25

I just turned 25.

My birthday wasn't extravagant nor fabulous, but it was definitely happy. Let me share with you the highlights.

1) Barley treated me out for dinner on Tuesday night to anticipate for 12 midnight. He waited for me until after my class. So, basically what we had was a "late dinner" already at 10pm. It was a very fun meal. Sobra tawa kami ng tawa kasi check ng check si Bar ng relo nya. Mas excited pa sa akin sa birthday ko.ü Thanks, Bar! That was the sweetest.ü What I loved most is the Grey's Anatomy Season 3 DVD. I was right not to buy one for myself. Hehe!

2) At midnight when we were already having some beer, text messages and phone calls started flooding in. For all those who greeted...THANKS SO MUCH. Thanks for staying up late. And for the law students (who are expected to be awake by that time) thanks for greeting. I really, really appreciate it. Kiwi, thanks for the call.ü (Mirror, sobrang thank you for letting these people know.ü)

3) In the morning, I woke up with my mom in the kitchen preparing my favorite foods. I love birthdays. I asked for chocolate cake for dinner, though.

4) Wena and I spoke on the phone for more than an hour. Hahaha!ü

5) I had lunch with Gen and Zeny at Beanhoppers. And they gave me a slice of chocolate cake. (Ang aga ng chocolate cake ko.ü) We missed Kath, again. :c But I really, really feel loved. Thanks for missing class..Hehe! You are so sweet, sisters.

6) I met up with Juris at the lib before class.. It so nice to see my mirror on the day of my birthday.

7) I heard mass at San Isidro Chapel at around 630. My birthday falls on the commemoration of the Beheading of Saint John the Baptist and I always complain why the Gospel does not change. It was only that night that I realized it's importance in my life. I prayed for a good life. I knew I'm gonna get it. I walked back to school with Dean Lazo.

8) I got myself an AUSL jacket. Nice.ü

9) Upon arriving home, I had dinner with my siblings. It was all fun and laughter. I realized how my siblings have grown up too. Mom isn't feeling well so she can't wait for me anymore. I just have to let her sleep.

10) I got a message from a friend from Canada. I was set into tears. Love you, padre!ü

So, that was it. I was actually thinking of a more fab entry. Nah, what is important is that my birthday was a happy one. I enjoyed it and most importantly I felt so loved.ü

recess

Recess - noun, a break in a trial or other court proceedings or a legislative session until a certain date and time. Recess is not to be confused with "adjournment," which winds up the proceedings.

Finally, the week long battle is over. My midterm exams ended today. Whew! Yes, it was a tiring week but it was exciting and fun. :D

Just a recap of the week that was:

Monday - This is supposed to be a holiday but we pursued on our Labor Relations exam. Umn. fairly ok.

Tuesday - Public International Law. Please read related blog.

Wednesday - International Trade Law class. Who ever imagined that in the middle of the midterm week we'll hold classes? O well... After class, Juris, Bar and I went to Starbucks Valero. Spent the night over and studied for Torts. Bar left at around 1 am. Juris and I stayed till almost six the following morning. We had Kiwi on phone patch for review. :D

Thursday - I crammed in memorizing Civil Code provisions. Wala naman lumabas. Hahaha! Torts and Damages exam consists of 5 questions, 20 points each.

Friday - The twin exam day--Ethics and Intellectual Property Rights. Good thing I memorized the lawyer's oath. 10 points guaranteed. Hehe! Towards the end of the day... my brain batt is getting drained. My IPL exam was a @&$*!?#@%. Water under the bridge.

Saturday - Finally, Civil Procedure. Tricky exam. I read the 8-item questionnaire over and over for more than 30 minutes and keep on figuring answers. I hope my remedies are correct. ;P

I refrained from post-game analysis huddles after every exam. I do not want to depress myself. Hehe!

After today's exam, Carlisle and I went to a mall. Ate and chatted for four long hours. Isn't that nice? Am having new friends. Hahaha! Rod picked me up at around 8.30. We had coffee and a slice of cake. Interestingly, the name of the cake is: In Between Seasons.

I have two days to rest from reading. I have two nights of complete sleep.

The training resumes next week. :D

today's morning prayer

Dear Lord,

Please grant me wisdom. Let her not depart me.

Let her envelope me that she may guide me to where I can find pure joy.

Let her be my light in times of confusion and

let her be my fortress in time of weakness.

