2015

Hey, hey, hey! It came to a point where this would be my last blog post for this year! This blog will at least sum up all the happenings, experiences of mine for this year. Each year represents and gives different lessons to me, and this year, 2015, has been one of the hardest but challenging years I encountered. One thing that keeps me bothered is that I keep getting old... though I still consider myself a kid. (HAHA!) Now, let me categorize this blog into different categories. Here we go. Leggo.

New Year Happidness

          You got it right, happidness. I was happy I was able to celebrate my Christmas and New Year in Zamboanga together with my family. I was able to hang out with my best friend as well. However, since 2014 until the first few months of 2015, I find everything very difficult because I was still adjusting and adapting myself (even now) in an environment which I consider EXTREME--one of the cause of the fluctuation of my progress, I guess? Anyway, let us talk about the new year first and talk about the extreme environment later. While I was having fun during holiday, I was, at the same time, sad because I will be parting again after the holiday with my best friend who means a lot to me. She is one of the persons (I met) who I trust the most. At the same time, I was very sad because my father was not around, I did not spend my holiday with him...again. The latter is the very reason why I was sad.

My best friend. :)
Taken on 23rd of December 2014
(#Throwback)

First year, second term

          Oh, when I come to think of this moment, this was the time which I found myself in trouble. Really in trouble. I was in the state of so-called, "instability." I did not know what to do with myself. The extreme environment which I mentioned earlier has been really hard for myself to adapt to it. Maybe because there is a problem (laziness, procrastination, or lack of perseverance) with me in the first place, or a problem with the environment. Maybe both. The pressures are all over me and I feel like I cannot just stand anymore. I even felt like aside from the environment, the one that was holding me back the most was myself. This was the moment I realized that this is college and there is nothing I can do about my troubled self. Sigh. However, one of the things that lifted me up and inspired me was when I got to meet Sir Vijae Orquia Alquisola, our Philippine Literature professor. He inspired me to write poems. He is an amazing and intelligent person. In class discussions, he discusses well and makes us always interested. He is definitely an aficionado of literature. And yes, because of this inspiration, it helped me overcome some of my difficulties especially now. I am glad about it. Someday, just like him, I will take up Creative Writing for my master's degree. I hope this dream of mine will be granted.

Sir Vijae Alquisola.
Taken on 21st of May, 2015
after the Philippine Literature
Finals exam.

Love

          Love, in general, has never let me down. It always lets me acquire wisdom, consistent wisdom each year. For love should be given and be received what is due; too much of love would just be wasted, too less of love would not make one live. One thing to remember is that there is no perfect love; perfect, in a sense that one considers a love that does not have sorrow, pain and dismay. At the same time, there is a perfect love; perfect, in a way that despite the difficulties, one, couple, or families help each other to overcome those and continue to be filled with love. Love that overcomes. Love that lasts. For love is existent when there are hurdles that hinder us. Those imperfectness makes a love perfect. On the other hand, sometimes, love is also letting go because one will never learn the value of things, other person or of oneself when one always cling to something and/or someone, hence when one is hurt gravely but still holding on. The latter, letting go, is the one that I have learned this year.


Summer

          Oh how could one not love summer. In this summer, although I spent mostly of my time in my home surfing the internet, I was still able to spend my time wisely. I read books, wrote poems, went on top of the mountain together with my uncle Masato, and made some random musics. Speaking of poem, I have a blog where my poems are posted. Just click here. I was very happy in this time because finally I was together with my family after 10 months! One sad thing about this summer is I was not able to attend a dance workshop due to some problems, but next year I am planning to have a training in badminton. Badminton is my most favorite sport AND(!) I love smashing because I picture the shuttlecock as the head of my enemy (just kidding) hahaha.

Family ❤💕✨
(Sorry, it is blurry.)
Taken on 24th of May, 2015

With uncle Masato, whom I went together with on top
of the mountain.
Taken on 4th of June, 2015

With my dad (left) and uncle Katsushi (right),
the brother of papa.
(My hair is messy because it was windy during this time.)
Taken on 22nd of July, 2015

These are the books, notes, photocopied papers of poems,
as well as memoirs, and witty pick-up line book.

Below are some of the photos are taken during the time when uncle Masato and I went to the mountain. I just love taking pictures of nature. Nature awakens my senses. Nature stimulates me.

Magnificent view of nature. :)

One thing I love about Spring is the Dandelion.
In Japanese, we call it "Tampopo."
タンポポ

The final form of the Dandelion.

Uncle Masato stopped the car just for me
to take this shot. Awhh. :')

Shot in motion. Lol. :)

Beautiful cloudy view outside our house.

A bouquet of flowers in our house.

Choir

          I was a member of choir during high school, though the choir is not an official one. We sometimes sing during big Eucharistic celebrations, but mostly we sing every first Friday in our school. When I was already in college (first year), I wanted to join a choir but I did not know how to nor I did not know which choir should I join. Now that I have joined one, which is the Temple of the Holy Spirit (THS) choir, one of my agenda for college has been completed. It makes me happy when I sing. I am glad I met them. One of the funniest moments in  THS during mass is that my voice broke out of nowhere while we were singing, but good thing only we were the ones who heard it, not the public. Whew! 😂

After Simbang Gabi at 4am.
Taken on 18th of December, 2015
Photo by Ma'am Anna

Second year, first term + Heneral Luna = Inspiration

          Oh, this is probably the hardest, but the most fun term I have had so far! Despite the difficulties, I was able to do my best this term. Although I consider myself a late bloomer when it comes to progress, but it did not hinder me to lose perseverance, and look, I just made a giant stride to overcome my weaknesses. I believed that doing my best was never late, and I still believe in that up to now. I just hope it will last. During this time also, I have got to meet Sir Luis Camara Dery, Ph.D., our history major professor. He taught us Rizal course and I learned a lot from him. The knowledge he imparted to us was not familiar, not even taught to us in high school. When he teaches, he does not just state facts about history, but he delivers the lessons very well that could capture our interests; my interest--the start of my love towards history. Actually, aside from the knowledge I learned academically, I also learned the value of education and knowledge--it made me clear...clearer that when one values education, he goes beyond his limit. Here's how: He goes to school at about 5:50 am and goes inside our classroom at 6:00 am for our 7 am class. That moment I saw in him how he values education and considers it a very precious one. How did I know what time he goes to school? I sometimes go to school early in the morning and have a conversation with him beside the wide field of our university. Once, I went to school at 5:47 am and I saw him at school at 5:57 am. He is THAT early.

