21/365: The Hunger Games

The shot: The cover of the trilogy's first book.

The story: I've been reading many FB statuses about the Hunger Games. I did not pay much attention to it until a lot of people started comparing it to Twilight and Harry Potter. I'm not a Twilight fan. Never was and I guess, never will be. I hope they don't get me wrong though. It's not the book really... it's just me. Haha! What got my attention was when people started comparing it to HARRY POTTER! My reaction was 'AS IN?! Harry Potter level?'. Yes, you guessed it right. I'm a HUGE Harry Potter fan!

So, to cut the long story short. I downloaded the audio book for the first one. I was a skeptic at first. I was sure I would not like it since I doubt any other fiction book could knock HP out of my favorite list (as if I have one, haha!) but to my surprise... I got hooked. When I say I got hooked, some might think it's the I-spend-my-every-free-time-reading-this-book kind of hooked but for those who know me and how 'obsessed' I can get, they know it's the I-spend-all-of-my-time-reading-this-book kind of hooked. Correction though, listening, not reading. I found myself listening to all three books such that I could judge my week as unproductive. You read it right, I finished all three books in less than a week and this was a school-year-end-week! Imagine this from a teacher's point of view. Haha! In my defense, I met all my deadlines. :p

I was itching to write a post about the book but I didn't really know what to say. Until now. Haha, so I'm letting the words flow as I type. The weird thing is, I cried after I read the book. The reason was not really the story itself but it's effect on me. No, I have not joined any reality contest where I'm tasked to kill all other contestants except the boy who claims he's madly in love with me. That's the thing, I guess. I can't put a finger on why it has affected me that much. I had to wrestle with my thoughts for a while and I think there is really no ONE reason. I was affected at how practical the main character is. If you've read the book, you'd know what I mean. She chose the one who she can't survive without. See that? Can't it not be the one who makes the world stop turning with a smile? Or the guy who makes living worth all the suffering? LOL! Okay, stop it Michelle! I've had practicality issues recently but that's for another post. My heart broke for Peeta because I know how it feels... Hehe, okay. The drama stops right here. :p

This post can go on and on and on but it won't. :) I just want to remember the time I read the Hunger Games that's why I wrote this. Maybe just to remind myself that though life can seemingly give you the 'best', you should never stop discovering the rest of the beauty that God has surrounded you with. Thus, the HP-HG metaphor. Hehe! Through this trilogy, I have reawakened my love for reading. It takes you to another world and another life. It shows you the choices you could have, should have or would have made. It reveals to you some parts of your heart and soul that has been 'damaged', 'worn-out' or just plain set aside by the safety of everyday routine and day-to-day heartbreaks and failures. When I figure out what sets this trilogy apart, I'm going to write another post. PROMISE. =)

For now, I just want to leave you with one of my favorite lines which is a boy-girl conversation. I will not spoil the ending for you just in case my post got you intrigued enough to read it for yourself. The boy is going to be... Voldemort. He who must not be named. Haha, so the dialogue goes like this:

Boy: You love me. Real or not real?

Girl: Real.

speech

A.K.A. a post requested by my bestfriend Maymay. =)

From time to time, people ask me to deliver speeches, pep talks and/or inspirational messages. You can call them anything you want, actually. Haha! Well, according to my mother, my speeches are inspiring. I suggest you don't argue with my mother. :p

Okay, I'm sharing this one speech which will be read (sadly) by someone else on my behalf this coming Saturday in front of our second batch of LET reviewees. Where will I be on Satuday, you ask? I will be in Bohol bridesmaiding in a close friend's wedding. For the first time. =)

________

Dr. Marcelo T. Lopez, SUC President III, Dr. Filomena T. Dayagbil, Dean of the College of Teacher Education, members of the university faculty and administration, reviewees and guests, good morning.

When I was asked to write a message for you, our second batch of reviewees, I was told that my message is for the purpose of inspiring you to give your utmost effort in the months ahead for your review and achieve the best results in the upcoming Licensure Examination for Teachers. In the process of coming up with this message, I can’t help but reminisce what happened on the day I took my board exam.

As a usual practice in our home, my entire family gathered to pray over me. I will never forget my mother’s words when she said: “Itugot Lord na si Michelle Mae Olvido mu-top sa board exam.. mu-top one.” Horrified, I looked at my mother. With a laugh, she finished, “Pero ug unsa may Imong gusto, Imong pagbuot ang mutuman.” Fast forward to November 16, 2009, I received the news that I placed third. By the way, November 16 is my mother’s birthday.

