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. I was an ignorant toddler. I did not know that the Philippines have no space program.

I also dreamt of being a pilot. A fighter plane pilot. One who pilots an F-14 Tomcat. Again, reality bites. The planes of the Philippine Air Force are not the same as those of the U.S. Navy. But nevertheless, it is still a dream I entertain up to these days. To be a pilot of a fighter plane.

In high school, I fantasize of being a writer of books. Best selling books. But novelists do not thrive in our country, another reality. But I still want to be published someday. I still carry that dream.

I also had the wild fantasy of being a professional musician. Playing lead guitar in some show band. Though I really love to play in a band, I don’t really take that dream seriously. But who knows.

I have many boyhood dreams. I wanted to be a spy, because James Bond made it appeared like an n attractive job. But 007 is fiction, though espionage and secret agents are not. Plus, I don’t know if I care much of being tortured. Scratch that one. A detective like Sherlock Holmes, perhaps? Maybe… but I don’t have the talents of a fictional character like Holmes. Scratch that one, too.

Growing up and reading comicbooks, I also wanted to draw them as a job. But although I can draw, I cannot say I can draw as much as the pros do. Besides, I don’t think I have the patience for it.

In high school, I thought of being a Mechanical Engineer, designing cars, or planes, or be an Imagineer in Disneyland. But I chose Mechanical Engineer as my second choice in my BUCET. And I passed my first choice which is (sigh) Accountancy.

No. Those dream jobs of mine are not from my chosen course. All those dream jobs I still prefer them than being a CPA. But I want to be a CPA. It may not be a boyhood dream but a “forced-on-me” dream, but a dream nonetheless, and I value all my dreams. Though it is not part of my original plans, I sincerely want to be an Accountant.

Who knows, maybe after getting my degree and then passing the board and taking up law and passing the bar, I might be able to do my other dream jobs. I could be a CPA lawyer who pilots fighter planes, writes bestselling books, plays guitar once in a while in gigs, solves mysteries as a side line, designs Disney rides in free time, contributes pencils to Marvel Comics’ special projects, and is secretly working for the government’s Intelligence. Now that’s cool.

Dream on, Bernz. Dream on.

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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 them for about ten years now. My literature collection ranges from novels, encyclopedias, biographies, comicbooks, magazines, newspapers cartoon strips, and others – as long as it is decent literature, I collect them. My toy collection ranges from toy soldiers to those that came from fast food chains. Sure, these collections fill my room, but compared to big time collections, mine is small in comparison. Nonetheless, my collections – which are stacked in cabinets and displayed on shelves of my room – are my treasures.

I used to have a big “tex” – the Filipino counterpart of trading cards, only smaller and less quality – collection. You got to enlarge your stack of them by either of the two: a) you buy more or b) you win them in games like “kapulan”, “tatchian”, “bangkuhan”, or any other “gambling” games. A tex’s popularity was dependent on the present popular TV show. Example, if Dragon Ball Z was hot, Dragon Ball Z tex were hot also, and they are the only kind of tex that can be traded or played with. And when Ghost Fighter became the hit, the Dragon Ball Z tex got obsolete. But I was a good collector and though one kind of tex was no longer popular, I still kept them. My only mistake was not being able to maintain my interest in them, and by and by, they disappeared (one of the worst mistakes in my life). I don’t know what happened to them. I miss them… especially the Marvel Vs. DC and the Streetfighter tex…arg!

The same thing happened with my pogs collection. And my robot, zoo, and Wild West toy collection. And my 4wd Let's Go kit. And I also lost some comcbooks…. Enough said about all those mistakes; it brings some bad feelings.  What is important is that I should take care of what I have now and not allow any of those mistakes to happen again.

