa talaga. Sana alam niya na ngayon na three times a day dapat yun iniinom para tumalab.

Sana po ay marunong din makipag-coooperate ang mga bago niyong pasyente dyan ano? Baka nga yung mga dati kong kilala nandyan pa rin eh. Alam niyo namang ako lang, ako lang ang binigyan niyo ng most 'special' award sa amin eh. Tandang tanda ko pa nung Christmas Party bago ako i-release binigay yan eh. Ay, Christmas Party ba 'yun? Basta, depesdida yata yun, ewan ko. At dahil dyan sa award na yan, tanggap agad ako sa piang-applyan ko ng trabaho, yun bang nagsusulat ng balita sa dyaryo. Aba, ang laki ng kita nung printing press na yun dahil sa akin ah! Pero company's secret na lang yun kung bakit malakas kami bumenta.

Sana po talaga magkaroon ako ng oras para dumalaw dyan sa inyo, nami-miss ko na talaga ang mga tao dyan, lalo na rin si miming, yung pusa dun sa may bintana na hindi naman masyadong gumagalaw, yung kaliwang kamay lang ang kumakaway. Ganun ba talaga yun? Sana nagbago na siya ng ugali ano..

Nagmamahal,
MuyMuy!

PS:
Sa spelling po ba ng cooperate, dalawa ang letter 'o' o isa lang po? ginawa ko nang tatlo dun sa letter para po sigurado kasi alam niyo naman pong hindi ako ganun kagaling sa english.. :)

Sana po matanggap at mabasa niyo ang sulat ko para sa inyong lahat kahit hindi ko alam ang eksaktong address ng ward natin. Basta nilagay ko lang po 'PGH Ward 7: Alam mo na yun.' :)

Square One

2007-01-01T19:30:00.000+08:00

Up in the night sky of December 31, fireworks sparkled and made noise that welcomed the coming year, 2007.

Countdowns started, people were thrilled and excited. The media noche was waiting at the table, together with the smell of gunpowder from the firecrackers flying around the neighborhood. Strangers became friends. Families were reunited. Children jumped as high as they could, hoping to get some inches to literally grow up. New year babies were born. People stared at the sky, reminiscing memories from the past year. Everyone seemed to be happy. Almost.

While we were celebrating, the penniless were still swimming in the ocean of imagination. Half awake, they're still hoping for a better year to come their way, just like what they did last time. Celebrating with less than 12 round fruits on their table, they're still waiting for lady luck to knock on their doors.

Still, fire incidents were seen all over the place. Still, innocent people became victims of indiscriminate firing. Little kids were still brought to the hospital for one reason. A lot of money was wasted from buying fireworks, which nearly cost some lives. New year was still the same. After the smoke was clear, everything was still the same.

We're all back to square one.

*Happy New Year, everyone.

Unheard Voices

2006-12-19T12:06:00.000+08:00

Approximately twelve days before our most awaited day of Christmas, the little children of Manila set on a journey to earn some money for themselves.

After the glorious sun has set in the long stretch of sea and hope of Roxas Boulevard, these children seem to dominate the city at night. There would be children in almost every spot of the metropolitan. You'd see them playing patintero with the jeepneys, carrying some things (definitely not toys) with them, not minding the fact that their lives are in big danger.

Walking barefoot amid the most perilous streets of Metropolitan Manila, they would start hopping onto jeepneys and singing out-of-tune Christmas carols to passengers inside, as if they were concert performers in the grandest auditorium. Their rugged clothes add up pity to their innocent faces, catching the attention of every passenger, and waking those who fell asleep due to the long trip. With their improvised tambourines made of cola crowns in hand, the children's little 'show' is now about to begin.

"tayo nahaaaa giliw (hah!), magsalo na tayoohoo, meron na tayong tinaahapay haat (hah!) kesohoo.. di ba nochis buenas sa gabing itooh, at bukaahas ay araw ng paskoooohoo..."

Grabbing the opportunity while the jeepneys are at full stop, they'd do this routine for six long hours until midnight, or until they have earned what they wanted. They wouldn't mind whether their songs are out-of-tune or not, still obviously they are tired of doing it everytime. Earning twenty pesos per jeepney is truly a lucky day for them, perhaps. Some would care to give a peso, but most passengers would not pay attention to their pitiful faces and look far away in the horizon until the unfortunate children have jumped off the jeepney, empty-handed.

Yes, we may be starting to feel the Christmas season but unfortunately, these children don't. When we're at the malls buying gifts for our loved ones, they are still out in the streets waiting for Lady Luck to come their way. We may be tired of shopping yet still happy because we got what we wanted, but these children aren't. They are both tired and still hungry, not only for food, but also for the love and care that they never had.

What's going to happen to them, to our so-called pag-asa ng bayan is a question, sadly, left unanswered.

*Advanced Merry Christmas, everyone.

The Dreamer in Me

2006-12-16T17:52:00.000+08:00

Back when I was a small child, I've had dreams almost every night. I'm actually part of the 80% who dream in color: and these colors may represent particular emotions. I've always wanted to decode the meaning behind my dreams, what the colors really mean to me. Bad luck though, I'm not good at recalling my own dreams. We'd always ask ourselves; "Why do we dream? How do we know the meaning of our dreams? What can dreams do for us?" Experts offer some tips to recall our dreams more often and interpret them more clearly:

Upgrade Your Dreams

Incubate an idea. Before you go to sleep, consciously think about a topic or a person you'd like to dream about. Pose a question that's troubling you and see how your dream responds to it.

Keep track. Next to your bed, place a pad and a pen, or a tape recorder or a laptop to record your dreams as soon as you wake up.

Try to awaken naturally, without the help of an alarm clock that can disrupt your dream cycle. If your schedule doesn't allow you to sleep in during the week, begin your dream journal on a weekend or during vacation.

Wake up slowly. For the first moment after you awaken, lie still and keep your eyes closed, because your dream may be connected to your body position while you slept. Try to recollect the dream, then store it in your memory by giving it a name. When you rise, immediately write down as many images, feelings and impressions as you can.

Connect the dots. To better interpret your dreams, try to make connections between your recalled dreams and recent events. Look for patterns over several dreams that might help explain an individual dream.

Change the outcome. If you have recurring nightmares that make it difficult to sleep, change the endings. Once you awaken from a bad dream, visualize a change in the action to create a more positive outcome. If you are trapped, try to 'fly.' In your dream, you can do what you want.

Be patient. It may take days or weeks before you're able to recall your dreams in detail, but keep practicing. Dream memories are fragile, and trying to recall all the plot twists and turns on consecutive nights seems to have a cumulative effect.

Dreams are a way for the subconscious to communicate with the conscious mind. Dreaming of something is our brain's way of helping us 'rehearse' for particular events in case they occur. Dreams are like 'shootings' of a very important movie which we call "Life." Since this particular 'movie' doesn't allow retakes and rehearsals, dreaming is our only chance to know when the scene is about to start - and end.

Indeed, our dreams are like movies where we are the star, the director and the writer at once. We are also the most insightful critic of our own movie, and we do not need a couch. Still, we are the best interpreter of our dreams. After all, its our dream.

Whatever happens to our head at night is more important than what we think. It may affect our lives more than we will ever realize, so dare to dream.

*Interpreting our dreams is also like blogging: we recall past experiences and take note of them in our minds, reserving it for the next day. We 'dream' while we're awake, on what to write about that could catch our reader's attention, and to have those most awaited comments that we would like to see.

Ward 7's Top Ten

2006-12-11T18:51:00.000+08:00

Before I get myself killed by a 300-point Histo II exam tomorrow, I'll just use this opportunity to introduce the Top Ten so-called 'prisoners' of Block 20, the potential patients waiting in line at the 7th Ward of the PGH, the Psychiatric Ward. It's fun being with us, by the way. Try laughing out loud (literally) when we're around, whatever it is, we will surely laugh with you.

[The names were hidden by using their initials, to protect the real identity of the persons (except number 7, who happens to be yours truly). Anyway, you know yourselves, don't you?]

JO [Patient Number One]: Better known as my 'bespren,' she is the most (hyper) active in the block. Considering the fact that she is a girl, she has always been tagged with the nickname 'Manny,' because she also lives in Pacman's hometown, General Santos. And, she's proud of it. Famous quotation: "Heehee!!"

KL [Patient Number Two]: The only 'baliw' in our block (but she's currently recruiting allies, including JO), hates LA a lot. She's annoyed by noisy people (sergeant at arms, eh?) but she is noisy herself. She even had a recent quotation to mark, but I'd rather not say the whole phrase here. "Huwag kang mag-react...."

RR [Patient Number Three]: She's another jolly person in the block. She has been greeting everyone "Merry Christmas" lately, while singing Christmas Carols. By the way, her name should always come in 'BIGGIE' sizes. This lady here has so many boy_friends. Famous quotation: "Ang labo mo."

DM [Patient Number Four]: My former 'sweetie' (she doesn't want it anymore and I don't know why), she is another sabaw woman. She would usually utter words at the wrong place, at the wrong time. She's fun to be with, practically. Famous quotation: "Sabaw."

