Failing

Failure. Honestly, I am a little afraid of it (maybe more than a little). I hate it. But of course, I had experienced failure many times in my life. And it hurts. Failure stings. Failure can be very hard. I know that I am not alone. Many people also hate failure, because it hurts. Failure to keep a promise. Failure in education or career. Failure in love. Failure in life. However, we should see the positive things even when we fail. According to the German General von Stuelpnagel in 1944, “No defeat is final. Defeats are simply lessons to be learned in preparation for the next and greater attack.” Strive to draw valuable lessons from every failure you suffered. Yes, failure is painful. But failure makes our success “deliciously” glorious. Besides, we have the Almighty Author of True Success to turn to in time of failure. He wants us to overcome the pulls and pushes of wrong desire. He wants us to succeed in life, by seeking and following the Truth. And, He will share us His success and happiness for eternity. Failure is hard, but how can we appreciate the success without experiencing failure?

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Thought That Counts

This story is when my ex-girlfriend was not yet my girlfriend, more than a year ago. It was back when her birthday was coming near. And I decided to get her something for her birthday. I do not have a big allowance so I really do need to save up. For days, I saved my allowance and did not spend on snacks or anything. One day, my classmates and I were going towards the Internet Café. I decided to go with them. I do not plan to play with them but just watch and get some cold air from the airconditioner of the cafe. "Come on, Bernz, let's play," Josh Henry Regondola said to me. "I am saving my money," I replied. Josh knew that I am saving up to get something for my gift. "Come on, Bernz. She will not mind if you give her something cheap. It is the thought that counts," he insisted. That is Josh for you. He is a moron most of the time (hehehe…just kidding Josh). With a smile I shook my head and replied, "You are right, Josh. It is the thought that counts. That is why I want I want to give my best." He shrugged and gave up. And I hope he understands the point. After three weeks of saving, her birthday arrived. A weekend before her birthday, I purchased my gift. It was my best. I gave it to her on her birthday, feeling good with myself because it was the best I could give. A gift does not matter if it is expensive or cheap. It is the thought that counts. And being thoughtful means your best. It is the same with giving to God. It does not necessarily mean giving a few or much, as long as it is the best. Remember the story about the widow and the rich man in Mark 12:41-44? It is the same. What can you get when you give your best? Well, her smile when I gave the gift to her was enough for me. In the same way, wouldn't it be nice to make God smile?

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Appreciating the Mayon

This thought is about the Mayon Volcano. What about the Mayon Volcano? It is the most perfectly shaped cone-shaped volcano in the world. It is one of the wonders of the world. It has been part of the lives of Albayanos. It even had a story of its origin in local legend. It has provided income for the local government of Albay through tourism. It also provided anguish to the settlers near the volcano when there is an eruption. But all in all, the Mayon Volcano is the pride of Albay. Those visiting in Albay admire the volcano. Its beauty spellbinds them. Its magnificence awes them. But Albayanos take for granted this beautiful creation of God. Most Albayanos just ignore it. They got used of this wonder. Most Albayanos may not fully appreciate Mayon Volcano. As for me, its beauty makes me see that God is amazing for making such wonderful volcano. But what I realized most in life about the Mayon Volcano is appreciating things. In our lives, God made beautiful things around us. We might take them for granted. And might realize its true value when it has disappeared from our lives. We might not be able to appreciate the good things that happen to us. And might see its significance when it has already gone. All these beautiful things we do not appreciate for we take them for granted. I think we should not wait until they are taken away from us before we see the beauty of the things around us. The beauty of the persons dear to us. The beauty of the good things in our lives. The beauty of ourselves. And by seeing the beautiful things in our lives, we will praise God for realizing that He is amazing for creating such wonderful things. Let us start now to show our appreciation for the "Mayon Volcanoes" in our lives.

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Sailing in Life

Here is a story: To improve efficiency, a company hired a consultant, who called a meeting of all shop personnel. Stressing the need to listen to experts, he said, "Imagine you're on the Titanic, and it's sinking. You climb into a lifeboat. Which direction would you row?" He continued, "What if you had the ship's navigator with you? Now which way would you go? You'd row the way the navigator told you to, right?" There were murmurs of approval among the personnel. They agreed with the point of the consultant until one fellow in the back piped up, "Well, I don't know. He's already hit one iceberg!"
That was a rather humorous story. But I ask you, who is the navigator of your life? I remembered the last line of the famous poem, Invictus. I think it goes like this, "I am the master of my faith and the captain of my soul!" Many people think so, too. This line from the Invictus is the motto of humans. We believe we are the ones who should control our lives. We believe we make the outcome of our lives. We want to be the boss of our lives. Human nature makes us serve three persons, "Me, Myself and I". It is all about us. We cannot stomach someone controlling our lives. We want to live for our own. Doing what we think is right. Lives became miserable because of this philosophy. I think we should revise our motto to lead a meaningful life. It should go like this, "God is the master of my faith and the captain of my soul". Living for God and for others is a very meaningful life. God should be our boss. Trusting Him always and living for His pleasure. I truly believe that if we make Him the navigator of our lives, we will never hit an iceberg.

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A Step To National Recovery

A priest once told this following story:
Satan gave a Filipino in Hell a privilege to call his friends that are left in this world by the use of the Hell's telephone. The Filipino was very happy to be able to call his friends from the afterlife. As he was about to call his friends, he observed in a list that there are expensive rates in calling to other countries. However, he noticed that calling to the Philippines is only cheap.
He asked Satan, "Why is it that the call rates to other countries are expensive while the call rate to the Philippines is cheap?"
Satan answered, "Calling to other countries are expensive because it is a long distance international call. The call to the Philippines is only a local one."
The story is a funny one. But seriously, is the Philippines really a "Hell"? Some people may think that living in this country is a, figurative or/and literal, "Hell". An Exaggeration? Maybe… but maybe not.
This country has really made a name for itself. Not only positively but, sadly, more on negatively. Our country is one of the most corrupt countries in the world. Our country is nearly one of the poorest. Our country is known for a haven for criminals and terrorists. It seems that there is no one safe here because of countless snatchers, "holdapers" and kidnappers.
That is why tourism is weak here nowadays. And if, in some sense, tourism is great here it is because of prostitution, child trafficking and such. Our country has been branded as a "sex country" and many pedophiles, perverts and other sex maniacs chose to go here.
Drugs are so abundant here. Gambling is abundant, too. Filipinos are known for people who have many vices.
Most Filipinos have low discipline, moral and self-respect. Throwing garbage and spitting anywhere are instincts of Filipinos. People have no respect for rules.
Politicians and law-enforcers here are known to be related to crocodiles (buwayas). Politics and justice in the Philippines are big jokes. Everyone can be bribed. It seems that money and power are the only ones important. Worst of all, this kind of people run this country.
We cannot deny that this is our country. Full of poverty, corruption, blasphemy, hypocrisy, immorality and violence. So much for our country being "Asia's Only Christian Country".
Do not get me wrong. I am only stating the facts. I love my country. I am proud I am a Filipino (especially when Pacquiao wins a bout). I really do believe that this country can improve.
I am often thinking what kind of life will I face after I graduate in college. I can feel the sting of our country's "hell" today but I will certainly feel the full blast of it when I entered the real life. Will the status of this country be the same? Or it will change? But what kind of change? Will it grew worse or better?
What kind of Philippines will my generation and I find ourselves living in the future? Most of my peers really think much about the future. Sadly, my peers think that this country will never improve and they decided to quickly live this country if given the chance.
I really believe the theory about the "brain drain" of this country. Many talented Filipinos are using those talents for different countries. Foreign countries are the ones who benefit from the Filipino's talents. If this "brain drain" will continue, what kind of Philippines will it be in the future?
Our economy is always failing. Consider this fact, we sell lumber to Japan, then Japan sells plywood to us. Of course we are always losers in this kind of trading, we export raw materials and import manufactured ones. With the economy also failing, will the future of the youth in this country look good? Failing economy also leads to rarity in jobs. Maybe it is really the reason why many Filipinos choose to live this country, to find greener pastures.
This country has great natural resources, human talent and power, and opportunities. We only need proper management and manipulation of these advantages to improve our economy. But with leaders that are corrupt and Filipino morale low, this is vague to happen.
If these conditions in the Philippines will continue, this country will shortly be in chaos if not already in chaos. I guess we cannot blame those people who consider this country as a "Hell." Will there be a chance to change all of this?
For me there is only one thing that can change our country. That is if there will be a revival. Revival in our lives and revival for our country are the things that will change this country for the better. We need to recommit ourselves and this country to God.
Some may say, "Wait a minute. We are already committed to God. Remember that we are the only Christian nation in Asia. We, Filipinos, are already religious."
Yes, I agree that Filipinos are religious. But are they really committed to God? I don't think so.
God is the only one who can change this country for the better. Filipinos are religious but self-centered. Filipinos are religious but does not really trusts God. Filipinos are religious for themselves.
I saw documentaries about cities and countries fully humbling themselves before God and asking for help. They see that only God can make the difference. And their prayers were answered, their countries or cities greatly improved. Morals were raised, economies improved and the way of life flourished.
I really do think that this can also happen to our country. God revived those countries and cities and He can do this to us. I believe that God can and will heal this land if we surrendered ourselves to Him. All Filipinos should sincerely ask for a revival.
God is powerful and He can certainly "scare the Hell out of this country". As a young Filipino, what I can do is pray for a personal revival in my life first then pray for a national revival. Revival starts with one's self. The national thing will follow.
May God help and guide us. God bless the Philippines!

