The Unbroken Reverie

New Blogsite

2011-11-06T18:26:00.001-08:00

Visit my new blogsite at http://enraptured.subtleoasis.org/.

Bosco Press in Action

2010-04-19T08:32:00.000-07:00

The season of summer has begun and the school year 2009-2010 has closed, but vacation has not yet come for the senior editors of the DBTC High School Publications.

While many have started going to their planned vacation trips, the editors still come to school everyday to fulfill their commitment of coming up with quality papers for their final publication, the Memoirs 2010 yearbook. They collect pictures, edit articles, and design templates from eight in the morning till six in the evening.

I admire these person's strong sense of commitment to their obligations and tasks, and I feel very proud of being one of them.

We may have no time yet to visit our dream destinations this summer, at least we are able to conserve our money. The pressures and conflicts in the demands of the publications may still be on us, at least we are not one of those who have got nothing to do this summer. We have an exclusive work room with a controlled temperature of eighteen degrees Celsius, ten units of super computers with LCD monitors and hi-speed internet connection, and all our expenses are answered by the school.

The experience of being in this group alone is a reward in itself. It provides us with great opportunities to discover a lot of things that we would never learn in any other way. It allows us to relish sharing ideas and working together more. We enjoy the fulfillment of leaving a legacy of re-establishing the independent publication in the school, and the so-called glory of the press.

We hold greater obligations than any student organization in our school, we play nobler tasks, and we make greater contributions to the development of the school's system.

Beneath the pressuring press works and limitless devotion as campus journalists, the roles we play as members of the high school publications nonetheless make us explore the depths of our being.

High School Memories

2010-04-10T20:35:00.000-07:00

It is very unbelievable how time flies by so fast. Yesterday, we were just taking our entrance exam in Bosco. But today, it is already time to say goodbye to our Alma Mater who has been very dear to us; to close this chapter called “High School” and open a new one like we never see it coming.

As we look back to those four multihued years of this magnificent chapter in our lives, we cannot help but contemplate on those scenes that were laden with all kinds of adversities – fear, adjustment, bewilderment, criticisms, unceasing abundance of obligations, and so on.

There were times where the occurrences were tough and demoralizing that hit the highest points of our bounds. There were times where we were unable to help the tears, because we were alone, afraid, lost, or ashamed. Only until we had the guts to face and challenge our issues, and suffered several stumbling blocks and some loss of face – we learned. We considered them all as struggles, until we finally saw the point of them all.

Looking back also brings to our, still, naive minds the countless people who, from the very beginning, offered their support to us without expecting anything in return. We found them; the friends and mentors in our midst, who were there at whatever time and place we were, to listen to our stories, to laugh at our jokes, to share knowledge and experiences.

Suddenly, it seemed that we started to cultivate in many fields and the world threatened us no more. Little by little, bit by bit, we determined the difference between right and wrong, real and unreal, just and unjust.

The past years had been, as we might say, an enthralling maturity for all of us. This must be attributed to Don Bosco, Mary Help of Christians, and all the Salesian Saints who have never failed to intercede for us, and to the Divine Providence that has been always sustaining us.

In keeping, we had to take some times to be with Him every day, in the small chapel or in the big chapel. Sometimes, just to utter “hello,” or some words of friendship. Sometimes, we never had to say anything at all, just stayed a little, there with the Lord.

High School was just short, exhilarating and demanding, yet full of surprises and wonderful experiences. During our four years in High School, all of us exceptionally did a lot of maturing, a lot of growing up. We may not always notice them, but we can always find them, if we do so, inside our hearts, somewhere they could not be obviously seen, and only throbbing is heard.

Don Bosco… Thank you for getting us on the way across to becoming the capable, sturdy and successful persons the Lord hopes we would be. Bigger things, greater tasks, more trials and failures may be waiting outside. We may fall, not once but many times, but we shall rise, again and again.

So long, old man. I will see you again sometime soon. And when that time comes, I will make it sure that you will be proud of me.

Dearest Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for all the blessings you have bestowed upon us all in the previous chapters of our lives. Thank you for the biggest family you have given us in the Educative-Pastoral Community of Don Bosco Technical College. Thank you for our families, and everyone you have given us for support, love and companionship.

As me and my batch go to college, grant each of us the wisdom, assurance, and focus to make the most out of our new lives. Bless all of us and provide us with the necessary things for us to be able to keep on moving forward in making our home, and our school proud.

To everyone, I offer my gratitude. And with my sincerest wishes for one and all, congratulations! We made it.

I love you all from the bottom of my heart.

At the End of the Day

2010-03-30T10:56:00.000-07:00

In the world, many people are slaves for the many things that they ardently desire, but they do not really need. Some of us may not admit, but many of us have been guilty, too, of having so many material wants in life. Yes, we, too, belong to those people who think that life’s treasures can be found in the luxury and comfort of things. We cannot blame ourselves, though.

Since childhood, our parents and teachers have set our minds to always do our best in our studies, so that someday we can have good jobs, and in the future we can buy all the material things we want in life. However, we cannot blame our parents too. It is because, in our society, success conforms mainly about quantity – quantity of properties, money, education, etc. We live in a society where the rich people are the successful, the more important, the more believable; where what is glamorous is noble, what is sensational is true, and what is appealing is good. Our culture has taught us to seek more; to want more.

Did God really plan this world to be this complicated, or is it just us who make the world difficult? Is this our life? No. What is our real life? When will we start our real life?

Things are very easy, very simple. At the end of the day, it is not our possessions, position, power, nor prestige that will matter. At the end of the day, it is not about the mansion where we live, the money we have in the bank, the car that we ride in, nor the brand of clothing we wear. No. A man’s wealth is not determined by these things. Jesus said in the Gospel, “A man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possession.”

