Marc Aldrich Gopal. 22. Novena, Singapore. Filipino. Proctoid. Wanderlust-y. Leo. Atenean. O-C. Sleepyhead. Anti-mediocrity.
Potterite. Pet Fanatic. Acquired Taste. Lives life. Loves life.
You think you know but you have no idea.
Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma- living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of other's opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become.
Everything else is secondary.
Long weekend this weekend. Its supposed to be a three-day weekend (F-Sat-Sun) but its a four day weekend for me since I dont have classes on thursday. Damn. I sooo dont feel like going back to school. not for this week. I mean, i dont feel like coming back. Or at least not until classes in january begin. Because its like going to be two weeks of rushed classes and then we'd have Christmas break. So with that loong break in between, its like theres no point of doing anything since formal classes (for me at least) will actually start next year.
And by then, its like going to be a rushed two months, and then a break and then we'll be off to our graduation. *sigh* time really does fly. It seems like only yesterday that I took the ACET, had the ORSEM and even underwent my first registration. Now, I'm already preparing transcripts and resumes.
And honestly a lot of things happened in between. A lot. There were things that I knew would happen. Things that I'm glad they're over with. Things i never thought I'd undergo. Things that would haunt me. Things that would make me proud. I guess what I'm saying is that when I entered college, I had this informal plan - a checklist of sorts of the things that I wanted and wished would happen to me before I graduate. And now, its barely three months before graduation and although i didn't really get to put a check mark on all the things in the list, I think overall, got more than i bargained for.
I guess, in a way, life is like that. As much as OC people like me try to construct lists and plans, life has its way of turning out way beyond what we expect. Sometimes, we get what we want. Oftentimes, we don't. The main difference I guess is the way we look at it, whether we choose to look at the rain clouds or we choose to look for the silver lining.
Along the way, I think I lost some of my optimism. Some would even say that I lost some of my idealism. To a certain extent, I would agree with that - especially when you compare my earliest entries with the most recent ones. But I guess, life's like that. Sometimes we lose parts of ourselves along the way. That isn't really all bad. Change in itself isn't bad. Its just that change, if ever we have them in our lives, must always be for the better. Change for the better, or don't change at all. Its as simple as that.
Hahay. emo na naman. Pero at least, its not that deep this time around. And can I just say, I looooove the weather in the Philippines now. Its frickin cold! I looooove it. Now I can get to wear jackets and long sleeved shirts. yehey! haha
Hearing: Paris Hilton - Stars are Blind Feelin' relaxed
I learned about something kanina. I guess one of the things that I was sure of didn't really deliver. Ewan. When I think about it, I guess my expectations were beyond what was actually reasonable. I guess when one gets used to remembering only the good times, the bad times would eventually find their way to bite you in the ass one day.
For one, something that I expected didn't come. But come to think of it, I shouldn't really have expected it in the first place, right? I mean, come on. After all the mishaps and problems, I think it was mindless of me to assume, to expect. *sigh*
Now, knowing that I'm in this position, it just makes me scared. It makes me wonder whats going to happen in the near future. damn. I've blogged about how the future scares me, about how overwhelming the prospect of life after school is. This was one thing that I was somewhat sure of, something that was definitely in the bag.
Truly, dont count your eggs before they hatch. tsk tsk Now here's to more eggs and waiting until they actually hatch. haha
Anyway, just to make sure that this post isn't entirely vague and pointless, I think its best to post some words of wisdom. Or in this case, an anecdote that I really liked. So anyway, I was looking for something to use for our 15-minute prayer thingy for Philosophy, and this was what I was planning to use. I thought that out schedule was for today. It turns out, its still going to be on the 17th. haha But oh well, just read the story and see for yourself.
I Wish You Enough
Recently I overheard a mother and daughter in their last moments together at the airport. They had announced the departure. Standing near the security gate, they hugged and the mother said, “I love you and I wish you enough.” The daughter replied, “Mom, our life together has been more than enough. Your love is all I ever needed. I wish you enough, too, Mom.” They kissed and the daughter left. The mother walked over to the window where I was seated. Standing there I could see she wanted and needed to cry. I tried not to intrude on her privacy but she welcomed me in by asking, “Did you ever say goodbye to someone knowing it would be forever?” “Yes, I have,” I replied. “Forgive me for asking, but why is this a forever goodbye?” “I am old and she lives so far away. I have challenges ahead and the reality is – the next trip back will be for my funeral,” she said. “When you were saying goodbye, I heard you say, ‘I wish you enough.’ May I ask what that means?”
She began to smile. “That's a wish that has been handed down from other generations. My parents used to say it to everyone.” She paused a moment and looked up as if trying to remember it in detail and she smiled even more. “When we said, ‘I wish you enough,’ we were wanting the other person to have a life filled with just enough good things to sustain them.” Then turning toward me, she shared the following as if she were reciting it from memory.
I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright no matter how gray the day may appear. I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun even more. I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive and everlasting. I wish you enough pain so that even the smallest of joys in life may appear bigger. I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting. I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess. I wish you enough hellos to get you through the final goodbye. She then began to cry and walked away.
They say it takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to appreciate them, a day to love them but then an entire life to forget them.
Take time to live.
To all my friends and loved ones, I wish you enough.
Of Faded Memories and Coded Messages Posted at 10:11 PM
There is no doubt that this blog is public. haha people from all over the world pass by each day, and there's no telling who or what they are doing here. Some are just innocent passerbys, others are friends, possibly some stalkers (haha) but overall, one can never really tell who might stumble upon this blog.
Which is why each and every post is somewhat scrutinized to make sure that I'm never placed in a compromised position. Oftentimes, having a public blog is nice - I mean, people actually get to comment and its all fun (especially if they actually do comment) but oftentimes its frustrating when there are things and events that you really want to record, but its just too private (or at times, even scandalous haha) to type here. During these times, I have two options (1) not to type the entry at all OR (2) type it with clues, hints or just type pure abstract thoughts that only I (or the select people who are in the know) would understand.
Most of the time, I just retain it in my increasingly unreliable memory. But sometimes, I just have that urge to type it here. Of course, I have to codify it, or at least make it abstract. For example, I typed this in an entry dated June 19, 2005. What was in the post? M.L.N.P.K.A.O.A.
Now, what does M.L.N.P.K.A.O.A mean? Well, I've been figuring it out since last April. Now its December and after months of figuring it out, I finally know remember what it means. haha Considering that I was the one who typed it, haha its still funny how I had to grapple with my memories to actually decipher it.
*sigh* Oh well. Having a public blog really has its pros and cons. Just look around for hints, clues and acronyms. haha You might just be lucky/knowledgeable enough to figure them out.
Thats all for today. 'Til the next loop!
