Flashback

I was rummaging through my stuff this morning and I rediscovered my journals as early as 1995. It started as a requirement in school (Math Journals) until I decided to maintain a gratitude journal in college as inspired by Oprah. Its not that I write everyday. I just write whenever I can

And so, here are my July 31st entries ...

-oOo-

July 31, 2002
Thank you Lord for these two days, being able to talk with Maan, chat with Elaine, do and read codes for our project, read e-mail be touched with Mark Greene's last episode for ER, for a successful (?) and funny GP2W Bisaya presentation. Please continue to bless us and our family and friends.

-oOo-

July 31, 2005

Thank you dear Lord for hearing my prayers and just being there. I thank you for JJ having fun with Paolo and Diko (thanks to Tito Paul), for the mass we attended, for lunch last Saturday with Mom and Dad, for "Cheaper by the Dozen" and "Something's Gotta Give", for my not so bad recitation in Legal Research, for fun with the internet, for being able to speak with Maia and Jan. Without ... this is hard .. I just hope things would work out between (names omitted) ... It's just so hard to be caught in the middle :(

* caught in the middle

-oOo-

July 31, 2007

Thank you for today Lord, for the things I was able to do, digest cases for Lab Rel and Succession, for no class in Succession, for Dad fetching me since there was rain, for invitation from Felai for K1 (sayang, next time na lang), for people who paid for the transcription, for people who appreciate what I do, for Ate Cherry being back in law school, for no brownout (almost!). Thanks for everything Lord :)

*haircut - only a few noticed, hehe

-oOo-

I guess it's just nice to have that flashback and appreciate how time flies ;)

ETC - Part 2

Here goes ...

-oOo-

MINUS ONE

My sister Johanna already left for Melbourne for further studies.
Thus, from a family of 7, only 5 of us are here in Davao.
It's sad because our household is less "samok."
But I know that my sister wants it and that we're all happy for her.
At least, I have a really good reason to go back to Melbourne!

-oOo-

HIGH SCHOOL LIFE

We had a high school get-together over the weekend.
It was indeed fun reminiscing. I guess the bullies and bullied remained as they were, haha.
I was happy to see my fourth year seatmates.
Talks - whether tsismis or serious - were abound.
Pictorial-taking was fun, too.
Lingaw jud! To think, we did not have any program and no videoke.
Talk, laughter, pictorials, a little bit of eating and a lot of drinking (for them, hehe)!
It was nice to catch-up, especially those I haven't seen since we graduated.
I think most are married and/or parents.
We also had batchmates who got married to each other and are now proud parents.
I think the guys looked more "fatherly", while the girls looked gorgeous,
sa walay pag-pabor-pabor.
I went home at 3:30 am. I rarely do that.
And I think the last time I went home that late (or early) was when I was also with them
- my high school batchmates.

-oOo-

TEACHER, TEACHER

Due to insistent public demand (as if!), here more teacher adventures:

Student: Ma'am, about saan ang essay questions?
Me: Alangan about sa imong personal life. Siyempre, about sa topic
Other Students: Hehehe

-o-

Student: Ma'am, na-checkan mo na yung quiz?
Me: Wala pa gud. Actually, baka hindi ko checkan. Baka wrongan ko .. jowk!

-o-

(No classes in the next few days)
Student: Ma'am, hindi ka mag-date-date?
Me: Hindi, mag-study ako. Magprepare na ako ng quiz niyo.
Student: Bitaw ma'am? Dapat mag-make time ka for love.
Me: Ai hindi. Dapat ang love ang mag-make time para sa akin.
(Ay, ewan bakit yun nasagot ko .. haha!)

-oOo-

That's all for now. I hope I get back to my regular programming.

ETC - Part 1

My apologies for being negligent with my blog for quite some time. It's not that I am very busy. But sometimes, while I do want to write about what's happening with me, at the same time, I find myself doing more urgent stuff (like preparing for my lectures .. hehe).

Anyway, here goes some stories and encounters I have had over the last few weeks

-oOo-

New President, New Hair

On the day that P-Noy was sworn in, I was at the parlor and having my hair make-over.
Now, I'm back to a shorter hair

Me: (Coming in class)
Class: Wow!
Me: Asus!

Me: (Coming in another class)
Class: Clap! Clap!
Me: Nge!
Student: Ma'am, ni-bata gud ka sa imong hair. Mura ka na si Dora, ka-cute!
Me: Walay plus ha!

-oOo-

Teacher, Teacher

Teaching 3 subjects and 170 students is not an easy feat. It requires effort, both physically, mentally and emotionally.

Teaching in Law School is a dream come true. That's why I am really giving it with my best effort. Honestly, I feel like I am a law student all over again - going over all the cases, the books, and the notes. The only difference is that I only have 1 subject, hehe.

