the glee life

SOCIETY AS THE SOURCE OF MEANING

2009-03-11T23:50:00.000-07:00

For the prefinal period in our philosophy class, our teacher discussed about the five forms of society namely The Experience Of Being "Within" Society(11); Society As The Fulfillment Of Man(12); Society As The Source Of Meaning(13); The Social As The Basis Of The Self(14) and Social Existence As "One's Own" Life(15). To serve as our long quiz, we were tasked to choose what is the best society for us. We should defend our answer by opposing it to the other forms of society.

SOCIETY AS THE SOURCE OF MEANING
My Best Description of Society

Society, in chapter 11, is a jail-like structure that compels people to do what they don’t want to do, making their lives miserable. In society there is “patterns of behavior” where man is expected to act in a set way. Man is being caught up in a system that gives a clearly defined pattern for his life. In society there is “sources of control” where conformity would mean acceptance by the society and rejection would mean punishment. In society there is “objectivity” where individual consideration is not accounted for. Man has no power to change it. However, we must not forget that man is a conscious being. He may be a destiny but he is also a task. Life may place upon him the limitations found in society but still he has a choice. Living in a society is a choice and people choose to live in society because it is through it that they can gain meaning in their lives.

Chapter 14 perceives society as the basis of the self. Accordingly, it is through society that we are able to tell who we are, it is through society that we can gain self-importance, we can be involved, we can express ourselves, we can gain self-image and we can have a past and future. With this, we can have a sense of direction, a sense of meaning. It makes man truly human. However, for me, this is too individualistic. It focuses on what a person can achieve by emerging himself in society. The true meaning of life comes from being able to share ourselves in society, being able to find meaning in playing a role in the society, being able to find meaning in his goals as influenced by society, being able to find meaning in his relationships as can be found in society and being able to find meaning in meeting the challenges given by the society. With this, man can develop himself. Man can find true meaning of his existence.

In chapter 12, society is perceived as the fulfillment of man. Accordingly, we need to be social because non-social existence produces inhumanity. Such inhumanity are shown in the Jungle-Boy situation, Robinson Crusoe situation and Isolated existence. It is said that if man isolates himself, he would be a beast, something less than human. However, if chapter 14 perceives society as “too individualistic”, this chapter perceives society as “too social”. Too social that without it, man can find no meaning at all. Too social that without it, man is perceived as animal-like. Too social that without it, man is less than human. It must not be that way. For the contexts of language, social awareness, personal relationship, basic human skills, stories of culture, religion and entertainment “themselves” would not be meaningful unless a person finds meaning in them. We are not robots where fulfilling all of them can already be equated to existence. There must be something in these things that make man want to live with their presence. And that is the “meaning” that these things have brought to man.

In chapter 15, society is perceived as something which is in us. There is no distinction and opposition between social existence and individual existence. To be human is to live a life and have a sense of that life and for which life means the life of individual or group with which man has identified himself. Accordingly, man identifies himself within social groups, another individual, culture and involvement with a cause. However, even though I stand on the belief that man should neither be too social nor too individual, this does not make me support the idea that society and individual should be one. There should be “at least” a distinction between them. Man is a unique creation and society is just a ground where man finds meaning in his life. Society should not totally decide “what is man”. In society lives groups, but these groups are but just “groups”, “social units”. They can only be useful when man finds meaning in them. There are a lot of groups, a lot of “other individuals”, several cultures and several causes to involve with in the society. But all of them are but just social units, an opportunity for man to find meaning in his existence.

Thus, the best society for me is one which is described in chapter 13, a society where man finds meaning in his existence. The sources of meaning could be the goals that we seek to achieve and these goals can only be achieved through society; it could be the relationship that we have with our family and friends that gives significance to the actions that we do in life; it could be the things that we value in life like friendship, fame, power, etc; it could be the roles that we play in society such as being a mother, father, son, daughter, political leader, business man, nurse, teacher, etc; it could be the challenges that we want to meet such as challenges from nature, from within us, from God. Chapter 13 neither affirms that human existence is completely social nor completely individual. It neither affirms that society and individual are two opposing entities nor one. Man is always living a complex existence made up of social and individual aspects. Society and man are never completely separated from one another but are merely interwoven. . The importance of finding a meaning in our life is that it will give us direction. It will give us a reason to continue living. It will give us a reason to be thankful as we wake up each day. It makes us fully human.

NO PERMIT NO EXAM

2009-03-06T23:35:00.000-08:00

The time that I dread has come. Finally, our school has implemented a "no permit no exam" policy. In a way, I was already expecting this but still I was hoping that this won't come. Anyway, since it has already been implemented, students are left with no choice but to follow and weep. Well, not literally weep - it's so tiring!

