ellipses

The Poet in Me

2009-06-10T16:22:00.002+08:00

The sole survivor

Ended up on this deserted place,
got no person and a place to go,
I feel alone,
haunted by misery,
thinking 'would I survive such a place?'
knowing, I'm the only survivor from that ruined race...

It's all our fault

I see how it fall,
But I've seen it on its glory,
I've seen how it was better,
Now, it's on its worst.

The step down

The little imp I have in me,
who bothers and lead me to sin,
now, I take the courage to put it down,
giving it a giant step,
to crush such foolishness and fore go the devilish me.

As I give this imp a crushing step,
I promise to crush the evil in me,
and now, I crush it,
to end the evil in me.

We all live there,
We all do,
some would care, some just don't
some would fight for it, but some let it die.

Now it dies, and so are we,
Lost on this vast galaxy,
we end up no place to go,
no to place to live,
now we are challenged to live on this,
how long are we going to take this?

It's all our fault,
our carelessness and less-concern,
on the mother who provided us much.
We became greedy and not-minded her need,
Now she takes revenge as she perish.
It's all our fault.

Isang Pagbati

2009-06-10T16:11:00.002+08:00

A tribute to our first year aspirants done by the prenovices

Sa inyong pagdating kami'y nayanig,
Pagkat magulo pa saan mang panig ng seminaryo,
Sa paglilinis kami'y lagari,
Walang patid na pag-iimis siyang aming gawi.

Ang inyong pagdating ay siyang aming batid,
Ligaya ay sa amin hatid,
O anong saya na kayo'y aming makita,
Sasalubungin na may ngiti sa mukha.

Sa inyong paglisan sa inyong tahanan,
Wag mangamba; ang luha'y punasan,
Pagkat ang pamilyang iniwan ay mapapalitan
ng mga taong kay Kristo'y may kapatiran.

Aming papawiin ang inyong lumbay,
Pagkat iyon kaibigan ang aming pakay,
Sa Canlubang bukas ang ating buhay,
Sabay-sabay tayong maglalakbay.

Ngayon kayo ay naririto,
Sa punlaang inyong ginusto,
Ang pananahan niyo rito sana ay lubos,
Oras dito ay walang paltos,
Sa mga gawaing makaDiyos.

Sa inyong pagdating ito ang aming pagbati,
Pagkat isang taon na naman ang napawi,
At bagong taon ay ating bubunuin,
Sa buhay na ibig nating tahakin,
Kasama si Maria na ating ina,
At si Don Bosco na ating ama.

Graduation Day

2009-04-01T10:47:00.001+08:00

Last Saturday, 26th of March, 2009, was a milestone - GRADUATION DAY {see news here}. After four years of painstaking study, I finally completed the course. Now it is time for the real world.

The theme of our graduation is "Believe in Greater Things". That means a lot, but the bottom line is that only ourselves can find out what those Greater Things are. God? Money? Family? It basically starts from the self. If we believe in ourselves, then we can step up to the challenge.

Some days before the day, I asked my friend Jerome about some inspiring thoughts. He gave some: "Never grow tired of dreaming. Cherish your relationships. Value your friendships." If you stop dreaming, you stop believing, then you lose hope. Don't stop believing in yourself.

I'll be gone for Canada soon. I would bring along my diploma and medal, but whether I like it or not, I would also bring along my permanent identification as a BOSCONIAN. Bosconians are called to be major protagonists of change in society, to be good and honest citizens, to be cheerful youth for youth. Most of all, Bosconians don't lose hope. They are born for greater things. We are born for greater things. Once a Bosconian, always a Bosconian.

message

2009-03-15T11:37:00.002+08:00

wow...! i'm impress pinagpapatulot n'yo parin pla 2!hehehe
kep it up dude!...

...persevere,

espicially kla aries, ker, chino, enzo, elijah, rondick, joseph, whil..hahahaha

joke3x

sympre s lahat! persevere....

ingatz

(masabing nkapagpost lng ng mesage!)

Little Sacrifices

2009-03-10T17:11:00.001+08:00

Setting: After relaxing in the High School Faculty room.

Aries: Ooh, that's enough. I have to get back to work. Maybe till next time. That'll be my penance.
Del: Hehe... Just like what Fr. Noel said. It goes something like this: If you renounce your pleasures little by little, you are conditioning yourself for bigger sacrifices.
Aries: Hmm... Yep.
Del: It's called delayed gratification.
Aries: Those are my little sacrifices. Though I don't feel like doing big penances, those are enough. But this thesis is my cross.

I realized that nothing comes easy in this world. Ad astra per aspera = To the stars through difficulty.

Pain

2009-03-03T12:27:00.000+08:00

My first entry to the Writer's Block group challenge, Challenge 57:

Pain

a burden for a heart that cries,
a broken love that never dies.
things that shouldn't be recalled,
ends up with miseries on it's toll.

broken heart's heavy package,
thing shouldn't be open for ages,
and be forgotten for ever,
and be left to the old man's chest.

but pain is a real hurt,
something that should not be talked about,
but will help you gain a lot,
and with it, lessons you'll learn.

At last...

2009-02-25T11:10:00.000+08:00

After a long time of prayer, discernment and consultations to my formators and other people who are involve in my formation, I have passed my application letter already, yesterday, during the commemoration mass of Mary Help of Christians. It was really an awaited experience for me, since I’m going to renew my commitment for this vocation, the journey I wish to take for the rest of my life.

As I reflect upon what happened yesterday, I know I was so nervous because of my decision. But I also felt happiness and contentment from within me, since that was what I really wanted to do and I expressed it through that letter. As I reminisced, I have written the draft of that letter for so many times and even up to the last day before the submission, I’m still doubtful of my decision, but I know I have the right one. As I pass that letter, yesterday, I’m still praying to God hoping that I’ve made the right decision and that decision would be in-line to His. Now, I’m praying and waiting for the result of it. Hope it’s good.

My name in signs

2009-02-19T17:17:00.000+08:00

Made with My Cool Signs.Net

Graduation Na Mga Guys!

2009-02-08T19:52:00.001+08:00

Hmmm... graduation is just around the corner. I hope that we could work together now it is the final stretch. Now is the time to ask ourselves, "DID WE DO OUR BEST?"

10 Things About Me Tag

2009-02-03T21:37:00.000+08:00

Good February Tuesday! I was tagged by Cindy some days ago when she commented on my MoymoyPalaboy post... Right, I think I should go off the record for this. Haha! I would have to post 9 things about me, and 1 "fictional" story. Well, I'm not giving any clues on which is true or not...

So, here it goes...

1. I was once a Salesian seminarian. People are still used to call me "brother Aries". I am too kind for the world outside, yet too liberal for the world within. What do you call that? Holy crap. LOL

2. Ripe for Valentine's day, I have a girlfriend. I would not disclose her name, but let us name her Marie. Here's the catch. Her father doesn't like her to have a boyfriend! Though Marie's mother is supportive of this relationship, her father does not approve of our relationship. So it is a secret from him. Please don't tell. LOL

3. With my bike, I have had plenty of close encounters with road accidents. Seriously. Drivers hate my type. Overtaking traffic without signalling, swerving, skitching... But heck I love biking.

4. I have Klepto-tendencies, though I never ever stole anything yet. Maybe I am just envious of other people's belongings, especially autos.

5. I AM 100% FILIPINO!!! Don't EVER forget that!!!

6. I have already circumnavigated the world by air - that was in 2001. From Manila to Hong Kong to Narita to Los Angeles to New York to Frankfurt to Singapore to Manila. And I like travelling to places here and there abroad.

7. I am careless with my belongings. For instance, In Baguio, I lost a cellphone - I think my pocket was picked or maybe it just fell from it. Who knows... SIGH

8. I am not very fluent in Filipino. I prefer speaking in English. (Pwede Taglish na lang??)

9. I am a Bosconian - A fruit of Don Bosco, chosen by Mama Mary like cloth for clothing for our Lord. Active yet holy, gwapo but humble, and a very good crammer.

10. Finally, cooking is one of my passions. Thanks to my experienced sensei, I gained enough confidence to burn the rice and overboil pasta.

I tag anyone who feels like sharing 10 things about himself or herself. Oh yeah, if you want to comment, do it peacefully. Or else. LOL

Spread The Love Giveaway

2009-02-02T19:35:00.000+08:00

February's up and here, and it is the "LOVE MONTH"! I can feel that my readers also love me too... mommyGen has invited me to join this contest, so I love her back by joining and spreading the word. Last time I joined, I won EC's and $'s. Gosh, speak of providence! LOL. 10 prizes are at stake, plus consolation prizes... Advanced Valentines day! Here is the site if you want to join: http://mommyko.com/2009/02/spread-love-giveaway-win-cash-ec-web.html, and the list of prizes:

Ist Prize: $30 + 20,500 EC

* Blog Hosting for 1 year - SEO Friendly Blog Directory
* Custom Banner Design - Buy Templates - worth $99
$10 + 500 EC - The Pride Of Hingotanan Bohol
$10 + 500 EC - Things I did Not Know Before
$10 + 500 EC - Unique Ideas For Your Beach Wedding
5000 EC - Whatever Comes To My Mind
2500 EC - Merydith's Place
4000 EC + 125x125 ad space for 1 month - Wonderful Things In Life
5000 EC + 125x125 ad space for 1 month - My Life's Adventure
2500 EC + 125x125 ad space for 1 year - Hidden Gems from Untold Treasures
3 PR4 backlink for 1 month plus 2 125x125 banner for 1 month - Online Games
* Nita's Random Thoughts
* Bohol Paradise

2nd Prize: $20 + 19,000 EC

* 20GB Web Hosting for 1 year plus 500EC - Glamorous-heart.info
* Custom Banner Design - Buy Templates - worth $99
$10 - Online Games
$5 + 1000 EC - Everything Under the Sun
$5 + 1000 EC - Opinion Pinoy
6000 EC - So Cute
3000 EC - The Holley Herald
1000 EC - Moolah Musings
5000 EC plus 125x125 ad space for 1 month - Show Me Your Interest **
1000 EC plus 125x125 ad space for 1 month - I Make Money Online
500 EC plus 125x125 ad space for 1 month - nameSherry
125x125 ad space for 1 month - Life's Journey
* Thomas Web Links
* Arts and Entertainment Center

3rd Prize: $15 + 14,000 EC

* Domain for 1 year - Life's Journey
* 1 Custom Logo Design from Logo Angel - worth $99
$5 + 500 EC - Spices of Life
$5 - Joro Livelihood
$5 - My Little Home
3000 EC - Unwakeable
2500 EC - History And Travel
2000 EC - Escape Games
1000 EC - Blessings and Beyond
1000 EC - Pink Thoughts
2000 EC plus 125x125 ad space for 1 month - e-Pamilya
1000 EC plus 125x125 ad space for 1 month - Bryan Karl
1000 EC plus 125x125 ad space for 1 month - PrettyStepDaughters
125x125 ad space for 1 month - The Designers Blog
* Thomas Travel Tales
* Great Finds and Deals

4rth Prize: $10 + 12,000 EC

* Domain for 1 year - Pinay Mommy Online
* Wordpress Template from Buy Templates - worth $60
$5 - Love in Distance
$5 + 1000 EC - Cooking's fun
2000 EC - Learn, Love, and Laugh Thru Blogging
2000 EC - A Moment To Exhale
2000 EC - Anything Goes
2000 EC - Digital Scrapbook Freebies
1000 EC - The Ruby Posts
500 EC plus 125x125 ad space for 1 month - Denise's Tips and More
1000 EC plus 125x125 ad space for 1 month - Blogs Contests
500 EC plus text links for 1 month - Chronic Chick Talk
125x125 ad space for 1 month - Love Is The Perfect Gift
* Batuananons
* (worth $10)PinayJadeDotCom

5TH Prize: $5 + 10,000 EC

* Wordpress Template from Buy Templates - worth $60
$5 - Wonderful Things In Life
2000 EC -My Online Paradise
2000 EC - Colorful World
2000 EC - Cyber-Pchi
1000 EC - Mommy Emotes
1000 EC plus 125x125 ad space for 1 month - Blessings In Life
1000 EC plus 125x125 ad space for 1 month - Jobs In Davao
1000 Ec plus 125x125 ad space for 1 month - Just A Personal Blog
125x125 ad space for 1 month - The Joy Of Life Forever
* Nita's Corner
* Onine Giveaway Contest Directory

6TH Prize: 9,000 EC

* Blog Makeover - The Designers Blog
3000 EC - LadyJava's Lounge
2000 Ec - Aha Mama!
1500 EC - Serradinho.com
1000 EC - IndoContest
500 EC - MOMMAWANNABE
500 EC plus 125x125 ad space for 1 month - Dashing Beauty
500 EC plus 125x125 ad space for 1 month - Kharlota dot Com
125x125 ad space for 1 month - The Fountain Of Happiness
* Healthy Living and Lifestyle
* PR1 Glamorous-heart.info

7TH Prize: 8,000 EC

* Header design - SimplyWP
1000 EC - i LUV Contests
1000 EC - Posh Thoughts
1000 EC - Mary Anne's Musing
1000 EC - The Designer Chic
1000 EC - Made To Worship
1000 EC - Blog Tips and Tools Kit
1000 EC - My Daily Discourse
500 EC plus 125x125 ad space for 1 month - Live Love Pink
500 EC plus 125x125 ad space for 1 month - Lovely Pink
125x125 ad space for 1 month - MeiYah's Random Thoughts
* CompTechGadgets.com

