Happy New Year

Advance happy new year everyone! Today is the 31st of December here in the Philippines. Everybody is excited in welcoming the year 2017. Including myself! I and my auntie are preparing some food for the New Year's Eve, just some simple dishes and we are good for later. Seems some of my relatives are planning to drink, and they are inviting me. And I think that's a good idea. I'm fine with alcohol tonight. Tomorrow is no school, so I can have a hangover. It's going to be a fun night for us.

I'm happy to be here, around with my family, relatives and friends. Glad I'm nearer now. If  I didn't move to Tacloban, I wouldn't be here to celebrate with everyone. This year is different for me, I will not be alone in celebrating new year. Well, last year I was with my cousin in Manila, which was nice, but it is just much better to be with the whole family. I don't drink a lot, but tonight, I am not worried if I get drunk, I'm safe with everyone.

Year 2016 in review

At times, my life had been upside-down. I've been through worst and through good, but still I want to thank God for everything he has done for me this year 2016. I've been to some places I never have imagined I would reached. It happened and I am grateful for that unforgettable experience that I had this year. I am also doing good progress in college. This is my third college attempt and finally I see some light at the end of the tunnel.

I have a happy and healthy family, even though we're not complete, since my mom and dad have been separated for eight years now. But even though my mom is not here with us, it is still a good feeling hearing she's doing good with her life. My dad is also doing well, and my brothers are growing so fast. Seeing them most of the time is the best feeling ever. They know everything happens for a reason, and those great things that had happened to me in 2016 brought me closer to my family. I am blessed, just in different ways. Thanks God for all you've done for me! 

After Christmas

Christmas is over, and the new year is coming. I wonder what everyone's new years would be like. Maybe a lot of drinking and singing on New Years Eve? And then lots of food! It's going to be a fun night along with families and friends. I just hope there will be no drunken fights then. New year only happens once a year, it should be joyful!

Most people that I know here in my province don't really pay attention to Christmas. New Years Eve however is a big thing. Christmas is just like an ordinary day, if you have no gifts to expect or to give. Sure, we go to church on Christmas day, but we do the same every sunday anyway. Not many would prepare something special, like food, and drinks. Yes, it is Jesus's birthday, and some people value that. Just that some  people here don't really bother cooking special food for Christmas. But when it is New Years Eve, everyone is busy preferring food, drinks, and any other fun stuff.

Mouse attack

I just got back from Tacloban. What an exhausting day for me! I traveled back and forth between Samar and Tacloban without having enough sleep. Add the fact that my boarding house was a mess! I was kind of surprised when I open my door and saw everything was messed up. It seems that there are mouses in the house that enjoyed my absense in my room.

Before I left for Samar, my room was all cleaned up. I left a kilo of rice at my place, and a gallon of mineral water. Well, the rice is now all spread over, and even melted inside the water. What a mess! Oh well, I've been away for a while! I wasn't expecting it would happened though.

Only if there was no mouses in my place, I wouldn't have problems with my things. Now it worries me, that some of my clothes might get ruined by these mouses. I don't have so many clothes, all of what I have is precious to me. If the mouses mess my clothes, I will be desperate. I hope it does not happen.

Christmas parties and beyond

I got invited by one of my dearest classmates to her son's birthday on 29th of December in Southern Leyte. But I have not confirmed to her that I am really attending. The reason is that I am supposed to be in Samar on that day, and going to Southern Leyte is no quick trip. It would take more than 5 hours to reach her hometown. Maybe I visit them another time, but the Christmas/New Year break is a bad timing for me.

And we even planned for our College Christmas party next week her in Tacloban. While it will be fun, it is not mandatory to attend. I am planning to be already in Samar next week, so I'm going to skip this as well. Otherwise it would be too complicated for me. Still I wish everyone a peaceful Christmas time!

Christmas and New Year Explosives

Picture thanks to Expic Fireworks

I just found out that any kind of explosives are forbidden now. No wonder I haven't heard and seen any explosives ever since the "ber" months (Septem- to Decem-ber) have started. I think the newest president now enforces the law to stop it. Last year, when the previous president was still in office, this time of the year was already filled with party fireworks, but now it is pretty boring.

Although this is good for everyone, because explosives are dangerous. Last year, many died or got wounded by mishandling explosives, even small children who don't use explosive got killed. Glad the president take action against explosives. Christmas and New Year might be more boring, but at least it lowers the number of people to be harm.

Communication speech exam

Hurray! I am done with both practical exams in communication speech 1 and 2. I feel relieved, because those were the difficult ones amongst all my exams. Three more to go and I'm done with the prelims! I don't worry much about the other exams, because I know those are easier. Tomorrow I only have to take one in laboratory, and then on Friday it will be my exam in P.E. The NSTP exam is on Saturday. After that, one more exam in CRM, but that will be in the first week of January.

Vacation comes very soon, and I can't wait to go back home to Samar, and be with my family on Christmas. I hope I will pass all my exams. It would be good as my starts of 2017.

Stupid car accident kills 2 kids in Samar

I just heard this news, but I didn't see it with my own eyes. Yet another tragic traffic accident happened today in Basey Samar, and three people died. It is very sad and disturbing, because two victims are young children who just happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time.

Two jeepneys lost control while speeding. One jeepney hit a house, and by this hit a boy who was near the house. The other jeepney hit his sister who was just 8 years old. The boy was just a few years older than her. The third casuality is a passenger of the jeepney. It is sad that it had to happen to the victims. I feel with their families that had lost them in this Christmas time. It is heartbreaking that the kids died at young ages. It is terrifying to think about that I also often use a jeepney in Samar.

