The Republican Effect

My patience becomes limited when conversation turns to politics for an apt topic, combined with a cup of joe and a pack of mamon and having activists and writers around to discuss social science verbal doohickey. But when it comes to American politics, I for one have yet to grasp everything essential, especially the basic ones like the Two-party System, the midterm elections and how Republicans and Democrats are gradually locking horns for a chance to steer Congress-the US Congress in this case.

This dearth of sufficient comprehension of American politics has led me to a callous state of not caring on how a change in the legislative agenda of the US Congress could mean dire consequences. I'm not the one who cares about consequences here. I have witnessed how politics in the Philippines has turned out, even after the departure of Her Excellent Majesty and High Lord of All Things Mundane and Disparaging (activists who were once a part of proud, fist-raising movements during eight long years of oppression and corruption can easily recognize who I am referring to. Hint: Mole). Why care about politics any more than American politics? But when I was observing the drama behind the Midterm Election held at the States on November 2, there are in fact a lot of reasons why people, not only Americans and Filipinos, should care about politics, particularly the American legislation.

I've learned that most Republican candidates oppose the outsourcing of  US jobs to foreign countries, like the Philippines. If a law is passed easily with minimal Democratic intervention, then doom will come to call centers here in the country, which serve as beacons of hope for college students and graduates alike who are seeking amidst a global economic downturn. Most of these students and graduates who receive minimal wage will find it very insipid to cope up with daily expenses. So if ever the Republicans get through with such a law, there's no telling what will become of our struggling newly grads, especially nursing graduates who are dealing with major problems of their own.

We Filipinos shouldn't limit our selves to being boxed within the current political spectrum of today. There is an even greater need to be cognizant with what's happening abroad. There's no telling what effects the Republican takeover of the House will inflict on the global community.

Well, better turn to the media for guidance at times like these.

State of Fear

As a living, breathing human being with an uncontrollable urge to like and angst just about anything culturally stupid or utterly interesting to the senses, I am fully cognizant with the notion that fear is an inevitable sensation common among all living and breathing human beings walking the Earth.

Fear is what we blurt out every time we come across a carton of milk exceeding its expiration date, knowing that disregarding the apparent warning would make us spend three in the bathroom, regurgitating chunks and chunks of hardened dairy product. You and me both know that the scenario I just mentioned is a not a pretty sight to see; tons and tons of unsightly vomit. And I could just imagine becoming the unsuspecting victim; clutching my stomach to relive the abdominal pain and all, and nothing can scare me the most than abdominal pains and three hours of relentless vomiting. But I'm not going to talk about expired dairy products here. What I'm trying to explain is not about constipation and expired milk. What I'm really pointing out is that fear is an essential component, not only in the individual, but also in this dog gone society. Philippine society in particular, which becomes too irrational to a certain point that it induces more groundless hysteria than lucid crisis handling methods. And this doesn't just happen in a  Southeast Asian nation, but it also occurs in ostensibly rational Western societies.

Recent news reports revealed alleged terrorist plots that would likely happen within the good old capital itself: Manila. The United States, with the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand following suit, issued travel advisories warning tourists to be wary of an imminent danger of a terrorist attack by (wait for it...) Islamic extremists.This precautionary action was raised following the discovery of a parcel bomb destined to blow up Jewish houses of worship. The parcels, which came from Yemen, provoked fear among the paranoid public since the aftermath of 9/11.

And as a result of this reaction wrought by peculiar contents in a box, Western countries released travel advisories in an effort to protect their citizens who want to go on an island hopping expedition in the Philippines from possible instances of a terrorist attack. Take note that these are just travel advisories, and not bans. So why should we, especially businessmen with interests in the tourism sector, be perturbed by the policies imposed by other countries?

We are "enjoying" a considerable amount of threats already. We have extremists terrorizing most areas of Mindanao, and add Communist rebels then we have a party-and not a good one at that. As a matter of fact,  these groups are in existence even before those parcel bombs arrived at a Chicago airport and much earlier than the September 11 attacks at New York. So it's okay for fear to set in. I mean, we have gotten used to North Korea having a stockpile of hidden nukes, we should also feel the same with these threats knowing that they can occur spontaneously.

There is no air of hysteria suffusing into Philippine society right now-because most of society is already distracted by noontime shows and Justin Bieber. It's not like America in the 1930's when Orson Welles created quite a stir among the populace with his mockumentary/science fiction opera. I guess society is getting used to have homicidal maniacs walking the streets from time to time. You can blame it all on the mass media, but you should also put all of your blaming energies to the reality of having religious zeal and nationalism laying around the hearts and minds of suicide bombers.

So why should we worry? Why should the US, or Australia, or New Zealand worry? Despite sophisticated technology epitomed by the latest bomb detecting devices, that still can't stop the fervor of a common enemy to inflict massive dilapidation. We are now getting used to fear, and it is quite annoying in some cases to send a paranoid travel advisory that would mostly protect more of foreign tourists than locals.

