Halo-Halo Espesyal

Again, this is another of my halo-halo blogs wherein I just basically share the ice, macapuno, ube, sago, nangka, nata de coco milk, sugar, ice and leche flan in my everyday life .. haha

-oOo-

Nagutom ako dun ah .. hehe

-oOo-

My hair is still ok but it does not have that galing sa parlor effect. So, medyo pangit ang ends. Makabili nga ng blower .. haha! Nevertheless, I am ok with my hair and it is still better than the treatments I have had before. It is still straight and smooth!

-oOo-

Do you believe in soul mates? I am not sure if I have crossed paths with my soul mate. But I do think that it is possible to have one in this so-called life.

-oOo-

Mom's back and we are so happy. Aside from pasalubongs and the pictures, it's nice that mom is back here safely.

-oOo-

I am happy for I know a number of people who passed the bar exams. Two of my batchmates in high school, Omar and Pillar, passed the bar exam. And so did Suseyline, a batchmate in College. Others were those I knew in law school and I am just happy for them. I am also ecstatic that Ruby Luy from our school made it to Top 9. Ayos! Galenga niyo oi!

-oOo-

Nevertheless, I know of at least 7 people who did not pass the bar exam. Maka-sad. I prayed for them pa naman. I know malakas ako kay Lord most of the times. But maybe this is not the time for them just yet. I don't blame them if they sulk for a while. But they are pretty strong individuals and I am sure they will move on and start reviewing if they are really determined to become lawyers.

-oOo-

The 2007 Bar Exams is said to be the hardest ever. Just imagine, they lowered the passing grade from 75% to 70% and adjusted the disqualificaction grade from 50% to 45% in labor, civil law and criminal law. If there were no adjustments made, only 5% of the ones who took the exam would have passed, instead of the current passing rate of around 22%. Our school's passing rate, although better than the national passing rate, was lower than last year. Tsk, tsk. I pray that when our time comes, things will be better.

-oOo-

I was happy that our final exam for Tax 2 was a multiple choice type of exam. I was hoping it would be. This time, pinakita ni Lord na malakas ako sa kanya. I was praying for such type so those who were not able to study well can have an easier time. Yahoo! Nevertheless, kara-kara pud ko answer sa 55 questions kasi iexplain pa. So, from short hand na long hand na towards the end. From 2 or more sentences as explanations, I had one short sentences for explanations in the last 15 questions. I was able to answer only 15 questions in the first hour, thinking that there were only 33 questions. 55 pala when I checked it after an hour. With 30 minutes remaining, I still had 15 or so questions to answer. May na lang nahuman nako ;)

-oOo-

Masarap kumain ng libre .. haha! Salamat :)

-oOo-

A two-hour all girls conversation is one of the simple stuff I enjoy in life. With some food on hand, chika galore is one thing I look forward to. Enjoy jud!

-oOo-

It has been quite some time when a few of my classmates got to visit our home. I had fun when 4 of us had lunch, merienda, watched Michael Clayton and played a little bit of Wii here at home. Lingaw!

-oOo-

While having our make-up class today, shouts for joy were heard near the dean's office. The list of graduates for this year is out. They are the ones we are looking for to pass the next bar exams. More power to you guys!

-oOo-

Change of plans but nevertheless an experience. I did not make the right turn so medyo nadelay ang dinner. Super apologetic intawon ko. Tsk tsk .. Anuyhow, first time ko kumain sa Bankerohan. Sarap kaayo ang bulalo na mainit-init pa .. hehe. Sundan pa ng 2 oras na videoke. Sali mo na 5 ka tao na lingaw kasama plus ako. Eto ang ma-miss ko after law school .. hehe :)

-oOo-

I know it's summer but for the past week, it has been raining here in Davao City. Today was first rain-free day in a week, I think. It was sunny the whole day. It was the kind of day na masarap kumain ng halo-halo espesyal. Haha!

WeirDO!

Got a hair cut. Got my hair treated.

Tadaa! I've got a new 'do! And for two days I am happy with it. I pray it will last long though .. I, mean, it being this way na parang galing sa parlor parati .. haha ..

I first thought of having a really short hair, boy cut para less hassle. But I decided against it after a classmate told me not to shock her senses and after my sister told me na I would be super young-looking if my hair with my shorter. So, I settled for this 'do.

I guess the people in law school are not accustomed to me having short hair. I mean, I have had my hair short since I was a kid. Before I had my hair cut recently, my hair was the longest ever .. just an inch or two below the shoulder. And I just usually tie my hair up in school.

And so, I got some nice reactions and compliments from people. I am not sure if they are telling the truth or just say something nice for the sake of saying something. But I do appreciate the compliments. And I never had this much compliment from a hair cut as far as I can remember .. haha .. deprived?

I feel like I am kid, like my little cousin Kisay. I think Dora and I have similarites, minus the bangs .. haha. My classmate thinks that may pagka-sophisticated daw .. pwede pala akong maging ganun. Bagay daw sa akin. You guys make it really worth .. hehe

Oh, well .. let's see in a few days what happens with this new 'do! :)

Extreme Makeover: Home Edition

There is only one TV show that can get me teary-eyed in each of its episode.

This show is none other EXTREME MAKEOVER: HOME EDITION.

I admit that I am not a loyal follower of this show in a sense that I ensure that I get to watch each and every episode. I cannot remember the first time I got to watch it. I think this was shown in RPN 9, before it became C/S, but somehow I lost track of when it is supposed to be shown. Now, it is shown over at the Velvet channel and I get to watch it once in a while in its 11:30 a.m time slot on Saturdays. I do not think I can catch in on prime time though. I only get to watch it on Saturdays when I do not have exams on that day.

Anyhow, the whole concept is extreme makeover of a family's home. I think the criteria is that the family owns the land and the home needs a makeover, depending on the needs of its members.

Last Saturday, the design team made a new home for a family where mom and dad are both deaf and the youngest son is blind and autistic. The eldest son is quite normal. Given the circumstances, this family was really quite deserving of that home makeover - latest technology inside the house so that they could watch over their son on screens placed all over the house, fire alarm that doesn't alarm but rather blinks, labels in braille all over the house and the biggest swing one must have probable seen. You should have seen how ecstatic the kid was when he was on that swing.

