I Missed Going to School

Yesterday, I went to my collegiate university to take care of some documents that needs the school seal. It's been more than a year since I last stepped in it and I still adore it. It changed a bit but most of the buildings during my time were still there and improved dramatically.

We used to have only electric fans in our classrooms, but now, most of the school is air-conditioned. Overall, the school looks much better than before.

I miss studying there, not because of friends or the activities, but i missed learning from the teachers who helped me to be what I am today. I miss doing the assignments even if i used to dislike doing them. I miss listening to the teacher especially in Philosophy even though I'm afraid that he might solicit my answer or just an opinion.

Learning things on your own like reading from books or surfing is internet is good but I believe that the teachers are great at reinforcing those knowledge that we've learned from other mediums of instruction.

Beginning

This is the moment of embarking.
All auspicious signs are in place.

In the beginning, all things are hopeful. We prepare ourselves to start anew. Though we may be intent on the magnificent journey ahead, all things are contained in the first moment: our optimism, our faith, our resolution, our innocence.

In order to start, we must make a decision. The decision is a commitment to daily self- cultivation. We must make a strong connection to our inner selves. Outside matters are superfluous. Alone and naked, we negotiate all of life's travails. Therefore, we alone must make something of ourselves, transforming ourselves into the instruments for experiencing the deepest spiritual essence of life.

Once we make our decision, all things will come to us. Auspicious signs are not a superstition, but a confirmation. They are a response. It is said that if one chooses to pray to a rock with enough devotion, even that rock will come alive. In the same way, once we choose to commit ourselves to spiritual practice, even the mountains and valleys will reverberate to the sound of our purpose.

Deng Ming-Dao

"Isang" Unleashes The Power

News reports are talking of her power. The devastation that she brought throughout the land. I thought that my town will be spared. We live in the opposite end of her center. But I was wrong, her power was encompassing. It reached us and exuded her will. Fierce and strong. "Rain, rain go away..." won't be enough for this one. For two consecutiev nights, she bashed us with her might, only to give us hope in the morning. Tonight's a very dark and cold night but may tomorrow give us sunshine with a smile.

Let her have her will but spare us from destruction.

God Bless Us All and Be Safe.

A Gentle Reminder

I received this text message from my mother that reminds of something that I take for granted:

"In our everyday life, we may fall into the trap of losing our sense of wonder. Experiences may become so ordinary that we no longer see each.

A moment as a miracle from God. the people we meet, the things we accomplish, our simplest joys - all of these are concrete proofs of the Lord's love for us."

True Friend and True Love

A friend that you want to be with, every moment possible each and every day.
To share the joys and sorrows of life, and help them in any possible way.

A friend that can influence your day, with a little word that fills you with smiles.
A friend that can do all of this, even when separated by many miles.

Have you ever had a friend that outshines all the others?
A person so special to you, they rank up with sisters or brothers.

But a friend who is even more than that, in their own unique and special ways.
Because this person can make you feel good, even when your having "one of those days."

A friend who can touch your heart, with everything they do.
A friend that knows how you feel, even when you don't want them to.

Have you ever had a friend, who makes you start to feel.
That you may be more than friends, a feeling that is strong and real.

Have you ever had a friend, who has a special place within your heart.
One that you know you really love, in fact you've known it from the start.

A friend who you want to hug, a friend you want to hold.
A friend to keep warm with, when the both of you are cold.

A friend whose eyes enchant you, have you ever had a friend
That has magic in their smile.
A friend you want to kiss, and hold them for a while.

A friend whose touch excites, a friend who you want to spend all day with
And then look forward to the nights.

Have you ever fallen in love, with someone that is a friend?
A love so real and wonderful, a love that is a friend...

In The Dark Ages

For a day and a half, it felt like we were living in the dark ages. Yesterday morning, the electricity went out and the water supply was cut off immediately after that. There were no notifications made or any warnings. Most of us didn't have any water stored.

In the afternoon, we learned from reports that the power supply was cut off because some rebel insurgents destroyed three power lines while they were fighting with the military forces.

Not having any water stored, we went to a nearby neighbor and fetched some water using the jetmatic pump. It's been years since I used one of these things and it came as a savior to us during this waterless day. We hauled water using the five gallon mineral water bottle. My brother and I made about 8 trips each back and forth to fill up the pails in our house that were to be used for bathing, washing and for the toilet. We were so exhausted carrying it because its been years since we did that. Way back in our elementary and high school days when water was still scarce and far from where we lived.

It was so hot most of the day that we bathed in sweat and had many shirt changes. Since there were no cold drinks available in our area, we went downtown and bought some iced refreshments and softdrinks in one of the few establishments with a generator. We ate halo-halo, mais con heilo and some s0ftdrinks. It was quite refreshing and I didn't mind that I have to spend that amount for such refreshing delights. On other days, I would've declined to purchase them because of the cost.

Luckily, the lights came back this evening and we don't have to haul water anymore tomorrow. I'm glad because my back is already aching.

I think that sometimes it is necessary that we lose some of the conveniences that we are used to having in order to remind us what is necessary in life. I wouldn't have had conversations with some of my neighbors earlier while fetching water if there was electricity. It brings us back to the basics. And it's good to be reminded.