Call to Worship

Graduation Liturgy
March 25, 2009
SLRAP

Nothing is impossible with God.

As the earth continues to revolve around its orbit, all the living creatures survive and experience the change of time.  Now, we are in the moment of expectancy to reap the fruits of our sacrifices we labored in school four years ago, that seems to be just one month when we had our first class.

Some of us will receive award in perfect attendance from first year to fourth year.  Looking at this seems impossible, but indeed possible.  If we are really desirous and determined, we can make the impossible possible.

We are in the era of rapid change.  Modern humans are living in a modern and instant lifestyle: instant coffee, instant relationships through texting and chatting helm ending to instant break-up.  This fashion was never anticipated before, but now, is the reality.

The advancement of knowledge generates new ideas, gears up new discoveries and becomes a doorway for the advent of new technologies.  The innovations of electricity, cellular phones, computer, digital camera, internet, and other more are seemingly impossible, but now are at hand.  We are enjoying and making use of them.  The impossible of yesteryears turns possible in our modern world.

“Impossible” is a language for people who do not have faith of themselves and never have the initiative to explore and use their God-given talents.

When we were young we looked at things the adults did impossible, but as time goes by we come to realization that by trying and taking the courage to experience and doing likewise, those impossible become possible.

Nothing is impossible if we motivate and inspire ourselves to do things that we dream of.  We can absolutely say that our mind is the key instrument to use working for mental exercises just to hone all our endowments given by God.

In this Season of Lent, changing our old life of vices and sinfulness is not impossible.  We can experience renewal and conversion if we are willing to do it with faith in God.  We can possibly change for the better.

Have faith in God.  Believe in yourself.  Be optimistic!  You can make your own dreams come true.  For God, nothing is impossible.

GenSan Garden Invasion

Our topic is articulating vision, mission, and values.  To make our class entertaining as much as educational, our instructor told us to find a unique concept to report the topics assigned on each groups.  We are the tenth reporter and guess what, we ran out of concepts.  Our classmates spoofed TV shows and commercials, used puppets, made variety shows, etc.  Well, last option for us was to make an entertaining documentation (not funny… entertaining is relative…).  We started it by interviewing some professors who are experts of the topic.  Next thing we did was we surveyed students in our college and asked their opinions on some issues, made our own show exhibiting the matters of our reports, and dubbed some funny horror comedy movie making the dialog in lined with the topic.

The next challenge will be editing all the videos.  Well, that will be my next concern.  I love the editing job that is why it does not matter to me working this out all day, all night.  If a thing interests me, I would spend almost all of my time for it.

The last presentation is our spoof on a famous TV news-casting program, the venue is in GenSan Gardeners’ Coop., and we took it on February 16. That day, I was excited to go to our spot and introduce the script that I made the whole night.  I came late though.  When I arrived, I saw my group mates walking away from the meeting place.  I thought at first that it was a going-home gesture but I knew they were not that strict to leave me there… after all I was and only am the director…haha

There was Jerica.  She was in her status quo—simple jeans, T-shirt, sweater, and a big shoulder bag.  When you see her, you will already know that she is not an ordinary student.  She is the top of the class, and I admire her for being so humble in such acclamation.

There was Hannah: a very different Hannah.  Usually, she wears conservative long skirt and a tight cardigan that makes her sophisticatedly simple. However, that day, I saw her in a tight skinny jeans and a sexy maroon shirt.  She was prepared for the taping perhaps.

It turned out to be more than just a taping.  I took pictures of different varieties of flowers and ornaments, which I even do not know the names. I love photography though I do not have my own camera.  I plan to buy in the near future.  I regret when there are moments worth capturing and yet I could not, so that day, using Jerica’s, I captured anything worth taking.

We interviewed people as we go through.  We walked around the garden to find some persons that could help us out.  Most of them were refusing at first but after a bit of chitchats and encouragements, they faced the cam and talked.  It was scripted then; I made all the interviewees’ answers.  Of course, we made it sure that they know what were their answers for.

