"I Know My Heart.", She Says

The points, opinions, comments, suggestions, advices, violent reactions are of no bearing to a person too blinded by obsession, passion, and martyrdom—that one mind of logic is succumbed by irrationality.  If this be not judged, as one may say, then what use to her all of the counsels offered.

We all have our reasons.  If reasons are rebutted to every reason, then there’s no way this conversation will end in a case solved.  “I know my heart.” she says.  Then let the declarer suffer the consequences.

In other words, leave her be.

The Best Eatery in MSU-GSC

There are many eateries in Mindanao State University, General Santos City but not all cater to the needs of their customers in terms of products and services satisfaction. Some of the most known eateries are MicJen Eatery, ASSSA Kiosk, Boys’ Quarter, CAS Kiosk, and Camanay.

Several students of the campus were asked to evaluate which one of these eateries best suits their needs in terms of personal service, product variety, product quality, and pricing.

One of the considerations is the personnel’s manners in handling the customers.  Vendors and servers should always treat their customers properly so that they can establish customer retention and loyalty. The survey shows that ASSSA Kiosk has this advantage over other eateries.  Their vendors and servers have an exceptional approachability and friendliness. According to the survey, there were no complaints gathered against them.

Next to consider is the product variety.  Students always want an eatery full of options because each of them usually has different tastes depending on any particular day or situation.  In fact, some of the students really go far to other eateries just to seek varieties they may like to eat. Again, ASSSA Kiosk took the top spot for this criterion.

Taste, in presentation and/or in flavor, is very subjective. However, in MSU-GSC, most of the eateries serve the same kinds of viand—like, the toppings in “pastil” or the “lumpiang gulay”.  The rating now is based on where’s more delicious and where’s the contrary.  In line with this criterion, ASSA Kiosk took most of the compliments as having the most savory and appetizing viands compared to others.

The last thing to consider is the price.  This criterion is of lesser importance because, again, most of the products offered are homogenous or the same.  Usually, in a place where different vendors offer similar products, the prices also are.  What matters is whether the price is right or equivalent to the satisfaction level the customer gets after consuming the product.  In this criterion, many affirmed that the prices of ASSSA Kiosk are far more than those of the others.

To spend meals in eateries has become part of the routine of almost all of the students. Oftentimes, it is not only the food that matters but also the place where students could spend time with friends.  ASSSA Kiosk got the most approvals because they not only serve several kinds of delicious and affordable viands but also, their servers and vendors are polite and welcoming making their customers feel comfy at any time of the day.

ASEAN Economic Integration Workshop

Last night, a friend messaged me saying that there would be a seminar for ASEAN Economic Integration today.  The first thing that came to my mind was certificate, certificate, and certificate. All I wanted, if I would attend, was to see my name printed in a formally decorated paper with signatures of the people who would take significant parts in the event: I so love the feeling of that.  Then, I finally decided to join without knowing what would happen there [considering, I had not thought of the food].

This morning, I went to the hotel alone.  I saw people.  With the look of their stances, I easily knew that they are professionals; all, businesspersons; some, managers, presidents, executives of their industries.  I was hesitant to register at first but I thought of my goal, certificate, and I thought of the transportation expenses I had in order to go there, so then I wrote my name thinking nothing except those.  Beside the name was a space meant for the industry where the participant belongs.  I have no industry so I wrote my school even though it would mean I am a professor of the school.

I was about to enter the event center when an unexpected friend came in. I was very happy that I was not alone with those old business people.  Together, we sat down at the center not far from the speakers’ area.  While we were waiting for the event to start, a thought came to me more than the want for a certificate.  I realized that I would learn more from the event.  The thought left me more excited for the activities, which we would undergo.

The event had started.  The first speaker was a judge from Davao City and her topic was "Strategic Planning".  She let us introduce ourselves one by one.  The format was, we say our name and our industry first, then, choose a letter from our name, make it a word representing our talent, characteristic, or skill that may help us have an advantage for ASEAN integration.  I chose A, for Accounting.  I said that proper accounting is one key advantage if we engage in any business transactions in the ASEAN integration.  Some said L for Loans, J for Joyful, C for Character, D for Diligence, and so on.

The next activity was by pair.  I chose a co-participant beside me.  He was friendly and very respectful. I haven't got his full name though.  The rule was, guide our partners through the path while they are walking blindfolded and then after five minutes, we switch and they do the same for us.  My partner was too hesitant to follow me.  His steps were in bits and too slow.  When it was my turn to be blindfolded, I was already confident because I already knew the path.  Even if I could not see the way, I was already confident with his instructions.

The second activity was forming a big “perfect” square using a long rope while we were all connected with each other, blindfolded.  It took us ten minutes to form the square.  Just two persons who were also blindfolded guided us. What we did was, we divided the whole by four and then the ends of each group stuck shoulder to shoulder perpendicularly and then each groups’ other members lined straight.  After ten minutes, we took off our scarves and surprisingly we did it—it was not perfect but substantially, it was a square.  The emcee noticed that the leaders sometimes peeked, then, she said something meaningful: “It’s okay to go against the rules, as long as it’s legal.”