8TH Prize: 7,000 EC

* Body Butter (50ml) with free shipping - All Natural Cosmetics
1000 EC - Rapid Shoots
1000 EC - Multidimension
1000 EC - Pinoy Blogger in Singapore
1000 EC - Pinoy Showbiz and Hollywood News
1000 EC - Make Money Online With Makoy
1000 EC - Makoy Pinoy Blogger
500 EC plus 125x125 ad space for 1 month - Beauty Of Life
500 EC plus 125x125 ad space for 1 month - Starts At two
125x125 ad space for 1 month - A Message From My Heart
* Filipino Online Community

9TH Prize: 6,000 EC

* Blog makeover - Femikey Designs
1000 Ec - Honeysweet Learning Center
1000 EC - Vsk8shop
1000 EC - Empowered Mom
1000 EC - Just The Tip Of The Iceberg
1000 EC - My Rendezvous
500 EC plus 125x125 ad space for 1 month - Money Maker
500 EC plus 125x125 ad space for 1 month - Tere's World
125x125 ad space for 1 month - Pinaymama's Diary
* Erlinda's Wandering Thoughts

10TH Prize: 5,000 EC

1000 EC - Programming The Life
1000 EC - Guilty Pleasures
1000 EC - My Point Of View
1000 EC - Ivory Tasks
500 EC plus 125x125 ad space for 1 month - Shopping
500 EC plus 125x125 ad space for 1 month - iLUVcontest
125x125 ad worth $15 1 month - Blazing Minds
* Work At Home Jobs

Consolation Prizes:

1. 1,000 EC + ad space
500 EC - Twins Happpiness
500 EC - Love's Haven
125x125 ad space for 1 month - Another Contest

2. 1,000 EC + ad space
500 EC - Affiliatizer.com
500 EC - There Is Happiness
125x125 ad space for 1 month - Sherry Contest

3. 1,000 EC + ad space
500 EC - Scandals Prime dot COM
500 EC - Blogger Templates
125x125 ad space for 1 month - Sherry Rambling

4. 1,000 EC + ad space
500 EC - The Pinay Blogger
500 EC - Heart Random
125x125 ad space for 1 month - Also Mommy

5. 1,000 EC + ad space
500 EC - Crafty Pinay
500 EC - Musings of a Vicks Inhaling Man
125x125 ad space for 1 month - Simple Life, Simple Me

6. 1,000 EC + ad space
500 EC - Wiehanne Lounge
500 EC - Asks Ms Recipe
125x125 ad space for 1 month - I Love/Hate America

7. 800 EC + ad space
500 EC - Medan Daily
300 EC - Euroangel Graffiti
125x125 ad space for 1 month - Only In Silence

8. 600 EC + ad space
300 EC - Travel And Discover USA
300 EC - The World Wide We Addict
125x125 ad space for 1 month - Life Expressions

9. 300 EC + ad space
300 EC - My Daily Nourishment
125x125 ad space for 1 month - This Is So Me

10. 300 EC + ad space
300 EC - Travel And Explore Germany
125x125 ad space for 1 month - PhotoMIAHgraphy

SPECIAL PRIZES:
-> 1 book - My Funny Dad, Harry - Sherry Contest
-> Semi-solid light red toddler hat, fits approx 2t-4t - John Doro
-> 1 Bungalow Brand Dress worth $65 - size 6 - Wonderful Things In Life
-> 1 Ashley Judd Bingo Shoes worth $40 - size 8.5 - My Life's Adventure
-> 1 Web color Expert Book worth 19.95 - The Joy Of Life Forever
-> 1 Web animation Expert book worth $24.95 - The Fountain Of Happiness
-> 1 God's Promises for Your Every Need Book worth $14.99 - A Message Of My Heart
-> 3 Sets of blank note cards - Love Is A Perfect Gift
-> 1 Hanes long sleeve crew neck solid color pink - Life's Journey
-> Mary Kay products worth $25 (perfume) - Filipina Stories
s. Gosh, speak of providence! LOL. 10 prizes are at stake, plus consolation prizes... Advanced Valentines day! BTW, here is the list of prizes:

Ist Prize: $30 + 20,500 EC

* Blog Hosting for 1 year - SEO Friendly Blog Directory
* Custom Banner Design - Buy Templates - worth $99
$10 + 500 EC - The Pride Of Hingotanan Bohol
$10 + 500 EC - Things I did Not Know Before
$10 + 500 EC - Unique Ideas For Your Beach Wedding
5000 EC - Whatever Comes To My Mind
2500 EC - Merydith's Place
4000 EC + 125x125 ad space for 1 month - Wonderful Things In Life
5000 EC + 125x125 ad space for 1 month - My Life's Adventure
2500 EC + 125x125 ad space for 1 year - Hidden Gems from Untold Treasures
3 PR4 backlink for 1 month plus 2 125x125 banner for 1 month - Online Games
* Nita's Random Thoughts
* Bohol Paradise

2nd Prize: $20 + 19,000 EC

* 20GB Web Hosting for 1 year plus 500EC - Glamorous-heart.info
* Custom Banner Design - Buy Templates - worth $99
$10 - Online Games
$5 + 1000 EC - Everything Under the Sun
$5 + 1000 EC - Opinion Pinoy
6000 EC - So Cute
3000 EC - The Holley Herald
1000 EC - Moolah Musings
5000 EC plus 125x125 ad space for 1 month - Show Me Your Interest **
1000 EC plus 125x125 ad space for 1 month - I Make Money Online
500 EC plus 125x125 ad space for 1 month - nameSherry
125x125 ad space for 1 month - Life's Journey
* Thomas Web Links
* Arts and Entertainment Center

3rd Prize: $15 + 14,000 EC

* Domain for 1 year - Life's Journey
* 1 Custom Logo Design from Logo Angel - worth $99
$5 + 500 EC - Spices of Life
$5 - Joro Livelihood
$5 - My Little Home
3000 EC - Unwakeable
2500 EC - History And Travel
2000 EC - Escape Games
1000 EC - Blessings and Beyond
1000 EC - Pink Thoughts
2000 EC plus 125x125 ad space for 1 month - e-Pamilya
1000 EC plus 125x125 ad space for 1 month - Bryan Karl
1000 EC plus 125x125 ad space for 1 month - PrettyStepDaughters
125x125 ad space for 1 month - The Designers Blog
* Thomas Travel Tales
* Great Finds and Deals

4rth Prize: $10 + 12,000 EC

* Domain for 1 year - Pinay Mommy Online
* Wordpress Template from Buy Templates - worth $60
$5 - Love in Distance
$5 + 1000 EC - Cooking's fun
2000 EC - Learn, Love, and Laugh Thru Blogging
2000 EC - A Moment To Exhale
2000 EC - Anything Goes
2000 EC - Digital Scrapbook Freebies
1000 EC - The Ruby Posts
500 EC plus 125x125 ad space for 1 month - Denise's Tips and More
1000 EC plus 125x125 ad space for 1 month - Blogs Contests
500 EC plus text links for 1 month - Chronic Chick Talk
125x125 ad space for 1 month - Love Is The Perfect Gift
* Batuananons
* (worth $10)PinayJadeDotCom

5TH Prize: $5 + 10,000 EC

* Wordpress Template from Buy Templates - worth $60
$5 - Wonderful Things In Life
2000 EC -My Online Paradise
2000 EC - Colorful World
2000 EC - Cyber-Pchi
1000 EC - Mommy Emotes
1000 EC plus 125x125 ad space for 1 month - Blessings In Life
1000 EC plus 125x125 ad space for 1 month - Jobs In Davao
1000 Ec plus 125x125 ad space for 1 month - Just A Personal Blog
125x125 ad space for 1 month - The Joy Of Life Forever
* Nita's Corner
* Onine Giveaway Contest Directory

6TH Prize: 9,000 EC

* Blog Makeover - The Designers Blog
3000 EC - LadyJava's Lounge
2000 Ec - Aha Mama!
1500 EC - Serradinho.com
1000 EC - IndoContest
500 EC - MOMMAWANNABE
500 EC plus 125x125 ad space for 1 month - Dashing Beauty
500 EC plus 125x125 ad space for 1 month - Kharlota dot Com
125x125 ad space for 1 month - The Fountain Of Happiness
* Healthy Living and Lifestyle
* PR1 Glamorous-heart.info

7TH Prize: 8,000 EC

* Header design - SimplyWP
1000 EC - i LUV Contests
1000 EC - Posh Thoughts
1000 EC - Mary Anne's Musing
1000 EC - The Designer Chic
1000 EC - Made To Worship
1000 EC - Blog Tips and Tools Kit
1000 EC - My Daily Discourse
500 EC plus 125x125 ad space for 1 month - Live Love Pink
500 EC plus 125x125 ad space for 1 month - Lovely Pink
125x125 ad space for 1 month - MeiYah's Random Thoughts
* CompTechGadgets.com

8TH Prize: 7,000 EC

* Body Butter (50ml) with free shipping - All Natural Cosmetics
1000 EC - Rapid Shoots
1000 EC - Multidimension
1000 EC - Pinoy Blogger in Singapore
1000 EC - Pinoy Showbiz and Hollywood News
1000 EC - Make Money Online With Makoy
1000 EC - Makoy Pinoy Blogger
500 EC plus 125x125 ad space for 1 month - Beauty Of Life
500 EC plus 125x125 ad space for 1 month - Starts At two
125x125 ad space for 1 month - A Message From My Heart
* Filipino Online Community

9TH Prize: 6,000 EC

* Blog makeover - Femikey Designs
1000 Ec - Honeysweet Learning Center
1000 EC - Vsk8shop
1000 EC - Empowered Mom
1000 EC - Just The Tip Of The Iceberg
1000 EC - My Rendezvous
500 EC plus 125x125 ad space for 1 month - Money Maker
500 EC plus 125x125 ad space for 1 month - Tere's World
125x125 ad space for 1 month - Pinaymama's Diary
* Erlinda's Wandering Thoughts

10TH Prize: 5,000 EC

1000 EC - Programming The Life
1000 EC - Guilty Pleasures
1000 EC - My Point Of View
1000 EC - Ivory Tasks
500 EC plus 125x125 ad space for 1 month - Shopping
500 EC plus 125x125 ad space for 1 month - iLUVcontest
125x125 ad worth $15 1 month - Blazing Minds
* Work At Home Jobs

Consolation Prizes:

1. 1,000 EC + ad space
500 EC - Twins Happpiness
500 EC - Love's Haven
125x125 ad space for 1 month - Another Contest

2. 1,000 EC + ad space
500 EC - Affiliatizer.com
500 EC - There Is Happiness
125x125 ad space for 1 month - Sherry Contest

3. 1,000 EC + ad space
500 EC - Scandals Prime dot COM
500 EC - Blogger Templates
125x125 ad space for 1 month - Sherry Rambling

4. 1,000 EC + ad space
500 EC - The Pinay Blogger
500 EC - Heart Random
125x125 ad space for 1 month - Also Mommy

5. 1,000 EC + ad space
500 EC - Crafty Pinay
500 EC - Musings of a Vicks Inhaling Man
125x125 ad space for 1 month - Simple Life, Simple Me

6. 1,000 EC + ad space
500 EC - Wiehanne Lounge
500 EC - Asks Ms Recipe
125x125 ad space for 1 month - I Love/Hate America

7. 800 EC + ad space
500 EC - Medan Daily
300 EC - Euroangel Graffiti
125x125 ad space for 1 month - Only In Silence

8. 600 EC + ad space
300 EC - Travel And Discover USA
300 EC - The World Wide We Addict
125x125 ad space for 1 month - Life Expressions

9. 300 EC + ad space
300 EC - My Daily Nourishment
125x125 ad space for 1 month - This Is So Me

10. 300 EC + ad space
300 EC - Travel And Explore Germany
125x125 ad space for 1 month - PhotoMIAHgraphy

SPECIAL PRIZES:
-> 1 book - My Funny Dad, Harry - Sherry Contest
-> Semi-solid light red toddler hat, fits approx 2t-4t - John Doro
-> 1 Bungalow Brand Dress worth $65 - size 6 - Wonderful Things In Life
-> 1 Ashley Judd Bingo Shoes worth $40 - size 8.5 - My Life's Adventure
-> 1 Web color Expert Book worth 19.95 - The Joy Of Life Forever
-> 1 Web animation Expert book worth $24.95 - The Fountain Of Happiness
-> 1 God's Promises for Your Every Need Book worth $14.99 - A Message Of My Heart
-> 3 Sets of blank note cards - Love Is A Perfect Gift
-> 1 Hanes long sleeve crew neck solid color pink - Life's Journey
-> Mary Kay products worth $25 (perfume) - Filipina Stories

Urbandub LIVE at Don Bosco Canlubang

2009-01-22T09:44:00.000+08:00

Watch Urbandub LIVE at the Don Bosco Canlubang Gymnasium on January 31, 2009, 6:30 PM!
Or watch the live stream here in this website!
For ticket reservations, please email me at xanderrootbeer@gmail.com.
For details, visit http://nuv.dbcanlubang.info/

Other Attractions and Events:

or visit http://dbcanlubang.info/ for more details

My Christmas Message

2008-12-18T10:38:00.000+08:00

Let this be my message to all of you, my friends:

"THIS CHRISTMAS WE SHARED A LOT OF GIFTS WE DIDN'T NOTICE THAT WE WERE ABLE TO SHARE TO OTHER PEOPLE, JUST LIKE HOW OUR GOOD LORD SHARED HIS GREATEST GIFT TO US - JESUS."

