Protect Vs. Destroy

“Before time began, there was… the cube. We know not where it comes from, only that it holds the power to create worlds and fill them with life. That is how our race was born. For a time we lived in harmony, but like all great power, some wanted it for good. Others, for evil. And so, began the war. A war that ravaged our planet until it was consumed by death. … And just when all hope seemed lost, message of a new discovery drew us to an unknown planet called… Earth. But, we were already too late.”  Yes, the planet which Optimus Prime came from was gravely destroyed. When they lost all hope they were led to this planet, a fairly small planet in this massive universe. The question now is, were they truly too late? Is this world of ours heading for the same fate as their planet?  Our earth used to be such a fertile and lush home for creatures living in harmony. Men were provided with all their needs. One can grow in peace and abundance for Mother Earth never did ask for compensation. However, time itself was like a ticking bomb. The Destructicons soon entered into man’s life and man readily accepted them. Greed, Indolence, Voracity, Frustration and Discontent led the rapid obliteration of the Earth.  After realizing the consequences, man was divided. Others acted while others were apathetic leaving the youth confused and undecided. Is it too late?  No matter what the past has wrought, it cannot be undone. However, in this world lies a hope, the same hope which led the Autobots here. This hope is the future, the youth. Youth, you have the power to correct our father’s mistake. You have the choice to accept the same fate or change our destiny of destruction. In you hands lies the ability to make a difference. In you heart lies the courage to stand up for what is right. You can save this world one step at a time through little ways. Altogether, you are an army for our Mother, our force to break away those who destroy her. You can become a Destructicon yourself but you have the choice to become a Transformer, a Transformer for the environment, a Transformer of society.   

We Are!! (Editorial)

It was the best of times; it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before usCharles Dickens , A Tale of Two Cities
English novelist (1812 – 1870) How can you measure the worth of a year? The true value of gold can only be measured once put into the flames. If the metal withstands the intense heat of the blaze, its value and worth is verified. In the same way, the strength of any institution is proven by the great test of time. They say that the number of years does not matter. Instead, it is the life in those years that count. 10 years is lengthy. 50 years is long. Just imagine how long 95 years is. That is how long this institution has been standing tall.  Pasig Catholic College has seen it all. Times came when it almost fell apart. From the lack of classrooms to finally being recognized, from surviving the Second World War to reconstructing the school, PCC has stood firm.  From the arrival of Rev. Fr. Cornelio and the Belgian missionaries, incessant changes came each year. First there was a spare classroom with 28 pupils, now thousands of students benefit from the 8 buildings of the institution. Throughout all of these years, PCC was in good hands, hands that led to further progress. Physical transformations aren’t the only major changes in this beloved school.  Different departments were formed little by little until the school finally established the school of Graduate Studies. The Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities or PAASCU has recently accredited the school and its departments further proving the eminence of education in the institution. In 2001, the Diocese of Pasig was formed and PCC became the Diocesan school of Pasig. Just like the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, PCC has adopted the Immaculate Conception as its beloved mother and patron saint. Teachers have come and gone leaving a legacy in the hearts and minds of students and fellows alike.  Students have left its halls and pursued their own lives after dwelling for years in this beloved home. Still, more students continue to learn and experience the motivation and purpose of the school’s persistent existence.  PCC as a Catholic school has not only evangelized and taught its students about the doctrines and teachings of the Church but also developed a fervent and personal love for God in every student. In its subsistence throughout these years, it has been an instrument for transforming society.  PCC has strengthened the sense of purpose and responsibility that most importantly transmits into action. PCC responds to the call of the community and of society itself. As the community necessitated education, PCC responded with a true commitment to quality catholic education. It has been a venue for higher learning and development of insight.  It educates to build good leaders and responsible citizens of the country. PCC continuously heeds the call of the under-privileged countrymen. Through different outreach activities, the preferential option of the school for the less fortunate is revealed. PCC is one with the community in making a brighter future for everyone especially the deprived and needy. Throughout all these roles, our dear PCC joins the world in prayer and encourages others in making the world a peaceful place for all.   Inspired by the humble beginnings but faithful evangelizing of the school all the way through, the Pasig Catholic College- Center for the Performing Arts (PCC-CPArts) will show the brilliance and unwavering talents of PCCians in the performing arts through the Grand Musical Variety on February 22, 2008. Through the “We Are” hand gesture, PCCians express their identity as true Persons of Character and Competence. This is what PCC is all about. After a few more years, the road to its centenary shall be completed. A community of persons of character and competence is not only the ideal that this school pursues to produce. This is the reality we are aiming and facing. The three fingers of the “We Are” signal signify PCC’s sense of oneness with nature, its Catholic education and the people-centered community of the school. These three ideals combined provide a sense of belonging that no PCCian can ever forget in his entire life. For nine decades, this institution has seen good and bad times. In each year that passed, failures came and triumphs arrived. Challenges come and go but the school stands firm and proud. The 95 years of molding followers of Christ truly is worth celebrating.   

