| HAIRCUT FAIL :(( |
[23 Mar 2009|11:13am] |
Me: Bawasan po ng mga 1-2 inches. So it's below the chin.
Madam: Okay!
Ang rinig niya ata, "Bawasan hanggang 1 inch nalang below the chin." MUKHA AKONG SQUID BALL. And I look like my 5-year old self, only this time not so cute anymore HUHU. Oh, well. At least hindi mainit sa graduation. :|
It's just that I never knew it was possible for me to have less hair than I already (not) have. :|
|
|
| Have a Join to Me! |
[09 Feb 2009|01:50am] |
We're getting a free cut on Friday because Ma'am Rica is encouraging us to go and attend the 1st Philippine International Writers Festival 2009. It's this Wednesday to Friday (which is why some of you might have free cuts in Lit too). Wednesday (UP Diliman), Thursday (Ateneo), Friday (Cubao Expo). Lots of bongga writers will be panelists for a bunch of interesting talks. Schedule below. Tell me if you want to go! I'm probably going to the ones in red, so...have a join to me! :) Should be fun. And if we get bored we can go eat (UP! Cubao!).
From the Festival website (here):
Schedules
DAY 1
February 11, Wednesday
University of the Philippines
Diliman, Quezon City
9:00 am | Opening Program
Venue: Pulungang Claro M. Recto, Bulwagang Rizal
Programme
• Welcome Addresses
UP Diliman Chancellor Sergio S. Cao
NCCA Chair Vilma L. Labrador
Festival Director Ricardo M. de Ungria
• Introduction of Delegates
Festival Coordinator Jose Y. Dalisay, Jr.
PHILIPPINE LITERATURE TODAY.
The keynote address, a synoptic overview of where we’ve been and where we are, taking into account our literature in Filipino, English, and the regional languages; Philippine literature in the 21st century; and Philippine literature in the Asian and global context. To be delivered by National Artist Francisco Sionil Jose.
Venue: Pulungang Claro M. Recto
9:45 am | A TRIBUTE TO EDITH TIEMPO.
The tribute to National Artist Edith L. Tiempo is a short poetry reading by Merlie Alunan, Dinah Roma, and Ronald Baytan, who all attended the Dumaguete National Workshop and have been influenced by Tiempo’s poetics, and poet Gémino Abad. To date, Edith Tiempo is the sole woman National Artist for Literature.
Moderator: Marjorie Evasco
Venue: Pulungang Claro M. Recto
10:15 am | BREAK
10:30 am | GANITO KAMI NOON: WRITING THROUGH THE DECADES.
A plenary panel discussion to set the tone for all other panel discussions. A representative each from the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s can talk about the conditions for writing and publishing in their eras and how things have changed, or maybe not. And where do we go from here?
Panelists: Elmer Ordonez (1950s), National Artist Virgilio S. Almario (60s), José Pete Lacaba (70s), Marjorie Evasco (80s), Angelo R. Lacuesta (90s)
Moderator: José Y. Dalisay, Jr.
Venue: Pulungang Claro M. Recto
12:00 nn | LUNCH
1:30 pm | PARALLEL SESSIONS
ICONS OF THE NEW CENTURY: WRITERS WHOM WRITERS READ.
Who are you reading and why? Who's your literary daddy (or mommy)? A discussion of literary influences and how they are shaping contemporary Philippine literature.
Panelists: Rebecca Añonuevo, Franklin Cimatu, Carlos Cortes, Francis Macansantos, Katrina Tuvera
Moderator: Gémino H. Abad
Venue: CAL New Building (CNB), Room 508
WRITING FOR A LIVING.
What's writing like as a profession in the Philippines? What writing jobs pay, and how can writers get them? How should writers deal with writing commissions? What about copyrights and contracts? How do we break into the global market and find and deal with agents?
Panelists: Vietnamese writer Nguyen Bao Chan, Tony Enriquez, Kragi Garcia, Luis Katigbak, Charlson Ong, Alfred Yuson Moderator: José Y. Dalisay, Jr.
Venue: CAL-AVR
THE CREATIVE WRITING CLASSROOM.
The teaching of creative writing, for the teachers among us: challenges, strategies, approaches, tips and tricks in the creative writing classroom.
Panelists: Merlie Alunan, Conchitina Cruz, Jun Cruz Reyes, Mac Tiu, Ricky de Ungria
Moderator: Cristina Pantoja Hidalgo
Venue: CNB Inquirer Room 201
WORKSHOPPING THE WORKSHOP, ORGANIZING WRITERS.
