Wheat has been grown for 9000 years

Wheat is one of the oldest cereal crops. It was first grown in the Euphrates River Valley in the Middle East.

The largest national forest in the United States is larger than the entire state of West Virginia

Tongass National Forest in Sitka, Alaska, is our largest national forest, with an area of 25,937 square miles (16.6 million acres). It covers more than half of southeastern Alaska. It is now four times larger than it was when it was first established in 1902.

Some bamboos grow up to three feet a day

Bamboo grows quickly. One Indian variety may grow to be more than 100 feet tall. Some bamboos flower only every 100 years.

There’s more peat moss in Russia than anywhere else

Peat moss is used as picking material for shipping plants. It grows in swamps or bogs. Russia’s Vasyugan Swamp, on the world’s largest plain (the West Siberian Plain), has more peat moss than any other swamp. Peat moss is also known as sphagnum.

The silver maple is the most common tree in the United States

The silver maple, which often grows to 130 feet in height in damp areas, is the most common tree in the United States.

The largest known tree is in California

The General Sherman giant sequoia growing in Sequoia National Park, California, is the biggest living tree in the world. It is 275 feet tall. Its diameter is 36 feet. Its branches are up to seven feet thick. Its weight is estimated to be over four million pounds. It is almost 4000 years old.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

MERRY MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!

The oldest living tree is in California

The oldest tree is believed to be a bristle cone pine tree in the White Mountains of California. It is estimated to be almost 5000 years old.

The raffia palm has the largest leaves of any plant

The leaves of Madagascar’s raffia palm grow up to 65 feet in length. The raffia palm can also be found in parts of Africa.

The Bo tree of Sri Lanka is revered by Buddhists

A sacred Bo tree, or papal, in Sri Lanka is paid homage to by Buddhists. It is said that it was planted 2200 years ago from a branch of the original sacred Bo tree under which Buddha gained enlightenment.

The world’s tallest flowering plant is from Australia

The mountain ash of Australia, a southern eucalyptus, grows higher than any other flowering plant. Its height can exceed 325 feet.

The monkey bread tree is big but not tall

The monkey bread tree, or baobab, grows broad without growing tall. Its trunk may be 30 feet in diameter but only 60 feet high, the height of a large maple tree. It has branches as thick as the trunks of most trees.

The largest seed is the double coconut

The double coconut from the Seychelles islands in the Indian Ocean weighs 40 pounds, making it the largest seed in the world.

The heaviest of all woods is black ironwood

Black ironwood, also called South African ironwood, weighs up to 93 pounds per cubic foot.

Cats don’t have nine lives

Because cats are so agile and athletic and can get out of danger so quickly, people say that cats have lives to spare.

The cat is the only animal that purrs

A cat can cry, hiss and growl, and so can a lot of other animals. But the cat is unique: it’s the only animal capable of purring. How it accomplishes this is still a mystery.

Ancient Egyptians did not worship cats, they adored them!

The ancient Egyptians were very fond of cats. Cats were cherished members of the household. When a fire broke out in an Egyptian household, people would be more concerned about saving the cats than putting out the fire. Despite the immense popularity of cats, the ancient Egyptians did not worship the animal itself. Instead, they paid homage to Bast, a cat-headed goddess. However, they did mummify their cats – by the thousands!

The smallest cats come from Singapore

The smallest breed of domestic cat is the Singapura or “drain cat” of Singapore. Adult males average six pounds in weight and adult females four pounds.

Dogs have more chromosomes than humans

Each body cell in a dog contains 39 pairs of the heredity-carrying structures called chromosomes. This is more than any other animal, including man, who has only 23 pairs. A dog also has more teeth (42) than man (32).

Dogs nap rather than sleep

Dogs, like all animals, are light sleepers. So while dogs seem to spend a lot of time snoozing, they’re really napping rather than slumbering. That’s why they can wake up so quickly when you call to them.

Dogs can see in color

Dogs are not totally colorblind. They just cannot see the colors red or orange, and they don’t see colors as distinctly as humans can. Smell, not sight, is a dog’s sharpest sense.

The first dog license cost $2.00

New York was the first state to license dogs. On March 8, 1894, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) was authorized by New York State to collect a $2.00 license fee for dogs in cities with human populations over one million.

Dogs were domesticated before cats

Wolves – the ancestors of all dog breeds today – lived with humans as far back as 12,000 years ago. Cats took their time about it and decided to move in with human about 8,000 years ago.

The walrus can dive as far as 350 feet below the surface of the arctic waters

For all their size, two-ton walruses are very fast swimmers, reaching a top speed of 25 miles per hour. They use their heads to break breathing holes in ice up to eight inches thick. Then they use their long tusks to widen the holes.

Vampire bats sometimes suck blood from humans

While South American vampire bats usually suck blood from livestock, they will occasionally go after humans. To survive, vampire bats must drink a teaspoonful of blood per night. Their saliva contains a powerful blood thinner that is 20 times stronger than any other blood thinner known. This thinner keeps the blood from clotting and makes it easier for the bat to drink it. This substance is used to make a drug for heart attack patients. The medicine is called Draculin.

Tigers eat a lot

A tiger can eat about 40 pounds of meat in one sitting. Then, they usually do not eat again for several days. Tigers in zoos only eat about 10 pounds of meat per day.

Some tiny shrews have poisonous saliva

The small, mouse-like shrew has sharp teeth and some of these bloodthirsty animals have poisonous saliva for stunning prey. A shrew’s heart may beat 1,200 times per minute, and a highly nervous shrew may die from the shock of a loud noise.

Hummingbirds drink nectar at the rate of about 13 licks per second

As the tiny hummingbird hovers like a helicopter in front a flower, it uses its long, extendible tongue to reach nectar deep within the flower.

Nang Muling Tumigil Ang Oras

Tila naging ghost town na naman ang buong Pilipinas noong nakaraang tatlong linggo, Nobyembre 19. Parang dumaan na naman ang bagyong Milenyo sa bansa. At kasing lakas ng pagbagsak ng mga billboards ang pagkatumba ni El Terrible sa mga suntok ni Manny Pacquiao. Kinagabihan, walang laman ang mga programang pambalita kundi puro laban lang ni Manny Pacquiao. Magmula simula hanggang pagtatapos, hindi mo na mabibilang kung ilang beses binanggit ang pangalan ng boksingero sa programa.
Mapapansing parang nawala ang problema ng Pilipinas sa araw na iyon. Wala na yung mga balitang tungkol sa pagnanakaw, patayan o mga pulitikong walang ginawa kundi magpapogi lalo na't papalapit na ang eleksyon. Kaya iniisip ko na lang minsan na parang may template na yatang sinusunod ang mga programang pambalita. Ayon sa pagkasunud-sunod ng mga balita: pulitika, patayan, nakawan, panlabas, showbiz, panahon at hindi mawawala ang segment ni Marc Logan o Love Anover. Pero syempre, meron din palang substitute template ang mga balita sa telebisyon. Magmula pulitika hanggang showbiz, pwede rin pala maging Manny Pacquiao-themed ang balita.
Sa kabilang banda, sana ganito na lang palagi sa Pilipinas. Tahimik. Pero, hindi naman yung nakabuka ang bibig at nakatunganga na lang sa telebisyon habang humihingi ng milagro sa Diyos o sa gobyerno. Hindi naman dadapo ang katuparan ng mga kahilingan sa mga nakangangang bibig ng mga taong tamad.
Sabi nga ng isang pulis na nakapanayam sa telebisyon, "Sana araw-araw may laban si Manny Pacquiao para tahimik palagi ang buong Pilipinas." At siguro, sasang-ayon ako at karamihan sa atin sa kanila. Ngunit kung ganito nga ang mangyayari, baka sa susunod na halalan, presidente na ng Pilipinas si Manny Pacquiao.
Ang Pilipinas nga naman, puno ng kababalaghan. Nakakatuwa.
Tumawa ka na lang. Baka sa pagtawa mo, malaman ng iba na nakakatawa na sila.

Para sa'yo

"Para sa'yo, ang laban na to" - ang linyang namayagpag at napakinggan ng mundo noong Nobyembre 19. Parte ito sa kanta ni Manny 'Pacman' Pacquiao na nagwagi kamakailan laban kay Erik Morales. Bilib ako kay Manny, 'di lang sa bilis at lakas ng kanyang kamao o sa popularidad nito sa mundo ng boxing kundi sa katatagan ng tibay ng loob. Isa rin akong mandirigma sa mundo ng palakasan. Naranasan ko nang lumuhod sa pagod, matalo at manalo. Ngunit, higit na masarap ang pakiramdam kung sa kabila ng inaasam na ginto ay ang pag-alay ng iyong laban sa iba.
Sa ngayon, tuloy pa rin ang laban ko, ngunit sa kabilang antas ng buhay naman. Ang lumaban para sa bayan, ang pagbibigay buhay sa kapwa; 'di ba't dakila kung tutuusin?
Sa takbo ng buhay ngayon, nagkalat na ang iba't ibang klaseng sakuna ng lipunan. Nariyan ang 'crab mentality' at korupsyon, mga krimen gaya ng nakawan at patayan, walang humpay na bangayan sa iba't ibang antas ng lipunan, at kung anu-ano pa. At dahil dito, unti-unti nang nababago ang kalooban ng isang tao. Sa madaling salita, nais kong bigyan-diin 'di lamang ang tagumpay ni Manny kundi ang isa sa mga aspetong humuhubog sa atin, ang pagbibigay ng pag-asa para sa kapwa.

A fate worse than death

Centuries ago, Greek philosophers searched for the origin of things, which sparked the primordial quest for truth. Various philosophers from Anaximenes to Empedocles to Paramenides had their own theories. Anaximander of Miletus in Asia Minor claimed that the "stuff" that reality is composed of is called apeiron, which in Greek means that which is unlimited or unbounded. It encompasses the paradox of both emptiness and fullness.

Apeiron is explained to contain the best of all possible worlds, a world where everything exists. It is a dimension where all the pleasant things that could transpire are possible and all the worst things imaginable are also equally possible, however both realities would cancel themselves out of the equation and we are left to live in the middle of that void.

If we were to live a world where all the good things happen, there wouldn't be much meaning in our lives. A world where all the good things could happen may seem wonderful and ideal but as some people say, perfection can get boring. It's the little flaws that make things interesting.

We wouldn't be able to recognize the happiness that is right in front of us, just like how one would never feel the pleasure of comfort without the agony of pain and vice versa. Like the elation that a mother feels seeing her newborn baby after hours of labor or in a victory of a hard-fought battle. These moments are not without pain and suffering. Perhaps, that is why the concept of heaven is so coveted. It is because in that place, we are able to relieve the struggles and strife in this mundane life.

