The Balance Between Two Forces

You are The Lovers

Motive, power, and action, arising from Inspiration and Impulse.

The Lovers represents intuition and inspiration. Very often a choice needs to be made.

Originally, this card was called just LOVE. And that's actually more apt than "Lovers." Love follows in this sequence of growth and maturity. And, coming after the Emperor, who is about control, it is a radical change in perspective. LOVE is a force that makes you choose and decide for reasons you often can't understand; it makes you surrender control to a higher power. And that is what this card is all about. Finding something or someone who is so much a part of yourself, so perfectly attuned to you and you to them, that you cannot, dare not resist. This card indicates that the you have or will come across a person, career, challenge or thing that you will fall in love with. You will know instinctively that you must have this, even if it means diverging from your chosen path. No matter the difficulties, without it you will never be complete.

What Tarot Card are You?
Take the Test to Find Out.

Hanapin ang Naiba

Mga sagot (i-highlight upang makita):

1. Ang background. Hindi eksato ang anggulo ng pagkuha ng dalawang litrato. Ngunit hindi nangangahulugang magkaiba na ang silid kung saan kinuha ang mga naturang litrato. Mukha namang kuwarto pa rin ito ng lalaking nasa litrato. Hindi rin nangangahulugang nag-iba na ang tingin ng lalaki sa litrato sa kanyang buhay.

2. Ang salamin. Ito na siguro ang pinakahalatang pagkakaiba sa dalawang litratong ito. Hindi nangangahulugang malabo na ang paningin ng lalaki sa litrato. Nagmumukha lamang siyang mas matalino, at nararamdaman niyang mas matalino siya dahil dito. Ito ay isang halimbawa ng placebo effect. Kung hindi niyo naririnig ang sinasabi ng naturang lalaki sa litrato, sinasabi niya sa inyo na natutulungan ng salamin na ito na manatiling interesado sa kanyang mga inaaral, lalung-lalo na sa History.

3. Ang buhok. Bigyang pansin na naunang kunin ang litrato sa kaliwa. Patunay ang paghaba ng buhok ng lalaki sa larawan na isang buwan na ang lumipas, ngunit halos wala pa ring nagbabago sa mga bagay na gusto niyang may mabago. Hindi nangangahulugang wala siyang ginagawa upang mabago ang mga bagay na gusto niyang mabago.

4. Ang tainga. Mas kita ang tainga ng lalaki sa kaliwang litrato kaysa sa kanan. Gawa na rin ito siguro nang hindi eksatong anggulo ng pagkuha ng mga litrato, at ng kanyang humabang buhok. Ngunit hindi nangangahulugang hindi na niya pinakikinggan ang ibang tao. Mas pinakikinggan pa nga niya ang iba, at pinakikinggan na rin niya ang kanyang sarili.

Kung meron pang nakitang ibang pagkakaiba maliban sa mga nabanggit, huwag mag-atubiling sabihin.

Maelstrom

mael - strom [mehl-strhu m]

-noun

1. a large, powerful, or violent whirlpool.
2. a restless, disordered, tumultuous state of affairs: the maelstrom of early morning traffic.
3. (initial capital letter) a famous hazardous whirlpool off the NW coast of Norway.

---

Maagang natapos ang aking klase kahapon. Maligaya akong sumakay pauwi dahil wala kaming Hi165 sa Huwebes dahil may pupuntahang talk si Fr. Arcilla. Sinabi ko sa sarili ko na unti-unti ko nang nagugustuhang muli ang pumasok sa may Katipunan dahil na rin hindi ko na masyadong nararamdaman ang tawag ng katamaran. Nagigising na rin ako ng kusa tuwing umaga -- ako pa nga mismo ang gumigising sa selepono kong antukin. Nalabanan ko rin kasi ang laban ng aking katawang hindi pumasok dahil bangag na bangag pa ang aking sistema sa pagpupuyat. Mahaba ang naging bakasyon ko: walang pasok noong nakaraang Biyernes dahil Teacher's Day sa Ateneo, at isinuspindi ang klase sa lahat ng antas ng paaralan sa kalakhang Maynila noong Lunes.

Noong Linggo, inaantabayanan namin ni Ate ang balita ukol sa suspensyon ng mga klase. Hindi maganda ang lagay ng panahon. Malakas ang hanging rumaragasa sa mga lansangan. Hindi tumigil ang kalampagan sa bubong ng mga bunga ng puno ng abukado sa aming likuran. Hindi rin nanahimik ang malakas na bagwis buong araw. Magdamag binulabog ng huning nagiging nakakikilabot na sipol ang katahimikang hinahanap ng isang taong nais nang matulog. Matapos ang ilang sandali, lumabas na ang balitang walang pasok kinabukasan. Sa kaligayahang dala ng mga sandaling iyon, naglulundag ako dahil natupad ang aking inaasam. Sa katunayan, hinatak ko pa si Ate upang makilundag ayon sa aking kagalakan.

At sa ilang sandali, may humapyaw sa aking isipan: paano naman ang mga taong sinasalanta ng bagyong ito?

Ngunit patuloy pa rin ang aming kasiyahang tatalunin ang kahit na anong piging. Nagpalundag-lundag kami ni Ate miski na maraming nawalan ng mga tahanan, hanapbuhay, at pati na rin mga minamahal sa nagdaan na ilang araw.

Pagsapit ng Martes, sumikat na rin sa wakas ang araw. Muli ko na namang nadama ang init ng kanyang haplos matapos ang ilang araw ng maulap na kalangitan. Sa Ateneo, mistulang walang naganap na kahit na ano sa mga nakalipas na araw. Patuloy ang takbo ng mga klase, patuloy ang paglalakad at pagmamadali ng mga estudyanteng huli na sa kanilang klase, at patuloy ang nakaririnding huni ng bell tuwing lilipas ang isa't kalahating oras. Walang nabago sa Ateneo: naroon pa rin ang lahat ng mga gusali, nanatiling matatag ang lahat ng mga punong mas matanda pa sa pinakamatandang taong kilala ko, nanatiling luntian ang Erunchun Field, at nanatiling nakatayo ang lahat ng poste ng ilaw sa may Parade Loop.

Tila walang nangyari sa Ateneo. Hindi, walang nangyari sa Ateneo, ang mundong aking ginagalawan araw-araw.

Ngunit bakit tila iba ang ipinapakita sa balita?

Umuwi ako sa ilalim ng katirikan ng araw. Pagod na pagod at basa ng pawis, pinara ko ang dyip patungong San Mateo at sinimulan ang aking lakad pauwi. Tila wala rin namang naiba sa Filinvest Access Road. Naroon pa rin ang mga makukulit na mga batang naglalaro sa tabi ng kalsada. Naroon pa rin ang mga lalaking walang suot na damit na pagala-gala kung saan saan. Nanatiling nakaparada ang mga sasakyang hindi ko alam kung ginagamit pa o hindi na. Nanatiling nakatayo ang mga bahay, tindahan, parlor, panaderya, bigasan, at mga water refilling station. Tila wala talagang naiba matapos ang apat na araw.

Matapos kong itulog ang puyat na nagpabigat sa aking mga matang pagod, binuksan ko ang aming computer upang mag-aral sa pagsusulit namin sa CS123. Matapos kong idikdik sa aking utak ang System Development Life Cycle at ang mga kaukulang functions at mga bahagi nito, sinilip ko ang blog ni Kuya Joms, at doon tumambad sa aking mga mata ang kanyang blog entry noong araw na iyon.

Hindi ko mapaniwalaan ang aking sarili na nagawa ko pang magtatatalon miski na sa isang dako ng Pilipinas, may pitongdaang nangagailangan ng saklolo at nagmamakaawang sagipin sila mula sa mga pangil ng kamatayan. Nagawa ko pang maging masaya miski na may pitongdaang pamilya ang kasalukuyang nagluluksa dahil nawawala pa ang kanilang mga mahal sa buhay. Tumindig ang lahat ng balahibo ko sa bawat salita ng post na ni Kuya Joms.

Pagod lang yata kasi ako. Kung anu-ano tuloy ang aking naiisip.

At sa kung anong dahilan, binasa ko rin ang blog entry ni Matt sa kanyang Multiply. Tungkol ito sa paghuhugas ng kanilang mga pinagkainan. Yun ang akala ko.

