Misunderstanding

We've all been victims of misunderstanding; 
a subject of lies, and even an epitome of mutual mistrust. 
We are not mere slaves of foreign situations
--not souls enchanted by restraints, who battles for freedom. 
We've been guided.
But most of the time, we are not conscious of the sympathetic provision we receive.
We subsist in our intramural defenses; 
enable ourselves to be drowned in hatred...be adorned with our magnified strengths;
and let pride be our patronage. 
We set ourselves to become preys of falsehood--crooked beings destroyed by the offense of truth.
We bury what remains real of us;
emtombed all the hopes we have left. 
It takes courage to kill pride...
And it takes love to make the pain of misunderstanding
...subside.

Rosary

Our block went to the National Center for Mental Health last December 2011. Finally, we had a field trip! I know, it wasn’t that far but the experience offered there would take us to a far greater world—leading to a far greater realization.

            We toured the whole institution; from cells of killers, people with schizophrenia, and other confined persons with mental disorders. Some were tied on top of the table, others out of their cells...just a few inches away from us. Disregarding their undesirable labels, they are still people—persons who deserve proper treatment and support from more fortunate ones. I hope that the government would try to invest more money in helping mental institutions here in the Philippines. With adequate (financial) support from the government and concerned citizens, great deals of change would help people there gain somehow, a facilitated recovery.

            One aged female in the institution approached us. She asked us if we are interested in buying the rosaries that they made. Their rosary making project was part of their occupational therapy...helping them utilize their given time and effort to aid on their recovery. She said that if we buy one, it would help them obtain money for their Christmas party funds. She said that people like her living in institutions would also like to enjoy Christmas like other people living outside the institution. And then, I bought one. My 25 pesos, 25 pesos from my friends, 25 pesos from other people...hopefully made one Christmas party for the people in the institution to celebrate and be embraced by the warmth of our combined concerns.

            It was a wonderful feeling to find hope in a somewhat, perceived hopeless place. Most of the people there are optimistic that they would soon recover. Let’s take a stand, and be ready to HELP.

*the orange rosary that I bought, together with God’s trust and love for me...helped me pass NMAT. Saying “thank you” in countless times would still not be enough to match all the blessings God has given me.

Celebration of the Astronauts!

It has been 24 days ago since I’ve been a certified ASTRONAUT.

Last January 12, 2012, I witnessed an amazing concert: SIMPLE PLAN LIVE IN MANILA! My high school friends and I were planning to watch Simple Plan concert since 2011. It should’ve been a stress-free date but time and energy conflict was imminent. We had to deal with our conflicting time schedules and strenuous academic demands. With a conspicuously excellent determination, we made it to the concert.

Another impediment encountered...let me label this one as “ticket-dilemma.” We were supposed to buy Patron VIP tickets; when we decided to watch the concert (for about 2 days before the actual date), Patron VIP tickets were sold out :| Good thing, Patron tickets were still available.

My friend, Michelle Santos, already bought a ticket ahead of Ikee and me. She worried for herself to not be able to buy tickets because of our indecision. If I were in her place, I could’ve done the same thing! Imagine, high school friends versus Simple Plan...you could see your high school buddies from time to time but SIMPLE PLAN concert—a once in a lifetime opportunity! >:)

So, going back to the ticket dilemma...I went to SM San Lazaro to buy tickets for Ikee and myself, a day before the concert. The line was short but due to a highly disturbing technical difficulty, I failed to buy tickets there. I couldn’t believe that SM uses prehistoric computers and an even worse—dial-up connection for their computers. My patience was tested. I waited for almost 3 hours, standing...all my heavy books in my bag...irritated—yes, definitely. I texted and called Ikee for several times, announcing that I wouldn’t buy tickets anymore. I was tired, irritated, and pressured; and so, I gave up.

When I arrived in our unit, I paused for a moment...trying to internalize my decisions. I couldn’t believe I gave up on Simple Plan. I went online to check some updates...reminders of Simple Plan were all over the web...it must be sign!!! So I checked some websites selling Simple Plan tickets. BINGO!!! I found one good offer!!! 1k less from the original Patron ticket price!!! I contacted the person and scheduled a meet up in UST as soon as possible. The person selling the ticket was also in UST!!! And so, luck turns to me!!! >:) In 15 minutes after I saw the post of the ticket seller online, I got our tickets!!! yeay!!! I made a friend and a constant contact for original concert tickets in a discounted price! yeay!!!

Our journey to Araneta in one word: TRAFFIC. I had to wait for Ikee to finish her class until 7pm. The concert was scheduled at 8pm and UST to Araneta’s a long travel. Good thing, we just missed the Kamikazee front act. It’s more LATE in the Philippines!

Araneta!!!

Ikee Gonzales

Michelle and Ikee

(c) SAMREYES

got this one from Ate AnnC

Thank you Simple Plan! You’re PERFECT! :”)