Before the Moment Passes...

I was supposed to update my blog a few days ago (last weekend, actually) but with the homework and semi-writer's block I was encountering, it seemed impossible to do so. Anyway, now that the rest of my week in college's looking relatively light (really!) and because I'm afraid of forgetting the emotions that came about, I'd better put this post up a.s.a.p.

Last Friday was pretty good because first, we didn't have classes. Wow! Just one week in Ateneo and we already have a day off. That's always good. Hehe. :) Well, that day was certainly time well spent and a good way to cap off the week because I visited my dear high school. First surprise was at Gate 2, where I found out that I had to see Ms. Maryl (school secretary) because I wasn't allowed to 'loiter' around during class hours. That's something new, and it's one sign that they're not letting anyone distract classes that easily anymore. Hehe. :) Oh, did I mention that the directress (I hope everyone knows whom I'm talking about! ;p) actually came out of her office and greeted me? It was fine enough, except that I had to make sure that I put my hands behind my back. No, it would not do to expose my neon orange fingernails to the highest figure of a school that preaches simplicity and discretion. I may be out of high school, but I still know the rules, thank you very much.

That encounter ended without incident, and soon, I met up with Ms. P6 Tan, who was actually the primary reason for my visit. After looking at me from top to toe (but to her, I gamely flashed my orange fingernails and neon pink toenails ;p), she promptly brought me to the brand-new faculty. I saw a lot of my former teachers who were all still the same, but nonetheless welcoming. There's Gng. Dela Rosa, still very motherly, and she gave a warm hug; Tweety, to whom I owe much love :); Gng. Serrano, who wasn't too pleased to hear about the Filipino diagnostic that I bombed :P ; Ms. Tria my motherhen, who brought back memories of our crazy history training sessions; Mrs. V, who's energy and spunk I truly missed (btw, she happened to ask me if I missed her, to which I replied "Of course!" :) ; I even saw Ms. Fernandez (whom I hope is happy and successful wherever she is), and who's act of encouragement has never been forgotten by me; and there were a lot whom I was able to wave or say a quick "hi" to, like Ms. Virtudazo, Ms. Torreliza, Ms. Hechanova, Ms. Juanta, Ms. Claur, Ms. Mejia, Ms. Gutierrez ...basically, a lot of friendly faces that I truly missed. It was a blast to go back and still feel welcomed (and recognized) by these people. I know that I'll miss seeing their faces in class.

Oh, and I didn't forget my main reason for visiting. Ultimately, seeing Ms. Eintan made the trip worthwhile; the approximately hour-long talk we had may have only been a mere fraction of the talks we used to have, but it still brought back wonderful memories of a friendship that I really keep close to my heart. I don't think I could ever express how much I appreciate her; despite all the times I've bullied her (with accompaniment from Krish, Wy, and Chinkytoots), all the times I've told her how much I hate Physics and all the times I've simply bugged her to death, she still tolerates me for being me. Not only that, but there have been countless times when's she's gone above and beyond the call of duty of just being a teacher. With that, who wouldn't keep coming back just to experience it all over again? :)

Of course, what would school be without any students? I mostly saw the Xygenz batch, with Corps Cathy and the officers in the middle of their CAT glory. Also saw AA taking the naka-humandahumanda test and C.Aw, doing an awkward tumalikod 'rap! (Hehe!). but the highlight was definitely seeing my DWTL babies again. Though they were still in their CAT line formations, their enthusiastic waves and shouts of "mommy!" really made me feel loved. It's been months since we shared 3 days of eye bags, tears and laughter, but in my heart, the memory is still fresh, as if it all just happened yesterday. My babies, I wish I got to hug all of you! I'm really missing those times when we'd see each other in the HSCC and yell out each other's names; that time when I dropped by your classroom (then 3-Mercy) to write a message on your 'hand-y' bulletin board; and of course, those lemon-lime-scented prayers as a batch. Love all of you to death, and I'm honored to be your mommy. Work hard as seniors, never lose hope, and above all, live the 4th always! I'll be seeing you guys soon. You're almost a year old... *winkwink* :)

Not bad for an otherwise uneventful Friday, huh? Stay tuned for more, especially on what happened during dinner on that very same day. :)

P.S. BTW, I recently learned how to tinker with the links on my right sidebar. YM or leave a comment if you want me to place a link to your blog (leave your name and URL, of course -_-').