Reading: History 166 Readings Hearing: James Blunt - You're Beatiful Feelin' thoughtful
Now, as I read through my latest entries, it seems that much of them are either uselessly abstract ones or rushed-out-of-impulse ones. So, to at least compensate for that, I'll do an events-based entry, just to balace things off. haha
So anyway, today was a Thursday. And if you've been reading my past entries, you would have correctly guessed that I dont have classes on Thursdays (as well as Tuesdays.) Nice right? I mean, not having classes on two out of five school days. Two breaks where one can sleep late and wake up after lunch. Yep, thats what I thought. Boy, was I so wrong. Consistently for the past two weeks, I actually wake up earlier during T-Th and end up going out more, and spending more. *sigh* haha
Well, today was my long delayed banking day. I mean, I had to do all of my financial chores as well as the investments that I've been planning to do for the longest time. The thing is, I've been scrimping for the longest time so that I could actually invest in something worthwhile. I've been planning this back when I had the lull time during my Unilever intern days (sa dami ba namang lull time, I had to actually do something). I've done enough research and rechecked my research (again and again, kasi siyempre, totoong pera na ito haha) and I finally made up my mind.
Naks. feel na feel ko na ang pagiging economist. haha Oh well, sayang naman ang nakuha kong A sa Economics of Money and Banking kung hindi ko siya ma-aapply sa real-life di ba!?
Well, according to what I learned, money in the bank is money lost. The only time you would want money in the bank is when you have the intention to spend it in the long run. If not, then invest in stocks and other financial instruments. And that is what I did - and in this case, I chose to invest in Mutual Funds.There are two Mutual Funds that I invested in. Kasi if there is one thing that I learned, its that one should never put all eggs in one basket. All in all, Mutual Funds offer moderate risk as well as high returns - which is for me, the best combination.
Before anything else, I had to go to Commonwealth Market first to buy some siomai samples for our business venture. Thankfully, I was able to do so. The prospects are looking good. So before proceeding further, imagine that whatever happens after, I have a plastic-bag's worth of relatively raw siomai in my back pack. haha Ayan ha, kung di ba naman dedication yan for my LS group - carrying raw siomai all over the metro. haha
So anyway, I went to Banco de Oro West Ave. East Maya Branch - which is my home branch. This is actually only the third time I went there since the banking in the Katipunan Branch is so much more convenient for me. I had them make two manager's checks - one for each mutual fund that I wanted to invest in. So they debited the amount from my account and then they updated my passbook. *sigh* what once was six, has now returned to five digits. =( *sigh*
So anyway, I went to Ortigas first. The first company is actually in the East Tower of the Philippine Stock Exchange. First of all, let me just say that I hardly go to Ortigas. And I actually got lost. I kept on asking for directions. I had to ride an FX going to Tektite (haha, Tektite - btw, its pronounced Tech-tight according to a friend of mine.) But I couldnt find any so I rode a jeepney. And I didn't know where to stop. But I felt like I had to stop somewhere, and when I asked the jeepney drive to stop, he stopped directly in front of the Philippine Stock Exchange. haha yay! Could it be that I'm finally finding my sense of direction? Or baka, tsamba lang? haha
So anyway, it was on the 20th floor. Nakakihiya yung next part kasi super confusing ng elevators sa Stock Exchange. There are some elevators that service various floors. For example, elevator number 14 goes only to floors 21 to 30. I kept on pushing the number 20 (for floor 20) but it just wont light up. I was soo frustrated. Pero, being the know-it-all that I am, I looked around. And, may directions naman pala. Maliit nga lang. Think font size 36. That's small ha, considering na public announcement siya. Kailangan pala, elevators number 16 to 18 ang sasakyan. So anyway, I got there na and registered for my first mutual fund. Can I just say, ang taray ng accent nung girl na nagentertain sa akin. Actually, nakausap ko na siya sa phone. Ang taray talaga ng accent. As in nafefeel ko na yung nosebleed. haha wish ko lang na makuha ko rin yun someday.
I had to go to Cubao next. Actually, the other mutual fund company has a branch in Makati, pero ang layo nun eh. So buti na lang at may branch sila sa Cubao. So, I headed for the Cubao station. It was 1 pm by then and I realized that the last meal I ate was a rushed breakfast at around 8. For my stomach, halos naghihingalo na yun. haha So I had to eat something. I bought this delicious looking bread from Julie's - its called violet something, basta may violet sa name niya. And can I just say, ang sarap sarap. May cheese and creamish sugar pa siya on top. Hindi ko na inisip yung calories. yum! (would you believe yun ang lunch ko? haha) After that I had to buy some water kasi I needed to wash down the sugar or else I'm bound to have another round of sore throat, and then I went to the office na to register for my second mutual fund.
Funny thing is, I met a familiar face there. Una, there was this guy na hindi ko kilala pero alam kong Atenean. I get that, I mean I see them in school but I dont really know him. This time around, he's an upper batch mate and he's graduated na, so he works there. Tapos he asked if I was an Atenean too. Tapos I showed him my ID (ang kapal no, hindi na lang nag-yes, kailangan pang magpakita ng ID. haha defensive!? haha) tapos he thought pala that I was his batchmate. haha excuse me no!? Student pa po ako. haha
So anyway, the highlight of my day was meeting Ate Hans! OMG, can I just say that she was one of my favorite seniors from Regcom. Thus the word "ate" affixed to her name. I dont do that often. Trust me. Its been like forever since I last saw her. And I was so happy that she remembered me. So, the processing took like five minutes. But I stayed in that office for like an hour, just catching up. It turns out, all of the people in that office were all Ateneans, AB Development Studies majors to be specific. Mabuhay talaga ang School of Social Sciences. haha
So after that, I had to do some paperwork in Ateneo and attend this talk for bonuses in Dy-Liacco's Class. *sigh* the things I do for bonuses. Good thing there was food there. There was pancit, baked macaroni, barbecue and burgers that were sliced into two. Actually, I didn't really like the food, but when food is free, it tends to taste better. uy, aminin! haha So anyway, I wanted to get two servings of the burger, kasi nga hinati siya into two, so I wanted to have one whole burger. But no!? May guard, as in sabi nung isang waiter, isa lang dapat, so i put the other burger down and then stepped away. Parang scene from Oliver Twist - the one where he asked for more porridge. haha Excuse me no!? Kaya ko naman bumili niyan hahaha. Pero I guess they were saving it for more people to come, so medjo understandable. haha
Can I just say na wala talaga akong natutunan dun sa talk. See, ang naalala ko lang is the food, and not what they were discussing before that. haha Probably because my stomach was rumbling during those people were talking. haha
After that, I went to Trinoma with Kamille, Jam and Earl. I think people purposely dress up to go to trinoma. May mga nakavest. may mga naka-americana-ish na jackets. May mga naka-three layered clothing. Well, can I just say, nasa Philippines pa rin tayo. Mainit. haha But oh well. Some people really sacrifice comfort for fashion. Malandi. Yun lang ang masasabi ko. Napakalandi. haha
Ayun. I'm here na sa house. Typing this entry. Bukas, one class lang ako. And yep, buhay pa naman yung siomai. Thank God hindi siya nasira, buo pa din yung shape niya after all that. And take note, nagustuhan ni Mama yung lasa! o di ba!? thats definitely a good sign.Anyway, yun na. Can I just say, ang dami kong ginawa today. Buti na lang at may MRT na. Without it, sobrang impossible yung ginawa ko kanina. Hope you had an eventful day as well.
