BMHP Batch 7 Acquaintance Party

Reggae!

Dog Tovarish

Imagine yourself tired and lonely from a whole day’s work. You went on your ride carrying excessive pile of papers on one hand, and a To-Go McDonald’s burger and fries on the other. You came home in your dark and small apartment in the middle of the night starving. You opened the door and switched on the light. You sat down and had a few moments to relax. Then, you once again bumped into a realization how alone you were. The place was so tranquil you could actually hear your heartbeat. Then, started missing your pet dog who died years ago. Just then, you realized how cool it would be to have a white, furry and jolly dog around. A dog that would bark and wiggle his tail when he sees you arrive from work. A dog that would stay beside you as you sleep, join you as you eat your supper, and keep you awake to finish the work you brought at home. Imagine his fine furs with distinct dark spots, beautiful rounded eyes, long flipping ears, and small black nose. Feel him as he embraces you, and smell him as he continuously scrubs his body over your arms just to catch your attention. Sigh. It’s so nice to dream. I soooo want a dog!!!!!!

The photo-shoot battle of the geeky ORANGES

On the red corner… my best research buddy, Tee Jay Tabinas… LOL. Jason, aka Tee Jay, was my classmate 3 years ago when we were both first years at Ateneo de Naga University. We were partners in a research study about the status of tourism in Camarines Sur. We’ve got a lot in common, not to mention being tagged as ‘the weirdos’. We were both ‘oranges’- in fact, the only oranges in the block. This was revealed during the NSTP personality assessment test. For a moment, I thought we were really different… Oranges are characterized as being too responsible even if situation does not necessitate them to. Anyway, Jason, is graduating this summer just like me. Magnifico! It’s been three years since we have seen each other… and that’s after he went several miles away to study in Manila with an Economics course. Rock on Tee Jay… Can’t forget your usual ‘Pambihira’ expression… your favorite song ‘Bright lights’… your creative way of courting Chiwee (by having a project dedicated to her)… your amazing way of solving economics and math puzzles… and of course, your favorite elephant jeans.. LOL.

I know you’re doing great out there… I heard you’re a great drinker (it shows in the balloon-like tummy…LOL)… Chiwee, by the way, already has her very first boyfriend… That’s what you get for being such a slowpoke…haha. What’s with sudden shift from English to Filipino literature? I just noticed you write basically all of your experiences in your Multiply account using Tagalog… which is cool…LOL… nice poems and essays (some I don’t understand)… soon, you’ll be as nationalistic as Jose Rizal- better start writing your autobiography as early as now. One day, you might be martyred at Luneta or somewhere...LOL. Just don’t forget to email me an invitation to your execution so I could get some first hard glimpse (and probably some photos) of your historic death… (knock on wood…LOL).

How about a duel? Let’s see who has better appeal on our graduation pics. Your ‘bookworm’ image versus my ‘pirate-wannabe’ image. Haha. The people will decide. Voting starts now. LOL. Here are my photos:. (photo not yet available)

And here are yours:

FORMAL

CREATIVE

Mike: The should-have-been

What would you feel when the thing you desire the most, which was at the palm of your hands, suddenly got swift away? I was on that scenario a month before the graduation. I was an inch close to being a magna cum laude... Too bad I messed up with one of my subjects two years ago. It took me 2 more years to realize how much I screwed my Financial Management subject. I had an 86… (God! This was the highest grade I got when I was on the first grade… didn’t realize it was so damn low for college!). Anyway, my average grade could qualify me as a magna cum laude. But looking at my 86, my aspiration suddenly crashed. If only had another point more… just one! If only it was 87… if only… Sigh. I wanted to blame the teacher, you know… but my pride took over my rationality. I don’t want to beg and kneel for grade… it’s not the sole basis of my dedication towards learning…Besides, the teacher had too much power- he might file a case against me just like what he did with some friend I know. Shhh.. I have nothing against him and I truly respect him… even if the highest he could give was only 88… (in that case, I was the third highest in class… but that wasn’t enough…tsk tsk.). I’ll be okay. I’ll just have to settle to being a Cum Laude- ‘with honors’.

Lenten Season at my Hometown

Believed to have the power to heal illnesses, the hinulid of Calabanga is being visited by various people who believe that their faith to God could heal them.

I am a person who easily gets fascinated by people’s behavior, tradition and other unusual conducts. This year’s celebration of the holy week was like no other. In my hometown, Bombon, Camarines Sur, people were really embracing the Catholic Tradition as one event worth preparing. The whole town served as one of the venue of the annual Alay-Lakad (I’m not good in translating words, but it means something like Offer-a-walk). Alay-lakad has been a tradition for decades wherein people from various places in and outside Naga City walk approximately 50 kilometers on bare foot. The youths, as I observed, dominated the thousands of participants in the Alay-lakad. They join their friends, and some even brought with them their boyfriend or girlfriend. Being in Bombon was like having a VIP ticket on a crowd-full concert. I saw people pass by our house in an unending file from sunset until the break of dawn. The objective of the Alay-lakad is not merely walking but experiencing to suffer just like Jesus did in the last few hours of His life. The real test lies on aching knees, ankles, in-grown, At the end of the route, people will line up (and stay there for almost half-a-day), with the aim of kissing the image of Jesus Christ called Hinulid. As my self-pledged obligation, I have promised to join the Alay-lakad and kiss Jesus’ foot. My mum agreed to join me in my ‘so-called’ sacrifice. We were so driven to reach the finish line, but my mum’s sandal couldn’t bear too much walking so eventually the strap tore off (so much for the bare-foot tradition). An hour of extreme walking and we were almost there (Bombon is just an adjacent town of Calabanga, the end of the line). It was an hour before midnight when we started to fall in line just like the thousand others. Few friends came by but with too many people around walking, we hardly talked. Hours went by and we got really dehydrated and hungry. Good thing there were free salabat (tea), soda, sandwiches, breads, juice, water, soups, candies and many more. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to taste any of these free stuffs with the fear that they were bribe for the next election or even worse, they’ve been poisoned. Anyway, so we stayed their desperate even just to touch a strand of Jesus’ hair. It was 3am that we realized that our situation was hopeless and so we decided to give up. After 4 hours, we weren’t even halfway of the finish line. Sigh. It took us few more minutes to realize that if we stay, we will have to wait for 5 hours more. And so the rest was history. We arrived home 5am fully exhausted. In just a few moments, none of us realized that we were already in bed sleeping.

