The Ocean of My Being

Finally, I got to open my Blogger account! It's been a while and I can feel my account wanting to kick me already for my neglecting it these past months! It's not that there isn't anything in my life worth blogging about. In fact, so many things have been happening that I seem to have lost count! And, I keep promising myself to blog about this and that, but I just never really got down to doing anything of the sort because so much of my time is eaten by Facebook and Twitter nowadays. It's a shame, really. But, that's the truth! I mean, come on, Facebook has become the new Google! You want to know where to buy the cheapest stuff or even very specific and hard-to-come-by products, you want to know how to get to a certain place the fastest way you can, you have an assignment in any subject, just post your question or problem on your status box and the answers will start pouring in. You need not hop from one website to another since everything, and I mean everything, is...

Okay, so the new semester has officially started and I haven't so much as written a single sentence update for this blog. I'm actually sitting here at the office waiting for my next class. I usually only have a week-long break in between the first semester and the second semester of the school year. Normally, I spend the week resting at home, reading and preparing or updating my notes for the next semester. This year, though, I decided to go to Manila for the break. Well, I actually had to get some documents from UP anyway, so the decision to go was easy enough. I spent one whole week in Manila. I got to see the UP Campus again and the moment I got there, I realized how much I've missed the place. Actually, the moment I stepped on Manila soil, I realized that I actually missed the place. I guess I'm just a little too busy to notice that I've actually been missing the place all this time. It was nice to see the place that served as my home for almost six years in ...

I love today's date! October 10, 2010. 10-10-10! It's like a perfect score or something! Hehe:) I've always been one to believe in signs, omens and symbolism. And, I am perfectly convinced that this date is a very good omen. So, I have also decided to write My Secret 10.10.10 Resolutions list, which, as the name suggests, is something very personal and secret that I cannot and I am not willing to divulge to any other person. Suffice it to say, this is a list of 10 Rules that I would like to live by from now on. Now, because this is such a special date, I just cannot let it pass without writing a new entry. I thought of writing something special for this blog entry. I couldn't decide on what to write since there are about a million thoughts swarming in the ocean that is my brain. Ironically, the more ideas I have, the more difficult it is for me to choose. I guess it's like being in a restaurant where there is a huge open buffet table full of all kinds of food that...

First of all, I'd like to greet everyone a very HAPPY RAMADHAN ! It's that time of the year once more-- the time for reflection, introspection and cleansing. If there's anything that the last two Ramadhans have taught me, it's to make the most of every Ramadhan that passes in my life. I mean, two Ramadhans ago, Abi (my father) was still with us and we never thought or imagined that that would be his last Ramadhan with us. It's an invaluable lesson that the ulama (Islamic scholars) keep on reminding us about-- how fleeting life can be-- but I truly learned and realized the truth of only when I actually had a personal and unforgettable albeit sad experience proving it, that is Abi's death. So, this Ramadhan and the following Ramadhans that I will still live to see and experience, I resolve to make the most of and give/do what's required of me as God's creation and what is due to Him. Insha-Allah. ------------ Another Death in August The month August will...

The past days proved to be thinking and doing days for me. Doing, because I have been busy with a lot of things. Thinking, because I've been doing a lot of thinking. And, of course, when one does that, there's a lot of realizations that finally sink in. So, just like anybody else, I've reached a lot of realizations in the past days. Realizations that are life-changing and life-defining, I'd say. There are some that I deem too personal to share and there are some that are, in general, realizations anyone my age would actually have. One realization I had that's so great it has overwhelmed me is the fact that I've come, yet again, to realize how much I want to have a baby. Well, not now, of course! But, at least, before I die, I'd like to have a child and know how it feels to have one. I know for a fact that one of the greatest, if not the greatest, fulfillment in a woman's life is when she becomes a mother. Babies are being born to my friends and cousins l...

Hello! It's been a long time! *winks!* So, what have I been up to these past days? Well, from the early part of June up until about a week ago, there was only one thing that occupied my mind most parts of my days aside, of course, from my classes and that's the World Cup! I actually can't believe the month-long World Cup had come and gone. It feels like it just started yesterday and, now, it's done! I have always been a football/soccer fan since my early teenage years and, of course, like every soccer fan in the world, the World Cup, which takes place every 4 years, is one event I always look forward to. It is, for me, the most important sports event in the world. Much bigger than the Olympics itself in my opinion. And, I've always had the item, to watch the World Cup in person and be one with every soccer fan in the country where it's held , in my Bucket List . Though this year's World Cup was devastating for me since all of my teams got eliminated very ea...