          At the time when Heneral Luna was released (September), I never really paid attention to it. I found the poster even mainstream. I just got the urge to watch Heneral Luna when a lot of my friends were encouraging me and were commenting that the film is really good. After I watched the film, I was aghast. I realized it was way beyond my expectation--the only Filipino film I watched that moved me incredibly and strongly. From that moment on, I started to get interested and love history MORE!

          To cut it short, Sir Dery and Heneral Luna movie inspired me, and because of that inspiration, I started to do better and better each day in my studies (considering the fact that I am, in the first place, already inspired by sir Vijae Alquisola). I just love how I was so filled with delight to pursue excellence. Although I was not able to be part of the Dean's List this term (1.8 huhu), I still believe that someday I could and I will reach the top, for my teacher and idol has said, I am beyond numbers (grades). So I should not only worry about the numbers. What matters is how much knowledge I gain and earn through consistent and constant hard work.

     

With the living legend,
Dr. Luis Camara Dery, Ph.D.
Taken on 4th of December, 2015

With the living legend,
Dr. Luis Camara Dery, Ph.D.
Taken on 4th of December, 2015

I bought Heneral Luna DVD at
Astroplus, SM San Lazaro
Taken on 19th of December, 2015 

Self

          The last part of my blog. I just thank God for the inner strength that I did not realize earlier that I have within me to overcome the difficulties. I thank every opportunities I have had taken during the 2015 journey. Without those, I would not be in the place where I am now, nor would I be typing this blog with good grammar, punctuation, et cetera (lol). I express my deep gratitude for my family for their never-ending love and support despite our love-hate relationship (which actually makes us even stronger that at times I cry a lot because of melancholy--missing them a lot); to my friends, real friends who stayed and being true to me and being supportive as well, which makes me a happy daily; the teachers and professors who are continuing to inspire me; things that always inspire me (Heneral Luna, badminton, poetry, music, Jason Mraz, and such). Just...thank you. Without you, I will be incomplete. My 2015 would have been incomplete. Now, I wish you a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year. I am so positive that the year 2016 that is waiting ahead of us is going to be a very fruitful year. Also, whoever read this blog from the start until the end completely (COMPLETELY), I thank you for taking your time. That means a lot to me. May we be blessed always especially this coming year, 2016, that we all await. Cheers to us all.

Christmas Vibes

       Christmas, oh Christmas.. HEY, IT IS CHRISTMAS! ✨🎄⛄🎅

          Oh how I love even to hear the word "Christmas." It is one of my most favorite season of the year next to Spring. In Christmas season, I feel the kind of happiness that could only be felt when I am in distress and slowly getting over it. It is because during this Christmas season and at the same time Winter season, I believe that out of the cold environment that I feel throughout the entire year, there is still room for that warm and loving feeling. I do not feel sad even if there is a cold place within me (and in fact, I should not only use coldness as a metaphor for sadness because sometimes coldness is happiness) because I would not feel happiness without knowing or feeling the sadness. Sadness is an important component for happiness. Frankly, I am sad this Christmas for I am not with my mother and father--they are in Japan. I could not wrap my arms around them and tell the sweetest thing a very lovely son could ever tell: Thank you and I love you. But it made me think that maybe it has a reason. Maybe this is a stepping stone to withhold pain in the future. I just do not know why would I need to, but all I know is peace and wellness awaits amidst pain. Nevertheless, surprisingly, my aunt, cousins and nieces from Zamboanga arrived here in Manila and I was glad about it; I have thought that maybe they are at least the ones that will compensate even a little sadness I feel this Christmas vacation--someone to talk to and interact with, maybe. According to Jason Mraz, "We all need the darkness to see the light in our own eyes." Also, according to W.H. Auden, who was quoted by Sir Vijae Alquisola, my teacher, "There must be sorrow if there can be love."

          This year, I have felt sadness almost the entire year, but what makes it special is that I was able to find and discover the happiness in the sea of hands pulling me down--the other few hands that helped me lift myself up and completed my year. I thank those people who stood by me and stayed by my side. Not only that, I actually thank all the pressures that I have never felt before, not even last year. Without it, I would not be able to find any inspiration nor motivation especially I would not be able to appreciate knowledge and education if it was not because of it. Truly I am delighted for I have seen a huge improvement in myself. Reminiscing the past (even remembering my last blog I published earlier) this 25th day of December, I realized that there is still hope. I still can be the best as what, who and how I wanted to be in the first place. I can still achieve my dreams because since Christmas is celebrated for Christ's birth, we also celebrate beginning, new hope, the awakening of ourselves, myself. How do we achieve this? Perseverance. Faith. Standing by our integrity. For love in us exists and have existed in the first place but we are only clouded by negativeness. I thank Chrishia, my dearest friend, for this wake up call. You are the man (bata.. joke. Yieee!). I hope to have this motivational mindset consistently and constantly. Merry Christmas to all. We shall give love. Let this blog share love with you.
✨🎄⛄🎅

