It has happened. After a week of anguish, my biggest fear has finally come to life. This is not something I would wish upon anyone. My dear reader, I have failed.
I got the news Tuesday morning. I had given my admission slip, a piece of paper where the grades are written on, to my teachers. And as I wait for the news, I sat outside the faculty room. And then the door opened and my teacher handed out the slips. I had received mine. Slowly, I opened it. The first thing I had noticed was my "ANAT 3(Kinesiology)" grade. There written was 3.0, which was a passing grade. My first reaction was to jump up and down. This is not at all an understatement. I had really jumped UP and DOWN with joy.
But joy soon turned to gloom when I had seen my other subject's grade, a failing 5.0. It was for PT3(Principles of Evaluation). I had been informed that most students who fail in the 3rd Year, 2nd Semester had failed either of the two subjects, Kines or PoE. It was not at all shocking that I had failed, but not at all good either.
After the joy from jumping up and down had ran out, I sat on a step and thought about the repercussions of failing said subject. I would be a year delayed due to the fact the subject was a prerequisite to upcoming subjects in the Fourth Year. Two Subjects, to be exact. It was a better outlook than failing in the First semester, where most of the subjects are required for most of the subjects for the 2nd Semester.
I had decided early on that if ever I did fail, I would rage on with the course and finish what I had started. Some people just give up and shift to another course. Some people would transfer to another school, sometimes it wouldn't be their choice.
A year delayed.
A year sounds like a long time, but really it isn't. Time flies by quickly. I just wish I don't fail another subject next semester. And I sure hope that I don't fail the same subject again. I would probably hang myself if I do.
There are some people who have taken the class more than once already, even more than twice. And now they still failed. How could someone fail the same subject twice? Thrice even moreso? The thought of failing my subject again gives me a sort of unwillingness to continue and try again. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me -- a perfectly applicable saying.
As I have written in previous blogs, summer classes are not an option, for me. And it seems so for the others who failed the same subject as I did. Most people who failed PoE, also failed Kines -- a pair, those two. And there is a 9-unit limit to taking summer classes. Both PoE and Kines are 5-unit subjects, so it's impossible to take both for Summer. Most people are picking Kines, and somehow that makes me happy. Summer classes are opened if alot of people failed in that subject and decided to enroll in it. The more people, the less they would pay for tuition. At some point, my classmates were willing to pay Php 15,000.00 to take a certain class. But I guess, the admin didn't allow it.
Of course, my happiness is one-sided. It's selfish to feel that way, really. But if they could have taken both for Summer, I would have been equally glad for them, yet equally bitter.
I had failed one subject, only one. Thank God for that. Some of my classmates had two. And some, three. A few, four. It's hard enough to know that I have to deal with my one subject, but knowing some of your friends have it worse than you do, it's just difficult to comfort them. Two, sure. But Four is just heartbreaking and I feel bad for them. I really do.
Well, at this point, I couldn't really do anything. I'm set to leave on the 3rd of April. Even if I wanted to stay for summer class, I would be unable to. A kind of win-meh situation.
And I haven't even started packing yet.
UPDATE (04/01/11): It seems that no Third year subjects are open for summer. None at all.
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Don't be afraid to fail. Don't waste energy trying to cover up failure. Learn from your failures and go on to the next challenge. It's OK to fail. If you're not failing, you're not growing.
--- H. Stanley Judd
Thursday, March 31
Monday, March 28
Summer Fail
School had ended exactly one week tomorrow.
Time out of school seems faster. That's what usually happens. I remember having my sembreak which was 3 weeks. And it just went by. Just like that. The sembreak is exactly what it means, a break from the semester. It culminates the ending of the 1st semester of that year and into the 2nd one.
This past week nothing much had happened for me. Saturday night turned out to be a bummer. Most of the free time I've had was pretty much just lazing about. Spending time with my(brother's) PSP. I've been playing Konami's MGS: Peace Walker, and I just clocked in 86 hours of game time. It may not be a feat for others but to many people, it is.
Tomorrow is a big day for my classmates and I. It's the day we finally know our fate about moving on to the Fourth year. Teachers will be giving out the grades to those who come. If one doesn't come on that day, one's just prolonging the agony. The releasing of grades was supposedly scheduled last Friday, but to my knowledge, they moved it tomorrow to deliberate earlier today.
The deliberation is where teachers gather and decide whether to really pass or fail a student. Teachers might pass a certain student out of pity, or because the student seems like he's trying really hard. A plus here is if you're always present for their discussion. But if you're tardy or absent all the time, the teachers might not be so kind.
I am proud that I'm present at most times, if not all. This probably comes from my childhood experiences. My mother would actually threaten to not drive me to school and just leave me at home if I did not wake up early. "Biyaan tika rn(I'll leave you here)," she would say. But she would never actually do it, nor would I ever know if she would. It's important to note that my mother would usually drive my sister and I to our different schools. So, it was possible to leave me at home.
Ten percent of the grade is usually attendance, so I have an advantage there. And I take down notes and listen to the discussion. Not to be a kiss-ass, but I really do. But of course, there is that once in a while that I don't listen. The reason for that is, is probably because of the humidity of the classroom. I tend to really participate in the discussion. My only real problem is at home. I don't study at all.