Amen

right against self-incrimination, reserved

Disclaimer: This photo is a taken from a grafitti on a wall from starbucks valero. The message does not pertain to anything about the author or does not relate to anything in her life. It was merely a product of twistedness in the desire to be awake at the grim hours of the morning.

On a legal note: The right against self-incrimination cannot be invoked prior to questioning.It cannot be reserved nor be invoked on as a blanket of right. It is properly invoked upon question and before refusing to answer. The title is merely used for creativity.

right of existence and self-defense

Agression is the use of armed force by a State against the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political indepence of another State, or in any other manner inconsistent with the Charter of the United Nations, as set out in this definitions (U.N. General Assembly; 14 December 1974)

Every State has the inherent right to preserve and defend its existence by the use of forcible measure in the face of a necessity instant, overwhelming and leaving no choice of means and no moment of deliberation (Public International Law, Justice Isagani Cruz). In layman's language, a State is authorized to use force to combat an immediate force applied against it by another state.

If I were a state, I did not use my right. If it was a real war, my existence has ended. Hopefully not, though.

Last night, I had my exam in Public International Law. It was completely and insanely objective. Well, no point ranting about, but it was my first time EVER to meet an exam as objective and trivial as that in law school. Law school exams normally involves analysis and reasoning. I answered the 20-item exam, weighing five points each, with the best that my brain can sustain me and I passed the paper. :c I felt my professor's hostility. I walked out. It wasn't one of my brave moments of combating "agression". I just thought it wasn't gonna be a good fight after all. I didn't even tried to fight back with greater force to the horror of my extinction.

I am interested with International Law. So interested that I even want to become an envoy of the Philippines to different countries abroad. But I have to admit, I am really having a hard time coping with my professor's style of teaching. I was confiding this to one lawyer and all he did was stare at me. In his words: "Neng, psychological lang yan. Don't make excuses". Maybe he's right. At a certain degree, I am indimidated by one brilliant legal mind. Which by the truth is: I am a fan. :D

Starting today, I declare my love for International Law.

As I was nursing my battle wounds last night, two new friends were there: Bar and Juris, thanks. :D

i want to go to bora!

I have never been to Boracay. At my age and with my travelling feet, it may be a surprise. But yeah, I've never laid my back on its white sand or had ever played with its clear waters. I haven't experienced its night life (which according to most is fantastic. O well, as if I care. I don!'t enjoy loud music anyway).

My sole point here is: I want to go to Boracay.

photos courtesy of http://www.boracayisland.org/

Haay. Am tired. Maybe I just want to get away.

her sweet escape

The midterm hibernation coupled with the overcast skies and non-stop rain pulled her down. She was gloomy and no matter how much she'd want to hit her books, he just can't. Nothing sticks in her head anyway. This is not working right. She's already wasted hours to frustration.

As soon as darkness bit. she slipped into her jeans, put on the first shirt she got her hand to, donned her back with her knitted green jacket and off she went to the nearest cinema from her place. "This might do the trick.", she thought.

With paintless face, hair pulled back and thick spectacles, she checked the schedule. The movie had started. Four minutes past. It's fine with her. She bought herself a billet, walked into the dark room and found herself a seat for one. She chose a story about marriage, betrayal and reparation of wrong deeds. She cried. And she cried some more. It was good for her, at least the tension was out.

As the credits roll, she was beaming. She stayed a bit longer before walking out just so not to get cramped by the other moviegoers. As the lights hit her, she realized she was still smiling. "Hurrah! Am better now. I'll see my books in a bit.", she said to herself.

Before going home, she got herself some treats--two packs of her favorite chocolate candies, a bottle of creamer for coffee and a can of her favorite beer. Good stuff before hell week.

I think she's ready now.

highs and lows

If you have seen the film "The Story of Us" starring Bruce Willis and Michelle Pfieffer, my entry title will ring a bell. It is a game played by the couple (with their kids) at the end of each day, inquiring on their happiest moment(high) and the saddest events (low) during the day.

I particularly loved it because it is a fun way of cultivating intimacy in a relationship (in their case, their marriage and their family life). It basically sums the most important events for a person's life at least for that particular day. I saw the film back in early 2000 on VCD with my prayer partner Wena during one of our movie-marathons. And I remembered us playing that for quite a time, deliberately mentioning "HIGH" and "LOW". We've evolved. We no longer say those words. We just share stuffs spontaneously.

