Getting used to the HISTORICAL library

I was not really fond of using libraries. I got used to the typical library with colorful story books and my favorite "Nancy Drew mysteries". I borrow books like Aesop's Fables and Captain Underpants which were short and humorous. I just realized that I was a bookworm when I began to read more and more ignoring the genre of the book. I went into classics like Jane Eyre and Canterbury Tales. At that time, I was surprised that these books - old ones, could make me enjoy reading and be captivated by how they where written. These experiences made me even more eager and enthusiastic in discovering other literary genres...


College life was a lot more adventurous and exhausting... In high school, research work is not a problem. You know... wikipedia was really helpful! But, research work in college is DIFFICULT. There were professors who would require us to use the library and would prohibit us from using internet sources. Very tiring! Having a  big library in the campus - Miguel de Benavides Library, I really promised myself to learn how to use the library seriously.


Successfully, I learned little by little. During my first trips to the library, I make sure that I am with someone who knows how to use it. I learned how to use the elevator and always stay in the Humanities section... I learned how to borrow the book for photocopying...I learned that there were books that cannot be taken out of the library... And the latest thing I've learned is using the library's computer in finding references. I also learned how to find books by looking at its bar code and the other thing (which I do not know what it is called :) written on the lower spine of the book. Interesting isn't it? :) Happy LIBRARY-ing!


CERTIFIED.BIBLIOPHILE.BOOKWORM.

No MONEY, No WORRIES?

         A Book Review on "Batong Bahay" by Doctor Clarence Batan

         

         As I turn the pages and savor the emotions after reading every word of Doc Clarence Batan's "Batong Bahay", I find myself empathizing with the author and each character in the book. Having a Batong Bahay, the feelings of the Daddy, family matters, and the emotions of the Mother are all not new to me, since I have also come from a poor family. Actually, I have come from a clan of farmers. My grandfather, although he has many lands to sow 'palay', it does not change the fact that he still needs to borrow money from other people to sustain the needs of his family. This is also the reason why my mom and dad had chosen to separate from their parents and tried to build a family in Rizal, a decision which made things even more difficult. Anyway, Batong Bahay has really stricken me. It even made me cry...

           Having a Batong Bahay is also a struggle of our family. For many many years, we have rented a house because we do not own anything and we do not have any relative in Rizal. It was only  a few years that my mom and dad decided to buy a house in Angono and it was really a struggle. Until now, my parents are doing all that they can to pay everything and at the same time, to sustain our education. I, too, am surprised that despite these problems, my parents were able to send me to UST.

          The feelings of the Daddy were very hidden and deep. I think that it is a common characteristic of dads. What made my dad different from Doc Batan's dad is that my dad had not had any vices. This made my mom and dad's relationship a lot easier. As I have read how the dad changed and appreciated Doc Batan's success, I remembered how my dad cried when I graduated from Elementary. When I asked him why he cried, he said that he was just happy because finally, he was able to let his eldest finish grade school.

          Like every family, I, too, have witnessed and heard my mom and dad as they fight. Topics like jealousy and money are the most common causes of their fights. Sometimes, I would ask myself ", Bakit pa kasi kailangan ng pera para mabuhay eh?" 

          In the Bible, instead of Esau (eldest son) getting the blessing of Isaac, Jacob gets the blessing and he became successful in his life. Since then, I have been trying to prove that I, as the eldest daughter, can also become successful - a reason why my parents trained me and patiently molded me to become who and what I am now.  Just like what happened to Doc Batan's brother, he encountered a lot of circumstances and it was Doc Batan who honored his parents. I felt it when his mother narrated. His mother thanked him for bringing such honor and pride to them. I also want to do the same thing. I want to make my parents happy and become successful. I want our whole clan not to worry about money and just live peacefully.

Turning over a New Leaf

Life is like a book. As a chapter ends, a new chapter awaits to be opened.

Life is fast changing, which is why we have to be aware of the changes that we will encounter soon.

                I believe that my life's path is only a matter of choices and decisions. I assume that I have chosen the path where God wants me to be and I am optimistic about my college life. I know that God will not give me any opportunity that I cannot surpass and accomplish.