At the end of day, our family, our neighbors, our relationships with others, and what we do with them are what really count. Things change drastically in a matter of seconds, that is why all that we may consider wealth is actually determined by the number of times we laughed with our friends, we shared moments with our family, we spent with our loved ones, and by the number of people we have helped and made happy throughout the day.

God has shown us the real meaning of life. For God so loved the world He gave us Christ, His only Son. And Jesus came to bring peace that comes from loving and doing good to others. He said, “My peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you.”

A person does not live and die for himself or herself alone. Life is too short and fleeting to let it simply slip away in things that are not truly worth our lives. At the end of the day, the one we should follow is God, who is love. At the end of the day, love is all about giving. At the end of the day, life is all about giving. Don’t you think our life is too short to do anything else away from that?

May we all experience the beauty and joy of renewal by being more generous this Holy Week.

A Deep and Fascinating Endeavor

2010-03-27T06:08:00.000-07:00

"A deep and fascinating endeavor" - was how the late Pope John Paul II described the experience of discernment about God's will for us. Last Monday-Wednesday, I with some of the vocation group members went to a three-day orientation in the seminary of Don Bosco in Canlubang.

The experience in the seminary was tiring. We never ran out of works to do, since we were following a schedule and routine. I didn’t like it at first, but after a while I also realized that all of those were actually necessary for proper Christian formation. I realized, it was the heart of Don Bosco’s Preventive-System, the main feature of Don Bosco’s life – the love for work.

I won’t say too much about the life inside. But all in all, I learned a lot of things mostly about holiness. Sadly though, I am not ready and disposed to apply them all in my life yet. I am still young, but will I ever be disposed and ready? I don’t know. Discerning is a lifelong journey, so choosing not to enter for now does not mean that I am closing the door for its possibility.

It is true, there is a bigger world inside. Yes, the seminary is only a tiny space in the world, but I can say, through the way of life the people have there, everyone inside knows the meaning of responsibility – a big word, a grown-up matter. The seminarians’ hands can never be idle. They are always full and busy with anything and everything, as long as they can keep them clean and away from sin.

Life inside the seminary is peaceful yet full of adventure. But if I enter now, I don’t think I’ll be able to manage to survive. There are still things here outside that I cannot leave high and dry. If I enter the seminary now, I’ll be just like a fish removed from the water. As of now, there is only one thing I am sure about entering there, I will go back when I develop a lung.

I wish to extend my thanks to all the seminarians, priests and brothers for giving us a very warm reception in the seminary. Thank you for allowing us to live your life and to learn a lot. I admire each one of you for your direct and active effort in following Christ, Jesus. May He bless you all, and may He always provide you with fulfillment in all the good things that you do.

“You standout among others and you have the aura. I have a strong feeling that you will become a great Salesian if you pursue studying here inside the seminary. I can say that you are a very intelligent person based on how you answer my questions, based on how you carry yourself.”
– Fr. Joe

Light my way, Lord. Rule my life, and lead me. Let me acknowledge your real plans for me.

Private Warning made Public

2010-03-26T09:37:00.000-07:00

If there is one certificate in high school which I can say I am most proud of, it will be this Private Warning. You see, I am so proud of it that I even posted it here where everyone can see it. Yes, this is a Private Warning that I received for violating a School Policy.

Some of you reading this may think that I am blogging this to insult the people who endorsed me for this Disciplinary Action; no, definitely not. In fact, I was one of those who sanctioned myself. Others say it was stupid; but for me, it was noble.

This Private Warning gives me a feeling of pride, dignity, and above all fulfillment. That for once in my life, a decision I made set the standard back in its rightful place; that a decision I made proved my courage to face my own self – strengths and weaknesses, successes and failures, self-determination and limitation; that what I did helped some people to realize the dreadfulness behind an action they had thought as pleasurable and fun.

“For all that I have suffered, I do not regret the problems that I have faced – because they are what brought me to where I wanted to arrive... I carry with me all the marks and scars of the combats – they are the witnesses of what I have lived through, and the rewards for what I have conquered... scars are necessary when we fight against Absolute Evil, or when we have to say “no” to all those who, sometimes with the best of intentions, try to impede our journey towards dreams."
- John Bunyan

I did not regret receiving this Disciplinary Action, even though the favor and trust of some of those around me had been sacrificed. If through sacrifices like this I could always help others recognize the insolence of their actions, I would always be more willing and happier to make worse cases and receive punishments and disciplinary actions heavier than Private Warning.

PS: This entry was originally long. It was only summarized to avoid hurting anyone’s feelings.

New Year

2010-01-15T08:10:00.000-08:00

As for a high school senior student like me, New Year is like the concluding chapters of a fantastic book, or the finishing episodes of a wonderful television series – very predictable yet so enigmatic. You give importance to every scene, you are so cautious about anything that happens, and you fear missing out any moment.

Meeting the New Year is like meeting a new world for me. It is so unbelievable to notice how much I give value now to a lot of things which did not really mean anything to me before. Could it be because I am afraid – of losing gradually, of leaving eventually? Yes. I may not see this again, hear this again, and feel this again. Some things may never happen again.

High School has been so great and at the same time so harsh to me. Though I realized that no matter what happens, be it good or bad, whether it builds you up or break you down, there is always a valuable lesson to learn from it. Indeed, high school is all about acquiring knowledge through experiences more than anything else.