This accident wouldn't have happened if it weren't the two reckless drivers who did races just to gain more passengers. Because of their foolishness, they took innocent lives. I feel sorry for the families of the victims. I hope they can move on and accept their childrens' faith.

Small act big change: Rayhak bata - Part 2

Image thanks to RikkisRefuge (CC license)

Two days ago, I wrote about the charity event in my school called Rayhak bata, and that they asked us students to solicite for money in our communities. This was part of the NSTP class.

I'm done with my part of money collection. I'm thankful that I didn't need to solicit my neighbors just so I can donate. I know it isn't bad to seek help from others along the street, but since I haven't done it, I had no guts to do it. Instead, I did ask some internet friends for small help. Thanks to the persons that helped! And it feels good that I am able to help the kids with the money I collected that way. I used 1000 Peso of my own salary, and I collected another 1000 Peso from internet friends. And I hope all the money that the school might be collected will be in good hands including the 2000 Pesos that I gave, and be use for the charity only.

With all the students at my school I expect the school to gather enough money for the charity. It is good that even with the small things we might able to help others on this Christmas day. I know how it feels receiving something from others, in particular how it feels for kids from poor families.

Preliminary exam in communication

Tomorrow is my preliminary exam in communication speech already. It will be an oral test, that is, I have to give a speech and will answer questions. I am kind of nervous. The past days, I've been trying to study, but nothing is happening, as if my brain doesn't cooperate. I had a headache earlier today. I planned to sleep early so that I can wake up really early tomorrow, but I just cant sleep. It is so hard to sleep at a time your not used to. I am worried for tomorrow. I don't know what I can do. I can't fail any of my prelim exams. I need more time to review, but I don't think I will have enough time. I just hope a miracle will happen tomorrow.

Preparing my future

Everytime I see people with stable jobs making good money, and able to provide for all the needs of their families, it motivates me to study harder, even though being in college isn't so easy. I know, before they've reached their positions, they were once simple students just like what I am experiencing now.

I want to be like others too. I want to have a better life in the future. I want to make money by working hard. Self earned money is more valuable than money received from others. Right now, being a student, I depend on others even though writing this blog helps also to earn some money. I want to experience what everyone can. I know I am still at the beginning of the game, but it doesn't mean I have to give up. I need hard work to succeed. I have faith in myself, I know someday I'd get there. It won't be that easy but I am prepared.

Fun place in Tacloban

I thought, Tacloban City didn't have any fun places for students. But I was wrong, as I learned last weekend. With my classmates, we have been to Barcode Resto & Grill on Sto Nino Street. The place is nice, and not crowded when we visited. There is a videoke, and my friends sang their favorites songs. The videoke is always free if charge, as one of the staff told us. It was comfortable inside, the place is air-conditioned, and you can also charge phones. You can dance there, if that's your desire.

When it comes to food, the sisig is one of their bests. I don't know whether other dishes are good, as I didn't eat all from the menu. I only tried the sisig, and we ordered it twice. We were only there until 9pm. When we were about to leave, a larger number of people keep on coming inside, so I assumes the place would be crowded later at night. Well, Barcode seems to be kind of popular here in Tacloban.

Small act big change: Rayhak bata

Last year's organization of school supplies for elementary school kids

Today, during our NSTP classes, we were told about the Rayhak Bata project that our school is organizing for Christmas. It is actually organized by the Supreme Students Council, that means my co-students organize an event to invite children from a Province elementary school for a christmas party. Those kids are less fortunate than us, as the life in the Province can be harder than in the city. We will give out school supplies and food to them.

There is a big collection ongoing. We got a letter to use for soliciting for money or school supplies from our neighborhood. If taking the law stricly, soliciting from other people is forbidden now, but all the ACLC teachers including the people behind this matter believe that it would be okay for us students to seek help from people along the street. We should just show the letter, and all the respective teachers of ACLC have signed the letter.

If a student doesn't want to solicit along the street, that student can just donate using their own money or school supplies. It doesn't matter what amount of money to be donated as long everyone can help. This task is important to us students, as it is also considered as our project for prelims.

Cellphone in school

Nowadays students don't know the word respect anymore. I think, as a student, you need to follow and respect your instructor. That's how it was when I first came to school: the teachers might be bad or good in your eyes, but in any case they must be respected. Maybe I am sometimes disrespectful to others, but I would never disrespect my instructors.

At my school, I have few classmates who don't seems to respect instructor, which is not right. I don't think it is proper for student to keep texting inside the classroom, and when they got caught by the instructor and get asked to hand over the phone, they will just throw the phone to the teacher instead of handing is properly. I don't think any students should talk inappropriately towards their teacher during classes or even outside the classroom. I am addicted to my cellphone, but I don't use my phone during classes. Well, outside school, I might be obsessed with my phone for facebook and blogs, but I only use my mobile when the subject is over.

Sunny day

What a beautiful day today, here in samar! The sky is so bright, it seems not going to rain the rest of the day, The ocean looks so blue, and shiny from the seaside. I wish I could swim before I go back to the city.

There is so much more to do here when the road is not slippery. It's also good climbing on coconut trees. And we have a tiny river here, where you can wash clothes without hassle. Sunny days helps us make our clothes dry quickly. But this river we have here isn't good to use when it is always sunny days, because the river dries out quickly in the hot sun.

Waterworld in Singapore

When I was in Singapore, I visited Universal Studios. This is an amusement park themed around the movies such as Jurassic Park, Transformers, Shrek, Revenge of the Mummy. My friend told me that a "must see" is Waterworld, so we went to there.

