Downfall of Rome

My mind has been slipping away to the nether regions of existence a lot more than it should.  For several days, instead of thinking of the wonderful day ahead of me, I think of the kind of person I have become.  I lie down staring at the clock on my desktop ticking away the minutes until I realize that it’s too late.  How did I reach this point? Why am I like this?  What happened to the cheerful young man that once grabbed the bull by its horn and forged through a path no one has taken?

I am a person who takes words and promises seriously.  Even from casual conversation, I try to mean everything that I say.  Reaching my self-declared half-life, I resolved to live life to the fullest (cliché) and make sure that I don’t hold back on the things that are most important to me—my relationships.  I did this because in the past, I’ve “lost” important people in my life but never really fully expressed myself to them. Or I never really got to know why they “left” or learned too late about it.  I think that a lot of times we feel regret because of the missed opportunity to be true to our feelings.  Whether it be a feeling of disgust, anger, fear, sadness, or joy (see what I did there), I have surmised that it is part of human experience to share these feelings.

But the month or so that passed has been quite a rollercoaster.

My piano teacher, who always encouraged me to try harder and show the world what I can do, passed away at a very young age.  Even as I was just starting out, he always encouraged me to be the best concert pianist that I can be.  Of course we know how absurd that is given how late I came to the party, but at least we try.  It was a good decision that I agreed to do a piano recital because it turns out that it was my last performance for him. He suddenly passed away a week after our chat on how excited I was to enroll in my piano lessons again.

Several days later, I received news that my grandmother died.  Despite me being not her biological grandson, she always made sure that I was taken care of especially when I just first arrived in the big city for college.  I still have the pair of shoes that she and her husband gave me in my first year. Stories from relatives would also reflect how she always took care of anyone in need.  She’s been battling illness for too long, and she’s now in better hands and with her husband.  But despite the fact that her house is just a jeepney ride away, the last time I visited her was two years ago.

And those are just a couple from many things that if I wrote them here, I might as well just upload my brain.

As you can see, my “half-life motto” kind of crashed and burned.  I wasn’t able to keep my own promise to myself.  It’s like I have become the world biggest hypocrite.  Just like someone who preaches gender sensitivity but is a sex offender; or an environmental advocate who eats sharks fin soup; or a scientist who manipulates data to desired results. Have I been living in an illusion of who I am versus who I truly am without a mask?

Overall, I believe that my life has been a good one.  There are many things things to be thankful for. I’ve been able to do things and go to places that some people don’t even get to experience.  Maybe that’s part of the problem— that I feel like I’ve had so much already that I don’t really need anything more?  Or is it that I actually have so little and that any attempt to get something more is futile?

Another thing is that maybe it's because I've been too focused on what I want, on being selfish.  Maybe if I stop thinking of my own sake then it wouldn't be as hard.  But is it really possible to be selfless?

At that point in your life when you stop trusting yourself, it’s easy to go off the edge.  But duty calls and it gives me some reason to try and hold on

Hello blog,

Long time no post. It would be quite obvious as to why I remember you and revisit you now. Rereading my posts from many, many years ago somehow makes me wonder where my creative writing skills went.  It also makes me realize that the way I think hasn't really changed.  Yes, I may know more facts, I have more experiences after 3 years of not posting here. But the thought process isi still the same.  And I actually might have felt the same way, as I do now, before.

I was going to write something longer, but it's kinda late already and duty calls. Well, thank goodness I still have duties to hang on to.

Gush! Comes the wave,
Fleeting in disarray;
The sand rolling over
The beachface getting smaller.

Ebbs, the Tide as Fire collides
On a golden, glimmering path
Like a brick road
But where no one's at.

Once smothered by footsteps --
Now ripples on pavement
Beside the saline sea,
Brewing a briny breeze.

Through the troughs
Trickles the Tide
Will it rise again?
It will.
Will it rise again?
It shan't.

Back to the Future

Goodness, it's been a long time since I last visited this site.

I always wanted to create some cool layout for this blog, but thanks to constantly doing something else every other minute, I wonder if I still have the grip on HTML or CSS. I've always wanted to blog about stuff. I've opened accounts in countless hosts, post a few entries, then forget about them totally.

