The CSB Experience 2: Confirmed (The Last One)

       Wow! After 10 years and 2 months since I had my First Holy Communion, I finally got to become a confirmed Roman Catholic, 10 years and 2 months later.

      I've been urging my mom during those yeas to have me have my kumpil/confirmation for the sake of completing my initiation as a Catholic. Not that I'm deeply religious and all, but as I get older, so does the greater urgency to undergo in the eventuality that I might get married.

      I hate my youngest brother. He get to have his before I do a couple of months back, when my old high school alma mater finally realized the need to confirm their more than 100 unconfirmed students!

      Good thing that CSB usually offers a "Kumpilang Bayan"/"Mass Confirmation" every February of the year or else I won't be able to time feast days on the two parishes both near my house.

    The only thing I remembered from the confirmation yesterday beside getting myself a new haircut and dress all up in a formal attire is being slapped all of a sudden by the bishop (not Cardinal Rosales). Although I expect a slap from him, I didn't saw that hard of a slap coming. It just came out of nowhere! Hahahaha!

J Pics D40 Pics: Abo, Still Life, Will, Skateboard, Elevator, Gupit, Kumpil

Pics taken in a duration of three days from Wednesday until early Friday.

1. Still Life-Fotogra Class with Ms Dolly
2. Will-Si Will pumayag na kunan ko siya ng litrato.
3. Skateboarding-May kaganapang nangyayari sa Plaza V kaya sinubukan kong kunan ng pics iyung mga nagskeskate board. ISO: 200, and Shutter Speed set at 1/500 sec
3. Elevator-May class ako ng 2:45, nakarating ako ng SDA 2:30. haba nang pila. Bored ako kaya nagtake ako ng pictures habang nakalinya sa isa sa mga pasukan ng elevator sa lobby.
5. Miyerkules ng Abo-Kinunan ko sarili ko with a cross made of ash imprinted on my forehead.
6. Gupit-Nagpagupit ako the next day in prepartion for my confirmation. Thus I retract my previous statement that I'll be keeping my hair uncut until later before summer vacation.
7. Kumpil-The day of the confirmation. I took a picture of myself in my room, in full semi-formal wear. Yey!

Gran Torino

Rating:	★★★★
Category:	Movies
Genre:	Drama

Finally, I get to watch a movie initiated by me and watched solely by me. The moment I saw the trailer of the movie, Gran Torino, on Studio 23's News Central, I knew that once it's out in theaters, I'm watching. Too bad that because of me being so excited and anxious, I read a spoiler over the internet which kinda ha me already knew what the ending may look like. Nevertheless, I still enjoyed the film.

I failed to watch Gran Torino at the very beginning but was able to at get to the film's developing storyline. The movie is about Walt, a typical cranky old man who lives next door. He's a former Korean war veteran who hates people who touches his property, including his prized Gran Torino. His wife recently passed away and his immediate family, from his two sons to his grandchildren, shows no respect whatsoever to him nor his late wife. Later in the movie, he regretted being unable to know his own kids (which led to his kids' total show of disrespect towards their own father). He lives in a neighborhood that is increasingly becoming populated by immigrants from different parts of the world. Many of his neighbors are Hmong, a hill people from Southeast Asia.

Everything changes when a gang of Hmong delinquent had a young teenaged Hmong named Thao undergo an initiation by stealing Walt's Gran Torino. Walt was able to caught him while he aims a shotgun towards the "gangbangers". In order to pay of his crime, Thao spent 2 weeks to serve Walt by cleaning his housek hsi neighbor's house, garden, wash his car, the works. Eventually, the two got close, almost like a father-and-son relationship. Walt also brokered a firendship with Thao's sister, Sue, who explained to him the ways of the Hmong.

Things turns nasty when the Hmong gangsters went to Thao for revenge and had a still burning cigarette butt marked the poor boy's face. Walt retaliated by ganging up against one of the members, presumably Thao's cousin. The gang fired back, literally, at Thau's house. He almost got shot while Sue was unknowingly attacked and later raped by the same gang.

Unable to forgive himself for what happened, Walt (who by that time, knew that he's suffering from lung cancer) made a clever plan on pinning down the gangsters without blood being spilled other than his. He made it looked like as if he was reaching for a gun beneath his jacket to the gang without them knowing that he was merely reaching out for his lighter to light his cancer stick (while at the same time performing "Hail Mary"). Unknowingly deceived, they shot him several times before he collapsed to the green lawn in a "crucified" position, complete with blood spilling from his hands.

The gang got arrested after witnesses around the neighborhood saw what happened. In his final will, Colt passed down all his properties, including the Gran Torino to his friend Thau (much to the dismay of his family, who never really cared for the poor old man). The film ends as Thau drives away with his "new" car.
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Review:

I'm all praises with almost everything about the film. The characters, the story, even the production values embedded into the film. You can't call Clint Eastwood a director for nothing!

I like the quirky interactions between the character Walt and Sue as well as the familial bond formed between him and Thau. His interactions with the largely multicultural characters also contributed with the development of Walt, from becoming a cranky old man to a caring and humane individual.