Honestly, I had absolutely no idea what Waterworld is. I though of a kind of Ocean Park, so what I was expecting was dolphins or sharks to jump out of the water. Some kind of animal show. But my guesses were all wrong, when some guys went in and started talking. They first entertained the crowd. The seat rows had colors, blue, greed, and red. I was surprised when they started throwing water to some people sitting on the blue and green rows. Those were the soaking zones. Some voice on the speaker said earlier that on those seats you will get wet. I got lucky as I sit in the red zone and stayed dry.

I've got to watch such an amazing action show, with lots of water spraying, pyrotechnic, airplanes, boats, jetski and lots of fighting. I guess there was a bunch of bad guys with a bald headed leader and a good guy in the show, and they were fighting about a girl. That girl was in particular amazing, as she had to do stunts high in the air, and she was really strong. I wish I could be like her. Everything on that show was so real. If I am to pick which one I'd like to repeat, among all stuff that I watched during my visit at Universal Studios, the Waterworld show would be my pick. My friend was right: it is a "must see".

Pinoy movies

This month I got to watch two movies already. One is The Super Parental Guardians, which is a Filipino movie, starring Coco Martin, and Vice Ganda. The movie is an action comedy. I guess it is fun watching it, but I am not really a huge fan of Filipino movies even though I am Pinay, and I was a little bit disappointed that the story was so ordinary. But it seems everybody else was happy about movie, so it's probably worth the movie time.

Maybe I expect too much from how the movie was made. I should not compare it to the Hollywood movies. Pinoy movies are on low budget compared to Hollywood, where movies can cost hundreds of million US dollars. Hollywood movies seems to be real, even when they use special effects when filming it. Their equipments are high tech. I wish someday Pinoy movies can be more realistic. Right now, movie with guys with super powers are the corniest movies here. The only reason why I sometimes watch Tagalog movies at cinema is when I bored, and got nothing to do, and there are no other choices of movies that I can watch.

Ok, I talk about the other movie another time ...

Semester schedule

I think my schedule this semester is not that busy compared to my fist semester. Last semester, I had to attend 6 subjects, and this semester is only 5 subjects. I was pleasently surprised that I would not be having a Math subject this semester. Mathematics is pain for me, as I have a small brain and mathematics is dealing with big numbers that don't want to fit into my small brain :-) I had a hard time learning math in previous semester, so I am glad it is over now.

So, yeah, my schedule is not hectic as it was before. I'm fairly comfortable with the new schedule. Just the subjects I have now are becoming more difficult, because it is more on reporting and communication. We practice giving speeches in front of the class. I am not used to talk English in front of so many people, and I can't discuss while everybody is there listening and watching me. I am a little bit shy. That's my problem. I must overcome it, and have faith on myself!

Christmas Soon

20 days before Christmas! I still can't believe Christmas is so soon, and that year 2016 is about to end. Months come and go so quickly. Why does it have to be like this? And then next year will be the same again, once January is there, us all will be waiting for any occasion that is important for us to celebrate, be it birthday, vacation, graduation, whatever, and then once we passed it, it will be December again and we'll be heading to the next year.

Being able for us to reach the end of the year is already a blessing! It's just that it's done quickly. We do get older so fast. 2016 has been a good year for me, as I started college again, and I had the opportunity to travel abroad for the first time. And I had a good birthday gift, my beloved Air Max shoes! Just like now, so many will be having their birthdays this year. Those having birthdays on 25th I consider them lucky they'll be celebrating with the Lord. Oh well, 2017 is coming, all I can do about it is to treasure every day that will be passing by.

Sunday

Today is Sunday: no school for me. It means I can stay in bed as much as I want, but now I don't want to be sleeping anymore. It was enough sleep for today. I slept longer than I expected. I was still tired from yesterday, when we had to plant trees in our school class. When you're tired it makes you fall sleep easily.

I want to do something today. It is not raining. I thought maybe I'd go out and look around in Robinsons mall and watch a movie. Tomorrow my class will be at 1:00pm, so I don't really need to wake up early then. I have some time for today, and I want to use it for something so I could escape myself from boredom.

Too much seafood

I am really full right now and my stomach is hurting. I guess, too much eating is bad for me. I ate four times today, which rarely happens. I am back home here in the province with my family. Food here is fresh, specifically the fish and other seashells. They can easily be found during low tide. My brother is good at collecting sea food. I can do that too. When I was younger, I used to go to the sea during low tide to get seashells, and sometimes I went to catch fish.

I wonder if I still can catch fish now. It's been so long since the last time I was doing that. Maybe I'd try to go if one of my brothers comes with me. I don't usually go to the sea alone, as I am scared of seasnakes. You can see them everywhere in the sea. I wasn't scared of seasnakes when I was younger. Snakes in the sea don't really bite unless you hit them. But exactly this happened once to me. Afterwards, I can no longer go to the sea alone.

Tree planting

Yesterday was the hardest day for me. Going up to the same mountain once again for tree planting while raining was really difficult. As I was holding plants, my umbrella didn't help me escape the crying skies. I was already coughing, and got a runny nose days before the tree planting, and I could feel it becoming worse yesterday. I thought I would wake up with fever today, gladful I'm not.

All of NSTP Students life was at risk yesterday. Rules was every NSTP Students must showed up for that matter. Tree planting is really important for us, because it is our preliminary requirements. Without attending, students might fail the NSTP preliminary exam. So it was all worth it going. But I'm hoping that next time it won't be raining, otherwise all students will get sick.

Double handsome

It looks like there is another hunk about to get famous! Well, he is already famous in the modelling industry, and he is an international model. But he will be even more famous when he got out from PBB house. Yes, you guys can find him at the Pinoy Big Brother's reality TV show!

