FLYING LETTERS

Timeline

2015-08-08T09:19:00.001+08:00

2011. Graduated from high school. I decided to go to SLU. I gave up UP education coz I was afraid I might not like Management Economics. I bade farewell to Thomasian education coz I knew we couldn't afford it.

2012. Adjusted with college/boarder life. Transition from high school to college was smooth. Learned that Accounting was not algebra. I had no idea what my course is actually. But I couldn't step back now.

2013. Enjoying my accounting subjects. Challenging and fun. Finally accustomed to the life of accountancy students.

2014. The hardest part! Loaded with accounting subjects. Taxing and heart-breaking! If you cannot catch, you'll fall too fast. Barely managed to get high grades, but my effort is on top.

2015. It's kinda serene and quiet. A time to reset focus. More of a rest and relax phase of college. Finding rhythm. Reflecting of what has transpired in four years. Looking back. The rest of the year is a marathon. We gotta finish this in a style.

Thank you Lord for the unending love and amazing grace. I give my all to you.

Mind over Matter

2015-04-30T23:36:00.000+08:00

The thing that I believe the most today is that we can do and reach whatever we want, as long as we put our everything to it and focus on that goal.

Three Must-Do Things among my Should-Dos this 2015

2015-01-12T11:03:00.002+08:00

The second semester starts on January 19. Students will again enter different classrooms, meet different people, and learn something new. We will fight again the deadly magnets in our daily routine like staying in bed for so long, Facebooking for so long, eating too much and hanging out too often that we forget we're still students. It's going to be a battle. So for this semester, I listed my three must-dos. I will print it in large fonts so that every day, I'll be reminded.

1. I will read more. I'm talking about the tomes I have to buy again for some classes, specially accounting. I might take a rest in reading novels, but I made a promise I will finish The Racketeer before another Grisham book comes out midyear.

2. I will write more. I'll take down notes so that I will not have a hard time photocopying or borrowing notes from diligent classmates. I'll also blog more often.

3. I will save more. By the end of the year, I should have at least Php8,000. How? I will follow a saving system, 5 or 10-peso increment. I will avoid soft drinks. I will not buy books from Booksale.

These are my three must-dos. How about you? What are your thee must-dos for this year? Leave a comment, and let's also talk about you.

Ganito First Sem Ko

2014-12-21T07:53:00.000+08:00

Umagang umaga

Gigising ako. Bubuhayin ang laptop. Bubuksan ang ilang bookmarked links. Kakapain ang phone. Maglalaro ng Clash of Clans. Magchecheck ng messages kung may assignment.

Babangon ako, magkakape o magjojogging. Ang kape ko Great Taste White. Ang ruta ng jogging ko, boarding house papuntang Loakan or kaya pababa ng Kennon Road.

Kapag tapos nang magkape, magbabasa ng libro tapos maliligo na. 15 minutes bago magsimula unang klase ko, maliligo na talaga ako. Kaunting sabon. Kaunting shampoo. Buhos. Magpapalit. Magsisipilyo. Kaunting ayos ng kulot kong buhok gamit ang aking kamay. Magchecheck kung suot ang ID. Tatakbo or magjejeep.

Umaga

Nasa loob ng klase. Dapat 5-minute late lang. Magpapanggap na ready sa klase sa MAS (kung TThS) o Strategic Management (kung MWF). Kung hindi late, kokopya lang sandali ng assignment sa MAS. Tapos magkukunyari uling nabasa talaga ang lesson.

Pagkatapos ng unang klase, early lunch break yan. Kakain sa seminary or kaya sa 3F Canteen. Kain. Inom. Pasok ulit. Kokopya na naman ng assignment sa Econ3. Kung walang assignment, papasok tapos chill lang. Makikinig ng kaunti kay sir Adelberto tapos ayun magyayabang na gets na lahat. Pagkatapos, papasok ng ForLang. Nihongo. Watashi-watashi sa una at desu-desu sa dulo. Sa exam, hula ka ng trip mo. Kung tama o pasado ka, sigaw ng SUGOI! Kung bagsak, GG desu.

Totoong Lunchbreak

Dalawa lang. Kina Mezh o sa canteen. Nung adik pa sa LoL, Binbox ang lungga. Nung nagquit na, kina Mezh or sa canteen ulit. Fried chicken, pork broccoli, binagoongan, chicken curry, pork and beans, mga gulay. Isang takal ng kanin. Bayad. Solb na solb.

Hapon

Kapag MWF, apat na oras ang break ko bago last class. Kung TThS, isang oras break ko bago last class. Madalas sa lobby. Makikikonek sa wifi. Clash of Clans o FB/Twitter/IG atbp. Kung hindi, magkukunyaring nagbabasa ng libro sa corridor.

Hapon na Hapon

Kunyaring may alam sa diagnostic quiz sa Auditing Theory. May hawak na libro at nakabukas kunyari. Sa law class naman, inaaming walang alam sa Negotiable Instruments. Walang dalang libro. Parecord-record lang ng lecture nina sir Ag at Sp. Tao ha. Hindi Chemistry.

Madilim na

Table tennis sa 4th floor. Training daw. Chochop daw. Poposte daw. Magtuturo daw. Sasaglit lang daw. Kung wala, uwi agad sa boarding house. Tatambay sa maliit na sala ng mezzanine. Kung malakas ang Internet, nasa kwarto. Pupunta sa kusina, magsasaing ng kanin. Saing pa rin naman di ba kahit de-rice cooker? Kakain. Magmemeryenda. Kung late ang uwi galing training, bibili sa labas o a-ice cream nalang.

Gabi

Chat sa FB. Tweet sa Twitter. Blog sa Blogger. Post sa Tumblr at IG. Update sa animecenter.tv. Titingin ng magandang movie o anime. Magdodownload ng bagong kanta. Magbabasa ng kaunti. War sa CoC. Parefle-reflect. Tha-thank you kay Lord.

Hating Gabi

Movie marathon o kaya chat. Hindi pa trip matulog. Magfafarm o trophy push sa CoC. Mag-iisip ng maisusulat. Magsusulat ng tula.

Ganyan nabuo ang mga araw ko nitong sem. ###

Shout-outs:

RBuilding sa masayang Christmas party.
Belle sa food trip, sa chocolates, sa SB, at iba pang trip natin sa Mezzanine.
Stella sa pagiging topic ko sa ilan sa mga istoryahi ko.
Ivy at Mezh sa pagsama sakin sa sem na ito.
Ate Racquel, ate Aura, ate Niña, ate Zyna, ate Angel, ate Leah, Kuya Russel, at kuya Jay sa masaya at nakakakabang play. Salamat po sainyo. Ayos na ayos ang ForLang ko dahil sa inyo.
Mga seatmates: Ms. Kim Tarriela, Patricia, Glaedene, Jayp, Kevin, Ivy, Mezh, Michael, Adrian, ate Niña at kuya Russel sa pakikisama.
Thesismates: Ralph, Jayp, Kevin at Sherzee na umasa sa pizza noong defense.
Ma'am Lamadrid sa masayang klase ng Strat.
Table tennis family sa napakamemorable na sem. Ramyun/Manna pa.
Darell at John sa pagiging icecream buddies at pakikisama sa ibang mga kalokohan.
Ma'am Robles sa pagpalit ng kurtina sa kwarto ko.
SLU Libraries sa unang essay writing comp na sinalihan ko.
SABM/CAC Alumni Assoc sa pagtitiwala sa akin. Thank you po talaga.
Ma'am Nadz sa referral sa COA DOH.
Kuwaderno sa pagkuha ng tatlo kong entries.
Blog buddies, inspiration, at mga inidolo ko sa pagsusulat: Sir If, Dani, Jayp, Pat.
Kuya Mabs sa pagtitiwala at pagtitiis sa kakulitan at matigas na ulo ko.
Doleen sa unang sabak ni Pimpy sa Intrams.
Mariel sa pagiging kapatid.
The Ramyun, Manna, Morning7, Binbox, Creativitea sa mga memories.
Kate at Jasmin sa food sa 501.
Mezh sa comfy house at wifi. Flashdrive ko.
Kuya Jonell sa mga movies na kaygaganda.
Ma'am Caroy sa gift niyong libro sakin.
Kapatid ko: Manong Joef, Manang Joy ken Joan. Swerte ko sa inyo.
Mga taong nagbabasa ng blog na ito. Salamat.

