The Mind of a Meerkat

Closing the Year 2011

2011-12-31T23:29:00.000+08:00

I admit that I'm not perfect. I have made plans, started doing things, but in the end I failed to keep it up. I have told myself lots of times that I should do this, and do that, but I sometimes just start over and over again. Then again, most people say "I am only human". Why is it then that when you are "human", you are always, or should be liable to have failed attempts to accomplish

On Commitments, Mistakes, and Focus

2011-02-11T01:15:00.000+08:00

This afternoon, (well, actually it was yesterday's afternoon), I began to have some thoughts in my mind pop out of nowhere. I normally have these ideas in my mind, but I never get to put them on paper, or at least in a journal or a blog post. Incidentally, I was in front of the lab computer. So I pulled up a Notepad and began typing away. Here are just some of the things I have passionately made

A Budding Writer, Indeed! ... Not anymore?

2010-02-16T22:03:00.003+08:00

Four years ago, when I was still twenty, I had a dream. I was a writer, and in my free time I would always write, and even had a writing.com membership. I even updated this very blog every now and then. Now, the passion seems to have vanished from my pent-up system, and instead, I have resorted to other activities like studying foreign languages (which I never get to do now) and/or watching

Highlights of My 2009 part 1

2010-01-09T05:43:00.002+08:00

I realized that I have been verrry busy with my life in the past few years (especially when I started working) and that I seem to have forgotten about my first love: writing. To add insult to the injury, precious moments have been left unshared and unexpressed (in this blog, yes, I suppose) So I managed to pull myself together to make a post that we may call my first decent one in ages. :

On Dormancies and Reminders

2009-11-26T01:37:00.005+08:00

Ah! After more than a year of dormancy, I finally got the time and will to keep my blog rolling again. Where should I get my inspiration? I don't know about that... All I know is that countless thoughts going through my mind have been plainly discarded into nothingness, and the meerkat in me has stayed quite comfortably in his own burrow for a long time now.However, this post is just a reminder

Ang Wikang Ingles sa Pilipinas

2008-10-15T16:53:00.005+08:00

Mismong ako, nahihirapan akong magsalita o magsulat ng purong Filipino. Sigurado ako, na sa mismong "post" na ito, 'di ko maiiwasang gumamit ng wikang Ingles (At hayun na nga, 'di na nga puro...) Ang Filipino ngayon ay nahaluan na ng iba't ibang wikang banyaga, dahil sabi nga ng mga eksperto, ito ay isang "living language" na bukas sa panghihiram ng mga salita mula sa ibang mga lengwahe. Pero

Climate Change: How Fatal?

2008-10-05T14:53:00.003+08:00

I've just come across this article about Sen. Loren Legarda, calling upon the Filipinos to support the projects the government is bound to undertake for the security of our future. She cites Albay and Puerto Princesa as model provinces, and that their initiatives should be replicated by the rest of the country. I'm not exactly a fan of her, though. But I do not disagree with her, either (It

Wishing There Would Be A Next Time, A Next Year

2007-12-30T15:32:00.000+08:00

Once is not enough. It is always fun to try things out the second time around.The first encounter, the first experience, the first moment. This sensation is an alien idea to us. We simply categorize it to either "good" or "bad". Whatever it is: food, pet, hobby, sport. A friend. A special person. A place. Whatever it may be, or whoever it may be, the fact remains that we can never tell the truth

Sa Wakas Tumila din Ang Ulan

2007-08-19T17:18:00.000+08:00

Nakatatawang isipin na noong Hulyo lang ay ipinagdarasal ng Simbahang Katoliko na magkaroon na ng pag-ulan, dahil na rin sa matagal ng panahon ng tagtuyot sa ating bansa. Matatandaan na ang Pilipinas ay isang agrikulturang estado, at tayo ay umaasa pa rin s tulong ng mga ulan upang magbigay daan sa mga yamang-lupa ng ating mga magsasaka. Idiniin ng DOA na kulang pa rin ang tubig ng ating mga dam

Closing the Month of July: Hello, August!

2007-08-01T13:24:00.000+08:00

People have always dismissed me as some mediocre individual trying to go with the flow, sometimes standing out, and sometimes seated in the corner of the room, trying to think of many things that have been happening in my life. After all, who said 21 years is short of wisdom-inducing experiences?I have been an activist in my college life, have been burdened with problems in my relationship with

Polyglot? Nah. Just a Trying-Hard Linguist Freak.

2007-07-27T22:45:00.000+08:00

One of best things I get from working in the city (Mandaluyong, to be exact) is the fact that I get free language lessons any time I like. What with all the people from different provinces and different cultures who chose to work here, and whom I get to talk with as much as I' d want to.I'd like to think of language as a very useful weapon in life. It can easily be ticked off as something hard to

Laps, Employment, and Feelings that Hurt

2007-06-29T22:21:00.000+08:00

I did myself a favor, by finally doing what I need and love to do: running. Although a single round at the Center of Mental Health doesn't sound challenging, it surely squeezed out all the toxins and sweat that I have been carrying around for two months now. Of course, why should I pressure myself anyway? I have to get to square zero again, then inch by inch, shall I increase my speed, or maybe I

109 years... and counting.

