Rated E!

YEAR 2015: PAINS AND GAINS

noreply@blogger.com (Earvs) — Thu, 31 Dec 2015 02:47:00 +0000

I don't think I need to say that I am busy. Oops, wait, let me change what I just said, I am terribly busy with my PhD! Just look at my last blog entry and you will figure it out. Dear oh dear, I blogged a year ago. Anyway, I am here to do a bit of reflection about my life in 2015 and map out some goals for 2016.

2015 has passed so quickly, seriously. I am just so amazed how time flies so quick, here we are, welcoming another year and saying goodbye to another.

I describe my 2015 as a journey filled with slow and fast movements. At one point, I was crossing a bumpy road. I was sometimes on the fast lane. Some storms came along. Tears flowed. Big smiles emerged. Mixed feelings embraced my heart. Nevertheless, my journey was packed with a variety of things that I enjoy and wish to forget. Walk with me now as I look back.

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YEAR 2014: TO ACCEPT AND LOVE!

noreply@blogger.com (Earvs) — Tue, 30 Dec 2014 14:29:00 +0000

It seems it was only yesterday when I blogged about looking back at 2013 and welcoming 2014. Now, I am looking back at 2014 and I am all set for 2015. I really couldn't slow down time. It's a race. It's uncontrollable. With one blink of the eye, everything changes. And the next day, as I open my eyes, it will be another day to face or perhaps a year to conquer.

My 2014 is special. It is like one big plate of mixed dishes. There's a savory cuisine. There's a blunt one. There's a bit spicy that makes me cry. There's a sweet portion. And there's some dish that left me with a bitter aftertaste. Despite the differences of the dishes on my plate, I finished and enjoyed the food. After all, the gastronomic delights gave me the energy to move on and face my everyday life.

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NOW SHOWING

noreply@blogger.com (Earvs) — Fri, 14 Nov 2014 07:46:00 +0000

Ito ang aking entry sa kategoryang liham ng 2014 Saranggola Blog Awards. Nais kong ipakita sa liham na ito ang "chopseuy" na emosyon ng isang OFW ukol sa paghahangad ng magandang buhay. Ang magandang buhay ay naisasaktuparan sa ibang bansa ngunit balot rin ng bangungot at pait. Sa kasamaaang palad, ang pighati at pagdurusa ay siya ring itinatanghal ng media. Kaya naman, basahin mo at isipin kung ano ang meron sa "Now Showing!"

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SA UMPUKAN

noreply@blogger.com (Earvs) — Fri, 14 Nov 2014 01:20:00 +0000

Ito ang aking entry sa 2014 Saranggola Blog Awards. Nais kong ipakita sa aking tula ang kahalagahan ng wikang Filipino sa ating buhay na madalas ay napangingibabawan ng banyagang wika sa ating sariling bayan. Bagamat wikang dayuhan ang gamit sa mga pili at pasosyal na "umpukan", nanatiling taal at "komportable" ang wikang Filipino dahil ito ay ang ating wikang kinagisnan. Anu man ang ating gawin, ito ang wikang kay sarap uwian at balik-balikan.

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Turning 2 and How About You?

noreply@blogger.com (Earvs) — Mon, 27 Oct 2014 11:45:00 +0000

Shot taken by Loki! Nice noh?

Wow! Wow! Wow! Wowowee? Not! So it was in June when I last posted an entry in my blog. Looking at the calendar, oh well, it's already October. This only shows that I am sooooooooooooo BUSY with my PhD that I've not had a luxurious chance to update my blog. Good thing, I've finally had the courage to take a short break from chapter writing. So here I am. I am ready to blog.

A lot of things have happened since June. I finished my data gathering in the Philippines. A few weeks before I left Manila were spent to catch up with family and friends. Oh! I also stayed in Brunei for a few days to meet my friends and second family. Eventually, July came and I realized I'm back in Melbourne. It was winter when I arrived. I was lucky not to get sick especially I came from super summer Philippines. The moment I'm back in Melbourne, I attended a workshop about my research and I also presented in two conferences. So now, I'm writing chapters for my dissertation. I will do my mid-candidature next year. Hopefully a teaching stint is on its way for me next year *cross fingers*. So far, everything is good. But yeah. I am stressed. I just have to deal with it.