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HELL

Hell is true. It is the final destination of all who are damned. There is suffering here day and night. The damned ones will burn and burn for all eternity. Worst of all you will be separated from the presence of God. Only the Children of Light, God's Chosen Ones, will be saved from this fate in the afterlife. But in some cases, for me, hell also exists here on earth. Really. There is hell on earth. Poverty. Hunger. Greed. Jealosy. War. Hate. Lust. Selfishness. Suffering. Diseases. Corruption. Discrimination. Terrorism. Self Righteousness. Heartbreaks. You name it. Now you may see, there is a figurative, or maybe it can be a literal, "hell" in this earth.
I am fond of saying hell. When I am frustrated, angry, lonely or dissapointed about a certain problem, I will find myself saying,"Hell!". It is really part of getting over with that frustaration, anger, loneliness or dissapointment. And later, I can get over with that problem and return to my old self and smile. It reminds me that the problem is not a "hell". You see, as a Christian there is no hell for you. Either in the afterlife or now in your life in this world. Like me, you encounter problems in this life. Health problems. Money problems. Identity problems. School problems (especially those "hellish" math problems). Girl problems. No matter what problems, big or small, when you are a Christian God will help you overcome those problems and you will find yourself still happy. It will never be "hell". That is the significance of Christ's death and ressurection. You may experience problems, but you will never ever experience hell (in the afterlife or in this world) in your life if you are a Christian. That is the truth.
Don't believe me. Read the Bible, it will scare the hell out of you.

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CHOICES AND DILEMMAS

We make choices everyday. It's part of human life. From choices of eternal consequences, to the simple choosing of what dress to wear.

People sometimes get into trouble because of making a choice without thinking about it. They just jump into it, without proper thinking. In making decisions and choices, the consequences, advantages and disadvantages of each option should be evaluated.

I don't like dilemmas. I feel uncomfortable in times of dilemmas. I believe most people do too. Dilemmas - to make a choice. Ethics. Moral issues. For good or bad. Right or wrong. Life and death. Weighing the things we want and need. To ought to do and want to do. For our own good, or for the greater good.

Dilemma is the gift and curse of free will. Sometimes we try postpone making decisions. But sometime, we have to conclude, to say the final word, to finally decide… we cannot escape dilemmas. And it is better to face it than run from it.

And the pain or happiness of our choices are things that we cannot avoid. It is easier said than done, "think first before we act." But we all know, it's hard. And sometimes, even if we know the terrible consequence of a particular choice, we still go for it.

Every choice has a reward, or punishment. And dilemmas are there to make us think of our options. So, how will we resolve dilemmas? I think a very beautiful line in Spider-Man 2 is the answer to this question.
It goes something like this:

"Sometimes, in doing what is right, we have to be steady… to give up we ever wanted, even our dreams."

And I say amen to that.

* * *

I encountered a very difficult dilemma recently.

It was a weekday night, and I just finished a homework in Business Statistics. At last, it was time for some relaxation. To read a book, play my guitar or laze around.

I decided to get some snack while I relaxed myself. And I had two options of what I should eat. Apples were on the dining table, and a Tobleron chocolate was in the ref.
Should I choose an apple or a chocolate? Dilemma.

I weighed each one. The apple is more nutritious and better for my body. However, the chocolate might cause teeth problems, and it is a "junk food." So, after considering and evaluating… the answer to my dilemma was easy.
I took the chocolate.

(Hey, I love chocolates… so sue me :)… and besides, tradition tells us that Eve got into trouble when she chose the apple)

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NOSTALGIC ABOUT THOSE OLD TV SHOWS

I feel nostalgic when my sister asks me about the cartoon TV shows I watched in the past. And as I think about them now, I miss them. Those shows that I watch of the span of my childhood, those great shows back at the 90's. I really miss them… all of them.

Back then, the local station, ABS-CBN has some pretty good morning and afternoon shows for kids. Mostly made by the Japanese, but with Western themes, mostly drawn from literature, like "Heidi", "Charlotte", "Cedie", "Princess Sarah", "Little Women 2 (Actually, the Little Men)", "Georgie", "Cinderella", "Huck Finn", "Adventures of Tom Sawyer", "Daddy Long Legs", "The Three Musketeers", "The Secret Garden"… to name some of them. And there were, the so-called, animes, too. Like, "Zenki", "Magic Knight Rayearth", "Saber Marionette" and others. GMA has some good shows, too, back on my days, before the "anime" era. Like Disney Adventures. And here is where I first caught glimpse of the cool cartoon, "Biker Mice From Mars". But those days were an ABS-CBN rout when it comes to children cartoons and TV shows.

I remembered the X-Men's popularity back then every Friday on ABS-CBN (though I was able to see episodes of it again, years later through cable channels like Star World and Jack TV). The very catchy opening theme song is the kind that gets stuck in your head, that's why, all these years, I still can hum it.  And I love it when the narrator says, "Previously, on X-Men"… Though there is an X-Men Evolution TV show now, and I like it, too, I still love the X-Men animated series back in the 90's. Friday night was kid's night, because of shows like X-Men, and Spider-Man... yeah... I love that show. And Power Rangers! It was a cult back then. And when my sister watches today's Power Rangers: Ninja Storm, and Dino Thunder, I always tell her about the Power Rangers of my days, the first power rangers and the Zeorangers and the Turborangers and the Power Rangers In Space. And later on, Beast Wars: Transformers arrived in the Friday night schedule. Until high school, I loved that show, even though it was transferred to Studio 23, and I like the sequel of the show, the Beast Machines.

ABC-5 has some pretty great shows back then. I really love "Bravestar". I used to play I was him, "Strength of the bear (with the echo "bear… bear… bear")". And "He-Man" and "She-Ra", I cannot forget those shows. And the Five-Man, the "Japanese Power Ranger Copy Cats" (which might be probably the original). And other shows, especially on weekends. And the first time I caught a glimpse of "Slam Dunk" was here, before the GMA "Slam Dunk".

My first awareness on anime can be credited to VTV on IBC-13. Dragon Ball, Ghost Fighter, Battle Ball, Time Quest, to name a few. They were first shown here before the other stations.

Then we got those shows on cable, especially during weekends. Star World has pretty neat shows on weekends during those days. "Voltron", "Saber Riders and the Star Sheriffs", the Japanese version of  "Transformers", "Dinky Di's", "Dino Riders", "Denver: the last dinosaur", "Dungeon and Dragons", etc.

Cartoon Network's Hanna-Barbara cartoons are really good classics.  In my opinion, they equal Disney ("Mickey Mouse & Friends") and Warner Bros. ("Looney Tunes") TV brand in greatness. The Danger Zone, back then, introduced me to the likes of "The Centurions", "Swat Cats" and "Ninja Robots".  Other kid's channels arrived, but Cartoon Network was the first and most dominating early on.

There used to be a Kermit channel, now defunct, with awesome kids shows also, like "Fraggle Rock", "Muppet babies" and "Encyclopedia". And I love the specials of this channel.

The cable channel Nickelodeon shows back then were also great. "Ren and Stimpy" may be plain stupid and disgusting, but, I admit, I watch it sometimes. Those were the days of "Rocko's Modern Life", "Angry Beavers", and some of them can still be seen today like "Rugrats", "Hey, Arnold!", "Catdog" and "Spongebob".

I was in late elementary when Disney Channel came in cable. And more shows and toons came to catch my attention and viewing time. I used to remember waiting patiently for "Archie's Weird Mysteries" - my favorite back then - every night.

And of course, the anime mania. Yes, our generation become addicted to Japanese cartoons. GMA boasts of starting the anime era in the Philippines. But I already watched "anime" back before that, in AXN and other channels.

The shows I watched back then… ah, how I really miss them… "The Simpsons", "Captain Bucky O' Hair", "GI-JOE", "Transformers", "Super Mario Bros.", "G-Force", "Muppets", "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" - oh, there are so many great shows in my childhood, I can't mention them all.

I really miss those shows. They were part of the memories of my childhood. When I lie in our sofa, very relaxed, with the remote in my hand and my concentration focused on the TV. Those were the days…

I am about eleven years older than my sis, and she had grown to be a TV aficionado like me. I kept on telling her how she missed out most of the best TV shows I enjoyed in my childhood. Some, she was still be able to watch. But most of them are not shown anymore. Yes, there are also several good new shows and cartoons in the present, too.  But I think my era was better.  I am still wishing that I can obtain a DVD collection (and a DVD player and a TV set) of those shows and cartoons in my childhood.

Many say that too much TV is bad. Maybe they are right - hey, they are mostly right, I admit that too much TV is bad. But I think they should also see the positive and brighter sides. My TV viewing experiences had brought me several good memories of my childhood. And believe it or not, anti-TV activists, I learned many lessons from those shows I watched. Yes, there is also some good in watching TV.

There is a cliché that goes, "we are only children once." Yes, and therefore it should be enjoyed. There is no harm in watching some TV (just not too much that it takes all our time to do other great things). To have fun. To enjoy.

I still enjoy watching TV. "We are only children once." And I am still a child at heart, though I find that life become more and more complicated as you grow up. But sometimes we have to forget those complicated things, and be a simple child again. In which watching TV (or reading a book, or playing, or watching a butterfly, or picking flowers, or eating chocolate, etc.) can make a child happy and satisfied.

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LOOKING ABOVE THE NIGHT SKY

I like it when there are a few clouds, or none at all, during the night. I like to look at the stars and the moon. Sometimes, when I get lonely, depressed or if something is bothering me, I look at the night sky. I look above in awe…

I used to dream, back when I was a small kid, of being an astronaut when I grow up. I wanted to blast off to outer space, to float in weightlessness, to watch the Earth from above, to walk on the moon, and reach for the stars…
Back then, being a small kid, dreaming and admiring the outer space, I read a lot about it: planets, space flight, heavenly bodies… I was deeply interested in learning about th Space, and how to get there.
I don't dream of being an astronaut anymore, though I still like the idea than being a CPA. Me, being, an astronaut may not be impossible… but close.

But although I lost my dream of being a n astronaut, I still am interested about Space. I read and watch sci-fi; keep informed about new discoveries and new space projects; Moon Landing Conspiracy; hazards of space junk; possibility of life on Mars; aliens… I'm still into those things. And I will never outgrow my liking of looking up the cloudless night sky… to wonder and ponder.

