Friday, August 28, 2009

This Just In

I bet you know the feeling.

That rush when you suddenly find yourself staring at something you totally did not expect. That suspense when you still are not sure whether it's bad news or good news. That burst of gratitude when you realize it's there to tell you that you made it, at this step at least. And then, that shift in perspective when you realize that things will finally fall into place.

I logged on my gmail today and found myself pleasantly surprised. What a way to pull me out of a seemingly sad long weekend. Lord, superthanks!

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He's not reading this but I'd still like to say a happy birthday to my cousin A. I know you've been through a new low this week, but just keep the faith and you'll be all right. =)

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Score

The verdict is in.

I hesitated facing it head-on (coward), but I could no longer contain the excitement (low EQ/impatient). And so, I jumped out of bed this morning and readied myself for a quick trip to Makati to get my results.

I got out of the elevator and surveyed the floor to check if I remembered it right. I saw the office and thought for a moment that it was still closed (despite it being nearly 11am). Fat chance, Dojski. No turning back now.

So, after uttering a short prayer that I did great, I pushed the glass door and headed straight to the attending employee. After my barely audible "hi", the employee asked for my ID and instructed me to take a seat until my name is called.

It was quite an uncomfortable seat, despite looking otherwise. Or maybe it was just my nerves. Duh, a few minutes' wait can't be that much torture.

Then my name was called, I signed the receipt, and took my results enclosed in an open envelope. I did not have the heart to check it right away. I did not trust my reaction in front of the employee. The moment I stepped out of the office though, I took a peek.

Well, suffice it to say that it was lesser than I hoped for, but as much as I expected, and better than I need. =)

Overall score: HAPPY. =)

Friday, August 21, 2009

Holiday Friday!

Today is a holiday. Thanks to Ninoy. It took his life to change the course of this country. I'll always wonder though how much better we could have been if he lived.

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A funny thing happened on the way to the restroom. Time: yesterday. Location: office.

Me: Ey, what's up with your long weekend? =)
Colleague: Oh, work.
Me: Dang!
Colleague: And you?
Me: Work. ;)
Colleague: Crap, we're such a bunch of losers! :0

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Trip Preview: Coron

I have been to a number of cities/places which I could have appreciated more if I knew about them a little bit more. And so, starting with my upcoming trip to Coron, Palawan, I will learn about the places I'll be going to - history, geography, people, culture, tourist spots, etc.

Coron is one of the famous tourist spots of Palawan, a province in the country. It is known for its lakes, islands, dive sites and simple lifestyle. It is part of what is called the "Calamian Group of Islands", the other large islands being Busuanga and Culion.


A trip to Coron entails either a SuperFerry trip (boat) or small planes. And since we're going to take the latter, that's where my talk will be based.

The take-off from Manila will log about an hour(?) of flying and then touch down to Busuanga. What to expect then? (Will still find out.) =)

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Photo credit: I-Pinas

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

The Climb

I so love this song. I'm not a Miley fan so it must be the song itself. Her quality voice is a great factor, yes, but it's the lyrics that really gets to me. Overall song impact? I can listen to it over and over again, all day. Ah, it's the themesong of my life these days.

The Climb

I can almost see it
That dream I'm dreaming
But there's a voice inside my head saying
"You'll never reach it"

Every step I'm taking
Every move I make feels
Lost with no direction
My faith is shaking

But I gotta keep trying
Gotta keep my head held high

There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be an uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose

Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb

The struggles I'm facing
The chances I'm taking
Sometimes might knock me down
But no, I'm not breaking

I may not know it
But these are the moments that
I'm gonna remember most, yeah
Just gotta keep going

And I, I got to be strong
Just keep pushing on
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And this gets me thinking: what is life without music? Without something to sway your hips to, something to usher you to sleep, something to remind you of a memory, something to convey a message with, something to celebrate with, and in this case, something to comfort or inspire in trying times? Unimaginable.

Saturday, August 15, 2009

News, News

There has been a series of mixed news in the past days.

For one, learned that I might be able to travel to Shanghai next month, though the chance is too little to hope much for at the moment. Still, there's a chance. The excitement is not as much as the time I got news that I would be going to Sanya (China, 2006). Still, it would be a trip to look forward to, especially now that I know a friend in HK. It's going to be an Ocean Park sidetrip. Ah, crossing fingers.

For two, my Tita (Aunt) was rushed to the hospital yesterday. Stroke. Though Tita and I do not spend that much time together (she is my father's cousin), I could always feel her affection. And my own affection for her goes back to my grade school days, when she was still selling "dinuguan", one of my favorite dishes. When it came to me, she would always fill in a lot more than usual. Am praying for you, Tita.