Different reactions arise from this new policy. For the well-off students, it doesn't matter. They can meet payments with or without the said policy. For those who are so loved by their parents so as to have an educational plan, it doesn't matter too. But how about the academic scholars? the working scholars? They are those who depend on their academic performances and industry to get into school - to get into this school named Ateneo.

Where is that "men and women for others" that this school has long been claiming. How can these students give the maximum of their potentials when they are so preoccupied with the thought of how to settle their accounts? This is so depressing on their part. These students are just asking for a consideration. These scholars constitute just a small portion of the total student population. Late payments from them neither make the school "incur loss" nor create bias . In fact, upon hearing their stories, other students and even faculty understand them.

The Most Difficult Question

2009-03-06T03:37:00.000-08:00

A couple of weeks from now, we will be having our final exam. What does it mean to me? Well, it means that I will be saying bye-bye to third year life as fourth year life is awaiting me next school year. What does it mean further? It means I will be graduating in college and will be preparing myself for a job interview.

It's not that I hate job interviews. It depends on the questions asked. But I am aware that the question "describe yourself" will always be asked. It has always been a difficult question for me. It's not just difficult - I don't want to answer it! How could I answer it? Its not me who can describe myself better but the persons around me. Yes, I do have my ideal self but I don't want to presume that "what I think I am" is really the kind of person who is experienced by others. I may think I am nice but people may think of me otherwise. I may think I am beautiful but people may say I am not. I may think I am religious but people rarely see me in church so how could I be one?

Truly, describing myself is a very difficult question for me. The reason why instead of describing myself in my so-called social networks, most of the time, I just give a quote. The reason why when people ask me who I am, I can't even be certain of my answers. So when my future boss will ask me this question? Well, come what may.

Back to the Game

2008-10-20T06:54:00.000-07:00

Well, well, after leaving my site for a while, I'm back. I stopped blogging because I got tired of writing(hehe) and thinking of possible topics to write. It had also affected my studies in a way. But, why the sudden come back? Just this afternoon I had a short conversation with a casual friend. He shared a short testimonial about blogging that adds to my inspiration. Yes, it's not actually the primary reason. I also have another reason but I have the right to remain silent so I won't tell you(haha). Anyway, since this is just the beginning of a grand come back, I will just share to you one of my favorite songs entitled Wherever You Are by Southborder. It has a nice lyrics. It goes like this:

I love to see the ocean's beauty
And the moon that shines above
Alone in the sand looking at the stars
Wishing someday i would find true love
Would it be nice to see the morning
With the one you love the most
Would it be nice to say goodnight
To the one you hold so close
To your heart
To your heart

Chorus:
The wind that blows the dove
Is the wind that blows my love
Hope it'll find its way to you
Wherever you are

I love to sit in fields of green
Looking deeply through the sky
Watching birds as they fly by
Hoping someday fate will bring me true love
Would it be nice to hold someone
So dear, near your heart
Would it be nice to hear those words
I love you from the one that you love
That you love

Repeat chorus 2 times...

Yeah... yeah.... yeah....

Bridge:
I'd love to see myself one day
In the arms of someone
Who will share her life with me
Selflessly.. someday...
You will find your way... to me...

Quote of the Day!

2008-08-01T18:37:00.000-07:00

"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."
- Martin Luther King, Jr.

Joke of the Day!

2008-07-28T21:52:00.000-07:00

One day there was a knock on the Pope's office door. When he answered it, the salesman said, 'Hello, my management team would like to discuss a proposal with you.' After taking a seat in his office, the salesman said, 'I am with Kentucky Fried Chicken. We would like to offer you a contract to the church if you can change the Lord's blessing from 'Give us this day our daily bread' to 'daily chicken'.'

The Pope said, 'I'm sorry we just cannot do that.' The salesman went back to his office where he discussed the outcome of the meeting. He returned to the Pope's office a week later with the same proposal, only he had upped the bid to 4 million.

The Pope gently declined, again. The next week he came again and offered the Pope an offering of 10 million. The Pope said, 'Let me think it over.'

The Pope then called a meeting with the elders of the church and said, 'Well gentlemen, I have good news and bad news. Kentucky Fried Chicken has generously offered us 10 million dollars to change the Lord's Prayer from 'daily bread' to 'daily chicken'.

The bad new is that we will lose the Wonder Bread Contract.

July Nutrition Trivia

2008-07-22T16:40:00.000-07:00

53% of the calories in one 8 ounce cup of whole milk are derived from fat. That’s like drinking half a cup of oil with half a cup of milk.

