AT THE 37TH FLOOR: PANG-TARPAULIN!

PHOTOSHOT FOR MUNCH DAY

AT LAST! RUBIK'S CUBE SOLVED IN TWO MINUTES!

NAPAPALA NG WALANG MAGAWA...LOL
LABAN KA? 4 by 4 YaN! HAHA

For years, I kept on thinking that it's impossible for any human being to ever solve the rubiks' cube... until just recently. Downtown Naga is not new to this childish crap of rotating each side of the cube until all colors are joined together. It's hard. I thought that only genius people could ever crack the mystery behind this mind-buggling puzzle. But the moment I set foot in the office of my very first ever job, I realized that being among those who quit a minute after touching the unsolved cube is like being among those mentally incapacitated and literally stupid individuals.

Good thing I learned fast. Now, I can finish the rubiks cube in less than two minutes. How cool is that?yehaa..

Victimized Jobhunter

I was about to grab some snacks at Jollibee when I set eyes on a distinct young aged fellow among the huge number of passer-bys. He was wearing faded jeans (which was troo loose for him) and an out-of-fashion boldly printed shirt. He was distinct not because of his clothes but because of his noticeable behavior. He was walking repeatedly in slow paced from left to right, panting and sighing while trying to dial a friend to rescue him using his 5110 mobile phone (just so you know, that's the oldest handset I know). Anyway, why rescue? His wallet was stolen! Tsk Tsk. More than the feeling of shame, he was in great shock after losing evrything he's got! The snatcher must be really in great need of money... victimizing even those who would be seen as a poor and 'probinsyano' (I know he's from the province because of his customary clothes). He was seeking for job (with this I am sure because along with him is an old transparent folder with an NBI clerance and other essential documents necessary for anyone to land a job). Tsk Tsk. Poor one... I just hope for him to find his way back to where he came from soon (perhaps by walking?LOL)

****I always win free fries or a sundae everytime I eat in Jollibee... please highlight 'EVERYTIME'...LOL. I'm soooo lucky!!!****

Never Ride an Ordinary Bus

I just have to 'commend' buses with Ali Mall-Naga route. Sigh! Even if I'm saving or in short of cash, I would never ever settle on ordinary buses. They're cheap indeed... but you have to be prepared to endure the agony of the bus' flip and forceful breaks, shake upside down, and even the constantly heartbeat raising left-right turns! Grr...The unfortunate thing is that on the course of the travel, a huge heavy bag fell straight to me face! It was hung above where I was seated together with a number of other bags and it just jumped over the moment the bus made a right turn. Man, I was the passengers' laughingstock! Tsk Tsk.

Don't worry... here's the catch.. ordinary buses have built-in TVs with DVD players. The problem is, the stereo's volume could only the first row of the passenger seat. And.... yeah! I forgot, the movies are pirated copies of 1980's Filipino films... when Dolphy was still a minor!!!LOL.

First week of work

It's been a while since I posted an entry here in my blog. As mush as I wanted so badly to document every event in my life in this blog, the company I'm working with is very serious about it's core value of integrity and confidentiality. Living here in Manila is keeps me busy, leaving me no time to even check my email. I enjoying everything though. It may seem to be quite difficult for a newly graduate, fragile and stupid (for now) man like me to live independently in the country's business zones... but I think I can do it.

Last week was my first week of work at Accenture. I just attended some seminars and trainings (sorry if I could not disclose the topics since they are of high confidentiality). The training was quite easy, especially knowing that I'm still at the 'bench' (that means, I'm not yet deployed in any project). Basically, a typical day for me at work would just be a struggle to kill time, or a 'bountiful' day in some important trainings. I'm really enjoying being with the accenture staff. They're like my Ulupong friends raised to the tenth power. They're hilarious and very accomodating. There's no dull moment when they're talking to us new recruits.

The only difficult thing about work is when it comes to travelling from home to work and vice versa. It would take me 2-3 rides (plus more than a kilometer walk) to reach the 37th floor of a huge building there in Ortigas. Even if I would always wake up before 4 in the morning to prepare for work, there's no assurance that I'll arrive at 8 o'clock or even earlier for work. I have to ride the jeep (which is usually stuck in a traffic) and after crossing three huge malls, the MRT (which is usually flocked by unimaginable number of passengers). My G-pass really could'nt help much in my easy access to the MRT. A typical day would mean a day to forcefuly hit my entire body with the others' just to easily get through the 'hindi mahulugang karayom na train'.

Moving forward... (=P), I'm now living with a close realtive here in Quezon City. They're just so hospitable and kind that they have let me come into their lives. With their kind offer for me to stay with them, I was privileged to utilize an airconditioned room, washing machine, refrigerator, internet-connected PC, IT and Programming books, lots of food, and other life necessities (e.i. celfone load and cable TV...LOL). With this, staying in this new terrain is just as simple as counting from one to ten.

