The Song

 

"Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me....
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see."


I am familiar with the song. (I know you are too) In fact, we have been singing it in church almost every Sunday that I can even sing it without looking at the song book. But that is not the issue ladies and gentlemen. I even do not know why I am posting this. Perhaps because of the fact that I was requested to do something in one of our subjects that I hated the most when facing a crowd -- sing! (deep sigh)

Our madame teacher was discussing something I already forgot (nasa notes ko naman..hihi..irereview ko lang mamaya) when she asked if someone in the class knows the song 'Amazing Grace'. Three hands floated in the air. She pointed one to sing it. I beamed after realizing that I did the right thing for not bragging that I know the song. Suddenly, she stood beside my chair and gave me an index finger.

"Do you know the song?" was her quick question.

"Yes ma'am," I replied, thinking that lying won't do me anything good.

"Alright. You sing it."

"Huuuuuwaaatt??But I did not raise my hand."

I wanted to say no because that is my weakness. Though I have all the rights to refuse it, my knees pushed me to stand up. What's wrong with singing it anyway? It's just a simple song with a beautiful melody. I wanted to make it a  rap or a fast-tempo song so that I can immediately stop. But it has a mellow tune. It is sung solemnly. lalalalalala! I sang. I can't believe it!

The end finally came and there was no single reaction from my classmates. Anyhow, that's better than seeing others start to whisper something to their seatmates. (woot!) Amazing grace. Amazing song. Amazing afternoon. Amazing singer. :D :D :D

You're Not Alone

You're not alone my dear...

...though you feel you are left out

...though you think everyone is against you

...though you are doubting of what I have said

...though you put malice on almost everything

...though you seem to carry the whole world's problems.

You're not alone, I say...

I might not have told you but I am right here, waiting for you to tell me how I can ease the pain. 

I might not have shown how concerned I was when you cried on my shoulders, but I tell you everything I did and said were all sincere.

I might have released harsh words that triggered your salty waters to run and I have to say sorry for being frank.

I might have not let you understand the whole thing but I know you have enough of the discernment to absorb every detail of my confessions. 

You're not alone, please do believe me.

I am here...

...your best friend

...your adviser (sometimes)

...your human diary

...your 'another one'

...your partner in our 'dirty little secret' which did not end so secret at all

...your daughter.

You're not alone.

♥

My First Shooting Star

Predominated by the "mind over body" principle inside my head and the thought of being scolded the moment I'll arrive home for losing something, I was in no mood to go home last night.

The atmosphere of the bus terminal added to my irritation after an irksome stench welcomed me in. The floor was wet. The bus they parked was the old-modeled one. I did not get the seat next to the window. Some people, though very much aware of the very crowded situation, still forced themselves to be contained in that matchbox. I honestly did not like everything about that night. I even had second thoughts of not going home directly and look for a good place to shout my feelings out instead. I did not pursue it though for I know the people at home were already worried sick of me. 

After the tiresome one-hour trip home, I found myself walking lazily on the pavement. I then made quick plans on what to do the moment I'll arrive home. Eat my supper? Half-bath? Watch t.v.? Study for an exam? As I was trying to lighten the load I was carrying, I had the chance to look up and somehow seek for comfort. I even made fun of the stars and thought of making my own constellations. 

And right where I was standing was the sight of a single shooting star. I do not know how big it's effect on me was but when I realized it was a shooting star, I just created a smile on my face. It seemed like it heaved all the burdens I was carrying that time and gave me that moment of delight. I was awed with what I saw for it was my first time to see one. Many of my friends have shared that they have seen numerous shooting stars and that it was a beauty. Now that I have witnessed it myself, I can really say that it was a magnificent creation.

After that queer encounter with a star, I immediately whispered a thank you prayer to God for providing me something that would make me forget my problems even just for a while. And as the night went deep, I never removed the beautiful image of that star in my head and how it blinked on me.

Here They Finally Are

I somehow thought we will never have our 2010 staff pictorial after the publication faced a great tribulation which has a big relation to its possessions. Anyhow, if there's a will, there's a way. So finally, this is it. 

♥ The Newbies ♥

Christine "Tine" Antosada

(the morena girl; shy type but I know may ibubuga 'to)

Mary Cherry "Ting" Sanchez

(lol na lol kung tumawa; a good speaker[estoryahe])

Albert "Einstein" Umbac

(mighty teacher gaya ko :D; top 1 of the newbies)

Shenmae "Shen?" Sojor

(lost sa mga newbies; asa na man ka day?)

Crystal "Momi Crys" Vocal

(hot mama)

♥ The Oldies ♥ 

The Writers

Janethriz "Newbie" Aso

(pinanindigan ang pagiging newbie kahit old nah :D)

Ramie "Pichay" Bulaybulay

(hard-working 'to; dako kaayo ni ug H)

Ryan "Rayna" Gantalao

(Mr. Hambabalud)

WAPU People

Japhet "Paulo" Pagarigan

(moody :! mukaon na ug computer)

Lincoln "Lolo Linx" Cardines

(uhm..uhm...photographer namu nah)

Arvin "Arvztist" Rodriguez

(an artist by heart)

Paul Anthony "Tonio" Eso

(artistahin; jack of all trades)

Nel Justine Kristoffer "Justinebelles" At-at

(WAPU head; sino si My Love?) 

Cameron "Ruruy" Tañara

(amung kinakusgang S.A.)