After the delicious lunch, which they had provided, we started our third activity. It was the serious part.  We were divided in five groups.  Each group was given a topic to discuss and were ought to make a strategic plan for it.  Ours was the “cultural factors and effects” in conducting business considering other country members of ASEAN.  My group mates were all experts of their industries.  Their ideas were amazing.  They thought out of the box.  Their reasoning was so different from theories we read from books. After forty-five minutes of collaborations, we came up with our output and each group then presented their ideas in front.  I could not discuss any further because it was too technical.

On the last activity, the speaker asked us to stand up and face the north. None of us knew where the north was so we just faced anywhere.  Then the speaker concluded that we were all not ready for the ASEAN integration and that ended our first seminar goal—strategic planning.

The rationale of all the activities was that, engaging in the ASEAN integration, we are all blindfolded.  Making a strategic plan will be very risky if we do not know where we will be going. To have an advantage over this integration, we must prepare, study, and be sensitive to any changes it will bring us.

After ten minutes break, the second speaker took part.  He was a Registered Financial Planner and a speaker in one of the CNN Philippines segments regarding finances.  His topic was “Investing in ASEAN Setting”. I learned a lot from his lecture.  I learned that before one could invest, he should have the SPG—save, protect, and grow.

Save means that one should have adequate savings first.  The proper way of saving is that, every time the income or compensation gets in, ten to thirty percent of that should first go to you so you could budget the rest for your expenses.

Protect means life plans and emergency funds.  Aside from savings, some of your money should be invested for life insurance so that in case something happens to you, you and your family are secured.

Grow means investing in bonds and stocks.  After having your savings and protection plans, you are now ready to let go of your money for a long time and wait for likely returns.

There were so many lessons he shared more than the three key points but I could not tackle every points specifically.

The day ends with a dinner.  I almost forgot about the certificate but when I did remember, I asked the secretariat for it.  She said there was no certificate for the event. I was not surprised.  I even felt nothing, just happiness.  I did not care for the certificate anymore.  The experience was worth it.  I may not have a certificate, but I have enough pictures with me anyway.

I never expected to learn something new like that, so I promised myself to attend many seminars if I could [as a new year's resolution].

I went their aiming for less, I went home full of knowledge and experiences. Perhaps, ASEAN integration is like that: we may know less, but we may gain more.

You. You. You. by Kreyan

You are the apple of my eye
The mango to my pie
The because of my whys
And the one I’ll never say goodbye

Pero syempre joke lang ito bay
Malayong-malayo pa siguro tayo sa ganitong lagay
Kaya sa ngayon eto muna ang sayo'y aking maibibigay
Tugon sa hiling mong tula na sa iyo’y aking mai-aalay

Palagay ang loob ko sa iyo , di natin ‘yon maitatanggi
Para tayong pinagbiyak na bunga na pagkalakilaki (hahaha)
Madalas tayong nagkakaintindihan sa mga bagay na ating napaguusapan
Pareho pa tayo ng mga hilig nako meant to be nga naman… (lol)

Marami tayong pagkakatulad sa kahit anung larangan
Feeling ko nga pinagtagpo talaga tayo ni Lord para ako ay iyong ingatan
Ingatan lang pagkat di naman ako kailangang alagaan pa
Okay na sa’kin yung nanjan ka pag kailangan kita kahit bigla ka din namang nawawala

Para sa’kin ikaw yung tipikal na pwedeng guy best friend ko
Siguro nga close friend ka ng lahat kasi naman ang bait mo
Hindi mali, di ka mabait, approchable ka lang
Madalas ikaw pa yung nang aaproach kung kani kanino na lang

Palakaibigan ka lang siguro talaga and the heart to listen was there
The heart to listen was there even if you really didn’t care (haha)
Ang tanging pakay mo lang naman talaga ay ang makitsismis at makinig
At yung last part lang ang nakikita ng tao kaya sayo sila’y napapalapit

I understand that you are a witty person
Sa lahat at ano mang bagay ikaw ang may explinasyon
Sometimes I just don’t get what you try to make me understand
Pero umaakto akong nakakaintindi para matapos na ang usapan

Alam mo ba, if you don’t look like the way you look like now
And I don’t look like the way I look like now, I might like the thought of liking you?
Kanina ko lang naisip to kaya pagbigyan mo na ako
Nagrarhyme naman diba ‘tamo?
Ah basta pwede, baka , cguro, malamang balang araw, oo.
Basta sa ngayon, di ko pa alam, wala pa ako sa sarili ko, alam mo naman diba kung bakit bro?

