Sunday, September 23, 2007

Anti Hazing Flick

The offline experience I had with the bloggers that I met last Blogger's Kapihan after party event challenged me into voicing out this 'anti-hazing or against anything that tolerates violence for brotherhood sort of theme'. This topic probably was the highlight that night.

Inspired by the original video that the Jester of Exile shared to us (that eery music that sticks with you even in your sleep), and the meaningful poem written by the Philosophical Bastard himself perfectly fitted my brother's project. This is a really short flick but I hope it would be enough for a call.


(Created by: Alejandro Karlo Zapanta & RJay Morada of
Ateneo De Naga University)

To embed video, get it here. "ANTI HAZING"
(other links to follow)



Tuesday, September 18, 2007

Me NO Likey

For some weird and unexplainable reason, have I been too kind to this guy that he tagged me??? LOLs. Alright, for the spirit of everything evil, let me just tell you that the Philosophical Bastard made me do this:

Food:
You will never be able to make me try out food that's meant to be in the wild. No, not that poultry selection, but that 'exotic' fear factor style of cuisine! (like who would even dare?! I don't care if you would. but. not. me...) Frog, crocodile, snake, rat, whatever.. Me No likey!!!!

Fruits:
Hmm.. yes, I'm too common. I don't like 'durian'. Smell. End of discussion.

Veggies:
Argh! I used to be a vegetarian so... hmm.. oh I know! I don't like -what is it in english?- malunggay. It's not that I can't eat it, it's just that, no matter how much you chew your food well, it's simply 'indestructible'? It still comes out unscathed... ROFL!

People:
I don't like pretend Gods. I don't like know it alls. I don't like mr./ms. all goody two shoes. I don't like backstabbers. I don't like stupid morons. Errr.. sorry... maybe I just don't like a lot of people? ahahhaha! (senseless)

Event/Situation/Incident:
I am always annoyed when I want to speak up but end up compromising or keeping it to myself in the end. (yes, I have a li'l devil inside.)

TV shows/movies:
Kokey. He's poop. I don't like him. LOLs! and I don't like movies that are based from a foreign one. Really, deadly, irritating much!

Music:
I hate those musics with someone growling like a devil munching on your soul. Rock music that's got no lyrics... or those that are too loud. Initially it's just because of that growl. Come on, that's not singing, right? Whatever!

Household chores:
Ironing clothes. What?! I find the iron too heavy. Duh, that sounded really stupid.

Thing/s around the world:
I don't like clowns. They're scary.

Thing/s about myself:
I'm disorganized. Jolly looking but depressed. Lakwatsera. In short, I'm a kid with the wrong age.


Now for the tag:
Percybhem, Yumi, Bratyfly, Sherma




Friday, September 14, 2007

CHANGE. JUSTICE. NOW.

The pour of information from which I'm not allowed to relay had driven me to really scream my sentiments. This post is dedicated to the victims of fraternity violence. I condemn this violence and that's coming from someone who is in a fraternity and sorority organization herself. Change has to be implemented and it's about time that we shutdown this so called tradition. I call upon the authorities of my own fraternity and sorority to take part on stopping the trend of using brutal acts. Quit condoning what needs to be recognized. The mistake that happened within the initiation of the Sigma Rho fraternity could very well happen to ours. Do we have to wait until we too experience these "accidental deaths"?

Brothers and sisters I don't think it should even be considered accidental. If we stop playing blind over these wrong acts we can easily prevent it. I am not being a traitor of our organization, and I am not putting it in vain. The mere fact that I'm attesting to this call is what I think a true blooded sister would do. A mistake or any other wrong doing should be reprimanded.


I DEMAND CHANGE. NEED I SAY MORE?


