Till There Was Me

Happy Day

2006-03-01T00:50:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to my dear Sister Ruth and my dear friend Cel!

Happy first day of work for me. =)

Cel, san tayo? ;)

Nyahaha

2006-02-09T22:08:00.000-08:00

Sorry guys, this is not an update on the IAGM post.

Happy Birthday to my blockmate, Philo groupmate, MIS groupmate, bridgemate (is there such a thing?), co-trainee Kelayski! How old are you? :)

IAGM!!!

2006-01-23T19:17:00.000-08:00

My next post, 'pag di ako tinamad, would probably be a surprise to some people... Just read between the lines (and the title). =)

Learning the Hard Way

2005-12-06T03:18:00.000-08:00

I'd like to apologize to my fellow bloggers for not updating my blog for the past month or so. My schedule was packed than ever. It's a good thing that God, great as He is, recognizes my frailties and that He shows mercy by giving me some time off from the busy environment and gather my strength for the upcoming activities this week.

The Regional YSA Conference we have been preparing for months was a blast! Though I cannot speak for everyone else, lots seemed to have the time of their lives. I especially enjoyed the community service section of the program. My team was assigned to the kids. Oh, how I love them! It feels good to see the spark in their eyes when you hand them a Zesto and a cupcake. It was even touching when they keep some of the food given so they could share it to those at their home, probably to their brothers or sisters. There, I felt how I was needed by people like them. Though the program would probably still be a success even if I wasn't there, knowing that some children was made happier at that particular moment, would be a comforting thought.

This morning and late this afternoon, I had the chance to read parts of Alma 51 and 52. If there's one thing I realize from this scripture block, it's about the stubborness of people - people who would rather learn it the hard way than just do what they know is right. The Lamanite people had to be defeated, with many of them suffering death, many times before they give up their weapons of war. But still, a number of them remain to be stubborn. Many times, in our relationships with our friends, family, loved ones, co-workers, etc., with whom we have become all too familiar with, with those whom we know would never leave us when things go desperate, we take lots of things for granted. We ignore their counsels, ignore even those important people, and when something happens, - poof! Too late. Sabi nga nila, kailangan pa natin mauntog para matuto. Hay.. nakakahiya man, I am one of those who take a lot of things for granted. A lot of times I insist on what I want. Stubborn kasi talaga ako. Lots of times I even ask in my prayers that I be blessed with this or that. It's kind of a weird punishment, but a lot of times I am given the things I asked for. After a while, I realize that that thing I wished for really wasn't the best for me after all. I should have trusted God's will, for He knows everything and has endured many things. I quote from Elder Valdez, our devotional speaker for the last day of the conference, wrote in his Powerpoint presentation, "There is no hurt He has not endured." My head is probably hard enough to crack this computer. Hehe. Now, I think this is His way of making me realize this. Why do we have to learn the hard way before we realize these kinds of things? Life, I guess, as Elder Valdez said, has its joys and disappointments. And this, is one of my life's disappointment.. tsk.. tsk..

'Nuff said about regrets. Ge, Sabs and the rest of the gang are planning a Christmas party. I don't have any ideas when, where, or what activities would take place but one things's for sure - rounds of BRIDGE wouldn't be left out. ;)

High School Life

2005-11-09T17:29:00.000-08:00

I had a good laugh at this test.. as if I didn't expect this one.

Sorry, no can do..

Take the What High School
Stereotype Are You? quiz.

Happiness in Service

2005-10-27T18:22:00.000-07:00

The other day I came out of the office and walked with Des to where my car was parked. It would probably take a 5-minute walk to get there. At that time, I was feeling quite down and my mind was preoccupied with a lot of things. Des and I walked silently. I thought about the many things in life inlcuding the recent events that had quite an impact to my plans, where I am now and what I would want to be. It might sound a bit general, but I guess each individual has his own unique reflections, however shallow or deep it might seem or sound. As we got near the parking lot, I noticed a girl searching through some trash bags. She got ahold of some rotten bread and searched for more. I remembered I had a piece of chocolate in my bag but we were past her already. I told myself that I would just give it to the girl on the way back since we'd be passing the same way. But I never had the chance to - she was gone. "Oh, well...," I told myself. On the way to Megamall, I stopped for a red light. A lame man knocked on my window and then I saw a boy selling sampaguita. I told myself I'd give the piece of chocolate to the little boy. A bit hesitant to open my window because the man kept knocking, I waited for him to stop and proceed to the next car while I struggled to take the piece of candy from my bag. He stopped alright. But by then, the boy was quite far from my car as well. Whew! Two opportunities to share the chocolate right under my nose, but that piece of chocoalte never had the chance to get out of my handbag. I felt bad. I realized that if I really wanted to, I could have called that young boy, or went back for that little girl, or even opened the window for the lame man and give them that piece of chocolate. You guys, don't let opportunities to serve pass you by just like that!

I can't believe I dwelt too much on my own dilemmas in life, when some people have far worse predicaments. If I had a tight spot that day, they had stiffer and more rigid ones! That made me realize how I should be truly grateful for the things that I have. Somehow, it put my life back into perspective.

Had I given that piece of chocolate to the girl with the trash bag, or the lame man, or the little boy with the sampaguita, I think, and would most likely, have felt better that day.

2005-09-25T20:09:00.000-07:00

With some idle time at the office, Paul and I did some experiments with Microsoft Paint. At the same time, this will serve JC Ansis right for ridiculing the Eagles. Hehe.. :)

2005-09-25T20:05:00.000-07:00

Haha.. JC's revenge. :)

Finding Comfort

2005-08-30T02:25:00.000-07:00

I guess my friend knew that I needed it. I was feeling depressed this morning because of certain events, and somehow, I felt less than my self-worth. When suddenly, I got a pop from Kel, my officemate. Here's what he sent:

kel: It is your HEART that makes you the BEST. You are wonderful according to what you are, not according to what you HAVE.... --anonymous

Thanks, Kel! :)

But more that that, I found truthfulness to these words by James E. Faust:

We find solace in Christ through the agency of the Comforter, and the Savior extends this invitation to us: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” The Apostle Peter speaks of “casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” As we do this, healing takes place, just as the Lord promised through the prophet Jeremiah when He said: “I will turn their mourning into joy, and will comfort them, and make them rejoice from their sorrow. … I have satiated the weary soul, and I have replenished every sorrowful soul.”

And in the celestial glory, we are told that “God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain.” Then faith and hope will replace heartache, disappointment, torment, anguish, and despair, and the Lord will give us strength, as Mormon says, that we “should suffer no manner of afflictions, save it were swallowed up in the joy of Christ.”

Thanks to these, I'll have happier days. :)

The "L" Word

2005-08-21T23:44:00.000-07:00

I don't know why, but lately I've been thinking about what LOVE really means. I know that everyone's got a first-hand experience (whether with a family, friend or significant other) and that it's a topic that been overly discussed and judged. But I just had an intelligent chat with a close friend and she said that one should know that there is a "big difference when you are standing on a hill looking at the flowers below, and when you are actually lying among the flowers". At this point, now that I have got a better view, I could relate to more people when they say that love is all about self-giving. I can't believe that a person is in love without understanding the principle of sacrifice. Loving, sometimes means pain. One famous quote says, "you hurt because you love." A lot of people fear this possibility. But loving, on the other hand, also means enduring the pain, and being willing to sacrifice your own feelings. In that way it is unconditional. It also means putting "him" or "her" before "you". When you've learned to do that, then you have learned to love. But it's a whole lot different from martyrdom as most people conceive it to be. In someway it is, but I think love's got a bigger scope. It encompasses everything. Martyrdom, patriotism, sacrifice, faithfulness, loyalty, patience, etc. - all spring from love. They are considered as best expressions of love. Of course, it is important that as we find love, we should also seek our own happiness and share it with someone who would be willing to share it. That, I think, is the beauty of love.

