May 2009

Review, review, review ...

My preparation for the Bar Exams has become full blown. As much as possible, I try not to be absent in class since I feel that I am more of a classroom person, in which I find that I can understand topics easily when discussed in class (of course, it also depends with the lecturer).

Nevertheless, I make time for American Idol. I am such a TV person!

I was able to write this down on my gratitude journal and I share this with you, my dear readers (as if .. hehe);

Then Jesus said to his disciples, "Have faith in God. I assure you that you can say to this mountain, 'May God lift you up and throw you into the sea,' and your command will be obeyed. All that's required is that you really believe and do not doubt in your heart. Listen to me! You can pray for anything, and if you believe it, you will have it. But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too" - Mark 11:22-25

April 2009

This was the beginning of drought as I decided not to blog during bar review ...

Graduation! I was truly happy and grateful when I graduated from law school. But at the same time, there was a tinge of sadness knowing that law school life has ended. This means I would seldom see my batchmates/schoolmates. In addition, I would miss reading cases, preparing for an exam and most especially transcribing notes (no kidding!). The sum total of the law school experience is one that I really miss!

I know that graduation is a momentous event. While I was happy and grateful that I have graduated from law school, I was not that too ecstatic considering that I still had the bar exams to hurdle, the exclamation point to my law school life.

April was also a month of clearing up some things. Indeed, I was happy to be able to express my views. At the same time, it was in April when I said "we'll cross the bridge when we get there .. with no expectations!"

March 2009

I'm on the 3rd month .. let's see if I can finish this before the year ends ;)

Exams here, there and everywhere .. Yup, I really got busy studying (naks!) for the last remaining exams of my law school life (with fingers crossed at that time).

But with our exams, our family also got busy with our "lipat-bahay". After around 25 years staying at our home in Ecoland, we now moved to a new home. It was really something new for me, especially with the commuting part. I love our home and its location in Ecoland so I really took time in adjusting with our new place.

Our new home is absolutely fantastic. It has a great view and definitely bigger (modesty aside) than our last home. Honestly, I had my apprehensions living in a big house because there's the probability that people will be more distant and if people will start moving out, it will feel more empty .. I don't know.

For now, I am really ok and I fell truly blessed with our new home. More importantly, knowing that my parents, especially my mom, are happy and proud of our new place makes me really happy!

February 2009

I am doing these entries on a piece-meal basis to ensure that I will be able to finish blog entries and so that my avid readers (yeah right!) will find it easy to read .. hehe ...

Amidst the pressures of a 4th year law student, it was a surprise that I got giddy in this month of hearts.

I looked forward to watching "You Changed My Life" and I truly enjoyed watching the film. The chemistry on-screen between Sarah and John Lloyd was definitely something that made me giddy. I guess there are just persons in this world, celebrity or otherwise, without any romantic connections that have that kind of chemistry.

Roses! Yup, roses made me giddy this month since I got a number of it from different people. And indeed, I am truly grateful for receiving those, making me giddy and causing butterflies in my stomach.

January 2009

I know. I haven't had any blog entry for the longest time. And so, I am making up for it by reminiscing my 2009. Here goes ...

The last day of the first month. That is definitely the highlight of my January 2009. Why? Well, that happens to be my birthday.

And so, on the 31st of January, I was up and about at 3:30 a.m. preparing sandwiches for our Conflicts, without knowing what lies ahead.

Yup, my dear classmates had a birthday surprise for me - the cake, the balloons, the tarp, the works! I will forever remember the day I celebrated my 28th birthday - definitely a highlight of my 2009.

Of course, we also had our Conflicts of Law (which I am pretty sure I will sorely miss in weeks time!) Knowing (and hoping) that this would be our last Conflicts, I made sure that we had lots of fun and made the most of our time. There were controversies (what's Conflicts without it?) but the important thing was we were able to hurdle it and made our last Conflicts of Law definitely an event to remember!

Jowk Time!

My dad told me that Atty. A brought his dog to their basketball game ...

Daddy: Si Atty. A kay gidala niya iyang iro sa basketbolan ...
Jazzie: Unsang klase dad?
Daddy: Kanang gamay .. kanang wowowee? Kana ganing gamay masulod sa bag ..
Jazzie: Dad! Chihuahua! Hehe
Daddy: O, yun!