For those who haven't watched the succession of Saw movies, John Kramer or Jigsaw, as he was more commonly called, was responsible for the demented games, elaborate contraptions and psychological warfare that he puts his victims in. The objective of the game was simple: stay alive. However, the mechanics to achieving that objective wasn't that simple. Jigsaw has never literally killed anyone; he just puts his victims in the imaginative scenarios where they are forced to kill themselves or others.

But behind the blood and the gore, there is a life lesson that is offered. IF you were able to survive the game, you will have a greater appreciation for life although the chances of that happening are extremely slim to none. After coming so close to death, one begins to look at things differently.

Death is a famous topic by this time of the year. It is a reminder of our mortality. No one is exempt from this fact. It is a reality that everyone has to come to terms with.

With everything that we are given in life, contentment is something that lacks in big doses. Given the concept of apeiron, most of us aren't satisfied with the cards we are dealt with. No matter how many years we are given in this life, it never seems to suffice, hence the saying "life is short". Most of us often neglect the splendor of it until we come face to face with the possibility of losing it.

Perhaps, that is why the date and hour of our death is unbeknownst to us, to make us more appreciative of the time we have been given. Yet therein lies a paradox, as John Kramer mentioned in Saw 2, "Most people have the luxury of not knowing when that clock's going to go off. And the irony of it is that that keeps them from really living their life. It keeps them drinking that glass of water but never really tasting it."

Some can smoke several packets of cigarettes a day and not regret it until the day that they are diagnosed with lung cancer while some never really see the worth of a family member or a friend until they are on a hospital bed.

Do we really have to survive a fatal car crash, terminal illness or a life threatening experience for us to truly see the beauty of life? Does it have to be too late to appreciate that we have been bestowed upon?

The only way to overcome death is to become immortal. Immortality can be achieved by living a life worth remembering, creating a legacy. It is through our legacy that we can transcend time. What we are and what we stand for can be passed on with the legacy that we leave behind.

Everyday is a choice. What will yours be?

The Inner Visions

Having a third eye is both a gift and a curse. This can be a blessing for those people who transform the capacity to see beyong the realm of reality. They gain in the acts of altruism whose actions would not deny its benefits to those persons who seek communion with the departed persons - if not literally, it can be through symbols that can further be interpreted. They are the people who are considered the 'instruments' for bridging the gap between the bounded reality and the intangible world of the 'others'. But for others, this gift might be, on the contrary, a curse rather than a gift. Having the ability to see things which others do not would be a mind boggling experience where fear suddenly arises as a form of response to the peculiarity of things. Darkness would be horror characterized by sleepless nights. One will never feel alone because there will always be someone who will be staying right behind you. The experience of having the third eye may vary from person to person. But try placing yourself in the shoes of a person with the third eye. Walking in a dark, dodgy street would never be the same. It would be inevitable to encounter spirits of some sort. If that sounds creepy enough, try entering your house and see what seems to be your grandfather or grandmother welcoming you with their cold eyes. Or better yet, see a vision of a lady just before you sleep.

Having a third eye is simply not about fancying seeing whimsical spirits and wondering souls. For some of them, having a third eye is like having a burden in the back and envisions things that a person would probably not want to see. Bottom line is, not everyone who was given this gift wanted it. Some of them might even want to forget it if given a chance. It's not a joke to have a not-so friendly ghosts around you around the clock.

Are you afraid of the dark?

experiences of two different individuals who have third eye

Call centers, as its present prestige says, are in demand in terms of hiring employees. Work goes on round-the-clock. While the sun starts to set, the graveyard shift employees one by one till the once empty seats in front of the computers. As the trainer opens the night for a new lesson on European accent, an anxious ghost seems busy loitering in front of the desk of each employee, testified a call center agent. This lurking soul has been visiting the new trainees in their floor and its stories have been scaring a lot of employees. For those people who can see the child, they were never bothered of his mischievous presence, what boggled their minds is the cause of his death that gave him his hollowed eyes. They say that at the stroke of midnight, ghosts would be up for their mischievous games where mysterious and creepy experiences end up as headlines for the next day. But the night is still long and chances of being acquainted with the haunted are never far, where the dawn would still take moments before it breaks.

It was around three in the morning, she just came home from a formal gathering. As she entered the second gate of her house, she noticed a lady just two meters away from her. The lady was facing her, she was terrified and clasped her hands and prayed. Hoping that as she opens her eyes, the lady would be gone, she quickly rushed passed her. Unfortunately, when she looked back the lady was following her up the stairs! Still scared to death, she opted to go up the stairs noisily to frighten the lady away. When she reached her bedroom, she ended up praying.

The same young woman woke up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom. Expecting that she would just do her "business", she ended up seeing an image of someone on her left eye peripheral. Facing her fears, she saw that some lady was seated on her bed back facing. She chose to act normal upon seeing the image by moving to her right to give space to the lady. Not wanting to know if the lady lied down on the bed, the young woman closed her eyes hoping she would fall asleep as quickly as possible.

Why is it that some people "see or feel" when others don't? Is it consciousness or the admittance or awareness of the existence of this "people" on the other side that makes them special? It maybe exciting to see what others can't but can you stomach seeing more than friendly ghosts?

A Gift or a Curse?

She knew before everyone felt his presence that he was there; saw the shadows lurking in the corners and heard the silent breathless whispers. She knew when no one else doesnt.

He saw the lady in white; saw the glimpse of the playful child in the mirror and heard the clanging and banging. He knew he experiences them in the middle of the night, where all is in slumber except him, because they would not let him.

Why is it that some people "see or feel" when others don't? Is it consciousness or the admittance or awareness of the existence of this "people" on the other side that makes them special? Or is this what they call the third eye?


THE OTHERS
Man used to fear what they do not know or understand, may it be to envisage something existent and real but cannot be fully grasped by the human mind or to conceive of mystery which is separated from the known reality. Man used to believe that there are certain things that have to be left unanswered. The rise of a new age however paved the way for humans to explore the depths of their world by means of scientific exploration. However technologically advanced we might seem, there are still a number of mysteries that have yet to be explained. There is still a lot to be learned about the full capacity of the human mind. Throughout our history, a number of people have claimed that they have the ability to look into the realm of the supernatural. There is the famous Nostradamus, whose astounding predictions still baffle the world even generations after his death. Some people claimed that they can see spirits of those who have already passed away. They speak of a "third eye", a term that skeptics consider to be nonexistent to begin with.
Some scientists believe that the third eye is actually an inactive body part that they refer to as the pineal gland. Located somewhere deep in the center of the brain, scientists claim that this gland is usually dormant and once it gets awakened (usually by some form of light or trauma to the head), it would allow a person to see things not ordinary people can. On the other hand, religious sects like Taoism and Hinduism see the third eye as a tool for spiritual enlightenment. Minor groups perform surgical operations on themselves to activate this ability. This process is called trepanation which involves boring a hole in the skull to be able to awaken sixth sense.
At present, man has yet to solve the mystery of the so-called third eye. However, people who claim to have this ability can not simply be ignored. In the United States, some psychic detectives are recognized because of the roles they played in resolving incredibly difficult cases. As seemingly vague as it seems, the things or events can be explained or comprehended by mere rational thought - at least for now.

Only but a matter of choice

Are urban legends true or not? David Mikkelson, creator of Snopes, an investigative internet community about urban legends would say that they are possible but unlikely. They are sensationalized, distorted and often exaggerated versions of reality. Urban legends often have a basis for their stories but its how people react and use this knowledge after the story is told that gives them much interest. Most urban legends though detailed, do not have sufficient evidence to prove that they are indeed believable. Amidst all these facts, people tend to believe these stories as absolute truths.
Why do people believe these tales? The answer lies on the nature of man to need retribution from those who abuse their power or rights. Be it in the form of an unfaithful husband who finds himself in a tub of ice with his kidneys removed, after he flirts with a beautiful girl from his business trip or the girl who drives with her boyfriend to a park and then encounters a lunatic holding her boyfriend's head, man has always needed to instill fear to those who do wrong. Believing in these stories would make one act accordingly with one's encounters with others, with himself and the things around him.
The choice to believe in the accuracy of these urban legends depends on the person who hears them. It is an amazing thought how these stories can evoke with such strong emotions and reactions from people. They scare, amuse, and draw people together by the tradition of storytelling. In the end, the question lies not on the validity of the stories told but on how it affects the people and how it reflects the society who makes these tales. Be it one is an avid listener of urban legends or a skeptic, the spread of various forms of these legends proves that it has successfully accomplished its main which is to entertain.

The truth about tell-tale stories

Man always had insecurities and uncertainties. And for as long as he has had them, he has tried of different ways to assure himself of his control over his environment. Making, hearing and believing urban legends is one way to accomplish this task because they embody basic human fears. Often presented as cautionary tales, they give people a warning or moral lesson by letting them know how to prevent such catastrophes from happening to them.
Origins of urban legends have existed in some form ever since the beginning of time. Early history depended heavily on oral tradition in order to pass of traditions and beliefs of a group. But it was not until the 1940s that people began talking about it. The term "urban legend" was first coined in 1979 by Jan Harold Brunvand, a professor emeritus of English at the University of Utah. In his studies, he likened traditional folklore with urban legends and noted how one could learn much about modern culture by studying such.
Urban legends just like old folk tales focus on things man was afraid of. The fairy tales we read today began as convincing stories, told by people to other people. Instead of mutant snakes in the malll, their stories spoke of the dangers of the woods and of evil stepmothers. However, this does not mean that the past and present do not share any common ground. The fear of being poisoned has been prevalent for a long time. The story of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves is an example of such a story. The tale fascinate people up until now because the fear has not yet left them though centuries have passed. It is still applicable and possible thus making it memorable.
Urban legends are remembered beacause they show concerns that most people can relate to, providing important insights into the culture that creates them. These legends change as society evolves in order to satisfy the distress of the times. These days, technology has contributed to the propagation of these urban legends. Different kinds of urban legends now surface the internet. With a click of an icon, a person can e-mail stories to friends without much proof on its authenticity. It is not strange to know of a story that has slight variations and new themes. The specificity of the stories feeds into their anxieties leaving them to think that it could happen to them. It also makes the story feel real and true to those who listen to these stories.

The Urban Mall: Feeding ground of mutant snake?