In the future, maybe!

But, alas, I cannot stay too long pondering. Board exams are in 2 days, and I am yet to leaf through 400+ pages of the textbook. So I must end abruptly.

The One that Got Away

Mark J. Macapagal (The Manila Times)


In your life, you'll make note of a lot of people. Ones with whom you shared something special, ones who will always mean something. There's the one you first kissed, the one you first loved, the one you lost your virginity to, the one you put on a pedestal, the one you're with...and the one that got away.

Who is the one that got away? I guess it's that person with who everything was great, everything was perfect, but the timing was just wrong. There was no fault in the person, there was no flaw in the chemistry, but the cards just didn't fall the right way, I suppose.

I believe in the fact that ending up with someone, finding a longtime partner that is, does not lie merely in the other person. I can actually argue that an equal part, or maybe even the greater part, has to do with the matter of timing. It has to do with you being ready to settle down and commit to someone in a way that goes beyond the little nice ties of giddy romance.

How often have you gone through it without even realizing it? When you're not ready to commit in that mature manner, it doesn't matter who you're with, it just doesn't work. Small problems become big; inconsequentials become dealbreakers simply because you're not ready and it shows. It's not that you and the person you're with are no good; it's just that it's not yet right, and little things become the flashpoint of that fact

Then one day you're ready. You really are. And when this happens you'll be ready to settle down with someone. He or she may not be the most perfect, they might not be the brightest star of romance to ever have burned in your life, but it'll work because you're ready. It'll work because it's the right time and you'll make it work. And it'll make sense, it really will.

So that day comes when you're finally making sense of things, and you find yourself to be a different person. Things are different, your approach is different, you finally understand who you are and what you want, and you've become ready because the time has truly arrived. And mind you, there's no telling when this day will come.

Hopefully you're single but you could be in a long-term relationship, you could be married with three kids, it doesn't matter. All you know is that you've changed, and for some reason, the one that got away, is the first person you think about. You'll think about them because you'll wonder, "What if they were here today?" You'll wonder, "What if we were together now, with me as I am and not as I was?"

That's what the one that got away is, the biggest "What if?" you'll have in your life.

If you're married, you'll just have to accept the fact that the one that got away, got away. Believe me, no matter how fairy tale you think your marriage is, this can happen to the best of us. But hopefully you're mature enough to realize that you're already with the one you're with and this is just another test of your commitment, one which will just strengthen your marriage when you get past it.Sure, you'll think about him/her every so often, but it's alright. It's never nice to live with a "might have been," but it happens... Maybe the one that got away is the one who's already married. In which case it's the same thing. You just have to accept and know that your memories of that person will probably bring a nice little smile to your lips in the future when you're old and gray and reminiscing. But if neither of that is the case, then it's different.

What do you do if it's not yet too late? Simple...find him, find her. Because the very existence of a "one that got away" means that you'll always wonder, what if you got that one? Ask him out to coffee, ask her out to a movie, it doesn't matter if you've dropped in from out of nowhere. You'd be surprised, you just might be "the one that got away" as well for the person who is your "the one that got away." You might drop in from out of nowhere and it won't make a difference.

If the timing is finally right, it'll all just fall into place somehow and you know, I'm thinking, it would be a great feeling, in the end, to be able to say to someone, "Hey you, you're the one that almost got away."

Life to live

Like Takaki

And Mew



(title inspired from Victory's "1 Life to Live" series)

Quote of the Day (1)

If we can love someone so much? How will we be able to handle it the day when we are separated?

And, if being separated is a part of life, and you know about separation well, iss it possible that we can love someone and never be afraid to lose them?

At the same time, is it possible that we can live our entire life without loving anyone at all?

-Love of Siam

What Tree are You?

