Concealed Clamours

Writing for an audience...

2010-04-03T00:44:00.002+08:00

This is something I haven't done in a long time.

In some ways, it's different when you write a journal entry in your diary and when you write one for your blog. In your diary, it's almost always instinctive. The flow isn't necessarily smooth, the thoughts you start with aren't necessarily pursued, you don't even have to finish it when you don't feel like it. When you write in a blog, well, you're still honest about your feelings and what you think. The main difference is you're technically writing for an audience. You want people to understand what you want to say. To do that, you must first fully understand your topic and find the best way of communicating it.

Reading through old blog entries is always fun. It always makes me miss the time when I wrote about absolutely everything - or at least a whole bunch of things and tried to capture experiences thoughts and emotions through words.

No, this is not my Good Friday reflection. That one's in my private journal hahaha. And well, no one's really going to read this because my blog's extinct but I just felt like doing this now hehe.

Afraid for Pisay

2009-03-27T00:55:00.001+08:00

Last Monday, we had to wait for almost 2 hours for Tony Blair's talk. I was talking to Jackie and somehow the discussion came to her asking why I entered Pisay and didn't choose to continue studying in St. Paul, instead. After all, St. Paul is a prominent school and a Catholic institution at that.

I tried to remember. Aside from the obvious fact that we didn't need to pay for tuition and that I received stipend every month, I thought to myself, "Why?" I wanted to remember the reason, not only for enrolling but why I have grown to love it so much and why at the end of my Pisay stay I knew I made the right choice all along.

And so while I was procrastinating last Tuesday, I decided to look at my previous Pisay blog entries to remind me why. More than being overwhelmingly reminded, reading through helped me see why the current Pisay issues don't make me and many other members of the Pisay community happy.

I have high respect for the Pisay faculty. They're competent and they have more than their own skills to show, they have batches of Pisay students who have become better under their care to show.

I have absolutely nothing against those who were allowed to graduate. After all, they didn't make the decision. Going through 4 years of hardcore Pisay education is no joke. It strains your mind, your body and even your heart. There's always the argument that those who fail didn't give their best and there's a high chance that's true. But despite whatever, to not graduate after all that(actually, even just having to leave Pisay regardless of the duration of your stay), well I wouldn't wish that on anyone.

Pisay students are the best of the best from their schools. They're sent to Pisay with the hope that their skills will be sharpened and that their hearts will be toughened. That's what you get yourself into and that's what the school promises to give you. That's why both sides have the right to expect the best from each other.

I remembered writing about my Pisay stay in my Ateneo application essay and I concluded with this:

It was indeed hard. I could have stayed in my old school and I probably wouldn’t be as stressed as I am now. But I could now proudly say I chose the road less traveled. Many people already run away at the thought of Philippine Science High School. But that cannot be said of me. I chose to go through the numerous workloads, through the seemingly unlimited lessons in Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Math, through the pains of failure and through the pressure of being one of the country’s scholars. And now that I am nearing the end of this rocky road, I do not regret taking this path because I know I have become a better person not only for myself but also for the people around me and for my country. I have become unafraid of challenges because they make me stronger. If I had the chance to do it all over again, I would still want to be in Pisay because through pains, I have found myself, the people who truly love me and my God who never abandoned me.

I'm just afraid that the coming generation of Pisay students won't get to say that anymore. I'm afraid that Pisay won't challenge them. I'm afraid that this school won't push them to their limits. I'm afraid that the fulfillment and the struggle of giving everything that you can give to get through each week that have formed us, that we loved, that we laugh about now, that have made us learn about ourselves and the extent of our abilities, will cease to exist in the school.

Many people have said they're afraid that the quality of Pisay education will deteriorate. I'm one of those people. And the previous paragraph is what I mean when I say I'm afraid for Pisay.

This issue isn't situation-specific, people-specific or batch-specific. It's sad though that certain people and two consecutive batches (may I just say Batch 09 were my first children as a big sister so I love them to bits and pieces) have to go through all these. I just certainly hope they get their act together soon. It's not only the institution's name they're affecting. They're hurting its most precious resource, its people.

Hark daughters of the great St. Paul...

2009-03-26T21:21:00.002+08:00

Last weekend, my sister had her high school graduation from St. Paul.

I evidently missed the school and the people. I was reminded of how nurturing the community was. I knew a lot of people in my sister's batch and quite a number of their siblings have become acquaintances and friends in college. At this point that I've moved on to college, I feel even more connected to my 'children' in our grade school student council before than I do to my children in Pisay.

The awards that they gave reminded me too of one very important lesson I picked up early on during my grade school years - that every achievement and hardwork in any field/aspect deserves to be commended and is as important for my growth as any other.

Like other educational institutions, in SPCP, grades mostly decide who will become valedictorian and they give high regard to those who achieve academically. But they also gave credit to other achievements like leadership, org involvement, sports, outside contests and the like. And that was probably why subconsciously I knew that my holistic formation, participating in causes and activities you enjoyed and believed in and serving deserved my attention and my time as well even if I was in Pisay, where the school work were deadly and the demands heavy.

And so I wrote this down to remind myself that I love St. Paul and that it deserves a lot of credit and my utmost gratitude in having formed me to become the person I am today.

And also, just to share, there were some parts when I was teary-eyed. During the valedictory address(Annie, you'll never get to read this but know that it was awesome and lovely and beautiful! Everyone felt what you were saying even before you started crying. Congratulations!), I cried. I was thankful to have been part of that community for 9 years and though high school and college are where one spends his most important and memorable years, I say wala nang ibang institusyong pang-edukasyon ang masasabi kong kinasapian ko nang higit sa siyam na taon.

I'm proud to be Paulinian and I'm thankful kahit hindi ako kasama sa Alumnae association haha.

Hark daughters of the great St. Paul. Come listen to his call. Oh children of this loved school... Ang funny na nagkamali yung teacher. Hanggang ngayon epic pa rin ang Paulinan hymn kasi akala mo tapos na pero meron pa pala. Lol.

Stardust =)

2009-03-12T23:05:00.001+08:00

I watched Stardust a while ago and it was just such a nice feel good movie. :D An awesome quote:

You know when I said I knew little about love? That wasn't true. I know a lot about love. I've seen it. I've seen centuries and centuries of it, and it was the only thing that made watching your world bearable. All those wars. Pain and lies. Hate... It made me want to turn away and never look down again. But to see the way that mankind loves... You could search to the furthest reaches of the universe and never find anything more beautiful. So yes, I know that love is unconditional. But I also know it can be unpredictable, unexpected, uncontrollable, unbearable and strangely easy to mistake for loathing, and... What I'm trying to say, Tristan, is... I think I love you. My heart... It feels like my chest can barely contain it. Like it doesn't belong to me any more. It belongs to you. And if you wanted it, I'd wish for nothing in exchange. No gifts. No goods. No demonstrations of devotion. Nothing but knowing you loved me too. Just your heart, in exchange for mine.

This made me smile ♥

2009-03-01T21:22:00.003+08:00

Ate Krz found this picture. :) This was during the e-night of Sigao. Napasmile lang ako nito. For everything, thank you God. :)

Photo survey :)

2009-02-18T08:36:00.015+08:00

from kara!
* Answer the questions below
* Do a google image search with your answer
* Take a picture from the first page of results
* Don't copy the answers of the person who posted this before you

1. The age you'll be on your next birthday

2. A place you'd like to travel

3. Your favorite place

4. Your favorite food

5. Your favorite animal

6. Your favorite color

7. First name of your significant other or crush

8. Your screen name/nickname

9. Your first job

10. A bad habit you have

11. Your worst fear

I miss my high school friends

2009-02-16T09:24:00.002+08:00

I love my college friends. I love YFC-A. I love ASLA. I really really do.

But I miss my high school friends. The only way I know what's happening in Ray2's life is when I read her blog. Fatima's when I see her multiply and she leaves a message in my tagboard. Greggy when I see his name in Ray2's blog. Ivy when I see her pictures in multiply. And just about everyone else (Henson, Ryan, Nico,...)through their blog, multiply or YM stat messages. I don't even get to visit UP or Pisay. I don't know what's up with our teachers, SCA, YFC, the fair, Science Scholar or just about anything.

I just realized my recent entries aren't very happy. Don't get me wrong. I'm generally happy. I probably just don't know how to write happy in a few sentences very well. hahaha.

thinking

2009-01-31T08:23:00.003+08:00

You know how it is when you have nothing to think about and all your unnecessary worries and things you don't want to think about come up.

While processing with a friend, I realized...

I don't like not knowing what's next. I don't like not knowing what I have to do tomorrow.

And therefore, I conclude that I need a life. hahaha.

My favorite part of the inaugural speech :)

2009-01-22T02:40:00.001+08:00

From President Obama's inaugural speech:
(Source) http://www.slate.com/id/2209228/

Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends—hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism—these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility—a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.

This is the price and the promise of citizenship. This is the source of our confidence—the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-22T12:10:00.004+08:00

In my favorite homily during this year's Simbang gabi season, the homilist said...

Christmas is a reminder of how God will never give us all of the answers to our life questions but how He decided to join us in and through the uncertainties.

Merry Christmas everyone! :D Enjoy the celebration of Jesus' birth with the testimonies of His love for you, your loved ones. ♥

waste

2008-12-22T12:03:00.005+08:00

We've been cleaning up the past few days. And as usual, I had to scan through my collection of handouts and papers since 1st year high school.
Side note: I'm really proud of myself for deciding to throw a lot of them. I had to let go.

There was one particular paper with comments from a teacher who I respect a lot that made me realize I might be wasting one of my skills that I enjoy most.

Oh well.

Hiatus

2008-12-12T08:51:00.002+08:00

I haven't been blogging at all recently (and I've noticed many people haven't been either). I guess it's because I've been preoccupied since I don't know when. And well, I have a physical and live journal and friends to talk to. haha.

A conversation made me think if there was ever a part of my schooling life when I just relaxed, didn't worry as much and didn't occupy myself w/ things other than my academics. Nothing came to mind. I must admit the idea is tempting but sounds and feels extremely absurd to me.

SUBMERGE =)

2008-11-17T09:20:00.002+08:00

YFC - Ateneo
DARES YOU TO DIVE...

SUBMERGE CAMP 2008
NOVEMBER 21-23
JOHN POLLOCK RENEWAL CENTER, ADMU

If you have any questions or want to sign up, go to Kostka Extension. :) See you there!!!

Senior moment

2008-11-17T09:13:00.003+08:00

Senior... as in I forgot something important.

I missed the UAAP-NCAA All Star Games. I missed it for more important things but still, I missed it!!! I totally forgot about it. Aaaah. What's happening to me? :|

Journal :)

2008-11-06T02:53:00.003+08:00

I had 0 blog entries for October. This hasn't happened since I started to blog.
Reason: There were a lot of events that I didn't have time to blog.

Last Monday, November 3, I came up with 3 blog entries regarding the championship that happened toward the end of September.
Reason: After ASLA 7, I bought a journal because I've been wanting to do so for the longest time and I saw Louise writing on hers a lot during the duration of the congress. And I love love my journal/notebook. I was reminded how much I enjoy writing. And to help mantain the order that I so desperately need in my life. Haha. Plus, it's pretty too. :D

Things I forgot to blog/do last month:
ASLA blog entry
Greet the many birthday celebrators :(

Getting over it

2008-11-04T12:41:00.007+08:00

Image from Mr. Rick Olivares' blog which was taken by Aly Yap

Last year, I had a blog entry "Before I let go" and it was because it's super hard to get over the loss against the Archers in the semi-finals and settling in the #3 spot of the UAAP Men's Basketball tournament.

This year I was so high after Ateneo won the championship. The countless beautiful stories about the teamwork, the love within the team and even the entire Ateneo community, the almost perfect season and all the steps that led to this victory. At the same time, we went through the overwhelming pride, joy, and gratitude after the game, during the bonfire Mass and the bonfire program, when wearing an Ateneo shirt and just knowing we're Atenistas.

At first, I thought the feeling of defeat last season would beat the feeling of victory this year but I was wrong. The Ateneo love was so strong that I couldn't help but get high. Soon, I found myself talking non-stop about the articles I read from various writers, how we got tickets for that last game and standing near the stage during the Bonfire (which thousands of Ateneans attended) even if it meant having an unwanted feet mud bath.

And so I agree with Mr. AR Samson when he says

Victories, even Olympic gold medals or World Cup Championships, need closure. This process is as necessary for joy as it is for painful losses.

But before I do just that, I want to have a fitting entry to share how beautiful the journey and the victory has been. And because the high has overpowered any writing skills I have, I shall quote from the best Ateneo sportswriters and fans who have made my being a fangirl more exciting and more enjoyable.

From Fr. Ben Nebres' homily during the Bonfire Mass:

So – let’s give a round of applause to our Lord and to our Lady whose song we sing: “Mary for you, for your white and blue”
...
And thank you to this wonderful community -- you have been with us and with our teams through ups and downs. Win or Lose, it’s the school we choose. Through the ups and downs, we are community. We are Ateneo.
...
Just before they went out to face La Salle in the final game last Thursday, co-captain Chris Tiu spoke to the team: Focus on our game, focus on the play. Remember that yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery. It is today, now that is the gift we focus on.
...
This is the story of all our champion teams. In the postgame interviews last Thursday, each of the Blue Eagles paid tribute to Coach Norman and thanked him for believing in them. They learned to believe in themselves and in one another. And they all became special.
...
You know they had to overcome pain and adversity. Nonoy was playing with great, great pain in his knee for the last weeks of the season. He said often he did not know how he could continue, the pain was so great. But he played on – played on great. Chris shared how he was a suki at the Moro clinic for all kinds of aches and pains. So much so that the sports clinic had a name for him “Made in China.” I shared with you last Thursday that the Friday before the Finals, Rabeh suffered a very serious sprain and was in great pain through Friday night and Saturday. We did not know till Sunday noon whether he would be able to play that Sunday. But with the miraculous gift of Dr. Canlas and Coach Andre, you saw what happened, a breakout game of 31 points.
...
Recalling Oogway’s words to Po: Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today and today’s game is the present we focus on. Remember: There is no secret ingredient. We just have to believe. We are the Dragon Warriors.

So to all our Dragon Warriors, the Blue Eagles, the Lady Eagle swimmers, the Blue Eaglets, the Blue Eaglet swimmers, The Small Basketeers -- we are very proud of you. Just keep believing and striving even harder. Keep in mind the lessons you have learned of overcoming adversity. And you will grow up to be the young men and women who will win victories not just in the arena of sports but in the arena of life.

And, of course, now that the final victory is ours and we are at peace, we can join Shifu and Po after the mass and have something, maybe lots, to eat. God bless.

From Rick Olivares' The Champions:

Thus far, they were beaten in three games with one more until the mission was done. The day before game two, Nonoy Baclao was icing his knees at the clinic in Moro Lorenzo. The team earlier got word that the team practically romped away with the majority of the season awards. Rabeh Al-Hussaini, walked in shook Baclao’s hand and joked, “Mula ngayon, tawag ko sa ‘yo ‘Doy.’ ‘Defensive Player of the Year’ kasi pero panget pakinggan yung ‘DPoy.’” Baclao congratulated his teammate on his winning the MVP plum; the fourth Atenean to win the award after Jun Reyes, Rich Alvarez, and Enrico Villanueva.
...
The Blue Eagles showed everyone that they too can come back.
...
When the oncourt celebration began, Al-Hussaini and Black enjoyed a tearful embrace in center court. “Thank you,” said the coach to his center who enjoyed one of the finest seasons of any Ateneo player ever. “Hindi, coach,” replied Al-Hussaini. “Thank you po sa inyo.”
...
And there was Ford Arao wearing a Mike Baldos jersey with Yuri Escueta’s number taped in front. His large frame standing out in the sea of blue that had crowded the maple court. He smiled that big goofy smile of his and sought out his former teammates. He found his buddies Escueta and Baldos and the three huddled up. They emerged with tears in their eyes as Escueta tapped Arao’s chest as if to say, “Para sa ‘yo ‘to, Ford.”
The big man wiped his eyes and flashed that grin of his. “Para sa community ‘to.”
It ended right where it began. In the solemn refuge of the Church of the Gesu.
And win or lose, as always, every one was there to give thanks, celebrate, and to remember. After all, this is the Ateneo Way.

