A Great Encounter With A Rose

Whenever I feel the heap of loneliness, I just look up to the sky and pray that someday, a knight in a shining armor will take me in his castle of blissfulness and love. I'm not afraid of taking chances and dreaming of a fairy tale-like love story which will entail my happiness. I certainly believe that I can find that happiness momentously within the swirl of time and fate. Like a rose, it takes a lot of time to bloom. I'm not rushing things. Instead, I patiently wait and wait until I can shine beautifully with that one guy who is right for me. :)

Saan banda?

Napagkasunduang ang magiging tema ng folio ngayon eh VOCEA “Boses ng Kabataan Tungo sa Pagbabago ng Bayan.” Sabi ng utak ko (at utak ng ibang kasama) ang hirap naman! Mahirap nga ba? Saan banda? Kung tutuusin, madami tayong masasabi kapag ganito ang paksa sa pagsulat ng artikulo. Siyempre, madami tayong himutok tungkol sa mundong puro karahasan; sa bayang puno ng kurakot; pamayanang may masungit na mga opisyal; mataas na tutition fee; maging sa kaklase mong ayaw kang pang-gawa ng assignment; sa nanay mong katak ng katak sayo tuwing umaga; sa naghihirapang exam at quiz na kulang na lang eh dumugo na lahat sayo; sa pagrereview na katambal mo na ang kape, cobra, sting, extra joss, maging katol (yung totoo, walang budget? Katol na lang?); kaibigang ayaw kang samahang mag-shot; kaaway mong non-sense kausap; girlfriend o boyfriend mong puro na lang selos (forever!); maging sa mga pusang tumatalon sa mesa niyo para kumuha ng foods pag walang tao; (grabe aagawan ka pa ng ulam!) Kulang na lang buong buhay mo ireklamo mo na rin para magbago!