Fear is a defense mechanism, much like high tech warning devices installed around Bill Gates' crib. Defense mechanisms are essential to secure our properties, especially Mr. Gates' Microsoft blueprints, from burglars and spies and also with malevolent intentions. So fear works much like an alarm to stir us up into action against those trying to breach our privacy. But we can also note that warning devices can be annoying to the ears of its owners who are protected by them, given there are technical malfunctions of some sort and other electronics related problems within their structures. This could spell great annoyance to these owners who will become so exasperated with the noise that they'll pretty much throw them out to the dumpster.

Just like in society. Feeding the fire makes the flames grow. Much like how these foreign countries are doing. They're sending warnings that don't even benefit us in every level.

Here's a painful reality: The world is in a current state of fear. And we are getting accustomed to it.

After Hiatus

Here I am. Writing another blog entry which should document another one of my crazy excuses for being idle on the blogosphere for such a long while. Laziness, writer's blocks and the satiable impulse to key highfalutin words and phrases are the substantial reasons why I went on another delay in writing blog entries. These or the forsaken ideas that still remain in constant motion that's causing moment of a slack fest. But yes, I have to admit, I'm one hell of a lazy writer.

The sole purpose of creating this blog was to get in touch with other people's ideas; loosen myself a bit to prepare for a wondrous career in the pastures of the world of mass media and most important and painstakingly the . I am a mass communication major, but that wouldn't be a reason for having such an idle mind. And as a mass communication major, I am obliged and given the opportunity to document the things that are going on around me, and not just to slack all day, doing things that are not so productive for society to benefit on.

I think it's time for a little reassessment. I'm currently the news editor of the University publication, so why the hell am I indolent in managing this blog. I created this for a reason and that is to record my expressions that remain in a decomposing state inside my head, and the only way to revive them is to display them for other people to read. Furthermore, most journalists today own a blog or two, writing political opinions and what not.


So I must end here with a promise worth keeping, at least for a considerable amount of time because I know, I'm not good in keeping them let alone remembering them. Because today, I am committing myself to this blog, filling it with entries that are either good to read for some rational being to get interested in or bad enough to send a highly critical yet culturally ignorant dissident in a fit of uncontrollable rage.

Busy (Again)

Been busy for a while. Presentations here and there. Articles to write for the school paper. I am in a drastic position right now. But the only thing that keeps me going is the very thought that I am becoming a college student. A real one  at that.

Art Under Siege

           The arts are under attack. Under attack by the grotesque forces of pop culture that is! Yes, as society mended a drastic turn towards the new millennium, so-called artists that emerged with it began an inquisition that would become one of the most dastardly acts imposed on art since the persecution of Bauhaus philosophy by the Nazis during the 30's. These artists, who pose and call themselves advocates of art despite their lack of awareness of the humanities, have been doing a good job in keeping the arts in check. These pop-soda guzzling, Nike-wearing pseudo-pundits have been raking big bucks since their debut into the limelight.

          What I'm talking about here is the rise of "idols" and "sensations" who want to have their first taste of the good stuff in high society. Pop stars in particular are the ones who are leading this insulting crusade. First, there comes the discovery of talent, where agents or other annoying media vultures prey on innocent people, who live an honest lifestyle, who are oblivious to the effects of brief stardom and would consider the use of botox a genocidal act in pursuit of perfection, they consider having potential. Locked on their victims, these predators will try to convince their prey that they have what it takes to be a star just by looking at their Adonis-like appearance. Well, that's the reality of fame. You get to be uplifted in its ranks because you look just like one of those narcissistic, body-building yahoos who pose for billboards or those anemic, skeleton like beings they call supermodels. And at the end of it all, it's off to the pile of rejected celebrities who had their spirits, and dignity sucked out by the immense mechanism which is given a familiar yet evil name: fame. But when art comes in to consideration, celebrities are merely exploiting it and taking it to their advantage to hasten the effects they impart to the pitiful public.

The artistic prowess they produce are not as artistic as they ought it will be. Theirs is just a sham. A ruthless advantage of the arts for the purpose of blackening the minds of the young ones with idiotic words and lavish costumes present in ravenous, unprofessional music videos. True that their influence is overwhelming the very foundations of art, however, they are, without noticing it, are actually murdering a vast field of the humanities furnished by geniuses for countless years.

Art should be limited to the artist. And when I say artist, I mean a true artist. One who does not want to benefit anything from his craft, but the sole satisfaction of using it in delightful activity. One who does not want to implement stupidity among other beings, but would rather influence them to search for a deeper meaning of what art is. One who views art as art, and not a mindless chase for fame and wealth.

Pop culture can continue to impose its will to the masses, but it will not touch nor shake the beliefs of true art.

Youth, Society, Destiny

Youth empowerment is a much needed component for national development. The future belongs to the youth, as Rizal would say, owing to the great potential of young minds to bring about social change through getting involved with the great issues affecting the world. From campus journalists, to student leaders. The youth plays a vital part in shaping and sculpting an ideal community of cooperation, tolerance and peace.

The three day seminar workshop held at the Iloilo Grand Hotel is one of the stepping stones in developing the youth's identity as the movers for social and political change. Becoming a part of this great endeavor for the betterment of the nation, I can conclude that my participation in the Central Echo is an opportunity for me to impart my writings to my fellow youth and empower them further to act from passivity and let them be aware of their role in society. It's not about developing my skills in campus journalism, but rather, unveiling my potentials to move the world through the power of writing.