MM [Patient Number Five]: A nocturnal human being whom I call 'bru' (she calls me that nickname, too) She has the voice of a boy teenager (nagbibinata hahaha), and when combined with RR and DM, it's a blast. She knows basically anything and everything under the sun. Famous quotation: "Hay, life. :-<"

LA [Patient Number Six]: Ah, LA. He's a proud member of the UP Manila Chorale, gifted with a glorious voice, and a tremendous body figure (Peace be with you). Aside from his 'gorgeous' body which RR called the Pangaea, he is also known for his famous quotation, "I hate you."

AU [Patient Number Seven]: No comment. I'd just say he's also one of the patients. He is the author of this blog so please, if you do not mind, do not protest anymore.

EM [Patient Number Eight]: He is a friend of AU and DP, known for his hilarious drawings of some professors (even blockmate(s) sometimes). He is AU's partner in crime whenever he feels like teasing 'someone' or making issues in the block, and that includes our professors. Famous quotation: "(yells anything)!!!!!!!"

DP [Patient Number Nine]: He is another partner in crime of AU or EM, he loves to set things on fire. When Patients 7, 8, and 9 come together, they form the unstoppable 'UPM' gang, or when with AV, they're also known as *'PAID'. Famous quotation: "Sunugin."

AT & GC [Patients Number Ten]: These two are the least AB normal people of the block, and they still need some more 'attention'. However, when with JO, they form the infamous 'Powerpuff Girls,' another strong alliance in the block.

When you call GC, it should always be in the form of "Hi G!" and always smile afterwards. She never fails to smile everyday, and knows it whenever I want to throw a joke. Famous quotation: "Hi A! :)"

AT however, has a tendency to replace patient 9, because she has been showing the 'signs' lately. She is always teased for her height, and now for her bad bathing habits. Famous quotation: "n_n"

Whoever you are, currently reading this blog entry: Think of this nonsense as something helpful to you. If you think you are the most abnormal person alive, think again. Think twice (or thrice, if that is the case). At least now you know there are people like you, or even worse than you, who think differently from the others. It is a gift, not a curse. Look at the bright side: Now you know who to avoid whenever you go to Robinson's Place Ermita. Mind you, there are thirty of us, and these persons are just the top ten who qualified.

Think it over. I just did.

*The PAID group has recently come up with their latest project last November, The U.P. Bulag Organization (U.B.O.) The organization aims to beg for alms to be able to enjoy their Christmas. Their motto is: Piso mo, Pasko ko. They have just finished Phase One of the project at the RH lobby, and will now move to CAMP.

Pick-Up Line Overload

2006-12-07T19:25:00.000+08:00

I have recently received a number of pick-up lines from my textmates. I've got nothing to rant about because we just played bowling and basketball today, and Im really tired. I'll just post some of the pick-up lines that I got here. You can use them all you want, but as I always do, I'm warning you: use them at your own risk.

You're like...

my kuto: I can't get you otta my head. (no comment)

my sweat: You relieve me when I'm hot.

SM: You've got it all. ( gamitin daw ba pati SM. )

Globe: You make great things possible. ( at dinamay pa ang Globe. )

my pustiso: I can't smile without you.

my shoes: You're always there wherever I go.

constipation: YOU TAKE MY BREATH AWAY.

*****

Mga pamatay na pick-up lines:

"You're name must be mickey, because you're so fine."

"Miss, alam mo bang exam ako? Kaya sagutin mo na ako."

"Uy! Papicture tayo! Para ma-develop tayo sa isa't isa!" ( this one is already
used up )

"Excuse me, are you a dictionary? Because you give meaning to my life."

"I must be a bad shooter, because I keep on missing you."

"Pinaglihi ka ba sa keyboard? Kasi type kita."

"Eh sa permanent marker pinaglihi ka? Di kasi kita maalis sa isip ko."

"Kumakain ka ba ng asukal? Ang tamis kasi ng mga ngiti mo eh."

"Di ka pa ba napapagod? Kanina ka pa kasi tumatakbo sa isipan ko."

"Surgeon ka ba? Kasi ikaw lang ang nagkapagbukas ng puso ko!"

"Hindi pa rin ba nakukulong ang tatay mo? Kasi ninakaw niya ang pinakamagandang bituin sa langit."

"Lecture mo ba ako? Lab kasi kita."

At ang pinaka-pamatay sa lahat:

"Miss, alam mo bang hindi tayo tao, hindi tayo hayop at hindi rin tayo halaman?

BAGAY TAYO. BAGAY."

Those are the corniest that I have. Ikaw? Meron ka bang ibang alam? Share mo naman. :)
Hay, nonsense na post ito. Hahaha.

Ko Nyo?

2006-12-04T18:30:00.000+08:00

Conio or Konyo, a slightly 'better' term for our very own version of the English language, has almost always been widely used in the country today. It is usually referred to as an informal dialect of Tagalog that has been infused with some common English terms.

It's truly amazing on how we Filipinos are able to convert any English verb (or in some cases a noun, too) into a Tagalog verb by following the normal verb tense constructions of Tagalog. We usually do it by doubling the starting sound of the verb or noun to be translated. The sentence "I will use the computer" can be easily converted to "Magko-kompyuter ako," by following these standards.

Some English words can sometimes be written in Tagalog phonetic spelling, too. Some common examples are : kompyuter (computer), radyo (radio), ispiker (speaker), drayber/drayver (driver), notbuk (notebook), kibord (keyboard), siyampu (shampoo, not nine and ten combined), magasin (magazine). I don't think the keyboard is actually spelled like that, but the others I'm sure of. You can also give some examples of your own.

English words have already invaded our Tagalog vocabularies. The infusion is inevitable. We (yes I admit, I am also one of the perpetrators) have already forgotten the classic Tagalog words passed on to us by our ancestors as time passed by. Despite of the presence of these purely Tagalog words, we habitually substitute the English word instead. I guess you have noticed this already, and there is no need for me to explain it to you.

*So mga dude pare, maliit na favor lang tong ia-ask ko ha.. Tigilan na natin ang use ng konyo language ha? Kase kahit mahirap i-explain, I know naman na na-understand niyo yung point na gusto kong iparating sa inyo. Stop na natin ang paglalaro ng language game na ito okay? Sige, I'll update na lang this blog later kase tatapusin ko pa yung mga asaynment ko. Magbablog-hop din pala ako maya maya.

Decem'burr'

2006-12-01T23:00:00.000+08:00

Amidst the hustle and bustle, the commercialism, materialism, the exhaustion, excesses and extravagance that may engulf us Filipinos come Christmas time; the holiday that has always been waited for by every people in the country, we Filipinos recognize it as a day of rest and pleasure - a day to get acquainted with each other, a day to recall old memories, a day for our social amenities.

Yuletide begins unofficially as soon as the 'BER' (yes, 'ber,' not 'burr') months come into being. Gusts of wind start to blow starting September, accompanied by rains brought about by the southwest monsoon. It starts right at the heels of the rainy season. The countdown to Christmas then begins.

Anticipation for the Christmas season slowly permeate the air. The shops, stalls and malls, big or small, start to lay out their Christmas wares - greeting cards, pine trees, trimmings, lights and lanterns. You may even find them alongside the past Halloween items, until the brief interlude ends. After the break, all the city streets, building facades, homes and backyards are spruced and spiced up as the country erupts with another festival of lights.

People now begin their treks to the malls, taking advantage of bargains and sales, mostly for gift giving and those new dresses, and new pairs of shoes that are a 'must' for the holidays. Even carnivals, with the latest amusement rides, fun games, magic shows and more shopping stalls, sprout like mushrooms in the city.

As early as Undas, families start decorating their homes with Christmas lights and lanterns, making their homes real-life Christmas trees, aside from the real ones inside them. Some play Christmas songs in their players, specially "White Christmas," because sadly, we Filipinos could only dream about it. In our country where temperature rarely drops below 15 degrees even in the coolest month of December, snow can and will never be seen anywhere: not even in Baguio.

One week before Christmas, some embark on a journey to their barangays or villages to sing some common christmas carols to their neighbors, with their improvised drums, and triangles in hand. We call them carolings, and of course the performers themselves, the carolers. Some do it as a group/club (like a church youth group) to raise money. Children do it more like a "trick or treat" for a few coins ("hihingi po ng aginaldo.."), five to ten pesos will make them joyous because of the fact you 'enjoyed' the performance that they rendered to you. Sometimes, you may even see them again singing in front of your homes perhaps because you gave them a 'reasonable' price the last time they performed in front of your doors.

Christmas parties are now also organized by groups of people in villages and schools, not forgetting to include the kris kringle (exchange gifts) in the event. Usually, only a certain number of people are invited in these parties, but more often than not, mobs of people come in, unexpectedly. Try to invite less than twenty persons in the party and you'd still have twenty more to come. Luckily, event organizers are prepared for things like this. Some of the people who come in bring their own food, to share with everybody, evidence of the spirit of bayanihan, which is still present in our hearts.

But actually, the 16th day of December marks the official beginning of the season with the Misa de Aguinaldo (Gift Masses) or what we commonly call the Simbang Gabi, usually held before the break of dawn. A nine-day long devotion lasting until the 24th, the simbang gabi is the test of dedication for the Filipinos who keep the tradition. After the mass, stalls of bibingka and puto bumbong, native rice delicacies are waiting for flocks of buyers of these 'Christmas-only' fares. Parents even use them to convince their kids to join them in their nights of prayer. When Christmas Eve comes, the midnight of December 24, People will once again fill the churches for the Misa de Gallo (Mass of the Rooster), when church bells ring amidst joyous strains of Gloria in celebration for the birth of our Savior.