Can I just share this, a conversation between my and my sister just a few minutes ago. haha now, don't be too hard on her, we all have our bona moments once in a while. haha
Aldrich: May plan ka bang gift sa akin? Sister: Wala pa nga eh. May gusto ka bang ipabili? Aldrich: Wala. Cash na lang. wahahaha Sister: Wag na, gusto ko gift, para may suspension.
Ayan eh. haha Sumakit yung tiyan ko sa kakatawa. hahaha
'Til the next loop!
Hearing: Josh Groban - You Raise Me Up Feelin' rushed
Before anything else, let me warn you that this is going to be a pointless post. haha Super feel ko lang magblog tonight. haha
So anyway, the past few days, I think I spent more than I intended to. I didn't really intend to, but then one thing led to another and viola, there I was in front of the ATM, withrawing *once again.* Damn! Why do the things I love in the world cost too much!!! haha But oh well, I guess sometimes one just has to spend, para naman hindi puro kakuriputan ang umiiral sa mundo. haha Sometimes we have to spend money to earn money. Pero this time, hindi siya applicable, specially since all I've been doing the past few days is spend spend spend.
Moving on, sobrang sabog ng day na ito. I just had one class tapos after that, I just went to a meeting. And then another one. And then another one after that. Gooood!!! Ang daming gagawin. Pero wala pa naman mashadong academic stuff, puro planning pa lang. *sigh*
Also, I think my Ragnarok addiction is coming back. Lalo na ngayon at malalakas na ang characters ko at milyonaryo na ako (in zeny that is.) Haha Isa pa ito sa additional expenses that I was talking about. Damn. Kainis naman. Sa lahat ng panahon, bakit ngayon pa nagbalik ang aking pagkahilig sa Ragnarok. =( Oh well. Sayang naman di ba? Infairness, marami na rin akong investments sa account ko. Gone are the days na naghihingalong mga first level characters ang nilalaro ko. Ngayon, they're nothing short of fabulous. Kahit yung mage ko dati na mukhang pulubi, aba, mukhang umahon sa hirap matapos maging wizard. Tapos maganda na rin yung mga equips nung aking hunter. haha patience is a virtue nga talaga.
Tapos, may friend ako na nagforward sa akin ng image sa ibaba. Can I just say, if ever ganyan ang face ko, aysus, magpapayaman kaagad ako at retoke na kaagad ito - talo pa ang the Swan. haha
Can I just say, napakapointless nga talaga ng update na ito. haha taglish na, wala pang sense. hahaha tatawa na lang ako ng malakas buwahahahaha mas malakas pa BUWAHAHAHA
*calms down* haha ang jologs ko ngayon. hahaaha Itigil na nga ito. itigil. Pagpasenshahan niyo na lang ako. haha Its just one of those days. haha
Well, I have the time so why not post something here di ba!? So anyway, it seems that I'm addicted to a new song na naman, this time its Jordin Spark's Tattoo! haha
For one thing, I love the melody. (naks, may nalalaman pang melody) tapos ang ganda din nung message. haha Its soo reminiscent of one of my favorite quotes - don't hold on too long and never let go too soon.
One thing about Jordin, yep she's fat. And her lips are too wide for my taste. (and it reminds me of an old friend. haha) She also looks like Betty (from Ugly Betty.) But the thing is, people just have to go beyond that. I think she's a great singer. Its not all about being white and thin all the time. Plus, I felt something authentic in the way she sang the song. And arent you tired of thin-model-wannabe singers who go out of their way to wreak havoc and go in and out of jail just because they have the luxury to do so?
So anyway. Yun lang. Just wanted to blog about her. It just seems that she deserves an entry. After alll the times I have played her song over and over again.
You're still a part of everything I do. You're on my heart, just like a tattoo. Just like a tattoo, I'll always have you.
Have you ever woken up with that urge to get out of the house? That feeling like something outside is calling for you. It brings about a sense of restlessness and a feeling of unease. Well, I woke up with that urge this morning.
I woke up at around 7:30 am, quickly went out for an hour or so and then came back to the house. Yes, I did get out of the house, but it was for an errand and I had to come back at once.
I've been looking for a reason to actually go out, finding people to go with me, or at least finding a place to go to. But then, I think almost everyone's got plans and my financial status is a bit hazy ever since I invested a huge (and I mean, huge-next-level-na-ito huge) bulk of my savings in Mutual Funds. I mean, i'm sort if in transition especially since my money is longer liquid.
As i mentioned earlier, I spent a lot last week. As in a lot. And I know that staying home wouldn't cost a centavo, but then I just feel that I should have gone out today. But I didn't. All I did was read some of my readings and lay in bed. I dunno, I'm tired because I'm bored. haha But I guess, boredom can be a sacrifice that we sometimes have to make.
But still, I should have gone out today. I really think so. Anyway, no matter how uncomfortable I was today, it was definitely a satisfyingly good day for my wallet. (^_^)
I read in a Yahoo article that Oprah has announced her support for US Presidential hopeful Barack Obama. This is said to be the first time that Oprah has endorsed a presidential candidate. Also, its her first time to actually be in a campaign trail. I'm not sure if his other competitors realize this but this will definitely give Obama's campaign a huge, and I mean, huge boost.
If I could remember correctly, it was a spoof in MAD TV that showcased how nobody can say no to Oprah. Well, it was all for fun, but the truth is, Oprah's power and influence over her audience in and out of the US is overwhelming, so much so that I think she has more clout over US citizens than most modern-day monarchs have in their respective kingdoms.
Another thing to note is that survey results show that Hillary Clinton is in the lead in the race for the White House. Times are indeed changing. Who would have thought that the top two contenders for the next US presidency are a woman and an african american.
Could it finally be the time for a woman president for the US - quite like the series COmmander in Chief!? haha Only time can tell.
Reading: Global Strategies Handouts Hearing: keyboard clicks. Feelin' overwhelmed.
Can I just say, this has been one very very very loooooong day. Talk about accomplishing so much in a span of 24 hours (or even less, if you dont count those times I'm asleep.) *sigh* anyway, I'm feeling too lazy to type it all here. But I'll be doing that soon. Probably by Friday.
Ika nga ni Pinoy Big Brother, malalaman niyo rin sa takdang panahon.