Business Unit 

Lycel "Liting ♥ Piport" Caingcoy

(lubas pero cute daw, ingon sya)

Caroline "Robot" Casal

(the ever dynamic staffer of the year)

The Editors

Kenneth "Kintot" Pael

(gusto nya ring maging staffer of the year kaya naning na naning)

Shiela Marie "Fudgee Bar" Catacutan

(she loves the camera; go miss features ed)

Rina Marie "Baby R" Rubia

(another lover of the camera; maraming pix sa FB nyan)

Dorothy Mae "Mi Doh" Acabo

(the third lover of the camera; news ed)

Rolyn Jane "Orange" P. Catanus

(absolutely me :) no comment)

Maria Margarita "Te Margz" Narvasa

(the EIC; ang cute na salarin)

Not everyone enjoyed the rare beauty of having a camera in one setting. Bakit pa naman kasi nag-absent during the pictorial :) Anyhow, this is my family. We work and we laugh. Some are corky, tactless, serious, sweet, cute, and hard-working but all of us share the same identity -- being a TNnite. (mugna!)

Delays Mean Regrets!

Here I am once again, adding another list of story titles into my account, and trying to brighten up my day although it started gloomy. It wasn't what I planned in the first place, but somehow,  it was what came up.

I woke up six this morning and ironed all my needed costumes for this afternoon's role play in Sociology. I hastened, thinking that I have to be early though my first class today starts at ten. I thought I might drop by the office for awhile to check some articles and proceed to my class. After folding my clothes into my bag, the delay started. 

Delay #1: My sister asked me to tie her hair for their presentation on the 1st anniversary of our town's No-Smoking Campaign. They are to deliver a dance number and she said she has to look her best. (weh!) However, I told her I can't do it for I don't have the skill in doing so, so she demonstrated it by tying my other sister's hair. I stared but I did not get the right procedure. I spent 15 minutes just to look at it. I could have used it for eating my breakfast.

Delay #2: My brother asked me to turn the t.v. on and after discovering that he doesn't like the show on Disney Channel, I surfed for a good program. I landed on HBO and after seeing Mandy Moore's face on screen and knowing that it was a familiar movie, I grabbed a seat and made another delay. Later, I discovered it was "Chasing Liberty."

Delay #3: I did not mind about the time, and seemed to forget that I haven't eaten my breakfast and haven't taken a bath yet but I remained on my seat, enjoying the movie that has been watched a long time ago. I finally prepared my plate and brought my food in front of the t.v. instead of eating in the dining table. I swallowed everything slowly and once again made another 30-minute delay.

Delay #4: I always make the longest delay when I am in the room, changing, after a quick bath. I don't know how I do it but I just can't unplug myself in front of the mirror without feeling contented of what I am wearing.

Delay #5: After making a 500-meter walk from home to the highway, I found out that the parade has blocked the market area, disabling public utility jeepneys and buses to pass that way. I have to walk another 500 meters just to hail for a ride. That was the fifth delay for the day. 

Delay #6: There finally was the bus. I thought it would help me get to my class on time. But I was wrong. The heavy traffic on the south boundary of the city has to be blamed for everything. It took me 30 more minutes to wait patiently inside the bus before it moves another meter or so. Oh how I hate traffic especially when it means sacrificing a major subject. 

Delay #7: I was already glancing at my phone time when I got off the bus. I know I have to make haste in order for me to make it on time. I flagged a pedicab thinking that it will bring me directly to school. Much to my dismay, it did not. It seemed like it gave me a quick tour around the city before bringing me to my destination. I wanted to protest but I do not have the nerve to do so. 

So there I finally was, walking, almost flying, just to be able to get into my only class in the morning. And because I posted this, it meant that I did not make it. I was definitely late and I have to stay out to avoid embarrassment. How dare that movie, that parade, that traffic, that pedicab, and that teacher who started the class on time. (huhuhu) The most painful part was to discover that she gave an examination to the class on that day -- that miserable day where delays queued up.

I will never do it again. Hopefully!  :'(

The Tale of The Hot Water

The class was very busy putting their attention to the lesson of the teacher for if she is able to spot someone not looking at her, she scolds them and worse, sends them out. That is how strict yet efficient our Ed 7 teacher is. 

This morning, while discussing on Metacognition, our senile teacher started coughing and her face turned pink in an effort to release all the irritations inside her throat. She then spotted Xang2x, who was beside me that time, and requested her to run down to the dean's office to get a class of water.

"Kanang dili bugnaw dai ha," she reminded. 

Xang2x quickly went out of the classroom while the coughing started to stop. She cleared her throat and talked once more, seemingly unaffected with the recent cough attack.

Minutes later, Xang2x was visible in the foyer, obviously uncomfortable with the glass of water. It was piping hot the moment she entered in. 

"What's that?" our teacher asked.

"Water ma'am," Xang2x responded. 

"Mainom ba na nako dai?"

"Ingon man ka nako ma'am nga hot water," she smiled.

"I said put a little hot water, not a glass of hot water." Then she continued talking to the class without minding the hot water ready to scorch her esophagus the moment she begins to put it into her mouth. 

As the class ended, I told Xang2x in a whisper, "Naunsa man ka uy? Imbes isalbar nimu ng maestra, imu na nuon nang patyon." "Wa gud laman nimu na gi huna-huna," I continued with a laugh. 

She justified, "Kay ingon man sya nga hot water. Mao ra pud akong gihatag."

"Nya wa ka ga think nga iyang im-nun?"

She laughed. 

