To each his own.

I did this blog on retreat, unfortunately, I only had time to post it now. Yes, we are that busy. Has anybody gone to a Bigkis retreat? As not to spoil everything, I shall only give a brief summary about it. Bigkis is an actual camp where the activities lean on rough, outdoor and fun yet its lessons are relevant. Every time we ate, there's a skit on superheroes. The characters were comprised of: Flash, Captain Barbell and Maulawin. We all know that no one was born a hero. Everyone is born a human being capable of committing mistakes and what not. Even Jesus was said to have been having a relationship with a prostitute back in the day, and that's already Jesus!

Back to my superhero story, you see, superheroes have this whole other side to them. Say, Superman has Clark Kent--accidentally becoming a hero. Spiderman has another identity which is Peter Parker who is a geek in the day in love with the popular girl. Heck, even our very own; Lastikman has a "normal" identity as the school nobody named Miguel/Migz. The question is, why do writers create a whole other personality/identity aside from his or hers superhero identity? That's probably so we can know them better.

Jose Rizal was probably a superhero too. He did everything. He did everything perfectly at that. He had a perfect execution too. Facing the people who have prosecuted you, about to execute you, facing the shotguns: the mere weapons responsible for ending your life.. Who would think of doing that? Only the brave.

BUT even if he did do everything in a perfect manner, he wasn't perfect. What made him not? Was his ability to feel.. His ability to love.

As I recall the article we reported on in class, it was said that above all, he loved his mother (who is all in the same, my personal hero), and he loved his country. I think that that feeling kept him human. Having a high regard for his mother, he valued education (his mother was his first teacher) and therefore, Rizal taught us not only to be knowledgeable but to carry ourselves with pride and dignity, to be compassionate and nurturing as well, to value ourselves as equal and not subservient, and to be strong women in all aspects of life.

As the retreat came to an end, the skit's message became clearer and clearer. We're not born heroes. Instead, we have a hero in each of us. In this case, no matter what the gender, we have "Rizal" in us. We are all superheroes in one way or another. Not forgetting that we can make a difference and feel at the same time.

Eena

Beliefs.

Disclaimer: My analysis of Jun Lozada being a hero is based only on what I've read in the papers and have seen on the news. However, this is precisely why I think that the basis for my conclusion in this blog is credible because supposedly, what I've read and seen are facts.

I heard the controversy when JDV III cried foul, exchanged intense words with First Gentleman Mike Arroyo, who then immediately left the country. Jun Lozada comes along.. With tears.. Tears and more tears. He said his decision to speak was not a last minute decision. He also said that one of his siblings were killed due to a mistaken identity last 2001 at a checkpoint--I guess this was his chance to go against the government. It's funny how this guy condemns the administration when he was actually in the contract signing of his company to be able to get hectares and hectares of land in the Philippine Forest Corporation. He had this insured using the money of the said company. He bought several cars , registered under his name, using the same money. If you were truly noble Mister, why would you even let everything explode to this big controversy when you knew from the very start that something fishy was already going on?

I am not saying that our President has no faults in this. What I'm saying is, majority of the Filipino people elected this woman to be President -- only to side with this Chinese merchant who claims that he doesn't have money and cries every chance he gets, feeling ganged up on? Come on, the fact that he got nuns and priests to accompany him to a press conference says a lot already. It is not an appeal for the public's sympathy. It's a trick to get our sympathy. Why am I not surprised, everyone is hooked. Let's go back to another witness in 2001: Clarissa Ocampo. She said everything, she was heard, she didn't ask for our sympathy. She wasn't all over the place.

I thought men were supposed to be thinking more logically? How come when I compare both witnesses, the Ms. Ocampo had more concrete stories?

I believe in the Spirit of Edsa. I have always believed in it. It is not all the time that the nation gathers at one place to voice out their opinions, this, I am proud of. It's just that, Edsa becomes some kind of scapegoat already. We don't like the President, we oust him or her. The inter-faith rally that was held today didn't make me feel proud of being a Filipino. We were called to search for the truth. Will the truth ever come out? Wasn't this the nth rally Jun Lozada called upon? Although as I have said earlier, our President has had a rough term, being accused of not one or two cases of being corrupt, she is way better than former President Estrada. That I believe. I also have a strong belief in our Constitution. There is due process to be followed such that the impeachment process may lead its way to the path where the Filipinos are supposed to be. Jun Lozada is not a hero. If you think he still is, then believe me, I am the Queen of the England.

