Justin, Just In Time!

Moving Day!

2013-12-28T23:47:00.000+08:00

It's been a good ride here in Justin, Just in Time, and I've been planning to shut down the blog for a while now. But now I have to say an official goodbye to this home I've had for the past couple of years.

But don't fret your little head. I haven't stopped writing. In fact, I'm just moving to a new home. Check it out:

I'm making a new blogging project up there in my new blog: THE BADGER BEATS! It will still be a mix of personal entries and what not, but it will lean heavily into music, since it's going to be essentially a daily music recommendations blog. But it will be packaged in nice little snippets that will still talk about my life, thoughts and adventures. This mode will be easier for me to update, and will be like rebranding my blogging self. A new site, a new blog, a new writing journey begins. So come along. It might not be Justin Just in Time, but we all have to swing to a new beat eventually. I just happen to have swung unto this one now.

To all my readers these past years, thank you, and see you at the new blog!

To Teach a Heart

2013-03-28T21:44:00.003+08:00

What an interesting poem. It has acupuncture and matters of the heart all rolled into one. Pretty pretty pretty. I just happened upon it on tumblr, and wapak! Gotta keep this one as not to forget!

Enjoy reading!

To Teach a Heart
by Merlie Alunan

For Felipe Lim, my acupuncturist

“Your heart,” he says, planting a needle

on a point between her brows,

“beats too fast. Too strong.

Works too hard.” More needles.

Side of her neck, her throat,

her shins, her feet, on her back.

Immobilized by the needles,

she wants to tell him

   -This heart has always chosen

   its own pace, won’t slow for anyone’s sake,

   not even its own. Makes its own rules

   as hearts have done these ages now,

   maybe till all time. Quite beyond reason,

   this heart listens to no one,

   not even to me, deaf to everyone but itself—

but she says nothing, closes her eyes,

watching behind her lids violet suns

fold in, unfold, swirl, burst upon a world

known only to herself—caves of her fear,

ridges of her sorrow, thickets of rage

where sharp-clawed leopards prowl

in great hunger. Tissue and blood,

bone and flesh—fragile remnanats

of her ebbing days—why her heart now

flails wild like fish caught in a drought,

thrashing in the mudflats of her memories.

His fingers count landmarks

among her ribs, down her spine.

More needles. “For heart’s ease,”

he declares. Now she’s a secret

he reads too easily with his salient eyes.

She sighs. Bless the live air streaming

in rivers of her veins, bless trees,

in the quarter moon, the purple suns

swirling in the dark behind her eyes.

Bless earth, bless wind and fire, bless rain.

Bless these thin needles in her throbbing pulses.

For when all’s said and done,

who can tame a heart

wild in its cage of mortality?

Still she lies, rehearsing faith

in his deft device.

Who can teach a heart

what the heart desires?

Illustration by nicneven @ deviantart

The Music That Was 2012

2013-01-02T21:45:00.000+08:00

Continuing a Justin Just In Time Tradition of bringing you by best picks of great music birthed into the world this year. Will artists last year prove to have the staying power to get in this year? Or will new bands and singers take the lead? So here is my list of hot 20 songs released in 2012.

The rules of the list are simple: any song released in 2012, whether released as a single or as part of an album release, is eligible to get into this list. All these singles have merits in their own right. You might want to place in the comments area if you agree of disagree with my choices. I'd gladly reply to your comments if ever

Before we start with any of the actual top 20, I have some honorable mentions.

Thinkin Bout You - Frank Ocean
Usher - Climax
110% - Jessie Ware
Timelines - Motion City Soundtrack
The Veldt - Deadmau5
The Early November - In Currents
I Cry - Flo Rida
Constant Conversations - Passion Pit
Merry Go Round - Kacey Musgraves
Angel Eyes - Love and Theft

On to the list. We have Katy Perry, Taylor Swift, Maroon 5, One Direction, Bieber as returning entries into the top 20 this year with interesting hits. They're accompanied by newcomers, some familiar faces, while others I've only truly encountered this year. Let's get right to the good stuff then. Onwards!

20. Oblivion - Grimes (single release: February 20, 2012)

If you haven't heard of Claire Boucher yet, well, now you know. Better known by her stage name Grimes, she's come up with some really interesting electro-pop music bordering on psychedelic. The tune is wonderfully bubblegummy, and add that high pitched girlish, almost infantile voice. But beneath the layers of vanilla and fairy dust lie a song that is about something much more sinister, images of how in the dark, someone could come behind you and break your neck, and you'll never see it coming. "See you in a dark night."

19. Last Day of Summer - Action Item (single release: August 9, 2012)

Every year, tons of pop punk bands and the like release their take of the crucial summer anthem, which over the years I've realized to be a really important pop punk trope. I guess that's one of the reasons why I love the genre. Probably the best among the rest is this little piece by Action Item. I love the escapism that these sort of songs engender. "If we don't go home, the sun won't set." "If you just stay right here inside my heart, then tomorrow morning never comes." It's the perfect summer transition song.

18. Somewhere in Neverland - All Time Low (September 18, 2012)

Another escapist anthem might be this gem by All Time Low. I am quite excited for them to perform this song in Smash Project 2013 next year. And for good reason, this is probably their most interesting release in quite a while. The chorus is catchy, and many people can relate to the narrative of the song. "Wendy, run away with me... I wanna be your lost boy, your last chance, a better reality. Wendy we can get away, I promise if you're with me, say the word and I'll find a way." It's the hopeless romantic's classic pop punk tune. A bit childish, but hey, who wants to grow up anyway right?

17. Anna Sun - Walk the Moon (single release: February 7, 2012)

One of the catchiest tunes to come out from 2012, Anna Sun is Walk the Moon's definitive single that essentially placed them on the map, and even more so, on MTV's Artist to Watch for in 2012. Another cool summer tune, though it was released a bit earlier than summer of 2012. Anna Sun is a song of freedom and of energy, of keeping it together despite the wild ride. "Live my life without / station wagon rides / fumbling 'round the back / not one seatbelt on / wait for summertime / coming up for air /
now it's all awash/ now it's all awash."If this is the direction alternative and synthpop are driving towards to in the future, then the future looks bright. Not one seatbelt on, I might add.

16. Clarity - Zedd ft. Foxes (single release: November 13, 2012)

I first heard of Zedd when he stood as the front act for Gaga's Born This Way Ball here in Manila. And my gosh was I impressed. He was this energetic little dude that lit the whole arena in dazzling spectacle and heartpounding beats. He's described as an up and coming artist in the world of EDM, taken under the wing of none other than Skrillex himself. He puts his skills as a producer and DJ to the test in his inventive album entitled "Clarity," which is a beautiful electro-narrative from the first track to the last. Of the tracks, the single upon which the album gets its name is probably the best. The chilling vocals of featured artist Foxes adds to the already masterful beat that Zedd created. Zedd really went places this year. Being the cutie that he is was just a bonus.