CANDIDATES QUALIFICATIONS and PLATFORM of GOVERNMENT

          >> Sa pagpili ng damit na isusuot o kahit sa kaibigan at ka-ibigan, meron tayong mga bagay na hinahanap sa kanila. Sa damit, dapat ganito ang kulay at ganito ang tela, sa kaibigan nmn dapat magkapareho kayo ng mga interests.. Sa pagpili ng kandidato meron rin tayong mga dapat hanapin. Hindi basta basta ang pagpili sa kanila. Hindi puro porma, dapat may plataporma. Ayon sa ppcrv.. 1. God Centered (Makadiyos)>> Una sa lahat, nagunguna pa rin ang Amang nasa taas. Mahirap maghanap ng kandidatong talagang Makadiyos, talagang nagmamahal at may takot sa Panginoon. Marami dyan ang nagpapanggap lang na madasalin. Marami dyan ang pakitang tao lang. We should look for someone who “walks his talks”. Kung sinsabi niya na mahal niya ang Diyos, dapat hindi lang salita, It should be reflected in the life he leads. Sa bawat galaw at desisyon niya, talagang naipapakita niya ang pagmamahal niya kay Lord. Msasabi ba na mahal niya si lord kung nagagawa niyang manlinlang at manloko ng kapwa? Masasabi bang mahal niya si lord kung binabayaran niya ang ibang tao pra pumatay ng kanyang kaaway?                                                                                 2. Pro Democracy , Pro Country (Makabayan At Makademokrasya)>> Naku, mukang bihira lang din ang mga pulitikong ganito. Naisip mo n b kung anu b tlga ang napapala ng mga pulitiko at gustong gusto nilang kumandidato? Para sa bayan nga ba? O para sa sariling interes? Ano sa tingin mo? Sa isang ideal government, ang mga pulitiko ay ay tatakbo dahil gusto nilang maglingkod sa bansa at sa taong bayan. Hindi kapangayrihan ang habol nila. Kpag tumanggap sila ng kapangyarihan, gagamitin nila ito para sa matuwid ang mali at maipagtanggol ang demokrasya ng bansa. Ang Pilipinas ay naitatag sa prinsipyo ng demokrasiya at kung sino man ang hahadlang sa kalayaan at karapatan ng bawat Pilipino ay mananagot sa batas. Mahalaga sa bawat Pilipino ang demokrasya natin, kung hindi wala tayong edsa 1,2,3 at 4.. 3. Pro People (Makatao)>>Ano o sino ang pinakamahalagang salik ng bansa? Sino pa ba kung hindi ang tao. Ang kandidatong iboboto niyo ay dapat naniniwala sa kahalagahan ng kapayapaan, hustisya at pagmamahal sa kapwa. Hindi biased. Pantay pantay ang pagtingin sa tao, walang isang pinagllingkuran, walang mayaman, walang mahirap pagdating sa serbisyo at sa hustisya.  Walang kinkilingan, walang  prinopreotectahan   ,serbisyong totoo lamang. Madalas kasi hindi na talaga makatao ang mga hakbang na isinasagawa. Makatao ba na bigla ka na lang bombahin ng tubig e meron namang ibang paraan pra idisperse kau? Ang karahasan ang dapat kinokondena hindi ginagawa.  Ang tao ay dapat pinagsisilbihan hindi linalapastangan4. Pro Poor (Makadukha)>> sinsabi sa economics na ang batayan ng pag unlad ng bansa ay ang gnp at gdp.. asus, statistics lang un, gusto niyo ng statistics? Ayon sa PopCom, 30.6 milyong pinoy ang mahirap. 1.5 million ang ipinapanganak na pinoy kada taon at 600k ang ipinapanganak sa mahirap na magulang. Kahit na tumaas pa ang halaga ng piso kontra dolyar, hindi naman nito maiaahan ang lahat ng Pilipino mula sa kahirapan. Sa tingin mo ba may pakialam ang mga batang natutulog sa kalsada kung tumaas man ang gnp ng pinas? Xempre wala. Ang mga mayaman ay lalong yumayaman pero ang mga mahirap, lalong nalulugmok. Kailangan ng kandidatong makadukha. Kailangan ng taong may tunay na malasakit sa mga pilipinong nagugutom at nagdurusa. Minsan nang nagkaroon ng pulitikong tunay na makadukha at siya’y walang iba kundi si Ramon Magsaysay. Nung siya  ang nakaupo sa puwesto, talagang naramdaman ng mahihirap ang malasakit nya, ang malakanyang mismo ay nagging literal na “house of the people” pagkat binuksan niya ito sa publiko. Sanay hindi si magsaysay ang huli. 5. Integrity and Transparency (May Integridad)>> Hirap maghanap nito. Halos lahat ng pangulo ay may mga transparency programs laban sa katiwalian at sa totoo lang ang dami nating mga anti graft and corruption laws pero bkt ganito pa rin ang bansa natin diba? Kung walang tinatago, bkt bigla bigla na lang may ibbuwelta ang mga pulitiko sa isa’t isa. Ang gobyerno natin mismo ang nagsisiraan at nagtakda ng self destruction nito.. panay ang labas ng kanya kanyang baho at bahid ng karumihan.. panu moh naman masasabi na mapagkakatiwalaan mo ang isang pulitiko kung halimbawa lang, nagtetelebabad xa sa telepono.. nag hehelo helo… 6. Competent and a Man of Action (Magaling)>> sabi nga ng paborito kong marvel hero, “with great power comes great responsibility”.. hindi maaaring iluklok sa mataas na posisyon ang isang kandidato ng basta basta. Kailangang mula sa baba, umakyat pataas. Kailangang mapatunayan nya ang kanyang sarili habang siya’y nasa baba pa lang. ano ba ang ibig sabihin ng competent? ibig sabihin, Kailangang may kakayahan, pero hindi doon natatapos ang usapan. Dapat ang kakayahan niyang ito ay mailipat sa gawa hindi puro salita. May plano siya pero ang plano hindi natatapos sa proposal. Hindi kailangang nakagpatapos ng pag-aaral, hindi kailangang, doctoral degree holder pa. .aanhin natin yun kung wala naman siyang konkretong plano at determinasyong maisakatuparan ito? 7. He does not discriminate against other Religions (Hindi Naninira Base Sa Relihiyon O Pananampalataya)>> sa awa ng Diyos, marami naman tayong mga pulitikong hindi naninira base sa relihyon. Maaaring ito’y dahil talagang hindi sila nangddiscriminate or maaari rin nmn ayaw lang nilang makondena ng isang buong relihyon. In fairness kay fidel v ramos, kahit siya ay isang protestante, hindi siya nanira sa kahit na anong relihiyon. Ang bansa natin ay hindi lang puro Katoliko, maraming relhiyion ditto at kahit na ikaw ay may kapangyarihan, wala kang karapatan na magsalita laban sa iba. 8. Pro Environment (Makakalikasan)Ipinagtatanggol ang tamang paggamit ng ating likas na yaman >> Hindi tayo industrial na bansa tulad ng Japan kaya naman ang tanging puhunan ng ating bansa ay walang ibang kundi ang kalikasan. Masagana tayo sa likas na yaman, hindi lamang lupa kundi pati tubig. Ang ating kalikasan ay ang ating tanging sandigan at mapagkukunan para sa lahat ng gawain ng bansa. Kaya lang, binabatukan tayo ng realidad na tlgang nasisira na ito at napapabayaan. Kailangan pagtuunan rin ng pansin ito ng mga taong iluluklok natin sa puwesto. Hindi lang proyekto ang binabantayan kundi pati ang mga epekto nito sa kalikasan. Malaki rin ang maitutulong n gating kaapligiran sa turismo ng bansa.  Kapag tuluyan ng nasira ang kalikasan, wala na tayong aasahan pa. 9. Pro Human Rights (Para Sa Karapatang Pantao)>> ang piliin moh ay ang taong may respeto at lumalaban para sa karapatang ng bawat Pilipino. Karapatan na mabuhay, mag-aral, magsalita, magpahayag ng saloobin at irespeto bilang tao. Kung ang taong iboboto moh ay naniniwala sa karahasan upang makamit nais, kapag naluklok na siya wag kang aasa na hindi siya gagamit ng karahasan. Kung talagang ang tao ang kanyang pinagssilbihan, hindi niya dapat linalabag ang anu mang karapatan ng tao. Hindi niya dapat hinahandcuff ang mga mamamahayag. Hindi niya dapat hinahadlangan ang mga artikulong nagpapasama sa “image” niya. Hindi siya gumagamit ng dahas o salapi para makamit ang kagsutuhan. Kung para sa karapatang pantao ang lahat ng mga pulitikong nagdaan sa ating kasaysayan, then sana wala tayong juidical killings, then sana wala tayong mendiola massacre, then sana wala tayong sumilao farmers na naghihirap ngayon.. then sana wala tayong desaparacidos, o mga taong nawawala.. bigla nalang mawawal, din a matatapuan kailanpaman. 10. Track Record (Karanasan Sa Pagpapatakbo ng Pamahalaan o Tanggapan)>>oo mahalaga ang may karanasan. Katulad ng sabi ko, kailangan mula sa baba umakyat paitaas ang isang kandidato. Sa haba ng panahon na kanyang ipinaglingkod, hindi lamang ang kanyang mga nagawa ang ating dapat tinitiignan. Dapat tignan rin natin ang kanyang track record. Kung nung siyay nasa baba pa lamang ay nagagwa niyang manloko, magnakawa at gumawa ng iba pang mga kababalaghan, mas magagawa niya iyon ng malakihan kapag siya’y nasa mataas na posisyon. Ang isa apng aspeto na dapat nating tignan ay maaaring, oo malinis ang kanyang track recore, ngunit baka sa sobrang linis, ito pala ay dahil wala siyang nagawa. Ibang usapan na iyon at kailangang tignan rin natin.  Ang mga nabanggit na kwalipikasyon ay mga katangian na nais nating matagpuan asa siang kandidato. Alam naman natin na walang perpektong tao na magtataglay ng lahat ng ito. Sa huli, nasa atin pa rin bilang mga botante kung sino sa tingin nating ang karapatdapat. Ang mga katangian na ito ay magsisilbing guide sa ating pagpili.  