-Eena

NO SIN, NO EVIL AND NO DEVIL

O p r a h W i n f r e y

– a name almost everybody recognizes because of her famous talk shows, both in radio and TV. Yes, she does have what it takes to be branded as a hero. I need not to elaborate on her success and her philanthropy works, since it is not where I wish to focus.

I wish to concentrate on her being a spiritual icon.

Time magazine has labeled her as one of the “100 Most Influential People of the 20th Century.” With this, some are rather apprehensive for they are confused as to whether she poses as a hero or a menace. Why, you ask? Read on.

She began to emerge as an influential spiritual leader in 2002, and with this, she has become a postmodern priestess – an icon of church-free spirituality.

However, just two weeks ago, I received an email stating that Oprah and her friends will be teaching a course on New Age Christ – where Jesus’ image is being redefined, reinvented and cursed.

She will be offering a yearlong course on New Age Christ for her daily radio program, and those who finish the course will have a redefined spiritual mindset – a New Age worldview that includes the beliefs that THERE IS NO SIN, NO EVIL AND NO DEVIL. Now can you actually believe that?
The Course in Miracles by Williamson, in reality, is the truth of the Bible turned upside down.

She even bought a thousand copies for all her studio audience. And because of her massive endorsement, Williamson's book went to the top of the New York Times bestseller list. Quite ridiculous, really… just because it was one of her favorite books.



A Course in Miracles, as rumor has it, is a “new revelation” from ‘Jesus'. This 'Jesus' began delivering messages in 1965 to Helen Schucman, a Columbia University Professor of Medical Psychology, who said that she one day heard an 'inner voice' stating, 'This is a course in miracles. Please take notes.' And so for seven years, she patiently took spiritual dictation from this voice that described himself as 'Jesus.'

Some of the points mentioned by this ‘Jesus’ were as follows:
- 'There is no sin . . . '
- A 'slain Christ has no meaning.'
- 'The journey to the cross should be the last ' useless journey.'
- 'Do not make the pathetic error of 'clinging to the old rugged cross.''
- 'The Name of Jesus Christ as such is but a symbol... It is a symbol that is safely used as a replacement for the many names of all the gods to which you pray.'
- 'The recognition of God is the recognition of yourself.'
- 'The Atonement is the final lesson he [man] need learn, for it teaches him that, never having sinned, he has no need of salvation.'

These citations evidently go against the teachings of the Christian church. Not that I am being too religious, but these allegations can truly disrupt the philosophies and beliefs of a Christian, or just about anybody. Worst of all, an influential person such as Oprah is providing her all-out support for these beliefs.

I just hope that these influential people would consider the different people that they might go against, and would actually know the limitations to their power of persuasion.

Being a hero does not mean you always do good.

/jbj

SPICE UP YOUR LIFE!

and now.........featuring:

SPICE GIRLS

Victoria Beckham, Melanie Brown, Emma Bunton, Melanie Chisholm & Geri Halliwell

Who's your favorite?????!!!!!!!

Oh god. Yes, they're back. Can you still remember your kiddo days when you were singing your heart out while dancing to the tune of the Spice Girls?! Oooohhh. Sinong ginaya mo sa kanila? Kung may barkada ka noon, sino ka...BABY?? SPORTY?? Haha! Hyper un man. I know, been there done that. Hahaha! Actually, til now. LOL.

In the early to mid 1990s, the pop music culture was dominated by boy bands not until SPICE GIRLS came and “over-girl-powered” them out of the scene. BOO Y'ALL!

Spice Girls is one of the most successful and biggest girl groups of all time, due to their increasing international record sales, reunion tour, merchandising, record breaking achievements, and iconic symbolism, "Girl Power", and their nicknames:

POSH, SCARY, BABY, SPORTY, GINGER

Speaking of "GIRL POWER"

The phrase was a label for the particular facet of feminist empowerment embraced by the band: that a sensual, feminine appearance and equality between the sexes need not be mutually exclusive. Its message of empowerment appealed to young girls, adolescents and adult women, and it emphasized the importance of strong, loyal friendship among females. In all, the focused, consistent presentation of "girl power" formed the centrepiece of their appeal as a band.