This afternoon I was finishing one of my midterms requirements for Labor Law with my friend Gen who was then studying for her Pedia Exam. In between our "autistic" moments, we in passingly chit-chatted about how we wanted our relationships with our future boyfriends (and later husbands) would be. Friendship. And I was reminded of HIghs and Lows.

For the sake of the post title, here's my high(s) and low for the day:

HIGH: Laughing non-stop for roughly 10 minutes as Gen recounts one of her "slipping" moments; Finishing my IRR just in time.

LOW: Remembering one of my pressing concerns. Good heavens, have mercy please.

**This entry is not one of my usual clear and concise posts. Quite evasive. Am not quite sure what my point is. I just want to share I remembered Highs and Lows (and all the stuff that goes with it that I do not want to share).

Bar Examinations 2007

The Bar Examinations is the first hurdle an aspiring lawyer must overcome to enter the Legal Profession. One must show competence in the knowledge of the law, and in what way will the Honorable Justices know this but through a grueling examination.

2007 Bar Examinations is coming in a few weeks. It will run through the four Sundays of September. The examinees will take two exams for each day, one in the morning and the second in the afternoon. This will cover eight subjects namely: Political Law and International Law, Labor Law, Civil Law, Taxation, Commercial Law, Criminal Law, Remedial Law, and Legal Ethics and Practical Exercises.

I have always looked forward to the Bar Exams and have wholeheartedly supported my seniors as they took it. I used to volunteer for the Bar Operations in my previous school. Well, plainly, it is helping them make their lives easier so as to lessen the pressure of taking an exam that would spell their future. They need all the support they can get in crucial moments as this. Also, it is some sort of juju that the good deed will come back when your time to take the Bar comes.

This coming Bar Examination is particularly special for me. Most of my batch mates during my first year in law school are now up for the challenge. These are the people I was with when we were all struggling in the dark to learn the ins and outs of law school. They are the ones whom I was with during sleepless reading marathons. We have dreamt to take the bar and later take the oath altogether. We even thought of signing our names next to each other in the Roll of Attorneys.

Yes, there is some pang of “regret” for not taking the Bar as I chartered it. But on second thought, I am fine. God has better plans. I realized it’s not how fast you get there, but how much you are actually prepared to take the Bar and later become a lawyer. It’s basically about preparation. I think my experiences in and out of law school have shaped me to be more apt to do my job well someday. Although, I should say there is still a long way to go. (In fact, I still have midterms exams to ace next week.)

To the Bar Examinees of 2007, all the best wishes. May the force be with you.

I’ll see you in court.

photo shoot

Am here to brag.

Jon took some pictures of me during the debut party of our twin cousins Tin and Trisha. The pictures were fantastic--taken like a pro! With little lighting (we only used the par lights in the garden and that of the balcony), he was able to get good shots of me. Posing for the cam is a welcome break for the midterms prep. Here are some of the photos:





You now convinced my brother has perspective?

self-talk

Fortes Fortuna Adiuvat. Remember the first time you read that maxim? Remember that smile on your face when you learned that such old Latin maxim literally means fortune favours the brave. Now, isn't that true enough?

Yes, that was coward. Yes, you allowed being unpopular eat you and let another opportunity pass you by. And yes, that was indeed stupid. 'Nuff for the self-blame. Regret all you want, sorely but it's all water under the bridge. Guess, you just have to learn to have more of that go-get-it attitude. Lesson learned: Never base your decisions on what other people would think or say, especially if the choice you're going to take is one which is important for YOU. Queber? You worked for it, and you deserve to fight for what you have toiled for. And you know you wanted it badly. It's not your fault that others are mediocre.

Don't Settle. Speak up. Fight. Be brave.

Lest you'll miss all the chances, they aren't unlimited. That you fear.

money sense

For most people to talk about money is obscene. It is like Harry Potter’s Chamber of Secrets that no one else dares to even whisper about it, lest you die. It is like engaging in an immoral activity which will cost you your soul for hell.

I am having a different view now. I believe—after a lot of thought correction—that money is neutral. It is neither good nor evil. It only depends on how we use it and how it influences our lives. Most of us think that money is evil and the rich are crooks. I have to admit that in as much as I wanted to earn I had that subconscious belief lingering somewhere in my head. I agree with what would Bo Sanchez say, “Money may not be the most important thing but all other areas of life are affected by it.” If I use money to love others, then it is good. Therefore, money is good. I now break free.