2007-06-13T20:13:00.000+08:00

The Philippines has come a long way since She first raised her flag with dignity way back on June 12, 1898. Despite being a third world country, She has proven herself deserving of the title, "Pearl of the Orient."Yearly, this particular day (which was yesterday, by the way) is celebrated by Filipinos here and abroad, as a reminder to rekindle our patriotism and Nationalistic spirit. We all

No Work-Outs For Now

2007-05-28T19:31:00.000+08:00

Last April was a hectic month -- I was in the morning shift, and I went straight to the gym afterwards, pumping lightweight iron dumbbells, trying on weight-resistance equipment, then finished 2 or more laps inside the grounds of the National Center for Mental Health in Mandaluyong (a few blocks away from where I stay). I was fit, yeah, sorta. Had my love handles to worry about, and I lost a lot

Song Review: Signal Fire by Snow Patrol

2007-05-28T03:05:00.000+08:00

Signal Fire by Snow PatrolFrom Spider-man 3 The perfect words never crossed my mind, 'cause there was nothing in there but you, I felt every ounce of me screaming out, But the sound was trapped deep in me, All I wanted just sped right past me, While I was rooted fast to the earth, I could be stuck here for a thousand years, Without your arms to drag me out, There you are standing right

We're a Bunch! (Puerto Azul IBM Chill-Out Party)

2007-04-27T08:32:00.000+08:00

Some group pictures from our company outing in Puerto Azul, Ternate, Cavite (April 22, 2007). More to follow. You can also check out my Multiply account: http://lourlandpaul.multiply.com/

Pedestrian Crossings

2007-04-11T16:35:00.000+08:00

Not all Filipinos follow traffic rules and regulations. This is a fact.Take pedestrian crossings, as an example. Particularly, in EDSA Crossing (corner Shaw Blvd.), people lack discipline, as they try to wait for the perfect timing to cross the road even if the lights are still green. And of course, the poor motorists have no choice, but to let the mass pedestrian traverse the entirety of the

El Viernes Santo

2007-04-06T16:20:00.000+08:00

The lights are dimThe streets are bareFriday, it seemsIs most unfair.

Dazed, I am.

2007-04-01T15:52:00.000+08:00

What if someone just drifted out of your life in a blink of an eye?I wouldn't know what to say. And I wouldn't know what to feel. Under normal circumstances, I will fight for what's right. I will convince that person to stay. I will tell that person that she couldn't possibly leave.But in a situation where you could not control things. Like in a workplace. In the call center industry, to be

February is swift.

2007-02-28T16:39:00.001+08:00

February is such a swift month.But one of the most important of all months.It is when we get to prove that we are living up to our "New Year's Resolutions".It is when we get to take a break from all the pressure from the first month of the year.It is when we celebrate Valentine's.It is when we get to know the candidates who will run for the upcoming elections.It is when we start the Lenten

Attached

2007-01-13T07:06:00.000+08:00

I can't seem to decide whether I should continue my moving out or not.On January 20, I will have been 4 months in my present abode in San Jose St., Mauway, Mandaluyong City. I still can't imagine what would happen if I follow my plan. That is, which plan? To stay there, until I finally drift off to another place, especially when I leave IBM to study? Or to transfer to a room I could finally call

Diamond Hunter

2007-01-09T21:01:00.000+08:00

Screenshot of Leonardo diCaprio in Blood Diamond.I am dying to see this movie. I think it will open in Philippine theatres this month (it should've been aired simultaneously in the US last December 2006, but to give way to the MMFF...) I first saw Leo in the Titanic. What a great classic! Then The Beach. I loved that novel-based exotic paradise-film. Then Catch Me if You Can. Leo is an acting

Mission Possible

2007-01-09T16:12:00.000+08:00

My mission today: to find a room.Not that I'm tired of my old place. In fact, I'm enjoying the company of my current housemates: Joseph, Kuya Jasper, Ate Jarnie, Kuya Wendell, the always-not-around-couple-who-always-seem-to-be-at-war Ian and Carol, the weekly Jemar, Kuya Don-Don, Sherwin my officemate-slash-roommie-slash-closefriend, Ate Cora our caretaker and her hubby Kuya Rocky and her crybaby

Zander's 2006 Snappy Awards

2007-01-06T06:55:00.000+08:00

My version of yawmee's "my own award-giving body"1) Drinking Buddy of The Year?- Mark! For downing gin-orange shots, and getting talkative and emotional about his messed-up lovelife.2) Lifetime service award?- -*-3) High Point of the year?- When I started my first job after college (in IBM Daksh)4) Low point of the year?- When I was tending the family business the whole day, and it really was so

Xmas Eve

2006-12-24T23:09:00.000+08:00

...1 minute before xmas...What are you doing?What were you doing?What will you do?Me? I'ma greet Jesus.