San ko nga ba uumpisahan to? Nahihirapan ako. (Sabi ko na mahirap naman kasi talaga to iiiihhh!) Una sa lahat gusto kong punahin ang ilan sa kabataan ngayon sa mga gawain nila. I mean, kung gusto talaga natin ng pagbabago kailangan mag-umpisa yun sa ating mga sarili. For example, sinasabi ng iba sa atin na naghihirap sila pero sabayan sa pag-gastos. Makita mo, naka-signature na bags, shoes, etc. Sasabihin nila fake lang to! Weh! Kahit na noh! May bayad pa rin! Ang daming kumakain sa mga magagarbong restaurant, gumagala kung saan-saan. Beach! Overnight! Party like it’s the end of the world! Bongga! Tapos pagdating sa school, may babayaran na konting contri pang-xerox, dos lang hihingi pa sa kasama. Eto pa, ayaw naman natin talagang lahat sa kurakot pero aha, puro kupit tayo sa ating mga magulang! Walang katapusang kupit! (Aray ko!) Kung anu-ano sinasabi nating babayaran diumano sa kanila. Ultimo yata noun, pronoun, mathematics, articles a and an binabayaran daw! (Aray ko na naman!) Eto pang malupit eh! Ayaw ng lahat sa sinungaling na gobyerno! Umpisahan natin ulit sa simpleng tayo. Kunyari daw gagawa ng project overnight, anong gagawin? Gagala lang! Project sa Kart! Project sa sinehan, sa mall. Oh diba? Ayaw natin ng mapagbalat-kayong gobyerno pero tayo sa buhay natin eh nagsisinungaling din naman. (paminsan-minsan lang! :]) Ano pa? Eto. Nagagalit tayo pag may mga nakakaranas ng lindol, bagyo, tsunami, at kung anu-ano pang delubyo! Sasabihin natin “Napakawalang disiplina kasi ng tao. Ayan tuloy nagagalit ang kalikasan.” Duh! Kasama tayo dun. Kung may malasakit tayo sa kapaligiran hindi tayo gagawa ng ikakasira nito. Eh hindi eh! Sa classroom nga lang pag kakain ng chichirya sa klase o iinom ng softdrinks, isisiksik pa yung pinaglagyan sa upuan eh. Di ba? Napangiti ka? Meron pa. Save water! Eh sa bahay niyo nga pag naligo ka isang oras eh! Kasabay nun ang pagbuhos ng tubig sa gripo! Magkano na kaya singil sa inyo ng Water District kung araw-araw ganun ang gawain mo? Lumipat naman tayo sa ibang aspeto, wag puro satin. Maraming nabubulgar! (hehe!) Paglabas mo sa school, 25 pesos na lang extra mo. Gutom na gutom ka na at alam mong sa halagang yun makakabili ka na ng Mcdo Sundae! (Nomnom!) Takam na takam ka na sa sundae mo ng biglang paglabas mo ng Mcdo eh may sasalubong sayong mga pulubi. Marurumi sila. Gusgusin. Walang mga tsinelas. Halatang namimilipit na sa sobrang gutom; sa kalam ng sikmura. Pero wag ka! Imbes na maawa ka maiinis ka! Tama ba naman kasing hingin nila sundae mo eh di pa natikman ng taste buds mo! Eto pa! Isasawsaw pa nila yung napakaitim nilang mga daliri sa sundae mo para lang mapwersa kang ibigay sa kanila. Siyempre ibibigay mo! Imaginine mo, ikaw ba naman gugustuhin mong kainin pa yon eh pinagsawsawan na ng daliring napaka----alam mo na. Yung iba naman, havey mamalimos. “Teh pengeng piso” Pag sinabi mong wala sisigaw mga yan “Ang damot mo naman!” o kaya “Bakit wala? Hindi ka ba binigyan ng baon ng nanay mo?!” Oh diba, ikaw pa mapapahiya. Meron pa yung namemresyo. Binigyan mo na ng piso, hihirit pa “piso lang? lima naman daw teh”. Tapos makita mo niyan pinangka-karakrus lang nila. Sa mura nilang edad alam na nila ang sugal. Yung mga magulang nila? Nasan? Ayun, sugal din ang hinaharap. Yung iba pagkagising sa umaga gin na ang tinutungga. Hinahayaan nilang palabuy-laboy ang kanilang mga anak; gutom nang pampisikal, gutom pa sa pagmamahal. Isa pang isyu? Pag nanonood tayo ng telebisyon, naiinis tayo minsan kasi yung mga balita tungkol sa hindi maputul-putol na pagtatraydor ng ilan sa mga pulitika at pag-gawa ng mga kwento sa isa’t isa. Yung iba nagbibitiw pa ng maaanghang na salita na nakakasira sa integridad kahit hindi naman alam ang buong istorya. Nakikisawsaw lang. Pero sating ordinaryong mamamayan, kasayang nakikipagtsismisan diba? (aminin!) Ngunit, subalit, datapwat, naisip ko, bakit kaya kailangang pagkwentuhan ang ibang tao. Sa totoo lang, oo, hindi naman maiiwasan yun eh. Ang masaklap lang mayroong mga taong sobra kung makapagduro, makapagkalat ng baho ng iba at makapang-husga ng kapwa pero ang totoo niyan ganun din ugali o gawain nila. Ironic noh? Meron pa! Nagagalit yung iba kasi pinag-uusapan sila pero pag sila ang kumakatak tungkol sa isang tao, tatawanan pa nila! (emotional?) Isa pang isyu sa telebisyon. May mga famous celebrities na humihingi ng donations for charity. Naisip ko lang, humihingi sila ng tulong sa bawat mamamayan, eh sila naka-diamonds at gold! Halatang mayaman, edi dapat sila rin mismo ginagawa nila ang ganong klase ng tungkulin diba? Nagsasabi lang po ako ng pananaw. Kaya sa tingin mo, may mabuti ba sa mga ganitong klase ng gawain? Saan banda?