Despite the stress in my PhD journey I can say that I am blessed in so many ways. I am surrounded with good souls. They are my family, friends, and most especially my partner whom I love the most. Yes, I finally found my partner.

And this entry will tell you the story that might change your life. Kidding!

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GOTCHA, MY LOVE: COMPARING THE PROCESS OF FINDING YOUR SPECIAL SOMEONE AND CONDUCTING SCHOLARLY RESEARCH

noreply@blogger.com (Earvs) — Sat, 14 Jun 2014 14:45:00 +0000

(This is a repost of an entry that I wrote two days ago while I'm waiting for the rain to stop.)

I've been working for a few hours now in a nearby Cafe. As you all know I'm (kinda! *thunder*) busy doing my dissertation, trying to save the world (as if!). Thank goodness so far my sanity is in tact. And for the past 300 minutes, I've been drafting my paper for presentation in a conference in Melbourne. Literature review here and there. Synthesizing my notes. And basically brainstorming alone (what an isolating experience! hahaha!). Suddenly I've felt the urge to write a creative piece (I am taking the opportunity to write a creative piece as part of my let's bust the stress campaign!). I don't know if it's really creative but what I will write is about comparing finding your special someone and doing "scholarly" research. Whether you are in a relationship, in a chaotic relationship, in a soon-to-be-single status, or simply finding your special someone, I hope you will be able to appreciate (or fall in love) with my entry entitled "Gotcha, My Love: Comparing the process of finding your special someone and conducting scholarly research.

If you're all set to fall in love while conducting research then here we go!

32 RANDOMNESS

noreply@blogger.com (Earvs) — Wed, 11 Jun 2014 15:28:00 +0000

Yesterday it rained Today, there's rain again. Tomorrow, oh well, I don't know.But I love the rain. Last month was a so HOT (super, sauna!). So the coming of the rain is a refreshing twist to usher a cooler season. I'm just not looking forward to flooding in some areas of Metro Manila paired with bonggang traffic.

This post is not about the weather. This is about the things that I want to share about myself. So before I turn 32 next week, I am sharing 32 random stuff about me.

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THE FUTURE & FILM FEST

noreply@blogger.com (Earvs) — Sun, 08 Jun 2014 14:52:00 +0000

I have two things to talk about in this blog entry. First, there is about predicting my future based on tarot cards. And the other one is about my knack on watching Tagalog movies for the past weeks. I am undeniably a Tagalog-movie deprived Filipino. I've been living outside the Philippines since March 2008.

Last night I visited my dear friend (one of my bestfriends since college) Elms or Boogie. To meet and catch up with Elms is one of the to-dos in my visit in the Philippines. Elms have been my classmate in production classes in college and who has become one of my trusted "sister". She is like a family to me. We're more likely twins in many aspects and interests in life. Through ups and downs, Elms is always there. She is always present to listen to my rants in the past and my "adventures" in the present. Okay, let us not talk about my adventures. Our agreement is...what we talk or share, when we leave, we... just laugh! So as I was saying last night I went out with her. Prior to going out and moving around in UP, I visited her mom as well who is very close to me. Since my mom passed away, I've been adopted by "moms" of some of my friends, and Tita is one of them who treated me like their own child. So with my visit to her last night I had to chance to be under her spell (feels like a scene in a Disney movie?). Tita put out her Tarot cards and showed me my future.

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LET ME WISH

noreply@blogger.com (Earvs) — Sat, 07 Jun 2014 06:07:00 +0000

Two weeks to go and I'm turning 32. It's gonna be my birthday! Hashtag Wohoo. For the past days that I've been thinking of what to wish, I've thought of something that I think is just suitable to wish. I am thinking of something that concerns the mind and body.

