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Tunay na Malaya

Ika-12 nanaman ng Hunyo. Araw ng Kalayaan ang bansag dito bilang paggunita sa makasaysayang pagkamit ng Pilipinas ng kanyang pagsasarili.

Problema, malaya nga ba talaga tayong maituturing ngayon?

Sa pagtaas at pagwagayway ng ating bandila, pagkanta ng pambansang awit, at araw-araw na pamumuhay rito sa ating bansa, ano nga ba ang nadarama mo? Wala. Wala lang. Sige, mag-flag raising ceremony lang tayo. Sige, ilalagay ko ang kanang kamay sa dibdib, tatayo ako ng tuwid, at kakanta. Ay, hindi ko nga pala alam ang lyrics. Sige, watermelon-watermelon na lang. Oo nga. Pilipino nga ako. Ang ibig sabihin lang naman, nasama ako sa mga minalas na maipanganak dito sa pabagsak na bansang ito eh. Makapag-abroad na nga.

Katunayan, nagiging Pilipino lang tayo kung nanalo si Manny Pacquiao sa bakbakan, kung kumanta at binigyan ng standing ovation si Charice, kung rumampa sa catwalk si Danica Flores. Sa mga pagkakataong may mga 'kababayan' tayong umaasenso sa ibang bansa, t'saka natin naiisip na ang galing pala ng mga Pinoy, na maipagmamalaki pala ang maging Pinoy.

Ganoon na lamang kasi kalaki ang ating pagtingin sa ibang bansa. Labis tayong nabubulag sa hiwaga ng mga imported. Gawa sa Amerika? Galing sa Europa? OK 'yan! Maganda 'yan! Gawa sa Marikina? Galing sa Visayas? Ay... 'Wag yan. Local lang 'yan.

Oo nga. Nabigyan na nga tayo ng kalayaan at pagsasarili, pero hanggang ngayon tayo mismo ang nagpapaalipin at umaasa sa ibang bansa. Kolonya pa rin tayo sa isang banda. Hindi makagalaw nang hindi tumitingin sa iba. Hindi makapagdesisyon para sa sarili. Kawawang Pilipinas.

Namulat sina Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, Emilio Jacinto, at ang iba pang mga taong itinuturing nating ngayon na bayani sa dapat nilang gawin para sa ating bansa. At nang mapagtanto na ang tatahaking landas, agad-agad silang kumilos. Ipagpaliban muna ang pag-iisip para sa sarili. Bayan muna.

Eh, ngayon? Saan na nga ba napunta ang dakilang ginawa ng mga bayani? Heto tayo't naghihirap pa rin! At wala na nga ang mga Kastila, mga Amerikano, at mga Hapon na pilit sumakop sa atin, sunod pa rin tayo sa kanila at nagpapaalipin pa rin!

Nagawa na nilang magsakripisyo para sa kapakanan natin noon. Ang kabayarang maiaalay natin ngayon ay ang gamitin ang kaloob na pagsasarili tungo sa tunay na kalayaan. Tumayo sa sariling mga paa. Huwag umasa sa iba. Mahalin ang iyong bayan.

Hindi ako kailanman mawawalan ng pag-asa sa iyo, Pilipinas. Sa patuloy na pag-ikot ng mundo, alam kong darating din ang araw na makakamtan mong maging tunay na malaya.

Maligayang Araw ng Kalayaan!

Tunay na Malaya

Ika-12 nanaman ng Hunyo. Araw ng Kalayaan ang bansag dito bilang paggunita sa makasaysayang pagkamit ng Pilipinas ng kanyang pagsasarili.

Problema, malaya nga ba talaga tayong maituturing ngayon?

Sa pagtaas at pagwagayway ng ating bandila, pagkanta ng pambansang awit, at araw-araw na pamumuhay rito sa ating bansa, ano nga ba ang nadarama mo? Wala. Wala lang. Sige, mag-flag raising ceremony lang tayo. Sige, ilalagay ko ang kanang kamay sa dibdib, tatayo ako ng tuwid, at kakanta. Ay, hindi ko nga pala alam ang lyrics. Sige, watermelon-watermelon na lang. Oo nga. Pilipino nga ako. Ang ibig sabihin lang naman, nasama ako sa mga minalas na maipanganak dito sa pabagsak na bansang ito eh. Makapag-abroad na nga.

Katunayan, nagiging Pilipino lang tayo kung nanalo si Manny Pacquiao sa bakbakan, kung kumanta at binigyan ng standing ovation si Charice, kung rumampa sa catwalk si Danica Flores. Sa mga pagkakataong may mga 'kababayan' tayong umaasenso sa ibang bansa, t'saka natin naiisip na ang galing pala ng mga Pinoy, na maipagmamalaki pala ang maging Pinoy.

Ganoon na lamang kasi kalaki ang ating pagtingin sa ibang bansa. Labis tayong nabubulag sa hiwaga ng mga imported. Gawa sa Amerika? Galing sa Europa? OK 'yan! Maganda 'yan! Gawa sa Marikina? Galing sa Visayas? Ay... 'Wag yan. Local lang 'yan.

Oo nga. Nabigyan na nga tayo ng kalayaan at pagsasarili, pero hanggang ngayon tayo mismo ang nagpapaalipin at umaasa sa ibang bansa. Kolonya pa rin tayo sa isang banda. Hindi makagalaw nang hindi tumitingin sa iba. Hindi makapagdesisyon para sa sarili. Kawawang Pilipinas.

