Hi, Pham. How are you today? Me? I'm doing great. Please take care always and be happy in whatever path you take. See you when I see you.

Love lots, Jane.

Hello, Pham. Thank you. Take care.

Kalipay nga way utlanan

Wala gibati sa mga kabatan-onan sa Buena Oro ang kainit sa panahon para lang makatigom ug mga donasyon para sa mga biktima sa Bagyong Sendong.

Niadtong Disyembre 18, Dominggo, sugod alas 9 sa buntag hangtod alas 4 sa hapon, naglibot ang mga kabatan-onan sa Buena Oro, Southview Homes, ug Woodland para mangolekta ug mga donasyon. Labing kalipay na ang ilang nabati sa pagkakolekta nila ug sako-sakong mga donasyon gikan sa mga tawo nga gusto makatabang.

Ang mga donasyon gideretso ug hatod sa Immaculate Heart of Conception Parish sa Aluba para ihatod sa mga evacuation center.

Wala na naghulat ug ganti ang mga kabatan-onan. Ang ila lang gitagamtam, matud pa nila, nga ang ilang gamay nga hinabang makahatag ug dakong kalipay sa ilang mga igsuon hilabi na karong adlaw sa pasko.

DA BEST PASKO

               Sa sunod-sunod nga panghitabo sa Mindanao─pagbaha sa Cagayan de Oro, Negros Oriental, ug Iligan; ug ang pagdahili sa Compostella Valley─ akong nabati ang akong kabilinggan sa akong mga igsuon nga nabiktima ani nga mga trahedya.

                Disyembre 16 pa lang, nabati na namo ang dili maayo nga panahon sa lugar. Sa kakusog sa hangin ug sa dili na halos maagian nga dalan tungod sa nag panaw nga tubig, ako kauban akong higala nagpabilin nga pas-ong sa Limketkai Mall. Nilabay ang duha ka oras ayha mi nakasakay kauban ang uban pang mga pasahero nga pila na pud ka oras naghulat. Sa akong pagtuo, tapsing ra ang bagyo dinhi sa Mindanao. Wala man jud nako naandan nga ang Mindanao, hilabi na ang Cagayan de Oro, direkta nga maapektohan sa mga bagyo tungod sa nagpalibot nga mga bukid niini nga nagsilbi nga sagang aning mga katalagman.

Apan sinugdan ra diay ni sa kalbaryo sa akong mga igsuon. Ala una sa Disyembre 17, Sabado, usa ka di rehistrado nga numero ang nanawag sa ako. Natingala ko pero tungod kay naisturbo ang akong pagtulog, suko ko nga nitubag nga “Hello? Kinsa ni?!” Wala na ko kasabot sa akong buhaton sa pagkadungog sa tingog sa akong suod nga amiga nga nag hilak ug nangayo ug tabang. Dali nakong gipukaw akong magulang ug akong amahan. Dakong malas pa gyud kay walay tubig ug brownout pa gyud sa among lugar. Gipadayon ug giilisan namo sila para pud maibsan ang ilang katugnaw nga nabati. Gawas sa among balay, aduna pay mga tawo nga malaomon nga naghulat ug hinabang. Tungod kay kami ra ang mata ato nga oras ug kay dili na namo makaya nga ipadayon sila sa among panimalay, amo na lang silang gihatagan ug mga bisti ug gihatod sa court para didto na pud sila mag puyo hangtod muhinay ang ulan.

Adtong adlawa pud, naka skedyul ang parti sa among grupo. Ang akong kahinaman nailisan ug kasub-anan ug pagkayugot. Apan dili man namo kontrolado ang panahon, amo na lang gipili nga ikansel ang parti ug ihatag among mga giandam nga premyo sa mga bata para na pud magsilbi nga pahalipay sa ila karong pasko. Dako pud akong kalipay sa pagkahibalo nga ang parti sa Xavier University gikansel pud ug ang tanan nga pagkaon ug badyet para sa parti gi donar sa mga biktima. Dili lang kini ang nagpahimuot nako. Imbes na masalimuot nga pag selebrar sa pasko, nakita nako nga niadtong panahona natagamtaman sa matag usa ang tinuod nga spiritu sa pasko. Mao kini ang da best pasko kay:

1.       Nahimo kining dalan para magkailhanay ang matag-usa. Ang mga tawo nga di kayo hilig makig-uyon sa iyang mga igsuon nakatuon ug atiman sa mga estranyo. Ang mga tawo nga nalampas ang balay nakatuon usab ug puyo kauban ang uban pang mga biktima diin dili lamang bag-ong panimalay ilang natukod diha sa mga evacuation center kundili apil na pud ang panaghinigalaay.

