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Reality and Dreams: Singkwentay Sais, When History Repeats Itself

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     I have another Reality and Dreams moment when I felt as if history repeated itself once more.

     It was almost more than a year ago when a foreigner driving a car approached me while I was on my way home from school somewhere in Hulong Duhat (Hulo 4 short). He asked for directions on where to go. First thing I said to him that he mustn’t drive at the road he was in because he’s going the wrong way and it is a one-way road. Second, I told him the route on where to go to Monumento, which costed me a lot of English to say that he needs to turn left out to Gen. Luna Street just before he could go pass the Aglipayan church in Concepcion and turn right to Gov. Pascual straight. Third, I told him to ask any traffic enforcer to help lead him into his destination.

   Now for this time around, I was walking distance away from my subdivision: Just got out from a jeepney I was riding on, crossed the street and simply walk my way home. Just before I did that, a silver SUV passed by and stop. The window from the driver’s side opened and, turns out, a foreign wearing a turban called me out and asked me for directions.

Turban Guy: “Hey…Do you know where Polo Mercury Drug is?”

J: “Yes, you need to drive straight that way (pointing at M.H. Del Pilar Street) to get yourself here. You’ll see a sign that says ‘Mercury Drug’ at the side”

TG: “Ah OK, is it not the one over there pointing at the opposie direction of M.H. del Pilar, meaning the other Mercury Drug along Acacia, Malabon)”

J: “No it’s not…”

TG: “Is this ‘Arkong Bato’ (pointing downward)?”

J: “Yes, this whole area is Arkong Bato, you will have to go in that direction (pointing northward). You’ll end up in Polo. You know you’re there if you see a church, a plaa and a marketplace…”

TG: “Thank you very much!”

J: “Your Welcome!”

And there you have it! What’s next, a Dutch tourist?

 

 

akO pALa aNG pABOrITOnG eSpONgHE nG baYaN!

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Everyone has a personality of a cartoon character. Have you ever asked yourself what cartoon character do you most resemble?

A group of investigators got together and analyzed the personalities of well known and modern cartoon characters. The information that was gathered was made into this test.

Answer all the questions (only 10) with what describes you best, add up all your Points (which are next to the answer that you choose) at the end and look for your results.

Do not cheat by looking at the end of the e-mail before you are done.
Then forward this to all your friends (including the person who sent it to you) and change the subject of this message to what character are you.

1. Which one of the following describes the perfect date?
.a) Candlelight dinner (4 pts.)
.b) Fun/Theme Park (2 pts.)
.c) Painting in the park (5 pts)
.d) Rock concert (1 pt.)
.e) Going to the movies (3 pts.)

2. What is your favorite type of music?
.a) Rock and Roll (2 pts.)
.b) Alternative (1 pt.)
.c) Soft Rock (4 pts.)
.d) Country (5 pts.)
.e) Pop (3 pts.)

3. What type of movies do you prefer?
.a) Comedy (2 pts.)
.b) Horror (1 pt.)
.c) Musical (3 pts.)
.d) Romance (4 pts.)
.e) Documentary (5 pts.)

4. Which one of these occupations would you choose if you only could choose one of these?
.a) Waiter (4 pts.)
.b) Professional sports player (5 pts.)
.c) Teacher (3 pts.)
.d) Police (2 pts.)
.e) Cashier (1 pt)

5. What do you do with your spare time?
.a) Exercise (5 pts.)
.b) Read (4 pts.)
.c) Watch television (2 pts.)
.d) Listen to music (1 pt.)
.e) Sleep (3 pts.)

6. Which one of the following colors do you like best?
.a) Yellow (1 pt.)
.b) White (5 pts.)
.c) Sky blue (3 pts.)
.d) Dark Blue (2 pts.)
.e) Red (4 pts.)

7. What do you prefer to eat?
.a) Snow (3 pts.)
.b) Pizza (2 pts.)
.c) Sushi (1 pt.)
.d) Pasta (4 pts.)
.e) Salad (5 pts.)

8 What is your favorite holiday?
.a) Halloween (1 pt.)
.b) Christmas (3 pts.)
.c) New Year (2 pts.)
.d) Valentine’s Day (4 pts.)
.e) Thanksgiving (5 pts.)

9. If you could go to one of these places which one would it be?
.a) Paris (4 pts.)
.b) Spain (5 pts)
.c) Las Vegas (1 pt)
.d) Hawaii (4 pts)
.e) Hollywood (3 pts)

10.. With which of the following would you prefer to spend time with?
.a) Someone Smart (5 pts.)
.b) Someone attractivs (2 pts.)
.c) Someone who likes to Party (1 pt.)
.d) Someone who always has fun (3 pts.)
.e) Someone very sentimental (4 pts.)

Now add up your points and find out the answer you have been waiting for!

Put your character in the subject line and forward to your friends and back to the person that sent this to you.

It is very interesting to see “who” your friends are!

