Taften Signs that you are Lost in Law School

I got this list from Kaleidoscope Eyes and added some tell-tale signs. You might want to add too.

1. You consider dropping out of law school approximately every hour, but after that first semester you realized you were already in too much debt to be anything other than a lawyer.

2. The drama in your life now rivals that of high school.

3. You are truly and deeply unnerved by the thought of some of your classmates becoming attorneys

4. You wonder if that one professor who always seems angry and irritable and treats students’ minds as his personal playground is actually a sociopath or just didn’t get enough hugs as a child.

5. Sometimes during disagreements you are tempted to argue with complete legal basis the offending friend or family member without him understanding what you said.

6. You can’t remember if you decided to come to law school because you wanted to help people and make a difference in the world or because you hate yourself.

7. You think whoever first introduced the Socratic method into the law school curriculum should have his face lit on fire and then beaten out with a rake.

8. When someone is expressing their frustration or anger about something that is in any way related to the law, you can’t be sympathetic because you’re too busy figuring out in your head if they have a cause of action.

9. You hear about the death of an elderly friend or relative and wonder if they died intestate.

10. You have considered changing career paths to hot dog vendor, stilt walker, or career alcoholic.

Instead of saying, Thank God its Friday, you exclaim, Oh no, Its Friday. (meaning, you'll have to read up on the assigned readings for your whole day class on Saturday.)

You get into the habit of standing up when your professor walks in.

When you become more prayerful than before because you are not ready for recits.

You already forgot the meaning of sembreak and summer break because all your exams are super extended.

You gain several (okay, many pounds) because all you want to do after a traumatic exam is - EAT!

zip, zip and away!

Just a quick post before I leave for Batangas... again! :)

I uberly enjoyed my first zipping session, thanks to my patient teacher, Lala, who happens to be my classmate from MA Psych. Its a small world after all. Anyway, zipping is not as easy as it looks. It needs eye-hand coordination movement and a certain level of concentration. Today, I just learned the basics. Forgot the terms though, but I do have to practice on a few routines. And I also bought my very first pair of poi. Yey! I'll elaborate on this later when I get back.

For now, I'm off to another spur of the moment adventure with good ole friends. :)

laboring on labor day

Yep! While everybody's out of town and enjoying their long weekend i, I had to report to the office and be the taumbahay. Well, I didn't mind it one bit. I thought I'd have more time to study and catch up on my readings. BUT, there were more exciting things in store for me.

First, I remembered that I wanted to look up on available classes about zipping. We were discussing about it in the office and I really want to try that sport. Then I chanced upon this multiply site Planet Zips and checked out their classes. Apparently, they are offering summer classes in QC so I was just in time for the second session. Another pleasant surprise, the instructor's name sounded familiar. So, I texted her and inquired if she's the same Lala from my MA Psych class. What a coincidence! She has always inspired me to try zipping especially when I see her zipping in the company video promoting the Ayala Malls. So, tomorrow, I'll be learning a new sport/hobby - zipping. Wish I could also try fire zipping in the future.

Second, I went out for lunch with a textmate, a cousin of a friend. haha! I don't think that was a date, t'was just a meet-up. At least, I got free lunch. :) It was a weird experience. I don't really like going out on dates because I'm uncomfortable of putting myself out there. And besides, I haven't "fully recovered" yet. As expected, it was a disaster. Sorry for saying this, but I didn't like his company one bit. He was looking for a wife, not a date. Afraid! Oh, I do hope I won't see him again. Harsh! :)

Third, I played badminton with my badminton buddies whom I haven't seen in a while. I missed playing that sport and I missed my playmates. ;p

Lastly, a friend invited me to check out a franchising business. At first I was apprehensive because I still haven't recovered from my burgerrific experience. I learned several lessons from that failed experiment but I consider it as my crash course in MBA. This new business has a big potential. But I think I'll take my time to study it first so that I wouldn't make the same mistakes all over again.

All in all, t'was truly a great day. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to open my books. Owel, there's always tomorrow. Procrastination at its finest! hehe

answered prayer

God truly has His ways of answering our prayers with His own perfect timing. After almost five years of being an "aliping sagigilid", my efforts are finally rewarded. I got promoted to another step in the civil service ladder. Yey! (music on: celebrate good times, come on!) Now, I don't have to sing Alanis' Hand in My Pocket and belting out the line, "I'm young and I'm underpaid!" for emphasis. This is a very welcome blessing because I've been praying for this in a long time and it came at a time when I least expect it. :)

superhuman [not]

The bittersweet feeling of first love and the lessons that came with it.

I realized that I'm not invincible after all, I'm still human and very much capable of loving. :) I thought I've become so indifferent to these feelings till it came to a point when I really thought I can ever have any romantic feelings for another person. Well, this experience proves otherwise. I can be happy, giddy and stupid for love. I can throw caution to the wind and live for the moment. But thankfully, I still have a good head on my shoulders and I was still able to think clearly. Although there were moments of indecision but thank God, the pragmatist in me prevailed.

Love has the effect of sometimes clouding my judgment and perception. I realize now that I must have fallen for an ideal image of him which I kept in my head and heart for the longest time, just waiting for an affirmation. And when he made just a tiny little gesture of affection, that image was affirmed. I realize now that I must not let this heady feeling cloud my judgment. I have to see things for what they are, and not for what I imagined them to be.

There are two sides to loving - being happy with the one you love and being hurt by that same person. One doesn't exist without the other. When you love, you open yourself to hurts and disappointments. That's the risk that you have to take. I took that risk and I came out of it alive. Yes, it was painful but I understood the situation. It was well worth the risk.

Never let go of your ideals. This is what kept me grounded and made me realize a few things. Be true to yourself and your feelings. Recognize the feelings, acknowledge them and feel them. Then, if its time to let go, move on. Know that you have a better life ahead of you.

A text message from a good friend sums it all:
The best part of being in love is when you just love a person and be happy about it, even if that person can never be yours, even if you know that it can't last forever. Its not about winning someone. Its not about owning a relationship. Its just about being happy because you just loved and loved unselfishly. :)

now, its time to move on...

Dive and Trek Adventure

I thought summer would just come and go without me having my day under the sun. But last Sunday, I went on a spur-of-the moment adventure and went snorkelling with newfound friends in Batangas. How did that happen? There's actually a short story behind it. A few weeks ago, my friend Joms invited me to an intro dive getaway with her SFC Meco chapter. Unfortunately, I opted not to go because it was the weekend before my final exam in Crim 2. I knew I'd be cramming by that time. However, I was reminded about the invite last Saturday when my housemate informed me that she's joining the group. I felt left out and since I was already feeling nauseated with all the crimes that I've been studying, I decided right then and there to join them. Alas, there was no more slot in the van for me. That's what I got for dilly-dallying on my decision. But that evening, Kring, another friend from YFC, invited me to have dinner with some good friends to celebrate her graduation. Since Joms was also invited, I asked her about their plans for Sunday and expressed my disappointment that I wouldn't be able to join them. By sheer coincidence, Kring and her friends are also going to the same island on that same day. So, I decided to tag along. :) And that's how I managed to break out of my routine and spent my Sunday in Batangas.

