I remember 4 or 3 months ago when I am one of those who hurdle the excitement and do the audition for GMA's search for sole survivor Philippines. I taste the glamor being selected up to the 2nd round.Unluckily, i didn't pass the audition but I carry the experience with me and even proud that I joined such for the first time in my life. Indeed, I think I survived.
Watching every night on the episodes, I had seen how each of the contestants struggle for the 3 million. I even admire the Naak tribe for their team work that brought almost all of them to the final five.
However, Last night was quite disappointing to realize. Mommy Zita who had shown passion for work, determination, and values of faith and harmony was dismissed from the game because she was voted out by her team mates. Her dismissal in the game saddened me because of the fact that Filipinos are supposed to be known for its good values. However, looking at how the game was played, it shows, how to highlight being a traitor, to step unto others, and drag down those who could hinder us from winning.
The real meaning of winning is gaining it with whole honesty, strength, and will power coupled with perseverance. For what is winning 3 million when values are at large? Many I supposed are watching the reality TV show,the local version, and the other country's version. Many enjoyed as each tribe work hard to survived the challenged, many seemed to be fascinated with the glamorous and attractive torso of the contestants. But, did we also enjoy seeing them creating alliance and practicing the crab mentality Filipinos are known for? Did we also find it entertaining when they destroy each other for the 3 million.
What a sad scenario... Money is really the cause of evil. When everybody seemed to be needing it, they would do all that they can do in expense for their values. What is SURVIVOR then, when values are not surviving at all!
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Monday, December 1, 2008
GOOFS FOR TWILIGHT
…But the closer they get, the more Edward must struggle to resist the primal pull of her scent, which could send him into an uncontrollable frenzy…
Here are list of goofs for TWILIGHT:
• From the trailer: in the first shot of Bella walking to her truck, equipment is clearly visible in the right corner.
• In the biology scene where Edward begins to talk to Bella again, the stuffed armadillo that was on the shelf behind Edward is missing. A few moments later, the armadillo is back in its spot.
• In the scene with Edward and Bella talking in the cafeteria (when she drops the apple and he catches it) it is apparent that he has pit stains. Vampires don't sweat, or omit any other kind of bodily fluids.
• As Edward is driving away from the street thugs, you can see his car clearly has Oregon license plates. If you miss the name, Washington state standard plates have Mt. Rainier on them, while Oregon standard plates have an evergreen tree in the middle.
• When Edward is up in the tree looking down at Bella, the distance his body is from hers changes between shots. In the close-up shot, his face is almost right in front of hers (below the branches), but from the normal shot, he's holding himself much higher up (above the branches).
• Throughout the movie you can see the vampire's breath. This should not be able to happen as they are so cold.
• When Alice pitched to Edward in the baseball scene, the runner is running from second base before she even throws the ball. Then after Edward hits the ball, the runner is seen again just leaving second base.
• While Bella is in the hospital (for the second time) it shows the first shot of her eyes and nose. She has oxygen tubes running to her nose. The tubes are over top of her eyes, but when the camera zooms out the tubes are nowhere near her eyes. Then it zooms back in and the tubes are at her eyes again, and so on.
• In the meadow scene, only Edward's face is glowing. Parts of his chest and neck are also in the sunlight, but fail to sparkle as they should.
• While in the greenhouse, the amount of "tea" for the plants in the mug changes between shots. It starts with a full glass in the first shot, and is barely over halfway full in the next shot.
• When playing baseball and Victoria states that she has a mean curve-ball and Jasper replies, he has a slight Southern drawl, which makes sense because Jasper is from the South during the Civil War time period, but later on this accent has disappeared.
• Kristen Stewart's mike was clearly visible between the hem of her shirt and the waist of her pants when Charlie takes Bella to her bedroom in the beginning.
• Throughout the entire movie the vampires' contact lenses are clearly visible in close ups. For example, during Bella's flashback after the car accident, you see a close-up of Edward's eye - the outer rim of the contacts Robert Pattinson is wearing is distinctly visible.
• When Edward drops Bella off at the police station on the way back from Port Angeles, she doesn't have her bag, which contained the book she picked up from the book store that she uses later on to research the "cold ones".
• When Edward is talking to Rosalie and Carlisle in the hospital after saving Bella, Robert Pattinson's British accent slips when he says "did you expect me to let her die?"
• During the baseball scene after the 3 nomads arrive, Carlisle tosses the baseball to Laurent which is caught by Victoria. Immediately afterward, you can see Emmet toss the baseball into the air.
• When Bella is asking Edward questions about how you become a vampire down by the river, you see her lips moving when they shouldn't be and not moving when they should.
• During the beach scene, Jacob and his two friends come up and after one of the friends tells Bella that 'The Cullens don't come here,' you can see his mouth moving as though he's saying more.
• In the scene where Charlie tells Bella that her mom called again, at the end when Bella leaves the room you hear Charlie say 'All right', but his lips do not move.
• In the scene when Bella leaves Charlie for Phoenix, her headlights are on and illuminating the garage door, but when she drives by the camera, her lights are off.
• When Bella is trying to escape James and the car she is in with Alice and Jasper pulls up to the entry of the hotel, there are men with guitars walking into the hotel. It then flashes to Alice, Jasper, and Bella in the hotel room. They have obviously settled in and have had a conversation so some time has passed. Then there is another shot of the hotel entrance and the last guy with the guitar is just going through the entrance even though a lot of time has passed. They obviously used the same shot of the people entering the hotel before and after the scene of Alice, Jasper, and Bella in the room.
Here are list of goofs for TWILIGHT:
• From the trailer: in the first shot of Bella walking to her truck, equipment is clearly visible in the right corner.
• In the biology scene where Edward begins to talk to Bella again, the stuffed armadillo that was on the shelf behind Edward is missing. A few moments later, the armadillo is back in its spot.
• In the scene with Edward and Bella talking in the cafeteria (when she drops the apple and he catches it) it is apparent that he has pit stains. Vampires don't sweat, or omit any other kind of bodily fluids.
• As Edward is driving away from the street thugs, you can see his car clearly has Oregon license plates. If you miss the name, Washington state standard plates have Mt. Rainier on them, while Oregon standard plates have an evergreen tree in the middle.
