Starting Right

I have really been busy with my thesis paper in the past weeks. Could you imagine? Almost everyday, I was spending 5 hrs in the library trying to get the paper done with. It was tough! Everyone has been doing their paper with a group and unfortunately I’m defending mine alone. At first, I thought it was ok to do the paper alone, but, when I started doing it, getting the data and stuff, it was really tiring and tedious. Well, of course, doing it alone has some advantages also. There are no distractions, no anxiety of a group mate not doing the paper well enough, no compromising of study ethics, and one get to know every little thing in the paper. But then again, one still needs all the help he can get. Of course, that includes the help from Him. Besides having enough sleep, a prayer jump-starts your day and sets your mind to do things well during the day. Do you have one? Well, here’s what I say everyday. I got this from a prayer book a friend gave me. Maybe you can use this also. Remember, a prayer isn’t a prayer if it doesn’t come from the heart. So, hear it is.

Oh my God, I adore You and

I love You with all my heart
I thank You for Having created me,
Having saved by Your grace and
For having preserved me during the night.
I offer You all my prayers, works,

joys and sufferings of this day.
Grant that they may be all according to your will and
For Your greater glory.
Keep me from all sin and evil and
May your grace be with me always and
With those I love. Amen.

Missing Being In Love

Some random thoughts about what I miss in being in love:

those time stopping instances, just seeing her smile…

the “pa-cute” moments… and nothing is more important than her actions…

the care… the times when she’s acting like a wife… when she’s mad at me for not taking my medicine, trying to show she really cares…

the moments after having a big fight… it felt like a year of not seeing her… and all I want to do is hug her… and when we hug… incredible… so incredible…

the moments of surprisingly finding out cute things about her… for instance, when she suddenly make a really cute expression… and after that, I just want to cuddle her… and kiss her... coz I know it’s real… because I know it’s just an epitome of how wonderful she is…

the moments when she cries out of jealousy… it’s not really nice knowing that she’s crying… it’s just that deep inside, a part of me is really smiling, seeing how cute she is… crying because of fear of losing someone like me…

those sincere sorry kisses that stop anger in just a heartbeat…

the feeling of appreciation you don’t get from anyone else…

the days when time seems so slow yet so fast… it’s when, after spending the whole day long with her, it still feels so hard to say goodnight and have that last kiss that will end the day…

those scary moments… those fun scary moments…

the moments when she’s so happy… when she appreciated me after doing something for her… the moments when I get to prove to myself that a smile could really worth all my money…

those sudden hugs… that surprising kiss… that rush of feeling… that unexpected realization of knowing how lucky I am to be in love…

Sex and the City

I have been watching a lot of Sex and the City lately and I do find the show great. The lives of the four ladies are indeed interesting and entertaining. It’s funny and at the same time can also be educating. But here’s the “but” part: I don’t mean to be a killjoy for this matter, but it shows that casual sex is alright. Honestly, it really bothers me. Well, it will be fun for me if I’ll be having some casual sex anytime in the future, to tell you frankly. The thing is, I don’t like it anymore, just like when I was younger. I already know the many risks that come with it. Moreover, I don’t want to go steady with someone who does have casual sex. I want someone who will be just for me… someone who values herself not just when we became lovers. For this reason, I would rather have no casual sex and have a girl who really values herself than to have a lot of casual sex and be in a relationship with a girl who doesn’t treasure herself. Sex and the City is an award winning show, and indeed one of the best shows today, however, it do somehow connotes that casual sex is ok. Thus, it can, in anyway, change everyone’s perception of sex to worse. To my fellow guys, it has risks more than one can ever think of. I think you know what I’m saying, but if you don’t, would you still dare see it for yourselves? Of course, you have the choice. And girls, I hope you watch the show with a strong hold on your values, because many guys really want you… you who really have self value, to stay the same and to increase. Guys who go for an earnest commitment deserve girls like you! Don’t change. :)