Lent is the period of fasting, penitence, and self-denial traditionally observed by Christians in preparation for Easter. As a Christian, I did more than that. God, I’m so proud of myself.

Who says it’s not leaning?

The leaning tower of Bombon, Camarines Sur, as described by some publishers can be associated with the leaning tower of Pisa in Italy. People believed that the structure of the tower itself is not that stable making lean directly towards a public school in the said place. Several people, upon the creation of the tower, said that it must be destroyed because it is leaning. The church says that it must not be because the faiths of the people are just being tested and their continuous prayer would not let it fall. Years passed, yet the church’s leaning tower still exists- firm and strong- despite the natural calamities it had faced all over the years.

World War II and the Philippines

(Unpublished… now published)

The talk conducted on December 11, 2007 at Richie Fernando Hall dealt on some historical facts about the World War II and its effects to the Philippines. It has been discussed how severe the oppression was during those times. Thus, the magnitude of the suffering of the Filipinos was highly stressed especially in the hands of the Japanese colonizers.

The most striking about the talk was Ms. Padilla’s discussion on comfort women during the Japanese era. It has been said that her research revealed that even eleven year old girls were abducted and forcefully set to satisfy the sexual cravings of the Japanese. This was actually supported by the book I read entitled Heroic Virgins by Alfonso Santos, which depicted in a really concise and detailed manner how Filipino women were sexually abused, as foretold by the victims themselves. The firsthand interviews of Ms. Padilla have proven the severity of the cases of each woman who has endured the malicious sexual injustice. Aside from the women’s ‘physical service’, they were obliged to do household chores like cooking, washing the laundry, and all sorts of cleaning. At night, they would have to massage their Japanese master (yeah, as if they were slaves) and do basically everything to satisfy their ‘needs.’ It was just so unfortunate to some who served no specific ‘master’ but were sexually abused by several. These unfortunate ones were enclosed in a compartment until each Japanese (there were a number of them) lining up outside comes in and experience heaven in their happy hour…hell knows what happens next after they sneak in!

To put an end to what was happening; some Filipina victims had to think of ways to escape. They, as they shared, could no longer bear living beaten and abused for a single day. As study showed, some victims were locked up with the same situation from 4 days to more than two years. Some victims were successful to outwit the guards and ran back to their homes. Others failed to escape and were severely punished, if not executed. Poor Filipina. I just wish they knew something about Aikido or kung fu. WhaaaPaK!

Movie Marathon at Kai's

At Kai's place... Movie Marathon.... FEAST and Bring it On!! I came with the two other Mike's. It's the first time I ever made a 'gatecrash'... Felt weird trying to belong. I just wanted to watch Alvin and the chipmunks for free... but things messed up. Power failure. Tsk Tsk. Good thing Kai's a great cook. We were able to eat until the electricity came back. Feast (movie) was amazingly shocking. Everyone was stunned, except for Mona who was shocked by the cutting of the head scene moments after everyone did. LOL. Rock On Batch7... I'll surely miss all of you. Wish we bonded longer... Good luck in the 3 more years of college...^__^... I'll never forget this Movie Trip.. It's one of a kind... Because my purpose wasn't accomplished, I had to watch Alvin and the Chipmunks and Jumper in a movie house the day after... LOL.

The Prom

Uhm. Nothing much to say. Just want to post this. Miss Yah Guys!^_^
Rock On! Go Oracle! LOL!

My Blitz

One thing that sets me apart from others is my creativity. I have won several painting competitions and poster-making contests (inter-school and regional). My inclination on the art does not end with the usual sketching and expertise in color-combinations. I incorporate art in my literary works and essays. My poems, for all you know, used to be chosen as the best in class by my English and Filipino teachers. (YAbanG) But the truth is, I love making use of too much figurative language which often destroys the whole point of the literary work… (and that, in my own opinion, does not make me a good writer.) I really don’t understand why some, just like my teachers and friends, often get deceived by the highfalutin and flowery words… ^__^

When I was ten, I already knew I was artistically inclined and has superior imaginative skills. I felt that I am bound for something big. Then, I read an article about hieroglyphics. Hieroglyphics pertains to characters in any system of writing in which symbols represent objects (such as tools, animals, or boats) and ideas (such as motion, time, and joy). The word comes from a Greek term meaning 'sacred carving,' which the ancient Greeks used to describe decorative characters carved on Egyptian monuments. The term is now mainly used to refer to the system of writing used by the ancient Egyptians.