2.       Ang katalagman nahimong dalan para maghimugso pag usab ang spiritu sa Bayanihan. Ang panghitabo nahimong agianan para ang dugay nang nawagtang nga spiritu sa Bayanihan magmugna pag-usab. Tanan, apil ang mga biktima, nag tabang-tabang aron ma salbar ang mga kinabuhi ug mga butang sa mga biktima.

3.       Ang panghitabo nagtudlo sa ato ug leksyon nga hatagan ug bili ang kinabuhi ug ampingan pa ang kalikopan. Ang katalagman nagsilbi ug pahinumdom sa mga tawo sa sugo sa Ginoo. Silbi magbalantay sa iyang mga minugna, obligasyon sa matag usa ang pag amping sa iyang mga igsuon ug iyang kalikopan.

4.        Ang panghitabo nagpalig-on sa atong pagtuo sa Ginoo. Base sa mga interbyew ug sa mga nakita nako nga mga litrato nga nagkalat sa internet, di nako malimod ang dakong pagsalig sa atong mga igsuon sa atong Ginoo. Matud pa sa usa ka survivor nga lumulupyo sa Tibasak, katong kadlawon nga anaa sila sa atop sa ilang panimalay, ang ilang gakadunggan lang kay mga pag-ampo ug mga awit nga pagdayeg sa Ginoo.

5.       Tungod niini, daghan ang mga natawo nga bayani dili lamang dinhi sa Pilipinas kundili apil na pud sa ubang kanasuran. Niadto pa lang Disyembre 17, sugod sa pag tabang-tabang sa pag salbar sa mga kinabuhi, wala nay undang ang pag abot sa mga gasa para sa mga survivor. Matud pa sa usa ka survivor, tungod sa kadaghan sa hinabang nga ilang gakatagamtaman, sa usa ka adlaw, aduna silay matigom nga kulang-kulang baynte ka kilo sa bugas ug usa ka karton sa noodles.

6.       Ug paagi aning panghitabua, napabati sa matag-usa ang tinuod nga spiritu sa pagpakatawo sa Ginoo. Niadtong niaging mga pasko, atong naandan ang panagsukliay ug regalo or exchange gift diin ang matag usa kay gikinahanglan nga muhatag ug regalo sa iyang manito or manita. Apan karong pasko, ang mga tawo nakatuon ug paghatag bisan pag halos mahurot na ang ilahang panag-iya.

Mao kini ang nagpa kwalipikar sa Disyembre 25, 2011 para akong matawag nga da best pasko dinhi sa CdeO. Nawad-an man tag mga butang ug mga igsuon, sukli ani ang mga langitnong bili nga lugusa natong mahimamat dinhi sa materyalistikong kalibutan. Ang naka guol lang kay ang kamatuoran nga kailangan pa nato muagi ani nga katalagman para matagamtaman ang tinuod nga spiritu sa pagpakatawo sa atong manunubos. 

PYF: Kalihukan para sa mga kabatan-onan

Niadtong Nobyembre 26-27, ang mga kabatan-onan sa nagka lain-laing parokya sa Aluba nagkahiusa sa Immaculate Concepcion Parish, Aluba, Macasandig para isaulog ang Parish Youth Festival (PYF) 2011 sa tema nga “I am the vine and you are the branches.”

Ang maong kalihukan gisugdan sa alas syite sa buntag sa pagpahina diin ang mga kabatan-onan nanglimpyo sa lugar isip pagpangandam sa ilang puy-anan sa sulod sa duha ka adlaw. Gisundan usab kini sa animasyon diin manayaw ang tanan para ipaabot ang ilang paghigugma sa Ginoo. Nagpa ila-ila usab ang matag partisipante nga mitambong sa kalihukan. Ang mga parokya nga mi partisipar sa aktibidad mao ang Arroville, Melecia Homes; Aluba; Buena Oro; Sto Niño, Buena Oro; Sto Niño, Mandumol; Taguanao; Indahag; ug Upper Calacapan. Sa gabii, nag tipok-tipok ang tanan sa simbahan para sa Taize prayer, usa ka mahilom nga klase sa pag-ampo, uban sa mga seminarista sa Sacred Heart of Jesus. Pagka alas diyes traynta sa gabii, gi sugat ni Rev. Fr. Marcial C. Aguirre, SCJ, Parish Youth Spiritual Director, ang tanan sa iyang simple nga mensahe. Naghatag usab ug mensahe si Rev. Fr. Janusz N. Burzawa, SCJ, Parish Priest. Sa iyang mensahe, gi emphasize niya ang importansya sa mga kabatan-onan sa paglambo sa simbahan ug ang pag-abli sa mga kasing-kasing para sa Ginoo aron magmalipayon ang tanan sa umaabot nga pasko.

