SHOUTOUT! YFC Metro Manila conference 2009!

What better way to end this year than to give all praise to the One who made all the difference? That was what brought me to this year's Metro Manila conference. For those of you who don't know, I've been in Youth For Christ since I was thirteen (do the math). I've attended a number of conferences in that span of time, but this year was different. Apart from the possibility that this might be my last chance to attend the Metrocon as a student, this year was my first time to attend a major conference, not as a participant but as part of the documentations team. I am so thankful to Ate Gelai, Kuya Cy, and Ate Nina for giving me this opportunity to serve God using my best talent and a new hobby of mine: writing and photography respectively.

My Metrocon experience

First and foremost, I'd like to honor my brothers and sisters from YFC DLSU, in particular Francis, Clar, Ate Drei, Jed, Jerrick, Patrick, Paul, Rodz, Jan, Darren, Lara, James, Kuya Tino, Drew, Chris, Ate Ynah, Kuya Darwin, Kuya Marco, and Kuya Rocky for helping make this Metrocon a truly God-filled experience. In particular, I'd like to honor Francis for stepping up as the (un)official delegation head of the group.

To say that the journey to Tanay was a roadtrip would have been an understatement. It was an adventure for us who endured the three hour commute from Vito Cruz to Tanay. On the way, we met a number of YFCs who were headed in the same direction. It was quite fun, and heartening to find that there were so many other youth who were seeking the same thing we were. Probably the funniest moment was when the jeepney driver of the jeep from Tanay town proper to Barangay Sampaloc (where the Metrocon was held) discovered how many of us were going to the same place. For just a little extra added to the fare, he drove us to the gate of the university. Praise God.

After arriving in Tanay, I spent almost the entire afternoon doing documentations work: shooting pictures, conducting interviews (thanks to Renz for the great video work!), and later attending the writers' workshop. I also got to see Jan and the YFCs from his area (Central B) performing in the band and acapella competitions. Congrats bro! I'd also like to affirm YFC DLSU for stepping up to help out in the other workshops. I'd also like to affirm Ate Jill, Kuya Gem, and Ate Jas for being workshop facilitators, and the Saturday night band (Kuya Tino, Kuya Jeff, Chris, Darren, Daff, Drew, Kuya Nayrs, etc).

The sessions that evening also had me thinking, but not in that "Hey God, send me out on a huge mission right now!" way that I was used to as a younger leader in this community. Rather, the talks had me reexamining what it might mean to live my everyday life with the conviction that I want the world to know who God is. Then I also realized this: that for everything that has happened this year, all the pain, drama, loss, uncertainty, angst, and frustration--all of it was just so that God could prune me. Basically I had to get stripped of all my masks, illusions, achievements, hopes, and plans to realize that what God has created me to be is something much simpler, more beautiful, and more true than I can envision for myself. It is not that there is anything wrong per se with my life now, but I just need to ground it on the right things. Or the right Person.

And that's why I still went to the Metrocon. Not because I had a great year---I didn't actually. It was so far from ideal. I went because I believe that He is praiseworthy. He has a grace-filled plan for my life, and that He wants me to learn something. I believe too that He wants me to live and tell a story of His amazing grace. And all the same, I am still grateful.

From the praisefests, to the household after the sessions, to writing in a brand new logbook, the random conversations I had with SIGA friends, docu teammates, other YFCs in the same area, or the people I was interviewing---every moment was blessed. Sure, I had my share of interesting faux pas and scrapes, but I could laugh it off and continue serving all the same.

It was inspiring to hear the shoutouts of my fellow YFCs. I have heard many a story of 'how God turned my life around", but this year I loved listening to something that was more of the lines of, "Not just for what He has done for me, but what He is, and has planned for me!" It was thanksgiving mingled with surrender, joy mixed with hope, and faith all throughout.

I'm tired, sunburnt, and my problems haven't gone away---but I'm not afraid to claim that I will end the year strong. I have no idea what the next phase of my mission will be. But I believe that I will continue and finish it because God is with me. I know that this week will be difficult, that I will face trials, but I will not stop my shout out. I will have to testify to my cousins and my friends that although my year was not what I envisioned it to be, I saw God working in my life and the lives of others.

My shoutout: Even if He takes everything from me, but if it is so that I can glorify Him, I will say yes. For first and foremost I am His child, and I will live a life grounded first on that identity--then all the rest can follow. He is God, what more can I want?

After all of this, may God be praised.

strange lessons to learn

Well, here it goes. As I'm trying to make sense of my embryology notes (obviously scribbled while in a semi-conscious state), I am wondering at all of the things I've encountered since Monday...

-discovering that someone up in the registrar's/vice-dean decided to "rectify" an error I made in my enrollment. Grrr. Now I have to add a new INDPSYC section to my sked (and drop the TREDFOR section I wanted). Oh well. Maybe God wants me to learn something in my senior year.

So it's three days till Metrocon 2009. Possibly my last metrocon as a YFC leader/member. Lord knows where I will be next year, or if I will have time still for this. But I am blessed this year to be on the service team. It's one of the things I have prayed for since I was a newcomer to this community.

Last night was the first night I got to attend worship since I got sick some two weeks ago. And I think God had me at the right place at a very good time. Everything from getting picked up late (such as that I was able to attend most of the meeting) to finding friends old and new on the team was such a blessing.

I've got several prayers in God's "pending" box. And I am hoping they will be answered in time.

one week later

Well, this week's been interesting (to be exact, the past 7 days).

God's been good. Too good. I don't even know how I would have survived these past few days were it not for His grace.

I thank God for the people around me. For my family for once. And also I never knew I had that many good friends---friends who'd run to the clinic for me, friends who'd take me in on group projects I should have missed, friends who'd simply ask how I'm doing.

There are things I miss: certainty for one. I really pray I'll still be able to attend Metrocon, that I'll be able to do the things I have always done. I haven't been to worship in some time---I hope that I'll regain my staying late at school privileges soon.

wow, cut loose and cut free

Well, the interesting things that happen after passing out...
...discovering who really cares for you
...discovering my own limits...

...and amazingly finding I can relate to a certain song in "Wicked". It's funny and strange that as burdened and as heartsore as I am these days that I can still have these light moments. Maybe because for a while, I told everyone to just back off and leave me alone.

Defying Gravity

Glinda:
Elphaba - why couldn't you have stayed calm for once,
instead of flying off the handle!

I hope you're happy
I hope you're happy now
I hope you're happy how you
Hurt your cause forever
I hope you think you're clever

Elphaba:
I hope you're happy
I hope you're happy too
I hope you're proud how you
Would grovel in submission
To feed your own ambition

Both:
So though I can't imagine how
I hope you're happy right now...

Glinda:
Elphie, listen to me - just say you're sorry...

You can still be with the wizard
What you've worked and waited for
You can have all you ever wanted...

Elphaba:
I know...But I don't want it - NO - I can't want it
anymore...

Something has changed within me
Something is not the same
I'm through with playing by the rules
Of someone else's game
Too late for second-guessing
Too late to go back to sleep
It's time to trust my instincts
Close my eyes and leap

It's time to try
Defying gravity
I think I'll try
Defying gravity
And you can't pull me down...

Glinda:
Can't I make you understand, you're having delusions of grandeur...?

Elphaba:
I'm through accepting limits
'Cuz someone says they're so
Some things I cannot change
But 'till I try, I'll never know
Too long I've been afraid of
Losing love - I guess I have lost
Well, if that's love
It comes at much too high a cost

I'd sooner buy
Defying gravity
Kiss me goodbye
I'm defying gravity
And you can't pull me down...

Elphaba: Glinda, come with me. Think of what we could do - together.

I'm Limited
Together we're unlimited
Together we'll be the greatest team
There's ever been, Glinda,
Dreams the way we planned 'em

Glinda:
If we work in tandem

Both:
There's no fight we cannot win
Just you and I
Defying gravity
With you and I
Defying gravity

Elphaba:
They'll never bring us down...
Well? Are you coming?

Glinda:
I hope you're happy
Now that you're choosing this...

Elphaba:
You too - I hope it brings you bliss

Both:
I really hope you get it
And you don't live to regret it
I hope you're happy in the end
I hope you're happy, my friend...

Elphaba:
So if you care to find me
Look to the western sky
As someone told me lately -
Ev'ryone deserves the chance to fly
And if I'm flying solo
At least I'm flying free
To those who'd ground me
Take a message back from me -

Tell them how I
Am defying gravity!
I'm flying high
Defying gravity!
And soon I'll match them in renown
And nobody in all of Oz
No wizard that there is or was
Is ever gonna bring me down!

Glinda:
I hope you're happy!

Citizens of Oz:
Look at her, shes wicked!
Get her!

Elphaba:
...bring me down!

Citizens of Oz:
No one mourns the wicked
So we've got to bring her...

Elphaba:
Ahhhh!

Citizens of Oz:
Down!

outgrowing my life

I feel I'm too old to be where I am: too old to be an undergrad, too old to be in YFC, too old to be in SMS...just a bit like someone who is wearing a too-tight but much loved old shirt.

It actually really hurts to realize that I'm looking far beyond the fence of 2401 Taft Avenue, Malate, Manila. This place has been my haven since I was eighteen (not so long ago). And now I don't know why I'm eager to leave it.

