20 Anonymous Thank-Yous

There's a meme going around Multiply where you list down 20 people in your lives and talk to them anonymously.  So, let's spruce this little meme up.  In the spirit of the National Thank You Day last Oct 20, here's 20 anonymous but very special people in my life that I'd like to thank.  Don't worry, if you know you're special to me, you'll know who you are. =)

So, shall we get the ball rolling?

A Bittersweet Heartbreak (aka the Sembreaker post)

Photo from http://www.gheblawi.com/nostalgia.jpg

Just a few hours ago, I turned in my last-ever requirement for the sem.  It was a photo-essay plate on my joyride adventure to Old Manila aboard the Pasig River Ferry boat (which can also be found here).  I had mixed feelings, even though it went by as quickly as I imagined it would.  Holding the piece of delicate paper on my hand, I trudged the halls of Masscomm one last time, feeling the feeling of the floor on my feet, the dirty walls, the brightly-lit corridors... but beneath all the physical traits that will make me miss CMC sorely, I believe I'll miss the CMC people more than the actual place.

I walked up the stairs, and the place was very quiet.  It felt like Wednesday when half of the university doesn't have classes.  Masscomm is unusually silent, like somebody just turned the mute button on.  It was eerie.  Masscomm is never this silent.  Good thing great friends IA and Elsie (along with her boyfriend Frank) greeted me as I reached the stairs' landing, lest I cry of too much sentiments and memories of that god-forsaken place.

I opened the department's door and the usual quiet Ate Racquel greeted me with her usual stillness and impeccable silence.  I rushed to the pigeon hole and dropped my plate off as quickly as I could.  There.  It has ended.  It felt nothing.  At first.  Like it's just usual.  Ordinary.  Normal.

Maybe I forgot how it felt being free.  Because right now, I feel like screaming... I'M FREE!  SHET!!  I'M REALLY REALLY FREE!  I think I'm having a Cristina moment right now.  I'm free.  Damnit!   Damnit!  Oh, take this off!  Get this off!   I can't breathe!

Read More >>>

Dirrrty Guilty Pleasure

Here's a little trivia for you: when I was waaaay younger (note: meaning a lot more innocent, a lot more naive, and a lot more vulnerable to the influences of the world, just so we're clear), I'm a die-hard fan of Hanson.  My very first album, a cassette tape, was of Hanson's first-ever album.  I memorized Mmmbop by heart and would blurt it out in our Karaoke all day long.

Also, I thought the Hanson brother on the keyboard was a girl, and until they grew up did I notice he doesn't look like a girl at all!  Haha.

In any case, my dear friend Elsie pointed me to a rendition of Christina Aguilera's "Dirrty" by Hanson, which she so aptly described as "more sensual than Christina's version."  All I can say is, I couldn't agree more!

Hear for yourself...

Daredevil. ish.

I'm going on an adventure today!  Yes, an adventure, a quest if you will.  A journey towards the barren rivers of the Metro, traversing four cities and transcending all physical limitations.  Can I do it?  Can I take the heat?  Watch this post and find out!

Haha.  That was so AmazingRace-ish.  In any case, I'd be going on a joyride aboard the Pasig River Ferry for my Photojournalism class.  We were required to take pictures of the Environment, specifically of the Water element, and consolidate it all into a stunning photo essay.

Hmmm... anybody have an idea how much the fare for the Pasig River Ferry costs?  I'm planning to start my journey in Hulo (my hometown) and end up in Quiapo then head back.  Whew.  Let's just hope I won't run into any trouble, and that the fare be darn cheap for chrissakes!

I'll update this post later when I've gotten all the pics I need.  See yahz later!

(UPDATE) So I just got home from my joyride and I gotta say, it's been very tiring, both physically and emotionally (don't ask, I'll tell... later)

Our little sojourn to Old Manila begins at the Hulo Station of the Pasig River Ferry Lines (or something like that).  It's conveniently located at Coronado cor. E. Pantaleon St., near the Parish of Our Lady of the Abandoned.

Read more >>>

EMO Saturday Night...

Watch the video here.

Stolen
Dashboard Confessional
We watch the season pull up its own stakes
And catch the last weekend of the last week
Before the gold and the glimmer have been replaced,
Another sun soaked season fades away

You have stolen my heart

Invitation only, grant farewells
Crash the best one, of the best ones
Clear liquor and cloudy eyed, too early to say goodnight

You have stolen my heart

And from the ballroom floor we are in celebration
One good stretch before our hibernation
Our dreams assured and we all, will sleep well

You have stolen
You have stolen my heart

I watch you spin around in the highest heels
You are the best one, of the best ones
We all look like we feel

You have stolen my
You have stolen my heart

To all J121 Students, PLEASE READ!

In J121 we learn how to become good, efficient, and credible editors.  Our task is to gatekeep the industry, sustain and maintain its credibility.  We are trusted to keep it from unjustified falsehood, malice and controversies that underestimate the essence of our profession: the pursuit of truth.

In this light I would all like to point you to a recent controversy arising from a certain article published in People Asia magazine.  I would like to point your attention to the article written by Malu Fernandez, and her snide remarks about our OFWs.

Please do take a deep breath before reading the article.  I myself got very infuriated.

If you want to take it a step further, participate in the boycott. =)

Remember, editors being the last line of defense against bigotry like this should always keep in mind the ethics of the journalism profession.

Here's the link: http://jmtuazon.freehostia.com/2007/08/18/the-malu-fernandez-story/
(The link leads to my comment on the issue.  The scanned pages of the article are within the blog entry.  Malu Fernandez is also a columnist at the Manila Standard Today)

Blog Bomb

http://jmtuazon.freehostia.com http://jmtuazon.freehostia.com http://jmtuazon.freehostia.com http://jmtuazon.freehostia.com http://jmtuazon.freehostia.com http://jmtuazon.freehostia.com http://jmtuazon.freehostia.com http://jmtuazon.freehostia.com http://jmtuazon.freehostia.com http://jmtuazon.freehostia.com http://jmtuazon.freehostia.com http://jmtuazon.freehostia.com http://jmtuazon.freehostia.com http://jmtuazon.freehostia.com http://jmtuazon.freehostia.com http://jmtuazon.freehostia.com http://jmtuazon.freehostia.com http://jmtuazon.freehostia.com http://jmtuazon.freehostia.com http://jmtuazon.freehostia.com http://jmtuazon.freehostia.com http://jmtuazon.freehostia.com http://jmtuazon.freehostia.com http://jmtuazon.freehostia.com

Sorry you'd have to be dragged into this.  Hehe.  Just generating some link love.  Hop on over to my blog!  Shall purchase a new domain soon to make everything official.  See you there! =)

Wow, it's raining.

It's 2:45 in the morning and hell, it's raining.

I carefully listened as I heard raindrops start to fall from the sky and hit the ground.

Elsie and I were kidding about this this afternoon.

It's freakin' raining.  Egay is here?

I hope classes will get suspended (Okay, now that's just a shitload of wishful thinking!) *Wow, I actually used the word shitload.  Been wanting to use that for the longest time* *Ignore me, I love asterisks and parenthetical statements*

I have an exam mamaya eh!  Waaaah! >_<

Drool Worthy

I'm drooling right now.  As in Literally.

Reasons of excessive drooliness:

Asus EEEPC 701 - I'm falling in love with portability

The ASUS Eee PC is an upcoming series of ultra-portable laptops designed by Intel and ASUSTeK, aimed at the consumer market. According to ASUS, the name derives from "the three Es": Easy to learn, work, play; Excellent Internet experience and Excellent mobile computing experience.^[1]

The specifications as stated by ASUS are:^[1]

• Processor: Intel 900 MHz Pentium M (Dothan-based)
• Chipset: Intel 910^[3]
• Graphics: Intel UMA, additional VGA port
• Display: 17.8 cm (7 in)
• Memory: 512 MB DDR2-400
• Storage: 4, 8, or 16 GB flash Solid state drive
• OS: a Xandros-based Linux variant^[4] with a Windows XP-like interface^[3]; the laptop may also run other Operating Systems like Windows XP^[1], Mandriva, Debian, SuSe, FreeBSD, Ubuntu or MenuetOS optionally
• Communication: 10/100 Mbit Ethernet, 56k modem, 802.11b/g wireless LAN (Atheros-based)
• Ports: prototypes provide either 3^[5] or 4^[3] USB 2.0, MMC/SD/MS card reader, microphone and headphone
• Camera: 0.3 megapixel video
• Audio: Hi-Definition Audio CODEC; built-in stereo speaker; built-in microphone
• Battery: 5200 mAh (4 cells, 2S2P), estimated 3 hours run time. There are no plans to offer a larger-capacity battery^[6]
• Dimensions: 225 × 165 × 21~35 mm (8.9 × 6.5 × 0.9~1.4 in)^[6]
• Weight: 890 g (2 lbs)
• Colors: white, black
• Price: according to ASUS "around USD $199"^[7], a British news service has reported a UK price of GB£199^[8] (around US$400 as of June 2007), a Philippine online dealer has listed a starting price of PHP 13,999^[9] (around US$300), ASUS Spain has announced a unit price of €299^[10] (around US$400), a Belgian online shop has posted an entry price of €346.54^[11] (around US$470)

---

Canon Powershot S3IS - Prosumer ZOOOOOOOM!
The PowerShot S3 IS is the successor to last year's 5-megapixel PowerShot S2 IS digital camera. The PowerShot S3 IS enhancements include a newly designed 6-megapixel image sensor that together with Canon’s proprietary DIGIC II image processor dramatically reduces “noise” for better image quality and achieves ISO equivalent speed ratings ranging from 80 to 800. This increased sensitivity allows the use of faster shutter speeds, thereby reducing the effects of camera shake and subject blur during hand-held photography in low light. The S3 is also fitted with a larger 2.0-inch, color Vari-Angle LCD display.