Aside from that, there was a home make-over for a family wherein a child has special needs - because of some illness - and making sure such home was safe. There was another were they made room for like 4 kids where there parents died and their aunt, with her huge family, decided to make the kids part of their household as well. There was another wherein they lost their mom. Heartwarming stories indeed.

The design team is one great team and I can feel that they love what they are doing. Who would not be? They get to do what they love to do - construction, interior design and the works, and in addition, be of great help to other people. It's not just that they love what they are doing. I think they are blessed with what they do.

The contractors are amazing as well. You can likewise feel that they love what they are doing.

And there's the whole neighborhood who cheer the team on and welcome the family to their new home. Poster and cheers galore! The episode with the blind and autistic kid was more heartwarming in the sense that the neighbors, instead of clapping, shook their hands in the air - clapping in sign language. There was silence but poignant nevertheless.

This is indeed one great reality TV show and I am happy that there are people, sponsors included, who do such great work for such great people.

Pay It Forward ...

... and Back!

Pay It Forward was a nice film. I liked it but I do not necessarily love it. The concept was nice but I did not like the way it ended. I am ok with a lead actor dying. But not that way - dying with a single stab wound from a pocket knife most probably.

Anyhow, paying it forward was really a nice concept. Idealistic but probable. Three big favors for three other people. Not bad at all.

The thing is huge favors entail huge sacrifice. Huge sacrifice entails much decision making. I am not against granting big favors. But somehow it is not that easy to do. There are so many factors, depending on the circumstances, one has to consider.

As for me, when there seems to be no opportunity as yet to grant huge favors, small favors would probably do. It may be small but it is most likely to be done. If I can't give a ladder for a person to climb, I might as well provide one rung to that ladder. One at a time will do.

Now, with small favors, we can still pay it forward. And paying back would not be bad at all. While I do not expect people to pay back any thing that I have done for them, I am truly grateful for the simplest and smallest gesture of appreciation.

Those short thank you notes. Those simple thanks through text messaging. Those notes added when my stuff are returned. Thank you.

And as for me, I am grateful for those who help me out. I know I may seem to be an independent person. But everyone needs a helping hand. We get by with a little help from our friends so to speak. Although it is a conscious effort for me when I ask a favor from one person, it is quite rejuvenating for people who extend their helping hands for me.

Paying the kindness extended towards us would be great. But paying such kindness back to the giver is not that bad at all.

Lost in Translation

Let me know if you get lost.

I was born here in Davao City. I grew up here. But I do not speak Dabawenya. The Dabawenya is a dialect which is spoken by people who are not actually from the City of Davao.

I speak Bisaya. But Davao City is in the Island of Mindanao. Davao is not in Visayas. Bisaya is not taught in school. We just basically grew up with it.

I speak Tagalog. But not Tagalog as in the Tagalog that is spoken in Manila and the rest of Luzon. My Tagalog is a half-Tagalog, half-Bisaya actually. It is incorrect Tagalog and incorrect Bisaya. I have been told that some of my Tagalog or Bisaya, whichever is applicable, is wrong.

But I don't get offended. My dialect has a world of its own. I am pretty sure that most of you already received or read that e-mail as to the dialect that is spoken here in Davao. It is fun reading it, from my perspective that is.

The dialect that I speak, whatever you may call it, is also not taught in school. It has its way of evolving I think. There is the syntax of "gina" and "mag", the use of "gani" and "lagi" and a whole lot of prefixes, suffixes, and other words as well.

The thing is my mom was born in Bohol and grew up in Davao City. My dad is from Davao del Sur. So, they really know Bisaya terms. But I don't know why we end up speaking this dialect that we speak. I think it may be the influence in schools and office. I am not sure.

I find it quite funny when people adjust when they speak to me. Yes, I have had classmates, even way back, na maka-Tagalog ug ahat when speaking to me. I think they are feel obliged to speak in Tagalog (my Tagalog, that is) when they speak to me. Makaulaw minsan because they adjust even if I can perfectly (ok, most lang) understand Bisaya. And I also speak Bisaya baya. Parang makahiya kasi mag-effort pa sila for me when in the end, I can understand them either way.

When I worked in Manila, my Bisaya was honed. Funny, isn't it? I was living with people who spoke more Bisaya than we do at home. My seatmate in the office studied in Cebu. So, Bisaya jud! When I got home for the holidays, my brother made a comment na na-Bisaya na daw ko .. haha!

I also remembered that I was asked by one of our foreign managers if I think in my dialect and translate in English. Or do I think English then translate it in Bisaya or Tagalog? Or do I think in Tagalog then translate in English? It made me think .. do I translate words before speaking in English? I think what I said was I think in Tagalog then translate in English. Am I making sense or are you already lost? Hehehe ...

That manager also took note that I was at an advantage compared with my two other Filipino officemates. I can understand them with their Tagalog and but they cannot understand me fully if I speak in Bisaya .. hehe.

Oh well, I guess it all boils down on how we make sense out of everything - trying to adjust, trying to communicate and trying to understand one another and making this life more exciting.

Bits & Pieces

As usual, I have been doing and thinking lots of stuff.
So, here are some bits & pieces as to my current state of my mind.

-oOo-

We had our 3rd Tax exam last Saturday. I am not saying that it was not hard. But I just like the state that I was in while answering our exam. Tuloy-tuloy ang current thought and things are quite familiar. Hindi ako nablanko. Simbako mabagsak ako, I will still say na I haven't that kind of exam where I felt ok in such a long time. And my favorite question, which I was really hoping to be asked, was the number one question.

-oOo-

I was so ecstatic last night when I saw a post that a sequel to the X-Files movie will be shown this July. Oh my! I'm a big fan of this show .. as in! And I am so looking forward. Super looking forward!

