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!)