"We won't let nothing hold us back

We gonna get ourselves together come on

We're gonna sharpen up our act yeah

And If you've ever been held down before

I know that you refuse to be held down any more"

Love, Kla :)

God - the only reliable hero without doubts

i can't decide again what to write for this entry.

anyway...i know i admire a lot of people and i turn to a lot of people for problems but there was never a time that i faced a big problem and i didn't turn to the ONE hero that has never led me to the wrong path, the ONE hero that doesn't only save but bestow upon you the strength you need to keep on. I can write 5 pages if you ask me the reasons why i consider the almight one my hero but since I'm the type who always writes brief essays, i can summarize it in one line..

simply because

"HE'S THE ONLY ONE WHO CAN LITERALLY TURN THE WORLD AROUND...for you"

It's simply amazing how after all the rumors and issues against God, (im aware of most of them), i still have faith in Him and I will always turn to HIM!

There may have been hopes and wishes that He didn't grant but if you look deep down ALL PRAYERS WERE ANSWERED. If He doesn't give you what you want, it's because it's not for you and plus He makes sure that a valueable lesson comes with it and that is ACCEPTANCE.

I'm not claiming that i don't question Him at times because i do and i feel guilty cause it's wrong but at least i don't doubt!

So God, I have this one favor...and if you don't give it...i'd understand...but i really hope you'd grant this simple request!

---i've been so down and stressed lately and so i was looking forward to this weekend that i thought i'd find different kind of happiness but *shattered dreams* hit my life again when i found out he couldn't make it....and so God, if you could please turn the world around for this night only...get him there... :( and make my weekend... i'd cherish it forever-promise!

---save me from this frustration or save me from this madness! :)

youKNOWyouLOVEme

x.o.x.o

fairy tale come true

wonder woman. catwoman. elektra. lara croft. jean grey/storm/rouge. darna. zsa zsa zaturnah. volta.

do we really need to have special and spectacular powers to be called a heroine? do we have to don tight-fitting and leather-made costumes to look like one?

how about ladies who are meek and sweet? girls who wear splendid gowns?

when we were younger, whom did we try to emulate with all the gowns, tiara and make-up? whose songs did we memorize? whose life did we love?

heroes serve as inspirations and fairy tale characters did and continues to do so. what does cinderella wants to impart? being kind and gentle will lead to a good karma. ariel? dreams do come true. mulan? fight for what you believe in and never let anyone put you down. snow white? love everybody, even frightening creatures (dwarves). esmeralda? true love sees no boundaries even in physical terms. sarah? love your family whole-heartedly and never talk ill against other people.

now, can we consider them as heroes?

these fictional personalities brought upon by imaginative minds were only seen as ideal characters we could always read in books. characters that merely brings once upon a time and happily ever after. little did we realize that these fairy tale ladies want to integrate to our systems that they also serve as inspirations for us to dream far and aim high.

they were once seen merely for children to adore; but, they can also be the ladies us grown-ups can see as inspirations.

cinderella. snow white. sleeping beauty. little mermaid. mulan. pocahontas. esmeralda. princess sarah.

Black Valentines

Here's to all girlfriends who used to be his no.1:

The ones who waited all night for him to call, only to check your cellphone the next morning and be disappointed. The ones who made it through that bitter break-up, and moved on with your life, only to have him walk back in months later like nothing ever happened. Those of you who cried on the first day you talked to him again, because you knew exactly where it was going. The ones who listened to him say, "I only want to be your friend," one day and the next, when he doesn't want to be anything at all. Here's to the ones that took him back, hoping that maybe this time, he was different, hoping that maybe people do change.

We listened to our friends tell us that we were stupid for even thinking about giving him another chance, got shit from our parents, and even snuck around to see him for awhile. We went through the great stage with no fights all over again. We started this out thinking it would be just friends, and ended up falling in love again. WE wanted nothing more in the world than to hear him tell us he loved us. Here's to the ones who believed what he said, and sat around all over again, waiting for a phone call that might come in a few hours or a few days.

Here's for the tears we cried and dried all over again. We wanted so desperately to believe that he was really busy, that he couldn't possibly call us at that moment, or even that he fell asleep early. We trained ourselves to believe the lies because we wanted to believe the lies because we wanted to believe we had found the one for us. We learned to settlefor someone who didn't treat us the way we should be treated. Here's for the ones who did their make-up and put on their prettiest earrings, only to hear him say he couldn't see us that day or night. The ones that never believed it when people told us that there could be someone else. We just couldn't believe that he could do this to us again.

This is for those great girls, who loved him more than words can say, and took him back no matter what happened last time because they couldn't bare to look back on their lives and wonder "what if." Here's to the girls who couldn't cry to their friends because of how stupid they felt. The ones who held it all in when things came crumbling to pieces again. This is for the ones who couldn't even bare to even tell their own mom for a fear of an "I told you so." The ones that could tell, just tell, that they made a mistake by allowing him back into their hearts and dreams again.