-oOo-

We had our Medico-Legal Friendship Games over the weekend. Sana mas maraming audience pero given the circumstances ok na rin. I prepared the questions for the Quiz Bowl and I was happy na it was well-received na it was within the category of Difficult, More Difficult and Most Difficult. Pero ang highlight para sa akin kay yung nag-commentator ako sa basketball nung Saturday. Dream come true! Since I'm a big basketball fan back in elementary and high school, I dreamt of being a sportscaster but I did not want to take up Mass Com kay daghan na ga-take. Anyway, at least, I was able to accomplish such dream. Next dream please!

-oOo-

Oh my God! Wait! I'm so sorry! I can't believe what I saw when I watched sa youtube yung nanalo ng Binibining Pilipinas - World. Oh my God din talaga masabi ko!

-oOo-

First time here in Davao na kami lang ng kapatid ko namalengke sa Agdao. We've done it before but we always had our parents around.

-oOo-

I was asked if may crush ba daw ako sa law school. Sabi ko wala. Weird ba ako? I mean I appreciate what I see pero it does not mean my heart will leap (or does it .. hahaha) Ewan ko masyado na ako discerning parang I stopped having crushes.

-oOo-

Conversation goes something like " si Y ikasal na". "Buntis?" "Oo." Hehe .. Pano na daw pagsinabi si Jazzie ikasal na? Eto ang pamatay na reply: "Ha? Ikasal si Jazzie? Sure ka si Jazzie ikasal?" Kaya walang nangyayari sa akin dahil sa mga hirit ko na ganito .. haha

-oOo-

I was all by myself last night watching a rerun of Going Bulilit. Sigaw "Sunog! Sunog!" Tanong ni Hopia: "San nagsimula ang apoy?" Sagot ni Sharlene: "Nagsisimula po ang apoy sa letter A". Hilarious!

-oOo-

That's all for now!

Drive Me Crazy

It has been over a year since I officially started driving.

I already got hold of two student permits way back in college but I somehow never got to that point of applying for non-professional driver's license. I was ok with the daily commute since it is just one ride from our home.

Anyhow, I eventually had the nerve to get a non-professional driver's license with my sister.

Everything was done one step at a time. Most of the time I practiced within our subdivision, my dad's office and SM nearby.

And then, the first time I drove to school I called up my friend and neighbour to accompany me in my great adventure. I was happy she was around although we had our nervous laughs nung namatay ang makina in the middle of of the road. And it happened twice that day.

Afterwhich, I am thankful for things have been ok. I am grateful for my everdearest classmates and friends who have been there being patient with me. It was quite funny at first because I always warn them whenever its my first time to pass by this street or this bridge or somewhere. I was always apologetic kapag namatay ang makina in the middle of nowhere.

I am still not hawd since I still have difficulty with parallel parking. As in, pinapawisan ako ng maraming singot in the two times I attempted this. And I thank the Jacinto boys for being patient with me .. hehe.

Napapraning pa rin ako pagmag-park. And mahirap minsan maghanap ng parking space sa school. But that's part of the deal.

I've had my share with scratches - twice sa gate. O di ba, yung hindi pa talaga gumagalaw ang natamaan ko. Mas ok nga iyon di ba? And there's another slight encounter sa bumper ng pick-up. But thank God, that's about it.

Once I was so near a flower pot but I told my classmate that it's alright since I am purposely moving away from the car of my teacher. Mabuti na iyong flower pot kesa sasakyan ng teacher ko .. hehe

I have had two interesting situations with our car. There was that one hot Saturday afternoon na namatay iyong makina but it won't start again. As in! And I was all by myself and I was in the middle of an intersection. Hala, nanawag intawon kina manong. Buti na lang may mga trisikad drivers and may repair shop na malapit. Gitulak intawon nila hanggang nag-andar. Ayon, nag-thank you ako. Nung medyo malayo ako, naalala ko na nakalimutan ko magbigay ng pangkape man lang sa kanila. Hay, na-stress talaga ako nun. Nahiya na rin akong bumalik kaya ipinagdasal ko na lang sila sa kanilang kabutihan .. hehe

The other time was when it was already nighttime and we had to get something. I already parked the car and I forgot to close (close ba ang tamang term?) the windows that's why I had to start the engine again. Eh, ayaw. Hala, my lady classmate and a tindero tried to push the car to no avail. Mabuti may auto shop uli. Chineck, wala namang problema. Tinulak ng 2 manong, umandar na. Hindi ko na nakalimutan magbigay .. hehe

Ewan ko pero in these 2 occasions, I feel so blessed. At first, medyo panic mode ako. But then, I realized na I just have to park the car kung anuman then I will call my dad and go about my business. Hehe ...

I am one of those motormouths. Yup, I sing to my heart's delight whenever I know the song being played on the radio. I know that I look funny as if I am talking to myself. The car I drive is not heavenly tinted. So, klaro jud. Ok lang, pasalamat na lang iyong mga tao dahil hindi nila ako naririnig.

There are still areas of which I dare not drive. But time will come that I will drive through those roads. I am no hurry. I am taking my time.

I am quite aware that with driving comes great responsibility. I remember my classmate saying that she would not drive just as yet because it may be the reason why she won't be able to take the bar exam (simbako).

So, everyday, I pray that I continue to drive safely. I know I am one crazy creature. But I am one crazy creature who tries to drive safely. So, help me God!

Emotions

I cannot measure how I am emotionally.

I know I am competitive when it comes to sports and the likes (Conflict of Law proved this). Pero I can accept defeats.

But as to being carried by emotions easily, I am not sure. There are movies or even TV shows that can get me teary-eyed. But it varies.

As to getting frustrated, it happens to me. Yes, there are times I get frustrated with myself. Yes, I do get frustrated with others labi na if apil-apilon ko na wala di ai koy labot. There was a time I was really frustrated with another person but all is well. He got my point.

Yes, I got disappointed as to the few reactions I got from an unexpected person. He cannot blame me. In the end, he was able to say his piece and so did I. Kana laging taas ang expectation bah! Maybe I had my expectations, too. I expected that if he had doubts as to my personality, he should have confronted me sa una pa lang. Oh, well.

And just today, as I was making our Affidavit-Complaint for Legal Forms, I browsed through the some-kinda controversial Answer that another group made for us.

Medyo ok na ako nun. As much as I can, I do not ask favors as long as there are still things that I can do about it. But I do grant favors whenever I can. Pero if wala, so be it. Lessons learned.