As one urban legend goes, The Robinsons Galleria shopping mall is supposedly fixed with trap doors in certain dressing rooms. According to the legend beneath the mall lives a mutant beast, half snak, half man, whose existence causes these trapdoors to open up and swallow unsuspecting female victims. Rumor even claims that this banished beast is a mutant offspring of the Gokongwei family and this was their elaborate scheme in taking care of it. Another claimed proof of this legend is the R in the Robinson's logo, which is in the shape of the snake. According to the Philippine Urban Legend Archive, as an update to the circulated story, an email was sent to the Robinson's Land's PR Department for an official statement on the issue. The response was sent by Roseann Coscolluela of the PR Department stated that they would rather not say anything about the issue.

Matters of the Mind

In psychology there are many remedies to fear. The psychoanalyst uses retrospection through the person's years as a youngster and identifies factors that triggered the phobia. Behaviorists provide succor either by Gradual or Intense Exposure. The latter process involves purposely presenting the object of apprehension in a structured manner until the patient is comfortable with it. The Cognitive procedure alters the phobic's viewpoint towards the fear through reconditioning of thoughts.
Beyond therapy, fear and phobia can be overcomed because of fear's origin. Fear did not grow out of thin air, instead, it's the product of our mind. The mind makes us experience fear in order to warm and prepare the body, not to paralyze us with indecision. The mind has the power to bring us to our knees with fear as well as lift us even as we buckle before fear. Fact is, fear is just in our head and having nothing to fear but fear itself can be the soundest advice to any frightened soul.

An Immobilizing Worry

Phobias range from fear of spiders to trips to the doctor. Phobias can be about anything but intense fear is constant. The difficulty with phobias is they can happen at any part of our life. Kids ages 4 to 11 are prone to fear of animals, nattural phenomena and illness or injury. In adolescence, people are prone to social phobias like scriptophobia (fear of writing one's name in public) or fear of eating in public. Social phobias don't discriminate, women and men share similar frequencies of occurence. The most debilitating phobia, agoraphobia, occurs from age 18 to 35 and it's capable of inciting fear of what they will do when they're afraid. Essentially, they fear their own reaction.
From healthy children to strong adults, phobias can capture a person and cripple them with fear. Research says that having a phobia is constant because it mirrors our biological growth and matches itself to an object that commands fear at that person's age. Then the question is what can trigger a phobia's onset? A situation that is incredibly stressful, sad, depressing or terrifying can leave an indelible mark on a person that the sight of this object again will cause the fear to recur and become a phobia.

When fear goes bad

It's important to realize that it is possible to master fear instead of letting fear be the masater and this does happen. Unfortunately, there are times that fear can be so overwhelm a person and become a full-blown phobia. The name itself means a morbid fear as it comes from the Greek god Phobos who was worshipped to scare enemies away. Phobias have been around for awhile because hydrophobia, a fear of water, was first identified by a Roman physician named Celsus who diagnosed it as a debilitating effect of rabies.
Presently, the American Psychiatric Associations Diagnostic and Statistical Manual III (DSM-III) have five symptoms for phobias. To refuse to face the object feared no matter how much other persuade is a symptom. If fear of the object is greater than any harm it can do, it could be a phobia. Miniscule contact or mere glimpses of what are feared leads to sheer fright is a symptom. Should you still be finding ways to get away even if what you're afraid of is nowhere in sight is a symptom. Finally, if you rearrange your entire schedule just to avoid what you fear, that's a symptom.

Fear is in the eye of the beholder

In psychology, fear has categories: intensity, novelty, and over-rationalizing. Intensity is like loud noise that causes us to be afraid, specifically a chain of fire crackers during New Year can make someone jumpy. Novelty is fear of what we do not know like being afraid of the stranger on the bus or of a new face in the crowd. Over rationalizing a situation also draws out fear. Based on William Richman's findings, this form of fear is from situations that we recognize can cause pain. We begin to fear tremendously even if there's no pain. An example is a trip to the dentist and you're quivering with fright at the drill's sound.

License to fear

To fear is natural to human but what is it to fear? For the body, fear is the perceiveption of something frightening and so there are shifts in the nervous system resulting in heart rate, blood pressure, stomach acid changes. A turning stomach, goose bumps and a racing heart are signs of fear so anyone who's felt it can say they've been afraid. For the matter, goose bumps are actually the result of a fear-caused reflex which make one's hair at the back of the neck stand.

A critical question is why does all this happen to the body? The answer to this lie in the mind. A person perceives a situation and labels it as something to be feared and this is done consciously or unconsciously. Consider it a survival mechanism where the mind orders the body to get ready. This is described by Scherbatikh and Nozdrachev in their article The Psychology and Physiology of Fear: Initially, one's sympathetic nervous system activates, mobilizing the available energy in the body and restructuring the work of all bodily organs, preparing for physical activity. This causes sudden increase in heartbeat, enlarged pupils, slows down excretion of acids and fluids (saliva) and other symptoms. At the same time, the endocrine system produces an influx of adrenalin, which narrows veins supplying the skin with blood, and in general acting similarly to sympathetic nervous system, dubbing its functions. The mind has assessed the situation, the body is ready and all that's needed is a decision: to face the fear or run like the wind.

FEAR

A simple way of understanding fear is through its associated words: scared, terrified, anxious, petrified and nervous. Some say fear is just a word but when it's there it means a cold sweat, a racing heart, hairs at the back of the neck standing, and a feeling of paralysis, indecision and weakness. To feel fear and the complete helplessness it can bring is something no one is spared from experiencing. Fortunately, the world today is not one that demands people live in fear constantly to survive. Instead, fear comes at particular moments only. Regardless of this fact, it's wise to still deal with fear and come to know what fear is.

The Grudge 2

Director: Takashi Shimizu
Cast: Amber Tamblyn, Edison Chen, Ariel Kebbel, Sarah Michelle Gellar
Genre: Drama/horror/mystery/thriller

Takashi Shimizu is back with the sequel to his 2004 hair-raising adaptation of the Japanese frightener, Ju-On:The Grudge. After the Saeki house is nearly burnt down, the dreadful curse is released from its confines and terrorizes those who cross its path.

The movie follows three main storylines. It starts with three Tokyo schoolgirls, who upon a thrilling dare to enter the afflicted house, are exposed to the dreaded curse. The main storyline is that of Aubrey Davis (Tamblyn), flying to Tokyo upon their mother's request to bring her sister, Karen (Gellar) home. And to show how far the curse has gone, an American family in Chicago is included in the fray, revealed to be the unfortunate neighbors of the only survivor of the three teenagers. All unsuspecting, they are bounded by the sama fate under the baneful wrath of the curse of the grudge.

The movie is a bag of mixed reactions. The acting could not have been blander. The jump-out-of-nowhere surprise scenes save this movie by making the acting forgettable. Most noticeably is that of Edison Chen, an MTV Asia VJ, he should probably stick to his day job. His character, Eason, fails to establish credibility and his motives and purpose as regards to the Davis sisters are never clearly defined. Tamblyn's character on the other hand is not built up as someone that the audience can feel much emotion from, seemingly floating at times without a real sense of direction. Other characters not on the billing may easily be considered minor and mere victims.

On a higher note, the movie succeeds in making the sequel better than its predecessor. Its psychological twists leave the audience with more to ponder, while its exploration of the dark secrets and origins of the supernatural curse answers some questions arising from the movie series. It's a worthy watch if you enjoy mystery thrillers. Even though you haven't watched the first one, the story is still easy to follow. The best part of this movie - what causes Kayako's throaty "death rattle" is finally revealed.

NBA 2K7

On the other corner weighing in at 325 pounds is Shaq and NBA 2k7. The 2k franchise is known for pushing basketball video games to the limit. 2k7 offers simulation style gameplay like its predecessors and you'll feel it once you get to the jumpball. It's an upgrade from 2k6 as much of it is retained with new rosters, good graphics, new animations and guess what: signature jumpshots - which Live promised and did not deliver for current gen. Some of the new additions include the ability to pull up a menu and call substitutions. plays, etc. while in-game. It's a nice addition but unfortunately it clogs up the screen. The AI is improved from 2k6 but some issues persist like crunch time decisions. For fans switching over to the series, the controls may feel new, but once you get the hang of things, they feel right. Built on an already tested formula from last year, there's nothing much new, but there's nothing much bad either. 2k7 takes the Larry O'Brien trophy this year against Live.
It's the final year of the Playstation 2 before the next generation of consoles take centerstage. 2k7 wins the competition for building on an already solid formula, while Live tried too many things and failed to put it together. You still might want to take both games for piracy reasons and you can ignore Sony's NBA 07. It's another run-of-the-mill season for basketball videogames, but look forward to the innovative free throw system of 2k7 for PS3. Shaq or T-mac? The pirates win either way.

NBA LIVE 07 vs NBA 2K7

PLATFORM: PLAYSTATION2
DEVELOPER: EA SPORTS
RATING: 2.5

Ah yes, it's yet another year for cyber-basketball as EA Sports' NBA Live 07 takes on 2k Sports' NBA 2k7 takes on basketball fanatics. It's T-mac of Live 07 against Shaq of 2k7 in these entertaining slam-dunk offerings. Are basketball fans in for a triple-double treat or are they in for a Portland Trailblazers-esque season?

EA Sports' NBA Live franchise have endeared fans over the years with its mix of arcade and simulation style gameplay. This year, Live 07 returns with the familiar frantic gameplay. All your favorite players and their imbalanced "Freestyle Superstar" controls are back with more moves for your enjoyment. Unfortunately, this year's version is a turnover as the so called "redefined" controls are actually very difficult. The new "Freestyle Superstar" combined with all of the other buttons just doesn't cut it. The graphics are really bad, you can't even distinguish Shaq and Bosh from afar; and you'll wonder where they got the Raptors' court from. Add to that the eye-popping bugs and limited Dynasty mode, and you have to think twice before letting EA rip you off. The All-Star weekend is still enjoyable but besides minor additions there's nothing new there either. Still, the gameplay is fun and Live has its distinctive style which fans love. Be warned though: NBA Live 07 feels more like the preseason rather than the playoffs.

just a note

Are you afraid of the dark? Perhaps we have seen that question one time too many. But if you think about it, most of us when we were children or perhaps until now were frightened of the dark. What is in the dark that we fear the most? Is it the things that we might see? Or is it the things that we can't see? Ghosts, ghouls, monsters and spirits are the staples of Halloween. We often attribute fear to things that we can not see or understand, although these are things that can not hurt us physically. What if the entity that is truly terrifying is something more concrete?
Legend has it that when you chant "bloody mary" 12 times in front of a mirror at the stroke of midnight, you just might see your soul mate, a frightening monster or the devil. Mirrors, they say, are also portals to another dimension. What is it about mirrors that fascinate us? Is it the possibility of seeing something that we long to see? Or is it the affirmation of seeing something otherwise we wouldn't have known?

