Evolution of Death

Death is the epitome of life's paradox. It may hurt, it may free; it may be a source of strength, but fear of it may be one's Achilles heel; it takes away life and yet life will be of no value without it; it is an end but also a beginning.

Job Hunting #1: Job Rejection

Today I experienced my first job rejection. I wasn't even called for an interview. Boy it slapped me in the face. I know I must not take it personally but it's inevitable to do that.

Understanding Nationalism

by: Maris Cay E. Gabornes

          Every Philippine History book contains something about nationalism and how it contributed to the Philippine Independence. Despite the frequent usage of the term, a lot of people are still confused with its actual idea and application. Nationalism and patriotism are often thought to be interchangeable concepts. However, these two words are technically unlike. Raul Manglapus explained that nationalism is rooted in the Latin word natio which literally means birth while patriotism is from the Latin patria which means fatherland. The former is the love of nation or birthplace and the latter is love of fatherland (as cited in Abueva, 1998).

Colonial Mentality: A Filipino Heritage?

by: Maris Cay E. Gabornes

“Tangkilikin ang saraling atin,” (Patronize what is ours), we hear this statement spoken quite often. Cliché as it may sound but Filipinos do not live by it.

Skechers, Havaianas, Converse and Crocs’ sales in the Philippines reach hundred millions a year while the Marikina Shoe industry remains an underdog. A kid prefers to eat Hershey’s Kisses rather than enjoy Goya chocolate. The Hunger Games and other Hollywood films attract more audiences than Ang Babae sa Septic Tank and other Filipino movies. The current trend in the Philippines is very far from what former President Carlos P. Garcia had envisioned when he initiated the Filipino First Policy during his administration. The program’s main objective was to free the Philippine economy from foreign control and supervision. Although there are Filipinos who try to follow the path of nationalism that Jose Rizal and other heroes had taken, there are more who are driven by colonial mentality.

E-mail from God

Hi there! This is an e-mail I've received a couple of years ago and its message is still relevant today. I figured that the sender would be delighted if I share this with you. I hope you’ll make an effort to reflect on what He has to say.
_________________

As you got up this morning, I watched you and hoped you would talk to me, even if it was just a few words, asking my opinion or thanking me for something good that happened in your life yesterday – but I noticed you were to busy trying to find the best outfit to put on and wear to work.

I waited again. When you ran around the house getting ready I knew there would be a few minutes for you to stop and say hello, but you were too busy.

How to Fail Your Grades

From the day we've started going to school, our parents and teachers had been encouraging us to study hard. They have constantly reminded us of the importance of our studies in building a bright future. However, some people still prefer to neglect their studies. For those who haven’t mastered this yet, here are some helpful tips on how to fail your grades in NO time at all.

1. NEVER study your lessons even during exams and quizzes. Avoid your books as if they're contagious. Scanning them would ruin your goal to fail your grades. Grab the remote control, relax and enjoy your favorite TV show instead. Tell yourself that only nerds would study their lessons when they can spend a carefree night.

Fathoming A Mother's Love

You'll fully understand your mother when you become one yourself.

I've played mother to Vonce, my three year old nephew, for more than three weeks. He went home yesterday morning because his parents miss him a lot already. They live in Lawaan, Eastern Samar (my parents' hometown), which is miles away from where I live.

Vonce plays with his favorite stuffed pig toy
named Malaria.

A lot of people find it strange that Vonce is comfortable being away from his parents. Most kids his age would cry when separated from their parents but not him. He's used to having me around as his baby-sitter since he was an infant. I'd love to think that he considers me as his second mother.

My First 2013 Post

I have been planning on writing a new post since December 31st. I thought it would be nice if I write a list of things I loved about 2012. I also wanted to share my New Year's resolutions and my plans in making this year a blast. But for some reasons, the blank page drains all of my ideas every time I try to blog. I have finally brought myself to write this post. It is about time that I publish my first post for 2013.

The Difficulty of Following One's Heart

FACT: Making a decision doesn't make the questions and doubts go away.

After deciding to leave Law School, my mind didn't stop bothering me. I still lie awake at night pondering on whether I made the right choice. I sometimes stop in the middle of a chore and just stare into space. During bad days, I even consider the idea of returning to Law School.

What's my plan?

I've officially left Law School last November 9, 2012. I didn't write about it because I wasn't in the mood. Even before I finished taking my last two exams, I knew that I would not go back for second semester. I paid my dorm and left but it took me two weeks to submit my leave of absence letter. Yeah, I filed for a leave of absence. I didn't completely omit Law School from my life. I had to give my parents a glimmer of hope so that they'll let me call my own shots. And I also figured that I might think of coming back in the future.

Barack Obama's Victory Speech 2012

The United States of America is a key actor in international politics and whoever its people choose to lead them would dictate the direction of world politics.

I've always been an Obama fan. So, I was glad that the US President was reelected in office. Back in 2008, my Political Science Professor asked us to memorize and deliver Obama's victory speech. Since then, I've admired his eloquence. I can't help but check out his victory speech in his reelection. (I've included at the end of this post a link to a video and the transcript of his victory speech.)

What's Stopping Me from Leaving Law School?

Photo Credit: Wandering Mist

When faced with a tough decision, I always carefully think of all possible consequences. Leaving law school is no different. My heart says that I really, really, really want to leave. The problem is, my mind doesn't agree. My mind has been a constant adversary of my happiness. You see, I am a mind over heart person. I think about things before acting on them. This time, my thoughts are about other people's opinion. And it's what's stopping me from leaving Law School and move to the direction I want to take.

Reasons for Leaving Law School

Finishing law school would be best for me and my family. It would provide me one heck of a good-paying job, an ideal career, a privileged status in the society, protection for my loved ones. The list is endless. BUT I know in my heart that pursuing it would be a wrong decision.

Crossroad: To Quit or Not to Quit Law School

I'm facing a crossroad right now. One that I created myself not for want of drama but because my mind and heart don't agree on what makes me happy. I must decide before the 2nd semester starts whether I want to stay or leave law school.

Knock, Knock, Opportunity

Knock, Knock, Opportunity

We've been constantly taught to grab opportunities as they knock on our door for they are rare and some do not knock twice. However, the reality is that opportunities don't just come at our doorstep. We cannot idly wait for them. I say, we must chase for opportunities.