Life in the Spirit Seminar

Narrative:Instead of a retreat, the fourth year students were given a life in the spirit seminar at Nazarene Catholic School in Quiapo, Manila last March 1 and 2. They two days were filled with a lot of talks, sharing, dancing and praising. The speakers were all very inspiring and funny. They came from different walks of life and had much to share. They talked about God’s Love, Salvation, new life, receiving God’s gift, Baptized in the Spirit, growth and finally, transformation in Christ. The students participated well especially during praise songs. The sections were also grouped for their personal sharing. On the second day, the students received the Holy Spirit through a baptism. There was also a mass afterwards. The symbols of the LSS, salt, dove pins and candles were distributed. The candles were all lighted and the students joined in prayer and singing. The final surprise was when Jun Lozada, the one who exposed the ZTE-NBN deal arrived. He answered a couple of questions and talked to the students. It was 10pm already when we left.  Reflection:            Honestly, at first I thought that this LSS would not be successful. I thought that since there were so many of us, how would it be possible to talk about God and let each one feel closer to Him? It’s not easy when we are such a huge group. I just couldn’t feel it. It was also my first time to join anything as charismatic as that. I don’t mind being in charismatic groups but I cannot in a large group especially if not everyone is praising. There is also that idea about it being “corny”. I want to participate and all but somehow I am scared to. I know it’s wrong for me to think this way but at the beginning, that’s how I did.  During the first day, we were seated in front. The first thing that entered my mind was that the speakers would probably ask us questions. The first speaker came and I started to lighten up. I admit that I didn’t give all when we were first asked to dance. Since I was in front, I was sort of shy. One after the other, the speakers came and talked. In between, we danced.  God’s love was the first topic. As he lectured, I was answering for I knew what the different kinds of love were. I knew about agape, phileo, storge and erros. Yes, I knew what they were BUT I didn’t understand. What struck me the most was when he said that the distance of heaven and earth is the measure of God’s love. Friends and family may stop loving me, but He won’t. I was sarcastic. In my mind, I said, “yeah, they taught us that”. All these things, I know because I’ve read about it, I’ve heard about it. I was wrong. I knew but I never felt, I never believed. I didn’t trust enough. Slowly, I can’t explain how, but I felt warmer towards the seminar. I was struck a lot of times during the talks. I was guilty. I used to blame things. I blamed myself, I blamed others, and I blamed anything that I could. I kept a mental list of my problems, misfortunes and “bad luck”. All these, I tried to blame on something or someone in my mind. I don’t whether it was my way of relief but I knew that most of the time I was wrong. In short, I never bothered counting my blessings. If it was something big, only then will I be thankful. I couldn’t say that I was lost because I knew what I should do, I knew what I should feel. I knew what they were all talking about. I knew that the wages of sin is death but … so what?  The biggest thing that the LSS made me realize is that, I may know a lot. I may know about all these gospels and teachings. I may know something about catechism but in the end, knowing it all doesn’t matter. God loves me and He cares for me deeply. He’s there waiting for my return but did I ever try to come to Him? Yes but only when I need help. Sin separates me from God but did I ever try to hold on to Him against sin? Did I? I tried but I end up failing. Why do I keep on frowning when God gives me endless reasons to smile? I was, in a way, blind. I couldn’t see what was given to me. I didn’t appreciate what I had. I always had something to complain about.  I felt His love but only when something good happens or when my prayers are realized. I didn’t feel it in the small things or even in the problems I encountered. When something happens, it was either good or bad. If it was good, then God loves me. If it was bad then I complain, feel angry or get disappointed. I never bothered to see what purpose God has for giving these troubles to me. I count the wrongdoings people do. I forget everything that’s good about them and focus on the mistakes they did. I envy others though I keep it to myself. I hate some people but I don’t show it. I easily get mad even for small things. I’m short tempered when it comes to my family. Because of things that have been happening, I admit that I don’t like coming home. I pretended to listen when actually whatever they say entered one ear and was flushed right away. This was one of the things that truly struck me. When they talk about parents, I can’t help but tear up. I didn’t think that it was a big deal then but later I kept on thinking, “Am I so evil?”  How could I do this to them despite of everything they did for me?  After the LSS, I felt so different. I didn’t cry out but then I realized that I wasn’t alone. Everyone felt so renewed. I felt that I could take on anything.  All that praising, laughter and tears has made me feel so faithful. To finally see what He has truly given and done for me made me feel so thankful and loved that I wouldn’t mind going through any kind of difficulty. What I thought was “corny” was never the praise or love for Him. What was corny? ME. It was me all along. I was corny because I didn’t give back the love that He deserves, I couldn’t stand up for Him and I didn’t show my love for others. After coming home, I realized that I can now tolerate so much compared to before. I kept on calling every little blessing, “God’s gift”. Really, I’m not a picky eater anymore because I treat the food as a blessing. The greatest thing I received was the light and warm feeling I’ve had ever since I let go of all my anger, fears and hatred towards others. I just can’t help but thank God for everything.  This LSS was so much more renewing than any retreat or recollection I’ve attended. I can’t help but feel and share this newly found love.  