THANK YOU FOR SHARING TO ME THE GIFT. MAY YOU AND YOUR FAMILY HAVE A JOYOUS CHRISTMAS AND A FRUITFUL NEW YEAR!

Without A Compass

2008-10-16T16:32:00.003+08:00

by Aries Arevalo

Wandering across the desert

of time and space, collapsed

but still resurging to find

much greener pastures, perhaps

But I recall those recent

memories falling out from you

a broken pact of friendship

resembling nothing we knew.

Left you behind, far away.

Drifting leaves from the tree

flitter down under the sun,

its end is to make flee.

Sailing, sailing to no end

the endless sea it seems

joyful waves lapping the rigs

drown the broken dreams.

Without a compass to follow

with only instinct and the heart.

To enjoy the sights and sounds

and from passers-by, to depart.

Traveler's Life

2008-10-11T23:07:00.000+08:00

TRAVELER. adventurer, commuter, explorer, globetrotter, goer, hobo, itinerant, nomad, passenger, peregrinator, pilgrim, rambler, salesperson, sightseer, tourist, tramp, vagabond, viator, voyager, wanderer, wayfarer.

This is who I am, a goer, nomad, rambler, globetrotter. Oh yes. I was born in Hong Kong, but even there, our family was nomadic. We were finding the right place for us where we could survive. That is why I don't have any 'kababata' or childhood friends... because we were always on the move. I had friends, but afterwards when our family left for this blessed country of the Philippines, I would never see my friends ever again...

It has been 12 years since we arrived from Hong Kong. This time, we haven't changed residence. But in my case, I grew up a traveler, and I carried the traits and characteristics of a traveler. Right after graduation from elementary, I faced a new life in Don Bosco Mandaluyong, forgetting the old bonds. And likewise, after graduation from Don Bosco Mandaluyong, I entered the seminary, and I forced a communication cut-off from my friends from of old, and lived in the present. Just a few months ago, packed my bags once more and stepped outside the walls of the convent to live a new life Although I did not dig a deep trench yet between me and the seminarians, I wager that division would be bound to happen sooner or later.

I have just recently made up my mind to sever my intimate ties with some people... I want to forget those times of togetherness, because it would pain me and pull me back from growing if I don't.

In a few months time, we will be on the move again... to Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The cue will be my graduation, and soon enough, I will never see my college friends ever again. This is the life of a traveler. Don't cry for me if you never see me again, because I won't cry for you, nor would I come back for you.

NO TO DEATH!

2008-10-07T17:57:00.000+08:00

I just received an update from my 4th Asian Youth Day 2006 Yahoo Groups account. It's from Bishop Bong Baylon of Masbate.

The Update

I signed!

I signed!

1437 others did the same. Do you have the same stand? Let it be counted. Let our voices be united.

Click on the image above to read the petition. The link/url redirects to this site. Share this to everyone. Spread the word. Feel free to REMIX+ATTRIBUTE+SHARE-ALIKE(CC).

Life is a Cycle

2008-08-14T14:03:00.000+08:00

People come, people go.

Lolo Delfin had just died yesterday, it came as a sudden shock. During choir practice yesterday evening, I received a text message from mom saying that her father (Lolo - Tagalog term for grandfather) was in a coma. I prayed silently, hoping that he'll be alright, like what happened in his minor stroke and rheumatism attacks. But this time, he did not get well, and that evening, mom called... crying. I was stunned by her words, "Your lolo is gone."

Reality bites. Yes, people come, people go. The cycle of life is cruel. People really have to die. I am not hurt by death because I know of the infinite mercy of God who saves and consoles. But I am hurt when people close to me are hurt by the loss... Like my mother. Her sobs draws tears from my eyes, and her shaky voice rends my heart.

Though no matter what happens, I don't want to be sad. I don't want to just believe in the notion that death is the end. I want to believe that death is a passing on - to a new life

ANNOUNCEMENT

2008-08-14T13:52:00.000+08:00

happy birthday, clemens!

WE NEED MORE GENEROUS PEOPLE IN THIS COUNTRY

2008-08-09T08:55:00.001+08:00

After three months already outside the seminary walls, I have been exposed to the real world as it is: THERE ARE POOR PEOPLE. Call me a socialist or a communist, but woe to the selfish captalists of the country! However, I would like to share a thought that the classes would still exist - the rich, the bourgeousie, and the proletariats. That makes me a non-communist. But I beg that the division between the poor and the rich be lessened - so that the poor would be able to enjoy life.

Here are some thoughts of mine:

Premise # 1 - The right to have possessions vs. social responsibility

Let's put it this way. Everybody, rich and poor alike, has the right to possess property. However, everybody is responsible for the well-being of the common good. We are responsible for each other. Everyone can be rich if the very rich would share to those who are poor. Premise # 2 - Short term benefits vs. long term benefits

There is a problem with charitable institutions of this time. These institutions have been giving mere dole-outs. Dole-outs are only good as long as it is taken for satisfaction of needs, then once it is consumed, people would have to find ways again to satisfy their needs. Thus we need longer-term benefits: give him a fish, and he will live for another day, teach him how to fish, and he will live for years. But of course, if the need is immediate, generosity is required from kind-hearted people to give.

Thus here, in my opinion, is the formula for success: Have the rich Filipino people provide jobs for the poor Filipino people (note the word FILIPINO). By this way, talents of the Philippines would not be discouraged to work here and go abroad, but instead stay in the Philippines to serve the country.

The call of God is this: to love one another. We need more generous people in this country.

Biblical Emo

2008-05-12T13:58:00.002+08:00

I've been reading the Bible recently more so that I could find some inspiration and encouragement.

The book of Job tells a literary piece of a wealthy and blessed man, but the devil attacked him by taking away all his possessions, and putting nasty boils over his body. As a result, Job took this as a punishment from God. His emotions pushed him to look at the bad things that happened to him, to doubt God's love, and to even crave for his demise. He even cursed the day he was born!

Says Job (23:8-9,13-16):

If I go to the east, he is not there;
or to the west, I still cannot see him.
If I seek him in the north, he is not to be found,
invisible as ever, if I turn to the south. (...)

But once he has made up his mind, who can change it?
He carries out whatever he plans.
There is no doubt that he will carry out my sentence,
like so many other decrees he has made.
Tjat is why I am full of fear before him.
The more I think, the more afraid I become.
God has made me lose my courage.

God replied (38:2-5,12-13,16-17):

Who is this man who conceals my purposes
with his ignorant words?
Brace yourself like a fighter;
I am going to ask the questions and you are to inform me!
Where were you when I laid the earth's foundations?
Tell me, since you are so well-informed!
Who decided its dimensions, do you know?
Or who stretched the measuring line across it (...)
Have you ever in your life given orders to the morning
or sent the dawn to its pots,
to grasp the earth by its edges
and shake the wicked out of it? (...)
Have you been right down to the sources of the sea
and walked about at the bottom of the Abyss?
Have you been shown the gates of Death,
have you seen the door-keepers of the Shadow dark of death?

You see, Job was acting self-righteous. He was dictating what God should do - to take away his life. But actually, God did not put him down, but allowed him to be put down by the Devil, because God had a purpose in mind. God did not will Job's death. Neither does God will death to anyone. Because of that, nobody has the right to take his own life.

Job eventually learned true wisdom which included humility and piety - to see things beyond the event, TO SEE THINGS NOT AS MAN SEES IT, BUT AS GOD SEES IT.

emo image from steewen1
job image from wikimedia

Couplets

2008-04-18T17:12:00.000+08:00

I made these little poems known as couplets. FYI: A couplet is a pair of lines of verse. It consists of two lines that usually rhyme and have the same meter.(retreived from wikipedia.org).

"You're the most beautiful girl that I see,
and loving you is such a fantasy."

"You're young and sweet,
but I'll never give you any treat."

"A bunch of love I gave to you,
and you gave me more than I do."

"We never thought of loving one another,
but that's happening on us, together."

"Yes, I said, 'I love you',
but did I say, 'I will marry you?"

Badly in love

2008-04-18T03:48:00.001+08:00

I’m badly in love right now. With whom? Sorry, it’s not with a person, but rather with what. Right now, I say that I am badly in love with writing. Yes! I am badly in love with writing, for this hobby of mine is transformed into a passion.

Before, writing, for me was just a simple compliance to some requirements given by our teachers for some particular subjects, such as Filipino and English. It was a task that I should do in order to pass the subject. But time passed, and from compliance, it developed into a hobby. Writing became my simple manner to express myself, to have such thoughts of mine be a work of art and be persevered for life.

As I recall, I started writing in our native language, Filipino. I began with poems; free verse or haiku. Then poems became essays, and all the more, stories. But, all of it was in the context of compliance to the requirements and assignments for some subject matters. I still remember that when I’m done with one, I’ll read it to my self and submit it. But, it does not give me any contentment. Then, without the idea of writing for compliance, I made one for my self, with our language, and when I was done with it, I read it by myself. That time, I felt fulfillment and contentment from within me, brought by this work of mine. Then, I continued writing in our language, and soon on our secondary language, English. I realized that there is much more to develop in myself, in terms of the skill, I still have to do more. So, I hone the skill, not contented with what I am right now, I continue to write, ask the help of others, mostly their comment and corrections on my work, and re-write my work . It is then that this hobby of writing becomes a passion with in me. I realized it when there came some time that thoughts stream through my mind, when hunger for paper and pen came and the desire to have those thoughts preserved for eternity also follows.

As this passion grows, the love and desire to develop myself also grows and I promise to myself that I will write, and will always write to express what’s within me.

Issue on Link Chains

2008-04-15T11:29:00.001+08:00

excerpt:

... Search engines will block sites that have the following criteria...

Read full article

Just like Superman...

2008-04-13T10:41:00.000+08:00

I just thought of this saying, the idea came from the film Superman Returns. Here it is,

"I can not fly, nor halt a running train or a bullet, but just like Superman, "I'm always around."

On the verge of letting go…

2008-04-01T04:58:00.000+08:00

I’m really not in good shape these days. I feel lost, exhausted, drained. I’m really having trouble within me… to the point of letting go – letting go of this precious gift that I’ve treasured for the past three years. I badly wanted to leave and face that great world outside these walls, not knowing what awaits me there. I’m really discouraged these times that even the trust and confidence to myself I forgot. I’m really tired of having the same routine, even though that I know to myself that it will not make me happy, I still want to do it, but I want just to free myself from this place, where I could feel exhaustion and lost. I’m badly discouraged. I want to let go, let go and move away – from this place which is my last resort in having my self back to life again. I know that I must be strong, but how can I be if I cannot see any support from others, if I can’t feel Him, if I cannot feel any more of me. I’m really lost, discouraged and tired with these happenings right now.

Class Prophecy by Wilhelm L. Orozco

2008-03-19T10:42:00.001+08:00

Class Prophecy

Wilhelm L. Orozco

Dalawangput isang taon na ang nakalipas buhat ng magkahiwa-hiwalay ang labing-isang magigiting na mangdirigma. Itago natin sila sa mga pangalan Clemens, Del, Jerome, Aries, Enzo, Chino, Kerwin, Elijah, Joseph, Rondick at Whil.
Maraming taon na ang nakalipas at marami na ang nangyari na hindi mo mawari na malalampasan ng labing-isang mandirigmang ito. Matagal ng panahon ang nakalipas at kanya-kanyang buhay na ang ating mga bida sa kwentong ito.

Ay! Ikinalulungkot ko man sabihin pero kailangan, ammm! (Pause for a while) Ako nga pala ang isa sa mga bida sa kwentong ito. Ako si whil ang isa sa mga tinuturing na low profile ng batch kasi wala akong ibang kayang gawin kundi ang mga ito. Ammmm! Ako lang naman ang Bassist ng batch, football player, basketball pa, at volleyball na din, medyo magaling magswiming, ammm nagdradrawing din, guitarista pa at medyo may-alam magdrums at gwapo sabi ng mama ko, well yan lang naman at kung may gusto pa kayong ilagay sa low profile ko, huwag kayong mahiya o mag-atubiling ilagay sa space na ito. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Anyway, ako rin pala ay isang lalaki, so far normal naman ako at nagtratrabaho bilang isang tagapagsilbi sa palasyon ng aking Panginoon.

Nasa malayong lugar ako, sa Papua New Guinea (PNG), kasama ang mga taong nagpapasaya sa araw-araw kung anung buhay ang dapat tahakin.

Ngayon na kilala n’yo na ako ikwekwento ko naman ang naging buhay ng mga kasama ko noon – ang mga magigiting na mandirigma (cheeeh).