Namulat sina Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, Emilio Jacinto, at ang iba pang mga taong itinuturing nating ngayon na bayani sa dapat nilang gawin para sa ating bansa. At nang mapagtanto na ang tatahaking landas, agad-agad silang kumilos. Ipagpaliban muna ang pag-iisip para sa sarili. Bayan muna.

Eh, ngayon? Saan na nga ba napunta ang dakilang ginawa ng mga bayani? Heto tayo't naghihirap pa rin! At wala na nga ang mga Kastila, mga Amerikano, at mga Hapon na pilit sumakop sa atin, sunod pa rin tayo sa kanila at nagpapaalipin pa rin!

Nagawa na nilang magsakripisyo para sa kapakanan natin noon. Ang kabayarang maiaalay natin ngayon ay ang gamitin ang kaloob na pagsasarili tungo sa tunay na kalayaan. Tumayo sa sariling mga paa. Huwag umasa sa iba. Mahalin ang iyong bayan.

Hindi ako kailanman mawawalan ng pag-asa sa iyo, Pilipinas. Sa patuloy na pag-ikot ng mundo, alam kong darating din ang araw na makakamtan mong maging tunay na malaya.

Maligayang Araw ng Kalayaan!

Buhay Estudyante

Mensahe: Ang tula na ito ay naisulat noong Marso 8, 2011 sa isang klase namin sa Soc Sci I (oo, nakakatawang nagawa ko pang maisulat ito habang may klase, samantalang tungkol ito sa...) 

Mga mata’y mabigat, ngunit huwag pumikit.

Huwag pansinin ang ulong masakit.

Umupo ng tuwid at tumingin sa harap.

Mamaya, pagkatapos, ka na magpakasarap.

Piliting makinig, piliting makaintindi.

Bagamat malabo ang lahat ng sinasabi.

Kumuha ng kwaderno at subukang magsulat.

O ‘di kaya’y kopyahin na lang ang lahat.

Humanap ng bagay na maaaring gawin

Upang magmukhang-OK sa kanyang paningin.

Kaunting tango, kunwari may naintindihan,

Kunwari pumapasok ang pinakikinggan.

Mahirap tiisin ang tiyan na kumakalam

Gutom ka na nga, wala pang kaalam-alam

Pitaka, tiyan, utak – walang laman,

‘Di na rin alam ang tatahaking daan.

Buhay estudyante, tiisin kahit mahirap talaga,

Dahil sa huli’y makikita kanyang tunay na halaga.

Mabuhay ka, Iskolar. Mabuhay ka.

O s’ya... Dali na’t humarap sa pisara.

Buhay Estudyante

Mensahe: Ang tula na ito ay naisulat noong Marso 8, 2011 sa isang klase namin sa Soc Sci I (oo, nakakatawang nagawa ko pang maisulat ito habang may klase, samantalang tungkol ito sa...) 

Mga mata’y mabigat, ngunit huwag pumikit.

Huwag pansinin ang ulong masakit.

Umupo ng tuwid at tumingin sa harap.

Mamaya, pagkatapos, ka na magpakasarap.

Piliting makinig, piliting makaintindi.

Bagamat malabo ang lahat ng sinasabi.

Kumuha ng kwaderno at subukang magsulat.

O ‘di kaya’y kopyahin na lang ang lahat.

Humanap ng bagay na maaaring gawin

Upang magmukhang-OK sa kanyang paningin.

Kaunting tango, kunwari may naintindihan,

Kunwari pumapasok ang pinakikinggan.

Mahirap tiisin ang tiyan na kumakalam

Gutom ka na nga, wala pang kaalam-alam

Pitaka, tiyan, utak – walang laman,

‘Di na rin alam ang tatahaking daan.

Buhay estudyante, tiisin kahit mahirap talaga,

Dahil sa huli’y makikita kanyang tunay na halaga.

Mabuhay ka, Iskolar. Mabuhay ka.

O s’ya... Dali na’t humarap sa pisara.

Muling Pagkikita

Mensahe: Ang tula na ito ay isinulat noong Nobyembre 18 ng nakaraang taon at kasama sa sanctuary Vol. 7 (Angeli Dumatol's Journal)

Ilang buwan na ba ang nakalipas?

O nakaraan na ba ang isang taon?

Sa patuloy na pagtakbo ng mga araw,

Kailan ba tayo magkikita muli?

Mga tanong na walang humpay ang pag-ikot sa isipan,

Nawa’y mabigyan na ng mga kasagutan.

 

Marahil ay kaya pa nating magtiis.

Patawad. Hindi lamang ikaw ang nahihirapan.

Maging ako ay may sakit na nararamdaman,

Puno ng kalungkutan, buhat ng pag-iisa.

Kailangang maghintay. Kailangang unawain.

Darating din ang oras para sa atin.

 

Walang nangyayari na hindi nakatakda.

Itong mga nararanasan, mayroong kahulugan.

Pagtitiwala ang aking ibibigay,

Pagmamahal ang aking ilalaan.

Sapagkat sa ating muling pagkikita,

Ako lubusang umaasa,

At buong pusong naniniwala.

Muling Pagkikita

Mensahe: Ang tula na ito ay isinulat noong Nobyembre 18 ng nakaraang taon at kasama sa sanctuary Vol. 7 (Angeli Dumatol's Journal)

Ilang buwan na ba ang nakalipas?

O nakaraan na ba ang isang taon?