I’m a goal driven person. I only turning 25 and I am hoping to be financially stable before I actually settle down for family life. I want to provide myself with a nest either a house or a condo unit, drive my own car, own a business or two and have a hefty sum of money in the bank and other vehicles of investments.

I want this because fear the day that my future family will have to pull ends just to survive on a daily basis. Please do not mistake me for being materialistic. I just want to be financially independent with more than enough to share to others. I want quality of life because I believe I deserve it.

I dare now speak about money because I realize that I need the skills to handle it well. I dare now ask people who now about it so in time, I will be able to command money and maximize it to meet my needs and those of the people I love. I dare now explore how it works because I do not want to be ignorant and suffer the consequence of it. Worse, let my love ones suffer with me.

I have my own share of stories as regards handling finances. I failed a lot of times and I am still struggling to learn more. I am still a kindergarten in the University of Money, but I now stand in front of my school clutching my lunch box and ready to meet my teachers.

This is the beginning.

some sort of reunion

Last Saturday, Wena, Dang, Donnie, Nina and I were in Araneta for Don Moen's concert. It was fun listening to songs which practically ushered us in our faith journey. Kuya H and Tita Norma didn't make it though. It felt nice worshiping with the same people who were there at the start of it all. It was a night of faith: "God's answers to your prayers are on its way". Yey!

We capped the night with some chit chat over nachos with five layer dip and smothered french fries in Butter Diner. I loved it there. The ambience is so cool. I like the comic strip wallpaper. I love the company of my friends.

welcome, kalell

Paloy already gave birth!


I received a text message from Dang that on July 29, 10.30p Kalell was out! Yey!

Can't wait to see you little angel.ü

Ninang loves you. Mwah.

ramblings on public trains

I am a commuter.

Everyday of my life, I ride jitneys, tricycles, buses, FX and trains going around the metro. And thank God for the trains here in the Philippines! They made my life easier.

During my younger years, I do not like riding in trains. The smothering heat inside its cars makes me all sticky and smelly. Not to add the bodies that is all around you. It was as if a chemical reaction will happen that would set the trains to explode had everybody else stay a little longer than the whole trip duration. Riding trains in the Philippines back then is like subjecting yourself to torture and punishment being all cramped. Not to mention the threat of being picked-pocket. Well, I have to say that things have improved already. The trains are now air conditioned and several cars are provided solely for women, children and the senior citizens. Am not sure about the pickpockets but I do feel safer now compared before.

In every State an improved means of transportation is an indication of progress. There is a lot to improve for us, though.
___________________

Last Saturday on board the MRT on my way to Cubao, I took a seat in one of the train cars which is not exclusive for women. Meaning, there would be men in those cars. (Well, I was just too lazy to walk a little further down the station. Besides, I came from Taft station thus there are still more room in the cars.)

So, from Taft to Cubao obviously people started to fill the train cars to the brim--literally. I just realized that Filipinos do not care about boundaries. I mean, physical boundaries. It's alright for almost everyone to stand skin to skin with strangers. I didn't like it. I feel so unsafe as I stood up from my seat walking through the door and my body is touching all these people as I walk out.

I have been to several countries and I rode on their trains. (That is why, I was later convinced to ride on our trains) But I never encountered overpacked situations such as ours. It's culture so I believe.

But can't we at least respect space?
____________________

More on the previous observation.

Have we not realize that full-packed trains could mean overloading? Filipinos are never wary on these. From time to time our headlines would always bear news of sinking ships, buses turning turtle, and what have you because of accomodating passengers more than it's safe limit. In far flung provinces it is normal for people to squeeze human beings together with chickens and vegetables in every little space available in jitneys. Atop would be another roughly 20-30 people sitting under the sun and hoping to be transported alive to their destinations. It actually seems fun and practical, but is it safe? Think about it?

Under the law on transportation, common carriers are burdened with that extraordinary diligence in transporting persons and goods. This would include enough supervision on the number of passengers a certain vehicle must load for a certain trip. Apart from convenience and comfort of commuters, our transporation authority must first and foremost ensure safety. Check overloading, please.

On the other hand, I urge all Filipinos to look after ours as well. Don't squeeze in yourselves in our trains (or any transpo for that matter) just to get to some place.

