-CJ

Saw this article posted on the Inquirer website which was written by one of my favorite writers, Father Jerry Orbos:


Generous and anonymous

By Fr. Jerry Orbos

THE STORY IS TOLD ABOUT A POLITICIAN who sent a check of P1 million to a charitable institution to the delight of the nuns running it. Their joy was short-lived when they saw that the check was not signed by the donor. Why? The donor wanted to remain anonymous!

* * *

In today’s Gospel (Mk. 12, 38-44) Jesus warns us about doing good works for the sake of public image or personal gain. Like the widow in the Gospel, may we learn to give from the heart, and with no strings attached. May we learn to give generously and anonymously.

* * *

“It is better to give than to receive.” Is it really? It all depends on what you give, and how you give. There are givers, but there are selfish givers. They give out of their need to be recognized, or to remove guilt and embarrassment, or with a hidden agenda to get more.

* * *

Some of the happiest people I have met are those who are generous. Indeed, give your best to the world and it gives you much, much more. On the other hand, some of the most miserable people I have met are those who are selfish and calculating. Indeed, there is joy in giving, and selfish people, sad to say, never get to experience it.

* * *

One of life’s most important lesson is that of letting go, and letting be. Not an easy lesson, I should say, for we’d rather hold on and stay in control. What helps? Letting God! We can let go, we can let be, because of the belief that there is a God in better hold and in better control than we are.

* * *

If we look at history, all the people whom we respect and honor now are those who gave up something or someone for the sake of a greater value than themselves. On the same count, the most despicable persons are those who could not let go of themselves and their selfish agenda. Thus we will be judged too by the world.

* * *

Someone once told me that a rose is a thorn that opened up. In other words, every thorn is a potential rose. As long as we do not let go, we do not forgive, we do not forget any dark area in our lives, there is a thorn. Let us take the risk of opening up and reaching out so that as we journey on, we will be carrying more roses than thorns.

* * *

If it is not asking too much, let us pray to God not to give us more thorns in our country. Aside from our sufferings brought about by natural calamities, may we be spared from our elected calamities—leaders who will fool us, cheat us, and deprive us of what is rightly ours. Except for a few, we have not been really blessed with good and generous leaders. We need shepherds to lead us, not wolves to devour us.

* * *

How about those who have their names and faces splattered all over the place to claim recognition for good deeds or projects done? Truth to tell, it is disgusting that they insult the intelligence of our people by manipulation and deceit. It is also sad that they miss the opportunity to be generous and anonymous servants of our people.

* * *

Want to experience joy today? Do something good without anybody knowing it. Do good generously and anonymously, and you will experience a kind of joy that the world cannot give nor take away. Do something like that every day, and you will have a joyful journey, and God the Father will be smiling at you all the way.

* * *

Take time today to think of people who, like the widow in the Gospel, don’t have much in this life, are unknown and are just on the sides. This world is full of generous and anonymous people who help make this world go round. Let’s focus more on persons, not personalities, as we go through life. Take time today to stop and drop-by, and realize that there is so much goodness and “godness” all around us.

* * *

I take time today to acknowledge a person who spent her whole life just loving much. Ate Coring Muñoz lived a simple life, just loving her husband Pakit and her family and all the people she encountered along the way. She loved much. Yes, they say little who love much. There are countless unknown people in our midst who never hit the headlines, but whose names are written in heaven, and will never be erased from the hearts of those whose lives they have touched. It pays to be good. It pays to be loving, generous and anonymous.

* * *

Think about it: Share not only the best of what you have, but the best of who you are.

* * *

"There are countless unknown people in our midst who never hit the headlines, but whose names are written in heaven, and will never be erased from the hearts of those whose lives they have touched. "

And that I think is the whole purpose of giving selflessly; to be recognized not by the people, but as generous Samaritans in the eyes of the Man above.

Lux in Domino!

-CJ 

Enough. Tama na. That's all I can say. For a blog written in five minutes, I think this is enough. I'm tired of being someone I'm not, trying to change myself just to make things seem 'normal'. If things like these are called normal these days, I certainly would prefer to act abnormally. What happened was enough. Again, it's all said and all done. I guess this is goodbye and good luck.

Actually, I just realized that instead of living with the fact that certain ambitions don't really happen in reality, I should cherish the time I have left with Jeddah. I hope this fantasy would die the moment I wake up tomorrow. 

Last statement: I thank you for this hopeless war. This made me a lot stronger. I'll be leaving Jeddah with higher hopes for what's in stake for me in the future. Thanks a lot.