After the mass, Filipino families immediately return to their homes to partake of the Noche Buena. It is a feast composed of the remnants of the Philippines' colonial past. Combine them with our very own native fares, and you'll have a very special treat for the family. Still, a simple meal will do just as well; afterall, being together has a greater importance than anything else. Many families take advantage of the occasion to organize reunions and other family affairs. Some relatives outside the country take the time (and money) to call their families for a heartwarming gift: their voices. They all come together to share in the laughter, nostalgia, festivities, and the meal itself. After the dinner, members gather around the Christmas tree to open their gifts. And by the time they retire, it is already into the early hours of the Philippines' hot, noisy, and long Christmas, December 25.

Well, at this age, I guess we shouldn't be waiting for Santa Clause to come in to our homes anymore.

*24 days to go until Christmas comes, one more hour and it will continue to go down to 23 days. :)

Block 20 Litrato Scandal

2006-11-30T18:00:00.000+08:00

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..)

Rhyming with Reming

2006-11-29T17:55:00.000+08:00

'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.

Hang...over

2006-11-25T11:20:00.000+08:00

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.

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

Gender Sensitivity

2006-11-20T19:35:00.000+08:00

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.

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 ~~blasted~~ blog entry.

*Thanks to Erica for the text message (the one in the blockquote)
*Some more words of wisdom, here

Right Words, Right Time

2006-11-18T17:50:00.000+08:00

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.

Language Game

2006-11-16T17:00:00.000+08:00

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.

A Step Back in Time

2006-11-13T18:00:00.000+08:00

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.

Ermita, Once More

2006-11-08T18:30:00.000+08:00

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?

Back

2006-11-05T16:00:00.000+08:00

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. :)

Height (Dis)Advantage

2006-11-03T17:45:00.000+08:00

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.

Skyward

2006-11-02T12:00:00.000+08:00

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.

Flip the Switch

2006-10-30T23:32:00.000+08:00

On - Off Pattern

The ONOFF lamp by design label Rezon brings a new dimension to interior lighting - the pattern of the shade changes when the lamp is turned on. Only the pattern printed on the exterior is visible when the lamp is off, and this alone makes a lovely addition to the decor of any room. Once the light is switched on, a second design hidden on the inside of the shade merges with the outside pattern to form a complete, colorful composition. Available in both standalone cube and hanging styles, each ONOFF lamp has its own secret waiting to be revealed at the flip of a switch.

I'd love to have one of these lamps at home.

Currently reading: Reader's Digest: Laughter, the Best Medicine 1 & 2 [ The special book editions. No, they're not mine, they're my cousin's. I just borrowed it. Haha. ]

Wanderlust

2006-10-29T14:28:00.000+08:00

Hakone Daimyo Gyoretsu
(Feudal Lord's Procession in Hakone)

The festival shouts of 'Down! Down! The Lord comes!' echoing in the hot spring town under the autumn sky

Date: November 3rd
Place: Yumoto Hot Spring Town
City: Hakone-machi, Ashigara-Shimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture

An annual tourist event held on Culture Day (a national holiday), November 3rd, at Yumoto Onsen, Hakone. A procession of a total of 170 people dressed up as samurai warriors and princesses parades over a distance of some 6 km in the hot spring town.

The procession is reproduced in the style of the Daimyo Gyoretsu (feudal lord's procession)which was also known as sankin kotai during the Edo Period (1603-1867). The suite of retainers, each assigned with his role, and armed with spear, bow and arrow, or gun, march on as they carry their lord in the palanquin to the words, 'Down! Down! The Lord comes!' voiced aloud by those leading the procession.

The sankin kotai was a system established by the Tokugawa Shogunate reigning over Japan back then to prevent its subordinate feudal lords from rising in rebellion. By obliging the daimyo lords to go back and forth between their domains and Edo (present-day Tokyo) in alternate years, the Shogunate Government aimed at weakening their financial power.

At 10 o'clock in the morning, the Hakone Daimyo Gyoretsu departs from Sounji Temple, and while carrying out diverse activities on the way, arrives at Yumoto Fujiya Hotel, the final destination, a little past 2 o'clock in the afternoon. The festival is made all the more merry by the performances of the marching bands accompanying the daimyo procession at the front and at the very end, and the dance performances by the geigi unique to hot spring resorts (geigi are women who entertain guests at sake parties with song and dance). Another of the delights of the Daimyo Gyoretsu in Hakone is that you can enjoy bathing in an onsen hot spring to relieve your fatigue once the festival is over.

*Hakone Yumoto Station is about 15 minutes from Odawara Station on the Hakone Tozan Railway.
*Odawara Station is about 35 minutes from JR Tokyo Station on the Tokaido Shinkansen or 1 hour 30 minutes on the Tokaido Line.
*Hakone Hotel, near Lake Ashi would be the best choice for the stay, its near the event and it offers an open-air hot spring bath, with rates of 5,001-10000 yen, and triple twin bedrooms.

So, who wants to go on a tour with me?

Goodbye

2006-10-25T16:41:00.000+08:00

It's hard to say this but:
"Goodbye, Doctor Sioco."

Hahaha. Actually, I do not know why I ever wrote this "goodbye" message. I thought I'd do this just to have an update. Nakikisakay na lang ako okay? Wahaha..Well, thanks to her because I was able to enjoy Philo 1.. So maybe this entry has sense after all.

Many of my friends said goodbye to their old blog layouts, too. No, not me. I love this layout. If I change this layout, I would have to do a lot of tweaking. Absolutely everything would be changed. Also, it wouldn't make sense if I make a new blog for next sem..(but well, Blogger allows a user to have more than one blog.)

Anyway, its not yet goodbye Block 20..

See you all next semester, blockmates!

*kyle, kung nagbabasa ka ng blog ko ngayon.. masaya din yung trip this year! kaso mas bitin..swerte daw tayo, mas matagal yung stay..
*isa pa, baka makaalis ako this month at makapagstay sa Japan for 3 days para lakarin ang mga papeles natin..(take note, NATIN.) ^__^

Currently reading: J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye ( I just love to read it over and over and over again. )

Problems, problems

2006-10-19T19:55:00.000+08:00

Grr.
The tagbox of my blog doesn't work.
And I don't know why.

One more thing.

I do not know what to wear this Saturday. I guess I'll have to cram tomorrow. Yeah, talk about cramming. Think. It's a Thursday today, tomorrow will be Friday [Comm Finals] and "poof!" (it became Koko Crunch? Corny Arnel. Corny. xp ) there goes Saturday. I'll just buy clothes by then. Well, hello there Raina. Kita mo na. Nahihirapan ako mag isip diyan sa theme mo! Haha, joke lang. Happy birthday! EIGHTEEN KA NA! :D

On a lighter note, thanks AstroVision. They have just what I was looking for. :D

Currently listening to:
Faye Wong - Eyes on Me

Bored

2006-10-16T19:26:00.000+08:00

Hello there. I'm just propagating a unicameral form of idiosyncrasy occuring malevolently in meritorious piece of my clasterubial brain.

I can't post a decent blog entry right now. I just can't. Nahawa na ko sa 'yo Raina. Wa..

This post surely deserves to be called: Loverboy's nonsense.

Currently listening to:
The flashback of Jane's childish voice moments ago, "I can talk to you." (yun ba yun? nalimutan ko na. hahaha.)

Hey You

2006-10-14T18:04:00.000+08:00

To any former ASJA scholar who may be reading this blog on any given moment, greetings. I have some news for you.

A new batch of scholars has been sent to the 2006 ASJA International Junior Program in Toyota City, four days ago. There were only 4 delegates: 2 females and 1 male, plus their attendant. KJ kasi yung isa, hindi daw pinayagan nung school. Sayang.

Here is the list of the three participants:

GRAZA, Catherine Female 14 yrs old Sta. Isabel College
NAKAKE, Emmylou Female 15 yrs old Ifugao National Science High School
PINEDA, Juan Cesar Male 15 yrs old Adamson University High School

They will be staying at Suenohara Junior High School in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture until the 21st of October, 2006.

Madaya nga pala sila, may stop-over sa Singapore. ><

Currently listening to:
Parokya ni Edgar - Ted Hannah

THE BEST THINGS IN LIFE II

2006-10-12T09:54:00.000+08:00

Alas, I had time to continue ze list.

Pinoy games. Pabitin, palosebo, basagan ng palayok. A few basic rules make individual cunning and persistence a premium, and guarantee a good time for all.

Balagtasan. The verbal joust that brings out rhyme, reason and passion on a public stage.

Tabo. All-powerful, ever-useful, hygienically-triumphant device to scoop water out of a bucket and help the true Pinoy answer nature's call. Helps maintain our famously stringent toilet habits.

Pandesal. Despite its shrinking size, still a good buy. Goes well with any filling, best when hot.

Jollibee. Truly Pinoy in taste and sensibility, and a corporate icon that we can be quite proud of. Do you know that it's invaded the Middle East, as well?