Paalam is a very sad word. It's the Tagalog word for "goodbye" and, for some reason, I find it waaay sadder than the latter. Two nights ago, the Apo Hiking Society , my all-time favorite Filipino singing group, staged the last of their series of farewell concerts after they decided to disband after 41 years of making great music. The final concert was aptly entitled Paalam nAPO! I wasn't at the concert, not even in the one that was held in Cagayan de Oro. I had to settle for the pictures and videos posted on Facebook and Twitter . I really wanted to watch at least one concert in the series, but time and circumstance weren't on my side. I could've gone to CdO for the concert there, but I had work. I would've wanted to go to Manila and watch the final concert at the Music Museum , but, well, I didn't have that much money. The thing is, now that I think about it, it was just as well because it would've been too painful for me. It would've been t...

Lanao del Sur is one of the most beautiful places in the country, what with the serene view of the great and historic Lake Lanao and the beauteous Sacred Mountain , also known as the Sleeping Lady because of the seemingly peaceful, sleeping lady formed by the magnificent mountain range’s shapes. Such beautiful scene, really. The province is also gifted with rich natural resources and is home to a people and culture unique and different from any other peoples and cultures of the country. I remember my father saying that when one outsider comes to visit Lanao del Sur , as soon as he sets foot in the area, he will surely see and feel the difference. It was as though he was transported to another planet. That’s how unique and special this place is, he would say. Having been born and raised in the area, I’d say with confidence that I am quite aware of the things that have been taking place in the land as well as the issues concerning her people. There is just so much good to say about th...

Since today is Mother's Day, I'd like to begin this entry by greeting all mothers out there a very HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY! And, of course, most especially to my mom!:) I haven't been able to blog for a long time because I have a very hectic schedule this summer and because my Internet connection had been problematic the past weeks. There were times when I'd wanted to blog, but I couldn't open Blogger. It was really frustrating. But, for a few days now, it's been okay. I hope it continues to be like this. Thanks to the technical team of Discovery Net Service. It's been a very tiring summer. I'm handling three classes, one of which is a Monday-to-Saturday class. But, it's been so much fun. It's really true what they say, when you love what you're doing, you don't feel the exhaustion. Some people ask me if I ever get tired. Of course, I do. But, being tired doesn't mean I need to stop what I do, does it? I'd be more lost and out of i...

Many of my former students, especially those who became very close to me and eventually became my younger brothers and sisters, graduated this year. And, I wrote this letter to and for them. These words really come from the bottom of my heart. For those to whom this is written, you know who you are... Dear Graduate, Greetings of peace! You have reached a very crucial part of your life, one of the most important crossroads of your life. I know that it can be a little scary at times, but I assure you, things will be just fine if you actually want them to. Just trust and believe in yourself, do what you have to do, and never, ever forget God’s huge role in your life and you will not go wrong. This may be a time of utmost confusion for some of you. You’re not sure what to do. Heck, you’re not even sure what’s good and/or right for you. Well, that’s the real world for you! Welcome to the real world! Life in this side may not be a bed of roses. Things will sometimes turn bad, things may not ...

We used to be really close. We liked the same things, we ate together, we walked together, we went to class together. We had fun, you know, the kind of fun that you get from the simplest of things. Sometimes, we'd sit silent and we'd feel really contented and happy where we were. It was the kind of friendship that didn't require words or too much effort from both sides. It was the most natural thing. Then, we had a major misunderstanding. A really big one. Actually, it started with something really silly, but it grew bigger and bigger by the day. Neither of us admitted fault; neither of us said sorry. So, what started out as a really good friendship ended in hatred and anger. We couldn't stand each other. We literally wanted to kill each other. It was that bad. Then, one night, I was doing my usual Internet surfing, I saw my ex-friend online. Although we hated each other like mad, no, we didn't delete each other from our Facebook friends' list. Without wasting a...