Studying has always been a problem for me. Most of the time, I just cram the night before. Maybe even just minutes before the actual test. I just don't know how. Sometimes, I really do want to study, but attention is easily diverted to other things, other minute, non-important things. Procrastination. I do this alot, more than that which is healthy really. It's a problem, someone find me a cure.
We go back again. Grades are gonna be released tomorrow. Even though it's only been a week, the schedule of the releasing is pretty early. This is because if you fail, summer classes might be open and you could enroll in the class where you did.
The bad thing about failing is, I can't take summer classes. I have to go abroad and I'm already booked to leave. People ask me why I bought the ticket already, knowing that there is the possibility of taking summer classes. I didn't buy the ticket. Why I'm leaving? Legal purposes. So if I do fail, I'd be seeing my teachers again next semester.
Come tomorrow, I will know. I won't be sleeping tonight.
Saturday, March 26
Party Under the Stars
It's that time of year again when we give our beloved planet an hour from each time zone to rest. Earth hour is on it's 3rd year now, and more people are adapting to turning off non-essential lights for an hour.
I remember it was about 2 years ago. It was the second time EH had gone worldwide. I was far away from home.
At that time, I was living with my dad and sister in NY. And knowing NY, it's the city that doesn't sleep. Especially if you live in the city, skyscrapers would tower over you, covering the sky. And along that, the lights are as bright as they get. With all those lights turned on, naturally, you won't be able to see any stars. Just seeing the darkness of the night sky without those little twinkly lights made me miss 'em.
So, when I was there, in the States, and EH was happening, I saw the stars again. It felt good to witness the natural brightness of the night, in a place where it's mostly absent. Even though it was EH, it's sad to say I was not really in the city. I was far off into the suburbs in Pennsylvania, I think. But still.
If you read my friend's blog, you know about our bike rides and how he's joining with the other bikers tonight to celebrate EH bike style. They are gonna ride in the darkness from Outpost, Lahug to Colon, and back. Hundreds, I'd say, are participating in the event. They have these blinkers that are attached to the seat. So if you're passing by the area, be sure to take a picture of a horde of blinking red lights. Sad to say, I'm not one of them. I had to attend a graduation and my bike is out of commission.
I remember the first EH to happen in the Philippines. I did not really know anything to do with it at the time, but some of my friends did. And they told me about it. It was timing that it happened on our graduation day, fresh from just receiving our diplomas. While I celebrated with family at the house, some friends of mine went out to eat. They enjoyed a lovely candlelit-dinner, as every restaurant observed the ritual and hoped to adapt it annually.
It's my last Saturday here until I'm leaving to go back to the States. And as I'm writing this post, I've turned off the lights in my room. This is not something unusual since most of the time, the lights in my room are really turned off. The lights on the streets have turned dim, and I want to go out to night and have a blast.
It is Earth Hour afterall. So Happy Earth Hour (HEH) everyone. Turn off your lights and let's get to partying!
I remember it was about 2 years ago. It was the second time EH had gone worldwide. I was far away from home.
At that time, I was living with my dad and sister in NY. And knowing NY, it's the city that doesn't sleep. Especially if you live in the city, skyscrapers would tower over you, covering the sky. And along that, the lights are as bright as they get. With all those lights turned on, naturally, you won't be able to see any stars. Just seeing the darkness of the night sky without those little twinkly lights made me miss 'em.
So, when I was there, in the States, and EH was happening, I saw the stars again. It felt good to witness the natural brightness of the night, in a place where it's mostly absent. Even though it was EH, it's sad to say I was not really in the city. I was far off into the suburbs in Pennsylvania, I think. But still.
If you read my friend's blog, you know about our bike rides and how he's joining with the other bikers tonight to celebrate EH bike style. They are gonna ride in the darkness from Outpost, Lahug to Colon, and back. Hundreds, I'd say, are participating in the event. They have these blinkers that are attached to the seat. So if you're passing by the area, be sure to take a picture of a horde of blinking red lights. Sad to say, I'm not one of them. I had to attend a graduation and my bike is out of commission.
I remember the first EH to happen in the Philippines. I did not really know anything to do with it at the time, but some of my friends did. And they told me about it. It was timing that it happened on our graduation day, fresh from just receiving our diplomas. While I celebrated with family at the house, some friends of mine went out to eat. They enjoyed a lovely candlelit-dinner, as every restaurant observed the ritual and hoped to adapt it annually.
It's my last Saturday here until I'm leaving to go back to the States. And as I'm writing this post, I've turned off the lights in my room. This is not something unusual since most of the time, the lights in my room are really turned off. The lights on the streets have turned dim, and I want to go out to night and have a blast.
It is Earth Hour afterall. So Happy Earth Hour (HEH) everyone. Turn off your lights and let's get to partying!
Wednesday, March 23
A Glimpse into the Near Future
I had to wake up early today, earlier than normal. Slightly. I woke up today at 5:30 in the morning to attend my sister's graduation at 7:30. Or so, I was told. The event was scheduled at 7:30am, so naturally it started at about 9am.
Like most events in Philippine culture, it started with a mass. During this time, the diplomas and medals were blessed. The commencement exercise proper started right after the mass. The thing was very formal, as do all events like it. The ceremony was boring, 'nuff said. It was a good thing that I had brought my PSP with me.