Nakakatawa pero naisip ko din kanina
Na baka ikaw lang balang araw ang aking pag-asa
Pag naisipan kong tumungo sa tuwid na daan, gets mo naman diba? (haha)
Alam mo na ang ibig kong sabihin sa straight line oha?
Ah basta ang importante nanjan ka, tapos! wala ka ng magagawa..haha

Ikaw yung isa sa iilang tao na nakakakilala sa totoong ako
Di man tayo nagkikita alam kong naiintindihan mo ako
Alam ko na sa bawat pighati at saya ko, ramdam mo ako
Salamat kasi di mo’ko iniwan kahit nalaman mo ang totoo

Salamat sa pagtanggap sa’kin ng buong-buo
Salamat kasi mas pinili mong umintindi kesa husgahan ako
Salamat kasi madalas napapadama mo sa’kin na nanjan ka pag kailangan kita
Salamat kasi kakuntsaba kita sa mga kalokohan ko, ikaw na talaga...haha

Oh tama na masyado kanang natutuwa iho
Baka mainlove kana sa’kin nyan, wag muna jusko
Kailangan ko na munang tapusin to pagkat ako’y matutulog na
Salamat sa pagkakaibigan, wag mo’ko iiwan ha?

Good Old Magic Balls

I found a jar of magic balls in my old cabinet.  I remembered these were the collections of my sister when she was in high school.  She was fond of this collection believing these would multiply after soaking into the water. Unsurprisingly, it did not.

Well, I was thinking of making these balls a little interesting to look at so I came up taking pictures of these in different angles and compositions. Let's see what these turned out.

The balls turned out to be a good monitor wallpaper. Many said I did great and they like my shots.  What can you say?

Deconstruction Turned Epigram Construction

“…forget the old self and try to move forward and enjoy life.” – Pherry

"...never give up, and through it all, just stand up." - Janmarie

"...the sun is still shining." - Feanna

“…emotion sets the picture next to perfection” – Princess

"...sometimes shadows can conceal what light always reveals." - Angelita

"...we may be surrounded by darkness but if we just try to look around, there could be life." - Gemmema

"...that when life seems to be hard, just lift up your face and see the hope the light gives you." - Katherine

“…there is hope after despair and many suns after darkness” – Mary Joy

“…there's more to it than meets the eye.” – Alyyanna

“…there will always be a tomorrow to look forward to.” – Deo

“…despite of our miseries, struggles and sufferings today, there is hope that tomorrow will be another and a better day.” – Chen

“…life has never been meaningless even in the midst of darkness and tragedy.” – Lebirose

"...even if one feels that there is no chance for a change, there will always be a bit of hope that one could grasp or hold on to." - Janine

“…tulong na kinakailangan nya para umangat sa buhay at harapin ang bukas—sa madaling salita, PAG-ASA.” – Nathan

“…amidst darkness, suffering and the pressure of life that sometimes pushes us to curl and bend, if only we lift our heads, we can see the light that hovers above us.” – Kirsten

“…in every lonesome experience that we encounter, always expect that there is hope until there is life.” – Jeyvee

“…though we face hardships and we face darkness in our lives, there's always light that gives us hope that everything will be all right.” – Shane Jean

"...for as long as we live, we try to make the most out of what we can because that’s what matters most." - Honey

"...people usually are busy beautifying those areas in their life where everyone can see it, while great deprivation exist in those hidden areas that supposedly be the core of the entirety." - Shing

The Fall by Jenevie

This time, I will write a story
Something about love, something about you and me
I know it sounds so strange to be writing this one
But I will write about it coz I want to remember how it's done

The first time I saw you meant really nothing at all
But we became friends and that's when I knew I fall
There's just something in you that would make me forgot everything
Something that made me realize I was feeling this whole "LOVE " thing

We used to walk on the corridor side by side 
People were watching and I used to have this pride
Because someone like you walked with someone like me
Someone like you who, we knew, have been liked by many

You are someone everybody would fall for, its true
Pretty handsome, pretty cute, pretty kind and pretty cool
Smart, confident, strong and way far from being cruel
Too good to be true but baby its really you

You were the reason I smiled out of the blue
Why my heart burst out of happiness knowing I had you
Why I got plenty of chills whenever you were near
And why my world tend to stop when you disappeared

You are someone I wanna walk with everyday
Someone who would hold my hand when I thank God and pray
Someone I thought would never leave me alone
Who would take me to places I've never known

All those memories I've had with you
Were one of the best and you know its true
All the laughters and stories shared
Made me love you even more, I swear

I don't know how to end this and I don't want too
Coz honestly, I'm still hoping it would be me and you
That someday we would bump into each other and recall
The smiles, the laughter's, the love I've had for you and the FALL.

Depression

"Depression" is so underrated.

Do you have any idea what it’s like to not want to get out of the bed every morning, not wanting to go and deal with all the bullshit outside your room? Do you even know what it feels like to feel completely alone while you know there are millions of miserable people just like you? How about what it’s like to be completely repulsed by things you used to love?  To feel completely lost in the dark and not really knowing if there’s way out? To not have the strength to feel like you can make it through the whole day, let alone the next one, without breaking down? To not be able to explain how you feel at all? To have everyone constantly asking if you’re okay until it gets to a point where no one asks, making you wonder if they don’t notice or just don’t care?  To have no energy or drive to do anything? To feel completely worthless? To hate who you are and how you look? To feel like you have control over nothing? To know you don’t belong? To feel trapped inside a world full of ugly things but being scared of what's on the other side? To be hurting constantly? To know there’s no one to save you from the way you feel?  To know the only one who’s really hurting you is yourself?

[I got this from an online course in psychology.]