Raising the Bar

This is a shout-out to my law school friends who successfully passed the 2010 Bar Examinations. I am so happy and proud of each one of you. And we all know that this is the beginning of a new journey for all of you. And, thus, I pray that you continue to make your family and friends proud and that may you be blessed more and be a blessing to others as well!

Congratulations to:
Charmee Abad
Emman Acuña
Andrey Alcomendras
Jaja Almazan
Sol Marie Andoy-Gawiden
Carrie Mae Bangayan
Rex Batay-an
Cherry Canda-Melodias
Gil Ciudadano
Jong Cortez
Percy Donalvo
Lala Dulla
Tyntyn Ferrer
Xyza Gemelo
Sasha Go
Kim Ledesma
Rey Mar Ondi
Ferlyn Ong
Globel Rama
RR Roque
Rizza Mae Sam
MR Zulueta
Ryan Erik Santiago

and of course, the Top 4 Cat Ancog!

For my friends who did not make it, it was just appropriate that the Daily Bread reading on the date the results were released was:

The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. — Psalm 9:9

When my brother-in-law was a missionary in Mali, West Africa, he was involved in a traffic accident. A man had wandered into the road in front of Chuck’s motorcycle. The cycle struck the man and send Chuck and the bike sliding along the ground for more than 200 feet. Shortly after Chuck regained consciousness in the hospital, his doctor told him he had been “really lucky.” Chuck smiled and replied, “God is good.”

Later he thought about the day’s events. The man who was struck hadn’t received any permanent injuries, and Chuck would also recover from his injuries. But what if one of them had been killed? He thought, God would be no less good.

When we experience tragedy, we may wonder about God’s goodness. Is God always good? Yes, He is. He doesn’t promise that bad things will never happen to us, but He does promise to be “our refuge and strength” (Ps. 46:1). He doesn’t promise that we will never walk through heart-wrenching circumstances, but He promises that we won’t be alone (23:4).

God is good — no matter what suffering we are experiencing. Even when we don’t understand, we can say with Habakkuk, “Yet will I rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation” (3:18). — Cindy Hess Kasper

O taste and see that God is good

To all who seek His face;

Yea, blest the one who trusts in Him,

Confiding in His grace. — Psalter

Red Riding Hood

Contrary to speculation, it was never mine.

The Red Car was bought so that my sister could start driving. I was a "saling-pusa" so to speak. But since my sister and I had different schedules, I got to use it for my classes.

I can't forget the day I first I drove the car to school. It was the first day of the Conflicts of Law 2007. From the house, there were a number of things I need to bring to school. I really didn't think of bringing the car but when my mom learned I was going to school, she gave permission for me to bring the car and saying that I could do it.

I was really hesitant. The first thing that popped in my head is to find someone who will ride with me. And Bem, my friendly neighborhood classmate, was ever ready to go with me.

I was nervous. The engine stopped at the Sandawa-Boulevard intersection. I kept my composure and Bem and I had our nervous laugh. And then, the car stopped again when I tried to turn left to Roxas. I can remember the horns and our nervous laugh.

I was happy that we got to school safely with the red car.

There were a lot of moments I remember with the red car - the front seat passengers with their seatbelts, the shrieks, the nervous laughter .. good times indeed!

Top 10 Events with the Red Car

1. My first drive to downtown with Bem

2. Elaine shrieking on the front passenger seat and saying she will never sit on the front passenger seat again

3. Bumped the car @ Pards and Christ rescued me by parking it properly

4. Dropping Blithe, Ryan, and other cheerdancers after practice and passing by Central Bank

5. The car broke down when I tried to turn right to Roxas and some men helped pushed the car and revived it but I somehow forgot to give pang-kape to them

6. Sharone helped push the car when we were in AutoShop

7. Slightly bumped a pick-up at the G-Mall Parking space, with Felai and Blithe, but it was just the bumper rubber which touched it.

8. RR seating in the passenger seat saying that he feels safe with me but secures his seatbelt at the same time

9. Allan and I had to fix the wipers at home in the dark with his flashlight

10. When Felai, Blithe, Noche, Ryan, Jad and I went to Bankerohan but somebody forgot to tell me in advance that I had to turn right at San Pedro Extension so we ended up having a joyride through Sandawa to Magallanes to Bankerohan.

Actually, there are a lot of things I can remember aside from these moments. I

will always be forever grateful to the Jacinto boys for assisting me, not only for looking a parking space but guiding me, especially with regard to parallel parking. I am eternally grateful that I had no major accidents with the car, only little bumps and it is not that much. I am likewise grateful to all my friends who have been patient with my slow driving. I am grateful to everyone who have given me the privilege to pick them up, drop them off and drive them around town. I am grateful for the wonderful stories we have shared .. if only the Red Car could talk!