15. Catch My Breath - Kelly Clarkson (single release: October 15, 2012)

I know I will get some flak for choosing this single over the much more famous and charted song "Stronger," but I actually think this one deserves to be on the top of the charts over "Stronger." Kelly Clarkson as a whole creates empowering music nowadays (and I think all throughout her career). This single is no exception. I found out about this song through the Voice finale. And was I lucky to discover it. I like the pop rock and electronic elements of the song, and the great lyrics are just a plus. There are also amazing notes hit by Kelly all throughout which I just adore. C-c-c-catch my breath, yeah!

14. Over You - Cassadee Pope (single release: November 19, 2012)

This was Cassadee's game changer single, that made her the frontrunner late into the Voice game. This shot into the top of the iTunes charts just a few hours after the live shows. And by top I don't mean just part of the top ten. It went all the way to top 1 baby! It's a wonderful song written by Blake Shelton, Cass' Voice coach, originally sung by Blake's wife Miranda Lambert. Cassadee has a way of really telling a story and connecting to people, and she deserves the Voice win completely. And this single is proof. I'm not over you yet Cass!

13. Too Close - Alex Clare (ad release: March 2012)

To tell you the truth, this song was released in 2011, so it shouldn't be eligible for this year's list, but it gained popularity due to an Internet Explorer ad released on March 2012, which singlehandedly put the song on the map, especially to more mainstream listeners, allowing for its eventual rise in the charts, and in the hearts of many. This song hits painfully close to home, too close if I might add (pun very much intended). The song speaks of someone dealing with being too close in terms of friendship, that in fears of ruining everything, decided that they cannot go further romantically, and choose to remain just friends. It tackles the oft misunderstood side of the friendzoner, who also struggles as well. I love this song to death, seriously. It was even covered by Melanie Martinez on The Voice, which is just a plus.

12. Brokenhearted - Karmin (single release: February 7, 2012)

Sunny with a lot of pep! The Karmin duo has a distinctive sound, and it's definitely exhibited here in their charting song, Brokenhearted. From the very well-sung verses and chorus, to the impressive rap parts (cheerio included, mind you), this song will clung on tightly as an earworm in the summer, and especially come UAAP season, due to the incessant plays of this song during the time outs and breaks of the games. It's simple and sickeningly sugary, but it's the various genre-crossing elements that make this set unique. Kudos to Karmin!

11. Wanted - Hunter Hayes (single release: March 5, 2012)

The song that shot Hunter Hayes to the top of the country music charts in September. What's gripping about the song is the sincerity of the emotions, probably stemming from the fact that it draws from Hunter's real life experience. It's very mature songwriting for someone so young (especially in the world of country). This song deserves to be called the country ballad of the year! This is definitely going to my list of "eventual songs to be sung at my wedding." PS: This song was also covered by Alex Goot and Julia Sheer (and it's a damn good cover that gave justice to the song, mind you.)

10. Wide Awake - Katy Perry

Wide Awake has touches of electronica here and there, but mostly it's a ballad. I find it to be one of Katy's more mature songs. Its bittersweet lyrics are coupled with Katy's lovely and emotional singing that makes for a wonderful combination.

9. Take Care - Drake ft. Rihanna

One of my favorite songs of all time. You have to take a listen to understand. The various elements just work, from Rihanna's verses, to the rap of Drake, featuring all throughout elements of R&B, alternative hip hop, as well as a bit of art pop, the song works on so many levels. Just a bonus that I feel the lyrics to the core.

8. It's Time - Imagine Dragons

I first happened upon this treat of a song from the Perks trailer. And from there on, I was hooked.

7. Beauty and the Beat - Justin Bieber ft. Nicki Minaj

I have to be honest with you, I am not the same belieber as I was a year or two ago. Yes, I do not enjoy Justin's current ventures as much as I did in the past, and while the whole world is praising Justin's growth and supposed maturity in the most recent album release, I just cannot appreciate the same way. Of course, this little piece is the only hinge that keeps me holding on at this point, being what I feel to be the direction that Justin should take in the future. The interesting Nicki Minaj verses just add spice to the mix. Overall, this is probably one of the very few reasons I still belieb.

6. Little Talks - Of Monsters and Men

I usually do not enjoy folksy stuff (thus the lack of Ho Hey anywhere in this list, despite its wonderful performance in charts and all). But I found this little gem of a song from Icelandic band Of Monsters and Men to be an oasis of tranquility in an often times difficult indie wilderness. The side-by-side male and female vocals, coupled with the right hook in the chorus means a knockout win all over for this beauty of a song.

5. Little Things - One Direction

I was weighing whether to place this song in the list versus its direct competition "Live While We're Young," which appears as an innocent summer song, until you realize that its salacious lyrics laced with sexual inuendo. As much as LWWY is the more successful song, chart-wise, I believe Little Things should be the definite direction that 1D should take in the future. From the Ed Sheeran lyrics, to the melodic voices of these five angels, this is what One Direction should be about. And I bet their directioners are thinking the same thing, little things.

4. Payphone - Maroon 5

This song by Maroon 5 really gets the job done. Catchy tune and lyrics, it makes for a wonderful pop anthem. Some people criticize the addition of Wiz Khalifa into the song, but I find the rap to be endearing. There's also that criticism that the payphone hasn't really been used anymore in the last few years of anyone's lives. But hey, I think there's a nostalgic feel to that. Of course, my personal criticism is the disconnect between the payphone and what the rest of the song is all about. Oh well. Still the hooks are great, and lyrics really connect with those hopeless cases out there.

3. We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together - Taylor Swift

There must be a reason why this song is nominated for a grammy. Well, it can be how inventive the tune is and all. But I feel this song does not showcase very well Taylor's vocals, rather depending on the orchestration of producer Max Martin to create what is probably one of 2012's monumentally successful singles. My favorite part is when Taylor mimics the voice of the guy, and she's like "I STILL LOVE YOU" in the most hilarious attempt at a fake deep voice I have ever heard in my life.

2. Some Nights - Fun. (Single release: June 4, 2012)

It's a crazy mix of gospel sounds, afrobeat and showtunes, all wrapped in this little indie pop package. The lyrics are intriguing but not confusing. There's a sense of wonder and majesty to this song. It's a good follow-up to the smashing success of "We Are Young" of the previous year. Ehem. There's a reason why these boys are nominated for the Grammys you know.

1. Call Me Maybe - Carly Rae Jepsen (Single release: February 22, 2012)

If there is anything that would characterize the nature of this year, it would be this song. If you haven't heard about this song, you've probably been living in a cave this last year. Carly Rae Jepsen invaded the air waves and the music charts with this infectious tune, that started out as a weird discovery, considering how interesting the music video was for this song over on youtube.

If Jesus is the definitive revelation, and the canon is the definitive list of books, Call Me Maybe can be the definitive song of 2012.

And that's a wrap! Thanks for accompanying me on this recap of the year in music. Catch me tomorrow as I continue the traditional year-enders and year-starters. See you!

Daily Dose: Catch My Breath by Kelly Clarkson

2013 in Faith, Hope and Love

2013-01-01T11:17:00.001+08:00

Happy New Year! Today marks the start of a new year for the Just In Time blog! This day also marks the first part of the year-ender/year-starter posts series.