When you Stop Posting in your Journal or Blog or Community for a while

2014-10-31T23:28:00.000+08:00

This might be a long story. Please just stop if you won't read it until the last period or not interested. You might just miss some good stories though.

OK. That was a long post title. I planned to just use That was a Real Hiatus as a title for this blog post, but I decided to copy the meaning of hiatus en toto, instead. It could be a real change. So, yes, titles for my blog posts starting today will be a meter long.

I cannot remember the last time I wrote, even the four-liners that I usually post in my tumblr account. In the past weeks, friends have been telling me that this was a good blog, that I write well, that I should share and write more. Oh, that was the best compliment I could ever receive. BUT I know, believe me or still believe me, I know nothing about writing. I am humble enough.

There are many reasons why, after thousands of seconds computing variances and bullshits, I collected enough mana to write this. One, I had no exams for tomorrow. Two, my room smells good, and it's clean. Three, I enjoyed forty minutes of watching people eat their dinner. Four, I received something I will explain further on the next paragraphs. And five, I just miss doing this.

(Save...continue writing) Just made sure that this will not be a vain attempt.

Academics and University Life

So after a year of an easy but tiring life of being a freshie and two more years of being confident that I will not lose my mind, I proved that I am already getting older. I have met enough professors and friends. I have entered classes for a hundreds of times already. I have been tardy and late for several times, and have been absent three times. That being said, I still have to spend two, please not three, more years in the university.

I have received low grades more often than what I expected, but I still keep my head up high. I know I'm not even halfway of being a successful person, but I keep telling myself that I have to protect what I toiled for and be consistent in accomplishing set objectives.

I am attending seven classes, 27 worth of units in total. So far, I can manage my time very well. I just wish I had more time for reading. I have one inactive prof and one angry. The others, needless to say, are normal.

Life became easier when the school made a bridge connecting the 8th floor and the upper ground level. Can you imagine? So when I'm already late for my 8:30 class, I don't need to dart down the mezzanine and climb up to the 8th floor.

Canteen prices are still inflated. Monopoly in the bookstore is still a thing to deal with. Table tennis tables are getting worse. Tables are repainted, assholes are vandalizing again. I found the library a good sleeping place. Retention policies were adjusted. I just bought a pad of paper after how many sems.

Hobbies and Recreations

Since the long vacation, I have to visit a bookstore yet. I've been very busy with studies that it never occurred to me the idea of going to the town to check or rummage books in a bookstore. The Racketeer book I bought in 2012 is still fresh and ready. I enjoyed reading the Sycamore Row for two months, and then closed my cabinet and never touched any of the novels inside.

I don't play DOTA anymore. League of Legends is the new thing. I play one or two games in a day, but only when I have time and there's no exam or quiz.

I got hooked on Clash of Clans. Every break, I stay in the lobby just to check how my base is doing. I've influenced Jayp and Ralph to play. Kuya Dexon, I think, is enjoying the game so much. lol.

And yes, I still play table tennis. Can't really leave the family, and the Ramyun meetings. Intramurals is coming, hope they do well. I was penholding lately. I suck, but I am enjoying it. Long pips is still the best!

Good News and Bad News

Let's start with the bad news. I cannot find time to wash my dirty clothes, kept sending them to a laundry shop -- the additional costs!

I observed that I was procrastinating more and more.

My law prof is mad at us; I still believe that I have not done something wrong. He did his game and made every quiz and exam very challenging. I barely survived. I feel sorry of what had become of that class.

My very first phone is already dead, but the good thing is, I have a new one.

Last week, I received a text message from a familiar number. I was asked to go for a meet-up. My day was already completed in that morning when they broke the news that I was receiving a scholarship. I couldn't contain my happiness. That was really unexpected.

I took the departmental exams for my accounting subjects today. I am proud coz I feel like I did well.

PS. Ok guys, this is what I managed to write. I almost forgot these bits of information, but I tried my best to recall them. There was a time I was thinking of not writing anymore. I got depressed for not being able to complete every stories I started writing in my notebook. Thank God there is Taludturan, and some people who are inspiring me to still continue doing this thing.

Dani, hope you're reading this. I'm back, finally. Woooh! Cheers.

###

Oops. Forgive me. This is how I looked yesterday.

This is me today.Follow me at IG: uddanthegreat

Table Tennis I

2014-04-17T09:47:00.002+08:00

I have a background of table tennis when I was in high school. I was already senior that time. I tried to play with the younger students and had an idea of the game, and then I graduated.

I really thought I would not be playing that sport again, but thanks to SABM and to those kind people in that room. I was able to learn the game so much.

I can still remember that time I entered that PE room where the SABM table tennis team is playing. There was Darell, an old pal standing at one end of the table, playing with someone who is easily identified as a member of the team because of his body movement and the way he played, not mentioning the uniform he was wearing. He is Mac. I smiled and watched them finish the game. And then I was introduced to the people inside the room. That was the beginning of my table tennis story in the university.

I met Mabs, John, Sheree and other members of the team, people who never said "You do not belong here" despite the poor games I've been showing. They gave me a chance to change my game, the way I move on the other side of the table, and later I felt better. I played better games.

I can still remember how they laugh at me when I hit the ball. Kuya Stephen even mimicked my movements, so I realized that I should listen to them. I accepted that I have to practice a thousand times because I know I have to.

Now, I am in my fourth year in college. I have been playing table tennis in the past two years but never have I considered to be serious about it. I do not yet own any racket then not until lately when I decided to buy one. I chose to use long pips in my BH and I must say, it's fun! But I have to master yet the rubber I'm using.

I can hear the sound of the balls bouncing on the table. I can hear the screech of the shoes moving around. I can hear the sound of the spins and drives. I am really excited to see the development of my game.

Second Semester and Free Will

2014-03-22T21:02:00.000+08:00

The second semester has taken me back to the days of studying in Viga. It reminded me of the salad days in that Elementary school where I also first felt the pressure and importance of studying harder. Although I would say that I didn't give my all in this semester for the heck of me being this lazy and happy-go-lucky fella, I couldn't stop asking myself, "Was it a wake-up call for me?" It rang a bell.

I felt like it was a body call too, that I laid low and became a satisfied mediocre person much as I wished to be. But in the process, I was taken aback of everything I did – not so good for one who knows that he can do better. The sin of omission, they say.

