How People Earn Because of Michael Jackson

Since Michael Jackson eventually died last Friday, more and more people are actually appreciating his hits. Most radio stations eventually decide to play his songs a lot of times in the airwaves even though his hits were only heard by people on the radio every Sunday afternoon. Furthermore, people who have not considered Michael Jackson as their idol are now his new die-hard fans. Before, they think of Michael Jackson as a no-good closet (?) gay pedophile who does not have anything good to do but to show the public his son in a rather unusual and terrifying manner and that is, of course, as we all know, showing his son to the public outside the window and appearing as if he's going to drop the poor boy a few stories from his apartment.

I don't like Jackson that much. I think his songs are classics, and they are a great contribution to the music industry, but something about his life, most probably his being an overly perverted pedophile, does not interest me so. However, it really shocked me when I knew how people used Jackson as a means of earning money, as what was shown on Umagang Kay Ganda this morning. I wasn't able to record a portion of the show, but it featured several fans reproducing t-shirts with Michael Jackson's face on it. It was quite eerie for me to see the face of a dead and unusually white-complexioned black guy on a t-shirt. If I were to ask you, would you actually like to see the face of a dead and unusually white-complexioned black guy in your shirt? If you like Jackson that much, probably yes (and therefore bring another kudos to the gay movement), but if you are a cynic like me, I don't think that you would like the idea.

Hence, a feeling of pity somehow spiralled within me. Poor Michael Jackson. Yes, there are tributes for him, but the people selling pirated dvds in Quiapo and as well as those random fans reproducing his dead face all over various t-shirts are making money out of him. They're making money out of rich dead guy that is now Michael Jackson. To me, he's The Artist Formerly Known as Michael Jackson. Because he's dead now. Get it? Lol. :D

What happened to the King of Pop also happened to the Pinoy King of Rap Francis Magalona. Yes, Francis Magalona was considered a great artist even before his death, but his songs were not tirelessly played in the airwaves until he died because of leukemia. Kaleidoscope World became an anthem for those people who didn't even know what the hell a kaleidoscope is. That is a sick, sick, idea.

Well, now that Michael Jackson is on the other side of the world, I do hope that people will stop making money out of his death. Let's give the dead guy some respect. Come on.

Michael Jackson's Death (definitely not a tribute)

When Ar-Ar Solosa told us last Friday that Michael Jackson died, we didn't believe it. There was a news that MJ was actually brought to the hospital because of a cardiac arrest, but nevertheless, the news said that he was just brought to the hospital, but he's not dead yet. When I went home, the news of his death was eventually out. I figured out that my student was actually telling the truth.

Millions and millions of Michael Jackson's fans were actually grieving upon knowing that his death-like complexion now eventually matches what happened to him (lol). Don't get me wrong - I was quite surprised when he died, but it didn't actually make me cry as much as Jojo Alejar did on this TV Patrol interview:

I was sad at the fact Michael Jackson died because he was a part of my 'childhood music hits.' What kind of 80's kid would not actually remember his hits and groove along with them? He has certainly popularized millions of hits that we could all hum to.

Well, adios, Michael Jackson. That is all.

UST Files: Second Week of MA

I am going to be very honest with you. I can say that I am struggling just to get by in my MA in UST, and it's only the second week.

There were some difficulties that I eventually encountered since the first day of classes. First, I had no idea what my professors and classmates were talking about in English class. And you ask, why don't I have any idea, it's an English class anyway. It would be interesting to note that the class is not just a regular English class where you have to learn about grammar or whatsoever. What's being discussed in that class is higher English. They talk about linguistics, acquisition of English as a second language and things like that. English is not my major, literature is. English majors talk about English and the society and stuff like that. Literature concentrates on a different thing.

Yesterday, one of my classmates delivered a report, and it was excellently done, but the professor was still asking for more. San ka pa, di ba? What would happen to me next week when I deliver my report? I haven't even read my report, for crying out loud!

What's even more annoying is the fact that the professor in my English class consumes up all of the time that we have. Usually, professors should dismiss the class 10 minutes early so that the students would have time to transfer from one building to another. Our professor consumes even five more minutes passed the allotted time. I had to run from the graduate studies building to the Creative Writing classroom which is still found on the other side of the campus.

My classmates from Literary Criticism class are very accommodating and all. What I don't get that much is our lesson. I have a great fear that this won't be an easy semester for me. I didn't get any of the prerequisite subjects that I should have gotten this semester because all of the subjects are closed. I wasn't able to enroll on an earlier date because of the faculty retreat.

Anyway, we were dismissed early by Prof. Dimalanta in Literary Criticism class because some of the students eventually brought food for her birthday. I wasn't supposed to go and eat because I was too shy to do so. Just imagine someone whom you do not know crashing into your party and you'd just see that person eating the food off a plate that you bought. That would be weird. But anyway, they invited me to come despite the fact that they didn't even know my name. :D

Food! :D

We ate inside the UST Creative Writing Center, and I ate as much as I can so I would not drop by Jollibee anymore. Kapal ng mukha, no?