Reading: Philosophy of Sartre Hearing: Atomic Kitten - The Tide is High Feelin' satisfied
I think I'm beginning to like the band Vertical Horizon! haha Could it be that Aldrich's taste is music is going beyond bubble-gum pop music and possibly moving to an appreciation of bands!? Well, maybe. But still, not all bands.
So anyway, I simply love their song - You're a God. It has been in my PDA for over a year now. If that doesn't scream staying power, I don't know what does. haha Plus, you can see hints of You're a God in the layout of this blog. Also, the video of this song is nice as well. Do take the time to watch it, if you can.
Plus, I was you-tubing (yes, i'm making it a verb, quite like google-ing) Vertical Horizon earlier and I uncovered one song that I've been looking for for the longest time - Best I Ever Had. I mean, ang tagal tagal ko na talagang hinahanap ito! I just didn't have the time nor a reliable memory to find it! Anyway, I found it na!
You can watch it here! (hopefully, I can be able to embed it here.) This incidentally is the first time my blog will have an embedded entry! God, you-tube is certainly a phenomenon. haha And its not showing signs of slowing down.
Anyway, I'm babbling now. Ciao!
But it's not so bad You're only the best I ever had You don't want me back You're just the best I ever had
But it's not so bad You're only the best I ever had I don't want you back You're just the best I ever had The best I ever had The best I ever
Reading: Global Strategies - Pharma Case Hearing: Vertical Horizon - Best I Ever Had Feelin' thankful.
I just watched Hairspray! haha I wanted to watch it for the longest time, and a few days ago, I finally bought the DVD! haha Anyway, I'm not yet done with the film (I'm typing this entry while watching the film - go multitasking!) but I loved the song, Without Love!
Without Love
Life is like the seasons with no summer Life is rock 'n' roll without a drummer Life is like a beat that you can't follow Life is Doris Day at the Apollo Life is like a prom that won't invite us Life's getting my big break and laryngitis Life's a '45' when you can't buy it Life is like my mother on a diet Like a week that's only mondays Only ice cream never sundaes Like a circle with no center Like a door marked "do not enter!"
Got to go back to the pile of things I have to do. I just sneaked this movie in. haha
'Til the next loop!
Reading: Hairspray - the Movie! Hearing: Hairspray - Without Love Feelin' energetic
I went to a christening (Sacrament of Baptism) earlier today. It was in the church near Concepcion Market, in Marikina. And I was to become a godfather (ninong) to my nephew - Luis and niece - Denise.
Can I just say, nafeel ko talaga ang population boom sa Pilipinas. I mean, it was sacrament overload kanina simply because there were so many of children (from new borns to one who I think was above 7 years old already) and there were only 3 priests! Ang dami dami dami dami daming bata. Of course, their parents were there. Tapos the godfathers ad godmothers din. The church officials even had to bring out their monobloc chairs because the pews could not accomodate the people inside.
This is incidentally the first formal/official time that I'm a godfather. haha Can I just say, swerte itong mga batang ito. haha yan lang ang masasabi ko. Lalo na at may sweldo na ako the next time they'll have their gifts. Plus, it felt like I was coming full circle. You may ask why. To put it quite simply, it was more or less 20 years ago that I myself was baptized there. And now, 20 years after, i'm witnessing my own niece and nephew being baptized. Ewan. Parang ang weird ng feeling. Pero ang amazing di ba!?
This by the way has been the first time I stepped into a church for about half a year na. In a way, it felt good. But then again, I didn't go there to hear mass, I went to be there for my niece and nephew. *sigh*
Anyway, I have to get back to my academic work. Its slowly piling up and I'm starting to see sleepless nights in the very very near future.
Reading: Pharma Case Hearing: Click 5 - I Think We're Alone Now Feelin' amazed.
My high school barkada (just recently) created a Yahoo! group. The last time I checked, there are 7 of us (excluding bees. buzz! haha) and as usual, its all good! haha Which makes me miss high school days that much more!
Anyway, one of the FMS - Oliver, created this spoof. And I though to myself, this should be posted here. I'm not sure if anyone outside the FMS can understand or relate to it, but take comfort in knowing that it sure is hilarious. haha so anyway, here it goes! haha
"... ngayong enero, inihahandog ng abs-cbn, ng star cinema at ng FMS 2004 ang teleserye na babago sa mukha ng inyong mga gabi...humanda na't maghintay sa paparating na kuwento ng mga guro...
si Fe, isang inang nangangarap gumanda... si Meng, isang matandang dalagang naghahanap ng tunay na pag-ibig... si Tikya, umaasang may sasabay sa kanyang musika ng buhay... si Susan, saan huhugot ng pag-asang magpatuloy muli ang biktimang ito... at si Melinda, isang probinsyana na bagong salta sa Maynila...
at sa espesyal na partisipasyon ni Binibining Regino bilang lasinggerang narrator ...
silang lima ang inyong makakasama bawat gabi sa pinakabagong palabas sa primetime bida... mga kuwentong iba-iba, mga istoryang aantig sa puso ninuman... halina't mamili, sumilip at makinig sa kanilang mga aral... bawal umabsent sa lecture nila ma'am... buhay-guro, buhay-tao, buhay sa mundo...
"Turo-Turo.. ."
malapit na... abangan... fade out music..."
Please don't take offense - especially to those people whose names are mentioned. All of this are done for humor's sake, because God knows how these days, we have to take humor and fun whenever and wherever we can. Ciao!
Reading: History Notes Hearing: Yeng Constantino - Salamat Feelin' reminiscent.
I was browsing my old e-mails kanina. I don't know why, but I was doing it. haha So anyway, I uncovered some pictures of mine. They were taken almost two years ago. I visited the National Museum before for a Spanish Project - Mi Album. And of course, I took pictures, even though the signs around the museum said that I shouldn't. haha
So anyway, here are two pictures. Now, it was only taken by a VGA camera, so just bear with the pixelation.haha
Looking at the pictures above, all I can say is, yes, ang taba ka talaga - noon. haha I'm not as thin as I would like to be now, but lookin at the pictures above makes me think that people aren't just kidding around when they say that I lost weight. Parang gusto ko sabihin sa sarili ko na mataba pa rin ako. Pero sa totoo lang - and in all fairness, hindi na kagaya nang dati no! haha I mean, yeah - I did lose weight. Now, I think merit would have to be due to me if I worked hard to exercise, dieted religiously and/or went to the gym to lose that weight. But then, I didn't really exercise, I dont go to the gym and I don't even diet anymore. The key to weight-loss? Simple: Stress. S-T-R-E-S-S plus the emotional roller-coaster that we call life. haha
So anyway, still have to do two things for Dy-liacco's class and I'm finally free for the Holidays. And can I just say, in the past years, I would always have difficulty finding the time to wrap my gifts. But now, I actually had difficulty finding the time to buy the gifts. haha Grabe ha, this school year is stretching me far too thin. (pun intended. if ever pun man yun. haha)
God, this is a very shallow and superficial entry. Pero, we all have our shallow-ness sometimes. pero, bakit ba!? At the end of the day, its still my name in the URL. haha
Just as I was about to cram my theology paper - a paper that will be due in less than 9 hours and will constitute a whopping 30 percent of my grade, Gus - my beloved and virus-ridden laptop, is dead.
