LEAVING SONG

this song is from Stephen Speaks that made a hit early in 2000 with the song “Passenger Seat”.. I’ve liked this song since my high school.. and it’s always my parting song with the people I used to be with for some time. So, this for the Journalism Batch 2008! Congratulations!

And everytime I think of you
I’ll remember all the goodtimes that we’ve had
And everytime I sing this tune
I will laugh, I will cry, I will close my eyes
Cause I know that it won’t be long

Until we sing, we will write
We will laugh away the night
And the good times will never end
When we meet again

And I’m gonna be somewhat lonely
cause you know no one could ever fill your shoes
As iron sharpens iron you have thought me how to be a stronger man
And I look forward to the day I learn again

We will sing, we will write
We will laugh away the night
And I know that it won’t be long
Until we meet again

Though I wish that I were with you now
I know there’s a reason for a space
I can dream of memories you’re writing down
And I look forward to that day
And the smile on your face

We will sing, we will write
We might cry and we might fight
And the good times will never end
We will laugh, we’ll relax, we’ll reflect on the years we’ve past
And I know that it won’t be long, until we meet again

#4

AS I SEE US IN THE FUTURE

It was a very pleasant day to start packing for my trip to Africa. I was asked to cover the new constructed school building and hospital of the World Vision Organization in Nairobi. As a photo-journalist and a regular employee for seven years of this organization, the task was entrusted to me. I had been dreaming since my final year in college to work in World Vision and be able to go to Africa. And that time, I was fulfilling my dream.

Just before the plane took off, I noticed the lady on the other side. It was Riza Valencia. After a few hours on the plane, we had a stop over in Singapore and had a chance to talk to her. She came there in Singapore to compete in the Formula 1 race. She’s a F1 racer! I was happy for her because it’s one of her frustration during our college days. I said my goodbye to her and left her with the novel of our batchmate because she didn’t have a copy, Joba Botana, which is now making a success internationally.

My connecting flight was going straight to Nairobi which will take for long hours. As I was watching the BBC news, I was surprised to see Khem Ycong, as their field reporter. I always knew she could be a broadcaster because of her very bold attitude. After watching the news, I decided to read FullTurn Magazine (the all-in-one magazine that tackles a wide topics about life) which is under the management of Lemuel Angeles. I read the review of Brooke restaurant which is owned by Farrah Brooke. She finally fulfilled her ambition of putting up a restaurant of her own. Then I turned the next page which contained a review of a new improved on-line game, DotA 5.0. It was developed by Eleazar Ultado who was also my batchmate and addicted to that game since our college days. Then on the next page, a feature story about a succesful entrepreneur and at the same time columnist, mother of three, Jocel Lopez. She is happily married with her since college boyfriend, Robel Tan. Then on the next page, an interview with a fashion consultant, Malaya Gavanzon, who had a successful  fashion show last month.

When I reached Nairobi, I received a call from Emylyn Castalla, my former classmate, the Editor-in-chief of Philippine Daily Inquirer, to ask and schedule me for an interview once I got back from my trip. Of course, I said yes. I grabbed the opportunity to ask how Kathleen Velasco was doing in Canada. She said, Kat had a flower shop and happily married with a Canadian.

I remembered, it was the birthday of our professor in college, Sir Alex Maaliw. I decided to send an e-mail and greeted him a happy birthday. He retired from teaching and now living in Italy.

It was a tiring trip from Manila. I decided to take a rest first in the Hotel before doing my field work.  Anyways, it was like travelling in a memory lane –  Nostalgic. c”,)

Just for laughs (for lonely hearts)

Thought about V.day

Flowers and chocolates are often proliferated on the sidewalks of Metro Manila on the season of the hearts – Valentine’s Day! Since the start of the month February, seems like everything is turning bloody red; the shops and malls and even hotels or motels are extravagantly decorated with hearts, flowers and cupids that would attract young and old lovers.

Many lovers in this country, despite the fact that it faces economic problems, spend too much on this occasion. A dozen of red roses cost P 500.00 and a bouquet of flowers costs more than a thousand pesos. Chocolates, on the other hand, vary. But most of the time, Cadbury, Hershey’s and Fererro chocolates are the sellable ones since they are packaged especially for this season. Prices range from P 500.00 to thousands of pesos. Some give stuff toys which is not as traditional as flowers and chocolates but as expensive as the two.

Love can really make the world goes round, so does money. Almost everybody now consider the factor money whenthey love. For most girls, they prefer guys who can give them want they want. And for guys, they prefer to have money first before they court a girl. Guys nowadays have this sense of feeling that they will be accepted more if they have money and girls feel they are more loved when they receive a lot of things from a guy. Though sometimes it’s true, love should not be based on money alone.

Love should not be equated with money. Love should go beyond anything and encompass everything. Though money is important in order to live, love is a greater need to have a heart that shares. It’s the joy and security that one feels whenever lovers are together even without the presence of money.

