As if there was any doubt...

You Are Dr. Pepper

You're very unique and funky, yet you still have a bit of traditionalism to you. People who like you think they have great taste... and they usually do. Your best soda match: Root Beer Stay away from: 7 Up

What Kind of Soda Are You?

God's Team

God's team lost last night, 76-74 in the uaap equivalent of Jubilee High School basketball team beating the 1992 U.S. Dream Team.

It rained afterwards.

Obviously God wasn't pleased.

Countering C:\Windows

I bet you're now telling me "Geez, thanks for revealing every man's secret".

Never fear my comrade! I've got the solution to solve your woes.

You upload it into one of those uploading websites like rapidshare!

That's right. You can upload it into a website and retrieve the file anytime.

Not only will your computer be squeaky clean of any smut, you can also download the file anywhere, even in your office!

Imagine : Your office has this software installed that block you from looking at any porn sites. What do you do? You download the file from rapidshare and be the envy of every man in the office (as well as the chagrin of your lady supervisor)!

So what do you do now? Upload your files now!

C:\Windows

Your friend referred you to this website showing very revealing pictures of this celebrity you've been ogling at for years. But you just can't put it as your wallpaper on your desktop since mom might see it, or little sis might squeal on mom. So what do you do? You save it in C:\Windows.

How about this : You just downloaded the latest sex scandal and it involves your friend and you just have to see it. Where do you save it? C:\Windows.

It seems that C:\Windows has been the universal location to save your dirty stuff. Not in that silly My documents folder, or even the My pictures and My videos that nobody really uses. Its in C:\Windows. Why? Nobody else, especially the girls, would bother to look into C:\Windows. They would most likely look into the folder labelled with your name.

If you're a girlfriend/mom/sister who's reading this and suspects his man has hidden porn stashed in his computer be sure to check out C:\Windows first. Because I bet my bottom dollar 90% of the time its there.

Beach on my mind

Okay, I've waited as long as I can to bring this up. I told myself "don't talk about it yet, because it's too early and whatever and to wait until maybe October to bring it up". Well, it's October 1!

Here I go.

Beach.

That's it. That's my pitch.

I wanna go to a freakin' beach. Bohol. Bora. At this point, I'll even take Galera.

So yeah, maybe sometime inbetween Xmas and New Year? cause I've only got 2 weeks so there's not a lot of time to choose from.

So I've posted this to hear your opinion. What do y'all think?

Lost in translation

Susan, Aslan, and Lucy, talking about the witch and... soybean cakes?!
Tee-hee. Pretty fucked up subtitling.
Bootleg DVD, probably made in Malaysia.

Developing El Nino

For a moment, he was mesmerized, watching the prickly raindrops collecting on the window panes.

He was lost in his thoughts. Thoughts about how his friend was doing, why he couldn’t make the conscious effort of letting her know that he wants to treat her because he lost their bet, and that letting her know also that she should treat him back because she cheated in that same bet.

This never made sense, but hey, everything doesn’t have to.

He then shifted his blank stare from the infinite prism beads to the radiantly warm headlamp, to the two lonely orange chairs below it, and to the lone coffee table that kept them company. It was a charming sight indeed.

The chair seemed to beckon him, to sit on it, like he did before when he had the interview with her friend’s friend (it was a mock interview, you see. She was supposed to be hired in the first place).

It never made sense, but hey, everything doesn’t have to.

Again, he was lost in his thoughts.

The rain. The bet. The Interview.
Hesitation; it all made sense.

And finally, for a moment, he smiled.
He finally understood bliss.

Remembering Idealism

So okay, I had a free day today and spent it watching The West Wing. Since I can only repeatedly watch the pilot episode of Studio 60 on The Sunset Strip for so long, I figure why not check out my all time favorite show again. The difference between The West Wing from my other favorites such as Buffy, Veronica Mars, 24 or Grey's Anatomy is that no matter how many times you watch it, it never gets old.

It goes back to the creator Aaron Sorkin, the man also responsible for Studio 60. What makes the West Wing great is the idealism behind it. It takes me back from when I graduated high school and felt that I was going to change the world. Frankly, there's still time. Anyway, if you've never seen it, it's a brilliant and well-written show about the inner workings of the White House. The cast is brilliant from Martin Sheen as the President to his staff of intelligent and well-intentioned individuals. The first season, by far the strongest season, is just filled with the kind of idealism that makes one go "hmmm, I wish the world is like that." Sometimes, it's easy to see that the world and our leaders will never be that idealistic. However, this is television, the box that treads reality and the fantastic, and Sorkin is brilliant at treading that line.

As of now, Sorkin has his idealistic sights on the television industry. Studio 60 on The Sunset Strip is about the inner workings of a live sketch show ala Saturday Night Live. It's definitely worth checking out. Also, if you can avail yourself of the first four seasons of The West Wing, I would definitely recommend it. Shows like these are what television should be all about: intelligent, thought-provoking and risk-taking.

That's it for me. Ciao.

Eternity: Chapter Six

(Author's note: This is the sixth of a seven part story featured in my blog. To make it short, basically in the first five parts are different time periods and events in history, i.e. civil war, Spanish colony of Manila, etc. In these events were lovers or they were meant to be lovers but were always cut short by different tragedies and circumstances.)

---------------------------------------------------

June 12, 2005, just past midnight.

The tides roar against the beach clawing into the sand before being pushed back to the sea. On the shore, the sounds of festive music and festive people are prominent amongst the dead of night. A boy and a girl walk by, getting their feet wet by the warm water. It's the same old story: Boy likes girl and girl likes boy. The current setting should be the perfect time for boy to reach out for the girl's hand. However, we all know nothing's that easy.

Finally, they stop and sit by the white sands and stare out into the horizon. The boy talks as the girl looks on.

"You know, I wonder about fate. Do you think it's real?"

[I don't know. Maybe], says the girl.

"For some reason, I've been thinking about it lately. Jim told me about this play he saw before in New York called Aida. Aida was this Nubian princess who's land was captured by Egypt and she became a slave for the conquering general named Radames. Now Radames was engaged to be married to the Egyptian princess, who he didn't love, but was arranged by his father as a political move for Radames to be king. Are you still with me?"

[Yeah, go on.]

"Okay. So Radames is this adventurous general and Aida is this strong-willed slave, so naturally they fall in love. Matters are complicated when Aida's father, the Nubian King, was captured and jailed. Aida and the other slaves now plan to release the Nubian King and escape. Radames, who knows nothing about the planned escape, is currently at a crossroad of his own. He could either marry the Egyptian princess and be king or drop the engagement altogether. Aida begs Radames to marry the princess and be king so he can have an influence on the future fate of Nubia, Aida also secretly plans to use the celebration to break his father out and escape."

[So what happened?]

"While Egypt is celebrating, Radames decides to sneak out to see Aida. He then discovers the prisoners as they try to escape. Seeing Aida with them, he aids them as Egypt guards are about to close in on them. Aida now, seeing that Radames is about to be arrested, decides to stay and share the same fate as Radames. In the end, they are buried alive together. In the epilogue, the setting is in a modern museum showcasing Ancient Egyptian artifacts. In the showcase, a male visitor bumps into a female visitor and they stare into each other's eyes and the lights fade out as if to symbolize that Aida and Radames' love still lives on."

[Well, I don't believe in reincarnation, if that's what you're saying.]

"No, it's not that. I don't think they're saying that those modern visitors are Aida and Radames reincarnated. I think they're saying that we all have soulmates and that because it is so distinct, it draws parallels through time. For example, I have these batchmates that have been together since high school. Even today, they're still going strong and are still so in love with each other. Now let's say they end up together until they die of old age, we can make a decent case that they could be soulmates. Now what I'm saying is that their love is distinct that they were probably instances in all the Earth's history that were similar and rivaled their love."

[I don't think I've ever heard you talk that much about something like that.]

"Well, like I said, I've been thinking about it a lot lately."

[Was all that to try and tell me something?]

"Uh.. What do you mean?"

[What I mean is did you talk about all that just to tell me that you like me?]

"I don't know. Maybe."

[Because it's not like this is news. What I'm curious of though, is what makes you think we measure up to Aida and Radames or to your batchmates from high school? What I'm saying is what makes you think that applies to us?]

"I don't know. Like I said, it's just something I've been thinking a lot about."

[Okay, so in that sense, do you think we're like that?]

"Are you saying it's going to end up as tragic?"

[It was your story.]

"Well, who knows? Maybe it ends here. Maybe all throughout time, there were assorted guys and girls who were perfect for each other, but just couldn't end up together because of society or war or even death. Maybe that's us, flirting with the idea but never really ending up anywhere."

[Maybe.]

[Come on, we have to go back. Glenn's about to have some shots for his birthday.]

Toilet Transactions

My tummy revolted against me today while I was rushing to finish my homeworks in school. 5 years of studying here has helped me gain a knowledge of where the cleanest and best-maintained comfort rooms are. So I instinctively ran there (not minding the queer gaze of the people I passed by) but forgot to buy the all-mighty tissue paper.

So I dropped what needs to be dropped and stood on the cubicle for about 10 minutes when my little savior, in the form of the resident custodian engineer, entered the cr. I asked him if he could do me a little favor and buy a roll of tissue paper for me at the cafeteria. He initially refused but a stroke of ingenuity befell on him and asked "Magkano ba tissue paper niyo sa caf? " I answered "mga bente po". He quickly replied probably with a wide grin "Bigyan kita kwarenta kada isa". I had no choice but to give on.

@$@^@! got screwed by a janitor

Thank goodness for old videos

- I just finished watching an old episode of Boy Meets World, the one where they graduate. And yes, I got all senti watching Cory, Shawn, Topenga and Mr. Feeny. Sigh....