Speaking of humane, I could see hints of Clint Eastwood itching to do some action pack stunts at any given moment of the film but fortunately, it was cleverly avoided as Clint's character was never shown using his gun other than merely holding it. This is a vast departure to the actor's past portrayal of characters that always go for gold with the guns, goons and sex. Plus, as comic relief, we see that other than his constant irritation with his neighbors, he has this failing for chicken dumplings :D.

The two other central characters, Thau and Sue, were also convincing, proving that there are young actors that could also go to the same intensity of effectively portraying characters with an essence of realism. (The character Sue looks like Gaby dela Merced if you ask me). In the case of Thau, the kind of talent he has is still kind of raw but given the opportunity to portray offbeat roles in future films, he can do wonders.

On the technical aspect, I noticed that the film is about 80% percent void of music scoring. Having no background music could bore viewers but the film was able to fill that void with fast and effective pacing , with BGM added when necessary. The use of cool colors as hue greatly supported the mood and setting of the movie (living in a town somewhere in the Midwest).

I also noticed though a kind of time transition between certain scenes. There was this scene which is set to a day after the previous sequence then after less than a minute, proceeded to the next sequence set a day later. It's not exactly a negative nor a positive thing but I feel like either one of the scenes felt unnecessary to be included on the final cut. The two sequences are: 1)the one where Thau repeatedly pressed the doorbell while Walt was in the bathroom, coughing up blood, and 2) we are forwarded to a scene where we see Walt coming out from his truck that he had just parked it outside his home.

Unlike other mainstream films produced by the US, Gran Torino's cast are 90% non-white, showcasing the reality of America's changing dynamics (which began with the influx of non-English immigrants in the United States, if you recall your world history), becoming increasingly diverse, shaping American society as a whole (Never got tired of saying that). Clint did the same thing when he had a predominantly Japanese cast (and those of Japanese-descent) for "Letters from Iwo Jima")

Nonetheless, I'm satisfied with what I saw: the smooth and well-paced flow of the movie, never a boring scene nor an action-packed sequence that Clint Eastwood fans would usually expect from the award-winning actor/director/producer, and the ability of Clint Eastwood himself to really dwell on unfamiliar territory, drama (although his potential to do drama was already seen in his two previous films, "Flags of Our Fathers", and "Letters from Iwo Jima").

"Gran Torino" is definitely worth your money!

The CSB Experience 2: Oh Heck No! Mizzed Opportunities

         Drats! I was realy looking forward for the last few midterm exams I had for this week, especially for this Monday. I really prepared myself, anticipating that I'd conquer all the remaining examinations I had for that day.

       I was actually looking forward to it instead of being happy that it's a school holiday. Hey, can you blame me if I was expecting a lot, only to discover later that all what I anticipated for anxiously went to waste. All for nothing!

   A lot of things to look forward to, but because of that stupid declaration of a school holiday on the 23rd instead of the 25th, looks like there's nothing to look forward for at all (except midterms will have to move another week, next week to be exact).

On a lighter note, there's no more a reason for me to be scared.

Then again...it's enlistment week!

Namatay Ako sa Huling Balita

      Kakaiba kung paano gumagana ang news feed sa'kin, laging delayed. Kung kailan nalalaman ko ang isang balita, alam na pala ng mas nakakarami matagal na! May iba na hindi tsismoso gaya ko pero nalalaman nila bago ako kung ano ang mga kaganapn sa buhay ng ibang tao. Ang weird!

*Blind Item Mode*

Hindi ko na babanggitin ko pero heto iyung mga balita na natanggap ko na sobra sa sobrang late nung time na umabot na sa tainga ko ang mga kaganapang iyon.

1. May naging sila
2. May di naging sila
3. May nangyari
4. May nagdrop out
5. May bumalik
6. May umalis
7. May nabuntis
8. May nanganak
9. May out na daw
10. May nagmigrate
11. May umuwi abroad
12. May nagdrop-out
13. May na-kick out
14. May lumipat sa ibang school
    
15. May nagshift ng course sa college
16. May nag-away
17. May pumayat
18. May natutong nanigarilyo
19. May natutong uminom
20. May tumino
21. May nahirapan
22. May hinihalal
23. May nagtatrabaho na
24. May nagka-lisensya na
25. May tumaba

  Hindi naman sa tsismoso ako, pero iyung fact na marami na ang alam na nangyari nito at ako nalalaman ko lang months later (the longest would be about 4 years). That would have meant, I was clueless when such an event was occuring at the time. It kinda make youself think "Where the heck have I've been when all of these was going on?".

Weird!

The CSB Experience 2: Ang Kapal Mo...BUHOK!

        Generally, when a person finished high school and later advances to college, he gains his human right to finally be allowed to have a major make-over come his freshman year. That includes having to either dye, blowdry, hot oiled, shaved, or elongate that thing we called hair.

     For almost 10 years, we have been subjugated to follow a dress code that include having to know the limit of a hair's length for girls and what haircut/hairstyle is deemed decent for boys. College frees us from the chains brought by this dress code to finally show off and enjoy the remaining years of our adolescence before we eventually have face the realities of life.