It's Easy to Let Go (or is it?)

2006-12-15T19:22:00.000+08:00

Of what? Of love? Of friendship? Of anything?Come to think of it. Nothing is easy in life. Everything counts and everything has a price. And the price of letting go is worth a thousand nothingness.

Estoy triste.

2006-11-29T09:49:00.000+08:00

I'm sad. Maybe because my best buddy has been bitched by his textmate/chatmate. Maybe because of the sad songs I'm listening to right now. Maybe because of the irritatingly slow pace of my life. Or maybe it's just me. I'm destined to be sad. To absorb all the melancholy billowing and wafting in all the corners and abyss of the earth.Some people just don't know the meaning of hurt. They keep on

A Lovely Bunch

2006-10-06T17:15:00.000+08:00

Sharing our group pic... Wave 11 VA Class Morning Shift with NadjThat's me in the blue shirt

Chaos is the word.

2006-10-06T16:30:00.000+08:00

It's kinda awkward for me to just post in again my stuff... after more than a month... I know my blog... and even you guys (the few people who have browsed and have read this blog) won't forgive me for being dormantly stupid...Anyway, no one can stop me 'coz I'm back!~*So, what about it?What about me?Not much...All I've been doing for the past two months was work...Work. And work.Haha. Of course,

It's My Birthday! (yesterday)

2006-08-31T02:14:00.000+08:00

Wave 11 Disperses... =(

2006-08-18T16:33:00.000+08:00

Mary Joy M. Abanto; Leonardo L. Alcarde III; Catherine L. Alinio; Catherine Rose P. Amigo; Adonis S. Ballesteros; Jockey M. Beliran; Andrea G. Bongco; Kristina S. Buenaventura; Christian A. Bugay; Joanna Mae C. Cadiz; Shyla R. Capule; Romel O. Clauna; Helvis Martin C. Cura; Auggie Marie J. Custodio; Malaya H. Dalisay; Caren Joy C. Lague; Jenny Lou S. Lee; Maria Lariza P. Lubis; Mary Grace C.

Epilogue: The Jobhunter's Adventures End

2006-07-24T01:15:00.000+08:00

At long last. Yours truly has found what he had been praying and hoping for all these months: a JOB. As a customer care specialist for an email process. Not bad, actually. Underemployed, yes. But generously compensated? Yes, of course. And that's what call centers are all about. Definitely, a big part of my savings will realize my plans of pursuing a Master of Science degree in Biology (or any

Meerkats Abound!

2006-07-20T19:31:00.000+08:00

More of these adorable photos (courtesy of Mattias Klum) and a feature story by visiting this link:

A Nude Britney Spears: (Don't) Hit (My) Baby One More Time

2006-07-01T16:50:00.000+08:00

These pictures came from a certain Harper's Bazaar Magazine, and I've heard Britney doesn't want them published anymore. But, duh?! She should've thought of that, BEFORE the actual pictorial, right? Anyway, I'm giving you the chance to see her controversial pregnant-cum-nude pictures here. But, hey, I don't find anything wrong with these. It's art, I think.By the way, she is lovely, I must admit.

Español como Mi Cuarta Lengua (Spanish as My Fourth Language)

2006-06-28T21:40:00.000+08:00

My purchase of a Spanish "diccionario" last June 13, 2006 signaled the start of a serious self-study of a foreign language. All my languages are native or "innate", in terms of my personal history, and these include Filipino, English, and Kapampangan. The first two are official languages of the Philippines, my home country, and the last one is a local language -- the provincial mother tongue of

Suddenly, The Oven Toaster is Not a Safe Place for Food Anymore

2006-06-22T23:52:00.000+08:00

My mom bought Rellenong Bangus (stuffed milkfish) worth 80php (Philippine Pesos) in the market, and because we were used to putting ready-to-heat-and-eat food in the oven, little did we know that something bad was gonna happen to it.Something invisible. Yeah, it vanished. Not into thin air. But into the hands (or paws) of the cunning housecats.Angrily, my mother reached for the nearest hitting

The Jobhunter's Aching Head

2006-06-21T00:30:00.000+08:00

Yes. You read right. After my initial interview yesterday (or 2 days ago? June 19), 11am at SPi Technologies, Inc., they asked me to be back by 2pm for a hands-on examination, specifically a medical transcription test. The interview was a breeze. The interviewer (Ms. Ritchie) nodded her head everytime I managed to blurt out my answers. But then a transcription crash test was a different matter. I

Moving On: The Adventures of a Jobhunter Continue

2006-06-16T22:55:00.000+08:00

Yesterday, I "walked in" at SPi Technologies,Inc. (located in Parañaque City) for the position of Medical Transcriptionist Trainee. Luckily, I was scheduled with a written exam at 1pm. The same sked was given to Romelyn Joyce (a friend from college who asked me to accompany her), so lucky it is.Time-pressured. Brain-racking. Bladder-provoking (Oh, yes, was I so wanting to go to the restroom!).