Too Late

Ang tagal niyo kasi eh... haha!

‘Please be advised that you PASSED the Placement Phone interview. If you have taken the listening exam during the job fair, you may now have the Pre MED Exam in Mother Seton. If you have not taken the listening exam kindly inform me by texting your full name. I’ll give instructions. Thank you!’ –PLDT Ventus

'Would just like to ask if you will still pursue your application in our company?Please advise.'- Fujitsu Computer Corp.

The Queen's Escort

Reyna Elena… What the heck? It’s just a simple parade! Who would want to join such stupid Filipino Tradition?

(After five minutes)

(One Text Message)
Message: ‘Mike, escort ka daa ni Angie sa Reyna Elena.’
Mike’s Reply: ‘Now? Sure. I’ll be there by 2.’

Talk about consistency… LOL.

The Queen is ready!

The Queen is crowned!

The Queen together with her constituents!

The rise of the Queen!

Everyone bows over her.

The Queen roams over her land

The Queen is kidnapped by a monster!! LOL

Yeah...I'm taking it!

I just signed a two-year contract with Accenture as an Associate Software Engineer. Accenture is one of the amazing companies I applied to and I’m in no doubt that it’ll be a fun experience to work with them. Yeha! Even if the course I finished is not really in line with the software stuff, I think I’ll enjoy software development. Being a computer enthusiast is a good start… I guess… LOL. All the best of luck, Mike!

Why should I be hired?

Accenture is a globally competitive business entity which continuously proves its worth of its course of operations to serve its huge market. Knowing how big the company is, it would be such an honor for me to be able to work with the company. I must admit that the course that I finished is predominantly not in line with the job description to that of a software engineer. But my willingness to learn and strong passion towards work are some of the qualities that the company can be assured of me. I am determined, strong willed and have an amazing interpersonal skills. Having been among the few Ateneo de Naga’s Cum Laude, my dedication towards acquiring knowledge and practicing what I learn are really among my top priorities.

I am a person who loves to ride along the technological transition of the present time, especially when it comes to gadgets and systems that provide satisfaction and support to human welfare. I am astonished of how people can develop such technologies with great complexity and uniqueness, but have the qualities of practicability. I want to learn how it’s done and be able to help facilitate the process of human and business conduct.

I am up for the challenge of creating programs and business systems. I am ready to work with teams and be able to come up with something that is highly needed by the Accenture clients. I am ready for the rigid trainings and all sorts of pressures. As my first job (no experience at all ), all I can assure Accenture is my dedication and commitment. I know that the whole process (trainings and actual making of the software) is going to be hard, but I am so sure that I can make it. Being a 3-year blogger, yahoogroup moderator, member of various social network sites, and Internet enthusiast, the world of computer systems is not completely new for me. But, like I said, there’s more to it that I still have to know and I am so excited to explore and make use of the things that currently I am not able to grasp understanding of. So, bring it on!

Another Michael for the World to Remember

Ito ang pinakamayabang kong tula. Pagpasensyahan. Haha. Trip lang naman eh. Saka minsan lang ‘to.

I want thy name to be printed on books,
For people to honor thy life’s great works
I want to take part in the unfolding of fate
To be a person behind a joyful future-state.

I want to positively affect the course of history
Have my monuments erected in various cities,
To be an amazing icon worthy of admiration,
And be a symbol of man’s quest and aspiration!

Infliction

Mike’s poems are written originally for his own amusement, as they are the products of his leisure moments. He has no intention to have them published (for the moment…LOL). Currently, he writes at the importunity of many of his best, and most generous friends; to whom he considers himself as under the greatest obligations (in short, ‘utang’).

Infliction

Michael B. Arevalo
‘Para sa mga babaeng laging late, at sa mga lalaking nag-eenjoy maghintay sa mahal nilang late.’
For January Luzada, The Queen of Unpunctuality.

The myrtle shade stands witness for thy wait,
Cumulus clouds attest to the unveiling of fate,
With thy patience and hope, I stood and stayed,
Glimpse of thou image cause deception as it fades.

For hours, I was trapped in nature’s stillness,
Used to the agony of waiting, solitary sadness.
Forgot the feeling and meaning of true bliss,
Still hoping thou presence is a realizable wish!

Alas, thy plaintive sigh shook over thy veins,
Wrath covered thy sight, succumbs partial grace
In great retribution, I opposed thy body to recline
But bitter heart, fiery eyes unknowingly conspire!

As thy anger raged, in sinful thoughts I ponder,

Wage war and seek vengeance, things I’m after
But thou splendid smile drove away all I conquer
Tell me why thou charm left thee to surrender?

Industry Experts: What the hell!!