How they treated Prof. Dimalanta was reminiscent of how we treated Sir Jess before. It really brings back memories.

Prof. Dimalanta (the woman, of course)

More food! :D

I dropped by the library before I went home, causing me to arrive at about 9:30pm. Went I was home, I instantly fell asleep. That's how tired I was.

This part of the Humanities library amazed me. :)

As early as now, I decided that I won't pursue my studies for the second sem, with money as the foremost consideration. I'll tell you about that sometime.

Oh well. That's life.

Pet in Focus: The Kitten Formerly Known as Luz

The faculty room is known for several distinct characteristics, including the fact that its door does not have a knob. The faculty members are pretty much aghast by this fact, but nevertheless, they could not do anything but just live for that fact. I, for example, am a living proof that I just have to live with it, since I've been in school for four years already. There is no such thing as privacy in the faculty room, and this fact is clearly emphasized by the windows which serve as peeping holes for students in the nearby room.

Another distinct characteristic of the faculty room is the inclusion of newer faculty - slash - family members. The 'kitty sisters' Dulco and Lax were obviously separated when they were in their teens (lol) and now, Dulco's kids were eventually separated too, due to the constant scream of our division head whenever the kitties lick their paws and touch her feet with those same paws after.

Ergo, only one kitty eventually stayed, and that is no other than 'The Kitten Formerly Known as Luz.'

The kitty.

This kitty has assumed a lot of different names ever since she was born. She has been called Batman (because of her face), Luz (because of her hernia), Hernia (because of her hernia), Balat (because of her face), and the most recent named thought of by my students (which I'd rather not mention, save for the embarrassing situation I'll be in).

This cat eventually always likes to sit on my lap and have her claws dig into my flesh every now and then. She eventually likes cuddling and acts as if her fur is not enough to keep her warm. Yesterday, I was quite shocked at the fact that she literally wanted to get inside my blouse (for whatever purpose it may be, I really do not want to know).

As my good friend has said, I may have smelled like catnip. Or like fish, in my opinion.

:D

Blog in Bulk: Comedy of Errors, First Day of MA Classes and Oressa's Birthday

June 19, 2009 - Friday

It was Jose Rizal's birthday and the whole event initiated a sort of revolutionary fervor within me. As you all know, I am still quite annoyed (or enraged, rather) over the whole thing, so I decided to be more assertive and gave my BEST FRIEND a piece of my mind during a meeting last Friday. How did I do it? Here are the following scenarios:

1. They initiated a proposition: teachers should be absent from their MA classes so that they could attend the Parents' orientation yesterday. I was quite annoyed with this proposition of theirs because I know for one that I do not have anything to do with the orientation. I would attend if I didn't have other priorities to handle, but it was my first day of MA classes in UST yesterday. During my first year of teaching, I actually dared to be absent in PNU when I was taking up my education courses just to be present in the orientation. I didn't know that all I had to do was to actually stand there to be recognized and that's just it. It caused me to almost fail one of my subjects and the possibility of having a failing grade in my transcript of records. It caused me a low grade. The next time that the orientation took place, I didn't dare to be absent anymore.

Because of that premise, I bravely raised my hand and told them, "I cannot be absent for my MA class because I paid for it." Surprisingly though, every teacher inside the classroom was quiet when I said that. It's either they are expecting a verbal argument gone wrong, or they were just surprised that I actually said that. Well, it's true, anyway. I worked hard just to save money so I could go to UST and study for a masters degree, and I would not be absent in it at any cost.



2. Their proposition: students whose parents or relatives have gone abroad should be self-quarantined for about 10 days. This is a must DAW. My argument: the principal's daughter went to China for a theater performance of sorts and she only quarantined herself after a day. When she came home, she still roamed around the halls and played with some kids. Another argument is the fact that after a day, she was the only one who was quarantined. Her mother and her father as well as their helpers were still mingling with everyone else.

The response to my question "Did you quarantine yourselves?" was a mere nervous quip coupled with a nervous twitch.

I didn't make the argument go on because I was too hungry to do so. I could not argue with an empty stomach.



June 20, 2009 - Saturday

A. MA classes in UST

It was my first time to attend classes in UST, and I had to admit - I was really excited. UST is the third university that I've been in, and being in a new environment excites me so.

I decided that if I'm going to stay in school up to 5pm with no breaks or whatsover, I should at least go through the classes with a full stomach. I went to the nearest canteen in the España entrance and ate an early lunch. The fee that I have to pay was a surprise for me. A simple tocilog and a bottle of Pepsi caused me a whopping 90 pesos. I didn't know that it would cause me that much, so I decided that I am just going to eat in Jollibee which is in the Dapitan exit.