It was very liberating. I never realized how much I missed the outdoors until we were
travelling through SLEX. I really, really, love to travel but ever since I entered lost school, I didn't get to travel as often as I wanted to - for obvious reasons. So, I relished the thought that I wouldn't have to stay in my room the whole day trying to distinguish one crime from the other. I'm actually going on a diving adventure and road tripping with people I barely know. We left early, missed a few turns,got lost a few times but managed to get to our destination. What I love about this kind of adventure is that I didn't know what to expect. There's a certain level of thrill to that kind of uncertainty.

We went to Dive and Trek, a marine sanctuary in Batangas. Since Kring "knew" some people in the island, they allowed us to use their facilities for free. I actually wanted to try the intro dive but I didn't persist because there were a lot of people in the other group. Maybe I'll just try it next time. Well, we snorkelled the whole morning and I just loved the underwater scene. Another fascination in the island is a dog named Bogart. He's a brilliant retriever and I was amazed by his sheer size and his capacity to retrieve the water bottle, even diving under water.

We left the island around 2pm. But spontaneous plans are about to unfold. We had dinner at a Bulaluhan in Tagaytay with a splendid view of the Taal Lake. For dessert, we proceeded to Bag of Beans, which is a quaint coffee shop by the roadside. I love the ambience and the desserts were uberly yummy.

All in all, I had so much fun. Well, it was also an effective way of forgetting ;) I'm definitely going back next weekend.

Tribute to the Nice Girls

Got this from Thoughts on a Sunday and now I'm reposting it here.
By Jessica Leigh Griffith

This is my tribute to the nice girls. To the nice girls who are overlooked, who become friends and nothing more, who spend hours fixating upon their looks and their personalities and their actions because it must be they that are doing something wrong. This is for the girls who don’t give it up on the first date, who don’t want to play mind games, who provide a comforting hug and a supportive audience for a story they’ve heard a thousand times. This is for the girls who understand that they aren’t perfect and that the guys they’re interested in aren’t either, for the girls who flirt and laugh and worry and obsess over the slightest glance, whisper, touch, because somehow they are able to keep alive that hope that maybe… maybe this time he’ll have understood. This is an homage to the girls who laugh loud and often, who are comfortable in skirts and sweats and combat boots, who care more than they should for guys who don’t deserve their attention. This is for those girls who have been in the trenches, who have watched other girls time and time again fake up and make up and fuck up the guys in their lives without saying a word. This is for the girls who have been there from the beginning and have heard the trite words of advice, from “there are plenty of fish in the sea,” to “time heals all wounds.” This is to honor those girls who know that guys are just as scared as they are, who know that they deserve better, who are seeking to find it.

This is for the girls who have never been in love, but know that it’s an experience that they don’t want to miss out on. For the girls who have sought a night with friends and been greeted by a night of catcalling, rude comments and explicit invitations that they’d rather not have experienced. This is for the girls who have spent their weekends sitting on the sidelines of a beer pong tournament or a case race, or playing Florence Nightingale for a vomiting guy friend or a comatose crush, who have received a drunk phone call just before dawn from someone who doesn’t care enough to invite them over but is still willing to pass out in their bed. This is for the girls who have left sad song lyrics in their away messages, who have tried to make someone understand through a subliminally appealing profile, who have time and time again dropped their male friend hint after hint after hint only to watch him chase after the first blonde girl in a skirt. This is for the girls who have been told that they’re too good or too smart or too pretty, who have been given compliments as a way of breaking off a relationship, who have ever been told they are only wanted as a friend.

This one’s for the girls who you can take home to mom, but won’t because it’s easier to sleep with a whore than foster a relationship; this is for the girls who have been led on by words and kisses and touches, all of which were either only true for the moment, or never real to begin with. This is for the girls who have allowed a guy into their head and heart and bed, only to discover that he’s just not ready, he’s just not over her, he’s just not looking to be tied down; this is for the girls who believe the excuses because it’s easier to believe that it’s not that they don’t want you, it’s that they don’t want anyone. This is for the girls who have had their hearts broken and their hopes dashed by someone too cavalier to have cared in the first place; this is for the nights spent dissecting every word and syllable and inflection in his speech, for the nights when you’ve returned home alone, for the nights when you’ve seen from across the room him leaning a little too close, or standing a little too near, or talking a little too softly for the girl he’s with to be a random hookup. This is for the girls who have endured party after party in his presence, finally having realized that it wasn’t that he didn’t want a relationship: it was that he didn’t want you. I honor you for the night his dog died or his grandmother died or his little brother crashed his car and you held him, thinking that if you only comforted him just right, or said the right words, or rubbed his back in the right way then perhaps he’d realize what it was that he already had. This is for the night you realized that it would never happen, and the sunrise you saw the next morning after failing to sleep.

This is for the “I really like you, so let’s still be friends” comment after you read more into a situation than he ever intended; this is for never realizing that when you choose friends, you seldom choose those which make you cry yourself to sleep. This is for the hugs you’ve received from your female friends, for the nights they’ve reassured you that you are beautiful and intelligent and amazing and loyal and truly worthy of a great guy; this is for the despair you all felt as you sat in the aftermath of your tears, knowing that that night the only companionship you’d have was with a pillow and your teddy bear. This is for the girls who have been used and abused, who have endured what he was giving because at least he was giving something; this is for the stupidity of the nights we’ve believed that something was better than nothing, though his something was nothing we’d have ever wanted. This is for the girls who have been satisfied with too little and who have learned never to expect anything more: for the girls who don’t think that they deserve more, because they’ve been conditioned for so long to accept the scraps thrown to them by guys.

This is what I don’t understand. Men sit and question and whine that girls are only attracted to the mean guys, the guys who berate them and belittle them and don’t appreciate them and don’t want them; who use them for sex and think of little else than where their next conquest will be made. Men complain that they never meet nice girls, girls who are genuinely interested and compelling, who are intelligent and sweet and smart and beautiful; men despair that no good women want to share in their lives, that girls play mind games, that girls love to keep them hanging. Yet, men, I ask you: were you to meet one of these genuinely interested, thrillingly compelling, interesting and intelligent and sweet and beautiful and smart girls, were you to give her your number and wait for her to call… and if you were to receive a call from her the next day and she, in her truthful, loyal, intelligent and straightforward nice girl fashion, were to tell you that she finds you intriguing and attractive and interesting and worth her time and perhaps material from which she could fashion a boyfriend, would you or would you not immediately call your friends to tell them of the “stalker chick” you’d met the night prior, who called you and wore her heart on her sleeve and told the truth? And would you, or would you not, refuse to make plans with her, speak with her, see her again, and once again return to the bar or club or party scene and search once more for this “nice girl” who you just cannot seem to find? Because therein lies the truth, guys: we nice girls are everywhere. But you’re not looking for a nice girl. You’re not looking for someone genuinely interested in your intramural basketball game, or your anatomy midterm grade, or that argument you keep having with your father; you’re looking for a quick fix, a night when you can pretend to have a connection with another human being which is just as disposable as the condom you were using during it.

