| Gawad Kalinga |
[20 Dec 2004|01:05am] |
First off, the shout-outs:
Claire: For largely planning this with me and goin with me in the advance scouting. And for takin care of team Clairebear.
Steph: For bein rockin team leaders and takin care of your team Rockstar.
Gica: For the wonderful accomodation at your house (and for the muffins, haha)
Theresa: For coordinatin with Jollibee and bringing the walkietalkies and books
Carlo: For bringing your trusty van and gettin the food with Theresa and Jamie.
Nate: For bringing more story books and for enduring the kids who were all over you, haha.
Peep and Irisa: For being there and being fun people to be with
Won't post anymore those who don't have lj. But if any of you ever read this, thanks for attending and giving your support.
Next, I would like to request everyone who reads this a favor. Ate Joan, the GK coordinator, asked me to make a reflection about the activity, for posting on their website. I took it a step further. I thought of forwarding it directly to people's email addresses. Found below is that essay. Please forward it to all ppl you have the email of if you find it well-enough written to forward. I've started it myself. I forwarded it to my dad who will forward it to his clients and acquaintances. It might not do much, but if one or two people decide to help Gawad Kalinga as a result, then I think it'll already be worth it.
On Bayanihan Chains and Hope
By Michael Jonathan G. Biscocho
Interscholastic Debaters’ Association Secretariat Head
“ The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”
- Eleanor Roosevelt
One cannot help but be saddened or even feel aghast at all the events transpiring around us today. In the Philippines for example, we as a nation remain deeply mired in poverty. Widespread graft and corruption run in all levels of governance. Natural calamities have continually ravaged us in the recent past. A sense of moral bankruptcy is palpable. With savage squabbling among our country’s leaders and loss of investor confidence, it seems as though hopelessness should be the inevitable response.
In a world that is increasingly turning cynical, materialistic and apathetic, it is heartening to realize that some things will never change. The luxury of dreaming still does not cost a peso. And even more than this, it is inspiring to know that there are and there will always be opportunities to enact these dreams into real manifestations of making a difference.
I was fortunate enough to have had a chance, along with members of the Interscholastic Debaters’ Association (IDeA), to take up one such opportunity yesterday, December 18, 2004. The idea to have a social action activity was conceived in the IDeA Council as early as summer. Concrete plans were laid out in a two-hour meeting with intense deliberations two weeks before the actual event. The hard-working members of the Council all throughout the run-up made preparations and revisions for the social action.
At 7:30 in the morning, participants started arriving at the Mangahas residence in Sta. Mesa Heights, the designated meeting place. Even as the turnout of people was not as high as initially expected (from almost 60 to 35), and even as we got to leave the house behind schedule, everyone was in high spirits as the group trooped to Don Manuel, the GK community near Araneta Avenue. Once the eight-car convoy reached the GK community we all proceeded to the day care center, which served as our convening room the whole day.
After the orientation by Ate Joan, the GK coordinator, we went back to the gate for the Bayanihan Chain. Here, hollow blocks were passed from the entrance to the location of the house being built at that moment. It really was quite a sight to see the debaters, of different sizes and shapes, all uncomplainingly lifting the hollow blocks. In typical Filipino fashion, the residents also started to pitch in and joined the chain. Afterwards, the two subgroups went to their stations. One was tasked to take care of the children and teach them at the day care. The other group did more manual activities, including painting, sweeping and sifting sand.
Over lunch of Jollibee Chicken Joy, we witnessed how different the standard of living of the children was from ours. While we were used to eating fast food whenever we wanted, they were in ecstasy at hearing that they’ll be having Jollibee for lunch.
After lunch, the two groups switched in the assigned tasks. At around 3 pm, everyone returned to the day care center for a simple closing ceremony. We watched a video detailing the vision of Gawad Kalinga, turned over our humble donation of assorted goods and prayed to thank God for the success of the activity.
I think I speak for everyone who took part in the inaugural IDeA social action when I say that it was a very fulfilling experience to take part in an event that we did voluntarily and organized mostly by ourselves. And it was pleasantly surprising to find out that such an activity was actually fun. The smiles that shone on our faces as we saw the kids clinging on to us in attachment, or viewing the façade of the house that we painted are priceless.
