Nocturne v.3.0 - Monsterized

Where is Lei?

2009-08-06T02:52:00.003+08:00

The MONSTER just moved to a cozy place.. See you there.^_^

http://nocturnalei.blogspot.com

Because I have nothing else to do

2009-07-06T02:32:00.006+08:00

I'm loving my new home this school year. If you folks still don't know, I'm in Molave Residence Hall now. Sometimes the food stinks but I really don't care that much. As long as Lei is fed, she's downright okay with it. Well, if you feed me veggies all the time, then that's another story.

Of course, I miss Richelle and Toni a lot. I can always catch China in EEE so I don't miss her that much... keke... When I have time, I'll visit them in Ilang again. I miss Ilang's piano a lot too. Even though Molave's piano sounds a little better, it feels better to play the one in Ilang.

I'm writing random stuffs again. Maybe I should kill this blog. Rather, Multiply is killing blogspot. *sigh* Anyway, I'm off now... Bye!!

Cheap Tsao

2009-04-01T14:47:00.001+08:00

Dahil sumisikat na ngayon si Mr. Tsao dahil sa pagtawag niya sa Pinas na "Nation of servants", ire-repost ko ang post ng kapatid ko dito kasi naaliw ako sa reaksyon niya... Sobrang uminit ata yung dugo niya...

Hey there Chip Tsao!

I don't even know who you are. Either I'm off, or you're just not famous enough. Nonetheless, I don't care who you are... or rather, I didn't care who you are, not until now.

Philippines is not a 'nation of servants' as you have claimed it to be. So, your maid is a Filipina, and so are thousands of other families' helpers. So what? It only shows you need the hard-working people to do your dishes! Maybe the Philippines is in a crisis right now, but, heck, we continue living. Gawdammit.

It has been by instinct for us Pinoys to do something, anything, to give our families what they need. It has been your maid's choice to work for you, but that doesn't give you any right to call her country a 'nation of servants'. We are outraged by your racist acts. If you have enough time to research about us, if you have enough time to write about us, you might as well go jump off your building and do something more productive.

I hate you like every other Filipino.

Your ~~Shinigami~~ friend,

Wendi

Lolli lolli lollipop...

2009-03-27T19:50:00.009+08:00

Until now, I'm still spazzing over Lollipop, Big Bang & 2NE1¹'s newly released digital single for LG CYON Lollipop -- a phone I can only get hold of if I fly to Korea. The teaser CF² (30'') for Lollipop was *insert super hyperbolic spazzing adjectives here*. The full CF willl be released tomorrow. Can't wait.

I wrote this in ALLKPOP comments section for some writers' biased posts about the CF and single.

The psychedelic colors and the weird hairstyles match the CF's concept. I mean, it's lolli lolli lollipop, right? Do you like your candies bland?

You can download the full song at Vicky's LJ Community. Click here.

I just love the intro of the song: Sandara Park (Yes! Our very own pambansang Krung Krung.) sings Lollipop in a KPop-girl-group-ish voice. After which, GD said, "Nah! That's not how we do it." Then, the Big Bang-ish Lollipop plays. It seems like Kwon Leadah was implying that "This is how it should be done." *big sigh*

This year is definitely YG's year. Despite the fact that Girls' Generation released their album early this year and that Super Junior are still promoting their comeback album, YG still surprises us with new and fresh stuffs... *spazz* I'd like to emphasize that because most of the time, YG talents (both underground and mainstream) make their own music. It's not magic that the single climbed up to No.1 in Cyworld in just 2 hours after its release.

Anyway, I'm too happy to be mad at people who are overly SM-centric. I like what I like. End of discussion.

¹ 2NE1 is a Korean girl group that will officially debut on April. They are the "Girl Big Bang", and I can see why they are called so. The members are: CL (leader/rapper/vocals), Sandara Park (vocals), Park Bom (main vocal) and Gong Minji (vocals).

² Commercial film.

Listening to: Lollipop by Big Bang & 2NE1

Mood: ^_^

Excited and waiting....

2009-03-23T02:14:00.007+08:00

Epik High will be releasing a book album this time, and it can only be purchased through their personal site... Gaahhhhh.... I'm crossing my fingers that some good Samaritan out there will upload the whole thing so that poor little miss university student here can actually download it and enjoy the musical ingenuity people like to call hip-hop. This album will cater to both local (Korean) and foreign fans, so it'll be part korean part english.. So yeah, people around the globe are itching to buy this stuff. If I have the means, I might buy all of their albums.

I was über excited about their upcoming album that I visited their site on the 21st. Guess what? I was one of the 300,000+ fans who actually made their server crashed...

Give some epik love...

Visit http://www.mapthesoul.com.

EEE-ish

2009-03-02T03:28:00.005+08:00

Here's UPD's Sophie EEE Alphabet..... A lot of people find it cool. China prepared the alphabet and I made it into a wallpaper... Just click to zoom

T____T

2009-02-25T20:49:00.002+08:00

If you deny liking a person, it will definitely hurt you in the end... If the person you like has a special person already, better act like nothing's happening... Even if it hurts, at least the person you like can't see you suffering.

Tama ako [period]

2009-01-14T22:43:00.003+08:00

Bitch: Dapat nag-pass ka ng photocopy nang resibo mo [ng dorm payment].

Lei: Last time, nag-pass naman ako pero di naman na-record.

Bitch: Kaya nga dapat nag-pass ka ng photocopy.

Lei: [*thinking* Oh my f@#!~ing god! So why do we need to pass a dumb reciept photocopy if you bitches can't do your jobs right?!!!]

I just know that I'm right... That makes you stupid, stupid!!!

To move forward

2009-01-14T01:56:00.008+08:00

I'm happy that I'm done with moping over the recently concluded ES 11 2nd long exam... Ten minutes left before passing our papers, I wrote random stuffs on some answer sheets that I didn't really use and have kept.

I'm gonna waste some paper. My head is hurting badly! Help me! [Japanese]

Why bother? I should've taken BS Biology instead of my current course. All this math and physics is making me want to puke. Even if everything's laid out in a silver platter¹, I think I would never really enjoy a meal of numbers, sines and cosines, more so moments and couples. Now that I mention this, I really am amaze with dad. Having lived the prime of his youth during a time when internet and all this gadgetry is not really a student's necessity, he still became what he hoped to become, a licensed civil engineer. I can only imagine his hardship. Guess what, I'm ashamed just by giving this a thought.

Can you call this a soliloquy?

I once wrote in this blog that "I shouldn't be fazed by failures". It seems that I'm not doing a good job on making that happen. Minutes ago, I finished watching Meet the Robinsons. Once again, I found myself face to face with the words I used to hang onto a lot -- not giving up even with all the obstacles... Surely, I need to keep moving forward.

¹Silver platter does not pertain to easy academic life. That wouldn't be UP if it were. I was pertaining to technology and stuffs along that line.

And there was Chrome

2009-01-12T09:54:00.005+08:00

Amidst having a crappy internet connection (Ilang Ilang Residence Hall really amazes me.), I can still browse the net with more ease thanks to Google Chrome... Even without the add-ons that Mozilla Firefox flaunts so much, it's the browsing and downloading pleasure that counts.

2008 + 1 = ??

2009-01-01T18:22:00.004+08:00

A new day has come and so is a new page to write on new memories. For all we know, this special day is full of ear-cracking noises, fine wine and resolutions. But January 1 can also be a day to look back at the year that just passed.

2008 is a complicated year for me. I thought I'd be more mature now that I turned 18 but I guess things don't always go the way it's supposed to be. Not only do I not look like my age, my maturity is still that of a 17 years old. *chuckles* Big difference huh? I played a little too hard last year. As an obvious consequence, I messed up my studies. It dawned on me that what I need is a change in attitude -- to focus more on books than unnecessary stuffs like KPop, JPop, anime or manga. Maybe this is now considered farfetched. It's not like me to leave the aforementioned things behind. *sigh*

I also experienced chick-lit at its "finest", if you know what I mean. The Twilight wave got me so irritated during the first half of 2008 that I actually pushed myself to read the whole series. Guess what, I only got myself more pissed. Stephenie Meyer is a great writer in Twilight. She got confused in New Moon. Knocked her head off in Ecclipse and felt lost in Breaking Dawn. Her stories are so messed up. It makes me wonder why some people (you know yourselves) have to feign adoration towards her vampire fiction. I'd trade Lestat over Edward Cullen, who is now a character with Robert Pattinson's face plastered all over it. Frankly, how do readers enjoy their literature nowadays?? (I feel old just typing the preceding sentence.) Those who are feigning adoration towards the series now have to pretend to like the movie. So troublesome, really.

Anyway, I fell in love with music all over again during the start of the first semester. I touched the piano again after 2 years. In addition to that, I discovered that Korean and Japanese music, in totality, are pleasure to the ears. They've brought a whole new musical experience. *smiles*

Lastly, despite my shortcomings and childish mistakes over the 365 days of year 2008, I made an effort to strengthen my relationship with my family, friends and God (In my own special way, at least.).

2008 + 1 = 2009. Not much of a difference. It's not only after 365 days that you're given the chance to start anew. You can start your life differently anytime anywhere. I know that much that's why I haven't really made a resolution. ^_^

So minna-san, HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Livejournal

2008-12-30T01:43:00.003+08:00

I opened another blog and it's in Livejournal... Honestly, I don't want to open an account there but you got to admit, the free stuffs exclusively found in LJ communities are very hard to reject. You can visit it if you want. There's nothing much to see. Well, there's my weird reflection paper about love there. You can bore yourself reading it.

http://leism.livejournal.com

Happy Christmas minna-san!!!

2008-12-25T02:33:00.002+08:00

Party, food, drinks and gifts. These are the things that usually cross your mind when we speak about Christmas – truly a picture of now’s conventional yuletide holiday. I don’t mind it being that way since in my case, Christmas is when I can be with my family. It’s also a time when I can silently reflect on matters that I have neglected over the months. “Have I been naughty or nice?” ...*laughs*... This is my way of commemorating Jesus’ birth.

A while ago, mom told me that Allan’s father was shot dead. Yeah, it sucks. The pain of losing someone you love so dearly, it sucks! This news reminded me of how I felt when I lost my grandpa, when I heard that an old friend was stabbed to death, and when Kuya Paloy died and I was the last person to know – those times when I thought that life is so unfair, that HE is so unfair. Later on, I came to my senses. At the very least, all I can do is to live life the way I wanted it to be... To enjoy it with the people I love.

Let’s leave the sad part, shall we? ^_^

I didn’t receive a lot of gifts this Christmas. It bothered me a bit but, what the heck. ‘Tis the season to be jolly for crying out loud. Being able to get away from the hassles of schoolwork, even if it’s only for 2 weeks, is, in itself, a gift I can be thankful about. Then again, professors have their way of exterminating Christmas spirit. They foist on you term paper and problem sets to work on. Anyway, to the people who made this year fun and special, honto ni arigatou! To the people who made me miserable, thank you for making me miserable [*whisper* assholes].

Right now, I’m thirsty for some red wine. Wendi and I always drink red wine on Christmas. They say it’s good for the health so I kinda like to drown myself with it. Sadly, mom didn’t buy a bottle. You see, I have a cold. It's a gift from sister who is also suffering from cold. . *sigh* Hopefully, I’ll get a sip on New Year’s Eve. Ja, until next time.

Listening to: Silent Night by TVXQ
Mood: O_o

DeskTOPped 3 - From White To Gray

2008-11-16T23:53:00.011+08:00

As I have said before, I made a Lovescream wallpaper. ^_^ For two full weeks I enjoyed the pink madness. It was love.

Just click to zoom.

Right now I'm using the Hey!Say!JUMP wallpaper Wendi gave me. Because the wallie is utterly great yet minimalistic, I tried getting crazy with the icons and desktop gadgets arrangements.

Speaking of HSJ, Wendi proposed to some HSJ fans in LJ that Cherries be used as name for HSJ fanbase. I personally think that it's a good idea. If given approval, who knows, maybe it might get big as V.I.Ps (Big Bang fanbase) or Cassiopeias (TVXQ fanbase). The thing is, a fanbase can make it possible for Cherries (Yes. I started calling HSJ fans Cherries during sembreak.) to be more united. Just imagine monopolizing online polls. I can't see any drawback, only benefits.

Don't you find it irksome to keep repeating that your "simply a HSJ fan" and nothing more special? That doesn't sound right, does it? More so, it doesn't sound good.

If you like a copy of my Lovescream wallpaper, I'll gladly give them to you without the Leisms mark. Just comment.

Oh My T.O.P!!!

2008-11-15T22:29:00.003+08:00

I'm sad.... He kissed Lee Hyori. :-(

Sleep Slip

2008-10-17T23:19:00.004+08:00

^ 1:44 AM - Studying vectors, differentials, conics, surfaces, etc.

When you have an exam at 11:30 AM, you don't take a nap an hour before. Why? Because if you do, you'll be sleeping 4 hours straight. Expect this to happen if you planned not to sleep until the exam is over.

Learn from me guys. Thank goodness my Math 54 professor allowed me to take the exam late.

DeskTOPped 2 - Black

2008-10-13T00:37:00.011+08:00

I decided to make DeskTOPped a series of posts about how my desktop looks. Being someone who changes how her desktop looks at whim, from controversial to artsy, I very much like it if people from the blogosphere can comment about this hobby/habit...^_^

Just click the images to zoom.

After sticking to my Love for ART wallpaper for quite some time, I suddenly thought "Why not try showing things that I love in my desktop?" As you can see, one of the things I love is music. I find it hard to put into words how much I am passionate about it. This didn't hinder me though from showing to other people how much I'm in love with it -- how it is a wonder to hear sounds and little melodies blend so smoothly together.

I owe it all to my parents, granduncles and grandaunts, for exposing me to a vast repertoire of heart-melting sounds, rhythm and harmony. Like how Tablo puts it: "To all the people who make music... Thank you for the music."

When October came, I decided to have a pre-Halloween desktop look, and this is it. Pretz and Toni really like it. The wallpaper make them over analyze the scene.

Toni: Why is her hand positioned like that? Wait! is that a girl?
Me: Uhmm...
Pretz: Is it possible to have so much blood all over the door?
Me: Think about Samurai X.
Pretz: So it's possible.
Me: *laughs*

Right now, I'm thinking of making a Lovescream-themed desktop, with blonotes all over the place.... Wah.. Just imagine it... Soooo pink!!! =p

Wendi, my beloved little sister, is fan girling over Hey! Say! JUMP... At first, I couldn't take it but since she is my sister, I got over it too easily. There are 2 things I hate about HSJ. First, their cheesy dance moves. You got to admit, the dances are so embarrassing to watch. Second, the existence of front-liners (i.e. Yamada Ryosuke, Nakajima Yuto & Chinen Yuuri). The other members only get, what, 5-10 seconds of fame in most of their MVs. It's irritating. If you ask me, Okamoto Keito is the hottest among the bunch. Plus, he is probably the only one who can speak English fluently (with a British accent).

Anyway, if you want to join my sister dance to the HSJ craze, feel free to visit her LJ (click here).

[UPDATE Oct. 15:]
I expect to receive my first ever violin lessons next semester from my dorm mate and very good friend, Bianca. I'm so excited.

Listening to: Love Is from Eternal Morning: Soundtrack A Lost Film

Mood: Black and Pink

Love[SCREAM]

2008-10-05T22:28:00.006+08:00

Epik High's first ever mini album, LOVESCREAM, is out!!! ... It's really something to scream about. The whole album is 'Low-Fi’ analog recorded instead of the usual digital way. As an EEE student, I absolutely don't like being analog. Just imagine how irksome it is to be told, "You're so analog." It roughly translates to "Oh my! You're from the stone age." However, as a music enthusiast (and a super amateur musician at that), I must say that I love how they arranged the tracks -- sweet piano, zippy electronic/techno sounds, dash of cool beats, insanely good lyrics and lastly, all of these made crispier, more raw, simply more real.

“people not machines create music for the sake of people.”

In the Korean music scene, no one can really match up with Epik High's creativity and deep passion for music.

Listening to: Fallin' by Epik High
Mood: High and away :3

Kasi wala akong ma-post

2008-09-30T23:20:00.003+08:00

Ang blog post na 'to ay nanggaling sa aking multiply account.

Marami nang nag-post tungkol sa mga hinaing nila (na hinaing din ng karamihan) sa EEE subjects kaya eto, magpo-post ako ng something na kakaiba -- picture ko na kinunan gamit ang web cam ng kaibigan ko. Since wala kaming magawa ng friend ko noong mga panahon na yun, hindi ko na maalala kung kailan, sinabi niya sa'kin "Magpakabaliw ka lang diyan." Obviously, ginawa ko naman.

^ Click to zoom

Ayan, nag-"scorpion" po ako.. Nata-touch pa ng paa ko yung ulo ko noong nasa high school pa ako (meaning, tumataba ako ngayon ng bonggang bongga)... Kapag regular kang nagyo-yoga, makakaya niyo siyang gawin. Well sa case ko, regular akong mag-yoga noong high school. Sana ma-enlist-an ko ang yoga for next sem.

Random 5 - Of bonding, tripping and shopping

2008-09-16T00:28:00.012+08:00

From Saturday to Monday, Pretz, Toni and I bonded like we usually do during our first year here in UP. Too bad, China was't with us. Nevertheless, it was fun (to the nth power).

Saturday
Tambay in Room 212 (My room.), watched Korean MVs, talked about Korean artists and swooned over Korean hotties (i.e. Lee Jun Ki). Pretz, asked me if there will come a time that we'll get over this craziness. I replied, in a matter of factly tone, "I don't think we'll get over it. It keeps on surprising us."

And because, Toni brought her brother's ASUS Eee PC, we decided to take a picture of it... By the way, Eee does not stand for Electrical and Electronics Engineering but "Easy to learn, Easy to work, Easy to play". In our department, we call it the EEE (triple E) laptop since it's so malEEEit.

^ That's E with me, Toni and Pretz.

Then, we went to House of Sisig in Philcoa for dinner. After enjoying a not so blooper-free dinner, we immediately went back to Ilang to prepare for a movie marathon in Room 236 (Toni's room).

Click the photos to zoom.

^ This is our precious Timothy Brian Licius a.k.a. Tobi. I named him myself.

Sunday
What: An über long bonding session.
Where: Room 215 (Pretz's room).
Why: To bond and catch up with each other
How: Talk about KPop and Anycall phones (Samsung) and many more. Of course, plan Pretz's birthday.

Monday
I went to SM North EDSA first while Pretz and Toni went to West Avenue to get Pretz's birthday money. I decided to buy a new shirt, a super large shirt. I went to to Penshoppe only to be disappointed. The constant fear of shopping in Penshoppe, or Bench, is doing me a favor. If you don't want to end up looking the same as other people down the street, better avoid the aforementioned stores. Being a fan of street fashion, I went to American Boulevard. I was craving for a BAPE (Bathing Ape) hoody but I restrained myself since my mom reminded me not to spend too much. Instead, I settled for a wierd shirt.

^ It's reversible but, I'm still thinking of ways to customize the other side.

I also wanted a pair of shutter glasses but they're not worth my 400Php. Still, they are cool.

^ They are so GD.

When Pretz and Toni joined me, we decided to searched for good Samsung phones (Something like Anycall Haptic which is better than Omnia or iPhone, in my opinion.). We also looked for a phone store that can give the best deal for a Nokia 5310 XpressMusic phone. All of us detest the bulky NSeries. So not cool.

Three and a half hours later, 7:33pm, we decided to eat dinner. I bought some manjus 'cause I'm not that hungry. I chomped down a cheesedog during our futile search for Anycall phones. We then payed Comic Alley a visit. Inside the cramped store, we, I guess 'I' is the better word, came up with the most twisted exchange gift plan for the Yuletide season.

Toni: Lei, bilhan mo ako niyan. (Pointing at a pair of Black Mokona slippers.)
Me: OK. (After giving her my word, I faced the salesdude.) Magkano po ito.
Salesdude: 299 lang po ma'am.
Me: Hmmm. Nagastos ko na halos lahat ng pera ko ngayon. Pwedeng sa Christmas nalang. (smile)
Toni: Sure.
Me: Wait! How about we exchange gifts on December. The max price will be 300. I'll buy you (Toni) these slippers. Pretz will buy me something that I want. China will buy Pretz something that she wants. And you will buy China something that she wants.
Pretz: Grabe namang plano yan.
Me: Pwede rin nating bagu-baguhin kung ano yung gusto nating gift until November. Astig diba?
Toni: Wait lang. I'll text China.
Me: (Flashing a triumphant grin while thinking of a BAPE shirt or hoody). Pwede rin nating dagdagan yung perang pambili ng gift natin.

Pretz, please look for these BAPE shirts. I want them... for now.

We found out that Anycall is a South Korean brand under Samsung... *sobs*

My desktop is still popular. Click here to know more. I'll be keeping it this way for a while.

Listening to: Party (Feat. G-Dragon) by Uhm Jung Hwa
Mood: Super happy ^_^

Sugod U.P.!!!

2008-09-08T10:27:00.006+08:00

Cheerdance UPdate:

Champion - University of the Philippines
1st Runner-Up - University of Sto. Tomas
2nd Runner-Up - Far Eastern University

UST banner: "You can't beat Salinggawi twice."
UP people: "We just did." *snicker*

This is a good one..

^Another grave-digging UST banner

^Proposed UP victory banner

UP won!! There's no question to that.

Friends from from UST: I can't help it. But PEACE!! This is university rivalry taking a very wrong turn. What do you know?.. The Cheerdance Competion staged it.

Cookies...

2008-09-07T19:22:00.005+08:00

breakfast + lunch = Chocholate Chip cookies

Just eat away incoming frustrations (EEE 33 long exam).