My law prof has been mentioning this in our class that it is not good to choose not to act the way you should have been when you could have done better and you know you are capable doing of. I could not make an excuse because I know I am guilty.

I had three Accounting and two Law subjects this semester, which made it challenging. I swear I studied 401 to the limit, but barely read Labor, 203 and 303. It’s a shame.

To say the least, I am still proud that I fared well, although I hated myself for being so blind of this statement of grumpy Deneil Young, that if I am going to try [something], I might as well aim for the top.

I learned a lot nonetheless during this semester. I got closer to some old friends and acquaintances before and met a few people – friends I could already say. Drawing circles again! Aha.

And aside from the heavy books I carry every day, I added some novels, again, in the cabinet. I read another Grisham and found a new author. It's better to read than not read at all.

One hurrah moment maybe was being able to familiarize myself with teachers and students. But you know, I had a seatmate I never talked to but there are also those whom I built battery with (in baseball, it is when the pitcher is synched with the catcher). I have to thank them for playing a good game.

One simple act of two great professors delighted me so much. I received a Snickers from a prof for being attentive "daw" during her classes when what I only remember was nodding and smiling (just kidding ma'am, I learned a lot from you not just the lessons we have in our book), and a "libre" from a prof who has been teaching in the university for almost 20 years and is just so humble that he can make friends with young people like us. They are very admirable.

My thanks and admiration is also to this professor who shared simple, but BIG words for us students who are in pursuit of a dream. May we reach the end.

I would like to congratulate everybody who did not quit the battle. Our sleepless nights will be rewarded soon. Getting what we deserve will make us really happy, and getting more than what we deserve is another blessing. Yahoo!

Going back to mediocrity, I realized that whatever people may show us, it is still our option to follow our inner voice. Yes. What’s good in life is that until we do not die, we experience these things and then we learn something about them. We realize our actions and we reflect on them.

There is so much for one to hold. There are those we cannot control, those we couldn't live up to. There are also those we already have: ones we deserve and not, ones we ignore while others long for, ones we enjoy, but ones they loathe, and ones we are thankful for but the ones they cannot appreciate.

THIS IS LIFE. What are we supposed to do?

Let's use our free will.

Another day of SP

2014-03-05T21:53:00.003+08:00

Sleep paralysis is a phenomenon in which people, either when falling asleep or wakening, temporarily experience an inability to move (being paralyzed). More formally, it is a transition state between wakefulness and rest characterized by complete muscle atonia (muscle weakness).

After experiencing this one time, I read articles about it and found out that it usually occurs in two forms. If it occurs while you are falling asleep, it's called hypnagogic or predormital sleep paralysis – the one I just experienced this morning. If it happens as you are waking up, it's called hypnopompic or postdormital sleep paralysis – one I experienced several times in the past.

Sleep paralysis is believed to be a result of disrupted REM sleep, which is normally characterized by complete muscle atonia that prevents individuals from acting out their dreams. This morning, as I was about to sleep, I suddenly felt that this is about to happen. There is a split second I have to choose whether I would cancel it or not. I chose to experience it rather! And this is the reason why I am writing this article.

On my readings, episodes of SP are accompanied by hallucinations and the sensation of breathlessness. Such hallucinations likely gave rise to the myths of the incubus and the succubus, demons that pin people down in their sleep. That of course is just a myth and I haven't seen them! And maybe because what I experience most of the time are just ISPs. But today is a different story. I sensed a malevolent presence nearby. When I tried to look up, there is an image. Since I am conscious and my body is just in paralysis, I remembered the myth. I focused on the image – I don't know how I did it because I was in the Rapid Eye Movement Stage – and what I saw is someone with a long hair and not scary.

They said that some sleep paralysis episodes come with feelings of falling, floating or dissociating from the body. [Un]fortunately, I was fixed to my body. I didn't panic. I was analyzing what was happening. When I tried to move my hands, the faster REM I experienced.

Lately, I was thinking that maybe there is truth to this:

"People with analytical thinking styles were less likely to hold such supernatural beliefs, and were less likely to be distressed after experiencing sleep paralysis. Analytical thinkers may be more likely to seek out and believe naturalistic or scientific explanations for the condition, the researchers wrote, while intuitive thinkers might be drawn to supernatural explanations." Stephanie Pappas, Livescience 2013

I remember how fast my eyes were moving. I also remember how I felt trying to move my hands just to see how fast my eyes could get. It was mind-blogging. Then after some minutes, I noticed that I can move my body already, and then I woke myself out.

Sleep paralysis is ultimately considered harmless. My advice, when you experience the same, just feel the moment and relax. You'll probably get through it. Haha. And pray.

Something I will not Regret

2014-02-25T23:07:00.002+08:00

It's been a while when I paused and tried to think of what is really happening in my life at the present. I couldn't believe I made it this far. It was just like yesterday when I was playing in the dirt with my manong and manang under the shade of that nymph tree near some aging kuliglig. It was just yesterday when the whole sitio of Cabulalaan has gone crazy searching for two naughty children (my cousin Ericson and I) who wandered in the morning and were found in the middle of the corn field late afternoon; we actually went down the bridge of Karayan Daya and tried to catch fish and frogs, then whips we got! It was just yesterday when I bade farewell to my friends in Ilocos and began a new life in the promise land Canangan, when I was nearly killed by a raging cow, when I really abhorred being in that class because of receiving a ribbon and not a medal, when I witnessed how mad dad could be, when I reached high school and proved that I can do things I've never done before, when I said and wrote a lot of awful things to my crush nonetheless I liked in the end, when I got emotional by seeing people say their goodbyes. For the past 19 years, I never imagined how colorful life could be. I dreamed and wished. Some happened. Some did not. I just realized that it is what you experience that really makes you wonder about life. I don't know, but I'm starting to realize how perfect life is. Our shortcomings. The ugly day we make. They don't matter because they are the same with our successes. We encounter them and we experience them. So I came to this conclusion: It doesn't matter anymore how I lived and how I will spend the rest of the time, just that I'll make it sure that it will never be something that I will regret.

Si Jenny at ang kanyang Gitara

2014-02-16T11:33:00.003+08:00

Taong 2011 noong tumuntong ako sa kolehiyo. Ako'y bagong salta lamang, bagitong-bagito sa mga pasikot-sikot ng Baguio, at hindi pa alam ang takbo ng lugar. Naging masakitin dahil sa paninibago sa klima nito kaya naging mahirap sa akin ang mga unang buwan ng pananatili dito sa malamig na lungsod.

Mula nang ihatid ako ng aking magulang sa inuupahan kong silid ay mag-isa na lamang ako sa lahat ng aspekto ng pamumuhay bilang isang mag-aaral. Natutuhan kong magluto, maglaba, magligpit ng mga bagay-bagay at hindi sa lahat ang mag-ayos ng sarili ko. Hindi kalaunan ay naging maayos rin ang takbo ng lahat, hanggang sa nakuha ko na ring mamasyal at maglibot sa loob at labas ng unibersidad.

Sa ilang linggong pamamalagi sa loob ng eskwelahan, pagmamasid ang karamihan sa aking ginagawa. Bukod sa pakikinig sa mga guro ay pinakiramdaman ko ang aking mga kamag-aral. May mga mayayabang, magaling sa pakikipag-usap, may mga mayayaman at may mga tahimik na tulad ko.