- If you haven't or aren't watching the Colbert Report (sister show of The Daily Show) then y'all need to start. It is soooo insane, I can't get enough of it. Last night's episode had the ambassador of Hungary, where Colbert is trying to get a bridge named after him and ESPN's Bill Simmons (who stunk as a guest, actually.. sadly, no chemistry with Colbert). Anyway, download it off the net if you aren't getting it there.

- Oh, I just saw Good Night and Good Luck the other day and wow! it is really good. I didn't know George Clooney could direct that well.

Anyway, I'm in a watch old videos mood the last few days, so here are some I've seen so far:

Two episodes of the X-files Season 1 - Fun to watch, Scully is still hot and it reminded me why I was so in love with the show then.

Batman The Animated Series - I didn't appreciate how dark this cartoon was then. Now that I have a different perspective on it, I have to say that wow, it is dark.

Spider-man And His Amazing Friends Season 2 - For some reason, season 2 only has 4 episodes and most just tells their origin (oddly, Firestar's origin was that she came from the original X-men). Oh and it is downright awesome hearing 70s Wolverine's weird pseudo Aussie accent (maybe that's how they cast Hugh Jackman three decades later).

Whose Line is it Anyway - I miss Ryan and Colin. I hope they're still working.

Top 100 Stand-ups of All Time - this is a Comedy Central special where they count down the best stand-up comedians of all time. For the show, they had a roundtable of current comedians giving commentary on the list. Pretty cool. Oh and if you're curious, here are the notables: 1. Richard Pryor 2. George Carlin 3. Lenny Bruce 4. Woody Allen 5. Chris Rock

South Park - I only saw one old episode of late, the one where they get ninja weapons and Kenny throws the throwing star into Butters' eye. While I've finally seen Family Guy and it is indeed really good, there is still no overtaking South Park especially when they're in a Satirical mood.

Geri Halliwell, It's Raining Men - I remember shopping in London with Jeco when I first saw this video. I was in Top Shop and I remember all the men in the store literally frozen as we were all transfixed by Geri Halliwell's new body. It was just jaw-dropping, need to readjust the pants kind of moment. Years later, it still rocks.

-----------------------------------------

Anyway, I'm off to watch some more.

Ciao for now.

Newsflash !

Update on the current situation in our motherland.

CAMP CRAME Kakaibang sex trip ang ginawa ng isang 18-anyos na kolehiyala sa kanyang ari na naimpeksyon dahil sa celfon kaya napaaga ang pagsalubong ni kamatayan may tatlong araw na ang nakalipas sa Koronadal City, South Cotabato, ayon sa ulat kahapon.

Dahil sa kahihiyang sasapitin ng pamilya kahit binawian ng buhay ay itinago sa pangalang Dory, ang biktimang estudyante mula sa kilalang kolehiyo sa nabanggit na lungsod.

Batay sa ulat ng Koronadal City PNP, isinalaysay ng pamilya ng biktima na nag-masturbate ang biktima gamit ang kanyang celfon Nokia 8210.

Gayunman, napalalim ang pasok ng nasabing celfon sa loob ng ari ng dalaga kaya nabigo siyang mahugot pa ito.

Napag-alamang nakiusap ang pamilya ng biktima sa pulisya na huwag na itong pangalanan dahil sa matinding kahihiyan na maaaring idulot sa kanilang lugar.

Matapos ang tatlong araw na pananahimik habang nasa loob ng ari ang celfon ay napilitan na ang biktima na magtapat sa kanyang mga kasambahay kaya isinugod ito sa pinakamalapit na ospital.

Ayon sa ulat, nahirapang umihi ang biktima matapos na mamaga ang matris nito sanhi ng matinding impeksyon dahil sa celfon.

Dahil sa kumalat na ang impeksyon sa buong matris ay nabigong maagapan ang pagsalubong ni kamatayan sa biktima.

Posibleng nag-rapture na ang matris ng biktima matapos maimpeksyon dahil sa celfon na tatlong araw na sa loob ng ari, ayon pa sa ulat ng pulisya.

Four

Thoughts of 17-year old Jim on the JCA Gaduation Ceremony, March of 2002:

- Wow, I can't believe I'm finally graduating.

- La Salle is going to rock!

- College chicks, woohoo!

- Hey, is that Janny's mom?

- Hey, it's Eugene. I hear he's going to Ateneo. Ten bucks say I never see him again.

- Hey it's Cathy. I really should keep in touch with her after high school. Too bad she doesn't drink.

- I'm not going to miss this campus cause I'll drop by every other week. After all, one can't forget where one came from.

- Did my family just leave mid-way?

- I wrote such a good graduation song. Four years from now, I'll look back on it and say, wow!

- I really need to put on some weight, I'm too thin (Sigh, I am such a fat-ass now that even joking about it is making me sad nyahahaha).

- I'm so excited about the yearbook. I'm so excited I'll probably kill myself if I don't see it half a year from now... a year?... two years?... three? four?.. (hey, it came out!)

- Hey it's Odell and Rae, what a lovely couple! I bet they get married first, after all, they do have a star named after them!

- Hey, is that Janny's mom?

- "Hey Alden, who are those three guys that always hang out together? What? Pierce? Ohhh Pierre. What an odd name. What are the other two? Glenn and Wilson? Oh, never mind, I'll probably never see them again anyway."

- Hey, it's Johann Ortega! We're taking the same course in La Salle. I bet we're going to be really close friends now.

- La Salle rocks! They are the champions, after all. They are sooo going to win the title next year! And even if they don't, with their high-caliber recruitment program, they'll be in the top for a long long time! Yessiree!

- Hey, it's Sherri! You know who she's be great with, like in a perfect world? Lester Pascual! Ahhh, my overactive imagination running wild again.

- I wonder what Pachi is going to be like in 4 years? (Oh, I'm still curious about this, by the way)

- Hey, it's Jeco receiving the Christian Leadership Award (hee, I can't even type it with a straight face). The award couldn't have gone to a more deserving guy! A future pillar of the Christian community, I tell you.

- Hey, it's Stephen... and uh... er..... Yeah, I got nothing. Seriously, can anyone think of the difference between high school Stip and college Stip? Yeah, me neither.

- Wow, great graduation. I am so ready for the next step! Four years from now, I'll probably be all successful, but even I'm not, at least I don't end up in some school like Ateneo or in some obscure country like New Zealand or whatever. Yup, I have it all planned out!

- Hey, is that Janny's mom?

Phonethics.

!@$#.

Let’s talk about cellphone pet peeves for a second.

Do realize that cellphones, much like the net, are to be used responsibly. Here are my top ten cellphone pet peeves. Break ‘em, and I’ll do the same to your phones.
Oh yeah, have a nice day. =)

10. Annoying ring / message tones.
9. Getting forwarded messages from acquaintances with questionable motives.
8. Text spam.
7. Text messages in all-caps.
6. Monosyllabic text replies.
5. Ringing phones in inappropriate places (i.e. in the middle of a mass, meeting, or film, etc.)
4. Answering calls while in the middle of a mass, meeting, or film, etc.
3. Getting forwarded messages from opposite-gender acquaintances with questionable motives. (Yeegh.)
2. Undecipherable shorthanded text messages. (e.g. “wru n? m hir @ g4. c u n 2-10”)
1. Not replying when you’re expecting one (courtesy replies).

Live from Auckland, New Zealand

Okay, I just finished my week long Auckland trip. I'm about to head to Australia for the tourneys, so it's still poker non-stop.

As for how I did, it's been miserable to say the least. I've played for four nights now and all I have to show for myself is even. That really sucks.

On Monday, I dropped 4 buy-ins. I was aggressive early and trapped someone when I had QQ and he had a pair of tens and a flush draw but he sucked out on the river. And then my KK got cracked with a straight. And then I got short-stacked and failed to improve on my flush and straight draw. And finally, my AK ran into AA. Not how I wanted to start my trip.

I won it back on Tuesday, but then got a killer night again on Wednesday. I dropped 3 buy-ins that time. I check-raised all-in with AJ on an Ace high flop and got called by A4 and got runner runnered straight. I then flopped the Jack high flush and someone else flopped the nut flush. And finally, I pushed with 88 and got called with K4 and got a King on the river. Again, I won it back on Thursday, but that's pretty much how my week was going.

Hmmm what else... oh, Josh Hartnett and Melissa George is shooting a movie in Auckland and I played blackjack (I was killing time) with them.

So anyways, it's off to Australia now. I got a big tourney on Saturday, so wish me luck on that. I got Izzy to meet me in Aussie, so that's gonna be cool.

If you also checked out my multiply account, I posted that I just bought myself a projector. I don't have anywhere to put it in my place in Wellington, so it's going back to Manila with me.

Well, that's it. Ciao for now.

Thoughts While Studying for my Midterms

Probably the only thing worse than dying as a virgin for straight people like me is graduating college as a virgin. One semester to go before I bid farewell to the school that has given me so much (but only after I paid them much more) and little Wilson still haven't seen any action. Should I just go randomly to any woman and ask her "Hi, are you horny right now?" just for the sake of hitting the one-in-a-million chance that the random girl will say yes (I might be kicked out of school before next semester if I do this). I don't like the idea of paying for it plus the chance of little Wilson bleeding uncontrollably after traveling through the cave of delights increases exponentialy if I did it with Santa's little angels. What else what else what else...I don't have time to court somebody, especially if the end purpose is for the one-eyed snake to hit its target. What I need is a fubu, especially a schoolmate fubu now...

Well that's basically it...

Penny Hardaway

It's almost a decade now, so I think I can talk about this now.