Teaching in Undergrad is indeed an opportunity. Admittedly, it requires less effort than in law school but nevertheless, I give it my full effort. The provisions under the law are explained as it should be, with no cases, and basic accounting is just as it is, basic!

Law School students are more attentive and less sleepy .. hehe! I am not sure if they are just acting when they nod their heads as if they are agreeing with me but I can feel that they listen to me and that they daydream less.

Undergrad students needs more effort for me with regard to catching their attention. I already called the attention of who were in the act of sleeping. Admittedly, there are students who are really attentive and they are the ones who get good grades.

Me: An example of a potestative condition dependent upon the sole will of the debtor is: "I will pay you P 1,000 if I will sing"
Class: Sample! Sample! Sample!
Me: Ako na gani ang mukanta, ako pa mubayad! :)

-oOo-

Sa sunod na lang ang part 2 .. hehe

Toy Story

President-elect Noynoy Aquino doll

If ever a doll is to be made inspired by me, I think it would look like this .. hehe.
This was may cake topper.

Admittedly, these two hardly look like the originals.
But do admit that both are you cute.

At least, I have something in common with PNoy.

Smile!

Sad Story

Was it wrong in the first place?

Was it not right to impart?

I just could not get the point

I just could not comprehend their actions

I do not think I know them

I do not know their intentions

I cannot say it is all mine in the first place

I cannot sum up my emotions right now

But I believe they cannot stake a claim on it

But I pray things will be better in the end

It is just frustrating that my objective was not achieved

It is just frustrating that people of age cannot discern what act is objectionable

I thought I could set up as an example

I thought I could institute change

But those were mere thoughts

But those were mere hopes

No matter how I try to be an optimist

No matter how I try to change perspectives

There are those that are outside of my control

There are those in which all I could do is express my opinion

People can definitely be frustrating

People are people

I only represent myself

I only represent my sentiments

I hope they would realize the repercussions of their act

I hope they would realize it was a mistake

It was not theirs so to speak

It was not theirs from the very beginning

Remember that it was shared to them

Remember that no one was deprived thereof

They can do their own stuff

They can decide what they do with it

With that, I do not care

With that, I have no objections

But if they did not put it together

But if they did not exert some effort for it

How could they ever think to do what they did?

How could they think it would just be ok?

I just cannot understand

I just cannot comprehend

Why did they do it?

Why did they have to do it?

I am deeply saddened

I am deeply frustrated

Why not pay it forward?

Why not do good?

I pray for peace of mind for everyone

I pray for GOD's enlightenment for all

My So-Called Life

I haven't had any blog entry for a while and my being busy is no excuse. Nevertheless, here's a rundown of things going on in my so-called life.

-oOo-

I was in a depress-depressan mode during the last two weeks of May. I just had that feeling of not being sure if what I've decided to do makes other happy and proud of me. Aside from that, it is really not a nice feeling to fail students. And then, there's that feeling of entering another school year but this time, I'm not a student anymore. I know that it's weird that it makes me sad. It's just that I missed being with my classmates (char lang!)

-oOo-

My mom and dad celebrated their 30th Wedding Anniversary and it really makes me proud and happy of our family. I know we had our trials, especially the past year (believe it or not!) but our family was able to sail through it. I pray for more happy years for my mom and dad and for our whole family as well.

-oOo-

Since we decided to celebrate my mom and dad's 30th Wedding Anniversary, I decided to have a Thanksgiving Dinner as well, considering that a number of people have been badgering me and my dad for it. They even offered to donate lechons .. and yes, the lechons were all donated .. hehe. Thanks to our sponsors as well as to those who attended.

-oOo-

I was happy when I saw familiar faces at the IBP orientation and now I can say that I am a full-fledged IBP member. Aside from that, I was really happy and eager to acquire my notarial commission (as in!)

-oOo-

To those who are wondering, I haven't had any court appearance before a judge yet. I was about to at one time but the judge was on leave. The other time, I had an ex-parte special proceeding before the clerk of court. And had my dad behind me for support .. haha. To think mag-30 nako ;)

-oOo-

I have 2 units in Law School and as I've mentioned in my previous blog, I am truly happy and honored to be one of the professors. Just the same, I have to prepare and give it my best. Yes, I still digest cases and review all the notes I have. Study gihapon .. hehe

-oOo-

I also have 9 units in the undergrad - 3 units in Basic Accounting and 6 units in ObliCon.

New faces! Definitely a challenge to familiarize myself with my students.

-oOo-

I am currently handling approximately 120 students all in all. Add that to the 220 students I handled last second semester and summer. Oh my! So many faces and names to remember. I think I have no problem with faces as of now. But I am starting to forget some names .. tsk, tsk.