The three core theological virtues of faith, hope and love capture to a certain extent my expectations per year. For today's post, let me share to you some of those expectations, and through these, share with you the direction I plan to take this coming year. I will also check up on last year's expectations and see if any of them were actually realized in 2011. Let's go!

First is the theological virtue of faith.

Last year, my goal was completion of a Simbang gabi series for 2012. Another goal was praying before going to bed every night. The first goal was surely NOT completed. Simbang gabi just hit at the most inopportune time this year, with oral exams and written exams spanning across half of the Simbang gabi days. This was definitely a problem. However, this goes to show that I am still putting things first beyond commitments and plans I've already made. As for the second goal, that was near-perfectly done, with only a few days here and there where I forgot.

For next year, my faith goals will be again attempting to complete Simbang Gabi, as well as praying every night before going to bed. However, I would also like to add to that. I want to write a faith-related article every month for the blog, which means twelve articles by year's end. This will be to further my contemplation on the realities of God presenting themselves in my life.

Next theological virtue is hope.

Last year, my list was:

1. Finish my thesis this year (PLEASE!) - an utter failure!

2. Learn to bake four pastries/cakes and four more new savory dishes - I can bake chooey cookies, but that's it :| another fail.

3. Successful blogging of at least one blog entry every week - there were whole months where I didn't even write. Damnit!

4. Save up money (my initial goal is 60k by the end of the year) - well, I reached half. LOL. fail again.

5. Have a monthly major gimik with my friends - EXCUSE ME, THIS IS WHERE I WIN! SERIOUSLY, KAHIT DAILY PA YATA. HAHA.

This is probably the category which I failed in the most. Seriously, subpar performance all around save for my final goal. Which means I really need to reorient my life.

1. Save up money! (the goal that is doable would probably be 50k. This goal goes contrary to the gimik goal kasi. So I gotta balance).
2. Create a project 365 for music (last year's Daily Dose was a big success. I now have a 2012 DD playlist btw)
3. Finish Thesis Proposal - ayan hindi gaanong high hopes. Haha.
4. Learn to bake 3 new pastries/baked goods recipes - ayan more specific and goal-oriented. I want to be a baker naman talaga eh.

The final theological virtue is love.

My goal last year was about moving forward. And yes, I have been able to move on from everyone. How wonderful. Except I have this *one* problem at this point. Oh well. For love, I think my goal next year is to take a break. Sabi nga ni Demi Lovato, give your heart a break. Even Maria told me to do that. But I kept refusing. Well, by break I mean I won't be trying as hard as I did last year. Sobrang I gave everything and more last year. This time around, I think I need to prioritize other things first. Love has always been priority eh. Who knows, baka pag di ko pa inisip, dun mahanap.

And that's a wrap. At the end of 2013, I'll come back and see if the expectations were somehow fulfilled and hopefully get some inspiration for new goals the following year.

Daily Dose: The City by Madeon

Welcome to December

2012-12-01T10:52:00.000+08:00

December is the concluding month of this year, where in my blog, I will post all my conclusive posts for the year. From recaps to countdowns, to wishlists to rewinds, to photos and promises, December is about closure. December is about keeping still. But, December is a party as well.

So watch out for all of the really awesome posts every other day of December. I promise this is the most exciting month of this blog. See you around! #2012

Image by Blue Daisy

Daily Dose: Wedding Dress by Tae Yang - Monica got married today. OMG! So happy!

Other Daily Dose:

Nov 26 - Nothing Lasts Forever - Maroon 5
Nov 27 - Dedicate - Runner Runner
Nov 28 - All of the Lights - Kanye West
Nov 29 - Moment of Truth - FM Static
Nov 30 - Kiss - TC and Sam Kang

Dry Spell

2012-11-16T23:24:00.001+08:00

A recent discovery. This poem is entitled "Dry Spell" by Ellen Hopkins. How oddly timely.

This is a beautiful piece. Another one to be added to my wonderful list of poems that should always be in my pocket in case of literary emergencies.

Dry Spell

You are like rain, forecasted 
to quench a summer's thirsting,
 thirst grown beyond easy need, to life or death.

I watch the clouds,
approaching windward mountains, slate 
bruising black beneath expectation.

The western window
 darkens as, laden, the curtain falls,
 descends to veil peaks and rifts, draws nearer.

Is it thunder that I hear? 
Or is the sudden rumble but the flurry 
of hurried birds, on wing against unceasing drought?

One warm, wet spatter
 stings the dust, stamps its ragged mark, 
imprints a welt of hope upon the arid parchment.

Promise sizzles in the air,
 wrapped in threads of ozone, electric
 with desire so bold it borders ecstasy.

Claim this vacant sky.
 Cast your shadow, speak to me in thunder, 
throb against thirsting skin and flesh gone fallow.

Oh, give me rain! 
Gift me with downpour, fill this empty well, 
the reservoir drained to grit by lingering dry spell.

Ellen Hopkins

Image by Megatruh

Daily Dose

November 13 - My Happy Ending by Cassadee Pope - Alam na! Cass!
November 14 - Moments by One Direction
November 15 - Dear Maria, Count Me In by All Time Low - in preparation for next year's smash project. happy to be watching it next year with yssa!
November 16 - Spectrum by Florence + The Machine - playing this while going home to Manila
November 17 - Intoxicated by The Cab - Bailey's and Kahlua gelato anyone? :D
November 18 - Up by Justin Bieber - #StayStrongJustin
November 19 - Replaced - Kate McGill
November 20 - With Me - Sum 41
November 21 - Over You - Cassadee Pope - Top 1 of the Itunes Charts!
November 22 - Behind These Hazel Eyes - Cassadee Pope
November 23 - Hang You Up - Yellowcard

November 24 - Your Name - Young JV ft. Myrtle - I know it probably is the most jej or jologs thing ever, but I actually like this song. I couldn't believe it myself as well.
November 25 - Scene One - James Dean and Audrey Hepburn - Sleeping with Sirens

Nothing 無

2012-11-11T20:30:00.000+08:00

Martin Heidegger once asked, "Why are there beings at all, instead of Nothing?"

But aren't we all just Nothings, feigning being?

Image by Pon.

Daily Dose

Okay, here's the daily dose list from sembreak till now. The lack of updates on this blog, gah.

October 22, A Beauty and a Beat - Justin Bieber ft. Nicki Minaj- fun day. videoke! and the next few days' DD is taken from the videoke playlist we sang!

October 23 - Ordinary People - Asher Book cover from the Fame movie

October 24 - Pangarap Lang Kita - Parokya ni Edgar

October 25 - Lights - Ellie Goulding - the voice inspired songs!

October 26 - Last Friday Night - Katy Perry - Halloween party. We watched katy perry's movie, did a crazy oppa gangnam style video, and just had fun with new and old friends. cool night.

October 27 - Both of Us - B.o.B ft. Taylor - kinanta ni Erika Espejo sa Halloween yesterday

October 28 - Last Day of Summer - Action Item - or maybe last days of sembreak? XD

October 29 - Not Over You - Cassadee Pope cover - ugh, why so awesome cass?!