(1,2,3, silent in the set…action)

--=@=--

Naglalakad ako sa kalsada ng Papua at take note ang kalsada nila ay tiles na ngayon, ibang-iba na ito gaya ng dati, maraming mga high tech na kagamitan, tulad ng mga lumilipad na sasakyan at sa katunayan -1, 000^th world country na sila sa sobrang advance ng mga kagamitan nila at most powerful pa sa lahat ng bansa. Grabeee! ibang-iba sa kwento ni Fr. Noel noong seminarian pa lamang ako.

Lakad ng lakad, lingon ng lingon, lakad ng lakad “hay! nakakapagod” ang tanging wika ko. Napa-upo ako sa isang tabi at feeling ko nasa Rome ako dahil sa ganda ng view. Namahinga ako at pinagmasdan ang mga naggagandahang likha ng Panginoon, kung anu man yun! sekretong malufeeet na yun.

RINGGGGGGG “may tumawag” at agad kong kinuha ang phone ko

“yess!?” sabi ko sa kabilang linya, napatigil ako ng mahigit 1 secondo at pinagpatuloy ang nasa-isip ko sa pamamagitan ng mga katagang “teka, ammm! I know you” kilala ko ang boses niya.

“Aries is that you?” naks!

“Yup” sagot ni Aries, wow hindi ako nagkamali for the first time.

Nagkakumustahan kami sa phone at napag-alaman kong nasa Rome na pala siya. As usual nag-aaral siya at tinatapos niya ang 2^nd degree niya hindi sa pag-aaral kundi sa sunog, kasi nasunog daw siya sa isang bahay at di malaman ang kadahilanan, pero at the same time thesis na lang ang kailangan n’ya para sa kanyang 5^th Doctoral Degree sa larangan ng Edukasyon Ang dami-dami ng pinag-usapan naming, mga experience noong nasa Canlubang kami at iba pa. Ganado pa naman ako mag kwento ng biglang…

…tinkkkkk!

“naku na lowbat ako sayang! Asar!”

Nalowbat man ako pero masaya pa din ako kasi nakumusta ko ang isa sa mga kaibigan ko at masaya ako sa kanyang narating ngayon.

Sa pagpapahinga ko, bigla kong naisipan na bumili ng maganize. Medyo mahal kaya nagdalawang isip ako. Sa tapat ng tindahan, hinawakan ko ang magazine at nagglance-glance ako. Masama na ang tingin ng nagbibinta nito at ng hindi pa makatiis na-upo na sa tabi ko. Sa pagglance ko ng magazine, pumunta ako sa showbiz section na paborito kong basahin kahit noong seminarian pa lang ako.

“Wow! I know this person” nabiglang reaction ko

“Really?” singit na boses mula sa katabi ko

“Yes! Because he is my batchmate go back then in the Philippines”

Binasa ko ang section at nabigla ako ng malaman kong si joseph ang batchmate ko na taga Cebu ay makikipagdivorce na sa kayang asawang hollywood artist, dahil sa third party? Pero hindi rin ako maniniwala sa nabasa ko dahil showbiz lang naman ito...chika ba. Naghanap pa ako ng naghanap at napunta naman ako sa Sports section ng magazine

“Wow! I know this person” nabiglang reaction ko nanaman

“Really?” singit na boses mula sa katabi ko

“Yes! Because he is my batchmate go back then in the Philippines”

Binasa ko ang section at biglang napasigaw ng malaman kong si Rondick ang kababayan kong mula sa malayong lugar ng bicol the best at naging batchmate namin sa seminaryo sa loob ng anim na araw ay naging MVP ng NBA. Kina-usap ko ang magazine at itinuro sa malaking picture niya.

“I’m proud of you man” sabay napansin kong medyo hindi na masaya ang mukha ng katabi ko kaya tinanong ko siya

“Is there something wrong?”

“Yes!”

“What? Tell me?”

“The magazine”

“What about the magazine?”

Nag-amok ang mokong at kinuha na lamang ang hawak kong magazine at sabay putak… “If you want to read this, buy this!” sabay alis

“Thank you and I’m so sorry” napakaway at ngiti na lang ako

Umalis na ako sa lugar, kung saan ay nakaupo ako ng matagal at nagbasa ng magazine na libre. Umalis ako sa takot na baka bumalik ang nagbibinta ng magazine dahil sa asar nito.

Naglakad-lakad ako at tumingin-tingin muna sa paligid ng tindahan, at bigla kong maisipan na umalis patungo sa aking bahay. Nag-abang ako ng bus at ng may dumating na bus bigla akong sumakay. Manghang-manghang ako sa nakita ko, dahil pati sa dagat ay dumadaan ito. Sabi nga ng katabi kong foreigner “In Papua nothing is impossible”.

Nakauwi na ako sa itunuturing kong bahay. Pag-apak ko sa gate, biglang sumalubong ang mga kabataang naglalaro ng football kasama ang aking partner.

“Pre! Musta?”

“Ok lang tumawag pala sakin si Aries”

“oh! Talaga? Di ma-aari yun!”

“eh! Bakit naman?”

“Pius Exhortation yun”

“Ganun ba? Bahala ka nga sa buhay mo! Siya nga pala kumain kana?”

“tapos na! ikaw kain ka na pre”

Naglakad ako kasama siya at ibinalita ko din ang mga nabasa ko sa magazine tungkol sa ibang kabacthmate namin.

“naks! Achiever na talaga ang mga yun ha?”

“Well! Ganyan talaga ang buhay”

Ay! Nakalimutan ko… at kinalulungkot ko man sabihin, pero kailangan sabihin siya pala si Del partner ko sa Papua as of now. Kasama din pala namin sa Papua si Enzo at ang leader naming na si Clemens, pero nasa ibang bansa sila pareho para dumalo sa General Chapter Meeting.

RINGGGGG

“Pre! Sagutin mo naman yung telepono ohh!” wika ko kay Del

Pagkatapos kausapin ni Del ang taong being sa kabilang linya, sumigaw siya patungo sa direksyon ko “Pre! Si Clemens hanap ka!”

“Ok, paki hintay lang”

After ng limang Segundo

“Oh! Master, kumusta meeting?”

“Ok lang to’l”

“ganun? Si Enzo”

“Ok lang din kasama ang provincial ng Philippines north-west province”

“talaga? Ay matanong nga lang, sino na nga pala ang provincial ngayon ng Philippines north-west province?”

“ahhh, teka lang uhh? magbibilang muna ako ng kamay huh!? Ahhh..ayun! The one and only smile and love, si chino to’l!”

“huhhh!?” nabigla ako at napa-ubo, parang may bumarang kung anu sa aking lalamunan…whatta!

“Oo nga, ikaw para kang ano eh”

“Ok!fine, Regads mo nalang ako kay ngiti! Huh?”

“Ok sige, no problem”

“siya bye na kakain pa ako eh! Ingatz na lang mga pre!”

Matapos ang mahabang paguusap sa phone ipinagpatuloy ko na ang aking kinakain at pinagnilayan ko na si chino naging provincial? Eiwww!, pero of course proud ako sa kanya, kasi bagay naman sa kanya eh!

Matapos akong kumain ay binuksan ko agad ang T.V, nanood ako at inalok si Del na manood din. Palipat-lipat ng channel hanggang makarating sa MTv live.

“pre! Ano na kaya ang top 1 ngayon?”

“ano pa eh! Di pretty woman or my way”

“poink! Pusaaaaaaaaah! ang tagal na nun huhhh!”

Nagpatuloy kami sa panonood at nagulantang ng biglang……..(tadadadannnnnnn) Nagpupunas-punas ng mata at napatanong...

“pre nakikita mo ba ang nakikita ko?”

“Oo! Pre hindi ka nanaginip”

“si Eli..eli…Elijah yan diba” nanginginig na golden voice ko

Akalain mong si Elijah ang pinakamagaling na musikiro ng batch ay parecord record na la-ang ngayon, samantalang noon ni pang bili ng string wala!hehe buhay nga naman! Pero bilib ako! Saludo ako…idol kahit noon pang mga seminarian pa lang kami. Di’ nga lang halata!hehe

Nagpatuloy kami sa panonood ng bagong music album ni Elijah at ng kanyang banda. Ang ganda ng kanilang video, featuring Paris Hilton at 3 months na silang top 1.

“wow! Achiever na din yun huh” ang tanging reaction ko pagkatapos ng palabas.

Pagkatapos na pagkatapos ng palabas ay nilipat ni del sa TFC channel. Ang TFC ay ang tanging tulay namin dito sa Papua para makita ang palabas ng mga pinoy. Tawang-tawa kami sa bagong palabas ng kafamily ang “bomtarat, game ka na ba?”. Palabas ito tuwing tanghali.

Nakakaaliw ang palabas at nakakatuwa, tiyak na mawawala ang problema mo pero minsan, eh medyo may drama scene din.

“Welcome to bomtarat, game ka na ba? May bagong laro po tayo ngayon mga kafamily ang - will of fortune” sabi ng host sa T.V sabay pasok na ang mga contestant at pumapalakpak pa ang mga ito habang tumatakbo. Mga lalaki sila at mga volunteer ng mga organization.

“Wow! I know this person” nabiglang reaction ko nanaman

“Really?” singit na boses mula sa katabi ko

“Yes! Because he is our batchmate go back then in the Philippines”

“si kerwin ba yan?”

“sino pa ba! Siya lang naman ang gwap’s jan eh!”

“oo nga noh?”

Nagpatuloy ang panonood namin at napagalaman namin na volunteer pala siya sa isang Salesian Organization at may planong pumunta sa Papua. Nagpatuloy ang show at nakakatuwa man isipin nanalo si Kerwin at may pamasahe na siya para pumunta ng Papua.

“astig talaga yan si Kerwin noh” sabi ko

“Oo nga eh! Sana matuloy siya dito”

“oo para at least mabuo ang batch natin once in a blue moon”

“mabuo ba kamo?”

“oo! Bakit ayaw mo”

“hindi may naisip ako”

“ano yon?” nag-iisip ka pala self-delusion ko

“what if magreunion tayo dito sa Papua”

“oo nga noh, nice idea!” Pagsasangayon ko

Nagisip-isip ako sandali at naisip ko na oo nga tama si del kailangan na naming magkita-kita dahil mahaba-haba na rin ang panahon buhat ng magkita-kita kami kaso may isa kaming ka batch na wala na kaming balita, tama si Jerome! Asan na kaya siya.

RINGGGGGGGGG! RINGGGGGGGG

“yessss?” tanong ko sa kausap

“Si Aries toh Whil”

“ahh yeah! May tanong ako sayo pre!”

“ano yun? Problema sa pera ba yan?”

“toink! Hindi huh! About kay Jerome, may balita ka ba sa kanya?”

“ahhh! Ammm! I’m not sure, but alam ko basurero na siya ngayon”

“talaga?” pagtatakang tanong ko, sa loob-loob ko yung taong yun magiging basurero!? Whatta… buti na lang at sinabi n’ya na…

“Joke lang nasa Philippines siya ngayon Formator ng Seminary” tumatawa-tawang sagot ni Aries

“Wow! Akalain mo!” napatawa na rin lang ako

Tumahimik muna ang usapan na para bang may dumaang anghel, ngunit nabasag ito ng mabasag ni Del ang pingan kong kinakainan.

“wooooooopsss! Pakalatkalat eh!” sinisi niya ako

“abahhh! Ikaw kaya ang maykasalanan” pangangatwiram ko nmn

Sumabat ang tao sa kabilang linya “Whil? Still there”

“ay sorry Aries huh?”

“ok”

“ay! May plano pala kami na magkaroon ng reniunion ang batch natin ok lang ba?”

“kalian yan”

“bukas na maggagabi na eh! Joke kalian ka pwede?”

“next month ok lang?”

“sure ikontak mo nalang ang iba nating ka batch ha?”

--=@=--

Makalipas ang isang buwan ng paghahanda at umuwi na rin sina Clemens at Enzo sa Papua. Nagging busy ang bawat isa sa amin, ibat-ibang mga gawain para sa darating na muling pagkikita at muling pagtutuos. Ginawang over-all chairman si Enzo sapagkat bihasa na siya pagiging leader dahil sa naging class president siya ng frat simula 3^rd year college hanggang perpetual proffesion. Si Clemens naman ang ginawang contact person dahil mayaman siya sa load at siya rin ang leader sa bahay namin.

Dumating na ang takdang araw at handa na ang lahat. Handa na ang banda ni del para salubongin ng magandang musika ang mga kasapi sa batch, parang fiesta ag dating ng drum and lyre n’ya. Super ganda at handa na rin ang design ko, tangin ito lamang ang papel ko sa salo-salong ito, at higit sa lahat isusubo na lang ang pagkain na handa ni Enzo. Naunang dumating si Aries dala ang malaking malita at mga kakaibang pagkain pangdag-dag sa handa pangalawa si chino na maykasama pang mga batang salesiano, at wala siyang dalang pagkain, at isang malaking ngiti lang ang tanging pangpalobag ng loob namin, ang kanyang dinala. Limang oras ang nakalipas dumating na si Jerome mag-isa lang siyang nagbyahe, wala siyang dala kundi ang limpak-limpak na pera dahil bibili daw siya ng mga high tech na gamit dito sa Papua. Kasunod ni Jerome at limang apak lang ang pagitan ay si kerwin, hindi man sila nagkasabay sa sasakyan pero magkasabay naman silang pumasok sa harap ng pinto ng bahay namin.