Two nights ago I found myself in the hospital. I am not a fan of hospitals. I dread the reality of being in a hospital. Unless I have a check up or I have to do some lab test, I can survive in the next minutes or hours. However, if being in a hospital happens because of someone in the family had an emergency, then it is quiet a serious and agonizing matter.

I won't elaborate why I was in the hospital two nights ago. It's something that I won't disclose. It is not me who was rushed.

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FAMILY, FUN, & FIGHT!

noreply@blogger.com (Earvs) — Wed, 04 Jun 2014 18:35:00 +0000

I'm supposed to be sleeping but here I am facing my laptop and writing an entry. *tap tap tap*

The past days have been a rollercoaster ride for me. Apart from trying to finish some research work (almost there!), I've been working on fixing my schedule to meet my friends before I leave Manila on the 29th. I am also busy thinking on what to do on my birthday and what sort of gift should I give to myself. One thing is for sure. I will go out with my family on a scheduled celebration over lunch. Meanwhile, as I spend on celebrating my birthday, I am also saving some money to do some travels this year as a reward to hardwork and anticipated PhD stress.

I am stressed but so far I've been able to manage it...uhm... yeah... yeah! Yeah, I'm managing it with the help of my family and friends. And just tonight I realized how my I can cope up with stress. Yeah, STRESS DRILON is around the corner!

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SPELL STRESS

noreply@blogger.com (Earvs) — Mon, 02 Jun 2014 15:37:00 +0000

Are you a postgraduate student? Are you doing your Masters? Or how about completing your dissertation? If your answer is YES, next question is, do you get stressed with school work? If you answer yes, how do you handle it?

Just this afternoon I visited my ortho. As you all know (and for those who doesn't know) that I have scoliosis. It is not inborn. Blame it to bad posture! So for the past days, because of probably over stretching my muscles or simply because of stress, I had chest and back pains. Okay. Don't panic. It's normal. I've been experiencing such pains since college. I do not have heart or lung problems (as Xrays and previous check ups as basis). It's just that sometimes pains due to my scoliosis attack unexpectedly. So to manage the pain, I usually relax my muscles or put on some liniment.

THIRTY DAYS OF BLESSEDNESS

noreply@blogger.com (Earvs) — Sun, 01 Jun 2014 16:52:00 +0000

It's my birthday month.I am turning 32. Yehey or yikes? Yehey of course! I am proud of it. I am very happy. And I feel so blessed is so many ways. I couldn't ask for more. Oh, I wanna ask one thing, wishing good health (safety and security too) for everyone.

The past weeks have been a challenge for me. Apart from enduring Philippine summer ( feels Sauna everyday), I've been doing research for my dissertation. Special thanks to my father for assisting me in my interviews and for my special partner for boosting and inspiring me heaps! I've been out for some days to gather data (interviews and making field notes) and I've been synthesizing journals or "take home" readings at some days. While I've been a prisoner in my room doing all research-related activities, I've also been a consistent customer in some nearby cafes to (as usual) study and work on my research. Obviously, it's been research, research, and yes, research.

OF BUMPY ROADS AND BRIGHT LIGHTS

noreply@blogger.com (Earvs) — Thu, 27 Mar 2014 10:14:00 +0000

It's 2014. It's already March. Actually, it will be April next week. Come to think of it, this will be my first blog entry for this year. Forgive my blogging hiatus. It wasn't intentional. I was just so busy with juggling research, social life, academic engagements, and getting fit.

The past three months have been a rollercoaster ride. Before we head on to this year, let me just recall some activities in the latter part of December 2013. December was a beautiful month to begin with. It was the month that my ethics clearance was approved and I started recruiting respondents for my research. It was also the month that I began interviewing a few individuals. As I interviewed, transcribing took place. Along with transcribing, continuous recruitment of respondents took place. I was anxious not to get respondents. Hence, that anxiety compelled me to religiously scout interviewees. As a result, I didn't have a vacation. I only took December 25 and January 1 as days off to recuperate from a stressful and demanding PhD research. I don't regret it. Although I didn't have much rest, at least, the time spent with friends and reconnecting with my family and friends in the Philippines via Skype was glorious.
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2013: "CONFIRMATION"