So don’t say you’re on the lookout for nice girls, guys, when you pass us up on every step you take. Sometimes we go undercover; sometimes we go in disguise: sometimes when that girl in the low cut shirt or the too tight miniskirt won’t answer your catcalls, sometimes you’re looking at a nice girl in whore’s clothing - - we might say we like the attention, we might blush and giggle and turn back to our friends, but we’re all thinking the same thing: “This isn’t me. Tomorrow morning, I’ll be wearing a t-shirt and flannel shorts, I’ll have slept alone and I’ll be making my hungover best friend breakfast. See through the disguise. See me.” You never do. Why? Because you only see the exterior, you only see the slutty girl who welcomes those advances. You don’t want the nice girl.. so don’t say you’re looking for a relationship: relationships take time and energy and intent, three things we’re willing to extend - - but in return, we’re looking for compassion and loyalty and trust, three things you never seem willing to express. Maybe nice guys finish last, but in the race they’re running they’re chasing after the whores and the sluts and the easy-targets… the nice girls are waiting at the finish line with water and towels and a congratulatory hug (and yes, if she’s a nice girl and she likes you, the sweatiness probably won’t matter), hoping against hope that maybe you’ll realize that they’re the ones that you want at the end of that silly race.

So maybe it won’t last forever. Maybe some of those guys in that race will turn in their running shoes and make their way to the concession stand where we’re waiting; however, until that happens, we still have each other, that silly race to watch, and all the chocolate we can eat (because what’s a concession stand at a race without some chocolate?)

Thought for the Day

Go for someone who's not only proud and glad to have you,



but will also take every risk and effort just to be with you.

recuperating

I'm so sorry for the uber-delayed post. I just got home from the hospital yesterday. As much as I wanted to blog about my confinement experience while cooped up in my hospital bed, I couldn't summon enough strength to type a few words. I swear, those painkillers and antibiotics are draining the life out of me. But now, I know better. Its just a certain painkiller which causes the knockouts and I'm not taking any tablet if I can tolerate the pain.

Now, for a blow by blow account.

Last week, I consulted the doc about some skin problem that has been bothering me for the past few months and she recommended a minor surgery. Actually, it was my friend Star, who diagnosed the ailment and suggested the remedy which I abhorred. Since this ailment has become bothersome, I arranged to have the surgery last Tuesday so that I'll have enough time to recuperate. I had to say goodbye to my snorkelling plans somewhere in Batangas.

Tuesday morning came and I dragged myself to St. Luke's. Nobody was able to accompany me but all the nurses were asking if I had somebody with me. I'd like to say that I'm an independent woman and I don't need anybody. But this retort is uncalled for so I just assured me that my siblings and some officemates would be with me later in the afternoon.

It was my first time to be admitted in a hospital and it was kinda spooky. They hooked me up to an IV at around 2pm. I was just lying in that hospital bed like a pig waiting to be slaughtered. Then, I was rolled into the OR around 6:30, they injected me with the anesthesia and then there was darkness. I woke up around 10pm then they rolled me into my room.

After the operation, I felt like a bulldozer just ran through me and I was too groggy from the anesthesia and the medicines. I wouldn't want to go through that experience again. I was supposed to move out by Wednesday but they told me to wait for my doctor. She came by around 7pm and spent less than a minute with me. So much for doctor's courtesy. At least she gave me a clean bill of health, so by Thursday morning I was out of the hospital. I didn't want to stay there for another minute because the hospital atmosphere was draining the life out of me.

Even if the experience was not very pleasant, it gave me time to think and be thankful for the blessings that God gave me. It made me realize that I'm blessed with caring and thoughtful siblings who were willing to stick by me during my weakest moments when I can barely fend for myself. They didn't go all yucky on me when I was groping for a plastic bag so that I can vomit. They didn't mind sleeping in the sofa just to keep watch over me. I really felt loved and cared for, especially with the constant texts and calls from my parents who were deeply concerned. Nothing can really surpass the unconditional love of a family.

One thing's for sure, I'm never ever admitting myself again in a hospital for a very loooooonnnnnnnngggggg time.., :)

Taonglangit in Tinuy-an Falls

Are you wondering why this Little Niagara Falls made it to the top of my list?

Siyempre, this is the pride of Bislig City, my very own hometown. Personal bias aside, I do think this is the most majestic falls I've ever seen and its definitely worth visiting.



For those of you who did not know that Bislig even existed, it is located at the southeastern coast of Mindanao facing the Pacific Ocean, Bislig is 158 kms south of Butuan, 152 kms south of Tandag City, and 208 kilometers northeast of Davao City.

Tinuy-an Falls is a spectacular multi-tiered falls, three levels of which can easily be seen while a fourth one is hidden from view. It rises majestically to a height of a four-story building and a breathtaking width of 95 meters - said to be the widest in the country. It is nestled in a tropical rainforest with towering, century-old trees and exotic flora and fauna surrounding it. Why do i know all these? Because my brother is doing his landscape architecture thesis on Tinuy-an Falls and the WHOLE family is involved. :)Now, let me show you the various facets of this Little Niagara.


Visitors can also lounge around this makeshift bridge and admire the beauty of Tinuy-an.



Folklore
Tinuyo-an or Tinuy-an is a native vernacular which means an intentional act or performance to attain an objective or goal. Legend revealed that long before, the Magdiwata Mountain settlers were enslaved by cruel tribesmen coming from hinterlands of Agusan. They were forced to hunt with their masters, construct barotos (small boats) and perform forced manual labor. Tired of being slaves, one day while rowing the barotos boarded by their cruel masters, they intentionally shoved the barotos towards the waterfalls killing all their cruel masters.
What a tragic story but maybe there's some truth to it. One can be easily engulfed by the downward pressure from the falls.
I think Tinuy-an or Tinuyoan is an appropriate name. Since its a secluded area, one has to exert herculean efforts (okay, that's an exaggeration) just to get to this place. One has to really intend it (tinuyoan). But once you get there, its all worth it. You can just gaze in awe and thank God for this beautiful creation.

ayan ka na naman...

Kala ko ba goodbye na
Bakit ngayon bumabalik ka?
Kala ko ba its better this way
Bakit ngayon nagpaparamdam ka uli?
Kala ko ba we just have to keep things simple
Bakit ngayon nalilito na naman ako?


Haay...

Why do things have to be so complicated?