To whom this may address to. Basta, I'm the only one who knows. This has multiple purposes na rin. Bato-bato sa langit, matamaan 'wag magalit. ;)

So, God Bless.

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Lux in Domino!

-CJ

This blog may seem a little cliche, but forgive my ka-cornyhan. I'll only say this once.

Did you ever feel that there's someone who has affected your life tremendously and you did so with theirs? One who knows something is up even if you don't mention a word? One who isn't very expressive(neither are you) but towards each other, you still manage to disclose your deepest feelings to?

A soulmate right? But a girl?! I'm a girl and my soulmate is also a girl?! No prob! There are many different types of soulmates. Spiritual, Companion, Twin, and Twin Flame. I think mine's my Twin Soulmate. It doesn't matter if she was a girl since a twin soulmate is defined as;

These types of soulmate are your closest friends or a person whom you really click with. According to those who believe in reincarnation, you have already met them in a past life, and in this life you are continuing the relationship. There is an emotional bond between these soulmates and each is able to sense the feelings of each other.

Mine's Jannis Wilma B. Padua! It doesn't matter if she feels the same way or otherwise, at least I could say that the time she has spent with me was definitely worth cherishing.

The very first day I saw her, grabe, I was such a jerk to think that she's just like any typical girl. The next few weeks, I tried to keep a distance from her since people called her temperamental and violent. She also did the same with me since all that she heard about me were nasty things that were partly true, but mostly not.

I didn't really expect that we would be this close since we're almost exact opposites. She likes rock, and I like classic. I like to smile, and she was often crabby(BEFORE!). She has a different set of friends that were miles apart from mine in terms of personalities and psyche. We were living in two different worlds. That's why it was merely possible for the two of us to even be friends.

But I think, what connected us was not our differences as two distinct people. What connected us were the things that we both like. The things which only the two of us can talk about. The things that we can't tell other people but each other, mainly because they couldn't connect or relate. Things that only she can understand and things that only I can.

Our friendship was never a one-way street. When we talk, there's more than just a nod. Our conversations could fly to a million topics until we finally decide to stop(occasionally, we stop when a teacher comes in or when we need to do something). I love to talk to her, basically because she has comments for everything I say. I'm naturally like that so no problem with the give-and-take.

What ba makes her different from every other girl in the campus? She's good in English, she's athletic, she's influential, she's popular, she's beautiful? No, not those things that other people see in her. Those things which are more than those which meet the eyes. Those things that were merely Jannis-like. It's like discovering another person in one human body. Those traits. I can't explain or define them, but you get the point.

She made me reveal my true self instead of hiding in a veil of hypocrisy. She uplifted my spirit into soaring higher. She taught me how to balance my school life and fun. She was there when I was depressed and never told me that I was acting so childish in times when I really know I was. She was the one who made me realize that life is beautiful if I think outside the box. I hope I gave the same impact to her life as well.

She really is my twin soulmate. Ewan ko, but there's really something which connects us and prevents us from fighting or arguing. I really can't believe I could find someone like her. I thought everyone else in the world wouldn't understand how I look at things. I'm not her best friend, yes, but I think the way I treat her is more than just a best friend. Like a sister. Like a soulmate.

Thanks for everything Jannis! Continue believing! Keep on moving, keep climbing, keep the faith! Don't worry, even though we'll be miles apart from each other, we won't be disconnected, I'll really try to talk to you every day. Lab You Pogi! God Bless you and your Family lagi!

Lux in Domino!

-CJ

Two weeks ago, I made my Multiply "Notes" panel similar to Twitter. But then I found out that people who weren't really meant to be reading those stuff were actually sent updates on them! So I finally created a Twitter account! Here's the direct link:

Maybe leaving Jeddah is a bad thing. But what can I do?! I've refused, maybe a hundred times, saying "Dito lang ako..." but they said it's the best for the family, so I finally agreed, which means I'll be leaving soon. :(

So many people to say goodbye to, so many different memories to leave behind, so many different locations I may never see again, and so many important pieces of who I am now to let go of.

These are just some of the few MAJOR changes that I have to accomplish in finding my way back home. Not to mention being separated from my father for over 4 months, studying in a whole new environment, and leaving Jeddah with an EXIT visa which means that I could not come here again sooner. It's hard but that's life. Sometimes you need to move on and accelerate to greater heights, and that, I think, is what our family is doing.

I'll miss everyone, everything, and every single place I'm leaving behind. Sorry if I have to leave you but I have no choice but to accede. May God Bless all of you as you continue living the Jeddah journey. Love all of you!