One of the most interesting subjects in my college life is BREM, also known as Business Research. The six unit subject is cool, not because the teacher is cool, but because attending it is dependent on personal choice. The teacher, doesn’t really require daily class discussions and urgently needed requirements. All you have to do is to make her feel that you are doing well and you are on the right track in pursuing the final requirement, which is a 50-page research study. Considering the fact that we are HP’s (that is, we are the so-called ‘cream of the crop’), a 50-page output is really so damn easy (yabang!) that we could finish it overnight. Haha. Anyway, the problem started when the teacher rejected all our business proposals because she never wanted us to venture into food and service industry. We had to go with the flow but later on another problem emerged. She realized that after a few months of taking the course, we weren’t really exerting much effort (basically because there was so little pressure, we were busy in other subjects and we were forced to have a research study focused on something that doesn’t really interests us). This, however, was resolved when we managed to make use our ‘persuading powers’ to put an end to her feeling of great disappointment. A little drama and a few more fabricated facts… and whala! We’re okay again. Then, during the finals, we were scolded for a lot of things… she thought our works were nothing but a bunch of craps! Well, it’s not solely our fault because she didn’t even tell us what is right and what is wrong… what should be done and what shouldn’t be. Sigh. And, to make things worse, she added a few more items on our to-do list for finals… including the physical presence of an industry expert!!!

The logic behind having an industry expert is to verify the data that were gathered by the research were true, to prove that the strategies were feasible and to give advice on the management and additional possible tactics towards business work. Sounds easy and logical, eh? Well, for us, it’s not! Consider that you are planning to venture into a food-restaurant business. In your business research, you gathered all the data needed about the market, location, and marketing strategies; made projections on the start-up capital and 5-year financial plan; and detailed all other important facts. How can you possibly let the manager of McDonald’s come as your industry expert? Wouldn’t that put your soon-to-be business in jeopardy by exposing personal and solicited strategies appearing on the research? What if, hypothetically, McDonald’s copy that strategy? Better yet, what if they copy an innovative product line or are enlightened to an unexplored market segment (blue ocean strategy)? Would they come over in the first place?

As a result of the difference between our personal understanding and the requirements of the school curriculum, we made some ‘minor’ adjustments (just for us not let go of what we believed in)…

a. The Soy Candle Group promised that their industry expert would come over before the oral defense was finished. The teacher never anticipated that they were just lying. The presence of an industry expert was a requirement to be able to have an oral defense. Before the teacher knew it, she already has marked their grades on her record book.
b. The Yema Group ought to ‘vanish’ in the entire duration of the other groups’ presentation. They came on the last minute, with no industry expert, but the teacher heard them out…out of pity, perhaps.
c. The Digital Printing Group brought along a friend to come over and act as an industry expert. The teacher never knew that the industry expert was just acting and bribed to save the group’s souls.
d. The Botanical Garden Group brought the father of one of its members. Seriously! He acted as the industry expert but his relationship with one of the members was never exposed. So much for secrecy, eh?
e. The Pillow Bag Group brought a housemaid. She acted as the industry expert, and all her actions were rehearsed and her questions were ready-made on a script. Pretty deceiving, eh?

… And that’s how we got our A’s… bow… (clap clap).

@ Port Alfred Beach Resort

The family went on a road trip to the beautiful beaches of San Jose, Camarines Sur. The place was perfect for relaxation and serious contemplation. I totally enjoyed the two-day getaway! Here are some ‘candid’ photos that I took while I was at the verge of my insightful reflection:

To embrace what’s in the twilight zone
Footprints on the sands of time are not made by sitting down.
Conquering fears; rising above the rocky challenges and strong forceful waves.
Realizing the beauty of the world=P
Nothing beats the smell of hot coffee while waiting for the rising sun.
After the meditation, I’m ready to cleanse my soul.
Refreshed! LOL! (Ba’t parang ako lang ang tao?)
Angie: Too bad she’s my cousin! Tsk Tsk.
Aunt Ofelia and I: wala lang…
My escapade companion=P