Five days ago, we had Japanese visitors in Don Bosco – they were students and professors from Ehime University in Matsuyama City. They came just to observe the kind of education we have in our school. I was selected to be their presenter as well as one of their facilitators during their tour. I welcomed them, introduced them to the superiors of our school, showed them our facilities in the campus, and shared some piece of information about our culture and tradition as Bosconians . All of them were nice to us; they listened to all that we said, they laughed at our jokes, and they really showed interest in what we were doing. One thing, though, was quite odd about them – none of them had any idea what a church or a religion is – except for their professors, I guess. When we dropped by to our small chapel, they were all noisy chatting with one another until I said, “where we are right now is considered as one of the most sacred places here in our campus… people come here to have a moment of silence and speak with God.” On our assembly before the end of their visit, two of their professors congratulated me and told me that they appreciated the way I went along with them. They just told me some things I never expected to hear from anybody – can I just keep it with myself?

Currently, I am just attending to the developments of our publications, the “Bosconian Ink” and “Memoirs 2010” and to the organizations of my “Class Business Enterprise” and “Photo Contest and Exhibit” for the 57th Foundation Celebration of my school.

Allow me to end this blog entry by sharing with you the outcomes of my college entrance tests…

De La Salle University – (PASSED) BS Communication Arts, BS in Business Management
University of Sto. Tomas – (PASSED) BS Communication Arts, BS Legal Management
San Beda College– (PASSED) BS Legal Management, BSBA Marketing and Corporate Communication

University of the Philippines – I applied but I did not take their entrance exam because I was infected with the H1N1 virus.

So, till now I am still undecided on which school to enter.

P.S. I am one of the delegates for the Taize Pilgrimage of Trust in Manila. I will get to interact with people from foreign nations again. Yay!

Silent Night

2009-12-26T23:09:00.000-08:00

Life indeed changes, so does our attitude and personality, depending on the kind of environment we grow ourselves in. Along the way, we encounter good and bad experiences which changes the way we look at ourselves, others, and life as a whole. Every experience has something to teach us. Sometimes, we even find the best lessons in the most heartbreaking situations in our life.

The separation of my parents has been a big issue for me until now. I understand that there is really no way where I can turn back the time, but it often tears me up inside whenever I recall how my family used to be. In some ways, I still consider myself lucky because it made me discover a lot of things which, for sure, I would never know in any other way. I experienced both having a complete family, and a broken family. I can say that it is much easier for me to relate with other people now; those who are happy with their family, and those who may not be able to have the luxury of having a complete family.

The experience made me realize that difficult situations are not times when you should become weak and lose hope, but times when you could prove your wisdom in dealing with them, your courage in facing them, and your strength in getting through them.

Two nights ago was a silent night...

150 Years of Da Mihi Animas

2009-12-26T22:51:00.000-08:00

It has been 150 years of sacrifices, hardships, prayers and blessing for the Salesians of Don Bosco. St. John Bosco's institutions have truly gone through a lot, but still continue its mission to serve God by giving a helping hand to the marginalized, providing direction for the youth, and producing good Christians and hones citizens of the society.

The Salesians of Don Bosco has contributed so much to the world, and they all must be regarded to its founder, The Father and Teacher of the Youth, St. John Bosco.

Don Bosco lives on, in our hearts, in our dreams, in our hopes. 150 YEARS... it has been all God's wonderful design.

Paalam

2009-09-17T19:57:00.000-07:00

Ang salitang "paalam," ay maharil mahirap sambitin sa mga taong mahalaga sa atin. Ito man ay isang minamahal, miyembro ng pamilya, o isang matalik na kaibigan. Mayroong nagsabi na “kung ang pagtatapos ay nangangahulugan ng panibagon simulain, bakit ang pamamaalam ay napakahirap sambitin?” Sa tuwing darating tayo sa situwasyon na kailangan nang mamaalam sa isa’t isa, parating nandiyan ang takot at kaba. Kaba at takot na baka ito na ang inyong huling paguusap, at marahil ay hindi mo na siya muling makita.

Ang sakit, marahil, na nararamdaman natin sa pamamaalam ay nangangahulugan kung gaano kahalaga ang isang tao sa ating buhay. Kung gaano kaganda at kasaya ang mga bagay na nagawa ng isang tao para sa iyo, ay kasing-sakit sa damdamin at ‘sing-bigat sa kalooban lamang ang iyong daranasin. Kaya naman, kahit maging mahirap man ang proseso para sa atin, nagiiwan ito ng isang kaalamang hinding-hindi natin malilimutan. Iyon ay kung gaano natin pinag-pahalagahan ang isang tao.

PAALAM.

Bad Day

2009-09-17T19:09:00.000-07:00

Where is the moment we needed the most
You kick up the leaves and the magic is lost
They tell me your blue skies fade to gray
They tell me your passion's gone away
And I don't need no carryin' on...

I suddenly missed this song. The title of this song is "Bad Day" and it is by Daniel Powter, a Canadian Grammy Award-nominated recording artist. The song was first released in Europe in mid-2005 as the Powter's first single from his debut album.

I like this song because it explains life well. It is a kind of song that applies to and is relevant to almost everyone.

You feel useless. You think you are stupid. You want to cry. You want to scream.

Bad days, at times, are really bound to happen. But there is always tomorrow, so just keep your hopes up.

Happy Oh-Eight, Oh-Eight

2009-08-07T10:38:00.000-07:00

It is my holiday today! Well, sort of. August 8.

With all the hardships and trials that I have experienced in the past years of my life I must have matured to the next level to understand better what life really means. As I am reflecting about the years that have passed, having faced a lot of adversities, walked amidst many misfortunes, and endured so much agonies, I feel that someone has been here with me to guard me, defend me, and protect me all along. I never thought that I would be so strong, so brave, and so smart to withstand all of those. I never thought that I would be THE MAN.