October 30 - Don't Forget - Demi Lovato

October 31 - Stay Awake (Dreams Only Last for a Night) - All Time Low - VF Dream Team

November 1 - Roll Up - Wiz Khalifa

November 2 - Lightning - The Wanted

November 3 - Just Dance - Lady Gaga - Game Day 1

November 4 - People, Running - Jack's Mannequin - Game Day 2 (Hurdles and all those kinect sports)

November 5 - The Sound of Settling - Death Cab for Cutie

November 6 - When Can I See You Again - Owl City - Wreck-It-Ralph with Arv. One of the most awesome movies of the year.

November 7 - 1983 - Neon Trees - played while shopping in Cotton On yesterday

November 8 - Tongue Tied - Faber Drive

November 9 - Hyadain no Kakakakata Kataomoi-C - Hyadain

November 10 - Little Things - One Direction

November 11 - Over Again - One Direction

November 12 - Beauty in the Breakdown - The Scene Aesthetic

To My Dearest Students (SY '12-'13, Fist Semester)

2012-10-21T09:33:00.000+08:00

To my dearest students: (Schoolyear 2012-2013, Sem 1, Sections C-D-E-F-G)

I thought after a few semesters of teaching, saying goodbye gets easier. But apparently, it's still just as tough, if not more so over the years.

So here it goes:

This semester was particularly challenging for me. It was the first time I handled that many classes, and the sheer number of students has put a strain on me. In a way, I feel ashamed that I am a bit more jaded, a bit more bitter than my usual self. I hope it did not show that much in my classes. The amount of orals I have to listen to, and the written exams and quizzes that I have to check, have curtailed my freedom in a lot of aspects. But there's always a part of me that says I have to push through with it all, because I don't want this batch to not have same quality of learning that I've put my students through in the past.

There are times when I would just look into the classroom, seeing all your faces. Sometimes I wonder if I've really taught you guys anything. In a few years, I doubt any of the things I've discussed in class would have stuck in your heads. I bet, when next schoolyear starts, you might have even forgotten most of the terms that we've gone through this semester. (I bet some of you might have just flushed down all that Bible familiarity and quotes test gunk the moment you leave the written exam test room.)

At this point I know not everyone will pass this course, nor would most people get the grade that they aim for or that they think they deserve. To some extent, these are my limits as a teacher. I might have not taught you guys well enough. Theology is tough. I know that firsthand. But grades are just numbers. The true test comes when you've stepped out of the classroom. How you react to the eternal thou as you see their faces in the streets, how you treat other people knowing that all of them are eternally valuable, how you carry yourself in the face of the oppressive structures in the country - these are the true tests, and for that there are no grades. Success, then here, is not gauged by one's letter marks, but by the number of hearts you've come to touch.

You will all go through different paths, traverse different roads. I do not know where those roads might lead, but always remember, if at any time you get lost in the wilderness, remember to listen to the voices that tell you to go where you are most happy, and just as importantly, to go where you are most needed.

And if at all you are still lost after that, never lose sight of the things that matter most. Dreams, hopes and expectations are never just "deceptive dreams, abortive hopes and expectations unfulfilled" as Sartre might say. Never give in to those dark horizons. Rather, remember to see the beauty in everything, and that we should always look at the world and its possibilities with new eyes. Because God's final word is always hope.

And if still after that you are unsure what to do, don't forget what I keep hammering to you guys in class. Risk. Risk it all. There is always a chance that the road you take leads to a dead end. But so what? What matters is not so much the end, but the journey. Besides, in the end, all roads lead back to God.

I wish to remember all of you. Sadly, I am prone to forgetfulness. I have bad memory, something I inherited from my mom. And as much as in the future I will forget many of your names, and even further on, I might forget many of your faces, always remember that you've already left your mark in my heart, and hopefully, I've made mine in yours as well.

Thank you for putting up with my nonsense, my addiction to the UAAP, my inadvertent and sudden mood swings, my long-winding lectures, my crappy drawings on the board, my games. You do not know how much joy you've brought into my life, and I hope the same can be said with yours.

Someone asked me what legacy I'd want to impart to my students. And I reply by saying that I have nothing to impart. But if I had a legacy to leave behind, well, my students are my legacy. You are all my legacy.

I hate saying goodbyes. The finality is a bit off-putting for me. I'd rather say these three things to you guys: (1) "farewell" - a hopeful parting, wishing one another smooth sailing on the seas of life - (2) "Godspeed" - so that God may guide you in all your endeavors, to grace you in all that you do, and find him in all that you see - and finally, something that should be familiar to you guys, (3) "shalom," - because I wish you wholeness as you leave towards that which sets you apart in the world. Always remember to dream greater than yourself. Never dream anything less.

Here's this semester's swan song: find where you are most holy, and I would have done my part as your teacher.

Love lots,
Justin Badion

PS: Paano mo malalaman na dumaan ka sa Theo121 ni Justin Badion

Alam mo ang ibig sabihin ng "Birds don't fly because they have wings, they have wings because they fly."
Alam mong walang apple sa Bible, pero you're sure may mga ostrich dun
Marunong ka magcite ng sources mo in Turabian, at alam mo ang ibig sabihin ng cf. at ibid.
Alam mo kung sino ang nagsabi ng "The heart has its reasons which reason does not know of"
Memorized mo ang Hebrews 1:1-2
Alam mo ang konsepto ng Realpolitik
Alam mong may quiz pag may tumunog na cellphone
Alam mo kung ano ang totoong "cherub" at kung paano ito i-pronounce ng tama
Alam mo kung paano i-explain ng tama ang original sin, bilang HoD at SoW
May sagot ka sa problema ni Fat Man
Alam mo na may tatlong parts ang isang parable
Kaya mong pagkasyahin ang mga sagot mo sa mga maliliit na spaces, tulad ng gilid ng thesis statement sheet, o kaya sa isang post-it, o kaya sa eight lines ng isang crosswise.
Alam mo na may apat na movements ang first creation story, at ito'y nasa loob ng verses 1:1 hanggang 2:4a
Alam mo kung ano ang tunay na ibig sabihin ng freedom
Alam mo kung sino ang #17 ng Ateneo basketball team. At #17 ng La Salle.
Alam mo na mahal na mahal ka ng Theo teacher mo na napakagaling at napakahusay magturo (at hindi marunong ng konsepto ng humility)

Daily Dose:

A small selection from my student's suggested songs.

October 14, We Come Running - Youngblood Hawke

October 15, Love Save the Empty - Erin McCarley

October 16, Punching in a Dream - The Naked and Famous

October 17, Constant Conversations - Passion Pit

October 18, If I Die Young - The Band Perry

October 19, Five Days of Summer - Joe Brooks

October 20, Some Nights - Fun.

October 21, Go - Boys Like Girls

One Big Five

2012-10-11T21:15:00.000+08:00

"Destined for Greatness. United for a Dynasty. A Team Above All." Just as the new championship shirt says, the Ateneo Blue Eagles rewrote history today as it bags its fifth consecutive championship. This has never been done in the Final Four era, and we did it! Five for the Blue and White!