We were dismissed a few minutes later and the glass of hot water was left on top of the teacher's table, untouched. 

Lesson learned: Don't kill a teacher through a glass of hot water.

I Am Officially Missing You

Missing you is like missing an important piece of a puzzle. No one would appreciate the beauty of the jigsaw without it.

Missing you is like missing a tooth. I won't be able to smile with one bone lost.

Missing you is like missing a pair of shoes. I can't wear them for it would be too awkward to fool around.

Missing you is like missing my first subject in the morning. It makes me feel like turning back the hands of time and wish I have woke up earlier.

Missing you is like missing the opportunity of buying Sidney Sheldon's Master of the Game or Nicholas Sparks' The Choice after knowing I spent my last allowance on a shawarma.

Missing you is like missing my photocopy in Filipino and knowing that there will be an exam the next day.

Missing you is like missing the last bus trip home after being deeply indulged in the pub's meeting.

Missing you is like missing the chance to load my phone at a nearest sari-sari store because of being too lazy to walk a few meters.

Missing you is like missing to save an amount for Sunday. I cannot give something for the tithes.

Missing you is like missing to edit an article on time. Kasaba na sunod.

Missing you is like missing my lunch for the sake of a nice movie.

Missing you is like missing to kiss nanay and tatay the moment I arrive home. Singlanay dayun.

Missing you is like eating burger without the bun.

Missing you is like drinking coffee without water.

Missing you is like loosing the internet connection.

Missing you is like star gazing at a raining night.

Missing you is like munching on a raw ampalaya.

Missing you is like loving my most hated subject.

Missing you is like watching horror movies.

Missing you is like baking a cake inside the refrigerator and chilling a mango float in an oven.

Missing you is like saying "I hate ORANGE."

Missing you is like quitting in TN.

Missing you is like having a platypus for a pet.

Missing you is like a whole piece of cake and drinking a liter of Coke plus C2.

Missing you is like ditching my Facebook account.

Missing you is like waiting for a unicorn to pass by.

Missing you is like failing to watch the latest episode of Phineas and Ferb and Ben Ten.

Missing you is like frying a perfectly cooked fish.

Missing you is like getting a perfect score in Trigonometry.

Missing you is like memorizing Rizal's Last Farewell in fifteen minutes.

Missing you is like walking from Dumaguete to Bayawan.

Missing you is like not writing anything for a day.

Missing you is like having a boy-cut hair.

Missing you is like transferring from the CED to the C_ _.

Missing you is like swallowing a balot.

Missing you is like singing in front of a crowd.

Missing you is like calling a bowl of cereal a glass of milk.

Missing you is like summoning all the fairies to bring me to Fern Gully.

Missing you is like shifting my favorites to PINK.

Missing you is like reading a novel and finishing it for a minute.

Missing you is like throwing my diary.

Missing you is like swimming in a mud.

Missing you is like mastering the Rubics Cube.

Missing you is like forgetting the meaning of "slaughter" in an English Dictionary.

Missing you is like entering into a disco bar.

Missing you is like drawing a beautiful caricature of Tweety.

Missing you is like adding eggplants to a fruit salad.

Missing you is like making an ice candy out of santol extracts.

See! Missing you made me write this. I've laid all the impossibles and it's up to you to discern how sincere this composition is. I miss you. Truly! :'(

Modern Dance Night

I and my TN colleagues decided to hasten the discussion in the meeting to watch the Modern Dance Competition. What happened was breath-taking and literally bone-breaking.

As usual, the gymnasium was jam-packed with spectators from the different colleges and supporters who are always ready for their banners and yells. On the other hand, we found a perfect spot to settle ourselves--on stage. Nine colleges and satellite campuses vied for the title. Unfortunately, I was not able to cheer for our college since there were no representatives. What I heard was that they did not have any budget for the said competition. Poor us!

Anyway, the stunts were nice. I saw how they made an effort in making their costumes and their props. I also know that they have spent sleepless nights for their choreography to be perfected. And though I am not born to be a dancer, I know it wasn't the best from them.

If I am one of the judges in that competition, I would really say these things. They lack energy (though they seemed so potent after they have distorted their faces and stuck their tongues in every cramping they did), creativity (though they tried to make it look attractive to the audience), and originality (it's pretty obvious some of the actions were from the dance team Poreotix and some hand movements from the famed Naruto).

The disturbing part was that some of the dancers did not land safely after executing dangerous back tumblings. Instead of landing on their feet, some landed on their shoulders, on their knees or on their backs. But they all seemed to be unaffected of those falls. Instead of acting morbid, they still was able to dance the rest of the steps and finish their numbers. (*a clap for them please*)

But it all ended well. Bayawan-Sta. Catalina Campus got the 4th place, followed by the College of Maritime Education on the 3rd spot, then by the College of Tourism and Hospitality Management on the 2nd spot, then the once defending champion College of Arts and Sciences as the 1st runner-up, which seemed to be hesitantly accepted by the group, and the new champion for this year which did not only get the biggest trophy but also took home the two minor awards--Best in Costume and Best in Choreography. Kudos to the College of Industrial Technology. (silingan na sa amung college..yehey!)

Cheering Squad - College of Education (S.Y. 2009-2010)

This is the video of last year's performance from the College of Education. They got the second place for this after the grand champion, the College of Arts and Sciences. :D

Go for Gold

"Aiming to win in a competition is a good thing. However, there would always be separate feelings between being a spectator as well as a supporter and being a participant yourself."