From Myopic Eagle's We're Back:

Skipper Chris Tiu’s grin is never so boyish in multimedia as now in triumph and fulfillment. The ball frozen in mid-bounce signals that only this winning moment, this culmination counts; his future, big and bright as it is, will have to await his grasp as he would the ball’s return. Rabeh Al-Hussaini is posted on the left low block, his eyes gleaming and arms akimbo in relief over his potential to exponential transformation. Jai Reyes, who has been playing bigger and better in the clutch since his grade school years, has both arms raised in true underdog, Rocky Balboa fashion and why not? He proved his value to the team beyond doubt, beyond statistics. Nonoy, over on the right flank, is slightly hunched … as much from fatigue as from his ever-readiness to swat a shot or spring for a rebound … but his drowsy eyes turn up at the outward corners in half-mirth and he allows himself a modest smile. And at the top of the key, standing firm as a molave sapling is the future of Ateneo basketball already arrived: Ryan Buenafe, he of back-to-back Staglets championships and the sense of Ateneo belonging going further than his Adidas blue to his warrior heart.

But reality breaks into my reverie. Rolly Manlapaz, the closet albeit diehard Atenean, barks his loudest, proudest “Last Two Minutes” above the din of the blue side. His clear baritone and the outcome’s finality rouse the Ateneo fan-tastics to an ever mounting crescendo of cries and cheers, hand-clapping and foot-pounding. Then ensues a countdown worthy of a Times Square chant on New Year’s Eve. Bedlam erupts and engulfs the ending buzzer in a lahar flow of Go Ateneo! and One Big Fight! The Blue Eagles are Champions once again.
...
After all, it’s not just this last victory, or the championship, that is cause celebre. It’s the odyssey towards this moment that will have pride of place in Ateneo lore. The perfect half-season, Final Four and Finals: 11 straight wins counting back to August 3. For good measure, in that run lies a sweep of the second round, semis and best of 3 for the crown. In mostly dominating, sometimes late-closing, but always decisive fashion. Who’d have thought that this team originally rated no higher than 4th or 5th by many pre-season cognoscenti would win it all … and emphatically so.
...
Off-season tourneys in far-off gymnasiums will tamp down the withdrawal symptoms and insatiable curiosity about aspiring and remaining Blue Eagles. We will miss Chris and Yuri much as we did Ford and Zion, JC, Doug and Macky, LA and Magnum, Larry, Wesley, Rich and Enrico before them. But we will survive. Other rookies and incoming sophomores and juniors will step up, even as seniors and super-seniors take our team game to ever higher levels.

The drama plays on, the thrills abound season in and season out. See you all in July 2009. We’ll have a crown to defend.

From Rick Olivares' The Bacon Chefs re UE-ADMU final 4 game:

Inside the Press Room, the gathered media prepared to vote for the season awards. The television inside was on mute as the introductions of the starting fives were announced. Within minutes, UE had a 7-2 lead. A member of the host media team from UP said to no one in particular, “Bakit ganyan ang Ateneo? Kapag big game nawawala.”

Oh ye of little faith.

In the summer of the Blue Eagles’ preparations (spring time in the United States) for the campaign that matters, Norman Black was one time exchanging notes with a counterpart when a tearful Jai Reyes approached the two. “How do I help the team,” he asked. “I get posted up; others shoot over me. How can I help?”

The camp director who earlier exchanged a few notes about the players with Coach Norman, looked Reyes in the eye and said, “Well, son, you have to get under their noses.”

All season long Reyes has showed a different facet to his game. He no longer enters the game with a gunner’s mentality. He runs the show and plays great defense that he can almost tell you what brand of deodorant his man uses (if they do at all).
...
So when the Red Warriors took an early 7-2 lead with about five minutes to play in the first, there was no look of panic in Al-Hussaini and his teammate’s faces. As bad or misfiring they were in the opening stages, they had stayed close. And that is all that matters. “Let’s go, boys,” he yelled and as if on command the worm had turned.
...
Ateneo was off to their seventh UAAP Finals appearance to face the defending champions De La Salle while UE was off to examine another damning fold-up.

Eric Salamat and Ryan Buenafe huddled with their former mates Lee and Reyes in center court. Marcy Arellano, in his final game in red, stood fighting back the tears. In 20 minutes of play, he had zero points in six attempts (one of which was an airball that missed so badly). He only had 2 boards; the same number of turnovers he committed.

The jubilation on Ateneo’s part was restrained. After all the job is not yet complete. “Two more games to go,” reminded Norman Black.

From Reflections on a Championship by Simon Mossesgeld which I got from Bleachers Brew (Since I was almost quoting the whole thing, I just quoted the whole thing):

I watched the first game of the championship live right behind the bench and marveled, as I have many times throughout this season, at how this team is a team in the best tradition: unselfish, hard working, with great respect for one another, friends on and off the court. The players are largely unassuming. They do not strut about to let the world know how good they are or their team is. They just do their part and play their best together. This is what strikes me most about this team and I think it explains best its championship character. I could not watch the second game because I was teaching in a seminar but resolved to immediately proceed to the Gesu. I had texted Paolo Trillo that morning saying I would see the team in the Gesu. That is how confident I was.
Someone asked me while we were waiting for the team to arrive at the Gesu after the championship, “Sir, do you miss being team manager?” I realized that I did miss it a bit but much, much more than anything I was very happy for the team. I was happy about how the coaching staff and management (and the school) formed the players into men we could all be proud of. I did not taste a championship during my two-year tenure but it did not matter because Ateneo basketball is more than championships. It is about giving it your best. It is about forming men with the right principles and values. It is about gratitude for all that we have received. It is about community. It is about God and this team, like many teams before them, is all these. But I sense there is more in this team.
A friend texted me the next day that she saw me at the Gesu that evening looking as if I was in a trance. I guess I was in a trance-like state. I was deeply thankful for God’s love for his players, his team and his Ateneo. I was very quietly happy for the team, for my fellow Ateneans and for the school and was simply content to bask quietly in the happiness and the gratitude that filled the church that evening. This is the Ateneo I grew up in and have grown to love.
Tonight we will celebrate four champion teams—three in basketball and one in swimming. I once again thank God for his blessings.

From Rick Olivares' Daddy Cool and that 1958 victory vs La Salle:

The following day, the late-journalist and television personality Joe Quirino visited the campus in Loyola Heights expecting to find a festive atmosphere. Instead the college was stone-cold quiet.

Quirino met up with the team's Spiritual Adviser and PT Fr. James B. Reuter S.J.

"Good morning, Father. Where are the boys?"

"Oh, they're in their classes taking their semestral exams," replied the Jesuit nonchalantly.

"After winning a championship?" asked the media man with raised eyebrows.

The good priest took Quirino by the arm as he showed him around Kostka Hall to check up on the players who were lost in thought as they took their tests. "Our players are students first and incidentally basketeers. We do not grant them favors just because they won a championship."

"Don't you think that they're tired after winning the championship?"

Fr. Reuter then explained that the team lost 30 players on both Team A and B between 1956 and 1958 owing to academic deficiency and breach of team discipline. "That's their lookout. Our players must have good grades to remain on the team. It is unfair to make a boy into a bum by passing him. They cannot be basketball players forever. They have to earn a living and basketball cannot teach them that."

From Chris Tiu's Bon Fire (September 30, Bellarmine Field):

I don't know exactly how long the waiting time is for those queuing. Coach Sandy overhears two people who had just come out of the tent saying: "Sulit na sulit ang hintay natin!" (It was all worth the wait.)

Those words said it all. Our efforts in signing and smiling were all worth it too even if we were extremely tired. In fact, I started getting all energetic again after midnight, maybe because I saw how we were able to put little smiles on their faces just by posing with them, signing posters, t-shirts and even body parts! We really appreciate everybody who came and supported the team all the way! It is really because of you people that move us to keep going and going until we can finally soar like an eagle.

From Chris Tiu's A Win FROM Him, and FOR Him (Don't you just love the title? :D Almost whole entry. hahaha.):

When Jai made that running jumper with 1 minute something left in the game, I knew we had it! All of a sudden the gallery in blue, as if choreographed, held up signs that said 'Champions' which filled the entire lower portion of Araneta. And I got goosebumps! I've never felt such happiness that it forced me to tears as the game was still on-going. Then, Nonoy and Rabeh hugged me in the center court while Jai was icing the game in the free throw line. Ryan Buenafe passed me the ball as the final seconds ticked and I just threw the ball as high as i could as the buzzer sounded! I wasn't thinking anymore. I hugged everyone that came my way! I just loved everybody! If I remember correctly, the first person i saw and hugged was Coach Jamike. I almost squashed his glasses upon my shoulders but I didn't care anymore! then I looked for my buddy Eric Salamat who came from the bench because of his cramps. But all the physical pain just went away at that instant. As I promised to Rabeh, I will look for him as the buzzer sounded and jump on him. But he was just too surrounded. Then I hugged Coach Norman, to whom we offered this victory greatly. For the first time, he said "I love you Chris" and I responded "I love you too Coach!" Very uncharacteristic for both of us who always appear very serious and with no reaction.

It was a "mission accomplished" after 6 years of hard work and pain combined. More than the sense of fulfillment, i felt like the weight which i had to carry with me was relieved once and for all. From now on, i'll be merely a spectator. How I will miss wearing that blue and white jersey with the name "Ateneo" on it. It was a fairy-tale ending for me and I thank everyone but most especially I thank the Lord for this wonderful gift! I know that He has bigger plans for us and that there is a deeper purpose for all of this. Thank you Lord for making this dream come true! This win is for You, for Your greater glory!

I probably read a lot more that I couldn't find but this entry is long enough. Actually, it's too long. Hahaha. But hey, I told you this was an overwhelming season and those words only half express how it was. If you followed the games and love the Eagles, then you know what I mean. :)

And so know I shall get over this victory because as Mr. Samson said:

Get a life.

Closure, this is what we have to work on. If grief must be healed and brought to a close to move on with our lives, so too must euphoria. Remember the healing we needed after the 2006 finals with UST and last year’s stepladder fall? It may not seem obvious to you at first that closure is equally needed for triumphs. But the friends you have lunch with, including those from the group that thinks that the lesson from Aesop’s fable of “The Fox and the Grapes” is that if you don’t succeed, whine and please don’t get the second place trophy—will start avoiding you.

I have been told that we are making such a big fuss over this championship thing. This is usually delivered with a smirk from those who claim to have won so many that it’s just an annual event they have gotten used to...except this year when the officiating sucked. Anyway, I candidly tell such wet blankets that the reason we think a championship is truly a big deal is that we are not used to it. So, there.

This triumph brings all of us together. We rise and converge at the Gesù. Thus Fr. Pierre’s quotation affects all of us.

After all that, we move on with our day jobs and mundane concerns...until we again shuck off not our mortal coils but our regular mall attire to don the blue and white and sing lustily after each game whether won or lost the alma mater song that tells us where we belong and where we are—we stand on a hill.

Write the blue eagles ♥

2008-11-04T10:44:00.003+08:00

I just have to share. I think I'm pretty lucky when I join contests related to the Blue Eagles. :) After winning the Ateneo cap from Hardball, I win another set of prizes. :D

Mr. Rick Olivares had this contest on his blog (http://bleachersbrew.blogspot.com/2008/09/chris-not-included.html):

We're giving away five adidas Ateneo shirts (like what Chris is wearing in the photo here) and five basbeall caps to five Brewsters out there. ... To win those shirts, all you gotta do is write a nice letter of support to the team using Brotherhood as a theme as they prepare for the UAAP Finals. I'll hand it in by Friday after lunch. Email them to me and I will make sure the team gets it.

And the thought of just writing a letter that the Blue Eagles would be able to read/hear was in itself an awesome idea for me. I don't have a list but if I did, this would be one of the things I want to do before I die. Hahaha.

But I still get the bonus: Mr. Olivares decided my letter merited me an Ateneo shirt and cap. (http://bleachersbrew.blogspot.com/2008/09/ateneo-vs-la-salle-by-numbers.html)

By the way, winners for the Write the Blue Eagles contest:
Michael Yu
Johann Fojas
Clarisse Ligunas
Robbie Tan
Allen De Vera
Ya'll won an Ateneo shirt from adidas + a baseball cap! Congrats!

I still don't have a picture wearing both. But I'm wearing it soon and I'll have loads of pictures in it. :))

Thank you Rick Olivares!!! :D I was honored when you dropped by this blog, I love reading the stuff you write, I'm extremely thankful to have had the chance to write a letter for the Eagles and I love the shirt and cap! :) Hope to get to meet you again, sir, in the future. :)

Congratulations ADMU (Season 71 Version)

2008-11-04T09:54:00.005+08:00

This comes very late and I know they won the Uni-games already but I feel like I'm going to do this every year.

Run-down of the Ateneo Basketball Awardees of UAAP Season 71:

Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles
UAAP Season 71 Senior Men's Basketball Champions

Rabeh Ahmed Al-Hussaini
UAAP Season 71 Senior Men's Basketball
Mythical 5 Member
and
Most Valuable Player

Christopher John Alandy-Dy Tiu
UAAP Season 71 Senior Men's Basketball Mythical 5 Member

Ryan Clarence Buenafe
UAAP Season 71 Senior Men's Basketball Rookie of the Year

Severino Baclao
UAAP Season 71 Senior Men's Basketball Finals MVP

Special Awards:
PS Bank Ultimate Maaasahan Player: Christopher John Tiu
KFC Court Colonel: Eric Salamat
Smart Defensive Player of the Year: Severino Baclao
Jollibee Champ of the Season: Rabeh Ahmed Al-Hussaini
Appeton Most Improved Player: Rabeh Ahmed Al-Hussaini
Tokyo Tokyo Rookie Team Center: Nicolas Salva
Tokyo Tokyo Rookie Team Forward: Ryan Clarence Buenafe

This was an overwhelmingly great season for the Ateneo Blue Eagles. I agree what I read from someone's comment: They exhibited great teamwork and that automatically translated to individual awards for the members of the team. Two men don't make a team, 16 people do. That's what the Ateneo Blue Eagles team showed everyone this season. Congratulations!!! :D

Ateneo de Manila High School Blue Eaglets
UAAP Season 71 Junior's Basketball Champions

Juan Miguel Tiongson
UAAP Season 71 Junior's Basketball Mythical 5 Member

John David Dumrique
UAAP Season 71 Junior's Basketball Finals MVP

The Blue Eaglets was awesome this year too. Once again, I just got to watch the finals but they were great. These facts just kind of make me sad: they have 4 graduating players, there are only 2 graduating players from the Blue Eagles and there are great players from other high schools. Oh well. For now, it's great celebrating the awesomeness of the Junior's team. This is what - their 16th or 17th title? Congratulations Blue Eaglets!!! :D

And to our women's team - our defending champions - they did put of a fight and so deserves the schools thanks and congratulations. Go get them next year. :D

//There are also other Ateneo teams who won championships in and out of the UAAP but I don't have the full details. Maybe after the second sem, I'll post a rundown of all the Ateneo awards for this UAAP season. :)

The problem

2008-09-21T21:56:00.003+08:00

...with being busy is you miss out on opportunities to deal with people. The tasks become overwhelming that you have too little time to nourish relationships.

It's either that or JQ's right. It's just an excuse.

In the Spirit of the UAAP finals air ♥

2008-09-18T09:49:00.005+08:00

//I usually don't like reposting whole blog entries but this just gives a pretty accurate picture of an Atene0-La Salle game. I am super thrilled for the finals!!! ♥

ADM 102: Introduction to Ateneo-La Salle Games
Thu/Sat/Sunday, 4:00 PM, Araneta Coliseum
Course Prepared by: Miguel Lizada
Course Instructor: TBA

Course Description

The course introduces the student-cheerer to the dynamics and principles of the Ateneo-La Salle rivalry. The course employs both theoretical and application dimensions. The theoretical phase exposes the student to the history of the rivalry, the tradition of cheering, the construction of the ideal Atenean 6th Man, and other theoretical concepts.

The application phase on the other hand requires the student to put into practice all the theoretical principles. These practices include, among others: effective skills in lining up for the games, cheering (pre-game, during the game, half-time and post-game), jeering, heckling, creating effective posters and banners for one's favorite players and posing and smiling for Fabilioh.com.

Course Objectives

By the end of the course, the student should have been able to:

• understand what it means to be the Sixth Man
• understand the difference between an Atenean and La Sallite
• integrate himself with the community of believers
• develop his school spirit

Course Outline and Reading List

Chapter 1: What is School Spirit?

• Required Readings:

o Excerpts from the "History of the Ateneo"
o The student's "OrSem Manual"
o "The Ateneo Cheerbook"
o "Who and What is the Ateneo Sixth Man?"
o Ruel De Vera's "The Eagles Have Landed"
o Selected Speeches of Angelico Sinjian of the Blue Babble Battalion

Chapter 2: Knowing the Enemy

• Required Readings:

o “SUSPENDED! The 2005 UAAP Scandal”
o "We Must Come (Or Hit Them) From Behind"
o "How To Spell Correctly During Cheerdance Competition"
o “The Pumaren Defense Press: Terror and Truth”

• Optional/Supplementary Readings

o "No Cheering During Time Out"
o "Get that Ball! -- UE"
o "Why are there Two Birds in UAAP?"
o "Who let the (Bull) Dogs out?"
o "You Cannot Overcheer Us!"
o "NABRO: Equality or Social Injustice?"