DeskTOPped

2008-09-05T20:23:00.004+08:00

The desktop that has been striking people in a very positive way ... so far.

I'm not an artist, but I love art. I made my super simple wallpaper using Adobe Photoshop CS (Boohoo Lei!! You're so last season!). The beautiful art work in the right is, of course, from one of my favorite deviant artists, beaucoupzero. I was inspired to make a minimalist wallpaper because of this piece.

Thank you

2008-08-31T10:58:00.008+08:00

Even though I should be sulking about the coding part of our EEE 13 long exam last night, I'm quite happy right now. It's not because I just finished watching Iljimae. It's not because I've been eating decent food for the past 2 days. I'm surprised myself that witnessing firsthand Sir Tyrone Tai's kindness will make me happy. Well, nowadays, a 'human' teacher in EEE is a rare species.

Just 2 weeks ago, my laptop crashed. After reviving it to life (I consider Kuro, my laptop's name, a living thing.), all my files have gone kaput. That includes my source codes, which I treasure so much by the way. Gone are my source codes during my hellish semester with Sir Ancajas, and my source codes for machine problems -- Think-Tac-Toe, Freecell, and AVL Tree. I e-mailed Sir Tai, asking if he can send me copy of my AVL Tree source code. Of course, I also gave him a full explanation as to why all of a sudden I'm requesting for a copy. He replied, with my MP design and MP source code attached, that "It's not my fault." .... I can't thank him enough. I worked so hard to finished that MP, going as far as reversing my biological clock. I'm liking him now. ^_^

Listening to: Sweety by Clazziquai (I'm currently in love with this song.)
Mood: Happy... and ChEEErful.

Age really does matter

2008-08-15T12:28:00.014+08:00

I'm currently receiving live result feeds from Beijing... *laughs*.. No kidding! Today's highlight is the Women's Individual All-Around Finals. Nastia Liukin (USA) is in the lead, next is Yilin Yang (China). Anyway, it's still too early to decide who will win.

In gymnastics, age really does matter. There's this huge stir about the age of Chinese women gymnasts -- an issue blown up when the US lost to China in the Women's Artistic Gymnastics Team Finals three days ago. They just look too young for their declared age, which is 16 and above years old. By the way, the minimum age to enter the gymnastics competition is 16.

Younger gymnasts have relative advantage over older ones. I don't want to elaborate on that (It's no-brainer!!). Then again, Asian girls age more slowly than Western girls...Well, at least, most of the time. Also, Chinese gymnasts are undeniably good (Really good!!), given that they've been training for, what, almost all their lives. They've been handpicked to do the things they do in the uneven bars, floor, balance beam and many more. Besides, it's not everyday that you/we see a 14 or 15-year old girl who is capable of doing what an older, more experienced athlete can do. Although in China, that's commonplace. (The idea/truth might've irritated the older and more experienced athletes. ^_^)

Here are some photos of the Women's Artistic Gymnastics Team Finals.

^ He Kexin, alleged 14 y/o, in the uneven bars.

^ Still He Kexin..

^ The losers (left) and the winners (right)... Obvious difference.

^ How old are they??

Photo credits: Yahoo! Sports

Bumming out

2008-08-12T11:22:00.018+08:00

As the title post suggests, I am, for real, bumming out. Surfing the net (most of the time for Olympic updates) and watching Korean dramas, practically being unproductive, are just two of the few things I think I deserve after a month and a half of hell. I even ditched EEE 13 lab. Well, not that I always go to the lab.. I do my machine exercises here in the dorm then just pass it through the net.

I wish I can watch Lleyton Hewitt and Rafael Nadal's match today. Just where is the TV phone when you need one. (Mom, I thought you wanted to exchange phones with me.) And about the opening ceremony last Friday, "I love it!" The best so far. I underlined so far since no one can't really tell what might happen in future summer games. Still, I'm asking myself, "How will London 2012 top Beijing 2008?" My dad told me that maybe, just maybe, the 2012 summer games opening ceremony will be about monarchy and other stuffs in line with that. That's what they have anyway. Aimee, a full-blooded Chinese friend, made everything clearer last night, when she said, "You see Lei, Asian culture is so colorful that it's better presented in a festive manner."

^I just love the countdown... It was really the "opening " of the opening ceremony

^ Cheers to the drummers who made the wonderful countdown possible.

^ They're drawing while dancing... Imagine that in big scale.

^ Movable type printing

Before I forget, the Beijing National Stadium, popularly known as the Bird's Nest, is an architectural and engineering marvel. Simply outstanding!! It's probably the only stadium that made an indescribable huge impression on me. Dad and I can talk about it for hours.

** The above photos are from the Official Website of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.

I' m loving Big Bang's 3rd Mini Album. Their music changed a lot, but it's all good. Also, T.O.P is hotter than ever.

The album should have been named "Haruharu" since Haruharu (Day After Day) is the carrier single. It's kind of awkward listening to Oh My Friend because it's rock and Big Bang is a hip-hop/RnB group. Though it sounded great when they performed it live.

As of now, I'm loving (2)Haruharu, (3)Heaven and (4)A Good Man. No need to explain why my ears like track #2. Heaven has this club music feel while A Good Man has a bossa nova-ish feel.

Lastly, I hate G-Dragon's hairstyle. It's a crazy attempt to change his cute guy image.

That's T.O.P in an MNet Countdown performance (with Uhm Jung Hwa ... not that it matters) --->

Well, I got to pay the library a visit. So much for me bumming out..

08.08.08

2008-08-08T17:17:00.012+08:00

This year, eight (8) replaced seven (7) as the lucky number. People couldn't agree more since the long awaited and highly anticipated Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics will open in less than 3 hours... August 8, 2008 at 8:08PM. What could be luckier than that??... Moreover, 08.08.08 is just too easy to remember.

Perhaps, at this point, you can tell that, once again, I'm going gaga over an international sports event. You see, there's 2 quadrennial sports events that I really (I mean really.) look forward to -- FIFA World Cup and Summer Olympic Games. Maybe I was severely infected (Can't find the right term.) by my dad's obsession over these two, especially the latter. I easily get hooked to updating myself with medal tallies and other stuffs concerning Olympics... A lot of my girl friends say this fixation on sports TV is so "boyish". I often answer them with "That's how I got so many guy friends."

I remember when I was in 4th year high school, I would force myself to wake up 2 in the morning just to watch live matches of the FIFA World Cup 2006. Right then, I prayed for England's victory. My prayers weren't heard though. It broke my heart when I missed the England-Portugal match that had wiped off England's chances of winning the cup. (Read my football-related posts to relive the FIFA madness: 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06)

Now of course, I'm surrendering again to madness, only this time it's for the Beijing 2008 Olympics. For a start, I have taken an interest on the medal design.

When I saw this picture, I asked myself, "Why is the reverse side of the medal more interesting (Beautiful might be a better term)?" I really like how jade was incorporated to the medal. It gives the usually stiff look of the Olympic medal some lightness and obvious elegant feel. Even the ribbon holder and the medal box are pretty.

For more updates, visit
http://en.beijing2008.cn/

Are they in series??

2008-07-15T06:26:00.007+08:00

Just when I thought everything is going on smoothly, all the miseries came crushing down on me. My mind had just gone through a roller-coaster ride last Sunday, no, last week, one that makes you want to puke. Guess what, it’s still far from being completely healed. I’ve never felt so unprepared in my whole life... Thank you EEE 33. You did a great job making my neurons fibrillate so much that they are as good as popped balloons now. If not salvaged by a trip to the mall and a good 13-hour sleep right after, I’d be a madman already.

Last Friday, at dawn, I asked China if she wants to take a picture of the wretched moment we were currently experiencing. When I say moment, I was referring to us being in room 233, answering our effing EEE 33 problem set as if our lives depended on it. I told her that the moment was worth preserving. With a good sarcastic smile, she answered “No!” I was listening to MP3s that were suppose to make me feel all droopy (I don’t know if TPL [Talk, Play, Love] or Daydream by AnyBand counts.) while figuring out how to thevenize (~~A verb I came up with.~~ Almost all EEE people knew this.) a web-like circuit diagram. That time, my right middle finger looked funny because of drawing over and over again circuit diagrams and, writing over and over again solutions to that diagram.

Saturday... Sunday... Before the test, I told myself that everything will be OK. However, it became all clear to me when I was finally holding the test questions and started racking my brain for answers. Definitely, it was not OK. It was a “BOOM!” Make a gun with your hand (It doesn’t matter if it’s left or right. You can use both.), point it to your temple, and then pull the trigger. That’s how Jeremy, a blockmate, creatively described it.

In an attempt to forget all about the damn test , Daddy Joe, Joan, Fiot, China and I went to the SM North EDSA. We ate to our hearts content in Tokyo Tokyo, window shopped, and danced to the songs of Mama Mia!. “Mama mia, here we go again... My my, how can I resistor..” “Sunday night and our grades are low...” *sobs*

I hate EEE 33, for now I hope. It makes me wonder if I walked into the wrong path. Then again, if not Computer Engineering, where else can I be? Biology? Well, images of me wearing a white hospital gown and stethoscope have long been put away in a tiny little box I conveniently labelled ex-dreams. Who would’ve thought that I, who loathes math to an extraordinary proportion, would step into a world where almost everything has numbers sticking to it and, to make it all worst, electricity running through it. *sigh* .. I hope these unfortunate events aren’t in series.

Listening to: Yesterday by Epik High
Mood: Feeling pathetic

Yumyum

2008-06-30T17:14:00.005+08:00

Silvanas from Nueva Ecija are oh so yumyum!!

Wanted

2008-06-29T21:49:00.010+08:00

Just watched Wanted at SM North EDSA together with China, Pretz, and Toni. The movie is rated R-13, which posed to be a pain in the neck for me because, obviously, I don't look like my age. The cinema staff even doubted my UP ID. I was itching to say, "Hello losers, I'm already a second year college student. Na-derivative ba ang IQ mo?"

Anyway, the clear message of the movie is that it's cool to be an assassin. If you ask me, I would like to be one who can curve a bullet. Think about all the laws of Physics you'll be breaking.. Wouldn't that be asteg? The movie script is also full of the F word. Well, not that it really matters. And, of course, it's worth mentioning that, in the story, a bunch of weavers founded the organization of skilled blood-thirsty killers (They call it the Fraternity.) to maintain social balance yadda yadda. If you think about it, farmers, doctors, or grocery baggers can do better than measly weavers. *laughs*. I'm kidding.

Lastly, Angelina Jolie and James McAvoy are both hot. So just go to the nearest cinema, buy a ticket and watch Wanted. Then dream about being an assassin who curves bullets.

Fly High >.<

2008-06-29T02:15:00.021+08:00

While doing nothing but listen to Epik High and Big Bang songs, this stupid thought hit me: I don't feel like myself anymore without bifocals. What's it like to be myself anyway?.. Hmmm... Suddently, I got this twisted idea of taking pictures of myself. As I said earlier, I was listening to great music, so the pictures turned out like this.

Click to ZOOM.

I know I'm weird. No need to remind me.

While I'm into this talk about music, I'm happy to say that I'm playing the piano again. Lucky me, Ilang Ilang Residence Hall has an upright one in the lobby. It has been, what, 2 years since the last time I played the piano. If I remember correctly, it was during the Embedded Systems Summer Camp in PSHS Main Campus. It was a grand piano.

Of course, my fingers are not that firm yet. They're so used to the soft keys of my Casio organ. Anyway, I tried playing Lies a while ago but the notes did not come out the way I wanted them to. You see, the piano downstairs (My room's on the 2nd floor.) sounds like it has never tasted tuning. *sigh*. Me playing the piano again, made me, thankful about my mom forcing me to take piano lessons for over 6 years.

Tablo's lyrics in Lesson One (Epik High) are so moving. People can learn something from it.

Do we learn math to add the dead's sum?
Subtract the weak ones, count cash for great ones?
Though We multiply but divide the nation.
Break down like fractions, send our sons away to die...

Listening to: I Remeber by Epik High
Mood: High

Eighteen

2008-05-03T21:07:00.016+08:00

Darn it! This summer is way too hot for normal people like me. Maybe the Earth has gotten closer to the sun without me/us noticing. It’s hard to be logical when all of a sudden summer is 5 times hotter (literally) than usual. Really, it doesn’t take a scientist to know that this year’s summer heat can drive anyone to madness... *sigh*... Is this what they call global warming?

Anyway, it’s my birthday today. Yohoo!! O-tanjoubi omedetou to me!! I’m not holding a grandiose debut party or anything. That’s not my style. Even so, mom and dad still did bug me a couple of days ago about my plans for this special day. I argued that celebrating my birthday like “that” is the very definition of corny. Whoever started this “coming-of-age” event for girls must have been a real weirdo¹. Wendi agreed to this. She also doesn’t want to hold a party when she turns 18. In the end, my birthday became a family day out. It’s better this way since I’m not the type of person who gets all jumpy or overly excited about getting a year older. With the Festival of the Arts and all, who wants to? And before it slips me, Wendi didn’t even greet me “Happy birthday”...*sigh*... I’m still hoping that she’ll do, only, in Japanese. :D:D

Here are some pictures.. Just click to zoom. o_O

MAY 1 - Carabao Parade

^ I really like this one. The 'empanada entry'.

MAY 2 - Binatbatan Street Dancing Competition

^ These guys are from my former school, UNP. They're really good. ^_^

MAY 3 - Calesa Parade

^ Me and Wendi.

^ Left to right: Eigie, Wendi, Me and Gem

So what is it like to be an adult? .... Ekkk!! The thought of me being an adult, at least in society’s point of view, gives me the creeps. Everything’s pretty much the same I guess. Except for the fact that now I can truthfully enter my birthday in online communities that require you to be 18+ years of age to get full access. And now, as Jerwin puts it, I can legally watch porn.*grin*. Though that’s not something to be excited about, is it? The point is, I’m not there yet – being an adult. There are some things (mostly childish stuffs) that aren’t easy to patch up. Like for example, my addiction to anime and manga which is naturally keeping me from having a normal biological clock.. *laughs*.. Obviously, I still have much work to do before I get there.

Listening to: Rhapsody in Blue by George Gershwin
Munching on: Chocholates
Mood: Weird o_O

¹I have nothing against debut parties. I have never attended one but I know how it's done.. ^_^ Peace!

Puff!

2008-03-11T12:01:00.008+08:00

I just want to tell everyone in the whole wide blogosphere that the worst is over!!! I'm glad that my effing formal interview is over... Sorry guys but it won't be one of those fleeting events that I'll just laugh about in the future.

I'll remember....

how nervous I was
how I thought I was looking at familiar people who, in a blink of an eye, became strangers to me
how I was "dragged down to dearth"
how humiliated I was
how I was not myself that moment
how immense pressure kept flowing in me
how I bottled up that pressure until the very end
how that pressure burst open after everything else (I cried... It was a relief.)

It was a horrible experience.. How can I laugh about it in the future?? There's no trace of frivolity in it... I'm glad it's over.

LOVERAGE 2: OUTLOUD!

2008-02-06T20:15:00.000+08:00

The UP CENTENNIAL Kick-off Night

February 11, 2008
UP DILIMAN, Sunken Garden

For Ticket Reservations, contact the following:

Danes: 09228129516
Roanne: 09274165341
Mike: 09276250911
Jonz: 09164144686
Anna: 09274165341
Arvin: 09178634666

Click image to zoom

*poster design by: Arvin Sadaran (Pan Xenia '05)

Sugary Peach Babble

2007-09-14T10:38:00.001+08:00

I am suppose to write a 1000-word reflection paper on two articles about love, Love and On Love and Its Reasons, but I suddenly felt like writing about myself. (*grin*) The procrastinator in me is really influential, you know. It gets the best of me most of the time.

Anyway, I recently found out that I’m not so good in dealing with stuffs, especially matters concerning guys. The possibility of being with someone I like is NIL. A person like me gives friendship unprecedented importance. Where can I squeeze (*cough*) love-dovey moments in an overly hectic schedule? Besides, it’s better to invest on friendship. It’s more lasting. (*laughs*)

I guess with such mentality, I am destined to watch my batch mates engage and disengage in relationships. That’s my niche, to just watch and learn from their mistakes. By the time I get myself into a situation people call relationship; I won’t be clueless about it. Oh sure, I also have crushes (i.e. Chris Tiu, and someone-I-don’t-want-people-to-know). Consider me a Marsian if I don’t have one. Nevertheless, a crush is only a crush. That’s just it.

Aside from that, my friends think that I’m a love scientist or something. They ask questions concerning love even though these questions have the most obvious answers. As I adamantly give away the answers they are “looking” for, they would exclaim, “Aba si Lei, expert!” Maybe, when you actually like somebody, your brain cells run dry, or your synapses become clogged. What made people think that I’m so good in this kind of field? I don’t live by sugary peach lines like “Life is good because we are so pathetically absorbed by this thing we call love.”

There’s was this time when Kuya Ralph, our ES1 professor’s student assistant, made the class define love for an assignment. He was referring to the “boy-meets-girl” kind of love. I quoted Raven Symone’s song What is Love since I don’t have an inkling on how this kind of love works. Daddy Joe, a blockmate, even joked about this seemingly funny assignment. If you know Math (Yes, the loathsome subject.), then you’re probably familiar with the transitive property: if a=b, b=c, then a=c. Here’s the joke: “If God is love, and love is blind, is God blind?” It was pretty hilarious when Joe delivered it.

What’s the point of liking someone anyway? Yes, frisson of attraction can be oh-so heavenly but still it's a risky business. You can’t really tell what will happen next – if that person will reciprocate your feelings or not. . . I am starting to sound weird again.

Tell you what, it’s difficult not to be weird if you're starting to like a friend. (*sigh*)

Torn Pages

2007-08-24T19:40:00.002+08:00

It’s a crime for a blogger to not actually blog for weeks. And for that, I’m obviously guilty.

Unlike high school, I now have limited time to update my online sanctuary. I’m your type of chronicler that wants solitude when writing – being in the comfort of your own room, all alone, hitting the keys like there’s no tomorrow. You see, I still don’t have a laptop. . . (*sobs*) . . The internet café is the next best thing. But no one can probably find a net café that offers solitude. Speaking of which, it amazes me that I’m still capable of producing decent works (papers) in very public places. Lucky for these cafés, I can’t stand not having a glance at the World Wide Web. It’s overly precious to be taken for granted. Though with a limited budget, I would rather check my mail, my accounts and search for school-related stuffs. At the bottom of my list, you’ll find blogging. I don’t want my allowance to rapidly dwindle down.

I’m not defending myself. Not really. Convict me of this heinous crime if you must. I’m guilty as charged. But, I’ll try my very best to redeem myself. Before I forget, I have resorted to the archaic ways of journaling (*laughs*). In any rate, I did start off as a diary girl and in times like this, nothing can beat a good ol’ pen. I made my intermediate pad paper, which I don’t bring in class, as my “unofficial journal” for the semester since I left my journal in Vigan.

Because I’m such a good girl, I’ll include in this post three of my journal entries.

07/25/07

Random – U.P. Special

1. Cats. Did I ever mention that I’m semi-ailurophobic? That's right. I’m semi-afraid of cats. Semi because my heart beats like crazy at the sight of these slinky beasts, especially their eyes. Man!! Their eyes freak the hell out of me big time. I mean, they look like they are going to attack me anytime. That’s why I never befriended Captain Hook when I was in high school. Anyway, enough of that. . . Where was I? . . I also never tremble in fright like those who are ailurophobic through and through. Lastly, what sets me apart from full-fledge ailurophobics is that I can easily shove off my “wussiness” if it’s for grades. ^_^

To my dismay, UP-D, is home to dozens and dozens of cats. They’re practically everywhere – Kalai, NIGS, Math Building, Shopping Center, and many more.

2. Isaw. Mang Larry’s Isawan is just a few strides away from Kalai. His isaw (chicken/pig intestine(??)) is pretty popular here. Some say it’s the ultimate street food of the university. The thing is, I don’t like isaw. (PEACE!)

3. Dorm Rules. There are rules not strictly followed in Kalai. The dormitory orientation was just for show. Trust me with this one.

a. Silent Hours (9pm-6am). You can’t expect people to just seal off their motor mouths when there’s a whole day of wonderful happenings to talk about. The constant chatter about cute boys, which, in my opinion, are nowhere to be found, crushes, boyfriends, target boyfriends, and suitors is pissing me off. Nobody is spared in the 3rd Floor Girls Annex (G.A.) corridor. And yes, that includes people who are buried in their books, studying for longtests or quizzes.

b. Meal Chart. I’m still waiting for the day when I can finally eat pata and desserts.

c. Usage of Piano. The piano in the TV area can only be used from 9am-5pm. But, can someone tell me why I can’t play the fucking piano before 9am whereas some dumbasses can play it beyond 5pm?... Where’s the justice in musicality?

Kumusta naman ang dorm rules, di ba?

4. Classes.

Math 17 – Advanced Algebra and Trigonometry
I don’t expect to get a high grade in this subject. Math is my waterloo. It started hating me when I entered Pisay. I never reconciled with it. To be exact, I never attempted to reconcile with this vile subject. If Ben, the Oblation scholar who delivered a speech during the Welcome Assemmbly, thinks that Biology is "taxonomic balderdash", well, for me, Math is numerical nonsense.

Natural Science 2 – Geology and Biology
We’re still in the Geology part of the course. Prof. CP David is one hell of a comedian. I love his class. I always get a good laugh. It’s as if I’ve taken Earth Science all over again, only this time, CP is teaching it.

Engineering Science 1 – Technical Drafting and Analytic Geometry
In this class, my weapons are my pencils, sharpener, triangles, and technical compass. Here, I learn how to make obviously easy stuffs complicated. Also, in ES1, I aim for 10 (perfect grade) plates, since plate graded 8 and below is a form of suicide… Well, at least for me.