I don't have any role models.

I think part of that is because of my arrogance (yeah, it's there if you haven't seen it) and my complex, but when I was 11 years old, I did have one.

His name was Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway.

I can't actually pinpoint when I started rooting for him and the Magic, just like I can't pinpoint when I figured out that wrestling was fake (Because I remember cheering for The Rock against HHH, so that's pretty much after Austin's time where fake was already accepted).

Anyway, you all know about Penny Hardaway so I'm not gonna bother telling his career. You know the highlights, 3rd pick overall, an NBA finals appearance, a lot of all-star starts, all NBA first team, USA team in 96 and many more I'm sure. If you're not a basketball junkie, you've still probably have seen his ads with Nike (I soooo miss Lil' Penny).

Anyway, he meant a lot to me growing up. Everything I did and bought was Penny: Trading cards, jerseys, photo plaques, shoes, caps, etc. I even tried moving the same way he did when I played. By 1995, I was in New York when Shaq and Penny went deep in the playoffs. I was glued to every game and he was larger than life by then. My friends from NY were Michael Jordan fans, so when he returned and faced Orlando in the Semis, it was all out war on the living room. It was sooo enjoyable watching the final play where my man Penny reached in and knocked the ball loose from Jordan allowing Anderson to steal and setting up the fast break on the other end. I didn't even care too much that they lost in the Finals. The future was bright and Penny was leading the way.

Then Michael Jordan happened. Of course I had no comprehension then how great Michael Jordan actually was. Suffice to say, Orlando never stood a chance only I didn't know it. So the Magic lost in the East Finals. Shaq went Hollywood and it was Penny's team.

I was in New York again to watch Penny light up Miami in the playoffs for consecutive 40 plus games. Back then, it was a rare feat to do that so I was pretty pumped up. They lost the decision to Miami, but everything was still good with Penny. He was a top 5 player, incredibly marketable and a sure-fire courtside countdown cameo every week.

And then, it went downhill. He was injured. Then the lockout happened. Then he was injured again. Somehow, something in me was crushed, like I was let down by my hero. I stopped watching the NBA with the same passion from 2000 to 2002, reserving my viewing to only the playoffs and big games. Penny was never the same and so was I. Given that I idolized him as I was in puberty, his decline was probably one of the first major disappointments of my adolescence.

Eventually, Jason Kidd and the Nets got me back. And then, Steve Nash and the Suns. And now, I am glad to be witness to a once in a generation player in Lebron James. And while they have all surpassed Penny, nothing will take the place of the Orlando Magic who took my breath away.

And if you think I've stopped remembering, I'd point out that my shades are Oakley Penny. Not related, but still, you gotta love the name.

Comic talk

Okay, I just finished the pre-annihilation mini-series and I'm very psyched about it. So I figured, might as well get my geek on and talk comics for a bit.

Why? Because this is a great time to be reading comics, Marvel in particular.

Of course, DC is also doing great with the Infinite Crisis thing last year and the weekly 52 thing this year, but DC sucks so we're talking Marvel here.

Here's what's going on with Marvel.

Civil War

The New Warriors, a reality show supergroup, got involved with in a battle with super villians who were out of their league and an explosion ended up killing hundreds of children in a school nearby. The government then proposed a bill that would force super heroes to reveal their identities to the public and become a special police for the government. When the bill became law, the hero community was split into the middle creating factions that either supported or was against the law. Thus, Civil War.

Written by Mark Millar (the Wolverine mini-series with the mind control, the Ultimates, the Ultimates 2), Civil War is basically hero vs hero. The anti-registration or rebellion consists of Captain America, Luke Cage, Daredevil, the Young Avengers, the X-men, Hawkeye and more. The pro-registration side is made up of Iron Man, the Wasp, Giant man, the Thunderbolts, the Fantastic Four and Spider-man. In what might be the biggest event in Spider-man history, Peter Parker reveals his true identity in a press conference (spilled into the pages of Amazing Spider-man written by Straczynski, author of Rising Stars).

And so, it is hero vs hero with the tagline "whose side are you on?"

Annihilation

An old FF villian called Annihilus has created a huge army and has sought out to destroy the whole universe in what's called the Annihilation Wave. In the battle, every cosmic being you've seen in Marvel Comics gets involved and the series hasn't even gone half way. We've already seen Galactus, all of his heralds, the Silver Surfer, Nova, Quasar, Thanos, Drax the Destroyer, the Beyonder, Death, the Super Skrull and more. Super beings get killed quick in this mega war of epic proportions hee, I love saying that. It is very epic though and while reading it, it really gives you a "this event is huge" feeling.

So that's the big events now at Marvel. Also to come, a series called The Eternals which is going to be written by Neil Gaiman, author of The Sandman. So that's gonna rock too.

And that's the end of my comic rant. It's like a monthly period, one has to go through it. Anything more than that, and it's more than slightly weird. Heh.

Ciao.

Look What I Found!

Yahweh is not only the God of the Jews, Christians and some other denomination...

But also a Marvel Comics Character!

In fact, in the Marvel Series storyline, Yahweh is in hell !

Taken from http://www.knightmare6.com/faq/cosmic_entities_marvel/yahweh.html

Who is Yahweh?
The entity known as Yahweh was the architect for the current universe. An independent contractor, who was hired to design the framework of the universe after the Big Bang. Yahweh is mostly known as the Judeo-Christian-Islamic God of Earth, sometimes called YHWH, Yahweh, Allah and God.
Why is Yahweh in Hell?
Yahweh spends time in Hell, as a form of penance. It feels guilty for allowing Adolf Hitler's rise to power during the Twentieth Century. Spending time in Hell, Yahweh has split himself into the Holy Trinity - the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost.



---> Notice from the image above Jesus, God the Father, and the Holy Spirit (in the form of a poltergeist) , all of them apparently alcoholics...They must have pictured Jesus to be a sadist...still wearing the crown of thorns ...

Reading Jim's Previous Post

About to whom much is given etc. reminded me of Reinabelle Reyes (who if my memory serves me right, was coincidentially Jim's first crush) getting admitted to...hmm...the graduate program in Astrophysics at...

PRINCETON UNIVERSITY

(I read it on a paper posted on a board at Faura Hall, which is Ateneo's pure and applied physics building)

I guess Jubilee really was too easy for her hehehhehee

To whom much is given...

I played the piano today!

That's pretty much it. Well, not really.

It was more of I played the piano today and wow, did I suck at it. It's incredible how much skills deteriorate when we don't use them. I played basketball last week and I barely did anything and I sucked and the next day, my whole body ached. Anyway, back to the piano story.

On Billy's last night here (yes, I have the house to myself, more on that next time), I met one of his friends who happened to be a music student. Strangely, she was the first artistic/musically inclined person I've met here in my 3 years in New Zealand, not counting Devin's ex who was a dancer (ballroom, the other kind). Especially strange considering half of my friends back in Manila are artists (or at least they think they are). So it was very surreal talking music technically again to someone. Anyway, long story short, I got her to book a room in her school so I can tinker with a piano.

So when we got there, it was pretty obvious that I didn't have it anymore. I played some broadway songs for her and it was just terrible, especially embarrassing because Billy told her I had perfect pitch (which is like telling someone I had an IQ of 200). Actually, I have relative pitch (a slightly more common gift, like saying I'm gifted instead of I'm a genius) but because of a lack of practice, I barely showed it today. She was the better pianist, especially since she's been playing a lot and she's a music student obviously, but I think I had the better ear. Anyway, it just goes to show how much I took my skills for granted.

Back to basketball, in high school, I played summer ball for 5 hours everyday. When there were classes, after the bell rang, we all ran to the courts so that we'd get first dibs or at least get a quick game in before the varsity took over the courts (damn varsity, oh wait I was one too). In college, I could run with the best of them and took over the game everytime. And then it got to a point where I paced myself so I can take over at the end. And then, I stopped taking over. And then, Wilson started posting me up and getting away with it (which I should have taken as a sign). And then I couldnt run with everyone anymore. And now, I can't run without getting dizzy and aching the next day.

I guess the lesson here is that we all have skills that were inborn (music and performing for me) and some that we worked for (basketball and knowing when Jeco is bluffing, although that isnt hard... oooh SNAP!) and much is expected to whom much is given. The comic book version for that is with great power comes great responsibility. So in that note, I'm going to shape up my powers, I plan to start playing ball again maybe once or twice a week and definitely take a crack at the piano once a week. And maybe one day, it'll all come back to me (especially abs, sigh I remember when I had abs).

Another Top Ten List (Wholesome version)

The top ten gastronomical delights that my crude taste craves for (Which I can think of at this ungodly hour)

1. Peking duck

2. Pansit Palabok

3. Country Chicken

4. Iyong maalat na crab sa Emerald

5. Crispy Pata

6. Pizza Pie

7. Jollibee spaghetti

8. Bulalo

9. Steamed Bangus na luto ng mom ko

10. Lucky Me Pancit Canton

Feel free to make your list :D

The Yearbook Post

I'm sure we're thinking the same thing
























Spot the difference

In Defense of Reverend Sia

I heard the best church sermon ever when Boksu was the speaker. It happened during first year high school when he was telling us that he once met a pretty hot and cool chick at bible camp way back when he was still in his teens (isn't it funny how he sets his sexual fantasies on a bible camp?) but he had to continue his story by sourgraping and telling the whole congregation "Kaso si Mrs. Sia ang binigay sa akin ni Lord".

