Book of Days

Being a Mother

2009-10-15T23:52:00.004+08:00

I'm just posting a story I found while reading a friend's blog. I really liked it. I wasn't able to control my emotions while reading and before I know it, my tears fell already. It is a very touching story about mother and son. Hope you will also find time to read this. I have no intention to post again tonight after the previous entry I just published but I really have to share this. It is worth your time.

Here it goes.

After 21 years of marriage, my wife wanted me to take another woman out to dinner and a movie. She said, 'I love you, but I know this other woman loves you and would Love to spend some time with you.'

The other woman that my wife wanted me to visit was my Mother, who has been a widow for 19 years, but the demands of my work and my three children had made it possible to visit her only occasionally.

That night I called to invite her to go out for dinner and a movie. 'What's wrong, are you well,' she asked? My mother is the type of woman who suspects that a late night call or a surprise invitation is a sign of bad news.

'I thought that it would be pleasant to spend some time with you,' I responded 'just the two of us.' She thought about it for a moment, and then said,'I would like that very much.'

That Friday after work, as I drove over to pick her up I was a bit nervous. When I arrived at her house, I noticed that she, too, seemed to be nervous about our date. She waited in the door with her coat on. She had curled her hair and was wearing the dress that she had worn to celebrate her last wedding anniversary. She smiled from a face that was as radiant as an angel's.

'I told my friends that I was going to go out with my son, and they were impressed,' she said, as she got into the car. 'They can't wait to hear about our meeting.'

We went to a restaurant that, although not elegant, was very nice and cozy. My mother took my arm as if she were the First Lady.

After we sat down, I had to read the menu. Her eyes could only read large print. Half-way through the entrees, I lifted my eyes and saw Mother sitting there staring at me. A nostalgic smile was on her lips.

'It was I who used to have to read the menu when you were small,' she said. 'Then it's time that you relax and let me return the favor,' I responded. During the dinner, we had an agreeable conversation nothing extraordinary but catching up on recent events of each other's life. We talked so much that we missed the movie. As we arrived at her house later, she said, 'I'll go out with you again, but only if you let me invite you.' I agreed.

'How was your dinner date?' asked my wife when I got home. 'Very nice, much more so than I could have imagined,' I answered.

A few days later, my mother died of a massive heart attack. It happened so suddenly that I didn't have a chance to do anything for her. Sometime later, I received an envelope with a copy of a restaurant receipt from the same place Mother and I had dined. An attached note said: 'I paid this bill in advance. I wasn't sure that I could be there; but, nevertheless, I paid for two plates - one for you and the other for your wife. You will never know what that night meant for me. 'I love you, son'

At that moment, I understood the importance of saying in time: 'I love YOU' and to give our loved ones the time that they deserve. Nothing in life is more important than your family. Give them the time they deserve, because these things cannot be put off till some 'other' time.

Somebody said it takes about six weeks to get back to normal after you've had a baby... somebody doesn't know that once you're a mother, 'normal' is history.

Somebody said you can't love the second child as much as you love the first... somebody doesn't have two or more children.

Somebody said the hardest part of being a mother is labor and delivery.... somebody never watched her 'baby' get on the bus for the first day of kindergarten. .. or on a plane headed for military 'boot camp.'

Somebody said a Mother can stop worrying after her child gets married... somebody doesn't know that marriage adds a new son or daughter-in- law to a mother's heartstrings.

Somebody said a mother's job is done when her last child leaves home...somebody never had grandchildren. .

Somebody said your mother knows you love her, so you don't need to tell her... somebody isn't a mother.

Pass this along to all the GREAT 'mothers' in your life and to everyone who ever had a mother.

This isn't just about being a mother; it's about appreciating the people in your lives while you have them... no matter who that person is!

Watch your thoughts, they become words.

Watch your words, they become actions.

Watch your actions, they become habits.

Watch your habits, they become character.

Watch your character, for it becomes...your destiny.

'Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle'.

The story is somewhat similar to the other story I read in Chicken Soup for the Soul I just forgot the title but nevertheless it has an impact. You will be touched.

An Unexpected Trip On the Way Home

2009-10-15T23:26:00.003+08:00

We were on our way home when Kerikin, my roommate, commented that getting home at past 8 o’clock in the evening is better than going home after office hours since by doing so we we are able to avoid heavy traffic. I was not surprised when the driver of the passenger vehicle we are riding joined in our conversation saying that traffic during that hour is still not okay. Then he asked us if our house was flooded when Ondoy stormed. We said no and he commented that out of several people he asked the same question we are the only ones who answered no. He also added that we were lucky. Apparently, some parts of Pasig are still flooded. A silly thought hit me about those still flooded places being part of a body of water but then rejected the idea blaming the condition to clogged water passages. Then the conversation progressed. I was liking that man’s way of thinking. He was so absorbed on what he was talking. We discussed people throwing garbage anywhere and how it can be blamed for what happened during the storm (And I totally agree with him!), senator’s pork barrel, corrupt officials, people from the province leaving their homes to crowd Metro Manila in the hope of getting a good job to earn money and more importantly he talked daringly about political monopoly and corruption. Our conversation halted when we were about to get off but he advised us to really vote for the right people on the upcoming election. Who are these people?? Well, it’s our responsibility to find out.

Vote wisely! ^_^

Indigo Love of Reading Fund Cute Commercial

2009-10-12T20:52:00.003+08:00

Another great video I found in youtube. Here's what's written in the letter:

How tired I am of this unbearable distance between us. How I long for the toll of the recess bell. Have you forgotten me, grown mindless of me? Tell me I am not writing into an abyss, Or that is what will become of my heart.

Aww! That is soo sweet! ^_^

^_^

Ukraine's Got Talent Amazing Performance

2009-10-12T12:09:00.005+08:00

This is an exceptional performance from two adorable little kids, Jurij 7 and Karina 6 years old. If I were their parent I would be so proud of them. I found this video in youtube and I wanted to share it with you guys.

Amazing!! They are so cute.. ^_^

Call of Nature: Mother Earth Spoke Through Ondoy and Pepeng

2009-10-12T11:18:00.009+08:00

Below are some of the horrendous pictures of Ondoy and Pepeng's aftermath which can be found in flickr.

Bokawkan Landslide

passengers of VLI & PRBL being rescued by the Coast Guard in Carmen, Pangasinan due to heavy flood

October 11, 2009 San Carlos City

Tropical Storm "ondoy" ( Ketsana ), 26 September 2009...Quirino District

Tropical Storm "ondoy" ( Ketsana ), 26 September 2009...SM Supermarket Sta. Mesa, Manila

The thing about us is that we can easily cope up and start all over again during times like this. We tend to easily forget and move on but I hope that what just happened in our country will serve as a wake up call to us Filipinos.

The Girl Who Silenced the World for 5 Minutes

2009-10-09T20:19:00.002+08:00

If we really don't know how to fix it, then we should stop breaking it.

I was astonished watching this girl deliver her speech at a U.N. assembly in behalf of other children about environmental issues. And for this very reason, I would like to share this video hoping that most of you guys will watch it and that girl’s message will not fall on deaf ears.

Mull over her words and let’s start doing something for mother earth.

Take Good Care of Mother Earth, A Commitment

2009-10-04T23:18:00.003+08:00

From now on, we should make a commitment not to throw garbage anywhere. To make the deed easier we should have this mind setting, every time we’re about to throw something, a candy wrapper or anything, we should think that we can be considered a criminal responsible for the loss of so many lives during calamities for this garbage that we’re about to throw can block the passages of rainwater and may cause havoc. Therefore throwing garbage carelessly should be considered as mortal sin.

Also, if we are to do our grocery let's bring green bags or eco bags so as to lessen the use of plastics.

Please let’s do something for the environment.

What Storm Ondoy Taught Us

2009-10-03T23:14:00.004+08:00

We have witnessed the rage of Ondoy when it struck Metro Manila last Saturday. Two of the most commonly reported explanations about the storm's destructive effect are too much rain (455 mm of rain fell in 24 hours) and climate change.

At first take on the issue, heavy rain may seem to be the most obvious cause.., climate change?? Well, yeah.. Maybe.. But watching the horrid scenes left by Ondoy, I could not ignore the wastes scattered everywhere. For me, and I think most of you will agree with me on this, these litters also have come into play in most places wreckage. If drainages were not clogged, water could have flowed through it allowing rainwater to go down easily.

In our dorm in Pasig, we were among those few people who got lucky to be spared by Ondoy's wrath but just a few blocks from our place, filthy floods were knee-deep inside other's homes. And because of that, we don't have electricity for a week!

Somehow, Ondoy managed to teach us an important lesson: to be concerned about the state of our environment. I hope many people realize the grave effect of not disposing wastes properly. I guess they do.. they just don't have the initiative to really do it as it should be. Let's be responsible with our garbage and try as much as possible to minimize plastic use. Let's save our environment for a healthy earth. ^_^

Pepeng

2009-10-02T22:55:00.007+08:00

Some people are not fully recovered from Ondoy’s wrath yet another typhoon, more destructive, is devastating our poor country. According to Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical & Astronomical Services Administration Typhoon "PEPENG" (Parma) has maximum sustained winds of 195 kph and gustiness of up to 230 kph. It was forcasted to move west Northwest at 13 kph but is now slowing down as it continues to move towards Aurora-Isabela area. Below is PAGASA’s satellite image update as of 11 p.m.

Stay safe everyone! Let's pray that this typhoon will take another course and spare the Philippines.

Firefly in My Window

2009-08-15T01:15:00.005+08:00

The night is cool. My system is not yet set for slumber so I make myself busy answering facebook’s Pick Your Five, 5 things that remind me of something.. or someone, and playing Kung-Fu Pets. I was trying to make up my mind what five songs to include in my facebook list as I have a long list of songs that reminded me of people close to me when something flickering in our curtain caught my eye. I got up and went closer to the window to see what just disturbed my reverie. I was stunned to discover that it was a firefly. I looked outside hurriedly to see if there are more fireflies but I was disappointed. It was really nice to see a firefly. It kind of brings back some of my childhood memories. I can’t remember how old I was since the last time I saw fireflies gleaming on a huge mango tree. I think I was about 10 – 12 years old then. Now I’m missing the tranquility and simplicity of life in the province where fireflies are all over the place during the night. It’s really funny because I just remembered telling my officemates I missed seeing fireflies. And I just saw one! To my excitement, I cradled the poor thing in my palm taking extra care because I might squeeze it. ^_^

I’m looking forward to seeing more of these flaming bugs in this crazy and busy city.

Reminiscing College Good Times

2009-08-04T21:00:00.006+08:00

I was browsing youtube and watching random videos when I happen to saw my classmate's post of our graduation march. This is the first time I ever laid an eye on that video and it made me miss my college days. Here's the video:

.. And then I look through the Related Videos section and found these videos. The first one was by Roy, Sugaroy, or Kilay. Next was put together by Janine. And the last one was by Giel.

I actually have videos like these and I think I already posted them here.

Update:
I also like this one. hehehe..

^_^

Changing the World

2009-08-04T19:03:00.002+08:00

When I was a young man, I wanted to change the world. I found it was difficult to change the world, so I tried to change my nation. When I found I couldn’t change the nation, I began to focus on my town. I couldn’t change the town and as an older man, I tried to change my family.
Now, as an old man, I realize the only thing I can change is myself, and suddenly I realize that if long ago I had changed myself, I could have made an impact on my family. My family and I could have made an impact on our town. Their impact could have changed the nation and I could indeed have changed the world.
~unknown monk 1100A.D

I found the above quote while wandering in the Internet. I really like it. I have the exact message of that quote only in the form of a poem at the back on one of my journals during high school. I hope that many people will reflect on that quote. Many of us are hoping for a good change but we often overlooked the things that have to be changed about ourselves. I myself is guilty as charged. Most of us complain over silly stuff, it may not really that silly but the point is have we taken the initiative to do something about it?! We made a habit of blaming others instead of working together for a solution. I know it’s kind of hard to do that but that’s what we should do.

Be the change you wish to see in the world
~Gandhi

Loving Jon Schmidt's Love Story Arrangement

2009-08-01T15:05:00.006+08:00

I'm sooo loving Jon Schmidt's Love Story arrangement. He actually merged the song with Coldplay's Viva La Vida. Genuis! I love it!! ^_^

Here's the video:

^_^

Pacman Once Again Place The Philippines on the Map

2009-05-04T17:03:00.002+08:00

Okay, I'm not a boxing fanatic, I don't even like it, but people were talking nonstop about the recent victory of Manny Pacquiao so I thought I should try writing about it. Well, not really about the whole match.. some part of it maybe... and I will also try to write something about the Pambansang Kamao himself.

I woke up at 10 a.m. and it was like any other Sunday aside from the fact that my dad's eyes were glued on the television watching a broadcast about Pacquiao, he usually reads a newspaper during this time. Then I suddenly realized that it was the day of Pacman's match against Hatton. I don't know what is it about boxing that make people, male people to be precise, so excited. Oh well, maybe it's the exhilaration they feel after every blow. Anyway, the anchor, sorry I didn't get his name I was busy with my breakfast, reported that Manny's parent, I don't know if it is his dad or mom, wants him to become a priest but he ran away and trained in a boxing gym.

