LOVE IS A WAR

We are all in a battle, amidst the time and space, although it is not the battle we commonly think of.

Sun Tzu is a great strategist, tactician philosopher and military general. He wrote one of the greatest book in history - THE ART OF WAR. It is a compilation of many strategies devoted in the field of warfare. Little did people know, this book also applies on the complex world of Love.

風林火山 or Furinkazan literally means Wind, Forest, Fire and Mountain. It is the popular version of the battle standard used by the Sengoku period leader Shingen Takeda. The banner he used during his time quotes the four phrases from Sun Tzu's Art of War.

A passage of the books states the following:

"Be as swift as the wind,
 Be as silent as the forest,
 Be as fierce as fire and
 Be as unshakable as the mountain."

Literally speaking, it sounds as if it is about warfare -  a war towards death but as we repeat it, we can think of other instances where this can be applied. The tone also changes as we think that they are scenarios which exhibits the words of the passages.

BE AS SWIFT AS THE WIND - in Love, sometimes, we need to hurry. We need to show affection. Other may come first and you'll be left and instantly lose that game. Sometimes, to fight for Love, it requires the eradication of our shame and patience and suggests we increase our courage in a more frank manner.

BE SILENT AS THE FOREST - this may suggest that we should move quietly or maybe also, we should become patient. Patiently move towards Love. It may look like it negates the Wind adage at the first line but truthfully, it just compliments it. We can say that the two comes with each other. There are times that we need to be frank and times when we need to stay put for awhile.

BE AS FIERCE AS THE FIRE - Fire beats fire more than water. This time around, courage requires more exposure. Disregarding shame and saying directly what you feel may be the start of putting up courage.

BE AS UNSHAKABLE AS THE MOUNTAIN - Any form of hindrance shall bow down on you. You bombard every single one which comes your way trying to put you down, discouraging you from reaching your goal. You put on your mindset that nothing beats you because you are already invincible.

To prove that this passage summarizing the art of warfare is also quoting Love, let me give you some quotes from other literature which tells that Love is also a War.

"I've fought so many wars in my time. Some I've fought for land, some for power, some for glory. I suppose fighting for love makes more sense than all the rest." ~ King Priam (Troy, 2004)

and...

"Love does not begin and end the way we seem to think it does. Love is a battle, love is a war; love is a growing up." ~ James A. Baldwin

We are all part of an unseen battle called Love.

A SIMPLE ONE CENT ONLY

If you are in a relationship with someone, always remind yourself that it is not for having title or label, satisfying oneself solely for earthly pleasure or having trial and experiment for yourself until you think you are mature enough for the real thing. Don't waste time and feelings. They are meant to be cherished.

just found this on my pic files. forgot the source.

Reduce Reuse Recycle Read books to teach you how [Nature]

source: Youtube.com

It has been a necessity for humanity to reverse everything they have done to their own planet. Due to the advancement of technologies, its effects has also increased. The most evident effect of urbanization if the wide range invasion of the greenhouse gases. The world has been, needless to say, destroyed so here are some ways to reduce the damage done.

1. Reduce Waste
 The more waste produced, the more we need to know where to dump or how to eradicate it. It is either we dump it in a garbage sites.Methane gases are produced in dump sites, anyway. Other way is to incinerate. Of course, we know what happens in an incinerator. Both shall be creating gases which will contribute to the accumulating heat on our ozone layer.

2. Use less heat and technology
 The more we rely to technology, the more heat is created. Since humans started relying to technology that requires heat and releases heat in the 1850's, earth has become warmer.

3. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
 Reduce waste, as I've said earlier but also we must couple it with reusing things and recycling stuffs. We are creative beings so it is not really that hard to imagine what we can make from junks that most people consider useless. We must not leave more litter. The earth cannot always swallow and disintegrate them. Some takes hundreds of years before they are totally decomposed.


4. Simply Plant Trees

source: redbubble.com

 Nothing has been much simpler to eradicate the accumulating heat than planting trees. We all know the stuff we learned from Elementary Science that plants reduces and consumes carbon dioxide and releases oxygen which is good for us, human beings. Oxygen helps our world become cooler.

Let's just say that the more heat the earth's atmosphere have, the more there is a tendency to have floods and typhoons. The polar ice caps and permafrost will melt and lands will be flooded. Due to the everchanging weather, climate will also become unusual and the shifting patterns shall have drastic changes. The supplies for human necessity will decrease and there will become inadequacy. People will struggle for more demands and there will be war and looting.

I know I sound quite biblical and prophetic but science proves it is true. Let us not let other humans degrade our own home. There is only one planet Earth.

COMING SOON [Politics]

The Boss thingy going on with President Aquino is quite old and rusty. Most filipinos are actually tired of believing that his proclaimed "Tuwid na Daan" would happen. We might as well call it "Gasgas na sa pandinig" the term "Kayo ang boss ko!".

We all have seen the dramas in Aquino's political world and it is evident that he had done measures against the scums that lingers in the society. He had done such a drastic move bombarding the issues and persons involved in the Pork Barrel Scam but everything turned into a pause when his name came up. Well, I am not surprise. Every politicians, once good, becomes dark as they rule. They all have dirty secrets.

This time around we shall be seeing another tale of unprecedented and astutely shocking circumstances in the history of Philippine Politics and Governance. Another "coming soon" sign in our heads pops up as we heard about the suggestion of another six-year term for his administration. Wait. We shall review a little. In the Philippine Constitution, any president elected are only given one six-year term. It would be deemed unconstitutional if he shall continue with this move on term extension.