Inasmuch as I wanted our college to win in the Cheering Squad, I still cannot disregard the preparation of the other colleges. I know all of us are aiming to win, considering the many tedious mornings and afternoons spent just for the routines to be mastered, to the point of making it a natural rhythm already. I know it wasn't only our college who thought Cheering Squad is only simple and easy to memorize yet realized that one needs to have the talent, patience, persistence, and discipline in order to attain that level of perfection. And that level of perfection, as far as the performances I saw last year and the videos I reviewed on YouTube are concerned, has not been reached yet. There would always be glitches, late turns, mistaken actions, wrong alignments, defective props, and distractive audience boos. Nobody seemed to care anyhow. What they wanted are the energetic yells from their colleges and the not-so-obvious-they-committed-a-mistake-on-that-part routine. I know how often other squad members are scolded by their instructors for misbehavior and slow memorization of the actions. I know how, at the end of the day, they all look flustered, livid and weak, just as how Death Eaters suck good memories out of their preys. I know how intimidated yet challenged they are upon hearing comparisons between their performance during practices and other colleges'; so similar to how we felt the moment we heard that other squad teams are doing well while we are still having a hard time moving our heads from one direction to the other together and struggling to maintain power and persistence from the beginning to the end. I know, right? :D

I tried to calm down during our rehearsal but as the time slowly consumed our moments of rest on the bleachers, my heart began to thump. Fifteen minutes of executing the entrance formation, the marching synchronization, and the exit seemed very small for us to make it errorless. And though many were watching coming from other colleges and squad teams, we still managed to get applauses from them. Maybe it was some sort of discrimination for not having a smooth-flowing entrance and exit, or perhaps an encouragement, that although we had countless mistakes during the rehearsal, we still kept our smiling attitude apparent to the crowd, or maybe, just maybe, we really have shown our edge already to them.

This isn't bragging. This isn't saying that we will defeat the defending champion, College of Arts and Sciences, or the potent College of Tourism and Hospitality Management. They are good, many said, far better than our performance and power. I even have reservations on how our ending would turn out with those unsatisfying and damaged-na-wa-pa-gane-competition "seedlings."But many are saying, " Stay strong. Stay positive. Kaya nato ni."

We only have a few more hours before the big body painting day and competition gala. We still have one more final practice session. We still have a few more moments of bonding as a Teacher team. And if it would mean win or lose at the end, no amount of trophies or plaques or cash prices could surpass the experience of getting nervous and yelling for five minutes with synchronization and beauty to a large bunch of judgmental crowd.  

A Testimony From a Fighter

With God, all things are possible. 

This morning, while preparing myself for the Sunday service, I cannot avoid myself from anticipating to see a sister in Christ who has missed fellowshipping with us for quite a long time now.

A couple of months ago, she has been feeling random headaches and nosebleeds that disturbed her pretty well. With that, she has to stay home, tolerate the pain, and even miss Sunday services. She then decided to see a doctor for possible complications. To her terror, she found out that she has a brain tumor and that it has been growing ceaselessly. The doctor told her to have it removed or else her head would pop and bigger problems might occur later on.

The discovery itself was a big problem for after several check-ups and C.T. scans, she was given two tough choices -- to have it operated and lose her memory for good or to let it grow and wait for her time to arrive. 

She sought for her pastor's advise and was offered prayers by all the church members. At first, she decided to try to go natural and slashed meat and hard foods from her diet. However, as time went by, the pain persisted and she has to return to that tough decision that she has to make.

She finally made a great leap of faith. She told the congregation in the church that she is attending that she has decided to have her head operated. She was so willing to go for it, and was hopeful that it would be the solution to her problem. I can see the conviction in her eyes that day. She was still smiling when she shared it to all of us. She seemed not to be affected for, according to her, she has a strong faith in God and that if ever He will allow her to lose her memory, then she knows that her kids and her husband is in good hands.

She was operated in Cebu and we prayed without ceasing for her recovery. She wasn't afraid of anything at all, well except perhaps the hospital bills. This was evident in her face moments before her operation started. The doctors were even surprised with the high spirits she has been exhibiting all throughout her existence in that hospital. She seemed not to have any ailments at all.

The operation lasted for four hours. Then, her daughter called up our pastor saying that she had undergone a successful procedure. Our main concern yet was her memory. Did she lose it? Would she remember she has three kids and a hopeful husband abroad? Would she even remember her name? Questions ran through my head. What might happen next?

To make it short, she has come home after months of confinement and has attended the Sunday service again. But she has to return to Cebu for more radiation therapies. Well, she did not lose her memory, if that was what you think. Another answered prayer once again.

On her testimony before the worship service this morning, she said that she was never afraid of what the surgeon did to her. She knew that if the Lord will allow her to be gone for good in this mundane earth, she will be with her Heavenly Father, enjoying an eternal life in that place He solely prepared for all of them who believed in Him. She has even managed to make a joke out of it. "May pay nalimot na lang gani ko para wala na koy problemahon." Then, her eyes turned watery. A smile followed.

There, I realized how God gave her that second life she requested. And not only that. He gave her a firm spirit through that tough time. He knew she could make it because He promised not to leave her nor forsake her. She already has this assurance on where to go after Death will eat her up. The scars on her head are still there but the stitches are slowly healing. It really made a mark on her skull and she has to have her hair cut. But now, she's as normal as she looks with those jovial smiles and words of inspiration for all of us.

"We will all die but the extension of our life is always a great blessing."