Next, I proceeded to the Graduate studies building to check the rooms where my classes are supposed to be held. My cognate English class, Teaching Reading and Writing, is on Room 214, and my class on Contemporary Literary Theories with Dimalanta was on CW. I didn't know where the heck CW is supposed to be, and I decided to be problematic about it after the first class.

I quickly found the room and I went in. The fourth year students texted me and told me that they were there to get some forms. I was supposed to go and meet them if not for my professor who just came in when my students texted me.

It turned out that the other people in the class already knew each other and only three other people, including me, were the only newbies in the class. At first, I felt like an outcast because they were talking about the subjects that they've enrolled in and other stuff that I couldn't relate to. However, I found out that they were really friendly and helpful, so everything went on fine. The professor was really good too, and I was quite intimidated with the class because the professor discussed some things that I could not relate to. I was clueless for about an hour or an hour and a half, and the lessons were eventually understood later during the day (later during the day pa talaga. haha.)

The next problem: where the hell is CW. For all I know, CW probably stands for Creative Writing, but I didn't know where the heck it's supposed to be. After asking about five guards about the location of the room, I finally found it 15 minutes late. It turns out that it was still in the other side of the campus and I actually had to run next Saturday just not to be late because my professor for the first subject made sure that classes end at exactly 2pm.

It was my first time to actually see Prof. Dimalanta. I wasn't able to take any picture of her because I was too shy to do so, practically because I was late. :D Anyway, all of my classmates except for five people including me, were Creative Writing majors. This fact intimidates me so. I do hope I get to pass the two subjects I'm enrolled in.

We were dismissed very early which was beneficial for me because I don't have to go alone in Oressa's birthday party. I didn't want to go alone because I really suck at directions.


B. Oressa's birthday party

Last Wednesday (?) Oressa Prodigalidad, one of the students in my first advisory class, personally went to school to hand Sir Emboy and I invitations for her birthday party. I was surprised to know that I was one of those people who are supposed to give her one of the 18 treasures part. I had thought of giving her our very first class picture:

This was three years ago. :D

Anyway, I arrived at Island Cove 10 minutes before 6pm and I waited for Sir Emboy who arrived a few minutes later. We had difficulty in finding the venue and went on another direction. It turned out that it was just near the entrance. Lol. :D

The venue.

It was really a surprise for us to know that we were the first guests to arrive in the venue. Only the emcees and the waiters were there when we arrived yesterday, and we had to wait in the balcony outside the venue for more than an hour because we were too embarrassed to go inside. We might appear too eager to eat, or whatever. We just stayed out until some former fourth year students finally arrive.

When we were already inside, we still had to wait for some guests. It was already 7:30 when we came in, and only a few guests have arrived. The whole party was only limited to only a few guests, all of which perhaps are very close friends of Oressa, which made the party even more personal. The whole thing made me feel warm and fuzzy.

The birthday girl and her father. :)

I also concluded that I could get really hyper when I am hungry. I keep on picking on people. I even picked on the waiter and asked him to give me a piece of bread or two. I picked on my former student and introduced him to a waiter (whom he reportedly knows daw). I even accidentally spilled the water on the table, leaving my hands wet and cold. I'm an undeniable klutz whenever I'm hungry. Would you believe it - even though I was famished, I was still happy? My happy hormones, or whatever you call them, probably kicked in again.

The former student I picked on. Lol.

I actually prepared a message to say for the 18th treasures and it was supposed to be read by Sir Emboy if ever I was late (but as you can see, I wasn't). I wished I read it because I talked gibberish yesterday and I could barely remember what I said except for x0x0 (which was pretty stupid, haha). Lol. After we had eaten, I was still unnaturally hyper, probably because of the lemon tarts that I really liked. I took four whole lemon tarts and a brownie on a platter and ate them all (well, except for the brownie, which I let Sir Emboy take. He probably didn't eat the tart he knew I liked it that much).

After a several picture taking periods, we went home at about 11pm. Thank goodness that a Saint Anthony bus came along because it would be easier for met to get home.


So there. Will write again soon. :)

Oh yeah. Happy Fathers' Day. :D

Comedy of Errors (teaser)

I'm too tired to blog, and I still have to go to UST tomorrow for the first day of classes, so I'll just make this quick:


I've made a piercing remark towards my BEST FRIEND again.


:)


Tell you about it tomorrow. :)

Random Reflections on Some Growing Old Moments in my Life

Another factor why I felt like this was the worst school year ever was the fact that my aunt was terribly sick for three days. Last Monday, my tita (my uncle's wife) and I brought my aunt to the hospital at about 5 in the morning. My aunt's has been having terrible stomach pain since last Saturday and she definitely could not bear the pain anymore. She has always been having that condition before, but contrary to the previous similar situations that happened, what transpired just a few days ago was something different. Her upset stomach would normally be fine again after a few hours, but it wasn't the same case as before. That is why we decided to bring her to the hospital.