Sa patuloy na pagtakbo ng mga araw,

Kailan ba tayo magkikita muli?

Mga tanong na walang humpay ang pag-ikot sa isipan,

Nawa’y mabigyan na ng mga kasagutan.

 

Marahil ay kaya pa nating magtiis.

Patawad. Hindi lamang ikaw ang nahihirapan.

Maging ako ay may sakit na nararamdaman,

Puno ng kalungkutan, buhat ng pag-iisa.

Kailangang maghintay. Kailangang unawain.

Darating din ang oras para sa atin.

 

Walang nangyayari na hindi nakatakda.

Itong mga nararanasan, mayroong kahulugan.

Pagtitiwala ang aking ibibigay,

Pagmamahal ang aking ilalaan.

Sapagkat sa ating muling pagkikita,

Ako lubusang umaasa,

At buong pusong naniniwala.

No Such Thing as Overprotection

Note: This is again taken from 'sanctuary' - a collection of thoughts, views and rants – my best journal entries. 

“No Such Thing as Overprotection”

“Doc, bakit po ba hatid-sundo n’yo pa rin si Angeli? Eh, dalaga na po yun!”

“Bakit ba? Marunong ka pa sa akin! Eh, baby ko ‘un eh!”

“’Wag na lang, anak. Malayo ‘un.”

“Masyadong gabi, Angeli. Hindi ka pwede pumunta.”

“Walang maghahatid sa’yo at hindi ka rin pwede mag-commute. Next time na lang…”

All throughout my high school life, my parents have always been like that. I’ve never really given it much thought though. For me, the moment they say it’s not going to happen, it’s really not going to happen. What they say stands. I can’t do anything else about it. My parents were simply overprotective.

Several classmates of mine began to ask questions. “Sinubukan mo na bang tumakas, Dumatol?” “Dums, hindi ka pa ba nag-rebelde? Hahaha!” “Hindi mo pa ba na-try magsinungaling, Dums?” My answers remained the same. It was always either a ‘NO’ or a ‘HINDI AH’. It became clear to my classmates (as well as to myself) that my parents were (forget about just plain old strict) overprotective.

            There was no point denying it. Yeah, my parents are overprotective. Forget about asking for permission. They’d answer with an inevitable ‘NO’ anyway.

So yeah, I missed out on a lot. I couldn’t relate with a lot of things my classmates were talking about. I didn’t even understand what they were talking about, for crying out loud. People were practically labeling me as ‘socially ignorant’, whatever that means.

However, there came a time when I started to question my parents’ overprotection. I guess my classmates’ statements slowly got to me. I began thinking, Oo nga noh. Bakit nga ba lagi na lang akong hindi pinapayagan? Wala naman akong nagawang masama, at mas lalong wala naman akong gagawing masama! Bakit lagi na lang ‘NO’?

            It was then that it hit me. Because I was so fixed on the idea that they were simply saying ‘NO’ to me, I failed to listen to the other half of my parents’ statements.

“’Wag na lang, anak. Malayo ‘un. Delikado na.”

“Masyadong gabi, Angeli. Hindi ka pwede pumunta. Baka ma-paano ka lang…”

“Walang maghahatid sa’yo at hindi ka rin pwede mag-commute. Nakakatakot na ngayon. Mahirap na, anak…Next time na lang…”

There was always a reason for every ‘NO’ my parents gave me, and that reason was LOVE. They love me too much and because of that, they wouldn’t dare risk my safety at the expense of giving me permission to do this and do that. They weren’t saying ‘NO’ just because they wanted to. They were saying ‘NO’ for my own benefit. In the end, ako pa rin ang iniisip nila sa pagtanggi…

There is no such thing as overprotection.

There is simply much love and concern.

No Such Thing as Overprotection

Note: This is again taken from 'sanctuary' - a collection of thoughts, views and rants – my best journal entries. 

“No Such Thing as Overprotection”

“Doc, bakit po ba hatid-sundo n’yo pa rin si Angeli? Eh, dalaga na po yun!”

“Bakit ba? Marunong ka pa sa akin! Eh, baby ko ‘un eh!”

“’Wag na lang, anak. Malayo ‘un.”

“Masyadong gabi, Angeli. Hindi ka pwede pumunta.”

“Walang maghahatid sa’yo at hindi ka rin pwede mag-commute. Next time na lang…”

All throughout my high school life, my parents have always been like that. I’ve never really given it much thought though. For me, the moment they say it’s not going to happen, it’s really not going to happen. What they say stands. I can’t do anything else about it. My parents were simply overprotective.

Several classmates of mine began to ask questions. “Sinubukan mo na bang tumakas, Dumatol?” “Dums, hindi ka pa ba nag-rebelde? Hahaha!” “Hindi mo pa ba na-try magsinungaling, Dums?” My answers remained the same. It was always either a ‘NO’ or a ‘HINDI AH’. It became clear to my classmates (as well as to myself) that my parents were (forget about just plain old strict) overprotective.

            There was no point denying it. Yeah, my parents are overprotective. Forget about asking for permission. They’d answer with an inevitable ‘NO’ anyway.

So yeah, I missed out on a lot. I couldn’t relate with a lot of things my classmates were talking about. I didn’t even understand what they were talking about, for crying out loud. People were practically labeling me as ‘socially ignorant’, whatever that means.