And no, I did not use it during the mass. Well, not the entire mass.
The mass ended normally, about an hour. After a quick break, the ceremony began. Each college's dean was there. All four of them were to give out the diplomas to each student in their college. The nursing students were majority in the graduating crowd. So they took most of the time in the ceremony.
The ceremony proceedings were as follows: A Student's name is called, the student walks up on stage and accepts his diploma, and sits back down. This may sound so simple. But the actual presentation took a while.
Graduating students fashioned themselves in a toga and their matching caps. The cap, or mortarboard, had a piece of string attached to it. I don't know how to actually describe it, but it's attached to the cap at the very center. And at the start of the ceremony, it is hung on the right side. After the graduates get their diploma, someone(I'm not sure who, maybe the President of the school or the respective college) flips the tassel(shown on the left) to the left side. This signifies that the person has accomplished their duties in the school.
I sat very far from the stage. I was on the far right side. From time to time, I would move to the front to take the occasional picture. Then at some point, I stood behind a teacher of ours, who was also wearing a toga. He was the only teacher there, in the college, that I knew. He is known as one of the pioneering teachers of PT in Velez. And I observed him from a distance, I could not help but wonder what goes through his mind and how many times he's actually been watching the ceremonies.
Naturally, I thought of when I would graduate. If all goes well, I should be graduating in 2013. But things just seem bleak right now. But I would not let things get me down. As of the moment, at least. And when I do graduate, and I will, I'd be sitting down in front of the stage and listening to everyone getting their names called and walking up to the stage to get the diploma.
As my sister's name was called to get her diploma, I was already as near as I could get. But no matter how good you take pictures, you really have to consider the quality of the camera and lighting, among others. I was a little disappointed though, my shots were very blurry and they just wouldn't look right. Oh well. There were these professional photographers there with their awesome cameras.
Finally at about 12 noon, the ceremony ended and we proceeded to celebrate. About almost a decade, my sister has finally graduated from college. So congratulations to my sister, Kardz Ricarte. (no, not her real given name.)
Soon, it will be my turn. Very soon.
Tuesday, March 22
Patience & Good Fortune
Summer has started. But it doesn't feel like it.
Today was our last day of exams. The exam we had earlier was an easier one compared to what we had gone through the days before, excluding Sunday. I figured the teachers thought that they would give us a nice send off to start our summer.
Of course, finals week is hell. No one expects finals to be a walk in a park. You have to study everyday and improve and/or maintain your grade. I don't know why, but maybe it's because of the impending summer that I didn't study at all. I've read a few pages here and there, but not really into the zone of studying.
I was glad the test earlier had been easy. The exam was to be made up of previously used questions in other tests and new sets of questions. And the previous exam papers were laid out inside the room for us to review with. When I got to school, I saw my grade in an exam for another subject, and it was devastating.
I couldn't not think about it. So I decided to hang out outside the room, and observed the clouds above me. (It's important to note that the classroom we're in has a "terrace." It's not at all fancy, but a chair or two can fit in it. Your view is directly overlooking a garden straightforward, and the annex area on the left side.)
So, I took the test, stayed a bit and left. I tried not to think about how I might really fail a subject or two or three. It was simple, but the thought remained in the back of my mind. A cup of coffee with a group of friends could cheer me up, and it did.
I had achieved a few things today. None of which are school-related. Today, I've baked muffins for the first time. It was easier than my first project -- pie. And I've driven to Lapu-Lapu which is far away from the city on my own and I reached 90kph on the car, which was as far that I would go.
Summer won't officially start until we know our grades. And the teachers told me that the earliest I would know is this Friday, but it's still unsure.
The verdict will come. Good fortune comes to those who wait. And good fortune is all I need.
Today was our last day of exams. The exam we had earlier was an easier one compared to what we had gone through the days before, excluding Sunday. I figured the teachers thought that they would give us a nice send off to start our summer.
Of course, finals week is hell. No one expects finals to be a walk in a park. You have to study everyday and improve and/or maintain your grade. I don't know why, but maybe it's because of the impending summer that I didn't study at all. I've read a few pages here and there, but not really into the zone of studying.
I was glad the test earlier had been easy. The exam was to be made up of previously used questions in other tests and new sets of questions. And the previous exam papers were laid out inside the room for us to review with. When I got to school, I saw my grade in an exam for another subject, and it was devastating.
I couldn't not think about it. So I decided to hang out outside the room, and observed the clouds above me. (It's important to note that the classroom we're in has a "terrace." It's not at all fancy, but a chair or two can fit in it. Your view is directly overlooking a garden straightforward, and the annex area on the left side.)
So, I took the test, stayed a bit and left. I tried not to think about how I might really fail a subject or two or three. It was simple, but the thought remained in the back of my mind. A cup of coffee with a group of friends could cheer me up, and it did.
I had achieved a few things today. None of which are school-related. Today, I've baked muffins for the first time. It was easier than my first project -- pie. And I've driven to Lapu-Lapu which is far away from the city on my own and I reached 90kph on the car, which was as far that I would go.
Summer won't officially start until we know our grades. And the teachers told me that the earliest I would know is this Friday, but it's still unsure.
The verdict will come. Good fortune comes to those who wait. And good fortune is all I need.