Lux In Domino!

-CJ

The "friendship" syndrome has again stricken me. All those people who pretended to be my "friends" are now here, back on track. They'll be coming here, maybe after 10 minutes, to ask me if I want to go out with them, with gleaming smiles, contrary to what they really feel about going out with me. Grr. Can't they just say that they don't want to be with me so it's finally over?

Many people tell me this when I open up about my dilemma; "Maybe they really want to be your friend, you were just thinking negatively. How'd you know they don't want to be?" They talk all about me when I'm not with them. Talking 'bout how I pretend to not like what they like, how boring I am, or how judgmental I am when I'm with them. (Some snakes in the grass just spilled the beans.)

So how would you think would I be really true to them when they're not to me? It's hard to refuse when they ask me, knowing that there's no good reason I could make up. But now, maybe I have one. "Ok, I'll stay with you 'til 7pm, then I'll play basketball with my brother."

I don't care if they talk about me, because someone told me once, "You can live without them." and another, "You won't lose anything when you're not with them, 'coz you've got billions of stuff inside that big brain of yours that'll lead you to majestic heights. And not even their greatest envy can bring you down." Thank you to those people who understand & believe.

God Bless Everyone! Happy Weekend!

Lux in Domino!

-CJ

A) Concorde Plane Crash

What happened on July 25, 2000 was a disaster. No, more than that. A phenomenal catastrophe. Its pilot was one of France's best & he himself, lost hope upon seeing how desperate the situation is the last 11 seconds of his life;

Co-pilot: "Le Bourget, Le Bourget, Le Bourget."

Pilot: "Too late (unclear)."

Control tower: "Fire service leader, correction, the Concorde is returning to runway zero niner in the opposite direction."

Pilot: "No time, no (unclear)."

Co-pilot: "Negative, we're trying Le Bourget" (four switching sounds).

Co-pilot: "No (unclear)."

The Concorde was the fastest commercial plane then, when it was "on air". Its speed was more or less 3 times the speed of a normal plane. Its architectural detail could be described as somewhat fascinating. But it was last flown in 2003, ending the reality of supersonic speed in commercial planes.

I'm just too young to understand the facts and figures of what really happened, though my father tried hard explaining them to me. But what I have in mind is that, whatever happened, was never expected, as Concorde was thought to be a perfect plane, similar to Titanic's received adulation.

Whoever was in that plane, whatever life was destroyed, I hope God has already "saved their soul."

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B) Chiz Escudero's statement concerning the youth

What Sen. Escudero had said in his speech earlier shown in TV Patrol has really moved me. He said;

Ang kabataan, hindi lang dapat pag-asa ng bayan. Dapat, maaasahan din ng bayan.
-Chiz Escudero

Really, words are easy to say, hard to follow. Maybe, he isn't that much ignorant of what majority of the younger ones in our country are today, for him to say such thing as that. For all we know, most of the youth aren't educated, so how can they be the "hope" of our country's future? I'm not saying that Chiz was wrong in obliging us to do what he just said. It's a challenge, yes, for us youth who are educated, and some would even gladly oblige. But to those uneducated youth, this is a bigger challenge, even merely possible for them, since what they have in mind is survival, and not the problems the country is currently facing.

Yes, the children, us, are our future. Let's not think that because most of the youth in our country are uneducated or do not care much of what havoc is occurring in our country, we must be like them and ignore these responsibilities as a citizen as well. We were given by God the might to do whatever we think is right.

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

C) UP: Disney Movie

So, this would seem like some sort of review but I would just like to share what I think about that awesome Disney movie.

The movie was magnificent! In fact, it was the best Pixar movie ever made! The most touching, most colorful, most creative, and above all, it's realism is the best! (Although the balloon-house flying thingy was like some fraud, it has proved enough for it to be realistic)

And, I learned a brand-new expression. "Cross your heart." Love it! With matching crossing of your chest. It's a thing for "I promise" statements.

And love the characters! All so cute!

Bravo, Disney! Bravo, Pixar! Bravo UP!


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God Bless Everyone!


Lux in Domino!


-CJ

2nd Quarter's almost over! I didn't even notice it has already started & now, it almost is coming to an end. This was the HALFWAY I was always looking forward to. Halfway to finals, Halfway to vacation, Halfway to Theater, and Halfway to Summer. But after all the fun I've had with my classmates (I can't believe it myself. LOL.), I wish time would stand still until I wanted it to move again. Everyday's just so tiring. From schoolwork to VP-work, I'm already exhausted. And I have realized, only now, that sleep was essential. This was the first time I loved sleeping on weekdays because I know after my nap/sleep, I'll lose the energy again in shushing them or just doing projects like plays, sing-and-dance perfs, periodic tables, etc.