As debaters we always discuss the problems of the world and how we propose to solve them. It was refreshing to see up close a face given to poverty and to do something tangible about it. By no means was the activity grandiose. But in our hearts we knew without a shadow of a doubt that it was worth a day in our weekend to contribute in our own small way in achieving a better tomorrow for the Philippines.
At the end of the day, I believe that the most fitting image to remember the activity by is presented by the Bayanihan Chain. There wasn’t any superstar, or any grandstanding. Each person in the chain did what was assigned to him or her without fanfare. The load was spread out and as a result the task was completed. The participants willingly passed on the blocks even under the heat of the sun, and with a smile on their faces. As I look at the situation in the Philippines today, I cannot help but wish that we Filipinos would do likewise. Our country is in bad spot now, but it doesn’t mean that we cannot transport this “hollow block” of ours into a better place. If we realize that this is the only country we’ve got, maybe we can be spurred into action. Amidst all the crises we’re facing, the knowledge that there are organizations like Gawad Kalinga, and that there are members of the youth, like my friends and peers in IDeA, who take up opportunities of service, gives me the inspiration to dream, to hope.
Gawad Kalinga is a foundation that aims to create sustainable communities throughout the country. It launched in 2003 the GK 777, where it envisions to build 700, 000 homes in 7, 000 communities in 7 years.
Contact Information:
Website: www.gawadkalinga.org
Email address: info@gawadkalinga.org
Telephone number: 7231603
The Interscholastic Debaters Association (IDeA) is an association of debate organizations from 20 high schools in Metro Manila that has been in existence for over 10 years. IDeA aims to promote excellence in debating and seeks to cultivate this talent among the youth of today. Furthermore, the creation of camaraderie and friendships is given utmost importance. In line with the goal of youth leadership, IDeA operates primarily on student involvement and representation, with guidance and assistance given by the moderators and coaches of the debate organizations. Contact number 09178508542.
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| IISDC |
[10 Nov 2004|11:17pm] |
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In a word, overwhelming. IISDC has got to rank as one of my best experiences ever. I'll just keep this short, as I have a ton of homework to cram. :)
First off, thank you for all the congratulatory messages and the messages of support althroughout the tournament. They all meant a lot to me, and I couldn't have sustained the adrenaline rush for all those rounds of debate without you guys. The feeling of being recognized for the hard work and effort you put in is one of the best feelings in the world. Hearing clapping and even some shouting of my name always gives me goosebumps.:)
But more importantly, thank you for the experience. I agree with the other posts. The debate community now is much friendlier and the atmosphere is much less hostile than it was before. I'm glad that I'm still in the high school debate community when this happened. I get the feeling that in the end, what matters more than winning is the fact that we gave our best and that we had a great time.
And what a great time I had. From being coerced to wear a girly sweater, to lying on tables waiting for public speaking to start, to walking and talking with people, to anxiously anticipating debate results (yes, this includes standing like a jack in the box without sound :P), to being rebuked by Franco in front of everyone (over my asking for a guarantee that rounds wont be dropped), to plain hanging out and soaking in all the jouyous exuberance present in the air, it simply cannot be matched.
I feel sentimental all of a sudden, as I remember all the memories I've had in high school debate. In a sense, I don't want it to end because I know that I'll be hard pressed to find a group of people as great as you guys are. But the debate calendar still isn't over for the year, and we'll still keep in touch even after high school. So I guess like all things, it's still all good. :)
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| The past weekend |
[05 Jul 2004|10:21pm] |
Haha, ive been rarely updating this days. Been busy, my computer broke down and I havent had the urge to post. Thanks to those who wrote me a palanca. Appreciate it.:)
Retreat was very good. The place, Loyola retreat house in Angono, Rizal, was very serene. It feels great to be detached from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. I woke up one morning to watch the sunrise on a terrace. It was uplifting. It was supposed to be a silent retreat. But by and large we talked, haha. Wasnt as transforming as i was expecting. Still felt refreshed afterwards tho. And i was able to thank and apologize to my classmates. Things gor very emotional. Lotsa kalokohan also took place. Details of which i wont divulge anymore here.:p
Watched spiderman 2 kanina. Action scenes were exhilirating. I found the lenghty storyline dull at times. Afterwards went to interview Conrado de Quiros. Had to take a cab pa cause my partner's driver was in Parañaque. The guy was cool. He's brilliant. We got to talk for over an hour and a half. Everyone go read his column in the Inquirer. That's all for now. Tons of hw left to do. Ciao.