Thursday, March 17
Act I
She was not usually early at school, today was an exception. She had been forced to wake up far too early by her father, who was already running late for his eight 'o clock flight. If she had not gotten up, no one would have been able to drive her to school.
And so, there she was. The lone occupant of the classroom, sitting by the window. People usually came in at least an hour before the class starts. She was two hours early. She was alone.
She was frustrated. The girl was usually at school later than everyone else, even the teacher. As she sat in her lonesome, she mapped out ways as she could get to and from school by herself. Thoughts of taking the public transport floated around her head, but she consciously submerged it into the depths of her subconscious. Surely her father would not allow such, she thought.
She turned her gaze to the right, to the window. It had started to drizzle. The gentle breeze blew raindrops inward and fall on her pretty face, but she didn't mind. She had always enjoyed the rain. The smell and the breeze always calmed her. The sound of the downpour canceled out the noise of the environment. Soon it was all she heard. Rain.
The cold weather made her quiver. She would have considered bringing an umbrella or a jacket had she known of the climate change. Thinking that it would be better if she moved, she stood up and motioned towards the blackboard. She grabbed a piece of chalk and wrote the date down.
It made her smile. Not long enough though, unfortunately. She realized that she was bored. And with nothing else to do, she decided to sit down once again. She reached down for her book,. Opened it, and decided to study, hoping that time would be kind to pass.
She finished a page of her book. And then another. She grabbed a pen from her bag and underlined words she thought was important. She placed the book on her lap and leaned her head against the window frame.
It was raining still, stronger now.
She started drumming her pen on the book with a familiar song in mind. After a verse or two, she stopped, realizing again that she was bored. Even so, she had amused herself. She gave a quick snigger, and then placed her book and pen inside her bag.
She moved backward, beside a concrete wall. The shape of the open window had been hard to lean on. And again, she rested her head, now on the wall. She observed her surroundings, the emptiness of it.
Bits and pieces of trash were scattered around the classroom. The seats were not at all arranged. They had been left there by the students who had used the same room. The board was clean, other than numbers she had written, of course.
She was used to this kind of environment. It had been a frequent sight for the two years she had started to attend this school. She had experienced much since then. The thought had made her smile. And as she remembered bits from her memory, she rested her eyes. And slowly drifted off to sleep.
BANG!! There was a loud thud from somewhere in the room. The mighty gust of wind closed the door shut. She awoke quickly and rubbed her eyes. And as her sight cleared, she noticed another person inside the classroom, this one was a boy. He had just entered the room, before the door was shut.
Although they've been classmates for some time now, they were not well acquainted. Like her, he was in uniform. He was dripping wet from the rain, and was panting as though he ran all the way to the room. He placed his bag on a near chair and turned towards the door.
He tried to open the door, but to his unfortunate luck he was not able to do so. He started to mumble out some words. The girl barely heard him. But all she was able to make out was one word, "...LOCKED.."
Act I - Locked In
..to be continued..
Tuesday, March 15
The Boundaries of the Human Imagination
A story. It's what every writer needs. A story in most ways live in the mind of the writer, deeply buried in the thoughts of his own imagination. A writer might have to educate his mind to make up with one.
It's in everything really. The simplest forms of story can be the most beautiful. And there are the more complex ones, driven by the ink the writer's pen flows through. One must be careful in making a fairly complex story. One might end up with too many plot holes. Plot holes are not necessarily bad, nor are they really good. They may vary from being a small or a gaping hole. That may make them either negligible or incomprehensible.
A story, at most times, come from the writer's real-life experiences. It is how they can share their life to the world. A story may also come from another person's.
I've stated in my previous blog that I wanted to make a good story. So, I find myself here facing my small laptop itching my head for stories. Things have indeed happened in my life, but I cannot face myself to put it down on paper. Rather than basing the story from my own life, I want to make an original story, something more interesting that what I've been through.
But what to write?
I've had a couple of ideas. I get the start, the middle, and the ending. But there's a problem, things in the middle just start to blur. And the story remains unwritten. There were a couple of times that I've actually written a story.
I recall making one for New Year's 2010, I think. I had a little help from my friend Michael (who had just gotten his 2000th view, congratulations buddy!). The story was about seeing light in the darkness. I somewhat drifted off from making the guy stay in the light to making him just experience the light. The light represented the fireworks (the New Year). After seeing that spark for seconds, he was enveloped yet again in darkness. I've made people read it. They didn't understand, or the story just didn't make any sense. See for yourself below.
Another story I had is showcased in my blog. Check it out here. It's my most popular post. And although I am proud of my work, the workings of an amateur are pretty evident. And it kinda drifted from it's original story. I had not really intended to include World War 3, but it seemed appropriate.
Whatever story you have in mind, it will keep changing. That much I know. But would writing a better story with actual content really be possible for me?
Of course, there is no perfect story. One will see it as a masterpiece, and another will see it as a failure. And that's where critics come in. What will the world be without its beloved critics? A story is without its faults, and a critic will surely point that out. But that is what I think is what will make you better at your craft. Although, one would not admit to it right away. Surely, he will realize it somewhere down the road.
Stories that can capture the hearts of both critics and fans alike are rare to make. And I find myself compelled to make one, but not really getting anywhere.