Hindi ko mapaniwalaan ang aking sarili na nagawa ko pang magtatatalon habang ang Block N, ang aking kinagisnang pamilya sa loob ng Ateneo, ay unti-unti nang nagkakawatak-watak. Ang Block N na kasama ko sa halos lahat ng maliligayang panahon ko sa Loyola Schools ay tila kumukupas na sa bawat pagpintig ng aking mga ugat. Lahat ng mga maliligayang sandali na kasama ko sila, tila yata hanggang doon na lamang. Hindi na yata madadagdagan pa ang mga hiyas ng ngiti at galak sa loob ng aking puso at isipan. Hindi ko mapaniwalaang nagawa ko pa rin maging masaya miski na unti-unti nang namamatay ang mga pagkakaibigang pinagkaingat-ingatan ko ng buong buhay ko. Bigla ko na lang naramdaman ang isang luhang gumugulong sa aking kanang pisngi.

Oo, pagod lang yata kasi ako.

At dala ng pagod na ito, mabilis akong nakatulog. Paglapat na paglapat ng aking pagod na likuran sa aking kama, tila nawalan na ako ng malay-tao. Sinabi ko pa naman sa aking sarili na baka hindi ako makatulog agad sa mga bagay na bumabagabag sa akin noong mga sandaling iyon, ngunit nagkamali pala ako sa aking akala.

Ngunit sana, hindi na lang pala ako natulog.

Sa isang lumulubog na barkong ako ang kapitan ko nakita ang nakasisindak na pagkamatay nila, silang mga taong itinuri kong matatalik kong kaibigan. Tagos na tagos sa marurupok kong buto ang kanilang mga tili, pag-iyak, at paghihirap habang unti-unti silang nilalamon ng itim na karagatan. Pilit ko silang inaabot gamit ang aking mga brasong hinang-hina na, ngunit laging may isang bulusok ng tubig na papasok sa aking bibig at susunugin ang lalamunan ko sa tindi ng alat nito. Laging may sasampal sa aking malaking alon, bubulagin ang aking pagud na pagod na mga mata, at ipatitikim sa akin ang lasa ng kamatayan ng aking mga kaibigan.

Nagising ako ng mga bandang alas-tres at kalahati ng madaling araw. Nagising akong basang-basa sa pawis at lumuluha. Ginising ako ng isang bangungot na sana'y manatiling bangungot na lamang.

Paulit-ulit pa rin ang mga pangyayaring ito sa aking isipan. Hindi ko maalis sa aking isipan ang panaginip na ginising ako sa katotohanan.

Ngayon, tinatanong ko sa aking sarili kung tama bang nagising ako, o kung sana'y nalunod na lang din ako kasama nila.


Nagpapaumanhin ako sa mga naglathala ng mga akda sa paglink ng kanilang gawa nang walang kaukulang pagpapaalam.

A Crimson Tear Appears as Three

Two tears collide
In a patch of sunshine made for one.
Memories in an unending history
Will soon be forever gone.

Two souls meet
Under a starless sky.
Sorrow burdened in laughter
Left nothing but a lie.

Two eyes cross
For the very first time.
In a moment's slide
Tales lose their rhyme.

Two hearts beat as one
In the place truth and joy reside.
Friendships start to tremble
As reality and fantasy collide.

Countless as the stars may seem,
Pointless as to count life precious,
Never can the pain fade away
When the clock strikes vicious.

A path bends,
Two souls wander free.
The promise made eternal ends;
A crimson tear appears as three.

Mugen Tags Levantine

(Oh no! Levantine was tagged by someone!)
(Shush Arenne! I'm pretty sure Levantine isn't enjoying this...)
(I have to tell him something. Back me up, okay?)

Arenne casts Assumptio on Zweihander and herself. All damage taken reduced to half.
Arenne casts Blessing on herself. STR, INT, and DEX increased by 10.
Arenne casts Angelus on their party. DEF increased by 10%.
Arenne casts Increase Agility on herself. AGI increased by 15, movespeed increased.
Zweihander casts Devotion on Arenne. Zweihander takes damage on Arenne's behalf.

Erm Levantine, go easy alright? Arenne suddenly bolts away.

(Well, that was pretty quick.)
(I know.)
Both of them sighs a breath of relief.

Where the heck is he anyway? Doing his pathetic homework? Graah. Just great.

---

I'm tagged by Mugen to participate in this game which circulates in blogs. What the heck. I'm supposed to write six weird things about him, and probably about us as well. Agh.

First things first.

Rules
1. This game starts with 6 weird things about you.
2. People who got tagged need to write a blog entry of their own 6 weird things.
3. They should state this rule clearly as well.
4. At the end of the list, tag 6 people.
5. Don't forget to inform each newly-tagged person by posting a comment on his/her own blog.

Weird things about him, huh? I know a few. Not sure if I could complete the six, though. Argh. Arenne caught me here big time. No no, Mugen caught me off-guard. Levantine controls his temper.

(OMG! Is that Levantine holding his temper? Zweihander, quick! you HAVE to see this!)

First, he's the only six-footer I know who likes to squeeze himself into tight spaces, or curl himself into a tight ball. I guess he loves his long legs so much. Anyway, he would literally drown himself in pillows when he goes to sleep. He would hug one, put one in his back, and put another one on top of him. In buses, he would fit his skinny ass snugly in between the hips of two strangers instead of giving way to sit by the aisle. I don't know his reasons, and probably I don't really give a damn, either.
(He feels secure doing that, Levantine. He reassures his comfort zones every time he does that. Don't be an imbecile. I know you know that.)
(He's a very touchy person. He likes physical contact as he sees this as a sign of acceptance. He dislikes rejection, and I'm pretty sure you know that very well, Levantine.)
(No one would like to be rejected. That is a truth one cannot deny.)

Another thing is that he changes the way he walks every so often. He walks really fast as if he's in a hurry, then proudly walks with his chest erect. It is stupid to see him slightly sway his hips while he takes a wide stride, and after a while, his shoulders would move as he walked. Probably how Arenne and Zweihander walks. But when I'm the one walking, I let him walk and see nothing else but the path he's taking. No people, no talk, no nothing.
(Hey! I'm trying my best to walk properly you know! It's really hard especially when your hips are as sexy as mine!)
(That is the way of the warrior. Talk with dignity, and walk with valor.)

(Grr. I'm having a hard time...)

Ah that's right. He has remarkably long fingers, and most of them are disfigured in some way. His fingers are knobby when you touch them, and they are not straight, either. His three fingers are slightly curved backwards due to its length, and his pinkies are crooked like hell. When he puts his palms together, the tips of his fingers no longer touch each other. That's how deformed his hands are. What the heck, his feet and his knees are disfigured as well. Don't see him naked and you'll probably do just fine.
(OMG! I never imagined Levantine would say that!)
(Naked? Is this Levantine trying to show his sense of humor?)
(Now now, he can't possibly do anything about that, can he?)
(Yes. His knees being too wide and his feet being too square is a product of his genes.)

He's weight-conscious as well. This is so stupid since he's thirty or so pounds underweight. He constantly deafens me with his pleas to his gods to gain weight, but when he does, he sheds them off immediately. What the heck is wrong with him?
(Oh well. I understand him. Look at me? I'm so beautiful and sexy. I can't blame him if he wants to be lithe and agile like me.)
(That is not the case, Arenne. He constantly tries to build up his muscles, but fails in doing so -- another product of his lanky genes. And remember that he suffered a whole lot of ridicule from his brother when he was obe--uh chubby.)

If he has problems plaguing his poor tormented mind, he likes to walk. Actually, he loves to walk. He would walk the distance from Gateway to Philcoa, claiming that that provides him the opportunity to think about his stance in life and where his destiny would lead him. I pity him sometimes, but most of the time, I don't care. He could just jump off a building and die quickly, right? Heh, he's such a weakling.
(Don't say such foolish things Levantine.)
Arenne remains silent.
(Something troubling you, Arenne?)
(It's nothing, really.)

And yeah, the clock on his cellphone is forty minutes advanced. Take note that he still runs late even if this is the case. He wakes up early, but he's so lazy and sluggish in the morning. I guess he doesn't have enough agility increasing equipment like me. So much for punctuality, huh.
(I just wish I can cast Increase Agility on him every morning.)
(I can't understand why he moves so slow in the morning. He doesn't wear armor as heavy as mine, does he?)

That's six. Being the unlawful person that I am, I won't be tagging anyone else. This madness has to end.
Arenne and Zweihander reveals themselves to Levantine.
Good job!
You did great, Levantine. Praises are in order.
Hmph. Shut up. Assassins have their own code of dignity to follow.
(Mugen, you're MINE!)
I'll leave you be. My katars thirst for blood! My spirit quivers in RAGE!!
Wha?
Wait a minute!
Levantine casts Cloaking and disappears. Arenne casts Ruwach, but fails to uncover Levantine's whereabouts.
What was with that snicker of his?
Well, Levantine is Levantine. But he could have just said he has no one else to tag.
Neither do we, Arenne. Neither does he.