Changes

2005-07-19T22:40:00.001-07:00

Hay! I haven't been reading blogs like I used to. Obvious ba? I haven't been updating mine too, as regularly as I did before.. Hehe.. Anyway, leaving our beloved country seems to be the common theme of a lot of my friends' blogs. As I read their blogs, I felt sad, 'coz I know that it would take some time before I get to see them again.. Of course, I'll miss Philo groupmate + MIS groupmate + bridgemate Joyie, Philo groupmate + MIS groupmate + bridgemate + co-trainee Kelay, Theo groupmate Birdie, Robert who'll be serving as a missionary in Hawaii, Ate Chips' Mark who will be leaving for Canada next year, and of course uyab Sam who'll be leaving for Hawaii to study. But I bet these guys definitely had a good deal of thought before choosing that alternative. I think it all depends on the person and how he or she views certain changes in his or her life. Just recently, I've had to make certain mature and major decisions in my life too. I've sacrificed good friendships and a lot more things.. In the next few months, I'll be making more decisions I bet.. hehe.. I'll just blog about it next time, probably when everthing's final and arrangements have been made.. and that would be several months from now.. haha.. I bet everyone would be surpirsed.. My best friend's sister San-san, who's just my age got married about 2 weeks ago. I remember when we were in high school.. that was like just 4 years ago and we were like nenes back then, and now she's married! Anyway, I agree with King Whitney Jr. when he said that "change has a considerable psychological impact on the human mind. To the fearful it is threatening because it means that things may get worse. To the hopeful it is encouraging because things may get better. To the confident it is inspiring because the challenge exists to make things better". So how would we want ourselves to be qualified? I'd like to think that with our Heavenly Father's guidance, I would be confident and hopeful. Fearful shouldn't be an option to those who have faith. ;)

Happiness

2005-06-27T00:33:00.000-07:00

Many persons have a wrong idea of what constitutes true happiness. It is not attained through self-gratification but through fidelity to a worthy purpose.

-- Helen Keller

Daddy, Papa, Tatay, Dad, Itay, Ama, Popsie

2005-06-20T00:39:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day to all the Dads out there! Sorry for the late greeting. I love you, Daddy. Thanks for everything! :)

2005-06-19T08:57:00.000-07:00

I wonder what's inside. ;)

2005-06-19T08:56:00.000-07:00

I'd Rather be Green that be Blue. Joke lang.. Go Ateneo! :)

2005-06-19T08:52:00.000-07:00

We met one intelligent Labrador, Whiskers.

2005-06-19T08:50:00.000-07:00

It's nice to see God's creations from a different perspective. Yesterday, I had the opportunity to see some of His beautiful handiwork at the UPLB campus. It was so nice and relaxing. It was just so hot that I looked harrassed after several minutes of strolling. Anyway, Sam was able to take some beautiful pictures.

All About Showbusiness

2005-06-15T00:15:00.000-07:00

Heck! Why doesn't she just speak up?!!! GMA's wire-tapped conversation is becoming too big an issue to ignore. But she still wouldn't budge, and let her representatives do the talking for her. How stupid can they be when all they say is, "The President is focusing on governance and more important matters." Bingo! The Filipinos losing confidence in their national leader is not an important matter. Duh.

I admit, I voted for her during the last elections. But at this point, I don't know what to believe anymore. Tsk.. tsk.. Philippine Politics - one profitable showbusiness.

Just Random Thoughts

2005-06-12T08:27:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a nice day for me. I went to the leadership training at about 3 pm. It was especially nice since I had the opportunity to teach the Young Women leaders regarding how they could develop a personal realtionship with Jesus Christ. I got teary-eyed in the middle of the lesson, embarrasing as it is.. hehe.. but I think I was able to send the message.. nice, nice..

I stayed for a while after the leadership as I waited for Kuya "Manong" Ariel and the others. Irene felt really sick, so I brought her all the way to Pateros. Then someone texted me, I wouldn't dare mention the name, and invited me over to Megamall. I had a great time, honest.

Tonight, I feel especially grateful to our Father in Heaven. I've realized that as long as I remain obedient and faithful, I will be blessed. I have also come to understand that as long as I share my blessings with others, Heavenly Father will take care of me, my family, and the people close to my heart. So to everyone reading this, don't forget to share your blessings.

Today, I taught the young women the value of having an eternal perspective. Perspective, being the ability to see things in their true relationship, becomes eternal in nature as we gain knowledge of the truth. Pang-long-term, kung baga. Knowing that something awaits me after this life has helped me face my daily challenges in life. As I feel inspired to write, I'd like to say that having an eternal perspective has helped me have a brighter disposition. Nowadays, I find myself smiling more often, helping more people than I usually do, been very kind to my cousins for several consecutive weeks (though I don't know how long it will last), been more optimistic than usual and rendering more wholehearted service. I thank everyone, especially my Church leaders, my mentors, who have been a good example to me, and to those who have served as my inspiration. Elder LeGrand Richards said: "God bless you to realize where you came from and the great priveleges that are yours. If the veil were rolled back and you could just see one glimpse of God's great eternal plan concerning you and who you are, it would not be hard for you to love Him, keep His commandments, and live to be worthy of every blessing that He has had for you since before the foundations of the world were laid".

On a lighter note, no classes, este, work pala tomorrow! Hehe.. While the whole nation is celebrating Independence day, I am also having my own little celebration - my version of Independence day. It's my first holiday as a working girl, hehe.. I am officially "independent". Can't ask money from my parents anymore and so I've learned to value every cent much more than I did when I was studying, when my parents provided me with daily allowance, which is more than enough for me. Independence day for me means a celebration, 'coz for one thing, I do not ask for baon from my parents anymore and another thing, I have learned the value of sacrifice, and every single day that I spend as an employee, I've grown to love my parents more and more. Nyahaha.. cheesy ba?

Oh, well.. tomorrow I'll be spending the whole day with the youth, helping them with their genealogy (family history) research. Tata! :)

I'm Back!

2005-06-10T01:42:00.000-07:00

Whew! It's been a while since my last post. I've been busy with training for Trend Micro and whoa! It was really exhausting.. those weekly tests and projects.. It's like one whole semester in Ateneo. The final project which me and my groupmates did for just 5 days, was a resource management system! Anyway, the experience was fun, and I'm sure it will be very useful.. I've had several bad experiences.. and good ones.. but it's all over now. I officially started as a Trend Micro employee last Monday. And I was assigned to one challenging project! :)

Last Saturday, we brought Bary to the Missionary Training Center and I remembered vividly the day we brought Oliver there. I miss him terribly! One year and three months to go.. I'll be seeing him again. Afterwards, I went to the farm with Sam, Ate Chips and Pam. I enjoyed it very much. Naturally, since I didn't have any real "break" after graduation. We did so many things. We tried feeding the pigs, collected kamote, played scrabble, did some shooting with dad's airgun and just went around the place. It was very relaxing. Malas, the camera memory card had to be formatted. Grr.. all our pictures were gone! Sam and I didn't feel the least bit uncomfortable since there was no one around to tease the two of us. I miss our friendship! Since he came back from his mission, we never had the chance to talk to each other since everyone's eyes were on us whenever our paths cross. Anyway, Sam is still that same old guy I knew when were a little younger. Although he's grown more mature, and you wouldn't doubt his spiritual growth, he can still be funny when he's in the mood. Hehe.. we've been abusing Smart's umlimited text promo since last week, so we've become more comfortable talking to each other in person. So to those who've been eyeing the two of us since April, you know who you are (though I doubt if you'll be passing by my blog) Sam and I are good friends, so stop, people! Note: I am not mad. Hehe... Our next stop: UPLB. We'll be setting up Ruth's computer in her dorm, and Sam will be helping me! Yey, thanks to him! On Monday, we will bring Ruth to her dorm in UPLB. She'll be staying there for 6 years. Of course, during Summer and Christmas break, she will be back with us in the city again. Only child na lang ako sa Monday. Hehe.. my only brother and my only sister are away from home.. How time passes by! Wala ng katao-tao sa bahay! Our maid left, and my lola will be staying with my tito in Alabang. My mom and dad are always in Antipolo to take care of our business. Ay meron pa pala, our 8 dogs will be guarding our house. Hehe..