So, the story goes like this. We made an error as to the jurisdiction of the complaint we first made. When I found out about it, I asked the other group if it was all right to have it changed, just two or three words - from RTC to MTCC. So, ok they will discuss it first. At first, he said OK. But, then, looking at their answer, it would affect their jurisdiction. So, huwag na lang.

I was frustrated but I said my piece na. I do not care if other groups made concessions with one another. Ayaw ko talaga mamilit.

So, ok. They submitted their answer. I did not look at it until today.

I found out that we forgot to affix the signature of the affiant in the verification and that our document number was repeated. So, that was part of their defense.

Fine. We overlooked some stuff. We made a mistake.

But I just have to say my piece.

I am frustrated. Sure, if time comes when we are lawyers, we would have made the same defenses as to such overlooked stuff. I cannot blame anyone who makes a career out of these legal forms.

But it just shows how a few do not make concessions. Do not worry. I am not asking that we affix our signature or change the document number.

Siguro, we just cannot expect that people will act the same way we do. Actually, I really do not expect such. But when it actually happens, reality hits you.

No matter how nice you act to another person, do not expect that such person will always be nice to you or that such will be reciprocated. Since this was a classroom setting pa, so konting respeto lang na mainform kami beforehand sa aming errors or magkaintindihan o mag-usap lang gud.

Siguro may point din iyon na pag lawyers, ganito man din talaga ang gawin mo. Pero hello! Amicable settlement is preferred baya!

I do not take this against the whole group, only just one person and he knows who he is.

Kapoy makipagplastic. I will say my piece to him and then, I will be all right. I will continue to treat him with kindness. Ok, try to treat him with kindness.

I just have to write this because I am having a difficulty making our affidavit-complaint thinking about this. Kelangan ilabas. Kanino ko ilabas? Sa aso namin? Kaya dito na lang.

I think ok na ako :)

Basket Case

If you have the time to listen to me whine, about nothing and everything all at once .. then, read on :)

Well, let me correct that. I am not whining. I just have a lot of stuff going on in my head. I know, not again! Yes, again it is. I guess it is normal for me to think of a lot of stuff.

Our professor mentioned about that he has nothing against us making class case digests as long as we understand the case. From his perspective, it must be quite amusing seeing us turning over pages at the same time while someone is assigned to recite on a case .. haha ... But he has a point, we have to really understand the case and not just read it. He said that during his time (not too long ago as he emphasized) they read full text cases and memorize the cases.

As much as I can, I try to read full text cases. But, admittedly, nowadays, I have become dependent to our class assigned case digests. It is not about being lazy or making excuses that I am busy. I know everyone is busy. I guess it is just a matter of priorities, of which stuff to read first and which subject to study extensively.

In fairness, I am proud of our class case digests prepared for class recitation. Usually, mahahaba na parang full text na rin. The normal length is 1/2 lengthwise of a long bond paper, Tahoma font, size 8, with .6 margins on all sides. O, ha! I should know .. hehe. Basta, pang-recit mga digests. Hindi iyong pang-fourth year or review na super short.

Anyway, it was also mentioned in class as to being third year students and how near we are as to reaching our goal. Hopefully, we'll never be far na. I just thought getting failed grades (simbako) at this point could make me one chaotic person. I pray we do well.

I am not sure what our Spec Pro professor will tell us on Friday. But the class, as a whole, did not fair well in our first exam. All of us were given plus 10 pts so that more people could pass. I am thankful, nevertheless, that I did well. But I pray makabawi sa next exam. We only have 2 exams. In fairness, I think the questions were really based on provisions. Pero because may true or false and enumeration, no extra points for efforts. Likewise for the essay type questions. Pag walang sense ang sagot, walang points rin. Tapos, iyong subject din talaga is complicated. Hala, excuses jud!

It is just so funny that I hear a lot of stories people share to me every now and then. I try not to be a gossipmonger. I seldom share stuff na alam ko hindi ok pagbinalita sa iba. I am not being righteous. And I am not saying na I don't talk about other people. It is just that pag medyo sensitive ang topic, I hear but it is not often that I speak about it. And I thank people who entrust me with such stories ;)

Lately, I have been forgetting a number of things. I mean I still remember some stuff. I remember to bring stuff, but then forget to give it to the person I intended to give to. Basta, there are times I need constant reminders para lang maalala ko. Sa awa ng Diyos, mukhang normal pa ang memory ko when it comes to exams and class stuff - normal as in there are things I remember, and then, there are things na I forget. Normal!

I was ecstatic yesterday when I found out na, at least, ang last sine na napanood ko sa sinehan eh Enchanted around November. I am happy na hindi yung Harry Potter/Die Hard/Transformers.

I haven't read a novel in over a year. Buti na lang required reading sa PALE ang To Kill A Mockingbird. So, basa uli ako. I have read it 4 years ago, so kailangan i-refresh ang memory.

Marami-rami na ata akong na-share sa ngayon .. hehe .. sa uulitin ...

It all keeps adding up!

Sometimes

Minsan ang dami kong iniisip pero hindi alam ng iba

Minsan akala ng iba ok ako pero medyo hindi

Minsan naiinis rin ako pero sa loob loob ko lang

Minsan napapaisip ako kung tama nga ba iyong ginawa or hindi ko ginawa

Minsan hindi na lang ako nagsasalita pero mahirap rin talaga

Minsan napupuno rin ako pero hindi ko alam kung nailabas ko na o kelangan bang ilabas

Minsan iniisip ko na tama na baka san pa mapunta

Minsan iniisip ko na sige na nga wala namang masama

Minsan gusto ko magkwento pero di bale na lang

Minsan inuuna ko ang mga bagay na hindi pala importante

Minsan hindi ko alam kung ano ang importante

Minsan naiisip ko kung may sinabi ba dapat ako

Minsan ayaw ko sa sitwasyon ko

Minsan napapagod din ako

Minsan sana maintindihan din ako

Minsan wala akong magawa kahit gusto ko mang tumulong

Minsan gusto kong ipaalala ang pagkakamali ko

Minsan gusto kong ipaalala ang sinabi ko

Minsan mabuti na lang na huwag nang magsisihan

Minsan kulang ata ang ibinibigay ko

Minsan naman sobra na rin ata

Kadalasan magulo talaga ang buhay .. pero ganun talaga :)

Food, Party and People

Ah, the past 3 days has been quite a blast for me. Hectic, but a blast nevertheless!