I don't want to interrupt my dad so I decided to go in the other room to watch something else other than boxing match predictions. After several channel-changing labor, I settled in Shake Rattle and Roll in ABS-CBN. I was getting into the movie when suddenly the screen flashed a news about Manny Pacquiao knocking out Hatton in the second round. My initial reaction was: 'Is he really that good?!' I couldn't believe it at first. My officemate, Joel, told me that he didn't think Manny will win this time. I believed him. I thought that he will not win either. Hehe.. So going back to the fight, according to the reports, Manny knocked out Hatton twice in the first round and come second round knocked him out once again and Voila! That's the end of their match. Manny once again emerge victorious. Sweet! According to wikipedia, because of his achievements, he is the former WBC lightweight world champion, WBC super featherweight world champion, IBF super bantamweight world champion, and WBC flyweight world champion and he has also held the Ring Magazine titles for featherweight, super featherweight, and light welterweight divisions, he became the first Filipino and Asian boxer to win five world titles in five different weight divisions. He is currently the IBO and Ring Magazine Light Welterweight champion and is rated by the Ring Magazine as the #1 pound-for-pound boxer in the world.

Being a Filipino, I was really glad during times like this since it brought our country pride and recognition and somehow unite our people. I remember last year during his match against De La Hoya, it was reported that the crime rate goes down. Isn't it great?!

I'm not sure what's next for Manny Pacquiao but may you continue to bring pride and glory for our country. Mabuhay ka Manny!

How to be Fabulous, Rich, and Young

2009-01-04T11:06:00.004+08:00

Reading today's Philippine Daily Inquirer, I came upon this article in the Job Market section which was written by Mr. Ernie O. Cecilia. It tackles the problem of most young professionals on financial matters.

I googled for some related articles on financial planning, saving, investment, frugal living, etc and found some really nice materials. I summarized them on this post, so folks read on and start taking control of your financial situation.

If you want to have something that you haven't had before, you must learn to do things you haven't done before.

Earning

The first aspect of personal finance is earning. You must know where you can earn the most. If you are an employee, know your skills and how much those skills get paid in the market. If you are not getting paid enough, look for a company that pays big bucks.

You can do part-time work, either alone or in partnership with your friends who have the same interests without affecting your main job. If you have entrepreneurial acumen, try starting a small business that does not conflict with your job. If you have other skills that can earn more, use those skills while you have a fixed job.

Spending

The next thing to know is where your money goes. If you find it hard to earn money, make it twice as hard to get money out of your pocket.

Saving

Don't live beyond what you're earning. Better yet, live below your means. If you can't save from your income, you can start saving from your expenses. Below are some tips from pinoymoneytalk about the ways to start saving.

Step 1: Retain your brain

Saving money is a state of mind. Before you can start, you have to renounce the spending — and stop believing you actually need all the stuff you've been spending money on.

The next time you want to buy something, take the P50 or P100 out of your wallet, and stash it somewhere. See? That's called saving. You don't end up with stuff; you end up with MONEY. To retrain your brain, start thinking about the following:

Accept frugality as your savior. Become a closet cheapskate and emulate your frugal friends. Note that they fix the shower curtain instead of buying a new one. Sit down with Depression-era relatives and ask about economizing.

Seek inspiration. Get thee onto MSN or Google Search and type in "living cheaply," "frugal living" and "voluntary simplicity." Be inspired by the gazillion Web sites devoted to living on less!

Cry poverty — with style. Learn handy phrases like, "Let's eat somewhere cheap." And "Cab? No, I'll take the bus this time." It's less embarrassing than you'd think, because more people are in your shoes than you think!

Step 2: Now save it!

There are a thousand ways to live on less. But you don't want to make your life a misery. Here are some of the most painless ways you can economize without losing out on quality of life.

Go veggie. If you can do three meatless days a week (without substituting pricey fish), you could save P200 a week, which equals P800 a month, which equals P10,400 a year! Beans: Ya gotta love 'em.

Never spend a windfall. Take that holiday money from your folks, that P0.75 change from the grocery store, that P0.25 coin that somebody dropped on the street, and any other extras and save 'em.

Haggle. You'd be amazed at who will drop their prices, fees and interest rates — flea markets, banks, airlines, etc — as long as you know how to haggle.
Toss the catalogs. The most insidious form of spending temptation known to man or woman. Chuck them straight in the trash. Yes, including Victoria's Secret. Sorry, guys.

Don't pay unnecessary fees. Like the P15 you pay just because you're not withdrawing from your bank's ATM. Or the late fees for returning videos. Or those fat charges banks hit you with when you write a check that, well, bounces.
Never pay a pro. If you can fix the neighbor's car, and she can paint the bathroom: Do it.

Pay less for long-distance. Evaluate your phone bill and see how much you're paying per minute. Some dial-around codes or cheap calling cards may give you a better rate.

Never pay full price. If you must shop, discover your friendly P99-and-below-shop in the neighborhood or the online world of discount Web sites. Ebay.ph, Auction.ph, and BidShot.com are good sites for cheap auctions, just be wary of scammers!

Investing

Investing is one of the best things you can do in life. With it, you can reach your financial goals. The best time to invest is probably 20 or 10 years ago. The next best time is now. The success of great investors is usually rooted in how long they have invested. Time is the best ally of any investor, because the power of compounding.

If you want to be rich, fabulous and young, you have to depend on you and only you. Your financial success does not solely depend on how much money you make. Much of it is knowing where the money you make goes. In your early age you can determine how rich or poor you can be.

The Twelve Questions of Christmas

2008-12-24T19:32:00.013+08:00

1. What’s the best gift you have ever received? And the worst?

The best gift, I have to say, is the book I received last 2005. The book

was Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden. I like that because it was wrapped in a very unexpected way.

I do not have a worst gift. I like every gift I received.

2. What is your favorite Christmas movie moment.

Watch the film clip below:

3. What is your favorite version of a Christmas song?

“All I Want for Christmas is You” during the big number at the end of the movie Love Actually and sung by Olivia Olson.

4. Describe an ornament that has special significance to you.

I like the angel atop the Christmas tree but it doesn't have any special significance to me. I just like it. I also like Christmas balls. I like the way your face gets reflected and illuminated on it whenever you go closer to it.

5. Have you had any traumatic Christmas-related experiences?

None so far.

6. What is your happiest Christmas memory?

Celebrating the yule tide season with my family.

7. Favorite Christmas picture:

This year, below is my favorite Christmas picture.

8. What’s on your grownup Christmas list (besides world peace, of course)?

A condo unit.

9. What Christmas TV special do you look forward to all year long?

I'm not aware of any Christmas TV special here in the Philippines. But I love watching Christmas Carol in Disney Channel every year with my siblings.

10. What famous person would you most like to encounter under the mistletoe?

Satoshi Tsumabuki (Orange Days)

11. What is your favorite Christmas cookie?

I love cookies!! So any cookie will do. Yum! Yum!

12. Favorite Christmas quote?

I have to cite two quotes and both are from Charles Dickens. I just can't make up my mind what to choose.

I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round, as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable time; the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys. ~Charles Dickens

Happy, happy Christmas, that can win us back to the delusions of our childish days; that can recall to the old man the pleasures of his youth; that can transport the sailor and the traveller, thousands of miles away, back to his own fire-side and his quiet home! ~Charles Dickens, The Pickwick Papers, 1836

Untitled Update

2008-12-21T20:36:00.002+08:00

In just a few more days, we will be saying goodbye to year 2008 and welcome another year. A lot of things happened to me, especially few weeks ago. I'm also aware of the fact that I deprived this blog of its regular updates. It's not yet christmas vacation, not for us, although some people I know already started taking days off from work and are now going places. I envy them! Not only they have enough penny to splurge for the holidays, they also have longer days off from work. In my case, I have to save. I really feel I need to control my impulsiveness when it comes to buying things and focus more on saving.

Last December 7, I took Level 4 of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test or JLPT. It is a standardized test to evaluate and certify the language proficiency of non-native Japanese speakers. Oh boy! It was tough as hell. I'm not confident I'm gonna be certified. Funny thing is, since it was scheduled on the same day as Manny Pacquiao's match, I bet on passing the JLPT if Manny won in the boxing. And we all know that he did.. Haha.. Although I feel silly after betting my chances on JLPT over some people's chances on winning a boxing game. Oh well! We'll see the result on March.

I'm still so into piano and violin. I'm still having my lessons every Saturday on violin and Sunday on piano. They are actually the reason why I haven't updated this blog for almost 4 months and for not studying Nihongo. We now have a new violin teacher. I considered buying a new violin but my friends told me that if I'm gonna buy a new one, I should have it made by a luthier which by the way cost a lot. We're now on Suzuki Book 2 on violin and for my piano lessons, I'm already on Book 3 of The John Thompson's Easiest Piano Course.

Last week I went to Divisoria with my roommate and another batchmate to buy toys for my inaanaks. While we were inside the toy store inspecting the items on the racks, I spotted a glass chess set and immediately remembered my Dad. He loves to play chess, so I bought it for him. I haven't given it to him yet. I hope he'll be thrilled. We finished our shopping at 11p.m and got home by 12 midnight. It was so exhausting. It made me promise to start my christmas shopping early next year.

This coming Tuesday is our Christmas party in Fujitsu. The theme is cosplay. I first considered of doing Tinker Bell but after hearing rumors that some girls will also dress as the cute fairy, I rejected the idea. Then a friend offered her Princess Jasmine costume. I got excited by the idea so I bugged her to find it. Unfortunately, Princess Jasmine's costume is nowhere to be found. So I guess I will be coming in the party without a costume. I don't want to spend a cent for a costume so I already decided not to wear a costume. I hope it will be fun! Can't wait to see people in costume!

What Musical Instrument Should You Play?

2008-08-24T16:13:00.002+08:00

You Should Play the Piano

You are a true music aficionado who loves many musical style and eras.

You find music to be an escape. And you'd like to be relaxed and comfortable when you're making it.

You're very innovative, and you have a unique way of knowing what may sound beautiful.

There's a strong possibility that you could compose some of your own work songs quite easily.

While you have a lot of creative energy, you are also serious and conscientious.

Your musical talent needs time, practice, and lots of privacy to flourish.

Your dominant personality characteristic: your painstaking attention to detail

Your secondary personality characteristic: your natural tendency to be whimsical

What Musical Instrument Should You Play?

^_^ I'm glad its the piano!!! ^_^

Last night I watched The Pianist with my roommates. I was so inspired that after the movie I played the piano until 2 am. Then I woke up at 7 and played some more for quite a while before attending my piano lesson. I was so amazed with the way the piano player moved his fingers on the keys. It was so light and graceful. I hope I can play like that.

When I had my piano lesson today I'm starting to have difficulties and it made me sad. I wanted to play the piano. I wanted to be good at it. My piano teacher keeps on encouraging me. He told me that even though I memorized my piece, I still have to check what's written on the staff. I think that's the problem with me..., I rely on my memory. I already developed a habit of memorizing the pieces that I ought to play. I think I have to practice sight reading more often.

I'm thankful I have a patient and very understanding piano teacher. At the end of the lesson I apologized to him for giving him a hard time. He just smiled and told me that it's actually normal... that most of his students are also having a hard time on those pieces. I'm several pages away from starting Book Three of John Thompson's Easiest Piano Course. I'm excited but my piano teacher told me that the next pieces will be more difficult.

Bite Me!

2008-08-01T23:44:00.010+08:00

I want to be a vampire like the Cullens! I want to witness how cities transform and more importantly, I want to have all the time in the universe to master the piano and violin. So Edward Cullen bite me, sink your teeth into my flesh!

Lately, I’ve been bombarding my web log and multiply account with my obsession with piano and violin that I forgot to mention the newest addition to my addiction, the Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer. I have to wait for two weeks before I laid my hand on the first book, Twilight. I finished reading it and last Wednesday when I went to Powerbooks to get the second book, New Moon, it was sold out. I don’t know how long I will have to wait this time. Hopefully it will not stretch to two weeks. I’m losing my patience now. Good thing there’s the piano to divert my attention. I can’t wait to read the second book. I already reserved a copy of the final book in the installment, Breaking Dawn, which will be out on August 4, 2008. And about the third book, Eclipse, I’m about to get a copy this Sunday. I hope there’s still one left for me.

Twilight will soon be in motion picture and will be released this December worldwide. Unfortunately though for me and for the rest of the Twilight fanatics here in the Philippines, since we have Metro Manila Film Festival, we have to wait a little longer until January of 2009 before we can finally watch the movie BUT some fans have already made an online petition with the sole intention of having the movie shown this December. Let’s see how far that petition can go. I have my fingers crossed.

About the casts of the movie, Edward Cullen will be played by Robert Pattinson. He’s the same guy who played Cedric Diggory in the Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Bella Swan will be played by Kristen Stewart. You will probably remember her as Sarah, the daughter of Jodie Foster (Meg Altman) in the movie Panic Room and as Sophie in the movie Jumper.

The official movie poster

Another picture I found on the net

That’s it for this entry. ^_^

I'm So Into Piano

2008-07-11T23:15:00.004+08:00

I've been taking piano lessons since May and just last week we were able to finish Part One of John Thompson's Easiest Piano Course. Yay! I'm so excited to start with Part Two. Part One and Two of the course are somewhat like a preparatory grade in piano. At first I find the phasing of our lesson slow but everyone has to go through the basics even Maksim. He just started earlier but I’m quite sure that before he mastered the Flight of the Bumblebee he practiced Mary Had a Little Lamb first. I also registered in pianoworld and have been reading threads ever since. A few hours ago I came across a thread posted by an engineering student in Argentina.

He's 18 and has been taking piano lessons in a conservatory for a year and a half. He's about to start college next month and worries he won't have enough time to practice. He even considers piano more than just a hobby and wants to be a better player. The guy wants to be an engineer and a musician at the same time.

Piano by Darkshadow1425

Actually, for the past few weeks I also have been pondering on the same thought. Can a person of different profession, without music background be a pianist? I'm not aiming to be a concert pianist. I think that's way too much. Being able to play in a simple bar with few audiences will be fine for me. I just want people to hear and see me play. I want to be good at piano so I really made sure I practice everyday for at least an hour.