Wikang Filipino Bilang Kasangkapan sa Pagpapalaganap ng Kuwento ni Hesus

“Susmaryosep!” Iyan ang bukambibig ng ilang mga Pilipino tuwing nagugulat, namamangha o kahit nagagalit. Ang katagang “sus” ay nanggaling sa pangngalang “Hesus”. Ngayon, ito’y nagiging “susme” at “asus” sa mga kabataan. Kahit hindi sinasadya, nababanggit pa rin. Hindi maiwasan kasi nakasanayan na rin. “O, Hesus, Hari ng awa, kami ay nananalig sa Iyo.” Karaniwan natin itong naririnig tuwing papatak ang alas tres ng hapon. Sa paaralan man o sa bahay, nariyan ang mga dasal na ito. Sa pagbubukas ng mga telebisyon, ang dalangin ay nariyan pa rin. Kahit gaano kasikat ang programa o palabas, ititigil pa rin upang makapagdasal. “Ang Panginoon, ay aking pastol, pinagiginhawa ako”. Ito naman ang mga salitang nagmumula sa bibliya ngunit inaawit kadalasan tuwing may misa. Ang mga kantang ito ay napakaganda’t puno ng inspirasyon. Kay sarap awitin lalo na’t nagpapalubag ng kalooban. Madalas ang misa ay nabubuhay dahil sa mga kantang puno ng kadakilaan ng Panginoon. Tignan mo nga naman, kahit saan ka pumunta, hindi mawawala ang pangalan ni Hesus sa telebisyon, sa aklat at maging sa ating mga kuwentuhan kasama ang mga kaibigan, ang ngalan ni Hesus ay buhay at binabanggit.  Sabi ng iba, madali silang magkaroon ng “nose bleed” tuwing nagsasalita sa Ingles. Minsan, sila ay nagkakaroon din daw ng “nose bleed” kapag puro tungkol sa relihiyon ang pinag-uusapan. Ganito ang kadalasang sinasabi ng kabataan ngayon. May mga kabataang umiiwas na mapag-usapan si Hesus. Hindi nila maipagmalaki ang kanilang pananampalataya kahit na alam nilang sila’y puro Katoliko naman. Bakit nga ba? Kahit ako’y napapaisip na rin. Si Hesus ay bahagi ng ating buhay noon, ngayon at magpakailanman. Nariyan Siya palagi sa ating tabi upang gabayan tayo’t iligtas at patawarin. Ang pagmamahal Niya’y walang katapusan ngunit sa kabila nito hindi pa rin Siya lubusang minamahal ng mga kabataan. Maraming kabataan ang tunay na ipinagmamalaki Siya ngunit marami din naman ang hindi. Ang mga estudyante ngayon ay nahihirapan na ipahiwatig ang tunay na saloobin sa Ingles. Nasanay na kasi tayo na magsalita sa ating sariling wika. Kapag may kuwentuhan, kasiyahan at iba pa, hindi ba’t Filipino ang ating wikang ginagamit? Kung mas kumportable sila sa wikang Filipino sa pananalita, iyon ang gagamitin nila kadalasan. Karamihan ng mga kabataan ay nasanay na sa ganitong gawain.                                                                                         Bahagi na ng buhay ang wikang Filipino. Malaking bahagi rin ng buhay ang Panginoon. Bakit hindi natin pagsamahin ang dalawang elementong ito. Bakit hindi natin gamitin ang wikang Filipino sa pagkukuwento tungkol kay Hesus? Kung ang mga napapanahong libro’t pelikula at napag-uusapan, bakit si Hesus ay hindi natin maisama? Kilala natin ang mga sikat na banda’t musikero, ngunit ang pinakasikat sa lahat na si Hesus ay hindi lubusang kilala ng ilan. Alam ng marami ang pinakabagong nangyari sa buhay ng mga artista ngunit hindi nila pinakikialaman ang mga pangyayari sa buhay ni Hesus. Kung ang wikang Filipino ang ating gagamitin, may magbabago ba? Mahihiya pa ba ang mga kabataan na pag-usapan Siya? Mas makikinig ba ang mga Pilipino kung ang wikang Filipino ang gagamitin? Ano ang iyong palagay? Malamang, oo. Tayo’y nasanay na sa wikang ito. Sa ating mga kaibigan, tayo’y nagkukuwento sa wikang ito. Kung si Hesus lang din naman ang pag-uusapan, gamitin na rin natin ang wikang Filipino.  Aminin natin na hindi lahat ng Filipino ay dalubhasa sa Ingles. Totoo naman di ba? Minsan ay nakakatawa, minsan ay nakakalungkot na rin. Hindi lahat ay nakakatamasa ng sapat na edukasyon. Iyan ang katotohanan. Iyan ang kasalukuyan. Ang masang Pinoy ay wala pa rin sapat na kaalaman sa Ingles. Oo, marunong sila ngunit hindi sila kumportable rito. Hindi nila maipahiwatig ang kanilang nais sabihin. Bilang mga mag-aaral, paano natin maaabot ang masang Pilipino? Paano natin maipapamalas sa kanila ang tunay na pagmamahal ng Diyos? Paano natin maipapaliwanag sa kanila ang ating nais sabihin kung hindi naman nila tayo lubusang maintindihan? Ano ba ang paraan upang tumagos sa kanilang puso’t isipan ang salita ng Diyos? Siyempre, kailangan nating gamitin ang wikang ating kinagisnan. Kailangan natin gamitin ang wikang Filipino sa pagpapalaganap ng kuwento ni Hesus.   Ang ating wika ay napakayaman at napakaganda. Ano ba ang maaari nating gawin upang higit pa itong mapagyaman at mapabuti? Kailangan natin itong gamitin sa makabuluhang paraan. Kung gagamitin mo lamang ito upang siraan ang iyong kapitbahay, huwag na lang. Kung gagamitin mo lamang ito upang saktan ang iyong kamag-aral, huwag na lang. Kung gagamitin mo lang pala ito upang magmura tungkol sa kung anu-anong mga kabiguan at suliranin, huwag na lang. Ang payo ko sa iyo, gamitin mo ang napakagandang wikang ito para sa pagdakila sa Diyos. Siya rin naman ang nagbigay sa atin nito.  Ipamalas natin sa iba na ang pagmamahal ng Diyos ay wagas. Ikuwento natin sa iba na ang Diyos ay mapagpatawad. Sa halip na ikuwento mo ang mga kakulangan ng iyong magulang, ikuwento mo kung paano ka biniyayaan ng Panginoon at kung paano binibiyayaan ang kausap mo. Sa halip na magtatatarang ka sa dami ng iyong ginagawa, ikuwento mo sa iba ang dami ng ginawa ng Diyos para sa iyo. Ikuwento mo ang buhay Niya. Ikuwento mo ang pagmamahal Niya. Ikuwento mo dahil Siya’y isang kaibigan rin naman. Siya ang bida sa lahat ng telenobela. Siya ang pinakasikat sa lahat ng musikero’t artista dahil siya ang lumikha sa musika at sining. Hindi ba’t napakasayang ikuwento ang buhay ni Hesus?  Aminin mo man o hindi, marami tayong natututunan dahil sa buhay Niya. Kahit gaano ka kalungkot, darating ang panahon na hahanapin mo Siya. Kapag nahanap mo Siya, hindi ba’t napakaginhawa? Sana’y ang kaginhawaang ito ay maranasan din ng iba. Sana’y malaman nila na kahit gaano kasaklap ang buhay, kahit gaano kadilim ang iyong landas, nariyan Siya. Andyan lang, tulad ng isang kaibigan. Hindi sapat ang “sana”. Kailangan nating gumawa. Lahat tayo ay makakatulong sa iba kung ikukuwento lang natin sa kanila ang buhay ni Hesus. Magsilbi tayong inspirasyon. Upang maabot ang lahat ng Pilipino sa lahat ng estado ng buhay lalo na ang mga mahirap, siyempre, gagamitin natin ang wikang talaga namang Pinoy na Pinoy.  