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| First day of school |
[09 Jun 2004|08:57pm] |
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Guys, Integ Sem wil definitely not be on July 3, sa 10 na lang sot probably. Im having seniors' retreat July 2-4 and I'm not willing to skip it, haha. So this early, write me a palanca?:)
I like my teachers, they're generally cool. The TD teacher seems sleep inducing tho, so boring. According to our moderator, the feedback from our past teackhers differ greatly. It's either we're one of the best classes they've ever taught or we're the class from hell. No middleground. Probably cause we behave better with teachers we respect. I'm irked, it doesn't look like we're gonna have an economics class. In 4th year AP and Rel are combined, presumably so we won't end up as ruthless capitalists. The problem is the course focuses too much on the social morality aspect, not unadulterated econ. I like my media education class tho. Basically we just discuss the current issues that our generation faces. I'm gonna like that class.
Decisions, decisions, decisions...
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| Ladadeedum |
[06 Jun 2004|11:22pm] |
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Glory of Love, Peter Cetera and the rest of Chicago |
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First off, thanks to the people who wished me luck for the SATs. It was generally ok, a few words I didn't know, and a number of math problems i found confuzzling. Special mention goes to kath, who made me aware of my first SAT mistake. (Something to do with veneer):p
Watched Harry Potter POA with Gica, Claire and Nathan last friday. The movie was fairly average. I was disappointed by the lack of effort put into developing the plot. It seemed as tho Cuaron dumbed down the plot. I still give him props for cinematography and good artistic touch. It's a different experience altogether sitting beside someone who gets freaked out in every dementor scene, right Gica? :) And can I just say, HERMIONE IS HUWAW!!! I want her to end up with Harry, tho she probably wouldnt. :(
Oddly, I'm actually looking forward to school. Sounds geeky, I know. But I want the feeling of being productive. And there's an element of nostalgia, being that it'll be my last year in high school. I've spent my happiest, most colorful years here. Don't want it to end yet, which is weird cause I want classes to start na. Oh well, Im sure college will bring more people and experiences when I get there.
I havent gotten over how good a thing IDeA Lite could possibly be. It could serve as springboard for raw, awesome talent and for people who've tried but failed to get into an Invite contingent. Kudos to Jen who came up with both the proposal and the name, wow. :)
I guess that's it. Ciao!
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| Another one |
[01 Jun 2004|09:30pm] |
| S | Sloppy | | T | Trustworthy | | U | Unusual | | D | Dashing | | | | M | Mesmerizing | | U | Unforgettable | | F | Funny | | F | Fabulous | | I | Innocent | | N | Normal |
Name Acronym Generator
From Go-Quiz.com
Interestingly, quite accurate too. (Of course I have biased opinion)
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| Lengthy update |
[19 May 2004|01:37am] |
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Endless Love, by Diana Ross and Lionel Ritchie |
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Just finished reading Angels and Demons by Dan Brown. I found it very exhilarating, better than the Da Vinci Code. It kinda helps that I already knew what the Holy Grail was, and the general flow of the plot of the latter. Several reasons why I liked A & D.
First is the discourse on the relationship between science and religion. I loved the “speech” the camerlengo gave in response to the impending threat of the ticking time bomb and the terrorist machinations behind it. To quote some of the better lines:
“Science may have alleviated the miseries of disease and drudgery and provided an array of gadgetry for our convenience, but it has left us in a world without wonder. Our sunsets have been reduced to wavelengths and frequencies. The complexities of the universe have been shredded into mathematical equations. Even our self-worth as human beings has been destroyed. Science proclaims that Planet Earth and its inhabitants are a meaningless speck in the grand scheme. A cosmic accident…Even the technology that promises to unite us, divides us. Each of us is now electronically connected to the globe, and yet we feel utterly alone. Skepticism has become a virtue. Cynicism and demand for proof has become enlightened thought. … Who is this God science? Who is this God who offers his people power but no moral framework to tell you how to use that power? What kind of God gives a child fire but does not warn the child of its dangers?… Show me proof there is a God you say, you say. I say use your telescopes to look to the heavens, and tell me how there could not be a God. Have we become so spiritually bankrupt that we would rather believe in mathematical impossibility than in a power greater than us?… All faiths are admonitions that there is something we cannot understand, something to which we are accountable.”
