X-mas Stories

Christmas is my favorite time of the year. I love the atmosphere of it, and I’m not talking of the weather and the temperature. It seems you can feel everything is different when it’s Christmas. I simply like everything about Christmas. The holiday. The merrymaking. The gift giving (kids like me can’t wait for the mullah… and those younger for the toys). The jubilance. The carols and songs. The religious significance (some kept on pointing out that Christmas is not really the date of Christ’s birth, and that it has paganism in it… sure,...

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SPIDERS

Here is a scenario:Someone, a female very often, sees a spider. It will take about a second or two for it to register to her that it was a spider. And another second of hesitation to confirm that it was a spider. Then the scream, “Eeeeeeeeee!” It’s so high pitched that it can break glass. “A spider! A hideous spider!” She will then either kill it herself with her shoe, or call someone, a male very often, to kill it for her.When scenarios like this happen, my sympathy is on the spider. You see, I like spiders; they’re my fave kind of insects (technicaly,...

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The Admirable British Race

Among all the races in the world, my favorite is the British race… the people of the United Kingdom. They are people of admirable traits, character and history. They are really admirable and fascinating.Britain was often dominating in terms of military conflicts (their only famous defeat was of the American Revolution). Most of all, they were always the “good guys”. They led Europe against Napoleon, won the Boer War, was prominent in both World Wars, they had beaten the great Spanish Armada (and I think there it all began that became a legendary...

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Dream Job

I am in college studying to be a CPA. Whoa, I never really ever dream of being a bean counter – a shrink, probably – but an Accountant? No way. I just cannot picture myself in a world of business, commerce – and worse – numbers. Numbers and me… we just don’t get along well. But what a twist of fate, I am now aiming to be a CPA. Yes, I aim to be one. But still, back when I was a kid, when asked if what I want to be when I grow up, I didn’t reply that I want to be an Accountant.My first dream – I was in Nursery back then – was to be an astronaut....

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Collections and Collectors

I was always into collecting. Collections fascinate me. Collectors fascinate me more (especially if they are famous). And even if somebody’s collection is not the same as mine, or not a collection I think not interesting to collect, I am still fascinated by it, because of just the concept of collecting and the collectors’ zeal and happiness of collecting them. There is something magical and exciting in collecting. Probably, the best hobbies on Earth are those that involve collecting.My collections are, mostly, literature and toys. I collected...

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A Thought on Leaders

It is saddening how leaders abuse their powers. They use their powers to enrich or benefit themselves. Sure, I believe in the privileges of rank. But when the leader abuses his privileges, it is no longer right. Besides, to abuse privileges is not part of a leader's privileges. Some leaders forget the true essence of leadership. Good leaders are also good followers and servants. They should also set as a model and an inspiration of the subordinates. He should make his subordinates see the importance of teamwork. I admire leaders who can...

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On Religion

Through centuries of human history, humans developed and had adopted different religions. It might be because religion has been a human need. Maybe humans turned to religion to explain the unknown, or to appease their fear of the afterlife or the supernatural, or to justify their practices, or to have a system of values, or just to have to believe in a Greater Power… whatever the case, religion has been an integral part of human life. One should realize that religion is often a taboo topic. Any religious discussion often flare into bloody debates....

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Favorite Fiction Characters

Here’s the list of my favorite fictional characters:Most Fave Literary Character – Sherlock Holmes.Hands down. He is the most intelligent hero in fiction. Holmes excels in all areas of Bloom’s Taxonomy of Intelligence. And since he is cool (and cold) and immune to worthless emotions, he can think and act logically without the biases emotions can bring. He also possesses great skills and talents and knowledge in many areas, related or not to his profession. Truly, a genius this man, Sherlock Holmes.Most Fave Comicbook Character - SpidermanI was...

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LAUGHTER

Laughter is magic. Laughter is a statement. Laughter is a philosophy. Laughter is an instrument. Laughter, does not only breaks the ice, but breaks entire walls of glaciers. Laughter works miracles. And laughter is the best medicine. I love to laugh and be happy, and make others laugh and happy, too. That’s why I read a lot of satire and humorous literatures. I am fond of jokes. I am “game” when it come to wholesome “trippings.” And I love comedy. Laughter is one of the good things in this world, and...