2% milk is called reduced fat milk because it’s just that…reduced fat, not low fat. Approximately one third (36%) of the calorie source in an 8 ounce cup of reduced fat 2% milk is derived from fat.
Americans currently consume 20-30% of their total calories from beverages. It should be more like 10-15%. If those beverages are sweetened and calories taken in are not burned off, then the body stores them, and your weight increases.
A high sodium intake may not lead to high blood pressure, unless you are sodium sensitive. However, since it is impossible to know who is sodium-sensitive and who isn't in advance, it makes sense to err on the safe side and consume less than 2,400mg/day, which is equivalent to about a teaspoon of table salt. This means avoiding highly salted processed foods such as chips, canned soups, tv dinners, and canned vegetables.
Yellow corn, which is also a "whole grain", is just as nutritious as whole wheat. Yellow corn is rich in carotenoids, such as lutein and zeaxanthin, which may help keep your eyes healthy. Popcorn made from yellow corn has these same nutrients (just don't add all the butter to it!) However, white corn, while tasty, is less nutritious.
Although shrimp has more cholesterol than any other shellfish except squid, the cholesterol in shrimp has not been shown to be as much of a problem as cholesterol in other foods. Also, shrimp are very low in saturated fat, which has been shown to raise blood cholesterol more than dietary cholesterol. Furthermore, shrimp contains heart healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Therefore, shrimp can be included in a heart healthy diet.

Looking Forward

2008-07-22T04:00:00.000-07:00

Starting tomorrow until Friday this week, "atenyu" faculty and staff will be having their annual retreat. It's time for them to take a break, relax and reflect. Truly, life has been preoccupied with our daily concerns of existence. Sometimes, we forget that life, after all, is just temporary and what matters most is our relationship with God. This really is an avenue for spiritual growth and personal assessment. So Ma'am/s and sir/s - go embrace the opportunity!

The said retreat not only benefits the faculty and staff. The students, of course, benefit too because there is no class. It's time for us to "make-up" for our sleep deprivations. So tonight, I'm looking forward for a deep sleep.

Joke of the Day!

2008-07-19T19:05:00.000-07:00

This Middle aged man was going through his mid-life crisis so he went out and bought himself a new bright red Porsche. So he decided to take his new Porsche on a test drive down the interstate one day.

He got up to about 85 mph and all of a sudden he saw this highway patrolman with his blue lights and siren blaring coming toward him. He decided he and his new Porsche would outrun the officer. So the man sped up to 95 mph, and then to 105 mph, but the patrolman was still coming.

The man finally came to his senses and said to himself, "This is crazy, I could go to jail for this," so he pulled over. The patrolman came to the car and told the man, "It has been a long day and I am tired. If you can give me an excuse no one else has ever given me I will let you go."

So the man told the officer, "Last night my wife ran off with a patrolman and when I seen you chasing me I thought you were trying to bring her back." The officer looked at the man and said, "Have a nice day."

Durian after Exam

2008-07-17T02:30:00.000-07:00

"I survive" I'm fond of saying this to myself every time I'm having a tough day. My TTH class schedule is really brain-draining. I start my class at 9:15 am and end at 4:05pm with only a 30 minutes lunch break. Today, we have our Prelim exam and I feel so drained right now. Good thing somebody gives me "durian" - good compensation isn't it? Haha! Well, more blessings to come - I hope. Anyway, that's it. I just drop by to say "I survive another day".

The New 8 Wonders

2008-07-10T03:50:00.000-07:00

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has already named the new 8 wonders of the world. These new 8 wonders really deserve protection and preservation. Click on the link below.

Joggins Fossil Cliffs (Canada)
Mount Sanqingshan National Park (China)
Lagoons of New Caledonia: Reef Diversity and Assoicated Ecosystems (France)
Surtsey (Iceland)
Saryarka - Steppe and Lakes of Northern Kazakhstan (Kazakhstan)
Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve (Mexico)
Swiss Tectonic Arena Sardona (Switzerland)
Socotra Archipelago (Yemen)

For the Record

2008-06-27T05:22:00.000-07:00

People mostly set their resolutions on New Years Day. However, for the record, I'm setting my resolutions on my birthday. A couple of days from now, I will be celebrating my 21st birthday. So here is my list:

To wake up as early as five in the morning
To have an average sleeping hours of seven
To omit my "come what may" attitude
To iron my uniform at least a night before my class
To give justice to the definition of homework (which means I should do my homework at home not in school)
To always keep my room clean
To save (resources)
To rarely watch television
To give jokes
To drink more water
To eat more ice craze

Bread for the Soul

2008-06-26T18:17:00.000-07:00

John 3:16 (King James Version)

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

1 John 1:9 (King James Version)

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Acts 16:31 (King James Version)

And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

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What To Thank For

2008-06-25T18:33:00.000-07:00

family's good health and safety
family talk
blessings
waking up
pets
friends around
friends asking for my presence
friends including me in their featured friends
friends offering help
teachers
classmates
jeepney drivers
opportunity to learn
able to sleep early
able to recite in class
projects done on time
free lunch
receiving responsibilities
3-year old school uniform
3-year old sling bags
friendster messages and comments

A Sweet Embrace with Social Spark

2008-06-24T08:40:00.000-07:00

Social Spark is really catching the trend. This is the best site for people who enjoy meeting new friends while making a living. Isn’t it great? It’s like hitting two birds with one stone. This is a rare opportunity so don’t let it slip away. Join the social spark community now!

