The Unbroken Reverie

While many have started going to their planned vacation trips, the editors still come to school everyday to fulfill their commitment of  coming up with quality papers for their final publication, the Memoirs 2010 yearbook. They collect pictures, edit articles, and design templates from eight in the morning till six in the evening.

I admire these person's strong sense of commitment to their obligations and tasks, and I feel very proud of being one of them.

We may have no time yet to visit our dream destinations this summer, at least we are able to conserve our money. The pressures and conflicts in the demands of the publications may still be on us, at least we are not one of those who have got nothing to do this summer. We have an exclusive work room with a controlled temperature of eighteen degrees Celsius, ten units of super computers with LCD monitors and hi-speed internet connection, and all our expenses are answered by the school.

The experience of being in this group alone is a reward in itself. It provides us with great opportunities to discover a lot of things that we would never learn in any other way. It allows us to relish sharing ideas and working together more. We enjoy the fulfillment of leaving a legacy of re-establishing the independent publication in the school, and the so-called glory of the press.

We hold greater obligations than any student organization in our school, we play nobler tasks, and we make greater contributions to the development of the school's system.

Beneath the pressuring press works and limitless devotion as campus journalists, the roles we play as members of the high school publications nonetheless make us explore the depths of our being.

It is very unbelievable how time flies by so fast. Yesterday, we were just taking our entrance exam in Bosco. But today, it is already time to say goodbye to our Alma Mater who has been very dear to us; to close this chapter called “High School” and open a new one like we never see it coming.

As we look back to those four multihued years of this magnificent chapter in our lives, we cannot help but contemplate on those scenes that were laden with all kinds of adversities – fear, adjustment, bewilderment, criticisms, unceasing abundance of obligations, and so on.

There were times where the occurrences were tough and demoralizing that hit the highest points of our bounds. There were times where we were unable to help the tears, because we were alone, afraid, lost, or ashamed. Only until we had the guts to face and challenge our issues, and suffered several stumbling blocks and some loss of face – we learned. We considered them all as struggles, until we finally saw the point of them all.

Looking back also brings to our, still, naive minds the countless people who, from the very beginning, offered their support to us without expecting anything in return. We found them; the friends and mentors in our midst, who were there at whatever time and place we were, to listen to our stories, to laugh at our jokes, to share knowledge and experiences.

Suddenly, it seemed that we started to cultivate in many fields and the world threatened us no more. Little by little, bit by bit, we determined the difference between right and wrong, real and unreal, just and unjust.

The past years had been, as we might say, an enthralling maturity for all of us. This must be attributed to Don Bosco, Mary Help of Christians, and all the Salesian Saints who have never failed to intercede for us, and to the Divine Providence that has been always sustaining us.

In keeping, we had to take some times to be with Him every day, in the small chapel or in the big chapel. Sometimes, just to utter “hello,” or some words of friendship. Sometimes, we never had to say anything at all, just stayed a little, there with the Lord.

High School was just short, exhilarating and demanding, yet full of surprises and wonderful experiences. During our four years in High School, all of us exceptionally did a lot of maturing, a lot of growing up. We may not always notice them, but we can always find them, if we do so, inside our hearts, somewhere they could not be obviously seen, and only throbbing is heard.

Don Bosco… Thank you for getting us on the way across to becoming the capable, sturdy and successful persons the Lord hopes we would be. Bigger things, greater tasks, more trials and failures may be waiting outside. We may fall, not once but many times, but we shall rise, again and again.

So long, old man. I will see you again sometime soon. And when that time comes, I will make it sure that you will be proud of me.

Dearest Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for all the blessings you have bestowed upon us all in the previous chapters of our lives. Thank you for the biggest family you have given us in the Educative-Pastoral Community of Don Bosco Technical College. Thank you for our families, and everyone you have given us for support, love and companionship.

As me and my batch go to college, grant each of us the wisdom, assurance, and focus to make the most out of our new lives. Bless all of us and provide us with the necessary things for us to be able to keep on moving forward in making our home, and our school proud.


To everyone, I offer my gratitude. And with my sincerest wishes for one and all, congratulations! We made it.

I love you all from the bottom of my heart.