The Penniless Wanderer

It was one hot morning when the a few people of the block instantly had an interesting game of ‘jokingly’ stealing important stuffs of other people. The game was just to make fun of other people’s belongings and make them react in such uncomfortable situations, thus attempt to capture the culprit by personal investigation and some sort of friendly alliances. Of course, barking on the wrong tree was inevitable, but it offers a great deal of add-up to the excitement. Mobile phones are on top of the list of the bulk of stolen items. The game has no precise rule. One must be patient to get the item back in the fastest and easiest way he could think of. It may seem easy but it’s not, especially when the entire block takes part in worsening the case of missing items, therefore, making pinpointing of who’s the suspect really hard.
I was among the founders of the game. I was once the suspect in keeping January’s mobile phone under her chair and the person behind Chiwee’s missing handkerchief. I had a lot of fun… only to realize that I was victimized by the unsuspicious maneuvers of an unlikely suspect, Miguel. He stole by wallet and never had the guts to return it until lunchtime was over!
Since my wallet was gone and I was left empty-handed (financially speaking), I had no choice but to wander… basically everywhere. I went to the library and toured the entire campus! Then, since I have not seen any of my friends around, I was forced to walk half a kilometer towards the mall. There, I thought of things to gain vengeance. It was such a hurt to ever skip my most important meal of the day! My anger overshadowed me, even leading me to think of harsh things against Miguel, the missing-in-action thief! I thought of bringing red paint the day after and pouring it over his white school uniform. I thought of stealing his wallet just like what he had done, thus, following the principle of an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth (well, with some modifications because I wasn’t planning on returning it thereafter). And also, I thought of making the rest of his college life harder than he could ever conceive of… crueler than the way teachers usually treat us!
The agony of killing time by wandering finally ended when the bell rang and all of us were about to attend the start of the afternoon class. It was over indeed, but my anger raging within me tells me that it isn’t, especially as it screams louder than the sound of hunger in my stomach. I entered the room silently, craving not for food but for a sharp-edged knife so I could stab the guy responsible for the uncomfortable feeling I felt deep inside. Miguel acted as if nothing happened. That scapegoat never took any form of responsibility whatsoever. Magically, the wallet appeared before my eyes, out of nowhere. No one was brave enough to comfort me. My fiery eyes somehow pushed any consoling soul to come close.
Then, I realized, that was a start of a war. Miguel and I never talked for two months. It was hard because you get to see him everyday. Miguel actually had the guts to play jokes on me because he was such a good friend of mine. He probably never knew that he just crossed my borders. That’s a lesson to learn, I’d say.

DNA2

Recently, I watched the whole episode of DNA, an animated TV series about DCM bullets, time machines, combat robots, lame way of impressing girls and a lot of hot scenes! LOL. The story is really interesting. It is about an attempt of an agency in the future to change the not-so-good past which led to negative effects in their time. According to the story, there was once a young man named Junta who left hundreds of women pregnant. Junta was tagged as the Mega-Playboy, the reason behind the problems on population growth in the future. To resolve the problem, Karin was sent back to the past when Junta was still young and vulnerable, and she realized that Mega-Playboy ironically was such a loser and allergic to women. Junta pukes every time he sees a naked chick in front of him. So, Karin thought he accomplished her mission by firing the DCM bullet in Junta’s chest to prevent the DNA of a womanizer from becoming history’s most dreaded girl magnet! Unfortunately, she failed in her quest to change the past because she brought along the wrong bullet, thus, turning Junta into the person they feared him to be. TSk3.

The story isn’t just that. It has a lot of interesting and complicated scenes! Seriously. There are a lot of bathing scenes, body exposures, seductive chicks and ahhh!!! I can’t tell you the rest. It’s up to you to find out how far the story will go. LOL. Please watch Masakuzi Katsura’s DNA! Be impressed with Karin’s hidden love and sacrifice for Junta, Ami’s care and love for his childhood friend Junta, Tomoko’s desire for Junta even up to the point of sacrificing her relationship with her best friend Ami, and Kotomi’s love for Junta causing her to dump her boyfriend Ryujii. Everyone seem to be hooked with the irresistible appeal of Junta! Can’t he at least share with me his DNA? LOL.

Anyway, I love the OST of the story. The lyrics goes like this:

The distant wind wraps itself around me,
And it doesn’t let me reach you,
I try to arrange my words in my mind,
But you’re gazing elsewhere through the window
To some place far away.
I have a premonition that never changes,
It lingers on.
All the days since then have been filled with clouds
The changing of the seasons
May have erased the promise that we made
Even if I reach out with both my hands,
Our hearts remain apart,
The changing of the seasons
Have already taken the one I love from me,
When I look back into those eyes
I let out a little sigh,

At last!

Tropang Ulupong... what's left of us are memories='c

Tranquil Versus Fast-paced

Such a dilemma indeed… sigh. What would I choose? Who should I work for? Both these huge companies are multinational and truly award-winning. Both even offer good staring pay. There’s just a thin line that sets them far apart… And now, the pressure’s on me. They’re calling, waiting for my answer. What should I choose?

1. Is it the company that is located in the ‘primitive’ areas of the north? …A company whose nature of industry is really interesting but would necessitate me to live away from the ‘civilization’ and away from my friends? Should I work for this company that would highlight my expertise in management and gives me a great chance of promotion and working further abroad?

2. Or is it the company that is located in the busy work-stations of the country’s capital? …a company that naturally requires me to work rigorously with very little rest but great opportunity to find a substitute job (in adjacent companies)? …a company that offers a work with very little emphasis on trainings and education, not even in line to the degree I finished? … a work that gives a great chance to have fun and stay in the comfort of my friends? Sigh. Am I ready to experience the fast-paced work environment?