• When Edward is up in the tree looking down at Bella, the distance his body is from hers changes between shots. In the close-up shot, his face is almost right in front of hers (below the branches), but from the normal shot, he's holding himself much higher up (above the branches).
• Throughout the movie you can see the vampire's breath. This should not be able to happen as they are so cold.
• When Alice pitched to Edward in the baseball scene, the runner is running from second base before she even throws the ball. Then after Edward hits the ball, the runner is seen again just leaving second base.
• While Bella is in the hospital (for the second time) it shows the first shot of her eyes and nose. She has oxygen tubes running to her nose. The tubes are over top of her eyes, but when the camera zooms out the tubes are nowhere near her eyes. Then it zooms back in and the tubes are at her eyes again, and so on.
• In the meadow scene, only Edward's face is glowing. Parts of his chest and neck are also in the sunlight, but fail to sparkle as they should.
• While in the greenhouse, the amount of "tea" for the plants in the mug changes between shots. It starts with a full glass in the first shot, and is barely over halfway full in the next shot.
• When playing baseball and Victoria states that she has a mean curve-ball and Jasper replies, he has a slight Southern drawl, which makes sense because Jasper is from the South during the Civil War time period, but later on this accent has disappeared.
• Kristen Stewart's mike was clearly visible between the hem of her shirt and the waist of her pants when Charlie takes Bella to her bedroom in the beginning.
• Throughout the entire movie the vampires' contact lenses are clearly visible in close ups. For example, during Bella's flashback after the car accident, you see a close-up of Edward's eye - the outer rim of the contacts Robert Pattinson is wearing is distinctly visible.
• When Edward drops Bella off at the police station on the way back from Port Angeles, she doesn't have her bag, which contained the book she picked up from the book store that she uses later on to research the "cold ones".
• When Edward is talking to Rosalie and Carlisle in the hospital after saving Bella, Robert Pattinson's British accent slips when he says "did you expect me to let her die?"
• During the baseball scene after the 3 nomads arrive, Carlisle tosses the baseball to Laurent which is caught by Victoria. Immediately afterward, you can see Emmet toss the baseball into the air.
• When Bella is asking Edward questions about how you become a vampire down by the river, you see her lips moving when they shouldn't be and not moving when they should.
• During the beach scene, Jacob and his two friends come up and after one of the friends tells Bella that 'The Cullens don't come here,' you can see his mouth moving as though he's saying more.
• In the scene where Charlie tells Bella that her mom called again, at the end when Bella leaves the room you hear Charlie say 'All right', but his lips do not move.
• In the scene when Bella leaves Charlie for Phoenix, her headlights are on and illuminating the garage door, but when she drives by the camera, her lights are off.
• When Bella is trying to escape James and the car she is in with Alice and Jasper pulls up to the entry of the hotel, there are men with guitars walking into the hotel. It then flashes to Alice, Jasper, and Bella in the hotel room. They have obviously settled in and have had a conversation so some time has passed. Then there is another shot of the hotel entrance and the last guy with the guitar is just going through the entrance even though a lot of time has passed. They obviously used the same shot of the people entering the hotel before and after the scene of Alice, Jasper, and Bella in the room.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
MY BIG BROTHER
I had been a fanatic of the Phenomenal reality TV show of ABS CBN’s Pinoy Big Brother that I had follow each season and watched over it and never missed a segment up to the Big Night.
I see myself as one of the PBB house mates in the Big Brother house where each day is an endless task, a goal to achieve and a competition I have to win – a competition which rewards more than a million or any amount could buy but an honor and prestige to be proud of. PBB housemates stay in the house for 126 days with “kuya” as the big brother; I live in a bigger house where tasks and responsibilities are more complicated, where I live more than 126 days but a lifetime for me to complete such tasks – that indeed if I live in errors I will make my stay even shorter, where my “big brother doesn’t converse with his voice through my ears but speak through my heart – my living guidance counselor – the living “God”.
My big brother has taught me to become what I am today – a man of dreams and ambition, of attitude and fear on his words. I become astray for sometime in my life that at some point I felt I wanted to have my force eviction and get out of his house. But my big brother gave me chances to renew and led me back to the right path enabling me to realize that indeed I can be part of the big winner which is eternal life if I follow his house rules.
I am into his service right now. For as his Golden Rule says: “What you do to the least of your brothers, you do it unto me”. I believe being an educator is one way of becoming his servant where I stood to nurture values, enhance skills, and inculcated discipline to young minds.
Time moved swiftly that I realize that the big prize is too high that I have to work harder of getting it. Along with it is sacrifice, failures, and defeat but all paid off with victory. Yes! It has somehow torn me into pieces but I never stopped believing – there can be miracles when you believe, right? With this, I made a very impulsive decision that I went further with my overwhelming optimism. I took up Bachelor of Science in Nursing and experienced the most difficult times I can ever imagine. The sleepless nights and burning gas pain during long hours of clinical exposures. It has crowned me with glory when I finished and walk the aisle of success. Yet, the burden for the preparation of the board exam is another war to conquer. It has left me hanging and perhaps my anxiety right now is seemingly increasing. Yet, My Big Brother is still standing and watching over me for he is the director of my life; He has always drafted a plan for me.
My big brother is your big brother too; we are sharing the same house. However, we do not compete with others but with ourselves into making it on the Big Night. And on the big night we will all be seeing each other in the finals where we will be judge according to how we performed in the house he just lend us. He has prepared a big prize for all qualified winners and my fervent hope that we will all be there and share the prize.
With all honesty, I feel guilty at times because I made mistakes and makes a lame excuse that I am just human. I have this guilt feeling because it is not the same PBB I loved to watch that has season 1, 2, 3 and so on. Our Big Brother who is God holds his BIG NIGHT just ones.
I see myself as one of the PBB house mates in the Big Brother house where each day is an endless task, a goal to achieve and a competition I have to win – a competition which rewards more than a million or any amount could buy but an honor and prestige to be proud of. PBB housemates stay in the house for 126 days with “kuya” as the big brother; I live in a bigger house where tasks and responsibilities are more complicated, where I live more than 126 days but a lifetime for me to complete such tasks – that indeed if I live in errors I will make my stay even shorter, where my “big brother doesn’t converse with his voice through my ears but speak through my heart – my living guidance counselor – the living “God”.