We knew that we deserved better the entire time, that we deserved a guy that would call when he said he would, and would come see us whenever he got the chance, one that would care about us. We just wanted the one that we loved like that. Here's for the ones that finally realized that he never gave a shit about them. Here's for the time he took to waste, breaking your heart again.
This is for those days spent trying to hold back the tears, and the tears turned into anger, then disappointment. Here's for the girls who finally realized that we deserve better. This is for those confusing days when you miss him, and want nothing more than to hear his voice, to feel his arms around your waist.

Stay strong, and remember that relationships are like broken glass, sometimes it's better to leave. When "your song" comes on the radio, turn the station. When the day comes that he realizes what a mistake he made and tries calling you, turn off your phone. When he tries coming to your house, don't answer your door.

Think of all the broken promises, and the lies, the manipulation and the tears, the wasted moments and staying up all night wondering where the HELL he was. Think of how your heart used to jump when your phone would vibrate in the middle of the night, and how it felt to your stomach when you saw it wasn't him, and realized that once again, he hadn't called when he said he was going to.

Someday you'll find a guy that's worth all your tears, but won't ever make you cry. You may think that you'll never care about someone like you did that guy you always ran back to, but you will. It's gonna hurt like hell, but it will heal. And the point is, it will heal.

pillows and willows

HAPPY Y's DAY!!

I know Mec would kill me when she reads this … But never mind. Here goes. ^^

“We cannot close ourselves off to information and ignore the fact that millions of people are out there suffering. I honestly want to help. I don't believe I feel differently from other people. I think we all want justice and equality, a chance for a life with meaning. All of us would like to believe that if we were in a bad situation someone would help us.”

We have known her for possessing that pillow-lips and having a reputation for stealing boyfriends and/ or husbands. It has been adviced in magazines to never let an actress’ husband work with this fish-lipped woman, or she might forever regret it. She is is famous for having numerous images tattoed on her exuding body – some of which has been removed. Who am I talking about? None other than the ever famous Angelina Jolie.

Although she may have acquired a somewhat “deviant” and bad image, we cannot rub out the fact that her humanitarian works have added to her exceeding beauty. To date, Angelina Jolie is an American film actress and a Goodwill Ambassador for the UN Refugee Agency. She and Pitt have three adopted children, Maddox, Pax, and Zahara, and a biological daughter, Shiloh. Also, she has promoted humanitarian causes throughout the world, and is recognized for her work with refugees through UNHCR.

It cites in one article that she first became aware of worldwide humanitarian crises while filming Tomb Raider in poverty-stricken Cambodia. Deeply affected by these sights, she turned to UNHCR for more information on these matters. UNHCR got impressed of her interest and devotion in the subject, and in due course named her a Goodwill Ambassador.

When asked of what she hopes to accomplish, she answered “Awareness of the plight of these people. I think they should be commended for what they have survived, not looked down upon.” Impressive as it is, she has visited countless refugee camps all around the globe. Along with the release of her movie Beyond Borders, Jolie published a collection of her journal entries, entitled Notes from My Travels(I didn’t know she writes) which alludes to her early field missions which eventually evolved into much bigger projects.

I just wonder if she still gets enough sleep… just by reading her humanitarian works profile, one would get dizzy trying to comprehend her whereabouts. I must admit that her love for these refugees is quite impressive, in spite of the fact that she IS a man-stealer.


Besides, no one’s perfect.

/jbj

Jose Rizal: another Inday joke.

Rizal: Inday, and hindi marunong magmahal sa sariling wika ay mas masahol pa sa halimaw at malansang isda…

Inday: Thank you for your wonderful words of wisdom. But don’t you know that I already read all your writings? Unfortunately, I was disappointed because your two novels were written in Spanish and Latin. So, therefore, you are the ultimate violator of your own aphorism.

I'm not a fan of Inday jokes but isn't it funny what people think of our national hero? No, I mean, really. Think about it, does anyone actually joke around about their national hero? Patriotism eh? Nationalism, anyone? A joke. What a joke.
This isn't my required blog writing, I do Wednesdays, and its just a Tuesday. I'm just taking a break from all this "love talk" wheeling my way to my funnier side (yes, I have a funny side). I hate to admit it but I'm also a romantic-- operative word is romantic, not a hopeless romantic.