Joining is as easy as 123. As long as you have your gmail account, worry no more. Get ready to embrace this once in a blue moon opportunity.

So how do you earn in social spark? Well, it’s as easy as writing a personal comment on a given product. You do the writing and the advertisers do the paying. Does this require extraordinary writing skills? Of course not, a basic knowledge on English will do.

When can you start earning by the way? As soon as your blog is registered and approved you can directly start earning by grabbing market opportunities. Take note: there are many market opportunities to grab with so earning is just an inch away.

Aside from money-making activities, social spark is also a ground for friendship. Here, you can meet a lot of people coming from anywhere in the globe. You can add as many friends as you can, exchange message with them. More than that, adding friends can create traffic to your profile or blog and it makes your account appear salable to the advertisers.

Social Spark is really great isn’t it? Hurry! It’s no more time for a second thought. Join social spark and be one of us.

Market Structure

2008-06-21T04:18:00.000-07:00

There are four types of market structure. These are Monopoly, Oligopoly, Monopolistic Competition and Perfect Competition. These terms are not really unfamiliar because we often hear them in school especially in our economic class. But the point is, they are often heard but not understood. Or shall I say once understood but forgotten. So let's refresh our knowledge about these things.

Monopoly

firm and industry are synonymous (because the firm itself constitutes the industry)
product has no close substitute
strong barriers to entry (because the government controls the entrance)
price setters (meaning to say, the owners of the firm set the price)

Oligopoly

few firms
products are homogeneous/identical (e.g. oil companies)
firms have mutual interdependence
strong barriers to entry (because engaging in this kind of market is very expensive)
non-price competition (though they compete through "product differentiation")

Monopolistic Competition

large number of selling firms
easy barriers to entry/exit
differentiated products (e.g. shampoo - there are a lot of shampoos but firms try to differentiate their own shampoo from the others)
non-price competition (because of brand loyalty)

Perfect Competition

large number of selling firms
products are homogeneous
easy barriers to entry
price taker (the market decides the price base on the law of demand and supply)

Value of the Firm

2008-06-12T21:58:00.000-07:00

Firms have two goals: profit maximization and and value maximization. Firms can do the first by increasing sales or revenue while minimizing it's cost. This is by the fact that net income increases when sales or revenue increases and when operating expenses decreases. Second, what do we mean by value maximization? Value maximization simply means to maximize shareholders' wealth. Shareholders, as we all know, are the owners of the firm.

Now, how do we compute for the value of the firm? Take note of this: value of the firm is equal to economic profit of the 1st year over the 1st power of the sum of one plus rate plus economic profit of the 2nd year over the 2nd power of the sum of one plus rate plus so on and so forth until the last year. Rate means the rate of return plus risk premium. Number 1 is a constant figure. Economic profit is equal to the total revenue minus the total cost. Total cost is the sum of explicit costs and implicit cost. Thus, economic profit is equal to total revenue minus explicit costs minus implicit costs.

Remember, this is an economic approach. You might get confused because accounting uses a different formula. In accounting, you disregard the implicit costs. Why? because implicit costs are opportunity costs and opportunity costs do not exist in accounting.

Now, you can try measure the value of a firm. You can use this in your economic class.

What's with A?

2008-06-12T03:01:00.000-07:00

Classes already officially started a couple of days ago but lesson proper begins today. I really feel like my subjects are heavy. Even my minor subjects weight like major ones. I am now taking third year subjects as follows: Law on Obligation and Contracts (BL311), Marketing Management (Mktg310), Introduction to Philosophy (Philo103), Investment Portfolio and Technical Analysis (Fin322), Managerial Economics (Fin412), Quantitative Methods in Business (Mt331) and Environmental Science (Bio400). Aside from subjects concern, book requirements comes next. I don't buy books. I just rely from the library or borrow from my friends and my friends' friends. So, I still have to do the inquiry stuff.

Though I am an irregular student, most of my classes now fall under Management Accounting third year section A. Most of my classmates, if not all, are really brilliant students. I can't just act too lax or else I would stand last - everybody doesn't want to experience that.

This semester is really a big challenge for me. The best way to survive is to compete with myself not with others.

