Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Ringlish Christmas Party

Ringlish Christmas Bash at Linden Suites Tower II.
December 20, 2008.




Happy Christmas everyone!! Smile^^,

Friday, December 19, 2008

Rabbitcam Episode 1

This is the Pilot episode for my new Interview show, which is Rabbitcam.



This show will be also under Rabbit Productions of course. For episode 1, I interviewed my colleague Mia, who apparently, was very much ready for the interview.

I know that this episode looks really raw but I'm working on learning new techniques on video editing so don't worry, after a few episodes, I'll try to blow you guys away.

Thanks to Nica (East-sea), and to Mia of course!! See you next Friday for Episode 2!!

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Dapithapon

I hate to say this but...

I miss spending sultry afternoons with you, blog partner.

I just want an extra (or lack thereof) ordinary life spent with you.

Friday, December 5, 2008

AMIS I Love (Happy Teachers' Day!)


My dear Mrs. Josephine Dasco (Cooperating Teacher)
and Reevan (Partner ST from UST)

The AMIS Teachers
and the STs, of course.
(Timed Shot)

The Student Teachers of UST and PLM
(Photo taken by Ali)

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Dahil sa Pagmumukhang Ito (Twilight Fever Antidote)

Edward: Oh, Bella. I love you. I may kill you. You don't know.
Bella: Ulul. Ampangit mo.
Nagkakandarapa ang mga babae.
Bumababa na ata ang standards ng mga kabataan ngayon.
Tsk. Tsk.

Monday, December 1, 2008

AMIS I LOVE

Nauubusan ako ng pera dahil sa visual aids.
Nangangati ako sa chalk dust ng 'dustless' chalk.
Nauubusan ako ng ideas para sa mga lesson ko.
Nahihirapan ako umuwi pag tanghali.
Naiinis ako kapag di nila ginagawa yung assignments nila.
Nahihirapan akong tapusin yung lesson pag mabagal silang gumawa ng activity.
Natatabangan ako sa pagkain ng canteen.
Nahihirapan akong magsalita kapag sumasabay sila.
Nalulungkot ako kapag maingay sila habang nagdadasal yung mga kaklase nila.

Pero

Mahal ko silang mga studyante ko.
Masaya akong tinuturuan sila.
At masaya akong maging guro.

Monday, November 24, 2008

Ang mga Estudyante Ko ay Hindi Bobo

Every system operates like a machine. Push the right button and it will start. Use the right controls and it will move the way you expect it to. Overuse it and it'll break down. Carefully and strategically design it and it'll be voted as one of the greatest inventions ever made. Our systems are like machines, subtly controlled by one of the most important facets of life: reality.

We know that something is real when we experience it. We define reality by consolidation of people's ideas and perceptions of what they see, hear, feel, taste and observe. Technically, everything, even the darkest, most negative aspects of humanity, is real.

From an educational perspective, it is a feat for student teachers to be aware of the real secondary school scenario: poor facilities, unruly students, underachievers, insufficiency of learning, unconducive environments and incompetent teachers. This consciousness leads to the openness that the profession which they will soon take is a serious task. This reality brings forth thousands of ideals which may sound too noble, too optimistic or perhaps, even too impossible to deliver.

Slowly, carefully, we are all entering this phase in which we have to use this system to bring changes. With this comes a sad fact which I discovered and felt so disgusted with when I realized it. Our minds have been filled with educational philosophies by the same institution which ironically hired a teacher who does not want us to teach in public schools. I cannot believe this reality.

I cannot believe I am being taught by my own professor never to stay in a secondary school just because the students stink, just because the washrooms are filthy, just because the rooms have no fans--just because of these lame reasons that my own students deal with every single day.
I cannot believe my teacher calls my public high school students BOBO. This degradation is not just addressed to the students, but to the teachers as well. This arrogance is so blearing, it makes me lose my sense of sight and respect towards the "authority" that speaks of filth in front of me.


No, my students and other high school students are not bobo. I can cite a lot of reasons that will prove her wrong but I prefer to say this in full confidence without further explaining everything: No, my students are not bobo.

I cannot believe that my teacher wants me to serve "sophisticated", private institutions sheltering people who look down on those who make their businesses successful. I can't believe that she wants me to fight effortlessly in a pay-high school when in fact, the real battle is in a public school.