Ilan lamang ito sa mga nakakatuwang ikot ng buhay ng mga ordinaryong tao ngunit nagbibigay ng ibang kahulugan sa ating bayan. Hindi ko naman ipinupunto na isa ako sa mga gumagawa ng tama o isa ako sa mga gumagawa ng mali. Nais ko lamang ipabatid sa ating lahat lalung-lalo na sa mga kapwa ko kabataan na kung gugustuhin natin ng pagbabago, kailangan magsimula ito sa ating mga sarili. Hindi natin pwedeng isisi ang papisu-pisong dagdag sa pasahe, load, kwek-kwek, pineapple juice, ensaymada, o kahit ano pa man sa gobyerno. Oo, siguro may kakulangan ang ilan sa iba ngunit meron din sa ating parte. Hindi natin pwedeng ipasan ang lahat ng nangyayaring kaguluhan, giyera, pagnanakaw, carnapping, salvage, o maging ang kulto sa mga may katungkulan. Simulan natin itong solusyunan sa pamamagitan ng pag-iingat. Ano pa? Hindi rin natin dapat isakdal sa iba ang ganti ng kalikasan - lindol, bagyo, hurricane, tsunami, etc.sa mga taong iniisip natin na walang ginawang mabuti para sa kapaligiran. Disiplina at malasakit ang kailangan natin. At higit sa lahat, paulit-ulit ng nagiging paksa ito, parang sirang plaka pero wala pa rin pagbabago. Madaling sabihin ngunit mahirap gawin. Sa kabila ng lahat, pagbabago pa rin ang susi. Pagbabago na kahit mahirap paigtingin ay sinusubukang kayanin ng bawat isa sa atin. Ikaw, magbabago ka ba? Saan banda? J

Earth Day: Leading the Realm to Melioration (*Late Post)

There is a pleasure in the pathless woods,
There is a rapture on the lonely shore,
There is society, where none intrudes,
By the deep sea, and music in its roar:
I love not man the less, but Nature more.
~George Gordon, Lord Byron, Childe Harold's Pilgrimage

Year 2011 had started and as we had noticed, a lot of catastrophes banged this world. Some like earthquakes, tsunamis, and typhoons left so many scars not only to the victims but also to the whole humanity. Our vulnerable lives screamed through the harsh encounters that broke important resources into ashes. Most of our people who strived hard in working for these resources were hurled unexpectedly; leaving them with disastrous livelihood. We were horrified, shocked, and disparaged and breathed the air of hopelessness and disappointments. Nevertheless, we didn’t stop there. We tried our best to sew up and tie a better Earth again.

A lot of news circled through the first half of this year by media – radio, television, and even in internet. “Powerful quake, tsunami kills hundreds in Japan” “Philippines was welcomed by 2011 with catastrophes” “Global catastrophes – are they destruction?” ”Killer Tornadoes: Tales of Survival, Tragedy from Southeast Hit” – These are some of the mind-boggling news that alarmed almost all the countries in this planet. Different opinions with regards to environment had risen. All classes of people embarked something about caring for our Earth. Many of them uttered that we should be responsible individuals in order to save this world. On the contrary, words should equally be subjected to actions. The ultimate question is HOW?

Three words might encompass a solution for this tremendous predicament - RESPONSIBILITY, KNOWLEDGE, and UNITY. Let us first dwell into responsibilities. Almost all of us have tickling tongues when advising about the proper way to touch our environment. There are some who always speak righteously just to spread the so-called good deeds in order to save our planet. Much more, a number of people talk like they know everything about what is happening nowadays. Well, practice what you preach. We all have responsibilities that we should fulfil for the gifts God had given us. We should not only base everything we should do through speaking and extending sermons to the whole humanity. We must do; provide the actions. There is nothing wrong with trying to fit ourselves into the sphere of carrying out our responsibilities little by little. Let’s walk hand in hand for betterment.

Next is knowledge. Different discoveries and innovations pampered each of us for comfort or even lavishness to some. People are very good in creating something that can help people have an easy life. Regarding this knowledge, it really is important if we use it not only for our own sake but also for the good of our environment. Many innovators produce stuff that are new and tempting to the eyes; making people crave for these things for them to fit-in. Moreover, people’s knowledge should also craft something that can help the environment. Everyone should use their wit selflessly in moulding the surroundings into a haven of clean and productive paradise. Knowledge should not only be for being “in”, posh, or elite. It should also be a means of stepping into a new book of blissful Earth.