I barely go out during weekends, but for the subject, I have willed to do so. I mingled with some people I hardly knew and I showed off myself to public. Though the activity was very tiring and we had done so many takes, it was really fun. I had a happy time with my group mates. Things were a bit different but it was worth it. That indeed was a great day.

The Promise

Written by Chen and Bords

“Love is not enough… not enough to fulfill all promises we made to someone we love no matter how sincere the love could be—in spite of everything.”

I first met Fred during my first year in college. He was intelligent and famous, while I was just a “nobody” who admired him. One day, I was walking my way to my apartment. The rain poured down and then, he offered me his umbrella. He did not know how happy I was that time not because I was with him for a while but because I appreciated him more for being so gentle. Still, I was never expecting that he would be attracted to me until such time that fate moved us closer—we became classmates during our P.E. 2.  When the final dyadic practicum came, our professor chose us to be partners. My heart beat fast when he touched my hands every time we practiced the steps and I could still remember his smile while dancing and our first hug when adjudicators announced us best pair. After that, we became best friends. He started courting me during our last year in college and we formally started our relationship months before graduation.

After graduation, he decided to go abroad and promised me that he will come back to marry me.  We surpassed years of long distance relationship and after seven years, he came back.

It was such a romantic night when Fred proposed to a marry me. He put a ring on my hand while saying the best promise I ever heard in my entire life—that he would love me forever. I do not know if it was just me but I saw the moon shined together with his eyes when he looked at me closely.  Then suddenly, a spark, I forgot all things around us and felt an instant flash in our first kiss. That magical kiss made me wish for that moment to never end…

That same year, my dream came true. Like a princess wearing a white wedding gown bringing a bouquet of flowers, I walked toward the altar. My prince, Fred, was waiting for me to come in front. We took our vows and held our promises with each other. He opened my veil and kissed me in front of our relatives and friends. That was the most unforgettable day that happened in my life.

One night, I called him to say I was three months pregnant. I tried to contact him many times but I got no answer and it was on my eighth dial when he answered. I heard only a loud sound of a horn coming and a crash, then... the call ended. My tears kept falling from my eyes. I did not know what I actually felt that time. I did not even hear him say anything. My baby felt the poignant agony and so, this angel died inside my womb. I lost her. I lost my baby...

Two years after that accident, while I was preparing to go to my job, Fred came. I saw him at the door as if he was waiting for me to hug and kiss him but I did not for I was angry with him. For two years, I have suffered being alone; two bitter years that I never saw him and felt his love.

He entered into the living room and smiled.  He hugged and kissed me in my forehead (he usually did this when he had committed mistakes). Then, he said in a low voice, “Marian, I missed you!” I never spoke for a second. The tears from my eyes answered him. Then, Fred hugged me again but I pushed him away and slapped his face. Then, I shouted:

“How dare you do that? You left me for two years without thinking that I am being killed by my loneliness.”

“Marian, honey, let me explain!”

“Explain what? I thought you love me... I … I thought that you will not leave me. But I was totally wrong!”

“Oh, please! Do not be angry Marian. Here I am, in front of you, begging for your forgiveness. I know it was hard for you. Two years was such a long time. But... but...”

“But what, huh? For two years, you left me alone. Our baby, she died when I heard the news that you met an accident.  You let me think that you were the one I buried… That you were the one I mourned at.”

“Honey, it is not what you think.”

“You broke your promise to me, Fred! I spent my whole life loving you and the rest of my life doing such stupid things just to accept that you're already gone!”

“Please, Marian! It was not my intention to hurt you. I did not know you were already pregnant that time.”

“But what was your reason why you left me?” I still keep on crying.

“Sometimes, love is not enough to fulfill our promises. There are circumstances that might hinder us to make this come true.”

“What do you mean, Fred?”

Then he suddenly hugged me and said, “I love you so much. I never intend to hurt you. Two years before, I never said that. Now that God let me talk to you, please let me know that you forgive me. I do not want to see you mourning and crying because of me. I want you to have a happy life without me.”

“Fred, I was so angry with you, but I couldn’t live without you, I’m still holding your promise deep inside my heart.” I hugged him so tight.

“Marian, I want you to know that I love you and I hate seeing you crying in your deepest pain because of me!”