I am not a teacher, at least not yet. I am just starting to become a part of a system. Sometimes, I get discouraged when I feel that I should have taught more, I could have offered more to these students of mine; but the more I remember those words from her, the more I feel like a button pushed. I feel insulted. This insult, ergo, makes me want to go further. It's through those sad facts that I realize I really have to continue what I have started; otherwise, my students will be left to a teacher like her, who speaks ill of a profession she has been practicing for almost half of her life.

I do not wish to sugarcoat reality. I plan to reconstruct it. I plan to give students the things they rightfully deserve: recognition, joy in learning and hope. Like a machine, I believe I am pushed the right way and I am going to look at the educational reality with the same philosophies that I have been primarily equipped with. No, my teacher, apparently, you have not enlightened me with your weak and pathetic pieces of advice.

I just want to repeat this:
My students are not bobo.

Friday, November 21, 2008

I'm Sorry

Taken from Angel's Blog:

There’s just one thing I hope people to remember: Talk about a personal problem when you are ready to deal with them for real.

The rule is easy to keep in mind and easy to understand. Start mastering the art of keeping personal things to yourselves until you’re ready to really share them, face the reactions, act on them and let go. Let’s not worry each other. Let’s not do that. Don’t make a fool out of yourself infront of people. Reserve that dignity and spare yourself the embarrassment. You owe that to yourself and to the people who cares about you.

Thank you Te Poy. I'm sorry.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Things I Understand

I understand honesty.

It comes in bold and brave statements to declare honesty as one of the most important things a person must be equipped with. I also understand that people become straightforward and frank when they want to stop something from happening again. There is, however, a thin line between honesty and tact. This is something that apparently, even smart people cannot distinguish.

I understand comparison.

People like it when they are considered "better" as compared to other people. Better in terms of status, abilities, potentials. What they don't like about comparison is when they go a level lower than people being compared to them.

Either way, I hate being compared to others. I HATE it. Why do I hate being compared? It's because I hate feeling so low of myself, which I can easily be provoked to feel.

I understand concern.

I am grateful that, notwithstanding people who have lost faith in me, there are still some left who stay and believe that I can get back on track even if I make irrational decisions.

I understand judgment.

I know how easy it is for people to arrive to conclusions without sufficient analysis of given situations. I understand that even people who you treasure can give false judgment and all you have to do is accept it.

I understand silence.

In silence, a lot of things can be heard. Even those we do not intend to say can be understood. Sometimes, silence gets so ironically and entertainingly loud it can make an individual lose his
will to talk just so he could hear himself. That, is silence.


It is only in understanding deep truth that everyday truth makes any sense.
-Laura Teresa Marquez
Source: Early Morning Conversation

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Death by Cuteness

Girl's Generation - Kissing You

Warning: The following music video has a very catchy tune and might get you hooked. You've been warned.

Sunday, November 16, 2008

The Friendster Problem

Sa totoo lang, marami akung ideya ngayon na masarap sana isulat kaya lang, naisip ku na dahil isyu tu ngayon, makakarelate ang madaming tao. Pwera na lang siguro dun sa mga taong hindi pa alam na naimbento na ng tao ang kompyuter at internet.

Gabi ng Biyernes nun at nasa opisina pa aku. Mga alas diyes na yun at wala na kung studyante kaya ginagawa ku na yung bidyo (Ang hirap magtagalog pota~~) ng kaarawan ni Jing. (Gustu niyu makita? Klik kayo dito.) Medyo seryoso aku nun at bigla akung tinanong ng isa kung katrabaho, si Claire, ng "Uy, anung nagyayari sa Friendster?".


Hmmm. Sinubukan kung silipin ang website (Ahhh, suko na ku~~) sa aking kompyuter. Ayaw nga maakses. Sinabi ku na lang na baka naman inaayos lang yung website.


Sa totoo lang, hindi aku isang dakilang tagasubaybay (Fan. Tama ba?) ng nasabing website. Mas iniintindi ku pa yung Multiply at yung blog ku. O di kaya ay manonood na lang aku sa Youtube ng kung anu-ano kesa aksayin ang oras ku sa pag tingin sa propayl ng mga kaibigan ku na minsan lang rin naman nagbabago. Ginawa ku lang ang akawnt (Mahirap talaga magtagalog. Seryoso.) ku doon para lang may madaling paraan para makausap ku lahat ng kaibigan ku.


Nung gabi rin na yun, marami ang nagtetext at nagpapadala ng personal na mensahe sa akin sa Yahoo! Messenger at nagtatanong kung nabubuksan ku daw ba yung website. Malaking aksaya sa enerhiya kung sasagot pa ku ng hindi. Wala naman din akung gaanong pakialam sa problema na yun. Napakaraming mas mahalagang bagay ang dapat kung bigyan ng pansin.