I am talking about Tyler Mata, 21 years old, half American / half Filipino from Nueva Ecija. His dad is Filipino. And guess what? Handome comes in double here! He has a twin brother who is also an international model. They are really lookalikes, except the skin color, Tyler is darker and Tanner is whiter. They are both in the show. To those who might be interested, look them up in PBB! They are killing the show. Cheers!

To my readers

Hello everyone around the globe! Hope you all are having a great day, morning or evening. I know my blog is not that super popular, and only few will read this, but it is okay. At least to those who look up on my page and can see this post, I would like to thank you all for viewing my posts. I know my English is not perfect and my ideas what I write in the blog are rather mundane. Forgive me my language mistakes and grammar. I hope someday I can learn a lot more and improve my writing. That's why I do all this: it is English practice for me. Keep in mind that English is not my native language.

Right now I am out of ideas what to write. My brain doesn't cooperate. Sometimes there are many topics that I want to write about, but the problem is, I really don't know where to start. That is my main problem. And even when I'm learning new English words, after few days, they will dissappear from my brain. I forget things easily. So sad!

Bonifacio Day

Nov 30: Today is Andres Bonifacio's Day! This means it is holiday, and students don't need to go to school. It is nice that I can sleep longer, and I can do a lot of things, such as cleaning my room and do my homework. And it seems like it wont rain today, hence I can wash my plenty dirty clothes. If it stays sunny, I can dry my clothes in the sun.

Andres Bonifacio is a Filipino national hero who fought against the Spanish rule, and became president of the Filipino revolutionary government. November 30th is his birthday. This was long ago, in the 1890th.

Holiday is just good, it makes so many students happy and I am one of those students. I remember when I was in elementary and high school, I and my classmates couldn't help ourselves not to jump and shout for joy whenever a holiday was announced. We love school, but we love holidays even more. That's the impact of holidays to us students. Happy Bonifacio's Day to all Pilipino!

Scared of height

I remember I was never scared of height when I was a little younger. I could climb coconut trees up to the top of the tree without problems. But I don't understand why I'm so scared now of high rides. I've always been scared of roller-coaster and other rides that are similar to roller-coaster. That's one of my weakness, and nobody can break that ever.

In Singapore, when I got myself into the cable car and ride in it twice, it was fine, because it wasn't really moving so fast. But I couldn't help myself not to worry, thinking I might end up dead if the cable breaks and the cabin falls down. There were negative random things in my mind that time. But I survived. So I think, I have no problem riding a cable car as long as the floor is not glass. Just not the roller-coaster!

Singapore trains

I think every country has some kind of railway transportation (trains, metro, MRT or LRT). Since it is the easiest way of travelling, mostly for work commuters. But every country has different standards for trains and train stations when it comes to punctuality, speed, and cleaningness.

Here in the Philippines, train do exist. I once traveled by train with my cousin. And I saw how the train looked like here. It is really different than the Singapore trains in the MRT. Singapore has wide train stations,  comfortable seats, and it is not crowded. It is also the cheapest way to travel. Really, trains in Singapore are so much better than the train here in the Philippines. Everything in Singapore amazed me, such a beautiful country.

Reactions about my recent travel

People around me and people who know me think I'm so cool, because I have been outside my home country already. I didn't even mentioned to them that I was going to travel. They just knew it through Facebook posts. I didn't tell anybody except for my family and relatives.

For Filipinos from the province, it is difficult to travel outside the country. Some people in my home town who heard the story that I went to Singapore and Indonesia don't really believe that I did. They cannot imagine it is true. Well, I don't care what they believe, since I'm not talking to them about my experiences. They get it from hearsay. I don't think I have to prove them anything. Being able to travel other countries is not something to brag about.

But I can say, I am proud of myself that I've done it. It was an extraordinary experience. Thanks to the person who helped me to do it!

Memory problem

Have you ever tried finding something that is important to you, and after you spent so much time looking for that thing, you get desperate because you couldn't find it. That's what I feel right now. I have been looking for my other SIM card since yesterday, but I cannot find it anywhere. That SIM card is really important, because my brother gave it to me. I considered it as my replacement Mobile Internet SIM card.

I wonder where did I put it. I just can't remember. I even searched everywhere in my room. Losing it is such a big deal to me, as I don't like buying new SIM cards all the time. I don't think  it is even cool to have so many SIM cards these days. It's gonna be confusing. I am frustrated for not having it right now.

RIP

Two days ago, I found out that my auntie's husband passed away. He was stabbed when he was drunk, and the killer got away. I wouldn't knew about this if there wasn't a post of my cousin in Facebook about this.

My auntie's husband has some drunken violence history. It's been two months ago the first time he was stabbed in the province. He then left the province and moved to a new place, but due to his bad behavior when drunk, he seemed still always getting into trouble. He often put his life in danger, and this time he didn't get away from it. All I can do to help is pray, and I hope he is happy whenever he is. That's life! If you don't know how to care of yourself, then you'd end up lifeless in the end.

Sometimes I think that we don't die just because of God's well. I believe we're the one to make our destiny, not God. So I think when you behave violently, dying early from crime is ourselves to blame. It is our fault! Of course, the exception are the young children with illness, and it makes me sad when they have to die. But old people die because it is their time, and violent people die because of their behavior.

Second semester routine

What a tiring day for me!

I had a long day class today. It started around 7:30am and ended not before 4:00pm. I feel like I am not yet ready for such long days of school. Maybe it is because I have been away from school for a while. But I will probably get use to the same routine I had from the first semester. Tomorrow I only have one class in the afternoon for (3) hours which is okay. And when Friday come, it will be my free day from school.