I'm not really aware of star constellations, star positions and other astronomical stuff (the only things I can identify in the night sky is the moon and the "big dipper [or is it the small?]"). But I want to learn about them someday… want to learn astronomy.
And I wish I have high-powered binoculars, or wish that I still have my telescope (the one my lil sis broke).
But, at least, you don't need fancy gadgets and not being aware about "star facts" does not hinder me to admire the night sky.

I am not really sure why looking above at night time at the stars and the moon comforts me, calms me or cheers me. But it is so.
Maybe it's one reason God created them.

Lately, I have been looking above the night sky a lot. I have been often thinking about a lot of things. At our house's third floor, with my acoustic guitar, and a cup of coffee and pack of crackers beside me, I look above… and think.

And sometimes, while I admire at the beauty of the night sky, and outer space… I think of a more beautiful and glorious place which is located way beyond the skies and Space.
Heaven… I believe in that place. God's place. Where there is no sorrow, worry and wants. Where complete peace, joy and satisfaction lies.
One great evidence that it exists is you can catch a glimpse of Heaven in this Earth. Some of the things I catch a glimpse of it are when I see: a happy occasion, a selfless deed, an inspiring event, love, faith, hope, unity, miracles, wondrous works of Nature, breathtaking views, a beautiful sunset, or looking at the night sky…

Looking above brings comfort, cheer and calmness - no matter how down you are - looking above can do that.
Heartbreak is no match against Heaven. Hell can never prevail against Heaven. If you are having a Hell in your life, look above!

I wonder if I'll see a meteor shower or a comet, tonight?
Anyway, I'll enjoy the night sky, I'll strum the guitar and sing my heart out, enjoy the heavenly taste of coffee, and ponder on the fact that all joy and suffering in this world is temporary… and dream of my future Home…
I don’t need to be an astronaut to fly there…

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KNOCKED DOWN... BUT NEVER KNOCKED OUT.

Ludwig Von Beethoven.
The Master.
You should hear his masterpieces (got a tape cassette of them). Among the best of the best. He's a genius in composing of music - a true genius.
You see, Beethoven was deaf. Since he was young, he has begun to lose his hearing. And he completely lost his hearing by the time he was forty-eight - but five years later, he finished the awesome Ninth Symphony. He never heard it by ear. But he heard it in his heart and mind.
For a musician, losing your hearing is terrible. But that's what I admired about Beethoven. His deafness did not stop him loving the thing he loves - which is music. He loves music so much. He never allowed his deafness, or his other many problems (love life, social life, etc. read about it…), to stop him.
A true Master

* * *

Brewster M. Higley, M.D.
Composer of the song "My Western Home" or better known as "Home On The Range".
His life was tragic, too. Lost four wives. And he turned to alcohol n his depression. Poor miserable man.
But he moved on with his life. He went to the American Frontier - to be a pioneer out on Indian Country in Kansas. Yes, there were many dangers - Indians, snakes, prairie fire, heat, cold, plagues… you name it. Plus, the long distance from supplies and help.
But there he found solace. He found himself. He found a home. And found time to be awed by Nature and his surroundings and write a song about it. "Where seldom is heard a discouraging word, and the skies are not cloudy all day…" Lovely.
He never allowed misery to completely beat him. He manage to compose a great song, as well as compose himself to stand up again after the pain of the past.
Well, he married again - for the fifth time - and lived happily ever after.
A true man of optimism.

* * *

Jon Bon Jovi's slow rock love songs are almost all about goodbyes and heartbreaks; the girl leaving, but him still loving her. Bed Of Roses, Always, I'll Be There For You… Song of goodbyes and heartbreaks.
It's all based on his experiences… those moving but lonely love songs. It seems a girl (or girls?) left him, but he still loves her loyally even with the pain he felt.
Cool guy. Never allowed the heartbreak to bring him completely down. He managed to do something constructive - he wrote love songs.
Like Beethoven and Higley, Bon Jovi was knocked down but never allowed himself to be completely knocked out. It's not only true to musicians. I could name other great people - like Albert Einstein and Thomas Edison - that failed, but did not allow themselves to be complete failures. They stood up and continued to fight - to win. Knocked down but never knocked out.

* * *

Why am I writing these?
Well, I was recently knocked down and barely did not made the ten counts.
I was - or rather, am - brokenhearted for the first time. The girl I love and I broke up in our relationship. And it was very painful.
But I managed to stand up again - still hurting, but ready to go on.
And like Beethoven, Higley and Bon Jovi, I am going to make some music.
I guess I am going to compose a new song - this is going to be my sixth composed song. I already have some music in my mind, and I'm sorting out the lyrics.
The song might be a lonely one… all about my feelings and emotions now, like pain and loneliness. I'll not only dedicate it to my ex, but also to the Beethovens, Higleys, Bon Jovis, Einsteins, Edisons, Lincolns, etc. of this world. Those guys who were knocked down, but stood up to continue the fight and never knocked out.

* * *

And I'll dedicate it to God, too, like all the songs, secular and worship, I composed. This song might not be a worship song to Him (maybe I'll make one for Him, too) but its' also dedicated to him because. He's the one who lifts me up when I'm knocked down, encourages me to keep on fighting, and promised, that with Him, I will never be knocked out.

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BREAKUP... BROKENHEARTED... BREAKING DOWN...

Brokenhearted
That is my state today
My girlfriend, my high school sweetheart, broke up with me
I was a bit ready for it, but it was still painful
I love her so much
Yes, I was prepared to let her go if that's the best
And I have to let her go
But it's painful
It was like seeing the Los Angeles Lakers lose
Only a hundred times more painful (that's the best description I can give)
It's my first time to be brokenhearted
And I find it really painful
Hellishly painful

I call her the "Luv Of My Lyf"
She's beautiful
Her character matches her beauty
Has a good heart
Talented
Intelligent
But most of all, I love her'
And that what really matters
I love her for what she is

She was sorry it had to happen (me too!)
But I guess she's right to prioritize many important things and let go of me
At least, she was honest
And although she is gone, as a lover…
She's still my friend - I'm still glad of that

It's both joyful and sad when I think about the bittersweet memories we shared
I'll always love the dances we shared
The times we're together…
Especially when we go home from school
It was fun to be with her
All about her was fun
Now it's over

As to date, this is the lowest point of my life
Yes, I still have my happy and carefree nature (Thank God!)
But there's loneliness and pain in my heart
And melancholy and depression comes once in a while
I'm glad I still find sources of comfort
To be thankful and happy
Reading literature and playing music lifts my spirit when I am down
But the pain was too much…
It's been days after the breakup before I could pick up my guitar or read a book
I'm glad I can do those things now - takes a bit of the pain away
Food helps, too. Food is always there when you need it
Entertainment - yeah - will do, too
TV, PC, movies, Internet, games, jokes, fun… good things that makes you forget
And I can turn to drawing… to practice to draw again… to learn…
Writing is always good as well as therapeutic… that's what I'm doing now
And other hobbies and interest of mine might help
Might take some of the pain away… or make me forget for a while

But I'm thankful… thankful for many things
That I got the chance to meet her
That she got to be once mine, and I hers
The memories
The happiness
The inspirations and motivations
The love
I'm thankful she came into my life

I am confused why it should happen
I guess God knows best
His plan is perfect
This may look bad now… I may be down now…
But I believe the future is bright
It was God's promise
Yes, it's going to be a long time before I can recover…
Before my heart will mend
Before the pain and loneliness will disappear
Before all will be forgotten
A long time…
But I know Best Friend JC is with me… to comfort me
The Man Upstairs is looking after me
And the Holy Ghost will guide me
With Him… I put my trust…
I surrender all my worries to him… now I surrender this heartbreak to Him
The Big Guy will get me through

And as I pray each night since my girlfriend and I broke up:

Lord,
I am thankful for letting me meet her
And for the love between us
It was good while it lasted
Now she's gone
I do not know why it should happen
I do not really understand
Maybe, I was so in love with her that she was beginning to be an "idol"
And I love her more than I should love you
Maybe that's why you took her away from me
(If that is the case, I am sorry, God…)
I do not know the true reason, but I put my trust in You
That You know what is the best for us
I do not know what will happen from now
I am still confused and brokenhearted
Help me to get through this heartbreak
Please, ease the pain
I might not be his boyfriend anymore, and she not anymore my girlfriend…
But she is Your daughter
And I pray You will always be with her
To guide and comfort her
Please give her the True Happiness and the True Love that you - not I - can only give
I still love her, God…
If this is a "true" one, help me to hang on
And help me to be a good friend to her
I trust in You to take care of this
I surrender this matter in Your hands
In the name of Jesus Christ, the true Author of True Love…
Amen.

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COMPLAINING ABOUT COLLEGE

I do not really like college. I am about four months in college right now. But I still do not like it. A lot of things are bothering me. And I feel a bit lonely in college. I think I regret taking my course. I still do not like my course, how much I tried.

My course in college is BS Accountancy, and the university has pretty high standards here. I have to get at least a 2.4 grade to pass. It seems easy, but it's not. I have to admit it; my performance in school is not really excellent. Maybe I am just too lazy… since I am like this in high school. I never developed good studying habits. I guess I am anxious if I will be able to get a 2.4 every semester and be able to keep on studying Accounting.