Dear DrumMania, Tomo VI Blg 13

Dear DrumMania,




Kumusta ka na?

Ang saya talaga nung Saturday! Nakakatuwang isipin na gumawa kami ng assignment para sa CS179.15A. Paano kaya kung lahat ng subject, ganyan yung pinapagawa? Sobrang saya siguro nun. Pero medyo hassle kasi bumabagyo, at hindi ko pa sure kung may pasok kami bukas o wala. The pains of college life naman talaga.

Pinapapili kasi kami ng isang game sa arcade na gagawan namin ng maikling paper. Ilalagay sa paper kung ano yung game, yung mechanics nito, yung game experiences na most at least likable, at yung recommendations to improve the game. Hindi kami makadecide, kaya naglaro na lang kami ng mga andun sa Timezone sa Gateway tapos saka na lang kami mamimili at mag-iisip. So naglaro kami ng Daytona USA 2, Dance Freaks, EZ Global Touch, Deal or No Deal, Final Furlong, Vampire Night, Fatal Judgment: Silent Scope, PercussionFreaks 5th Mix, at siyempre ikaw, DrumMania 10th Mix. May mga naiisip na kami sa ilan.

Sa Daytona, sana mas engaging yung steering wheel. Si Nelvin kasi na isang experienced driver, nalilito dahil parang walang tension yung manibela niya. Naisip ko rin na dapat may busina para pwede kang mang-asar ng kapwa mo player. Recommendable yung simultaneous race ng up to four players.

Nabitin naman kami sa EZ Global Touch. Natapos kasi agad yung nilalaro namin after less than 10 stages. Nakakaaliw siya dahil sa touch screen interface, pero nakakabitin talaga yung sasandaling game time. Mas ayos siya sana kung matatapos lang yung game kapag naubusan ka na ng time. Siyempre kailangan paunti nang paunti yung time allotted for each level or sobrang hirap makita yung differences dun sa dalawang picture.

Nakakapagod yung Final Furlong. Sobra. Unique playing experience, pero kailangan may free glass of water tuwing maglalaro ka dun.

At nanalo kami ng 100 tickets sa Deal or No Deal! Tense pala talaga ang feeling, miski na arcade version lang. Kasi meron kang feeling of risk every time you pick a case, the risk of you losing the worth of your P25.00.

Dapat manonood kami ng movie, kaso tinamad kami kasi sobrang haba ng pila. Tapos noong umikli na yung pila, pang-10 pm na yung binebentang tickets. Oh well. At least naman natapos ko na yung Valkyrie Profile 2 -Silmeria-. Ayos naman yung ending, in my opinion.

O siya. Hindi ko sure kung kailan ulit ako makakadalaw sa iyo. Si bagyong Frank kasi eh, nananalanta pa.




Nagmamahal,
Rudolf na naiinis dahil na-corrupt yung file niya sa Soul Calibur 3 dahil sinubukan niya yung money glitch

Dear DrumMania, Tomo VI Blg 12

Dear DrumMania,




Kumusta ka na?

Hay grabe ha. Napakagastos ko kanina! Biruin mong tatlong beses akong naglaro ng DM10, isang PF5, dalawang Daytona, at tatlong House of the Dead 4. Lumagpas yata ng halos P130.00 yung nagastos ko kanina. Ayos lang naman yung PercussionFreaks at yung Daytona kasi may free games naman ako. Ayos lang naman din yung tatlong DrumMania kasi hindi na ito bago para sa akin. Pero yung tatlong House of the Dead 4? Hindi! Ang mahal kaya ng isang laro nun! Gumastos ako ng P75.00, mas mahal pa sa kinain ko kanina at pamasahe papunta diyan, at hindi man lang ako masyadong nakalayo. Pero masaya naman eh. Nakakaaliw pumatay ng mga zombies at maramdaman yung pag-vibrate nung uzi. Mas gusto ko sanang maglaro ng House of the Dead 3, pero ang sakit kasi ikasa ng ikasa yung shotgun dun eh. Nung huli ko pang laro kasama si Kuya Son, sira pa yung reloading mechanism at medyo off-target yung mga baril. Well, medyo sumakit din naman yung kamay ko sa kakaalog nung uzi. At hindi rin pala ganoong ka-effective ang lateral shake doon. Wala pa rin palang tatalo sa shake with feelings. Nakakaasar lang talaga yung unang boss, si Justice na apat yata ang braso't mga kamay, kasi gabuhok na lang yung kailangan na damage para macounter yung drop kick niya, pero wala, patay pa rin si Kate.

At ang grabe pala ng extreme ng ヒマワリ ha. Sinubukan kong auto hihat, pero nakakabaliw yung tatlong magkakasunod na bass. At least naman nakaabot ako sa refrain, and then, all hell broke loose.

Pupunta kami diyan sa Saturday kasi gagawin namin yung aming homework para sa CS179.15A. Manonood din kami ng sine. Exciting talaga ang weekends, no?




Nagmamahal,
Rudolf na masaya kasi walang siyang pasok bukas, at dahil makakalaro na siya ulit ng Valkyrie Profile 2 -Silmeria-

Shining Chronicles of the Silver Strand: The P229, M4A1 Bayonet, and SP12

...

Mr. Wonka? Mr. Wonka?

...sorry, I was just having a flashback.

Do these flashbacks happen often?

It has been happening increasingly...

---

Since a child, he has this weird fascination about guns. If he goes to a mall and a firearms and ammunitions shop crossed his eyes, he would approach its glass windows and stare at the guns being showcased in their respective places. His eyes glimmering with delight, he would start to imagine all sorts of things he would be able to do when a rifle taller than him was to be placed in his hands. He would quiver in excitement whenever he would imagine pulling the trigger of a high-caliber handgun and feeling the immense recoil delivered by the sheer firepower of the gun. The violent gunpowder blast and tiny clinking of the empty shells hitting the floor were music to his ears. He would tremble in his place, while he drowned himself in his dreams of a world filled with the burns of gunshot residues and the smell of firearm violence.

It all started when he and his family were invited in a famous military school to shoot a couple of rounds in the firing range. His family being friends with the head captain of that prestigious military school, they were free to shoot down metal targets with a .38 revolver and a powerful .45 handgun, with no worries with the ammunition. There was also a small rifle, but its might wasn't close to the power of the .45. He tried firing the handgun, and it was then and there that he loved the limb-wrecking shockwave of the mighty gun. With the sheer force of the gun , his small hands succumbed to gunshot recoil wounds and his arms trembled with each pull of the trigger. However, each subsequent blast heightened his interest immensely. Each deafening bang triggered more and more curiosity in his young mind. As targets fell one after the other, he silently told to himself that he was enjoying the pain of his wounds, the ache of his muscles succumbing to the weight of the gun, and the smell of gunpowder escaping the barrel of the gun.

But in the real world, he cannot possibly unleash that amount of power. He cannot fire guns outside a controlled environment. With the firing range long gone and out of sight for good, his trigger-finger was put to rest and his intentions of firing another bullet were buried in the sands of the past.

At least, in the real world.

After several years of not hearing the click of a gun's trigger, he came across a game entitled Parasite Eve 2. His older brother played this when he was younger, but he didn't have the guts to play it back then since he was afraid of the Neo-Mitochondrion Creatures eating the flesh and drinking the blood of everything alive. But he unconsciously tapped his inner desires to once again fire weapons of destruction. It was then he started playing the role of the heroine named Aya Brea.

He and Aya would later on finish Akropolis Tower in record time, picking up vital items along the way. He didn't like the submachine gun laying across the chapel's gates, and wished for some other firearm that would make their task of exterminating the NMCs a little easier. After traveling in Dryfield and gaining access to the Shelter, at last, they found three weapons that would turn out to be their favorites: the 9mm 12-bullet P229 with Flashlight and Silencer attachments, the 5.56mm 30-round M4A1 Assault Rifle equipped with a bayonet, and the 12-gauge pump-action SP12 shotgun. With these three armaments, he and Aya shot down each vicious enemy without mercy. They showered critical hits and blinded their enemies with the reliable P229 loaded with the 9mm Hydra. NMCs tasted nothing but lead as 5 mil bullets tattered their naked bodies to shreds. Enemies foolish enough who wandered too close to Aya felt the sharp wrath of the bayonet, which split them into founts of flowing entrails. And even the strongest, biggest, and meanest GOLEM was no match to the sheer force of Buckshot loaded in the SP12. Fragments blasted from the shotgun easily penetrated through the thick layer of protective gear the half-androids wore over their genetically modified muscular physique. With these bad ass guns, Aya did not rely heavily in her Parasite Powers.