It hurts to still love the people I'm with: blockmates, orgmates, kabarkadas, and everyone else---but realize that yes our ways ought to part one day.

I need to wash the green and white out of me a bit to regain the reds, blues, browns, and white that I have always loved.

I don't want to say goodbye yet. There are still people I want to take care of, still people who need me, still so much I have to learn. Yet I know that I can never be that guileless girl who rushed into things.

To some of you: You guys were the ones who saved my life and gave me a certain sense of purpose. It was all well and good; I found family, I found God again through you guys. But you really all have to grow up. We won't be in DLSU forever. I'd rather not see you guys as much if it means that you're making something good with your lives. I don't like the present situation we're all in now. You're loafing somewhat, and I'm frustrated.=. I enjoyed what we had as younger students, and I look forward to seeing what you'll become. But to get there, you have to let go of now. As in immediately.

To the rest: You guys are the reason I'm still hanging in there. I'll be your big sister all the way. If you'll let me. And for as long I'm supposed to be. Just two more terms, boys and girls. By then, I'm sure you'll manage well enough.

To you: I know you don't check this multiply anymore, but let's just have it out. I've loved you for more than a year now. I loved you enough to be something of a sister and friend for you, but I know the solidest proof of my ever loving you was letting go of you to let you do your own thing last year. And I knew you loved me in your own strange way when about a year ago, you told me something that set me on the track of becoming the person I am now. You're closer to becoming a man than before. I'm prouder of you now than I ever was. And all of that gave me a chance to grow up too. The problem is that I've changed so much that I have realized that as of now, you don't deserve me. I don't want to give up on you, but I know I will have to soon enough. You're an awesome, amazing guy, one of three people who I could trust to be honest with me most of the time. Yet you're the same person who broke my heart, who made me cry, who simply cannot handle some things about me. You're still younger than me, you still need to grow up. I liked you enough to be your friend. I loved you enough to let you go---it hurts everyday to see you and remind myself that we need to grow up. I just pray that if our paths cross again, you'll finally be ready. Then I'll be able to love you so strongly that you will have no choice but to stay with me.

I know I have to finish these things: my stint in SMS, my working student stuff, my OJT, thesis, and undergrad degree. I think I'll cross over to SFC before going to medical school (location is a very big factor).

After graduation next year, I'm only going to go back to DLSU to get transcripts, etc. And maybe just maybe see some three or four people I love very much finally graduate.

Letting go never hurt as much

so September is ending

I haven't blogged in this journal for some time...

Well, the big things:

-taking floating subjects again and discovering how much my literary side atrophied.

-SECTORCON. I think I might have blogged about this. But that was a real big event for me all the same.

-Pre PAPJA quiz bee. Quite unexpected happenings: people taking the screening out of the blue...and scoring high all the same. Talagang nagpakitang gilas ang mga psych majors. Congrats to the winners: Wong, Ryan, Sheila, Aly, June, and Pat

Somehow I'm more easily tired out nowadays---maybe it's all the things I have to do. And sometimes a little bitter at the things I can never do because of lack of time or opportunities. But well, I've got to make the best of the time I have left in college. Once I'm in the working world, or in med school, I'm not going to be able to be able to fly off the handle.

So much to do when joy is so dear...

 

 

 

having fun in all senses of the word

The last three days of term break...

FRIDAY-SATURDAY: SMS teambuilding! Actually more of like an entire horde of misadventures going to the venue---getting lost in Trinoma, leaving Manila late, eating the worst Jamaican patty in the world (over-toasted twice), driving through the flood...at least things got better once we were in Calumpit.

The team building proper--best described as some seriousness and fun all around--bonding with fellow EB mates, asking Dr. Lane all about ADHD, discussing 2nd term plans, and movie marathon up to 2 or 3am. Then there were all the misadventures going home---looking for someone's wallet, waking up and falling asleep to snoring in the car, getting stuck in traffic all the way back to Taft. At least upon arriving in La Salle, I got to drop by CET review and A4C's practice for sectorcon.

SUNDAY (today): Prisonbreak Central C sectorcon! Since I was part of the prod team and Clar was on secretariat duty, we had to show up at the venue at 6am or so. Misadventures for the day: trip to Starbucks with Jem and Clar. Going back to Arellano and getting sent out again with Jem on an errand (looking for a print shop along Taft at 8am on a Sunday! Divine Intervention an absolute necessity). And of course the sectorcon proper: the Mass, the competitions (go A4C!) and the session. And the praisefest. Ang gaan ng feeling!

Wow. God really has a plan---for all the struggles of last term, and for the way things may play out this term. He is really praiseworthy. And I need to make my own personal prison break. Soon enough. Maybe now. Definitely immediately.

God is gracious

Today was full of unexpected surprises: seeing friends again, unexpected tambay with Ate Oche, Dan, Kuya Niki, Chris, Joshee, Dave, and Kuya Marco, LEARPSY as a whole (didn't know I could do so well, and so badly in something as well). Sectorcon meeting (aka the program committee  tries eyeballing in McDo). New friends from campus based. Getting home early.

I know that I *should* be stressing out on some things but I won't. I've gone through enormous problems...because I have a greater God.

The miracle this term is already fulfilled. Even if my psyorg grades aren't good, even if there's a lot I have to learn...I have seen God's work. I'm still whole.

And I hope that in time too, the world I know, the places where I serve, and the people I love will feel the same way too.

Praise God for another term finished!

I'm serious.

So medyo may pagka-bwiset itong term na ito: andaming frustrations, doubts, at "no" sa buhay. Pero dumami ang mga blessings. Lumawak ang mundo.

Normally, I write a long post thanking everyone who made each term something to remember. Now though there's too many people for that. Sa YFC pa lang, andami na, paano pa kaya ang SMS at mga barkada?

But thank God. No regrets this term. Not everything went right, I lost a lot, but I gained so much all the same.

I was going through a tunnel in Museo Pambata,and I bumped into a kid who started screaming "MULTOOO!" :))

Museo pambata!

For physics class

Some jokes just never die. We're gonna keep going on till graduation. What do you say to that?

I miss being able to FLOW as far as writing and all is concerned. stupid acads. too much org work and actual work. Hay, miss service

punong puno ang buhay

Pero di pa ako napupuno sa buhay.

A lot has happened since I last posted here. Not just in the nationwide scene (salamat at paalam Tita Cory!) but just as well in my personal life.

Thank God for GK CET review. Apart from getting to serve in this way, I also learned a lot of my life beyond psychology.

Medyo sabog ako ngayon (orgchem, learpsy, SMS...) pero masaya pa rin kahit papaano. Maliliit mga kasayahan: tanghalian kasama ng pamilya at mga ilang kaibigan. Pasado kahit papaano sa exams. Natapos ang trabaho, aba may kontrata na pala! Yay, sweldo.

(bakit ba puro Filipino ang wika ko pati na rin sa pagsusulat?)

Syanga pala, dahil itong blog na ito ay para sa mga mas personal na sulatin, nilipat ko ang ilan sa mga iba kong gawain sa ibang site. Kung pulitika ng DLSU ang tipo mo, punta ka sa http://witnessingreen.blogspot.com.

Pero kung interesado ka sa eleksyon,sa buhay bagong botante (YFC DLSU! SMS! Magparehistro na tayo!!!), punta kayo sa http://ajoinedcrusade.blogspot.com

 

UP really might end up beating Ateneo. Whoa. The world is turning UPSIDE DOWN!!! :))

maulan na Linggo

When was the last time I blogged?

MONDAY = Petiks day. Dalawang klase lang ang pinasukan ko (pareho pa naman chem). I'm not sure whether to be a little worried that we have a substitute prof in orgchem, or to be happy that his teaching style seems to be working better for us. I also got a new assigned task for my SA work.

Let's just say I'll know at the end of this term if God exists. I need Divine Intervention.

TUESDAY= Syempre, sabog talaga na araw. That's what Tuesdays are (4 subjects, and 2 of them are Physics). At least ok ung EB meeting for the SMS GA.

WEDNESDAY= Kat in the hat day. That's what I get for bringing a hat to my classes. I had a lot of fun, truth be told. Kahit walang kwenta na naman ang pagpasok sa abpsyc kasi recitation kuno ulit. At least I got to start some of my work.

THURSDAY= Oh wow. Classes all around, and SMS GA + YFC hh. Sinabaw ako first thing in the morning dahil sa panonood ng "Dora the Explorer" for LEARPSY. Thank God for great attendance at the GA (though the record attendance for the night's GAs goes to ECES....) Thanks to everyone who attended and made it a success!!

FRIDAY= tuloy tuloy na naman! Thesis talk + makeup class in LEARPSY. At least sobrang astig ung thesis talk (THANK YOU LORD!!!) And work again.

SATURDAY= Lectors meeting (more bearable this time) and NaNo meet up :D :D super saya much!!! And watching "The Fantasticks".

I feel a bit like a slug today....like my body wants to move, but is just lacking the energy to do so

campus fresh party!!

Yeah, after a whole lot of foiled plans for the weekend (thesis talk, makeup class, YFC reco, meeting up with Ate Tina), only TWO things came through: watching HP6 with my siblings, and going to CSB for the Pinoy Fresh party.