Ang tumong niining PYF mao ang pagdasig sa mga kabatan-onan, labi na katong mga nahilayo sa pagserbisyo sa simbahan, nga mapaduol sa pagdayig sa Ginoo. Si Fr. Aguirre, sa usa ka interbyew, gipakita ang iyang kaguol sa kagamay sa nagtambong sa kalihukan. Sa iyang istorya mahitungod sa tema, iyang gikumpara ang mga kabatan-onan sa usa ka sanga nga napahilayo sa lawas sa kahoy nga ang Ginoo, tungod sa teknolohiya. Matud pa niya, pipila na lang ang gaapil sa simbahan tungod niini. Dugang pa sa usa ka youth leader, “gamay ra ang niuban kay bisi na ug ang uban di pud tugtan.” Dugang pa niya, lisod hanggaton ang uban labi na katong mga nahilayo sa simbahan. Kadaghanan daw sa iyang nadasig kay ang mga kabatan-onan nga daan ng aktibo sa simbahan. Ingon pud niya, ang problema sa kalihukan kay ang kakulangan sa badyet sa simbahan. “Mas daghan maaghat kung naay pang attract sa kabatan-onan. Dinhi kay naa pay registration nga 20, di pa jud libre ang pagkaon. Unta sa sunod, lahion na ang proseso,” iyang giingon nga nay pagka suko nga tono. Pero matud pa niya, ang kalihukan maayo kay dili lang puro istorya ang mahitabo kundili naa puy mga hugada para malingaw ang mga kabatan-onan.  

Ang maong kalihukan natapos nga hapsay ug malampuson. Bisan pa ug gamay ra ang mitambong niini, kompara sa niaging mga youth festival, nanghinaut japon si Fr. Aguirre nga ang aktibidad mahimo untang instrumento para sa mga batan-on para mag serbisyo sa Ginoo.

DALAN NGA GAKAWALA SA GABII. Ang hulagway sa dalan sa Buena Oro sa buntag ug sa gabii.

Kapin kulang usa ka bulan na ang milabay nga kaning dalan sa Buena Oro ngitngit tungod sa mga poste nga di gaandar. Kani, matud pa sa mga lumulupyo sa maong dapita, nagsilbi nga bahad sa kahilwasan labi na sa mga pasahero ug sa mga draybers nga gaagi niining dalan. Isip usa sa mga mamat sa konseho sa barangay, kani nga problema dapat mahatagan ug layon nga solusyon para malikayan ang mga aksidente sa maong lugara.

                                                                                                                                                         

Butuan or Limasawa?

The first mass in the Philippines took place in Limasawa, not in Butuan. It is not just because of the lack of evidence but because of the inconsistency of facts as well. Take for an instance the inconsistency of Magellan’s route, the date, and also the spellings of places and persons involved as presented by the various historians supporting the Butuan tradition.

According to Father Francisco Colin S.J., a historian, Magellan arrived at Butuan first, then to Limasawa and then to Cebu. However, Father Francisco Combes S.J., a Jesuit writer, has another contention. To him, Magellan visited Limasawa twice. Magellan’s route, based on his statement, was from Limasawa to Butuan, then back to Limasawa and then to Cebu on April 7, 1521. Another claim by Giovanni Franceso Gemeili Careri, a Calabrian, strengthened the idea that the first mass did not took place in Butuan because of its presentation of the wrong date. He cited Whit Sunday instead of Easter Sunday (Bernad, 1983). These were just few of the inconsistent information presented in the Butuan tradition which made it so absurd. I mean, how come one believe this tradition when you are fed with different versions of stories from different mouths?

