smiling samurai

Interview me...

2006-03-23T22:16:00.000+08:00

Questions from James

1. Kamusta ka naman Enzo? Haven't heard from you for a very long time. :)

Ok naman, masaya. Patapos na ang finals week, isang test na lang (Pero grabe law (last LT namin)... ang haba ng coverage). Nagdadasal na sana umabot ng DL. At kahit hindi ok lang. Happy-go-lucky. Nakalabas uli after a long time. Nakapanood ng "V for Vendetta" (good film, masaya panoorin, panoorin ninyo worth it). yun lang..

2. Bakit ka umalis ng Gabay, and are you planning to go back?

Maraming dahilan... Siguro yung isa sa pinakamabigat ay para makapagconcentrate sa acads. Meron pang isa. Comment ka na lang kung gusto mong malaman, hindi ko pwede ipost sa blog, maraming magagalit sa akin.

Yes, balak kong bumalik... kung kailan... 'yun din ang tanong ko...

3. Discuss ALL your morning rituals. As in lahat.

Wake up... Exercise na binubuo ng ilang warm-ups at 20 reps ng sit-ups (hindi kapani-paniwala hehe)... ligo... kain... bye bye kay Ma... (sabi mo sabihin kong lahat eh...) puntang school... tapos...

4. Do you receive allowance from OAA? If so, paano ka nakahingi and how much?

Hindi... but I know how to... Mail them lang every beginning of the sem (the sem before)... hindi ko alam kung magkano... yun lang alam ko eh...

5. Remember our discussion with K.Chris about the Undead? Explain fully why the Undead should not be called Undead. =P

Sorry... hindi ko na maalala 'to, so wala rin akong masagot

My turn! (Copy-pasted from James)

1. Leave me a comment saying "Interview me."

2. I will respond by asking you five questions.

3. Post the answers to the questions on your LJ.

4. Include this explanation.

5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, ask five questions.

One day at Kenny Roger's...

2006-02-27T03:09:00.000+08:00

Noong Thursday, Before ng 2nd LT namin sa Acc 30, naisipan ng ilan sa mga blockmates ko (Pam, Kate, Earl, Gio and special mention Beljo) na maghanap ng resto sa Katips para doon kami mag-aral. Ito ay sa kadahilanang may Service Awards noong araw na iyon kung kaya sarado ang lib. Napagtripan namin ang Kenny Roger's dahil malapit ito sa Gate 2.5 at hindi masyadong maraming tao. Ito ang ilan sa mga quotable quotes ng araw na iyon.

From Pam:

"Guys, would you like my muffins?"

Siyempre, kahit well-meaning naman si Pam, nakakatawa pa rin ang labas nung message galing sa kaniya. Pero eto talaga yung panalong quotation from Beljo:

"Miss, meron po ba kayong breasts?"

Hindi naman talaga sinasadya ni Beljo iyon. It just happened na kung nag-order ka ng Crispy sa Kenny Roger's eh may choice ka kung anong part ng chicken yung gusto mo. At hindi rin naman niya kasalanan na yung waitress noon ay babae. Pero kahit paano mo tignan, mali lang talaga siyang pakinggan. Pero wait, ito naman ang reply ng waitress.

"Meron, dalawa"

Hehe, what can I say? Mukhang kalaban lang talaga ni Beljo ang circumstances noong araw na iyon. Still panalo pa rin yung reply ni Pam kung siya daw ang tinanong noon.

"I don't know. Can you check for me?"

Hehe, iba talaga nangyayari kung bangag ka na sa pagrereview.

Pasko nung Bata pa ako

2005-12-24T01:00:00.000+08:00

Ang sarap balikan ang pagkabata lalo na't ngayong Pako... Haha... Nagrereminisce lang...

May masayang tradition ang relatives ko (mother side) tuwing Pasko. Magsasama kaming lahat pagdating ng December 24 at magcecelebrate ng Christmas. Naalala ko noong bata pa ako, halos lagi sa bahay ng lolo at lola ko ito gaganapin. Pero noong naglaon, nagsimula na ito ganapin sa iba't-ibang bahay ng mga tito at tita ko. Masaya kaming lahat ng mga kamag-anak kasi magkakasama kami. At siyempre masayang-masaya kami, yung mga third generation (first generation sina lolo at lola, second yung mga magulang namin, third na kaming mga magpipinsan), dahil siyempre, ito yung araw ng bigayan ng regalo. Ang saya ng feeling kung makikita mo yung mga naglalakihang plastic bag ng mga tito't tita mo na naglalaman ng mga nakabalot na regalo. (Na-realize ko lang na napakapractical para sa amin na mga inaanak dahil hindi na namin kailangan maghunting ng mga ninong at ninang... Hahaha... Joke lang) Nakakatuwa siyempre yung feeling na nakakatanggap ng regalo. (Habang lumalaki ako narealize ko na ang hirap pala noon, 12 magkakapatid ang mga magulang namin, at bawat isa ay reregaluhan mo... Ngayon may 4th generation na... Iniimagine ko na lang pag dumating na ang turn namin... Naku patay... hehe)

Pero ngayon, bago na... Hindi na ako ganoon naeexcite makatanggap ng regalo. Ewan ko kung bakit. Sa totoo lang, ngayon, mas natutuwa akong makasama ang mga pinsan ko. Iyon lang talaga. Haha.

Wala lang... MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Minsan, sobrang sama ng pakiramdam mo...

2005-10-29T20:01:00.000+08:00

Hindi wala akong sakit. Hindi lang naman iyon ang dahilan para sumama ang pakiramdam mo... Iyong isa pang sakit sa pakiramdam. Iyong feel mo down na down ka na. Iyong feel mo mag-isa ka at iniwan ka na ng mga tao. Iyong parang "terminal depression".

Kasi seryoso, iyon ang pakiramdam ko ngayon.

Siguro ganoon lang kasi ako magdaramdam; sobrang tagal, at sobrang dinidibdib. Ewan ko kung bakit, basta ganoon. Pang-apat na araw na ako depressed. Simple lang naman ang dahilan kung bakit lumalala pa ang pakiramdam ko, wala akong makausap eh... Ang bigat-bigat tuloy ng pakiramdam ko. Pinakamalala kahapon. Basahin niyo yung update ko; lyrics lang ng kanta. Gusto kung mag-update pero wala talaga akong sigla mag-update, sobrang malungkot lang ako. Sa totoo lang, kahapon hindi ko na kinakanta iyan, sinisgaw ko na. Parang sa Psych 101 namin... "Catharsis" kung baga. Nagulat na nga nanay ko eh.. Nagtatanong kung may problema ako. Siyempre sagot naman ako ng wala. Mahirap lang ksing ikuwento eh...

Feel ko parang walang kuwenta akong kaibigan. Minsan nakakasama kung feel mo sobrang ina-alienate ka na ng kaibigan mo. Feel ko ganoon ang ginagawa niya. Galit ako, aaminin ko. Mahirap ba akong kausap? Bakit ganoon, hirap akong kauysapin ng mga tao. Alam ko hindi ako perpekto pero, trust me, sinusubukan kong baguhin ang mga masasama kong ugali. Mahirap, pero para sa mga kaibigan ko, susubukan ko. Sawa na akong ituring na balewala ng mga taong sinisubukan kong kaibiganin... alam ko malamang hindi naman talaga nila ako balak saktan pero minsan masakit lang talaga ang mga loko ng mga tao sa akin. Linulunok ko na lang.