Ang mga sikat naming katropa ay mukhang hindi makakarating kaya na-isipan namin na ma-unang kumain. Nagimbal ng malakas na hangin ang aming kasarapan sa pagkain, bagay na kinainis ni Del.

“putik naman oh! Hindi pwede yun” wika niya

“(ngiti)” obvious ba? eh! Di’ si chino

“ok lang yan pre, sige magpatuloy na tayo sa kinakain natin” sabi ni Enzo

Nagpatuloy kami sa pagkain at biglang natigilan ulit ng maykumatok sa pinto

“pre buksan mo” utos ni bosing Clemens

“ok” naglakad ako at binuksan ang pinto

“woppppssss” nabiglang reaksyon ko

“kumusta mga pre” sabi ni mr. MVP kasama ang dalawa

“ok lang, tuloy kayo (5x)” sabi ko dala ng pagkabigla

Tumoloy ang tatlo at pagpasok na pagpasok nila sa refectory nagpalakpakan ang mga membro ng frat.

Kumaing masaya ang lahat, nagkalokohan, at tila binabalik ang mga ala-ala noong nasa Seminaryo pa lang at nagpapakamatay para matupad ang kani-kanilang pangarap. Natapos ang pinakamasayang araw sa bawat membro ng frat at oras na para magsibalikan sa kanikanilang tungkulin, magpapasalamat ang bawat isa ng biglang.

“whil! Gising na” sabi ng katabi ko

“ay! Nanaginip nanaman ako anong oras na?” tanong ko

“11:24 na tanghali na wala pa tayong kakainin”

“Sorry pagod lang” ang tanging sagot ko

“anong pagod? Magtrabaho ka nga…ala bangon d’yan”

Napakamot na lamang ako sa ulo!whatta…life is parang buhay lang…hehehe

Lost

2008-03-16T18:30:00.000+08:00

This very day, I lost a person in my life. My dad called me this afternoon saying that my Lola (Grandma) Doray died. Her real name was Teodora San Pascual, my grandmother from my father’s side. She was the aunt of my dad, and as I can recall, I grew up some of my childhood in her midst, when we were still living near them. Well, I really loved her so much, just like my own grandparents. I still remember when she was still alive and strong, how she would let me in her house and in her little store, wherein she would always offer or give me something in return of my visit to her. I really missed her much, for when I grew up already and my parents decided to transfer from them, I had little chances of seeing her. Well, I see how her health decline and how she became bed-ridden due to her ailments.

Now, that she’s already resting in the presence of Christ, she will rest assured of my prayers.

p.s. please also include her in your prayers. Thanks.

Hay…

2008-03-16T17:22:00.000+08:00

The first day of the Holy week has already passed, the Palm or Passion Sunday, and with that I had a very tiring and stressing day. I really got exhausted from the activities and preparations that I did for this very, the first day of Holy week. Hay, after those things, I just thought that I am the sacristan again for the same liturgical season. Hay, I’m really tired for this first day, and still thinking and looking forward of the coming days of preparations, of grand masses and liturgical services (Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and the Easter Vigil). I really got a long week ahead, with lots of things to consider and prepare. Even thought, I already experienced it from the last year, it is still a different thing for this year. Well, even though this task is indeed tiring, I still got to do it, maybe not for me or for the reason that I just have to fulfill them, but for a greater reason of serving that Person whom we all serve and who has chosen me to do this task – Our Lord. For Him, I will do this!

Closing the eyes…

2008-03-15T05:35:00.000+08:00

Well, I somehow learned the effect of closing our eyes. The other day, I got tired of our regular day run and being exposed to so much pressure, responsibilities, and little difficulties, while facing my computer, thinking to have a new write-up, I shut my eyes for a while, but suddenly I fell into a sleep. A friend just woke me up then said, “kung pagod ka na, magpahinga na.” (If you’re tired already, take some rest.) By then, I already realized how tired I was and really wanting to get out of this world for a while to breath some air, but I just cannot do it. And so as, how did the closing of my eyes help to be out of this world for a while, aside that I fell a sleep, it really helps. While closing my eyes, I realized that I didn’t see the things I don’t want, for example is the pile of computer works I have to do, and also I didn’t see the things I wanted. During those times, that I had my eyes shut, I just saw darkness in me that when that friend of mine woke me up, I went back to the real world. It, closing of the eyes, really works especially when you’re getting stressed already of so much work. Hay, I really felt good after that I closed my eyes, even for those moments.

Something bothers

2008-03-11T04:21:00.000+08:00

Last night, I really find it hard, for no reason, to sleep. I don’t know why. Is it the weather? The day that passed? Or I just rally can’t sleep easily that night? I already said my personal prayers, which I know that when I do it, I am ready and willing to fall a sleep. But still, I was not able to do so. Due to my frustration, I looked for a good position, hoping that it will help, but it did not. Tired of rolling and changing my position over the bed, I shut my eyes forcing myself to sleep, but still, it did not have its effect. Since, I really can’t sleep and having a more frustration due to it, I decided to just lie on my bed and reflect and be silent, but rather than reflecting, I found myself reminiscing. Thoughts flow down in my mind about a friend, my high school teachers and friends; and so was my family. I wanted focused myself on one of these thoughts, but I was not able to do so for I already went to my slumber. Already in my sleep, but still I was disturb by those thoughts in my dream having me to rise up in the middle of the night and have a difficulty in going back to my slumber. There is really something that bothers from within. I really don’t know what was it nor who it was, but it really disturb me and frustrates me, even having me rise up in the middle of the night.

writing a thesis...

2008-03-03T16:02:00.000+08:00

writing a thesis...right now, I'm plunging myself into deep readings and re-readings of some articles and researches from the web, books, journals and the likes, with regards to our thesis. It's been long since I worked on it, maybe because of so many tasks that I was able to put it aside. Well, right now, it's been a great challenge for me working on it again, because I'm already, again, occupied by so many tasks. But, the good thing was, I was always reminded by a friend who keeps on telling me to just read it again and piece by piece work on it. Well, it somehow help because, at least, I am working on it during my free periods...aside from writing some reflections in my blog. It, again, occupied my thoughts and the idea of finishing it, well, before I cram with it in the end of my fourth year.
p.s. please pray for it's success...hehehe...thanks...

Quotes...

2008-02-27T03:20:00.000+08:00

I just made these following quotes for some of my friends. And also for those who were visiting my site. I hope you'll like it. Thanks. (If you already know some of them or heard some of them, sorry but I did not copy it.)

" Our life is like an empty canvass that we fill with the colors from our experiences."

" Always put God at the center of your life." (my personal motto)

" Silence will help you hear the noises in your heart."

" A friend is someone who hurt you always but love you most."

" As you walk through this journey called LIFE, always look to the Future, face the Present and treasure the Past."

Ang BOSCONIAN

2008-02-18T03:13:00.000+08:00

This came from a friend of mine who studies at DB Manda... well, it really speaks about who a Bosconian really is, even though he or she comes from different setting (Makati, Mandaluyong, Canlubang, Tarlac, Pampanga or even Nueva Ecija).

from: Fr. Vester Casaclang.

1. Malinis pagpasok, madungis paguwi pero mabango parin.

2. Magulo, maingay pero magalang.

3. Alam lahat ng latest sa kamundohan pero marunong magdasal.

4. Riot rakista, hip hop mailap, alter heater, lahat ng tunog, mapabulong o sigawan pero gentlemen.

5. Kamay pang grasa, kuryente at makina pero hustler sa computer, guitara at ano-ano pa.

6. Itsurang anghel pero useful sa kusina, sa garahe at sa buhatan.

7. Marunong tumalon, tumakbo, lumangoy, lumipad, sumayaw, kumanta, umarte at gumawa ng audio video presentation.

8. Ang dami nilang subjects, assignments, projects, activities pero may oras pa sila magbasketball, mag computer at tambay sa G4.

9. Mga gwapo, makisig, maliksi, maabilidad at chick magnet pero hindi playboy. haha!

10. All of the above na siya pero humble lang kahit may panyo sa kaliwa, rosaryo sa kanan at may maipagmamalaki sa gitna.

Simple but irresistable.

BOSCONIANS .

Walking in Don Bosco's Way

2008-02-10T14:47:00.000+08:00

thanks to bro Jomar and bro Eric and those who made this video!

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-25T08:55:00.000+08:00

You Wished

2007-12-03T10:04:00.000+08:00

You wished that you were free,

you wished you were at home,

you wished in yourself secretly,

you wished that you're not alone.

You wished that the sun would rise,

you wished the day'd be unique,

you wished they could hear your cries,

you wished while you'd not speak.

You wished that life not be blurred,

you wished that misery's destroyed,

you wished that happiness be heard,

you wished for silence you enjoyed.

A good shepherd

2007-11-26T05:58:00.000+08:00

Last Monday, Bro. Jun, sdb called me and Ronel for there was a lost lamb in front of their house (The Salesian's Residence). He told us to help him to bring back that lamb to its herd. So what Ronel and I did is to get that lamb and carry it. Then, I was the one to be able to caught it and carry it. While I was carrying it, Bro. Jun and Ronel lead the way. We went to the place of Tatang Jess, the school farmer, thinking that the herd but he was not there. Good thing, Boni was there so he told us that the herd was in the football field near that area. So, we went there and lead that little lamb back to its herd. Since, I was carrying it; I was the one who was privileged to carry it back to its herd. Then we left with such gladness because we were able to help a creature of God, even though we were late for dinner.

After, what happened, Ronel started calling me a good shepherd who looks and carries his lost sheep. Then I thought of Jesus who really was the GOOD SHEPHERD who did the same for every one of us.

That event was really inspiring and very helpful for reflection for me, who is aspiring to be like a good shepherd like our LORD JESUS CHRIST.

wala lang...

2007-10-29T06:07:00.000+08:00

wala lang magawa. walang ma-blog..

Personal Latin Motto

2007-08-21T08:01:00.001+08:00

Fortior vivere vita aspera, praeter evadere cum morte.

"It is more courageous to live a hard life, rather than to escape by death."

munting patawa

2007-08-20T10:03:00.001+08:00

You cannot face your problem if the problem is your face.

---

Galing 'to kay Fr. Joey Paras, Sunday homily:

Minsan may isang bata, pumunta siya sa isang tindahan ng prutas:

Bata: Mama, may ubas po kayo?
Tindero: (nag-aayos ng gamit sa likod) Wala, sori. Hindi season ngayon.

Umalis ang bata. Pagkalipas ng isang minuto, bumalik ang bata.

Bata: Mama, may ubas po kayo?
Tindero: (nag-aayos pa rin ng gamit sa likod) Wala.

Umalis ang bata. Pagkalipas ng isa pang minuto, bumalik uli siya.

Bata: Mama, may ubas po kayo?
Tindero: (nakapansin ng kakulitan ng bata) Wala nga, sabi e.

Umalis ang bata. Pagkalipas ng isang minuto, bumalik uli siya.

Tindero: (naiinis) Ikaw ang batang makulit, a! Ubas nanaman iyan ano?
Bata: Opo.
Tindero: Wala nga. WALA. Ang kulit mo! Kailan ka pa matututo? Kung bumalik ka pa, iste-steypol ko ang bibig mo!

Natakot ang bata, patakbo siyang umalis. Pagkalipas ng isang minuto , bumalik siya.

Tindero: Ikaw nanaman?
Bata: Pabili po ng stapler.
Tindero: Wala akong stapler.
Bata: Wala pala e. Pabili po ng ubas.

---

poem

2007-08-18T22:01:00.000+08:00

A Special World

A special world for you and me
A special bond one cannot see
It wraps us up in its cocoon
And holds us fiercely in its womb.

Its fingers spread like fine spun gold
Gently nestling us to the fold
Like silken thread it holds us fast
Bonds like this are meant to last.

And though at times a thread may break
A new one forms in its wake
To bind us closer and keep us strong
In a special world, where we belong

identity mixed-up

2007-08-09T05:06:00.000+08:00

i'm a man
i'm student
i'm a friend
i'm a son
i'm a traveler
i'm a believer
i'm a player
i'm a sinner
i'm a worker
who am i?

post

2007-07-25T14:03:00.000+08:00

post ko to.

We Eight Boys

2007-07-23T08:56:00.000+08:00

The people all should but deny,
Our batch has colors of the sky,
If not the sky it might be fire,
Just read these lines of my satire.

There is a lad from S.I.P.
Whose name begins with letter “C”.
His head is huge, his fingers cramp,
But he plays ping-pong like a champ.

These two boys of Makati air,
Have queerest smiles they always wear.
The first with jokes that we enjoy,
The latter smiles that us annoy.

We have two boys from Manda turf,
Whose hobby is to wide web surf.
With one who doesn’t waste his time,
and I who write my jokes in rhyme.

With these two guys and all their fame,
From Bicol and Tarlac did came.
The first would like guitar to play,
The next is apt to sleep all day.

This boy of Parañaque land,
Was chosen once to lead this band.
Just in a month he shouts alone,
A coup de ‘etat against his own.