I considered purchasing a keyboard with weighted keys to have a look and feel of the real piano. I want a real piano but knowing how much piano costs I have to settle for a keyboard as an alternative.

I already have music pieces lined up and ready to be played. I just got to have the skills to play them so I really have to be patient and practice and practice and practice. ^_^

Piano Lessons with PianoNanny

2008-05-03T15:43:00.005+08:00

Back in college, I really wanted to take piano lessons but thesis and other senior-school stuff prevented me to do so. I would read online articles on how to play the piano but as our thesis progresses the lesser the time I'm able to allot on my piano lessons until such time I barely sleep and have no option but to drop my online piano lessons and focus my full time attention on our thesis.

After graduation, I became preoccupied looking for a job that I totally forgot about the piano. Then one time, I was so stressed with work that I when I got home, I locked myself in my room and played Enya and that reminded me of how eagerly I was before to learn to play the piano. I searched the net for possible schools, I even considered enrolling in Yamaha until I came across this ad about a piano tutor who offers cheap piano lessons. I phoned the person and inquired about the details. But when I was about to start my lesson, Fujitsu Ten Solutions Philippines called. I was bored with my previous company then that I opted to file my resignation and join FTSP. Once again, I have to postpone my piano lessons since the salary that I'll be getting from FTSP is not as much as the one from my previous employer.

Then just last week, Irish, my office mate, asked me to take violin lessons with her and Sir Arch. I told her that I also wanted to take piano lessons but violin will also be fine. We went to Megamall canvassing for violin and also for possible violin classes. We still have to look for other institutions that offer violin or piano classes and compare prices.

No work for us last Thursday and Friday, May 1 and 2, so I spend my long weekends at home. I'm supposed to review for our Nihongo class but I just spend most of my time reading piano lessons at PianoNanny.com.

So far I've learned the following:

Melodic Names (including sharps and flats) of the notes on the Keyboard.

Melodic Names (including sharps and flats) of the notes on the Staff.

Rhythmic Names of the notes on the Staff (quarter, eighth, sixteenth, half, and whole).

The length (size or time signature) of a measure and how to figure it.

Treble Clef (to be played by our right hand).

Bass Clef (to be played by our left hand).

Meanwhile, enjoy this artistic pieces I've found on Flckr:

Treble Clef

Bass Clef

That would be it for this post. I have to go back to PianoNanny. I meant to document my progress here. So wish me the best of luck! ^_^

Life's a Beach

2008-05-01T23:09:00.011+08:00

There is no better way to enjoy the summer than to spend some time at the beach getting a tan, island hopping, and collecting shells. Our first destination was Tondol Beach in Anda Pangasinan. It was almost a six-hour drive from Ortigas but you can cut the travel time by two or three hours if you average 120 on the road. The beach offers a long stretch shallow and calm water which is ideal for sunbathers.

Upon getting there, after unloading our bags from the car and securing them on the rooms, we immediately changed to our swim wears, put sunblock on, and hit the beach. It was one of the fine beaches we have here in the Philippines.

Irish and I planned to get up early before the sun on the next day to jog around the beach, continue collecting shells, and watch the sun rise but failed to do so. After the breakfast, we rented boats. They were just actually a fishing boat with no cover up or something, which took us to Hundred Islands at the expense of burning our skin.

On our way back, we spotted this little island and decided to stop there for a few minutes which was stretched to hours with our churning stomachs. We just forgot about the time since we were having so much time dipping and swimming in the shallow water. After our island hopping, we had a hearty lunch courtesy of Dudes aunt. We had tinola and some inihaw! Yummy! I want to go back and take my friends there.

The next beach that I visited this summer was Coral View Beach Resort in Morong Bataan during our company outing. I must say that the beach looks much better in pictures. I can't help comparing it with Tondol Beach but our stay there was fun nevertheless. We went to Pawikan Island but since there's nothing much to see or do there we decided to go snorkeling. Afterwards, we had photo shoot with Sir Archie as our photographer. Haha!

I can't wait for our next escapades!! ^_^

Amazing Race Craze

2008-02-10T16:35:00.001+08:00

This team will win the race! I've got high hopes on both of these guys. I wasn't able to watch the 12th episode of the Amazing Race Asia 2 but my sister did and she told me that Mark and Rovilson snatched the first place back from the Singaporean team, Adrian and Collin. The final season is on the 14th and I hope Mark and Rovilson can outsmart the other teams and arrive at the pit stop first.

So while the race is still on, feast your eyes on the following pictures!! :D

Christmas Rush

2007-12-22T20:02:00.000+08:00

This Christmas rush is giving me a headache. I'm not yet done with my shopping and malls are jam-packed with hurried shoppers like me. So now I don’t know where else to go to complete my list.

This week has been the most tiring one this December—practice, party, and shopping. We had practice from Monday, December 17, until Thursday, December 20. The practice lasts from four to five hours a day on the average so I usually got home at around 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. given that I live almost in the province. Last Wednesday I went to UST for the Paskuhan, a university-wide Christmas celebration. I missed the fireworks so I guess I just have to browse for some clips of it in Youtube and wait for eternity before I can play the entire thing since I'm now using a dial-up connection. I planned of going home early that night but got home at 1 a.m. instead. Lastly, yesterday was our Christmas party which was held in Crowne Plaza and has the theme: Visua Kei: FTSP Goes Glam Rock!

The glamorous rockers!

Funeral Not Wedding

2007-11-03T11:59:00.000+08:00

I was seven years old when my grandma died. I did not cry when I first heard about the sad news. I don't know why. Maybe because I don't want to believe that she left me without saying good bye. I haven’t fulfilled my promise to her yet. I can still remember the time when she washed me after I pooed and would tell me that when I grow up I should do the same to her when she can’t take care of herself anymore. “Of course grandma”, I would always reply.

During her wake, I do not want to look at her casket because I was always afraid that she might open her eyes and grab me. Believe it or not, until now I’m still afraid looking on caskets. My uncles would carry me when they would look at the casket but I would always turn my back. Then they would tell me that I was lola’s favorite apo and that she will visit me on my sleep if I will not look at her in the casket. After a few days, I would climb up the stairs and take a peek at my grandma’s casket then I would go and lock myself in our room. I would ask God why it has to be a funeral, why can’t it be a wedding so everyone can be happy. I have tons of questions when I was a child.

I was closer to my lola than my mom during those time and when my mom would smack me with her ever trusted pamalo I would always run to my lola and she would stop my mom. My mom would tell me that the reason why I’m such a stubborn girl is because lola spoiled me. I’m such a bitch when I was a kid you know! I can make my mom cry. My grandma would always give in to my every capricious acts and wishes. God I’m missing my lola!

It’s nice to remember our departed loved ones but let us not forget family members and friends who are still with us at this very moment. We should show them how much we care and love them when we still have the luxury of time.

Filling Up the Long Gap

2007-10-28T23:47:00.000+08:00

I just realized I haven't blogged for ages. Well, been busy with lots of stuff and I think being busy and preoccupied sometimes can be detrimental. You see, I lost track of time and I also just happen to neglect myself and some things and people that matters to me. I told my friends I lost some weight but they won't believe me. :-)

…

I have stories and thoughts to share but my mind is not working properly. Maybe I had too much caffeine again. I've read somewhere that too much coffee is bad for your brain. I guess my creative juices have been drained.

By the way, I resigned from my previous company and found a new niche where I can enhance my skills and learn more new things. I love learning you know! So this is it. A start of a new career! This is pressuring me but I have to take on it.

Bidding Harry Potter Goodbye

2007-07-22T12:51:00.000+08:00

I feel so great I was able to secure a copy of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows without making a reservation yet at the same time I kind of feel sad knowing that this is going to be the final book. Harry's adventures ends on this book. As I was reading it, I have this heavy feeling and I let my eyes linger on the words quite longer.

The two men appeared out of nowhere, a few yards apart in the narrow, moonlit lane. For a second they stood quite still, wands directed at each other's chests; then, recognizing each other, they stowed their wands beneath their cloaks and started walking briskly in the same direction.

That's how the book started. The book is darker compared to the first six books but I love it. I just don’t think children should read it. Will Harry defeat his nemesis Lord Voldemort and die in the process? I still have to find out. I’m restraining myself from reading the Epilogue.

Another thing that made me emotional was JK. Rowling’s dedication. It goes like this:

The dedication of this book is split seven ways: To neil, to Jessica, to David, to Kenzee, to Di, to Anne, and to YOU, if you have stuck with Harry until the very end.

I was so moved with her dedication. Or maybe I just feel sad knowing that it was JK's way of saying goodbye and expressing her gratitude to those who really stick with Harry.

There are so many wonderful and childish memories that I held while hanging out with Harry. I started reading it when I was still in high school when it was introduced to us by Ace and since then you'll find us talking nonstop about Harry and what will happen on the next book. Believe me, we even suspected Dumbledore to be an enemy. In between classes or during breaks we would go to the staircase and play a game with Ace acting the quiz master. It's a race going to the top. Whoever answers correctly will have to take a step higher. The questions vary from the name of the spells, books, professors, and believe me, even candies mentioned in the book. We don't have a price to the winner but we enjoyed it nevertheless. Remembering these details, makes me feel excited to meet my friends later to watch Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Yes, I haven't watched it though some of my college friends were asking me to go with them last week, I said no. Well, it's not that I don't want to go with them, it's just I'm used to being with my high school friends when I watch a Potter film.

The Ultimate Harry Potter Personality Test

2007-07-20T20:32:00.000+08:00

Find out your Harry Potter personality at LiquidGeneration!

Bellatrix Kills Ron!

2007-07-19T23:13:00.000+08:00

My eyes hurt and I was almost done with the supposed-harry-potter-book-seven when I received an email from a friend. I guess it's her way of saying that the pdf that I got from another friend, which I also sent her, fooled me. The email was a spoiler. It contains chapter titles and some even got a summary. The pictures below are just some of the images attached in the email.

And here's the complete list of chapters:

I. Dark Lord Ascending

another first chapter that is not Harry’s point of view
very dark
first death
Bellatrix and Voldemort interact

II. In Memoriam

back to Harry’s point of view
Dumbledore’s past
Rita Skeeter appears here. Apparently, Harry is not pleased.

III. The Dursleys Departing

The Dursley’s leave Privet Drive

IV. The Seven Potters

Harry, Ron, and Hermione are reunited
Death Eater attack
another death
very intense

V. Fallen Warrior

another death
one person loses a body part
scenes afterwards set in the Burrow
tells what happened with Ollivander

VI. The Ghoul in Pajamas

general plan discussion all around
Hermione is scary (lol)

VII. The Will of Albus Dumbledore

Harry’s birthday! Ron gives him a funny gift.
Minister of Magic is back
Lupin is acting off

VIII. The Wedding

Weasley relatives, Luna’s father, and Krum all make ppearances
Krum argues with Luna’s father over the symbol
Dumbledore’s past again, which is not pleasant
Kingsley makes an appearance with some bad news.

IX. A Place to Hide

Harry, Ron, and Hermione leave the Burrow, and run into Death Eaters
Hermione gets hit on by drunkards
They go to Grimmauld Place

X. Kreacher’s Tale

Harry finds a letter from his mother saying disturbing things about Dumbledore
R.A.B. is Sirius’s brother (everyone knew that, lol)
lots of complex stuff on Horcruxes

XI. The Bribe

setting is Grimmauld Place
Harry has sent Kreacher on an errand
Kreacher seems to be getting friendlier
Lupin is still acting off, and states something extremely surprising (off in an easily irritated, jumpy way. We’ve also been told that Lupin/Tonks shippers will be over the moon, so, perhaps Tonks is pregnant?)
Trio find out who has the locket, and they are shocked.

XII. Magic is Might

Trio plan to get the locket from the ministry

XIII. The Muggle-born Registration Commission

Umbridge
persecution

XIV. The Thief

Trio leave Grimmauld Place and Kreacher
Trio stays in the woods.
Harry sees through mind-link that Voldemort is not in the country, and is looking for a stolen object that has something to do with wands.

XV. The Goblin’s Revenge

Ron does something weird.

XVI. Godric’s Hollow
XVII. Bathilda’s Secret

Someone named Bathilda wrote the History of Magic book. IDK if this has anything to do with anything, but still, might be worth noting.

XVIII. The Life and Lies of Albus Dumbledore
XIX. The Silver Doe

Hermione is sleeping. Harry sees a Patronus and follows it. It leads him to a thing Dumbledore has left him. He is reunited with Ron. The entire scene with the destruction of the Horcrux and display of Ron’s insecurities happens.

XX. Xenophilius Lovegood

The Tale of the Three Brothers
“The Tale of Three Brothers” is a wizard children’s story. The story involves three objects called the Deathly Hallows. Three brothers, three objects, AKA the Deathly Hallows.
Trio goes to see Luna’s dad
He tells them a wizarding fairy story about three objects
They are called the Deathly Hallow

XXI. The Deathly Hallows

Harry follows lead of DH story instead of Horcrux stuff
He becomes stupidly obsessed over it, kind of like how he was over Malfoy in HBP
Makes a huge mistake and gets the trio “captured”

XXII. Malfoy Manor

A couple of people have died, one important
Someone else is being kept in the manor
Someone else dies
The trio is tortured for info
Dobby helps them escape
Another someone else dies

XXIII. The Wandmaker
XXIV. Shell Cottage
XXV. Gringotts
XXVI. The Final Hiding Place
XXVII. The Missing Mirror
XXVIII. The Lost Diadem
XXIX. The Sacking of Severus Snape
XXX. The Battle of Hogwarts
XXXI. The Elder Wand
XXXII. The Prince’s Tale
XXXIII.The Forest Again
XXXIV. King’s Cross
XXXV.The Flaw in the Plan
Epilogue

*** The email originated from a Smart Communications' employee and was forwarded to me by a friend.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I

2007-07-15T23:38:00.000+08:00

NOTE: This post contains spoilers!

