The Seeker

Yesterday, I passed by Trofir and saw some new movies displayed on the racks. Our TV had to be fixed so I was hesitant to rent some movies. But my craving for a highly entertaining movie took over me, so I rented four. One of which was entitled The Seeker: The Dark is Rising. The movie was awesome! The reason why I chose to rent the movie was because the word ‘seeker’ seemed like interesting (Qudditch was actually the thing I had in mind). It has been a long time since I watched a movie about kids so I took a shot at the film… and I really loved it! It would rate... 9/10. The plot, though predictable, was cool. I highly recommend people to try watching it!

Beowulf: PAUSO

I also watched Beowulf (just now). The movie was full of fighting scenes, which is good, and an amazingly extraordinary plot. It was so great! I totally enjoyed it. I loved the animation and the setting. Wow. It sets a trend in the movie making not just insofar as digital effects are concerned but also with the story line. You see, who ever thought of fighting a monster bare-naked? Ha! …who ever thought of having a seductive witch as sexy as Angelina Jolie to be a villain? Wow. But there’s more to the movie to be impressed of. Watch it!

DAKILANG PUSO
Michael Arevalo
(Naks. Ang Korni. Haha. Sinulat ko ‘tu nung Grade Six ako. Nakuha ko ang copy sa mahiwagang baul. Haha.)

Poot na naipon sa sisidlag maliit,
Pilit kinimkim, puno ng luha’t pasakit,
Sa kanynag sarili’y siya’y nagngingitngit;
Nabigo sa babaeng huwad ang bait.

Dati’y ginto ng ligaya kanilang pagsasama,
Babagyo, lilindol sa sobrang ligaya.
Ibinigay nang niya lahat na makakaya;
Matustusan ang babaeng kanyang sinisinta.

Minahal niya ang magandang binibini,
Kahit alam niyang pangit ang angking ugali.
Nabanaag na niya na mayroong itong masamang gawi-
At iniwan ang pusong sawi sa hapis at hapdi!

Nang naubos ang lahat niyang kayamanan,
Ang babae ay kasabay na lumisan.
Sa kagipitan walang malapitan;
Ang tinustusan niya’y siya’y pinagmalupitan!

Wala nang silbi ang lupalop ng buhay,
Kung kaya’t mas nanaisin na n’yang magpakamatay.
Nananatiling pangarap na lamang ang nais makamtan,
Magbalik ang sinisinta’t muling yumaman!

Note : Naka-98 ako sa class activity na ‘to. Lupalop ng buhay… wow sunggo! Haha. Baka mali ang date nito. Sure ba akong grade six lang ako ng ginawa ko ‘to? Hmm… Anyway, mayroon diyang limang figurative speech… mga bata, hanapin niyo nga ang METONIMYA, EKSAHERASYON, OKSIMORON, ASONANSYA at PANGITAIN? LOL.

Her Graduation

I went to the Naga College Foundation to watch Danielle’s graduation. I came there at 6, starving and really exhausted. I had the chance to grab a bite at some of the food vendors inside the campus but, because I have a really strong appetite, two burgers weren’t enough. I constantly sent her text messages even if she seldom sends messages back. We never had a chance to talk after she sat together with the other graduates. Soon, I realized I should follow my instincts and search for her in the massive crowd (redundant?). I considered a really helpful clue: I am wearing a black toga. Sigh. Good thing she mention she’s in the Southeast. Then, I saw her, so beautiful and… uhm… holding a digicam: smelling (?) it, shaking it, and trying to fix it. She didn’t see me as I stared at her for ages. Then I realized why she never really had a chance to send messages back. She’s more concerned about a friend’s problem of broken cameras than me being around. I stared a few moments more. As my hunger raged stronger, I decided to go and let go of the photo opportunity she promised me. I arrived home a quarter before eight. Then, half an hour later, she called… I think I’ve fallen again…

Almost common

Tang and I have a lot of similarities. Here are some things we have in common:

1. We don’t know how to ride a bike.
2. We are the top two of the BMHP graduating class and our individual average grade is above 3.5 (only that her grades are way higher than mine)
3. We think a lot and sometimes it’s not voluntary. Often, we could hardly sleep because we’ve got so much stuck in the head.
4. We say the word ‘black’ as an attempt to erase whatever’s on our head and ultimately sleep. Oftentimes, it helps.
5. We love doing computer graphic designs (Adobe Photoshop).
6. We’re both afraid of getting Alzheimer’s disease in the future.
7. We stand by our own principles.