The butanding, the dolphins and other creatures in our blessed waters. They're Pinoys, too, and they're here to stay. Now if some folks would just stop turning them into daing.

Pakikisama. It's what makes people stay longer at parties, have another drink, join pals in sickness and health. You can get dead drunk and still make it home.

Sing-a-long. Filipinos love to sing, and thank God a lot of us do it well! (Well, except some of the people who sing "My Way" in some bars..)

Kayumanggi. Neither pale nor dark, our skin tone is beautifully healthy, the color of a rich earth or a mahogany tree growing towards the sun.

Handwoven cloth and native weaves. Colorful, environment-friendly alternatives to polyester that feature skillful workmanship and a rich indigenous culture behind every thread. From the pinukpok of the north to the malong of the south, it's the fiber of who we are.

Movies. Still the cheapest form of entertainment, especially if you watch the same movie several times.

Bahala na. We cope with uncertainty by embracing it, and are thus enabled to play life by ear.

Papaitan. An offal stew flavored with bile, admittedly an acquired taste, but pointing to our national ability to acquire a taste for almost anything.

English. Whether carabao or Arr-neoww-accented, it doubles our chances in the global marketplace.

The Press. Irresponsible, sensational, often inaccurate, but still the liveliest in Asia. Otherwise, we'd all be glued to TV.

Divisoria. Smelly, crowded, a pickpocket's paradise, but you can get anything here, often at rock-bottom prices. The sensory overload is a bonus.

Barong Tagalog. Enables men to look formal and dignified without having to strangle themselves with a necktie. Worn well, it makes any ordinary Juan look marvelously makisig.

Filipinas. They make the best friends, lovers, wives. Too bad they can't say the same for Filipinos.

Filipinos. So maybe they're bolero and macho with an occasional streak of generic infidelity; they do know how to make a woman feel like one.

Catholicism. What fun would sin be without guilt? Jesus Christ is firmly planted on Philippine soil.

Dolphy. Our favorite, ultra-durable comedian gives the beleaguered Pinoy everyman an odd dignity, even in drag.

Style. Something we often prefer over substance. But every Filipino claims it as a birthright.

Bad taste. Clear plastic covers on the vinyl-upholstered sofa, posters of poker-playing dogs masquerading as art, over accessorized jeepneys and altars--the list is endless, and wealth only seems to magnify it.

Mangoes. Crisp and tart, or lusciously ripe, they evoke memories of family outings and endless sunshine in a heart-shaped package.

Unbridled optimism. Why we rank so low on the suicide scale.

Street food. Barbecue, lugaw, banana-cue, fishballs, IUD (chicken entrails), adidas (chicken feet), warm taho. Forget hepatitis; here's cheap, tasty food with gritty ambience.

The siesta. Snoozing in the middle of the day is smart, not lazy.

Honorifics and courteous titles. Kuya, ate, diko, ditse, ineng, totoy, Ingkong, Aling, Mang, etc. No exact English translation, but these words connote respect, deference and the value placed on kinship.

Heroes and people who stood up for truth and freedom. Lapu-lapu started it all, and other heroes and revolutionaries followed: Diego Silang, Macario Sakay, Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, Apolinario Mabini, Melchora Aquino, Gregorio del Pilar, Gabriela Silang, Miguel Malvar, Francisco Balagtas, Juan Luna, Marcelo H. del Pilar, Panday Pira, Emilio Jacinto, Raha Suliman, Antonio Luna, Gomburza, Emilio Aguinaldo, the heroes of Bataan and Corregidor, and a lot more.

Flora and fauna. The sea cow (dugong), the tarsier, calamian deer, bearcat, Philippine eagle, sampaguita, ilang-ilang, camia, pandan, the creatures that make our archipelago unique.

Pilipino songs, OPM and composers. "Ama Namin," "Lupang Hinirang," "Gaano Ko Ikaw Kamahal," "Ngayon at Kailanman," "Anak," "Handog,""Hindi Kita Malilimutan," "Ang Pasko ay Sumapit"; Ryan Cayabyab, George Canseco, Restie Umali, Levi Celerio, Manuel Francisco, Freddie Aguilar, and Florante-- just some of the examples of our musical gift.

Metro Aides. Against all odds, they continuously prove that cleanliness is next to godliness.

Sari-sari store. There's one in every corner, offering everything from bananas and floor wax to Band-Aid.

Philippine National Red Cross. PAWS. Caritas. Fund drives. They help us help each other.

Favorite TV shows through the years. "Tawag ng Tanghalan," "John and Marsha," "Champoy," "Ryan, Ryan Musikahan," "Kuwarta o Kahon," "Public Forum/Lives," "Student Canteen," "Eat Bulaga." In the age of inane variety shows, they have redeemed Philippine television.

Quirks of language that can drive crazy any tourist listening in. "Bababa ba?" "Bababa!"

"Sayang!" "Naman!" "Kadiri!" "Ano ba!?" "pala." Expressions that defy translation but wring out feelings genuinely Pinoy. Di ba ang chorbah? :D

Cockfighting. Filipino men love it more than their wives (sometimes).

Dr. Jose Rizal. A category in himself. Hero, medicine man, genius, athlete, sculptor, fictionist, poet, essayist, husband, lover, samaritan, martyr. Truly someone to emulate and be proud of, anytime, anywhere.

Nora Aunor. Short, dark and homely-looking, she redefined our rigid concept of how leading ladies should look.

Filipino Christmas. The world's longest holiday season. A perfect excuse to mix our love for feasting, gift-giving and music and wrap it up with a touch of religion.

Relatives and kababayan abroad. The best refuge against loneliness, discrimination and confusion in a foreign place. Distant relatives and fellow Pinoys readily roll out the welcome mat even on the basis of a phone introduction or referral.

Festivals. Sinulog, Ati-atihan, Moriones. Sounds, colors, pagan frenzy and Christian overtones.

Folk dances. Tinikling, pandanggo sa ilaw, kari?sa, kuratsa, itik-itik, alitaptap, rigodon. All the right moves and a distinct rhythm.

Native wear and costumes. Baro't saya, tapis, terno, saya, salakot, bakya. Lovely form and ingenious function in the way we dress.

Sunday family gatherings. Or, close family ties that never get severed. You don't have to win the lotto or be a president to have 10,000 relatives. Everyone's family tree extends all over the archipelago, and it's at its best in times of crisis; notice how food, hostesses, money, and moral support materialize during a wake?

Calesa and karitela. The colorful and leisurely way to negotiate narrow streets when loaded down with a year's provisions.

All Saints' Day. In honoring our dead, we also prove that we know how to live.

Handicrafts. Shellcraft, rattancraft, abaca novelties, woodcarvings, banig placemats and bags, bamboo windchimes, etc. Portable memories of home.

Pinoy greens. Sitaw. Okra. Ampalaya. Gabi. Munggo. Dahon ng Sili. Kangkong. Luya. Talong. Sigarillas. Bataw. Patani. Lutong bahay will never be the same without them.

OCWs. The lengths (and miles) we'd go for a better life for our family, as proven by these modern-day heroes of the economy.

The Filipino artist. From Luna's magnificent "Spoliarium" and Amorsolo's sun-kissed ricefields, to Ang Kiukok's jarring abstractions and Borlongan's haunting ghosts, and everybody else in between. Hang a Filipino painting on your wall, and you're hanging one of Asia's best.

Tagalog soap operas. From "Gulong ng Palad" and "Flor de Luna" to today's incarnations like "Bakekang" (yes, bakekang)--they're the story of our lives, and we feel strongly for them, MariMar (soooooo old) notwithstanding.

Midnight madness, weekend sales, bangketas and baratillos. It's retail therapy at its best, with Filipinos braving traffic, crowds, and human deluge to find a bargain. Come to think of it, Rob Manila has a Sale tomorrow. But then, sa foundation day celebration of Masci na lang muna. :D

Quality of life. Where else can an ordinary employee afford a stay-in helper, a yaya, unlimited movies, eat-all-you-can buffets, and the latest fashion but here, in the Philippines.

Hmm. I guess that would be enough. I don't know how to end this list, but well. Okay. Thanks again to my references! Gambatte ne for me! :D

THE BEST THINGS IN LIFE

2006-10-10T19:33:00.000+08:00

Woo yes, I came up with a list at last. Hey thanks to my references. :D

FROM the 1896 Revolution to the first Philippine Republic, the Commonwealth period, the EDSA Revolt and everything else, history marches on. Thankfully, however, some things never change. Like the classics, things irresistibly Pinoy mark us for life. They're the indelible stamp of our identity, the undeniable affinity that binds us like twins. They celebrate the good in us, the best of our culture and the infinite possibilities we are all capable of. Some are so self-explanatory you only need mention them for fellow Pinoys to swoon or drool. Here, from all over this Centennial-crazed country and in no particular order, are a hundred of the best things that make us unmistakably Pinoy.

Merienda. Where else is it normal to eat five times a day?

Sawsawan. Assorted sauces that guarantee freedom of choice, enough room for experimentation and maximum tolerance for diverse tastes. Favorites: toyo't calamansi, suka at sili, patis.

Kuwan, ano. At a loss for words? Try these and marvel at how Pinoys understand exactly what you want.

Pinoy humor and irreverence. If you're api and you know it, crack a joke. Nothing personal, really.