Kung Fu Panda

2008-06-09T02:12:00.000-07:00

Po the Panda (voiced by Jack Black), is a waiter in a noodle restaurant. He is a fat and clumsy Panda who is extremely a Kung Fu Fanatic. The movie highlights on how a Panda, which is considered the laziest animal in ancient China can become a dragon warrior.

When Oogway, a turtle (voiced by Randall Duk Kim) prophesized about the coming of the villain leopard Tai Lung, he gathered the villagers to witness who would be the recipient (expected to fight Tai Lung) of the title “dragon warrior”.

Supposedly, the dragon warrior should be chosen from the Furious Five: Tigress (Angelina Jolie), Crane (David Cross), Mantis (Seth Rogen), Monkey (Jackie Chan), and Viper (Lucy Liu). These five fighters were already trained by Kung Fu teacher Shifu (Dustin Hoffman). However, whether call it accident or not, it turned out to be Po. At the end, though he underwent many criticisms, Po defeated Tai Lung and was able to preserve the peace in the village.

Kung Fu Panda is really a fun-filled movie. And it leaves so many lessons. Here are some great quotes from the movie: "There is no accident" "Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery but today is a gift that is why it is called the present".

Those Who Don't Know

2008-06-06T05:07:00.000-07:00

The world is divided into two groups. There are those who know, and those who don't know. Those who know are no problem.

Those who don't know are also in two groups.

One is those who don't know and know they don't know. Well, they can learn!

But then, there are those who don't know, and don't know they don't know. And they become unit managers!

The BIG 4

2008-06-05T06:26:00.000-07:00

Full Name: Ejay Falcon
Nickname: E-J
Title: Promdie Hottie of Mindoro
Origin: Oriental Mindoro
Age: 18
Birthdate: November 21, 1989
Height: 6'0
Nationality: Filipino
School: University of Manila
Favorite cartoon character: Naruto
Favorite subject in school: Math
Hated subject in school: English
Favorite sport: Basketball, billiards
Favorite summer/vacation destination: Pola, Oriental Mindoro
Hobbies: Texting
Ultimate celebrity crush: Maja Salvador

Full Name: Robert Marion Domingo
Nickname: Robi
Title: The True Blue Atenean
Origin:Quezon City
Age: 18
Birth date: Sept 27, 1989
Height: 5'9
School: Ateneo De Manila University
Nationality: Filipino
Favorite cartoon character: Homer Simpson
Favorite subject in school: Religion, Social Studies, Tulong Dunong
Least liked subject in school: English and literature
Favorite sport: Baseball, track and field
Favorite summer/vacation destination: somewhere cold like in Baguio
Hobbies/Interests: Running; playing with younger bro, friends, and family Ultimate celebrity crush: Elisha Cuthbert

Full Name:Nicole Kim Uysiuseng Nickname: Nikki/ Kim
Title: In-chick of Cebu
Origin: Quezon City
Age: 17
Birth date: August 18, 1990
Height: 5'5”
School: Paref Southcrest School, CebuCity
Nationality: Chinese Filipino
Favorite cartoon character: Tweety Bird
Favorite subject in school: PE
Least liked subject in school: Science
Favorite sport: Volleyball
Favorite summer/vacation destination: Dumaguete
Hobbies/Interests: going to the gym; shopping
Ultimate celebrity crush: Shia LaBeouf

Full Name: Christine Marie Gonzalez
Nickname: Beauty
Title: Rebellious Daughter of Dumaguete
Origin: Dumaguete
Age: 16
Birth date: May 28, 1991
Height: 5'8
Nationality: Fil-Spanish
School: Siliman University
Favorite cartoon character:Taz
Favorite subject in school: Physical Education
Least liked subject in school: Math
Favorite sport: basketball, boxing, soccer
Favorite summer/vacation destination: Palawan
Hobbies: Watching TV, texting, listening to music
Ultimate celebrity crush: Piolo Pascual

Growth vs. Development

2008-06-05T02:46:00.000-07:00

How old are you? Did you grow? Develop? Wait a minute! Is there a difference between the two? Let me guess. You’d say “yes” because the title itself gives you a hint but you can’t give an explanation.

There a lot of people who would give the same answer to both questions. Most of the time, these two words are believed as synonymous that’s why they are always interchanged.

Growth is a physical measure. It measures the quantitative aspects of a person – height, weight, size. It measures the changes that take place over time. We look different in our infancy, toddler and childhood stage. And we notably grow from teen age through old age.

Development measures what is beyond physical. It measures the emotional, mental and psychological aspects of a person. Simply, it measures the qualitative facet. It concerns our behavior towards ourselves and other people. It concerns our decision-making ability.

