Series of fortunate and not-so fortunate events

As my blog dwelt around in an empty space probably enjoying its undisturbed phase, I had to dodge all the kicks and punches thrown by this final period of the semester. Apparently, it would explain the reason why I haven't posted any blog post for the past few weeks. Let me thank God first that all the defense and project presentations were all done. I thought they would never end. 

Perhaps a particular Information Technology student would think that school works  sometimes appear to have been placed in an infinite loop where a block of code does not make the given condition in the while-loop statement false sending the whole program in a continuous running state. Anyway, I still can't enjoy summer because I still have a few exams left to take until Saturday. The day after that is a call for celebration. I hope to end my first year in my new school with a blast. The positive kind of blast, I should say. 

There were a few things that happened these past weeks that I would like to share with you guys. Some are fortunate events and others are not so fortunate. I guess that is what life is mostly about, sometimes it's a piece of crap and some other times, it's otherwise.

DEFENSE OF THE STUDENTS (DOTS)

It was the day when I felt that my heart was going to jump out of my chest while waiting for Shiek and the others to arrive with our system documentation. We were running late and the panelists were already waiting in the defense area. I was sweating like a pig as I tried to calm myself down. I was walking around hoping that the panelists wouldn't live. I called Shiek many times just to check where they were at and how soon were they going to arrive. 

At the back of my mind, I knew there was nothing else I could do to speed them up. I was helpless. We were helpless. All I could do was wait and it was one of the most nerve-racking wait ever.

The group was 40  minutes late but despite the delay caused by our own mistakes,  I was thankful that the panelists did not lose their patience of waiting. We did several mistakes both in the system and in the documentation. Personally, I was disappointed that I was not able to get the grade that I wanted to but then again, like what I always say, things happen. Looking at the brighter side, we passed and the grade that we got wasn't bad at all. Most importantly, we learned a very valuable lesson about procrastination, initiative and team-work.

BIG GIRL IS SICK

One day, my mom told me that our doberman is sick. She lost her appetite and she has never been lethargic like that. She was just laying on the ground displaying an apparent pain and discomfort. Of course, everybody was worried. Thank God mom sent her to the vet. This afternoon, I got home from school and mom told me that the vet thinks that our dog may not seem to be in a good condition but whatever she's going through is not fatal.

Still waiting for the results of the vet's examination and I have all my prayers hoping for the best.

CAN'T HELP BUT FEEL JEALOUS

My batch mates in my former school will soon be graduating and I am left behind. If I didn't stop my education, I could have been one of them who would be marching on stage but I still have approximately two years left before I finish college. I know being jealous is not going to bring me any good but as a human being, I do feel jealous sometimes.

Anyway, I feel happy for them and I wish them all the best. God has placed me in this situation for a purpose and I have no doubts about his plan. He knows what's best for me so I trust him.    : )


ME VS. PHYSICS

I have mentioned in one of my blog posts that Physics has always been on my list of the most difficult subjects but then, I feel like I have acquired something that somehow managed to increase my scores in the last two quizzes that I took. Maybe, I became more focused and determined to improve my scores and nothing else.

I really wanted to make my professor proud and most importantly, myself. Whenever I get high scores or passing scores in subjects such as Physics, it gives me a boost of confidence reminding me that I can do anything for as long as I want it and work hard for it.

100

In my Communication Arts subject, I had to undergo a mock job interview which was considered as the Final Exam. Not that I am bragging but my nerves weren't shaking that much most probably because I have undergone a couple of job interviews before and those experiences, I believe molded my confidence.

Several minutes later, after my turn in being interviewed, the grades were announced and I got a PERFECT SCORE. 

YIPEEE!!!!

The Journey to the Top

Photo taken by: Ms. Addie Zaballero

“A miracle is something that fills the soul with peace. Sometimes it manifests itself in the form of a cure, or a wish granted. It doesn’t matter. The end result is that, when the miracle occurs, we feel a profound reverence for the grace God has granted us”. After reading Paulo Coelho’s personal definition of a miracle, then I should say I have just experienced another miracle in my life. A miracle that almost led me to incessantly jump for joy (I am relieved I did not or else it would’ve been embarrassing), a miracle that caused me to send a million thanks to God and most importantly, it was a miracle that filled peace in my soul.

