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.

Filipinos used to be like puppets on strings that were controlled by the Spanish rulers. They were obedient to each orders imposed to them without even knowing its actual purpose. They were ignorant and innocent to the injustices that were being done to them. Some even tried to be like the Spanish colonists in their thoughts, feelings, and approach in life, which sequentially ended in transforming their entire characters to new beings by acquiring even the culture and traditions of their exploiters. (This describes how colonial mentality works in the Philippines. Do you still remember Doña Victorina – the Filipina native in Noli Me Tangere who tried dreadfully to look like an Española?) To cut a long story short, the Filipinos were a depiction of a nation with a mesmerized and spellbound will.

These and more happened because we were deprived by our colonizers of our right to be educated in our own country, to be well-informed. They did that for the reason that they did not want us to see and realize the exploitation, oppression, and the abuse that they were doing in our country.

On the friar’s aim of obscuring Rizal’s message from the Filipinos, making them difficult to understand for the Filipinos (get how they’re making us idiots?), Jose Rizal cautiously instructed everyone who had received his novels, letters, and other compositions to preserve them so it could do its purpose and act as a sender of his message to the future generation. On Rizal’s manifesto written on December 15, 1896 (Manifesto to Certain Filipinos), he declared that education is important because through it and our supplementary effort, we may acquire a personality of our own, identity of our own, and this would make us worthy of the liberty that we are enjoying this day.

The youth as the fair hope of the motherland. This is Rizal’s vision for the youth.

The youth are advocates of idealism. Dreams, hopes, desires, and goals are more evidently expressed by the youth. That could be why Rizal depended very much on the youth. He believed that the youth is the key towards a great country. He also believed in education for the youth. In fact, a number of his letters, novels, poems, and even his manifesto mostly emphasize education. He believed that we can achieve unity and progress through education.

May the Philippines continue to bear heroic and daring youth, steadfast in eradicating the wrong ideas but opens himself to the steadfastness of his great mind, vigilant against deprivations of truth, justice and freedom. Belated Happy Independence Day!

P.S. Nevertheless, really, what is Colonial Mentality? – We have been hearing about it since we were young. It is the despised wicked mentality of Filipinos we have discussed in our HEKASI, along with Mañana Habit, Crab Mentality, and Ningas Cogon. Colonial Mentality, according to Wikipedia, is a concept that refers to the acceptance, by the colonized, of the culture of the colonizer.

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!

Mary (Jena Malone) and Hilary Faye (Mandy Moore) are best friends. Hilary Faye is popular and influential in their school. She runs a very charismatic clique that campaigns godliness. Mary has a boyfriend named Dean (Chad Faust). Her life looks faultless till she discovers that her boyfriend is gay. Jesus appears before her in a vision, commanding her to save her boyfriend from homosexuality. Mary gets that Jesus tells her to give up her virginity so as to save Dean. Mary finds out that she is pregnant. Her friends, Hilary Faye and her faithful followers turn against her. She starts on being hesitant of her Christian faith because God lets her get pregnant. For the moment, the Jewish-rebel, Cassandra (Eva Amurri) dates Hilary’s wheel-chair bound brother, Roland. Together with the skateboarder son of their school’s principal, Patrick (Patrick Fugit), they become the new real friends of Mary, who sustain her in her circumstances. At the end of the film, Hilary starts to doubt of her faith also, and then she starts breaking apart. Realizing her mistakes, she becomes a true Christian.

The movie is quite funny and it may not seem to be a serious film about salvation, but it reflects on the questions “what is a church?”, and “who can be considered as real Christians?” A church is a group of people who sustain and support one another. Those are the people whom we can fall back on or ask for help during the times of sorrow. They never leave us; instead, they focus on assisting us especially when we need them. There are people who only seem good in the beginning, but when trials come, they are the first ones who will judge you. They, sometimes, even use the Gospels as their weapons to blow you away. They definitely lack in understanding. They show failures in opening their mentality and feelings for others. They react negatively and harshly to the wrongs of others, doing acts that are not Christian against someone who does not fit to their principles. But then, they still call themselves followers of Christ.

"Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!"
- Isaiah 5:20

The scene when Dean arrives with his homosexual lover during the Christian prom, and magically says, "I know in my heart that Jesus still loves me!":

The movie speaks to us, Christians, that when our deeds are no longer causing others good, and if they are already hurting our neighbors, we have to brood over it, see what is wrong, and open our hearts and minds to new ideas. We have to consider that we are also not perfect. If we really want to become Christ-like, then death is a part of the equation (I do not mean physically). Well, that is the paradox of life; we need to die in order to be alive again. What we need in order to maintain our Christianity is the kind of death that kills what is evil and allows for the refinement of what is good out of the ruins.

May we learn to continually offer up praise by following Him unto His worthiness.

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.

Heard any good news lately? Awhile ago on TV Patrol World, they said that the Filipinos' proficiency in English language has gotten through and better in the previous two years. The said report was based on the assessments and studies conducted by a popular research group in the country, the Social Weather Station or the SWS. The survey made few months ago showed that the skills of the Filipinos to write and speak using the English language improved by over 10 percent in year 2006 to 2008, and that the Filipinos are also willing to improve their lives by improving their competence in the English language.

Another good news for the Filipinos in the field of verbal communications. Another Filipino, following Patricia Evangelista, 16 year-old Gian Dapul, won the English Speaking Union’s International Public Speaking Competition held in the United Kingdom last May 9, 2008. Gian, so they say, awed the panel of judges and spectators with his splendidly amusing deliverance of such a strong and lucid substantial speech during the contest. He bested 57 other competitors from other nations and made it to the top.

Our world today is really a world of competitions joined with new discoveries and innovations. Our present world is really moving and changing so fast, and as such, greater challenges have been laid before us. With this reality, for us, Filipinos to be globally competitive, our knowledge and proficiency of the international language is required.

For some years, the Philippines was well-known as the only English-speaking country in Southeast Asia. The fluency of the English language came from the Americans who once occupied our coasts. In that period of time, we stood at an advantage from our neighbor countries. We got a lot of profits because we could speak the language that most developed countries use. Filipinos had already been capable of persuading foreign investors to set in our country even before other Asian countries realized the need to train their citizens in utilizing the English language to be able to converse with other countries and increase their economies. That is why we held a great promise of development during those times.

After some years, we shifted to use our national language as the medium for instruction in school, government facilities, and everywhere with our belief that people would learn better and they would become more nationalistic. The advocates of the English language, then, suddenly had to give way to those who are in favor of our native language. Language, indeed, became an issue.

Well, it does not mean that if we use the English language, we are less nationalistic. We have been using Filipino in our lives for several years already and we have actually seen its effect. We could say that it had not really made a significant difference in terms of the students' rate of learning and development in our country. I think, it is about time that we embrace the use of the English language once more so we could be more competitive globally.

Surely we have to move back to square one as we try to regain the edge that we lost. Right motivation and proper attitude towards the acquisition of the English language will undoubtedly help us become confident and adept in the language. Stop neglecting the English language, let's use it.

It has been a long while since I last checked and updated this site so I will right now.

I have been reading, eating, sleeping, walking and drooping during the times I was not here. I was an usher during the 52nd Commencement Exercise in my school. My job was to assist the parents to the place where their sons are. It was mortally exhilarating; nevertheless, I had fun since I had the chance to tender my service to my beloved school and schoolmates for another time, plus I got to meet and congratulate the graduates personally. I also got comments on a ‘letter’ from a teacher which made me feel rather good about myself. I have so many pictures I should put up here from the graduation, but I am quite lazy right now and don’t want to. Sorry people. Oh yes, Kenneth Borce who is trying to revive his old blog, Strange Game, went too, just to scrutinize me and know how I am doing. That is basically how important I have turned out to be. Yes, I am a braggart; live with it.

Now, I am here just sitting at a corner in my mind, writing down this entry, reflecting on what to write and what not to write. I should write something sensible, right? Here I go.