What if the creature that you see staring back at you is the creature that you fear the most? Forget ghosts, monsters and goblins. This is no horror movie, this is frighteningly real.

Looking back at the mirror, what do you see?

This world doesn't need Superman

Kal-El, The Man of Tomorrow, Son of Krypton. The Man of Steel. Clark Kent. Dean Cain.
Meet the poster boy of heroism. He is the hero of all heroes, a being with nigh limitless powers, a veritable deity above the foibles of mortal men. With his iconic "S" insignia, flapping red cape and perfectly groomed cowlick, Superman is the symbol of all that is good and noble, a bastion of democracy, freedom and idealism in this world.

Or is he?
To answer this question, one needs to examine the myth of the American superhero. Typically, an individual blessed with fabulous physical or supernatural gifts dons a colorful (if somewhat tacky) spandex getup or mask. He or she then scours the streets saving hapless citizens from the forces of evil, which an inept or corrupt government system fails to confront. Often, such heroes must work along or beyond the outskirts of the law, dodging crooked cops or possessing illegal artillery with which to fight crime. Violence is also the standard mode of redemption, wherein the caped crusader ends up destroying millions worth of public property in order to bury a villain - who will mysteriously ressurect anyway - beneath the rubble. Moreover, superheroes often possess a "secret identity", a necessity against the failed society who would persecute them should his persona be unmasked.

The message conveyed? Democracy, society, laws and government leaders will fail you. The system cannot be trusted. A cop can't catch a criminal to save his life - much less yours. The American myth of the superhero presupposes the need for an outside force, a vigilant above and beyond the law. Rescue for the beleaguered populace comes not from a trusted, elected body of individuals meant to serve and protect, but rather from some alien planet on the outskirts of the galaxy. A dead planet at that.
Where are the touted ideals of heroism in this superhero story? While Superman himself is the embodiment of such ideals, he is so because of the glaring lack of such heroism among ordinary men and women. It is a disillusioned portrait of society where we seek salvation from a phone booth or a bat cave rather than working towards it by virtue of our own abilities.
Furthermore, Superman is the ultimate scapegoat for those who wish to shirk accountability for the ills of society. The fantasy of some mythic, invincible hero who will swoop down from the skies and right all wrongs (faster than a speeding bullet I might add) relieves the common man from the burden of doing the same. There will always be someone else, some "other" who will brave the forces of evil, who will endure sacrifice and suffering to uphold what is right. The rest of us will merely applaud from the safety of the sidelines, creating action figures in their honor.
It is true that Superman can serve as an inspiration for the common man. His virtues are indisputable, his heroism genuine. Yet the system Superman represents is one that belittles the ability of man to take responsibility for himself. We need no superheroes because we posses the same capacity for greatness. We need no saviors for within us lies the power to save ourselves.
Th world doesn't need Superman.

Change

We wake up to the same old boring routine. Everyday seems like just any other. Yet little do we realize the impact of little matters in the great scheme of things. There are approximately six billion people in the world right now. It is easily understandable how one would feel tiny and powerless in a world so immense. You'd be surprised how one small grain of rice can up the scale.
Oftentimes, we feel helpless in solving the dilemmas that plague our society. Environmental pollution, increasing crime rates, corruption, and the lack of unity are merely some of the problems that our country is currently facing. Looking at the world around us, it seems so resolute and unyielding that we feel that someone else or something bigger than we are, is responsible to generate the change that is needed to make this world a better place.
We depend on someone else to alleviate us from these problems. We find a savior in someone, a friend, a family member, a teacher, the Mayor or the President, who would make our problems vanish into thin air, like how it is often depicted in movies. But reality is far more different and complex than those made up lines and choreographed scenes. It entails us to face it head on and deal with the consequences of our decisions.
Before we can expect to have a better government, we should be better citizens. Rather than pointing fingers and playing the blame game, take an introspective look at what you can do to solve the problem and not contribute to it. Bickering and nonsensical matters sidetrack us from the issues that need to be addressed. We can not solely hold the government responsible for all the problems the country is facing. The fate of this country rests on the hands of its citizens and not just some selected people in the government.
We may not be influential political leaders, powerful tycoons or famous celebrities who could reach out to countless people. We may not be Superman, who can save the world but in ourselves, we can be catalysts of change. One person can make all the difference.

Mga Pamahiin Tuwing Tag-ulan

Isang bagay na hindi na nawawala sa ating mga Pilipino ang mga pamahiing pinamana pa sa atin ng ating mga ninuno. Nagsisilbi itong gabay sa ating pang-araw-araw na pamumuhay o kaya naman sagot sa mga hindi maipaliwanag na pangyayari. Isa itong bagay na hindi man masasabing mainam para sa atin ngunit nakapagbigay-buhay naman sa kaaya-aya nating kultura.
Sa panahon ngayon, hindi natin maiiwasang marinig ang mga pangaral ng mga nakatatanda sa paligid natin. Minsan masasabi mo pang mga gawa-gawa lamang ang mga ito o pawang kathang-isip ng ating mga ninuno. Ngunit nagsilbi naman itong sagot ng ating mga ninuno sa mga katanungan ng ating lipunan.
Ngayong tag-ulan, madalas na naman nating maririnig ang mga pamahiing inaasahan ng mga nakakatandang sundin natin para sa ating kapakanan. Ilan sa mga ito ang mga sumusunod:

• Isang napakalakas na bagyo ang nagbabadyang dumating kapag naghugis kanal ang dalampasigan o buhangin sa tabing-dagat, kasama na ang pagkakataob ng mga kabibe at malansang amoy ng tubing dagat.
• Kapag may handaan, maglagay ng labingdalawang dosenang itlog sa bubong upang maiwasang umulan.
• Gamot sa bungang araw ang unang pagpatak ng ulan sa buwan ng Mayo.
• Palatandaang hihinto na ang ulan kapag nakakita ka ng bahaghari.
• Kapag nagsimula ang ulan sa Linggo, magiging tuluy-tuloy na ito sa buong linggo.
• Kapag umulan habang may araw, pinapahiwatig nitong may ikinakasal na tikbalang.
• Isang pahiwatig na magkakaroon ng maligayang samahan ang bagong kasal kapag umulan sa araw ng kanilang pag-iisang dibdib.
• Magkakaroon ng maraming iyaking anak ang mag-asawa kapag umulan sa araw ng kanilang kasal.
• Kapag may manok na maglalakad sa kalsada habang umuulan, hihinto ang ulan.
• Tatamaan ng kidlat ang sinumang magpaligo sa pusa.

Walang permanente, matakot ka

Walang permanente sa mundo, may ilang bagay pa rin namang sigurado rito. Tulad na lamang ng mga magulang nating nagluwal at nagpalaki sa atin, hindi man sila habangbuhay nariyan upang alagaan tayo, nakakasiguro naman tayong lagi silang nandyan upang bigyan tayo ng suporta at pagmamahal na kailangan natin. Maaaring may mga pagkukulang sila, ngunit alam naman nating hindi magbabago ang pagtingin nila sa atin hanggang sa mga huling sandali ng kanilang buhay. Halos lahat ay kasama sa ikot ng mundo, sa bawat gulong ng buhay, magulang din tayo balang araw. Dito, nakakasiguro akong gagawin mo rin ang lahat maipakita lamang sa anak mo ang kagandahan at tunay na kahulugan ng buhay.
Kapag wala kang kinatatakutan, malamang lahat tayo'y aastang mas mataas sa kung sino mang nais nating pasunurin o kaya naman utusan upang gawin ang bagay na nais natin. Sa pagtalakay ng mga makabuluhang bagay dito sa mundo, minsan na bang sumagi sa isip mo kung nais mong mangibabaw sa lahat ng tao sa paligid mo? Kung saan palaging ikaw ang bida, tinitingala at hinahangaan ng lahat? Na kung minsan pa, dahil sa sobrang kinaiinggitan ka, aabot na sa puntong kagagalitan at pabababain ka ng kapwa mo?
Pag-isipan mo ito. Hindi lahat ng magandang bagay ay nakabubuti para sa'yo. Kung minsan, mas mabuti nang katakutan mo ito upang hindi mo na ito pangarapin o gawin pa balang araw.

Brain Gap

Milenyo, more than anything else, was a social commentary waiting to be written and analyzed.
In a matter of hours, the typhoon achieved what many activists and concerned citizens have been trying to do for years, if not decades: shock the Filipino people into realizing its deep-seated, multifaceted problems.
The response to Milenyo was a systemic failure.
A growing inability to form a government that can unite us for collective action was laid bare for all too see: a confused, dispersed, and disorganized government that, at various levels, did not know how to conduct itself in the face of fallen billboards, disgrutled citizens without electricity nor water, and crooks stealing parts from wrecked ads and loose utility lines. Why, even officials contradicted each other on when to suspend classes!
What fundamentally wrong with the system is not Pagasa's lack of weather forecasting equipment (though it is truly in need of them). Neither does the problem lie in a lack of government resources for emergency response operations (though, again, it won't hurt to have more). It's not even a question of disaster preparedness - despite a relatively uninforced public that views calamities as rare and isolated events.
The inability to respond swiftly and effectively to contingent situations, for a typical organization, is normally indicative of an efficiency problem. If a product doesn't get finished on schedule in a just-in-time manufacturing system, a supplier may have delivered late, or a bottleneck may exist somewhere in the process. Either way, something in the assembly line needs fixing - fast.
In the assembly line that is the Philippine republic, it has been argued that the entire plant needs to be overhauled (charter change). Others, meanwhile, insist that a change in management in all that's needed (elections). Either way, something needs changing - urgently.
What we need as a people, I think, are persons who can excite us with ideas - people who, with their intellect, wit, and incisive logic, will enthuse us once more with the power and potentials of freedom. We need public intellectuals. We need credible, informed experts who can put into perspective the past, make sense of the present, and provide counsel for the future.

hmm...