I was giddy while I was glued on my seat, I thought I was going to faint and drop on the floor unconscious. My heart was beating so fast I had to take a deep breath every few seconds. If someone took a picture of me at that very moment, I would’ve looked like I just finished a marathon as droplets of sweat trickled down my face. Scenes of moments earlier in the day suddenly flashed before my eyes. I remembered having 44 minutes left before I submitted my essay. I was thinking whether or not I made the right decision of having my essay printed out right away instead of consuming the remaining time to see if I could make it any better. Despite all this, I still managed to say a short prayer, minutes before they proclaimed the winner. I bowed my head down, closed my eyes and paid no attention to the noise around. With my hands tightly held against each other, I said, “God, I have grown so much as a writer and I am thankful you have given me this opportunity to compete but I have been driving on the losing lane since my grade school years so please let me win this time.”

          As I was about to finish my prayer, Charmaine, one of the Think Quest representatives of our school, sat beside me and began to pat my back to comfort me. She asked me if I was nervous and I nodded with such discomfort. I tried to utter a word but the fear of losing somehow took control of my whole body that I couldn’t move a muscle. A few seconds before the winner was announced, I felt like the time has stopped and the noise has turned down. It was the moment of truth, the truth that could either make me or break me. The champion was about to be called. A few seconds passed, STI Global City was announced, loud and clear. I could hear the audience cheering and clapping for my victory. My hands were shaking uncontrollably as I bowed my head down once again and I told myself “God, thank you”. I stood up quickly with my fist held high and a smile painted clearly on my face. I was so happy the Guinness Book of World records should proclaim me as the happiest guy in the world. I walked briskly towards the stage with Ms. Dina, my trainer and cheerfully received our award.

          Being in a state of euphoria is like flying in the bright firmament of the earth and that’s exactly how I felt when I was proclaimed champion. Not only did I make myself proud, but my trainer who has worked very hard to develop my skill, my school and my parents as well. Looking back at my winning moment, I finally understood what Paulo Coelho meant when he said “A miracle is something that fills the soul with peace” because I did not just feel bliss flowing through my veins, I have also felt peace hugging my soul. These past few days have become a stressful ride as I tried to silent negative thoughts scurrying in and out my head regarding the possible outcomes of the competition. However, after being declared champion, my soul is now swimming in the ocean of silence and my heart has never been relaxed. It has been a dream of mine to win a National Competition in writing and that dream that was once floating around in my sleep has occurred before my very eyes.

         Dreams do come true my dear friends. I am one of the many people who can prove that dreams could be turned into reality. Do you have a dream in mind that you have been hoping to achieve? You can do it. Start believing in yourself, work hard for your dreams and the next thing you know, your dream is already in front of you waiting for you to take it.


THE SERIES OF EVENTS:

      














ALL PHOTOS TAKEN BY: MS. ADDIE ZABALLERO

My Winning Piece

     "No one lights a lamp in order to hide it behind the door. The purpose of light is to create more light, to open the eyes of people;to reveal the marvels around." A quote from Paulo Coelho's book "Like a Flowing River" speaks so much about a person' ability to illuminate his or her genuine and distinct character in the pool of diversity and differences. I believe we are all carrying our lamps with us, lit by a small fire representing our identity and uniqueness that could brighten even the darkest path we encounter along the way.

     I can still vividly recall that day when I had to use my own lamp. Like a dusk covering the night sky, I was blanketed with a sorrow-filled darkness when I had to stop my education. I was walking along the highway of life, living happily with a sense of satisfaction when a roadblock suddenly made all my dreams vanished into thin air. My parents were going through a very tough time on the financial lane. As a son, a brother, I knew what I had to do. I did not want to add to the incessant flow of problems mercilessly beating my family down. I knew, despite my inability to provide monetary help, I should take action by all means necessary, if not completely eliminate the problems but at least to lessen the burden of my parents. I was 18 years old back then;a young lad who still found Spongebob Squarepants was funny. However, Spongebob's humor failed to put a smile on my face when I finally made up my mind. One day, right after my little sister's recognition in school, I told my mom that I was ready to stop my education. 


