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!

Happy Day

I was able to finish my goal for today!
I almost was not able to achieve it because of some circumstances.
But as they say, when the going gets tough, the tough gets going!
I guess I really love what I am doing!

-oOo-


I enjoyed watching the 81st Oscar's! Hugh Jackman rocks - actors, dancer, singer, performer!
I was happy to see Jennifer Aniston with John Mayer at the Oscar's .. yehey!
Anne Hathaway is so pretty and has a really nice voice!
I love musicals. So, you cannot blame me if I was gushing over the musical presentation.
And those 5 previous winners on stage was a nice touch!

-oOo-

While I was driving on the way home, I sang "A Very Special Love" 3 times.
It was not because I was in the mood to really sing it, given that "You Changed My Life" will be showing soon (may commission na dapat ako nito ba!).
It was because the song was played over 3 radio stations one after the other.
As usual, I sang to my heart's delight and hoped that I would get to finish to sing the song before I arrived home.
Weird coincidence but happy nevertheless!

-oOo-

Watching TV is definitely my past time.
I do not consider it as an "attractive nuisance" but rather an energy charger!
I was happy I got to watch "The Amazing Race!".
I was wondering what to watch now that there is no more Pinoy Fear Factor.
But then, there's SNN .. hehe .. showbiz!

-oOo-

Events in life can be taken in different perspectives.
What pressures you actually motivates others to persevere.
What makes you nervous actually pushes you to do your best.
What distracts others actually inspires you.
Others may see you in panic mode.
But what matters is how you handle the situation.
Just show your greatest potential!

-oOo-

Here's looking forward to another happy day!

Realize

For today, I realized that ...

... I think sufficient sleep is really beneficial

... it is ok with me to sleep for 2 hours if it is for the Conflict of Laws but definitely not for an exam

... I just love to wear sneakers

... I do not comb my hair often (since time immemorial .. haha)

... no matter how much I try to memorize codal provisions, I always forget a lot of things

... a true or false examination is definitely not easy

... more often than not, there are two sides to a true or false questions

... no matter how much we discuss, we still don't know the final answer

... discussing our answers after an exam is a given

... it is up to me if I worry over my possible wrong answers or take it in stride because what was done cannot be undone

... I just love hanging out with people

... I thought the title of the flick is "He's Just Not SO Into You" but it is actually "He's Just Not THAT Into You" .. hehe

... I love taking pictures

... picture-taking is a must

... looking at pictures really make me happy

... the song "All I Have To Give" by the Backstreet Boys really makes me sing

... I do not care if I drive a car that is not heavily tinted and as such, people see me singing to my heart's delight (except if I'm at a stop and the aircon is turned off)

... I prefer a separate coke and sundae rather than a coke float

... it is really fun to laugh together (rather than alone .. but, of course! haha)

... Conflict of Laws is still part of our conversations (hehe)

... just sitting and talking with friends is time well-spent (bonding moments!)

... it's nice to share stories with others in person, rather than through text messages

... I can still be there for a friend but I do not necessarily have to be there physically

... things may be better sorted out with the party involved rather than just pouring your concerns to a friend

... it's okay to be cautious and not to to jump into conclusions

... some people can really make my day

... I can achieve my goals if I put my heart into it (char!)

All right!

For the First Time

I am not a romantic person.

But I appreciate simple gestures.

This is a shout-out to everyone who made Friday the 13th special .. hehe!

Salamat ng marami :)

Two Weeks

The past two weeks have been a blur!

But what's new? It has always been the same thing at this time of the year.

Come to think of it, this year is quite different.

While it is true that we have been busy juggling our exams and our preparations for our conflicts, this time it is different since we prioritized our studies and made the most of what time is left for conflicts. This time it was more tiring for me because of the limited time left as well as limited manpower (char lang!). But this time, I was really thinking that it could be our last time in this kind of event. So, I guess I invested more emotions with the things I did with my classmates and restraint as to the other stuff (I think .. hehe).