Linggo na ng gabi ngayon. Marami na ang kakalog-in sa website pero may mga reklamo sila. May mga nagtetext pa rin. Nagpapadala ng mga personal na mensahe sa YM. May mga nagsulat sa mga blog nila. May mga nagsulat ng buletin. Nabura daw ang mga kaibigan nila. Wala na raw ang mga komento sa mga pahina nila. Nakakatawa talaga. Naisip ku na, "Bakit kaya hindi aku nag-aalala sa akawnt ku sa Friendster?". Tama lang yata na ganun di ba?


Magsigising nga kayo. Mas maraming mas mahalagang dapat niyung isipin. Hindi kaya nagiging alipin na tayo ng internet? Sa totoo lang, naisip ku na bakit ngayong may problema ang Friendster, nagwawala ang karamihan ng mga pinoy (mga 88% ng buong populasyon). Eh yung bansa natin daming problema hindi niyu man lang binibigyan ng pansin. Yan pa ang pinili niyung pag-usapan kesa yung mga problema na nakikita niyu na dapat sana ay iniisipan niyu na ng paraan. Matalino raw ang mga Pilipino. Minsan, kahit aku, nahihirapang maniwala dun.

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Amazing!

Practice Teaching Blues

After months of waiting, my practice teaching started last Monday. I had my first time to be introduced as a student teacher at Antonio Maceda Integrated School. I used to fear the students thinking that they don't give due respect to teachers. Until now, I have the same fear.

In the morning there are 4 student teachers, namely: Mariz, Jem, Janerey and of course, me. We all have to start our duty at 7 and stay in the campus until 1 in the afternoon. Just last Tuesday, we were given the opportunity to have our own cooperating teachers. Jem was given to Mrs. Tangal, a first year English Teacher. Janerey was given to Mrs. Maranan, who teaches in the second year level. Mariz was given to Mrs. Valerio, who teaches third year. I was so happy to be supervised by Mrs. Dasco, a fourth year English Teacher. I thought everything would be alright.

I was wrong.

It was Wednesday when my cooperating teacher decided to let me take over three classes in the fourth year level. It was pretty simple, since I just had to give a spelling test and to facilitate a silent reading activity. I felt so pleased because I can feel the students' warmth and acceptance. I was looking forward to having more classes with them.

Later in the afternoon, I asked Ma'am Dasco if I needed to do something for the students, like class records and school register records whatnot.

She said, I would have to wait until December to teach.

Why on earth do I have to wait until December?

Maybe she doesn't trust me enough; or maybe she doesn't want me to ruin her lesson plans.

Whatever her personal reasons maybe, let me give you my own reasons as to why I should not let that happen.

1.) All my groupmates have already started teaching. I am not in the right position to compare my status to theirs but the point is I'm left behind. My other classmates already know how to use the class record and school register and I still don't.

2.) I envy them because they are making their stay at Maceda a worthwhile experience. If you look at my situation, you'd think my cooperating teacher (CT) is mad at me. That sucks bigtime. I try my best to be friendly but I guess it still doesn't work.

3.) I had two semesters for field observation. According to the student teacher's handbook, I can only have two weeks for orientation then I'd have 13 weeks for teaching. I just hope she'll give me that opportunity.

I just want to teach and learn. I just want to experience being loved by the students. I know that there's always a time for everything, but I won't compromise the rest of the time that I have with sleeping, staring at people and doing nothing.

If you look at the system that the school has, you'd say it's not enough. Students are dying to get out of the campus. Guards tolerate the students' bad habit of cutting classes. Teachers shout at students so they would shut up. Implementation of rules is not strict enough. Life there just gets so pretty boring sometimes.

Still, I stick to what I want. This system is just a challenge to face and a problem to solve. We keep on complaining about something we don't like, and complaining is the only thing that we like to do. What's worse is, we complain but in times of action, we hide and spare ourselves from all the trouble.

As I mentioned in a comment for a friend's blog entry, we should never let ourselves be eaten by the spoilage of the system. If ideals are the only things we can hold on to while avoiding educational prejudices, then we must protect these ideals by all means. As teachers, that's what we must do. That's what we should have been doing all this time.

Anyway.

I look at my students' faces everyday and I'm glad they're slowly taking my fears away.