Two weeks ago, I had the opportunity to be with the Zamboanga Ensign Chorus. They are a group of professional performers who happened to be in Manila for their Temple Trip. They are performing for free as a form of service to the Church. They performed Les Miserables and My Servant Joseph, which are both very emotional plays. Nakakaiyak talaga! I admire them for their dedication in their work and their unity in the group. I enjoyed their company very much. For one whole week, they stayed at our house (there were about 30 of them) 'coz some of them are my dad's cousin and they asked if they could stay with our family. They had lots of stories about Oliver since his first assignment was in Zamboanga.

Next Saturday, I'm off to UPLB. Hehe.. Excited na ako! I'll post pictures next time. :)

2005-04-10T06:26:00.000-07:00

Candid daw! This picture was so funny.. We were playing Hangaroo when I asked the gardener to take our picture. We were supposed to be still and posing seriously as if we didn't know we were having our picture taken.. when Jaycee pressed "S". We all laughed because of that loud buzzing sound 'pag mali ka sa Hangaroo.. Na-bitay tuloy yng kangaroo.. Haha..

2005-04-10T04:27:00.000-07:00

I miss my high school classmates. Unfortunately, there were SOME people who were not able to come. Oh, well. :D

2005-03-25T19:38:00.000-08:00

Pulling out the kamote.. haha.. it was so nice to take a break from the busy city. I really enjoyed this day at our farm. Would you believe I fed the pigs?!!! :)

Picture! Picture!

2005-03-23T06:19:00.000-08:00

After receiving our "diplomas" (Thank you, Joy!)

2005-03-21T05:12:00.000-08:00

Ano mas maganda, harap o likod? :)

2005-03-21T05:10:00.000-08:00

The Pateros 2nd Ward Relief Society Organization. This is our costume for the cheering competition. Who says older women can't wear sexy clothes? :)

This is It!

2005-03-21T04:45:00.000-08:00

Last year, I witnessed the UST College of Arts and Letters commencement exercises at the PICC. Compared to it, the Ateneo graduation was quite simpler. No offense to my Kuya, but I think my graduation was simpler, more memorable and more profound. For one thing, it was shorter. By the time his graduation was over, we were starving! We were there at around 2 pm and it ended at about 830 or 9. Ours lasted for just a little above three hours. The language used in the UST commencement exercises was English, with the professors and officials having weird British accents. Ours was in Tagalog. I loved the speakers, especially Mr. Tan Caktiong! His speech was very simple and humorous, but it left the graduates with great, inspiring and serious lessons. The valedictorian's (Echevarria) speech was quite alright.. though I don't know him that much, I still would have voted for Cliff Lim to be the batch valedictorian. Even Fr. Ben's parting message was simple and short, but touching. It ended with the traditional Alma Mater song, where we waved our fists to the air. I think it was the best part of the program. The whole batch sang it with all their hearts. I will definitely miss the Ateneo, the MISA room where we play long hours of Bridge with the addicts, the Faura building and Manang's. Most especially, I will miss all the friendships I have made at the Ateneo. To all my blockmates, and barkada, you have made my Ateneo days worth cherishing.

2005-03-21T04:38:00.000-08:00

Block S is the best! Hehe.. thanks to Deng for this one.. grr.. i just got one picture from my camera.. so stupid of me to have left it at Isabelle's car!

I Will Miss You, Guys! :)

2005-03-16T09:45:00.000-08:00

Blockmates

2005-03-16T09:44:00.000-08:00

Friends

2005-03-16T09:43:00.000-08:00

Gianne and Moi

2005-03-16T09:42:00.000-08:00

Jac and Moi

2005-03-16T09:38:00.000-08:00

Cebu Barkada

On Friendship

2005-03-02T20:46:00.000-08:00

Friendship is certainly the finest balm for the pangs of disappointed love.
-- Jane Austen, Northanger Abbey

The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances: if there is any reaction, both are transformed.
-- Carl Jung

Yahoo!

2005-03-01T05:24:00.000-08:00

Yey! I'm done with school.. I think.. hehe..

Anyway, I just had an exam and interview for the Globe IT Cadetship Program with Joy and Deng. I woke up at 6 am becaue the exam starts at 8:30. I was not in the mood to answer an exam... hula na lang lahat.. bahala na.. Well, at least I got to watch A Series of Unfortunate Events in Robinson's Pioneer - ang mall na walang katao-tao. It was so funny kasi kaming tatlo lang plus one guy 'yung nasa loob ng cinema! :)

Last night, I had my defense for my last requirement in Ateneo - the dreaded ITM defense. It went out well, better than what my groupmates and I expected. Last Thursday, I heard that our professor actually had to hold the grades of 2 groups because they were not able to finish the project. So we were very tense before our defense, because some parts of our project didn't push through. I guess I chose the right schedule for our defense because everyone seems to be in a hurry. Pero kainis talaga.. I actually forgot my camera. Ang cute pa naman ng group namin! Jake, Darren, Marvin and Glenn and I decided to wear lavander that night. Imagine the boys wearing that! Hehe...

Afterwards we went to Something Fishy in Eastwood to celebrate.. Haha.. we looked like yuppies when we went there... feeling! :) Basta we're all just too happy that we didn't care.

Happy Valentine's Day?

2005-02-14T06:02:00.000-08:00

February 13, 2005

Youth Conference list of participants due, should be collected from all the wards
Spent the whole night chatting with a friend who was celebrating his birthday (this is the reason I wasn't able to review for OS)
Town fiesta - heavy traffic!
Theo outline due, but I wasn't able to do it.
Just found out that the CD with the captured videos for our ITM project wasn't working. And it's due Tuesday!

February 14, 2005:

Woke up at 7:30. My class starts at 8:30 am, so I left at 8:10. Thanks to the new flyover in Katipunan, I arrived at about 8:40.
Theology 10-page paper due
Book borrowed from library due (which I forgot to bring, so I'll pay overdue tomorrow - 'wag naman sana matanggal pangalan ko sa graduation program dahil sa illegal parking violation at overdue books)
Crammed for CS exam
2-hour OS exam
Submit Theo outline to e-group
Worked on OS program

In short, harrassed ako this Valentine's Day. The only nice thing about today? Sabs gave me a rose: Singles Awareness Day daw. Hehe.. sana walang mag-react. :)

Charge to Experience

2005-02-09T07:53:00.000-08:00

Guess what? 2 more weeks to go before I totally leave the Ateneo, and what did I see when I returned to my car this afternoon at the SS parking lot? An illegal parking sticker! Darn. I used to park at that spot a lot of times before and this is the only time I got a ticket. And I have to pay Php500 before finals week so that I could get cleared. I cannot believe this. I have violated the color coding scheme of the MMDA so many times but I never got caught. And then I ended up getting a violation ticket inside school. Argggh! This is one long day, spent doing a reflection paper for History and doing our OS project.