I know, I'm a little weird: my first campus FRESH party in my JUNIOR year. I didn't go to the one in 2007 because I was inactive in YFC then. I would have gone to the 2008 one, but certain issues came up.

Mga kasama from YFC DLSU: AJ, Ate Drei, Kuya Darwin, Dave, Ate Ynah, RJ, Josh, Mitch, Ate Tinay, Kuya Niki, Drew.

Other people I partied with: Kuya Tino, Chris, Benjo, Faye, Ate Dindi, JC, Kuya Jai, Benjamin, Michael, Jill.

Highlights: watching the 7crews. Bands. Dancing. And hanging out.

It was the best fun I had in a long time (a cure to anhedonia, I swear). And partying cleanly is just something else. More proof I don't need the booze AT ALL to loosen up.

Sa mga ibang friends na di nakasama: Year ender tayo! O di kaya next year ulit! Kahit seniors/terminal year na rin, pwede pa!!!

walk on water

Yeah, ganon na. While I'm stuck here in DLSU, waiting for my sister to get out of class, I may as well blog.

Funny what you can learn when God seizes your sked and takes charge. Little delays become opportunities for learning from friends and teachers. Looking out the door at the right time stops the class from leaving for a free cut, thus giving time for much needed correction. Dropping by the psych lab is a chance to learn that yes, I do have friends in high places...that it's possible to get a projector on short notice, and that some traditions just don't die...particularly if they are good traditions.

Tomorrow...I don't know where I'll be. Or on Saturday. It goes against my "judging" side ---the side that demands organization and order. Yet I wouldn't have it any other way.

not so much of an epic failure.

Maybe I'm not "so good" when it comes to three things: organic chem, training mice, and telling my parents where I am (yeah, now I risk not going to the FRESH party this weekend).

But that doesn't mean that life is a complete bust for me. If there's anything the last few days have taught me, it's that goodness comes in various forms.

Blessings for the week:

-Getting to worship.

-G&W photo shoot.

-Passing orgchem and managing to survive ABPSYC

-Laughing hard. Whether it's about bad rats or Rodz's jeans.

-getting some stuff done (okay, I still owe a CLASIKO article, but I really don't know how to get started. Help?)

-YFC DLSU. Maybe things aren't always easy here, but they are blessed. Everything from Moti's visit to worship, to even just the simple moments hanging out with everyone...these things are my sanctuary nowadays. My experiences are lenses  for me to see God better.

-Pizza tonight! Ang babaw ng kaligayahan ko.

-Learning to value the people in my life. As much as I may be reluctant to admit it, my life is so intertwined with those of many others. Maybe I don't agree with my parents about tons of stuff, but I have to admit, they care for me. I don't know how I'd get through my acads without the support of my friends, especially Trisha, Minseun, Andria, Margy, and Nana. I wouldn't get through SMS work without Neul, Nikka, Rhea, Len, Angel, Joanna and the rest of the EB and our members. I definitely wouldn't have grown without my YFC DLSU family: Ate Carmel, Ate Olivia, Ate Ynah, AJ, Joshee, Paul, Kuya Rocky, Dave, Dan, Mira, Rhea, Jep, Gayle, Jed, Jon, Mitch, Rodz, Geom, Fer, James, Flip, Patrick, Francis,  Lara, Karl, Pao, Charles, Kuya Niki, Kuya Marco, Ate Drei, Kuya Darwin, Kuya Tino, Chris, Moti, and everyone else.

Maybe I'm always in trouble, not because God wants me to be in trouble...but because there is an opportunity for His glory to be seen in my life.

Yes, He is really praiseworthy

I'm a little tired and heartsick. Still, I believe that God can work wonders twice over. YFC friends, pray with me.

can the temporal verse come down with a psych condition too?:))

I may not be bipolar but my days sure feel like that. From extremely dragging drama (friends, orgchem, other acads issues) all the way up to manic "kasabawan" and "flow" moments when I'm just perfectly in the zone.

Maybe it's the weather (hot and cold). Or the people. Or the caffeine. Or too many computer games. I just feel like I have a rush nowadays. Parang AC current.

the passage of time

Tama nga si Tino...antagal na di ako nabloblog. Well since wala ung logbook, this will have to do.

Right now, I'm searching for pics for my G&W page. Yeah, I'm at that point already in my academic life (now God, may I please pass orgchem2 and get this much closer to October 2010?). I'm looking at all the pics (mostly from 2008) and the truth sinks in:

The world has turned on its side since then.

It seems like yesterday that I was only a sophie trying to get her life together. Since then, so many things have changed: people entering my life, just a few leaving, and those who have stayed now changing. I've gone over from responsibility to responsibilty (maybe becoming only marginally wiser)

Well some things don't change: God's love. Certain jokes and facial expressions. The fact that I am still horrible in Chemistry class. The fact that this story is far from over.

magsisilabasan mga videos :))

day with the EB

It was one of those "work but laugh anyway days". From helping Joanna, Resza, and Alex with the bulletin board design, to some tambay time with AJ, Ate Carmel, Ate Olivia, Kuya Rocky, Kuya Tino, Rodz, and Rhea, to the EB meeting....

...I think I'm gonna end up with a sore throat from laughing (and it's crazy enough that I nearly went deaf yesterday too)

will soon upload pics of Gayle's debut! :D :D

Gayle's debut!

Also titled the =)8 album!

Happy birthday Gayle!! :D :D

ID 108 majors convocation!!!

SMS friends, feel free to steal :D

So THIS is really the beginning of junior year

Long time no post.

The main concerns of the week: catching up in acads, ARW, majors convo

MONDAY: Besides chem lab class, chem class issues, and ab-psych, nothing much stands out in my memory. Well, except for one very exceptional moment. It's funny how ONE second in this day could actually color the rest of it. Thanks for the memory---you know who you are.

TUESDAY: I went swimming...in the flood. Eew. Yeah, that's what I get for fetching my cousin in UP-Manila. At least ARW this day went more smoothly, and class was actually fun.

WEDNESDAY: The day that took forever to get right---paperwork hassles, library book blues, slipping up in abpsych and an RTR trip. Wanted to crawl into bed and die after, but didn't. Went back to work instead.

THURSDAY: Majors convo today! A lot of unexpected things happened, but congrats to everyone. Had to just drop by the YFC household tody, wish I stayed though.

potential bf survey daw! (from AJ and Ate Drei)

Now, here's what you're supposed to do, And please do not spoil the Fun. Copy and paste this into your blog, delete my answers, type in your answers.Then see what happens. BOYFRIEND POTENTIAL SURVEY:

1.Dapat ba gwapo?

at least may konting itsura

2. Matalino?

basta better than me in Math. Ayoko ng sobrang nerd

3. Preferred Age?

same age (one year older or younger pwede)

4. Preferred height?

taller

5. How about sense of humor?
  hmm, dapat medyo witty. As in keeps me guessing and laughing

6. How about piercings?

None

7. Accepts you for who you are?

of course!


8. Pink hair?

Heck no

9. mushy or no?

not too mushy. Siguro paminsan lang

10. Thin or fat?

thin :)

11. Moreno or chinito or mestizo?

kahit alin (really not sure of my type here!)

12. Long hair or short hair?

short

13. Plastic or metal?

ewan

14. Smells good?

dapat

15. Smoker?

No. I have asthma

16. Drinker?

di naman sa sobrang kalasingan

17. Boy-next-door type?

pwede.

18. Musically inclined?

would be nice.

19. Plays piano?

not so sure.

20. Plays bass and/or acoustic guitar?

yes

21. Plays violin?

kakaiba yun, sige

22. Sings very good?

sings very well? pwede

23. Vain?

not too vain

24. With glasses?

depende

25. With braces?

ok lang

26. Shy type?

not too shy. Baka di kami magkakakilala

27. Rebel or good boy?

good boy

28. Active or passive?

active

29. tight or bomb?

Huh?

30. Singer or dancer?

kahit alin!

31. Suplado?

no

32. Hiphop?
ummm, nah

33. Earrings?

no

35. Torpe?

not too torpe

36. Mr. count-my-ex-girlfriends-until-you-drop?

no way

37. Dimples?

sige

38. Bookworm?

again, basta di sobrang nerdy

39. Mr. love letter?
cute!

40. Makulit?

within reason

41. Flirt?

no

42. Poem writer?

ok lang, pero baka puro poems na lang ang usapan namin!

43. Serious?

depende sa okasyon

44. Campus crush?

sige lang

45. Painter ..?

would be ok

46. Religious?

Definitely

47. Alaskador?

hahaha, depende.

48. Computer games geek? Or internet freak
computer games!

49. Speaks 20 languages?

asteg!

50. Loyal o faithful?

both!

how much longer?

I haven't seen the outside of my house since Wednesday afternoon. And it's already Saturday. If it isn't the weather keeping me in, it's this "isolation" thing being imposed on most of my fellow La Sallians.

Three AH1N1 cases in La Salle. In some twisted sense maybe it's a good thing that DLSU was the first university to have documented cases of students with the virus. Imagine if this same scenario had happened in UP. Contact tracing would be a nightmare. Or if this had happened in a public high school, or any high school for that matter. Poor parents.

I do wonder what "kanchaw" the other schools will have for DLSU come UAAP time.  AH1N1mo La Salle? Yeah, it's a very mean spirited matter. As funny as it is, I'm not sure if it's something to really make a joke about in a crowded basketball court.