Not All First Impressions Last

Some of them would only last for a minute or so.

I was riding a jeepney to school one Thursday morning and I was not in the mood to mind the people around me. However, one guy caught my attention -- not him really, but the shirt he was wearing. You see, I have this attitude of reading t-shirt prints especially when it is embossed in a colorful manner.

Anyway, he sat across my seat and what made me react silently was the "No guts, no glory" cliche on the upper portion of his shirt. Then, I stealthily inspected the logo below it. It was already a blur on my mind but I think it was of a lion or an eagle of some kind. On the lowest portion was an unclear print yet I was able to read it -- Kappa Alpha. I immediately concluded that he was a fraternity member. I glanced at his face. He looked intrepid and silent. But I know that he is hiding something from within his face that made him a member of that certain brotherhood.

After making that concluding statement, I shifted to watching the views outside. Moments later, however, my eye redirected me to that shirt. I reread the print. To my surprise, the message below was not the same message that I read earlier. Now, it was "CVIRAA Meet 2010." I don't know if I will still believe what I just saw but it was really it. I tried to stop smiling and moved my lips in an ostentatious manner so that no one would think that I have gone crazy for laughing without a reason.

My intrepid impression of him lasted for almost ten minutes. This time, I would be cautious in reading things and putting conclusions in them. Maybe my eyes have defect already or maybe I was just preoccupied by something. I don't know. What I know is that I read it wrongly and I would try my best not to do it again.
*smirk*

In Christ Alone

Be strong and take courage!

Two in one. My frustrations came in uninvited and I cannot just shoo them away. I have to face them or else I would crash. I have to deal with these things for I know I can do this. I have SOMEONE who can help me. All I need to do is call on HIS name. They might seem minor bitterness but if I worry much about them, they become major ones. Worrying so much won't give me any good so I'd better not. I have to proceed, correct the mistakes that I did, try not to do them again, and lean on the only SOLID ROCK for strength and protection. I mustn't give up, for in CHRIST alone, have found my strength. ♥

God Moves in Mysterious Ways

I have been praying for this thing for quite some time already. This is one of the things that my family is scarce of but never was deprived of. As I said my morning prayer, I humbly asked God to provide the enough amount for my tuition fee. I will never be able to enroll without it. After saying amen and jumping out of bed, I heard my father ask, "Nya  naka-pray naka para pang tuition nimu?" He got a positive answer from me. Well I guess something's coming. 

He then said, "Aw mag prepare ka na eh kay may-ara to karun ma-abot. Hulata lang mag-9." My heart sank into the deep corners of my abdomen. I can't believe God can answer a prayer as fast as that. Well, He just proved to me for a millionth time that nothing is impossible if I will just put my 101% faith in Him.

So there I was, very much pleased of what my day has come to. What I need now is a little bit more of patience and perseverance, perhaps an inspiration too, then I'm good as done. ♥

Boring!

During those boring days, I...

...slept.

...watched t.v. until every channel became dull in my senses.

...ate fried fish in the morning, noon and evening.

...fetched my brother from school and almost had an accident with that motorcycle of ours.

...slept again.

..watched t.v. again.

...enjoyed the three-day extension of TM Unlitext.

...anticipated for texters (and there definitely were, though it wasn't that exciting at all).

...tried to eat more bread than expected.

...reviewed my unfinished story at home and thought of when to finish writing it.

...spent an overnight in TN and watched Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (even tried to give the spoiler but nobody was interested...hihi)

...was also online the whole night.

...planned of making the pending articles kuya J requested.

...more of these on the next posts....God bless ♥

Korneee!

"kpaG aalis                                                       
ka                                                                                 
                                                                                                                      
sama mu ku
ha,

yuKo kC
mapalau saU.

pRo kung
pupunta
kNa
sa
tLagang
mhaL mu,

d na ko
saSama,

pRo pramiS
hahatId kita,

kHit pagbaLik
ko,

aKo na laNg mag-isA..."

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

"hrAp 
magSabi 
ng 
soRry..

hRap mag sabi
ng kailangan
kIta..

pRo nalaMan ko,

pnkamAhirap paLang
saBihin ung...

etxT mo naMn
aQ...
mis n kiTa..pwede bAh?

Self-Enhancement Seminars Can Be So Self-Enhancing

I never expected to be in that seminar with my fellow scholars. I was invited but did not even had plans of going to the function hall to join the group. Unfortunately, a colleague of mine was the vice president of NSF (NORSU Scholars' Federation) and so I have to be there to show that I am cooperative. 

Thanks to Dr. Noel Yasi, who happened to be the Scholarship Coordinator of NORSU and the guest speaker of the event, I was able to jot down thought-provoking statements that made me nod my head every now and then. 

"It's not on the kind but on the manner it was given." He said this after he related a story about how he made an effort to look for a wonderful and expensive gift for his manita (a figurine, he specifically said) but ended up receiving a box of soap. He was hysteric and threw the soap away but the giver, upon seeing what was done to her gift, said, "Ayaw pud tawon ing-atua akong regalo nimu. I bought that with the last few cents of my allowance." Until now, he shared that he can never forget that incident. Who wouldn't be?

"A positive attitude is not a destination. It is a way of life."

"Our life is a reflection of our attitude."

"It's not on the event but on how you perceive the event." I remembered my P.E. when he mentioned this. Perhaps, it truly was my negative perception towards P.E. that made me hate it. But I won't change my mind. I still hate it. 