My big brother has taught me to become what I am today – a man of dreams and ambition, of attitude and fear on his words. I become astray for sometime in my life that at some point I felt I wanted to have my force eviction and get out of his house. But my big brother gave me chances to renew and led me back to the right path enabling me to realize that indeed I can be part of the big winner which is eternal life if I follow his house rules.
I am into his service right now. For as his Golden Rule says: “What you do to the least of your brothers, you do it unto me”. I believe being an educator is one way of becoming his servant where I stood to nurture values, enhance skills, and inculcated discipline to young minds.
Time moved swiftly that I realize that the big prize is too high that I have to work harder of getting it. Along with it is sacrifice, failures, and defeat but all paid off with victory. Yes! It has somehow torn me into pieces but I never stopped believing – there can be miracles when you believe, right? With this, I made a very impulsive decision that I went further with my overwhelming optimism. I took up Bachelor of Science in Nursing and experienced the most difficult times I can ever imagine. The sleepless nights and burning gas pain during long hours of clinical exposures. It has crowned me with glory when I finished and walk the aisle of success. Yet, the burden for the preparation of the board exam is another war to conquer. It has left me hanging and perhaps my anxiety right now is seemingly increasing. Yet, My Big Brother is still standing and watching over me for he is the director of my life; He has always drafted a plan for me.
My big brother is your big brother too; we are sharing the same house. However, we do not compete with others but with ourselves into making it on the Big Night. And on the big night we will all be seeing each other in the finals where we will be judge according to how we performed in the house he just lend us. He has prepared a big prize for all qualified winners and my fervent hope that we will all be there and share the prize.
With all honesty, I feel guilty at times because I made mistakes and makes a lame excuse that I am just human. I have this guilt feeling because it is not the same PBB I loved to watch that has season 1, 2, 3 and so on. Our Big Brother who is God holds his BIG NIGHT just ones.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
YOU TOUCHED MY LIFE!
A man’s life lies within this present as it were, but a hair’s breath of time; as for the rest, the past is gone, the future will never be, short therefore is a man’s life and narrow is the corner of the earth wherein he dwells.
Such excerpt from Marcus Aurelius writings lifted and encouraged me to be a better man I am today - believing that my existence is limited. If I live in errors, I make it even shorter. I went to the cemetery last November 1 celebrating all saint’s day with my friends. For no reason at all I went there just to enjoy the night with them, nothing more,nothing less. When everybody gets tired from chatting, laughing aloud and polluting their lungs with their cigars, a thought flashes in my mind – What if I’ll be under that "lapida" right there six feet below the ground? Will this mob of friends talk something good about me even if I wont hear them at all?
I remember 10 years ago, when I thought life is a never-ending struggle. With my
desire to become successful, I spent every single moment constructing my goals,
exhausting my body to compensate these aspirations and even burning my lashes
on the task given just to meet them. Looking back onto those very memorable days, I smiled. I smiled because those were the days that I had granted my selfless wish. Those were the times that break me,however shaped me into becoming tough as I am today. That was the moment that I used the two most power-filled words – “I can” - that makes me survive and make me what I am.
Such dream of greatness I believe offers me a wider horizon to explore what life has
in store for me. These accomplishments I possess has urged me to make a
difference in the lives of others. Ambitious as it may seem to be, but I always wanted to be great in everything I do (I loved to be on the spotlight). Great things need not to be in a package of extravagance. In my small ways I believe that my
simple greetings and sincere smile has inspired others and indeed brighten up
every heart (the power of smile).
I don’t have a fortune to share, but I have a big heart to extend. And I have the mind that guides every beat it makes. And in every cardiac cycle it completes makes a vital moment to deliver its purpose. And that purpose is to be a person for others -Sharing not just time but moment, not just love but life.
Our existence therefore allows us to become remarkable because we are equipped with extraordinary capacities that make the quality of our lives more joyful than ever before.An inspirational of Brian Norris’, becomes my mission statement in making my life worth living: “If I were to leave this world tomorrow, I’d leave this world knowing that I have made a difference in the lives of the people I met. Learning is the key to discovering and embracing purpose and once you know what your purpose is, you’re virtually unstoppable.”
Let me end by quoting the words of Og Mandino: We are not on this earth by chance; we are here for a purpose. And that purpose is to grow into a mountain and not shrink into a grain of sand.Henceforth, will I put my efforts to become the greatest mountain of all, and I will strain my potentials until they cry for mercy. But my skills, my heart, my body, my mind shall not stagnate and die. Lest I put them into good use, I have unlimited potentials, only a small portion of my brain do I employ; only a paltry of nerve do I flex. A hundredfold or more shall I increase my
accomplishments of yest.
I wished that one day when I will have my final rest and everybody celebrates another "all saint’s day", they would smile and say “Hey dude, I can’t forget you…You touched my life”.
Such excerpt from Marcus Aurelius writings lifted and encouraged me to be a better man I am today - believing that my existence is limited. If I live in errors, I make it even shorter. I went to the cemetery last November 1 celebrating all saint’s day with my friends. For no reason at all I went there just to enjoy the night with them, nothing more,nothing less. When everybody gets tired from chatting, laughing aloud and polluting their lungs with their cigars, a thought flashes in my mind – What if I’ll be under that "lapida" right there six feet below the ground? Will this mob of friends talk something good about me even if I wont hear them at all?
I remember 10 years ago, when I thought life is a never-ending struggle. With my
desire to become successful, I spent every single moment constructing my goals,
exhausting my body to compensate these aspirations and even burning my lashes
on the task given just to meet them. Looking back onto those very memorable days, I smiled. I smiled because those were the days that I had granted my selfless wish. Those were the times that break me,however shaped me into becoming tough as I am today. That was the moment that I used the two most power-filled words – “I can” - that makes me survive and make me what I am.
Such dream of greatness I believe offers me a wider horizon to explore what life has
in store for me. These accomplishments I possess has urged me to make a
difference in the lives of others. Ambitious as it may seem to be, but I always wanted to be great in everything I do (I loved to be on the spotlight). Great things need not to be in a package of extravagance. In my small ways I believe that my
simple greetings and sincere smile has inspired others and indeed brighten up
every heart (the power of smile).
I don’t have a fortune to share, but I have a big heart to extend. And I have the mind that guides every beat it makes. And in every cardiac cycle it completes makes a vital moment to deliver its purpose. And that purpose is to be a person for others -Sharing not just time but moment, not just love but life.