The article inspired me to make my own hieroglyphics. I call it Blitz, a word I find really modernized. LOL. Blitz originally comes from BLITZKREIG (in German, “lightning war”), which refers to a swift, sudden, and overwhelming military offensive used by Germany in World War II (1939-1945). The whole concept was inspired from the History discussion of Mrs. Guerrero, my class adviser when I was in Grade Five.

After the class, I went home and started creating the Blitz. From scratch, I began to wonder on cool graphics and characters. I assigned my own symbols to each letter in the English alphabet, each punctuation mark, every number and even all universally understood symbols. These symbols somehow ‘evolved’ over the years… basically, because I sometimes change the symbols corresponding to some characters.

Anyway, I made a screenshot of my Blitz with the hope that someone out there would be interested. I could teach people my language, you know. I am very open to possibility that this could be used as a major theme in a Hollywood blockbuster movie about treasure hunting and decoding symbols on maps and historic tracks. LOL. Okay… I know that’s just too much. I would just have to settle on having my Blitz patented under Microsoft and have it as a computer font style. LOL.

Cool, eh? Just so you know, I write faster in blitz than in the English Alphabet... weird... ^__^

Graduation Again?

This picture was taken after our Baccalaureate Mass on the day of my High School Graduation. It took me four years to realize that I’m the only one wearing cap… LOL. Anyway, I am graduating this summer in college and it really feels… odd. I mean, after that day, my student-life would be over. No more allowances, no more exams, and no more projects. I really do not understand why people tend to see graduation as an event worth celebrating. I mean, isn’t like death or something? It’s the end of the happy moments which are free from any form of responsibilities and expectations. Biased it may sound but that’s the truth. I do want to study and if I could turn back the time, I would. It’s not that I am not prepared for what people call, “the real world.” I’ll just have to say, I’ll miss my daily classroom life… waking up early for my 7:30 am class, staying late at night for a hard nut to crack homework, and of course, getting 20% discount on my jeepney, bus and tricycle ride. Sigh. (Five minutes later…) Now, I realize I’ll have to enroll again next semester…LOL. What can you say about a second course? Hmmm…^__^

Should I try my luck in Manila?

I never really contemplated on what to do after graduation. I am very open to possibilities of employment anywhere. I just want settle on what fate gives me. But, there’s something to reliance on fate that people find wrong. Some people think that I am bound for something really big and that I should strive to work towards it. People say that success comes for those who are able to take risk and give unmatchable effort. If I continue to wait, these people would think I’m lazy and irresponsible. That is why I’m caught in the middle between ‘waiting’ and ‘striving.’ I mean, both actually have the same implications sooner or later. If I wait and end up jobless, that’s one great frustration. The same degree of downfall also would happen if I exert too much effort but in the long-run end up jobless. Sigh.

I’ve got offers but I am not really sure what to grab, or better yet if these offers are really the things meant for me. I am planning to stay in Manila not because of the high pay, but because it is the best venue for my growth and learning. I always love challenge and this is one thing I would surely experience in Manila.

But considering the risks involved- being away from my family for the first time, being independent (cooking and doing laundry on my own… which I am not really used to do), and basically deciding on my own on financial and other matters- I think it would be really hard. I’m so confused. Should I leave Naga? What should I do?

DREAM ON!

My greatest dream is to be remembered when I’m gone. I wanted to make a difference and be recognized for it. I wanted to take part in the making of human history. I wanted to be famous, noble and idolized.

When I was on my fifth grade, I already have the same aspiration. I wanted my name to be printed on books, and my life to be honored and analyzed. As early as 10 years old, I began conceptualizing my dream of having a shoe that makes a person levitate and go in places he wants to go. I make a simple design after studying and researching on car engines. The design of the shoe was patterned on car piston, only that it could produce a hundred times of energy that is enough to set the bottom of the shoe on fire and lift the person up in the air. My dream of a world where people are gliding and soaring up the sky has always been a part of my childhood. I, as I remembered, dumped the Flying Shoe Project when my classmate marked my sketchbook “GEEK!” and I got pissed. My dream would just have to stay a dream after all.

Then I decided to get into Art and Literature. I enrolled in some Art Classes and stated painting different kinds of stuffs. Cartoons and Animes were much more famous by then so I would also draw characters on Fushigi Yuugi and Dragon Ball Z. I wrote poems and essays, and began my career as a writer. It took me a few days to realize that I wasn’t a good writer. So I came back to science and developed the chicken defeathering machine. It was a project in my Physics class that took me a year to finish. Just when I thought to patent the ‘wild’ idea, a friend told me that a huge chicken factory in town already had similar machine decades ago. Sigh. So much for the effort!

Then I gave up. Just then, I realized that there’s really nothing to aspire for. In life, there’s nothing much to do but to have fun. It is not about living up to the expectations set by others, and personal desires. What we may have other than enjoyment and satisfaction is a blessing that is worth treasuring. Einstein never really dreamt of being famous, has he?

RECENTLY

Recently, I lost a friend for good. Some say I was the one who messed up. Yeah, I did something wrong. But I never really regret it. I believe what I did was right. But it sure hell hurts to lose someone important… again. Sigh.

I tend to limit my friends to a few numbers not because I am not as sociable as others but because of the fear that I may somehow get too attached to the point that these people are the ones influencing and persuading me what to do. More than that, I guess I am not just ready on the downside of having few friends… It hurts when they leave.