Last is unity. In this part, I would like to incorporate the highlight of this article – EARTH DAY. What really is Earth Day? Earth Day was held last April 22, 2011. This event aimed to increase the awareness and inspire billions of people to help Earth be green again. According to its history, Earth Day was started on April 22, 1970. From then on, it became a yearly tradition. Furthermore, annually, there were a lot of projects for this great moment. Crafts, recycling activities, and environmental games for kids were some. The own organization for Earth Day had managed to implement big schemes like greening schools and promoting environmental education, accelerating the global green economy, and the latest for the year 2011 is known as A Billion Acts of Green®. This latest project according to the org aimed to catalyze global environmental activism. A Billion Acts of Green®–the largest environmental service campaign in the world–inspires and rewards simple individual acts and larger organizational initiatives that further the goal of measurably reducing carbon emissions and supporting sustainability. The goal is to register one billion actions in advance of the global Earth Summit in Rio in 2012. (http://www.earthday.org/about-us) Earth Day’s aim really is looking forward to have a better planet. This kind of event and/or organization is very helpful in opening the minds of each of us that now is the time to stand up and raise our hands in volunteering to clasp a new greener world. Also, it does not only pose stiffly but it moves and sways in every part of the world; helping and building something that could benefit the whole humanity. Consequentially, as I had said a while ago, there are things that should be considered in making this planet green as it can be. Earth Day is yes, indeed helpful but we, as individuals, should be the first to initiate changes. Let’s appreciate Earth Day but let’s bear in our minds that we, united as one, should be the means to take the first steps in creating a world full of improvement. Earth Day had already opened us. Let’s not break the tradition of giving the environment a greener place but rather take it as we go along to the bricks of Mother Earth’s melioration. J

“Every day is Earth Day.”

- Anonymous

Marco Vincent - A Haven of Serenity (*Late post)

I and my friends planned to have a short vacation in Puerto Galera to free ourselves from toxic schedules and stress. We looked for a perfect place to enjoy and relax and we chose Marco Vincent upon searching in the net about the hot spots in Puerto Galera. We had read great reviews about this hotel and frankly and honestly speaking, we proved that all positive reviews about this hotel are definitely TRUE!

We stayed for about 4 days. Marco Vincent catered a lot to guests like us. Upon entering, a warm greeting and smile were shown by the staff. The decors were so eye-catchy and glamorous. Inside the hotel, there's a very clean swimming pool with a jacuzzi on its side. The background music also soothed us and everyone in the hotel to relax. What I also like about this place is the room. It's equipped with all the necessary things needed by guests like me. Moreover, I also like the way the staff treat their guests; so approachable and warming.

I would like to give Marco Vincent another good point when it comes to the ultimate fact that aside from having restaurants inside the hotel, there's a restaurant, too owned by Marco Vincent at the beachfront. The place's so relaxing and pampering. The foods were so mouth-watering and delicious.

All our needed services were delivered properly by Marco Vincent. I and my friends enjoyed our stay and we are craving to be back again there very soon.

(**Enjoy the pics!Ü)

I really didn't know how to swim; I had the whatchamacallit jacket but I was still afraid of the water.

Speedboat baby :)

Rooftop

At the yacht

Choose your havs

We're sexy and we know it :D

On our way to Marco Vincent Dive Resort's Aqua Bar and Restaurant

With my friend at the restaurant

The pool and the jacuzzi on its side

M for Marco!

I was playing billiards but honestly, I didn't have any idea about it. Lol.

My favorite shot. I was kinda' ugly-pretty here. :D

Time To Start For The Last Shot

Enrollment time! This will be my last year as a college student. What should I expect? More toxic schedules, challenging requirements, sleepless nights, but superbly happy moments! This last year of mine in CLDH-EI should be on the highest level! Let's do this! :))

Oh, btw. I had been from our affiliation that's why I didn't have enough time to update my site. Hmm, about that, Affiliation 2011 memoirs will be posted later. Kk.

Give me some love! Leave comments and subscribe!