Our existence therefore allows us to become remarkable because we are equipped with extraordinary capacities that make the quality of our lives more joyful than ever before.An inspirational of Brian Norris’, becomes my mission statement in making my life worth living: “If I were to leave this world tomorrow, I’d leave this world knowing that I have made a difference in the lives of the people I met. Learning is the key to discovering and embracing purpose and once you know what your purpose is, you’re virtually unstoppable.”
Let me end by quoting the words of Og Mandino: We are not on this earth by chance; we are here for a purpose. And that purpose is to grow into a mountain and not shrink into a grain of sand.Henceforth, will I put my efforts to become the greatest mountain of all, and I will strain my potentials until they cry for mercy. But my skills, my heart, my body, my mind shall not stagnate and die. Lest I put them into good use, I have unlimited potentials, only a small portion of my brain do I employ; only a paltry of nerve do I flex. A hundredfold or more shall I increase my
accomplishments of yest.
I wished that one day when I will have my final rest and everybody celebrates another "all saint’s day", they would smile and say “Hey dude, I can’t forget you…You touched my life”.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
"KABATAAN, ITO ANG HAMON KO"
National Youth Congress (PRISAAP REGION XI)
November 20, 2008
Paligsaahan sa talumpatian
2nd placer
Isinulat ni/coach : Jodison A. Tanutan / Dina Barros-Ceballo
Tagapagsalita : JYAN DESSE M. SOLANO
_____________________________________________________________________________________
“Mindanao… ikaw ang lupa na pinagpala ng MAYKAPAL, mahal kita…mahal kita.”
Narinig nyo ang tamis ng himig ng awiting ito! Naintindihan nyo ba ang lirikong nais inkintal nito? Nadama ba ng kalamnan ng ating kamalayan ang tuon nito?
Mga kababayan, nasa kaibuturan ng puso ang kasagutan nito – PAG-IBIG. Aspetong kulang sa puso ng maraming kabataan.
Pinagpipitaganang mga lupon ng hurado, mga ginoo, gasgas na ang kasabihang “ANG KABATAAN ANG PAG-ASA NG BAYAN!” Totoo! Isang katotohanan na nawawalan ng saysay at tila baga isang pahina ng limot na kasaysayan. Ang mga pangarap na ito, ni Gat Jose Rizal ay naunsyami, sapagkat ang mga kabataan na siyang inaasahang pag-asa ng bayan ay halos lugmok na sa iba’t ibang gampanin na sumasabay sa takbo ng nagmamadaling mundo – mundo ng pagbabago. Ngunit walang pokus sa halagang pangkatauhan.
Hayag sa ating lahat ang kalagayan ng lipunan. Ang kasalatan sa maraming bagay. Higit sa lahat ang naglilipanang kaguluhan. Ang awiting aking sinambitla ay isang panaginip na ang titik ay di malirip. Sino ang papanday sa kapayapaan at kaunlarang ating hinahangad? Sino ang tatangkilik sa ating bansa? Sino ang yayakap at magpapayabong sa kulturang nagpapakilala sa ating pagkakilanlan? Diba ako, ikaw, tayong lahat.
Tayong mga kabataan na kinikilala sa lipunan na mapusok, maharot, walang katuturan at walang modo kadalasan. Aminin man natin o hindi, ganito ang marami sa atin hindi dahil sa kakulangan ng ibayong gabay ng ating mga magulang at mga guro ng ating paaralan kundi dahil sa ating kagustuhan at kahinaan.
Bagamat tayo ay mapusok at marupok. TAYO ang lakas at tagumpay ng lipunan. Kaya ang hamon ko liksi ng ating isipan, sigabo ng ating damdamin ay ating gamitin sa katuturan, itaguyod natin ang kaunlaran at palaganapin ang kapayapaan. Manalig tayo sa ating kakayahan, ano mang estado natin sa buhay ito ang maghahatid sa atin sa pedestal ng tagumpay.
Labis ang paghanga ko sa kabutihang asal na ipinamalas ng kagalanggalang na senador na si John Mc Cain ang katungali ni Barak Obama noong huling eleksyon sa Estados Unidos. Nang tanggapin nya ang kanyang pagkatalo, may kumirot sa puso ko at nangarap muli na sana lahat ng Pilipino ay katulad nito.
Ito’y isa sa mga katangiang dapat tularan, kaya pangalawang hamon ko sa inyo kung ang bawat isa sa atin ay magiging bahagi ng isang bakahin, ito’y magiging susi sa pagsulong ng isang mapayapa at tahimik na mundo.
Iilan kaya sa ating sa mga naririto ngayon ang may tapang at paninindigan na suungin ang mapanghamong mundo? Iilan kaya sa atin ngayon ang magiging kasangkapan upang ihanda ang mapayapang bukas. Kung ibig nating maging mabisang kasangkapan, sangkapan natin ang ating sarili ng mga katangiang nararapat.
Hindi lamang tayo dapat kapuso o kapamilya, kundi kabahagi ng bawat pagsulong ng mundo. Kaya hinihikayat ko kayong makibahagi upang pandayin ang minimithi nating tunay na kayamanan – KAPAYAPAAN!
Ang huling hamon ko sa inyo, simulan natin hindi bukas. Kundi NGAYON!
November 20, 2008
Paligsaahan sa talumpatian
2nd placer
Isinulat ni/coach : Jodison A. Tanutan / Dina Barros-Ceballo
Tagapagsalita : JYAN DESSE M. SOLANO
_____________________________________________________________________________________
“Mindanao… ikaw ang lupa na pinagpala ng MAYKAPAL, mahal kita…mahal kita.”
Narinig nyo ang tamis ng himig ng awiting ito! Naintindihan nyo ba ang lirikong nais inkintal nito? Nadama ba ng kalamnan ng ating kamalayan ang tuon nito?
Mga kababayan, nasa kaibuturan ng puso ang kasagutan nito – PAG-IBIG. Aspetong kulang sa puso ng maraming kabataan.