I remain optimistic despite the fact that I am back to where it all began. I will start from scratch. Again, by making people realize that I am not a geek, Mr. Industrious, and Mr. Know-it-all. I will make new friends. I will befriend people and treat them just the same.

At least I know that God is with me. ^__^

ULUPONG VIDEO PRESENTATION

I'm definitely not a LONER

For a couple of times, I thought I was a loner. I ought to stay at home: paint, watch COOL movies, read books, write something using my Blitz (my own way of writing), and even brooke myself (usual thing). I love doing these stuffs, especially the brooking part..haha… Anyway, here are some cool pix I have to prove that I’m not a home boy:

The Basketball Championship between USI and Ateneo… The Ateneo Golden Knights won… I was there to witness it!

The Mr. ABBS Pageant night. I came to support a friend who was forced to join the stupid stage entertainment. He lost… good thing I have not cheered that much.

The weird mango Danes gave me. She offered to let me have few of this. It’s grown over their backyard and tastes uhmm… weird.

The BMHP batch7 acquaintance party at Pasacao Camarines Sur. I would like to admit I didn’t enjoy the whole activity. Sorry guys. It was the first week of June and I was heartbroken. Would you believe, I missed the opportunity to swim at the beach because I was so depressed?

The Philosophy Department Sponsored Concert. Yeah. We came a bit late. That’s kuya Dan. I don’t know who that girl beside me is.That’s at Cattlemen’s. The photo is fabricated. I drank not a single drop of beer. Tell me, who edited this?

We visited a friend at the St. John Hospital. She said she has leukemia. The doctors said she’s just stressed. Nice guess Yeo. But I’m really concerned about her. She usually faint in an instant… Take care Yeo..

The Christmas Statues of Ateneo. Just have to make things clear: I’m not a part of the statues.

With my Best Friends at E-mall. We ate gummyworms and skipped our afternoon Class. How cool is that?

The University Church. The last place you’ll ever see me. ^_^

At Xavier Hall with my new found friends… Rock on Batch 7 (that goes for all except the person all Mike’s hate… nah, keep guess’n!^__^)

The Project Planning Seminar at Richie Fernando Hall. These were the only participants. I arrived late but they still welcomed me. Probably just to add to the large crowd…

Kaogma Festival Concert. This was the very first (true) concert I ever attended. Famous local bands from Manila came including Spongecola, 6 cycle mind, U-Turn and manay others. We saw fireworks display and met cool people all over Bicol Region who came just for the concert.

Soyworks at work. We manufacture soy custard. This photo was taken in our house as we mess up with the food in the fridge. LOL. I miss being busy with SoyWorks. Too bad I had to dissolve the partnership because of my partners’ lack of commitment.

At Liberty Commercial Center. Mum, my sister and I are shopping.

High- Am I on drugs?

What’s with the Mike’s?

I was named after a saint, St. Michael the Archangel, the defender. Michael, one of the seven archangels in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, presumed to be leader of the angels and guardian angel of Israel. His name derives from Hebrew words meaning “who is like God.” According to a collection of apocalyptic writings known as the Book of Enoch, Michael and his command of faithful troops defeated the rebellious archangel Lucifer and his followers, casting them into Hell.

According to statistics, 4 out of ten boys in America are named after St. Michael. Surprising, eh? I was surprised as well and I used to think that there was some sort of fabrication in the statistics (the source of the information was an essay). Until recently, I came across with two persons who share the same name as mine. One of them even became my godson during the acquaintance party of the Business Management Honor’s Program held at Pasacao, Camarines Sur. The other is a close friend of mine who made a deal with me to trade my MP3s with a softcopy of an important file. (Do the end of the bargain Mike!)

Tall, Dark and Handsome Mike

Their names are Mike Ticar and Mike Baylon. I am Mike T’s godfather during the initiation for the rest of college, I guess. Mike B is Mike T’s best buddy. You can hardly see one of them away from another. Associating them as Siamese Twins is not an exaggeration. They are really close friends.

Let’s see, what do all Mike’s have in common? I honestly don’t know. Maybe, aside from the name, it’s the charm. LOL (remember, this is my blog so no one’s allowed to object). Nah, seriously now, I think it’s the way of thinking. Mike’s are reserved and composed. We never tag along with people we don’t like (not unless situations forced us to). Our core principle is that, it is better to be alone true to ourselves than to be with other and act the person we’re not. We make decisions that others contest, but the fact that everyone disagrees on it gives us thrill and drive to pursue it. We love facing challenges especially if it gives us the feeling of superiority and freedom. We never show our true emotions as it is regarded as a sign of vulnerability. Others do not understand the way we think but we really enjoy the whole ‘indifference’ scenario. We love to feel how important we are as we practice apathy. We actualize every possible potentiality with or without the help of anyone. We never care about what others think as long as we followed what we know is right and what is within the realm of our beliefs.

Mike’s, contrary to other’s belief, are friendly and are willing to stand for others who have showcased great deal of love and care for us. We fight for what is right the same way St. Michael did when he defeated the devil’s clan. We are strong and we’re not afraid to stand in front of others as long as they have won our trusts. Unconsciously, we are living up the real meaning of our name- “who is like God. “

To all Mike’s out there: Agree??

BESTFRIENDS

I really get uneasy when my sister would call a number of girls she know her best friends. I think in every street in our village she has one. She has best friends in her elementary classmates, high school and college. It’s like she has three dozen of best friends. Sigh. I really do not understand why she thinks of having several ‘BESTS’. I mean, if it’s the best, then it should only be one, right?