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Some Tastes

When asked, “What kinds of books are your favorites to read?” I answer, “All of them. I read all kinds (which is true).” Or, “What kinds of music do you listen to?” My reply: “All kinds of good music.” Or, “What kinds of food do you eat?” the answer is. “I’m not a pick eater.” This goes for movies, TV shows, games, etc. I have a wide area of interests, and so my answers to questions like that are not specific. Ask me what are my favorites… the list is long.But okay let me be a bit specific on some of them…I like to read best mystery, thriller,...

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WALK THE TALK

A story goes like this: “Now boys,” admonished the old minister, lecturing the Bible class, “you must strive always to keep calm and never lose your tempers. You should never swear or get angry or get excited.” “But sometimes we cannot help it, sir,” said one. “It is not hard,” declared the old fellow. “I never do it. Now for example, see that big fly on my nose?” “Yes, sir,” chorused some. “It is a bee,” whispered an experienced one. “Now see this fly,”...

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Emotions

Love. Hate. Jealousy. Anxiety. Compassion. Envy. Irritation. Anger. Greed. Fear. Shock. Pride. Loneliness. Jubilance. Excitement. Despair. Anguish. Boredom. Enthusiasm. Ignorance. Arrogance. Pity. Disgust. Shame. And many more…They are emotions. You and I experience them. Emotions make us humans. But emotions can kill in both sense of the word – figuratively and literally. Being too emotional is dangerous. When we allow our emotions to take over us, it will cloud our judgment and thinking. Emotional persons...

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Fantastic Felines

Since my childhood black cat, Blackie, and his pride of felines, cats had inhabited our front yard ever since. Years passes, and generations of cats that came from that first batch had come and gone. Must of them just disappear - either they got tired of the food we feed them or they became road kill - so the average cat population in the cat pride during each batch is about four or five (but there used to be a time when a batch has ten, more or...

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The Most Beautiful Day In The Universe

“Ang Pinakamagandang Araw sa Kalawakan” (The Most Beautiful Day in the Universe). Catchy. It was nice of ABS-CBN to air the pageant. I’m not much of a beauty pageant fan but I watch pageants anyway. Pageants are kind of fascinating – especially the Miss Universe pageants.Riyo Mori – Miss Japan – was crowned Miss Universe 2007. I have no objections. The 20 year old dancer deserved to win. My bets for the final five – when the final fifteen were announced – were Miss Japan (Riyo Mori), Miss Korea (Honey Lee), Miss USA (Rachel Smith) , plus...

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Three Memorable Childhood Crying Moments

I cried many times in my childhood years. Some are just because of trivial matters, like being injured and such. Most of them I don’t even remember. But I remember three memorable times that made me cry. * * *I was, I think, about two years old when my parents first left me alone at home. No big deal. Yup, I was a brave baby. I did not cry that I was left alone, heck, it was even night time. But then, it began to rain. Then the lightning flashed… then, you guessed it, the terrifying sound of thunder rumbled. The thunders...

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In Creating A Band

I am not an authority in band making, but I can give some advice. For me, there are five essential elements needed: talent, relationship, attitude, discipline and inspiration.-Talent is of course needed. you need people who can play the instruments and who will sing.-Relationship is greatly needed. the members should be good friends. they should be able to communicate freely. it is a big plus if the members grew up together and were friends since childhood.-Attitude. positive attitude to all members. all members should be ready to give and receive...

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KEVIN GARNETT: THE BEST MAN TO BE WITH KOBE BRYANT IN THE LAKERS

I thought the Lakers can be different this season, and improve their satisfactory performance last year to excellence this year because they were winning in the beginning of this NBA season. I was wrong. They were losing big time a little before the All-Star break, and then the second half of the season. Now, as I write this, there’s even a chance they can be knocked out from the playoffs (with a record of 40-39).Kobe Bryant, as usual, excels this season. He won the All-Star MVP. And he scored some 50 and 60 point games this season, overtaking...

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Guitar Opinion

I love guitars. And I have this fantasy of owning a large guitar collection someday. Complete with different kinds of effects pad and gadgets, guitar straps, picks, and, of course, different kinds of guitars: acoustic, electric, jazz, classical, folk, etc… different kinds, brands and models. And it would be nice to have vintage models, too. Ahhh… if only…Anyway, in my opinion, the guitar is the best musical instrument there is. And I believe all people can play it, all it takes is perseverance, dedication and love for it. It’s also the best instrument...

