Nagtatanong Pa Rin Kung Bakit?

Hindi po ito isang maikling kuwento o titulo ng isang bagong pelikula na aking sasaliksikin. Hindi rin po ito titulo ng isang tula o isang awit. Isa po itong tanong. Tanong sa mga taong maaaring makapagbigay sa akin ng napakagandang sagot.

Sa loob ng pitong taon ng pagtuturo, ngayon lang ako nakaranas ng sobrang pagod. Maraming bagay kung bakit ako napapagod: pagbiyahe ng halos tatlong oras mula Muntinlupa hanggang Maynila, paggawa ng mga lesson para sa mga estudyante ko, pag-iintindi sa iba't ibang ugali ng mga estudyante pagdating sa pag-aaral, pagsuway sa mga makukulit at walang tigil na kadaldalan ng mga bata, pagsigaw, paghampas sa mesa, pananalita na ng mga masasakit na salita sa mga estudyante para lamang umayos at ang higit sa lahat, ang pagtanggap sa anumang sasabihin ng mga estudyante sa iyo, maganda man, lalo na kung hindi.

Sa hindi mabilang na pagkakataon ay nagalit na naman ako sa isang klase. Ang scenario: binigyan ko sila ng instruction na basahin ang ibinigay kong hand-out tungkol sa Writing Clear and Effective Sentences sa loob ng sampung (10) minuto. Isa na lamang itong pagbabalik-aral dahil siguro nama'y noong sila ay nasa sekundarya o kahit siguro elementarya ay alam na nila kung papaano magsulat ng mga pangungusap. Imbis na mag-aral, nagdadaldalan, naghaharutan, nagsisigawan. Nakailang saway na ako pero tuloy pa rin. Kahit ako'y nagbabasa rin para naman sa aking pag-aaral ng MA. Ngunit wala pa rin. Bilang ganti at para na rin masukat ko ang kanilang "kagalingan," ay nagsagawa ako ng graded recitation. Ganito ang sistema: kung walang masagot, may gradong 0; kung mayroon pero hindi angkop para sa aking tanong, may gradong 60; at kung maganda ang pagkakasagot, may gradong 80. Nagtawag ako ng mga pangalan, walang nakasagot. Ano ang sanhi? Hindi nagbasa. Ano ang dahilan? Nagdadaldalan. O maaaring, wala na silang pakialam kung ano man ang mangyari sa kanila.

Hindi ko na sasabihin kung anong course ang kanilang kinukuha, pero sila'y mga nasa unang taon ng kolehiyo. Take note! KOLEHIYO. Sa pagkakatanda ko noong ako'y nasa unang taon ng kolehiyo ay hindi kami madadaldal, kahit pa nagkaroon na kami ng mga kaibiga't barkada. Gumagawa ako ng mga takda para sa susunod na klase. Pumapasok ako sa klase kahit kalimitan ang aming guro ay hindi nagpapapasok. Iniisip ko ang ipinambayad kong matrikula dahil kailanga'y ito'y mapalitan ng karunungan. Kung ano man ako noon bilang first year college student ay sa tingin ko'y wala namang pinagbago sa ngayon, dahil kung ano ang first year college student noon ay first year college student pa rin ang dapat na i-akto ngayon. Natatandaan ko ang sinabi ng aking kasamahan sa trabaho na huwag na huwag mabanggit ng mga estudyante ngayon na mayroong generation gap ang mga guro ngayon sa mga kabataan ngayon. Ito lamang ang magandang banat! Ano man ang sabihin mo, at ibato mo, estudyante ka pa rin!

Sa loob ng isang linggong pagtuturo ng English Communication Arts and Skills ay ayaw ko tuwing Lunes at Huwebes na ang oras ay mula ika-3 hanggang ika-4 at kalahati ng hapon at ang mga buong araw ng Martes at Biyernes. Ito kasi ang mga araw na walang isang pagkikita namin ay hindi ako magagalit. Ito kasi ang mga araw na kung saan nasisira ang mga gusto kong mangyari para sa klase ko. Ito kasi ang mga araw na kung saan mas gugustuhin pa ng mga estudyante ko ang lumiban sa klase kaysa pumasok. Lunes at Huwebes ng ika-3 hanggang ika-4 na kalahati ng hapon at Martes at Biyernes, na dati'y normal at nakakatuwang mga araw sa aking isang linggo, sa ngayo'y ayaw kong dumarating. Aaminin ko, hindi ako nagpapapasok minsan dahil iniiwasan ko sila. Iniiwasan kong magkasakit. Iniiwasan kong magalit, manigaw at mamahiya! Siguro'y tuwang-tuwa sila dahil hindi ako pumapasok pero sila rin naman ang mawawalan. Siguro'y tuwang-tuwa rin sila na hindi pumapasok sa klase ko ngunit, sila rin naman ang mawawalan.

Ang pinakamasaklap siguro na maaaring magawa sa akin ng mga estudyante ko ay baligtarin kung ano ang tunay na nangyayari! Lalo na't nalalapit na ang pagkakataon kami ay kanilang ie-evaluate sa pamamagitan ng website ng aming pamantasan. Katulad na naman kami ng isang malinis na puting papel na may maliit na dumi. Ang dumi ang magsisilbing dahilan kung bakit may pangit kaming marka mula sa kanila, na sa tingin ko'y hindi nila nakikita kung ano ang mga puti na nasa papel. Para siguro sa ibang estudyanteng napagalitan ko, napahiya ko, nabulyawan ko, at naibagsak ko (raw), mabibigyan ako ng mababang marka. Mangilan-ngilan lang siguro ang magbibigay na tamang grado. Wala kasi silang pakialam sa nararamdaman ng kanilang guro. Para sa kanila, ang importante'y maging masaya lalo na kung kasama ang kanilang mga kaibigan.

Eh siraulo ka pala eh, binibigyan mo kami ng sakit ng ulo! Una sa lahat, bakit ka pa nag-aaral kung ang nais mo lang pala eh masarap na buhay! Maghanap ka ng punong namumunga, humiga ka doon at hintayin mong mahulog sa iyo ang inaasam mong bunga! Ibig sabihin, maghintay ka ng milagro sa buhay mong paibaba ang pagbugso! Nagsasayang ka lang ng halos isandaang-libong-pisong pangmatrikula mo! Huwag na huwag mong isusumbat sa amin na kung hindi dahil sa binabayaran mong matrikula ay hindi kami sumusuweldo! Kung nakakaintindi ka lang ng patakaran ng mga eskuwelahan o pamantasan pagdating sa pasuweldo ay malamang, sumuko ka! Wala ka talagang pakialam kahit ang iba sa ami'y napapagod na sa pagdala ng mga bag, paggawa ng mga leksyon para sa inyo at paggising ng pagka-aga-aga para lamang pasukan ang klase ninyo!

Okay! Nadala lang ako sa aking matinding emosyon.

Pasensya na kung may mga masasaktan o may mga matatamaan. Kung tutuusin, nag-ugat lamang ito sa walang tigil kong pangungunsinte at paninigaw sa mga estudyante ko.

Sa loob ng pitong taon sa pagtuturo, nais ko munang magpahinga bago man ito maging walo. Pero paano kung ito talaga ang nakasanayan kong propesyon. Paano ako makakalipat ng industriya? Mayroon kayang malapit-lapit na propesyon o industriya sa pagtuturo? Hindi ako si Superman na malakas! Sa totoo lang, nakakapagod!

National Teacher's Month pa man din pero ito ang nararamdaman ko. Maliit, nababastos.

Nagtatanong pa rin ako kung bakit ganito?

Toodles!!!

28 Years of Being Ziegrey Oris-Balota

This blog post will not be as formal as how I am supposed or expected to do. This will just be me. This will just be about how I live my first 28 years.

It was just an ordinary August 31, 1987 when my dearly beloved mother, the Dona Zenaida Oris Balota birthed me out of this world. I don't know the exact time of my birth but it happened at PGH. A lot of things happened from then on. Crying episodes, best funny moments, hardships and trials, and most of all, how to love. For the past 28 years, it has been what happened to me and while it's happening, I was learning and still learning.

How is it being Ziegrey Oris-Balota?

I guess first, it is about being true (somehow) to myself. I am very emotional (just like how my BFF, Imee described me) in all things, in all aspects, in all situations. I am sensitive with the words you utter (right, Marky! I'm sorry!) and sometimes, I need to decipher what you really mean about it, which leads to trouble. I am a dreamer, I would love to be like this or like that. The problem is, I only dream without making it into reality. But God really moves in mysterious ways. He leads me to a someplace which I never dreamed of or imagined of. Just like in FEU, I thought of teaching in college but not in as grand as Far Eastern University. I'm already in my third semester with them, with full of vitality, stories and experiences. I am in love with the idea of love, the ideas and ideologies of being in love, that's why I guess still now I don't have someone with me. Or maybe, soon enough, sa tamang panahon.

I... am... gay... Gay which means being funny. Gay which means much higher than being happy. Gay which I'm just showing who the real me. Anyways, I don't need to elaborate, expound and discuss about this. I know how I feel and I know how it feels and its nothing wrong. I am a writer (obviously). I know how to begin and create but I don't know how to continue and finish. I think I am creative but am I really for this? Dr. Baytan will surely backfire me if he'll read my papers. I want to be versatile, both in creative and scholarly writing. I am a traveler on a shoestring. I prefer driving alone (except in Metro Manila) with ample amount of money and food and listening to my favorite radio shows and music. I prefer walking around elsewhere just to know what's going on on that place. If given a chance to have big amount of money, I'd go to Amanpulo, Balesin, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, Dubai, London, Paris, Vatican City and New York City.