Grades for Christmas

          It has a saying that I believe, "if it is meant to be, it will be." However there are times that the saying, "if it is not meant to be, it will not be" applies in life as well. The latter happened to me. One of my Christmas wishes is to have good grades and be part of the Dean's list. However, one course pulled me down, so I was not able to be part of the dean's list..again. This happened for the third time consistently and consecutively. When one has a grade of 1.75, he is considered a so-called "dean's lister" up to 1.0. My general weighted average is again, unfortunately, at 1.8. I made a promise to myself that I should get a higher grades this time because of certain important reasons. Even if my parents and relatives say that it is already good, but to me, it is not. It is because what I want is to go beyond their expectations and to make them proud, especially my parents. All I could do now is sigh. I could hardly get over about it. I have been telling myself to "do better next time" but what happens is nothing. I feel like nothing. I feel even useless sometimes. How could the other students achieve a higher grades with ease? If not, then how still? I am now losing my urge better. Nawawalan na ako ng gana. But something tells me that I am near success. A little more effort would make me reach the dream I wanted since. I do not know. Now two choices are being given to me right now. To continue or not--these choices, maybe, will give me the answer if the second term is already right in front of me. I really pray that I will be doing my best from this moment on. Let us see.

Forgetting

          I have always felt insulted when someone says "akala ko nakalimutan mo na ako" and/or "naaalala mo rin pala ako" because it is impossible for a certain person to forget someone he once knew especially when they have been so close since childhood. The first time that stimulated my curiosity about forgetting people is that when I got the chance to talk indirectly with my first friend and childhood friend whom I have not seen nor talk to for approximately nine years, aunty Susan, her mom and best friend of mama, asked her if she still remember me, and all she said was no. "Okay," I said to myself. How could she possibly forget about me when I did not even forget about her and even the small things we did together. I remember when I was at five or six, I was comforting her and talking to her until we went home to cheer her up, when she was scolded by aunty Susan. I remember when we were in the zoo, we rode a powered riding animal together; we do even have a picture together in our house. Nah but since she already forgot about me, I cannot do anything about it. I then realized, sometimes, there are things that are, maybe, meant to be forgotten. Hmm. If I was asked if I would ever forget a person, the answer is no...or maybe the name, but never the face. 

This blog is still subject to change or additional information.

A Question of Feelings

          I am so glad I named this blog "Collection Of Thoughts" because I realized I can post whatever intense emotions I feel, aside from the things I want to say based on occurrence, perspective, event etc. I would like to call this blog a "special edition" one because I just inserted this suddenly in my agenda to post without even planning well. I hope I don't get away with the main topic even if I have subtopics.

          I feel useless. I have been feeling this all day, probably a week ago since I lost inspiration and motivation that started before the preliminary examination. Maybe not that useless, but I cannot see my progress. I do not even know what to do in order to be progressive. I have been struggling in academics since even if I try to study. Right now I am in lax because I lost the urge to be progressive. Do I lack perseverance? Do I lack seriousness? Or is it because there is a limitation to my brain activity that is only limited to what it is right now, that even if I put some efforts, they are to no avail and so I am now slowly realizing it? Maybe I lack support. Aside from my parents who give me full support, maybe I lack support from acquaintances. Do I even have one whom I call a friend? (Of course you do, idiot! You do have many friends!) I know, I know. However, the question is, do I have a friend whom I can share a conversation with which I consider a healthy one? A fruitful one? I am such a weird person, eh? I mean the conversation involving exchange of words of wisdom which I usually do with my family and relatives, giving practical advice (example: usually people would advise me, "let it be" or, "leave it," ('bahala na yan' or, 'hayaan mo na.') but my family gives me different advice. This topic is further discussed on my other post, here.), having an exchange of witticisms or bon mots, political conversations, philosophy, etc. Maybe I want a clone of myself? This kind of person or a so-called "friend" is non-existent. Thus, it is only existent in my delusional state of mind by which, for a reason, until now I haven't had any group of friends I belonged to, ever sine I was a kid. (This questions me as well. I shall post a new blog and discuss this next time if I already found the answer.) I guess, one of the reasons is I would rather be alone than to be with people who make me feel alone.

     I am currently watching One Punch Man and the ending theme is playing right now. The ending theme makes me lonely--takes me back retrospectively, makes me recall the happy memories I had in Japan, and that is, whether the time I spent only with myself or with family. I never get sad because whenever I go out to have a stroll, I always look up to the sky and connect with the surrounding nature. I breathe deeply. The smell? How I love the smell of the air especially in the dawn. The sunrise? How I love the sunrise that it always gives me a hope by listening to Matsui Yuki's finger style music, "Flying to the Future" (I love listening to this song when I think of sunrise, you can listen it here), clapping and telling myself, "This is going to be a great day!" I want to feel that kind of motivation while I am in this kind of distress. Speaking of One Punch Man, it gives me motivation. To me it is not just an anime. It is more than it. There are hidden messages that it tries to convey. Like Saitama. Even if he has a godlike physical strength, he is still naive and I suppose, has low intellect (based on the test result to become a hero; perfect score in physical strength, very low score in essay), and that is what I love in the story. Beyond perfection, there is always an imperfection. It is what inspires me. Most of all, one thing that never cease to exist in him is the heart. In episode 7, he said, "Listen up! I don't do this hero-thing for admiration! I do it because I want to! If you want to hold a grudge against me then go ahead, you baldies!" (People are condemning him due to the destruction of the city, but he actually saved the city by destroying a huge meteor. The debris, however, destroyed the surroundings, but no casualty deaths.) Speaking of having a friend a while ago, I am jealous of Saitama because he has a disciple, Genos, who believes in him and to me they do have more than a master-disciple relationship. This is what struck me most of what Genos has said in the latter part of Episode 7: "I have never met any person as incredible as you, Master Saitama." "What brought that on?" Saitama said. "You are creeping me out," he added. Genos replied, "Even if the public does not appreciate you, I will still follow you." "That's not necessary. Really," answered Saitama. Geno's line amazed me. I hope, someday, not already basing on my delusions, I will have a friend/company/disciple (just kidding) like Genos.