I guess the point that I am trying to drive at is this: reviewing for the board exam is a journey – a very challenging journey BUT it is a journey that you will not take alone. You have family and friends who will walk with you and pray with you all the way. When it becomes very tough, ALWAYS REMEMBER WHAT you are doing it for and FOR WHOM you are doing it. I quote an organization called EO Alchemy when I say:

“We’ve been led to believe that success is bestowed upon the lucky few. We’ve been led to believe that finding our way is about being granted access. But in reality, it is really not about fortune smiling upon you but asking yourself… how hard are you willing to work for your dreams?”

My challenge for you is not to answer this question through your words but through your unceasing effort in the months to come. Let us see your answer through your actions. Let us see your answer through the September 2012 LET Exam results.

You may ask, why do we want you to pass and top the board exam?

You ought to know that when they say ‘Cebu Normal University’, when they say ‘College of Teacher Education’, when they say ‘the first and only level IV AACCUP accredited university’, when they say ‘Teacher Education Excellence, when they say ‘From good to great’… you ought to know that they are talking about you, our dear students. You are CTE’s excellence. You are CNU’s greatness.

You can count on us to walk and pray with you. I hope that we, too, can count on you… to make us proud. God bless you all!

_________

AMDG

Ash Wednesday

19/365: GK!

Yesterday, mom asked me to buy Downy Isang Banlaw and it did not come in the size we wanted in Ayala, I went to Country Mall. Guess what welcomed me to the grocery section?

The shot: Human<3Nature products! GK! GK! GK!

The story: My bestfriend, Maymay, went home last week to surprise her dad, Tito Rey for his 50th birthday. We were not able to meet up but seeing this (actually, seeing GK-related stuff) immediately reminds me of her. This also reminded me of the upcoming Bayani Challenge this summer! YEY! Hopefully, I can bring my college friends with me by then. AND, the fun run I will joining this coming March for GK. To my readers (Hi, May! HAHA!), you might want to consider joining this. =)

For God and for country!

18/365: the revival

The title almost says it all. I'm reviving this challenge so I get to finish what I start. (winks)

The shot: Found this tarpaulin outside one of Ayala's cinemas yesterday. I think it's linked to a church or a religious organization.

The story: The school year is about to end (Hi, March!) and I've been senti lately about my students leaving school this year. To say that SY 2011-2012 has been a challenge is an understatement. I won't go around telling you now what the highlights of my year have been because that is for a different post but I think the lines in this tarpaulin reminds me of the what-could-haves-that-have-not-been. Believe me, I did one of the craziest things I've ever done in my life this school year. Haha, ironically, it's not school-related. Why the heck did I start this post with the 'school year ending' theme? LOL. Sorry, part of being a teacher I guess. I measure my years in academic years. HAHA! Going back, I really thought that doing what I did would change things for the better but it seems that I found myself in more uncertainty than before I did it. (All this secrecy is making my post really confusing. But, I'm not ready to put into words what I just did. Well, not yet anyway. :p)

I just want to post this small reminder for me that it's time to really let it go (for the NTH time!) and look at all the possibilities this year has in store. But wait, there's more! The last two lines states "Be equipped and finish strong". So let's do this, Michelle! Time to equip ourself (?!?) so we can finally have that dream-come-true. Am I ready, Lord? For this?! Well, when it comes.. then that must be the answer to my prayer. =)

unexpected gratitude

I thought today was going to be one of those uneventful Saturdays I have been having lately. But, everything that transpired today was... unexpected.

I wanted to start my day checking my fourth year students' papers but I ended up waking up late and watching American Idol Season 11 episodes. Because I was so caught up with the show that I, again, came late to my unit meeting with THE manager, Kuya Og. I thought it was going to be one of those meetings where I'd sit and just absorb what will be said but I ended up energized to start setting up appointments for my prospects. Parang seeing the light at the end of the dark tunnel ang peg. Hehe =)

After my four-hour meeting, I was off to confession which I thought I was going to alone but lo, and behold! God gave me a friend to be with and so I had a lot of fun catching up with Djong2x while waiting for my turn. Since I go to confession at Sto. Rosario, I expected a relatively "quick" talk with the priest but I was part of the eight people who were brought to another room to be with another priest. My confession took longer than I expected and it was.. I should say, "more" than what I thought it would be but it was definitely what I needed. Even my penance was unexpected since the priest asked me to talk to one of two priests he recommended.