My friends suggested before that I should name the car. But I did not name it since it was not mine. I guess the "Red Car" was just the most appropriate name. At home, we just call it "Pula".

Bye Red Car! Me and my friends really had good times with you ;) Thank you :)

Boggle

It boggles my mind why people seem to think that the practice of law is a business where you haggle for the price.

There is a "tariff" that serves as a guide for lawyers how much to charge. Most often than not, a number of lawyers, I think, charge lower, but more or less at the same rate, than what is stipulated in the tariff just to show that the practice of law is not a money-making business where clients look for the lawyer who can give the lowest price.

It boggles my mind why someone would insist in paying P 100 for an SPA and another P 150 for a Release of Chattel Mortgage.

That someone is driving a vehicle worth almost P 1M, which was fully paid recently, and her children go to one of the priciest school in town.

And by the way, a consultation was rendered for free to that someone. Moreover, that someone engaged the services of the lawyer in which documents were checked, research was made and a demand letter was prepared but thereafter, there was a change of mind and decided not pursue. So, no fee there.

It boggles my mind why someone, who is already retired from service and somewhat old, did not hesitate to pay P 800 for all 4 affidavits he executed. No haggling.

That someone first came to execute just one affidavit. Since he forgot another requirement for him to be able to withdraw some money, he had to execute another. And then, he was later told that additional requirements were required that he had to execute 2 more affidavits. The office felt sorry for him since he had to come back and forth just for these affidavits and decided to just notarize the last affidavit free of charge. He said that it was okay. The lawyer insisted that he keep the P200. He decided to give it to the secretary, in which the secretary declined. It turned out that it was his birthday and he was just happy that he was able to receive some money from his account so that it was okay for him to pay.

And by the way, that retiree did not receive millions of pesos, just a few thousands not exceeding P 10,000.

Yes, it's boggling!

At least, there are stories like that of the retiree which uplifts the spirit and compensates for stories similar to that in the first situation.

At least, a nice birthday gift was given to a somewhat total stranger. May GOD bless him ;)

Bee

This week has so far been the busiest after I graduated from law school.

I have deadlines to meet with regard to pleadings.

So far, clients have been coming in and out of the office.

Then, I have my classes to attend to and prepare for plus exams and other requirements.

There are personal errands to attend to as well.

I have masteral class over the weekend.

Valentine's Day's was just over and a wedding to attend as well.

No, I am not complaining.

I am just taking note of this because I believe my prayers have been answered.

Galing talaga ni Lord ;)

That's why I could not miss blogging this one.

The Sweetest Thing

I am not the most romantic person in the world.

I am not that sweet either.

But, then, I am one person who appreciates the smallest gesture.

I am not really a big fan of the Valentine frenzy - dinner dates, concerts, flowers, chocolates, hearts and whatchamacallit. Although I greet Happy Valentine's Day, it's not because of the common notion of Valentine's, that of lovers, but rather it's more of celebrating love - love between and among everyone.

Considering that it was a work day, it was pretty normal.

Except that for the first time, flowers and chocolate were delivered for me at the office.

Honestly, I was not expecting it considering that Allan already knows that I am not a fan of flowers .. hehe. And I just sent him a message the night before regarding gifts (not related to Valentine's day though) But considering that he called up and asked if I was at the office, that made me think that probably he is up to something. I did not bring the red car that is why he had to make sure I was there to receive the flowers. Although he later on said it was also ok if I wasn't around so that I would be surprised, hehe.

Anyway, he was happy after JR, his delivery boy, let him know that I was smiling and happy when he received it. Yey for that!

Later, I told him that it was okay not to send me anything on Valentine's Day. But he replied that he just wants me to feel how it is to receive flowers and chocolates from a boyfriend on this special day and to let me feel how I am loved by him.

I know - cheesy! But it was indeed the sweetest thing!

As for me, dinner was my treat!

Celebrate LOVE!