Genos

Saitama

          I reminisce mature conversations with my family; political conversations with my mother, words of wisdom exchange with my father as well as together with my Japanese relatives--these interest me. These stimulate me. My family's support motivates me. They were the first persons whom I cried. I would never want to disappoint them. I would never disappoint people who believe in me. Although I was raised in a strict environment (probably also the reason why I am alone and prefer to be alone? Also, many people think I have been spoilt because I am an only child, but it is actually the contrary.) and I think it is one of the reasons that is making me unprogressive. I do not know. I have many questions in my mind that I cannot even answer them. It is my responsibility to know who I really am but it is I who questions myself.

          Going back to the main point. A while ago, I have been feeling useless. A sudden question has come to me. Am I useless? The answer is yes; at the same time, no. If I do not make a change then I am surely useless. If I do make a change, then definitely I am not useless. Funny thing I was the one who answered my own problem and advised myself. But, how? I have never thought of any solution and put them into action yet. I lack something. Then a sudden meta-question emerges in my mind whether I lack what I mentioned above or something else. I hope I could already find an answer because right now I really feel useless and my mind is in a state of disorder. I hope sometime, I will be practical. I hope the answers to my questions will finally be found. I find these occurrences funny. There is always a time that happens consecutively where the only one who could save myself is I. At times like this, I just resort to sit and tap myself to comfort. Life is funny, eh, but it is never a joke, according to my teacher in high school.

Bayad Po: Impluwensyang Sosiyal

  Isang tipikal na mainit na umaga ang sumalubong sa akin. Papunta ako sa kalsada galing sa aking dormitoryo. Sa bawat yapak ng aking lakad ay kasamang pawis na tumutulo. Pinupunasan ko sabay lakad at tumawid sa kabilang kanto ng Dapitan at naghintay ng dyip na papunta sa P. Campa para bumaba sa P Noval. Ngunit wala akong nakitang masakyan sapagkat mabagal ang daloy ng trapiko kung kaya't naisipan ko na lang na maglakad kasabay ang paghahanap ng masasakyan.

afternoonwalks.wordpress.com

  Isang dilaw na dyip na may linyang asul
ang aking natagpuan, at sa pagsakay ko ay saktong
kumaripas ito ng takbo. "Hay salamat," ang sabi
sa sarili sapagkat sa pagtakbo nito ay may hanging
umiihip nang malakas at dumadaloy hanggang
sa kailaliman ng aking uniporme gayon din na
dahil mayroon na akong nasakyan at wala na
akong dapat ipag-alala sa init ng panahon.
"Bayad po,"iniabot ko ang aking bayad. Dalawang
upo ang aking layo sa tsuper kung kaya't iniabot
ng isang mabait na lalake ang bayad sa tsuper
sa harap at napanatag na ang aking loob.
"Bayad po," iniabot din naman ng isang babaeng
kasasakay lang. Tatlong upo naman ang kaniyang
layo sa harap kung kaya't ipinaabot din niya ang
kaniyang bayad sa harap. Maya't maya'y sinuklian
na ang babae at iniabot sa kaniya ng mabait na
lalake, sabay sabing "thanks." Bigla akong napaisip
at napatanong sa sarili kung bakit sa pag-abot
ng kanyang bayad ay pormal ang kaniyang
pananalita at sa pagtanggap na niya ng bayad ay
umiba ang antas ng pananalita. Gayon din sa iba
kong karanasan na kung saan sinasabi ng mga
pasajero ang "bayado po," gayon din ang "para po"
ngunit sa paga-bot nila ng bayad o sa pag-abot sa
kanila ng sukli ay tahimik lamang sila. Marahil
nga ang dahilan nito ay sa kinaugaliang paggamit
ng isang bagay ng karamihan sa lipunan o uso sa
isang partikular na bagay lamang. Marahil ang
kasanayan natin ayang pagbayad, pagpara lamang
ang may pormal at sa ibang bagay ay hindi na.
Siguro kung hinubog pa tayo sa paggamit ng iba
pang pormal na pananalita ay nasasabi na rin
natin ang "salamat po" sa bawat pagabot ng ibang
tao sa bayad natin sa harap o sa atin, at sa
bawat paghinto ng sinasakyan natin. Hindi
lang iyan, pati na rin ang ating mga gawain,
na kung saang iniaabot din natin ang bayad
ng ibang tao sa harap o pabalik sa nagbayd.
May mga oras na kung saang minsa'y
nagbibingi-bingihan ang ibang mga pasajero
lalo na sa FX na hindi malaman kung bakit
mayroong pagtangging kasama sa pag-abot
ng bayad sa harap kung ngayon ay mas maigsi
pa ang haba nito kaysa sa dyip. Kung nais
man nating matulungan tayo, ba't hindi natin
simulan ang pagtulong sa kapwa at nang
magtutuluy-tuloy ito hanggang sa maging
parte na natin ang pagtulong sa kapwa--na
para bang mga salita lamang na sasambitin
kapag nagpapasalamat at bumabati, na may
kasama pang ngiti.

  Sa pagbuo ng aking pananaw, ang karamihan ay nakikisabay sa isang bagay kapag nakakakita sila na ginagawa ito ng karamihan o kung ito'y uso, gaya ng paglalagay ng 'po' kung magpapara o magbabayad, na isa nang parte ng ating kultura. Para mauso pa ang mga magaganda't responsableng gawain, simulan na natin dapat gawin ang mga bagay na hindi masydong nagagawa ng karamihan at kung ang mga ito man ay mauso, mapa-salita man o mapa-gawain, sa loob man ng sasakyang pampubliko o sa ibang mga bagay na kung saang pwedeng gawin, ay maipagmamalaki nating tayo ay nakakatulong sa ating kapwa. Dahil sa nakasaayan na natin ang mga gawaing ito, ikakaugalian na natin natin at ang mga gawaing ito ay magiging impluwensyang sosyal samakatuwid, at magiging parte ng ating kultura.