So, motivate my imagination and sprinkle fairy dust into my eyes and let me see the wonders of my subconscious and help me make a story for the ages.
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People have forgotten how to tell a story. Stories don’t have a middle or an end anymore. They usually have a beginning that never stops beginning.
-Steven Spielberg
*NOTE: The story below would sound much better if New Year were approaching.
I awoke in the dark. I could not find the light.
It was as if the sun, had lost its luster.
Then suddenly, a voice within my being beckoned me.
In an instant, I knew what I had to do.
Gasoline, bombs, and fire, I had to extinguish the darkness.
Then the light blinded me.
In that split second, the darkness was extinguished.
And the world was illuminated by a brilliant sparkle of light. But once again, the darkness swallowed me whole.
I would wait 'till the light shines my way again.
I knew that I was engulfed in the darkness, But it did not matter, all that mattered was the light.
And I fell into a deep slumber with a smile on my face, knowing that the light would come back again someday.
It's in everything really. The simplest forms of story can be the most beautiful. And there are the more complex ones, driven by the ink the writer's pen flows through. One must be careful in making a fairly complex story. One might end up with too many plot holes. Plot holes are not necessarily bad, nor are they really good. They may vary from being a small or a gaping hole. That may make them either negligible or incomprehensible.
A story, at most times, come from the writer's real-life experiences. It is how they can share their life to the world. A story may also come from another person's.
I've stated in my previous blog that I wanted to make a good story. So, I find myself here facing my small laptop itching my head for stories. Things have indeed happened in my life, but I cannot face myself to put it down on paper. Rather than basing the story from my own life, I want to make an original story, something more interesting that what I've been through.
But what to write?
I've had a couple of ideas. I get the start, the middle, and the ending. But there's a problem, things in the middle just start to blur. And the story remains unwritten. There were a couple of times that I've actually written a story.
I recall making one for New Year's 2010, I think. I had a little help from my friend Michael (who had just gotten his 2000th view, congratulations buddy!). The story was about seeing light in the darkness. I somewhat drifted off from making the guy stay in the light to making him just experience the light. The light represented the fireworks (the New Year). After seeing that spark for seconds, he was enveloped yet again in darkness. I've made people read it. They didn't understand, or the story just didn't make any sense. See for yourself below.
Another story I had is showcased in my blog. Check it out here. It's my most popular post. And although I am proud of my work, the workings of an amateur are pretty evident. And it kinda drifted from it's original story. I had not really intended to include World War 3, but it seemed appropriate.
Whatever story you have in mind, it will keep changing. That much I know. But would writing a better story with actual content really be possible for me?
Of course, there is no perfect story. One will see it as a masterpiece, and another will see it as a failure. And that's where critics come in. What will the world be without its beloved critics? A story is without its faults, and a critic will surely point that out. But that is what I think is what will make you better at your craft. Although, one would not admit to it right away. Surely, he will realize it somewhere down the road.
Stories that can capture the hearts of both critics and fans alike are rare to make. And I find myself compelled to make one, but not really getting anywhere.
So, motivate my imagination and sprinkle fairy dust into my eyes and let me see the wonders of my subconscious and help me make a story for the ages.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
People have forgotten how to tell a story. Stories don’t have a middle or an end anymore. They usually have a beginning that never stops beginning.
-Steven Spielberg
*NOTE: The story below would sound much better if New Year were approaching.
I awoke in the dark. I could not find the light.
It was as if the sun, had lost its luster.
Then suddenly, a voice within my being beckoned me.
In an instant, I knew what I had to do.
Gasoline, bombs, and fire, I had to extinguish the darkness.
Then the light blinded me.
In that split second, the darkness was extinguished.
And the world was illuminated by a brilliant sparkle of light. But once again, the darkness swallowed me whole.
I would wait 'till the light shines my way again.
I knew that I was engulfed in the darkness, But it did not matter, all that mattered was the light.
And I fell into a deep slumber with a smile on my face, knowing that the light would come back again someday.
Monday, March 14
Physical Therapy & Film
This choice of study has taken its toll on alot of us. I'm not saying that I get special attention because my course is harder than everyone else's. But, it really does. A friend who's always pretty late, even for tests, had a conversation with another friend.
Being snoopy, I asked my friend what they were talking about. And he told me. He said that they were talking about how our course is hard, and why the teachers make it even harder. And I thought to myself, as the teachers say to us, they do this to train us for our board exams. The Physical Therapy board exams is, what I've heard, the second hardest exam, right after the board exam for doctors.
Our board exam is very bookish. And in that way, makes it even harder. We have to know how and what exactly everything is. And one book in our course could range from four hundred pages, to about a thousand or more.
He said that the course was okay for him. And although he wants to finish the course, he says he does not possess the drive to. And he says that I looked determined to, unlike him.
I have known for some time now that the course itself is that hard. And although this is not my passion, I want to finish it. I heard that being a PT pays good. I didn't want to be nurse, and my folks didn't allow me to be a MedTech. So, I chose to become a PT student.
At the time of choosing, from about the start of summer following my high school graduation to the time I got back from the states, I have always wanted to be in the medical field. Getting to help people and all the things connected to the profession was just an added bonus. It seemed better than selling stuff or anything else.
Don't get me wrong, being a PT is something I want to do professionally. It is a great opportunity to help people, be a caregiver. But it's really just back up. What I really want to do is be behind the camera.