Gabriel

Yesterday, I watched a movie entitled Gabriel. It was about angels sent to guide mankind towards what is good and right. There were seven of them mighty angels bound to fight the realm of darkness. Unfortunately, the first six failed to accomplish what they are bound to do, for they embraced darkness, got feared and deceived by the greatness they would have as the devil promises. The whole task was shouldered by the last angel named Gabriel. He tried to redeem the goodness in the angels and ultimately accomplish the goal of saving mankind. If I would rate the movie, I think I would give it 2/10. The movie, since I am oftentimes such a deaf, is hardly understood because to too much murmuring. I love the whole dark cinematography though. But the plot rather seemed.. uhm.. irritating. I was named after St. Michael, and I deeply honor his greatness to ever defeat the mightiest devil in hell. In fact, the street where I live was even named after him and I constantly pray for his undying guidance. The movie, however, depicted something else. St. Michael was portrayed as the greatest traitor of God. He argued that God’s reason for the creation of man was His selfish security to have people to worship Him. Gabriel said that they were sent to guide and not to rule. This was because St. Michael was overshadowed by greed, fame and power… and he considered having these as the ultimate indication of freedom and total separation from God. Sigh. I can’t believe the movie writers would ever think that St. Michael was a disgrace to the servants of God! Grr. I have nothing against the other Angels. I live across St. Michael and St. Gabriel Street (you guessed it right… my father and I named our streets from our favorite angels). Anyway, I just wish St. Michael’s prestige was not put into question.

When this battle is over, we meet again in heaven or on the field of victory!

Elizabeth: The Golden Age. Wow. This movie was the best! I love the plot, the scenes, the characters… and most especially the clothes of Queen Elizabeth! Wow. I am still so astonished I couldn’t say a word. I’d give the movie a rating of 10/10. No wonder it got a lot of awards in the Oscar’s… Magnifico!

Irrationality, Greed, and Self-centeredness

Why do dome people consider themselves superior to others? Why do they put themselves up the pedestal for others to worship them? Why do they spread rumors about other people, fabricating facts, and causing conflict between different parties? Why do they live in the world of the past, which cause them discomfort that the present is highly influenced by what had happened way back in history? Can’t they forget and put the doubt aside? Why do they make irrational judgments that often stems from anger and hatred? Why do they widen the scope of the issue, from simple gesture of the flipping of one’s hair to an act of insulting maneuver? … from an unbiased opinion to an opinion emerging from self-interest? … from a misunderstanding on whose name should appear in a formal letter to false judgment that there was an assuming and unconcerned member who thinks he’s in authority? … from a simple friendly joke to an insulting attacks? …and from a simple hearsay to a ground for a libel case? Sigh. I hope this would soon be over.

Tribute to Seniors

Libel case?

I watched last night a documentary report about libel cases on the internet. Being a blogger, I feel really involved if there would be a specific law that charges legal complaints on blog masters. In the documentary, there was an Australian who once had a Filipino boyfriend. That Filipino, unfortunately, only aimed for latter’s money and nothing more. In the blog of the Australian, he called the Filipino a theft, a liar, and other maliciously degrading words. Sigh. Now, I feel really frightened if I have had written discriminating accusations against some people. Better have some assessment on some of my past posts...

How I knew it should end

I made peace with Mich after more than a month of ‘let’s-forget-each-other’ stuff. I decided to lower my boundaries and befriend her once again. I realized that I should put an end to this childish conflict to give way to bigger conflicts that are slowly troubling the minds on the batch members. Sigh. One conflict settled. The other one got so much bigger.

Mich and I: friends again

I can’t believe I totally nailed it!

As I felt extremely exhausted from more than 24-hours of road trip, I was able to check my e-mail for messages from some companies I applied on. For a few days now, I really do not have any idea that I could pass one dreadful exam experience. I arrived late for the Accenture exam which generally focused highly incomprehensible logic (particularly leaned towards computer processes and math) and grammar (SRA raised to the 7^th power). I wasn’t really astonished that a few of my friends have received a ‘you’re-not-qualified’ e-mail immediately after the exam. I, just like most of them, wasn’t really expecting. Seriously. I realized how to answer most of the logic part long afterI had a chance to answer it. It’s such a blessing to really be able to pass the exam and receive this image:

Parang kelan lang

My elementary classmates-turned-best friends meant so much to me. There were there always even up to now… almost 15 years have passed. Some of us will soon be working and have just graduated. Some got married and had their own children to attend to. But the bond still remains as we constantly see one other during semester break, Christmas occasions, summer parties and the usual ‘hi there’ when we bump into each other at the Naga Center. Recently, we just made a visit at Mae’s, our valedictorian who just had her baby Drake last March 13 while watching the ABS-CBN program Palos. She married Marvin, her very first crush to whom we used to tease her back when we were in preparatory school (when we were just 5 years old). They’ve been together for ages so we (her concerned friends) are really very secured that the couple will stay happy together.