Powershot S3 IS Features:

• 6-Megapixel CCD for images up to 2816 x 2112
• Canon 12x zoom (36-432mm equiv.) with Optical Image Stabilization
• Super Macro closeup focus to 0 inches!
• New Widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio for HDTV display
• Articulated 2.0-inch color LCD flips forward and rotates 270°
• Program AE, Shutter-priority, Aperture-priority, full Manual
• Image zone modes: Portrait, Landscape, Night scene and Stitch assist
• Interval shooting and Exposure and Focus Bracketing
• Movie w/stereo sound, 640x480 or 320x240, 30fps or 15fps
• Shutter speeds from 15 secs to 1/3200 sec in Manual mode.
• Evaluative, Center-weighted average or Spot (Center or AF-point)
• High-speed 2.3 frames per second continuous shooting
• Up to 60-second sound memos for still images
• Sharpness, Contrast and Saturation is adjustable
• ISO sensitivity: 80, 100, 200, 400, 800 or AUTO
• Built-in flash with Auto, Fill, Red-eye reduction and Slow-sync modes
• Secure Digital (SD) memory card compatible, 16MB included
• Powered by four standard AA type batteries
• USB 2.0 Hi-Speed data transfer to host computer
• PictBridge and Canon Direct Print compatible

DILEMMA INCOMING!
I hate this.  I want them both.  WANT WANT WANT.  But with the current budget (assuming I have one) I can only choose to have one for now.  Sigh... which shall I go for?  The camera or the laptop?

I'm gearing towards the camera... since the laptop is new, I'm sure there'll be a lot of developments next year.  Sigh... any cheap places where I can buy the S3IS?  Kumi?  Mimi?  Help?

Lust-o-meter's definitely going off like crazy.

Post-it

There are tons and tons of things I have to do.

Work just piles up by the minute.  I have thousands of things on my mind, 99.9% of which are acads-related.  It's hard to squeeze in work-time to my already-filled 8-to-4-21-unit schedule.  It's impossible, really.

Just when I start to peel off the post-it of a completed assignment off the back cover of my notebook, another one comes along.  I never see that part empty, it's always full of post-its.  I'm actually collecting the done-for post-its, hoping to do something with them someday.  Any ideas?  Anyhow, it's stressful, really.  Sometimes I can't take it anymore.  Sometimes.

Heck, this is just laziness taking.  Let's go study!

I'm not good enough for her

I tried.  But I failed.  So many times.
I tried.  But it's just not enough.  I gave my best.  I thought I did what is right.  But it's not.
I tried.  And I tried real hard.  But my effort didn't give way.  She was too high to reach.  I could never be good enough for her.

Is everything a test?  I bet it is.  But right now, I'm not too determined to surpass everything.
When will I achieve success?  When will I be able to impress her?  When will she take notice?
I guess I really just have to try.

I adjusted to what she wants.  I changed my ways.  I CHANGED!  I CHANGED A LOT!  But it's still not enough.

She's all over my head.  Everywhere I go, it's her that I see, it's her that I think about.  I can't get her out of my head.  Even if we don't meet, even if we don't see each other for weeks, she doesn't fail to make her presence felt.  Haaayy... I'm going crazy because of her.  She's all I think about.  She's always on top of my head.

I gave it my all.  But she's really way out of my league for her to notice my little effort.

But I shall not be defeated.  I shall conquer it all.  I shall do everything!  Just to get her nod, just to let her know that I gave it my all.

I hope my efforts pay off.  I can't wait to see the day when I finally finish this god-forsaken race and get through with it all.  I hope by then she'll take notice of me.  Just that.  And I'll forever be fine.

You're way too beautiful gir
That's why it'll never work
You'll have me suicidal, suicidal
When you say it's over
Damn all these beautiful girls
They only wanna do your dirt
They'll have you suicidal, suicidal
When they say it's over

Haaaayyyy Ma'am Chua.  I'm not good enough for you.  But I'll try. =)

The Dismal State of Philippine Collegian Today

I just came home from a contract signing with Inquirer Publisher Isagani Yambot (read: I was late!  Kahiya!).  I gotta give it to that man!  He was very down to earth and very approachable.  He even had some McDo merienda delivered for us!  Haha!

Photo-ops and some kamustahan transpired.  He was really talking like our father and us his children (haha tama ang Daddy Yammy Yambot!  Pero more like Lolo!  Hehe sana hindi nya to nababasa =P).  Had a lot of laughing moments, like this one:

JM: Sir sa Inquirer po ilang beses na na-stop ang press?
IY: Umm... onti pa lang, siguro mga once or twice.
Claire:  Ah yah I remember sabi ni Ma'am Khan sa US daw twice pa lang na-stop ang press, yung when Titanic sank and when namatay si JFK.
IY: Sino?
Claire: JFK po.
IY: Ah akala ko GMA eh!  *laughs*
*everyone laughs*

Haha.  He was sooo cool.  He even proposed a dinner with other Inquirer scholars.  Haha!  Looking forward to that.

Anyway, after much talking we landed on the topic of our campus publications.  Royce took out a copy of the Collegian and Sir Yambot asked how it was doing.  To our surprise, all three of us Iskos and Iska had only one answer: progressive, STAND-UP, somehow leftist.  We told him it was red, and he noticed how it was literally red (because of the cover).

UE had the same situation, where oppositionists dominate The Dawn (tama ba?).  UST's Varsitarian, on the other hand, is somehow having problems with the intervention of their administration.

I find it somehow sad how the Collegian has become ultra-progressive nowadays.  Everything is tinted with a tinge of red.  You find it rare to find articles there about student and faculty achievements, developments in discipline, academic milestones.  I mean, these are--just as much as the nation's issues are--important facets of an iskolar's life.

Remembering I grabbed a copy of the Collegian this morning, I took it out on the bus on the way home.  The first article I read was about how the stand of the USC about TFI and STFAP took so long to be agreed upon.  While I do not condone the administration's railroading and subsequent implementation of the said measures, I find it quite pathetic for the Collegian--headed by a Journalism major, no less--to be unfair on ideas and opinion not in accordance with theirs.

Just look at these paragraphs in the USC article:

"USC vice chairperson Viktor Fontanilla, member of Alyansa ng Mag-aaral para sa Panlipunang Katuwiran at Kaunlaran (Alyansa)..."

"Fontanilla and his Alyansa colleagues in the USC..."

While I am not a member of Alyansa myself, I find it appalling that they had to mention, and furthermore stress, someone's affiliation just to highlight a dissenting opinion.  I look at Shan Abdulwahid's (USC Chair) and Sarah Cabrera's (USC Councilor) names and just had to ask why they have not been labeled as members of STAND-UP?  Ano 'to, dahil kabilang party sila parang outside of the USC na sila?  Why such discrimination?

Apparently, there are some who are really disappointed with the Collegian, and they haven't failed to make their opinion heard.  They had the guts to tell it to Collegian's face (and everybody's faces behind Collegian, for that matter).  Some Mr. Ponce wrote quite a few issues back about how he viewed the Collegian as targetting the so-called elitist students of UP through one of its published articles.  The editor in chief published a rebuttal.  Here's a reaction from the current issue:

"Elitist or not, Mr. Ponce is a UP student, is he not?  I thought the Collegian was supposed to stand up for the collective views of the students.  It's unfair to gang up on Ponce, and others who think along his line, just because he espouses different views and comes from a different background.  We are all entitled to our ideas.  We're free to think outside popular opinion.  Mr. Ponce's guts in expressing his seemingly unpopular views is commendable.  Hail to the free exchange of ideas!"  -Carmela, UP Law

Where can you find a campus publication so critical of the nation's leaders?  Only in UP.  But somehow the Collegian has gone a bit far.  Where can we find updates on what's happening at the school?  There are meaningful events that could have been covered by the Collegian.  Issues are important, but they're not the only ones that are important to a student's life, more so an Iskolar's life.  Why has the Collegian deviated so far?