But after a few days of carbine carnage, the game ended. Aya saved the day, with the help of the boy fixated with guns. As Aya's Parasite Powers receded and turned into a recessive trait, so did the boy's immense fascination on guns.

But little did he know that somewhere inside him, a 44Mag. Mongoose Magnum is slowly reloading, preparing to kill another deeply mutated Neo-Mitochondrion Creature (or even a zombie infected with the T-Virus) in the near future.

My Apologies, Dear Fate

One cannot fully appreciate the things that fate leads us until one fully understands why fate chose that path. One could only moan in disbelief or in horror until the sun shines, lifts the fog, and lightens up everything that were once blanketed in the shadows.

I felt so crossed at the History Department when they decided to put me in a buffered slot in a class that would potentially ruin my schedule even more. I felt unnerved to myself since everything was due to my lack of resolve and poor, poor judgment. Thoughts blundered me aimlessly, and I felt as if all my efforts were all for naught. I remained stuck in the stagnant time-space continuum wherein history keeps repeating itself in written and verbal words. I was forced to prepare myself to face an enormous enemy, with my intentions shoved to the side. I was to fight, whether I liked it or not.

Earlier this day, we were informed by Mr. Diy that our lab was to be split into two sessions. Instead of having it on Thursdays for three straight hours, we were to have our lab session on Tuesdays on Thursdays, from 12 pm until 1:30 pm.

Fate really did shine a smile on me. But due to the circumstances and the emotions I was feeling, I only saw something of a sinister snicker. It wasn't even something close to a smile. My vision was blurred because I did not want to see what needed to be seen. But perhaps, my eyes could've failed me because the end was nowhere near me, and my myopic eyes were incapable to focus.

Fate, I am really sorry. Thank you for everything.

Dear DrumMania, Tomo VI Blg 11

Dear DrumMania,




Kumusta ka na?

O 'di ba? Anong sabi ko sa iyo? Bibisita ulit ako sometime soon.

Anyway, masaya ako dahil naresolve na yung schedule ko na dere-deretso every Thursday. Magpopost na lang ako ng bago tungkol dito sa miracle break sa aking schedule. Break as in hindi yung break na nasasabaw yung utak mo kapag mahaba; yung break as in isang malaking opportunity of some sort. Basta parang ganun. Alam kong gets mo na 'yun.

Hindi ako naglaro ngayon ng 10th Mix dahil ang daming tao. Dun na lang ako sa ibaba naglaro at sumubok ng isang bagong kanta na nakalimutan ko yung pangalan. Basta, napakaunreal nung bilis ng mga rolls sa kantang iyon. Going back mula sa aking segway, may isang grupo ng friends na naglalaro at ginagamit yung mabigat mong sticks, no offense meant ha. Ang bigat naman kasi talaga eh! Amoy french fries na natuyo sa araw pa yung kamay mo pagkatapos gamitin. So basta, pinahiram ko na lang sila ng sticks ko, na hanggang ngayon, hindi ko pa rin napapangalanan. Naglaro na lang ako ng House of the Dead 4. Umabot ako sa second stage, pero nadeads ako nung sinigaw ni James na "Katie, look out!" Nakatanggap si Katie ng isang rumaragasang shoulder rush mula sa isang fattie, miski na si James ang gamit kong character. Weird, no? Nagmasid din ako sa mga sumunod na manlalaro sa akin, at nalaman kong mas effective pala ang lateral shake kaysa sa ginagawa kong pitching shake. Mas mabilis kasing napupuno yung shake meter nung isang lalaking patagilid ang alog nung baril kaysa sa akin na taas-baba yung pag-alog. Sayang, walang bonus points ang pag-alog nung baril nang may feelings.

Oy, oo nga pala! 618 yung max combo ko sa 天体観測! Wala lang. Sayang, bigla kasing may nagmiss dun sa unang part eh, kaya 82% lang yung combo ko. Konti na lang talaga, mapeperfect ko na ang kantang iyan.

O sige, kitakits ulit. Sa Thursday pupunta ulit ako diyan since walang kaming pasok sa Friday. Yay!




Nagmamahal,
Rudolf na nakitang muli si RB kanina sa Timezone at excited nang mag-Friday dahil walang pasok at birthday ng Kuya niya kaya kakain sila sa labas

Pamamaalam?

Kagabi (o kaninang madaling araw), nanonood kami ni Ate nang isang palabas sa ANC. Ala-1 na yata iyon ng madaling araw. Hindi pa kasi ako dinadalaw ng antok, kaya pinagtiyagaan ko ang palabas na iyon. Ayaw rin kasing pahawakin sa akin ni Ate yung remote. Hindi ko lang talaga maalala ang pamagat ng palabas na ito, ngunit tungkol ito sa mga prosesong kailangan upang makakuha ng American Visa, at ang mga paraan upang ma-naturalize ang isang tao. Pinag-usapan din dito ang mga katanungan ng mga taong nagkaroon ng mga samu't saring problema tungkol sa kanilang mga petition; dahil namatay ang kanilang tatay na may green card; ang kanilang asawa ay hindi pa pala tunay na hiwalay sa kanyang naunang esposo; o lumagpas na sila sa edad na dalawampu't isa.

Taimtim na pinanonood ni Ate ang naturang palabas. Tahimik niyang pinakikinggan ang mga sinasabi nung abogadong nagtatalakay at sumasagot sa mga tanong. Lagi niya rin akong sinusuway tuwing mag-iingay at guguluhin ko siya. Medyo doon lamang pumasok sa isip ko na nars nga pala itong si Ate at kung siya'y papalarin sa kanyang English Proficiency Exam, tutungo na siya sa Estados Unidos at doon na magtatrabaho. Mangilang beses niya rin saking ipinaunawa na mas malaki talaga ang sahod ng isang nars sa Estados Unidos kung ikukumpara dito sa Pilipinas. Unti-unti'y kinausap niya ako tungkol sa mga bagay bagay sa kanyang isip, at unti-unti ring humina ang dinig namin sa talakayang nagaganap sa telebisyon noong mga sandaling iyon.

Uminog ang aming usapan sa pagkuha ng green card. Paulit-ulit kong nabanggit si Tito Ben, ang bunsong kapatid ni Mamie, at ang kanyang asawang nars, si Tita Melo. Sa New Jersey na sila nakatira simula noong pumasa si Tita Melo sa NCLEX, isa sa mga pinakamahahalagang eksamen para sa isang nars. Hindi ko alam kung ano talaga ito, ngunit ang sabi sa akin ni Ate, kung maipapasa niya ang NCLEX, magiging madali na para sa kanya ang makakuha ng immigrant visa at sa lumaon, ang green card status. Magiging madali na rin para sa amin na magkaroon ng American citizenship.

"Huh? Pati kami?"

Isa raw kasi sa mga privileges ng mga nagtatrabahong nars sa Estados Unidos ang isama ang kanilang immediate family sa kanilang pagtatrabaho. Ang plano ni Ate, kung siya'y papalarin na pumasa (na alam kong papasa siya dahil naniniwala ako sa kanya), isasama na niya sina Mamie at Dadee kung saan mang state siya magtatrabaho. Magiging madali na rin para sa amin ni Kuya ang makapunta sa Amerika at ma-naturalize nang hindi lumaon dahil immediate family pa rin namin si Ate. Basta ganito ang proseso ng embahada. Hindi pa rin masyadong malinaw ang lahat para kay Ate dahil nga hindi pa niya kinukuha ang kanyang mga eksamen para siya'y makaalis na sa Pilipinas.

Ngayon ko lang naintindihan ang pag-aapura ni Mamie kay Ate para kunin na ang kanyang NCLEX, IELTS, at kung ano pang kailangang pagsusulit.

Matapos ang Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?, natulog na kami ni Ate. Mag aalas-2 na yata ng madaling araw iyon. Miski inaantok na, hindi ko pa rin magawang makatulog dahil sa dami ng mga bagay na pumapasok sa aking isipan.

Hindi pala malayong pagkatapos na pagkatapos kong mag-aral sa Ateneo, lilipad na ako patungong ibang bansa. Hindi pa ito tiyak, ngunit isa itong posibilidad na maaaring mangyari.