This year it was also quite different because my birthday coincided with the Conflicts. I know I kept reminding my classmates of my birthday and even used it for black mail purposes .. hehe. But I really had the time of my life with the super surprise. So, super thanks to my super classmates as well as to those who remembered my birthday. May God bless you all ;)

And then, we had our victory par-tey! I really had the time of my life (again!) and it was indeed one of the most enjoyable parties I've been to. Eating, singing, laughing .. hay, kalingaw jud .. promise! Every effort was worth it.

In between all those moments, we had classes in between and exams too. I also have to make up with the time lost as to reading other subjects.

Yup, it has been two weeks well spent and well-remembered!

Ewan

... teng teng teng tenengteng teng teng teng teneng teng di ko alam kung bakit ba ganyan ...

I am still at a lost of what I really want to write here.

There are many things going on. There are many stuff to think about. There are many matters to attend to.

First, we just had our Civ Pro exam.

Second, I have to make up for time lost for the other subjects in preparation for the onslaught of exams after the Conflicts.

Third, of course, mawala ba daw ang Conflicts? Kita pa?

Fourth, the remaining grades for our subjects last semester will be out this week. Sino ba ang hindi mapakali niyan?

Fifth, my driver's license is about to expire and I have to have it renewed

And last, my birthday is coming up (i-announce ba)!

Before, December pa lang, I count the days left before my birthday. Pero I think when I entered law school, hindi na ata ako naga-count down. Ewan ko kung bakit. Ngayon, I tried not to make people aware of my birthday. But I think I failed miserably. Nasanay na rin siguro ako na proud sa birthday ko kaya masabi ko most of the time. Innnate na kumbaga. Siguro dahil nakatulong din pang-blackmail .. hehe.

Hindi ko na lang ilagay birthday ko dito.

In fairness, dami na nag-greet .. haha! May advance birthday greetings and meron ding mga mali ang pagbasa sa Friendster birthday alert .. hehe .. Every year meron talaga iyang mapalya sa date .. hehe .. Lingaw inuon! Pero salamat sa mga nag-greet na and sa mga mag-greet pa. All the best!

At last natapos ko din tong blog na to :)

A Beautiful Mind ...

.. or not?

I have been thinking if there is something wrong with the connection between my mind and my hands. It's like there's a loose fuse somewhere. I think about something and yet when it's time to write/text my thoughts, it totally goes wrong.

Crim 2 Exam Notebook returned:

I was supposed to write "estafa through conversion". I wrote "estafa through conversation". Oo, alam ko bago iyon na crime .. hehe. Siyempre, may correction from sir.

Torts exam:
I was supposed to write "contract of carriage". When I reviewed my answers before submission, I found out that I wrote "contract of marriage". Buti na lang na review ko and I was able to correct it.

Text message:
I thought that what I included in the text message was "dira". I was caught off-guard when I was asked what does "dear" mean in my message. Nge talaga!

Another Text message:
I was supposed to text "exam this saturday". I reviewed the text message before sending it. I found out that the text read "ewan this saturday." In fairness, gina-review ko na ang text ko before sending kay lessons learned. And ga-make sense siguro na exam is equal to ewan.

And as an evidence how my beautiful mind works, I kept forgetting some words in the provisions when I did my recitation for Negotiable Instruments. I totally forgot the word "issuing" pero buti na lang may tulong (salamat, salamat .. as in!). And then, I added a word, which was totally unnecessary, in another provision. And lo and behold, my mind went blank as to the first 2 requirements of a negotiable instrument. I had to go back and recite the first sentence all over again. Nataranta ata talaga ako .. kalamig man gud sa aircon .. excuses, excuses. Pero buti at natapos na rin. Hindi sana ako ibagsak ni sir.

Hindi lang pala the way my mind works when it comes to transforming it to written words ang iquestion ko. Pati pa rin pala sa the way how my mind communicates to my tongue .. haha.

Oh, well .. until the next escapades of my beautiful mind.