Another text message sent to the Collegian asked why they have not published an article about the death of a certain Psychology professor.  Why, because it doesn't matter?  What is the Collegian's concept of news?  As far as I can see, all the Collegian publishes are views.  And, quite sadly, views by only a small percentage of the entire UP community.  Aren't we supposed to be entirely represented in the Collegian?

Mimi asked why we can't have a school paper like the Guidon of Ateneo.  Sadly, all I could say was that the Collegian is very different in nature from the Guidon.  The Collegian has been through a lot of things, including being a bastion of press freedom during the Martial Law years.  But, I ask, isn't the Collegian going too far?  Three years ago it wasn't like this.  Three years ago there can still be a hint of decency I can give for the Collegian.  Three years ago I willingly take home three copies of the Collegian to give out to my friends, who are members of their respective school's publication.  Now I don't think I could gladly do the same.

The Collegian, sad to say, has really become a lip service, reduced to a tool used by a mere fraction of the entire studentry.  Not all students in UP has the same view as the Collegian.  While I find it noble their fight and coercion of the government to pay attention to education, sadly, all I can say is, sometimes we are too immersed with ideals that we fail to see what is real.  The times have changed.  And the present University Student Council is a sign of that change.  For years one party has dominated the USC.  Now another party is gathering clamour and support from the studentry.  Shouldn't they take that as a sign?

And what could the Collegian say when the fight against TFI and STFAP fails?  Students studying in UP can no longer be called "Iskolar ng Bayan" because they dish out their own cash to pay for their education.  Can they be compelled to adopt such views?  "Ang Iskolar ng Bayan, may alam, may pakialam", sabi ng isang famous line ng STAND-UP.  Pano 'pag wala nang Iskolar ng Bayan?  (Na hindi malayong mangyari)  Ang mga estudyante ba ang kailangang tumanggap ng kung anuman ang inilalathala sa Collegian?  O dapat bang ang Collegian ang mag-adapt para sa mga pinaglilingkuran nito, ang mga estudyante?

Pula lang ba ang kulay ng aktibismo?

No wonder not many journalism students are interested to join the Collegian.  They don't espouse and live the journalism we see, breathe, and feel everyday.  "Relevance, Context, Integrity," sabi ni CheChe Lazaro.  Yun yon.

Just thinking out loud.  My opinion.

HSA: Huwag Sisihin si Arroyo

July 15 has lapsed and the moment we've all been dreading has arrived.  Finally, the administration was able to make the horse pass through the needle eye.  The impossible has happened.  And our basic freedoms have all but gone to exile.

As of late, people are awaiting the unfortunate one who gets to be the first "victim" of the ironically-named Human Security Act, or the antiterror law.
The law has met many dissenting opinions, even during its proposition and deliberation.  We discussed the first versions of the law in our J100 class, and clearly, there are many provisions that need some brushing up.  Some safeguards weren't enough, while some pretend to be safeguards when they actually are not.

The problematic state to which the law is in right now lies on its very fundamental component: the definition of terrorism.  The law so vaguely defines it as "an act sowing and creating a condition of widespread and extraordinary fear and panic among the populace, in order to coerce the government to give in to an unlawful demand."

By theory we all know how terrorism looks like: World Trade Center, Iraqi suicide bomber, Abu Sayyaf, etc.  But to qualify the act to a meager sentence is a bit problematic.  The attempt by the law to encapsulate the act in such a definition fails in many aspects.

One, fear and panic are very subjective indicators.  One who surprises someone by sneaking up his back and shouting "BULAGA" can very well cause fear and panic upon the person.  As Atty. Hilbay put it, these are factors to which one cannot produce a clear and tangible evidence, an element that is needed in the establishment of the alleged crime.

Two, the definition umbrellas numerous crimes already existing in the Revised Penal Code.  A rape can cause fear and panic, while a murder is sure to sow widespread and extraordinary terror even to the non-victims.  How do we qualify terrorism, then?

According to Atty. Hilbay, we don't.  What is needed is a more rigorous implementation of the existing laws, not a new one to blanket over what is already there.

But the questions don't stop there.  Another reason why this law is very highly contested is the fact that it contains a thousand and one ambiguities.

Take, for example, where it says that 'bugging' or 'wiretapping' of journalists shall not be authorized (a pretentious safeguard).  Why then has Sec. Gonzalez made a very strong assertion that 'media can be bugged'?  Are we on the same page?  Or has one of his screws gone loose again?

Several sectors have issued statements seeking its repeal.  Sec. Norberto Gonzales said it's okay to push through with it without an IRR.  Legally, according to Atty. Hilbay, a law doesn't necessarily need an IRR.  But with a very vague law such as this, he said, an IRR is mandatory.  How else are we going to disambiguate it without a very specific IRR?

All things being equal, it's quite asked of us to seek the context of the said law.  When was it passed?  Why was it rushed?  What's the political situation in the country?  What are the possible implications of its enactment?

Clearly, one only needs to peek behind the curtains of this one spectacular show.  And you all know what I'm talking about.

Much has been said about the issue.  Just my two cents.  I end with this graphic from Pinoy Weekly and an excerpt from Conrado de Quiros' Inquirer column:"I remembered this speech shortly after I read about Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo asking everyone, the media in particular, to rally behind her in her effort to leave a legacy to the nation. I knew I had heard those same words before. I knew I had heard GMA tell the world she was no longer interested in politics but would spend the remaining time she had to do well by this country ... When GMA talks of leaving a lasting legacy, she means herself."

Everything's TWISTED over here

Waaahhh blag.  Missed you.  'sbeen so long since I last updated.  So many things happened (cliche).  So many things I want to talk about (cliche).  So many pressing matters on top of the other (cliche).  Thanks, I'm a walking cliche, I know.

Drama-rant up ahead.

Okay, so people are teasing me for (supposedly) being a PDI (Philippine Daily Inquirer) Scholar.  No, I haven't got the scholarship yet, I'm still in the "screening" process, if that be the word.  However, news travels fast where news is made, duh.  So practically the whole journalism department knew about it, even Ate Penny, a senior!  Gaadd.  That was what I wanted to avoid.  I'm not keen on being on the spotlight so much.  I'm more of a 'behind-the-scenes' guy.

I have no problem with the teasing.  Some are even darn hilarious whenever they tease me (take Kumi for example, even coining the 'Daddy Yammy Yambot' name for Inquirer's publisher).  I mean, I totally understand how I'd suddenly become the center of attention and, on some rare occasions, the butt of jokes.

(here's the drama part) What I can't take is the pressure, the expectation.  By being a PDI Scholar I'm forever labeled to be someone 'great' or 'good' with writing.  Imagine the stigma, imaging the feeling.  Once again I'm forced to live up to some expectation I didn't even solicit.  If I fail, it's for shame.  I'm not even half as good as some journ students in our college.  I mean, there are a lot more people deserving of the scholarship (like Dana and Kath and Tine, I'm not kidding or humoring you).  The question is, why me?

It's a curse, I tell you.  And it gets worse.

But then again that's just me.  Just my two cents.  ^__^  Let's still thank God for this opportunity.  Thank God for this blessing.  =)  And work hard to make it work. =D

*SOUND EFFECTS*

BLAG.
See you der. =)

Magyayabang lang ako (ngayon lang, pls?)

Ma'am Rachel Khan posted our J102 grades the other day.

Today, she posted our final papers online via a wiki. Andaya ni ma'am! Sabi nya walang byline... haynaku! Malalaman tuloy na ako ang gumawa ng kalokohang article na yun! Hehehe...
a
They'll squeeze you. What was I thinking?!

Okay eto magmamayabang na'ko. Yep, unbelievably, I got an uno in that paper. (Whoo batuhan na ng kamatis) Nakakagulat kasi walang ka-flow-flow yung paper na yun tsaka parang hodgepodge of details lang, talagang walang structure... parang stream of consciousness lang. Hehe... I even rushed that paper para umabot sa deadline... Haha, the miracles of cramming.

Ayun... if you're a registered voter, do visit the wiki to be informed. I was the one who wrote the profile of Navy Lt./Sg Antonio Trillanes. Thanks to Kuya for the suggestion! =)

This isn't my fault

Since I have nothing better to do until 1pm comes in time for our meeting, let's talk about... people.

Okay, I don't usually do this but the moment really just calls for it.

Let's talk about people.  Nyay chismis!  Haha... specifically, let's talk about Masscomm people (and altogether pray they don't find out who these people are... and kill me).

People1 is this airy little bastard who goes around the college in all uniqueness and glamour.  People1 loves attention, heck, People1 breathes attention!  People1 can't live without the freaking people's attention!!  People1 is an arse.  People1 walks around thinking People1 is the best Masscomm student ever (which People1 is not).  People1 elbows People1's way to wherever People1 is going, not minding the little people People1 steps on along the way.  Who is People1?  Clue: People1 is out of place.  People1 is in Masscomm but People1 acts like People1 is from Econ or BA; However, People1 doesn't look like People1 came from Econ or BA at all!  Damn!  A Double Whammy!

Let's move on...