There were even several arguments before actually bringing my aunt to the hospital. My grandmother and I were arguing about the money to be spent in my aunt's hospitalization. Certainly enough, we were quite short on cash because my mother had also been hospitalized two months ago and she has recently retired from work; in addition to that, I had to pay for my tuition fees a few weeks ago. We didn't have money to spend right there and then. However, we decided that it would be best to bring her to the hospital anyway.

I was already in my teacher's uniform as early as 4am, and we went to the Bautista Hospital right away. I was even a bit queasy about it because there were two men who met an accident and were brought to the hospital. As the nurse was trying give my aunt an emergency drug, my eyes could not help but settle into the sight of two men lying helpless on the hospital bed, with head bruised and all. One of the men's feet was even bleeding, and they had to pull over a trash can covered with some newspapers to have the blood drip freely from his foot.

My aunt felt better, but the drug was not enough to actually ease the stomach pain. In the afternoon, we decided to bring her to another doctor to finally diagnose other medicines. Thankfully, my aunt is already fine now.

I found it hard to have a sick family member. My grandmother, who is also staying here in our house cannot move as fast as she did years ago; hence, I have to do all of the work at home. I was thinking that I really wanted to call up the school and tell them that I'll be absent to take care of my aunt. However, the fact that it was the first day of classes and it would be a shame if I would be absent made me drag myself to work. I felt bad about it because I wasn't there for my aunt when I was really needed. That fact urged me to even yearn more for the days to speed up and finally end my contract as a teacher in this SUPERB institution.

Oh well. If I always tell my students that everything is a part of growing up, it's more of a "It's a part of growing old" for me. I have reached the silver age when all of the people wonder mainly about two things: first, when will they land an excellent job, an second, when will they eventually marry.

Damn it.

Random Reflections on the Most Mundane Moments of my Life

It's the fourth day of classes and I am still getting a hang of it. I admit that I am still pretty much trying to get over some facts that I have been wallowing over for the past few weeks. I am not going to be subtle about that. It's just that it's really been a wonder for me to be transferred to another level after three whole years of actually handling the same thing over and over again. To top it off, there are other things which add to the whole bitterness factor.


I'd rather not discuss that part.


I hate everything that's happening to me. The most hated part is probably the fact that I have to mingle with someone I'd rather not see ever again.



WHAT A REALLY GREAT GIFT IT IS. OH GOODIE.

Arrgh...

This could not really get any worse.


@$@#$@#$@#$@#$%&%$&#$!!!!!!!

Scamming Series: Oh Come On!

When will these spammers finally cut the crap?!

All Out War Starts Now

Ah yes. School will finally start tomorrow. I actually do not know what to feel now that I am spending my last year in school. To tell you frankly, I was thinking of spending another year with the institution after the retreat, and I am not kidding about that. It just so happened that the retreat made a big impression for me, and it was certainly one of the things that I would remember as I leave the institution.

However, what happened after the retreat was somehow my deciding point. I don't want to stay for another year. Let's just say that the probability of staying makes up about a tenth of a hundred percent. I am pretty much sure that if ever I will be staying in this WONDERFUL institution, it's more of a personal, mind-boggling factor. There are some aspects in that 'staying factor' that also compel me to leave. Let's just put it this way: the present and future conditions in the school will determine whether I will stay or not. So far, the institution has caused a terrible impression on me, and the score is as follows:

I will stay: 1
I will not stay: 10

There is still hope. Lol. :D

Anyway, since I am in an all-out battle, let me tell you the things that compels me to leave this WONDERFUL INSTITUTION.

a. I can't hide the fact that I am completely puzzled by the decision that they made recently. For three whole years, they gave me the same position every year. During the second year that I've stayed, they took away one of the subjects I really loved teaching and reinforced the idea that I was a no-good crap. I lived with that and learned to accept it. During the third year that I've stayed, they again took something away from me and again made me feel miserable by letting me teach something I don't want to teach. They also reinforced the idea that I should forcefully hear the calling of the nunnery. Now, they did something that I really despise, and indeed, I am not going to live it down.


b. I was pretty much idealistic during my first year of stay, but somehow, that idea of mine eventually died. I will never be as quixotic I was three years and a few months ago because I have been exposed to the fact that all of the injustices done in the institution. For me, I'd rather not work with people whose principles are rotten as their character. And now you ask, why the hell did I say? Let us just put it this way. I was hoping that they would still fairly judge my work apart from my rebellious nature, which cannot be definitely possible if I carried on with my plan of pretending I am mentally insane during the first few months of my first year. However, I was able to know that with or without an offense, they are still going to act like the self-serving people they already are.

c. I don't think that I am improving on my craft. It is actually quite ironic to know that even though I am a teacher instructing kids to improve on their language skills, I myself do not think that I am getting any better. Okay, so some people think that my writings are quite good, but I don't think of it that way. For me, I still write like crap, and I didn't write like this when I was in college. There was certainly a some sort of drop in my performance that I certainly cannot accept.

d. I know that the teaching profession does not bring in much money, and I am fully aware of that. What I cannot accept is the fact that I am giving back more than I should in this wonderful institution. I hate the fact that I have to spend practically more than a thousand bucks for the tons of papers I have to print. Yes, nobody is telling me to print the tons of papers, and I know that I can settle for writing the forms anytime, but don't you think that is a bit daunting? Only request of teachers is to put at least one computer per faculty. I know this is a stupid dream, but at least they could provide a printer which we can use for free. Teachers have been telling that even before I was accepted.

e. Any teacher who has worked for this institution knows that it is certainly not teacher-friendly. That fact is really pissing me off.