The seminar workshop, themed "Campus Paper Writers in the Realm of Community Building" and organized by the Philippine Information Agency, aims at improving the skills of campus press writers and editors in the field of journalism. With the skills they acquired, these young minds can use them to achieve development for the better.

I can say with total confidence that I have no regrets of becoming a part of my university's campus publication. I have just realized how important my role is to herald forth social change. And I shouldn't ignore my potentials nor should I delve into the habit of passivity. My writings can move society. My writings can scare off tyrants. And my writings can help my fellow man to rally himself towards fulfilling his destiny. I will not let my ideas rot in my mind. I will not leave a single page blank. Let the fires of youth kindle in our hearts. Let us take up our pens, unite and resonate the call for action.

Back (Again)

Haven't been around posting like crazy for a while. Been busy lately with a lot of stuff now that I'm a writer for the University publication. I'm still expecting more to come my way this semester. Like news stories to write, deadlines to meet, more teeth-grinding mental stuff. Despite all this, I'm pretty grateful that I'm beginning to be proactive. Opportunities like this don't come around often.

Wisdom Tooth

Nothing is more excruciating of an experience for a young adult than the emergence of a wisdom tooth. It hurts. And what's annoying is the more painful feeling of an intense migraine that results from the dental pain. I don't know how to deal with it, since it's, shall I say, part of "growing up."

Rising Dawn

On June 12, 1898, a very significant event took place. An event that has become a symbol of national pride and liberty. Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, standing on the balcony of his ancestral home before a large mass of his fellowmen in Kawit, Cavite, made the proclamation that the Philippines was no longer under the rule of Spain. It was a moment of victory for the Filipino people. After nearly 333 years of settling at the hands of the colonizers, Filipinos had finally took their first taste of freedom.

But how pure is freedom nowadays? How are we sure that we are totally free from tyranny? From oppression and persecution? The succeeding years after Aguinaldo's proclamation, the nation came under fire from another set of tyrannic oppression. We did not fully embrace total freedom during the rule of the Americans and the Japanese. Even to this day, freedom is but a lone word, distant from our grasps.

The Americans introduced themselves as our friends. Being a nation of freedom-loving peoples, they wanted what is best for a country which suffered under the oppressive policies of the Spanish monarchy for three centuries. Most will say that the Americans and Filipinos are alike in terms of historical background. Both nations experienced the grueling conditions under despotic rule. And both nations took to arms with great eagerness to yearn for total liberty. It is a matter of fact that, in some way, we have this common factor with the Americans. But that was not the case, as they became the successors of the Spaniards. Their authority was far different than that of their predecessors. They trained us on how to run a democratic form of government and introduced us to the blessings of public education. Their acts were only stepping stones towards a better life of being free. But, all in all, we were not totally free being under their boots, so to speak.
The essence of freedom is all about liberation from foreign intervention. Therefore, under the Americans, we were not totally free, but rather, we were having the potential to be free with their ideas of democracy.

With the aid of the Americans, the Filipinos' anticipation for true independence heightened. The Philippine Commonwealth was introduced in 1935 to better prepare the country towards a democratic future. But one roadblock was laid ahead that stagnated the country and subjected it to another regime supposedly far worse than that of the Spaniards. The Second World War brought the Japanese to out doorstep. With their own blend of tyranny and aggression, they terrorized the nation and humbled it to its knees. Under the Japanese, independence seemed a fragmented dream. However, that bloody regime ended, and from the ashes of war, the Philippine nation had been given independence.

Truly, another moment of triumph. The Japanese left our shores, and so did the Americans. Should we conclude then that everything became more different now that foreigners had left the country? There is no reason to be optimistic by that assertion. We did gain our independence, but did we really gain true freedom? True liberty from tyranny?

We had gained our independence, but the succeeding years were blotted by the emergence of another form of tyranny. Ferdinand Marcos rose to power. Martial Law took control of the country by his blend of corporate tyranny and social oppression. His rise saw the mass persecution of intellectuals, student activists, university professors and others who he deemed antagonistic towards the new order.

The collapse of Marcos' regime brought about a new optimistic feeling in the hearts of the Filipinos. But much like in the past years, oppression still exists, in the form of political suppression and social stagnation. How can we call ourselves free if our lives are being controlled by megalomaniacs we call politicians? Corruption is another factor that made me realize that we are not experiencing freedom at its sincerest. With thousands of our fellow Filipinos starving due to the greedy advances of these "crocodiles-in-office", our country is being enslaved by yet another form of tyrannical rule. This time, it's Filipino exploiting Filipino.

Last week, as the 15th president, Pres. Benigno S. Aquino III, took oath as the new leader of our nation, more and more Filipinos are still hoping for another dawn. A dawn that may bring about a new light of optimism. A dawn that may change the souls of every Filipino. A dawn that may write itself in history as the moment of triumph over years and years of tyranny and oppression.

We may not see a new dawn right now. But we should look forward to it, as it may bring about great change. Perhaps, a brighter and much more dignified future that will hopefully perpetuate and overshadow our nation's turbulent past.