Tingi. Thank goodness for small entrepreneurs. Where else can we buy cigarettes, soap, condiments and life's essentials in small affordable amounts?

Spirituality. Even before the Spaniards came, ethnic tribes had their own anitos, bathalas and assorted deities, pointing to a strong relationship with the Creator, who or whatever it may be.

Po, opo, mano po. Speech suffixes that define courtesy, deference, filial respect--a balm to the spirit in these aggressive times.

Pasalubong. Our way of sharing the vicarious thrills and delights of a trip, and a wonderful excuse to shop without the customary guilt.

Beaches! With 7,000 plus islands, we have miles and miles of shoreline piled high with fine white sand, lapped by warm waters, and nibbled by exotic tropical fish. From the stormy seas of Batanes to the emerald isles of Palawan--over here, life is truly a beach.

Bagoong. Darkly mysterious, this smelly fish or shrimp paste typifies the underlying theme of most ethnic foods: disgustingly unhygienic, unbearably stinky and simply irresistible.

Bayanihan. Yes, the internationally-renowned dance company, but also this habit of pitching in still common in small communities. Just have that cold beer and some pulutan ready for the troops.

The Balikbayan box. Another way of sharing life's bounty, no matter if it seems like we're fleeing Pol Pot every time we head home from anywhere in the globe. The most wonderful part is that, more often than not, the contents are carted home to be distributed.

Pilipino komiks. Not to mention "Hiwaga," "Aliwan," "Tagalog Classics," "Liwayway" and "Bulaklak" magazines. Pulpy publications that gave us Darna, Facifica Falayfay, Lagalag, Kulafu, Kenkoy, Dyesebel, characters of a time both innocent and worldly.

Folk songs. They come unbidden and spring, full blown, like a second language, at the slightest nudge from the too-loud stereo of a passing jeepney or tricycle.

Fiesta. Eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow is just another day, shrugs the poor man who, once a year, honors a patron saint with this sumptuous, no-holds-barred spread. It's a Pinoy celebration at its pious and riotous best.

Aswang, manananggal, kapre. The whole underworld of Filipino lower mythology recalls our uniquely bizarre childhood, that is, before political correctness kicked in. Still, their rich adventures pepper our storytelling.

Jeepneys. Colorful, fast, reckless, a vehicle of postwar Pinoy ingenuity, this Everyman's communal cadillac makes for a cheap, interesting ride. If the driver's a daredevil (as they usually are), hang on to your seat.

Dinuguan. Blood stew, a bloodcurdling idea, until you try it with puto. Best when mined with jalape? peppers. Messy but mmmmm.. DELICIOUS.

Santacruzan. More than just a beauty contest, this one has religious overtones, a tableau of St. Helena's and Constantine's search for the Cross that seamlessly blends piety, pageantry and ritual. Plus, it's the perfect excuse to show off the prettiest ladies--and the most beautiful gowns.

Balut. Unhatched duck's embryo, another unspeakable ethnic food to outsiders, but oh, to indulge in guilty pleasures! Sprinkle some salt and suck out that soup, with gusto.

Padala. A personalized door-to-door remittance and delivery system for overseas Filipino workers who don't trust the banking system, and who expect a family update from the courier, as well.

Choc-nut. Crumbly peanut chocolate bars that defined childhood ecstasy before M & M's and Hershey's.

Kamayan style. To eat with one's hand and eschew spoon, fork and table manners--ah, heaven.

Chicharon. Pork, fish or chicken crackling. There is in the crunch a hint of the extravagant, the decadent and the pedestrian. Perfect with vinegar, sublime with beer.

Pinoy hospitality. Just about everyone gets a hearty "Kain tayo!" invitation to break bread with whoever has food to share, no matter how skimpy or austere it is.

Adobo, kare-kare, sinigang and other lutong bahay stuff. Home-cooked meals that have the stamp of approval from several generations, who swear by closely-guarded cooking secrets and family recipes.

Lola Basyang. The voice one heard spinning tales over the radio, before movies and television curtailed imagination and defined grown-up tastes.

Pambahay. Home is where one can let it all hang out, where clothes do not make a man or woman but rather define their level of comfort.

Tricycle, the Pinoy's taxicab that delivers you at your doorstep for as little as PHP7.00 (but then it was just 3.00), with a complimentary dusting of polluted air.

Dirty ice cream. Very Pinoy flavors that make up for the risk: munggo, langka, ube, mais, keso, macapuno. Plus there's the colorful cart that recalls jeepney art.

Yayas. The trusted Filipino nanny who, ironically, has become a major Philippine export as overseas contract workers. A good one is almost like a surrogate parent--if you don't mind the accent and the predilection for afternoon soap and movie stars.

Sarsi. Pinoy rootbeer, the enduring taste of childhood. Our grandfathers had them with an egg beaten in.

Pinoy fruits. Atis, guyabano, chesa, mabolo, lanzones, durian, langka, makopa, dalanghita, siniguelas, suha, chico, papaya, singkamas--the possibilities!

Pinoy tastes. A dietitian's nightmare: too sweet, too salty, too fatty, as in burong talangka, itlog na maalat, crab fat (aligue), bokayo, kutchinta, sapin-sapin, halo-halo, pastilyas, palitaw, pulburon, longganisa, tuyo, ensaymada, ube haleya, sweetened macapuno and garbanzos. Remember, we're the guys who put sugar (horrors) in our spaghetti sauce. Yum!

The sights. Banaue Rice Terraces, Boracay, Bohol's Chocolate Hills, Corregidor Island, Fort Santiago, the Hundred Islands, the Las Pi?s Bamboo Organ, Rizal Park, Mt. Banahaw, Mayon Volcano, Taal Volcano. A land of contrasts and ever-changing landscapes.

Gayuma, agimat and anting-anting. Love potions and amulets. How the socially-disadvantaged Pinoy copes.

Basketball. How the verticaly-challenged Pinoy compensates, via a national sports obsession that reduces fans to tears and fistfights.

People Power at EDSA. When everyone became a hero and changed Philippine history overnight.

Beer and pulutan. "Isa pa nga!" and the Philippines' most popular, world-renowned beer goes well with peanuts, corniks, tapa, chicharon, usa, barbecue, sisig, and all manner of spicy, crunchy and cholesterol-rich chasers.

Resiliency. We've survived 400 years of Spanish rule, the US bases, Marcos, the 1990 earthquake, lahar, lambada, and many more.

Yoyo. Truly Filipino in origin, this hunting tool, weapon, toy and merchandising vehicle remains the best way to "walk the dog" and "rock the baby," using just a piece of string.

to be continued? Haha, of course.

The Kennedy and Lincoln Connection

2006-10-02T19:16:00.000+08:00

I got this thing from an email. Well, I guess its worth reading.
This discusses John Kennedy and Abraham Lincoln's "connection." Well, I don't know. Just read it. Here goes:

Abraham Lincoln was elected to Congress in 1846.
John F. Kennedy was elected to Congress in 1946.

Abraham Lincoln was elected President in 1860.
John F. Kennedy was elected President in 1960.

Both were particularly concerned with civil rights.

Both Presidents were shot on a Friday.
Both Presidents were shot in the head.

Lincoln's secretary was named Kennedy.
Kennedy's Secretary was named Lincoln.

Both were assassinated by Southerners.
Both were succeeded by Southerners named Johnson.

Andrew Johnson, who succeeded Lincoln, was born in 1808.
Lyndon Johnson, who succeeded Kennedy, was born in 1908.

John Wilkes Booth, who assassinated Lincoln, was born in 1839.
Lee Harvey Oswald, who assassinated Kennedy, was born in 1939.

Both assassins were known by their three names.
Both names are composed of fifteen letters.

Lincoln was shot at the theater named 'Ford.'
Kennedy was shot in a car called 'Lincoln' made by 'Ford.'

Lincoln was shot in a theater and his assassin ran and hid in a warehouse.
Kennedy was shot from a warehouse and his assassin ran and hid in a theater.

Booth and Oswald were assassinated before their trials.

A week before Lincoln was shot, he was in Monroe, Maryland.
A week before Kennedy was shot, he was with Marilyn Monroe.

Well, how's that for a blog post? Hahaha.

Currently listening to:
Parokya ni Edgar - Choco Latte

Going back

2006-09-19T23:50:00.000+08:00

Well, since I saw this announcement in most of the blogs of Mascians, might as well post it on mine, too. :D

TO ALL MASCIAN ALUMNI, read this.