Those are the five main reasons I'm finally leaving school. I'm not saying that my decision's final, but there is one thing for sure. I want to leave right away or I'll be going mental.

If you disagree with any of these views, I can't do anything about it. These things, after all, are all my personal opinions.

Last Trip Before the School Year Starts

Last Monday, the Division 1 teachers told us that they are having plans to chill out before the school year starts on June 15. The administration eventually canceled (much to our surprise) the start of the school year without us being informed. I knew about the news from Sir Alvin and Ms. Sheena, who both texted me about it. However, when we went home Friday two weeks ago, there wasn't any clear news about the June 15 opening. They were even telling us that classes were supposed to start on my birthday, even we were not ready about it.

Actually, I am not ready yet, but I think it would be better to start the school year pronto so it would also be finished in a jiffy. I tell you, I really want this school year to be over.

Anyway, enough about the frequent rants because I will write about them in another blog entry. What I am aiming here for is to write about this fantastic get-together I had with the rest of the Atheneum teachers.

The original plan was to go to Island Cove and avail of their family KTV service. However, the price being offered by Island Cove was way beyond our budget, so we decided for a cheaper venue, which was on Mount Sea. Tell me that I'm naive, but it was the first time I actually went there.

It was a really funny experience for all of us last Thursday when we went there because all of us practically went to the hotel area and knocked on Room 201, the room where we were supposedly going to use. We even utilized the doorbell and rang it twice, or even three times. Nobody from the concierge actually told us that room wasn't the KTV area until we went downstairs again and inquired about it. What we did is to embarrassingly went to the KTV area instead.

We ordered some food (that was quite a disaster, because we found the prices also beyond our budget, but it was cheaper than that of Island Cove's), and most of the teachers sang the night away.

I had no plans to sing. However, something happened. If you were there, you would also laugh your heart out and probably scream and shout like you were one of those fans who have witnessed their favorite team-up live on stage. Lol. :D

I have no pictures of the event, but I do have several videos. Of course I am not going to post them here on this blog, for fear that the teachers might mug me.


Will write again later. :)

Short Note for the Day

You know what?

Right now, I couldn't very well distinguish if I am a realist or I'm just pessimistic about everything.

My mind's not functioning right now. Will write tomorrow or on Friday.





PS: The big fact still does not seem to sink in. :(

A Day Less than Ordinary

I planned to go through this day as normal as possible, since there was nothing for me to look forward to. I still feel pretty much annoyed with the ADMIRABLE MANAGING PROWESS of the administration, and I admit that it would still take some time for everything to actually sink in. However, the tons of text messages and greetings I received from students (from as early as 12am) were already making me smile.

My co-teachers greeted me wholeheartedly on my birthday. I was pretty much overwhelmed by the fact that some teachers actually greeted me, and some (well, actually, only one) didn't even bother to say anything at all (oh boy).

Ms. Vangie also dropped by, and I was also surprised about something that happened between her and the BELOVED administration, but I won't talk about that right now. Perhaps tomorrow or sometime this week. What happened was really awful, I tell you. It made me loathe them more. Deep down to the core hate-kind of thing.

Anyway, the day went on with the usual meeting. Actually, Sir Rondel, Sir Emboy and I were late, but who the heck cares, there were others who were late too. Nurse Danna talked about the spread of the swine flu, which was actually called A(nh1n1) flu virus. Then, my best buddy comes into the scene and she talks about some things that I actually barely care about. It was more informative to listen to Nurse Danna, actually.

Something about the meeting really intrigued, if not to the point of pissing me off. It was the time when best pal asked about the morning assembly and she referred to me and my would-be former task, to which I retorted, "Hindi na po ako dun, ma'am." I was just wondering - did she actually didn't know about it or was she just pulling my leg and making it appear that she didn't know about it?

Anyway, why should I bother being pissed off about it, anyway? On with the story.

I was quite lazy during the afternoon (well, I am always lazy. What's new about it?) and I just had a talk with Ms. Sheena because she's not doing anything as well (or that's what I think, because I'm just bothering her. lol.). I went back to the faculty room at about 3pm, talked with some co-teachers, and then some people came.

My students were there. I knew that they were coming, and I actually thought that they changed their mind because it was near dismissal time already. However, I was wrong. I thought that they were just going to have a chit-chat with me, but I was mistaken. They actually gave me and Sir Emboy (who just had his birthday two weeks ago) a bit of surprise.