Good Day

A twitter friend shared this article. I am just reposting this from:

http://www.marcandangel.com/2011/02/07/30-ways-to-make-today-a-good-day/

One today is worth two tomorrows.
-Benjamin Franklin

Yesterday is history and tomorrow is merely a figment of your imagination. So if you think about it, today is the only day you’re truly alive. Here’s how to make it a good one:

1. Get started a few minutes early.
2. Work on something that’s meaningful to you.
3. Complete an important piece of unfinished business.
4. Spend time with positive, friendly people.
5. Do something nice for someone else.
6. Be present. Focus on where you are, what you’re doing and who you’re with right now.
7. Do one thing at a time. (Read Getting Things Done.)
8. Listen to your self-talk. When you hear negative thoughts, think about the positive side of things.
9. Smile, even when there’s no pressing reason to do so.
10. Unplug. Entertain yourself with real-world experiences.
11. Go somewhere new. See something new. Meet someone new.
12. Do something that makes you laugh.
13. Challenge your mind. Learn a new skill.
14. Challenge your body. Exercise for 30 minutes. (Read The 4-Hour Body.)
15. Let someone help you.
16. Clear a little clutter by getting rid of something you don’t need.
17. Be honest with yourself and those around you.
18. Don’t compare yourself to others. Instead, let them inspire you.
19. Spend a few minutes alone in silence, just thinking.
20. Focus on solutions.
21. Keep an open mind to new ideas and information.
22. Handle important two-minute tasks immediately.
23. Stay out of other people’s drama. And don’t needlessly create your own.
24. Say, “Please,” “Thank you,” “I’m sorry” and “I love you,” when you should.
25. Don’t try to please everyone. Just do what you know is right.
26. Eat a healthy breakfast, lunch and dinner.
27. Savor the natural joy of simple pleasures.
28. Notice what’s right with the world.
29. Focus on all the things you already have, think about them and appreciate them.
30. Get to sleep a little earlier tonight so you’re well rested tomorrow.

And remember, a smile is the most beautiful curve on the human body. So go now and strut your stuff. ;-)

13 Going 30

I just turned 30.

And I thank GOD for the life he has given me.

I can remember the times when I counted the days leading to my birthday. When people would start counting the days before Christmas, I would add 37 days to it and then make my own countdown for my birthday.



However, I noticed that as I grew older, the excitement of doing that countdown slowly faded. I don't think it has anything to do with the fact that I am getting older. It's a fact and every living human being goes through it. I attribute it actually to the fact of the daily grind - the things you do each day. As we grow older, we can't help that indeed obligations and responsibilities multiply and we are caught up with it. And then, we just let the other small stuff take its course. I guess that is what is happening to me.

And as I my birthday drew nearer, I said to myself to just bring it on. My birthday will happen and I will turn 30. And I am ok with whatever would happen during that day - no matter how ordinary it would be.

However, I got a birthday surprise from friends Karl, Ogie, Clang, Lyndon and Ling the day before my birthday. My dear Allan was able to plan the surprise with their help. It was actually very simple but a very nice surprise. I never expected it on a Sunday afternoon while checking papers .. hehe. I was able to blow candles, eat pizza and cake with them and had a short but fun chit-chat session about anything under the sun.

The day itself was quite normal. I went to work and did the usual stuff. I went to court and found out that the hearing is postponed. I attended classes in the evening and my students had no idea it was my birthday. Well, they said happy ... happy new hair! Hehe .. I had my hair cut and rebonded over the weekend. The night itself was a bit stressful because of a flat tire - that of Allan's car. But we were able to buy some chicken and cake to bring at home later.

I was truly overwhelmed with the greetings - personally, through the phone and through Facebook. Daghang salamat sa tanan na nag-greet! I truly appreciate since most of them I haven't seen for quite some time.

Before I went to sleep, I switched to emo mode - maybe that is what happens when someone turns 30.

The next day should have been normal as well. But, surprise, surprise! The day ended when my students gave me a cake. Thank you.

Yes, 30! That's Me!

Dying Young

I will turn 30 soon.

A batchmate of mine passed away last week. He was 30. May he rest in peace.

So forgive me if I get a little bit sentimental today. Maybe morbid is the more appropriate term.

The concept of death is not actually something I dare not to tread. Family and friends who know me for quite a number of years are not shocked anymore on how open I talk about it compared to the general population.

I don't know why I am like that.

When I was in sixth grade and my grandmother passed away, there were a lot of people visiting the wake considering that my grandfather was a barangay captain for 25 years. When I noticed it, I said "kung si lolo ang mamatay, mas madaming tao magbisita". I was told not to say that again, no matter how true the statement is.

In college, I was asked by my friend why I talk about death openly. She was wondering whether I get worried if I get to heaven or hell or purgatory. She worries about that. Truth be told, I pray I'll go to heaven but I don't really know where I'm going (who does?). But such concept of afterlife eludes my mind when I talk of death.

When this popular heartthrob died years ago, I thought of my college graduation picture as the one that should be placed near my coffin. I look happy and dignified and youthful in that picture. I can't find any other more suitable picture for now.