Got this from Miko. Find your birthday and its corresponding tree.
Then, see the meaning behind it below. Do you recognize yourself?
Dec 23 to Jan 01 Apple Tree
Jan 02 to Jan 11 Fir Tree
Jan 12 to Jan 24 Elm Tree
Jan 25 to Feb 03 Cypress Tree
Feb 04 to Feb 08 Poplar Tree
Feb 09 to Feb 18 Cedar Tree
Feb 19 to Feb 28 Pine Tree
Mar 01 to Mar 10 Weeping Willow Tree
Mar 11 to Mar 20 Lime Tree
Mar 21 Oak Tree
Mar 22 to Mar 31 Hazelnut Tree
Apr 01 to Apr 10 Rowan Tree
Apr 11 to Apr 20 Maple Tree
Apr 21 to Apr 30 Walnut Tree
May 01 to May 14 Poplar Tree
May 15 to May 24 Chestnut Tree
May 25 to Jun 03 Ash Tree
Jun 04 to Jun 13 Hornbeam Tree
Jun 14 to Jun 23 Fig Tree
Jun 24 Birch Tree
Jun 25 to Jul 04 Apple Tree
Jul 05 to Jul 14 Fir Tree
Jul 15 to Jul 25 Elm Tree
Jul 26 to Aug 04 Cypress Tree
Aug 05 to Aug 13 Poplar Tree
Aug 14 to Aug 23 Cedar Tree
Aug 24 to Sep 02 Pine Tree
Sep 03 to Sep 12 Weeping Willow Tree
Sep 13 to Sep 22 Lime Tree
Sep 23 Olive Tree
Sep 24 to Oct 03 Hazelnut Tree
Oct 04 to Oct 13 Rowan Tree
Oct 14 to Oct 23 Maple Tree
Oct 24 to Nov 11 Walnut Tree
Nov 12 to Nov 21 Chestnut Tree
Nov 22 to Dec 01 Ash Tree
Dec 02 to Dec 11 Hornbeam Tree
Dec 12 to Dec 21 Fig Tree
Dec 22 Beech Tree

APPLE TREE (the Love) - of slight build, lots of charm, appeal, and attraction, pleasant aura, flirtatious, adventurous, sensitive, always in love, wants to love and be loved, faithful and tender partner, very generous, scientific talents, lives for today, a carefree philosopher with imagination.

ASH TREE (the Ambition) - uncommonly attractive, vivacious, impulsive, demanding, does not care for criticism, ambitious, intelligent, talented, likes to play with fate, can be egotistic, very reliable and trustworthy, faithful and prudent lover, sometimes brains rule over the heart, but takes partnership very seriously.

BEECH TREE (the Creative) - has good taste, concerned about its looks, materialistic, good organization of life and career, economical, good leader, takes no unnecessary risks, reasonable, splendid lifetime companion, keen on keeping fit (diets, sports, etc.)

BIRCH TREE (the inspiration) - vivacious, attractive, elegant, friendly, unpretentious, modest, does not like anything in excess, abhors the vulgar, loves life in nature and in calm, not very passionate, full of imagination, little ambition, creates a calm and content atmosphere.

CEDAR TREE (the Confidence) - of rare beauty, knows how to adapt, likes luxury, of good health, not in the least shy, tends to look down on others, self-confident, determined, impatient, likes to impress others, many talents, industrious, healthy optimism, waiting for the one true love, able to make quick decisions.

CHESTNUT TREE (the Honesty) - of unusual beauty, does not want to impress, well-developed sense of justice, vivacious, interested, a born diplomat, but irritates easily and sensitive in company, often due to a lack of self confidence, acts sometimes superior, feels not understood loves only once, has difficulties in finding a partner.

CYPRESS TREE (the Faithfulness) - strong, muscular, adaptable, takes what life has to give, content, optimistic, craves money and acknowledgment, hates loneliness, passionate lover which cannot be satisfied, faithful, quick-tempered, unruly, pedantic, and careless.

ELM TREE (the Noble-mindedness) - pleasant shape, tasteful clothes, modest demands, tends not to forgive mistakes, cheerful, likes to lead but not to obey, honest and faithful partner, likes making decisions for others, noble-minded, generous, good sense of humor, practical.

FIG TREE (the Sensibility) - very strong, a bit self-willed, independent, does not allow contradiction or arguments, loves life, its family, children and animals, a bit of a social butterfly, good sense of humor, likes idleness and laziness, of practical talent and intelligence.