In our first day, our Accounting teacher made us write an essay why we took up Accountancy. My essay goes like this: "Food, Entertainment, Music and Literature are the things that I love and interest me most in life. But I believe I will be able to have something to do with these things in my life, even though I will not take a course that deals with them, so I decided to take another course - that is not related to them. I decided to take Accountancy because of four reasons. First, it is the hardest course to pass for in this university. I want to try how far can I go. Second, I am very weak with numbers, and I want to improve. Third, I want to continue the legacy of my mother, who finished Business Administration Major in Accounting in this university, but did not get the chance to take the board exam. And Fourth, it is the same course that my girlfriend took…"

Another thing that bothers me… after we entered college, my girlfriend and I seem to become distant. One major thing why I did not choose to go to UP Los Banos to take up Com Sci (Yes, I passed the UPCAT) is because I do not want to be far from her. But now, there seems to be a gap. There seems to be a sudden coldness. She seems to avoid me. We never talk. The only time we were able to talk in college was on my birthday and one week before the intrams. Texting is rarer than talking. Maybe it's all this studying… but I believe there is something more. If anyone ask her if we are still on, she replies "Ewan (I do not know)." I don't understand. I tried to ask her why, but her reply was "ewan", too. I can let her go if that is what is the best for her and it will make her happy. Even if it means I ending up brokenhearted - so be it. I hope she answer my questions. This matter really needs to be resolve. It's kind of lonely, you know…
I really love her… (Hell, I hate when it when I am sentimental)

Damn Poverty! It really is bad. That's another thing. Poverty is starting to sting. I only get enough for transportation. I used to have - at least - enough. I still et by… but I sure do hope my allowance increase. But I guess I should be thankful for the little amount I get. At least, it is still a blessing.

My health - as usual - is worrying me also. It may be psychological, but I think I am weaker now than back in high school. At least, I do not have any bad illness - at least something that I know of.

Anyway, I should always remember my motto "Hakuna Matata". God will take care of my worries. I trust the Big Guy. He'll get me through.

But I cannot help wondering why I am in college. College depresses me. I am not enjoying college like I did with high school. Then I remembered another thought - a thing that happened years ago.

My school back in Grade I was once located nearly at the same location where the college I am studying now stands… so I easily recollected that incident eleven years ago. The building of the college was under construction back then. When I was in Grade I, my mother fetched me every afternoon after school. My school was from morning to afternoon. In the morning that day, my teacher suddenly announced that classes are suspended that afternoon. Well, the morning class ended and one by one, my classmates - then my teacher - left. I was left alone. Then it struck me; my mother has no way of learning the announcement that classes for the afternoon are suspended. Then I cried since I do not know what to do. It was lunchtime and I cannot bring myself to stop crying and eat my lunch. I was famished. Then suddenly, I caught the attention of two beautiful college girls (they were beautiful for me since they have beautiful hearts). They asked what was wrong, and I told them about it. They calmed me down and offered to take me to my mother. I stopped crying and agreed. I told them how to get to my mother's place of work; I have no way of going there alone since I still cannot go alone back then and besides, I have no money (never had allowance until Grade III). Well, they took me there and my mother was surprised to see me as the girls explained what happened. My mother thanked them and treated them some lunch. They politely refused since they explained that they have a test in the afternoon, and judging from the distance from the school and my mother's workplace, they are already late. They quickly said their good-byes then left.

As I think of them now, maybe they were Accountancy students and were at risk of missing a test..., which is terrible for an Accounting student. Anyway, Accountancy students or not, I am thankful for them. They sacrificed their lunch… and maybe their grades because of missing or being late for that test. That was a big thing for me, and I carried that memory all through out elementary and high school. I will never see those girls again and even if I do, I will never remember their faces. I can never give them back a favor. Each time I think of that moment, any cynicism in me melts.

And as I remembered that, my dislike for college lessens. Yes, I still don't like college… but I think it is going to be okay. Maybe, good things will come my way in college. I might lose my girlfriend or fail in Accountancy or any other bad things may happen… but I will not allow that to stop me. Now I am in college. Maybe the only thing I can repay back those two girls who helped me years ago, is to try to do to others what they did to me. Maybe I have to start thinking less about myself 9and my anxieties) and more for others… like what those college students did for me years ago.

That memory, I will keep for a lifetime… and I hope I can give someone the same kind of memory I got. Maybe that's why I am in college…

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THOUGHTS ON MUSIC / PLAYING MUSIC

Most people nowadays like music, though interests on what type vary. Yes, one way or another, we are influenced by music. It has been very popular since ancient times. As an art, a tool and as source of entertainment, music has played those parts well.

As the time passes, music evolves. And new genres of music was born as the times goes by. And ordinary people with no formal music training can enjoy playing and making music nowadays.

Popular music changes, from classical, to folk, to jazz, to rock n' roll, to pop, to R & B… It has continuously, and still, changing.

Though changes are not always for the good. As David Scruton said in his article "The Song Is Ended - analysis of pop music today" published in National Review in September, 2002, "Rhythm machines, synthesizers, and mixing have changed the sound, filling up the holes in the music and making a continues background carpet in place of the measured stepping stones of the twelve-bar blues. But the raw materials are the same. Every now and then someone hits on a melody and finds a group of teenagers to mouth it. Subtract the work of the engineers, however, and the tune will turn out to have been done to death in several previous incarnations."

Sadly, I agree with this guy. Computers has been replacing musicians. And hip-hops are guilty of this. I am not saying that the lowest type of music is the rap and hip-hop R & B and other made by the hip-hop kind. I still appreciate some of their music. But music made by computers are cold. Those who use only computers to create music for the vocals are missing the point in music. Sadly, still, this kind of music is the most popular type nowadays. And music is beginning to be nothing but a technical wizardry. I appreciate more the kind music that are made by true musicians; from bands.

But I have complains, too, in punk rock bands. Again, I am not saying that I don't like punk rock and think of it as the lowest kind of music. But sometimes, punk music has been rather monotonous, simple and noisy. All you need to do this kind of music is a heavily distorted guitar and a fast drumming and rolling drummer, and you have yourself punk rock. However, punk rock has some merits, I have to admit.

To the other type of music, well, I am glad that this kind of music still exists. To other kind of rock, like slow rock, rock n' roll, pop rock and alternative, I have not much complains. Jazz and Blues are still among the highest kind. Pop, well, pop nowadays are mixing with rock or hip-hop, and I prefer the pop that affiliates with rock. Classical maybe old-fashioned but they are still great. Country or folk is fine. Reggae is popular again nowadays, but no complains from me. Well, there are other kinds, more, and I appreciate them, too.


It's still up to you what you think about music, and what kind you prefer. But we should not stop with good music, we should also look into the lyrics. It is positive or negative. Wholesome or evil. Constructive or destructive. And it can sometimes be dangerous. Music is a great gift from God. Music is very influential. Very powerful. And as Spider-Man says, "With great power comes great responsibility."

* * *

I love music. Yes, I listen to most kind of music. Hearing music makes me feel good. Especially, if I am the one who makes the music.

I am blessed to play some musical instruments, and I am thankful for that. But what I really love to play most is the guitar. Acoustic and electric. I love both kinds. And playing with a band or playing alone does not matter to me. I just love all about guitars.

I remembered how I decided to play the guitar. It was years ago, and I was on my late elementary. I prayed a prayer to God. I asked God that if He gave me the talent to play the guitar, I promised to use it for His glory.

Well, after I self-taught myself to play the guitar (after many blisters), I finally found myself one day that I can play the guitar. But I did not stop there, I continue to self-study and practice, and as time goes by, I found myself improving and improving.

Well, I kept my promise to God. I dedicated the talent to Him. For Him first, before personal interest. Though, I also played outside church activities, like in some gigs and in some school activities, but my priorities are on God first. I'm lucky that my band mates also have the same perceptions as mine. Yes, we sometimes play outside church activities, but we put God first.

I'm thankful for my musical gift. For the chances given unto me. And the exposures, yes, I am having more fun playing for the glory of God than if I used it for playing for my personal glory. And I'm thankful for the rewards. Any personal gain or glory I got from my talent, I thank Him.

In the back of my acoustic guitar, I put a sticker to remind me of my promise. It says, "Jesus First. Time, Talent, Treasure" (Matt. 6:33). It reminds me of my promise years ago.

I love playing musical instruments, especially the guitar. And what I love to do, I want to share and dedicate to those I love. And I'm telling you, that any hobbies, interest, works, etc. that we love to do, we should do it for those we love - not for our personal interests. And I hope that at the top of the list of those we love, is the One who loves us so much.

"Jesus First. Time, Talent, Treasure"

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"NO SUCH THING AS NONSENSE..."

I once reacted to something (which I forget what it is) and said, "That's a lot of nonsense." A friend gave her opinion; "There is no such thing as nonsense, only close to nonsense." My puzzled look may have prompted another friend to explain to me that, "A person may find a thing nonsense, but to another person it may be full of sense." I weakly smiled and nodded my reply to show comprehension... it made sense.
You see, we are all unique. We all have different opinions and different things that we value. Music to one, may be noise to another. A treasure of one may be trash to another. An art for one may be eyesore for the other. A touching story to one may be full of crap for another. And ever heard the statement, "beauty is in the eye of the beholder"?
So, I guess we all have to respect each other since we find things about us varying. Philosophies, religion, politics, values, etc. of people vary. Respect is needed for harmony. I guess, this is one reason why there is a lot of conflict in this world… because they do not respect that one thing they find a lot of nonsense made a lot of sense to other people.
I do not know about you… You find it full of "nonsense" but for me, what was said made sense…

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HAKUNA MATATA

Hakuna Matata is my motto. And reading this statement, "Hakuna Matata is not fit for us humans…" in the last page of our high school yearbook made me a little irritated (I will hunt down the one who wrote that in the yearbook). But my irritation grew to amusement (I will not hunt down the writer after all). It seems Hakuna Matata is not fully comprehended; its meaning not really understood.
Our life is short, but beautiful. And we need to get the best out of it. God wants us to enjoy the Life. And God knows what is the best in for us. That's why we must surrender all to Him - our lives, our plans, our anxieties, worries, problems, fears - all of it. He promised to take care of those things. He promised to take care of us and never forsake us. "If God is with us, who can be against us?"
I fully trust the Man Upstairs. He has never let me down. For years, the motto Hakuna Matata really worked for me. I let God take care of my worries, since I surrendered my life to Him. Yes, sometimes the problems do not really disappear but God gives me strength and comfort. "No worries…"
I truly believe that I cannot get on with life without the Man Upstairs helping me. I trust him to take care of my life, my future, and me.
Hakuna Matata… it means no worries, for the rest of your days. It is not only applicable to Timon, Pumba and Simba, but also to us humans (contradicting that writer in our yearbook). It is very fit for humans, or rather - not all humans - but to those who surrendered their lives to the Lord.