He was clearly implying that he himself is in favor. Yes, we can't be certain of what surprise he is going to do but if something is unconstitutional, it should not be done. Further pushing this suggestion into action is the same as having dictatorial tendencies.

Well, we only have one safe thing to do now. Watch how the curtains shall be unfolded in this big screen movie called "Political Reality".

COMPOSE POEMS

I searched for two poems and analyzed the rhyming scheme and metrical pattern then I challenged myself making poems using the same scheme and patterns.

Emily Dickinson is an american poet who became popular post-humously because of her poems that mostly discusses about flowers and gardens, confessions on life and love, morbidity or death, exploration and gospel. But despite those prevailing themes, one that is unique on Dickinson's work is the use of iambic pentameter pattern.

This is one of her poems bearing the iambic pentameter.

There is no frigate like a Book

To take us lands away

Nor any coursers like a Page

Of prancing Poetry.

This Traverse may the poorest take

Without oppress of Toll -

How frugal is the Chariot

That bears a Human soul.

I made my own poem using the same iambic pentameter pattern.

Life is so Great and you should know

Not to cry and cast away

Life is there so find it now

To some girl in the town.

This challenge may each one face

No prejudice among all

How cheap a man so coward

Not facing his own Fate.

Robert Frost is also an american poet whose main theme is his prolific poems are rural life and nature. In his poem "Nothing Gold Can Stay", he used rhyming couplet schemes in iambic trimeter pattern.

Nature's first green is gold,

Her hardest hue to hold.

Her early leaf's a flower;

But only so an hour.

Then leaf subsides to leaf.

So Eden sank to grief,

So dawn goes down to day.

Nothing gold can stay.

I tried to follow his schemes and pattern.

Her face so soft, so great,

Her beauty great to rate

I want to dance with her

But she want me never.

My love for her then fades

Wasted all efforts made.

Care not to ever try

So now I bid goodbye.

MY ROLE IN THE NATION-BUILDING

I am an education student and I believe that to educate is to become a person that can contribute to progress.  It is a circular process that improves through time. I believe that the responsibility of educators is to provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed in academic, business and personal arenas. My teaching principle is based on the belief that education is a solution to many social problems. Education gives the materials needed to make proper decisions, synthesize concepts, and critically evaluate significant issues and enjoy life. Pursuing knowledge and improving my skills as an educator are among my highest priorities.

As an aspiring educator, I will strive to encourage excellence in my students and myself. I feel that I can encourage students to seek new knowledge and explore their own ideas by an enthusiastic presentation of both what is and what is not known about subjects. When appropriate, the classroom setting should be expanded to include experience in the field.

In my interaction with students, I will strive always to be respectful, especially when dealing with differed opinions that may arise as product of scientific and rational thinking. I want my students to learn to think critically, not merely to accept my ideas and opinions; my drive to pursue higher education was due  to several teachers who inspired catalyst on other people's conscience.

As a youth- a young adult, striving to become a professional someday, I have proven myself to be a good follower and a leader. I was once a Supreme Student Government Officer, a writer, and now I am an education student aspiring to become a teacher someday. What I have dreamt is to share knowledge to young generations. I want to provide them the knowledge that they need in order to serve their purpose in life. I want to leave something good in their hearts that would encourage them to do the same to others. I want to leave a great mark in their lives that someone in their life had encourage them to make a change in their lives and to make a difference to others.

I can never be much happier than to give and contribute what I can for the betterment of our country. I want to create linkages that would connect one to another in order to strengthen the bonds of filipino brothers and sisters. I want to be part of the bridge that we use present progress. I want to be part of those people who not only connect lives but also fulfill dreams that others have long been awaiting.

Like creating a house, I want to be one of the bricks used to create it. I want to be one of those that is used to build a strong foundation.  I’ll gladly accept the responsibility of giving aid to others. I believe that volunteer work is a key to nation-building. Showing love to others in many ways we can is giving them encouragement to perform the same, as well. Nothing beats the cliché “ The More, The Merrier”. The more people that hold hands together, the stronger the bond, the greater success waits.

THERE IS HOPE FOR OUR GREAT NATION

With everything that;s happening, there is no more hope for the Philippines. Agree or Disagree?

Have you ever tried to ask a displeased Filipino about why would they love to leave the country and they will absolutely blabber so many bad things about Philippines. They’ll say that this country has none while the other has one. They’ll say that the other country has better this and that. Everything there is better compared to what we have. We can’t blame them for belittling our country but try to ask them again if they have done their purpose as a Filipino citizen. I’m sure they can’t say anything that is really accountable for change.

Well, there is hope. Only the dumbest and hopeless person would say that there is no more hope. Being pessimistic is not an answer. It is actually an act of proving defeat. With everything that’s happening like the frigging Pork Barrel Scam, the shambling educational system that still faces the same problems over the years like no classrooms, less books, the creepy look at the streets populated by goons and prostitutes, the illegal settlements, the clogged canals and polluted air and masses of waters like the rivers, the monopolization of greedy companies and, of course, the crazy colonial mentality of the filipinos themselves, there is still hope.

Every issue our country faces is just a challenge to us. We know we are in a third world country but that doesn’t mean that hope does not exist anymore. The Philippines has long been besieged by problems of all sorts for decades and it still stands. It has just proven that it can pave its way against hindrances.

Before we look at the negative side, why don’t we try to reflect the unseen side of the country? Can anyone deny the fact that we are rich in natural resources? Can anyone disprove the high literacy rating of our country? No one can answer those questions.  Our country already has what it needs to improve but we know for sure that something is still lacking. Something’s needs to be done.

Poor social services, poor educational system, poor, poor, poor, poor everywhere. If one would look in that angle, our country will be stagnant on where it is right now. Did it help when one looked at our country in a miserable side? It’s a big No. We are just looking at the wrong side of the mirror.