Composing Stage

Wow… It’s been a long while since I have written a 'chef-d'oeuvre'. :) I really have been busy with my projects and papers. Actually, I haven’t finished some of them. I just can’t afford not writing for another day. I guess I’m pretty hooked up with writing. Anyway, you’ve read it right. I’ve been busy with my projects and papers. After a long time, I am again more into my studies. Well, no girlfriend, no dance group, on leave in Fitness First… what’s the best thing to do, right? Sigh, I miss the laughs on dance rehearsals; the unexplainable feeling before a dance competition; and of course, performing on stage. I also miss hugging… being hugged… and stuff… yup… but I’m ok. I think I am actually pretty fine. Now, I’m not anxious every month waiting for something to happen… if you know what I’m saying… :) …No, seriously, in return, I’m enjoying my studies now. I even got myself exempted from taking up my final exam in one of my business subjects. I’m serious. Ok, fine, it’s not a hard subject (Productivity Circle) but come on… at least I was one of the few who excelled in the class right? Just give me the credit. :) Things are simpler now, a little less mirthful, but I think it’s just what I need to be able to recollect myself… to be able to reflect on things to become a better person… all for a brighter future.

Kababayan

Gas prices are in their all-time high. Government officials are disunited, and so are the citizens. Things really seem to be going worse huh?! Everyone is asking now; what is the reason for these awful things that are happening? Is it because of our president? Do you think it’s the oppositions fault? Do you believe that it’s just an inevitable circumstance for a country like ours? It seems everyone’s pointing their fingers to each other and apparently many of them are to GMA. Many do want GMA to be ousted after that recent controversy about her. In my opinion, she shouldn’t get out of the office. It’s not that I don’t believe she committed a crime. As a matter of fact, I think, she really has done a crime. The thing is, it's not proven yet. Prejudging her is not just the best thing to do. What’s the best thing to do? First, let’s ask why? Why is it not the best thing to do? Well, that is because she is not the root of all these downfalls. She might have contributed quite significantly but, still, she’s not the sole source of this fiasco. Besides, you can’t really tell if she has done things that made our economy fall, can you? Maybe it’s her predecessor’s fault considering he’s one of the most corrupt officials of all time. Guys, it is actually the many of us who are accountable for these things. Consider reflecting: Can a person single-handedly make a whole nation go down? I don’t think so. If we as citizens have just worked as one, have hold on to our values and have not allowed the bad things from happening, we could have been better. We could have even been the best despite of these adversities. Now, what’s the best thing to do is be united… become one. What’s happening recently is that many people pull each other down. Instead of helping each other be successful and see the good things in them, many of us choose to consider the hearsays, assume things, and make unreasonable judgments to others. We judge people even though we don’t know enough things. We judge people even though it is God who has only the right to judge. Moreover, when we say we should be one, we should include God with us. This means, let’s be one in striving to do what is good. It doesn’t say do what’s prevalent (some people even call these things as what are “real” or “being real”). Guys, let’s remember that it is the people’s attitude of going for what is prevalent that made them cry out the name Jesus instead of Barabbas that made Pontius Pilate order Jesus’ crucifixion. It’s sad right? So let’s not make that happen again. Let’s not pull anyone down now. Let’s just learn from this experience and help each other not to commit evil things. Let’s think of the betterment of the majority and not for our happiness, prestige, power or whatever selfish reasons. And for the future, let’s not put into position someone who’s just better-looking; who just looks tough; who’s just our friend or the person we’re closer to; who’s someone who we can get something from; or someone seemingly majority are going for. Let’s think and see things deeper. From now on, let’s see and choose the one that is really more of Jesus not the person that is more like Barabbas. Let death be for Barabbas and live for Jesus!