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SUMMERSLAM SORRY

Summerslam is over. WWE, again, prepared an entertaining and good pay-per-view. I was really looking forward for Summerslam. The prepared matches were great. But what I was really looking forward for was the Legend vs. Legend Killer match, Hollywood Hulk Hogan vs. Randy Orton.
I am not happy at the results - Hulk Hogan won against Orton. Orton should have won; he was a rising superstar and had a long list of legends he defeated. Hogan on the other hand is already past his prime (though he is still popular to the fans). I have complains on the match itself, I guess the match with The Rock (when will he be back?) and Hollywood Hulk Hogan back in Wrestlemania X8 was better than the Hogan-Orton match. I was expecting Orton's match to be much much better. But I guess my expectations were wrong.
Well, Summerslam has ended and that is that. I guess the only way to appease my disappointment with the Hogan-Orton match was for a rematch - with a good fight and eventually Orton winning J.
I am glad D-X won, and Umaga was taken care of by Kane. Wonderful match. The D-X is really great!!!

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Talking about my mortality (or am I a hypochondriac?)

I have been thinking of my health and mortality lately. Since I caught bronchopneumonia that turned into primary complex tuberculosis back before high school, I have never been that healthy. Sure, I got well after a year of medication but I did not get back to the one hundred percent - it is very rare I feel one hundred percent physically well. I often have headaches, easily catches colds, so weak when I have a flu… the list goes on. I grew accustomed to feeling like this that it now seems normal to feel not normal.
Before college, I decided not to eat too much junk food. It was the advice of the nurse when she took my high blood pressure (I was found to have high-blood pressure) during the medical exam.  Got to watch my health.
It feels I grew weaker every year since I caught primary complex (and I grew weaker and more prone to sickness when I had mumps late in high school). I recently did some pull-ups, I barely made three when I used to do at least seven a few years back. Now, I am a little afraid to try the push-ups. I used to do at least fifty, how much can I do now? If you ask me if I am physically fit, the answer is yes. I am physically fit (even my cardiovascular endurance is fine for someone who had primary complex), but I am not that very healthy.
I don't understand what's happening to my health… it's not really failing but it's not very good, either. Maybe you will suggest it is only psychological (suggesting that I am a hypochondriac?). Maybe… but I really can feel that I grew weaker, that I am not very healthy and am very prone to illness. I do not know the reason (maybe too much radiation from the PC). Am I slowly dying? No, not that … but, then again, according to one joke, "you begin to die after you were born", so in that sense, I am definitely "dying".
But I say that life is precious. Life maybe is hard but it is beautiful and good. As I think of my health and mortality - I realize, healthy or not, we are all "prone to die." A person with no cancer is actually as prone to death as with one with cancer, since, chances are, the healthy person with no cancer might get hit by a bus (morbid illustration but at least I was able to make my point). Mortality is not really determined by your health or statistics.  When it's your time to die, you die. That is why we all have to appreciate life while we have it. But I do believe that true Life comes from God. And even death is no match for the Life.

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Simple and Complicated

People today tend to go for the complicated. Simplicity is not a preferred thing anymore. People will go for the most complicated way, solution, idea, plan, etc. The more complicated a thing is, the better. A simple thing is not an option anymore.
We admire those with complicated designs than simple designs. Gamers prefer the complicated games than the simple. And in contests, the more complicated your routine, the better your chance of winning, Consumers are impressed by complicated descriptions of products. But do they really understand what the complicated description mean?
A musician friend of mine said that he prefers jazz, blues and classical than rock and pop since it is more challenging. Pop and rock are easy and common, he says. I have to agree, being an amateur musician myself, I also prefer the more difficult than the easy (though I like rock and pop). And other musician I know has the same idea. I guess most musicians are like that - the more challenging the music is, the better.
Is that the reason why, people prefer the complicated than the simple? The challenge? The more challenging, the better? Complicated appeals to our sense of pride in our ability and intelligence?

It's also true for intelligence and thinking. Common sense is supposed to be "common" to all people, since it is a simple and practical way of thinking. But common sense is beginning to become rare. We like to complicate things more - and instead of turning to our common senses - we chose the complicated. That's why the common sense of people are beginning so "uncommon".

Here's a story to prove my point. I remember seeing a local game show on TV. I think it was called Zesto IQ Quiz Challenge. A pair of high school students were in as a team. And Bicol University High School's contestants were easily answering the questions and had a very large lead on their opponents. I admire their quick calculations on math problems, their accurate answers in trivia and their confidence. It was a sure win. The questions were like "eating peanuts" for them.
Then came this question, "What are words identical in spelling and pronunciation but different in meaning?" It was a simple question, and being a regular elementary student back then, I know the answer to be homonyms. But the contestants of BU High, being complicated students and all, answered homophones - I think they cannot believe the question has a simple answer of homonyms, so they complicated their answer and answered homophones instead.
Another pair answered homograph. But the team with lowest points - being simple students - got the correct answer. The BU high students, intelligent and complicated at that, got the wrong answer. But their "simple" opponents got it right.
Of course, the BU high students still won the contest. But that part of the contest remained in my mind up to this time.
(In high school, I went to BU High and met the brother of one of the contestant of BU High back in that contest. We had a good laugh recollecting that incident at the quiz.)

Complicated persons forgot that simple things are the most important things in life. Complicated persons tend to make the wrong things to be the center of their lives. Career person put their careers and jobs at the center of their lives and forget their families. Ambitious persons don't care if they step on others to obtain their self-centered goals. The "high-class" of our society are becoming arrogant and discriminate those in the "lower-class". Examples goes on and on.
Some people believe that these complicated things can make them happy. Money, fame, power… complicated things that will give them a stand and distinction. So, their existence revolve around complicated things. To get more and more…
This people forget that in simple things, they can find happiness. Like hanging out with friends, laughing on jokes, feeling that somebody loves and care for you, seeing a good movie, helping others, eating a delicious meal, etc. These simple things can cause a great deal of happiness.

Our Math teacher said, "Don't take life too seriously, you won't get out of it alive anyway". Fun guy… I like our Math teacher (though I get a lot of failing grades in his tests - Math is still not my subject). He is an example of a person who does not let a complicated thing, Mathematics, complicate his life. He is intelligent, yes - but he is not complicated. Being intelligent does not mean being complicated.
In Accountancy, we are taught that we should make Accounting the "center of our being", "the purpose of our life" and "love it like it was our boyfriend or girlfriend". In other words, make the complicated Accounting the most important thing in our lives. I like our accounting teacher, too. He taught us to take accounting seriously, but not to take life too seriously. Accounting may be complicated, but a person's view on it can make it simple thing… taking it seriously but will be able to enjoy it instead of fearing it -and I hope I can do it. Our accounting teacher was able to do it - maintaining a balance between complicated and simple.
If I fail the retention policy in BS Accountancy in college because of my poor performances in Math and Accounting (though I like the teachers in this subjects), it is going to be sad but I will not allow this 'complicated' things affect me badly - may the will of God be done (But I have to say this, God's will may be simple but it is grand and great).

I am practicing how to skip rope right now. I never tried this before. I am only forced to try it in college since it is a required activity in PE. But hey, I am having fun as I learn how to skip rope. I am still not to do it perfectly. But hey, I am starting to learn its principles and techniques. Skipping rope is not only for fun, but also a way to keep in shape. I do not know if I will enjoy myself in the complicated gym and the workouts there.
Skipping rope is hard. Simple things are hard sometimes - but fun and fulfilling. Just like skipping rope. I realized that thing while practicing the skipping rope.


Life is full of complicated and simple. Sometimes we need to be complicated but we should never forget that simplicity is the basic thing. Being simple is the best most of the time than being complicated. We should never complicate things when being simple is the best. Simplicity is still an option. Happiness is found in simple things. Even God himself made himself simple. Christ came to show us that simple is good.

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Smoking Ban in Legazpi City

There was a city ordinance declared late in my last year of high school that bans smoking in public places in the city. Legazpi City is campaigning to be a “smoke-free” city. That was a nice ordinance – I support it a full hundred percent. I hate passive smoking since it damages me more than the smoker himself. With that ordinance, passive smoking will be minimized.
I find it amusing the jeepney drivers that start to light their cigarettes when their jeepney went past the borders of Legazpi into the town of Daraga – and then throw their cigarettes when they pass the border of Daraga and Legazpi, entering Legazpi City.
I find it amusing when students go to the other side of Bicol University to smoke their cigarettes. You see, the large Bicol University main campus is in the Legazpi City-Daraga border - meaning one part of the campus is in Legazpi and one part is in Daraga.
There was once a time when there was a smoker in the public jeepney I rode. Then suddenly the driver said the smoker should extinguish his cigarette since its illegal and they might get into trouble. The smoker quickly threw his cigarette.
But there was one time a smoker was caught in the jeepney I was riding in by a cop on a motorcycle. The driver warned him too late and he was too late in throwing his cigarette, the cop already saw him. The cop made him come down the jeepney and gave him a ticket – but not before lecturing him that “smoking is illegal in public places in Legazpi, and that all Legazpenos should know the rule.” Not only that, the cop also lectured the driver that he is partly responsible for it because he did not told the smoker to throw his cigarette. After fifteen minutes, the jeepney finally was allowed to go. I admired that cop for that. But I saw him again weeks after the incident – with a comrade of his, another policeman, was smoking and he just looks on while his companion chain smokes in the middle of the city. Bummer! I cannot help it but only to smile in amusement.
I do not know if the “No Smoking” ordinance in Legazpi City will be effective. I can still see smokers smoking in public. Heck, back in high school, our principal was smoking in the front of our school – and my high school is in the Legazpi part of Bicol University. Sheesh…
I am not sure if Legazpi will really become a “smoke-free” zone. I can only hope – and wait and see.

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D-X is back at WWE!