I need to earn a thousand mile before I forgive someone. It would take days, weeks, months or years to let go of what happened. Still, it will linger whenever the thought strikes me. I became a gullible person, especially with makeshift stories which I don't know why to use them? I always say ah talaga and it makes me a bit tanga to believe. I am such a loyal person, to my family, my dearest, closest, best friends and to my pet dog Jabba The Doggie (yeah, that's its real name!). Whatever happens, I'm there. Whatever which is wrong, I'm just one chat, text or call away. I may have a handful of friends plus the neophytes, I always make it a point to listen to them because that's how I think God gave me such task. I guess I'm also surfacing false humility. I know the task but I'm afraid to do it. I know the answer but I'm afraid to raise my hand. I know what to do but I'm afraid to be tagged as nagmamarunong. Safest answer would be it's okay to be safe but no. Somehow, I'm dealing with some challenges but only in the beginning. Towards the middle part until the end, it will be half-baked.

I am a fan of Kris Aquino, Meryl Streep, Nora Aunor, Vice Ganda, JOWAPAO and the #AlDub phenomenon! And I'm not like the other fans who bashes another icon. I am like Switzerland, a neutralized fan which I know their ups and downs, their good and bad, their awesomeness and irateness. #AlDub is my source of happiness. They made old songs new theme songs for the couples. They made single people wishful in forever. They made noontime viewing a lot more interesting than in prime time. They made the idea of love go back to its traditional roots of pagpapahirap. And it made Alden Richards even more handsome; it made Maine Mendoza instant icon of simplicity with beauty and wit; and it made Wally Bayola the best stand-up comedian since Jon Santos and Willie Nepomuceno (in my honest opinion!). I regained my love for OPM, which for now, are not copycats of American, British and Korean popular music. I prefer the originally composed music than revivals. I prefer seasoned performers jiving into new kinds of music and I prefer newly-hired performers performing old-school music of the 70s and 80s.

I'm still thinking of a perfect angle whenever I am about to be photographed. I don't know if it's a profile view or frontal. Or just how some of the "Baes" of Eat Bulaga's recently finished That's My Bae do their posing (why I don't find cute). I love to read but as much as possible, the knowledge I will get will be productively used in my teachings and other readings. Going back to my Literary Masterpieces class, I need to practice reading a book for a week, just how Kris Aquino read a book. In just a blink of an eye, she's already done a more-than-10-chaptered book! I would like to become somebody, an icon, a famous one but I don't know where to look for my niche in this world! Still, I'm not sure how to handle people if they will love you or even hate you! I just wanted to be famous because I did something good for the society. Probably by writing a beautiful story, or creating a new idea, or benchmarking a new way of thinking to the people.

I am not perfect. I am not a perfect friend, son, co-worker, teacher, citizen and a child of God. As much as I wanted everything to be perfect, but I, myself can't be treated as perfect because I'm not. And that's how it is being Ziegrey Oris-Balota. And for the next couple of years, I will be who I am, no expectations, no qualms and no inhibitions.

Let me finish this blog with a prayer of gratitude:

God, thank You for allowing me to live,
Allowing me to breath fresh air,
Allowing me to watch entertaining things,
Allowing me to love people who surrounds me,
Allowing me to listen to music,
Allowing me to walk to wherever I wanted to go,
Allowing me to say what I feel,
Allowing me to think hard for a solution,
Allowing me to taste the food I dream to eat,
Allowing me to meet a lot of people, and
Allowing me to choose the best people for me,
Allowing me to love and wait, or wait and love,
Allowing me to laugh the funniest moments,
Allowing me to cry the saddest moments,
Allowing me to know what I wanted to know,
Allowing me to talk for what is right,
Allowing me to see colorful things,
Allowing me to discover new things,
Allowing me to reminisce my mistakes, and
Allowing me to learn from them and start anew,
Allowing me to kiss the people I love,
Allowing me to love the people I kissed,
Allowing me to experience once-in-a-lifetime,
Allowing me to take some rest,
Allowing me to count all the blessings,
Allowing me to sleep soundly at night, and
Allowing me to give another day to live.

Sounds like showbiz, but I would like to thank all of my friends who have been with me for the past 28 years. Some may gone, some may leave but only the rest who stayed are stronger than I expected. Thank you to my family who has been the strongest wall ever. I may not be as showy as with other families but who needs it if by simply looking at them beautifully makes yourself leaned against. And of course, to God, through Jesus and Mary, for loving me unconditionally. I don't know how they reciprocate it but I truly feel their presence.

Happy Birthday to me!!!

Toodles!!!
 

The Week of Hanash and Other Brouhahas

It's back! My brouhahas are back and I am very much excited to tell everything that happened to me, in spite of so many trials (?) and predicaments (?) that have thrown to me.

TM BL 17 - They are the last class that I met. It was only yesterday, July 23, 2015 and I believe, they are the record-holder of my first harsh opening (meaning with matching pamamahiya and stress-related reprimands). This student, which is already nineteen years old, does not act according to her age. And she was proud of that. By looking at her, I was thinking of what the heck have happened to most of the youth today. Especially the new students of the university I am teaching right now, thinking that college is independence. But when the time that their grades are fluctuating and plunging, their seriousness becomes them. And after all of what you did to them, the best thing that they will remember about you is the way you treat them pretty bad. Well that's life.

For this class, which I will meet Mondays and Thursdays at around 3:00 pm, we'll have a fruitful semester. And welcome to my class.

SPEAKING OF YOUTH - One of my colleagues have asked me, "Sir, normal lang ba talaga sa mga bata makakuha ng mababang grade?" Like what happened in my first quiz, the lowest equivalent grade that my student got was a whopping 8% and this grade will be seen in his record. Oh yeah, it's English but with a grade of 8% for his first quiz is an absolute example of negligence. Another thing is the way they talk to you that seem pretty familiar. I asked an English question; they'll answer you either none or in Filipino. What I told about them in college, it should be treated professionally but they're not. Some of the students are not treating their studies well-deserved. So what I answered to my colleague about his question if it is normal for a student to got a very low grade in his/her quiz, I said, that's the youth of today. At the end of the day, they are the ones who will suffer.

PBB - And this leads to my next portion, one of my most hated program on prime time TV. No need to elaborate but it mirrors how the youth moves and shakes nowadays. They only think of becoming stars and sensations but hollow inside. Gone are the seasons of PBB in which they get real persons with real stories and real situations. If I will be ABS-CBN, instead of using PBB to get new artistas, why not to return Star Circle Quest.

On a happier note...

THE MOST HANASH BIRTHDAY WHICH GOT EVEN BETTER AT 27 - Whenever my dear friend Mark Lester A. Pabilando celebrates his birthday, it must be the best that even German Moreno will shrew. We celebrated it just like a new year celebration with countdown, cakes and some eerie appearances (you know what I mean guys!). We played Category Game with fun and laughter (mga tinapay o pastry na nabibili sa bakery: egg sandwich; mga uri ng kasalanan: ang mahalin ng teacher ang kanyang estudyante!!!). One of us shared her story of a failed but learned experience. Our swimming escapade while the Holy Mass is on going, with matching stories about the different Kapamilya and Kapuso with Kapatid stars. Our Tagaytay journey from Starbucks (near Kontiki) and we continued our Category Game (mga putaheng ino-offer ng Kontiki Bar and Restaurant, mga coffee flavors ng Starbucks). Mark's dinner treat to us at Merben Carinderia in which our issue with "bawal diligan ang halaman" and I am thinking why would some customers think of watering the plants while eating bulalo and sisig?

It has been a tradition to all of us to celebrate the birthday of Mark. Mark also considers us as his family. This has been a cliche that our friendship will never be complete without the Mark's bonggacious birthday celebration because apart from my birthday, Kakai's food trip, and our year-end pamorningan, all of us are expecting for a grand celebration that only Mark can actually think and do. That makes Mark really special to us because what he only wants is to make his celebration fruitful, grandiose and memorable as always. This is why we created a new word for this, "hanash," which means... I don't know exactly the meaning of it. Maybe the same meaning with "kembular," and "chenes." But during the entire celebration, it is best suited with us.

And this is what we call "friendship beyond many years!"

And when I look at this picture, all of the negatives found on the first part of this blog paid off...

See you again next time!!!

Toodles

My Lenten Reflection: About Courage

Today is Holy Wednesday, April 1, 2015. My reflection will be about being courageous.

Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord!

- Psalm 27:14

I am not sure yet but there will be a big decision I need to think, rethink and rethink again. It will be for myself (something part of my "upgrade") and for my family as well. Maybe you already have an idea but I believe, I will be eating what I've said before. But again, it will be something better. And, I'm not yet sure.

It is not easy to choose a decision that will benefit a lot. I need a lot of courage to take plunge into it. Tons of courage are needed because it will somehow affect a lot: family, friends, people who have known me (others have forgotten me) and the likes.

I also tried and tested my courageous acts in some many ways. When my mother was on a brink of danger in 2011, our family was really courageous to face it. With lots of prayers and optimism, my mother became better and stronger up until now! When I started my M.A. studies in 2013, I was also thinking if it was a good idea. I even had a bad start with my grades, but with courage to face all the challenges given to us by my dear professors, I made it with flying colors (at least!). 

I still remember the time that I became really courageous while fighting with my kababatas. I became a victim of bullying here in our village because I was touted to be gay. In every corner of our village, even in our street, I was blubbered, disgusted, mocked and played fun with the bastards. No choice about it, I just face them but without saying any words. I just let them poking fun at me because at the end of the day, I will be the one who's going to be on top.

I am courageous. In all problems, it is easy to say that I am prepared but again, I will be prepared because I have the courage!

Toodles!

My Lenten Reflection: About Temptation

Today is Holy Tuesday, March 31, 2015 and what I will reflect is about temptation. A lot of people are experiencing this, especially those who do not know how to say "No."