Social Science 2 – Social, Economic and Political Thoughts
This is the only class where I get to be separated from my block. I’m not bummed out about it. I get to meet other students. For my case, it’s really a good thing.

I get to be a political analyst here. It’s not that bad… I guess.

Philosophy 1
Loads of questions… No definite answers.

English 10 – College English
This class lives up to this line: “Write, write, and write!” … A student’s life (grade) basically depends on what he writes.

PE 2 – Philippine Games
Fun and exhausting.

5. G-10. My blockmates are so cool. ^_^ . They’re fun to be with. I just love G-10.

07/08/07

Another Paradox

Every Tuesday morning, I would walk to AS (Palma Hall) for my Social Science 2 class. During this time, uninvited thoughts would come rushing into my head, causing chaos to my supposedly firm mindset. As a result, I’ll be wondering again why I am clutching Prof. Ronas’ book, why I am letting myself be tortured with Math 17, why I am here. . . . Even with such disturbing thoughts, I’d still keep on walking towards that gargantuan edifice that promises hundreds of students like me a dose of intellectual commensalism.

Apparently, I am in a very vulnerable state. I guess this is just “emoness” or maybe paranoia. However, weird as it might sound, neither can fully describe what a total wreck I am right now. Althea, a batch mate and friend, got the right term though.

“Entropy,” she said. “High entropy… Life is full of disorder.”

She is definitely correct, because even with all the post-its and organizing; I still can’t get my life out of disarray mode.

What are the probable causes of entropy? Here are my guesses.

#1. I miss everything that came before this chapter everyone calls college. I miss Vigan, my family, my friends back home, my computer, my queen-size bed, my Casio keyboards, my library, my mom’s home-cooked meals… The list goes on.

#2. I feel so alone (ostracized in a way) even though I got a bunch of über cool people as company. Sure, I get to hang-out with these great students, but I don’t really know them. We only know each other by name. (Period)

#3. The PNB Masterlink teller ate my money. Don’t ask how much. All I can say is “I’m officially broke.”

#4. Once again, inferiority complex is plaguing me. Thus, I sometimes submit to my introvertic tendencies. I know that it is not healthy to doubt your own ability, but I just can’t help it.

#5. Longtests, readings and requirements are giving me headaches. . . regular headaches. They really are stress agents. I was so jubilant about leaving Pisay, only to find out that the horror continues in college.

#6. I don’t know what to feel and when to feel it.

#6.1. Sometimes I don’t recognize my real feelings. I just settle with the ones I think I feel. You see, my brain is the boss of me. The hypothalamus gland (real “heart”) is just a teeny tiny part of it.

(*sigh*) I know. . . I overanalyze stuffs.

#7 I guess I like someone or maybe I’m confused ‘cause my brain is playing tricks on me. Refer to #6. I think I hate someone of maybe it’s just a surge of inferiority complex. Refer to #4.

#8 Lack of sleep. For reasons, refer to #1, #5, #6.

#9. Dormitory rules suck! They hamper what I’d like to call “creative chaos”, which is something that I badly needed to function effectively. No one really follows them anyway. Ask my corridor mates and they’d probably say that I’m one of the few rule-abiding residents in the history of Kalayaan Residence Hall.

#10. SC net cafés are complete failures… People working in these shops exploit bandwidth that should be for the customers who paid for it. I must say that this is a subtle form of theft. Also, these cretins can’t even secure their effing network systems properly. Many of the shops don’t have antivirus softwares installed in all computer terminals. And so, this leads to the infection, or worst destruction, of several portable devices pluggable to USB ports such as my flash disk. It got infected and my files had gone kaput.

#11. Watching animé or reading manga is a stress reliever. Deficiency of it is highly detrimental.

#12. I need Daniel… I need my Nee-chan.

#13. (To be filled with other loathsome reasons)

For now, college is still a bumpy ride. I don’t know when I’ll get used to its uncertainties. Nevertheless, I’m looking forward to that day. That’s my challenge – to be familiar with the bumps and avoid them. (*sigh*) . This is UP folks. You can’t expect an easy life here, only academic life.

07/17/07 | 10 am

Trickle

I opened the window only to see cavorting fools down below. They’re having so much fun under the rain, splashing water in different directions. They’re playing tag even with the mud just about everywhere. My fellow freshies are really savouring the moment as if there would be nothing quite like it in the future.

So I asked myself: "What’s there to be gleeful about?" Suspension of classes? Well, I had a great sleep last night because of it, but I guess “great sleep” cannot account for the over excitement I’m currently witnessing outside my very window.

Seeing that the weather is in a morbid condition – the sky in such a morose color, there’s a heavy downpour, bolts of lightning cut across the vastness of the sky, and sound of thunder every 5 seconds – I can’t find any logical reason to be very elated. Don’t get me wrong. With this kind of weather, no one can expect petrichor.

Circumstances like this require me to lock myself inside my room, and stare at the heaps of school works I left undone for the past weeks. After I wake up from my transcendental quiescence, I’ll finally start working on those effing school works.

I remember this dialogue between Michael and Raphael in Angel Sanctuary. Excuse me, but I feel like being a little crafty with this entry so just bear with me. Imagine Rapahel to be a rain sprite and Michael-kun as moi.

Raphael: Ain’t ya pleased? (Referring to the rain.)
Michael: Oh, yeah. I’m so pleased. I am just about to faint from sheer bliss.

The moral of this entry and the above dialogue is that only rain sprites pirouette under the rain, otherwise, they are fools.

Killing Blog Stagnation

2007-07-18T13:39:00.001+08:00

Since Lei can't think of a single decent topic for an entry, she's posting her English 10 report.

Robotics in the Philippines

The world is now in an era where technological advancement is at its toll. At the zenith of this advancement, lies robotics. The word robotics was first used in Isaac Asimov’s science fiction short story Runaround. It is the science and technology primarily related with the design, fabrication, theory and application of computer-programmed mechanical devices commonly known as robots. It is a confluence science which makes use of innovations from various engineering areas -- from material science to advanced algorithms. For romantics, robotics brings forth an almost magical curiosity of the world leading to creation of amazing machines. Also, countless sci-fi reads are centered on the theme of robotics and artificial intelligence. Indeed, the Philippines had delved into the world of robotics, and many critics have raised their brows as to whether or not the country is truly ready for it.

Renowned scientists, artists, and personalities throughout history have long envisioned the creation of mechanical wonders people now call robots. For instance, Leonardo da Vinci, who is known for his technical designs and anatomical researches during the renaissance period, had once thought of making a mechanical knight sit up, wave its arms and move its head and jaw. Five centuries later, George Lucas, a famous film director and producer, introduced big-screen robots R2-D2 and 3-CPO in his movie Star Wars. Since then, the world has looked at the idea of humans coexisting with robots in a whole new light. Hence, the age of artificial intelligence was born. Today, robots like Honda’s ASIMO (Advanced Step in Innovative MObility) and Sony’s AIBO (Artificial Intelligence roBOt) serve as tangible proofs of robotics’ constant progress.

Robots have been portrayed as man’s intellectual by-product. One to which tasks could be assigned, eliminating the hustle a primitive man would have normally endured. As Otto Friedrich wrote in his article The Robot Revolution, “robot… is finally emerging from the pages of science fiction and beginning to transform the way the world works.” As a result, industries are integrating robots in their manufacturing methodology. Industrial robots promise to give firms, as well as the consumers, all the benefits of mass production – cheaper goods, including automobiles and electronics. This manufacturing trend is something that is needed by the country.

Filipinos, especially the youth, are apparently enamored with the idea of making robots, which is why schools like Philippine Science High School, De la Salle Santiago Zobel and Collegio de San Agustin have robotics as an elective or a regular subject. Besides that, the University of the Philippines Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering (UP-DEEE) Building houses three laboratories that have been directly involved in making robots. They are the Instrumentation, Robotics, and Control (IRC) Laboratory; the Yamatake Industrial Control and Automation Laboratory (YICAL); and the Mobile Robotics (Mobot) Laboratory. For this reason, UP has been the country’s center for robotics development.

For now, the Philippines has to settle with laboratory-based intelligent machines. The technology needed for industrial, humanoid, or zoomorphic robots far exceeds the country’s existing technology. On the other hand, the software that animates these robots can be made by Filipinos. The country proved its capabilities in robotics when students from the First Asia Institute of Technology and Humanities (FAITH) in Batangas won the gold in the open category of the World Robotics Olympiad in Nanning, China last year.

Robotics in the Philippines is still in its infancy. It would take years before the country can start its own “robot evolution”. However, the Philippines has the potential of making large contributions to the robotics industry worldwide. Robots here may not be at par with those of Japan and the United States, but the Filipinos’ ability to develop complex software for artificial intelligence is.

UPDATE: July 25, 2007 11:23 AM

I got 1.75 for this report... Argh!!! hehe

Content: 40/40
Mechanics/Grammar: 28/30
Organization: 20/30 --> This is the argh part.. o_O

Kalayaan

2007-06-09T12:19:00.000+08:00

I'm now an official resident of Kalayaan Residence Hall in UP-Diliman. Yey me!! Even though I was fidgety last night because the bed is too small (single), I managed to survive my first night. Yey me again! Also, ever since I left Vigan four days ago, I've been sinking into deep reveries. Wierd. Maybe it's a symptom of homesickness. After all, I won't be going home for five long months.

I'm currently chilling at one of UP Shopping Center's numerous net cafés. There's practically nothing to do in Kalai right now. People are too busy admitting freshmen dormers. I didn't bring my PC, and my dad is still looking for the perfect laptop -- one that can meet my über many requirements. This processor, that video card, this hard disk memory - you know, those kind of requirements. Aside from the piano in first floor, which, more or less, I can't play without people hearing, nothing seems to interest me. To top it all off, I still don't have a roommate. Not that I'm asking for one, but I just need someone to talk to in the dorm. If only Jerwin didn't move out from Kalai this morning, I wouldn't have to suffer boredom. He decided to live in Parañaque. He was complaining about the shower room the other day. Jerwin is a very finicky neatfreak with a beyond 100% OCD in cleanliness. Damn you Dada Panda!!!

Anyway, I can't update this blog nor visit your blogs on a regular basis. Since classes are to start on June 12, studying is again my top priority.

I'm leaving a note I found posted in my study table. Laugh out guys!!

July 4, 2004
10:01:34 PM
room... alone!

PETITION

To: God

This is to ask your contribution whether it is a YES or a NO for me to shift at BusEcon. If it is a NO then I'm willing to go and follow your will. If it is a YES, thank ü Lord for confirming. XXXXX.

If it is a yes but not at BusEcon, pls. specify the course... Thank ü Lord... I will wait for your answer....

Pls. check your Ans...
__ No
__ Yes at BEcon
__ Yes, but not at BEcon. pls specify: _____

Fr. your child,
Anne :)

I wasn't able to watch Bleach up to episode 120. I stopped at episode 107. *sobs*

I am now accepting animé and manga suggestions. Mag-ingat: Dapat hindi ko pa napanood ang mga suggestions ninyo. :D :D :D

First Born Syndrome

2007-05-31T03:27:00.001+08:00

Ms. Michelle, our Biology teacher in high school, once told IV-Photon that first borns tend to be emotionally unstable despite being good and strict at what they do. Most of my classmates then agreed to her definition of first born. I, however, silently rejected her unwanted “theory”. That time, I labeled the so-called First Born Syndrome absurdity. “First borns are expected to be a hundred notch stronger than their siblings," I thought to myself. "That just how it works."

Pondering on that faithful day makes me wanna laugh at myself. How ironic it was to shun Ms. Mich’s idea when in fact I am emotionally unstable. I learned that there’s a distinct line separating strength and weakness. And unfortunately, I currently reside on that boundary, floating like a lost soul in limbo.

Just so you know, I am grounded and so is my sister Wendi. Last Monday night, I got myself into trouble because of my smart little brother. My mother was totally furious at me. She was vehemently cursing me. I said I was sorry but my apology didn’t seem to move her. I guess wearing a stolid face, a well-practiced one to be exact, is a big no-no when asking for forgiveness… She ordered me to get my pillows and leave the house immediately – a premonition of impending doom.... *laughs* ... I did what I was told to do. I grabbed my fluffy babies (pillows) and quickly stepped out of the kitchen door. My mom slammed the friggin door and locked it right after. The pitch black sky and the eerie silence of the night were the only witness to this very unfortunate experience of mine. Tough luck! Anyway, I gave a “We’re-at-it-again” sigh and trudged towards my grandma’s house. (Thanks for taking care of me grandma!)

I've been through this situation many times already. With the vast repertoire of torturous events that have happened in my life, that one with my mom was just, how should I put it, uhm, light and insipid punishment.

I went back home the next day (Tuesday). Everything was the same as before. Nothing changed except for me being grounded.

People might think that I’m a bakemono (monster). I can’t blame them. But one thing is for sure – I’m just a regular teenager who gets confused with stuffs sometimes, and finds difficulty in shouldering huge responsibility as a first born. Unlike my siblings, I have limited freedom. My batch mates can attest to that, believe me. Responsibility needs getting used to, you know. In my case, it’s taking me a little longer to eradicate my rebellious tendencies. Weird huh? ... Well, that’s what to expect from a weirdo like me.

Adieu Summer

2007-05-26T04:25:00.001+08:00

No matter how I look at it, Air TV is a tear-jerking animé. You just can't smile while watching the damn series. Well, maybe at first you can still smile at how things are turning out, but as you progress, you'll get that sad yet poignant feeling. You might even think of shaking the monitor** convulsively.

"What the hell happened? OMFG! How can that be?!!!"

The fact that Air's story is set in a coastal village during a summertime adds up to its melancholic feel. . . Watching this animé made me realize that summer is indeed about to end. You know how we get emo over stuffs like this. The end of summer... *sigh* ... That's an event we don't normally look forward to. We usually sulk about it... *laughs*

The weather, for one, is an evident sign that, soon, we will bid summer adieu. There are the irregular downpours & fluctuating temperature. A real gloom I must say... Or maybe Mr. Sky is resisting the "abrupt", yes abrupt, change of season. *wishful thinking*

Anyway, at least I get to enjoy petrichor once in a while.

** I download animé series from the net. So, technically, I watch them on the monitor. :D :D :D

I'll be moving my stuffs to Kalayaan Dorm (in UP-D) early this June. My siblings are itching to get rid of me. Oh well.. I hate to leave my precious library behind but I can't carry all of my books from Vigan to Diliman, can I? ... Can't wait to start afresh... Just like every after petrichor.

Currently Listening to: Tori no Uta (Bird's Poem) by Lia

Upset

2007-05-18T03:11:00.000+08:00

I'm plainly upset right now. Mom and I are having a cold war. This isn't new to me. In our family, this is just a normal occurrence. It's just a matter of waiting for the first person to give in. Anyway, this time, it's not going to be me. I'm neither giving up nor giving in. Not yet... Not unless she admits that the blame is all her's for the taking.

I was pushed to edge. Frankly, I can't remember the last time I cried so hard over something. Because, you see, I did break into tears yesterday- at dawn... *laughs* ... It was as if my world's shattering before my very eyes. I even gave myself one hell of a beating. Don't ask me how I did it because I'm too upset to type the details.

I thank Wendi for comforting me. At that time, I might have been a terrible sight. I think I freaked her out a little so PEACE. :D

Just to escape this shit, I'm putting more attention to web and graphics designing. Besides, it's time to shake some rust off and update myself with the current art trends. For the mean time, I'm shutting my world from her. It's only me and my computer now... Me and my computer.

Daniel-kun... I badly need your help.

Unsent Letter

2007-05-13T03:58:00.002+08:00

Dear Mom,

¿Cómo eres mamá? Here is another not-so-heartwarming letter for you. As people might’ve figured out already, this crap won’t reach you (though, by any means, I hope it will). I know, Mom... Your precious daughter has an awful habit of wasting bandwidth. Big deal.

First, I want to ask you this question: “Am I a denizen of a planet (i.e. Earth 2) that’s in an alternate universe?” No Mom. This is not meant to be farcical. I think you’re emitting an invisible intergalactic force that only I could feel. You see, I can’t do things normally when you’re around - I become a major klutz with incomprehensible stupidity. *sigh* Well, I deduce that being fettered by archaic rules and lofty expectations for almost all my life did not do me any good.

Perhaps it did not occur to you that exerting too much pressure (Yes Mom, this is the intergalactic force I’m talking about.) on your daughter has side effects. Plus, I still have your unpredictable mood swings to deal with. I’m totally going to lose it anytime soon. That’s why I’m constantly on the lookout for diversions. I don’t give a shit if it’s only for a transient moment or in long-terms. Sometimes, I just need to shut you down temporarily from my system.

Second, I’m sorry for all the spiteful feats I have successfully accomplished for the past years. I think this letter has a relatively hurtful tone into it, so I’m also sorry for writing/posting it. I’m sorry if I talk back a lot. Yeah, I know. It’s unbelievably unkind of me. I’m sorry if I sometimes play deaf whenever you feel like giving me lectures about my plummeting grades, responsibility - just about everything you can think of. I ought to, however, give you credit for these irksome sermons, since they helped me overcome my grade dilemmas. :D ... You should know that I'm doing my best to absorb all of your words but there is what we call "information overload". On occasion, I wish for a time off - something I think I deserve.

I’m sorry for overly exercising nonchalance. I’m sorry for being such a pain in the ass. Estoy apesadumbrado. No soy perfecto. ^_^

Lastly, even with all the horrible stuffs going on between us, I still can’t get myself to hate you. Seventeen years of existence had taught me how to embrace the pangs of your motherly love. *laughs* I’m grateful for everything you’ve done, even the torturous ones. Thank you for understanding my craziness. I LOVE YOU, MOM!

Your daughter,
Lei

Toothaches, Sudoku and the Frozen Delight

2007-04-27T09:38:00.000+08:00

Last night, I was playing Carlos Jobim's Wave with my Casio keyboard when I felt my upper and lower bicuspids (in the left region) screamed in pain. The sharp feeling was far from the soothing sensation you usually get from listening bossa nova songs. Like most Earthlings would do, I placed my hand on my left cheek then gently rub it down. OUCH!

That was one of the regular afflictive dental attacks I’ve been enduring for the past three days. I’m amazed on how a measly toothache can shake one’s ability to function. For example, I can’t finish playing Beethoven’s Pathetique since midway the composition, my teeth will again be in their fiendish conditions. Thus I’d be darting towards the medicine box to give it a good rummage. (“Where are those damn analgesics?!!”) On the sunny side, I can temporarily halt doing house chores.

Anyway, my sister Wendi, a math nerd, was with me at that time. She was busy solving math problems and Sudoku puzzles, sporadically exclaiming “Ang galing galing ko talaga!”. She’s always like that, so full of herself.

A bit hesitant at first, I asked her for help because, obviously, my bicuspids were starting to kill me.

Lei: May ice cream ba sa fridge?
Wendi: Wala. Bakit? (Still absorbed by Sudoku.)
Lei: I want a choco-banana parfait.

(Silence)

Lei: Can you make some ice lollies? Snow cones?... Or sorbets, perhaps?

She put down her pen and shot me a suspicious look.

Wendi: Why?
Lei: Mainit kasi... (Smile)
Wendi: Yeah, right!
Lei: OK. You win! My teeth hurt.

Then Wendi left my room.

Fifteen minutes later, she came back holding a glass of shaved ice flavored with cherry syrup. I quickly grabbed the glass from her and had a taste of the frozen delight. The ice melting in my mouth, plus the sweetness of cherry, was sheer heaven. My precious bicuspids were relieved.

Wendi didn’t notice how grateful I am of what she did. She was in her own little world again. Seeing that she was very much contended being reunited with her Sudoku book, I did not dare disturb her. But a question suddenly popped inside my head. I can’t help but contemplate about it.

Lei: Can you still call this a snow cone even if it’s in a glass?
Wendi: I can’t believe you’re asking me that stupid question. Tignan mo nang maigi.

A dumb ass that I am, I followed what she said. I looked at the icy creation with great intent. It went on like this for about 10 minutes just so I could figure out its name.

My smart sister finally woke me from my stupidity.

Wendi: *sigh*… You call that SNOW CYLINDER, baliw!

After hearing that last statement, I was laughing my guts out… Now I know why normal people shouldn’t ask freaks, who can’t get enough math and Sudoku, uncomplicated questions.

If you’re thinking of cavities, sorry, I don’t have one.

All's well that ends well

2007-04-22T23:53:00.000+08:00

Today, my room is a total mess. It looks like it just hosted a bloody war. Trembling with frenzy, I confronted Mina and my siblings concerning the horrible view in my room.

Lei: Sinong gumulo sa room ko? It looks like a pig pen. My books are all over the place.
Gem: Books are meant to be read.
Lei: Paano ka ba magbasa? Inaayos ang mga yun pagkatapos basahin.

(Silence)

Lei: Those are investments. Goddammit!!

Then I turned to Mina, who I was teaching multiplication a while ago.

Lei: And you! You finished first grade without knowing how to multiply numbers?

Mina tried to put into play her pa-cute powers.

Lei: Don't you dare show me that twinkling puffy eyes of yours.
Mina: Pangit ang mga matatalino.
Lei: Malungkot ba si Bill Gates dahil dun? Hindi naman, di ba?!
Mina: Huh?

I was about to give Mina a long lecture about the richest geek in the world but Lola Leoning cut me. She gave me a small envelope. When I realized who was it from (Lola Teresa), I immediately tore it open. The first thing I saw inside the envelope was a $100 bill.

Lei: Wah!! (smiling while holding the money)
Dad: L.A., may letter pa. Nakalagay dito yung partitions. 10% sa'kin, 9% kay Gemille...
Lei: In your dreams. BEH!!