Chapter 3: Pre-Game Rituals

• Required Readings

o "The Art of Lining Up"
o "Sketching Posters and Banners for Your Favorite Players"
o "Scalpers and Where To Find Them: An Anthropological Study"
o "Reserving Seats Upper A/Upper B For Friends"

• Optional Readings

o "How to Jump From the Gen Ad to Upper B: A Step-By-Step Guide"
o "How to Jump From Upper B to Upper A: A Step-By-Step guide"

Chapter 4: Game Time

• Required Readings:

o "Developing Your Endurance"
o "The Psychology Behind Get That Ball"
o "Who are the Gang Green?"
o "Half-time is Game-Time"
o "Fly High" + "The Victory Song"

Chapter 5-A: When the Final Buzzer Beats (In case of Victory)

• Required Readings

o "The Song for Mary and the Proper Way to Sing It"
o "How to sing The Song For Mary and Still Look Cute for Fabilioh.com"
o "How To Argue with Sore Losers in PinoyExchange.com and Gameface.ph"

Chapter 5-B: When the Final Buzzer Beats (In case of Defeat)

• Required Readings:

o “Defeat is not a Fundamental Option: A Theological Exegesis”
o “Ang Pagkatalo ay Hindi Isang Wala Dahil Meron Pa: Isang Pambungad sa Metapisika ng Pagkatalo”
o "Win or Lose, It's The School We Choose: Deepening Your Spirituality -- The Sesquicentennial Edition"
o "Contemplating on the Meaning of Life: An Introduction"
o "Surviving the Wrath of Fr. Adolfo Dacanay SJ"

Course Requirements

Written Long Test: This will assess your memorization of the tradition and history of the Ateneo-La Salle rivalry. The test consists of itemized Multiple Choice questions and True or False statements.

Oral Exam: The student will randomly draw two cheers from a lot. The student must cheer/sing the cheers he picked. Afterwards, he must be able to explain the significance of the cheer/song. He must also be able to identify when these cheers/songs are used.

Practical Exam: The student must line up for tickets. This is a pass or fail exam. If the student is able to acquire a ticket, he automatically gets an A. If he doesn't get any ticket, he must take the Make-Up Test.

Make-up Test: Negotiating with Scalpers. Students who wish to pass the first practical exam for the course but failed to do so must take the Make-Up test. The student must locate a scalper within the vicinity of Araneta Coliseum. This is not a pass or fail test. The student's grade depends on how he was able to acquire a good ticket with the lowest possible price. The better the ticket with lower ticket price, the higher the grade.

Final Exam: Students are required to cheer during the game. The grade depends on the voice quality and frequency of the cheering. The Ateneo standard grading system will be applied. Therefore the passing score for the Final Exam is 70%. Students who cannot stand up and cheer 70% of the time automatically fail the exam.

Bonus points are given to students who are able to convince others to cheer loudly, either through a well-articulated speech or forceful coercion. Extra points are also awarded to fans who make creative banners for their favorite players.

Written Long Test: 20%
Oral Exam: 20%
Practical Exam: 20%
Final Exam: 40%

Course Policies and Other Reminders

1. Plagiarism. Plagiarism is an extreme offense in this school. Do not copy cheers from other schools.
2. Cellphone Use. Using your cellphone to place in bets is illegal. Do not get yourself into trouble.
3. Cuts. Once you are inside Araneta, you are not allowed to leave. You must watch all four quarters. Win or lose, you are not allowed to leave before the Song for Mary is sung. Doing so merits an automatic W for the course.

Writing papers. :|

2008-09-10T23:13:00.003+08:00

Got this from Madel.

I'm writing a paper right now at ito ang nangyayari, most of it. Hahaha. Please pray I actually get down to work.

HOW TO WRITE A COLLEGE PAPER

1. Sit on a straight, comfortable chair in a well lit place in front of your computer.

2. Log onto YM (With the busy status!). Check your email.

3. Read over the assignment carefully, to make certain you understand it.

4. Head out to the kitchen for some chocolate to help you concentrate.

5. Check your LJ/Multiply/Twitter/Facebook/Friendster/DeviantArt.

6. Text a friend and ask if he/she wants to go to grab a coffee. Just to get settled down and ready to work.

7. When you get back to your room, sit in a straight, comfortable chair in a clean, well lit place.

8. Read over the assignment again to make absolutely certain you understand it.

9. Check your LJ/Multiply/Twitter/Facebook/Friendster/DeviantArt.

10. You know, you haven't texted/YMed that old friend since fourth grade. You'd better do that now and get it out of the way so you can concentrate.

11. Look at your teeth in the bathroom mirror.

12. Grab some mp3s off of LimeWire/BitTorrent.

13. Check your LJ/Multiply/Twitter/Facebook/Friendster/DeviantArt. ANY OF THIS SOUND FAMILIAR YET?!

14. YM/text with one of your friends about the future. (ie summer plans, block party).

15. Check your LJ/Multiply/Twitter/Facebook/Friendster/DeviantArt.

16. Listen to your new mp3s and download some more.

17. YM/text your friend and ask if she's started writing yet. Exchange derogatory remarks about your prof, the course, the college, the world at large.

18. Drink some water.

19. Notice the old magazine in the kitchen. Read it.

20. Check your LJ/Multiply/Twitter/Facebook/Friendster/DeviantArt. Check you email too.

21. YM/text some people to make sure you aren't missing something truly worthwhile on TV.

22. Play some Solitaire (Or Pinball).

23. Check out Yahoo.com

24. Wash your hands.

25. YM/text a friend to see how much they have done, probably haven't started either.

26. Look through your blockmate's Multiply album of pictures from that party. Ask who everyone is.

27. Sit down and do some serious thinking about your plans for the future.

28. Check your LJ/Multiply/Twitter/Facebook/Friendster/DeviantArt. Look over your online contacts on YM.

29. Check your LJ/Multiply/Twitter/Facebook/Friendster/DeviantArt WHILE listening to your new mp3s.

30. Your PC/laptop just crashed, given too many open windows plus the mp3s playing. Reboot, and carry on.

31. Read over the assignment one more time, just for heck of it.

32. Scoot your chair across the room to the window and watch the sunrise.

33. Lie face down on the floor and moan.

34. Punch the wall and break something.

35. Check your LJ/Multiply/Twitter/Facebook/Friendster/DeviantArt. And you contacts on YM. No one’s online, yeah? But just look through them anyway.

36. Mumble obscenities.

37. 5am - start hacking on the paper without stopping. 6am -paper is finished.

38. Complain to everyone that you didn't get any sleep because you had to write that stupid paper.

39. Go to class, hand in paper, and cut out of it so you can take a nap.

40. Check your LJ/Multiply/Twitter/Facebook/Friendster/DeviantArt.

My lucky break ♥

2008-09-07T11:09:00.003+08:00

I have to blog about this cap because I love it and because it's the first thing I ever won in my entire life.

I have never been lucky in raffles or bingo or phone-in contests until last July 17.

I like watching Hard Ball especially when they feature sports events that I actually watch (eg. UAAP). I was watching the show when they said they were giving an Ateneo or La Salle UAAP cap to a caller who can answer the question. The question was about their Hot Ticket discussion during their show the day before that was also about the UAAP. So I tried calling. I got the busy tone a number of times but after a while, I got through! The girl told me that they'd call me back if I win. And so a few minutes later, she called me back and informed me that I won!!! :D AND that I was going to introduce myself briefly on-air. I got really nervous but I can actually say I got to talk to the Hardball hosts once in my life. Hahaha. ♥

And so I got my Adidas Ateneo cap last Friday and I love it! :D Sorry for the vanity and the superficial happiness but I really loved winning, talking to the hosts on-air and getting the cap. :))

UST...

2008-08-31T21:00:00.002+08:00

I feel sorry for the losses that could have been wins.

But I don't know why your rookies insist on taking outside shots during the last few seconds when the reigning MVP is waiting for the ball in the shaded area. And I'm not only referring to today's game. I know they're great and they have the right to take those shots but they were really costly lapses in judgment.

Also, I have great respect for basketball coaches and Pido Jarencio's a great one. After all, he led you to a championship in 2006 against Ateneo. I was cheering for you that time because I was an Archers fan then. Plus, I saw how dedicated you were during that difficult climb to the finals and I know Coach Pido pushed and inspired you all the way. But I don't know why Coach Pido always seems angry. Though I'm not a player nor a UST fan, it's heartbreaking to see a talented team being screamed at constantly.

During your game against La Salle, you did well except Villanueva had lady luck on his team's side. Today, you were playing inspired basketball in the last half of the 4th. And you had more than lady luck, you seemed to have divine intervention even. At home, we love UE but we were cheering for you today. I genuinely felt sad for you.

Good luck in Season 72!

Good for the heart ♥

2008-08-23T01:12:00.006+08:00

It's a game like the ADMU-UE match yesterday that make your heart feel extra happy.

I didn't witness an efficient team. Their stats all probably went down. But we all saw heart and that is the most breathtaking sight on any basketball court.

It's better to see Chris Tiu shooting his 1st 3-point shot in the 4th qtr to start the Eagles' run than him attaining his career high by almost perfecting his freethrows. It's better seeing Buenafe pass 3 defenders at a time when their top-scorer was being double teamed and their captain on the bench suffering from cramps than seeing him make an open 3-pointer in a game where not making it wouldn't even matter.

It's good for a fan like me to watch those types of games. It ironically, makes me more proud. It's the sort of game that I refer to even in my YM stat messages. It makes me shout at the top of my lungs even if I'm at home. It just puts a big smile on my face. That game yesterday cancelled out any stress I was feeling and made me feel really good.

OA? I don't think I'm alone. We were all talking about it in school. And believe me I don't think any game (other than the 1st against DLSU and the loss against FEU) have been talked about that much.

Being the fangirl that I am, I read what other people who know more about the sport and the team have to say. And after reading, I brim with more pride and it feels like there's no better college to be in than the Ateneo.

From Bleachers' Brew by Rick Olivares:

Inside the Press Room, while Norman Black was all smiles over the huge win, Tiu stretched his cramped leg and answered a few questions directed at him. “We never gave up. I think that’s this team’s character and what Coach preaches to us all the time.”

So how about that last trey?

“Yeah we practice that… sometimes. But I just threw it up.”

So Coach Leo, you’re right. It’s about heart but you’ve got to have faith too.

From Falling in Place by AR Samson

The beauty of the Ateneo-UE game needs no explanation. That’s why I went on and on about the statistical impact of wins and losses on the rankings. A come-from-behind win, down nine points and erasing the gap with triple triples, defines character and the refusal to give up, even if some of the faithful was tempted to head for the exits and having their faith shaken. The “Lazarus Effect” of rising from the dead in three minutes, rather than three days, makes believers of us all.

Much will be written about the frenzied last three minutes of regulation period and the even more frantic five minutes of overtime. A classic game is defined by the degree of uncertainty on its outcome until the last ten seconds.

From Blue and White spill red ink in OT by Myopic Eagle

And so in various games, versus different opponents, and during particular stretches of a match, The Bullet invariably noted that Blue Eagles take turns delivering. That as reliable in the clutch as Chris has been, as vastly improved as Rabeh is, and as reassuring as Eric’s game-breaking is this campaign and will be post-Tiu, there really isn’t a single go-to guy for rivals to key on. Even Nonoy can drop 16 markers on his defender, as he did head-to-head with NU’s Edwin Asoro in the first round. And Jai and Ryan have scored in double figures. So going into yesterday’s crucial match, Coach Dindo must’ve hoped that his Red Warriors would outrun, outrebound and outscore us. Well, Dindo did his homework alright … but not well enough. He couldn’t draw up a play against HEART.
...
Opponents are realizing (and grudgingly respecting?) that ours is not a pampered, pulpy team that caves in to intimidation and roughhousing. ... This squad of an elite school and with ample alumni backing can be as hardscrabble as we need to be, without stooping down to unsportsmanlike levels.
...
Yesterday, we saw Mr. Clutch in a continuum: the current being Chris and the future being Ryan. Youngsters Nico Salva, Justin Chua and Vince Burke witnessed and learned what heart, what prevailing against terrific adversity, is all about. Should the Lord graciously allow us to go all the way, we will look back on this game as having defined what this team is made of. So what if our league-leading averages in least turnovers, points in the paint, etc. drop several notches. We just shot up the altimeter of knowing how, and willing ourselves to WIN.
...
A sub-text to the leaden feet and poor hands on display yesterday: it’s the inescapable reality that our boys are in the thick of academic responsibilities. For instance, Rabeh just finished Philo orals the day before, and Kirk was facing the computer and rushing a paper just prior to the game. Like it or not, that’s a necessary, indeed priority distraction that comes with the territory of student-athlete. Pardon my saying so, but that’s a thicket that not too many of our opponents have to hack through.

//And as Ray2 said in her latest blog entry, I couldn't have said it better myself. :) I loved absolutely everything about that game. ♥

Blank | One Step At A Time

2008-08-09T01:59:00.018+08:00

A lot of things are happening in school, orgs and acads - beautiful things really. And I can't help but feel that I'm not in the right disposition to make the most of these opportunities.

As a natural at worrying, my brain doesn't usually get any rest. Recently, I've been ending up blank quite often. And blank is not good at all. I prefer full than blank.

Don't get me wrong. I accomplish my work. It's just I feel confusingly blank.

I have to get my act together. I need time to pray and reflect. I really need a break! A real break!

While listening to the song Ray2 asked me to check out, I found another Jordin song, One Step at a time, with parts that seems appropriate.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adsWRTM9wFA&feature=related

"One Step At A Time"

Hurry up and wait
So close, but so far away
Everything that you've always dreamed of
Close enough for you to taste
But you just can't touch

You wanna show the world, but no one
knows your name yet
Wonder when and where and how you're gonna make it
You know you can if you get the chance
In your face as the door keeps slamming
Now you're feeling more and more frustrated
And you're getting all kind of impatient waiting

We live and we learn to take
One step at a time
There's no need to rush
It's like learning to fly
Or falling in love
It's gonna happen and it's
Supposed to happen that we
Find the reasons why
One step at a time

You believe and you doubt
You're confused, you got it all figured out
Everything that you always wished for
Could be yours, should be yours, would be yours
If they only knew

You wanna show the world, but no one
knows your name yet
Wonder when and where and how you're gonna make it
You know you can if you get the chance
In your face as the door keeps slamming
Now you're feeling more and more frustrated
And you're getting all kind of impatient waiting

When you can't wait any longer
But there's no end in sight
when you need to find the strength
It's the faith that makes you stronger
The only way you get there
Is one step at a time

UAAP Season 71 2nd round schedule

2008-08-04T22:36:00.004+08:00

Edited blog post because I saw the mistakes in the sched. Imagine how much editing my planner will need. :(

//I realized I didn't blog about any of the round 1 games. So many things are happening so I haven't gotten in the disposition to blog. Lol. But I did get to watch 2 games live. :D The 1st against La Salle and the 2nd against UE. I love the feeling of singing the Song for Mary after the game. :) Go Ateneo! Alone on top after the 1st round! :)

UAAP Season 71
Men's Basketball Competition
2nd Round

August 7 - Araneta Coliseum
2 PM - NU vs UP
4 PM - DLSU vs UE

August 9 - Philsports Arena
2 PM - ADU vs UST
4 PM - FEU vs ADMU

August 10 - Philsports Arena
2 PM - UP vs DLSU
4 PM - UE vs NU

August 14 - Philsports Arena
2 PM - FEU vs ADU
4 PM - UST vs ADMU

August 16 - Araneta Coliseum
2 PM - DLSU vs NU
4 PM - UE vs UP

August 17 - Philsports Arena
2 PM - ADU vs ADMU
4 PM - UST vs FEU

August 21 - Araneta Coliseum
2 PM - UP vs ADU
4 PM - ADMU vs UE

August 23 - Philsports Arena
2 PM - NU vs UST
4 PM - FEU vs DLSU

August 24 - Araneta Coliseum
2 PM - ADMU vs UP
4 PM - ADU vs UE

August 28 - Araneta Coliseum
2 PM - NU vs FEU
4 PM - UST vs DLSU

August 30 - Philsports Arena
2 PM - DLSU vs ADU
4 PM - ADMU vs NU

August 31 - Philsports Arena
2 PM - UP vs FEU
4 PM - UE vs UST

September 4 - Araneta Coliseum
2 PM - ADU vs NU
4 PM - FEU vs UE

September 6 - Araneta Coliseum
2 PM - UP vs UST
4 PM - ADMU vs DLSU

September 7 - Cheerdance Competition

Fr. Bob's Sharing and Blessing

2008-07-15T16:20:00.004+08:00

Ignite Prayer Meeting
YFC-Ateneo
June 18, 2008

I loved the prayer meeting and loved what Fr. Bob said. It truly energized me for the YFC year ahead. :)

From YFC-A Evange blog:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
YFC-A invited Fr. Bob Buenconsejo, director of the Campus Ministry Office in the Ateneo Loyola Schools to give blessing to the members in the Ignite Prayer Meeting. Below is his sharing on what the impact of the YFC-Ateneo Prayer Event and his prayer for the community this year.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

FR. BOB'S THOUGHTS AND SHARING:

Look at Jesus

I was asking Cash earlier if you in fact knew the theme for the Jesuit General Congregation. One of the most important decrees there is the "Fire that kindles the Fire", and so I was quite pleasantly surprised that your theme is Ignite…That is precisely the theme of the General Congregation. It's asking the Jesuits to look at Jesus. Because it is only in looking at Jesus that you will find out who you are…today I think what you are doing is to look at Jesus so that your hearts will be aflame and that is my prayer to you.