First Look at College (and a few apologies)

To start off, let me say sorry to the people I offended in my last post:

MarieLLE: Ooops! Sorry talaga. Hehe. Really didn't know that's how it's supposed to be spelled. Anyway, it's the thought that counts, right? *wink*

(And this person really deserves a MAJOR apology) PATSY dearest: So, so, so sorry! :O :O :O You're the only one at that dinner table that is my fellow Atenean (unless you count Pau), so I will specially mention you: Also on that fateful debate night was Patsy, poet/writer/artist extrordinaire, and although we're still in the same campus, nothing was better than being with her that night. It was a walk down memory lane, of us still being ICANs and ICAN debaters, and I'll never forget the moments we had together as fishies, like the 2nd invites at St.Paul Pasig, the trainings where we talked about our non-existent love lives *winkwinkpatsy!*, and of course, the times when we both had bursts of adrenaline (especially when debating against angas boys who think they know better---when they obviously don't! ;P). Well, Patsy, I'm really glad that you're still my schoolmate because I know that you're someone that I can always talk to and approach. Here's to a great freshman year, and good luck in your course! :)

Allow me to also comment on the comments made on my previous post:
Purple Cow C.Aw (where the heck did you get that nickname? -_-'): I have to totally agree with Julie and Bea's reactions; only you would *** the word 'stupid'! *sigh* C.Aw...

Now on to my first days in Ateneo. Actually, we're not doing that much as of the moment. In my English and Filipino classes, we had diagnostic tests (profiency testing in the former, and a placement test for the latter). Filipino has two parts, the first of which I took awhile ago. All I can say is, I'm bracing myself to get demoted to FIL 10 (basic), because I think I screwed up. There was vocabulary, sentence analysis, and something about talinhagas (idioms), all of which I probably bombed. Talk about the sad state of our national language! Anyway, I ended up with Botany as my Natsci, which was really my 2nd choice, but I can't help but think about the boredom that's sure to follow. What can I say? Biology is NOT in my blood... it's just that I have a better chance of passing it as compared to Chemistry, Physics and Zoology (and that's saying something). We already have a scheduled quiz for Lab next Monday---about what, I'm not quite sure---and that's a problem. :O

Had my first PE class this morning at 7AM...Yes, 7AM! The sacrifice better be well worth it, because I chose a PE I liked despite its horrible time: Table Tennis. Our teacher, Mr. Alex Torres (his first rule is that we had to remember his name), seems fine, so I'm really hoping this doesn't turn out to be a huge mistake. -_-' Also had 1 1/2 hours of Math today, which wasn't too bad, except that I really should have paid more attention when we were discussing exponents and radicals in high school. The next two weeks in Math will be spent reviewing Algebra, though, because all freshies will be taking a placement exam in July. Oh dear. Well, I won't be really surprised if I get demoted to basic. Just one year of Math! Kaya nga nag-Comm ako eh. Hehehe. :)

I've got a great schedule for the rest of the week, though. I guess that's one good thing about being in college---it basically becomes your life, your time. And you've got lots of time to walk around, eat, get lost, eat some more, and get fat. That's why they say that freshies gain pounds. :O

I think I may be starting to miss having something to do every moment. At least, that was what ICAN life was like. (Isn't it a little too soon to be school sick? :O ) Anyway, I'm hoping to visit this Friday. Maybe that'll cure some of it. :)

Bittersweet

Finished Orsem 2006, aptly titled "Viaje", recently, but as of the moment, I can't write too much about college yet. They say that you don't know a person until you live in the same house with him/her, and I guess it's also pretty applicable in this case. Classes start Monday, though, and I'm sure that I'll have a ton to write about after that. My schedule doesn't seem so bad, except that I have to wake up earlier everyday than I did during my HS days (because of varying 7am and 7:30am classes -_-'), and it's roughly an hour's ride from my house to ADMU. Oh, and both my comm and english blocks are cool, and there are plenty of fun people all around. Plus, the Ateneo community seems perfectly willing to welcome new blood like us. I've also seen a lot of ICAns whom I haven't talked to in a long time, like Nat, Den, Shereen, and Jean. So far, so good! :)

The highlight of the week, though, came when I attended debate bonding last night. It was the first gathering of the newbies with the oldies, and it was especially funny when I noticed that the dining table in Janne's house was more filled than usual! The more, the merrier, as they say. I was really happy to see that everyone was there, and we did a lot of catching up. It seemed like I never really left high school at all, and after that night, I know that this is one part that I never want to let go. The newbies were all nice and COOPERATIVE (*winkwink*), and thankfully, I was even able to remember their names (Hi, Pam, Mariel, Candice, Kim, Jeanina and Kazumi! Peace tayo ha! ;P ). The dear oldies were still as wacky and HUNGRY as ever (!), like nothing's really changed. There was Janne, smart and generous as always; Julie, still the nice little angel; C.Aw, with the ever-smiling face; Corps Cathy, who told me a very DISTURBING story (shudder! ;P); Ces, who's still very outspoken; Pei, who was single-handedly cleaning out the dessert; Bea, still gentle and nice; Rachel, cute as ever, Bev, who's adorable because she's in love (Yihheee Bev! *WINKWINKWINK*! Hehe :) and AA, my dear partner! Let's also not forget Pauie, our mommy whale who's really soon to be a mommy! :) Being with them brought back a whole lot of memories, and even if technically, I'm not an ICAn anymore, I know that a part of me will always be a fishie, for better or for worse. I'm wishing them all the luck and confidence they can muster, because there's going to be a great year ahead of them, one that has its own share of ups and downs. These guys are going to do so well, and no one can deny that the future is in this crazy bunch. Even though I'm now a 'legend' (that's a nicer word for super oldie! ;P), I hope that I can still be close to these guys. And I hope they know that they can approach me anytime for help, whether in terms of debate matters or gossip. Hehe! GO FISHIES!!! :) Rock on! Break it down, y'all! :D

Will be visiting ICA soon (soon is defined as in the span of 2 weeks). Hope to see happy and familiar faces all around!