-oOo-

My schedule is erratic since I go back and forth between AdDU and our law office. Except for the heat, I think I am ok .. for the love of teaching ;)

-oOo-

Speaking of our law office, I am working under the tutelage of my dad which I know I am privileged to experience. Since I am still new, I still have free time in between preparing pleadings, affidavits, answering the phone, receiving mails, photocopying, having classes among others. And so I put it into good use by preparing for my class. What a schedule!

-oOo-

I just attended the LA Orientation last night. I was happy to see familiar faces. This time, I had my chance to speak in a LA orientation. Thanks

-oOo-

My mom had our old house at Ecoland renovated and it looks really nice. The place is being rented out and eventually will be bought. I still get sentimental over it even if we have transferred for over a year now. I was on the brink of crying when I saw the pictures. That's life .. sometimes, we just have to let go...

-oOo-

One of my sisters is leaving for Australia by next week - another one leaves our home. We tease ourselves every now and then when we get together (ui bonding ..) and the fact that we're pretty sure we're going to cry. Again, that is part of life ...

-oOo-

I just love listening to the radio nowadays. I like listening to newest upbeat songs and just sing to myself whenever I can kahit nagkapuliki na sa lyrics .. hehe

-oOo-

I had my summer adventure last Saturday with dear friends. It was a blast. We enjoyed the serenity of the beach and the adventure of another. I had fun exploring the white sand as well as the deep blue sea. The slide and dive were definitely memorable. The banana boat was a total adventure! It was my second time but I was still nevertheless happy and super ecstatic that I shared the experience with my dear friends and of course, Allan (hehe)! Kahit pamaol the next day .. as in! hehe

-oOo

I'm pretty ok with how my life is nowadays. I don't know what the future holds for me or how my emotions will be as I go through each day. I just pray that with GOD's guidance, things will really be okay. I know I am super-blessed nevertheless and for that, I am still grateful ;)

In Good Company

I always find it extraordinary whenever I hear that my elementary and high school batchmates get to play basketball with my dad. I think some of them got to play with my dad since I was in college and until now that my dad is turning 60, my former classmates still get to play with him. Weird but cool nevertheless!

Now that I am practicing law, I still find myself amazed that my former law school classmates get to be in the same court with my dad.

As for me, I still find myself in disbelief that I am in this field because I get to work with my mom and dad's peers, who, many years ago, were my "titos and titas". But now, I already found myself working for a client and my "tito" working for another.

Aside from the practice of law, the world of teaching is another realm that I am facing.

My former teachers in college are now my colleagues.

And now as I embark on another journey in teaching law, I feel so blessed that I get to be in the company of my former professors who have helped me in becoming a lawyer that I am today. I still have to pinch myself that I sat beside one of the most respected (and probably one of the most feared) professors in law school. In front of me is our dean. And I was surrounded by my professors and treated as one of them.

I know that I have a lot to prove because I have just passed the bar. I cannot blame if there will be others who will undermine my capabilities. I was not a bar topnotcher nor a cum laude in law school. But I think that would not hinder me in doing my best. In fact, that should motivate me. I already experienced being an underdog and I was able to prove that I could be one of the best.

I pray that I will still do great with the things I do.

I pray that I will always be mindful of all the blessings that have come my way.

I pray that I will always be worthy of being in good company.

100 Movies to See Before You Die: The Modern Classics (1990-2009)

Actually, this only includes the 24 movies I watched out of the 100.
The list is from Yahoo and only includes movies from 1990-2009.
So, since I have only watched 24 out of the 100, I think I must not die yet .. hehe

1. Beauty and the Beast
2. Forrest Gump
3. Four Weddings and a Funeral
4. The Shawshank Redemption
5. Babe
6. Clueless
7. Sense and Sensibility
8. Scream
9. Titanic
10. Saving Private Ryan
11. There's Something About Mary
12. American Beauty
13. Election
14. The Matrix
15. The Sixth Sense
16. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
17. The Lord of the Rings
18. Finding Nemo
19. Sideways
20. The 40-Year Old Virgin
21. The Bourne Ultimatum
22. Michael Clayton
23. Slumdog Millionaire
24. Avatar

Close Encounters of the Third Kind ..

... not really!

I had a great time last night with some of my good friends over dinner and smoothies.

But this is not about our laugh-out reminiscing. Rather, I had some encounters that made me reflect on me being a teacher.

Whenever I go out nowadays, my students add to the growing list of people I encounter in my daily life.

Last night, we were waiting for dinner and one of my students saw me. He approached our table and explained that he forgot to give me the list I was asking for. I said no problem and then left. My friends wondered at first but when they heard the word "ma'am", they got the point.