Pinagpipitaganang mga lupon ng hurado, mga ginoo, gasgas na ang kasabihang “ANG KABATAAN ANG PAG-ASA NG BAYAN!” Totoo! Isang katotohanan na nawawalan ng saysay at tila baga isang pahina ng limot na kasaysayan. Ang mga pangarap na ito, ni Gat Jose Rizal ay naunsyami, sapagkat ang mga kabataan na siyang inaasahang pag-asa ng bayan ay halos lugmok na sa iba’t ibang gampanin na sumasabay sa takbo ng nagmamadaling mundo – mundo ng pagbabago. Ngunit walang pokus sa halagang pangkatauhan.
Hayag sa ating lahat ang kalagayan ng lipunan. Ang kasalatan sa maraming bagay. Higit sa lahat ang naglilipanang kaguluhan. Ang awiting aking sinambitla ay isang panaginip na ang titik ay di malirip. Sino ang papanday sa kapayapaan at kaunlarang ating hinahangad? Sino ang tatangkilik sa ating bansa? Sino ang yayakap at magpapayabong sa kulturang nagpapakilala sa ating pagkakilanlan? Diba ako, ikaw, tayong lahat.
Tayong mga kabataan na kinikilala sa lipunan na mapusok, maharot, walang katuturan at walang modo kadalasan. Aminin man natin o hindi, ganito ang marami sa atin hindi dahil sa kakulangan ng ibayong gabay ng ating mga magulang at mga guro ng ating paaralan kundi dahil sa ating kagustuhan at kahinaan.
Bagamat tayo ay mapusok at marupok. TAYO ang lakas at tagumpay ng lipunan. Kaya ang hamon ko liksi ng ating isipan, sigabo ng ating damdamin ay ating gamitin sa katuturan, itaguyod natin ang kaunlaran at palaganapin ang kapayapaan. Manalig tayo sa ating kakayahan, ano mang estado natin sa buhay ito ang maghahatid sa atin sa pedestal ng tagumpay.
Labis ang paghanga ko sa kabutihang asal na ipinamalas ng kagalanggalang na senador na si John Mc Cain ang katungali ni Barak Obama noong huling eleksyon sa Estados Unidos. Nang tanggapin nya ang kanyang pagkatalo, may kumirot sa puso ko at nangarap muli na sana lahat ng Pilipino ay katulad nito.
Ito’y isa sa mga katangiang dapat tularan, kaya pangalawang hamon ko sa inyo kung ang bawat isa sa atin ay magiging bahagi ng isang bakahin, ito’y magiging susi sa pagsulong ng isang mapayapa at tahimik na mundo.
Iilan kaya sa ating sa mga naririto ngayon ang may tapang at paninindigan na suungin ang mapanghamong mundo? Iilan kaya sa atin ngayon ang magiging kasangkapan upang ihanda ang mapayapang bukas. Kung ibig nating maging mabisang kasangkapan, sangkapan natin ang ating sarili ng mga katangiang nararapat.
Hindi lamang tayo dapat kapuso o kapamilya, kundi kabahagi ng bawat pagsulong ng mundo. Kaya hinihikayat ko kayong makibahagi upang pandayin ang minimithi nating tunay na kayamanan – KAPAYAPAAN!
Ang huling hamon ko sa inyo, simulan natin hindi bukas. Kundi NGAYON!
"The Day We Learn"
“I get stinky, I get dirty, but see I learned”… The line is often heard in a milk commercial uttered by a little girl who stoutly stands for what she learned no matter what it takes her. Such act of that little girl is worthy of emulation. It has powerfully enriched the supremacy of positive thinking. Despite the struggle, that girl never sees the hardship but instead highlighted the wisdom she has gotten.
Everyday of our lives as educators, we encounter so many pressures: meeting deadlines, disappointments on students’ behaviors, sleepless nights, fatigue, brain cracking lesson planning, and all that we could think that presses us to say, we were already burned out. We then become self-centered mammal! We think big enough to underscore the hardship instead of the reward these encounters as being a teacher has brought us. Why don’t we celebrate that because we spend formulating time-table we submit requirements and reports on the expected dates. True, we often got disappointed with our students but after being saddened with the students’ behavior we acted on it appropriately – When we see them change, how do we give rewards to ourselves? Sleepless nights has painted eye bugs on our faces, fatigues has cause us muscle and back pain planning and preparing lessons – When we see these students learned, do we smile with a feeling of fulfillment?
What if all of us will think like that little girl in a NIDO commercial oozing with positive outlook in life? I believe that if we think positive the output would also be positive.
When we were born, we were a blank slate – the “TABOLARAZA”. While we grow, this blank slate will be filled with either positive or negative attitudes. The more positive experiences we had during our childhood years, the more we would develop the attitude of having positive sense, action, and perspective in life in the coming years. – The value of optimism.
Romans 8:28 says, “Everything works well for good according to God’s purpose.” A story was told about a man who is in a journey way back home; He brings with him his flashlight, his tent, and a chicken for their dinner. He has to cross a wild, dark and dangerous forest before he could reach the other town where his wife and kids are staying. He started to walk until he felt exhausted and decided to take a rest. He sat down and rests his back on a tree. Because he was very tired, he was able to sleep. When he woke up, he noticed that his chicken is gone, though sad, he stood up continue the journey until he reached home. We haven’t heard him complain of losing the chicken in the story right? Why do you think he didn’t do so? Friends, when he reached home he told his wife, we could have a perfect chicken soup for dinner, but that chicken we suppose to partake tonight has saved my life. If not for that chicken, you would no longer see your loving husband again. I could have been devoured by wild animals in the forest. They took the chicken instead of me.
Such a lovely story from a very optimistic man! He sees the positive side of the experience other than blaming and pointing fingers. Ladies and gentlemen, Optimism believes on the power of good things. It is in believing that we are always here for a purpose. And according to Og Mandino, that purpose is to grow into a mountain and not to shrink into a grain of sand.
We play the real wheel fortune of life, we may loose a turn some times, bankrupt at times, yet we never stopped spinning the wheel hoping to get the big prize which is success.
We bead with our real banker for more. When we think the offer is big enough, we deal and settle on it. Only to find out that there could have been more in your chosen briefcase. Regret and perhaps frustrated. But why not satisfaction and contentment?
We rush on pressing the button to give our answers to the question. We felt it was the perfect answer.
(error sound)
We realized we committed mistake.
The correct answer is given.
… And we learned.
