tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47265393093399746652024-03-20T01:04:21.622-07:00The Garcia WayA small guy with a huge dream and an even bigger ego.Gil IIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04747369524495930741noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4726539309339974665.post-83756834391860918362012-06-07T22:12:00.002-07:002012-06-14T07:31:58.816-07:00The Brilliant Atty. S<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3shT4-2-9pwz8INOdluLUfSBgP5puRl-OWKmWTriXgg3nYYC7lZFnsERBI7U63xeaEhrIKPK2EzWBMPX5f2w_HaTDULrtKir1rcq0_um6cKABal0uY0_2lwBd2NzxlS86iRxXFNXwRKE/s1600/law.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3shT4-2-9pwz8INOdluLUfSBgP5puRl-OWKmWTriXgg3nYYC7lZFnsERBI7U63xeaEhrIKPK2EzWBMPX5f2w_HaTDULrtKir1rcq0_um6cKABal0uY0_2lwBd2NzxlS86iRxXFNXwRKE/s1600/law.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">4 semesters down, 4 more to go (hopefully)</span></b></div>
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The second law school year surprised me, to say the least. In my first year, I was introduced to the substantial aspect of the laws, the wisdom behind them and their eventual application to factual circumstances. I was given the overview of the legal precepts perhaps to whet my appetite for learning. I was given cases to read which more or less contained less detailed situations and whose issues focused more on the spirit and intent of the laws applied and the general relevance of said laws and the legal profession. In my second year, I was introduced to procedure. I've had my first Remedial Law subjects this time, and boy, were they complex. The primordial confusion on legal procedure generally stems from the wording of the provisions themselves. The Supreme Court promulgates the Rules of Court and more often than not, the construction of these Rules is subject to intense debate. Cases reach the Supreme Court on their interpretations with the Court oftentimes applying liberality rather than contrived elucidations. But sometimes the Court also applies the provisions strictly; that's where everything gets jacked up. The complexity is also multiplied due to the fact that these procedural laws are occasionally revised in order to reflect the current legislations on the judicial branch of the government and to expedite, if not modernize, court procedure.</div>
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<b>Crim Pro</b></div>
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I was honored to have been under the brilliant instruction of Atty. S for the entire year. Perhaps her notoriety was underplayed since I was oblivious of her existence and that I was utterly surprised when a week prior to the start of the classes, we were already slumped with several reading assignments. At the start of the course, her recitations seemed very intense since she focuses more on the procedural aspect of the reads and I was not used to this. (I often read the material with a non-selective eye, always trying to accumulate details which "I" think are relevant even if said details are entirely alien to the topic.) I kind of thought that for as long as I could say something witty and pretentious, then I was good. I was such a novice!</div>
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Good thing I was not the first student called. When said student delivered her report, she also received an intense verbal lashing from our professor. But our prof was, as always, correct. She admonished us to <u><b>stop being so pretentious;</b></u> that we see the cases in the level of trial courts, not use terms we did not understand and that we speak of the Supreme Court as a “supreme” entity. Thus, when one of my colleagues used the word "petition", (since generally all SCRA cases are petitions) she asked the reporter on the relevance of the term to the topic, if said reporter knew the meaning of the word, and if it was, at all, applicable. The next reporter who uttered the word "bereft" was met with the same treatment. Essentially, that was her pet peeve: <i>to nip pretentiousness right off the bud</i>. She was awesome.</div>
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I was in no position to complain. Never have I seen dedication to the craft more than hers. She taught us Remedial Law like there was no tomorrow. She even has a published book on Criminal Procedure. Her brilliance was infectious and I was inspired to work harder. I was, as far as I know, never intensely criticized for my reports owing to the fact that we learned well from the first reporters. But my study habits, specifically on my analysis of the provisions, badly needed to improve.</div>
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Our first exam came and what a shock that was. I barely had time to finish the entire ordeal because the content of said exam was far more comprehensive than I expected. The MCQs had 8 choices! That reduced our chances of getting the correct answer to 12.5% instead of the usual 25%. Imagine the mental hemorrhage we all had to endure because of that system. Even now I still could not wrap my head around an 8-choice MCQ exam. But of course, the legal profession entails writing prowess so essay questions were also thrown in the fray. They were actually quite reasonable, really. It's just that the shock I experienced from the MCQ was so far-reaching, I was unable to concentrate much on my essays. 8 CHOICES! </div>
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Apparently I was not alone in my despair since the exam results were abysmal. No one passed said first exam. The highest mark was a 73 and I got a 71. Not too shabby eh? (<b>Pretentious!</b>) The subsequent exams eventually became lighter. Atty. S limited the 8-choice MCQs and reduced the choices in half for most of the questions. But the essays were still challenging. She hands out bonus trivia questions at the last part of the test. I got the correct answer for the last exam and it actually helped to boost my mark. Thank you Atty. S! </div>
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<b>Civ Pro</b></div>
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I was still under the instruction of Atty. S for our course in Civil Procedure. I was very happy at that. Not only would we be experiencing the most comprehensive learning experience in one of the bulkier portions of Remedial Law, we would also be learning more from her legal style and of course, we would be able to bask in her brilliance.</div>
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Civ Pro is not for the faint of heart. The amount of reads, compared to Crim Pro, actually quadrupled. The course was SO lengthy we had to add at least a month and a half to the original course schedule. That was when I appreciated everything about Atty. S. Regular professors would pass up on that obligation. What generally happens is that they would concentrate on the first few months of the course, stretching everything that needs to be stretched, and then incur successive absences near the end of the course. That was not Atty. S’s style. Her discussions were ALL extensive. Although there were certain matters we took for granted, 99% of the time she would do everything in her power to give us everything that was necessary for us to understand the more relevant topics. She would BOMBARD us with significant cases and we would discuss EVERYTHING intensively. And by that, I mean INTENSIVELY. That is why professors who teach the same subjects she does would often pale in comparison to her because she’s systematic, technical and she fully knows what she does.</div>
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Our first exam this time was not as mind-bending as that first Crim Pro exam. I got an OK score even if she did throw bonuses left and right. However, come second exam, that was the first time in law school where I felt truly depressed. I was depressed for two reasons: first, because I was unable to give correct answers to her more basic questions and second, and the more important reason: I failed her. I actually felt embarrassed that she would be reading my answers. I thought she would be disappointed that after having given us her best effort, we would still not be able to deliver. I was an emotional train wreck that entire week. It actually had me reflecting on the propriety of my stay in law school and if the legal environment would be too much for me to handle. It was that life altering!</div>
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Eventually, we got over that phase and we were all stronger. She admonished us because we were openly complaining to her and to the rest of the academic community as regards the difficulty of her exams. She told us that the best teachers are those who give us the most difficult time; that they were the ones we would be thanking for and would be able to remember when the opportune moment comes. She told us that WE SHOULD CHALLENGE OURSELVES and not complain incessantly. She was correct, as usual. Very correct.</div>
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<b>The Fallo </b></div>
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For everything you’ve given us Atty. S, I truly am thankful. I would not be writing this long article had you not been so significant in my life. You have given me more than what I deserve: you have inspired me to be more than what I am, more than what I can ever be. You have pushed me to the extreme that anything I achieve that is less than perfect would disappoint me and, I fear, you as well. Verily, you have changed me, for the best.</div>
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Thank you Atty. S. Your brilliance is infectious and you are irreproachable. We love you. :)</div>Gil IIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04747369524495930741noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4726539309339974665.post-25104915103405643612011-11-02T09:55:00.000-07:002011-11-02T10:19:28.631-07:00The Opportunity of a Lifetime<span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4xfCdvLIFb5SNSPmaZ3hxuoCRcXiDzHyH-SxLhAmvGOp2DlNmCce_c25d8uP8yUHWrBwT1U0_xa_BHEr_0YiHb_iZY15G2P6I4lgxULKObUZU8rGCP9N0vK-ZdyQxi-8Ydlqr0qWgOnk/s1600/369266_700b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 282px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4xfCdvLIFb5SNSPmaZ3hxuoCRcXiDzHyH-SxLhAmvGOp2DlNmCce_c25d8uP8yUHWrBwT1U0_xa_BHEr_0YiHb_iZY15G2P6I4lgxULKObUZU8rGCP9N0vK-ZdyQxi-8Ydlqr0qWgOnk/s400/369266_700b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670445759016884514" border="0" 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<w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="31" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Subtle Reference"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="32" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Intense Reference"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="33" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Book Title"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="37" name="Bibliography"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" qformat="true" name="TOC Heading"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span> </div><p style=" text-align: justify;font-family:arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">It’s been a while since I’ve first had a whiff of the bittersweet air in law school and honestly, it hasn't been that much of a disaster as I thought it would be. I have currently ACCOMPLISHED 3 semesters in the academe; and I mean that in every fiber of my being. I.e., it’s no cake walk or piece of the park or whatever. You really earn every single unit in the course. Yes, YOU <span style="font-style: italic;">EARN </span>EVERYTHING.