FIR TREE (the Mysterious) - extraordinary taste, dignity, sophisticated, loves anything beautiful, moody, stubborn, tends to egoism but cares for those close to them, rather modest, very ambitious, talented, industrious, uncontented lover, many friends, many foes, very reliable.

HAZELNUT TREE (the Extraordinary) - charming, undemanding, very understanding, knows how to make an impression, active fighter for social cause, popular, moody, and capricious lover, honest, and tolerant partner, precise sense of judgment.

HORNBEAM TREE (the Good Taste) - of cool beauty, cares for its looks and condition, good taste, is not egoistic, makes life as comfortable as possible, leads a reasonable and disciplined life, looks for kindness and acknowledgement in an emotional partner, dreams of unusual lovers, is seldom happy with its feelings, mistrusts most people, is never sure of its decisions, very conscientious.

LIME TREE (the Doubt) - accepts what life dishes out in a composed way, hates fighting, stress, and labor, dislikes laziness and idleness, soft and relenting, makes sacrifices for friends, many talents but not tenacious enough to make them blossom, often wailing and complaining, very jealous but loyal.

MAPLE TREE (Independence of Mind) - no ordinary person, full of imagination and originality, shy and reserved, ambitious, proud, self-confident, hungers for new experiences, sometimes nervous, has many complexities, good memory, learns easily, complicated love life, wants to impress.

OAK TREE (the Brave) - robust nature, courageous, strong, unrelenting, independent, sensible, does not like change, keeps its feet on the ground, person of action.

OLIVE TREE (the Wisdom) - loves sun, warmth and kind feelings, reasonable, balanced, avoids aggression and violence, tolerant, cheerful, calm, well-developed sense of justice, sensitive, empathetic, free of jealousy, loves to read and the company of sophisticated people.

PINE TREE (the Particular) - loves agreeable company, very robust, knows how to make life comfortable, very active, natural, good companion, but seldom friendly, falls easily in love but its passion burns out quickly, gives up easily, everything disappointments until it finds its ideal, trustworthy, practical.

POPLAR TREE (the Uncertainty) - looks very decorative, not very self-confident, only courageous if necessary, needs goodwill and pleasant surroundings, very choosy, often lonely, great animosity, artistic nature, good organizer, tends to lean toward philosophy, reliable in any situation, takes partnership seriously.

ROWAN TREE (the Sensitivity) - full of charm, cheerful, gifted without egoism, likes to draw attention, loves life, motion, unrest, and even complications, is both dependent and independent, good taste, artistic, passionate, emotional, good company, does not forgive.

WALNUT TREE (the Passion) - unrelenting, strange and full of contrasts, often egotistic, aggressive, noble, broad horizon, unexpected reactions, spontaneous, unlimited ambition, no flexibility, difficult and uncommon partner, not always liked but often admired, ingenious strategist, very jealous and passionate, no compromise.

WEEPING WILLOW (the Melancholy) - beautiful but full of melancholy, attractive, very empathetic, loves anything beautiful and tasteful, loves to travel, dreamer, restless, capricious, honest, can be influenced but is not easy to live with, demanding, good intuition, suffers in love but finds sometimes an anchoring partner.
-------------------------
I'm a...
CYPRESS TREE (the Faithfulness) - strong (depends), muscular (?), adaptable, takes what life has to give (I try), content (I try), optimistic (also, I try), craves money (haha) and acknowledgment, hates loneliness (omg), passionate lover which cannot be satisfied (can mean many things...*miko laugh*), faithful (hiyess!), quick-tempered (umm, ewan), unruly (nyaha!), pedantic (I think), and careless (sometimes).

Pwede na.

Christmas Break Syndrome

Things in school seem so convenient since almost everything comes with a certain formula or step-by-step process, like rock ID or integration or even budgeting my monthly allowance. But right now, even substantiating the string theory would be nothing compared to the state of things now.

Now that nothing academic is occupying me – or rather things “career-wise” – a lot of things occur to me. They might be a few, but the feeling of carrying them makes it feel like a whole ton. I wouldn’t call it a burden, because honestly, many of these actually make me happy. But I guess I still have a long way to go when it comes to dealing with them.