Sana lang may makausap na rin ako... ang hirap ng ganitong wala akong makausap

Bad Day

2005-10-28T22:16:00.000+08:00

by Daniel Powter

Where is the moment when we need it the most
You kick up the leaves and the magic is lost
They tell me your blue sky's faded to grey
They tell me your passion's gone away
And I don't need no carrying on

Stand in the line just ahead of the law
You're faking a smile with the coffee you go
You tell me your life's been way off line
You're falling to pieces every time
And I don't need no carrying on

Cause you had a bad day
You're taking one down
You sing a sad song just to turn it around
You say you don't know
You tell me don't lie
You work at a smile and you go for a ride
You had a bad day
The camera don't lie
You're coming back down and you really don't mind
You had a bad day
You had a bad day

Well you need a blue sky holiday
The point is they laugh at what you say
And I don't need no carrying on

You had a bad day
You're taking one down
You sing a sad song just to turn it around
You say you don't know
You tell me don't lie
You work at a smile and you go for a ride
You had a bad day
The camera don't lie
You're coming back down and you really don't mind
You had a bad day
You had a bad day

Sometimes the system goes on the blink and the whole thing it turns out Wrong
You might not make it back and you know that you could be well oh that Strong
Well I'm not wrong

So where is the passion when you need it the most
Oh you and I
You kick up the leaves and the magic is lost

Cause you had a bad day
You're taking one down
You sing a sad song just to turn it around
You say you don't know

You tell me don't lie

You work at a smile and you go for a ride
You had a bad day
You've seen what you like
And how does it feel for one more time
You had a bad day
You had a bad day
You had a bad day

Commuter Rituals

2005-09-15T13:51:00.000+08:00

Ito ay isang pagtingin sa mga pag-aasal ko pag nasa dyip. Wala lang, parang karugtong lang ng nauna kong post. Mga nakakatuwa at mga nakakaasar na pag-uugali ko sa dyip

Simula natin sa mgakanais-nais bagay na pag-uugali ko sa dyip...
1) Pag sumigaw na ng "bayad po" at inabot mo na ang kamay mo sa taong may mabuting loob n mag-aabot sa driver ng pambayad mo sa dyip, siyempre sabayan mo ng "Thank you". Aba, kahit na maliit na bagay lang iyon, nakakagaan rin ng loob yung malamang appreciated yung ginagawa mo noh... kahit na pag-abot lang iyan ng kapwa mo pasahero sa tsuper (o konduktor, whichever may apply)

2)Pag nandoon ko sa upuang katabi ng driver at mayroong pasahero na nasa gitna ninyong mas maagang bababa sa iyo... bumaba ka muna paramakaalis yung bababa. Aba, mahirap naman yata yung subukan mong umalis ng may taong nakaharang sa labasan. Believe me, nasubukan ko na. Pag-ikaw naman yung nasa alanganing posisiyon, at bumaba yung nasa tabi mo, sabayan mo uli ng "thank you". Wala lang para masaya.

Okay so yun 'yung mga medyo magandang gawain ko sa dyip pag nag-commute... Eto yung medyo kaasar... (Trust me mas mahaba ito)

1) Pag-umalis na yung katabi mo (yung mas malapit sa bukanan ng dyip) usog ka kaagad. Putek, ang hirap atang umalis kung nasa may kabilang dulo ka ng dyip no (yung malapit sa driver). Hindi bale nang maabala ang mga sasakay pa lang.

2) Pag medyo bad trip ka sa katabi mo (ayaw umusog kahit malaki ang space, tinutulak ka sa upuan, [ito yung weird] sumsayaw sa dyip [swear! Mind you, naka jogging pants, rubber shoes, at madyo tight fit na clothes, parang PE teacher sa mga school]) sikisikin mo. Gantihan lang iyan p're noh! Pag ginagawa 'to try to be conspicuous about it wag kang pahalata, kunwari may tinitignan ka sa labas, pero sa totoo sinisiksik mo na siya. (tsk, tsk ang sama rin talaga ng ugali ko kung minsan)

3) Pag-abot ng bayad, magkunwari kang tulog, double purpose, una, para kung magtanong yung driver kung saan yung bayad may excuse kang hindi sumagot (minsan kaasar kasi , kung may sukli hindi na iaabot sa 'yo, kung sakto lang sasabihin kulang bayad mo, at kung anu-ano pa, kaasar lang kasi talaga), at pangalawa para hindi mo na kailangan mag-abot ng mga sukli at bayad ng mga kapwa pasahero mo. wala lang, trip lang.

Mga tao talaga sa dyip, tsk, tsk.

Uy! Buhay pa pala ang blog na ito!

2005-09-15T12:42:00.000+08:00

Kung ngayon ka pa lang napadaan sa blog na ito, maari kang magtanong o magtaka sa title ng entry na ito. Hindi ba parang espesiyal, parang may bago.

Kasi naman, siguro'y isang taon na ng huli akong nag-update ng blog na ito (check ninyo date ng last entry). Ewan ko kung bakit... wala tinamad lang siguro ako ng sobra-sobra kaya hindi na ako nag-update... o hindi kaya naman wala naman akong may saysay na maisusula...o kaya naman ay busy ako... o kaya, isa na siguro sa mga pinakamabigat na dahilan ko, ay baka may masulat akong hindi kanais-nais. Well, since wala rin lang naman akong magawa ngayon, mag-update na lang ako ng blog.

Mayroon kasing 3 oras na bakant sa sked ko tuwing TTH. Normally gunagamit ko ito para gumawa ng assignment at magbasa ng accounting. Yung nga lang last meeting walang assign sa accounting (himala!!!) kaya heto ako ngayon wala akong ginagawa.

Actually, opportunity ko na rin ito para makapagkuwento tungkol sa araw ko. Medyo asar kasi ako ngayon. Loko kasi yung driver ng dyip na sinakyan ko. Ganito kasi iyon...

1) Gumising ako ng maaga kanina para mag take ng stat ng prof ko sa iba niyang klase... para na rin maaga makauwi... eh kaso pang-asar ang diskarte ng dyip na ito pag nagdrive. Talagang pinipilit ang sarili sa masikip na lane... tsk, tsk, tsk...

2) Ok na siguro iyon, hindi naman niya kasalanan kung masikip ang lane eh. Pero isipin mo naman, nang mag-aabot ako ng bayad talagang parang ayaw akong pansinin. So hinintay kong makarating yung bayad ko sa kaniya at magreact siya. Itinaas na niya yung bayad ko... di sabi ako ng Katipunan (estudyante)... tapos binaba na niya... tapos tinanong niya uli kanino daw yung sampu... kung di ako tatapikin nung katabi ko hindi ko alam na ako pa iyon... eh di sigaw uli ako. Ok lang, madalas naman mangyari iyon eh. Eh kaso ibahin mo tong driver na 'to... Bingi talaga... hinto ng dyip tapos tanong uli. Ano?!!! eh hindi naman mahina boses ko hah!!! So iyon badtrip ako. Sinigawan ko talaga yung tsuper. (Minsan masama rin ang ugali ko pag nasa dyip)

3) Pero eto malala... eh di bababa na akong Katipunan. Kaso yung dyip gumigilid talaga sa may pinakadulong lane (as in yung katabi ng fly-over patungong Marikina). Eh di para ako. Iisipin mo naman na tatabi siya para ibaba ako...pero hindi... doon talaga sa gitna ng kalye... asar.