</span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style=" text-align: justify;font-family:arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">I started my journey last year. I was highly beleaguered at the enormity of the task but secretly optimistic knowing that my parents had my back all the way through. I was aware that financing this 4-year endeavor is not an easy task and it was not something I begged them for. Maybe they knew, deep down that this was not only for them gaining an economic leverage in the long term, as there is no certainty to any financial gain they may derive from this. Perhaps it’s because they know that this discipline may take a spiritual root in me; that I would actually need it for my spiritual sustenance. That’s deep man, and I cannot thank my parents enough for it.</span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style=" text-align: justify;font-family:arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Sadly, I had to forgo a lot of things; things that made my life stable and <span style="font-style: italic;">easy</span>: 1. work; 2. gym; and 3. video games. Yes, my life revolved around these, apparently (and stupidly). I had to wave goodbye to my co-workers who are the best people I’ve met in my life so far; to my gym instructor who has left the country for greener fields and yes, my pseudo identity as the savior of virtual worlds. I geared up for the brewing storm and sought shelter in the confidence and knowledge I’ve gained through life prior to said storm.</span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify; font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Baby Steps</span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style=" text-align: justify;font-family:arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">I eased myself slowly into the world of laws and complex words. I was fully unaware that the study of the law would entail so much reading. I thought the reads would be somehow bearable and interesting but no, nothing can be gained from a lemon fruit (or a woman’s tit) without squeezing it, so they say. So, I labored the assigned reads. I tried my best not to be caught off guard during surprise quizzes and recitations because boy, the instructors gave these out non-stop. I did know that the more important task was to do good in my exams. I knew from the start that a firm foundation in my exams meant a stronger backbone for my standing and my QPI.</span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style=" text-align: justify;font-family:arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">I was a sorry sod at first when I realized that the recitations were given daily and that the ordering of the cases in the syllabus, which I painstakingly combed, would not be followed. Thus, when an instructor calls for a specific case which I have not read, everything instantly slows down like a scene in a movie where the pivotal moment is at hand. As said instructor would shuffle the cards that contained our names, so would my mind lament at the misfortune that would befall me after I make a fool of myself before the world. Seriously, everything goes in slow-motion during random picks that even the sweat on my brow would fall dramatically if caught on cam.</span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style=" text-align: justify;font-family:arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">This is why law students become <span style="font-style: italic;">prayerful</span>. We all pray hard not to experience the agony of bluffing our way through the barrage of questions hurled at us. The tension is built so high, a knock on the door or a pen drop would probably send us all screaming. You can actually measure the tension from the loudness of the <span style="font-style: italic;">simultaneous </span>sighs from the students after the professor calls off the scheduled recitations for the day.</span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify; font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Exams</span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;font-family:arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">In law school, <span style="font-weight: bold;">the exams answer you</span>. LOL. What’s great about these is that when you have absolutely nil knowledge about the topic, you can bluff yourself out of- oh wait. The Supreme Court changed the bar exam format from multi-part essays to multiple choice. Easy? NO. I cannot even fathom how ridiculously long my post would be if I had to dissect a single objective-type bar exam question here. It’s just not happening. It’s something you’d have to experience firsthand to be able to appreciate it. Plus, I would sound like a pretentious airhead (not that I’m not one already) if I had to whip you up with the basics. In a nutshell, objective-type questions for law school exams are not good news for law students. Trust me on this.</span></p><p style=" text-align: justify;font-family:arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">The circulating rumors confirm that the format change made hell for the experimental takers (the recent bar exam passers) of the pilot exam. Why? Because apparently, not one of them made the cut. Uh-oh.</span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify; font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">On Studying</span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style=" text-align: justify;font-family:arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">I eventually got the hang of it. You just get used to the routine that once it gets shaken up by some rescheduling mishap, your system snaps and you see yourself befuddled with the ripple in your schedule. It would actually take more time for you to adjust your study habit than to do the studying itself. The sad part though is that you can only be so efficient and if you cannot, then the fault falls on your ineptitude.</span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style=" text-align: justify;font-family:arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">My inefficiency persists because I <span style="font-style: italic;">refuse </span>to destroy two (2) things: the modem and my bed. And while I concede that these should not be faulted for my inability to cope with the work-load, it would make my life easier if I would be rid these temptations. The exact formula is:</span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style=" text-align: justify;font-family:arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Temptation</span> + <span style="font-weight: bold;">Weak Work Ethic</span> = <span style="font-weight: bold;">Crazy Batsh*t Cramming</span></span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style=" text-align: justify;font-family:arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">That probably summed up everything I wanted to talk about here (also because all the big words I used up here fatigued my lazy brain).</span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style=" text-align: justify;font-family:arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Yes, law school, as I’ve repeatedly said, is CRAZY fun only when you get passing marks. Otherwise, all you get is crazy. Yes, <span style="font-style: italic;">lots </span>of that.</span></p>Gil IIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04747369524495930741noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4726539309339974665.post-91889541211017292922011-05-23T22:14:00.000-07:002011-05-23T22:52:06.718-07:00Why the RH Bill is Unconstitutional<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgudH2NCIh3DNH3zuOLnsL11QUcgwbfZiyaiJXoruFcc5BNY3FmVGASmWd6XpNjxqy3uue-RltdH2I9idAQbnyL3y8z2GMMdb1RkaE5MF1xmU45cddvgKM_TXwTtjxOrw4FCNuiRrh7JTM/s1600/RH+Bill.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 205px; height: 241px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgudH2NCIh3DNH3zuOLnsL11QUcgwbfZiyaiJXoruFcc5BNY3FmVGASmWd6XpNjxqy3uue-RltdH2I9idAQbnyL3y8z2GMMdb1RkaE5MF1xmU45cddvgKM_TXwTtjxOrw4FCNuiRrh7JTM/s320/RH+Bill.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610156302854270738" border="0" /></a><br />Its intentions are ideal but its interpretation and application may essentially lead to the exact substantive evils its proponents are attempting to address. It cannot retract from the mounds of adverse evidence, mostly consisting of studies and statistical data exacted both from foreign and local research institutes, which prove that the bill is self-defeating and would probably exacerbate the mischief it is supposed to prevent.<br /><br />A discussion on the enumerated criticisms of those who oppose the bill would be in order. Thus, they argue:<br /><br />(1) The bill is based on faulty premises since a study of Nobel Prize winner Simon Kuznets, found no correlation between population growth and poverty in first world countries. This research was later replicated in developing countries;<br /><br />(2) The bill takes away limited government funds from treating many high priority medical and food needs and transfers them to fund harmful and deadly devices. The latest studies in scientific journals and organizations show that the ordinary birth control pill, and the IUD are abortifacient to fertilized eggs: they kill young human embryos, who as such are human beings equally worthy of respect;<br /><br />(3) Leading secular social scientists like Nobel Prize winner, George Akerlof and US National Defense Consultant, Lionel Tiger, have found that contraceptives have deleterious social effects (abortion, adultery, female impoverishment, fatherless children, teenage pregnancies, and immorality).<br /><br />(4) People's freedom to access contraceptives is not restricted by any opposing law, being available in family planning NGOs, stores, etc. The country is not a welfare state: taxpayer's money should not be used for personal practices that are harmful and immoral.<br /><br />First, there has been no cogent finding that population growth and poverty rise in parallels. A contrary assertion has been a cornerstone argument by the bill’s proponents. They insist that population growth is the bane of developing countries. This theory was debunked by the opposition. In fact, Nobel Prize winner Simon Kuznets concludes that “no clear association appears to exist in the present sample of countries, or is likely to exist in other developed countries, between rates of growth of population and of product per capita" and “that there is insignificant empirical association between population growth rates and output per capita (economic growth). Rather, it is the rate at which technology grows and the ability of the population to employ these new technologies efficiently and widely that permit economic progress”.<br /><br />Kuznets saw that the basic obstacles to economic growth arise from the limited capabilities of the institutions (political, social, legal, cultural, economic) to adjust. He argued instead that a more rapid population growth, if properly managed, will promote economic development through a positive impact on the society's state of knowledge. His findings have been confirmed by similar studies by the US National Research Council (1986), the UN Population Fund Consultative Meeting of Economists (1992), Eric Hanushek and Ludger Wößmann (2007), among others.<br /><br />Furthermore, Julian Simon, a professor of business administration at the University of Maryland and a Senior Fellow at the Cato Institute, compared several parallel countries in a study and asserts that the “birthrates were practically the same but [their] economic growth was entirely different due to different governance factors”. Indeed, no study has ever been presented by the bill’s proponents to argue that such correlation between the two factors exists. Lack thereof would lead to conjectures which have no applicable significance and would potentially imperil those who would be subject to the law because of its unsupported bases.