I was supposed to watch with my friends in upper B, but because of an angel donor (thank you Monica Jalandoni) provided me with an upper A ticket, I was able to watch up close and personal in upper A. A nice view in the center amongst the first rows. It was great seeing all the Ateneo fans supporting the team. I seriously believe that the Ateneo gallery poured its heart out in cheering and support and that made all the difference. One Big Five! Ang sarap maging Atenista! The Drive for Five finally ends (and it will officially end with a bonfive! haha)

PS: Thank you to Nico, Justin, Zags, Greg and my fave, my idol, Oping! You've all contributed so much to making this five-peat possible, and not just this year, but in the last few years as well. I am so proud to be a big fan of you guys! #Tiwala lang talaga

Daily Dose:

October 9 - Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger - Daft Punk
October 10 - Don't Sleep 'Til the Music Stops - The Fastest Kid Alive
October 11 - Five Minutes to Midnight - Boys Like Girls - One Big Five!
October 12 - Happiness - Alexis Jordan - Song title says it all
October 13 - The Fighter (feat. Ryan Tedder) - nakakaLSS sa studio 23 and bonfire

Flip

2012-10-10T23:02:00.003+08:00

Am I a switch, that you just flip on and off, depending on whether you need me or not? Am I the sun, that you just wait to disappear into the night, even if I constantly seek to come back the day after? Am I a toy you just abandon when time has soiled your mythic eyes, and you've grown tired of the games, that at one point made you smile.

Smile then. Point is I am tired of games, and even more so of the myths these eyes have soiled. I will not allow myself to be abandoned. I am not a toy. You cannot just come back the next day when you seek constancy into the night. If I disappear, do not wait for the sun. There is no need. I will just flip. I will just switch.

Image by Nito

Daily Dose:

September 24, Monday - When You Look Me In the Eyes - Jonas Brothers - I kinda wanna watch their concert

September 25, Tuesday - Kaleidescope - Honor Society, synaesthesia and all that.

September 26, Wednesday - Yakusoku wa Iranai - Yoko Kanno & Hajime Mizoguchi ft Maaya Sakamoto

September 27, Thursday - Easier Tonight - Matt Wertz

September 28, Friday - The A Team - Ed Sheeran - Go Ateneo!

September 29, Saturday - Live While We're Young - One Direction

September 30, Sunday - It's Time - Imagine Dragons - Can't get over Perks

October 1, Monday - Torn, Cassadee Pope (The Voice Performance)

October 2, Tuesday - Pumped Up Kicks, Foster the People

October 3, Wednesday - Clarity - Zedd fr. Foxes - new discovery

October 4, Thursday - Secondhand, Cassadee Pope

October 5, Friday - Wonderwall, Cartel (Oasis cover) - Coz there are many things that I would like to say to you but I don't know how.

October 6, Saturday - Readyfuels - Anberlin - Even though I wasn't able to watch live, the moment we opened the TV in ISEW and watched, ateneo started its 17-0 blitzkrieg. Lucky charm ako! XD

October 7, Sunday - Broken-hearted Girl - Beyonce

October 8, Monday - Kissin U, Miranda Cosgrove - just woke up with this as the LSS

October 9, Tuesday all the way to next Thursday (submission of grades)

I will be choosing Daily Dose choices from the best choices amongst all the songs suggested by my students, so wait till then for my Daily Dose.

Qoheleth

2012-09-23T14:07:00.001+08:00

“Vanity of vanities, all is vanity,” goes the famous first verses of the book of Ecclesiastes. and the author was off to a good start, to be honest. How fitting and proper for a book on wisdom to tackle one of the biggest questions of human beings: the reality of existential doubt.

To a certain extent, I myself have begun to doubt the whole edifice of the modern mentality where hard work and effort will definitely pay off. We’ve always been taught that if we just go at it, persevere and strive, we will get what we want, or accomplish whatever goal we have. Hard work will pay off. Or so we think.

However, in this world of ours, there are people who are born talented, or blessed with incredibly good features. For these people, life comes as a gift. For smart people, their academic life is a breeze, and after finishing with honors from a top university in the country, they’re off to a good job either here or abroad, working for some multinational company, which will only continue the lineage of smart and rich people in the world. Some come in this world with incredibly good looks, and getting into a relationship has never been a problem for them. In fact, instead of looking for one, it just comes into their laps. They even have to luxury to select amongst choices if need be.

While for other people, even if they try hard studying, they might never even finish high school. Others, who are kind-hearted or funny, might never have the chance to get into a relationship just because the tendency of the modern age is to value looks more than anything else when finding a suitable partner, or at least, that’s the starting point. Either way, effort isn’t always validated with reward, however repetitive it has been jammed into our heads that such a thing is always a case.

Which returns us to my opening statement: life is vanity. Should we really continue striving in a world that does not give back to those who’ve strived so hard?

Personally, I’ve put this question to the test. All my life I’ve strived to be a nice person. I try to be kind and decent looking. But I’m not someone blessed with incredibly good looks. I have some smarts, but there are many more far better than me. If anything, mediocrity might be my only forte. However, I’m the type who puts a lot of heart in whatever I do, whether it’s in my work, in my studies, or in relationships.

Yet for some reason, there are times when even if I’ve given it my all, even when I’ve already sacrificed so much, offered up everything that I had: blood, sweat and tears and more, I still don’t get what I’ve always wanted all along. And when I look on over off on my dark horizons, I see how some people who haven’t even put up any effort, get the reward so easily. “He doesn’t even need to look for a relationship, kasi siya yung hinahabol.” or “She’s already gotten into that job, yet she didn’t even have to apply. She was the one the companies hunted down.”

I’ve given all that I could give. Time. Effort. Patience. Done everything I can to try and show you all my possibilities. I’ve shared my life with you. Sometimes, even if I do not have anymore to give, I still give. Even if it means emptying out myself, I would. And if you ask for more, I will give up everything in a heartbeat. Kulang na lang isigaw kong mahal kita. And yet, despite everything, your heart has not been moved one bit. How cruel this world really is.

In the end, do our efforts pay off? The traditional theological response will use the Moses logic of “If no one strives now, no one else would get the Promised Land.” But, it’s so hard to work towards the Promised Land knowing that you won’t be able to reach it. That’s why I question Moses all the time. How was he able to go on despite knowing full well of the inevitable failure at the end?

Only time will tell. But as of the moment, I will continue to question and doubt. After all, with the way things are going, there really isn’t anything better to do anyway.

Image by Sansojkn

Daily Dose:

September 10, Monday - Magic Number - Maaya Sakamoto - The magic number is 10! This one's POY you #parakaypoy

September 11, Tuesday - She Loves Me, This Condition - Happy birthday Mama!

September 12, Wednesday - The Writer - Ellie Goulding - super LSS

September 13, Thursday - Take Off - 2PM - Oping Gangnam Style! Go #17

September 14, Friday - Try, Asher Book - Night well-spent with Lance

September 15, Saturday - Speeding Heartbeat - Chemical Vocation - Ateneo-UST cardiac game

September 16, Sunday - Somewhere in Neverland - Almond plays one of his most awesome games this season! Animo Almond! You're my Peter Pan (coz Peter Pan wears green. haha XD)

September 17, Monday - Wanted - Alex Goot ft. Julia Sheer (cover of Hunter Hayes)

September 18, Tuesday - Must Get Out - Maroon 5 - Maroon 5 Concert! Or so it was supposed to be! Haha!