Analysis: My dad was not really sure of the breed. So, he just mentioned the closest word he could think of that would sound similar to the breed. And therefore, he applied the principle of idem sonams!

-oOo-

My dad was wearing casual clothes - shirt, shorts and rubber shoes

Bajeck: Wow! Sporty ka lagi dad!
Daddy: Hindi ako sporty. Sixty na ako! :)

Analysis: My dad's response was intentional. Therefore, he is sentenced to be corny and such judgment is final and executory.

-oOo-

My dad was telling me that he had a problem with his laptop

Daddy: Nay problema ganina sa akong computer ug printer ba. Gitawagan nako sila Bajeck and Johanna, pero wala man sila kabalo.
Jazzie: Unya na ok dad?
Daddy: Na ok pud kay naa man koy kliyente na naghulat na kabalo ug computer
Jazzie: Unsa iyang gihimo?
Daddy: Naa man to siyay gipangpindot human gi-shut up niya ang laptop

Analysis: The intentions of my dad are clear. I cannot blame him if he is not familiar of some computer terms. Therefore, he is acquitted.

-oOo-

Until next time!

Change

My teaching schedule begins at 7:40 a.m. That is from Monday until Friday.

Thus, the major change in my lifestyle.

For the past 4 years or so, I sleep at around 1:00 or 2:00 a.m and get up around 8:00 a.m., sometimes around 10:00 a.m. I really do not have that much difficulty in waking up. When the alarm goes off at around 5:45 a.m., I am ready to take a shower and start my day.

But the thing is I already sleep at around 11:00 pm (aftr PBB .. hehe). Rather, tI ry to sleep at 11:00 p.m. There were still a few times that I get to sleep at around 1:00 a.m but just the same I have to wake up early.

So, what happens is I get tired in the afternoon. Sometimes, I take a nap. Sometimes, I don't. It really depends on how my day goes by. Sometimes, I am already sleepy but then it goes away with the right activity on hand .. hehe.

I guess that is one of the changes I deal with right now. But it's quite ok because I can handle such sleeping schedules. This is quite "chicken" compared to what I have experienced before .. hehe.

I guess it's quite okay as well to prepare me as I would probably be coming back to the "working world" in time .. hopefully, soon ;)

What is ...

"that rush of feeling of elation,
excitement
and you're brimming with joy
and possibilities"

Teacher, Teacher

It's official.

I'm going to teach Accounting subjects this semester.

I am so happy. I am so excited. I am so looking forward as to my first day tomorrow.

It is true that I really want to do something while waiting for the bar results (which is a whole new topic to discuss). But there is something about teaching that is so fulfilling which excited me. I am taking it not just as something to do just to pass time. It is something that I think I am passionate about.

Another reasons why I look forward to teaching is because of the school environment.

For the past weeks, I do miss school - teachers, classmates, the whole environment. So, to be back at school would lessen my "miss" sentiments .. hehe

Elaine told me that this is worth blogging. That's why I thought of really blogging this, considering that I haven't really blogged for quite some time. And to think that I have had lots of free time for the past weeks.

Anyway, I am looking forward to tomorrow and looking forward to be a good teacher!

How Sweet It Is

How sweet it is to be loved by you
How sweet it is to be loved by you

I needed the shelter of someone's arms and there you were
I needed someone to understand my ups and downs and there you were
With sweet love and devotion
Deeply touching my emotion
I want to stop and thank you baby
I just want to stop and thank you baby

How sweet it is to be loved by you
How sweet it is to be loved by you

I close my eyes at night
Wondering where would I be without you in my life
Everything I did was just a bore
Everywhere I went it seems I'd been there before
But you brighten up for me all of my days
With a love so sweet in so many ways
I want to stop and thank you baby
I just want to stop and thank you baby

How sweet it is to be loved by you
How sweet it is to be loved by you

You were better for me than I was for myself
For me, there's you and there ain't nobody else
I want to stop and thank you baby
I just want to stop and thank you baby

How sweet it is to be loved by you
How sweet it is to be loved by you

It's About Time

I have been back to Davao for 10 days already.

I guess it's about time for me to blog again.

I already did my best, in the way I possibly could, with the Bar Exams.

I keep on praying.

I cannot really say that I am bored for the past few days.

I think that makes me weird.

I do miss law school - the people, the environment and yes, even studying.

I am not sure if that makes me normal or weird.

I know I could have done a lot of productive things since I've been back.