Kainis talaga. Ralph and Bianca were supposed to follow us on our way to UP to watch a film for History. Then I saw that stupid note on my windshield. So they just went ahead. Kakahiya talaga. I thought we were already late for the film so I drove faster. Then when we arrived there just a few minutes after five (it was supposed to start at 5, according to our History teacher), it hasn’t started yet! And guess what? It will start at 6 pm and will end at 9:30. Three and a half hours for a one page reflection paper? No way, Jose. So Des and I ended up eating at McDo Katipunan and going to QCPIR to do our OS project. What a waste of time, and precious gas. Malas talaga.

Anyway, there were few bright spots today:

I was able to furnish a History paper in an hour.
Bianca gave me a wristband which I really liked.
I got a pretty good grade in our Theo test.
Des and I figured out the bug in our program, although it’s far from being finished and ready for submission.

But nothing could ruin your day like a Php500 illegal parking ticket. :(

Girls, read this! :)

2005-02-07T02:24:00.000-08:00

To all of you who will read this, here's a question for you. Have you ever felt that you've been used? Argghh! Have you ever felt that you've wasted a lot of time, spending it with your so-called friends? I did. Here'a a very mababaw example, but to my so-called friend, if you happen to pass by my blog (which I doubt), I hope it cuts deep.. Haha, brutal ba? Just when you're really happy that he's called because you've missed out on a lot of things, he'd say, "Can you please look for this in the web? I don't have internet access e." Ako naman, tanga-tanga, hanap naman ng serial ng game. Nagka-virus pa PC ko, buti na lang may Norton... Then he'd call back, I give him the crack, and then someone calls me on my cellphone.. Sounding really depressed because of the cellphone conversation, he'd ask, "Ok ka lang?" And then I'd rant. Useless. He just said, "I'll call you later, I'll just be doing something important". Yeah, right.. as if I don't know. He's probably already installed the game, and can't wait to play it. Guys talaga! Yabang niya, pirated naman 'yung CD. Hehe.. anyway, to all my girlfriends.. if you have guy friends out there, be sure they won't exchange you for Need for Speed Underground 2.

Time Flies, Fast!

2005-02-04T17:33:00.000-08:00

Two Sundays ago, our stake president talked about how the earth revolves faster than ever, and that is why time seems to fly so fast nowadays. I think Ateneans would most likely believe that, seniors in particular. Graduation day seems so near, yet so far. Because between now and then, we have to squeeze in all the oral exams, long tests, projects, defenses and other deadlines that we have to meet. Plus the tests and series of interviews that we have to go through in applying for a job. And I thought I could relax after graduation! Funny, but when I enrolled in the Ateneo, I though job hunting would somehow be easy. On the contrary, I think it isn't, especially now - competition is so stiff! But compared to a lot of people, they say we have it easy. Having worked in a company for my summer internship, I was able to mingle with different kinds of employees, even contractual ones. Like this girl that I got along so well with. She told me how hard it was for her to find a job after graduating from a school somewhere in Manila. She told me how she and her friends walked the streets of Ayala Avenue and Makati Avenue, and handed their resumes to all the buildings and establishments they would pass by. But she ended up with a recruitment agency where she still had to pay a fee just to get a job. I guess that's, well, LIFE. Two Sundays ago, I taught the young women in our Church that WORK should not be taken as a burden. One of the great prophets of our Church once said, "Energetic, purposeful work leads to vigorous health, praiseworthy achievement, a clear conscience, and refreshing sleep. Work has always been a boon to man. May you have a wholesome respect for labor whether with head, heart, or hand". I reflected on that profound statement and realized, "Oo nga noh, I would rather work than pig out in the house, doing nothing really productive". Plus, I would be able to help my parents in a lot of things when I start to work. Naks, ako ba 'to?

Last Thursday, Marvin and I went to DOT once again for our IS Plan. The road where we usually pass by to go there was under construction so we diverted from our old route. On our way, I happened to pass by my old school (O.B.M.C. Sta. Ana) where I spent my elementary days. It was almost 10 years since I last saw that school. An overwhelming feeling came over me. The school seemed so small, but back then, it seemed so big. I remembered how we used to tell duwende stories at the school's backyard and play ten-twenty, chinese garter and piko on the school grounds. Well, that's another proof that times is flying fast. Parang kahapon lang, ten-twenty champion ako... hehe.. This March, I'll be another person, hopefully, as I step up another stage in my life.

Metal Mouth Era: Done? Not!

2005-01-16T02:01:00.000-08:00

At long last, I had my braces removed. I have waited for this day for a really long time. I had it for almost 2 years. I wonder how some people could survive being a metal mouth for several years, even more than I have survived. Some people seem to have it forever. Hehe... I am so happy! But I still have to endure wearing ugly retainers for 2 more years according to my dentist. Argh! I hate it! This morning, when I was teaching Sunday School, my 12 year-old student was making fun of the way I spoke (my 's' and 'sh' sounded the same) so I excused myself and took it off in the bathroom. How comfortable it felt. Oh well, I guess the metallic mouth period for me hasn't really ended.

Strangers

2004-12-22T10:11:00.000-08:00

Woohoo! Quite a while, e? Hehe.. OS, ITM and Philo's fault.

So little time, so many things to do. Seems like the holidays wouldn't really give me a break from all the stress of the semester. I've got an OS project due first week of January, an ITM deadline and of course a really long Philosophy reading.

My aunt's family arrived this morning from Zamboanga and they are going to stay here for Christmas and New Year. That means that I have to entertain them, which means that I have less time for all the deadlines I have to meet. Argh! Anyway, I met my cousins after several years, 9 years I suppose. They seem like strangers to me. I remember when we were little, we used to do a lot of stuff together, like bathe in the river, ride bikes, watch amateur singing contests, play baseball and softball, etc. But now, we barely know each other. I guess time can really change people.

Gosh, this Christmas would definitely be a busy one.

Seryoso

2004-12-10T20:48:00.000-08:00

I need a new layout. Seryoso. Grabe, everyone's got fancy layouts... hmm, di bale after grad, I'll have enough time to furnish a new one. Hehe...

Dressing Up

2004-12-07T21:15:00.000-08:00

On Friday, I'll be attending a multi-stake dance party. The thing is, we have to wear costumes. We have to dress up like the people did in the 60's, 70's or 80's. I still don't have anything to wear. Grr... I just searched the Internet for possible outfits and gosh.. do I have other alternatives?

2004-12-07T20:52:00.000-08:00

The bigger hair, the better daw.

2004-12-07T20:51:00.000-08:00

I like pink and purple but not this one.

2004-12-07T20:50:00.000-08:00

2004-12-07T20:44:00.000-08:00

Yikes!

Guilty!

2004-12-01T14:04:00.000-08:00

It’s 5:30 am and I just listened to the radio announcement. At times like this, I always find myself reflecting on the same thoughts over and over again. I feel really guilty at times as I wait for the declaration: “Signal no. 2, no classes for all levels in Metro Manila”. Finally, the radio host announced it. Woohoo! Jump for joy! But, like a child who suddenly had his lollipop taken by his mom because "candy's bad for his teeth,” I quickly recoiled to my seat. How selfish can I get? I think it was over three years ago, when a big storm hit Metro Manila, that I particularly felt guilty for wishing that classes would be suspended. Classes did get suspended and as I hurried back to my waiting car, the only problem that I had was how to get to it without getting my slippers wet. I stared at the big drops on my car’s window. But the drops weren’t only what I saw. I pitied the peanuts vendor who was covered in plastic to shield himself from the raging rain. Gosh! He would still sell peanuts even with the strong wind! Of course, I thought, or he would have nothing to bring home to his family that night. That day, I knew, was going to be hard for him. I don’t think people would stop to buy some of his peanuts because everyone’s too busy to hurry back home. I also saw ordinary people who had to hurry to get to their jeepneys so they could get to work on time. I imagined myself running in the rain with others and competing for jeepney seats. That would have been hard. I thought to myself, “Can I wish to take back my wish?”

