Be Careful of What You Wish For

What is a family without a father? It's incomplete and hard, right? As you see your mom being a single parent and you have many siblings, it hurts you. The absence of a father affects the whole family. However, what's the difference of this one with a family with a father but doesn't act like one?

A father is important in a life of an individual. A father figure is mostly needed by boys and has a big effect if they don't get it. They may get lost in their own paths at an early age. They will go astray, confused of what they really want with their lives other than drinking and smoking, becoming hard headed and many more. All of the enumerated were the result of a fatherless family, a family who once had a father and for no logical reason, vanishes in their lives and on the face of the earth without a trace, saying all the fathers went to the moon.

"Please Don't Come Back From the Moon" is a very good novel for me. Although at the teenage years of the characters, they were already doing things that adults should do, that's only on the first part. As you go along reading, you will see their progress. As I will put it, they started badly and ended up becoming better.

I like the way it was written. I love what profession Michael Smolij chose, to become a writer, somewhat similar to mine. I encountered a lot of terms and scenarios that we have already encountered and which we will surely encounter a lot of times in the future when we have our jobs. I like the way some scenes show humor. It made me laugh in times I didn't expect it to. And I like the pun Dean Bakopoulos has made in the names of the bars: George Monday's, Ruby Tuesday, happy Wednesday's, TGI Friday's. Does it really have to contain the days of the week? It was in the story because it's almost everyday that the characters drink.

To sum it all up, I like the book, I like it's story. In it's simplicity, it's beautiful. So if your father leaves a note saying he went to the moon, don't say right away "please don't come back from the moon." Be careful of what you wish for, because who knows, in time when we're not aware, it might come true.

We Can Do It

I've heard a lot of comments that Green Lantern is boring. Well, for me it wasn't. Film viewing is my hobby. Of course I choose what to watch but basically, I'll watch anything. I judge movies after watching them. But it is so rare that I dislike movies. I can't even remember one or even enumerate those that I don't like until I hear their titles again.

I think it's kind of my problem in the field of U.S. films... telling what is good, not telling things as they are. For me, almost everything they produce is beautiful, sometimes awesome. The effects they use are amazing and I find their stories fascinating. But, I have no problem with myself with that. I am happy about it. If there comes a time that I have to be blunt and frank, I can and I will because time asks me to adopt. I know how to be objective, but not always on film viewing because I watch most of the time for the mere reason of entertaining myself when I'm not doing anything or whenever I need a break from doing something.

So I like the movie, not because it's "green" again (yes, I admit it is, but only a part) but because of the story of humans. When we are chosen, we kind of give all the possible reason for us not to be selected. Why don't we just believe that they chose us because they know we can?

The ring chose Hal Jordan (played by Ryan Reynolds) because it saw that he is fearless. Fearless is the job description. But he knew in himself and he admitted that he was afraid. The answer to this dilemma was given by Carol Ferris (played by Blake Lively), "The ring didn't see you fearless, it saw that you have the ability to overcome fear. It saw that you're courageous."

As I watch the movie, I learned that the ring can produce anything that we imagine. During Green Lantern's first appearance to the public when the helicopter was about to crash, Hal thought of a fast solution to keep the people safe. After that scene, I kind of reflected, if I was in that situation, would I have acted fast as well? Will I be able to do what he has done? Then I found the answer. We are not the same. He is he and I am me. I may not be able to do it in his way, but I will certainly do it on my way. And as I remember all the obstacles that I have encountered, I can say that I can act on the situation properly because I have seen myself in God's view. He won't give me trials if He knows I won't be able to face it.

Believe, that's all you need to do and trust, because you should not doubt.

The Walking Dead

Ever since I was a kid, I am a fan of zombies, whether it be a a game or a movie.

I am really hooked up into Resident Evil 3 Nemesis in play station one and computer. Eventually, the movie was released. There came Resident Evil. Resident Evil Apocalypse followed. Resident Evil Extinction came afterward. Then, we have Resident Evil Afterlife. I watched them a lot over and over again.