I know I've got stuff to do, but I'm not really starting till tomorrow or so. I'm having trouble getting my creative juices back. That's what one week or so of technical work and assessment can do.

I miss my tambay time. I miss all the sabaw discussions I have with my barkada between classes. I miss being able to just leave my house to get coffee at Dunkin Doughnuts (or Starbucks if my wallet permits). I miss being able to play L4D. I miss my crazy campus life.

It's kind of funny how in the last few years I shifted my "main base" from my house to school. Years ago, I would have rather died than done that.

abnormal psych and chem conundrums: first week of being a junior

Nakakawindang. That's what I have to say.

MONDAY: What a nice way to start the academic year: 2 organic chemistry classes!! Chem lab promises to be fun, what with Ms. Lagua teaching. I'm not so confident though with the "hobbit/dwende sized" glassware we're going to be using. Chem lecture though was at best, grueling. I feel sorry for my class, as well as Dr. Paano. It's going to be a long, long trimester. ABPSYC was just the best. I'm going to love that major subject despite the very strange subject matter (yes, it's ABNORMAL psychology). After class time was spent at the tambayan, either catching up with my favorite people in school, or meeting the froshies (welcome Jon and Mitch!) Then there were the trips I had to take to the psych department...okay I was quite in for a surprise there. Then there was worship. First worship since April. I needed that.

TUESDAY: Learning psychology with Sir RA is going to be something. I'm going to come out sabaw for a good reason. PSYCME2 with Sir Lee = the uphill application of everything he taught me last term. Hahaha. INPHYS2...okay fine, I suppose I can live with learning about electricity. But I might need tutoring halfway in. Physics lab should be fun, in a strange way. Had an SMS meeting that day too. I had to leave like halfway in, but oh well. It looks like we're in for a very strange year.

WEDNESDAY: God's favor here: free ride with Ice going to school. Psycme lab with Ms. Trina looks like it will be a time-consuming but very useful experience. Orgchem again = discovering that I've been learning my chemical mechanisms in the worst way possible: memorization. ABPSYC was definitely very interesting. Ironically, I went to this class stressed, and got stuck with a homework all about stress. Yeah. I came to the tambayan in a very worn out state.

THURSDAY: LRT train delay! Was late for learning psychology. At least I caught the lecture, and have some understanding now of exaptation (hahaha!). PSYCME2 quiz bee---at least we did well. INPHYS2 was at least proof that I do not completely fail at anything numerical. My after school plan for this day was to hang out, play DOTA and wait for Clar's batch assembly meeting to end. What really happened was this: before I could sit down to play DOTA, I got called to do some SMS work again. Then after that I got stuck with having to reprint forms and do some work (with perhaps 30 1-peso coins in my wallet from this week). I was so tired out that it was a good thing that I got convinced to stay for worship.

TODAY: The misadventures of Kat and Neulfred as they try to fix some botched pre-act requirements. Oh yeah, and the process workshop, more video shooting, hanging out in the tambayan, and getting caught in the rain. All this while wearing a cute red hat. Hahaha.

I have a feeling I'm going to make coffee my drug this term.

last day of summer classes

Yeah boi...puro kasabawan.

6:30 am: going to the psych department just to pass journals for FILIPSY. Then had a free frappe at Starbucks for breakfast.

9:00 am: Experiment in LAPIS. Hung out with Len before I ended up back in the psych department again. At least I figured I was going to pass the test...

11:20 am: SMS officers' meeting in the SJ hallway before meeting with the faculty. Medyo laugh trip actually. Kudos to Nikka for her grace under pressure (ang isang mahalagang katangian sa pagiging EVP).

12:30 pm: Late lunch with Joanna in KFC. All this while fretting about FILIPSY

2:00 pm: Met up with Ate Carmel and Annie Ong to watch "Angels and Demons" in MOA. Sarap ng mga upuan sa Director's Club. :D :D

7:30 pm: Nakauwi in time for dinner and to visit Lola.Oh yeah, and the best news of the day...3.5 na ang FILIPSY grade ko! Praise God!

11:00 pm: Pizza at home (to celebrate FILIPSY grade).

Ang galing lang talaga ni God ngayong araw

sa dasal at paninindigan na lang

Grabe. Gumising ako noong May 12, masayang masaya kahit may konting pangamba. Nagawa ko ang karamihan sa mga nais kong gawin: nakapasa ng transcript, nakasama sa LPEP, nakapagbonding sa mga kaklase, ka-YFC, dating kasama sa Malate, at kung anu ano pa, nakasama sa meeting ng SMS, at nakapagbonding na rin sa aking pinsan. Alam ko na biyaya talaga itong araw.

May 13: gumising ako ng bandang tanghali, at parang pumutok ang lobo ng panaginip. Hindi pala biro: naospital pala si Lola. Hindi pala biro: walang kwenta pala ang transcript at kulang na kulang pa ako sa puntos para makapasa ng FILIPSY. Hindi pala biro: dahil kailangan ako mag-ayos ng panibagong transcript sa FILIPSY, hindi na ako makakasama sa LPEP maya-maya...kahit sarili ko nang prof org ang hahataw sa araw na yon.

Milagro lang yata ang makakatulong sa akin.

Kahit saan man ako kukuha ng lakas, hindi ito magiging sapat. Hanggang saan lang talaga ang tulong ng aking pamilya at ang aking mga kaibigan. Kulang sa koneksyon, kulang sa oras, kulang sa pera. Hanggang saan lang ang kakayahan ko. Hanggang saan rin ang tindi ng aking pangarap.

Anong natitira? Puri at dangal? Wala na rin. Reputasyon? Masisira na rin. Lakas? Kamakailan wala ako nito.

Tiwala? Sa Diyos lang.

Paninidigan? Oo, kasi alam ko na dapat kong ayusin ito, na kaya kong ayusin ito, at hindi ako pababayaan.

Pinili ko Siya. Winasak ko ang pagkakataon para sa Kanya. Sumulpot ako sa LPEP dahil sa pangako, pero rin dahil alam ko na matagal na ako hindi nakakapaglingkod sa Kanya. Kaya kong sirain ang buhay ko para makapasa sa FILIPSY, pero mas kakayanin kong isira ang lahat, pati ang natitira kong mga panangga at sandata para sa Kanya. At mas gugustuhin ko yan, pumasa man ako sa klase ko o hindi.

Pagdasal ninyo na makakaraos ako.

ang tatlong nadulot ng FILIPSY sa aking buhay (o kung anong nangyari sa ilang araw na walang blog)

1. Hindi perpekto talaga ang buhay. Napakarami ko nang natutunan sa mga nakaraang araw. Marami mga tago (o di gaano tago) na karanasan, trahedya, at ligaya sa mga pook na malapit sa amin. Siguro kung may ISANG kabutihan na nadulot mula sa aking pagkuha ng Filipino Psychology, ito ay ang simula ng isang mas malalim na pagkamalay sa akin. Kung dati rati, masasabi na usisera lang ako sa aking paligid, ngayon baka hindi na. Ganito pala pag nakiramdam, nakipagpalagayang loob at nakipagkapwa.

Kay Kuya Rocky, Ate Carmel, Ate Regz, Kuya Niki...mas naiintindihan ko na talaga kung bakit nagpupursige kayo.

2. Ilang araw di ako nakatungtong ng DLSU. Kung may balita man ako, ito ay galing sa mga text ng mga kaibigan ko na may klase ngayon o naghahanda para sa LPEP. Paminsan nakakapag-chat pa ako sa mga ilan, pero siguro nauuwi lang ito sa kulitan pagkatapos magkwento. Marami nga akong nakuha mula sa aking field work ngayong linggo, pero hindi magbabago ang realidad na nangungulila ako, naiinis at nagsisisi sa mga ilang mga pagkakataon na di ko nasamantala, at nalulungkot dahil sa mga ilang perwisyo at gastos sa klase na ito. 

Ang "inalay" ko sa punto na ito: ilang araw na ng buhay ko (kasama na rin ang aking kaarawan). Pera (pamasahe, xerox, atbp), ang pagkakataon na makapunta sa Europa kasama ng mga pinsan ko, ang pagkakataon na makasama kay kina Neulfred at Rhea sa LEAD, ang pagkakataon na makatulong ng husto sa LPEP, ang ilang mga "bonding sessions" kasama ng mga kaibigan, panahon na makapiling ang pamilya ko, pagkain, tulog, isang pares ng medyas (nabutas habang naglilibot kahapon), ilang cassette at isang tape recorder, dalawang camera, load..at ung pagkalinaw ng isip ko at yung mga kagrupo ko. Ito lahat para makatapos ako pagdating ng October 2010.

Sa tingin ninyo ba...tama pa ba ito??

3. Dahil kailangan ko masanay sa pagsasalita, pagkikinig at pagiintindi ng wika at saloobin na Filipino, pati na rin ang aking mga inuulit na kanta sa IMEEM...makaPilipino na rin. Binalikan ko talaga ang mga kanta na naalala ko sa panahon na ako pa ay nasa menor de edad

1. "Darating din Tayo" ni Bayang Barrios (matagal na ito, mula sa pagkalaunch)

2. "Tingnan Niyo" ni Joey Ayala (isang dahilan sa aking muntik na pagkaaktibista)

3. "Hinahanap-hanap Kita" ng Rivermaya/Bamboo (nadiskubre ko ulit dahil sa tambayan!)