In this connection, I stand with the Statement of Block E 2012 of the UP College of Law on the Death of Cris Anthony Garcia Mendez, from which I'll quote:

We condemn in the strongest possible terms all the organizations of the University of the Philippines who promote the culture of violence, by perpetrating brutal acts, by condoning these acts, or by obstructing justice by aiding in the flight or concealment of their erring members. To the long list of names that include Alex Icasiano, Dennis Venturina, and so many others traumatized or dead in the name of Cris Mendez; we cannot in good conscience turn a blind eye to the injuries and deaths that involve or are directly perpetrated by organizations of the University.


Might I add that I stand to this call not only for the bounds of UP alone, but for the society at large within the Philippines, and hopefully everywhere else.

May justice be served.



Tuesday, September 11, 2007

Bitter Sweet AWOL Part 1

Just to lessen the pending entries and tasks that I’m supposed to do, I will have to get this off my excitement.

Yes, excitement. Isn’t it obvious? The title says it all. What I just experienced during my stay in Manila can really be described as something ‘bittersweet’.

Let’s start!

Immediately upon reaching Makati which was I think around 11pm already, my brother and I went straight to my dad’s place, left our luggage there and rode a taxi to the old Makati Hospital where he is confined.

Note: I DON’T LIKE HOSPITALS. NEVER. I JUST CAN’T STAND IT, especially public hospitals. First off, only one visitor/companion is allowed per patient. There was not a chair beside my father’s bed, so if you’re assigned to stay and watch him, you’re to make do with it by either standing the whole night, or sitting on the tiled floor.

Before my uncle left, he asked me if I know how to take care of a patient and I quickly responded, “I never had any interest for a nursing course, so no… I know nothing about it except if it was a baby I’m supposed to take care of.” Well, in this case, it’s a baby mutated to 50 or 60 years old. Don’t get me wrong. I love my father. It’s just that, if you were in my shoes and you’ve only had little time living with your father (more like only during your toddler years), you’ll also feel awkward thinking about having to change his diapers or his clothes, feed him and all that. I still did it anyway, but I of course had to ask my brother to do the changing diapers stuff.

For three nights (because I’m an owl by nature) till lunch time, we engaged ourselves on an instant care giving practicum. The hospital aura almost drove me nuts but, thank God, the doctor during his rounds two days before we’re about to leave for Bicol again, told me my father will be released that day. With that news, I instantly decided to ask a friend to tour me around manila before I go totally insane.

My first day tour were around the parks within Makati, then a walk through Glorietta, Greenbelt, SM, Landmark, and a stop at a Starbucks spot near Makati Shangri-La (hope I got that right…) where I went online and left my number on twits and comments so the bloggers could text me where to meet them the next day for the Blogger’s Kapihan activity. From there, my ever so great tour guide (thanks Lester!) brought me to Megamall’s Art Center where I savored the painting exhibits there. Yeah, I’m a self proclaimed art lover but don’t let me talk about it that much, I might end up making a fool of myself.

Back home, I spent another night of care giving and woke up late the next day. Since I haven’t had any text messages regarding the activity just yet, except that one from Sarah where she said she couldn’t assist me or I think it was a point where we were unable to fix our time and appointments, my tour guide brought me to the trade center and checked out what’s there instead. Not much interested with food trades (I think), we headed off to the popular Mall of Asia.

There starts my few firsts… embarrassing firsts, to exact.

In search for a wifi connection, we ended up drooling over a bucket of beer instead. Oh yes, ladies and gentlemen, when I’m in need of unwinding, I really mean it. However, we didn’t realize we only had very limited time. After a while bloggers were already messaging me directions to the after event place. So, our drinks were bound to go to waste… or so you I thought. Anyways, my first embarrassing moment happened when I was serving ice in my glass and I accidentally tripped the bottle of San Miguel Light. It smashed and broke to pieces on the floor. Lucky it didn’t jump off the slits from the terrace or I’m pretty sure it would hit someone from downstairs. *LOL*… I kept my cool. The charge for the broken bottle was expensive, believe me.