A review of the Dumaguete, Baguio, and Iligan workshops, plus maybe the biggest school-based ones, and how they grew. A sharing of best practices, as well as a discussion of common problems and situations. This panel can also deal with writers’ organizations, centers, institutes, and programs. Panelists: Vicente Groyon III, Christine Godinez-Ortega, Vim, Nadera, Beni Santos, Anthony Tan
Moderator: Lito Zulueta
Venue: CNB Room 309
3:30 pm | PARALLEL SESSIONS
WRITING OFF-CENTER: THE REGIONAL EXPERIENCE.
How goes creative writing and literary publishing outside of Metro Manila? Have new centers of literary activity emerged, and what are the keys to their success? What does it take to promote writing from the regions to broader audiences?
Panelists: John Bengan, Jason Chancoco, David Genotiva, Alice Tan-Gonzales
Moderator: Ricardo M. de Ungria
Venue: CNB Inquirer Room 201
ATBP: WRITING OFF THE MAINSTREAM.
Gay/lesbian literature, chick lit, "spec fic", Chinoy lit , and all that jazz. What alternatives exist to straight, realist, mainstream lit? Is this kind of "pigeonholing" good or bad—or, when
is it good, and when is it bad?
Panelists: Dean Francis Alfar, Jhoanna Cruz, Jaime An Lim, Tara Sering
Moderator: J. Neil C. Garcia
Venue: CNB Room 309
FILIPINO-NESS IN THE GLOBAL AGE.
A perennial hot topic in the blogosphere. How can "Filipino-ness" be defined? Is it an absolute necessity in this age of globalization? Is "nation" even a relevant concept? How can this be manifested in a literary work? Why don’t we seem to see enough of such central elements of Filipino life as crime, sex, and humor in our literature, or is that only in English?
Panelists: Efren Abueg, Leoncio Deriada, Cristina Pantoja Hidalgo, Resil Mojares, Timothy Montes
Moderator: Isagani R. Cruz
Venue: CAL-AVR
6:00 pm | BOOK LAUNCH
Venue: UP Executive House
7:00 pm | DINNER AND ENTERTAINMENT
DAY 2
February 12, Thursday
Ateneo de Manila University
Katipunan Avenue,
Loyola Heights, Quezon City
9:00 am | PLENARY
Venue: Leong Hall Auditorium
Program
• Opening Remarks, Festival Director Ricardo de Ungria
• Welcome Address, Dr. Ma. Luz Vilches, Dean of the School of Humanities, AdMU
• Message, Dr. Antonette Palma-Angeles, Academic Vice-President, AdMU
• A Concise History of 150 Years of Ateneo Writing
• Open Forum
• Tribute Proper
• Screen Presentation on Emmanuel S. Torres and Reading of Citation
• Screen Presentation on Gregorio C. Brillantes and Reading of Citation
• Response of the Honorees
• Closing Remarks, Dr. Ma. Luisa Torres Reyes, Chair, Department of English
12:00 nn | LUNCH Venue: Leong Hall Roof Deck
1:00 pm | ATENEO GALLERY AND LIBRARY TOUR
2:00 pm | PARALLEL SESSIONS
THE POET-CRITIC.
The issue of how art and criticism interface has been a central topic even in the creative writing curricula of top universities worldwide. Whether our writers have found the interface uneasy or comfortable, consciously or unconsciously, it has shaped the craft and aesthetics of generations of authors in the Philippines. Panelists: Gemino H. Abad, J. Neil Garcia, Allan Popa, Jun Cruz Reyes, and Thai fictionist/screenwriter Prabda Yoon Moderator: DM Reyes Venue: Social Science Conference Rooms 1 and 2
TEXT AND CONTEXT.
The encounter between art and politics, writing and ideology, or aesthetics and social engagement, has been a significant consideration in countries like the Philippines as it has been said to make for bad writing and good politics/bad politics and good writing. Thus, these binary categories have been considered mutually exclusive practices by some writers, but deemed mutually constitutive commitments by writers.
Panelists: Isagani R. Cruz, National Artist Bienvenido Lumbera, Danton Remoto, Roland Tolentino
Moderator: Oscar Campomanes Venue: Social Science Conference Rooms 3 and 4
PUBLISHING FOR THE FUTURE.
No literature can prosper without publishing, but publishing itself is taking on new forms and challenges in this new century, such as online publishing and print on demand. What directions will Philippine literary publishing and Philippine literature itself take in the foreseeable future? What can the Philippine academic and commercial publishers do to promote literature here and abroad? Are there alternatives to mainstream publishing that can be explored, and can they be commercially viable?