My schedule is not as hectic as before. The only day I have full load of subjects is Wednesday and Monday. I am not complaining about anything, I am more of comparing and making myself get use to my second semester schedules. Next time I know when to come to school and when I can be absent. I have to be more responsible, for the sake of my studies. I don't like the idea of me being behind all subjects. I know better next time!

Canhugas

At my hometown, there is this place called Canhugas which is very popular for outing. I had been to this place twice. My first time visiting Canhugas was way back in 2015. I was there again last Sunday. Compared to last year, the place has become more visible to everybody here in Hernani on Samar. I remember it wasn't that popular back then. In fact the first time I was there, it didn't had many people around. I could count the number of visitors that came that time including my group. I am surprised that it is becoming the center of attraction in my town nowadays. This year, I was shocked to see that so many people have visited the place just on one day. It is a nice place. I just hope it stays that way.

My cousin's school

I found out that my cousin didn't have her semester break. They have been told that they won't be having a semester break this time, since they started their classes very late in the previous semester. She is kind of disappointed, because ever since the classes had started she anticipated her semester break. Now she is a bit insecure for having no break, while I did already take mine.

I even thought they would have semester break for two weeks this time. That's what I know. It is only just this time that their school did not take vacation. That's unfair for them, as most schools do have semester break already while they have to continue going to school with no break. School should be fair, and should let their students have semester break like the other schools, because studying without breaks is not healthy.

Singapore Part1

Finally, I saw Singapore! I am thankful for that! I came to see and explore the country. I saw and experienced things that I have never done here, which don't exist here in the Philippines. Everything my eyes saw was pretty amazing. They have a very nice and easy to use MRT (underground railway). Compared to the Philippines, they drive on the other side of the street, but they drive orderly and not messy and loud as here on Philippines' street. The cleanliness of Singapore makes me wish that my country would become as clean as Singapore, even though I know that will never happen.

I thought the city part called Little India might be dirtier, since people that live there are all Indians. But it was not that dirty at all. Baclaran is worsen triple times. There were also places where you could buy cheap souvenirs. In the city part called Chinatown, all you have to do is to bargain with the vendors, so that in the end you will get the items cheaper. But I am not as good as others when it comes to bargaining. Sad but it's true. Still I managed to buy a couple of pasalubongs and tshirt for myself. Avoid the souvenir shops at the big attractions such as Gardens of the Bay or Universal Studios, because you get the same items for half the price in Chinatown.

My first international trip

My first time traveling outside the Philippines was kind of difficult. I know, people from USA or Europe have no problems traveling, as long as the passport is valid, it is very easy. Not so for Filipinos. In order to go abroad, we have to go through a lengthy interview with a Filipino emigration officer at the airport. I have never done that before, hence I was nervous. I was asked random questions, such as where I am going, when I am returning, and how I finance my travel. But I'm glad I found a good answer for all questions. They let me out after all.

After I passed this Filipino burocracy, it was easy. The Singapore immigration was quick and easy, thanks to a friendly officer. Similar the immigration in Indonesia! The only problem when traveling overseas is the emigration process here in Philippines. They won't let you go easily, and they are not friendly at all.

I mastered it successfully, but I wonder about the others travelers that I saw in similar emigration interviews and that wanted to visit other countries too. Did they made it? It might be hard or easy for them. Some looked a bit desperate! Well unless you are very rich, then that would be quick for you.

Once you are on the other country, interviews is not really necessary. One or two basic questions such as "is it your first time in Singapore?" and then they'll stamp your passport. Then you are good to go as their tourist.

Vacaction is over - Slow school start

My vacation was too long. After my travel, I spend still a few days with my cousins. I've been away from school for a bit more than a week now, It feels like I made a huge mistake for not returning to school directly after the travel. I hate skipping classes. It makes me worried and think that maybe I am no longer welcome to the class. But I know that is not true. It is only my crazy mind that says that. When I am then finally back in school, my doubts go away and things go back to normal again.

My classmates are waiting for my return. I get many questions from them every day. Hence, I guess they miss me being around. LOL!  I wonder how many classes I've missed already? I know I don't have to worry but I can't help myself not to be. I just hope my instructors are nice then all would be good.

Unexpected laundry fairy

So last night I was going to do my laundy, I even prepared everything and I took my laundry outside my room and then I open the faucet so that I will have enough water to wash my clothes. And the rain had started, I waited for the rain to stop but it didn't. I was getting sleepy and so I decided to go to sleep.

In the morning I came to school around 10am and then came back home by 1pm. When I was about to open the gate, I noticed first, all my dirty clothes were hanging, I was shocked thinking who did my laundry? It didn't take long right after I got inside the front yard, the lady who is a relative of the boarding house owner approach me and told me she did the laundry as she seen it in the box outside. She even told me not to worry of anything. I was speechless but in the end I thanked her. I was thankful and I can't believed she would do my laundry. I was embarrassed but she does it without my notice so I leave it that way. 

Facebook pseudo friends

Lately I've been deleting people I don't know in Facebook. I have two Facebook accounts, one for entertainment and fun which does have too many friends that I don't even know, and the other is for family and friends and only has a small number of friends.

I realized I don't need so many Facebook friends in the fun account. They are more annoying than good. When I post a picture,  I only get a 100 likes out of more than 3000 friends, and people barely talk to me so what is the point of keeping many people. So I started deleting people from my province which are my Facebook friends, so far I deleted about 250 friends already. Those I deleted may not be from my province but I don't know them to keep them. They might all be the same family name but still I don't need to keep neither one of them.