Man: God’s Caretakers or Earth’s Obliterators

“How far must suffering and misery go before we see that even in the day of vast cities and powerful machines, the good earth is our mother and that if we destroy her, we destroy ourselves?”  These are the words of Paul Bigelow Sears as he witnessed the destruction of nature because of the greed of man. This one line reflects the scenery of our world today, devastation. There are hundreds of organizations fighting for the survival of our nature against who else but man, himself. Their efforts have become invain because most of us play blind to the destruction around us. Only some people have seen, realized or even done something about it. Mother earth is paying back man with her fury of calamities. Landslides and floods, these are all because of our doing.   Mother Earth has given us all our needs ever since man had first walked the earth. She has never complained nor stopped producing these necessities but now that man has become greedy and abused her generosity, she is giving her revenge. The landslide in Leyte which claimed the lives of thousands was caused by man’s greed for money that led them to cut more trees than what they needed. A few years ago, a huge flood which devastated Quezon province was also our fault. What else must happen before man will take action? Man has burned, damaged, stolen, and fought her yet Mother Earth has continually sustained us with food and shelter. Man relies on her to survive. When she becomes totally destroyed, we are next to meet our doom.  God has created the earth for us because he loves us so much. He made us superior to other animals so that we can gain dominion over the earth. The only thing He asks from is to love each other and become the caretakers of His creations. We have not done our duty to protect it but instead we have caused its destruction. Man cut down trees which deprive animals of their homes and shelters. We mercilessly hunt them down for the sake of their skin, fur or shells to be sold for again, money. The Dodo bird and the Yunnan box turtle are only some of the animals which are already extinct and erased from the face of this world. There are thousands of other animals that are endangered and fighting for their survival. Some of these are the lovable panda, the fastest animal on earth which is the cheetah and our very own tarsier. Are we really God’s caretakers or are we the earth’s obliterators? If God has chosen some other animal to take over, will these animals’ lives be saved?  Man gets mad when someone takes something from him and does not give it back or even thank him. Why can’t he realize that he does the same thing to his own mother every single day? Not only that, he also destroys her. Conflict between man is given time to reconcile. Man must do the same to the earth. For us to help protect the earth, we must first realize how much we need the earth and learn to love nature. Every morning when you wake up, spare some time to wonder and view the magnificent trees, the fragrant flowers and majestic birds in the sky. Can you imagine a life without them? Can you imagine yourself living in a city full of smoke and noise without a single green leaf to rest you eyes upon after a hard day’s work?  Don’t you just love going out of town to places where you can admire the scenery, smell the scent of morning dew, hear the chirping chorus of birds and gaze upon the endless ocean without a single sight of trash? I know I do.  All these things which I’m sure you still love won’t last forever. Will you wait for the moment when you won’t see these anymore? I say we must take some action right now, not tomorrow because tomorrow another hectare of forest trees will disappear.  If you’re asking what can you do, let me tell you because even if you’re only a student or you don’t even have a job, you can help save and protect our earth, our home. First of all, that trash you threw in the sidewalk isn’t going to help so pick it up and place it the trash can. The fur coat you bought isn’t stylish because an animal died for you to have it. Your backyard could be a relaxing area if only you will plant it with trees. Simple things like these are already helpful. If every person in the world will plant at least one tree in a lifetime, that would mean millions of trees for the generations to come. Mother Earth trusts only us to protect her. We must prove that humans are worthy to be God’s caretakers. You could start right now by watering the dying plant outside you doorstep.  

Education. Experience. Excellence.