Nabagabag ako dahil ang dami ko pang gustong gawin dito sa Pilipinas. Gusto ko sanang magtrabaho dito kahit sa maikling panahon lang. May mga kaibigan pa akong ni hindi ko pa nakikita kahit na isang beses at nakikilala sa personal. Hindi ako masyadong nabagabag na maaaring ako na ang magpatakbo ng aming tahanan sa 24 Mt. Shasta kung sakaling umalis na sina Mamie, Dadee, at si Ate. Ang talagang kumurot sa aking isipan at sa aking puso na rin ay ang katotohanang isang araw, aalis ako ng bansa, at iiwan ang aking mga kaibigan. Oo, alam kong dala-dala ko ang lahat ng kanilang ala-ala sa aking puso, isipan, at diwa, ngunit hindi ko pa rin maalis sa utak ko na aalis ako't iiwanan ko sila.

Gusto ko sanang lagi akong nasa tabi nila sa mga oras na kailangan nila ng isang kaibigang hindi sila iiwan.

Ganoon kasi ang isang kaibigan.

Dear DrumMania, Tomo VI Blg 10

Dear DrumMania,




Kumusta ka na?

Kumusta na ako? Okay lang naman. Medyo naiinis pa rin sa History Department dahil feeling ko ba, pinolosopo nila ako. Parang six hours na diretso pala ha, o ayan! Six hours na break! Magsawa ka! Pasensya ka na kung hindi kita nadalaw nung May. Medyo naging busy kasi ako sa project namin sa CS177. Medyo nawalan din kasi ako ng gana lumabas masyado kasi I was going through a phase. Basta, alam kong alam mo na kung ano iyon kasi magaling ka naman mang-empathize eh.

Nakakatuwang makabisita ulit sa iyo, or sa Gateway for the matter pagkatapos ng isang buwan. Parang ang saya ng feeling. Baka rin kasi unang weekend ng pasukan, kaya ako masaya. Nakita ko rin kasi sina RB, Nemi, at yung kaibigan niyang si Pierre diyan sa Timezone. Medyo nag-alala rin ako kasi nga, ang tagal nung disk check mo. Akala ko hindi ako makakalaro. Kaya ayun, hinintay kong maging okay ka na ulit habang nanoonood ng Tekken 6. Kinalaban kasi ni Nemi si RB eh. Naglaro rin pala ako ng House of the Dead 3, na kung saan sumali yung isang staff ng Timezone, si Kuya. Basta, aalamin ko yung pangalan niya sa susunod. Napansin ko rin na parang sira yata yung shotgun na ginamit ko kasi parang tuwing ikakasa ko, hindi kumakasa paminsan. Namatay tuloy ako dun sa stupid mutated police slash security guard. Yung unang boss ba. Tapos naglaro ako ng House of the Dead 4, pero hindi na ako nakaabot sa unang boss kasi sabi ni RB, sa ibaba daw ako dumaan. Ayun, narape ako ng napakaraming zombies.

O basta. Kita-kits na lang ulit. Promise dadalaw ako ulit diyan sometime.




Nagmamahal at Nagbabalik,
Rudolf na hassle na hassle dahil sa kanyang Thursday schedule na anim na oras na walang break

The Load Revision Form (Accounting Department's Copy)

Fate really did shine a smile on me. But the catch was that fate smiled in a manner in which I had a hard time deciding if it was a sinister snicker or a great break in my schedule. After a whole epoch of thinking, feeling, and deciding, that smile eroded and turned into nothing but absolute oblivion.

Yesterday, I hurried to the Department of History located at Leong Hall right after my first class. I was preparing myself that my request was denied since it really looked that way. The department was a little chilly as I entered, probably because I was perspiring a bit. Two students were sitting at the lounge since the secretary who I mistakenly hated for her department's stupid protocol wasn't there. So I sat beside them, at glanced across the bulletin boards mounted on the walls. Something caught my attention: a memo with the words "Deadlines for Load Revision" printed at the top. My heart leaped a heartbeat or two as I scurried in my seat and approached the bulletin board. It was true; the deadline for changing sections was on Thursday, June 12, 2008. It was weird that I wasn't saddened by this fact. It could probably due to the fact that I'm already prepared to face the monster deluge of difficulty summoned by Fr. Arcilla, but nontheless, I left the department since I was already late for my next class. But as I left the chilly room, I felt a little disappointed. I hurried to Faura while the sun scorched my scalp and roasted my legs inside my jeans.

After my second class and after eating lunch, I went to the History Department once again. The secretary was already there, and she handed over the envelope I gave her a day before. It was only that time that I noticed she was pregnant. I was so sure that my request was denied, that I was noticing other things I haven't noticed before, like the fake flowers in the vase placed on top of the table of the pregnant secretary.

While I was engaging myself in a field trip inside my mind, the secretary mumbled something I didn't quite understand. I begged her pardon and politely asked what was the matter.

"Pakitinggin na lang sa labas yung schedule."

Huh?

I opened the envelope and stared at the form. I was granted a buffered slot in section D. I shuffled my feet and hurried outside to look at the schedule of section D. My heart was beating at an increased pace. The tension was killing me, and at last, I saw section D which was instructed by Mr. Ambeth Ocampo in CTC105.

But I wasn't anything near happy when I saw its schedule. Utter disbelief ravaged my poor brain. I trembled a little in sheer disappointment. I read the schedule numerous times, hoping that it would change each time I read it. Much to my dismay, the print remained "TTh 1630-1800 CTC105".

I wanted to change my section in Hi165 because of my six hour Thursday schedule. If I move to section D, my Tuesdays would have a six-and-a-half hour break. Fate sure does smile in a weird, if not sadistic way.

I entered the department once again and asked if I could not pursue changing my sections. She bluntly told me to just not complete the load revision process any longer, and I would still be in section B, TTh 1030-1200 in BEL308. She also told me that I could still process the signatures, even if the deadline was a day ago.

I wasn't sure what I was supposed to feel.

After a whole lot of thought placed on the matter, I decided not to change sections anymore. The six hour break is much more unbearable than my six hour class schedule.

What a pain. What a real pain this has become. But at least it's now over.

I went home at around 7 pm after a much needed excursion to Gateway. Sleep was fighting my consciousness, but I managed to stay awake until around 1 am. After taking a heavy dose of antihistamines to reduce my allergy, I fell asleep. In my dreams, the LRF loomed over my head, flying closer and closer to the sun, until it burned away into ashes that will be buried in the sands of the past.

The Load Revision Form (ADSA's Copy)

Events turn for the unexpected in ways you cannot seem to reach and leave you catching your breath. You feel too tired to move forward, but your mind is telling you that you should since there's no turning back.

Now, I turn to the most sacred and invisible altar of my invisible gods and destinies. I ask them to let luck shine upon my confused mind and grant me the tidings of a better class schedule every Thursday.

Last night, a classmate of mine told me her that she succeeded in shifting out of our class in Hi165 and into an MWF class. Upon hearing her exciting news, I hurriedly printed out a copy of my class schedule. The Department of History required mainly three documents: the LRF, a photocopy of my Assessment Form, and a copy of my class schedule. I scolded myself for my very negative and reluctant attitude the day before, and after a few moments of silence, I fell fast asleep. I was looking forward to going to school the following day and pass my requirements to the secretary who I apparently loathed the day before because of her department's nuisance protocol.

Earlier this morning, Mamie dropped me off, but I still arrived at school late. There was an accident involving two cars and an SUV. This along with everyone's curiosity stretched my usual travel time of a quarter of an hour (it should be even less since Mamie dropped me off at school) to about an hour and twenty. Since I was already late, I decided to complete my requirements for the History Department first since if I waited until my class was over, the department would be closed for their lunch break, and I would receive the results at a later time tomorrow. I rushed to Ate Maricar to photocopy my Assessment form, went to the caf to buy an envelope after, and hurried back to Leong Hall. I was already about 30 minutes late for my class. I read the department's memo for the last time, and then entered the department. The cooled air filled my lungs with something terribly like a fake emancipation. I trembled a little bit, but remained composed since there were people around.

I approached the desk of the secretary which I didn't mean to abhor two days ago. I smiled at her, and she smiled back. I handed over my envelope, and as soon as I answered her question of which subject was the matter, my world was crushed. Her lips opened and violently screeched a devil's chord, at least to my own ears.

"Kaso, ang open na lang na class ay yung section A, yung 9 to 10:30 tuwing TTh."