"A deep and fascinating endeavor" - was how the late Pope John Paul II described the experience of discernment about God's will for us. Last Monday-Wednesday, I with some of the vocation group members went to a three-day orientation in the seminary of Don Bosco in Canlubang.

The experience in the seminary was tiring. We never ran out of works to do, since we were following a schedule and routine. I didn’t like it at first, but after a while I also realized that all of those were actually necessary for proper Christian formation. I realized, it was the heart of Don Bosco’s Preventive-System, the main feature of Don Bosco’s life – the love for work.

I won’t say too much about the life inside. But all in all, I learned a lot of things mostly about holiness. Sadly though, I am not ready and disposed to apply them all in my life yet. I am still young, but will I ever be disposed and ready? I don’t know. Discerning is a lifelong journey, so choosing not to enter for now does not mean that I am closing the door for its possibility.

It is true, there is a bigger world inside. Yes, the seminary is only a tiny space in the world, but I can say, through the way of life the people have there, everyone inside knows the meaning of responsibility – a big word, a grown-up matter. The seminarians’ hands can never be idle. They are always full and busy with anything and everything, as long as they can keep them clean and away from sin.

Life inside the seminary is peaceful yet full of adventure. But if I enter now, I don’t think I’ll be able to manage to survive. There are still things here outside that I cannot leave high and dry. If I enter the seminary now, I’ll be just like a fish removed from the water. As of now, there is only one thing I am sure about entering there, I will go back when I develop a lung.

I wish to extend my thanks to all the seminarians, priests and brothers for giving us a very warm reception in the seminary. Thank you for allowing us to live your life and to learn a lot. I admire each one of you for your direct and active effort in following Christ, Jesus. May He bless you all, and may He always provide you with fulfillment in all the good things that you do.

Light my way, Lord. Rule my life, and lead me. Let me acknowledge your real plans for me.

As for a high school senior student like me, New Year is like the concluding chapters of a fantastic book, or the finishing episodes of a wonderful television series – very predictable yet so enigmatic. You give importance to every scene, you are so cautious about anything that happens, and you fear missing out any moment.

Meeting the New Year is like meeting a new world for me. It is so unbelievable to notice how much I give value now to a lot of things which did not really mean anything to me before. Could it be because I am afraid – of losing gradually, of leaving eventually? Yes. I may not see this again, hear this again, and feel this again. Some things may never happen again.

High School has been so great and at the same time so harsh to me. Though I realized that no matter what happens, be it good or bad, whether it builds you up or break you down, there is always a valuable lesson to learn from it. Indeed, high school is all about acquiring knowledge through experiences more than anything else.


Five days ago, we had Japanese visitors in Don Bosco – they were students and professors from Ehime University in Matsuyama City. They came just to observe the kind of education we have in our school. I was selected to be their presenter as well as one of their facilitators during their tour. I welcomed them, introduced them to the superiors of our school, showed them our facilities in the campus, and shared some piece of information about our culture and tradition as Bosconians . All of them were nice to us; they listened to all that we said, they laughed at our jokes, and they really showed interest in what we were doing. One thing, though, was quite odd about them – none of them had any idea what a church or a religion is – except for their professors, I guess. When we dropped by to our small chapel, they were all noisy chatting with one another until I said, “where we are right now is considered as one of the most sacred places here in our campus… people come here to have a moment of silence and speak with God.” On our assembly before the end of their visit, two of their professors congratulated me and told me that they appreciated the way I went along with them. They just told me some things I never expected to hear from anybody – can I just keep it with myself?

Currently, I am just attending to the developments of our publications, the “Bosconian Ink” and “Memoirs 2010” and to the organizations of my “Class Business Enterprise” and “Photo Contest and Exhibit” for the 57th Foundation Celebration of my school.

Allow me to end this blog entry by sharing with you the outcomes of my college entrance tests…

De La Salle University – (PASSED) BS Communication Arts, BS in Business Management
University of Sto. Tomas – (PASSED) BS Communication Arts, BS Legal Management
San Beda College– (PASSED) BS Legal Management, BSBA Marketing and Corporate Communication

University of the Philippines – I applied but I did not take their entrance exam because I was infected with the H1N1 virus.