Sunday, November 9, 2008

Pre-Birthday Meditations

Everything just happens so fast, you'd notice (or you wouldn't) there are a lot of changes, losses, impermanence and vagueness which carry a big weight in the essence of time. In the long run, you'd find yourself left behind. Thank goodness, I'm slowly catching up.

It was friday night when I felt as if it were the end of the line for me. I was weak--no, even more than that. I was close to being lifeless.

Let me talk about the nearness of death and my upcoming birthday, like nothing else matters but life and its end. Thinking that noone's indispensable, I decided that
if I were to die, god grant me a painless death. The kind that I wouldn't have to moan and scream for people to kill me instead. I just want shame to spare for myself just a few moments before I leave this place. I knew I wasn't supposed to fear dying; but at the back of my mind, while looking at everything I fought for, everything I owed my life to, I would rather refute my view on the matter: no, give me more years to live.

Hence, with my fear of death comes my passion for life. For the past 20 years I have seen myself growing, perhaps not as the kind they expected, but I am proud not to have grown like any other. I am satisfied that I err and I am happy that along the way, I learn.

People may leave, hate me and tear me apart but for 20 years,
I have lived.
I have fought so hard to be here and it's utterly pointless to regress
and ask myself again with never ending whys.
I just want to enjoy and get the most out of what I have now,
and now that I have mentioned it, I realize I have a lot.

Yes. I'm twenteen. Its invalidity speaks aloud what I would still wish to be, but I guess life really has to move on. I need to to focus on practice teaching. I need to redeem myself in terms of academic standings. I need to face greater challenges after graduation.
I want to marry. Yes, I do. *^-^*
Honestly, I'm looking forward to leaving my house
for another one. *^-^*
Most importantly, I need to win back
what's mine--all mine. *^-^*

Come to think about it, being twenty is going to be thrilling after all.

Saturday, November 8, 2008

Thursday, November 6, 2008

God Save The Queen

I stumbled upon this weird Friendster quiz that really caught my attention that's why I decided to post it here.

The rules of the test are simple. Think of one person and you will base your answer upon him/her. Once you start answering, you can't change the person you have in mind.

With that said, take a look at how things turned out.

1. Is he/she your friend on Friendster?
^^ Yes.

2. Why did you choose him/her?
^^ Because I want to.

3. What places do you remember when you think about him/her?
^^ A lot.

4. Dedicate a song to him/her.
^^ Motorhead (Sex Pistols cover) - God Save The Queen

5. Why'd you choose that song?
^^ This is my song for him/her.

6. Is he/she kind?
^^ Yes.

7. Is he/she a good singer?
^^ I choose not to answer that. Hahaha.

8. How about drawing?
^^ I'm not sure.

9. Do you know any actor(s)/actress(es) that look like him/her?
^^ Nope.

10. Are you close friends?
^^ Hmmm. So-so.

11. Have you seen him/her mad?
^^ Nope.

12. How about smiling?
^^ Yes. His/Her smiling face is his/her primary equipment.

13. How about crying?
^^ Not yet. But I'd really love to see that.

14. What does he/she like to wear?
^^ No idea.

15. Does he/she make you happy?
^^ Of course.

16. Have you tried making him/her cry?
^^ Nope.

17. What is his/her favorite food?
^^ No idea.

18. What's his/her favorite song?
^^ I don't know. But he/she is inclined to rock and to anime themes.

19. What do you call him/her?
^^ I can't say that or else everyone will know who he/she is. What a weird question.

20. Your message for him/her?
^^ Right now, I really wouldn't want to say anything to him/her. But I hate you. You are making me think about you so much lately.

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Very Random Ideas

1.) Why in the world did some Filipinos go to Greenbelt and celebrate for the election of the new US president?

I was on my way home last night (or morning) at around twelve, I was listening to the radio when I heard that some Pinoys even bothered going to Greenbelt to take part in Barrack's victory.

Strange.

It's probably because they couldn't overthrow their own president that they decided maybe they could just waste time and effort cheering for...a new hope for a country which isn't theirs.

+++
2.) Who should be blamed when something goes wrong in an organization? Should it be the president, the officer who commits the error or the members who do not cooperate

I just have this simple observation. Whenever there's a mistake, the president gets all the bashing. The president knows it wasn't his freaking fault but he shuts up. The lucky responsible officer (the real sinner) would be spared from all the shame. Let's go the other way around. If there is an achievement, the credit goes to the officer who initiated the idea. The president who does the major work, decides to shut up and continue working. Then let's try another angle: the members have to do something for the org, but they fail to do so. The president is still blamed, neither by the members nor by the officers pehaps, but by org adviser

Yes, it doesn't really happen all the time; but if you were the president what would you have felt?
+++
3.) Imagine yourself having two jobs--both of the same kind, both in the same industry. You profess your undying support for Company A and for that, your boss is very, very pleased. It is stated in your contract that you are not supposed to serve any company other than A. Still for some personal reasons you decide to work in Company B.