When I am asked who my best friend is, I simply pause and think of how I could change the topic. For the longest time, I never really have friends I could call as my personal bests. I mean what’s the point? Will it make a difference if you call a friend your best and the others the lesser best?

It took me some time to realize that I do have lists of best friends. They are the ones who understand me and are always there in every course of action I take. Even if I disproved the idea of having multiple best friends, I think I myself am guilty of having several friends I consider the bests. Ironically, the people I tagged as my personal best are the most unlikely ones. One is my archrival. One is the person I once hated the most for being self-centered. Another is a person I often wage war with because of our contrary beliefs. And the last is the person who is so irritating because of her immature way of thinking. It’s ironic that the persons I thought I cared for are not among the list. So, excited to name my best friends? Let’s begin…

THE ARCHRIVAL

This is my best friend number one: Bryan Oliquino. He is a composer and an amazing musician. He plays a lot of instrument including saxophone, trombone, flute, and some cool percussion. I met him when we were 6. He was my classmate during my pre-school years and the rest of my elementary years. He has an amazing physique, white complexion and subtle moves that impress girls. I used to envy him. He is such a great man who had some childish affairs with some girls I know (I wont mention a name for confidentiality). He is a mathematician (which explains why he took up engineering in college) and a dancer. He was my rival in academics and co-curricular activities. He was the leader of the band (drum and lyre corps) and I was the SPL (Senior Patrol Leader) of the school’s Boy Scouts. We’ve got a lot in common like our being so in love with numbers and puzzles, being a part of the dance club, and many others. Not to mention our exactly the same final grades! Well, he end up having the 1st honorable mention spot and I claimed the spot after him. I was defeated because of the extra-curricular stuff… GRR… Anyway, that really doesn’t matter. We’ve been close friends ever since. It’s like we’ve known each other for almost our entire life. Even if the rivalry no longer exist, I still treat him as a foe when it comes to cracking puzzles and proposing activities for my elementary friends’ annual gathering. He is a friend who has been tested by time. The friendship remains strong and solid even up to now.

THE SELF-CENTERED

Meet my best friend number two: Louie Andrew Limjoco. If there’s one person that I really hate the most in our clique, I think, he’s one of the nominees (bravo!). I met him four years ago when we were First Year College. We’ve got a lot of differences particularly with our beliefs and principles. Louie is all-girls’ boyfriend. No one owns him… no one other than the girls in the clique ever have and ever did. He’s the current president of the Virgin Club, Never-been-touched-never-been-kissed Club and Single-since-birth Club. He usually rely on Zodiacs, premonitions, dream assessment, constellation, Tarot cards, Ouija boards, religious images, miracles, numerology, character prediction through names, birth date character assessment (including hour, temperature and wind velocity are considered), Chinese calendar assessment and even Feng Sui. His over reliance on these stuffs makes him really weird, especially in my perspective since I condemn these irrational beliefs. What I hate the most about Louie is his being egoistic sometimes. It’s like he carries a written waiver wherever he goes, stating that he’s not responsible in any way and any how. If something came up unexpectedly, he would often say, “I didn’t know…I wasn’t informed.” which is really irritating especially when he would say this nine times while he was with you. It’s like you are experiencing a worst case scenario and there he was couldn’t get a hold of his mouth and thinking of nothing but assuring that he wasn’t involved and he wasn’t responsible. Sigh. These things make us distant at first. We never had a chance to talk about serious matters until now that we’re in our last year of college. Truth is, I really didn’t know why I share to him things that bother me. I mean, it’s like suddenly, there I was with him sharing my sentiments. He’s the only one I ever shared my problems with, for really unknown reasons. It just happened… and he’s instantly my best buddy… (Rock on!)

Louie has an amazing way of captivating women. He has an inherently irresistable charm that makes any girl fall in an instant. Louie is very dedicated towards his work and his studies. He devotes so much time with each subject he takes and sees to it that he gets a satisfying grade at the end of the semester. He is a dependable friend to everyone. Eventhough his sense of humor sometimes fails with the standards of his barkadas, he is able to catch up and eventually make everyone laugh. He, even with his 'delayed intelligence' (term courtesy of Fr. DJ), is loyal and trustworthy. He never has forgotten the bond of friendship we have after he had to shift to another course because of an unfortunate reason. In fact, even if he no longer was a part of the Business Management Honors' Program, he sees to it that he still finds time to bond with us, his friends. He never has forgotten his very own tribe of Ulupong, his full-fledged circle of friends. That's a genuine proof of his loyalty and care for us.

THE AGENT FOR TRANSITION

And now for my third best friend: April Arcilla. Unconsciously, she created a lot of wonders in me. You see, she is so industrious. She has amazing time-management strategies. She gets the work done before the rest of the class do. She’s really astonishing. Truth is, I am following her footsteps. I was never good at doing stuffs but it was her who changed my belief regarding work. It was through her that I realized that I should excel in everything I do and that I should be concerned about time. I can never recall when she ever got late in class or ever submitted a project in delay. She’s simply incredible. Anyway, there’s more to Apz than academics… she’s an amazing musician! She plays the guitar really good, is addicted to PULP music magazine and has memorized basically all rock songs you know. Her being inclined in music somehow drove us closer. In my darkest hours, it was music that accompanied me and Apz suggested songs that suit me. She’s really good. But having her as a best friend did not start just as that. During the first few months that I met her, my impression was she was so studious… (which is actually true). I find her irritating when she would suddenly butt in with a “SHHH…” I hate it because when she would intrude in the conversation, happiness suddenly stops. Come to think of it, she really had a point. We weren’t listening to the teacher as we chat about stuffs. Well, that’s Apz, irritatingly concerned. I think she just wanted us to listen to the discussion. Haha. Love yah Apz!