So, till now I am still undecided on which school to enter.

P.S. I am one of the delegates for the Taize Pilgrimage of Trust in Manila. I will get to interact with people from foreign nations again. Yay!

It has been 150 years of sacrifices, hardships, prayers and blessing for the Salesians of Don Bosco. St. John Bosco's institutions have truly gone through a lot, but still continue its mission to serve God by giving a helping hand to the marginalized, providing direction for the youth, and producing good Christians and hones citizens of the society.

The Salesians of Don Bosco has contributed so much to the world, and they all must be regarded to its founder, The Father and Teacher of the Youth, St. John Bosco.

Don Bosco lives on, in our hearts, in our dreams, in our hopes. 150 YEARS... it has been all God's wonderful design.

I together with other eight intellectuals of our High School Editorial Team were chosen by our adviser to represent our school, Don Bosco in a seminar-conference on journalism yesterday, July 10, 2009. This seminar-conference was conducted inside the old meeting hall of the mayor of Mandaluyong City, at the 4th floor of the old building in Maysilo Circle.

Only three big schools: Don Bosco, La Salle, and Lourdes, were invited to participate in the said seminar-conference; the rest, if not public, were semi-private schools. Though, La Salle and Lourdes did not send their representatives. Perhaps they do not consider gaining from a free seminar on journalism. Right.

The speaker was Albert Almendralejo. He began his journalism career as a contributor of the school organ of San Beda College. On account of that, he became the student council president of the said college. This exposed him in the task of event-organizing and engaging more with different people which means more writing. Some works he handled were the Guinness successful Colgate Lovapalooza where more than 6000 lovers kissed simultaneously for at least 10 seconds, and Bakal Boys (Children Metal Divers): an indie film featuring the lives of unfortunate children in Baseco, Tondo scavenging iron and metal scraps in the dark, muddy waters of Manila Bay. Almendralejo has a degree in Management but, apparently, he is reaching higher in the field of media.

Almendralejo taught us how to capture readers for our articles and how we can reach out to other people as journalists. He just said that our articles must be related to the readers' interests and we could help the disregarded members of our community by addressing in our works their situations and needs. I would not elaborate this for now.

We were expecting three speakers that day but unfortunately only one of them was able to come. We just spent the remaining time of the course with a series of exchange of ideas.

After the course, we were stranded in the City Hall because it was raining and the roads around were already submerged in water. Our adviser called to school to send us a service so we could go back there but since it was already past five, the head of our department had already left the school. We had no choice but to brave the deep flood and the heavy rain.

Getting stuck somewhat gave way for us to bond with one another, which was a good thing. One of them told me some good remarks, and I was happy because I had the chance to show my kindness by giving back to him the favor. Through our conversations, I learned some new great things about them.

Going home, I had to ride a pedal-operated tricycle to cross the sunken road. I asked the driver to drop me to the near gasoline station where I could wait for a jeepney. Jeepneys were quickly filled by other waiting passengers. Just about after eight jeepneys I was able to roll up. Nevertheless, I consider myself lucky because I had three schoolmate-friends inside the jeep. They told me they were from McDo, and they asked me why I was wet and where I was from. I told them what happened, that we were jammed in YJAM (Youth Journalist Association of Mandaluyong).

All in all, it was a memorable day for me. A simple yet an enjoyable adventure.

Rapper, actor and TV host Francis Magalona, diagnosed with leukemia last year, died Friday at 12:20 pm at the Medical City hospital in Pasig City. He was 44.

He battled cancer for almost eight months before finally passing away. The immediate cause of Magalona's death was heart failure. He received his last sacraments before noon.

Last August, Magalona informed the noontime show "Eat Bulaga" via text message that he was suffering from leukemia.

The rapper even requested for blood donations to replace the blood he was using at the Medical City hospital in Ortigas Avenue where he was being treated.

"I have been diagnosed with leukemia and I am preparing for my treatment. Sa tulong ng Panginoon, kakayanin ko po ito," he said. "Abangan nyo ang aking pagbabalik. 'Di ko lang kayo 'miss'... LOVE KO kayong lahat."

Magalona was a regular host of the noon time show "Eat Bulaga."