<br /><br />Second, it must be noted that Section 23 of the bill, which espouses its appropriations, mandates that “the current annual General Appropriations Act for reproductive health and family planning under the DOH and POPCOM together with ten percent (10%) of the Gender and Development (GAD) budgets of all government departments, agencies, bureaus, offices and instrumentalities funded in the annual General Appropriations Act in accordance with Republic Act No. 7192 (Women in Development and Nation-building Act) and Executive Order No. 273 (Philippine Plan for Gender Responsive Development 1995-2025) shall be allocated and utilized for the implementation of this Act. Such additional sums as may be necessary for the effective implementation of this Act shall be included in the subsequent years’ General Appropriations Acts”. It would indeed cost millions of taxpayers’ money to be able to set-up a nationwide campaign that presumably aims to aid the uniformed but is actually promoting sexual promiscuity, unwanted pregnancies and escalated abortion rates.<br /><br />Thus, condoms are not wise investments. We have the lowest incidence of HIV cases after Bangladesh in the ADB report mentioned above, whereas Thailand, which has been regarded as the model in condom promotion, has the highest. European epidemiologist Dr. Jokin de Irala refers to “risk-compensation” as the reason for higher HIV-AIDS incidences when condoms are promoted. x x x Why spend millions to buy condoms when they are shown to increase incidences of STDs? A government-sponsored nationwide condom distribution will only fatten the pockets of condom manufacturers.<br /><br />Moreover, experts agree that oral contraceptives are abortifacients, or are substances that cause pregnancy to end prematurely and cause an abortion. Thus, according to Walter L. Larimore and Joseph B. Stanford’s study on Post Fertilization Effects of Oral Contraceptives and Their Relationship to Informed Consent, ‘the primary mechanism of oral contraceptives is to inhibit ovulation, but this mechanism is not always operative. When breakthrough ovulation occurs, then secondary mechanisms operate to prevent clinically recognized pregnancy. These secondary mechanisms may occur either before or after fertilization’. Ergo, [oral contraceptives] kill young human embryos, who as such are human beings equally worthy of respect, making the bill unconstitutional as it violates article 2, section 12 of the 1987 Constitution which provides that: “The State x x x shall equally protect the life of the mother and the life of the unborn from conception”.<br /><br />Furthermore, studies show that prolonged consumption of birth control pills is hazardous to one’s health. Thus, “the American Cancer Society warns that the risk of developing breast cancer increases after birth-control pills are used, and the increased risk persists for 10 years after they are stopped" and that “several studies warn against an increased risk of cardiovascular problems in women taking these new substances.” It thus runs counter to the avowed protection granted by the 1987 Constitution for the lives of women and children (Article 2, Section 12).<br /><br />Third, it is argued that the profligate spread of contraceptives due to its increased availability may result to steep increases in abortion rates, fatherless children, teenage pregnancies, and immorality. Indeed, if such birth control devices are made available in several conspicuous areas, chances are those who are willing to exercise their sexual proclivities, especially young teenagers who are overly eager but are presumably devoid of any knowledge of the consequences of sexual intercourse, may indeed satiate such desires with impunity and minimal restraint. This increases the risk of unwanted pregnancies as sexual voracity is promoted by convenient access to contraceptive devices. It is admitted that these devices are not fool-proof as studies show that 50% of unplanned pregnancies in the United States are caused by defective contraception.<br /><br />Abortion is preferably and commonly resorted to by young mothers with unplanned pregnancies. Whether the process be through a medical procedure or through oral intake of medication, it is admitted that any such process is geared towards the elimination of the embryo regardless of its stage. This fact is of significance because Article 2, Section of the 1987 Constitution provides that the life of the unborn is protected since conception. Conception is medically defined as the “union of the sperm and the ovum” and is “synonymous with fertilization”. It is also “the onset of pregnancy, marked by implantation of the blastocyst into the endometrium.” It is crystal clear that from that moment, such organism, regardless of development, acquires the fundamental right to life protected by the Constitution itself. It is therefore imperative that the bill be struck down because of the harmful domino effect it entails which remains to be unseen, or is deliberately neglected, by the bill’s proponents. It is also admitted that although the aforecited Section of the Constitution equally protects the life of the mother and the unborn, abortion may only be resorted to when it endangers the life of both the child and the mother. It cannot be invoked as an expedient method to avoid unwanted pregnancy.<br /><br />Finally, instead of allotting millions of public funds in the drive for mass distribution of contraceptive devices, the government has to channel limited funds to job creation and education. The latest report of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) entitled Key Indicators for Asia and the Pacific 2010 notes that the “middle class has increased rapidly in size and purchasing power as strong economic growth in the past two decades has helped reduce poverty significantly and lift previously poor households into the middle class.” Two factors were reported to drive the creation and sustenance of a middle class: a) stable, secure, well-paid jobs with good benefits, and b) higher education. And so, why not create more bills that will strengthen these two factors instead of channeling our limited funds to contraception and sex education.<br /><br />It is the State’s duty to order society by promoting the well-being of its citizens. Thus, it is a disservice to legislate what constitutes harm to its people. We pointed but a few of the studies showing the harmful effects of contraception to society, the family, the youth and women’s health. While it is true that the State cannot stop people from using contraception, since they may personally choose to expose themselves to its risks, it is not the State’s job to facilitate access to what is harmful. What the government should do is craft laws that prevent people from harming themselves or more positively phrased, help them develop themselves and society. We urge the legislators to dump the contentious and flawed Reproductive Health bill and to pass more bills strengthening the Filipino family, protecting its citizens against the risks of contraception, defending the scientific fact that conception begins at fertilization, providing essential medicines for the main causes of death, making quality education more accessible to Filipinos, and providing more jobs.<br /><br />*Sources:<br /><br />http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reproductive_Health_Bill_%28Philippines%29#Criticism_of_premises<br /><br />http://www.scribd.com/doc/46021020/Position-Paper-on-the-RH-Bills<br /><br />Resource inputs from Chiqui Lechago and Donna FloresGil IIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04747369524495930741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4726539309339974665.post-818055484866504902011-03-28T09:58:00.000-07:002011-03-28T10:07:55.423-07:00Our Take on the RH Bill<meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" 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ext="edit" data="1"> </o:idmap></o:shapelayout><!--[endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;">
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in; font-family: arial;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">The bill is <b style="">flawed</b>. This remains to be a fact as the debates currently wage on as to its viability. Truly, it is a progressive piece of legislation aiming to improve women and children’s health and welfare while bolstering the drive for information dissemination regarding sexual and reproductive health concerns. The bill fundamentally protects women’s health and is essentially founded on real concerns by real individuals. Moreover, it idealizes the concept of free choice and lauds the exercise of such.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in; font-family: arial;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">However, the bill must not be viewed and valued on its face value but on its entirety. Its overall ramifications must be foreseen and its deleterious effects properly addressed. At its current stage, we believe that it fails to uphold morality and remains to be constitutionally infirm.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in; font-family: arial;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">We believe that it succeeds on several aspects such as its assertion on better provision of medical services for women and children, its reaffirming stance on the illegality of abortion, its determination to better facilitate information drives and on its impressive resolve on the overall wellness of the Filipino woman. Be that as it may, it does not sit on firm foundations as some of its provisions need to be revised or ultimately stricken out. Thus, Fr. Joaquin Bernas, S. J. posits in an online article that “[<span style="">t]he RH bill is by no means a perfect document. I do not believe that the authors of the bill themselves consider their work sacrosanct or rock-permanent. They must realize that there are provisions in the bill which run counter to the moral beliefs of some. They cannot overlook the fact that moral rules of our society and much of our civil law are based on religious values. At the same time, however, we must also realize that in our religiously pluralist society we can differ in matters of morality, especially sexual morality. Neither, however, is the bill totally bad. There are provisions in the bill which seek to answer the crying needs of women and important needs of young people, especially among the poor.”<a style="" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=4726539309339974665&postID=81805548486650490#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in; font-family: arial;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">We respectfully believe that the bill loses its color when it mandates under Section 10 that contraceptives be considered as “essential medicine” and that the same “shall be included in the regular purchase of essential medicines and supplies of all national and local hospitals and other government health units.” It is our humble view that restrictions must be set relative to the unlimited access granted by the bill to said devices. It has been conclusively proven that most of the common contraceptives are either ineffective or harmful. Defective condoms are actually blamed for failing to prevent conception approximately 50% of the time and that most oral contraceptives are abortifacients. To consider such abortifacients as “essential medicine” would be sanctioning abortion. Moreover, birth control pills increase the risk of the occurrence of breast cancer and cardiovascular problems in women. It thus becomes imperative that these must be prescribed by authorized medical practitioners only.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in; font-family: arial;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Truly, the law must not operate to allow the State to offer contraceptives free of charge. It must restrict its distribution. We are not, however, imploring that such be prohibited altogether; we are merely suggesting that these be duly regulated and not be distributed in wanton disregard of its untoward effects. Thus, while the bill focuses on health and wellness, there are certain provisions which defeat said core purpose (i.e. the free and unrestricted access to contraceptives). This inconsistency has to be thoroughly addressed.