I never got to it.

I did a few errands and followed up possible options.

I planned to read books.

I have only read newspapers and Archie comics.

I planned to go back to scrapbooking again.

I have not started it yet.

I only watched one movie in the big screen once during review.

I have not watched another one since Transformers.

I have watched 2 movies in DVDs.

I have only been to SM once, but only to send pictures to a friend.

I have done little things.

I think I am just taking my time with these.

Inspirational Talk

My brother was asked to give an inspirational talk to the kindergarten students during their Recognition Ceremony. I think this is a new idea - having a younger "speaker" for the younger generation.

Here is his talk. This was a edited a bit by his teacher but I do not have a copy of the final speech. But here goes ..

(President), (Dean), (Guest Speaker), Teachers, Parents and Kindergarten Students, good morning.

Six years ago, I was just like one of these kindergarten students – sitting anxiously, listening to an inspirational talk and definitely looking forward to summer. Well, I am also looking forward to summer at this point.

I was truly honored when I was asked to speak to you, my fellow younger “cute” Philwomenians, on this simple yet special event. I guess it would not be that hard to give a talk since we are all still considered kids, although, I am a bit older than you.

As your “kuya” in this school of ours, I can tell you a number of things to look forward after this ceremony – not just about the coming summer of watching TV, playing video games and going to the beach but about what life has to offer in the next few years.

Let me tell you that life gets more interesting.

You will learn more and is expected to study more. You will meet new people and you will build new friendships.

You will overcome more challenges and you will become better kids.

While there may be changes, the basic things that were taught to us in kinder remains the same.

Follow the line. Learn to share. Elbows off the table. Play fair. Ask questions. Put things back where you found them. Say “po” and “opo”. Do not take things that are not yours. Ask permission. Say sorry when you hurt someone. Wash your hands before you eat. Greet your teachers. Take a nap. Clean up. Study first before watching TV or playing. Give your best. Respect your elders. Pray before you sleep. Help out a friend. Obey your parents.

Do not forget to hone your talents – whether it be singing, dancing, drawing or playing sports.

Do not forget to dream big – whether you want to be a lawyer, an astronaut, a teacher or a doctor.

And do not forget to always look back to thank people who are always there to support you – whether it be your friends, your teachers or your family.

I know that I do not have much experience in life to share with you, since I am just a 12-year old kid. But I sure hope that you did get to enjoy what I have just shared with you because I know it would be of great use to the next chapters of your life, like it did to mine.

I hope that I have inspired you with my small talk. And I hope that even at your age, you will also become inspirations to others, even to older people.

Live life to the fullest. Smile and laugh. And remember to always keep the faith.

Congratulations to all of you for all your achievements.

Thank you and good morning.

You Changed My Life ...

At last! Nakapanood na talaga ako! Yey!

I watched this with my mom and siblings last Sunday. In fairness, na-insert ko pa sa sunod-sunod na exams .. hehe. Pero ngayon ko lang talaga na-blog kasi busy-busyhan nga .. hehe

Anyway, the movie did not fail to make me laugh.

Admittedly, it was cheesy. And that is not usually my cup of tea! However, I still enjoyed watching the film. Maybe because it was too cheesy that it became more fun to watch.

I really do not know what’s with Star Cinema and the wigs .. haha! Maganda naman buhok ni Sarah. Hindi ko magets bakit kelangan mag-wig .. pang-change image?

And I don’t really get it why their phones are not in silent mode tapos mag-sorry sa mga ka-meeting once may message or nagriring ang phone. Ah, tama .. para marining ng viewers and “Bebe ko!” haha

Anyhow, these are the favorite scenes as far as I can remember:

1. Power hug + power kiss = Chug! Chug! Chug! (the best!)

2. I’m not jealous. I can’t be jealous. I’ve never been jealous. NGAYON LANG!

(sabay imagine sa facial expression ni John Lloyd!)

3. Dance Showdown between Rayver and John Lloyd (yez!)

4. Ang haba ng hair ni Laida (hilarious officemates) along with the other hirits of Gio, Joross and the rest of the gang (lingaw!)

5. May ginagawa pa (o nga naman .. nag-solitaire pa si Rayver .. hehe)

6. John Lloyd singing Kailan (yihee!)

7. Seeing Mikee Cojuangco on-screen (still refreshing!)

8. John Lloyd doing the sundance with the shades and get-up (sakspan sa kuya!)

9. John Lloyd crying with his father at the bench (effective actor talaga!)

10.Outtakes! I love the scene na nagulat yung nag-open sa door kasi nag-good morning si Sarah .. (haha!)