From them. :)

What they did was to give us a couple of birthday cakes, put on some birthday hats presumably (or obviously) from McDo, and sang us a loud happy birthday, with matching birthday candles on the side. They let me make a wish (to which they prodded me to tell, but I didn't. Let's just say that it's something personal, and I'd rather not spoil the fun of letting it come true) and blow the candles altogether. Everyone was so loud and noisy in the faculty room while we took pictures and videos that my BELOVED boss actually peeked into the faculty room just to see what was the commotion all about. However, nobody paid attention. :D

Hoopla. :D

To tell you frankly, I didn't expect all of what happened this afternoon. What I longed to have was just a simple birthday greeting, a simple presence of what I call my younger brothers and sisters, but I got more than I asked for. :)

This certainly took all the blues away. It was quite overwhelming to know that I have these kids around who actually appreciated and who actually thought that I was unique when I thought that I was just a common Jane whom everyone will most likely forget as time passes by.

Thanks, kids. I will really miss you. :) (photos courtesy of Bettina Villanueva. :) )

Not the Worst Birthday After All :)

Thanks, kids. Will write tomorrow.


Happy birthday to me. :D

Birthday Blues: What's My Age Again?

This is the worst birthday ever.

Ah, yes. My most-dreaded birthday will finally be tomorrow, and I am not even a bit glad about it. Let's just say that this is probably the worst birthday that I have had for the previous years, and don't even ask me why. It's just that there are so many things that happened for the past few days and I couldn't really accept all of these changes yet. I think that it would be difficult for me to have these changes sink into my psyche. For those who have brought these changes into my life, may you all go to hell. Yes, I hate those people that much. Thank goodness that it's my last year in school.

I thought that classes will resume tomorrow, but it's not. It's the only news that was somehow good for me, since I still have more time to prepare (oh come on, Darth? Prepare?) for my classes. I thought that it's torture enough to have the changes happen as my birthday draws near. WHAT MORE THRILL AND EXCITEMENT WILL ACTUALLY ENSUE if it were the first day of classes tomorrow? That, folks, is sheer, undeniable and relentless torture.

In a few hours, June 8 will finally break in and make me a year older. I think that I should start lying about my age already. However, the thought of running out of excuses that I am actually saying goodbye to the world of 24-year-olds is a reason not to lie about my age. Besides, age is just a matter of numbers. What's important is that I do not feel like my age (again, who are you kidding, Darth?)

Well, anyway, before I actually digress, I would like to share some random wishes or thoughts on my birthday. Of course, if you are one of the people concerned on this list, it would be very gratifying if you would at least care to make one of my immaterial wishes come true. If not, you are just a selfish old jerk.


Birthday Wish # 1: A more steady income for me and my old folks.
One of the reasons why I actually want to leave this school is the fact that I want to earn more money. There were repetitive instances that I actually find myself broke, if it were not for my grandmother whom I can borrow money from. At this ripe age of 25, I actually find myself lacking financial stability, which most of my colleagues (who are not working in the same institution as I am) have. I often see their Friendster profiles (yes, we're old school stuff) filled with pictures of team building activities, shopping spree moments, and the likes. They spell financial satisfaction which, in my opinion, I am still far from having.

As I have said to one of my co-teachers who casually asks me, "Bakit di lumalapit ang pera sa akin," "Basta andito ka pa, di lalapit ang pera sa yo." I think that rings true, as far as everyone is concerned. I don't mean to sound like a money-loving miser, but the only thing that I ask for is a great job, great bosses and great income. So far, I have had only one of those three.

Birthday Wish #2 Give me back what was taken to me.
I'm still bitter, and I demand a damn explanation. I won't forgive them for that. Hey, folks. It's one of the things that would make me happy on my birthday. Asa pa akong you want to make me happy.

Birthday Wish # 3: I would like to hear even just one reaction or even a heart-felt birthday greeting from someone I care about.
However, I think that it would be a miracle for that to happen. Good luck to me for trying to make him spill the beans.


Birthday Wish #4: I want my family to have good health.
I think that most of my family members have been sick most of the time. I wish they would get better, especially my mom, my grandmother and my aunt.


Birthday Wish # 5: You fill in the blanks. I wish I ______________________.



Oh well, so much for the incredibly far-fetched wishes. I do hope that at least one of them comes true. Most probably, I'll be like this kid tomorrow:



Till next time.

25 Things to do Before Leaving Atheneum

I'd like to be frank about it - I am still not in my normal self. However, as I always tell my students, life has to go on. This is just a trivial matter which I can still PROBABLY live with at least until I leave Atheneum on March 2010. That would be about 10 months from now.

My mind still couldn't think properly, and I know that this entry is going to be quite a disastrous attempt to somehow artistically (or autistically) express myself through the simplest way possible. However, I am going to try my best to coherently write an entry.