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in; font-family: arial;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Furthermore, some provisions violate, or vitiate in the very least, the freedom of choice by making contraceptives patently accessible. The exercise of choice, in its ideal sense, must be free from any vice or defect, must be intelligent and must be spontaneous. Making contraceptives conveniently available may effectively reduce a person’s capacity to weigh his or her options well, free from any undue influence, as the law itself makes contraception ostensible, legal and accessible. This cannot be countenanced as it curtails the exercise of a person’s freedom of choice.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in; font-family: arial;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">We further believe that the bill, although primarily concerned with apprising the curious and uninformed, does not imply that sex education be a core subject in every academe. Section 12 mandates the formation of a “Reproductive Health Education curriculum” to be spearheaded by the POPCOM, in coordination with the Department of Education. We believe that these agencies, following the same mandate that the courses be age-appropriate, must assess the frequency in conducting these courses. Excessive information may induce or increase confusion, while stale and archaic methods may prove to be ineffective; both of which would render the program inutile. Thus, these agencies, with proper funding and thorough orientation, must strike the correct balance between the given extremes.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in; font-family: arial;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">We also believe that the church must not turn a blind eye from its constituents. It must not remain stagnant because the issues are becoming more real and more pressing. Indeed, Fr. Bernas believes that “<span style="">our embrace of religious liberty is a manifestation of our belief that religion is profoundly meaningful and that we can draw from religion guidance in our social and political options. At the same time, however, we have also drawn a demarcation line, not always clear, which separates the functions of government and religion, thereby potentially severing government from a source of social and moral values dear to many believing citizens”<a style="" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=4726539309339974665&postID=81805548486650490#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span></span></span></a>. This becomes more apparent as the bill is slowly taking form. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in; font-family: arial;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="">Both sides are baring their fangs with their conflicting notions of the ideal versus the real. The church, being the “moral beacon” of the country, must see that morality is subjective and is not a dormant concept as it does not operate in a vacuum. It remains to be dynamic and must evolve accordingly with the current socio-cultural atmosphere. It behooves the church to recognize that ideal concepts are indeed ideal; as such, they remain to be standards which have to be followed but not blindly adhered to. In the same vein, the body politic must understand that the church’s stance on its version of morality is based on long-standing tradition and has yet to be debased by contrary actuations. Similarly, the proponents of the bill must attempt to harmonize its own goals with the morals protected by the church and must not endeavor to run counter it. Admittedly, this is a gargantuan task which may only be resolved through open dialogue between such adverse parties.</span></span></p> <span style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" ><span style="line-height: 115%;">As the bill remains to be in its 2<sup>nd</sup> reading, certain amendments may still be proposed. The proponents and detractors of the bill have yet to arrive at a valid and equitable compromise without ever losing sight of the primacy of the citizens’ interests.</span></span> <div style="font-family:arial;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><div style="" id="ftn2"><p class="MsoFootnoteText"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> </div> </div> </xml>Gil IIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04747369524495930741noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4726539309339974665.post-27478859583703593062010-01-01T08:50:00.000-08:002011-11-02T10:21:25.720-07:00Copypaste Galore: Top 50 Funniest Pinoy Business Establishment Names<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" >1. Parlor in San Juan is named “Cut & Face”.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" > 2. Wholesaler of balut in Sto.Tomas, Batangas: “Starducks”.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" > 3. Fast food eatery in Nueva Ecija: “Violybee”</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" > 4. Internet cafe opened among squatters named “Cafe Pindot”.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" > 5. In Manila , there’s a laundry named, “Summa Cum Laundry”.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" > 6. Petshop in Ortigas: “Pussies and Bitches”.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" > 7. A pet shop in Kamuning: “Pakita Mo Pet Mo”.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" > 8. Bakery: “Bread Pit”.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" > 9. Bank in Alabang: “Alabank”.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:arial;" > 10. Restaurant in Pampanga named, “Mekeni Rogers”.</span> <p style="font-family: arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">11. Restaurant in Pasig : “Johnny’s Fried Chicken: The ‘Fried’ of Marikina “.<br />12. A boxing gym: “Blow Jab”.<br />13. A tombstone maker in Antipolo: “Lito Lapida”.<br />14. A copy center in Sikatuna Village called “Pakopya ni Edgar”.<br />15. A beerhouse in Cavite called, “Chickpoint” .<br />16. Laundromat in Sikatuna: ” Star Wash : Attack of the Clothes”.<br />17. Internet cafe in Taguig named, “n@kopi@”.<br />18. Name of a kambingan, “Sa Goat Kita”.<br />19. A salon somewhere, “Curl Up And Dye”.<br />20. A lugawan in Sta. Maria, Bulacan: “Gee Congee”.</p> <p style="font-family: arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">21. A water refilling station in Dapitan named “Wa-Thirst”.<br />22. A store selling feeds for chickens: “Robocock”.<br />23. Shoe repair in Marikina : “Dr. Shoe-Bago”.<br />24. Shoe repair store along Commonwealth, “SHOEPERMAN: we will HEEL you,<br />save your SOLE, and even DYE for you”.<br />25. Petshop: “Petness First”<br />26. Flower shop: “Susan’s Roses”.<br />27. Taxicab: “Income Taxi”.<br />28. A 2nd hand watch store: “2nd Time Around”.<br />29. A squid stall in a wet market: “Pusit to the Limit”.<br />30. A gay lawyer’s extension office: ” Nota Republic “.</p> <p style="font-family: arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">31. A ceiling installer: ” Kisame Street “.<br />32. A car repair shop: “Bangga ka ‘day?”<br />33. An aquatic pet store in Malolos: “Fish Be With You”.<br />34. A beauty salon: “Saudia Hairlines”.<br />35. A bakery: “Anak Ng Tinapay”.<br />36. A resto along Mayon road in Manila : “May Lisa Eatery”.<br />37. Laundry shop: “Wash Your Problem”.<br />38. This mobile massage business name isn’t funny, but<br />their slogan is: “Asian Mobile Massage Service: Massage only, God is<br />watching”.<br />39. Ice cream parlor: “Dila Lang Ang Katapat”.<br />40. Chicharon store: “Chicha Hut”.</p> <p style="font-family: arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">41. Neighborhood pizza store: “Pizza Hot”.<br />42. A fishball cart near UST: “Eat My Balls”.<br />43. A barbershop in Cagayan de Oro: “Pinoy Big Barber”.<br />44. A Resto: “The Last Supper”.<br />45. A goto resto: “Goto Ko Pa!”<br />46. A gym in Malolos: ” Gaymann Fitness Center “.<br />47. A store selling fresh chicken, owned by woman named Dina: “Dina Fresh<br />Chicken”.<br />48. Salon: “Hair Dot Comb”.<br />49. Signage on a restaurant: “We are open 25 hrs. a day – no lunch/dinner breaks!”<br />50. A funeral parlor in Bacoor, Cavite :”Funeraria Happy”.</p> <p style="font-family: arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Source: http://kapisanan.wordpress.com/2008/08/15/top-50-funniest-pinoy-business-names/</p>Gil IIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04747369524495930741noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4726539309339974665.post-44481059488225745552009-04-22T06:53:00.000-07:002009-04-22T07:07:12.538-07:00And Everything Went Better Than Expected<p style="text-align: left; font-family: arial;">After having been able to survive my first 20 banking days, I think I’m all set up for bigger prospects. Lol. Here’s a rundown on my teeth rotting conquests so far.</p> <p style="text-align: left; font-family: arial;">1. Within said time frame, I was able to experience working on my first quarterly reports. Well, I was more like a baggage than a free set of hands then. I have to say that the frenzy took its toll on me: I missed a lot of my regimens, I neglected <em>all </em>my gym sessions (my registration expired anyway) and when I got home, I hit the hay instantaneously. This actually went on for a couple of days and said stress consequently affected my work performance and lifestyle.</p> <p style="font-family: arial;">2. I also felt my first wake up call (I was taking too much time wallowing in ‘<em>trainee land</em>’) when my supervisor expressed her malcontent over my performance, albeit subtly, through her body language. I was taking too long at my daily loads (after being trained exhaustively) that for a brief moment, the entire department thought I was retarded. At least I think they did. </p> <p style="text-align: center; font-family: arial;"><a href="http://amphysvena.blog.friendster.com/files/stress_one.gif"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-445" title="stress_one" src="http://amphysvena.blog.friendster.com/files/stress_one-300x299.gif" alt="" width="300" height="299" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: left; font-family: arial;">I realized that I had to push myself more.</p> <p style="text-align: left; font-family: arial;">So, I mustered the will to study the procedures by heart and before I knew it, I was able to finish my tasks in record time. Henceforth, I will <em>have </em>to be reprimanded before I take matters seriously. Lol.</p> <p style="text-align: left; font-family: arial;">3. Amid my promising progress, I still fear month ends and quarterly report preparations. I’ve never been able to fully participate on (or comprehend at the very least) said processes.</p> <p style="font-family: arial;">4. I’ve been blessed with the best office mates the world has had to offer so far. But then again, familiarity often breeds contempt so I’m logging my current impressions of them here before the animosity grows. Lol. Seriously though, they’re good people. Even if I can barely keep up with their technical blabber, I can definitely count on them when my struggling becomes too apparent. And although I consider myself to be culturally detached from them, our diversities do more than augment our trivia banks.</p> <p style="font-family: arial;">I guess that’s it so far. I’ve given myself a year long window to asses my ability to juggle law school and work and so far, it’s been fairly favorable. Here’s to hoping the good things last. </p> <span style="font-family: arial;">Cheers! </span>Gil IIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04747369524495930741noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4726539309339974665.post-377045462528851332009-04-03T07:04:00.000-07:002009-04-04T04:54:32.261-07:00Workplace Fervor<p style="text-align: left; font-family: arial;">It’s been a while (a month I presume) since I made an entry here so I guess an update is warranted.