It makes me wonder if I really have been running my life good enough. Maybe, in some way, I’ve been happy of how things go in school. I get to do things that make me learn more of things I never really knew about. I guess it’s been a lot to do with discovery of the vastness of life.

But sometimes it makes me wonder if I’ve just been forcing myself to be happy, if that is even possible? Has it been a mask? If I’ve discovered new things and done great with them, have I done any justice to the things I already know?

I’ve been having dreams - dreams involving certain people and certain things. I don’t know if it’s just a random product of REM or already my sub-conscious haunting me.

I’ve been tempted to do a lot of things. Some of these are things that I don’t usually do and things I’ve always thought I’d never do. But the sign of temptation already means that I’m open to doing these. Just a few more inches. Good thing, though, there are some petty things that drive me away from them. Maybe it’s God’s own petty way of stopping me.

There are things I’ve always wanted to do that I think would help me get on with it, but on the first step, or even just thinking of the first step, I cower away like a child and don’t know how to start. There are things I need to do (yeah, I have papers to finish before the end of the break), but I don’t even bother starting doing them, knowing that later on, I’d regret thinking that way. There are things that I don’t have to do, but I already did them. Stupid, stupid me.

I’ve always thought I am content. Maybe I force myself to. Maybe I really am, and just complicate my own life. Maybe these are just the various truths to different perspectives on my life, and that I just tend to be too open-minded that my hypothalamus just can’t take it anymore.

Well, let’s hope for a happy new year. Now I should think of a New Year resolution. Watching out for a meteor shower would be one.

Fireworks

There was a man
in the dark
sitting on the sidewalk
tasting nothing
hearing nothing
feeling cold

He closed his eyes
and tasted something sweet
saw something beautiful
felt something warm -
but still hearing nothing

He stands up
and walks away

He looks back
every so often
but keeps moving forward.

Twilight Movie Screening Moved...later and Your Song - Only Hope

November 26 na ang screening, from the original January 8 and the earlier November 21 screenings. There would be advanced screenings no November 25.

For more info, visit:
http://twilightcovenph.blogspot.com/

Well, I guess I could just wait a weekend or two. I'm not really expecting something comparable to The Dark Knight. No offense.

Just wanted to share something before I get emo after watching a part of the very...well...made Your Song - Only Hope (haha, LOL). Crap. I still remember the lines (definitely NOT verbatim):

Gerald: (saying something about na sila na)
Kim: Kelan pa ba naging tayo?
Gerald: Matagal na.
Kim: Paano mo naman nasabi yun? (lumayo)
Gerald: Dahil mahal kita.
Kim: Bakit? Sinabi ko ba na mahal din kita?
Gerald: Bakit? (approches Kim from behind) Hindi ba?

LOL.

Legal case against God?

Copy-Pasted from http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7673591.stm

-------------------------------

Legal case against God dismissed

The plaintiff argued an omniscient God would know of the lawsuit

A US judge has thrown out a case against God, ruling that because the defendant has no address, legal papers cannot be served.

The suit was launched by Nebraska state senator Ernie Chambers, who said he might appeal against the ruling.

He sought a permanent injunction to prevent the "death, destruction and terrorisation" caused by God.

Judge Marlon Polk said in his ruling that a plaintiff must have access to the defendant for a case to proceed.

"Given that this court finds that there can never be service effectuated on the named defendant this action will be dismissed with prejudice," Judge Polk wrote in his ruling.

Mr Chambers cannot refile the suit but may appeal.

'God knows everything'

Mr Chambers sued God last year. He said God had threatened him and the people of Nebraska and had inflicted "widespread death, destruction and terrorisation of millions upon millions of the Earth's inhabitants".

He said he would carefully consider Judge Polk's ruling before deciding whether to appeal.

The court, Mr Chambers said, had acknowledged the existence of God and "a consequence of that acknowledgement is a recognition of God's omniscience".

"Since God knows everything," he reasoned, "God has notice of this lawsuit."

Mr Chambers, a state senator for 38 years, said he filed the suit to make the point that "anyone can sue anyone else, even God".
---------------------------------------------
Haha, I'm sure God knows the final verdict.