Although I wasn't able to follow the story of the games Capcom release, I like the story shown in the movie. When Extinction came out, the first time I watched it, I kind of became confused. The first and second movie were awesome and then all of a sudden, it was like that? They killed my idol, Carlos Olivera, and my other idol, Jill Valentine, had only a small time appearance. I also disliked Afterlife. However, for the third and fourth movie, as I watched them repeatedly, I finally liked them and I understood the story. Now, I'm waiting for the reappearance of Jill on the fifth movie. I am still hoping to see Ada Wong.

This is the first time that I saw a zombie story that is in series. It's entitled The Walking Dead. I like it so much. I remember 28 Days Later, 28 Weeks Later, I Am Legend. I finished the first season already. Although the reason how everything got started wasn't explained, I was amazed at how the story went. It was a story of how to survive a city full of zombies while facing some struggles and conflicts with your comrades.

"Just one bite, one scratch, you will become one of them." My most memorable line of the red queen in Resident Evil 1 and "Shoot them in the head!" of Jill Valentine in Resident Evil Apocalypse.

Now, the word that you'll hear from me will be "Walkers!"

Oh, by the way, I am entertained in Plants vs Zombies. It is a relaxing zombie story contrasted to other zombie stories like Left for Dead. Hehe.. XD

A Book About Relationship

Inspired by my friend, I bought and read this book. I remember him say, on our first year college, that he was looking for this book because when he read this when he was young, it made him cry. Now that he found it, he shared it to us, in our circle of friends. But he left and I didn't get the chance to read. So I bought it even though it's kind of expensive.

"hope for the flowers" is a 1972 book, its copyright date. The story is simple. We have these worms who had their journey to become butterflies. Trina Paulus gave them human characteristics, a personification, and I see it just appropriate since they are also living creatures.

Stripe said "there must be more to life than just eating and getting bigger." He had this realization while he was alone. It's true. So he went on his adventure into the world, leaving the place of his birth. He met Yellow. They become more than friends. The one gives meaning to the other.

Conflicts will always be present. Stripe left to pursue his goal. If things can't be done by talking, give each other space because that's the time when each will reflect and realize some things. Yellow thought, "What in the world do I really want? It seems different every few minutes. But I know there must be more."

Of course, along the way, you will doubt at times. Yellow asked another worm, "How can I believe there's a butterfly inside you or me when all I see is a fuzzy worm?"

In life, there are lots of things to learn, to be discovered. We have to believe in ourselves, in our capabilities. Yellow said, "Imagine, I didn't even know I could do this. That's some encouragement that I am on the right track."

Afterwards, she became a butterfly. She went to Stripe and he didn't notice him. In life, not everything we want to say is through words only. We have to see the non-verbal actions and listen to the hidden messages by heart.

In the end, both of them came back to each other again, but now, as butterflies.

To put it in human nature, we started young, just like those caterpillars. We grew up and learned things about ourselves, about others, about life. We once were like others, lost and not sure of what we should do. But as we grow more, we come to realize that there will come a time that we should get out of our shells, and show the world who we really are. We will learn something we might not know we are capable of. In the end, we can shine brighter than anyone in our own ways. Let us pursue our goals and trust not only ourselves, but others as well. People who come to our lives are important for they will accompany us on our journey here on earth. So cherish them.

"E"nvironment friendly par"K"*

When was the last time I went to this amusement park? Oh, that's right. I remember. It was way back when I was in grade six. It was a field trip. 

The very first time was when I was in grade five. It was the same, it was our field trip. I didn't quite enjoy it. Yes, I was with my classmates, but it was not my family.

I can't remember everything. But they were memorable because field trip was the only reason I was able to go to that area.

On the other hand, the time I got inside Star City was in fourth year high school Christmas break. I was with relatives, the family of my mother's sister. It was memorable as it was my first time. But still, my shyness kind of held me back a little. Nonetheless, it was fun.

And now, I went back to the very first amusement park I had visited. I was with my journalist friends, a family we call M.A.F.F.E.R. Everything was memorable. There was a promo, P350/ticket for students. It comes with free hotdog and soda. The only three rides we were able to enjoy were the rides that I rode for the first time: Flying Fiesta, Anchor's Away, and Space Shuttle.

Flying Fiesta was still kind of calm. The second one, Anchor's Away was kind of wild. And the last, Space Shuttle, was INSANE!