Discipline.
______________

Walking out of train stations is also a feat. Filing for tickets is one as well, but getting out is more stressful.

I do not understand why most Filipinos don't know how to queue in line. There are those who will cut through or nonchalantly squeeze in. We are all in a hurry, people! Besides, getting out will be much faster should everyone find a more disciplined way of filing themselves in line.
______________

Til here, I still have to catch the train for school.

project hugs

Towards the end of next month, I will be marking the first quarter of my life in this world.

Yikes! Guess, am really becoming an adult and there is no turning back. Hehe! I like it though. The responsibilities may be quite overwhelming but I know I'll be fine. Am excited and at the same time quite scared.

I love birthdays! For me that is the best day ever--something made simply for you and you alone. And to celebrate this wonderful day, I thought of celebrating it with little angels. I am planning to go to a home of abandoned kids (babies), play with them and shower them with all the hugs and kisses I can give them. I already invited a few of my close friends and they signed in. I have yet to confirm with the home which date I can do this since I prefer it to fall on the weekend before my birthday.

Pray for me, guys that I get a slot.

I am excited. ;)

footprints

In our lives there are people who just pass by and some choose to stay. But whether they simply walked through or they decided to journey with us, they definitely leave indelible footprints which will forever remain.

To you: Hope this isn’t too much to say: Thank you for coming into my life. I am not sure if you are simply passing by or you’re going to stay, but real thanks for helping me decide to be fearless again lest be happy for I deserve it. Holding this happiness inside will keep me moving forward. Thank you. With all that had transpired I just want you to know that I was able to see the heart. May not have been perfect...but little as it is, you’ve done a lot.

this heart is ready to love again

Dear You,

It's been more than 18 months since you walked away and left me all messed up. I knew you would have wanted to escape unscathed but you were left with no other choice but to explain with those empty, silly words when I decided we need to have a face off. You knew I will never let you run away without it hearing from the horse's mouth. You crushed my heart and you tried to take away my faith. I just have to say you failed.

I have let you go. I have learned to love you less. In fact, I do not love you anymore. I have moved on. I have soared and the view from up here is fantastic--the skies, the trees, the flowers are all in a different hue; the birds are chirping and the wind is blowing cold. The people I've met are warm and caring. Yes, am happy with where I am right now. I think I did a good job of rebuilding my life without you.

Although sometimes the clouds still hover me and the temporary darkness illuminates your shadow. I hate it. You've really conquered my soul and I hate it. Your shadow reminds me of how much I've trusted and was betrayed; how I loved and was hurt. Your shadow can be crippling but I strived. And I have strived badly enough, I realize that I am now shining and I am shining bright to dispel your creeping darkness. Yes, I again possess this light you once put off. Yes, the same light that attracted you--even brighter.

Am completely free and I'm ready to love again.

from the other half of those two friends

I received a message from a friend, whom I believe I have shared in one of my entries.

Quoting part of it, he said: "Um, I know for some reason, our paths cross every time, but it ends up quiet after a while again."

I let a chuckle out as I read that line. Seriously, true. ;) I too can't explain why.

Hope you had a great birthday, dear.

kiddos

Today's high: Playing with kids.

This afternoon I played with four of my "pamangkins"--three nieces and a nephew. It is a surprise since these kids never really saw me in that light. I was always the nice-and-would-just-ask-you-how's-school-but-doesn't -play with-us tita. Yes, I was a playmate to them this afternoon. We played sorts of games. I created a game using the nursery rhyme "Little Sunny Water" and they love it. Well, I loved it too. I love hearing them sing the song on their own. I loved it when they were trying to cheat by peeking but still cannot lie that they were cheating. Such innocence! They have to beg on us playing it over and over, which is alright with me. Talk about persistence.

What I loved most is playing "Touch Ball" with them. They are so having the fun of their lives while they try no to be hit by the ball and with all their might throw the ball to their "opponent" with all hopes of getting a point. Beat this: I am even carrying my 3 year-old nephew while running to and fro, whist I allow him to throw the ball to our "opponents". It was tiring. It made me sweat A LOT! My "old" body is telling me to rest but my playmates are just overflowing with energy! I just loved it. I love hearing the kids call my name. I love them laugh. I love them shrill in excitement. I just loved the whole time I spent with them. It was fun. Hmn... I am loving kids!

That's good.