However, there came a time when I started to question my parents’ overprotection. I guess my classmates’ statements slowly got to me. I began thinking, Oo nga noh. Bakit nga ba lagi na lang akong hindi pinapayagan? Wala naman akong nagawang masama, at mas lalong wala naman akong gagawing masama! Bakit lagi na lang ‘NO’?

            It was then that it hit me. Because I was so fixed on the idea that they were simply saying ‘NO’ to me, I failed to listen to the other half of my parents’ statements.

“’Wag na lang, anak. Malayo ‘un. Delikado na.”

“Masyadong gabi, Angeli. Hindi ka pwede pumunta. Baka ma-paano ka lang…”

“Walang maghahatid sa’yo at hindi ka rin pwede mag-commute. Nakakatakot na ngayon. Mahirap na, anak…Next time na lang…”

There was always a reason for every ‘NO’ my parents gave me, and that reason was LOVE. They love me too much and because of that, they wouldn’t dare risk my safety at the expense of giving me permission to do this and do that. They weren’t saying ‘NO’ just because they wanted to. They were saying ‘NO’ for my own benefit. In the end, ako pa rin ang iniisip nila sa pagtanggi…

There is no such thing as overprotection.

There is simply much love and concern.

Wanting to See You

Note: This short piece was written a while back, when I was feeling mightily lonely. It is taken from 'sanctuary', a collection of thoughts, views and rants - my best journal entries. 

“Wanting to See You”

ayi: sbi daw sa time magazine

ayi: if you dream of a person, that person wants to see you

angeli: weh

ayi: ou, SBI SA TIME MAG =))))))))

angeli: WHAT PROOF DO THEY HAVE?!  =))

ayi: ewan ko sa kanila =))))))))

angeli: :-> EH DI DAPAT ARAW-ARAW NA NIYA AKONG NAKIKITA SA PANAGINIP NYA

          Every beginning comes with an ending. In life, things come and go.  Nothing lasts forever. Nothing is permanent. Sad to say, but it’s a given fact. Remember the 7 Environmental Principles they taught back in our elementary days? The 4^th one states it quite frankly: Everything changes.

In the midst of all the changes that come in your life, there will inevitably come a time when you will take time to look back. This moment of reminisce will probably leave you in tears. Recalling the ‘good old days” will leave a ton of questions swirling inside your mind. - Why did they have to end? How could things have gone from then to now? Can’t I relive those moments and be happy once again?  Can’t I go back in time and return to those days that I so sorely miss?

But then, all those questions will just disappear as you realize that it wasn’t about the places or the moments themselves. The ‘good old days’ aren’t the ones you miss. What – or more appropriately, who – you miss are the people you were with - those who have played an important part in shaping you, in making you grow, in creating the person who you are now.

After that moment of reminisce, you will end up wanting but one thing: to see those people again. You will want to meet with them once more, to prove to yourself that they are real, that they really exist, that they are not just part of your dream world.

            The pictures, videos and letters aren’t enough to ease the loneliness that had slowly built up inside you. In fact, they only make it worse. With every picture, video and letter comes a new memory that you recall. And with every new memory recalled comes a greater feeling of apathy within.

Indeed, your only desire is to see them all again.

            The memories I have can never satisfy me. I want to see you.

Wanting to See You

Note: This short piece was written a while back, when I was feeling mightily lonely. It is taken from 'sanctuary', a collection of thoughts, views and rants - my best journal entries. 

“Wanting to See You”

ayi: sbi daw sa time magazine

ayi: if you dream of a person, that person wants to see you

angeli: weh

ayi: ou, SBI SA TIME MAG =))))))))

angeli: WHAT PROOF DO THEY HAVE?!  =))

ayi: ewan ko sa kanila =))))))))

angeli: :-> EH DI DAPAT ARAW-ARAW NA NIYA AKONG NAKIKITA SA PANAGINIP NYA

          Every beginning comes with an ending. In life, things come and go.  Nothing lasts forever. Nothing is permanent. Sad to say, but it’s a given fact. Remember the 7 Environmental Principles they taught back in our elementary days? The 4^th one states it quite frankly: Everything changes.

In the midst of all the changes that come in your life, there will inevitably come a time when you will take time to look back. This moment of reminisce will probably leave you in tears. Recalling the ‘good old days” will leave a ton of questions swirling inside your mind. - Why did they have to end? How could things have gone from then to now? Can’t I relive those moments and be happy once again?  Can’t I go back in time and return to those days that I so sorely miss?

But then, all those questions will just disappear as you realize that it wasn’t about the places or the moments themselves. The ‘good old days’ aren’t the ones you miss. What – or more appropriately, who – you miss are the people you were with - those who have played an important part in shaping you, in making you grow, in creating the person who you are now.

After that moment of reminisce, you will end up wanting but one thing: to see those people again. You will want to meet with them once more, to prove to yourself that they are real, that they really exist, that they are not just part of your dream world.

            The pictures, videos and letters aren’t enough to ease the loneliness that had slowly built up inside you. In fact, they only make it worse. With every picture, video and letter comes a new memory that you recall. And with every new memory recalled comes a greater feeling of apathy within.

Indeed, your only desire is to see them all again.

            The memories I have can never satisfy me. I want to see you.

Serenade

This one is a song featured in a short story I wrote for my friend, Jeselle. The story is entitled Serenade and the song shares the title. Enjoy~ :)

Serenade

I.