Then Nitz. He is going to United States by June as an exchange student. Currently, he is studying his English and is very much excited about the whole 70,000 package allowance every month when he goes to the new ‘unchattered’ (term taken from an American Literary book) terrain. Nitz is an expert when it comes to plants and animals. He’s Mr. Know-it-all when it comes to dogs, cats, rabbits, flowers, and other sorts of flora-fauna stuffs. Bon Voyage Nitz!

MK (Mary Kristil) who once was my prom date at the Universidad de Sta. Isabel, just graduated this year and is studying for the Nursing Board exam. She’s currently in Baguio spending time with her family. Russel Ann, my neighbor graduated together with MK in the same university. She is about to enroll at the Nursing review center and will soon take a shot at the board exam comes December.

Mannit, my longtime crush, will join me to Laguna where she is about to do her On-the-Job Training. I will work there as an administrative assistant in a huge company called Fujitsu. Bryan, Hannah Joy and other friends are there too so we really have a lot of time to spend in Laguna.

Me and Kinan.. Mae’s nephew.

IRIGA Invasion!

April Fool's day at Barri's house in Iriga. Part of the post-graduation escapade. Spring Fountain Resort swimming lesson with mavic from 9pm-12 midnight. Lot's of food. So much fun.

The Arrival... After being lost for half an hour...Amazed by the plasma TV at Barri's... wow!

Aren't we HOT?! (look closer.. Barri's peeing..)

Ladies and Gentlemen, the Summer-wear fashion statements!

uhm.. no comment... keep trying guys!,.and dream on!

Louie: the human glow-in-the-dark

Ooopz... invasion of privacy, eh? carry on...

Freshly bathe Mike... (no photos on the showering part=P)

Sino friends mo doon?

My answer in a job interview:

'I tag along with people who promote the same values as mine. I like it when I am understood and when I am highly respected. However, I am open to understanding other people's culture and behaviors. Learning is an important value for me since it is the key towards holistic growth and development. I am not choosy when it comes to friends. I am very adaptive to the way they think and the way they make decisions. I fully understand the differences and the variety of influences (especially of some factors in the past) that shape every person's individuality. It is not a good decision to limit the persons whom to trust and whom to give genuine care and love. Oftentimes, security in the comfort zone of the bonds of friendship does not offer a great deal of advantage. I believe that people must learn to befriend more people, work with them harmoniously and aspire for excellence. People must learn to live out of the box and discover life's realities as they are often overshadowed by the feeling of belongingness a person's circle of friends give. After all, it is through risking to get to know other people that a person is able to understand himself, know about his environment, develop his interpersonal skills, learn his strengths and weaknesses and use such to his advantage, and ultimately improve his work.'

IT WAS MY FIRST TIME THERE

Buhi lake. Puto. Coke zero. Pancit bijon. Cassava Cake. Cheese stick. Lots of Photo session. Extremely aching feet. It's so damn good to be tourists.

Five seconds after the 'wild guess' house tracking

Now you see the glutton who ate the eggs on the bijon

Si Malakas, Maganda and peacock (when the bamboo broke into two)Okay guys, where's Iriga? (Louie's clueless)The so-called TOURISTS OF THEIR NATIVE LANDAs the sun sets... hunger raged.Ah-ah. That's not a funeral rite. It's definitely not a coffin!Emote-ish freaks: Shot at the Buhi Lake with a 'passer-by kid'?

Just DECLINED an Accounting Work

You read it right. I just declined an accounting work at the Bicol Medical Center today. I met the boss and she's so kind. It's just that I'm way to good for the job. The salary's not even that good. Sigh. It's too bad 'coz I really like numbers and balance sheets. I wish I find the perfect work for me soon.