Bukod sa pagmumuni-muni tungkol sa gulong ng buhay at ang kabuluhan nito, maraming pagkakataon ding bigla na lamang akong napapaisip tungkol sa mga bagay na kinatatakutan ko. Hindi lamang isang multo o 'di kaya'y mga engkanto ang kinatatakutan dahil marami pang bagay na mas kasindakan. Bakit nga ba may mga bagay tayong kinatatakutan kahit na ang iba rito'y kathang-isip at ilusyon lamang? Na kung minsan ay tayu-tayo rin lamang ang lumilikha at bumubuo mula na rin sa iba't ibang klase ng midyum?
Syempre, kapag mga paranormal at supernatural na bagay na ang pag-uusapan, tila hindi talaga maaalis ang takot sa kadahilanang hindi pamilyar ang mundo nila sa mundo natin. Iilan lamang ang nakakaintindi at may kakayahang makipagtalastasan sa kanila; hindi kayang gawin basta-basta ng kahit sinong normal na tao. Ngunit may kasabihan nga na matakot sa buhay huwag sa patay. Kaya mas dapat mong katakutan ang mortal mong kaaway na umaapi sa'yo. Hindi mo dapat intindihin ang kung ano mang nararamdaman ng sixth sense mo dahil ikaw lamang ang nag-iisip nito at hindi ka pa sigurado sa kung ano ito.

hmm...

Ayokong isiping tumatanda na ako. Parang gusto kong bumalik muli sa pagkabata dahil noon, hindi ko pa nararanasan ang mga matitinding pasakit sa mundo. Sa bawat pagpatak ng ulan, pag-ikot ng mundo, pagpitik ng mga kamay sa orasan, minsan, maiisip mo na lang kung anong saysay mo dito sa daigdig. Naiisip mo kung napapahalagahan pa ba natin ang bawat isa, ang ibang tao sa paligid natin, pera at lahat ng mga bagay na kung minsan hindi natin napapansin.

Mga hangganan at limitasyon ng buhay

Ang pagkakaroon ng hangganan ay isang magandang katangian ng mga tao dahil ito ang humihikayat sa atin kung kailan tayo dapat na tumigil o sumuko. Ito ang tumutulong sa atin sa pag-iwas sa mas malaking kapahamakan. Isipin mo na lang kung hindi ka nakakaramdam ng sakit sa sugat na natamo mo mula sa paghihiwa, pwede itong magdulot ng tuluy-tuloy na pagdaloy ng dugo. Dahil hindi mo pinapansin, maaari kang mamatay kung mauubusan ka ng dugo sa katawan.
May limitasyon ang kakayagan ng lahat ng tao. Sumusuko tayo araw-araw sa pagod sa pamamagitan ng pagtulog. May mga pagkakataong kinakailangan nating lumihis ng pokus o konsentrasyon sa isang gawain upang maiwasan ang burn-out. May hangganan ang pagkatuto. Hindi kasinglaki ng mga kompyuter ang mga memoryang taglay natin kung kaya hindi posibleng matandaan ang lahat-lahat ng mga magaganda at masasamang bagay na nangyari sa atin simula sa pagkabata. May limitasyon ang lahat sa mundong ginagalawan natin.
Minsan, mahirap na pakiramdaman ang sarili kung nakakaramdam na tayo ng sakit ngunit mas mahirap alamin ang nararamdaman ng ibang mga tao sa paligid natin. Kailan ba natin malalaman kung nakakaramdam ng pagmamahal o pagkasakal ang mga karelasyon natin? Saan ang hangganan ng paghingi ng mga mumunting paki-usap mula sa sobrang pang-aabuso? Hanggang saan ba dapat ang limitasyon ng pang-aasar upang hindi mapikon ang ating kapwa? Kailan mo masasabing nagbibigay ka lamang ng simpleng payo at hindi simpleng brainwash?

Bahay bilang instrumento ng midya

Sa kadahilanang kakaiba nga ang bahay na ito, nagbukas ito ng ibang pagkakataon upang magamit bilang lugar sa mga pelikula at telebisyon. Ilan lamang ang 'Bahay ni Lola' at 'Nasaan Ka Man' sa mga pelikulang gumamit ng naturang haunted house. Masasabing tinangkilik din ng mga tao ang mga palabas na ito.
Kahit na napuno ng ilaw ang lugar sa paggawa ng pelikula, hindi pa rin ito naging hadlang upang iparamdam ng mga kaluluwa sa loob ng bahay ang kanilang presensya. Nakita sa isang eksena sa pelikulang 'Nasaan Ka Man' ang pag-angat ng buhok ng aktres na si Claudine Barretto sa hindi malamang rason. Nangyari ito sa eksena habang umiiyak siya sa isang silid ng bahay. Paniniwalang gawa-gawa ito ng mga kaluluwang nananahan sa bahay ng mga Tuazon.
Mahirap husgahan ang isang tahanang binalot ng kwento ng katatakutan at kahiwagaan. Maaaring likha lamang ito ng mapaglarong imahinasyon ng mga taong naninirahan dito. Ngunit, kahit anuman ang mayroon dito, nararapat lamang nating bigyan ito ng respeto at pagpapahalaga. Sumpa man kung ituring ang mga haunted house sa ating kapaligiran, nagsisilbi pa rin itong paalalang puno ng misteryo at kababalaghan ang mundong ating ginagalawan.

Paglilibot sa mga sulok

Minabuti kong bisitahin ang bahay na ito upang personal na maranasan ang angking kababalaghan nito. Animo'y nasa pelikula kami dahil mararamdaman talaga ang kababalaghan sa hitsura pa lang ng bahay. Luma na ito at punung-punong mga rebultong leon, dahil Leo ang zodiac sign ng karamihan sa miyembro ng pamilyang Tuazon. Punung-puno ito ng mga bagay na antigo. Yari sa kahoy ang mga pintuan at talaga namang pansin ang luma ngunit simpleng istilong ginamit sa pagdidisenyo nito. Pagpasok sa loob, agad na mapapansin ang makulimlim na sala nito na siyang lalong magpapatindig ng iyong balahibo. Bitbitin mo pa ang mga kwentong kababalaghang paulit-ulit na nilalahad sa iyo. Kasama si Fazon, inakyat namin ang hagdanan patungo sa tore. Bawat hakbang, maririnig mo ang kalumaan ng kahoy at makikita naman sa dulo ang tuktok ng kabahayan ang pinagtagpi-tagping yero na nagmumukhang kabaong. Ito marahil ang dahilang kung bakit nagkaroon ng mga usap-usapang mayroong kabaong sa ibabaw ng tore.

Bahay sa mata ng iba

Ilang dekada na ang nakalipas ngunit tila ayaw lisanin ng nakaraan ang bahay na ito. Samu't saring mga kwento ang nagkalat tungkol sa hiwagang bumabalot sa tahanan ng mga Tuazon. Ayon sa kasalukuyang tagapangalaga nitong si Maria Theresa Fazon, maraming nagsasabing nanunuluyan pa rin dito ang mga kaluluwa ng mga batang may sakit. Pananariwa pa niya, madalas siyang makakita ng mga batang dumurungaw sa mga bintana, tila naghahanap ng kalaro at nag-aabang ng mga taon papasok sa loob ng bahay. Nakasanayan na niya ang mga pagpaparamdam ng mga kaluluwa sa mansyon: isang bagay kung bakit napamahal na rin sa kanya ito.
Sa mga pagkakataong walang kuryente sa lugar nila, nangangamba ang mga taong dumaraan sa tabi ng bahay. Natatakot silang magpakita sa kanila ang mga mapaglarong multo ng bahay. Ayon pa kay Fazon, may mga namamahay talaga sa lugar na iyon at isang patunay ang kakaibang pag-ungol ng bantay nila. Ani Fazon, "iba ang ungol ng aso kapag nakakakita ng multo. Mas mataas ito kumpara sa tahol kapag may iba silang taong nakikita lamang."Sinasabi nga nilang mas malakas ang pakiramdam ng mga hayop sa tuwing may multong umaaligid.

Kilabot na dala ng Haunted house

Hindi kailanman malilimutan ang pakiramdam ng pagpasok sa isang lugar tulad ng isang haunted house. Sa simula, iisipin mong hindi pangkaraniwan ang iyong papasuking bahay. Makatindig balahibo at kakaibang lamig ang iyong mararamdaman sa iyong pagpasok sa loob.
Noong panahon pa ng Hapon itinayo ang bahay ng pamilyang Tuazon. Nakabase ang bahay na ito malapit sa isang sikat na pampublikong pasyalan sa Sta.Mesa, Maynila. Napapaligiran din ito ng mga kabayahang niluma na ng panahon. Ordinaryong mamamayan lamang ang kanilang pamilya ngunit nagkaroon ng kakaibang papel ang kanilang bahay noong kapanahunan ng giyera. Kinupkop ng mag-asawang Tuazon ang mga ulilang batang may malulubhang karamdaman na mahirap nang gamutin dahil sa kakulangan ng medisina noon. Imbes na ipatapon ng mga Hapon ang mga batang may sakit kung saan-saan, minabuti ng pamilyang Tuazon na tanggapin sa kanilang tahanan at alagaan ang mga batang ito. Nagsilbing kanlungan at proteksyon sa kapahamakan ng digmaan ang bahay ng mga Tuazon ngunit hindi maiwasang dito na rin sila bawian ng buhay. Dahil dito, maraming kaluluwa ng mga musmos ang sinasabing nananatili pa rin sa tirahang ito.

The Art of Happiness

Why are you in school? What is your purpose for going to school everyday? Whether you go in this school or that school, what do you ultimately intend to achieve from all of this?
For whatever reason you may have, it has something to do with the quest for success. It is in the confidence that getting education will equip us with the necessary skills and know-how to be in. We are not subjecting ourselves to late nights and hectic schedules for nothing. It is for a greater cause, the belief that success is within our grasp if we just reach out and get it.
Some of us may equate success with achievements, riches, or fame. One time too many, we confuse succes as to how other people would define it. We try to reconcile with how other people perceive success and adapt them as our own. That is probably the reason why some people are not happy even with the achievements and the possessions that they have. Beneath the cloud of ambition and power, they have acquired a false sense of what they really want out of life, which is a sad thought, but most of us have fallen prey to this way of thinking.
All things in life are in pursuit of happiness. I don't know of anyone out there whose goal in life is to become the most pathetic person on the planet or the world's biggest loser. It is human nature to yearn to be something better than what we are.
Some people would say that they want to be rich because they believe that when they are rich they will have everything they want therefore they will attain happiness. Some attribute success on material acquisitions, the sums of money they have in their bank accounts or how famous they have grown to be. These kind of definitions are unstable and unfounded because these things are temporary. It may be here one day and gone the next.
I attribute success to happiness. When you are doing the thing what you are passionate about, everything that comes along with it, the money, fame and fortune are just a bonus. Genuine and lasting happiness is something that connects with your mind and heart. The concepts of success and happiness are two analogous goals, both lofty but worthwhile.