We should not judge people by their peak of excellence; but by the distance they have traveled from the point where they started. These words say it all. The man behind it is Henry Ward Beecher. Education. Experience. Excellence. What more do I have to say? We, Filipinos have gone through so much ever since the days of our ancestors. A country small in comparison to others has been shining for years because of sheer excellence. The peak may not be as high but the road we Filipinos have traveled is truly remarkable. From the time of our early colonizers to the present age of today, we have sparkled in achievements that are truly inspiring. The legendary achievers of yesterday continue to inspire us, the youth. They teach us never to settle for better but set our sights only for the best.  Education. Experience. Excellence. What more do I need to say? Education. Education has been a major key in upholding our distinction. Schools spread all over the Philippines are doing their best to give quality education for all. I don’t want to sugarcoat your impression of education because the cold hard truth is that despite our efforts, the quality of education in the Philippines is declining. If this continues, there will most definitely be a great effect on our youth’s perseverance. Who else will harness the values integrated in our hearts? Who else will train us to be the best that we will be? To put all our efforts into every single act we partake? Is it not our second home, our schools, our good education? Experience. As I have said, we are no stranger to excellence. We put our best foot forward in everything that we do. Inventors, athletes, artists, businessmen, everybody who is anybody, name it, we have them. These Filipinos who have been recognized internationally show the rest of us that we can do anything. Lea Salonga, Carlos P. Romulo, Rolando Tinio and even Manny Paquiao are just some of these outstanding Filipinos in their own fields. They have been through a lot in life. They have told us many guidelines for success but there is one thought common among them. It is the importance of education. Either they are very thankful to have had the chance to study or they would have turned back time just to have the chance to study. People always tell us that if we want to succeed in life, education is the key. People always tell us that to succeed, we must strive for excellence. These people could never be more correct. Excellence. According to Walter Bagehot, “Perhaps the most valuable result of all education is the ability to make yourself do the thing you have to do, when it ought to be done, whether you like it or not.” This is excellence in its purest form. One must know his duties and does them with all his might. Excellence does not come in a snap. It begins with someone pushing you to give everything you’ve got. It begins with a teacher who encourages you to excel. Where else will it start but in the school? It all begins in school. If this is true, why is it that education in our country is declining? We cannot let this continue. If it does, what will happen to the future generations including the generation of today? Excellence begins with experience. Experience molds us to strive in all aspects of life. Experience on the other hand begins with education. Most of our memorable and noteworthy experiences come from our daily schooling. Without quality education to lead us, how will we learn to achieve? How will learn to excel? Who else will tell us that excellence does not mean perfection but instead means working hard and persevering in all that we do?  We ourselves cannot suffice our own questions. We, Filipino students, need someone to form us. If we are not given mentors, we will never learn how to work hard for success. We need people to look up to. We need good education. If our education is given attention, if our experiences in school are given consideration, if the people around us continue to support us, then there is no hindrance to reach the peak. Our knowledge should never be limited to facts or formulas. Our knowledge should be molded into wisdom by competent, concerned and quality-giving schools that prioritize our character. Filipino excellence starts in the school therefore schools all over the country must change and adapt their curriculum for molding hearts, minds and hands to excel for our country’s progress. For the pride of our country, how much effort will you exert? How far will you go? Will you dwell by the pavement or will you arrive at the peak?   