As I have said, I will be leaving Atheneum soon. I don't think that I have done everything that I wanted to do yet. Because of that, I am listing random stuffs which I should do before I leave the hallowed halls of the school. Why 25? Because tomorrow's my birthday and I am going to be 25 years old tomorrow.

Here is a list of the things that I should do before I finish my damn contract in Atheneum. I will post a link on my sidebar with this list, and everytime I will be able to accomplish something, I will write the word CHECK on the space after the number (anak ng tokwa, parang exam lang, a). All of these things can be done within the premises of the school or outside the premises of the school. I am going to make sure that all of these things are hard to accomplish or achieve, so as it would be a challenge for me.

So here goes. I should accomplish all of these things randomly before March 2010 comes.

25. My work should be published in a daily newspaper. With or without a code name.

24. Continue ranting and doing something about the so-called injustices of the BELOVED ADMINISTRATION (this is probably the easiest thing to do) CHECK - BUT STILL ON GOING

23. Impress my professor with my work. - done, pero in the form of report lang nga -edited 7.29.09

22. Give my "BEST FRIEND" a piece of my mind. CHECK - BUT STILL ON GOING

21. Make a difference in the life of a troubled student (naks. profound)

20. Make a difference in the life of a troubled teacher - done, but effect not seen (hahahahahaha), 9.06.09

19. Pass my subjects in UST. - edited July 6

18. Think of more interesting activities for English classes. on going - edited 7.29.09

17. Lose weight (oh come on!)

16. Befriend a guy in grad school (hahahahahahahahaha)- kita mo nga naman. check! - edited 7.29.09

15. Spend less, work more, especially in freelance job.

14. Get over the worst thing that the Atheneum administration has done to me. - this will never be accomplished.

13. Find a new teaching job /writing job as early as December. - Edited 9.06.09

12. Do one unique thing every month. (only did this for September. I'll still think of another one.) - edited 9.06.09

11. Write letters to 5 people in Atheneum who made an impact in my life, good or otherwise. ---- edited August 10, 2009

10. Be MORE sarcastic. (teka, conflicting ata to sa # 22) - edited June 21 - CHECK, BUT STILL ON GOING

9. (Space reserved for something - di ko pa alam kung ano. haha) - 9.06.09

8. Convince co-workers to find another job. - done (not sure about the results, though - 9.06.09)

7. Spend more time with the rest of the family. - still doing it (9.05.09)

6. Strenghten my faith in God. (still on going - 9.06.09)

5. Space reserved for something else - edited 9.06.09

4. Leave something memorable in the halls of the school.

3. Get a copy of the yearbook - edited 7.29.09 - DONE - 10.21.09

2. Finally execute a concrete plan. - done (edited 8.29.09)

1. Say what I really need to say (just thinking about it gives me the chills) - I will do this. I promise. to an earlier date (edited 9.3.09)- would you believe it? done. :D (9.4-5.2009)

Will write again later.

Q

Pssst, psst.


Ikaw.


Oo, ikaw.



Nakakainis ka.



Magbigay ka man lang ng konting reaksyon sa nangyari.


Kahit kelan talaga.

Woe is Me

I have to say that this is probably one of the most depressing birthday weeks that I ever had. Let me tell you why.


A. Seeing some people I avoid seeing

Last Tuesday, I had to be absent at work because I had to enroll in UST for my graduate studies. After much contemplation, I finally decided to give up the amount that I have saved in the bank and finally use it to study. I had some thoughts whether I would really study or not, considering that I am very miserly and all. Last Tuesday, I finally made up my mind and went to Espana and enroll in UST's literature program.

However, I was very very unlucky to see some people that I didn't want to see. I told myself, why, in all of the nooks and corners of UST, do I have to see them, anyway? I'd rather not talk about it. I don't care about them anyway.

Anyway, the enrollment process in UST was quite speedy, although the amount that I have to pay for the tuition fees are draining me out of my wits. The cashier told me that since I am a new student in school, I had to pay this drug testing fee, to which I retorted, "Di po ako nagdadrugs!". But nevertheless, I had no choice but to pay for it, or else, risk the fact that they would not admit me in grad school. The most annoying part is that they didn't even hold the drug test at that moment. I don't heck know whether they will still conduct it or whatsoever. If not, I'm going to request to have my money back.

One thing is for sure. I don't think that I am going to study for the second semester. I still have to generate some funds. Or more drastically, I have to move to another school which offers cheaper tuition fees but quality education when it comes to literature.

I had to take up one major subject, and I have Prof. Ophelia Dimalanta as my mentor. Whoa. Good luck na lang talaga, Darth.


B. Getting annoyed of the EVER SO WONDERFUL ADMINISTRATION.

They did something to me that I don't think I can ever live down. I'm only going to tell you a part of my sentiments because it's quite personal.


The first thing that I am completely annoyed with them is the fact that they could not make their minds up when it comes to the start of classes. They told us that they are actually going to push through the opening on classes on Monday even though all of us have barely prepared for anything just yet. For example, I haven't actually had the time to review the books that were given to me (and I still haven't gotten over one particular thing that I'd rather not mention on this blog).