Also, I wouldn't expect getting along with these people. The first time I was assigned to the section, I thought "the whole year, it'll be an all-out war!" but I suddenly realized that some of them were actually similar to who I am (sometimes even more than those snakes in the grass last year) and could actually understand the words "Don't tell anyone." and "Wait a minute." They don't tend to be hypocritical. Well, maybe sometimes, but they even say it out loud that what they said was a lie or something exaggerated and laugh afterwards. Maybe what we have still isn't real friendship, but isn't it a good feeling that you go to school every day, knowing that there's more to see and do there other than schoolwork?

Oh, time does fly too fast. Need to go! I need to finish those compilations & review that electron config lesson in Science for the quiz tomorrow.

So, that would be all for today. I'll try blogging tomorrow or on Thursday. Wish us luck on the play & the MAPEH perf!

Lux in Domino!

-CJ

Yipee! Weekend's here! Although the said weekend lasts for only a day, it's fine! At least, there's such thing as a weekend. I can't stand school for seven straight days. It's frustrating enough that there's only a day for the weekend, what more if there is no weekend? It's fine if we're just in an ordinary classroom setting, reading & writing all day, (pretty exhausting but, it's better than what we're doing) but it's not!

I can't believe there were so many things I discovered that were better off if I did not! Opening your eyes to the truth is like opening a tin can of biscuits. Yes, that hard. You can't do it without a foreign object helping you. In these things, the "foreign object" is the openness of the mind. I don't have it that's why it's hard. Connecting a web of discoveries was hard. "Upset" isn't the right word to describe my emotion when I found out. Maybe "shocked" is better, and "disdained". Shocked that these people knew each other, wrapped themselves in a veil of innocence, and let nobody know what they're doing. Disdained that when I connected the whole web of "discoveries", I knew that web hinders or triggers something, that is or isn't supposed to be happening, and that "something" involves me. Really, Everything is not what it seems. What was I thinking? That what people say is what really is the truth? I'll think again next time before I believe. :))

So, need to sleep now Blogger. If you find this post confusing and would want me to reveal the characters, just tell me. I'm ready to let the cat outta the bag. It's a long story, but I'm willing to talk, for the sake of us, truth-loving people of the world.

I hope God would give me the understanding & open-mindedness, as well as the strength to carry on. Keep the faith, everyone! God Bless!

Lux In Domino!

-CJ

Woah. Saturday's drawing near and I can't believe that my month-long vacation's over. Much has happened since September 10, the first day of our vacation, and that much was enough to change, how I look on things, or my principles and beliefs themselves. This month has been very significant in building my identity.

I was a totally different person now, compared to before. I became more open-minded, & more understanding with people's mistakes. I realized that it really is true that nobody's perfect. Even me. I pretended to be before but I think that was my mistake. That was my flaw that made me imperfect. I'm trying to please myself into becoming who I want to be. I know I can change my bad habits, mannerisms, or attitudes, but it really takes time. And I also need to understand that the change that I want to happen must begin with myself, not with other people who I often blame for the causes of my flaws. Before, those people I often think as the ones who have cultivated my character (including my flaws) are the ones that must be put into blame for my misdeeds. But now, I understand that they only guide me into choosing the right path to walk in, but the choices, decisions, and changes are all for me to make. Those simple "atttitude" changes I went through this vacation were just a few of what I think have changed my view on life, but the changes are definitely for the better and hopefully, will help me, to ease the situations I may face in the future.

One more thing, I became closer to my family this vacation. They have been my friends, basketball buddies, confidantes, co-couch potatoes, and beach buddies this entire vacation. We have shared the joy, the sorrow (for victims of Ondoy), the excitement (when watching a basketball game), the laughs (when watching Hannah Montana & WOWP), and the love (whenever or wherever we are <3) style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="postbody">I have learned that I cannot please everybody. But with my parents' guidance, I have learned to offer everything to God. (Oops. Credits to the owner of that. Whoever he/she is. As if I don't know. LOL. ) But seriously, it is true. I felt my so-called friends have been backing out of our 'planned' appointments and I end up sad, dismayed, and alone. But with what they have done to me, I learned that I could be happy with anyone. And I don't have to count on others for me to be happy, because they've got their own lives and I've got mine, and if they don't want to be with me, I can't force them or be someone I'm not just to please them. I've got my own family, own gifts, own talents, and my own life. Why do I have to rely on them for me to be happy, when I really am gifted and blessed with so much? Those gifts & blessings that God has given me are enough to make me happy. When you think of it, maybe, of the 100 things that I expected to happen this vacation, I only got 10 of them granted. But despite the disappointment, I have realized that in place of the failed expectations, God has given me unexpected gifts or people that came my way that really made me happy. Maybe that's his way of telling me that what I want to happen is not part of his plan, but that doesn't mean his plan wouldn't make me happy. And it really did. Thanks, Bro! ;)