Sepanx: The Loneliness After Luminos

  I just had my second leadership training camp at Lola Corazon's Leisure Farm entitled, Luminos. It was beyond my expectation for it was really the best leadership training camp I had especially the place was perfect. Now, I still couldn't get over it and I am having a separation anxiety or they call it SEPANX (sounds Sepak to me, a sport name. Haha) and I am hoping for a part two for this leadership training camp (I know that is ostensible).

  Actually, the most reason why I miss the leadership training camp is my team, Team Monkey. Although in our first meeting we were a bit shy with each other, but it just washed away when the first activity started--the flag making. We grouped ourselves into two: the first group, in which I was part of, was creating the five core values; the second group was making the design for our flag. In my group, we were all brainstorming to make our own five core values which should be applicable for the group (all the groups were asked to do it). We looked for words in the dictionary, listed the possible words which we think appropriate for the said core values, and then lastly we picked the top five words we voted. The other group was sketching the design for our team's flag. We were given two small bottles which contained a paint, black and white so the second group started to paint our flag slowly. After finalizing the five core values, we merged again as one group for the finishing of the flag which was a bit challenging for us. We had to be careful in painting for the sketch was a bit unclear. We all put our fingers in the bottle and painted our flag that has finalized sketch with our fingers and hands. After that, all the groups, including us, presented the respective flags and made a cheer just like what we have always known--making a jingle for the group to show, of course, support. Later, we had a war game. This game is an elimination game where all the team should capture the opponent's flag through touching or holding. Surprisingly, we were the second placer in this game and I still couldn't believe that one of our teammates, Irvin, was our superb ace! Although he got eliminated later on, we were still so proud of him for his bravery for eliminating three teams in a row. The most funny thing about what happened in this night is our speaker, Kuya Poppet, stepped on the frog barefooted and squeezed it to death (he said it splattered; it sounds good to me). However, one thing that is a bit saddening is after the closing game (where we all threw balloons filled with water to the winning team and the facilitators), I left the flag in the field so we were the first team to get penalized, but I learned my lesson in it.

  The next morning, a mini seminar has conducted by the student council together with the other organizations to present the academic year calendar. In the afternoon, we had the most precious time of all, The Amazing Race. We did a lot of things that built our bond and camaraderie which is the best part and the most touching part of all! Thus, this was the moment where I got teary-eyed even until now because we roamed around the whole wide place for three times instead of doing an activity already in our assigned station. When we started our first station, the other group was already in completion for their seventh station which made us a bit upset. As we moved on to our next station, our upsets slowly covered with joy because simply we enjoyed every accomplishments of our tasks. Surprisingly, we were not the last group to finish; so we had our dinner the moment we went back to the alfresco dining room 2 (I call it in such way. Haha). Then we took a shower and went back to the alfresco dining room 1 (again, I call it in such way) to have a prayer together with our respective groups. We shared our insights and expressed our deep gratitude with each other, though I consider my part a bad part since I stuttered a lot. After it, Kuya Poppet asked us to move all the chairs aside and told us that the Amazing Race was not the end yet and asked us to do 2000 push-ups, 2000 sit-ups, and 2000 jumping jacks. We tried everything even uniting with other groups as one and deciding what was the answer to that tricky question but we failed. The facilitators even got suddenly a bit intimidating. Not until when we were able to unlock the key to the answer and yes, the accomplishment for our final task was indeed really delightful, and not only we have built a camaraderie with our teammates, but also with the other groups since we all worked hard together; even the facilitators were happy as well. We all hugged at once until we stumbled and proceeded to the next program, the pageant. Pageant made my night and the reason why I got soar throat within one week because I laughed so hard and cheered for our group the loudest and the best I can.

  The next morning, we had a free time after the breakfast so I took the opportunity to ride on a zip-line twice, to play billiard/pool, and to swim in the pool. How refreshing it was to release my stress since it was my first time to ride on a zip-line which I even wanted more. Actually I was also able to do wall climbing, and web climbing, together with my teammates, during our amazing race. See how we really have been so productive during the camp. Hanging with new friends was also the best part because we all shared things in common. Later, we all went to our respective rooms to prepare and take a bath and then went to the alfresco dining room 1 while with us is our own white t-shirt. This purpose was for us to write a message on our shirt what we wanted to say to each other. This moment is saddening because I know that this is the last activity of the camp so I told them through writing what I wanted to say and took a picture with them. "I'm going to miss you," the phrase I always said to them inside me every after I took a picture with them. Aside from my teammates, I also took a picture with my friends and newly met friends in the other team. Actually, the picture-taking didn't end that moment, it lasted even during and after the meal. We, then, went to our respective buses and went back to UST. During the travel, we even had karaoke. Then, I said to myself that this is really the best leadership training camp I ever had, no doubt. Even up to this moment writing this blog, the happiness and excitement I felt has not still faded yet.

  I learned a lot of things in the leadership training camp. Not only how to socialize with other people, but also to become a student servant leader, the most important role that we always need to play in the society. I now consider myself a student servant leader because of the lessons. I encourage everyone to join an LTC because I want you to not only excel academically, but also intellectually, socially, mentally, and spiritually. I hope this post inspires you. Aye!

#TeamMONKEY
Left to right:Ate Jaimee, our team planner; John, at the back of Ate Jaimee, our team messenger; Kuya Jam, our team inspirational messenger; Gieann, our team's great artist; Eilsel, our jolly teammate; Ate Niña, our team's intellectual muse; Nina, at the back of Ate Niña, one of the great leaders in the team; Irvin, at the back of Nina, our team ace; Bea, one of the shy types but is enthusiastic; Me, at the back of Bea; Kuya Renz, our jolly and great, great leader; Nath, below Kuya Renz, one of the intellectuals in our team; and Ate Nicole, our beautiful team facilitator.