Power outage

The power just went down, not sure when it will come back. Now I find it difficult to breath as the power is  down, the fan won't work unless the power goes back. My room has different temperature, there are times my room is really cold even it is not raining. Sometimes even when it is raining my room is just too hot. I'm used to those changes, but at times like this I wish the power is not down. It is just really hot here and there is nothing I can do, except to wait for the power to come back. I'll just play with my phone until the battery dies.

Hungry evening

Just got home from school. My stomach needs food, but it is raining, and nearby stores are closed. It is just now that the nearby stores closed so early. I should have gotten myself something to eat at McDonald's in front of my school before heading home. Oh well I planned of grabbing food at Robinsons Mall. The problem is the closing time is 8:00pm because it is weekdays and I forgot that. I arrived in the mall around 7:50pm, all the store were already closing and they weren't accepting customers anymore.

I hate planning and get disappointed in the end. Next time I'll make sure to get what I need first before going home. I'm really hungry! How I wish the rain will stop soon so that I can go out and get food.

Jack Reacher

Yesterday I watched the 'Jack Reacher' movie. This is my first time to watch a movie of Tom Cruise. I've never been a fan of the actor's movies before. I know his existence, and I heard of his movies, but never I have thought of watching any of his movies.

So, yesterday I got to see him in a movie. 'Jack Reacher' is a badass movie, and I liked it. He is an old man, but the way he moves and break his enemies' bodies, wow, that was just awesome. Don't think I like violence, just in movies it is ok, because I like action in movies. I think I am starting to like Tom Cruise. My mistakes for not watching his other movies before. Oh well, I guess I didn't like him before because I was more into young tall actors then, but I admit Tom Cruise is handsome in a different way, just an old short guy though. Oops! Sorry!

Exam in accounting-1

Should I be happy? Knowing I passed my exams in accounting-1. I should be, right? From preliminary, midterm, pre final to final I passed it all. I don't know the total of my grades in accounting yet but I am not worried because I know I am passed already.

Why I am sure? It is because we had our final exam in accounting last week and we checked our papers right after we answered. I have reached the passing score, and I haven't failed neither of my exams in accounting. Hurray, I passed my main subject:  accounting-1.

Crushes

They say the best way to find out whether your crush has the same feelings for you is to look in his eyes and then you'll know. But I don't think this is true. In my opinion, if you have a crush on a person you can know when he likes you, by observing his behavior when he are around you. That's just my opinion.

To have crushes is natural, mostly for teens, I was once a teens and I had few secret crushes back then. I didn't tell anyone who my crushed were. It is just natural for us human to feel that thing and that lead to reality where couples are made. LOL. Oh and still now I have many crushes but they're Hollywood celebrities. No chance!

Advice

Don't be bitter about things that happen but are out of your hands. Remember that everything happens for a reason. And no matter how hard it is, you have to see and take the positives from every experience and grow from it. Life is too short for us to even dwell with the past. You just have to smile and say thanks for the good times and memories and focus on happiness and start making new ones.

Past is past and in order to be happy, forget about the things that had happen before, good or bad. Know how to let go and know how to move on.

Exam permits

I have just seen the poster in front of the school. It reminds us not to lose our final exams permit, because it is needed as our clearance so that we can enroll for the next semester.
I did thought before that all of the permit from preliminary to finals are needed for the enrollment, not only the final exam perits. Anyway, I have them all ready, so whatever is needed, I won't be worried. I have kept all my school stuffs at my place. In typhoon Yolanda 3 years ago, I did lose all my permits. I don't want to be in such a situation again where I lose any of my school stuff so I don't have to worry later when it is needed.

Laundry

I can't do my laundry because of this heavy rain. It seems to happen everyday. Most of my clothes are dirty, and there is no way I could dry them. When it is raining, my clothes will smells bad if I wash them and hang them without sun, because they will not dry. Right now I only washed one at a time so that I have something to wear for the next day. I have no choice, but to leave it that way.

Operation Chromite

The newest movie that I have watched is the Operation Chromite. This is a war drama from South Korea. It is one of the most heartbreaking movies I have ever watched lately. 15 South Korean soldiers died protecting their country, they died as a true soldiers while fighting. South Korea consider them as heroes in the battle history.

So this movie is based on the true story. In the 1950th, when the war happened between North and South Korea, the US backed the South Korean forces. It was during Douglas MacArthur's era. General MacArthur is wellknown in the Philippines, as he fought against the Japanese in the Philippines during World War 2.

The way this movie is filmed is outstanding. I assume all the cast will later gain an award. This movie is worth watching, and I did not regret that I spent money on this movie. Even I was alone and most of the people I was around with were older, still it didn't bother me. I guess I was the only younger inside the cinema that day. Well it is hard to tell since it was dark inside and crowded. You guys must watch this movie. Don't missed it!

Girls fights

A guy should never interfere with a girls fight. What I mean here is the physical violence. It is not cool that girls fight, but it is even less cool for any guy to climb in a boxing ring with angry girls. Just for example: When you see your girl, or your sister or any female relatives having a fight with someone, the first thing that you must do is to stop them, best by using words to calm them down. Do not use physical force. It's not proper for a guy to hit a girl. No matter what it is the two girls are fighting, you must calm them down.

I've seen this happen, that boyfriends hit girls because they were mad at his girlfriend. Not to me but to others around me. Sometimes I may be sounds like I am a warfreak, but in real I am not. So this is not about me.

Good morning

Good morning to those having their morning right now. It is 6:30am here in the Philippines, and everybody is on their daily morning routine. Having coffee and breakfast before heading to their jobs/schools. That's mostly happening right now. Everybody's busy since today is wednesday. Malls will not be crowded today.