Happy 30th birthday to me! :) One's birthday does not come everyday and, so, before this beautiful day ends, I'd like to write about how I spent it and maybe share some realizations and thoughts along the way. The day was a beautiful and well-balanced one. Good weather, good times, good memories, good food, good friends! I truly hope and pray that this year will be a good one, in every aspect, for me and my loved ones. As soon as the clock struck 12 midnight and the 23rd of March 2010 officially started, I received birthday greeting text messages from very special people. I couldn't stop smiling as the text messages and the FB messages came pouring. Birthdays are supposed to make us feel special, even just for the day, and special I did feel. And, more than anything, I am thankful to every single person who made me feel that way. I slept very late (early morning), but woke up quite early because I had some things I needed to finish and submit at the department. I woke up w...

I like watching talk shows on TV, live or any other way. Any kind of talk show's all right, if you ask me. Maybe it's because I love to talk. Aside from that, I like to listen to other people's ideas and opinions about things. It makes me know them more and gives me some idea as to what kind of people they are. And, I like to hear the host's last words or their take on whatever issue was talked about. I was watching an episode of The Tyra Show yesterday. I like this show for the variety of issues and topics being tackled. Anyway, in the episode I was watching, the topic was stereotyping . There were 4 people asked to sit as guests and subjects for the project. They were basically just made to sit poker-faced, without saying anything, and 4 other people were also invited to be judges, that is to say whatever they thought of the person just by what they see. What I found really interesting was the choice of people they had as subjects. The first one was a hijab -wearing ...

Because I was born in March, it has always been the month I look forward to most every single year ever since I could remember. Also, coincidentally, many unforgettable experiences I've had in life took place in March. Just a few examples are my graduations from kindergarten, elementary, high school, and university. Yes, they all took place in March. Well, my college graduation (commencement, that is) took place on the 1st day of April, but celebrations, recognitions and pre-commencement programs took place in March. I also had my period for the very first time in March 1993. Hehe:) March always reminds me of things I love and things that make me happy. This is actually the reason why I want to celebrate each day of the month in my own special way. My own celebration of my birth month started today. This will be a good month and I will make sure that I will be happy everyday. That way, I am sure that this year will be a good and happy one for me. As they always say, how you feel at...

They say that the only thing constant in this world is change! I do agree with this. Big time! However, I'm, at the moment, wondering if all changes are needed. Though I understand that not all changes are for the good, I still can't help but wish that all changes did people good or sometimes I even wish they never had to take place. Now, don't get me wrong, I like change. Really. I'm quite resilient when it comes to changes in my life and my situation. I'm not one to dwell in and continuously wish for what's gone and past. Except that lately, there's been a great change, that has taken place, which I wish just never took place. I'm not talking about something physical. I'm talking about something that has to do with worldview, with perception, with feelings. I'm talking mind and soul. The kind of change that actually feels like a monster that slowly devours you piece after piece until it completely consumes you one whole. The thing is, I came to...

To many people, Valentine's Day is a day for those who are in love. The fact that it's otherwise known as Hearts' Day says a lot. It's a day for love, romantic love that is, and lovers. To some lovers, it is an excuse to be mushy and, sometimes, even corny. It's considered the most romantic day of the year. Japanese girls give chocolates to guys they like. It is their chance to make known their feelings to the guys they secretly crush on or secretly love. For the Philippine Presidential candidates, it's a special day to woo voters. Hehe:) For me, Valentine's Day has always been Friendship Day ! Back in college, my friends and I, that is Voltext and Daimos , made sure we were free on the day so we can have our V-Day group date. It was a day that we always looked forward to. We'd usually get together for lunch and spend the rest of the day chatting, laughing or just plain hanging out. It was always fun, fun, fun! When I lived in Manila, we (those of us w...

I've just found out that the results for the recent Nursing Board Examinations (given in November 2009) has been released. Immediately, I googled it and checked some names. I was so happy and proud upon seeing familiar names in the list. In my experience as a teacher, it's always great to see names of your students in lists such as this. Seeing your former students successful in their fields makes you really proud and feel like you've done a pretty good job. Not that they owe you anything, but you just really feel like a proud parent. I can't imagine how happy and proud their parents are. Also, it's much greater and more wonderful if the successful ones actually are very close to you. So, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate our new nurses: Fatima and Khadijah Abduljalil . I know how hard this pair of sisters have worked for this. I am so proud of both of them. And, I am pretty sure that they will be successful women in their own right. Now that th...