More love on this day! Happy Heart’s Day!

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Received this sms yesterday. Thought I could share it here..it’s funny yet it makes sense!

“Valentine’s day is… single’s awareness month!”

#3

Title: Going Through the Storm

It was a stormy day when I had the worst day of my entire college life.

I had a part-time job in a computer shop when I was in second year college. My schedule for work was after my classes in the afternoon and I had to spend about five to eight hours before I could go home. Since it was a stormy day, not much customer came to the shop and I closed it earlier that day.

I was lucky to have my umbrella with me but the rain just got heavier as I stepped out of the shop. I got soak by the heavy rain even though I had my umbrella. I waited longer than the usual for a jeepney but there was no vacancy in every jeepney that passed by. I decided to walk since almost all the commuters decided to walk also. I thought it was safe to walk because there were a lot of people walking.

As I approached España Avenue, I saw there was a flood above the knee level! Though I anticipated it, I just could not imagine myself going through the flood. There was no other way to get home so, I decided to remove my shoes and continue on walking barefooted – through the flood.

As I walked, I was worried about stepping on something sharp like broken glasses and nails and being welcomed by floating objects like animal dung and other gross stuff. And also I had in mind the experience of a friend that got into a man-hole as he was walking through the flood. It was an awful experience for him because he got bruised from that experience. But I was thankful enough that it did not happen to me!

I felt weird objects under my feet. Maybe those were stones, corn or garbages carried away by the flood. It’s good that I did not get any bruises from stepping on those objects. I was afraid of getting leptospirosis.

        After walking a couple of kilometers, I reached Welcome Rotonda where there was a foot-level flood and vacant PUVs. Then I was able to aboard an FX.

It was a relief!

       In about two hours, I finally got home. Thank God!

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This is not the craziest nor the worst thing(I think)… but I could not think of anything else to write about. So, apologies if this did not fall to our category for this article. c”,)

#2

The Relevance of Making Wrong Decisions

  

A student’s life is never easy. It’s a very long journey of reading books, taking notes, answering examinations, reciting, beating deadlines, waking up early, and getting tired and stressed out.  But they’re all part of it; there’s no easy way out.

            When I entered college, I thought I could spin the world with my fingertips – that I could make a fast -track to get the diploma I’ve always wanted; But I was wrong. Instead, it made me extend a year more for a supposedly four-year course.

            I guess it was intended. 

            Before I entered college, I knew I wanted to take the journalism course. But due to the relevance of making wrong decisions, I had to take a segway just to head to where my heart really desires.

            If I am to remember the most momentous part of my college life, it was when I faced the challenge of the first course I enrolled in – Accountancy. Because there was no Journalism course then offered in this University, I had to choose “it”.. out of the blue.

            I had managed to get over the first semester but when I had a major subject on the second semester, my world collapsed. I struggled hard to meet the demands of that 6-unit subject but my efforts weren’t just enough. I failed every activity we had and my interest with the subject drastically went down. I spent sleepless nights just to work on a one-big-sheet of yellow paper full of grids and numbers but it was only a trash when it reached the hands of my professor. Then I finally made up my mind; I had to shift to another course or I’ll forever mess up.

              Since I had decided to shift on the following semester, I didn’t do any effort to pass the departmental exam in accountancy. And so, I got a grade of five.

              I cried about it. And yes, it’s alright to cry for stupid things you do. At least I found a reason to get out of the mess I chose to be in.

               Like I said, I guess it was intended because a person could not learn by being told but by experiencing it. It was a wrong decision but necesary to be where I am now.

               Now, I’m a graduating student of the pioneering batch of Journalism in this University and I’ve been having the best times in this course with my colleagues and our only professor in all major subjects.

            Though college life isn’t perfect, there are still rough times and demands to meet, still God’s grace is sufficient. No matter how I try to change my life with the decisions I do for myself, God always make a way to bring  me back to His original plan. And I am grateful having Him be a part of my journey in this particular part of my life.

             Well, the extension was never really bad at all. c”,)

WISHLISTS

hehehe. It’s not that I’m being materialistic at this very season, it’s just that my heart longs for these things.. kahit simple things lang ung iba.

 1. Any books from Paulo Coehlo (kahit magdoble-doble na!)
 2. A new pair of sneakers. (Dapat lang. 5 years ko nang gamit ang red converse ko kaya dapat lang na mapalitan na sya!)
 3. A good headset for my O2 mini xda II.
 4. Ipod! (asa!hehe.)
 5. A digicam.
 6. CD of Silent Santuary
 7. DVD of Saviour King
 8. Graphic comics. Any from Arnold Are or the “SIGLO”
 9. Any Phil. Lit. books
 10. A very nice not-so-skinny jeans. (Kahit divisoria lang, basta pasado sa taste ko)
 11. A Trim-lined Bible
 12. Maayos ang PC ko over the Christmas break
 13. A new haircut (Again. hehe.)
 14. A new white blouse
 15. New pair of pearl earings
 

For now,  yan lang po.. salamat!