Graduation Pictures

ATENEO DE NAGA UNIVERSITY FOUR PILLARS
Graduation Practice: Chiwee, Mike, Apz, Jan
Mike, Tang and the random peeps
The BMHP graduates at the Christ the King Church
Graduation Practice at the eight pillars
Baccalaureate Mass: Ulupong wearing their Togas
Before the Mass at Xavier Hall
The Early Birds

Graduation Catastrophic Burst of Emotions

Just as I thought it would, the Business Management Honors’ Program graduates marched for their diplomas divided and in conflict. The batch members remained unsympathetic and silent with each other, leaving an issue unsettled. They sat close to one another but the feeling of indifference raged predominantly. Simple misunderstanding of who’s who and who’s what have been raised a level higher causing extreme discomfort for some, and terrible feeling of anger and hatred for others. The culprit until now is not known, but the uttered words of who’s gay and who’s the greatest failure for not being acclaimed Magna Cum Laude, left an unbearable abrasion that will never be healed even by the passage of time. As some were reminiscing happy moments during the graduation, a batch member stood up angered and bursting out of disgust. That person screamed at the top of her lungs how mad she was for she thought she was highly insulted. From the great feeling of happiness, there was a sudden shift to hate.

Just then, at that very moment of tranquility, I realized how much the friendship was over. This is how my last day in the university will end. Sigh.

Righteous people create their own world

What do righteous people have in common? They have their own worlds. Some people who are self-righteous think that all people around them must abide by their own sets of norms and standards. Truth is, it is so hard to mingle with these types of people. They are reserved and they seldom talk (but they do when they are about to judge your actions and/or when they want to ruin your reputation behind your backs). Befriending righteous people is a big no-no. They can never be trusted and they never really exist as a genuine companion. They are self-centered; promoting their personal interests even up to the point of jeopardizing the welfare of others.

What could be worse than righteous people? Well, it would be the people who love righteous people. These overly loving stupid people tend to live in the world of the righteous ones and lose the identity they once have. In the end, they support whatever and however the righteous people think they are right (even if their not). That’s the magnitude and the peak of tagging along with bunch of egoistic freaks.

Excellence Runs in the Blood

My sister, Myka

It’s been know to me that I’ve got cousins who really excel in their own lines of expertise. During graduation rites at Ateneo, I was awarded cum laude while my two cousins were awarded magna cum laude. They were Eleonor Balaquiao, Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Sharlyn Mae Papica, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, both were among the only ten magna cum laude of the university. Not to mention my other cousin who took up Nursing and graduated cum laude at Universidad de Sta. Isabel. During this year, I also got a cousin who graduated high school with flying colors as Fourth Honorable Mention at University of Nueva Caceres. My sister Myka, who just started her first year in college was a consistent Dean’s Lister at WorldTech Resources Institute and the head of the secretariat committee of the Bicol Region Tourism Council.

SUMMER CLASSES

Breeding 101

Learn how to breed in and breed out. LOL. This 20-unit course is focused on proper behaviors and etiquette. At the end of the course, students are expected to showcase modesty, proper way of speaking and use of gestures, good eating habits and proper use of eating utensils, proper way of smiling and saying hi, proper way of walking, proper way of blinking and breathing, proper way of drinking from a fountain, proper way of combing the hair, proper hygiene and grooming (plus how to take a bath), and proper behaviors when dealing with people having achievement awards in a national competition. Learn these from the experts themselves who believe they, unlike ALL of us have ‘breeding’! Enrollment is now going on!

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 101

Ever felt like accounting is never for you? Not anymore! Enroll in Financial Statements 101 and learn the horizontal and vertical analysis of financial statements, using books of journal, ledger and worksheet, the financial ratios, proper financial statement adjustment and fabrication, and how to get an A even if your business only has 3,000 net sales after four months (and your coordinator himself was the one who imposed for students not to get an A if the 40,000 sales is not met.). Learn these and more and be able to pass judgment to those dumb enough not to understand and create basic balance sheet and financial statements. Can’t wait for the payback? Enroll now!

English 101

“My mum ROSE me well” and “I have PUTTED everything AT the drawer”… C’mon! you can do better English than that! Learn talk good English like a pro. Enroll at the English 101 and be grammatically literate. Be the talk of the town and be hip. Hey Yeo… DEFINE yourself!

JOKES 101

Can’t do good jokes? Do the knock-knock and make everyone laugh out loud! Ask the experts for the best way of cracking jokes and the latest innovations in the world of clowns. For example, what can you see below?

Wrong . That’s a SQUARE ROOT! Hahaha. ((Joke Courtesy of Ms. January Luzada, Cum Laude of Ateneo ). Learn all these and more! Enroll now!

GROW UP

Act mature and be mature. Take life seriously and avoid joking around. Learn how to do poker face and to always keep your hands on the side. Sit with arms on your thighs and eyes forward. Master the art of meditation and make less of talking. Think fast and make sense. Keep an emotion-less face even if others are laughing off their feet or crying out loud. Learn to create your own world and live different. Ultimately Grow Up! This course is so much fun! Swear to God! (Can we at least have one student in this course?) Enroll now! Limited slots available!