Because of the lack of supporting evidences, historians found out that the Butuan tradition is invalid thereby coming up with a better tradition: the Limasawa tradition. Although the Limasawa tradition came after the Butuan, it was proven with evidences that the first mass in the Philippines took place in Limasawa Island in Visayas on March 31, 1521. It was also affirmed that in the same date, Magellan with his troops planted a cross on the same site (Cebu Living: The good life in the Beautiful Island, 2006). The tradition, unlike the other, is supported with a number of solid proofs which includes the Albo’s log book, evidences of Pigafetta, and the evidence from Legazpi’s expedition. In Albo’s account, he did not mention the first mass and where it took place. However, he mentioned that Magellan planted the cross “upon a mountain-top from which could be seen three islands to the west and southwest.” This best fits the description of the geographical area of Limasawa which is not applicable to Butuan because there was no island found in those directions. These are very strong proofs since these people have been part of the expedition (Bernad, 1983). Albo and Pigafetta both took part in Magellan’s expedition. The former was one of the pilots in Magellan’s flagship “Trinidad” and the latter was a member of the expedition itself. Therefore, it is based on eyewitness account. In addition to that, an article by Rolando O. Borrinaga (2007) in the Inquirer website says that there is an aerial photograph of the prominent hills in Pigafetta’s map. It is where Magellan and his troops placed the cross known today as Magellan’s cross. The cross, which symbolizes the baptism of Rajah Humabon, his wife, and his men into Roman Catholic, served today as a tourist spot in Magallanes, Cebu.

Hence, the birthplace of Roman Catholicism is in Limasawa and not in Butuan.

Sources:

Cebu Living: The good life in the Beautiful Island. http://living.cebunetwork.com/article/magellan-cross-cebu/. May 4, 2006.

Miguel A. Bernad S.J. Butuan or Limasawa? The site the First Mass in the Philippines:

A Reexamination of the Evidence. National Book Store. 1983.

Rolando O. Borrinaga. The right place for disputed first Mass in Limasawa. http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/regions/view/20070414-60362/The_right_place_for_disputed_first_Mass_in_Limasawa. April 14, 2007.

Brgy. Macasandig diin ako nagpuyo ug nagdako

Dako, datu, malambuon, ug ─ gubot. Sa dugay namong pagpuyo dinhi sa barangay Macasandig isip lumulupyo sa Buena Oro, mao ra ni ang akong matubag sa pangutana nga “unsa man imong makaingon sa imong barangay?” Wala koy pagdumot sa akong barangay labi na sa mga opisyales niini, ganahan pa gani ko nila tungod sa ilang pagka maayo muatiman sa mga bisita, mao lang ni ang akong nakita ug bisag unsaon pa nako ug ilad sa akong kaugalingon nga hapsay ang akong pagpuyo dinhi, mugawas japon ang kamatuoran. Sa among lugar, daghan kaayo gubot nga gakahitabo. Gikan sa away mag-asawa, padulong sa gabugno nga mga kabatan-onan, hangtod sa mag patay. Gawas sa pagka bisi sa pag eskwela, mao ni ang rason nganong di na ko lugusa makita sa gawas sa among balay.

Pero sa akong pila ka adlaw nga pag ila-ila sa akong barangay, akong nasayran nga ang akong deskripsyon sa akong barangay kay grabe ka personal. Oo, tinuod nga ang Macasandig dako nga barangay. Naa kini yuta nga niabot ug 1, 118.9 ektarya nga naay pito ka distrito. Datu kini ug malambuon dili lang tungod kay gadaghan na ang mga establisamento nga ginatukod dinhi kundili kumpleto kini sa rekados. Kung sa pagluto pa, kumpleto kini sa sahog. Kung ako pa ang pangutan-on, “inborn” na ang pagka datu sa akong barangay. Kung sa una puno kini ug saging, lubi, mais, prutas, ug uban pa; karon, puno kini sa mga eskwelahan, kindergarten padulong kaleds; training centers ug retreat houses; mga simbahan; convenience stores; food chains; ticket outlets; fruit stand; ug uban pa. Di na ka kinahanglan muadto sa Divisoria kay ania na tanan sa Macasandig. Di lang kini ang nakapa datu sa akong barangay. Datu kini, mapahitas-on kayo ko, sa kasaysayan.

Sauna pa lang, natuohan na nga ang barangay Macasandig dugay na nga nailhan tungod sa usa ka libro diin nahisgutan ang barangay. Matud niini, ang usa ka gira nga gipangulohan ni Heneral Nicolas Capistrano nahitabo sa tumoy sa usa ka dalan padulong sa Macasandig. Nahibal-an usab, base sa mga rekord, nga ang Macasandig nahimong barangay sa 1928. Nagpamatuod lang kini nga ang atong barangay tigulang na ug daghan na ug naagian. Tungod niini, misulod sa akong utok nga basin wala pa jud kaayo nako nailhan ang akong kaugalingong barangay. Usa na lang sa mga pangutana mahitungod sa akong barangay kay ang pangalan niini. “Asa man jud ni gikan? Nganong Macasandig man? Tungod ba ni kay ang mga lumulupyo dinhi kay hilig musandig sa ding-ding?” Naay pagka sakto ang akong tubag pero di sila hilig musandig kay tapulan sila kundili kay abunda ang pagkaon sa lugar busa musandig na lang sila para magpahulay. Kana ang usa lang sa mga istorya gikan sa mga netibo niining lugar. Ang usa kay gituohan nga ang Macasandig gikan sa “sandig” nga pulong nga nagpasabot nga ang lugar gasandig sa kabukiran.