Normally, growth and development must go together. However, there are cases wherein a person’s growth takes faster than his development. If the difference is extensive, that is already a condition of abnormality. On the other hand, there are also cases wherein development takes faster than growth. A good example for this is the “gifted children” Technically, this is an abnormality. But if they manage to behave normally given the said condition, then they are accepted as "normals" by the society.

Enrollment in Ateneo

2008-06-01T22:09:00.000-07:00

Whew! You must congrats me guys. I just survived the first half-day of enrollment in our school. Our office was really busy.

Time check - it's 1pm now. Enrollment will resume at exactly 1:30pm. There are many students waiting outside. There are a lot of concerns - printing of grades, evaluation of students, etc. Aside from these, there are many inquiries from - parents, staff from other offices and other incoming calls.

Thank God I'm full of energy today. I'm all in sweat though. Anyway, I'm just sharing to you how enrollment works here in our school. Got to go.

Back to School

2008-06-01T06:11:00.000-07:00

Hello guys! It's no more time for summer. I hope you were able to enjoy, unwind and prepare yourself for school again.

As for me, I was given a 3-day vacation from my work and it already meant a lot for me. I spent it all at home - watching movies, sleeping and working on my blog. I did miss the fun outside but it's alright.

Oh! Our office did have a one-day Rest & Recreation (R&R) at Samal Island so I didn't really miss it at all right? It was a one-day Island Hooping. It was really an enjoyable day.

Well, anyway, that was it. And it's time for school again. If we have not given our best last school year. Let's give it our best this time! Tira! Tira!

Business Jokes!

2008-06-01T05:17:00.000-07:00

Being a good communicator means people find out what is really wrong with you.

A conclusion is the place where you got tired of thinking.

A crisis is when you cannot say "let's just forget the whole thing."

There is no such thing as a "dirty capitalist", only a capitalist.

A well-adjusted person is one who makes the same mistake twice without getting nervous.

A bad day fishing is better than a good day at work.

Artificial intelligence usually beats real stupidity.

Creativity is great, but plagiarism is faster.

Creditors have better memories than debtors.

To err is human. To blame it on someone else is politics.

A committee is a group that keeps minutes and loses hours. - Milton Berle

The light at the end of the tunnel is the headlamp of an oncoming train.

The man who can smile when things go wrong has thought of someone he can blame it on.

There are two ways to slide easily through life: to believe everything or to doubt everything; both ways save us from thinking.

What About JUNE?

2008-06-01T01:43:00.000-07:00

Birthstone - Pearl

Birth Flower – Rose

Named after the Roman goddess Juno(goddess for love and marriage)

Julius Caesar named this month in 46 B.C.

Sally Ride, the first American woman in outer space, flew on the space shuttle Challenger on June 18, 1983

Superman's Birthday is June 30

June 29 is St.Peter's Day

Considered the best month to get married

Gay Pride Month

A Calling

2008-05-27T22:14:00.000-07:00

Now I am revealing new things to you, the Lord God speaks, things hidden and unknown to you, created now, this very moment. Listen to me, for I call you. (Isaiah 45:3)

Jesus You're The Lamp (Unto Our Feet)
NYD '06 Theme Song

We rise, we fall as we journey each day
We laugh, we cry as we live on our way.
Jesus our brother and friend
Embraces us with compassion.

We walk, we pause
as we search for life's road.
We sail, we fly as we yearn to be free.
Jesus our teacher and guide
Leads us to the right direction.

Let's share our joys
and crosses with Christ.
Let him enlighten our minds
with His light.
Let him touch our hearts with His grace.
He's the fullness of God's family.

Jesus, You're the lamp unto our feet
and the light to our path.
With You we take a stand for life.
Jesus, You're the lamp unto our feet
and the light to our path.
With You we take a stand for love.
To (We) Build a world new.

We open and lift up our hearts to pray.
We sing and dance to praise His name.
Jesus our savior and Lord
Sends us to His mission.

Looks

2008-05-23T01:31:00.000-07:00

How important are looks? Is beauty really skin-deep?

Few of us are entirely satisfied with our appearance. But many of us nearly fall into depression when we we see our reflection.

People think that to be beautiful is to get all the advantages - popularity, success, happiness. According to psychology, human beings always have that innate desire for popularity and social conformity. This explains why people feel bad when others get more attention than them or when they are criticized about their looks. This also explains why a slender girl wishes she is heavier; on the other hand, a stout girl grieves how fat she is. Sometimes moreover, for some, lack of good looks like bad complexion, excess body weight, extremely short height, misshapen nose, protruding ears is even considered the most painful fact of life.

So, how do we solve this? Guys, we need not call the Belo medical group to correct these imperfections. A simple hygiene and enhancement can do. Who cares if your hair is not as gleaming as that of a movie star? So long as it is clean, as well as your face, hands and fingernails.
You can have a charming smile with your white teeth. You can also experiment with clothing and hairstyles to highlight your assets and cover your flaws.