And now I end my fancy proof,
Of us who share just one big roof.
May God protect us in His care,
And may His mercies He would share.

FAQ

2007-07-21T11:18:00.000+08:00

Sino si Whil?

Francis 1^st year: “Makulit at pasaway, matigas ang ulo pero masayang kasama”

Del 3^rd year: “Pinakamatinding tao sa balat ng lupa”

Roman 2^nd year: “talentado sa musika at sa larangan ng paglalaro (basketball at football)”

Ramil 4rt year: “Una, masinop, taong tahimik at ginagawa ang dapat gawin, pangalawa mahirap hulaan ang isip, may kakayahan iparamdam ang nararamdaman kahit hindi nagsasalita.”

Jerome 3^rd year: “mabuting kaibigan, mapagmahal at totoo”

Jan 1^st year: “3^rd year seminarian, makulit, mayabang na may ipagmamayabang, panget pero cute, kasarian, ammm! di tiyak, ewan ko”

Geobert 1^st year: “unang impresyon, ammm tahimik, masipag, pero pagkaraan ng sampung araw kapag nakilala mo na siya masasabi mong tatlo ang kanyang bunganga (tawa)”

Sa mga taong sumagot ng tanong ko maraming salamat po!
may God bless us all!
:Whil

For you...

2007-07-12T04:04:00.000+08:00

Words can't be compressed
to described how I love you,
but through my little deeds,
I hope it will do.

With you, time, I may not share,
but let this love fill
the scarcity, I know you bear.

And in those times,
you're distressed.
Do not fall,
but rather lean on me,
for I will give you much
caress.

As I end this lovely poem
for you, I offer, my precious one.
I hoped it made you glad,
for loving me is hard and sad.
But, I always pray to God
that this love I have
is true for you, my love.

status check : aries

2007-07-06T21:01:00.001+08:00

nababato sa daming ginagawa
nababato
nababato
nababato

.

nasaan si Lord?

.
.
.
.
.
.
.

sana dumating Siya...

Kayang-Kaya!

2007-06-27T21:26:00.000+08:00

Ngayon ay nagsisimula na tayo sa ating pag-aaral bilang 3rd Yrs, gawin natin ang ating makakaya kahit ito'y mahirap gawin, at huwag tayong mawala ng pag-asa. Kayang-kaya natin ito! Huwag natin limutin na hindi ito para sa sarili, pero para sa Diyos ang ating pag-aaral. Hindi na bali kung bumagsak tayo, pero ang mahalaga ay ang ating matinding pagsisikap at pagtiyatiyaga sa pag-aaral. Sugod, mga kapatid!!!

Searching the Hong Kong Shops for Something to Buy

2007-06-18T11:32:00.000+08:00

Hong Kong’s Wan Chai district is a shopper’s haven. The shop signs and glass panes with tempting wares at a favorable price attract even the busiest people rushing to their work. From clothing, toys and hardware to animals live or butchered to be weighed, the variety of goods being sold is as diverse as a rainforest. Well, the Hong Kong is an urban jungle, populated by busy people and its streets are flowing with a never-ending stream of cars, double-decker buses and trams, red taxis and masses of pedestrians.

Such is my observation through the years of living here, even if more than a decade ago, I moved to the Philippines. I am drawn back to Hong Kong for the main reason that it has made my cultural foundation that can be compared to a Fil-Am, and my visits to the island city is a requirement to retain my residency of Hong Kong.

Now, I am mysteriously back here, looking for something to buy. Perhaps clothes or overruns of football jerseys and gear? Maybe gadgets I might find useful in the seminary? I look in the shops of Wan Chai to find any of them. I have much money to spend, after months of saving my allowance.

I come to this clothing shop to browse through its clothes racks, when I find a HK$ 10 bill lying on the floor of the shop. Instinctively, I pick up the money and I look around to find the rightful owner. It took me some time to realize that my efforts to find that person are in vain. I don’t want delay my searching any longer and I want to get the problem, a lost $10 bill, off my hands. I need to find a trustworthy person who can hold the money. After asking around, I come to the cashier who I think could help the money get to the pocket of the right person.

“Sir,” I said, pointing to the place I found the bill, “I found this $10 bill on the floor over there.” I figure that the Chinese man could not understand what I said. The clerk was a Chinese man in his 40’s judging by the wrinkles he has on his forehead. Again I point to the place, and I hold out the bill. He doesn’t say anything, but I assume that the man understands a little of body language. Fortunately, after a second, he nods as if he understands what I signaled. I give the $10 to the cashier and decide that I should leave the establishment to resume my shopping-spree.

When I turned to leave the store, I saw a Chinese lady frantically looking around the floor, searching for something. Her husband, with a toddler, was behind her. It looks like they have a taxi waiting for them, and the husband is trying to tell the woman to leave the search and board the vehicle. But the woman doesn’t to listen. She is saying something in Chinese, which I don’t understand, but with her actions, she is surely looking for something. I don’t know what she was saying, until she mentioned in Chinese-accented English “ten dollars”, the bill that I handed over to the clerk flashed in my mind.

I turn to the cashier. “The ten dollars, the woman needs it.” But he just stars at me. “The money,” I said, signaling a rectangle bill, and then opening my hands to signal the number ten. Then I point to the lady looking for the money. Her husband is now telling her to stop it because the taxi’s waiting. The child, too, is calling out to his mother to get on the taxi.

The cashier opens the register and brought out money, but when I received it, it was not the $10 bill, but a 50-peso bill. It was enraging not only because he gave the wrong money, but because it was obviously counterfeit, a fake bill! I turn back the money and exclaim, “This is not the one! Where is the $10 bill?” The clerk calmly receives the fake money, takes out more bills and give them to me. But it infuriates me all the more to see that it was just more counterfeit money. When I look to see whether the woman was still there, she has already given up the search and has boarded the taxi. The taxi then sped away. I look at the fake money I am holding – bundles of them! I am disgusted at the sight of worthless money. I am disgusted at the person who gave me bundles of the counterfeit. I am disgusted at the evil that dwell in the establishment of thieves.

I walk up to the counter, crumple the paper money, throw them down on the desk and shout, “What are you doing? Aren’t you ashamed of yourself? What now, huh?!? You crook!” Afterwards, I hastily make my leave from the cursed place.

I am still searching for good things to buy, but with the incident that happened, I am annoyed by the crowds. It is almost dark. People from work are going home. Buses and trams are jammed with passengers inside like sardines in an extra-large promo can on wheels. Shops are now closing for the night. Cafeterias are flocked by the regular customers for their supper. The bright lights of the overhead signs tell me that night has come.

The only store I see open is, fortunately, a sporting goods store. I look inside to find out that only a few people were left inside, maybe looking for something worth buying. I make my way inside the shop and quickly browse through the items that were in boxes. Many of them are shoes – basketball shoes, tennis shoes, running shoes... there are a few accessories, but none of them fit my criteria. I am looking for clothing, and if there is sporting gear, I am looking for soccer gear. Besides, the prices are not worth it.

I was lamenting the time I wasted away just looking around and not buying anything until I noticed someone familiar entering the store. It is my mother. What in the world is she doing at such a late time?

“Oh, you are here, Aries!” my mother remarks. “It’s late already.”

“I know,” I reply, “It is dark already outside.”

“I was going to meet daddy in Cafe de Coral, until I noticed you in here. By the way, what are you looking for?” Mother asks, “What are you going to buy?”

“I was looking for football jerseys. I was around Wan Chai all day, but I didn’t find any.”

“Mahilig ka talaga sa mga jersey-jersey na ‘yan,” says my mother with a laugh. Her laugh is familiar, like music playing in my ears. The sound never changes through the years, and I remember the time when I was still a little boy, in the playground of one of Hong Kong’s many public parks, and my mother was carrying me in her arms, watching over my brother Ariell playing there. I remember one of my birthdays, the time when my mother came to school with a birthday cake, and my friends gathered around the table singing a merry song, then with my smile after I blew the candle, she smiled back at me and laughed. I remember I was at Dr. Andersen’s Clinic in Repulse Bay, the place where my mother worked as a medical technician, and my painful booster shots were always paired with a kiss and gentle laughter, as she wiped away my tears. My mother is a big part of my memories of Hong Kong, and my joyful episodes of my early childhood years come from my mother.

“Baka may alam si Lola Vangie mo kung saan bibili ng mga jersey mo.” my mother continues.

“Mommy,” I interrupt, “I’ll be the one to buy them. No need to call her.” I feel ashamed to call up my babysitter when I was a child of Hong Kong. I am already old enough to explore the streets of Hong Kong, though it is getting dark. Lola Vangie is the aunt of my father, and she stayed with us when both of my parents were still working, and she took care of me and my brother in those days until we moved to Manila, and she went back to her home in Bulacan.

“Hay naku, ako na bahala diyan,” my mother replies.

“Alright.”

“Sweetie, I have to go na,” she says, “Take care!” then with a small kiss on my cheek, she goes on her way to meet my father.

Certainly, such departure is very usual for me, but this time, I find myself alone once again. Even if I am old enough, I am still searching for something in the environment I was born in, yet I still haven’t found it. I leave the shop in sorrow as I continued down the dark street, devoid of pedestrians and cars. The road ahead is dark, with the gangsters and criminals lurking in the deep crevices of the city. What, by the way, is Lola Vangie doing here in Hong Kong? Never mind that. This is only a dream.

The Choice

2007-06-04T20:21:00.000+08:00

"Whatever comes our way, whatever battle we have raging inside us, we always have a choice... It's the choices that make us who we are, and we can always choose to do what's right."

- Peter Parker, Spiderman 3

Alay kay Maria, ating Ina

2007-05-27T21:49:00.000+08:00

O Mary, our help... I really have faith in you that you would pray for us. Thank you for your miraculous healing and consolation. Have pity towards us and lead us safely under your care.

Maybe all I can do, my Mother, is to show the world your motherly love... Supposed to be dated SEPTEMBER 8, 2006

Tribute to Fr. Caesar Dizon, SDB

2007-05-26T23:06:00.000+08:00

Thanks for everything, father!

Second Years Flashback, 2006

2007-05-22T10:14:00.000+08:00

Our batch, October 2006, had to say something about our experiences and lessons after a year and a half of being together inside the Walls

The Pearl

2007-05-22T08:45:00.000+08:00

A review, reflection on the novel "The Pearl" by John Steinbeck

Summer Chronicles

2007-05-20T17:22:00.000+08:00

Naga, Camarines Sur. May 2-7 2007. Seminarians take up the challenge intheir Summer Camp titled Juan Call: Seminarians Able to Survive.

Pagpapahalaga Kay Diwang Rilag

2007-04-30T20:57:00.000+08:00

isang sanaysay tungkol sa intelektuwalisasyon ng Wikang Filipino

“Hi, Juan! How are you? See you na lang sa Starbucks. Take care!”

Isa ito sa mga naririnig natin ngayon sa mga Pilipino. Ang makabagong panahon ay globalisado, at, kung iisipin natin naang Ingles ay ang unibersal na wika, hindi natin maiwasang isipin na ang Filipino ay magiging simbolo ng kadukhaan. Si Juan, kung nagsa-Starbucks araw-araw, o kumakain ng French toast at pancakes sa umaga at hamburger kada hapon, ay unti-unting nagiging isip-banyaga. Ganoon din sa kanyang salita ay hangga’t hindi niya gagamitin ang Filipino sa kanyang trabaho, sa pag-aaral o kahit sa kanyang pakikipagkapwa-tao, bumababa ang halaga ng wikang Filipino sa kanya.

Nakakalungkot isipin na ang minamahal ng isang lalaki ay hindi ang asawa niya, pero isang ka-opisina niyang babae, na executiv, nagpapalakas sa babaeng superyor dahil sa trabaho. Sa isip ni Juan ay mas-mabuti pang mahalin ang nakakabuti kaysa walang kinabukasan. May mas-mataas na halaga daw siya. Kay sarap pakinggan kung sinasabi na may halaga ang ating mga gamit. Sa celfon, mas-mahalaga sa tao kapag ito ay may maraming aplikasyon, kagaya ng camera, MMS, 3-G, at Bluetooth. Gayon sa wika, ang diwa ay lalong hinahalagahan kapag ginagamit ito sa maraming larangan – agham, matematika, politika, at sining. Sabi nga ni Florentino H. Hornedo, ito ang intelektuwalisasyon ng wika: ang pagyaman nito patungo sa gamit ng diwang malay. Kung gayon, para maging mahalaga ang wika ni Juan, dapat gamitin niya ito sa trabaho, sa pag-aaral, at dapat hindi makalimutan ang antas ng praktikalidad, sa pakikipagkapwa-tao.