I don’t at all proclaim myself to be pious. I consider myself liberal Catholic. I generally believe in the teachings of the Catholic Church, just that in some aspects I feel it to be too ritualistic. I highly believe in ecumenism, or the thinking that you will be saved regardless of religion if you have done good in your lifetime. Which is why when you read something like this, it reinforces your views, or at least it did for me. It puts things into perspective that yes, we all have a purpose, something that cannot be readily explained by man or science.
But I digress. Back to the book. I liked the depth of the characters. Although I was disappointed when camerlengo turned out to be the main antagonist in the end. I thought I had predicted the outcome a few chapters into the book, that CERN was the Illuminati and Kohler orchestrated everything. Dead wrong. Then again that’s why Dan Brown’s the author and I’m the reader. Also, I liked the snippets of information and even history lessons that were present althroughout the book. Although I’m not sold on some of them, particularly the whole premise of antimatter existing with that amount of power. It just sounds too good to be true. Same with the aircraft technology that CERN used. All in all a great read, finished it in one sitting. Looking forward to reading Deception Point even though it’s reputedly not as good as Da Vinci Code or Angels and Demons, right blu_frenchfries?
As I haven’t been regularly updating, I’m in the mood for just typing thoughts and observations.
I’m developing the habit of taking a midnight snack before I go to sleep. Just simple cookies and milk. Parang baby, haha. It’s now added to my sleep inducing ritual of reading a good book while listening to the radio. I also sometimes sing before I sleep, if a song is particularly nice or catchy, or even if I’m just in the mood for it. I remember when we were in Baguio for the CMLI finals, and I was with Adrian and Claude in the room, I would sing till my voice became hoarse. One instance Adrian was already sleeping, Claude was watching Hindu shows on cable, and I was singing to a CD player through earphones. Adrian woke up just long enough to curse and throw the pillow at me. I of course didn’t really care and went back to singing. :-p
Enrolled yesterday, and surprisingly almost no one was there when I arrived. No lines whatsoever. I arrived at around 11:45 (enrollment started at 8:00) cause I woke up late. It’s impossible to wake me up earlier than 10:30 am during the summer. This just proves that it pays to be late sometimes.
Oh, and I’m retracting my statement that I am diehard for Eddie Villanueva. The man simply will not concede defeat. Clearly there has been no evidence of electoral fraud, and he has stooped down to the level of FPJ in protesting without proof. I thought he represented real change. It seems now that he’s just like all the other trapos. What’s worse is he used the name of God to shield him from mudslinging.
Wrestling is getting increasingly brutal. I know it’s scripted, that the chairs are made of foil, that the mat has lumbar support, that the wrestling moves are created with provisions for cushioning the wrestlers. But I was watching the Backlash match between Mick Foley and Randy Orton and it was really something. It was a Hardcore match, no disqualifications, anything goes. At different points of the match either or both of the two rolled in thumbtacks, got hit by a stick wrapped in barbed wire on the head or on the groin, and got pushed 10 feet form the ramp to the pavement. The level of entertainment’s still there, but it’s so accessible to young viewers that it’s already disconcerting. And they don’t flash “PG-13” warnings at the bottom, unlike what they do in RPN 9 or ABC 5.
On a positive note, as I’m sure most of you know already, Patricia Evangelista of UPD, formerly of STC, was awarded Best Public Speaker in the world by the English Speaking Union. That’s a phenomenal achievement. I’m so happy for her, and for the Philippines as well. About time we proved we’re capable of going against the best of them and coming out victorious. Congrats Pat!
Guys, you’re all invited this Friday to Marco “Ke” Villacorta’s gimmick in Eastwood then the Poveda party (feeling honorary Povedan pa rin) “Underground” at the Penthouse (witty) of Tektite in Ortigas. 9:00 pm, 150 peso entrance fee inclusive of food and open bar.
To close, a joke:
Q: Who killed KoKo Krunch?