Dear MSHS Co-Alumni,

HAVE FUN AND EXCITEMENT WHEN YOU MEET YOUR FORMER TEACHERS AND CLASSMATES ON OCTOBER 14, 2006.WE ARE ENCOURAGING ALL ALUMNI TO ATTEND THE FIRST-EVER MSHS HOMECOMING FEATURING ALL FORMER TEACHERS AS GUESTS ON OCTOBER 14, 2006 AT 1PM TO 5 PM AT THE MSHS AUDITORIUM. THEN, SHAKE A LEG AS YOU MOVE TO AFELLOWSHIP AND CONCERT, FREE OF CHARGE, COURTESY OF CLASS 1981. THE SILVER JUBILARIANS, SHALL COMMENCE AT 6PM. IN ORDER TO MAKE OUR AFFAIR SUCCESSFUL, WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO FORWARD THIS ANNOUNCEMENT TO ALL YOUR CLASSMATES. GET ORGANIZED, AND WIN A PRIZE. IF POSSIBLE, KINDLY CALL 527 57 08 OR 641 50 60 OR E MAIL dzc_ff@yahoo.com or text 09209116399 TO INFORM OUR ALUMNI SECRETARIAT, CARE OF MRS. DOS CORREA-PATAG, OF THE UPDATED CONTACT NOS OF THE TEACHERS. FINALLY, WON'T THERE BE MORE FUN IF WE SUPPORT THE ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN OF THE CATALYST, THE MSHS ALUMNI NEWS MAGAZINE. FOR THE SOLICATION LETTERS, ADVERTISING RATES, AND AD CONTRACTS, PLEASE CONTACT ERICK RUBIOAT 09177933648 or THRU HIS E-MAIL AT frederick_rubio@yahoo.com LET US HOLD HANDS AND WORK TOWARDS THE ATTAINMENT OF ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE AT MASCI. FOR THE CIVIC-SPIRITED, WE OFFER YOU EXCITING WORTHWHILE PROJECTS FOR THE SCHOOL. KEEP THE MASCI SPIRIT ALIVE. COME ONE, COME ALL!

As if I'm that far away from my alma mater. Its just a stone's throw away from UPM. Still, I miss it already. Who doesn't, anyway?

Currently listening to:
Awit ng MPPM (yep, that's how we call it, the old-fashioned way.)

Anger Management

2006-09-14T18:49:00.000+08:00

I want to set Gina on FIRE. Literally.

This maybe violent for some of you, but just try to be her student in Comm I and you'll see. We just had 3 outlining activities recently and had our results returned a week later (she was absent the last meeting). Obviously, we got low scores. Gina followed a right minus wrong policy so here are my scores:

First Outline- 34-2: 32/43

Second Outline- 30-15: 15/39

Third Outline- 36-10(!): 26/55 (So much for that right minus wrong! I failed this outline activity because of that policy!)

Curse Comm. I wish I just dropped it earlier and I guess a lot of my blockmates wanted to do that too, but it was too late. Gina wanted us to suffer from her subject. LOL. She gave these outlining activities AFTER the last day of dropping! That gives me the reason to set her on fire! Sunugin!

Ah well, we've had our revenge because of the evaluation. On second thought, she'll be back for retaliation. I just wish Mikee Inton was my professor in Comm I! That would be a lot better!

Oh well, so much for Gina. I just hope that the concerts tomorrow could compensate for this 'anger management' issue in Comm. Comm sucks, with Gina as your professor. Ah, don't mention it. I'm more than willing to say this in front of her. But then, I'll get a five as a reward. So, never mind. I'll just save it for later.

By the way, thanks for the title suggestion, Denis! Time for Philo!

Currently listening to:
Itchyworms - Beer

Lucky Saturday

2006-09-09T21:44:00.000+08:00

It rained heavily in Manila for the fifth time around, still at the same time of the day.

News reports came in telling that these 'what-I-call-thunderstorms' were just effects of the southwest monsoon and a storm in China. Well, if that's what they say. Kokontra pa ba ko?

Thunder roared, raindrops poured. (Wow. Now that I thought of it, it rhymes.) Exactly eight o'clock in the evening, the rain said 'hello' again to Manila. After raining for five days, I just thought of roaming around the city to see what it looks like when its raining so hard. I came up with this list:

Manila's finest streets were flooded.

This seldom happens. In my four years of stay in Manila, I have never expected that it would instantly be flooded after about twenty minutes of continous rain. Faura and Kalaw were like rivers, not streets. Well, I'm just glad that after a day, the flood goes away too.

People, mostly students, were stranded in Kalaw and Faura streets.

Of course when streets are flooded, who would think of walking with their leather shoes on? The only people that I saw walking in the rain aside from those with umbrellas were the ones wearing ~~flipflops~~, ~~sandals~~, ~~slippers~~, tsinelas..

Malls (SM Manila and Robinson's Place Ermita) were suddenly full of people, who should be going home by now on a regular basis. (that includes me.)

People stayed inside the malls for one reason: they can't go out, of course. The raindrops were pouring so hard that people without umbrellas would feel the rain like hale. Ouch. Anyways, if you would like to know which mall had more people inside, SM is the answer.

Vehicles, private or public, remained stopped.

If passengers were stranded, so were jeepneys. Its hard to pass through a flooded road, you know. If ever you thought of riding a jeepney during a rainy day, think again. If you want to do it anyway, you'd arrive 2-3 hours later, regardless of your distance from home.

LRT trains were jampacked.

Obviously, the LRT would be the best means of transportation in a day like this. Better buy a ticket worth fifteen pesos than spend 25-50 pesos for a pedicab ride amidst the flooded streets. (unless you're too much of an explorer. Dora?) Riding a jeepney wouldn't help much, either. Ikaw? Gusto mong lumusong?

So much for that list. At least after writing (typing if you play our language game.) this blog entry, I was able to put an end to one of our homeworks this weekend. Considering the fact that its the hardest of them all, its an achievement.

~~Philo - TTD~~: Philo always comes first. Don't ask why.

Philo - Reaction paper: This one's next.

Chem - Homework: I highly doubt if I'd be in the mood to do it.

Chem - Review: Argh, same as above.

It definitely is a lucky Saturday.

Currently listening to:
Parokya ni Edgar - Sampip

Wednesday

2006-09-06T10:28:00.000+08:00

Wednesday: its been a day after the bloody 2nd DepEx in Math 11.
9 people (including yours truly) in our block had to take the exam in the hallway. Hassle. Still, we had some laughs. A guy and a girl were talking while passing around the chairs to be used by the Lucky 9 (this is our group name, Raina. yay.)

Guy: O yan. 9 tayo. Bigyan mo nga ako ng pangalan ng group na may 9 members.
Girl: Aha! S-Club 7!
Guy: *laughs out loud.* Susunugin kita!

Anyway..

Argh. I had an overdose of ice cream..*cough,cough* Still, I can't eat that much, stupid braces. It's a Wednesday anyway, I have time to rest.

But then, I still have Things-To-Do. I'm stuck in Module 6 of Unit 2 and Module 4 of Unit 5. So, no rest for me. Absolutely. I'm sure to have a headache sooner or later. Luckily, it won't last for that long because tomorrow (a Thursday) will definitely be a *grmm* sabaw day. Gina (you-know-who, blockmates) will not be around tomorrow. Know what? If we follow UP R&R, Gina should drop Comm already. Tomorrow would be her sixth absence. Six absences mean FIVE.

Oh, suddenly I remembered what Doctor Heart's unexpected speech was yesterday:

"HUMAYO KAYO AT MAGPARAMI."

Speaking of Philo, I have to do my 'Things-To-Do'.

Currently listening to:
Frio - Alive

Rain

2006-09-04T21:58:00.000+08:00

I just have one thing to say in this blog entry:

It was one hell of a rainy day.

Currently listening to:
Rivermaya - Umaaraw, Umuulan
(meron kayang tatamaan?)

See you soon, Nihon

2006-09-03T15:01:00.000+08:00

I don't know why but I think that I'm not in the mood to do ANYTHING AT ALL. (except writing this blog entry.)

I'm not always like this. It's just so unusual. I wish I did not wake up this morning. Come to think of it, I woke up at 10:00 AM, and I don't know what I am supposed to do. I don't even know what to eat, because of these braces which were tightened last Friday. And dang, it still hurts. Really, it hurts. Thankfully, I'm still capable of eating ICE CREAM. I guess I'd accept that as a compensation.

I was thinking of what to write in this nonsensical blog entry. Then, I just remembered we have a new batch of scholars who'll go to Japan this October. Now that I mentioned it, its been almost a year since I last went there. I wonder what Tokyo looks like now. I miss everything Japan has to offer. I miss everything in Japan. The people, the places, and everything I saw there. I really miss Japan, and I really, really miss Disneyland.

I desperately want to go back to Japan, RIGHT NOW. But then I still have to wait two years (including this one) to be able to go back there again, and hopefully stay there to continue my studies. I still have at least two years to spend with my blockmates in UPM. How I wish I could finish BS-OT before I leave for Japan. I really do.

I have so many things running through my mind on what I want to do when I get back there (except for pursuing my studies there).

I want to experience the 'samui' air again.
I want to walk in the busy streets of Japan once more.
I want to ride the Shinkansen again. It's like riding an airplane, FIRST CLASS.
I want to try the Flight Simulator once more in JASDF, and fulfill my dream of becoming a pilot..in virtual reality, that is. (talk about my frustrations.)
I want to go kite-flying again. And their not the ordinary kites, they're HUGE!
I want to play baseball again!
I want to play bowling with my Japanese friends again.
I want to EAT Japanese food again. Really, the taste of original Japanese food is way much better (i can't find a decent adjective to describe it, so I came up with this one.) than the ones I have tasted here in the Philippines.
I want to speak Nihongo everyday again.
I want to go back to the arcades of AEON Mall.
I want to search the city for the best Hyaku-En shop out there.
I want to go back to Disneyland. Don't ask why.
I want to meet Ace again! (he's a FilJap studying in Japan. Fortunately, he became my classmate) I miss you buddy!
I want to buy myself a Robo-dog. I just wish it wasn't that expensive.
I want to take another Sumida River tour to Odaiba, and take another look at the Rainbow Bridge and the mini-Statue of Liberty.
I want to see snow...I wasn't able to, last time out.
I want to see Japan's beautiful sceneries, once more....