Espionage on Leadership

According to A. Huxley, the greatest improvement can't be found anywhere within the four corners of the universe but is in a small entity called you. At 3 you are careless. For you know that there is a hand that will comfort you when you cry. At 7, being able to distinguish right from wrong is an evidence that you are nurturing. Come the age of 13, then 16, you left your childlike attitudes and learn to accept a mature role.
But the question lies, are you mature to handle a big responsibility? Again, start with yourself: Am I competent enough to handle a task, accept failures and pull down mediocrities? If yes, congratulations, you can change into a person worthy to look up to. If no, I'm sorry to say that you are not worthy of the confidence that your squires can give you. Many leaders had fought a battle but in the end lose because of false leadership. If you are a true leader, then if you can't dedicate and devote, quit. If that's the reason of the whole battalion to win, then sacrifice. Let others rule and lead the battle to victory.
There seem to be many solutions to a problem. But the only problem a problem entails is not coming with an answer but the way how a leader deals with it. With pressure distracting work, a leader may tend to come up with fast decisions. Come the lowest part of his control, he may seek for improvement in the system or question his staff. But change in the system would never be an answer right away. Start the checking first with whom who runs everything. If at first a leader accepted that his role is to be a model to his subordinates. Change would be effective if he started it from himself other than coercing others to do so. Better yet, train. Because a person is not a leader at birth, they are molded.

Living Decisions

In life, choices always have to be made. We make so many crucial decisions that change the course of our lives. Where to study college, whether to join this organization or not, what career you want to have, or doing the right or wrong thing; these are just some of the choices we make. I myself had these mind-breaking times in my life.
In all the choices I've made, I've always thought of the "what if's" that went with it but regrets were never stronger that the commitments I have made. I actually realized why I never regretted that much about my decisions to the point of going back to another choice. I thought maybe it really didn't matter that much where you sided or what you chose; what mattered most was being united with your decision. It is like you and your decision are two separate things and then after choosing it, you merge into one and your movements and the consequences you take become the same.
I actually dreamt about this kind of thing. In my dream was a river. I was at the other side of the river already and in front was a forest that had so much chaos in it. Opposite that side was paradise. The beauty of the area was just so magnificent and it was so bright. After a few days of having this dream, I thought of what the dream was telling me. I actually thought maybe I should have gone back to the paradise side. But then, it came to me that I should not anymore. I had crossed already and that I had to stick to. I guess some decisions make us better people not just because of the decisions but of the process of sticking it out with our decision. The ugly forest was a challenge for me to form into something better than the paradise on the other side or even make it the best. Since I had crossed it already, there was no turning back. The best thing to do for me was live and love what I had. I had to improve what I thought was not the best yet.
Those are the insights my decisions have given to me; not by making it but living the decision and experiencing and learning from it. Everyday, I cherish the decisions I have made in the past whether it has given me blessings or problems because I learn from them whether positive or negative. The experience I go through everyday always overpowers the "what ifs" in my mind. I just live each day of my life trying to make the right decisions but making sure of committing with what I have decided on.

Step Up

Director: Anne Fletcher
Starring: Channing Tatum, Damaine Radcliff, De'Shawn Wasington
Genre: Romance/Drama
Rating: 2.0

Looking for a different movie experience? You need not search anymore. Step Up is a movie filled with dance moves bursting with energy and just the right pizzazz.
Choreographer-turned-director Anne Fletcher made this movie possible with a little help of the one thing that she knows best: dancing. It all begins with the seditious Tyler Gage(Channing Tatum) together with his gang Mac(Damaine Radcliff) and Skinny(De'Shawn Washington) living the very life of a bum. Growing up in the gritty streets of Baltimore has been a harsh experience for Tyler. Once the trio barged in the Maryland School of Arts and trashed the place, but unfortunately, the gang was busted, and Tyler ends up working as a janitor in the school as punisment. There he met Nora Clark (Jenna Dewan), a dancer left in frustration after her partner broke into an ankle sprain. Here is where Tyler moves into the scene to replace Nora's partner. As soon as the two begins their training together, sparks flew in all direction and before they knew it, they are already into something more than just being dance partners.
Although the movie has that follow-you-dream undertone, Step Up misses on some points on being a two-thumbs up kind of movie. It has the best dancers, but just mediocre actors. Both Tatum and Dewan revealed signs of stiffness and awkwardness towards their own role. Other noticeable flaws of the movie are the sudden changes of heart and shifting of scenes, which left so many sub-stories hanging and the audience wondering. Because of this, viewers might have tendencies of being bored and confused as the film progresses on. Fletcher could have done a better job by polishing the filmsy storyline of Step Up for it to be a decent dance movie. It's not just the flashy productions that make such kind of movie striking to the viewers. Rather, it must be a combination of a sensible plot and, of course, showy numbers so as to keep the attention of the audience from floating away. The movie focused too much on the dance aspect that Fletcher overlooked the lacking of substance in the film's story.

Astig ka pala eh!

Teka, ano nga ba naman ang astig? Parang salitang kalye lang na nasama sa karaniwang bokabularyo ng mga Pilipino. Siguro naman halatang-halata sa salita na nanggaling ito sa salitang tigas. Tama. Matigas nga ang mga Pilipino, mula ulo hanggang talampakan. Kaya nga hanggang ngayon manhid pa rin ang lahat sa mga pahiwatig ng panahon. Sa sobrang papuri na tinatanggap ng ating bansa, may lugar pa ba sa isip ng mga Pilipino ang pagsusuri sa kaniyang paligid at sarili? Hindi masama ang pansariling gratipikasyon paminsan-minsan. Kaso bigyan-daan naman natin ang pangkalahatang ebalwasyon ng bansa at lahat ng nasasakupan nito. Hindi lahat ay puro papuri. Matuto naman tayong tumingin sa ating pansariling kahinaan.

Relihiyon atbp.

'Banal na aso, santong kabayo, natatawa ako, hi... hi... hi... sa'yo.'
Nanggaling ang linyang ito sa awi na 'Banal na Aso, Santong Kabayo' na pinasikat ng bandang Yano noong dekada 90. Nananatili itong isa sa mga paborito kong awitin hindi dahil sa ritmo at makatawag-pansin na korus kundi dahil sa payak na pagsasalarawan ng awit sa ka-ipokrituhan ng mga Kristyano.
Hindi ko na mabilang ang taong aking nakilala na tumatawag at binabansagan ang kanilang sarili na maka-Diyos at relihiyoso. Maaaring siya ang kasosyo ng iyong ama sa negosyong linggu-linggo dumadalo sa bible study pero sa huli madidiskubre mo na niloko at ninakawan ang iyong ama ng pera. Maaari siya ang kaibigan mong walang mintis kung dumalo ng lingguhang misa ngunit pagkatapos sumamba ay kasintalas ng espada ang dila. Maaari na siya rin ang maka-Diyos na politikong iyong binoto noong nakaraang halalan ngunit sa totoo ay garapalang ninanakaw ang buwis na iyong binabayad. Hindi ko nilalahat ang mga Kristiyano pero huwag tayong magpaka-plastik, aminin na natin, karamihan sa atin ay malayo sa pagiging Kristiyano ang pag-uugali.

Demokrasyang Pinoy

Noong nakaraang Setyembre 21, ilang libong katao ang nagsikapit-bisig at nagsipag-aklas upang gunitain ang ika-34 anibersaryo ng deklarasyon ng martial law - matatandaan na ito ang panahon kung saan napasailalim tayo sa pamumuno ng dating diktador na si Ferdinand Marcos, panahon din sa pagsuspinde ng karapatang pantao. At dahil dito, sa pagtutulungan ng samabayanang Pilipino, sumiklab ang People Power Revolution o mas kilala bilang EDSA Revolution upang magbigay-daan sa demokrasya.
Kinikilala ang demokrasya bilang uri ng gobyerno na kung saan lahat ng mamamayan ay may karapatan sa pamumuno ng bansa. Ito ang hakbang ng mga Pilipino matapos ang sinapit na mga panahon sa kamay na bakal ng martial law. Ito rin ang istrukturang pinaniniwalaan ng nakakarami, at istrukturang perpekto sa ilan. Subalit, masasabi mo pa rin bang matatag ang demokrasyang bumabalot sa ating bansa? Sa kasalukuyan, sang-ayon ka ba sa sistema?
Sa akin lang, hindi naman ako lubusang taliwas dito ngunit may mga pagkakataon din talagang masasabi natin na mahina ang pundasyon ng demokrasya sa lipunang ginagalawan. Mga atras-abanteng polisiya, mga problemang internal na hindi matapus-tapos, ang walang tigil na korupsyon, ang pang-aabuso sa dignidad ng ilan sa mga tapat na kawani ng gobyerno - ilan lamang ang mga ito.
Kung gusto nating makamit ang maayos na pamumuhay, dapat pagtibayin ang totoong layunin ng demokrasya. Minsan kasi, nagiging panakip-butas na lamang ito sa ilan. Minsan pa, nagiging baluktot na ang pagsasakatuparan ng mga batas na nais maimplementa. At minsan, kung sino pa ang tapat sa serbisyo, iyon ang nais patumbahin ng ilan. Hindi ba't isa na lamang ang Pilipinas sa kakaunting bansang may istrukturang taglay ang ganitong klaseng pamahalaan? Sana'y huwag nating hayaang tuluyang masira ang demokrasya ng bansa. Naniniwala ako na kaya naman natin ito, basta mayroon lang iisang direksyon, iisang paningin, at iisang pangarap.