My collection reflects to what I am economically. One’s collection is proportional to one’s economic status. That is absolutely true. Just look at celebrities and their collections. They are rich, so they can afford a large collection – or even several collections. It is fascinating to look at their collections. Sharon Cuneta has mugs, books and DVDs. German Morena got movies, tapes of shows, movies, clowns stuff, toys, memorabilia and others. Jay Taruc has paintings and toys. Former Senator Webb got Star Wars stuff and others. Senator Chiz Escudero has vintage cars. And there are many other personalities that have collections that are worth mentioning, but it will go a long way (a list of Hollywood personalities that collect comicbooks would go a long way already.)

Collecting is exciting with all the thrills of a find, the satisfaction obtained when looking at them, and the gentle greed that motivates a collector to make his collection bigger – and of course, I experience all of this… I want to make my collection bigger as time goes by and start new collections, too, like DVDs, guitars and other things. There is nothing wrong with collecting, but we should not always live in our collections. Yes, I said that my collections are my treasures. But my collection of friends and family are more valuable treasures. There are important things that we should not forget when we are engrossed in collecting and in our collection. There is danger when your addiction and love for your collection is greater than the more important things in life... or your life.

There are many good things derived in collecting. When you are with your collection, and making it improve or grow bigger, you are happy, and makes you forget some of your current stress or problems. You also get to learn patience, perseverance, and other values when you collect. The bottomline, though, is to be happy with collecting and your collection without sacrificing the most important things in your life and never forgetting your priorities – the right priorities.

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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 sympathize with his subordinates. A leader who can make his subordinates feel that he is one of them, without losing the dignity of a leader. A leader who shares the suffering and trouble of his group, and thus inspiring and motivating his subordinates to finish or solve the problem.

We cannot help encountering leaders who cannot effectively lead us, but instead these leaders take advantage of us. And we cannot help feel that there is injustice and all is unfair when these leaders abuse their powers and privileges. We feel bad and discouraged because of this injustices and unfairness. But there are always someone higher above these bad leaders that might see the unfairness that these leaders do. And if there are none, there is always the Big Boss who sees this unfairness, and  He's higher than all the leaders and top-of-the-hierarchy-people of this world.

Which reminds me of the story sent by a Corporal Vaughn Witt to Reader’s Digest:
“At the Annual Association of the U.S. Army convention in Washington D.C., a large crowd was waiting for the elevator in the convention hall. After several carloads arrived and left, filled to capacity, I finally boarded. We descended two floors and stopped, and the doors opened to reveal a captain. ‘I want everyone off this elevator,’ he arrogantly announced. ‘There is a three-star general who wants to get on.’
“From the back, somebody said, ‘To hell with that three-star!’ Everyone turned to see who had the audacity to say such thing – and instantly a pathway opened to show a four-star general standing there. The elevator doors closed on the captain, and with a roar of laughter we continued on our way.”

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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. People have different religions, religious interpretations, and religious beliefs. Moreover, people believe in different deity, or deities. Sure, many believe that that deity is God, but of course, there are also many different interpretations and beliefs of “God”.

Maybe the reason that people had different religions and sects is because they try to manipulate religion to suit their needs and beliefs. And since people’s opinions vary, religions also vary. Since religions and beliefs differ, debates arise. Points made and flaws pointed out are ignored by opposing parties in religious debates. Someone who zealously follows his or her religion is greatly biased. Nobody really wins religious debates.

Wars had been fought because of religion. Religion has been an instrument for bloodshed and domination – an example is the Crusades. Of course, religious zealots is prepared to fight to death for the cause of his religion, because they believe they fight for the right and when they die they will be rewarded in Heaven.
However, what if they’re wrong?

* * *

Religion has been used to obtain power and money. Religion has been manipulated by many so it can suit their own interests. Some people market religion, believing that they would make a lot of money from it. Often enough, they were right, they got rich through religion.

That’s why preachers has been often branded, by this judgmental world, with the likes of con-men, hustlers, social climbers, phonies and the sort because of this people who “sell” religion, or exploit their congregation. The good guys are judged quickly and included with the category of the bad guys. Worse, sometimes the bad guys are thought to be the “heroes”, and the good guys the “villains.”
And the bad guys laugh…

But didn’t the Good Book said, I think over in Matthew 6:20, that it is better “to store treasures in Heaven”?