In the end, I forgot what I was frenetic about.

Disgusted or Disappointed

2007-04-20T03:27:00.000+08:00

Dear Justine Syde L. Bulacito,

I was furious when I found out that you copied my blog entry for December, Blank. I guess you truly are no Einsteinette. Sorry if that's a bit harsh. I never thought that a college student, a "journalist" at that, could pull a stunt like this. I feel totally victimized.

While I was looking at the contents of your sidebar, this phrase caught my attention:

... in a crowd of intelligent people I am just a mere speck of dust...

The phrase I used in Tugsh to me was pretty much the same as the one above:

...in a crowd of the young and brilliant minds, I’m nothing but a mere speck of dust.

Obviously, there was something strange about this similarity. It was disturbing me. At first, I thought of forgetting all about this odd occurrence, but I decided to delve into further investigation anyway. It's not my fault that I am utterly curious. It's in my DNA.

I found an answer. Here's the awful truth:

Click the image to zoom

When I saw my words, my sentences, my POST lying in your blog, a violent surge of anger overpowered my whole body. It took me an hour to cool myself down. I needed to calm my senses so that I could think of ways on how to deal with this problem.

Jazz, the copy-paste method is not something a good writer would do or even attempt to do. I permitted you to link my blog because I thought that you would respect it. Like what Laurene said, "You don't have to copy and paste other people's blog... Blogging is not just a pastime--it's like having a relationship with your readers."

In this fast-growing blogosphere, my site is still behind shadows. It is ghostlike in nature, almost nonexistent. Unlike mine, yours is enjoying popularity. Maybe that gave you the guts to plagiarize my blog entry. The probability of others dicovering your crime is very low. Not-so-smart move, I must say.

You yourself should know how painful it is to find your work being exploited like that. Do you still have the nerve to call yourself "Montaigne heir"?... I'm disappointed in you.

I see that you got yourself nominated in the 2007 Teen Blog Awards. I'm impressed... Don't worry. I won't screw your chances of winning... Well, goodluck!

Love and Hugs,
Lei o_^

Random 4

2007-04-17T03:07:00.000+08:00

This is what I'm good at when I'm bored: writing random thoughts.

Don't you just hate summer heat? I can't stand the scorching heat that seems to be emanating from the very core of this planet. I wish that a continental drift will occur soon and that this country be drifted somewhere far from the equator.

Mikko, a computer geekazoid, is into making money. Click here. See what I mean?... *sigh*... I envy this Abercrombie & Fitch wannabe model. He is just so damn good at web designing. If only I could have such zai.

Kaye, one of my SPORKS friends, arrived yesterday from Manila. SPORKS will chill at Heritage Resort this afternoon... Lei is super happy.

I'm babysitting Gemina this week. Her mom, Ate Mae, my preschool teacher, asked me to look after Mina until her brother completely recovers from measles. Taking care of kids is not actually my cup of tea, but since Mina is so kawaii (a living China doll), I'm making this case an exception.

Mina and Wendz strike their peace signs.

When my little brothers are having a word fight, they speak in English and French.

While playing a M rated video game in PS2...

Eigie: Hey! What are you doing? Stop it!!
Gem: Can't you see? I'm killing you.
Eigie: Asshole!
Gem: Whatever loser!
Eigie: Son of a . . .

!!CENSORED!!

Just finished watching Magikano and immediately started with another one, The Law of Ueki. While watching the battle between Ueki and Li Ho, I kept wondering why animé characters have to announce literally, to the whole wide universe, their fighting techniques or powers before executing them. Did they know that doing so might cost them their lives? You see, Li bragging his noble ancestry and the super powerful out-of-this-world martial arts technique he inherited is a major tick off. Why can't he just knock down Ueki, gain a zai, and be done with it.

What else?... I already finished downloading Air TV... I still don't know how Detective School Q ended. I'm gonna kill Lea for providing me an incomplete DSQ dvd... Laughed so hard at the Tagalog-dubbed Bleach. Marky Cielo did a pretty good job with Ichigo's voice. Yasmien Kurdi, however, sucks!

To all Death Note fans, rumor has it that DN's going to hit GMA 7. Unfortunately, that rumor is true. Can't imagine L speaking in Tagalog. Oh well. Let's just wait and see.

Yaoi is the queerest thing I have ever encountered, as far as I'm concerned. (Pun intended.) It's a curious experience seeing animé guys lick each other's skin and all... *shivers*... It started when I was still a sophie. It was Jerwin who introduced the term yaoi to me. That time, I can't relate to what he was talking about. I don't remember watching any animé series that fits his description of yaoi. Then he said, "Ano ka ba naman Lei... Yami no Matsuei is yaoi!"... I was like, "Shit. Now I know." Thanks to Jerwin, my Dada Panda, I was able to watch and get hold of Ai no Kusabi, Gakuen Heaven, Gravitation... and the list goes on. (I still prefer shonen-ai over yaoi.)

Maybe I should conduct a study regarding this matter. Phenomenology of the Yaoi Genre. Now that's a nifty research title. :D

Asked Kuya James to lend me his Adobe Photoshop CS2 and Macromedia Flash 8 installers. Mom uninstalled them last month from my PC. Argh! I'm going to use those two graphics editor softwares to design my own pisay shirt. Our batch shirt is a disappointment kasi.

Report Card

2007-04-04T01:27:00.000+08:00

I found myself staring at my report card. The days of torture have finally come to an end, and my report card is a solid proof.

From the very beginning, I’ve always long for the day that I’d exit Pisay’s gates. And now that my prayer had been granted, I can only ask myself this question: Is this what I really wanted? It sounds cliché, but I truly thought of the end as the beginning of a new chapter, a chapter I can fill with mint adventures and ideas. But I never thought that it could be so melancholic as well... I’m blaming it all to my batch. Yes, it’s purely our fault. We became so attached, almost like brothers and sisters, that it was painful to detach.

At this point, the biggest challenge for us is to always remember. Yes we need to perpetually remind ourselves that within our hearts, we’re still together. Even without the disappointing moments, sleepless nights and cramming sessions, we're still tied in an indestructible bond called friendship.

Since I already mentioned report card, here are my 4th year final grades...

I'm back

2007-04-04T01:16:00.000+08:00

Thank God, I’m still alive. I’ve been through a lot lately, experienced heaps of happy yet painful circumstances. For the last two months of my high school life, I freed myself from the clutches of academic qualms. I carried a roguish attitude and, together with my batch mates, broke what’s left of IRC’s serenity. I am here once again to recount noteworthy happenings and release this blog from its torpid state.

Since the last time I updated this blog (eons ago), I’ve been dragging myself to school just so my stipend won’t go kaput. The seniors took the 4th quarter exam a week earlier than the lower classmen…It was a grave mistake, I tell you.

I skipped school a couple of times just to hang-out at Daniel’s place. Most of the seniors were skipping school so, seriously, there was nothing wrong in following a trend. As expected, some teachers went furious. They have the nerve to say that we needed to attend school so that we can practice for our graduation. Yet, there were no practice sessions at all. The whole time, the seniors were slacking off, running around circles, hoping time would be kind enough to turn its wheels a little faster.

Some of us fell into deep state of spacing out, staring at what seems like an endless tunnel of boredom, waiting for anything to materialize out of thin air. Others engaged on heavenly slumbers, be it in the library, classrooms, huts, guards’ house, name it. One might think that the seniors were drooling all over the campus.

The simple fact that we were bored was unacceptable. Having to go in a school with zero life force proves to be an effective counterattack to the seniors’ highly unstable and loud side activities. (Work your imagination to figure this out.) Boredom, at that time, was indeed the epitome of peace and order…*sigh*... This is a long story, really. But to make it short, the seniors went back to being hyperactive monsters and the teachers’ headaches were amplified threefold.

Anyway, here are the stuffs that have kept me occupied for the past two weeks.

1. Wherefore art thou maid?
I’m bound to this accursed fate of having to do menial house chores every summer. Ma Xiang (not her real name), our beloved maid, went home without even saying simple parting words.

2. Animé + Manga = Heaven + Japanice
Gelbert, Jerwin, and I have been spreading love for Japanese animations and movies all over IRC. It wasn’t a difficult mission. We just talked about how kawaii Tamaki Souh, how sugoi Kurapica’s nen, or any animé stuffs to catch the attention of scholars slash otakus in hiding. Animé mania is really fun and contagious.

On the other hand, I’ve been collecting mangas. Most of my favorites are from TOKYOPOP. I’m also into manga scanlations. Currently, Kaori Yuki's Angel Sanctuary is on the top of my read list. If you ask me, I say that the manga is light years way better than the OVA. Lucifer and Michael are so gorgeous, hot and yummy. I just wanna eat ‘em.

Did I mention that I’m submitting animé and manga reviews online? I also post them in my Multiply account. Check them out.

3. Multiple whapping expenses
An IRC scholar’s ticket to graduation is a hard-bound research manuscript and poster. Check and recheck, print and reprint the manuscript. Spend and spend some more... Research had cost my group roughly Php 10,000.

I really didn’t mind laying out money for the manuscript because I am assured that the end product will be placed in the library. The only thing that I’m cynical about is the poster. Where the hell are they going to hang the effing posters? Countless projects have incredibly found they’re way to the store room, or worse, the trash bin. I just hope the poster I worked hard to make won’t suffer the same fortune as my watercolor painting project in Social Science 3.

There were also the prom pictures, that I can’t even get a hold of the soft copy, and the graduation expenses. These two approximately amounted to Php 11, 000.

Conclusion: Our school is the worst when it comes to planning and financing.

4. “Hug that tree!”… Batch 07’s Retreat
Despite the fact that the retreat masters were bunch of tree-huggers, the retreat was a fun and wonderful experience. I only hate the part where the retreat masters compelled us to write journal entries. How cruel!

I was not in my usual self that day – a bit emo, I suppose. Every one of us got an opportunity to read his or her journal entry aloud. Mine was funny and a total tearjerker.

March 15, 2007

It’s against my will to write a journal entry. I don’t feel like writing. Still, I can’t escape this one, can I? As most animé characters say, "It can’t be helped." Anyway, here goes nothing.

Yesterday, and even today, I find it challenging to stop myself from uttering bad words. This retreat should be free from foul auras so I really need to zip my mouth. But this is nothing compared to the rollercoaster-like trip from Vigan City to Baguio City. The never-ending meanders made me sick and dizzy. Good thing I didn’t throw up. (Who’s the man?!) I sure didn’t want to end up in Pukefest 2007 like tooooot…

Moving on… The air here in Baguio is piercing cold. The periodic gush of ice-cold breeze isn’t much of a help. That’s no brainer, right? I’m not used to this kind of atmosphere so it’s a bit tricky to even touch H₂O. I’m glad that I managed to take a bath this morning. I won’t be surprised if one of these days, I’ll be suffering from hypothermia.

What I find striking here in Maryknoll is the scenery. The night time view of the metro below is just breathtaking.

Other stuffs:
The food is great. So far, there were no mushrooms involved.
The girls’ sleeping hall is bigger and better… bwahahah
Picture taking syndrome has taken its toll since yesterday.

Before I forget, I hugged most of my batch mates last night. That was the first time I ached badly for hugs from my friends. I was filled with unexplainable happiness. I’m still filled with that kind of happiness. Being with you guys is the coolest thing ever. When it’s time for us to part ways, I’m gonna miss the PIONEERS.

The content of my entry for March 16 is a big secret. But here’s an excerpt.

I joined this retreat so that I can relish spiritual peace. No one told me that writing in a journal is mandatory. And I tell you what, that’s no different from the school shits (works) I left in IRC. Now, where’s the freakin’ spiritual crap I am yearning for?! *sigh*

5. Press works are pain. I wanted to quit. Good thing I didn’t.
6. Yearbook write-ups...also major pain.
7. Recognition day. Still a director’s lister.
8. Seniors Party. It was a blast!. Fun to the infinite power.

9. Graduation Day.
I was awarded With High Honors during the graduation. I also got the Proficiency in Computer Science and Proficiency in Arts... Super happy. :D

10. Lei... Cleared!
I was cleared yesterday. I left school grounds holding my real diploma, forms 137 & 138, certificate of good moral character, batch shirt, and graduation portrait, and tightly bearing inside my heart great memories that were once created in that place we fondly call Pisay.

*sniff*

Breakdown

2007-02-14T19:33:00.000+08:00

I hate my mom this week. If only she could get her bossy self out of my prom dilemma, I guess everything would be smooth sailing. It’s not like she’s the one going to that stupid prom. Who wants to wear that dress anyway? Only old hags wear such overly passé rag.

Sure it’s been ages since the last time I designed clothes (for a fashion show) but that doesn’t mean that my fashion sense had gone dry. This is shitted!! I’m so sick of this.

I passed!!!

2007-01-22T22:57:00.000+08:00

God is great. I passed the UPCAT!!

First choice school (UP Diliman) + first choice course (BS Comp. Eng.) = Happy!! (^_^)

32 out 33 PSHS-IRC Batch 07 students passed ... Sugoi!!

Feminism, duh??

2007-01-15T18:39:00.000+08:00

Feminism. Photon stumbled upon this interesting topic during our Filipino. Sir Jeff, our Filipino teacher, said that girls are never and will never be equal to boys. Girls do the house chores while boys do the "real" work. My instincts told me that this guy's a nutty anti-feminist. . . and I was right.

According to his "Recharge Theory for Guys", Girls get preggy and guys can get away with it. And that guys can just come back whenever they wanted to. (Talk about gender discrimination.) Girls are second fiddling while guys are always on the lead. Girls. . . Boys. . . yadda!yadda!yadda!

It went on like that and all I did is listen. . . Though I did roll my eyeballs and yawn.

Lost Integrity

2007-01-07T04:20:00.000+08:00

When I look back at the years that passed, I become aware of some disturbing things around me. I’m not talking about the noisy firecrackers, whistle bombs and other irritating explosives that create sonic disturbances which can reach up to an ear cracking decibel every holiday season. (I hate paputok.) Since election is on its way, let’s look at Philippine's political arena.

The most prominent disturbance is probably the political squabble that characterizes the government. Politicians have lost their statesmanship. That didn’t go unnoticed. The Philippine politics has entered an era where politicians and the common multitude are trapped in a coliseum, watching their likes fight a seemingly endless war. Eliminate others and rule. Obviously, politics has become a business – a source of entertainment, better yet, a source of livelihood, so that, by all means, politicians have to cling to power at all cost.

The controversies that are happening in the government are glaring examples that politics has gone astray. One is the recorded wiretapped conversations between Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and former COMELEC Commissioner Virgilio Garciliano, popularly known as the “Hello Garci” tape/CD. It became a massive hit that record companies might have thought of giving the two loonies a double platinum award. Even with those friggin’ tapes as evidences, the President got away from possible impeachment. The “I am sorry” speech she gave made it easier for most Filipinos to forget all about her alleged involvement in an electoral fraud.

How about Marine Col. Ariel Querubin? Still remember him? He led a band of mutineers in a military standoff. Basically, he, as well as his comrades, wanted Arroyo out of office. It was quite a show on tv. I mean, really. There were tanks, armed men and other stuffs. Not only did this guy freaked the hell out of loads of people, he even made the President declare a state of emergency. Is that cool or what? He reminds me of the Magdalos.

Lately, first gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo is gaining a reputation of being a big fat hoarder. This is very evident since charges concerning lots of money (That includes the multimillion dollar account at a German bank... Or is it a Swiss bank?) have been chasing him around ever since GMA became the most powerful elf in the country. I must say that his relatives are doing a pretty good job in defending him whenever he gets into trouble.

What else?... The Subic Rape Case. It “is just as much a political case as well as it is a legal one…” according to Ernesto Herrera.

Nicole won the legal battle when Daniel Smith was convicted but politics won over when her own government handed her rapist over the US Embassy. Such a travesty of justice perpetrated by our own countrymen. It’s no wonder other countries have little respect for Filipinos.
- E. Herrera in Policy Peek

I can’t help but wonder why the government created such loopholes in the Visiting Forces Agreement.

The murder of Abra Congressman Luis Bersamin Jr., the assassination plot against House Majority Leader Prospero Nograles, and the bombing of the service car of Pasig City Representative Robert Joworski Jr. – all these things have placed the country in a bad light.

At least the economy’s booming, right? Investors still have confidence in the current administration, even with the controversies surrounding it. I guess nobody’s about to lose hope. Not yet.

Assessing the major problems that the country has, they all stemmed from one problem – the government officials' lost integrity.

Blank

2006-12-27T23:24:00.000+08:00

I wrack my neurons for something to write about. I flip through the pages of my mind. There are random images, fuzzy texts, but nothing solid, nothing coherent. I stumble, running headfirst into a big black wall. As I look around, I see nothing but an endless expanse of darkness. A terrible joke it is to be trapped in this dimension of nihility.

Now voices are speaking to me, seemingly out of nowhere. I struggle to listen, but they seem to grow fainter with every second, until the murmurs die out. Silence reigns again. Then here comes despair. Can I feel any worse than this? It is a feeling of being close yet so far... of hopelessness.

I am back to reality, staring blankly at the computer monitor.

Darn! After being sleep-deprived earlier this month and being tormented by Photon's database project, I'm finding it hard to bring my writing mojo back. To top it all of, I'm currently confined in my lovely home for the holidays. Where the hell can I find sensible stuffs to write about? I almost considered the idea of writing about how carolers are such a piss, but everybody knows that.

Posts filled with meaningless words, punctuation marks and spaces in front of me. I hate writer's block.

Tugsh to me

2006-11-19T16:16:00.000+08:00

I am a pisayer, a simple reason why I’m always trying to convince myself that I’m smart, even though in a crowd of the young and brilliant minds, I’m nothing but a mere speck of dust. I am a pisayer. I make use much of my strength and knowledge to impress others… This is all, of course, in the sense of satisfaction. I am a pisayer. Being cerebral 24-7 to come up with so-called “great” ideas is my common diversion. . . Behind the vast curtain of actuality, I’m struggling.

Life, high school life in particular, is just a matter of ups and downs. In a humble place called Pisay, everyone is driven to perfection… Perfection we never came close to conquering. That makes a pisayer more prone to disappointments – a revolting matter that we can not escape.

Oftentimes, I find myself basking in my delusions of a carefree living, which I, more or less, can impossibly attain. Daydreaming is my vice. I do it best when I’m in my classes, err, vacant periods… The realm of the unreal is my only escape from the tormenting reality I’m in.
– SMS saved last Nov. 2, 2006 | 11:11:25 am

I’m gonna be brutally honest here. I lost (DSPC) and it totally hurts…*ouch*… The thing about losing is that you have to accept that you’re the big fat loser. In layman’s terms “Be sports!” A good example for this is my “Be sports” routine: paint a big fake smile on the face and say, “OK lang. There’s always a next time.” WTF, this is so pathetic!! I am so pathetic… Even if I reiterate that effing statement gazillion times, it is never OK… It will never be OK.

Disappointments… Pisay floods its students with a great deal of disappointing craps. Until now, the school hasn’t noticed that they, the teachers, are putting too much pressure on us. One of the common litanies in Pisay is “We must win.” Underscore MUST. If you’re lucky enough to win a competition, two thumbs up for you. But if you lose, I’m so sorry... Go crush yourself with a boulder!... *sigh* ... You’ve guessed it right, folks! I was crushed... I already started picking up the pieces of my shattered self. In a matter of days (or weeks) I’ll be ready for another battle.

Amidst the negativity, I can't get away from the fact that I am still a pisayer. I must not give up easily. I must deal with the challenges that come my way and cope up with obstacles that could induce disappointment. That’s right, I am a pisayer. I shouldn’t be fazed by failures… I should learn from them.

Because I’m busy…. Again!!

2006-11-08T04:01:00.000+08:00

Second quarter is just beginning and the teachers are already murdering us. And this only calls for one thing, another protracted hiatus.

Card-giving day will be on Friday. I just hope that I’m included in the Director’s List. I’ve been redeeming myself from the very catastrophic performance during the first quarter. Grade letdowns no more. . . Well, except for my grades in two subjects: PEH and Science Research 2. From 1.0, I’m expecting to get 1.25 in PEH because of my mediocre test scores in Health 4. It surprises me that a mere crossword puzzle type periodical test caught me off guard. That’s argh to the infinite power!! On the other hand, I am surely getting a 1.75 grade in SciRes 2. It’s not our fault that our group didn’t pass a research manuscript. The lab was closed because of Ms. Rebibis’, research teacher, incompetence. I suppose she’s expecting us to conduct lab experiments in the soccer field!!

One thing more, the school paper is keeping me from getting a normal life. The staffers are rushing to meet, here goes another detestable word, deadline. Anyway, I'm, ummm, very exultant(??) that the front page is covered with some of my news articles. . . minus the by lines.

Well, ciao guys!! See you soon. . . (^_^)

Alter Ego 101

2006-10-31T21:53:00.001+08:00

Before anything else, I want to greet you all Happy Halloween. I have no trick or treating plans so I guess this blog will be my refuge tonight.

I know that it is Hallow’s Eve and tradition dictates that I should bore, erm, I mean fill you up with spine tickling stories about ghosts, witches, vampires and other spooky creatures. But sorry, I wouldn’t dare waste my time writing prose about the horrors brought by the inhabitants of a parallel universe I’d like to call Halloween Town. These craps are just figments of imagination. In case you haven’t noticed, I’m not an avid fan of the “untruth”... well sort of.

Wondering why I have chosen to blab about alter egos?. . . Well, it was the first thing that popped into my head... *laughs*. . . The idea was inspired by the Discovery Kids series Strange Days at Blake Holsey High. Emma Taylor-Isherwood's character, Josie Trent, has a clone, you know. Both of them share the same genetic make-up but they totally have different personalities. Anyway, that’s a different story. Shall we go back to alter egos?