Ah, I just want to travel again... Wait for me Japan, wait for me...

Currently listening to: The New Theme Song of Tokyo Disneyland ( I wish I could get back there soon, and hopefully have the time to do it.)

Bitter

2006-08-30T18:43:00.000+08:00

Konti lang ang bebenta sa SAQ ngayon. Actually late na 'tong post na 'to kasi di ako nag-online kahapon. Binawi ko na yung tulog ko.

o eto na:

"di naman pala ganun karomantic ang buhay!"

"yang mga babae, WALANG KWENTA!" (nagsalita ang lalaki.)

"minsan ang buhay masaya, malungkot. todo tawa, todo iyak; todo sarap, todo hirap."

"ANG CORNY NG BUHAY."

"'pag di ka nag-Philo I, feel mo di kumpleto ang college life mo."

Akala ko nga wala siyang masasabi ngayon eh. Pero ayun, meron naman. Limang minuto na lang bago matapos ang asignaturang pilosopiya, nagsunud-sunod yung mga niratrat niya. Kahit konti lang ang bumenta, pwede na rin. Napagtanto ko lalo na 'bitter' sa buhay si Doctor Heart. Try niyo lang maging studyante niya, malalaman niyo. Akalain mo pati ang aking mga kaklase ay napnsin yun.

Walang masyadong nangyari nung martes. Kapag sinabi ko pa yung kaisa-isang katuwaang ginawa namin, baka masira naman ang isang pagkakaibigan. Kaya mabuti pang itago ko na lang.

Hay. Wednesday nga pala ngayon. May quiz sa Chem bukas.Mag-aaral pa ko.

All sorts of trip

2006-08-27T22:36:00.000+08:00

Whew, just got back from our field trip in Ilocos. It's almost eleven in the evening and the rain still does not want to stop pouring here in our place.

It was totally a 'sabaw trip.' Sakto, sa Bus #1 kami napunta. (well, palipat-lipat nga kami sa 1 and 2, pero ayun sa 1 talaga.) Hindi pa umaalis yung bus, marami nang 'sights' sa AS pa lang (alam niyo na...), katulad nung announcement ni Catwoman dun, haha. Nun lang namin napansin ng blockmates ko. Haha, grabe. Kausap pa namin siya bago kami umalis.

Soundtrip. Yung mga kasama naming PolSci, ang sarap ng kantahan. Haha, parang wala nang bukas pero ok lang yun. Movietrip. Nanood kami ng kung ano-anong DVDs na nandun. Isa lang ata yung natapos ko nang maayos, haha. Nakatulugan ko na yung iba.

Foodtrip. Kain sa ChowKing. Sabay Laughtrip na rin, dahil sa uniform na suot naming tatlo nila Ian at Denis. Kasama na rin yung nakita ni Chamie na kapangalan ko. Then we went to the Marcos Shrine, kung saan na-confiscate pansamantala ang phone ni bestfriend kasi bawal kunan yung remains ni Marcos eh tapos nakita siya nung nilabas niya yung phone niya. Ok lang, sinoli naman na eh. Haha.

'Tokotoktrip.' Wow, akalain mo yun. Nagpunta kami sa Heritage Village para bumili ng souvenirs saka pagkain at maglakad dun sa cobblestone floor, kung saan nagbibigay ng 'tokotok' sound yung kabayong naghihila ng calesa. Eh kaso, si kuya Mike nakita namin dun sa bus nila, nalock sa loob, kaya sinubukan namin silang tulungan nung kasama niya. Ayun, medyo na-late kami sa kuhaan ng calesa. Kumusta naman ang mga lola niyo(haha.),naglakad sa Meztizo District hanggang sa makakita ng magto-tour sa 'min. Dinocumentary pa talaga ni Dom yun.

'Cardtrip.' Upon reaching the resort in the evening and eating our precious dinner, we played card games (tong-its, pekwa, 1-2-3 pass, pusoy, etc.) until about THREE O'CLOCK IN THE MORNING. Wow, sabaw. Wala kaming tulog talaga. Kaso, talo na ako lagi nung last parts na sa 1-2-3 pass. Sabaw na sabaw na talaga 'ko nun, kaya nagkampihan na kami ni Chamie. "yon!" Hehehe. Dito rin lumabas ang alterego ni Denis bilang isang hyper na batang akala mo ay tumira ng sandamakmak na pentel pen at rugby. Epekto ng walang tulugan.

Pero, kailangan pa rin naming gumising nang maaga. So, we went back to our lovely 'Freezing Field' and I slept for an hour or so. Sa bus saka sa bahay ko na lang babawiin yung mga kulang na oras kong tulog. 'Pag nakatulog ka kasi, marami kang mamimiss na 'fun.'

'Tulogtrip.'6:30 na ako tuluyang nakumbinsi ni Denis na gumising, haha. Anong oras na ba kasi ako natulog, mga 5 ata yun. Si Chamie pa hindi natulog. Nagsimba daw sila (nung F.C. niya.). Buti pa si Ian, nanamnam ng husto yung higaan namin.

At the end of the trip's final day (hahahaha, redundancy.), our 'busmates' went off one by one and got home. Hanggang sa kahuli-hulihang pagkakataon at tuluyan nilang 'paghihiwalay' sa araw na ito, inaasar pa rin si Anna at Ian.

Si Dr. Mateo pala, makulit din kausap. Haha. Nakikisakay din siya sa mga kalokohan namin sa block like yung mga love team issues sa block. Kawawa naman yung tatlo dun sa apat na guys na kasama. Whew, buti di ako kasama sa tatlong yun. Come to think of it, apat lang kami. Hahaha. Sorry Denis, damay ka dito.

Ang hirap palang magkwento ng mga nangyari sa field trip...Kulang pa 'tong mga nilagay ko dito kaya, mag-tag kayo. Dadagdagan ko pa 'to pag may time ako. Kung gusto niyo (blockmates ko..) lagay niyo sa tagbox. Inaantok na talaga ako.

Oh well, kailangan ko nang matulog. May pasok kasi kami bukas. ASAR.

Currently listening to:
Koda Kumi - 1000 No Kotoba (100 Words), ang aking pampatulog. ^__^

Sabaw

2006-08-22T17:46:00.000+08:00

Yes. Nabuking si 242643. Kanina pa 'to napagtitripan sa med canteen. Picture picture!

Anyway, before I actually discuss it, here are the SAQs:

"matutulog ka na lang kahit wala kang assignment."
"may mga bagay ang tingin natin hindi importante pero 'pag tiningnan mo ulit, importante pala."
"minsan di ka dapat nale-late, nale-late ka dahil sa pagpili ng damit na isusuot mo."
"o, 22. TAMA PALA AKO."
"inaantok na 'ko, WALA KANG PAKIALAM." (she laughs, but I can't describe it.)

at eto na naman si Doctor Heart:

"all for the sake of love."
"masaya yung may nagmamahal sa 'yo."
"its better to have loved and lost, than to have never loved at all."
"ginagawa ko siyang 'every breath I take'."

Oh, well. Enough with those SAQs. We have a new language game! I tried it during the weekends, and I happened to memorize some of my blockmates names by the use of numbers, which correspond to the letters of their names when you type it in a cellphone. And I was reviewing then for the upcoming map test in Histo, the day before we go to I-L-O-C-O-S. Yes. At last. Sandali na lang pala.

Ay nawala na ko. I introduced the language game to my blockmates after Philo I (favorite subject ko. haha. ayan ka na naman mia..) at the GAB Canteen. At yun lang ang ginawa namin for 20 minutes, bukod sa tumunganga, at hindi man lang kumain. Rob was the place for us to eat today, not the canteen. Why? Manlilibre dapat si 242643.

Hay, as usual..Mia (again..) got what my language game was. Great minds? Then we started talking like that. Sobrang sabaw, baka magamit ko na pag may kausap akong ibang tao. 24726. 24726. Akalain mo, hindi alam ng may-ari ng pangalan kung kanino 'to. Hahaha.

Back with 242643.

We had a hunch that 242643 was going to meet his 'friends' (perhaps his 'special someone') at the mall. Eat, eat, eat. Talk, talk, talk. Laugh, laugh, laugh. Then Grace decided to go home. Suddenly, Anna and Jane wanted to go home too! So we all decided to part ways.

But then.....

We remembered 242643. He asked us what direction we were going, we said Pedro Gil. So he decided to come with us.

"Mamaya lang, mawawala na si 242643."

So he should go first, para mabantayan namin. We were near the Pedro Gil Station of the LRT then. Hindi nakapagpigil si 242643. Inamin na niya na makikipagkita nga siya sa 'friends' niya dun sa Rob. Kawawa naman.

This day was totally a SABAW DAY.

Currently listening to:
myself, while dubbing Mrs. Sioco's voice. ^_^

Let's talk about a nice movie

2006-08-18T17:17:00.000+08:00

You want some? Come get some!

Oh, yeah. Let me introduce to you Ms. Uma Thurman, also know in the movie as "G-Girl" (I don't want to spoil the fun, so I'll just expose her "Super Ex-Girlfriend" name.)