noreply@blogger.com (Earvs) — Tue, 31 Dec 2013 07:15:00 +0000

A few hours from now and 2014 will walk in. Are you excited? I am. As a new year ushers, it has become a tradition for most of us to reflect on the previous year and what are our plans for the coming year. We tend to make our New Year's Resolution, hoping to change bad habits and inject new and promising outlook and actions. In my case, before reflecting on the new year, I usually check on my previous year ender post and look back. Just last year, before I embraced 2013, I realized that I was once again "blessed" in so many ways.This year, blessings poured as well. I feel that if there's any worth focusing on this year, it is about finding myself, my happiness, knowing my real friends, and strengthening my relationship with my family.

If I have to describe my 2013 in one word, I will choose the word "confirmation". My 2013 was a challenging year. It was tough and I tried to handle it "gracefully". I solely relied on my optimism and faith in God. Come to think of it, I was two months old in Melbourne in the start of 2013. I moved in to a new house. I began working on my research proposal.Then it was not only the time of doing literature reviews and guest lecturing, I had my share of "really" getting to know myself, exploring what I am capable and not. Melbourne has changed me. I have not only learnt a lot (heaps!) in studying (which I've always loved: NERD!), but Melbourne has become a "home" where I confronted personal issues. These issues and struggles have contributed to shape me as a stronger, bolder and better person. I couldn't ask for more, really.

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HOME, HERE AND THERE!

noreply@blogger.com (Earvs) — Sat, 14 Dec 2013 05:17:00 +0000

In this quiet afternoon, I am hit by nostalgia and it's inescapable. It's been more than three weeks now since I went back to the Philippines to attend my brother's wedding. It was a short vacation. In a short period of time, I was home. I was served not only with Filipino dishes that I miss the most, but I felt loved and cared by my family and close friends. In each encounter with special people in life, I reconnected ties. As much as I wanted not to leave, I had to. There's a bigger future that awaits. It's my future, a life goal that I want to share to everyone.

I've always missed my family and friends. I long for each encounters, whether its at home or at some places in the busy streets or malls of Metro Manila. I yearn laughing and eating out with them. It is their stories that embrace me the most. As they narrate stories that I may somehow miss because of my busy life, I am rejuvenated in so many ways. Stress is trashed. I am, as always, ready to face life's battles.
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DE-STRESS

noreply@blogger.com (Earvs) — Thu, 17 Oct 2013 13:05:00 +0000

It has been windy for the past days. There were times that I felt I will be blown away and so I need to hold on to a tree or a pole. Thank goodness, here I am, still thriving!

One thing is for sure in Melbourne. The weather is simply bipolar. Sometimes it's sunny and warm, and sometimes it's just wet and cold. This is fascinating eh.Despite checking my weather app and wearing the "hopefully right clothes" to fit the weather, still, I usually end up saying "What did just happen?" From a cold and windy morning, here comes the afternoon with a warm breeze. So in times like this, I remove the other layer of my "I thought it's cold" outfit. One of my other options in Melbourne's misbehaved and erratic weather is to bring an extra jacket. You never know when and where the cold wind will hit you.

The past days have been challenging for me. There's the "metaphorical wind" that blows me away. It's not that I have a "major major" problem, but I just felt that my body is saying that "I'm a bit exhausted". Quantify a bit? Can? I guess my "exhaustion" is caused by too much reading and not really imbibing the art of relaxation. For that, I've assessed myself and I've thought of some stress busting tips to help me combat my "exhaustion". Let's do this!
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"INAY KO PO!"

noreply@blogger.com (Earvs) — Tue, 15 Oct 2013 02:09:00 +0000

Ang pangingibang bansa ang aking inspirasyon sa pagsulat ng kuwentong pambatang ito. Ibinabalik ko ang pagsisiwalat ng karanasan sa mga tahanan na nasa Pilipinas ang mga magulang at anak. Ano kaya ang kanilang pinagdadaanan sa kabila ng "magandang buhay" na ibinebenta ng pag-a-abroad? Tuklasin natin sa kuwentong pinamagatang, "Inay ko po!"