Host Vic Sotto announced Magalona's demise during the show Friday and asked the people to pray for Francis.

“We will surely miss him, pati na ng buong industriya. We request everyone to pause for a moment of prayers for the eternal repose of the soul of Francis. Our condolences to the family. Kiko, we love you,” Sotto said.

The stars of the popular noontime show broke into tears as they prayed for the soul of Magalona.

The 44-year-old Magalona was the son of 1950's legendary actors and celebrity couple Pancho Magalona and Tita Duran.

Launched as a teen star in the 1980s, Magalona's career boomed with his hit rap song "Mga Kababayan," which was included in his album "Yo!" released in 1990.

He was also the voice behind the hits "Ito ang Gusto Ko," "Meron Akong Ano," "Mga Praning," and "Kaleidoscope World."

Francis M left behind is wife Pia Arroyo and their eight children - Unna, Nicolo, Francis Jr., Isabella, Elmo, Arkin, Clara, and actress Maxene Magalona.

Terence Almonte, 3rd year high school student from the house of Caravario, and standard bearer of the UNLI Party: “Unlimited Service, Fun, Learning, and Connection” won the presidency during the election of the Student Council held on February 16, 2009 in the High School Department of Don Bosco Technical College.

Almonte bagged the president position with a very slight lead – 12 votes – over his closest rival, yours truly, Mike Gallego of MENTOS: “Making Everyone Nurtured Through Our Service”, also from 3 – Caravario. Kevin Roxas of 3 – Kowalski, Almonte’s running mate, won with a total victory as vice president against Angelo Aquino of 3 - Rua.

On the other hand, Shaq Raymundo of 3 – Caravario and MENTOS party bested two other candidates, Kevin Villanueva of UNLI party, and Marc Seco, an independent candidate.

Here are the results of other contested Student Council positions: Treasurer – GJ Mascardo (3 – Kowalski; MENTOS party); PRO – Karlo Pasamba (3 – Variara; UNLI party).

Although many showed disappointment on the result of the presidential election, especially from the first and second years, where I got the majority of my votes, it was beyond doubt an election filled with so much thrill and suspense. In short, it was fun!

I may not be inducted as a Student Council officer, but in the eyes of our young ones in school, I am still a leader. I am so much glad that I was able to earn their respect and trust in just a very short span of time. I shall never forget that LEADERSHIP is ACTION and not position.

All of the candidates, with their supporters, did their best to campaign for their respective parties, putting up banners and posters on glass windows around the school, playing campaign tunes with the school’s centralized speaker, distributing bribes like candies and stickers, and delivering eloquent speeches particularly during the room-to-room campaign and the Miting de Avance where they explained their leadership principles, and government platforms.

This activity gave the students the chance to exercise their right of suffrage and enjoy the freedom in a democratic country. The SC adviser, Mr. Dexter Dela Cruz, and the school administrators had expressed their utmost support to the plans and visions of the SC officials.

Congratulations to our incoming student council officers! Good luck. Do your best! God bless our school!

Last Sunday, I went to Intramuros, Manila to take pictures of historic monuments and structures. Unfortunately, the main portal, across the moat, of Fort Santiago was closed. I was unaware that the 29th Grand Marian Procession was going to be held there that day till I saw the crowd busy preparing their floats. I just decided to wait till the procession starts and so I could join. Since I brought my DSLR and my real aim was to get pictures, while waiting, I started taking pictures of the statues of the Blessed Mother on their vast floats decorated with flowers.

The procession went on for several hours, it started at 5PM and it ended at around 10PM.

Here are some pictures to prove that I really participated in the Marian procession. There will be no more description of each photo for, as Fred R. Barnard said, a picture is worth a thousand words. Ha-ha! You may click them to enlarge.

The Grand Marian Procession is held in Intramuros annually on a day prior to the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. More than a hundred of statues and images of the Blessed Mother are paraded through the streets of Intramuros. The statues are traveled from different parts of the country and hundreds of devotees participate in the parade. The purpose of the procession is to promote peace within ourselves, throughout the world and with God, and of course to promote devotion to the Blessed Mother.