The Last Year: Nineteen Years Of Existence

I never thought that this moment would come faster than I have expected. Alas, all that is left to me now is less than a year of being a teenager, nineteen. This is big deal for me because in teenage life, we always get to acquire knowledge as much as we want to and sometimes, we do not want to. In my case, both of them occurred. I sometimes question life if that is really its role in my late preadolescence, and if that would still get worse in the adulthood stage. Nevertheless, my teenage life gave me wisdom and perseverance to somehow be able to jump off the hurdles that I have been dealing with, and with everyday struggles encountered, tough or not, have made me somehow ready for the next stages of trials. The bitter-sweet life made me realize that there is no other person whom I can rely onto but myself, and the only one who could lift myself up in the struggles, and this is what I am doing right now, it is because of the environment. I learned that perseverance is one of the main key to success.

http://www.dealerelite.net/profiles/blogs/knowledge-plus-action-equals-power

  As soon as my birthday has passed, I have been more under pressure than the past few years because I really want my last teenage year to become the most progressive year in my life. I want it to be the start of my progression as I welcome adulthood next year. However, even if I am able to do it slowly, there are still some things that hinder me to become one, and they always lead me to resort to think about it consistently and constantly--thinking what to do to solve them without even making a single try out of my thoughts. First, financial problem, my main problem. I always run out of money and I still look for ways on how to earn them without making my parents worry that I am experiencing such. College's difficulty level was beyond my expectation. Indolence would only mean the start of the failure, and end of my path. If I do not do well in my academics, it would be a double disadvantage for me, financially, as well as academically. Every Saturday, we do have a food laboratory class so I get to spend a lot in one week. P100 a day is sometimes insufficient so I resort to spend my extra money especially for food. Second, emotional problem. Solitude keeps getting in the way that tries to make my days unprogressive and make me consistently in thought. I always worry about myself and my family. I also think about the environment I am always in, which I suppose our standards doesn't meet since I am a straightforward person? Since the environment keeps itself distant because of it, I keep myself distant from it as well, and so to keep me from these stressful thoughts, I have thought of joining some organizations specifically the university wide which has the category for writers, TomCat and TomasinoWeb. I wanted to at least improve my hobbies or maybe, talents and turn them into skills so I have thought of joining them. Unfortunately, I was not accepted in any of them and probably the reason is I told them I was already a member of two college-based organizations. I am the director for networking in Benevolent Individuals Bring Better Outcome (BIBBO) and secretariat assistant committee head in Hotel and Restaurant Management Society (HRMS). Sometimes I wish I did not tell about my current organizations to be accepted and be able to write some blogs or articles, but I thought there is still plenty of opportunities that could be grabbed so there was not a single hard feelings at all. Besides, I am able to publish my blogs and poems in this site anyway. However I still felt incomplete, so instead of focusing my attention to joining university wide organizations, I have thought of focusing myself in the studies, without relying only on my common sense and stock knowledge, but also on my memory capability. I started to develop a study habit which I think would be very essential at the end of the day--advance reading and drilling process of acquiring knowledge. Right now I am in an adjustment stage--the stage which I really love the most--the stage in which there is always an increment of progress each day. However I still need to have a lot of discipline in academics and in myself--time management. I look forward to become the person I have always wanted to be from my so-called 'future visualizations,' who is an intellect especially in literature.

As much as I am serious about my aspirations, I also am serious with the principles I stand with. Speaking of being straightforward earlier, I admit that I am blunt. I never usually go around the bushes when I act or talk, comment, and judge (or maybe criticize, but not lambaste, of course) especially when I see something is wrong or an incident occurring wrongly. When I do not like a person, I really show to him without hiding anything, or act like we are doing good. When someone turns my back on me, I will neglect our friendship without a second thought. I really stand with conviction even if majority is against me as long as I am in the right place. I inherited these from my mother who is twice straightforward than me, who also inherited all the way from my grandmother and from my grandfather who is an Ilonggo and Waray, respectively; as well as from my father to build a standard for myself and the standard of choosing the right friends. My favorite uncle, uncle Masato, even advised me that whenever I encounter a friend who I consider immoral, cut the relationship with them immediately. This attitude has not really awakened until my late high school years, during my fourth year high school. It is the time when I have really known who Senator Miriam Santiago is, a very brave, strong, and blunt woman. From then on, by watching her talk and conduct an interpellation in the senate, I realized that denouncing the bad event is just the most right thing to do. I do not believe in the saying (or when someone advises me) "hayaan na lang" because the negligence to solving a problem would cause it to spread, not stop or discourage it or the people involved in it. It is like a plant. You should treat it well, trim it well. If you leave it in the backyard, it'll grow awfully, BEHIND YOUR BACK, and that is what I believe in. Moreover, I can be the voice of someone or group of people if they are being bullied, insulted, or humiliated. I do not want these diseases to be consistently spreading in the society. I do not want to live in a world full of bigotry, hypocrisy, and mediocrity. If one might say I am crossing the line (or epal) and I should keep quiet, I will never agree with him. If standing up for what is morally right is very wrong, then I do not want to be right. I want to be one of the people to encourage others that speaking up for what is morally right is NEVER WRONG. To stand by with integrity will lead to one's part of success and will cause the spread of honesty and transparency in every people in the society.

As what I have mentioned earlier, perseverance is the main key to success. I know I still lack a lot of experiences, knowledge, and wisdom but I will never stop my interest in learning, and if I gained enough knowledge of something, I will definitely impart my knowledge to others. If possible, I will also be an inspiration to others. This is my 19th birthday wish--to make myself hungry for knowledge and adhere to moral integrity. I will be part of the change someday. I hope this blog inspired you.