"No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. - 1 Corinthians 10:13

Whenever I have money, I always tell myself to be, as much as possible, frugal. Or if not, control myself to buy some things. I'm not actually into shopping; I'm into eating. I want to divulge myself into different restaurants trying new to palette. When I feel hungry, I just go to a nearby fast food. When I want to eat just for nothing, here comes Siomai House, Lugaw Republic, Turks Shawarma, Hen Lin and so much more. I am so much tempted to eat because it is my joy.

Here I am in front of the computer. Aside from checking everything nonsense on Facebook and Twitter (which has nothing to do with my own life), I love watching YouTube, for no reason at all. Because of this, I spend a lot of time staring in front of my computer, doing nothing but to watch. I forget my duties, and I don't even help with my household duties. I am so much tempted with the bright world of Internet and I don't know how to control or even stop.

God will not allow to be tempted beyond what I am able. I know God watches me and it seems He doesn't know how will He tell me to stop. I need to focus, which I lack. I need to prioritize, which I don't know how. Maybe God has been thinking of a proper way to tell me but He fails to reach me. Temptation is a evil thing to concentrate on but still, I am into this. It already overtook my life.

I need to escape with this kind of temptations. I am becoming larger because of food. I am becoming negligent because of the Internet. I want to have lots of focus. I need to rest, or even to stop. I don't like temptations because it makes me forgetting what I need to do, which is to follow God! Whatever He wants me to do, I will do it without giving a second look!

It's not easy to desist what I've done for quite some time. But for Him, I will do it gradually to continuously.

Toodles!

My Lenten Reflection: About Patience

Today is Holy Monday, March 30, 2015 and this is one part of my series of reflections. For now, I will be talking about having a lengthy patience.

"For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise. - Hebrews 10:36

I hate waiting. For me, waiting wastes so many precious time. When I wait for my friends to come, I don't like long hours because every minute is wasted. I don't like bratty or naughty kids, especially during hearing mass. I don't like heavy flow of traffic because it is too hard to just waiting then an inch of movement will be done. 

But it was said by the Bible that for me to have need of endurance, I will be receiving a promise. Good things come to those who really wait. The best thing that I could use as an example was my sudden entrance at Far Eastern University. Last year, I was waiting for a perfect time what kind of company am I going to be in? I've been to different companies, did my interviews and demo teaching but they always turn down. When this opportunity came in, I grabbed it. I was waiting for this to happen, then suddenly, it happened. 

But it was actually in FEU when I experienced the blow of patience. I only got my salary in September, in which I was with them already in July. I only had my identification card with employee number in August. God really tested my patience and thankfully, I survived. Admittedly, there was a time that I wanted to quit because nothing's really happening with what I wanted to happen. Luckily, there were many good friends of mine who said to keep holding on. Now, I regained my patience.

A lot of actions will define how patient are you. Love, studies, everything, it needs a lot of patience. I am still waiting for the perfect one but for now, I set that aside. I am still waiting for the perfect time to finish my MA studies because a lot of people are too excited for me to finish (which is really amazing!). I am still waiting for that good sign from God if I will grab the opportunity or not. I am planning a major thing for my career and I still see the possibilities and disadvantages of it. 

In return, patience is indeed a virtue. God made us to wait for what He wanted for us. I may be challenged with my short-measured patience but it was a good one! It managed me to become stronger, wiser and more patient in terms of dealing people. The best thing to be done to make yourself more patient is to pray. Pray to Him that He may give you tons and tons of patience especially nowadays that every single detail in the planet can be a stressful one.

Toodles!!!

That Dress and Other Brouhahas

Seriously, a dress which has a controversy in its color and design is one of the trending topics on Twitter or should I say, the world?!?!

Hello guys! I'm back and I just wanted to shout out some brouhahas that I faced this week, including the controversial things we really don't need to make a really big deal!

WHERE DO BROKEN HEARTS GO? - A very good catchphrase from the movie That Thing Called Tadhana (which until I now, I'm not yet watching it) was iterated using Tita Whitney's song. Kris Aquino used this song while writing her spiels about the lost romance she had with Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista. Perhaps those who have watched That Thing Called Tadhana already made this song as their national anthem, for those who have lost their romance.

The big question for this is, where do really broken hearts go? Baguio? Sagada? Manila? Rome? (again, quoted from the movie!). I would like to try if the time comes I'll be heartbroken. If that person is within the parameters of my life, I would exclude myself from that place. If we are working on the same company, I will be the first one to resign just to be able to move on. There's no other safer place to hide the broken feelings but outside of the building. I'll go to a different church which we never had heard a mass, probably talk to a stranger (better they are really okay and not gang-ish) who would probably hear my cries and woes. Then I'll go to a different mall, which we never had tried visiting, doing massive shopping (for as long as I have money). I'll go to a restaurant, same which we never tried eating, munching myself with different kinds of food. I'll make sure that the food I will be ordering is totally different from what we normally order. Then I'll get some tickets and go to a place, apart from the very usual Baguio and Sagada, in which no one would surely know what I truly feel when heartbroken. I will take the business class (if it's available), in which only few people can join me to a trip, few people will only understand what I truly feel. Probably Mindanao, thousand miles away from Manila, thousand miles away from heartbreaks! Davao... General Santos... Siargao... Camiguin... Cagayan de Oro... Or most likely, Asia or Europe but not Paris. Why? Paris is known for the City of Love, and it will only remind me of so many things. Asia, I would prefer Cambodia, or India, or Maldives which solitude and melodrama are allowed to be with me, thinking and acting how to deal with them then pushing them to the waters. Europe, I would like to try the trains, and going around the continent. Still, I will avoid Paris. Or at the Caribbean, swimming in their beaches, alone, during night. If I finished all of these things, most likely I'll be a bit fine because that thing called heartbroken may go but it will leave a bruise. Anyways, there are now scar removing cream and that's a new person that I will get accustomed of and blossomed into a newly-opened front cover of the book.

Truthfully, I tried how to become heartbroken and it was not really cool to experience. Those kinds of heartbroken are not really true-to-life but still, I managed to feel them. I was wounded, then scarred, but hey, my life is still moving on. They were only just pages of my book which I need to stay on then turned next. How I wish!

I want you to finish reading my blog before I turn to you the music video of Tita Whitney's Where Do Broken Hearts Go?

JAM - As of this writing, Jamvhille Fernando Sebastian is in its weakest state battling against lung cancer. According to his brother Yexel and also from the kind hearts of their family and friends, Jam of the successful YouTube sensation Jamich is now on life support since yesterday, February 26th. A lot of fans, friends and his own family are in full prayers as all of them are already accepted the fact that Jam is already tired of fighting. Apparently, according to social media rounds and through his brother's Facebook account, miraculously Jam was awakened after almost twenty-four (24) hours of sleep. He even tried to write "I love you all" in a piece of paper, shown by his girlfriend Mich Liggayu (his partner in Jamich). The doctors have already said their piece regarding Jam's condition that his body and health are continually getting slimmer chances of surviving.

I remember in 2012 when I saw them together while shopping in 168 Shopping Mall in Divisoria. I was with my dear friends when I told them that I saw Jamich. They even wanted me to get a photo with them, being a true blue fan. It is because of the song, By Chance (You and I) by JRA and their very first short film, with the same title that I truly fell in love with them. It is very simple, they are only showing how much they love each other. Not only that, they also create beautiful and creative stories about love, friendship, decisions and family. They became very popular because of their videos uploaded through YouTube and made them one of the most popular artists. They got interviewed in many talk shows like Gandang Gabi Vice, Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho and Rated K. Well, modesty aside, they got involved in many issues which include the ten thousand likes and the recent controversy (when Jam is already with cancer) of the iPhone 6.

Then the fans of Jamich went really shocked when news about Jam having early stages of lung cancer. They decided to undergo chemotherapy treatment but it made the health condition of Jam worse. Rumors had told that because of the lifestyle Jam has (smoking and drinking) made him sick. He even clarified that the reason he got the disease was because of his poor lifestyle of stress and sleeplessness. Mich even did a very romantic idea of asking Jam to marry her; something like the very first, as far as love is concerned. Days have past and the condition of Jam became worse. Lots of liquid have been drained from his lungs that made him a lot sicker. Then lots of celebrities have managed to visit Jam like Vice Ganda, Karen Davila, Jhong Hilario and Kris Aquino. By the start of 2015, he's very thin and deteriorating. And according to his brother, Yexel, his girlfriend Mich and his family, they already decided to let go of Jam for his unending struggle.

As a fan, I really don't know what to do to an idol in pain. He proved to me that love really exist! I don't want to let him go but what can I do if God wants him, finally, to let Jam rest. The only thing that we could do, I could do is to pray on whatever might happen to Jam. In the end, he already lived a beautiful life. It was such a beautiful life! But then again, Jam has been a good example of how a warrior should be. He is already wounded, tired and tormented but he still continue to fight! God bless him and love shall prevail!!!

PNR FARE INCREASE - Another sad news but this time, for my pocket, coin purse and wallet. Since the beginning of the new year, I use PNR as my mode of public transportation going home to show my frugality. Imagine from Tutuban in Manila to San Pedro, Laguna will cost me P30.00, better than taking the LRT which is P20.00 from Doroteo Jose to Gil Puyat stations, then BBL bus ride from Buendia to Parkhomes for P41.00. It really cuts my budget in half. Last February 26, they got a public consortium regarding the increase of their minimum fare of P10.00 to P15.00. I saw the new matrix (which they will impose beginning March) that from Tutuban to San Pedro will cost P40.00.