This growing realization definitely had me thanking God for everything I have. I kept whining to my mom that she should get me a laptop, or a new mobile phone, while others barely eat three times a day. Well, I could say, “I can’t do anything. I can’t will the rain to stop.” Right? Wrong! We can all help in our own little ways. For starters, I’d stop complaining about getting a new computer. I guess I’d be a lot, um, for the lack of a better term, happier and contented.

Later, when Yoyong, the super typhoon strikes his massive blows, I’ll tell you where you could find me: behind my room’s window starting at the big drops of water, thinking of the same thoughts over and over again (that this Christmas, there'll probably be a lot of empty tables)...

…while doing a paper in ITM. Nyahaha! :)

Relax

2004-11-19T08:23:00.000-08:00

Haha.. It's been a while.. :)

I had a great day today. I didn't sign up for an ACP class. I don't care if I get who-knows-how-many cuts in philo or theo. Hehe.. one day of rest is worth it all. PM's getting me stressed all over again. Buti na lang tonight, I had the chance to party with friends from Church. I attended a dance party with a live band and I really enjoyed it. The band was really good, and considering that the band members were mostly Bishops! Grabe, kakainggit. I just wish I had their talent. Oh, well, I guess God gave me something else for a talent.. di ko pa nga lang na-didiscover. Hehe..

I got really weird text messages today from someone I wasn't really close to.. Hala, uso yta, Joy? Pero other than that, this day's been great. Tomorrow's another busy day for me. :)

Husband Generator

2004-11-12T19:48:00.000-08:00

Your Husband Generator by Lady_Galadriel
Name
Your Husband Is
You Met	at a mates house
You Have	0 children but 7 pets
You Live	holland
In	a bungalow
You And Your Partner Are Best Known For	wearing matching clothes

Quiz created with MemeGen!

The Dreaded Visitor

2004-11-11T05:14:00.000-08:00

It's that time of the month again. Arggh! How I hate those days. As usual, I took that 500-mg Ponstan with me to school. I remembered that Modess commercial. My sister told my an interesting story. That model who said, "Pagtawa ko, lumabas siya!" is actually my sister's barkada. Hehe... after the ACET, I told them to go to Shakey's and have some fun with the ice cream bar. Anyway, the girl.. well, hehehe.. had an unexpected visitor... so my sister and another friend walked along Katips to find a store.. hehe.. guess what? The girl specifically asked for a thick one.. hehe.. so my sister and her other friend battled whether they should buy Modess or Newtex. Hehe.. they couldn't decide... so they bought both! :)

It was raining hard when I came to school. My only class starts at 3 but I came to school at about 1:30 because I had to go the ORP in Ateneo to avail of their binding services, and also, because I have a meeting with my PM groupmates. Guess what? They don't have binding servinces till the 15th on November. So even if I don't really feel comfortable, I walked all the way to Intermatrix even if it was raining hard. Gosh! Php 66 for binding? Hehe... sorry, kuripot ako.. Then I walked all the way to Burgundy to get the DVD's I borrowed from Cel. I was about to text Marvin when I remembered, I left my cellphone at my computer table! Kainis talaga! Super malas... I attended Lagliva's class even if I didn't feel like it. It turns out that Bianca, my classmate also had her visitor at the same time that I had mine. Hehe... we were both complaining... so before we parted ways, I gave her a souvenir - the Ponstan! Hehe...

When I got back home, 2 persons called me. I was quite surprised to hear from two long-lost friends. It's quite weird because they called at the same time. Haha.. they both remembered me at the same time. The first one was Ae Sandra. She told me that she misses attending church and hanging out with us. The other one was Kerwin. I can't believe it, but he has a baby girl already. It seems that he's got a lot going on in his life right now. I guess he needed a friend at that moment, and he thought of me. Anyway, it always feels good to help someone in need. :)

Finally

2004-11-09T05:13:00.000-08:00

Finally! Nagparamdam din siya. When I got back from school, I opened my computer and voila, I had an email message from my dear brother. He told the whole family not to worry because he is doing fine. I cried when I read that he misses us so much, but he is happy with what he is doing. Guess where his first area is? In Zamboanga City - where a lot of our relatives are. Tomorrow, he'll be having dinner with our grandfather. For the past month, everyting we've been hearing about him came from a lot of people, except him. So now, we are happy to hear from him and know that he is safe and sound and of course, happy.

This morning, we went to the Department of Tourism to interview some employees for our project. I had a very bad headache afterwards. It's just the start of the semester and it's already giving me a headache! What should I expect for the next four months?

2004-11-07T06:25:00.000-08:00

Ate Chips and Moi :)

Twinning

2004-11-07T01:52:00.000-08:00

Ate Chips is back! How I missed her... :)

Anyway, I had this sudden interest on identical twins. I don't really know why but I guess it's because I know a lot of persons who have identical twins like Pam and Weng, Jacqui and Jen, Benjie and Benjoe, Bal and Mel, Frances and her sister, Elizabeth and Jessica (hehe), Jaja and Boom-boom (hehe again). I wondered how they came to be and so I did a little research. I was quite surprised to find out that twinning isn't really related to genetics. I don't know if this one's accurate... just check this one out...

Wouldn't it be fun to have an identical twin? Hehe.. like when I don't feel like going to school, I could ask my twin, probably the nerdy type, to attend all my classess.. hehe... kaya siguro ako 'di binigyan ni Heavenly Father ng twin sister.. hehehe.. :)

2004-11-07T01:25:00.000-08:00

Alin? Alin? Alin ang naiba? Isipin kung alin ang naiba...

One Fine Day

2004-11-06T06:20:00.000-08:00

This is one fine day! First, I slept for 8 hours! Hehe... I don't think I still have that sleeping disorder I was diagnosed with several months before. Then mom made my favorite dish - batchoy! It was really tasty, promise! Then I got a really nice skirt from SM department store for only Php 400. Then my mom and I got three pairs of slippers for, guess what? Php 650! And they're not just any pair of slippers: Bocalo, Mario D' boro, and Figlia! Tiempo lang talaga... they're on sale. Hehe... ayos! Anyway, the meeting at San Francisco Cofee at Libis with Javi, AIESEC-AdMU Local Committee President, went well. To all the LDS out there, I didn't drink coffee, ok? Nakakahiya nga kasi we just met there and discussed lots of stuff without buying anything. Hehe.. The only glitch in the meeting was that the one person we were expecting, who has a significant role in the discussion, didn't show up. Anyway, I did not attend the dinner party with the trainees from Sweden after the meeting because I had to attend a Church activity/meeting. Then the Stake Young Men and Young Wome Presidency had a meeting with the youth conference. It went well - we had fresh ideas and I'm already looking forward to it kahit next year pa yun.

