hongkong fever

It`s been a couple of months since I wrote my last memoir on this page and men I really long for this. Well, to begin with a juicy and most up-to-date news about me (as if people are fascinated enough to know what`s goin` on with my everyday life. I hope so! Hehe). I never thought of making “over-the-bakod” to another country. It just so happen that I was chosen by the company I am presently associated with to attend a so-called “colloquium” in Hongkong. Yes you read it right. Indeed, I crossed the unfamiliar territory all by myself to explore a land away from us where cantonese cultures are greatly observed. Good thing that all of my travel documents were fresh that time so I don’t need to join the more-than-an-hour-waiting-in-line at the DFA office just to get my passport and other legal documents. I was propitious that time so all I did was to arrange my suitcases as early as possible.
Spending 3 days in Hongkong and a day in Macau were quiet fulfilling. From the time my feet touched the ground of HK airport; the very first thing that comes into my cerebrum was Disneyland. Yeahba! "I can`t wait to meet my childhood idol Mickey Mouse and the different cartoon characters which I adore since then" was the very first thing i said to a friend whom i met at the airport. hehe...I was amazed by the fashion sense of the native dwellers and the too many buildings therein with their colorful illumination glittering upon them. The food was scrumptiously delectable at a reasonable priced. But what really amazed me more is their transportation system where coins or cash in hands is a big NO to them. Drivers do not collect coins or cash from their passengers. They don’t have “kondoktors” or dispatchers too. Instead, you will used a passenger`s card or token which you had to pay first before riding the ferry or bus. The MTR (like MRT in manila) has a range of exits to adjourning streets, so one is secured from extreme walking. The weather was absolutely exceptional because I had to wear jackets even at noon. Grrr…

Well, the following are the sum of everything i`ve discovered in HK:

1. Food lovers and who are looking for a cookery delight – Indeed, you won`t be frustrated by the range of delicious Chinese delicacies especially dim sum, wanton mee and other noodle-based dishes. I tried different kinds of noodles and men it feels like I wanna crave for more.

2. Peace advocate or a clean-living citizen - HK is the best place for you. Crime rates are low, a soothing climate, a very affordable transportation fees, and government are for the welfare of everybody.

3. Fashionista - If you have a tastebud on a latest fashion technique, HK is a place where most modern fashion trends are always on the go. Ladies wore different colors of stockings with boots that are quiet impressive, and men wore different styles of "crowning glory" tinted with different colors. If you are a shopaholic and planning to go on a summer vacation, HK would be a must on your list.

4. E-Gadget afficionado – Gadget shops in HK are fair enough because they sell the newest and very-up-to-date gadgets in the world. I am an electronic gadget afficionado myself and yes cellphones, media player and other electronic artifacts therein are very affordable. I got my apple iphone now.

5. Disneyland dreamer - this is much pertinent to those southeast asians who are on a stiff financial resources but who still covet for an enchanting magical Disney experience. You can stay in one of the hotels in Disneyland (Hollywood Hotel). When inside the Disneyland, grab a copy of the Disney map because it will guide you to the different sceneries therein such as The Lion King show, The Disney magical show, Merlin`s Treasure, Small World Castle and other magical scenes. Disney parade usually takes place at 3:30pm and fireworks at 8:00pm. Remember, you are not allowed to bring foods inside that are bought outside the Disney premises.

6. Landscape vista - There is what they call a Shutterbus ride and you will definitely worship the dramatic landscape going to "The Peak" (where victoria tower is located). Each day around 8pm, there is a "Light show" at the Pier which is definitely fascinating. You can also find night markets everywhere which sells different kinds of souvenirs at a very low priced.

7. Casino fanatic – Venetian and Babylon casinos are found in Macau Which took you 2 hours to arrive via ferryboat.You don`t need to have a visa to enter Macau. I didn't get to experience to play inside casino but what tempted me most is the Babylon restaurant which served a buffet style of service. Yummy!

In general, HK is the best place to unwind, chill and relax with your family or loved ones and even friends. If given the opportunity, I'd definitely return to HK for both the food, panoramic scenery, and the shopping experience! Aja!

P.S.
Watch (or read my blog) for my next adventure in Palawan, Batangas Makati, Cavite, China and Thailand this year. Weeee….

KAPARIZ: a message to all filipino youth

Kabataang Pangarap ni Rizal (KAPARIZ) is the official youth arm of the Order of the Knights of Rizal. It serves as the umbrella organization of all existing Rizal Youth groups in schools and communities nationwide.