It’s been a while since I watched WWE (like months). So I was taken aback when I looked at WWE.com and saw that the D-Generation X is back. The legendary team has returned after many years. Triple H and Shawn Michaels are now back together – after years of bitter rivalry, now they are reunited. And it’s going to be like old times. D-X will be dominating WWE. They’re just in the early stage of the reunion but they had already made many pranks, already did a lot of crotch chops and on the road to many conflicts (maybe even championships) to come.
I’m not much of a Triple H fan but I am a fan of Shawn Michaels. Triple H is back being a good guy - though he has a very effective bad guy image and more effective as a villain – but I am not complaining that he is back being a good guy and teaming up with Shawn Michaels. It’s entertaining to see them together – I admit that they are more effective as allies than enemies.
D-X is back – and WWE will be never be the same again. Oh, this is going to be great!

* * *

Now, there is Raw, Smackdown… and ECW. Raw Superstars, Smackdown Superstar and Extremists. WWE Championship, World Heavyweight Championship and ECW Championship. But all in WWE. I am not so sure why Vince McMahon decided to add another show and roster to Raw and Smackdown, but I hope will ECW will not drag Raw and Smackdown.
Anyway, the likes of Randy Orton, Kurt Angle and Big Show are on ECW. I guess it’s not going to be bad – in fact I find the addition of ECW is promising. And I hope Randy Orton will win another championship… It has bee a while. And I hope my perception of ECW looking “promising” is not wrong.
And lastly, when will The Rock return? And when he does, what roster will he be put? In Raw, Smackdown or ECW?
But I hope D-X will remain at Raw. But anywhere you will put them, they will dominate.

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CHAIN OF THOUGHTS: FROM Loving The Movies TO Surviving Accountancy

Loving The Movies

I do really enjoy watching movies. In theaters, cable, VCDs, DVDs… No matter what medium. I enjoy almost any movies, but lessons, thoughts worth pondering, great plot and story line makes me enjoy it more. My list of favorite movies is long… but it consists mostly of animation (especially Disney), comedy and action.
I cannot remember how I started to love the movies. Maybe from my father's influence since he is very fond of movies. I started to love movies since I was a child. There was even a time when I was still in elementary when my family went to the movies weekly.
I can still remember some firsts in my movie viewing experience. The first movie that made me cry was "The Land Before Time". The first movie that I watched in a movie theater without any companion was "Star Wars Episode II: The Attack Of The Clones". The first movie that I really love was "Spider-Man 2". The first movie that I watched several times was "Small Soldiers". The first romantic story that did not bore me was "Cutting Edge". Hmmm, but I cannot remember my other firsts…like my very first movie, my first movie in cable, my first movie in VHS, VCD…and such.
The last movie I watched in the cinema was Narnia, with my girlfriend (That was the second time I watched Narnia, the first time I watched it was in VCD - pirated of course J). Narnia: The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe is currently my number one most favorite movie (Spider-Man 2 used to occupy that spot). The movie contains many Christian principles and allegories. I hope the other movie versions of the other Narnia books are good, too (if there are any plans).
Well, movies are really cool and entertaining. But I watch movies not only for entertainment. But also to get lessons, ideas and thoughts from them. Movies, for me, are like extended literature. Like literature, you can get a lot of things from movies - both positive and negative. That is why there should be some responsibility while watching movies. Absorb the positive things from the movie and discard the negative ones - and don't forget to enjoy the movie.
Relax see a movie.

Spider-Man 3

I saw a trailer of the coming Spider-Man 3 and I find it interesting. After seeing the trailer, it made me excited for it to come. But I guess its still a long time before it arrives (maybe next year).
I saw that Sandman is going to be included. He has some clips in the trailer. And its obvious that Spidy's conflict with Harry Osborn will continue. (Marvel fact: Norman Osborn is Sandman's cousin - I do not know if the Sandman in the movie will be related to the Osborns). I do not know if Venum is part of the story but the black alien symbiote is going to be. It's going to be nice to see Spidy in black (I liked the black Spider-Man in the comicbook). Spider-Man 3 looks promising.
I enjoyed the previous Spider-Man movies a lot. Those movies inspired and touched me. The stories were good also. I hope Spider-Man 3 will not be an anti-climax to the two previous movies (like X-Men 3). For the time being, I will wait patiently (or unpatiently?) for it to come.

X-Men 3

I just saw X-men 3 last weekend by DVD. The DVD won’t run after my first tries to play it on our PC. But after a few more approaches, I was able to play it. I enjoyed X-Men 3, but below my expectations. It was kind of lacking - and a little frustrating. I was bit disappointed since the third movie was not as good as the first one - just a little better or a little worse than the second. It was kind of not very good ending for the Trilogy (if X-Men III: The Last Stand is really the last X-Men movie).
First, I don't like the "cure" for mutants in the story. Mutants losing power? Well, if that's the case - mutants losing their powers - Forge and his neutralizer gun should had been part of the movie. Sheesh… But I have to admit, it was a good background for the flow of the story.
Mystique out of action very early and Magneto ditching her? Come on. And worse, Cyclops was again under used in the story (like in X-Men II) - early in the movie he was killed by the Phoenix. Poor Cyclops… he was supposed to be the ever charismatic and valiant leader of the X-Men. And then the death of Professor X… another downer.
Though, Beast was cool (two thumbs up - Henry McCoy was awesome! His scenes with Logan were first-rates)… Angel was not. Angel's role in the movie was minimal. And where is Blob? (Just a cameo?) A Brotherhood with no Blob. Multiple Man in the Brotherhood? Why not let him remain in X-Factor, and I will be happy. And where was Nightcrawler? I thought he was going to remain in the team. But I have no problems with the Juggernaut in the movie. I also have no problems with Kitty Pyrde (Shadowcat) and Colossus. Lastly, it would have been nice if Gambit was there.
Honestly, I was hoping Apocalypse or Onslaught to be the main villain (and maybe the Sentinels as his minions) - with Professor X's X-Men and Magneto's Brotherhood to stop him. And then the Dark Phoenix pitches in. Wouldn't that be cool. I don't care if it did not happen that way, but they should
Well, that was that. X-Men III was like that. Though I have many complains, I cannot do anything about it. As usual, it was a Wolverine movie (but I got no problem with that). I just guess I was expecting a better X-Men III. I hope that X-Men III is not the last of the X-Men movies. It would be nice if it will be followed. I just hope I will not be disappointed with Spider-Man 3.

Flight Of The Phoenix

The day before I watched X-Men 3, I watched Flight Of The Phoenix at the Dawals'. It was after our band practice and the Wilbur decided to play Flight Of the Phoenix in their DVD player. I enjoy that movie more than I enjoyed X-Men 3.
It was a fine story - a group of people stranded in the middle of the dessert after a plane crash and very minimal chance of anyone finding them. Then they figured out that the only way to survive was to build a new plane out of the old one and fly out of the dessert. The crash survivors had very different and interesting personas. It was very entertaining to watch them in their conflict to survive. Dennis Quaid is good in his performances here like he did in "The Rookie" and "The Alamo".
I recommend this movie to all of you. Got a lot of lessons and inspiration material. I cannot tell you more details in the movie and you will appreciate it more if you watch it yourself. Flight Of The Phoenix is already an "old" movie but I really enjoyed watching it though it is not part of the "latest". Flight Of The Phoenix is certainly a first-rate for me.

Entertainment

Got me into thinking - this generation is certainly into entertainment. Entertainment has become a very significant and put in high regard by the people. It seems that Entertainment has become a part of the basic human necessities - like food and shelter.
To prove my point - guess how much a NBA superstar, a WWE wrestler or a movie actor gets in his job?
Entertainment has a big influence nowadays. A lot of people are using entertainment as a medium - like evangelism (hey don't get me wrong - there's nothing wrong with that… I have nothing against it) and education. I have nothing against entertainment since it is not bad and I, myself, appreciates it. But it seems that people are prioritizing it above others.
Like I did - instead of studying, I decided to watch X-Men 3.

Surviving Accountancy

I am not sure if I will last in Accountancy. Though I do not hate Accountancy as my course, but I do not love it either. And I do not have a good studying habit. Like last weekend, instead of studying I watched X-Men 3.
I have to maintain a grade of 2.4 or above to remain studying Accountancy. My school has some high standards. I am not used to pressure. A month has already passed since I first stepped into college and I am missing many things from high school. But I have to move on and grow up.
I am always wondering if what did happen if I decided to go to UP and take Com Sci instead of staying in BU for Accountancy. Computers seem more interesting than Ledgers and Journals. But I am not regretting deciding to stay here. Maybe, I will learn to like Accountancy (and college) by and by.
God made me passed that exam for the most exclusive and difficult course in the best school in the region. I guess He will be the one that will allow me to continue and finish my course. If, by miracle, I will graduate in Accountancy - and no matter what success I will have in my life, I will give God the glory…

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The Heat's Hour

The Miami Heat had their first NBA Championship. Well, congratulations to them. And congratulations to Dwyane Wade for being the Finals MVP. He deserved it. But I was not rooting for the Heat in this season's NBA Finals. I was rooting for the Dallas Mavericks. My bets were on them. I really wanted the championship for the Mavs.

Gary Payton finally had his ring - after being disappointed in the 2004 NBA Finals. Alonzo Mourning was another veteran who finally got his ring. And I think Jayson Williams, James Posey and Antoine Walker (along with Payton) are really glad they were able to join the club earlier in the season and win a championship. Shaquille O'neal is happy, too…although this is his fourth championship. He promised when he joined the club last season that he will take a championship to Miami. Though, he contributed his part in the Heat's success - it was Wade who carried the Heat in the Finals.

After the Lakers lost to the Suns, I was supporting for the Mavs to win the championship. I was beginning to admire Avery Johnson's genius. And I was confident that Dirk Nowitzki could carry the Mavs. Especially with great support from Josh Howard, Jason Terry and Eric Dampier. And the bench is well stocked, too…with Jerry Stackhouse leading the bench. I was glad when the Mavs defeated the Suns in the Western Conference Finals. They were finally going to the Finals for the first time in franchise history. Great plays, player rotation and game adjustments are the weapons of Dallas in getting through the playoffs. And I believed these weapons will also let them get through the red-hot Heat. It was the first time of Dallas in the Finals. And they know it was going to be war with Miami. And the genius "Little General" Johnson is leading them to battle.