Mona Lisa Smile

First of all, isn't Julia Roberts so beautiful here?! I do think I'm beginning to like her. Anyway, I'm having a trouble in sleeping again so I decided to watch a movie that I have ignored for a long time now. It's Mona Lisa Smile. It was the only movie I haven't watch that's available so I thought maybe I could see it for a change. I was surprised how the movie caught me. I didn't know that such movie could be so worthwhile for me. I mean, the cast were all girls as if it's a movie for girls, the setting was sometime in 1950's and I didn't even know when it was shown on movie houses. It struck me really 'cause I have in fact identified myself to the demeanor of the protagonist especially in the latter part of the story. I have been in that situation months ago and all the while, I'm a little unsure if I made the right decision. All the while, I have been in some doubt about me being really firm on the values I treasure 'cause a lot of people just seem to show and say that in order to succeed, you have to be practical… practical in a sense that you should sacrifice some, or sometimes, a lot of your principles. This is especially in working with other kinds of people, in having a job and working in an organization... if you know what I'm saying. After watching the movie, I think I just lost that uncertainty. I think I pretty much did well in my experience. Perhaps compromising the good values should never even be a choice.

Top Things Drivers Don't Know/Do That They Should Know/Do

As I was driving from school a while ago I noticed quite a number of things I just think are not agreeable on the road. What are the top things that drivers don't know/do that they should know/do? I think there are a number of these things. So after some contemplation, I came up with these things. Actually, I really wanted to do this even before. I've also included things that I have learned that I think works for me and that not so many know. If you have some comments or something you'd like me to add, do message me. Share what you know too. So here's my list. Pretty much small things but, I think, we must know.

Top 10: stay with the pace

People! There's already too much bad traffic caused by narrow road constructions and too much cars. Don't add up with the problem. If we can really do this, I do believe that we can help our country move a little further to being really stable, 'cause not only we can get to our destination early, but we also get to help others make use of their time more productively instead of spending it in traffic.

Top 9: have a wise and safe distance with cars in front

You'll never know what could happen and what kind of driver the car in front of you has. Keep at least a car distance up to 0-39 km/hr, 2 cars from 40-79 km/hr and at least 4 cars from 80 above km/hr. This is what I do. The idea is to have enough distance with the car in front for you to have sufficient time to make your car stop safely if ever the car in front of you stopped suddenly. In a stop instance, 3/4 of a car distance would be helpful. This strategy really works for me especially in changing lanes, again from a stop. Not only steering gets easier for me but I also save my time, and in some instances, the time of the driver I am overtaking 'cause I don't have to spend too much time in steering the wheel.

Top 8: use the law of inertia

When I was new on the road I keep on wondering, do you save less gas in 5th gear than on 2nd gear? Well, since a lot of advertisements say that you spend a lot of gas going fast you can then say having a moderate speed is cheaper. But you know what I think? If you really want to save gas, use the law of inertia. Yup, I even came up with a theory for this. The more you step on the stop pedal, the more potential savings you lose.

Top 7: break gently

Yup, breaking gently is in my top list. Of course it is. We should all know that we should be sensitive enough with our passengers. Take note that sometimes, some breaks are not so disturbing for you but for your passengers, it is. For some drivers, sleeping passengers are just irritating but I do think it's flattering. Think about it, if you'll drive people, why don't you make it quite a moment for them? Right? Right! Actually, I think I got the trust of one of my ex's mom in driving her car with this one. (I think so... or maybe she's just so 'mabait')

Top 6: don't throw things on the road

Come on! Come on! Come on! Don't throw things on the road. Do you want seeing a lot of trash on the road? Then don't make our country a big trash site. Some people reason out that the sweepers will take care of their trash on the roads but think about it, not only you'll just make their work harder but you still made our country a less good place to live in even for a couple of days(or for a week... or weeks... months? maybe? ...do they really clean? hmmm..).

Top 5: signal before changing lanes not only in turning

Don't underestimate what a signal can do for you. It do saves us from accidents. I think we shouldn't wait 'till we get into one to realize this. And in overtaking, I think it's more helpful to signal than to act as if you're a notorious cool guy, 'cause in signaling, for me it's like a 'please' in a sentence in asking if you could go in someone's lane ahead. In this way, other drivers then can be more giving to you. I see a lot of drivers don't do this that's why this stays on the top 5.