This dates back to my fourth year in high school. A group of classmates and I had a project to do that involved filming. Although the rawness of work was quite evident, it could not compare to the others' work. My work had been indeed amateurish, but it garnered us the top score in the batch. It made me proud.
The choice of being in a medical field was a practical one. Being a medical professional, you find a job quickly, and pays well.
The film industry is risky, at best. The Philippine films that come and go in cinemas are at most of the time, corny and clichéd. And I can't fathom any hope for it, unless the Philippine studios give a little more credit to those independent filmmakers.
Filipino films generally have a target audience. Those are, most of the time, helpers, teenage girls and their boyfriends (who get dragged along), and middle aged women. Filipino TV is worse. They're really just hashed out remakes of whatever popular TV show is being made outside the country. They're still for the same audience. So, most of the time, males and people(anyone really) who watch better movies are left to watch the movies that come from outside, which are better.
So where am I getting at? Long after my graduation, I want to salvage whatever is left in Filipino film. I want to make a film that can make other Filipinos proud. I want to write an excellent story that many people can relate to. I want the story to be original. I want more Indie filmmakers, and Major studios, to make bigger and better films.
I want to be a filmmaker.
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When your hobby becomes your profession, the passion becomes your profession.
-- from the "3 Idiots" movie
Being snoopy, I asked my friend what they were talking about. And he told me. He said that they were talking about how our course is hard, and why the teachers make it even harder. And I thought to myself, as the teachers say to us, they do this to train us for our board exams. The Physical Therapy board exams is, what I've heard, the second hardest exam, right after the board exam for doctors.
Our board exam is very bookish. And in that way, makes it even harder. We have to know how and what exactly everything is. And one book in our course could range from four hundred pages, to about a thousand or more.
He said that the course was okay for him. And although he wants to finish the course, he says he does not possess the drive to. And he says that I looked determined to, unlike him.
I have known for some time now that the course itself is that hard. And although this is not my passion, I want to finish it. I heard that being a PT pays good. I didn't want to be nurse, and my folks didn't allow me to be a MedTech. So, I chose to become a PT student.
At the time of choosing, from about the start of summer following my high school graduation to the time I got back from the states, I have always wanted to be in the medical field. Getting to help people and all the things connected to the profession was just an added bonus. It seemed better than selling stuff or anything else.
Don't get me wrong, being a PT is something I want to do professionally. It is a great opportunity to help people, be a caregiver. But it's really just back up. What I really want to do is be behind the camera.
This dates back to my fourth year in high school. A group of classmates and I had a project to do that involved filming. Although the rawness of work was quite evident, it could not compare to the others' work. My work had been indeed amateurish, but it garnered us the top score in the batch. It made me proud.
The choice of being in a medical field was a practical one. Being a medical professional, you find a job quickly, and pays well.
The film industry is risky, at best. The Philippine films that come and go in cinemas are at most of the time, corny and clichéd. And I can't fathom any hope for it, unless the Philippine studios give a little more credit to those independent filmmakers.
Filipino films generally have a target audience. Those are, most of the time, helpers, teenage girls and their boyfriends (who get dragged along), and middle aged women. Filipino TV is worse. They're really just hashed out remakes of whatever popular TV show is being made outside the country. They're still for the same audience. So, most of the time, males and people(anyone really) who watch better movies are left to watch the movies that come from outside, which are better.
So where am I getting at? Long after my graduation, I want to salvage whatever is left in Filipino film. I want to make a film that can make other Filipinos proud. I want to write an excellent story that many people can relate to. I want the story to be original. I want more Indie filmmakers, and Major studios, to make bigger and better films.
I want to be a filmmaker.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
When your hobby becomes your profession, the passion becomes your profession.
-- from the "3 Idiots" movie
Saturday, March 12
A4D
The Assholes have always been my most constant group. They've been with me through some of the most fun I've had, and those times that aren't. But if we think about them now, we'd just laugh about it, seriously. Bring back that very moment, then come in the jokes. And last night, we went out for some more shitz and gigglez.
Two of the assholes are going somewhere this summer. I'm one of the two. So, we decided to spend some more time together before we leave. Everytime the assholes get together, the night is bound to be fun.
THE PLAN: Left4Dead 2, then off to Handuraw to listen to good music.
Left4Dead 2 had become a fad with the assholes, except me. I liked to play the game, but time constraints involving my choice of education and my computer not able to handle the game restricted me in doing so. More on the computer insufficiency, rather than the time. But the time still counts.
Michael, the glue that keeps the Assholes intact (pun intended), had suggested the night. He was a big fan of the local music scene, and there was a concert being held in Handuraw Pizza. I, too, am a fan, but he's updated more. He just tells me.
THE OUTCOME:
I was very game to play L4D2.Considering that there were four of us. Playing the game would be perfect. Alas, Kelly had to go to the airport to pick up his parents, which hindered him from going to the L4D2 session.
Thinking about it, I did not think there was a conflict in my schedule. Saturday morning, my group members and I had to organize this seminar. In the afternoon, I had a test. And a defense, much later.And things came up after our defense. So, I too, was unable to play L4D2. Nevertheless, the two available, Martin and Michael played on. They had fun.