     I was all giddy as I completed the sentences with reluctance. During that time, I thought that my only place in the world was school and that when you take me away from it is like taking a goldfish out of its bowl. I remember how fast my heart beat was when I told her that I would drop my books and find a job. At the back of my mind, I knew finding a job wasn't easy as uttering it but I wanted to make my mom feel better. So, despite my lack of knowledge about getting employed, I managed  to convince her that I could somehow help the family out. As I look back at that significant event of my life, I realized that was the moment when I was in the process of figuring out how I could use my lamp that I was carrying my whole life on my advantage. I didn't exactly know who I was or what I could do as a human being and how far I could go when it came to taking risks but I still went with the flow having no idea what tomorrow was in store.

     The call center industry was as prominent as Patrick Star (Spongebob's best friend) and so I decided to give it a try. I had the biggest confidence when it came to spoken communication and so I thought I could prosper in the call center industry. I have never been so determined in my life and the only thought in my mind was to get a job and start earning money. Nevertheless, it wasn't easy as I thought it would be. In fact, I have never been into a job interview before so I have no idea where I got the audacity to even set foot in Business Process Outsourcing Company with zero knowledge about the process of a job interview. I had my resume at hand, wearing a formal attire, waiting for my name to be called as I sweat profusely in the holding area where all applicants waited. I looked around and saw a number of applicants wanting the same position I was applying for. They all looked professional and experienced and I looked exactly like a person who didn't have any idea what he got himself into. I looked lost. I just wanted to get out of there and maybe try a less formal or less serious job. Perhaps, a service personnel in a fast food chain, a barker in Guadalupe or a security guard in a mall, anything but this pressure-driven job. 

     All these thoughts scurried in and out of my head as I tried to compose myself. All of a sudden, my name was called. It was time to lay everything on the line. It was a now or never moment where my decision would either spiral me down into an abyss of failure or bring me to the highest pedestal I have ever taken myself. I was asked questions I have never been asked before like how do I cook Adobong Manok or can I tell something about myself. My closest friends didn't even ask me to tell something about myself when we were just getting to know each other. We naturally knew each other without asking that question and all of a sudden someone would forcefully want to know something about me? Anyway, it was a miracle that I answered every question without losing my confidence. I was aware that there were several people outside who did their best like what I did. I knew I was in a battlefield. I was in a competition where the best would stand the tallest among the rest, however, I wasn't thinking about outrunning my competitors. Actually, I was more concerned with my primary goal of being hired. I was determined to impress the interviewer by being myself and using my distinct  and unique personality to get the job. After going through the grueling interviews, I was hired, surprisingly. 

     Despite the presence of an intense competition, I was able to get my very first job. Needless to say, I was a happy-camper. Now, given the fact that it was my first time to go hunting for a job, how was I able to succeed? Despite the number of experienced people around me, how did I manage to get a position? Impossibility was written all over my face but how did I manage to wash it off? The answer is simple. I was finally able to light up my own lamp. I figured out what I can do as a person and how I can use my uniqueness and my God-given abilities made just for me to be triumphant. I was clueless and I felt like I was walking in the dark but the light of my lamp which represents my unique character paved way to my victory. I learned to believe in myself and to use my life experiences that designed my identity in every situation I get into.

     It is a common knowledge that we are living in a world where change is as normal as the sun rises and sets and job competitions can never be tougher. Despite of it all, we must learn to believe that we are created to succeed and that everything we need to be victorious is all within ourselves. It is just a matter of discovering it and using it on our advantage. Failure will always be there along the way but failing doesn't mean it's the end of our lives and that we will never have the chance to succeed anymore. It is a stepping-stone towards a brighter and better future. Patrick Star once said, "Everything is going to be ok in the end, if it's not ok then its not the end.".

The Journey to my Very First Writing Competition Victory

     I was feeling giddy when I dragged myself out of bed at around 4 in the morning. Somehow, I couldn't manage to get the excitement rolling as I tried to picture how my writing would turn out during the competition proper. Maybe because I stayed so late at night due to my adrenaline reaching its highest peak caused by too many pictures of possibilities scurrying in and out of my head like getting a writer's block or a topic that's out of my league or the training I went through wasn't enough. I have always been the type of guy who tires himself by over-thinking things too much and expects be a big slap on the face whenever the outcomes of a particular situation turned out to be completely different from what my mind made me think of.

     Nevertheless, the experience brought by the Essay Writing Competition that day was somehow similar to the previous writing competitions I have joined. Once again, it successfully made me lose appetite, it shook my nerves like it was never shaken before and it made me pray so hard people thought it was my last day on earth.