4. "Bitterly" ng The Jerks (ang pinagmulan ng pagkaemo)

5. "Alaala" ng Tropical Depression (ang pinagmulan ng pagkasentimental)

6. "Rollers On Her Hair" ng Rizal Underground (nakakatuwa ito, promise)

7. "Panambitan" ng The Jerks (nakakatibok ng puso ito :D)

8. "Pagsasalamat" ni Joey Ayala (galing na dasal ito...pakinggan ninyo)

9. "All the Lies You Said" ng The Jerks (whee, nakakabitter)

10. "Bumalik Ka Na" ni Bayang Barrios (cute ito, siguro kasi duet sa CD version)

11. "Magasin" ng Eraserheads (hahaha, nadiskubre ulit dahil sa tambayan)

12. "Ang Huling El Bimbo" ng Eraserheads (again, naenjoy ko ulit sa college)

13. "Harana" ng Parokya ni Edgar (may magandang alaala na sa kanta na ito)

14. "Harinawa" ni Bayang Barrios (isa ring magandang dasal)

15. "Tayo ang Lupa" ni Joey Ayala (nakakadik lang kasi)

16. "Rage" ng the Jerks (ito rin kung bakit ako naging medyo controbersyal sa high school)

17. "Hallelujah" ni Bamboo (bentang benta ito)

18. "Bilog Ang Buwan" ng Tropical Depression (ultimate sa kalokohan...irerekumenda ko ito sa mga may FILIPSY ngayon)

19. "Pare Ko" ng Eraserheads (censored version muna dahil sa aking mga magulang...)

20. "Liwanag sa Dilim" ng Rivermaya (isa pa ring sobrang benta)

YouTube - The Hamster Vacuum

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEahXcGWYYs
This is just the cutest thing!!!!

Naaliw lang sa multiply ni Gelo

You have to answer the questions in straight Tagalog.

1. Have you ever tried gluing your fingers together?

- Hindi ko sinasadya, pero nangyari yan.

2. If you were reincarnated as a sea creature, what would you want to be?

- Sirena? Butanding? Basta huwag syokoy...

3. Who is your favorite redhead?

- Wala.

4. What do you order when you are at your favorite restaurant?

- Sisig (sa Aristocrat)

5. Last book you read?

- "Oliver Baluktot" ni Charles Dickens (teka, gumulong na ata sa kanyang libingan ang manunulat, paumanhin na po!!)

6. Describe your mood.

- Natutuwa at napapagod

7. Describe the last time you were injured.

- Bigla naman nawala sa puwesto ang buto ng aking tuhod. Ayan, bulagta ako sa ampitheatre ng DLSU. ANSAKIT!!

8. Of all your friends, who would you want to be stuck in a well with?

- Sino man ang marunong umakyat para kumuha ng lubid at SAGIPIN AKO!!!

9. Rock concert or symphony?

- Rock siyempre.

10. What is the wallpaper of your cell phone?

- Wala akong wallpaper sa cellphone

11. Favorite soda:

- Rootbeer (Ugat-serbesa?? eeeww)

12. What type of shirt are you wearing?

- isang berdeng pantaas na walang manggas!

13. If you could only use one form of transportation:

- Jeepney talaga, magpakailanman....

14. Most recent movie you have watched in theaters?

- pwede ba yung "Apat Na Dimensyon" na pelikula sa EK?

15. Are you hungry?

- hindi masyado, pero parang gusto kong kumain ng tsokolate....

16. What is your favorite kind of cake?

- tsokolate!!!

17. What did you have for dinner last night?

- Adobong baboy at manok

18. Look to your left, what do you see?

- ang nilalaro ng tatay ko sa kompyuter.

19. Do you untie your shoes when you take them off?

- Madalas, hindi

20. Favorite toy as a child?                                                                                         

- Ayoko ng laruan, bigyan mo ako ng libro!!!

21. Do you buy your own groceries?

- hindi pa

22. Do you think people talk about you behind your back?

- Sanay na ako dun (ahha)

23. When’s the last time you had gummy worms?

- di ko na maalala

24. What's your favorite fruit?

- Mangga!

25. Do you have a picture of yourself doing a cartwheel?

- Di ko pa kaya gumanon.

26. Do you like running long distances?

- Ang tanong dun: Makakatakbo ba ako?

27. Have you ever went to USA?

- Hindi pa

28. Are you online everyday?

- Siyempre.

29. What's your favorite type of flower?

- Rosas

30. Do you do ballet?

- Dati rati, noong maliit pa ako at malaki pa ang aking mga pangarap.

31. Do you listen to classical music?

- Sapilitan lang.

32. What is the first TV theme song that pops in your head?

- Ang kanta ng "Ang Teoryang Ng Malaking Pagsabog"

33. Do you watch SpongeBob?

- Hindi!! Wag mo yan ilapit sa akin, utang na loob.

34. What temperature is it outside right now?

- ayoko nang malaman, umuulan na

35. Do people consider you smart?

- Nangyari na yan, wag lang sa Matematika

36. How many piercings do you have?

- Dati, dalawa, sa tenga

37. You have thirty bucks and need to buy snacks at a gas station, what do you buy?

- Tubig at maliit na pakete ng chips

38. Do know how to play soccer?

- Hindi

39. How do you feel about your family?

- Marami pa akong kailangan dapat matutunan

40. Do you have an iPod?

- wala eh. Hahaha! Mahirap lang ako, no?

41. What time do you go to bed?

- natutulog pa ba ako? pwede nananaginip...

42. What CD is currently in your CD player?

- isang cd ng isandaang kanta ng 2008

43. What movie do you know every line to?

- wala eh...pwede na lang dula?

44. What is your favorite salad dressing?

- Asul na keso. Hahaha.

45. What did you get for Christmas this year?

- madami: libro, kwaderno, apat na bote ng Tabasco, pera, bag, damit

46. What family member/friend lives the farthest from you?

- Mga kamag-anak sa Canada

47. Do you like hugs?

- Depende kung sinong nagbigay

48. Last time you had butterflies in your stomach?

- Noong isang araw...basta!

49. What is the way people most often mispronounce any part of your name?

- Sa awa ng Diyos, di yan nangyayari

50. Last person you hugged?

- Kapatid ko

these things to let go of...

Somehow I don't know why I feel like this...

...so sad for having to let go of so many things just to better pursue what I have now.

...so impatient to finish what I have now so I can do what I really know I have to do. It's been too long since I've done GK, or since I've gone down into the grassroots.

...so excited to get this school year started so I can help set things in motion.

...and so unwilling to let go even if I know I should.

one of those half-baked days

Oo, eto. Tanghali na nang bumangon. Walang natapos na matino. Di nakapagsulat. Di nakatapos ng meeting sa SMS. Sabaw sa klase. Sablay sa tambay. Di nakasama sa worship/HH.

Tapos nakatanggap ng nakakaasar na sagot sa "long time no see". Hahaha. May isa ka pang kasalanan sa akin, dude. Kung naalala mo nga lang.

these things which we give up...

I don't want to write about what happened today. Nothing so out of the ordinary really happened.

For some reason, I have been going through some parts of my favorite novel, "Les Miserables". It is amusing and a little painful to realize that Victor Hugo's work still applies to me, just as much as "Eating Fire and Drinking Water," as well as "El Filibusterismo" always will. And even now as I listen to "Ala volonte du peuple", I wonder how it translates to Filipino, how such a dear sentiment can find its form and root where I am. It is a double calling for me: as a psychologist in training to raise and enlighten consciousness, and as a young Filipino to bring that consciousness into action.

I know I've come so far and am beginning to take steps to achieve much. However, despite the relative joy and peace I've felt for a year, I feel an old restlessness again in me. I know that this time around, I will not be drawn towards protests and barricades, but perhaps to another means just as difficult.

I want to be of help. I want to serve in GK again. I want to throw myself into community work. I want to do something for my country. I cannot be content with writing, for I know that the ink in my pen has dried up, for now. There is something more that I must do...yet I do not know if I can do it yet. I know I have to set my affairs in order first as a student and an organization officer before I commit to this mission.

No, I do not want to forget. I want to balance things, temper my fire, and learn to direct my passions. But never forget.

pangalawang araw ng...

Patigasan, Katayan, Pananagutan= ang realidad ng pagkuha ng klase sa "tag-araw" na termino.

Bago nagsimula ang pagdurusa: Halos tanghali na rin nang ako'y bumangon. Siguro di ako magigising kung hindi nagtext si Kuya Rocky na kagigising pa lang rin siya. Pagkatapos nun: kumain na rin ng tanghalian, naghanda para pumunta sa DLSU, at siyempre naipit na rin sa di maiiwasang trapik sa EDSA.

Dumating ako sa DLSU at kaagad inantok ako. Habang nagkakape ako, andami kong nakausap: mga kaklase, at pati na rin ang mga ibang kaibigan ko sa YFC. May balita pala si Ate Carmel mula sa aking tito sa GK. Ewan ko nga pala kung mahihinayang ako o maiilang sa akin narinig. Medyo nakakalungkot talaga na hindi ako makakapaglingkod ng husto sa GK. Pero alam ko na hindi pa ako handa na buuin ang aking taya sa laban na ito. Marami pa akong dapat ipapatupad at tatapusin, bilang estudyante, lider sa SMS, ate sa YFC, at kung anumang responsibilidad na naipatong sa akin sa ngayon.