I’m not the type of person who would take a peek at the back of the book just to find out the ending without reading the whole thing but I’m so curious and thrilled with the Harry Potter’s last book I was tempted to go to the last page and here’s what I’ve read:

You have been warned, so please don't read if you don't want to know anything about the end of the series.

... seen him in the area on the day of his parents’ mysterious deaths. The source tells this reporter that the strangest thing about the case is the expression of terror on both victims’ faces. The source claimed it was as if they’d been frightened to death…

But after reading it, my curiosity got even bigger and bigger and I was again tempted to sneak a quick look at the previous page. Do you want to know what I’ve found out? I know you will hate me if I disclose it so I will not discuss it any further but they’re not Hermione and Ron as my friends have guessed.

There are so many interesting details in the book. Did you know that Dudley is a wizard? That explains why he was able to see the dementors when he and Harry were attacked in Little Whinging back in book five. So yeah, “Ickle Diddykins” is a wizard that is why Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon were so nice to him and treat him really special, maybe to avoid him getting mad…but it is also possible that Dudley is casting a spell on his parents to buy him lots of presents.

I like Ron and Hermione’s love story. It’s really kind of complicated but at the same time cute (I couldn’t find the right word to describe it :-).). Ginny is annoying. She now wears a push up bra just to get Harry’s attention. Also, I hate the way Harry is obsessed with her.

Snape. I don't know if he's an ally or what. We know that he killed Dumbledore but in book seven it was mentioned that the former headmaster still trust him even after death and he left something for Snape. This is really thrilling. I can't wait to finish reading the book.

About the horcruxes, there are seven and the seventh one is…The answer lies on Harry's forehead.

Okay, I’ll end it here. I don’t want to spoil it even further. :-)

Qualified to be a Member of the International High IQ Society

2007-06-09T12:46:00.000+08:00

So just this morning while browsing Smartkit I clicked a link which directed me to the official site of the International High IQ Society. I browsed through the site, which by the way has a clean and very nice design, and found some very interesting stuff. I took the Cognitive Mental Abilities IQ Test electronic edition, eCMA. It's a 36 question multiple-choice timed test, and I can't believe I got 139. Having an IQ of 124 and up qualifies you to be a member of the society.

The International High IQ Society takes what's best about the golden age of the intellectual salons—tolerance, moral engagement, and faith in the free play of ideas—and applies them to a contemporary setting.

The International High IQ Society (IHIQS) is the world's second-largest high IQ society, remaining behind Mensa International. It was founded by Nathan Haselbauer in New York City on April 2002. (Wikipedia, June 9, 2007)

Captured in the Forest

2007-06-05T13:22:00.000+08:00

After I had my lunch, I took quite some time browsing smartkit, a very interesting and mind stimulating site for all the brainiacs out there. I tried solving the Deduce the Pattern puzzle and I got the answer correctly so I tried browsing for other puzzles in the site and next to the one I just tried is this very puzzle I'm posting on my blog. Try to solve the puzzle below. I already have an answer but I will post it here later. So read on and try answering it. Share your answer ok?!

From www.smartkit.com

A man walks into a forest and gets captured by fairies. They tell him that they will kill him but he will choose his fate. He will say a statement, and if it is true, he will be
boiled in water. If it is false, he will be fried in oil.

How does the man get out of this situation?

Soundtrack Of My Life

2007-05-27T17:58:00.000+08:00

I'm not feeling great these days but whenever I listen to this song, I feel calm. I never get tired of listening to this song or any of Enya's songs for that matter. If I just had a bad day or if I'm not feeling okay, I would just plugged my ears with Enya's music and in a few moments I feel better already. Book of Days is my favorite. It is simply beautiful!

Read the lyrics they're beautiful!

Book of Days Lyrics
Artist: Enya

One day, one night, one moment,
my dreams could be, tomorrow.
One step, one fall, one falter,
east or west, over earth or by ocean.
One way to be my journey,
this way could be my Book of Days.
Ó lá go lá, mo thuras,
an bealach fada romham.
Ó oíche go hoíche, mo thuras,
na scéalta nach mbeidh a choích.

No day, no night, no moment,
can hold me back from trying.
I'll fly, I'll fall, I'll falter,
I'll find my day may be, Far and Away.
Far and Away.
One day, one night, one moment,
with a dream to believe in.
One step, one fall, one falter,
and a new earth across a wide ocean.
This way became my journey,
this day ends together, Far and Away.
This day ends together, Far and Away.
Far and Away.

Moms Are Great

2007-05-13T19:17:00.000+08:00

They carried us in their womb for nine months. They've been so loving and caring from the day we were born. They treat us like a very special treasure. They feel that we're so fragile we might break any moment that is why they cuddle us with so much carefulness.

They were our first teacher. They would read us wonderful stories... fantasies... enchanted world that we used to believe really existed. Remember the time when your mom would give you a pencil and guide your tiny hand on the writing pad so you could write your name? And do you remember when you mom would pack your lunch box? How she prepared your things for school? How she combed your hair and fix your uniform??

They have always been there for us though most of the time we ignore them. They still hug us although we push them away. They have been so supportive and understanding.

Today is a special day to show our moms how much we love and appreciate them. They have many sacrifices during our upringing. Go make your mom feel how special she is, not only during mother's day but everyday. Happy Mother's Day to all the moms. And for my mom..., thank you so much for everything. You've been so wonderful. Thank you for showing to the world how proud you are of me although I doubt myself. Thank you for always believing in me. I know I caused you pain when I did not heed your advices and just seem to ignore you. I'll make it up to you I promise but for now let me tell you how much I love you. I couldn't been here without your guidance.

I love you mom!

Programmer Personality Test

2007-04-27T21:01:00.000+08:00

I just took this test and here's the result:

Your programmer personality type is:

PHTB

You're a Planner.
You may be slow, but you'll usually find the best solution. If something's worth doing, it's worth doing right.

You like coding at a High level.
The world is made up of objects and components, you should create your programs in the same way.

You work best in a Team.
A good group is better than the sum of it's parts. The only thing better than a genius programmer is a cohesive group of genius programmers.

You are a liBeral programmer.
Programming is a complex task and you should use white space and comments as freely as possible to help simplify the task. We're not writing on paper anymore so we can take up as much room as we need.

You can take the same test by following this link: http://www.doolwind.com/index.php?page=11

Rampant Killings: The Abu Sayyaff's Outrage Beheading and The Virginia Tech Massacre

2007-04-21T13:05:00.000+08:00

It has been a long week. Rampant killing and beheading were all in the news. We normally saw these on movies that is why to see them on print and on daily news is quite unnerving. I cannot imagine that there are people who still exist in the world these days capable of doing such barbaric acts. Whatever their reasons are, its not right to claim other people’s lives.

Headless bodies of the victims. Their heads were placed in 2 sacks and sent to the army headquarter

Firstly, we have the outrage group Abu Sayyaf which beheaded seven civilians. The victims were construction workers who were abducted while working on a road project in Jolo. One of the Abu Sayyaf after beheading one of the victims even got the nerve to call the wife of his prey to apologize. The wife pleaded desperately for the life of her husband but little did she know her husband's body was already in the custody of authorities. Also, I've learned that two of the victims were teenagers who just finished high school and went to Jolo for summer job so they can continue their education.

Life is too precious to be taken carelessly.

It was a sermon written by Islam clerics after the bodies of seven road construction workers were found. The sermon obviously criticized the Abu Sayyaf which passes itself as an Islamist group.

Students at the Virginia Tech hold a candlelight vigil after the massacre.

Then we have learned about the Virginia Tech Massacre. The shooter, Cho Seung-hui, killed 32 people and injured 17 more. He had this tatoo on his arm which says "Ismail Ax". The words on the disturbed student's arm, which was scrawled in red ink, caused a frenzy search on Google. Unfortunately, no one knows yet what it means. Some link it to Abraham, others to James Fennimore Cooper's "The Prairie".

Cho attributed his killings to the "rich kids", "debauchery", and "deceitful charlatans". After a psych exam, he was declared "danger to self and to others". Fellow students recall Cho's odd behavior. They said that he used to write grotesque stories citing massacres and killings using chainsaw and an ax.

While browsing the net, I found this blog, The Smoking Gun, which has the copy of Cho's play called Richard McBeef. The play is absurd and violent. It was about a 13-year-old boy , John, who accuses his stepdad, Richard, of pedophilia. It contains violent scenes and harsh choice of words.

Here's an excerpt:

Richard: I may not be your biological father, but I'm your new father. We live under the same roof. We really need to get along. Come on, son, give me a chance.

(Richard gently rests his hand on John's lap.)

John: What the hell are you doing!

(John slaps Richard's hand)

John continued: What are you, a Catholic priest! I will not be molested by an aging balding overweight pedophilic stepdad named Dick! Get your hands off me you sicko! Damn you, Catholic priest. Just stop it, Michael Jackson. Let me guess, you have a pet named Dick in Neverland ranch and you want me to go with you to pet him, right?

Officially Unemployed

2007-04-03T20:39:00.000+08:00

I just graduated and currently looking for a job. As a matter of fact, these past few days I searched for available positions, those related in Information Technology specifically Management of Information System and System Development, in jobsdb . The funny thing is during our thesis days I swear that I will never ever apply for a programmer position. I do not want to become like this:

... but after some thinking and evaluation I was challenged to be a programmer, to contribute my skills for a company and see how far it will take me. I am actually excited for our thesis. And now that I've made mention something about our thesis please do visit this site http://snuffles117projectscreenshots.blogspot.com/ to have a view of our thesis and let me know what you think ok??! The site by the way is another addition to my blogs wherein I post the screenshots of every project that I've been part of. I meant to write an overview of what these projects are but right now what you'll see on that site are pure screenshots and minimal texts. I will try to update it sooner.

So going back on my job hunting adventures, I sent my application to several companies, attended every interviews despite the burning heat in the metro, and right now I do have several pending applications. I've heard countless times already that job hunting is not an easy task. Now that I'm doing it, I can attest the difficulties. Some say that if its not for you then it's not. I disagree! There's no such thing as your destined job. You have to be prepared and alert on the interview and you have to pass the exams.

I hope that I could find a nice job that I will enjoy and impose new learnings. I do not want to end up like this man:

Baccalaureate

2007-03-26T16:23:00.000+08:00

While viewing my friend jha's multiply account I found this picture:

Students getting ready for the last passage at the Arch of the Centuries with the magnificent UST Main Building in the background

Wow! was my instant reaction. It was really amazing. The person, Jesse Herrera, who took the picture is a genius. The picture was taken last March 23, 2007 during our Baccalaureate Mass.

Baccalaureate Mass. As cited in wikipedia, baccalaureate is "a farewell address in the form of a sermon delivered to a graduating class". And what was the sermon about again?? It was about a lot of things but the topic that was retained on my brain is all about change.

Another video about the events that took place during the Baccalaureate

During our baccalaureate mass, I'm feeling mixed emotions. I felt happy and relieved that finally all my efforts were paid off but at the same time I was sad and uncertain. Change. Another chapter of my life has ended and another one is about to begin. After leaving the walls of my university what's next? Honestly, I do not know. Sometimes saying goodbye to the things that we have grown accustomed with is really dreading but we don't have a choice but to go on with our life unless you wanted to end it. If only we can rewind our life then what I'd be doing right now is going back to the days when I was a kid, innocent, have high hopes, and really happy but then again reality bites... we can't do that. There are no rewinds or even fast forwards only play... and we have to play it right.

I recall a statement on the "Interview with God" presentation which was shown during our retreat in Caleruega. Here is the Lord's reply when He was asked what surprises him most about humankind:

That they get bored with childhood,
they rush to grow up, and then
long to be children again.

That by thinking anxiously about the future,
they forget the present,
such that they live in neither
the present nor the future.

Change is inevitable. We have to embrace it.

Best Moments with IM2007

2007-03-22T10:40:00.000+08:00

Now that graduation is just a few days away this is the perfect time to have a trip down memory lane and cherish the wonderful moments with my classmates. I never thought that college could be this fun! It is true we had a lot of difficulties in school especially during our 3rd and 4th year but there's never a dull moment whenever I'm with my friends. I miss you guys already! =(

I wanted to show my appreciation so I made this video. There are so many pictures and I really had a hard time choosing what to include in this video. Check out the video. I hope you'll like it. =)

Also, please do check out this video (please click here) that my friend Janine made.

Photos of the Recent Lunar Eclipse

2007-03-05T01:25:00.000+08:00

I got these amazing photos of the recent total lunar eclipse from various websites. Lunar eclipse occurs when the earth lies between the sun and the moon, so earth's shadow darkens the moon. It can only happen when the moon is full. It is said that lunar eclipse occurs at least two times a year. The recent eclipse by the way was the first total lunar eclipse in almost three years. The next one will occur on August 28, 2007.

This photo was captured by Associated Press. A Lunar Eclipse is seen by the Big Ben in London, Saturday, March 3, 2007.

This is another photo by AP. Older Projection of a lunar eclipse is seen on the radome covering of the observatory in Bochum Sundern, western Germany, Saturday, March 3, 2007. Because of bad weather conditions visitors could not observe the entire shading of the moon at midnight.

This photo was taken by Reuters. The moon is pictured behind a sculpture of the Cathedrale of Lausanne during a lunar eclipse in Lausanne March 3, 2007.

The House And The Boxing Ring Are Not The Same Thing!