They said that it was already twenty years when they got the last time increasing the fare. The said fare increase will benefit the maintenance of the railways, trains and others. The government shares the national budget to PNR with only a limited one. The government does not also subsidize the PNR unlike with its contemporary LRT. Looking at its dilapidated trains, old rail tracks, it is indeed PNR is already in the status of "really complicated."

Maybe it's time for me to change the course I am taking going back home. But hopefully, this will change as I always love to ride on a train.

THE DRESS THAT BECAME INTERNATIONALLY CONTROVERSIAL - They said it was the idea of optical illusion. Others even suggested that some people are having colorblindness. I just don't understand why it became an international sensation, er, controversy, er, trending topic on Twitter.

I am browsing what are the trending topics in the Philippines then I saw this, "White and Gold," and "Black and Blue." Then I saw the picture. It was only a dress, which I look at it as white and gold. Then it became a huge topic for debates and argumentation. They even tried to study the colors with the use of codes and pantones. They even used the art of photography in identifying the correct color. Even Taylor Swift joined the bandwagon telling the dress has black and blue color.

A certain Caitlin McNeill posted a photo through Tumblr asking her followers what the hell is the color of the dress. She even felt really insane but knowing what color does the dress display. Seriously, this has been a national issue, an international dispute perhaps in the world of fashion, arts, science and social media (read: Internet).

Thankfully, I made the issue a part of my brouhaha. As if the world really mind about this blog and as if the ones who got involved in this fantastic hash would mind reading this blog. Nevertheless, I don't even mind what the color of the dress is, the dress is not beautiful.

There you have it guys, the brouhahas that I don't need to get become really controversial. By the way, the music video of Where Do Broken Hearts Go? is here. Sing with me!!!

Toodles!!!

So Sick and Other Brouhahas

At this very moment, I am still pulling up some phlegm and watery fluid inside my nose. It all started this morning while I am watching the Oscars. Then it blew all the way, then I started to sneeze and sneeze and sneeze, until my body doesn't want to move. Meaning, I am sick. Because of rest, coffee and some rest, somehow it regained my strong capacity and now I have a chance to sit down and write anything in my blog.

Once again, I am returning to write here in my Brouhahas. Hopefully I could relive my love with the letters. I am not waiting for someone to make some comments or to become happy with the things I put here. It is just simply doing my responsibility, which is to write. In fairness, paulit-ulit ako! Pagpasensyahan, may sakit!

Anyways, here are some of the brouhahas which enveloped me this week (enveloped?!?!)

WATTPAD PRESENTS - Whenever I go to National Book Store, Powerbooks and Fully Booked looking for a new and good book to read, I sometimes glance with some of the stories made by witty yet creative young minds via Wattpad. It is a writing community in which users are able to post articles, stories, fan fiction, and poems about anything either online or through its application (Wikipedia). Most of its writers are teenagers with funky and artsy usernames. What really makes me feel astonished about them is they have a very good story line with nice turns and plots. Sa bagay, you don't need science or procedure in creating a beautiful story; what's important is experience, based from it.

Speaking of experiences, most of the stories that I tried to read are all about love, either true love or puppy love or unconditional love or whatever kind of love. Based from the titles, it is all about love. Examples are:

• My Facebook Boyfriend... For Real!!? by Anne Bernadette Castueras
• The Despicable Guy by Shirlengtearjerky or Leng de Chavez
• Operation: Break the Casanova's Heart by Alyloony or Aly Almario
• Three Words, Eight Letters, Say It, I'm Yours by GirlInLove or Jade Margarette
• Secretly Married by ForgottenGlimmer
• For Hire, A Damn Good Kisser by Beeyotch or Ariesa Jane Domingop
• Ang Boyfriend Kong Artista by ModernongMariaClara or Ella Laren

Because of its popularity, some film production outfits and television network made it alive. It also became a good vehicle for making new love teams for today's generation.

• Diary ng Panget by Denny - probably the very first Wattpad story which became a movie starring James Reid, Nadine Lustre, Andre Paras and Yassi Pressman under VIVA Films. This is the movie in which the love team called JADINE was born in 2014.
• She's Dating the Gangster by Bianca Bernardino - Star Cinema's first Wattpad movie starring Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla. Yes, Star Cinema answered KATHNIEL with this movie, which was a huge hit also in 2014.
• Talk Back and You're Dead by Alesana Marie - second Wattpad movie of JADINE from VIVA Films and Skylight Films. It also featured Joseph Marco.

TV5 came up with a week-long romantic drama series which they entitled it Wattpad Presents. Since September of 2014, they already produced nineteen stories in which it starred some of their brightest stars. Some of the titles which turned into a week-long drama series are:

• My Tag Boyfriend by Anjanette Bernales - starred Jasmine Curtis-Smith and Sam Concepcion.
• Mr. Popular Meets Ms. Nobody by Jewell Atienza - starred Mark Neumann and Shaira Mae Dela Cruz.
• Poser Story by Maxine Lat Calibuso - featured Chanel Morales and Akihiro Blanco.
• Almost A Cinderella Story by Soju - featured Eula Caballero and Carl Guevarra
• Diary ng Hindi Malandi, Slight Lang! by Francis Herrera - starred Isabella de Leon and Edgar Allan Guzman
• I'm In Love with A DOTA Player by Maria Cristina Lata - featured Mark Neumann and Shaira Mae Dela Cruz.

Also, ABS-CBN created a teleserye starring Nash Aguas, Alexa Ilacad and Ella Cruz. Entitled, Bagito, it is written by Noreen Capili, also known as Noringai. She also wrote Buti Pa Ang Roma, May Bagong Papa and Parang Kayo Pero Hindi.

During our Literary Translation class with Dr. David Jonathan Bayot, the great Dr. Soledad Reyes of Ateneo de Manila University came to our little abode to talk about translating great Filipino novels into English. I tried to ask her (with all might) about what can she say about the abundance of new kinds of writers via Wattpad. She said okay with it, noting the way it was written with correct plots and literary schemes. These kinds of books or stories can be accorded to what is popularly known as contemporary or pop fiction, aside from the fact that it is romance. 

Wattpad did not actually kill the popularity of Precious Hearts Romances and My Special Valentine, also known as pocketbooks but it only turned into different vantage point of romance stories. These makes the readers, even in my age, feel younger and more lively well, when it comes to love. It is a good idea to see the new breed of writers, even though their choice of genre is easy to comprehend relatable. In the long run, those writers might become literary genius not only known as number one bestsellers.

I've been wanting to try to write using Wattpad. If given a chance to make a username, I would probably use zieggiebalotee or HaveYouBeenInLoveHuh or even OggyThirtyFirst. Bahala na? What could be my genre? Can I create a love story mixed with politics, or suspense-thriller, or what everybody loves, homosexuality? Soon sa Primetime Bida!

**********

RYAN CHUA AND SEBASTIAN CASTRO - Because of my makulit mind while browsing Google looking for some couple photos, this is what I saw. I believe it was last year when Ryan Chua, one of the good-looking and fantastic reporters of ABS-CBN admitted through social media that he was (and still) in a relationship with the Peruvian-Japanese model Sebastian Castro. I only knew that they recently celebrated their first anniversary that Sebastian came from the U.S. earlier than everybody is expected. A YouTube video, uploaded by Seb (his nickname), shown how Seb surprised Ryan for their anniversary. Minus the smooches which is, of course, everybody will bash harder (why still very conservative?), that is the testament that love can happen to anyone. 

Sebastian Castro is actually Benjamin Brian Castro in real life. He is openly gay, with a viral video he shot for YouTube announcing that he is gay. He is also known for some of his music videos like the popular Bubble and Theban. The first time I saw the video, it was truly brilliant and very gay! And gosh, Seb is really a gorgeous man! Whenever I look at his face, you will forget that he's gay, even gayer than me! My good friend Mark Pabilando likes and loves him. He even made some headlines that once, he dated Enchong Dee but it is only a hoax story. 

Ryan Chua is Ryan Edward Lim Chua in real life. He was a graduate of Ateneo de Manila University with a degree of Communication, cum laude. According to his biography, he became the section editor of Ateneo's school paper The Guidon. Since he's a communication graduate, he landed as news reporter for ABS-CBN. Last year, he successfully finished his master's degree in international journalism at the City University London under the Chevening scholarship grant of UK. While he was studying for his master's degree, he and Sebastian met, started as friends then turned into something really serious, and that's love.

It was fun knowing this kind of relationship. Let's face it, they do not have a normal kind of relationship because obviously, they're both male. They're here in the Philippines, knowing the society who knows how to criticize not to simply tell opinions; in short, conservative. With their numerous pictures together, with some kisses and hugs, no doubt falling in love can be felt by everyone. It does not really matter who you are, what are you in the community or in the society, what nationality do you have and what kind of career you're jugging in, once love felt, you will melt. Ryan and Sebastian just show their love, affection and passion. It is friendship enveloped or covered with lots and lots of love. Ryan even mentioned that they had received many bashes from netizens after they decided to come out as a couple. Nonetheless, they reached their first anniversary. It only means to say that their relationship is much stronger than those people, educated or worst not educated, which they only know is to make the happiest people miserable.

Discreet or showy, these people are to be loved and shall be allowed to shout out their love! 

I pray for their relationship to become stronger, wiser and blessed! Besides, in this planet called Earth, what we only need is love, love and of course, love!

**********

ADVICE GANDA - I remember a segment of Vice Ganda's Sunday late night program Gandang Gabi Vice entitled Vice Advice. Together with his guest, they will be answering some quirky questions from the audience and they will give advice in all sorts. 

In It's Showtime, Vice Ganda once again created a new twist during their Sine Mo 'To segment. They are doing a parody of the movie That Thing Called Tadhana. Karylle is Angelica Panganiban's character Mace and Vice is JM de Guzman's character. There is one episode in which the character of Karylle say something about the break-up. Vice's character came to the rescue to tell about some hugot lines which can be related by everyone.