The decayed system is what pulls us back from progress. Our beloved country is still in perplexity because of the foul stench from people who never did a good thing for our country. Take it from the crooks that had been well-educated in prestigious universities, garnered the title of being honorable and having the privilege to rule the country yet they abuse the power vested to them for their own benefit. Analyzing it, what difference do people who only complain and do nothing have from these corrupt pigs? None, both of them did nothing to improve the lives of their own co-citizens.

We can overcome all these downturns if we have Love. That is all there is to it. Love is the key. It comes in many forms. We just need to open the hearts of people, spread them by showing it. We can unite and solidify the spirits of filipinos as one. We can touch the hearts of others.

Trusts can be restored. Transparency, equality, peace, freedom, unity can all be achieved again. We are once called as a great and rich nation. We can still retrieved that long lost title of ours. We have the work force to bring it back.

We should remember that we have done people power many times before and we can still do it again. We can still awake the hero inside every citizen. We are formidable if we combine our wisdom and determination. We are invincible if we mix our efforts and aspirations. If we are dedicated enough to create change, we can reach progress.

I never did lose hope for my country. I still dream of something better to happen. If one will say that there is no more hope, I’ll lend him my hand and say, “Come with me and I’ll show you that there is”.  Even in the day, stars are there in the sky, we can’t see it but we know it’s there. Just like hope, we just need to believe and prove that there is. We are incapable? I think not.

WHY SHOULD THE FILIPINO YOUTH VOLUNTEER?

Why? Do we really need to answer this question? Is it really a pre-requisite? It is mandated, not just by God, not just by the laws of man, but by the heart inside us. We should volunteer!

If you will still insist that I should answer the question, well, I might just have to say that Filipino youth should volunteer for it spreads the spirit of Nationalism and Hope. Hope that a person can see through aiding each other – in which they will realize that we can uplift lives just by giving a hand.

Let’s ask ourselves, what change can it create by having volunteerism? Look around us. What do we see? What do we hear? Poverty is everywhere. No matter what direction we look, there is a presence of that grotesque figure of the society. Nude malnourished kids roaming around the streets of Manila to beg as if they are playing  “patintero” with Death and living out their entire young lives in the putrid estuaries beside the bridges. Undeniably, pollution exists. It is everywhere. Consuming vast areas and spreading diseases to succumb lives.  Corruption. Oh, yes, corruption. It is the worst enemy of the nation. It is the scum of the society. It is a cancer that proliferates so fast. It rules the government making it look as if the senate and congress are the biggest criminal syndicate in the country.

I hate myself when I speak foul of my own country but it’s the truth –the ugly truth. There are many more of that for me to say but I don’t want my readers to puke because of the horrifying and gory tale I have in my mind while reading my work so I have decided not to write it anymore.

Now, having known of some of the greatest problems our country is facing, can change be possible? Of course, it is. No matter what kind of struggle there is, change is inevitable and what we only need is a force that can push us to move forward and that force is Bayanihan.

We should remember that our country is the mother of People Power and that its roots are instilled deeply in the hearts of the filipinos. Through volunteerism in 1986, during the EDSA revolution, we have defeated the dictating ruler. We have proven that we, filipinos, can be as solid as rock. Again, it happened in EDSA DOS and also, EDSA TRES and it can still happen.

Volunteer work is the physical form of Hope, Nationalism, social responsibility and awareness. By doing so, we can prove that change can happen anytime we want it. As youths, we are the catalysts that bring progress. Unity in heart creates hopes and success. We are the formidable force that the society needs in order to ignite freedom and peace in the lives of our fellow countrymen.

Poverty, Pollution, Corruption, Unemployment, Illiteracy are problems that still beset Filipinos. It is an imperative – a necessity – for us to bring down these issues. In order to achieve it, we must first look at them as challenges – obstacles which are also aimed goals – that we need to set and finish.

This is the goal. We want to bring down the worriment to start the betterment of the nation. Volunteer work encourages others to aid, not only other people, but the nation itself. It helps us take part in the nation-building. By combing talents and skills, we can create a difference. We can create a change. If we can all push one domino, others will follow. We just need to join our hands together and walk toward volunteering. We need to influence others. It’s just a matter of time before we can actually reach what we want.

We should volunteer, not only because it is a pre-requisite as a man, not because it is our duty as Filipino, not only because it creates hopes, encourages change, ignites nationalism but because it is the an act of love that everyone should show.

TELEVISION CAN MANIPULATE [Trend]

            Media is a double-edged sword. It can hurt the opponent and the wielder himself, but of course, why would the wielder let he be hurt? He would use it in his advantage in any possible way no matter what.

source: infiniteunknown.net

We all have seen how Television Media had grown so big in the past 15 years. It bloomed from being a simple Entertainment Industry into a booming Public Service Company. Only a few Filipinos have a set of television and it just used to be a jester to us, making us laugh from sitcom jokes and a simple reminder, informing us about what is happening in the society, no more and no less.

On the contrary, today, Television Media’s presence is very ubiquitous. Whenever you turn your head, there is nobody who doesn’t know and who doesn’t have a television or even a radio. Most of us spend about a third in a day watching and tuning to them. Even children spend more time with media than any other activities. Television Media has dominated every single Filipinos lives. Nobody can deny the effect it has given in our personal perspectives and outlook in life. Believe it or not, it can even dictate you what to believe and what’s not to.