I have a class during that time. I can't make way for that History class as well, since my class during that time is a major, a single class only offered every first semester. I can't withdraw my history as well since I'll be underloaded, I wouldn't be able to graduate on time, and my scholarship prohibits me from doing so. All I could that time was pass my request even if the chances of me transferring to another section is zero.

"Ipapass ko na rin po. Andito na rin po kasi, eh. Salamat na lang po."

I left Leong Hall with a heavy heart, but with a level of optimism high enough to keep me hoping, instead of moping.

Soon after, I learned that Fr. Arcilla gave us a freecut. My efforts of walking extra fast and sweating under the dry, hot air was wasted, but at least, I wasn't late after all.

Later that afternoon, a friend of mine told me that today is the last day for the submission of LRFs. My world broke instantly, but soon I realized how weird it was for the school to set a deadline on a Thursday. And besides, if the History Department knows about this, the secretary shouldn't accept my request for deliberation. I tried to check the dates, but I didn't find anything posted in the bulletin boards. After seeing the box-office line in front of Window 2, I headed home.

Was it true that today is the last day for the submission of LRFs? The thought bothered me tremendously.

I left school with a heavy heart, but with a level of reasoning high enough to keep me believing. But I was unable to hide my sadness to the fact that today could really be the deadline.

I will be unable to sleep soundly later this evening. I'm sure that questions will be flooding my mind, inundating the things which lull me to sleep. I'm afraid that I will be sad if my request gets denied, but the weird thing is, I know that my request has no probability of getting accepted. I just can't admit to myself that I am in this situation because of my fickleness and weak will to take a risk I was willing to take in the first place.

Fate, please shine a smile on me. I would really appreciate it if you did.

Buti pa si Bianca.

Searchlights

You are, for contradiction's sake, everything I remember that I swore I'd forget.

I promised Melody Kay that I'll be posting this in my blog today.

I also dedicate this to all the people who have fallen in love and get hurt in the end, but always keeps a small fragment of that love no matter how wrong everything gets or how painful life turns out to be. To all you people, keep on holding on, because that day will eventually come when you will finally meet the one.

This is from "Searchlights" performed by David Cook.

Searchlights - David Cook

The Load Revision Form (ADAA's Copy)

Now, I face my mirror mirror on the wall in hopes of a clear and strong resolve in the epic failure I will be facing. As it turns out, the evil Load Rev form isn't as docile as it seemed. Shifting sections isn't as easy as I saw it last Tuesday. Procuring one's dreams for a more comfortable life without any immediate risks involved only happens in a fairy tale, and not in the real world. I was so deluded in my visionary dreams caused by the ease of acquiring a signature. The LRF suddenly turned into a vicious beast that sucked all my happiness as soon as I called it a friend that would aid me in the rough seas I would be sailing.

I woke up early this morning and went to school earlier than usual. I arrived at Katipunan at about 9:30 am, an hour earlier than my first class. I wanted to accomplish my Load Rev as soon as possible so that I wouldn't need to catch up in terms of lessons of my new section, since the first few meetings are spent doing introductions or discussing the syllabus of the course. I directly went to the Office of Admissions and Aid to acquire my first necessary signature, and ask a few questions as well. As soon as Ate Tin returned to me my LRF with the "Admissions" field duly signed by her, I headed towards Leong Hall, the new building where the offices of the School of Social Sciences are located. As I climbed to the second floor, I constantly checked the requirements for me to successfully shift sections. I rechecked my list of possible Hi165 classes, their locations, and the instructors involved. I grabbed the cold doorknob of the department, turned it carefully, and gently opened the door. As I slowly closed the door with the giant glass pane in its center, I felt the air-conditioned atmosphere the History professors were spending their time outside their respective classes. The refreshing cooled air felt extremely different from the severity of the heat outside which baked everything its rays crossed paths with. I approached the secretary's desk, and asked for Fr. Arcilla since his signature was my next agenda.

"Ay, pakitingin na lang po yung guidelines sa Load Revision sa corkboard sa labas. Thanks."

I stepped outside and read their memo which escaped my eyes moments before. Then, beads of sweat started to form all over my body which slightly trembled in sheer disbelief.

The History Department under the School of Social Sciences in the Loyola Schools of the Ateneo de Manila University made shifting of sections a herculean task not fit for the weak of heart. The department was telling me that the LRF is something not for students whose determination was not solidly fortified to their will.

I was being asked by their policy to collect the needed signatures, and submit the LRF along with a photocopy of my Assessment Form and a copy of my class schedule, all of which placed inside a properly labeled brown envelope. It was up to the Department of History to discern whether my reason for shifting my classes was eligible, and they were the ones deciding which Hi165 class I will be transferring to. This policy of theirs was very, very different to the one recognized by the school, and by the student handbook.

I am currently in a situation where I want to shift out from my current Hi165 class due to its schedule and its proximity to the classes before and after it, but I'm afraid that my new class wouldn't be better than my current class as of now. I feel trapped inside a time-containing space wherein history keeps repeating itself over and over and over again, but in an increasingly irritating fashion smothered with monotony.

My LRF remains unfinished. My resolve remains deterred. The reality of it leaves me disturbed.

The Load Revision Form (Registrar's Copy)

From the Loyola Schools Undergraduate Student Handbook 2006 Edition

LOAD REVISION

The Load Revision Form

The Load Revision Form is the official record that documents the changes requested by the student after the registration period.


General Guidelines

i. Load Revision Forms are available at the ADSA Office, Xavier Hall. Fill this up stating the nature of the request.

ii. Obtain the signatures indicated at the bottom of the form. There are seven signatures to procure and they must STRICTLY follow this sequence:

1. Admissions - for scholars
2. Professors
3. Department Chairpersons
4. ADAA
5. Accounting
6. Cashier
7. Registrar

iii. After all the required signatures are secured, submit the corresponding copies to the following:

• White copy - Registrar
• Pink copy - ADAA
• Green copy - ADSA
• Yellow copy - Accounting Department
• Blue copy - Student's copy (c/o his/her home department)
  

iv. While the request is still pending, all classes should be attended.


Different Uses of the Load Revision Form (LRF)

Each academic procedure or request is discussed by first enumerating the conditions that allow it, and second, by noting the steps undertaken to effect such a request.

The following actions require the LRF:

1. Withdrawal from a course
2. Addition of course(s)
3. Overloading course(s) or the permission to do so
4. Change of course(s)
5. Change of section(s)
6. Change of status from credit to audit
7. Change of status from audit to credit
8. Change of concentration
9. Taking a deferred final exam
10. Leave of Absence
11. Honorable Dismissal

CHANGE OF SECTION(S)

Procedure

i. Inquire from the Department Secretary concerned if the class to be entered is still open.

ii. Talk to the teacher of the class to be entered and to be changed before accomplishing the form.

iii. Submit the completed Load Revision Form to the Registrar within the first week of classes.

---

I acquired a Load Rev form for a measly P15.00 earlier this afternoon. I want to change my section in Hi165 since the teacher is so boring, I don't like his teaching style, plus I'm grade conscious it makes my Thursdays especially heavy -- six hours straight without any breaks in between. I wanted to change my section in that particular class since a classmate of mine was changing her classes as well. She has classes from 9am until around 6pm without any breaks in between her classes. I saw her giving her Load Rev form to Fr. Arcilla, and he signed it without hesitation or asking why she was revving out of his class.

I'll be collecting the needed signatures for my Load Rev form tomorrow. I will be doing this not only because of my heavy Thursday schedule, but also because I am intimidated by the heavy load placed in front of me.

It's just like what Fr. Arcilla kept repeating in his class a while ago:

"If you don't want to improve, then you are not human."

May Pasok na Ako Bukas (3rd Year 1st Sem Edition)

Yaay. After two short weeks ng pahinga or two long weeks ng pagkaburo sa bahay, may pasok na ulit ako bukas. Ang ibig sabihin lang nito, magkakaroon na ulit ako ng steady supply ng income. Muli ko na namang mapapraktis ang aking kuripot skills which I will now term as spendthrift skills. Nakakainis naman kasi yung pagtaas ng pamasahe, pero wala naman akong magawa kung hindi ikwenta kung magkano na nga ba ang student fare ng jeepney ngayong P8.00 na ang minimum fare. Grabe ha, sana naman hindi muna nila ituloy yung proposed P10.00 minimum fare. It's too much already for a student like me. Okay lang sa akin na mangayayat ang aking pitaka, pero sana naman hindi ako madamay sa weight loss program ng aking wallet at coin purse. Ang mahal mahal na rin kasi ng pagkain sa caf.