By the way, hugot lines became viral during the latter part of 2014 and this I believe became the theme of the movie That Thing Called Tadhana, directed by Antoinette Jadaone. A person becomes dramatic because of love then he/she will share a quote, phrase or proverb on dealing with love, most likely from their experiences or from any obvious reasons, thus being called hugot. May pinanghuhugutan kasi. A certain idea came from the deepest experience in life.

Here is the video showing Vice Ganda sharing hugot lines to those who got sick and tired because of love:

After saying some hugot lines, of course you will say, "Aaaaaaahhhhhh!!!" or "Awwwwwwwwwww!!!"

It only means to say natamaan ka!

**********

FIFTY SHADES OF GREY AND THAT THING CALLED TADHANA - Speaking of That Thing Called Tadhana, it raked more than 100 million pesos in box office. It really is "the ultimate hugot film of 2015." I still have no time to watch the movie so most likely, I would wait for someone to legally upload it on YouTube. Or better if my friends have already downloaded it so that I could ask for a recopy.

Another film premiered this love month is Fifty Shades of Grey. The worldwide phenomenon came to life with Christian Grey (played by Jamie Dornan) and Anastasia Steele (played by Dakota Johnson) sharing their own way of love story. But, it is not only a romantic movie but an erotic one, with lots and lots of sex scenes, on bed, on the office table, on the tub, and inside the Red Room of Pain! Good thing that I was able to finish the first book so that I could compare the film from it. Same with That Thing, I haven't watched it in cinemas. A lot of people have said that the distributors of the film here in the Philippines put some blurred and dark circles in the movie to avoid influences to the viewing public. They got disappointed, maybe because the glories are blurred and the treasures were covered with dark circles. 

I'll just wait for someone to upload it on the Internet or have their own copies so that I could recopy it.

If I have an extra income and still, they're both in cinemas yet, I will definitely watch them!!!

There you have it guys, these are the brouhahas I made while I'm sick!!! Please sickness, I don't need you!!! I need this...

Toodles!!!

This I Have To Say

Using my blog, I need to vent out some things that I have experienced, known and seen elsewhere.

I received a complaint about me from a very reliable source from one of my classes. I fail to come to their classes due to some unavoidable schedules. I am actually doing everything I need to do so to catch up on our lost meetigns. Admittedly, every time we will meet, I have important things to be done. I am very sorry for that.

I accept the complaint but hopefully, before they do the complaint, I want them to hear my part or complaint to them. I'm not saying I am a perfect lecturer but believe me, I'm doing the best that I can to satisfy what you want from me but it is you that you don't satisfy me a lot. And it is all about your attitude. Though you don't show it a lot but I feel it. Every time I go inside the room, I was not greeted. It even seems that I don't exist in front of the class. You never said "thank you," and "good bye!" And yes, when I teach, lots of noises are surrounded. If I talk, you talk. The things I talk about are important, but yours are somewhat hullabaloos and nonsensical knickknacks.

If I could be given a chance to make some complaints, I will complain about your pesky and imperious attitude. Don't be so political because I don't know one. Be what you have to be and know what you shall be, my student!

**********

I went to Ortigas last Friday and I saw this at the Billboardlandia, also known as Pasig River between Makati and Mandaluyong. That part of the riverside is dedicated for the billboards of Bench. And every time they put out their outdoor ads, expected it will spring different kinds of reaction. And this is one good example of many people plying EDSA giving reactions about the newest ad of Bench about showing different kinds of love.

A gay couple, Preview magazine's creative director Vince Uy and his partner Nino, was put on the newest Bench ad. It was a cool one because a kind of love is shown here, two people with same gender show what love is. It is shown with their two hands clutched. If you would notice on the second photo, the clutched hands of the two lovebirds have been painted black. According to Vince Uy, they do not have any idea who did the painting and the reason for painting it.

We are living in a very conservative country, putting religion on top of the reasons.  Conservative in its sense that the love of two boys (even two girls) are considered not cool. But the bottomline in all of this, they're just ads. It is all up to the people on the way they wanted to comprehend the message of it. Going beyond what it really looks like, it gives us a message about love. Another thing, it is only holding hands and it should not become a national headline. They look cute and they love with each other. Still, it gives a message, a message about love. I am not saying this because I am like them. But like us, we are also entitled outright to be in love!

Love does not have any rules to follow. Love does not need a perfect model to follow. Love only requires you to have the guts to be loved, to get hurt really and to get inspired on.

**********

This is actually true. The moment that everything became not okay not makes me feel not happy anymore.

Why is it that we need to feel, accept and understand some changes that we don't actually need? Even not expecting to? 

Why is it that for every changes, happiness is always at stake? 

For me, whenever I'm not happy, I don't push myself to the uppermost limits. I just go with the flow, waiting for something to get finished and then move to the next. It is not a good idea, of course, but I can't help. One reason is the culprit for all of this, not happy anymore.

If changes are as simple as closing your eyes for few seconds and then when you open it, it is all gone. If changes are really for the better and not to make it even worse. If changes will give me the reason to move forward but it is not.

Everything happens for a reason. May I know the reason why everything happens?

Let me share to you a simple message from a newfound friend: "...just keep on going. Look at the positive side of life." At the end of the day, you would realize, what are some things that made me happy? What should I do to make my life normalized and optimistic?

Now I know how, just keep on going. Changes are part of the journey. Unhappiness is part of the journey. And this journey will surely reach its end. And by reaching its end are also the ugly changes and unhappy will also have its end.

Just came out from my heart and my mind, and after this sentence, this will be done!

Toodles!!!

Hiatus and Other Brouhahas

hiatus - noun hi·a·tus \hī-ˈā-təs\
: a period of time when something (such as an activity or program) is stopped

Full Definition of HIATUS

a :  an interruption in time or continuity :  break; especially :  a period when something (as a program or activity) is suspended or interrupted <after a 5-year hiatus from writing>

Hindi naman ako umabot ng five (5) years sa pagtigil ko sa pagsusulat. From my last post, it was June of 2014 so it took me seven (7) months of stopping. If you want to know the reasons, I'll give you... three. One is because I have no time of writing. The second one is I don't have an inspiration or even a good topic to begin with. And the last but definitely not the least is, I'm heavily lazy!

The last post (dated June 19th) was a prayer about committing a failure. Well, I know now why I am writing. I think I failed my main purpose, or goal, which is to write whatever I wanted to write. It is actually ironic because as of now, I am teaching subjects like Technical Writing and Advanced Expository Writing to my students. Tapos, hindi ako nagsusulat sa blog ko (na pinagmamalaki ko pa sa resume ko that I own this blog at may "since 2011" pa!). I failed with my plans. Narito pang naiisip kong magsulat ng novel at short stories dahil umaatikabo na naman ang creative mind ko. Again, it is a prayer. I'm always praying that I could grip a very good topic or perhaps, a spur-of-the-moment moment for me to realize that I am, again, going to back to writing.

Now here comes a job interview that only happened this morning. The interviewer got really interested in one of my skills which is blog-writing. I don't know, maybe I found a new fan (wow!) and maybe, she never had a chance of reading my blog. This put me back to my love, which is again, writing!

After my very last post, ang daming magaganda at pangit na mga pangyayari ang nangyari sa buhay ko. Beautiful things I will continue to cherish and not-so-beautiful things I need to let go and/or rearrange so that it will become beautiful. At ito ang na-miss ko sa pagba-blog, the brouhahas which I became famous of. I want to enliven the ideals of my blog, which is the acquisition of everyday's somethings. Sa loob naman siguro ng pitong buwan, ang daming "everyday's somethings" ang nangyari sa buhay ko, which is I need to acquiesce, este to acquire, or possibly reacquire.

Let me go back to the last seven months prior to this post.

FAR EASTERN UNIVERSITY

I saw a post from my former professor and a very good friend of mine, Ma'am Neriz Gabelo, in our college batch group page on Facebook asking her former students who are now professionals (of course!) which among us are already MA graduates of English. Naghahanap kasi ang FEU Department of English ng mga instructors (part-time or full-time) for the first semester. When I saw the post, dali-dali akong nag-message kay Madame (we fondly call her that!) kung pupuwede ako, na mayroon pa lamang twenty-seven (27) units sa MA at hindi pa English ang ine-MA ko but Literature. She replied, telling me na tatanungin niya muna ang friend niyang nasa FEU. After few hours, it was a great news! Puwede raw.

The following day, I went to FEU. Na-late ako ng thirty minutes dahil after kong ibigay ang PRC ID ko sa Visitor's Lounge ng FEU (near BPI) eh hindi ko na alam kung saan ako pupunta. It is like a maze for me; I don't know where exactly the Arts Building is located. The last time I went to FEU was in 2004 when my dear high school unfortunately refunded her initial payment. After noon, wala na ulit. Dumaan ako sa ground level ng Nursing Building na dadaanan ko ang office ng IABF , with some rooms. I traversed to a big walkway in between the Education Building and Law Building. Then, nakita ko na ang quadrangle ng FEU. Wow! Ang laki! Naalala ko ang PLM, pero different siya dahil puro cement walkways at naka-fence ang grass nila. At ang daming students! Then, I was looking for the Arts Building and I don't know where to find it. I thought one building was AB, then I found out thanks to the nameplate, Science Building siya. Nagtanong na ako sa isang student kung nasaan ang Arts Building. Since medyo mahina ako sa directions especially my left and my right, I just went on, since I do not really like asking directions. I saw another nameplate from the glass window, Institute of Arts and Sciences. I went inside the office, akala ko yun na yun. The name of the person I am looking for is Dr. Emmanuel Gonzales, which happens to be the ninong of my good friend Juanito and Lyrize at their wedding. I went upstairs, sa 3rd floor at nakita ko ang office ng Department of English. Doon ko unang na-meet si Ma'am Linda (which is by now, I call her sweetly as T'yang Linda). Medyo nasungitan pa ako sa kanya noon kasi nagtanong ako kung saan ko makikita si Dr. Gonzales or Sir Manny. She pointed me to the office of International Studies. Walang tao sa office dahil nga naman lunch time. I texted Ma'am Gabelo that I am late and I am super nervous. I am also waiting for Aldrin (a good friend of mine). After few minutes, nagkita na kami ni Sir Manny. Nakakahiya dahil late ako because of the devilish traffic at SLEX and Buendia, matching paghihintay pa ng LRT. Kaunting interview, which is very informal thankfully, nasambit ko pa sa kanya na kaibigan kong matalik sila Yuan at Ly na inaanak niya sa kasal (which I also told him na nakita ko siya mismo sa wedding). Then, I went to the Department of English office kung saan ako unang pumunta. I met Sir Roger Bingculado, the Program Head of FEU Department of English. He asked me few questions. Then afterwards, mayroon na akong teaching load. The following day, I have a class.