I feel afraid
Was it something I said
Was it the way I moved
Walking on the dunes
Alone and so confused

To sail away
It is my decision
To sail away
Cold and bitter
To the fray
Sailing on my own
This time

Drifting pass
I want to break that hourglass
And turn back to the time
I said things that were so sublime
Yet so bad in taste
I load a gun just in case

I hate the way
I move, and talk, and sway
Swaying through the waters of
Life itself
Remembering that fateful day
I said things that were short of honesty
Short of joy and short of glee

Burying
Those bitter memories I loathe and revile
Burying them six feet down
Looking at the sky and say
Was there a time I gave a smile
That fateful day
Distancing from close friends
Is this the beginning
Or is this the end?

Locked away
I bid farewell to that chest of dreams
Of bitter dreams and evil schemes
My mind is blank
And filled with thoughts of senseless acts
If there's one way to lose everything
I'd pick the part where the funeral bells ring

Bidding goodbye
From the fears and awful times
Times I hate where my friends had cried
Because of unsound moments and atrocities

Apologize
The only way out from here
From rational thoughts
That are unclear
And meaningless in taste

Revelry
The only thing I want to be
Is a withering maple tree
Waiting for the fall of leaves
Life is just a heap of leaves
Blown away by hostile winds
Never to be picked up again

Cold and numb
My soul is just cold and numb
Falling away from this cold, hard breeze
Life comes around in a sneeze

(Sorry for the way I acted. Sorry if I hurt anyone. Emotionally. Unintentionally.)

Back

So I was on hiatus for about a week. I miss logging in to my Facebook account. I felt so primitive without an Internet connection. Anyways, I'm back. Still kicking and keeping it surreal, if you will. But I just realized that I need to create at least six posts in this blog for the month of June to compensate and meet "my required quota". So that means I should write in a non-stop manner and at least make blog posts that actually have important and significant content.

Time, time, frggin' time.

So, my classes start tomorrow, so is my first take as a sophomore. I am as eager as a child salivating for a lollipop. I just can't shrug off the thought that time can be so hasty now that I'm in college. It's as if I just finished my Math 26 exam last Friday. Life is moving incredibly fast, and I don't know if I'm the only guy who notices that. Anything can change with a blink of an eye, and I'm saying it in a metaphorical way because time is starting to move in very unexpected ways. Unexpected because I was caught off guard when I realized that June was coming. Much to my disappointment, and with a little piece of eagerness in me, I let it slip away and tried to embrace the very thought of it.

As far as it goes, time can be somewhat burdensome to people like me who just want to take things in slow, semi-serious pace. But I am satisfied right now because I am spared from summer idleness. Now that I am well oiled and my mind is hungry, yet again, for learning, I can fully say that, although time may grab me by the neck unexpectedly, I have got to live with it and ride it smoothly like a wave.

Kicking Back.

I need some time to kick back, relax and think while I'm at it. Plan my strategy for my up and coming life as a sophomore. I'm a bit nervous because I don't really have an idea on what is in store for me in the coming days. So, it's best and obviously the most practical way if I could just concentrate 60% of my total functions as a living organism on my studies. That way, academic dominance will just be as easy as taking a walk in the park.

For now, I'm enjoying the soft sounds of French Jazz music on the net. What better way to relax before the start of school than an afternoon of emotional intimacy with Carla Bruni? Helps me think effectively every time I listen to her voice. Sach le bleu! Je suis amoreux!

A New Start

So, June is already here. We all know what that means. It is simply the time where all of us escape from summer idleness and head back to school and burn our brain cells for another academic year. After almost three months, school is coming back around the corner, with whatever it has in store for us; let it be a prosperous and cooperative year with excellent grades, or just another, usual academic year with crappy, vomit-inducing, gut-churning marks.

For me, going back to school isn't always about the grades. It's all about embracing the Philippine educational system. Well, apart from that, since I don't know much about the political side of academia, I am very eager for another year I am going to spend with my college homies. It is true that I miss school for that simple reason. It's been long since I've seen my buddies, so there's a kind of heart warming feeling around me every time I come around that thought.

So, next week, my classes will start. I'll be burning more brain cells than I've burned before because I think that my grades need a boost, lest they need a miracle. Aside from that, I think I need a good start. I promised myself to become more proactive. That means I need to contribute my drawings to the student publication and start attending seminars and events.

That is all I need for this year.

Technological Blues

Technology has changed the way we live our lives. I know that most of us possess a gadget or two and that we spend a minimum of six hours a day on the internet, whether to Tweet, make a blog post or watch a viral video on Youtube about a cat that rides a unicycle. Apart from amusement and personal interests and pursuits, modern technology  has given us an easier take on our everyday activities, whether it be simple or complex. In addition, modern technology has introduced us to new possibilities deemed impossible during the simple glory  days of  churning butter and riding horseback to a store just to buy a butter churner. My point is that rapid technological advancement has replaced old habits and introduced new habits fit for this new age of sophistication.  Most of the hassles we endured during the past are now gone, all thanks to the introduction of  sophisticated technology.

As an act of showing to the world that our country can embrace progress, the Philippines for the first time used modern means to deliver safer, more credible and cheat-free elections. The general election last May 10 introduced the nation to a whole new system of democratic suffrage. At first, it seemed that there were a lot of talks about the many flaws that would arise from the use of poll automation. This is usually the reaction that surfaces from the fear of using sophisticated tech. Many of us were wondering, if not pondering, if poll automation could do any good for our future. Our pessimistic senses have taken its toll on us. We could sense only the negative effects of technology, not seeing the true capabilities of it to illicit significant social change. We truly are a nation that expects the worse from technological advancement. It is the pessimists in us that prohibit us to try new things, to shun important change and progress.