-Eena

just another heartbreak

"i've got to move on and be who i am, i just don't belong here, i hope you understand..we might find our place in this world someday, but at least for now, i gotta go my own way..."

who doesn't know that song? i assume almost all of us have watched the high school musical 2 and got entrailed and teary-eyed when gabriella (vanessa hudgens) sang that to troy (zac efron)..and i bet, most of you memorize the lyrics of this song..*wink*

the song says that one has to leave and let go of her most loved person to find her self especially if she has been shadowed by all the idiosyncracies of life..and i consider those brave ladies who are willing to sacrifice their love and feel the hurt to seek their own worth..

i am in a happy relationship..after almost three years of singlehood, i found a man whom i can share a part of my life with..the long wait was fruitful..and i am telling you, the storm i had to brave before being in this wonderful commitment was damn too unforgetful to neglect..

ok, i won't run through the past events of my life..what i am just trying to point out is we must learn to live free and be happy..some say being in a boyfriend-girlfriend relationship is the greatest situation to be in..but, what if things are not as flowery and sweet as you have prayed and envisioned it to be? are you still going to hold on to the rose that is full of thorns? are you still going to stay in the affair that is anything but rosy?

admirable are those women who decided to get out of a (sorry for the french) f***ed up relationship..great are those who gave up lovey dovey sweet nothings because they know those aren't enough to keep them safe and secured..

i consider heroines those women who rose up from the pedestal and made themselves better..they are brave and courageous..they did not turned their back away from the hurt and pain of heartbreak; rather, they faced them upront, felt them thoroughly and moved on afterwards..they are heroes because they are great warriors and conquerors...

...of broken-heartedness.

postscript: friends, i am inviting you to the guidance center and third year batch council team-up project. it is entitled "Love,Lovable and Loveless". it is a talk on everything about love. how to attract love, stay in a relationship and get out of an affair. it will be held on the 26th of february, 2008, 12nn-2pm at the 5th floor. for those looking for love, wear white. those happy in a relationship, be in red. and for those who just had a break-up, black is your motif. ok? hope to see you guys there! it will be fun, swear! oh, you can also tag along your special someone.=)

HOEs over BROs + BUDs over STUDs

"HOs over BROs + BUDs over STUDs"
-brooke and peyton oth

There are a lot more things I never had that I've always wished to have like my own bedroom, my private diary, a boyfriend but come to think of it, I survived 19 long years without having all these but I can very much say that I've been living a fabulous life so far. I HAVE FRIENDS...I NEVER RAN OUT OF ONE. Eversince I was little, I've always been a part of a big group of friends. There's my village barkada (hb), my gradeschool friends, my highschool barkada (KADUHVER), my college friends (blockbabes, danzmove, GB FRIENDS, grill-absinth-mcdo friends). Hand me all the riches in the world and it wouldn't mean a thing if I don't have these people to share them with.

Why limit myself to one hero when i can have as many as i want?! I may be having a problem getting a boyfriend but God blessed me with a whole lot of TRUE friends. Friends who'd give up a lot for me, who'd never, in their wildest dreams, hurt me. I know friends could be crazy sometimes, in my case, most of the time but in these moments that they're crazy and they drive you crazy, you realize that you are actually having one of the best days of your life.

Friends are the best heroes you can have. They rescue or save you from the one threat that you can never run away from for as you live - SADNESS.

Lift your head, baby, don't be scaredOf the
things that could go wrong along the wayYou'll get by with a smileYou can't win
at everything but you can try.Baby, you don't have to worry'Coz there ain't no
need to hurryNo one ever said that there's an easy wayWhen they're closing all
their doorsAnd they don't want you anymoreThis sounds funny but I'll say it
anyway.Girl I'll stay through the bad timesEven if I have to fetch you
everydayI'll get by if you smileYou can never be too happy in this life.In a
world where everybodyHates a happy ending storyIt's a wonder love can make the
world go roundAnd don't let it bring you downAnd turn your face into a
frownYou'll get along with a little prayer and a song.(Too doo doo...)Let me
hear you sing it(Too doo doo...)In a world where everybodyHates a happy ending
storyIt's a wonder love can make the world go roundBut don't let it bring you
downAnd turn your face into a frownYou'll get along with a little prayer and a
song.Lift your head, baby, don't be scaredOf the things that could go wrong
along the wayYou'll get by with a smileNow it's time to kiss away those tears
goodbye(Too doo doo...)Let me hear you sing it(Too doo doo )

Mother Love

My first and almost everyone else’s word: MAMA

All I can think about now is my mother. She is the one who gave life to me here on Earth and she has been my inspiration ever since then.