Wow! I never imagined myself that I will be teaching college as easy as that. I only asked a question that if it is possible but it happened. At hindi lang ako part-time lecturer but a full-time. Initially, they gave me 15 units, hanggang naging 18, naging 21 at naging 24. Another wow moment for me! But my first days at FEU are not easy; it became bumpy and rough ride. When it comes to students, since they're college, they already know what might lead them if they did not do what they need to do. Meaning, kapag pabaya ka sa studies mo, good luck na lang sa grades mo. I became also independent in terms of what I want to teach. What my students wanted to learn, I will give it to them. Pero, may mga pagkakataon pa rin na para akong nagtuturo ng high school (read: first year college students). Others are looking at me still not believing that I am teaching them. Probably, we they first saw me, they never imagined, even realized that I am a college instructor. I introduced myself to the students, at napa-wow sila dahil raw ang bata ko pa to teach college. Then I thought, kapag ba college professor or instructor ka, kailangan matanda na or worst, matandang-matanda na? I said to myself, I will treat them as hungry kids wanting to learn the realities of life because college is a preparation stage for the real world.

Magaganda ang mga subjects na tinuturuan ko, Basic English, Academic Writing, Technical Writing and Business Communication. All about English, since according to the department, so far ang highest educational attainment ko ay ang bachelor's degree ko in Communication Arts-English. It was fun learning and teaching the subjects, well except Basic English since I forgot some grammar topics. Bagong-bago sa akin ang Business Communication and Technical Writing because it deals with business correspondence and everything about communication. Academic Writing is research writing so I lead them how to create chapters one to five of their so-called "baby theses." May mga natutuwa sa akin sa pagtuturo at may mga nagko-comment na masyadong subjective. Anyways, I don't even mind for as long as I'm doing my job pretty well. FEU students are well-rounded (except with my first year college students). During first semester, gustong-gusto ko yung klase ko na GED205, which are mostly IABF students, yung GED0117 ko na mga Internal Auditing students, HMGE107 na mga Tourism students (na medyo malaki ang atraso ko sa kanila dahil 7:30 am ang class ko sa kanila't lagi akong nale-late, and ENG3MC, which are better Mass Communication/Communication Arts students. They are all kind, responsible and at the same time, humble. May mga na-handle-an akong mga students but I just don't like the attitude since they belong to a good course which is highly expected. And of course, the dreadful first year college students, which they still don't know the harshness of college life (palibhasa, hindi pa nakakalasap ng bagsak!). For this semester, as what I've mentioned in the first part, Technical Writing and Advanced Expository Writing. Sadly from 24 units, naging 12 units ako but that's fine. Mababait naman ang mga students ko, so far, so good. In college, I did not bring my disciplinarian attitude from my previous institution dahil siyempre bawal (except in one incident in which, hindi na kaya ng pasensya ko, I uttered a very cursed word. Anyway, they deserve it!). Pero, may mga pagkakataong pinapakitaan ko sila ng katarayan ko, but in a blissful act. And thanks to technology, I can communicate to them through Facebook and text messaging kapag I can't come to school. Never did I imagine that I taught future media personalities, hoteliers and restaurateurs, businesspeople, accountants, medical technologists and lawyers. Even UAAP players and a courtside reporter (wow, special mention!).

Aside from the students, I gained new and lovely friends. Aside from T'yang Linda, Sir Roger and Sir Manny, I made a good friendship with Sir Bong Villanueva, Sir Stephen Ong, Sir Joey Santos, Ma'am Emi Felimer, Ma'am Kaye Riano, Ma'am Tess Doctor, Ma'am Vanessa Bernabe, Ma'am Mycah Chavez, Ma'am Cecille Ycong, Sir Michael Diezmo, Dr. Tuazon and of course, Sir Jenorie San Agustin. Whenever I'm in FEU, hindi ako nag-iisa, because I have so many friends that I can talk to, ask questions, absorb my predicaments and frown on my quandaries. Minsan nga, naiisip ko that I don't actually belong to these people dahil buti pa sila, matatagal na sa college samantalang ako, I am brand new. They are all treasured in my hearts, no matter what happened in our own destinies and career paths. Medyo nakakatakot kasi sa mga panahong ngayon sa college because of the dreaded K-12 curriculum, which will make college tilted to a different dimension. There will come a school year that no freshman will be studying because they need to finish another two years in high school, called senior high school. Whatever will happen to that system, so be it. 

It was really fun teaching college students because they know the value of responsibility. And also, they are preparing themselves to become somebody soon. Even though I am not be thanked for those things, I know inside my heart that I touched their lives, helped them answering their questions and believed them that they can make it. May iba na nagpapasalamat because they passed, others probably forgot, or others did not mind at all that some time in their lives, I existed and gave them a legit grade, it's fine. This is a great opportunity for me to be part of one of the best universities in the Philippines. 

TAMPURUROT TURNED FRIENDSHIP-OVER-BUT-NOT-REALLY-FRIENDSHIP-OVER-BUT-NOT-TALKING-TO-EACH-OTHER-FOR-THE-PAST-SEVEN-MONTHS

2014 was my most sensitive year. I became bossy with my sensitivities which is, ayaw na ayaw ko na nadedehado ako pagdating sa mga emotions and feelings. Call me maarte but I am like that! I became tampururot because, one is a challenge-turned-some-series-of-unfortunate-events while the other one is forgettable and insincere. I'm still hoping that we could get along but because of hectic schedule (sabihan niyo na akong gumagawa ng alibi, but maybe yes?), I don't have time... Or should I say, I don't have plans. Ang ayaw ko rin sa lahat yung pinipilit ako to make everything okay because, reality check, it is not okay. Siya na rin ang nagsabi that's why hindi siya present sa birthday ko because we're not okay. And I understand, because we're not okay. Pero hindi ako naniniwala sa "friendship over" dahil for the rest of our lives, we will remain friends. Sila na rin ang nagsabi na magkakapatid kami. Kung ang magkapatid nga, nag-aaway at hindi nagpapansinan na parang for a lifetime pero at the end of the line, nagbabati rin. I just don't like to be forced because it will not be a good help. And hindi rin naman dapat na kailangan may audience participation, na tatalunin pa ang live TV engagement nina Dingdong at Marian. It is truly sincere if it will happen by happenstance. 

I know it will happen soon. Please allow my heart to get ready because the last time I checked on it, it is not yet.

CRUSH

I have a new crush and this time, this person is my contemporary. This person has a good gift in writing and in fact, this person has a continuous column in one of the biggest national newspapers in the country. In fairness naman, ang galing-galing niyang magsulat. Aside from the newspaper, contributor din siya sa mga kilalang magazines dito sa Pilipinas. Hopefully we could be classmates again next school year, and I do hope to meet this person soon enough. Malay natin, lalo na't mayroon siyang social media na kung saan mga katulad natin ang puwedeng magkaroon.

DEAR POPE FRANCIS, THANK YOU SA MALASAKIT! IKAW TALAGA ANG PEOPLE'S POPE!

January 19, 2015. I saw a picture via Twitter via Planefinder na nasa Philippine airspace na ang airplane na sinasakyan ni Pope Francis. As a Catholic, my heart is jumping. As a child of God, I feel that I'm so much excited to see my father after so many years. He is visiting our country, the Philippines. But truthfully, I didn't see Pope Francis but the messages of mercy and compassion by Jesus Christ, our Savior! Yung nakita mo ang mukha niya sa bintana ng SriLankan Airlines, gusto mo ng sumigaw at sabihan siyang "Welcome to the Philippines, Pope Francis!" At yung scene na paglabas niya sa eroplano, lumipad ang skullcap niya dahil sa lakas ng hangin sa Villamor Airbase. Yung simpleng "hi!" niya sa mga Pilipino. Kahit sa TV ko lang siya nakita, at hindi in person, feeling mo ang lapit-lapit mo na sa kanya at pupuwede ka na niyang basbasan! Kahit sa TV ko lang siya nafa-follow lalo na sa motorcade niya from Villamor Airbase to Apostolic Nunciature, ang sarap ng feeling na ang daming taong tuwang-tuwa dahil isang malaking tao, which we knew as the messenger of God is here to spread the mercy and compassion. 