After the Valentine dinner at Harana, my Friday was sort of hectic since our class had to submit our digests for Torts. Good thing I was able to relax with a dinner at Coco's and dessert at Kasagingan with such dear friends .. hehe .. salamat sa inyong 3 :)

I was able to get home just in time for KC's Maalala. Bilib din ako kay KC mag-iyak. However, parang pinakita na halos lahat sa trailer and wala na masyadong bago sa episode mismo.

Saturday was hectic pa rin. I had to decline attending the dedication of my friend's son because I was not yet able to finish up with some tasks I had to do for our victory party that same night. I also declined to meet up a friend I haven't seen in years since may victory party nga kami.

Anyway, we had our victory party na .. at last! After two weeks of being declared champions, nag-party na rin kami!

There were some quirks that needed to be ironed out pero good thing that we have one cool group. Issues were addressed and nagkasya ang pera .. ayos talaga!

We started an hour late kasi konti pa lang talaga ang tao. Actually, konti lang ang nagpunta. Probably, just a little bit more than half of the batch plus some guests. Aside from the teachers, some staff from the Law School office were present as well as choreographers and instructors. But that should not stop us from having a blast di ba?

We just had enough food and hindi nagkulang kasi may sobra pa naman.

I was happy that our professors in Evidence, Tax, PALE, Legal Forms and Legal Counselling were present. Naki-videoke pa sa amin .. ayos talaga!

Tapos, there was viewing din through DVD of the events that transpired. Natuwa ako kasi kahit walang projector .. may TV and we get to reminisce our moments .. hehe

Anyway, after our dinner. We had our awards presentation .. hehe. We had a blast with this last year so inulit namin this year.

Ano ba naman iyon? Best New Artist ako .. nge! Pero in fairness, 1 vote lang lamang ko .. hehe. And in fairness uli, marami talagang new artists this year. I also got the Ms. Conflicts of Law 2008 award .. ewan ko anong nakain ng mga batchmate ko at ako ang gisulat. Pero salamat sa inyo .. hehe

After that, we had that Pinoy Henyo game .. hala .. career jud ba! Gusto talaga manalo ng mga tao. Then, we had the videoke na .. kanta to the max jud!

Makatuwa rin talaga kasi the teachers were game as well .. kanta din sila. Basta happy ako pag-ganun ...

Anyway, I left at 12:30 am. I had fun. I did not expect to have that much fun because I was basically tired the whole day. But the party was all fun!

Sa uulitin? For now, mag-study na sab .. hehe

My Funny Valentine's Day

Okay .. it was not super funny but it was fun nevertheless. Yes, there is a difference between being funny (as in laughing all the way) and having fun (happy, happy .. joy, joy).

Yes, I dressed in black since our class decided to be in black. Napana ni Piolo? Hehe

As expected, a number did not expect what I wore that day. But, it was fun for me and besides, minsan lang iyong magbihis ako na parang girl .. hehe

But the highlight was probably our class picture taking in our Corporation class. Our professor shared some quotes and lingaw pakinggan. He made a comment about a shirt being worn by the fourth year: "Study first. Love can wait." He said: "If it can't wait, then, it's not love." Ayos!

Siyempre, picture-picture din with our Legal Forms professor and classmates.

Then, a number of us had dinner at Harana. Picture-picture na sad .. haha ..

Afterwhich, I went home. I had some case digests to make and some stuff read. Ika nga .. study first :)

Later and tomorrow, malamang .. picture-picture gihapon .. hehe

Happy Hearts Day!

The clock says its 12:10 A.M. Happy Valentine's Day then

I don't think Valentine's day is only for those who are attached. Singles need not sulk and moan that this day is nor for them .. ai, us pala .. hehe

As a child, Valentine's day is making cards and giving them to our parents and teachers. So, early on, we have been thought that this day is not just for those so-called lovers.

Actually, I think Valentine's day is for those who own restaurants, who make cards, who sell flowers and who peddle chocolates. Yes, in the end, it boils down to them .. hehe

But whether one allows commercialism to set in is precisely that, we allow it to be an occasion to spend.

On the other hand, we can make it as one of those special occasions - which without spending much - we show gratitude to those who love us and whom we have shared our lives with.

Yes, Valentine's day is for family and friends as well.

I try to wake up early and do make the warmest greeting to my parents and even my siblings.

At the end of the day, or shall I say night, it is spent with friends. For the past two years, I spent it having dinner with classmates. No regrets there since I knew it was time well spent.

I am not sure today though.

Of course, I will celebrate by dressing up "black" just as our class discussed, or else, hindi kasama sa pictorials (sosyal!). Medyo effort ang magbihis talaga sa akin .. pero sige lang, minsan lang ito eh .. hehe

I am pretty sure we will have a grand day as always.

Today, I felt tired before leaving for school. A lot of things were running in my mind and I am thinking how can I make things work.

However, when I got to school and had the usual talks with classmates and friends, I felt more at ease. I don't know. They must really be great people to be with and maybe well worth spending Valentine's day with.

Yes, I think this is going to be a nice Valentine's day. And a post-Valentine celebration could be great as well. Top that with a victory party over the weekend.

I do pray things will work out.

It's 12:23 a.m. My phone is beeping with forwarded Valentine's message. The TV is showing American Idol. My insurance book is calling out to me to read it.

Ah, yes! Valentine's day

Transformer

There are moments which define the individuals that we are. Sometimes, such moments reinforce who we already are. Sometimes, it shows that we are more capable than what is expected of us. Sometimes, it depicts how much is expected of us - how we lived up to such expectation or how much we have disappointed others.