Independence

2006-06-12T13:25:00.000+08:00

June 12, 2006 -- Two months after my graduation from college, and I am still jobless.June 12, 2006 -- It is also the freedom day of the Philippines, my home country. But how independent are we?Every year, hundreds of college graduates face the same fate. They are involuntarily thrust into the dark world of unemployment. And for some, the dim regions of underemployment are enough to satisfy their

A Grueling Day

2006-06-07T23:18:00.000+08:00

I had my 15-minute interview at Primepoint, and they told me they'd be calling until Friday. Is that it? I told myself. I exited the Philippine Axa Life Center (located in Sen. Gil Puyat Ave. corner Tindalo St., Makati City), and I saw, just a block away, the conspicuous PeopleSupport Sign. Ho-hum.I decided to walk-in. With only my resume and confidence in my pocket.Surprise! Surprise!* I passed

It's A Miracle!

2006-06-06T22:28:00.000+08:00

Just when I thought my plans of being employed were ruined... just when I've decided to become underemployed for the sake of having my job... miraculously, God intervened.I was planning to go to Convergys University Belt tomorrow, to try my luck at the said call center. I already told the Lord about it, told him I was willing to grab the chance of having a job which was not in line with my

I've lost track of time.

2006-06-05T20:37:00.000+08:00

It's been two months (well, almost!) since I graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Science Major in Biology, and I can now say that my life had been useless -- for the time being. Hmm... well, useless in the sense that I have been a mechanical person instead of a living entity; I've become someone who's not at all in touch with his nature, his senses, and God's gift of life. For the past 7

Bummer!

2006-05-13T13:00:00.000+08:00

This day is a bummer. Like no other.I failed to attend church service this morning. It's a special mass celebration for the feast of Our Lady of Fatima. And it's all because of that villain. Oh, that villain.

Gerald Santos, 2nd Pinoy Pop Superstar!

2006-05-12T11:37:00.000+08:00

Whenever I hear this young guy sing, I just can't help but be touched with his ephemeral voice. First time I really heard him sing was in Nuts Entertainment guesting. They had a game wherein they had to guess the song acted upon by an "acting" singer. He won.And what do you know? A week after, he also won the most coveted award in GMA7's Pinoy Pop Superstar Grand Showdown (Year 2).Did he deserve

The Art of Forgetting?

2006-05-10T11:30:00.000+08:00

You can forgive, yes. But forget? I don't think so. The past shall always be in our memory... in our hearts. What has been will always be part of us. Our childhood experiences, our old favorites, our previous grudges, our past relationships.According to Wikipedia.org, legend has it that in medieval times, a knight and his lady were walking along the side of a river. He picked a posy of flowers,

El Mono Azul

2006-05-06T15:18:00.000+08:00

This is me.The Blue Monkey. Ang Bughaw na Matsing.Why blue? Blue is the color of coolness. It is the color of ice, rain, sky, ocean, whales, peace, and masculinity. It is the color of sadness. It is the symbol of heroic acts. Of valiant deeds. Of distant but real dreams. It is my favorite color.Why monkey? The Monkey is a symbol of cleverness. It is the animal embodying intelligence, dexterity,

GMA7's Encantadia and Kim Sam Soon Sign Off

2006-05-05T13:14:00.000+08:00

Sad.This is what I felt when two of my favorite tv shows concluded their more than spectacular storylines...ENCANTADIA......is a story of 4 sang'gres (royal-blooded fairies) who were assigned to guard the 4 Element Jewels: Fire, Earth, Water & Wind, in order to maintain peace thoughout the enchanted land.&MY NAME IS KIM SAM SOON...is a cute love story between chubby 30-year old Sam Soon and

Last April 4, I Earned a Degree in Biology

2006-04-18T13:23:00.000+08:00

After 4 long years, I fin'lly earned a bachelor degree in Biology... I was pretty nervous when I came early in Bulacan State University... 7.30am... quite too early than my usual record of being an inconsistent latecomer.It was hot inside the gymnasium... Half of the graduating population had their fans and paper-fans with them to ease the heat...Until we placed our tassels to our left...I was

Congratulations, JANA ROXAS!

2006-02-27T08:55:00.000+08:00

I was really saddened by the fact that my bet for the Ultimate Sole Survivor slot was eliminated last night. Yes, it was poor JANA ROXAS, who got kicked out. I truly believe in her talent, attitude, good looks, and above all, her humility amidst all the detracting forces around her.I posted this message in the http://igma.tv forums:>>[size=24]Congratulations, [b]JANA ROXAS[/b], for making it this

Snick!