In Flying Fiesta, nothing special happened. We just flew around and around.

In Anchor's Away, a part of me is always taken away whenever we go down. The ship rocked back and forth making a steep pause in each side. We were seated at the back part so it was totally wild. I am not afraid of heights, but it's just that I was uncomfortable. I sat at my seat all alone, still and motionless.

Last but not the least, Space Shuttle. The question is, does it really bring us to space since it is a shuttle? The answer is no because it's freaking insane. At first we were brought at a great height. Of course, it was making a grand entrance. It was high and evening. Then we heard a click... "Aaaaaahhhhhhhhhh!" I was never so shaken that hard in my whole life. The hardest was at the back of a bus going up and down the road and making us jump whenever it runs fast and hit a bumpy road. Well, this broke that record. XD

I am so speechless with what I have experienced. It was fun. It was my first time on all three of that. I still want to ride them again. And I hope I may still ride those that I haven't yet. We went home tired and with this:

I love you guys. I hope we will be complete next time. :))

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*E.K. - Enchanted Kingdom

She is?

Just by being a student, an officer of different positions, or by being a student leader, I know how hard it is to manage a class. Maybe that's the reason why I have never hated a teacher before. I know how they feel, I know how they teach and I know why they are like that. Maybe not exactly, but I still know some things.

I may have made fun of them secretly, it all passed out eventually. (I admit, I still do when I am with friends of long-time-no-see, but we're old and mature now and we know the limits). I may have said a lot of bad things about some of them at the beginning, that was only in the beginning. Everything changed when I knew them as time passed by. I know how to respect and accept them.

That is how I had composed my first post about teachers, I believe. Whenever I say something bad, as my professor said, I then counter them.

As I watched this 2011 film, I really got interested at how the main character played by Cameron Diaz will use each co-worker and each student to her advantage. I stay tuned. She made progress everyday. Haha! She was so bad that she can destroy the reputation of others just so she can build her's up. Then I realized, everything she was suddenly changed when the character she plays learned that by being a good teacher, she can have lots of money because there was some kind of competition. She needed money so badly because she wants an operation on her "future."

Actually, by being good, we will be rewarded. Not money at times but is it really needed to be money all the time?

Even though she was money driven, she still affected everyone around her in different ways. To some, they were good. To others, they were bad. But in the end, she still adopted. All the bad beginning of her teaching became better. She became so strict that she wants each and everyone to learn what she is teaching. Until the end, she had a boyfriend and became a guidance counsellor.

Yes, we need money. But why become so serious of doing bad things just to acquire it? Our relationships with other people are more important so don't sacrifice it. Be an example to others because in our own way, we are also teachers. As young as we are my friends, we are teachers. By the way, I'm 17 years old. Ahaha! :P

"Beep, beep, beep, beep... ang sabi ng tsuper"

Who said that the life of a jeepney driver is easy? Show him/her to me and let me ask him to prove it.

Not all people have cars and I am one of them. People like me travel to places by riding public vehicles. Sometimes, private cars if in a carpool. It's not a problem any more if we are going to talk about getting tired. I'm used to it already. Yes, it still bothers me, but really, it's no big deal.

Of course, there will be times when conflicts happen and they ruin my day because of the driver's attitude or of their companion's. For example, I paid a fare that I know was the right amount to where I am going. If it lacks a few more peso, they shout right away or the way they say it to inform me isn't respectful any longer. I was brought up with manners and I know how to respect others. But there are limits. The good thing is that I know how to control myself and just let it go.

I understand them... even though at times a twenty passenger jeep becomes twenty-two; if a newly-emptied jeep is parked and waits for passengers and even though people have already ridden, still waits for more; and if there are times that when they drive, it's as if they are going to be late on something. They don't always get enough money to feed their family properly. So they always want to get back and forth in their route and wants to have more passenger even it would exceed the capacity.

It's a normal scenario that drivers will say that their jeep is still spacious even though we're compressed already and when a "victim" takes the bait, I'll think, "Where in the world is he going to sit?"

Drivers sometimes get disappointed because majority of their passengers are students and seniors. Instead of being happy that they have passengers, they are somehow sad because a lot of us got student and senior discounts so they get smaller money than usual.