Life is filled with battles. We should not wait for the last stretch to catch up, and when we have no clear idea of where we are going, our education will lead the way. It will set us free from all miseries and hollows of predicaments, the most common element of living. Education is a treasure that can never be substituted even by the most luxurious things we have in life. Despite its complexities, it should not be disdained and ignored by people, students or not. It should be given a new sense and a new angle; moreover, more interest and focus should be rendered to it.

It is a very big misconception that we study because we are told to. It is not only that we study to pass, or receive high grades for us to be praised; it is more than that. Education gives a new idea and perspective to the different aspects of humanity; the problems, the many things that makes up life. Education brings them in a smaller package, wherein we see a wide vision of the many dreams and thoughts complete with its own challenges and partitions, so that we can understand them in our own little ways.

It is true that education is really complicated, but that’ how it is. Complication is the main aspect of living, and studying it makes us go with the flow.

As students, we must be prepared to embrace education in our hearts, not in a way that we know it all, but somehow be able to make use of the knowledge we earn in making a better path ahead of us.

Years will pass, and everything turns gray, but education? – It will live forever; something to cherish for all of our life.

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. – Lao Tzu

Alright, I have managed to start a new blog entry. Well, alright… the Mr. United Nations pageant in our school was held yesterday. Of course, I would not write about it if it did not get my attention. I will make this short and to the point.

The Social Studies and Communication Arts Education areas of the high school department really worked hard and did their best for this project. I am just a bit disappointed because someone who is very gifted and qualified was not favored by the judges to be included in the top 7, but they made someone who did not show any talent or wit but an awful attitude be in the top 7.

Here are some of the seven questions I remember from the judges during the Q&A portion, the candidates’ answers, bonus my simple annotations and own answers:

If you had the privilege to talk to the newly elected president of the United States, Barrack Obama, what would you tell him, and why?

The candidate said that he would ask Barrack Obama how is it like to be in a non-democratic country, because someday if he, too, becomes a president like President Obama, he will have an idea of what is it like. – Is the U.S. of A. a non-democratic country? And I am not sure if knowing what it is like will help me when I become a president. If I am asked the same question, this will be my answer:

The United Nations, International Monetary Funds, and World Bank have begun such population control programs as conditions for the assists that they give. Barrack Obama, being one of the most influential and powerful persons in the world, I think he has the voice to these world-governing organizations. I will ask him to impede the passing of inhuman laws being commenced as coercion in trade of their helps.

What is the best thing about being a Filipino that you can truly be proud of?

The answer of the candidate, who is a friend, was that if he has something to be proud of as a Filipino, it is his family values, because it makes a foundation for making good decisions later on in our lives. – The Filipino family values are truly something that we can be proud of as Filipinos. I think he was just not able to elaborate his answer well. By the way, I chose to have a different answer:

The realities that are happening in our country right now really bite. Philippines is a country with too much problems; dirty, poor, corrupt, and whatnot. But, in the face of all these apparent problems, they still make every effort to see its bright side. Filipinos are optimistic that they never lose hope that one day it will rise from the ashes like a phoenix. Filipinos trust in God that they do not give up on the problems they encounter. FAITH. Faith connects us with God, gives us hope, and makes us persistent… something that lasts and is enough to sustain all of us. We have strong faith, and that is something that we, Filipinos, can truly be proud of.

You are aware of the loss (or decline) of the nationalism of the Filipinos. What should you do to counteract this and reinstate nationalism in our people?

The candidate’s answer was: “I would help in improving our environment.” – Say what? I think he got really nervous when the judge told him that it was a difficult question, that’s why he wasn’t able to think of a good answer.

Every Don Bosco school in the Philippines is known for its mission in forming tomorrow’s servant-leaders. Don Bosco is a school where students have the chance to exercise and develop their ability to lead by spearheading organizations and programs they want. Maybe, as a student, I can take advantage of this opportunity by organizing activities which may awaken my fellow students’ nationalism once more. Who knows, to greater extent, maybe I could summon a greater activity that would involve other different schools or even the whole nation.

If you could be in somebody else’s shoes for one day, who would it be and why?