Xoxo. :-*

Do Me A Favor

*Got a second? Kindly hype this look. I'm starting from scratch at lookbook. Thank you! And oh by the way, sorry for this frowning shot. I was in a rush at that time! I didn't bother to pose drop-dead gorgeously. Lol. Okay, no more excuses Dianne! Ciao!

Panibagong Kalayaan

Ilang beses ng napatunayan ng mga Pilipino ang katapangan at kabayanihan upang makamit ang kalayaan. Kung ating babalikan ang kasaysayan, naging uhaw na uhaw sa kaluwalhatian ang ating mga ninuno. Ngunit sa kabila ng lahat, salat man sa materyales at estratehiya, pagkakaisa ang kanilang unang naging susi upang mapagtagumpayan ang nasimulang laban.

Habang tumatagal, natututo ang tao ng iba’t ibang kakayahan at kaalaman. Kasama dito ang pag-unlad ng intelektwal na kahustuhan. Kaya’t kung susuriin nating mabuti, mula sa marahas na pagdanak ng dugo ng mga sinaunang bayani, may mga umusbong na mga listong bayani tulad ni Jose P. Rizal na utak at katatagan ang ginamit upang maikalap ang saloobin ng piping lahi ni Juan Dela Cruz. Hindi naging madali ang lahat para sa kanya ngunit siya’y nagtiyaga para sa kapakanan ng nakararami.

Marahil ika’y nakakaramdam na ng paninibago habang binabasa itong gawa ko. Mula sa mga mapang-Ingles kong mga akda, heto ako’t nagpapakabihasa sa ating pambansang wika. Pasensiya na. Sinadya kong Filipino ang wikang gagamitin upang mas matindi ang pagpapahiwatig ng tunay na kabuluhan ng napili kong paksa, kalayaan.

Habang ako’y nagninilay-nilay ngayon, napaisip tuloy ako, sino ba kasi ang nagpauso ng bayani? Bigla na lang ba itong umusbong dahil sa pagdating ni Magellan sa Mactan, Cebu? Paano ba? Paano nagkaroon ng mga datu? Alam na ba nila ang konsepto ng kayamanan noon? Kulang ba ako sa tapik ng historya o talagang may mga bagay lang na walang kasagutan? Sa pagpapatuloy, siguro, ang mga ito’y likas na sa ating salinlahi. Mahirap ipaliwanag kung paano sumibol ang mga kapita-pitagang Pinoy na tulad nina Emilio Aguinaldo, Lapu-Lapu, Ninoy Aquino, at iba pa. Tunay at taos sa kanilang puso ang pagtatanggol na kanilang ipinakita. Bagkus, ang katapangan at ang pagmamahal sa sariling bayan ay nakatatak na sa ating lipi.

Sa modernong panahon ngayon, samahan pa natin ng padating na Pambansang Eleksyon, wala sigurong makapagsasabi na tayo’y walang kalayaan. Napagtagumpayan na ito ng ilang beses. Ngunit sa totoo lang, para sa akin, hindi pa rin tayo malaya. Nakakagulat pero eto talaga ang sarili kong pagpapalagay. Sa paanong paraan? Oo, malaya nating naisasanay ang mga karapatang pantao. Malaya nating nasasabi ang anumang nasa ating damdamin. Malaya tayong pumili ng relihiyon. Malaya tayong pumunta sa saanmang lugar na nais nating puntahan. Malaya tayo sa maraming bagay. Ngunit, sa kabilang banda, magiging malaya pa ba tayo sa hawla ng mga mapagsamantalang lider ng lipunan? Maging malaya kaya ang bansang Pilipinas sa yungib ng kahirapan? Sa mga pagkakautang na lamang, sa laki nito, baka hindi magtagal at ibenta na ng pulitikong nasa gintong upuan ang sariling bayan na hahawlang muli sa buhay ng mga susunod na henerasyon. Kalayaan pa ba itong matuturing?