Presently, the majority of the filipino youth is losing interest in joining KAPARIZ due to lack of mechanisms to bring together and organize all the local chapters of the organization all around the country. confusion reigns supreme as the youth ask for the proper procedure on how to establish a local chapter in their school or community and where will they get the much needed guidance as they strive to propagate the ideals of our national hero through KAPARIZ.

Because of these prevailing circumstances, the present officers and volunteers of KAPARIZ are trying to focus not on projects but on the strengthening of the organization. With the humbling perspective, the best to strengthen KAPARIZ is to prepare a strong foundation for the next future officers. This is in turn will make KAPARIZ more responsive to the challenges of the present times.

Everyday, we are bombarded by the news coming from the televisions, radio and newspaper concerning the different problems arising in our country today. political turmoil, economic crisis, conflict and injustice and other uncertainties drove and lead the youth in dilemma on what road they should take, and whom they should believe in. In spite of the social ills besetting our country, we must have hope and we must learn to have noble objectives and yearn for laudable accomplishments. As we start the wheels whirling, traveling to the distant miles of success, everyone must move, act and do their part and to have paradigm shift to reform.

With this in mind, the welfare of the filipino youth as a priority will not only be a challenge for every leader to keep but as a principle to cherish as a Hope of the Motherland.

Mem`ries of Green Daffodils

T`was on September morning when i used
to fritter by the shore of the riverbank.
The twittering of hummingbird
gave the aster its immense tang,
A delicate scent which diffuses amid the
cool zephyr of enthralling wind.
I used to glance at the soft falling drizzle,
that had given the meadow its brilliant emerald hue;
With water droplets cling to the dropping heads
of green daffodils and collecting in
the scarlet goblet of the darwin tulips.
Those were my favorite scenes of temperaments;
Those were the scenes i remember most vividly.
I still remember how green daffodils craft my smile;
I still remember how herons bathe
from the freshwater of blue lagoon,
and how caterpillar slept from one
of the daffodil’s couch of crimson pleasure.
Now i am here with a quiet reminiscent curve my lips,
With water streaming slickly from my silky lashes;
I know i had no premonition of change.
No intuitive sense that my life seem to be the same again.
I know those moments seem so young,
I guess it all seemed a long time ago…

peace ambassador

It was in the midst of August when the Dean of OSA (Office of Student Affairs) texted me to visit her office as soon as possible to talked about some important matters. I was attending my class that time and after so, i came to see her. I was astonished and overwhelmed when she informed me that i qualified and passed the screening test for PeaceTech program and i will be representing our school (Universidad de Zamboanga) for the very first time. There were actually 116 applicants who took the screening test and there were only 35 chosen students from different schools in zamboanga peninsula who will be called as peace ambassadors, and im very much glad to be one of them. I attended the first meeting on September 6 at WMSU Research Building and met the other 35 peace ambassadors as well as the 3 facilitators for the incoming 7 sessions, seminar-workshops, videoconferences and other activities which will be held on November and December 2008.

PeaceTech program aims to provide communication among youth to advocate peace in nation and bringing peace to life and apply it in our everyday life. I joined PeaceTech because I want to encourage appreciation and cooperation beyond traditional borders of religion, race, culture and ethnicity and to uphold the significance of living for the sake of others as a vital element in building a genuine and lifelong peace. It is my due honor to share my own understanding about the true meaning of PEACE and i hope this simple message will lead to betterment. We dwell in a world of chaos which is full of conflict, pain and struggle. Sometimes we fail to notice Peace and unconsciously knowing that we already bypassed its existence. But how can we really find Peace in this world? I would say...Peace can be attained by beginning with an examination of oneself and pondering the true virtues of life that will lead to the union of God and men. Peace is freedom- freedom from war and dissention; freedom from strife and hostilities and civil commotion. It is to attain reconciliation with oneself with another person or among nation. . Upholding camaraderie is very important as this one will serve as an authentic bridge to communicate and understand with one another. In times of Peace, communities grow; law and justice fluorished. The acquisition of knowledge becomes the natural desire of everybody and every individual`s way of life becomes an art.They say that Peace is the natural consequence of a love for life. Those who value life and the many forms which represent it- nature, growth, health, security, and family would seek to preserve it. This would mean a shunning of anything that would do them harm. Therefore, Peace is a love for life, saying no violence, crime, abuse, greed and selfishness. Peace is having enough satisfaction and should primarily come from within. It can never be bought by money, gold, fame and power for there is no true Peace if one is struggling with his inner emotions and yet showing a calm outher self. Rather we can attain peace through our own understanding. We can`t find Peace by just living alone and having all the money in the world. We can`t find Peace while hatred reigns in our hearts or by simply changing our environment. Rather, we can attain Peace by changing ourselves in a more positive ways that will serve as an instrument to deal life with integrity, honor, and good virtues. Peace is having a true faith in the Divine Providence. There is Peace in our lives because there is God. Because of our imperfections, the Peace that we have attained is not yet totally complete. When we stray far from God, there`s restlessness and void inside. But when we stay close to Him, there`s serenity and calmness inside.