</p> <p style="text-align: left; font-family: arial;">I’ve recently started working (for 2 weeks) in an accounting center of Landbank Phils. and I have to say that I was taken aback by the sudden shift of environments (from bum to glum) that I thought my hair would fall out. This was my first take on the real world and although it shook me abruptly, said tremor was pleasantly brief.</p> <p style="text-align: center; font-family: arial;"><a href="http://amphysvena.blog.friendster.com/files/corporate1.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-439 alignnone" title="corporate1" src="http://amphysvena.blog.friendster.com/files/corporate1-300x240.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="240" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: left; font-family: arial;">On day 1, I was introduced to my supervisor and she apprised me, albeit not sternly, on certain ground rules that needed proper observance. The one I took at heart was her instruction on humility. She has been working on said bank for 15 years and the hint of authority in her tone didn’t exude arrogance. She practices what she preaches, I suppose.</p> <p style="text-align: left; font-family: arial;">Then and there, the challenge began.</p> <p style="text-align: left; font-family: arial;">Since I knew nothing of banking (and doing work in general) I apparently felt like a fish out of water when my colleagues started doing their jobs, hammering away at their keyboards whilst thoroughly sifting through mounds of source documents in mind warping speeds. My ignorance was apparent, my inability evident. I had to step things up a notch! I immediately tempered myself to an inquisitive mode, trying to ask the right questions in an appropriate manner. I took notes and endured.</p> <p style="text-align: left; font-family: arial;">The thing I like most about the work place is that everyone is able and willing to help one another. My office mates are impeccably polite and even the people on the higher end of the hierarchy are keen to lend a hand. This work place culture, though prone to abuse, is not something I would take for granted.</p> <p style="text-align: left; font-family: arial;">After a week or so of incessant inquiry and observation, I got the hang of it. I actually have been doing my branch’s (Matina) books recently. I realized that this work requires mad skills (analysis, speed and accuracy to wit) and just like driving, it takes time and adequate practice to master (quoting my father) . I’m hoping that it won’t end up as bad as my driving though. Hence, the work blues faded and I’ve started to enjoy the crests and troughs of working as a professional.</p> <span style="font-family: arial;">Cheers!</span>Gil IIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04747369524495930741noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4726539309339974665.post-86021620263312047912009-02-20T20:08:00.000-08:002009-02-20T20:16:03.277-08:00The Date<p style="font-family: arial;">This is a ridiculously long post (with no pictures). Read at your risk.<br />TL;DR see Conclusion, last paragraph.</p> <p style="font-family: arial;"><strong>The Engagement</strong><br />Cristyl was in Davao for a leadership seminar conducted by her colleagues from AdM and she sent us an SMS to have dinner with her later. She also invited some of her closest friends so I was pleasantly surprised to have been notified of said endeavor. After I left the gym, I immediately headed for school (meeting place) worrying that my tardiness would upset some people.</p> <p style="font-family: arial;">It wasn’t much of a reunion for them as it was for me. Entering the school was mildly nostalgic; seeing an almost infinite sea of students and their imaginary woes reminded me of my own. We (with Hannah and Noemie) hurried to the Samahan office to find Cristyl and find her they did!</p> <p style="font-family: arial;"><strong>Reunion</strong><br />I haven’t seen Cristyl since her impressive valedictory speech on our commencement exercises last March so I almost didn’t recognize her amid the hair colour and blush ons. But she was <em>still </em>pretty. Charot. She must have adapted well to the ‘Manilan’ lifestyle because clearly, she didn’t look stressed. We greeted each other (excitingly at that) and went to the Claveria terminal. Then we proceeded to go to the Roxas terminal (I had no idea why) and saw Valerie. She recently received the news of her success at the Nursing board exams so imagine us jumping and screaming with her while onlookers seemed baffled.</p> <p style="font-family: arial;">Peter called and they decided it was best to decide everything at the mall. Everything was so spontaneous (i.e. unplanned) so I just went with the flow, noisily. We saw Peter and Haroh (and to <em>our </em>surprise, Aimely) there. I haven’t seen him since when and he was really lean! He clearly put on some muscle because he looked bigger. Then we decided to go to ‘Cubiyertos’ (spell check?) to eat.</p> <p style="font-family: arial;"><strong>Dinner</strong><br />The place was lovely (not too many people) and the food was great. Although quantity wise, it wasn’t satisfying. We talked a lot about what we’ve been doing after the graduation and I was very curious as to what Manila life was about then I realized that I needed to travel more. Lol. I learned that Cristyl had a job in AdM and that she was enrolled there for a semester.</p> <p style="font-family: arial;">Tammy came late (as usual) and she barely ate. She did have some cake (Valerie’s treat) though. She also passed the Nursing exams so I was really giddy when she arrived and she happened to share the same sentiment with me. I was genuinely happy and proud for her. We paid for the food and left hastily.</p> <p style="font-family: arial;"><strong>The Chaser</strong><br />Afterwards we went to this café place (I forgot the name) to talk more. We had a hard time choosing our orders because we were (sort of) full and the slections were <em>way</em> beyond our budget (well, mine at least). Alfred finally arrived and we cheered at his arrival. We had some (non-alcoholic) drinks here and there whilst continuing our discussion on what we’ve done with our lives so far.</p> <p style="font-family: arial;"><strong>Learning</strong><br />I learned a lot from the RNs. We’ve had the same conversation before about how they fare at the hospital and every single time we do, I could only imagine myself (always unfailingly) fainting on the spot. I could never do their job, having someone else’s life on my hands would only spell harm for said person. I’ve neglected to perceive how good and selfless they were at what they do. Our nurses should get paid more then, I thought.</p> <p style="font-family: arial;">Then Cristyl talked about her job on how they help people, the youth especially, tap (and possibly enhance) their leadership potentials. They do not merely limit themselves to training said people and randomly conducting seminars but also to form and foster said organization within the premise of their recipients and for said organizations (including theirs) to be self sustaining in the long run.</p> <p style="font-family: arial;">I pray I could be of service to people like they do.</p> <p style="font-family: arial;">Then they counseled me (intensely) on why I’ve been acridly frugal on my career decisions (and consequently being pessimistic about everything I choose) and on what I currently lack: a clear-cut career path. Ugh. It pains me to recognize that they’re right; that I do have tendencies to be irregular at my career options and too particular about my selections. I recognize that I am excessively prudent on this matter and that it’s not always harmful to have lowered expectations. I also revealed that most of us have this belief on self-entitlement myths and that ranting too much on this would warrant another post. Lol.</p> <p style="font-family: arial;"><strong>Conclusion</strong><br />Then, on the heat of the discussions, my mum called. I had to go. So, we wrapped up our conversations with small talk and some hilarious commentary about Alfred’s apparent disinterest at said discussion. So, we (Tammy, Hannah and I) called in a cab and went aboard. We slipped a few topics here and there while in the vehicle and before we knew it, we were home.</p> <p style="font-family: arial;">Hence, we’ve all played the ‘catch up with your friends’ life game’ before and it’s almost always a guaranteed funfest. Nothing beats the salty humor of your seatmate’s sporadic ramblings, the seriousness of the person across you when he/she talks about impending challenges and the encouragement you get from their conquest of an almost insurmountable obstacle. And a sprinkle of gossip makes every detail delectable.</p> <span style="font-family: arial;">Cheers! :D<br /></span>Gil IIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04747369524495930741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4726539309339974665.post-61742630563411052422009-02-04T03:45:00.000-08:002009-02-04T03:50:22.995-08:00Law School Delayed?<p style="font-family: arial;">I was really hyped when my mum offered me the opportunity to take law school this year (even if I unfailingly tease her that I hate it) but I’m afraid I’d have to reexamine my options <span style="font-style: italic;">again</span>.</p> <p style="text-align: center; font-family: arial;"><img title="ateneo!" src="http://photos-930.friendster.com/e1/photos/03/92/12232930/33314099440695l.jpg" alt="ateneo!" height="234" width="313" /></p> <p style="font-family: arial;">My father suggested today that I set aside said endeavor for a year or so because he wants me to focus at my job first. As if I was working <em>na</em>. Anyway, he’s almost always right (much to my displeasure) and I’d have to take his words at heart (he’s a lawyer, by the way, and he’s supposedly going to finance my tuition).</p> <p style="font-family: arial;">Just as I was ready to get this to work, I get another wrench thrown in my plans. Ugh. Guess it’s back to the drawing board this time.</p>Gil IIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04747369524495930741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4726539309339974665.post-37203436422135947622009-02-04T02:18:00.001-08:002009-02-04T02:18:55.958-08:00Our Status Quo<p style="font-family: arial;"><strong>An Unexpected Reunion</strong></p> <p style="font-family: arial;">I had my scheduled exam in Davao Light yesterday and I was pleasantly surprised when I saw Reggie and Den-Den there. We discussed our experiences after the results came in and eventually (almost mandatorily) we talked about our ‘careers’. I didn’t have much to say really except that I had to explain to them how I was ’supposedly’ hired but had to start working in a month or so.</p> <p style="font-family: arial;">Reggie was working in COA and was assigned in the City Hall. She said that her boss was my reviewer in BLT. Small world. Den-Den on the other hand said that she’s just begun her job hunt. I think we’re all faring well, though not as well as I imagined, but with news of imminent economic recession, it didn’t surprise me that much.</p> <p style="text-align: center; font-family: arial;"><a href="http://amphysvena.blog.friendster.com/files/mp.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-289 aligncenter" title="mp" src="http://amphysvena.blog.friendster.com/files/mp-300x223.jpg" alt="" height="223" width="300" /></a></p> <p style="font-family: arial;"><strong>The Exams</strong></p> <p style="font-family: arial;">Then we met with several candidates and realized that we <em>all </em>had the same qualifications. The HR representative led us to a classy room (with classy chairs and classy furniture) and instructed that we complete the 3-part IQ test within the set time. It wasn’t that difficult but the Math part drove me crazy.