Television Media can also be a manipulator of our minds, if not used properly. Yes, information are important and should be delivered to us but are we even sure of its credibility. It is easy to deliver information but the source can always distort facts into bogus and fabricated stories per se. We all have seen how from an entertainment approach towards a Public Service-Political approach, it developed. Television Media climbed many steps just to reach out people and gain ratings for their shows, whatever the shows were. It gained its own power over us just by providing us entertainment and information because we made it a total necessity and thought that we need them because they can give us freedom of information (which is our right as citizens) that we need.

Do we have a choice? Because they are the most capable of giving thorough and quick response for information-gathering, we will let them do so. But of course, we should be wary and aware of it. We still need to know how much reliability, validity and credibility there is to them. Seek for second opinion on whatever is being spread. Confirm facts so that we will have a straight mindset. Well, their viewers are their power so we should just be wary of what is being disseminated to us. We should remember that 

SORRY, THANK YOU, GOODBYE [Memoir]

This is actually a story written way way back a few years ago but let me just retell this tragic story.

Written on [Saturday, September 22, 2012, 1:56:13 AM]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Why is there a person who can't move on? Why do they stay attached in a hopeless emotion? Why do they still let their love and devotion flow for a person who just spilled everything away and broke their virgin hearts? What do those persons possess to keep on loving them even if in reality, there is nothing left for them. Nothing...

...Is it satisfying? Does it bring them blissful feeling to stay holding on to the string where no one is holding on the other end? Do they not think that it is just foolish and ridiculous? Where is their brain? Is it functioning well? What they are doing is illogical. Nonsense. Crazy. Deranged. Outrageously insane. What other reasons do they have? They still love them? But they are not loved anymore! Martyrdom or just being masochist?"

These are the words that I say to my friends when they are at that certain point in a relationship where everything is falling apart and there they are, crying in front of me. They go to me for counsel and I give them a lot of words. Be like this, Not like that, Do this, Avoid doing that and many more. These are "words of wisdom" when it comes to love and relationship and in the end, I can't even apply these principles to myself. It was my turn. Finally, I was put in that situation.

I have spoken so many things yet I can't even use them. In the end, I was the one who was an idiot and hypocrite. I can't stand on my own words. It was true. We cannot always walk our talk. The one who always speak was also the one who's actually weak.

I remember when I first knew her. It was the warm month of June - beginning of a new chapter in life -start of college days. Her name is Ella. She is not really beautiful. You should say that she is rather cute. She's just a small petite girl. Her eyes are big but fits perfectly with her round face. It struck me. She is a living proof of what this certain french painter named Carlotti said. He said that beauty is summation of parts working together in such a way that nothing is needed to be added, taken away, altered or changed. It is her. You won't ask for more because she is already complete.

Actually, I haven't really liked her yet. I already have one whom I have utmost admiration. I already have a crush, idol and love and that is just one person. Wherever I look, she is always the one I see but everything changed. I began liking Ella. I felt I betraying my first love.

Was I played by destiny when this sudden change of heart began?

We became closed friends. We were actually seatmates. Our surnames are consecutively arranged and I was put next to her seat and because we're seatmates, we always talk, have a little chitchat, teasing, pinching crack half-meant jokes and other silly agendas. We always have time to talk. Sometimes, I ask her to massage my tired hands with her soft palms. It was heaven. It's as if we are in our own world - not caring on other people. Just us.

Months had passed and we haven't expected that this certain hi-hello relationship will grow into something bigger - something special. After we spent some time together, creating a world within our tete a tete, talk about the dramas in our lives, exchange of beliefs and ideals, debates on principles and philosophies and sharing our hopes, dreams and aspirations, we thought that what if there is something special that waits for us. Then, it turned to me. She is already part of my dream.

A few months passed and I told her I like her but not in the way one could imagine. You might say that it was improper but this is how it began. 

We were writing scripts for a film project. We were at our friend's house. The three of us were working on it. We were actually just chaperones. The script was really my friend's sole work and we just went with him to kill time after class. My friend was writing the script while Ella and I are resting on a bed chatting and flirting with each other. Since our friend is focused in his work and he can't see what we are doing on the bed because of a thick curtain parting the room, we kissed. We were looking straight at each other. The space between our faces are getting smaller and smaller. As the distance decreases, the heartbeats increase. My hands are tied with hers. I filled the spaces between her fingers as her lips filled my lips and the silence was defeated by the beats from our chests. It lasted passionately. It ended as I kissed her forehead. 

We slept afterwards while the music of Johann Pachelbel plays across the room. Our friend was also tired of working and he eventually slept tightly. Unknown to him, part of the history of their house is a kiss between two strangers.

It was my favorite music back then. Canon by Johann Pachelbel - famous for the korean film, My Sassy Girl. I was in awe realizing that I have found my own sassy girl. The romantic melody of the music made me ask for her hand for a dance. We danced as the tune glides in our ears. I slide her waist in my hand and I wave her in the floor in finishing the sway then suddenly, we kissed again - only this time, everything is much more hyped. I dragged her behind the cabinet to make thing more discreet and not wake our sleeping friend. It gives us more time to spare for this certain bliss our thing brings. I asked, "Is this forever? I hope this does not end".

It was sweet and romantic. Nevertheless, it was also bitter, thinking that everything that undergone were wrong. We are not in a relationship. We stopped as we thought of this as a mistake. Was it really a mistake? I was hoping it was not. All I know is that it wasn't right and wasn't wrong either. I just kissed her on her red cheeks before bidding goodbye. This moment should end for now but I have to make sure that this something special we are feeling should grow.

Days have passed. She ignored my texts. She declined my calls. She prevents herself seeing eye to eye with me but those didn't stop me from reaching her again. It was time to formally court her. I should ask for her hands in a cultured way where a man respectfully woos a woman.