Now, decide… (Clock’s ticking).

Interlude: Wanna have fun? Click here.

Height of Poverty

Para makilala naman ako sa pagiging nationalistic. ^__^

Kahirapa’y tila di na natin maiibsan,
Gutom at hapis, hapdi ng karalitaan,
Anu’t ano pa’y ito ri’y malalampasan,
Pagsubok lamang yan, turing ng ilan!

Kaya mo ‘to, makabagong Pilipino,
Sipag at tyaga, sagot sa pag-asenso,
Iwasan na ang inggitan, magkaisa tayo
Malalim na pang-unawa, simulan mo!

Caught on Paper

9:45 am, January 2003
Burdock Room
Earth Science Class, Sir Nealega

Ladies and Gentlemen….

THE NOTEBOOK PASS

Prologue (Torn Page of my Notebook)
At the time only a few knew…

Emily: Love? I said how should I know how much you love me? Through richer scale?
Charlie: Aram mo na kung [gaano] naghahapot ka pa…
Emily: Urg! Is it like Dante-Melody or Josh-Melody or Bien to Lola or Matt Murdock to Elektra Natchios or Matt to Will?
Charlie: Huh?
Emily: Is your love for me as much as any of them?
Charlie: Like Dante to Melody perhaps… because it’s against all odds…
Emily: Oh really? I think Matt Murdock’s is more than that… Have you watched Daredevil? They are so ‘bagay’ together!!
Charlie: …like us? =P
Emily: Your answer was Dante… so if that’s your answer then you know my answer.
Charlie: Huh? Can I change it to Matt and Elektra?
Emily: Have you watched it?
Charlie: Nope… (attempts to change the topic). I told Cris about the ‘casual thing’.
Emily: Everything?
Charlie: Yup…just now… she knew it from SM (Sailor Moon).
Emily: Pira pa ang dapat makaaram?
Charlie: She just approached me and asked me frankly. You know I’m not so good with lying.
Emily: It stops there! …until her only!
Charlie: She is talkative!
Emily: Then tell her to shut up!
Charlie: She won’t. I know her and she’s really one hell of a talkative gal.
Emily: THEN KILL HER!

FACT: Nothing has been fabricated or modified in the above conversation. I am Charlie. Guess who’s Emily. ^__^ Nope. Keep guessing….

TIGSIK 5-7-5

I commend Chiwee,
For her diligence and wit,
Majestic beauty!

I commend Louie,
For his passion so manly,
Loyalty must see!

I commend Jan-Jan,
For her luck and being fun
True love’s on the run!

I commend myself,
For the power I am served
Thy love of thyself!

Gladiator’s Top Chicks

Beauty and Brains. Wow. They’re really good. LOL.

Where’s Penny?

Rumor’s spreading… good and bad. Where are you Penny?

I hate my graduation Pix!

Why do MOST people think that this photo rocks? I certainly don’t think so. I look so fat and stupid! If there’s any chance, I would like to have a refund! I want to tear this thing apart! Sigh. I am just so ashamed of how I look. And to make things worse, the studio owners hung this picture together with their samples in front of their shop! Great! I’m an instant celebrity… the school’s laughingstock!

The Disappointed Granny

By Michael Arevalo
This morning, I went to Ateneo’s Registrar Office and waited for the release of my Transcript. While waiting, an old woman came in and drove people’s attention. She was disappointed upon seeing that the grades of her Nursing student grandson wasn’t as outstanding as she thought. Poor Lola. Tsk Tsk.

A funky granny on a blistering Saturday morn,
Stood with weight set on a rusty cane she bore,
Her ghastly velvet housecoat intricately worn,
Presume from unseen censer, she did outpour!

My benign behavior made me to thinking
Beguiling my sad fancy into genuine smiling,
What vital matter betook her into such willing?
To stroll across the hall alone and sighing.

At the Registrar she requested their support,
Grades of her grandson was what she purports,
In patience she waited as they plainly sort,
Pile of papers, unknown about what it’s worth.

Handed her over the file was what they did,
And gave modest granny a moment to peek,
Few seconds more and she began to feel weak
The AF’s and INC’s made her close to get sick!

Oh, poor grandma was left in disgust and grim,
Angered to her Johnny whose grades were failing
Fiery eyes, discreetly concealed, were but unseen
Her madness showed in no syllable expressing!

Then, her emotional outbursts were but controlled,
The old woman uttered her melancholic thoughts,
She startled the room’s stillness, rose my heartbeat
Her shriek and stridence shook me on my seat!

SEVER

by Michael Arevalo

Addressed to my Ex-girlfriend=P

With anguish and valor I wished to save it,
To ensure colliding hearts to forever beat,
Give chance to the dying feeling to relive,
And put thy world of sorrow out thou deceit.