An alter ego is a different side of oneself. Alter egos usually have the characteristics or skills that their creators don’t possess. They do stuffs their creators don’t normally do. They are the portraits of their masters’ inner selves. Most people have an alter ego. Even the limelight cannot stop the rich and famous from having alter egos. Beyoncé Knowles has an inner diva named Sasha. Daniel Handler crafted the morose and puzzling Lemony Snicket, who, as we all know, is more popular than Mr. Handler himself. And who haven’t heard about Peanuts’ lovable character, Charlie Brown. He is the picture of Charlie Schultz third-grader self.

Hmmmm . . . Oh darn! Now I’m having a hard time digging for the right words to explain what alter ego is. Ah basta!! All I know is that I have one and I created her 3 years ago. When I entered Pisay, I badly needed a brand new defense mechanism to protect myself from the badgerings of high school life. My body can only withstand a certain number of mental and physical jabs. It is purely human nature to unleash the stronger side of a person just to survive. And that’s how ELIE, my alter ego came into existence. She is the tough lass who have kept me from falling apart during the times when I was so vulnerable.

Jerwin, a classmate of mine, have three alter egos. Can you believe that? He gets bored easily so Don Anonymous, Luke, and Zan Fe are always by his side to keep him activated. . .*laughs* . . . It’s funny, really. There was this time when Jerwin told me that he’s plotting to murder one of his alter egos. He pointed out that he doesn’t like arguing with a mere denizen of his head in times of decision making. And here's another one, there was this . . . OK. . . It's starting to sound weird, huh? . . I’ll stop now. . . But I’m leaving you a little something to muse on: “Do you have an alter ego?”

Essay works

2006-10-30T14:41:00.000+08:00

Ma'am Nars made all the seniors write an essay about what makes a Pisay scholar. My essay was an informal one. In a sheet of intermediate paper, I wrote how riding a roller coaster similar to high school life in Pisay.

In a roller coaster, you get in the car, computer-operated lock will shut you in place, off you go, then wait for the ride to end. You can't just get yourself out midway of the ride. That will be suicide. You have no choice but to bear the horror, the G-forces, and experience the surge of Epinephrine. On the other hand, in Pisay, you get to sign a contract, and once you scribbled down your signature on that contract, there will be no turning back. You have to deal with mountains of school works, feel torture and ecstasy at the same time. You will only be released from being shackled after four excruciating years.

Both roller coaster and Pisay have one thing constant: ride them and you'll be a changed person afterwards. You become stronger or wimpy, better or worse, regardless of how minute the change is, it is still a change, nonetheless.

Anyway, even though I made a great essay (That's what I thought.), it wasn't good enough to secure a spot in the school paper. Althea's essay, Ticket to my Destiny, was picked. Hers was about a scholar taking a special train ride... It's weird how rides make ideal side elements in essays.

My ADMU essay was a bit straightforward . I wrote it using a serious tone since I want Ateneo to know that I am fit to be a Blue Eagle. I also focused more on the positive effects of Pisay on me.

My Life as a Scholar

Being a scholar of Philippine Science High School s a big challenge. It gave me the rare privilege to gain great experiences. It gave me the chance to develop a wholesome personality in preparation for a more challenging life that lies ahead.

In Pisay, I gained a transformation of attitude. Here, I came to realize that there will always be people better than me. From a happy-go-lucky lass, I became more serious in my outlook. I was taught how to address my weaknesses and change them into positive opportunities. I was trained to think logically, critically and scientifically. Given the varied circumstances where we have been submerged, and the voluminous daily tasks given to us, I became more diligent. Pisay also honed my ability to point out and define my essential priorities. I was taught how to dream and work hard for the realization of this dream.

I also gained the meaning of responsibility. With the leadership opportunities that were given to me, I serve as an inspiration to the lower classmen. I am the news editor of our school organ, The Northern Scholar, a function where I gained the value of fairness and justice. The experiences and exposures that I had in co-curricular and extra-curricular activities cannot just be thrown overboard. They helped me develop a spirit of self-confidence and sense of belongingness. They stabilized my social and emotional bearings. Most importantly, they magnify my desire to serve the country and my fellow Filipinos.

In Pisay, I learned to be independent. I was immersed with different cultures of friends from other provinces during my stay in the dormitory. I was forced to work alone on my assignments and projects because I was away from my parents. Staying awake in the obscurity of the night with nothing but books, papers and pen as my companions made me think that sometimes, I really have to be alone in doing things.

Above all, in Pisay, my belief about the existence of a Divine Power was strengthened. He allows things to happen, even the problem and challenges, so that I will be molded into a better person. My thinking that once you are a scholar there is nothing you cannot do, suddenly faded when once in my life, I crossed the border of faith and limits of human capacity - failing marks or low grades, stressful late-night studying, piled-up requirements, and many more. Only then did I realize that, indeed, there is someone who controls our lives.

All these experiences made me and transformed me into the person that I am today. They helped me search for my identity.

Chronicles of a Writer

2006-10-19T18:30:00.000+08:00

I saved this post as a draft because it is not like me to be emo. . . At first, the thought of publishing this post was absurd. I feared that people might get some thwarted ideas about me. . . But now, I guess it's OK. - April 5, 2007

Ever since I was a kid, I already loved writing. It was only logical that my little hand itched for crayons, pencils or ballpoint pen to grab. I would burst into tears if I won't get hold on any of those. I was a stubborn little brat who found joy in scribbling what was hardly the English alphabet. As I grow up, writing became a passion... my ultimate diversion.

In fourth grade, I bought my first ever journal. It was leather-bound that somewhat resembles Sebastian's journal in Cruel Intentions. My journal then was a miniature sanctuary - where I can pour my soul into, vent all the overwhelming emotions that plague me, and where I can temporarily hide from blemished reality.

Beyond the borders of my journal, my writing style was highly recognized by my former schoolmates, especially the teachers. Getting perfect grades on compositions, essays and reports was a piece of cake. I was flooded with accolades that later turned me into a monster... An arrogant and overconfident monster at that.

True, I was every inch a monster. I secretly laughed at how moronic people can get, being moved by my writings. Alas, no one dared to spank this monster out of her sweet delusions. . . That was what I thought until I set foot in Pisay.

When I entered Pisay, everything changed. Pisay forced me to face the fact that I still have a great deal to prove. Being surrounded by smart people from different corners of the region, I was totally intimidated. I quickly plummeted back to earth. There is/was really a need to stick both of my feet on the ground... *laughs* ... Back then, I was very much clueless on how humility works. It was as if I am learning how to write my first ABC for the second time.

In this institution, I met many students with exemplary, or should I say prolific writing skills. And compared to their masterpieces, mine would simply look like a junk, ready to be incinerated. The sentences I weave were nothing but ash - easily swept by the wind. My works have no robust foundation. They don't leave imprints or make good impressions on my readers.

This is what psychologists call "inferiority complex". No matter how hard I deny it, I often feel insecure about petty stuffs... Bit by bit I'm losing faith on my writing ability. After all, even human tolerance to pain and depression has a limit. Good thing I created this blog. Here, I can fill a portion of the web with my sentiments and angst just so I won't go nuts.

Surprisingly, I managed to survive four years of existence in the school paper, The Northern Scholar. I don't deserve to be in my position right now. Most of the time, I'm not capable of writing substantial and well-grounded articles. Plus, writer's block hinders me from making the right words flow out from the tip of my pen. To make it all worse, only at dawn does my brain cooperates with my writing. Now, can I even call myself a journalist? *sigh*

I'm looking forward to being able to overcome my inferiorities, accept fully what my God-given talents have to offer and smile at what I can create with words.

I'm busy, bushed and dead

2006-10-10T18:46:00.000+08:00

I’m busy.

My to-do list for this week already reached its threshold. It is already a foot long and I haven’t even figure out where to begin. My overly hectic schedule is freaking the hell out of me. It is basically making my brain dry. Right now, I’m like a ticking time bomb that’s ready to explode any time soon.

I’m bushed.

When you hear the word cheerleader, does the word “popularity” instantly register in your head? The word sounds like sweet chimes in my ears the first time I heard it. With the thought that maybe getting to be one of those perky characters in Bring It On will be as heavenly as it sounds, I signed for the seniors pep squad, Pisay Knights.

During our first ever practice session, yours truly became squad’s test rat for cheerleading stunts. Being a fat-assed eccentric that I am, my fellow cheerleaders just can’t flip me like pizza dough in midair. Clearly, I can’t yoga my way to a bloody 3rd level extension. Since time is of the essence and we haven’t polished a single freaking stunt, it was quite obvious that we badly needed professional help. So we decided to hire choreographers.

With Kuya Lucky and Kuya Wheiner as our choreographers, the second practice session went well. . . And when I say it went well, what I really mean is that we effing practiced for 10 hours, I repeat 10 hours!! Front roll, hurkie, toe touch, cartwheel, split, bend, dance, dance, bend, hurkie, scorpion. . . Come on! You got to admit that cheerleading is synonymous to torture. When we finally called it a day, every inch of my body is practically screaming in pain. Nobody told me that cheerleading can create so much physical strain.

Until this very moment, my whole body is still aching like shit. Are you a cheerleader?? ‘Cause if you’re not, can we switch places?. . . I need a painkiller… HELP.

I’m dead.

Mom and Dad got mad at me, big time. I did not go home for 2 consecutive days just because I need to attend cheerleading practices.

Dad threatened to cut my allowance for the following months unless I start acting like a responsible young adult that I should be. I can’t blame my parents for using such drastic measure to repress my immaturity. Let’s just hope that I won’t screw up next time. . . Or else I’ll be grounded for life.

Grade Letdowns

2006-09-09T11:28:00.000+08:00

Of all the characters that I'm capable of playing, why do I have to be a grade-coconscious git? My ass is riveted on a chair and my mind is currently sailing in a vast wormhole of shit! Every cell in my body is screaming "suicide". I'm writing this crappy post right now to stop the production of suicide hormone (If there is such hormone, I don't know.), and to expel the thought of ransacking the whole house for sharp and pointed objects out of my (dull) brain.

I didn't make it to the Director's List. . . *sigh*. . . Last Friday, Card-Giving Day, my greatest fear became a reality. Just as I suspected, my efforts ran short. I should've pushed the envelope harder. "Give me a knife. . . I feel like performing the harakiri."

Why do people like me worry so much about mere numbers, grades to be exact? Grade-consciousness is a disease almost all pisayers contract. I'm one of the many unfortunate idividuals who always get haywire over marks or scores that lie beyond the range of 1.0 (Uno, as we call it.). The idea of having appallingly low grades terrifies me more than watching horror flicks. I hate myself! I've become a grade zombie. . . I loathe myself even more for not doing anything to counteract this wretched disease.

This first quarter, my world, once again, is shattered into pieces. There are disappointing and disturbing grades written on my report card. What a direful image of my hard work.

PHYSICS 3 - 2.0: My heart sank deeply in my guts when I saw a big fat 2.0 in my card. There's no doubt that a servant of Satan, specifically a witch (Al *cough* ba *cough* no), played her voodoo tricks on my grade. How else did I get this unimaginable grade? This is the simplest and the most obvious explanation. I'll make sure that the harbinger of mishap will be burned on stakes.

English 4 - 1.75: I deserve better than a lousy 1.75!! I've been doing a great job in World Literature . Many seniors can attest to that. *silent scream* . . . This number is a tangible proof that life is indeed Iliad.

Biology 3 - 1.5: Even though I've been acing Ms. Michelle Ducusin's tests, I still got 1.5. Even though I've been passing excellent lab reports, I still got 1.5 . . . And even though I've been listening to her boring discussions about genetics, I still got 1.5. . . Is it just me, or the world's going upside-down? If only I could drop this subject, I could've done it gazillion years ago.

Chemistry 3 - 1.5: I don't have much to write about this subject. Well, except for the fact that I consider our Chemistry period a time for a major snooze fest.

Calculus - 2.0 - It's expected. Math is my waterloo.

Now the greatest shocker of all . . . *drum roll* . . .

Computer Science 4 - 1.5: Sir Pablo said that I'm 0.01 close to getting a 1.25 grade. . grrr. . I was so upset as hell with this one. . . *sigh*

And that cocludes my post about grades - the most abomidable thing next to homeworks, projects, and cafeteria foods.

The UPCAT Effect

2006-08-03T19:11:00.000+08:00

Taking and passing the UPCAT are all that matter to me at this very moment. I wish I could contemplate on less stressful things, but it seems like my neurons refuse to process other information not, in any way, related to UPCAT. For the past three days, I’ve been reviewing like crazy just because I’ll be taking a nasty test, which is known for its reputation of being the hardest college entrance test here in the country, in two days.

My school’s lofty expectation is not boosting my confidence. Pisay’s goal of having a hundred percent passing rate is adding up to the already hard-hitting strain my whole body is experiencing. . . Go UPCAT!! You’re this close (pea size close) to pushing me to the brink of nervous and mental breakdown. Go UPCAT!

So why fuss about taking the UPCAT?? . . . Simple. The result of this test can define my future. If I get through UPCAT alive, there’s a BIG possibility that I might get through the ACET and USTET alive. . If I don’t make the cut, I might end up studying in a non-elite, unpopular college or university. . . I don’t want the sacrifices I made, the hardships I went through, and the effort I exerted just to survive four years of hell in PSHS-IRC to be wasted. Sorry if I’m overly frantic about this stuff. . . I guess it’s the UPCAT effect.

Random 3

2006-07-20T15:34:00.000+08:00

OK. . It's good to be back in the blog world. My whole body is practically aching to be immersed once again in this dimension of rants, rants and more rants. Thanks to our ever-supportive school, some of the seniors, including me, were sent home early. Yeah, I know. It's not like Pisay to send their ~~prisoners~~ students home early yadda, yadda, yadda. Well, here is the sole reason of this odd and rare occurence: "Some of us need to pack stuffs because we're going to Manila."

This is not an educational trip nor an out-of-town jaunt. It just so happens that the test center for the ASEAN Scholarship is in Traders Hotel. Take note, it's in Pasay City. You know what that means?!!. It means that SM Mall of Asia is only a taxi drive away from the hotel!! I bet it's a shopping haven... I'm excited... *imagine*... *sigh*.

OK, snap out of it!! Focus on the post... Here it goes.

1. I flunked our first ever Physics 4 longtest.

Who can blame me? The test was plain evil and so is its creator, Ms. Albano. She's a monster in the form of a sweet-looking, drop dead gorgeous lady... Wait!! In the first place, why do we need to study Physics?? It's not like I'm going to calculate the electrical potential energy present in my computer every time it's turned on. Or even attempt to find out the electric field present in the microwave oven every time I cook popcorn... The only thing Physics had really taught me is how to calculate the velocity of my falling grade. And you know what, the velocity of my falling grade is only a nick slower than gravity.

Physics formulas plus concepts equals "I just don't get it!"... It's gibberish I tell you, gibberish!! I wonder how Daniel's brain works because he's probably the only senior who can understand, and at the same time appreciate, this nut crap subject.

I'm confused as hell on how to pull my grades up. This whole Physics dilemma is giving me regular headaches. Now my chances of being in the Director's List is as thin as a toothpick.

2. Photon is already done with the health bulletin thingy.

Jerwin "forced" us to work on our health bulletin board during the rainy weekends. He was constantly complaining on how irresponsible we are. The sunny side is, we managed to come up with a simple (first place material) health bulletin board... Piecing the whole thing together was an arduos job considering the fact that Jerwin, again, was there to keep a close eye on us.

3. I engaged in a suck-up-for-all-its-worth conversation with the one and only sucker in Pisay IRC, Jamil of IV-Graviton.

(I was cleaning the Photon room when Jamil entered.)
Jamil: Lei!! Wow, you're working your . . .erm. . . self to death!
Lei: No, Jamil. I'm working my ass off.
Jamil: That's right! You're working you're ass off.
Lei: I need to, OK. I'm the head of Photon's cleaning department.
Jamil: We [Gravitons] don't have a cleaning department, only cleaners . .
Lei: So?
Jamil: I didn't know you are the only Photon in the cleaning department. . I can't see anyone helping you out.
Lei: Jeremiah is head cleaner too, you know. They're probably busy playing basketball or something!!
(I was very pissed off.)
Lei: Look Jamil, I'll file my resignation tomorrow. Ayoko nang maglinis!! I don't even clean my room.
Jamil: That's the spirit!
(Jamil saw Photon's health bulletin.)
Jamil: Nice bulletin board you got there.
Lei: It's pretty isn't it? Panu ba yan mananalo na naman kami.
Jamil: Simple. You should see ours.
(He exited the room. I was left with an "I-can't-believe-this" look in the face.)

4. My DBMS project helped me get to know the teachers better.

I've been dedicating a fraction of my precious time to finishing my database of Pisay faculty, staff and administration profiles. I got hold on some TOP SECRET files, thanks to Sir Bong. By reading those files, I've become knowledgable, more than ever, about the life of Pisay "workers". Through in-depth analysis of their PDSs, I must say that probing the domain of teaching is really a very risky business. Now, I know why the teachers are trying to shun the idea of pursuing a careeer in teaching from our young (and racy) minds.

It is true that teaching is a noble work. Indeed, only NOBLE men and women of science can fathom to embrace the low salary given to teachers. Saddening, isn't it? Is this all in/for the name of education?

5. English 4 rocks!!

I'm loving World Literature. Who knows Iliad better than I do?... Homer is the greatest. . After Iliad, we'll be studying Edith Hamilton's Mythology, then Dante Alghieri's Divine Comedy, then Niccolo Machiavelli's The Prince... Wah!!... Can English get any better than this?

6. I suddenly became the ~~wicked~~ demonic witch of PSHS-IRC.

Nico, my loving classmate and greatest adversary, finds pleasure in pestering me because, what can I say, he can't really pester me. The cheapest and most ridiculous plan he can come up with is calling me DEMONIC WITCH. But then again, I salute him for exerting such great amount of effort just to irritate a very tough intellectual like me. Too bad, his effort will (no doubt about it) all go in vain.

Hiatus

2006-07-09T18:55:00.000+08:00

I'm pretty busy right now. Curse my schedule!! There's a lot of activities squeezed in it.

First of all, I really need to concentrate now on reviewing for the UPCAT. Second, get my head on my top priorities like, of course, studying. In the mean time, I'm hiving off my creative juices in blogging to writing ~~serious~~ news and articles for the school paper. Lastly, I still need to do some house chores. We have no maid yet... SOS!!... These stuffs are killing me!!

See you soon!!

Walls

2006-07-09T17:56:00.000+08:00

The world is such a small place. It has only one room for all people of diverse forms. I have no choice but to dwell among the plastics, posers, and the haters. Honestly, I'm running out of air to breathe!!

You see, I've put up my own walls to shield myself from the flaming arrows of rumors, bullets of pretense, daggers of insults, nuclear bomb of lies and other weapons of mass destruction created to crash and poison me completely. (I'm also considering iron curtain for extra security.)

Don't you just hate them? Especially NOT if you're one of them. You treat them like real friends. You do things that would make them happy. You even share to them some secrets that you have kept for a long time, thinking that they REALLY are your friends. And lastly, you're just being yourself, for them to know who you really are. But what will you get in return? BACKSTAB. - Carl

I hate the world and the world hates me... *sigh*... In my case, I see a lot of antagonists in my life. Paranoia always strikes, I guess... *laughs*... Some of my so-called friends are trying to get a glimpse of the feeble and weak me. I feel sorry for them. They can't and will never put me down. My defenses are state of the art... *wink* ... You need to decipher my every move and hack my brain just to shatter the walls protecting me... I know I can't get rid of these scoundrels, so I'm always painting a big fake smile on my face... Sweet, huh?

Plastics, posers, and haters. They're all the same. They don't care about your feelings. They get satisfaction out of ruining other people's lives. I just hate staying in the same room with them.

Sigh

2006-07-03T22:17:00.000+08:00

I have not yet recovered from the tragic event that happened in the FIFA World Cup. When I told Migz that I’m downhearted since Brazil and England lost, he merely took the opportunity to annoy me. He kept on muttering, “Go Germany, Go France!!”... On the other hand, Vince was shocked upon hearing the news that Brazil was kicked off. Buti pa siya, nire-recognize niya na I’m upset about the whole thing. Anyway, David Beckham is still charming and famous. Nobody can change that. Not even you, Migz!!

Congratulations to Dalvie, our new Student Alliace president!! I voted for this guy. I guess, it’s his time to show what he can do for the student body and for the whole IRC community. Others got their chance to be on stage, now, it’s his time to shine. Gambatte!!

The long test in Social Science 4 (Economics) was a total bummer. I didn’t even use all the stuffs that I memorized and, of course, analyzed in the test. It wasn’t a hundred percent bad though. I salute Ms. Armie Bacano for making me use more brain cells than usual in taking her test. Application is the key, right? :D

Research is such a problem. Argh!!... Ma’am Ronna, our adviser, is so strict. Our research proposal was perfect, you know. Not until, Alex showed me all the red markings scribbled" by Ma’am Ronna. She’s very particular on the statistical methods and research designs part. Double Argh!!... Palibhasa, Algebra slash Geometry slash ex-Statistics slash ex-Science Research teacher kasi siya.

Ms. Albano is a murderer!! Her 3-items quiz in Physics was so hard. . . whooosh.

By the way, I love Shakira's Hips Don't Lie - Bamboo, the official FIFA World Cup 2006 Mix. Can't take it off my mind... BamboooOOOooo Tembaleuoluwaaluweee Anubaleee le balooo Levanlevaaandaa laoooo.