2005-12-31T22:48:00.000+08:00

Ouch! I nicked myself on New Year's Eve... T_TI was trying to cut open an economy packet of Kraft(R) Mayo, and because I was in a hurry I didn't realize that my left pointer finger was in the way...And the rest is bloody history!

Christmas 2k5

2005-12-24T23:43:00.000+08:00

Nothing much...Just like last year...An ordinary Christmas Eve...I hope tomorrow or later's gonna be better...It's the Christmas party of the extended Manalastas Family, and it's a surprise that I'm joining it...I'm usually the one left behind... to tend the business... to experience some sort of lousy holiday.Peace, Jesus... I'm not complaining.But it's your birthday... why don't you share your

Sweet Victory! (pt.2)

2005-11-29T00:55:00.000+08:00

Almost a week has passed, and I still couldn't believe that we are the CHAMPIONS in the Men's Volleyball Competition of our Institute of Science Week '05. Yes, you heard me right. Simple, lame, and dumb lourland is one of the first six players of the Biotistics, BSBioIV's official team. And because of that, my self-confidence has boosted triple times more than ever (Note: I am currently a

Sweet Victory!

2005-11-24T09:40:00.000+08:00

Yesterday, our first bout in volleyball proved to be a success, as our team didn't fail to prevent the ball from landing in our court despite the strong forces of BS Math 4C.You might say, "yes, you re already fourth year students, and should win your final matches in the Institute of Science Week." But for me? There is more beneath the shouts, the priceless smiles of the BS Biology 4 student

Comebacks.

2005-10-29T18:58:00.000+08:00

Everybody deserves a second chance.The occasional student who gets caught cheating in his exams. A friend who has fed lies to you - a good friend he is. Humans who ask for forgiveness from the Lord.And the ordinary blogger-cum-student-cum-writer-cum-cafe attendant who has been more focused with other school activities, online amusement, and creative writing commitments. Like me.The comeback of an

Lost in Diliman, Q.C.

2005-07-27T21:51:00.000+08:00

Yesterday's adventure was a blast!!!Our professor told us to look for research papers in "DOST Commonwealth" if we wanted to touch the field of Radiation Biology. We, all 6 of us scrambled early from the City of Malolos (we are students from Bulacan State University, btw) and boarded an FX vehicle to the urban hustle of Diliman. And from there, two jeepney rides would lead us to the "carnival"

Three Seashells

2005-07-19T00:59:00.000+08:00

I wonder what they mean?Melissa (the girl I am courting) just gave me a thank-you letter for the voice tape and personalized card I gave her on her birthday last Tuesday. It came with a bracelet -- she only had girly beads so she told menot to wear it, and just put it on my id, or just keep it. I did her first suggestion -- she personally crafted, and 3 cute little seashells. Is she hinting on

It happened so fast. The dog's teeth were so sharp.

2005-06-05T23:00:00.000+08:00

Lassie, our five-year-old bitch (female dog) was very sick. Hardened snot made him hard to breathe. I decided sit him up and carry him to a brighter place so I can see clearly. The time was 2am awhile ago, by the way. I went inside the house to get some napkins, and I already got a "tabo" (jar) full of water. By the time I came back, she lay sprawled again on the cold concrete. I was too

summer days are shorter days.

2005-05-27T19:40:00.000+08:00

contrary to scientific explanation, summer days for me are far shorter than non-summer ones. why? because:1) summer days are for the summer vacation. and summer vacation leaves the typical student at home with nothing to do or many things to do, and either way leaves a relatively monotonous life for him.2) summer days mean hibernation for the brain... school is temporarily over and it leaves the

writing.com advertisement

2005-05-15T12:15:00.000+08:00

Hi! I'm Spiral Kinetochore. K'neto, for short. And I'm a member of Writing.Com.Writing.Com is the premiere online community for readers and writers of all ages and interests. Whether you are a casual reader searching for a good story or an enthusiastic writer looking for the perfect place to store and display your masterpieces, Writing.Com is the website for you!Free memberships are available to

Get Me (song lyrics)

2005-05-14T22:23:00.000+08:00

I just love this song. It's super!Performed by: MYMP (from the album Beyond Acoustics)You know that you are always in my mindIn my heart, in my soulAnd everywhere that I can think of.*You know that I will always be just fineI’m okay, I’m alright, I am superAnd everything that I can think of.**But (And) not really,And I am sorry'Cause you’re not here,Lying next to me.***So c’mon and get me, get me

Not All of Them Care*

2005-05-11T12:35:00.000+08:00

A teenager describes his life as an abused child, and wonders why life had been so unkind.No one can choose his family,Yet one can freely choose his friends;This is one truth which bothers me,Stuck with a father who misspends......parental power,...as I turned older;...why should I suffer?...why should I differ?When I was little and younger,I saw kids with their nice daddies;Convinced me I was

it's been a month!