(10-16 points) You are Garfield:
You are very comfortable, easy going, and you definitely know how to have fun but sometimes you take it to an extreme. You always know what you are doing and you are always in control of your life. Others may not see things as you do, but that doesn’t mean that you always have to do what is right. Try to remember, your happy spirit may hurt you or others.

(17-23 points) You are Snoopy:
You are fun, you are very cool and popular. You always know what’s in and you are never are out of style You are good at knowing how to satisfy everyone else. You have probably disappeared for a few days more than once but you always come home with the family values that you learned Being married and having children are important to you, but only after you have had your share of fun times

(24-28 points) You are Elmo:
You have lots of friends and you are also popular, always willing to give advice and help out a person in need. You are very optimistic and you always see the bright side of things. Some good advice: try not to be too much of a dreamer. Dreaming too big could cause many conflicts in your life.

(29-35 points) You are Sponge Bob Square Pants:
You are the classic person that everyone loves. You are the best friend that anyone could ever have and never wants to lose. You never cause harm to anyone and they would never not understand your feelings. Life is a journey, it’s funny and calm for the most part. Stay away from traitors and jealous people, and you will be stress free.

(36-43 points) You are Charlie Brown:
You are tender, you fall in love quickly but you are also very serious about all relationships. You are a family person. You call your Mom every Sunday. You have many friends and may occasionally forget a few Birthdays. Don’t let your passion confuse you with reality.

(44-50 points) You are Dexter:
You are smart and definitely a thinker… Every situation is fronted with a plan. You have a brilliant mind. You demonstrate very strong family principles. You maintain a stable routine but never ignore a bad situation when it comes. Try to do less over thinking every once in a while to spice things up a bit with spontaneity!

Now don’t spoil it! Have some Fun!! Change the subject of the email to what you are and send it on

Media High Life – Philippines

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To future journalists out there, you should learn a thing or two about the evils of sensationalism gripping Philippine Journalism. This video was made more than tem years ago but te situation still hasn’t changed…
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Feb 1996
Rough, raw and competitive – that’s journalism in The Philippines.

TV Patrol, the most popular Programme leads the way with sensational stories and starstruck scandals. Imelda Marcos, overthrown a decade ago, is now a big Filipino personality. She even cracks jokes about her shoes. Chris Aquino, daughter of Cory, is Manila’s answer to Oprah Winfrey. Much to her mother’s disgust, she delights her audience with a kiss and make up session with Marcos’s son, Bong Bong. Father Jim Reuter and journalist Sheila Coronel are among the few dissenting voices who call for a more responsible media. But with its new found freedom, it looks like the media will continue to rebel for some time yet. />/>/>

No Strings Attached-The Last Bow (Part 2)

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 I never put my heart really into practicing violin because of my parent’s expectations for me to be good by constant practice. They have to know that because of the kind of routinic schedule I had in high school, it leaves no room for me to practice at any given time I choose. If there is such, I usually spend it on purely rest.

    Though I am that way, i make sure that I know what I am playing. To do this, I would always memorize my pieces by simply reading the notes (basic notes for violin is usually easier than piano). It proved to be very substantial as I was able to put into heart my Suzuki pieces easier so the problem on playing properly is my main concern now.

   My instructor noticed my improvement and that’s what motivated me to continue staying in St. Cecilia much longer. It was because of this that I dropped everything attached to my name (except to TKD for which I tried to rejoin but something happened bad).

   Anyway, it seems that after being into violin for so long I finally ad the chance to prove my worth as a violinist when St. Cecilia had its Christmas recital for which Fred was also a part of (that was the time I invited people from II-MOF to come over and watch but none came). Almost there really but not quite yet.

   Next recital occured a few days after I graduated high school. PIeces I played were Andantino and Perpetual Motion in G Major.

Biggest jaw-dropper was my attempt to to continue to study violin while on my first year in college but my being a member of the CSB DebSoc makes it difficult for to committ to either one of them. So in favor of what wieghted the most to my heart, I chose to drop DebSoc and continue on with St. Cecilia.

My most recent recital was earlier last April where I played Etude and J.S. Bach’s Minuet 1 with piano acompaniment from Sir Jun, Fred’s teacher. And I got a plaque of recognition for being a part of St. Cecilia.

The thought of leaving resurfaced again sooner after. And after putting much thought into it, I decided that I should quit violin.

Quitting violin doesn’t mean that I’m going to completely let go of something that became a part of me for the past four years. It was because of he sense of fulfillment and achievement that I felt the moment something that I do got recognized by many.

I have to delay my announcement to my instructor who was there for me all these years because I will have another recital this June in QC. Sir Jomar was a great teacher, a good friend, and good to have conversations with. I shared to him all my thoughts about everything from school to family to anything out of the ordinary. So I owe him a lot so  will give my best so that all those years of hard work and sacrifice won’t put to waste.

I don’t have any regrets at all but praises that I was able to prove something for myself. To prove that I can stay on to one thing and practically love it in the process.

Napatunayan ko na sa sarili ko na mayroong bagay na talagang mapapnindigan ko sa ganoong katagal na panahon. Masakit man na iiwan ko na ito, ang mga alaala ay mananatiling magpapataba sa puso ko.