For more info about PeaceTech Program, you can browse the link below:

http://peacetech.net/

the president`s legacy

For the past two years in SSC (Student Supreme Council), and still another year of service (after having been elected as the new SSC President), i have learned so many things that made me a more responsible individual. I accepted the position and the key of responsibilities from the incumbent SSC President during the oath-taking ceremony at the summit centre with utmost appreciation and confidence and as the newborn SSC President; therefore, i am ready to serve, AGAIN...

Being in the position is not a simple task (decision-making, task distribution, project proposals, presiding during the meeting, attending different seminars both regional and national, and etc.), but i look frontward to the challenges so i can possibly render my service enthusiastically and dedication for students` welfare and development. The student Supreme Council has taught me so many valuable things and i am positive to take my experiences and newfound abilities with me as i embark on my future. Our organization will serve as a primary representative institution of student body and exercises its authority in the students` name and for the development of students’ welfare. Our organization is also concerned in providing activities (seminars, trainings, workshop, sports) that will enhance their skills and knowledge. More importantly, I will uphold a high degree of trust and credibility with my superiors and most especially to my fellow students who has always been my inspiration and motivation to continue the legacy of selfless and unconditional service that was started by the ex-officios. I was not elected to serve only one party but to serve our institution in general. I will do my best to serve and work with compassion to earn your respect.

I challenge my fellow students not to rest on your success but to continue to strive towards even loftier goals. We are all student leaders. The only way to achieve our purpose is to take small actions everyday...

longest word

Did you know that the longest word in English language is a science word? It is called PNEUMONOULTRAMICROSCOPICSILICOVOLCANOKONIOSIS. This word has 45 letters. This is a lung disease caused by breathing in tiny silicon dust particles from an erupting volcano. In other words, it is similar to blackening of lungs, a disease coal miners can have.

So if ever you`ll encounter an about-to-erupt-volcano even though you are kilometers away, be sure to guard yourself with protective suit especially face mask or any clean cloth to cover your nose and mouth. Also, prevent yourself from inhaling household charcoal dust.

I hope I made your cerebral cells active... Go deo!

movie craze

If you are one of those existing movie freaks, then certainly we could get along well with each other. I consider myself as a film advocate especially if it suits my neurons. I never missed any of them and i always try to keep extra “bread” in my not-so-elegant piggy bank just to have a rendezvous with my fave movie. Last night, as I was packing all my dvd and vcd compilations and arranged them in place in an empty drawer, 6 MOVIE TITLES caught my attention and I never thought I still possess them.

6. VAN HELSING – if you are one of fans of count dracula and appreciate blood flowing slickly on a victim`s neck, then this movie will surely gratify your tastebud.

5. BRING IT ON – A cheerleading squad competition where pom-poms, wild yells, acrobatic stunts and hot mamas were all at centerstage. this is an excitingly funny movie too that will surely make you gaga! I used to be a cheerleader that`s why this movie is a big big YES in my list.

4. FINAL DESTINATION – if death is everywhere and unpredictable, then obviously no one can escape death. This movie shows how a teenager had odd visions/premonitions about “accidents that are going to come about”. Inventive and effectively spine-chilling movie where remaining survivors died in the most mysterious ways. A very intriguing movie where there are enough violent deaths to satisfy its viewers.

3. SAW – If you think jigsaw puzzle is a fun game, think again. This is a movie where characters face death and re-evaluate their lives and priorities. Victims were given clues to solve the riddle and escape the fang of death. There are references to suicide, adultery, drug addiction, madness, and self-mutilation. Underlying the killer`s motive is the notion that every victim deserves to be tortured and that there are no innocents.

2. NIGHTMARE IN ELM STREET – A classic horror movie in sequel. Freddy Kruger is the substance of nightmares. He always appears strangely dressed and has knives on the fingers of his right hand. A group of teenagers all begin to have the same strange dreams about Freddy and then one of them is gruesomely murdered in her sleep. The survivors soon realise that if Freddy kills them in their sleep, then they will die in real life too. I got a collection of this movie actually.

1. HARRY POTTER - expecto patronum, wingardium leviosa, aguamenti, alohomora, confundo, crucio, engorgio, evanesco, and expelliarmus are some famous spells in harry potter movie. Ever dream of spending your semesters in hogwarts school of magic and learn enchantments, charms and spells? Hehe… a very entertaining movie that you`ll tend to watch over and over again.