2007-02-16T20:20:00.000+08:00

Manny Pacquiao, while still enjoying the limelight after winning two (correct me if I'm wrong) boxing matches against some Mexican boxers, has filed his candidacy for congressman of the first district of South Cotabato. For crying out loud, what is he going to do in the House of Representative if ever he is elected?! I mean can he make laws? I think he doesn't even know how to draft one. All the publicities and the attentions have got his head swollen and now he thinks that his popularity can get him a seat in the House. Winning the election is one thing, but doing all the duties of a congressman is another thing. As Neal H. Cruz wrote on his column on the Philippine Daily Inquirer:

He cannot challenge congressmen who do not agree with him to a fistfight… His big mistake was choosing his opponent. He is fighting a tiny wisp of a girl, Rep. Darlene Antonio-Custodio, but this is not a boxing ring. This is a different kind of sport, something Pacquiao would find much more complex and complicated. This is a fight for the hearts and minds of the people of South Cotabato where his boxing prowess will not do him any good.

Pacman has been trained as a boxer not as a lawmaker. He should stay in the boxing arena. I'm not questioning his intentions on entering politics but if he wanted to help people there are lots of ways to do it without getting involved in politics. I've heard he is doing some charity works in General Santos if that is so, then why can't he just continue his noble act without politicking?!

Thesis Update and Screenshots

2007-01-17T22:36:00.000+08:00

I know I am supposed to study for my examinations tomorrow but since I can't absorb anymore what I'm reading I opted to post something about our thesis and besides..., I haven't blogged for quite some time.

We rephrased the title of our thesis since it has been questioned by one of our professors. What we are developing is a combination of site plus web-based system that includes several modules (online ordering, inventory control, and point-of-sale) for our client.

With online ordering Plaid's customers can have their orders delivered with just some clicks away saving them from using the telephone and waiting on the busy line. But of course here we have to resolve some business issues like how can we avoid prank and ghost orders?

Inventory contol is the bulk of our thesis. Here we have to develop a system that will enable the proprietors and the staff to monitor the inventory in real time meaning whatever was sold, the inventory must also be updated. Actually this is the difficult part of our thesis. You might disagree with me but I tell you inventory is more than just adding and subtracting stocks. You have to consider a lot of things.

The following are some of the screenshots:

This is the homepage. Customers who have an existing account can use the log in part on the sidebar to access their account and below that is the section for featured products. Customers can start ordering by clicking one of the categories or by clicking the menu tab.

index

Upon clicking an item, you will be directed to this page where you can specify how many item you would like to order and at the lower part a textarea for customization.

order specification

This is now your cart listing items you wanted to order.

cart

And now, the last two are part of administrator's website. I wastn't able to post here the index of the admin's site since most of it are white spaces but anyway, in the admin's website, administrators can track sales, stocks, etc. Actually the business has several proprietors who also have other businesses and work to take care of and the reason why they wanted to develop this project is that they wanted to monitor what's happening in Plaid even if they are on their offices or somewhere else.

add new product

Next is the search page. Here they can specify a search text and the system will look for a match in the database. If you keyed-in 'c' it will return all products whose name starts with the letter c. Likewise, if you typed a string 'andw' it will return all products whose name contains the string 'andw'.

On the search result you have an edit and delete option. Editing is updating the product. Deleting it will remove all the records of that product in the database.

search product

So that's some part of our thesis. There are functionalities that we're still developing and this is not the final design of the system. Actually there are still a lot to accomplish. We are using PHP5, Apache Server, MySQL5, and Ajax.

Another List of New Year's Resolution

2006-12-31T14:24:00.000+08:00

In a few hours we'll once again welcome a new year and before we said goodbye to 2006 I've listed down my new year's resolution. I hope I can really make them work this time.

Here's the thing with new year's resolution, every new year we welcome the notion of having a marvelous year and a fresh start that's why we listed down all the things that we wanted to change, especially on ourselves, to be a better person... but in the middle, sometimes not even close, we go back to our old ways. We usually get tired because change is not an easy thing to deal with in the first place. To most people,including me, new year's resolutions doesn't work because we are looking at the bigger picture and not on the little details that make it.

The following are my new year's resolution:

1. Be Organized.

I wanted to have everything in place. It freaks me out that most of the time I'm taking forever just to find stuff on my closet or drawer.

2. Go to Church Every Sunday.

I need to have my faith in check. I must nourish my soul and make up for all of the shortcomings that I've had this year.

3. Get Fit.

Tame the bulge in my tummy, meaning.... more crunches. I wanted to have my old weight back.. to be fit so that when I'm strolling the mall or running chores, as if I'm doing chores, I will not get easily exhausted.

4. Save. Save... and Save

These holidays.., all the parties that I've gone to and all the spendings leave me penniless. I need to save right away or else I'll drain my bank account. I don't want that to happen and besides we must always plan and save for the future.

5. Learn Something New

I wanted something new... to do away with computers and the cyber zone. I'm planning of taking piano lessons after graduation.

Okay, all have been said. Let's see how far I can go this time. I only listed five to keep it simple... to easily check if I'm being faithful with these resolutions. I don't want it to be another broken pledge.

Random Tests

2006-12-30T19:34:00.000+08:00

Last night, while waiting for my files to be downloaded from my mail, I took several tests from Blogthings. At first I intend to only have a couple of tests but I really had a good time answering questions and before I know it... I took almost all of the tests in blogthing. And besides, I'm really fond of taking tests... tests that will later on reveal something about yourself like the ones I took in Kokology, a book of self-discovery. I don't know how accurate the results were but most of the time, I agree to what it says about me.

The following were the results of my blogthing tests. I put comments on some of the results.

You Should Be A Gemini

What's good about you: witty and energetic, you're simply the most fun to be around

What's bad about you: you're flighty - losing interest in people and projects quickly

In love: you enjoy the "honeymoon phase," but after that it's hard for you to stick around

In friendship, you're: likely to have many groups of friends, with many different interests

Your ideal job: mime, guru, or cartoonist

Your sense of fashion: casual and simple

You like to pig out on: fast food, especially burritos

What Sign Should You Be?

I don't know about this one but I'm pleased being an Aquarian. I'm a sucker for knowledge!

Your Five Factor Personality Profile

Extroversion:

You have medium extroversion.
You're not the life of the party, but you do show up for the party.
Sometimes you are full of energy and open to new social experiences.
But you also need to hibernate and enjoy your "down time."

Conscientiousness:

You have medium conscientiousness.
You're generally good at balancing work and play.
When you need to buckle down, you can usually get tasks done.
But you've been known to goof off when you know you can get away with it.

Agreeableness:

You have medium agreeableness.
You're generally a friendly and trusting person.
But you also have a healthy dose of cynicism.
You get along well with others, as long as they play fair.

Neuroticism:

You have high neuroticism.
It's easy for you to feel shaken, worried, or depressed.
You often worry, and your worries prevent you from living life fully.
You tend to be emotionally reactive and moody. Your either flying very high or feeling very low.

Openness to experience:

Your openness to new experiences is high.
In life, you tend to be an early adopter of all new things and ideas.
You'll try almost anything interesting, and you're constantly pushing your own limits.
A great connoisseir of art and beauty, you can find the positive side of almost anything.

The Five Factor Personality Test

Your Blogging Type Is Thoughtful and Considerate

You're a well liked, though underrated, blogger.
You have a heart of gold, and are likely to blog for a cause.
You're a peaceful blogger - no drama for you!
A good listener and friend, you tend to leave thoughtful comments for others.

What's Your Blogging Personality?

I don't know about this one and I'll be biased if I will comment about it. So I guess I'll leave it to the readers. What do you think??? But I guess this is so me... Okay, I'm biased!

You Belong in Milan

Stylish and sophisticated, you want to enjoy a truly European life - away from tourists!
Milan fits you perfectly. Great shopping, high quality food, lots of culture... with very little hype.

What European City Do You Belong In?

Milan. I feel like this is really my city you know. I wanted to be in a place where I can learn new things and mingle with cultured people. I have a plan to go there and when I do so I will visit Biblioteca Ambrosiana, one of the famous libraries in the world and not to mention one of the oldest, and Leonardo da Vinci Museum, one of the world's oldest museum which exhibits anything about astronomy, Information Technology, etc.

Your Five Variable Love Profile

Propensity for Monogamy:

Your propensity for monogamy is medium.
In general, you prefer to have only one love interest.
But it's hard for you to stay devoted for too long!
There's too much eye candy to keep you from wandering.

Experience Level:

Your experience level is medium.
You probably have had a couple significant loves.
And you may have even had your heart broken.
But you haven't really dated a wide variety of people.

Dominance:

Your dominance is low.
This doesn't mean you're a doormat, just balanced.
You know a relationship is not about getting your way.
And you love to give your sweetie a lot of freedom.

Cynicism:

Your cynicism is medium.
You'd like to believe in true and everlasting love...
But you've definitely been burned enough to know better.
You're still an optimist, but you also are a realist.

Independence:

Your independence is medium.
In relationships, you need both "me time" and "we time."
You usually find it easy to be part of a couple.
But occasionally you start to feel a little smothered.

The Five Variable Love Test

What Your Face Says

At first glance, people see you as warm and well-balanced.

Overall, your true self is reserved and logical.

With friends, you seem logical, detached, and a bit manipulative.

In love, you seem mysterious and interesting.

In stressful situation, you seem like you're oblivious to the stress.

What Do People Think Of Your Face?

This test is so cool. I hope that people indeed perceive me this way... without the manipulative part.

The Keys to Your Heart

You are attracted to those who are unbridled, untrammeled, and free.

In love, you feel the most alive when your partner is patient and never willing to give up on you.

You'd like to your lover to think you are stylish and alluring.

You would be forced to break up with someone who was emotional, moody, and difficult to please.

Your ideal relationship is lasting. You want a relationship that looks to the future... one you can grow with.

Your risk of cheating is zero. You care about society and morality. You would never break a commitment.

You think of marriage as something precious. You'll treasure marriage and treat it as sacred.

In this moment, you think of love as commitment. Love only works when both people are totally devoted.

What Are The Keys To Your Heart?

I will definitely agree with this one. Marriage is precious. It is divine! I wanted to be in a relationship that will last... that is pure. I don't like cheaters. What's with you guys?! Also, I don't get it why would people assume, that when you're in a relationship, you're doing it... SEX I mean.

What Your Sleeping Position Says

You have a passion for everything - including sleeping.
Outgoing and brash, you tend to still shock those who know you well.
You tend to be selfish. You are the most likely type to hog the covers.
You gravitate toward comfort and don't like extreme situations.

What Does Your Sleeping Position Say About You?

Okay! I definitely will not agree on this one... How can they read you based on the way you sleep?!

Your Element Is Earth

You excel at planning and strategizing.
You could be a champ at chess or Survivor.

Well grounded, you are able to be realistic and rationalize.
On the inside, you have a hard core. It's tough to phase you.

You are super productive, and you are able to think anything through.
Focused and super charged, your instincts are a good guide for your next step.

What's Your Element?

Earth??! Me?? I think I'm more of an air than earth. First and foremost, I'm not that focused. I can easily divert my attention and my passion to almost anything. I'm not organize either... I tried but why does it have to be so hard?! And more importantly... I'm idealistic but unpredictable most of the time.

You Are 59% Addicted to Love

Might as well face it, you're addicted to love.
You've been a fool for love many times - but are you the wiser for it?
Your needs should come first, both in and out of relationships.
Because you're the only one who can look out for yourself!

Are You Addicted to Love?

I'm 59% addicted to love. Personally when it comes to love I follow what my mind has to say than my heart. Yes, I get hurt in the process since we all know that heart and mind contradicts each other but I trust my judgement and I deal with pain just fine... maybe... It's all in the head you know.

Recalling Christmas Memories

2006-12-24T23:42:00.000+08:00

Christmas is the time for peace, spreading love, and sharing. It's the perfect time to celebrate with your family, friends, and loved ones. I must say that Christmas is my favorite time of the year. I usually got excited when the ber-months come because they mean that Christmas is fast approaching but this year it's different. I don't know if it's because we're busy with school stuff and all or if it's the effect of growing up or should I say "getting old". Aside from the scourging heat, I really can't feel Christmas that much. If it weren't because of parties and gifts and santa hats, I wouldn't know its Christmas already! Okay, so this Christmas is not that too exciting for me but let me recall my past Christmas memories that I'm truly fond of and worth holding on to:

When I was a kid and my Nanay is still alive, she gave me a Barbie doll. I can't remember how old I was then but all I can say is that I was really sad because my parents were away and my grandma gave me the doll and put a smile on my face. It was my very first Barbie.

Way back in kindergarten during our Christmas party, the class was divided into several groups that will perform. Our group was assigned to dance in the tune of "I Was Dying Inside To Hold You," I don’t know if it was the title of the song. I was hesitant to do it since I was a shy girl. I've always been timid. Anyway, I even considered not attending our party for that matter but my grandma urged me and she bribed me with this cute little dress that I wore during the party. She told me that the girls in our class will envy me when they saw me in that cute little dress. So I went to the party and danced. It was my first performance ever!

This happened when I was seven years old, I went out with friends of the neighboring houses in the province to sing Christmas carols. It was my first time and I was really excited. The first night we had 60 something pesos but we were really happy then because during that time 60 pesos is quite a big amount for kids like me. Haha!

During our CAT Christmas Party my first boyfriend gave me a lovely bracelet. We were not together then and I was hesitant to accept his gift since I really don't usually accept gifts coming from a suitor. I spoke with his best friend about giving back the gift but he told me that his friend had a hard time looking for a perfect gift and it'll be rude on my part not to accept it. It's not the gift at all. I was genuinely touched by his efforts.

