So Happy For You, new Iskas!

The UPCAT results are finally out and just like a high school senior, I am one of those who was so eager to see who passed and who's going to be the future Iskolars ng Bayan. I did it online and I tried so hard to remember the names of my former students so I can check if they made it or not. Most of them as expected were successful examinees. Everytime, I see a familiar name, I utter an exhilarating "Yes!", that my seatmate thinks I'm going nuts. I'm so proud of my students.

Let's face it UPCAT is no ordinary test. It made my brows meet, my stomach churn and my palms sweat like crazy while I took it some time ago. So, don't blame us if we shout to the heavens and rejoice that we passed. Forgive us if we seem so boastful about it. Ang galing namen e! The feeling was extraordinarily amazing! While I was still teaching, I would encourage my students to study in UP when they go to college. Everything you will learn will not just come from the lessons but with the environment itself. I also told them to be very careful because it can be a "dog eat dog world" there. I would occasionally share my experiences as a UP student. The ups and downs of being there - how you tried to study so hard just to pass an exam while your classmate who seldom comes to class simply nails it. I advised them to take their studies seriously but learn to have some fun sometimes. Don't be as lax as I was. You'll have your own adventures and misadventures. For a better understanding of the UP life, click here.

To those who have e-mailed and texted me that they passed UPCAT, congratulations and thank you! I am so happy for you and overwhelmed that you took time out to share with me the good news. You really didn't have to thank me because I wasn't the who one took the test but you. I wasn't the one who reviewed with you, but you were the one who took the review seriously. If I inspired you to take a science course, bat ko ginawa yun?! Patay kayo hirap nun!!! Seriously, thank you! That makes me feel that I did a good job in teaching you. At least I know that my efforts had paid off. You really did not have to thank me. Give yourselves a pat on the shoulder. Even if I'm away, I'll always be on the sidelines watching and clapping on every achievement you get. These goes to all of my students, to whatever batch you may belong. You've been a great part of me and let's admit it we had FUN, right?!

To those who did not make the UPCAT, so what?! God has greater plans for you. Whether it's UP, Ateneo, UST, La Salle or whatever university, as long as you focus your attention on your academics you'll make it big. Because after 4 years or so, the question is who's gonna have her place under the sun?

Back Off, I'm PISSED!

I can't believe what just happened. I was stood up by the people who for some time was insisting that we meet up. I was there! Where were they?

Darn, we've been planning this for so long. I was even sorry because I've been really busy the past weeks and our schedules don't jive. Finally, after much prodding I was able to fix my schedule and decided to see them even for just a few hours.

I was excited. I've been wanting to hand them my late Christmas gifts and see their reactions when they open it. It was a break from work and my weekend routine. I wanted to chat with people outside work and catch up. I wanted to laugh like I used to with them.

I'm not asking you to make me feel important. But with the life that I have now, time is very important. I do treasure the time to rest, to be with my family and to be with my friends. That's why I tried my best to be there.

I was texting you guys to ask if you're already at the meeting place. I got no answer. I called up, but either your phone was turned off or you were not picking up. Okay, maybe you were on your way. I waited for some time, sat there alone. I was worried. Much to my surprise, the person I was calling said that she's home and she just woke up. Sorry, it seemed like I disturbed your sleep. PASENSYA NA HA! Clearly, she wasn't coming. She said that she'll call the others. I told her not to bother because how long am I supposed to wait there by myself.

I know you've got something else to do. I totally understand that. You've been understanding as well with my schedule. But you could have at least bothered to tell me if there were adjustments on the meeting time or you're not gonna show up. Some lame excuse given was it slipped daw her mind because she was busy with a project and slept late. Are we in ancient times? What are cell phones for? Would one text take up an hour?

I'm sorry for my reaction but you should have respected my time. I sacrificed too you know and the least that you could have done was to inform me right ahead if you're going to be late or you're not even going. If you're busy, don't bother insisting that we meet because it just ruins everything. There's nothing we can change and I'm so mad. Would this hurt our friendship? What do you think? You tell me!

My 2007 Guidelines

I've been good. I've been bad. I've been naughty. I've been nice. I've been up. I've been down. I've lost. I've triumphed. I laughed. I cried. I took a big leap and occasionally look back from where I came from. I let go but I sometimes wish what was then.

A new year is about to usher in. Whatever 2006 was for you and me, we need to be thankful that we're still alive and we have a chance to change ourselves and the world (nah that might be too heavy for some! hahaha!).

Everything happens for a reason. We may not understand the reason behind a particular incident but we will eventually realize what it was for. I'm speaking from my own personal experience and as well as the events that had surrounded our country the past year. We may not be able to change everything in a snap but we can be an instrument for that change. Change should start within ourselves.

As usual, my intro sounds so heavy but really it is not. I've gotta make some changes in my life. How do people call it? "New Year's Resolution"?. I'd rather call it my 2007 Guidelines.

2007 Guidelines:

1. blog more (It's my way of unloading my feelinds and it does help)
   
2. rekindle old friendships
   
3. watch what I eat
   
4. lessen my McDonald's food trips
   
5. stop giving lame excuses for not attending some gatherings
   
6. watch movies in cinemas and not just in the comfort of my room
   
7. be nice and smile more
   
8. pamper myself once in a while (a good massage, facial, out of town getaway,not so much with food)
   
9. find time to be with friends
   
10. be a more relaxed driver (understand other motorists for being so stupid on the road)
    
11. drive slower (as requested by my mom)
    
12. finish a good book in a month
    
13. give other colors a chance especially pink
    
14. not aim to be the best but try my very best
    
15. breathe, chill, relax...
    
16. save, save, save.... (we don't know what will happen next)
    
17. accept other people as they are (I'm not thinking highly of myself. It's just that I'm not very comfortable with "some" people)
    
18. watch concerts
    
19. have good clean fun (I can only live once)
    
20. don't let time and chance slip by because I'm too sleepy

I'll add more just in case.

How about you? What are your 2007 guidelines?

We just hope next year is gonna be a good one for all of us..

Let me cap this year with Gary V.'s song as my prayer:

Could You Be Messiah

Could You be healer
To a heart that's been wounded
In a battle that's never seen
Could You be teacher
To a mind of confusion
Tell me what does this all mean

Are You deliverer
Of an imprisoned feeling in chains
Can You set my spirit free
And just one more question
Allow me this question
Could You be Messiah to me
Could You be Messiah to me

Could You be father
To a soul that's been abandoned
By a world to busy to hear
Could You be friend
To a helpless survivor
Can You take away my fears

I heard them all sharing
This new found conviction in them
Are You all that they make You to be

And just one more question
Allow me this question
Could You be Messiah to me
Please be Messiah to me

Now i've been looking for someone like You
And i'm so tired, i'm tired
I've read every book and i've sang every song
My mind maybe right but my heart feels so wrong
Tell me how much further can my life go along
Which way do the roads lead where do I belong...

Are You forgiver
Of my most unknown secrets
Provider of all that I need
Could You be brother
The one who knows better
Would You now stand in the lead

When all this is over all the thunder and lightning
In the daylight just what will I see
The answers to my questions to all of my questions
Could You be Messiah to me
Could You be Messiah to me
Could You be Messiah
Please be Messiah to me...