Surprised at YFC-A

...I was so wonderfully surprised to see you here. Because I thought Ateneans are already losing their faith. And one of my greatest, greatest pains is that in a Christian University, a lot of our students are dying the light of Faith. A lot of our students become agnostic, some have [even] openly expressed their atheism. And it's so sad. This is a Christian University with the opportunity of learning the Word of God and yet many of our companions, many of your batch mates [and] we're not making a judgment here, but there is so much hostility towards God and it saddens me. But the fact that you are here gives me a bright light. You are a beacon of light here in the University.

Prayer:

Close your eyes and focus them on Jesus. Look at Jesus. Look into His eyes. If you can, imagine Him embracing you, imagine Him right there beside you, in all of your tiredness, in all of your feeling of unworthiness.

Loving Father, I want to thank You for calling this Ateneo Youth For Christ. For Gathering Them in their youth, in their struggle against a very secularist world. I praise you Lord because You have gathered these children of yours.

Lord Jesus, your Son, said in the Gospel of John, "I consecrate them to You Father" and I consecrate these young people, these young minds, these young hearts to you.

Loving Father, I beseech you to enkindle in them a fire of great love for You in the midst of their lives where their spirits have dampened, where their spirits have drooped, where their spirits have fallen apart.

I ask You Lord to heal them. I ask You Lord to mend their hearts. And I ask You Lord to give them a vibrant sense of Faith, a Dynamic Sense of Service, a Desire to Love, Worship and Serve You.

Loving Father enlighten them and keep them ablaze with your love.

And loving Father, keep them from harm.

Lord they're young but their hearts are full of enthusiasm. They're enthused with joy to love and serve you.

They have such wonderful gifts...

Grant them the deepest desire of their hearts, Lord. As we Journey here in Ateneo, keep them always faithful especially from that which harms their spirits.

Lord, make their journey here in Ateneo bleed the very heart of Your Son Jesus Christ, our Lord and may they always find you in the poor and in the needy so that in the end, their deepest desires, will find fulfillment in the very hearts of your Son whose heart burns for us.

And with the Almighty Father, I bless you in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen

As what Ignatius said to Francis Xavier:
Inflamate et docete. "Inflame the world with love and teach the good news"

God bless you all!

I'm a Robi Domingo fans club all by myself. :p

2008-06-24T09:55:00.004+08:00

I bet it's obvious in my blog. I'm a Robi Domingo fan. Lol. This picture was taken when he and his friends bought their books from LS while we were on duty. Sir manager said, Robi paki kamayan naman ang mga assistant ko. Afterwards, one of our shiftmates asked for an autograph, ate honey asked for a picture and then I did too. hahaha.

When this picture was taken, I thought of a lot of creative ways of writing this entry but I just decided against it.

Notice my shirt. God knew I was going to get a chance to take a photo with Robi that day. :p

Btw, after the picture, we said "Thank you. Sorry sa abala." He even replied, "thank you ate." Fans even more. I swear he has so many fans in this school. :))

Love Team >:D<

2008-06-22T18:59:00.002+08:00

para maniwala si greggy sa dahilan ng display image ko. :p

Everyone! Attend the camp! I promise it'll be super fun and worthwhile. :D You don't have to be a YFC member to attend. :) Pero if you still wish to sign-up(I know you want to. :p), you can still go to the rec week booth tom(kung may pasok?). :D

It's not hard to be an ASLAn.

2008-06-22T18:45:00.000+08:00

Because leadership is never exclusive. :) One of the communities that helped me realized how lovely it is to be an Atenean.

Visit aslaonline.net

Economics is fun...

2008-06-15T22:46:00.006+08:00

when you study stuff like this:

Economics of Cows

//I had Ec102 last sem under Sir Walfredo (Wally) Belen. Super great, young at heart and funny teacher. Of course, Sir Vlad pa rin because Ec 102 was made easy because I learned a lot from the best teacher ever. Thanks sir! Oh and ray2, thanks for that econ post. I remembered this because of that. :))

TRADITIONAL ECONOMICS
You have two cows.
You sell one and buy a bull.
Your herd multiplies and the economy grows.
You retire on the income.

CHINESE ECONOMICS
You have two cows.
You have 300 people milking them.
You claim full employment, high bovine productivity and arrest anyone reporting the actual numbers.

INDIAN ECONOMICS
You have two cows.
You worship them.

PAKISTAN ECONOMICS
You don't have any cows.
You claim that the Indian cows belong to you.
You ask the US for financial aid, China for military aid, Britain for warplanes, Italy for machines, Germany for technology, France for submarines,
Switzerland for loans, Russia for drugs and Japan for equipment.
You buy the cows with all this and claim exploitation by the world.

AMERICAN ECONOMICS
You have two cows.
You sell one and force the other to produce the milk of four cows.
You profess surprise when the cow drops dead.
You put the blame on some nation with cows and naturally that nation will be a danger to mankind.
You wage war to save the world and grab the cows.

FRENCH ECONOMICS
You have two cows.
You go on strike because you want three cows.

GERMAN ECONOMICS
You have two cows.
You reengineer them so that they live for 100 years, eat once a month and milk themselves.

BRITISH ECONOMICS
You have two cows.
They are both mad.

ITALIAN ECONOMICS
You have two cows.
You don't know where they are.
You break for lunch.

SWISS ECONOMICS
You have 5000 cows, none of which belong to you.
You charge others for storing them.

JAPANESE ECONOMICS
You have two cows.
You redesign them so that they are one-tenth the size of an ordinary cow and produce twenty times the milk.
You then create cute cartoon cow images called COWKIMON and market them worldwide.

RUSSIAN ECONOMICS
You have two cows.
You count them and learn you have five cows.
You count them again and learn you have 42 cows.
You count them again and learn you have 17 cows.
You give up counting and open another bottle of vodka.

MALAYSIAN ECONOMICS
You have two cows.
You slaughter one for Hari Raya Puasa and the other for Hari Raya Haji.
Just before that, both the cows were wandering along the PLUS Highways.

PHILIPPINE ECONOMICS
You have only one cow.
So the government claims there is a shortage of cows.
The government ask grants from other countries so the country can produce more cows.
The other countries oblige.
The government divides the grants among themselves, and blames the opposition of corruption.
The people stage People Power 42.
The government is overthrown.
Then it’s back to the single cow.

------

and when your teacher says stuff like:

"There will be a lot of graphs but I can assure you there will be no corruption."

After telling the story about a class who named their Econ course 'Graphs and Laughs,' "Because their economics teacher has a sense of humor. Familiar no?"

"What is serenity? Hindi si Dyesebel yun." //Hindi econ. haha.

Talking to one classmate about Playboy in the Philippines, "Nagkukulang na nga bigas, magPlaplayboy ka pa."

//I should have learned how to write down my teachers' witty comments since high school. I could have sold a book. :)

different

2008-06-10T23:41:00.002+08:00

I'm not quite me these days and I'm not happy about it. The last time I saw this me was in 4th year HS and I'm not enjoying her. :((

And here I was telling a friend I was learning to get a grip on things going on in my life. :((

Final PBB post... hopefully :p

2008-06-08T21:59:00.004+08:00

During the big night, before announcing who among Robi and Ejay would become the big winner, this was said

"Sino ang pinaniwalaan ng taong bayan?
ang lumaki ba sa mabuting pamilya
o ang pinalaki sa karanasan sa buhay

ang nagpakita ng kanyang mga natutunan
o ang nagpakita ng kanyang totoong sarili"

I would have wanted Robi to win but I have nothing against Ejay winning. As a matter of fact, I liked how he handled himself the last few weeks inside the house. I realized he may not have taken initiative but he was a good follower and team player. So congratulations to him.

But I still didn't like how they described Robi. Just from the moment kuya said "Hindi ko nakikita ang totoong Robi. Ang nakikita ko ay isang Atenista." to handlng him differently on the gas situation and his relatively evil-implying vtr for the big 4 up to the big night where they described him as I quoted above.

It's not even about the fact that I'm a Robi fan anymore. I mean I don't really know him after all and I'm not definite he'll be the same role model outside the house but he represented the kind of person who I believe was exemplary and true to himself and to how he was raised. And I just don't like how ABS-CBN chose to describe him, his being a good person, how he exemplified Atenean values and the conditions in which he grew up.

I do not understand how living out the values taught to you by your school which you have inculcated is not being yourself, how being raised by a good family makes you lack experiences and how being true to yourself does not involve practicing what you have learned.

For me, it's just all wrong and yes, once again, I am utterly frustrated.

The best Cinderella rendition

2008-06-08T01:24:00.007+08:00

//Because I'm currently uploading a lot of megasize files...

Last week, I watched Ever After starring Drew Barrymore and Dougray Scott.

I couldn't believe I haven't watched this movie before. With research, I learned that it was released in 1998. I was in grade 3 so I don't think I got to select which movies to watch.

I suck at reviews so I don't know how to describe it except it's a wonderful movie and it's probably the Cinderella story real girls would wish on themselves.

My favorite quotes:

Leonardo da Vinci: You cannot leave everything to Fate, boy. She's got a lot to do. Sometimes you must give her a hand.

Henry: What do you know? You build flying machines and you walk on water, and yet you know *nothing* about life!
Leonardo da Vinci: I know that a life without love is no life at all.

Danielle: [about the prince] Honestly, I think he and Marguerite deserve each other.
Paulette: Oh, bite your tongue! The only throne I want her sitting on is the one I have to clean everyday.

[last lines]
Danielle: You, sir, are supposed to be charming.
Henry: And you, princess, are supposed to live happily ever after.
Danielle: Says who?
Henry: You know, I don't know.
Grand Dame: [voiceover] My great-great-grandmother's portrait hung in the university up until the Revolution. By then, the truth of their romance had been reduced to a simple fairy tale. And, while Cinderella and her prince did live happily ever after, the point, gentlemen, is that they lived.

Henry: Do you really think there is only one perfect mate?
Leonardo da Vinci: As a matter of fact, I do.
Henry: Well then how can you be certain to find them? And if you do find them, are they really the one for you or do you only think they are? And what happens if the person you're supposed to be with never appears, or, or she does, but you're too distracted to notice?
Leonardo da Vinci: You learn to pay attention.
Henry: Then let's say God puts two people on Earth and they are lucky enough to find one another. But one of them gets hit by lightning. Well then what? Is that it? Or, perchance, you meet someone new and marry all over again. Is that the lady you're supposed to be with or was it the first? And if so, when the two of them were walking side by side were they both the one for you and you just happened to meet the first one first or, was the second one supposed to be first? And is everything just chance or are some things meant to be?

UAAP Season 71 1st round sched

2008-06-03T08:56:00.005+08:00

Edited because I saw the new approved schedule. :)

UAAP Season 71
Senior Men's Basketball Tournament (1st round)

July 5 - Araneta Coliseum (Sat)
2 PM - ADU vs FEU
4 PM - UE vs UST

July 6 - Araneta Coliseum (Sun)
2 PM - UP vs NU
4 PM - DLSU vs ADMU

July 10 - Ultra (Thu)
2 PM - NU vs UE
4 PM - ADMU vs ADU

July 12 - Ultra (Sat)
2 PM - UP vs UST
4 PM - DLSU vs FEU

July 13 - Ultra (Sun)
2 PM - ADU vs NU
4 PM - UE vs ADMU

July 17 - Ultra (Thu)
2 PM - FEU vs UP
4 PM - UST vs DLSU

July 19 - Ultra (Sat)
2 PM - UP vs ADMU
4 PM - DLSU vs NU

July 20 - Ultra (Sun)
2 PM - ADU vs UE
4 PM - FEU vs UST

July 24 - Ultra (Thu)
2 PM - DLSU vs ADU
4 PM - UE vs UP

July 26 - Ultra (Sat)
2 PM - UP vs DLSU
4 PM - UE vs FEU

July 27 - Ultra (Sun)
2 PM - ADU vs UST
4 PM - ADMU vs NU

July 31 - Ultra (Thu)
2 PM - UST vs NU
4 PM - FEU vs ADMU

August 2 - Araneta Coliseum (Sat)
2 PM - ADU vs UP
4 PM - DLSU vs UE

August 3 - Araneta Coliseum (Sun)
2 PM - NU vs FEU
4 PM - ADMU vs UST

Upcoming threat.

2008-05-30T18:52:00.003+08:00

I don't fall in love easily but this one took just a single minute to make me fall. Today, my love story is being threatened.

My love story with UAAP basketball is being threatened by my schedule for this sem. For 2 out of the 3 game days and times, I have class. :|

If you're my friend, you know I've loved the UAAP ever since I was in grade 5. If you're a stranger, my blog entries about it will tell you so.

I'm thinking of transferring one class because the other I absolutely love. But if I transfer to the one (and only) other class for this subject, I might get a terror prof and regret it. So I don't know how. But I'm going to try and make it work.

This is just too saddening.

Kids say the darndest things

2008-05-27T19:56:00.004+08:00

Whenever, we're in our maternal grandparents' house, I usually play with my cousin Chiara who's 3 years old. She's very smart for her age but is sometimes bratty. But I can handle bratty. Haha.

We visited a week ago. She wasn't asking me to play with her anymore, so I went to their room. We were talking and then this took place:

Me: Can I play with you?
Cousin: No. This is only for young people.

I haven't even had my birthday that time. :|

Reminder to self

2008-05-21T21:20:00.007+08:00

I've been blogging quite frequently the past few days. I actually shouldn't because summer has been very hectic and I have to concentrate on all I have to do.

So I shall post a to do list here to remind me every time I go online for the next two days that I have to stop slacking and get to work.
~~+ Fil May Day Eve paper~~ (Submitted, 05/22/08 03:15, beadle Pauline)
~~+ Psych Final paper~~ (Submitted, 05/22/08 11:55, Psych Department)
~~+ part in Fil group paper~~ (Emailed to Philip, 05/22/08 16:45)
+ Study for Econ finals
+ Study for Psych finals
+ ASLA deliverables (will not be finished until end of year. haha.)

Ok. That worked. Ciao.

AI has it right!

2008-05-21T20:36:00.006+08:00

I think the two Davids are awesome.

David Cook is an original and sincere artist.
David Archuleta is an earnest person who has a clean & pure voice.

In contrast to almost everyone, I don't have a side this time. I think both of them deserve to win. One has all the characteristics of a great star and the other performed consistently and came to class prepared and dedicated to win today.

At least, American Idol's getting it right. :)

Downer is I sort of agree with Ben. The finale wasn't as grand and amazing as it used to be. It might not have been an intelligent for the producers to give the two freedom in choosing the "finale song."

PBB = heartbreak :((

2008-05-20T14:25:00.014+08:00

I've been watching PBB Teen Edition Plus the last couple of weeks. (Obvious. I know. Lol.)

And last night the housemates broke my heart. How?

They nominated both Rona and Robi, my top two favorites in the contest. (Check out the faces. I cried. I react emotionally to EVERYTHING.)

And for what reasons?
Rona for being serious, OA and conservative.
Robi because he doesn't need the money and because Nan couldn't do anything anymore because Robi always did everything.

Now here's what I think.
What's wrong with being serious? It's not as if she doesn't try to have fun inside the house. It's just when a situation is presented to her, she doesn't just choose to laugh but actually takes a look at it and tries to figure out what must be done. And yes, some people put value to what you say, even if they meant nothing to you. And no, there's nothing wrong with being genuinely true to yourself.
And when will the less-fortunate realize that if they truly want to be equals with those who are better-off, they have to recognize that they are playing on the same level? Whenever they say, hindi niya na ito kailangan, they are saying: i deserve to be treated differently. Isn't that what discrimination is? And please. If you really want to work, you will be able to find a way to do so. There's always a lot to be done, not only in that house but in the world.