O di ba! Nag-research talaga ako ng pics .. hehe .. Pictures are taken from starcinema.multiply.com

Yun lang!

The Letters

My brother is attending a retreat right now. He and his classmates were asked to write a letter to their parents. Here are excerpts from the letters my 12-year old brother wrote.

TO: Mom & Dad (PS = Basahin niyo una kay Mommy)

From: SON (Alangan, may iba pa ba)

Dear Mommy,

Thank you sa pag-aral niyo ni Daddy sa akin. Payag ka sana mag-Marine Biologist ako. Makita niyo ako sa newspaper ... doon sa Wanted. :) hehehe ... Salamat sa pag-alaga sa 'kin. Salamat sa mga cake. xxx Basta pinaka-mas magpasalamat ako kung BS in Marine Biology :)

JJ

Dear Daddy,

Salamat. Kung pwede basahin mo nalang ang letter ni Mommy, sa bagay parehas lang rin ang isusulat ko. :) Sayang kasi ang ballpen ink. Krisis ngaun. Sorry ka'y masapot ka pag mag-away kami nila ate. Sila man naga-una. xxx May award ako dad, ha ...

JJ

Hilarious!

I imagined him writing a letter that would touch the hearts of my mom and dad. I think that's what these retreat letters are for. I am not sure what to make out of my brother through these letters he wrote. Although, I'm pretty sure he made us laugh.

Ambot kay JJ .. haha!

I guess it would be really funny if we get to read these letters again four or five years from now.

Story Telling Time

First Story: Notice sa Ref

Notice 1: Tata, pakigising ako 8:00 a.m. salamat - jazzie

Notice 2: Iwanan ako ng cake (cheesecake!) - jeck

Notice 3: Te Tata, wala lang .. gaya-gaya lang - jeremy

-oOo-

Second Story: Cake

I came home from school. I opened the refrigerator and I saw slices of chocolate cake!

Jazzie: Yehey! May cake!

Johanna and Jeremy: Hahahahaha!

Johanna: Sabi ko sa iyo Jay ...

Jazzie: Bakit?

Johanna and Jeremy: Secret ..

Johanna: Pero may kulang

Jazzie: Aaah .. Bakit ba? Meron man talaga akong hindi gawan ng speech dito ba! Bantay lang!

Jeremy: Kasi sabi ni Ate Han, pagmakita mo daw yung cake magsabi ka ng Yehey .. hahaha! Kaya lang kulang .. kay wala ka daw nagclap ng hands and wala ka nag-tanong kung bakit may cake

This is so funny! I did not even realize I was doing this whenever I see cake .. haha!

Ironic

... kung kelan hindi ko alam, saka ako tinatanong

... kung kelan alam ko, hindi naman ako tinatanong

... kung kelan feeling ko pwede, kaya lang parang bad timing

... kung kelan feeling ko tama, baka sabihin nila na mali

... kung kelan hindi ko inaasahan, saka dumarating

Audition (Part 2) and other Kwentong Bahay

My mom mentioned that my 12-year old brother is "planning" to take up marine biology or astronomy. I am putting the quotations in the world "planning" because it is always subject to change considering that he is still in 6th grade.

I think in kindergarten, he said he wanted to be a scientist when he grows up. Then, he had this short fascination with dinosaurs and anthropology.

I was actually thrilled when he mentioned marine biology. Dolphins come to my mind. My sister and I were quite excited and my mom asked if we did want it before. I said "hindi pa yun uso sa time namin". We were not yet exposed to such courses and how it is nice to interact with marine animals.

My mom actually wondered what does a marine biologist do and we did some explaining. She said at least she understands astronomy .. hehe.

Anyhow, I said that such courses would entail huge amount of expenses. I said that my brother should study hard so he could get a scholarship.

My mom (coolest ever!) said that my sisters and I should start joining those reality TV shows (o di ba .. swak sa previous blog ko!) so that we could win that million dollar prize and my brother could study marine biology (or astronomy or whatever).

I think she was serious.

My sisters are thinking about it .. haha! They have a better chance than I do!