Tore ng Babel sa Makabagong Panahon

                 Ano nga ba ang aking tinutukoy? Kung nais mong malaman ay makinig ka sa akin. Huminto ka muna sa iyong gawain at masdan  ang kapwa mo Pilipino. Mula sa Aparri hanggang sa Sulu, puro tayo mga Pilipino. Bilyun- bilyong mamamayang Pilipino ang nagpapakahirap, nagsisipag at nagsisikap upang makapamuhay ng matiwasay. Tinitiis ang pagod upang makakain ang mga mahal sa buhay. Lahat ay hahamakin upang makaahon sa kahirapan. Ang Pilipinas ay isang arkipelago na binubuo ng libu-libong mga pulo. Sa lahat ng mga pulong ito ay may mga Pilipino. Kahit na napakalayo natin sa isa’t isa, magkakabayan tayo’t magkakadugo. Iisa ang lahing pinanggalingan. Iisa ang hangarin para sa bayan. Iisa tayo ngunit magkakaiba pa rin naman! Ang buhay sa Maynila ay mabilis at kumplikado habang ang buhay sa Siquijor ay simple at mahinahon. Ang piyesta ng Aklan ay ibang-iba sa piyesta ng Quezon kung saan nagsasabit ng mga palamuti sa bahay ang mga tao. Ang paboritong pagkain sa Ilocos ay naiiba sa Bicol Express ng ikalimang rehiyon. Ang wika ng Pampanga ay hindi tulad ng wika sa Pangasinan. Ang isang salitang Tagalog ay maaaring iba ang kahulugan sa Cebuano. Napakalayo, magkakaiba ngunit taglay ang iba’t ibang kulay ng buhay. Ang Pilipinas ay napakayaman sa kultura at sining. Kasama na dito ang wika nating kinagisnan.Minsan na bang pumasok sa iyong isipan kung bakit nagkakaisa pa rin ang Pilipino sa kabila ng pagiging kalat-kalat? Dalawa ang natatanging dahilan kung bakit sama-sama pa rin ang Pilipino sa pagtatayo ng iisang tore sa kabila ng lahat. Una sa lahat, may pambansang wika ang Pilipinas. Oo, gasgas na ang katagang ito. Limot na ang talinghaga ng mga salita sa ating wika. Nahaluan na rin ito ng ibang wika. Nakakalimutan na rin ang mga salitang malalalim at napapalitan ng mas maraming salitang balbal. Sa kabila nito, hindi pa rin ito kailanman mawawala sa ating puso. Bakit? Ang wikang Filipino ay ang mahigpit na lubid na nagdurugtong sa atin lahat. Kahit saan ka pumunta sa Pilipinas, basta’t marunong kang magsalita sa wikang Filipino, meron pa ring mga Pilipino na sasagot at handang tumulong sa iyo. Ang galing! Sa kabila ng iba’t ibang dyalekto ng bansa at layo ng mga pulo sa isa’t isa, ang mga Pilipino ay nagkakaintindihan at nagkakaunawaan. Ang wikang Filipino ay ang pandikit sa pilas-pilas nating mapa. Nakakita ka na ba ng isang “jigsaw puzzle”? Sa simula, ang mga piraso ay nakakalat at nakasabog lamang sa sahig. Matagal ito bago matapos buuin ngunit kapag nabuo ay isang napakagandang tanawin. Kung ang Pilipinas ay isang “jigsaw puzzle”, ang wikang Filipino ay sumisimbolo sa kamay na bumubuo nito. Kung wala ang wikang ito, watak- watak din ang Pilipino tulad ng mga piraso ng “jigsaw”. Ang wikang Filipino ay ang lihiya sa magagaspang nating mga tula. Sa anong wika naisusulat ang mga hiyas sa literatura ng bansa? Diba ito ay sa wikang Filipino? Karamihan sa mga ipinagmamalaki nating akda tulad ng kay Fransisco Balagtas ay naisusulat sa wikang ito kaya’t nagiging napakayaman at makabuluhan ang lengwahe. Napapansin mo ba na kapag ang isang tula ay nasusulat sa wikang Filipino, mas nadarama ng mambabasa ang ipinahahayag ng tula? Mas puno ng damdamin at emosyon ang tulang Filipino kung ikukumpara sa tulang isinulat sa ibang wika. Kapag sinabihan tayo ng “I love you”, hindi ito kasing kalalim at kapani-paniwala kung ikukumpara sa “Mahal kita”. Sa pamamagitan ng wikang ito, mas madaling naipapahayag ng Pilipino ang kanyang niloloob. Kung hindi dahil sa wikang Filipino, hindi natin maiintindihan ang ating mga kababayan. Kung di natin kayang kilalanin ang ating kadugo, paano pa natin makikilala ang ating mga sarili? Simple lang ang sagot dito. Ang diwa ng pagkakaisa ay mawawalan ng saysay. Walo ang pangunahing dyalekto sa bansa. Kung iisa-isahin, ito ay ang Tagalog, Waray, Cebuano, Ilocano, Hiligaynon, Pangasinense, Kapampangan at Bicolano. Iyan ay ang pangunahing dyalekto pa lamang. Kung isasama ang lahat ng dyalekto sa bansa ay mapupuno ang sanaysay na ito ng walang kahirap-hirap. Paano kaya kayo magkakaintindihan ng iyong mga kasama kung tig-iisang dyalekto ang inyong nalalaman at iba’t iba pa kayo sa isa’t isa? Malaki talaga ang tulong na naibibigay ng wikang Filipino sa atin. Sa madaling salita, ang wikang Filipino ay tulay, lubid, pandikit at lihiya para sa mga Pilipino. Napakalaking bagay para sa ating lahat ang ginawa ni Pangulong Manuel L. Quezon. Kung hindi dahil sa kanya, watak-watak pa rin tayo. Ang laki ng utang na loob natin sa ama ng ating wikang pambansa. Bumalik tayo sa pagkakaisa. Ang ikalawang batayan ay ang pinakamakapangyarihan sa ating lahat. Kahit na iba-iba tayong mga Pilipino sa pananalita at pamumuhay, iisa lang ang isinisigaw ng ating mga puso. Matatanaw Siya sa ating mga kilos, kinagawian, salita at pati na rin pangarap. Binubulong natin Siya sa tainga ng ating mga kaibigan lalo na kapag sila’y nalulugmok sa suliranin. Panay ang dalaw natin sa Kanya lalo na kapag Linggo. Napakagarbo ng pagdiriwang ng Kanyang kaaarawan. Sa Kanya tayo umaasa at humihingi ng tulong sa araw-araw. Sino pa ba? Sino pa ba ang pinupuntahan? Sino pa ba ang minamahal ng lubusan? O Hesus! Ikaw ang aming buhay! Napakatibay ng pananalig ng mga Pilipino sa Kanya. Kahit Waray o Ilocano, iisa ang tibok ng pusong Pinoy. Si Hesus, at tanging Siya lamang ang ating Panginoon. Mawala na ang lahat sa atin, huwag lang tayo mawalan ng pananalig sa Kanya. Sa lahat ng pulo sa Pilipinas, hindi mawawala ang matandang simbahan na binibisita ng lahat. Hindi mawawala ang mga rosaryo’t imahe ng santo sa mga jeepney at traysikel. Hindi mawawala ang mga deboto. Hindi nawawala ang tatak ng pagiging Katoliko saan mang sulok ng bansa pumunta. Nakilala nga ang Pilipinas bilang unang Katolikong bansa sa Timog Silangang Asya. Kahit magkakalayo tayong mga Pilipino, nagkakaisa tayo sa pananampalataya sa Kanya. Sabi nga sa kanta, “Isang pananampalataya, isang pagbibinyag.” 

               Ang mga sinaunang tao ay di nagtagumpay sa layunin nilang makasarili. Hindi nila naitayo ang Tore ng Babel. Hinarangan sila mismo ng Amang Maykapal. Pareho lang ba ang kahahantungan ng pagsisikap ng mga Pilipino ngayon? Mabibigo din ba tayo? Hindi. Ang Tore ng makabagong Pilipino ay nagsisimula pa lamang ngunit ito’y magtatagumpay. Bakit ako nakasisiguro? Una sa lahat, kasama natin ang Panginoon sa pagkakataong ito. Ang nais lang naman ni Hesus ay maisalba tayo mula sa kasalanan at maipalaganap ang Salita ng Diyos. Ang pagkakaisa ng mga Pilipino di lamang sa relihiyon kung hindi sa wika rin mismo ay nangangahulugan ng pagtitiwala sa isa’t isa. Kung walang pagtitiwala, walang pagmamahal. Ang pagmamahal natin sa kapwa Pinoy, sa Inang Bayan at sa wikang Filipino ay katibayan ng tagumpay ni Hesus. Ang pagmamahal sa kapwa Pilipino at sa sariling wika ang daan tungo sa tuktok ng tore. Ang tuktok ay ang kaunlaran na hinahangad ng bawat Pilipino di lamang para sa kanyang sarili kundi para rin sa susunod na henerasyon. Ang tuktok ng tore ay ang tagumpay laban sa mahigpit na kapit ng kahirapan. Kung isasapuso lamang ng lahat ng Pilipino ang kanilang wika, tayo ay may mararating. Kung pagyayamanin at lubusang mamahalin lang ng mga Pinoy ang sariling wika, isang malaking hakbang na ito patungo sa tuktok. Huwag nating hayaan na mabaliwala ang lahat ng naipundar sa ating wika. Ipagmalaki natin ang wikang Filipino! Ang lahat ng ito ay nagsimula lang sa isang kahanga-hangang ginoo na naghangad ng pagkakaisa. Ang mukha’t ngalan niya ang siyang nakikita natin araw-araw tuwing magbabayad ng dalawampung piso sa tindahan.  