* * *
Religion and politics are thought to be separate. Separation of Church and State, and all that jazz. But religion is political.  It has effect on secular matters and can push its weight around.

Religion greatly manipulates politics. Religion may deny it. The government may deny it, and even we, ourselves, may deny it. But it’s true; religion has great political power and influence. And ambitious people use religion as tool for political ends.

Religion meddles in many affairs, not only in the governance of the people and the state, but in other fields as well, like Science (ever heard of Galileo?). Throughout human history, religion is like that. But, hey, let us not look far in the past, we could clearly see it at work at modern times.

* * *

With all religion’s flaws, many are blind and ignorant of them. Many choose to be blind and ignorant – pretending they do not see the flaws. And still there are many who see the flaws, but deny the fact and force themselves to believe that there is nothing wrong. And there are also those who see the flaws and hypocrisy, but became atheists or agnostics – which is as bad as being too overly religious.

People settle to a religion because they grew up in it, their parents are of that religion, or because they are mandated, or because they were brainwashed. People begun to worship religion itself. People concentrated more in religious propaganda, traditions, church enrichment, dogma, and such. They forget the important things like God, grace, principles, love, peace, and goodwill with fellow men.

Which came first? The chicken or the egg? Religion corrupting people, or people corrupting religion? Whatever the answer, it is clear that religion is corrupt. Religion is imperfect. Religion is a mask. Religion is grotesque. Religion has been the cause of many pain and confusion. Religion – may I dare say it? – is evil.

* * *

Religion is an interesting and fascinating study, but per se, I don’t really like religion. Religion is complicated and distorted. But I will make it clear that I am a Christian.
Wait. Wait. You might say that Christianity is a religion, so how can I say that I am Christian if I don’t like religion. Well, maybe, Christianity is religion, but it is more than a religion. Of course, subject to religion’s flaws, Christianity is also infected by distortion, too. But these distortions are the fault of men (and the evil forces in this world) and not of Christ. Christianity’s meaning and essence is noble and beautiful – because it centers on Jesus Christ, and not religion.
I am not really a theology expert, but simple as I am, I find Christianity as good and true. It’s a way of life. An experience. A communion. It is difficult to explain. I admit that I don’t know many things about Christianity, but I appreciate its meaning and essence and message. Of the Savior, of grace, of the Holy Spirit, of God’s promises… If Christianity is a religion, I’m glad it’s my religion.

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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 - Spiderman
I was a Spidy fan since I was a small boy. I like him not only because of his cool powers and abilities, and not only because he is intelligent, witty and charismatic, but also because of his principles and outlook. True to his motto, “With great power comes great responsibility”, he strives to always use his powers to fight for what’s good, protect the weak, and help and save others, even if he is always bombard by many personal problems, and sometimes people don’t appreciate him and his sacrifices, even calling him a “menace.” Spider-Man, Peter Parker, is a true hero.

Most Fave Literature-to-Movie Character – James Bond
I love the James Bond character in the books and the movies – intelligent, confident, versatile and charming. Throw whatever mission or problems at Bond – no matter how “impossible” – Bond always find a way. In my opinion, the best spy hero in fiction.

Most Fave Heroine – Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Yes, it was a cool TV series. One of the main reason why Buffy is very cool is because of Sarah Michelle Gellar. Not only because Gellar is hot, but because she portrayed Buffy well, that many of us grew to love the vampire-butt kicking vampire slayer.

Most Fave Anime/Manga Character – Genjyo Sanzo
He’s just too cool, with his revolver, his costume and his Evil Sutra. His persona is very fascinating -cold but not coldhearted. His “Sanzo Party” is the coolest and most entertaining and most “invincible” foursome in fiction - and Sanzo is the coolest, most entertaining, and most “invincible” among them.