But apart from such attitudes, we still expressed our desire to take a stand for our right to choose freely those who we deem fit as leaders. And modern technology can do just that, by letting us vote without the obstructions of unfair political actions. But human intervention has its ways to bend the system.

We couldn't say that the poll automated general election was a success, amidst allegations of fraud, but it gave us an idea that a significant adaptation to the unrelenting progress of technology is nothing to be afraid of. There were scandals concerning the new system, but are we even sure that those allegations are even credible? Most of us may believe that it is the work of an embittered politician, responding to his defeat by taking advantage of the nation's distrust to the new system. These allegations are the workings of dirty politicians who only wanted to cause trouble by pointing out anomalies that do not exist. It will only be perceived as true if anyone from a certain camp submit to the public the needed evidences that were used in the fraud.

I just wanted to say that technology  has given us the blessing of convenience, whether the form of convenience may either be beneficial or destructive, depending on how humans comprehend proper use for the better. The way most Filipinos look at it, because of the emergence of such scandalous allegations, the use of technology only prompted adverse conclusions. Technology, in some other sense, doesn't work that way. If there is something (or better yet, someone) to receive the blame, it is the humans themselves. Technology, like what I said, can either bring good or bad effects. Sure, technology can be subjected to certain limitations and a number of technical faults, but the real score here is that technology didn't have anything to do with the mentioned fraud. It is simply the result of an embittered politician who wanted to compensate for his defeat by making up accusations that he was cheated upon.

To be honest, I'm not much of a techie person, but I could clearly see the effects of sophisticated technology on our society today. I may not possess an iPhone and I am currently using a desktop PC deemed obsolete, but as far as I know, technological advancement is vital for our survival in the coming age.

Carla Bruni

I am officially in love with French music, particularly with Carla Bruni (And may I remind you that she is also the spouse of  the current president of France). I watched a music video of her song, "L'amoureuse" and I really admire her musical prowess. Though my understanding of the French language is very limited, Carla Bruni introduced me to a whole new musical experience worth cherishing forever. I got to hand it to the French, they really know how to reach inside me and twist my soul a little bit with their music.

Basketball!

Yes! After many curious years, I've finally able to play basketball without looking like a malnourished wimp. Well, I do agree I look like a malnourished wimp, but who cares?! I'm already playing basketball and getting the hang of it. Up yours Lebron!! Ha!

To Transfer or Not

I'm stuck with a dilemma. The start of a new academic year is just around the corner. And it got me thinking if I should transfer to a different university or not. I'm not saying that I hate staying at CPU. In fact, I come to love CPU, with all it's wonders and other stuff I'm familiar with. But I have this choice to transfer to WVSU. From private university to state university? Well, since my family's having a rough time budgeting our finances, it came to my mind that transferring to West will be a practical action. During my days as a freshman at Central, I had to ride two jeepneys just to get to the university. Apart from that, budgeting my allowance required critical thinking. I had to save a small amount for myself. but then again, there were projects. So I had to say goodbye to my dream of acquiring an iPhone. Life bites, but hey, at least I met other people. Even the eccentrics.

I'm not saying that CPU is not that good. I believe it's standards are high and it's one of the most prestigious universities in the Visayas. But, I think it's much proper if I transfer to West. Since I'm experiencing a little financial downturn, WVSU can offer me affordable, if not considerable, tuition fees. Also, I can ride only one jeepney towards West's campus, so that means I can save Php14.00 everyday, and perhaps, I can save enough cash for a freakin' sweet iPhone. Yesh!!

But then again, I lack the confidence to transfer. I want to transfer, but I'm too lazy to adjust to a whole new environment. Transferring from one university to another is like venturing to other galaxies. I have thoughts that maybe, West's academic environment is much different from Central's. It will leave me in a state of either shock or awkwardness.

I still have 10 more days to go before making my final decision. Transfer or not to transfer. transfer or not to transfer. Transfer or not to transfer!! Arrghh!! The pressure!!!

Looking for inspiration to write a short story.

As the nation continues to hold its breath for the results of the General Election, I'm going to look for effective ways to write a good short story, to pass the time and kill the political suspense. Problem is, I don't have anything in my noggin to conjure up a story. I can't just suck inspiration out from the net; so I'm going to lie down for a short while and let some nifty ideas pass through my dry cerebrum.

Summer is coming to an end. Goodbye to boring, dull afternoons. Hello again, academic headaches. But before the start of the next school year, I should do something that can make me feel less abhorrent to this summer vacation of mine. So I thought that writing is the answer, and besides, I've never written any compositions before, apart from a few essays and discussions. I want to be more creative and find my inner potential in writing. I can honestly say that I have talent in the field of visual arts, but it is not enough to find a deeper purpose for myself. And besides, visual arts, during my younger years, has been my only field of specialty. Why not add other talents. As the saying goes, "The more, the merrier." Or cooler as I may say.

So, short stories. I say let's have a go for it!