However, above all these, let's not forget that "The glittering wrappings of a gift tell you nothing of what's inside. In fact, the most elegant wrappings may cover a useless gift".

The Difference

2008-05-22T23:32:00.000-07:00

When I was young, I thought life was as simple as living. Truly, I've been through hardships but I didn't mind them. Now, I realized why it was easy living then than now at my 20 years of existence. Before, I categorized my hardships under "situational factors". I wasn't yet capable of making decisions, except of course, for small stuffs that need not be said.

In my late teenage life, I have read a literary piece in my literature class which I unfortunately forgot the title. One of the characters there was like making a comment about the other characters' good perception about life. The former said "It is easy for you saying good things about life because you're still young, wait until you experience true hardships". That time, I couldn't absorb what was he(former) trying to say. And young as I was, I used to take side of the later character.

Now, everything is different. I face the consequences of my own decisions and in the same way enjoy the rewards. I can feel my hand writing my own fate. I honestly fear this thought. There are many " what ifs". I fear that I might not be able to meet people's expectations. Expectations that I, myself have established for being an ideal daughter, sibling, etc.

I seem to understand what the former character wants to say. When people grow old, things become complicated. You could just wish you're still young. It doesn't mean though that my perception about life also shifts. I always have a good outlook in life. The only difference now is that "life is not as simple as living".

Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody

2008-05-20T03:09:00.000-07:00

This is the story of four people named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody. There was an important job to be done and Everybody was asked to do it. Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it. Somebody got angry about that, because it was Everybody's job. Everybody thought Anybody could do it, but Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn't do it. Consequently, it wound up that Nobody told Anybody, so Everybody blamed Somebody.

Two of The Eight You

2008-05-04T05:45:00.000-07:00

According to Carl Jung, there are eight archetypes. But for now, I would only discuss of the two – Anima and Animus.

Anima

There’s no “straight-man”. No matter how man you are, you still possess some feminine qualities. A macho man, for example, may be fond of cooking, cleaning the house, etc. (all of which are supposedly for girls). Some men, in fact, may even prefer to have girl companions over their co-men. See? And take note “they’re not gays”. That of a gay is another case. Such is a case where the Anima of a certain man is more dominant than Animus (the masculine qualities).

Animus

Animus is the exact opposite of Anima. It is the masculine qualities that everyone possesses. Women have no excuse. No matter how “girly” you are, you still have a “boyish” side. Some girls lift heavy objects, don’t they? Many prefer to wear backpacks over shoulder bags; flat slippers over high heels, etc. However, if the Animus of a certain girl is more dominant than her Anima then that is, what society refers to as “lesbian”.

Moreover, because of these innate femininity and masculinity, it is but normal for a boy to admire anyone of the same sex and the other way around.

Divorce

2008-04-27T22:11:00.000-07:00

The divorce of one’s parents may seem like the end of the world, a catastrophe that generates misery. It often triggers feelings of shame, anger, anxiety, and fear of abandonment, guilt, depression, and profound loss – even a desire for revenge.

In our country, we are very well-known in our close family ties’ culture, in which we greatly value the family solidity. We also believe in the saying that goes “the family that prays together, stays forever”. But what if, the culture itself produces sufferings? What if, our parents will break the rule? How sure are we if God does permit the innocent mate to obtain a divorce (Matthew 19:9)?

I did not say I am pro divorce. I’m just trying to be objective to the situation. I am actually a product of separated parents. They always quarrel and fight, so I guess it is better for them to be separated. However, I do not consider it as a reason for us not to be happy or even ruin our relationship with each other. Besides I don’t want them to stay just for us. We should understand that things don’t run according to what we want them to be.

In many cases, the split-up occurs because one parent is guilty of sexual misconduct. In other cases, “wrath and screaming and abusive speech” have erupted into violence, causing one parent to fear for his or her physical well being and that of the children. Some divorces, admittedly, are obtained on flimsy grounds. Rather than work out their problems, some selfishly divorce because they claim they are unhappy or no longer in love. This is displeasing to God. Others also would break up their marriages because their mates became Christians.

Whatever the case, the fact that your parents may have chosen to be silent or to give you only vague answers to your questions regarding the divorce does not mean they do not love you. “Wrapped up in their own hurt, your parents may simply find it hard to talk about the divorce. They may also find it awkward and embarrassing to admit to their mutual failures”.

Divorce is not actually bad. It depends on the grounds. Children just have to take it positively. Try to discern the right time to discuss calmly your concerns with your parents. Let them know how saddened and confused you are over the divorce. Perhaps they will give you a satisfactory explanation. If not, do not despair.