Anumang Magaling, Kahit na Maliit

The first week of classes of my final year in high school has just arrived. However, what made it extraordinary for me wasn’t the feeling of being a senior in the department already. Our former religion teacher asked our section for volunteers who will animate a song. We were thinking it was for a mass. Eleven of us joined. To our delight and rapture, (ok, note: eksagge!) 11 of the boys joined too. These boys were our classmates for two to three years before the “segregation” of boys and girls in the school. Geesh, it just had to happen during our fourth year! (by the way, are we trash to be segregated?!?)Going off topic here… Anyway, we found out that we will be animating during the 3^rd anniversary of “Pondo ng Pinoy” which will be held on June 16, 2007 at the La Salle Greenhills gym. On Friday, one of former teachers, called all of our parents because we suddenly will be practicing at the LSG gym itself. He said we’d be home by around 7pm. We left the school at 5pm and left at 9:30pm. They dropped us off at our houses one by one. I arrived home at 11pm! Yey!! We left at 6am of the following day.  We rode on the our new school bus which was even bigger than a regular bus. Yey! 3000 people were at the gym and the entire celebration was being aired on Radyo Veritas. All the bishops and Cardinal Rosales were present. The Cardinal held a mass. After that were a series talks. My favorite speaker would have to be Bishop Tagle. In between talks and lots of food breaks, (I felt so bloated!) we gave different energizers for the crowd. Msgr. Gerry, our school president, even told us to raise the flag of our school. (not literally of course!) We were usually asked to dance just after we had eaten. (Like, I said I was very full!!) It was amazing, since that 3k of people actively danced as well!!! Especially the priest and brothers! ^_^ It’s nice to lead that many people into dancing songs for the Lord. (Nax!) It was a nice experience. Except for the part were the camera guys zoomed on me while we were dancing. I think I reacted in a normal way, not sure.. hehehe. (PA-CUTE ATA AKO NUN!!) After the final dance out of five, we were quite tired already. Not much sleep, super high energy level and that ms. universe smile you had to keep throughout the number didn’t help. In the afternoon, most of us were half asleep already. Hahaha. We went home at 5:30 pm and I have other stuff to do for school but I wouldn’t miss that experience no matte what. After all, in the same event, executives from two rival telecommunication giants sat together and went up the stage together smiling. (Smart and Globe, Globe and Smart) Hahaha. Once in a lifetime!!<Yey. Zzzzz> 

Getting Out

It’s been 11 long years. That’s more than half of my entire life so far. I’m still lucky though because I know a lot of people my age who have never even been on an airplane before. Ooops, spoiler. Well yeah. That’s were I’ve been for the past few days. No. Not on an airplane. (For 4 days?!?!) I mean, I was abroad. The last time I was out of the country was when I was 4 years old or something. Like I said, I’m still lucky. As a four-year old kid, I had a pretty good memory. This time, we went to . Everybody has been there so there’s really nothing new. If you haven’t been to already, it’s probably because someone else you know went there and you’d rather go somewhere else. Catch that? With us Filipinos, it’s always the same countries that occupy our planners. If it isn’t , Saudi, US or , then you’re going to . Right? Maybe not always but it’s often like that especially with middle class families. STOP negative thoughts!!!Picture this. In Temple Street, Kowloon, where you can find the night market at night, (d’oh) there is one shop whose entire advertisement is written in Tagalog. Salesclerks in different boutiques have picked up a few Tagalog lines to attract more customers. It’s funny but still kind of weird.  The tour bus was packed with Filipinos to think that I’m in a different country. It’s as if I didn’t leave home. Now, dining, that’s something else!is a wonderful city, really. Even in , I love walking and crossing the streets. Everything is so fast paced. Shopping is incredibly fun since people dress truly uniquely. However, the speed ends with a loud thump when it comes to dining. (T.T)It’s not as simple as it looks. Ordering food is a much more strenuous activity than what you think. All the movements you make, the frustrated pronunciation of words and the question asked by the waiter who just doesn’t get it… Oi… I wish I studied a little Cantonese. Once, you do get to express your needs, the food comes in what looks like a family serving. A normal person would probably eat two cups of rice not two bowls of rice. That’s just how they are, I suppose. When I come back, I am not touching dim sum anymore. The food’s great but too much is too much. The “city tour” took us to a jewelry company and a small boat ride in the . The old man who was steering the boat didn’t speak English. He just rubbed his thumb against his fingers. So that’s the international body language for money, money, money!! The other stops were supposed to be , and Xienxien. Guess what, we didn’t go. First, I thought we’d be missing out since everybody else on the bus went there. I had this mentality that if we go to another country, I should see everything that the country is well known for. If you go online, they all speak of popular tourist destinations. As a naive tourist, I would have wanted to go to these places. Luckily, my mom’s former student who now lives in decided to take us around Central. We rode the train going to central which in my opinion is even better than a crazy bus ride. The train even crosses the harbor! It’s underwater!! Sugoi!! We ate at an Egyptian restaurant a few blocks away from the station. I finally tasted the hibiscus tea! Then she showed us how uptown looks like. Dang! The boutiques were so flashy and every hardcore fashion label has its own corner. Nighttime never felt so bright. People seemed to be nocturnal in this city. It’s definitely more alive at night than in daytime. I forgot how inhospitable our “hotel” was. We went back to by riding a ferry which overlooked the entire harbor. It was so cute! All the lights from towering buildings plus the reflection in the calm waters were just amazing.  I’m such a McDonald’s promoter. It was my life saver! You just name what you want and tada!! Food! We spent our last night shopping until midnight at the night market. Most of my “pasalubong” came from the place. ’s of great deals, lot’s of nice stuff. If I were a little older and heavier on the pocket, I would have bought a of stuff for my place. I saw a couple of street signs which looked like the actual thing. I really wanted to get that for my room or something. Haha! Haay, I love this place. It’s just that sometimes, people don’t give enough justice. They have no idea where to go so they do go on some cliché itinerary. The trip was great and now my closet is RECHARGED. Yay! My only regret, I didn’t have a digital camera… yet. But I will. I will come back and when I do, I’ll have my own digital camera! Wahooo! /wahoo! Haii. XheXhe/