Conclusion: late ako masyado para sa stat ko (as in 30 mins) so ayun. asar talaga.

The (Lost) Years of Ours Lives

2005-03-05T22:34:00.001+08:00

"Ngunit maging sa magkakaibigan, mayroong umaalis, mayroong naiiwan.

Sa paglisan mo inihahandog ko sa'yo, mga bakas na ito, tanda ng ating pagtataya ng sarili, sa kapwa't sa mundo..."

Excerpt from the "Gabay Song"

Last Tuesday, if I'm not mistaken, I passed by the Gabay Room. The room was in a bit of in disarray given that we were due to leave in a couple of days. The day could've been nothing more than ordinary when we noticed a stack of pictures lying around the desk. Mostly they were pictures of the sophomore batch's freshmen day which I enjoyed looking through. There was no point in trying to identify who's who since there wasn't much change and it was easy to pinpoint the people in the pictures. However, there was a seemingly misplaced picture in the album.

The picture was obviously old, given that a strong tint of brown was present in the picture. It was a picture dated 1981 (6 years before I was born!) of some college students in their mid to late teens. The times were heavily indicated in the picture by the clothes and the hairstyles of the people in the picture, and not to mention, the buggy hanging around by the background, which was popular during that time. However, despite the differences in time, there were striking similarities with that time and ours. There, behind them, was Colayco standing proudly in the background. There were signs of the "Food for thought" behind them.

Finding this single piece of picture was like unearthing a piece of artifact from a time that has passed. The picture struck poignant thoughts of different gabayanos throughout the time who, in their own ways, have chosen to give treasure, talent, and time to Gabay. It reminded me of my uncle, who was, to me, a successful businessman and a family man who was also once a Gabayano. It showed me a picture of him being young and being part of the Gabay Family, which has nurtured us in our stay in Ateneo and continues to provide company and guidance. It reminds us of a company which have shared their lives in the Gabay room, whose stories of life and being young are starting to be lost because of the passing of time.

It was a testimony of the legacy of Gabay and all the lives it has touched. Now, we are experiencing this legacy and it is our lives which it is changing in more ways than one.

Seeing the Colayco and other landmarks in the background has also struck bittersweet thoughts. In a few weeks, Colayco would be demolished to give way to building a better one. However, as the building goes down, it gives us a reminder that all the memorable events that have occurred there would never repeat. As I imagine Colayco being reduced to debris, I reminded myself bitterly of Gabay Room.

But in a way, it was a sign to move on with life. Old memories may be lost in our minds, but the heart never forgets. Events of past may never repeat, but it may be a sign to make new ones, in the company of different people. Friends may part but the bonds that have formed between them will never break.

I looked at the picture for the final time and smiled at all the memories I have shared and will continue to share in a company of friends. I thought of time long past and people whose lives were also touched by Gabay and how, when we grow old, we will also have those years of our youth. Today, however, I continue to make memories with them.

Game of Tag

2005-03-03T21:42:00.000+08:00

Well, I was tagged by Ate Pia in her blog, and being game, I decided to take a ride on...

Random 10

I can't explain each choice, but this is pretty much the list.

1. "Power of Two" by Indigo Girls
2. "Wherever you will go" by The Calling
3. "Every Little Thing she does is Magic" by Sting
4. "Noypi" by Bamboo
5. "Harana" by Parokya ni Edgar
6. "Hari ng Sablay" by SugarFree
7. "Liwanag sa Dilim" by Rivermaya
8. "Iris" by Goo Goo Dolls
9. "Huwg mo Nang Itanong sa Akin" by Eraserheads
10. "Next in Line" by AfterImage

What is the total amount of music files in your computer?

19.6 mb composed of 6 tracks all told.

What was the last CD that you bought?

Strictly speaking, this question does not apply to me. The last time I bought a musical record (it's the technically correct term), the CD wasn't still popular. Anyway if you're still curious, it's a cassette by Celine Dion ,which I am regretting with all my heart, back the time when "Titanic" was showing. sick

What was the last song you listened to before reading this entry?

"Grow old With You" by Adam Sandler from "The Wedding Singer". Love that Song...

Write down 5 songs you listen a lot or mean a lot to you.

1. "Breakfast at Tiffany's" by Deep Blue Something
Yeah I know, mababaw lang yung lyrics. But it's very easy to listen to. Gives you that "feel good" feeling. You've gotta love it.

2. "Buloy" by Parokya ni Edgar
A song to remind me of me when I was younger and still didn't fully comprehend the song. I believe I was about in Grade 5 or 6 when this first hit the airwaves. Sad theme. Still somehow, by the end of the song, it gives us new insights on barkada, the people around us, and life. It shows us a different perspective. I sometimes listen to it simply to feel the bittersweet melancholy that fills me everytime I hear the song and remember people I've met whose lives are very simillar to that of Buloy.

"naaalala mo pa ba nung ika'y tumawag sa 'kin

at ika'y imiiyak

tapos pagkatapos nun kay tagal mong nawala

nagulat nalang ako nung narinig ko ang balita

akala ko pa naman na marunong kang magdala

nalaman ko na lang na ika'y nagpakamatay na"

3. "Huling El Bimbo" by Eraserheads
It's sad to see a good band disappear and not be heard from much again. Still there are still their songs to remind us of them. This is one of the songs remniscient of my younger years. Funnily too, it almosts chronicle my life. Back as a child, I listen to it just for the sake of listening (and I admit being creeped out by the music video). But when I grew older I learned to appreciate the song more for what it means.

4. "Grow Old With You" by Adam Sandler
Simple lyrics. Short and Sweet. Easy listening in its best.

5. "Jeepney" by SpongeCola
Perfect for those senti nights

“Naaalala ko ang mga gabing nakahiga sa ilalim ng kalawakan
Naaalala ko ang mga gabing magkatabi sa ulan”

Who are you gonna pass this stick to? (3 persons and why?)

1. James, to see him update his blog hehehe =)
2. Omi, to know what the Synesi Head listens to. Go Synesi! Labo, tapos na angkan games eh hehehe... (",)
3. Zaza, just for fun (",), it would be cool to know what she listens to

Saturdays with a College Boy and His Passion

2005-02-27T01:31:00.000+08:00

One Saturday has again come and passed and I feel my life slipping away again. Nevertheless, this day wasn't so bad.

My day started out late since I slept late last night (5 am to be exact. Gee! I tend to be abusive of myself during the weekends). I did nothing but slacked around the house and do some chores. Tried to look for something good on TV however when limited to local networks, that's pretty much a futile task. Nevertheless, I was capable of staying awake the whole afternoon (strange, I never seem to be able to do that on a weekend).