Bitterness is a scary thing to hold

Jim's post about marriage reminded me about one of the promises i made to myself and to Aya way back. I told myself that before i start a family, before i get married or go into any of those things, i have to find God once again. Not religion but faith, I want my kids to grow up believing in something and i wouldn't want some idiot Pastor with an immature penchant for Dragon Ball Z directing my kids' faith. I'd much rather my children hear about faith and see a good example of what a human being should be (although the two are completely unrelated) from their own father. And hence begins another inquisition on myself, considering that I was the first person awarded the "Christian Leadership Award" in beloved Jubilee, any responsible human being that sees me right now should ask: What the fuck happened?

To answer that I'd have to study why I harbored such ill feelings ever since i graduated high school. My distaste isn't indigenous to religion alone, besides being anti-religion, i'm also very much a bigot, albeit in painful humor, against pretty much all existing races but most fervent against the Chinese. As unnecessary and stupid as it sounds, I am supposed to be those two things, A Chirstian and of Chinese heritage. So why do I hate it so much?

And here comes the main topic of this post, I'm looking for feedback (especially mula sa mga psych majors diyan kung may relevance ba yung quasi-freudian pschoanalysis ko). Instead of using the endless arguments against Christians or the Chinese to justify my anger i'm doing the mature thing and analyzing myself.

I can't think of a more relevant factor in directing my life than my mother. Congruently, i can't think of a person i am more bitter against than my mother. She exemplifies the characteristics i hate: the self-righteousness, naivete, and complete idiocy of Christians, and the selfishness, and arrogance of the Chinese. It would be much simpler to stop the post here and leave the explanation of my flaws as psychological defiance against parental acts. But that would mean that i hate Christianity and the Chinese because of my mother being so misdirected into the stereotypes of both. But it's just not the case. I can specifically determine a point in my life when I started becoming bitter against my mother. Alongside my conscious resignation into coming here to Canada out of respect for my parents' wishes came the bitterness against them redirecting (and dare i say misdirecting) my life for the next couple of years.

My prejudice and anger came as a by-product of my distaste for my mother, it became much more convenient for myself to paint stereotypes into her character and be angry at her as a reaction against her decision to uproot the whole family off to Canada. My proclivity in criticizing nearly everything in the world and add sarcasm to it comes from my defensive reaction to my letting go of nearly everything i held dear in submission (gah) to my mother's wishes. So in a general sense, my dominant characteristics come from one distinct feeling, bitterness, Filial Piety sucks.

It's gone progressively worse ever since this Canada fiasco triggered it. I began associating my anger to the things that my mom held dear: her church and her blood. Instead of developing my own faith, i grew distant and scornful towards Christianity and all religions for that matter. Instead of being respectful towards my Chinese bloodline and history, I lambaste and criticize the Chinese with utmost glee. It's rebellious inductive reasoning at its most immoral.

Not to say that all my arguments against Christianity and the Chinese are now unfounded. Christianity truly does have a horrible self-righteous side to it's system and the Chinese's instinct to arrogantly feel superior and self-indulgent is always present in all Chinatowns you walk on but let's leave that to another blog entry.

Of course part of myself recognizes what pushed her to decide to move us out here. To an odd sense, i can appreciate what she did, however, accepting her decision is another thing. As much as we shouldn't count what we have lost and at what price do our choices warrant, i can't help but think about the things i've let go just to follow her wishes: lucrative job opportunities, 12 in total, and various responsibilities and people that i've had to disappoint by my departure. It all just adds to the bitterness.

It's definitely unfair to blame every thing that I deem wrong with myself to my mother, i definitely do not. It was a conscious choice on my part and responsibility primarily falls upon myself. But cost is something we can't overlook especially if a decision (like this migration issue) is made not through agreeing out love but through surrendering out of respect for parents. I'm not advertising myself as a moral person, in fact this post is anything but that. This is an attempt to first recognize how hideous i have become and second, to understand why i'm so fucked up.

I am at a point of indecision. Recently my mother learned of the sacrifices i made by coming here especially with me prematurely leaving the Glee Club and not being able to tour Europe with them. She admittedly feels guilty about it. Guilty enough to arrange flights and an itinerary and stop short of commanding me to go to Europe joining the group for the latter leg of their trip. Perhaps as a way for her to buy back what we've lost in our relationship or even to buy herself out of guilt.

As a testament to how hideous a person I am, I don't know what's more important to me right now. Allow my mother to live out her guilt or join my friends in Europe for two weeks and alleviate that guilt from my mother?

I can honestly say that her feeling guilty gives me a tinge of satisfaction. It's a sincere sweet taste in my mouth knowing that she's agonizing about the fact that she made me lose so much, even thinking about it indulges me. This is how horrible a person harboring bitterness inside can turn out. I'm literally admitting and attesting to how monstrous a son I am for feeling elated at my mothers expense.

I don't know if this post is a confession or merely an aired out secret. A confession requires a change of heart but my situation has come to such a sad point where I do not know if want this bitterness and anger to go away. Bitterness is a scary thing to hold.

What's up with marriage?

Seriously, what's up with marriage?

Everywhere I turn, it's what everyone's talking about.
When it comes to Jubilee people, it's always out of us, who's going to get hitched first or last or some variation of that. I'm not really commitment-phobic, but it's definitely getting weirder by the day.

Two nights ago, I texted a girl who I knew from another city here in NZ. I haven't hung out with her for maybe two years now, but we were very flirty then. Before I left, I made a bet with her that she and her new boyfriend won't even last a year, so I texted her last night asking if I won. Turns out I lost huge cause she's engaged to be married by the end of the year. Needless to say, I was floored.

Last night, Poy and I made a bet, whoever gets hitched first buys a bottle of Dom, although the person getting hitched will probably want to celebrate anyway. We also talked about who'd get hitched first and last and at what age some of the guys, like Wil for example, would get married at.

And today, in my weekly Monday drinking binges, the topic suddenly shifted to marriage. The girls who come with us couldnt come this week, so it became a guy's day out and the talk went to settling down. The guys were talking about how their long time girlfriends are starting to give "hints". Wow, how did I qualify in this conversation?

We also talked about what to do if you find out your girlfriend's pregnant. Wow, that was quite a topic, sobrang tameme lahat after a Swedish friend of ours talked about how his ex-girlfriend told him she was late and she ended up getting a miscarriage.

All of a sudden, it's like the topic of conversation. It's starting to weird me out. It also weirded out Iz, cause if I have a natural guy tendency for commitment-phobe, I still wouldn't be in the same league as her. Everytime she hears the "M" word, she gets all quiet and stuttery.. it's very cute actually.

Anyway, it's just probably a coincidence the past few days. Maybe the fact that my dichi got married at age 22 (my age now) is getting to me. For everyone's piece of mind though, I don't think it's going to happen to me anytime soon. Give it a few years, a stable life and the perfect girl and I'll get there.

Oh and don't worry, invited kayo lahat sa wedding haha.

wikimapia.org

jubilee hehehehe click for larger image

I can see my house from here!

NOTE: If you're a terrorist or a kidnapper, please don't click the link below, thank you for your consideration.

Ever wondered how your house would look like from a bird's POV, just before he takes a huge dump over your newly washed auto?

Gow residence / tambayan ng the13: http://wikimapia.org/#y=14587809&x=121055791&z=18&l=0&m=a

The 200th post

200.

I love how everything seems to come together. This week, the yearbook was released and now, our little blog that could has now reached post number 200. Since we started this blog 15 months ago, there were moments when it was dead as dead could get. There were also times when posts overlapped each other becaues everyone wanted to put a post or comment in. Nevertheless, everything has it's time and season and our blog has certainly had its share.

You'll have to excuse me if I'm a little sentimental but I'm reminded of a story I once made up about us. It's about our high school reunion set in the future. Maybe I'm reminded about it because everyday seems to bring us closer and closer to that event taking place. When I was writing that story, I could envision everything in my head and it humbled me to think that after all the years, we're still going strong.

I raise my glass to you all.

I raise my glass to Pierre and Glenn, who have made this blog aesthetically pleasing.
I raise my glass to Wilson, who always makes this blog controversial as well as entertaining.
I raise my glass to Jeco, who managed to smarten up this blog (remember when all the posts in this blog were links to porn sites?)
I raise my glass to Eugene, whose mere existence keeps this blog and topics going.
I raise my glass to Stephen, Lester, Franz, Jed, Dong, Odell. Post more for the next 200, but nevertheless, here's to the next time I see you all.

I raise my glass to our little creek, the whole batch and the institution which is responsible for us being here today.

I raise my glass to our families and to God, who manages to be there for us even when we're at our naughtiest.

I raise my glass to you all. Here's to the yearbook release, the xmas party, the 5 year reunion soon, the next 200 posts and the future.

Drink up.

Thank You, Friend

In honor of the yearbook release and more importantly, a milestone for our blog, I'm posting the lyrics of a familiar song. Aside from the occassion I noted, I also wanted to put this up so that there's a record of it in case I start to forget it as the years go on. Looking back on it now, the words really reflected us and who we were: cheesy, idealistic and naive and I wouldnt want it any other way. Thank God for the good times.

--------------------------------------------------

I.
I can't believe that we've come this far
It seems just now that we began
And now it feels like it's the last day of our lives
Don't want to let you go, but I just want you to know

Chorus:
I will love you for all my life
Though it's hard to say goodbye
There's so much to say, may God bless you each day
And guide you in your path

I will treasure the memories
All the laughter and all the tears
Till we meet again, I will smile and then
I'll hold you close and say
Thank you friend

II.
You were there from the very start
Through the ups and downs, you're always in my heart
I'm here right now because of you
And I'm so grateful of how you saw me through

Chorus:
I will love you for all my life
Though it's hard to say goodbye
There's so much to say, may God bless you each day
And guide you in your path

I will treasure the memories
All the laughter and all the tears
Till we meet again, I will smile and then
I'll hold you close and say
Thank you friend

Heng.