Halo-halo ang personalidad na kailangang pakibagayan. Ngunit ang nakakuha ng aking atensyon ay ang babae sa sulok na may dalang gitara. Mahal ko ang musika at kahit papaano ay alam ko ring tumugtog ng gitara. Gumaan ang pakiramdam ko nang makita ko siya. Alam kong may magiging kasundo ako. Ngunit ang isa sa nakita kong problema ay hindi siya nagsasalita. Tanging ang mga ekspresyon ng kanyang mukha ang nababasa ko.

Isang araw noon, sinubukan kong lapitan siya at kinamusta habang naghihintay sa isang guro. Hello ang sabi ko sa kanya ngunit ngumiti lang siya at wala pa rin akong narinig na boses. Matapos ang pangyayaring iyon, araw-araw ko na siyang pinagmamasdan.

Mailap siya sa mga tao ngunit nakausap ko siya ng ilang beses. May isang araw noon na naglalakad ako nang nakita ko siyang nakaupo sa harap ng ampitheater. Tinapik ko ang likod niya at siya'y lumingon naman. Nagpapakilala siya at inilahad ang pananaw niya sa buhay. Simula noon ay naging malapit kami sa isa't isa.

Agosto ng taong 2011 nang nagkaroon ng talent show sa isang klase namin. Dahil dala niya ang gitara niya noon, inasahan kong magprepresenta siya. Ngunit sa palagay ko ay nahiya na siya at piniling makinig at manood na lamang.

Sa mga sumunod na araw ay hindi ko na siya nakita pa. Ang akala ko noon ay may kaunting problema lamang, ngunit lubusan na siyang nawala at hindi na pumasok pa.

Tinanong ko ang ilan sa mga kaklase ko kung nakausap nila si Jenny o kung may nasabi siya tungkol sa kanyang pamilya o problema. Hindi na ako nagulat pa nang sabihin nilang hindi nila kilala ang tahimik ngunit magaling na manunugtog na si Jenny. Ikinuwento ko siya ngunit para bang hindi ako kapani-paniwala.

"Hindi niyo ba kilala si Jenny. Yung tahimik nating kaklase na laging may dalang gitara." Nagtatakang tanong ko sa kanila, sabay turo sa lagi nitong inuupuan.

Nabigla ako sa naging sagot sa akin. Dahil umpisa palang ng pasukan ay wala raw sino man ang umupo sa upuang iyon at kailanman ay walang Jenny na may dalang gitara. Guni-guni ko lang daw iyon.

Hindi ko alam kung matatakot ako sa araw na iyon dahil alam kong nakausap ko siya.

.......

Photo is linked to the appropriate owner

That was a wonderful Coma

2014-01-16T20:08:00.001+08:00

Six years ago, when I was still working in Sochi, I had to use the train every day. You buy a token and give that to the girl who has the control to the pass. You drop the token and she pushes a button then you’re good to go.

This was a part of my life down on this wonderful city. It was because of this that I found the woman of my life— a wonderful, yet funny experience I have to tell my sons.

This girl who controls the pass have been watching and observing me secretly. I never cared about it not when I looked back from the train and saw her smiling. From then on, I had this habit of watching her secretly, thinking what could there be with me that she keeps looking at.

I pondered.

One Friday afternoon, I did not expect that I’d be robbed. A tall guy took my bag and pushed me over the rail. My head hit the metal and that’s what I can only remember. I was in a coma after that.

When I woke up from this short coma, my family were there. I can remember the whole scene from left to right. My sister was on my left, smiling. My parent is on the far left; dad is smiling and mom is crying. On my right was my little sister, holding a stuffed toy. I felt shocked about the accident.

But I learned the true story. Someone had to jump into the rail and had me carried to safety— before the train comes and shred me to pieces.

She told me everything. I sat in awe. She was brave! Well, she looked beautiful, but after it, she even looked more beautiful to me.

For three consecutive days, she came to visit me. That was the time I fell in love with her. I would wait for her in the morning, but after some time, she never came back.

After my recovery, I thought I’m still in coma—it’s my heart. I was just so caught I couldn’t erase her into my mind.

So one day, instead of dropping a coin, I dropped a ring. She looked up, shocked, but smiling. I knelt down and asked her if I could ask her a question.

She agreed.

#lit#creativewriting#fiction
<This was earlier posted on my Tumblr>

2013 and some Adjectives

2014-01-14T22:07:00.002+08:00

When I knew I got no time to write a review anymore, I threw myself on the bed and asked what’s wrong with me. But in order not to ruin the holidays, I decided to let the days pass by, chose to enjoy the time with my family and friends, and planned to better indulge the rest of the day doing what I don’t usually do in Baguio. But looking at how I spent the holidays, I found it rather irritating. I thought I faced the television and the computer most of the time, and ONLY did get out when I knew the time was already running fast. But whatever I say, 2013 is forever gone.

1. What are the things I did in 2013 that I haven’t done before?

I found this question hard to answer. I couldn’t remember anything. Thanks to my journal and to Facebook and Twitter, I got them scribbled.

a) It was my first time to go to a book bazaar. I made a reader in me. I bought books like never before: novels, poems and essay books, art books, and some literary selfies. Today, I got a collection of them, and I believe I need to buy a cabinet soon.

b) I created a literary blog (Taludturan) in Tumblr. I began to write poems again and was able to post/write more or less 50 poems this year.

c) I was able to follow several actions in tennis, table tennis, chess, basketball, and football! Became a fan of Andy, Rafa, Masha, S. Williams, GMs Wesley, Aronian, Karjakin, and WC GM Carlsen, Azkals (of course), Barca, Gilas, Ma Long, WH, Zhang, Xu Xin, and a lot more.

d) I never reviewed and stayed up late like I did this year. Academics for the win. This is not an interesting topic. Skip.

e) It was my first time to take an Accounting exam without any review. The sad truth is, it was not for the heck of the experience, so I got a wasay!

f) My first time to go and spend some time in Camp John Hay, Riverside resort in Asin, and Pangasinan specifically BFAR. It was my first time to hold a sea cucumber, and be left at home for a field trip. Thanks for the second chances! Hahaha.

g) I guess I travelled a lot this year. I spent some days in the mountains of Quirino, enjoyed their falls and rivers there. I went to Aurora also and lucky to have “rock” hopping. Mehehe. I also had a time to enjoy the Anguib beach in Sta. Ana, Cagayan, and swam with the seaweeds.

2. Did I meet any of my important goals in 2013? What are my goals for next year?

I thank God for what I have become, for what I was able to achieve, and for everything I am holding onto.

2013 was a very fruitful year, and I say cheers to everyone who is part of this AWESOME life!

I maintained a blog! I became more aware of the blogosphere, made some friends with a number of bloggers, and was even fortunate to join Saranggola Blog Awards. I maintain three blogs today, this blog and the other two. Writing has become more fun this year.

Academics might not be so full of sweet successes, but what's important is that I passed and learned new things.

I stayed healthy and fit. It was this year that I couldn't remember the last time I was sick. Thanks to the enormous amount of water I am drinking and to my table tennis family. Sweating with you guys made it even better!

I developed a sense of positiveness and easygoingness. More friends and acquaintances were established. More food and small talks came along the way. Thanks to the Fine Art of Small Talk by Debra Fine, conversations have never been this effective.