Finally, we decided to move it-move it and thought the MRT would be the fastest way to get to North Edsa. (I’m so poor at directions so spare me if I’m making a mess with this one…) The line for the ticket booth or card, or whatever, was so long but we still stayed since we thought we had no other option since we were already in a hurry. Part 2 of the embarrassing moment was when after we got hold of the cards we were held up by the watch guard because he smelled beer from my companion. All in all we got a refund and were not allowed to take the train. At this point we were laughing our heads off.

What to do? What to do? We took the cab. Yes, from *where was that?* to TriNoma. It was quite expensive, yet again, but worth it.

There I met the faces behind the blogs that I usually visit, follow on twit, and chat through conferences. And hell, it was just too good to be true. Too great, that I’ll be writing about it on the next post. LOL!

sorry to keep you hanging for now... will update soon!


Wednesday, September 5, 2007

Change of Plans

This will be a quick post (i think).

During the start of the week I informed my superiors at work through email that I won't be able to come to work for the whole week. Yes, such an informal leave of absence, but I had no choice. My parents were contacted by a relative saying my step father's uncle passed away and their presence for the funeral was expected. Therefore, everything around the house and the shop at the mall will be left under my care until their return. Although I still had, say, two days free time to prepare everything that needs to be done, from rush orders, to cropping more ID pictures and all that before my parents trip to Manila, I really needed the extra time to cope up with what will be left for me.

However, a change of events is about to take place. Yesterday, while watching the store at the mall, daydreaming and writing what should have been the post here and not this, I received a missed call, which was followed by an sms message , "...nah mild stroke po si tito andy..", they were referring to my father (biological). All hell broke lose right then and there as a number of thoughts raced inside my head. Obviously, my instant reaction of keeping my emotions to myself was still felt by those around me even if I literally tried to runaway.

So as a result, instead of being left behind, I'd probably be going to Makati as well early tomorrow morning. That's it... I've been informed that my dad is actually fine now but guilt is killing me like crazy. I just had to see him and pray everything will be okay.

I'll be in Makati until Saturday...






Monday, September 3, 2007

I Demand Change. Need I Say More?

Isn't this great? There I was attending a fraternity presentation while the rest of the blogging community speaks about their opinions regarding someone dying because of mishandled initiation. I admit I'm a part of a prestigious Fraternity and Sorority as well, but this post isn't about speaking in behalf of the different Fraternities out there, nor my own, and this entry isn't about condemning it either.

This alone is my own observation; I mean nothing more but to give every frat men out there and aspirant a little reminder with their actions.

Frequently Asked Questions: (FAQ)
Frequent Replies: (FR)


FAQ: Why join a fraternity and sorority?
FR: For camaraderie, brotherhood, friendship and service.


One of the many reasons that push an individual to join a certain organization is the thought of finding common threads of peers that would be loyal. The mere idea of becoming a brother gives you that strong bond, securing you of a family you can run to, a place where you are welcomed, a time to shine through service. A sense that the offer that you give for the organization is appreciated, therefore you become proud. In short, most of the aspirants that take part of these initiations are those that seek true friendship. A group to where he/she can say, “I belong.” Yes, it may sound a little silly, but the world is filled with lonely hearts, where appreciation and belongingness alone could relieve.

Testing the waters too isn’t recommended here. Once you’ve placed a foot in the first parts of the orientation, you’ll in the end realize that you’ve gone way too deep to back out now. This leaves you no other choice, but to proceed and show them that you do have enough guts to be one of them.

Believe me; more than just the physical pain that you get out of the traditional means of the initiation, what truly stings is the degrading feeling of your morale being pounded like rocks to sand while you undertake the different humiliation you’re said to face. The challenge of proving your guts, your confidence, and your will is what fuels you in wanting to finish.


FAQ:
What’s with hazing?
FR:
It’s a tradition, a challenge, a test.


It may sound morbid, silly, stupid, and everything else, the sense of using hazing as a tool of confirmation whether an aspirant is willed enough to continue is a tradition that had become really hard to evade. There had been a number of reconstructing policies, and an offer to follow an STP (standard training program or procedure) had been made, however, hazing still remains one of the abused means of initiation.