Soon enough, by some twist of fate, Company A finds out that you cheated because you are an employee of its rival company, B.
Your boss in A understands that you have your own reasons to do that, but they have to do something because you did not follow what you have signed for in the contract.
What should you do?
A. Nothing. Stick to company B.
Sure, B sucks but there's better compensation so it's not that bad at all.
B. Ask for an apology, a reconsideration and give an explanation.
What should company A do?
A. Nothing. Loyalty counts. The contract counts.
B. Give a warning. Count the strikes. Forgive and take you back.
+++
4.) True Faith is a good Filipino band, if not the best.



Muntik ng Maabot ang Langit

Ang langit sa `yong puso muntik nang mailapit
Nguni’t `kaw na ngayo’y alaalang kay pait
Muntik nang maabot ang langit


What Now?


Saturday, November 1, 2008

Last Day Sa WELS


The WELS People
Lower L to R:
Joseph (UP Dude)-Graduating din siya, at English din ang major niya.
Melanie-Bagong Salta
Grace-Bagong Salta din
Ice (UP Dudette)-Graduate na 24 years ago, ahaha. RN din siya, Yosi Buddy.
EQ (See you around buddy)-Bagong Salta ulit.

Upper L to R:
Angel (TL na naka Nakaorange)-Kabagang, kapatid, BFF
Rezel (Anime Voice na nakapink)-Tinrain ko nung umalis ako last summer
Kaia (Blogger)-Di ko pa ata narinig tong nagtagalog
Teacher Jax (My Coordinator)-Ang cool leader ng lahat ng teachers.
Borgy (Kabagang)-Ang mapagmahal kong kaibigan.
Jing (The Morning Teacher na Tambay pag Gabi)-Ako Yun, yung binuhat ni Papa Borgs
Ayo (Lover ni Leonard)-Taga UP (ata), Curriculum Developer
Gleslie-Di kami close
Evelyn (The 80's Rocker)-Wala akong masabi. Ang ganda ng taste sa music.
Andy (My Papa)-Ang 40-year old teacher na mukhang 25.
Sarah (Bagong Salta)-Kabagang ni EQ.
Leonard-na parang unggoy na isiniksik ang sarili sa picture makita lang ng matino.

Thanks for all the memories. I'm proud to be a part of this company.

Friday, October 31, 2008

Teka

Teka.

Nung umuulan, tumayo ka sa may kantong paspasan
Pinapahid ang luha ng nagngangalit na langit
Ang sabi mo may hinihintay ka
Na isasama mong sumugod sa baha.

Nung mataas ang araw, umupo ka sa tabi ng daan
Kinikiliti ang gitarang di mo alam tugtugin
Ang sabi mo, naghahantay ka ng tiyempo
Para sa taong iyong haharanahin

Teka, anong oras nga ba iyon?
Ano bang ginagawa ko noon?
Ihinihimbing ko ba ang bilis
Ng nagdadaang pagkakataon?

Nung dakong liwayway, gumising kang hirap huminga
Tumingin ka sa gilid ng iyong kama
Ang sabi mo, di magtatagal at muli
May hihimlay sa iyong tabi

Nung magdadapit hapon, nakatitig ka sa nagtatagong liwanag
Sinusungkit ang dumadapong dilim
Ang sabi mo, walang mawawala
Kung maghihintay ka sa bagay na di darating

Teka, anong oras nga ba iyon?
Ano bang ginagawa ko noon?
Ihinihimbing ko ba ang bilis
Ng nagdadaang panahon?

Thursday, October 30, 2008

METROWALK


From left to right: Karis, Cha, Jing, Nica, Ruby, Van
(Photo Courtesy of Brix)
Thanks for the fun. I missed you guys.

Monday, October 27, 2008

Walang Pasok, No Student Discount

Oo nga sembreak na pala, bakit nga ba naman hindi ko namamalayan. Yan tuloy, on my way to the Pamantasan, nagkasagutan kami ni manong driver, who by the way, was really thoughtful to even think of talking back, when he could've just continued driving for the sake of his other passengers.

To manong driver, thank you so much; you have undeniably made my day. By the way, don't forget what I told you before I headed to PLM: "Ingat ka."