      For the longest time, I've been somewhat playing safe on the kind of haircut that I have now. I made an attempt to prolong my hair and made a visit to a hair salon to try a different hairstyle. But instead of boosting my confidence, it became more of a disaster as I felt uncomfortable with the site of my hair getting all not-so-"High School Musical".  In short, I didn't feel myself when I had that haircut.

     I also tried using hair gel, hair wax, and even men's hair conditioner but the same kind of discomfort eventually forced me to completely stop on experimenting on how I want my hair to look. Since then, I got stuck with my old high school hair but no longer on the same timeline on when I should have my hair cut (from monthly to every two-three months).

     So far, I hadn't got a fresh haircut since the last time I had one back in December 30, 2008 (Lolz!). It's already mid-February and I could already see my hair getting thick and all. But the most noticeable probably was the forming "hair tail" coming from the back of my head.

      No, I'm not planning on adopting an emo look with the long emo-bangs hiding one half of my face! I could make my hair look a very retro ala "Dekada Sisenta", the so-called "Beatle Hair". But I'm not planning on going to a salon to make it look as such, I could let it grow thicker as it is.

     However, it's way out of the question if I go after the hairstyles of those Asian singing superstars. I'm so not gonna do that. Sooner or later, I will have to get myself a haircut but not now. Maybe at term's end should I do that.

      I think I'm somewhat insecure when it comes to hair. I don't like putting on gel nor wax or even having to undergo a fancy haircut. Such insecurity kinda limits me to express my individuality. Although I'm not gonna go with those who do that literally, I will have to project the things that shouts "ME" in all aspects, from looks, clothing, skills, etc. without the need to identify myself with other groups (emos, lolitas, gothing lolitas, rockers...).

    It's okay if it's not that necessary to attempt something like that, but I'd love to do so for the sake of remembering my soon-to-end teenage years as middle-aged man. Hehehehe! Something  I would look back and be proud that I didn't have to ride on what's trendy at the time.

*I would like to use the photo posted above as an example of how some people are able to successfully transition from high school to college.

The CSB Experience 2: HOLY DOG! Alang-ala kay M.A.(Lasallian Arts Month)

I would like to invite you guys to watch "Banal na Aso". Yes, a very creepy name for a seemingly creepy theater production. Hehehe.

It's worth a fraction of the cost, Php150.

Show times are at 1pm and 7pm, this coming Thursday February 26, 2009 at the Augusto-Rosario Gonzales Theater (CSB Main Theater).

This is a part of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde's month-long celebration of Lasallian Arts Month.

Piano Recital

Start:	Feb 22, '09
Location:	Philamlife Auditorium, UN Avenue

Tutugtog si Albert Siochi. Nood rin sana kayo :D

Aspirations

        Naiinis ako minsan sa sarili ko. Ewan ko ba, siguro kasi minamaliit ko masyado ang mga kakayahan ko na sa puntong hindi ko na-realize na mayroon pala akong mga ganon.

      Ang dami kong aspirations sa buhay, at kung minsan, nangangarap rin ako na maging kagaya ng mga kakilala kong may espesyal na talento, maging ang mga kinatatayuan nila sa buhay, karerang pinanhahawakan nila at estado ng buhay nila sa ibang aspeto.

       Tawagan mo akong envious pero personal trait ko na 'ata iyon at hindi na mawawala iyon sa'kin. Binulag ako ng inggit sa mga tunay kong kakayahan at pinagsisihan ko iyon. Ang baba tuloy nang pagtingin ko sa sarili ko.

      Sinisikap ko naman na hindi isipin kung ano ang meron sila kasi nasa kanila iyon eh, hindi kailanman mapupunta sa'kin. Nais ko man abutin ang mga minimithi ko, kailangang paghirapan ko iyon, hindi aasa't aantay laang ng milagro na parang instant pot money na basta-basta lang sumusulpot kung saan-saan lang.

     Hawak ko ang buhay ko, hawak ko ang kapalaran ko. kontrolado ko kung ano ang nakalaan para sa'kin kaya sisikapin ko talaga na matupad ang mga aspirasyon ko.

Peebles Lab

http://peebleslab.com/

Once two students took physics
They made silly jokes all day for kicks
Disproving gravity
No our childhood wasn't depravity
We just liked learning
And as the Earth kept turning
We just kept asking why
And we'll be searching 'til we die
'Til we meet the Spirit in the Sky
He'll tell us the final digit of pi
No answers to us will He deny
So take up the quest, and you too try
Off science, that's how we get high

So long, and thanks for all the fish...

Harang Bastos Gulo Bata

    Mahaba ang pasensya ko, kahit gaano man ako inaasar ay hindi naman ako ganong nagrereact hanggang sa overboard na ang mga pinaggagawan nilang kagag*han sa'kin. Pero nung Tuesday ng gabi, ibang kaso na iyon.