People2 walks around in People2's shining shimmering bling blings placed in the most unusual of places.  People2, just like People1, is a total arse, an arrogant bitch, a mindless jerk.  People2 walks and talks like People2 is the God of all Masscomm people.  People2 thinks People2 looks great but in reality, People2 looks like People2 was stepped on by a homongous monster--doesn't look good at all.  Who is People2?  Let's just say you don't know anyone who goes by that name.  =P

And to close...

People3 is great.  People3 is brilliant and amazing.  People3 is a runner-up for the Best Masscomm student ever (whatever way you put it, it's your call).  However, People3 isn't so nice with People3's fellow runners-up.  People3 likes competition, and thinks this is High School all over again.  Maybe that's it.  It's High School.  Tsk, just look at where People3 came from, no wonder People3 likes competition.  And oh, People3 got an uno.  People3 deserves it so much.  I got a 1.25.  I deserve it, too.  And I didn't want the competition at all.  Who is People3?  Clue:  If you chanced upon People3, don't call People3 what you think you should call People3.  It's not what you think!!!

Haha... for fun lang people!  This are the people that irked me last sem.  Secret na lang kung sino-sino sila.  Suffice to say na hindi ko naman sila friends, so friends, don't worry!  =)

Cosummatum Est

Haaay... I'm almost about to give up on this house... you just can't get what you really really want in here...

Yes, not even your most treasured eight hours of sleep. No wonder people always notice I'm that antukin. It's because in this house, everything is sure to wake me up in the unholiest of hours.

Imagine watching a movie with skipping parts or disappearing voices. Spice it up with your seatmate talking through a megaphone, and you get to experience how I'm able to experience sleep in this house.

Short. Bitin. Fragmented. Asar.  Tapos magtataka sila kung bakit wala ako lagi dito sa bahay (well, besides sa Days), eh sana alam nila pinaggagagawa nila.  Haaayy, onti na lang, JM, onti na lang...

Great. It's a long day ahead. I don't have the energy for this long day... Kuya Jess help me... Kala ko po ba kahapon ang Friday the 13th? 14th na ah...

Haggardness Part 2

I'll keep this short 'coz I'm uber sleepy na. But that's not to say I'm not uber happy. I'm uber uber uber uber happy. Thanks for making me smile always... Thanks for every wonderful day spent with you! Tapos na Friday the 13th... 14th naman ngayon... =)

Went to school this morning to interview the execom of ecosoc for my codered article. Can somebody please say Conio? Hehe... I really don't love to go to Econ, because I feel like I'm in Ateneo instead of UP. Don't hate me, econ majors... it's what I always observe when I go there, so blame your school/college-mates. Totoo... Puro laptop, conio conversations, preppy people... but that's not to say na lahat ng tao dun ganun. Buti nga yung ininterview ko eh indi sila ganun, ang gagaling nga nila eh... Thanks Ate Anika and all the execom of Ecosoc!

Managed to grab a glimpse of the iBlog3 Summit while I was there. Andun lang ako sa likod, nakatayo. Si Marcelle Fabie pa yung nagsasalita, haha, batchmate ni Kuya. Pagtingin ko sa baba (nasa may ledge kasi ako) si Misteryosa pala yung andun, yung winner sa bloggies! Haha lalang, kaka-flatter. I was in the presence of winners. =P

Went to Kuya's this afternoon to do his Spider-Man CD covers. Prior to that, we had our haircut sa Katipunan. Haha super funny thing happened. Pero di ko na lang kuwento, samin na lang ng kuya ko yun. =P

Ayun. BTW, went to Masscomm today to go grab my classcards. Haggardness, forgot that it was reg day for Summer today. Tumambay lang tuloy ako. Whenever people asked me, "JM, ano kukunin mo?" sagot ko, "Classcard." Nyahehehe... na-badtrip sila sakin... =P

Whooo Staff Meeting na naman bukas! Excited ako na ngarag na ewan! =P Excited na mag-days pero ngarag pa rin sa dami ng work! Haaaayyyy sana may vacation getaway after this, kahit dip in the pool lang! Namehn! Summer na noh!!!

Haggardness

My haggard days are over... not!

As a matter of fact, it only just begun.

Grabe... ang hirap talagang maging vice-rector.  Ang hirap na, ang mahal pa.  Ubusan sa load kaka-text sa mga staff mo to follow-up their duties.  Nakakangarag rin when you have a kinda-OC na rector who wants everything fine, but then again who doesn't want everything to be perfect diba?  Lahat naman 'to para kay Kuya Jess eh, kaya yung thought na lang na yun ang talagang nagmomotivate sa'kin.  Hehe... pero sa totoo lang naeexcite naman talaga ako sa Days namin, 'di nga lang maiwasan mangarag dahil sa dami ng work at sa sikip ng schedule.

Grabe bukas nga I still have to go to UP to interview Mico's org (Ecosoc) para sa CodeRed article ko due on Sunday.  Kamusta naman?  Good thing Execom na yung si Mico at medyo rubbing elbows na sa ibang execom, at least medyo casual na ang magiging interview.  Though I still have to formulate questions.  Kailangan um-appear na journalist talaga kaya kelangan level-up ang preparation!  Hehe...

Haggard pa ulet, kagagaling ko lang graduation ng Maksci.  Grabe napapagod talaga ako pag kasama ko mga batang yun, ang taas kasi ng energy!  Grabe nakakahawa!  Kaya eto ako ngayon latang-lata galing sa kakatawa ng sobrang lakas with them.  Congrats maksci babies!  Welcome to the real world!  Nyahehehe... buti na lang most of you mapupunta sa UP, di ko kayo mamimiss!  Hehehe...

In other news, two weeks to prepare na lang for the days.  Dami problema with our staffers, personal or otherwise.  May nakaamba pang Rector's Meeting on Saturday, sana lang talaga makapagsalita kaming mga "minority".  Hehe... hope things will go well, and may we all be inspired by Kuya Jess.  Para sa community naman yun...

Kuya Jess, salamat sa blessings of today.  You made me happy... =)

...and YOU made me very happy as well.  Haaayyy kakamiss... =)  Dibale, dibale... ^__^

Holiest Week of all

Happy Easter everyone! Christ has died but the good news is he fulfilled his promise and rose again! Easter is probably the most important Christian (or Catholic) feast of all because it is in Christ's resurrection where we base our belief and faith that God fulfills his promise and that He will save us from all our sins.

Practically spent the Week at Cainta with Kuya. Joined the Holy Wednesday Procession for Ate Tin. Joined the Alay-Lakad to Antipolo with friends (and lots of Students of Bro. Juvs). Veneration of the Cross. Easter Vigil. Holy Week is really a time to reflect. A time to recollect the role of Kuya Jess in our lives, the part He played, and His significant involvement in all the events of our lives.

It's also been a reality check for me. A check of myself--my current self. The self that I've been for so long. It was hard to face the mirror and see the face in it full of dirt, scratches and grime. I'm so imperfect. Full of immaturities that have seem to to stick like silicone clothing. It's hard. And what's harder is the fact that I hurt people because of my immaturities. It happened once, twice, many times. And each and every time I hurt someone.

I cried.

I didn't want to hurt anyone anymore. I don't want to hurt them anymore. Especially the ones I love... I don't want this anymore. I don't want me anymore.

Please take me out of the Dark Oh Lord... Please help me...

Sorry... Sorry sa mga ginawa ko...

*I still thank God that DWTL 16 is pushing through... I'm going to give it my all this time. Everything I can do to prove to Him that I'm doing everything for Him. Thanks to all the dayzers for the support. Leaves no room for doubt about the success of this endeavor. It's wonderful how simple things like this afternoon's gathering puts a smile on my face. All the support is overwhelming. I hope that in DWTL 17 they're all still there... this time, for me. B.I.L. +

I just wanna be on the beach...

Everybody now:  HAAAAAAAAAAAaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyYYYYYY...!!!  Finally, a deep, heavy, loud sigh to cap off this semester!  Hehe...

After all the bangag nights, the ngarag moments, the haggard days and the sleepy class meetings, finally, the semester is done done done DONE!

And what better way to end this semester than fun time with the people you love?  After our staff meeting for BuskoDays16 last Saturday, Kuya Luis, Leo, Jesser and I went malling and eventually headed off to KopiRoti for some coco and the most-awaited Kopi Bun!  Haaaaa sarap!  What a way to end classes and kick off the summer!

Sigh... I sure am going to miss this semester.  This is the first sem that I've spend most times in masscomm.  This is the first sem that I've been most haggard and bangag.  I believe this is the first sem that I've worked real conscientiously to up my grades... haha, inspired?  hmmm... maybe!  =) (uuy issue)  I don't know... I just felt the greater need to focus on my studies this time.  Reality Check siguro, hehe.

I'm never gonna forget this semester, especially the people I've been involved with.  The fun yet crazy field trip in J102... the bangag days and nights preparing for our PR plan (which we aced, take note!)... the asar moments every group work on Hum1... the extre effort given for every meeting of Film100 (too bad Ma'am Ellen's retiring already)... haaayy, all of them, I'll never forget them all... how I love my College so much!  Aja!  Next sem naman!!!  Hehe...