Heng [n.] Han Yu Pin Yin. Romanized pronounciation for the Chinese character, ETERNITY. Syn. JCA Seniors 2002.

Ah, irony. =)

Our "really beautiful" highschool yearbook's finally out! Yey! I'll be getting my copy some time next week. It's been so long that I honestly forgot how it looks like. lol.

Oh yeah, I have been hearing some negative comments as to its design and for some supposed batch CD (not to mention all the rants and whines of everyone before on its incredibly late date of release).

Screw 'em. =)

Unplanned Win

I woke up yesterday too lazy to go to school intending to just stay home and bum around. Fortunately, I got off my ass to go to class (cause I had to) and I went home a tourney winner with a heavier wallet.

How did that happen? Well I'm glad you asked.

So after my Tourism Marketing class yesterday (a class where I still haven't decided if it's a good class or not), I saw a couple of poker buddies and they let me know that there was a mini-tournament at a friend of theirs. Since I had nothing else to do, I figured why not, at the very least, I get a free ride home after the game. It turns out it wasn't the mini-tournament had 50 players ready to play poker. Since I haven't played in a long while, I was very eager to start playing a large field.

We all started with 3000 in chips with the blinds at 25-25 that rises every half hour. By the time the blinds got to 25-50, I was severely crippled to just 275 in chips after I pushed all in with KK and got called with top pair/flush draw and hit the flush on the river. I got lucky and doubled up twice after that and by the time the blinds got to the 3rd level (50-100), I got back to the buy-in amount.

Anyway, by the time the final table rolled around, I was in the middle of the pack. I got lucky with good cards and won a race (AK hit against 99) and built a stack. And then, I made what would turn out to be the play of the night (at least for me lol).

------------------------------------------------------

Blinds: 300-600 Ante: 50

Seat 5: 39000 chips (? ?)
Seat 9 (Me): 25000 chips (A hearts, Q spades)
Seat 2 (Big Blind): 33000 chips (? ?)

Preflop: Seat 5 raises to 2,000. I call with AQ offsuit. The Big blind calls as well.

Analysis: Seat 5 is a tight player, so I put him at a pocket pair or AK. I called with AQ and hope a Queen lands instead of an Ace. The Big blind could have anything from a pocket pair to suited connectors, maybe KQ.

Pot: 6,800 (2,000 x 3 + 300(sb) + 500(ante))
Flop: J hearts, 5 hearts, 6 diamonds (J 5 6)

Action: Seat 2(BB) checks. Seat 5 bets 2000. I call the 2000. Seat 2(BB) also calls.

Analysis: I called the 3000 to try to bluff seat 5 at the turn, but I didn't expect seat 2 to call. At that point, the only hand seat 2 can have is a flush draw, a straight draw or a set of sixes. Note that I only have Ace high at this point.

Pot: 12 800.
Turn: Ten of spades (J 5 6 T)

Action: Seat 2 checks. Seat 5 checks. I check.

Pot: 12 800
River: 9 of hearts (J 5 6 T 9)

Action: Seat 2 bets 6000. Seat 5 thinks for a minute and folds. I raise all-in for my last 20 000 and change. Seat 2 takes forever to think and then throws away 78 offsuit (he had the straight 789TJ). Seat 5 threw away Ace of spades, Ace of clubs. I take down the 18 800 pot with Ace high.

Analysis: If there was a card I could have hoped for, it would have been an Ace or a heart (If the ace hit, I would have been wrong but just in case he had QQ or KK). Because I had the Ace of hearts, I knew that no one had the nuts. I put Seat 2 at a flush or straight draw and I put Seat 5 at an overpair. I played my hand like a flush draw and the nine of hearts on the river "made" it for me. When seat 2 bet, It confirmed my read. The player in Seat 2 also happened to be a solid player which made it easier to pull that bluff off (A weaker player would have called regardless). All that mixed together made my river push much more effective.

----------------------------------------------------

After that, it wasn't much to push around the table. I got down to heads-up with a 3-1 chip lead and was the more aggressive player. With a flop of KQJ, I called an all-in with K6. He had JT and failed to improve and that was that.

Oh and by the way, I'm slowly changing my ym to peppericious@yahoo.com. The reason being at age 22, it might be a little too old to have a handle like true_love5484.

JC

Jesus dies and goes up to Heaven. The first thing he does is look for his father, as he has never met the man before and is curious as to what he looks like, and whether or not Jesus looks like his mother or father, etc. He looks high and low but cannot find him.

He asks St. Peter "Where is my father?" But St. Peter says he doesn't know.

He asks the archangel Gabriel "Where is my father?" But Gabriel doesn't know.

He asks John the Baptist "Where is my father?" But John does not know. So he wanders Heaven, impatiently searching.

Suddenly he sees out of the mist an old man coming toward him. The man is very old, with white hair, stooped over a little. "Stop!" Jesus yells. "Who are you?"

"Oh, please help me, I am an old man in search of my son." Jesus is very curious. Could this be his father? "Tell me of your son, old man."

"Oh, you would know him if you saw him. Holes in his hand where the nails used to be, he was nailed to a cross, you know..."

"Father!!!!!" Screams Jesus.

"Pinocchio!!!!!!!" yells the old man.

Jubilee Creek

JUBILEE CREEK (TV series, slang)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia


DEFINITION

Jubilee Creek is a term used to describe the non-ceasing activities that occur between a group of people. Its origins can be rooted back in 2000, when the term "Jawson's Creek" was used to describe the life of a certain classmate. Since then, it has gone through a series of transformations (see "Jubilee Nights") to where it is now.

A season of Jubilee Creek lasts a year long and experiences highs and lows depending on the activity. From a blooming romance to a tearful goodbye, one can expect that in Jubilee Creek, something is always going on.

TAG LINE

"This week on Jubilee Creek..."

SERIES RUN

Since its awkward inception in 2000, Jubilee Creek has continually produced on-going drama for 7 seasons (years) now.

EPISODES

Creek episodes are normally found at the nearest Yahoo! Messenger Chat Conference. An episode varies depending on the valued importance of the subject. A season lasts for a full year and reaches its finale usually around Christmas Time where the 20-odd members reunite.

CAST

Main Cast

Jubilee Creek is made up of a large cast and is seen congregating at Christmas Time. Ultimately, however, there exists a core cast that changes from year to year. These are the cast members that appear more regularly and have more storylines.

2006 Cast members

Eugene
Glenn
Stephen
Cathy
Eesh
P3

Main cast departures

Over time, the cast of the Creek have endured changes leading up to several cast members' departures. In 2006 alone, the audience witnessed the departure of Stephanie and Jeco as they headed out west for career opportunities. Other main cast members have been relegated to supporting members as they now only appear in guest appearances throughout the year (though they are sure to be at the year ending finale). Here are some former main cast members.

Jeco
Stephanie
Jim
Wilson
Odell
Dodong
Franz
Cha
Carol
Shoba

Supporting cast

These are supporting characters that appear less regularly (or heard of less regularly) but still appear from time to time. They help shape the show and also provide sparks and tension when needed.

Miko
Lester
Nikki
Billy
Garrido
Janny
Antonio
Chet
Alden
Jeff
Johann
Fu
Ben
Patrick
Jasper

TIMELINE

2000 - 2002
The High School Years

The Creek had a much larger cast then. Given the closeness of the high school batch, an activity would always involve a large group of people. However, the first few seasons chronicled the life of Jim, Jeco, Eugene, Cathy, Shoba and Stephen as they waded through the ins and outs of high school life. These first few seasons were significant, given that while there was a core cast, its storylines had a wide variety involving multiple characters at a time. Suffice to say, the true cast of the High School Years was the batch itself.

Notable episodes include "The Prom" and "The Ball", "The Retreat" and of course, the "Graduation Episode".

2002
Transition

After graduation, the main storyline focused on settling in at the new colleges as the cast of characters would be heavily thinned from a hundred to around 30-odd members. Most of the cast would also end up in rival universities, providing new material for the series. The core cast would include Jim, Jeco, Eugene, Cathy, Stephen, Glenn, Wilson and Shoba. It marked the beginning of many cast changes.

2002 - 2006
The College Years

Again, the cast ended up getting thinned down to the current cast shown now. These years would end up vital as personalities rise and new relationships formed. Throughout the long stretch, the cast included Jim, Jeco, Eugene, Cathy, Stephen, Glenn, Odell, Wilson, Shoba, Dodong, Cha, Eesh, Stephanie, Franz, P3 and Carol. The changes in cast would be due to tearful departures (Jim) and reclusion due to scholastic activities (Shoba, Dodong, Franz, Carol). 2003 marked the beginning of the annual Christmas party where the cast would reunite for one night of conversations and congregation.

2006 - ?
Beyond

2006 would mark the departure of Jeco and Stephanie. It would also thin down the regular cast to six members. As everyone shuffles for jobs, the storylines have now focused on the individual's attempts to start a career. Though we still see the cast in certain episodes, there is a lot more distance between them. New relationships have formed and new friendships made. It's a whole new Creek nowadays as main characters have new love interests and new paths.

We see the emergence of Eugene as he leapfrogs everyone in career-building. The storylines would also revolve around the Glenn, Wilson and P3 as they figure out what shenanigans they can come up with next. We also see Jeco trying to adjust to his new surroundings and Stephen as he finishes his academic work. And finally, we see Jim try out a path in Poker where he can hopefully find a way, no matter the obstacle of cost, to find his way back (hee) to the Creek. It will certainly make for an interesting 2006 finale when old characters come back, old flames are rekindled and new tensions arise and it can only happen in Jubilee Creek.