Di Na Natuto
Gary Valenciano

nand'yan ka na naman
tinutukso-tukso ang aking puso
ilang ulit na bang
iniiwasan ka di na natuto

sulyap ng 'yong mata
laging nadarama kahit malayo, ooh
nahihirapan na
lalapit-lapit pa di na natuto

isang ngiti mo lang
at ako'y napapaamo
yakapin mong minsan
ay muling magbabalik sa'yo

na walang kalaban-laban
ang puso ko'y tanging iyo lamang
ooh...

o eto na naman
laging nananabik ang aking puso,
ooh...
muling bumabalik
sa 'yong mga halik
di na natuto

refrain:

isang ngiti mo lang
at ako'y napapaamo (woh...)
yakapin mong minsan
ay muling magbabalik sa'yo

na walang kalaban-laban
ang puso ko'y tanging iyo lamang

refrain:

isang ngiti mo lang
at ako'y napapaamo (woh...)
yakapin mong minsan
ay muling magbabalik sa'yo

na walang kalaban-laban
ang puso ko'y tanging iyo lamang
ang puso ko'y tanging iyo lamang

Di Na Natuto - Gary Valenciano

so blessed!

Today, I learned another lesson in generosity.

Do not be afraid to give, even if you think you don't have enough, even if it hurts. When you give, He will return it to you a thousand-fold. You just have to learn how to part with your material things, so that He can fill your life with more blessings.

April Fools

I have to undergo an operation next Tuesday. :(

You think I'm kidding? I hope I am, but I'm not. This is something that I've been putting off for the longest time and next week is the perfect opportunity for me to haul myself to the hospital. As much as I want to make myself believe that its just a minor operation, I can't help feeling afraid.

Please Lord, give me strength :)

Kaya Natin!

This morning, I had an interesting ym conversation with Fr. F. He used to be a UP chaplain but he is now based in the States. I'd like to refer to him as the modern Rizal due to his radical ideas. He never fails to inspire me.

me: what's your take on Fr. Panlilio's plan to run for president?
fr. F: ideally, it's not such a bad thing. realistically, i'm not so sure.
me: why not?
fr. F: he needs to leave the priesthood first.
fr. F: then i believe he can, and perhaps should run.
me: so you think he can institute some much needed reforms in this country?
fr. F: i think seen from any angle, it's just the right thing to do.
philippine politics is a very odd beast.
reforms? i really don't know donna.
me: but at least, he's the lesser evil... not necessarily the better alternative
fr. F: isn't that sad. why do we have to constantly settle for the lesser evil? where are all those young people who were with you at UP? or those who were once young at UP, Ateneo, LaSalle, UST, etc.? Whatever happened to the "pagasa ng bayan" I wonder.
i think we know the answer.
they've become the very persons they once despised.
sad.
but you're right. why not panlilio?
maybe he's not the savior the country's been waiting for.
but maybe he can get the ball rolling.
maybe we'll get there one day, not too long after him.
me: i hope so.
pero ang hirap nga talaga father.
fr. F: don't be discouraged. no system is perfect.
me: being in the system for almost 5 years now, i still keep on asking myself why I'm here. what's the purpose?
fr. F: even here in the u.s., the supposed home of democracy,
things are not as easy as we sometimes think.
me: have i changed something? or has the system changed me already?
fr. F: we do what we can.
fr. F: good question. as long as you're still asking it, you're still ok.
fr. F: once you stop asking that question, i think you need to get out of the system.
me: okay. i'll keep that in mind.
fr. F: i know that one day, titino rin ang bayan natin.
it's not an empty hope.
i believe it very strongly.
me: sana nga.
fr. F: if you try reading rizal very carefully, you'll see that even at the end of the Fili, there's a faith in the indestructibility of hope.
the night won't last forever.
me: sometimes, its so hard to keep the faith. especially if the situation seems so hopeless
fr. F: that's why its important to find like-minded people.
who share our hopes.
and who strengthen our faith.
i do believe with all my heart that there are more good filipinos
that there are far more honest and decent filipinos than those who aren't.
me: yeah. i do too. the silent majority who's just watching and waiting.
fr. F: they're out there. what we need is not really a savior, but a lightning rod.
someone or something that will finally connect all these anonymous good and decent pinoys.
to connect and network them with each other.
how that's going to happen, i'm not so sure. gk is a start.
me: yeah, well.. i do hope that lightning rod would strike soon before the situation gets any worse.
fr. F: i meant lightning rod in terms of something that will collect and connect all that power that's just sitting out there and channel it.
pinoys don't need a savior, they need an inspiration.
obama won because he managed to tap into some deep seated psychological need of people here, especially young people.
if panlilio can serve as an inspiration, he would be good.
filipinos need to be inspired. not saved.
they can do that themselves.
but someone has to inspire them.
and be willing to do it without getting anything in return.
me: then, i do hope he can be that inspiration.
its already starting
anonymous people are donating for his campaign
fr. F: that's good news.
if the level f interest can be sustained, i think it can be done.
that's how obama won you know.
ordinary grassroots work of ordinary people like you.
students mostly.
two years ago nobody even took this guy seriously.
and now he's president
me: musta naman po ang peformance niya so far?
fr. F: he's doing very well
very sincere person.
and brilliant.
for once, the u.s. actually has an intellectual for president.
but fr. ed has to leave the priesthood.
that's the only way it will work.
that's a sacrifice he has to make.
me: but looks like he's not willing to give it up:(
fr. F: now that's going to be a problem.
even i won't vote for him.
no one can serve two masters at the same time.
plain and simple truth.
he will have more credibilty if he leaves the priesthood
and consider it the supreme sacrifice of his life for the sake of the country. if that is in fact is his motive for running.
he will lose credibility with the catholic intelligentsia.
thoughtful catholics will have doubts about him.
i believe they would rather that he sacrifice his priesthood and be sincere in his desire to serve in public office.
they'll probably vote for him still.
fr. F: but the doubts will linger, and that's never good.
me: haay, difficult decisions. and his opponents are not taking this sitting down. they've been hurling black propaganda against him as early as now
fr. F: that's to be expected.
filipinos play dirty.
that's the immaturity of our culture.
-End-

Papa's Girl

Last Sunday, my Papa celebrated his 51st birthday. I thought he was only 45 and he didn't bother to correct me. Well, he kept asserting he was just 28 which would mean he was 3 years old when he got married. Fat chance! :)

And since we weren't there to celebrate his birthday with him, I came up with this blog tribute for the most special man in my life, my papa - Pastor Manlangit.


What's in a name?
There were several times when I'd get curious questions from strangers.
Iha, anong religion niyo?
Sagot naman ako, Catholic po. Bakit po?
Eh bakit pastor ang tatay mo?
(lolz)
Eh kasi po, pinanganak siya nung March 29 at ayon sa Almanaqui (bisaya word for the Book of Names), Pastor daw dapat ang ipangalan sa kanya. OA naman po kung pastor pa siya. Eh di, Pastor Pastor Manlangit na ang name niya. Baka umabot na siya sa 7th Heaven.
(you can laugh now :))

Early years
Papa is the eldest of 6 siblings. They were born and raised in a small town in Bohol. When we were younger, he loved to regale us with stories of his youth and we would listen in awe like he was narrating the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. There were stories about how he would sell kangkong in the wee hours of the morning in order to have some baon and walk for miles just to be able to go to school. There was also a time when he was beaten by my lolo because he targeted my lola with a pintik (slingshot). When we visited his hometown, he showed us the river where they used to swim, the house where they used to live, even the place where he used to hide just so his father wouldn't be able to find him and beat him. (Apparently, corporal punishment was the norm back then.)