I never expected a few reactions I received after the Conflicts of Law. Yup, Conflicts ra gihapon ni .. I know, dapat magmove-on na. But there are things that need to be addressed .. hehe

Just a quick refresher. I blogged the following last January 12:

This year, we want to have fun more than anything else. This was my mantra last year and I am making the same mantra this year. If our aim is to have fun, winning will most probably follow. Kung mapildi, at least nalingaw mi! Since nag-amot nami ani, why not do our best, have fun and have that passion for excellence?

A number of our players last year will now be playing for second year. On my part, I do not ask them not to participate and not to do their best just to give way for us. I ask them to do what they want to do. We all just have one life to live anyway!

I just pray that they don't get offended with those words that I say. It is all in the spirit of fun. When I say see you in court, then, we will see each other in court. When I say we will do our best, yes, we will do things with the passion for excellence. And besides, I only say these to those that I really know. Ginasabi ko lang ito dun sa mga alam ko na alam nila na lingaw-lingaw lang gud sa akin. Ayaw ko na yang kalaban-kalaban, unless ako na ang ginakalaban .. Ah! Ibang usapan na iyan .. haha!

I am quite saddened that there are a few who felt I have "transformed" before and during the said Conflicts of Law. I am not sure about the after part .. I guess you have to ask such persons .. hehe.

I need not explain everything here as I believe this is a personal issue to those persons who felt slighted with how the way I acted during the past few weeks. I have already talked to them. But there is still one conversation that is still to be concluded .. niabot man gud si ma'am .. hehe.

Yes, maybe there was a side of me that was shown of which a number of people did not expect. I guess some did not expect that I would be joining the cheerdance competition and the bottles and straws. Heck, I even had some reactions when I said I was going to attend the badminton practice. Maybe they did not expect that I would support the grievance complaint.

But we are the ones who create expectations based on what we see, feel and experience. But such basis are sometimes limited. And the next thing you know, each individual goes out-of-the-box definition.

Yes, I admit I am emotionally competitive. When push comes to shove, I just don't sit and watch. I take action. But not to the extent that I offend other people. As I have explained, my intentions were always clear and I act in good faith. If I have offended you, I am sorry. If your perception of me has changed, I will respect that. In the first place, you were the ones who created such impression of me. I never pretended something that I am not. As I have said, I try to be consistently inconsistent. A predictable life is quite a bore .. hehe.

Anyhow, medyo nagets ko na why a few had negative reactions. All the while I was thinking that I was kidding and joking .. teasing about "see you in court" and all such kanchaw. As I've said in my previous blog, lingaw-lingaw lang to. It so happens that other mistook it as if I was serious. Am I serious? hehe .. All those kanchaw were in the spirit of fun for me and I delivered such punch lines only to those I know na ma-joke-an ko. Sorry, if naintimidate or na-offend kayo sa hirit ko. Sana sinabi na ninyo na hindi ok sa inyo kasi joke-joke lang talaga sa akin iyong mga hirit na iyon. Feel ko kasi sport kayo and mahiritan ko kayo. Mali pala ako :(

For now, medyo clear na siya konti for me. I hope ok na rin iyong iba. Wala man akong problema. If feel niyo na nag-transform ako, so be it. Ang important for now is that in the end, all is well :)

Ok? Study na ta balik :)

Grateful

GOD heard and granted my prayers .. quite literally :)

My birthday wish was for us to be the over-all champions in our Conflicts of Law. I made such wish when I blew out the candles on a cake which was a surprise from Teen, Bhing and Sol. Grabe! Napaiyak ako with matching tawa .. haha .. truly grateful for such a nice surprise.

When I blew out the candles, I made three wishes - sana ma-over-all champions kami, ma-champion sa cheerdance and ma-champion sa basketball (to make up for disappointing the boys dahil minalas ako sa pag-draw lots). Only the first wish was granted .. pero ok na iyon. Siguro, abuso na and masyado na akong malakas kay Lord pag-nagkatotoo lahat iyon.

If you have read a previous blog of mine, I wrote that I joined a number of competitions and made a fervent wish na sana ma-champion ako/kami sa kahit isa lang man sa sinalihan ko na competition. I joined cheerdance, legal pictionary, badminton and bottles and straws. Competition din ba ang grievance? hehe

I know that our performance in cheerdance was splendid, awesome, fabulous! Unfortunately, second lang kami. Well, respeto na lang sa judges' decision. I'm pretty sure it was a close fight. Akala ko, eto na iyong machampion ako .. hehe. Pero kung ako ang judge, champion jud kami sa cheerdance - synchronization, originality (skipping rope and garter!!), level of difficulty (pinakamaraming lifts, may helicopter pa!!) and costume (out of this world!). Happy na ako sa reactions na nakuha right after the competition, seeing our teachers' and friends' reaction. Happy na ako na proud mom and dad ko sa performance namin na ilang gabi rin ako late mag-uwi .. hehe (pinanood nila sa video). Happy na rin ako kasi nalingaw ako sa mga kasama ko .. hindi lang sa pagpractice, pati sabay pa magdinner. In the end, gusto ko talaga lingaw lahat ang gawin. Pag nanalo, konsuwelo na iyon. Pagnatalo, at least, nalingaw ako :) And with all honesty, I really had fun joining the cheerdance competition .. promise! No regrets, as always do when I decide to do something.

Second kami sa badminton. Improved kasi third kami last year. But I knew we had that chance jud. Hindi lang talaga nakahabol sa deciding match, sa deciding pa talaga ako :)

Second din kami sa Legal Pictionary. Improvement din kasi third kami last year. History repeats itself talaga pag sa Legal Pic. Kung ano ang naexperience ng First Year ngayon, ganun din ang first year last year and iyong time na first year ako. Kung ano ang naexperience ng Second Year ngayon, ganun din the past two years. And for the past 3 years na I have been joining Legal Pictionary, fourth year talaga ang panalo. So, sana first na kami next year .. puhon 4th year na kami :)

And anong contest na sinalihan ko ang champion? Bottles and straws ... tadaa! Happy ako kasi parlor games siya and this is my first parlor game and my first champion na win. Career kasi nag-shorts jud ko .. hehe! Medyo close fight at first with the second year, pero nung nagka-error sila .. sirit-sirit nami. Next year uli .. hehe :)

Grievance? Of course, hindi talaga to competition. As much as possible, we try not to file any complaint. But when push comes to shove, when the wrong buttons are pushed, we just have to make a point. Even if we noticed something on the first day, no one heard anything from us. The marathon was controversial (as always). Lo and behold, a complaint was filed against us the next day. It was a complaint which was never raised right after the competition and involving one person whom his sportsmanship should never be doubted.