A man strives to gain the trust of a woman. A man seeks for that certain yes to the most important question. I got her yes. I was the happiest person in the world.

 But this doesn't stay too long. The turn of events is yet to come.

With her, I tasted the sweetest things in the world but also with her, the most bitter things are brought. I was about to taste the vile side of love. A bitter end awaits me.

After all those sweet memories shared, those sweet nothings transformed into nothing. Just nothing. Things eventually became paler and paler. The colorful story was turning grayer and grayer and the dark emotions grow. I can't tell what real from fake anymore.

I asked, " Is she getting tired of being with me?" But that's not all, there is more to it. I care not to tell any more details, at least to pay respect to her.

We all know how gossips have certain truth in it. Stories from many people emerge. Chat here, chat there. Story here and there. I don't know what's real and what's not. All I know is that it hurts me. It is hurting me. I can't explain the pain. All I know is that it is much from what I am expecting. The end is not yet the end.

I only had a few romances. She had many. She may have been used to what people think. Being numb might already be mastered by her. She knows how to escape this kind of labyrinth but me? I cannot.

We decided to just end the relationship. This is to at least fulfill the bitter expectation I have of what end could we have. Just a simple ending. Even though it is against the will of my heart, I let her go. I know I can't bring her happiness anymore.

I realized that we are really different. That's the truth. We play different game. We live on different worlds. She wanted to stay in a complicated while I prefer the simple one. I am like the sea. I go back to the shore where I belong. Unlike her, she is a river that flows. She come and go. She just came and gave me a taste of what love can be.

Now, I can really understand my friends. To love is something great. It is our decision and choice if we still want to continue loving and be called a martyr. I just learned to love her so much. So much that it almost killed me. I am proud that I did love her so much. At least, I can say, I did not lack.

I stayed loving her. I stayed for her because I knew she still needs me. Is this obsession? Yes, maybe, I don't know. To the eyes of someone loving, this is just love. Whatever happens, I support her. Whenever she needs me, I am just one call, one text away.

To those person who think and judge that I am a fool. I don't use my brain. I make myself look pathetic. Thank you for your concern. I don't need them.

To those who know the art of letting go, teach me how. I don't know how to escape from this kind of love. Teach me so that I can finally tell her Sorry, Thank You and Goodbye.

A LOOK TO BEYOND: Fathers of Science Fiction and imagining Time Machines [Intro Review]

I have been a fan of science fiction stories and films -  even classics. I was always fascinated by the great imaginations of writers who created our beloved fantasies. I've watched countless of them. Since the post- victorian era, science fiction writers like H.G. Wells, Jules Verne and Hugo Gernsback emerge. These three were considered as the fathers of science fiction.

The most popular of all are the works of H.G. Wells and Jules Verne. Jules Verne wrote the stories Journey to the Center of the Earth, Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea presenting Captain Nemo and his submarine Nautillus, Around The World in Eighty Days presenting the adventures of Inventor Phileas Fogg and his valet Passepartout and also From The Earth To The Moon.

H.G. Wells wrote The War of The Worlds and The Island of Dr. Moreau but the story which speculated science for more than a century (even Einstein supported it with his theories )or even before he even made it, people may have started questioning about it. His most famous work which was considered as the Holy Grail of Science Fiction -  The Time Machine. It was turned into film in 1950's and remade in 2002.


All became much livelier started in the works and collaborations of Steven Spielberg. he is one of the finest directors and producers in the history motion picture. He had a great deal of problems in creating a picture of our beloved written fantasy sci-fi stories but he still made it.

He made countless science fiction film which also created a cult-following. he was famous for imagining into a film the novel of Crichton, Jurassic Park. He also created the greatest and friendliest alien, The ExtraTerrestrial. He also helped creating one of the greatest adventurers next to Alan Quatermaine, The Raider of The Lost Ark, Prof. of Archaelogy, Henry "Indiana" Jones, Jr.

               

The greatest trilogy ever made (in my opinion) is Back To The Future directed by Robert Zemeckis. It is about an 80's teenager named Marty Mcfly being dragged back to 1950's by a time machine in a car version created by his eccentric scientist friend Doc Emmett Brown and ruining how his parents meet thus endangering his very existence.

It continued to part 2, with him travelling, this time, to the future to save his son in a conundrun of chaos. A common enemy knew his secret of being a time traveller and thus creating another problem and this time, the world really did changed and history has been totally altered. His father is dead, his mother wed Biff (the common enemy since the beginning) and everything else are wrong. Doc and Marty needs to find out where (actually, the question should be when) did history change and prevent it from ever happening. Confusing but totally entertaining.


This film prophesied a lot about what things will be present in the future. it even introduced new gadgets, especially, the Hover Board and the power-lacing shoes. Even the delorean had an add-on - hover conversion. It cannot just travel through time but also fly and soar to the sky.

After the events of part 2, Doc was dragged back to 1880's, the Wild West, due to a lightning striking the time machine and creating an overload in energy. Marty doesn't want to leave a friend behind thus seeking help to Doc (of 1955) to get the Doc (of 1985) back to their proper place and proper time. This time, Doc does not want to go back because he fell in love and, of course, this changes a lot in the course of history but it's alright. Everything is fun. Everything is iconic. A Gun. A Horse. A duel. A train and another train turned time machine that can also fly. What more could you ask for? There is actually more to it so I recommend to just watch it.

FRATERNITY means BROTHERHOOD, not CRIME [Newsbreak] [Trend]

Hazing? Again? Have we not learned anything yet in these repeated stories of violence? What is really the truth in this stories?

Recently, another hazing incident happened concerning the students of College of St. Benilde. Once again, the fatal hazing tragedy triggered outrage among students, the schools and families.