After Almost Ten Years: A New Age

Today, registered Filipino voters are crowding their respective voting centers and precincts to determine the fate of the nation. With our votes, we can make a change after almost a decade of insincere and unfair governance. We have suffered enough under the present administration. It's time for us, as a nation, to take a stand for the better.

We should not be fooled by petty envelopes of cash. Better yet, we need to bear in mind that OUR FUTURE IS NOT FOR SALE.

Election Blues

Just got home from a poll watcher's briefing. Thanks to my brother, who convinced me so much to cooperate, I now have the opportunity to do something significant for tomorrow's National Election. I'm kinda nervous though, by the thought of what if I will not do well in my job. Still, I shall do whatever it takes to maintain a clean and honest election.

For the Filipino voters, please be wise. Don't let yourselves be fooled by soft speech and envelopes of cash. It's time for us to be more sophisticated and dignified. I say, tomorrow, let us go out and exercise our right to vote; ignore bribes and defy antagonisms that would purge the sincerity of the election.

Remember, we are not doing this for the benefit of a single person; we are doing this for the future of the Filipino people.

Earthquake!

Just recently, a 4.0 magnitude earthquake shook some areas of the province of Iloilo at exactly 10:50 PM, which, judging from my PC clock, was an hour or so ago. I was playing a single player game of Stronghold when all of a sudden the PC desk started shaking, as well as the ceiling fan. Not only that, the lights were flickering and I could sense that something destructive might come. Fortunately, the tremors didn't last long, lasting only seconds. It was a relief for my family's part. Still, during the shaking, I felt an adrenaline rush thinking that the quake would intensify, and it would leave me and my family a dilemma.

It's a good thing the quake didn't intensify into a massive, violent tremor that would leave Iloilo in wreckage.

And it's a good thing that there were no casualties. But as far as I'm concerned, earthquakes can come unexpectedly. We can be caught off guard by those tremors. So it's better to be prepared than to suffer in the end, as many will say.

I'll end right here. There are more earthquake-related stories I need to tell, but this lad's going to bed. All this talk about earthquakes makes me feel drowsy. Nightie night dudes and dudettes. -_-

Random Rantings.

Everything is crap. The system. The whole social structure. Oh, why must we suffer under such circumstances?  It is as if we are living in a decaying world, where society is fucked up by ideologies and political oppression. Where are the real human beings? Where the hell are they? Sitting in their offices that's for sure; and they call themselves leaders amidst the scandals they have committed. Is there such thing as an honest, trustworthy, goody-two-shoes politician? No. Most of them are dead. Turned into greedy zombies that devour everything they lay their disgusting, pig-like hands on. And we don't want a greedy, money loving zombie in any public office now, do we?

The reason why this country is getting crappier every year is that we voted for people who care more about themselves; who doesn't give a rat-ass about the condition of this nation. Like Frankenstein, we are the ones who are responsible for the existence of megalomaniacs.

So, come May 10, as we go to our respective precincts and exercise our right to choose; we must bear in mind that we are voting not for the benefit of the a single person, but for a brighter future for the Filipino Nation.

With that, I will leave a simple, yet provocative message to the voters: "Vote wisely... if not... then we're all going to rot with the dead."

Summer vacations are getting boring every year!

I'm not being a kill joy here, but seriously, summer is being a bitch! The heat. The boredom. The unusual feeling that you miss school for some forsaken reason. Before, I kept myself on an ecstatic frenzy whenever the whole vacation starts. But now, things have taken a different streak. Summer is killing me... slowly. Like a razor blade attempting to decapitate you second by slow second.

I have no places to go. No other activities to do. No amusing stuff to cheer me up. I may as well spend every single minute of my vacation furnishing my drawing skills. That way, I can be distracted from the blistering heat.

Oh, how I want this summer to end!

Oh, and speaking of drawings, I'm still having thoughts on posting some of my works on this blog. Pretty soon, perhaps.

Artworks

Do you know what this blog is lacking right now? Artworks.

I'm planning on posting some of my works on this blog. Not that I want to show-off. So expect a lot of sketches I did during my first year of college to be posted on this blog. But for the meantime, let me indulge myself with some eye-candy I found on the net. @_@

Peace yo!

Urban Tones

An artist in his flat,
splashing colors to fill the canvass

A young poet resting on a hammock,
reminiscing dreams when he was still naive

A hotheaded cab driver
cursing at the jeepney in front of him

A stoner, alone in an attic,
feeling a little dazed by illusions

A student activist, raising his fist in the air,
screaming, ranting of what should've been done

A smoker beside a STOP sign,
breathin, experiencing urban life

A gamer, in his abode,
bragging on how good he is online

An ice cream vendor with his cart,
traversing from street to street

A young child, flying a kite,
living the days of his youth

A mother, five weeks pregnant,
chatting with friends at a coffee shop

A policeman, gun in hand,
pursuing a delinquent

A pedicab driver, laughing,
enjoying the sights with his companions

A bass player, writing
pondering for new material

A frustrated novelist,
frustrated at his own talent; desperate

A beggar, hungry and alone
relieved by the company of his brothers and sisters

 A father on his death bed,
speaking in whispers his love for his son

A wandering photographer,
takes shots of passing cars

A traffic enforcer,
taking a break at a bread shop

A war veteran,
scars on his cheek and arms

A widow grieving,
with the trees and the stones

A teacher, robust and meticulous,
staunch and strict

A wide collection
of personalities of different sorts
Living the urban life,
dreaming...