     The clock struck exactly at 7 am when I arrived in school and I went straight to the faculty room to look for my trainer. She instructed me to find her in the teacher's lounge so that we could do our final training session before the actual competition begins. We were going over the pointers she taught me in our previous meetings and we also went back to the essay samples I did to recall what changes must be done and how to develop the sentences better. At the back of my mind, I couldn't stop thinking about the possibilities of winning or losing. If there's one thing I am passionate about, that would be writing and if there's a competition I really don't want to lose, that would be an Essay Writing Competition. 

     Ms. Dina left me in the library for a few minutes and told me to review my notes. I was trying to focus on what must be done but I was also busy imagining myself receiving the trophy on stage while the audience clapped enthusiastically for my victory. I could see my friends at the back row shouting my name, sharing my most awaited victory.

     However, I was called back to earth when Ms. Dina came in the door of the library and told me to come down with her to the competition venue. And I knew, it was time. It was time to give everything I got and lay everything on the line. I was determined to win. I wasn't aiming for second or third place, I was aiming to be the best. I don't remember winning writing competitions before however, I always make it to a point that I learn from every experience knowing that it could help me develop and someday have my time under the spotlight. As I drew closer to the competition venue, I was praying to God to let this day be the day where my talent is recognized.

     The writing battle began and as the seconds ticked away, I readily applied the technique Ms. Dina advised me. A technique to make sure that my essay is sensible and coherent at the same time. Word after word came rushing into my head and I continued to type them with such quickness. I got scared when I found myself stuck in the middle of the construction but I didn't let a second be put into waste and so I pushed myself further hoping I could go beyond what I expected of myself and I did.

     I came back on track and as the other contestants have their essays printed out, I was there, still glued on my chair aiming for perfection. Then, it was just me and the girl on the other side of my computer table. I was asking myself how the others finished so fast when I was still in the process of editing my work. I immediately brushed off the question and got back to the thinking lane until I had the final period of my essay typed. I saved my work and had it printed out for the judges to criticize. As the contest facilitators handed my final work, I was aware that everything was out of my hands now. I came out from the room feeling like my energy was sucked out of me. I was so giddy I wanted to go to bed. I proceeded straight to the teacher's lounge and asked for Ms. Dina. I told her all about my essay and she seemed confident with what I did.

     I was also confident but along with it were my doubts.

     It was 12 in the afternoon. After taking the free lunch the school provided, all I needed was to wait for the results. Hours have passed, I was on the gym waiting anxiously for the results. The wait reminded me of what the competition asked the writers to write about. We were asked to write about the unpredictable results of competitions and how it affects a person. 

     Well, first of all, competitions drive me crazy!

     I mean, I appreciate the adrenaline and anxiety but if you mix these emotions together, it could result to total insanity. 

     Anyway, I waited more than 7 hours for the result to be announced and let me tell you, it was the longest wait I have ever made in my life. I waited so long I became very temperamental my friends who also waited for the results couldn't talk to me. I would either just nod my head to answer a yes or no question or simply remain silent as if nobody was talking to me at all.

     The 3rd and 2nd places were called and it was the time for the champion to be announced. I bowed my head down, I started to breathe heavily and whispered to myself "God its all in your hands now". Despite the cheers surrounding me, I was in deep silence. I was getting myself ready for the worst case scenario. Then after a few seconds of heavily breathing, my school was called. I lifted my head up and jumped so high I thought I was going to fly. I hurt my right knee though because of the jump I made which in fact destroyed the moment for a second but pure joy rushed through my veins and I somehow managed to brush the pain off.  As I was limping my way on stage, I kept telling myself "I won" as the audience cheered for my victory.

     I couldn't describe what I was feeling at the moment but I guess that's how it feels like to actually win a competition. I was more than excited to get the trophy and my medal. I was smiling the whole time and I couldn't ask for a better moment than that.

(photo taken from: diatomist.blogspot.com)

ARROGANCE VS. HUMILITY

"Arrogance invites ruin; humility receives benefits."

(a quote from dictionary.com)

I went to dictionary.com to look up the word "ARROGANCE" and then I noticed that dictionary.com has added a new feature on their site that allows a user to look up quotes.

Instead of looking for the literal meaning of the word, I just thought of searching a particular quote that talks about arrogance. I picked the one posted above because it's simple and it has a good meaning.