THE IMMATURE

Chiwee…… does that ring a bell? Yeah… sounds like a bell, a chime or something after being disrupted by a subtle wind… Chiwee’s real name is Cherry Vie Saballegue, the class’ bunso. Chiwee is one of the most disciplined of the group. She would put socialization behind academics. Chiwee is a fragile person: easily abused and easily hurt. However, I wouldn’t consider her frail or something. In fact, I adore her being firm despite what is happening around her. She would always rise from the grave as if nothing happened. I remember when Jeff insulted her by forcing her to “GROW UP!” which really meant ‘act your age.” Chiwee cried out loud at me, angered by the way she was treated. If I were at her place, I would feel the same thing. What would you feel when a younger person told you to grow up? Tsk Tsk. That time, I really didn’t know how to comfort her. I, for one, am also immature in various aspects… and the words “GROW UP” felt like it goes for me too. I didn’t know how to react. Anyway, in as much as Chiwee is easily driven by her emotions, she easily forgives. She made peace with Jeff and I guess now they’re good. Chiwee’s cry-like-a-baby thing has always been an issue and the clique’s laughingstock. I remember Chiwee’s name is seldom remembered by teachers. In a roll call of attendance, teachers often still check their records to verify Chiwee’s name before they scream it out, when in fact it’s already finals and Chiwee’s been in the class for several months. LOL. Once, I dared to tease her about not being recalled, and I was surprised she cried. Oh, poor Chiwee. Anyway, for the breaking news, Chiwee found Carl as her very first boyfriend. Even if most of the members of the clique are not in favor of the Carl-Chiwee in tandem, Chiwee followed her heart and decided to let go of her circle of friends to prioritize her relationship with Carl. That’s a brave move from who they call childish. The childish member of the group thinks like a grownup after all. Better yet, she’s a lady in the making. Keep it up Chiwee… best friend…^_^

The bond of Friendship is an Illusion

written in a depressed mode..

For the longest time, I never had a decision I ever regretted… until now. I never thought giving genuine trust is a no-no. I am an independent individual, raised with the thinking that the world is cruel and that it would do nothing for me than harm. It was impliedly taught to me by the people around me. They gave me extreme amount security even up to the point of preventing me from being as sociable as others. My mindset was conditioned that in this world, the only thing I could trust was my self. I never complained when I had to be locked up in my room and forced to study. It has already been in my system and I am so used to it. I never really blamed my parents for being overprotective, in fact, I love the way they have done it. I learned a lot from them (riding a bike is an exception). As a result of their genuine guidance, I was able to become a self-reliable and competent individual. I became strong and goal-driven, even if no one watches my back.

When I went to college, I tried to let go of my beliefs and gave a strong trust to others. I was wrong. The bond of friendship is an illusion that makes a person vulnerable. I was one of its latest victims. I became weak and even stupid to show too much love and care for others, only to realize that they’re nothing but fakes. There are people who disguise themselves as good and caring just to win other’s trust. When they succeeded, they simply incorporate the real motive. Friendship inherently has a string attached to it. When a person is your friend, it’s like you have a responsibility to give something back… like some sort of obligation. For instance, if he has no assignment, you instinctively offer yours as if helping him is always good, especially since he is a friend. It doesn’t end there. Next time, he would again ask for your help on the assignment, until you end up getting involved with complex matters just to reach out. One morning you’ll realize that you’re no longer a respectable person. Your reputation is ruined by being so friendly. You end up doing stuffs that save your friend, even if it is no longer within the realm of the social norms and standards. The irony is that you don’t receive the same amount of concern you give. You’ll realize that you’re so stupid to think that he cannot be trusted. By then, you’re just a friend because of the benefit. From the very start, he never really treats you as a friend.

Having a friend never really offer a great deal of advantage. Some people argue that one is an island and people really need someone they can lean on in every moment of their lives. They’re right. Such theory applies to the majority since the most of the people around the world are weak. These people needed others to watch there backs and make them feel that they’re not alone. Who needs others when you can stand on your own? The only connection between us and the world is something impersonal… no emotions involved. We only show our emotions to those who are special- Family (and probably our husband or wife). The bond of marriage gives strong security that friendship can never have. Since friendship is not bound by any form of strong ties, an individual can actually lose some friends along the way. Where’s the security in that? Why have friends when you can lose them anyway in the long-run?

My proposal is that for every person to stand firm in his own feet and be solely backed by their families. Genuine success comes with confidence and self-reliance. Impersonalism rages in this cruel world. WE must interact with people with no emotions involved because it is the easiest way to achieve success. Emotions hinder us from achieving our true potentials and make us feel vulnerable. What do you say? Join me as we change the world!