Who's your daddy?
I have very fond memories of my dad. I do consider myself as my Papa's girl because I'm the eldest and I was the only daughter for 4 years before my younger siblings were born one after the other.(read: ala do-re-mi) Kumbaga, nagexperiment muna sila for 4 years at nung na-assess nila na okay pala ang may baby, ayun dinagdagan na nila.

Since he was always assigned in some other remote region, he was not always around when I was growing up. I think he only went home once a month but that's good enough for me. I look forward to his coming home because that would mean many things - pasalubong! his favorite dishes! new bedsheet! (hehe)I even think I was spoiled back then because I always get what I wanted - walkman, roller skates, bike, even a Nancy Drew pocketbook.

But there's one painful experience in Grade 4 which I could not forget. We had a serious talk about my grades because I did not make it to the top ten (petty issue, right?). You see, I was not really an achiever. I was contented with just getting by and I didn't feel the need to excel. Before the confrontation, I already knew that I would get the flak. So I did the only thing which I thought would get me off the hook - I cried. Correction: I bawled to the best of my ability. But to no avail. He seemed set on what he's about to do. He made me sign a contract. Yep, a written contract governed by Art. 1305 of the Civil Code, which is a meeting of the minds between two persons whereby one binds himself, with respect to the other, to give something or to render some service. If I remember correctly, the contract went like this...

I, Donna Patricia Manlangit, promise my father that I will make it to the top ten or else I would be transferred to Requina Elementary School (which is a public school across our house).

Signed by me and my papa.

Now, how traumatic can that be for a 10 year old child? What would my friends say? I was more concerned with my "honor". Fueled by this fear, I always made sure that I made it to the top ten (in class lang ha, di ko kaya yung batch level). So I guess his method was effective. I think he also did it to my younger siblings. Wala din silang kawala. Fair enough :)

You think that's the end of the story? Not yet. Last year, as I was talking to my lolo, he mentioned that he also did that contract signing ritual to my papa. Huli ka! Wala palang originality ang papa ko. He also got the same treatment from his father. It has become a family tradition. Hmm, maybe I'll also do it to my future children complete with notary seal and all. hehehe.

What to say?
Pa, thank you so much for everything you've done for our family.
For all your sacrifices
For all the lessons
For all the adventures
For all the stories
I will treasure these memories forever.
You may not be perfect but you are the best Papa in the world.
I love you pa.

Being Spidey

Yesterday, I tried something new - wall climbing! Well, its not actually my first time to scale a wall, but it was my first time to go to the PowerUp gym and scale different walls for almost 2 hours. It gets pretty draining after a while but I enjoyed myself immensely.

I also learned how to belay. Yey! According to Wikipedia, belaying is the technique of controlling the rope so that a falling climber does not fall very far. As the climber moves on the climb, the belayer must remove the slack from the rope by paying out or pulling in excess rope. If the climber falls, then they will free-fall the distance of the slack or unprotected rope before friction applied by the belayer will start to slow their descent. It is extremely important for the belayer to concentrate on the climber's situation, as their role is crucial for the climber's safety. (emphasis mine)

When Kuya Chonny showed us the proper way to belay, it looked smooth and easy but no, when it was my turn, it wasn't easy after all. Let me qualify that statement. Belaying itself is not that complicated but the thought that somebody's life is at stake if ever I make a mistake... then that's when things get complicated. :) I can imagine the fear that my friend D felt when she was belaying for her son. Anyway, I got used to it after a while and we even received our belay certificates. hehe

With regards to the climbing experience, it gave me a different kind of high, a sudden rush of adrenaline. The fear of falling and the determination to get it to the top added to the excitement. It made me feel like Spiderman trying to look for stable handholds and footholds just to make it to the top. For starters, we scaled the Kiddie wall. Then moved on to the Molly wall. Then, we attempted the Poise wall which was true to its name. According to my friend, "Kaya Poise and tawag sa wall na yun kasi nakakawala ng poise." hehe. The pictures were totally unglamorous but what the heck, I strained myself to get to the middle part. After that, I can't hold on any longer. I had to let go. Thanks to my friend who was belaying, I was able to land in one piece. Haay, that was pretty frustrating. This just goes to show that I have to build up on my upper body strength and lose a little weight so that I can pull myself up. Well, I can't learn it all in a day. I still have the whole summer to practice and try again. :)


Someday, I'll conquer that Poise wall and any other wall for that matter.

P.S.
Thanks to Dana B. for the action shots. :)

why suffer?

Journal Entry
20 August 2008

I realize now that suffering and oppression will always be part of this world. There will always be people who exploit and oppress others and the economic society will always be unjust - just as it was in Jesus' time. But the goal is not to live a happy life free from all these oppression and suffering. That would be sheer utopia. The goal is to live a meaningful life. Amidst all these suffering, one must find the real meaning and purpose of this whole experience. One must try to understand, coupled with God's grace, the reason why god allows these things to happen in one's life. God's intention is not to hurt you - I'm sure it must hurt him also to see his sons and daughters suffer but like a loving Father, He can see ahead into the future. He knows that one has to go through all these painful experiences in order to grow and learn the lessons and purposes of this life. And just like the loving Father that he is, he does not give us things or experiences that we cannot bear. He knows us more than we know ourselves. He knows what we are capable of doing. We just need a slight push into that direction. Know that He is the Good Shepherd and He wants what is best for us - and that is to be with him in heaven after our temporary exile here on earth.


dpm

Choosing a Life that Matters

LIFE THAT MATTERS

Ready or not, some day it will all come to an end.
There will be no more sunrises, no minutes, hours or days.
All the things you collected, whether treasured or forgotten
will pass to someone else. Your wealth, fame and temporal power will
shrivel to irrelevance. It will not matter what you owned
or what you were owed. Your grudges, resentments, frustrations
and jealousies will finally disappear.
So to, your hopes, ambitions, plans and to do lists will expire.
The wins and losses that once seemed so important will fade away.
It wont matter where you came from or what side
of the tracks you lived on at the end.
It wont matter whether you were beautiful or brilliant.
Even your gender and skin colour will be irrelevant.
So what will matter?
What will matter is not what you bought but what you built,
not what you got but what you gave.
What will matter is not your success but your significance.
What will matter is not what you learned but what you taught.
What will matter is every act of integrity, compassion,
courage or sacrifice that enriched, empowered or encouraged
others to emulate your example.
What will matter is not your competence but your character.
What will matter is not how many people you knew,
but how many will feel a lasting loss when you are gone.
What will matter is not your memories but the memories
that live in those who loved you.
What will matter is how long you will be remembered,
by whom and for what.
Living a life that matters doesn't happen by accident.
It's not a matter of circumstance but of choice.
Choose a life that matters."

via So She Tells You

kwentong peyups

1. ANONG STUDENT NUMBER MO?
00-71804
At least, umabot pa sa new millennium. Hindi pa ganun ka-ancient.

2. NAKAPASA KA BA OR WAITLISTED?
Awa ng Diyos, nakapasa naman.

3. PAANO MO NALAMAN ANG ENTRANCE EXAM RESULT?
Hmm, bumabagyo pa nun ng lumabas ang result. Sinabihan yata ako ng isang kaklase. Ayoko pang maniwala hanggang di ko nakita sa newspaper.