MOTORKR E2

RATING: 3.0
Fusion of music and mobility as it is equipped with full stereo audio, .35M
Motorola once again introduced to the market another advancement in wireless digital technology; the MOTORKR phone for music enthusiasts, the MOTORKR E2 is the ultimate fusion of music and mobility as it is equipped with stereo audio, .35mm headset jack. 1.3 megapixel camera with flash and a high resolution (2 inch, 240 x 320 TFT, 262 colors) making it advanced compared with other Motorola phones. If you're still not convinced yet with its features, you may start to question what its edge among other mobile phones is. Simple, phone promotes an advanced feature in wireless technology. Who would believe you could just leave you phone inside you pocket or anywhere within 30 feet radius while using embedded Bluetooth headphones and listen to music?
If you are conscious about the physical specifications, 115 gram phone would definitely be an addition to your techie gadget collection as seen from Marc Abaya and the Itchyworms during their gigs. Determine style as this has brilliant screen, built-in camera to take snapshots or video and play MPEG4 format. A phone slash music player it is, because it functions also as an MP3 player where it can play up to 500 songs with 4 MB each.
Organize a special music library. Simply download your favorite music saved in you desktop computer or the internet via the 2.0 connection USB and save them on 2 GB swappable memory card.
The unique design of the MOTORKR E2 allows an easy access to your downloaded music because of the built-in sound buttons wherein you can play, stop or move to next track. If you got bored listening to saved songs, just switch to the FM radio and groove with the DJ's at the local radio station. Get connected to the internet and be uploaded with news, biz bits and sports with the SCREEN3 technology.
What I like about this mobile phone is that these practically organize your songs into a music library and easily access it through the built-in buttons. It doesn't only function as a mobile phone but it is also an electronic notebook and MP3 player in one. Plus, it is marked fairly at a window price of Php18,000.00
Catered mostly to the music enthusiasts, MOTORKR E2 proves an advancement in wireless Bluetooth technology. Convenience and phone efficiency could be a deciding factor. But with all summed up, MOTORKR E2 owners may I ROCK!

My Own

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Billy Rainey
GENRE: Reality Show
RATING: 3.0

What more can an avid fan possibly ask for aside from meeting his/her most wanted celebrity up-close and live in the flesh? Music Television (MTV) offers another dating game, as My Own, plus a certain twist. The fan does not get as lucky as securing a date with his/her favorite star. As a delightful alternative, can date someone whom he/she perceives to be exactly like the icon, may it be in terms of the chosen one's appearance or sheer qualities.
Sets of evaluations staged by the searcher along with his or her two other buddies cut the initially six contestants to a victorious one. My Own edges over other reality dating shows due to the required skill that goes hand in hand with the aspiring searchee. He or she must first brush up on the featured star's biography since that could take him/her a notch higher. It also serves an an "X factor" if the contender can sing or rap their idol's chart-topping songs, groove to the beat, dress with the attitude, or simply exude the charm akin to the celebrity's. Albeit projecting the celeb's trademark style is an eye-catcher, it is a common ground for the chosen ones that they manage to pull the Hollywood aura off with a balance of own identity. Hence, the maxim:"Always be yourself" still works magic.
Viewers shall certainly be amused with the guts that surround the competing teens with how close they can look like their idol. The presence of the challenger's friends can be quite influential though, that one is left baffled whether his/her choice for date was of own taste or to impress the other two. Also, My Own's well-crafted and highly embellished setting analogous to the real shooting-the-video scenario is hard to ignore. The crew undeniably plans matters up to its finest details (e.g. things present in the real video are also included in the video remake round) and the impeccability of the final three's impersonation after undergoing the scrunity of a guru. But on top of that, the show's main theme, which is to link two people with passions entwined serves as the breakthrough.

Prep

AUTHOR: Curtis Sittenfeld
RATING: 3.0

Ever wondered what life would be like when you're bound for boarding school? Infinite freedom as you party till you drop a thousand miles away from the "parentals!" Curtis Sittenfeld's debut novel, Prep, writes about a mid-western teenager's experience with boarding school and the inner world of what a young girl goes through in ruthless teen hierarchy. This delightfully novel has become a National Bestseller and was chosen as one of the Ten Best Books of 2005 by the New York Times and will be translated into 22 languages. At 16, Sittenfeld won a fiction writing contest in Seventeen Magazine and has continued to write ever since.
Sittenfeld writes about Lee Fiora who leaves her home of South Bend, Indiana bound for Boston to attend the prestigious Ault School. Once in Ault, Lee quickly realizes how different she is with the likes of the uber-popular Aspeth Montgomery, the kind of girl about whom rock songs were written. A chance encounter with the enigmatic Cross Sugarman, who is less than a boyfriend and more than a crush, opens her world of infatuation and sexual curiosity. Excessively insecure, Lee spends her long weekends in her dorm and sits out in school dances. Parents' weekend, school-wide game called Assassin and a suicide attempt by a former roommate are just some of the events she encounters in Ault.
Despite the dragging beginning, the novel is enjoyable and thought-provoking, it makes you laugh and smile and reflect on your own emotions and experiences. However, the novel has an overwhelming amount of details, which causes a lack of plot, as heavy emotions are involved. Nevertheless, the author does an unbelievable job in rekindling memories during one's high school days, making you wish you could return to those days again and at the same time grateful that you never had to relive it. Not a typical chick lit book, the author gives a genuine truth adolescence, depression and alienation.
An awe-inspiring and insightful read, surely readers won't resist looking back at what high school life really is.

America's Next Top Model Cycle 5

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS
Anthony Dominici
Tyra Banks
Ken Mok

HOST
Tyra Banks

GENRE
Reality Show

RATING
3.0


Do you have what it takes to be the next catwalk superstar? This is the question 13 model-wannabes hope to answer as they endure unconventional challenges and photo shoots with hopes of winning a fashion spread in Elle Girl magazine, a management opportunity courtest of Ford Models, a $100,000 contract with Cover Girl cosmetics, and bagging the coveted title of America's next top model.
Extreme makeovers and momentary modeling stints at high-profile fashion shows are just some of the trials the contestants undergo before venturing into a creative pictorial officiated by a guest photographer. Like the modeling industry, a contestant's fate in the competition greatly relies on the ability to produce striking photographs that are subject for intense critiquing from a panel of judges composed of supermodel Tyra Banks, acclaimed photographer Nigel Barker, runway expert J. Alexander, and fashion icon Twiggy. During elimination, the contestant who fails to meet the standards set by the judges is immediately sent packing.
Each episode delves a little deeper into the lives of the contestants as they pursue their dreams of becoming a runway model. However, antics of the contestants tend to become overly dramatic once they realize cameras documenting their every move. It gets frustrating to see girls break down every now and then due to the extreme stress they are facing in the competition. More tension ensues when contestants go through immense backstabbing and cat fighting when they all realize the deep-seated competition existing among them. When it comes to the photo shoots, some are artistically themed while others are just too eccentric to appreciate as "art". Banks and Alexander tend to deliver witty remarks in an attempt to give the show a little humor, but simply fail miserably doing so.
This show is for anyone fascinated with the ins and outs of the fashion and modeling industry, specifically for anyone who has dreams of strutting the catwalk very soon. It serves as a crash course for those engrossed in the fast-paced world of supermodels and the media glitz and glamour that spice it all up. Amidst all the drama that transpires, anticipating the outcome of the competition already proves to be an exhilarating show.

Lumalalang korupsyon, sinisira ang Pilipinas

Kamakailan ay nagsagawa ang World Bank ng ulat tungkol sa pagganap ng mga namumuno sa pamahalaan upang supilin ang korupsyon at lumabas sa ulat na sa loob ng walong taon ay hindi naging epektibo ang pamahalaang pigilan ang korupsyon sa gobyerno. Matatandaan ding kamakailan lamang ay nahirang muli ang Pilipinas bilang isa sa mga pinakakorap na bansa sa mundo. Hindi na bago ang ganitong balita. Sa nagdaang mga taon ay ilang dayuhang ahensya na ang nakapuna sa malawakang katiwalian sa bansa at ang masama pa roon ay alam ng pamahalaan ang problema ngunit hindi nagiging maagap ang pagtugon nito sa suliraning ito.
Sa isa pang riserts na ginawa noong 2001, mula 1965-2001, tinatayang umabot na sa $208 bilyon ang nawala mula sa kaban ng gobyerno dahul sa korupsyon. Sadyang nakakalarma ang halagang nawala dahil napupunta lamang sa mga bulsa ng ilang tiwaling opisyal ng gobyerno ang binabayad na buwis ng mga Pilipino.
tsk tsk tsk. . .

Panahon ang kalaban mo

Sa isang iglap, mas nanaisin mong sana ay hawak mo ang takbo ng panahon, na nasa palad mo sana ang bawat panahon na nasayang dahil nanindigan kang kaya mo ang sarili mo. Kahit ano pang gawin o sabihin, sadyang may mga bagay dito sa mundo na walang kasiguraduhan kapag iyo nang binalikan. Marami mang sagot sa ganitong klase ng katanungan sa isip mo, hindi naman lahat ay nakakatanggap ng magandang kasagutan, o kaya ang nais nilang kasagutan. Kahit alam nilang may mga balakid, hindi dapat ito maging hadlang upang ipagpatuloy ang nais gawin o simulan. Dapat kang magsikap, magtrabaho, at maging masigasig sa paggawa ng nais mong gawin.
Minsan, ang pagkakaroon ng prinsipyo ang isa sa nangungunang dahilan kung bakit marami sa atin ang ayaw magpakumbaba. Hindi lahat nagkakaroon ng tapang na aminin ang mali na kanilang ginawa. Maraming oportunidad ang sinasayang dahil hinahayaan lamang itong lumipas hanggang sa ito'y magsawa at kumupas. Mga pagkakataon na ibinigay na sana'y nagamit nang maayos nang sa gayon ay hindi umabot sa puntong pinagsisisihan ang mga ito.

Kulang pa rin yan. . .

Iligaw mo ang iyong sarili sa kawalan. Doon mo lang maiisip na ang sapat ay kulang na, ang marami ay kakaunti na lamang at ikaw ay sinusukat sa pamantayang walang katapusan. Maraming tao ang hindi nakakapansin sa konseptong ito. Masyado na kasing binago ng mentalidad na ito ang kaisipan ng mga tao. Ang lahat ng bagay sa mundo ay may kasukatan. Ang mayaman ay nasusukat sa dami ng ari-arian. Ang matalino ay nasusukat batay sa taas ng kanyang nakukuhang marka sa pag-aaral. Ang maganda ay nakakahon na lamang sa mga numerong 36-24-36.
Masyadong marami kung iisa-isahin ang mga pamantayang sumusukat sa kung ano ang nararapat at alin ang hindi. Minsan nakakapagod isiping dapat maabot mo ang mga pamantayang ito para lang maging masaya. Ito'y nilikha ng lipunan upang iparamdam sa iyo na hindi ka perpekto. Kung sa bagay totoo nga namang hindi tayo perpekto. Pero mas maganda sigurong malaman mo iyon mula sa iyong sarili at hindi dahil iyon ang dinidikta at ipinapahatid ng lipunang iyong ginagalawan. Sayang naman kung hindi mo gagamiting ang kaisipang ibinigay sa iyo. Sayang naman kung mananatili kang isang katauhang walang pag-iisip at pagpapahalaga sa sariling kakayahan.
Ang lahat ng tao raw ay may walang katapusang pangangailangan at kagustuhan. Sakim din daw ang mga tao sapagkat mas nanaisin nito ang mas marami kaysa sa kakaunti. Ang konseptong ito ay pinag-aaralan sa Economics. Kung totoo man ang mga ito, marahil ito nga ang dahilan kung bakit hindi nakukuntento ang mga tao sa mga bagay na mayroon sila.