I would also like to share that I know how cholorum vehicle drivers of FX or van feel when they are caught. It's really hard on someone's part to pay a penalty fee if what you earn isn't even enough for your family in a day. I also get the point of why they still continue operating in spite of being kind of illegal operators. They have the idea that if they stop, how will other people get to places they need to go because only a few have been given permit or license to become legal. So somehow they are after service. And when they serve, both parties will benefit from each other.

Some drivers still care about their passengers. Whenever it is raining, they will lay down the protective sheets of their jeep so that we won't get wet because their vehicle doesn't have a window the we can easily open or close. If I am going somewhere I don't know yet, I ask for assistance and they willingly offer it. When we are going down already, not all driver's will get mad at you because you want to go down in the middle of the road or because if they unloaded you at an unloading area, they will get caught and get another expense. They want to bring the vehicle to the side so that you will get down properly and safely. It's not also their intention for our trip to be disturbed because the tire got flat.

I happen to be a passenger of a jeep that got a flat tire last October 11, I guess. it was already evening and I didn't care. I wasn't in a hurry to get home. I went down while waiting. I even watched the driver fix the tire. As I look at him work, I saw that he really knew what he was doing. Even though the cement was wet and the ladies were still seated inside, he still had his job done.

There was also an instance last school year's second semester when the jeep I was on became alert when we heard something. We were on an expressway, just after the toll gate. When the driver parked on the shoulder. He then inspected what was wrong. We went down to check it as well and a man said "Buti na lang hindi tumaob." (Good thing the jeep didn't turn up-side-down) They were talking about a piece that concerns the driving capability of the jeep. I was really relieved that God kept us safe. The solution was that the jeep was pulled by a tow truck and when we reached the end of the expressway, we went to another jeep and the first driver passed the fares to the second driver.

That is how hard it is to become a driver. They also have a dream and hopefully, in time, they achieve it. But I'm thankful that they've become good drivers.

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I hope you have understood my story. I intended this post to be short before I even started. Sad to say, ideas came running to me. I had a hard time constructing it in English so when I decided I can express it well in Filipino, I was already halfway. It was long so I just continued it. If I started from the beginning again, I doubt if I will be able to finish this post in time, or never at all.

Midori*

"A new law enforced each person to have only one color for everything he owned: what color would you choose?"

My answer: GREEN.

Back when I was in elementary, as far as I can remember, I didn't have any favorite color. Any color was fine to me, anything will do. All that I'm aware of is my "color story" when I reached first year high school.

By that time, the color that I chose to be my favorite was orange. If your looking for any logical explanation, well guess what, I don't have. I just chose it because I liked it. It was between red and yellow, a mixture of them right? Haha! Other colors such as green, blue, gray, brown, etc. were just neutral for me. Then, slowly, I didn't notice until I became aware of it, I turned to green, the color of nature. I love staring at plants, garden, or areas where they reside. Since then, anything that is green attracts me... as long as they are beautiful in my eyes. There are still some shade of green that I don't like but it's only in rare instances that I don't like a particular shade of green. After all, everything will go down to what is that thing that is colored green.

I'm not into cars. We don't have one. Sorry to disappoint you as well, I only know few cars. But if I will be asked what car I want, I will choose Mitsubishi's Adventure, of course, as you'll suspect it, with the color green (I have mentioned this before in one post). I love its green. It's so beautiful in my eyes.

Oh, by the way, this is not ours.

Remember, we don't have a car.

I just got this from the internet.

Hehe.. XD

Although I like green so much, I still use gray or blue most at other times.

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*Midori - japanese word for green

The Woman Who Fights With Poise

 



I still remember that the first time I saw this was on a bus from Lawton. We were on our way home and because it was already late at night, the transportation that we can use at that time was bus.

 

I was interested in it. Knowing that the driver and the ticket inspector played it in a DVD player, I waited for its title to show up. That caught my attention as an avid film viewer. That's how I met Nikita technically speaking because I did not see her then. Only her friends.

 

Would you believe if I say that right after seeing it, I told myself that I didn't like it, that I won't watch it? See how it turned out? I am watching it.

 

The episode on the bus was only the second. That's something not easy to forget because I judged so early. That's it, just sharing. Until my next entry, see you!