September 19, Wednesday - Don't Say You Love Me, M2M - Still can't get over last night Madame!

September 20, Thursday - CRAWL - VELTPUNCH - I sing for you.

September 21, Friday - Eyes Open - Taylor Swift - played at Titan22 a while ago with Karen. Besides, PB and Co was also playing Taylor.

September 22, Saturday - Can Do - GRANDRODEO- CDC! I love the Japenese style homage to the Drive for Five! Go Ateneo! Win or lose it's the school we choose.

September 23, Sunday - The Wilhelm Scream - James Blake - NU comes up with a victory over FEU. Playoff with La Salle on Wednesday.

Syncopate

2012-09-09T09:09:00.000+08:00

Am I just a sound you syncopate out of the word of life?

Well I bet it won't sound the same without me.

Daily Dose:

The DD's for the last couple of weeks have been piling up due to my utter disregard for this blog. I really need to get my updates going again. But to my dear readers, that might take some more time as I am still drowning in work, oral exams and classes. I shall try soon enough but don't get your hopes up.

Anyway, on to the DD's!

Daily Dose:

Monday, Aug 13 - No News is Bad News, Dashboard Confessional

Tuesday, Aug 14 - In For the Kill, La Roux - in honor of my brother's hair that look's like Elly Jackson's

Wednesday, Aug 15 - A Drop in the Ocean, Ron Pope - LSS. and because my dream was by the ocean with some kilig factor.

Thursday, Aug 16 - Arigatou, SunSet Swish - A bit of Jpop, just because I had a blast eating Soba at Tanabe yesterday. Also, I had a haircut.

Friday, Aug 17 - Gun Lae Gun, Love of Siam OST - Thai food ang dinner namin kahapon sa greenbelt nila mama nic and neil as we talked about various thai movies.

Saturday, Aug 18 - Like a G6, Far East Movement

Sunday, Aug 19 - U Smile, Justin Bieber - wala lang

Monday, Aug 20 - All My Heart, Sleeping with Sirens - super LSS on replay. i still can't believe I liked a song by a post-hardcore band. well, the song itself isn't post hardcore.

Tuesday, Aug 21 - Midnight Train to Georgia (Crystal Bowersox cover) - because I won Ticket to Ride for the first time on today's game day.

Wednesday, Aug 22 - Marry Your Daughter, BRKNRBTZ - played in Starr, with Lance and Denz

Thursday, Aug 23 - Waking Up in Vegas, Katy Perry - Shut Up and put your money where your mouth is

Friday, Aug 24 - No Other, Super Junior - We ate at a Korean resto today

Saturday, Aug 25 - Good Time - Owl City and Carly Rae Jepsen, the usual UAAP playlist again in MoA

Sunday, Aug 26 - Marry the Night, Lady Gaga

Monday, Aug 27 - First Kiss - Ryan O' Shuaghnessy

Tuesday, Aug 28 - We Are Young - fun.

Wednesday, Aug 29- A Wonderful Surprise - The Downtown Fiction - so many surprises today, Ateneo-FEU game, Rondo, car problems, etc.

Thursday, Aug 30 - Bad Idea, Motion City Soundtrack

Friday, Aug 31 - Girl Next Door, Last Winter - it's a bit more complicated than boy meets girl

Saturday, September 1, 2012 - One and Only, Adele - Go Ateneo! #Tiwala

Sunday, September 2, 2012 - Houkiboshi - Younha, Because my brother kinda got semi-LSS humming it

Monday, September 3, 2012 - Guessing Games, Hunter Parrish - Kasi yung isa dyan nagpapaka-"Unofficially Yours" na peg. (EHEM!)

Tuesday, September 4, 2012 - Say Ok, Vanessa Hudgens - brotherly LSS tonight

Wednesday, September 5, 2012 - Ohayou - Keno - Kezzy desserts day

Thursday, Sep 6 LaserLight - Jessie J (feat. David Guetta) - Win or lose, it's the school we choose

Friday, Sep 7, I'd Rather Make Mistakes Than Nothing at All - Mayday Parade - The loss is still unreal but...

Saturday, Sep 8, Sleeping with a Broken Heart, Alicia Keys

Sunday, Sep 9, Starry Eyed, Ellie Goulding - So many celebrities! And the win of course! :D

The Sun is Out

2012-08-11T10:31:00.001+08:00

Good to finally see the sun again. After days of torrential rains, the yellow rays are a welcome reminder that at the very end of the story, God's final word is always hope.

How awesome is that? Well, the road to recovery and rebuilding will take a while, especially for those hit hard by the floods. But if we all work together, we can get this country up and running again in no time. Uh huh!

Daily Dose:

The daily dose choices for the last couple of days.

Thursday, August 9 - Rolling in the Deep - Adele
Friday, August 10 - Constant Vacation - A B and the Sea - daming suspension na grabe.
Saturday, August 11 - One More Time, Daft Punk - kahit na ang peg ko ay "i don't believe in second chances." XD
Sunday, August 12 - I Fell In Love Once, Chase Coy - dahil kay Leana
Monday, August 13 -

Respond to the Nameless

2012-08-08T14:06:00.000+08:00

As poets of this world, it is our task to face that which is nameless, not with fear, but with action. Now is the time to dwell poetically in this world.

What can you do? For starters, donations are most welcome. The Ateneo de Manila University is in need of more items for the relief goods packs. Please send over food (canned goods are best), bottled water, materials for hygiene (soap, tissues, sanitary napkins, towels), sleeping materials (tarps, tolda for makeshift beds/tents, blankets), sets of clothes (sorted according to age and gender if possible), medicine (paracetamol, betadine, antiseptics, amoxycilin, band-aids), sacks.

Please drop of goods at the Loyola Schools Covered Courts.

At this point, there is also a need for volunteers in the Ateneo High School, so go on over there as well!

Also, rappler has provided a comprehensive list of evacuation centers and relief operations here. Go on over there now for a look.

And of course, for those who cannot directly go to relief operations, prayer is still a big help.

We can all do our part. At the end of each narrative of exile, there is always God's final word of hope. It is up to us as his agents to do our part in action. God bless the Philippines. Bangon Pilipinas.

Daily Dose:

And just for the sake of updating the Daily Dose,

Wednesday, August 1, 2012 - Di Lang Ikaw, Juris - I remember Marga from this song. We were supposed to have dinner this day.

Thursday, August 2, 2012 - You Da One, Rihanna - My brother and the whole Regis B1 thingy

Friday, August 3, 2012 - Moves Like Jagger, Maroon 5 - played as i was eating lunch alone in Chicken Rice Shop

Saturday, August 4, 2012 - Running Wild, Jules Larson - self-explanatory

Sunday, August 5, 2012 - Mandy Moore - just because it's my brother's Mandy Moore night

Monday, August 6 - Stay by Mayday Parade
Tuesday, August 7 - Over my Head, The Fray - a song from She's Out of My League
Wednesday, August 8 - "Reason of Kindness" by ChouChou, the opening of the anime Hyouka, an appropriate song for today.