Hay grabe. Ano na bang nangyayari sa bansa natin? Ang mahal mahal na ng lahat. Kahapon lang, nagrereklamo si Mamie dahil yung pangkaraniwang grocery niya na nagkakahalagang P1,200.00 ay P1,900.00 na ngayon. Onse pesos na pala ang de lata, at biruin mong disisais pesos na yung paborito naming synthetic pancit canton na dati rati naman ay wala pang katorse. Ang mahal na nga ng krudo, pati ba naman tinapay? Baka sa lumaon niyan, pati tubig, magmamahal na rin ang presyo.

Oh well. May pasok na ako bukas. Marami akong naiisip na mga bagay bagay, pero hindi ko muna ito masyadong papansinin dahil nga may pasok na ako bukas. Kailangan kong buksang muli ang thinking and analysis apparatuses para sa Introduction to Software Engineering at sa Rizal and the Emergence of the Filipino Nation. Ang tagal na kasing naging dormant ang aking utak e. Sa sobrang tagal ko nang hindi nag-iisip, kinailangan ko pang buksan ang calculator para lang masolve ng tama ang isang simpleng arithmetic problem. Hindi ko na sasabihin kung ano iyon dahil it's just way too embarrassing.

Medyo excited na ako, pero medyo tinatamad pa rin akong pumasok. Hay grabe, third year na ako. In less than two and a half years, nagtatrabaho na ako somewhere in the big, bad, mean world. In less than that amount of time, ginagawa ko na ang aking thesis at malamang nagagahol na sa oras.

Pero ayos lang naman kasi I'm trying to live every moment the best way I think I can.

Yaaay.

Hard Gay - Social Improvement

I've always idolized Razor Ramon Sumitani, more known as Hard Gay (or simply HG) for his very outgoing personality. His tight leather outfit coupled with ultra skimpy short shorts doesn't look well with his buff, masculine physique. If ever you get the chance to travel to Japan and see a man with his big shades and wearing a boy's cap studded with the letters HG, you can be sure that you have met HG when you see his hip-shaking that would flip even the best belly dancer out there. None can stand before the mighty gyrating hips of HG.

His social skills are amazing. He can do almost anything he wants since he always puts his mind into it, and he does what he does proudly, with dignity, and with a whole lot of humor into it. Razor Ramon Sumitani not only gives anyone who watches his short skits laughter, but he also gives his viewers a very important lesson which is commonly unseen: nothing is impossible when people convert their ideas into real efforts.

HOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Shining Chronicles of the Silver Strand: Rebellious Truth

...

Mr. Wonka? Mr. Wonka?

...sorry, I was just having a flashback.

Do these flashbacks happen often?

It has been happening increasingly...

---

His acolyte was just a job level away from being a priest. Due to his addiction to the online game in its beta stages back then, he stayed in the house of his best friend until nightfall, even during weekdays. He would Heal the undead instead of doing his homework. He would be seen staring intently at his friend's monitor as he cast supportive spells to his party members. He would cast Increase Agility and Blessing to himself whenever the buff period ends, and he would sit to regenerate his empty SP. Whenever a zombie prisoner would suddenly spawn beside him as he sat, he would hit the enter key and teleport away to safety. If things went bad and his luck ran out, his character would get a hit or two for an insane amount of damage, and die. His defense was still too weak as he concentrated in building up his intelligence to increase the potency of his Heal and to increase his maximum SP. His spell of Angelus offered little added defense to the dark attack of the hungry undead. Nonetheless, he would just respawn in Prontera beside the Kafra in the west gate, open a chatroom entitled "W> GH 700z" and warp himself and another character to Glast Heim.

While he was busy gaining precious job experience, he would text all sorts of messages to his parents to hide his whereabouts. He told him he was doing a Filipino project wherein he and his group mates needed to record a radio drama. Things went on unnoticed, and Sanjuras hastily continued the path to becoming a priest.

Or so he thought.

A week passed by, and after hours and hours of grinding, he finally became a priest. Members of Angelic Reignment instanly recognized his job transformation and congratulated him excessively. He was a hit in Glast Heim too. Other characters would follow him and stay beside him, as he provided them in their faith. He blessed them with the mercy of God, sang the songs for Mother Mary, chanted to the highest glory of God, laid his hands upon their heads and blessed them, and resurrected the souls of the fallen back to life. His new power to help other people with the priest spells Kyrie Eleison, Magnificat, Gloria, Impositio Manus, and Resurrection made him even more addicted into playing until the end of the world. He cared nothing about time and spent almost the entire evening in the house of his best friend, who has a superior internet connection and a top-of-the-line computer model.

But he didn't want to lie. But he was unable to do anything since the gleam of magic circles was too bright for him to see that his parents were worried. All he ever saw in his house was his old, useless computer.

Things became messy after quite some time. His parents later on found out what he was doing. A call to his best friend's mother was the catalyst needed to initiate Ragnarok, the end of his world.

All he remembers now is the vow he promised to himself. He promised to himself never to tell a lie again (at least to the people he truly knows and trusts) while he sat on their hallway, still dressed in his school uniform. He promised to always tell the truth as he cried and cried, wishing Sanjuras was real so that he could be saved from the terrible and inescapable situation he was in.

The very next day, he woke up to the sound of his mother speaking with someone in the telephone. Although he didn't mean to, he eavesdropped into something which later on he figured out as a complete lie.

Ang Thursday Schedule Kong 9 Hanggang 3

Hay nako. Hindi ako natutuwa sa AISIS o ng Regcom o ng kung ano o sino pa mang may pananagutan sa pagpapatupad ng random numbers dahil bingyan ako ng numerong halos nasa dulo na ng aking school. At dahil dito, wala nang magagandang klase na natira noong mga panahong oras na ng aking enlistment. Lahat ng easy A professors sa Philisophy 101 at History 165 ay wala na. Wala na rin ang mga challenging, but very worth it because you will learn a lot professors. Ang natira na lamang sa enlistment page ay ang mga professors na tila may ketong, at nagkasakit ng bulutong tubig at german measles ng sabay dahil iniiwasan ng lahat ng mga estudyante. Ang mga natira na lamang na mga professor ay yung mga tinatawag nilag terror, kung ano man ang ibig sabihin niyan para sa kanila. Ganoon na lamang ang kanilang not recommended status dahil sa halos dalawampung klase para sa Hi165, ang natira na lamang ay ang kay Fr. Arcilla. Kapansin-pansin na lagpas sisenta pa ang slots available sa dalawang klase niya.

Ang sabi ng ilan, mahirap daw na professor itong si Fr. Arcilla. Magaan lang daw ang kanyang workload dahil apat lang ang kanyang requirements para sa buong semestre: tatlong mahabang pagsusulit at isang finals. Bukod sa apat na pagkakataon para patunayan mo ang iyong sarili na hindi ka nararapat makatanggap ng isang malutong na F, daig pa niya ang chair ng English Department kung magcheck ng mga sagot ng kanyang mga estudyante. Dapat daw, ayon sa aking mga nasasagap na balita, naging Literature teacher na lamang siya dahil bukod sa boses niyang kayang magpatulog ng isang insomniac na kakainom lang ng limang tasa ng kapeng barako, masyado raw siyang mabusisi sa mga detalye. Hindi ko naman siya masisisi kung binibigyang pansin niya ang mga detalye, tutal kasaysayan ng Pilipinas at ni Rizal ang kanyang itinuturo. Mababa rin daw siya magbigay ng grade, at hindi rin daw siya mabait at considerate sa pagbibigay nito. Isa ka lamang unknown author ng mga essays na kanyang binabasa kada tatlong linggo o higit pa, at nasa kanya na iyon kung nagustuhan niya ba ang isinulat mo o kung nabisto ka niya sa iyong pambobolang hindi epektibo.

At dahil sa klaseng ito ni Fr. Arcilla, anim na oras na walang tigil ang aking klase tuwing Huwebes. Kawawa naman ako dahil malayo ang CTC sa Bellarmine. Kailangan kong takbuhin ang layong lagpas sa isang kilometro sa loob ng sampung minuto, o mas kaunti pa kung huli kaming palabasin sa naunang klase.

Ito na rin ang dahilan kung bakit hindi ako mapakali ngayong magpapasukan na.

Ayaw ko na kasing maalala ang panghihinayang nadama ko dati.