We were already eating when I saw one my students passing by. He didn't see me. But it made me remember that a week ago, he shouted "ma'am" when he saw me along Jacinto St. and he was driving his car. What made it a hilarious encounter was he backed-up, opened his window and said hello. Weird but true!

Going back yesterday, we went to the grocery and another student of mine approached me. I asked how was she and her classmates and she said she was ok. She however shared the predicament of her two classmates, also students of mine, and made me sad.

Yes, the "teacher" thing goes beyond the school campus as I have shared. I do find it cool that my students greet me whenever they see me inside the campus. Some students who failed in my subjects even greet me, although there were a couple who didn't notice me.

I do appreciate the gesture of them congratulating me (yes, they knew I was waiting for the bar results), even going out of their way and going after me to say congratulations.

Most of them look happy when they see me (or maybe it's all in my mind). Some just say the usual respects, which I appreciate because I am still like that. Even if my co-teachers were my teachers before, I still say my usual respects to them.

My encounters with my students may not me newsworthy as that of close encounters with aliens. But I will take it any day. Nice!

Haven't Met You Yet

I get upbeat whenever I hear this over the radio,
though the song is not connected to my current state
(that I haven't met that somebody yet .. hehe)
The song is lovely. I just love Michael Buble!



HAVEN'T MET YOU YET Michael Buble

I'm not surprised, not everything lasts
I've broken my heart so many times, I stopped keeping track
Talk myself in, I talk myself out
I get all worked up, then I let myself down

I tried so very hard not to lose it
I came up with a million excuses
I thought, I thought of every possibility

And I know someday that it'll all turn out
You'll make me work, so we can work to work it out
And I promise you, kid, that I give so much more than I get
I just haven't met you yet

I might have to wait, I'll never give up
I guess it's half timing, and the other half's luck
Wherever you are, whenever it's right
You'll come out of nowhere and into my life

And I know that we can be so amazing
And, baby, your love is gonna change me
And now I can see every possibility

And somehow I know that it'll all turn out
You'll make me work, so we can work to work it out
And I promise you, kid, I give so much more than I get
I just haven't met you yet

They say all's fair
In love and war
But I won't need to fight it
We'll get it right and we'll be united

And I know that we can be so amazing
And being in your life is gonna change me
And now I can see every single possibility

And someday I know it'll all turn out
And I'll work to work it out
Promise you, kid, I'll give more than I get
Than I get, than I get, than I get

Oh, you know it'll all turn out
And you'll make me work so we can work to work it out
And I promise you kid to give so much more than I get
Yeah, I just haven't met you yet

I just haven't met you yet
Oh, promise you, kid
To give so much more than I get

I said love, love, love, love
Love, love, love, love
(I just haven't met you yet)
Love, love, love, love
Love, love
I just haven't met you yet

21 Guns

It has almost been a month since my last blog. I guess I have been quite busy (or busy-busyhan lang .. hehe). So, I decided to make a quick blog about some 21 thoughts that make my life a blast!

1. I got excited when I was offered to do election stuff at Kidapawan. I have long wanted to go there since Aning has invited me a number of times since time immemorial to go to their place. I got to see her cute kid Santi. Aside from that, I also got to visit my Tita Dawn's Cafe.

2. Although I was excited about that election thing, I was quite sad that I did not get to vote and have that PCOS machine congratulate me. But I am happy with how the automated stuff worked after all those negative criticisms of failure of elections due to automation. I had more faith that the automation will work than the promises made by politicians .. honestly.

3. My sister sent me an SMS during election day saying how long they were at the precinct before they were able to vote. My mom even had the initiative to help out in organizing the lines .. o, ha .. so proud of my mom!

4. And by reason of such deployment, I was not also able to meet up with my dear friend Maan, Elaine, Paula and Farinah .. sayang!

5. And in addition, I also got to miss out Mother's Day with my mom. But of course, I called up and sent her a text message ;)

6. While automation is something to be celebrated considering that our dear teachers were less stressed, vote-buying and terrorism continue and for which automation cannot solve for this goes down to the morality of every person.

7. I can't hide the fact that I did get intimidated having my former professors/mentors on the other side of the fence. The good thing is that we did not have much issue during canvassing at the place where we deployed. Oh well, I am easily intimidated even by my former classmates .. hehe.

8. I already took my oath as an attorney and signed in the Roll of Attorneys - Roll Number 57665. Yahoo!

9. I have to thank my hairdresser and make-up artist cum attorney and also room mate Hanniyah for prepping me up for the oath-taking.

10. I noticed that I did not have much pictures with my parents at the PICC as well as with my other classmates who had tons of picture-taking opportunities at the Plenary hall.

11. I am still looking forward to that day when I have a group picture with my Manila review buddies (or shall I say Manila eating buddies.. hehe) Noche, Julius and Michael.