Ok sana yung movie, kaso agh. Nakakainis yung kanong nasa likod namin ni denis. He was laughing his heart out. Wow, grabe. Ayoko na. Kahit pinipigilan pa siya nung kasama niya, sige lang. "Super electro-magnetic resonance!", sabi nga ni Denis.

Anyway, akala ko hindi ako mapapapayag nila Krisi na manood, pero ayun. Nanood pa rin ako. Nag-enjoy naman ako. (salamat pareng Kris! Haha, joke lang.) Kasama din pala namin sila: Ate, Joan, Mia, Ian at lahat ng ibang nabanggit ko na sa post na 'to. Si Chamie nga pala, andun sa Fans Club niya. Hehehe.

I love the animations made by the animators (siyempre, kaya nga animators sila.) at the last part of the movie. What's more is that I saw Dr. Koh right there with her puny cats. That made me laugh, actually. I'm telling you, don't dare miss it.

Only one question bothered me (and Marest, maybe.) :
"Bakit kaya R-13 lang yung movie? 'Di ba dapat R-18?"

Currently listening to:
She Drives me Crazy - Fine Young Cannibals (My Super Ex-Girlfriend Soundtrack)

Sayonara, Madam Oliva

2006-08-16T19:15:00.000+08:00

Alas, after months of punishment, it is time to move on.

I've had one hell of a time with this Physics professor (and I guess a lot of my blockmates would agree with me.) of Block 20.

Formerly known as "Catwoman", this prof of ours was the worst that I met. EVER. She did even beat our Chemistry teacher during my last year in MaSci. I know its not right to compare her with a Chem teacher, as P6 and Chem are totally different subjects, but I can't help it. She really is the WORST.

On our first meeting, (chronologically it's supposed to be the second na, but she was absent on the first.) I thought she would be fine as a professor. "Veteran na 'to." I told myself. Judging by the looks, she MUST have been teaching here in UP for so long.

Well, fine fine. She is a typical professor. Nagpapareport, then she'll elaborate after that. So, what's wrong with her? Simple lang. NATUTULOG SIYA SA KLASE. O di ba? One more thing is that she always enters the room at least 29 1/2 minutes late. That's a lot of time sana that we could spend for reporting na, but nasayang lang. The usual 3 hours of lecture written in the syllabus was totally useless because of tardiness. Our last topic for Physics was discussed for just about fifteen minutes (supposed to be 3 hours.)

What's funny with her though, is that whenever we see her strolling in the vicinity of CAS, laging may pusang nakasunod sa kanya. Yun ang dahilan kaya namin siya tinawag na "Catwoman."

In my opinion, she is a very nice person. Person, yes. Pero teacher? Hmm, can i use a lifeline? If she happens to be your teacher in NatSci or in any other subject, parang sinabi mo na ring magse-self study ka para dun sa subject na yun. Exaggerated ako I know pero, wala lang. Parang inis lang talaga ako. Bad trip siguro ako ngayong araw na 'to.

Hay, tama na nga. Baka kung ano pa masabi ko. Sana lang, mabait at matino yung Chem prof namin. Di kaya aso naman ang sumusunod sa kanya? laugh, laugh, laugh. Anyways, tapos na ang Dept namin for Physics. Yay.

So long, Dr. Oliva Koh...

Currently listening to:
Barbie Almalbis - Dahilan

The real deal behind the "S.A.Q."

2006-08-15T15:52:00.000+08:00

My mind was wandering aimlessly approximately four and a half hours before I published this post. Our class then was Philo I, under Dr. Sioco.

Again, we were having fun discussing with Dr. Heart (you-know-who.) another topic, ethics. As always, Dr. Heart finds another connection of this topic in our everyday life. My wandering mind suddenly came to a stop. Meron na naman akong naisip na kalokohan.

Okay, eto na tayo. Remember the textbook in Philo I? It has SAQs after every module, di ba? Well, I thought of something. This acronym, Self-Assesment Questions gave me an idea. I was always clueless, "Ano ba talaga naiisip ko sa SAQs na 'to?"

Yun na. I thought of a new acronym that would correspond to SAQ. Simple lang. Sioco's Antig-Damdamin Quotes. Kaya pala siya prof ng Philo. Saktong sakto.

Anyway, these are the SAQs for the day:

"ang layo ng inakyat ko no? apat! tapos ang tinaas sa sweldo ko, P100 a month!"

"para akong nagpasweldo ng empleyado sa SM..."

"gusto kong maging presidente, aayain ko kayong maging kongreso ko, tapos tayo tayo lang..."

"how can you love this country na yung mga taong nagpapaandar, ganyan..."

"UNFAIR."

"Ang happiness, hindi name-measure sa... (thanks sa kamay ni mia.)

"we are also rich in our own way."

"Bigla daw may magsasabi sa 'yo,"
"Ma'am, I'm not a virgin anymore, and I ENJOY IT..."
Promiscous...yung ANO!"

"Biglang mahuhuli ka, lalabas ka sa hotel may kasama kang D.O.M... Yuck!"

"Buntot mo, hila mo..."

"Ang masaya sa Philo is that we can talk about everything under the sun."

On top of it all, Denis gave me another bright idea.

Si Ma'am Sioco, di lang aktibista, Dr. Heart pa.

Ah, Comm

2006-08-14T18:17:00.000+08:00

I just had the bloodiest long exam ever in a language class, considering it was just the first one. Pano pa kaya yung susunod pa?

Ang saya talaga. Napakalapit nung nireview ko sa lumabas dun sa exam.

I went through all my notes in Comm, everything, but the exam was way beyond what I thought it would look like.

I thought, "Maraming word collocations, hyponymy saka ambrit english 'to." but nothing among those three appeared in the exam. Kung ano pa yung last lesson, yun pa yung lumabas. And to think, our prof told us that EVERYTHING will appear in the test. Kahit ba sabihin na application type yun, sabi niya everything, dapat everything talaga.

Ang saya talaga.

Magugulat pa 'ko kapag nalaman kong pumasa ako dun sa exam na 'yun.

Sunugin si Mrs. Salazar..

Currently listening to:
Eraserheads - Overdrive

Random

2006-08-13T12:20:00.001+08:00

You Are 80% Gentleman

You are definitely a gentleman. You're very considerate and you have excellent manners.
Occasionally, you slip and do something foolish... but usually no one notices!

Yes naman. I am a gentleman. Well, at least for BlogThings, I am one.

Personally though, I don't believe it. Try me. haha.

Anyways, magrereview pa ko.We have a long exam in our Art class tomorrow. Ay, Comm I pala. And it was just announced a meeting before the exam date. The other fraction of our block is way ahead of us now. Thanks to the "Waterfowl" (the lesson that our prof related to that was connotation. I thought we were moving on to poetry interpretation,but I was wrong. TOTALLY WRONG.)

Ja mata!

Currently listening to:
Eraserheads - With a Smile

Best Actor: Chamie

2006-08-12T21:21:00.000+08:00

It was always a boring Saturday for everybody who attends the NSTP class at the CAMP AVR. Usually, it takes THIRTY MINUTES just to set up the computer and projector before the lesson is actually discussed. Our prof won't be able to discuss the lesson without her beloved PowerPoint presentation stored in a 3-½ inch Floppy Disk (asenso tayo ah.)

Oh well, it was always the usual routine until suddenly, our prof wanted a volunteer to demonstrate facial expressions. Of course, nagturuan kami ng "volunteer" kuno. Denis was our first choice because we were teasing him earlier with Cathy.

But then, Denis had a plan. He shouted the magic word: "Chamie." Everyone in our block agreed. Chamie was the one recognized by the prof. He was the one who started pointing to Denis, and it just backfired. Simple logic. Denis had the right plan.

Well of course, PT also had their representative. Though he was also funny, Nobody beats you-know-who.(bias.)

"Sayang di nakunan ng picture."

Ah, NSTP will never be the same again.

Let's call it a day

2006-08-11T19:50:00.000+08:00

I thought I was going to die during our Philo class.

We had a really nice class conversation going on when suddenly, we just went off-topic and "Poof!" Dr. Sioco has just introduced to us her true identity as "Doctor Heart." Really, no big deal. But it was. IT REALLY WAS.

We, the boys at the back were simply having fun about the topic of our discussion, love. From a very complicated topic (I guess) skepticism, we suddenly jumped to Dr. Sioco's strong and weakpoint, love.

"Di ba yung sa mga love na ganyan, blah,blah,blah.." I thought to myself, "Wow ma'am, ang saya naman ng tinuturo niyo. Akalain mong nairelate niyo yun?" Suddenly, i heard the word, "salamin.(eyeglasses.)" I remember what she said about nerds, or something like that. And someone uttered "mga nakasalamin po?!" My heart started to beat drastically. All of my blockmates were looking straight at me. W.O.W. I thought i would die at that instant, but I did not. I really wish I did.

I just thought to myself, "hay naku mam, bat ako pa?"

I did not stand a chance against our Philo professor. NOT AT ALL.

Never in my student life did I experience humiliation from a professor, the first time ever that it happened.

The “lover boy” issue came back to life, all of a sudden.

Thanks to Dr. Maria Paula Sioco.