Panelists: Karina Bolasco, Rofel Brion, Adam David, Antonio Hidalgo, Esther Pacheco
Moderator: Maricor Baytion
Venue: NGF Conference Room, De La Costa Hall
3:30 pm | MERIENDA Venue: Leong Hall Auditorium
4:00 pm | PARALLEL SESSIONS
FEMINISM IN OUR MIDST.
The question of how women writers write under conditions quite distinct from men writers has been a source of dynamism and controversy in both their works and the criticism on their work. This has been a point of contention in recent literary history as some women writers organize themselves as women writers, weaving literature and sharing life.
Panelists: Rica Bolipata-Santos, Cristina Pantoja Hidalgo, Priscilla Macansantos, Aida F. Santos, Dinah Roma-Sianturi, Hope Yu
Moderator: Benilda Santos
Venue: Social Science Conference Rooms 1 and 2
LITERATURE IN ACTION. Non-canonical texts abound in contexts like the Philippines in which literature’s energies come from places quite apart from "Literature." Foremost among this type of literary production is the whole range of performative practices which create cultural "events" as opposed to literary "art." Most prominent examples of this range from avant-garde forms to so-called "agit-prop" art in which visual and/or performance artists and educational and community theater groups like PETA have been making a splash in the international art and academic scene since the 80s and 90s.
Panelists: Michael Coroza, Steven Patrick Fernandez, Servando Halili, Bonifacio Ilagan, Glenn Mas Moderator: Gary Devilles Venue: Social Science Conference Rooms 3 and 4
CHILDREN’S LITERATURE.
In the Philippines, it has been said that the reading fare of Filipino children continues to be dominated by children’s literature from the West, as evidenced by the children's books usually on display in major book shops. Nevertheless, it can be argued that for decades now, significant headway has been made in providing alternative reading materials for Filipino children by publishing houses like Aklat Adarna and noted Filipino authors and published locally in English, Filipino and other Philippine languages. What genres have been developed in children’s literature by Filipinos? Are these genres a mere imitation of the western models? Has the production been enough to begin to draw up a canon of children’s literature in the Philippines? What has been the impact of children's literature on the readers? What role must children's literature play in our country?
Panelists: Cyan Abad-Jugo, Christine Bellen, Jean Lee Patindol, Ramon V. Sunico
Moderator: Jerry Respeto Venue: NGF Conference Room, G/F De La Costa Hall
5:30 pm | DINNER
Venue: Leong Hall Roof Deck
Closing Remarks
Dr. Ma. Assunta C. Cuyegkeng
Vice President, AdMU-Loyola Schools
7:00 pm | TANGHALANG ATENEO’S ‘OEDIPUS REX’
DAY 3
February 13, Friday
Cubao X, Araneta Center
Cubao, Quezon City
9:30 am | PLENARY
Hosts: Angelo R. Lacuesta and Joel Toledo
Venue: Cubao X
10:00 am | PARALLEL SESSIONS
HOME, ROAM, AND AWAY.
Publishing locally versus publishing abroad. How does place of publication—or place of writing—affect or define your audience, or your career or your work? This should also function as a guide for those who seek international publication: what are the challenges and what are the chances?
Panelists: Vicente G. Groyon III and Mookie Katigbak
Moderator: Lourd Ernest De Veyra
Venue: Mogwai 2
THE END OF PRINT.
Web-based publishing, traditional print publishing, and print-on-demand: the meaning of publication has multiplied so much these days. Has the meaning of quality, or rigor, or intent changed as well? How has this affected today’s writer? Has he (or must he) achieve convergence, or should there be dividing lines?
Panelists: Roberto Añonuevo, Adam David, Jean Claire Dy, Luis Katigbak, Edgar Samar
Moderator: Dean Francis Alfar
Venue: Pablo
WRITE TO LIFE.
Writing to live, or living to write? Many literary writers have commercial writing careers—but what about other lines of work? And what of the lines that divide work and writing? This discussion covers all sorts of jobs writers must take—and the amount of confrontation and compromise writers must endure. It will also cover tips and tricks to avoid burnout and “multitasking hell.”
Panelists: Josua Cabrera, Dominic Cimafranca, Mikael de Lara Co, Ramil Gulle, Victor Dennis T. Nierva
Moderator: Frank Cimatu
Venue: Kolektib 1
LINGO NG WIKA.