It had this error message and won't even boot windows. I turned it on early this morning and there were no problems. Why now!? If it showed signs of breaking down earlier, then I would have been able to grab the boot-disk at home. But I'm in school now.
So yeah, I'm in one of the public computers in school. *sigh* It just feels weird to use these things. Plus, I've got the Theo paper I have to cram. damn. Just two more requirements and I'm free (or so I'd like to think)!
Hearing: keyboard clicks in Matteo! Feelin' optimistic
Just got back from the Regcom Christmas party sa Bellarmine field kanina. Its funny that after almost eight years of being an Atenean, ngayon lang ako nakahiga sa Bellarmine field to actually just lie there and look at the stars. Thanks to all those that made it happen. haha
Anyway, I was able to find the bootdisk for Gus - my laptop. And now, its all brand new. yay! I mean, its as if I just bought it from the factory in terms of the software. The only drawback is that its all in Factory settings. After the reformatting, all the Aldrich-ness of Gus was gone - no more customized and updated programs, no more bookmarks (crap.), no brushes and fonts, and I don't even have Microsft office! OMFG. I just realized it, I dont have office yet. Plus, all the accounting that I did for Crocobite is gone with that as well. Hay nako, ang ganda talaga ng timing! haha
Pero, ika nga ng iba - its a chance to start anew. Ang ganda di ba? If software ang problem, eh di ok, reformat lang. If only it was that easy for people. haha
Anyway, I have to sleep pa. Its almost 1 am na. Til tom!
I'm here in the library now, donwloading updated programs just to make sure that Gus will be up and running just like his old self in no time. Can i just say, I'm still getting used to Gus being able to hibernate. haha I mean, I know that all computers do that, but then Gus has problems with going into hibernation, and most of the time, he ends up hanging. haha
So anyway, I just wanted to post an entry here to say that I'm done with school! I sat in in the earlier class of my Philo teacher so that I won't have to wait for my 3:30 class. And now I'm done! At least for this year. Schools starts in January 7 (i think) so that gives me barely two weeks to recover sleep, handle errands, rest, watch dvds, and do school work din. And then come january, its just going to be a rushed two months and then graduation na. Yes people, its the beginning of the end. haha
Anyway, ayun. I'm gonna be done with this entry. and I'm downloading IE 7.0 (since I'm used to that already, and what I have now is 6.0 i think.) After that, I'm gonna head home. *Sigh* it just relaxes me to think that I don't have anything to do today. haha
Before I end, may sasabihin lang ako. I noticed two visits from Arizona this week alone. From Glendale, specifically haha. Can I just say, magcomment ka naman!? You know who you are. haha
I woke up late today - around 10 am na. Its not actually that late, but I had to do something this morning so that I could go to this Christmas party in the afternoon. Now, I have to rush everything I had to do this morning now. Its already 1 pm now and I'm still not yet halfway through. Crap. And the party is at 6. Double crap.
Anyway, Gus is still not yet finished being Aldrich-ed. haha As of now, i installed Office 2000. God, Office 2000 is soooo old. I mean, its the version I used way back in high school. I even had the cat for my Office Assistant which purrs evertime you click it. I remember clicking it once in a while during the first time I remember not sleeping for an academic requirement which was in that case the Research Paper we had to do for English under ma'am Fe. *sigh* So anyway, I need Office 2007. I need it. haha
Just wanted to sneak this entry. haha I know that I should have just used the time I had typing this entry to continue working, but then, I just can't help it. In a way, ranting is a way to release stress. yes, it wastes time. But it relaxes me as well. So go figure. haha
Ciao!
PS I think another layout is in the works for this blog. I think green's going to be the color that will welcome the new year. No promises. But we'll see. haha
Reading: Product Categories Hearing: Mandy Moore - Extraordinary Feelin' sore
Halili-Cruz School of Ballet Christmas Party Posted at 10:58 PM
I went with my cousin to the Halili Cruz School of Ballet this evening. There could have been many other reasons for going like accompanying my cousin or spending time with my niece and nephew, but I was in for primarily one reason: the food. haha The things I do just for good food.
So anyway, the last time I saw them dance was during their "recital" in the Meralco Theatre last year. It was awesome. And the younger children were sooo adorable. They had a short show earlier. It turns out that the show they presented earlier was the show that earned them a gold medal in Malaysia.
Also, there were like four guys in the whole show. Take note, I think all four of them are older than me. Can I just say that it takes balls for a guy to actually dance ballet. And it takes even more balls to wear tights. haha Thankfully none of those showed as they did their show. haha
And there was this small, adorable litte girl who was supposed to sing. And can I just say, she is talent personified. I mean, I couldn't believe that such power and vocal prowess can come from a small throat and a couple of underdeveloped lungs. haha
And yes, the food. Can I just say, I went back twice - just like I always do in buffets. The first one is to taste everything, just samples of all the dishes. The second one is for me to choose all that appealed to my taste. Can I just say, cassava cake is love. haha All the others were passable. The thing is, growing up with a father who works in the hotel industry, I kinda have high standards when it comes to food. In other words, nagfifeeling akong judge, kagaya nung nandun sa Iron Chef. haha Plus, it seems that after having tasted lots of cuisines accross the globe, i still have a special place in my heart (and stomach!) for Filipino kakanins, specifically cassava cake. Yum!
I'm soo going to regret eating too much tonight very soon. crap. Why did I have to be born with big bones and a slow metabolism. haha (ang daming excuses eh no!?)
OOoh! I almost forgot to post here, I saw Napoleon Abueva earlier. He's a National Artist for the Arts, although I'm not sure which particular art. haha Anyway, I saw him kanina - he looks old, but not the icky kind (DOM) but the kind who has grown old with wisdom. He unveiled his sculpture kanina of a ballerina. I wanted to approach him and try to start a conversation. Then it occured to me, "ano ang paguusapan namin? yung ulam?" haha So i just looked at him from afar ala stalker-mode. haha
So anyway, yun lang. I wanna sleep na rin. 'Til Tomorrow!
I have a new flash disk! After months of actually waiting for the right one to come along (naks, parang song), I finally found the one that I want.
Well, its color green with two clovers - so parang irish yung theme niya. Plus, its one GB! So this means I can wave goodbye to buying CDs and DVDs when I ask my friends to burn me episodes of Gossip Girl or Ugly Betty. yay!