Most Fave Comic in Fiction – The Mask
The most entertaining antics belong to The Mask making him my most fave comic (second is Genie of Disney’s Alladin). I may also add that he might be also the most indestructible character there is, but of course his alter ego, Stanley Ipkiss is very fragile. I liked The Mask movie but I appreciated him more in the cartoon TV series. His trademark expressions “Smokin’!” and “Somebody stop me!” are very cool. And no matter how serious the situation is, he goes through them goofing, but getting the job done.

Most Fave Duo – The Hardy Boys
I was very fond of the Hardy Boys books when I was still young (and up to now). Teenage sleuths with the capability of solving mysteries, and getting the bad guys in dangerous adventures makes everybody admire them. Their intelligence, along with their other skills and know-how, makes them larger than life heroes. Imagine, they’re teenagers!

Most Fave Swordsman – Himura Kenshin
He’s the best swordsman from all the fiction I’m exposed to. Battosai the Slasher. But what makes me admire him is his conviction that he will never use his skill to kill anymore, by using a reversed-edge sword, and by avoiding conflicts, but not to run away from things that he knows that he can help into. But, to kill or not to kill, Kenshi rocks when he finally draws his sword…. Hiten Mitsurugi style!

Most Fave Criminal Genius – Artemis Fowl
I first read about him when we were in the same age – twelve years old. And I quickly grew fond of him, a boy criminal genius. I do love geniuses – not geeky geniuses like Dexter – but geniuses like Artemis Fowl. It is fun how Fowl develops flawless plans, can think under pressure, and manipulate effectively though he is still a young boy.

Most Fave Headhunter – Duncan MacLeod the Highlander
I hated the movie “Highlander: The Source”, but I liked the Highlander TV series and animation. A sword wielding immortal what walked through the centuries of history, cutting off heads of other immortals because “there can only be one” is so cool.

Most Fave Psycho Vigilante – Batman
The Dark Knight is the first in my list in this category (second is Punisher). He is the coolest character of DC Comics, and the movies and TV animate series of his I also loved and enjoyed. His costume design is good that it makes you forget how cheesy that “the underwear is above the pants” thing in superheroes. Plus, he has cool gadgets and he relies to his fighting skills, intelligence and cunning to survive in the business because he does not have any super power.

Most Fave Villain – Hades
No. Not the Hades in old Greek mythology. But the Hades in Disney’s Hercules. Coolest and most entertaining villain is this guy. The way he talks, his entire atmosphere, and “Vadabim Vadaboom!” Yeah, the best villain there is.

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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 I meant to enjoy it. I indoctrinated laughter in my life - an important part of it.

“Laughter is the best medicine.” I agree with that statement. Of course, one should not always interpret it as true. Of course, laughter does not cure the diseases, but one can endure and forget the disease because of laughter. Laughter is a panacea in its own way.

There is a saying, “don’t cry over spilled milk.” True. Do not cry, but laugh instead. Not all human mistakes are horrible. It is good to laugh at our mistakes and troubles. If we just think about it, we start to realize, that sometimes our mistakes and troubles are not worth crying at, but rather, it is a laughing matter after all.

Life is funny. There are a lot of things we can find to laugh about in this life. A good sense of humor in looking at things is an optimistic point of view. Being serious once in a while is not bad, but being very serious and losing one’s sense of humor is bad indeed.

Sharing a laugh with someone is better that laughing alone. So, it is good to share a joke or a humorous anecdote or event. It is also worth reminding that, laughing with someone is good, but laughing at someone is not good – especially, if that someone don’t think it is funny.