Language and authenticity in Philippine literary practice—it’s an old argument. So should we be done with it, then? Or shouldn’t we? (This conversation covers all Filipino languages.)
Panelists: Genevieve Asenjo, John Barrios, Jaime Jesus Borlagdan, Jose Jason Chancoco, Jason Laxamana, Glen Sevilla Mas, Voltaire Oyzon, John Iremil Teodoro
Moderator: Rica Bolipata-Santos
Venue: Kolektib 2
12:30 pm | LUNCH
GLOBAL WARMING.
A plenary discussion over lunch featuring Asian and Filipino writers who have gone “global.” Our international panelists will discuss the challenges and rewards of writing in their local language and still achieving international recognition and popularity. The panel will also discuss practical tips on international grants, fellowships and exchange programs.
Panelists: Nguyan Bao Chan, Conchitina Cruz, Dinah Roma-Sianturi, Prabda Yoon
Moderator: Angelo R. Lacuesta
2:00 pm | PARALLEL SESSIONS
PURO FORMA.
The formal versus the experimental in poetry—is there a conflict? Young poets discuss the issues (and, inevitably, the non-issues) that abound.
Panelists: Michael Coroza, Conchitina Cruz, J. Neil C. Garcia, Mookie Katigbak, Angelo Suarez
Moderator: Allan Popa
Venue: Mogwai 2
MOVING UP IN THE WORD.
Building the literary career—does it still have the same requirements as ten years ago, or are there new ways to get that break? Is the Palanca Award still the quickest path to writerhood? Or is that old-school thinking? What’s a literary career anyway?
Panelists: Efmer Agustin, Janice Bagawi, Arifah Jamil, Junley Lazaga, Leopoldo Lopido, Monica Macansantos, Harold Mercurio
Moderator: Mikael Co
Venue: Pablo
FICTIONAL SHOWDOWN.
This is a friendly showdown between the realms speculative fiction and “non-speculative” fiction—its advocates, practitioners and its subject matter. Also up for discussion: attempted definitions, blurred boundaries and common goals.
Panelists: Dean Francis Alfar, Adam David, Jonathan J. Siason, Alvin B. Yapan, Prabda Yoon
Moderator: Ian Casocot
Venue: Kolektib 1
4:00 pm | PARALLEL SESSIONS
ALL ABOUT MY OTHER.
The I versus “otherness” in poetry: how do they figure in your work? Insights, questions, problems and answers on this mind-boggling topic.
Panelists: Ronald Baytan, Kristian S. Cordero, Conchitina Cruz, Lawrence Ypil Moderators: Carlomar Daoana, Dinah Roma-Sianturi
Venue: Mogwai 2
UNSCRIPTED.
Playwrights, screenwriters and writers in general discuss the difficulties of writing for the stage and screen—from the issue (or non-issue) of language and the challenges of the craft, to the long road to production and the burden of having to win the audience.
Panelists: Jhoanna Cruz, Glen Sevilla Mas, John Iremil Teodoro
Moderator: Jun Lana
Venue: Pablo
THE YOUNG AND THE LITLESS.
Is the Filipino youth worth writing for? In the age of the Internet and digital home entertainment, Filipino children and young adults have so much to see, hear and read—without having to open a book. How does this affect the youngest generation of the Filipino literary audience? How does this affect the Filipino writer?
Panelists: Christine Bellen, Jean Lee Patindol
Moderator: Tara FT Sering
Venue: Kolektib 1
THE STORY OF OUR LIVES.
Short story writers and novelists discuss the concerns of today’s fictionist—from language and style to themes and subject matter. Also to be discussed: getting published internationally, and the problem and the burden of writing long-form work.
Panelists: Vincente Groyon III, Arifah Jamil, Luis Katigbak, Januar Yap, Alvin B. Yapan Moderators: Genevieve Asenjo, John Bengan
Venue: Kolektib 2
6:30 pm | PLENARY: DEAR NCCA.
What can the NCCA do for the younger or emerging writer? This discussion hopes to come up with a wishlist for the NCCA, covering specific measures of support for the Filipino writer.