The (Ir)Rational of Things

Realize
Colbie Caillat

Take time to realize,
That your worth is
Crashing down on in.
Take time to realize,
That I am on your si-i-i-de
Didn't I, didn't I tell you.

But I can't spell it out for you,
No, it's never gonna be that simple
But I can't spell it out for you

Chorus:
If you just realize what I've just realized,
Then we'd be perfect for each other
And we'll never find another
Just realized what I just realized
We'd never have to wonder if
We missed out on each other now.

Take time to realize
Oh-oh I'm on your si-i-i-de
Didn't I, didn't I tell you.
Take time to realize
That this all can pass by
Didn't I didn't I tell you

Refrain:
But I can't spell it out for you,
No it's never gonna be that simple
But I can't spell it out for you.

Chorus:
If you just realized what I just realized
Then we'd be perfect for each other
And we'd never find another
Just realized what I've just realized
We'd never have to wonder if
We missed out on each other but.

Verse 3:
It's not that the same
No it's never the sa-a-ame
If you don't feel it too.
If you meet me half way
If you 'd meet me half way.
It could be the same for you.

Chorus:
If you just realize what I just realized
Then we'd be perfect for each other
And we'd never find another
Just realize what I just realized
We'd never have to wonder no-o-w

Just realize what I just realized

If you just realize what I just realized

Oh...

Missed out on each other now
Missed out on each other now
Missed out on each other now

Realize, realize
Realize, realize
-------------------------------------------

When I had the chance to dissect the words of this song, it hit me. There are two sides to everything: the rational and the irrational.

What seems rational, is what we make up out of what we perceive. It is the image produced by the filters of our brain to make things seem cohesive. It is what man has been trying to develop. It is what man has made up of things, that a long time ago were just like floating pieces of the puzzle.

The irrational is the space we allow for things that we haven't conquered. It is the extra pieces of paper the brain does not make use of. It is the realm of which we try to develop, but never successfully. It is what man fails to grasp, and will never ever seem to.

When we are presented with something, like let's say love, we automatically go through the process of (ir)rationalizaing - trying to see what makes sense in what we feel, and what seems unpredictable and mysterious. And I think this is what makes love beautiful. While we know we have something about it that we can understand, the irrationality of love makes the whole thing a human thing. Something too rational is mechanical - machine-like and very straightforward. Too much irrationality is something worse than the random paint splatters of abstract art.

Love is both rational and irrational. Like they say, it's supposed to be the brain and the heart, figuratively.

On the Other Hand (Useless Post No. 5)

TWILIGHT the movie is moved to November 21!

So, if the movie's release was January 9, 2009 in the Philippines when the US release was December 12, 2008, because of the MMFF, I sure do hope they would show it earlier here because of the move.

BUT STILL, Harry Potter.............................

Crappy Things in Life (Useless Post No.4)

CRAP(slang)
noun
1. an offensive term for nonsense, or something worthless or annoying
2. an offensive term for an act of passing solid waste matter out of the body through the anus
3. an offensive term for excrement
adjective

an offensive term meaning worthless, useless, or lacking in ability
transitive and intransitive verb (past and past participle crapped, present participle crap·ping, 3rd person present singular craps)

an offensive term meaning to pass solid waste matter out of the body through the anus
(15th century. Probably < Middle Dutch)

Microsoft® Encarta® 2008. © 1993-2007 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.
------------------------------

Argh, the sixth Harry Potter movie's release was moved from November this year to July 2009...........................................
NEWS
.............
.............

So CRAPPY.

Change

Note: I am not updated, so feel free to correct me. If you're not up to reading a very long post, good luck.
------------------------------------

Lately, I've been hearing some talk on high school. People, issues, gossip, opinions.

One common thing I've read about was the implementation of rules. Most of them said that these rules altered their usual lifestyle. Rules like no eating in the academic building, strictly no more extern students after 6 PM, no use of sockets, and no food delivery after 7 PM. Classrooms were stripped of trashcans, the frequency of parties became less, and the ordering of jerseys for the Intrams was limited to a certain budget (I think PhP 300). And many say that these rules made high school life dull.