Top 4: use all the mirrors

Mirrors are there for reasons. Well, of course, all drivers use mirrors but I think not all uses these 3 mirrors adequately. So when do you think you're maximizing the use of the mirrors? Nope, it's not when you have perfected using it to craftily check on the hottie beside you. Well, that adds up of course. :) But seriously, I think it's when you like have a bird's eye view of your car. When you know what's in the right area, left, front and in the rear area.

Top 3: break or at least half-break for every intersection

This is so important. I do think it is. This has saved me in quite a number of times from getting into an accident. From school, I usually pass through narrow roads with intersections that are not usually taken by people. Cars here at times just come out surprisingly. Half-breaking/breaking really is a must in intersections.

Top 2: give way

Now, this is what separates educated people from uneducated people and showoffs. Being selfish is just what makes many roads a disaster. This is one of the profound reasons why many people just hate it driving or being on the road. We should give way. What's a 5 second stop to give way to car that is causing the other lane in having a bad traffic? What's a 3 yard space to make someone feel glad that someone like you exist? I think, for every instance on the road, what we have to look forward to is when is the time we can give and not the moment we can get something. Try doing this for a change 'cause believe me, it's really nice when people look at you and wave their hand smiling to thank you.

Top 1: pray

Praying really helps. Prayer does work, yes. But take note, a prayer is a prayer if it really comes from the heart. I remember my mom telling me how praying makes her feel relax and how it gives her a peace of mind on the road. Of course I also remember how corny I felt about what she was saying. Well, that was until I tried praying at the start of my everyday trip on the road. It makes you aware of the things you should be aware of. It gives you the right attitude in driving. It makes you confident 'cause you know Someone is watching over you up there. : )

A Productive Sunday

I got up at around 4 in the afternoon today. It was a little late. Yup, just a little late, 'coz after summer my sleeping hours became really abnormal. No matter what I do, I fall asleep from around 5am to around 1pm. I think my body got used to with the time after the nightlife I had in summer. Anyway, I’m pretty satisfied with my day today 'coz it's pretty productive. I went to Green Hills to buy some things and went back to Galleria to buy some things again and finally hear mass at the shrine. I had some thoughts while waiting for the priest about hearing mass. Just this summer, for the first time, I met someone who flat out believes that hearing mass every Sunday is not an obligation. I was pretty shocked 'coz the person doesn't really look like someone who had that kind of belief. I firmly believe that it is an obligation, basically because that's what the brethren in my school told me back in high school. But then again, I was kind of confused with this belief for the time being, until I get to hear mass again today. Honestly, the priest seems unprepared for his sermon but nevertheless I can say I have learned significant things from him. I then got to realized that no matter how unprepared a priest is in his sermon, he always has some good things to say for us to be reminded. Well, that was enough for me to realize that I should hear mass every Sunday and I think verifying whether it's an obligation or not isn't "that" important anymore. Besides, what's an hour for Him? Right? Come on! No matter how unlucky you say you are, there are still so much things to be thankful about and for which, we should even give him more than an hour... way more than an hour...cliché but true... don't you think? : )

Summer '05

Now this is what I call spending the summer! I and my friends just got from the beach and I really had a blast! : ) We partied, drank, swum, sunbathed, played volleyball, rode the banana boat, had henna tattoo, of course, danced, etc. I think the only thing I didn't do is smoke that weed that one of my new friends is passing around. Well, I was really thinking of smoking it but I just feel good about myself not giving in to that temptation after all. I just hope I'll be consistent in those kinds of temptations 'coz sometimes giving in seems to be a great option even if it's just not. Anyway, I also met new friends there and that made my stay even better. : ) We're actually planning to go back next month and I'm pretty excited about it. I hope it'll push through. : )