Color of Japan

Color of Japan

by Kouji Tomihisa

Kouji Tomihisa must've been very fascinated of his country. His subjects mostly depicts the beauty of Japan. The picture above is just one of his photos of fire trees--commonly found in the country. I've also seen a photo by him in the same site. It has the same subject but the differences are the elements shown.  The picture I'm talking about is the heirinji. In the photo I've mentioned, the subject is focused by contrasting colors while in color of japan, it was focused through shape. The silhouette presentation captured my attention. the color and tone was neglected which made the emphasis on the subject, leaves.

Wish

"Wish"
by Madalin Marienut

The picture depicts emotion. Love. And loneliness. I am a person in love with the idea of love. The shadows in the picture represent the girl’s imagination. And the girl represents me caught up in the same situation.

I chose this picture because of it’s passion of love. The thing which concerns everybody. But come to think of it, how come that the world full of problems still consider love as one? I don’t have the best answer for that question so I’m leaving it up to you. Now shifting back to the topic; the photo seemed old but the artistry remained. I was captivated with the angle. The drama. And the color ‘though I am not a fan of black and white photography.

Love is the theme for this photo. And i simply applaud Madalin for having captured the emotion of love and solitude.

planet philippines

Planet Philippine hosted by Richard Gutierrez, a famous actor of GMA7 is a documentary film about saving the environment. It reveals the country’s best-kept secrets of the natural world as well as providing information on creating awareness among the people. It motivates the people to act — simply by saving what is left of the environment.

After seeing the documentary, there was that one word that kept ringing on my mind. “Sayang” is the word I’m talking about. Sayang because we have lots of treasures to be proud of but we became pathetic and ruin it slowly. We say we want to preserve these treasures but then our actions contradict what we say. From the biggest creatures down to the smallest ones, people became cruel. In line with this, the documentary has mentioned a lot of times the term “biodiversity hotspots”. The term refers to the areas in the world where species decline and habitat losses are at alarming levels. The Philippines belong to the so-called “biodiversity hotspot” countries. This serves as a caution to our country and to the whole world. Time will come that we will be left with nothing. Our pennies can’t surely bring our natural resources back. We must not only motivate the act, but we must act.

Planet Philippines isn’t the first environmental documentary hosted by Richard Gutierrez in GMA7. There was “Signos” before it. Signos’ aim is to give awareness to the people about one of the big environmental issues — climate change. It also provides measures that must be taken to prevent its disastrous consequences. In the Signos’ blog that I have visited, it was stated there that lots of people appreciated the efforts of GMA Network in spreading environmental awareness. These appreciations have encouraged them to bring more relevant programs and documentary specials. With this, “SIGNOS: Banta ng Nagbabagong Klima” was not only replayed on May 24, 2008 but the GMA Public Affairs produced Planet Philippines.

Richard Gutierrez as the host is undeniably GMA’s most prized talent. He is an active environmentalist and Greenpeace advocate which makes the documentary suitable for him. As a very famous actor, Richard will be a big help to influence the minds of the people. Therefore shifting the minds of the people from passive to active thinking.

“Jesus is our bench”

We believe that there are only two paths you can choose to live your life: a life without Him or a life with Him. And we prefer the latter! There are many instances in our lives where we cannot find meaning in everything we do without His presence. As a curious Christian seeking for an understanding of Christ, I have come into my consciousness that I am nothing without Him. I would only be physically present but there is no meaning in my existence. Living a life without God is not a purpose-driven life. He is the purpose of our living—to worship, praise Him, and live the life the way Jesus did. He had proven to us that He should be the center of our lives. We can consider Him as our strength, hope, our guiding star. On a personal note, with regards of our student life, it’s very evident that our days without prayers bring incompleteness. At a certain situation, during examinations he could be the only one where we run for help. We ask for His’ holy guidance that could somehow strengthen us in studying hard and keep us in focus. In the verge of doubts and inhibitions we ask for His’ advice. In the midst of frustrations, the first and the only person we can rely on is God, we feel relief with just a simple conversation with Him. It’s something that I could not live without talking with Him creating an atmosphere away from problems and concerns. During pains that you could not find someone to cry on, He is always there to comfort you in way that only God knows. Moreover, Jesus is also the truth. This means that he is truthful. Certainly, we may rest assured that he is completely reliable in what he says and what he does. Jesus is the truth personified. He is the embodiment of the truth that by his saving work he sets us free from sin and death. He is the dependable source of God’s saving grace. Jesus makes this saving grace a reality in our lives when we accept in faith the gospel of salvation. A passage from Mt 26:52 saying “They that take to the sword shall perish by the sword” is an indication that Jesus doesn’t want things to be done in a ruthless way. Jesus can be described in various terms. However, the passage states that Jesus is a teacher of moral values. He has thought us to be righteous for it is his’ words in text. He has thought us not to steal and has thought us not to cheat in class for the possibility of being caught. The order of Christ to one of his disciples to take away his sword and not to use it only meant that it is wiser for men to play fairly.