First of all, we must concede to the fact that we can't gratify all our needs and wants instantly, just like what most teenagers think. Me included. We must keep in mind that we have to work for the things we want and earn them. High school entails some sort of responsibility - responsibility to your self, to your peers, to your teachers and staff, and to your country.

Cliché, but true. Be responsible for your actions. Know how to stand up for what you have said and done. Learn how to keep things in order as you are not the only one dwelling in the space you are in. Respect other people's beliefs and principles. Recognize the fact that the things you receive for free are someone else's time and sweat.

I think these are what the rules ultimately want to impart.

Dirty classrooms definitely show disrespect to the space alloted for your class. Be aware that your seatmate, classmates, and friends deserve a clean and orderly space, not with all the clutter and mess. Not everyone can work with a piles of papers on the floor. Many people get irked by seeing people smooching in the corridors of an academic institution - don't ever think that they should've just minded their own business because the school is their business in the classroom and your love making isn't in the books.

Be stern with how you spend your money and don't ever think you deserve to spend what you just received from the cashier. Do you dare say that what you've done will improve the lives of the Filipinos? Bah. Do you think the school receives the budget to cover all your needs? Huh, with all the government's moves on cutting the budget for education, what do you think? And can you just imagine how you leave out your classmate, your friend just because they don't have as much money as you have? You might be even pushing them on the verge stealing just because of that. In short, look out for one another, and know your classmates' concerns.

BUT, it definitely does not mean that the rules are justified, in my opinion.

With these rules implemented, does the school think it has the facilities to supplement the educational needs of the students? Do you not keep in mind the individual concerns of the students? Do you give reason for such heavy hands? Do you ake sure the students see the reason and understand it? Do any the concerns of the students get heard? Do you keep in track if these rules actually do any good to the students? Is leadership and leading just confined in the books, and not in discussion, debate, intellectual conversations, and creativity? Do you offer any alternatives?

These are just questions, and I do not know the answers to them, that is why I ask.

Remember, these are teenagers, and don't expect them to understand immediately. Not everyone is as mature as the "best" student of the batch.
-----------------

In my opinion, letting not even a single laptop be plugged in is ridiculous. Maybe if the computer laboratory is free for use, it's justifiable. But I think desktops consume more electricity than laptops. So, I think a little trust in the students could help. Well, I would like to think they aren't that irresponsible. Maybe limiting the sockets to be used is better. Or providing a certain area that is big enough for them to stay in is also good. And please, to the laptop users, please use it for academic reasons. I really doubt the budget the school receives is enough. Blame the government for that, not the school. And maybe also then number of UPCAT passers.

Curfew is also a part of the austerity measures, and to prevent people who snog around the campus to stay late, and for the safety of going home. I don't know... I think I was one of the most notorious for breaking this rule, then when it wasn't so strictly implemented. Why? Because (1) I always thought that I could take care of myself to get home, (2) I wasn't using any of the school's resources aside form space (I stay in the covered walk, the mushrooms, or the admin stairs), and (3) no one was telling me I annoyed them. That's what I can say about that.

Also for the parties. During our time, we would usually have, on the average, 5 regular parties in a year: Acquaintance Party, Foundation Night/Talent's Night, Intrams Night, Christmas Party, and Year Ender Party. And I do think that these can be very costly. Come on, a medium sized stereo set at home are branded to be "1000 kW", how much more the large speakers in the auditorium? And the airconditiong? I don't have numbers on the budget, and I don't really know if the Student Alliance pays for anything, but I guess this could be the most determining factor. So unless, you are willing to shell out your own money, or be creative on how to hold parties... Be very creative. Or just enjoy the time you have in school.
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Final Words

Activism is not only what you see or stereotype about UP students. It is not about rallying in the streets. It is about rallying your ideas to be heard. If you are not heard and understood, you really wouldn't reach any compromise. Yes, you might not get what you need/want, but compromise is better. The school has limited resources, and gets lower by the year (thanks to the government), so compromise is all you can achieve. I think the school is trying to allocate budget for developing some parts of the campus. The school doesn't have the generous alumni college schools have. So be creative - in how you express yourself, in how to deal with certain situations, in how to enjoy high school life. Talk to your teachers about problems. Don't let those darned rules ruin your enjoyment (no pun intended). Kung gusto nyo, picnic sa covered walk or gym while studying or doing homework (di man na siya acad 'di ba? *wink wink*). Di bale na ma higku-an or mainit, enjoy man gyapon. And I guess the student organizations should do what they should.