Ang kalayaan ay hindi lamang nasusukat sa kung gaano mo naipapahayag ang iyong sarili o sa kung paano mo nagagawa ang iyong mga kagustuhan. Ito ay labis na tumutukoy sa kasiyahan at galak na matagal ng ninanais abutin ng isang tao. Pormal man na naihayag ang kalayaan ng mga Pinoy, mananatili pa rin itong nakakulong sa maduming kamay ng mga tinuturing na tagapanguna ng lipunan. Pagmamalasakit, pagmamahal, at katapatan sa bayan ang dapat matutunan ng mga pinuno upang ang lahat ay maging malaya sa anumang aspeto ng buhay.

“At ngayon tilay’ malapit na ang kalayaan
Sa kuko na dala ang dilim eh bakit ako naaaning
Tuwing humihiyaw ang damdamin ng salinlahi ko
Iisa ang tunog sa pulso at yapak ng kapwa ko siraulo”

- Kalayaan by Bamboo

Juan for a Juan

(OMG! Sorry for including this article so late. I forgot to post this! Anyway, I think it could still be valuable.)

As I was having fun viewing profiles on Facebook, I found very significant information:

“Juan has been regarded by the Philippine Red Cross as the "biggest typhoon in the last 20 years" and described it as a "Category 5 Super Typhoon." International reports have said Juan was the strongest tropical cyclone of 2010 so far.”

October 11, 2010; without any warning, the whole country was alarmed again for the damaging hurl of a typhoon. The winds blasted the roofs of many homes at particular provinces. Much more, rain poured and sabotaged various jobs, classes, and businesses. Truly, such calamity was a burdensome circumstance. One may never know when it comes; one may never know how to intercede in order to survive and have a chance to live properly and safely.

Living in a jam-packed modern world, anything is possible. As obvious, people are intelligent enough to make innovations. They can discover and invent everything what they can think of. Breakthrough hastens in a greater extent. Regarding this, is there a point in your life (considering Juan) you imagine people finding a specific approach to prevent calamities such as typhoons? Actually, keeping them from happening is impossible. Nonetheless, there are causes that we should be aware of and we should try to get rid of completely. Global warming, as known by almost all of us, is a major cause. Global warming makes typhoons more powerful, disparaging, and hard to predict. If it’s the underlying cause, then what we have to do is to thwart it from occurring. How? A lot of factors are considered – burning, fossil fuels, deforestation, abuse of Earth’s resources, unsustainable way of life, etc. Also, if ever we can’t remedy the increment of it that may lead to calamities; we have other ways to minimize the harmful effects. The answer is caring for our environment. And we can care for it by simply having DISCIPLINE. Yes, we are living in a modern era impacted with knowledge and dexterity. However, we should know our limitations. We should not abuse what God gave to us. This world is a gift from Him and we should know how to maintain its beauty and use.

Others say that the occurrence of natural phenomena or catastrophes is a punishment from our Almighty God and is inevitable. Well, differently, I think, God gave us a wonderful world not to let us suffer from misfortunes or extreme privations. We have the capability to influence it. As I had read on a blog, God is love and not destruction. It’s not true that tragedies are punishments. These are lessons that wake us up and let us realize that we are forgetting our responsibilities as humans in earth. Let us compose a move that will respond to our Mother earth’s dilemma.

As Filipinos, we’re already used with these detrimental devastations. A number of calamities wipes yearly in our country. It really is ironic how we can still smile after those tragedies. We don’t lose hope. We still try to build a new beginning. And as Juan tested our strengths as Filipinos again, let us stand once more and shout that typhoons or anything like Juan can’t divide and wreck the whole race of Juan. J

The Pageant.Ü

(After all these years, when I remember this highlight in my life, I always grin. It was a wonderful experience. Anyway, this would be my last entry for today. I didn't post the whole thing. It's just a part of what I wrote last September 27, 2009. I hope that it would inspire those young ladies who aren't confident enough to show what they have. You're beautiful, you should always have down pat that in your mind.)

....

Well, I was a first-timer, but I proved that I can make it. So for those who are planning to join in any beauty contest, here are my personal tips:

1) If you are nervous, go! Cry and shiver weeks before the pageant. After that, seek pieces of advice to a person whom you know you could trust. Tell all the boggling and confusing things you have.