God bless.

And so it’s Christmas

Yes, we all feel it coming already. The wind is cold and everything around is sparkling with colorful lights and decorations. It’s like the happiest time of the year!

People spend Christmas differently. There are people who spend it with their family, some with their significant other, some with their friends, some in their workplace and some just don’t care and let the day pass.

Most of us do our best to give something during this time of the year. We try to allot something from our allowances or salary just to have enough money to buy the gifts that our loved ones deserve. It’s the time of the year when everyone seems to find joy in giving.

Yes. It’s all about giving! But where did this concept of giving really come from?

We all know that Christmas is celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. That God had sent His only son, Jesus, into the world. But what most people know is that it’s just all about it and that’s where the concept of giving was derived.

We often overlook the real essence of Christmas; the reason why Jesus came into this world. It’s not just His birth that we should celebrate; it’s the hope that was given to us when Jesus died on the cross; it’s the life that was given up for mankind.

I think it makes more sense to know that Jesus gave up His life for my sins, for our sins; And it’s the best act of giving ever known.

Imagine, God himself, all powerful, became a man, suffered as a man, and died as a man – all out of love for us. Is it not worth celebrating?

So, as we celebrate Christmas, let us rememeber how our Saviour, Jesus Christ, came into this world and died for us. Yes, we know that December 25 is not really His official birthday, but let us just commemorate through expressing love to one another. Though we can’t give material things which we wished we could give, we have love and forgiveness to offer which are eternal things.

So,

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Jesus!

and

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

Let me dream for you…

I want to see you up there,
doing your thing
and owning the stage,
playing your own songs
as if you’re singing it for me;
but no.
You will be applauded.
People will be pleased
but still asking for more.
You are supposed to be up there;
It’s where you are good at.
I believe in you.
It’s what your heart desires,
I know.
Though I don’t see you,
I feel you.
And this is the best thing to do..
to dream for you.

“Naninikip ang tiyan,
nakatingin sa buwan.
Malayo ka at wala nang magawa.
Hanap ang iyong kamay,
wala akong kaakbay.
Nasaan ka na kaya?
Parang kahapon lang
tayo ay magkayakap
sa ilalim ng buwan..”

-Buwan, Itchyworms

Not again.

“Sayang.”

I don’t know, pero un lang nasabi ko about the crisis yesterday sa Manila Peninsula Hotel in Makati. It’s a second attempt for Trillanes, but again, it ended just the way it did  the 1st time in Oakwood.

Hindi naman sa gusto ko na maghimagsikan ang mga tao at kelangan pang dumanak ang dugo para makamit ang hinahangad na pagbabago, pero sayang talaga. Bihira ang tapang na un na pinakita ni Trillanes at ng iba pa. Pero, gaya na rin ng inaasahan, walang kinahantungan ang tapang nila dahil tinapatan ng ilang tangke at ilang batalyong pulis laban sa iilang tao at maliit na armas.

What happened yesterday could have been a call for action to this rotting government system that we have. Pardon me to use the term, pero “ang kapal na ng mukha nila” para magpatuloy sa kinauupuan nila.

Sobrang dami nang namatay, nawawala at nakukulong dahil sa pinaglalaban na pagbabago para sa ating bansa. Pero, bingi bingihan sila at pilit na ginagawang tanga ang mga tao. Madali lang para sa kanila na gawin ang gusto nila kasi nasa kanila ang kapangyarihan. Nakakalungkot isipin na kahit nasa malaya tayong bansa, kung hindi naman dinidinig ang mga hinaing ng mga tao, walang rin itong pinagkaiba sa mga taong binubusalan ang mga bibig.

Pano pa kaya sila nakakatulog sa gabi?

Nakaka-disturbed kung paano sila mag-react sa mga ganitong malayang paraan ng paghahayag ng saloobin.

It’s a fight betweeen the lawful and the righteous. Sila ang batas, kahit hindi na makatao.

Wala naman na akong nagawa kahapon kundi panooring masayang ang mga pinaglalaban na pagbabago.

Tanging panalangin nalang ang aking binubulong sa Maykapal na nawa’y Siya nalang ang makinig sa kanilang pinaglalaban dahil bingi na ang mga tao pinatutunguhan nito.

Hindi ako galit sa mga taong nasa gobyerno, galit lang ako kung paano sila nagpapa-uto sa mga tukso at bulong ng demonyo sa kanila.

Pati ang media, pinagiinitan na rin nila.

Nasa tao pa ba ang kapangyarihan para sa ngalan ng demokrasya?

“Lord, kayo na po ang bahala. All I know is that You have a will for this country. We may not know it but I know You will make a way. Keep our faith strong so that we will hold on unto You and not doubt Your power. I still thank you for everything, for your grace that we are still able to wake up everyday and hope. In Jesus name, Amen.”