So, come parlor games time, when our team saw some loopholes, we filed complaints (yes, with an S). For us, we just want to make a point. We just wanted to submit what we have (video cam, digicam, laptop) and let the committee decide. In the end, each party can defend theirselves before the committee. We were not after the points because we believe we were quite ahead (modesty aside). Just as they had the right to file the first complaint, so did we. Hindi naman iyon personalan. And for those who felt that it was personal, I apologize if that was your understanding because it was never my intention.

I felt sad that there were some who might have felt offended. Right from the very beginning, I never stopped nor influenced nor discouraged anyone from playing during the conflicts whatever level they may be. I tried to be straightforward to those whom I can talk to and had opportunity to talk to. And before anything was discussed before the committee, I personally talked to the persons concerned. It just so happens that the persons involved were the ones I knew.

Grievance or no grievance, we were the over-all champions! I am happy and so proud because it was really a team effort. I can't think of any person who was not able to contribute, however minimal, to such victory. I was ecstatic because teachers were proud of us. I was joyful because the dynamics of the Conflict of Laws were once again changed. The tradition that second year students are usually the champions has been broken once again, the last time was around 3 years ago. Maybe it won't be a tradition after-all. The first year students were determined. The fourth year students gave all their best despite of their load. The second year students never gave up.

I am grateful because we played fair and square. To those who doubt, present your evidence because in my heart I knew we won because we were determined, disciplined, skilled and talented. We had faith in ourselves and we had faith in GOD!

Lastly, I am grateful because for the second time in law school, I had an average of more than 85% with no grade lower than 80, and as such, I was included in the Dean's List. I got an average of 87.01%. I will not hide the fact that I prayed for this one when I received my grades in three subjects. I felt that it was possible. Although I was not expecting because I had doubts as to the other subjects, I was really thinking that it was possible. I prayed that God will grant what I deserve :)

Not only that, I am also happy because 7 kami lahat third year na nasa dean's list. The other 6 are not just classmates/batchmates per se but they are those na I am quite close to so I can't help but feel really proud .. as in!

Yes, indeed, I am grateful :)

Caught in the Middle

More often than not, I always get myself caught in the middle.

Middle in the sense that I am between cross-fires. Middle in the sense that I try to be neutral. Middle as in I want things to be ok on both sides of the fence.

I cannot really describe myself as a decisive individual. I usually decide by not making a decision at all. My vote is "either way" most of the times. Maybe because I am easy to please, mababaw lang ang kaligayahan ko. But don't get me wrong. I do try to make decisive decisions. It is a conscious effort on my part. Nevertheless, I am usually "safe" when it comes to taking sides and making decisions.

When it comes to people whom I know and they fight or have misunderstandings, I try not to take sides. My "sermon" usually ends up with you talk to each other. On one side, this person confides to me things that I could never tell the other one. Now, this other person will confide things to me that I could never share with the other person. So, I am caught in the middle. What do I do? I try to tell them to talk things out.

The thing is I am not the kind of person who compels other people to talk with another person. I believe that this should come from within and with the right timing. But I do say my piece na I pray that things will be okay.

It is just sad that by being caught in the middle, I am the one who keeps a lot of thing. I cannot share any feedback. The most I could do is to say to another person that I haven't heard anything negative from the other side. If ever I have to tell something, I ask permission. Or I tell that they have some things to talk about.

Honestly, I am flattered if people describe me as a person na "madaling pakisamahan". Salamat! But the problem with that is I seem to be okay with almost everyone and in this everyone, there are groups or individuals who clash.

I guess that's the problem with being a people-pleaser as I am. I do not see anything wrong with that as long as I am truthful to it and move away from situations where I don't have anything good to say.

I do not blabber. I try not to react when I hear something. It's hard to find one person whom I can say the things I keep because of what I have heard because I do not want things to be blown out of proportion.

Maybe that's the good thing of being a loner. They don't have to deal with people who can't seem to get along with when all you want is for people to have good relations.

Hay .. maka-sad jud baya.

I guess it is all a matter of perspective and respect :)

Blur

I am thinking of a lot of things right now.

First and foremost, I am thinking about our upcoming Conflict of Laws. I slept at 2:30 am and woke up at 7:30 am for our 9:00 am make-up class. I was kind of sleepy during the class. I am not sure how much of it I really absorbed but I am pretty sure that I got something out of it. We ate lunch, practiced for some events (confidential for now .. haha) and attended mass. Just as my classmate said, I think we accomplished a lot today. Tomorrow, we will have practice for the whole day. Good luck na lang sa amin :)

I also want to ensure that all the other events are not left out. And I am happy that there are a number of people who are participating and are in full support. I can't compel others to participate but I am extremely happy with those who have participated. Why will I let those who don't want to participate dampen the spirits of those who are active?

Second, I am thinking of my upcoming 27th birthday .. haha! I don't know why I so tell the world that my birthday is coming up. I have been like these for years. It's not that I want to remind people so that they won't forget to greet me. I think I just want to embrace my birthday and the thought that I have had wonderful years in this world .. char lang!

Third, law school! Amidst all of these, there are still stuff to read. I am quite behind transcribing lectures and reading books and digesting cases. And there's our debate of which I really want to help with the research. But so far, I can still catch up. Just one more week!

I am just happy that I am still able to keep with all these stuff that seem almost like a blur.

Yes, for sure this will just be a blur in a week's time :)

Conflicts .. coming soon!

Our Conflict of Laws is coming up on February 1 to 3.