2005-05-11T12:28:00.000+08:00

i have been obssessed with my writing therapy in Writing.Com, as i've realized the benefits of joining writing contests and forums to be self-satisfactory.over the weeks that have passed, i have produced poetry and short shorts which i never imagined i could, with the help of prompts from the moderators. this brings to me a new idea and technique in my writing style: "You can never run short of

hello, joseph ratzinger!

2005-04-20T23:59:00.000+08:00

finally, the white smoke blew out of the sistine chapel. the conclave is over, and the vatican announced that german cardinal is now pope -- the 265th at that. joseph ratzinger, 78, smiles with hope in his eyes. I feel he will continue what pope john paul ii has started.may god bless you, pope benedict xvi!

farewell, karol wojtyla!

2005-04-11T23:40:00.000+08:00

he was a great man. a great leader. and even if everyone knows about his deteriorating health, millions of people around the world were shocked and they mourned over the loss of pope john paul ii.let us all say a prayer for him. for 26 glorious years of his pontificate. and for being a loyal servant of God even during the hard times of the world.

seabiscuit: a film review

2005-04-09T01:25:00.000+08:00

A+directed by: gary rossstarring: tobey maguire as johnny "red" pollard, jeff bridges as charles howard, chris cooper as tom smith, elizabeth banks as marcela howardbased on the non-fiction novel of Laura Hillenbrand, Seabiscuit is an endearing story of wayward souls who have found their real purpose in life, by giving their best shot in everything they could ever dream of.in the early 1930's

lost.

2005-03-30T23:45:00.000+08:00

yesterday, my celphone slipped out of my pocket... and it never screamed for help.maybe it was really time for it to say goodbye. all things, i suppose, have their own final bows.i once had read an essay in a sweet valley novel, that sometimes, losing things is just a window waiting to be latched open, and you'll find something more rewarding than what you had lost.i'm trying to believe, i have

ethel booba's scandal: hoping it's never too late for anything

2005-03-16T01:26:00.000+08:00

i asked for the link of ms. ethel booba's video from someone (a blogger) who i came across when i typed her name in the search engine. he is nice, indeed, for giving what people ask from him as soon as possible. but then it dawned on me: you could never really hide yourself or a bit of you from anyone, and the more you expect it to be hidden, the more it reveals itself in the least expected

counting the days

2005-03-16T00:57:00.000+08:00

it's been two weeks since my last post, and i still couldn't believe that i haven't given up on this girl yet.if only she knew i keep thinking about her, every blink of an eye, every moment of nothingness and activity.if only she knew how i enjoy her company, her sweet smile instead of her sneer. i love it when im the one who makes her smile.if only she knew how much i like her, not necessarily

never mind last tuesday

2005-02-28T18:46:00.000+08:00

i saw her again this morning. and i have changed my mind (as if nothing had happened). forget about the "one more week" thing. what matters is i am still at it again.well, maybe i'm just overreacting to all the past happenings of the week. her forgetting to thank me for my doing the research about a certain plant group. her lashing at me for looking at her while she ate. maybe i was the one who

last tuesday, i told myself: "just one more week... and it'll be over if it seems"

2005-02-26T17:03:00.000+08:00

i wouldn't say i've had enough. it's just that i tend to be satisfied if i get acknowledged with my help, or with what i have done. i am like that myself -- appreciative. and if anyone fails to appreciate my existence, then maybe we're not made for each other after all. so by tuesday next week, the verdict will be revealed. i will give her a letter airing all my feelings towards her (it doesn't

dealing with liars

2005-02-13T16:40:00.000+08:00

unsurprisingly, many of us find ourselves locked up in the poisonous tentacles of truth-depriving citizens of the society -- the ambitious manipulators of stained reality. they are ordinary people in our life which can include our friends, classmates, parents, teachers, officemates, etc., and all are afraid to face the truth or just satisfied in seeing us writhe in blindness, pain, and insult,

this... you gotta hear

2005-02-11T23:08:00.001+08:00

hey guys... did you know that the simple gurl lourland was referring to in his post, "someone just gave me a cute li'l teddy", the gurl in the post, "what's in a name? pt 1: girl", and the gurl in the post, "the simple feeling of contentment in the eyes of a nineteen-year-old guy" are referring to only one person?she is miss melissa zuñiga, whose name is inevitably written in his heart.