The experience I had in the past were only a preparation for the next, and the next begins today, and it stops in eternity. This serves, for me, as a call for a continuing search for life’s purpose. As I begin my journey towards the next level, I know that the road would be tough and the water turbulent. Life is not a bed of roses; in fact, it may be the other way around. Encountering more problems, more difficulties, and more pains is very foreseeable. Nevertheless, even though demise would come, I know that I can always make them positive. As the saying goes, there is always a choice in times affliction. It is always either we choose to be submerged in depression, or choose to take advantage of the situation to become a better person.

I personally have not yet truly understood the reason why I exist, but I have discovered some secrets to life which I may share. Take advantage of all the situations in your life. Treat every hardship as an opportunity to equip yourself with the necessary learning on how to get on with life. Pray – pray for God’s help and guidance. Lastly, be on guard at all times.

As I actualize myself, I hope to build more bridges instead of burning them, to remain a positive impact to others, and to live a more meaningful life.

Lord, to you alone I surrender. To you alone I dedicate my life’s purpose. I love you. Bless me on my birthday.

Jammed in YJAM

2009-07-11T04:46:00.000-07:00

I together with other eight intellectuals of our High School Editorial Team were chosen by our adviser to represent our school, Don Bosco in a seminar-conference on journalism yesterday, July 10, 2009. This seminar-conference was conducted inside the old meeting hall of the mayor of Mandaluyong City, at the 4th floor of the old building in Maysilo Circle.

Only three big schools: Don Bosco, La Salle, and Lourdes, were invited to participate in the said seminar-conference; the rest, if not public, were semi-private schools. Though, La Salle and Lourdes did not send their representatives. Perhaps they do not consider gaining from a free seminar on journalism. Right.

The speaker was Albert Almendralejo. He began his journalism career as a contributor of the school organ of San Beda College. On account of that, he became the student council president of the said college. This exposed him in the task of event-organizing and engaging more with different people which means more writing. Some works he handled were the Guinness successful Colgate Lovapalooza where more than 6000 lovers kissed simultaneously for at least 10 seconds, and Bakal Boys (Children Metal Divers): an indie film featuring the lives of unfortunate children in Baseco, Tondo scavenging iron and metal scraps in the dark, muddy waters of Manila Bay. Almendralejo has a degree in Management but, apparently, he is reaching higher in the field of media.

Almendralejo taught us how to capture readers for our articles and how we can reach out to other people as journalists. He just said that our articles must be related to the readers' interests and we could help the disregarded members of our community by addressing in our works their situations and needs. I would not elaborate this for now.

We were expecting three speakers that day but unfortunately only one of them was able to come. We just spent the remaining time of the course with a series of exchange of ideas.

After the course, we were stranded in the City Hall because it was raining and the roads around were already submerged in water. Our adviser called to school to send us a service so we could go back there but since it was already past five, the head of our department had already left the school. We had no choice but to brave the deep flood and the heavy rain.

Getting stuck somewhat gave way for us to bond with one another, which was a good thing. One of them told me some good remarks, and I was happy because I had the chance to show my kindness by giving back to him the favor. Through our conversations, I learned some new great things about them.

Going home, I had to ride a pedal-operated tricycle to cross the sunken road. I asked the driver to drop me to the near gasoline station where I could wait for a jeepney. Jeepneys were quickly filled by other waiting passengers. Just about after eight jeepneys I was able to roll up. Nevertheless, I consider myself lucky because I had three schoolmate-friends inside the jeep. They told me they were from McDo, and they asked me why I was wet and where I was from. I told them what happened, that we were jammed in YJAM (Youth Journalist Association of Mandaluyong).

All in all, it was a memorable day for me. A simple yet an enjoyable adventure.

Resolved Resolutions

2009-06-29T07:23:00.000-07:00

It is June, and it is almost July again, mean to say we are halfway through the new year again. For this entry, I will let you make a review on the several commitments I made last New Year. I described them in my blog as the easy things that we often forget to do that we are supposed to. Have they been really easy for me to do? Have I been able to accomplish them, or at least some of them? Well, let's find out through this re-post of my New Year's resolutions. The bold-faced sentences are the ones that I have accomplished.

End every night and start every morning with a prayer. - I am so sorry, Lord. I have no excuse.
Always smile and look happy. - Can't help but feel and look sad especially when I am alone, and when things don't go as I expect them to.
Talk to someone you haven’t talked to for a long time. - Thanks to my old classmates.
Thank all the people who have made a difference in your life. - I have not yet thanked my parents because they're so far away. I haven't thanked someone because we're no longer friends.
Forgive those who hurt you. - When you forgive, you are no longer the victim but rather the victor.
Share your blessings to those in need. - I'm a blessing already. LoL. Giving doesn't just bring sunshine into others lives, but to my own life as well.
Work! Exercise your body!
Keep a journal or blog and have it read by others. - This blog is open to everyone.
Make someone smile. - It's so easy to make the kids smile. I have close relationships with the younger students in my school.
Write a lot of poems. Offer them to those important to you. - I am no longer the poet I used to be. Naks! Drama.
Read philosophy books written by people like Paulo Coelho and Kahlil Gibran. - I am still reading other books not written by these authors.
Be punctual in every commitment. - I am punctual to commitments given to me by other people.
Keep the promises you made. - I rarely make promises.
Conquer your fears. - Eating the sisiw of balut. Ha-ha!
Always be humble. Don’t brag. Damn it! - Dang, I don't know!
Maintain your room clean. - Ehh. Ha-ha!
Learn to play a musical instrument. - I would die to have that.
Greet your school instructors with a handshake. (I used to do this before.) - I think I can no longer return that habit because of Influenza A-H1N1. People, as much as possible, should stay away from one another. I could just say good afternoon/morning to my superiors.
Always do your best to make your parents happy. - I make them laugh through my jokes and pranks but I guess, those jokes and pranks make them stressed too. I'm not doing my best, I guess.
Save 50-75% of your allowance. Eat less. - A little impossible to do.
Give counsel to a troubled friend. - They would comment I'm their best counselor; however, not their best friend.
Draw someone closer to God. - Yes! Accomplishment! One time, a classmate came to me, and he said "You've restored my faith in God. Thanks so much."
Befriend anyone as long as you can. - I can't befriend some people, but yeah I have befriended those I can. LOL!
Make up for your past mistakes. - Yeah, I aim to be a better me each day.
Make the most of 2009 by loving yourself! - I love myself although 2009 has not yet ended.