It seems that it won't rain today, but I do not know later though. Last night it was raining so hard without stopping, but right at the moment it seems not. The clouds are bright. I hate going to school when it is raining, I'll get wet like a duck before I arrived at school and that is not good. I would catch a cold in wet clothes as my school is fully air conditioned. But lucky me, right now it is dry. So that's all. Let's drink Milo, I'm having a glass of it.

I hate distraction

I hate it when I am in the middle of a conversation with somebody and then someone would try to talk to me. It distracts me, and I end up forgetting what I just have said to the person I'm having conversation with. It is annoying.

I am a person who cannot be distracted when I am talking to someone. I may forget what I said suddenly. To be able to remember it, I will have to ask the person I am having my conversation where we ended. My memory is not good as many of your all here. :(

To the dumbs

Intelligent people don't go out there claiming that they are. Because they're very smart and they know that bragging doesn't take them anywhere. So why would someone like you who is not that intelligent brag so much about how intelligent you are?

That's just nonsense and funny!

Wet motorbike ride

Yesterday early in the morning I and my cousin, kuya Bryan, rode back to Tacloban on his motorbike, as he is going to to get his driver license in Catbalogan. It was an unexpected trip, and I thought I would be able to come back to Tacloban for free. But when we were half way, the rain was too strong and it was difficult to drive. The road was slippery, and my stomach was hurting, I felt like I did eat something that my stomach is not accepting. Luckily when we were already in Jiporlos, we stopped by on a store where I was able to used CR. After that, I still didn't feel any better and it was cold. So we decided that I ride on the Van-van, which started half an hour later from there.

My cousin drove back to Tacloban alone in the heavy rain, but he arrived safely. And while I was on the Van-van, I felt like crying from stomach ache, and I was feeling sick too. That trip didn't go well for me, but luckily I also arrived at home in the boarding house.

Stomach problems

Bad day for me! My stomach is hurting so much that I couldn't go to school. I might get in trouble for not attending my P. E. subject today as it is our last day of practice before the finals. Oh well, what can I do? It just happens suddenly. Even if I would try to come to school, I still couldn't perform in P.E. today.

I hope that my group won't replace me with someone else. It is easier to perform in group than alone in the P.E. exam. I've been a nice classmate to them so I hope they have enough patience to still include me in their group. 

Typhoon Karen

It looks like the typhoon Karen is leaving the Philippines. But there is another one that might hit the Philippines. I hope it wont be as strong. This is not new: the Philippines are on the road of the typhoons, and often a big one comes whenever Christmas is near.

I am happy to know the typhoon Karen is not in my father's area and it didn't hit my place as well. We just had a lot of raining due to its season which is rainy season here. I hope no more typhoon or low pressure coming this year. It would not be a good Christmas gift for us if ever. I want to end this year without having worries about anything.

Province vs. City

People who are living all their life in the city would not understand the province life. There are two types of people in this world, one who can't live in the province, because they used to city life. And another who is born in the province and cannot be in the city.

I knew some people who are from Manila. They are scared to live in the province, they thought if they stay at a province they will not able to do the things that province people are capable of doing just to feed their family. They would get hungry once they ran out of money, they said.  In my point of view, I would rather live in the province and I won't go hungry. As a province person, I think living in a province is so much better than living in the city.

Chilling time

I am here, chilling while watching Korean movies with my brothers and cousins at home. We can watch until midnight since I don't have to go to school tomorrow. I can stay up late tonight and that's a good thing. Moment like this barely happens, so I am taking this moment.

When I go back to Tacloban, I will be all alone again in the evenings and I hate being alone. But I don't have much choice. School first before anything, so I have to be that way until I'm done with school. I only come home when I can. 

On the beach

Last week, I went with my brothers and friends to the beach. Everybody that went with us had fun. We did enjoy it much. We brought food with us for lunch, and everything got emptied. Just the rice wasn't enough for us and we ran out of water. Next time we go on another outing, we will have to cook more rice and bring more drinking water. That's really important.

Anyway, each of us got to eat something. My brothers were there, and most of my cousins were present too. We had fun, looking forward to another birthday outing.

Internet and mosquitos in province

Just a while ago, I and my cousin went nearby the tower signal, so we could get a better internet connection. It was good, because internet worked just fine. The only problem there are the mosquitos. Going there without mosquito bites and coming back with bites is acceptable because our effort didn't get wasted.

It's just that I can feel the bites on my skin, and it is just itchy and a bit painful. The place has too many mosquitos. The reason is probably because of the garbage everywhere. I only sees few people living on that area yet there is too many garbage around. That's why there are a lot of mosquitos.

Semester ends

Picture credits to www.bluefield.edu (CC Licence)

The first semester will be over in two weeks. Once the final grades are released I'm good to go for another semester. That will be my second semester in school, once I passed all my grades. If I finish the second semester, I survived the first year college, I hope.

November 7 will be the start of the classes for the second semester. But the first week to second week of school is definitely just like before, no proper classes because some students will be still enrolling. I am looking forward to the vacations for many of us soon. 

Drunk in province

Provinces are the quite places at night time. Most people sleep before midnight and you will barely sees anybody walking on the street or staying up late. In my hometown, 9 pm is quite already, because people save electric light and sleep early. The only problem here is whenever a group of people gets drunk together. Then this can turn out into a fight scene. It is the only problem here. People do wake up when they hear shouting.

Sometimes it gets scary when drunk people are fighting, because they get sharp stuffs like knives, etc. and then they'll try to kill each other. Always the same scenario whenever some province people are drunk! So full of madness! Good thing is that usually, they cannot do it when they are drunk. It is only empty words when drunk.