</p> <p style="font-family: arial;">After that Reggie had to report back to her office and I accompanied Den-Den to the nearest jeepney terminal. She talked enthusiastically about her awful experience in Cebu during her review and on why she opted for Davao instead of Manila for her search. I had to agree with her on Cebu being filthy and unfit for survival (I hope I don’t offend my relatives).</p> <p style="font-family: arial;"><strong>Aftermath</strong></p> <p style="font-family: arial;">We both parted ways when we reached the Claveria junction and I rode home full of hope in my heart. Lol! I also received a confirmation from my future employer stating that I need not go to my interview (in another Landbank office) because I was ‘for hiring’ <em>na daw</em>. It doesn’t have to take a genius to figure out that my she wants me to report to her department and that she values me as a future employee. Lol. I love how I stretch reality.</p> <p style="font-family: arial;">TL;DR I saw some friends, took an exam and my I hope my future boss loves me.</p> <span style="font-family: arial;">Cheers and thank you for reading this exhausting entry!:D</span>Gil IIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04747369524495930741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4726539309339974665.post-87717331698874011122009-02-02T19:38:00.000-08:002009-02-02T19:43:31.748-08:00Day 14: Protip TL;DR and Employment<div class="post-date"><span class="post-month"><br /></span><span class="post-day"></span></div><span class="post-comments"></span>TL;DR (actually not in full caps) means ‘too long; didn’t read’, <em>not </em>teal deer, usually followed by a succinct summary of the <em>long </em>post above. It’s designed to.. well, summarize said post so that people wouldn’t have to read the <em>entire</em> entry. <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://amphysvena.blog.friendster.com/files/11238963.png"><img class="size-medium wp-image-286 aligncenter" title="11238963" src="http://amphysvena.blog.friendster.com/files/11238963.png" alt="" height="100" width="100" /></a></p> <p>It’s a terminology pegged by anons claiming to be the <em>true </em>face of the internet in a certain website. Rules 1 and 2 are still in force (even if they are only applicable to raids) so I am forbidden to reveal the link.</p> <p>Anyway, it’s a Monday and I’ve got great news. I’ve been hired (finally) in Landbank but I’d have to start working (probably) next month <em>pa</em>. I personally think it’s worth the wait although having no firm affirmation (i.e. contract signing, etc.) of my employment <em>worries </em>me.</p> I also have a scheduled interview in <em>another</em> Landbank office tomorrow so I’m kind of weighing my options a little. If I trust my employer I should be able to relax, yes? Well, I do. till, I think it’s normal for people to feel reluctant with employment because of the constant influx of retrenchments and all. Plus, I’m new to this thing so I believe my apprehensions are valid.<br /><br />I also have an exam tomorrow at the Davao Light office so I have to study for that. Lol. I’d have to quote Tammy for pointing out my apparent obliviousness on this matter: ‘<em>Ikaw lang jud akong kaila na naga-</em>study<em> para sa </em>IQ test!’ <p>TL;DR I’ve been hired but I’m quite apprehensive.</p> Cheers!:DGil IIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04747369524495930741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4726539309339974665.post-24974555674273597842009-02-01T23:18:00.000-08:002009-02-01T23:19:04.616-08:00Day 13: Lazy Sundays<p style="font-family: arial;">I dislike my Sundays because nothing of particular import happens to me on these days (aside from chores) so it would be pointless for me to blabber about nothing of significance. Lol. Cognitive dissonance strikes again.</p> <p style="font-family: arial;">However, my brother did request me to elaborate the concept of certain variances so that kind’a lightened up my mood for a while. They’ve been discussing said topic for the past weeks, the most current relating to overhead. They’ll have a quiz tomorrow so he <em>had </em>to ask me in the last hour (we’re very complacent people).</p> <p style="text-align: center; font-family: arial;"><a href="http://amphysvena.blog.friendster.com/files/garrisoncoverlg.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-281 aligncenter" title="garrisoncoverlg" src="http://amphysvena.blog.friendster.com/files/garrisoncoverlg.jpg" alt="" height="241" width="200" /></a></p> <p style="font-family: arial;">In retrospect (forcibly extracted by the problem he wanted me to explain), I had a <em>really </em>hard time with overhead variances because I didn’t know we had to memorize a <em>lot</em> of formulas for it. <em>Na</em>-culture shock <em>ko</em>, in short, because I thought accountants only had to analyze exhaustively, not memorize.</p> <p style="font-family: arial;">I was bombarded by terms (4-way, 3-way, AFOH, BASH, BAAH, etc) that were alien to me and it took me a while (only until the review actually) to fully absorb them.</p> <p style="font-family: arial;">So, through thorough and proper exertion of intellectual effort, I was able to love this particular field of Managerial Accounting. Though I still get perplexed sometimes and it punches my pride in the gut.</p> <p style="font-family: arial;">I just hope my brother gets through it because I know it won’t be easy for him as well (although my worrisome presumptions have been oftentimes wrong since he still gets notable marks from the subject considering that I rarely see him study). Maybe he studies in secret, yes?</p> <p style="font-family: arial;">TL;DR I <em>still </em>like Standard Costing.</p><p style="font-family: arial;">Cheers! :D</p>Gil IIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04747369524495930741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4726539309339974665.post-89704052826613082812009-01-31T19:48:00.000-08:002009-01-31T19:49:21.742-08:00Day 12: Bleach Update and A Sunday Service Recommendation<span style="font-family: arial;">Since I’m technically employed (I hope), I </span><em style="font-family: arial;">relinquish </em><span style="font-family: arial;">my ‘obligation’ (a daunting and mentally draining one at that) to post an entry here daily. Lol. And because of the undying </span><em style="font-family: arial;">law </em><span style="font-family: arial;">of diminishing marginal utility, I realized that my content has gradually.. well, diminished. So I believe it’s for the best if I did. :D</span><br /><br /><strong style="font-family: arial;">Bleach Update!</strong><span style="font-family: arial;"> In the latest Bleach manga, Ulquiorra and Ichigo are still at it, Orihime tries to help Ichigo, Ulquiorra’s fraccion intend to kill Orihime and Yammy’s climactic arrival at the scene builds up the series’ momentum (probably to vent his frustration on Ichigo for cutting his arm off).</span> <p style="text-align: center; font-family: arial;"><a href="http://amphysvena.blog.friendster.com/files/dsc03135.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-277 aligncenter" title="dsc03135" src="http://amphysvena.blog.friendster.com/files/dsc03135-300x225.jpg" alt="" height="184" width="290" /></a></p> <p style="font-family: arial;">And it’s a Saturday. We’re off to church later to do worship. We’ve been patronizing the Redemptorist church for our Sunday (and anticipated mass) services because said services are the best in the city. Their lectors speak and sound well, the choir doesn’t shout and <em>most </em>of the presiding priests make wonderful (albeit oftentimes long) homilies. I suggest you go here too; though if you like English masses (like me) you’d have to check their schedules beforehand.</p> <span style="font-family: arial;">Cheers!</span> :DGil IIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04747369524495930741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4726539309339974665.post-38999489689770524212009-01-30T07:03:00.000-08:002009-01-30T07:04:23.210-08:00Day 11: Tax Me, Baby!<p style="font-family: arial;">In a nutshell, it [tax seminar] was as exciting as shopping for antiques. Well, most of the people there were, well.. antique-looking so the logic fits.</p> <p style="text-align: center; font-family: arial;"><a href="http://amphysvena.blog.friendster.com/files/birlogo.gif"><img class="size-full wp-image-273 aligncenter" title="birlogo" src="http://amphysvena.blog.friendster.com/files/birlogo.gif" alt="" height="149" width="149" /></a></p> <p style="font-family: arial;">The topics were for experienced CPAs and it was spearheaded by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (along with the local PICPA chapter) and most of the topics were highly elaborate tax circulars that repealed previous pronouncements. Apparently, I had no idea what said previous pronouncements were so just imagine me nodding my head in utter bewilderment. I was also caught off guard when I saw the Bureau’s <em>new </em>vision: it had the word <strong>integrity</strong> in it so I took in some time to laugh ‘internally’.</p> <p style="font-family: arial;">They heavily discussed:</p> <p style="font-family: arial;">1. The Bureau’s (RDO 113) plans for the current year;</p> <p style="font-family: arial;">2. A <em>lot </em>about the Optional Standard Deduction (OSD);</p> <p style="font-family: arial;">3. And other tax updates (Top 20,000 Tax Payers, Director’s Fees, Registration of Manual Books, etc).</p> <p style="font-family: arial;">To respect the effort the speakers put into their presentations (though one proved to be entertaining) I <em>pretended </em>to listen, gently shaking my head in specific instances (albeit delayed because I had to see if others were doing likewise) and slightly chuckling at their apparent struggle with some words.. err, comical retorts.</p> <p style="font-family: arial;">The ruse I was playing strained me so I turned to my seatmates only to find that we were <em>all </em>on the same playing field. At least we <em>rightfully </em>earned (through an extensive exertion of force) our CPE units, yes? Not bad for wee freshmen, I suppose.</p> <p style="font-family: arial;">TL;DR I was bored to tears.</p> <span style="font-family: arial;">Cheers! :D<br /></span>Gil IIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04747369524495930741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4726539309339974665.post-12648946635521825582009-01-28T20:06:00.000-08:002009-01-28T20:08:15.358-08:00Day 10: Good News, Bad News<p style="text-align: left; font-family: arial;">Hello avid readers! Lol. It’s like talking to an empty chasm, yes?</p> <p style="text-align: center; font-family: arial;"><a href="http://amphysvena.blog.friendster.com/files/250px-new_bdo_logo.png"><img class="size-full wp-image-266 alignnone" title="250px-new_bdo_logo" src="http://amphysvena.blog.friendster.com/files/250px-new_bdo_logo.png" alt="" height="43" width="250" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: left; font-family: arial;">OK, the bad news first: I flunked the BDO interview today. I’m not one to make too many excuses (not <em>really</em> true) but I think it had something to do with my preference for law school and the short time I was considering myself for employment (when I said I wanted to work there for at least 2 years her eyes squinted in disgust). Oh well. Like they say, an exit is akin to an entrance with better lighting. Lol, I made that up.</p> <p style="text-align: left; font-family: arial;"> </p><p style="text-align: center; font-family: arial;"><a href="http://amphysvena.blog.friendster.com/files/250px-landbank_logo1.