AWARDS

WIN - Cyberfair Project (Historical Landmark) Boo-yah!

DVD RELEASES

Multimedia can be found at http://peppericious.multiply.com and other multiply sites of peppericious' contacts.

REFERENCES

1. Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia (regarding format)
2. Personal Experiences (regarding text and message)

God's Love

I had an interesting chat with a Jesuit brother the other day. It started with witchcraft, sorcery and other supernatural stuff but later ended up about God's love. He mentioned that St. Joan of Arc (yes the French girl who led the nation against the mighty and might I say bloody English) once said that God's love is so great that He can't bear to see you suffer in hell. That's why most likely, hell doesn't exist.

But then again, there's also the side of God where justice abounds. Is it fair to live a life full of rape, massacre, robbery, rape, grand larceny, rape and arson (did I mention rape?) and still get to go to heaven along with your victims?

Wilson's What If Post

There are times when I think what if I took up hockey when I was still little? Could I have been in the NHL now? What if Pierre seriously took up the saxophone? Maybe he would have had been the most famous Jazz player in the US now. What if Eugene auditioned for AngTV ? Maybe he could be the next young up and coming drama actor.

There are so many things in the world to excel on. What if you're so naturally talented at something yet you've never tried your hands at that thing because the opportunity is lacking or the environment you are born in wasn't the best place to hone your talents? For example, the environment here in the Philippines is that BASKETBALL is the only sport. What if soccer is being played like crazy here? Maybe some kid from Tondo could have been starring for Manchester United now. Or what if Jeco embarked on a career as a cyclist? Maybe he could have put an end to Lance Armstrong's streak. What if Odell played competitive Rugby? Jim as a Formula-1 driver?


The list goes on...

Why I Hate Forwarded Christian Messages

Being connected to the internet is both a blessing and a curse. Blessing since so much information are within your reach ( chemistry research journals are much easier to search now) but a curse when you consider how much forwarded Christian messages there are.

No, I'm not a Christian hater like those Romans that persecuted the early Christians. I just hate it when they end it with a sentence that goes something like "If you love God you will forward this message to a gazillion people".

Damn it. God knows if I love him or not. IT WILL NEVER BE FUCKING BASED ON ME FORWARDING A STUPID CHRISTIAN MESSAGE THAT DOESN'T HAVE ANY POINT. Yes, they don't have a point really if you ask me. Especially the one about an atheist professor and a Christian student blah blah. I say those "Christians" are so close minded as to base my love of God on forwarding a stupid message that doesn't have any point.

Ok, granting that spreading the gospel is one of our missions as a Christian, if you're going to forward a Christian message, might as well forward a good THEOLOGICAL message. Don't just forward crap like God is good and God loves you to people who've heard it more than ten gazillion times already. That's why I subscribe to the newsletter of Bishop Spong. His theology is so open-minded (God didn't really resurrect, Moses didn't cross the Red Sea etc.) and makes you think about your faith. Not that I believe in him entirely. Its just refreshing to read new opinions about the message in the bible.

Anyway, I haven't opened a "Christian" forwarded message for a few years now. But they keep on popping out in new mediums like text messages, yahoo messengers and internet relay chats. Damn it.

Being heroes

I understand the first world way of living now: I have a job at Ikea that pays well enough for me to survive; growth possibility that would give me a stable option to fall back on; an amount of money that when invested properly would grant me decent financial standing in a couple of years; extra time to develop my fondness for cooking that also has the potential of developing into another stable financial direction. There's definitely no denying that life can be good here. I could settle down and live out my life with relative ease provided i don't make overly stupid decisions.

And yet i remember back when i was dreaming of becoming the President so that i could do great things like develop agricultural economies through better ports and logistics systems; enhance the education system by debunking traditional learning, expand responsible media that teach as well as entertain; kill Cory Aquino and turn the Edsa Shrine into a DOTA hub managed by Eugene; focus on dignified livelihood and training. Or the other option of being able to establish businesses that would focus on the skills of the poor and become profitable enough to actually help develop whole countries not just financially but also through the corporation's hyperactive take on social responsibility providing the right education, moral rooting, nutrition and cultural pride all on the company's check. All this I dreamed possible by setting up a high-value business like proper organic farming for the benguet people and I take care of the logistics, marketing and develop the company to enter the global demand and at least pump in money back to benguet. I have other ideas: value eco-tourism, cheaper and cleaner energy through garbage-power conversion, natural and organic medical products, a controlled inter-archipelago transport system, an educational televisional program, an upgraded port to challenge Singapore and so on... lots of other ideas on how to help and make something good for the ones that need it.

It is naive to a certain extent isn't it? thinking that I could actually change the world in a huge way. I can specifically trace this back to when i saw the March 2002 cover of time magazine where Bono was featured and the cover read: "Can Bono save the world?" It triggered perhaps my most distinct and clear dream and direction that i wanted for my life. I dreamt of a time that I, along with the company I create would be featured like that. I want to save the world.

When put in that sense, it does sound juvenile. When people say "I want to help the people in need", "I want to save the world", "I want to be a hero" it brings back moments of Q&A on "little miss Philippines" and "little boy Pogi" where the generic and pleasing albeit pre-determined and fake answers like "gusto ko maging Doktor! kasi gusto ko tumulong ng tao!" were treated with cheer owing to cuteness/naivete of the pre-pubescent contestants. But now, the best we could give to people our age that say the same thing is the supportive nod, and eerie quiet that follows, or worse is the uncomfortable smile with the questionable adoration for altruism. Even worse is when somebody associates and belittles this as an unresolved and childish fascination with comic book heroes.

Heroes were given a gift and they chose to help people by using their gifts. How hard can it be for us to associate that concept to our lives?

When did we stop dreaming big? When do we actually fall into the redundant mundane existence of wake-up, work, spend time with family, sleep. When do people stop feeling the weight of the responsibility they hold for their mere existince? It certainly is controversial to judge people that say they're quite content with having a family and a decent life as lacking, empty and incomplete in their life but i guess that's what it takes. Too many people have lived out and eked a form of dignity in living this concept of a "full" life that it would be social suicide to judge it wrong and meaningless.

However it is still quite disturbing since we know that there's an option on what you can do with your life. The general sentiment is to live you life full; get a dignified job, take care of your family, make sure your kids are decent and that's it. But there are other samples to choose from albeit from printed cartoons. Heroes, people who live out their lives devoting it to filling the needs of other people, the Pederson Specials devoting and eventually sacrificing their lives to change the world, Spiderman forfeiting his simple life to answer his uncle ben's challenge of responsibility in exchange for his talents. These characters are fictional true, but it never limits the fact that their decisions aren't possible for us.

I'm not saying that it's a sin to eke out our lives as so many have done before, However, why should it stop there? Why should we limit our existence and pound out a good life when we can be something great?

Perhaps it's not as stark now for a lot of you and admittedly, i'm writing this more for myself so that if I do shut out my spiderman dreams and settle into that place where I choose the mundane self-devoted lifestyle, i can remember my naive child of a self still dreaming to be a hero. We should never forget.

Wilson's Little Fantasies

Once in a while, the child in me dictates some fantasies that I want to be fulfilled if only I were given the necessary talent/powers. My top 10 includes

1.) Being a professional NBA player

2.) Cook as the top chef in the world

3.) Formula One race car driver

4.) Light Heavyweight boxing champ

5.) UFC light heavyweight champ

6.) Super Hero

7.) WWE RAW wrestler...wag smackdown

8.) Late Night talk show host

9.) Novelist/Poet, someone in the Hemingway or Neruda mold

10.) Legendary porn star

Cheating and Asymmetry: A primer

After weeks and weeks of wrestling my thoughts on whether I’d buy myself a copy of Levitt and Dubner’s Freakonomics (you see, some people become cheap when they’re flat broke and have no means of income yet. Damnit Ms. Dada, why won’t you call me?), I finally decided to buy myself one (after lingering in Fully Booked for an hour and a half, just staring at it) and I’m having no regrets whatsoever since. It’s both an insightful book and eye opener.

I have yet to read pass the book’s third chapter but already I’m having circling thoughts and personal reflections on various related events. I have also noticed that I haven’t really contributed anything meaningful to this group blog lately, heh.

So with this, I’m planning to write something up related to the psychology (and economics pala no?) of cheating, and information asymmetry, as paralleled in chapters one and two of the book.

1. Incentives as a motivational factor for cheating among students.

Together with Anteola, Arellano, and Cabaluna, we once wrote this Experimental Psychology research (albeit poorly written then) on the different kinds of incentives that would motivate a student to cheat. I’m planning to expound on this and give my additional insights, heh.

2. Networking pitching process – it’s all about information asymmetry.

Having personally experienced being pitched by a networking agent, and actually being connected to one, I’m planning to give my additional reactions as to why this field leaves me much to be impressed.

Well, so much for introductions. Here’s to being a devil’s advocate. =)

José +10

“If you don't give my football back, I'm gonna get my dad on you
I only kicked it over your fence and broke a silly gnome or two..”

I was immediately captivated by the Jose +10 ad campaign of Adidas when I first saw it on Sports Plus. Not only was Jim Noir’s Eany Meany delightful (a feel-good jingle that’ll surely evoke nostalgic memories about our good ‘ol days), but the concept behind the commercial series was equally wistful.

Adidas understands as few others have that football is about dreams for over a billion fans worldwide. It gives these ordinary people an outlet for their imagination.

Few of them will ever get to play in a World Cup and even fewer will become legends, but every single one of these boys and girls will be transported from the reality of their lives by the fantasy of the beautiful game.

It shows the power of soccer to transform (source).