Insights From Tuesdays With Morrie

2006-11-13T11:51:00.000+08:00

Tuesday's With Morrie is a sad novel about a deep bond or should I say friendship between a student and his college professor. This book moved me from the first page through the last chapter. It changed my perception on some things about life especially death and made me shed tears. I've learned so much from it... lessons that only experience can show you.

On Life Itself!

Life! There's so much about it that we do not understand and may forever be a mystery to all of us but to wake up every morning, to see tiny droplets of water on leaves and colorful flowers, to see the smile on the faces of children, the feel of innocence from the touch of a baby and the serenity from an elderly, the comfort of being with your friends, the love and warmth of your family, the feel of kilig when seeing your crush, the wonderful sound of wave of the ocean crushing through the mighty rocks, to feel the rain against your bare skin, to witness the beautiful sunset, and to stargaze at night the mere thought of all these melts my worries and problems and made me feel like flying... so light it made me touch the clouds above. Amazing isn't it??

So many people walk around with a meaningless life. They seem half-asleep, even when they're busy doing things they think are important. This is because they're chasing the wrong things. Devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning- Morrie Schwartz

Most of the time we want to do so much that we forget what are the important things in life. It's not money or power mind you. Money and power will not give you anything. Indeed it will give you fame and authority but you can't buy love and respect.

On Material Things

Don't cling to things, because everything is impermanent. - Morrie Schwartz

We get easily attracted with the glitter of material things. We think that when we have the latest techie gadgets, the fastest car, the branded clolthes, and the most expensive jewelries we will have tons of friends and everyone will love us. I think for some time yes but when someone else surmount us, the people whom you thought care about you will leave you eventually. I will not be a hypocrite, I admit I got easily lured by material things and like most people (I guess) I also think that these material things will buy and get me something... but trust me.. it never will!

The best things in life are free!...

The image above was taken from flickr. It was uploaded by user Alexandre Roda.

On Love

Love is the only rational act.- Levine

Love! A very broad topic to talk about. Honestly, I think I'm the last person who should talk about love. It's not I don't know how to love... I just think that this topic is very sensitive and to tell you the truth.... I don't know what to say. But the word speaks for itself don't you think? All of us can relate to it. We all give out love and in return we are being loved.

On Family

There is no foundation, no secure ground, upon which people may stand today if it isn't the family. If you don't have the support and love and caring and concern that you get from a family, you don't have much at all. - Morrie Schwartz

You can bet our families will always be there for us even when the whole world turns its back on us. We can expect great support, love, and comfort from our families. I used to wish I was part of someone else's family because in our home we're not open on most things. What I'm trying to say is that in our family there isn't much communication. Sure we talk but we do not tackle issues like my personal problem, when I say my personal problem it's my love life, my thoughts about certain things and people, ... I wanted to share something with them but I'm afraid they will think I'm being a drama-queen. So I was never open to my family. But despite all these I've realized that they care so much about me. They need not to say anything since their love speaks stronger and I feel bad I ever wanted to switch families with my friends. I don't know if anyone of them (my beloved parents, siblings, and old folks) reads my blog but guys if you happen to find your way here... I wanted to know how much I love you guys =).

Fear of Aging

If you're always battling against getting older, you're always going to be unhappy, because it will happen anyhow. - Morrie Schwartz

Aside from the quote above about aging, Morrie also said: "As you grow, you learn more. Aging is not just decay. It's growth. It's more than the negative that you're going to die, it's also the positive that you understand you're going to die, and that you live a better life because of it." I think this is true. For most of us, we do not want to age because we do not want to die. We're afraid to die and because of this we missed a lot on life.

On Dying

Learn how to die and you learn how to live. - Morrie Schwartz

Once again I have to gather my thoughts and discuss something about dying, the topic that I so wanted to eradicate from my brain, but this time its different. The last time, I wrote something about dreading to die. I guess I know now the answer why.

Dying! We regard it as something negative and on my part it has always been as such. We know we are going to die but we doesn't want to believe it. We wanted to do so much on this world and we fear that we will not even come close to all of those. This is the reason why I fear death.

Thoughts on Death

2006-11-01T16:57:00.000+08:00

The freaky frightful tv shows, the carved pumpkins, the grotesque face masks you saw everywhere, and the traffic on the roads near cemeteries... yes, it's Halloween again. I hate Halloweens because it reminds me of death. I've always been scared and this fright is intense when I'm just a kiddo. I think its normal for kids to have that fright, I mean you know how kids are right?! I admit, when I grew up my curiosity about the world of the unknown, the unexplainable and bizarre, and the paranormal phenomena heightened but my fright is still there. It never left me.

I'm afraid of death. There's never a time in my life that I haven't thought about this unpleasant incident. I know we'll all have our final breath on earth when we'll leave our family and friends. When I think of death, I imagine total darkness, you can't breath as if all air has been sucked out of you, you scream but no voice escaped your mouth, you run but there's nowhere to go. You are trapped in place where no one can help you and I tell you that is a dreadful place to be. Yes, I'm afraid of death and I'm afraid for that day to come without me having to fulfill the things that I'm supposed to do. I'm afraid of disappointing my family..., of hurting the very people that I deeply love and cared about.

I want to die peacefully..., calm..., no sufferings. I want to die old and when that happens I want my loved ones to be there. When the time comes that I will leave earth, the last thing that I would want to see is the faces of the people I love. Oh my! I don’t know what's gotten into me to discuss my death. Now it's giving me this eerie feeling. It makes my skin to crawl… (*sigh) Oh well, Happy Halloween everyone!

Letting Go

2006-10-21T21:43:00.000+08:00

When my mother was dying, I spent my time researching on the best doctor there is than being with her. Before I realize it, it was too late. She's gone...

As I'm watching Smallville and getting emotional, the above statement of Lex Luthor got me. I know it's really painful to lose someone you love. It hurts more to know that there's nothing you can do to save the person's life. You just sit down and cry and as emotions are pouring in, you start to get mad. Sometimes we are so preoccupied with thoughts of saving the life of the person we deeply cared about that we forget we are running out of time. I want to quote Ryan in his death bed(the boy that Clark saved) saying:

It's too loud in here. I want to go somewhere quiet. I want to be with my friends.

The part where Clark and Ryan flew made me cry. I guess the thing that holds my tears, whatever it is, is extremely shallow. I really can't help it. I hate the thought of losing someone. I don't want to be hurt. I don't want to let go.

On a Stormy Thursday

2006-09-28T11:26:00.001+08:00

It's quiet. My coffee is hot. It's quite early for me. The sky is gray. It is gloomy and there's coolness in the air. For the next hours I'll be doing school stuff. My computer is busted. There has been a power interruption, I heard a blast and I think it came from the CPU. What the heck! I've just reformat my computer last week and the thought that something has gone wrong again upsets me. I've just transferred my files there and last night I downloaded files that I'll be needing…, so now I'm downloading it all again (*sigh).

The game 2 has been cancelled. Rumor has it that it'll resume on Saturday. Of all day, why does it have to be this Saturday?! We'll be having quizzes on two of our subjects and a laboratory on java. I hope that we can convince our professors. I really wanted our team to win and bagged the championship and I wanted to be there when it happens. I've been faithfully watching every game of the UST Growling Tigers and indeed they've gone so far. They've exceeded everyone's expectation. Last Sunday, they've put up a great fight and almost won game 1 of the best-of-three series. They gave Ateneo a hard time and I'm sure they'll be more aggressive this coming Saturday. That's it for now. Go USTe!!!!

Y4IT

2006-09-18T11:14:00.000+08:00

It's Monday already! When I woke up this morning, my thoughts were everywhere. It feels like there are lots of things to do and I don't even know where to begin. Oh well, life is really getting busier each day. I hope that this will calm soon. Ok, so going back... I hate worrying about my loads so I said to myself, 'Hey why don't you update your blog!', and tadaa now you're reading my post.. Haha! Anyway, read on...

Last Friday we went to UP to attend the Philippine Youth Congress in Information Technology, which is held every year. I must say that last year's youth congress was better than this year. The only talk that I like this year's event was that of Hon. Francis G. Escudero. During his talk, all eyes and ears were focused on him and there are applause and clapping every now and then. A lot of students took pictures of him. He is a good speaker. He talks spontaneously. I agree on what he said about the condition of our country... the politics, our economy, discipline of the people, etc. He even shared with us his prayer unfortunately I wansn't able to write it down. I might search for it in the Internet any time soon =D. (Sigh) There's nothing much to write... so just take a peek on the pics...

Gawi Jives for Five

UST Salinggawi Drives for Five Read the full story here.This season's Cheerdance Competition, the UST's premier dance group, The UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe, once again, for the fifth time in a row, dominated the Araneta Coliseum and declared the Champion. Click Here to watch Gawi's performance. Gawi sets the trend and it is evident on the routine of other schools except UP. This year's competition was really intense. Some schools have improved a lot. I like UP's routines but I guess perfect timing and synchronization were not there that's why FEU got the second place. Here's the list of the winners from 1995-2006. I got this from Wikipedia.

1995 - UST ~ UP ~ FEU ~ Ateneo ~ Adamson ~ UE ~ DLSU ~ NU
1996 - UST ~ FEU ~ UP ~ Ateneo ~ Adamson ~ UE ~ DLSU ~ NU
1997 - UST ~ FEU ~ UP ~ Ateneo ~ DLSU ~ Adamson ~ UE ~ NU
1998 - FEU[1] ~ UP ~ DLSU ~ Ateneo ~ Adamson ~ UE ~ NU
1999 - UP ~ UST ~ FEU ~ Adamson ~ Ateneo ~ DLSU ~ UE ~ NU
2000 - UP ~ UST ~ Ateneo ~ UE ~ Adamson ~ FEU ~ UE ~ NU
2001 - UP ~ Adamson ~ UST ~ UE ~ Ateneo ~ FEU ~ DLSU ~ NU
2002 - UST ~ UE ~ UP ~ Ateneo ~ FEU ~ Adamson ~ NU ~ DLSU
2003 - UST ~ UP ~ FEU ~ Ateneo ~ Adamson ~ UE ~ DLSU ~ NU
2004 - UST ~ UP ~ FEU ~ Ateneo ~ Adamson ~ DLSU ~ UE ~ NU
2005 - UST ~ UP ~ FEU ~ DLSU ~ Adamson ~ UE ~ Ateneo ~ NU
2006 - UST[2] ~ FEU ~ UP ~ Adamson ~ Ateneo ~ UE ~ NU

Notes:
[1] The University of Santo Tomas Salinggawi Dance Troupe did not join the Nestle cheerdance competition but instead joined the Lipton cheerdance competition which they won.
[2] The De La Salle University Pep Squad did not join due to the suspension of their varsity teams.

Number of Championship per University

UST - 8
UP - 3
FEU - 1

Click here to see more pictures of the Cheerdance Competition

UST vs UE

Yesterday I went in Araneta with Christian, Jam, Roy, Cheska, and Weng to watch the game between our team (UST) and UE. It was so much fun! The first and second quarter we were up by twelve or so but when third quarter took place, I became disappointed with the UST players. How can they let those bloody warriors get close to their score and worse outdo them by four. Hay! Things get really excited when fourth quarter took place. Thomasians were yelling 'Beat UE!' and in the end of the game we won =D (Buti na lang!). On the first game by the way Ateneo won, so I guess we'll see you in the finals Ateneo! Go USTe!!!

ICS Variety Show

2006-09-10T19:06:00.000+08:00

This year's ICS week was awesome. By the way I joined the fourth year's group for the ICS Variety Show. We mingled with CS and IT people. I really had a lot of fun and enjoyed performing on stage(my first) though I admit we had lapses in our execution but I think the show turned out okay if not great (laughter). We could've done better if not because of our theses. Of course we seniors have to prioritize our thesis over other things. Here are some of the pics from that event. I’m sorry I wasn’t able to include pictures of the actual performance.

Click here to view more pictures =)

The experience was really great. I had so much fun plus I met new friends. And although we did not get the First Place at least we have some magazines and enjoy ourselves. I will surely miss the practice and the company of the CS people… they are so funny (in a good way)! :)

An Encounter with a Disgusting Man

2006-08-28T22:12:00.000+08:00

Last Sunday (August 27) on my way to the church while crossing the pedestrian this man behind me pat my butt using the plastic bag he's carrying. I look back and stare at him odiously to show him he make me sick. He said sorry but he did it this way, "Miss sorry ah, lambot kasi ng pwet mo.." I wanted to punch him in the face, kick his fat ass, and curse him until the stars I mean the universe punish him for what he did and said. I mean what was he thinking?! Do I look like a slut to him?! For crying out loud, I wasn't even wearing revealing clothes that day... I'm just on my usual jeans and shirt. So instead of bad-mouthing with that jerk, I walked hurriedly but to my surprise he's trying to catch up with me. I even heard him said, "Miss teka lang nagmamadali ka ba?!". That jerk, that piece of shit.. I will never forgive him. He really disgust me!

Its sad to know that some guys are like that. I mean, can't they be more cultured and act like a nice and decent man. How could that man do it in the street and instead of apologizing nicely he pushed me to the limit and got into my nerves. I swear during that time I'd like to electrify him and hang him upside down. You might think that I'm so violent. I think I am but its because of that man and his horrible actions. At that time I'm so prepared to go to the church and pray. When I woke up that morning I'm so focused and I already have plans on how to spend my Sunday. I have this positive aura in my system but that man ruined it. You see I'm a girl who's very, I'd like to emphasize the VERY, sensitive when it comes to touch and physical contact. I get easily irritated when I feel that a stranger, especially a pervert-looking guy, touch me. Who doesn't, right girls?? You can tell it when they're doing it on purpose, so girls beware!