Ngunit nagpapasalamat na rin ako siguro dahil hindi nawala ang aking scholarship sa Ateneo. Mahihirapan ako sa darating na semestre, ngunit alam kong kakayanin ko dahil bumalik na sa akin ang aking kasiyahan. Yun nga lang, hindi pa rin nawawala ang ilang pangangamba.

Parehong Daan, Magkaibang Paraan

Minsan iniisip ko na mag byahe sa bus....
kung nagpa plano man...
madalas iniisip ko na umaga o gabi....
Para makita ko kung san ako papunta....
Gabi naman para maramdaman ko yung lamig nang hangin...
Kaya lang parang kulang...
Mas masarap yata pag may katabi...
Mas maganda yata pag may kahak ng kamay....
Lihim na naghaharutan... na kayo lang ang nakaka alam
O magkayakap sa gabi habang umaandar ang sasakyan.....

Di ko nga lang alam kung kaylan...at di ko rin minamadali....

Kung di man abutan.... at wala nang masakyan...baka ibang ruta na lang ang sakyan ko...at dun sa seryosong buhay na ang tatahakin ko...

-jeof2

---

Hindi ko maintindihan ang buhay. Hindi ko rin maintindihan ang tao paminsan-minsan. Tila pareho naman ang hangarin ng bawat isa sa atin, ngunit tila wala ring tunay na nakayayakap sa hangarin minsan nilang minithi at pinangarap.

Bakit hindi kayang magtulungan ng tao?

Kahit na iisa ang tinatahak nating daan patungo sa tunay na kaligayahan, magkakaiba tayo ng paraan para maabot ang rurok ng buhay. Nakangiti ang tadhana sa iyo kung mangyaring madulas ka sa isang yabag mong hindi tiyak, at may sumalo sa iyo't napigil ang masakit na palo ng iyong katawan sa maruming daanang inapakan na ng mga taong hindi mo kilala.

Magiging masaya ka na ba? O hihintayin mong maabot ang dulo ng daang tinatahak mo?

---

Araw-araw sa pagmulat ng ating mga mata, nakasakay na tayo sa isang bus. Ito ang bus ng buhay. Paminsan, nakatayo ka dahil masikip, o kaya'y nakaupo ka sa dalawan o sa tatluhan; sa may bandang bintana, sa may pasilyo, o sa gitna ng dalawang taong hindi mo kilala. Magigising ka na lang na nakasakay sa isang bagong aircon bus na malamig at mabango ang simoy ng buhay, o kaya sa isang ordinary bus na kung saan langhap mo ang lahat ng polusyon ng buhay. Lalapitan ka ng konduktor at sisingilin ka ng iyong pamasahe. Itatago mo ang tiket, at sisimulan ang pagmamasid sa mga kapwa pasahero. Tulog ang ilan. Ang iba naman ay kausap ang kanilang mga kasama. Nanonood ng pelikula ni Judy Ann at ni Ryan ang karamihan, miski na ang gusto nilang panoorin ay si Jolina at si Marvin.

Pero lahat sila ay walang pakialam sa iyo at sa iyong ginagawa. Gagawin mo ito hanggang makarating ka sa iyong pupuntahan sa araw na iyon. Bababa ka sa bus habang iniisip ang mga nagdaan sa aircon bus na malamig at mabango ang simoy ng buhay, o ang lumang ordinary bus kung saan langhap mo ang lahat ng polusyon ng buhay. Titingin ka sa iyong kanan at titiyakin na walang sasagasa sa iyo, at ipipikit ang iyong mga mata dahil ikaw ay inaantok na.

Hihiga ka sa iyong kama at iisipin kung may kabuluhan nga ba ang pagmasid at pagtitig sa mga kapwa pasahero mong natutulog, nag-uusap, at nanonood ng Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo. Ihehele mo sa iyong sarili ang iyong pag-iisa at mga tanong na hindi mo masagot hanggang sa makatulog ka at panaginipan ang iyong mga gusto sanang mangyari sa loob ng bus na iyon.

Magigising ka sa tunog ng iyong alarm clock. Bago mo pa man maayos ang iyong kama, nakasakay ka na ulit sa bus, katulad pero tila kaiba sa sinakyan mo kahapon.

Ano nang gagawin mo ngayon?

Furigana: 断金

dan
failure

kin
gold, valuable (metaphor)

dankin
close friendship

Fwd Msg # 6

You can't do anything
about the length of your
life,





but you can do
something about its
width and depth.

Clock Strikes Twenty - Late by Forty-Eight

The clock struck twenty two days ago. Everything was normal. Each and every moment that passed by was just like any other moment in the past. Nothing special happened. Seconds, minutes, and hours passed, and as each moment fleeted by, both happy and sad memories came blazing across the night, which left my eyes blurry with tears and left me gasping for air free from the memories of the past.

Emotions kept overwhelming my very confused being. I always thought that everything will be alright, as time took its own natural course. As I gazed upon the threads and threads of memories mingling with the faint shine of the stars, I kept remembering everything dear that I still keep inside my heart. I kept seeing the moments when I felt important and happy, and the moments when I made everyone feel important and happy. I remembered the times when I was content with what I had, with who I was with, and what I had become. But in the empty spaces of those strands of memories flying in the midnight ocean, darkness remained. It wasn't for long that I found myself plunged in the bitter cold of the memories that shattered the very core of my humanity. I felt millions of white-hot knives slowly touching my skin, initiating a hellish kiss that beckons pain that seemed to last an eternity. In a fraction of a heartbeat, I was instantly covered in the shadows, putting the silver chains that bound me alive in danger. I embraced myself along with everything dear to me, and prepared for the worst if it was to come.

It was then that a streak of light different from all the rest appeared. It was a familiar spectacle, at least to my eyes. I kept on trying to remember what that was, and after a moment's pause and a skipped heartbeat, I remembered it. I stood my ground and tried to undo the damage the darkness was dealing me.

I remembered the patch of sunshine made for one.

I remembered the time when two hearts beat as one.

In that star of hope, might, and strength, I saw the one and only truth that I was searching for. The midnight ocean was not the evening sky, but were the windows of my eyes. Deep inside my eyes filled with tears of sadness and strength, I saw everything important in the thing I call life.

The clock struck nineteen. I am still not ready.

The clock strikes twenty. I'm slowly getting there.

Please wait for me.

Borrowed Time Fabricates Reality (A Prelude to Clock Strikes Twenty)

It's just about now that I've realized how simple my life is, if I see things the way things should be looked at. My life is like an unending merry-go-round. I ride on the wooden horse festooned with all sorts of circus dresses and garlands. I hold on to the golden stick which animates the horse its monotonous up and down movements. Stepping on the wooden pegs acting as stirrups driven into the sides of the horse, I feel the hardness and lifelessness of the horse as I ride it. I sit and watch silently as the world passes by, gradually blurring as the lively carousel ride accelerates in a steady unnoticeable rate. My heart starts to beat in rhythm with the slow-paced melody of the music, until my heart beats so slow that my body succumbs to a near fatal shock, and goes into an emotional overdrive and into a state of deep sleep.

I know that I am alive, but I don't know if I am wasting the borrowed time that was bestowed upon me. I really don't know if I am living it the way I'm supposed to live it. Everything I do seems so little, so small, and so minute as compared to the dreams I look into beyond the farthest horizon. I'm not certain if I'm just straining my eyes to truly see what is ahead, or if my eyes are closed and my imagination is fabricating the reality I know exists. Now, I don't really know if my life is simple and less complicated than the lives of others. Maybe it isn't. Maybe it is. I just have to look at my life differently each time I do so. It is for the sake of me realizing the bigger picture my life is intertwined into, or maybe even for the one crimson truth that everyone detests and avoids.

I enter a world of happiness and kill everything happy in it, making it a world of eternal sorrow. I honestly don't know why, but it happens all the time. I recuperate from this destroyed paradise into a buffer state after time strikes its ethereal chimes for infinity. I open my eyes from a slumber mingled with a very deep sense of doom, and find out that everything will be alright. The sun shines again, emanating warmth, light, love, and hope. Flowers blossom as the gentle breezes carry their scent towards the distance. Bare trees turn over its leaves, signaling its beginning to wake from its apparent moment of death.

My heart begins to beat quicker. The heart of the world begins to beat quicker with the harmony of the waves gently crashing into the shores carrying the sands of time. If we could live for an eternity, the meaning of life will not be searched by lost souls. Life, as we know it, is just humans trying to know who they are, what have they become, and what they will become. Life is the infinite tessellation of the relationships of people in search for the meaning of their existence; the reason why time is just lent to them, and not given to them.

Another year passes by. Age doesn't matter, it's how you live your life.