Everyday of our lives as educators, we encounter so many pressures: meeting deadlines, disappointments on students’ behaviors, sleepless nights, fatigue, brain cracking lesson planning, and all that we could think that presses us to say, we were already burned out. We then become self-centered mammal! We think big enough to underscore the hardship instead of the reward these encounters as being a teacher has brought us. Why don’t we celebrate that because we spend formulating time-table we submit requirements and reports on the expected dates. True, we often got disappointed with our students but after being saddened with the students’ behavior we acted on it appropriately – When we see them change, how do we give rewards to ourselves? Sleepless nights has painted eye bugs on our faces, fatigues has cause us muscle and back pain planning and preparing lessons – When we see these students learned, do we smile with a feeling of fulfillment?
What if all of us will think like that little girl in a NIDO commercial oozing with positive outlook in life? I believe that if we think positive the output would also be positive.
When we were born, we were a blank slate – the “TABOLARAZA”. While we grow, this blank slate will be filled with either positive or negative attitudes. The more positive experiences we had during our childhood years, the more we would develop the attitude of having positive sense, action, and perspective in life in the coming years. – The value of optimism.
Romans 8:28 says, “Everything works well for good according to God’s purpose.” A story was told about a man who is in a journey way back home; He brings with him his flashlight, his tent, and a chicken for their dinner. He has to cross a wild, dark and dangerous forest before he could reach the other town where his wife and kids are staying. He started to walk until he felt exhausted and decided to take a rest. He sat down and rests his back on a tree. Because he was very tired, he was able to sleep. When he woke up, he noticed that his chicken is gone, though sad, he stood up continue the journey until he reached home. We haven’t heard him complain of losing the chicken in the story right? Why do you think he didn’t do so? Friends, when he reached home he told his wife, we could have a perfect chicken soup for dinner, but that chicken we suppose to partake tonight has saved my life. If not for that chicken, you would no longer see your loving husband again. I could have been devoured by wild animals in the forest. They took the chicken instead of me.
Such a lovely story from a very optimistic man! He sees the positive side of the experience other than blaming and pointing fingers. Ladies and gentlemen, Optimism believes on the power of good things. It is in believing that we are always here for a purpose. And according to Og Mandino, that purpose is to grow into a mountain and not to shrink into a grain of sand.
We play the real wheel fortune of life, we may loose a turn some times, bankrupt at times, yet we never stopped spinning the wheel hoping to get the big prize which is success.
We bead with our real banker for more. When we think the offer is big enough, we deal and settle on it. Only to find out that there could have been more in your chosen briefcase. Regret and perhaps frustrated. But why not satisfaction and contentment?
We rush on pressing the button to give our answers to the question. We felt it was the perfect answer.
(error sound)
We realized we committed mistake.
The correct answer is given.
… And we learned.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
THE SONG OF THE HEART
“I love you so much!”…“Promise, I really mean it, cross my heart…”
lines Familiar? Before and even up to the present we associate the heart with our emotions. Maybe because the heart beats faster when we are frightened and thrilled, when in fact, the brain in its real sense tells the heart to speed up. And with its constant contraction and continuous rhythmic beating, it started chanting a song least heard over the radio. Yet it is the sweetest music life could ever take noticed of. Yes, it sings the lyrics of the greatest opera called LIFE.
The heart being the muscle of vim and vigor is vital because of what it does. Its parts, working as a team, when it is filled with blood, it squeezed, pumped, refilled and produced a contraction that provides the body with oxygen and nutrients it needed and even eliminated wastes. The heart is the rhythm of life itself. Its incessant and musical beating ensures circulation of the blood throughout the entire body. The heart does this, all day, all night, all the time…
I might not be hearing what each youthful heart inside this auditorium is singing, but as I see each eyes staring at me, I deem to hear a chorus that I believe would make life even more beautiful. If all of us would heed towards maintaining the vitality of our heart, we can make it work better and prevent it from chanting murmurs.
Most of us are born with a healthy heart. Keeping it in good shape is indeed our lifelong task; a responsibility that would make each of us a keeper of the
Remember that the heart is a muscle. If we want it to be strong; we need to exercise it and take care of it. But how do we do it? We just have to be active everyday. Being active would mean participation in activities like outdoor sports or just simply brisk walking. We should never smoke as it becomes a creeping paralysis that destroys the heart and the blood vessels. Our diet greatly affects in the disruption of blood flow as more and more accumulation of unhealthy fats in the vessels would impair circulation. In addition, keeping a healthy heart is making oneself happy and managing stress properly. Reports show that anger has been shown to narrow blood vessels as it increases blood pressure as well as heart beat rates and adrenalin levels. It causes the blood cells that form clots to get sticky and clump which can cause a blockage and eventually a heart attack.
Friends, it is inspiring to note that if all of us would put high regards with taking care of our heart, we can love more, serve more, and become an instrument of change. Indeed, we the youth can leave a permanent imprint, a legacy, and be a good influence to others. By practicing what we know is RIGHT. Certainly, when all of us aim towards a common goal for our nation, our hearts would beat as one. Embracing our purpose would help make this nation a place full of LIFE and VIGOR.
From the inspirational words of Og Mandino which says: “We are not on this earth by chance, we are here for a purpose, and that purpose is – to grow into a mountain and not to shrink into a grain of sand. Henceforth, will I put all my efforts to be the greatest mountain of all. And I will strain my potentials until they cry for mercy. But my skills, my heart, my body, my mind shall rot and die lest I put them into good use. I have unlimited potentials. Only a small portion of my brain do I employ, only a paltry of nerve do I flex. A hundredfold or more shall I increase my accomplishments of yest. And this I would do beginning today.”
Let us educate ourselves to become a caretaker of God’s kingdom by taking care of our hearts. Let us not forget that the education of the heart still is the heart of education.
Friends, put your hand over your chest. Feel the heart as it beats, close your eyes and try listening to what it sings. Lub…dub…lub...dub…. lub…dub…Mere sounds that produce music of life and purpose; a melody that sings the spirit of our existence; the song of the heart. And if we all together maintain that healthy sound, making the heart stronger, we can then be a masterpiece towards making this nation a better place to live in.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
THE WINNER IN YOU
“Whatever, Yaya! You’re such a loser!”