By 3 pm I prepared to go to school for a quick visit to the library. No not for research, I've already done that the last weeks. I'm just there to return some books. However, when in Katipunan, it never hurts to pay a visit to National Book Store for a quick look at what's on the racks. I realized that it's been some time since I've done pleasure reading and now maybe a nice time to start again.

Going to the Fantasy/Science Fiction Section (the only section I visit on a frequent basis) I've found some books which caught my attention. As usual, they had a complete stock of The Wheel of Time series (funny, they never seem to run out of stock of these books). Then there's Dune:Machine Crusade, which I've been trying to get my hands on since last year. (Arggh! so close and yet so far) I would simply love a copy but I guess I'll still have wait my time till the books finally up for grabs (or hope that the store have a sale in the science fiction/fantasy section, not likely). Then there's also High Druids of Shanarra: Jarka Ruus on display. I've tried to explore more the world of Shanarra by Terry Brooks (his stories, in comparison to other fantasy/science fiction books I've read, is by far much more simple. it doesn't contain complex weaving of politics in the story i.e:Dune: Houses Trilogy and the Wheel of Time Series; which I love to read about, nevertheless, is a quality book on its own standards.).

After gazing longingly at these spellbinding books, I went to another section, this time the Inspirational Section. The Trilogy by Dave Pelzer seems an interesting read. Then there are the Paulo Coehlo books which never fail to catch my attention. After some time (and a dark realization that I'll still have to wait till I may be able to read some of them) I heavy-heartedly left the store.

Now that I look back at that afternoon I realize that it was just all about a boy with a certain passion for reading that may not quite be sated because of what he lacks financially. Its about a dreamer who dreams too much of what he cannot easily have.

Things you Couldn't Care to Know...

2005-02-21T14:55:00.000+08:00

Did you know that...

...a dime has 118 ridges around the edge?
...a cat has 32 muscles in each ear?
...a crocodile cannot stick out its tongue?
...a dragonfly has a life span of 24 hours?
...a goldfish has a memory span of three seconds?
...a "jiffy" is an actual unit of time for 1/100th of a second?
...a shark is the only fish that can blink with both eyes?
...a snail can sleep for three years? (in my next life, I could be a snail.... then again)
...Al Capone's business card said he was a used furniture dealer?
...all 50 states are listed across the top of the Lincoln Memorial on the back of the $5 bill?

...almonds are a member of the peach family?

...an ostrich's eye is bigger than its brain?
...babies are born without kneecaps. They don't appear until the child reaches 2 to 6 years of age?
...butterflies taste with their feet?
...cats have over one hundred vocal sounds? Dogs only have about 10.
..."Dreamt" is the only English word that ends in the letters "mt"?
...February 1865 is the only month in recorded history not to have a full moon?
...in the last 4,000 years, no new animals have been domesticated?
...if the population of China walked past you, in single file, the line would never end because of the rate of reproduction?
...if you are an average American, in your whole life, you will spend an average of 6 months waiting at red lights?
...it's impossible to sneeze with your eyes open?
...Leonardo Da Vinci invented the scissors?
...Maine is the only state whose name is just one syllable?
...no word in the English language rhymes with month, orange, silver, or purple? (what about range, strange, change?)
...on a Canadian two dollar bill, the flag flying over the Parliament building is an American flag?
...our eyes are always the same size from birth, but our nose and ears never stop growing?
...peanuts are one of the ingredients of dynamite?
...rubber bands last longer when refrigerated?
..."Stewardesses" is the longest word typed with only the left hand and "lollipop" with your right?
...the average person's left hand does 56% of the typing?
...the cruise liner, QE2, moves only six inches for each gallon of diesel that it burns?
...the microwave was invented after a researcher walked by a radar tube and a chocolate bar melted in his pocket?
...the sentence: "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog" uses every letter of the alphabet?
...the winter of 1932 was so cold that Niagara Falls froze completely solid?
...the words 'racecar,' 'kayak' and 'level' are the same whether they are read left to right or right to left (palindromes)?
...there are 293 ways to make change for a dollar?
...there are more chickens than people in the world? (and then you can add people who act like chickens...)
...there are only four words in the English language which end in "dous": tremendous, horrendous, stupendous, and hazardous
...there are two words in the English language that have all five vowels in order: "abstemious" and "facetious"?
...there's no Betty Rubble in the Flintstones Chewables Vitamins?
...tigers have striped skin, not just striped fur?
...TYPEWRITER is the longest word that can be made using the letters only on one row of the keyboard?
...Winston Churchill was born in a ladies' room during a dance? (Lucky Guy! Oops...)
...women blink nearly twice as much as men?
...your stomach has to produce a new layer of mucus every two weeks; otherwise it will digest itself?

The clock says...

2005-02-20T01:40:00.000+08:00

it’s 1:40 am and I should be getting some sleep. However, it seems that sleep just won’t takeover me and I’d better just start working on updating my blog. Besides, the reason I couldn’t sleep is a tale worth telling.

I’ve just read in the Guidon an article about the Colayco Hall. In a week, the orgs in Ateneo will be moving out of Colayco since it will be renovated. The article’s about how the Colayco is starting to get crowded and renovating the place (translation: wrecking the place and building a “better” one in its place). The article says that Colayco will no longer be able to accommodate the growing population of orgs in the Ateneo and the number of orgs asking for accreditation. The whole idea of renovation was thought of by an ME student (huh! What did you expect?).

The article was put on the Inquiry section (similar to the social commentary page of a regular newspaper) of the Guidon. I would have been more enthusiastic reading it if it was put on the Features page about the sentiments of the Ateneans regarding the Colayco. Unfortunately the Guidon editors thought it might be more worthwhile reading tsunami “survivors” who have escaped the wrath of nature. That article was pure BS (c’mon you “survived” a tsunami cause you left one day earlier... If the people featured were actually swept by the tsunami and swam back to the shore “That” would be worth reading...) Its just a show-offish article of how rich Ateneans are, being able to afford a trip to God knows what earthly paradise while half of the country was still mourning because of the onslaught caused by the typhoons that hit the Philippines. (Thanks to RB for pointing the whole thing out. Damn! I hate it when the guy makes sense and isn’t just fooling around.) I would still like to go on ranting on how apathetic Ateneans can be and how the Guidon is really turning out to be a heck of worthless crap that wastes the Atenean’s tuition fee, I would simply constrain myself (actually I already did a lot of ranting but that’s not really what I want to talk about so let’s leave it at that).

Well, it’s only been a year but I’ve grown attached to Colayco particularly the Gabay room. In here I’ve met a lot of characters whom little did I know would be a part in shaping my life (Heck! Majority of my links are people from Gabay). I know, it’s just the room, the people will still be there (and with luck, we still have three years to grow tired of each other’s faces). But I guess you have to admit that the place carries all the memories of being, and you can’t beat that.

A lot of events happened here; events, bittersweet or otherwise, I would never trade for. No matter how hard I try, I simply can’t seem to write this in a way justify how the room makes me feel. But I’ll do my best to try.