Feast of St. Ignatius

2012-07-31T11:50:00.000+08:00

Happy Feast Day of Saint Ignatius!

"Take and receive O Lord my liberty
Take all my will, my mind, my memory.
Do Thou direct, and govern all and sway,
Do what Thou wilt, command and I obey.
Only Thy grace and love on me bestow
Possessing these all riches I forgo.

Only Thy grace and love on me bestow
Possessing these all riches I forgo.

All things I hold, and all I won are Thine,
Thine was the gift, to Thee I all resign
Do Thou direct, and govern all and sway,
Do what Thou wilt, command and I obey.
Only Thy grace and love on me bestow
Possessing these all riches I forgo.
Only Thy grace and love on me bestow
Possessing these all riches I forgo.

Only Thy grace and love on me bestow
Possessing these all riches I forgo."

Daily Dose:

Set Fire to the Rain - Adele, this pick being inspired by Ignatius' statement "Go forth and set fire to the world."

Out of Sight

2012-07-29T21:31:00.000+08:00

This is a cute and beautiful piece I found while going through youtube. It really warms the heart.

I hope you're able to enjoy this video as much as me. The link to the video comes after the jump break, so watch it on youtube, or watch it here.

So, here's the video! Enjoy watching!

Daily Dose:

July 19, 2012 - White Horse, Taylor Swift

July 20, 2012 - Chain, BACK-ON - a Japanese song, with strong powerful drumming and lyrics, in honor of Drum Tao

July 21, 2012 - A Bigger Something, The Less - LSS to this song since yesterday

July 22, 2012 - Dog Days are Over, Florence + The Machine

July 23, 2012 - Go, This Condition - So appropriate

July 24, 2012 - Skinny Love, Birdy

July 25, 2012 - Waiting Outside the Line, Greyson Chance - just because I lined up for tickets that day. Ateneo-La Salle

July 26, 2012 - Moment 4 Life, Nicki Minaj - My mom was playing a video kanina with this music. Kaya it got stuck in my head.

July 27, 2012 - 7:05, Jonas Brothers, the time we were able to leave Ateneo towards Megatent

July 28, 2012 - Mary's Song, Taylor Swift - Coz Ateneo won (song for Mary. Gets? XD)

July 29, 2012 - Tangled Up in Love, The Rifles
July 30, 2012 - Here I Go Again, The Sunstreak

An Attempt at Jealousy

2012-07-15T00:01:00.000+08:00

When a student of mine posted a line from this on twitter just a few moments ago, I couldn't resist but to post it. This is the poem "An Attempt at Jealousy" by Marina Tsvetaeva.

I just really like this poem. It can apply to me now. I'm not saying it is. Or not. I'm really not sure. Praeteritio. Anyway, enjoy reading!

How is it living with the other one,

simpler, isn't it? One stroke of the oar

then a long coastline, and soon

even the memory of me

will be a floating island,

(in the sky, not on the waters):

spirits, spirits, you will be

sisters, and never lovers.

How is your life with an ordinary

woman? without godhead?

Now that your sovereign has

been deposed (and you have stepped down).

How is your life? Are you fussing?

flinching? How do you get up?

The tax of deathless vulgarity

can you cope with it, poor man?

'Scenes and hysterics I've had

enough! I'll rent my own house.'

How is your life with the other one

now, you that I chose for my own?

More to your taste, more delicious

is it, your food? Don't moan if you sicken.

How's your life with an image

you, who walked on Sinai?

How's your life with a stranger

from this world? Can you (be frank)

love her? Or do you feel shame

like Zeus' reins on your forehead?

How is your life? Are you

healthy? How do you sing?

How do you deal with the pain

of an undying conscience, poor man?

How is your life with a piece of market

stuff, at a steep price.

After Carrara marble,

how is your life with the dust of

plaster now? (God was hewn from

stone, but he is smashed to bits.)

How do you live with one of a

thousand women after Lilith?

Sated with newness, are you?

Now you are grown cold to magic,

how is your life with an

earthly woman, without a sixth

sense? Tell me: are you happy?

Not? In a shallow pit How is

your life, my love? Is it as

hard as mine with another man?

Image by Pixiv ID 1784168

Daily Dose:

Wed, Jul 11 - A Thousand Miles, Vanessa Carlton - Coz every week i should get a song from this particular generation of singers
Thu, Jul 12 - When You're Gone, Avril Lavigne - Same as last yesterday's. Mga magkakageneration nila Michelle Branch and Vanessa Carlton.
Fri, Jul 13 - Breaking Free, High School Musical - OMG! It played in Sandwicheese yesterday.
Sat, Jul 14 - Over It, Rufio - Self explanatory
Sun, Jul 15 - Crushcrushcrush, Paramore - I want to crush you. As in literal.
Mon, Jul 16 - 88 by LM.C - 8+8=16. What a reason.
Tue, Jul 17 - Just be Friends by Dixie Flatline
Wed, Jul 18 - Let's Go Surfing by The Drums, kasi nagDrum Tao teaser kami ni Denz sa Eastwood
Thu, Jul 19 - White Horse by Taylor Swift, another day of pag-emo with Berns

Bruises

2012-07-10T06:52:00.003+08:00

Another poem by Anna Peters. She's an awesome poet!

Anyway, enjoy her piece!

Bruises
(ap)

i sit on the subway
pressing my fingers into
bruises
they run down my left side
from running into the wall
in between us one too many times
they fade: black
   purple
   yellow
   green
a spectrum
of heartbreak
invisible to the naked eye

Daily Dose:

Thursday, July 5 - Trust Me by Yuya Matsushita
Friday, July 6 - Gotta Be You by One Direction, I was with Rach today, and I remember this was her pick for her choice of 1D song.
Saturday, July 7 - Hero/Heroine by Boys Like Girls, this one suddenly played in Serenitea during Game Day with Raph, Mon, Jelo and Yssa
Sunday, July 8 - Loop by Maaya Sakamoto, I was reading romantic manga yesterday. That's why I chose this song.
Monday, July 9 - Down to Earth by Justin Bieber, just because it was playing in Banapple while I was eating lunch
Tuesday, July 10 - All You Wanted by Michelle Branch, it was playing in Red Roasters yesterday while I had dinner with Lance and Denz.

You Are Tired (I Think)

2012-07-04T08:00:00.000+08:00

I discovered this poem by ee cummings when Tepi posted it on tumblr. Quite the elegant poem from the master poet himself. Seriously beautiful.

Enjoy reading!

You are tired,
(I think)
Of the always puzzle of living and doing;
And so am I.

Come with me, then,
And we'll leave it far and far away—
(Only you and I, understand!)

You have played,
(I think)
And broke the toys you were fondest of,
And are a little tired now;
Tired of things that break, and—
Just tired.
So am I.