I'm sad

2006-07-02T09:42:00.000+08:00

I'm totally crushed... England lost to Portugal. Brazil lost to France... It's very upsetting. It feels like I recently gulped in all the sadness in the universe... To make it worse, I was not able to watch the matches live. Curse my sister's cellphone!!!... Darn!! This is too much.

To Migz, I guess you have a great chance in winning the bet. It's go Deutchland for now!! You're right, Zidane is not too old for football. He still got it in him. *sigh*

Wink

2006-07-01T15:26:00.000+08:00

Thanks to Kuya James, our sound driver is already working. I can now listen to my newly downloaded MP3s. Mom erased my huge MP3 collection. She's denying the fact that she commited the crime... On the other hand, I'm happy that she's now a co-administrator of an *online community, which practically means that I already have a future "part-time" job. I'm still wondering how she did it. It's so cool, you know. If everything goes well, I'll be recieving PhP 5,000 from her every month. . . bwahaha. . .

* I can't divulge the name of the online community. All I can say is that it's not a Philippine online community. . hehe . . Sorry. *

Anathema

2006-06-30T23:05:00.000+08:00

Dear Mr. Troy Bolton Wannabe

I hope you're in a good state while reading my letter. And by the way, you'll need tranquilizers just in case you find my brilliantly composed missive not that easy to succumb. I guess your ready, here goes nothing.

Screw yourself, you li'l twerp!! I thought you were my friend. Right!! Oh, now I remember... I'm just your travel buddy, huh?? No more, no less.

How could you be so selfish anyway?! You think you're the king of the world? Tell you what,YOUR NOT!! Just because you don't value time doesn't mean that you can mess with mine... Fuck you!!

From now on, I won't give a damn if you go hang around acting like some kind of poser. Honestly, you're after school activity stinks just like your speech in the grand rally. I must say that your speech was full of shit and merely knitted blahs!! I strongly wish that you will not win as Student Alliance president... Pleeeaaaaaasssseee... That position will only make you duller than you are right now!! Go sing or screw Vanessa Hudgens for all I care!

And that ends my words of remorse.

Unfeignedly yours,
Lei

Fuck the weather!

2006-06-27T18:06:00.000+08:00

According to Neptune, there will be a lot of water pouring down from the sky above. This, undoubtedly, will wreck my suppose-to-be-perfect weekdays. Now, I'm forced to spend an hour or two here in an internet café just to update my blog, check my mail, and look for homework-related stuffs. Our broadband "box" was broken, all thanks to Zeus and his lightning bolts.

Life is such a piss!! It's kinda crazy, you know. There are nasty cloudbursts yet the air is not even close to cold. It's really hot!!

Wendi's cellphone, my alarm clock, had betrayed me twice in a row. There's still no maid!! (grrr to the nth power!!!) It's neither fun nor easy going home worn out. And wasting valuable time in doing some stupid house chores is light years away from my definition of fun. Instead of solving Calculus-related equations, reading the Book of Job, or getting ready for a quiz, you can see me standing in front of the kitchen sink, washing the dishes!!

The new Physics teacher looks an awful lot like Sugar Estrada of PSHS-CMC. I like her, I mean the teacher, but I don't like her. I never knew that this is possible. She's beautiful and all but she gives me the creeps. God, I can't remember the last time my heart palpitated this hard... hmmm...

Well, I didn't win as SMT Club auditor. I have no hard feelings about it. I think I'll live without being SMT auditor. . haha. . Congratulations to the SMT officers!!

Random 2

2006-06-24T23:18:00.000+08:00

I like animé. My love for animé was fired up once again when I watched Gravitation. It's a soft yaoi. There are no bed actions, just torrid kissing.

The word yaoi is derived from the first syllables of each word in the expression, "yama nashi, ochi nashi, imi nashi," which means "no peak, no point, no meaning,” and originally referred to badly drawn self-published fan comics (doujinshi). Later, it came to be used for doujinshi with sexual pairings between two males. In Japan today, it is mainly used to point to the sex scenes of a manga or to doujinshi with male slash male content. In the West, yaoi has become a catchall term to indicate any story that includes a male to male relationship and is linked to Japan, be it commercial manga, anime, games, game-based slash fiction, English-language fan fiction, fan art, etc.
Yaoi-Con

Once again, I made it in the school paper board. I don't know yet if Ma'am Nars will appoint me as the news editor (which she will eventually do, I suppose). I'm still crossing my fingers on that. I surely want a staff of my own.

I heard two cryptic conversations already. The first one was in the faculty room and the second is in the corridor. It took me ages to decrypt them.

Hifalutin Mania is far from over in IV-Photon. I don't know what got into us. Students, especially the seniors, kept on digging for words in the English dictionary that sounds so out of the ordinary.

Did you know that I hate politics? I'm running for the position of SMT Club auditor and I got this strange feeling that my opponent, who is a sophomore, is gonna crash me to the ground . It's a slap on my face if I lose to a spohie! Here are the exact words I said last Thursday in IV-Photon:

"I'm gonna lose... I don't have the charm and the [fake] smile. [I don't even have a big name tag to flaunt my name.] All I have is my [nearly] four years of [existence and] experience here in Pisay."

Note: All words inside the brackets were not uttered. I was just dying to blurt those out.

One thing more, Gelbert backed-out. Pasaway kasi!!... Black propaganda via sms is a big no during the last day of campaigning. "Look at what you've done! You retracted, bitch!!" (*Before you go berserk on me Gelbs, may I remind you that Jamil started it.*)

The school wants to steal Cagayan Valley Campus's substitute Chemistry teacher. The school is desperate for intellectual prospective teachers. The CVC sub scare the crap out of some Photon students during her demo. As long as it's not Sir Max, any lunatic out there is OK with me!!

For those who don't know who Sir Max is, he is a know-it-all atheist slash gay slash licensed chemist who made Chemistry 2 a real nightmare. I almost flunked the fucking subject thanks to that vile creature!

Beatles' songs rocks!! Good thing the teachers are not complaining every time John throws a free concert in the library, huts, or in the corridor... hmmm... Where else?

Male Confessions: Carlo Sevilleja. I enjoyed throwing "hard-core" questions on this guy. He survived my 2-part interview with him. ^o^

I still got football fever. I've been staying up late (until dawn) for more than 2 weeks now just to watch friggin' live matches... After watching David Beckham's story in Super Sports, my love for him has been elevated to a million notch. I'm such a screwball!... Why do I have a huge crush on ~~the most famous football player~~ (scratch that!!) a married man??... God!!... Where did I get all this cheesy shitload?!!

High School Musical tomorrow. . . Sing, sing, and sing. (^_^)

Im outta here... Live match between Germany and Sweden on TV. <-- (6/25/6 10:00 A.M.) Shit!!.. Germany was on fire! 2-0... Klose and Ballack are sooo yummy... haha!!>

(6/25/6 12:40PM) Eito and Takeshi Yasutoko in ESPN!! . . .Shit!. .Eito made a new vert trick. Totally wicked.

For A Maverick

2006-06-24T13:16:00.000+08:00

I made this letter last night using MS Word since there was no ~~fucking~~ internet connection. . Sorry for the F word.

Migz,
I know you were so crushed when Dallas lost in the NBA finals. By now, you are already over that hullabaloo. Even though the NBA finals turned out that way, you my friend is still a total MAVERICK!! . . haha. . According sa MS Word Thesaurus, you're a nonconformist, unconventional person, eccentric, individualist, rebel, one of a kind and odd one out. I really never knew what it meant, not until this moment (6/23/6; 11:00 PM). The sunny side is, you can now keep track of the FIFA World Cup and support the mighty Deutchland!

I got a good news for you that will surely get you up on your feet, jump for joy and shout out loud, “I’m the king of the world!” . . . Is it too hyperbolic?? Well anyway, I guess you can write the world cup article. It’s a lot more fun watching the games than writing about them. Actually, I’m torn between two matches right now, Saudi Arabia and Spain in Super Sports, Tunisia and Ukraine in another sports channel (11:15 PM). I dunno what sports channel the latter is (Shit! It's all in Japanese!!) Spain will win for sure. I just want to see how they pulverize (murderlize. . . bwahaha) the Arabs.

Where was I? . . . OK, about the article. Dude, you’re the right man slash guy for the job! You and your psychedelic wordplay, asshole!! . . *sigh*. . Miguel, I picture your head ballooning already so enough flattery!! You don’t know how hard it is to be stuck in the news stream. I’m glued to it and I'm not loving it. I can’t use the inverted pyramid to describe the world cup’s kicking action. Come to think of it, I’m accustomed to using adjectives sparingly . . . ekkk. . . Not unless, the staffers want me to write blogista's way. The article will surely be a truckload of shit and babbles.

That's all. . .

Your fellow FIFAnatic,
LEI

Basta wag mong kakalimutan ang mga players na 'to:

Goalkeepers:

Dida
Oliver Kahn
Lee Woon Jae <-- Wow!! Two thumbs up for this guy.>

Defenders:

Sergio Ramos <--La Liga star>
Juanito

Midfielders:

Ronaldinho <-- If only he's half as good-looking as Beck...Too bad, he looks like a chimpanzee. Still heart his play though.>
Kaka <-- Cute>
Park Ji Sung
Steven Gerrard
David Beckham <-- He's not overrated! He's gorgeous, famous, talented... I want to marry him!!>
Frank Lampard
Michael Ballack <-- Very tough!>
Zinedine Zidane

Forwards:

Ronaldo
Ahn Jung Hwan
Wayne Rooney
Michael Owen <--Astig!>
Miroslav Klose
Lukas Podolski
Fernando Torres
Henrik Larsson

At yong mga favorite teams ko.

England
Brazil
Germany
Spain
South Korea

Leave comments will you.

Ciao!!

Anniametten!!

2006-06-15T23:46:00.000+08:00

Kainis na WiFi!! Nagloloko ba naman ‘pag umuulan. How much more kung high time na ng bagyo? Grrr talaga!! Eto dapat ang post ko kahapon.

Of notebooks, quizzes, and politics

There are some students from the lower years who can’t wait to get a hand on my precious notebooks. Why?? Well, I’m ~~70%~~ 80% amanuensis. Now that’s a BIG reason to pester me with litanies like “Oy Ate Lei, akin nalang yong notebooks mo next school year.” They really can’t wait to get rid of us even if the bloody days haven’t started yet!!

Ma’am Vera told us not to lend any of our notebooks because the annoying lower classmen are doggedly and stubbornly dependent on them. Their not ~~suffering~~ reading books or browsing the net to look for stuffs anymore. Bakit pa?!! "Nasa notebook naman na lahat.” For crying out loud, those are not lesson plans!! -- Except siguro sa notebooks ko sa Earth Science nung 1st year. ‘Hiniram’ kasi ni Ma’am Grace at ginawang instant lesson plan niya. Bad trip talaga! In-assume tuloy ng iba na lesson plans nga ang mga notebooks ko.

We have 3 quizzes this day. I’m totally drained but I really want you guys to know how preparation for a quiz and the quiz proper can be major examples of “pains in the ass”.

QUIZ # 1 – Physical Education
There are only two words to describe Ma’am Gyneth’s subject: practicum and memorize. If we’re not draining all our powers into playing games or inventing zany and ludicrous dance slash exercise steps, then we’re probably feeling 100% suicidal because there’s already a ‘short’ quiz created to bury us 6 feet under. Of course, the former is WAY (light years away) better than the latter. Who enjoys memorizing practically everything in your notebook? Anyway, I’m used to this kind of torture. This isn't good, huh?

QUIZ # 2 – Physics
This is the third year we’re taking Physics. And I have grown to hate it!! It’s a good thing that we took the quiz right after the discussion. If it turns out otherwise, I’m doomed. Hindi ako nagre-review sa Physics... hehe

QUIZ # 3 – Computer Science
Darn!! Walang awa si Sir Pabs. Dinurog niya kami sa DBMS. I was like, “Sir, kalian po ba ang programming?”.

It's very apparent that most seniors are already in political mindset. They’re already creating strong parties to run for SMT Club officers. Others are using all their energy (and brain cells) strategizing(??) campaigns for the Student Alliance team-ups. I can’t believe Gelbert invited me to join his party. Can't resist the opportunity though. I grabbed it almost instantly *peace*

Jubilation

During our Physics class, Miguel wrote this:

At long last,. In a few months, the pioneers of PSHS-IRC will be exiting the gates of the school…

Then I scribbled:

You’re actually jubilant about it!

. . .*laughs* . . .*apir!!* . . .

You should be in a drama mode when writing these kind of stuffs.

. . .*laughs* . . . Hindi raw niya kaya ang mag-switch ng mode kasi sheer bliss knocks down the drama . . hehe. . .

FIFA Update

2006-06-15T23:07:00.000+08:00

Seven winners - and France

Spain's 4-0 win over Ukraine left only France, of the eight top-seeded teams at 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany™, to contemplate a stuttering start in the competiton. There were seven winners with France spoiling the clean sweep with their 0-0 draw against Switzerland. More...

Villa sets the standard

Wednesday's action saw another candidate join the race for the adidas Golden Shoe as Spanish hotshot David Villa bagged a brace of goals in an impressive 4-0 win over Ukraine... More...

Visit the official site for the 2006 FIFA World Cup GermanTM
http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com

Now I know

2006-06-13T18:28:00.000+08:00

It's final. I'm gonna give Computer Engineering a shot!!

Thanks to Sir Negs and Sir Pablo, for transforming me into a total computer geek. Because of you guys I have learned to love programming and all the nasty stuffs about Computer Science.

To Sir Arvel of PSHS-CMC, for mentioning Computer Engineering over breakfast during the Microcontrollers and Embedded Systems Summer Camp. You're the culprit why I'm having a hard time deciding what course to pursue in college. . . kaya thanks. At least nag-isip talaga ako.

To Mikko, for giving me an idea on what the nuances between BS Computer Science and Computer Engineering are. You raised my enthusiasm on C and T to a whole new level. San pa 'ko makakakita ng kaibigang may ADHD, C&T nerd plus Atmel Adik pa!! Thanks for the help ading!!

To Jerwin, Mej and Daniel, for writing Computer Engineering as their first choice course in their UPCAT forms. Mabuti na lang at may kasama pala ako sa kahibangang ito.

Lastly, to my Mom and Dad, for exerting so much effort into making me choose BS Biology. It only made the deciding process easier for me. The more you push BS Biology, the more I resent it. . haha. . ^_^ . . .

Thinking,...

2006-06-11T15:45:00.001+08:00

Taglish tayo ngayon para masaya. . hehe

I survived my first week as a senior. Pasaway na mga freshies!! Lumapit lang kayo sa'min!! Hindi naman kami nangangain ng tao eh. . Bago ko makalimutan, member ako ng Photon family!! Na-addict na rin ako sa Beatles songs dahil yun palagi ang naririnig ko tuwing lunch break. (John *cough* John *cough*)

Magsa-sign up ulit ako for Northern Scholar, school paper namin. Mag-a-apply ako for Managing Editor or News Editor position. Kasi eh. . Pang-news lang talaga ako. Yun daw ang forte ko sabi ni Ma'am Vera. . . Hmm . . .Can you recognize whether an article, essay or whatever was written by a guy or a girl? According to Ma'am Vera, when it comes to writing style, guys tend to be more straight to the point while girls tend to be flowery with their work. Does that mean I write like a guy? . . *laughs*

Computer Engineering na yata kukunin ko, tas second choice yung BS Biology. Pagbigyan ang parents, di ba?. . . *sigh* . . . Advice naman diyan. Ewan ko kung pagbibigyan ko pa parents ko. I really want to take BS Computer Science. Thanks Mikko sa advice mo. Magtratrabaho ako sa Alexan Corp. balang araw. Then, papalitan ko si Alexan as CEO. . Shit!! Wakeke ka talaga Lei!!

I say C-R-A-P!!

2006-06-05T21:03:00.000+08:00

Oprah Winfrey said that America's children are in danger because of a silent epidemic - schools are in crisis. According to Bill Gates, high school system in the U.S. is already obsolete. If the US have these kind of issues, our very own country, the Philippines, also have high school system problems of its own. Know what?? Filipinos don't care a bit about these problems. These things are for the government to bear, they say.

So what the hell am I trying to point out??!!

You see, some ignoramuses think that putting up more Philippine Science High School Campuses is a bad thing. Obviously, I think that those people are being stupid. They're like, "Budgets are stretched to its limits and all that choochoo and choo. . . " Money is equivalent to quality education. We all know that, don't we?? Financial problems do not go incognito!! You know what? I guess the government is simply giving young gifted Filipinos a chance to aim high and soar.

Our school, PSHS-IRC don't have THE "money" or THE "budget" . . Not yet. But we are sure that it will come <-- our campus is still a baby, yet it rocks!!>. Still we're given the quality education the system promised to give. Our school is maximizing it's resources and is seeking new connections to give us this quality education. .

The Ilocos Region Campus of the Philippine Science High School System is still on its infancy. Such infancy does not denote dormancy nor a time lag. Instead, it stands to connote freshness in ideas, in numbers, even in ambience and environment. . . The school continues to carry out profound efforts to grow and show its brilliance. . .

An outlook of IRC upon conclusion has already been composed. . . IRC shall do its best to hold true and realize what has been percieved in the glimpse of its totality. . .

But we have to admit it, the school has been lacking facilities . . .IRC has been prone to hitches and imperfections; such is normal, undeniably; but with every fall, we'll rise up. . .
J.R. Vallente, in Pisay-IRC in the Making:
Sieze, Surpass, and Conquer

I'm not complaining kahit tadtarin nila ako sa Physics, Chemistry at Biology (from 2nd year to 4th year), at kahit hiluin nila ako sa dami ng Math - Algebra, Advance Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry at ngayong 4th year na kami, Calculus. (Click here to learn more about the PSHS curriculum.) It's all part of the rigorous learning process. We have learned to live the difficult, pressure-filled life of a Pisayer. But, like I said in my past post Bye Summer, ". .it's not all horror." Once you get the hang of it, you'll realize that studying hard is pretty easy. Got my point??

These are some articles from Newsbreak that pissed me off Big time!. . . Special reports??. . .I say a bunch of craps!!

Fading Glory?
Congress may be sacrificing quality for quantity in pushing for more science high schools.

'Sink or Swim'
Pisay’ graduates are accused of overconfidence and academic delinquency in college.

*Sorry kung maangas ang dating ng post na 'to. . . Pasensya na. Pisayer lang poh (peace).*

First Day NOPs

2006-06-05T20:08:00.000+08:00

I know, I should be on a hiatus. Sorry. It's a disease! I just NEED to post this one. Ang first day ay para sa mga freshies, the innocent-looking students who look up to the upperclassmen. They are silent-type people for now. After a few days, they'll come out of their shells. Magiging "loud" din sila.

Sir Neg shocked us by arriving in style this morning. . .*laughs*. . . Naka-XRM na pala si sir.

Iba na yong location ng cafeteria. Don't ask me where!!. . . Back to the old building na pala kami. .*sniff*. . This circumstance really magnifies the saying: "Ang hindi marunong lumingon sa pinanggalingan, Hindi makakarating sa paruruonan."

This afternoon, I was sleepy, tired and bored. One word to describe: BUSHED!! We didn't do anything "important" today. Well except for reorientation (which was not necessary. . .believe me), election of classroom officers and lots of chitter chatter. . Ah! I almost forgot, I also marked this day as the start of a long-term headache [that will surely last for 2 months]. . . Meaning, I should start thinking about where to go for college, what to pursue yadda!yadda!yadda! . . Wah!! My bag was bombarded with application forms. Headline: Our school is aiming for a hundred percent passing rate in UPCAT . . . tic.toc.tic.toc. . One century later, I was already fed up with UPCAT talks. One thing more, my jaw almost dropped when Dalvie told us na right answers minus 1/5 ng wrong answers ang pagko-compute sa UPCAT scores. Excuse me if I'm using taglish right now. This UPCAT thingy is giving me a hard time switching to cerebral mode.

I'm still undecided on what course to take up in college. I think it's time to give up my "I-want-to-be-a-doctor" dream. My reason? Change of heart over the summer. . . *wink* . . . So what's my dilemma?? Nothing big. I'm just torn between BS Computer Science and Computer Engineering. I enjoy programming and I like getting up close with tech stuffs <-- There's tinkering involved.> CONFUSED . . help!!!

Blog Leave

2006-06-03T16:23:00.000+08:00

Time-out muna ako sa blogging. . .I'm going on a hiatus and here are my reasons.

1. Tame net-slash-blog junkie self.
I'm giving my blogging urges a big fat break. It's not like I'm running out of stuffs to write about. As a matter of fact, an army of crazy topics is dying to leave my top-secured skull!! Even though my fingers are itching to hit the keys, I can't just let it all out in a snap. It's not a blogging crime to give this all a break. I just don't want to only waste my precious time ranting about "childish" things. Besides, what's the use of the good ol' pen and paper.

2. Prepare for school
This means that I should stop slacking off, practice waking up early (DARN!!), and start adjusting my brain for another 10 months of mental warfare. Plus, my "couch-potato hormone" should be in low level. I also need to find out what Data Base Management System is. It's for our Computer Science, my favorite subject. . . What else??. . . Make my room conducive for studying. My room is a total mess, you know.

3. Review for UPCAT
Have I told you guys that our school (PSHS-IRC) expects us to pass that damn test. I did not enroll to any review centers or classes this summer. Bitin na nga summer ko, bibitin ko pa!! Self study nalang di ba??

I'll be back in the blogging world ~~as soon as possible~~ if I have free time . . *sigh*. . Signing off.

Yippeee

2006-06-02T14:52:00.000+08:00

I love pirates!!! Thanks to you guys I finally saw The Da Vinci Code and X-Men: The Last Stand. As a citizen of the world, I should not support "stolen movies" or so-called pirated movies. For that, I deeply apologize. But I'm only a kid and I wanted to see these two movies badly. PEACE!! Can't help it.