A: Cereal killer
That’s all for now. See you all soon. :)
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| Elections |
[10 May 2004|10:38pm] |
I'm following the ongoing quick count being conducted. The current results are disturbing. The lead is switching between GMA and FPJ. Right now it's at the 100,000 level and GMA's leading by less than a thousand or less than one percent. The count is weighted distributively, meaning it's being done at the same rate althroughout the nation. This means that it isnt lopsided favoring a candidate's stronghold. Hence, it's a general trend. I'm disturbed because of two reasons. First is that FPJ could win as president. He's a sincere guy and all, but he doesn't have what it takes to lead this country. He's reclusive and inarticulate.If he becomes president, he could stay away from the public for days on end, and not know what is happening. Plus the fact that he's surrounded by trapos of unsavory character who would manipulate his decisions. Second is the inevitable turmoil that will ensue when the loser protests his/her loss, especially with a small margin. Ideally, the winner should have at least a two million margin for a clear mandate. FVR won with only 800,000 between him and Miriam. But he formed a coalition government so he survived. The next president should do likewise.
Initially I was against the thinking of voting for the "lesser evil" or the "devil we know." After all, why would you vote for an admittedly bad choice? My parents voted on that rationale, against my efforts of persuading them to do otherwise. I'm a rabid Bro. Eddie supporter. I think what the country needs is a change of pace, a moral leadership. That's what he brings to the table. However, given that the pre-election surveys were dead accurate, I wouldn't mind GMA winning if only to beat FPJ.
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| Yay! |
[09 May 2004|09:43pm] |
Finally I have internet again after almost two weeks! We got hit by the Sasser virus, which causes the computer to shut down and restart. Had to reboot the operating system. It infected hundreds of thousands of users worldwide, and it was made by a German high school student lang.
And of course, as most of you have written about, the Debate Camp was a success. Jen's entry sounds exactly like what i felt before and after the camp, so I wont repeat some of it here na. I learned a lot from the actual lectures and debate. And I also had fun hanging around everyone there.
On another note, was unnerved by something i discovered just now. I know it doesnt really matter now, but I still felt weird going through it. But after telling the person involved bout it, im assured it's ok. Haha, im sounding weird here.
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| Hmmm |
[26 Apr 2004|10:39pm] |
Haven't been in the best mood for the past couple of days.
Kinda frustrated, parang angsty.
Trying to pinpoint the reason, people'd probably be surprised.
Hope this passes soon.
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| Eastwood, userpic and NBA playoffs |
[24 Apr 2004|11:08pm] |
Just came back from Dencio's Eastwood for my classmate's birthday blow-out. Easily 50 people were present. Had crispy pata, sisig and calamares among other things. Hmm...Cholesterol.:P
Two interesting things from kanina. First, we played a nice game. People pass around a piece of paper from lip to lip. At first only the girls were playing. But of course we ended up joining. Thankfully there was enough of them to make an alternate seating arrangement. It gets umm, exciting when the paper drops right before the lips meet. Also, there was a San Miguel promo for buying beer and participating in a drinking contest. What's funny is they kept on offering us even tho all of us were minors and they most probably knew it. Just proves that profit matters most to these companies.
On the userpic, some people are asking why I'm not posting a picture of myself. I know, I can get narcissistic. But only in private things like my cell phone or my wallet. Not exactly in public fora. Besides, the red panda is waaaay cuter.
For the NBA playoffs, I am officially rooting for the LA Lakers, my favorite team for all time and Yao Ming, my favorite player today. This is why I'm enjoying the Lakers-Rockets series. Either way, I'll be happy with the outcome. And they are evenly-matched more or less.
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| Freaking DVD |
[24 Apr 2004|02:29pm] |
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Grr..My copy of Love Actually won't run. "Tv system incompatible" And I really want to watch it pa naman cause everyone's giving it great reviews. Will anyone out there with a copy be so nice as to lend it to me?:)
On another note, I'm glad the issue from last night has been resolved. To people involved in one way or another, you know what I'm talking about.
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| Movie Review |
[22 Apr 2004|11:45pm] |
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American Idol |
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So far Ive watched 3 of the 4 dvds i bought yesterday. Im saving for last what im expecting to be the best, love actually. Bruce Almighty was a good movie. It got kinda cliche sometimes but there was enough fresh material to keep me hooked. It also raised some nice thoughts to ponder on bout God. Liked the exchange when Bruce asked God how to make people love without manipulating free will and God replied that he would love to hear the answer to that. The Beegees concert was kind of a letdown. They sang a lot of songs that weren't really popular. I think it was a promotional tour. Nonetheless, they dished out the old favorites also so it was worth it.