Moderators: Angelo R. Lacuesta, Joel Toledo
Venue: Mogwai
8:00 pm | CLOSING CEREMONIES
Program
• Address, National Artist Virgilio S. Almario
• NCCA Resolutions
• Response and Closing Address, Ricardo M. de Ungria
• Fellowship
|
|
| Please Help Them Produce Their Film |
[06 Feb 2009|08:52pm] |
|
Hello! This is a repost from Carlo Chong. I don't know anything about this film that isn't on its website (e.g. title: The Rapture of Fe, female lead: Irma Adlawan!), but it's probably going to be good. Rolyo, the other one Sir Yapan wrote and directed, was awarded Best Short Film in 2007's Cinemalaya and 2008's Gawad Urian (salamat IMDB haha). I'm reposting this because their deadline is approaching FAST...and because Sir Yapan is my favorite Filipino teacher. :) HELP HELP HELP!
Hi guys! I'm helping Vim Yapan produce his indie movie for this year's Cinemalaya 2009.
I write this letter as our film is in dire need of funding. We need to raise P500,000 before our first shooting date on February 19 and we're losing time. We need this money to pay for equipment rentals, fees of the actors and production design. Otherwise, we will not be
able to start filming.
We have already sent out sponsorship letters to all the companies whose products we can show in our movie and got very few responses.
If you can spare at least $10 (less than P500), that will really go a long way if multiplied by 10 or even 100 people. If you give $20 (around P1000) or more, we will put your name in the end credits of the movie as a co-producer of the movie.
You can pay securely using the Chip-in application on our website (www.theraptureoffe.com). You just have to sign up for a Pay Pal account and use your credit card. It's very safe and secure.
You may also give it to me directly. We can arrange it for me to pick up your money. Those in Ateneo can give it to Mr Vim Yapan (of the Filipino Department). For Xavier, you can give it to Je Ching (Faculty Development Office on the third floor of the MPC).
Please help us spread the word.
We assure you that every cent you give will be used wisely. Not only do we guarantee the quality of our movie, we also give a voice to all the abused women who have long been kept silent.
Salamat po!
|
|
| I Can Explain Emotional Eating |
[04 Feb 2009|07:01am] |
In polymer class, we were reviewing the mechanical properties of polymers. In materials engineering, stress is defined as such:
σ = force / area
Thus, stress may be relieved by either of two factors: 1) Decreasing the force applied, and 2) Increasing surface area. Since we have no real control over the force applied by various factors (school, org, your own general ugliness, etc.), then it can be assumed that this remains constant.
Therefore, the only way the ordinary person can relieve stress is to increase his own surface area. Hence, emotional eating.
(Thesis defense ko na bukas. I am so scared.)
|
|
| Because it's exactly a month before Valentine's Day, Part 2 |
[14 Jan 2009|06:49am] |
C.S. Lewis is famous for his epic The Chronicles of Narnia, but many people don't know that he also writes Christian books and essays. Below is an excerpt from one of his books, The Four Loves.
I find that the farther out there you put your heart, the harder it is to get it back. And when you do manage to reel it in, it's hardly in the shape you want it to be. No bother, at least you've got it back. In the spirit of the previous post, from Fr. Jboy's homily...eto na. We've always got a choice--self-preservation, or to put yourself out there. Para sa ating mahilig pumili sa self-preservation, konting sermon lang from C.S. Lewis. Enjoy. :)
An excerpt from The Four Loves, by C.S. Lewis
To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything, and your heart will certainly be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact, you must give your heart to no one, not even to an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements; lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness.
But in that casket--safe, dark, motionless, airless--it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable.
|
|
| Because it's exactly a month to Valentine's Day |
[13 Jan 2009|06:12pm] |
No one waits forever. Laura found this excerpt from one of Fr. Jboy's homilies in her high school planner, shared by Ms. Andal, one of our CL teachers. Salamat Laura, after twenty million years! WAHAHAH. No one waits forever nga. Enjoy!