If I am to rate the quality of the two pirated movies, 0 as the lowest and 10 as the highest, I'm gonna give X3 8.5 and DVC 9.7. These pirates are just damn good.

X3: Angel (Ben Foster) is uber cute. Pyro (Aaron Stanford) is super cool. I want Shadow Cat (Ellen Page) to be killed. I love Phoenix's (Famke Janssen) wicked power. Mystique (Rebecca Romijn) is so sexy, as usual. And I heart Storm's (Halle Berry) hair.

DVC: The book is better than the movie. The movie is a little bit off the book's track. And there's a lot of French dialogues which I find very annoying. Overall, it's two thumbs up!! Of course, after watching it, this big question came to my mind. And before, you get any stupid ideas about what my big question is, sorry but it's not "Is Jesus human or divine?", "Was Jesus married to Mary Magdalene?", or "Christianity.. Is this some kind of a joke?". Why MTRCB rated the movie R-18?? Maybe it's because Silas (Paul Bettany<-- HOT!!) exposed his snow white butt on the big screen.

To conclude this post, I would just like to salute Ian McKellen, the actor who played Magneto in X3 and Leigh Teabing in DVC since he proved that he is capable of starring in two blockbuster movies shown in the same month. I bet the money he got from the two movies already made him 3 to 4 times richer than he is before filming them.

Let's Go. . .Not!

2006-06-01T14:47:00.000+08:00

Let’s Go: Philippine TV’s first teen sitcom. The heck!! A piece of shit, I must say. It's official, ABS-CBN is running out of ideas. Do you have an inkling on where they picked up the ideas for their "new" sitcom?? Duh, I know it's a mediocre slash lame slash not-so-original show. Lopez is filthy rich, and he can't even hire smart and creative people to work for him. You know what I mean - individuals with fresh ideas. . grrr. . I bet the guy (or girl) who presented the "concept" of Let's Go in the board room had ~~at least~~ been hooked to the Korean Youth-oriented Comedy TV Sitcom, New Nonstop. It was aired on Arirang. I loved Nonstop. And even the fact that it was long gone, I couldn't erase it's awesome blow on me.

There's an awful lot of similarities between Nonstop and Let's Go. There's the setting. When I first saw the Let's Go commercial on tv, I thought they were going to air Nonstop. Hindi pala! Then the characters. May kanya-kanyang pakulo ang bawat isa:
If Kim Jung Hwa (NS) is a pretty tough girl, Junniper (LG) is the shy “promdi” girl. Jung Tae woo (NS) is a madly in love guy. Dennis (LG), on the other hand, can also relate to girls. Too bad Let's Go don't have a smart girl in the dorm like Jinie. Or a funny push-over like Ha-ha. Or duo cutsies like Jung Da-bin (the rich/brat) and Choi Min Yong (the stingy miser). Don't worry ABS-CBN fanatics, both sitcoms have resident bullies, Kim Hyo Jin for Nonstop and Badjie for Let's Go.That's all!!

I can only imagine how furious the Kampamilyas <-- the super-duper loyal ones > will be when they reach this post. . *laughs* . . Don't go scheming evil plans like trying to abduct then murder me just because I wrote a childish <-- so not!!> critique.

Ciao!!

Bye Summer

2006-05-30T16:05:00.000+08:00

Summer is almost over. ~~Mag-e-enroll na 'ko bukas.~~ I think I'm not yet ready for school. . .*sigh*. . . I-extend ang summer!!! Damn, bitin kasi!!

For the last 10 months of my high school life, I solemnly swear that I'll enjoy each day to the fullest. It is really a must for me to do this since, you know, I'll be graduating next year. Of course there are some exceptions. No pisayer (but still there are those pasaways) would try to have some fun the night before death days. Definition: days with quizzes, longtests, not-so-pop quizzes, pop quizzes, project deadlines and other school works that (most) students loathe.

Let me give you an overview of what it's like to be a pisayer.

Since students in my school are not like the average students, it is expected that we burn the midnight oil by absorbing our notes and studying everything to the smallest details. There's no room for hitches or we'll be sorry.

To be safe, we often use the "verbatim method". Memorize every single word till our heads crack open. That's not all. We add some extra hours in our study time by making nights walang-tulugan. And when we're already sick and tired of analyzing stuffs from our notebooks and books, we resort to "come-what-may method". So far, this method is the most popular among pisayers. These are just snippets of a pisayer's life.

I assure you, it's not all horror. Students will go crazy if it's all torture, you know. It's always 'fun' to find ways to deal with these nasty stuffs anyway. Besides, I can't wait to hang out with my pisay buddies and do the stuffs high school studs do - plot mischievous antics to pester teachers and make their lives miserable.

The not-so happy side:

Every year I resolve to do good in my studies, that I'll stick to my priorities, that I'll never cram again, and that I won't get low grades or else die catching up. Langya!! Hindi naman nangyayari 'to. I have a knack in breaking resolutions. If I keep on messing up simple things, I'll get to nowhere. Now that summer is ready to wave goodbye and say, "See you next time!", I'm already waiting for my cue to let out a silent scream.

When there's nothing to do. . .

2006-05-28T16:11:00.000+08:00

What to do when there's totally nothing to do??. . I'm so bored. . *sigh*. . . I thought Trish and Mike will going to pick me up here (home) so we can hang out somewhere else. Shit!. . I dunno if that's ever gonna happen. . Look at the time. . Argh! . . By tomorrow, I should be done with my post seminar report. Grabe, imagine I have to write everything that 'happened' in the summer camp. Kailangan, lahat ng nangyari sa bawat araw isusulat ko. Ano ba yan??!! 2 weeks yon!!. . How can I start writing? I don't feel like writing. . . shit!. . What the hell am I doing? I'm writing. Am I? . . . Ah!!. . . That's right!!. . Typing or encoding is completely different from writing. . Should I read a book? . No, no, and no! . .If I read a book, I'll be doing something and that does not conform with my first statement, that I totally have nothing to do. . Great!! *happy* . . Trish, Mike, and Kev are outside. . . We're going to Net Extreme. . . This is a miracle!!. . . I got something to do which is to hang out in a computer café. . . God, I'm such a nut!!. . Meron na ngang internet dito sa bahay. . aaahhh. . whatever!!. . gtg

Random

2006-05-24T13:56:00.000+08:00

Argh! Web designing is not as easy as I thought it would be. I think I'm running out of brain cells. Still, I'm not giving up yet. I can do this!! Wait. . Speaking of brain cells, I received a message from Jerwin, a.k.a. Dada Panda, that definitely gave me a headache. He said that there's a possibility that Sir Bong Hagacer will be our pre-Calculus teacher. . Waaahhh!!. . . A strict and hard-to-please disciplinarian as a teacher. .How can I survive math next school year? Grabe!! Bagsucker na 'ko for sure. . Come to think of it, incoming 4th year palang kami and PSHS is making our high school lives miserable with college math. I'm not quite done yet, 4 days to go at enrollment na . . *sigh* . . bitin ang summer ko.. <-- People, sa Brit dictionary double L ang enrollment.>

Ok, let's ditch the horrible part already, shall we. My sister and I were acting like concert queens for the past few days. Damn, now I know why the rain is pouring sohard lately. . I'm a match for her, that's for sure, but she's dubbed as singer of the family so I'm keeping my mouth shut.

Thanks to my sister, I finally find Pinoy Big Brother - Teen Edition amusing and entertaining. With the love triangle going on, I think I'll stick to it for a while. God, teenagers are 50% predictable and 50% unpredictable!. And that's what makes us interesting, don't you think?. . haha . . Kidding aside, I'm really frustrated that I won't be able to watch The Da Vinci Code. The chance has not yet presented itself. My dad told me that politicians, especially congressmen, are narrow-minded losers that's why they're making a big fuss about the movie. That it's their way of making major papansin. . This way the multitude will know that our country's leaders care about protecting our faith. Well, they're papansin tactics suck!! If Filipinos have strong faith, then there's nothing to be afraid of.

Have you watched an episode of Cheaters in Reality TV? . . Man, that show is gruesome. Good thing my sister and I always find a way to make the sick parts laughable. What else? . . mmm. . I'm still gaga over football. . Looking forward to High School Musical on Disney Channel. (^_^) . . . I want another 3 1/2 - inch long with 1 1/2 - inch diameter ice lollies. Wendi made one last night.

Last, my mom keeps on inventing reasons to separate me from my computer. . Isn't she lovely? She's unbelievable.

Worst weekend

2006-05-22T19:10:00.000+08:00

I was totally not myself last weekend. One of my nightmares came to life. . grrr to the nth power. . . Two whole days without electricity. Can you imagine that? I guess I was on the brink of going mad. You know what it's like when the temperature feels like it had reached the boiling point, when you're sweating like a pig, uneasy and uncomfortable. That's not all, there was no tv, no computer. . . . Waaaahh!!!. . . On the midst of boredom once again. . *sob*

Not in my usual state, I asked over dinner, "What have we done to deserve this?" My mom, in a "bitchy" mode, answered, "Nandito ka kasi!" God's punishing us because of your blah!.blah!.blah!. It was so obvious that she already cracked because after our "fruitful" talk, she began bugging my dad about renting batteries, or generator. . . Of course, I was a hundred and ten percent supportive on her ideas. Like her, I can't stand the heat.

The entire neighborhood was also facing the same dilemma. . Light coming from "mere" candles is not much of a help. . . For Christ sake, the whole barangay was like Deathsville in the making.

I didn't get a decent sleep on the first night. I kept on twist and turning in my bed. I even freaked out when Wendi sneaked into my room. . Shit!! . . I thought Sandman was going to get me! She was like "Cellphone is useless without battery, just like TV is useless without AXN." . . Her battery dried up that time.

The next day, mom was already in her "dragon" mode. Her thundering voice got us all up in our feet. Perhaps she got an awful sleep or she woke up in the wrong side of the bed, I don't know. She told us about her plans on staying in a cozy inn, hotel, or house for the night. My almost-real-big-brother James was the one who looked for the right place to stay.

I got a good night sleep on Sunday night. .Tumira kami sa isang ancestral house sa Vigan. . WOW!! . . Blast from the past. . hehe. . Okei lang sana kahit may nakatabi akong multo nun. . I'm pretty sure na by the time na ma-process kong multo pala yung katabi ko, tulog na'ko. (^_^)

*I just want to clarify that when I say my mom is in a bitchy mode, she's in her annoying, bossy, lazy, whimpering or yawping self.*

HTML

2006-05-19T18:16:00.000+08:00

Hypertext Mark-Up Language - A markup language used to structure text and multimedia documents and to set up hypertext links between documents, used extensively on the World Wide Web. . .

I'm not an HTML expert or something. As a matter of fact I'm not good at it. I just decided that for the remaining days of my short summer, I will try to master HTML programming to the extreme. It can be very handy in web designing and it's been almost 3 years since the last time I programmed with HTML I know that my present knowledge in web designing won't be enough to make my plans come to life. . .The Unofficial Website of Philippine Science High School - Ilocos Region Campus . . . Forgive me Sir Neg pero hindi na ako makapaghintay sa official website ng campus. . . Kailan nyo po ba balak i-publish?? . Are you still working on some final touches?

Speaking of programming. . Nachambahan ko si Mikko (PSHS-SMC) na naka-online nung May 17. . . Here's the highlight of our conversation..

Mikko: uy
Mikko: gusto ko gawa website
Mikko: ala ako magawa
Mikko: about atmel_adikz
Mikko: wanna help?
Mikko: ideas na ilagay
Lei: oh sure
Lei: i'll gladly help... hehe..
Lei: wala rin akong magawa eh
Mikko: gawa tayp
Mikko: tayo
Lei: sige sige
Mikko: gawa ako nang akin
Mikko: gawa ka rin
Mikko: same content
Mikko: ibang layout
Lei: san mo balak maglagay??/
Mikko: awardspace
Mikko: googlepages
Mikko: geocities
Mikko: cjb
Lei: choochoo
Lei: pumili ka lang ng isa
Mikko: gusto ko awardspace para ad-free
Mikko: 200mb
Mikko: free hosting un
Lei: ano ba yung mga contents ng webpage???
Mikko: pictures natin
Mikko: den meron iframe
Mikko: para sa forum
Mikko: tagboards
Mikko: hanap ako ng pwede ang php
Mikko: gawa ako php message board
Mikko: na personalized
Lei: punyales . . . hindi kita ma-reach ading. .
Lei: expert ka talaga
Mikko: cge
Lei: haha
Mikko: pure html nalang
Mikko: hanap nalang ako ng forum
Mikko: na simple
Mikko: para pwede ilagay doon
Lei: hindi ok lang do your thing if you want to.
Lei: mas maganda mas ok
Mikko: wag na
Mikko: nakakapagod ang php
Mikko: hanap ka pa ng free host
Mikko: na magsupport ng php
Mikko: hehe
Lei: may libro ka naman dun
Lei: hehe
Mikko: wala akong webhost
Mikko: hehe
Lei: choochoo
. . . . . . .
Mikko: ok
Mikko: nagiisip pa ako ng color scheme
Mikko: hehe
Lei: black...
Lei: hhahaha
Mikko: http://www.homeostatic.net
Mikko: black din iniisip ko
Mikko: nasa page na yan ako ngayon
Mikko: naghahanap ng ideas
Lei: waaggg!!!. baka mapraning yung bibisita ng site...
Mikko: hehe
Mikko: cge, stumble muna ako
Mikko: hanap ibang website
Mikko: http://www.alistapart.com/
Mikko: http://moofx.mad4milk.net/
Mikko: yan pala
Lei: naka-explorer ka??
Mikko: mozilla
Lei: pareho . .
Lei: hehe
Mikko: bigay ka sites
Mikko: na pwede kunan ng ideas
Mikko: http://www.cssdrive.com/
Lei: ano bang sites ang mga gusto mong kunan ng ideas??. .
Mikko: kahit ano
Lei: alam mo, cnab q kay JC kahapon na parang bahay mo na ang world wide web...
Lei: hehe
Mikko: bakit naman?
Lei: nagpapatulong xa sakin na hanapin ung manual or whatever ng chip driver na gagamitin niya for research
Lei: sb ko, sau xa dapat nagpapatulong
Lei: hindi namin mahanap na dalawa eh
Lei: hehe
Mikko: ok

Man-made Nightmares

2006-05-19T16:57:00.000+08:00

Jesus!!! . .I'm having a hard time sleeping lately. . Yup!. . Nightmares are the culprit. . After hearing the news that an old friend of mine was stabbed to death and was found at the foot of a cliff, I was instantly transformed into this paranoid git. . . Even the slightest movement or the faintest sound can freak me out when I'm finally alone in my room. . Who can blame me??. . I definitely don't believe in ghosts but I definitely believe that there are wackos out there, lurking in the dark, waiting to take the last breathe out of their next victim.

Mom said that my 'old friend' had gone bad and that he probably joined some gang, frat or something. For a moment, I was speechless. . Tons of horrible images began forming in my head. . I really don't know how to react that time. Then it strucked me.. What about his mother?. . The pain would be unbearable for her. . . Man, this is terrible!!

Now this question keeps on bugging me: "How can man be capable of killing his own kind?" . . Such cruelty is unacceptable!! . .It can shatter a lot of people into pieces. <-- Please, don't take this statement literally.> This brutality and stupidity of man have a great effect on me. . *shivers*. . . I dunno when will this wear off.

Beckham Fever

2006-05-19T15:40:00.003+08:00

I saw David Beckham score a goal for Real Madrid in La Liga Española. . Is that cool or what??. . Well, I only saw it on tv but it was awesome. . The crowd was all wild and loud!! Whew, I even felt the heat. . Real Madrid was playing against Sevilla (never heard of this team). I was on my feet, and began shouting "Goal, goal, goal....C'mon!!!" . . . I think I'm gonna crack.

The score went from 2-2 to 4-2, then 4-3 in favor of Sevilla. Real Madrid was losing and all that, but still Beckham looks HOT! The players were getting it down and dirty. It was amazing! Why didn't I discover this earlier? . . ~~Football is way way better than basketball~~. . . <--My bad!! . .I love the NBA. . I'm a Lakers and Rockets fan..Go YAO!!> Sure, the game can go for hours, but still the tension and excitement won't fade till the last second.

David Beckham. . .THE David Beckham on the bench. Unbelievable!! I dunno if he got a red card or his coach just went loco. . . Too bad, Real Madrid lost the game. . *sigh*. . Anyway, Beckham looks like a Greek god. Is it so obvious that I adore him? That I fancy him to the highest level? That I wish I was Victoria (Beckham's wife; a former Spice Girls member; the posh one) ? . . . If onlyI could fly to Germany for Fifa World Cup and experience the real live action of football... *sigh* ... I guess my life will be totally complete.

Bumps

2006-05-16T15:41:00.000+08:00

For the past few days I've been doing not-so-many things that include some of the house chores I hate so much. . . I just thought that taking a detour would be fun. . The typical quiet road is sooo predictable. . . hehe. . "Speed bumps ahead!! "

As usual, my day is not complete without me checking the World Wide Web for the latest buzz on Hollywood, coolest tech stuffs, news, etcetera. Of course, I also checked my mails and my accounts in, mmm, online communities. . .*sigh*. . What would I do without the internet? Life will be miserable, I guess.

I've been catching up with my siblings lately. We never get to spend much time together. Each of us are busy doing his or her own choochoos, if you know what I mean.

Thanks to Gem, I'm hooked to playing video games again, especially the Tekken series. I've been trying to memorize some good combos since I am no match to my little brother's lightning quick fingers. . . Argh!!

As for Eigie, he's all fussed up about X-Men. I'm an X-Men fanatic myself but I say "no one can beat my brother in his addiction to stuffs attached to X-Men". . He's overly excited about X-Men 3: The Last Stand. . . Irritating?? At times, yes but I'll get used to it eventually.

Wendi?? She's mataray as ever. A total maldita if you ask me. Everytime we hang out together, this crazy message starts popping out of my head: Beware. Your sister is capable of skinning you alive!. . . Anyway, I love her company. It can totally give my day a cool twist (i.e. ending up wrestling in the bed and other stuffs of similar circumstance).

I've been reading my Spanish book religiously. I am like, "Dios mio!! Did I actually study this book before?" . . My spanish-speaking high time was during the 6th grade. Rainick, an animé buddy, and I got bored with Japanese so we switched to Spanish. Wendi keeps on bugging me about what's so cool about Español and I'll always answer, "What's so cool about French?" . . I didn't believe it at first, but she's actually learning how to speak French. . . I tested her French and she's pretty good at it. . I also tested her Spanish and darn she stinks!!

Hmmm. . . What else??

finished reading Bob Ong's books and Memoirs of Geisha.
edited Atmel Adikz photos
downloaded some rubbish from the net

Before it escapes my mind, I'm so not into watching "debunk-The-Da-Vinci-Code" kind of shows . . They're invading the television now that in a week and a half, the controversial movie is gonna hit the theaters. . . grrr. . On the other hand, these are the programs I am currently hooked to:

American Idol
The OC
Planet Football (National Geographic) --> David Beckham is so hot!!
The Scholar
- A reality tv series where highly intellectual high school students bite each others asses and use all their brain cells just to win a scholarship to the school of their choice. . . *And I thought Philippine Science High School is a torture chamber.*
Disney Channel Show --> Can't help it!!. . . I'm kid at heart. (^_^)

All for Mom

2006-05-16T14:38:00.000+08:00

May 15, past midnight . . I marked that on my calendar because on this day, I did a stupid thing. My mom was still awake, I wasn't surprised when I saw her in front of the computer monitor. An idea struck me while watching tv. . It was a crazy idea actually. I just wanted to sing for her, you know, to cheer her up or make her laugh. . something like that. Of course, I asked first if she wanted to hear my voice. .hehe. .I think she haven't got any clue on what I was talking about coz she simply said that I can do whatever I want.

It's all her fault really.. . I knew she wasn't going to pay attention to me. So instead of singing a song like I Turn To You, I sang Order Taker by Parokya ni Edgar. You should see the look on her face when she turned her head to me. She said that I am such a nuthead or anything of that sort. . . grrr . . . Kainis!!. Ginandahan ko pa naman yong pagkanta ko. . Then I heard a little voice in my head, "Hey! Look at the bright side. . You've just painted a smile on her face."

Mommy's Day

2006-05-14T19:24:00.000+08:00

Dear Mom,

Hi there! Before anything else, I must warn you. Not because this day is exclusively for moms doesn't mean that I won't write anything that might upset you. . Still, do not fret my loving mother. . It won't hurt that much.

There are times when you really get on my nerves.. Translation: Hanep ang mood swings mo, ma! . . Not only that. You shout at me more than you shout at Brownie. And that's really depressing, you know. He's just a pet and I'm your daughter. You can be very annoying too, especially when you want the computer all by yourself. . . hehe. .

Most of the people we know tell that we're, like, "the same". . . But we're not, are we? I live in this totally different planet, and you're not in it. . But still, I LOVE YOU! I LOVE YOU and I LOVE YOU!

I'm not that stupid mom. I always listen to every single word that comes out of your mouth, and I try very hard not to forget those words. . . It's for my own good. . I know that.. (^_^)

Honestly, you are my weakness. Nothing can change that and so is your bossy attitude. . .*sigh*. .

Your ~~bratty~~ daughter,
LEI

Atmel Adikz

2006-05-10T09:58:00.000+08:00

Happy Birthday to me

2006-05-03T10:08:00.000+08:00

Ang saya-saya talaga ng birthday ko . . haha. . . Tuwang-tuwa ako sa mga regalong natanggap ko . . malalang ubo at sipon. . . .shit!! . . Dapat nasa bed ako ngayon, nagpapahinga at kumakain ng chicken noodle soup.