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Fried Chicken

Fried chicken is truly one of the most beloved food on earth. I am very fond of it, though it’s not my favorite food - but it used to be when I was a little boy. Now, my lil’ sis is the one who loves fried chicken like I used to when I was her age – it’s the only thing she orders when we go out. I don’t know why most children are very fond of fried chicken. It’s a fact. Fried chicken is the most popular food among kids. And when they grow up, they may put other kinds of food above fried chicken but they will never forget fried...

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On The Philippine Comics Industry

I want the Philippine comics industry to succeed. Really. I dream of a time where the Philippines will rank among the United States of America and Japan as makers of top-rank, first-rate comics. Filipinos have the talents, no one can deny that. We have certified world class artists. And the ideas in Filipino comics are good. We have good writers and artists. Sadly, success in the comic book industry is dependent to one’s economy. Look at the US and Japan, they have good economies, thus good comic book industries. In the Philippines, the...

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Hanging Around The Bookstores

Being a bookworm, bibliophile, and literature collector, I spend a lot of time hanging out at the bookstores. When I have some free time, I take trips to the bookstores, or when my family goes out, I excuse myself sometimes and visit the bookstores. I always did these since I was a kid. I find browsing around the bookstores fun. I like the thrill of finding a book I really wanted to have after years of searching for it. And to find that the price of the book is something I can afford is a big plus. Sometimes, I spend very long...

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Love And Romance... Almost Everywhere

Hmmm. I don’t understand why love and romance are almost everywhere. Really they are. First, in stories in literature and movies. Sure there are novels and flicks that have romance all that stuff as the main concept (love stories). But look at other kinds of stories as well; love and romance are still sub-plots or sub-themes of it. In action, fantasy, mystery, suspense, thriller, comedy… whatever, why do there are often some romantic themes in them? Like, the main character in action or comedy often have a leading lady...

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Fiction Fondness

I love good stories. And good stories are mostly found in fiction. That’s why I read a lot of novels and comicbooks, and watch a lot of movies and TV shows. I love good stories. I love fiction.I think fiction is an integral part of the growth of ones; imagination. It feeds our imagination. Fiction and imagination helps us to see not only how things are, but how things can be.You can learn a lot of things from fiction as much as you can learn a lot from fact. I learned trivias, lessons, ideas, and even facts from fiction. I believe not only feeds...

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Troubles

Got myself thinking lately… thinking about those bad things that happens in my life. You know, those bad things… like those problems, those pains, those failures, those mistakes, those troubles… bad things that disturb and bother our minds. Got myself into thinking if being bothered and disturbed by these bad things are worthwhile. I understand it might be a choice if you want to be greatly affected by these bad things that happens.And I think there is a greater meaning with all these “bad things” or troubles that happens in my life – and to everybody’s...

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Which between the two is better? Electric Guitar or Acoustic Guitar?

hmmmm. good question. what is the better instrument to play? it is true that the electric guitar is much used by bands nowadays. but the acoustic guitar can be played even without a pick up, even without electricity. so the acoustic is a portable jamming instrument. you use both guitars differently. i pluck an electric guitar by the use of the picking technique, with or without a pick. i pluck an acoustic guitar with my four fingers, which the pinkie is the only finger not used. in playing the electric guitar, it is cooler to see you...

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2006:The Year That Has Been

Year 2006 was, um, different… got me asking to myself, “All these things happened in just a year?” Some fun, got into troubles, some pains, some failures, some successes, learned new things… and a lot of things. Consider some of the things that happened this year:Passed the UPCAT and BUCET. I graduated in high school. Saw my bestfriend after four years. My jazz guitar getting a small but ugly damage… arg! Got into college. Miami Heat’s championship, and Dwyane Wade’s Finals MVP. Won an acoustic guitar instrumental contest in our intramural’s litmus....

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Vision of Heaven

As the Sunday School song goes, “Heaven is a happy place…, Oh, I want to be there!” Hmmm, I do like to go there… I believe in Heaven. I cannot help but dare imagine what Heaven would be like.According to St. John, the New Jerusalem would be covered with precious stones, and the streets are gold. Whoa, that would be a site. And I really cannot picture the banquet that will happen there, but it will be one-heck of a splendid celebration.It is said that there will be a non-stop of praising of God in Heaven. It could be a sort of big-bash Woodstock-like...

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