Sounds familiar? This is the tagline we usually hear from Angelina, the spoiled brat in one comedy scene we watch on TV, as she mischievously and pathetically bullies her nanny to humiliation. But what does this have to do with water? My friends, it has everything to do with water and what awaits us in the near future. Irrelevant as it may seem to be, but that simple phrase can aid us in unraveling the mystery of our infamous dilemma on water preservation. A phrase that can determine life and death and, possibly, the extermination of the whole human race.
For centuries and centuries, man has been using water to sustain his life on earth. It has been quite so long that even I, for one, often come to thinking that this supply is maybe eternal and can accommodate all life forms currently on earth and for millennia and millennia to come. Alas! It is only but a dream. Time will come when the earth’s supply of freshwater and saltwater, alike, will continue to be polluted and contaminated until such time the word “potable” is no longer appropriate to use on any body of water. Not any, not even a single drop. If it happens, life on earth will no longer be possible. Life will cease to exist and will result to mass, or even worse, total extinction. The once called “living planet” will be nothing but a dead boulder afloat in the vast expanse of timeless space.
Who is to blame for this dreadful and devastating scenario? Is it you? You? Or perhaps you. The answer lies within the waters themselves. Yes my friends. Ask the waters who the culprit is and they will respond to you even before you can formulate the question in your heads. Stare into its depths and you will see the perpetrator. Gaze through them and behold your eyes, behold your own reflection gazing back at your so-called innocent face. The truth is, we are all criminals here! Criminals to our own world, to our fellow, to ourselves and to the generations that are still to come. Though we are caught unaware, we have wasted several galloons or more of usable water in our entire life about every way possible. Over the years, we have corrupted Mother Earth’s precious fluid. We have degraded its beauty and essence and we ignore the possible outcome of our actions. Aha! Ignorance! That is the word. The word where it all began. If a man had only taken care of his ONLY habitat; if man had only been careful about his conduct, then we would not be suffering from water deficiency when the time comes. Our lack of knowledge and awareness of our surroundings and our actions toward them guarantee us a one-way ticket to suffering and death.
But fear not, my friends! As the old saying goes, “even the smallest light cuts through an entire pool of darkness”. There is still hope left for each of us. With perseverance and determination, we can be capable of transforming this small light of hope into an awesome rainbow of genuine satisfaction and faith. Open your eyes and take time to realize and reflect. Unlock your hearts and let love and mercy for your own sphere of life reign. Let us all be winners and taste a drip of victory.
For why was David able to stand against Goliath when the army of
We all travel through life. And as we journey on, we packed ourselves with essential components for us to survive. Along with this, is the responsibility to take care of them. We will not wait for the time when we can no longer taste the drip of safe and quality water. Let us make a move and move responsibly as good stewards of God’s creation.
It has never been too late. As concerned individuals of this ever-growing society, we can contribute to the conservation of this very vital element. Even in our little way, at least, hand in hand, inch by inch, we will take part in providing solutions to this problem.
If a child, a being without much knowledge and understanding can save an ounce of water each day; then why can’t we? We, who have been educated from various institutions. Thus, we shall utilize what we have learned. Together, we must unite as one, and make the salvation of our water system our main goal to preserve the existence of mankind and all that dwell in this living macrocosm.
Ignorance has claimed many lives as far as anyone can remember. Sanity is the only cure. Learn to think and deduce and surely you will make a difference. Make a difference and be able to influence other people with regard to water conservation. Through this, we will be able to save countless lives. For water conservation is preservation of life itself.
Let us all together put a stop to our own alienation and hear the cries of our water resource. We have already broken our covenant with the earth and we have caused our watersheds to bleed. However, Only God can transform a greedy heart to repentance. Let us allow HIM to reign in our hearts and discover the “winner” in us.
Let us not wait when it is water’s turn to say: “Whatever! Humans are really losers!”
Contest : 15th Citywide Oratorical Contest
Theme : Water and Sanitation for Life’s Preservation
Speaker : Princess Grace I. Tura
School :
WHAT DOES IT TAKES TO BE HAPPY
I’m trying to figure it out, how could one be truly happy… Is it the fortune he accumulates or the chances one has succeeded? Is it shown in the way one dresses himself up or the fancy high-tech gadgets he uses? Is it found in the places where everybody seemed to drown themselves in the flowing rivers of intoxicated substances?
Perhaps, they give us temporary happiness. Indeed, they lift us up into some level of satisfaction that at times we tend to be so inclined with the cravings of having it most of the time. This is what we call a habit which would eventually turn out to be vice. And once were there, we don’t know which way out.
Admittedly, every time I am eaten up by the pressure, may it be with my studies, my friends, my relationship, with my expectations I become burned out that I wanted to enjoy and make myself merry with the vices I practiced. I burned up every stick of cigar and poisoned my lungs. I take in intoxicated drinks and ulcerate my stomach and intestines. Depressed my cerebellum and become dizzy. Question. Do we find relief?
We may be able to escape from what has bothered us. In fear of being succumbed into so much loneliness we tend to sort to things that make us perfectly happy even in the expense of danger. Some may find it gratifying taking risk in exchange of happiness.
I’ll try to ask again. What does it take to happy? My friend says, she can do everything if she has the money. Buy clothes, shopping everyday, go out every night, and buy the world (worldly pleasures). I agree because even in my deepest lonesome nights, I had been wishing I have a lot of that man made monetary exchange because I can be a star to every bar I went over. And the following I still shine because I can go wherever I wished to. 
But, at the end of the day, we went over and over asking ourselves if we had come across with the word happiness after indulging into so much exhaustion. Whether we like it or not, we have to face the reality and it is the best way to make ourselves feel better and from it, we can try to
evaluate ourselves if we really had known the real meaning of becoming happy.
For me, I had found it for the past 7 years in my life. I may sound absurd hurting myself in the
expense of fulfilling my dreams for a long term relationship but I believe it is not martyrdom after all, however it is giving chances and making others happy. I had lost it several times but I am drawn back to it after trudging so many roads not knowing that at the end of it, it becomes my dead end.
Figuring out what makes one truly happy? Close your eyes…look at yourself (your inner self), feel it. Yes! It is a choice to become happy. It is us who could actually define it well. But, we are still responsible for whatever actions we do. Remember: We are judged according to what we do, not on what satisfies us or just makes us happy.!!!
THIS IS MY PRAYER
Dear Lord,
as each day that you bring life to me,
I am so thankful that this day you gave me the most important day to live, a day to rejoice and honor your name.