You see, when I was in high school, I tend to say anything that would hurt the person I was angry at. I would insult his physical appearance to every thing that my angry mind can think of.
 

I was careless. I was insensitive. I was arrogant.

I remember saying something about how smart I am and how dumb he is or anything close to that statement.

I would feel terrible afterwards.

That's how I become arrogant before but growing up I was able to learn how to control my anger and having to learn how to control it led me to know about humility.

Now, here's what I am wondering about, I used to become arrogant due to my anger and never really boast about something I know or something I'm good at when I am not in an angry state(excluding those statements that were misinterpreted).

However, what's the reason of those people who become arrogant in given situations but without even having any reason to be one.

You see, if you know something then share it with other people.

It should be for the sake of letting them know what you know but not for the sake of indirectly introducing yourself as "MR. KNOW-IT-ALL".

Man! If I can just tell you personally that you've already crossed the line, I will but I'm terrible with confrontations so I'll pass.

I was planning to write about this way back when I smelled the stench of arrogance from where he was sitting but just couldn't find the time to do so. 

Now, it's about time to write about it.

I don't want you guys to think that I'm judging this person.

This is how he acts and I just don't like the way he responds to things that tend to irritate or maybe hurt other people.

Sometimes, all it takes is self-control and thinking before acting. You may not be used to controlling the words you say but if you want to change, you'll do whatever it takes.

I still talk to him about school stuff but I'd rather keep myself away from him as much as possible for the mean time until the time comes that I've already figured out how to deal with his attitude.


To be completely honest, I liked his personality the first time I've met him.

He was nice and humble but I don't know. Things suddenly changed and he became a completely different person to me.

My reaction towards an arrogant person is normal. I am a human being and I have the right to feel this way about someone. 


Here's what I believe. Every person, including myself, has his own flaws when it comes to his attitude, the way he socializes, interacts and responds to the people around him.

I think these kinds of flaws can be altered depending on the interest of the person to change. You can be humble if you choose to be humble. You can be an optimistic person, if you choose to be optimistic.

Change is always up for grabs for those who want it or need it.

It's just waiting for us to own it.

: )

Life is tough---I have to be TOUGHER

     For the past few weeks, a thought has been straining me. It was formed from a usual introspection I do everytime an unanticipated situation comes out. I actually never expected to make this decision as fast but I guess it's because of the calling need that caused me to take that step without thinking twice. People have looked at me and see the kind of person living the easy life. I get this a lot and I guess it doesn't matter now how irritating it is since I can't stop people from thinking what they want to think. I try to get along with it as hard as I could until at this point that my ears are already numbed. However, like everybody else in this world, I have personal problems too.

     Anyway, I want to keep this short, simple and less dramatic as much as possible. I decided to stop going to school for now. I've made sure that I've given myself time to think about this but not long enough for things to be too late to fix. Before I proceed, I just want to let everyone know that I'm writing this not to get sympathy whatsoever but I just think that it wouldn't be right to just live you guys behind without even letting you know the reason why. First, it was hard for me to cross a different path knowing the fact that I am an unexperienced, naive young lad still haven't completed his plans for the future yet. However, it's something that I really needed to do for the people that are so important to me. It's easier to give up my education than to see the people that I treasure suffer from a problem that I know I could've fixed. I don't want things to be too late and I don't want to regret as well. So as early as now, I'm doing something about these personal problems. I know how important education is but then again things land in our life that we have to make a sacrifice to avoid it from getting worse.

     I never saw myself being so brave enough to make this kind of decision and just so you know, it was me who decided this and nobody from my family forced me to do so. It came from my own free will. 

     What about the computer society??You may be asking. Yes, as much as I want to serve the organization and the whole college of IT, I have to give that up too. I'll be filing my resignation as soon as I have time to do it and also I'll be filing a leave of absence to legally kick myself out of the three-one's list so in short you won't be seeing me for a long time.

     It may be hard to believe but I am happy with the decision I made though I know I have to live a lot of people behind. Wonderful people. I was actually worried at first right after making the decision mostly because of you guys(two-juans but now called three-juans and also the outgoing and incoming officers of CS). I was worried of what will be the reactions of everyone but now I'm taking everything pretty well so far. I am sad and at the same time happy. I am sad because I have to say goodbye and happy because I know that you guys won't stop from fighting for your dreams. I am doing the same thing but just using a different approach. As you may have noticed, the reasonwhy I needed to stop is general. Reasons are actually too personal for me to write so I hope you guys would understand.