    Pauwi na ako mula sa eskwela habang naglalakad sa may harapan ng Araneta Square sa Caloocan. Bigla na lang may batang tambay (diyes anyos ang edad) na mukhang mababangga ko na sa harapan ko  kaya umiwas na ako sa direksyon niya kaso mukhang niloloko ako nang batang iyon. Akalain pa naman, sinasadya niyang mangharang nang dararaanin ng tao?

     Hanggang sa nanipis na ang pasensya ko, sinigawan ko na iyung bata't tinatanong kung ginagag* ba niya ako. Kung maari lang sana, eh kukurutin ko iyung tainga nang bata para matuto ng leksyon kaso hindi lang kasi bata naman eh.

    Nasa may kabilang banda na ako ng Samson Road kung saan ako tumawid. Bago man ako dumiretso patungo sa sakayan ng jeep sa may bandang McArthur Highway, tinignan ko iyung kabilang panig ng Samson kung nangugulo pa iyung lintek na batang iyon sa ibang mga commuters kaso mukha ngang ginagawa pa rin niya.

    Inisip ko na isumbong siya sa mga nakapatrolyang mamang pulis para matutunan ng leksyon ang batang iyon na walang modo sa wakas.

     Hmmm...Makikita ko pa kaya iyon?

J PIcs D40 PIcs: Try to Motion Blur Again and Again!

Latter pics I used bulbing as suggested

Not sure if I got all of them right :D

Eternal Steakside

Me and the family celebrated my Lola's 82nd birthday last Sunday. We started off by paying our respects to her in Eternal Gardens in Novaliches then later on having lunch over at Steakside in Concepcion, Malabon :D

The CSB Experience 2: YeZ, No Doubt About It

    Yes. What I thought exactly a week ago turns out to be true. The person I met when I visited my friend's workplace months ago is not a mere acquiantance of sort to one of my professors. He also happens to be one of them.

And now, I'm scared!

Sangandaan...CAMANA at VA

SANGANDAAN...CAMANA at VA


Gusto namin i-share sa inyo
ang munting kuwento aming handog.
Tungkol sa sa'ming barkada
na mahilig umarangkada.

Daan dito, daan doon
Kahit saan ka man, naroroon.
Kami ay mga kabataan
Ineenjoy lamang ang pagiging bata

Ginabi mula sa pagkadapithapon,
kami ay nagtipun-tipon.
Ito ay para aming mapasyalan,
ang hilaga nang Kamaynilaan.

Nagsimula kami sa Divisoria,
Usad pagong dala ng trapik na 'di kaaya-aya.
Deretso bigla sa kalye Mabini,
lagpas patungo sa unang dadaanin.

Ang Caloocan na tigdadalawa,
isang dumi, isang tingkad.
Aming nadaan, simbahan ng San Roque
Maging ang Maypajo na katabi ay palengke.
Monumento tsaka namin pupuntahan
saka na lang, matapos ang lahat.

Umikot kami na desididong
Malabon ang susunod na aming ihahabol.
Pagbaba ng tulay, San Agustin ang aming binati.
Kung saan karamihan sa amin ay dito na lumaki
Aming nakita, ang Aleman na San Bartolome
Palagay namin, naggugudtaym ang mga paniki.
Liko sa kaliwa ay aming ginawa,
Kalye Gen. Luna ang aming tinahak.

Mula Concepcion ay lumiko sa kanan,
dumiretso bigla sa may abenida.
Doon sa daan, aming nakita
ang sikat na Nanays na pag-aari ng aming kaibigan.
Bukod doon ay ang dating palaisdaan,
na ngayon ay squatter na.

Francis Market ang aming abot,
alas nuwebe na ang basa ng orasan ko.
Liko kami sa kaliwa sa kalyeng mahaba.
M.H. Del Pilar, iyon ang pangalan ng daan.

Lagpas sa Maysilo, Santulan at Panghulo
Aming nadatnan ang isang higanteng arko.
Simbolo nang kasaysayan, hindi mawawala
'Yan ang palatandaan,
na kami'y nasa Valenzuela na.

Nung una akala namin ay kami'y nasa lalawigan
Mapuno, matahimik, iyon ang aming nakita.
Rebulto nang isang bayani ang aming nadaanan
may Mango Grill na tuwing gabi ay palaging bukas.
Pagdati sa Polo, malayo pa kami sa pinakadulo.
Tumawid patungong Mabolo, Pasolo at Coloong.

Pagdating sa Malanday, aming pinasya
na pagliko sa kanan, kami'y maghahanda.
'Lang gaanong sasakyan, 'lang gaanong sidecar
Kotse namin, tinodo bilis ang andar.
Kami ay napasigaw, sa sobrang tuwa at saya.
Sana lang ay hindi na to magwakas.

McArthur Highway ang aming dinaan,
Nilagpas ang San Miguel, maging South Supermarket
Kita namin ang SM pati na rin ang Fatima
Tullahan ay tinawid gamit ang tulay na bagong bukas lamang.

Hanggang sa dulo ng daan, hindi kami titigil.
Samahan ng barkada ay hindi mapipisil.
Lumipas man ang panahon, kami'y magkukrus ng landas
Tandaan lamang namin na kami ay nagsasangandaan.