"When you think you'll lose, why join the race in the first place?" True. True. True. It would be better to be a quitter na lang. Magpuyo sa daplin. :0p

A Life Unexpected

I don't have to settle for mediocrity but if that is the only level I can afford, then why not try it? It won't kill a fly anyway.

This is the life I have -- silent, and oftentimes, filled with serendipitous moments. What a beauty, what an awesome life. Sometimes, I curse and ask why I have to pass hardships and loop holes. Why can't I just be happy everyday, worry-free? But that is not the life God wanted me to have. He wanted a challenge. He wanted to test me, not because He seeks for my destruction, but because He wanted me to be stronger and ready for the next round. He wanted me to cling on to Him no matter what.

I've always hated P.E. and now that it's over, I have nothing to worry anymore, except for my grade perhaps. This day is the start of our semestral break and though there are still things to do on the next few days, I am quiet sure I'm gonna be feeling alright during those days.

Though trying to forget the man whom I am obsessed with, my alter ego seems to find ways to get near him. Oh taray! And yes, I had those chances. Secret na namu tong Cheeno ug Tonio ug Liting. Hay! Kandila! 

This is life. This is where I am, and no matter what, I won't give up for God keeps me standin' and fightin'. ♥

Random Thoughts Part 5

Nothing on my mind. My mind is blank. Two editors asked me to do something -- an environmental trivia and an editorial, to be exact. And here I am, seated, doing nothing but wallow myself in emptiness. My head has nothing in it. I am having a hard time constructing creative sentences and ideas these times. Perhaps because it has been used up with the recent final examinations. I am so sorry if I have been a procrastinator but I just can't force myself to do something especially when I am not inspired to do so. I won't make new promises but I will try to finish both assignments before Sunday this week.


Goodbye Finals, hello retake. The examination in Trigonometry recently concluded and I am not sure if I got my answers right. I was unfortunately placed in front, so I never had a time to "volts in". Once outside, our classmates were very proud of saying that they have successfully answered everything because they did the "volts in". One even said that he filled his shoes with scratch papers and it's already irritating his feet. He was laughing when he shared that. Good thing for them. They were not discovered of their anomalies and they have given good answers on their papers. Well, cheating is an art but when discovered, becomes a crime. They have proven it.


Happy Birthday Nay! Today is her 42nd birthday. It never came into my mind to give her a present since I don't have a dummy to buy one but I know she knows her eldest daughter loves her so much. Happy munching Nay. I am looking forward to a dainty dinner tonight. (hehehe)


Friday Highlights. Students rejoice when Friday comes but I think this is not my time for that yet. I failed in my Jive performance and we have to do it again tomorrow. I still do not have a partner and I am hesitant to do the dance for I have forgotten the steps already. So help me God!

For so many times now, I will be going home late and it would mean catching a crowded bus. The worse thing is that I am wearing my uniform and I believe I have to be standing again for failing to find a seat and quick. I so hate that part. But I have to endure that episode just to reach home. Aja to me!

I Never Thought Of That

Amazing! He was able to give me the steps on how to get the principal and general values of the six identities. I hope he's going to get all the possible values of each identity, too. If ever you do not know the terms that I have been talking about, you can enroll at Math 112 Plane Trigonometry and experience its terrific contents-- completely destructing, incredibly head-busting, superbly terrorizing.


And within six minutes, he got all possible values -- but never gave me the answer, only hints. What I have to do now is solve the given problems. Though it meant a snack (which I freely offered), at least I have learned something this afternoon. No more popcorn tears. Yipee!


Thanks Ken! :)

How Much Do You Love Trigo?

If you ask me, I'd rather not tell. If you ask my father, he'd just smile. If you ask my mother, she'd giggle. If you ask our dog, you'd only get a bark. 

You want the truth? Here's the big and obvious one. I hate Trigonometry as much as I hate eating okra. I hate traffic, I hate P.E., I hate being late, I hate my skinny feature (but not to the extreme), I hate watching golf on t.v., I hate ostentators, and I hate TRIGONOMETRY. I don't blame the teacher for that but maybe, he gets a share of the blame. I am super dumb in Math but I think I can do solutions if provided with the following: a calculator, a ream of scratch papers, a box of pen, and an Albert Einstein brain. 

Too bad I am not like some of my classmates who keep on encouraging me to answer the activities because 'it's just easy'. Too bad they don't have a brain like mine for if they do, they would absolutely say that it's not worth to be a Math hater. I am trying to love it and even made efforts to learn more about it; I asked a friend to teach me calculate Inverse Functions and he has to adjust his schedule just for that tutorial. I also asked a couple of my TN colleagues to try to solve the given problems. I told our Math wizard that if ever I am not going to get out of the loop, I will just copy his work. Too bad! That's the only option I have left. 

God bless my final exam on TRIGONOMETRY. But please, not the retake! :'(

I-slow Mow

May mga taong sadyang ang bagal kung kumilos.

...ang bagal kumuha ng barya
...ang bagal mag-sukli
...ang bagal mag drive
...ang bagal mag parking
...ang bagal tumanggap ng bayad
...ANG BAGAL...

May mga tao rin namang gusto lang ng mabagal.


...mabagal na driver ng jeep
...mabagal na usad ng trapiko dahil nga mabagal ang mga driver
...mabagal na trapik-eyd na parang minorette kung makatayo sa gitna ng kalsada
...mabagal na konduktor na napaka tange kung maka kolekta ng pamasahe
...mabagal na pasahero na isang oras kung makababa sa sasakyan
...at mabagal na pasaherong isang araw maka-upo sa nais upuan
...ANG BAGAL...