She has been there for me from my infant days until the present time. She gives love, concern and care for me from head-to-toe. She feeds me when I’m hungry, go shopping with me, dress me with beautiful clothes, accompany me when I’m lonely, listen and help me with problems that I encounter everyday, and so much more.

My dad is doing the same thing. It’s just that, he’s not here with us now. He’s working in Qatar to earn money for our family to live here in the Philippines with less difficulty.

We don’t have a maid. It’s just me, my brother and mom living in the same roof. Since my dad is not here, my mom portrays both roles of a mother and a father at the same time. I know it is hard for her to play both of them so I try not to cause dilemmas that would hurt her feelings. I try to get high grades in school. I also try not to go beyond my limitations for her to be proud of me as her daughter.

To all the moms out there: Thank you for bringing life to the world and giving hope to our future.

Btw, my dad is coming home next week. I terribly miss him. I know my mom totally miss him too. I’m so happy…soon we’ll be together again…one happy family.

Britney vs. Princess Diana

Just this afternoon, one of our classmates in theology class reported on stewardship… and it’s such a cliché to mention that we, Christians, are said to be the stewards of God’s creation. Nonetheless, I do believe this claim will forever be true.

I do not have a thing against beauty pageant contestants, but don’t these girls just look so vain? When I was a little girl, I used to think of them as elite, glamorous, and smart (I got the idea from Ms. Universe)… but as I grew up, I saw the association of beauty pageant contestants to dumb blondes. It pains me to see such women to easily display their pretty bodies and find it hard to utilize their brains.

However, as I came across this show, “Miss Earth,” I soon realized that there’s more to them than just being an eye candy. There was something more than their usual “world peace” spiel… they were advocating for a greener and cleaner environment. And what made me more impressed is the fact that the show began in the Philippines… come to think of it, our country badly needs to advocate for such ecological campaign. Perhaps it was from our own ecological problems that they came up with the idea.

In this show, you’ll see clips of contestants going to different places; planting trees, helping out the needy, and list goes on. I have somewhat underestimated their abilities. Pretty looks and perky yet girly actions can be deceiving. I admit, I was. But I now attest that these women are and have been doing their share of time and effort to saving the world. Isn’t that heroic?

On the contrary, there are still a LOT of dumb blondes in the world. Girls nowadays prefer to be more like Britney Spears, than the late Princess Diana. They deem that beauty comes first in everything. And this is a DEPRESSING FACT.

"I believe helping others is something everybody was born to do. At the very least, any financially capable individual should help somebody. Not just his or her loved ones, but others and their communities so they can live better lives." - Miriam Quiambao, TV Personality/ Bb.Pilipinas title holder 1999

/jbj

Today, I reckon.

"Remember, man, that thou art dust, and unto dust thou shalt return."

I recall that every time I'd go and get my forehead ashed, the priest would remind me that we are made from ashes and to ashes we shall return. When I was young, there was this notion that the longer the cross stayed on one's forehead, the more chance one would go to "heaven". How, even the thickness of the ash, meant something like: the thicker the cross, the more "angelic", one has been and the thinner the cross, the opposite. I have never missed an ash Wednesday until today. This--missing getting ashed on the forehead, wasn't on purpose, of course. I am a practicing Catholic and have no intentions of converting to any other religion (no offense meant to others).

I stare at the screen tonight without nothing in my head.. Obviously, I prefer to write with inspiration, without any boundaries (ask anyone). Then I realized what ash Wednesday was all about.. It's not just cause of some tradition or custom of most Filipino people, or Catholic people; not only cause it's the start of the Lenten season which prepares us for the coming of Christ on Easter which is a few weeks away; and not because it's time to diet, remembering that it's fasting and abstinence for the day.

It's about Death.

Have you ever wondered why we recognize heroes, only when they've passed on? True to the saying, "You only know what you've got when it's gone."

How you choose a hero? Might be cause they've done something extraordinary, someone whom we've admired, someone who've gone through hell and still have made it back with their feet on the ground flawlessly.