"KRUSADA"

noreply@blogger.com (Earvs) — Mon, 14 Oct 2013 04:42:00 +0000

Mula sa temang "tahanan", nais kong ibahagi ang tula para sa 2013 Saranggola Blog Awards. Sa kasalukuyang panahon, ang pakahulugan sa "tahanan" ay nagbago na. Hindi lamang ito lumilihis sa tradisyunal na depenisyon ng tahanan bilang komposisyon ng mag-anak, kundi bilang isang unit sa lipunan, ang tahanan ay binago na rin ng tadhana at higit pang modernisasyon. Alay ito sa libo-libong tahanan na binago ng higit na "kawalan" sa bayang sinilangan. Sana ay maibigan niyo ang aking tula.
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MILESTONE

noreply@blogger.com (Earvs) — Sun, 15 Sep 2013 16:08:00 +0000

It was in June when I last posted an entry in my blog. It’s already September. It is obvious that a lot of “events” put me in a blogging “coma”. Today, I am ending the “curse” of my writing hiatus. I, yours truly, would like to once again build an intimate relationship with you, my dear readers and followers. I have lots of stories to tell and I can’t wait to share it, like, now.

Winter is over. Spring has officially started two weeks ago. However, the weather in Melbourne is absolutely “bipolar”. It keeps on changing on an unpredictable and fast phase. Sometimes it’s warm and most of the time the weather shifts to a cold one. Then again, I just got used to it. So to cope with Melbourne’s “bipolar” weather, I’ve already imbibed the practice to always check the weather app in my phone before leaving the house and I never ever forget to bring a jacket or scarf in times of instant temperature shifts.

BREAK AWAY AT FRASER ISLAND

noreply@blogger.com (Earvs) — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 14:04:00 +0000

Finally after few months of hardwork and a series of migraine attacks (yeah!), I am able to go on a full vacation. Thanks to the long weekend (It's the Queen's Birthday on Monday) and an invitation from my editor, Ms. Alice that my "dire" need to unwind happened.

So as I was packing my stuff a few nights ago, I told myself that I won't touch any materiaIs related to my research. I even promised myself that I won't bring my laptop just to work on my paper and the tons of journals that call review. Positively I stood by my decision and truly enjoyed my vacation. On another positive note (a blessing in disguise), since we're in an island, the slow signal (and unavailable most of the time) helped me to refrain from checking my FB, my work/school email, and my phone applications. Indeed, a reconnection to nature's freshness paired with socialization to a bunch of Filipino families and my co-scholars paved way for me to experience a fun-filled getaway at Fraser Island.
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A NEW SEASON

noreply@blogger.com (Earvs) — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 15:31:00 +0000

Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeah! Finally, I've had the chance to update this blog. Surprisingly, I get to upload one entry per month. Am I that busy? The answer is ABSOLUTELY YES!

A new season in Melbourne has begun. It’s already Autumn; Americans call it "Fall." Having said this, I’ve already started to feel (and combat) the “freezing” and “windy” weather. In fact, just two weeks ago, I had the “privilege” to experience, in a “pre” or “teaser” state, the upcoming winter season. But since it’s just Autumn, its best to savour the “not-so-cold-yet” days before the harassing winter comes in June, which apparently is my birthday month and so I’m hoping not to get sick in that time. I admit that I’m not used to a cold weather and so I’m now preparing for the “worse” possible “freezing” scenario in the upcoming days.

However, if there's any consolation that one can get from this cold weather is to enjoy the diverse and unique Autumn/Winter fachion of the people. It's in here that you can play around with "layering." In my case, I'm fine with a scarf and a jacket. I guess a gloves will come handy, soon. At the moment, I'm pretty much satisfied with "layering" a shirt and a jacket.

Truth be told, there are things that I want to share (to vent out, actually) which I’ve experienced for the past days. While I am consistent with my research, I realize that I’m “stressing” myself. To say the word “stress” is an understatement. Perhaps it’s more of “hara-kiri” (yeah, that much?). With a self-imposed deadline, I am pushing myself too much to finish essays and meet submissions. Apparently, a stressful life or not giving myself enough rest is not good for me. In the end, I just end up grappling with writing. And so I’ve decided to take some days off for a few days, which happened over the Holy Week or holidays.