UST CTHM FRESHMEN EXPERIENCES/TIPS 2015

Started 25 May 2015

1:05 am

Lots of procrastination, collection of ideas and laziness for weeks.
But I came up with these tips. Hope you enjoy.

©alfredjerald photography

UST CTHM FRESHMEN EXPERIENCES/TIPS 2015

Hello guys! first of all welcome to University of Santo Tomas and College of Tourism and Hospitality Management! So eto na nga ang pinaka-hinihintay ng lahat, ang freshmen tips! So narito ako ngayon para ipaalam sa inyo mga iba’t ibang tips na para sa akin ay somehow useful sa college. This blog might be helpful sa inyo sometime, kaya pwede niyo iapply ang ibang mga tips dito. Pero sa experiences, hindi ko talaga sinasabing mangyayari lahat ng mababanggit ko rito, case-to-case basis siya. Tsaka gusto ko lang din ishare sa inyo ang mga naranasan ko. Hehe!  ‘Nga pala, nakapaghanda na ba kayo ng mga gamit niyo? Kung oo, edi kayo na excited! Haha! De, ganun talaga, kahit nga ako eh, nung HS pa lang sobrang excited ko na talaga. But the only thing na laking gulat ko ngayon is for the first time hindi ako excited pumasok. Dahil siguro naranasan ko ang hirap college kahit na nakayanan ko dahil ibang iba talaga ang college sa high school. Speaking of high school, sa mga high school graduates 2015 ay mga masuswerte dahil meron pa silang isa buwan na extension ng bakasyon. Kami kasing mga graduates ng 2014 ay March/April (Depends sa date ng graduation) upto July lang, sila August. Basta sulitin niyo ang bakasyon at maging handa sa worst na mangyayari (Requirements na sobrang nakakapagod, ulan, baha, init etc.)

Random experiences/tips part 1:

a. Kahit sobrang active niyo sa CTHM group, mamaya sa block na lang kayo active, mamaya hindi na rin kayo active sa block group at magtatanungan na lang kayo about sa class. “Anong assignment?”; “May assignment ba?” etc. Sad. Pero syempre, gaya ng sabi ko, case-to-case basis ito, kasi hindi naman lahat ganito.

b. Kapag sasali ka ng mga orgs, make sure na kaya mo talaga imanage ang time mo, kasi bawat araw, lalong pahirap nang pahirap ang mga schedules kaya may mga araw na tatamarin kang pumunta sa mga orgs na pinasukan mo lalo na’t more than two. Ako kasi sa una kasi akala ko kaya ko lahat, pero yun pala hindi, (This coming school year, I shall do my best!) I learned my lesson. Kaya sumali ka lang kapag kaya mo. 

c. Advance congrats and good luck sa magiging class president! ;)

d. Every last Friday of the month is Yellow Day! At sa CTHM lang meron nito, kaya maeenjuyan mo na nagsusuot ka ng yellow (UST) shirt every month.

e. Tipid. Tipid! TIPID! Kelangan nating matutong magtipid kasi ang hirap magtipid. Serioso. Basta you will experience it.

f. Magdala ng registration form anumang oras kapag pupunta kayo sa UST dahil naranasan ko na hindi ako pinapasok ng guard, actually kami, nung nagmeeting kaming mga freshies last year nung before class. Though sa bandang huli nakapasok pa rin kami.

g. Sa mga dormers, dapat may boots kayo at raincoat sa dorm, para at least kapag umulan at bumaha, pwede kayong lumabas sa dorm para bumili ng pagkain nang safe—iwas ma-electrocute sa baha. Dapat yung almost sa knees ang boots kasi minsan intense ang taas ng baha.

h. I suggest magdorm kayo lalo na sa mga nakatira sa malalayong lugar. Maganda rin mag-isa sa dorm, lalo na sa may gusto ng peace of mind. HAHA! May alam akong dorm,  sa Marzan Street, between Piy Margal and Dapitan (tatawid pa kayong Lacson road), may dorm na 6k per month (pero baka nagchange price sila kaya hindi ko sure kung hanggang ngayon ba ganun ang price o hindi), tapos inclusive of water and electricity. Basta madali lang madistinguish kapag pumasok kayo sa Miguelin street. Maraming mga dorms/apartments na mura sa Dapitan kapag tatawid kayong Lacson. :D

i. whether or not, macuculture shock ka, kaya masanay ka dapat  (especially talaga sa mga dormers. Mahirap ang ma-homesick). Pero masasanay ka lang sa bandang huli. Magiging mas matatag ka. That’s how the best people are born!

j. Magexplore ka sa buong UST(aside from official campus tour)!

Tips sa uniform:

a. Since our uniform is the most coveted uniform, we must wear our uniforms properly. Wag maging badass. Wag magpakulay ng buhok, dapat natural color lang. Btw, sa mga girls, maglagay kayo ng band-aid sa bandang heels at fingers na rin para di kayo mapapaltos sa heels. And, sa una sasakit pa paa niyo lalo na sa campus tour, pero masasanay rin kayo within a month. Bawal rin magflats lalung lalo na ang slippers kahit saang sulok ng unibersidad, gaya nga ng sabi ni Doctor Ligan (Siya ang nagkukumpiska ng mga ID kapag wrong uniform, and other offenses) sa meeting, okay lang magflats, rubbershoes, slippers or any kinds of footwear sa labas ng campus as long as magheels (girls) or leather shoes (guys) sa loob ng campus sa lahat ng oras; proper uniform dapat. Pero para sakin hindi recommended ang slippers kasi diba fomal ang uniform ng CTHM tapos magtsinelas ka, hindi bagay. Sa mga guys, isara lahat ng botones ng polo kasi di bagay kapag nakabukas ang botones na nasa collar banda + necktie. Speaking of necktie, dapat marunong kayo magtie. :D

b. Sa sobrang init ng uniform natin dahil sa mga layers (under shirt, polo and vest), magdala lagi ng pamaypay, lalung lalo na ang payong—rain or shine safe ka. Actually kahit magsummer uniform ka, same lang ang maramdaman mong init. Walang patawad si sun.