Furthermore, God is like the benches that we see everywhere, particularly in our school. Unconsciously, the benches usually help us. We cannot appreciate it anyway, but in fact it has done a lot of things to us. The benches are always present and are always there. When we get tired, it’s there to offer us a seat. When we have problems may it be our boyfriend, family and studies, the benches are there to offer us relaxation and comfort. When we want to talk to someone, we search for a bench for a more convenient conversation. It sometimes frees us from stress and can take you away from the world bombarded with problems. The benches, just like Jesus, doesn’t complain and choose whom to offer a seat. It simply does so without a single word of complaint. It offers a seat to the wicked, to the rich and to the poor and to everyone who needs it.

However, Jesus is not a bench. He is more than a bench. He is more than any names that we know. Though the presence of Jesus in our lives gives us same things which a bench can offer, He cannot be equated to an object for He is more than anything else. There is no best title to describe Jesus but the word “God”. Jesus is God himself.

“What IPC means to me”

Interpersonal Communication is a process of exchanging ideas to a person or to a group of people. It is a process in where everyone communicates. Since we all need people and we all need communication in order to survive, I’ve found studying IPC a necessity.

IPC makes me realize the importance of communication. It is a requirement for human survival. To live a better life doesn’t mean that there must be more communication involved. However, it must be present and one must know it. As the saying goes, “No man is an island.” And in order to have a companion, one must know how to communicate in its most efficient way as possible. IPC has a goal of making ourselves more confident by sharing our thoughts to others.

On a personal note, IPC means Interpreting People through Communication—be it verbal or nonverbal. It’s the thought of having the senses capable of interpreting the message behind what the person presents to the public. However, a good communicator must be conscious of themselves first in order to study others. An ideal communicator must have a clear conception about himself. He must study his self first before going to the next level. On the other hand, the individuals who study IPC are trained to be sensitive to the feelings of the people around him. Behind the smiles, there are those tears; behind the words, there are those hidden meanings which are to be discovered—and those are a few of the challenges to be considered. In addition to that, Interpersonal communication involves people who have known each other for some time. You see, it would be very difficult for the other person to read his mind without having a single background of that person. Most important is that, these people must view each other as unique individuals, not as people who are simply acting out social situations. To make it easier to define, IPC can be equated to the word “understand”. That is, to be able to understand ourselves and to understand what people say in context since we may have different interpretation of their messages. Finally, we cannot deny the fact that each of us wants to belong to an environment of friends or of people. There’s always that loneliness in us which is a reason of having our friends. And one must understand this loneliness in order to overcome it.

I can describe the IPC classes under Maam Shiella in a few words — learning while enjoying. This is where we learn loving and we love learning. The theatre lab turned out into playgrounds, clubs and more. It’s not only me who will miss and is missing the class already in our group. It’s impossible not to miss this class. And it is impossible not to miss the people who have been true during the class hours. Learning with bundles of enjoyment isn’t impossible at all. And our IPC class is irreplaceable. Now I have a new definition of “fun”, and that is IPC.

"if you truly want to be happy, you'd better go out and look for someone who isn't at all like you."
That' s according to Dr. Leman in his book "The Perfect Match." And I've found myself having an affirmative response to his' every word. I've learned how to be wise and practical when it comes to love.
It says there that one should find someone who inspires you, who is strong where you are weak and who will balance your vices rather than multiply them. I also would like to share the knowledge that he taught me through his' book but it seemed long. However, if you want to find and keep the love of your life, you'd better read his book entitled...
"THE PERFECT MATCH."
its really worth reading for.