Don't be surprised if you hear statements from me like "ok naman sa akin mamatay" or "if mamatay ako, ok lang sa akin na ganito mangyari" or "hala, walang sisihan pag namatay si ganito" (Knock on wood!).

I actually could go on and on with my morbid concepts. Morbid but practical and real, I think.

Don't get me wrong because despite this attitude of mine, I feel pain and grief and devastation and emptiness and sadness and every sentiment that goes with death. I still do cry, like any other normal person.

I don't know where I get this kind of attitude. What I do I know is that this kind of thinking helps me appreciate more the fact of how blessed I am with this life and how I have to spend the rest of my life.

I had a teacher in philosophy who said that we are all dying. And I agree with him. We all know that we live with a borrowed life - and that's makes us all dying. It's not for us to decide when and how we are going to die. The only thing we can do is how we are going to live. And I am making the most of this borrowed life as best as I know I could.

2010

Blessed. That sums up my 2010.

There is no doubt that I have been truly very blessed this year. While it is true that I have had a few emotional moments just like any other person, there is no question that 2010 was indeed great for me. And as 2010 is winding up in a few hours, here goes a few highlights of the year that was.

JANUARY

I opened the year with a prayer for a better 2010 with things being in place -
bar, career, love and family.
One month with Allan at Picobello
Adventures with my students
Bajeck passing the Nursing Board Examination
I turned 29!




FEBRUARY

My first Valentine Date!
WII moment with Law School friends
Outliers
Dealing with students who cheat .. tsk, tsk!
Teacher's Day gift from my 2BM-A students



MARCH

Flowers
Pray, pray, pray
Tension building up but keeping the faith
Not being insecure
Passing the Bar Exam ... Yahoo!!! Not just me but Allan, too as well as my classmates!




APRIL

Hong Kong and Macau Trip with Sarona and Martin families
Cocoy Martin
Thanksgiving Parties
With Hanniyah
Oath-Taking and Roll-signing ... Full-Fledged Lawyer!




MAY

Election Opportunity
First Timer - North Cotabato
Visiting Aning
Summer Teacher
Mom and Dad's 30th Wedding Anniversary!


JUNE

Notary Public!
Decisions, Decisions
Johanna @ Melbourne
Samal Adventure
Law Professor!


JULY

New President!
New Hair
Emotional Rollercoaster!
Court Appearances
PWC Reunion!


AUGUST

Letting Go .. or Not!
Anonymous
1-SR Send-Off!
Talking with Elaine
Senior Citizen Dad!


SEPTEMBER

Bar Ops Trip!
With Bem and DM
Impressions
Being Careful in What I Say
Dealing with Students


OCTOBER

Badminton with Friends
Savings
Night with Gaby and friends
Sales Class!
LLM .. swerte!


NOVEMBER

Nego Everyday
Learning!
Mom @ US
Evaluations
Sisters


DECEMBER

BSA Classmates
Raffles
High School friends
Memorable One Year ... in a Different Way!
Blueberry Cheesecakes

Thank you Lord for my 2010!
Cheers to another year full of blessings in 2011!

Kenkoy

If you have a Facebook account, you are probably aware of the Violence against Child Abuse Campaign that is going on through the Profile Pictures.

It's pretty simple. You are asked to change your Profile Pic to a cartoon character from your childhood and invite your friends to do the same. It is asked that this should go on until December 6th, tomorrow, where there should be no human faces on Facebook.

I changed my profile pic to cartoon characters. Twice.

And I was happy I did.

Indeed it was a walk down the memory lane for me and for my friends. We reminisced what cartoons we watched, what days they were shown, the famous punchlines the characters uttered and which cartoon character reflects us.



I first changed my Profile Pic to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. During my childhood years, my sisters and I would be assigned to a respective TMNT. I was Raphael since my favorite color is Red and he is sort of the leader among the four. I'm the eldest and the leader, so to speak.

Changing my Profile Pic to TMNT led me to reminisce other cartoons as well - The Ghostbusters (I'm Egon), The X-Men (Jubilee is my favorite), among others.

Reminiscing such memories made me appreciate of the childhood I had - an enjoyable one indeed. It also made me appreciate the bond my sisters and I have formed. And it gets to me considering that 2 of my sisters are now living abroad.



Then, I changed it to Dopey. When I was growing up, I had big ears, big smile and apple cheeks. My cousins called me Dopey. Looking back, I did not detest it. I just took it in, may be because I thought Dopey was cute.