Although a chapter had agreed to these rules, you’ll never know what a member does to the aspirants. “Control” is what lacks in these frat men that often results to a tragic case.

o0o

My take on this issue:

I believe that the principles and policies of every Fraternity and Sorority out there are perfect. The mistake comes from every individual’s belief and ways. Some may agree to change the program, others sticks to the traditional means. In the end, these men whom are too proud carry their sticks most of the time forgetting what it is really for. Compassion, realization, the idea of responsibility and accountability to every action; these are the different thoughts one should consider before raising that stick and hitting another friend. Yes, my dear frat men, a friend, a soon to be brother/sister.

We are forgetting the real meaning of our principles. What are leadership, friendship and service? How do you harness that with pain? Let us think it over. Instead of focusing on battering an aspirant, why not indoctrinate them and let them realize the scene they are about to partake. Remember that being in the organization gives you a number of responsibilities, so ask them, are they ready for it? Trainings, seminars, service… these are the things that we should sharpen.

Again,

Trainings and seminars are for Leadership.

Fellowship and bonding through Friendship.

Reach out in Service.

Just like a parent, let us not forget that pain doesn’t always make these kids remember… it’s the sincere words of wisdom and the lessons thought that counts more than a spank or a slap.

o0o

If you are planning to join a fraternity or an organization, ponder on this Q&A, and wonder if you really are ready to say the pledge’s prayer.

FAQ: Why?
FR: There’s not to reason why, there’s not to make reply, there’s but to do or die. So help me God.


“But as long as you are a part of the institution, do not condemn it,

for if you do, the first high wind that comes along will blow you away.

And probably, you'll never know why.”

- Loyalty Pledge



Saturday, September 1, 2007

The Old Times

There had been days that I can't explain why my heart felt so heavy. Days where I almost cried without reasons. I thought it's all because of all the pressures I get both from work and at home. Lately I find myself searching for this guy. Inside the passenger jeep I'd look out as it passes what used to be your school... and then I'd heave a sigh.

Not so long after that I found myself in a familiar street. I knew by heart where that street leads. And as I turn around I saw a familiar face from the tricycle, riding just behind the driver I saw you, I was about to smile and wave at you but I held back. Only to realize that it could never be you. Because I don't think I'll ever see you again. At least not yet.

:galit:You were an older brother I never had, even if we both know you could be really childish at times. You were such a noisy bastard you know that? I could still remember how you'd remind me that I should not let anybody push me around. That I must tell you if anyone does and you'll do the rest for me. I missed that. And I also miss your tampo-tampo issues. Where you'd get drank and tell me all your heartaches. And then out of nowhere you'll be screaming your lungs out until you'll be fine again. All that's left after that are laughters and a realization that our actions were somewhat silly and stupid. But it was fun anyway.

The road trips. The prodigal jeep. Us, prodigal kids. All these I truly miss. And as I look back on that person that I almost waved at, tears filled my eyes. I know I shouldn't be sad. I'm not really. I still get to see you in my dreams anyway. I know you're doing fine too. Say hello to Rambo for us.

By the way, advance happy birthday Ivan. It's been a year when you slept and never woke up. I still find it unfair that you never said goodbye. But hey, it's a good thing that at least now I'm sure that you're safe. Happy in the company of our Almighty.

Padi, we miss you so bad.

Don't forget to watch over us okay?

Sensya ka na di ako nakapunta sa anniversary mo. At sya nga pala, pwede tigilan mo yang katatawa mo dyan ha? Masyado mo ata kami pinagtatawanan. Tandaan mo Van, walang beer dyan. hahaha!


IVAN KARL CABRERA
Sept. 10, 1986 - Aug. 31, 2006


Sige padi! Miss you po. Hanggang sa muli. Magkikita din tyo. :puppyeyes:







LinkWithin

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...