This is how they reward the two people who have acted as leaders inside the house, peacemakers in all the misunderstandings, rational and responsible housemates and friends.

This reaction might be too much and I admit it might be pretty judgmental too but over-all, I still believe there's a reason to be sad here. My dad says it's a competition and they want to win. But do all the viewers understand that? Do they understand that the reasons given are for the sake of winning and not reasonable arguments on people's beliefs and behaviors?

Well, I do hope so!

Practical economics.

2008-05-19T13:39:00.003+08:00

On my way home last Friday, the tricycle driver suddenly stopped to invite his friend to ride the vehicle. Well, it wasn't very nice since he charged me P21 when I should be paying less because I'm alone but that's not what I wanted to blog about.

The two of them were talking and I couldn't really hear what his friend was saying but I could hear the driver pretty well.

He said, "Anong silbi ng pagtaas ng sweldo kung tataas rin naman ang presyo ng bilihin dahil dun? Huwag na lang itaas ang sweldo."

Yes. It was great. The tricycle driver knew his Econ. :D

Filipino victory! :D

2008-05-11T18:54:00.004+08:00

I'm pretty sure this news will be in many blogs and emails but I just really have to have it here too. hahaha.

Gian Dapul won the English Speaking Union’s International Public Speaking Competition.

Yes. This is the same competition that Patricia Evangelista won. Only, Gian is just an incoming senior student at Pisay.

It's amazing when you hear news about Filipinos we can be proud of and know not only their names and their feats. Watching the group of Ivy, Cindy and Mariel on TV for their project that won in Intel and now Gian gives credibility to what people always say, we can all make a difference in our own way and make our country proud.

Congrats Gian! :D Good job. The entire Philippines, especially the Pisay community is migty proud of you.

As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.

Pagpapakatotoo part 2

2008-05-10T21:15:00.003+08:00

Because they couldn't get enough of being true to themselves, someone uses the word again in a context quite different from that of the first Pagpapakatotoo incident I blogged about.

This happened in 1 of the Uber episodes (Sorry na. Minsan lang. Haha.)

They had the latest evictee (at that time), Jolas and his dad as guests. Mariel asked Jolas if he thought one of the reasons of his eviction was the fact that the housemates said he didn't help out much in the household chores.

He said "Nagpapakatotoo lang ako kasi..." he didn't really wash dishes or do chores in his house. And he even added, "kung sabihan naman ako, maghuhugas ako ng pinggan e." As if that helped.

And I loved Mariel's answer. Of course, she said this in a nice way. She was in TV after all. "Bakit ako? Di rin naman ako naghuhugas ng plato sa bahay pero sa bahay ni kuya, todo dishwasher ako." or something really close to that.

It was beautiful. The only thing I would have wanted her to add to that was, "Like, Duh!"

Pagpapakatotoo

2008-05-06T23:07:00.004+08:00

It all started with Wendy of Pinoy Big Brother Season 2. She was acting improperly and inconsiderately inside the house. What did she call it? Pagpapakatotoo.

When people were asked who was the housemate they liked the most? When people would select Wendy, they would say. "Kasi totoo siya."

Those statements caused me to hyperventilate.

Now, in the teen edition, they are accusing Rona, who is super hardworking, who tries to be as impartial and just as she can, of not being true. The girls were angry at the new girl because of the things she accusingly said. Rona was still being nice and considerate. She didn't want to shun the new girl. Hindi daw siya nagpapakatotoo. According to my sister, Rona answered by saying hindi ibig sabihin ng pagpapakatotoo, mali ka.

And now I appreciate and support Rona even more. Haha..

How painful and sad that some people, if not the majority of Filipinos, believe that it's fine to treat other people wrong when you have negative feelings toward them kasi nagpapakatotoo ka lang naman. Have we become too lazy to fix our conflicts and just resign to acting like big babies when we're angry? I mean come on. They were asking Rona to not talk to the girl they were angry at. Correct me if I'm wrong but those remind me of how we were during the first few years of grade school.

Even without considering what religion says, I still believe we are intrinsically good. Being true to our selves means finding that good. And in conflict, it means settling the issues at hand. Admitting your feelings and acting on them sounds to me more pagpapakatotoo-like than hiding from them and being negative.

To get along with me, you need to...

2008-05-05T17:52:00.004+08:00

-Be clear & honest in communicating with me; ambiguity or any withholding drives me crazy.
-Don't take it personally when I play devil's advocate. I am a great troubleshooter.
-Be patient and understanding when I overreact to problems because of my anxiety.

No. I didn't make those up. Those are written in an enneagram manual that we have.

We took the Enneagram test in Psych and I found out I'm a 6 (Mr./Ms. Responsible) For sixes, "Inner/outer fears rule Sixes lives. Thus, the need for trust, certainty, security."

I read through the two page description and I couldn't help agree with what was written. I know all these things about me but when it's put right in front of me, it seems more real to me. /*Plus, I realized that my closest friends are patient and understanding when I overreact so thank you sobra! =)*/ The book says it in such a direct manner, without making it sound positive or negative, just exactly how things are. And I guess being more aware is a step to help solving whatever internal struggles I have.

So just to share, here are the general statements that Sixes believe in consciously or unconsciously:
-"Trust is very important to me. It's vital in a relationship/organization and not to be treated lightly. People generally have to earn my trust."
-"I tend to worry, be concerned, even sometimes obsess on details so I always try to be prepared."
-"Even when I come on authoritatively or tough, I can feel very insecure inside."
-"I like to have clear-cut guidelines, rules and structure. And to know where I stand."
-"I'm a very hard worker. And I tend to take things too seriously."
-"It can be hard for me to make up my mind on big decisions."
-"When I care about someone or a group, I'll do anything for them. I'd give my shirt off my back if needed. And I am very loyal. I expect that in return."
-"I can be suspicious about others. "

Haha. :))

Drought

2008-04-27T11:51:00.002+08:00

I have not written in FOREVER.

No. I'm not only talking about my blog (though my blog has been void of any blog entries which I consider "actual writing" for quite some time.)

Just requirements for my courses. No articles. No decent journal or blog entries. This is a sucky drought. I haven't even written about the ILC.

Sad. :(

Quick answer

2008-04-03T10:56:00.002+08:00

... to my latest blog entry.

I'm not redirecting my energies because I got the answers I was looking for in two unlikely places.

First, I was in my brother's recognition day. It came from the speech of the grade 5 gold medalist. Yes. I got wisdom from a 5th grader. :) He quoted Henry Ford, "If you think you can, you can. If you think you can't, you're right."

Second, I got it from Ate Meki's stat message, "The greatest rewards come from doing the things that scare you the most."

I've always pushed myself to do as much as I can. And just because this particular task challenges a different dimension of my being doesn't mean I can't put up a fight and give it all I have. As my mom and that gold medalist said, I just have to trust myself and trust that God will always be present to guide me. :)

Not so wise investment.

2008-03-27T08:22:00.002+08:00

This whole school year has been a period of assessment for me.

I realized that one of my strengths is the ability to recognize the things I am good at, the things I can do, and the things I really can't.

This strength to identify which are which will only be useful if I learn how to select what I invest myself in.

I am currently in a commitment which is in the border of those which I can do and those which I really can't. I might actually be wasting my time and inhibiting others who are more capable of taking my place.

But it's hard to disappoint the people who believe you can and expect so much from you especially if you've given them some basis to believe so. Shall I push myself to pursue this or shall I just redirect my energies?

Ateneo survey...

2008-03-24T22:22:00.003+08:00

Because blogs entitle us to self-indulge. :D

Got this from Tin. :)

(x) eat at Manang’s //2 times pa lang. :((
(x) learn the alma mater song //like tin, because of uaap. :)
( ) lie down and sleep on a bench along EDSA walk
( ) be a TNT! //I can't mob. haha. :))
( ) jog around the campus in the evening
(x) visit the art gallery //for fil.
(x) know at least one xerox lady, manong, or technician by name //knowing the xerox ladies is inevitable
( ) itch from higad bites //gladly, never. :)
( ) have taken a crap in school
(x) watch a La Salle vs. Ateneo UAAP game //I LOOOVE THE UAAP!!!
(x) give a powerpoint presentation
(x) study in the Caf Upstairs
(x) watch a T.A. play
( ) sit on the SEC ledge and watch the stars //you can do that? :)
( ) eat in Full House, Martha’s Kitchen, and Ken Afford
(x) sleep in the lib //many times before or after LTs. :)
( ) visit Mr. San Andres //hopefully never for bad reasons. :)
(x) go to the chapel
(x) have gotten a pebble stuck in your shoe/slippers in the middle of the quad
( ) cut class with your block to watch a movie/UAAP game //had no class at those times. :)
( ) have a dorky teacher.
(x) have tried siomai rice //:D
( ) learn how to smoke
( ) fall in love
(x) actually read the book you keep borrowing from the lib//for fil. hahaha. :))
(x) play cards during your free time // i have to learn more games. :)
( ) learn to stay awake for more than 24 hours straight
( ) get a boy/girlfriend
(x) take time to read the vandalism in the chairs //esp in math last sem. :)) - "Math is like a bed of roses, full of thorns." :))
(x) do a last minute paper //should be in the plural form. :p
( ) have spent a lot for 1x1 ID pictures
(x) attend a college mass
( ) play hide-and-seek in the mini-forest
(x) know where the best restrooms are on campus
(x) join an org
(x) allow yourself to make mistakes
( ) got basic subjects
(x) admire the sacred heart statue in the evening //esp during Simbang Gabi. :)
(x) make a video for a project
( ) have a crush on a teacher
( ) have gotten a parking ticket
(x) come to school in your crappiest yet most comfy clothes
( ) learn how to use the Bayantel pay phones
(x) participate in school activities
(x) catch the Blue Babble Battalion tryouts //amusing
( ) date an Atenean
(x) ride a tricycle on campus
(x) find a tambayan
( ) admire the marikina valley at night
( ) go drinking along Katipunan
( ) learn how to beg for a higher grade //i really should.
(x) use your cuts wisely //very wisely. :))
(x) volunteer to be class beadle //i was beadle once and i enjoyed :)) so next time ulit. :)
(x) admire the trees on campus
( ) have forgotten about your free cut and gone to that class //Like tin, I would NEVER forget a free cut. :))
(x) eat in the ISO canteen //yup. 1st day with {N} and TNTs. :) I got allergies afterwards though. :| Pero di na nung 2nd time. :)
(x) learn how to cram //uhm ya. a long time ago. :)
( ) save money to Xerox all of your seatmate’s notes //save for handouts not other people's notes. :))
(x) have accidentally seen a make-out session
(x) check out the Meron Lagoon and Lambingan Bridge //and turn the switch on and off. :)
( ) have dozed off in class in Bel right after a class in CTC/SOM/Comm. Bldg or vice-versa //gladly, dont have a class in Bel.
( ) learn how to work with groupmates from hell
( ) perfect the art of parking on campus
( ) had a bad encounter with one of the guards on campus
( ) develop a love for sisig
(x) learn how to pronounce “AEGIS” properly //i think so? :p
(x) lost something //my phone. 1st lost! :((
( ) used typing rooms at the library
( ) have reserved a classroom, AVR, etc. for a class or org function
( ) have asked the library for an endorsement to research in other libraries
( ) have lost a perfectly functioning umbrella //id cry if i did.
( ) have used consultation hours properly
(x) visit the Guidance Office
(x) and Infirmary //more times than i would have wanted to. 1st day pa lang actually, they asked me to sleep there. :))

Rick Olivares passed by my blog!

2008-03-20T13:21:00.004+08:00

Though I know anyone can type that on my tagboard, I still believe he passed by my blog. Hahaha.

Mr. Rick Olivares does a lot of things but I learned about him because he writes the UAAP updates on the Ateneo website. Being the big UAAP fan that I am, I was always so excited to read his article after every game. While writing my entries about the Eagles, I just had to quote from some of his articles. :)

Aside from being a fan of collegiate sports, I'm also a fan of great leaders and great writers. (This is partly the reason why I quote so many people and write about others I admire so often in this blog.) So imagine my surprise when I saw that tag on my blog. :)

I think I should write a blog entry about my favorite writers or bloggers. Ya. I should. before my blog turns into a page full of direct quotes from other people. Hahaha. :))

Too much thinking aloud. I just wanted to express my happiness. Haha. This is enough to make me all cheerful despite the fact that finals are coming up. :)

That little voice.

2008-03-10T20:08:00.004+08:00

I read this from Ma'am Rodrigo's blog and I just had to post it here. She says she got it from an email sent to her by Karen Cardenas. It expresses "her take on Nietzche's "That which does not destroy me makes me stronger"

There is a sense of triumph when one can enjoy what is not enjoyable. When one goes through pain, there should be that little voice, that part of you that can stand apart from what is happenning and look and say this will pass, this is not a permanent situation, what will I get from it? How is this going to make me a wiser, better person? [The pain will pass] and you will have another war wound, and you will one day look at it and smile and say, gee I lived through that one, too... I will learn from it, and I know at the end of it all I will be a better person for it, and be grateful for the experience.

¡Anda, no me digas!

2008-02-23T21:32:00.003+08:00

...Se dice, "Get out of here! Don't tell me!"

Former President Joseph Estrada said in an interview today that if the people want him to, he would be willing to return to being president once Gloria is ousted.

I've never been a fan of the former president. But this is just unbelievably(I thought he couldn't do worse) a new low for him.

Ms. President

2008-02-21T17:36:00.005+08:00

No. I'm not going to talk about GMA. But being an extremely proud sister, I just wanted to share. My sister Meryl is running for St. Paul College Pasig's Student Coordinating Team President. :D

I'm so proud because she stepped up to accept the challenge even if she has to run against the current vice president, who is a good friend of hers and one of my anaks in our grade school student council, and a former bestfriend. We are all so excited for her. And I guess our house misses having to prepare for a campaign. So if I don't go online as often, it's because I'm being supportive by allowing her to use the computer. Hahaha. But friends, since we're not eligible to vote, please do pray for her. :)

daily conferences.

2008-02-19T22:40:00.007+08:00

Days like these remind me of how our block used to have a confe every night during the start of the school year.(Kanina 20 pa yan.) hahaha. Looking back, it must have been funny from an outsider knowing a certain block actually did that. :))

Sadly, nowadays, most of the time we're a bunch of kids with too much work to do. :(

Time for the big switch! =)

2008-02-17T21:39:00.002+08:00

Omi Castanar is the Program Director of ASLA for this year. As I said in my blog entry Entrusted to Serve. Entrusted to Lead. :D about the ASLA congress, " It allowed me to meet a bunch of inspiring people who really want to make a difference in this world through service." Kuya Omi was one of the people I was referring to.

When I was at a point where I thought there weren't much people in Ateneo who cared, they accepted me into ASLA. There I was convinced that there are people in this school who wanted to do something positive and were actually already acting on their beliefs. Kuya Omi presided over our congress and it amazed me how he together with the core could effectively bring together a group of strong people, all leaders in their own rights. They made each one of us think about our leadership, asked us to share our insights, give us the chance to assess our core principles and grow from all we learn about ourselves and from the other great leaders around us.

And so I think, he can do the same for the Ateneo community, the Sanggunian - bring us together, dig from our different backgrounds, utilize our respective abilities and help us learn from ourselves and others.

From what little I know about him, I am confident about 4 things:
- He is passionate about service.
- He has vision.
- He knows how to turn his vision into reality.
- And he gets the job done.

Kuya Omi knows what he wants for Sanggu. He has drafted concrete plans and still, he is willing to listen to those who care enough to speak up, about what they want Sanggu to do for them.

A vote for Omi Castanar is a vote not wasted. A vote for him means a school year not wasted for the Sanggunian. :) So let's all vote for him! :)

To read what he has to say and what he wishes to do, visit http://omi4president.multiply.com.

When I'm ecstatic.

2008-02-16T22:54:00.007+08:00

Because Ray2 was going through old pictures and was observing her hair(haha.), i came across the pictures with AFP Chief of Staff Hermogenes Esperon, back when he was newly assigned and he visited Pisay. Got these from Rob's multiply.

Just see how ecstatic I was. That's me there, behind Ed holding my file case. :) Nakakahiya pala akong mastarstruck. Hahaha.

Drawing the line.

2008-02-11T19:18:00.000+08:00

'You shall not hate your fellow countryman in your heart;
you may surely reprove your neighbor,
but shall not incur sin because of him.'
- Leviticus 19:17

I guess disappointment in other people is a universal feeling. We have all probably experienced being let down by people we trust and love. Some of us hurt by people we barely know.