I know when to give respect. In fact, it has never been in my nature to bash older people just because of petty things that they do. Notwithstanding the fact that I bear innate kindness and courtesy, at times I know I tend to be rude; and today is a perfect day for showing everybody my cocky side. Read on.

I gave a twenty-peso bill to manong as transpo fare for me and my sister (now that I've mentioned it, she didn't even thank me).

Jing: Manong, bayad po. Round table po, dalawang studyante.
Manong: (gives the change) Walang studyante ngayon, walang pasok.
Jing: Talaga po? May ID kami, may enrolment kami, at lahat ng sinasakyan namin, may discount parin kami. (At the back of my mind I wanted to ask him: What makes you an exception?)

Manong: Nasa patakaran yan, husto mo samahan pa kita sa (mumble)...
[Note: I think he stated an office there]
[Note: I'm not sure if it is really stated in the law. Is it?]

Again, at the back of my mind I was telling him, wag na sayang pa kikitain niyo for a day. I stopped myself, because I wanted to give the remaining traces of respect that I had for him.

Jing: Bakit, tama naman sinukli niyo diba?
Manong: Oo, bakit? 6 Pisos. Di mo ba tinignan?
Jing: O yun naman pala eh, anu pang inaamok amok niyo? Di ko naman tinignan kung tama sukli niyo o hindi. Saka magmaneho na lang kayo, ang dami niyo pang sinasabi.
Manong: (Mumble mumble)
Jing: Oo, sige. Ok.

Then silence.

When my sister and I were about to go down, he bade farewell by saying things which I didn't really understand. So, I just said:

"Ingat ka!"

with the sweetest, most malambing voice I could come up with.

I don't wish people bad luck, you know.

I just didn't get it at first. He gave me 6 pesos as change for the 20-peso bill that I gave him. If he was confident that "no student discount during sembreak" is REALLY in the rules, why did he still hand me 6 pesos? I just laughed and said "oo, sige" while he talked all the way from avenida to round table. That sweetheart gave me a jumpstart, I swear.

Then I just told my sister, it's ok, he's old anyway.

Sunday, October 26, 2008

He is my God







"Put your middle fingers in the air. Because everyone you know, and everyone around you is a liar. *pause* And so are you."

Bert McCracken - The Used
(in a concert and was about to perform Liar Liar - Burn in Hell)

Friday, October 24, 2008

Poverty

This entry didn't make it to the blog action day and for the life of me, it wasn't even an entry in an essay writing contest that I was supposed to be a part of. It's not important anyway. Special issues shouldn’t jut be acted upon only during days of blog festivities and literary competitions whatnot.

Beautiful is an adjectival understatement for a country like mine. As a country branded as Pearl of the Orient, it is undeniably blessed with countless tourist spots, extraordinary delicacies, lush resources and rather intelligent citizens. This is but a mask of the current financial crisis that every Filipino has to endure and witness in his daily life. He sits with his family during meals, and asks himself questions like "How can I feed my family tomorrow?" and "Will I still have enough money to support my children's education?"

Yes, today and for the past decades, we have been experiencing a crisis. Thousands or even millions of Filipinos are unemployed, more and more children are deprived of their bare necessities and the number of out-of-school children is constantly increasing. Everyday we see homeless people begging for money to other people who, just the same, are grabbing on for their dear jobs to provide needs to their own families. While unemployment and population statistics alarm us, the government and its branches are more focused on debates about "equally important" matters of consequence. What is more frightening than knowing that our nation is led by people who cannot see real everyday scenarios of starving Filipinos on the media and even on their way to their offices?

With everything that is happening, we probably ask ourselves. Who should we blame? Who should help us? Why do we suffer from poverty? Why can't we get up and recover from these difficulties?

There is no one to blame, not even the government, not even who we call god. We are all a part of this system that we constantly complain about and not all of us do something to address its problems. Why should we be stuck on pointing fingers when we can just move forward and work harder to experience better lives?

Most Filipinos would tell you, a lot of companies are closing down because of the economy and I say this isn't so. It's by constant determination that we realize there are more opportunities than we can ever imagine. If we would only seek further than what is in front of us, we know we can have what we need.