Watching from a distance

With such complex emotions

In this helpless trance

Make me face reality

 

An awkward step, a glance

They are simply not enough

Grant me this one chance

Let’s just face reality

 

Refrain:

Are you there? Are you listening?

It’s already hard as it is

Let this song convey my heart

And finally set me at ease

 

Chorus:

Never mind the world

The lies or what they say

What matters is the two of us

Hear my heart speak this way

 

Nothing will ever change

For I am already yours

You will see with this serenade

That I am already yours

 

II.

What ever the distance

I will definitely try

Using this, our chance

We will face reality

 

Refrain:

Are you there? Are you listening?

It’s already hard as it is

Let this song convey my heart

And finally set me at ease

 

Chorus:

Never mind the world

The lies or what they say

What matters is the two of us

Hear my heart speak this way

 

Nothing will ever change

For I am already yours

You will see with this serenade

That I am already yours

 

Bridge:

Time is not ours to waste

I give up my life of recluse

Surely, we’ll be together

You, I never want to lose

 

Chorus:

Never mind the world

The lies or what they say

What matters is the two of us

Hear my heart speak this way

 

Nothing will ever change

For I am already yours

You will see with this serenade

That I am already yours
With this serenade,

I’m already yours

Serenade

This one is a song featured in a short story I wrote for my friend, Jeselle. The story is entitled Serenade and the song shares the title. Enjoy~ :)

Serenade

I.

Watching from a distance

With such complex emotions

In this helpless trance

Make me face reality

 

An awkward step, a glance

They are simply not enough

Grant me this one chance

Let’s just face reality

 

Refrain:

Are you there? Are you listening?

It’s already hard as it is

Let this song convey my heart

And finally set me at ease

 

Chorus:

Never mind the world

The lies or what they say

What matters is the two of us

Hear my heart speak this way

 

Nothing will ever change

For I am already yours

You will see with this serenade

That I am already yours

 

II.

What ever the distance

I will definitely try

Using this, our chance

We will face reality

 

Refrain:

Are you there? Are you listening?

It’s already hard as it is

Let this song convey my heart

And finally set me at ease

 

Chorus:

Never mind the world

The lies or what they say

What matters is the two of us

Hear my heart speak this way

 

Nothing will ever change

For I am already yours

You will see with this serenade

That I am already yours

 

Bridge:

Time is not ours to waste

I give up my life of recluse

Surely, we’ll be together

You, I never want to lose

 

Chorus:

Never mind the world

The lies or what they say

What matters is the two of us

Hear my heart speak this way

 

Nothing will ever change

For I am already yours

You will see with this serenade

That I am already yours
With this serenade,

I’m already yours

A Freshie No More

The truth hadn't really sunk in, even when Summer Term had ended back in May. What happened earlier was what truly convinced me of the fact that I wasn't a freshie no more. Goodbye LU-I. Hello LU-II.

It's some sort of tradition in UP-College of Medicine for the incoming LU-II batch (second year-INTARMED) to orient the incoming LU-I batch (first year-INTARMED). So, as our buddies from Class 2016 did before us, we, Class 2017, prepared to orient our buddies of Class 2018.

We decided to give a bit of effort in the orientation procedure, for it not to be dull, but instead fun and interesting.

So, after a class lunch and registration, we start the orientation with an icebreaker activity - modified Dr. Kwak-Kwak - a twist (i mean that literally!) to your usual icebreaker! Next up is the ever immortal Getting-to-Know-You part. We followed a simple format for the introductions - Name. Nickname. High School. Relationship Status. Something Interesting, Controversial, and Juicy (FUN FACT). Got a lot of interesting revelations from the 2018 people. Glad to see people willing to share.

An interesting 'moment' occurred after introductions. Will not say anything more about it as it falls under classified INTARMED info. :P

Finally, the most exciting part of the day commenced - the iMed Amazing Race! - We meant for it to be a cross between a campus tour and a buddy selection activity. For some reason, I end up a facilitator. It's a bit complicated, considering we had prepared for it only a few hours prior to actual execution. But somehow, we managed to pull it off! Glad to have met my 2018 buddy. :) He seems like a nice guy.

All in all, it's pretty amazing how I suddenly find myself in front of all these people - freshmen, sharing my experiences as a iMed student. Exactly a year ago, I was the freshman being oriented.

Really amazing how time passes by so quickly. LU-I was a challenging year, true, but thanks to the great friends I found in my iMed2017 classmates, I was able to get by the days with a smile. 

So, I wish our iMed2018 buddies good luck! Look forward to an exciting year at UPM. Choosing INTARMED is a decision you won't regret. I can guarantee that. :) 

A Freshie No More

The truth hadn't really sunk in, even when Summer Term had ended back in May. What happened earlier was what truly convinced me of the fact that I wasn't a freshie no more. Goodbye LU-I. Hello LU-II.

It's some sort of tradition in UP-College of Medicine for the incoming LU-II batch (second year-INTARMED) to orient the incoming LU-I batch (first year-INTARMED). So, as our buddies from Class 2016 did before us, we, Class 2017, prepared to orient our buddies of Class 2018.

We decided to give a bit of effort in the orientation procedure, for it not to be dull, but instead fun and interesting.

So, after a class lunch and registration, we start the orientation with an icebreaker activity - modified Dr. Kwak-Kwak - a twist (i mean that literally!) to your usual icebreaker! Next up is the ever immortal Getting-to-Know-You part. We followed a simple format for the introductions - Name. Nickname. High School. Relationship Status. Something Interesting, Controversial, and Juicy (FUN FACT). Got a lot of interesting revelations from the 2018 people. Glad to see people willing to share.