The Basketball Diaries

I am not really an athletic person. But I do love sports, most especially, basketball!

I have been an SMB fan ever since I was in the 6th Grade. Allan Caidic is my favorite player and the number 8 above my signature is mainly because of my fanaticism along with the lucky connotations as to number 8.

Anyhow, I cannot remember the last time I watched (as in really watched and not just flipping channels) a PBA game. I guess since I started working before, I just read the news and check out who lost, who won and who is fighting for championship.

I got ecstatic when I read that Barangay Ginebra will slug it out against SMB for a slot in the final four of the KFC PBA Filipino Cup. It was again one of those series that I am pretty sure would be pretty exciting. I just read the first and second game - how it was won by SMB and Ginebra respectively and how exciting the games were.

I was hoping to watch the third game but we attended mass and went to SM. By the time we got home, finish na ang game.

After reading some Negotiable Instruments Law Bar Questions, gi-tamad ko and I decided to watch TV and flip channels. Lo and behold - there is a replay (at last meron na jud!) and it's still second quarter. For the next hour or so, I watched the game intensely. SMB was behind by 21 points at the most around the 3rd quarter but SMB was able to narrow it down and win the game.

I was sad that Racela got rejected for a flagrant infraction (yah right!) early on the game that I did not see him play. I guess the SMB guys became fired and before I knew it, it was raining tres! I think I really am a big fan of tressers (kanang ga-3 points ba!) - Caidic, Racela and now, Hontiveros .. hehe. Ever since he was playing in the MBA, I was keeping tabs on Dondon and I was happy that he played for SMB.

I was so intense in watching the game that I was raising my arms for every shot SMB made. I was shouting in mute mode (natulog naman ang mga tao) for every 3-point shot.

Pero eto ang kicker: I already knew that SMB won the game before I saw the replay!!! My dad told me early on that SMB won even if Ginebra was leading by 20 points early on. O, ha .. ultimate na talaga ako .. hehe ... na-excited sa isang game na alam ko sino ang manalo .. haha! Ganyan siguro ako ka competitive when it comes to sports . hehe!

Anyway, I just find it weird that Caidic was in the sidelines for Ginebra and that I was cheering for SMB (by the way, I am so happy na hindi na Magnolia ang ginacarry nila na brand name .. hehe). But that is how the cookie crumbles. I also find it weird that the coaching staff on both teams - Tangquincen, dela Cruz, Caidic, Ravanes, Calma - were PBA players before. I remembered that game for 3rd place that SMB won against Sta. Lucia were Coach Siot was the MVP and Caidic was a hero as well with his 3 points. In that game, just before the 4th quarter started, Sta. Lucia was ahead by 20 points pero nakahabol pa rin ang SMB. Maremember ko iyon kasi 3rd year HS ako and may Chemistry exam the next day pero nanood pa rin ako ng TV. Medyo mahina ako sa Chem kaya super happy when I got 86 for that exam .. hehe (Sana ganun din epekto sa Nego kahit nanood ako ng TV the night before .. hehe)

Actually, I still have a lot of stories as to my basketball career. Let me rephrase that - as to my basketball fanaticism career. Sana manalo ang SMB against Talk N' Text .. hehe

Oh well, yan muna for now.

Eto lang ang masabi ko .. I am so pumped up right now! hehe

Total Recall

I spent half a day going over my old stuff.

I actually had doubts as to how long I was going to finish it. I was pretty sure that it would take me some time because more than deciding what stuff to let go, I was expecting that I will read, reminisce and recall memories through the stuff that I have.

I went through a box of letters and cards from friends back in high school and college. As much as I wanted to go through the letters and cards I have received over the years, I had to just arrange them. Otherwise, baka February na hindi pa ako tapos sa pag-ayos ng stuff ko.

I still have the "Giant Rascals" camping banner we had when I was in 4th year high school. I still have the retreat letters - both from teachers and friends - back in 4th year high school. I still have those little birthday gifts from friends back in college and the hirits they had with the letters sent. I still have those bookmarks with notes from friends.