Ang unos: Pumunta nga ako  sa klase na halos hindi handa, gaya ng kahapon. Pasalamat na lang na sariwa pa ang alaala ng aking paghihirap sa unang kong pagpasok kaya medyo nakapagsuri ako ulit ng aking mga sinulat. Mahirap talaga makilahok sa talakayan pag bulol ka na, lalo pa pag wala ka pang alam.

Tama nga ang aking hula: ang klase ngayon ay puno ng tanungan at pangamba, konting katayan, at kulang na kulang sa pagtawa. Sana talaga na di ako nakilala ng guro. Sana talaga na hindi na lang ako nagsalita sa klase. Pero siguro masaklap rin na di mabigyan ng pagkakataon na ipatunay na karapat-dapat nga ako sa klaseng yun.

Kaya ngayon, talagang susubukan ko magbasa sa Filipino. Susubukan ko rin magsulat sa sarili kong wika. Oo, aangkinin ko na talaga. Kahit lumaki ako na nagsasalita ng Ingles, kahit naging mahusay ako sa pagsulat sa Ingles, hindi ko maihiwalay ang aking komunikasyon sa aking loob.

Pauwi: Napapaisip habang binabasa ang mga artikulo nina Virgilio Enriquez at Zeus Salazar. Malaking pagkamulat talaga para sa akin na tapusin ko ito. Habang ako'y nagmuni-muni,. bumalik rin sa aking alaala ang mga kanta ng aking pagkabata. Bagay na bagay talaga na alahanin ko ngayon ang mga ito: bukas di na ako bata, dalawampung taon gulang na ako.

Bakit nga ba ganon? Nahihirapan ako pag pinaala mo sa akin sina Festinger, Kohlberg, at kung anu-ano pa sa aking inaaral, pero parang ayaw mawala sa aking malay ang musika at sining na nagpapakulay sa akin, na naging dahilan at paraan ng aking pagkapasok sa pamantasan...pero kailangan ko muna itabi ng sandali para lang abutin ang isang pangarap?

Ano ba talaga ako: misyonero na mahilig magsulat habang nagaaral ng sikolohiya? O isang nanangarap na sikolohista na sumusulat para gampanan ang isang misyon? O isang manunulat na may misyon na nangangailangan gamitin ang sikolohiya?

first day of summer classes...

Yeah, what an experience, no?

Woke up deliciously late, ended up listening to greengiantfm and Broadway soundtracks while getting ready for school, and finally was on the LRT by say, 1:40 pm. Ended up spending time in National Bookstore, during which I bought:

-"The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat" by Oliver Sacks. (yes, remember biopsyc days?)

-"Oliver Twist" by Charles Dickens

-a notebook for FILIPSY (more on this unfortunate business later)

In school: fixing stuff for LPEP (passing waivers, writing themes...discovering WHY we can't use "Guinness Book of World Records" for the GK booth), hanging out with Yna and Pat before meeting up with Chris and AJ. Then it was off to class.

FILIPSY: Yours truly really does not know how to pick a seat: I got the "dead center" seat again. Grrr. Anyway, the class was somehow interesting. The professor certainly made an impression in well, more than one way. Gaaahhh. Now I'm terrified for that class but I'm not going to give up.

Apparently we have field work next week. Okay, that is going to be fun. But I know I'm gonna have to kiss my LPEP booth manning privileges goodbye for some of the time. As well as some of my SMS meetings. (again, putting the rest of her life on the line for grades...)

After class: Tambay with Arven, Chris, AJ, Ate Olivia, Ate Carmel, Kuya Darwin, Ate Drei, Kuya Rocky. Met up also with Justine. Then dropped by KFC to talk with Kuya Raffy, Ate May, and Nikka. Well, a good end to a crazy sort of day.

Dinner also with my family (my immediate family + Lola + Tita Gene, cousin Zaskya), Tita Merci, and Drew. Okay, we ate way too much pizza. And talked too much.

(I just realized I did a blow by blow update...hopefully the rest of my journals won't be like this)

while waiting for classes to start...

Stole this from JL

1. Where were you at 11:45 am today?
- it's only 10:55 am
2. Is the person you like older or younger than you?
-younger by a few months. Hahaha.
3. When was the last time you saw the last person you kissed?
- I've never been kissed
4. Ever talked to someone that was high?
- yeah. And he almost got my wallet.
5. How tall is the person you like? Shorter or taller?
-taller than me, that's for sure

6. Did you have a dream last night?
-no
7. Last text message you sent?
- it has my email password in it. Hahaha
8. Last comment you left someone?
- “hugs"
9. Do you have a Facebook?
-Yep
10. What color is your underwear?
- yellow
11. Last person you were in the car with besides your family?
-my cousins or my friends.
12. Do you own a polo?
-yep
14. Are you currently frustrated with a girl?
-No
15. Are you excited for winter?
-walang winter dito
16. If it was free and it would work perfectly, would you get plastic surgery?
- Nope
17. Have you ever slapped someone in the face?
- yep
18. Have you ever been called Princess?
- no

19. What did you do last night?
- internet, hung out with my cousin and my tita
20. Who is ONE person you wish you haven't dated?
- haven't dated anyone regularly yet
22. What do you hear right now?
- "Tell The World That" by Hillsongs
23. What is the closest thing to you that is blue?
- my brother's USB
27. If you had to change your eye color, would you? What would it be?
- green maybe
28. Last time someone of the same sex hit on you?
- not sure if that ever happened
29. Last thing you wrote your name on?
- an evaluation sheet
30. Who do you wanna kiss right now?
- not telling
31. What do you want for Christmas?
-a new phone. Or a safe GPA
32. Does it snow where you live?
- if it did, that would mean that global warming has gone out of hand
33. Where did you get the pants you're wearing right now?
-I'm wearing shorts. Regalo ito

34. If you could change one thing right now what would it be?
-my summer class sked.
35. Are you in love?
- :D
38. When is the next time you will see your grandma?
-later. She's just down the hall
40. Do you wear makeup every day?
-When I was a freshman, yes. Now, I have no time for vanity
41. Would you go in public without looking dressed up or put together?
-I like doing that
45. How is your hair right now?
- uncombed
46. What is tomorrow?
- my last day of being a teenager.
47. Who is the last person to call you baby?
-my mom?

while waiting for classes to start...

Stole this from JL

1. Where were you at 11:45 am today?
- it's only 10:55 am
2. Is the person you like older or younger than you?
-younger by a few months. Hahaha.
3. When was the last time you saw the last person you kissed?
- I've never been kissed
4. Ever talked to someone that was high?
- yeah. And he almost got my wallet.
5. How tall is the person you like? Shorter or taller?
-taller than me, that's for sure

6. Did you have a dream last night?
-no
7. Last text message you sent?
- it has my email password in it. Hahaha
8. Last comment you left someone?
- “hugs"
9. Do you have a Facebook?
-Yep
10. What color is your underwear?
- yellow
11. Last person you were in the car with besides your family?
-my cousins or my friends.
12. Do you own a polo?
-yep
14. Are you currently frustrated with a girl?
-No
15. Are you excited for winter?
-walang winter dito
16. If it was free and it would work perfectly, would you get plastic surgery?
- Nope
17. Have you ever slapped someone in the face?
- yep
18. Have you ever been called Princess?
- no

19. What did you do last night?
- internet, hung out with my cousin and my tita
20. Who is ONE person you wish you haven't dated?
- haven't dated anyone regularly yet
22. What do you hear right now?
- "Tell The World That" by Hillsongs
23. What is the closest thing to you that is blue?
- my brother's USB
27. If you had to change your eye color, would you? What would it be?
- green maybe
28. Last time someone of the same sex hit on you?
- not sure if that ever happened
29. Last thing you wrote your name on?
- an evaluation sheet
30. Who do you wanna kiss right now?
- not telling
31. What do you want for Christmas?
-a new phone. Or a safe GPA
32. Does it snow where you live?
- if it did, that would mean that global warming has gone out of hand
33. Where did you get the pants you're wearing right now?
-I'm wearing shorts. Regalo ito

34. If you could change one thing right now what would it be?
-my summer class sked.
35. Are you in love?
- :D
38. When is the next time you will see your grandma?
-later. She's just down the hall
40. Do you wear makeup every day?
-When I was a freshman, yes. Now, I have no time for vanity
41. Would you go in public without looking dressed up or put together?
-I like doing that
45. How is your hair right now?
- uncombed
46. What is tomorrow?
- my last day of being a teenager.
47. Who is the last person to call you baby?
-my mom?

course card day 2009

Mixed blessing. That is the best way to put it. A day of victories for some, a day of maybe redirection and rethinking for others. God's amazing grace and God's strange (and sometimes painful) plans coming into play today.

Last year's course card day was so much simpler. And so much funnier. What I wouldn't give for that simplicity all over again.

To those of us who had a few struggles: I know that you all tried your best, did what you had to do, worked with the circumstances, and basically pushed yourselves. I hope and pray that you all do better next time around and that things work out. Kaya ninyo yan. Makakabawi pa. There were just more lessons that had to be learned.