…Too bad Filipinos have little awareness and appreciation for the sport.

Still, the campaign’s charming. Simply charming. =)

____

The video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jkm86AfI48I
The press release: http://www.press.adidas.com/DesktopDefault.aspx/tabid-11/16_read-5785/
The Impossible team: http://www.press.adidas.com/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-260/
Oh, and btw, viva azzurri!

Flight 4061

It was already raining the whole day.

I just finished a three week vacation in Auckland and I was about to leave for Wellington. I spent the day packing and got in the airport shuttle at just about 6pm. Flight leaves at 730pm. On the bus, I met this family from Missouri and they talked about their New Zealand vacation. Their little girl, tired from the trip, cried as her mother held her.

I get to the airport just before 7pm. I was cutting it pretty close. Weather hasn't changed, it was still raining. I checked in and found out that most of the flights have been delayed, so the flight boards at just before 8 and gets there at 9pm. I make my way to the gate, text Billy about the time change and play my new PSP until its time to board.

I hear the crowd at the waiting gate groan as a flight to Christchurch has just been delayed. My flight, though initially delayed, boards at the new time specified, so I'm happy about that. I pack my PSP, turn off the cellphone and get on the plane.

It's not a crowded flight and I make my way through the aisles to my seat. I spot a beautiful local girl sitting right behind me. I find myself staring at her an extra second than I should have. She looks right back at me and I look down, trying to look casual. Damn, I should have smiled.

I'm seated at 13D, aisle seat at the left side. No one else is sitting at my side. Good.

I stand up again to get something from my bag at the compartment above. I'm only pretending, I only want to see the pretty girl behind me. She's reading a book, so I can't start small talk.

I flip through Kill Phil, a book I got from a poker pro that was selling it at the casino the day I placed fifth at the Pot Limit Omaha tournament. That was a good day.

The flight attendants do their little show, I hardly pay attention to those anymore. Finally, the plane takes off and I read through a few more pages of Kill Phil before I decide to sleep. I am a little tired, running around the whole day and packing at the last minute. It was a damn good trip. I spent too much money though. Tsk.

The flight goes smoothly, the attendants go back and forth giving food and drinks and the same show. I find myself looking at the aisles front and back, but I'm only just trying to get a subtle glance at the pretty girl behind me. I give up and go back to sleep.

The pilot wakes me up as he announces that the plane is about to land soon. Wow, that was quick. I sit up straight and think about how good resting in Wellington is going to feel like. I haven't touched my laptop in three weeks too. I hate unpacking. Wow, sleep is so gonna feel good tonight.

The pilot says that because of the weather, they're going to stay in a holding pattern for a few minutes before they try to land. I think of all the airplane disaster movies for fun. I really liked Langoliers. I also think of the final destination movie, also cause I just saw the trailer for the third movie a couple of days ago.

I get lost in my thoughts and eventually, I realize that it's been awhile and we haven't landed yet. That's a little strange. I go back to daydreaming about my plans to bum around the next day.

The pilot announces that we missed the approach. He says the weather in Wellington is really bad, but that they're going to turn around and try to land again. I still don't think much of it. I'm still lost in my thoughts.

Minutes go by and I hear the sounds the plane makes when its landing gear is activated. I feel relief as finally the flight is over. A few seconds after, I hear the landing gear retract and I can feel the plane ascending again. My initial reaction was 'come on, land or crash; make up your mind'. In retrospect, I really shouldn't have thought that. Maybe I was just tired. Anyway, after that, the first hint of worry hits me.

The pilot announces that we missed the approach again and that the weather in Wellington has gotten much worse the last few minutes. He says that they're going to some place and stay above there for 15 minutes before they try to land again for a third time.

I flip through my book and read a couple of pages before I get a little dizzy. I put the book back and try to sleep my way through it. The turbulence is a little nauseating.

Finally, the pilot announces that they're going to try to land again for a third and final time. If it's too unsafe, then they'll fly us back to Auckland. My thoughts go from how to get in touch with Billy or if I'm getting a taxi cause Billy might have left already to what I'll do if they fly us back to Auckland. I can still probably make the poker tables there and maybe just book a hotel room. Although it sucks, cause I already packed and all that.

The pilot tries to land and I find myself reaching for the barf bag. That's a first for me. I catch myself saying a short prayer 'keep us safe'. Then I spend the next minute thinking about the semantics of that line. 'But heaven is safe, then is keeping me safe mean letting me die so I can go to a safer place?'. It's really a weird time to have a mini-debate in one's head.

And then the thought hits me. I might die. I might die in the next few minutes. You try not to think about it, but it's overwhelming. I think about my family and my friends and how I need to see that special someone before I die. That thought was probably just a few seconds long, but it felt like an eternity. I shake the thought loose from my head.

The landing attempt is very rough. The plane shifts from side to side and I can see the wings of the plane shift up and down. I finally see the city lights and I say 'this is it' to myself. I still hold the barf bag as some passengers behind take notice. Finally, the most awkward landing in aviation history takes place as the plane forces its way to the ground. Wow, I was second away from throwing up which is a feat considering I haven't eaten anything yet at that point. But I'm alive. Wow, I didn't die.

Half a second later, all the passengers cheer as the wheels roll on the runway. The pilot goes on to talk, a little self-congratulatory by the way, as the passengers continue to cheer and applaud. I find myself doing the same too. I'm safe and on the ground, surely that's reason for applause.

I look to my back and see a male passenger giving an inquiring thumbs up to me. I give the same thumbs up back to him and smile. Finally, the wheels stop, the doors unlock and this nightmare is over.

As I grab my bags, the male passenger and the pretty girl behind me strike up a casual conversation, about how scary the flight was, etc etc. I join the conversation while we wait for the passengers in front of us to start moving. I get in a few small talk at the pretty lady, although I know it's futile at this point. There's no chance for a longer talk and I probably looked like a wuss with me and my barf bag.

The passengers finally start moving and I walk by and see Billy waiting for me. I turn for a quick second to look at the outside view past the windows. The rain and winds were still blowing hard.

I was really lucky. I should have listened to the pre-flight show though.

Manny Pacquiao!

Got this from some site...

Poker odyssey

Well I'm back. After weeks of non-stop poker, I came out scathed, but alive.

Here's what I have to show for myself.

- a substantial profit.
- a trip to australia for the poker championships in August.
- 3rd in a no limit tournament.
- 5th in a pot limit omaha tournament.
- lots of sit and go wins.

Anyway, it was an incredible experience and there are so much stories to tell. It was so eventful from beginning to end from the hit and run incident that landed me in a police station after I arrived to the terrifying plane trip that took three tries to shakily land in Wellington airport because of the tumultuous weather.

For now, I try to recollect myself and settle back down and unpack. After that, we'll see what I can share.

Ciao for now.

Suggestive status pt. 2

Oh, how can I not make a mockery out of it when it's simply so inviting?
Ladies and gents, I hope you all agree that this case (or more appropriately, closet)is closed.

Why most HR firms suck

“Mornin. I’m supposed to have a scheduled psychological testing today. Ms. _____ of _____ called me last night and told me that I could have my test anytime within the day, so here I am.”

“Oh. Your name sir?”

“Michael _____

“Ahh. Please sign the logbook and follow me to the other room to take the test…”

Welcome to _____, an HR outsourcing firm somewhere along the busy and congested Boni Avenue, in Mandaluyong City.

As you may have noticed, HR firms have come a long way from small, never heard Psychometric distribution offices, to Global HR consultancy and business process outsourcing companies. From what I understand, these third-party industries cater to a wide spectrum of services including headhunting, consultancy, assessment, recruitment, placement, and to compensations and benefits. I’m even seriously thinking of setting up one of these with a couple of associates in the near future when I get the chance, heh.

It’s nice to see that companies like these are growing like wild mushroom sprouts, but (there’s always a ‘but’) I was able to notice a number of glaring issues (at least, from the point of view of a tester) in my most recent foray into testing, that seriously needs to be addressed.

And just in case you’re asking, no, I’m not going to sugar coat my thoughts and opinions just because I’m a psychology graduate.

It is with my firmest conviction to say that most third party HR firms here in the country have abysmal testing conditions (‘shitty’ and ‘terrible’ are acceptable adjectives), which could in turn, affect a tester’s performance.

Let’s take _____ as a case in point.

When you realize that you’re taking your SRA’s, RAVEN’s, SCT’s, essays, IPAT’s, or whatever, in a testing room converted from a kitchen (that’s a room away from the reception area, with no doors dividing the two whatsoever), complete with pots, pans, and the kitchen sink; in a testing room where car exhaust and ambient noise can easily seep through the glass door; in a testing room where smucks linger in the room discussing what nots (two staff members were talking about financial matters the whole time that I was taking my test. One even handed checks to the other), as if they have the room to their own; and finally, in a testing room where you have a receptionist/facilitator handing to you photocopies of the battery with no instructions explained whether written or verbatim, you’re simply screwed. These unfettered testing conditions can easily throw you off.

Ideally, applicants would come in, take their tests, and end at the same time. But understandably, it’s simply not possible since HR firms like say, _____ have lots of clients, and each needs different batteries of tests to administer, even for the same position between companies.

Also, testing rooms should be quiet, well lit, good ventilation, and staggered seating arrangements.

Yet despite everything, HR firms like ____ simply neglected these most fundamental regulations. As far as I’m concerned, testing conditions in _____ leave little to be pleased.

I do hope that the PAP, or whatever, as long as some organization with an authority over this can look and regulate these test conditions.

When you have the biggest FMCG companies like _____ or _____ relying their sourcing on third party head hunting companies like _____ for the sole reason of downsizing and cost cutting, I will seriously doubt my test score validity and their assessment.