Sa mundo ngayon, upang maging intelektuwalizado ang wika, kailangan na ang Filipino ay “up-to-date”, at nakakahabol sa bilis ng panahon. Dapat sumunod ito sa mabilis na sayaw ng globalisasyon. Pero ang dapat linawin na isyu ay ito: paano ba mauusbong ang ating wika kung humihiram lang tayo sa mga wikang banyaga? Malinaw na ang elektronikong talapindutan ay tinatawag na computer, at hindi galing sa atin ang Pisika at Kemistri, na ang lahat ay hiniram sa wikang hindi atin. Ang tanong ay tiyak na tumatama sa ideya na ang Filipino ay tutuloy na hihiram, at ito nga ang realidad. Kagaya ng mga wikang banyaga, sila rin ay humiram sa wikang banyaga; Latin sa Griyego, French, Kastila, at Ingles sa Latin, at pati ang Filipino ay humiram sa Ingles. Para maging intelektuwalizado ang Filipino, hihiram at hihiram tayo ng mga salita. Naubos na ang mga salitang makaluma, at kailangan maging flexible kagaya ng isang kawayan sa hagupit ng bagyo ng globalisasyon. Ito nga ang paraan kung saan tayo ay makakahabol sa mabilis na panahon: 3 Gigahertz na ang bilis ng ordinaryong komputer na binibili, at kasimbilis nito ang panahon ngayon.

Starbucks? Mas-masarap pa ang timpla ni Nanay, at ang pancake at French toast, puwede rin lutuin sa sariling bahay. Gayundin, sa wika, ang wika natin ay masarap din gamitin, kung papraktisin lang natin ito, at sasanayin sa gamit na mas-mataas na antas, sa mga larangang intelektuwalisado. Si Juan ay lubusan na sasaya kapag ang likas sa kanya ay ginagamit niya, dahil sa pagpapahalaga niya sa wika niya.

Song:Prinsesa

2007-04-30T11:47:00.000+08:00

Song:Prinsesa<br />Artist:6 Cycle Mind<br /><br />Date Tabbed: January 29, 2006<br />Tabbed by: Melross John C. Allado a.k.a. Evil Genius<br />E-mail: evil_genius100988@yahoo.com.ph<br /><br />Weeeeeeeeee!!! Astig ang kantang to!!! Simple pero powerful, pwedeng nyong mapasagot ang<br />nililigawan nyo hehehe... (Basta't may dala kayong shokolate at bolaklak at tatlong<br />ng kapal ng mukha hehehe)<br /><br />This song is dedicated sa lahat ng mga prinsesa ng ACLC Lipa Branch! Keep voting this song!!!<br /><br />Introduksyon: (CP) D - D/C# - C - G<br /><br />* Hangga't maari e plucking lang o puro base lang (for guitar 2) para wakustik na<br />ang dating<br /><br />Guitar 1:<br /><br />e|-----------11-11/13-----------11-11/13-----------11-13-13/14-14-11-13-----|<br />B|-14~----14----------14~----14----------14~----14----------------------14~-|<br />G|-----13-----------------13-----------------13-----------------------------|<br />D|--------------------------------------------------------------------------| x2<br />A|--------------------------------------------------------------------------|<br />E|--------------------------------------------------------------------------|<br /><br />e|--------|<br />B|----14~-|<br />G|-13-----|<br />D|--------|<br />A|--------|<br />E|--------|<br /><br /><br />Bersikulo Uno: (CP) D - D/C# - C - G<br />                  3<br />* Pwede rin kayo gumawa ng sarili nyong version ng plucks sa mga verse basta't andun ung<br />notes (ung 2)<br /><br />e|----------------------------3-2-3~-|        e|----------------------------3-2-0-----|<br />B|---3---3----3---3----3---3--3-3-3~-|        B|---3---3----3---3----3---3--------3---|<br />G|---2---2----2---2----2---2---------|        G|---2---2----2---2----2---2------------|<br />D|-0---0-----------------------------| x3     D|-0---0--------------------------------|<br />A|----------4---4----3---3-----------|        A|----------4---4----3---3--------------|<br />E|-----------------------------------|        E|--------------------------------------|<br />    .   .    .   .    .   .  . .        .   .    .   .    .   .<br />Nakaupo s'ya sa isang madilim na sulok<br />Ewan ko ba kung bakit sa libu-libong babaing nandoon<br />Wala pang isang minuto<br />Nahulog na ang loob ko sa 'yo<br /><br />e|----------------------------3-2-3~-|        e|----------------------------3-2-0---|<br />B|---3---3----3---3----3---3--3-3-3~-|        B|---3---3----3---3----3---3----------|<br />G|---2---2----2---2----2---2---------|        G|---2---2----2---2----2---2----------|<br />D|-0---0-----------------------------| x3     D|-0---0------------------------------|<br />A|----------4---4----3---3-----------|        A|----------4---4----3---3------------|<br />E|-----------------------------------|        E|------------------------------------|<br />    .   .    .   .    .   .  . .        .   .    .   .    .   .<br />Gusto ko sanang marinig ang tinig mo<br />Umasa na rin na sana'y mahawakan ko ang palad mo<br />Gusto ko sanang lumapit<br />Kung di lang sa lalaking kayakap mo-ho o-o-oh.<br /><br /><br />Koro Uno: (CP) A - D<br /><br />* Ang pinakamadaling parte. Mag-imbento na lang kayo ng sari-sarili nyong plucks dito.<br /><br />Dalhin mo ako sa iyong palasyo<br />Maglakad tayo sa hardin ng yong kaharian<br />Wala man akong pag-aari<br />Pangako kong habangbuhay kitang pagsisilbihan<br /><br />G-Gm<br />e|-3~---------------|<br />B|-3~---5/6-5-------|<br />G|-4~---------7-5---|<br />D|-5~-------------5-|<br />A|-5~---------------|<br />E|-3~---------------|<br />O aking prinsesa...ahaaa<br /><br />e|-----------11-11/13-----------11-11/13-----------11-13-13/14-14-11-13-----|<br />B|-14~----14----------14~----14----------14~----14----------------------14~-|<br />G|-----13-----------------13-----------------13-----------------------------|<br />D|--------------------------------------------------------------------------| x2 Do<br />Uno CP<br />A|--------------------------------------------------------------------------|<br />E|--------------------------------------------------------------------------|<br />Prinsesa... Prinsesa... Prinsesa...<br /><br /><br />Adlib: (CP) D - D/C# - C - G<br /><br />* Pluck nyo lang ung CP<br /><br />e|--------------------------|<br />B|-6-7-9-9/11-9-7-9---7p6---|<br />G|------------------6-----6-|<br />D|--------------------------|<br />A|--------------------------|<br />E|--------------------------|<br /><br />e|--------------------------11-13-13/14~-|<br />B|-6-7-9-9/11-9-7-9---7p6----------------|<br />G|------------------6-----6--------------|<br />D|---------------------------------------|<br />A|---------------------------------------|<br />E|---------------------------------------|<br /><br /><br />Bersikulo Dos: (CP) D - D/C# - C - G<br /><br />e|----------------------------3-2-3~-|        e|----------------------------3-2-0-----|<br />B|---3---3----3---3----3---3--3-3-3~-|        B|---3---3----3---3----3---3--------3---|<br />G|---2---2----2---2----2---2---------|        G|---2---2----2---2----2---2------------|<br />D|-0---0-----------------------------| x3     D|-0---0--------------------------------|<br />A|----------4---4----3---3-----------|        A|----------4---4----3---3--------------|<br />E|-----------------------------------|        E|--------------------------------------|<br />    .   .    .   .    .   .  . .        .   .    .   .    .   .<br />Di ako makatulog<br />Naisip ko ang ningning ng yong mata<br />Nasa isip kita buong umaga buong magdamag<br />Sana'y parati kang tanaw<br />O ang sakit isipin ito'y isang panaginip<br />Panaginip lang<br /><br /><br />Koro Dos: (CP) A - D<br /><br />* Ka-Palm myuuuuuut!!!<br /><br />Dalhin mo ako sa iyong palasyo<br />Maglakad tayo sa hardin ng yong kaharian<br />Wala man akong pag-aari<br />Pangako kong habangbuhay kitang pagsisilbihan<br /><br />G-Gm<br />e|-3~---------------|<br />B|-3~---5/6-5-------|<br />G|-4~---------7-5---|<br />D|-5~-------------5-|<br />A|-5~---------------|<br />E|-3~---------------|<br />O aking prinsesa...ahaaa<br /><br />D - D/C# - C - G (Pluck You!) x4<br />Prinsesa... Prinsesa... Prinsesa...<br /><br /><br />Outro:<br /><br /><br />*This is 85% sure... Yung ibang notes e invent nyo na lang. Kung marunong sa scale mas<br />magaling, magaling...<br /><br />e|---------------------------------------------------7-10~----7-9-10-12-7--7-9-9-11-13-14-------------|<br />B|---------------------------7-7-------------------7--------7-----------------------------------------|<br />G|-----7~--9b7---7~------7/9-----9-9-----7~----7-9-----------------------------------------9p7-----7~-|<br /><br />Do Bersikulo Uno CP<br />A|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|<br />E|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|<br /><br />e|-----------11-11/13-----------11-11/13-----------11-13-13/14-14-11-13-----|<br />B|-14~----14----------14~----14----------14~----14----------------------14~-|<br />G|-----13-----------------13-----------------13-----------------------------|<br />D|--------------------------------------------------------------------------| x2 Do<br />Uno CP<br />A|--------------------------------------------------------------------------|<br />E|--------------------------------------------------------------------------|<br /><br />End with a malanding strum sa D chord

Sa Aking Mga Kababata

2007-04-29T20:53:00.000+08:00

ni José Rizal

Kapagka ang baya'y sadyang umiibig
Sa kanyang salitang kaloob ng langit,
Sanglang kalayaan nasa ring masapit
Katulad ng ibong nasa himpapawid.

Pagka't ang salita'y isang kahatulan
Sa bayan, sa nayo't mga kaharian,
At ang isang tao'y katulad, kabagay
Ng alin mang likha noong kalayaan.

Ang hindi magmahal sa kanyang salita
Mahigit sa hayop at malansang isda,
Kaya ang marapat pagyamaning kusa
Na tulad sa inang tunay na nagpala.

Ang wikang Tagalog tulad din sa Latin
Sa Ingles, Kastila at salitang anghel,
Sapagka't ang Poong maalam tumingin
Ang siyang naggawad, nagbigay sa atin.

Ang salita nati'y huwad din sa iba
Na may alfabeto at sariling letra,
Na kaya nawala'y dinatnan ng sigwa
Ang lunday sa lawa noong dakong una.

A POEM

2007-04-11T10:31:00.001+08:00

It’s a GIRL

A girl passed by,

And passed between my eyes.

A girl in splendor lovely dress,

That shows her beauty and caress.

A girl who bears a lovely face

Who shows God’s loving grace.

A girl who has a gentle smile,

That is seen through a thousand mile.

That girl who’s lovely as a princess

Is whom my heart wants and wishes.

UNTITLED

2007-04-11T10:29:00.001+08:00

Kilos mo’y kaiga-igaya

Iniisip ka sa tuwina

Makita ka’y maligaya na

TANAGA

2007-04-11T10:26:00.000+08:00

BUHAY

Ang buhay mong maganda

Ay iyong ikatuwa.

Kapag iyong sinira

Sarili’y magdurusa.

HAIKU

2007-04-11T10:23:00.000+08:00

BINIBINI

Binibining marikit

Tanglaw ng isip

Tinitibok ng dibdib

NGITI

Ngiting ‘di malilimot

Galling sa sinta

Nasa puso’y tumimo

A HAND

2007-04-11T10:09:00.000+08:00

When I’m in NEED,

There’s always a HELPING HAND

That came.

When I’m in DISTRESSED,

There’s always a CARESSING HAND

That came.

When I’m SICK

There’s always a HEALING HAND

That came.

And when I’m LOST,

There’s always a GUIDING HAND

That came.

And that HAND is

The LOVING HAND

Of our GOD.

A SMILE

2007-04-11T10:08:00.000+08:00

A SMILE that to be treasured,

From SOMEONE to be treasured.

A SMILE that have made the world stopped,

From SOMEONE who also made me stop.

A SMILE that struck like Cupid’s arrow,

From SOMEONE who struck me into the heart.

And that SMILE is from a GIRL

That I wished to LOVE.

Options, Options, Options

2007-04-11T10:04:00.000+08:00

We are living in a world full of options, of choosing what the best among others is.

A priest narrated this story in his homily, but the story is in the Filipino context:

Isang gabi inutusan ni tatay si Juan na bumili ng softdrinks.

Juan: ‘tay ano po Royal, Sprite o Coke?

Tay: Coke na lang!

Juan: In can o in bottle?

Tay: in bottle!

Juan: 8-ounce o 12 ounce?

Tay: 12 ounce na lang.

Juan: Cold or not?

Tay: Niloloko mo ba ko? Bilisan mo! Kahit ano na lang, kundi papaluin kita.

Juan: Tay, ano po walis o sinturon?

See how this world is full of options, even in beverages you have many to choose from. Among network providers for cell phone there is Smart, Globe and there is Suncell. And it’s a world really full of options.

Even children nowadays know how to choose from many options. They only think that it must satisfy their taste or give the fulfillments and joy. But as they choose in that king of thinking they’re only choosing not the best but rather the worst for them. They only think about the things that give them joy and suit their satisfaction.

And what are the parents doing? They are unaware of it, and let’s the children do what he or she wants to do. But they must guide their children in choosing. They must show them how to choose wisely and choose what is right. So the children will be able to choose the best and not the worst.

Yes! We are living in a choosy world, where choosing must be made daily. But as we choose, let us think if we will benefit from those we choose. And when we choose, let us choose only the best: that not only satisfies us, but also makes us content about what we chose.

on 18

2007-04-10T09:58:00.000+08:00

Eighteen is a number
an integer in math
equals two times niner,
six more a dozen hath.