“So, never leave me again! Fulfill your promise.”

“I couldn't  if only I have a choice… Fate does not allow me. I'm sorry but I must break my promise Marian.”

Then, he kissed me and...

The wind from my open window woke me up. It was just a beautiful nightmare. I cried for the last time. I cannot forget the hugs and the last kiss that he gave me. I hate the thought that he will never come again and fulfill his promise. Then, I remembered that, that day was his second death anniversary. I promised myself I would never cry again as I what he wanted me to do in my dreams. I believe that Fred wanted to fulfill his promise, but death never allowed him to do so. Love is not enough to overcome all things.... Goodbye Fred!

Padre de Pamilya (2009)

The following ideas rest inside the scope of the movie.  These are mere observations on what the movie depicts, not the writer’s opinion on what the real world is.

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Every scene opens consciousness on the disturbing issues regarding Filipino morale.

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The movie speaks about scandal, corruption, and ideals that are often taken for granted.

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We Filipinos love our family so much that we will do anything for them in order to survive. That is actually true especially those who are underprivileged.

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The father, as head of the family, must find ways in order to feed their loved ones. Then, instead of doing the right things, some are forced to steal and even kill. Poverty is one of the motives.

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Part of it is our political leaders who are hungry for money. Instead of helping out those who are in need, they are the ones who are pushing and making the lives of the people miserable. Of course, no one would even dare to voice out and spill the beans for people are scared and unsecured.

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Filipinos are “sipsip”.  Most people do not know themselves anymore and some tend to forget the principles and values they believed in. Some are stuck and does not even care that their bosses are doing the wrong things for as long as their family receives something.

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The characters are talking about false faith(…“mag-alay ng itlog para ika’y tulungan”…“kay Maria dapat magdasal dahil siya yung malapit sa Dios”…). Some Catholics, though they are going to church, do not even know the reason why they pray to these saints or do not even know the core meaning of being a Catholic; worse, they are taking some teachings into a different understanding, which then leads to misinterpretation for other people.

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On the other side, it is dramatic the way Ariel (Mr. Mirasol) risks his own job and his principle for the love of his son, his brother who underwent dialysis, and his family.

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The root does not justify the means. Mr. Mirasol took the wrong decision.

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There will always be a way and whatever it is, we should take what we believe is right because God will help us.

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Nobody succeeds in doing wrong things.

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Then, we are human beings and we make mistakes.  The most important thing would be realizing that we are wrong and ask God’s forgiveness.

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Mr. Mirasol was not able to realize his wrong choice because he still pretends to be deaf and blind choosing the wrong decision and patronizing the mayor’s dirty works.

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Surprisingly, the movie did not end up the normal way people expect it to conclude—the mayor behind bars. Instead, Mirasols became rich for keeping the Mayor’s secrets.

Request

“Life is very short but is long enough if you live with all your heart—go on and break the rules, forgive quickly, kiss slowly, love truly, and never regret anything that made you smile.”(Movie, Guzaarish)

The story is about Ethan Mascarenhas: a magician who was once the greatest in his town.  Caught by jealousy, his used-to-be best friend set up an accident and let him fail in one of his magic tricks.  He survived, but was paralyzed for life.  He could talk yet could neither move his whole body nor could feel anything, not even feeling if he pees or pass stools.

Sometimes, he reminisces his magic acts before the tragedy.  It was heaven.  His imagination takes him to the time when everyone claps at him.  However, this imagination makes him realize that he can never go back to the one he loved the most: magic.

He was not alone then.  He has Sofia D’Souza, his nurse, who devoted her time caring for Ethan not because of money but of love.  Sofia has been the most important person in Ethan's life. Ethan has Dr. Nayak who never gave up for him for fourteen years, and Devyani, his lawyer best friend whom he asked favor for an unexpected request.  And Omar, a stranger, who came and asked Ethan to teach him magic.  He turns out to be the son of his jealous best friend Yasser.  Ethan knew before Omar told him the truth, but Ethan taught him still for he already forgave Yasser long before and he also does not want his magic to die with him.

Ethan fought valiantly.  Within years passed, he made a radio program and a book that inspires everyone in town.