And like many, I believe this disappointment, the sadness we feel because of the wrong that others have caused whether to us, to others or to themselves comes from a love that we have for these people. Whether we admit it or not, we care. Because if we didn't, none of his/her actions would hurt us.

I admit my disappointment sometimes gets out of line. I sometimes expect too much and instead of care, I harbor the sadness and take it against the person.

God today spoke so clearly about how we should react to these situations. The feeling of disappointment is understandable but incurring sin because of it is not.

6:49am. =)

2008-02-09T15:14:00.000+08:00

Got this from Jin. :)

You're the time of day right around sunrise, when the sky is still a pale bluish gray. The streets are empty, and the grass and leaves are a little bit sparkly with dew. You are the sound of a few chirpy birds outside the window. You are quiet, peaceful, and contemplative. If you move slowly, it's not because you're lazy – it's because you know there's no reason to rush. You move like a relaxed cat, pausing for deep stretches that make your muscles feel alive. You are long sips of tea or coffee (out of a mug that's held with both hands) that slowly warm your insides just as the sun is brightening the sky.

It's time to RAVE for HIM! :D

2008-01-27T19:55:00.000+08:00

Psalm 66: 1-2
Shout joyfully to God, all you on earth;
sing of his glorious name;
give him glorious praise

Because leadership doesn't need grand gestures. :)

2008-01-17T18:04:00.001+08:00

ASLA: Student Leaders Assembly
brings you DARE IT FORWARD,
a campaign for everyday leadership.

We invite you to take part in a month-long campaign
of finding new ways of leading others
in even the most simple of ways.

Because here in ASLA,
we believe leadership doesn't need grand gestures.
We believe it happens everyday.
We believe it can be done by anyone,
even YOU.
Talagang simple lang.

Make a DIF. Be the DIF.
Join ASLA's Dare It Forward!

Seek us out at Kostka Extension
or the Doghouse
and SIGN UP to either
BUY a DARE (sponsor it!)
or randomly PICK a DARE (and do it!)

Make a DIF. Be the DIF!

WOW!

2008-01-17T18:01:00.000+08:00

I don't know if this is an illusion caused by the fact that I'm experiencing the stress right now but I think I've never had as much to do as I have now. When they said the workload in college was different, I never imagined it to be like this.

Why ateneo? :D

2008-01-12T19:41:00.000+08:00

I loved this article and I would like to share these to the people who are deciding which school to go to. Kung ang problema sa pagpili sa Ateneo ay dahil elitista ang mga tao roon at hindi ito “tunay na mundo,” I hope you read this. And if you want a copy of the entire article, I can type it for you or lend you this Guidon issue. Haha. It’s a wonderful article. And even if sobrang ikli pa lang ng stay ko sa Ateneo, I have come to agree with all that he has said kasi nakita ko na ang Ateneo na inilalarawan niya. =)

These are segments of a column that was published in the Guidon. It was entitled “To my colleagues: On the meaning of an Ateneo education” by Agustin Martin G. Rodriguez, Ph.D. who is a associate professor at the Philosophy department of the Ateneo.

And the statements in bold are those which I found most beautiful.

I know that many of the teachers complain that Ateneans lead a very sheltered life in this campus. In an infinite number of ways that is ridiculously true. And some even say that there are majors that reinforce this alienation. I could agree with that. Some even say that our students are not really given the chance to open to these realities with our token gestures of solidarity with the “mga poor ”like immersions or work trials. Perhaps, in the end, the Ateneo is the Ateneo: a separate world from the world of the margins. But what most people don’t understand about the Ateneo, including its own faculty sometimes, is that the Ateneo is not just about the majors or the specific programs. It is about a spirit that pervades among its best people.

And if you take Ateneo education seriously enough, and if you are open to its opportunities enough, it will lead you to that realization and it will lead you to your first opening to the faces that you will have to serve. At its core, Ateneo education is an apprenticeship in the work of being a Filipino for others. This is only a slogan so long as one misses out on the living examples of alumni, scholars, administrators, maintenance and staff who show us the way to realizing the truth of an Ateneo education. Open your eyes to those who serve radically and they will radically educate your heart. And if one is open enough one can see that such people dwell in this school because there is a spirit in this school that cradles them and supports their vocation. It is intangible, but it is a spirit that guides the best of us.

Some people feel that we are an elite school that cultivates an elite rationality. Radioactive Sago’s brilliant third album is entitled “Tang Ina Mo Ang Daming Nagugutom sa Mundo Fashionista Ka Pa Rin.” In one gig, Lord de Vera was plugging their album and he said “Bilhin ninyo ang aming album ‘Tang Ina Mo Ang Daming Nagugutom Sa Mundo Atenista Ka Pa Rin.’” I could understand his sentiments exactly. Just listen to conversations in the smoking garden where people bitch about the heat, their slow laptops and their old school phones and anyone who knows anything about the hardships in our country will easily agree with Lord. But then, if you think abouit it, although many of our graduates are oblivious to the suffering around them and even if the most of them do reinforce structures that exploit the suffering, there is that core of Ateneans touched by the spirit of this school who choose to genuinely build communities founded on justice, to found enterprises that serve true needs, to lawyer for the oppressed, and to doctor for the poor. Many innovations of justice building in our country arise because of their apprenticeships in the magis of our service. We just don’t hear about these things because they don’t find their way into our tarpaulins. But the spirit is there and it is the spirit that defines us more than basketball championships or the number of CEOs we produce. Somehow, because of our formation, Ateneans still tend to be idealistic about service. And so I say “Dahil ang daming nagugutom sa mundo kailangan mong seryosohin ang pagka-Atenista.”

Again, I did not write this. These are segments of a column that was published in the Guidon. It was entitled “To my colleagues: On the meaning of an Ateneo education” by Agustin Martin G. Rodriguez, Ph.D. who is a associate professor at the Philosophy department of the Ateneo. :D

Merry Christmas! ü

2007-12-24T03:30:00.000+08:00

Life is stronger than death. Love is stronger than any evil possible.

-Fr. Ben Nebres, last night of Simbang Gabi at the Gesu

During this season, let us allow ourselves to be filled with the love of God, as we celebrate the birth of the greatest proof of His love for us. Merry Christmas everyone!ü

"but i'm a girl"

2007-12-19T13:05:00.000+08:00

One of my teachers this sem who is absolutely great said this and I love it. :)) :D

I don't want to be inconsistent but I'm a girl so I can change my mind.

//comments. :D

2007-12-19T12:54:00.001+08:00

Learned from Blogger Buzz:

After just two short weeks of testing on Blogger in draft, OpenID commenting is now available for all Blogger blogs. This means that your friends and readers can leave authenticated comments on your blog using their blog URLs from OpenID-enabled services such as WordPress.com, LiveJournal, and AOL Journals, or with their AOL/AIM accounts.

Study

2007-12-18T23:11:00.000+08:00

I saw this on someone's shirt last sem and it screamed and still screams at me, "Clarisse, magaral ka!" Hahaha. :))

The desire to win is important but the desire to prepare is essential.

why?

2007-12-10T19:49:00.000+08:00

Why is it that I end up really drained after EVERY Math long test?

Really, really, really tired right now. My heart rate is so high. I'm afraid I might be one of those people prone to having a heart attack at an early age. Haaay. Kaya I'm writing this senseless blog entry na lang hoping I'd become stable soon. :p

Oh oh oh! Guess what book I'm reading right now. "Filipino Youth in Special High Schools: A survey of Senior Students of Philippine Science High School, Philippine High School for the Arts and O.B. Montessori High School"

Sobrang natuwa ako nung nakita ko sa library. Just felt like sharing. :)

Tuned In

2007-12-08T21:55:00.000+08:00

Tuned In Youth Camp
November 29-December 1
God’s Love Resort, San Mateo, Rizal

It’s amazing how a group of people can go through the same experience and gain a wide variety of realizations from it. Sa sobrang galing ni God, kahit isa lang ang nangyayari, kaya niya tayo kausapin personally.

When ate Noreen asked me to share for talk 1, I was quite apprehensive. I thought to myself, “Anong ishashare ko? Puro stress at pagod lang ang naiisip ko ngayon.” It took me some time before I replied. I heard Mass. Afterwards, I realized “Pag sinabi mo Clarisse na wala kang mashare sa God’s love para mong sinabi na hindi mo pa nararamadaman ang pagmamahal ni God. Ang kapal ng mukha mo para sabihin ‘yun.” I said yes despite the fact that I still had no idea what to share. I then proceeded to write a 1 page paper for 3 hours, celebrating a blockmate’s birthday, and then finding out that I made a mistake in my paper and had to edit it. I arrived at the camp meeting place really tired.

I spoke to ate Noreen and she told me, “You have a whole life journey to share.” Pray-over. Spoke with Kuya Paul and Kuya Kevin. Nothing. And so I sat down and prayed, looking back and trying to remember when I felt God’s love the most. He reminded me of last sembreak. Right in my seat, while listening to Kuya Paul’s talk and remembering that break, tears fell from my eyes.

All throughout the camp, sinabi niya sa akin, Clarisse, imperfect as you are, I love you. No matter how imperfectly you praise me, how at times you forget to listen, how at times you take all the credit for yourself and how you allow your pride to surface, I love you and I will be at your side.

Ang sarap maramdaman nun.

As Ate Mika said during the processing of the camp, sobra na lang kung hindi pa kami maniwala kay God sa lahat ng nangyari. Narealize ko ang tanga tanga ko lang kung hindi ko narinig ang sinasabi sa akin ni God. Mahal niya ako.

And then I recall what was asked during the faci training or worship workshop, what keeps you coming back to YFC? Sagot: God’s love again.

Tama si Jason. Whenever I allow myself to be used by God, I receive much more than I even give.

Ang sarap magsilbi kay God kasi kung tutuusin, hindi ka mababawasan, hindi posibleng mapagod. First and foremost, everything in you is from God. Whatever it is I believe I’m giving is actually from Him. He’s so generous that when you answer His call to be His instrument, He just fills you up even more. As we always hear in YFC, the love He has for us is overflowing.

When you have an eternal source of love like Him, how in the universe could you possibly run out? How could you possibly get tired of doing this?

And that love that God floods us with is also the reason why I feel totally comfortable and at home in YFC.

In YFC, we know we’re imperfect and that we sometimes forget or just neglect the presence of God in our lives. Hindi naman kasi constant yung ganitong high, hindi naman kasi lagi na sigurado akong love ako ni God at aalagaan niya ako, hindi naman laging walang doubt. Pero ‘pag kasama mo yung mga tao na ipapaalala lang sayo through their lives, their friendship and their constant effort to surpass any struggle with their faith na there is a God at na walang hihigit sa mga times na ramdam na ramdam mo lang yung pagmamahal ni God, grabe lang. Like what I shared during the amazing race, kahit alam mo na mahirap, hindi ka mapapagod kasi ang gaan ng pakiramdam when you’re with these people.

It’s not the safest family to be in – not even for our faith. Kasi kung tutuusin, malakas ang oppressions na binabato at YFC’s way. But one thing’s for sure, difficult times are made easier by people who remind you of God’s love.

With that, thank you:

Batchmates, ang saya niyo kasama sobra. I’m looking forward to spending 3+ more years in this org and a lifetime of friendship and shared prayers. Go freshies. :)

Kuyas and ates, thank you! I will say it again. God told me that it was my role at that moment to continue praying. I always have the urge to help out when things go wrong. Plus being the pasaway that I am, I could have ignored God’s message. But I was able to pray during that time because I knew you were there taking care of everything else. I never cease learning from all of you. Thank you too for the support and prayers. It feels great to know there are people beside us and willing to watch our back in this never-ending spiritual journey. You are living witnesses of how God works wonders in people’s lives.

I feel truly blessed to be in the YFC-Ateneo family.

God for bringing me here, for Your love, for choosing me as your instrument despite my shortcomings. Thank you!

La Cucaracha

2007-12-05T08:55:00.000+08:00

I learned this in Spanish class yesterday.

La cucaracha translates to cockroach.

Why in the universe is there a song about cockroaches? :o

I'm sorry. Just had to share how disturbing it was for all of us in class to finally discover what la cucaracha in the famous song meant.

"Fall in love, stay in love."

2007-11-14T22:15:00.000+08:00

"Nothing is more practical than finding God, that is, than falling in a love in a quite absolute, final way. What you are in love with, what seizes your imagination will affect everything. It will decide what will get you out of bed in the mornings, what you will do with your evenings, how you spend your weekends, what you read, who you know, what breaks your heart, and what amazes you with joy and gratitude. Fall in love, stay in love, and it will decide everything."

Fr. Pedro Arrupe, SJ
14 November 1907-2007 -> Celebrating the Centenary of His Birth
25th Superior General of the Society of Jesus

SCA Kyut Kamp. :D

2007-11-14T21:52:00.000+08:00

11.09.2007 - 11.11.2007
PSHS MPG.
Pictures in my multiply.

So many things I can say about the event. Great way to end the sembreak. I was sooo blessed. I miss all of you. It was a wonderful feeling being reunited with the family.

SCA Core. SCA '08 (ates and kuyas). SCA '09 old people. Iya, Rap, Gabby, Krizelle, Jaja, Tone, Angel, Lissan, JB, Leah, Jay, Ian, Josh, Apollo, Kevin, Jio. Great, great job. Thank you so much for having us. Thank you for continuing to serve and take care of SCA. Your love for God and passion to share that with others is overwhelming. It was great seeing you guys again. Unexplainable joy ang nafeel ng heart ko seeing you all. :) I love the carolling. Ang galing galing lang na game kayo lahat at sobrang hindi nauubusan ng energy. :D

Fr. Mon, Ma'am Caps, Ate Tin, Ma'am Aimee, Ma'am Rachel, Ma'am Osit, Sir Taf and Sir new teacher. Thank you rin po. :D Thank you for being the people who inspired out batch and are continuing to inspire other batches with your faith, love, concern and patience for all of us.

'11. Though none of you will probably see this, welcome to the SCA family! May you experience God's love through this family and share it with the rest of the Pisay community. I'm excited for all of you. Sobrang ngayon pa lang kita na ang inyong enthusiasm. :)

SCA '07 core. Ben, Cecile, Dane, Fatima, Greggy, Ivy, Jason, Karizz, Lester, Nico, Ray2, Rob, Tin. I missed all of you. Thank you for being there. Thank you for the fun obstacle courses, card games, oc arrangement of food, oc meals and last bites. Thank you for the company. I feel really happy and secure when I'm with all of you. Thank you for the conversations. I never cease learning from you. I love you all. <3 style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0); font-weight: bold;">Buong SCA '07. We should have a reunion camp or something. :D Para makapagkamustahan. :)

God, thank you for gracing the camp. Thank you for being there with us. All the love that I felt was from you. I know too that the overwhelming joy I feel when I am with these people is because of Your love that's in the center of it all. Thank you! :D We love you. <3

all over again. :)

2007-11-08T08:07:00.000+08:00

I've said "If only I had the chance to do it all over again, I'd probably do much better" quite a number of times in my life.

Of course, I usually don't have the chance to do things all over again. I feel pretty funny now that I have the opportunity. It's like God saying, "There you are. Now you really have to do better. :D" :))

SOSS? I'd probably be there if I weren't in SOSE. But I love SOSE! <3 Haha.

2007-11-07T09:30:00.001+08:00

What Ateneo de Manila University "school" fits you best?
created with QuizFarm.com

You scored as School of Social Sciences

you are fit for SOSS. you love tie dyes and cobwebbs. you wear the horn glasses or strappy earings./ you want to change the world. you believe in man. you love to connect and interact, you are special yet you don't cut yourself out from the masses. your a patriot.

School of Social Sciences

57%

School of Science and Engineering

43%

School of Management

36%

School of Humanities

29%

Hmmm. Interesting. Though I don't agree with the tie dye, cobwebbs, glasses and earings, I agree with everything else. *wonders what the description of SOSE majors is* As I said in the title, I could have been in SOSS taking up Eco, MEco, Philo or PolSci. But I love CS and the people in SOSE! <3>

Yum!

2007-11-04T14:44:00.000+08:00

I just have to say everyone must taste the Banoffee Pie of Banapple.

It's really good. It has thick caramel something. I'm sorry I don't know how to describe food. It's only P65/slice and P480/whole. You'll really fall in love with it. I promise.

Banapple is at 225 Katipunan Avenue, Blue Ridge, QC.

Oh, and before you leave, make sure to buy a Banana-Apple Sweet Bread @ P110/loaf to bring home. Every time my mom buys one, it gets consumed in less than a day. Those are the only two products I've tasted from that place and I'm already in love. Friends, let's go to Banapple, please! :D

Source: ClickTheCity.com

Entrusted to Serve. Entrusted to Lead. :D

2007-10-31T13:40:00.000+08:00

*Thank you Don for the picture.