12. Metro Manila is one hectic place to be and it makes me appreciate Davao more. Whether we took the MRT or a taxi, it was toxic to commute. Moreso, when it rains ... aargh! It makes you stay at home.

13. I was kind of sad since I did not get to meet my friends or some of my relatives when I was in Manila. I had to some attorney's stuff and errands to do and while there was free time in between, my schedule was erratic and not to mention the inconvenience of commuting that I was not able to meet my friends and relatives.

14. Nevertheless, I still got my share of suroy-suroy since I got to go to MOA, Serendra and Glorietta/Greenbelt area .. not bad at all.

15. I am also thankful to my dear Allan for accompanying me in getting lost at Leviste Street , Makati in search of Delta Airlines and at the same time having to hurry up since we still have to sign in the Roll of Attorneys thereafter.

16. I am continually practicing the art of patience with the people I deal with and with the person I am constantly with.

17. I really find teaching Managerial Accounting strenuous .. hehe .. but I have to really push myself and give it my all. Teaching is not that easy and takes time, but the reward of having that indescribable feeling (uhhm .. Alladin?) is worth it ;)

18. I really have too much on my plate and thinks if I'm spreading myself too thin.

19. I love Fridays with Friday Recall at Killer Bee 89.1. When would I be able to belt out The Remedy (Jason Mraz), Love Song for No One (John Mayer), Scrubs (TLC), among others, in random succession?

20. Honestly, I do pressure myself a bit as to how I dress nowadays. I have to keep in mind that I am a lawyer and a teacher and I have to keep up with that "image".

21. I know that I am taking the road less traveled for now. I pray that it is the right thing and everyone will be supportive of it ;)

The Blab

It has been weeks since I last posted. I can't say that I was super busy, just "sorta kinda" busy with a trip, parties, meet-ups, classes and what-nots.

And so, just after a few days from the night the bar results came out, we had a family trip to Hong Kong and Macau. Contrary to speculation, this is actually not a "gift" for passing the bar. The trip was booked way back in December so that we will be able to make good use of our miles.

Anyhow, the trip was enjoyable, moreso that I just passed the bar exam (Sorry, I brought it up again .. hehe). We did our own thing around Hong Kong and went to Disneyland and Ocean Park as well. We also got to explore Macau and the hotels therein.

The trip was more fun since we had in tow Enrico, a 4-year old kid who is the grandchild of my mom's officemate whose family went with us as well. "Cocoy" was a joy to be with .. as in lingaw .. though, he had his crying moments .. hehe

When I got back, I then got to catch-up with my law school buddies. Three of them even had their parties on the same day. And so yes, I went party-hopping!

Unexpectedly, I was asked through text if I was willing to teach during the summer. I was so eager that I said yes immediately without knowing the schedule .. haha! Good thing that it's not that bad - an 8:00 to 9:30 class and another at 4:10 to 5:40. It's a bit tiresome considering that I have 45 students in one class but I'm enjoying it nevertheless.

In between classes, I stay at my dad's office and try to do what I can. Otherwise, I just prepare for my classes.

So, yes, my schedule is that of a working girl already. I wake up anytime between 5:30 to 6:30 depending on how I'll get to school and sleep anytime between 11:00 to 12:00.

It's quite different from my law school days (and I so miss law school .. no kidding!). But nevertheless, I kind of like living my life right now just being in between things. It may be a bit tiring but I'm enjoying it as well.

So, there! I just blabbed how my past few weeks were. Until then

Thank you

There are so many stuff to blog but without a doubt, THANK YOUs should be first put through.

Thank you to my everdearest family.

Thank you mom and dad for your love and support. I am so blessed to have you and for being so supportive of all the decisions that I have made. Up to this day, I do not regret going back to Davao and taking up law knowing that you were so supportive of my decision. Thank you because you have given me the freedom to decide and the freedom what to do with my time. I truly appreciate it that you just let me be - reading, transcribing, going out sometimes, watching TV, studying, eating and sleeping (hehe)

Thank you to my siblings Jennifer, Johanna, Jessica and Jeremy. Thank you for respecting my privacy in the sense that you would do everything just so that you would not disturb me while I read or transcribe. And this means, passing through the other door ;)

Thank you to our kasambahay Tata and Maricel ;)

Thank you to my everdearest relatives (aunts, uncles and cousins), both from the Sarona and Matela clan. Thank you for wherever you may be - Davao, other parts of the Philippines, other countries - I can feel your love and support. Thank you to Cadavas, Mercado and Jensen families ;)

Thank you for my neighbors in Ecoland.