An interesting 'moment' occurred after introductions. Will not say anything more about it as it falls under classified INTARMED info. :P

Finally, the most exciting part of the day commenced - the iMed Amazing Race! - We meant for it to be a cross between a campus tour and a buddy selection activity. For some reason, I end up a facilitator. It's a bit complicated, considering we had prepared for it only a few hours prior to actual execution. But somehow, we managed to pull it off! Glad to have met my 2018 buddy. :) He seems like a nice guy.

All in all, it's pretty amazing how I suddenly find myself in front of all these people - freshmen, sharing my experiences as a iMed student. Exactly a year ago, I was the freshman being oriented.

Really amazing how time passes by so quickly. LU-I was a challenging year, true, but thanks to the great friends I found in my iMed2017 classmates, I was able to get by the days with a smile. 

So, I wish our iMed2018 buddies good luck! Look forward to an exciting year at UPM. Choosing INTARMED is a decision you won't regret. I can guarantee that. :) 

Aegis (sweet dreams)

Aegis is the song featured in my second novel, sweet dreams. It has yet to be published, but I'm hoping that time would come pretty soon. Anyway, in the novel, Kenneth wrote this song for Hailey, wherein he promises to protect her from everything - in sum, to serve as her aegis, her protection. :)

Aegis

A night that seemed ordinary

But really wasn’t after all…

Simply indescribable,

How I just had to fall…

 

Refrain:

What was it about you?

What is this I now feel?

I want to protect you.

Oh I can and I will…

And it’s all because…

 

Chorus:

Shining brighter than stars

you brighten up my day

With every touch that you give

 and every word that you say

               

I’ll do everything I can

You are my inspiration.

Come now and hold on to me

Your aegis, your protection.   

 

It was certainly quite the fight

Maybe I’m worthless after all,

But that nice warm embrace of yours,

makes me stand after every fall.

Refrain

Chorus

 

Bridge:

These wounds of mine mean nothing

as long as you’re alright.

I’ll protect you from everything.

I’ll gladly stand and fight.

Chorus

Your aegis, your protection.

Aegis (sweet dreams)

Aegis is the song featured in my second novel, sweet dreams. It has yet to be published, but I'm hoping that time would come pretty soon. Anyway, in the novel, Kenneth wrote this song for Hailey, wherein he promises to protect her from everything - in sum, to serve as her aegis, her protection. :)

Aegis

A night that seemed ordinary

But really wasn’t after all…

Simply indescribable,

How I just had to fall…

 

Refrain:

What was it about you?

What is this I now feel?

I want to protect you.

Oh I can and I will…

And it’s all because…

 

Chorus:

Shining brighter than stars

you brighten up my day

With every touch that you give

 and every word that you say

               

I’ll do everything I can

You are my inspiration.

Come now and hold on to me

Your aegis, your protection.   

 

It was certainly quite the fight

Maybe I’m worthless after all,

But that nice warm embrace of yours,

makes me stand after every fall.

Refrain

Chorus

 

Bridge:

These wounds of mine mean nothing

as long as you’re alright.

I’ll protect you from everything.

I’ll gladly stand and fight.

Chorus

Your aegis, your protection.

Battle Royale: Fight to the Death

Battle Royale UK version cover

So, I've recently finished reading the English adaptation of Koushun Takami's Battle Royale.

It's quite the read. Very violent. Very morbid. But ultimately, very thought-provoking.

The novel is set in a fictional totalitarian country called the Republic of Greater East Asia. The government is ruthless. Martial Law is nothing compared to what these people are doing. Everything - yes, everything - is controlled by the so-called Great Dictator. Censorship is brought to a whole new level - anything considered 'imperialistic' (in other words, everything not Japanese) is banned. While the government is asserting that this is only in support of nationalism, it's an extremely exaggerated case of being a closed country.

At the center of it all is the inhumane government military training experiment called The Program. How it falls under 'military training' is a mystery. Most of the others, however, simply term to it as a 'game'. A ****ed-up game, actually. Through the program, a third year (9th grade) junior high school class is chosen at random. All the members of the chosen class are thrown into an 'arena', supplied with limited rations and a certain weapon, and forced to face each other in a fight to the death. Only one can survive. 

It comes as a shock to the 42 students of Third Year, Class B, Shiroiwa Junior High School. Of course, anybody would be shocked by this kind of thing. They all had their minds set on a nice school trip but instead, they were forced into The Program.

Their arena is a fairly small island. Escape wasn't an option as military ships guarded each corner of the island. The students could choose to hide forever but that would lead to death as well. Forbidden zones were designated every three hours in order to force the students to move around. Any one caught in a forbidden zone instantly die, with the tracking collars they were wearing around their necks exploding.

The students all take in their situation in different lights. Several were driven crazy by the pressure, anxiety, and paranoia. Some simply chose to go with the flow and became true players of the game. There were those who chose suicide over getting killed by their classmates, while there were also those who chose to cling to whatever speck of hope there was left.

I can't imagine how it must feel like to be forced to face your classmates in a death match. Trust is the big issue of concern here. In a rational thought, one would believe that not a single one of one's classmates would truly want to kill. They belonged to the same class! It's practically the same as being in the same family. Then again, one would eventually go into thinking, "Just how well do I know these people anyway? Am I really sure they won't kill? Am I really sure they're not selfish enough to think only of their own safety at the expense of the lives of other people?"