Finally, appreciate that the divorce, whatever the reason for it, is a dispute between them – not with you.

Befriending Life's Journey

2008-04-25T20:27:00.000-07:00

Rainbow

Southborder

Fallin' out, fallin' in
Nothing's sure in this world no, no
Breakin' out, breakin' in
Never knowin' what lies ahead
We can really never tell it all no, no, no
Say goodbye, say hello
To a lover or friend
Sometimes we never could understand
Why some things begin then just end
We can really never tell it all no, no, no

But oh, can't you see
That no matter what happens
Life goes on and on
So baby, just/please smile
Coz im always around you
And ill make you see how beautiful
Life is for you and me

Take a little time baby
See the butterflies color's
Listen to the birds that were sent
To sing for me and you
Can you feel me
This is such a wonderful place to be
Even if there is pain now
Everything would be all right
For as long as the world still turns
There will be night and day
Can you hear me
There's a rainbow always after the rain

Hittin' high, hittin' low
Win or lose you should go, yeah yeah
Getting warm, getting cold
Weather could be so good or bad
But baby this is life now don't get mad no, no, no

Coz oh, cant you see
That no matter what happens
Life goes on and on
So baby, please smile
Coz im always around you
And ill make you see how beautiful
Life is for you and me

Take a little time baby
See the butterflies' colors
Listen to the birds that were sent
To sing for me and you
Can you feel me
This is such a wonderful place to be
Even if there is pain now
Everything would be all right
For as long as the world still turns
There will be night and day
Can you hear me
There's a rainbow always after the rain

Life's full of challenges
Not all the time we get what we want
But don't despair my dear coz I know now
You'll take each trial and you'll make it through the storm
Coz you're strong my faith in you is clear
So ill say once again this worlds wonderful and
Let us celebrate life that's so beautiful, so beautiful
Ohhhh

(Reflection: I really like the message of this song. It tells us what reality is and the right way to deal with it.

Comfort Zone

2008-04-23T19:10:00.000-07:00

Have you ever experienced being pushed to go out of your comfort zone? If a beggar approached you and asked for money, would you be kind enough to give? Maybe yes, with his hungry-looking eyes, it would surely squeeze your generous heart. However, what if that beggar didn't fit my description?

That day, I experienced a total trauma with those young girls. I was on my way to the the daily bread canteen where I used to have lunch every school day. The canteen was located outside the campus. As I was walking, there were three girls aged fifteen or sixteen, I guess, who stopped me. They wouldn't let me pass unless I gave them what they wanted - money. That time, I really didn't know how to react. Before that incident, I used to pity those street people; I used to believe that they should be taken cared of. Not even a hint did I ever imagine myself to be in that situation. They were like asking twenty pesos each from me. Meaning to say, I should surrender my sixty pesos to them. Could you imagine how demanding they were? What's worst was that they would spit on me if I resisted. Had no one came to save me, I could have been one of their victims. I cried silently to avoid shame.

Who to blame? Considering the situation of the society today - I couldn't blame them.

A Billion

2008-03-20T03:25:00.000-07:00

a.. A billion seconds ago it was 1959. b.. A billion minutes ago Jesus was alive.
c.. A billion hours ago our ancestors were living in the Stone Age.
d.. A billion days ago no-one walked on two feet on earth.
e.. A billion dollars ago was only 8 hours and 20 minutes, at the rate our government spends it.

ATM Usage

2008-03-13T04:45:00.000-07:00

HIS
1. Pull up to ATM
2. Insert card
3. Enter PIN number and account
4. Take cash, card and receipt

HER
1. Pull up to ATM
2. Check makeup in rearview mirror
3. Shut off engine
4. Put keys in purse
5. Get out of car because you're too far from machine
6. Hunt for card in purse
7. Insert card
8. Hunt in purse for wrapper with PIN number written on it
9. Enter PIN number
10. Study instructions for at least 2 minutes.
11. Hit "cancel"
12. Re-enter correct PIN number
13. Check balance
14. Look for envelope
15. Look in purse for pen
16. Make out deposit slip
17. Endorse checks
18. Make deposit
19. Study instructions
20. Make cash withdrawal
21. Get in car
22. Check makeup
23. Look for keys
24. Start car
25. Check makeup
26. Start pulling away
27. STOP
28. Back up to machine
29. Get out of car
30. Take card and receipt
31. Get back in car
32. Put card in wallet
33. Put receipt in checkbook
34. Enter deposits and withdrawals in checkbook
35. Clear area in purse for wallet and checkbook
36. Check makeup
37. Put car in gear, reverse
38. Put car in drive
39. Drive away from machine
40. Travel 3 miles
41. Release parking brake