                Similar to my mom, I too will leave T.U.M.C.S. and face the consequences of getting separated with my friends. The memories I shared with them will forever remain in my heart. Though the thought of leaving the confines of my second home is quite painful, I am still happy because I know that this will enable me and my batch mates to grow and develop in our own ways.

                And with what has been instilled in us, I am sure that all of us have made the right decision and have taken the "not-so-easy" right path.

- Written April 13, 2011

Going RETRO

        This is my first edited photo!! Yes!! a fulfillment! I just learned all by myself! Next exploration/discovery: How to edit and make videos <3

It's ALL about HIM

When it comes to my dad, I really become emotional...

A disciplined man. A person worth-emulating. An obedient son. A supportive and loving father.

A man of faith.

These words are obviously not enough to describe my father. But, these characteristics of him were the ones which remained in my heart and mind.        

Self-sacrificing. He sacrificed his happiness, blood, sweat... even his life. Although, I have my own idea of homesickness, still it cannot fathom the true feeling of being alone in the middle of a desert and socializing with different people.

Oh, how I miss him!!! <3

I just realized that, as long as we live in this world "motivated by love and hate" and compromised by money; we are really "conformed to the pattern of this world". Though we know that money is a worldly thing and is "the root of all kinds of evil", we still have to work and earn money in order to survive.

And to those who are with their fathers and are bountifully blessed, be thankful and grateful that you are with them. Treasure every moment with them. Every amount of time counts!

I  could still remember our 'kulitans', 'tawanans', 'asarans', and even 'tampuhans'.

But what I really miss is talking to him about God and going to church with him.

I miss our so-called "ONE BIG HAPPY FAMILY".

Each member of the family makes sure that he has done all the things he needs to do during the weekdays and Saturday. Sunday is Lord's day, bonding time for the whole family [movie marathon].

Though he will not be home for Christmas and New Year, I pray that we would see him and talk to him for a long time even just through the webcam. 

As I Get a Glimpse of the Past

          Everything has changed. But, my mind could still see blurred images of the past. Happy moments with beautiful and unique people... Persons whom I have dealt with... Whom I have shared my secrets with... Friends who stayed with me through my success and disappointments. Precious persons. Any other person can not substitute the roles they have played in my life.

          It happened last night when I opened my facebook account. I decided to look at my profile and scan for an image which could be used as my profile picture. As I look upon the pictures I realized, "I have gone through all this?!" I became emotional. I was surprised that I really did spend about ten years of my life being with those people. People who inspired, taught and accepted me. Without them, I cannot be who and what I am  now.
  

          Although we seldom see each other, I do not consider this as a hindrance. It is a life's consequence that each of us must face in order to grow. The memories I have shared with them would always be kept in my heart and mind. And, would forever be a part of my whole self.

I MISS TUMCS

Proud to be TUMCSian!

To me, TUMCS is unique - different with any other school. It does not just give individuals quality education but it also trains them to be better individuals and for them to be 'Christ-like'. 

        On the first day of our classes in the so-called 'Pontifical and Royal Catholic University of the Philippines' - UST, we were asked to introduce ourselves in front and tell the name of our Alma Maters. When it was my turn to say my Alma Mater, I confidently told them that I've come from TAYTAY UNITED METHODIST CHRISTIAN SCHOOL. I am the only student in our block who does not come from any catholic school with the name of a saint or someone who is patronized. Most of my blockmates were from exclusive schools and catholic schools. Well, I am different. I was even more shocked when I saw a 'Welcome Freshmen' poster inside our room which says, "GO WITH THE FLOW". I suddenly remembered the sermon of Ptr. Jordan and our lesson in Values Education... The sermon and the lesson have taught me and my batchmates to GO AGAINST THE FLOW. It has reminded us not to take the easy path when everyone is choosing that path; instead, to dig up our own graves and go for the difficult one.

Honestly, this post is not enough to summarize all the lessons I have learned from my Alma Mater. Still, thanks to her because I HAVE LEARNED A LOT. And, the lessons that I have learned from her has helped me to become an individual who can interact and adapt to any environment where God leads me to.