Merry Christmas!

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

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

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 =)

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

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 :)

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

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 ♥

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)

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

...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 ♥

//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. :|

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 ♥

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...

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 ♥

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

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

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

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

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<

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.

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...

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

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

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

//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

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.

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

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

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!

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 :((

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.

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

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

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

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...

-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

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

... 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.

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...

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. :))