Thank you to my PWC friends because through all these years, we still have each other. Special thanks goes out to my ever supportive berks Elaine, Maan, Paula, Farinah, Jinky, Bajo and Lyn. I am so proud of how we have stood the test of times and for your never-ending support and prayers. I am also extending my warmest thanks to your family, especially to the Samson family.

Thank you as well to my AdDU college friends, not just my classmates but orgmates as well. Despite of all our "kabuangs", I am happy that we have stayed in touch.

Thank you to Jan and Aning for not just being college friends, not just being my former housemates, not just being my former officemates but for being friends that I will forever keep.

Thank you to Maia, Leng, Che, Jessa, Ella, Michelle and Tin for being supportive housemates.

Thank you to my former officemates at Accenture. While I was sad that we parted ways, I am happy because all of you were supportive of my decision to study law. Thank you to my "Say A Little Prayer" February 11 2002 start group, PNS team, WS Team, Ross Team, CML Team and the rest of RETEK team. Thank you too to the DB group. I am extending my thanks not just to my Pinoy officemates but the expats and the clients I have met along the way. Thank you so much for the opportunities you have given me. My experience has contributed to my study ethic, as in!

Thank you to Kalaag and the wonderful things we enjoyed together. A special thank you goes out to the Pilot Julie up in heaven as well as to Atty. Shalu. I have so much to thank Shalu because as I was to enter law school, she was about to take the bar. And I have to kept in my heart her most precious advice - "mag-tinabangay mo". And I guess, my law school life has been an epitome of such advice.

Thank you to my 1st Year SR classmates. You don't know how much I treasure each and everyone of you and how grateful I am that you were my first year classmates. Adjusting to my new life was easier with you guys around. Thank you for the send-off and for being my prayer warriors. Thanks to my panyeras from this batch - Felai, Alia and Blithe .. I am so proud of you ;) Some may have taken different paths while others are continuing with their journey at law school. Rest assured that I am still here for you.

Thank you as well to my 2nd Year SR and 3rd Year Manresa classmates. I enjoy the times with you guys, especially during Conflicts! Thank you for being so supportive with the class digests as well as to those who helped out in transcribing. It not only helped me but other s as well.

Thank you so much to my 4th Year Manresa batchmates! Thank you for the camaraderie and for making my last year in law school easier to bear. Thank you for being cooperative with the class digests and the transcriptions as well. Just the same, I know that we are still here for each other whatever the future may bring. My prayers will continue for each and everyone.

Thank you to Lakas Atenista - both the foundation members and resident members. Thank you for the warm wishes and the super support that I was so ever proud during the bar exams. Thank you so much and rest assured that I will continue to be a part of this great organization ;)

Thank you for everyone who were present for the bar ops, special thanks to Mara and Judy and the LA members who were there. Thank you for your effort and expense just to be with us. Your Ondoy experience was not for naught because your presence during that weekend nevertheless sustained us for the last Sunday.

Thank you for the DOTA boys for the notes and even going to the extent to deliver it to Palisades. You guys know how much that helped us. I am so proud of you as well ;)

Thank you to Allan for coming to my life just at the right time. I am so proud of you and I am really happy for both us. We'll continue to pray for us and for our families as well .. love you ;)

Thank you to Team Palisades and all the memories. It was not just "kabuangs" and "pictorials" because the results show how we prepared for this. I am so proud of you Noche, Michael and Julius as well as Teen, Popong and Ogie. Typhoon Ondoy was easier to bear with you guys around. Thank you so much for making sure I was ok despite being so feverish during Saturday before the last day of exams. I will never forget the medicines, gatorade, vicks, skyflakes, flowers, hot water with alcohol! Thank you Noche for the headquarters, to Julius for the temporary hideout and to Dodong Mike for the Cooking Showdown. I will never forget all the fun and serious stuff that we did! Thank you too for our food sponsors, especially the Tan family and Shena and all those who delivered the food. Yahoo!

Thank you to for the Bisita Iglesia Buddies. I am pretty sure that helped us a lot in hurdling the bar exams ;)

Thank you too for Dean Inigo, Lolo and Lola .. alam ko mas malakas ako sa langit dahil sa inyo ;)

Thank you to the people at SBG for allowing me to teach during the second sem. I am ever so grateful with the experience and hopes that I will continue to teach .. hehe.

Thank you too to Ma'am Corpuz ;)

Thank you to my everdearest students who surely kept my worries away for being studious and makulit and the same time. Thank you so much because I know that you have prayed for me as well kahit nagkapuliki na kayo sa Accounting ;)

Thank you to each everyone who sent text messages, e-mails and messages in Facebook. Thank you for being my prayer warriors!

And to you LORD, I dedicate all of these because without you, I am nothing. I am super blessed and I will continue to live my life worthy of everything you have bestowed upon me. Thank you for the gift of wisdom, grace, patience, strength, courage, love and confidence that has truly helped me to be me. Thank you for the gift of persons - those persons I have mentioned above - for bringing them into my life. I pray that you continue to bless each and everyone of them.