So I was blessed to have had the opportunity to be part of ASLA Batch 6. Since the filing of application, every step has been a wild ride for me.

When I attend events that truly overwhelm me, I either write extremely long blog entries about them or extremely brief ones. I'm choosing the latter this time.

The Ateneo Student Leaders Assembly gave me a chance to learn more about my leadership. It allowed me to meet a bunch of inspiring people who really want to make a difference in this world through service. I treasure meeting people like that. I've met quite a number in '07, Pisay and YFC. Only here in ASLA, everyone had the chance to talk and the chance to assess ourselves, our communities, our commitment, our reason and our leadership with one another. It was awesome.

I've expressed my thank you's in my multiply. I love you, all. :D

Praise God! He is the reason why I have become me and He gave me this opportunity. :D

Subic training.

2007-10-20T23:21:00.000+08:00

I was supposed to write a super long and dramatic entry about the Subic training but I loved Ate Meki's blog entry about it so hindi na lang. :))

Instead of surfing, eating and sleeping all day to enjoy the sembreak, 22 students, 4 trainers and 2 DISCS staff decided to go to Subic to program.

We were in Subic for 4 days from Monday noon to Thursday afternoon. Our sched went like this. Breakfast. 5-hour morning contest. Lunch. Discussion. 5-hour afternoon/evening contest. dinner. discussion. sleep. get words of wisdom from our coaches and eat lots of junk food in between.

It was very tiring. There were so many things I didn't understand. I got headaches. And the closest thing we got to a Subic vacation was the walk we had during the second day.

But now, I miss Subic. I loved the place. The house had a centralized airconditioning system. The girls had a large room. The people were amazing. I learned there is SO MUCH more I have to learn so that I could program well. It was a dream come true for me - being with great schoolmates and being taught by some of the best programmers in the country.

As Ate Meki's blog entry enumerated everyone:

Thank you Jason, Ivan, Kuya Jay, Kuya Wil, Jim, Kuya Byron, Kuya Richard, Ate Liza, Kuya Liban, Ate Meki, Kuya Alvin, Kuya Jam, Kuya David, Kuya Pong, Miggy, Janssen, Chester, Ate Danna, Kuya Thomas, Kuya Jejo, Ate Wimbie.

I had lots of fun. Akala ko maoop kami kasi freshies kami pero sobrang everyone was really nice. It was a great experience for me to have been in the midst of really great programmers. Sobrang I was inspired to do well in my studies and in practicing programming. I enjoyed the nerdy jokes, the morning exercise and eating junk food like crazy with all of you. :)

Thank you to our trainers. Doc Mana, Doc V, Sir Akie, Sir Eric. I was overwhelmed by the discussions. Haha. But I feel so blessed to have had been trained and taught by the best. Sobrang generous niyo po lahat for sharing your time and super programming knowledge and talents with us. And thank you for your jokes and words of wisdom. :))
//Doc Mana, thank you for organizing everything, being patient with us and for the loads of laughter. :)
//Sir Akie, thank you so much for the advice. We were already getting discouraged until you told us about your ACM training experiences. Thank you po.

Thank you to as ate Meki put it, "DISCS ladies." Haha. Thank you for taking care of us. :D

Though you weren't there with us, Ma'am Rodrigo, thank you for the support and constant encouragement. We are all blessed to have a super nice and loving professor and DISCS chair. We love you, ma'am.

God, thank you! :D Sobrang dami mong blessings na binibigay. :D

In other news.

2007-10-13T13:14:00.000+08:00

I just realized that there are more news about the eagles here than about me so I'm redirecting the focus. Actually, this is also because there's very little Eagles news left to tell after the season ended. Hahaha.

- I decided to stay home and program or at least push myself to program instead of going to the Bantay Bata UAAP-NCAA All Star Game today. Yes. I'm surprised by myself. Even if I'll end up watching here at home, I still missed out on the chance to watch live because I'd rather stay home and try to multitask than be at the Arena and dedicate the entire 4 hours for the festivities.

- I'm officialy on sembreak. I'm just one paper away from completing all my 1st sem requirements.

- I am going to miss my teachers. I was blessed enough to have some of the best teachers I could ever have for the subjects I took up this sem. Kaya for sure, mamimiss ko sila ng sobra.

- A ako sa PE. Yay! :)) Sa mga hindi nakakaalam, Physical Fitness for Women ang PE ko. In other words, weight training. So yes kahit hindi kasama sa computation ng QPI(sana nga kasama na lang e. haha) ang PE, I'm proud to get an A. :D

- Hindi masyado kagandahan ang aking Random number but I still hope I get a PE class that I like.

- I won't be able to go online as often for the next two weeks because as I said before, this sem break is very promising. I'm soo excited. Wala lang. I just wanted to share. lol. :p

Uhmm. I think that's all. Ray2 and Fatima, kailan na? Greggy, finish planning na, please! :D

Block N, I'll miss all of you. Ang drama ng pagbye namin last Thursday. Lol. Parang ang tagal hindi magkikita. Haha.

Enjoy the sembreak everyone! :D

This explains why Chris Tiu was in the Pacquiao match.

2007-10-08T13:23:00.000+08:00

Ok. I'm procrastinating again. But this is something I really have to share. I reached this random blog who apparently got this from ate meki (2-bs cs). naamaze lang ako. haha.

apparently, when my dad and mom told me they saw chris tiu's name as sk chairman somewhere (di ko maalala where e. hehe.), it was really him. And now I know why he was in the Pacquiao-Barrera match. GMA is so lucky.

CHRIS TIU IS NOW A KAPUSO!
By Noel Ferrer

Christopher John Alandy-Dy Tiu or Chris Tiu, 23 years old, captain ball and star player of the Ateneo Blue Eagles, a Management Engineering major, an honor student, a budding entrepreneur, SK chairman and occasional model will finally set foot on television for a pioneering primetime television show under the Kapuso Network!

But before anchoring his show whom he topbills with sports icon Manny Pacquiao, he is set to fly to Las Vegas to watch the Pacquiao-Barrera match which will be aired over GMA-7 this Sunday. This is quite an opportunity for this young achiever who has been presented with a lot of program concepts — and who has finally found something that would fit his multi-tasks as student, basketball player, SK chairman and young businessman. While the UE Warriors are up against the La Salle Archers in the UAAP basketball championship, the country stops for the Pacquiao-Barrera fight with an Atenean sportsperson in the front row — Chris Tiu — soon to be conquering a new arena — media! Good luck Chris!

i SPEAK:

GMA Executive Annette Gozon-Abrogar and I are about the happiest people with Chris’s entry in media. As a fellow Management Engineering major like Chris, Annette sees Chris Tiu’s excellence in his fields of endeavor as a good inspiration to the youth and to parents who would want their children to be like Chris.

His media stint is a perfect way to affect more people positively. In an interview with Chris in a magazine, he mentioned a very admirable guiding principle. Chris said, "Success should not be seen as an end, but as a means. The more you’ve achieved, the bigger your responsibility to share it to others. For example, if you are a successful businessman, you should use this opportunity to help other people, by being a just boss who pays fair wages and gives benefits. Use your achievements to help other people, so that they in turn could use what they’ve accomplished in the service of more."

Congratulations La Salle.

2007-10-07T20:00:00.000+08:00

Congratulations

De La Salle University Green Archers
UAAP Season 70 Senior Men's Basketball Champions

Jayvee Casio
and
Cholo Villanueva
Season 70 Finals MVPs

Jayvee Casio

and

Rico Maierhofer

UAAP Season 70 Senior Men's Basketball Mythical 5 Members

Franz Pumaren's great coaching skills have not yet died. Aside from those 3 players with awards, team captain TY Tang did a great job as well. He was a good leader and he soo helped the team beat UE during the first game and Ateneo during their last game. Jayvee Casio is now officialy Finals boy. He's at his very best when it truly, truly matters, the Finals. Haha. Congratulations!

La Salle knew how to stop their opponents, at the most crucial times. Despite the fact that they're Ateneo's rivals, I know that they totally deserve the win because of their intelligence on the hardcourt and hardwork. UE and Ateneo didn't make it easy for them to get to where they are but they got there so congratulations! As a former Archers supporter, I am genuinely happy for them. :D Just don't expect ADMU and UE to make it easy for them to defend the crown next season. :p

Congratulations ADMU.

2007-10-07T19:28:00.001+08:00

Run-down of the Ateneo Basketball Awardees of UAAP Season 70:

Ateneo De Manila University Blue Eagles
Season 70 Senior Men's Basketball Second Runner-up

Christopher John Alandy-Dy Tiu

of the Ateneo Blue Eagles
Season 70 Senior Men's Basketball Mythical 5 Member

As I've never tired of saying in this blog, Congratulations Blue Eagles. You make us extremely proud! Our team captain definitely deserves to be awarded for all he has done for our team. I'm glad he got the recognition. Since according to Desa he was watching the Pacquia-Barrera match in the US(haha), he sent his brother Charles to receive the award for him. Todo smile si Charles kanina. Haha.

Ateneo de Manila University Lady Eagles
UAAP Season 70 Women's Basketball Champion

Cassy Tioseco
of the Ateneo Lady Eagles
UAAP Season 70 Women's Basketball
Mythical 5 Member
and
Most Valuable Player

This season, I watched only the 2nd game of the finals where they took the crown for the 2nd time in 3 years. I've watched them in their finals appearances in the previous years and they are just amazing. Cassy Tioseco has been someone I remembered ever since. And now that I'm in Ateneo, I'm extra glad that Cassy is once again MVP and that the Lady Eagles are Champions. Congratulations! Oh! And congratulations to our INTACT classmate, Sarah Mercado of the Lady Eagles too. It was our honor to have had you as our classmate.

Ateneo De Manila High School Blue Eaglets
UAAP Season 70 Juniors' Basketball 1st Runner-up

Jaumi Tiongson
and
Jayvee Dumrique
of the Ateneo Blue Eaglets
UAAP Season 70 Juniors' Basketball Mythical 5 Members

The first time I watched a Juniors game was during the televised 2nd game of the finals. I noticed a Dumrique who looked like my English blockmate, turns out Jayvee is his brother. I can't believe I have an English blockmate who has a brother in one of the Ateneo basketball teams and I didn't know. It's so uncharacteristic of my tsismosa self when it comes to UAAP matters. Haha. :)). Anyway, they were really, really good. I only watched one game and though they loss during overtime, I saw how great the Ateneo Juniors team is. I'm seriously excited if that's how the future of Blue Eagles basketball would look like.

Animo Ateneo!!! The future looks good and bright in blue and white. :)

Lit entry. CS project.

2007-10-06T19:57:00.000+08:00

That entry before this (My non-fiction take on fiction) was for our group's pakulo for our Lit major paper. Haha. But since it's already here and fatima commented on it, might as well keep it. Haha.

Fatima, i'll lend you pa our reader. Sobrang ganda talaga. =)

Almost the entire block has had similar ym stat messages since last night. We so want to finish this CS project already. I really enjoy programming but when it comes to stuff where I have to apply a little bit of creativity, I get confused about what I really want to do. God bless Block N!:D This is just the start. :)) Kaya natin 'to.

My non-fiction take on fiction. :p

2007-10-06T15:54:00.000+08:00

I have loved reading since I was a kid. I was almost always in the Best Borrower’s list in elementary. But as I got busier in school, I had less time to enjoy fiction. Whenever I had time to read novels, I enjoyed it. But something was lacking. I felt like I never really got anything new. I’ve read so many books. Even if the events were new, the style and the way in which I could absorb the lessons were more or less, the same.

But Lit 13 class totally changed that. I was exposed to stories I’ve never read before. And since the sem is about to end, I guess it’s time I actually wrote something in my blog about what has been happening in my academic life.

Lit 13 came as a pleasant surprise. I knew from the first meeting that I would be challenged. But I knew from that first day that there was never going to be a dull moment in this subject.

We started by discussing the History of Story. Though many people think story is dead and nothing else could be done with it, this isn’t true. How could story be dead when humans have the natural tendency to share? I could totally relate. I go to school in the morning to talk about the new things I’ve learned about the Blue Eagles and Chris Tiu. I come home and tell my family about my day. I, then go to my computer and blog about the things that would take too long to tell each of my high school friends about and my joys or disappointments after a UAAP game. After that, I go and watch television to see the wide variety of TV series that I could watch. I didn’t need much convincing that the story was not dead.

But is written fiction not dead? Could I still read something and be totally surprised? Could I read a book and not correctly guess what was going to happen next?

All the stories in Lit class answered me with a resounding “yes.” A dog crying. A lady ready to die but finds love at the end. A kid dying while playing hide-and-seek. A spooky retelling of Little Red Riding Hood. A family full of incestuous affairs. A lady buying more than 60 pots for girls to use when they have to go. Indeed, there were a lot of things that could still surprise me.

There were also those stories that didn’t make sense. A man wanting to gather a bouquet of blue eyes for his girlfriend. Going through all the memories of a man before he died. But then Lit class taught me that there’s always something deeper in every story. Though I knew this before, I never had to go that deep with the stories I read or maybe I just never chose to. Now, I learned that every event and every detail means a great deal because they wouldn’t be in the story if they meant nothing.

Fiction is truly an art form. It will never run out of possibilities just as there is no end to the possibilities in our life. Fiction shows us that we don’t have only two roads to choose from, there is an infinity of choices. Fiction shows that there are a lot of details in our life that can be closely read so that we could find meaning in it. My questions about whether I could still enjoy reading was answered.

And now, there are only two questions about fiction left unanswered. (1)Do the authors really aim to give a “meaning” when they write or do we just aim to find a meaning? J (2)Will I ever be able to write fiction? J I am only probably a few inspiring short stories and novels from finding out.

Ateneo doughnuts.

2007-10-03T22:38:00.000+08:00

I just found a gazillion other Ateneans who wrote dramatic entries about this season. Haha. But it shouldn't surprise me nga because I've heard a lot of dramatic comments around campus. :)) One thing's common. We thought it was an amazing season. Hats off to the Blue Eagles.

But this entry is about the Krispy Kreme Ateneo Doughnuts. Actually, I just wanted to share the pictures. They're good. And they look so cute too. Buy Ateneo doughnuts!!! haha. :))

//Thanks to tin for the picture. And to alyssa for the doughnuts. :D

Before I let go.

2007-10-01T18:34:00.000+08:00

Before I let go, I have to write about it.

I tried to totally let go yesterday. But coming to school today, I knew no one was going to make me forget. Lol.

The loss to La Salle yesterday ended our season.

La Salle unarguably played well. They guarded Chris Tiu, Ford Arao and almost absolutely everyone every second of the game. I was once a La Salle fan and their press was something I truly admired about their game. Being on the other side this time, I appreciate it even more because I know how much it hurts to watch your team struggle to break that press.

I know that it's basketball and that La Salle defense cannot be used to justify the way the Eagles played yesterday. It wasn't one of their best days and it was very evident.

I am a fan who has so much faith in the team and so much more importantly, in God. We were in 5th place at a certain point but I knew it wasn't impossible for us to improve our standing this season. I had faith they could get to the finals and eventually win.

Since I first watched live as our team lost to La Salle, I realized how much heart our team had. As I've mentioned in my previous entry, whenever I read the Blue Eagles Bulletin by Rick Olivares and watched the videos that came with them, I grew even more in love with the Ateneo Blue Eagles.

Imagine knowing both an Araneta Colliseum usher and UST Coach Pido Jarencio honor the team for their heart. Knowing that the "pusong Atenista" was proven by our players in the way they lifted themselves from 5th place and from losing a twice to beat advantage to winning against La Salle thrice in 5 very exciting games in one season and to being just 5 points away from entering the Finals, I know I have a lot of reasons to smile and be happy.

And if I cry, it's because I know the team would have wanted to move on and it's because we lost an opportunity. But I know in my heart that the team fought well until the very end, and that's all that matters. Quoting Rick Oliveros once again: "But they went down fighting and sometimes that’s all you can ever ask. "

It may seem illogical to put so much of your school pride on the line whenever your team plays on the court. A school may seem shallow for being united by mere "guys wearing baggy shorts shooting hoops." It may seem stupid to feel so connected to a group of people whom you've never even talked to and probably never will. But now I understand. Imagine a common desire, a common passion, a common joy, a common hurt and a common prayer shared by a community of around 10,000 people. It's almost impossible not to be drawn into that much energy. You just feel the school spirit. You can smell it in the air during the UAAP season. And it's not only because you see almost everyone wearing blue during game days even if not everyone is going to watch live.