I’m planning to write a letter to the sourcing firm, to PAP, and one to Ms. Joice.

Oh yeah, happy testing =)

First day in Auckland

Okay, as of today, I'm two-thirds done with my Auckland trip. I've met a lot of new people, I've hung out with ladies that are sooo not the type I hang out with and I've met a lot of poker players and made new friends.

Anyway, my first night here was interesting in itself.

The original plan was that Devin was going to pick me up from the airport and take me to the place I'm staying at and then take me to the casino where we'd have a meal before I play. But it turned out to be far from what I'd expect thing to turn out.

When Devin picked me up, he got called to a job at a hospital so I ended up watching him work for two hours. On the way home, Devin's friend Dave drove and on the highway, he might have cut into some dude who ended up chasing us till we found a public place to stop. When we did, the guy got out and started bashing on Dave while me and Dev kept breaking it up. We ended up in a police station giving our statement for about two hours.

Finally, I made my way to the casino and won 300 bucks on my first night.

It wasnt how I envisioned my first night would go.. but it was eventful at the very least.

Bookdrive progress (06/20)

Two weeks ago, Jeco spoke with JCAAA’s head honcho about the bookdrive plans, albeit still vague. The talk went well because Jeco said to me that the alumni association will help in ANY way they can.

So, last week, Wil and I went to Jubilee’s main campus and passed a formal letter addressed to the executive directress asking for an appointment to further discuss the matter.

A secretary from the administrative office called me yesterday to follow up on the letter and asked us for a possible meeting with the executive assistant and the head librarian. Two meetings, two days, for two campuses. Talks about the aim, specifics, and other matters will be discussed.

But as of today, the meetings between the two parties are moved to sometime next week. The secretary will call us again about it.

Until then, let’s keep our hopes up.

Do post your comments and suggestions.

Dia de mierda

We all have shitty days. Michael's was yesterday.

It was a dark and stormy night when he received a message from some bloke named Malou, inviting him to take a company exam the next day. He felt suspicious but acknowledged the message nonetheless (turns out that she was an acquaintance so it's really not that bad). He slept soundly that night, not knowing that the day ahead would be a day of infamy.

-----

Michael's day can be summarized in twelve sweet little lines:

1. He left his house without his hanky on a particularly sunny day,
2. He forgot to drop the kids off the pool before leaving,
3. He nearly fainted while in the MRT,
4. He had to stay in Buendia station for a while for a breather,
5. He wasn’t able to find a loo roll,
6. He had to sacrifice his Transcript of Record envelope
7. He realized that the flush and faucet were broken
8. He left a present for the janitor
9. He finally arrived 15 minutes late
10. He was sweating profusely
11. He shook the interviewer’s hand VERY FIRMLY and then had the naughtiest grin.
12. He walked three kilometers from the establishment to Ayala station afterwards.

Savor the mental images boys and girls. I'll be waiting for your dia de mierdas. >=)

Prelude (3 of 4)

Well, bags are packed. Everything's good to go.

I just finished the last of my exams today and I'm flying out to Auckland tomorrow to see Wikus, Devin and everybody else.

Oh and there's also gonna be poker involved. heh.

Before I dive into that, let's get the coming home thing out of the way.

No, I don't think I'm coming home this June. Sorry. I don't think it's gonna happen. I would like to, but if ever, I'd be using my own money and I'm just not sure it's worth it especially cause everyone's so busy nowadays. Although I'm saying never, that is if I win extremely big in my first week of poker, then I'll take that as a sign that I can come home. Other than that, the next time is pretty much gonna be Merry Xmas.

About the bookdrive, which I hope you guys are still working on, I'm still game to help you guys with whatever you need, although it seems the help I can give from here would be pretty limited. Anyway, good luck with that.

So about this trip, I'm headed to Auckland and I've already booked a place in the city. The goal is to basically to build my bankroll. Along with my trip to Christchurch two months ago and my weekly games here in Wellington, I've built my two year going bankroll to a good amount now and if I get a good month in Auckland, I'm sure to reach my target mark. I don't want to name figures, but it's a good amount so wish me luck on that.

This trip is pretty much poker and being on my own. It's a new feeling to not organize every single minute of the trip and it's very liberating. So if this is the prelude to the next month, then all I'm saying is I am sooo ready for this.

So that's it for me. Keep the blog alive while I'm gone.

Ciao.

The People's Plumber & Socialist Men Under Red Father

Hey paisanos!

Move over GI Joe and Superfriends, your futile propaganda campaign for American nationalism is no match for the people's plumber and the socialist men under red father!

I remembered this internet meme about the mario brothers game being a communist propaganda campaign. Here's the link:
http://www.aethiamud.org/communist_mario/

I did some googling and found another one, this time on the smurfs. This one's quite a hoot lol:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smurf_Communism

The Greatest Villians Ever

Mwahahahahahhahaha!!!! (evil maniacal laughter)

A couple of days ago, I bought the newest issue of Wizard magazine (I like having something to read on the bus on the way home). Anyway, one of the features was the top 100 greatest villians of all time.

Here's the top 5

5. Zombies (dawn of the dead)
4. Dr. Doom (Marvel)
3. Palpatine (Star Wars)
2. Pazuzu (The Exorcist)
1. The Joker (Batman)

Sounds about right, I guess, depending on the person. But what I found a lot more cool were the other villians that made the list. Here were the notables.

72. Tony Montana (Scarface) - Yo need pipol like me!
68. Megatron (Transformers) - he killed Optimus Prime, 68 is an insult
61. Johnny Lawrence (Karate Kid) - Daniel Larusso's enemy in the finals where he did the cheesy crane kick
57. Principal Rooney (Ferris Bueller's day off) - hee!
53. Cobra Commander (G. I. Joe) - has anyone else noticed that no one has died on G. I. Joe?

45. Mr Burns (Simpsons) - 45 is an insult. He should be in the top ten. Excellentttt.
29. T-1000 (Terminator 2) - I remember when I was a kid, we had a driver who looked a LOT like him and I was scared of being in the car alone with him. He got fired when he flipped one of our cars upside down outside La Salle Greenhills and his gun got tossed in the street where a kid found it. Hee!

15. Pennywise (It) - If this list was a list of the things that creep me out the most as a child, the clown in "It" would be number 1. I remember when he was the sewer grate and he grabbed the poor child. Brrrrrr.

14. Freddy Kreuger - on the same creepy list, Freddy would be number 2. When I was 10, I had a dream about him chasing me around a cemetery which is incredibly creepy to think even now cause Freddy kills in dreams.


And that's that.

You haven't heard the last of me, Penelope Pitstop!!!

(that dude wasn't on the list. stupid inaccurate list.)

e-buy

For sale: Brick from Jubilee Wall.*

Have you ever thought to yourself how great it would be if one had a piece of history like let's say, a section of the Berlin Wall, or a slab from the Great Wall of China? Wouldn't that be just dandy? A perfect conversation piece, right?

But I assure you, you would not be able to get one of those even after a hundred years. Might as well wait for fifty and have your own tombstone.

Well here's the next best thing.

Presenting, an authentic red brick taken (stolen) from the facade of Jubilee Christian Academy.

Stolen months ago from the facade along 3rd street and Dona Hemady, the brick measures 6 inches(l) by 3 inches(w) by 2.5 inches(h). It weighs a couple of pounds, no more than two dead chickens. 100% oven baked to achieve the crimson hue, that red bricks are known for. Ideal for cabinet display, and equally useful as a paperweight or as a bludgeoning weapon. Comes without packaging when purchased.

Perfect gift for that die hard Jubilean or to your pesky mother-in-law.

"Yup, it's the real deal alright!" -assures Mang Tony, the magtataho who saw the pilfering.

"100% authentic!" -exclaims Mang Ramon, the fishball vendor at the other corner of the street who also saw the pilfering.

If you call now, we'll even include the authentic dirt and mold from the brick. See the dead little critters from the brick crevices!

So what are you waiting for? Treat yourself to this one of a kind treasure right now!

*Novelty product. Not really for sale.

The City

There is a kingdom whose name cannot be pronounced by our tongue.
To try and describe it would be to describe a combination of an answer to a long mathematical problem, a forgotten macedonian tradition and a momentary yet lingering look two strangers make on a train.

And in this kingdom, there lived a proud prince.
His parents have long past but he could never take his father's crown.
It didnt feel right, he thought, to be worthy of a crown at his young age.

On Mourningday, he visited the lake of hope and found it dry.
He bent over and looked for fishes but he could not find any.
The trees by the lake were purple colored and tasted like the last day of summer.
He sat by the tree and waited, in case an animal would happen by.

After hours of waiting, he grew restless and decided to move on.
He walked on a steel-coated valley that smelled of years past.
Before he or even his parents were even born, the valley was where a great city used to stand.

This magnificent city had streets paved of gold and buildings made of sheer brilliance.
It was a citadel made of generations of accomplishments passed down to create perfection.
The citizens were intelligent and peaceful, creating new ways for which their city could be better.

At the peak of their existence, a group of strangers arrived at their gates.
They were dressed in strange garments and smelled of new fragrances.
They were courteous, of course, yet there seemed to be a hint of willfullness and pride that was evident in their eyes.
The citizens have never seen such a group, but they were a hospitable society and made the strangers welcome.

A month after, there was nothing left of the magnificent city.

A few citizens, who happened to be outside the walls when it crumbled, tried to rebuild the city.
Magnificence, however, could not be duplicated.
The prince's parents found that out.

The prince makes his way back to his throne; in his empty kingdom.
He finished his tasks on Mourningday, he sits silent and content.

He sits waiting.