What we learn in school should not just stay in notebooks and exams. If we have really learned enough, we would know that we have no one to help us but ourselves. Poverty is a phenomenon which stays not because it is natural, but because people affected by it feel that it can't be helped. I have learned that depending on others for survival won't bring any good to my future. I have learned that when I depend on my parents for my wants, and on my friends for comfort, in the end I won't be able to act on my own. We need to become individuals who can act independently in order to bring about a unified change in the system. The government is there, but it cannot help all the Filipinos in buying a kilo of rice for a family of six. We need to help ourselves. By changing morals and negative habits and by instilling discipline and independence among children, we can make the country a more suitable place to live in, in the future if not today.

Suffering is a consequence. Our choices bring us to the effects that if we do not anticipate, will bring damage not only to the economic aspect of our nation but to all facets of being a Filipino. We suffer because we have flaws. It is not entirely inevitable but we have to accept that every once in a while, we need to suffer and experience having less. Nonetheless, its inevitability does not mean permanence. If a child does not persevere in finishing his studies, he will end up finding difficulties in raising his family's quality of living, if not his own. If a graduate does not practice the course that he studied for four or five years, he will end up wasting his parents' money for a choice which took too late a time to be made. If an official decides to hog the money to himself because it's the trend in the government, funds which should go to more Filipinos will only be wasted for personal gains. We suffer because we choose to suffer. Poverty is a choice.

It may not just reflect on the kind of lives that we have now, but we need a radical change. Education must be valued and applied. Children must realize their right to learn. People must know the worth and benefits of being able to study and train themselves to live and survive. Morals must never be forgotten and replacement of bad habits must be immediately applied. These things are easier said than done, but if we want to escape this long-term illness that slowly kills our right to enjoy life, why shouldn't we try?

Let me end this post with a saying that goes, “Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today. Teach a man to fish; and you have fed him for a lifetime.” We alone can break this vicious cycle. Poverty cannot be solved with a snap of a finger. It takes a while, but if we start now, we can and will wake up from this decade-long nightmare. Let us wake up.

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Angel's 150 Words

Jing? Jing. Jing! It’s Maria Josefa’s nick with different punctuation marks. To write about her is actually a difficult task to do. So I thought I’d start it this way.

Let’s start with “Jing with the question mark”. A brief talk with her will give you the sense that she is a person who runs after, digs and craves knowledge. Not that she wears eyeglasses, but because when she opens her mouth you get to know how much she can talk about almost anything. See the connection yet? She speaks sensibly most of the time and uses expressions I normally find awkward if used by another. That is Jing and I welcome the fact that she’s naturally born intelligent.

Now here’s “Jing with a period”. Actually, it’s just a wish to make that “period’ visible on her. She looks passive. She looks like she can just stay in one corner and be a statue. But looks can be deceiving, as the saying goes. She’s just the opposite. She does not know when to stop or even pause. She goes on and on and never allows a “period” get in her way. I wish she would know how to put an end to certain things. But for Christmas, I wish Santa could wrap that “gift” for her. We all want her to smell the brewing coffee.

Finally, meet “Jing with the exclamation”. She is a frustrated comedienne. Nah I’m just kidding. The exclamation is for the surprises and extra-ordinary things only she can do. For the child inside her who is always appreciative of the small things you do for her. For the smiles, the laughs, the talents, and the torch of light she shares towards others. For all the things she does with passion. So, the Jing with the exclamation? It’s an endless discovery. And she’s not even aware of it.

Earlier I thought it was difficult to put her in writing. I was wrong. Raise your eyebrows on this I won’t care. But this is how I see her from my angle.

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Happy Birthday Lizzie!


Keep rocking dear Liezl!! ^&^

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Fluid English

Lately, I have been stuck on reading Kiko Machine Komix and Beerkada online (out of boredom). These comic books focus on stories that are just so real and young, you'd think the artists are making fun of your own anecdotes. Just this morning I came across an old strip, featuring Glen (mylabs) and Alan Polantoc (his first appearance on Beer).


RAKENROL! BILANG SINGKO NA!

I never thought these anthem lines would make me laugh this hard. XD

Bored and Sleepy

I'm a bit bored today at work. I slept for almost 10 hours last night but I feel a bit sleepy. That's why I decided to create this blog post. I carefully arranged some of my things at my desk with a doodle I made for about 5 minutes and took a picture of it. Here's how it turned out:



I love my Jingie. ^__________^

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Huh?

Jing: Ate, brown envelope nga po.
Ate: Short o long?
Jing: Short po.
Ate: Wala nang short eh.
Jing: Ha? Hehehe. Sige, long na lang.

Friday, October 17, 2008

I Miss my Sister


The little sister is as cute as the older brother. Orayt!