I still have 6 months left, and I hope to accomplish more with God's help within that period of time. LOL. I will purpose in my heart to accomplish them and make them a habit.

"He will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern." (Matthew 6:33)

That's all for today's blogging.

Youth, Fair Hope of Our Motherland

2009-06-22T01:16:00.000-07:00

Filipinos used to be like puppets on strings that were controlled by the Spanish rulers. They were obedient to each orders imposed to them without even knowing its actual purpose. They were ignorant and innocent to the injustices that were being done to them. Some even tried to be like the Spanish colonists in their thoughts, feelings, and approach in life, which sequentially ended in transforming their entire characters to new beings by acquiring even the culture and traditions of their exploiters. (This describes how colonial mentality works in the Philippines. Do you still remember Doña Victorina – the Filipina native in Noli Me Tangere who tried dreadfully to look like an Española?) To cut a long story short, the Filipinos were a depiction of a nation with a mesmerized and spellbound will.

These and more happened because we were deprived by our colonizers of our right to be educated in our own country, to be well-informed. They did that for the reason that they did not want us to see and realize the exploitation, oppression, and the abuse that they were doing in our country.

On the friar’s aim of obscuring Rizal’s message from the Filipinos, making them difficult to understand for the Filipinos (get how they’re making us idiots?), Jose Rizal cautiously instructed everyone who had received his novels, letters, and other compositions to preserve them so it could do its purpose and act as a sender of his message to the future generation. On Rizal’s manifesto written on December 15, 1896 (Manifesto to Certain Filipinos), he declared that education is important because through it and our supplementary effort, we may acquire a personality of our own, identity of our own, and this would make us worthy of the liberty that we are enjoying this day.

The youth as the fair hope of the motherland. This is Rizal’s vision for the youth.

The youth are advocates of idealism. Dreams, hopes, desires, and goals are more evidently expressed by the youth. That could be why Rizal depended very much on the youth. He believed that the youth is the key towards a great country. He also believed in education for the youth. In fact, a number of his letters, novels, poems, and even his manifesto mostly emphasize education. He believed that we can achieve unity and progress through education.

May the Philippines continue to bear heroic and daring youth, steadfast in eradicating the wrong ideas but opens himself to the steadfastness of his great mind, vigilant against deprivations of truth, justice and freedom. Belated Happy Independence Day!

P.S. Nevertheless, really, what is Colonial Mentality? – We have been hearing about it since we were young. It is the despised wicked mentality of Filipinos we have discussed in our HEKASI, along with Mañana Habit, Crab Mentality, and Ningas Cogon. Colonial Mentality, according to Wikipedia, is a concept that refers to the acceptance, by the colonized, of the culture of the colonizer.

Ako Mismo!

2009-06-13T03:58:00.000-07:00

It is funny that most of the people who went there were only up to the dog tags and not really to rally for a change in our country. Littering, swearing, etc. were so widespread during the event. 40,000 people present? If not for the dog tag, for the concert? We Filipinos are too eager to make a change, yet we are too lazy and selfish to do so.

DOG TAG YOU WANT? - NO THANKS, I'M NOT A DOG.

The best place to start change is within each one of us; the essence of the advocacy. AKO MISMO actually reminds us that we can; there is hope for change and progress in our country.

Thank you to Mr. Juan Step for the inspiration to write.

Born for Greater Things

2009-03-20T08:04:00.000-07:00

“Many a man curses the rain that falls upon his head, and knows that it brings abundance to drive away hunger.” – St. Basil

(The following story is my adaptation of the story from the homily of Fr. Eli Cruz, SDB, and from the article by Fr. Armand Robleza, SDB on CodeRED)

Mikey was a lovely raindrop up in the sky. One day, he looked at the clouds and said, “How beautiful it is to stay in this sky. I sparkle like a diamond in the sun. I am pure as the angels without the dirt of the earth. From the sky I can see the whole world. The universe is mine.”

Until the Great Spirit, one day, approaches him, “Mikey, fall down into the earth!”

Mikey replied, “What? Are you serious? Fall down to the earth and die?”

But the Great Spirit came in with assuring words, “Yes. If you drop down, the earth will swallow you; but the rice will grow, the farmers will have something to harvest, and the children will have something to play around.”

Mikey, knows no longer what to do, spoke softly, “You want me to die?” The Great Spirit became silent, and Mikey became very silent too.

The morning came and the fields were greener. The grasses were all satisfied from their thirst. It must have rained the previous night.

Mikey, in spite of so many issues that were being thrown at him, he ran… for student council president. He was no longer afraid to dive into the unknown. He got out of his comfort zone. He took a great leap of faith. He hoped to amplify the use of his gifts, and dared to become more.

“Get away from your comfort zone. Fall down from that abundant and lavish life!”

Jesus said according to Matthew, “Whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.”

So often, life seems to be filled with so much huge paradoxes. You have to fall in order for you to rise once more. You have to go down that you may go off yet again. You have to die… for you to live all over again. I realized it would only seem so until we have finally fully understood His way. He said, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways are my ways.”