I had fun but also had become silly. Cracking jokes were often so having other people hate me (us friends) was not a question. But making people abhor you so much feels so wrong, so at the end of the day, you try to make peace.

All these being said, there is still a list of things I got to work out this 2014. I need to be more organized and be more understanding. I have to write and read more. I wish 2014 to be just fine or even better.

3. Did anyone close to me die?

My uncle. Lung cancer. My Lolo. Old age.

4. What countries did I visit?

I wish to travel the whole of ASEAN, Japan, Canada, and some other places but it’s not yet time.

5. What would I like to have in 2014 that I lacked in 2013.

An iPhone and pretty good savings.

6. What dates from 2013 will remain etched upon my memory, and why?

None? Maybe 11/12/13. Apocalyptic. I am never good at remembering experiences through dates. So friends, don’t feel less happy when I forget your birthdays. Don’t worry. When you call for a dinner, I’ll be there. And I might consider giving you a gift the next time, not if I forget.

7. What was my biggest achievement this year? What was my biggest failure?
I don’t know. There are several cakes and there also mess ups. Winning CATCUP1 maybe. My biggest failure is believing in a lie. But things were already fixed. Peace is what I want.

8. What was the best thing I bought?

These books and this small table.

9. Whose behavior merited celebration?

Mama, papa, at mga kapatid for supporting me in all my endeavors, damay na rin ang mga small wants ko. Hehe. My friends for just keeping the lawn green. Sirs and ma’ams for appreciating the little things that I do.

10. Where did most of my money go?

According to my financial journal, most of my money was spent mostly in rent, clothing, food, and then books.

11. What did I get really, really, really excited about?

The development of Wesley So, Azkals, Gilas, and the games of my tennis idols.

12. What song will always remind me of 2013?

Dreaming by Kim Soo Hyuk of Dream High. When I heard the song, I felt the emotion. It’s Korean but the title itself gives a hint of what the singer feels. This song is the most played in my playlist.

13. Compared to this time last year, am I:

a) Happier or sadder?

Happier!

b) Thinner or fatter?

Fatter! When people begin to notice it, I would reply what one of my profs in Accounting would always say: I’m getting richer!

b) Richer or poorer?

Richer.

14. What do I wish I’d done more of?

Preparing green and leafy breakfast, vegetable drinks!

15. What do I wish I’d done less of?

Eating bread. Facebooking.

16. How did I spend Christmas?

Family reunion at Tugue. Visited Anguib beach.

16. Did I fall in love in 2013?

Fell in love with myself, and the great things that came along the way.

17. What was my greatest musical discovery?

Playing instruments once in a while takes you to different times of your past. It also makes you dream of the future.

18. What did I want and get?

A watch.

19. What did I want and not get?

TFIOS by John Green. Please, buy me one. :(

20. What did I do on my birthday?

We celebrated!

21. What one thing would have made my year immeasurably more satisfying?

Being able to beat kuya Mabs just a single game. Wahaha

22. Who kept me sane?

The ghost in my room, my friends who read my scribblings.

23. Who was the best new person I met?

You just love the way people differ from each other: the way they look at you, the way they look at themselves, and the way they look at the beauty of life. They are the best in their own way.

24. A valuable life lesson I learned in 2013:

Keep going on, but enjoy the moment. Don't go to a place for selfies or Facebook's sake.

25. A song lyric that sums up my year:

When the day that lies ahead of me
Seems impossible to face
When someone else instead of me
Always seems to know the way....
Then I look at you
And the world's all right with me
Just one look at you
And I know it's gonna be
A lovely day

– Lovely Day, Bill Withers

The Coming

2013-12-13T00:36:00.000+08:00

I’ll never forget that day! Yes I will never forget that day.

It was cold and the sky was really dark. I was sitting near the window when suddenly, a howling wind banged the door of the room. Frozen spine. Goosebumps. Suddenly, Katy entered the room and offered a coffee. I didn't answer her. Not that I didn't want coffee that time; I simply didn't know what to say! The things that we discussed last night were on the back my mind.

"Katy, I was guilty. I made that mistake." I was telling her but she wouldn't hear. It's just so weak.

"I’m so sorry Katy. I was so selfish. I don’t know what to do now. My parents are abroad and so are my brothers and sisters. But don’t be scared. I am thinking of all the possibilities. I am planning to ask money from them. Don’t worry as long as we keep this just for us, there will be no problem…." I was agreeing with myself.

"But what if we instead face the world and be proud of what is coming in our life. Oh, yes Katy! That would be the best thing that we can do!"

In the end, we decided to raise our child – young as we are –and chose to be proud parents.

Wear yourself through TIMEX

2013-12-01T21:21:00.001+08:00

TIMEX® Originals Vintage Inspired 1978

I remember someone saying watches are now being replaced by technology. By that, he meant phones and other gadgets. Well, I do not agree. Go to different places, wear your watch, and you will not worry about your time. When you are traveling, things might be so surprising, and you might be so excited that you'll jump into a river with your phone in your pocket! That would be a serious problem. But with watches, you can always be on the go. Needless to say, almost all watches now are water resistant! So next time you go outside, don't forget to wear one!

Introducing TIMEX® Originals Vintage Inspired 1978! As one who loves traveling and staying outside, wearing this TIMEX® Hero watch best suits the personality I have!

This watch offers me two interchangeable straps. When the sun is in full bloom, I would pick the orange one! The color suits my style of clothing. Plus, the color reflects something that is lively and full of enthusiasm. It's perfect because I love music and crowd! And when adventure time is on, the black strap would simply do it. With the classy, vintage-inspired watch and a jacket, I can go to every place I want.

But most especially, I was in love with the design. I am a very simple man and this watch, for me, defines simplicity. When going outside, what's important is you are confident with what you are wearing. It defines you and it becomes you at the end of the day.

So, again. The next time you go outside, don't forget to wear one! Don't forget to wear a hero! Don't forget to wear yourself!

01 December 2013

2013-12-01T02:41:00.002+08:00

It's finally December mga kapatid!

It's the last month of the year so I wish everyone a month full of love, peace, and blessings.

Let's pray that God will continue to bless our lives.

May we find inspiration and joy in all the things we do.

And most especially, may we be able to give love and provide strength to all people around us.

God bless everyone.

Have a wonderful Christmas!

#Sunday #Thoughtstoyolandavictims #Failednanowrimo #Slulanternparade

Rekindling What was Long Forgotten

2013-11-25T10:01:00.000+08:00

When I was a kid, I was particular with details. I plan and create, and when I found the work dull, I ponder and do the work again. I love putting unnecessary details, but in the long run, I learned to keep my work simple. I forgot about the glitters and the ribbons. I forgot the curly lines and the colorful shadows that dance around figures and letters. They are all gone but not my love in the arts. I am happy that some people began to appreciate the things I draw. My daycare teacher would choose me to go to competitions which I do not like before. I have this fear. I do not want to face many people so the letters my teacher would ask me to give to my mother would end up being thrown in the river. But one day, I forgot the routine so mom learned about it and trained me. No matter how they like me to draw, I would make a square window circle thinking they would rather make me stay inside the house than go to the city and compete with other children. Soon, the competition came, and I ended up coloring my drawing and explaining to the audience what was it. I can still remember that time even if that's thirteen years ago, and I can't stop laughing at myself--what a silly kid I was. It became a stepping stone to me. I drew more and tried making posters. When projects come, I finish them easily and even make some money by doing other classmates' projects. High school was even more exciting. You do posters here, posters there. Every program has its own poster-making competitions, so I tried to win some, and win some more. It was fun actually. In my first, I lost. But after it, I began wrecking balls! I win every competition I joined. When I began to notice it, I tried doing slogans, and I always landed third! I wonder why. College was another stage in my life. I became simpler than what my mind could imagine. I was satisfied by completing the work, the usual presentations, projects and what have you, without putting extra effort to make them more presentable. I remember a comment from a teacher: "You are very minimalist." Actually, I love the comment. It made me even more minimalistic, but don't be like me because people tend to appreciate things with special touches. Like what my law prof would say, I say, bahala ka diyan. Today, I just discovered things again. I dared to make some collages and paintings to keep myself sane.