I watched a video of the great famine taking place in some parts of the world, by and large in Africa. Each day, we live in radiance and comfort of our homes, schools, and some futile spaces. We are fortunate people and have the ability to go and get a food whenever we want but for people over some areas where there is famine, people are starving and dying. No one deserves to die in starvation. Looking at them in the video and seeing how skinny they are and their condition may already cause us distress and pain; I mean what if you are there in their place? Why do we let this to happen? Shame on us all! There is a way that we could help them. Starting it in our little own ways will contribute a lot. Let us all be part of the ONE campaign and help in making poverty a history.

Here is another informative video:

End poverty. Be a part of it. Till then! I hope you find this post sensible.

Woke up today at 4 A.M. Watched the “Healing Eucharist” on channel 2. Ate my breakfast; tuna sandwich, oatmeal and milk. Spin on the P.C. Logged in on DashBoard. And at 7:30, started typing this entry. It is not really natural for a languid and busy person like me to wake up at 4 in the morning on a Sunday. Clunks like I slept too early last night? Okay, so that is basically why I am posting an entry right now. Because I am aware like I have so much hours to do a lot of things.

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!

Hey friends. So I'm back to blogging. Of course. So have I been away for how many days? Let's count; 1, 2, 3, 4... 54! Haha! And why did I even make the effort to count that? Haha! I don't know why. Let us proceed...

Let's start with... October 6. I, with my friends, Paolo and Marvin, went to the SM Mall of Asia to watch "Resident Evil: Extinction" and Star City to have some rides. We thought that that day would be really memorable for the three of us; we suspected that we'd understand each other perfectly since we share some interests and expertises especially in politics and economics... but everything didn't actually turn out as we expected. I'm not sure.

Last October 13, Carlos Guerrero celebrated his 16th birthday at somewhere in Aguinaldo, I forgot the name of the venue but as I remember it's near the AFP Theater. Most of his guests of course were from Don Bosco too; though I was the only 2nd year high school student there, I still enjoyed the night because nobody made me feel O.P.. Some faculty staffs and Student Council Officers were there as well.

(Sorry for my camera-phone's poor photographic quality.)

October 22. I saw four poor little children at the gasoline station near McKinley Rd. in Ayala. I decided to buy them 4 McChicken-Spaghetti meals with drinks for the mere reason that I was bored and I wanted to make those poor children feel that they are loved. I enjoy giving. I only honestly enjoy helping. I don't feel different from others. Everyone only hopes for justice and equality... for a meaningful life. Well, I didn't write this to boast the virtue that I did, but to encourage you to do the kind of thing for others. There are so many people in this world who live in comfort and luxury; while there are also many people who are suffering in poverty and starvation. - When was the last time you showed love and regards to the less fortunate?

October 28, I with my cousins were having our dinner at a restaurant in Greenbelt, Ayala when my best friend, Paolo messaged me about Global Fun Carnival; So after we had our meal, we headed to Pasay to experience Global Fun. LoL.

November 1 was as usual. Cemeteries.

I have the widest smile ever in the cemetery.

Finally, Last November 17, we went to Los Baños, Laguna for our Educational Outbound Program with Lakbay Kalikasan. Our EOP this year focused a lot on ecological system. We visited the museum in UPLB and the Makiling Botanical Gardens. There, we saw a lot of preserved species displayed in their museum and different variety of tall trees. After seeing those, we had our lunch in our bus. Excitedly waiting for the real adventure of our EOP - trekking. After our lunch, we proceeded to the Center for Philippine Raptors which is situated only near the Botanical Garden of Makiling; there we saw different eagles and raptors. Aside from just viewing and sight-seeings, we'd also gone to trekking which has really been a challenge for some of us, especially for the big ones. Through my experience with Lakbay Kalikasan, I can agree that Lakbay really helps in increasing the sensitivity and stewardship of the students toward the environment.


So that's all... I guess... Hmmm, no, that's not all... for the past 54 days! Whatever! I'll be gone for now... bye!