Of all the things that has occurred this entire Ramadan Break, I think the most significant is the Youth Basketball Tournament. I was only a spectator, not a player, but it has given me the feel of a real game, though the players are completely amateur (No offense, though). That tournament also changed the way I look at teamwork, leadership, and friendship. The players made me feel all the emotions I could feel during the games, though most of them are complete strangers or people I barely know.

So, this marks the end. I thank the Lord for giving me such a wonderful vacation. Thank you for making me appreciate the simple joys of life. I hope the Hajj Break would be the same. Thank you to all the people who I've met because even if your name is the only thing I know about you, you made me very happy. Thank you to the King for extending our vacation, and thank you to the school staff for allowing it. Back to school!

Lux In Domino!
-CJ

Woohoo! That was a nice season, indeed. For me & for all your other "shippers", you are the winner! Thank You for the memories of the games. Thank you for making me a "supplementary" part of your team. But most especially, thank you for giving me so much joy. Watching you guys has been the most fun I've had this entire school break. Thank You. I couldn't find enough words to express my gratitude for all of you. I hope this is enough.

Your battles were all nice. There's not even one that you could say you guys didn't fight. From the very start, it is evident that you have the capability to become the season's champion. You were never beaten by other teams for more than 10 points. You had your share of victory and defeat. Defeat did hurt so much, I know. But your wins were phenomenal. It doesn't matter that much when you didn't become the champion because you know, as a team, you did your best and you worked together, and we know, as spectators, that those qualities were enough for you guys to be champions, in our own minds & hearts.

I hope I could be part of a basketball team, someday, although I'm a girl, I'm still hoping because I have seen how you guys developed from complete strangers to best friends, and I want to experience the same. You were all amazing in your own little ways. It doesn't matter where you play, in the NBA, or for some street championship, for you to be able to say "This is where Amazing happens." You have proven that to me.

I'll edit this blog post later for your team pic & a list of your names. Thank You for everything, and I will surely miss all of you. Thanks for making me feel I'm "one of the boys" even just a little while. God Bless! Animo Yellow!

Lux in Domino!
-CJ

Maybe you have seen the phrase above in many books or articles that relay success or inspiring stories about people who are small yet are very competent in their own craft. An argument that has fired up our house earlier this night made me think...

My mother was full of anger. She was displeased that my brother did not even open his books today, prioritizing the basketball game instead of studying. I thought the disagreement would end up like every day. I never knew it come that far. Until it came to a point that my mother shouted, "Buti kung matangkad ka, pwede ka mag-basketball. Eh, ang liit-liit mo, tingin mo kikita ka dyan?" I knew my brother was clearly hurt and upset. He did answer back. But it was vague in my memory. All that I remember is that I just went upstairs, here, where I could not hear any of their screams. I was outraged by what my mother said to my Kuya.

Why was she so harsh? My brother isn't really that small. We're of the same height. I'm 13 and he's 16 and we're both standing "5'4 tall. He said he was the smallest in class. But that did not hinder his basketball dream. Ever since he was in Grade 6, he really is working hard to pursue being in the school varsity team. It was his dream. And all my mother could do was to crush it.

I was upset by the way she acted. It made me decide that I would not tell them about being a "..." if that's only how the way she would act. I thought she said she would support our dreams and endeavors.

Maybe what she said was true. But it isn't purely my brother's fault why he's 'not that tall'. He has already inculcated in his mind that God gave him his height as a challenge for him to excel more in what he wishes to pursue. My mother often says that my brother doesn't love us, but he does. Because if he didn't, he might have reprehended them (my parents) for his being small, reasoning that it is in the genes, but he did not, because he loves us. My brother did everything to be tall. Drinking milk, every color and flavor of it, following every belief of the elders, just to increase his height. But he decided, he must live with it if it is God's plan and it would not hinder his dream of being a successful basketball player. I believe he can do it.

I hope my mother would feel sorry for what she said. And I hope all things would go well in our house and family. I hope my Papa gets well just in time for his birthday. May God Bless our family and yours, too, whoever is reading this!