He went to Malacanang (since he's not only the Pope as the head of the Roman Catholic Church, but also a head of state of Vatican City, which is city-state), then straight to Manila Cathedral na kanyang pinakaunang misa sa Pilipinas (never forget to mention "Do you love me?" "Yes!" "Then, thank you very much!"), then to Mall of Asia Arena for the Meeting with the Filipino Families (who will forget the ailing kid which he blessed but unfortunately died). Nagpunta siya sa Tacloban, amidst Typhoon Amang. Well, he already experienced the waterproof power of the Filipinos! Of course, his homily (na kapag ang homily or messages niya ay sa Spanish, we knew it really came from his heart, from the voice of Jesus!). At yung sinabi niyang, "I am here to tell you that Jesus is Lord!" Sadly, one church volunteer killed while in service because of an accident. Yung pumunta siya sa UST for the interreligious meeting and Meeting with the Filipino Youth. Lalo na yung isa sa mga nag-message na batang babae asking him "Why God let all bad things happen to children?" At siya, him considered as the Pope, has no answer for the question, a very humble one! And the most important celebration during his Apostolic Visit is his concluding mass at the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta. My dear sister went there pero masyado na siyang malayo (they are staying near the Lapu-Lapu monument, which is near Taft Avenue, imagine how far they are from the main altar!). And umuulan pa! Still, he was a charmer. He kissed kids, he blessed all the families, sick people, and even an ordinary Catholic. 

I am such a Catholic, not saying I'm a good one, but when Pope Francis came, I was refreshed. Ito ang pagkakataong naging isa ang buong Pilipinas, despite of the religion they belong to. I never had a chance to see him in person, or too close but knowing that he's around, I feel better. It is such a privilege that a huge personality like Pope Francis chose the Philippines to celebrate the Word of God and to give us fruitful messages from Jesus' heart. Tama naman si Pope, he is not here because he is the Pope, he is here because of Jesus Christ! I saw Jesus in him, being so humble and meek. Whenever he goes around to meet people, he is like an ordinary priest, the only difference is he owns the whole Roman Catholicism. He was the one who told the world of His love. When he went back home to Rome on the 19th of January, totoo talaga ang sepanx or separation anxiety.

I will be one of the people to welcome him again, if he's coming back on 2016. I want to experience the Pope Francis effect!

BASHING AND UN-FOLLOWING

In one of the episodes of It's Showtime, sinabi ni Vice Ganda na noong nag-open siya ng kanyang social media account, ang dami raw galit na tao. Tama nga naman, kaunting kibit lang, or kahit simpleng post lang sa Instagram, Twitter or Facebook, hinding-hindi mawawalan ng pang-ookray, pangba-bash at pangliliit sa tao. 

Vice Ganda has been one of the most powerful celebrities in the Philippines who uses social media as his way to reach out his fans, at siya mismo nalulungkot sa ganyan. They use social media to ax down people to their level. They use social media as weapon to destruct the brightness of a person. They don't even critique but criticize. They don't give opinions but judge without even knowing. Matatapang lang sila dahil hindi sila nakikita or nakikilala. In short, they're all lame and coward. 

I have so many things to say about a certain celebrity or event pero I don't entirely shout it out in my social media accounts. I can say whatever I want to say because I have a freedom to do it. Pero yung iba, masyado na rin sila. They do not know the full story, kumbaga makapag-comment lang. And whenever they comment, masyado naman degrading and harsh, which is really unfair. I imagined, what if until now wala pa ring Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, may ganito pa rin kaya? Huwag na tayong magtaka kung magkakaroon ng World War III at ang nag-generate nito dahil lang sa isang pangit na comment sa isang picture (medyo OA, huwag naman sana!).

Because of continuous bashing, you are being un-followed. It is a good move, which should not be become a national headline. And you know what I mean! Hopefully, social media users may become aware of what they are saying. As what GMA 7 says, think before click. Para wala ng away!

CHICO LOCO

Before, I used to listen Papa Jack of Love Radio 90.7 through his radio show True Love Conversations. As his way of entertaining radio listeners, he will be answering three callers, telling about their own love stories. Until recently, medyo nase-stress na ako sa kanya dahil sa mga calls niya, sinisigawan na niya. He is always reprimanded and criticized about, but then, he is known for that. New year came, I switched to a new radio show weeknights, beginning at 9:00 pm and that's from their sister station, YES! FM 101.1. Entitled YES Diaries, it is hosted by Chico Loco. 

As of the moment, I am listening to his radio show dahil sa maraming dahilan. Una, he hosts a one-man-show. Meaning, he can entertain me for the whole show. He makes laugh loudly because of his funny antics. Masaya kasi sa isang host na he/she shares what he/she experienced in reality at ganoon si Chico Loco (though ganoon din naman si Papa Jack, yun nga lang sumisigaw siya). Chico Loco shouts but for fun. At ang pinakanakakatuwa sa show niya: every time he has a caller and before they share their stories, sila muna ay kikilatisin, titingnan at ite-trace ang kanilang Guhit ng Kapalaran. May kakausap muna sa kanilang mga characters na mismong si Chico Loco ang bumoboses (if I'm not mistaken, aside from being a DJ, isa rin siyang voice talent!). Nandiyan at makakausap mo si Madam Chiki, ang baklang manghuhula at nagbibigay ng mga lucky anes, si Lola Kerps na may mga kuwento ng mga alamat ng kamatis, kamias, kamote at orange, si Kapitan Tutan na dating moviestar na nagbebenta ng Tutan's Hotdog at bibigyan ka pa niya ng kanyang mga DVD (read as dee-vey-dee) na mga pelikula niya, si Notnot, ang pinakaguwapong prinsipe ng kanilang kaharian (na kaboses ni Mojacko). So far, sila pa lang ang naririnig ko but according to Wikipedia, mayroon pa siyang ginagawang boses like Koyang (based from Kuya of PBB), Chiclet and Balitanga (as in sasabihan kang tanga!). Maganda pa boses kapag kumakanta.

He gives advices about life, aside from love, na may halong katarayan. I still love Papa Jack but for now, I will prefer to listen to Chico Loco because he is funny and absolutely talented. Well, if it is not because of the defunct Gabi Na, Gising Na show nila before every Friday, I will never meet and know Chico Loco (as if naman na nagkita na kami personally!).

PHILIPPINE NATIONAL RAILWAYS

PNR is a real money saver for me. Dahil sa hindi na ganoong ka-stable ang pay ko, I need to frugal myself in my daily expenses, which includes public transportation. Kapag pauwi ako, lagi akong nage-LRT from Doroteo Jose to Gil Puyat, then BBL or Green Star going to our place. It costs me PHP120.00 (back and forth), which is not well compensated. New year started and I started using PNR trains going south to Laguna, for just PHP30.00. Minsan din naman ay nagpi-PNR ako going to Espana from Alabang for only PHP20.00. You have to be very mindful with the schedule. What I do, coming from FEU is I take a jeep ride to Tutuban, at lalakarin ko na yan hanggang sa Tutuban station ng PNR. I will wait for the 7:07 or 7:37 train ride going to either Calamba or Sta. Rosa. Bababa ako ng San Pedro then another jeep ride to our place. Imagine that from Manila to San Pedro, I only bought a ticket for PHP30.00 from PHP60.00 na dalawang sakay pa.

Since I am a self-proclaimed rail fan, how I wish the services of PNR are world-class and at par with LRT in terms of their trains. Nakakalungkot lang dahil, let's face it, pangit ang mga trains nila. Second hand JR lines ang ginagamit nila and it plies everyday at the railways na hindi naa-upgrade. May mga pagkakataon pang habang dumadaan ang train (especially in the Muntinlupa area), may mga nambabato. If you would notice with the windows, may mga grills dahil mahirap na't mabasag at makasakit pa ng pasahero. Another thing that is a disaster at PNR are the rush hours. Sobrang daming tao at talagang siksikan, na literally known to be a sardine can rolling along the tracks. 

Apart from the lows and woes of LRT (lalo na ang EDSA MRT), sana bigyang pansin rin ng DOTC ang problema sa PNR. I still believe that some time soon, we will have our very first high speed rail, good passenger services that will cater the entire nation and commuter services na parang LRT lang din ang effect. Dahil diyan, talagang nasa daang matuwid tayo (which apparently, matuwid pa ba?). Just saying.

Hindi naman halatang-halatang sobrang tagal na noong huli akong nagsulat. As what I've mentioned, this is the essence of my blog. To share anything and everything under the sun. After seven months of not writing anything, this is what happened to me. Masyado akong naging madaldal. Actually from those that I've written, ang dami pang issues that I actually see and experience, malayuan man o malapitan. 

I'm not going to promise because I'm dreadful of breaking it but I will make sure I will write. I will use the power of words to release what I feel inside me. And of course, my main goal, to entertain, inspire and teach my readers about everyday's somethings. 

Writing will definitely be my most favorite macro-skill in English. 

Sorry if it took very long to have a new one. 

And I miss saying this after...

Toodles!

 - meaning of hiatus is by Merriam Webster Online Dictionary.

When It Looks Like I Have Failed

This is a very beautiful prayer which is part of Straight From The Heart, a prayer book written by Fr. Mario Jose C. Ladra published by St. Pauls. A prayer in times of troubles and failures but looking at it differently.

When It Looks Like I Have Failed

Lord, are you trying to tell me something?

For--

Failure doesn't mean I'm a failure.

It does mean I haven't yet succeeded.

Failure doesn't mean I have accomplished nothing.

It does mean I have learned something.

Failure doesn't mean I have been a fool.

It does mean I had enough faith to experiment.

Failure doesn't mean I've been disgraced.

It does mean I dared to try.

Failure doesn't mean I don't have it.

It does mean I have to do something in a different way.

Failure doesn't mean I am inferior.

It does mean I am not perfect.

Failure doesn't mean I've wasted my life.

It does mean I have an excuse to start over again.

Failure doesn't mean I should give up.

It does mean I must try harder.

Failure doesn't mean I'll never make it.

It does mean I need more patience.

Failure doesn't mean you have abandoned me.

It does mean you must have a better idea!

Amen.

Toodles!