Shaq was over-confident and cocky in the Finals. He was boasting that he was dominant. And he was making fun of the opposition's center, Dampier. He said Dampier (or any other Dallas center) can't stop him. He said that Damp could only be dominant if he joined the WNBA as "Erica Dampier". It was not a nice joke but it was certainly funny (I really had a good laugh with Shaq's joke). But he was not really that dominant in the Finals. In fact, he only scored five points in Game Two…and he was really boring. I think he had bad luck in the Finals because of his bad attitude.

It was both teams' first time in the Finals. Dallas took the first two games. I was confident they would win. Dirk, Terry and Howard are great (mostly Terry). They were able to contain Shaq. Avery Johnson is a genius. What more signs do I have to see? The Mavs were sure to win. The Heat did not have anything to stop the Mavs. But I forgot two things that I only remembered when the Heat won consecutive games - Pat Riley was also a basketball genius (he's a legend in coaching) and Dwyane Wade.

Riley was cool in the Finals. He was not bothered the Mavs won the first two games. He knew they could still win. And he was right. Riley is a great coach.

And Dwyane Wade was unstoppable. He carried the team, and led them to win. Shaq might have been playing not the same as he was but Miami has one more superstar… Wade. And he delivered and did what he should do.

One thing that bothers me is Game Five. The Mavs can still win that one. The Dallas' loss on Game Five was stupid. That last time out was wasted. It was really stupid. But what can we do? Time can't be turned. With the Heat winning all their home games and with the momentum with them, they won Game Six at Dallas. The Heat won the championship. It was really sad for the Mavs.

Before the Finals there was a poll in NBA.com in who will win the championship. I voted Dallas in six games. But the top vote getter was Miami in six games. Many thought that the Heat would win the championship. I laughed at their predictions. But those who voted in the poll were right.

Anyway, the NBA season is over and the 2006 champions is the Miami Heat. We'll wait and see if they can win another one…or if the Dallas Mavericks will come back to the Finals and they are the ones that will win the championship. But I am Laker fan. So, I will be rooting for the Lakers next season. I believe they can win the championship next season. Mavs, Heat or Lakers - I'll just wait and see who will win next year's NBA Championship.

Till next season. I love this game!

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My Salute to the Cutting Classes Club

I believe it will be a long time before the CCC members will have a reunion with a complete attendance of members. Well, our high school life has ended and we are now all in college. We are now scattered. Most of us decided to stay and study in Bicol University. More than five members had passed the UP exam (including me) but only three decided to study there. I think three are in Aquinas University. Noel is in MAAP training to have his career in a ship… Chard is a "Green Archer"… and Dano is trying his luck to be a priest (Dano a priest?!…I still don't like the idea). Although most of us are studying in Bicol University with different courses, and we manage to have some time to hang out. But its better if we are hanging out with a complete attendance…like back in high school. *Sigh*… I am going to miss those times.

The CCC started in first year high school. It was a joke at first, since CCC means "Cutting Classes Club". I jokingly suggested it to be the name of our group, with Jeric as president because his older brother James was a legend in BU high because of his escapades. But the name stuck. It's the name of our group ever since.

With about twenty members, we became the elite. Each member is unique… with each member contributing something to the group. CCC became a collection of athletes, geniuses, jokers, hunks, hustlers, computer addicts, etc. CCC has it all… brains, charisma, looks, talents… so on.

But as the meaning of CCC suggests, cutting classes was our trade. And having fun and "trippings" were our past time. Pranks and jokes were natural with us. We have a lot of laughs in high school (especially when Chard and Uly started with their jokes and antics).

We gained our popularity because of donations (we donated some money to send our school's NSPC candidates to the NSPC at one time, and we funded for our intram's banner), troubles we got into or vandalism (I consider it advertisement) -- But it was mostly because of the troubles we got into. We manage to get out of those troubles with witty excuses and convincing speeches. And it was Josh's idea to donate for some worthy causes so that our name will be good, and not totally infamous.

CCC members may cut classes and get into trouble but are not stupid. We manage to get decent grades. We are intelligent, but are very lazy to study. And some (or most?) of us used those intelligence for foolproof plans and cheats in tests instead (Phiou is a hustler in this area).

But don't get us wrong. We are not bad boys. We are nice guys. We are not a gang of war-freaks (oh, I forgot… Noel is a "war-freak") although it seems like it, especially when are complete in attendance (people are confident in big numbers). We avoid fights… but don't mess with us. We are not bad fighters…

CCC members hate bullying. We don't tolerate it. There are no bullies in our group. We are friendly people. We are approachable. We hate bullies (bullies beware of us).

Boys will be boys. Boys are prone to getting into trouble and naughtiness…like us. But we were not all trouble. Heck, we had athletes …quiz contestants… that brought glory to the school. We help in school activities. We help others. And we are good friends.

That's why I like the CCC. And I am going to miss our escapades and the times we were together. We are going to study hard this college and avoid cutting classes (maybe except those in Engineering). I write this as a tribute to the group that I found friendship with. I say thanks to all of you guys. You were all wonderful. High school was better with the CCC to make things good and fun. My high school was better with the CCC to spend it with. The CCC may be separated now, but I believe we will be all together again one day… to cut one more class.

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PONDERING ON TECHNOLOGY

Technology certainly is popular today. Believe it or not, but it seems that one-half of the world's development in terms of technology and knowledge happen in the past century. Technology finds ways to make work easier and faster, it gives conveniences, it develops relationships and it improves certain systems. Thought it has negative effects, let us be optimistic and see its positive effects.

We can see that the work of technology has great impact on our society. Products of technology are almost everywhere. Men have made technology a necessity. Communication has been greatly improved. You can communicate to anyone, anytime, anywhere, because of technology. Transportation has been also improved. You can travel further and faster. Nowadays, we can do work twice or thrice better with the use of machines. By the use of technology, medicine and health has been improved. We can cure sickness faster and better than a century ago. Surgery is also improved and can now do more things better and safer because of technology. And for Christians, they are thankful for technology for being a great tool in the Great Commission.

I appreciate all this technology. I am writing this essay with the help of a computer. I am thankful for the computer, as it helps you in your work, in your study, gives you entertainment and heaps more. It is a great advantage as it is more convenient than using a typewriter or by free hand. I am thankful for the fluorescent light, as it gives light even when the sun is not around. Television and radio not only brought information and current events but also entertainment. Instead of walking, I go to school riding a public jeepney. In my chores, products of technology help me a lot. I sometimes cook rice by the use of a rice cooker. When I wash my clothes, the washing machine is a great help.

God bless the greatest invention since the wheel, the Internet. It is a great tool for information, communication and interaction. Without it, you will not be able to read this blog. Without it, there will be no Youtube, Friendster, Yahoo or all our favorite websites. I can watch the Naruto episodes, or other shows or videos, in the Internet (via Youtube and other sites). If I did not catch the latest NBA game, I can find the results of it at the Internet. Or if I need a tab to learn in guitars, there are sites for it, too. I manage to keep in touch with my friends. You can do or get almost everything from the Internet. And the blessed Internet is because of technology, too.

Consider this…my best friend, Madel, and I would never have been best friends if not for technology. We met in SEP Cebu 2002 in Compostela. After that, we manage to keep in touch by cellphone and Internet. I live in Bicol, she lives in Cebu. We never really talked much back at SEP Cebu. And when she visited Bicol four years later, we only got the chance to talk in a few days. Those were the only times we talked in person. Without technology (via cellphone and Internet), we would had been not able to communicate through the years. Without technology, we would had never been close… we would had not became best friends.

And consider this… before my girlfriend became my girlfriend, we really did not talk much in person. Back in high school, when we see each other we only communicate with smiles and "hellos". We rarely talked long. It was impossible to for my classmates to notice that I like her. We were only able to talk freely in text…by cellphone. Without this, we would have never known each other well. We would have never been close. She might have not become my girlfriend.

I appreciate a lot about technology although it also has hazards and disadvantages. Radiation, pollution and heat are some of it. It also contributes to the growing laziness of humans and its dependency on machines. As my high school Physics teacher says, "Human are becoming mechanized, while machines are becoming humanized." The scenario in the Matrix movies may come true. But technology may be the one to destroy its own disadvantages.

Technology has been very significant in our lives. Our generation is already putting technology in the necessity list in a human's life, along with food, water, clothing and shelter. My friends, technology is a great gift from above. Let us all use it well.

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THE DA VINCI CRAP

I'm getting irritated with this "Da Vinci Code" controversy. It's time to say something about it.

I don't get the people who were greatly affected by the book. I read the book and I was able to determine the facts and the fiction of the book. I don’t understand why other people can't. But I understand that the fiction was cleverly mixed with the facts that the people begun to believe the fictions as facts. They believed all the fiction on the book because Dan Brown said, "all documents, rituals, structures and artworks are accurate." I guess Brown should have not said that since, not all of the "facts" are accurate. There are many flaws in Dan Brown's "facts."

There are also those who now doubt the Christian faith because of the book. Heck, the book is fiction. Why are their faith shaken? According to an article I read, saying that you lost faith in Christ because of the Da Vinci Code is like losing faith in the law of gravity because of Peter Pan (paraphrased).

I guess people should research for themselves and see that many "facts" in the book are pure fiction. I suggest you might get books, like "The Da Vinci Hoax", that exposes the irresponsible "facts" in the Da Vinci Code. And I also suggest to watch the documentary "The Da Vinci Deception".

As a literature lover, I say that the Da Vince Code is good reading. It has good mystery, suspense and plots (though it seems that Dan Brown copied it from an earlier novels by other authors like "The Da Vinci Legacy"). But as a Christian, I say that the book is harmful. Dan Brown's purpose in writing is unknown. It is wrong to write a fictitious story about a true person, especially Jesus Christ.