More HS Moments, and Thoughts on Academic Murder

I talked to Wy on the phone last night, and she gave me a brilliant idea. True, majority of our HS moments were all about our crazy (and more or less naughty) antics, but let's face it: the whole experience wouldn't have been complete without the crazy (and truly naughty) antics that our teachers did. So for today, in additon to more memories, I'm making a conscious effort to include the unforgettable times that my teachers--and let's not forget the administration-- gave us...

-watching the volleyball varsity playing in the HSCC, beating the crap out of the visiting team :)

-walking in the dark and praying that I don't see a "white figure" during the Days weekend of my babies (Hi Batch88! :)

-pitying the poor duck in our Biology dissection :(

-I cannot forget Mrs.V's funky stories (like the time she jumped off a bus through the window) and her quotable quotes! ("Good morning?! What's so good about the morning?!")

-Mrs. Cabochan-Reyes demonstrating the 'drilling' noise near the faculty (complete with actions and shaking cheeks ;P )

-with help from Krish, Chinky and Wy, bullying/surrounding Ms. Tan (the small, cute, P6 teacher) to get her to move the quiz

-the day Brock became a 'hero' when she saved Ms. Gadja's broken heel

And of course...
-the day a certain D didn't know that there were exemptions for all subjects except CLE -_-'

Which brings me to some news...

Flash: According to Bev (who's ENJOYING 2nd year right now), as well as Wy, the school has apparently raised standards for exemptions once again. You now have to get at least 93 in every quarter, and Chinese exemptions now need a 98 (not sure for all quarters or just the 4th). I'm assuming that they're still maintaining the conduct grade requirements, but my reaction's still the same: ARE YOU FRIGGIN' TRYING TO KILL THE POOR STUDENTS?!?!?! As if a 93 in the last quarter or a 96 in Chinese wasn't bad enough, now you have to toil 24/7 even more. And I thought that we were actually worried that ICANs were getting too grade conscious, that they were too focused academically. This new system was allegedly implemented because they wanted to decrease the number of exempted students even more, probably to do added 'filtering'. Well, while you're at it, why not just scrap out exemptions altogether? Or wait, why don't you just set limits? Like, only 5 students in the whole batch can get exempted in Filipino, and 10 for Math! This policy definitely makes me happy to be out of HS. :O

I pity the students...but more appropriately, "I pity the fool!" (quoting Mr.T)

Hello, bloggers of the world!

After seeing friends and family put up their own online journals, I can't believe that I've finally joined the club. Mind you, I've never been one to keep up with Internet fads that seem to sprout up as easily as mushrooms; I never downloaded, much less used mIRC in its hottest days, and my Friendster account lies for weeks unused, until I use it at my convenience. This blog is going to be an exception, I hope; the avenue of expression for all the thoughts that run through my head at the ungodliest of hours and desperately need to be told. There are actually a lot of them, more than I thought anyway. Hehe! Feel free to leave a comment, relevant or otherwise. As much as possible, no profanities please! God knows I have enough of them in my head. :P

Anyway, today's the first day of classes for the high schoolers of my dear alma mater. I've always had a slight problem about letting go; I mean, it's quite normal to still feel attached to something that's been part of your life for 13 years. Today, it's June 5, 2006; school starts once more, and I can't help but feel that I'm missing out on something. Like I'm still supposed to be sitting in the classroom, surrounded by the stuffy lavender walls and listening to the drones of my just-met teacher. Then reality crashes and I'm actually just sitting in front of the computetr, typing my musings. And while there are some high school things that I certainly won't miss (academic and behavioral pressure, bad teachers and conservative administration), and there are some people that I definitely don't want to see again, let's face it: I think I'm already starting to miss high school.

Let me share some high school moments that are running through my head:

-trying to sleep (for the first and last time) in the middle of 3rd year English

-receiving a 4/10 in my first Geometry quiz

-passing notes with Wy almost everyday since we became classmates ;)

-dressing up in my mother's nightgown and curlers for the English Speechfest in 1st year

-performing in front of the whole high school body in that get-up for the said event

-going crazy and feeling burned out after lunch every Thursday in 4th year, where we had double Math, followed by Physics

-texting Chinky every night to ask about homework or that confusing Physics problem

*more to come. You didn't think there were that few, right? *winkwink*