!!!!!

i hate selfish individuals....


i really do.just like the person whom i knEw.he used to be my friend.well, i consider him as one of my friends. now i realized that not all people I'm with always are all my friends. acquaintance is different from friendship. hes just one of the crowd. he seemed to be a parasite. using someone just to benefit a lot. what a nice one.haha.i should have known that earlier. in that way, he will really fail in using me.

now isnt too late.ive decided not to be fooled anymore. a sheep's clothing wont work to me anymore.since he took all my sweetness away, its now his time to taste the bitter side of me.


good luck to him.

i LOve summer!!!...

winter, spring, summer and fall...

hmm...what a nice feeling to experience all of those...
well, its not actually that bad to experience a few.hmmm.all you've got to do is appreciate it.

Memories kept in me

Immersion―a word I have heard again and again when I became part of the DEVCOM (proud and strong) society. The higher years told us lots of stories about it and have described and defined it in many different ways. Immersion means excitement and/or challenge. A challenge for students born rich. Well, because of the fact that I am not born to be that lucky, maybe the first definition would be more appropriate for me to use.
I haven’t expected to experience this activity as early as first year. I was in total shock just like the others. The night before the activity, I have packed my clothes and started thinking about the major possibilities. Maybe it would be great. Maybe I would really suffer as what the higher years said. Maybe I would miss water and even foods from the city and other delicacies. Maybe, just maybe.
When it was already an hour before our big trip, we were on a rush. Rushing to the grocery to get some items and rushing to the big restaurant to taste foods which are mouth-watering. I don’t want to miss everything here in the city so I get bits of everything till the last minute. We got on the jeepney and we were all feeling the same. We all are excited to meet our new family. To see our new home and to get to the place where we will soon belong.
The place was great. It was somewhat peaceful maybe because it’s raining. But I knew that its really very different compared to our place. We are distributed to our so called home. It was our turn and I was tensed. Maybe it would be difficult for me to adjust and the worst thing is―maybe they wont like us.
My first stay was for knowing them. Familiarizing their names, their faces, and also their attitudes and roles in the family. It was actually nice observing them. They have helped me adjust ourselves in their environment. But the most unforgettable thing is…naglakad kami ng nakayapak.haha.NAKATUNOB KO SA PAGATPAT!!! I was wrong about the adjustment thing. It wasn’t difficult at all. It was great. Dealing with them seems normal. Dealing with them is just like dealing with my real family. It was home. A real home actually. Want to know my family? Then im so willing to present them to you:
-EBANISTO-our tata,a farmer, CVO pud siya
-EDNA-the perfect nana
-DINYA-our lola1, bungol2x si lola pero gwapa
-ANGGA-our lola2,bungol2x pero tabian japon
-HANY-our manghod1, high school student
-DODO-our manghod2, crush ng partner ko,pangag!haha.
-LOLONG-our manghod3, a tour guide, grabe ka caring and pasikat
-4 CATS-puro samokan ug sabaan
They are my family. Back to the topic, the day and night had been long. We talk most of the time though lola had a difficulty in understanding us. The most exciting part is when we were introduced to our room. It was nice. An underground room. I was scared for they have told us about scary happenings in the place. the funniest thing which happened this night happened to my partner. What about it?hmm.secret. haha. She just dropped her used underwear in front of our family. Haha. At natapakan ko pa. grRrRr. WORSE.haha.

The second day was a bit adventurous. We are being toured around the zone. We went to the mountains and also to the cemetery. We stayed their long. We talked about lots of stories and different matters. Our stomach had also been full because of the variety of fruits―sambag,bayabas,balimbing and butong. The fruits were all delicious but has turned our stomachs up and down. We went to our individual comfort rooms since there are two houses. They laughed at us and it was a bit embarrassing. I have felt our nana’s concern when she gave me DIATABS. I took it and swallowed it. It was no effect. Gush! After that, we rode on a bicycle. We haven’t gone through the boundaries. It made us realized that its really difficult to ride it in a grassy area. Our two siblings accompanied us and it was fun. I don’t want to end this day. It seems awkward to say goodbye. I also have felt the sadness that is playing inside the hearts of our younger brothers and it was relieving. Because our home is just meters away from the hall, they have walked with us. They were nice and I can feel their compassion. Thanks to them.
Goodbyes are not forever. That’s what we thought. So, we haven’t felt the necessity of crying. We didn’t cry though we will truly miss them. We will truly miss the place. Our home. The 2 days and 2 nights stay seemed to short for a family bonding. and we still want to stay. We want to know them deeper. We want to experience the normal things and situations they have experienced. Because of expecting that we are going to come back and visit the place, there was satisfaction after the goodbyes. The bad thing is… I wasn’t able to come back. I wasn’t that lucky. Hmm. PAKI REGARDS NA LANG KO SA ILA. I regret it. I wished I didn’t slept. I wished I have spent all the 2 days and nights talking and bonding with them. how I wish. To generalize, this IMMERSION was indeed a great experience.

our journey towards the community

it was actually a nice activity...
i love being with many people and i love exploring a community...
a map would be of great help in locating places you have longed to visit but i haven't thought of being one of the persons to make a map....
it was so amazing how things work out that way...
it was not that easy at all..but its the best...


its best because it made me build friendship with my colleagues
................................it made me realize the importance of patience
................................made me realize that i can also walk a mile
................................it also have taught me how to view a place in a way that people usually don't view it.....its actually a perfect thing to be taught to everybody...