It was in this room that Kuya Gep’s rats (hamsters, guinea pigs... whatever) went missing, and I was among those who first noticed that the rats went missing. Along with other Gabayanos in that room (there weren’t many, it was in the morning) we tried our best to search for the rats. We did find some but the rats simply kept on escaping. Until now some of the rats haven’t been found yet. I wanted to share this event because it reminded me of one of the people that were there helping out looking for the rats: Randolph. I can’t understand why he can’t be with us (I know why, I just can’t understand). I don’t know exactly what to think of this but I guess the only thing I’m sure of is “Heck! I miss that kid!” Yeah, working with that kid for one semester kind of grows on you. You simply can’t complain about him. He’s a nice co-worker and is really friendly. I can’t understand the way things go but I’m all for him in his choices now.

Then there’re our constant cell sessions (which were actually the underground meetings of Ate Deb and me about the caroling nights during the Christmas season). I simply liked listening to other people’s stories and reflecting on how God manifests Himself on the everyday basis. I found a particular cell session poignant because it revealed a different facet of the members in our cell. That event struck me for somehow I felt a greater bond grew that day as we understood anew everyone in the cell.

There are a lot more to count; after class meetings, bridge games, caroling practices. Discoveries after discoveries have been made. New facets of everyone were seen (banal si Ray, bumabait si RB pagnagmimisa, gusto pala ni Omi mag misyonaryo, mga mag-on at mga mag-off... you get the gist). And for that matter, simply why we were all gathered in that room; because we took a choice and made a promise. “Pinipili kong magtaya, Malaya akong nagtataya, Nangangako akong magtataya”

Last Friday, we gathered before the GR, holding hands and sung the Gabay Song right in front of it. It was our farewell to Gabay Room. For that time, I never felt more proud, or happier, that I was a part of this org, part of a group of young vibrant people working to achieve something.

Yeah sure, it can get crowded at times. Sometimes there are so many people in the room that you only have enough space to stand and maybe not even that. Yeah, I admit that sometimes, even the outside is crowded that there’s really no space left to sit but the very edge of the sidewalk. But that’s the time that I love most to be in Gabay; when it’s bustling full of young vibrant people; full of emotions, full of camaraderie, full of visions, and full of hopes; hopes not only for themselves but for the society, and them working together to fulfill just that.

Good Bye Colayco... Good Bye GR...

Hiatus Over!

2005-02-17T23:09:00.000+08:00

Okay, to those who have been following my blog (which is strange since I didn't expect that my blog has any following) you may have noticed that nothing new happened the last week. It was due to a self-imposed hiatus I had on myself. Well, it was February the 14th and people would be expecting that I'd be talking about Valentine's or even mention it. Well, guess what, I didn't. I guess I was a bit disenchanted with the occassion (and one of my friends even had his blog prepared for the occassion, great...). Anyway, now that the hype's over, I can talk about something beyond it.

Well, we had our cell group (short for cellular group, a session where we can share our anxieties and share with other people are pursuit to know God) earlier. I was thinking about my week (stressful is an understatement, every week's turning to be a hell week) and how taxing it was (especially with regards to my acads) for me. Great challenges were set for me which I thought I would never get over with and have successfully gotten over with. Or so I thought. Ate Deb couldn't have surprised me more by telling that I had failed a test greater than what was apparent.

Here's how it went: Tuesday night, I was stressed since tomorrow would be the deadline for our lab report (which happened to be my first class for the day). I had to finish my report to pass it to whoever would compile. However, no one was willing to compile it. Well, so I volunteered that I would compile the work. I finished my work about 10:00 pm and received the others. I viewed their works and noticed that they lacked some parts. Having no other choice, I supplied the missing parts. By 11:30 I was finished and had the task sent it to my classmate to be able to print it (my printer was running out of ink and cannot afford to use it any longer). However our server was so slow that I had to wait almost an hour to upload it. Runing out of time, I separated each report and sent it individually to my classmate (All that compilation for nothing). I was through by about 12:30 am. I had to wake up about 5:00 am.

The next day, we were all set for lab. My classmate even slightly complaned (Complained!) that I didn't actually compile it. However, our prof was late for class and therefore it was a technical free cut.

This morning however, I was able to see things in a clearer perspective. That night was actually my faith test, that is if I'd actually remember to turn to God now that I needed it. Unfortunately, I failed my faith test and simply relied on myself to finish the task. The free cut, as I see things now, is actually a reminder of what He could do if we turn to Him and surrender to His will.

It's funny how things worked to remind me of my weaknesses in my faith. I guess we can always remember that God will work things out in a way we never expected.

Well that's it for now. Ciao!

Worthless Info: This is something I learned from Physics class earlier. I really don't care to share it, I just want to get it out of my system. Energy from protons cannot almost be utilized: that is unless you believe in ghosts. Ghosts, or ectoplasmic projections, are composed of negatively charged particles. Proton packs could be used to render them immobile (the negative charges which compose the ghost are attracted to the positively charged protons). However they won't cancel each other out, therefore the need for a trap to, well trap, them in a virtual reality.

Tales from the Zone...

2005-02-13T02:31:00.002+08:00

Or why I’m bitter toward science high schools and main high schools

We had our NatSit (National Situationer, a seminar about the condition of a certain aspect of the Nation) in ANI last Wednesday, which was all about the condition of the public education system in the Philippines.

It was times like this that reminds me about the time I was reading “Youngblood 1.0” particularly the article “Mad” by Princess Catnip (a pseudonym). Sure, the article was published in 1995 and we may be working on a totally different context; however, I doubt that there was much difference during her period of time and mine. It was about a girl who was having trouble enrolling in a private high school because she fell into the wrong company, because of her former school’s lack of guidance. However, I can’t help but feel angered and annoyed by her representation of the public schools. She portrayed (in a passing manner) the public school teachers as merchants of processed meat and the students as a rambunctious group of troublemakers. I know that she lives outside the system and I can’t blame her for her thoughts regarding the system; nevertheless, the representation was still unfair. I myself wasn’t enthusiastic upon learning that I would go to a public high school. I’m not planning to defend the institution though, it’s just that if we’re going to demonize people, might as well blame the people who are really responsible. I believe I understand the system more being an insider.

To understand the situation, we have to take a look at how the institution works. To be able to start the construction of any public institution, a government official: a congressman; mayor; or vice-mayor, in that locality will propose and sponsor the building of that institution.

These institutions have to receive funding to continue operating. The science high schools receive the first priority from the local government. This is understandable given that the students in these schools are supposedly the crème de la crop of their respective localities.

The next priority would be what I would like to call as the state high schools or mainly the so-called main high schools. They are schools who carry the name of that certain locality. Mainly they receive high priority because they are schools that have the highest student population. Their students are also chosen most of the time to represent their division.

Here is where the politics come into play in the public system of education. They are what I would like to refer to as pet schools. They are the schools who were sponsored by the current administration. They receive support from the local government because the government officials that proposed their construction are currently in position.

Unfortunately, not all schools fall under any of the categories above. Schools which were sponsored by the current opposition and those, whose administrators lack political will in managing their responsibility, are the victims of this situation. They receive less access to academic opportunities outside of school and are most of the time inconvenienced.