Excerpts from “Taking Risks”, a homily by Fr. Jboy Gonzales, S.J. on Pentecost Sunday 2003 First, Pentecost celebrates community. The first reading from the Acts of the Apostles describes to us that when the time of Pentecost was fulfilled, the disciples were in one place together, and they were filled with the Holy Spirit naturally becomes part of one body. Each member becomes a friend of another. Each member becomes a brother or a sister to all who belongs to the community. They understood each other. Second, Pentecost celebrates passion for life. Peter Hans Kolvenbach, the General of the Society, said that passion is timeless. It celebrates the fire of greater desires: dream dreams and aim high. It celebrates risks and sacrifice. The Holy Spirit gives us the courage to proclaim live, to spread the Gospel without fear. It is the same Spirit that allows us to take great risks throughout time. It is what fires our imagination and pushes us to stubbornly pursue our dreams. The disciples before Pentecost were consumed by fear; they all began to disperse; they began to feel so betrayed and hopeless the way the disciples on the Road to Emmaus felt. But when the Holy Spirit filled their hearts with the fire of love, they became brave witnesses of Christ, glorifying them as Jesus promised in the Gospel today. Finally, Pentecost brings community and risks together. When the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles, everyone understood what they were speaking despite the variety of tongues. But more practically, I believe that the Holy Spirit gives us the courage needed for the most important risk in our lives: that of taking all the opportunities to deepen our relationships, to be one with the love of our life. Sadly, most of us, do not take risks for fear of losing the very relationship we dream to have. To form community require great leaps of faith. To deepen friendships requires great risks. Have we ever noticed that the worse way to miss someone is when they are right beside us and yet we can never have them…and that the moment we can feel them under our fingertips, we miss them? Have we ever wondered which hurts the most – saying something and wishing we had not or saying nothing and wishing we had? I guess the most important things are the hardest things to say. They are the things we get ashamed of because words diminish them, words shrink things that seemed timeless when they were in our head to no more than a living size when they are brought out… Let us not be afraid to tell someone we love them. If we do, they might break our hearts… but if we don’t, we might break theirs. Have you ever decided not to become a couple because you were so afraid of losing what you already had with the person? Your heart decides who it likes and who it doesn’t. You can’t tell your heart what to do. It does it on its own… when you least suspect it or even when you don’t want it to. Have you ever wanted to love someone with everything you had but that other person was too afraid to let you? Too many of us stay walled because we are too afraid to care too much… for fear that the other person does not care as much, or at all. Have you ever loved someone and they had absolutely no idea whatsoever? Or fell for your best friend in the entire world and then sat around and watch her fall for someone else? Have you ever denied your feelings for someone because your fear of rejection was too hard to handle? We tell lies when we are afraid of… afraid of what we don’t know, afraid of what others will think, afraid of what will be found out about us. But every time we tell a lie… the thing we fear grows stronger. Life is all about love and taking risks and it requires us to jump. Don’t be a person who has to look back and wonder what they would have or could have had. An opportunity of great relationship with each other is worth any risk. No one waits forever.
|
|
| David Letterman! |
[10 Jan 2009|07:58am] |
Dear ACLCer,
whom I shall not name here
unless you read this and tell me it's alright:
Today was an ordinary Saturday: I skipped area to go to the lab and get some work done (but not the work I set out to do; that would have taken me eleven hours at the least, and my weak, unmotivated/uninspired heart refused to start work that would keep me in Schmitt Hall until after dark). It was nearly noon, and I was walking to the jeepney terminal under the flyover like I always do. And like they always do as well, random things were flying into my head.
The topic for the day was a verse from Matthew 25: For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in. My water bottle was banging against my leg, the condensed dew seeping through the fabric of my bag onto my old pants. I was thinking of Sammy, the (name I call the) street-dweller who always hangs out between Gate 1 and the next bunch of buildings. I was thinking, would I ever be able to give my bottle to this odd man, nestled against a concrete post with his greasy face and bags stuffed with his meager belongings? I don't know where he gets his water--if he gets it at all.
I was walking quickly now, passing Gate 1, getting ready to spy Sammy out of the corner of my eye and walk past him and his flimsy bags yet again.
And there you were! Sitting on the pavement beside him, your ACLC cross standing out against your white shirt. I can't be sure, but I think he was eating something you offered. As I passed by I think I may have heard you laugh together quietly. It was the first time I had ever heard Sammy's voice.
What I'm trying to say is, congratulations. You have done, effortlessly, what I have been wanting to do for four years now. And I'm sure that God is smiling down on you, proud to be in your life, just as I walked on, smiling, proud that you are part of mine. :)
Love,
Gabbie *kees*
|
|
| Anyone can be a pwet! |
[06 Jan 2009|05:05am] |
My friend MM and I--we're poets. Walang sinabi sa amin si Pablo Neruda--probably because we've never met.
____________________
If you forget me,
Good.
If I forget you,
Better.
If we forget each other,
Best.
...
...
...
HAHAHA
|
|
| Home. :-) |
[23 Dec 2008|10:13pm] |
As much as I've enjoyed the freedom to go out and hear Simbang Gabi with friends, singing for old friends and strangers alike, and trying my darned best to feel happy wherever I am, I know that I've missed home. And while I know that I can't escape from things, people and feelings (feelings daw!) forever, I'm here now. That makes everything a little better, even for just a couple of weeks.