Come to think of it, 1 GB is like the average size of flash disks these days. Its amazing how technology has become so advanced and cheap at the same time. This time last year, a 1 GB flashdisk was roughly more than 1500 pesos, now anything above 500 php is overpriced. If this continues at the rate it is going, could flash disks soon be as cheap as diskettes!?
It just reminds me that it was only a few (well maybe not a few) years ago, when the memory of my hard disk was 458 MB, yes people, not gigabytes, but megabytes. It was as big as a desk, but it could only handle microsoft word and encarta. I couldn't even install powerpoint at that time because of memory constraints. This was around 1999. Could you believe that after just 8 years, you could have one thing that's double the memory but smaller than my thumb?
Amazing di ba? O anyway, tama na muna. I have some work to do.
PS The mom of a good friend of mine is currently confined in a hospital and is being prepped for surgery. Please join me in praying for her.
This morning, I went to Cartimar to buy fish food and some fish. Only some fish because I have now realized the limitations of my pond and understood that everytime I buy too much, Natural Selection takes its course and ends up killing the majority of fish. haha
So anyway, I was amazed as to how "commercial" the new Cartimar is. I mean, I blogged about the construction works in Cartimar a few months ago, and now, I think its finished and the stores are slowly coming in. Its all sooo commercial na! As in, they have stores that cater to specific niches. Can I just say, money really is spent in Cartimar. At least, my own money everytime I go there. God! I only bought a few things, and some fishes, but everything just added up. Hahay Sige Aldrich, spend lang ng spend. sige... haha
Anyway, I'm watching Tanging Yaman now since its on Cinema One. I love this movie. I mean, the economic costs of having a large family is really outrageous, but nothing beats all the love and drama of a big family.
I know I haven't been that nice this year. Well, to be honest, I haven't really tried. But I think you know what I want this year. Its the same thing I asked for last year, and the year before.
~> Aldrich
I guess, maybe it wont come unless I actively find it myself. I watched Evan Almighty last night. And what I loved about the movie was what "God" said in the latter part of the movie when he said that "when you ask God for courage, he doesn't give you courage, but the opportunity to be courageous." So anyway, I just want that opportunity, and when it comes, I'll do the rest. I promise. haha
Christmas comes to us only once in a year. Some people dread it because of the costs and expenses. Some people dread the loneliness it brings. Some people think its all about the gifts. Some people think that its all about the money.
However, underneath the wrappers and glitter lies the true meaning of Chrismast - remember what really matters. I hope that all of you who read my blog time and time again spend it with your family and loved ones. For now, forget the wars. Forget that you have problems. And most importantly, forget that diet - think of it this way, today, calories don't exist - a special treat from Jesus himself. haha
Happy Chrismas everyone! (Yes, happy instead of merry, ala british. haha)
PS Can I just say that I regret buying gifts without boxes. My giftwrapping skills apply only to boxes! haha They're basically useless on other shapes. Oh well, its whats inside that matters right?
Hearing: The Fray - How to Save a Life Feelin' festive!
Today - the 25th of December, I went to Church. No, I didn't go to mass, I just visited the church - St. Peter's Church along commonwealth avenue, yep that big church with the unfinished exterior look. No, I didn't go because today is Christmas Day. I went there, just because.
I remember saying in Philosophy of Religion class that I consider myself as an "impluse" catholic. Why an impluse catholic? Simple. Because I get these occassional impulses to go to church. I don't know where it comes from or why, but I just get them. Think of the birds when they migrate. I don't think anybody teaches them the directions as to how to head south, but they just do. Parang ganon. Kung di mo pa rin gets, eto: aldrich=bird, church = south. owkey?
Anyway, I usually get monthly impluses - haha parang menstrual cycle. Kidding aside, I used to go to church about 14 times a year - once per month and then oftentimes, even more. The thing is, this year was different. Aside from the first time I went to church at the start of 2007, this was probably the second time I stepped into that same church since then. (at least, thats how I remember it.) Its just that so much has happened this year, particularly to me. And I guess, it made me move farther away from church. Maybe it was because of my hectic schedule. Thats what most people would say, right? I'm busy and church is way below in my list of priorities.
The thing is, church has never been below in my list of priorities. In the past, it hardly was ever there. I mean, without the so-called impulse, I don't even have it in the "list," but when it did come, no force of nature can stop it, or me for that matter from going. This year, however, is different. Ewan. I guess some things change. Maybe I got distracted. Maybe the impulse was there but I just didn't feel it. Or worse, maybe it was there but I just ignored it.
Pero last night, the impulse was sooo overwhelming. I mean, as I offered the food in the altar last night, I felt it. There was no denying it. And just like I described, there I was in church kanina. The church looked as old and unfinished as ever. But I felt something different. The whole experience in church kanina was awe-some. I mean, I think it was my most emotional visit to church ever. Can i just say, after one year of hardly going, it was like being the prodigal son. It was like a homecoming na ewan. haha
I know that I don't pride myself of being religious. Heck, I'm not even what you would call spiritual. But the thing is, there are some things that even I believe in, things that bring me to awe and completely overwhelm me. And what happened today was certainly one.
Could it be that Aldrich would now regularly go to church? I doubt it. Could it be that Aldrich has now found more reasons to believe? Maybe. Could it be that Aldrich has found hope through this experience? Definitely.
Reading: Q.C. Balut Company Audit Hearing: Fantasia Barrino - I Believe Feelin' overwhelmed
Thinkin' of a present for myself... Posted at 12:41 PM
I'm thinking of buying something today. I've always wanted one and I think my bank account can handle the costs. *i think* haha Well, I know I usually take the time to canvass prices, to think and rethink my choices before actually buying anything beyond three digits.
But I think the time to canvass has gone and passed. The time to think and rethink has long been over. Now, is the time to spend! haha
Aldrich, ako ba ito? haha Hopefully, I get to buy it before the I stop myself. haha Hopefully.
Anyway, yesterday was one lazy wednesday. haha Its been a long time since the last time I didn't have anything to do. Lazy days are precious when one is a senior. Come to think of it, lazy days are precious when one is an Atenean, period. Oh well, give or take three months, I won't be an Atenean anymore. *sigh* Hello real world. haha
Ayun. So, I'm off! 'Til the next loop!
Reading: E-bay pages Hearing: Natasha Beddingfield - These Words Feelin' anxious.
Aldrich's Gift to Himself. haha Posted at 09:43 PM
The PlayStation 2 (abbreviated "PS2" is Sony's second video game console, the successor to the successful PlayStation and the predecessor to the PlayStation 3 as part of the PlayStation series. Its development was announced in March 1999 and it was released a year later in Japan.
The PS2 is part of the sixth generation era, and is the best-selling console of all time,having reached over 120 million units in sales in 2007. On November 19, 2005, the PS2 became the fastest game console to reach 100 million units shipped, accomplishing the feat within 5 years and 9 months from its launch. This was faster than its predecessor, the PlayStation, which took "9 years and 6 months since launch" to reach the same benchmark.