May mga tao rin namang ewan ko lang kung kailan matutong magmadali. Kasi nga naman...

...ang bagal kung makagising
...ang bagal maligo
...ang bagal magbihis
...ang bagal mamalantsa
...ang bagal kumain
...ang bagal mag-toothbrush
...ang bagal mag-retouch sa salamin
...ang bagal maka suot ng sapatos
...ang bagal bigyan ng baon
...AYAN TULOY LAGING LATE SA P.E.

Pero gaano man kabagal ng buhay na ito, mayroon pa ring napakabilis.

...ang V-Hire na parang hindi takot sa disgrasya
...ang Chemistry teacher na parang puwet ng manok kung maka salita
...ang Filipino teacher na kung magbigay ng eksam ay parang genius lahat ng estudyante
...ang paglakad ni _______ na parang kidlat lang naman. Hindi ko na tuloy nasulyapan. :'(

...at ang panahon... 

...parang kailan lang nang ako ay tumatakbo papunta sa P.E. class ko;
at bukas, ganon na naman ang mangyayari

...parang kailan lang ng nagkaroon pa kami ng pictorial sa office;
at ngayon, nangangamote na ang pub dahil wala ng ka narsihang mangyayari

...parang kailan lang ng ako ay mag-aral para finals; at ngayon, finals na naman

...kaya nga naman, Make every moment worthwhile; every minute memorable; every second a blessing...

Sabi nga ni Stuart Little, "In every thick cloud is a silver lining. You just need to look for it and be patient."

Serendipity

We plan things before they happen because we think that is the best way for us to arrange future activities and tasks. What we do not know is that God has better plans for us -- plans that would somehow be surprising but of course, always worthwhile.

My EdTech activity was very much efforted but sad to know, I only got a small grade. I do not know what our teacher's standard was when she gave that kind of points to me but she just did it and I cannot dictate her for whatever decision she will make. I thought my misery would continue until the afternoon. Before I left for school, my father reprimanded me -- his usual morning routine -- for being late again. That happens almost everyday and I have been used to it though I am also trying to move a little faster than a snail.

That day, honestly, wasn't as good as it seems. The sky was dark, the clouds were thick enough to pour it's anger on me, and the school environment wasn't as inviting as other days. I haven't mastered my speech yet to be delivered that afternoon. I haven't made my assignment in Filipino and I do not know when I can have the time to make it. I haven't talked to my friend about her mother -- and I am sure she will be grief-stricken when she'll hear the news. I do not know what to do. And worst, I do not have plans in mind.

Come what may, I concluded. With crossed fingers, I decided to start moving and see to it that one event won't complicate another.

There I finally was, seated in front of about thirty people, clad in a black dress. I was trying to recall my piece while my seatmate tried to calm himself. We tried to talk to each other to lessen the uneasiness but the throb was still there.

I don't have to say what happened between those five minutes of forceful speech. I don't have to describe the blank emotions of the audience who tried to absorb every word I said. I don't have to tell you that I forgot my lines thrice and that I added my own lines after going blank with the second-to-the last paragraph of my speech. I don't have to remember it all. What I am thankful for is that our teacher was convinced with my projection and gave me a satisfactory grade.

More and more unexpected things have to come and I have to cross my fingers for more serendipitous discoveries.

More Elementary Bluffs (Taglish Version)

On the second day of my observation in South City Elementary School, a large slogan welcomed me and my colleague: Make every child a reader; and every reader a leader. For the second time,  I have been reminded of my elementary days again. I can relate some, especially those amusing ones.

It was recess time and was the best chance for the pupils to get out of their boring lives inside the classroom. It was their time to unleash the reserved hyperactiveness which has been trying to get out. Nag bell na si Tata! It's recess time.

Shoe coats. The main purpose of requiring pupils to wear shoe coats inside the classroom is to maintain the cleanliness of the floor. But would those shoe coats serve its purpose if they are still worn outside the classroom? Dahil lamang pagod na ang mga bata sa pag-remove ng kanilang shoe coat for recess, tatakbo na lang sila papuntang canteen ng naka-shoe coat. Oh diba asteeg! Yung iba, butas na, sinusuot pa. Props lang?!

Snack Attack. Sino ba naman ang makakalimot sa unending juice-in-plastics, bread-in-plastics, at spaghetti-in-plastics served sa mga canteens ng paaralan. May mga junkies na pinag-aawayan pa hanggang sa huling patak. Isa sa mga ayaw palampasin ng mga bata lalo na yung mga pinabayaan sa kusina ay ang spaghetti in a plastic. Here then are the four simple steps on how to eat spaghetti in a plastic:

• Step one -- Buksan ang plastic gamit ang matitigas mong ngipin.
• Step two -- Huwag gumamit ng kutsara o tinidor. Kainin mula sa plastic ang namumulang spag gaya ng paghigop ng ice water.
• Step three -- Iluwa ang nakaing plastic. Hindi yan ma-da digest ng sikmura mo.
• Step four -- Enjoy! 

Eaves dropping moments. Hindi naman yata kasalanan kung ibaling ko ang aking atensyon sa mga batang nakatayo sa labas ng kanilang classroom pagkatapos kong ma realize na boring palang mag-antay ng guro.