Guillo Servando died in the hands of supposedly Tau Gamma Phi Fraternity Members last weekend while undergoing initiation rites. With him, three other newbies were hospitalized.

source: DLS-CSB

The school vowed justice for the death of their student and promises due process and appropriate sanctions be given to those responsible. The school's president and chancellor, Dennis Magbanua said, "Facts are being unearthed to shed light on what has happened. Individuals who will be discovered to be involved with the recent hazing incident will be given due process and will be meted out appropriate sanctions". "The school will not stand idly by and let injustice happen", he added.

The situation has sounded so much to the other party, specifically the Tau Gamma Phi fraternity. This calls for the truth about fraternities. In our society, fraternity has been stereotyped as cruel organizations which holds heinous crimes.

It is evident in some communities where fratmen with different organization live that there are feuds between one fraternity and another. There are crimes committed and people murdered. It may be true that those involved are frat members but that doesn't prove that the fraternity, as a whole, is the brain of the criminal act. The act of one or few member does not say that the act is also of other unrelated members. This kind of thinking made us hypocrites. We have been viewing fraternities as part of a bad influence in our society.

source: Manila Times

There are bylaws and rules and regulations inside a fraternity and each failure to abide meets a proper sanction. Fraternities are actually organized. They are like a society in a society and, of course, a society has their own scums, a fraternity also has their scums. There are members who are the root of why we think fraternities are bad.

The fraternity involved in the issue has their mistake. But this mistake doesn't mean that they are the sole perpetrator of the tragedy. The other neophytes, the school and other people are also part of it- even us.

Hazing is what is really bad.There must be a much stricter implementation of Anti-Hazing Law. There are far more other ways to have initiation which will prove the neophytes' loyalty and pride for the brotherhood.

Let us remember, fraternities are originally organizations built and served for progressive purposes. They are initially for the development of communities and not to create differences and divide amongst the members of the society. They are not made for determining which of the groups are superior and inferior. These groups are supposed catalysts aiming to change life in communities in a better way.

Let us break the tradition. Stop viewing fraternities as criminals and stop using hazing as a form of initiation rite.

F R I E N D S

Science dictates that lifetime friends are identified only when you've been friends with them for more than seven years and I think it is true. Needless to prove their scientific point but seven years or not, as long as they are true, they are friends. Friends are found at joyous moments and they remain at adversity.


There aren't many things more important than friendship. They are those whom you talk silly things with. A problem tackled with friends are problem easily solved. There are times that we laugh with them over various things - funny and scary. They are always at hand. Stronger trust built through struggles than upon enjoyable moments -  this is what real friends are.



Friends are like stars. You may not see them when the sun is out but you know they are just there. You may not always be with your friends. Maybe you are busy with other agendas, other stuffs or even with other friends but you feel secured because if there is anything bad to happen, you know they are to the rescue.



There aren't many supermen in the world but you brand them super at anything they do for you. Favors that have been granted and wishes that have been brought to you from them. Time is what is really important. Once spared, will mean a lot to each of you in your circle of friends. As time goes by, it will dictate the bonds that grew. Memories shared will always be the everflowing foundation of love in having friends.

HOW TO REACH SUCCESS (if it doesn't come to you, you go to it) [Tutorial]

   Seeking to master your dream? There are actually a million ways to succeed and a billion ways to fail. Life is very complex. It is like a rubic's cube which can be solved using a million combinations. Albeit, to err is human but to continue making errors is an evidence of stupidity.

   If you want to pursue something and you don't know where to start or maybe you have started but you failed and you don't know where to pick yourself up, here's a few things to keep in mind in order to get back on the game. There are actually several factors in the equation but here are the basics.

source: linkedin.com

BE A FOLLOWER BEFORE TURNING INTO A LEADER

    First and foremost, the beginning of the game is to become a follower. Remember that one or more people have gained mastery in their endeavors and so you must seek help from them. They are the experts in the field. Learn from the best there is.

FAILURE IS A MUST

   We are just humans and life is a trial and error. It is only natural for us to commit mistakes. You just have to know where you committed those mistakes. Take note of them and observe to not do it again. Only when you understand how it feels to fail, you will appreciate the feeling of reaching success so hug failures. They will remind you of how they were helpful in reaching success. No matter how much failures there are, if you are confident that you can, don't quit.

ROUTINE IS NOT ALWAYS BAD

   Some may have told you that repeating your daily steps might have caused you  a longer path to success which is basically bad. It implies that you created your own hindrance when you repeated steps and not seen any progression. Actually, there are kinds of progress that results from a long-run of repeated steps.

   Let's take a determination in mastering a certain craft. For an apprentice to master a craft, he or she must repeat steps. Practice makes perfect. Give time.

DETERMINATION, PASSION AND LOVE

   Of course, it is very much necessary that what you are working for is done with determination. You must consider it a dream that you long for. It requires love. Nothing beats love coupled with passion and determination.

TAKE RISK

   Take risk. Life is a gamble. Move away from your comfort zone because sometimes, your comfort zone is what keep you from reaching success. Try new trends. Try new experiments. Great things never came from comfort zones.

THINK POSITIVE

   Don't think that you are just wasting time for repeated steps or wasting money as investments. Thinking negatively only proves that you are not confident in what you are pursuing. it like thinking that plan B is necessary because plan A has flaws. Court serendipity. It can gain you more productive results. It's not bad to think of having doubts but sometimes, having plan B is a mindset to fail plan A. Be enthusiast.