To end my day, I went to get a pedicure (LOL) to reward myself of all the hard work I have been putting up with for the past few weeks and I ended up having a quick chat with one of my favorite people in the world, Mommy Irish! On my way home via Ayala, I accidentally met up with three of my SciHi YFC-GK friends, Lyn2, Totot and Earl and they handed me this "Thank You" card from Gawad Kalinga-Cebu which they made for all those who helped out in the Christmas Party they organized.

Inside note =)

Personalized. Awwww <3

I think it was one of those days when I say to myself "What just happened?". LOL. Haha! I did not have a plan and my checklist for the day is left untouched but I am truly, truly grateful for how today turned out. So, to complete the "unexpectedness" of today's events, I decided to blog. Haha! Just because. =)

Thank you Lord for the blessing of today and for the gift of spontaneity! =)

a night to remember

This week has been a week of answered prayers.

A few days back, I was complaining to God about how I always end up organizing get-togethers when deep inside, I've always wanted people to organize bonding activities and then invite me. Not long after that complaint, a friend invited me to dinner and tonight, I went to watch a play with another friend.
We watched Les Miserables tonight. There were some problems with the sound system but these glitches were easily forgiven since I really enjoyed the play. I cried in some parts especially the finale song with Jean Valjean and Fantine.

However, my night just did not end there.

Some of the cast members went to fetch this woman from the audience and asked her to sit on a bench on the stage after the curtain call. She looked puzzled and amused as she sat there. While I am sure that she was not a stranger to the cast members, I did not really understood what she was doing there. A few moments later, her boyfriend went up the stage, showed the ring he was carrying, knelt on one knee and popped the big question.

Being the hopeless romantic that I am, I started crying like crazy. Feeling naku na ako ang giproposan. LOL. What made me cry more was that the girl on stage was crying, too. It was truly an epic night. It reinforced my belief that true-to-life love stories still outweigh every fairy tale that was ever written.

February's knocking on my door and I am tempted to be bitter again. Haha. But maybe, I am passing on bitterness this year. Here's to gratitude, instead! Truly, truly grateful that God has given me the grace to wait. I am going to sit on this bench of singleness looking amazed and puzzled until the Director finally gives the cue and makes The One finally show up on stage. Padungog-dungog epeks to Father God. Toinks. :p

And with that, I thank my EPIC God for this EPIC experience. May God be praised! =)

what drives you?

"Whatever you want, chase after it with everything that you have. Not because of the fame or the fortune but solely because that's what you believe in, because that's what makes your heart sing.. that's what your dance is." ~Natalie Warne

2/365: The Basilica

2011 is a year of many 'firsts'. As early as January, I can list about ten things that have happened to me for the first time. So... after finishing two midterm examinations, preparing my table for the final term and fighting the urge to go get a cup of coffee from that-place-i-love-but-can't-really-afford (hahaha), I decided to drop by the Basilica today. I've never visited it the day after Sinulog so this one's another first. =)

BTW, I am so in love with how the weather has been today. No rain and the breeze is ssssoooo cool. It made me want to go back to bed so many times but the pressure of deadlines kept me on my feet! Haha! Okay, back to the Basilica.

The Shot:

The Pilgrim Center Altar. I know the picture's a little blurry but being able to post it here is a miracle in itself. My phone kept complaining of 'low battery' and my camera won't work. I was contemplating on asking the woman in front of me with the qwerty camera phone to take a picture and then send it to me via bluetooth. I just wanted one picture. ONE.

Then again, I was in front of the Holy Child! So I whispered a request to Him too. Just one picture.. pleasssseee. And tada! Here it is.

The Story:

Since the start of the fiesta celebration, I have never gotten this close to the altar. I prayed for a while.. mostly for thanksgiving for the many blessings I have received and for that unexpected blessing He gave me last Saturday (yey!). I was all smiles. Reading through my entries in this blog last night made me realize that many if not most of them are depressing. If I were another person reading my own blog entries, I think I'm this pessimistic girl with a very sad life. Well, it's about time I set things straight. Haha, I am a very happy person. I am. Really. Haha, I just over-think, over-rationalize and over-react and over-act many times that I get carried away. This picture has reminded me today that we should all take time to sit at His feet. Sit at the foot of His cross and spend time with Him. It is far more 'recharging' than an entire day's sleep. Well, at least for me. You should try it.