I absolutely loved Chasing Liberty. I think I am starting to become a Mandy Moore fan. I have four of her 5 movies, namely this, How to Deal, a Walk to Remember and Princess Diaries. I fell asleep watching How to Deal. I only got it because of the movie's theme song Can We Still be Friends. However, I count Walk to Remember as one of my favorite movies and i enjoyed Princess Diaries ("You saw me when i was invisible." Kilig material).
The plot of the movie is trite. Mandy is the presidential daughter, she feels restricted by all the security so she runs away while the first family's in Europe. A photographer helps her escape and keeps her company. They face adventures and fall in love. The only hitch is he's an agent of the secret service. But of course in the end they live happily ever after.
The story was well-developed with character depth, action, suspense and even a riveting subplot. The scenery was breathtaking. I swear that I will have my honeymoon in venice, riding in a boat by the moonlight with a romantic song in the background. I also found the use of music very effective, particularly in the scene where the guy was chasing Mandy to the tune of "Is this love im feeling (forgot actual lyrics)."
Here are some nice lines from the movie:
"The things you're most scared of are usually the most worthwhile."
"If something's meant to happen it will."
"Love aint easy. Nothing important ever is."
(cant remember exact phrasing)
All in all an interesting and even moving movie that captures the teen spirit of exploration, infatuation and growth.
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| Shopping |
[21 Apr 2004|08:15pm] |
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More Than a Woman, The Beegees |
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Went to Greenhills with some friends today. Watched hellboy. Setting aside some logical gaps in the story, it was a fun movie to watch. The explosions, fire and gore were very much alive on the bigscreen. It's pretty much a standard formula flick but with cool twists. Hellboy is the key to opening the portal of earth to demons who are in the form of giant squids (?!). He's fire-resistant and has a stone arm. As usual, hero falls for girl, triumphs over her captors and rescues her at the end.
Also bought nice stuff:
* DVDs- Love Actually, Chasing Liberty, Bruce Almighty, Beegees Concert
* PS2 games- Simpsons Road Rage, Yakuza Missions
* a nice fake wallet
* Clinique Happy for everyday use
Gotta love the place. Everything's at bargain price.:-)
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| Hello LJ community! |
[20 Apr 2004|03:00pm] |
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A Whole New World, Aladdin |
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Well, here I am. I have joined the craze known as Live Journal. For what purpose I don't really know. Seems like fun and I'm not doing anything productive so there.
Had difficulty picking a username since my original choice was taken. Settled for this, and added 08 which is my favorite number. Stud muffin sounds cute and describes me in a way. Confident, even assertive, but mushy inside.
Still kinda confused with how this works with all the options and customization, so thanks to Theresa ![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif) 3sa who's going to make my lay-out. And to my first two lj friends, Gica purdymonster and Peep _stillframe_.
As i promised 3sa, I'll post in my first entry the comment i posted on her lj, when she was nagging me to make one myself.:)
Life and love are strongly interrelated. The main purpose of one's life is to touch lives, to help create a world that is harmonious, to make a difference. This is best achieved through the power of love. Nowadays, in our age bracket most especially, love is perceived in a romantic light. A mindset like this is but natural.
However, it's also only right that we also deviate sometimes from this more marketable image of love. Because admittedly, the powers of commercialization have hyped this up to the nth degree. Today's Valentine's Day celebrations exemplify this. St. Valentine was a martyr who died on a cross, not some lovesick puppy. And yet today it's just about Hallmark cards and candle lit dinners. A pleasant distraction, yes, but not in the intrinsic spirit of it all.
So what point am i making at this ungodly hour? Simple. It's not that romantic love is bad. As a hopeless romantic, i would be the first to commend its value in making people more inspired and life more beautiful. But there comes a point when you ask if that's really the end all and be all. The answer of course is that it's not. There are other forms of love, like love for parents, love for brother, love for friends and most importantly love for GOD.
It's nice to put things into perspective once in a while. Jesus Christ died on the cross for us. Now that is love, liberating and genuine. In our world now it would be best if we expand our definition of love. There are people out there who need to be noticed, who need a listening ear, who need a helping hand. Not all of them will be charming or smart or attractive. But they are all still worthy of unconditional love. And only when we realize this can we say that we are really alive.
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