WAKAS

Pinakamasayang Valentine's Day!

     As was the first 17 years of my life, my 18th Valentine's Day came and went without me having much of a love life.

       But what made it quite interesting was I celebrate it with the company of friends, classmates and students.

      I had NSTPCWS throughout much of the day. We were assigned to serve and teach some 20+ grade school students as young as 6 and as old as 14 in the isolated community of Baseco Compound in Port Area, Manila. To make the long story short, I had a great time with the kids, not to mention seeing the smiles of my other groupmates: Simon, Topher, Judge, GM and Raymond, all of them who were so in glee.

   We left the place in high spirits, compared to the not so satisfying feeling we all had early in the morning.
 
    As the sun sets at dusk, I headed north to meet up with Jeco and friend for something he'd been concocting. We met up in MC Square (Malabon Citisquare) and with him were Dianne, MR, Yoko, Chamy and Mark. Jeco now has his license a months back thus he's able to drive one of his family's cars (I assume).

    We all had dinner together then went on to the reason of our gathering. Jeco want us to share our critical analysis as a consumers on a couple of ad campaign he and his group in DLSU-M been working on, entitled "Focus Group Discussion".  His presentation was produced using Keynote.

     Each of the ad campaigns were all about this certain product, composed of a couple of TVC and print ads. Questions were asked and r "full, honest-to-goodness" answers were given.

      Nevertheless, we had such a good time. Special circle of arts and marketing-oriented students summoned to become the greatest force of critics beyond time and space. LOL

   Yes, I may be tired from all tht has happened but I've never felt this happy. Even if I've yet to see the only one for me, at least I now have a reason to celebrate Valentine's.

J Pics D40 Pics: CP#5 Motion Blur (Supposedly)

Shutterspeed on the first set of pictures (those taken in the early afternoon) was set on 1/125 sec and below while for those taken at night, the shutter speed was increased, ranging from 10 to 30 sec. Still experimenting though. I set the D40 to A mode because when it's on M (Manual), the shots are very dark, no matter how high or low I adjust the shutter speed nor does so in the aperture.

Guys, I wanna know if I did a good job even if many aren't that perfect :D

Over the Green Fields: POPS goes the weasel

     Wow, every time I go to La Salle, I'd see people scattered on campus,, complete with booths lining up near their greenish football field ranging from the junior marketing org booth to the blood donation sign up booth.

      This time, it wasn't any different from the previous visit I made there. Probably because of some concert that would commence the next day thus the festivities galore all week.

      The reason though why I paid a visit to DLSU this time was because I wanted to inquire about joining one of DLSU's orgs (whose doors are open to CSB students). I was supposed to do this thing long ago but certain factors prevented me on going there in the first place. First of which is the effin' "manong mukhang aktibista" manning the visitor's booth on the South Gate.

    The org in question is the DLSU Pops Orchestra which, I heard, accepts students from the College of Saint Benilde. Those who get in receives the same kind of perks and privileges given to regular students.

    I went to CAO, the Cultural Arts Office (the DLSU equivalent of CSB's OCA), to ask when will Pops begin its recruitment period. The secretary manning the CAO said that I have to wait until next term so that I could sign myself up for Pops.

      A bummer, I left DLSU with high hopes that I could finally become a member of the orchestra and continue on with my violin training.

Yey!

J Pics D40 Pics: CP#4's Freeze Action

Set in 1/500 sec shutter speed and aperture ranging around f/3.5 to f/5.6

Shot in Bulacan

When Art Cannot Become Design

Thumbnails and banners made for Desncon

The CSB Experience: 3 Most Likely I Would Bump

Weird as it is, it's happening whenever I step inside the SDA Building. Three different people, 2 guys and a girl, I would always see at 50% of the time when I'm in the hallways, in every single floor I've been to up to now.


1. Mr. Pretty Boy-I remember this guy specifically. It was a a few days before my birthday, it was the last day of finals week, a Friday, and it was the day when I went into this media-talk seminar at the 12th floor SDA Cinema (the smaller one). This guy is one of the those who're organzing the event. I'm guessing he's either a 105, a 106, or a 107 (transferee possibly).

Since then I've been seeing him all around campus, especially late 2nd term and now 3rd term of the current year. I would bump into him in the elevator, at the lobby, the 10th floor hallway, the SDA Caf, outside the school near the supposed "No Smoking" area or even as far as in the CSB Theater in Main when we both attended a NSTPCWT Mass (meaning he's taking NSTP 2 as of the moment) that held there.

2. Mr. Blue Long-Sleeved Polo Guy with Glasses-The first meeting between me and this guy was way awkward. I was in 1008 netsurfing and I was not informed that the PC I was using I had it logged out from its previous user. The previous user (the Blue Polo guy) came back and saw me using that PC. He told me politely that he was still using it thus he left it with his account still logged on. I apologized, moved to another PC and went on with my life. However, just when I was about to leave, I checked my bag and I was about to leave with it.