2) Criticisms will always be there. Just stand tall and ignore them. You are not a perfect person but with the imperfections you have, you could motivate yourself to go on and show what you really have.

3) It's a beauty pageant; not a model search. Yes, you should practice modeling but don't focus more to that thing. Modeling has only a little percentage to the pageant. Beauty and brain are the really important aspects. Focus more on harnessing yourself in answering questions using the English language. How? READ! READ! READ! Practice speaking in English. Again, how? Think of possible questions and answer them. Don't stop until your answer is not good enough. In pageants, you need wisdom; you should impose a quality of a role model and as being it, you should know how to impress people by imparting a great knowledge.

4) At the pageant, boost your confidence but not to the extent that people will comment "ANG YABANG NAMAN NITO." Exemplify humility. As my HS English teacher told me, imagine yourself as a princess sharing love and wealth. Imagine the whole place covered with color pink to relax yourself. Again, in pageants, you are imposing the qualities of a role model. Be humble! Be yourself! Okay?

5) PRAY! Before the pageant, I went to the cathedral. I prayed hard and I told God, "God, I believe that you would never give me an obstacle that I can't surpass to. I know that this is a stepping stone to a new purpose in my life. Help me. This is not only for me but also for my friends, family, supporters, and most especially for YOU." While I was in the middle of my prayer, the caretaker of the church said "Oh, tapusin niyo na po yang mga dasal niyo, magsasara na ang simbahan." [Comedy! haha. :))] So after that, I went to the candle room and lighted 5 candles, 1 for the criticisms, 1 for my friends and supporters, 1 for my Alma Mater, Osias Colleges, 1 for my family, and 1 for our Almighty God. Just pray okay? There is nothing impossible if you have God in your heart.

So what is the sitch about this event in my life? Well, I learned that in every challenge God may give you, there's a new purpose. Grab all the chances. And if the results are good, smile and stand tall but remain humble, simple, and as what you are.

DIANNE SALAZAR

Toxic ba kamo?

(This one is based from a personal experience. I was like "Do i really need to finish all of these stuffs?" Others always say that being a leader and an organizer as well in the class encounters MAJOR MAJOR responsibilities. I knew that and I was used to that kind of thing. Rushing, doing this, fixing that, organizing, etc. But nevertheless, i didn't regret. I enjoyed everything. I loved that spending-tic-tocs for the benefit of the whole; for the success of an event. I had fun working with the other officers as well as with the whole class. I will miss them. Anyway, here's the flow of the day I considered as "toxic")

Start (feb. 24, 2011 8:00am)