The candidate said he would like to be Mahatma Gandhi, because he was a great man who contributed a lot to the freedom of his country and did many great things for its people. – I really like his answer. But I wasn’t thinking the same. As for me:

I am happy and grateful with what God has made of me and just by walking in my own shoes. I believe, that if in a way or another I could make a difference, I would find that way myself. But if I really had to, I would choose to live somebody’s life who has more difficulties and pains than I have. It would be a very great learning experience for me.

I think all the candidates were beyond doubt qualified in the said competition. They all got the looks, the talent, and the wit. I believe they all had a great time. Congratulations to all the Mr. U.N. and to our S.S. and C.A.E. areas for an indeed spectacular event.

I have made a decision. I have decided. I will participate in the 2009 High School Student Council Elections! Not just as a voter, but as a candidate. A lot of people have advised me to run; schoolmates, classmates, friends, teachers, alumni, and even priests! Many believe in me. I will not let those people down. I will run. I WILL RUN!

I am not sure for what position yet. I want you all, my readers, friends, or anyone here, to help me decide by partaking in my little opinion poll: What position should I run for in the high school student council?

The selections are:

President: The one who preside council meetings. He represents the student body in meetings with school administrators. He is responsible for the expenditure of funds. - Many have told me that I am actually perfect for this position, since I possess all the qualities of a true leader.

Vice President: The one who supports the president in his duties. He stands in for the president when needed. - A lot, too, have told me that I should just lineup with another potential candidate for president and be his secondary. If I would run for this position, I could expect a sure win.

Secretary: The one who keeps the records of meetings, student activities, and programs.

Treasurer: The one who keeps the tracks of funds.

Public Relations Officer: The one who speaks for the council. - Most students from my batch want me to run for this position. They think that I am a good and brave speaker.

Win or lose, whoever my opponent would be, I will go on with my candidacy. I know that it is too early to announce this, but really, I want your opinion to help me decide on the position that I should run for. The poll will be running in this web site starting this day to February 1, 2009.

I believe that I am qualified to be in the Student Council. I am the take-charge kind of person, responsible, and organized. I am always focused and I never take a break when I need to get something done. I am open-minded and I am never scared or discomfited to stand for what I believe in and to express my opinions. I give significance to creativity and am enthusiastic to dream up ideas and different ways to resolve problems.

If ever I will get elected, schoolmates, prepare yourselves for a school year that is bursting of excitements, actions, adventures, and fun. It is going to be priceless, because you cannot put a price on awesomeness!

Your choice is very important to me, and I would greatly appreciate your participation in my poll.

Saint John Bosco, who founded the Salesian order to care for the destitute boys, has been called the greatest miracle worker of the 19th century.

His most famous miracle took place in 1860 at a Salesian house in Turin. The baker who supplied bread to the house had refused to send more until his bill was paid. For breakfast that day, there were only 15 small rolls to divide among 300 hungry boys.

When Bosco heard of the situation he directed that the rolls be put in a basket. He would hand them out himself.

Up stepped each boy, one by one, to take his roll. All 300 were given their breakfast, and 15 or 20 rolls still remained in the basket. So impressed was one young boy, who counted the rolls both before and after, that he vowed then and there to join the Salesian order.

This was by no means the only time that such miracle occured for Bosco. In 1849, on the Sunday after All Souls' Day, he took some 600 boys to pray at the local cemetery, promising all of them a treat of hot chestnuts afterward. Bosco's mother was cooking the chestnuts, and she prepared only a few of the treats because she thought that only a few boys had gone. After their return from the cemetery, Bosco ignored the boys' cries of disappointment and proceeded to hand out large handfuls to everyone.

Members of the Salesian houses throughout the world today always celebrate All Souls' Day with a feast of boiled chestnuts.

"Don Bosco thy children, on many ashore, shall love and revere thee till time be no more..."

We went to St. Dominic Savio Parish for the tutorial and feeding program for the poor children in the community of Mandaluyong city as a part of our class's community development program. It was a great experience for me for I was able to gain knowledge about some social and economical issues we have today. We did some crafts with the kids, we talked with them, played, laughed and many more.