But it wasn't my bag. Turns out it's the guy's. I was so embarassed, I didn't have an idea of what I was doing. His bag looked exaclty like mine: big, 'strappy', and dark blue. I finally saw where my REAL bag is, which was right next to his. I took it and left the premises.

Since then, there have been instances that I would see him in places I don't expect him to be. Like Person Most Likely I would Bump Into #1, there'd be days where we would be in one place, like the hallway, the lobby and, this afternoon, at the Caf in SDA!

3. Miss 108 Gal-I'm not really used on being greeted upon in ways similar to how I would greet people. When I greet people, I mean it. It's a day-to-day routine that I had since grade school. But having the routine shot back at me was so much of a big surprise.

I met Miss 108 sometime after 1st term started. Since that initial meeting, she'd greet me when she sees me. There was also this time when I was being greeted by her but didn't recognized her (In college, you can't really expect sophomore to get the feeling of feeling "frosh"-y while still early in their second year). Kinda awkward being greeted by people a batch younger than me so I wasn't comfortable with it at first.

The appearances would continue well up until this time. It's only now that these instances have been decreasing but I now got the hang on being greeted instead of me greeting them younger dudes and dudettes. Most likely I'd see her would be a)lobby, b)elevator, c)SDA Caf, and d) 9th floor (the new 5th floor Mutien Marie Hall for ID 108).



---------------------

Do you find this weird or am I just paranoid? Noticing too few of a people you won't most likely hang out with but most likely you'd see his face around on campus the same way you'd see a hundred other faces walking the halls of Benilde.

The CSB Experience: Dad's Friend the Prof

    When I first saw him, I thought he looks someone very familair. I took a second look and realized it is him. No, he's not the one I was referring in my previous entry.

     Tito Bong is my dad's old buddy in college, and he, as of what I know about him, teaches art in a university in Bulacan. When I saw him again earlier this afternoon, I didn't hesitate and called out his name.

    Turns out, he's currently in his first term in his new teaching job. He's a prof fo Comgrap and Deskpub. Too bad though. Had I known he was teaching, I would have sign for his class instead of choosing a Deskpub prof who's been on-and-off in class for a few weeks already, which I have as my own. We haven't been doing heavy stuff which we should have been doing by now.

Last thing he said was "Say hello to your dad for me!" Hehehe...

The CSB Experience 2: Things People to Do to Make Money on the Streets

     Hehehe! Thank goodness. I was able to pull it off and finally succeeded on having my concept for Fotogra approved by Mrs. Ofrasio. Woohooo!

And now it's time to hit the books to gte myself prepared!

~Wow! Dilim...Brownout

Wow, nagbrownout for like 30 minutes! Hanggang Malanday, wala ring ilaw! Pare, ang daming lamok! Hindi ko matakbuhan kasi walang bentilador para ma-swept away sila!

Init pa lalo! Sayang, wala kaming aircon! Buti laptop ko may baterya pa! Saya!

Ang dilim rin, buti ang eklipse ang nagbigay liwanag sa dilim!

Dodz!

The CSB Experience 4: He Looks Zo Very Familiar

I'll hide some details since I don't want to have people guess right away who the person in question is.
----------

    I saw this guy: big, tall, kinda overweight, wears glasses and has Tsinoy eyes, sometime during the week. He was talking to someone I know as I was there the area where we were all in.

     I took a good look on the person and to me, he looks very familiar. So familiar he might just be whom I'm thinking.

     You see, there's this person I know who has the 2 of the coolest jobs in the world. He's sort of the "main man"  in subsidiary of a big-time firm. He's also a senior executive in his other occupation, being always up and early for 5-6 days a week in his workplace (or so says a friend).

     I never got to meet him personally but I've seen him a couple of times when I visited a friend who works in the same place as he (they're office-mates).

     Could it be a coincidence? Is it possible that he also go to CSB to teach? A lot of 'what ifs' definitely but knowing that I have the World Wide Web in my disposal, maybe I'd be able to get the answers for these questions.

    Or maybe just ignore it and imagine that I never saw him in the first place. Hehehe.....

Mini Fair 09

Love is in the air

Enjoy~

A Sense of Direction

           There have been few instances of me getting lost in unfamiliar territory but most of the time I don't. It has been a habit since childhood for me on going to unfamiliar places, places I haven't been in my whole life, nor been there for a very long time.

         I've made great progress with this experiment, having been in the deepest depth of several cities in the Metro, at least well within the radius of the North and as of late, Manila and pocket's of Quezon City, Makati, Mandaluyong, San Juan, and Pasay.

        At the same time, I somehow developed this kind of "third sense" wherein my sense of direction is as sharp as McGyver's keen eye for available alternate material. Kinda like some sort of a 'human compass'. I know when I am lost, but I know greatly when I'm not. I also take note of jeepney route plying in a certain area even if I'm not that familiar yet with that particular route.

      Finest example I guess would be the one that happened early this afternoon. Me and my NSTP groupmates were out looking for the ERDA Development Center found near Siena Colege-QC and the Del Monte Ave.-Banawe Ave. intersection. Despite only having limited clues as to how we could get ourselves there, we manage to get there with the help of some people we asked along the way. We were able to gather some clues and I was able to slowly piece them together.