And... another reason why I took this picture is so I can dedicate this day's entry to my number one reader, my bestfriend Maymay! Bestfriend, though you were not here to celebrate with us, I hope this picture reminds you that you are NEVER too far away.

You are in my thoughts and in my prayers. =)

Oh, by the way. I asked for one picture but guess what? I got three =) The other one has a whitish effect so it's not post-worthy but maybe I can post the other one. Haha! And this reminds me of my other bestfriend, Ryka, who always reminds me never to ask for small things from our great God. Viva Pit Señor!

To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible.

-St. Thomas Aquinas

1/365: The Planner

Wow, how creative of me. Bwahaha! :p

The shot:

For day 1, it's the picture of my newly-acquired planner (points to picture)! The pics are coming from my LG phone by the way and I am not one of those people who are into photography so please be tolerant of the pictures' quality for now (excellence, excellence!). Plus, you'll know I took them if they are placed on the upper right of the entry. If not, the pics are not mine.

The story:

Before I start my day, I open my planner and pray for my intentions, dreams and to-do-list. Other than reminding me that I still have the ability to achieve my goals, short-term and/or long-term, my planner inspires me to look forward to life each day. Some people think that writing to-do-lists is overrated but for me, it's not. I think it just means that the day ahead is full of promises and even if I have much on my listS, there is always space left for surprises. I think there is nothing wrong with planning, setting goals and dreaming as long as you don't lose sight of The Goal. I hope I get my days fully-booked! Papers to check, lessons to plan, and records to submit are sure to take up some space but I hope what takes most of the space would be my dates with the people I love and my dates with the Lord. =)

According to one of my mentors, Bro. Bo Sanchez, if you don't plan your life... somebody else will. If you don't define your dreams, you might just end up chasing other people's dreams for you which may not be the dreams He has planted in your heart so go ahead.. plan! dream! work on those plans and dreams!

But, if you must fail like I do, then learn, get up and plan, dream and work again!

After all, the year has just begun.

365 days, 365 photos

Last December 2010, I decided to collect 17 stickers from Starbucks so I can get a planner. Other than being a planner-person, I wanted one because I wanted to pursue a short-term goal.

This year, I'm not sure I'm getting another planner but I decided that I am going to do a 365-day blog project for 2011. It's nothing new. I've read many blogs who do some crazy things for 365 days --- one day at a time. I said to myself that this is something I can do and I want to give it a try. For the next 365 days (364, minus today), I am going to post a picture a day of something that has inspired me. One day at a time. And then I am going to write a little about it and then that's about it. Pretty simple, huh? I think it's the commitment part that will make it a challenge. But its a me-against-me battle so it is virtually impossible to lose. HAHA!

Why am I doing this? Maybe because it's a short-term goal I can pursue. Or simply because I want to do it. Whatever it is, I need not rationalize it. So, here it goes...

are you a deaf frog?

My brother shared a funny incident during his review for the NLE.

Their speaker told them a story about a contest among frogs. The goal was to reach the top of a very tall tower. The tower was quite tall and many of frogs started giving up as they tried to reach the very top. The audience did not help much. Seeing how tall the tower is, they shouted at the contestants that the feat is impossible and it'd be so much better if they gave up now. After quite some time, the race was over and one frog stood on top. Victorious.

Bryan: Why do you think did he get there?

Michelle: He's deaf?

Bryan: Right.

But the story doesn't end there. My brother happens to be "half-deaf". Sorry for the term but what I'm trying to say is he can only hear with one of his ears. Don't ask me which one because I get it mixed up all the time. (Peace, Yan!)

So, to continue on with the story, my brother was shocked that many kept looking and laughing at his direction. He was not really listening to the speaker (according to him) and did not get the ending the story. He only heard the speaker say, "the frog was duck" and could not see the powerpoint presentation from where he was sitting. He began defending himself by saying, "What?! I'm not a duck!".

LOL (My mama and I laughed too. :D)

Then again, the story does not end there. The speaker continued by saying that the essence of the story or the point he was trying to drive at was that the victorious (and apparently, deaf) frog is a metaphor for a board exam topnotcher who took the challenge despite the odds and did not listen to those who said that emerging on top was impossible. I told my brother then that the joke was now upon those who laughed at him. :)

He begged me not to make the story my FB status and so I obliged. He never told me not to blog about it though. HAHA! :D

Deaf frog or duck frog? My brother's made his choice. What's yours?