When my friend suggested that I change my profile pic to Dopey, she reminded me of my childhood picture which was passed around the office to make people laugh. At first, I was hesitant. We are working in a corporate world and a picture of mine taken when I was 2 years old was going to be passed around! What the! Anyway, the picture was eventually passed. Someone even suggested to put it in a poster - "Bawal ang nakasimangot dito". And beside those words, my picture would appear instead of that grinning monkey, hehe. We didn't push through with it though, not that I have regrets, hehe.

With such memories, I can't help but compare it with the youth of today. Did they experience the same kind of joy I had with these cartoons as well as all those outdoor games with the influx of internet and game consoles? How I wish they would experience such joy!

Amidst all these trip down the memory lane, it can't be avoided that there would be adverse reactions. One reaction would be - How on earth would you be able to stop child abuse just by changing your Profile Pic on Facebook?

Actually, no. I don't think you could directly stop child abuse just by changing your Profile Pic on Facebook.

The thing is if you are aware of someone being abused, you do everything in your power to intervene. Stop it if it is happening before your very eyes. Call the proper authorities.

However, it doesn't mean that this changing of Profile Pic leads to nowhere. Such campaign is about awareness - making people aware that this is a reality. And if you happen to cross paths with such situation, you'll know what to do.

When I changed my Profile Pic, it made me more grateful of how blessed I was with my childhood - just in case I forgot. When I changed my Profile Pic, I said a prayer for those who are being abused, for the abusers and for those who are aware but do nothing about it.

Cartoon characters are funny. Children being abused is not. Cartoon characters bounce back when they fall. Children do not. Cartoon characters have super powers. Children do not.

If this Campaign in Facebook made me realize it more, then, so be it.

I really don't I changed my Profile Pic for naught.

Bag Lady

It took me some time to remember the last bag I bought.

I knew I bought a Benetton Sling Bag blue back in 2004 at a discount.

My sister reminded me that I was the one who bought our bright pink Nike backpack from my mom.

I remembered I bought a small gold purse for a wedding in 2009.

But that's about it recently, I think. The bags I've been using were given to me or to us, siblings.

The bags I used while I was working before were either from unsold stocks of my mom or seldom used bags of my mom.

When I started in my current profession as a lawyer and teacher, the bags I've been using were previously owned by my mom.

I have no complaints, mind you. I am just happy that I still get to use stuff from my mom and do away buying new stuff for myself. I prefer it that way.

Lately, I was fine using those bags that were not that big to fit the books I bring to school . I was okay with that since I figured that the bigger bag I carry, the higher probability that I will put more things in there. And that means bad for the shoulder and the back.

When my sister was asked by my aunt what kind of bag I would probably want as pasalubong, my sister suggested a somewhat big bag to fit my stuff, such as books, so that I would not need to carry paper bags every now and then.

And so, just last night, I found out my pasalubong.



And I love it! It's actually an early Christmas gift from my cousins Mika and AJ.

I am not a big fan of Jessica Simpson but I just like this bag, knowing that people who care about me put some thought when they made this purchase.

Yesterday and today was actually some sort of a Jessica Simpson day - I read about her engagement, heard her song "A Public Affair" over the radio which should be rare nowadays, and then, I have this bag ;)

One thing for sure - I will be constantly aware not to put too much stuff in there ;)

Action Reaction

Long time, no blog .. hehe

Anyway, I just want to post some comments from the students' evaluation

-oOo-

Always present!

-oOo-

Reasonable exams

-oOo-

Good job!

-oOo-

Develop a more well-modulated voice (too pitchy!)

-oOo-

Limit reading her notes all the time

-oOo-

That's it for now! Points well-taken and very much appreciated.

Not bad at all ... I think! I will do my best do improve ;)

Test

In the subject I taught last semester and just this semester, there is this departmental exam which comprises 25% of the final grade of the students. For a student, it is quite onerous since it covers everything in that subject from the time the semester started. Plus the fact that I am not the one who prepared the questions.

More than my students' aptitude, I take it as a test on myself as well. If my students get decent grades, then, it gives me great contentment that they have understood and remembered what I have taught them.

What I do is that I answer the questions by myself and that's how I measure if the questions are indeed fair. And for the past departmental exams, the exams are pretty much fair in which I did expect my students to do good.

Last semester, approximately only 10% of my students passed the departmental exams. That was quite depressing.

Just this semester, approximately 53% of my students passed the departmental exams. Coming from a frustrating result last semester, this is indeed one great news for me. Hopefully, my next set of students will fare just the same or better.

Ayos!

First Last Time

I just ended my first law school class as a teacher a few hours ago.

It was my last class for my first class in law school.