And there's actually another thing incredibly more annoying than what I have mentioned. I hate them, and I want this school year to be practically over soon. They're making my life miserable everyday.


C. Loss of internet connection.
The strong winds caused by the low pressure area have destroyed my freaking Smart Bro antenna. I'm on prepaid now.



I admit that I am still not in the mood to write. I still haven't gotten over something.

To the admin, I hope you're happy now that you've finally triumphed on your plan to make me feel really goddamn pissed off on my coming birthday. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

Distraught.

I'm supposed to sleep, but I couldn't even close my eyes even one bit and fall asleep.


I admit that I am pretty distraught about what has been happening to my life so far. There you go. It's out. Life sucks right now. Just imagine every Saturday I'll see some people I don't want to see, and I have to hold a grudge against the VERY LOVABLE admin everyday until I finally leave school.


This is certainly a great way to celebrate my birthday. My senses came back to the whole fact that I am still living in hell, and not in some imaginary heaven that Father Earl made me think I'm living in.


This is torture.

...

I RECEIVED AN INCREDIBLY JOYOUS NEWS JUST APT FOR MY COMING BIRTHDAY.



****, ****, **** all of them. I mean that.

Faculty Retreat 2009, et. al.

It has been a while since I actually wrote a blog entry. It's just that I am either too busy, or I'm really just mentally constipated. Wait. More often than not, I'm just mentally constipated.

A lot of things happened these past few days:

1. I watched Angels and Demons with my co-teachers last May 15. I didn't even manage to write a pseudo review about the movie because I am too mentally constipated. It is too late for me to write a review about it now, since there are already a lot of critics who have actually written about it.

2. The Faculty Death resumed last May 18. There were several new teachers who became LUCKY members of this WONDERFUL institution, and they have still several years to tread. We are very happy to have them around. If they are not, we'll actually suffer. Of course, this summer, several teachers have also decided not to go through several years more in the institution. We certainly miss Ms. Vangie and Ms. Joanne in Division 3, and I certainly miss Ms. Mia's hilarious jokes. The two Ms. Aprils (yes, plural) have also left the school. And... uh. Nevermind.

3. Summer classes have just ended last Thursday. I have several objections about something, but I don't think that I can do something about it because I am nothing but a high school teacher. Whatever.

4. And lastly, the topic of this post, the Faculty retreat was held last May 29-31.

I think that the retreat this year is the most memorable one for me, albeit some annoying parts which commenced in the second day that really pissed me off. This retreat is something for me to remember because:

a. It is my last retreat as a high school teacher in A____ - ah, yes. This is my most-awaited year. I made it clear to everyone, especially the administrators, that I won't be staying for another year, or even four more years, as I think they would make me, or other teachers, do. I keep on mentioning that fact whenever we are called to speak in front. Much to my surprise, my BEST FRIEND had the facial twitch again. Well, that's life.

b. I was surprised at how people see me - There was this one instance in the retreat wherein you have to give a piece of paper to people whom you appreciate. I was given one by a person I never really thought would give me one. Whoever she is, it's a secret.

c. I cried in public - I had to give up my 'I don't give a damn about touchy-feely stuff' persona because I cried. I hate crying in public. In my whole life, I can only remember two definite instances wherein I cried in front of a lot of people. The first time was during Sir Jess' wake, and the second time was when my good friends from Sencor gave me a farewell message written on an illustration. Yesterday was the third time. The activity that we had made me cry big time.

We had to talk to the person in front of us as we take turns to talk to each other. We had to complete the following sentences for them:

Salamat sa...
Pasensya na kung...
Wag mo sana akong makalimutan kapag...

Sir Alvin was the first person that I had to talk to, and I wasn't saying anything yet, but just imagining the activity and looking at him made me cry. Sir Alvin, if you do not know yet, is one of my so-called batchmates in the school. I admit that I am quite glad and relieved that it is actually our last year in school, but thinking about the fact that I have stayed in A____ for four whole years and everything will suddenly change certainly made me cry. I cried in front of several people, especially my other batchmates and people that I am really close with... well, except for Sir Emboy who actually said the same thing for all of us. It's a very generic message, which goes something like, "Salamat sa lahat ng ginawa mong mabuti sa akin," and "Pasensya na sa lahat ng ginawa kong kasalanan," to which I shouted, "Apat na taon na tayong magkasama, yan lang ang masasabi mo sa kin!?" Well, I can't do anything about it anyway. HAY NAKU.

I can't really gather my thoughts right now. I'll just show you pictures from the retreat.

St. Scholastica church enveloped in fog.

Sir Alvin and Ms. Grace jumping all their might. :D

The exercise (minus the video).

The tear-jerking activity.

Ms. Elvie doing the final activity.

There you go. I'm not really in the mood to write. Will do so some other time. Au revoir. :)