Thank you LORD for bearing with us with our constant prayers and I hope for your continued blessing!

To GOD be the glory!!

Amen!

The Reader

Since last October, I already read 6 books (excluding those necessary readings for my teaching .. hehe). After taking the bar, one of the must-do things that I planned was to go back readings novels. Here's a rundown of those books:

THE CONCRETE BLONDE (Michael Connelly)

Justice is a Concrete Blonde because she doesn't speak and she is blind.

I started reading Michael Connelly when I was working. I saw in one of our ex-pats bookshelf Connelly's novels and I got interested because they were all suspense-thrillers.

When I was in Manila, I saw this book in a Book Sale and bought it.

What interests me about suspense novels is the guessing game. It took some time for me to guess who the killer is but the novel was a good read nevertheless.

WHILE MY PRETTY ONE SLEEPS (Mary Higgins Clark)

Another mystery murder. I think I started reading Mary Higgins Clark when I was in college for the same reason that her books are suspense-thrillers. But with her, it has a feminine touch, ergo, there is will always be a blooming love on the horizon.

I can't remember how many novels of her I have read but I still don't get bored with her stories, even if I am able to guess earlier than expected who is the killer. But the suspense is still with me just the same.

LOVES MUSIC, LOVES TO DANCE (Mary Higgins Clark)

And yes, of course, another thriller. Mary Higgins Clark's novels generally involve women of beauty and substance. And that's the same thing with this one. Same thrill, but I still relish the joy of reading it.

JUST BEFORE SUNSET (Stephen King)

The last time I really enjoyed reading Stephen King's works was when I was in college reading "The Shining". And yes, enjoy is definitely the right word.

I am not really a big Stephen King fan nor am I fond of short stories. But this book was given to my brother as a gift and I thought of going over it.

THE DEVIL AND MISS PRYM (Paulo Coelho)

Coelho always writes thought-provoking stories. And sometimes, it is too much for me .. hehe.

This one is quite deep but I somehow got the message. The story deals with good and evil. It made me think that indeed, we all have our good and evil side. But for those people who know evil but does not allow it to consume them, the difference lies in the power of control.

The thing with Coelho is that he all has these quotes that really makes you stop and ponder and I am sharing with you some quotes that struck a chord with me.

"It is always far easier to have faith in your own goodness
than to confront others and fight for your rights..."

"It isn't the desire to abide by the law that makes everyone behave as society requires, but the fear of punishment. It is always easier to hear an insult and not retaliate than have the courage to fight back against someone stronger than yourself; we can always say we're not hurt by the stones others throw at us, and it's only at night
- when we're alone and our wife or our husband or our school friend is asleep -
that we can silently grieve over our own cowardice."

"Whenever you want to achieve something, keep your eyes open, concentrate and make sure you know exactly what it is you want. No one can hit their target with their eyes closed."

OUTLIERS (Malcolm Gladwell)

I so love this book! A non-fiction but definitely, a favorite! As I was reading this one, I had so many "aha!" moments and it made me appreciate success in a wholly different perspective. Some practice or beliefs I have had before were reinforced. Some new thoughts were introduced. A very great read indeed! I am looking forward to read his other works as well.

Here are some of my favorite quotes:

"Practice isn't the thing you do once you're good. It's the thing you do that makes you good."

"Those three things - autonomy, complexity, and a connection between effort and reward - are, most people will agree, the three qualities that work has to have if it is to be satisfying. It is not how much money we make that ultimately makes us happy between nine and five. It's whether our work fulfills us."

"Once a musician has enough ability to get into a top music school, the thing that distinguishes one performer from another is how hard he or she works. That's it.
And what's more, the people at the very top don't work just harder or even much harder than everyone else. They work much, much harder."

"To build a better world we need to replace the patchwork of lucky breaks and arbitrary advantages today that determine success--the fortunate birth dates and the happy accidents of history--with a society that provides opportunities for all."

"In fact, researchers have settled on what they believe is the magic number for true expertise: ten thousand hours."

"Hard work is a prison sentence only if it does not have meaning."

Faith

When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help. 6“Lord,” he said, “my servant lies at home paralyzed and in terrible suffering.”

7Jesus said to him, “I will go and heal him.”

8The centurion replied, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. 9For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”

10When Jesus heard this, he was astonished and said to those following him, “I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith. 11I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. 12But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

13Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go! It will be done just as you believed it would.” And his servant was healed at that very hour.(Matthew 8:5-13)

-oOo-

21Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. 22If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”(Matthew 21:21-22)

-oOo0

25And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. 26She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. 27When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, 28because she thought, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.” 29Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering.