To my J102 class... Gelene, Denise, Froi, Mark Ching, Mommy Trish, Dyan, Mikas, Mimi, Jeff, Marj, Jem, Rachel, Dreo, Missy and Kuya Chris... thanks for giving color to our class.  For that we are the most colorful personalities in masscomm, straight from Ma'am Rachel's mouth.  Thanks for the laughs during discussions and the laugh trips and crazy antics during the field trips... I've never thought Journ could be this interesting had it not for all the colorful personalities in you... Thank You!

To my Hum1 groupmates... Rea Jean, Anne Lucille, Paula Jean, Fanshen Angelik and Cathy... thanks for all the help in our group works.  Most promising minds of UP!  Naks!  I feel so old when I'm with all of you (with the exclusion of Fanshen of course).  Have fun in UP okay?

To my Eng11 classmates... you are the class I never got to know.  Dr. Dalisay was great, nevertheless!  =P

To my Comm100 classmates... I never got to know all of you, but in the limited time we were able to know each other, you put a smile in my face, seriously!  Walang stir 'to... let's go future media practitioners!  =)

To my Film100 classmates... we suffered under Ma'am ellen... she barraged us with schoolwork and tons of readings... but we were able to make it through, unscathed at that!  We lost quite a few, but we remained together 'til the end... Thanks for the inspiration to study harder... and thanks for the times we're able to laugh at all our hardships.  Aja!  Bye Ma'am Ellen...!!!

To my J152 classmates and groupmates... YOU'RE.  SO.  GREAT!  Grabe the sem that was... I enjoyed most parts of it, especially the Pasig River Volunteer work we did!  =)  That was really swell, I had fun with all of you!  And to my groupmates, thanks sa pagtitiis sa akin, hehe, munting marginalized sector.  And congrats to us on winning the PR Plan competition!  Wuhoo!  We beat THEM!  Nyahahaha I'm so mean, but really, I'm really happy we beat the other group (you know, yung kinakatakutan natin).  Thanks sa lahat ng patawa, intriguing questions and bangag moments with all of you.  I learned a lot!  Good Luck on our next endeavors!  (Advert naman!!!  =P)

To all of you, I can only say one thing:  Thanks for the memories, I'll treasure them forever!  AJA!!!

Expex da unexpextedsss

This was slowly turning out to be a bad day.

WAS.

I went to school without that much sleep, hurried to print my Comm100 paper, went to masscomm to submit it, then went to AS for my Eng11 Unit Exam.  I had only about an ounce of sleep and my mind's not really anywhere that moment, so just imagine how crappy my answers were in the exam.  But, luckily, I managed to pull through.

When I got home, I was itching to hug the bed and sleep 'til god-knows-when.  I was so tired I really wanted nothing more but precious sleep.  But noooo, Life is so cruel it had to taunt me by the freaking loud television inside the house coupled with the freaking loud radio of the neighbors.  It was disaster, and I wasn't even near an inch of the sleep I thought I deserved.

Therefore, I grew irate.  It was a bad day.  BAD BAD BAD BAD BAD DAY.  Badder than Daniel Powter Bad Day.  I thought nothing could ever ever turn my mood around.

Or so I thought.

The internet connection that is always oh-so-crappy didn't help my mood.  It was still crappy, even crappier than usual.  (My broadband sucks, and Globe's Customer Service is more of a disservice, because nobody's answering in their freaking hotline!)  When I managed to get a decent connection, I visited my J102 wiki to check for some updates.

And, HOLY MOTHER OF GOD I was breathtakingly blown away!  It was like being taken by a huuuuuuge hurricane and being twirled round and round to the point of vomitting.  It was as orgasmic the feeling as when riding the rollercoaster down.  I WAS ASTOUNDED I COULDN'T REMOVE THE SMILE FROM MY FACE!

Let's just say... something I really really really honestly didn't expect happened.  And that was just enough to turn my mood around.  =)

*Thanks to the person who accompanied me today.  Grabe, even if I was really sleepy your presence made me a bit alive today.  I can't thank you enough... you know who you are!  =)

In other news, CodeRed Issue 12 is out!  My editor texted me earlier for a possible assignment for the next issue, but I had to turn it down.  Someone will get hurt if I chose to write that article.  Let's just say it's about school... and love.  Nyahehehehehe...

I got myself...

a photoblog.

http://thruthelenses.blogspot.com

Do drop by.  Pretty please?

Smayl naman jan!

Wah, gush of emotions today.  I don't know which to feel first, it's so confusing!  Mix of anger, hate, frustration, desperation and the ever-present drowsiness because of lack of sleep.  (hey, wait, that's not an emotion)

Anyhoo, my first class got cancelled today, and thanks to a text message i was supposed to receive but didn't receive last night, I woke up so damn early because I wanted to make it early in class to discuss some things with my groupmates only to find out that they (my groupmatest) all knew about it and didn't even bother to tell me (or, I didn't receive their message).

So I got an hour and a half buffer before my next class which really depressed me.  I hate being alone in UP because the landscape is so empty I'm forced to think.  Have you experienced something like it?  Like, whenever there's a vast empty space in front of you, you can't do anything but think?  It's like some vortex or something, inviting you to let your mind do the talking for you.  And, what's amazing is, when you return to your "normal" surroundings with all the cars and buildings and people and houses, it's really hard to think.  Hmmm... wonder if it's a human phenomenon?  Anwyay, it's amazing (and annoying at the same time).

So I spent my free time reading newspaper in the library.  The news of Comelec burning is in all spreadsheets' headlines.  Duh, of course it's politically-motivated.  Everything that happens in this god-forsaken country is politically-motivated.  Abalos was quoted as saying that the things that were burned down were documents of the past, so elections will still push through.  Hello??!!  Garci???!!!  Why did you burn down Garci??!!!

In other news, it's only two weeks 'til end of classes and I haven't done any of my major papers for the term.  Sigh... so sad, just two weeks of sophomore life left.  Next term, I'd be entering the 2nd semester of my college life (not unless, of course, I get delayed, which I don't plan on doing).  Haaayyy, bilis noh?  I'm actually scared.  Scared of what will happen after this.  After school, after college.  It's the real thing.  BUT I really shouldn't concern myself with that for now, because I've got tons of little things to do...

Marj asked me how many papers I still need to do.  I said five.  She was shocked, and asked me how come I can still smile and keep cool with all those things to do.  I guess I'm not a worrier after all.  AND YOU SHOULDN'T BE.  It only produces wrinkles, and it's bad for your health.  So Smaaaayl.  ^_________^  Yan... =P

Panahon na ng mga hybrid

Hindi lang pala sa film genre uso ang hybrid ngayon. Shet, hindi lang rin sa technology. At lalong hindi lang rin sa political party affinity uso ang hybrid, hehe...

Uso na rin ang hybrid sa Student Council Elections! Grabe, hating-hati talaga, as in...

And the winners are... *drumroll please... brambradadamdadaaaaammmm...*

USC Elections
Chairperson: Shan Abdulwahid (STAND-UP)
Vice Chairperson: Viktor Fontanilla (ALYANSA; ayos, kinuha sa pogi points, hehe)
Councilors: 6 from STAND-UP, 6 from ALYANSA

O, kamusta naman ang hatian? Apparently ALYANSA is getting some foot here. Marami na ba ang ayaw sa STAND-UP?

CMC Elections
Chair: Karol Yee (ISA)
Vice Chair: Martha Teodoro (STAND-UP)
Secretary: Anna Canlas (ISA)
Treasurer: basta yung sa STAND-UP, hehe, porgets ko name eh
Journ Rep: Carlos and Jem (STAND-UP)
CMC Rep: Ayeen Malolos (ISA)

O, kamusta naman ang hating-hati?! pati raw sa ibang department representatives, ang nanalo ay isang ISA at isang STAND-UP. Haha... what a very nice election, indeed!

Sayang, 'di lahat ng binoto ko nanalo. 'Di nanalo si Bikoy for chair, baka dahil mas MassComm ang personality ni Karol? Haha sidenote lang, si Bikoy ay Atenean at si Karol ay Xavierian... pareho palang Jesuit ang naglaban eh! =P

'Di din na nalo si Jali. Tsk, parang may dayaan dun ah? Hehe...

At si Elsie, 'di din nanalo... oh well okay na rin yun. Hehe...

Baka it was not meant to be.

At least hybrid. 'Yoko kasi pag straight eh.

Go CMC-SC 07-08!

Piliin ang araw na magpupula ka

Isa lang ang class ko kanina so medyo late na ako gumising.

Nagmamadali na'ko magbihis kaya dinampot ko na lang ang trademark at favorite kong red shirt at dali-daling sinuot ito tapos ay kumaripas ng takbo palabas ng bahay para hindi ma-late.