The dew of the morning sun to me greets
His toast, perhaps, for a starting day of grief
To signal loneliness in thy body to creep
Make thee realize that I am alone and weak.

Farewell to you, oh thy four-year lover,
For thou cake you gave, and those daily letters
Soar high and seek for your happily ever after…
Thanks for thou heart I returned for the better!

Cookies and Balloons

To kookie and her love for balloons=P
Written under the influence of alcohol.

An empty cookie jar, left with nothing but crumbs,
Set beside thou window, facing the tranquil farm,
Alone amidst the sweet and wholesome hour,
Allured by the lively herbs and flowers from afar.

Then, just as the jar reckon thy vanishing array,
Mum placed freshly baked cookies from a tray,
With a dozen cookies with peanuts and raisins,
The jar is filled, alas, thy wondrous purpose begins.

One palatable cookie inside the jar then mumbles,
‘Why does thy life be spent imprisoned, left crumbled?
Why does demise become thy end in humane craving?
Thy existence is but to be accomplished by dying!’

‘…the world is unfair, for how it has created thee,
With fragile physique, crazed crust, without beauty.
Unlike a balloon, flying freely above for all to see,
So intact, bold and firm, fascinates everybody!

The jar sympathized with thy poor fellow’s grief,
But gains momentum with a phrase he’s to give,
His rich voice started to cause the latter’s dismay,
He hoped to utter words that would end the cookie gay.

‘Dump thou thoughts of vulnerability, my dear.
For thou purpose exceeds what wondrous balloons offer.
Balloons may give pleasure in thy master’s eyes,
But never can thy give him joy free of hunger and sigh.

‘Thou life may hath given, but for a cause so noble,
To satisfy thy human’s appetite is far more unbelievable.
To gaze at balloons soar does nothing to a summer of dreary
But to fill their stomachs surely would make them merry!’

My Artistic Inclination

Mike's Paintings to be Auctioned!

Starting bid: 50 dollars

Email Mike for more details.=P

Harry Potter
Date: March 2005
I think it’s what they call addiction… LOL.

Rays
Date: January 2000
The very first painting I made with watercolor and a mixture of Tulco paint. I was only twelve by then.

Such Scary Symphony

Download my Composition

Composed by Mike

Summer of 2007.

What do you expect when you keep a handsome man and an old piano under one roof? LOL. Well, instantly, the piano gets played and the man becomes a composer! Who would believe that the man knows not a single piano piece? He doesn’t even know the do-re-me!

Genuine Sarcasm

The Faithful Ones
The Serious Class Discussion
The Sporty Freaks at the Covered Courts
Chiwee’s Reticence Unveiled
The Agony of Waiting (for Food)
The Sad Faces of Goodbye

At the Gateway of the Real World

By Michael Arevalo, 11:54pm, April 30, 2008, Di Makatulog
Eto ang napapala ng sobrang takot magtrabaho. LOL. Pwede bang mag-apply na poet na lang?

I am in a voyage towards a new wilderness;
From afar, I witness the terrain of the unknown,
Where people say monster creeps and hides;
The place I am bound to be crushed and torn.

The vicious fear engulfs thy whole body,
I feel it in thy nerves rushing to thy swollen heart,
It lays down from thy toes, moving to every part of thee,
Whilst allured in discomfort, I’m vulnerable to part!

Then, with a leap of faith, I took a single step,
Thy mournful chirps, oh yes, is but I can speak
Alas, thy carping tongue uttered a mortal alarm,
‘When wilt thy agony end and success overcome?’

What fear cannot thy strength raise and quell,
Thy trust dwells amidst the harsh wind of fate,
I hope to uncover the light and thy wishes to forbear;
Thy present conquest is yet never beyond compare.

I seek for light as vapors in thy morning dream,
To battle imperviousness; to conquer recklessness,
To be vigor, and act when called for superior bliss,
To be sequacious and adjoin the life-restoring beam!

Bow. (applause!) This is thy thought so perfectly could I represent. But thy sight is failing with thy unruly dizziness. Thy concluding yawn marks my limit to work. Goodnight oh mindful ‘overtime’ companion (tigshutdown ang computer), so long thy greater blaze (inoff na ang lamp shade), and sweet dreams thou handsome poet (inadress sa salamin). Yawn! (At natulog).

In their Photo Album

My Italian Cousins: The Martinsigh Brothers

Paulo and Lucas. They’re JUST the owners of hundreds of cars in Italy. Nothing’s really special about them. LOL. Ate Chix and Uncle Romy at the Big Brother House

Wow. Rock On Ate Chicqui! ^__^
Guess Who?

Rico Barrera, Chix Alcala and Sam Milby. Yehaa! Pinsan ko yang sa gitna! LOL.
My Cool Granies

Now, who would think they’re in their 80’s?
Not so long ago…

I really hate this picture. What a pose!
Ate Annie in Canada

Can’t refuse the aroma of the freshly opened chocolate bars? LOL.
No one thought she’d go that far…

Tsk. Tsk. The star in the making. Yehaa.