Still, they dream 

A poem I contrived during a hot summer afternoon, while listening to Archipelago's song May 1. This poem was inspired by that song.

The Pacific

The Pacific reminds me of tropical tranquility. I'm talking about sandy beaches, clear skies, palm trees and exotic flora, cool waves, scenic landscapes and islands  and of course, the ocean breeze teasing your skin as it passes by. This is the Pacific we know today. Tranquil, peaceful, absolutely beautiful. But it was far different from the Pacific the veterans of the US Marine Corps had experienced. From 1941-1945, to them, it was hell on earth. The sandy beaches were once littered with corpses of young marines, the islands were ablaze and littered with bomb craters, floating bodies and metallic parts from destroyed ships were scattered throughout its waters. Those are the appropriate words to describe the war-torn Pacific of the 40's. It's a good thing that HBO has presented WWII junkies, like me, with another groundbreaking miniseries that can certainly picture out the drama and trauma experienced by US Marines, as they battled their way through the beaches and jungles of the Pacific isles, served in key battles that defined the gruesome reality of the Pacific theater and endured the unendurable elements that no ordinary man could ever bear.

The Pacific premiered on HBO on Saturday, April 3, on 9:00 PM, and I was blown away by it's first two episodes, as if I was shot by a bazooka in point blank range. Produced by the same guys who brought Band of Brothers (Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks), The Pacific chronicles the many ordeals faced by three US Marines who went on service in the Pacific Theater of World War II. From their perspectives, they pictured out the many challenges they and their fellow marines had experienced, as they fought an unfamiliar enemy in important battles, from Guadalcanal to Okinawa. Unlike Band of Brothers, where it sympathized the exploits of the 101st Airborne Division as they parachuted throughout Europe, The Pacific shows a detailed account on how the USMC fought their battles in East Asia. It's the marines I'm talking about, and most of the fighting is seen on beaches , so expect a lot of  amphibious landings and tropical action.

The Pacific is a well-crafted in-your-face war story about the emotional turmoil that had been haunting these marines as they wade through the turbulent jungles and harsh climate of the East. It's a remarkable take, as a matter of fact. WWII junkies like me shouldn't worry about the issue of WWII realism. Like it's predecessors, Band of Brothers and Saving Private Ryan, this new miniseries event is not short of realistic combat scenes and historical accuracy.

All in all, I'm deeply overwhelmed by the first two episodes I've seen. I'd like to share what I saw on the first two episodes, but it's better if others would watch it for themselves and sink their minds into the whole storyline,  rather than having an eccentric spoil the whole series. From start to finish, The Pacific can blow the minds of WWII aficionados with the real score of real-time war and the drama that besets it.

Daydreams

It is my usual tendency to daydream. Ever since kindergarten, I daydream about a lot of things. Once, I daydreamed being someone out of a fantasy novel, and it didn't turned out well when I became the laughing stock of the town. Daydreaming could help people, especially desperate artists like yours truly, to add color to the world they despise as being dull and lifeless. Wikipedia defines daydreaming as a "visionary fantasy experienced while awake, especially one of happy, pleasant thoughts, hopes and ambitions". To put it simply, it's like dreaming in a semi-aware state, where you bend reality in a way that could relate to you and your imaginary motives.

Well, as a self-styled eccentric, daydreaming is a tool. A tool to help me understand and look at the world in a different, if not, twisted perspective. It is my hobby. That thing I want to do once in a while to escape the harsh reality of this antagonistic world.

But some people call daydreaming a meaningless waste of time. A senseless pursuit for nonsense and the like. Something that could hinder human development, maybe? But why should they contradict such activity that had helped produce a wide array of geniuses, literary moguls and artistic demigods?

In actuality, many of the world's brightest minds who made an impact on humanity took their inspiration solely from reverie. Take Leonardo Da Vinci, for example.He was one of the forerunners of the Renaissance period. A true genius during his time. The way how his innovative mind ticked is reflected in his notebooks filled with sketches of the human anatomy and objects that were not even invented during his time. He owe it all to his craftiness, and of course, to the times he spent daydreaming.

Daydreaming could lead one to a vast treasure trove of ideas. Ideas that could develop the whole aspect of a person. Ideas that could influence someone to be excellent.

Like it or not, daydreaming is here to stay. And as long as a lot of people are indulging themselves in reverie, creativity will not cease in this unimaginative world.

Eighteen

I turned 18 last week, on the 25th of March. And I don't know if I have a reason to be ecstatic or otherwise. It was ironic to actually spend my birthday at the funeral parlor. Ironic in the sense that birthdays are supposed to celebrate life. But the real point is that I am now 18. Old enough to vote. Old enough to find a job. Old enough to flash my driver's license at walking pedestrians as you drive by (Well, that is if I have a driver's license).