Pagdating ko sa Republika ng Diliman, sarado ang kalye sa tapat ng AS.  Pagbaba ko sa dulo ng Palma Hall, andaming naka-pula.  Ang daming tao, tapos parang may goings-on sa may AS Steps.  Investigate naman ang dakilang journalist, and according to thorough research and experiments, I concluded that...

Meeting de Avance na!

Shet.  And I was wearing Red.  Mas mukha pa'kong STAND-UP sa standard bearer nilang si Shan Abdulwahid.

Ayun, ok naman yung miting de avance.  Medyo onti nga lang ang nanood, at nung pumunta pa'ko sa crowd, nahatak pa'ko ni Mae (classmate ko na STAND-UP pero take note, naka-blue sya today, hehe) sa crowd ng STAND-UP.  Langya, nagmukha tuloy akong tibak ng 'di oras, at syempre hindi na'ko nakatanggi.  Boboto ko rin naman standard bearers nila, hehe.

Panalo 'tong eksena na'to, nung pinapanood namin ni Karen ang miting de avance mula sa 2nd floor ng AS:

*nagsasalita vice-chairperson ng KAISA party in a very slightly-annoying high-pitched tone, pero ang sinasabi nya eh pang-tibak
JM: *imitates the high-pitched tone of the vice-chair* Grabe, para siyang taga-BA!
Karen: ano ka ba!  Taga-BA nga yan!!!

Nyahahaha...  so sad how one can easily stereotype someone from that College.  Kasi naman eh, maraming mga elitista't conio sa college na yun.  Isa nga lang ang kilala ko dun eh, tapos shiftee pa sya from CAL.  Hehe...  The Ateneo in UP nga ang tawag namin dun.#

Anyway botohan na bukas, at wala pa'kong iboboto sa USC.  Iboboto ko sa Shan at Isa para sa Chair at Vice-Chair ng USC (from STAND-UP pareho), pero parang hindi na'ko makakaboto sa councilors, ala kasi akong kilala talaga.  As in.

Anyway ulit, na-reconcile ko na kung sino ang iboboto kong CMC chair.  Secret na lang, baka may magalit eh.  Hehe...

Vote Wisely, people!  (Ang VOTE STRAIGHT ay gawain lamang ng mga taong hindi lubusang pinag-isipan ang kanilang boto.  Wag tularan.  Bow.)

*Pictures courtesy of Tinig ng Plaridel Online

Aktibismo ang sigaw nila

Pula o dilaw?

Pero sabi sa kanta ni Bamboo, “Hindi PULA’T
DILAW tunay na magkalaban.  Ang kulay at tatak ay di siyang dahilan.
Hangga’t marami ang lugmok sa kahirapan. At ang hustisya ay para lang
sa mayaman” daw.  Great.  Medyo gusto ko pa naman sana ang color na red.  Hehe... =P

Ayun, election na kasi.  At 'di lang national at local, may micro-local at nano-local elections din na magaganap.  Panahon na rin kasi ng eleksyon sa aking mahal na pamantasan, ang UP Diliman.

Last year, hindi ako bumoto.  Puro kasi sa AS ang klase ko, at kailangan sa CMC pa'ko bumoto.  Tinamad ako pumunta ng CMC, kaya hindi na lang ako bumoto.  P5.50 rin yun noh.  Hehe... besides, 'di ko naman talaga kilala yung mga kandidato, mag-aaksaya lang ako ng isang botong wala namang matinding pag-iisip ang ginugol upang maisakatuparan.  (shet ang lalim)

Aaaanyway, dalawa ang partidong naglalaban sa CMC ngayon, 'di katulad last year na isa lang ang choice mo at ang choice mo lang talaga eh kung boboto ka o hindi.  At least ngayon tao na ang choice, hindi lang "option".

On the RED Corner, ang taun-taon nang lumalaban at masasabing "seasoned" contender na STAND-UP o Student's Alliance for the Advancement of Democratic Rights - UP.  Kung pano naging yun ang expanded form ng acronym nila, tanong nyo na lang sa kanila.  Hehe... =P

On the YELLOW Corner, ang bagong-bagong ala-Cory na partido na ISA o Interdependent Student-Centered Activism.

Maganda ang plataporma ng dalawa.  Although hindi ko tahasang nabasa ang GPOA ng STAND-UP, medyo template naman ang kanilang platform na based sa University SC na palagi namang STAND-UP ang nanalo.  So 'di na kaila sa akin kung ano ang pinaglalaban nila.

May pagka-elitist diumano ang plataporma at set-up ng ISA.  Hmmm, yes, may inch of truth.  Pero matanong ko lang, 'di ba't may pagka-elitist din naman ang students ng masscomm?  Kumpara mo naman sa CAL, eh medyo may pagka-pangmataas naman ang mga CMC.  Hep hep hep, I'm speaking for myself here, okay?  Based on observations lamang po.  Pero syempre, dakilang elitista pa rin ang BA.  Hehe... =P

Moving on, ang STAND-UP naman kasi medyo may reservations ako dahil na rin sa kanilang University-Wide na mga aksyon.  Ang problema kasi, halos lahat na lang ng issue sinasakyan.  Okay, okay, I get the point on the iskolar para sa bayan at kailangan makialam ang iskolar, pero para kasing lahat na lang pinakialaman.  Masasabi na ngang extreme leftist ang mga ito dahil talagang anti-admin sila.  Well, that's trying to speak objectively, ha?  When assessing an issue kasi one should look at both ends of the spectrum.

Asked on the TOFI issue, ISA is for TOFI while STAND-UP is, as expected, all-out on being against the said increase.  NGUNIT, sabi ng ISA, sa tuition increase lang daw sila pabor, hindi sa other fees, at kailangan daw mas may fullproof plan on implementing it especially yung sa rebracketing ng STFAP.

Ako, ayoko ng kahit anong increase.  That's State abandonment.  If there's anything to be done, kailangan i-rebracket lang ang STFAP at ichannel ang funds sa talagang may kailangan.  Di na kailangan ng TOFI-TOFI na yan!

Ang hirap naman sa STAND-UP, no to TOFI sila ng no to TOFI wala naman silang mabigay na alternate solution sa financial problem ng UP.  (Or at least wala akong naririnig)  Eh wala na ngang pera eh??!  Magpapakasasa na lang tayo sa kawalang-perahan ng UP System?  We must do something about it!

Looking at it on a broader perspective, STAND-UP aims to do service to the students by doing it on a broader, national field so that it'll trickle down to the students.  ISA, on the other hand, would like to start with the students so that they can effect national change.  Ang tanong, ano ang mas effective?

Sa tingin ko, mas maganda kung sisimulan ang serbisyo sa mismong mga constituents ng mga opisyal.  Kaya nga sila STUDENT council eh, 'yun ay para paglingkuran nila ang mga estudyante.  Ang kanilang mandate ay UNA sa estudyante BAGO sa sambayanang Pilipino.

So am I pro-ISA?  Just like in any elections, one cannot vote straight.  Let's just say I'm still contemplating on who to vote as chair (sayang talaga never ko nakita mag-campaign ang STAND-UP with their "Hi, I'm John Mark JM Tuazon blah blah blah" trademark spiel.  Sayang din kasi di ko sila ma-compare, mag-base na lang tuloy ako sa GPOA ng both parties.

Sa palagay ko, maganda ang mga plano ng ISA para sa kolehiyo.  Medyo ambitious nga lang at I doubt na magagawa nilang lahat yun.  Mukhang wala pang masyadong alam ang isa nilang journ rep, hehe.  Ah basta, heto ang mga iboboto ko:

Chair: Wala pa.  I've "known" Bikoy through his blog for quite a long time.  Si Karol naman, CMC-er talaga, lively, upbeat at mukhang okay.  Hehe... pero 'di daw lahat ng sinabi nya last year eh natupad nya as CMC rep this year.  Hmmmm... sino ang mas magiging effective?  Abangan.
Vice-Chair: Martha Teodoro.  Hehe... pamangkin kasi ni Sir Teodoro!  Jok lang.  I've seen Martha.  Magaling siya.  As in.  =P
Secretary:  Yung sa ISA.  Forgot her name eh.  Groupmate ko kasi yung sa STAND-UP, and medyo talagang na-turnoff ako sa kanya.  As in.
Treasurer: Jali Fernando(?).  Batchmate eh.  Hehe...
Journ Rep:  Carlos Maningat and Elsie Cansino.  Blockmate ko yung isa eh, hehe.  Si Elsie naman, halatang magaling.  Yung isang journ rep ng STAND-UP, medyo 'di ko trip.  Magaling naman pero 'di ko talaga trip.  Yung isa naman ng ISA, parang walang alam, pa-cute lang.  Hehe... =P
CMC Rep: Sorry Mikas, I might have to go with Ayeen Malolos on this one...  Magaling siya.  Naging classmate ko siya sa 101 last sem.

So yun.  Ikaw, sinong boboto mo?  'Di nako tatamarin this time dahil sa March 6, Tuesday na ang botohan.  May klase ako sa CMC nun.  Hehehehe... =P

Vote wisely! (not stupidly)

The attack of the killer goo

The changing-weather monster has once again cast a spell on this bloody nose and made it overflow with goo.  Dyan, this is all your fault!!