Lux In Domino!

-CJ

Ito ang una kong blogpost na nasa wikang Filipino. Kahit hindi ganap na Filipino ang ginamit ko sa lahat ng parte bagamat mahirap, sisikapin kong tapusin ito upang maipakita ang pagkamakabayan ko sa buong mundo.

Sa nakaraang mga linggo, napapansin ko na ang lengguwahe na pinagtutuunan ko ng pansin ay ang wikang Ingles. Sinabi ko sa sarili ko, "Wala namang masama dahil nakatutulong din naman sa akin pagdating sa komunikasyon at sa aking pag-aaral." Ngunit hindi na nagtagal nang napansin ko na nahihirapan na akong bumuo ng kahit simpleng pangungusap sa Filipino. Hindi ko na kayang makipag-usap ng deretsong Filipino at kailangan ay laging may Ingles na salita upang mapaltan ang mga katagang nasa dulo na ng dila ko ngunit hindi ko masambit ng deretso. Sa loob ko, ako ay nasasaktan.

Siguro nga ay nakakatulong ang wikang Ingles sa pang-araw-araw na pamumuhay. Aaminin ko na ako mismo ay naiinis sa mga artista o mga kilalang tao na nakararating lamang ng Amerika ay nakakalimutan na ang wikang kinagisnan. Nakakainis nga naman, diba? Na kahit isang araw o linggo ka lamang dumalo sa isang kaganapan sa ibang bansa ay may lakas ng loob ka nang mag-Ingles kahit paputol-putol at may kahalong Filipino. Tama? Nakatutulong nga naman sa imahe nila ang pagsasalita ng Ingles, dahil ito ika nga ang "Global Language". Ngunit ang pinagtataka ko lang ay kung bakit kung minsan ay tinatanong sila ng Filipino at sa wikang Ingles sila sumasagot. Hindi ba ito ay kawalang-galangan sa nagtatanong sa kanila? Siguro nga ay talagang mapagpaimbabaw ang mga artistang ito. At ito ay wala nang kinalaman sa atin. Marahil kaya ginagawa rin nila ito ay dahil makitid ang isipan ng mga manonood at kapag galing kang Amerika at hindi ka nag-Ingles ay sasabihing "Pumunta ba talaga siya dun?" Subalit ano nga naman ang pakialam ng mga artistang ito sa sasabihin ng iba, diba? Basta sila at ang Diyos ang may alam ng totoo. Ngunit ang natatanging makasasagot sa tanong na ito ay ang mga taong nasasangkot. Dahil malay ba natin kung ano ang totoo nilang pinagdaanan at nararamdaman diba?

Naiinis nga ako sa mga taong ganyan. Subalit ako rin ba, kapag ako ay makikipagpanayam sa reporter ay ano ba ang gagamitin ko, Ingles o Filipino? Siguro ay maguguluhan din ako. Ngunit dahil sa blog na ito, natutunan ko na ang sagot ay depende sa tanong. LOL. Ngayon ay nag-aaral na muli ako ng wikang Filipino para sa aming pagsusulit bukas.

Ayan, nabuo ko na ang blogpost na ito. At natapos ko ito sa katakot-takot na 51 minuto. Sana ay magbalik sa aking ang pakiramdam ng pagiging makabayan sa susunod na mga araw! Hanggang sa muli!

Lux In Domino!

-CJ

What's it with her? She can't even keep up with my complexity. She doesn't have her own opinion of right and wrong. She can't talk to me intellectually. She doesn't distinguish my irritation with the things she does. She's so demanding and can't sit still. If she could not digest my reserved and quixotic behavior, why doesn't she just go out of my house? Grr. I hope SHE was someone else. Oh well, I'll just accept life the way it is. I'll just try to be happy with what I have even if I can't. God Bless her.

Lux In Domino!

-CJ

Send It On Lyrics
Performed by: Disney Channel Circle of Stars

A word's just a word
'Til you mean what you say
And Love isn't love
'Til you give it away
We've all got a give
Yeah something to give to make a change

Send it on
On and on
Just one hand can heal another
Be a part
Reach your heart
Just one spark starts a fire
With one little action
The chain reaction will never stop
Make it Strong
Shine a Light and Send it On

Just smile and the world will smile along with you
That small act of love
Is spent for one to become two
If we take the chances
To change circumstances
Imagine all we can do
If we...