     This part is going to be for my thank you's. Thank you guys(three-juan) for being such wonderful people. Each and everyone of you has been part of my life and I couldn't be more thankful for that. I won't forget the ups and the downs of our class and we've proven that problems faced with one group effort and determination can surpass even the highest peak of a mountain. I hope and pray that this year's class will be as stronger, smarter, and more determined to be successful.

     For the outgoing CS officers, thank you guys for being such good friends. You've always reminded me to be myself and to always be strong in every battle. You never lack the right words to say to make me feel better a few of them are  kuya jan and ate mien. Ate monds, ate anavs, and kuya elvin thanks for taking the time to go to my house to hear my side and most especially that time that you paid attention to every reason why I have to stop school. Thanks for always understanding.

     For the incoming officers, I apologize that it has to be this way. I hope you'll understand and as I am a few steps away from living the school I hope that you'll do the best you can to make Computer Society a better-performing organization as we have planned it to be. In the shortest period of time, I've seen you guys show willingness in being part of the organization and in contributing whatever you have in every way you can for the CS and from that I may say that I can already count on you.

     Ate monds and ate joey, you've always been such great friends. You always make me laugh and I apologize for sometimes being hard-head when it comes to meeting the CS responsibilities but I always believe that you understand.

     Thank you guys, all of you. I may not be able to see you for a long time but I know someday, somewhere out there we will be seeing each other again with a myriad of stories to share and I pray when that time comes we all have our stories of success in our pockets for us to tell. It will take a long time before that takes place but I can wait forever. Before I conclude, for everyone's information, I'll be going back to school but not for now. Of course, I want to earn a degree like every college student wants. The right time will come for me.

STUDY HARD AND MAY GOD BE WITH YOU ALWAYS.

PS: To erwin and friends, for the past two years of my college life you guys have been sticking up with me. You've always believed in my leadership. We had some tough times but we got through it with flying colors and now erwin and friends is stronger than ever. We also had to face a few goodbyes but I can't believe that I'm going to be the second person that will be living the group and it sucks but I have to do it no matter what. What else can I say to you guys? Just do your best to finish school, always stick to each other and be strong.If you need help, I'm just a facebook or twitter away, alright? 

WINER01 IS SIGNING OUT! PEACE OUT!

NOSTALGIA

It was my first time to get involved with cheerleading and all I thought about it was just a pain in the ass but I was wrong when I was able to experience the fun it brought me. The best part of it was the fact that we were determined to bag the championship that we won. One of the best moments of my college life.

I am defying gravity

I'm defying gravity in terms of....LEADERSHIP

     I mentioned before about this decision I had to make. A decision that could either destroy or make me. Well, after all the sleepless nights, I've finally made up my mind. People around me have been waiting for it and one day they just couldn't wait for an answer and asked me about my decision. 

     I will run as the President of the Computer Society in my school. It actually took a long time for me to make up my mind even if my friends were telling me to go ahead and just do it. They have this indefatigable belief that I have what it takes to run the organization and everytime that topic is brought about they never failed to remind me about the move I have to make. I've been weighing the pros and cons if whether I say yes or no. In economics, they use this term called "opportunity cost", this refers to the result of the choice you selected from among the options you have. So, the opportunity cost of deciding to run as the president of that organization is that I'll be able to develop my leadership skill, continue my passion and most importantly, lead the members of the Computer Society to the peak of success we've been dreaming to be. I mean, excluding the present administration, the Computer Society is not doing pretty well when it comes to performance. I don't mean to blame the officers for the failure because I've witnessed the major lack of unity and cooperation on the part of the students themselves. They'd rather do things themselves rather than accomplish tasks with the people studying under the same roof as they do. One of the million problems being faced by the CS.

     To reach the peak of success is not easy as it may sound, it doesn't even sound easy when you say it yourself. I mean it takes a lot of effort, perseverance and determination to achieve that goal. In addition to that, it doesn't take a year of service and leadership to achieve a big goal such as what I've mentioned but there's one thing I can be sure of, I'll do the very best I can to carry the organization one step at a time towards success. That reminds me about a famous quote which I don't know where I got or probably I just heard of but it says about a thousand mile journey begins with a single step. If I win the election and finished my term without a lot of accomplishments, it doesn't necessarily mean I didn't succeed. I only made the single step and for sure I must have gotten through a lot to be able to take that single step. It's up to the next batch of administration to continue the journey.