Preparing For My "Lucy"

I just watched 50 First Dates again and, watching it for around 5th time, it still gives me that feeling of happiness and excitement. I don't really know why but it even struck me even more this time. It's really a great movie to watch again especially in summer time. It makes you wanna fall for someone again. I wonder when will I fall for someone again. Yeah, I can really say I'm really excited for my next relationship. Recently, I've had some tough times with friends and some people I care about. It's really hard dealing with things sometimes and at first, I get that urge of doing something wrong or not worth while like what some people would do. They choose to go to party a lot, message people to flirt with, go to their liberated friends and get laid, etc. Well, for me, I guess prayers really work. God did guide me and helped me condition my mind not to be impulsive and be strong in those temptations of being so carefree. He helped me to reflect on things and learn from them. He helped me become a brother to a girl who doesn't value herself instead of being an opportunist. God helped and is helping me how to prepare for what He has in store for me in the future. That's why I'm excited about my next relationship. It's really a miracle how He have helped me and I just hope I'll be more consistent in what He wants me to do from now on. In the frivolous side: It's summer and I'm gonna go to the beach soon. I wonder if I'll meet my "Lucy" there... : ) one thing is for sure... I'm gonna have real keen eye! : )

An Unwanted Decision

Just three days ago, I found myself in a very tight situation. It all started when I decided to audition in a prestigious solo dance competition in TV. Out of around 80 who auditioned that day, I was included to the 4 dancers who passed. I really have a passion for dancing and I felt so good passing the audition. And the day they came when I had to sign a contract for the competition. My hopes were high until I heard that the rehearsals can be as tough as from 10 am - 1 am of the next day. Some of the people there even said our rehearsals can go on ‘til 5 am. I started feeling sad and asking the other dancers if I should continue. They all said that this is once in a lifetime opportunity and I shouldn't let this slip away. They even said I have a great chance of winning this competition. After hearing them, I stood firm and stayed with them and signed the contract. I continued my thinking and thought that my studies will really suffer, my parents will be mad at me and they will not, for sure, give me my everyday allowance if I continue, and so many other things to consider. I felt that I still have an obligation to my parents and that is to finish my studies. We are about to go to the dance guru that would train us that time and our handler asked me again if I wanna continue. She asked me 3 times before I made that very tough decision. I turned down the contract. Everybody, even the ones I don't know were shocked and were telling me I made the wrong decision. They were telling that I really have a great chance in the competition. But I made up my mind. I walked back to my car shocked and feeling so down. From that day ‘til yesterday I felt so sad. I felt that I have lost a lot; the group of friends I should've had; that once in a lifetime experience; the chance of being successful in what I really love to do; the opportunity I have always waited. This decision was kind of new to me… a decision that gave me a really hard time to make and after doing it even tormented me. It’s really hard to take. Nevertheless, with the help of benign people around me and with God's guidance, I finally got over it choosing to live my life to the fullest. A part of me may still be sad but I know that's only because the fruits of my decision is still in the pretty far future... and I know, that fruit is gonna be sweeter than the upshot of the other decision. The best things for me are yet to come and I'm gonna live my life preparing for them.

In My Life I Have Learned

In my life, I have learned....

that to be happy is a choice... you have to know how to see things... even the hardest fall can be a wonderful experience

that being wrong doesn't make you a less person... it just tells you what's right and that you can be a better person

that sometimes you can't change someone by forcing her to be so... or by nagging her... you just gotta love her and the change will come within her

that communication is one of the most important thing in a relationship... and to communicate well, you gotta know how to listen, you gotta have a good purpose, you gotta know you can be wrong

that if you loose someone it's better to look at her not as a personality but as a soul who chose to be with you for some time... if a soul is done, it goes... be thankful that for once it came to you

that no relationship would work without God in the middle of it

that you shouldn't judge people or even assume things... better seek first to understand and then be understood

that people need God