:-)
|
|
| Make My Impossible Dream Come True for Someone! :) |
[11 Nov 2008|07:56am] |
Dr. Clamor's student info sheet for Th151 class left me gawking at some of the questions, for the single reason that I had no simple answer for "What is my Life Project?, "What is the one thing I'd change in myself?", etc. But then, "What is my impossible dream?"
Ahh. I have an answer for that one. And that, my friends, is to be a Jesuit priest--an impossible dream, for a non-Catholic non-boy. SO! Support nalang ako. If you know someone who has an insanely huge amount of money and no idea what to do with it, please do consider PJF. :) Make my dream come true...at least for some lucky boy with a heart filled to bursting with the desire to go where there is greater need. :)
Got this from Bro. Pat :)
_______________________________________
Dear Friends of the Jesuits,
 
The peace of Christ be with you!
The Philippine Jesuits are celebrating in 2008 their Golden Jubilee as a Province in the restored Society of Jesus. And next June will mark a second significant milestone: it will be 150 years since Jesuits returned to labor in these islands after nearly a century of exile during the suppression. Much has happened since 1859.
The Jesuit Philippine Province today has 315 men engaged in a wide range of ministries: five universities, numerous schools for basic education, two diocesan major seminaries, three urban and five rural parishes, four retreat houses, a variety of centers for spirituality, social action, communications, socio-pastoral services. Filipino Jesuit missionaries also serve in Cambodia, China and East Timor.
None of these ministries could continue without the generous help of benefactors like you. Your gifts truly keep us going. They free us to serve wherever the need is greatest, here or abroad; they support our ministries, enable us to educate new laborers and sustain care for those worn out in service. It is in this context that I make a special appeal for your help this Christmas.
Even without the disastrous effects of the global financial crisis, Province Funds have been excessively strained. Jesuit formation, for example, is a long and expensive process. For 10 to 12 years tuition, room and board are provided so young Jesuits can be effectively prepared to serve where they can make the best contributions. The good news is that the Province is blessed with 78 young men in initial formation, another 16 in specialized graduate studies. The bad news is that rising costs are depleting our Formation Fund’s capital. Its net assets decreased last year by 12%.
Certain ministries—our diocesan seminaries, prison chaplaincy, rural parishes for indigenous peoples, social action and spirituality centers—need financial subsidies, as do many causes that cry out for “faith that does justice.” But the Apostolic Fund that supports such works is also fast depleting. Net assets last year went down by 20%.
Finally, the Province has 108 priests and brothers (34%) over 70 years of age. Having served long and hard, they now need assistance and medical attention at a time when health care costs have upped dramatically. As a result, last year’s net assets for the Aged and Infirm Fund fell 6%.
Our financial resources are thus diminishing even as demands of service to the Church grow. For this reason, I am forced to turn again and beg from you who have so often been our partners in ministry. If you can, please make a tax-deductible contribution to support our efforts. Send a US Dollar check to Philippine Jesuit Foundation at:
Philippine Jesuit Foundation
236 West 27th Street, Ninth Floor
New York, NY 10001
USA
(Philippine Jesuit Foundation (PJF) is a charitable organization under section 501(c)3 of the US Internal Revenue Code. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. For additional information, call PJF at +1-212-627-2788.)
Indicate whether you would like your gift to go to the Formation Fund or to the Apostolic Fund or to the Aged & Infirm Fund.
Your gift will be much appreciated and put to good use. Be assured, too, that you will be with us in our prayers, Masses and apostolic works, even as we also ask you to continue to pray for us.
God has granted each of us many graces during this past year. My prayerful wish for you and your loved ones is that his blessings may be yours in abundance this Christmas and throughout 2009!
Sincerely yours in the Lord,
JOSE C. J. MAGADIA, S.J.
Provincial
P.S. If you would like to make your contribution in Philippine Pesos, please send a check to Mision de la Compania de Jesus at:
De La Costa House
132 B. Gonzales Street
Loyola Heights, Quezon City
Philippines
|
|
|
[05 Sep 2008|11:10pm] |
I don't think I'm really good at anything.
|
|
| A story, a story! |
[18 Aug 2008|11:20pm] |
You know you've read a good book when you turn the last page and feel a little as if you have lost a friend.