Those kids in the feeding program are actually there because they are malnourished. They lack nutrients because they are poor and their parents cannot sustain them. I asked one of the kids I was handling about his daily allowance in school. He said he only gets five pesos each day. What nutrition can you get from that small money? One of them told me before we left the parish, “Kuya, buti nalang sayo ako napunta. Salamat. Balik ka ah. Sayo ulit ako.” That was so powerful. He was really grateful that we came to the parish that day. It was so rewarding to see the instant benefit of giving them food to eat and their nice response.

July 18-19:
We had a two-day recollection at Yahweh Villa in Laguna, for the intentions of paying closer attention to God’s presence, evaluating ourselves, learning, nurturing solidarity and togetherness among us, and completing our CLE requirements (yes!). We had lots of fun, peaceful moments, rest, sing-along, swimming, and spiritual activities. The foods were great, the dormitories were big, the restrooms and shower rooms were clean, and the furnishing of the entire house was cool.

Our most memorable experience, as a class, in our recollection this year would be the sharing session, with lots of emotive and pitiful stories similar to what we usually screen on Teleseryes. In that activity, we were free to express anything that we wish to tell someone and share it to our classmates. It was such a relief for all of us that we got to be ourselves and free our sentiments that we had been keeping for a long time.

I really enjoyed our recollection. It was an unforgettable experience for me. I got to know my classmates better and I learned to appreciate them more. I have grown up a lot because of this and I am very thankful for this experience.

Freedom:
Our main topic during the recollection was “Freedom”. Philosophers divide ‘Freedom’ into two, ‘freedom from’ (inner freedom/freedom of thought) and ‘freedom to’ (outer freedom/freedom of action). Achieving ‘freedom from’ depends on yourself, on how you accept things, on how you look at the world. ‘Freedom to’ happens when you have already attained inner peace because it is what makes you decide and do something. When you have peace of mind you know that what you are doing is right, then, you have inner freedom; when there is no obstacle that hindrances you to do what you would like to do; you have outer freedom. As Christians, we also consider ‘freedom for’. Giving others freedom, liberating our brothers and sisters from slavery, setting their thoughts free, and allowing them to live their own lives. Those types of freedom are integral to one another, and true freedom can only be attained when they are united.

Freedom is a gift given to us by God, but because of this freedom we often do things so badly. We make mistakes because of this. We commit sin. We suffer from evil. We ask ourselves, why has God given us freedom if it causes affliction and death? God has given us freedom because He loves us. Yes, He could have made us puppets, given us a finished world, counted our kisses, regulated our embraces and controlled our friendships. But if God has made it so, would we be happy? He created us free to shape our own lives. He made us responsible in building up this world. He blessed us richly with the freedom to love. But then, we become fed-up with this gift. We abuse it. We take the freedom of others, make them our slaves and make ourselves their masters. We become victims of slavery through sin. We never realize that the more we choose what is true and good, the freer we become.

Sorry for not blogging. Wanna know how my friend is now? Doing good and I think he has totally forgotten about all his defeats. I realize he is just an amazing young man and I really admire his capacity to withstand all the trials (ruined friendship, parents’ separation, issues in school, etc.) that come his way; no matter how excruciating and thorny.

Two weeks ago, I got handpicked by our department principal in school herself to be the emcee for this year’s CEAP – NCR of Msgr. Gerry O. Santos General Assembly that was held at our school, particularly in Savio Auditorium last February 16, 2008. Day before, I asked the physics instructor, Mr. Chua, to give me some tips and advice on how to hold or facilitate a program, since it was only the first time that I would face many students from various schools in NCR as an emcee. There were not less than 100 representatives from more than 25 schools attended and I was a bit pressured in the beginning of the program. Again, it was my first time.

With Mrs. Medina (left); during the Technical Quiz Bee (right).

Before I overlook, last January 26, 2008 was the Grand Alumni Homecoming of Don Bosco – Mandaluyong. The night was sponsored by HS Batch ’83. There was a free buffet and free entertainment by Retrospect and DJ Jon Tupas. The Don Miguel Solaroli Digital Library was also open that night so we got to enter and take some pictures inside. Went there with my friends after we spent time in St. Paul Pasig annual fair: RePRESENT.

By the way, the FRIEND I was talking about in the beginning of this entry and the previous was I. See you, friends!