Send it on
On and on
Just one hand can heal another
Be a part
Reach your heart
Just one spark starts a fire
With one little action
The chain reaction will never stop
Make it Strong
Shine a Light and Send it On
Send it on

There's Power in all of the choices we make
So I'm starting now there's not a moment to wait
A word's just a word
'Til you mean what you say
And love isn't love
'Til you give it away

Send it on
On and on
Just one hand can heal another
Be a part
Reach your heart
Just one spark starts a fire
With one little action
The chain reaction will never stop
Make it Strong
Shine a Light and Send it On

On and on
Just one hand can heal another
Be a part
Reach your heart
Just one spark starts a fire
With one little action
The chain reaction will help things start
Make it Strong
Shine a Light and Send it On
Shine a Light and Send it On
Shine a Light and Send it On

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

This song really means a lot. Maybe many people like the song, only because it was sung by their favorite stars or because of the great vocals they have. But if you read between the lines, you'll see the true message beneath. If we 'send on' the message that the world needs a change, we could really arrive with something meaningful. We may start with just "turning of the lights or the water when we're done" as the JoBros have plainly said, then after we could do bigger things like "separating the biodegradable garbage from those which are not". These small deeds certainly mean a lot to Mother Nature. The main concept of this whole song is that if you do something purposeful, the younger kids, or those of your age will all follow, too, without having second thoughts, and that is really true. You do not have to be in any position to help, as long as you mean it, you can be able to "send it on".

So kids, what are all of you waiting for? Shine a light and Send It On!

Lux In Domino!

-CJ

TOMORROW!

Another milestone for GIS! Tomorrow, September 2, 2009, our school (Gems International School) will conduct our 5th Student Council Elections! I ran for a position, not that high, but I hope I do it good enough IF EVER I'm elected. It's a nice feeling, though, that my classmates are really there, supporting me through this One Big Fight! Cliche? I'll still keep my fingers crossed for tomorrow! Thank You to all my classmates! the 1st Year Aquamarine! You're the best, DUDES! LOL.

Tomorrow's surely a big day. We don't have classes. Still Big. I'm competing with Jill. Big. Maegan's coming here! BIGGER! Yes! I hope it pushes through!

Thanks Blogger!

Lux In domino!

-CJ

Vote Gems International School for the winning team! =)

Link: http://tcfjeddah.blogspot.com/

DISAGREE? You dare for a debate? =))

*Votes will not count in the final judgment of the winners. This is for promotional and amusement purposes only.

Lux In Domino!

After all that I have done, this is what I get?! An automatic restart?! I need to start the talk show script all over again. It was finished, and about to be printed, suddenly, my laptop said 'Restarting'. And they didn't even leave a copy on AutoRecover. Now, I need to start all over.

Well, this serves as a lesson I must learn. SAVE EARLY, SAVE OFTEN.

Lux In Domino!

Sometimes it's hard to be 'The Best of All Worlds'. So many worlds, so many distractions that misguide me into dropping the balls I'm juggling. Three worlds, no need to mention what those are, but I have to be the best in them. I have to give my best.

How can you be the best in just two hours? The other one takes about half an hour. The other takes two, and the other might as well be done in an hour. HOW?

All three worlds are important to me. They make me happy, fulfilled & contented with my life. If I drop or neglect just one of those three, my day's ruined.

In terms of priority, they are very far from each other. Just look at how much time I spend to fulfill them and you'll know how much I prioritize them.

No wonder I have no friends. There's not enough space in my life for them.

Okay, enough chatter. Thanks for helping me unveil what I feel. I guess I just have to continue juggling the three. I have to continue my report in Social!

More Power Blogger!

Lux In Domino!

As I listen to Hannah Montana's song "True Friend", I thought awhile. Do I have any? True Friends who hang on to my ups and my downs? True Friends who will go to the end of the Earth till they find the things I need? I may have had some...But that was before. Now, I don't.

Every time my mother says "Yan, kaya wala kang kaibigan..." when I have tantrums, I can't help but cry. But why? I've had the bestest of friends before. I keep on asking myself, where did I go wrong? They all left me. Is it my fault?

Evette was one. She was my best friend since Grade 3. I was happy, contented with her. But when we were in Grade 4, she suddenly told us she would be leaving. The day she left, February 14, 2007, I cried from evening 'til dawn.

When we lost our connection with each other, I tried to move on. I had friends in Grade 5. Vemeni, Jedmeah, Alyssa, and Karissa. Again, I was happy. They gave me so many things on my birthday. Our friendship lasted till Grade 6. That was when we were separated when our class was divided into two sections. The movement was beneficial academically. And we get to visit each other during recess and lunch. Well, that was before fake stories ended up populating the 6th Grade. The fault of the Big D who is still ruining my life nowadays. As weeks passed, we began to develop different personalities and opinions that may have also caused the gap. We also didn't have a happy ending. Sad, isn't it?