-Paul Sweeney
OFF
|
|
| Rockets |
[16 Aug 2008|07:11pm] |
I bought three books yesterday. Along with a book I needed, and a book I just plain wanted, I got another one:
This last one, I already have a copy of (tenks Kuy). But it's one of those stories that are just too beautiful to be kept to yourself. So I bought it (as I probably will buy every other copy I see), to save for a gift for someone who I think will feel the same twinge I did at the end of each chapter, who will wiggle his or her toes in tennis shoes like Douglas did, who will read the book and finish it, and understand why I wanted to pass it on. :)
(At mantakin mong 130 lang :O )
OFF
|
|
| Like a flower to a tree! |
[31 Jul 2008|11:59am] |
Happy 26th anniversary to my parents! :)
In other news. For my yearbook shot, who can lend me a blond wig, a bald cap and a fishing rod? Thanks :)
OFF
|
|
| You're outnumbered, woman. |
[20 Jul 2008|07:50pm] |
Over dinner, while I was eating tilapia with my bare hands, like there was no tomorrow.
Gabbie: Ano yung food na talagang mapapa-"ooh thank you LORD ang sarap" kayo every time na kakainin niyo?
Kuy: Broccoli cheese rice casserole!
Papa: Fried egg and adobo in the morning!
Tish: Spaghetti!
Mama: Lots and lots of oatmeal!
...
(tumbleweed)
Mama: Uh, oatmeal with lots and lots of sugar!
...
(owls hooting)
Mama: Maybe halo-halo and blueberry cheesecake.
HAHAHA MAMA LOSER!! Feeling ko yung first answer niya yung totoo e. *gigil*
OFF
|
|
|
[29 Jun 2008|05:53pm] |
Today, while hauling my stuff up to the apartment:
Kuy: You little hussy!
Gab: HEYYY
Kuy: Okay. You big hussy!
I'm downloading the songs we did on Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock during Tony's birthday HEE! They forgot to include Cemetery Gate (Pantera), which I know now only thanks to the same hussy mentioned above. Rakk on p0hzzz,,, v_c",)_v
OFF
|
|
| Gutom lang 'yan |
[26 Jun 2008|03:05pm] |
I've known for a while now what industry I want to find myself in ten years from now--food (okay, cut the fat jokes)! And lately, it's gotten a bit more specific. I want to work for the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (thanks Ira).
Now, slacking off and reading speeches from the FAO Director-General Jacques Diouf, I think I'm getting a little teary.
Against that backdrop, how can we explain to people of good sense and good faith that it was not possible to find 30 billion dollars a year to enable 862 million hungry people to enjoy the most fundamental of human rights: the right to food, and thus the right to life?
Hunger has always struck a chord in me. Which is why, when people walk out of Theology class after watching a documentary on real hunger in our urban poor, gradually recovering from the silence of shock to begin chattering again, maybe remembering, maybe pushing the reality to the back shelf of an inconveniently tall cupboard, I'd rather walk back to the Chemistry building quietly, thinking.
1/2 cup dinuguan
1/2 cup patola
divided by 5 children and 2 adults (?)
Ang sakit sigurong magutom ng totoong gutom.
Full text of Jacques Diouf's speech here.
OFF
|
|
|
[22 Jun 2008|10:48pm] |
NOOOOOOOOOOOO
(Siguro kaya tumataba ako. Increasing the volume to accommodate the increasing pressure. NOOO)
OFF
|
|
| Where to begin, where to begin |
[15 Jun 2008|03:28pm] |
I've got no time to properly write about everything, which is a whole lot. So, as in the tradition of keeping random stuff (quotes, recipes, things to write about, memories that periodically surface every couple of years) in my Drafts folder, lista nalang dito.
1. Love my classes, except Polsci, which looks positively boring.
2. I'm in two Philosophy classes with Bro. Junjun, our new ACLC Jesuit moderator!
3. In my Philo of Science elective, I'm surrounded by Jesuits and the religious! Plus a handful of non-religious Philo majors. Bro. Jun is on my left, and Sister Peli, a quiet Korean nun, is on my right. Fr. Green is wowzafeisty.
4. Air Supply last night!!! <3 I went with Steven, but we had dinner with MM first. Grabe. Parang a couple of years ago lang sinasabi ko seeing them live has to be on my top list of things to do before I die. And there you go. WOOOOO. Feebleness practically nonstop for two hours! <3 I loved it, feeling ko si Steven natigang hahahaha.
5. Oh, and did I mention that Dr. So kind of changed my thesis topic...uh, Friday night? :| Will get through this in spectacular fashion. Have to.
6. I've never been so motivated in my entire life. Wageningen here we go. !!!
OFF
|
|
| navigation |
| [ |
viewing |
| |
most recent entries |
] |
| [ |
go |
| |
earlier |
] |
|
|
|
|