Yes, I am excited because this a once a year event and I guess this is the biggest activity for me in law school. Why not? Eh kasi naman, wala na atang ibang activity sa law school aside from mag-aral .. hehe. So, why not get physical once a year .. hehe

We were the over-all champions last year. It has become a sort of tradition that second year students bag the over-all champion title each year. Of course, there have been exceptions. I was extremely happy with that win, not just because we won. For me, there were new friendships or just plain connection that arose from such event. I was happy because a lot of people really worked hard for it. A number of talented people were discovered .. hehe. As for me, I sort of liked my role. Photographer, videographer, cheerer .. hehe. Kung ano pwede ko magawa and pwede pagawin sa akin, why not? Ai, player pud di ai ko oi .. hehe. Sana ma-champion din ako sa kung ano man salihan ko. Kahit isa lang Lord .. hehe :)

I just viewed the clips of last year. I still get excited. Lingaw!

This year, we want to have fun more than anything else. This was my mantra last year and I am making the same mantra this year. If our aim is to have fun, winning will most probably follow. Kung mapildi, at least nalingaw mi! Since nag-amot nami ani, why not do our best, have fun and have that passion for excellence?

A number of our players last year will now be playing for second year. On my part, I do not ask them not to participate and not to do their best just to give way for us. I ask them to do what they want to do. We all just have one life to live anyway!

I just pray that they don't get offended with those words that I say. It is all in the spirit of fun. When I say see you in court, then, we will see each other in court. When I say we will do our best, yes, we will do things with the passion for excellence. And besides, I only say these to those that I really know. Ginasabi ko lang ito dun sa mga alam ko na alam nila na lingaw-lingaw lang gud sa akin. Ayaw ko na yang kalaban-kalaban, unless ako na ang ginakalaban .. Ah! Ibang usapan na iyan .. haha!

So, paano .. all the best na lang sa amin!

Astig

I am a big fan of crime TV series. And, of course, I can't help if I have my favorite crime-fighting ladies. These 3 ladies are so "astig" that I lover their characters so much!

My first favorite is "Dana Scully", played by Gillian Anderson. Ok, I won't deny that I got hooked on X-Files because of David Duchovny and the whole "the truth is out there" theme. But I am just in awe of this character, of how her character has evolved throughout all those years. From the belief that things are explained by science, she eventually opened her mind to the possibilities in these universe. If you are one of those who are aware why one of my fantasies (fantasy lang jud kay dili matinuod) is to become an FBI agent, Dana Scully is my inspiration.


My second favorite is "Olivia Benson" of Law and Order SVU. This character is played by Mariska Hargitay. I like to say her name because it is like music to the ears .. hehe. Anyway, her character is one that involves a lot of emotions yet there is a lot of control. Being a lady assigned to the Special Victims Unit, she exudes an aura of care, concern and confidence.

My third favorite is "Lilly Rush", played by Kathryn Morris, of Cold Case. I became a fan of this show because it is unique in the sense that it solves crimes which has already become a cold case, unresolved for a number of years. I like the flashbacks, how the young and present characters look alike and the songs used in the series are so apt. Lilly is one cool character. She looks sort of disheveled with her hair, but she is so detective-like.

Astig sila di ba! I think I have this fondness of badges, guns (!) and looking cool! I like the characters they play, how they stand by their convictions, the way they dress and the way they carry themselves. I know do not have their confidence, far from it. But its nice to have these astig ladies to look up to!

My 2007

Better late than never!

I have always been blessed and I have always been thankful for that. 2007 is no different.

Of course, there would always be changes, first time experiences, "what the" moments, frustrations. That's just life!

I turned 26th in 2007. 26 years in the making .. and I am still in the making ... haha! But it has been great 26 years.

Conflicts of Law, our intramurals, was awesome. Why not? Kami ang champion eh! Being in the moment, taking those pictures and videos, participating in some games and just being a part of it. And our victory parties! Lingaw! I guess it became more meaningful since new friendships were formed.

Valentine's day? Of course, I celebrated with a whole lot of classmates. We ate dinner and sang our hearts out. It was fun, fun, fun!

Exams? They were everywhere, just like all those election posters for the May election. During our last few exams, we also made time to eat out somewhere just to ease our minds. I had the most difficult exam in law school. And this was in Social Legislation. I was really looking at the ceiling, praying for answers. I got 63 in that exam. Just enought to have that 76 grade in Soc Leg.

Modesty aside, I was ever so thankful because I get to top some exams. That is definitely one of those 2007 stuff that I am truly thankful. But somehow, I cannot hide my sadness when I heard I had some friends who did not pass some of their exams, or their subjects for that matter.

This was also the year I first exercised my right to vote!

New classmates, new teachers, same old routine of recitations and exams. Haha!

Third year, first semester has been my busiest semester ever. We had recitations for our Lab Rel exams and I had to take care of our transcriptions. Nevertheless, I just had enough stuff to handle, not much, not less.

I became a jetsetter in September! I got to go to Manila twice in a month for the bar exams. I was happy to experience it before I get to take the bar exams. It was nice to help out, too and meet new people. I sure had some lack of sleep, but what the heck .. minsan lang to.

I got to see Elliot Yamin up close and really waited for him for an hour at Glorietta for his "free" concert. It was all worth it, kahit ako lang mag-isa. And believe me, since I do not want to waste time, I read Partnership while waiting amidst all the crowd hovering over me since I had a pretty good seat.

I also had my close to closure with my Ryan-Juday issue .. haha! No kidding! I saw Juday in person and she was indeed pretty. I saw Ryan too but I wasn't all that mesmerized maybe because I had too much expectations or because Juday was really pretty!

It was also great since I get to hang-out a bit with my friend Maia and Jan. I also got to see and chat for a while with a few friends from my former office.

September did not really end great for me because our beloved Dean died. He was already staying in the hospital for months but I was still so sad when he left because I know I could have learned more with him around and I would have loved that my friends also get to experience being his student.

And then my grandfather died. Another sad event. I miss him already but I know he is OK and was ready for it.

Second semester started and we still had exams pending for our first semester. Nevertheless, the quest for learning continues to go on.

There were frustrations and disappointments but I have moved on.

I also attended a beach wedding which was really nice!

I was almost burned-out and needed a break from all the routine stuff I was doing. Good thing that Christmas was just around the corner!

Our class party was fun!

Our HS reunion, make that 2 reunions, were awesome!

Being with family during Christmas and New Year was special!

Here's looking forward to 2008!