What’s with the stress?
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ENGAGEMENT

noreply@blogger.com (Earvs) — Sun, 03 Mar 2013 11:53:00 +0000

Wow! I've been so busy for the past month that I haven't updated this blog for a month now. As usual, I was busy with researching, reading, synthesizing, writing, and meeting with my supervisor on my PhD Research. On a lighter note, I've been busy as well with my "offline" world which I somehow present to the world by updating my Facebook account. I've been uploading pictures in my FB page and I've been Instagramming loads to keep everyone posted witn my adventures here in Melbourne.

I've been enjoying adventurous and exciting life here in Melbourne. I couldn't deny that. And for those who have been following my Facebook page, yes, you can feel that vibe! In fact, in the past month, apart from working in my new office, I've been going out as well with my friends (old and new). On a different story, was I dating for the past month? you'd be the judge. *wink wink*

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MOVING IN, MOVING ON!

noreply@blogger.com (Earvs) — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 01:55:00 +0000

Hey, hey, hey! It's been a while since I posted something on this blog. A lot of things have happened in the past weeks and obviously I've been so busy, well, up to this point. But I'm taking a break in reading a pile of books and journals for my PhD research because I want to update you my dears readers.

One of the highlights in my life for the past weeks is the "moving in" to a new place. Finally, after weeks of house hunting, which I find so interesting and disappointing at some point, I've found a house near my University. Way way cheaper compared to the room that I rented for the past two months, the room that I've signed up is near Monash University (Caulfield) and it's homey.

Did I say disappointing? For real. I found a house which looks like a haunted house with a creepy landlord. I also found another house which is about to fall. Coolness right? On to my story!
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LIFE OF E!

noreply@blogger.com (Earvs) — Sat, 19 Jan 2013 03:06:00 +0000

How's everyone? Last night I went out with some of my friends to catch the movie Life of Pi. It was a spontaneous activity we agreed upon as to not only socialize but to relax as well; we just need to veer away from the pressure of Postgrad studies.

Unimaginably, on the 22nd of January will be (officially) the second month of my stay in Melbourne. Happy 2nd monthsary to me! Yey! Can you believe that? Oh well. I must say that in the span of almost two months, I've come to a point of (inevitably) missing my family and friends. In fact, I miss my friends and somehow (simple) lifestyle in Brunei. There are just days that I'll wake up and think of my family and friends. I guess the laid back and serene (paired with the cold breeze) environment contribute to the feeling of nostalgia.

Anyways before I cry because of homesickness (don't worry, it won't happen soon), I would like to talk about, yes, The Life of E! Yes, E! as for Earvs or Earvin Charles (that's me.) And before I blabber about my sentiments let me share with you all my encounter with the movie, The Life of Pi.
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IT'S 2013 AND WHAT I'VE BEEN UP TO!

noreply@blogger.com (Earvs) — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 07:22:00 +0000

Yey! It's my first post of the year. Thank God, I've finally had the time to update this blog. As you all know, my schedule has been so tight for the past weeks (I guess yours too) because of the holiday season. Positively, despite being away with my family and friends, I'm able to celebrate Christmas and welcome 2013 with a bang!

Speaking of a "bang," well, last week, I posted my New Year's resolution. Upon review of what I listed, I can say that everything's achievable this year (really? like diet?). One of my priorities for this year is to "basically" and "must" get my confirmation for my PhD Candidacy. At the moment, I am (same with first year PhD Students here at Monash) in a Probationary status, and so I'm labelled as a "PhD Student." Once I get my confirmation, I'll qualify as a PhD Candidate. And as they say, that's the tough and rough part commences. But since I'm still on the probationary status, it's better (as recommended by my supervisors) to settle down and read as much as I can. Of course, once my candidacy is confirmed, yeah, well, uhm, okay, let's see.
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