    I'm also aware of the fact that every decision comes consequences along with it. I was open to what people say and what I've been hearing so far sounds a bit scary. They've been telling me that carrying a load of huge responsibility and maintaining a good performance in school is one heck of a job to do. It reminded me of the quote "You can't serve two masters at the same time" but I'm still convincing myself that the quote doesn't apply at all times. I believe that I should just know two basic things when living a life of big responsibilities and its managing my time well and avoid procrastinating. I just hope that what road I took will not err me to a place I will regret forever in my life. It's one of the biggest challenges I accepted yet. I am defying gravity this year.

I am defying gravity in terms of....GETTING A JOB THIS SUMMER

     I'm in the legal age now to get a job and being 18 for me is getting half of my independence. However planning to get a job this summmer is not about exercising my independence. Well, it's already a given fact that I'm mature enough to apply for a job, earn money to pay for my school fee and give some to my parents. Reasons that motivated me to get a use of myself this summer. I don't want history to repeat itself. For the past few summers that had gone, I've been living in the world of mediocrity. I was like a futile fat lad staying at home doing absolutely nothing at all. 

    My bestfriend wants me to apply to the agency he's working in as a call center agent. He got accepted and he will be starting his first day of work next week. He told me that I can pass the tests and the interview. He believes in my ability so much that he thinks I'm better than him when it comes to writing and spoken communication. Someone who graduated as a valedictorian in high school wouldn't say such statement but my this person is different. Anyway, I accepted his offer and before this last semester ends, I'll be preparing my resume to apply. It will be my first, and every first's shakes my nerves but I am defying gravity this year so I'm going to shake everything off that will stop me from doing what I planned to do.

Triumph over tribulation

Triumph over tribulation

By: Morillo, Erwin

    A pleasant day to everyone, it is very often that I get an opportunity such as this to speak in front of you. This moment reminds me of prominent people I’ve witnessed carrying themselves on stage with great confidence and inspiration despite the unpredictable reactions of the public eye. I have seen and heard them speak with conviction and sincerity giving people what they need to feel. So, it is of great honor to stand before you today and contribute something relevant to the society. Ladies and gentlemen, I am just like you. A person who has dreams, a person with great love and care for his family, a person who suffers the cruelty of life and simply, I am just one of all the billion people living their lives as they should with doubt and fear in their hearts. Despite this similarity, I saw myself living a life of mediocrity and I’ve always ended up blaming myself because I can’t do everything. I can’t do things to make myself a better student, writer or a speaker. I was once held on to the fact that I’ll always be at the bottom of the sea, incapable of emerging, drowning myself with fear, doubt, hopelessness and anger. I was surrounded by these negative energy that I found it hard to move forward and continue my life. I’ve demoralized myself because of failure. Always minding what other people have achieved. I was aware that the more I look at them, the more I bring myself down.

     But that was then, because I have sought hope in my life and found inner peace and confidence. I knew at that moment of realization that I have to believe in myself, no matter what life throws me. Because the only person you’ll ever know that will help you prevail challenges in life is yourself and no one else. There will come a time in your life that those people you love and trust won’t be there to give you a hand. You look around and find only yourself to rely on. I know it, because I’ve been there and that’s why I’ve learned to trust myself and I’ve learned to believe in what I can do. I’ve finally accepted my flaws and weaknesses. These weaknesses that we have within us will help us become a stronger and better person as we pursue the long and winding journey of life. You may say that weaknesses remind you of imperfection but I say you don’t have to be perfect to be able to achieve your goal and you may ask again, what does weaknesses have to do with my life. I believe that God created us with weaknesses to teach us to love and trust not only ourselves but other people, teaching us to love others without conditions and exemptions. Most importantly, teaching us to trust him that everything is going to be ok at the end. Let us not look at what other people can do instead believe in what you can do as a person. To be triumphant over tribulations is to learn to believe in you. I am reminded of this simple quote from Napoleon Hill that says a lot, “You can do it if you believe you can”. Your life continues to move forward when you start to believe in yourself.