Clues are the following:

1. We are to drop off in Araneta Ave. after passing by two traffic lights.
2. Turn to where the nearest Caltex gas station (we saw two) in Del Monte
3. Look for Siena College
4. Find Linao street before crossing Sta. Catalina street.

      Eventually we did find it and after fulfilling our reason of being there, the question now is this: How are we gonna get home?

     Of course, we don't want to walk our way back to Araneta because it's too darn long. However, I saw a jeep plying by, en route towards Munoz (aka Munoz Market in QC near EDSA-Congressional Rd.) and his route was TAFT/BUENDIA-MUNOZ so I figured we could ride a jeep en route to Manila by waiting on the other side of Del Monte.

     We did and the rest, they say, is history.

Ang yabang ah!

J Pics D40 Pics: Tripodiamus

Playing around with my new tripod. Last few pics are too bright because of overexposure I think.

Asthma Attack No. 3

          I already have my suspicions since yesterday. At first, it was the red nose-causing cold I had last Tuesday, then the next day was the sudden dry coughing  (Wednesday). Just before going to sleep, I began coughing out sticky fluid secreted by the mucus membranes (go figure, it's too gross).

    Today (Feb. 5, 2009), I had difficulty breathing. That's when I suspicions led me to conclude: I'm having an asthma attack again.

      Even if I knew that I'm already suffering having an attack, I don't want to tell my dad (who's at home) and my sister. Especially my dad, who would yell like "yadayadayadayadayada..." with his sermons and calling me "stupid" again for the nth time.

      I went to my pediatrician in Palasan for a check-up and after the diagnose, he told me that I was suffering from my asthma. To help relieve myself from my breathing problems, I took this drug that is supposed to be inhaled through the nose by way of a machine.
   
     I calmed me down, then I was given a prescription on what medicines should I use. I know from that point that I was to go back using a ventolin-induced inhaler.

   Now, the problem now lies on keeping my surrounding clean for me. My room is defintely guilty of being dusty. I don't have the time to clean my room in whole but probably during the summer, I'll be having one of my "spring cleaning" days in order to get a lot of things thrown out from the room so that there'd be little need for daily cleaning.

     What's uncontrollable though would be the elements found outdoors. Smoke belching coming from the vehicles, people smoking wherever I go, and dust coming out from nowhere.

Now that's where the inhaler comes in handy once I bring it to school :D.

The CSB Experience 2: "Take Time to Read: Help Iggy Villanueva fight against Leukemia"

I wanna share to you this post from the CSB section of Pinoy Exchange.com:

You might not know him, but might somehow; you already bumped or saw him around the campus. Even I don't know him personally; just recently I just knew he was once my classmate in my NATSC13 class back in my frosh days, which I infrequently noticed him because he is usually to be found together with his co-athletes at the backside of the classroom. Iggy Villanueva(ID 107) is a full academic scholar, an athlete, and a graduate of University of St. La Salle-Bacolod in his secondary school, He was diagnosed last January 6, 2009 with an ACUTE MYELOGENOUS LEUKEMIA. Just in little ways, if you're interested to donate blood just proceed to SAO-3rd floor Solomon, and help in the fund raising campaigns allotted for Iggy, purchase any t-shirt merchandises, ballers, that can be found in this site "iggy's friends"



A letter from iggy's mom


26 January 2009

OUR DEAREST FRIENDS…



I am so embarrassed to do this yet, I am humbling myself to ask…please read on…



January 6, 2009 was the worst day of my family’s life…our eldest son, IAN GABRIEL PICART VILLANUEVA, was initially diagnosed to have ACUTE MYELOGENOUS LEUKEMIA. It is already the 20th of January, and after a 2nd and even a 3rd opinion from different doctors, the diagnosis, sadly is still the same: ACUTE MYOLOGEOUS LEUKEMIA. To aggravate things even, he even has pneumonia. Thus, chemotherapy cannot start just yet. Untreated, he just has 4 months to live…



Treatment plan for Iggy includes at least 3 rounds of chemotherapy and bone marrow transplant! To date, we have already moved from 3 hospitals. Currently we are at National Kidney & Transplant Institute to save on cost.



Though we may belong to a middle income family, the medical expenses that have and are to be incurred is so staggering! The amount needed is about 5 Million …thinking of how many zeroes the figure has makes me want to give up...But I know I wont and I cant! I will do anything or everything to save my son to the best that I could. Sad but true, I have nothing…Whatever is left of our meager savings has all been used up. Time is essential. The bone marrow transplant will be performed 2-3 weeks from now, and I need funds to deposit before any treatment can be done.



I am literally alone…Its just Iggy & myself in the hospital. Friends & relatives come to visit but I cannot compel them to do more. I am a one woman army. Thank God that I have the laptop and my mind as a weapon…



Iggy, is a well rounded individual who I can say is an achiever. From grade school to college he is very athletic: red belter in taekwondo, track & field and basketball. An honor student from pre-school to college, a leader in his own ways.