On the fourteenth anniversary of his accident, he wanted to file a petition to die by euthanasia and asked his friend to fight for his request in the court.  The court dismissed his plea but then he used his radio program and let his listeners make a vote if they allow him to die.  After days of survey, almost all said no to euthanasia.  He re-appeals to the court but final judgment again forbids him.

 If you are in his case, would you want to die?

Accounting is Indispensable to Management (Definition)

Accounting, the language of business, is a service activity that functions to provide financial information significant to organization's decision making functions.  Its purpose is not limited in recording quantitative data but also in summarizing and communicating relevant, reliable, and impartial reports suited to the needs of the users.

One of the users of accounting information is the management.  Management plans, organizes, and controls the affairs of a business.  Accounting is its system of communication.  It uses information to effectively perform its basic functions.  Most of the time, the management needs accountants for observing methods of plans and controls throughout the enterprise and for proposing improvements thereto.  For instance, the controller, an accounting executive officer, advises managers some corrective actions regarding operational and financial aspects in business and on the fairness of the presentation and preparation of its financial statement.

Money is the lifeblood of business--accounting deals mainly with money.  Without accounting, an organization can never survive.  Management considers not only social responsibility but also profit accumulation and financial plans for the business to continue. That is why accounting is very essential to management.

Carter, Cost Accounting, 14th Edition

Valix etc., Theory of Accounts, 2010

A birthday message

Here is for Herra: a heart full of love and a life that shines!

Before I start any of these, bottom-line first in case you mind reading the rest, I just want to greet you happy birthday and I wish you the best things always.

I will try a relatively long composition for you to feel some drama if not annoyance a bit (haha).  Do not get too excited, I wrote this for fun.  Nevertheless, of course even so, I still spent my heartfelt love and effort to this one.  To be honest with you I did not know how to start a message simply because when I considered you as the addressee of this letter, I could not ponder exact English words to strike you to the bones, bisaya man gud kaayo kag nawong, pero pang international man ang beauty (pambawi oh diba!).

I thought of starting this by reminiscing back when I first noticed you. Here we go:

The first semester of our first year was that awkward period where everybody was in the getting-to-know-each-other stage. That was the very moment where all felt a dose of agog at the new twist of getting in touch with one another (not all felt that way but that is how I described it).  The breeze was new to us then; it felt like every one of us still observing anybody thinking and listening to the guts of who’s who to be potential threats and potential comrades. Of course, everybody had an old friend; could be high school classmates, schoolmates, or longtime friends. Some were easy to be with but others were hard enough.  I did not notice you at first because you were not that noticeable kind of person but I was interested with you because I knew you were from our municipality also (even though until now, I do not like the school where you graduated high school).  Well that was it; we became friends but not close.

In partnership and corporation class, we were having our recitation.  It wasn’t like a typical recitation at all:  Sir was boring, the weather was humid or say hot enough to make us roast to the skin, and the scene was like an old Filipino-Hispanic age where everybody got to sit inside a quiet four corners doing nothing, not even listening to who’s reciting and then doing own stuffs as if no class going at all; just a waste of time to be exact—no offense to Mr. S.  Then you raised your hand when Mr. S told that he would give additional points to anyone who would answer the next requirement.  There you were, so eager that caught his attention and then… you stood up.  You were sexy.  You were wearing a maroon, red, and violet mixed in diagonal stripes.  It was hot…  You were hot.  There was something different in you that day; well I knew it was not the I-am-well-prepared feeling because honestly I rarely saw you that time really prepared for anything (peace).  You thumbed your hair and looked pretty trying to catch the eyes of Sir with your smile but I was not thinking that time that you were trying to seduce him; it is just that I thought you had that special talent of making other people feel extra rush.  Well, it sounds like I was the one who was seduced.  It was weird then. You were not my type that time.  In addition, you even do not have a good voice.  Moreover, I thought you were obnoxious… but as time goes by, I learned to like you (as a friend). 