Mike's Video

Things to remember just in case I will have Alzheimer's Disease

Just wanna share a few shots I’ve been keeping on my phone for ages (basically ‘coz I don’t own a computer yet… this is an appeal mum…^_^). As much as I wanted to just post all sorts of pictures, my dog Deinos thinks it wouldn’t really capture much attention if I don’t follow certain kind of flow (‘aw aw”- my dog agrees). So to start, here’s a picture of me more than a decade ago…

That’s me with the toy truck. I’m beside the crying boy, you idiot! Oh, why am I so adorable? I wanted to post the picture showing the naked me when I was still a baby but my dog barked again with disagreement. Lol. Anyway, the picture above was shot at our house in Bombon long ago. My parents decided to move to the city when this house was invaded by two large-grown snakes (seriously). When I was three, we moved to Naga City where I was raised and started my life with really amazing people. Here’s a picture of me at my Aunt’s wedding:

I was fat, wasn't I not? Lol. This shot was taken when I was five during my aunt Ofel’s wedding at Quipayo Church. I hardly remember that day… (God, I’m slowly experiencing early symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease).

That’s me with my sister. Her name’s Myka, and I’m three years older than her. We used to teased each other. The day won’t end without me making her cry. LOL. Once, she traded with me her 20 peso bill with my 5 peso worth of coins. I said she could buy more candies with the coins than with the bill. Lol. She was 2 and I was five. That’s fair trade. Haha.

That’s me again with my sister. Look at my robo-transformer. I still remember it misplaced somewhere in the house. Hmm.. I wonder if it’s in one of the boxes of toys under my bed. Better check it out later…

This is one of the funniest pictures ever… see the resemblance?? Haha. I’m not really that close with my father. I’m more of a momma’s boy.

This was one of the most unforgettable Christmas party ever. The year was 1998 and I was among the “dumbest” of the batch. When I was in grade three, I belonged to the smart section but when I was in grade four, they put me in the 3rd section. I messed up with some of the subjects under Mrs. Mañago, my adviser in my grade 3 and the person who had my ears pinched after I played over her bougainvillea plants. (ouch! That hurts!). Going back, I was on the third section and was the brightest under Ma’am Paglinawan’s class. Unfortunately, she filed a maternal leave, forcing us to settle with a not-so-good substitute teacher for a month. During Ma’am Paglinawan’s absence, some of her students including myself, was chosen to be among the last section. The school was experiencing problems on the large number of students per classroom so it decided to occupy the vacant room near the warehouse. Ten students were randomly picked from the 7 existing Grade four classroom. The picture above shows the ‘chosen few’ who were tagged as the dumbest. People associate the class as the lowest section and I was among them. From third section, I instantly went down to eight. But the truth is, it did not really matter to me. Contrary to what people are saying, I was really challenged having Leslie and her folks around who fought hard with me in academics. Besides, it was then that I experience life’s turning point. The class’ adviser, the tall woman in the picture had cancer and we were really concerned about her. I really do not know what happened to her now. But I was really touched by her life and sufferings. I emerged First Honor in the class and on the day of the recognition, Ma’am Paglinawan was there staring so mad at me. She never wanted to lose such a great student like me (yabang). I disproved the connotation that we were the ‘brightest among the dumbest” when we had the principal surprised with how high our grades were. On the next school year, Leslie, her folks and I were among the upper 10% of the batch. I ranked 2nd Honors in the entire batch when I was in Grade five and even got the 3rd Honorable mention spot during the elementary graduation. How cool is that?!

Yeah.. The taste of early achievement…

This was the new Naga City Science High School, my alma mater. I’m so proud I have chosen to be in this school. As of now, studies show that the students here are far better than those in private schools. It outpaced Ateneo High School. Yeah! Rock on Science High!

Then, graduation came. I surpassed the four years of dealing with freaky teachers: some I would say too genius and some greater than a genius. I faced all of them: their unusual attitudes and way of thinking, their assignments and projects that normally took me 3 days to finish, and even their mood swings. Yeah! Cheers to graduation! I will never forget graduation and my very own self-conceptualized machine, CHICKEN DEFEATHERING MACHINE:

It was also in my High School that I experienced being in love… and still am in love with the same person. This picture was taken when we were in Third Year High school after my Art Class and after her cheer and dance practice (we’re both exhausted):

We also had our proms at the Regent Hotel on two consecutive years during my junior and senior year. I went with the same date. The two proms were really important since the two weren’t alike. The junior prom was not that special but it marked the beginning of my love life (yahoo). It was then that I realized that I should take an extra effort to win Dane’s heart. After the prom, I got out of my nerves, went of the box and forgot how my pride drives me. I succeeded. I won her heart and we we’re together happily. Everything was perfect: the cake she baked for me but was given to the ants for a cause, the letters we secretly slid on each other’s locker, the making of palitaw in her house before the break of dawn, the exchange of gifts, the Rapunzel-let-down-your-hair kind of stuff (since our rooms were in front of each other only that hers was on the second floor and mine's on the first), the usual conversation on topics like who was the faithful servant in the Harry Potter novel, how cool was Alias as a spy, and how beautiful was the moon last night. We were like kids, only so deeply in love. I was Michael and she was Celine in one movie entitled uhmm.. I forgot. I was Leo and she was Piper in Charmed, where we had two sons: Wyatt and Chris. God, remembering these things make me cry… (your guess is right- where no longer together… someone cheated). All these things are something not worth letting go. Moving on is so damn hard. I still love her even if she caused me anxiety when she said she’ll be heading to Canada, when Penny saw her walking with a new guy and when she simply ignored my messages… (all things she disproved…). Going back…