These Are The 116 Things We Want To See For The Philippines

One question: Are you sick and tired of being a Filipino?

My question has nothing of myself hating being a Filipino. It was a rhetorical question that needs no answers. Well, with different sorts of news being heard on the radio, watched on the television, browsed on the Internet, and read on newspapers everything about corruption, murder, uncanny behaviors, misguidance, and everything not so nice to our country, aren't you proud to become a Filipino? Aren't you wishing for a better Philippines? Are we wanting to move forward?

On the occasion of our 116th Independence Day, let's try to find out 116 things we want to see to our beloved country. There's no harm in wishing for as long as we're going to do what's best for our country, the Philippines. I just wanted to see that despite everything's what's happening here, from typhoons, earthquakes to corruptions and corrupted officials, there is still one hope and future heading towards ours.

1. No more corruption and corrupted officials.
2. Leadership and not politics; leaders and not politicians.
3. Dignity and integrity for the government officials (you know what I mean!).
4. Expressways and wider highways especially in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.
5. Upgrade of education system from basic to tertiary education.
6. High-speed rail system for Luzon (attention, PNR!).
7. New sets of trains and new lines for our LRT and MRT (make it 12 lines!).
8. Filipino and half-Filipino pride in different media.
9. Good and healthy sanitation especially to the depressed areas.
10. No more beggars on the streets courtesy of some syndicates.
11. Free health cards, especially for the poor (hello PhilHealth and private HMOs!)
12. No more padrino system!
13. More prayerful Filipinos in different religions and beliefs.
14. More scholarships especially for poor but intelligent Filipino students.
15. No more age discrimination in employment.
16. The end of political dynasty in some provinces; give chance to others to lead!
17. The Senate and House of Representatives in one, powerful, legislative building, thus called Congress of the Philippines.
18. Make peace and not war especially in the West Philippine Sea
19. Competitive yet available education especially to the universities and colleges.
20. Original Pilipino Music worldwide phenomenon!
21. A beautiful Filipino film as a winner for the Oscars' Best Foreign Language Film (even as a nominee!)
22. Deserving National Artists in different field.
23. Trains (and even high-speed trains) for Visayas and Mindanao (again, attention PNR!)
24. More concentration in Cebu, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Bacolod, Iloilo, Dagupan, Baguio and other key cities in the Philippines!
25. A new international airport for Metro Manila (aside from NAIA!).
26. The San Miguel Beer worldwide fame!
27. Philippine Airlines serving different parts of the world!
28. Teleserye stories focusing more on the history of the Philippines (why not create Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo on Primetime Bida or Telebabad?).
29. An honorable welcome to all our Overseas Filipino Workers every time they go home (plus gifts and pampering surprises awaiting for them!).
30. Setting aside beliefs and criticisms; help the government to serve!
31. High respect and importance to the Filipino language (maintain Filipino subjects until college!).
32. Expressways for Mindanao, Palawan, Cebu, Negros Island, Panay Island, Eastern Visayas Region, Bicol, Ilocos and Northeast Luzon!
33. More international chains of hotel in the Philippines; more hotels, more jobs!
34. Cultural Center of the Philippines in key cities of the country (aside from Metro Manila!).
35. Intelligent Filipino audience especially in arts (drama, music, literature, and film).
36. Quiet but inspiring corporate social responsibility by the topnotch Filipino companies.
37. Responsible parenting for Filipinos.
38. Stronger and more intelligent Philippine National Police.
39. More Enchanted Kingdom-like amusement parks for Filipinos.
40. Instead of bigger malls, community and civic centers for each cities and towns in the Philippines.
41. Promotion of different products from different regions and provinces locally and internationally.
42. Unique tagline for the tourism in the Philippines (enough of it is more fun!).
43. Pedestrianization in key cities of the Philippines.
44. More sidewalks for people because sidewalks are for people!
45. More central business districts in the Philippines (aside from Makati, Ortigas, BGC and Alabang).
46. No more educational background discrimination for employment!
47. Public school teachers and students and private school teachers and students are equal!
48. Empowering regional literature like Iloko, Kapanpangan, Chavacano, Sugbuanon, Kinaray-a, Hiligaynon, Waray, Bikolano, etc.
49. An influential organization for writers in the Philippines that will share their expertise to the amateur yet potential writers.
50. The idea in independent films for mainstream films.
51. More music festivals in the Philippines (aside from 7,107 and Malasimbo!).
52. The behavior of restoration of Filipinos, especially in films and buildings.
53. The spirit of bayanihan not only in provinces but also in cities.
54. Focusing Filipiniana as the very first section to be seen and visited in bookstores and libraries; next will be international bestsellers.
55. Cheaper electricity charges!
56. Our own black gold (making our gasoline and oil cheaper!).
57. Cheaper and cheaper medicines!
58. No more tambay; encourage everyone to study harder to make local manpower stronger!
59. Making private hospitals reachable and government hospitals world-class in facilities and services.
60. No more network wars but healthy competition for ABS-CBN, TV5 and GMA
61. Competition per province in Binibining Pilipinas, Miss Philippines Earth, and Miss World Philippines.
62. Bus rapid transit system in Metro Manila, Cebu, Davao and other highly-urbanized cities in the country.
63. Weekend markets and food festivals in different parts of the Philippines.
64. Filipinos being too intelligent and sensitive in using social media.
65. "Huwag maging dayuhan sa sariling bayan" application for resort owners not only for the local tourists.
66. Gender-preference equality and not discrimination in all aspects (girl, boy, bakla, tomboy).
67. Black Eyed Peas performing once again with our pride, apl.de.ap.
68. No more visa applications in United States of America, Japan, China, Korea, United Kingdom and other countries.
69. The Gilas Pilipinas at the Olympics.
70. The Philippine Azkals at the FIFA World Cup.
71. More museums to showcase Philippine arts and culture.
72. Most technologically-advanced flood control system in the Philippines.
73. Storm surge and tsunami warning devices in different seashores in the Philippines.
74. Earthquake-warning gadgets or applications for every mobile phones or smart phones in the Philippines.
75. Filipinos, though technologically-advanced, still have time to talk without WiFi, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
76. No more kotong cops and enforcers, just learn from your mistakes in traffic laws and pay necessary fees.
77. Be consistent in laws.
78. Equal justice, whether rich or poor.
79. Lawyers and doctors after service not after money.
80. No more terrorism; we're one Filipinos!
81. Filipino kids playing patintero, taguan, tumbang preso, tayaan, langit-lupa, luksong baka, luksong tinik, agawan-base and so much more and not iPad, tablets and DoTA.
82. The true, correct and precise history of our past to be taught to every Filipino.
83. Shopping districts in the Philippines, especially luxuriously clean Divisoria and Quiapo.
84. Responsible driving in different highways in the Philippines.
85. Expatriates work in the Philippines (something like their own version of OFWs!).
86. Small-and-medium-enterprises considered to become Filipino-pride and big companies and to give employment.
87. The return of Manila International Film Festival showcasing world cinema to Filipinos.
88. Exporting local retail business to the world like Bench, Penshoppe, Folded & Hung, Kamiseta and others.
89. Broadsheet newspaper in Filipino (Tagalog, Cebuano, Hiligaynon, Iloko, Waray, Bikolano, etc.).
90. Quick-response team for Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police in disasters and other emergency cases.
91. National stadiums in key cities in the Philippines (total redevelopment for the Rizal National Stadium!).
92. Establishing Department of Culture and Arts, Department of Information Technology, and Department of Sports Development as part of the executive department.
93. More theater plays, musicals and recitals.
94. Equally distributed lands for farmers, and definitely for farmers!
95. More free hugs for a peaceful Philippines!
96. Flashmobs dancing from ethnic to folk to Boom Panes!
97. Using green architecture from homes to office buildings and shopping malls.
98. Bikers and carpooling!
99. National budget equally allocated to the Filipinos.
100. Valuing the life of our national heroes, especially Dr. Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, Apolinario Mabini and Lapu-Lapu.
101. Books (or e-Books) for every Filipino students.
102. Singing of the National Anthem in correct and exact way, and also one video presentation for all networks.
103. Time for super-modernization of our own Armed Forces of the Philippines (and no need to buy second-hand battleships, trucks, tankers, etc. If we can buy, then buy!)
104. Planting more trees as an answer for continuous problem about global warming (especially in cities!).
105. A government center or federal city in which all national offices are located in one place. Also, regional offices for all the regions.
106. Preservation of our UNESCO World Heritage Sites to its highest state!
107. Learning the word opo, po, oho and ho especially for the Filipino children.
108. The support of our national government in acquisitions of our TV programs in other countries, just like our own teleseryes and game shows.
109. No more Filipino time (at least a bit of adding more punctuality!).
110. Our internationally-acclaimed local fashion designers going globally-competitive with the rest!
111. The beauty of a Filipino family, just how St. John Paul II got really amazed and proud of.
112. Unique Filipino invention that will benefit mankind!
113. Not only in Metro Manila, LRT should also be constructed in other key cities like Cebu, Baguio, Davao, Iloilo, etc.
114. Though Filipino language is top priority, do not forget to use English since we're known before as the third largest English-speaking nation in the world!
115. More wonders of the world apart from the Banaue Rice Terraces and Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park.
116. Independence in every aspect but with extra care!

These are only the things we want to see in our country but then again, there's no perfect nation! All we wanted is to have these things: common sense, self-discipline, patience, sensitivity and peace of mind. We have been independent for so many years but no Filipino had experienced how to become independent. The best thing is simply being a Filipino and be proud of it no matter what.

Again, all of these 116 are the thing we wish for our beloved land, the Philippines!

Happy 116th Independence Day!!!

And TOODLES PILIPINAS!!!

(Image courtesy of Mikey Orsolino)