Well, forgive me for my choice of words. I admit they're bit harsh.... I mean really harsh...but I have to get this out of my system. Again, please accept my earnest apologies.

Untitled

2006-08-13T14:51:00.000+08:00

yOu mAy hEaR bUt yOu dOnT LisTeN. yOu mAy sEe bUt yOu dOnt oBsErvE. yOu mAy kNoW bUt yOu dOnT rEaLizE. BeLieVe iN yOuR dReAms nOt yOuR dEspAiRiNg tHoUgHts. ThErE's mOrE tO yOu tHaN TaLk. dReAm bIg....

There are so many wonderful mysteries in this world that is worth unveiling. Don't waste your time over non-sense stuff. Be careful on how you spend your time. Have fun learning and discovering things. Enjoy Life!

August is Here

2006-08-03T21:43:00.000+08:00

Time is slipping away. I've been busy this past few weeks working on our thesis. I lost track of time and now I just realized that we really have to start building the prototype of the web-based system for Plaid Sandwich Bar as soon as possible if we wanted to graduate on March 2007.

I'm looking forward on the events that might happen after graduation. I've got so many plans and I do hope that things will go my way. And oh by the way, I'm back in the gym. The countless sleepless night and takaw days take their toll on my weight and it really depressed me. There was a time that I can't even fit on my uniform.

I haven't played the piano lately because of my responsibilities in school. The last time I concentrated on the instrument rather than academics I wasn't able to finish our laboratory exercise in COBOL. I think I have to prioritize school stuff over other things and speaking of prioritizing academics, our preliminary examination was scheduled this coming August 15 through 17. I have to make sure that I will get high scores on prelims to make up for my not-so-good scores in quizzes.

So there..., I think that's all for now. I gotta run. I still have to do some stuff.

Vanity

2006-07-26T23:49:00.000+08:00

State of the Nation's Address

2006-07-24T18:33:00.000+08:00

On the State of the Nation's Address: Classes were suspended today.... I think its a good thing since I've got the chance to hear what our president has to say on her SONA--State of the Nation's Address... Actually, I've been hearing a lot of critisisms regarding the SONA. According to a recent survey, I forgot who conducted it, Filipinos do not believe anymore to what the President has to say... The President said that our economy was uplifted but I guess a lot of people did not felt it maybe because of the continuous oil price hike... I heard that the SONA will focus on the economy and will do away with Charter Change, which is a good thing by the way....

I hate the thought that our country is divided. Everyone wanted to rule, everyone wanted to be the President. I'm not pro-Gloria but I can't see anyone who's better to replace her. Besides she has proven that she can rule. I think what we need right now is cooperation. We have to help each other. I just don't get it why we can't do it on our own country...

The poor are always blaming the government but can't they get it...??? They have to help themselves first before they put all the blame to the government... Again.. I just wanted to make myself clear.., I'm no pro-Gloria... and no one pay me to wrote these things....

Assessing the president's performance, I think she has done a pretty good job.. She was able to somehow uplift our economy, create jobs, etc.. Our president needs help and we ought to help her.. Always remember that change should start with yourself!

Piano and Me

2006-07-13T12:08:00.000+08:00

When I woke up today and after taking my breakfast, I sat in front of my computer and began studying how to read musical notes with Yanni's music in the background. I'm desperate to learn how to play the piano. Eversince I always wanted to play the instrument. Too bad I just got the determination lately and to make things worst.., I don't have a piano or keyboard, I'm still planning to get one. Anyway, as I'm concentrating on what I'm doing I noticed that my brother was looking on the monitor and he asked me if I was planning to shift from my current course to music since I look so eager to learn the notes. He even joked about me not getting any success because first and foremost I'm a terrible singer. I just shrugged my shoulder and told him that playing the piano has nothing to do with singing.

A few moments later my brother came back and guess what he brought..... well it's a keyboard. I'm really grateful for my brother and with his connections... After that he told me that I can get things faster if I can apply what I'm learning. He's so unbelievable.

So going back... I setup the keyboard and began playing 'Ode to Joy'. It was really hard, my fingers are frozen. Then I decided to concentrate on my right hand first... And after a few tries, I can finally play some part of 'Ode to Joy'. It was a wonderful feeling. Having to finally hit the keys in the keyboard. I almost forget that I'm about to write the hypothesis and assumptions of our chapter three thesis documentation. So there... I'd just like to share that I can now play 'Ode to Joy' in the piano and I can now also read notes (some part).

The Classic

2006-07-02T23:34:00.000+08:00

Short narrative: It tells the story of Ji-hye, a university student who discovers a secret box filled with old letters while her mother is traveling overseas. As she explores its contents, she comes to learn of her mother's first love affair, a story which closely parallels her own situation at the university.

**Please play the video

Although the film is quite long, and takes many more twists and turns as it jumps between past and present, it is worth your time so I suggest that you watch it. Now grab some popcorn and hit the couch...

Getting Busier Each Day

2006-07-01T21:44:00.000+08:00

I won't be posting here for the next few weeks or maybe months. School has been so demanding and I spent most of my time in school researching about our topic in thesis. My groupmates wanted to start early which I think is a good thing since we are expected to complete the project by January next year. I'm so glad that my thesis partners are responsible and trustworthy.

As of now, our topic has been approved and we're working on chapters one to three. We're planning to start the programming of the system second week of July and I hope that we'll be able to finish it by December so that all we have to do by January is to find bugs in the system. I'm planning to have a part-time job because I'm so broke. I wanted to buy so many things without asking my parents for money... I want to buy those things on my own but since its our thesis I think its not possible for me to have a part-time job and thesis at the same time and besides I don't want to risk my academics again, so I guess those things will have to wait until I graduated from college.

By the way my mom bought me a laptop last June 22, her birthday. I not expecting her to buy me a laptop especially on her birthday. I was really surprised... I almost forgot to greet her. But anyway, I'm so grateful for my mom. She's the best mom of all moms.... ^_^ Love you Mom! Although, I do not usually express it verbally, I hope that my actions are more than enough to express how much I love you...

Simple Crush or Deeper?

2006-06-24T18:58:00.000+08:00

Just wanted to share what's been eating my thoughts this past few days. There's this guy whom I think is almost perfect and I think I'm starting to like him. I'm confused... I have so many crushes but this guy is different.... as I've said he's almost perfect. I wanted to post his pic on my blog but I'm afraid that one day he might discover my blog....

Midnight Musing

2006-06-13T22:43:00.000+08:00

I just finished making revisions on the e-cart system and as I close my eyes to get away from the intense brightness of the monitor, this silly thought cross my mind. I don't know why all of a sudden this notion came into my reverie. I hate it when I ponder on this thought but actually I've been mulling over this thought ever since I was in high school. I've talked about this with my high school friends and they told me that I'm being pathetic but you know what, I really can't help thinking that I'm gonna die soon. The very thought of death makes my skin crawl. I'm terrified of death, right now I've got so many wonderful plans and the though of death makes my aspirations and dreams blurry. I'm not prepared for it and I'm not saying that there's sort of preparation for death, I just don't want to die and I know that its not my time yet.

I've been having this spots or blemishes all over my body since December last year. I've seen three doctors already but still I'm not healed. They only give me a few spot-free weeks and after that the blotches are all over me again. Right now I even have spots on my face and sometimes I'm having a difficulty breathing. I don't know what's happening to me and this frightens me. I already stop taking medicines, they can't cure me. I do not usually believe in albularyo but I've got nothing to lose. Right now what I'm taking are herbal medicines. Just last night my mom boiled these leaves, I don't know what they're called, and I bathed using them. This may sound ridiculous to you but I'm really hoping that this could cure me.

Untitled

2006-06-12T18:12:00.000+08:00

Whew! I'm done with my OJT. I'm so glad that I made it and learned a lot of things about my craft. What I did in my OJT was developed a system/site for the partner NGO of Balanghai Study Center, St John Calabria Livelihood Center. This is actually my first time to be a part of an organization with the goal of reaching out and helping people and to develop a system using PHP. I admit that I hate self-studying.. I really hate it.. but thanks to my ojt, it taught me to trust myself.... read... read...and read... Well, on the contrary, I love reading but I do not read academic books. Its really boring... I just enjoy reading novels and magazines (lol).. During my ojt I spent most of my time online joining in forums and reading tutorials.... I was amazed by what I learned. It was really great... I'm starting to love PHP because by exploring the world of PHP I got to learn CSS and Javascript....

Although I'm done with my ojt, still there are some revisions to the system and that's what I'm doing right now... It really felt good to develop a system especially using a language that you learned all by yourself and with the help of some trustworthy friends and strangers... I really felt good for what I've done this summer and I'm looking forward for our thesis... We've already found a client but the project is still subject for approval by our thesis adviser. I'm hoping that he/she'll approve it since our client is really accommodating and very friendly. Well, that's about it for today's post.... Carpe Diem.... Ciao

I'm Back

2006-05-22T18:07:00.000+08:00

Well, it's been ages since the last time I updated my blog. What happened to me those days?? Well, let me recall..... I've been busy with work and school but I really can't study and work at the same time that's why I have to choose between the two... and what else would I choose..? Of course, I've chosen my studies...

I've got learnings at work... I've met wonderful people and learn something from them also... There's no regrets although I sacrificed my health....

After I quit work, I gained a lot of weight and that depress me... I used to weigh 103 lbs but now I weigh 120 lbs...

Right now, I'm having my OJT in Balanghai Study Center.... We're developing a system using PHP... I cannot say that my OJT is fun and easy since you have to study PHP but the experience is fulfilling.

I'm looking forward for this school year since this will be my last year in UST (hopefully this will be the last) This is the time to get serious with studies... We will be having our thesis this year so the best of luck to all of us... Hopefully, we'll make it...

By the way, I read this book (Eleven Minutes) by Paulo Coelho, it is different from the previous books by the author since Eleven Minutes is about a prostitute named Maria... (what a name for a prostitute)... But the book is really good, it is filled with profound and philosophical thoughts... And one more thing..., it has a very nice ending... Read on guys...

i fall so deep

2006-01-12T18:48:00.000+08:00

Well, I haven't posted anything here for a long time because I've been very busy... Actually I don't know what to do with my life right now, most of my friends dont understand me... They know that this semester is as busy as hell that's why they can't believe when I told them that I'm having a training on West Contact Services. I know that they are concern about me. They give me advices but most of the time I ignore it and follow my heart.. I'm really a stubborn person...

Right now, its already 2:40 a.m., and I'm still studying for my 3 quizzes tomorrow..=( I'm almost done with the first subject that's why I decided to take a break and surf the net... I checked my YM and everyone is offline... Oh well..., I hope I can really make it this semester...

About the training.... I'm really having a good time in West.. I've learned a lot of things already... and I can really say that the experience is worth the things that I've sacrificed.. I've met wonderful people and learned things from them.. With a short span of time I can say, beyond doubt, that I've grown as a person.... I really like it there... I hope I can make it.... =D

*This is titled 'i fall so deep' because it's the song that's playing and I can't think of a title for this post**

Movie Review

2005-12-05T11:28:00.000+08:00

'Just Like Heaven' is a dreamy romantic comedy. Mark Ruffalo and Reese Witherspoon undeniably has shown chemistry, they look cute together in this movie. It also has an unexpected turn in the end. Watch the movie and see two charming characters make beautiful music together. Elizabeth (Witherspoon) is a workaholic, loveless doctor and David (Ruffalo) is devastated from the death of his wife.

Their story began when David rented his quiant San Francisco apartment. He had only began to make a complete mess of the place when Elizabeth suddenly shows up insisting the apartment is hers. Davis assumes that there's a misunderstanding until Elizabeth disappers as mysteriously as she appears. Convinced she is a ghost, David tries to help her cross over 'to the other side'. But while Elizabeth has discovered she does have a distinctly ethereal quality, she is equally convinced that she is somehow still alive and isn't crossing over anywhere. As Elizabeth and David search for the truth about who Elizabeth is and how she came to be in her present state, their relationship deepens into love. Unfortunately, they have little time before their prospect for a future together permanently fade away.

What most people are saying about Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is, Wow! It's fantastic, the best potter so far. Mike Newell has done a great job with this fourth installment. It has a successfull blend of drama, action, comedy, romance, and mystery that form an almost flawless movie. Goblet of fire is spectacular and of course magical. I specially love the 'Yule Ball', Daniel Radcliffe is really cute and Emma Watson looks great in her dress. I like everything about this movie, the effects, the soundtrack, everything.

Pride and Prejudice

2005-12-05T10:54:00.000+08:00

I've just finished reading 'Pride and Prejudice' and all of a sudden it became my favorite novel. It's charming and heart-warming in its own way. The novel's first line-- "It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife"--gives you the idea that the novel revolves around marriage. It gives emphasis on the society of the eighteenth century and the need for young women to find a husband in possession of a good fortune. The motive of marriage is purely for the sake of economic survival.

I will only give a short narrative about the book. It starts with the conversation at Longbourn, the Bennet household, about the upcoming arrival of Mr. Bingley, "a man of large fortune" to Netherfield Park, a nearby estate. Mrs. Bennet sees Mr. Bingley as a potential suitor for her daughters, and attempts to persuade Mr. Bingley to visit him. There are five daughters in the Bennet family. Mr. Bennet seems to prefer Elizabeth, the second oldest, because of her intelligence, while Mrs. Bennet seems fonder of the oldest, Jane, because of her beauty, and the middle child, Lydia, because of her good humor. We follow Miss Elizabeth Bennet through a number of early-18th-century crises her first encounter with the excessively proud and unlikeable Fitzwilliam Darcy; her desire to nourish the growing affection between her older sister Jane and the somewhat unassuming Charles Bingley; her refusal of the proposal of marriage from her odious cousin the clergyman Mr. Collins; her relationship with Mr. Wickham -- who is not all that he would prefer to seem; her visit to Rosings Park, the domain of the Lady Catherine, an aristocrat of great "condescension"; her trip through the Peak District with her aunt and uncle Gardiner, culminating on the grounds of Darcy's huge estate at Pemberley; Lydia Bennet's elopement with Wickham; and eventually Eliza's marriage to a Darcy now revealed as perfectly amiable.