But I tried my best to be happy in spite of all those. But let's go back to the question. Is it my fault? Maybe, a part of all the separations are. I'll accept that.

Well, the truth lies only in the hands of the One above. I'll just ask him. Meanwhile, I'll just be happy with my life. Haha, Open ended? Wait for more.

Lux In Domino!

-CJ

I'd like to find out.

Please visit: http://kevan.org/johari?name=cjgalunan

Thanks!

Lux in Domino!

Read the paragraph above. As you see, I'm being inspired these days by the Joyce Meyer. It's really weird for kids aged like me to like her teachings, eh?

That's really what this blog means. Daring to be someone different from other people. Yes, that is true, God made us entirely unique individuals, humans who are barely similar to each other. That made us very special. And that is the DARE. What we need to do is to accept ourselves & stop trying to please everyone.

What are insecurities by the way? A person who is insecure lacks confidence in their own value and capability, trust in themselves or others, or has fears that a present positive state is temporary and will let them down and cause them loss or distress by "going wrong" in the future. Now, we need to overcome these fears. How? You must have the courage to be different, also, as the post above says. Yes, we need to have the initiative to do such a thing as "daring to be different". Remember,

"The Lord is my light and my Salvation, Whom Shall I Fear?" Psalm 27

Unhappiness & frustration happen when we reject our uniqueness & try to be like each other. We do this to become "in" & to fit in with our peers by PLEASING THEM. Now, we are in this world to live our life and also, to serve our own purpose and please God. And then, the question is, Am I a people pleaser or a God pleaser?

Of course, pleasing people can make you happy, in a way, because you can hear other people treating you as their "friend" because you can do things for them or are always by their side. As the paragraph above states, that is fine as long as you aren't thinking of that as your main purpose in living. God unleashed us into this universe because we have a purpose, we are worth something, and what other people think or say about us is not that SOMETHING. But what is that 'something'? It means that you have a mission, it means that God knows that you have to need to fulfill that mission that's why he sent you here, on Earth.

The paragraph above says what a 'people pleaser' is. Do you want to be like that? A human that is like a robot who lets other people control of himself with just a simple click? You might want to but God doesn't. God wants us to have our own disposition & not to be controlled by others like a robot. And we shouldn't, too, allow people to make use of us to get what they want.

I won't finish the whole article. It's way too long for a day. I hope this helps in developing an identity truly unique from others'. Ciao!

Lux In Domino!

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD

The Lord is my shepherd,
I shall not want;
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters;
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for His name's sake.

Even though I walk through the valley
of the shadow of death,
I fear no evil;
for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life;
and I shall dwell in the house of the
Lord forever.

Psalm 23

Well, it's my first post here. And it's about the People's Champ. He just won the battle with Hatton! Congratulations! I can proudly say, I am Pinoy!

I'm not really good at boxing. But I will try to tell how the Philippines defeated England with the details, those as far as I can remember.

During the first round, many people were surprised by Hatton's aggression. Many thought the People's Champ was going to lose. The Hitman wrestled Pacman like he wanted to end the fight very quick. But Pacquiao got tired of his punches. He hit Hatton with several punches & the Hitman fell. People who were watching thought Hatton was already dizzy. (I did too because I saw his face swelling in pain) We thought he was going to stop. But then, he fell again. But he still didn't stop.

The commentator said that Manny was dominating the first round as it ended. And as the second round started, Manny became more aggressive. And there was the trick of the fight. Pacquiao used his right hook on Hatton. Hatton was surprised, of course, as everyone thought Pacman was left-handed or "kaliwete" and could not control his right hook as strong as his left. Hatton became weak and there comes the winning moment...

Pacquiao used his left hook to throw an extremely strong punch on the chin of the weak Hitman. There, Ricky Hatton fell on the middle of the ring on the label saying "Rockstar Energy Drink". Then the referee counted...8, 9, 10! And then, everyone came rushing to Pacquiao. But that doesn't end already. Pacquiao kneeled, thanking the Lord of his victory! To God Be The Glory!

Again, Congrats, Pacman and I can definitely say, You did "hit" the Hitman! And I even heard them singing backstage, London Bridge is falling down! You did destroy the London Bridge, Pacman, Way To Go! You make us Filipinos so proud!

To everyone reading this, God Bless at Ingat lagi!