Admittedly, I was a bit pressured when I was given the opportunity to teach in law school. Who wouldn't be? I was fresh from taking and passing the bar exam. I was not a bar topnotcher. I was not a cum laude. I only have one semester and one summer of teaching before I embarked on this opportunity to teach in law school.

On the other hand, I had to convince myself that I am fit to teach in law school. Otherwise, I would be my biggest stumbling block. I know I can do it.

Teaching in law school is no easy feat for a newbie like me. It is so unlike in undergrad. I probably exerted the same effort as that of my students. I read the full text cases, prepared my own notes, gathered my old notes, read the book, read the reviewers and even bar questions. I always I have to be on my toes and think of every possible question. I had my few second guesses. But then, even jurisprudence had its share, too. And in doing all of these, I have to keep thinking that it is not the salary that make me do this because it is more than that.

All I know is that I gave it my best shot.

I know that I still have to learn and adjust more. I hope that my students really learned a lot from me. And I pray that it was more than the textbook kind of teaching.

I thanked my students for not giving me any traumatic experience (they were laughing when I said this). And I hope I did not give them either. As I said my thank you to them a while ago, I saw happy and grateful faces. (with wishful thinking of plus points .. hehe) Inside, I was truly grateful for that.

They are aware of their last 2 exams and the grading system is pretty much clear to them. I can't and I won't promise that everybody will pass. They have to work hard for it. I just hope they'd do well on their last exam.

Besides, as the teacher's cliche goes, teachers don't fail students since teacher merely record students' grades. (But then, I know what students will say - it's the teacher who prepares the exam .. hehe)

And as the world celebrates Teacher's Day tomorrow, I thank the Lord for giving the opportunity to be one and I hope I will be a great one ;)

Dear John

When sky blue gets dark enough
To see the colors of the city lights
I guess
I had to be there
Oh, make me a red cape
I wanna be superman
Yes, I'm grounded
Got my wings clipped

The call your life's been issuing you
The rhythm of a line of idle days
But I can't break through it all
It's a heart, heartbreak
I've tried to define it
In a million different ways
It's just the way you move
The way you move me
Discover me
Discovering you

I worry
Now, I'm starting to see
When you're dreaming with a broken heart
The giving up is the hardest part
Free fallin'
Now I'm free fallin'
Gravity is working against me
And gravity wants to bring me down

Stayin' home alone on a Friday
Flat on the floor lookin' back
I send an SOS to the world
I hope that someone gets my message in a bottle
Looks like the joke's on me
So call me captain backfire
I wanna run through the halls of my high school
I wanna scream at the top of my lungs
Take out of your wasted honor
Every little past frustration
We share the sadness
Split screen sadness
Oh, half of my heart's got a grip on the situation
Half of my heart takes time

Still everything happens for a reason
It's no reason not to ask myself
So I keep waiting
Waiting on the world to change

Ondoy

September 26, 2009

I remembered it was raining early in the morning. I did not mind it that much. After taking a bath and eating my breakfast, I just continued to read for the last Sunday of the Bar Exams. I tried to read as much as I could, especially knowing that my mom and brother are on the way to Manila to see me.

Just around lunch time, mom sent an SMS to me telling that they have arrived but couldn't get to Manila because of the flood. Yes, it's super baha because of Super Ondoy. My dad also texted me telling me that my mom's flight got diverted to Clark. Pag-sure dad, nakarating na airplane nila sa airport .. haller!

After lunch, I tried to study but could not focus. I started to have head aches and I was still wondering where could my mom and brother me since they have not replied to my text messages. I was really worried about them.

Then, of course, there's the news that the bar exams could be postponed and we have to wait for further announcements. Add to the fact that I heard that the flight of some of my friends coming from Davao for Bar Ops have been diverted because of Ondoy. Then, I also got worried because some of my batchmates and friends were out there stranded.

There was this feeling of helplessness inside of me. I was restless, worried and uneasy. I wanted to cry but couldn't. I was thinking if I was feeling like this, how about all the others out there who are really suffering. I was saying that compared with this experience, taking the bar should be easy since I just have to do my part and study and take the exam and pray. With mother nature, I don't know what to do to prepare you for it.

It was a good thing that my mom and brother found a place to stay in Makati considering that almost all roads were flooded and almost all the hotels were fully-booked. I was also grateful to that taxi driver who were kind to my mom and brother.

It was a blessing in disguise that I was with Team Palisades. We shared stories and took pictures. Considering that it was supposed to be the last Sunday of the Bar on the following day, we did not do our groceries anymore. We wanted food to be delivered but no one will deliver. So, we just finished up all the canned goods available. We were still lucky indeed.