There is nothing wrong in reading the book. But you should be a mature reader. A good reader is open-minded but his beliefs, convictions and principles are not shaken when reading a book. Besides, being a Christian is a personal encounter and will not be destroyed just like that. If God is with us, who can be against us?

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THE SUMMER BEFORE COLLEGE

My summer vacation is kind of different from my other summer vacations. I guess because it is the summer vacation after high school and before going to college. Or because I was not able to attend a SEP this summer. I am not sure. I really do not know the reason. But this summer vacation feels different.

Like all summer vacations, I spent most of my time indoors. It's so hot outside that going out is not appealing. I spend most of the time watching TV when I am indoors during summer. My TV viewing this summer is different. In my previous summers, I watched shows in cable. This time it is different. We have no cable now. So, my TV viewing was limited with GMA and ABS-CBN. I also watched PBA games in ABC 5, instead of NBA in cable. (GMA, ABS-CBN and ABC are the only three channels that can be caught by the antenna. I have to admit, there are nice shows in local TV. I thought I was going to be bored by my TV viewing this summer but the two channels manage to keep me interested. And thank God for the afternoon animes of GMA. I enjoyed Gensomaden Saiyuki and Saiyuki Reloaded when we had cable and it was nice to see GMA was able to air a Filipino-dubbed Saiyuki. And who would complain repeats of Dragon Ball Z episode? The anime is a classic. Gokusen is my favorite show this summer (and it is not only because the main character reminds me of someone…though it's a reason).

I don't get why some people are zealous "Kapamilya" or "Kapuso". Some people say, "I don't to watch that show, it's on ABS-CBN. It's crap. I am a Kapuso after all." It is stupid. How can you tell the show is bad if you do not watch it? "Kamilya" or "Kapuso" zealots are often like that. People are so quick to judge…not only with TV shows but with circumstances and other people, too.

I was also often in front of the PC… either playing games, watching concerts and movies (our PC has a DVD player) or surfing the Net (God bless the Internet). I am going to mutate with all this radiation from the PC and TV.


Sometimes, I went outside, too. I have to go for errands, to pay bills and such. I have to take care of some requirements in college. Getting X-rays and police clearances were long. But the enrollment to the school and my trip to the NSO for a birth certificate really tested my patience. Fortunately, I was in good mood during those times even if it were long processes.

Sometimes, I went out to play basketball. Sometimes, I played with the Dawal twins and the other kids of the village. And sometimes, Gerome would come over to ask me to play. With all my one-on-one games with Gerome, I only lost once out of so many this summer. And he won because I was injured in my left foot and he cheated by adding a point in his score.

I injured my foot during the last school outing of our batch early in the summer. The injury was painful, it was raining and the pool was icy cold. But I had a good time at the outing.

Then later at the summer, I injured my right foot during a basketball game. As I write this, my two feet has healed but not yet fully recovered. Moreover, my thumbs that I injured two years ago are still painful.

Typhoon Kaloy was devastating. A typhoon during summer vacation is devastating, why couldn't it happen during school days instead? Our family went to "centro" of the city after the typhoon. It was still raining and windy and we surveyed the surroundings. The malls and most of the shops were closed, trees and telephone poles fell and it was so messy. It was like a post-apocalyptic city. After surveying, we got ourselves halo-halo in an open fast-food. Heck, the temperature may be still cold but a halo-halo is a halo-halo. Our village was out of power for days after the typhoon. When the weather became sunny, the people begun to clean things up. I was among those people.

But the days after the typhoon were grand. My bestfriend, Madeleine, from Cebu came over. I was glad to see her after four-years. She was only able to stay for a few days since the SEP Bicol was canceled, where she was going to serve as counselor. But I appreciated those few short days.

My sister's birthday was during the summer, on May 26, in the following week after Madz went back to Cebu. And during that day, my father had a bowling game. It was the finals, and my mother, my sister and I came over to watch my father play. My sister was asking for a strike as a gift. But my father was struggling in the game; he did not get a strike. His arms were tired. I jokingly suggested the team should have provided Gatorade drinks for energy. We left before the games were over and we learned in the evening that my father's bowling team got only the third place.

We also have some band practices during the summer. The line-up of the band changed with addition of Dayon and Hezron to the band and Ate Mhabz temporary leaving. But the band practices are the same… the Dawal twins and I are often goofing around the practices to the dismay of Sarah (but we get serious in the end).

Well my summer days were like that. It was kind of monotonous and sometimes boring…and then sometimes fun and exciting. My summer was like that but it was kind of different from the others. Maybe the summer's typhoon, experiences, injuries, fun, monotony, reunion, changes… is preparing me for college.

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The Power of Reading

I am a book worm. I guess, I am nearly a bibliomaniac. But I assure you I am still sane. Yes, I love to read. Come to think of it, one of my hobbies is collecting literature. I collect novels, pocket books, comics, magazines, encyclopedias, etc. I collect, as much as I read, almost any kind of literature. Hey, I even have a newspaper archive. I have a big collection now, because of more than ten years of collecting. Most of them are housed in the three compartments of my old cabinet (one is for my clothes). My family is a bunch of readers as well. My father has a good collection as well.
Reading literature does not only improves your vocabulary but it is some kind of meditation, too. Literature is a beautiful art. It lets your imagination flow. When you read about a biography about someone, you are part of it. When you read an awesome fictional story, you are a part of it. When you read about the cool adventures of a super hero, you are part of it. When you concentrated well in reading, you became part of the action. Reading is a cool way of learning about life. You can learn a lot from literature. It not only entertains but teaches as well. You will learn the ideas of different people. You learn values in life in literature. You will learn humorous or terrible facts in life thru litearature. The power of reading is great. And when you become a great reader, you will certainly be a great writer.
But all of us should know our responsibilities. Reading is power, so we should be responsible. Reading should be used for good. Remember to discard all the negative points and absorb the positive points. The ideas of other people should not influence us greatly. We have our own principles and ideas. We should not let the ideas of others influence us greatly. We should first make sure that his or her ideas are right. All readers should be a mature reader. Never letting himself fully be influenced but should also be open minded. A mature reader should know the right and wrong points and parts of a literature. If we do our part, reading will certainly be a great experience.

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Food For Thought

Who hates eating? Nobody... except maybe babies and small children that thinks eating is torture. Me, I love eating. Food is essential. Eating is not only a process in which you take in food for energy but also a great way to meditate and appreciate blessings in your life. I really appreciate good food and a good meal. And I am sometimes guilty of overeating. In social events or other events, especially those that has no interest in me, I only look forward to the "chow time" after or during the event. I can eat a lot, especially if hungry. That is why fiestas and parties are what I like going to best. Plenty of food to eat.
I have many favorite foods. But pizza is what I really love to eat. I rarely eat pizza, that is why it is my favorite. I love also love burgers and sandwiches. I have many favorite dishes but I think tenderloin tips is my most favorite. I can eat almost everything... fish, beef, pork, chicken, vegetables, fruits, baked goods, junk foods, etc.Piaya is also a favorite of mine. In the past, It is really very rare for me to be able to eat it because you can only find it in the Visayas. But a few years back, it became available in some local mall. Piaya is really good. Desserts are also a favorite of mine, especially halo-halo, ice-cream and ref cake (or mango float). The best dessert I really like is ref cake, topped with cookies and cream ice cream, sprinkled with crushed polvoron. I urge you to try it. It is really great. I prefer chocolates from any other kind of sweets. The taste of chocolate is good. Solid or liquid (hot or cold) chocolate is heavenly. White chocolates are my favorite. But I like other kinds of chocolates, too. Ofcourse, chocolates are the best. Everybody loves chocolate. I cannot enumerate all my favorite foods here. There is a lot of them. I am not a "choosy" eater. I will anything when I am hungry.
Experimenting with food is great experience. I have very limited knowledge in cooking, that is why I do not experiment in cooking. I only experiment with cooked or made food. I mix them, or eat them together. That is why midnight snacks are a go for me. I am really lucky that my room is near our kitchen, talk about convenience. I only have to prepare myself the food I want to eat. One night, I prepared myself sandwiches of the left over corned beef and egg, then I took some pancit, the last slice of buko pie, some crackers that I put some peanut butter on and a cold fried chicken. After the good meal, I finished it with some salad and a glass of coke. That was one of the best meals I ever had. My grand midnight snacks are rare because it is seldom that you will find me still awake very late, and rarely you will find the ref stocked with goods. But I really love those nights when I eat those grand meals, while reading a book or finishing some work or project.
Eating outside is also cool. Restaurants and fast food chains are good places to eat a good meal. My dream is to eat in some top class restaurant. But street vendors have some great street foods to offer as well, though maybe harmful. I often eat here, I like street foods. When my friends, or my mother,and I have some night "gimiks" or activities, we often browse around the vendors and have a great meal. You cannot find this kind of good meal and thrill in some fancy restaurant
Food trips with my friends are really great. Either with shiawarmas, tacos, fishballs or the like. But I learned a really cool food trip from my classmates back in high school. We buy some potato chips, cookies, corn chips, peanuts and other "chichirias", then proceed to the food court. We take a food tray and pour and mix what we bought in the tray. We make something like a "junk food salad" and share. After the meal, we drink water from the food court. People around us stare at us amusingly. We did this several times and it is really a fun "food trip".
Eating, wild or tame, is a great experience. Eating can make you realize that life is good. The enjoyment of eating can be doubled if you are with your family and/or friends. It is a great experince eating with someone. We do not only eat just for the sake of survival. We do not eat just to feed the body. But we eat also eat to feed the soul. Eating physical food can feed the soul. It makes you think about the goodness of God in providing you with good food. Then the thoughts will shift to all the blessing and goodness in your life, and thanking God for it. That is what is unique with humans, we are not animals who only eat for the sake of satisfying the stomach. God gave us the gift of meditating, thinking of life, appreciating blessings, improving relationships and simply enjoying the food with others or with only ourselves as we satisfy the stomach.

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