"You cannot fly a kite unless you go against the wind and have a weight to keep it from turning somersaults. The same with man; No man will succeed unless he is ready to face and overcome difficulties and is prepared to assume responsibilities" - William J. H. Boetcker

Diamonds are created under pressures of the earth. They are produced more or less a hundred miles below the ground where pressures are five times higher than on the surface, and where temperature is hot enough to dissolve iron. With carbon exposed to such conditions, the circumstances are perfect to transform carbon into a diamond.

In the same way as the diamonds are formed, true leaders also emerge under pressure. Situations force true leader to the surface. Similar to the diamonds, they erupt when situations require strong leadership. Carbon is everywhere, charcoal and graphite abound; but diamonds are few, just like true leaders are rare.

Pardon me for saying this, but in life, shit really happens. Harsh words could be spoken to you, criticism could be whispered, and conflicts could happen; but how you face and handle these pressures will measure your ability to make a difference… to be a leader.

“Circumstances play a vital role in the development of an individual; the more severe the circumstances, the higher the chances of an ordinary person to become an extraordinary leader.” – Branimir Schubert

Special thanks to DeviantArt.com for the photographs.

Songs that Express Me

2009-03-13T08:27:00.000-07:00

These are the songs that I listen to whenever I am in deep doubts, confusion, or seemingly endless problems, or sometimes when I just need some inspiration. Since the Season of Lent began this year, these are the songs I have been listening to.

You Are Loved, Don't Give Up by Josh Groban
The message of this song is very simple, yet very strong. This song tells us to carry on despite our adversities in life. If you are a spiritual person, while listening to this song, you could even imagine that God is the one singing to you, “they are mere adversities, don’t give up, I love you.”

"Don't give up. It's just the weight of the world. When your heart's heavy, I will lift it for you."

Breakaway by Kelly Clarkson
Anyone who has a desire to find himself, or passion to break free and explore the world could certainly relate to this song. It tells us not to be afraid to try new things, and strive hard till we reach our goals.

"I'll spread my wings and I'll learn how to fly. I'll do what it takes til' I touch the sky. And I'll make a wish, take a chance, make a change, and breakaway."

Power of the Dream by Celine Dion
This song sends out a very important message: everything started with a dream; all our achievements, undertakings, and endeavors. This song tells us to be brave to chase our dreams, and never get tired until they totally manifest themselves.

"Your mind will take you far. The rest is just in your heart. You’ll find your fate is all your own creation."

Warrior is a Child by Gary Valenciano
This song represents my life perfectly, and it really touches my soul when I listen to it. Even though I appear strong, I think I am vulnerable. Oftentimes, I cheat the world with smiles and laughter, although deep within is a devastated individual. This song reminds us to surrender all our failures to God. He will always be there to pick us up.

"People say that I'm amazing, I never face retreat. But they don't see the enemies that lay me at His feet."

Who Am I by Casting Crowns
It is embarrassing to realize that sometimes, we only remember to call on Him when we are in trouble, or we are in need; what is even more embarrassing is that most of the time, they just consist of complaints, abhorrence, and disapprovals like we can do better than Him. This song is a wonderful reminder to us that God loves us so, and care for us. God is so good that in spite of all our failures, mistakes, sins, weaknesses and shortcomings, He still accepts us and helps us to endure, overcome them, and improve. Let us exert ourselves to get to know Him also as He deserves.

"Who am I that the Lord of all the earth, would care to know my name, and would care to feel my hurt? Who am I?"

Keep a holy Lent.

Francis Magalona

2009-03-06T16:54:00.000-08:00

Rapper, actor and TV host Francis Magalona, diagnosed with leukemia last year, died Friday at 12:20 pm at the Medical City hospital in Pasig City. He was 44.

He battled cancer for almost eight months before finally passing away. The immediate cause of Magalona's death was heart failure. He received his last sacraments before noon.

Last August, Magalona informed the noontime show "Eat Bulaga" via text message that he was suffering from leukemia.

The rapper even requested for blood donations to replace the blood he was using at the Medical City hospital in Ortigas Avenue where he was being treated.

"I have been diagnosed with leukemia and I am preparing for my treatment. Sa tulong ng Panginoon, kakayanin ko po ito," he said. "Abangan nyo ang aking pagbabalik. 'Di ko lang kayo 'miss'... LOVE KO kayong lahat."

Magalona was a regular host of the noon time show "Eat Bulaga."

Host Vic Sotto announced Magalona's demise during the show Friday and asked the people to pray for Francis.

“We will surely miss him, pati na ng buong industriya. We request everyone to pause for a moment of prayers for the eternal repose of the soul of Francis. Our condolences to the family. Kiko, we love you,” Sotto said.

The stars of the popular noontime show broke into tears as they prayed for the soul of Magalona.

The 44-year-old Magalona was the son of 1950's legendary actors and celebrity couple Pancho Magalona and Tita Duran.

Launched as a teen star in the 1980s, Magalona's career boomed with his hit rap song "Mga Kababayan," which was included in his album "Yo!" released in 1990.

He was also the voice behind the hits "Ito ang Gusto Ko," "Meron Akong Ano," "Mga Praning," and "Kaleidoscope World."

Francis M left behind is wife Pia Arroyo and their eight children - Unna, Nicolo, Francis Jr., Isabella, Elmo, Arkin, Clara, and actress Maxene Magalona.

ABS-CBNnews.com

Almonte Wins SC Presidency

2009-02-21T16:50:00.000-08:00

Terence Almonte, 3rd year high school student from the house of Caravario, and standard bearer of the UNLI Party: “Unlimited Service, Fun, Learning, and Connection” won the presidency during the election of the Student Council held on February 16, 2009 in the High School Department of Don Bosco Technical College.