Yes, people, today is the day that Aldrich finally has a PS2. haha Today - December 27, 2007 - almost 9 years since the release of the first PS2. haha Yep, I know its a few years delayed, but I guess in this case, its better late than never. right?
I would like to thank Unilever *wink* for this gadget. I wouldn't have been able to squeeze it in my finances, if it wasn't for the cash. haha
Yesterday was our annual FMS Christmas Reunion. Well, technically, it was an FMS post-christmas reunion since our schedules didn't really have openings until after christmas. Well, FMS - above anything else is my High School Barkada. There are seven of us, but one is several time zones away, so there's just six of us left here in the Philippines.
We met in Serendra - which as much as I'm ashamed to say this, was the first time I've been there. Can I just say, its so sosyal! haha Kailangan talaga ng breeding! haha I mean, there were people there from the alta de sociodad (sp?), and the others, well the others were hmmm. haha!
So anyway, we ate in TGI Fridays and then went to a Different Bookstore to exchange gifts and talk some more because TGIF was cramped, as in super sikip! And then, we found something - a computer! haha So we then called up Nikolai - who is in Arizona, completely aware that it as approximately 6 am there at that time but still bothered to do so for one simple reason: minsan lang ito mangyari. So, the early-morning-voice of his mother answered the phone and then proceeded to wake him. (I think this was what happened as I had trouble hearing from Daniel's phone).
After a few frustrating minutes of technical difficulties (completely on Nikolai's side haha!) we finally had the webcam up and running. Can I just say, we have been talking about a phone patch/video conference for the past three FMS christmas reunions, and without planning for it beforehand, it finally happened! O di ba!?
So, we maximized the video window to full screen (which is a startling sight - especially since we haven't seen Nikolai for the longest time) and there we were - all seven, in one way or another, complete. There were several pictures taken - all six of us with Nikolai's face on the monitor. haha And then he toured us around his room, and showed us a picture of the FMS he framed - the one we had taken during our Grad ball four years ago. And he showed us lots of other things too - including a tour of his house and even a cameo of his mom!
The sad thing is that Daniel has plans of going to Europe. So that basically makes it that more difficult to have us al together next year. *sigh* I think, I'll still be here in the Philippines by Christmas. Well, hopefully i'd get to cross time zones as well. But anyway, this was the first time in a very long time that all seven of us actually were in the "same" place. Yep, Nikolai was on a webcam and there was only one headset so there were limitations. Pero, sa panahon ngayon - we just have to make do. Ika nga ni Tim Gunn, we had to make it work! haha
Can i just say that I haven't laughed that hard for the longest time. I mean, there's just this pain from laughing too hard that comes with being with the FMS. And yesterday was no different. Yes, I may probably be too ashamed to come back to TGIF, quite like Cravings *wink* - but it was all worth it. It was like everything fell into place, came full circle. Its been almost four years since the time we parted ways, and yet there's still something there.
Now, to Daniel, Dio, Oliver, Michael, Justin and Nikolai - I know ya'll read my blog. haha I know that its inevitable that we all change. Heck, Oliver even drove Justin, Dio and me home. (I loved the ride back by the way, Oliver! haha) If that's not change, I don't know what is! haha But I still take comfort in knowing that no matter what happens, no matter wherever we go or how many time zones sets us apart, FMS pa rin tayo. haha And that is one of the few things that I hold dear. *tear drop* chiz! haha
Anyway, I had fun last night. I really did. And I'll try to post pictures soon - or at least as soon as Oliver or Justin send them to me. Hope everyone else is having a grand time as this year comes to a close.
PS Watch out for my year-ender entry. Also, I doubt a layout for this site is coming any time soon. Maybe, March at the latest. oks? My PS2 is becoming an addiction, eating up all of my spare time. Aldrich is loving Valkyrie Profile 2: Silmeria! haha toodle-loo!
Do you ever get that feeling of helplessness? I mean, sometimes everything would just seem like its always in motion - like everything is fleeting. When you think of one moment for example, that moment becomes the past. Just as you are about to grasp one moment, it then passes on, and becomes the past. I'm not sure if i have made myself clear.
Hmmm its like this, whatever the present is, it constantly becomes the past. like the time you read this sentence - that becomes the past. And then, if we can't go back in time, and then we can never really be sure of what the future holds, then what the hell do we have? The present right? But the present becomes the past. crap. haha I think i'm just confusing myself.
But I can't seem to get away from feeling so helpless these days. Plus, sometimes I feel that all I have are memories. some are bad memories, others are good ones - beyond compare. But the thing is, thats just it - they're just memories. Yes, one can reminisce. Yes, one can look back. But one can never actually go back. And it just makes me feel helpless.. tsk tsk. *sigh* here I am overthinking again. tsk tsk
Can anyone invent a time machine already?
Reading: Billboard Charts Hearing: Sarah Geronimo - Ikaw Feelin' frustrated.
Sometimes its funny how fast time flies. I mean, it seems like yesterday that I was typing my year-ender entry for the year 2006, and now here I am typing one for the year 2007. Life is indeed a journey - and a fast one at that. Before I welcome 2008, I think its best to look back at the year that was - 2007.
But before anything else, I have to say that this post in itself is an accomplishment. If you click on the "profile" link above, you'll see that this is actually my 200th post! That in itself is an achievement. Also, the end of each year is the anniversary of my blog: Reflections. Its only been a few years, and yet this blog has grown, grown more than I ever expected it to when I started it. Here's to more posts and even more growth for this blog in the future! May 2008 bring more blog-worthy events into my life - hopefully more good than bad. haha
Happy Anniversary Reflections! 200 entries(!), 5 layouts, and counting.
So anyway, 2007 started with much hope and aspiration. Personally, it was the year that was supposed to bring redemption for the much disgraced 2006. In one way or another, it did.
AcademicsFor one thing, my academic career (career daw o!) is at an all time high. I have achieved QPIs that I could only dream off in high school or even when I entered the Ateneo. Last semester was my highest QPI to date - something that I didn't really expect when the semester started. In one way, it was a blessed semester - a blessing that fell short to be honest. Now, I think I have every reason to be bitter (especially since this "falling short" was not a shortcoming on my part but because of something else), but I think that time has passed. I think after thinking about it, I guess there are things beyond grades.
I mean, I have everything I need grades-wise. No matter what QPI I get this semester, I'm good to go for graduation (with distinction). In a way, what happened last semester was something that made me take a step back and realize how far I've come. I entered college without even aiming for anything. The first time I browsed through the grading system in the student handbook in my freshman year - I was surprised to see that the minimum QPI to reach the Dean's List is 3.35 - and I only surpassed this QPI three times in my whole stay in High School. And now, looking back accross all seven semesters that have passed - consistency, in this case, is the key word. haha Who would have thought di ba? I certainly didn't.