To those who had the hardest struggles: Just keep this prayer in mind: "Cause everything that You are to me, is everything I hope for. Your grace keeps me still to face the storm. Lord please have Your way, Lord have Your way in me."

To those who had certain victories today: Praise God. And may He continue to guide you through the summer, the next school year and beyond.

Hugs to everyone. My prayers are with all of you.

beginnings of a bittersweet summer

The bitterness:

-The possibility of not being in the Dean's List this year. Thanks to orgchem. I'll be blessed to even pass that class.

-Confronted with the possibilities of some leavetakings. I really hope and pray that we'll still be "complete" in YFC DLSU come this summer and next school year.

-Not going to Europe with Clar and my cousins. I know that sometimes I try to pretend that this does not affect me, but in reality it hurts quite a bit. I almost came undone in the cybernook when reading Bianca's facebook message saying that Europe won't be the same without me. While I have always dreamed of going to Paris (to track the places of Les Mis), and going to Italy (to see the remnants of the Renaissance), I know that I have to sacrifice this trip if I plan to graduate on time.

-Being unable to really help out in LPEP this year. Both for YFC DLSU and SMS. I have asummer class to prioritize. Dan, I think this is karma for making fun of the fact you were stuck in summer class last year while the rest of us were enjoying LPEP.

The sweetness

-Turning 20 next week.

-Somehow still being able to see many of my friends thanks to summer class

-Gearing up for a good year in YFC/GK and in SMS. I'm so excited!

-Learning today that I made it as VP Acads in SMS. Oh yeah, by the way we're still screening for 10 more positions. Anyone interested? (yes, to BS-PSYC 107, this means YOU) :) Contact me ASAP.

life after exams

Let's see: SMS officers screening + endless L4D with Karl, Rodz, Fer, Jep, tambayan bonding with most of YFC DLSU, food trips, consolation trips, work meetings...and becoming the new VP Academics of SMS!

nakakainspire

God of This City - City Harvest Church more excited for next year than ever...

taking a break

To-do list:

Today: orgchem

Tomorrow: Physics. (yes, penitensya to)

Saturday: compiling psycme final project. Orgchem ulit.

Sunday: Same as saturday

Monday: Dead cramming for physics

Tuesday: SANA by this day, wala na akong issues!

Wednesday: Pasahan na ng papers! Woot!!

I need tips on how to study for orgchem. How are you guys gonna go about it?

one week more...

Well, one school day more that is.

After keeping posted all weekend about work + what was happening in the ILC, it was really just *back to reality* as Ate Carmel put it.

Psychometrics validity analysis...yep, still more questionnaires. With these + the files I printed out for work = lots of dead trees. Prefinal grade in psycmelec = happiness. Can't say the same for orgchem and physics (more for orgchem). I know that I probably will pass Physics, but I have to do a decent job on my orgchem exam if I want to pass. Gahhh.

Had some good chats with Tino, Francis, and Kuya Niki about service, what to do next, how to deal with my current situation. Kinakabahan ako...and not just because of acads.

Fire drill all over campus today. Got put out of the Miguel building, nearly got an asthma attack in Central Plaza because of the smoke, and ended up gawking at the fire engine parked right outside the Velasco building. Laugh trip actually with my barkada.

Work meeting today after class. At least tapos na ang pinagawa sa akin na content analysis, pero ayoko na talaga ang buhay working student.

God bless sa mga magiging mga ate at kuya sa YFC DLSU next school year! I'm so excited for all of you! :D

left behind in Manila...

Yes. I am not going to ILC Cebu thanks to a combination of house rules + the awful life of being a BS-PSYC major.

At least there are some blessings from the last few days. Spending more time doing field work/booth manning/at the tambayans than in class (salamat sa free cut!). Unexpected bonding time with YFC DLSU and some friends from SMS. Getting coffee at Starbucks with the psych barkada. SMS' "Stand Up!" yearender. Some "I'm a fan" moments.

Though I do wonder...will I be able to go to ILC next year? What am I going to do in Manila all weekend?

Maybe I'll clean my room. Maybe I'll get to finish a story. Maybe I'll go with Mira to Ozine con, then with Emjay and the wrimo bunch to Trinoma or Eastwood tomorrow.

Still I know I'd rather be elsewhere.

Advanced happy birthday to AJ! And God bless to all of the YFCs going to Cebu! :D :D

 

10 words for guys to remember....

Got this from Lara. All in good fun, people. :)

(1) Fine : This is the word women use to end an argument when they are right and you need to shut up.

(2) Five Minutes : If she is getting dressed, this means a half an hour. Five minutes is only five minutes if you have just been given five more minutes to watch the game before helping around the house.

(3) Nothing : This is the calm before the storm. This means something, and you should be on your toes. Arguments that begin with nothing usually ends in #1.

(4) Go Ahead : This is a dare, not a permission. DON'T Do It!

(5) Loud Sigh : This is actually a word, but is a non-verbal statement often misunderstood by men. A loud sigh means she thinks you are an idiot and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you about nothing. (Refer back to # 3 for the meaning of nothing.)

(6) That's Okay : This is one of the most dangerous statements a women can make to a man. That's okay means she wants to think long and hard before deciding how and when you will pay for your mistake.

(7) Thanks : A woman is thanking you, do not question, or faint. Just say you're welcome. (I want to add in a clause here - This is true, unless she says "Thanks a lot" - that is PURE sarcasm and she is not thanking you at all. DO NOT say "you're welcome". That will bring on a "whatever").

(8) " Whatever" : Is a woman's way of saying F--- YOU!

(9) Don't worry about it, I got it : Another dangerous statement, meaning this is something that a woman has told a man to do several times, but is now doing it herself. This will later result in a man asking 'What's wrong?' For the woman's response refer to # 3.

(10) Maybe : This is used as a safe word, meaning your idea or suggestion was cute but if i decided to use my own great idea, I don't have to tell you that yours was stupid, because I gave it a chance.

Freedom We Know

The Freedom We Know (Acoustic) - Hillsong I really love this song...

God's favor: YFC-DLSU prayer meeting + bisita iglesia

Yesterday...what I did besides psychometrics work (50 questionnaires passed around!)...and of course attending majors classes, and an SMS meeting...

YFC DLSU Prayer meeting. Even if I had to leave super early, it was worth going to. So much fun with everyone who was there: Kuya Tino, Ate Ynah, Arven, Olivia, Carmel, Issa, Kuya Rocky, Kuya Marco, AJ, Rhea, Jep, Gayle, Moti, Karl, Drew, Josh, Ate Drei, Darwin, Chris, Kuya Niki, and Clar. And I did feel the love despite the stress of the previous days. God's victories talaga.

Today: Bisita Iglesia with the LSPO. It was quite a reflective experience, not to mention an opportunity to appreciate the historical churches in Manila. Super bonding with Kuya Tino, Olivia, Rhea, and Clar. Everything from walking from Binondo to Saint Jude, to drinking "melon juice" from a streetside stall, to playing with a pipe organ mock-up in Manila Cathedral, to simply telling stories in between the Stations of the Cross = so much fun.  

Back in DLSU: watching (and nearly getting run over by) the competitors in Larokoto, hanging out in the tambayan with Olivia, Darwin, Rodz, Ayanne, Lara, Dan, Kuya Tino, Kuya Niki, and Clar. What an ending to a day. Now for tomorrow...sayang di tuloy ung GK build, but there's still a lot to do...

DLSU general elections 2009: voting days 2-3

Tales from the All-Purpose Walkway

This was one week when many DLSU students could not travel from building to building without being asked "Have you voted already?" Whether that question was asked by a member of the COMELEC or by a member of the political parties, one thing is clear: there really is a move to push for the highest number of student votes possible. Thankfully, at least from my perspective, this hope is somewhat materializing, judging from some of the feedback from my friends who have either been watching the elections...or who have been asked one too many times about exercising their duty of suffrage.

Election specials courtesy of TLS and Plaridel have been making the rounds of the campus. TLS' glossy publication was the first to hit the walkways, while Plaridel's election special was distributed only today. As usual, write-ups about the outgoing SC's work, excerpts of campaign spiels and interviews, and the candidate profiles were featured in both publications. This year, both publications seem to have better chances of escaping any post-election controversies, owing perhaps to the more cautious journalistic and campaign strategies being employed by the student journalists and SC hopefuls, respectively.

One of the busiest places this week on campus had to be that strip of space that is roughly divided into the Miguel Walk and the Eng Walk. Apart from the voting booth set up right in the middle of everything, there were the lines of candidates and their campaigners simply observing the voting process and asking every student who passed by the "inevitable question of the week." As crucial as this relatively safe form of pollwatching is, it did have its logistical drawback of crowding out the different booths and tambayans of various groups and organizations that frequent the benches along the walkways. Some of the candidates and campaigners who frequented this particular walkway also discovered the hard way that their pollwatching duties came with the added task of answering different scales and questionnaires being circulated by frantic psychology students seeking to complete their research requirements for a major subject. Student life still goes on after all.

While passing around some questionnaires, I got the chance to chat up Bugs (of Santugon) and commend her on her show of support for a high school friend, (one of the EB candidates of Tapat) during the miting de avance last week. It is particularly good to know that not even fierce campus politics can make a significant dent in some friendships. Now if only campus politics could cement instead of break certain partnerships...