As I go on with my daily dealings give me strength so I can move on,
own my heart so I may love more,
Touch my mouth so I may speak nothing but the truth,
Guide my eyes so I may see the only honesty,
And lead my hands so I may work with diligence,
And be with my mind so I may live with knowledge wisdom.
You had created me in your image and likeness;
Bless me so I may be a blessing for others.
May it be that I may shine like you in every hearts
of the people I meet each day.
Make me your servant dear Lord,
So I may praise YOU with my whole heart.
With all the blessings you shower to me each day,
I will bring you back the glory and honor.
“For You, who has forgiven all my Sins.
You, who has healed all my Diseases.
You, who has ransomed me from Death,
You surround me with Loving Kindness and Mercies.
You fill my LIFE with Good Things that Even
My Youth is renewed as the Eagles.”
Bringforth peace among mankind.
This I pray in the most holy name of the father, forgiver. Giver of life, My savior, Jesus Christ our Lord.
BORN FROM THE ASHES
After I was succumbed
into a miserable state of affairs, am back again. I rise from wretchedness to
an extreme bliss. Such contentment cropped up not in a grandeur pleasure since
I do not know where it would lead me again. Yet, with strong conviction, I
indulge myself to imperil chances that would bring back the silence and
radiance that gives me a reason to smile.
The few weeks
were a vast of changes. I had witnessed the transformation, the true reasons,
and ambiguous to a clearer vision. However, on the process, I cannot deny that
even if those changes gives clearer direction to the path I wish to trudged, It
does not give me the exact reason to rejoice because apprehensions still exist
that one time or another, insurmountable encounters would be there to confront
me hard.
Perhaps, that
gives me so much energy to work on my values to become more persevered and hold
on to stand with valor and honor and at the same time preserving my integrity. Despite
the destitution I had been into, I was able to surpass it and face the world
again with my head up.
I may not aim
perfection because man is not made for that. However, being true to oneself and
self acceptance has lifted me to place myself into the pedestal I wanted. It is
where the heart of true happiness springs. The famous line: “Learning to love your
self is the greatest love of all”, mimic the transformation I am into right
now. Indeed, it blossoms like lily into my soul that what I envisioned myself
to be is within m reach.
I am certain
that anytime I may stumble again, pour another rain on my eyes, and be on a
solitary confinement. But it will not move me back once more because I had viewed
myself in a different perspective – which I can still stand proud. Yes, it will
THE ENEMY IN ME
I had never been wholly recovered from what I lost. I never had an amount of self satisfaction after I completely turned into ashes when I stagger down into my own pit hole. Indeed, what transform a soft heart into arrogance and being hilarious to sarcasm is perhaps an experience that one wished they never had - an event that turned a rich man into a pauper.
Losing ones sanity is more than a bankruptcy. Sprawling focus drives towards downfall. I could have blame destiny which has brought me to where I am today, and if I could wish to turn back time, I wouldn’t trudge the road that led me here. I may even sound regretful, for what sense would it make to rejoice?
Some say, it’s not how many times you fall but for how many times you stood up every time you fall…True… Idealistic yet inspiring… However, I stood up and become a different person. I turned into a demonist. It’s as if, I lost the reason to love again. I impound the trust and somehow learned to delete what happiness means. Now the question is: how many times you changed every time you stood up?
I stood up once more after a torment storm. I may have depleted my self-esteem and becomes a man on the background; I somehow believe that I could gain back what I had invested. I may have lost the game – even if I played it well but I would be able to defeat them when I would be able to regain strength after losing grip.
I wouldn’t return for retaliation but instead I will be back to stand before you and say: “I BECOME EVEN STRONGER WHEN I LOST YOU”…
MY BIG BROTHER
I had been a fanatic of the Phenomenal reality TV show of ABS CBN’s Pinoy Big Brother that I had follow each season and watched over it and never missed a segment up to the Big Night.
I see myself as one of the PBB house mates in the Big Brother house where each day is an endless task, a goal to achieve and a competition I have to win – a competition which rewards more than a million or any amount could buy but an honor and prestige to be proud of. PBB housemates stay in the house for 126 days with “kuya” as the big brother; I live in a bigger house where tasks and responsibilities are more complicated, where I live more than 126 days but a lifetime for me to complete such tasks – that indeed if I live in errors I will make my stay even shorter, where my “big brother doesn’t converse with his voice through my ears but speak through my heart – my living guidance counselor – the living “God”.
My big brother has taught me to become what I am today – a man of dreams and ambition, of attitude and fear on his words. I become astray for sometime in my life that at some point I felt I wanted to have my force eviction and get out of his house. But my big brother gave me chances to renew and led me back to the right path enabling me to realize that indeed I can be part of the big winner which is eternal life if I follow his house rules.
I am into his service right now. For as his Golden Rule says: “What you do to the least of your brothers, you do it unto me”. I believe being an educator is one way of becoming his servant where I stood to nurture values, enhance skills, and inculcated discipline to young minds.
Time moved swiftly that I realize that the big prize is too high that I have to work harder of getting it. Along with it is sacrifice, failures, and defeat but all paid off with victory. Yes! It has somehow torn me into pieces but I never stopped believing – there can be miracles when you believe, right? With this, I made a very impulsive decision that I went further with my overwhelming optimism. I took up Bachelor of Science in Nursing and experienced the most difficult times I can ever imagine. The sleepless nights and burning gas pain during long hours of clinical exposures. It has crowned me with glory when I finished and walk the aisle of success. Yet, the burden for the preparation of the board exam is another war to conquer. It has left me hanging and perhaps my anxiety right now is seemingly increasing. Yet, My Big Brother is still standing and watching over me for he is the director of my life; He has always drafted a plan for me.
My big brother is your big brother too; we are sharing the same house. However, we do not compete with others but with ourselves into making it on the Big Night. And on the big night we will all be seeing each other in the finals where we will be judge according to how we performed in the house he just lend us. He has prepared a big prize for all qualified winners and my fervent hope that we will all be there and share the prize.
With all honesty, I feel guilty at times because I made mistakes and makes a lame excuse that I am just human. I have this guilt feeling because it is not the same PBB I loved to watch that has season 1, 2, 3 and so on. Our Big Brother who is God holds his BIG NIGHT just ones.
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