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-268" title="250px-landbank_logo1" src="http://amphysvena.blog.friendster.com/files/250px-landbank_logo1.jpg" alt="" height="107" width="177" /></a></p> <span style="font-family: arial;">The good news is I passed the Landbank examination (along with some of my friends who took it as well). Yey! :D The branch manager </span><em style="font-family: arial;">finally </em><span style="font-family: arial;">considered my application and she told me she’d be processing it if I completed all the requirements. But I’m still not sure about that because March is still a month away, the only position open (I think) is for bookkeeping and I could still consider my </span><em style="font-family: arial;">other </em><span style="font-family: arial;">pending applications. Still, it’s assuring to know that I have stable backup plans (this and law school, eventually).</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Here’s to hoping for the best! Cheers!:D</span>Gil IIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04747369524495930741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4726539309339974665.post-879187971130514882009-01-27T06:20:00.001-08:002009-01-27T06:20:46.033-08:00Day 9: Still Keeping It Positive (in a Bipolar Sort of Way)<p style="text-align: left; font-family: arial;">Productivity wise, this day would fare better a tad bit because I was able to do my exercise routines albeit not taking lunch beforehand. I had to stop it prematurely because I was feeling wobbly and inexplicably hungry (LOL at lack of appropriate adverb).</p> <p style="text-align: left; font-family: arial;">I actually looked for a new pair of shorts but it was unfortunate that I couldn’t find the exact piece I loved (and wore tirelessly) so I quit. I was only able to look for it in one mall so there’s hope still. But I’m keeping my options open. This could be a window in which I would discover a <em>new </em>fit that I would stick with the rest of my working out days. Lol. (My sentences are running so I must be hungry again.)</p> <p style="text-align: left; font-family: arial;">That pretty much sums my day up. It’s quite hard being unemployed and trying to write something of essence. I’m not bitter though. I’m sure my plans will come to fruition in due time. Meanwhile, I’ll just have to embrace my <em>static</em> status (as people unerringly suggest) because viewing it in another perspective, it’s actually a considerable luxury (if y’know what I mean).</p> <p style="text-align: center; font-family: arial;"><a href="http://amphysvena.blog.friendster.com/files/relax.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-262 alignnone" title="relax" src="http://amphysvena.blog.friendster.com/files/relax-300x225.jpg" alt="" height="225" width="300" /></a></p> <span style="font-family: arial;">Cheers! </span>Gil IIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04747369524495930741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4726539309339974665.post-26148383270794456992009-01-27T05:50:00.000-08:002009-01-27T05:51:34.279-08:00Day 8: Obligatory Post 3<p style="font-family: arial;">I wanted to finish these series yesterday but I was too tired and I ran out of things to say. When work stacks up, it really takes a toll on you.</p> <p style="font-family: arial;">I’m supposed to rant about my awful Monday. A wrench was thrown into my plans and my day got screwed entirely. Yeah, that’s when I discovered that I lost my gym shorts. Hence, going there was out of the question. I thought of doing alternative routines at home but then I dropped it because I thought I could just increase the intensity of my exercises the next time I do them.</p> <p style="font-family: arial;">As much as I would hate to admit it, I often put things on hold for inane reasons and the consequences become relatively dire.</p> <p style="font-family: arial;">Just like the time I put off an entry here. Before I knew it, I had to make <strong>four</strong>. Quite similar to loans with compounded interest, really. Hence I must suffer with muscular collapse until I can temper these guns again. Lol, I’m kidding. They’re <em>not </em>guns and they’re not <em>that </em>huge.</p> <p style="font-family: arial;">And since I had some time left (and after realizing that my hair was horrid), I had my hair cut <em>really </em>short. Although the difference may not seem too apparent, I’m really meticulous with detail and I become restless if I don’t get it my way.</p> <span style="font-family: arial;">I’m ending this post with 15: Crush Your Enemy Totally. I have to read this chapter </span><em style="font-family: arial;">pa</em><span style="font-family: arial;">. Cheers!</span>Gil IIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04747369524495930741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4726539309339974665.post-66622261350010864092009-01-26T06:37:00.000-08:002009-01-26T06:42:01.628-08:00Day 7: Obligatory (and Uninspired) Post 2<p style="font-family: arial;">We went to church today. We usually do that on Saturdays (for convenience) but we were apparently too busy to do so.</p> <p style="font-family: arial;">It was a usual Sunday, with usual activities with the same usual people. Nothing exciting really. Except for the fact that I forgot to take the lotion I bought home. My bad. I was too distracted by Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s <em>If I Can’t Dance</em> song that I misplaced it in the grocery counter and it eventually drifted off my mind. I never told my mum about that so I’d have to buy one <em>again </em>myself. First my shorts, then this. What’s this world coming to? Lol.</p> <p style="font-family: arial;">Here’s Sophie to lift my spirit (although whenever I’d hear her song I’d remember my wanton foolishness).</p> <p style="text-align: center; font-family: arial;"><a href="http://amphysvena.blog.friendster.com/files/sophie_ellis_bextor_-_by_chance.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-252 aligncenter" title="sophie_ellis_bextor_-_by_chance" src="http://amphysvena.blog.friendster.com/files/sophie_ellis_bextor_-_by_chance-300x225.jpg" alt="" height="225" width="300" /></a></p> <span style="font-family: arial;">Still, cheers! :D<br /></span>Gil IIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04747369524495930741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4726539309339974665.post-57218384406023551692009-01-26T06:21:00.000-08:002009-01-26T06:37:20.008-08:00Day 6: Obligatory Post 1<p style="font-family: arial;">Ugh, I missed 2 posts in a row. Oh well, that means I just have to try a bit harder next time.</p> <p style="font-family: arial;">I was quite busy last Saturday (though not as intense as my employed peers are). I accomplished a couple of chores but the catch is that they had to be done in several locations simultaneously. Lol.</p> <p style="font-family: arial;">I went to PICPA to register for a tax seminar. I dreadfully need the CPE units because (as if I haven’t emphasized enough) I’m jobless. The fee was noticeably generous considering the duration of said event. The speakers are overcharging their honorariums, yes?</p> <p style="font-family: arial;">I also went to the mall to shop for an ‘item’. As if I have the finances to splurge <em>pud</em>. Lol. What made this day surprising was that I saw people there I never expected I’d see in a millennia of struggle.</p> <p style="font-family: arial;">I saw Ma’am Dagoy first (my 4th year ReEd instructor). We talked for a while (whilst subconsciously holding her hand) about my career path and then swerved off to the reunion thing. She also suggested that I visit during the <em>Sama-sama</em>. I’m sure I’d still be unemployed then so I think I’ll find time. Almost immediately, I caught up with Mianne (a former colleague). Again, we talked about ourselves, how anxious she was on the NLE results and <em>her</em> employment. Then, after a while I saw Cyril, another former classmate. I mistook her name (I called her Arianne) when she called me (<em>so </em>embarrassing) and she reintroduced herself. She said she was married and is currently continuing her studies. Because of the shock and apparent humiliation, I forgot to congratulate her.</p> <p style="font-family: arial;">After all those chance encounters, I went to the other mall to search for said ‘item’ and I bought it eventually. The apparent lack of variety forced me to. Then I hit the gym, lost my shorts, went home and dozed off.</p> <span style="font-family: arial;">I never thought that day would be so eventful. I definitely need to go out more. Cheers!:D</span>Gil IIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04747369524495930741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4726539309339974665.post-40907525947629109182009-01-23T05:36:00.000-08:002009-01-23T05:38:54.424-08:00Day 5: I’m Amazed at my Own Dedication to This!<div style="font-family: arial;" class="post-content"> <p>Seriously. I dread of missing a single entry here. Maybe because I <em>can</em> afford doing it.</p> <p>Well, this was a slow day so I’m going to talk about the New Civil Code of the Philippines. Lol. I’m just going to say <em>na </em>it’s quite interesting. I’ve read the 3rd article stating the age-old<em> Ignorantia juris non excusat</em>. I’m not going to rant about that any more because I would sound like a total assh*le. And I admit that I do not possess the credentials to be speaking in such a pretentious manner.</p> <p>But, I’m kind of glad I took Business Law in college because the constant slew of terms bothers me less now. So there, blog updated! Cheers! <img src="http://amphysvena.blog.friendster.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif" alt=":D" class="wp-smiley" /></p> </div>Gil IIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04747369524495930741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4726539309339974665.post-25243427545743294712009-01-22T04:44:00.000-08:002009-01-22T04:57:27.735-08:00Day 4: Yet Another Sporadic Post<span style="font-family:arial;">It’s kind of funny that I’m writing the draft for this post (surprise, I make drafts!) in a piece of parchment I’ve used for a previous Philo quiz. I got a 100 for it and yet it will be eventually thrown blindly like worthless clutter. It’s kind’a sad (lo the dissonance) considering how much delight it gave me back then; something so ripe with memory, to be discarded like trash. OK, this is turning out to be a weirdly sappy post.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Anyway, all the isolated muscle groups I’ve been trying to tone this week are searingly painful. Guess that means they’ve been torn and my scrawny body’s trying to patch the damage up. Yay for regeneration! I’m still sore so it’s not all cheeky.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Finally, I’ve heard (and apparently stolen) Kelly Clarkson’s new single ‘My Life Would Suck Without You’ and it’s quite nice. A little too much pop in your system won’t hurt, yes? So Limewire it up immediately para ingnon na updated pud ka music-wise. Lol.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNxUWeZY6z8hX03YlegA4txSOADC6_LDwZeUPbhE4RcsvpeQh_jrG3PvMewa0BFYaO35xe9LekWuN3dLYYNZF5mSHGjWCBsbVuDv3p5I1hTA28_OWbRjwroY1Y4Py6OYZiF3lyhfvDZqE/s1600-h/kelly_clarkson_my_life_would_suck_without_you.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNxUWeZY6z8hX03YlegA4txSOADC6_LDwZeUPbhE4RcsvpeQh_jrG3PvMewa0BFYaO35xe9LekWuN3dLYYNZF5mSHGjWCBsbVuDv3p5I1hTA28_OWbRjwroY1Y4Py6OYZiF3lyhfvDZqE/s320/kelly_clarkson_my_life_would_suck_without_you.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294099602368757042" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Oh, and I also saw this movie called Noroi: The Curse (I didn't finish it voluntarily because it’s insanely creepy) and it scared me sh*tless. So, if you want a good scare, I recommend watching this treat alone. Cheers! :D</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">TL;DR I'm so unemployed I even have time for pointless blabber.