That was me together with some lads: Alex, Fiel, Enzo, Pavia and Mikel. Fiel was a close friend of mine who fell in love with Farhana, another close friend. Farhana’s parents never wanted the two together because Farhana’s a Muslim. Fiel had himself converted into a Muslim to prove how mush he loved Farhana. He went to Mindanao and currently he’s in Saudi Arabia taking futher studies on Islamic law. Farhana stayed here in Naga and rumors say that her parents already had an arranged wedding set up for her. Tragedy. Tsk3. I miss the two. I will never forget how Farhana made me hide off the closet because no males were allowed in there house and class project is no excuse. I will never forget the kindness of Fiel, his complexion, and his subtle moves. I remember when he had to abandon his family in search for what he wants. I really adore his bravery and self-support. He is the person who ought to treat you in a jeepney fare even if he is suffering from financial burdens when his family somehow had condemned him. Poor Fiel. Poor Farj. I really wish I could help.

The guy beside me is Alex. He’s a great man. He is so intelligent and industrious. He is graduating this March as Magna Cum Laude in Ateneo in his accounting course. Enzo is also an intelligent young man with charming dimples. He won several awards in several uhmm..let say, pageants… The other two, Pavia and Mikel are not close friends of mine. But I heard they’re fine. Nothing to say.

That’s Richard and Marlyne. Richard is the universal treasurer. He has been elected as the class’ treasurer for his entire high school years. Chad, was my seatmate and my best friend (especially during exams). Marlyne is my close friend and neighbor (if you call houses 25 blocks apart as neighbors). Marlyne is an independent woman with strong will power. She used to bike around our village and visit nearby friends, including me, whenever she finds the assignment ambiguous or when she totally forgot the whole assignment. God, I miss this two.

That was me at the center with Rizzy and Samantha. Rizzy is a really funny girl who usually misplaces her things and end up getting irritated of herself. One time, she was looking for her eyeglasses. It took her 4 hours to search for it in her locker, in her bag and other people’s bag, and even in the trash can. It was then that she realized that what she was looking for was above her head, all this time like a turban. Lol. There’s more to Rizzy than that. She lost her wallet at the O’brien Library (which fortunately I saw), her A1 collections (people would be so stupid to steal Rizzy’s A1 collection), and a whole lot more! Rizzy has always been the victim of stolen notebooks a week before the exam. She writes basically every word the teacher said, and what is written on the board. Luckily the notebooks that were stolen magically appear after the exam.

Samantha, after graduation went to United States. She was often called Mommy Sam (I think the brother of Uncle Sam). She has always been caring and approachable. I really like her. I adore her amazing writing skills. She basically nails Spelling Exams of Ms. Teran, the test a usually fails so I had to bring a pack of candies every meeting. I miss Sam… hope she still comes back… or if not, I wish I could come visit her in the future. ^__^

Then I went to college at Ateneo de Naga University. I am graduating this March as an overqualified Cum Laude. I am still expecting to have service awards but the committee has not released the official list of awardees yet. I came across rigid interviews and screening so I’m basically keeping my fingers crossed on the awards. After graduation? I am really at lost. I don’t know what to pursue or what job to do. Then I stumbled into one major plan:

GO WITH THE FLOW MIKE!

(from the Left: Jun, Barri, Apz, Chiwee, Jan, Tordz, Jing, Micha, Patrick)

I learned a lot in college. And along with the entire process of learning are friends who have been with be in the rough times and the happy times. The Tropang Ulupong- the survivors of the Business Management Honors’ Program Challenge. We started off 24 out of the 5,000 applicants. In March, only nine of us are graduating. The Top 9! Yeah. I’m so proud I survived!

I attended several seminars like this: The Financing Forum and SMEs Seminar at the Naga Regent Hotel last June 28, 2007.

The Araaragitong Leadership Training Seminar at Capitol Pili Camarines Sur, Exclusive to BMHP Members.

Junior Marketing Seminar at University of the Philippines-Diliman Campus. And More! Ateneo has opened me several possibilities for growth and learning.

This is the painting which made me have an A in my Physical science Class. I am a born artist, only that I failed to use it to my own advantage. I attended one art class and practice my skills in several postermaking contests where my work usually emerged first or third (I still wonder why I never ranked second ever).

I am a consistent Dean’s Lister for the first two years in college and President’s Lister in my entire junior and senior year. The picture above shows the awarding of students who belonged to the prestigious President’s List. That’s me. Exhausted with one seminar at the Richie Fernando Hall.. I am not really a studious person I hang out with friends and I enjoy killing time with them through spreading rumors and stuffs like that (haha).
At the E-mall. We skipped Environmental Science Class after Barri treated the entire class for lunch at Starmark. After that, the whole class decided not to attend the afternoon session like a Boycott or something. How cool is that? That’s all for one, one for all! Haha.
Chiwee and I. The most unlikely beer-drinkers. They say were both childish. I took it as a compliment, while chiwee cried. Haha. I remember it’s been an issue when Jeff told Chiwee “Grow up!.” LOL. Anyway, let’s talk about Chiwee. Chiwee is a close friend of mine who is so industrious up to the point of sacrificing the welfare of her friends. In one time, she got mad at me when I was simply asking to have her book photocopied. It took me sometime to understand her. And now, I really do not feel any form of grudge over her. For one, I already made her cry (and that’s enough), and the other, she already has a problem to settle since she already have her very first boyfriend… I just don’t want to add up to that.
Chiwee and I again. The most unlikely readers. “Hey guys! You got the books upside down!” Hahaha.