Scene 1 (grade 4 pupils sitting outside their classroom)

Boy 1: Maayo kaayo si Jam jam bay. Maayo kaayo brad. Tay ng iyang pinatiran. Maayo kaayo. (wisik wisik ang laway)

Boy 2: Grabeha kaayo bai. Kita gud ko ato. Tay lupig jud nuon iyang mga kontra. (astounded)

Boy 1: Maayo kaayo mu spike uy. Kita gud ko aning ni ulbo nang bola bai. Maayo jud.

Boy 3: (with sincerity) Naguba akong sapatos bai.

Scene 2

Teacher: Paminaw mo. Where is your test paper?

Pupil: Nawala ma'am.

Teacher: Okay. You pay for that. You are given free test papers then you will only lose it. Paminaw bah! Pangtadyakan tamu run.

Vocabulary. Sad to say though, even the teacher whom I thought was good enough in English communication cannot even pronounce well. These are some of the mispronounced words both from the teacher and the pupils. Ang tigas naman kasing mag-Ingles ng mga Pinoy! Kahit ako, ang hina...booo

1. causing -- pronounced "cowsing"

2. gymnasium -- pronounced "jeymnasium"

3. pronunciation -- pronounced "pronan-si-ey-sion"

4. correct -- pronounced "korik"

5. Aunt -- pronounced "Awnt"

6. Gaisano -- pronounced "Gaysano"

7. coach -- pronounced "cotch"

8. shows -- pronounced "shoes"

I am looking forward to more observations in the near episodes of our Field Study. As of the moment, I am busy enhancing my observational sheet so that our professor would be impressed by the out put that I am attempting to recreate. I will really miss those kids and the bullies and wits we all shared even for just two days. ♥

Elementary Bluffs

This is my second time to observe a classroom for our Field Study 2. I do not know if I am fortunate or unfortunate enough to be assigned in South City Elementary School but at least the principal there was hospitable to welcome us in.

I sat for two hours in a grade 5 classroom with almost 38 pupils and an English teacher who did not even care what kind of pronunciation her pupils will deliver. It was a little humorous to listen to their wrong dictions and pronunciations but the other side of me said that it should not be the proper way of dealing with little children. They should be taught of the right pronunciation and the correct construction of words at a young age for it will benefit them in the near future; well maybe unless the teacher herself does not know how to correct those mistakes.

Anyway, these are just three of the bluffs that I took down.

*Teacher: If it is a boy, you use the pronoun "he". If it is a girl, what do you use?
  Pupil: He...ay hish ma'am.

*theym -- a combination of the words they and them (oh diba unique?)

*Teacher: Di mo maulaw naa tay bisita? Gapakita ra gyud mu sa inyung pagka unsa?
  Pupils: Walay batasan.
  Teacher: Very good.

Nan! Asa ka mamulot ana?

A Very Worthless Creature

This is my 100th post! Yipee! But unfortunately, this will not be a jovial post.

Who would ever think that this will be a hell day? I did! I already knew, from yesterday, that this is my doomsday. I don't blame anyone for this failure for I created this myself. I am the failure. I am supposed to memorize those dance steps with mastery but nothing happened. I even got confused with the easiest -- line dance.

Today's our practicum and I never got excited. No matter how I prayed for guidance, everything that we practiced yesterday was already a blur. I never had a perfect performance, even once. Darn that P.E. Darn me! That mellow Korean music played inside the office triggered my tears to flow incessantly and I have to hide in the c.r. to dispose all those wastes.

I hate how dumb I am. I hate how ugly I am when I dance. I hate everything about me. I am a worthless mammal with nothing inside her but a backbone, and an ugly feature. Darn me!

I don't know how to get out of this failure but I think this is already part of me and I cannot remove it from my blood. No matter how others say that I am good at this and that, it won't change the fact that I am indeed a failure -- and will always be.  Darn me!

I just wish I could just afford to slit my wrist or hang myself, or shoot my head then I have done it already. I wish no one loves me so that I can end my life that easy. I wish committing suicide is not a sin. I wish God won't be very upset if I will stop breathing. I just wish! Then I could  have been gone for good now, away from this body and away from the world. I hate how I have to keep up with the standard of the world. But today, I have to say, I am worthless.

That One fateful Night

I decided to attend the meeting and help the rest of the staffers in the load that they're bringing. They are my family, second, to be exact and I have to be there to show that I care and to show that I am also worried just as how worried they are.

We were hoping for our leader to come. I asked my father to pray that he will have a change of heart and show up in the forum after missing two consecutive meetings. But he did not. Oh that fateful night!

Right after the meeting, it began to drizzle. I do not know if my father has arrived from home because he did not give me replies to my text messages. I saw him outside, waiting, and told the whole story. His face frowned in disbelief and I began to understand he also cared for us. Oh that fateful night!

Before we could escape from the borders of the city, my father told me that we had a flat tire. Wow! This has happened for the second time but this time, we tread a muddy, rocky road with teardrops pouring on our heads rather than on an asphalted one. Oh that fateful night!

We both walked 200 meters from the area where we had the flat and fortunately found a man whom we can inquire. "Asa ng duol nga bulkitan diri kuya?" I bravely asked. "Didto day. (pointing to the place where we were from) Patugbong ra mu paingon sa Sta. Monica day." What else can we do but walk again. Tatay pushed the motorcycle and finally found the bulkitan. We waited for a few minutes before it was totally fixed. Oh that fateful night!

Thank God we arrived home safe and sound; although I was trying to hold back the drowsiness while traveling, I was still thankful that we never met an accident along the way. Oh that fateful night!