LOOK AHEAD, FIND PROFIT

   Think in a futuristic perspective. Know in which moments and places you may commit a mistake. Plan ahead of time and choose which plan fits best to situations. Choose among those plans which are most profitable. It is up to you if you want a fast-phasing easy-win or a slowly-but-surely success.

COLLABORATE AND COOPERATE

   No man is an island. Unlikewise, every man is a bridge. Learn to cooperate and collaborate. We don't have all the abilities to perfect our endeavors. We need assistance. Manpower is necessary. Aristotle even said that each person should be able to attain a higher and better life by mutual exchange of different services.

   Learn how to work well with others. They also have the key to your success. You also have a key to their success. Pull each other up the ladder.

   Remember that success is not random. It is a matter of choice and choices doesn't always come at the right moment, at the right instance and at the right time. It undergoes a depth of contemplation before you realize that it is a good choice. Anyway, it is your life. You get to make your own rules.

   Lastly, don't be afraid of going from failure to failure. Just don't lose the Enthusiasm. Behind every successful man are many unsuccessful years. Don't ever give up on your goal just because of one setback. It is the same as slashing the other three tires of your car just because you have one flat. It is a very important recipe in cooking the greatest delicacy called Success.

THE CHILDHOOD OF THE DRAGON LADY OF ASIA: A FEATURE

source: edikdolotina.blogspot.com

   Miriam Defensor-Santiago - famous all over the world with her courageous advocacy against graft and corruption in Philippine Governance. Like Darna, fighting petty and even hideous crimes, she is much more fueled with fierce and determined to outcome the political struggles. We also grew up knowing the Miriam Dictionary full of her unique and satiric quips and one liners coated with her fiery aura. She was threatened with an assasination but the dragon lady still stands today and was even recognised as the Unsinkable. She is very quintessential. But among these, who is Miriam as a child?

   Miriam was born in 1945 in Iloilo City. She was born the eldest in an humble and educated family and raised with pride for our country. The sense of justice runs in their blood. Her father, Benjamin, was a district trial judge while her mother, Dimpna, is a dean in college.

source: www. rmaf.org.ph

   She was a child prodigy. She studied very well in her elementary days which gained her the Valedictorian in La Paz Elementary School and also of her, high school, Iloilo Provincial National. She earned an all-around medal of excellence. She won many competitions and contest. She outwitted her seniors while being a freshman in Spelling Bee. She was even promoted as editor-in-chief of their high school paper while still being a freshman. She also topped the National College Entrance Examinations for the Western Visayas region.

   She was an avid reader of books who fears of lack of books in the future. Her talent is coupled with her passion for writing.

   She was even an athlete. She joined a provincial swimming competition sponsored by Red Cross and was announced as champion.

   With this, her story still continues. She had her glory days in her beloved university, U.P. Diliman and her adventures in Michigan. There are many more stories about her. her roots made her into the dragon lady we know today. She was not afraid of anything. Even now, she was recently diagnosed of a lung cancer but this cannot stop her for pushing her courageous crusade for her beloved nation.

WHY DO WE CHEAT, HAVE AFFAIRS AND BECOME PROMISCUOUS [Lifestyle]

In a relationship, there are times that we are also tempted to cheat on our partners. I am also a convict of such act. I committed the crime that is a taboo when we’re in love. I saw some reason and most of them are justifiable by influence but is it just limited on influence? Are there any other reasons.

Some says that what your friends is also who you are. In this case, maybe is the answer. Some given sign is having friends who also cheat on their partners– sort like a trend on the group (thus the influence stated).

There is also excessive need for attention- one that craves for affection of more than one partner. One might say that one cheat because of sex but this is not always true. Sex is not only the reason. It is the adventure or risk. There the saying goes “Masarap ang bawal.” It is a stunt that cries for an ambitious attention and stress release.

Let’s get down to a proper list. Vanessa Zambali who commented on Dr. Margie Holmes' blog also about cheating gave three distinct reasons.

First, partners are banes to progress. They want someone better, smarter to share feelings with so that they would feel adequate, competent and self-actualized. This means that when we feel that our partner is a hindrance to success, we tend to find someone who would have more opportunity in turning us successful.

Secondly, they cheat because of boredom. The relationship doesn’t glow so they engage in a risky trend to find new glow.

from lifeworkcounselling.net

Lastly, cheating is a proof of timeless beauty or unmatched alpha masculinity. A feeling of being wanted and needed affectionately by others boost internal ego of sex.

Well, I can say that the types are not really important. It is the circumstances which make cheating possible. No matter how educated, sheltered and morally upright, when situations beg for it, cheating may happen. We all have a predisposition to cheat. If circumstances like boredom, unfulfilled desires are present, cheating is present as an option.

Even if there is no sexual engagement but there is emotional or physical involvement supported by the perks of modern world’s technology like text messaging, phone calls, and another person who is also bored, or feeling bane or just like to try some risky business, cheating will be prevalent.

Years ago, cheating was just a form of revenge but today, it is just a form of a trend. Should we be more aware?

THE FIRST GIRL OF MY ADMIRATION AND DREAM [Memoir]

I learned to admire a girl. I had my first crush when I was in Grade Four. I’d better not tell her name or else I’ll burst. Let me just explain and describe what kind of person she is and how she made me love her.

She is just a simple girl. She’s not really good at studies but I can tell she has brains because how can she be in section one if she doesn’t have one, of course. She’s an average-type of girl. She’s the eldest of their family. She was also born on the same month as me.

The thing that she is gifted with and made me fall for her is her beautiful melodious voice. It was really beautiful that when she sings, it can beat the symphony of the angels singing, the harmony of the wind blowing and the melody of the nature. It was a food for my ear. I’m really speechless while I’m seeing her on the stage singing for the school during the School’s Flag Ceremony. My eyes are really set to her and I can’t really move as if I was struck by cupid’s arrow each and every time her voice swings through the winds travelling to my ears.