At the start of the school year, there were still some doubts as to whether I was going to be happy in the Ateneo. There were some doubts as to whether this was the school I wanted to be associated with and to attach to my name forever. As shallow as those statements above as I may seem, the UAAP was a part of how I now know for sure I'd rather be in no other school.

Contrary to what I planned to do, I'm not letting go. I'm holding on to this mixed feeling of joy and disappointment. Because this helped me know with so much finality that I will never grow tired of saying "Ang sarap maging Atenista," singing "Mary for you, for your white and blue. We pray you keep us Mary constantly true," and shouting "Win or lose, it's the school we choose."

I love being an Atenean! :D And now, I shall go study so that I could remain an Atenean. lol. :))

Read up.

2007-10-01T17:36:00.000+08:00

Going over the Blue Eagle Bulletins by Rick Olivares, I have grown to love the team more as I read to see what happens when the players are not on the court and to hear what I don't hear the players say on the court when I watch live or on TV. I have quoted an excerpt of his article regarding our first loss to La Salle this season.

Here are some of the other excerpts that I loved as well. Read them and tell me why I shouldn't be proud to be Atenean. Much better than that, stop reading this blog entry, read the full bulletins and watch the videos that come with them:

From Blue Eagles Bulletin #16: Live and let die (Step-ladder game against UST):

...Ateneo coach Norman Black before the game. “No doubt it was doubly disappointing because we didn’t get the job done also against La Salle. Now it’s a long, hard road, but I figure we have a lot of fight left in us. We’d like nothing more than another crack at moving on.”

As the Blue Eagles retreated to their locker room to change into their game uniforms, one of the Araneta Coliseum ushers had this to say, “Mas magaling yung players ng UST, pero sa puso, [mas magaling ang] Ateneo talaga (UST’s players are good, but when it comes to playing with passion, Ateneo’s players are better).”

Eric Salamat: “We’re sorry we lost the second seed, but we’ve got another chance. We’re going to give that one big fight. Now it’s La Salle.”

And ever the classy coach, Jarencio, paid tribute to Ateneo after the game. “Never i-underestimate ang pusong Atenista (Never underestimate the heart of an Atenean).”

From Blue Eagles Bulletin #17: Cliffhanger (Sept.27 game against DLSU):

Before the start of the game in the Upper A section of the coliseum’s southside, a group in blue and white held up high a sign that drew much derision and catcalls from their opposites in green who were just an arm’s length away.
“We beat you twice and we’ll do it again.”
We’re about to find out. Here we go again and I’ll see you on Sunday.

From Final Blue Eagles Bulletin: Remember the Titans:

There was some hope in the air when Baclao hit a bail out trey to cut down the lead 62-60, but the gallant Blue Eagles who refused to go away, who were frustrated time and again by spotty officiating, and who were tired from a grueling uphill climb dating back to the rubber match to determine the second seed, simply exhausted its endgame magic.
The season where we overachieved and dared to dream was over 65-60 to La Salle.

As the team faced the blue gallery for the singing of the alma mater hymn for the last time in this UAAP basketball season, I felt the tears burn my eyes. I held them back last year as the last person left in an abandoned Araneta Coliseum refusing to go home with the lights almost out. Last night I let a couple trail down. It isn’t even losing to La Salle. I think I’m beyond that. It’s the manner in which they lost -- robbed of an opportunity to play on even terms. But they went down fighting and sometimes that’s all you can ever ask.
If you look at my pre-season preview of the team, I thought well our chances and penciled them for a final four berth. I liked them then and I sure like them now.

So if you come across a fellow Atenean who is grieving like you and me, tell him or her, chin up because there’s good reason to believe.
Animo Ateneo!

Priceless win. 65-64.

2007-09-27T18:59:00.000+08:00

We were at the Araneta a while ago. Once upon a time, I blogged about stats, my humble analysis, and the analysis of the other sports experts around. But now, there are only two facts that matter to me. (1) Ateneo-La Salle standing for Season 70: 3-1. :D (2) We still have a chance to win the finals! :D

There were 4 extremely high points in the game for the crowd. (1) When Ateneo was tied with La Salle. (2) When Chris Tiu made his 1st and last 3 point shot. (3)When Chris Tiu made the winning shot. (4) When we won!!!

And the reason why the stats don't matter so much to me anymore is because this is a game won by heart. We receive various text, news and opinion about game fixing, profit, etc. But for people like me, the people who truly enjoy and love the game, and for people like our Ateneo Blue Eagles, the game has greater value. Because truly, the joy I felt, our entire block felt, the Ateneo Araneta crowd felt, the Ateneo community and faithfuls felt is beyond priceless.

OAA, thanks for the free ticket. Block N, thanks for the great company!!! :D Pictures in my multiply.

Oh. And Happy 18th birthday Alyssa!!! Thank you for the Krispy Kreme donuts especially the Ateneo donuts. :D

Come to think of it.

2007-09-25T21:07:00.000+08:00

Last Sunday's gospel can be read to give various lessons. But there's one that our priest pointed out which I've never read before.

He concentrates on:

“For the children of this world are more prudent in dealing with their own generation than are the children of light." (Luke 16:8)

The priest explains it wonderfully. Masmaparaan pa ang mga masasama kaysa sa mga mabubuti. People can be so intelligently cunning when they want to do something wrong. But when it comes to doing good, less effort and thinking are exerted.

If only the good choose to use their minds and abilities to the fullest as much as those who do evil, instead of just accepting the situation of society, then maybe, cliche as it may be, there is a better world in store for us.

Thank you again.

2007-09-25T21:04:00.000+08:00

This sembreak promises to be a very interesting and fun-filled one. Thank you Lord for the opportunities. You truly can never be outdone in generosity.

Friends, please pray for my Math nga pala. It's the only thing that's not making me wish the sem would go by quick enough.

Inefficiency.

2007-09-19T21:01:00.000+08:00

Today, a friend told me a story of lack of effective communication about an event, which shows some inefficiency in the way the group runs things. I'm not one to quickly pass judgement but it's quite disappointing considering that I hold this group in high regard.

It's even sadder because this friend had to let go of an opportunity, which could have been held on to if not for the faulty communication.

In Pisay, I was given the opportunity to become a leader. I set meetings and events. I decided the place and the time, all of which I could choose to set depending on what would be best for me. I understand that the leaders can do these but what are irritating, I realized, are meetings cancelled too late, people who have agreed to attend not arriving and meetings that waste people's time.

I now truly understand that once you release news, you have to try your best to push through with what you have announced. Actual people's lives revolve on what people in power have set before them.

Once again.

2007-09-19T20:43:00.000+08:00

I know. I've been talking about the Eagles in my last 3 entries including this. I can't help it. I'm a fan girl. I was a mega supporter of the Green Archers before and I wasn't even a La Sallian. What do you expect now that I'm an Atenean? :p

Here's another thing I learned that makes me even prouder to be Atenean despite the loss yesterday:

"While the victors sang their hymn, team captain Chris Tiu pulled Yuri Escueta, Jai Reyes, and Eric Salamat in a short huddle. “Let’s put this loss quickly behind us because it’s not yet over,” yelled Tiu his voice cracking with emotion. “Let’s prepare for UST.”

They were right in front of me and I could see Reyes battling back the tears. Escueta’s expression showed that he was already calculating the odds of such a Herculean task, but he nodded intently. Salamat let out a howl of disgust but was quick to cast his lot in, “Laban tayo, laban pa! Hindi pa tapos (Let’s fight, fight on! It’s not yet over)!” "

Read the whole article by Rick Olivares from the Ateneo official site.

Masarap pa rin maging Atenista. :D

2007-09-18T18:35:00.000+08:00

Contrary to yesterday's post, I was able to watch live!!! :D Thank you for the tickets, MELISSA!!! I cannot express how thankful and happy I am. Thank you!!! :D Thank you Mel! :D Next time, dapat kasama ka na talaga. Thank you Tin and Regine for the company! :) Thank you Joriel and Mea(kahit hindi kita kilala. :D) for running to get the tickets!

First, I want to say... The guys who had the chance to hold the ball (Jai Reyes and Eric Salamat. (Tama ba?)) during the last play should have attempted a 3. I even heard the La Sallians outside commenting on this. Pati ata sila naghihinayang. :)) Why pass it to Zion with a second remaining when he's inside and couldn't possibly make a 3 from there? I wouldn't have mind a 3 point La Salle victory if there were at least an attempt. I don't think all those 3 point shooters (Jai, Eric and Eman(Haha. Again, tama ba?)) were placed inside the game so that they could find Chris Tiu and pass him the ball. Maybe they were there because they had the authority to shoot from the outside. You think?

There was a great amount of teasing. Haha. Here were some of the "banats:"
DLSU: Beat Ateneo! Animo La Salle!
ADMU: Animo Al Salle!
ADMU: Suspended!
DLSU: NU! NU! NU! (Just my comment. Well, buti pa NU, natalo kami nung eliminations. :p)
DLSU: (One of their banners read "Thank you NU!")
DLSU: (Their half-time presentation. :p)
ADMU: Wrong spelling! (This used to refer to the "DLSU. Animo La Salle" cheer. Now it has more meaning because of their Cheering presentation last Sunday. hehe.)
DLSU: (banner again) Not this time!
DLSU: (banner again. Something like "Bawal Tiumamba ngayon" basta something that contains the word tiumamba.)
There are more from DLSU either because I was obviously in the Ateneo side so I couldn't see our banners na pangasar or those from DLSU just have so much to be angry about and love teasing.

But despite that, I enjoyed the game. Since this is the 1st UAAP game I watched live, I realized a game is much more appreciated in the colliseum than on TV. This is also the reason why a loss witnessed live is much more easier to bear. I'm speaking for myself here. The team played well for 40 basketball minutes. Watching it on tv, I knew each shot and second was important. Live, every second felt important and was exciting. How could you feel angry at a team or feel extreme depression when you see your team has given their all for their school?

While walking to the jeepney terminal and passing through the groups of La Sallians there, I felt like I had to walk with head up high. Haha.

Congratulations La Salle! I'm still happy because we have a great team captain (Chris Tiu quickly approached the La Sallians to congratulate them.), a great team (the Eagles are the best!!! They are sooo hardworking!), a great crowd (we had great spirit and we clapped for their victory) and a great school. Watching live has made me love the Ateneo Blue Eagles more than I already have. Win or lose, it's the school we choose. I say that with so much pride right now. Talagang masarap maging Atenista!!! :D

Sold Out.

2007-09-17T16:29:00.000+08:00

Since we're dismissed early on Mondays, the girls of our block decided to go to Araneta to try and buy tickets for tomorrow's Ateneo-La Salle game. They were going to sell some in school but we didn't want to line up as early as 2 pm to buy tickets at 4 pm. To our dismay, there were 0 tickets left and the only chance we had was to either go back to Ateneo to line up and get GenAd tickets or go to Araneta tom and buy GenAd tickets right before the game.

And so, as I have resigned to doing the past 2 Ateneo-La Salle games, I'm going to watch at home and disturb the neighbors with my high shriek when Chris Tiu makes the game-winning shot.

I so hope and pray we win again tomorrow.

Thank you

2007-09-15T09:40:00.000+08:00

I got into ASLA Batch 6!

Thank you Lord! This is another wonderful blessing. Pahiya na naman ako when I tried to give up when a challenge came along.

Thank you parents, Sir Ed, Jason, Rob and Ivan for the support. :D Thank you God for these people.

Congrats to Rob, Ivan, Kuya Ed, Kuya Jaron and Ate Noreen! :D

I'm so excited. :)

Diversity

2007-09-13T15:27:00.000+08:00

Gabriella Montez: Do you remember in kindergarten,how you'd meet a kid, and know nothing about them, then 10 seconds later you'd be playing like you were best friends, because you didn't have to be anyone but yourself?

Too bad we can't be kids forever.

I guess one of the most difficult things we have to deal with as we grow older is the fact that there are different personalities and a wide range of experiences, values, ideals and attitudes that we won't understand. Most of these new personalities, you'll understand. But the challenge is to keep your ground (Be yourself if being yourself is a good thing. Otherwise, it's just being stubborn.) but still know how to constructively and harmoniously correlate with the person (or persons if you're situation's that sad) you just can't fathom at all.

Diversity and change are sure in this world. You have to learn to live with it or you'll be drained trying to fight it.

It's difficult but rewarding. Jesus said kasi yesterday, "If you love only the people who love you, why should you receive a blessing? Even sinners do that. ... No! Love your enemies and do good to them; lend and expect nothing back. You will then have a great reward, and you will be sons of the Most High God."

Oh. Most importantly, pray that that person or those people don't make it any more difficult than it already is. :D

Alumni Homecoming 2007

2007-09-02T13:33:00.001+08:00

Attended the Alumni Homecoming last Saturday.

I loved being there. Mostly, we just sat down but I really enjoyed doing that. It felt great to just be there surrounded by the people I feel so at home with. In high school, we didn't stand up, say hi and take pictures with everyone. Just knowing that these people were around us made us feel safe and comforable. That's why this was one of the rare moments when I loved just sitting down and saying nothing.

Like Ray2, seeing the Journ people and talking about the paper made me miss Journ too. :(
Actually, I miss '07, our teachers and everyone else. :(

Before reaching Pisay, I felt a certain nervousness. During the invocation, I felt a chill. In the grandstand, I felt nostalgia. And on my way home, I once again remembered that we will never share the same moments we used to while we were in Pisay. But I'm more than greatful I had the chance to experience Pisay with them. Hopefully, though not the same moments, the taking part in each other's lives hasn't ended.

Sorry. Senti.

My Patronus

2007-08-27T20:45:00.000+08:00

Take this quiz!

Since the picture isn't so large:
Your patronus would take the form of a unicorn. Unicorns are fierce, solitary but magnificent and selfless. They are quite brave and always mysteriously beautiful. Unicorns are symbols of unconquerable pride and purity. They are impossible to tame and are very rare. The horn is said to protect against poisons, Unicorns signify chivalry and dignity.

It might be great to someday be as definite about myself as these quizzes seem to be. haha. :)

Limits

2007-08-23T21:40:00.000+08:00

I have decided to limit my commitments in the Ateneo. There were so many other things I had to forego because I knew I couldn't possibly remain sane in college with a schedule like that which I had during my last 2 years in Pisay.

But now I'm not sure if the limits I set were enough.

3 of my 4 orgs have activities tomorrow right after I receive my advisory marks. I feel tired already just thinking of the situation. :(

Long overdue greeting

2007-08-21T22:33:00.000+08:00

Congratulations!!!

Daniel Go
Tin Pascual
Eric Sy
1st Place Freshmen Math Intersection Challenge Category B

Mike Ybanez
Edgar Toledo
Vyen Villanueva
3rd Place Freshmen Math Intersection Challenge Category B

I wish I could have watched but I had to go home. Oh well.

Congratulations, guys. Block N and Math18 Section B are the best!!! :D Having 4 of the most intelligent Math people (uy. haha) in our block is great news for me. Patulong :) Just goes to prove that the best are in Computer courses. :p Congratulations again!!!

productive long break

2007-08-21T09:01:00.000+08:00

It' isn't really that productive but since my usual weekends are spent sleeping, eating and watching TV, I guess I can call it that.

I was able to:
- Finish CS Project!!!
- Watch Transformers (oo. ngayon ko lang napanood. :p), Evan Almighty, Road to High School Musical 2 and High School Musical 2
- Read some magazines
- Read almost the entire student handbook (I didn't read the part where all the Republic Acts were. :>)
- Rewrite my Math notes
- Go to the mall (where I saw Warner, Luigi, Justin and Jayvee, saw Rojani and Roxanne, and was really masungit because my sister was taking too long to buy stuff)
- Study for CS Midterms
- Have a family dinner with all my relatives from my dad's side
- Watch lots of TV
- And have lots of sleep

6-day long breaks may give us so much time to be lazy. But thing is I had time to both slack off and do important things. While most people say it was useless, I think it's a break we deserve to have once in a while. After all, that once in a while meant having to wait around probably 18 years of my life for this super long break within an academic year.

There. This is so fun. It's a totally useless entry. But I learned something from it. I have to start reading again so that I can write about significant topics. haha.

Congratulations!

2007-08-15T07:47:00.000+08:00

Congratulations Rob and Ianna. :D

I'm so happy for the two of you. You deserve the win. God bless you both in all your endeavors for SOSE! :D Congrats talaga!! I'm really excited for you. haha. Halata ba? :))

SOSE!!! We just proved we're a bunch of really intelligent and wise students and voters. This victory is not only Rob's or Ianna's or Ignacio's. It's a victory for the entire School of Science and Engineering. We deserve to have the best leaders and we did get them. So congrats to all of us too!!! =D