I went through my collection of key chains and pins. Those stuff remind me of the places I have been to and how blessed I am to have gone to those places and to enjoy it with great people. Aside from places, I also had key chains and pins which remind of events - 100th year of independence, JS Prom, among others.

I gathered old pictures that were not yet placed in albums - pictures taken during college and work. Scrapbooking is definitely one of the things I look forward to doing after taking the bar .. hehe.

I scanned my scrapbook of celebrities with a number of autographed pictures. I wonder when I would get to write to another celebrity.

I decided to hold on to my X-Files, David Duchovny, Noah Wyle, Ryan Agoncillo and Scrapbooking magazines.

I went over some files and documents - diplomas, certificates, school publications, transcript of records. I decided to throw away my pay slips after all these years (huwaat!?!)

I gathered all of what is left of my stationery collection as well as unused planners. I also gathered all the gratitude journals that I have kept since I was in college. I also kept my math journal, which I had in high school. I also found my thin notebook of poems I have made when I was in grade school and high school .. hehe. I think I will post it if I have nothing to post.

I also arranged by VCD collection (hindi pa ganun ka-uso ang DVD nung nag-start ako collect). I also checked the CDs I have, which included MP3s, pictures and work files .. hehe. I had fun scanning through the pictures :)

All in all, I think it was a nice trip to memory lane.

My 2008

As 2009 begins, I guess a 2008 recap is timely.

Generally, my 2008 was pretty simple yet absolutely ok. I can truly say my 2008 was one blessed year!

Here’s a rundown of my top 3 events (high & low) for each month

JANUARY

Turned 27, with a surprised birthday cake .. hehe!

Decided to join the Cheerdance competition and never regretted it even with the practices!

Tirik moments with the car and people ready to help!

FEBRUARY

Over-all champion sa Conflicts – hardwork and faith paid off!

DL!

Valentines’ Day picture taking and dressing up!

MARCH

Commentator!

Super Unlitxt!

Being appreciated!

APRIL

No Corpo exam .. toynk!

Cousins from Manila!

Food trips!

MAY

Busy-busyhan – reviewers, transcriptions, TV!

American Idol!

Isla Reta!

JUNE

Ultimate Manila Family Trip – dolphins, TGIF, PBB, etc!

US Visa – approve/denied!

DL!

JULY

Hanna passing the nursing board!

Red day!

Doctrine!

AUGUST

Inspired by the Beijing Olympics!

A Very Special Love!

New York thoughts!

SEPTEMBER

Mom’s promotion!

Outburst – with matching tears and katawa!

Group effort!

OCTOBER

Lolo’s first death anniversary!

Frustrations!

Survivor Fever!

NOVEMBER

Lola being in the hospital for a week!

Father’s good luck!

Buffet at Nanay Bebeng’s!

DECEMBER

Gatherings, parties & games with classmates, schoolmates and friends!

Christmas and New Year with Family!

Blueberry cheesecake, spaghetti, carbonara and cupcakes!

Cheers to 2009, with prayers for another blessed year to all of us!

The Watcher

While I admit that being a 4^th year law student eats a lot of my time, I think I did fairly well when it came to watching movies on the big screen for the past months.

With the holidays at hand, I felt privileged that I have already watched two movies in the big screen and two movies in the DVD.

The Day The Earth Stood Still

Eh kung makita ko naman talaga si Keanu in person, the world will really be at stand still for me .. haha!

Anyway, I’m happy that it has been a blockbuster movie. Admittedly, it was not that amazing for a sci-fi flick. I felt that things were not surprising and there was not much thrill. Yes, I know that it seems Keanu is forever associated with emotionless alien-like characters on the big screen. But what can I do? I do not have the money to produce a flick.