Since then, I always dreamt of singing a song with her.

She is my classmates and we are also seatmates. Lucky me, I get to talk to my crush. I can’t deny that I blush in front of her. She does not notice because what does a fourth-grader know about blushing – none. I also crack jokes – which are obviously half meant to flatter her beauty and talent.

A year after, we became fifth-graders then sixth-graders. Sadly, she was transferred to section two. The only time I get to see and hear her sing is when we both joined the theatrical club “HUGIS TEATRO”. There I see her sing national songs with pride and honor for our country. Evident to her expressions and the power of her voice the heartfelt singing.

We became high schoolers. She studied at Nangka High School while I, on the other hand, is at MariSci. A year passed and I can’t surpass the pressure of being a science high school student. I always get sick. I was told to transfer to Nangka High School and there I saw her again. We became classmates but, unfortunately, I can’t court her. She already has a boyfriend.

I just satisfy myself at the bonds of being classmates with her but one time, our school wants to hold a singing contest for duets. She was chosen and she chose me to sing also for her. I don’t really have the perks in singing but I am really happy that she remembered my talent when we were young.

She chose the song Destiny by Jim Brickman and Jordan Hill – a passionate song of forever undying love crossed by the twist of destiny. We practice at their house and I was just struck so much with how she looks at home. She is so cute and simple and I was just there standing, looking at her, starstrucked by her elegantly simple gestures of a young woman.

I had more intense feeling when we started singing. I was left hanging with my lyrics while I look at her singing the powerful chorus. I was her only audience and I was in awe seeing her sing the song that tells about destiny. It’s as if it’s telling me that she should be my destiny.

She practiced so much for the contest while I, unlikewise, was just not confident of winning. We had three other contestants. We sang our song. It was not good on my part but she held our presentation using her voice that swung over the contest hall. Everyone was just looking at us, especially to her when it is her turn to sing. The judges were just sitting with eyes wide open. We never expected but we won the contest bringing home trophies. She had her trophy and I also had one but more than that, it was more than enough for me to sing with her. It was my dream since then. 

*Flood and Fire came to our house but the trophy of our win still lives.

JAPANESE INVASION IN MY MYSTERY-FILLED MIND [Hobbies]

    I have been spending time for watching japanese dramas. Most of them are on the mystery, detective, crime genres. The things that fascinated me to watch japanese detective dramas are that they are very detailed and some are scientific.

    Now, here are some of my favorite japanese detective dramas

KINDAICHI CASE FILES

THE MAIN CHARACTERS OF KINDAICHI CASE FILES 1995 SERIES

    The Kindaichi series is what I call the father of all detective jdrama. This first aired in 1995 (I'm not even in this world yet) but I watched them all last two years (2012 -2013). The first season in the series is by far my favourite among the others with its great balance of suspense, gory and comedic moments. Although the series contains multiple plot flaws. It is actually based on a manga series and also spawned long-running animated series. 

MR. BRAIN

THE PROTAGONIST, NEUROSCIENTIST RYUSUKE TSUKUMO

    This is one of the greatest and  funniest detective drama. First, The protagonist is not a detective but a Neuroscientist. He focuses on how the brain works and his naughty curiosity leads him to solving cases. Even the detective of the police department consults him.

    The technology might be over than average but this drama still captures me.




GALILEO

COVER OF THE FIRST GALILEO MOVIE:
THE DEVOTION OF SUSPECT X (2007)

    Being some kinda science geek myself, Galileo's plot really appeals to me. Loaded with sound scientific explanations and coupled with a more serious overtone, plenty of light comedic moments and a great soundtrack all help make Galileo a rival to the Kindaichi series.

    Yukawa Manabu is a physics assistant professor of Teito University and a weirdo dubbed as Galileo who helps Detective Utsumi in solving occult and seemingly unscientific crimes using science and logic.








KIINA: IMPOSSIBLE CRIME INVESTIGATOR

THE PROTAGONIST, DETECTIVE HARUSE KIINA

   Kiina is a lady police who doesn't really do anything but to sit on her desk at her provincial post and read the criminal lists until she was headhunted by the chief of police. She arrested most of the hiding criminals and it is because of her steaming curiosity, fond of reading and her photographic memory.




JOKER: UNFORGIVING INVESTIGATORS

THE MAIN CHARACTERS: from left to right
(DETECTIVE DATE, DETECTIVE MIYAGI and KURUSU)

    Joker is a very serious drama with a dark past. This is about a detective who never gets angry was called as Buddha or Saint for his gentle behavior but unknown to others, he transforms into a vigilante at night who captures criminals who were able to escape conviction of the law and transfers them to a prison island. This drama makes you ask what is the real meaning of justice.









DETECTIVE CONAN

THE MAIN CHARACTERS: from left to right
(KAZUHA, HEIJI, SHINICHI and RAN)

    Lastly is my all-time favorite anime turned live action, Detective Conan. The drama series focuses on the cases of Shinichi Kudo before he was shrunk by the Black Organization. 

     Watching these dramas had given me vast knowledge in the world criminal and investigation. I have read many books on mysteries and detetives like The Adventures, The Casebook, The Memoirs and The Return of Sherlock Holmes, The Carribean Mystery, Death on the Nile, The Orient Express by Agatha Christie and oher books of Ellery Queen.

    I also became fond of watching american police-procedurals like CSI:NY, NCIS, NUMB3RS, etc but still nothing beats my fondness with japaneses mystery dramas. They are good in combining the serious and comedic atmosphere.