For three, a friend living outside the country is coming back to live here. Ironic. It's always greener on the other side. Am looking forward to having her back though.

For four, I forgot to pay the electric bill for April! Had to rush to a payment outlet to prevent the threatened disconnection. Nice.

For five, I might be going home next week to arrange some stuff. Looking forward.

Monday, August 10, 2009

Groceries and More

I LOVE -

6. Finding that Gardenia bread with the longer shelf life, which is hidden in a less conspicuous area of the grocery stands, because all the lots with the shorter lives are the ones being displayed on the top shelves. ;) [Did you even know that? Hah. :p ]

(Evidence: I got myself the one which expires on 8/16/09 rather than the one due 8/13/09. Oh, it's such a triumphant feeling. Yey!)

Saturday, August 8, 2009

Pencils & Books

There is a price to pay when you don't do your tasks promptly. Early in the week, I knew I'd be needing these pencils (specifically Mongol 2) for an exam today but I kept on postponing buying them. Alas, when I finally did look for them yesterday, the bookstore no longer had those sold in threes. What remained were those sold in packs. But I only needed three!!!

What to do?

The exam was early the next day and it was already early evening, there was really nothing else to do but buy the entire set. Unless I dared go to another mall and buy the threes. But I no longer had the luxury of time nor the will.

And so, for procrastinating, I had to pay for 12 pencils when I needed only 3. Nice.

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Was at Glorietta 5's National Bookstore today, after the exam, and was so impressed with the "spaciousness". There were also so many new titles I wanted to buy! I reigned over the desire, however, because I still have "Blink" to start reading. Ah, but will definitely bite those sea of vampire novels when I'm done with a current project.

But - project or no project, Blink or no Blink, I couldn't resist to pick up this book which I am dying to read:

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Something in the Heart

I was one of these people who stood waiting at the corner of Roxas Blvd and Quirino Avenue yesterday to catch a glimpse of the casket of a beloved former President as it travelled from La Salle Greenhills to Manila Cathedral. It alternately rained and shined but not even a sudden surge of rainfall - at least a couple of times - could keep us from giving up. Three hours. We waited three hours.

And then the bikers signaled the start of the funeral cortege...

And all of us readied ourselves for her 'passing'...

But nothing could describe how it felt - how I felt - when her casket came close. I wasn't there when she led the fight against the dictatorship, wasn't yet old enough to truly understand what she was going through during her presidency. Yes, she has gained my respect for her quiet ways and integrity, but I still do not know what came over me the moment I got this close to her, or her remains, that is. There was just this feeling - solemn, patriotic, hopeful, and even spiritual.

But I guess, it's just fitting to be unable to put a name to that feeling. Even in death, she works quietly, sincerely...and straight to the heart.

Saturday, August 1, 2009

Cory Aquino: A Life to Look Up To

I was just 5 years old when she rose to power in February 1986. Basically, she was President during my grade school days. Thus, except for the part where you have to memorize her name so that when the teacher asks who the country's president was you have an answer, I was too young to really appreciate what Cory did for the country or critique where she failed expectations. Even then though, I remember knowing she was popular. I even distinctly remember one talk I had with a relative at the top of the stairs of my lola's (grandma) house back then. I remember saying that if I met Cory, I would hug her. I do not know where that was coming from, or what the talk was really about, but I remember saying it.

I grew up, living my own life and dealing with my own concerns. Her term ended and she settled to a private life. As I was not really old enough then to assess for myself how she fared in the presidency, the coup attempts and public disappointment from failed expectations are my impressions of her era. Of her, I do think I have ever had a strong opinion, but I accepted without question the respect that the country has always accorded her. After all, she doesn't hog the limelight the way other politicians do. She prefers to contribute in her no-frills ways, like attending a national event then quietly leaving afterwards, without bothering the public with news interviews about how great she was for being there. And, among the country's top leaders, who could I honestly say I believe did not cheat? Or stole? Cory. And her alone.

As the nation mourns her passing early today, I am presented with readings on her life and see for the first time the person behind the public figure. She is not just a former President, or Ninoy's widow, or Kris's mom or the living meaning of the color yellow. She was an ordinary person, with her own hopes and dreams. But unlike most of us who only have ourselves or our immediate families to take responsibility for, she had the nation's as well. She had the choice to turn her back, live her rich life and not bother with the extraordinary tasks. But she chose to give. To hear the call. To sacrifice.

She deserves all the love and high regard. And peace.

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Photo credit: Inquirer
Cory: Obituary

Staying Away

Will be staying away from cyberspace these days. Until some work is done. Might be lurking around (can't help it). But online time will have to be limited. Ah, discipline. Doesn't come as easy these days.