Nagising mula sa pitong oras na tulog.. tayo.. tingin sa salamin.. ligo.. bihis.. brush.. 10:00 magkikita sabi sa isip.. sa bagal kumilos ang aga na nga nagising di pa nagawang mag-breakfast at mag-makeup.. halla sige.. tali ng hair.. lagay hairnet.. Fix.. Punta school.. tinawag klasmeyt.. Hanap ng bus.. makipagtawaran, hanap materials.. wala makita.. ayun, gutom pareho.. nakakita ng mcdo kiosk, bili burger at float.. sa wakas nakakain.. lakad mula uniwide hanggang cervantes habang naghahanap materials.. bili cartolina, balloons, packaging tape, double-sided tape.. maglakad, maghanap.. Balik sa bahay, ayusin case study.. punta tinutuluyan ng klasmeyt, tumulong sa pagdikit ng mga cutouts.. tawag sa isang klasmeyt, balik ng bahay, magpalobo ng sangkatutak... balik school.. lagay ng banner sa bus, mamigay ng balloons sa section.. magcheck ng attendance.. nagmukha ng konduktor sa paniningil ng contri habang umaandar ang bus sa parade.. magbilang ng sangkatutak na barya.. pagkatapos ng parada, okay na sana, papunta na gym inutusan pa.. punta canteen, tinanong yung pinapasuyo may kumuha na pala! balik ulit sa gym.. nkpgrelax ng kaunti.. masaya ang program, nkka-inspire.. *smile* tapos na.. tayo, lakad.. magsama ng klasmeyt.. punta bayan, hanap ng regalo para sa mga teachers.. hanap dito, hanap diyan.. nag-abono sa bayaran.. punta SM bili ng additional na regalo.. dinala yung kasama naming bagets sa lil' people.. kain muna, kwentuhan.. lakad ulit.. pagkauwi sa bahay.. ang dami pa ring gagawin.. inayos ang attendance.. breakdown of expenses.. nkkbaliw.. then, nagtanggal ng tag price ng mga gifts, tapos nag-wrap.. ang dami. tape. gunting.. wrap.. lagay sa plastik.. check kung lahat ng mga teachers ng section mabibigyan.. Haay sa wakas mkkpgphinga na.. ayy! hindi pa! hindi pa tapos.. Magtext sa mga classmates about the schedule for tom.. halla, sige GM ng GM.. kahit anong network.. kumusta ang load? meron pa? Oo, si bunso nangungulit pagawa ng project.. haay, anong gagawin ko? tumatakbo ang oras, di ko namamalayan.. tapos SHOOT! Yung group project namin pala! Documentation, Mga case report, case study, profile, snapshots.. Compilation lang naman pero ang daming kulang.. halla sige, supply ng kulang na info.. learning derived.. malaria.. tuberculosis.. goal, philosophy.. random na ang nasa utak ko! nasagad na lahat! Pagod, wallet! Pasensiya! Utak! Hay. Sige type lang ng type kahit ano na lang mabigay ng neurons ko.. tapos biglang napangiti.. ngiting abot langit.. with matching gleaming eyes pa, yung totoo? Ayun.. sa wakas!! tapos na.. pagtingin ko sa orasan, 2:15 am na! MY GAAAAADDD.. madadagdagan na naman ang pimples ko.. Kaya people! goodnight na!

End (feb. 25, 2011 2:15am)

Lifelong Journey to Success

(i made this article a couple of months ago for a friend. i decided to post it here in my blog site to inspire other people to keep on striving for success regardless of the failures they had encountered. Enjoy reading!)

Each of us has different paths in life. Some may garner instant luck; some may weep and try hard before attaining a certain achievement. But still, life is life. Whatever happens, one must go on. Put forward your dreams, your future plans. Formulate your goal. Like what others always say, dreaming and hoping for something better is free. Aim high. Do what your heart tells you. Weigh everything you have in your mind. Never stop. Believe, move, and pray.

BELIEVE. Everything happens for a reason. You might encounter a great obstacle in your trail but don’t take it negatively. It’s just a challenge; a challenge that will encourage and motivate you to go on with the flow of life, a challenge that will ease your fears, a challenge that will make you stronger and tougher. Don’t let it knock your fears. Instead, stand up and surmise that something better will come along for you.

MOVE. Failure is inevitable. You must learn how to handle it. Don’t put too much pressure in yourself and never blame neither anyone nor anything when it comes to failure. Remember, you are the only one responsible for what you have and gain. Moreover, when it comes to failures, you must move. How? Reflect about your mistakes and weaknesses. Know the reason why you did and had those stuffs. Condition yourself to gain the assurance you need to go on. Make steps, plans, and ideals. Then, give surety that you can uphold those things.

PRAY. With God, nothing is impossible. Give Him a shelter in your heart. Raise all your queries in Him. Do your best and He can guarantee what you deserve. But, you should not only remember Him when you have struggles. You must also mind Him when you experience overwhelming blessings. You ought to always put God in your heart all the time. Like what the bible says “Do it all for the Glory of God.” He is the one who can listen to you anytime and anywhere. Just learn how to appreciate Him and He will give all the best for you.

Whatever problem you have in your life, you must dole out it with courage and patience. Like what my high school teacher told me, “Hindi ka bibigyan ni God ng pagsubok na hindi mo kaya.” Accept everything that is happening. Have down pat that all the situations arising in your existence reflect your own. Trash all your weaknesses and improve your strengths. Be good. And when that time comes, the time you achieve your greatest dream in life; stay simple, humble, and as what you are. And of course don’t stop trusting God. J