exhausted minds never produce exhausted ideas

2005-02-11T23:08:00.000+08:00

here i am again, after 2 days* of algae-hunting and white-sand tripping in the beautiful province of ilocos norte, where the diverse flora and fauna succeed in their domineering existence amidst the hustle and bustle of the modern-day human activities.here i am again, surviving, after all, from the twelve teeny but mercenary spines of the sea urchin i have picked from the sea, their remnants

the simple feeling of contentment in the eyes of a nineteen-year-old guy

2005-02-04T23:34:00.000+08:00

nothing could really compare to being at ease with what you have and own... with what's there and what's not to look for... and now i'm starting to just slow down and enjoy the ride of friendship with this one simple girl... the special someone of my moment and second... the person who could easily put my heart into a flutter, yet promises no deep commitment, no intricate heartache, no damned

what's in a name? pt 3: the humble bee

2005-01-27T13:45:00.000+08:00

this is a very beautiful poem i have come across when i was struggling to combine the names melissa and paul. i hope a beautiful relationship would bloom as well; as sweetly as my heart went upon reading it. The Humble-Bee By Ralph Waldo Emerson BURLY, dozing humble-bee, Where thou art is clime for me. Let them sail for Porto Rique, Far-off heats through seas to seek; I will follow

what's in a name? pt 2: boy

2005-01-27T01:46:00.000+08:00

PAUL Gender: Masculine Usage: English, French, German, Romanian, Biblical Pronounced: PAWL, POL (French) [key] Extra Info: Popularity, Related Names, Namesakes, Name Days, Websites Options: Contribute Information From the Roman family name Paulus, which meant "small" or "humble" in Latin. Saint Paul was an important leader of the early Christian church, his story told in Acts in the New

what's in a name? pt 1: girl

2005-01-27T01:40:00.000+08:00

MELISSA Gender: Feminine Usage: English, Greek Mythology, Ancient Greek Pronounced: me-LIS-a [key] Extra Info: Popularity, Related Names, Namesakes, Name Days, Websites Options: Contribute Information Means "bee" in Greek. This was the name of a nymph that cared for young Zeus in Greek mythology. It is also the name of the fairy who helps Rogero escape from the witch Alcina in the poem

humble awakenings of my cumbersome conscience

2005-01-25T01:04:00.000+08:00

after the photocopy incident with my bestfriend, which i have told you in my previous post, i began to think that, really, sometimes, all things good is not enough for life to go on smoothly. a little bit of friction makes it all the more exciting, and thus, far realistic. as soon as you express sadness and irateness about someone's attitude, he or she will eventually get the cue. your

no more mr. nice guy

2005-01-23T01:29:00.000+08:00

i give up. i realized being "always" good to other people makes them insensitive to your own needs. As if it were my job to give and succumb to all their demands. damn. just awhile ago, i fought with my thirteen-year-old sister, and i knew i was right in anyway you look at it. i was asking her to replace me in attending our father's cafe, as we have previously agreed upon, because i had to hear

sorry but i have to do this.

2005-01-15T11:16:00.000+08:00

i make mistakes. i am only human. i remember giving out a statement - a fearless forecast in post #5 of my october 2004 archives. it was about starstruck wave 2, and i was then deeply infatuated with the instant prowess of lj reyes in the said artista search. and i wrote, "lj will make the win... together with benj, her male counterpart." well, it seems that i was wrong after all. i'm quite

the fury of life.

2005-01-12T01:04:00.000+08:00

WHILE still recovering from the shock of the Quezon Province disaster, tsunami hit most of Sri Lanka, southern part of India, the Maldives, and even Somalia and Kenya, and nearer home, Sumatra and Aceh in Indonesia, Phuket in Thailand, and Penang in Malaysia last Sunday. This time the tsunami (a term we often used in an unexpected and sudden disaster) was real. Unlike the Quezon Province tragedy

someone just gave me a cute li'l teddy

2005-01-09T01:05:00.000+08:00

this was some sorta unusual experience for me because usually i'm the one who's giving out the gifts and all, but suddenly, this particular girl (who is a friend of mine) gives me a cute white palm-sized teddy bear. i don't know... i won't expect anything out of it. it's just that i am not the type of person who receives little notes of love and care, and objects of friendship and gratitude. it's

a crazy mind does not know it is.

2005-01-05T12:27:00.000+08:00

never call someone insane because he will only deny it. but if he agrees, he could be considered crazy too. ergo, only the sober and sane can recognize which are loonies and which are not.

a new year doesn't necessarily mean a new life.

2005-01-03T12:21:00.000+08:00

perhaps the human mind's greatest fear at the tick of new year's day is to formulate a plausible, feasible, and realistic resolution, which, i suppose, is almost always broken at the speed of the calendar. why, then, is there a need to have one? we, as individuals, were always taught to set our goals straight, so that our purpose would be clearly realized, and success be attained. we are

this poem is dedicated to ms. janice barte, a friend whom i really like... it's her birthday today!

2005-01-02T02:05:00.000+08:00

we've only known each other for quite some time it seems but each minute, each second we're together is something worth painting in my dreams i know we're worlds apart i know i'm not ur type but this i bet is the strangest thing ur the closest to my heart and hype wishin' we'd be friends forever is already a big favor i'd plead to death that's why i'm giving u my assurance i'd always be here

so happy together: a film review

2004-12-28T23:32:00.000+08:00

as a whole, the movie gets an A- rating from me... find out why. the story is about osmond, a gay writer, and lianne, a locquacious businesswoman, whose lives get intertwined and bonded with friendship, love, and humour. it is an ambitious interpretation of the painful realities of life, and at the same time depicting the Filipino approach of laughing all his problems away. eric quizon plays

hey, i'm still alive!