     Let us not waste time crying over hopelessness for hopelessness is present only if you think it is. I know for sure, that we’ve undergone certain situations in life where we felt like we had no choice but to give everything up because it was hopeless. It was a mistake to conclude that early. It was a mistake to think it was hopeless. It was a mistake to believe that there was nothing you can do for in every life problems has a solution. I remember Martin Luther’s quote saying, “Everything that is done in the world is done by hope”. Let us not be doubtful instead be resilient in every tribulation. Don’t allow tribulations ruin your hope. If you think the burden is too heavy to be carried, don’t give up; don’t let the light of hope be blown off by the cold wind. Instead stop and rest, when you find your inner strength that’s the right time for you to continue sailing forward. How can I say this? I am still young to lecture about triumphs, hope and faith. Let me tell you my dear friends that our everyday life teaches us something important regardless of our age. If we learn to keep them and apply them, we’ll be able to make ourselves equipped with wisdom that others ignore. I have to say, that I am defined by my life and who I am right now is because of what I’ve been through and what I say to you is what I’ve learned from living. At this very moment, I continue living as I should and I may say that whatever is ahead of me, I am prepared to face it. Thank you and God bless everyone.

THE SPEECH CHOIR PRESENTATION

     It was one of those activities in school that I was excited about because a speech competition such as this will show not only how a group can deliver a speech wonderfully but also showcases their creativity and talent making even the simplest speech into an amazing speech choir performance. For some, they may say a speech choir is just a bunch of people reciting a piece of poem or story but adding color and spice to what we deliver on stage is just one the things we do to put up a great performance.

THE PREPARATION

     It's actually a competition but I'd rather call it a presentation because I believed that what happened that night was more of giving our all to come up with a good show and I should say it was successful. The preparation was tough as we struggle making time for our ourselves, for our assignments and projects and for the rehearsals. It tested our skill on how will we be able to pull everything together without losing our balance. I really felt the pressure when everyone started to brainstorm about what their piece is going to be, when and where will they practice and the props and costumes they will use. Every group showed enthusiasm to the point where they kept secrets and made sure that the other groups won't find out their plans about their performance. It wasn't an easy road to take for us because aside from the preparation, of course, we have a life to live, chores to do, assignments and projects to finish, exams to get ready for and other things to do that make us human.

This speech choir competition is being held annually headed by the director of our university/professor in Speech Communication. This year the President of BSIT II-I wanted it to be bigger and greater as compared to the past years that had passed. So as the Vice president, I tried to help him out in the planning and preparation. We had to make sure that the venue, the sound system, the chairs, tables and food for the judges, and everything that will help us come up with the best atmosphere for the competition are set and ready to go. We had some mishappenings before the day of the presentation but everything went pretty well as we try not to be stumbled by problems. We also encountered misunderstandings. A type of misunderstanding where it was either we die or we live (not literally). I mean we encountered this situation where we thought what we've worked so hard for will all be worthless at the end of the day. However, everything worked out fine and we all worked together to prevent that from happening.

The videos you will watch below were a few of the performers in the Speech Choir Presentation 2009. The performers you're about to witness are my talented classmates.

"Like the Molave" is a piece which gives hope to every Filipino. Telling the people to have the characteristics of the "Molave". Be staunch, resilient and firm in every obstacle along the way. The performers of this piece had shown that good will always win over evil no matter what and even if there's darkness in our every day lives, always remember that even if the sun falls it always rises to brighten up the horizon.

"Peace Not War" is a prominent composition obviously advocating PEACE. It's very inspiring as you read every word and every line of the composition. You could really feel the sincere emotion of the writer. The performers had shown a dramatic interpretation of the piece and successfully conveyed the real message of "Peace Not War".

"REVERSE CREATION", the performers gave me goosebumps as they deliver their hair-raising introduction. I think everyone really paid attention to this piece because of the performers way of delivering it. Just watch and find out.

"The Musical Story" is a fun and entertaining story about four talented musicians. These performers are the champion in the Speech Choir Competition. They wowed the panel of judges as they hit every note and deliver every word from their piece wonderfully. I myself enjoyed as I watch them perform.

PS: I am aware that a lot of you guys are asking for the copy of some of the speech choir pieces. I'm sorry to say but I don't have the copy of most of the pieces. I understand that most of you want to have a copy of PEACE NOT WAR which I don't have. However, I'll try my best to ask my former classmates and see if they still have a copy of it but as of now I don't have it yet. I'm sorry again.