After partnership and corporation and all that tragedy, our class was split almost to half.  There was a communication blur to some, including our communication but not that bad.  You had your whole time in your new world as well as mine.  You made your own circle of friends (if I am not mistaken it is called kabagangs).  As the years stirred up, I did not notice that many had changed…

All I could remember rightly after that was the latest event happened in your life—the pageant things.  This I thought was the major break in your collage life inside the campus.  You know, you were asked to join some small-scale to large-scale stage work representing our year and to the point of representing our department.  That time I really appreciated when you told me to help you at some aspects.   I really tried my best to help you and sorry if you felt unsatisfied. By that happening, I thought our bond became tighter and that time I saw something in you different from what I used to see.  I saw a more humble, innocent, and delicate human.  In addition, I saw that the more you are into tough times, the more you became stronger; yet still you maintain your feet on the ground.  It is more like I saw you as a baby who was so enthusiastic to learn and prove to the world that a little voice can do great things.  On those gestures, I was proud of you.  I was excessively happy and excited when I saw you walking, posing, and projecting up on stage (and I was too concerned about how they dressed you like that…hmmp).

You may wonder why I am telling you all these matters.  Well, wonder no more.  I just want to make it clear that you are not the type of girl who is easily forgotten by persons like me; that every moment with you is like treasures that no one can get from me.  I just want you to know how special you are to me and how thankful I am to be part of your life.

I may sound bitter to you oftentimes but it was not for you but for me. Why?  Because I admit there were times that I got attracted to you so badly (not obsessed, it’s different thing); how terrible it was.  It remained in the commotion that I only wanted to be your friend but I looked stupid when I got jealous to your textmates (see, how stupid it was?  And I knew you knew) and I did not have the right to be jealous about that, we are friends and I need to be happy to where you stand.

As time gone by, being bitter to you felt better to me.  I forgot all the infatuations I felt for you.  And now the therapy is terminated.  Congratulations to me, I surpassed that crisis in my life.  I will open a new chapter in your life where you can see me guiding you behind through tough dilemmas…  Better that way where no more personal things going on… (I would rather say the awkward words that lose you, or for love to fade before it could come true.)

There is something I want you to be aware of, it is your being a men-magnet.  I am not against your actions (that is your happiness) but I just want you to be extra careful; and I trust in you, I know you have enough respect for yourself.  Stay being a nice person and change your study habits a bit.  Invest more in reading your books than your cellphone.  Be a good example to others. I loved you, I love you, and I will always love you.

This does not sound dramatic to me but sure, this is relatively long.  I am being honest and I want to grab this opportunity to say what I want to say (If you have clarifications, expect me to answer my favorite word, “secret”.haha).

From the Heart... (an edited repost)

PAIN..
SORROWS..
HARDSHIPS..

These are some of the things that causes my heart to break..
Things I would wish does not exist..
The things I hope to vanish..

They say love conquers all things..
Including HATRED, BITTERNESS AND IMPERFECTIONS..
But how could it be that love seems not enough for our dreams to be reached?
I've been here several times..
Rejected over and over again by people who serves as a ladder to what I want to achieve in life.
It hurts so much to realize that what I am doing is not enough..
I've been pushing myself so hard..
So hard that I could not even think what would I be if things didn't work out..

And then things happen..
A nightmare we keep on wishing not to become a reality..
Something that could ruin our dreams, our future, or worst- our lives..

Some people may not understand how we feel..
But there are also people, though do not have the faintest idea, still give their time to listen, care, and extend their love and support  no matter what...
People who promised to love us despite the disappointment we gave them.


Maybe love cannot directly help us reach our dreams.. But it could be an instrument, a drive we can hold on to to keep us holding on and try some more to reach our dreams..
It makes us strong, fearless, happy, optimistic, and blessed despite the sorrows and failures we are going through..


The love these people shared to us..definitely conquers all things.. :)



TO ALL THE PERSONS WHO BELIEVE IN ME..THANK YOU SO MUCH.. GOD BLESS YOU ALL THE TIME..
SPREAD MORE LOVE,., IT HELPS.. :)




#GODISGOODALLTHETIME

Ravenessence  says:  This monologue was first posted by my friend in her Facebook account.  I have her permission before I re-posted this here.