Just be creative and proactive, and continue to go faster, higher, and stronger.

Past Life daw...

Your past life diagnosis:

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I don't know how you feel about it, but you were male in your last earthly incarnation.You were born somewhere in the territory of modern Hungary around the year 1775. Your profession was that of a philosopher and thinker.

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Your brief psychological profile in your past life:
Timid, constrained, quiet person. You had creative talents, which waited until this life to be liberated. Sometimes your environment considered you strange.

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The lesson that your last past life brought to your present incarnation:
Your main lesson is to develop magnanimity and a feeling of brotherhood. Try to become less adhered to material property and learn to take only as much, as you can give back.

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Do you remember now?

http://www.thebigview.com/pastlife/

Topophilia Madness (Useless Post No.3)

Earlier today was the deadline for the submission of our Geography papers about 5...FIVE freakin' places you have "topophilia" (now that grammar sucks) and describe them geographically (so how am I supposed to describe my room geographically if I loved it so much?). But now, I'm still thinking of what those five places are. Yes, I didn't submit during class, so I'd have to settle for a 5-point deduction to submit nest meeting. Great.

I just have 3 places after an hour of contemplating thorughout my history.

(Useless Post No. 2) I want Buko Pie...

...or Milo (from Gloria's) or Chocobanana shake, or Blueberry Cheesecake.

I'm more than halfway into "Breaking Dawn". Right now, I'm wondering how they'd be able to make it into a movie without it being rated R or something...lol.

No Limits

I'm very tired. I want to sleep so I'll try to keep this short, and maybe have another post. Though this isn't your light-hearted post, because, as I said, I am tired.

First of all, I'm having trouble with uploading photos, in such a way that most of stuff I upload end up as drafts. I guess it's mainly because of the internet connection. So if I have any team mates, classmates, or "Geog-mates" who stumble upon my site, just be patient. I'll try my best.

Anyway, on with Geog Camp. I had to wear my oversized, unused for a year, high school sophomore jersey shirt because I was in yellow team and that I'm not too fond of that color. I guess I enjoyed it the way I expected it to be in some ways, but I guess you really can't be comfortable especially with the weather. But I was surprised I somehow enjoyed squishing my feet on the ground. Consequentially, though, I'm having trouble with cleaning my stubborn nails and drying my used clothing. Getting wet in the rain still wasn't though, it was freaking cold. Hello, Tagaytay, anyone?

I really just hoped they had rock shoes for the wall climbing part. Now, I'm thankful I took Sport Climbing for PE. I guess I'm not too good with wet and rotating holds.

Thanks to my teammates, I was not my usual too quiet and too introverted self. I guess it does take a catalyst before I get to be enthusiastic in more than one thing. It's good that chance made me go with the more extroverted individuals, and not let me wallow in my own silence.

I didn't feel old, nor do I think I felt all that young, as I keep on meeting freshmen who are of my age or older, though I guess being a sophomore doesn't really make you old or something. I don't really mind people calling me with "Kuya" or not, though I guess I'd appreciate it if like people 5 years my junior would. But I miss the sound of the complete "John Dale" already.

It actually felt like being in high school. No, I wasn't the team leader, but I was acting as if I were just with my high school friends - like I already knew them for quite while, but still observing their actions. Strange, because in class, I'd really not mind any of them, except maybe my seatmate who didn't join the camp. I wonder if any of that would change from now on. I am, after all, a self-confessed introvert.

I love my Mojo sandals. They haven't failed me while I was using them on the slippery rocks and mud of the river and the camp. Thanks to Rich for that. But I'm not sure if my camera is malfuctioning, or if it is just the battery. I ended up using the low-end camera of my phone for the other photos.

Thankfully, Day by Day arrived, so I guess i don't have to worry for my Sport Climbing Class tomorrow, except about waking up early. Before I forget, congratulations to NIGS!