I caught up with them and had dinner. And off we went to Handuraw, where we'd meet with Kelly. And we were all together then. We sat in the table nearest the stage. Kelly had been starving himself thinking we'd all eat dinner together. Oops. Kelly ordered his meal.
As it says on the poster on the left, the concert was to start at 9pm. We were there at 8. This was pretty early. We didn't mind. Again, the concert was stated to start at 9pm. So naturally, it started at 10.
Starspit had jump started the night. The band isn't on the poster, or are they? I'm not really sure. Maybe they renamed to Starspit from Vultures. Or whatever. After every song, I would shout, "YEAH!," in a very unique manner. And the vocalist would hear it. And I would be forever known as the yeah guy. I don't mind she was pretty cute.
The best band, for me, was Foc Fashion. They had this feel to them that I can't explain. I mean with songs entitled Vega vs. Dhalsim and Ricochet Ratshit you can't go wrong. Next in line was Shuffled. Their songs were catchy. What caught our eyes was the Gibson Les Paul the guitarist was holding.
The main band of the night was Bethany. It was also the band Michael was waiting for. They performed 6 original songs. And they ended the night covering the band Oasis. They dedicated the song to Japan which was nice.
With nothing else to do, we headed to Martin's house and drink. We drank a mixture of Red Bull and Vodka, which could not possibly be healthy. We had researched the effects and how to actually mix the drink. The drink tasted like medicine, and had chosen to drink the vodka straight instead. I was hit pretty quickly, as were the other guys.
Wanting to make up for not playing L4D2 in the afternoon, we went to the same internet cafe they had been to earlier. Martin wasn't able to play with us because the computers either did not have L4D2 or did not have a mouse. And we stopped playing after awhile. We realized that it was better to play with the four of us. Plus, this was already at around 2-3am and we were a little drowsy.
Kelly dropped us off at Martin's house where Michael was spending the night, and where I parked my car. I bid the assholes goodbye and drove home quickly, brushed my teeth, washed my face, and went straight to bed.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Don't drink Red Bull because it makes you shaky. -- Starspit Vocalist
Advice we didn't take, advice you should.
Check out Michael's blog at michaelbriantina.wordpress.com. And his rant about Saturday night here.
Two of the assholes are going somewhere this summer. I'm one of the two. So, we decided to spend some more time together before we leave. Everytime the assholes get together, the night is bound to be fun.
THE PLAN: Left4Dead 2, then off to Handuraw to listen to good music.
Left4Dead 2 had become a fad with the assholes, except me. I liked to play the game, but time constraints involving my choice of education and my computer not able to handle the game restricted me in doing so. More on the computer insufficiency, rather than the time. But the time still counts.
Michael, the glue that keeps the Assholes intact (pun intended), had suggested the night. He was a big fan of the local music scene, and there was a concert being held in Handuraw Pizza. I, too, am a fan, but he's updated more. He just tells me.
THE OUTCOME:
I was very game to play L4D2.Considering that there were four of us. Playing the game would be perfect. Alas, Kelly had to go to the airport to pick up his parents, which hindered him from going to the L4D2 session.
Thinking about it, I did not think there was a conflict in my schedule. Saturday morning, my group members and I had to organize this seminar. In the afternoon, I had a test. And a defense, much later.And things came up after our defense. So, I too, was unable to play L4D2. Nevertheless, the two available, Martin and Michael played on. They had fun.
I caught up with them and had dinner. And off we went to Handuraw, where we'd meet with Kelly. And we were all together then. We sat in the table nearest the stage. Kelly had been starving himself thinking we'd all eat dinner together. Oops. Kelly ordered his meal.
Starspit had jump started the night. The band isn't on the poster, or are they? I'm not really sure. Maybe they renamed to Starspit from Vultures. Or whatever. After every song, I would shout, "YEAH!," in a very unique manner. And the vocalist would hear it. And I would be forever known as the yeah guy. I don't mind she was pretty cute.
The best band, for me, was Foc Fashion. They had this feel to them that I can't explain. I mean with songs entitled Vega vs. Dhalsim and Ricochet Ratshit you can't go wrong. Next in line was Shuffled. Their songs were catchy. What caught our eyes was the Gibson Les Paul the guitarist was holding.
The main band of the night was Bethany. It was also the band Michael was waiting for. They performed 6 original songs. And they ended the night covering the band Oasis. They dedicated the song to Japan which was nice.
With nothing else to do, we headed to Martin's house and drink. We drank a mixture of Red Bull and Vodka, which could not possibly be healthy. We had researched the effects and how to actually mix the drink. The drink tasted like medicine, and had chosen to drink the vodka straight instead. I was hit pretty quickly, as were the other guys.
Wanting to make up for not playing L4D2 in the afternoon, we went to the same internet cafe they had been to earlier. Martin wasn't able to play with us because the computers either did not have L4D2 or did not have a mouse. And we stopped playing after awhile. We realized that it was better to play with the four of us. Plus, this was already at around 2-3am and we were a little drowsy.
Kelly dropped us off at Martin's house where Michael was spending the night, and where I parked my car. I bid the assholes goodbye and drove home quickly, brushed my teeth, washed my face, and went straight to bed.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Don't drink Red Bull because it makes you shaky. -- Starspit Vocalist
Advice we didn't take, advice you should.