...then maybe more than just student life could go on.

DLSU general elections 2009: voting day 1

It was definitely not a quiet day on campus, but it was one of the more decisive,purposeful days. At least this much I could tell as early as 9am, watching the COMELEC preparing the paraphernalia for the elections.

Before that, I spent about fifteen minutes wondering with a friend about elections and lesser evils, and later yet another half an hour debating/agonizing with another friend about the different pros, cons, upcoming plans, and track records throughout this election. Even if I eventually cast my vote rather early in the day, I ended up thinking this process over more than in the past--maybe because of the nature of this year's campaign.

Clearly, because of the many things that have been promised, said and done in the last few days, it really is not going to be easy for some of the student body to decide who to vote for. While asking my classmates and other friends about whether they had voted yet, I realized that some people are in no hurry to cast their votes simply because they have to think their choices over. Now that's what I want to see: more deliberate voting. It's better than voting haphazardly, or abstaining.

Throughout the day, I encountered the different candidates, making the rounds, watching the proceedings, and encouraging students to vote.  It was good of the candidates to just encourage suffrage, never mind what advantages or disadvantages this may entail. I think that they could have done it a little better though if they'd been wearing white, or green, or some non-partisan colors.

So far, the student body seems to be more responsive than I expected this general election. Now if only this pace will continue...

DLSU general elections 2009: the day before the elections

Last ditch efforts? Quiet anticipation? Question and answer?

I suppose it depended where one happened to be on this day. For my classmates and I, today was surprisingly free of election-related discussion, apart from copies of a comprehensive explanation of the Santugon SPOA arriving in our physics lab class, as well as the ensuing discussion about who to vote for.

Sure I saw the two parties rallying their candidates and campaigners as early as 7:45 a.m. Sure, I heard discussion about last week's miting de avance, as well as the different answers the candidates have been giving over the RTRs. Sure I saw people running about the hallways just to campaign. Sure I heard the video of Ron Semira's miting de avance speech being replayed at theTapat tambayan. But on the whole, today felt much like a "lull".

This could be a sign of either a weary student body because of the campaign trail, or a weary student body because of the usual "third term" pile up. As it is, I hope we students take the time and effort to actually vote.

What I hope to see: the political parties uniting to promote student suffrage, for the sake of encouraging active participation in the student body...never mind who gets to serve in the SC this year. It is time we changed the focus to an aware and proactive student body for the next few days.

Personally, I'm keeping to myself my decisions about my choice of candidates. I have explained and mulled over certain points and merits with my friends from both sides and no sides of the campaign, and still I can say the same thing I have been saying all campaign:

Chopseuy vote na ito.

Hopefully tomorrow I'll have a better coverage of the first day of the elections.

DLSU general elections 2009: campaign day 4

Windows of Opportunity

Today just happened to be one of those days that had me spending an inordinate amount of time outside the classroom. Apart from having a chance to finish up some field work for my major subjects, I also had more than enough time to talk to the different candidates, as well as collect some SPOAs (finally!) as well as a few more GPOAs. Unfortunately, due to certain logistical concerns, I could not collect all the materials I wanted. Therefore, I will not attempt a point-by-point comparison of all of the SPOAs and GPOAs per college, but rather, I will focus on the highlights of some of the materials that I gathered.

Thrust of the General Program of Action: "Lakas ng nagkakaisang Lasalyanong nangunguna sa pagbuo ng bansang progresibo." This can be translated into putting Lasallians at the forefront of nation building. Apparently, (if I am to interpret the Tapat's EB candidates correctly), the Student Council, both the Executive Board and the College Assembles, is to become a means for training and empowering LaSallians to become empowered citizens. This is evident in the way that Tapat has been tying in the GPOAs and thrusts with the need to prepare students for the 2010 national elections.

Thrust of the Specific Programs of Action: "Student Centered Student Council". Basically, Santugon platforms seem to focus on creating and implementing pro-student policies, as well as encouraging proactive student participation in the Student Council and its projects for the upcoming year. Internally focused yet relevant policies all the same. Santugon programs do require increased cooperation with the faculty and the administration of the university. This is an admirable goal that does pose a whole new set of challenges in addition to the already existing ones.

GPOA for the College of Liberal Arts: "Kalinga CLA". Finally, I got to talk to Veron, Betti, and Tats just to clarify what this program is meant to be. In line with Ron Semira's goal of using student competencies for nation building, basically the CLA students will be using their learnings and skills to assist an "adopted" community. Personally, I did feel a little ambivalent about this plan. I am thrilled to see how Liberal Arts (an area sometimes deemed as socially irrelevant) can become useful in nation-building. In fact, there is a lot of good skills-training, leadership training and interpersonal growth that can come out of directly involving Liberal Arts majors in competency-related projects. However, I really hope that we will not resort to the usual fallback of scheduling endless tutoring sessions in depressed communities. This is a much needed change--I challenge ANYONE to help the College of Liberal Arts out here!

SPOA for the College of Engineering: This SPOA is unique for its especial dedication to making the College of Engineering a center of excellence. Many of the programs here seek to assist engineering students with their academic concerns, to provide better course projection and even financial aid, as well as to promote unity within the college. This is good news for the COE, which is known for its difficult coursework and steep tuition fees. This particular SPOA however does not put as much emphasis on sociocivic work unlike the other SPOAs being distributed this year. As of now, the sociocivic aspect of the COE SPOA is limited to a short description of fundraisings for future projects. Hopefully this will be given more detail in the future...or tomorrow's Miting de Avance.

GPOA for the College of Education: This is one GPOA that aims very high (and to be honest, I understand why this has to be the case). Service oriented curriculum, teacher-leaders, and promoting a culture of excellence: these are the kinds of things that require more than just a single school year to accomplish. The service-oriented curriculum part alone will only be fulfilled when EDGE 2008 is about to graduate. Still, it's never too early to start, right?

SPOA for the College of Science: This is the SPOA that has an "ate/kuya" program: a kapatiran system for incoming freshmen to be paired with upperclassmen who will guide them around DLSU and help them adjust to college life. This is one scenario though that will probably have some COS upperclassmen mentoring two or more freshmen at any given point in time, owing to the admittedly high "mortality" in this college. To address the actual "mortality", the assistance offered in this SPOA extends beyond freshman year: mandatory consultations, NMAT reviews, and OJT exposure are also being offered for upperclassmen. That's a lot of promises to come through with though.

GPOA for the College of Business and Economics: Excellent and socially responsible business leaders is the vision of this GPOA. Perhaps this could be the GPOA that will defy the CBE-related stereotype of "walang iniiisip maliban sa pera." Corporate social responsibility is given the same weight as academic excellence, as well as alliances and cooperation with other organizations and sectors. Transparency, accountability and participation in college decisions are also highlighted here, in a context slightly different from the more academically related points of the previous principles. I find this to be one of the more feasible plans of action. Still, I'd like to see if the up and coming leaders can ensure that the transparency and accountability aspects of the GPOA do not remain solely within the student council level, but become part of the learning atmosphere they wish to promote in this college.

SPOA for the College of Computer Studies: Keeping CCS students connected--to their courses (helping reduce the failure rate in major subjects), to the university (through implementation of policies, etc), and to external linkages is a key feature of this SPOA. This SPOA is actually very concrete in its way of tackling everything from matters as simple as the sockets and bulletin boards in the Gokongwei building, all the way up to ambitious projects such as curriculum review and an e-waste recycling program. The thing that bugged me though about this SPOA was a series of formatting errors that made at least two paragraphs/bullet points a bit difficult to differentiate.

But of course, this is only half of the equation

The other half of course is the student body. However, I seriously fear that a good portion of the students are becoming indifferent to this entire electoral process, and may even abstain from voting. While some of their reasons are understandable, there is still the fact that abstinence from suffrage represents a lost window of opportunity.

Window of opportunity? I believe so. After a trying year for the SC, I think that this election is one of those "make or break" opportunities. The kind of leadership that emerges in the next few days as well as the electorate that supports them will determine whether the SC will truly become a relevant force in student life and nation building, or if the SC will fail to fully involve another generation of LaSallians in its many goals and efforts.

This is the time when many preparations will be in order. It is almost time for the PAASCU reaccreditation. Plans are underway for the Centennial celebration of this university. Now if the students want to see an SC that meets the standards of a world-class university like DLSU, the students need to vote and participate in student government. An SC that does not have the mandate of the student body is at best crippled.

This, in my opinion is the crucial election for Batch 2007. For many of the students in this batch, next school year is their last full academic year in the university. This is the academic year that will probably have Batch 2007 at the helms of student organizations and projects. This is the academic year that has leaders from Batch 2007 in the executive board and as college assembly presidents. At the very least, the leaders elected next week will be the ones featured in Batch 2007's copies of Green and White. Now who would you want to remember as the student leaders of your graduating year? :)

Friday: the debate and the miting de avance. I don't know if I'll be able to cover the miting de avance...but I do pray that this year's proceedings will unfold with more passion and less drama than last year's.

For the net-savvy radio addicts: Tune in to Green Giant, the official radio station of DLSU. On Saturday, at about 5pm, the EB candidates will be debating on air. You can access Green Giant through the official website: http://greengiantfm.dlsu.edu.ph.