I told them about the stuff I wrote in my previous blog (including the storylines). And believe me, my mom was so supportive. She asked me when the show will be, the auditions, etc. etc.

I told her .. "mom, mag-bar pa baya ko!" (of course, subject to a suspensive condition).

And then, here comes Kuya on television that there is no need to line-up and you just can send a text message to join. (nakita ko rin ang ad teen .. hehe)

Pastilan na lang jud ... hehe!

There He Goes Again

One of the stuff I discovered after rummaging through my stuff is this old notebook with a few of my poems in it. I am sharing this one and hope you enjoy my pagka-ewan .. hehe

THERE HE GOES AGAIN

(by: Jazzie - June 1999)

There he goes again

Strutting his stuff

In jersey like other men

He sure is tough!

There he goes again

Making his shot

A man you can depend

He sure is hot!

There he goes again

Completing an assist

A team player for certain

He sure is hard to resist!

There he goes again

Executing a block

Always ready to defend

He sure is like solid rock!

There he goes again

Being MVP of the game

His smiles are not restrained

He sure is humble just the same!

There he goes again

Looking at me straight in the eye

Another fine day comes to an end

Yet here I am about to fly!

There he goes again

My man of action!

Here I am again

Time to turn off the television!

Audition

I am fully aware that I have this running "joke" that I would audition for a reality TV show someday. Haha!

I am not sure how it started. But I can remember that during the last months I spent in Manila before moving back to Davao, 2 of my housemates and I would imagine that our lives are broadcast live. As such, our imaginary televiewers are privy to our bedtime conversations where we are all in bed and lights out but the conversations continue. We would end it by saying that we hope our "televiewers" learned something from us. Hilarious!

I know that I already said that its ok for me to join reality TV shows as long as it is not shown on TV .. huwat?!? What I mean is I am open to do the challenges they do but I hope it would not be shown on television. I wish!

Anyhow, when PBB Season became a success, I had this "hirit" that the reason why I entered law school was to gain more "fans" for whatever reality tv thing I would join. (Yah .. right!). As such, I could be a shoo-in as a winner if I could get the people I know to vote for me. The people I would hope that would vote for me will not only come from Davao but Manila as well, and from grade school, high school, college and law school buddies as well. A number of people were "supportive".

The next problem was how I could get in.

First, I am not a big fan of crowds and lines. Some alread volunteered to line up early for me.

Second, I do not have the "face", "body" or the "talent" na pang-artista. So, I must think of a story line. No, I will not use the usual melodramatic life stories. I would go for even happy and blessed people (char!) should be given a chance to join .. haha! Then, I would go for broke with my NBSB story .. hmm.

Third, if timing would be right and the show is PBB, the 100 days must take place within the time the bar results would come out (given na dito na nakagraduate ako and nagtake ng bar .. hay, unta jud soon na!). Then, I would be given the choice to know if I passed and to voluntarily exit to take the oath. Mao na jud! Haha!

Please don't take me seriously because seriously, I do not have plans to make this a reality. Promise! I am just sharing you how weird my imagination is.

My sisteres are weird as well.

The first time we saw the ad for the audition for PBB, my first reaction was "walay Davao!" And then, I said, "may GenSan and Butuan". My sister was thinking that I was really going to audition .. ngek! Although admittedly, this could be a "tripping" thing and some of us in class has discussed this .. haha!

A few days ago, I woke up with a newspaper clipping on my table. My sister placed it there for me to see that there will be an audition in Davao City for Survivor. Nge ulit!

Jologs na kung jologs tong blog na to. Epekto lang siguro sa Corpo exam kanina.

Promise .. I can't see myself auditioning for PBB or Survivor!

Pero ayoko magsalita ng tapos .. jowk lang!

When Harry Met Sally

I was channel-surfing around lunch time and saw a part of this movie.

It's not really one of my super favorites but I think this is a nice chick flick.

I love that you get cold when it's 71 degrees out. I love that it takes you an hour and a half to order a sandwich. I love that you get a little crinkle above your nose when you're looking at me like I'm nuts. I love that after I spend the day with you, I can still smell your perfume on my clothes. And I love that you are the last person I want to talk to before I go to sleep at night. And it's not because I'm lonely, and it's not because it's New Year's Eve. I came here tonight because when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.

- Harry

This scene sort of stuck with me because I really saw a little crinkle above Meg Ryan's nose when Billy Crystal was delivering these lines.

Yun lang!