The rest is HISTORY!

I really hate history. I hate memorizing places, names, and events. I have this low memory retention problem which further gives me trouble in conceptualizing events chronologically. Grr. I hope this blog can help me remember just in case I lose track.

Charcoal Masterpiece

Sa paghahalukay ko ng baul, nakita ko ang sketchpad ko. Walang date itong isa eh. Sayang. Pero hula ko mga Second year highschool ko ‘to ginawa:

THE JONAS BROTHERS!

Whoo!! Rock On Jonas Brothers! Yehaa!! ^__^

The Jonas Brothers is an American pop-rock band from Wyckoff, New Jersey made up of three brothers, Joe, Nick, and Kevin Jonas. All three brothers attended Eastern Christian High School in North Haledon, New Jersey.[1] They have released two albums - It's About Time in 2006, and Jonas Brothers in 2007, and will release A Little Bit Longer in 2008.

Man’s best friend plays soccer

Airbud, 1997
Written September 2004

Soccer is a known sport in foreign countries, especially in South America where it originated. Annually, several countries would send their representatives to compete with those of other countries in ‘kicking balls’ game. The committees are very strict to follow the standardized rules and regulations. Though, never in any rules of American soccer had a dog being forbidden from playing.

The story of Airbud which is a Walt Disney film implies that even dogs could play soccer. Of course, this is quite improbable since dogs are nothing but… dogs. They’re domestic animals and they’re man’s best friend. Thus, aside from it’s hard to train dogs as a player, it is difficult for them to play because they are small (compared to human players). Their natural characteristics of being small can be seen as an advantage for the competing team… or not. LOL. How in the hell could someone train a dog to pass a ball to a teammate? Well, first of all, how can he be able to distinguish a teammate from an opponent? Sigh.

Buddy, contrary to what people think, is not an ordinary dog. He may seem too vulnerable but he is such a profitable pup. Many were impressed by his ability to play and become famous in the world of soccer.

Buddy, a well-breed dog by a young man named Josh (Kevin Zegers) of Fernville, once played for America. The movie states that Buddy have won several intervillage soccer competition which made him famous and an asset to the world cup team of the USA.

The plot of the story is quite simple and highly predictable. But, truly, it is interesting. Having a dog as a lead character is a bit rare in the movie industry nowadays. I would take huge effort to direct a non-human cast. It was proven in the ‘sneak peek’ to how the movie was done. Extreme effort was shown among the crews and staff. That, fortunately, was paid off by having 4.5 million videos sold all over the USA alone.

What I really like in the story is the way the story shifted from ‘cute and funny’ genre into a more serious love story. Talk about dogs having romantic scenes together while watching TV! I also like the presence of the antagonists who were also hilarious with their dumbness in the latter part of the story. And also, I would like to have the magic whistle that lets other dogs… I mean all sorts of dogs… come together in an instant. That is just so interesting. Not to mention Josh’s relationship with a migrant woman… uhm… it was romantically humorous. ^__^

Dogs are truly fascinating. Some people believed that dogs can be trained and develop certain abilities that exceed present human expectations. Scientists say that animals have functional brains though smaller than ours. In the recent researches, dogs are proven to be able to sniff certain chemicals that are hazardous to human health. They can detect bombs, pirated discs, and even cancer. They can act as a doctor and could do CPR. They can detect if you have high blood sugar with a single sniff. Nevertheless, they could be a companion and a savior. This present conclusions prove that dogs have a powerful brain backed by amazing senses. They have the ability to retain in their memory what they are taught to do. This ability varies from different animals, depending on the size and capacity of their brains. Wow. Ever heard of the dog that effectively uses the bathroom, flushes the toilet, knows how to switch on the light and other appliances, and knows how to give you a massage after work? Well, it’s true. As they say, only in the Philippines. =P

Dogs, like all other animals need proper care and genuine love. This is the first step to properly communicate with them. They must understand that their owners would do them no harm.

The Hot Zone

A book written by Richard Preston

Written when I was in Highschool

The novel is about the truth behind the twenty-three years of terrifying outbreaks of deadly incurable filoviruses. Based in real life, the story of these highly infectious viruses, Marburg and Ebola, began when it swept throughout Africa with a horrifying and extremely devastating range of effects, brutally killing 50% to 90% of their victims. The host (those infected) suffers from throbbing headache, pain behind the eyeballs, and backache. The victim also becomes nauseated, spikes a fever and vomits- ‘something black, speckled liquid and stew of tarry granules mixed with flesh red arterial blood’. The filoviruses did not remain in the rainforest of central Africa, they also appeared in the Reston Monkey House in the suburbs of Washington D.C. This potentially real-life story is scientifically investigated by military in Biosafety level, and a major biohazard operation is performed to control the spread of these viruses. Since there is no definite place where the virus came from, scientists, SWAT team and military soldiers theorized that the Kitum Cave in the rainforest of Mount Elgon is the major origin, and distinct monkeys are the carrier. They experimented on hundreds of dying monkeys to further support their hypotheses and at the same time search for a possible cure. The experiments, however, were not successful.