I will always have a special place for the violin. PEACE!

No Strings Attached-The Last Bow (Part 1)

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    After close to four years, I have made what could one of the biggest decisions in my life: quitting violin. Yeah, seems so low and unworthy to be called as such but the truth is, this wasn’t the first time I decided to quit violin for good.

 

    It all started way back in July 2004, 2nd year high school. Ms. Mangali who used to be my music teacher in 1st year handed out flyers for those interested to join the St. Cecilia Music Studio. It offers lessons in voice, guitar, piano, and violin. I was rather intrigued by their violin lesson offer as unlike the rest, it is a very unconventional instrument at a time when the youth of today take interest in learning how to sing, to play the guitar, and of course to play the piano (a long tradition of piano tutoring have been passed down to us from my mom’s side of the family whose relatives were exposed to learning piano).

   At that time, my mom had me signed up for piano lessons without my permission which coincided with me joining the St. Cecilia Music Studio. I still remember my first session with my instructor, Sir Jomar. There was traffic on the way to school so I have to walk my way across Maysilo until I got to ride a tricycle in Tonsuya to take me straight to Bayan/San Agustin.

   I signed up for a group lesson and initially there were three of us. Ate Kristine Lacqueo of Batch 2006 and of course, the future guitarist of FOREPLAY, Kelvin. The two of them then were of a higher playing level as I was still new to violin, a neophyte. In third year, Kristine had to drop out citing problems with her inevitable thesis project for Ms. Flores’ Fundamentals of Research (for which I got an A- when I passed my thesis a year later). Keb, however, simply dropped himself out. So I was the only one left.

   Usual training starts with a warm-up by right-hand and arm in bowing position and trying to play out a string starting from the C-string, then D, then G, then E followed by set of “Hanon”-like fingering exercises called SEVCIK (I dread SEVCIK but it’s the only to correct my fingering especially the pinky). After that was WOLFAHRT, a training book for violin beginners where I play out a set of notes setted up as a musical piece. Last but not least is the playing of the Suzuki pieces where I played Sinichi Suzuki-modified versions of existing violin pieces.

   I always have the thought of leaving violin as early as the year I was starting out. But there were a lot of factors that affected my decision-making. Pressure from my parents is one, another is the fact that my parents invested a relatively pricey violin for me to enroll for this so I stayed on (so I put all my dread to piano which I continued until earlier last year).

It was kinda embarassing for me to have people know that I’m studying violin. It actually comes out in their minds that I’m good at it but it’s not as easy as i really seems. Take a look at the poor girl from Music Ministry who plays violin during masses, many students poked fun at her for playing poorly. The truth is, you can’t expect somebody like her, a young violinist to play ala Paganini right away. It takes years of practice to really master the art of violin.

   

The CSB Experience 2: Akala ni Sheena ay Yung Malaking Matipuno

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    Last Saturday, I went to school for my actual first and only class for that particular day (not counting my 6 days-a-week BMAT last summer) which is PETWODA (Dance). I wonder if my last prof for the week would a a guy or a woman since I had for the past threen terms of my stay in CSB a ratio of women to men professors fixed at 5-6:2-3 (1st term: Sir Raffy, Sir Intecom/Gepsych, 2nd: Sir Intecom/Gepysch, Sir Vincent, Sir Erwin, 3rd: “Coach”, Sir Comsk2x. For the 1st term so far, I have at least one male professor and the rest are females.

    Turns out, I have another male professor in Petwoda and the female prof that day was a substitue.  Now I wonder who among the PE guys profs I see almost everywhere everyday would be…As long as he bears the name “Conrado Contrera”.

    During C-break last Wednesday a PE professor (obvious as he was wearing jogging pants, typical for those under PE) accidentally dropped a copy of his PE core syllabus. I picked it up and surprised that it was a copy of the Petwoda syllabus. I gave it back to him the paper and he thanked me then went on to his way. First thought: He might be the “Conrado Contreras” that I was looking for.

    I then asked Hoogie who is his prof in Petwoda and he said it’s a guy. I asked if he goes by the name “Conrado”, he said yes. I asked if that guy matches the decription of the person I saw in the Caf earlier, he said yes.

    A day later, I was having lunch at the Caf again, this time seating next to Sheena and Aje (They’re waiting for Inna and Jenny who both have all of their classes in SDA). Aje left for a while, and I was stucked with Sheena. we then talked about our Petwoda professors. And when I specifically described my prof as “matipuno ang katawan”, the first thing came in her mind “Matipuno?”. She aksed if the guy was buff, I said “Pretty much..”. She said that it could be the bodybuilder PE prof that I was talking about. I thought about it at first but it wasn;t him.

    I do see that professor Sheena was talking about everyday as well but he’s too big for just being “matipuno ang katawan”. And I couldn’t really imagine a bodybuilder dancing very gracefully (a myth among fitness buffs that is still a center of debate).

    Well anyway, I’ll be able to know who is actually Mr. Conrado Contreras when I do get to meet him today at school.