I actually didn't mind much that the last 2 exams were to be postponed. Additional time to go over the provisions would benefit me, as I felt it did when I had additional time to go over Special Proceedings. It was just the feeling of uncertainty - whether it was going to be moved to the next Sunday or it was going to be canceled - that made me feel uneasy. Plus the fact of additional expenses for hundreds of bar takers.

But that's how mother nature works!

September 27, 2009

The next day, I thanked GOD that the sun was shining. I prayed that my friends were okay and that I could get to Makati to see my mom and brother.

I did not attend the Pre-Bar Review of AdDU anymore since I really wanted to be with my mom and brother who went to Manila for me. We attended mass, ate out and just made suroy-suroy around Makati. They left late in the afternoon.

I was feeling restless inside my room. I still could not find myself to go back to studying. So, off I went to Makati again to see my friends who wanted to support us in our last Sunday. A number of them were staying in one hotel in Makati and I was so happy to see them and be with them. I slept in one of my friend's room and left the next Sunday.

Thank you Lord for my family and friends ;)

Cleaning Out My Closet

Literally!

I try to clean out my closet at least once every 2 months.

Why?

Because I want my stuff to be organized.

Because, as much as possible, I want to see similarly colored clothes together so that I could easily locate what I am looking for.

Because it makes me realize that I have been wearing some clothes too often.

Because it makes me realize that I have not worn some clothes that much.

Because I want to give away my clothes that don't fit me anymore or that I do not plan of wearing anymore.

Because it makes me think that while I do gain or lose weight every now and then, some clothes fit me anyhow.

Because it makes me realize that I have to lose some pounds around my waist so that I can wear again my pair of suit I wore in Practice Court.

Because it makes me think if I should start wearing skirt (hehe)

Because it reinforces my practice not to shop for clothes.

Because it makes me appreciate my mom more who bought clothes for me.

Because it amazes me that I still get to wear clothes that I have been wearing since 2002 (I don't know if this funny, weird or plain amazing)

Because it makes me feel more blessed and forever grateful that I have clothes to wear.

Thank you, Lord ;)

September

It's the Bar Month!

At this time last year, I was one of those who already took half of the 2009 Bar Exams. I have already passed the stage of going over my answers - the could have been, should have been stuff - in Political Law, Labor Law, Civil Law and Taxation Law and now going over the codal provisions in Criminal and Commercial Law.

To commemorate the middle of September, I am posting bar-related text messages I have received and suprisingly kept in my cellphone after a year. Here goes:

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" Philippians 4:13
Jaz, il be praying for u! God bles u! - Thyrza

Gud evening ja. Sleep na for 2m's exam. I knw ur good 2 go. Just do ur best and our prayers will kip u through out the exam. Nyt2x - Bem

Lord, we ask for the guidance of d holy spirit upon Jazzie n taking d bar exam. Give her a sound bndy and mind and the wisdom, intellectual capacity 2 cmprehend & give d best answrs 2 each questions. May u grant her wish 2 become a lawyer. Dis we pray n Jesus name. Amen - Tito Ben (mom's officemate, sent through mom's number)

May God, d great master, give light to your mind, give peace to your soul, make easy for you d bar exams and bless you in taking it ..Good morning. :) - Norhani

1 day, d villagers decidd 2 pray 4 rain. On d day of prayer, every1 gatherd and only 1 boy came wid an umbrella. That's FAITH.
Wen u throw a 1 yr old baby in d air, he laughs cox he know u wil catch him. That's TRUST. Every nyt we go 2 bed, wer not sure dat we'l get up 2moro, but we stil hav many plans for d coming day. That's HOPE.
Have FAITH & TRUST n God. Never lose HOPE. GOD is good ol d time! gud am - Atty. Rogie

Thanks again for everyone who sent text messages and prayed for us .. as in!

I'm saying the same prayer and more for my dear friends and schoolmates taking up the bar exam. Go, go, go!

A Choice

I read this very wonderful article written by Mr. Rene Lizada in today's edition of Sun Star Davao. I'm posting it here to share with you (Emphasis mine):

A CHOICE
By: Rene Lizada

"HOW people treat you is their karma; how you react is yours."- Anon

I have met some very interesting people in my life and I am sure you have.

In my line of work I have to deal with people every day and I have always been fascinated with the variety and the depth and the shallowness of persons. People fascinate me because people are so diverse. No one is the same.

And we get to know people in many ways. In their manner of speech, in their values, in what they do and do not do, in what they stand for, in their strengths and yes weaknesses, in their dress, in their choices and yes in how they treat you. You get to know a lot about people in the way that they treat you.

I guess most people would be civil to one another, I guess that would be the safe route. We show only a shadow of who we really are to people we barely know.