4. ANO ANG FIRST CHOICE MO NA COURSE?
Linguistics. Wala akong alam tungkol dun pero dahil yun ang gustong kunin ng isa kong pinsan at sounds sushal, so yun ang kinuha ko.

5. SECOND CHOICE?
BAA. Lahat naman yata ng magulang nun, yun ang gustong ipakuha sa mga anak.

6. ANO COURSE NATAPOS MO?
Public Administration

7. NAG-SHIFT KA BA?
Yep. nosebleed talaga ako dun sa linguistics.

8. CHINITO/CHINITA KA BA?
True blue pinay.

9. NAKAPAG-DORM KA BA?
Siyempre.
Kalay. Molave. Yakal. Ilang-ilang.

10. NAKA UNO KA BA?
meron din naman. looking back, parang andaling makakuha ng uno nun. ngayon sa lost school, dugo, pawis, pati uhog ang kailangan ibigay para makakuha ng tres. :)

11. NAGKA-3?
yup. meron din.

12. LAGI KA BANG PUMAPASOK SA KLAS?
Yup. Nasa dorm lang naman kasi ako. kaya kahit bumabagyo, basta may pasok, pasok pa rin ako. Nagwalk-out lang ako nung Edsa Dos kasi si Prof. Bauzon na rin ang nagsabi na magwalk-out kami. Sumusunod lang naman ako sa utos ng mga nakakataas.

13. MAY SCHOLARSHIP KA BA?
STFAP

14. ILANG UNITS NA ANG NAIPASA MO.
sa undergrad? tapos na lahat.
sa MA? thesis units na lang.
sa lost school? mahaba-habang biyahe pa to.

15. NANGARAP KA BANG MAGING CUM LAUDE?
nangarap din naman at nagsumikap na matupad ang pangarap.
Kasi naman yung nanay ko lagi akong pinagsasabihan nung hayskul, bakit daw di ko siya pinapaakyat ng stage?
Sabi ko naman sa kanya, tara ma, akyat tayo ngayon na. (pilosopang bata!)
Kaya nung aakyat na kami sa stage nung college grad, binulungan ko siya.
O ma, aakyat na tayo ng stage ha. UP pa. hehe

16. KELAN KA NAGTAPOS?
April 2004

17. FAVE PROF
Mam Mila Aguilar
Sir Jocano

18. WORST TEACHER:
Prof. Saguil

19. FAVE SUBJECT:
Hum 1

20. WORST SUBJECT:
Math 17

21. FAVE BUILDING:
Molave.

22. PABORITONG KAINAN:
Albergus. walang choice, yun ang kainan sa dorm eh.

23. NONG ESTUDYANTE KA PA MAGKANO BA ANG BINABAYAD MO SA JEEP?
3.50

24. LAGI KA BA SA LIBRARY
hindi masyado. mas gusto ko laging nasa labas.

25. NAGPUNTA KA BA SA CLINIC NUN?
infirmatay? oo. para magpatoothbrush. 10 pesos lang bayad sa oral prophylaxis eh.

26. MAY CRUSH KA BA SA CAMPUS?
marami din naman. yung isa, naging gaysha na. ;P

27. ANU-ANO ANG MGA NAGING PE MO?
Social Dance 1 and 2, Basketball, Softball, Bowling

28. KAMUSTA NAMAN ANG BLOCK NYO?
okay lang pero halatang ginawang backdoor lang ang ling. isa lang ang gumraduate ng linguistics sa amin at teacher na siya ngaun sa dept.

29. MEMORIZE MO BA ANG ALMA MATER SONG
oo naman. It never fails to give me the goosebumps. Pero mas gusto ko yung version for Lean Alejandro.

Malayong lupain
Di kailangang marating
Dito maglilingkod sa bayan natin.

30. MEMBER KA BA NG VARSITY TEAM?
asa pa. iba ang interests ko nun.

31. NAKA-PERFECT KA NA BA NG EXAM?
yup, lagpas pa sa perfect. Land Administration exam. That was right after watching the Oblation Run.

32. DITO KA BA NATUTONG UMINOM NG BEER?
di ako masyadong umiinom nun. sa lost skul pa.

33. Nahuli ka bang nakikipaglampungan sa Sunken Garden/ UP grounds?
hwhaat?!? ang sarap ngang pagsabihan ng mga yun, get a room!

34. Saan ang pinakamasarap na Fishball?
hindi ako masyadong mahilig sa fishball kasi masyadong artificial na ang lasa, di ko malasahan ang fish. mas gusto ko yung fishball nung highschool na galing sa balde, at ang pinangkukuha ung kutsara para sa gatas. 2 for 25 cents. sulit na sulit.

35. Anong battalion mo nung ROTC?
We weren't required to join that.

36. Ano paborito mong meryenda sa UP?
Banana cue, monay, rice krispies sa first stall, halo-halo sa LB for 15pesos.

37. Naikot mo na ba ang buong UP grounds?
siyempre naman.

38. Inulan ka ba nung umattend ka ng University Graduation?
napakainit nga nun. pero nun ko naramdaman na graduate na nga talaga ako.

39. Ano ang pinakagrabeng pilang napuntahan mo?
enrollment. although nung first year ako unang inimplement ang CRS.

40. Kung may quote ka para sa UP, ano ito?
Salamat sa paghubog ng aking kamalayan.

Taften Summer Getaway

Summer na naman! Sarap na sanang pumunta sa beach. Unfortunately, I still have final exams until the 28th of April. How cool is that? :) So, I might as well content myself with listing my fave getaways and try to relive the moment. You might get some ideas for your own summer escapades.

P.S.
As soon as I have the time, I'll try to draft a brief backgrounder about each destination. For now, just content yourself with the pictures.

1. Tinuy-an Falls, Bislig, Surigao del Sur


2. Coron Island, Palawan


3. Puerto Princesa, Palawan


4. Boracay Island, Panay

5. Bohol


6. Bantayan Island, Cebu


7. Anawangin, Zambales


8. Hagonoy Island, Bislig, Surigao del Sur


9. Donsol, Sorsogon


10. Sagada, Mt. Province

Be still, know that I am God

24 March 2009

My lame attempt at poetry...
Inspired by Psalm 46:11 "Be still, know that I am God."