Back to the movie, I knew what was coming when we decided to watch the movie. I told my brother and sisters that it was a remake and it will tell us to avoid war – plain and simple .. hehe. O, di ba .. may moral lesson? Aside from that, I just enjoyed watching Keanu to make all the P 85 (paid by my mom) worthwhile .. hehe

The Chronicles of Narnia – Prince Caspian

One of those films that I have been longing to see for quite some time. At last, I already got the chance to watch it.

I looked forward to seeing again the 2 sons of Adam and the 2 daughters of Eve and meeting Prince Caspian. The film did not fail me. While I expected that this would be another “moral lesson” film, I enjoyed it nevertheless.

I enjoyed the flashlight brought by Edmund. I enjoyed Lucy’s new friend and the ever-lasting potion. I enjoyed Susan rescuing Prince Caspian. I enjoyed Peter’s courage. I enjoyed Aslan’s fur waving in the air na parang commercial sa buhok.

I think the film brings hope to the hopeless, courage to the fearsome and faith to the non-believers. That’s why I like it!

Eagle Eye

I already had an inkling where the film is going through the feedback I have heard and read.

Nevertheless, the Eagle Eye was still a thrill. I like the chase scenes and how things were worked out. However, it also made me wonder about a future such as that .. hmm ..

Tanging Ina Ninyong Lahat

I have to admit that I was looking forward to watch this MMFF film. Why not? I enjoyed the first film which I watched in the big screen twice .. haha. No kidding!

While this film was still funny in some ways, the first film was funnier. I think I was looking forward to more dramatic scenes and just when you are about to get carried away, they make it funny. There’s not much to that in the second flick. Most were “kasabihans” which were funny but then I already heard most of it from the trailers.

Funny scenes? When the door was slammed “silent” by Tenten .. hehe .. I was still laughing when I got home and tried to close the door. Another funny scene was the “Isa kang salot!” – “I may be a slut but I am the best slut in town” exchange – hilarious! Yup, dramatic scene turned funny.

I guess I also find it confusing being a law student. I was thinking all the time that the President cannot do those PDs and RAs she has enacted in the movie because the President executes the law and does not legislate .. haha .. I know I think too much. I guess it is innate.

Yup, 4 films for less than 2 weeks. Not bad at all!

'Tis the Season to be Jolly ...

Christmas is definitely my favorite holiday!

I always look forward to the glorious food. I always look forward to seeing and being with people whom I haven't seen for some time. I always look forward to more family time. But more than all of these, I always look forward to celebrating the birth of Christ, the reason for the season - the reason why I look forward to life!

My Christmas officially started by attending the LA Foundation Christmas Party at PAGCOR, which I truly enjoyed with all the food and being with people. Sayang, wala akong prize na uwi .. pero enjoy pa rin .. hehe

Next came the LA Christmas Party at Camp Holiday, Samal, which I actually think was a Summer Outing .. hehe. I truly enjoyed the games and I felt bitin ... hehe .. Lingaw and gi-career jud ang games :)

My third party was with a few of my high school batchmaters. As usual, it is always nice to have a blast from the past. We were not that many but it sure did not dampen our spirits enjoying each other's company.

Then, the next party I attended was with tenants of the JMS building. Of course, I enjoyed the food. But I had to leave early because I had an exam the next day. But I heard that they really enjoyed the party as well.

I think I our visit to the Home for the Aged was also party. I hope they enjoyed our visit as much as I did.

Class party came last Saturday and that was fun as well. It was indeed a hep hep hooray event!

Of course, the Christmas Eve dinner with the family is an event which I look forward to. No, we were not dressed up to the nines but we made sure we had food on the table. I prepared Italian spaghetti (na medyo na wala ang pagka-Italian kay my mom insisted to have white sauce on top of it .. hehe), blueberry cheesecake, ham and a strawberry flat cake (na dapat short cake pero wala niburot mao flat cake na lang .. hehe)

I also enjoyed the fact that we had gift-giving with my dearest lola around. I am not sure if she gets that's its Christmas because of her Alzheimer's. But I am happy that she has a smile on her face.

Yes, indeed .. 'tis the season to be jolly!