</span>Gil IIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04747369524495930741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4726539309339974665.post-37896946549475464402009-01-21T02:38:00.000-08:002009-01-21T02:39:12.248-08:00Day 3: Minimal Progress<p style="font-family: arial;">Day three come hither! Lol. Oh, and my body is in intense pain right now so please bear with the odious content.</p> <p style="font-family: arial;">This time, I'm giving you an update on the minute progress I've garnered on my extensive and extremely exhausting job hunt. I've always thought 'Since I have a certification I'm certain that everything will be a breeze.' Boy did I err. Lol.</p> <p style="font-family: arial;">I've went to tons of thriving companies here (I'm <i>not</i> allowed to venture anywhere remote) and most of them have (apparently) no immediate need for additional labor resource. I know that the best ones are in Makati but I can't survive in that upscale urban jungle.</p> <p style="font-family: arial;">Well, I got a side door entry (I'm sure karma will be a witch) in a Landbank office and I took their astoundingly difficult aptitude exam. The contents were American based. I was like 'Who in tarnations are people?' when I was filling up the analogy test sheet. The Math items were also challenging. I literally bit my nails off when I realized I was going to be deprived of my calculator.</p> <p style="font-family: arial;">I've also been in several (four) interviews. One proved to be a failure, the other went quite well while the other two, although the employers conferred favor towards me, were not appeasing career-wise. Since I'm desperate enough as it is, I'm not supposed to be a choosy prick, yes?</p> <p style="font-family: arial;">Regardless of the futility, the experience is quite priceless, really. Thus, the search <i>will </i>ensue and I'm sure I'm going to find my dream job in the soonest possible time. I'm staying positive. Shouldn't we all? :D Cheers!</p>Gil IIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04747369524495930741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4726539309339974665.post-28249731930348573062009-01-20T02:19:00.001-08:002009-01-20T02:19:57.385-08:00Day 2: I’m Exhausted<div style="font-family: arial;" class="post-content"> <p>My body is going to be completely sore (bordering paralysis) tomorrow and I bet my fat behind that I’m the only person that cares.</p> <p>Y’see, since I finished the exams and <strong>because I’m unemployed</strong>, I often feel fat and useless so I decided to continue my work out routine (I actually re-started last November, and I’m not seeing great results thus far). I knew that my instructor had a new exercise program for me so I was feintly excited about that. My goal (ever since) was to tone my body down, <em>not </em>bulk it up (eck!), because I always thought that was kind’a skinny fat. Sidenote: I’m also glad Kuya Joel was assigned as my instructor because he doesn’t leave his clients to struggle on a damp corner on their own.</p> <p>So, I stuck with the <em>new </em>routines and I barely lifted the weights Kuya Joel gave me. But I lifted them nonetheless so I must be getting stronger. Then when I came home I decided not to waste the momentum so I did over 9000 chores simultaneously. Now, I’m slumping at the computer trying to accomplish this post without passing out. I’m kidding. Thus, I’m positive that pain will be my constant counselor tomorrow.</p> </div>Gil IIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04747369524495930741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4726539309339974665.post-29260813772563600472009-01-20T02:18:00.001-08:002009-01-20T02:18:59.941-08:00Day 1: Favorite Anime Rant!<p style="text-align: left; font-family: arial;">Hey guys! (As if people are reading this.)</p> <p style="text-align: left; font-family: arial;">As promised, here’s my daily post. I’m going to waste this entry on a guilty pleasure: BLEACH. No, not the substance you use on your counter tops (I’m not sick). It’s a japanese anime (an intelligent one at that) about the relationships of shinigami, humans and hollows. It’s manga is penned by this Tite Kubo guy and is currently nearing completion <em>pa</em>. It’s like Naruto on steroids.</p><p style="text-align: left; font-family: arial;">Converting this epic piece onto every tube in Japan (and subsequently, the world) is not easy. Regardless, the show is a feast for the senses. It houses tons of characters that have unique attributes (and when I say tons of them, I mean it). It makes everything slightly beleaguering but more interesting nonetheless. What separates Bleach from the pack is it’s ability to constantly fascinate people.</p> <p style="text-align: left; font-family: arial;">Ah, enough of this rant. Let the show speak for itself. Here’s a link for the episodes:</p> <p style="text-align: left; font-family: arial;">http://anime6.org/m6/index.php?_action=item_view&id=11</p> <p style="text-align: left; font-family: arial;">Here’s another link for your information fix:</p> <p style="text-align: left; font-family: arial;">http://www.bleach.wikia.com</p> <p style="text-align: left; font-family: arial;">Enjoy.</p> <p style="text-align: left; font-family: arial;"><strong>TL;DR I love Bleach, I urge you to watch it (links above) and I updated my blog.</strong></p>Gil IIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04747369524495930741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4726539309339974665.post-49701548618529318302009-01-17T20:39:00.000-08:002009-01-17T22:04:35.249-08:00It's Been A While<span style="font-family:arial;">Yup. 6 months to be exact. There's no excuse for my wanton neglect of this blog page but I'm going to make up for it by posting daily here (at least until I get employed).</span><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Let me start by saying that 2008 was a blast for me. I graduated, enrolled myself in a review class for the board exams, and.. we're getting way ahead here. Let's talk about the review and the exams first since I dedicated this page for the sole reason of having a daily journal for said endeavor (and that really went well, eh?).</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Review in Retrospect</span></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I took the review classes last May (I think) and I accomplished it on the 1st week of October. It wasn't as easy as I thought it would be. I mean, I was just going to REview and REapply every single theory I learned from college. I was unbelievably wrong. I actually (slightly ) feared the program because I wasn't very good in college. Much to my surprise, I didn't improve much in the review either. Lol. But yes, we did RElearn evrything, albeit 500x faster.<br /><br />slacked off A LOT too. I (almost) became too complacent on the fact that exactly the same content would reappear on the exam (boy was I wrong). Had I not taken said classes, I would never have had the aptitude (and intestinal fortitude) to tackle the board. I mean people who take said exam immediately after graduation are either insanely smart or insanely rich. I didn't happen to fall on either category.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I had to register to be able to take the exams. The worst part was having to get my police clearance. I got 'hit', lost my receipt and I ultimately had to find and clear my own records. It took me three months (I had to take my classes so I barely had time for it) to accomplish this feat. Good thing my father was lawyer. He just barged right in and had me cleared in a DAY. I raged at that.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Anyway, I was beat up during the review. I didn't have many friends to study with (which I realized later was a good thing) and everyday I spent on it was crazily exhausting. I broke my exercise routine and failed my diet standards which subsequently led to my poor performance on said daily activity. I accomplish very little when I study with my friends. I found myself chatting all the time when I did and although it did relieve my stress a bit, it would be automatically offset when I see how much progress they've made compared to mine. It wasn't all negative though.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Even if some of the materials were new, I found most of them to be easy and I eagerly absorbed and (hopefully) mastered those I found to be daunting during college (e.g. lease, standard costing, business combination). They were quite easy <span style="font-style: italic;">pala </span>to be honest. Most of my reviewers were great people. I found my Business Law reviewer, Atty. Janet Fabrero, to be the best and most inspiring followed closely by Sir Pol (MAS) and Sir Sailadin (Audit Theory).</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">God was my constant companion (well, almost constantly) during this period. I prayed with everything I had everytime I got the chance and I surrendered everything to Him. I would have never been able to do all this had it not been for His love.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Board</span></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Judgment day. Almost 200-300 people tops took the exams in Davao. It was held in the UM campus and I was lucky enough to have been given a good seat.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I was taken aback by the contents of the exams during the first day (TOA, BLT) because every question that came out of the test sheets was alien to me. But I held on to my seat, persevered and (barely) finished it all on time. On my way home, I was almost oblivious to everything I was doing because I couldn’t take my mind off the experience. I realized that the exams were not something to be messed with. So, with that new found wisdom, I geared myself for the next day.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Surprisingly after that, the questions came a little bit easier and I gained more momentum that in every test set I finished, I was postive that I would do well (except Prac 1). The only thing that kept me going was my constant conversations with God on how grateful I was to have been given the opportunity to experience all of this. Still, the stress took a toll on me.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />Thus everything was done and every cost was sunk.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">October 20, Verdict</span></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I slept well on the day of the last test set. I didn't think of the results too much. I just prayed (really hard) and hoped for the best. Morning came and I (suddenly) became frantic. I wanted to do a lot of things to keep my mind off the results so I surfed the net and went to church. I wasn't as productive as I thought I would be.<br /><br />I went to church at 5 p.m. and amazingly, I found someone to talk to. He was my friend during high school (we were orators) and he's a Redemptorist seminarian now. We caught up with each other's lives and before I knew it I received an SMS from my friend. I was anxious because I though to myself 'This was it!'. To my surprise, the message did not come from a co-reviewee nor a classmate. It was Gail. She said I passed the exam. I asked again. She confirmed it. I texted my friends and they did likewise.<br /><br />I asked my companion if I could have a moment to call my mother and I ran outside the church, jumped around, bought some cell phone credits and called my mum. It was almost cloud 9. But happiness is abruptly fleeting because some of my close friends weren't able make it.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" ><br />Aftermath</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I came home and was congratulated by my parents. A slew of text messages came in and I was thankful for that. But I was most grateful to God. Amen.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></div>Gil IIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04747369524495930741noreply@blogger.com0