Recent work

New Morning

2013-11-08T09:28:00.002+08:00

Yesterday was a total change. From the room I so loved, I'm now living in a whole new one. I got a big clear window that shows a great view of the outside, and I got the usual noise of the morning: dog barks, vehicular noise, footsteps, a free radio on the neighborhood, and a singing girl in the other room.

My morning is a lot different now. But I love the birds chirping in that lonely tree. And these lines of wires intersecting each other, they make me think of life and its paths.

The room looks empty so I am planning to do some paintings and collages. I will print a copy of Desiderata and paste it in the ceiling. What a nice poem to read before going to sleep! I just really hope I'll be able to finish a collage or a painting because they are in my to-do list this year.

Ang bago kong lungga.

Mga librong nakolekta ko. Madadagdagan pa kaya?

Jung Personality Test Result

2013-10-29T18:58:00.001+08:00

Extroverted (E) 66.67% Introverted (I) 33.33%

Sensing (S) 57.14% Intuitive (N) 42.86%

Thinking (T) 51.35% Feeling (F) 48.65%

Judging (J) 52.63% Perceiving (P) 47.37%

Your type is: ESTJ

ESTJ - "Administrator". Much in touch with the external environment. Very responsible. Pillar of strength. 8.7% of total population.

Jung Type Description

Organized, group oriented, focused, conventional, leader, emotionally stable, anal, attention seeking, planner, realistic, fearless, responsible, finisher, decisive, norm following, respects authority, punctual, hard working, stiff, self confident, thinks rules and regulations are important, follows the rules, clean, outgoing, social, content, does not like being alone, normal, regular, does not like weird or strange people / things - intolerant of differences, strict, disciplined, aggressive, assertive, content, happy, proper, formal, strict with self, meticulous, strong sense of purpose

Favored careers:

executive, ceo, supervisor, business consultant, manager, strategist, financial planner, business person, office manager, public relations manager, international business specialist, business analyst, management consultant, operations manager, loan officer, lawyer, marketing, sports management, government employee, investment banker.

Disfavored careers:

Poet, artist, songwriter, musician, novelist, art therapist, theatre teacher, art curator, film editor, video game designer, photojournalist, travel writer, actor, record store owner, camera operator, art historian, music teacher.

Disclaimer:

Keep in mind, your results are dependent on the accurate truth of your responses. The more you take this test and get the same result, the more likely that is your type. Finally, your scores and type, over the long term, will change as you do.

***

Comment:

Upon taking the test, you'll be asked to be as much as possible very honest. So I took the test and got these very surprising results. First, I think that my type (ESTJ) really suits my personality. I am extrovert. I am more into sensing than being intuitive, more of a thinking type than a feeling one. And about the last, I wouldn't disagree more. Second, I really don't know how this test associates my type with the careers mentioned above. I disagree with some things: I think I can be a poet, a songwriter, a musician, a photojournalist, and a travel writer. I mean, I can be such as much as I wanted to be. Third, I know that the result is general, so I want to see what the other ESTJs think about the result.

Take the TEST.

Looking Back: 1st Sem 2013

2013-10-26T16:03:00.001+08:00

June was just an ordinary start of classes. There was this same prayer of having the job well done.

Nervousness was hidden on everyone's eyes. Fingers crossed, students prayed that the most terror would not enter their class and the kindest would instead. It was not an assurance though, that the best is of the kindest, and the worst equates to the terror. A week later, some were relieved and some were already stressed. Some did not get the challenge while some boasted, "Bring it on!"

I could feel the intensity of every exam we took. All are serious; It's like a matter of life and death. But not everyone who comes in front and gets his yellow paper showed victory. Some undeniably accepted a lost battle. I, for example, lost my first battle, too. Bloody red, I took my revenge and wielded my sword better than that of my first and drew first blood. Prelims was not a joke.

Midterms. Lessons just got harder. I focused on 302 and forgot the other. No wonder of getting a 70 in my 202. What a heartbreaker. On the other hand, getting 8/10 in the deptals of my 302 somehow balanced it off. I learned my lessons. Maybe. I was so happy yet disappointed of myself because I know I could have done better.

Finals was a huge wave. Projects, reports, and some other works were given so we need to at least feel like "surperhumans." We felt some relief when the departmental exams for both law and accounting classes were finished. We prepared for the Final exams; we prepared for the semestral break. But before the sem concluded, typhoon Santi came on the Philippines. So exams were suspended—another drama happened.

A poem from Contemporary Glasses rather summarizes the sem experience

ALL WAS WELL

It was five months…

Understanding the contents of a red book

Dealing with mockeries thrown to a mall

Keeping me updated of environmental problems

It was five months…

Solving R(x), C(x) and P(x)

Getting the derivatives of functions

Doing well with numbers and letters

It was five months…

Knowing an obligation and a contract

Winning the game of requisites

Listening to Desiderata

It was five months…

Knowing how to manage production

Mapping facilities layouts

Discussing a lesson projected in a white screen

It was five months…

Completing a research

Creating a usable system

Managing to boost an initial 7

It was five months…

Accounting for a home office and its branches

Dealing with business combinations

Knowing foreign exchange transactions

It was five months…

Learning property, plant and equipment

Understanding liabilities

Accounting for equity

It was five months…

And all was well yesterday night…

Thanks bro for letting me use your poem. Este salamat kahit ko hindi na `pinagpaalam pa.

***

Kahit Papaano

2013-10-22T19:46:00.002+08:00

Ginawa ko itong blog na ito noong February 2012 para kahit papaano may imbakan ako ng mga iniisip at naiisip na pwede ring i-share sa mga kakosa. Dalawampu't isang buwan na ang nakalipas at kahit papaano ay nakapaglagay na ng 70 posts at nakakuha na rin 10,000 mahigit na pageviews. Hindi man ito ganoon kalaki kung ikukumpara sa mga blogs na iniidolo ko, para sa akin ay isa na itong malaking achievement.

Maraming maraming salamat sa mga inspirasyon.

Maraming salamat sa mga pumapansin.

Maraming salamat sa mga nakikisilip.

Maraming salamat sa mga nagbibigay ng mga payo.

Maraming salamat sa mga nakikipindot.

Maraming salamat sa mga komento.

Maraming salamat sa pag-follow at paglike.

Maraming salamat rin sa mga sarcasms.

At higit sa lahat, maraming salamat sayo!