Suddenly everything feels misty--like I'm in a dream world or something.  Eyes always watery, nose always clogged and everything.  Cough cough cough and head feels heavy.  Everything seems to be going round and round and round...

Ah, the semi-annual cold.  My hexamonthly visitor, so to speak.

Anyhoo, don't you think it's rather inhumane for Big Brother not letting the Housemates eat lunch just because they can't time it?  I mean, hello?  There isn't a clock, and this definitely isn't medieval nor ancient era, so I guess there's no point in not letting them eat lunch just because they can't hit the lunch-time bullseye.  Human Rights Activists, you there?

Ha!  Guess what.  An update on that "one ring" article.  Kuya and I went window-shopping and canvassing for his laptop for law school.  Haha!  Talk about self-mutilation and overkill!  Every inch of me was practically wanting to prounce upon every laptop I saw!  Haha!  I know, I know, I'm killing myself.  And I want to!  Haha!  It's practically suicide.  Or, whatever.  Anyway, we found quite a good deal at 70K, but we won't be back until mid-May so prices might've dropped until then.

Waaahhh!!!  3 weeks of 2nd year life left!!!  After it we're officially a junior!!!  Waaahhh!!!  2 years of College life to go!!! (not counting the delayed and MRR years, of course)  What have I not yet done in UP?!  I must do them now before it's too late!!  =P

One more thing:  Mister Kabab in Quezon Ave. cor. West Ave.?  THE BOMB.  Go there, you won't regret it.  Went there twice yesterday.  Hehe... that's how good it is.

Quote of the day:
by Sir Mykel Andrada, Humanidades 1 (Tao Panitikan at Lipunan)

*sees Marlon's provocative Eng'g shirt with "So what kung uno ka?  Eng'g ka ba?" written on it
Sir: Hay nako ayan na naman yang shirt na yan.  Napaka-classist!  Eh puro bagsakan naman ang mga nasa Eng'g.  Mas maiintindihan ko pa sana kung mga taga-BA ang gumawa nyan eh, kasi ganun talaga sila dun.
Marlon: *walang imik*
Sir: Oy joke lang.
Hehe... =P

eto pa isa:
by Ma'am Shirley Evidente, Comm100 (Intro to Mass Comm)

*writes the word 'doubledick' on the board#
Ma'am: Sorry class ah, hindi ko na talaga kaya.  Nag-text kasi yung maid ko, sabi nasa doubledick daw yung mga damit.  Naloka ako, grabe!!!  Doubledick daw!!!  Haha... I can only accomodate one!

Haha riot.  Whatta week.  Not much schoolwork, but the weeks ahead are filled with tons of them, so I'VE GOT TO GET OUT OF THIS GOOEY DISEASE, PRONTO!!!

P.S.
Magkaka-digicam na'ko, yippee!!!  And it's not from my parents.  See how they're so unmaterialistic even if it's not for so much?  The costliest thing I practically own that's from them is this freaking cellphone I've had for two years (and my mom had for yet again two years before she handed it down to me).  Okay, okay, I'm being materialistic once again.  I don't know, there's always this time of the year when I feel like I need to buy something new for myself.  Haaayyy, the pleasure of having to earn your own money.  Then again, I won't exchange the experience of College life over anything.  Yeahboy!  Yun yun eh.

My One Ring

Pardon this little Lord-of-the-Rings-y moment in this day's post.

Having only appreciate The Lord of the Rings recently (I'm a post-post guy, I always get on a fad whenever it's over. Hehe...), I came to a personal conclusion that everyone has his/her own "one ring" in life. You know, that one thing that tempts you the most, that one thing you can't and shouldn't have, that one thing you weren't destined to possess--may it be material, emotional, personal or what. It could be wishing to have a forever crush, a gadget you're lusting at, a vacation you've been forever wishing for, a job you've been wanting your whole life. Look at it. Look at yourself. Everybody has one. We all have our "ONE RING" which, when worn, turns us into a monster.

As for me, I believe my one ring is a bit shallow and superficial. It may not even be a one ring for others, but that's the main point on why it's my one ring--because everybody else has it, but I don't.

Anyway, the picture probably gave it away. Yes, my one ring is a laptop. My own personal mobile computing system. Internet at my fingertips. Blogging away in some faraway land, seashore, country, continent or whatnot. It's been forever my dream to get myself one. I vowed that when I have enough money the first thing I'd buy myself is a laptop. Whenever I go to the mall, I'd salivate looking at those laptop displays with their shiny covers, sleek streamline designs and one heck of a price tag. It's it. It's the one ring I was tasked to hold, but everytime I look at it, I'm tempted to wear it--to disappear from everyone's sight and indulge in all the power, pleasure and a plethora of other things it offers.

I remember distinctly the last time I was tempted to "put on" the ring. It was in the skywalk, I borrowed a laptop from my blockmate so that I'd be able to surf and see the pictures of our class. I sat on one of the benches, put down the laptop on, well, my lap, unfolded the screen and I stopped. I stopped, yes, I sat there half-frozen, staring into my reflection on the blank screen. I was stunned. I was staring at it for so long, in my mind repeating the words "I should have you, I should have you, I should have you..." I admit it, I was an inch close into giving in to the temptation of my one ring. It was calling out to me, I could hear its voice louder than the CMC people chattering in the background... "I belong to you, you're my master... yesss, my master... I'm your preciousssssssssss" But then, it hit me. I was jolted back into reality, thank God. I snapped out of the semi-trance I was in and continued on with my work. But still, the call of the one ring lingers on...

We all lust about some thing--sex, love, affection, the new phone, friendship, a dream job, a dream house, someone's hug, etc. We all have our one strongest desire that we can't quench no matter what we do. We all have this one huge button in our foreheads that can easily be pressed and we're done for. We all have this one huge empty space in our hearts, longing to be filled in by that one thing we can't have. It's our weakness, and by all means I say it's okay to lust or be tempted--after all, what constitutes the commission of a sin is not the act of being tempted, but how you react to them.

Wanna see me cry? Tell me I'm a loser because I don't have my own laptop. Tell me how convenient the world will be if I have one of my own--how I wouldn't have to search and borrow someone's laptop whenever there's a report, how I could blog anywhere there's a wi-fi connection, how I can write my thoughts whenever I want to. Or, if your have your own laptop, wave it to my face and do the nye-nye-nye kidstuff like you mean it. You might just witness me shed a tear out of sheer envy and frustration, or I might just have to kill you and get away with your oh-so-shiny laptop. In any case, nobody wins. =P

Pardon my being materialistic. I'm just being madamoiselle in The Necklace--I feel I deserve something more. But then again, this is just a phase, so don't mind me. Uke?!

She lost her medal!

May Gad.  What a day it is.  At humigit-kumulang apat na oras pa lang ang tulog ko, at wala pa ata akong planong matulog.

Nu ba kasi nangyari today?  Well, nag-volunteer lang naman ang Journ152 Public Relations Class namin sa Pasig River Marathon kanina.  We had to be there at 4am so all of us practically didn't sleep, which translates to "lahat kami bangag".

So pagdating namin sa venue, hanap agad ng classmates!  After a while Ate Lois briefed us on our first assignment, to man the baggage counter booth.  Some of us went to the check-in counter to man the station, while most of us did our own pasting of numbers on to different bags.

A little while later, we were transferred to the T-shirt booth.  We were supposed to give out shirts to those who have already finished the race.  Yung iba nga, aba, hindi pa nag-uumpisa race humihingi na ng shirt, umaambisyon!  Aba binigyan nga namin ng straight english, "Sir, I'm sorry but we'll only be releasing shirts after the race."  Ayun natahimik.  Hehe... Di ata kinaya ang lumelevel-up naming english kuno.  =P

Nung umpisa, andali pa ng trabaho eh.  Nag-pa-pack kami ng sorta-relief goods para sa tumakbo ng isang milyong milya aka the 42-kilometer marathon race.  Eggs, Oranges and Bananas ang nasa bawat loot bag.  Madali lang kasi assembly line.  But then a few minutes later aba, may tapos na mag-race!  Ambibilis!  Parang mga may pakpak at lumipad ata yung mga yun eh!  So nagkumahog naman kami na bigyan sila ng shirts.  May mga tumakbo ng 3K, 5K at 10K at lahat sila bibigyan ng shirt.

So una madali na naman, onti pa lang kasi ang nakakatapos.  Tapos maya-maya walanjo, stampede na!!!  Talagang nagdagsaan na ang mga tao para kumuha ng tshirt kaya nawala na rin yung sistema namin na iba-ibang lanes for different kilometer races.  Yung iba nga nagagalit na samin pag pinapalipat namin sila ng lane, ang haba daw ng pinila nila.  Aba sungit!  Sarap dunggulin!  Sabi ba naman, "It's your job to take care of us, to give us what we paid for.  Ang haba ng pinila namin, sabi nila dito daw ang pila, tapos palilipatin nyo kami?!"  Aba yung isa ngang manang na kasama namin sinungitan siya.  Haha, di nakuha sa sungit, sabi ko na lang "sorry po sir, pero volunteers lang rin po kami dito..." sabay bigay ng shirt at ayun, umalis na ang loko!