The plot is really fascinating. It was thrilling and would keep you wondering if such thing could really happen. While reading, you’ll feel like you’re a part of the social and health catastrophe that endangers the welfare of mankind. Every event is described efficiently; so detailed that you’ll feel how gross it is to have been infected by the fatal virus.

Charles Monet, the lead character, reminds me of my own recklessness. Moreover, he personifies a side of me who often forgets to think twice before arriving at a make-or-break decision. This characteristic often leads me to a face a negatively induced situation that affects the well-being of others. In the story, for instance, Charkes visited the Kitum Cave without sufficient knowledge about the possibility of being infected. He crept inside and touched carcasses of elephants and other animals, and even some shining crystals, not knowing that those were dangerous. Not just that, he posed a threat in the entire human race by the being a virus carrier.

What is Philosophy?

A Personal Definition
Nosebleed ako nung First Year College

The real definition of philosophy cannot be objectively defined because one must first learn to philosophize before he can fully arrive at a concrete definition of what it is. Simply put, it is through experiencing it that a person can define it. One must learn to search meaning for his life though rational reflection by considering his thought and holistic experience. The task of philosophy includes commitment, or the active search for truth, proper attitude in approaching reality, considering a way of life and thinking philosophically. Philosophy, as a dynamic process, presupposes a beginning known as the act of questioning. This process starts with one’s self through asking who he is, and how and why he exists. This act somehow relates to the act of doubting of Rene Descartes which implies that one must learn to question the truthfulness of things. Also, the process of philosophizing implies liberation or freedom from unquestioning acceptance. One must be open to possibilities or to recognize the past and potentialities. Liberation leads to self-project and affirmation of oneself through personal philosophical resolution. Therefore, philosophy is a subversive activity or something that is open to historicity and open to what can and should be. Another characteristic would be the personhood which suggests that philosophy is a personal task that is operative in life (creative project). Creative project is the continuous fulfillment of his possibilities through integration of his experiences and thus, his philosophical world-view becomes the basis of discourse with his fellowmen.

Good Morning

Written during my English I Class
A Classroom Activity

The sun rises wonderfully over the field,
Moving closer, restoring hope throughout the land;
Slowly driving nearer as the clock ticks,
Embracing colossal darkness with carroty glow;

Oh, Cirrus clouds, your majestic beauty then appears,
After the mountains and valleys stepped out of the dullness,
Birds flutter as the rays illuminate over the foggy flowers,
Then thy concluding yawn, cheers for a new day of bliss!

THE BATTLE OF THE CENTURY

Laban na!

Who will win?

From the blue corner, wearing a blue suit made of non-waterproof silk and cotton, weighing 400 lbs., the man of steel with an “I love Louis Lane’ tattoo on the left check of his ass, SuperManiac Louie! (Clap clap… Boooo!!!)

From the red corner, wearing a maroon suit made of pure Kryptonium Ore, with built-in anti-X-ray vision and anti-laser sensory device, a locomotor shoes that enhances agility and speed, web stings made of addictive rugby, and a compact MP3 player. Ladies and Gentlemen, the man who can use Kagebushin technique, has Super strength, has Mutant powers of Magneto, has Luffy’s elasticity, and can summon Poseidon’s thunder and lightning… SpiderMike! (Standing Ovation…Whooo!!!!!)

Drake Raevin’s christening!

I am officially a Godfather! Last April 27, 2008, I attended the christening of a cute little boy named Drake Raevin at the Metropolitan Cathedral. He is the son of my classmate back in elementary, Mae, who was then the class’ valedictorian. She married Marvin, his very first crush and all-time lover (yeha!). I really admire the relationship that this couple has. They’ve been together since our kindergarten years. Now that they’re married and have Drake with them, I couldn’t be happier.

Drake
This is Drake: so cute, eh?

Russel and I before Drake’s christening.

Yehaa. Notice Ruz’ blouse. It was worn backwards…seriously… and it took us an hour or two to notice it. LOL. Everyone couldn’t help but laugh.

Nice shot
A picture taken by a professional photographer. Tsk. Tak. Don’t ever lend Russel the camera… she’s better off with the syringe.

Emkhae, Mae, Drake and Mike
Drake, where’s the monster?

LOL. Drake’s so sure where the monster is. Good boy!

Stop kissin’ the monster, Mike!

My friends for almost two decades.
On the right side is Hannah. She came back from Manila for a visit. Wow. It’s been several years all right...