Uni-lehverAnyway, I guess what gives me this sense of appreciation is the fact that my practicum experience this summer made me realize how much of a sheltered world the academe is. I mean, yes there are honors to be achieved and long tests to be aced, but in the end, there is a world out there to be explored. Don't get me wrong, I mean I'm not a hypocrite - I love school (even though I think its embarassing to admit that. haha) but the thing is, after working for Unilever last summer, it made me realize that you can never really learn enough. And that your degree doesn't really make life easier. I mean, I'm a management economics major and I didn't really explicitly use any of that in the projects that I did. I think if there's one thing that I learned about the importance of education - its the training that one gets as one pursues a degree. Its the sleepless nights. Its the leadership experience. Its developing a sense of initiative. Its dispelling the "bahala na" attitude. Its doing the more, the "gasgas" Atenean term - "magis."
I loved my internship experience. I think I learned a lot - plus I got compensated well as well (*ahem*PS2*ahem*Mutual Funds*ahem*). I got to meet a lot of people and though I doubt I'll be working there for employment - I wouldn't exchange the experience, the people and the friends that I've found along the way.
In addition to that, I think one thing that I learned from my Unilever experience is learning to work with people that I wouldn't exactly consider friends. I think in the past, I've always equated groupwork with friends. I even fought with Nikolai over this issue of choosing friends for groupworks. And I guess, this year has made me realize how difficult it is sometimes to work with friends. (Maybe Nikolai did have a point. haha) After all, it comes with biases, preconcieved notions and unreachable expectations. Yes people, there's a thin line between comfortable and too comfortable. And above anything else, I think I finally understood the importance of meeting new people, of forming new bonds, and friendships. Ika nga nila, don't put all of your eggs in one basket. Yes, it takes much more initiative, and sometimes I end up doing more work but the thing is, after what has happened in the past, I'm fine with that.
Unleash the Emotional BaggageMoving on, I think that there are some things that I think I should mention - or at least give hints that I (and if you're good, you) could understand.
One Firstly, I think I did something this year that I've wanted to do. Its conduct unbecoming for Aldrich, but I did it - for the sake of saving a friendship that I thought I lost. Quite simply, it wasn't my fault that it led to what it was, but in the end, It was still me who had to initiate things to try to patch things up. And now, hardly anything has changed. In this case, do I have high standards? I'm honestly not sure. Disappointed? I think so. I mean, I thought this friendship had potential. But I guess, people just drift away - whether they like it or not, whether its intentional or otherwise. After all this, I can honestly say, I tried. For me, that makes all the difference. Oh well. Maybe there's no point on trying to revive something thats far gone anyway. =(
Two Second, I think if theres one thing that I should be thankful for this year, is this new found friend of mine. You see, I don't have a lot of good friends. And, I'm thankful that God gave me the opportunity to find one this year. Though we've known each other for give or take a year, it seems that our friendship has grown at a rate I could have never expected. For one thing, this friend of mine knows me more than I think most people do even after years of being friends with me. Above anything else, theres this sense of trust between us. Now, I think I've made the mistake of trusting another friend in the past. But I guess, that just made me realize how important it is to appreciate friends whom you can really trust. To you my dear friend, I think I've told you this already, I don't know what I did or why, but I'm thankful to God that He made our paths cross. (^_^) Ika nga ni Sarah Geronimo - Tunay ka ngang kaibigan. Ikaw lang ang hindi lumisan. Kaya'y dapat ikaw ay pasalamatan.
Three Thirdly, I think that I typed something a few entries back - about me asking for opportunities from Santa. Well, in the past five days, he did give opportunities. haha And can I just say, when it rains, it pours! haha But the thing is, the next thing I would like to ask for is the guts to follow through, to take a chance, to make a change (naks, Breakaway!) If there's anything I learned from this year, its that I have to be proactive. Aldrich has to go fishing if he wants a fish. Its that simple. Its funny how it took a year just for me to realize that. Damn.
Four Fourthly, I think I realized something about me this year. Though I'm ashamed to admit it, I think I'm dense. haha I mean, not in an utterly insensitive kind of way, but in a I-don't-usually-think-about-everything-I-do-and-the-people-around-me kind of way. I think I haven't made this point clearly yet. Hmmm. I guess what I'm saying is that more often than not, I don't get affected by "parinigs" and hints. Though I may look serious at times, I hardly think about these things. Quite simply, I guess the key to actually relating to me better is to be explicit rather than implicit. Just say what you want to say - I'll judge you less, and understand you more. 'Nuff said.
Five And Finally, I think if there's one thing this year was ever good for its that it made me realize how blissfully ignorant I was of the things I was missing. I think in the past, I had this checklist of the things that I wanted in life. But I guess the saying is true - we're never really virgins since life screws us all. Some people call it a rite of passage, the loss of innocence, but I guess its more of an awakening. I think I've lived my life (more or less) the same way for the past twenty years. I don't think it was a mistake choosing how I lived my life. But I guess, what I realize now are the things that I'm missing, those that I want in my life - things that I realized because of this year.
2007 - The Year That WasFor one thing, 2007 was an emotional rollercoaster. Filled with sorrow and fleeting moments of joy. I felt frustration like i've never felt in my whole life. This year also made me realize how alone one could feel even if one is surrounded by so many people. This year made me realize that there are things more important than A's. And most importantly, it made me realize that above glory and excellence, lies what I seek the most - happiness. I may never be as rich as I would want to be. But I sure won't give up that chance for me to be happy. Sa totoo, yun lang naman ang gusto nating lahat di ba?
In the end, 2007 did not measure up to my expectations. Whats more is that, it even made some things worse. But the thing is, it just makes welcoming 2008 that much more easier. This is the year of changes - of Aldrich finally crossing the threshold to the real world. Yes, its scary. Yes, its unpredictable. Yes, I'll probably be unemployed (hopefully for a short time lang. haha) But the thing is, anything is better than where i am now. I guess I'm tired of the monotony. Well, I hope its true when they say that the night is always the darkest before the break of dawn.
Two months and then I'm done. Off to the next chapter of my life. 2008 holds much promise. Its going to be a year of change, one of transition.
And now I'm ready. And now I'm ready to be, extraordinary.
May we all experience friendship, love, good health and prosperity this new year. Feliz Ano Nuevo!
.: Aldrich :.
Reading: Blog-roll Hearing: Ronnie Liang - Ngiti Feelin' hopeful!
Happy Chrismas everyone! 
haha They're basically useless on other shapes. Oh well, its whats inside that matters right?
is Sony's second video game console, the successor to the successful PlayStation and the predecessor to the PlayStation 3 as part of the PlayStation series. Its development was announced in March 1999 and it was released a year later in Japan.
Happy Anniversary Reflections!