30At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who touched my clothes?”

31“You see the people crowding against you,” his disciples answered, “and yet you can ask, ‘Who touched me?’”

32But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it. 33Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. 34He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.” (Mark 5:25-34)

1, 2, 3 ...

1234 Plain White T's

1-2-1-2-3-4
Give me more loving than I’ve ever had
Make me feel better when I’m feeling sad
Tell me I’m special even though I know I’m not

Make me feel good when I hurt so bad
Barely getting mad
I’m so glad I found you
I love being around you
You make it easy
Its as easy as 1-2-1-2-3-4

There’s only one thing
To Do
Three words
For you
(I love you) I love you

There’s only one way to say
Those three words
That’s what I’ll do
(I love you) I love you

Give me more loving from the very start
Piece me back together when I fall apart
Tell me things you never even tell your closest friends
Make me feel good when I hurt so bad

You’re the best that I’ve had
And I’m so glad I found you
I love being around you
You make it easy
It’s easy as 1-2-1-2-3-4

There’s only one thing
To Do
Three words
For you
(I love you) I love you

There’s only one way to say
Those three words
That’s what I’ll do
(I love you) I love you
(I love you) I love you

You make it easy
It’s easy as 1 2 1 2 3 4
There’s only one thing
To Do
Three words
For you
(I love you) I love you

There’s only one way to say
Those three words
That’s what I’ll do
(I love you) I love you
(I love you) I love you
1-2-3-4
I love you
(I love you) I love you

Unang Hirit!

-oOo-

Student: Ma'am, naa miy farewell party. Adto ka ma'am.

Teacher: Aw, ngano man mag-farewell man ka ? Magkita pa man ta pagkasunod take nimo ani na subject di ba?

-oOo-

Student: Ma'am, asa ka nakapuyo?

Teacher: Sa among balay.

Student: Ma'am ui ...

-oOo-

Student: Ma'am, magsummer ka? (Obviously referring if I will hold summer classes)

Teacher: Aw, siyempre .. alangan kamo lang mag-summer. Mag-beach pud ko ui!

-oOo-

Teacher notices that one of her students is using his earphones.

Teacher: Mr. D, remove your earphones.

Student D: Ma'am, low batt naman to.

Teacher: Aw, sinong mas mukhang ewan sa atin? Ikaw ang nagagamit ng earphone tapos low batt na pala ang MP3 player.

-oOo-

Teacher was explaining to the class but suddenly hears a loud voice.

Teacher: What was that?

Student who made the noise: Wala man ma'am.

Teacher: Liars go to hell .. (obviously inspired by a former classmate, hehe)

-oOo-

Teacher: Class, you had 2 sets of quiz. Same questions but different order

Student K: Lagi ma'am, nakita man namin.

Teacher: At inamin mo din talaga na nagtingin ka sa papel ng iba.

-oOo-

Mark my words ...

As far as I can remember, I have never made any unnecessary markings on my test papers.

That's why I am bothered why students have to make such markings, considering that it will not help their grades anyway. Maybe they just want to release their anxiety .. I don't know.

Just see for yourself .... (my remarks are in red ink!)

(Law) Iskul Bukol

Ever since I took the bar exam, I have never set foot at D building even thought I am at AdDU every weekday .. that is until today.

My dad asked me to look for the SCRA number of a case I mentioned to him, as lectured to us. But all I have was the date and I figured I could get the GR No. from the net. But not the SCRA. And since I was already at school, I volunteered that I would get the SCRA number from the law library.

And so, I went to the D building through the back door and I saw Ma'am Gina and we exchanged "kumustas". I went to the 5th floor reminiscing (char lang!) my law school days as I passed by the rooms in the 4th floor. For my first year second sem, we were one of the only 2 classes which occupied the 4th floor. Wala na ako nagdaan dun sa hallways na mas mataas ang probability na marami akong makasalubong .. hehe.

And by virtue of being a part-time teacher and wearing my ID at that, I was able to enter the law lib and accomplish my goal. Of course, I saw a few familiar faces and exchanged hellos. Most of the students already had their classes.

I cannot really fully explain why I try to be away from the law school building. I think it has more to do that I am still waiting for the bar results and I feel that I still don't deserve to be back within law school territory .. hehe. But I don't mind seeing law school people. Actually, I get excited seeing them and exchanging stories (and sometimes we do share bad news, tsk .. tsk)

I think all I want to express is the feeling of being "back" in law school.

It was surreal but nice and it made me reminisce of my law school days which I so miss .. as in!

Let's Get Physical

15 minutes

.83 kilometers

52 calories

4 songs (I Kissed A Girl, Bleeding Love, Unwritten and So What)

Let's see what the future holds ;)