A particular example of this is during my second year high school. This was the time that I started studying in public high school. Our school was sponsored by the congressman in the past administration and happened to be a rival of the officials in the present administration. Barely a month after the beginning of classes we learned that the school will be relocated to a different area in the city where another school was being built. The local government reasoned that majority of the students enrolled in our school were non-residents in the city (This occurred a year before the widely publicized displacement of students in Marikina City. The then mayor reasoned that the students were non-residents. However this runs contrary to the constitution which states that it is the government’s responsibility to provide its youth with education. This did not state that the student would be limited in his choice with the locality of the school.) Though this greatly inconvenienced the parents and students, they had little choice left given that the enrollment period was far from over. Majority of the students chose to be transferred to the proposed site of the new school.

They are not also given ample opportunities to understand and learn their talents through activities outside the school. Once an independent enrichment program asked for coordination from the Division Office to help provide skillful students a chance to enhance their learning, the offer was first given to their main high school in Marikina. Only after being turned down did the offer reach the other public schools: offered only the crumbs of a feast.

We have been demonizing the wrong people at times. Can we blame the teacher for selling processed meat at class to compensate with her very low salary because of the government’s political motives? Can we blame a rambunctious student for getting into riots because the institution refuses to provide the proper guidance to him through counseling and ample academic opportunities? I am not rationalizing their actions for they are wrong but we have to understand that they are actually the casualties rather than the oppressors in this situation.

There is something wrong with the education system, but we’re not solving anything by demonizing the wrong people. We should be blaming the institution, not the ones under it. Heck, if we’re gonna hate the people in the system, might as well hate the people who are really the ones at fault.

Of Small Expectations...

2005-02-06T21:20:00.000+08:00

Aerodynamically, the bumblebee shouldn't be able to fly. However, the bumblebee doesn't seem to know that so it keeps on flying anyway.

-Mary Ash

Ever felt that people wanted to contain you and people seem to stop you from fulfilling your full potential? Well I have. A number of times already actually. I don't blame some of them, they must be thinking the best for me; however, sometimes it makes you feel that people don't trust you enough.

Well, when have I felt like this? Well can you keep a secret? Yes? Good, then this is a secret between the two of us (and anyone who has access to the internet and may visit this blog). One of the occasions I have felt like this was once, when I was choosing my course. When one of my relatives heard of my choice, s/he couldn't believe me. S/he simply didn't think it was appropriate for me. S/he questioned the job opportunities that will be open to me if I take this course. I couldn't blame her/him since at that point of time (and until now) I'm a bit unsure of my course and where it would lead me. However, the thing I needed back then most was support instead of a loss of faith.

But hey, remember the bumblebee? It isn't supposed to be able to fly but it does anyway. I guess that's a part of its purpose. Such as mine is to be in this course. I believe God has a plan and I know I trust him.

Well, I've been doing some soul searching (actually I took the "What kind of soul are you?" test) and this is what I got.

You Are a Hunter Soul

You are driven and ambitious - totally self motiviated to succeed
Actively working to acheive what you want, you are skillful in many areas.
You are a natural predator with strong instincts ... and more than a little demanding.
You are creative, energetic, and an extremely powerful force.

An outdoors person, you like animals and relate to them better than people.
You tend to have an explosive personality, but also a good sense of humor.
People sometimes see you as arrogant or a know it all.
You tend to be a bit of a loner, though you hate to be alone.

Souls you are most compatible with: Seeker Soul and Peacemaker Soul

What Kind of Soul Are You?

Driven and Ambitious? Explosive personality? That explains a lot about me.

I think it's the perfect way to describe me. No? Well you're entitled to you own opinion.

Lights Off

2005-02-05T01:48:00.000+08:00

The worst way to miss someone is to be sitting right beside them knowing you can't have them

-Anonymous

Ang labo minsan, kahit gusto mo wala ka namang kumpiyansa sa sarili mo. Kung kailan may pagkakataon saka ka naman walang masabi.

Tulad ngayon.

Katabi mo na nga lang, hindi mo naman kaya. Magsasalita na nga lang, para pang walang boses.

"Oh, anong ginawa mo sa buhay mo at bigla ka na lang nawala?" usisa mo

"Wala naman, aral lang. Ikaw?"

"Hmm... aral ba talaga oh baka kung ano nang ginagawa mo?"

"Humph.. Ewan sa'yo"

Seryoso daw, reflect daw sabi ng faci niyo. Think of a person. Ano ba 'yan? Ba't siya naisip ko? Hayaan mo na nga think of a person lang naman. "And that person must be yourself" Ok, mali pala. Oh thnk naman daw of your goals. Okay andiyan na naman siya sa isip mo umaaligid. Ano ba 'yan. Stop thinking of her na nga.

Pero di ko kaya eh.

Think of the people who are special to you. Siyempre siya na naman. Ano ba 'yan, tapos mamaya may sharing. Basta, kahit ano na lang sabihin mo sa sharing. Open your eyes na ba daw? okay tapos na reflection.

"Naisip mo na naman ako noh?" sabi niya sa akin

"Ang feeling mo hah!" (kahit na totoo naman. Oh well a few lies won't hurt)

Seryoso na daw. Tama na biruan sa kaniya. E di ayan sharing. Siyempre kuwento ka na. Baguhin mo na lang yung iba. Tapos. Activity. Gawin, get it over with and share. Time to go.

Tapos na yung meeting. Uwian na. Sabayan ko kaya.

"Sabay tayo"

"Ok lang, kaya lang Katipunan ako"

"hah, medyo malayo. hagdan ako"

"O Sige, Bye!"

"Bye!"

Hindi naman yun yung dahilan kung bakit ayaw mong makisabay eh. Naisip mo lang, anong gagawin mo ngayong kasabay mo siya? Ano na naman , wala lang. Sayang talaga ang pagkakataon. Pero pakiramdam mo hindi pa panahon.

E kailan pwede na? Paano ko malalaman kung hindi ko susubukan. Iilang metro lang ang layo niya sa akin ngunit may isang hindi matulayang agwat sa aming dalawa ngayon. Dumidilim na. Uuwi na naman akong mag-isa ngayon.

A Blessed Day

2005-02-02T21:29:00.000+08:00

Blessings come in forms unanticipated at times we least expect...

And at times most needed

This is how I felt after attending the DWKJ 2 (Date with Kuya Jess) prepared by the Spiritual Formation committee of Gabay. They had a wonderful seminar with a wonderful speaker. I can’t help but agree with the speaker earlier. I believe I could relate with the topic earlier. The past week has been stressful for me, wanting to excel in different fields and failing at times. The topic earlier was Success. But it isn’t simply about material success but a greater form of success. Most of the times we want to achieve so many things, we want to do this, and we want to do that: we forget our priorities.

I would like to share two stories told by the speaker earlier:

An athletic rower who wanted to achieve the gold medal in the Olympics was scheduled to compete at a certain day. It so happened that that was the day his wife was about to give birth. He selflessly sacrificed the game and went straight to the hospital where her wife gave birth to a young boy.

Twenty-something years after the son became a champion canoe rower. The son hurriedly sent a telegram to his father stating something like this:

Thank you for being there in the birthing room. Here’s the gold medal that was supposed to be yours.