I certainly admire the spirit the novel's protagonist, Shuya Nanahara (Male Student No. 15), showed. He was truly persistent in his resolve to escape, to not let the government's madness get to him. Even before getting caught in the game, he had always wanted to be 'free' of the restrictions imposed by the government. His love for rock music certainly made him quite the rebel (rock music was banned on a account of it being from the American imperialists). Furthermore, Shuya's innate kindness showed as he manifested, through both words and actions, the ever essential trust in his classmates. He figured there was a way to beat the game: all they had to do was work together towards a route of escape. Noriko Nakagawa (Female Student No.15) shares Shuya's resolve and vows to help him. The two, however, began to see more of the cruelties the situation has forced upon them when they team up with Shogo Kawada (Male Student No.5). He is spot on when he asks, "Are you prepared to be merciless?". Sometimes, when the circumstances asked for it, one must really be merciless.

Noriko Nakagawa and Shuya Nanahara as they appear in the manga

Battle Royale has been termed to as an exploitative novel and true enough, it puts into light such an unbelievable premise. Eventually turned into a manga and a movie, both with corresponding sequels, it proves to be quite disturbing with all the gore and violence. But in the midst of it all is a relevant thought: In the face of the unspeakable, we must learn to trust each other. Only by working as a team can we defeat the oppressing forces. Only by persisting and never losing hope can we reach a true shining future. 

Battle Royale: Fight to the Death

Battle Royale UK version cover

So, I've recently finished reading the English adaptation of Koushun Takami's Battle Royale.

It's quite the read. Very violent. Very morbid. But ultimately, very thought-provoking.

The novel is set in a fictional totalitarian country called the Republic of Greater East Asia. The government is ruthless. Martial Law is nothing compared to what these people are doing. Everything - yes, everything - is controlled by the so-called Great Dictator. Censorship is brought to a whole new level - anything considered 'imperialistic' (in other words, everything not Japanese) is banned. While the government is asserting that this is only in support of nationalism, it's an extremely exaggerated case of being a closed country.

At the center of it all is the inhumane government military training experiment called The Program. How it falls under 'military training' is a mystery. Most of the others, however, simply term to it as a 'game'. A ****ed-up game, actually. Through the program, a third year (9th grade) junior high school class is chosen at random. All the members of the chosen class are thrown into an 'arena', supplied with limited rations and a certain weapon, and forced to face each other in a fight to the death. Only one can survive. 

It comes as a shock to the 42 students of Third Year, Class B, Shiroiwa Junior High School. Of course, anybody would be shocked by this kind of thing. They all had their minds set on a nice school trip but instead, they were forced into The Program.

Their arena is a fairly small island. Escape wasn't an option as military ships guarded each corner of the island. The students could choose to hide forever but that would lead to death as well. Forbidden zones were designated every three hours in order to force the students to move around. Any one caught in a forbidden zone instantly die, with the tracking collars they were wearing around their necks exploding.

The students all take in their situation in different lights. Several were driven crazy by the pressure, anxiety, and paranoia. Some simply chose to go with the flow and became true players of the game. There were those who chose suicide over getting killed by their classmates, while there were also those who chose to cling to whatever speck of hope there was left.

I can't imagine how it must feel like to be forced to face your classmates in a death match. Trust is the big issue of concern here. In a rational thought, one would believe that not a single one of one's classmates would truly want to kill. They belonged to the same class! It's practically the same as being in the same family. Then again, one would eventually go into thinking, "Just how well do I know these people anyway? Am I really sure they won't kill? Am I really sure they're not selfish enough to think only of their own safety at the expense of the lives of other people?"

I certainly admire the spirit the novel's protagonist, Shuya Nanahara (Male Student No. 15), showed. He was truly persistent in his resolve to escape, to not let the government's madness get to him. Even before getting caught in the game, he had always wanted to be 'free' of the restrictions imposed by the government. His love for rock music certainly made him quite the rebel (rock music was banned on a account of it being from the American imperialists). Furthermore, Shuya's innate kindness showed as he manifested, through both words and actions, the ever essential trust in his classmates. He figured there was a way to beat the game: all they had to do was work together towards a route of escape. Noriko Nakagawa (Female Student No.15) shares Shuya's resolve and vows to help him. The two, however, began to see more of the cruelties the situation has forced upon them when they team up with Shogo Kawada (Male Student No.5). He is spot on when he asks, "Are you prepared to be merciless?". Sometimes, when the circumstances asked for it, one must really be merciless.

Noriko Nakagawa and Shuya Nanahara as they appear in the manga

Battle Royale has been termed to as an exploitative novel and true enough, it puts into light such an unbelievable premise. Eventually turned into a manga and a movie, both with corresponding sequels, it proves to be quite disturbing with all the gore and violence. But in the midst of it all is a relevant thought: In the face of the unspeakable, we must learn to trust each other. Only by working as a team can we defeat the oppressing forces. Only by persisting and never losing hope can we reach a true shining future. 

