Archive for June, 2008
Filed under celebrations, events
While most people say their high school memories are their dearest, I remember my college years more fondly.
I started living on my own and began spreading my wings, so to speak. I found out that the world was so much bigger and that I had barely seen even a speck of it.
I was taught by the best, who remain my measuring sticks to this day. I found myself being around people I could connect with, who encouraged my individuality, and pushed me and inspired me all at the same time. I felt I belonged from the day I first set foot on the campus. I found my home.
I can say going to Diliman was the best decision I ever made. The university shaped me more than words can ever describe. I hope that someday, I can give back to it and make it proud of me.
Happy Centennial, University of the Philippines!
P.S.
I tried making a slideshow of my college photos, but Multiply and Photobucket are not with me on the idea. I fail. That photo of the Oblation should do for now. 
Filed under Photohunt, people
It’s PhotoHunt time once again.
I met this boy while I was doing my undergraduate thesis two years ago in a remote area in Rizal, about an hour away from Manila.
We had to walk up a slope and then cross streams and log bridges to get to where he lived. The area had no electricity and no running water. The main source of livelihood was farming, and most of the residents, including his parents, had no education.
I can’t quite put a finger on what he must be feeling when I took this shot. I just found him cute, looking up at me like that, while I was talking to the older people in the house. He seemed so innocent, so oblivious to what was happening.
Filed under travel, work
I am finally going to set foot in the land of Bicol Express! I want to try an authentic version of the dish. I want to see the Mayon Volcano and the Cagsawa Ruins. And I want to visit Donsol, home of the butanding (whale shark), the world’s largest fish.
And because there is no direct flight from Cebu to Bicol, I am dropping by Manila, which means I might be able to sidetrack to Quezon City for a few days and witness the centennial celebration of the University of the Philippines.
It’s not all just play, though. When I accepted this extra gig, I thought it would just be a breeze. I didn’t realize the gravity of the responsibility because I was already doing cartwheels in my head when they told me that I would be going to Bicol.
I realize just now that I might need to come up with several books. I need to document the operations of a business that wants to offer franchises, something I’ve never done before, by the way. If I come up with lousy work, the franchisees might lose money. They trust me that much. Didn’t they realize I’m a fake?
Filed under Photohunt, human interest, people, travel
I thought of not joining this week’s PhotoHunt because I initially had no idea what to put out for the theme.
Until I saw this picture. I took it last year in downtown New York, where the World Trade Center used to be.
The blue thing the grandpa was leaning on contained information on the soon-to-be-built Freedom Tower on the site.
He seemed to be living off the street, although he could be a passionate musician who just wanted to share his talent in public.
I wonder how he is now.
Filed under blogging
I have a confession to make: I vote in Pinoy Big Brother.
I am not really a fan, but I catch glimpses of the show whenever my housemates watch it. I vote because the kids I deem deserving are not topping the lists, so I spend a few pesos to try to help them.
On that same principle, I am choosing my picks for the Top 10 Emerging Influential Bloggers List. Whenever I check the list each week, I am not too happy with what I see. Although I do not live a socially relevant life, I still believe that being influential means being socially relevant.
1. Vera Files. I salute these women for living what they preach. This is a young group formed by six veteran women journalists, two of whom were my professors in UP Diliman. They taught me well, although it is not always obvious. I am amazed that to this day they haven’t stopped creating ripples. They are already creating waves in the news.
2. Filipino Voices. I first heard of Filipino Voices from Jester-in-Exile. Some of the bloggers writing in it were the ones I argued with frequently on issues back when I was this passionate and idealistic kid. I am amazed that bloggers coming from different shades in the political spectrum and representing pole-to-pole opinions can write under one banner. That is the spirit of democracy.
3. The Not SO Talented DJ Montano. Of course I remember the libel law. Of course I remember responsible journalism (and thus, responsible blogging). But I bend all those in support of Brian Gorrell. Down with the Gucci Gang!
That caps my list. I don’t intend to add anything to it, although I might change my mind if I find something worth reading.
Of course, I qualify for the contest, my blog being two months old. If in case you were hit by a lightning and you thought of nominating my blog, please, please give your vote to Vera Files instead. I am only the second blogger to give it a point.