Check out Michael's blog at michaelbriantina.wordpress.com. And his rant about Saturday night here.
Sunday, March 6
A Drummer's Failing Diet
My diet plan has done loads for me. It has kept me maintaining my weight just under 85kg. But that's just it. It's maintenance diet. So, now I find myself in need of a new kind of diet.
My diet is now over 2 months old. And I can say that I can live without rice in the evening. I remember a time when I was a freshman in high school. I was really obese at the time. Then I had started to love drumming. I had not yet experienced actual drums, but I've tasted DrumMania. It was a game that kept me occupied most of my first year of high school.
I was given an allowance of 100 pesos/day. I think at that time I was still driven to school, and my money was left for going home and for my lunch for that day. I remember not eating lunch during those days, just to save up for playing the drums on the Friday of that week. All money saved, was spent very quickly. To emphasize my expenditures playing that game, I was given a Gold Card. The only two ways to obtain such was by either paying Php 5000.00 on the spot or by accumulating the same amount on just one card. I had two.
Abstaining from lunch and playing the drums was my diet. The game really helped me lose the weight, but it did no good for my spending habits. There are still some times that I still play the drums there, but not as frequent as I usually did. There was really a difference of my weight during that year. I'm glad that I played the game, as I did. I've been playing the real drums ever since.
Looking back now, I could see that I can still attain such a feat. Not by playing and spending on that game, but by cutting out lunch entirely. This is not at all a recommended diet, but I can't think of another way of losing weight.
This is not at all my current diet's fault. It is of mine, really. I binge on snacks alot. So, if my plans of this diet pulls through, I'd be cutting out rice entirely, since lunch is the only time I eat rice nowadays. I plan on replacing rice with, as corny as it may seems, knowledge.
This is partially because I am failing. And partially because, I want to distract myself from the actual act of eating. So, it's study or eat. And I want to pick studying, but it's a real challenge. I, personally, don't study much. But my choice of course calls for it, and so I really must.
Again, I am failing because of my lack of diligence. And I can't fail one single subject. Can't as in "there will be dire consequences" can't. C'mon, failing is so easy to accomplish. So in a sense, I can fail, but I can't.
The option of failing was not really an option at all. But if failing was an ultimatum, then I would have just taken summer classes, if I had no plans for the summer. In this case, I do. I am leaving for New York and I'm all booked to leave on the 3rd of April.
If I indeed fail with all my plans pushing through, then I have to retake the subject, which is only available on the 2nd Semester of the next school year. This subject is also a prerequisite for taking most subjects in the upcoming year. So if I fail, I hope I don't, I am going to add another year to my already 5-year course.
So, yes. It is probable that I might have to really eat knowledge. 0 calories/serving
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To be conscious that you are ignorant is a great step to knowledge. - Benjamin Disraeli
My diet is now over 2 months old. And I can say that I can live without rice in the evening. I remember a time when I was a freshman in high school. I was really obese at the time. Then I had started to love drumming. I had not yet experienced actual drums, but I've tasted DrumMania. It was a game that kept me occupied most of my first year of high school.
I was given an allowance of 100 pesos/day. I think at that time I was still driven to school, and my money was left for going home and for my lunch for that day. I remember not eating lunch during those days, just to save up for playing the drums on the Friday of that week. All money saved, was spent very quickly. To emphasize my expenditures playing that game, I was given a Gold Card. The only two ways to obtain such was by either paying Php 5000.00 on the spot or by accumulating the same amount on just one card. I had two.
Abstaining from lunch and playing the drums was my diet. The game really helped me lose the weight, but it did no good for my spending habits. There are still some times that I still play the drums there, but not as frequent as I usually did. There was really a difference of my weight during that year. I'm glad that I played the game, as I did. I've been playing the real drums ever since.
Looking back now, I could see that I can still attain such a feat. Not by playing and spending on that game, but by cutting out lunch entirely. This is not at all a recommended diet, but I can't think of another way of losing weight.
This is not at all my current diet's fault. It is of mine, really. I binge on snacks alot. So, if my plans of this diet pulls through, I'd be cutting out rice entirely, since lunch is the only time I eat rice nowadays. I plan on replacing rice with, as corny as it may seems, knowledge.
This is partially because I am failing. And partially because, I want to distract myself from the actual act of eating. So, it's study or eat. And I want to pick studying, but it's a real challenge. I, personally, don't study much. But my choice of course calls for it, and so I really must.
Again, I am failing because of my lack of diligence. And I can't fail one single subject. Can't as in "there will be dire consequences" can't. C'mon, failing is so easy to accomplish. So in a sense, I can fail, but I can't.
The option of failing was not really an option at all. But if failing was an ultimatum, then I would have just taken summer classes, if I had no plans for the summer. In this case, I do. I am leaving for New York and I'm all booked to leave on the 3rd of April.
If I indeed fail with all my plans pushing through, then I have to retake the subject, which is only available on the 2nd Semester of the next school year. This subject is also a prerequisite for taking most subjects in the upcoming year. So if I fail, I hope I don't, I am going to add another year to my already 5-year course.
So, yes. It is probable that I might have to really eat knowledge. 0 calories/serving
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To be conscious that you are ignorant is a great step to knowledge. - Benjamin Disraeli
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