Talk about knowing your priorities!

The next story went something like this.

An African missionary who preached the Word of God for 60 years was boarded on a plane headed for America. By a fortunate coincidence, the president was also boarded in the same plane.

As the plane landed, the president was welcomed with trumpets and full honors. As the missionary looked, evil thoughts pervaded his mind.

“You have finally returned to America, what now? What have you gained with your ventures? What did your 60 years preaching earned you? Who will even recognize you and offer any welcome? Was it worth it?”

The missionary can’t help but entertain these thoughts. However, a heavenly voice spoke to him and said:

“But son, you haven’t returned home yet.”

Sometimes we have to remember what really matters in our life. We have to learn to prioritize what we really want or else what is really important may escape our grasp.

That’s all! Ciao!

My Weekend

2005-01-29T14:50:00.000+08:00

It's a Saturday and I'm at school, guess why.

It's research time again! I have to finish finding 10 resources for my list of Related Literature for Filipino. I'm down to two and I'm still looking for a few more books. With Luck, I might be able to finish by this afternoon. I'm not counting on that however. i happen to have a difficult topic.

If you have read my last post, today will be the viewing day of the show for the benefit of Mr. Pesigan. I will be going there in an hour. I hope for the best and pray that he will be well.

Oh, my topic? Blogging.

Sir Gimo

2005-01-26T23:14:00.001+08:00

And we learn to value what we are in most danger of losing...

I've just come home, and I'm trying to relax. However, I can't seem to do so. I'm feeling rather gloomy today, and it's not because I had my Math midterms earlier. Not even my Math midterms could make me feel this sad. I just learned earlier that Mr. Pesigan was diagnosed with third stage cancer. Mr. Pesigan, or Sir Gimo for us, once taught in our summer enrichment classes. He taught English in our classes for our Pathways (A program which helped us find scholarships for our college education) classes. At first, he didn't strike me as anything different, nothing extraordinary. This changed over time.

We (his students) liked him as time goes by. He taught with certain gusto. He explained his lessons well. I liked him best as a teacher in Literature. I was fully able to enjoy his classes as he related the stories with his own experiences. But the one thing that separated him from my other teachers is the concern he shares with his student. He related his stories with life and vividly explained the texts so that all of us might understand the lessons. I believe he doesn't have any "good" students. Everyone's pretty much equal. Among our English teachers, he was the teacher whom I've admired most. As we were about to enter in Ateneo, Alec, my co-Pathways participant said that he didn't mind being in Elementary English (the English Classes in Ateneo are divided in three: Merit, Regular, and Elementary) as long as Sir Gimo is his teacher. I can't help but feel pretty much the same.

During Lit class, I can't understand but I felt I was able to participate more actively. I could not understand why, but I felt different during that class. maybe I pretty much nderstood the poem we were discussing. Maybe I was very interested with the subject. Maybe.

After Lit class, I joined my blockmates as we go to Raf's (one of my blockmates) house to review for our Math midterms. I feel that I somehow owe them something. I know i don't spend much time with them. In fact I know that I spend much more time with my orgmates. Maybe, it’s just because we had groupwork to do or maybe because I needed to ask about the midterms. Or maybe I just wanted to compensate for lost time. Maybe I just wanted to tie some loose ends.

I don't know but I think Sir Gimo has something to do with this. It's a few of his lessons that have been etched in my mind. Try to live your everyday to the fullest. Try to compensate with lost time. Have enough time for everyone important in your life. Especially with your family and friends.

This Saturday, there will be a film showing held for the benefit of his medical expenses. We're scheduled for the 5 o'clock p.m. screening. It’s not compulsory, but I'm planning to come. I don't care even if it’s a Saturday; or even if we were given the 10 o'clock p.m. time slot. I'd still watch. This is the least of the ways I could thank him for touching our lives.

Reminiscing

2005-01-20T20:37:00.000+08:00

I don't know why but when I was riding a jeep, "At the Beginning" (that's the theme song of the movie "Anastasia") was playing on the back of my mind. (That's what I call LSS) Anyway I couldn't help but think of some beginnings in my life. The first thing that struck me was the SS AVR. This was during a time I wasn't still an Atenean. I knew exactly why that went into my mind.

This was during the summer '02, when I was an incoming junior student. I was at Ateneo to attend the ANI program. Of course for me I thought I was wasting my time. (Sorry ANI peeps, this was when I was just new to the ANI program :p) Anyway I went there and went on. "Might as well get over it." I thought. (Obviously back then I had little interest with my education)

Finally, the first week passed and everything went well. Actually, it went better than well. It was fun. I found myself pleasantly surprised with myself. I found something new with myself. I started to enjoy the atmosphere of the place. In fact, things only got better and better. My classmates were fun. They were kind and friendly. (and I'm such a liar :p) The teachers were great. They simply brought out the best out of their student.

However, one thing that simply made it worth remembering was the play. In it, everyone poured their best and put all their talents to use. Heck, we simply can't disappoint Kuya Uri. (He told us that he didn't expect much from us, we just had to win, pure and unadulterated pressure) This didn't just brought out the best of us. It cemented our friendship and made one heck of a memorable summer.

I owe a lot of things to ANI. I would definitely be able to study here in Ateneo without them. (Yeah, I know "hypothesis contrary to fact", but that doesn't matter) They strengthened my resolve to study here. They provided me with emotional support regarding my choices and decisions, support they continue to provide till today. I know I owe a lot of things to them.

Thanks 4-I! Thanks 3-N pips!

I won't forget you guys.

*Note to self: stop being so mushy

Hell Week Mode

2005-01-12T14:08:00.000+08:00

No that's not this week, that's for next week.

Well, what have I got coming? A few things, such as : first, an ITM exam; second, a Math exam; third, a Physics exam; finally, fixing the Enrichment currculum for summer (That's this Saturday).

Okay, not that I'm complaining and stuff, but that's an awful lot of work... The ITM exam would determine if I will have to take summer classes. Its mainly about the Microsoft Office so I really don't think I would have any problem with that (except for Excel arggh! gotta memorize those formulas...) and anyway If i flunk all I have to do is take up summer classes. (That's if I want to stay in my course or any Management course for that matter, and that's a BIG IF.) The rest are more problematic.

The Math long test leaves a little more to be desired, (Hey a B is not THAT bad) but I still have to keep studying... (I know I flunk my test. I KNOW IT!) Physics is another story altogether... a C+ is definitely in the lower half of the grading system. And I don't want any of the grades in the lower half. but I guess I should be thankful... I definitely thought I got less.... (Though with 3 more points I could have gotten a B, and I KNOW I could have gotten those three points if I studied a little harder... )

Now this one shouldn't be here but, well it's here. Fixing the Enrichment curriculum for summer. Well, I teach for summer and we're trying to fix things. One of them is the curriculum. Now, I'm not complaining since, well I chose to volunteer and I like doing this work. But it's just inconveniently timed with my LTs (not that I'm complaining, I told you. Even with this work I'd still want to stay here. )

I think that's it for now

Don't worry Synesi, we'll do better in the next fight. I KNOW IT!

Nang Minsa'y Umulan...