Being 18, to some, is the age wherein you start having second thoughts with life. There are some who fear that they are getting older. Yet, there are others who interpret this age as the "Age of Doing Whatever You Like, and Nobody Should Give An *F About It". For me, it's that chapter of one's life is not about getting laid, or having your first shot of premium vodka, or showing off your pubic hair to your unsuspecting friends while you scream out loud, "CAN'T TOUCH THIS BIATCH!". It's about emerging from your shell. From your childish shell that's been shackling you for quite some time.

I don't give much importance to the fact that I am now 18, and should enjoy special privileges. It's a "coming of age"; big deal. I don't get amused of myself when I'm getting older. In fact, Reyshimar will still be the same old eccentric homicidal maniac, no matter how old he gets.

And that, my friends, is my creed.

Dying and the Like

Death. "The Big Sleep". "The Final Page". "The Sunset". "The Climax". The...The...Well, there are actually numerous metaphorical descriptions of death, but I seem to have forgotten most of them. But I think the one that really appeals to me and stands out as my favorite is that death is an  "Awakening". I believe that life continues even after death. We re-awaken in another world after we passed away from the other we left behind. Death is not merely the Big End. But rather a continuation, a sequel perhaps. We don't merely die, rot away and that's that.We continue on living, in what most of us call the afterlife. Who knows what's in store for us in that other world. Maybe we will finally take never-ending rest  from the worries and problems we had during our stay in the physical world. Maybe we will finally seek eternal paradise.

Beginning right now, as I am writing this blog entry, I have relieved myself from the fear of death. I used to have doubts of  whether or not there is such thing as an afterlife. But when a Tita of mine died on Monday, March 22, 2010, at around 6:00 in the morning, my understanding of death was clarified. Death comes around unexpectedly, and there's not a damn thing you can do about it. My family agrees, as well as the rest of the world. Death is a norm. My relatives reminded me that. As a norm, one must accept it as a norm. I hope my Tita accepted it as it was. Her passing was very unexpected. It shocked the whole family tree. But all of us assured ourselves that she is in a better place, a place she may call paradise.

Death comes unexpectedly. And there's not a damn thing you can do about it. Even Superman (Remember Christopher Reeve?) was not spared from this. I can sense that right now, my Tita expects us to live our lives for a while. And I know she's waiting for us to come...one after another.

The End of Freshman Year: Finally!

It's that time again when you take a long rest from a  long time spent with books and studying your butt off just to get in the Dean's List. Summer's here and it's high time for me to relax, lay myself on the couch and watch life go by in the tube. My first year of college was good for me. I had a good grasp of what it's like to be a college kid and met new faces and went to new places I hadn't visited before. For the long run, college is a wild ride, especially when you've experienced it for the first time. But still, it was a little pain in the buttocks if you ask me how it was being a freshman. Now that the Finals is over (marked by a traumatic Statistics exam), I'm now regaining the teen spirit I lost from overloading myself during those times where I need to sacrifice simple pleasures to fulfill the promise that I would become a Dean's Lister.

Let me indulge myself with the sweet freedom from brain-bending Statistics problems, frustrating subject assignments, and exhausting LTS Outreaches. Yet, I do not have even a single shard of an idea on how to spend this freedom I long yearned.Oh the perils of boredom! It is really annoying when summer's already here and you still don't have anything in mind. Maybe it's because of the trauma I feel after the end of my first year of college. Well at least, it's worth it. The people I met, the many personalities I discovered compensated for the frustrations I had during those days. I couldn't say that college sucked the fun out the naivety in me, but it is college that made me come out of my shell. That made me realize the existence of other people (No offense meant.)

Summer's here and it's time for me to rejuvenate myself. After one last hang-out with my close friends at CPU (Rochelle, Ian, Apols, Jane and Miggy), I begin to realize that I am free, and the fact that I survived the portals of another chapter in my erratic life.

Now, let me just sit for a while and amuse myself with eccentric stuff in the internet. Give me a little time to pull myself together and embrace the summer with desperation.

My Dilemma with Mathematics

To be honest, I'm not very good with numbers. They're tricky little bastards who play tricks with your mind, bending your rationale every time you seek a solution to every mathematical problem. It's not that I hate math, I just hate the frustration I feel every time I come across another statistics problem. People keep telling me that mathematics needs a little effort to master, yet I still have the same old habit of scratching my head silly if I come across a list of sample sets and standard deviations and other confusing statistics-related stuff. Let's just say that I don't have the potential to become a Math-savvy college nerd, nor an average college kid with a love for numbers. Still, I should prioritize and focus all my neurons on this subject. After all, I have plans to enter the Dean's list and get "benefits" at home. Tomorrow's gonna be my last dance with Math 26, the final exam for that subject to say the least. Hope I'll get a higher grade than what I got from last sem.

Blogging: The Best Way to Waste Needless Time

So I started blogging. Big deal. As if anyone could read my posts. I mean, who's interested in the life of a typical college kid? Well, there will only be a teaspoon of souls who are willing to know the what's what in my dull life. Still, I started blogging for two reasons, and two reasons only:

1. I'm bored.
2. I'm bored and I need a hobby.

So that's that. Why spend the summer outside when you can type your thoughts online. And I just realized the mental benefits you can get from blogging mindlessly. I don't want to waste my time, slacking off, watching Oprah and other useless crap. Well, at least I could develop my potential to become a award-winning author by blogging. Someday, perhaps.