Sana lumaki pa itong lambat ko

At sana magkaroon pa ako ng sapat na lakas

upang makakuha pa ng mga letrang nagsisiliparan sa kalangitan.

Priority

2013-10-18T09:22:00.002+08:00

Isang normal na gawain ng mga isang estudyante na kapag walang maluto o tinatamad magluto ay tatakbo nalang sa kainan. May budget meal kaya hindi mabigat sa bulsa at siguradong mabubusog dahil may sabaw pa. At tiyak na mas marami ang ibibigay sa'yo kung suki ka na nila. Samahan mo na ng kaunting kuwento para siguradong makukuha mo ang pakiramdam nila.

Nasa isang karinderya ako ng gabing iyon at kinakain ang paborito kong meal. Maganda ang mood ko ngunit nagmamadali dahil marami pang kailangang tapusin at kailangang basahin. Hindi ko na pinansin pa ang palabas sa telebisyon at minadali ang pagkain.

Sa kabilang mesa ay may isang ale kasama ang kanyang anak na kapwa ko mag-aaral din. Alam ko dahil minsan ay naging kaklase ko siya sa isang subject. Nag-order sila at nagsimulang mag-usap.

"Kailan ka gragraduate anak?"

"Hindi pa ngayong taon ma."

May takot siyang naramdaman sapagkat ang alam ng mga magulang niya na matatapos na siya nitong taong ito.

"Akala ko ba last mo na to?"

"Hindi pa ma."

"Eh, di dapat sinabi mo na ng maaga."

"Ang alam ng ate mo, gragraduate ka na. Kaya sabi ko sakanya, kaunting tiis nalang."

Iniiikot-ikot ng anak ang cellphone at nakayuko.

"Maraming gastusin yung ate mo. Pero naki-usap ako na kung maari tumulong kasi nga gragraduate ka na," paliwanag ng ale. "Dala ko yung perang kakailanganin mo ngayong sem na ito."

Nahihiya na ang anak, kaya hindi ito makasagot-sagot. Pero naglakas loob rin itong magpaliwanag din.

"Ma, marami pa akong kailangang kunin na subjects. Bagsak ko yung iba."

Ay naku po. Tumingin ang magulang sa anak at pinili nalang na umpisihan ang pagkaing kanilang inorder. Hindi ko na hinintay pa na matapos sila. Inaabot ko ang bayad ko sa kahera at tumuloy sa boarding house.

~

Sa buhay kolehiyo, madaming pasiko-sikot at bawat liko ay maraming kuwento at pagsubok, ngunit ang sayangin ang mga bagay na pinaghirapan ng ibang tao ay isang pagkakamali. Oo, minsan may mga pagkakataon talaga na babagsak tayo sa isang subject ngunit hindi naman ata pwede na ibagsak mo ang isang subject dahil hindi ka nagbigay ng interest at panahon. Yung isinakripisyo mo ang panahon ng pag-aaral sa mga bagay na hindi naman ganoon kahalaga. Ang gusto lang naman nila (magulang natin) ay matapos ang pag-aaral natin at bigyang halaga ang lahat ng binibigay nila. Estudyante tayo kaya naman, alam na dapat natin kung ano yung prority natin, hindi ba?

Sa mga kapwa ko estudyanteng lumalaban, pagpalain nawa kayo ng Maykapal. Sa mga estudyante namang tinatamad mag-aral, gumising ka.

Kalye Lili

2013-10-16T11:46:00.000+08:00

Ang Kalye Lili ang sadyang napakakipot, kurbado ang hugis at isang dead end. Ang mga bahay ay halos dikit-dikit kaya kapag may humihilik sa isang bahay ay rinig ng buong lugar. Hindi na kata-taka na halos lahat ng mga naninirahan dito ay kilala ang isa't isa: boses, utot, oras ng pagtsitsismisan, bahay kung saan nanggagaling ang masangsang na amoy at saan o kanino hihiram ng gamit. Pero kahit gaano kagulo ang kalyeng ito, may respeto sila sa isa't isa, at ang lahat ng problema ay kanilang dinudulog sa kanilang punong baranggay.

Isang araw, may napadpad na estranghero sa kanilang lugar at kanilang inanyayahan sa masikip nilang kalye. Pinakain ng tuyo, tinapa, at itlog at binigyan ng isang mapagpapahingahang kuwarto. Hindi kilala ang sarili at nakalimutan narin kung ano ang pangalan. Ang alam lang niya ay galing siya sa Ilocos. Kaya naman kahit mahirap sa parte ng mga tao ng Kalye Lili ay ibinigay nila kung ano ang kaya nilang maibigay sa estranghero. Isang linggo din ang lumipas nang biglang mawala ito.

Usap-usapan ng mga tao ang bigla nitong pagkawala. Ang ilan ay nagsasabing umalis ito alas-tres ng umaga ng Sabado. Ngunit hindi talaga nila alam kung totoo nga ito. Bumalik muli ang ikot ng kalye. Nakalimutan ang estrangherong napadpad sa lugar nila.

Malayo sa bayan ang kalyeng ito. May maliit na palengke at isang masikip na palaruan. Ngunit may schedule ang paggamit dito. Bawat Sabado at Linggo ay nagkikitakita ang mga basketbolero. Ang mga nalalabing araw pa ay para sa mga nagbabadminton at iba't iba pang aktibidades ng lugar. Matagal nang pangarap ng kalye na bilhin ang isang masukal na lote malapit sa kanila upang mapagtamnan at mapagpatayuan pa ng ilang mga bahay. Ngunit walang pera ang Kalye.

Kahit simple lang ang pamumuhay nila. Gusto nilang magkaroon ng mapagtatamnan ng mga gulay dahil makatutulong ito ng malaki sa bawat pamilyang naroon. Mayrooon ngang iniaabot na tulong ng gobyerno ngunit wala naman silang loteng gagamitin.

Ilang mga buwan ang nagdaan, ang mga mag-aaral ay magtatapos nitong Marso. Summer na nga at ang mga tao ay naghahanap na ng mga mapagkakakitaan. Ang balita ay mabilis na kumalat na ang loteng pinapangarap nilang mabili ay nabili na ng isang businessman. Malungkot na mga mukha ang nagsilitawan at malaking panghihinayang ang makikita sa mga mukhang ito.

“Owner: Benjamin D. Gaston CPA,” ang nakapaskil sa bungad ng lote. Kitang kita ito ng buong kalye araw-araw, at unti-unti itong kumukurot sa kanila.

Hindi nagtagal ay nagsimula nang ipatayo ang isang napakalaking bahay. Apartment type at tila papaupahan ito. Bawat ingay mula sa kontraksyon ay dinig ng mga tao at ito ay unti-unti paring kumukurot sa kanila.

Ngunit wala sa kanila ang nakakita man lang ng pagbisita ng may-ari ng bahay. Ang tanging alam lang ng mga tao ay isa siyang mayamang businessman. Anila, wala itong pakialam sa buhay ng mga nakatira sa Kalye Lili.

Sa umpisa ng Hulyo ay natapos nga ang pagpapatayo ng bahay. Kitang-kita ng mga mamamayan ng Kalye ang laki ng bahay na iyon. Nasa imahinasyon pa rin nila na balang araw ay maging kanila ito, ngunit hindi na kailanman matutupad.