Usapang Tao

"Mas mapagkakatiwalaan mo ang hayop kaysa tao. Dahil ang hayop, kailanman ay hindi magtataksil, hindi katulad ng tao."
Ang linyang ito ay nagmula sa isang "anime" na aking napanood. Tinanong ng bida sa kanyang kaibigan kung bakit mahilig siya sa hayop at ang naturang linya ang kanyang naging tugon.
Totoo ngang may kakayanang mag-isip ang tao ay iyon ang dahilan kung bakit tayo angat sa lahat ng nabubuhay dito sa daigdig. Ito rin ang dahilan kung bakit ang mga tao ang pinagkatiwalaan ng Diyos upang pangalagaan ang mundo. Ngunit ang tanong: "Ginagamit ba natin ang ating pag-iisip sa tamang paraan?" Sa tuwing manonood at magbabasa ng balita, hindi na nawawala ang masasamang balita tulad ng korupsyon, pandaraya, paninira, rape, pagnanakaw, giyera at marami pang iba na may kaukulan sa masamang ginawa ng tao sa kanyang kapwa. Kalunus-lunos talaga!
Parang kumikilos tayong taliwas sa ibinigay sa ating ng Diyos. Nararapat bang tawagin talaga tayong may isip kung hindi naman natin ginagamit sa tama ang ating isip? Masakit isipin pero baka dumating ang araw na maging mas masahol pa tayo sa hayop. Kaya gamitin ng tama ang iyong isip at patunayang angat nga tayo sa mga dalisay ng hayop.

Usapang Hayop

"Hayop ka!" Ito ang isa sa mga ekspresyong ginagamit ng nakararaming mga Pilipino sa tuwing siya'y nagagalit sa isang tao. Kung hindi ako nagkakamali, ginagamit ang naturang salita dahil inihahantulad sa hayop ang masamang ugali ng tao sapagkat ang hayop ay walang kakayahang mag-isip hindi tulad ng tao. Ngunit, tama ba talagang gamiting ang salitang iyon sa tuwing nagagalit ka sa iyong kapwa? Para sa akin, dalisay ang mga hayop. Isipin mo na lamang, kahit na ang pinakamabangis na hayop, hindi ka naman sasaktan kung hindi mo sila sinaktan. Kahit na wala silang kakayang mag-isip, may kakayanan naman silang makiramdam tulad ng tao. Mamahalin ka ng hayop at ipagtatanggol ka niya sa abot ng kanilang makakaya kung ipinadama mo sa kanya ang iyong pagpapahalaga at pagmamahal. At higit sa lahat, hindi natin maikakailang napakahalaga ng mga hayop sa ating buhay. Isipin mo na lang saan nanggagaling ang kinakain mo sa araw-araw? Sinu-sino ang tumutulong sa mga magsasakang magtanim ng palay sa bukid? Ngayon, nararapat pa bang gamitin ang ekspresyong "hayop ka" sa tuwing may atraso sa iyo ang iyong kapwa?

Damit na Nagbabalik

Tila may hawig ang mga pananamit ng ilang kabataan ngayon sa mga porma ng mga tao noong dekada otsenta. Maraming nagsimulang maghalungkat ng mga lumang damit sa mga baul ng kanilang mga magulang at sa likod ng kanilang mga aparador upang hiramin ang mga inaalikabok na malalaking shades, makakapal na sinturon, mahahabang mga blusa at mga palamuting tulad ng 'hoop earrings', mahahabang kwintas, makakapal at malalaking mga singsing upang makamit ang nauusong 80's look. Isama pa ang 'Victorian style'(ruffles) inspired na pang-itaas sa mga kababaihan. Isa pa ang skinny jeans o mga pantalong tinatawag ding baston, idagdag na rin ang ubod na ikling mga shorts. Halina't ating buhaying muli ang mga istilo ng kasuotang akala nating permanente nang nabaon sa limot.
Mas mabuting manamit sa pamamaraang magiging komportable ka sa iyong kasuotan kaysa sumunod sa bawat dikta ng usong maaaring hindi laging komportable at minsang hindi laging bagay sa iyo.
Paano kung mapuno ang Greenbelt, Rockwell, Glorietta, Podium o iba pang malalaki at sikat na establisamiyento o mga paaralang pinamumugaran ng mga fashionista? Kung nagkataon mang hindi ka kabilang sa kanila, hindi ito nangangahulugang huli ka na talaga sa uso at isa na itong kakulangan sa iyong parte. May kanya-kanyang istilo ang lahat sa pagpapahayag ng kanilang mga sarili, maaaring iba-iba lang ng mga paraan at panlasa sa pananamit at pagdadala nito. Maaaring naghahandog ang mundo ng fashion ng pagbabagu-bagong mga uso, ngunit asahan mong babalik din ang iba sa mga ito. At sa kanilang pagbabalik, may mga kaunting pagbabago sa bawat piraso ng damit at palamuting aagaw ng atensyon ng mga tao. Nasa sa iyo na kung paano ihahayag ang iyong sarili sa pamamagitan ng fashion.

LIGAYANG HATID NG MGA Palabas ng Kahapon

Malayo na ang narating ng mga TV shows sa kasalukuyan. Hindi na ito tulad ng dating iisang studio lamang ang ginagamitang lugar ng palabas. Nagkakaroon na ng mga palabas na ipinapakita ang mga nangyayari sa ating pang-araw-araw na pamumuhay. Ang mga reality shows, soap opera, fantaserye at Asian novelas- ito ang iilan sa mga palabas na madalas makita kapag nanonood tayo ngayon ng telebisyon. Sa dami ng mga palabas, nakakagulat malamang mapapanood nating muli ang mga lumang palabas na minsan na nating sinubaybayan.
Ang panonood ng telebisyon ang isa sa mga naging libangan na nating mga Pilipino. Hindi maikakailang marami na ngang palabas ang ineere sa telebisyon. Mapakomedya man o drama, sadyang patok ito sa manonood kaya naman napadadalas ang pag-ulit ng programa o palabas ng midya.
Samu't saring reaksyon ang binibigay ng sambayanan ukol sa pag-uulit ng mga palabas. May mga taong nasisiyahan at mayroon ding gustung-gustong ulit-ulitin ang panonood ng telenovelas.
Kung minsan nakatutuwang malamang bumabalik ang mga nakaraang TV show. Ngunit minsan din naman dumarating sa puntong nakakasawa na. Iba-iba man ang reaksyon ng taumbayan, hindi na nating maikakailang naging parte na ng buhay nating ang ganitong tradisyon na inuulit o dinudugtungan ang isang palabas sa telebisyon. Mga palabas na sadyang minsang nakaaagaw pansin natin bilang manonood.

Harried, hurried Lasallians

De La Salle is too prestigious that for its name for students to have actually based their choice on the educational system. How many Lasallians could say that they preferred De La Salle because that student believes that studying and learning is at its best in a trimestral system? How many can assert that transformative learning can improve a student's life when we know for a fact that only a few have a full grasp of the whole framework?
In casting the university's net, it can perhaps do away with explaining how the trimestral system functions or what the current Lasallian Core Curriculum invokes the students. A level 4 accreditation, a list of successful alumni, and a high tuition fee can always prove the university's worth and enough to bring in a good number of applicants. De La Salle has either earned that or sugarcoat is too well.
Students in getting their college applications are driven by the image universities project. However, the good image of De La Salle today may no longer have been given justice by our generation's performance. Each generation has a different standard for excellence and mediocrity. But it is also important to note that while Lasallians of today are often criticized by its creeping mediocrity, the administration together with the Brothers, as educators, should cease the alarm.
It would be ideal for students to have made their picking after a clear understanding of the university's structural features. But when you are 17 or 18 years old what is in it for you who only know that the next step is college and the basis of your perception is coming from what you see or what you hear. After a year or two it is when you testify that only an experience, the actual Lasallian college life that will allow you to understand how the structures work here. What it takes to be in a trimestral system and what requires of you in the transformative learning framework. The problem is, of the thirteen thousand students of this university, how long does it take for each one of us to understand and be conscious of our growth? For students that are too varied, for achievers and non-achievers, and for fast learners and slow learners, the answer would be relative. The big question is: How is our generation coping with trimetral system in this university?

Filipino time

Typical scenario: intended meeting time is scheduled 9 o'clock but people arrive minutes, if not hours late. Organized events would say that the planned actual time (wise move); yet people will still trickle in behind schedule. This chronic habit is what we call Filipino Time, the thwarting tardiness amongst Filipinos, which entails unnecessary waiting - something I am, as well as other people, (I suppose) are impatient for.
Why is this phenomenon pervasive? Is this a trend or an obvious indication of complacency? Considering the two concepts of time, the Eastern notion of time is circular or spiral - implying continuity and 'second chances', that we incessantly commit slip-ups until we learn. On the other hand, the Western concept of time is linear - 'once time passed, it is gone forever', it visions life as a succession of quandaries and also involves overlooked opportunities, errors, etc. We are geographically located at the east, yet we are heavily westernized due to Spanish occupation and strong American influence. Plus consider our laid-back passive-aggression culture due to colonialism. And since traffic is notorious over the years, we have imbibed and translated this Bahala Na attitude and 'we'll-get-there-when-we-get-there' mentality on a daily basis action. Problematic.
Being "Fashionably Late" and pa-importante. I do not know why people are into this. Is it because they feel that if they are strictly needed/wanted, they would be found; that people are greatly preoccupied with something (chitchatting, IM, texting, etc), or for the reason of that they want a 'dramatic entrance'? The answer I do not know, but these prove thoughtlessness and inconsideration to others. Normally, when one comes late, most of us would just shrug it off. Talk about seeing a problem but not having it addressed.
The key to this is simple - Awareness. Being aware that the time we have is God's gift, it is our task to demonstrate our gratitude for this endowment by making the most of our time, being on time, and valuing or respecting the time of others. As what Cesar Montufar, an Ecuadorian Colonel said, "He who is late steals time from another."
My message is purely simple: Be on time and do not waste your time and anyone's time. Promptness is an indicator of soaring ambition and driven aspiration. Attest that we Filipinos are not flagrantly inconsiderate. It's now time for setting Filipino time right on the exact dot.