Be still my soul
God is around
Be still my soul
His love abounds

Silence the chatter within
Listen to His voice
Allow Him to come in
Go, make that choice

No matter what state you are in
Confused, betrayed even heartbroken
Remember, He has a reason for every strife
For He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life

Know these truths by heart
For it will guide you through different paths
And when you're confronted with choices good or bad
Be still and know that He is God

torturous route

Last Friday, I attended a forum sponsored by the Philippine Human Rights Committee (PHRC) for the ratification and possible implementation of the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture (OPCAT). This additional protocol aims to minimize the incidence of torture by establishing a system of regular visits to jails and detention centers. These regular visits will be conducted by the Sub-Committee for the Prevention of Torture (SPT), which is an international body composed of 10 experts. The National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) will be a local body composed of independent experts. This protocol has been pending in our committee since last year. We can not do anything about it yet because we have been getting mixed signals from the "powers that be". First, they're supporting it. Then we heard in the news that they're shelving it for awhile. Last thing I heard, they're pro-ratification but they plan to defer compliance with the obligations. ano ba talaga?

First, I'd like to clarify my position that I am against torture or any kind of violence against persons. There is no sufficient justification for a person in authority to inflict pain on another for the sake of extracting information or even for the sheer fun of it. Even if they are detained or convicted, they are still people with rights. Allegedly, incidents of torture are still pervasive even if the martial law era is long gone. This is the impetus for the immediate ratification of OPCAT. Through these surprise visits from experts, torture incidents would hopefully be lessened because other people would be observing the jails and other detention centers. But is this the real solution? I do not see the added value for the NPM since we already have a local body doing that function headed by the CHR. I think it would be a mere redundancy of function and another stopgap measure. If the administration is serious with its crusade against torture (if it has any serious agenda at all besides the 2010 elections), it can and should already operate within the CAT framework which we ratified decades ago. Now, if the "powers that be" can not do that and continues to creatively make excuses for non-compliance, then I say:

Ratify OPCAT!

If only to send a clear signal to the torture perpetrators, somebody is watching!

Go, live your life

I got this from some blog, sorry I forgot which one. But I just love the message so I thought of reposting it here. This is something I would like to remind myself everyday.



So fail.
Be bad at things.
Be embarrassed.
Be afraid.
Be vulnerable.
Go out on a limb or two or twelve.
You will fall, and it will hurt.
But the farther you fall, the higher you will rise.
The higher you rise, the clearer your future becomes.
Failure is a gift, welcome it.
There are people who spend their whole lives wondering how they became the people they became, how certain chances pass them by, why they didn’t take the roads less traveled. Those people aren’t you. You have front row seats to your own transformation and in transforming yourself, you might transform the world. It will be electric, and I promise it will be terrifying. Embrace that; embrace the new person you’re becoming. This is your moment. I promise you, it is now, not to two minutes from now, not tomorrow, but really now. Own that, know that deep in your bones, go to sleep every night knowing that, wake up every morning remembering that, and keep going.

No U-turns

"I felt like that moment would change me,
that nothing would ever be the same again.
And it wasnt.
Now that I have gone there I cant ever
go back and pretend I hadnt.
I know the way now.
I cant pretend that I dont.
If I knew it would turn out like this I
dont think I would have done it.
They say it wasnt true love if you dont
think the pain of the end was worth it.
I loved you with all my heart and soul but
all of this has ruined what we had.
The darkness has bled into the light
and the past is now a little murky.
I am moving on."

via So She Tells You

The regret you will feel

Another repost from So She Tells You

"I never thought you'd let me walk away that easily.
Without any real attempt to work things out.
There was no screaming, no fighting and no
real emotion on your part.
I think I imagined those tears in your eyes.
They didnt glisten like the ones that fell from mine.
I thought you would see how wrong you were.
I thought that you would miss me - my laugh, my
imagination and my love.
How could you not miss me?
I took the best parts of you and I washed away the
worst. I pretended you were this perfect specimen,
someone who had no faults and did no wrong.
Maybe I imagined the whole thing.
I never wanted to be the tragic person who has
been broken by a lover.
But when I let you in I opened myself up to hurt.
And I'm not ashamed to have loved you that much.
How naive and sweet I used to be.
If you ever pass by this way to see how I am
doing. If you stop by to read my thoughts and words,
know that life is full of moments and you had me,
for a moment. But then you let me go.
And that regret is yours to carry."

I write what I feel

Got this poem from So She Tells You


Have you ever had the feeling that you want to hear or read something which would affirm your emotions? This poem is it.

I just had to post it here. My exact sentiments ;(

I keep writing. I don't know why really.
Maybe because this has all been new for me.
I wanted to note the pain. The rawness of that emotion.
The emptiness inside that I never thought would be filled.
This has been a journey for me.
And as I come to the end of this road another will open.
That's just the way this thing works.
I want you to know that I am healing.
The scars arent as visible now.
I stopped counting the days [weeks] since you left [we parted ways].
I stopped wanting you to come back.
Inner strength is a virtue.
Friendship can get you through the darkest night.
As I begin this new adventure I hold my head high,
and a smile is resting on my lips.

And I hopefully say, "The best is yet to come."

minsan sa may Kalayaan...

Taong 2000, nung una akong umapak sa Unibersidad ng Pilipinas. Galing sa napakalayong probinsiya ng Surigao del Sur, bitbit ko ang isang napakalaging bag na naglalaman ng lahat ng mga gamit at gagamitin ko sa aking pamamalagi sa UP. Ang sabi nila, maswerte daw ako at nakapasa ako sa UPCAT, at sa Diliman pa. Magkahalong eksaytment at kaba ang naramdaman ko noon. Biruin mo, first time kong mahiwalay sa mga magulang ko at wala pa akong kamag-anak sa Maynila.

Buti na lang sa Kalayaan Residence Hall ako nakatira, at ito na rin ang naging unang tahanan ko sa UP. Dito ko nakilala ang mga taong kaibigan ko pa rin hanggang ngayon. Dito kami natutong mangarap at natuto ring maghirap para sa mga pangarap na yun. Iba't iba kami ng pinanggalingang probinsiya, iba't iba rin ang kurso, pero pinagsama kami ng aming mga pangarap - sana ay makagraduate mula sa premyadong Unibersidad ng Pilipinas. Kaya nga relate na relate ako sa kanta ng E-heads na Minsan.