2005-01-10T01:48:00.000+08:00

"Sometimes, those who are most willing to give it away, are those who want it most"

Here's a tragicomic love story all too close from home....

Makulimlim pa ang langit. Kakatapos pa lang ng bagyo. Mga alas-dos pa lang ng hapon ngunit iisipin mo na nagmamadaling-araw pa lang sa dilim ng kapaligiran.

At sa kadiliman na ito, mababanaag mo ang dalawang magkaibigang naglalakad...

"Uy ba't ang tahimik mo? May problema ka?" ani niya

"Huh? wala naman... Bakit masama bang maging tahimik?" sagot ko

"Hindi naman, nakakapanibago lang kung galing sa iyo..."

"And that means?..."

"Wala naman... hindi bagay sa iyo..."

"So hindi ako pwedeng tumahimik?"

"Hindi sa hindi puwede... hindi mo kaya..."

"ah ganun"

Lumiko ang dalawa sa isang kanto, shortcut papunta dun sa sakayan ng dyip. Malas nga at napadaan na siya dito. Kung hindi lang niya alam ang daan, papasikut-sikutin muna namin itong lugar bago pumunta doon.

Kaya lang baka naman makahalata siya. Taga-dito ako tapos naligaw pa 'ko. Ang labo naman nun...

Ang tahimik naman... wala na kasing mapag-uasapan eh... nakakailang naman... ah alam ko na....

"Uy nagtatawag daw yung mga lumang kaklase natin ng reunion."

"Talaga? Sinu-sino pupunta?"

"Sina Alvie, josh, Sheena, Aileen... Teka kilala mo pa ba sila?"

"Uh... Hindi masyado... Bakit?"

"Ikaw talaga... kasi naalala mo na lang si Ken. Pustahan tayo, kung di mo pa ko naging kaklase, di mo na rin ako kilala..."

"Hoy! Sobra ka! Siyempre di kita malilimutan!"

"Ows? Talaga lang hah..."

"Oo, iisipin ko na lang, yung lokong laging nang-aasar sa akin, na makulit, na hindi marunong tumahimik, na sobrang ingay pero...."

"OO na! OO na! Sige di mo na ko makakalimutan, salamat sa ala-ala mo sa akin!"

"Sure! No prob!"

Bait nang babaeng ito hah... Maingay pala ha.... At makulit pa! Ang ganda ng reputasyon ko sa babaeng ito ah.

"Kumusta na nga pala si Ken?"

Anak ng... Binanggit-banggit ko pa kasi yung pangalan eh. Sa lahat ng pag-uusapan siya pa! Yung kumag na iyon na walng kautak-utak na hindi man lamang marunong pumorma sa babae, Sa kin pa nga nagpapaturo iyon kung paano manligaw eh... Yun nga lang gwapo, kaya maraming patay na patay sa ungas na yun.

Tulad nitong kasama ko...

"Ewan ko!"

"Anong ewan, akala ko ba ikaw may contact sa kanila?"

"Aba, malay ko! Hindi ko naman trabahong tawagan silang lahat di ba! Ano bang pakialam ko sa kaniya?"

"Ikaw talaga ang sama sama mo. Ba't di ka kaya gumaya sa kaniya romantiko at malambing"

"Talaga lang hah!"

"Oo, tulad nung Valentine's, pinadalhan niya ko ng mga bulaklak...

(Ako bumili nun eh...)

"Tapos nung Christmas binigyan niya ko ng teddy bear...

(Ako po kaya naghanap nun... Inikot ko pa po kaya buong mall para makita iyon...)

"At higit sa lahat nung Birthday ko binigyan niya ako ng smiley na pillow!"

(Iyon ang pinakamasaklap, kung di ko pa papaalala na birthday mo hindi niya maalala. Ako pa ang nag rush para lang hanapin yung smiley na iyon! sana binigay ko na lang sa kapatid ko!)

"Eh... ikaw? kailan mo ako naalala? Kapag gusto mo akong asarin! dun lang!"

Wag ka nang umimik. Hindi naman niya alam eh...

"Ano?"

Hayaan mo na...

"Ano? di ka makapagsalita noh!"

5

"Eh ba't natahimik ka?"

4

"Ano magsalita ka ngayon!"

3

"Hehe, wala ka pala eh...

2

"Oh ano? di na-realize mo na rin ang agwat ninyong dalawa!"

"OO NA! TUMAHIMIK KA NA!"

(Tahimik)

(Tahimik)

(Tahimik pa rin)

"O? ba't napatahimik ka?" tanong ko

"Kasi pinapatahimik mo ako eh..."

DUH??!!!

"Sorry na kung napasigaw ako..."

"Hayaan mo na... Sorry rin kung naasar ka... Bakit ba?"

"Wala lang..."

"Laki nga ng pinagkaiba mo kay Ken"

Eto na naman tayo....

"Siguro nga pero aminin mo, hindi mo ako ganoon kadali malilimutan..."

"Huh!"

"Ano? Oo ba o Hindi"

(Tahimik)

(Tahimik)

(Tahimik pa rin)

Nakarating na kami sa sakayan ng bus...

"O ano? Sige paalam na."

"Bye-bye na rin..."

Paalis na ko nang napalingon ako sa kaniya... ewan ko kung bakit basta napalingon ako sa kaniya... Pero nung napatingin ako sa kaniya hindi man lang siya lumingon, ni hindi man lang ako tinignan...

Wala rin siguro akong masyadong halaga sa kaniya. Siguro sobra naman ang asahan na may puwang ako sa puso niya.... Para kay Ken iyon, di para sa akin...

Umandar na yung jeep, papalayo na siya...

Ba't ko nga ba tinutulungan si Ken? Eh type ko rin naman 'tong babaeng 'to... Kahit na ganun ako sa kaniya, mahalaga siya sa akin... Siguro nga, yun na ang apraan ko ng pagsabi na mahalaga nga siya sa akin...

Pero ano ba naman iyon... Magakaibigan lang kami... Wala na 'kong maasahan pa... Gusto ko man siya, wala akong magagawa... Gusto ko man sabihin sa kaniya, di ko magawa... Kasi baka pati pagkakaibigan namin mawala... Kahit hanggan dun na lang titiisin ko na... makasama lang siya....

Malayo na ang jeep... Ni hindi ko na nga mabakas ang anyo nito... wala na... iyon na iyon...

Nagsimula na namang umulan, malas wala akong dalang payong... Pero kahit anong lakas ng buhos ng ulan, di ko magawang tumakbo papunta sa bahay ko... Nawala nang lahat ng lakas ko... Hinayaan ko na lang na mabasa ako...

All names, places, and events are purely fictitious (well, the names anyway....) all similarities to any person, living or alive are purely coincidential.

Hello World!

2005-01-09T01:11:00.000+08:00

"Finally my eyes cleared, adjusting to the light. I am afraid. I don't know where I am.

Yet I know I'm safe."

Well, I was reading some blogs and I thought, "Why not make one?". I really don't know why but I just gave it a shot. Well, I thought it might be cool to let some people into my thoughts (though normally I don't do that...). So I'm here... Hope you enjoy it! (yeah right, with only one blog... boy,do we have work to do)