My Wishlist

2006-05-03T08:31:00.000+08:00

Here is my wishlist for the meantime. .

~~magkaroon ng mauutusan sa bahay. . ASAP. . haha~~ Aug. 13 - At last!!
~~magkaroon ulit ng summer camp~~ Asa pa'ko!
~~ma-extend ang summer vacation~~ ano ako VIP?!! kaasar tlg!
~~umabot sa 50 and testimonials ko sa friendster~~ Salamat sa mga testi!!
~~ma-absorb lahat ng mga itinuturo sa summer camp na 'to~~
maging fluent sa Español
~~matigil ang pagma-Mandarin ng ibang Atmel Adikz~~ hindi na nangyari 'to *sob*
~~Skechers or Nike Shoes~~ July 22 - Thanks dad!! Your the best!
2 pairs of Chucks
makapunta sa homeland ng great grandma ko. . Malaysia
makapunta sa homeland ng great great great granpa ko. . Japan
makapunta sa Palm Island ng Dubai 'pag tapos na 'to
~~isa pang PS2. . para hindi na ako makipag-agawan sa li'l bro~~ nabili na bago pa man ako mag-wish
new earphones for my Mp3 player
and new radio
my own credit card
take off my braces
~~eyeglasses pleazzzee . . shit!! . . para akong bulag ngayon dito sa likod~~ April 23, 07
~~mahanap ang Korean bookmark na bigay ng mom ko.~~ Nasa ilalim ng bed foam. Kaasar!
~~2 pairs of earrings~~ Nakabili na ako nung summer
~~mawala ang ubo ko ngayon. .~~ May 8
~~. . pati na rin yong sipon~~ May 10
4 GB USB
~~makapasa sa UPCAT>~~ Jan. 22, 07 - 1st choice campus + 1st choice campus = happy :D
~~hindi makalimot ang mga Atmel Adikz. .~~ hindi naman sila nakakalimot
~~ma-extend ang summer camp~~ hindi na rin nangyari 'to
~~matuloy ang press con next school year~~ Basta natuloy
~~ma-hug ang Baby (fluffy pillow) ko. . miss ko na siya~~ solve!! as of May 7
maging normal ang mga mata ng mga pusa. . .phobia poh. . *sigh*
~~matapos ang PSHS-IRC~~ siguradong hindi ko na maabutan
grand piano
ipagbawal ang pag-inom ng kape
~~mapanood ang X-Men 3~~ June 6
~~hindi ma-ban ang The Da Vinci Code~~ June 6
~~makasama sa family trip to Baguio~~ Thank god na-postpone
time-turner???
astral drop??
~~mamatay ang Assembly Language~~ I've learned to love it
mapadaan ang nanay ko dito sa blog ko. . .hehe
matupad ang wishlist na 'to

Additional:

study capoeira. . .so cool
~~raise in my allowance~~ June 4 - Love you Dad!!
3G phone
~~Sony VAIO (laptop)~~ Acer Aspire 4710... Thanks Dad!!
Sony Cybershot DSC-T50/S
Microsoft Zune or iPod Nano
Playstation 3, Playstation Portable or XBox 360
~~Don Quixote Signet Classic Novel~~ Nabili ko na.
~~England wins the world cup. .~~ July 2 - Darn Portuguese!!

Summer Camp '06: Wk 1

2006-04-30T14:49:00.000+08:00

Hehe!. . . Sorry if I haven't updated this blog for. . .hmm. . . How long since I updated nocturne?? Anyway, it's been ages!! Before I begin, I would like to ask a very small favor. Please leave some comments!!. . . . JUST KIDDING!. . . Forget it. . . No really, I'm not that desperate. Niloloko kasi ako ng counter ko. Maraming naliligaw dito sa blog ko. (^_^)

Game na??. . Sige, start!

Before I left Vigan, I made sure that everything was set and I'm good to go. Dorm life is not new to me. I survived my very long stay in IRC's dorm during my freshman year. My stay here in PSHS-Main Campus Girl's Dorm will be a piece of cake. Well, except for the super strict curfew and GRH staff, what could possibly go wrong?

I brought a reliable pen and 'handy-dandy' notebooks with me. I've been devoting a fraction of my time to jotting down all my silly and smart thoughts, and keeping track of the perfect and memorable moments that happened in this summer camp.

Technically, the stuffs you'll be reading here are products of my nightly ritual, that is journaling.

SUNDAY, 23 APRIL

Thank God we arrived in pieces. Time check: It is now 6:57 PM. Second time ko na dito sa PSHS-MC. . Astig!! For two weeks, this place will be my home away from home. .

Girls Dorm - RM 208

clean. .
screened windows with blinds
2-decker beds. . .lintik nga lang kasi sa itaas ako matutulog. . Ayokong mahulog!! Durog ako pag nagkataon.

Roomies

Kate (WVC)

She's having a hard time grabbing tagalog words. . Makuwento. . OK siya. . Takot mag-isa: "Di ba may multo dito??" (*hindi ko pa alam nun na may Royal blood pala siya*)

Sugar (CMC)

Tahimik. . "Anong name mo?", "From what campus ka?", ""Anong surname mo?". . . After answering her queries, all she can say is "Ah, OK!". . . Tahimik talaga. . (*nung una lang pala yun*)

Ibang characters sa A Bugs Life

MONDAY, 24 APRIL

I attended the flag raising ceremony, thanks to the dorm manager's convincing power. Shit!! Ako lang ang student!. . *sigh* . . What a nice way to start my day.

Atty. Aurora Perez (SSD Chief) oriented us about the Campus Guidelines and Dorm Rules. She also gave us souvenirs, the CODE OF CONDUCT!! Too bad, I already read the "code" a million times. It was never burned on my brain though.

Hyper ang mga Diliman boys. . I'm not surprised. And then there's Ms. Monica Xavier. . cool lady!!. . . Hindi nawawala ang "Introduce yourself" portion tuwing first day. . . She instructed us to make our own name tags (para ma-fast forward ang "getting-to-know" stage). I could've drawn little twirlies and goth designs in my name tag but I decided not to. . Simplicity is the key!! haha

Dumako naman tayo sa lecture portion.

Linear and Gestalt Learning Approach (Yong ikalawa lang naman ang mahalaga)
Overview sa embedded systems
Basic electronics concepts
Ohm's Law
Kirchoff's Voltage Law & Current Law
Diodes/Leds
Logic Gates
What is a computer?
Assembly Language (hindi na 'ko nakikinig sa part na 'to)

Sina Sir Jason Alcarez at Sir Mike Albano ang magiging lecturers namin for 2 weeks. .

Pinagbasa ako ni Sir Mike ng mga ewan na lines. . haha. . Magaling daw akong magbasa. . Well, everybody in the Mirant Lab (at that time) can freakin' read. Naduduling na nga ako kasi ang liit ng font size ng mga ipinapabasa niya.

Words of the day: freakin' and crap
Topic of the day: The Gospel of Judas

Sports time sa hapon. Jere and I didn't feel like breaking a sweat. We went to the mall instead. At SM North EDSA, I had a hard time keeping in pace with Sir Neg's 3-in-1-go strides. I swear I saw Jere panting like a dog. Problema rin namin kasi hindi lumilingon si Sir Neg. So, Jere and I decided to play an impish trick on him.Tinaguan namin siya... haha ... Astig!! Nakita nyo sana yong mukha nya nung ma-realize niya na wala kami sa likuran niya!!

Ngayong gabi, nagsalita na rin si Sugar. . Sa wakas!! "DL ka ba Lei?" . . tsk.tsk... Ayaw ko ng opening niya . . hate ko ang topic na yan. .

Lei: ..yah!
Sugar: Kaw Kate?
Kate: Oo.
Sugar: Anong elective nyo?
Kate: Ako, robotics.
Lei: Microbio.. kaw?
Sugar: Fil Journ..
Lei: Member ka ngarud ng school paper.
Sugar: Sa Filipino... Writer din ako sa English.
Lei: Ah OK.
Sugar: Kaw? Member ka rin ba ng shoolpaper nyo?
Lei: Yah!

20 or 30 minutes din kaming nag-usap tungkol sa requirements, grades, subjects, oras ng pagtulog at paggising kapag may klase. . . some of the stuffs that revolve around the life of an "Iskolar ng Bayan"... Hanggang sa napunta sa topic na 'to. .

"Lei, do you believe in God?"... naks... Fresh pa sa'kin yong napanood ko sa National Geographic noong Holy Week <-- The Gospel of Judas> ...Tinanong niya rin si Kate...*isip* .... *reflect*

Lei: In a scientific point of view, may tendency talaga na hindi siya totoo.
Kate: Oo nga.. Alam mo naman ang school natin.
Sugar: So, hindi ka naniniwala kay Jesus?
Lei: *isip*. . May lugar na Siya dito. . totoo siya dito*turo sa 'puso'*. . .
Sugar: (*kinuha ang Bible at maliit na reading materials tas tumabi sa'kin*) Basahin mo..

I don't get enough spiritual talks, and in that very rare and unexpected circumstance, Kate and I got one from Sugar. . . Two hours din kaming nag-usap tungkol sa 5 Realities of Life. After that, nagdasal. .*sigh* . . Grabe, what a first day??. . .

TUESDAY, 25 APRIL

How many times did I change my upper clothing before I settled with the blue, chinese-inspired Penshoppe blouse??!! I have no idea. They told us to wear "attire-smart" casual . . . Sir Neg was all frazzlled yesterday trying to figure out what's the difference between "smart" casual and casual. . . I was like, "Sir, baka casual-formal o semi-formal casual."

Enough of that!

This morning, Sir Jayson Bincang asked (Well, it's more of a trick though...) Kate, Sugar and I to lead the singing of the National Anthem... grrr .... The three of us have to go through a difficult task in order to find out who among us will be the unfortunate person to stand in front of the mic. . .

Sir Binx: This is it guys. Ang gumaya sa'kin, sa harap ng mic. .
Kami: *nod*
Sir Binx: 1 . . 2 . . 3 . . Ooooompyangg!!

. . Argh! Gasimple ng laro, natalo pa 'ko... No choice.

The opening ceremony was held this morning. All the campus directors, including Dr. Ramon Miranda (executive director) attended the said ceremony. Meaning, our very own campus director, Dr. Larry Cabatic, was there. We exchanged hellos and chit-chat a little bit. Then he gave us, Jere and I, a knuckle tap before he motored out to his seat . . . haha. . . Close na kami. ;-p

After lunch, the preppy Student Council President had taken over us trainees. She grouped us into 3 groups and gave us 2 minutes (na naging 5 minutes) to strategized our "wiggly" moves. . . By the way, the game we played was called The Protista Game. Back to our strategy. . . The thing is, we didn't have a strategy. Seryoso ang ibang teams. . Kami???. . . We just stood there in the middle of the ASTB Exhibit Hall, waiting for the time to expire. . .
The rules and mechanics of the game aren't too complicated. Basta ba makuha mo yong panyo sa puwetan ng taong nasa likod ng ibang protists, solve ka na. . Comprende?

ALEXAN Commercial: "You have to make the customers happy" . . Happy sha lala. . .It's so nice to be happy!!. . . "It's all about the money." . . Pasaway talaga!!

It's Sir Jason's time to shine. . .He gave a quick recap on what he had discussed yesterday about Assembly Language. Then he moved on to the bloody part of the lecture. . . My big question was:

"Sir Neg, di ba patay na ang Assembly Language?"

Patay tayo dyan. . . Good riddance to my high-level-language programming background. Kailangang i-absorb ang MOV, RL, NOP, JMP, R1, R2 . . . . . . Binary pa pala (10101001), hexadecimal. . . WAHHHHHHH!!. . . . Mayday!Mayday!Mayday!. . . Information overload!

First task namin with LEDs

I breezed through my notes. . . shit . . wala atang pumasok. . . Come what may. .

Movie night sa gabi. We watched the Princess Bride. . Sabi ni Ms. Xavier, "informative" daw yong movie at magkakaroon daw kami ng test tungkol dun. . . Anak ng pating!!! Patawa naman yong movie.

Pahabol: I like the ice breaking tactics of the Davao dudes . .Lalo na si Mikko. . nakakatuwa siya.

WEDNESDAY, 26 APRIL

This day is extra special. Today, I worked with my groupmates: Luigi Laurel (PSHS-Main Campus), Mark Louis Lagura (PSHS-Central Mindanao Campus), and Conrad Miguel Gozalo (PSHS-Southern Mindanao Campus). . . Nakakaiyak naman, ako lang ang babae (joke!). . There's another reason why it's extra special. . Ito kasi yong araw na parang sasabog na ang ulo ko dahil mabilis magtrabaho ang mga kasama ko.

Mababait sila. . . Si Louie ang group leader namin. Grabe!! Ang flawless ng skin niya ah!. . haha. . Kakainggit. . Mababaluktot ang dila ko dahil "He speaks english fluently.". . Not that I can't speak the language fluently. It's just that I'm not used to conversing in english. . .mmm. . He's well-versed na with Assembly Language and the Atmel stuffs. . I smell great advantage. . Ark is a good conversationalist. There's a twinge of Bisaya accent in his tagalog but I quickly got used to it. . And last but not the least, Mikko. . Makwentong bata, patawa, hyper at super kulet!! . . He claims that he got ADHD. Super expert siya sa mga tech and computer stuffs. . . He uses the web like he owns it. . Isn't my group cool??

Ayan ang nakakasira ng ulo. . .

In the adternoon, we went to Gateway Mall. . . Whew!! . . Ang haba ng journey . . Lakad from PSHS-MC to MRT Station . .Grabe, 'pag minamalas nga naman o, na-reject yong card ko nung una. It was really embarrassing. Louie even asked me if I'm ok. . .argh! This was humiliating. . . . Enough of that. . . Gateway Mall na. . Hmmm. . Ano bang ginagawa namin dun?? . . hehe. . May Php 400 challenge kasi. Kailangang bumili ang bawat group ng mga prizes worth PhP 400 na magsisilbing prizes for our next activities sa summer camp. . At first, we were undecided on what to buy, what to do, where to start? At the end, we went for gift certificates simply because my group is composed of lazy people.

Pumunta kami sa Timezone, sa 3rd floor, then sa top floor. Nong nandun na kami, wala namang gustong maglaro. "Hey, you guys want some coffee?" . . Oh no! I don't drink coffee. I'm not into beans. . Anyway, nagkape pa rin kami sa Coffee Bean. Then nagkwentuhan. . . question and answer. . . choochoo. . na-break na yong ice. . Thanks to coffee.

Na-try niyo na bang pumunta sa World of Fun sa Gateway Mall?? . . . kung meron man! Grabe!! Hinanap namin sa buong 2nd floor ang World of Fun just to join the other trainees . . Ang text ni Sugar, nandun daw sila. . Pungal!! . . Nasa SM North EDSA pala sila.

After that, pumunta na kami sa National Bookstore para kumuha ng gift certificates. . Bumili na'ko ng Stainless Longganisa ni Bob Ong. Nakita namin si Miss Xavier dun. Then pumunta kami sa isang bread shop para bumili ng bribe for the GRH staff kasi gabing-gabi na, nasa mall pa rin kami. . Nag-dinner kami sa food court. . Akala ko uuwi na ang leader namin sa bahay niya kaya sumama ako sa group ni Sir Neg. . Pagdating namin sa PSHS-MC, sinalubong ako ni Louie ng: "I thought I lost you. ." . .hehe. . .He really looked worried. Nerbyoso pala ang loko. (^_^)

For Real

2006-04-21T23:56:00.000+08:00

The barkada had craved for Boracay's paradise of fine white sand and summer waves for the past few days. Now, our days of dreaming and craving is finally over and. . . uhm . . . Mira Hills, located at Pagburnayan, is the closest place we can go to get a good rush of euphoria. . *laughs* . . (PEACE!)

Sa wakas nakapag-swimming na rin kami. Ang saya grabe! Marunong na 'kong lumangoy. . .wooshoo. . . Well, sort of. Anyway, happy pa rin ako kahit hindi ako kasing galing nila. Umitim na naman ako. OK lang. Katangahan nga lang kasi hindi ko nadala yong cam. Argh! Pasaway! Dahil sobrang excited ako, yong kailangang dalhin hindi nadala.

Shit!!. . Wala na bang mas sasaya sa araw na 'to? Sir Neg drop by my house this afternoon to tell me an oh-so goody good news. Jeremiah and I were chosen to join the ~~robotics seminar~~ Microcontrollers and Embedded Systems Summer Camp in PSHS Main Campus. The time we've spent in filling that nasty info sheet paid off (big time). Eighteen students slash scholars from the different PSHS campuses will be there.

Bago ko makalimutan, hindi kami mag-o-ojt for 2 weeks. All I need to do right now is to make a long checklist of stuffs I will surely need for my 2 weeks stay in Diliman. . Shit. . This is for real na.

OJT raw: Day 3

2006-04-21T19:02:00.000+08:00

Tinamad akong mag-update ng blog kahapon. Pagod to the max ako. Hanggang gabi kami nina Kaye, Trish at Mike sa basketball court. Hindi ako magaling sa sports na yun. Simpleng pag-shoot lang ng bola hindi ko pa magawa. FYI pala, medyo takot ako sa bola.

My notes for April 20, 2006 is kinda short. If I weren't burying myself into reading Archies, I'm talking to Jeremiah (HP stuffs, funny trivias, chit-chatter, etc.) Ganun lang naman kasi ang ginawa ko.

9:00 AM
I'm so late. . . Haayyy. . .Whatever!

9:13 AM
We went to NBS to buy 2 innoculating loops. Too bad, it's out of stock. We dropped by at Mart One to look for inoculating loops [even though at the back of our naughty/evil minds, we knew that they don't sell laboratory stuffs there].

On our way back to OPAG, we made up some smart and believable excuses for this sole question - "What took you so long?". . . We kinda anticipated it. (^_^)

9:50 AM
Inoculation, inoculation and inoculation of fungi.

1:05 PM
Pagod na akong magbasa ng Archies. . . Geez. . . This is plain Boring, with a capital B!

1:26 PM
39, 40, 50, 70, 11. . . Finding out the potassium (K) content of the soil samples using flame photometer.

3:15 PM
Nitrogen (N) content naman ngayon using colorimeter method. Ang colorful naman. The color of fluid in each test tube is different. . Shit!! Para akong bata. . haha

3:30 PM
humhumhum. . . Listening to music . . .

3:53 PM
Merienda time!! Macaroni salad, shanghai and turnips.

4:05PM
Pasaway na Jere!! Ang hirap pilitin maghugas ng mga pinagkainan namin. Ang tagal naming nag-diskusyon. Anyway, the important thing is HINDI AKO NAGHUGAS!!. . .Who's the man?

Sucker of the day: Teofilo 'The Big Boss' Quintal
Expression of the day: "I am ~~full~~ ~~fool~~ pull!. . . (*Burp*)!"

Ang takaw ng lalakeng 'to. Champion sa kainan. Wala akong masabi. Kaya pala siya ang boss sa OPAG kasi ang laki ng tiyan niya!!

OJT raw: Day 2

2006-04-19T17:46:00.000+08:00

My notes for April 19, 2006.

9:00 AM
Bwahaha (evil laugh). . . Do you seriously think that you, BOREDOM, can defeat me? Well, take this!!. . . BOOM . . . *laughs* . . . (Peace) Para may drama. . . My plan of attack: bring and K-ZonesArchie Double Digest Magazines . . . Simply genius, eh? (^_^)

10:08 AM
Katatapos lang naming mag-merienda. . .(burp). . . Galante pala ang mga tao dito eh.

Ms. Elsa demonstrated how to prepare Trichoderma (fungi po ito... eeek!) culture medium (CM).

H2O + Powdered Jelly (oh yeah.. improvised) + coconut milk (nutrient broth) +
vinegar (add if acidic. . . H2SO4 dapat ah!) = CM

Shit! I think I'm gonna be sick. Ang panget ng amoy. Parang spoiled milk.

We, the interns, poured some of the smelly concoction to Tanduay Rhum bottles. Why use bottles instead of petri dishes? Well, I dunno. Trip, trip lang yan. Walang pakelamanan. Wait lang. . May gagawin ulet! wooshoo.

11:05 AM
Pang-asar! Can't get rid of the not-so-pleasant smell in my hands. We capped the bottles, and sealed some plastics tightly. Shockers! Hanep talagang mag-improvise ang mga agriculturists.

Note: A nuthead extreme, Ms. Rosa's motor mouth can't stop blabbing. . . Blah!Blah!Blah!. . . Blah!Blah!Blah!. . . If only she can shut her mouth for a sec, I'll praise the Lord. Can someone glue her fat lips together to quiet down the atmosphere.

Magbabasa na nga lang ako ng Archies.

1:42 PM
The culture media are good to go. Na-sterilize na sila. Shit! The stuffs I've learned in Microbiology class are being put into action, right hear in this ruddy old soil laboratory. Totoo pala yong mga yun. All hail to Ma'am Mary Anne Rebibis for teaching us the WHATs of the following: psi, autoclave, culture medium, agar, sterilization, innoculation, nutrient broth, innoculum, at marami pang mga ka-choovahan.

Handler/Mentor of the Day: Mr. Mar Alibin
Sucker of the Day: Ms. Rose Somera

3:45 PM
Nagtimbang kami ng lupa (the one we pounded yesterday). Punyemas! Electric weighing scale kaya nakakabanas. Kailangan ba naman 0.001 lang ang tolerance. Anyway, masaya naman kasi pinakain na naman kami ng mga pipz dito. Siguradong busog na 'tong si Jere. Or so I think. . . hmmm.

Back to Archies.