COMMUNITY MAPPING-a friendly acTivity. you benefit from it while others also benefit from your project.an activity that is best done by a group of individuals. it is useless once the journey was not enjoyed.


------AND ID RATHER MAKE A MAP THAN BEING A TOURIST....


^.thats HOW i define COMMUNITY MAPPING...

I WANT TO SLEEP NO MORE

It was still sunny. Lights turned on. All people were busy. And I, very tired and exhausted, lay on bed to catch 40 winks. I haven’t thought of anything. I was to weak to think. Then, without even noticing, my senses turned off and I suddenly fall asleep.

I felt something weird at those moments. It felt wrong. Something was happening. Then, in my mind, strange events appeared. A story which I won’t even desire to be real. I know it’s a dream, not a dream maybe but a nightmare. Its not suppose to be called a nightmare cause It happened at daytime. But who would prefer to call it daymare? Definitely no one!

Ill now start the story…
I was in a place so familiar. The pace I call home. I was packing my things up. I don’t know whats the reason but it maybe just a form of rebellious acts. My sister was crying. Trying o stop me from leaving. There was something in her eyes ―fear, sorrow, anger. I don’t know. I really don’t know how to read it. There’s just one thing I’m sure of― I want to take her with me. I hate leaving souls. I hate it very much. Then, in an instance, I found myself at my cousin’s house. Not really far away from home. Just a kilometer. Back in our place where my sister was left behind, she was still shedding tears. It was so painful for me to see her that way. It seems like my heart is breaking. The father arrived with a very unusual face. The face I don’t know. Maybe his just wearing a mask. He seemed to be evil. My sister was shaking upon seeing his face. I now know the reason for everything. My father that I have known for years was replaced by a stranger. A stranger so capable of hurting us. He was a demon indeed. He tried to hurt my loving sister. She tried to escape. Tried to be free but she is not capable. I, being the hero at that time suddenly appeared. i know I was strong in real life but I wonder how my character had remain unchanged in my imagination. I tried to kill my no-longer-father at that time. I was already holding a knife in my right hand and pointing it against him. I shouted and shouted and expressed my burdens and feelings. He remain silent. Not even a word came out of his mouth. i was so desperate and capable of committing a crime. I don’t want to get hurt again and I don’t want my sister to suffer. I would rather be in prison than do nothing at all. I was than taking a step forward and gaining strength for me to stub him to death. I got so wild and I cant control myself and then…

Hhhhhhhhhhhhhhh…thank god I’m awake. It was horrible. I don’t want to sleep again. No more. This nightmare had made me feel the pain in reality. It was too much. I cant imagine my father hurting us. He loved as so, and we loved him too. It was just a nightmare. Nothing to worry about. It won’t happen. Maybe in my mind, but not in my sisters’. No! I wont allow that to happen. Tears were in my eyes. I cant bear the feeling. The mixed emotions. I was so terrified and it felt like the end of the world. I wont let my life to end in misery. I want a prosperous and happy ending story just like in fairy tales. And I know that…

“ it’s just the beginning and not the end.”

the man of my dreams...

I am actually a person fund of dreaming. i am fund of wishing something best for me. Things That will really satisfy me. I wanted to feel satisfaction within me for I haven’t felt it yet. I get to hold of things that I have wanted yesterday but found myself just ignoring it today. I don’t get contented of being who I am and what I have. I tend to explore and think that there is more for me than this. It was the reality that I cannot control. Maybe, just maybe, I would stop this longing once I meet the one. The one who will strong every day. The person who will let me feel that I am being loved and cared. The one who will make me feel complete and the one whom I can complete.
I did not dream for the perfect man. I dream for the best. Hmmmm. Not the best of all humanity, but the best one for me. He must be gentle, kind, intelligent, caring, generous, and he must also be rich. BUT IF GOD WON’T GIVE HIM TO ME, THEN I WILL ACCEPT MY DESTINY. I would accept the man who’s not in my dreams but he one who will soon be in my dreams.