2004-12-27T22:56:00.000+08:00

here goes nothing. what were you expecting? i thought i said nothing follows.

my 19th christmas to date...

2004-12-27T22:50:00.000+08:00

it was a very boring day for me... i woke up at 11am, did my cardio exercise, spent my afternoon looking for kitchen towels (which my mom planned to give to her cousins) in the market, and spent my evening attending the cafe of my father. seems like an ordinary day... nothing special... i didn't even have the chance to attend our annual reunion party (sob)... it was only me... and

weee! i juz finished my first short story after almost three years!!!

2004-12-19T23:52:00.000+08:00

aptly entitled, "Manok O Maong," this story is about a fat girl who is on a quest for her identity in the portals of her jungle teen world, but later realizes that home is where the heart is, and that discipline can be a very important factor in someone's habitual disposition, and can very much affect one's self-confidence. Her conscience is put to the test as her daily encounters with

i've always been the loser.

2004-12-17T23:51:00.000+08:00

i joined the essay writing contest of the 1st Cultural-Literary Festival of bulacan state university in san jose del monte, bulacan, and guess what? it is so obvious. i lost. it seems that every endeavor i get into, every field i try to grab of is never my slightest win. in singing, i couldn't join competiions because my voice is not the type who could belt out grand-prize

i'm making a comeback.

2004-12-11T11:23:00.000+08:00

after almost a month of dormancy, im lashing back with a simple, "it's nice to be back again" post. missed me?

when sentiments arise out of nowhere

2004-11-07T12:55:00.000+08:00

wish i never [lyrics: lourland delumen / music: -%!&pending#$@-] i wish i never told you the truth i wish i kept my secret of love now you know and i miss the way we were we were the best of friends then, now all is gone. you care a lot for me like no one else does the only girl i could talk to for hours, even days we were so happy when we shared moments, weren't we? in your heart am i not

you alone

2004-11-02T23:59:00.000+08:00

sometimes you feel alone. sometimes you fail alone. you fall alone. you fool alone. and you wish alone that you could do things alone no more.

phs-ssc batch '02, the best among the best

2004-11-01T20:03:00.000+08:00

october 29-30. villa alfredo's resort, baliti, city of san fernando, (P) -- it was a wonderful high school reunion, because many still believed in the magic of high school memories, whether good or bad, happy or sad. i, for example, didn't miss the opportunity to spend time with my batchmates again (after almost three years since graduation day). actually, it was the first get-together party i've

this post is lovingly and loyally dedicated to ms. lourdes jane reyes

2004-10-29T01:40:00.000+08:00

dream. believe. survive. these three words could be summed up in two li'l letters that spell confidence, beauty, and brains: LJ. i am pretty sure all of u know about her. the beaming adorable girl in the current airing of starstruck wave 2. s umpisa p lang, i knew that she would be the cream of the crop... all the challenges she had conquered (even the next ones i hope), and there's no stopping

two-timing tangle

2004-10-27T10:49:00.000+08:00

dear meerkat, hey mister. i hope you could make a difference after i've shared my prob with you. i am only seventeen, and i am not yet that serious when it comes to romantic relationships. that is why, you would never wonder why i handle two boyfriends at present. my first one, for almost a year now, loves me very much, and i feel like it's hard to start all over again if i break up with him

introducing another me...

2004-10-26T10:27:00.000+08:00

hi guyz! i'm meerkat. write me a letter, ask me something... let's just find out what i'm gonna answer you back... lolz. got any love problems? dilemmas with relationships (any kind)? doubts with yourself or with a higher being? with life? i am your friend. i could help. "could" is the word, mind you, not "would"... lolz again. oh my god, i'm breaking down. hahaha. whatever. note: this is no

silly or not silly... whatever

2004-10-25T13:45:00.000+08:00

i just ate a total of 3 eggs for brunch. but i remembered from grade school science that you should only eat a limited number of eggs for week because something bad could happen otherwise. i couldn't explain exactly what that bad something is (because i'm only a frustrated dietitian, not a real one), so i gave my fingers a try on the search engine, typed the words, "3 eggs per/a week," and alas!

a chapter of my life ended yesterday... would i dare to start another one again?

2004-10-24T23:00:00.000+08:00

i was a working student. after 5 months and fifteen days of adolescent sacrifice, i finally reached the end of my contract with jollibee sm pampanga main. gone are the days when i would complain to myself why i had entered such commitment in order to pay for my schooling independently. gone are the nights when i would come home late from closing shifts; i would head straight to the store instead