If you haven't read the book, I suggest you read it. It's really a great book. It gives you a lot of insights and a picture of the society of the eighteenth century. I can't wait to see the Pride and Prejudice movie which stars Keira Knightley.

The Rule of Four

2005-11-12T11:41:00.000+08:00

I've read the book twice already and it never fails to amuse me.. Once you start reading it you'll have a hard time putting the book down. I suggest you guys to read the book. You'll learn a lot from it. It's a smart book that is worth reading. There are riddles, mysteries, and murders. The following are some of the insights I got from the book:

The strong take from the weak but the smart take from the strong.

Make new friends, but keep the old; one is silver, the other is gold.

A good friend stands in harm's way for you the second you ask - but a great friend does it without being asked at all.

Never invest yourself in anything so deeply that its failure could cost your happiness.

People like to say that time is a great healer. The great healer is what they say, as if time were a doctor... but time is the guy at the amusement park who paints shirts with an airbrush. He sprays out the color in a fine mist until it's just lonely particles floating in the air, waiting to be plastered in place. And what comes of it all, the design on the shirt at the end of the day, usually isn't much to see. I suspect that whoever buys that shirt, the one great patron of the everlasting theme park, whoever he is, wakes up in the morning and wonders what he ever saw in it. We're the paint in that analogy. Time is what disperses us.

Love conquers all

Love is not supposed to be on your side. You fight with it; you try to undo what it does to others. But it's too powerful. No matter how much we suffer, Virgil says, our hardships cannot move it.

The two hardest things to contemplate in life are FAILURE AND AGE; and those are one and the same. Perfection is the natural consequence of eternity: wait long enough, and anything will realize its potential. Coal becomes diamonds, sand becomes pearls, apes become men. It's simply not given to us, in one lifetime, to see those consummations, and so every failure becomes a remainder of death.

There you go folks, more reasons for you to read the book. Enjoy! ^_^

What Scares You?

2005-11-03T02:53:00.000+08:00

No doubt, ghosts, bloody creatures, and monsters scare you out of your wit. But let me give you my top ten list of the things that scares me the most and prove that it's not always about ghosts, ghouls, and monsters.

Snakes - Even when I'm just a kid, I'm already scared of snakes. There was one time when I'm 7 years old and I saw a snake in the street hit by a car, its blood was splattered everywhere. And believe me, I wasn't able to eat the whole day because I cannot forget the snake. Also sometimes they were in my dreams and it really freaked me out. There was one time when I watched Anaconda, the night after that I dreamed of the giant snake hunting me. That was really scary.
Cockroaches specially when they are flying - gruesome creatures... ehw
Losing a family member, friends, and loved one - These people are part of me. They are special. I learn from them. They make me smile and fill my life and with these reasons I'm afraid of losing any one of them.
Death - I don't want to die... Not yet...
Darkness and confined spaces - I hate 'em because they give me a suffocating feeling.
Being alone - who does?
Losing my memory - I don't like the idea of forgetting all of the wonderful experiences, nice people, and thoughts.
Ghosts - Like most people I'm also scared of ghosts. I hate the thought of dead people manifesting themselves in you.
Rats - I hate rats particularly the big one.
Failure - I don't want to fail because that means disappointing others specially my family.

The Wedding

2005-11-02T10:32:00.000+08:00

This is a good book. If you're a hopeless romantic, I'm sure you'll love this book. It's heartwarming, touchy, and wonderful. The romance of Wilson and Jane was great but it was not the very reason why I really like the book…, it was because of Noah and the swan. Well I guess you just have to read the book if you want to find out why.

I like the way Nicholas Sparks illustrate the love story of Wilson and Jane, how they met, their first date, their marriage, their children, and every detail. I like his characterization of Jane as a woman, a mother, and a lover.

This book by the way is a sequel of Nicholas Sparks's previous bestseller novel, The Notebook.

Between Dinner and the Morning After

2005-10-24T05:47:00.000+08:00

Synopsis

When the past makes a comeback…

Although it's taking her eccentric boss forever to give Abi a break, its fine — at least she's got a job. It pays the shopping bills and keeps her busy.

Although she's no longer happy with her boyfriend, it's cool — he's perfect for her mother and her friends.

That is, until someone she was in love with eight years ago returns to the picture.

Suddenly, it all boils down to the past vs. the present: Current okay life or the possibility of something better?

She has overnight to decide.

Comment

I admire Abi for her courage to turn her back against the possibility of a better career and a marriage with a wonderful man, who has a very supportive family, but I also have to say that she's a fool for letting it all slipped away.

She gambled with her opportunities. She said 'no' to a wonderful man in front of his and her family for the chance of being with Juno who is by the way a fling eight years ago. She went to San Francisco to be with the guy on the New Year's Eve without the guarantee that they will end up together. She doesn't even know the status of Juno.

In the end, she found out that Juno is so excited to become a Daddy. He's already attached to somebody else and too bad because he can't be with her on the new year's eve since his girlfriend's relatives were expecting him to join them on that celebrated event.

But despite all of it, she was glad that she was that sort of person who would do anything for a real connection

I like the book, nice dialogues, and fantastic characterization. "A must-read for all closet romantics!" narrates Cosmopolitan Philippines.

Forbidden Love

2005-10-23T10:18:00.000+08:00

Casts

Matsushima Nanako — Michi Hirose
Takizawa Hideaki — Hikaru Kurusawa
Shirakawa Yumi
Kuroki Hitomi
Bessho Tetsuya

Summary

Hirose Michi, a 26 year old teacher dissatisfied with her life, but unable to change it's direction toward a loveless marriage and a less then satisfying career. Everything changes when she meets and bonds with Kurasawa Hikaru, a 17 year old transfer student with his own problems, which mirror her own. Mutual attractions lead to attachment and finally, love. This leads to a situation where they must contend with a society that is not accepting such an unusual relationship. The remainder of the series follows their trials and tribulations leading to a bittersweet, yet hopeful finale.

Comment

Forbidden Love is a story of true, deep and lasting love where the only crime is that Hikaru was born 9 years too late. This series taught me that we should not be paranoid with what people will think if we do this or do that. If it does not conform to their standard so what, at least we're happy right?! We are our own person and capable of making ourselves happy so we should not let other ruin it by dictating us what to do.

I really love this series and I hope that everyone could watch it. This drama moved me unexpectedly. It almost made me cry. I like the role of Takky here as compared to his role on Strawberry on Shortcake. He was adorable in this series since he knows what he wants and he didn't let anyone get on his way. I heard from a friend that ABS-CBN will be showing Forbidden Love soon. Let's just keep our fingers crossed ok?!

Strawberry on Shortcake

2005-10-23T10:04:00.000+08:00

Casts

Takizawa Hideaki – Irie Manato
Fukada Kyoko – Misawa Yui
Kubozuka Yosuke – Tetsuya/senpai
Uchiyama Rina – Sawamura Haruka

Summary

At some point, Manato Irie (Hideaki Takizawa) began to withdraw himself from the world. Even when picked on, it's not the real Irie, but an act. However one day he meets a strange girl - Yui Misawa (Kyoko Fukada). Yui, who finds the tedium of everyday life unbearable, teases Manato with her almost too upfront and honest manner. Alone and afraid Manato wavers but finds himself drawn to her. But his feelings for Yui are doomed to be unrequited.

Comment

This is my first Japanese series and I'm not disappointed with it. As a matter of fact, I like it. It was an excellent piece of drama with good acting, strong script, and the extra-a message to send as well. The story is heartwarming, thought-provoking, and meaningful. It will lead you to think further and makes you reflect upon yourself. The actors were fitting for their role and they did a great job.

This series makes me reflect if I really know myself that well. Until now, I'm not sure yet of what the strawberry on the shortcake depicts. Ok let's put it this way:

If you were to eat your strawberry shortcake, will you eat the strawberry first or you'll save it and eat it last?

Well in my case, I will eat the shortcake first and save the strawberry for the last bite. Maybe this means that I'm like Sawamura and Manato after all and maybe this is also the reason why I didn't like Takizawa Hideaki in his role in this series.

All About the Party

2005-10-19T13:46:00.000+08:00

Last night I had a blast. The party was so much fun. When we get to Metro at past 7 o'clock, there's a queue already. After our bags were searched, we got in and find some tables. The program started at around 8 o'clock if I'm not mistaken. Most of ICS professors did not attended the sembreak party well maybe because they were busy computing our grades.

The place was huge, actually we did not occupy the whole Metro Bar, we only occupied half of it. The hosts on that evening were hilarious though their jokes sometimes were really vulgar and rough.

Roy got the third place, even though he didn't have the title I'm still glad. After the announcement of the winners for Mr. and Ms. Icon, the band Liquefied Orange performed. After some songs, they encourage everyone to dance. At first we were shy to go to the center and dance but after some urging we went there and dance the night away. The party ended at 2 a.m.

Feelin' so good

2005-10-17T14:02:00.000+08:00

Finally, first semester is over. All I'm hoping right now is to get good grades. Yesterday we had our final exam in Environmental Science (NS) and Operating Systems (OS). The exam on NS is easy if you just read and study the handout that the professor gave us. Unfortunately, I didn't review on that subject. The exam on OS is quite difficult. I wasn't able to solve some of the computations.

Actually this week, we watched two movies, Into the Blue and The 40 Year Old Virgin. Into the Blue is an adventure and suspense flick, the scenery is incredible and the stars are bodacious. Jessica Alba and Paul Walker managed to pull-out a mind-blowing chemistry. The 40 Year Old Virgin, on the other hand, is a very entertaining sex comedy. The movie is charming, sweet, romantic, and in the end it turned out to be musical too.

Tomorrow, it will be our sem break party in Metro Bar. We will be there to support our classmate, Roy, in the pageant and also to enjoy ourselves. We don't have any definite plan yet of we will be doing after the party. I hope that things will turn out the way I expected.

Anonymous

2005-10-12T14:54:00.000+08:00

I'm supposed to review for our final exam on Organizational Theory and Strategic Management tomorrow but until now I haven't flipped a single page of the handouts that i'm supposed to read. I'm trying so hard to comprehend the text on the handouts but I can't absorb the details. My mind seems to be somewhere else.

A while ago, I was sending SMS to this anonymous texter. Uh... I really don't know what to say. I think I enjoy texting with him. I kinda like the person I make out of him. He's witty, sensible, and mysterious. But the problem is..., I really have no idea who the hell he is. I try to ask him about his identity but the more I ask questions the more he gets secretive. I'm really curious with this guy. He fascinates me; he's not like most unnamed texters I've encountered before.

That's about it....., I really have to go back to the papers on my study desk... I have to read 'em.

1st Sem Almost Over

2005-10-11T02:51:00.000+08:00

Whew! I'm glad that this semester is almost over....

Our Final examination was scheduled this week.... and after that will be our sembreak party to be held at 'Metro Bar'.

I'm looking forward to this event after the exams... I just hope that the place will be huge enough to accommodate all the ICS students..

Gone to the Long Home

2005-10-01T12:54:00.000+08:00

I'll be going with my mom and dad to Bicol this Sunday to attend the last two day wake of my grandfather. The burial will be on Tuesday and as much as I wanted to attend the funeral, I can't because next week will be our last week before the final examination and there are just so many things to do.

My grandfather was once a soldier. He was one of the valiant compatriots who fought during the Japanese occupation. When I was still a kid, every morning he would usually took me on a stroll or made me memorize the 'Lupang Hinirang' or the 'Panatang Makabayan' that's why before I even set foot on school I already know the two.

My recollection of my grandfather is very limited and even though I haven't got the chance to reside with him for a very long period of time the thought of his passing away makes me sad and makes me reminisce the about the moment I had with him when I was still an innocent being and it makes me miss my childhood days, when I don't give a damn to what is happening around me. All I think of those days was candies, toys, and crayons.

...oh well, I guess the hardest part is having this feeling of regret since I wasn't able to nurse him.

Hectic

2005-09-30T13:31:00.000+08:00

I'm glad that this semester is almost done. So far, this has been the most tiring semester I have, lots of paper works, assignments, researches, interviews, and the like.

Actually this week, I barely had enough sleep. I spent most of the night finishing papers, report, and assignments. Were done with our report in OS, by the way, we had it last Wednesday. We're supposed to answer the questions of Sir Matulac about our report today but he didn't give us any. As a matter of fact, he complimented our report, saying that it was good since we've gone through the details and applied the previous discussions in our report. Well, our efforts really paid off.

My concern right now is our defense in IM105 (Strategic Management) and Technical English. We're almost done with the two, by the way.

Simple Introduction

2005-09-24T17:14:00.000+08:00

We all live in suspense, from day to day, from hour to hour; in other words, we are the hero of our own story.
Mary McCarthy
It's 1:55 a.m. and I'm still up. I'm almost done downloading mp3s but I still can't sleep, maybe I had too much caffeine.... again!

I've decided to keep an online journal that's why I've created this blog. I want to post here my interests and aspirations, the things that keep me going, and maybe also the things that make me feel doomed. The reason why I'll publicize them is because I want to share something... it may not be that great but at least I've shared something and I think you'll also get to learn something from the experiences of others.

That's enough introduction i suppose. I'll try to catch some ZZZZs because I'll be needing loads of energy tomorrow.