But I come with a dream in my eyes tonight,
And knock with a rose at the hopeless gate of your heart—
Open to me!
For I will show you the places Nobody knows,
And, if you like,
The perfect places of Sleep.

Ah, come with me!
I'll blow you that wonderful bubble, the moon,
That floats forever and a day;
I'll sing you the jacinth song
Of the probable stars;
I will attempt the unstartled steppes of dream,
Until I find the Only Flower,
Which shall keep (I think) your little heart
While the moon comes out of the sea.

Image by Pixiv 4096475

Daily Dose:

Monday -
Tuesday - Dreaming with a Broken Heart (John Mayer) - umiiyak habang nakikinig sa kotse, pauwi mula Ateneo papuntang Maynila after my class ended 12 noon. JOKE! XD
Wednesday - All or Nothing (Tamar Kaprelian) - an angelic voice on a rainy day. love!

These Words Are Not For You

2012-07-01T22:14:00.002+08:00

I do not own this work, but it's from an unnamed source. I found it on tumblr, and it's just such a beautiful piece.

Captures everything perfectly. Enjoy.

The morning grass felt cool upon my feet and for the first time in a long time I didn't mind being up before the birds. Everything is so much quieter before the sun rises above the trees. These are the summer mornings I find myself dreaming about in January. These words are not for you and they don't have to make sense, when you peel my skin away there are just piles of mistakes where my bones should be anyway. I prefer it that way. I'm harder to break. Not that it matters. These words are not for you. For once they are for no one but me. Some day soon I will forget the path that spells your name. It probably won't be tomorrow, and I know it wasn't yesterday, but I can feel the ink receding. You are no longer my anchor & these words are no longer your slaves.

These words are not for you.

Image by shiroyayo

Daily Dose:

Naturally by Selena Gomez. Just because it was on my repeat tonight, vs my brother's repeat list.

An Ode to June's End

2012-06-30T23:59:00.000+08:00

An Ode to June's End

how fast did our time fly.
june did just pass us by.
and even if you try,
you cannot stop july.

Daily Dose:

Here are the Daily Dose choices for the last couple of days. It's become a trend of mine to post less often, so the daily dose comes in torrents per entry I get to post. Hopefully I get to post much more in the next couple of days, but at the rate I'm going with every thing else happening in my life, I can't really promise anything.

July 27, Wednesday - That Should Be Me (Justin Bieber) - Leana's peg Bieber song

July 28, Thursday - I'm Not Your Toy (La Roux) - irritating how the signs point to all kinds of meanings. Stop playing with me! I'm not your toy!

July 29, Friday - Live My Life (Far East Movement) - Date with Rachel!

July 30, Saturday - Vindicated (Dashboard Confessional) - just because it was game day, and vindication was the peg of Cole!

31 Sunday

Forget Me Not

2012-06-27T11:37:00.002+08:00

A poem by anna peters. Please follow the link for more of her work.

Enjoy reading!

I tried to forget

But you grew roots around my ribcage

And sprouted flowers

Just below my collarbones.

All day I pluck their petals

But I have not yet ascertained

Whether you love me

Or not

Daily Dose:

Here's the DD for the last couple of days

Week of June 18

Monday - Love Long Distance (Gossip), because of my issues with Globe

Tuesday - Turning Tables (Adele), on strong pegs and weak pegs

Wednesday - Let Me Be With You (Chobits), just because I feel like missing someone

Thursday - In This Diary (The Ataris), kasi pakahirap magsulat

Friday - Starships (Nicki Minaj), coz that was what was playing when Lancey and Denzy opened the TV at home

Saturday - Platina (Maaya Sakamoto), played on my DD playlist while going home from Eastwood pastry day

Sunday - Eyes Wide Open (Gotye), Bernie's #np on Twitter

Week of June 25

Monday - So Sick (Ne-Yo), coz I was sick

Tuesday - I Cry (Flo Rida), omg Korra is so amazing, I cry.

Happy Father's Day 2012

2012-06-17T20:20:00.002+08:00

Someday, I want to be able to celebrate this day with kids of my own. I hope I'll be as awesome a dad as my Papa was to both Jelo and me. Happy Father's Day, Papa! (and to all the other dads out there in the world). :D

For today's celebration, we went to Tanabe, which was one of the places Papa would go to when he was still working at DP. It was also the place where we last ate together before his trip to the US + South America. Papa's memory is so good, coz it was actually him who remembered those things, and knowing how bad I am with remembering, it's good that I have a dad with excellent memory.

The food was epic. The servings are big (correlated to the priciness I guess). The meal was really fit for a king! Well, Papa deserves something awesome on this day anyway!

I finally satisfied my noodle cravings by ordering some cold Soba. Seriously yummy. However, the process of actually eating it is still a mystery to me. You're given a cold soup, the noodles themselves, so green onions, wasabe, a starnge plate of white stuff, and a freaking raw quail egg. WHAT DO YOU ACTUALLY DO WITH ALL THAT? DO YOU MIX THEM OR SOMETHING? THERE AREN'T EVEN INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO EAT IT. Save for the difficulty in finding a way to eat this, it was actually quite good. Hurrah! It just actually fed the fire for my craving for Japanese noodles.

Tanabe! If you weren't so expensive, I'd go here on my own and drown in noodles. But for now, you'll only be a special place fit for celebrations like today! Hurrah!

Daily Dose:

Dance With My Father (Jessica Sanchez version)

The Horizon

2012-06-16T11:01:00.001+08:00

Maybe what I want is a bit more assurance. Because I can wait however long, but at the very least I want to make sure I'm actually waiting for something. Because I really am ready for the long haul. In the end, it's true what they say that boys have tunnel vision and girls have peripheral vision.

When you're through thinking, say yes.

Daily Dose:

Wednesday - Summer Fades to Fall - Faber Drive - Tout simplemente

Thursday - My Guardian Angel - Red Jumpsuit Apparatus - Which played in Banapple while I was with Rach.

Friday - Don't Want to Miss a Thing - Aerosmith, coz Lance played the Jessica Sanchez version in the car yesterday, so it stuck.

Saturday - Foreign Language - Anberlin - Coz boys speak in rhythm and girls in code.

Something Good Can Work

2012-06-12T21:20:00.001+08:00

Congratulations to the new executive board of Alay ni Ignacio. I know you guys can do it. Make me a proud ANI dino! Disclaimer: Wala akong pics nung ibang eb kanina, kasi di ko sila naabutan. Sorry! Pero congratulate ko na lang kayo in person next time.

As a way of saying my congratulations, I'd like to offer this little song I discovered a while ago from Carissriss, entitled "Something Good Can Work" by Two Door Cinema Club. I find it quite the appropriate daily dose for today! Once again congratulations!

"There's a spanner in the works you know
You gotta step up your game to make it to the top so go, oh
Got a little competition now, you're going to find it hard
To cope with living on your own now, uh, oh, uh, oh

Let's make this happen, girl, you gonna show the world
That something good can work and it can work for you
And you know that it will

Let's get this started, girl, we're moving up, we're moving up
But it's been a lot to change but you
Will always get what you want"

Daily Dose: Something Good Can Work by Two Door Cinema Club