Heaven-Inspired

Heaven-Inspired is a collection of poems about first love. Some of these have real-life stories behind them. Of course, I won't be mentioning which ones. :)

GLIMPSE
Our first was but a mere glimpse
I noticed your complexity
I was intrigued
You may not have noticed me
Yet it doesn't matter
For that was but the first,
the first moment granted by fate

CHERISH
I know not who you really are
I know only your name
Physical means doesn't matter though
For our paths have already crossed
And indeed...
You forever I will cherish

PENGUIN
We can't be more different
How I hate your eccentricity
Never before have I met such a guy like you
Yet different as we are
We can't be more similar
You and I ~ My Penguin-chan

EMO
Colors of red and black
Perhaps for some, these are but
Colors of pain, hurt and torture
But for us, for me, for you,
They are colors of passion.
Let us ignore the world
And remain entirely emo together. 

FOOLISH
Honestly, you can be quite foolish
Frowning is fine and all,
But it can't be an everyday thing.
Still, foolish as you are,
An annoyance you may sometimes be,
I don't really care
For in my heart, there is but you. 

APATHY
Empty... Simply empty.
People tell me I'm complex
But in truth, I can't be more simple.
There is but one thing I want
Nothing more but that one thing
LOVE - Love to fill my empty heart.
So, why don't you just tell me your name?
Then, maybe I won't be empty anymore.

CATASTROPHE
I am but a walking catastrophe
Attempts always end in failure
Causing chaos, causing hurt, causing pain
Not only for myself but for all.
But then, you came into my life,
Granting a small spark of hope,
A spark that lit my world
And possibly ended all catastrophe.

PERSISTENCE
You say you're blind
Yet you see right through me
You say you're weird
Yet you seem the only sane person to me
No matter how much I try to say no,
Your persistence changes everything.
Must you persist on this and that?
Stop... I might forget to say no...

Heaven-Inspired

Heaven-Inspired is a collection of poems about first love. Some of these have real-life stories behind them. Of course, I won't be mentioning which ones. :)

GLIMPSE
Our first was but a mere glimpse
I noticed your complexity
I was intrigued
You may not have noticed me
Yet it doesn't matter
For that was but the first,
the first moment granted by fate

CHERISH
I know not who you really are
I know only your name
Physical means doesn't matter though
For our paths have already crossed
And indeed...
You forever I will cherish

PENGUIN
We can't be more different
How I hate your eccentricity
Never before have I met such a guy like you
Yet different as we are
We can't be more similar
You and I ~ My Penguin-chan

EMO
Colors of red and black
Perhaps for some, these are but
Colors of pain, hurt and torture
But for us, for me, for you,
They are colors of passion.
Let us ignore the world
And remain entirely emo together. 

FOOLISH
Honestly, you can be quite foolish
Frowning is fine and all,
But it can't be an everyday thing.
Still, foolish as you are,
An annoyance you may sometimes be,
I don't really care
For in my heart, there is but you. 

APATHY
Empty... Simply empty.
People tell me I'm complex
But in truth, I can't be more simple.
There is but one thing I want
Nothing more but that one thing
LOVE - Love to fill my empty heart.
So, why don't you just tell me your name?
Then, maybe I won't be empty anymore.

CATASTROPHE
I am but a walking catastrophe
Attempts always end in failure
Causing chaos, causing hurt, causing pain
Not only for myself but for all.
But then, you came into my life,
Granting a small spark of hope,
A spark that lit my world
And possibly ended all catastrophe.

PERSISTENCE
You say you're blind
Yet you see right through me
You say you're weird
Yet you seem the only sane person to me
No matter how much I try to say no,
Your persistence changes everything.
Must you persist on this and that?
Stop... I might forget to say no...

A New Beginning (Again)

I'm not entirely sure what it was that made me start a new blog.

Perhaps it was that book on writing I read - it said that it was essential for writers to have a site/blog, so as to easily connect with readers and vice versa. Or maybe it was the loss of a certain writing site that cost me quite a number of works. (I managed to save a few, thanks to back-up copies here in my computer. But ultimately, I still lost a couple of poems/stories.) Then again, it could have just been a mere whim.

Well, whatever it was, I certainly gave in to it, considering this site's now up and running.

Cheers to a new beginning (again)!

Hopefully, this site will last longer than its predecessors.

A New Beginning (Again)

I'm not entirely sure what it was that made me start a new blog.

Perhaps it was that book on writing I read - it said that it was essential for writers to have a site/blog, so as to easily connect with readers and vice versa. Or maybe it was the loss of a certain writing site that cost me quite a number of works. (I managed to save a few, thanks to back-up copies here in my computer. But ultimately, I still lost a couple of poems/stories.) Then again, it could have just been a mere whim.

Well, whatever it was, I certainly gave in to it, considering this site's now up and running.

Cheers to a new beginning (again)!

Hopefully, this site will last longer than its predecessors.

Hello world!

Welcome to WordPress.com. After you read this, you should delete and write your own post, with a new title above. Or hit Add New on the left (of the admin dashboard) to start a fresh post.

Here are some suggestions for your first post.

1. You can find new ideas for what to blog about by reading the Daily Post.


2. Add PressThis to your browser. It creates a new blog post for you about any interesting  page you read on the web.


3. Make some changes to this page, and then hit preview on the right. You can alway preview any post or edit you before you share it to the world.

Hello world!

Welcome to WordPress.com. After you read this, you should delete and write your own post, with a new title above. Or hit Add New on the left (of the admin dashboard) to start a fresh post.

Here are some suggestions for your first post.

1. You can find new ideas for what to blog about by reading the Daily Post.


2. Add PressThis to your browser. It creates a new blog post for you about any interesting  page you read on the web.


3. Make some changes to this page, and then hit preview on the right. You can alway preview any post or edit you before you share it to the world.