Changes in the province

After the typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda, so many things have changed. From the tiny road to bigger ones, buildings became better and houses were reconstructed nicer. Many things have improved, and still keep improving up to now.

Before Yolanda, most of the roads were rap roads, and not very safe for driving. They had tiny lanes yet big trucks and busses were passing by. Compared to 3 years ago, now it is a lot safer for driving and for people to even chill by the roadside. Motorbike accidents or car accidents cannot be prevented totally, but it is better now. Accidents are just normal nowadays, no matter in highways or in the tiny roads.

Province afternoon

Today's just a normal day for me here in the province, I am off from school. I'm just here sitting at a corner of the house, thinking what I should do today. I was supposed to go jogging earlier with my cousin but end up not going. I am a bit lazy today.

It is really hot here, unlike other places. Yesterday when I was on my way home, I passed by Lawaan and it was raining so hard. I feard already it is raining here in my place, too, but I'm glad it wasn't. I don't really like it when it's raining here. It makes me lazy to come out of the house. So I prefer sunny day than rainy day, just have to deal with the heat. Even after showering, once you sweat you can feel everything is oily on your body. The heat is the main problem here today.

My cousin's birthday party

I got invited to a small birthday celebration of my cousin today. He turned 21 today. I am just 2 years older than him. His birthday party was just simple, he got himself two whole chicken. I helped out by cooking one of the chicken, I made chicken adobo, while the other chicken got roasted by my brother. Another cousin cooked Pansit Bihon. It didn't take long, because everybody helped out so we had prepared everything quickly.

After the food, we were heading to the beach. This is a special beach, not as flat and sandy like normal beaches. The waves here can become bigger but we can take care of  ourselves. This was fun, all of my cousins and brothers were going.

Cutest Korean actor

Is any of you a fan of a Korean named Song Joong Ki? I think he is so cute. Ok, if you are not a girl, I guess you don't have any idea who this actor is. But girls will know: He is a south Korean actor who stars in the Descendants of the Sun. Check the internet who he is and you'll fall for his cuteness.

Until recently, I didn't even know that he exists on this planet. My classmate suggested to watch the Descendants of the Sun. This helped be get over my boredom, and I fell in love with the Korean action drama. It is such a good Korean drama, one of the best that I have watched this year. I'm looking forward to his next movies.

School relationships

Hanging around with the same group of people everyday got me to the point where I thought these people I am seeing everyday would stay the same to me until end of the school year. I hoped to find friends. A few of them have changed already from being nice and sweet to snobbish. But I don't really care, as long as I can stand alone, and I value people who value me. I do have some friends in school also.

We don't need to push ourselves to those who don't really like us to be around them. The best thing to do when you feel them un nterested to you: Easy, keep your distance and never be nice to them again. It's better to be true than being fake to each other. 

Travel soon

Soon to discover the beauty of Singapore and Bali Indonesia. One more month of waiting and then I am good to go. I am so ready, I am more than excited, knowing that I'll be visiting two countries this year. I just can't wait. Those who have been to those countries won't understand the feeling I felt whenever I think of my upcoming vacation to the countries.

This is a dream come true, before it was only a dream for me, now it is real and I am finally going to travel there and I will be able to tour the beautiful city of Singapore as well as Bali Indonesia. I can't wait to be in those countries this end of the month.

Teachers Day

The awkward moment is when you know it is teacher's day but you suddenly forget and greeted one of your teachers a Happy Birthday instead of Happy Teacher's day! :-) It wasn't so bad, but I felt embarrassed after realizing I said it wrongly. All my classmates said it right, but somehow I misheard it and my thoughts were somewhere else, so I said it wrongly. I was the last one that greeted her so for sure she heard what I said to her. It doesn't matter anymore since she didn't react, instead she told me thank you. It wasn't her birthday, I doubted if she really heard what I exactly said.

Anyway, from now on I never say a thing without making sure what I am about to say is right. I felt embarrassed. That's all!

Remembering my lola

Lola has passed away 12 days ago, but it feels like we are still longing for her presence. She is probably happy now because everybody was there to see her on her last day on earth. All her children were there except one who is living far away. Her wish came true, nearly. Sad that one of her children didn't see her anymore when she was still alive.

We were thankful that some of lola's relatives didn't left us behind. They sent their condolences and helped my aunt financially. A funeral is always expensive. Some of lola's relatives live in the USA. Even though they are far away, they still helped my auntie to overcome everything of lola's burial.

I hope lola is happy wherever she is now. We are thankful she didn't suffer a lot with her illness. We will be missing you, lola. Everybody loves you! RIP.

Bad dream

Have you ever woken up in the middle of the night from a very bad dream?

Last night I have had a bad dream, and I woke up from it. I am grateful it was only a dream. I hate dreaming such things, specially when that dream involved the person dares to your heart. I felt like that dream I had last night were real, but I'm glad I was able to open my eyes before it gets to deep.

I really hate dreaming in my sleep. Specially when it is a scary dream, and it seems so real that you wish you're not being on that situation.

It is normal to dream barely at night, some dreams are worth dreaming and some dreams are just so scary and are not worth remembering. How I wish we don't dream such scary things.

Fireman work

What's up, everybody! I am from the Philippines and it is morning here, so Good Morning to those having their mornings! Get up and start your day!

Right now, I am here at the school attending NSTP class. So the school invited a fireman as speaker for today's class. I think he is the leader of the firearms forces. He explains how to escape the fire without getting yourself hurt. He also teaches us how to evacuate properly during earthquake. So after this discussion we will all be doing the earthquake drill.