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

I Bow Before Your Majesty (Part 1)

Lengthy posts excite me. It's not that I have all the time in the world to read. It's the idea of slipping into someone's mind and seeking what he really wants to point out in every paragraph that interests me. Today I'm going to slip into my own mind, pour my thoughts into this entry as I have never done before.

On Silence

For weeks or even months, I have been trying my best to hold back and keep most of what I feel to myself. I have learned to censor caustic thoughts, because by nature, people around me are sensitive. It's a sardonic fact however, that they tend to act insensate when they talk and act, as if my feelings were of no use. Still, I talk less. I have always believed that the greatest of problems are those fought within oneself. These battles, when prevailed, bring the most out of an individual.

There is beauty in inaudibility. In silence, an individual can deliver a sharp pang of emotion to people. It is different from conceding. It's knowing that within yourself, you're winning. Silence oftentimes bars one from hearing the other half of stories, then again, I believe it is only an imperative to give the full details to people who are duly involved. If people talk against you, if people mistrust you and condescend you, the best weapon that can shield you is silence.

Notwithstanding the fact that silence is important, it is also necessary to speak up every once in a while, particularly if certain circumstances have exhausted all patience and tolerance you have.

Today I will break my silence in the most civilized way that I know. I will speak not because I want to purgate myself of all these thoughts, but because I want to protect the remaining traces of integrity I am slowly being deprived of and reputation that now, only a few people know.

Fake Friends

Pathetic. You call yourselves friends? Mga mapagpanggap kayo. Hindi kayo tao makitungo. Yes, I'm talking about everyone here, not just "them". Yeah, some may say that you are good friends but they know nothing about you people. Mga manggagamit kayo. Remember that karma will get you. It is fast and knows it's way to find you.

Monday, October 13, 2008

The Longest Day of My Life (So Far)

What a day. I slept at one and woke up at three, same routine, to work and find consolation in other people who I do not even know. I left right after shift to cater to org work and academic tasks like class card distribution and submission of other requirements. I was scolded for not coming on time in a student council meeting. I waited for the classcards and was able to get two, one for Curriculum Development and another for Field Study. So far so good. I may not have gotten the highest grades, but I am confident that I deserve what I got. I work and study at the same time and it is a great feat for me to have such high grades despite the ups and downs--name it: familial, emotional, physical.

The climax of all these things has turned out to be unordinary. I thought I'd flunk all the way, and nobody would save me; but at the end, I did save myself (with a great deal of help from the most important people around). You see, I knew didn't have to prove myself to anyone. All I wanted was to give myself an affirmation that yes, I can and will defy all false beliefs about me.

I just have one wish though: Maybe, just maybe, my family would also be proud of me.

xxxHolic Episode 6


xxxHolic Episode 6
"Indulgence"

"Names are very powerful. The fact that something is given a name is a symbol that it is important. When someone or even a thing is given a name, it possesses the power of it's kind."

- Yuko Ichihara

Sunday, October 12, 2008

The Number Twelve

I was utterly sleepy this morning so I decided to search for some interesting stuff on the net. It was 7:02 when I came across this website about the number 12. Click the link to see what makes twelve too great a number.

Shameless Plugging

Welcome. This is a new blog created by Brix and Jing. To answer some of the few questions that you may have in mind, let us go down to the basics of this blog.

Pareho kayong may blog diba? Bakit kayo bumuo ng blog ninyong dalawa?
Brix says: Para mas masaya and for more visits! Hahaha. Para yung readers namin individually makita rin yung posts nung isa.
Jing says: Para may sariling blog yung mga kuwento namin.

Bakit ganyan yung URL niyo?
Brix says: To symbolize contrast between the authors.
Jing says: Nahirapan kasi kaming magisip ng URL, so we thought we'd look for random quotations and take its last four words as blog URL.

Eh yung title, bakit naman love is a battlefield? Lagi ba kayong at war?
Both say: Hehehe. :)

So what should we expect from this blog?
Brix says: A mix of two different styles of writing tsaka mas malawak yung sakop ng posts, since iba interests namin, mas maraming lalabas na posts. Jing is more on ranting and weird things while I think I'll be writing about music, games and anime.
Jing says: A lot of rants, anecdotes, conversations and lessons.

Anung message niyo sa mga taong babasa nito?
Brix says: Mag-enjoy sila at huwag mahiya magcomment, tsaka balik lang kayo lagi.
Jing says: Ilagay kami sa blogroll, magpost sa tagboard, at magblog din sila.

Expect more entries to flood this site. Hope you enjoyed reading this first post. See you around!