Only now I've become aware of the real hero in my life, and I'm not saying this because I have hatred for my dad.. But because, I've recently discovered that my mom had just undergone a biopsy. Yes, she might have cancer. Might being the operative word. I have honestly never been so affected in my life. And it sounds corny, nevertheless, cliche to mention my mom being the hero in this lifetime. I just had to say it now because I want to, and I can. Day in and out, she has accomplished many things with greatness.. That's what makes a hero. She could be the greatest single mom in the world, for me, regardless of our teenage-middle aged disputes in the past. At the end of the day, it's her I look up to even at the lowest of times. She has raised the bar of being a hero.

I guess, it makes sense to think about death especially when something "tragic" happens. We have lost our appreciation for the natural cycles of life, have lost giving importance to people who have become more than what we've expected them to be, rather, ones who have exceeded our expectations.

Today, I say, this is for my mom. You are recognized. It should go without saying.

Eena

of heroes and inspirations

i read through the blog of my paks (rina) and i suddenly remembered the speech i wrote ( and recited ) for our oral communication finals three semesters ago..it was about the heroes (heroines at that) of my life..well, can i just share it here 'coz only five of my blockmates heard of it then...ahehe

my first heroine is jennifer aniston..yeah, the one that fish-lipped angelina jolie stole a husband from..oops, sorry..anyway, i have always loved jennifer..her style exudes elegance, her smile screams warmth, her being shows class..however, more than the beautiful physique she has that i adore to a t, it is her character that really moved me..she lost what were touted to be the greatest of all: a charismatic and sensible husband in brad pitt and an intimate and "looks" perfect commitment..their break-up was a destruction not just to her but to almost everyone in the planet (showbiz lovers or not)..magazine and tabloid covers silently shouting their separation was not a sight to behold..for months, it brought shock and devastation..with the depression and all, jennifer rose up from the grave she never wanted to get into..she stood up and tried her damn best to let everyone see that she'll shine once again after a dark and disastrous saga she went ( and continues to do so) through..though hurt, she never maligned nor downgraded the reason of it all..she never talked ill about the woman who ruined what ought to be sweet and good..she never said nor done anything that will jeopardize the identity his estranged husband had built for so long..and that made me admire her..her courage to challenge the storm and her unconditional love to the man she once offered her heart and soul to..not everyone can do that..when we are hurt, we tend to crash down the brick walls and seek revenge..jennifer aniston never did..now, good karma came her way..she's one of the most loved person in and out of hollywood..and, hello, she has orlando bloom as her boytoy..=)

the second one i consider as a heroine is clarissa ocampo..remember her? a high official of a certain bank who witnessed against former president joseph estrada during his impeachment case..a fierce looking lady, a class of her own..but, nobody thought that this seemingly quiet and serious bank officer would be a major factor in the ouster of the highest official of the land..well, she did..ms. ocampo thought of her decision a million times..she did not want to risk her own life and security but she very well knows that the truth is in her hands..will she just remain mum and let the cheating president continue his dark deeds or will she stand up for the truth and end the glorious days of power of the leader?..she opted to do the second choice..thanks to her, the "bad" habits of estrada were exposed..if not for her, estrada could have had continued swimming in his "illegally-gotten" millions of pesos (and dollars)..it entailed ms. ocampo too-much bravery and too-many faith to do what was right..her life and her family's were assured of a "seat" in the death threats' row yet she remained firm and did what she knows was right and just..she did not only freed herself from a dying conscience; she also liberated the entire filipino people from the chain of eventual poverty..that is unconditional love, sacrificing for everyone..

those two people are the most influential people in my life aside from my parents..jennifer aniston and clarissa ocampo made me realize the importance of courage and unconditional love..be brave enough to be hurt and eventully rise up from the fall and love not just yourself but all the people around you..

all heroes are like that..they are made of courage and love..

:miLca

Women Icons

My mind was set that when my turn comes to write a blog, I was going to write about the "SUPER DANCE CELEBRATION" last saturday whose theme was HEROISM...perfect for this site. I knew what I was going to write about and I already have a lot to write.

Let me start by defining "Hero or Heroine" based on the dictionary.

• Main Entry:
  he·ro
  Pronunciation:
  \ˈhir-(ˌ)ō\
  Function:
  noun
  Inflected Form(s):
  plural heroes
  Etymology:
  Latin heros, from Greek hērōs
  Date:
  14th century
  1 a: a mythological or legendary figure often of divine descent endowed with great strength or ability b: an illustrious warrior c: a man admired for his achievements and noble qualities d: one that shows great courage

The following icons were the ones AC represented

• The Babaylans
• Maganda
• Sisa
• Maria Clara
• Princessa Urduja
• Gabriela Silang

Assumption College Community have always been advocates of Women Empowerment. What we showed in DLSU Super Dance Celebration just proved how strongly we fight for it. These women fit the definiton of heroes/heroines perfectly. They are figures that filipinas these days look up to. The beauty, strength, courage that these women possess are enough to inspire all that came after their generation. They have stories that are dragging but in a good way.