The only not-so-nice part of the day was when Elder Brian Estiandan called me up at about 6:30 in the morning. He's now all set and ready to go to the Missionary Training Center (MTC) where I last saw my brother a few weeks back. I wished him good luck and asked him who will bring him to MTC. He replied that his dad, sister and friend would bring him there. Out of curiosity, I asked him why his mom wouldn't go. I did not know that his mother had a brainstroke last week, and she was in the hospital. I felt really sad for him. A lot of returned missionaries say that before you eventually go on your mission, you would have several challenges. I am thankful that Heavenly Father didn't give my brother such a difficult trial before he left for his mission. Then again, the stronger the wind, the tougher the trees become. Elder Estiandan told me that before he goes in MTC, he would pass by the hospital and have a picture taken with his mom. It was a good thing that his mom is now recovering and better yet, she still recognizes him even after that fatal stroke. In most cases, the person suffering a brainstroke have a hard time recognizing people, even family members. I wondered what I would have done if I was in his shoes. I don't think I would be able to handle such. I am thankful that I have friends who have such faith and endurance.

Tomorrow's Sunday again, tapos Monday na naman! :( So I have to prepare for tomorrow already. I'm also quite excited because my friend, Ate Chips Gaviola just returned from her mission. Excited na ko makita siya! I still have to study my lesson pa pala. Good night to everyone! :)

Home Sweet Home

2004-11-01T21:27:00.000-08:00

Finally, I'm home! How I missed blogging and daily Internet access! But Cebu was worth it... though we had a few problems with the seminar... few but big. Anyway, I had quite a great time, met new friends and even met an old one. I can't believe Rachel was also joining the same seminar as a delegate. Well, she can't believe it either.. but I was so glad she was there... actually, I was really glad to see a familiar face there... hehe...

We went to Magellan's Cross and the famous Ayala Mall. Hehe... because we were desperate during our last night to go out before our flight early the next morning... we tried to walk the streets of Cebu City on the eve of All Saint's Day. But almost all the shops were closed and I didn't even get to buy some pasalubongs. Before we left, we even had big problems like payments and stuff.. and I didn't get some sleep at all, not even a wink! So yesterday, when I got home from the airport, I slept for 9 hours and after 3 hours, slept again for another 9 hours.. hehe... when we were in Cebu, we barely got some sleep because me and Jacqui had to do lots of stuff for the daily seminar which starts at 8 am everyday. It was tiring, but at least I had another resume item. Hehe..

Anyway, here's my schedule for my last (hopefully) semester in Ateneo:

MWF
History 166 A/B: 830-930
Th141 H: 930-1030
ITM116 A: 1030-1130
CS161 G: 130-230

TTH
Ph103 T: 3-430

Anyone who's in the same sections?

2004-11-01T21:23:00.000-08:00

Cebu Island Hopping with Jacqui

Sigh of Relief

2004-10-25T07:41:00.000-07:00

Finally, I can breathe! I got my grades and they wer pretty fine.. it turns out that Dr. Lee has a kind heart after all.. hehe.. and Parco! Gosh! She gave me a B.. hehe.. I was quite disappointed with my Pol Sci (a C+) and .NET (a B+). Anyway, my CS 199 and MIS pulled my grades up... to a QPI of 3.21 for the very first time.. hehe.. Happy! Shalalala... it's so nice to be happy! :) Cebu, here I come! :)

Anxiety

2004-10-24T07:53:00.000-07:00

I can't sleep.. grades distribution tomorrow! So many things to do.. I'll be leaving for Cebu the following day. I'll feel really guilty if I go to Cebu, and get really lousy grades.. Will I be able to enjoy my "vacation"?

2004-10-20T09:12:00.000-07:00

Friends from Church

Can I Resist It?

2004-10-20T08:39:00.000-07:00

This was a very hectic day. I did some video editing last night and went to sleep at about 2 am. I then started working on it this morning and finished it in time for the Centerville presentation. They loved it, especially the part where Irene was "reminiscing".. hehe.. I also had to do some preparations for the National Training Seminar next week.. I'm off to Cebu! I am so excited! Haha.. so I don't think I could update next week.. but if I could find a way.. hehe.. let's see if I can resist the temptation that blogging brings.. :)

What Break?

2004-10-18T20:04:00.000-07:00

Semestral "Break" Schedule

Yesterday, Monday: ITM Defense
Today, Tuesday: Make a movie due tomorrow for a presentation in Church, fix National Training Seminar details, call PLDT, do write-up for Relief Society Medical Mission
Tomorrow, Wednesday: meeting with AIESEC MC, movie presentation for Church
Thursday: Go to Department of Tourism for ITM
Friday: same thing
Saturday: Practice with Primary at 4 pm, Institute at 6 pm, Kuya Mike's wedding at 530.. haha.. pano yun?
Sunday: The Lord's Day
Monday: Grades Distribution, yikes!
Tuesday: Go to Department of Tourism or off to Cebu
Wednesday-Sunday: AIESEC National Training Seminar in Cebu!
Monday: arrival from Cebu
Tuesday: visit relatives or stay at home (the latter's tempting)
Wednesday: Classes Start!

Getting Over It

2004-10-17T08:12:00.000-07:00

Today's the first Sunday we went to Church without my Kuya. As Bro. Allan read the sacrament prayer, I closed my eyes and bowed my head. It was usually my brother who reads it. Now, it's someone else. I still cry when I'm alone. It's a good thing I have a lot of things to do, like prepare for our defense in PM tomorrow! Almost everyone's on vacation mode already (like Joy, hehe)! Habang ako.. nagpipiga pa rin ng utak... hay!

I went to school today after Church service. I had to meet up with my PM groupmates again to finalize our presentation tomorrow. As I went home, instead of passing by Libis, I drove over White Plains to see where I last saw my Kuya. I know what you're thinking, and you're right: umiyak n naman ako! Hehe.. ewan ko ba, ang hirap talaga pigilin.. Even last night, when I was on the phone with a friend, I couldn't help but cry. I couldn't say anything, and so I put down the phone and told him that I was really tired and ready to get some sleep. But the truth is, gusto ko lang talaga umiyak! So the next morning, sobrang maga ng mata ko! Pam noticed it, but she didn't ask. She knew why. Anyway, the place (Missionary Training Center) was very quiet. I wondered what he was doing at that moment. He was probably sleeping.

Anyway, I'll have to get over him, soon! I don't want to be like this for long. Knowing that my brother would always be safe because he is doing the Lord's work helps me find peace of mind. It's also a good thing that I have friends who convince me that 2 years isn't really a long time (Cel, Joy and Vida). In a few more days, I think I'll probably get the hang of things without him, probably enjoy pa nga. Hehe.. he left me his Compaq palm, and his big room! :)

Return Home with Honor

2004-10-16T08:51:00.000-07:00

I am really tired. I had a long day. But even if I am a little misty-eyed right now, I decided not to let this day pass without posting this in my blog. This day's worth remembering.

He left already.

My brother went in the Missionary Training Center (MTC) this morning. And yup, you guessed it right: I cried. Before we left the house, my father gave him a special blessing. That's when I started crying. I realized that tonight, and the next 730 nights (more or less), he won't be returning to our home.

I drove my car with my uncle and he rode with my dad, mom and sister. I was quiet the whole time, scared that if I say something, I'd burst into tears. When we arrived at the area, he got his maleta down from the pick-up. I dared to take a picture as he embraced our mom. Then I couldn't anymore. That's why I just got one picture of him. I hugged him tight and broke down into tears. He didn't. That's just like my brother. I guess he didn't want to enter the MTC with red, swollen eyes. Then he went inside. It's a good thing that Pam was there. My parents left and I cried hard as I walked to my car with Pam. We went to the temple just across the street, and I just couldn't fight back the tears streaming down my face.

Afterwards, I went to school to meet up with my Project Management groupmates. Everytime I found myself alone, I couldn't help but cry - as I drove, as I walked to the parking lot, as I was waiting for my groupmates, as I was alone in the washroom.