We treat them civility and caution. It is different when it comes to family and friends. That level in which we treat family will depend on what kind of family member you are. That is also true with friends, how you treat your friends show the kind of friend you are. But in any case, the way we treat others reflects the kind of person we have become. And whether you like it or not, who you are will slowly emerge. One cannot really hide the sweetness or the stench of a person, not really. No one can hide it.

But let us leave that aside for awhile. Let us talk about how we treat others. How others treat us is something beyond our control. How we treat others is something we can do something about.

Let me tell you a story. Leo Tolstoy, the Russian writer was with a friend and they stopped by a newsstand. The writer bought a paper and the vendor gruffly gave back the change. The writer did not say anything. The following day, Tolstoy and his friend went back and got another paper. The vendor reacted the same way. This went on for a week and finally his friend could no longer contain himself and he asked the writer why he tolerated such callous behavior. Tolstoy remarked that no one can tell me how and what to feel, I refuse to let that vendor have the power over me.

Sometimes I find it odd that we let people have power over us when in fact they are powerless from the very start. If Tolstoy got mad at the vendor, in effect he was relinquishing his power to choose what and how to feel. This is true when we meet someone and say, nasira ang araw ko dahil nakita ko sya. Your happiness depends on a person? There is something amiss with you if you think that way.

Your happiness does not depend on another person, it depends on you. Tolstoy and let me quote him again said it best, "if you want to be happy, be." Do not place the power of your choice in the hands of people because most people will put you down. Your happiness lies within you, it is your choice. No one can make you happy, only you. And in the same way, no one can make you miserable except yourself. Ultimately, it is your choice. And how we react to those who belittle us, judge us, despise us shows us the kind of people we are.

It was Christ who gave us the remedy for evil. If someone slaps you in one cheek, let us give the other. If someone takes your clothes, give him your coat as well. That is not being a coward, on the contrary that is the height of courage and strength. It is so easy to slap back. It is very difficult to just stand there and take it. But in slapping back, you give the other person the satisfaction of stooping to their level. No decent person will slap you deliberately, steal from you purposely. Only those who are consumed by hate and greed can do that. And if you slap back you fall into their trap. You and I have the choice. You and I have the power to let it just go.

Supposing someone stole something from you and you meet this person. And this person who knows that he or she stole from you will greet you and say hi to you as if nothing happened. What would you think? What would you do? You have a choice. You get down to that person's level and scream and curse which that person would just love you to do because that is THAT person's level.

Or you do the right thing. Let it be. If that person greets you knowing fully well what he or she did, there is something very abnormal about that. In the end each person no matter what he or she thinks, no matter what he or she does, will always know the truth. Each person in the darkness and the stillness of the night will have to deal with the things that they do. We all have to face our demons.

You do not allow that person to have power over you. That person might have stolen something from you but that person will never steal the dignity you have, the choice you have, unless of course you allow it.

Do not let those who are powerless over you have the power over you.

The Cell Phone

Congratulations to me! I got a new cell phone!

Yup, I have a new Nokia 2700 phone and the second one that I owned as brand-new.

I had my first phone back in December 2000. I think I first had a 5110, then came a 3210.

I had my beloved 3210 when I graduated from college, while I was still working and kept it until around early 2006 when I was already in law school. I had fun with my 3210 as I was the butt of jokes on why I didn't by a new one considering that I was already earning. I answered that I don't need a new one since it was still working. And I think the major, major reason was that at least if it gets snatched in Metro Manila, I won't worry much about the phone and how much it costs. I just have to worry about my sim and all the contacts. We even had this running joke that even if I would be very willing to surrender my phone, the robber would just let me keep my phone .. haha

Thereafter, my aunt gave me her Nokia Red Flip Phone (I don't know the model .. haha)., wherein I had fun doing the flips but I guess that resulted to more necessary fixes.

Then, after a year or so, I had this hand-me-down Nokia Gray Phone (I don't know what model again .. haha) and still keeps it to this day. And when I went to Manila for the bar last year, I also had another hand-me-down Nokia Orange Phone (Yes, I identify it by color .. haha)

Now, I have this Nokia 2700 as a replacement of the Nokia Orange Phone.

And the fact that I am most proud of is that I didn't spend any money to acquire any of those phones. Sure, I may have spend a few bucks to have some of them repaired. But I did not purchase any one of those.

The first new phone I got was a gift from my mom. The rest are hand-me-downs, which I did not pay for. And the recent one is a freebie from one of the networks (telecommunication networks, not TV networks .. hehe)

Oh, I know .. I'm kuripot!