Someone said to me, “laughter is not really the best medicine but rather the best disguise.” Mmmm, I don’t really agree with that. Sure, when you laugh it doesn’t always mean you are happy. When you fake laughter, it is not a true laughter since it lost the essence of a laughter – which is supposed to be with fun, humor and happiness. But still in times of troubles or loneliness, laughter don’t really mean you are in a great state of happiness and humor, but during the time you were sincerely laughing – a joke or other humorous realization – you are at least happy for five seconds or five minutes or the span of time the joke or humorous realization has effect on you. That is better than nothing.

A good sense of humor and laughter is a gift from God. And like all gifts from God, it is worth sharing and spreading. Go on, friend, spread laughter.

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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, suspense, espionage and such (I grew up reading Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew that lead me to read Sherlock Holmes and James Bond later on). These kinds stimulate my mind most. But of course I like to read other genres, too, like classic, sc-fi and fantasy – but not romance. As for non-fiction, I prefer biographies, history and witty essays or reflections above other else. Michael Crichton, C.S. Lewis, Max Lucado, Mark Twain and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle are my favorite authors. As for comics, I grew up on Spider-Man and Marvel Comics, so I say Marvel is my fave. As for local, Pugad Baboy is the best!

For music… Rock is my favorite (I’m not much of a hip-hop fan, but I listen to some of them, too). I’m a kind of music lover who prefer Hillsong over Integrity, Bon Jovi over U2, Beethoven over Mozart, The Beatles over The Rolling Stones, Maroon 5 over Linkin Park, Rivermaya over Bamboo (Rico Blanco left the band? Pity. I guess Bamboo is now my fave local band, unless Rivermaya can make further impact without Blanco), Red Hot Chili Peppers over Limp Bizkit, Eagles over Led Zeppelin, The Corrs over Evanescence… I’m that kind of music lover (but of course I still think of Bamboo, Evanescence, Integrity, Led Zep, Mozart and others are great). In summary, I’m into good music… not worthless noise.

The movies I prefer most are action, suspense and comedy (that’s why I like Jackie Chan), and of course animation, too, and movies that entertains and makes the viewers think. Same with TV shows, I like animation, action, suspense and comedy. I really really love cartoons; even now that I’m not a child anymore (I love both American and Japanese cartoons [and comics]). I watch TV shows like “The Twilight Zone” (my fave), “The Simpsons”, “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”, “Angel”, “Smallville”, and “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” to name some of them. I love Discovery Channel and National Geographic.  There are no local TV shows that made an “impact” to me. As for Asianovelas (as they are called), there’s “Gokusen”. Other than this, there are none that became a favorite. I liked the early part of “Meteor Garden” but it got too syrupy as the show progressed so I dropped it. And for Mexican telenovelas (that were amusingly dubbed), there are three (so far) that I can still remember that I liked, they were: “Maria Mercedes” (I was in Grade 1 then and it was the firs of its kind), “Alta Gracia” (Now this is my most fave TV show from Mexico ever. The mystery and plot was just too good! I even cut classes back then to watch episodes of it), and “Daniela” (it has a great theme song).  Between the two, I prefer soaps from Mexico than soaps from Asia (which most of them come from Korea).

And now for food… I love fish (though beef is my favorite), I grew up on them. I also love eggs. I do eat ampalaya (I like to cook them with egg, tomato, onion and garlic), my fave veggie next to potato. But, of course, shakes are my favorite drinks, pizza my all-time fave food, halo-halo my fave dessert, sisig my fave dish, and chocolates my fave sinful food. My diet very much also includes Lucky Me instant pancit canton, canned corned-beef and lots of bread and rice (very Filipino!)

Okay. Okay, I’ll include my taste on girls before I end this essay. Mmmm… I’m attracted to girls with beauty (but beauty with no character? Forget about it), inner beauty that equals her outer beauty, talented and intelligent… girls that make me say, “Wow. There’s something fascinating about her.” But don’t get me wrong… I like female friends, and not female flames.

Of course, all our tastes vary and these tastes can reflect on what we value, what we prioritize and what we are as a person.  And these some tastes I had mentioned should, somehow, give you a glimpse on what kind of person I am.   

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