Everytime I hear a door close in our house, I sometimes forget that he's gone already. A lot of times, I still expect him to show up in the door of my room, as he always does, especially at this time of the day - to watch TV or use my computer. Tomorrow will be the first Sunday that we would go to Church without him.

I am happy. I know that my brother won't be home for tonight, but when he does, I know he'd return home with honor.

I am sleepy now. My eyes are bloodshot from crying. But on the brighter side, it feels good to sleep while your eyes are still hot. Hehe.. :)

Tears for Tomorrow

2004-10-15T10:15:00.000-07:00

Hay! I can't sleep.. my brother's leaving tomorrow. Anyway, our friends just left after the last farewell pary for my kuya. Haha.. we joked around and posed for another teleserye opening billboard. We all laughed at this one. Tomorrow, there'll be no more laughs for me. I know I'll be crying a river! I'm proud of you, Bey! :)

The Much Needed Break

2004-10-14T08:20:00.000-07:00

Yeah! I pulled it off.. Theo orals with Parco wasn't so bad.. Gosh, I reviewed from 7 pm to 430 in the morning and went to school with dark rings under my eyes. Parco wasn't so intimidating when my groupmates and I entered the lounge. I guess I was just lucky since we got the thesis statement which I really studied for... There were 13 thesis statements, and I got that! Haha.. wasn't so lucky with Philo, though...

Anyway, I went to Des' house after my orals. It was about 10 am already and we had a programming project and defense due that day. I felt really tired... and sleepy. Afterwards, we went back to school and got the defense over with. We went to our house so I can change from my smart casual attire which has been on since my Theo orals. Then we watched Kris Aquino's movie Feng Shui at Megamall. It was nice, better than most Filipino suspense movies.. the effects were really scary. The part where Lot-Lot de Leon held the kids' hands scared me the most.. but there were some funny scenes as well, like when she died because of "Red Horse Beer". Hehe... I'm glad I watched it.. I really needed that break..

On the Seventh Day, God rested... I Didn't!

2004-10-11T03:07:00.000-07:00

I had a really, really long day. It was Sunday yesterday, and it was supposed to be the Lord's day. During our sacrament meeting, the speakers discussed the importance of keeping the Sabbath Day holy. I have heard these things since I was a child. But yesterday, I just had to work. We had a deliverable due the following day. Jake, my PM groupmate, and I stayed up all night to finish it. I finally gave up at about 6:30 am, with the work still not finished. I really feel guilty but the thing is, my groupmates depended on me and Jake since we didn't have an exam the following day. I know, don't justify. Yes, it was wrong.

Tomorrow, I'll be taking a 3-hour long test from 6-9 in the evening and another exam at 1:30 the following day for my Pol Sci class and I haven't even started reading!

Anyway, my brother seems to be really quiet lately. Gosh, he'll be leaving on Saturday already! And he'll be gone for 2 years.. hay! 2 years? Tagal nun! :)

Lucky?

2004-10-09T07:16:00.000-07:00

Guess what my random number for registration is? 24!!! Haha.. why now? I'll be off to Cebu on registration day.. so I'll have to ask Gianne to register for me. Luckily, she's just number 27. Hehe.. I hope I get good sked and good teachers, especially philo and theo..

2004-10-08T09:16:00.000-07:00

Sa telenovela opening billboard na ito, sino ang naapi at sino ang mga kontrabida?

I Felt the Earth Move Under My Feet

2004-10-08T08:33:00.000-07:00

Did you feel the earthquake kanina? Grabe, my friends and I were up in the 3rd floor of our house, and we felt our house REALLY move.. sobrang lakas! We were all praying.. somehow, I felt peace within me telling us that we wouldn't be harmed.

Despite the worst Philo orals I have ever had.. I enjoyed the farewell party for my kuya.. I was surprised when the emcee called me to give a short message for my kuya.. The only words that I said for my kuya was, "Don't come home early". Hehe.. to those LDS who would be reading this, you know what I mean. Anyway, the best part of the party was during the picture taking part.. haha.. we did teleserye poses even if some could not help but laugh.. It's a good thing that once in a while I get to take some time off the stressing world of ITM... back to work.. :)

Why Kant and his Categorical Imperative?

2004-10-08T02:47:00.000-07:00

Why does the universe seem to conspire against me during Philo orals? I studied Aristotle and Hume all night and slept thru Kant. I didn't even read his text. And guess what? I got Kant for my oral exams: Explain the categorical imperative. My palms were really cold and clammy when I went inside the room. I don't know exactly how I did in my orals, but I'm starting to be really pessimstic about it. Darn, I'm sure Dr. Lee thinks I'm an idiot.. I know I could answer that if only read through it. I find Kant really hard to understand and I even asked Marvin, my PM groupmate about that categorical imperative. I merely repeated words from the philosophers, and didn't even try to reflect... and to think that I even said that Kant emphasized thinking for one's own self. But the worst part of it was when Dr. Lee asked me, why do you want to have your own choices? And I told him that 'only voluntary actions are praiseworthy or blameworthy'. And then he said, 'That's what Aristotle said'. Buko! Haha.. Anyway, there were three highlights of my day today.. first, I got a +2 in my ITM exam, a sure A in MIS131 and lastly, an 80 in my Philo exam (that's pretty decent, at least for my standards). I guess grades distribution day would be very exciting for me this semester, especially with Philo. If Dr. Lee thinks that it is just right for him to give me an F in the oral exams, I hope he experiences akrasia (a Philo term meaning weakness of will). Nyahaha! :)

Tonight, my brother will be having a big farewell party, and all our friends and relatives would come.. and guess where am I and what am I doing? Locked up in my room and finishing an ITM deliverable.. hay!

Yeah!

2004-10-06T01:13:00.000-07:00

I love my groupmates! Joy, Kelay, Ris and Joy-anne.. galing natin! Haha.. a 95 in the defense and paper? This one's a first for me.. hehe.. Ris, our efforts were rewarded! 'Di nasayang yung pagtakbo natin (technically, tumakbo naman tlga tayo di ba? even if we used my car) from National to your condo and back to school. But the best thing about this is we won't have to take that dreaded Maguyon final exam. Anyway, I passed the ITM test by 5.5 points! Wohoo! Still hanging on.. :)

Random Question

2004-10-05T03:23:00.000-07:00

Just wanna share...

Here's the random question that I got for my blog profile:

In the dream where you
show up to school naked, why do you
never go swimming?

And here's what I answered:

There's no swimming pool.

My New Motto

2004-10-05T02:57:00.000-07:00

I wish I hadn't gone to school today. I slept late and I had to wake up early for my first class. It was so frustrating.. we didn't do anything in that class, our teacher even dismissed us 1 hour earlier! Argh! Anyway, Ms. Parco (my theo teacher) returned our 2nd long exam and I am happy that I got a fairly good score... I guess it was just "tsamba". I thought I was going down the drains when I took that one, but it turned out otherwise. This week's turning out good so far. Yesterday, I found out that I was on the exemption list in one of our major subjects, but I'm still keeping my fingers crossed on that one. Exemption requires a minimum of 90 as the pre-final grade, and I'm 91! Buti sumabit pa. Gosh, I hope we get a good grade on our final paper and defense so I wouldn't have to take that dreaded final exam, especially if it's done by Sir Mags.