Almonte bagged the president position with a very slight lead – 12 votes – over his closest rival, yours truly, Mike Gallego of MENTOS: “Making Everyone Nurtured Through Our Service”, also from 3 – Caravario. Kevin Roxas of 3 – Kowalski, Almonte’s running mate, won with a total victory as vice president against Angelo Aquino of 3 - Rua.

On the other hand, Shaq Raymundo of 3 – Caravario and MENTOS party bested two other candidates, Kevin Villanueva of UNLI party, and Marc Seco, an independent candidate.

Here are the results of other contested Student Council positions: Treasurer – GJ Mascardo (3 – Kowalski; MENTOS party); PRO – Karlo Pasamba (3 – Variara; UNLI party).

Although many showed disappointment on the result of the presidential election, especially from the first and second years, where I got the majority of my votes, it was beyond doubt an election filled with so much thrill and suspense. In short, it was fun!

I may not be inducted as a Student Council officer, but in the eyes of our young ones in school, I am still a leader. I am so much glad that I was able to earn their respect and trust in just a very short span of time. I shall never forget that LEADERSHIP is ACTION and not position.

All of the candidates, with their supporters, did their best to campaign for their respective parties, putting up banners and posters on glass windows around the school, playing campaign tunes with the school’s centralized speaker, distributing bribes like candies and stickers, and delivering eloquent speeches particularly during the room-to-room campaign and the Miting de Avance where they explained their leadership principles, and government platforms.

This activity gave the students the chance to exercise their right of suffrage and enjoy the freedom in a democratic country. The SC adviser, Mr. Dexter Dela Cruz, and the school administrators had expressed their utmost support to the plans and visions of the SC officials.

Congratulations to our incoming student council officers! Good luck. Do your best! God bless our school!

Nice? Does It Pay?

2009-01-24T17:31:00.000-08:00

Thanks to the Lord for this weekend. It feels like months since I had a decent rest. The past days were nauseatingly grueling to cry the least. Pressures were through the skull. Life is never easy. Stressors are oh so everywhere. Ha-ha. Lucky are the evil ones, for fewer expect them to be good, and they don’t need such stress in their lives. If you are bad, poor, or inferior, no one has high expectations, right?

Some people (the good ones) have a somewhat complex reputation to maintain. In general, they are never allowed to do anything that is not pleasant. They are never allowed to be anything but good. Why? Because when a supposedly good person did something wrong and people saw it, all would change at once. This is what makes good people so defenseless and vulnerable.

Sometimes I question if it pays being good all the time. When I am being nice, everything is good for all those around me: I would treat them so that they would feel they’re cared for, console them so they would feel alright, advice them so they would be motivated, entertain them so they would feel happy, and all that. But then, most of the time, it looks like my efforts are not even recognized. It seems that when I am the one who needs them, they won’t be there.

Let us be honest. It is so much easier to earn millions of cash through kidnapping for ransom than to work, for example, as a jeepney driver, carinderia server, internet café keeper, magbabalut, or a mop boy. How many months do they need to toil, strive, sweat, and salt away just to buy a pair of shoes for themselves, pay their debts, or serve a wholesome meal for their families? A lot of people in the Philippines have to endure poverty. It is easy to think that some of them must steal, holdup, or enter prostitution because they think it is the easier and faster way to earn and give to their families. It’s bad? So what, at least they get what their stomach requires! (However, it is amazing to see that most poor Filipinos still choose a dignified and moral living.)

Why should bother being good when it is so much easier to be bad anyway? Riot now! Wake up, people! - Just kidding.

"For the manner in which men live is so far removed from the way in which men ought to live, that he who leaves the common course for that which he ought to follow will find that it leads him to ruin rather than to safety. For a man who, in all respects, will carry out only his professions of good, will be apt to be ruined among so many that are evil. A prince therefore who desires to maintain himself must learn not always to be good...”

- Niccolo Machiavelli

"In doing good let us not grow tired; for in due time we shall reap."
(Gal. 6,9)

The Alchemist

2009-01-14T01:32:00.000-08:00

My blog is totally screaming for updates now. For now, let me share you my very small and simple reflection about the theme and the message of a book that I read a year ago, The Alchemist, aka 'a fable about following your dreams'.

The story is an allegory of personal legend and the oneness of everything. Through the journey of its central character we can declare that everything in this world has its meaning and purpose, and everyone has a mission or role to portray.

Everything is a part of the soul of the world, according to Paulo Coelho himself, and when you are willing to achieve your dream in life or your personal legend, the whole universe or the soul of the world will conspire for you to have it. He believes in the connectedness of one another and everything in the universe. If we all wanted to be happy and were all one with the soul of the world, then the soul of the world itself would also want everyone to be happy.

The story of The Alchemist lets us realize that nothing is impossible to reach as long as you offer up your whole heart and you keep trying. In our lives, there are times in which we may find ourselves lost, but it should not be a hindrance that stops us from following our dreams. We must treat all our circumstances as a learning experience. We must know how to accept and when to let go of even the most important things in our lives. We must know how to listen to our own hearts to avoid getting lost. We must have the courage to follow our dreams despite the consequences, believing that they are all just a part of the plan. Above everything, we must never lose our faith and connection with God, because after everything, all our pains, our sufferings will be carried away by the blessing of His love.

After reading the book, I could say that the biggest consolation that Santiago gets in the of the story is his personal awareness. The story implies that our treasure lies deep within each of us. The real treasure is the knowledge of thyself. He did not find the treasures he anticipated at the pyramids, but his journey definitely taught him a lot of things about himself and the world.