This I solemnly tell
the number's a lot more
deeper than a deep well,
longer than China's shore.

It's a sign in a the way
of a hiker to see
that he's past the child's play
and into the hard country.

It's a time for bakers
to unload the oven
whatever for shavers
accept what was shaven.

This is for the runner
he ran a distance long.
Notes sung by the singer
leave them good or wrong.

What metaphors I make
to define that esteem.
In short, I must take
the past as it is seen.

For eighteen years I had
much suffering and pain
Virtue, when I was a lad
is what I had to gain.

For the eighteen sad years
many times I'd recall
for my refreshment, tears
and my drink, bitter gall.

For the eighteen tall years
MAN! What fun I had lot
Now folks, for all your fears,
folly I would have not.

Eighteen years was too long
for me to stay asleep
Nightmare-Fantasy's song
No longer must I keep.

For eighteen, for eighteen,
whatever what I set
I could not wipe out clean
my past I must accept.

A leper's song, hear ye!
From the lowly wayside,
crying out, "Please heal me!"
And at this He replied:

"My son, I am sending you
not yet my great healing,
unless care and love too
give yourself that doing.

I say again, wake now!
I say frankly to you,
love yourself as you bow,
your past trouble not you!

You ain't alone, mister.
I sent you friends to hear
your downs when you're miser.
The end is not yet here."

What a message that is
from heaven to the world
that, hey, really there is
HOPE by God's love unfurled.

Me? Regrets I don't have
for rights and wrongs I did.
In God I hope and love,
eighteen years I have lived.

Eighteen years is not a curse,
a young man now I am.
Eighteen stanzas in verse
telling how blessed I am.

for life

2007-03-17T20:57:00.000+08:00

Death ends a life, not a relationship.

Dying is the only one thing to be sad over. Living unhappily is something else

haiku

2007-03-14T14:13:00.000+08:00

sI clEmEnTiti
nGalIt nG nAngAlit
hAnGAng mAnliit

A Journey

2007-02-09T11:40:00.000+08:00

11 YOUNG GUYS have met in 1 PLACE and chose to take a path and all of them take the same path – THE PATH OF RELIGIOUS LIFE. It was really a lonely walk at the beginning but as we continue the journey, we became friends and even to the extent of treating one another as BROTHERS. And in our journey, QUARRELS do occur. But the only thing that is always present in our journey is HAPPINESS which makes the journey easy.

But like all journeys, some chose to STOP WALKING and some already chose A NEW PATH TO TAKE. It was really hard to move on if you see one of your companion stop and tells you that he don’t want to continue anymore. But although some does not want to continue it anymore, THERE ARE STILL SOME OF THEM WHO CONTINUE TO TAKE ON THE JOURNEY.

Now, after 2 years of embarking this journey, there are still 8 GUYS who chose to continue the journey that will sure bring them to GOD, even with the hardships they experienced on the way – the rocky roads, the steep roads, quarrels and doubts. They still HOLD-ON to each other to continues this journey and mostly they always HOLD-ON to GOD for someday, they will finish that journey.

My Famine

2007-02-07T11:16:00.000+08:00

based on 1 Kings 18

The famine,
dryness, heat, cracked ground,
miles of them.
Sunbaked houses,
with their inhabitants
crying out for water and food.
No water,
no food.

The plight of a nation was such.
King Ahab of the Arams. Israelites,
Why these punishments on God's people?
Baal was Ahab's god. Not the LORD.
A Baal-worshiper Ahab married
thus the dryness and lifelessness
No life,
no love.

Have I become like Ahab
whom Baal has become his god?
I have for a moment or two
Not Baal, but glory, prestige
honor became my god.
O LORD, with a contrite heart,
I long for life,
I long for Your love.

Who are We?

2007-01-09T14:29:00.000+08:00

We, the seminarians of Carreño House, form a community of brothers in Christ united in living out Don Bosco's traditions under the protection and guidance of Mary, Help of Christians.

"mAng mAlamat ng Miyog"

2007-01-09T13:54:00.002+08:00

“Ang Alamat ng Niyog”

Ni: Wilhelm L. Orozco

Noong unang panahon, sa panahon bago dumating sina Magellan, may isang tribung namumuhay ng mapayapa, masaya, at malaya sa tabi ng dagat kung saan may nakatanim na kung tawagin nila ay “punong walang pakinabang”. Hindi nila masyadong pansin ang punong ito, ngunit dumaan ang mga araw at dumating ang matinding

tag-gutom napilitan silang kainin ang bunga nito, pero bago man nila makain ang bunga nito kinaka-ilangan nilang putolin ito.

Makalipas ang sampung oras at huli na ang lahat ng mapansin nilang ubus na ang mga puno, banali wala lang nila ito

Dumaan pa ang ilang minuto ng tag-gutom at may balita pa na maypaparating na bagyo patungo sa lugar nila. Nagmadali ang lahat at nagsipag-handa ng kani-kanilang bahay. Wala ng oras para kumuha pa ng mga troso kaya na-isip nilang kapit sa patalim na gamitin ang “punong walang pakinabang “ upang ipanghaligi sa bahay nila.

Dumaan ang malakas na bagyo sa loob ng 59.9 sigundo lamang, madali lang pero hindi ito normal na bagyo, dahil sa kung anong bilis nito siya rin ang lakas nito. Ipasalagay natin na itong bagyong ito ay nagdulot ng tsunami lang naman. Pero bagamat malakas ang bagyong ito, wala ito sa bahay ng mga taga-tribu na ayus na ayus at parang walang nangyari. laking pasasalamat ng mga taga-tribu sa punong pinanghaligi nila.

Matapos ang bagyo, at matapos din mag-iwan ito ng mga dumi. Walang magawa ang mga taga-tribu kundi linisin ito. Sapagkat walang kuryente at hindi magamit ang vacuum cleaner at mga high-tech na panglinis, napilitan silang maghanap ng pamalit dito. Sa paghahanap nila nakita nila ang matigas na bahagi ng dahon ng “punong walang pakinabang.” Nagmadali silang kilatisin ito at doon nagkaroon ng idiyang linisin ang dahon at ipunin ang nalinis na parte nito. Gayon din sa bunga nito na hinati nila at ginawang pamalit sa vacuum cleaner na kung tutu-usin masmalinis pa ang malilinis nito kaysa sa vacuum cleaner. Sa unang pag-gamit nito nahirapan sila pero ng tumagal at nasanay na sila, napansin nila ang kagandahan dulot nito. Isa sa kagandahan dulot nito ay nakatulong ito upang ma-ehersisyo sila at mas malinis pa ang nalilinis nito kaysa sa mga high-tech na gamit.

Matapos ang matinding linisan, nagpatawag ang pinunu ng tribu ng pangkalahatan pulong. Pinagpulongan nila ang mga ng yari, na-isip nila na malaking tulong ang nagawa ng “punong walang pakibang “sa kanila. Bilang parangal nag-karoon ng matingding paghahandog at salo-salo para sa punong ito, at sabay ng paghahandog ng pasasalamat, pinangalanan nila itong ng “puno ng buhay.” Dahil napagka-alaman nilang mula sa ugat nito hangan sa pinakadulo ng dahon nito ay may-pakinabang sa buhay natin, tinawag din nila itong “NIYOG” hango sa di ko alam na salita.

Pause a While

2006-12-28T10:18:00.000+08:00

REFRAIN:

PAUSE A WHILE, PAUSE A WHILE
IN THE HUMDRUM OF THE CITY AND BEHIND A CLOISTER WALL,
IN THE EARLY MORNING AND WHEN SHADOWS START OT FALL, SEE CREATION BENDING TO THE MAKER OF IT ALL,
AND ALL WE HAVE TO DO IS PAUSE A WHILE.

1) Men were made to build the earth and share it with each other. All of us together at the work of Christ, our Brother. (REF)

2) Though the troubles of the world may tempt you to despair, look around just one more time and you’ll see Christ is there (REF)

Merry Christmas!

2006-12-25T01:23:00.000+08:00

tsinelas

2006-12-23T19:14:00.000+08:00

What worth could be in a “tsinelas”? What is one simple piece of rubber footpad worn by the paupers? Well, since Christmas is just around the corner, let me share to you a short account of what happened during my Christmas home visit from the seminary.

One day, my father, a friend, and I went out to bike around San Juan and QC. I used my 3-speed I brought home earlier this year, while my father used the 6-speed I brought home. My friend used his own mountain bike. I guessed that my bikes, from Bro. Noel, could keep up the pace. Anyway, it is the city. I might even turn a few heads of curious pedestrians or passengers with my old, Japanese, queer looking bike with a basket, headlight, and mudguards that just look so old fashioned.

The route was simple and barely inclined, but for someone used to the hilly but clear roads of the countryside, the city traffic could be scary. Jeeps and trucks rumbling, cars speeding – these just might be enough to set your survival instinct to alert. I noticed that nearly everyone was hurrying. These guys have destinations, but they are rushing to get there. They might not mind what things are in the way, as long as they just get to their destination.

Such victim of this moral tragedy is this boy, around 7 or 8 years old, who attempted to cross the street but was forced to run back to the sidewalk, leaving his slipper beyond arm’s reach, in the middle lane where many jeeps and cars pass. I was waiting for my father caught in traffic to catch up, and as I watched to poor kid with one slipper only, helplessly staring at the other pair being squashed by the black tires of the traffic, I felt strange things within me, as if a friend was calling out for me. Oh, my father has caught up, and the boy was still on the sidewalk. There I parked my old Jap 3-speed, and walked on front of a waiting jeep. One lane still remains, but fortunately, congestion sets in, and the flow of cars slow down to a momentary halt, and so I walked on to get the little sole of the boy under a vehicle, and returned it to the boy, with a pat on his head and a “Merry Christmas, take care now!”. And on we went.

Maybe inside that boy he felt as if he has been given a gift. As I mentioned, it was a response to a call. My Friend was calling me. I felt Jesus in that boy, as He was helpless and poor in the manger. The boy was a reflection of Jesus’ body, and I must shine God’s graces within me, not as a seminarian, but as a follower of Jesus. Let this be a gift for Jesus this Christmas season, and for the rest of the years. As for the “tsinelas”, it may not mean much for rich individuals, but it did mean for the boy hope and joy.

rain pa din!.....

2006-12-16T08:46:00.000+08:00

One rainy afternoon I was driving along one of the main streets
of town, taking those extra
precautions necessary when the roads are wet and slick.
Suddenly, my daughter, Aspen,
spoke up from her relaxed position in her seat. "Dad, I'm
thinking of something."
This announcement usually meant she had been pondering some
fact for a while, and
was now ready to expound all that her six-year-old mind had
discovered. I was eager to hear.
"What are you thinking?" I asked.
"The rain! ;" she began, "is like sin, and the windshield
wipers are like God wiping our sins away."
After the chill bumps raced up my arms I was able to respond.
"That's really good, Aspen."
Then my curiosity broke in. How far would this little girl take
this revelation? So I asked... "Do you notice how the rain
keeps on coming? What does that tell you?"
Aspen didn't hesitate one moment with her answer:
"We keep on sinning, and God just keeps on forgiving us."

I will always remember this whenever I turn my wipers on.

Rainbow

2006-12-15T13:42:00.000+08:00

walking
hiking
running
treading

stopping
popping
flopping
dropping

blinking
thinking
taking
waking

sharing
bearing
giving
living

Sleep is the Best Medicine (next to laughter and love)

2006-12-14T12:08:00.000+08:00

Restless? Take a break. You need to sleep.

Next to laughter and love, sleep can be the best medicine and remedy to frustrations and depression. I don't recommend doing it every time (as it is discouraged), but in some instances, sleep can just be the answer to catharsis and "bad day syndrome".

I couldn't offer any scientific proof yet, but I could just relate a personal experience.

One night, I was fuming with frustration because of a puzzle... Su doku!!! and because of something else, aside from numbers and money (caroling brings a lot of money... I mean LOTS, so that means big crunching). I don't want to mention names, because it might bring bad luck to our clan and life. I even let go of God's time! I was kind of blinking red with fury...

Anyhow, it was about time to get some shut-eye... It would be a long night tomorrow, caroling. The next morning, after the morning praise and Mass, I felt a lighter than yesterday. Just enough to keep me going for the whole day, and, I was able to answer the puzzle!

Just a little episode. Try it out for size!

catharsis

2006-12-13T12:13:00.000+08:00

Catharsis

*please do not be scandalized by these posts, but these thoughts do occur.

Prologue: Sometimes, there are things that just don't get your way. Many times, the feeling of frustration would just sizzle away. But in times when it comes so suddenly... so grave, you can't do anything but to let it out. I opted to let this one by composing a short poem. Catharsis. This one in particular was written on 10 November, 2006.

the blinding flash of blood red light

consumes my deeper spirit

subtle flare bubbles boil in my mind

creating an expressionless face

but deep within a scowl sneers at everyone

everything and a sharp whine rings

in the canals, Oh, the very canals of noise

nothing but thirst

nothing but hunger

craving for death

the authors

2006-12-02T21:16:00.000+08:00