2 a: the principal male character in a literary or dramatic work b: the central figure in an event, period, or movement3plural usually heros : submarine 24: an object of extreme admiration and devotion : idol

HEROES...the way i understand...

are those who give inspiration, hope...someone you look up to...if that's the case, then i have two heroes in my life right now...

When I first watched "Got 2 Believe", i fell in love with it. I knew it was going to be my story. I was toni. I was 14 years old at that time. I was too young to understand the reality in love. I just believed that time will come when you'll meet someone in the weirdest place at the weirdest time and weird as it may seem, you and up together and despite all weirdness..it turns out to be the sweetest thing. I believed I had a story quite like that so I wasn't rushing into anything. It helped me realize, stuff like these waits - which makes it perfect. As time went by, patience started to subside and I find myself falling and hurting. It even came to a point where I stopped believing. I just thought I'd better stop these illusions because it's getting me nowhere. I should act. I should do this, I should do that so I could get a guy just like everybody else. Unfortunately, I learned the hard way. I became pessimistic about the one thing I once thought of as "magic" and I became bitter.

Just recently, last sunday, I watched "27 Dresses". Friends said it was like the english version of "Got 2 Believe" and since I loved that movie, I decided to watch. Jane's lines hit me right where it should. I loved the movie. I can really relate to it. I am now 19 years old. I am much more closer to the "finish line" but it doesn't scare me. I know we shouldn't believe everything we see in the movies. We'd be a total fool if we had. I don't know how but it made me believe again. It inspired me. It helped me realize I shouldn't be pushing myself too hard towards what I think right now would be a happy ending. I should just sit and wait patiently. My time, like Jane's and Toni's, would come. I don't really have to do anything. All I have to do is go on with my life and time will come when it'll just hit me.

I'd have to say that it's the creators and the writers of these films that practically save me. They fit my definition of hero/heroine. They inspire me and they give me hope. They saved me from what I'm about to become. There's actually a lot of them who are to be credited for these movies. I just narrowed them down to two. They were the main characters of the story-Toni and Jane.

"Mother of Biak-na-Bato" and "Founder of Philippine Red Cross"

Trinidad Perez Tecson is the daughter of Monica S. Perez and Rafael Tecson. She was born on November 18, 1848 in the province of San Miguel de Mayumo, Bulacan. She was also known as 'Tangkad' because she grew taller than other girls. She was 19 years old when she got married and had two sons, namely, Sinforoso and Desiderio.

She showed signs of becoming a future hero at a young age. She defended her family on two different situations. She was portraying both gender roles because of her courage and strength.

In 1895, she was 47 years old then when she secretly joined the woman chapter of the Katipunan. She was a very active member of the Logia de Adapcion, which is the Masonic Lodge of Women in the Philippines. She signed her oath of loyalty, determination and affiliation to the Katipunan using her blood even though it was not required for women.

She fought the Spaniards in Central Luzon with General Mariano Llanera wearing rayadillo, which is the uniform of the katipuneros, and lined up with other men fighters. She also fought in Gulod Baboy, Zaragosa, Nueva Ecija.

She served as the Commissary of War under the Republic of Malolos in the second phase of the revolution. She joined the forces led by General Gregorio del Pilar in Bulacan and Calumpit under the direction of Isidiro Torres.

She still fought in battles whenever there was an opportunity. She would get wounded, but she would always fight again after she has recovered.

She nursed and took care of the wounded katipuneros in the Biak-na-Bato, which was the Katipunan's headquarters. From then on, she was called as the "Mother of Biak-na-Bato". She was also the "Founder of the Philippine Red Cross" in recognition of her nursing abilities.

For me, Trinidad Tecson is a great hero. She has a mix of masculine and feminine abilities. She is brave despite of her being a woman. She didn't think twice on including herself in the Katipunan knowing that they are going to face strong Spaniards with better weapons.Tecson helped in healing the wounded katipuneros with her nursing works. She dedicated her life to the service of humanity, for the love of our country and freedom from the Spaniards.The Philippine Red Cross, which is founded by Trinidad Tecson, is an active organization until now. It provides life-saving services that protects the indigent Filipinos in vulnerable situations.