"Nothing is impossible for him because he would go to the ends of the earth just to accomplish his goal, to locate the treasure and that I want to aspire. In my life, when I encounter troubles, I’ll just remember that impossible is nothing and that I will be coming at full force to achieve my goals just like Santiago and his pursuit to his success.

In the Alchemist, Santiago encountered heaps of obstacles; like the time he was robbed, the time when his faith are all in hold because of the many advices to were his treasure is located, during the time where he fell truly in love and committed to the woman who he desired to be with and many more. Even though he encountered many problems and successes, he kept his goal in mind and his eyes on the prize. At first he was a simple shepherd, he became one of the most powerful man through his simplicity and he always moves on no matter what comes in his way. His resiliency brought him to the success he had at the end of the story with help of some people who believed in."

- Patrick Gonzales

If you want to have a simple yet incredible journey; at the same time, becoming more and more enlightened, I recommend it as a must-read.

Bienvenido 2009!

2008-12-31T22:15:00.000-08:00

Year 2008 has ended so fast, and maybe most of us have done many different things from the years that passed. We may perhaps also discovered new talents we have, showed it off, and got very good comments about it. The feeling is really good every time we see ourselves improving. Isn’t it?

Now that another year of the Lord has begun, mean to say a “New Year,” to have a list of things to accomplish or re-accomplish for a certain time can be of great help in innovating and in knowing ourselves more.

What are your plans to improve your skills? To have a more intimate relationship with God? What about the things you want to do just to have fun?

Underneath is a list of easy things, which I think, we often forget to do that we are supposed to.

End every night and start every morning with a prayer.
Always smile and look happy.
Talk to someone you haven’t talked to for a long time.
Thank all the people who have made a difference in your life.
Forgive those who hurt you.
Share your blessings to those in need.
Work! Exercise your body!
Keep a journal or blog and have it read by others.
Make someone smile.
Write a lot of poetries. Offer them to those important to you.
Read philosophy books written by people like Paulo Coelho and Kahlil Gibran.
Be punctual in every commitment.
Keep the promises you made.
Conquer your fears.
Always be humble. Don’t brag. Damn it!
Maintain your room clean.
Learn to play a musical instrument.
Greet your school instructors with a handshake. (I used to do this before.)
Always do your best to make your parents happy.
Save 50-75% of your allowance. Eat less.
Give counsel to a troubled friend.
Draw someone closer to God.
Befriend anyone as long as you can.
Make up for your past mistakes
Make the most of 2009 by loving yourself!

The list above doesn’t stop there. It can go as far as your mind's eye. You could modify the things given or come about with your own list. All you need is the will and determination to be a better person and to make every year well-live and wisely spent!

¡Feliz Año Nuevo!

A Meaningful Christmas

2008-12-19T23:26:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone. So I have been neglecting this website again, but, I think I have a valid explanation for it right now. Our periodical examinations week just finished last Wednesday and the Christmas Season just started a week ago; so I have been attending some engagements with some people, and I have been preparing my gifts and myself for Christmas itself. It has been 8 days!

I can’t believe how time flies by so fast. 4 sleeps to go and it’s Christmas again! It’s the first time in my life that I will be celebrating the holiday season without a complete family. Ouch! Ha-ha! Okay, I’ve thought about this already; I should no longer affected by that sort of drama.

You might want to ask me what preparations do I do for Christmas. Aside from wrapping gifts, decorating the house, and buying new clothes, it has been a pattern, every Christmas Season, for me to do some self-examination. I take a look at my conscience, my feelings, my thoughts, and my motives. I take time during my break to get to know myself better. Have I been a good companion? Have I contributed enough? Have I served reasonably? – Those are some of the questions I usually ask myself. It’s also a good idea for, as we know, Christmas Season is also the season that gives way to the New Year. It’s a good thing to reflect on the past year before the New Year starts. Instead of sitting on your butt watching some irrelevant T.V. shows, why don’t you do anything that could help you have a newer and better perspective in life.

By the way, here is a nice bonus thought I read in a magazine: Have you ever attended a birthday party where everyone brings gift for one another, but no one gives anything to the celebrator? That often happens on Christmas. We have gifts for one another, but normally we forget to have a gift for Jesus.

Make each gift you give count. Be sure it comes from the heart. Anything small but heartfelt is more than enough to lift up a weary soul. Jesus said in the scriptures: “Whatever you do to the least of my brethren you do it for me.” Now you do know what to give Christ this Christmas.

Have a meaningful Christmas!

Thank you Lord for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ. In Him we have life at its fullness!

A Marian Procession

2008-12-12T03:42:00.000-08:00

Last Sunday, I went to Intramuros, Manila to take pictures of historic monuments and structures. Unfortunately, the main portal, across the moat, of Fort Santiago was closed. I was unaware that the 29th Grand Marian Procession was going to be held there that day till I saw the crowd busy preparing their floats. I just decided to wait till the procession starts and so I could join. Since I brought my DSLR and my real aim was to get pictures, while waiting, I started taking pictures of the statues of the Blessed Mother on their vast floats decorated with flowers.

The procession went on for several hours, it started at 5PM and it ended at around 10PM.

Here are some pictures to prove that I really participated in the Marian procession. There will be no more description of each photo for, as Fred R. Barnard said, a picture is worth a thousand words. Ha-ha! You may click them to enlarge.

The Grand Marian Procession is held in Intramuros annually on a day prior to the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. More than a hundred of statues and images of the Blessed Mother are paraded through the streets of Intramuros. The statues are traveled from different parts of the country and hundreds of devotees participate in the parade. The purpose of the procession is to promote peace within ourselves, throughout the world and with God, and of course to promote devotion to the Blessed Mother.