As a mother, it breaks my heart that such potential should go into waste…He is so young…IT IS MY MOST FERVENT PRAYER THAT YOU BECOME PART OF THE CYCLE OF HEALING…IN ANY WAY POSSIBLE. I HOPE I AM NOT ASKING TOO MUCH. HUMBLY I AM ASKING ANY HELP THAT YOU CAN EXTEND MY FAMILY. WHATEVER MEANS WOULD BE MOST WELCOME. I may not be able to repay your kindness and generosity in this lifetime…but I am confident that God knows…



I am realistic enough to understand how difficult life is today. I am not asking for total dole-out. If at all, any of you are willing to loan me…I would forever be grateful. I promise to pay, although little by little, with interest even. Please…This is already a desperate cry for help… I just cant imagine what is to be…



May I also request continued PRAYERS THAT IGGY NOT GIVE UP, HOLD ON AND BE STEADFAST IN HIS WILL TO LIVE. Likewise, prayers THANKING FATHER GOD FOR THE HEALING.



Thank you very much for taking time out to read this letter. I know in my heart that you will be able to help me and my family one way or the other. May the Good Lord always bless you and your loved ones.





Respectfully,



VIVIEN ‘BENG’VILLANUEVA

Mother
09176201969

My Own Movie Franchise About Evil Nuns

This one came floating around my head for years already, out of the boredom in the middle of a dozy Calculus class back in high school. It's a set of films about evil nuns which I wanna produce when I become a bigtime filmmaker known for making hit low-budget but critically-acclaimed movies.

Although, there's already existing films that goes by that same concept, mine's different. It's a 30-film franchise and every installment is titled after some popular films, but tweaked to suit the mood of the movies, fitting for the "evil nun" concept. This is all for fun :)

The franchise's slogan is: "Pray Again..."

1. Evil Nun I: The Sorcerer's Nun
2. Evil Nun II: The Fellowship of the Nuns
3. Evil Nun III: The Dead Nun's Chest
4. Evil Nun IV: Army of Nuns
5. Evil Nun V: The Final Battle
6. Evil Nun VI: The Two Nuns
7. Evil Nun VII: A Tale of Two Nuns
8. Evil Nun VIII: Nuns of Prey
9. Evil Nun IX: The Brady Nuns
10. Evil Nun X: Nuns vs Jason
11. Evil Nun XI: NUNneriffic!
12. Evil Nun XII: Nun Wars
13. Evil Nun XIII: War of the Nuns
14. Evil Nun XIV: Are We There Yet?
15. Evil Nun XV: The Prisoner of Azkaban
16. Evil Nun XVI: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Nun
17. Evil Nun XVII: Sister Sister
18. Evil Nun XVIII: Sister Act
19. Evil Nun XIX: Brothers&Sisters
20. Evil Nun XX: You and Me Against the Nuns
21. Evil Nun XXI: Diary of the Nuns
22. Evil Nun XXII: Dawn of the Nuns
23. Evil Nun XXIII: Land of the Nuns
24. Evil Nun XXIV: Night of the Living Nuns
25. Evil Nun XXV: Step It Up!
26. Evil Nun XXVI: Nunbusters
27. Evil Nun XXVII: One Nun Only
28. Evil Nun XXVIII: Dreamnuns
29. Evil Nun XXIX: Clash of the Nuns
    
30. Evil Nun XXX: Ode to Joy/The Last Stand
    

La Lang

Wala magawa sa school

The CSB Experience 2: Tripodiamus

A late late entry but I'm gonna write about it anyway:

            For week 3 of Fotogra, Ms. Ofrasio gave us an introduction to the wonder tool that is the tripod. I forgot which brand it was but the units currently available at the 10th floor SDA are plenty in sight.

     At first try it was a bit difficult. I have to remove this certain piece and have it attach to the camera's bottom and later attach the whole thing onto the tripod. I also have to constantly adjust the "legs"  not only because I have to use it to obvious purposes but also because I have to bring it wherever place I want to take my pics with.

           However, I didn't maximize the tripod the first time I used it, thus when my CP#2 came out, I noticed that some of the pics taken (with aperture set between f/22-f/16 and shutter speed is below 1/60 per second) are blurry. That's when I decided to use the tripod for most of my newer set of pictures for CP#3.

     Getting into my creative side last Saturday, I took pics (this time, the aperture is set between f/2.8-f/1.8) that are extremely out of the ordinary thus it became less frequent to just hold the FM3a (even if shutter speeds of 1/125 per sec allows me to do so) and more on using the tripod. I'm hoping that this time, the quality of pictures would turn out good, despite "re"-shooting 24 pictures using a Konica film (which I know will turn out bad, unlike my usual use of YKL/Fujicolor film rolls).

      What made me happy right now is that a family friend gave me as a present this really neat 2nd-hand Sony remote-controlled tripod. It's essentially a tripod but, it is has RC capabilities that are compatible only with Sony cams when used.

         Nevertheless, I was inspired to do this sort of photography trick that one of my friends would do when bored :):).

Ang Saya!