Minsan - Eraserheads

minsan sa may kalayaan tayo'y nagkatagpuan
may mga sariling gimik at kaya-kanyang hangad sa buhay
sa ilalim ng iisang bubong
mga sekretong ibinubulong
kahit na anong mangyari
kahit na saan ka man patungo
chorus
ngunit ngayon kay bilis maglaho ng kahapon
sana'y huwag kalimutan ang ating mga pinagsamahan
at kung sakaling gipitin ay laging iisipin
na minsan tayo ay naging
tunay na magkaibigan
minsan ay parang wala nang bukas sa buhay natin
inuman sa magdamag na para bang tayo'y mauubusan
sa ilalim ng bilog na buwan
mga tiyan nati'y walang laman
ngunit kahit na walang pera
ang bawat gabi'y anong saya
repeat chorus
minsan ay hindi ko na alam ang nangyayari
kahit na anong gawin
lahat ng bagay ay merong hangganan
dahil ngayon tayo ay nilimot ng kahapon
di na mapipilitang buhayin ang ating pinagsamahan
ngunit kung sakaling mapadaan baka
ikaw ay aking tawagan
dahil minsan tayo ay naging
tunay na magkaibigan

At nung kinakanta ito ng E-heads nung Final Set Concert, bumalik sa aking alaala ang mga araw na yun sa Kalay. Ang pagmemeryenda ng pancit canton at banana cue. Ang pagkukwentuhan ng ghost stories sa gabi kaya sama-sama kaming natulog sa isang kwarto kasi tinakot namin ang mga sarili namin sa mga kwento. Ang mga iyakan blues dahil namimiss namin ang mga pamilya namin. Ang amoy ng kape dahil nagpupuyat para sa finals. Ang kwentuhan sa mess hall at pangchaka sa pagkain ng Somos. Ang libreng freshman concert kung saan ko unang nakitang tumugtog ang Parokya ni Edgar at siyempre ang Eraserheads. At dahil hindi kami umabot sa curfew, tumambay na lang kami sa may Procurement Service at pinatawag pa sa office ni Ma'am Alma. Pero okay lang, sulit na sulit naman ang panonood namin sa concert na yun.

Haay, kay bilis nga lang maglaho ng kahapon. May kanya-kanya na kaming mga buhay. May mga natupad na ring mga pangarap, at may mga bagong pangarap na pilit tinutupad. Pero ang sarap pa rin balik-balikan ng mga alaala.

Salamat Eraserheads dahil sa paggawa niyo ng mga magandang kanta na nakakapagpabalik ng mga ganitong alaala. Salamat dahil hindi kayo nagpadala sa mga pagsubok na kinaharap niyo noon. Nakakalungkot dahil totoo nga ang kasabihan na "Some good things never last!". Pero sapat na nga siguro ang mahigit na isang dekadang magkasama at magkajam kayo sa pagbuo ng musika. Higit sa lahat, maraming salamat sa pagbahagi niyo ng musikang ito sa mga tagahangang tulad ko.

Salamat at Paalam Eraserheads!

writing for you

A friend once told me that one technique in conquering the fear of writing is to think about a story which I would like to share with somebody.

Think of that person while writing your story and storytelling will come naturally.

This gave me a new perspective in writing. Each one of us has our own story to tell and its up to us to convey this to the world through whatever medium we choose.

Now, I resolve to start writing for YOU.

distracted

These feelings are so new to me and I don't know how to handle it. Its invading my consciousness and distracting me. So many questions, I need an answer.


Haay, kay hirap pala.

Back Staff

I AM worth a lot

In a brief conversation, a man, speaking to a woman, was out to pursue the question, "What kind of man are you looking for?"

She sat quietly for a moment before looking him in the eye and asked, "Do you really want to know?"
Reluctantly, he said, "Yes" as she began to expound...


"As a woman in this day and age, I am in a position to ask a man what he can do for me that I can't do for myself.

I pay my own bills.

I take care of my household without the help of any man- or woman for that matter. I am in the position to ask, 'What can you bring to the table?'"


The man looked at her. Clearly he thought that she was referring to money.

She quickly corrected his thought and stated, "I am not referring to money... I need something more. I need a man who is striving for perfection in every aspect of life."

He sat back in his chair, folded his arms, and asked her to explain.

She said,


"I am looking for someone who is striving for perfection Mentally. I need conversation and mental stimulation. I don't need a simple-minded man.

I am looking for someone who is striving for perfection Spiritually because I don't need to be unequally yoked... Believers mixed with unbelievers is a recipe for disaster.

I need a man who is striving for perfection Financially because I don't need a financial... burden.

I am looking for someone who is Sensitive enough to understand what I go through as a woman, but Strong enough to keep me grounded.

I am looking for someone who I can Respect. In order to be submissive, I must respect him. I cannot be submissive to a man who isn't taking care of his business. I have no problem being submissive... He just has to be worthy.

God made woman to be a helpmate for man. At this point, I can't help a man if he can't help himself."


When she finished her spill, she looked at him. He sat there with a puzzled look on his face, and exclaimed, "You're asking for a whole lot!"

To which she gracefully replied...


"Only if you think I'm not WORTH a lot." :)

***

When the pressure to be with someone is building up on us

When we think of lowering our standards just to entertain the first guy who asks us out

Sisters, we need to be reminded of this message - WE are worth a lot.

We should never settle for anything less...

fear...

I can't say it often enough. I have a fear of writing and an even greater fear of posting my thoughts publicly like this blog. Yet again, I keep on convincing myself that its about time to conquer this fear. I need to learn how to communicate my thoughts in written form. And I think, blogging is one great way to practice my writing skills. With this, I say hello to my blog again and I hope I'll be able to blog more often.

driven...

I may have slacked off in my acads for the past few days but now, I regained my inner drive to catch up with my acad stuff and prepare for the final exams next week. I owe it to Prof. Muyot for being so inspiring.

Note:
I started writing this entry October of last year. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to finish it due to my usual fear. ;p Now, I'll just jot down some insights which I noted in my journal.

* Believe in yourself. Do not limit yourself. Always aspire to be better.
* Do not think about the grades. What is more important is what you learned from each class, each case, each day. This will all add up to your arsenal of knowledge and help you become a good lawyer.
* Be a student of integrity.
* Add more value to people. Make it your passion.
* Don't make excuses for your failures. Learn from it and improve your performance.
* There are many choices available for you - just be patient.
* Read...read... and read. Devise a framework. The law is simple, you don't have to complicate it. Read and understand. Do more than what is expected of you.
* Strive to become a DAMN GOOD LAWYER and use it to improve the current situation.
* Be the solution.
* Learn to digest cases succintly.
* Its a learning process. Change your mind about law school as early as now.

time to write

Ecclesiastes 3:1 "There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven"

In the Ecclesiastes reading today, Qoheleth was saying that there's a time for everything.. A time to weep, and a time to laugh; A time to mourn, and a time to dance. He is also the author who declared that everything is meaningless, meaningless. So, what are we supposed to do?Do we just stay idle and wait for our lives to end? Or do we go out and do crazy stuff because life is short and we gotta make the most out of it?

I guess what he just wanted to say is for the people to realize that every worldly pursuit is meaningless unless one takes it in the context of eternity. Life does not end with our last breath. Its just the start of something better.. one might call it resurrection or after life or heaven.. The most important thing is to think beyond this earthly life. It might be advisable to ask myself this question: Will this pursuit bring me closer to my heavenly inheritance?

This passage also made me reflect on the things that are keeping me preoccupied right now. I guess this is the time to write and the time to think about what I really want to do with my life. Are these pursuits bringing me closer to heaven? Or am I just wasting my time pursuing meaningless goals? Hmmm.. that's a hard question to answer. I may be going through very difficult times right now but I believe these struggles only make me cling more strongly to Him whom I know will always be there for me. Maybe, that's the purpose of all these..

Life may not be meaningless after all..