Halfway sa pamimigay ng shirts, biglang may umeksenang mahaderang manang na official kuno nung event.  Aba at biglang sinugod yung lane namin, tas pinagduduro yung number nung isang racer.  Sabi ba naman, "Hala! Hala kayo!!  May tatak na received na yan!!!  Bakit nyo binibigyan ng shirt?!  Yang mga may tatak na yan nabigyan na yan sa school nila ng shirt?!!  Bakit nyo binibigyan ulet??!!"  Aba at nung una eh nanliit kaming mga sinigawan niya pero maya-maya, natauhan kami, kasi walanjo wala namang sinabi samin na ganun pala yun.  Aba, tinaray-tarayan nga namin, lalo na nung si Kuya Rowel na handler namin.  Talagang nag-ala ghetto sya, kulang na lang yung finger tsaka body sway and *snap snap snap*.  Tapos kumuha pa yung babae ng megaphone to announce nga na di bibigyan yung mga may tatak.  Pero tuloy pa rin ang pakikipag-away namin, tas binigyan namin ng isang, "Ate, mga taga-UP kami, hindi naman siguro kami tanga na bibigyan namin yang mga may tatak na yan kung sinabi samin na huwag bigyan diba?!".  Pero ayaw magpatinag ng lola mo.  Sabi ko nga, "Ate, mag-isa ka lang nagsasabi na nasabihan kami.  Lahat kami dito sinasabi sayo HINDI KAMI SINABIHAN."  Ayun, takbo na lang ang mahaderang manang dun sa baggage counter.

Edi ayun na nga.  ANLAKING trobol.  Nagkulang yung shirts na ipapamigay kasi nga naibigay dun sa mga may shirts na pala.  CRISIS PR in real time!  Talagang hindi namin alam kung pano haharapin yung racers, nawala ang pagka-PR Class at MassComm students namin, kasi talagang hindi namin sila maharap para kaming susugurin at kukuyugin!  Eh wala naman kaming magawa, kasi volunteers lang kami.  Ginagawa lang naman namin kung ano yung sinabi samin, at kung ano yung hindi sinabi, aba, that's the least of our problems.

Buti na lang separate yung shirts for 42K runners.  Dun na lang kami lumevel-up, talagang pag may dumating na 42K runner todo spiel at performance level kami ng "Congratulations on finishing the race!" at "You're.  So.  Great!" na may complete cheering moves pa, hehe.  Talagang di namin pinansin yung mga 'di 42K.

Buti na lang maya-maya, may dumating na official from the event tas sila kumausap.  At least tinantanan na kami.  Kami kasi talaga yung namumura, eh mga munting angel lang naman kaming walang langit... hehehe...

Pagdating tuloy ni Ma'am Tessa, prof namin sa PR, talagang todo iyak kami sa kanya kuno, hehe... nagsusumbong sa nanay kasi inaaway mga anak nya, hehehe...  Sabay sabi, "Ma'am kasi, di pa kami tinuruan ng Crisis PR eh!"  Hehe...

After ma-resolve yung conflict, ayun tuloy lang kami sa pagseserve ng 42K runners na talaga namang inubos ang boses at energy naming lahat.  I remember distinctly may isang foreigner sabi nya nawala daw yung medal nya.  So ako naman sabi ko kay Ma'am Tess, "Ma'am, she lost her medal daw po!"  Nyahahahaha riot kasi lalaki yung foreigner.  Bumaha tuloy ng dugo sa booth namin galing sa ilong ko.  =P

Note lang, grabe talaga energy ng mga taga-MassComm, sobrang taas at sobrang nakakahawa.  Grabe.  I so love my College.  I belong here!  Sabi nga nung isang volunteer na kasama namin sa superior nya, "Ma'am, kahapon pa'ko hindi natutulog, pero dahil sa kanila talagang nabubuhayan ako ng dugo!"  Awwwww... salamat ate!

Moral Lesson of this experience:

• 
  
  Madaming asshole sa mundo.  Well, di nila kasi naiintindihan yung sitwasyon kaya nagmumukha silang asshole.


• 
  
  Mahirap mag-volunteer.  True.  Sobrang totoo.  Nagvovolunteer ka na nga lang, kaw pa yung namumura, napapagalitan na akala mo you're not doing a good job.  Sabi nung isang racer, "nagbayad kami rito so dapat nakukuha namin yung binayad namin!"  Sabi ko na lang sa sarili ko, "kami nga 'di binabayaran eh, pero eto kami naglilingkod sa inyo..."  Grabe, no good deed goes unpunished talaga.


• 
  
  Sa pagvovolunteer, kailangan alam mo na sasabak ka sa isang napaka-physically, emotionally and psychologically draining na task.  Buti na lang nanjan ang mga classmates ko na talaga namang they kept my spirit alive despite the many trials and tribulations.  Hehe... GO UP MASSCOMM!!!

Hay Lord, salamat sa energy, salamat sa fun-filled day na kahit puno ng tensyon, sobrang enriching na experience naman.  Lord, thanks din sa Kuya ko na hinatid at sinundo ako!  Salamat po sa araw na'to!

Sa susunod ulit!!!  Tsaka na pictures, di pa inuupload ni laurice eh.  Hehe...

Itanong nyo na lang...

Itanong nyo na lang kung anong masamang hangin ang nagdala sa'kin dito sa blog ko para mag-blog ulit.

Okay, sige, basahin nyo na lang.

My Kuya and I have been whining about this for quite some time now. Ever since we caught wind of this news, we never stopped ranting about it.

Campus Radio stoops down the level of a thousand leagues below sea water and reincarnates into...

janjarananjanaaaan!

Barangay LS.

Forever!

Can anyone get any cornier than this? I mean, to whose stupid mind can we attribute this dastardly deed? Just when I was beginning to re-love LS, this happens.

When I was a kid, I started listening to Kool 106 (haha, reveal na ang katandaan). Then Kool shut down so I shifted to Magic 89.9 until I grew teen. Recently, I got re-introduced to Campus Radio because of my Kuya. I totally loved Campus Radio, as in. As in I don't listen to any station other than LS.

Then LS betrays us?! Just leaves us hanging off the air?! (Quite literally at that) And the worse of all, LS didn't leave us for something better. LS left us for something far worse than kukurukuku and kailangan pa bang i-memorize yan. (Barangay LS?!! Forever??!! Hellooooo???!!!)

Hmph. Time to look for a new radio station that won't leave us hanging.

RX perhaps.

Who da Monster??!

Sinong Halimaw??! SINONG HALIMAAAWWW???!!!

My Kuya, the greatest brother in the whole wide universe, just passed the UP Law Aptitude Exam!

Now, to give you a background of LAE (Law Aptitude Exam), it's only the most sought-after exam in the metro. Maraming pumapatay just to pass the UP LAE. Meron ngang ibang aspiring lawyers na ang motto is, "It's UP or nothing". Eh pano ba naman, UP's only one of the best, if not the best, Law Schools in the whole country!

To give you an idea how hard it is to get to UP LAW, an estimate of 4,000 people take the test every year, and only around 170 people are chosen to be admitted. Half of those are admitted automatically upon release of results, while the other half are sifted through interviews.

Now, to give you an idea how MONSTROUS this Kuya of mine is, let's give you his background.

My Kuya's (Luis Jose F. Geronimo) a graduate of Political Science from the Ateneo. He already took the LAE last 2004, but due to some personal reasons, he decided not to pursue it. When he passed his first LAE, he was automatically admitted, meaning he's in the top 60 or so and he need not undergo the interview. Now, when you don't have to undergo the interview, then you're the bomb.

When he first took LAE, he took 1 month of review sessions from a center. However, this year, due to some difficulties as well, he was only able to review for the exam for one week. However, when results came out, AGAIN, he's one of the Top 60 or so who need not be interviewed to qualify. TWICE!!! He did it TWICE!!! Ngayon kung hindi pa sya halimaw, ewan ko na lang!

The son of Miriam Defensor-Santiago allegedly killed himself because he didn't pass UP LAE (or my story could be twisted, please do verify).

The Summa Cum Laude of UP Political Science Dept. didn't pass LAE when he took it last year.

My brother had gone through a lot of difficulties and trauma, had only one week to prepare for the exam, has graduated PolSci for over 2 years (Cum Laude "only"), had difficulty answering the essay part because his hand was numb, plus the pressure of ending up nowhere if he doesn't pass the exam.

And you know what? He did. HE ACED the exam, ate it like some peanuts sold in the street. It was a piece of cake for him. He passed! He's gonna be my schoolmate!!!

I am so damn proud of my Kuya, and that's why I want the whole world to know about it!