By the way, our Theo teacher advised us to "hang on" for the last two weeks of the semester. Haha.. why do I get the feeling that it's going to be my motto for the next two weeks? :)

That Thin Thread

2004-10-04T10:12:00.000-07:00

During our PM (Project Management) class this morning, our professor told us that as of this point in time, we are all holding on to a very thin thread. He said, "Just hang on!" Well, after our defense in MIS131 this afternoon, I breathed a sigh of relief. One down. I got a better grip of that thin thread my professor was talking about.. let's see about that on Friday... one quiz and a Philo oral exam. Good luck! :)

The Testimony

2004-10-03T01:45:00.000-07:00

Today was one of the most wonderful testimony meetings I have attended. I was writing something on a post-it when I heard a familiar voice speak through the microphone. I looked up, and saw my brother up in the pulpit. It was his first time to bear his testimony in our ward. There were about 60 people seated in the audience. My mom, sister, and I all cried as he said how thankful he is that he had a family like ours. He thanked our mom and dad for all their hard work and for everything they had taught him. He says he was blessed because of them. My father, the bishop, looked afar as he tried hard not to cry. I could see that my brother was really happy, even with the tears. He knew he was making the right decision. I rememberd one instance when he said that he was a bit scared to go... because of the big possiblity of rejections. But even with that, he was still determined to go.. he knew it was his calling. I thank God for giving me a brother who serves a good example to me and to everyone else. He chose to leave all his luxuries in life in order to serve the Lord.

At the rate of how things are going with me, I wonder how I can still spend some quality time with him? He'll be leaving on the 16th (7 am), and my last day at school is on the 15th! Whew! I hope I could still have some time for updating my blog..

Help!

2004-10-02T10:17:00.000-07:00

I don't know what happened. Nagulo yng sidebar ko.. instead na nasa taas yng elements, it went down.. labo! Any kind soul who'd help? :)

Brain Cells Melting...

2004-10-02T07:53:00.001-07:00

Addicted na ko sa blogging. Well, besides Kelay and Joy (haha.. :D), it's also MIS131's fault. I've been doing research and analyzing a company's network for almost the whole day na. Everytime I can't think straight anymore, I'd login to Blogger and publish a post, kahit picture lang. Sorry Joy, we're way past the deadline. Partner Kelay and I are quite tired na. Hay! My brain cells melted as I stare too long at my screen saver. Is there such a thing as melting brain cells? Hehe.. there goes my question. Anyway, finals week na.. 2 major deliverables, 2 oral exams, 2 defenses and 3 long exams to go.. then it's a whole new semester once again.. papansin! aarggggghhhhhhhhh!!!!!!

Leaving for a Cause

2004-10-01T21:03:00.000-07:00

My Brother - the Missionary

I don't really know how I felt the day my brother got his call to serve a mission in Davao, a place unknown to him. I wanted to cry but of course, not in front of the whole family. We gathered together as he read his letter from his Mission President. He is to leave on Oct. 16 (that's two weeks from now) and won't be back until after two years. He is leaving us, his air-conditioned room, his car, his compaq palm, his cellphone, his electric guitar, his girlfriend, his career, his dream of being a lawyer, all his luxuries and a lot more. He is to go with a limited budget, to learn the value of sacrifice. We can't reach him in any other way except through letters or e-mail (if he would be allowed to check, but I'm sure it's on a very limited basis). The only days we could talk to him on the phone are during Mother's Day and Christmas. My brother and I has always been close. 11 months lang ang pagitan namin! I view him as someone innocent and kind. He was always so kind to me and my sister. He knows all my secrets. I will definitely miss him. Don't get me wrong. I'm happy that he's going away to serve the Lord, and I am proud of him. His going there has a purpose, I know. But a part of me says that I need him here - to listen to my whines and "love stories", to do favors for me, to fix my computer, to drive me to the mall, to close our gates at night, to watch movies together, to sing with while I play the piano, my sister the drums and him the guitar. All of this would be gone in a few more weeks and it would probably never be the same again when he comes back. He will be a changed man when he comes back. Yes, I need him here... but I guess he is much needed someplace else, as I tell all my missionary friends when I write to them. I guess I feel the same way as Kolipoki's father did in "The Other Side of Heaven" the day he was to leave for a mission in Tonga. He said that he doesn't love the people in Tonga enough to send them his son, but somehow he knew Heavenly Father does. Our whole family and a lot of his friends would bring him to the Missionary Training Center on the 16th. I won't cry, I told myself. But my Kuya knows how 'crybaby' I can get. Whenever someone asks how I feel, knowing that my brother would be leaving in a few weeks, I would tell them, "Ok lng, gusto ko na nga siya paalisin e." Then I would laugh. But everytime I hear myself say those words, the growing realization that his day of departure is getting nearer becomes more significant, and emotions seem to fight a fiercer battle inside me. I hope he doesn't come across this page, but if he does, I would like him to know how grateful I am to have a brother like him and that, if I were given the chance to choose another brother, I wouldn't have any other.

2004-10-01T21:02:00.000-07:00

The Day He Got "The Call"

2004-10-01T20:56:00.000-07:00

In a few months, it will be a year since Brent passed away. Gosh, how I miss him! He was ravaged by 2 big Rottweilers and a German Shepherd. Even if our family has 12 other dogs, Brent will always be "my dog". His value is priceless, his memories are precious. Rest in peace.

2004-10-01T20:37:00.000-07:00

In this picture, there are 3 sets of siblings... hulaan niyo kung sino-sino ang magkkpatid! Hehe... di kasali yng dog.. :)

2004-10-01T20:32:00.000-07:00

Anong teleserye 'to?

2004-10-01T20:30:00.001-07:00

Stolen Kuno

2004-10-01T20:30:00.000-07:00

Funny faces

2004-10-01T20:29:00.001-07:00

Mirror, mirror.. who's the fairest of them all? Blog ko 'to!

2004-10-01T20:29:00.000-07:00

My Hero

2004-10-01T20:04:00.000-07:00

Pam and Pam

I never knew I would have a best friend with the same name.

2004-10-01T20:00:00.000-07:00

The "Peace" Dance

Singer?

2004-10-01T19:57:00.000-07:00

Embarassing talaga. Haha.. last night, at Joy-anne's house, Aliya Parcs' "Stop Think" was playing at Joy's laptop. Prior to that, we watched a music video of My Sassy Girl's "I Believe". So when the song played, I wanted to ask Joy whether it was an mp3 or a music video. Intead of saying "mp3?", I blurted out, "Singer?". We all had a good laugh. I didn't know where that came from, but I was really embarassed. Kelay's right: "Yan ang stressed". :D

Blunder

2004-10-01T19:34:00.000-07:00

"hell week" is the term. Yeah, right. As if. I guess there are just too many blunders that's hard to correct. I just don't know why people in Ateneo keep on saying it when it's really "hell month" or "hell sem". The seniors should know better. But I won't go as far as "hell year". I wouldn't know. The school year's not yet over. Can I still hang on until the "march" on March? (Nice rhyme, eh?) With a few more sleepless nights, I hope I will.

WALA

2004-10-01T06:32:00.000-07:00

Wala akong maisip... bwahaha! Tulog na 'to! Pero bago matapos ang gabing ito, nais kong pasalamatan ang mga mabuti kong kaibigan na nagmulat sa akin sa pag-bblog. Kelay at Joy, wala kayong katulad. Salamat sa magandang title. "Till There Was Me", original talaga, walang katulad! Nais ko ring pasalamatan si super Ris, na nag-kumbinsi sa akin na maki-uso. Ris, salamat at sinabayan mo ako. Akala ko, ako na lang ang nahuhuli sa uso. 'Kaw din pala, nyahaha! At sa maganda kong blockmate na si Joy-anne, salamat at pinagamit mo sakin ang computer mo, habang ginagawa mo ang ating proyekto. Cge, mag-concentrate ka lang diyan, susuportahan kita. Kung wala kayong lahat, wala ako dito.

Wala na talaga akong maisip.

Titig. Pikit. Tulog.

Insomia ang uso sa Ateneo... till there was me... bwahaha!