c. Kung nagamit mo lang ang uniform mo sa isa o dalawang subject sa isang araw, wag mo na muna labhan, lalo na’t kung mabango pa, para makakatipid sa laundry. Sayang din naman diba? Pero you’re choice.

d. Every Monday is bun day. Pero sadly ngayon di na masyado sinusunod, ang ganda kaya sa mga girls ang may bun, kasi nagmumukha talaga silang artista at professional, mapapatingin talaga ang mga lalake sa ganda kapag dadaan sila—DIBA GUYS?! Hahaha! Sana Bunday ulit ang Monday.

e. Kapag magkaroon na kayo ng Chef’s uniform sa second sem, wag lagi labhan ang toque o ang tinatwag na chef’s hat para hindi siya lumambot kapag isusuot.

Random experiences/tips part 2:

a. Wala pang masyadong prof sa first day, pero magdala pa rin ng notebook. Pag naswerte, wala kayong prof sa next meeting o buong week. Matakot kayo kapag wala pa kayong prof within that month, meaning wala pa talaga kayong prof. Haha. Kami kasi nung first sem, malapit na ang prelims dun pa nagkaprof, ganun din sa isang section.  Pero masayang experience kapag babalikan mo past mo gaya ngayon. HAHA!

b. Sa first sem prelims, medyo chill pa mga subject at schedule, kaya gawin mo na best po to aim you grades as high as you can, para kung sakaling mahirapan ka sa second sem DL ka pa rin! :D

Tips para sa first day/week/month ng class:

a. Always bring your reg form dahil isisign yan ng mga prof, access sa library and other building such as main building kapag may pupuntahan kayo (museum, or magbabayad kayo sa office) at higit sa lahat, access sa UST. I suggest ilagay mo lang sa bag ang reg form para hindi ka na magwowory. Ilagay sa folder para hindi magusot.

b. Maghanda ka ng anumang sizes ng indexcard at 1x1 picture, maghanda ka na rin ng 2x2. Pwede ka magpapicture ng 1x1 at 2x2 at the same time sa Carpark, nakalimutan ko ang name pero katabi ata ng D2B? Someone please help me. :D

c. Maiinspire ka sa mga ibang profs dahil ang galing nilang magturo at sa mga nagawa nila. At saka amazing ang mga profs dahil mga M.A. at Ph.D. sila.

Random experiences/tips part 3:

a. Sumali ng org pala may friends ka. Most importantly, sumali ka para may mga connections ka paggraduate mo, as well as mafifill ka ng knowledge on how to run an organization.

b. May mga subjects na hindi ka na magsusulat ng lecture kasi may handouts, may mga subjects din na grabe lecture. Pero both of them masaya, actually mas maganda magsulat kasi mas maiintindihan mo, at summarized na ang mga lecture na binibigay ng mga professors.

Tips sa loob ng BGPOP (Buenaventura Garcia Paredes O.P.) Building:

a. Wag mag-ingay sa hallway especially after class paglabas ng room. Wag magkalat ng mga pieces of papers, plastic bottles, plastics anywhere such as floor lobby, hallway, at sa loob ng classroom. Hindi rin pwedeng kumain sa loob ng classroom unless candies or yung isang subo lang na pagkain. 

b. Subukan mo ring magstairs pataas para at least, exercise.

c. Malamig sa loob ng classroom kaya advisable na magdala kayo ng jacket. May mga room din na hindi gumagana ang lamig sa aircon, kaya advisable din na magdala kayo ng pamaypay.

Random experiences/tips part 4:

a. Minsan, dipende sa professor, first sem pa lang may research na, better get ready. Pero kaya niyo lang yan! Hehe.

b. Wag kang tumingin sa grades/scores ng iba mong classmate kapag nagkataon na nakakuha ka ng mababa. Depressed ka na nga sa baba ng grade mo, makakakita ka pa ng mas may mataas sayo, double kill. HAHA!

Feel ko ang bitin ng tips. Pero so far ito pa lang maibibigay ko. More updates! Good Luck freshmen! ^_^

This blog is still subject to additional changes/revisions from time to time.

Congratulations, Batch 2015!

Photo credits to the owner.

          The time has come instantly that everyone has thought but ever did anyone expect that the most exciting journey in the life of every student has already completed. Graduation is fast approaching. Everyone is getting ready for departing. Nevertheless, as we all say that it is not yet the end, but the start of the new and exciting beginning. First, I would like to congratulate all the 2015 graduates, especially the 2K15 Batch of my Alma Mater, Saint Joseph School. You have achieved and have gone this far despite the stressful school works that have always been given to you. You. Just. Made. It. You have ended your high school journey splendidly, and the hard works you just accomplished manifest the achievement you have right now—diploma. I wish you all the best for the final journey you are about to take. College might be pleasing to the eye, yet as a college student myself, all I know is it seems like I am strolling in the park—Jurassic Park, as what Senator Miriam Santiago has said. You will encounter many people, their culture, and might even get culture shocked since the college is yet alien to you. Additionally, aside from unexpected and loaded tasks in college, you might even encounter a lot of monstrous bastards and bigots along your way. Yes, A LOT, but do not worry, as long as you have your kind friend/s with you, you and your college life is in good hands.

          Once again, congratulations, batch 2015, and may God bless you to let you always aim for your commendable endeavors with your heads held up high. Just keep aiming higher. The sky is the limit!

Cheers.