Hulyo rin ng taong iyon nang may bisitang kumatok sa bahay ng punong barangay. Bihis mayaman, nakakurbata at may mamahaling sasakyan. May hawak itong attache case. Halatadong isang abogado o isang taong may mataas na pinag-araln. Tarantang pinagbuksan ng kapitan ang bisita at pinaunlakang pumasok sa kanilang maliit na bahay.

Nagtatanong ang isip ng mga tao, at kinakabahan. Mas kabado pa sila sa kanilang kapitan na nakikipag-usap sa bisita. Malaki ang ngiti ng bisita na pinagtatakahan ng mga taong nakiki-osyoso at nagkukumpulan sa labas. Excited na excited na malaman kung ano ang pakay ng bisita na mabilis nilang sinang-ayunan na abogado nga ito.

Iniabot niya ang isang envelop na naglalaman ng kasulatan ng transfer of ownership ng lote at bahay na binili at pinatayo niya. Siya si Mr. Gaston, ang estrangherong napadpad sa kanila ilang buwan na ang nakalipas. Ibinigay niya ang loteng iyon bilang pasasalamat sa kagandahang-loob na ibinigay ng mga tao ng Kalye.

Hindi makapaniwala ang kapitan. Niyakap niya ng mahigpit si Mr. Gaston at nagpasalamat.

Mabilis na namang kumalat ang balitang ito at ang lahat ay masayang-masaya sa natanggap na regalo. Lumipat silang lahat sa bahay na iyon, at ginawang taniman ang natitira pang lote sa tabi nito. Ang barong barong at ilang kabahayan ay kanilang giniba at ginawang taniman din.

Hindi lubos maisip ng mga mamamayan ng kalye na mapapasakila ang lote at magkakaroon pa ng bagong matitirahan—tahanan ng mga taong nagkakaisa at may malasakit sa isa’t isa.

***

Ito ang aking opisyal na lahok sa Saranggola Blog Awards 5.

Five Stars

2013-10-05T00:41:00.001+08:00

You made me think I got a very good drawing

So I made my coloring better, not committing any mistake,

Drew the circles better like the moon when it’s full,

And sharpened my pencil more often than I used to.

You made me think I can be trusted every time you leave

So I picked up the stick and acted like the boss

Put on my angry face when someone gets noisy

And tried to control them with all the energies I got.

You made me think I can be a good leader

So I wrote everything you said and stock them on my brain,

Became more active in the daily chores of life,

And cleaned our areas better than what we used to.

You made me think I can take full responsibility

So I studied more and more until neurons got entangled

Squeezed every juice in my brain to get the prize

And witnessed how it feels when I get what I worked hard for.

You made me think I can sing like the nightingales

So I began to exercise my vocal chords all day

Grabbed an imaginary microphone to practice with

And held my concert inside the four walls of your classroom.

You made me think I got more on my sleeves

So I chose to explore more on the things I can do

Focused on the activities and challenges you throw us

And made them my own masterpiece ala Da Vinci.

You made me think I can solve like some great Mathematician

So I burned myself all night to befriend these numbers

Bought some lollipops so just they could call me friend, too

And shared a lot of moments with them until I go to sleep.

You made me think I can be like Shakespeare,

So I consumed all the books our small library got

Imagined the whole day how-could-that-be-and-why

And bled some blood for the words were slowly stubbing me.

You made me think I can be a great manager

So I jotted down all schedules so that I can manage my time

Checked and wronged the things I was able to do and not

And graded myself according to completion and failure.

But, you know, no matter what you are on my mind today

Whether you became a good one or not—at least to me—

I learned the values of diligence and patience

I learned how to read and write, sing a happy song

I learned to compose my own song and poems

I learned to cry and fight for my dreams in life

I learned that life is not just about us

But it is also about you and how you journeyed with us.

I learned that life is not just how we fare well in class

But it is also how we fare well with others under pressure.

I just realized that teaching is not just about us and you, being our parents.

I realized that it is also about you and us being your children.

***

Happy Teacher's Day po Ma'am and Sir. Maraming salamat po.

photo credit: 123rf, cybernag

Lost and Found

2013-09-28T00:06:00.001+08:00

I've been worrying so much about these notebooks that I lost last Wednesday during the pre-enrollment. I tried to search but was not able to find them. Just this Friday, in my Law class, my professor suddenly remembered something while we were talking (my sit is just in front of her table). I was wondering what it was (why the sudden), and then she showed me two thin notebooks. I asked her how she found it, and then she told me that a student approached her and asked if she knew the owner. My departmental exam paper where my prof's name was written was with the notebooks, so the student was able to give them to Ma'am Macon.

Thank you, Lord. I thought I would rewrite my notes again.

[Wednesday, September 25, 2013] I left the house early in the morning to get myself pre-enrolled for the second semester. The queue was not long yet; I could count the heads easily. Few hours later, the number increased, and the place got noisy. The associate dean unlocked the door, and whispered that the enrollment for our year level would begin in a few hours. Only to found out that the dean already decided that it will start 1 p.m.—five hours to wait!

We're dead. Students couldn't contain their disappointment and gone outraged. I was disgusted with the management, but we couldn't do anything.

Brains started to work! Some students tried to control the crowd. Suggestions were raised regarding the assignment of numbers to students to ease the process, but it was rejected. We waited for the management's decision (wishing they might consider our side) but nothing came. So, we waited until I had to attend a class because I had to do a report. The one-hour discussion was so long. I rushed to the 10th floor. Unfortunately, the pre-enrollment was already cut-off.

There are several students who were hoping to get inside, but the door was closed already. My friends who were inside the pre-enrollment hall were talking with some authority to allow us to be admitted inside. We lost hope, but no, I was able to open the door and entered secretly. Students who saw me entered as well. Some student assistants saw us (but they could hardly identify us), and asked to voluntary exit ourselves. I was guilty but I chose to remain. I waited for the final decision of the management and was admitted after all.

It was already five when my friends and I were all enrolled.

Linya

2013-09-23T22:02:00.004+08:00

Dalawang musmos sa daan ay nagtatampisaw

Lumulundag-lundag sa maputik na daanan

Hindi alintana ang lakas ng buhos ng ulan

Malayang naglalaro at tila sumasayaw-sayaw.

Dalawang mag-aaral sa klase ay nagtatagisan

Nagtatanungan sa maingay na silid-aralan

Hindi alintana ang mga kamag-aral na nagtatakbuhan

Malayang nagpapalitan ng mga kaalaman.

Dalawang kabataan sa bangkito’y magkatabi

Nagkakahiyaan sa natatanging sandali

Ngunit may lihim na saya sa bawat isa

At may pusong lumulundag-lundag sa kaba.

Dalawang kabataan sa liham ay nag-uusap

Nagkukuwentuhan ng mga pangyayari sa buhay

Sa mga mabubulaklak na mga salita ay

Tila may pagmamahalang langkap.

Dalawang pusong sa lilim ng mangga nagkikita

Nag-uusap at nagkakantahan ng buong pagsinta

Sa saliw ng tugtugin ng binatang galak na galak

Ay dalagang sumasayaw at umiindak-indak.

Sa panahong nagdaaan, ang punong mangga ay nagbunga

Ng pagmamahalang tunay, dalisay at walang kapantay

Dalawang puso ang pinagbigkis at ngayo’y iisa na

Isang kuwento ng pagmamahalang puno ng kulay.