Saturday, November 25, 2006

Dejavu: NECES Variety Show

This is the final day of the NECES week. And of course, just like the previous celebration, it ended with the variety show. What to look forward for in the NECES variety show is the performance of the ECE students in each year level starting from third year to fifth year. Last year our section ruled in the third year level because of our amazing performance like the maskman fever.

This year, the theme is different, of course..hehe. It's about the things of the past 3 decades from 70's, 80's and 90's. The presentation can be in any form as long as they fall within the bracket of the period. As for our section, the class decided to do dancing instead. Actually, 4ECEB, our section had a very minimal time of planning because we were busy with some other things last week, i guess, or we were just in the habit of cramming when the day of the presentation is about to come. It was only last Thursday when some of the steps in the dance were formed. And it was only in the two consecutive days before Saturday that we practiced. Yesterday, we stayed until 8:30pm to finalized the steps and do the blocking of each groups.

I never really like dancing since I got into college but just to go with the group, I did all that I can for the benefit of our performance. I also heard from Princess that Engr. Guevara, our class adviser, is willing to give extra credits if we do great in the variety show. Also, he won't hesitate to give us a 200 items-long quiz if we won't be able to present a decent one! It was really a pressure on our side to perform well.

This morning, I didn't bother to go early because I knew for sure that we're going to practice again. I already know the steps and I was not excited enough to go early just to dance again. Our class supposedly is at 7am in Eng'g Management with Engr. Vicerra. I arrived at UST at 7:45am. When I got there, there were only a few of them present so my decision was right. It was already past 8am when we were growing in numbers. Obviously, what our section did was practice again.

To break the happy moment for some, it was 9am when another section was going to have a class in Rm.42 and our adviser announced something so we packed our things and went to ECE Lab.A at the second floor. Our adviser said we were suppose to have a class officer election that day and he also emphasized that all the position shall be replaced a new person. I thought it's sad for Gino because he has been our president since second year. I was surprised because when the nomination was opened for secretary, I was nominated and then elected..whoa..I didn't expect to have a responsibility for the class. Anyway, it's good to be one of the class officers though.. especially on the centennial celebration of the Engineering..hehehe

After the election, back to business again. We practiced the whole performance again. And to have a final one, we practiced with our costumes on. I said to myself, anyway after this be back to studying again so just enjoy the moment. It was already lunchtime when we had a break to eat and then commanded to be present at the field infront of the Eductaion bldg at around 1pm because it's when the show begins. We just ate at McDo in the carpark of UST so as not to waste more time.

The program didn't start at the right time just as the Filipinos are known for. Our class plus two more were very early waiting under the heat of the sun for the program to begin but it was like 3pm when it started. The set-up of the stage that they put up was smaller but it was ok. The audience were seating on monoblock chairs with 2 wide tarpaulin-roofed stalls placed on both sides of the venue to shield the people from the sun. It didn't accommodate the whole crowd though. The sound system was also good although it could damage our ear drums..hehe. We did understand anyways that there would be bands that would play later that show. The emcees were Engr. Vicerra and an ECE student.

The first part of the show was the awarding of winners in the previous events of the NECES Week. Our section winning the Men's Basketball for two consecutive years already. I guess doing it first is also a way to wait for some other audience to come especially those who were still having classes. There were also raffle draws to excite the students. The prizes were gift checks from Tokyo Tokyo and some beauty products I guess.

The next part which was the most awaited is the performance of each section in each level. The sequence started from the third year level down to the fifth year level. The third years really did great! I think performance-wise they were the best because they were all prepared and their presentation was polished very neatly. Just like in our section, they also did an-all dance performance. The only difference was they had individual actors for each popular figure in each decades like Michael Jackson, the Backstreet boys and the Spice Girls. Their performance was really nice to watch because they showcased their talents in dancing and impersonating and they all grooved into the music.

In the fourth year level, the performance level seemed to go a little notch lower because the synchronization of the dancers were given a little importance but the choreography was good especially in our section who performed first among the fourth years. The songs in our performance include: Kapag Tumibok Ang Puso and Macarena (90's), My Sharona and Girls Just Wanna Have Fun (80's) and I'm Coming Out and Careless Whisper (70's). I was part of the 90's group and I must say that we really didn't do quite good. The choreo of the 80's is the best because the beat of the music is faster and livelier. Of the three parts, the last performance captured the audience's attention the most because of the Sex Balls-like portrayal of our classmates who were wearing only tight black cycling shorts and suspenders. That was the highlight of our performance, I should say because it made the crowd laugh and be entertained.

The fifth years performed last. It was already dusk when they started. Since they were allotted 20 minutes in their performance, they had a lot to show. Some were boring because they did like a choral something. What I remembered that wowed me was the Super Mario. At first, I can't believe how they've gotten the idea of doing such because it's really unique. One of them acted as Mario and the props like the clouds, the bricks, the grasses were held by those people in black and they were all rotating around a black cloth to have a scene like the sequence in the game. That was the highlight in the fifth year level. I was also entertained by the "HE! Girls" in another section. I just couldn't stop laughing at one point when they shout "he!" They were all serious in acting to the point that they look like crazy because all that they utter was the word "he!" That's what made me laugh, I guess.

After all the performances, we had our dinner while watching the rock performance of the band from our section. The announcement of winners then followed. In 3rd year, the winner is 3B, 4th year, the winner is of course our section 4B. We are already back to back champions just like in basketball. In the 5th yr, I thought it was 5B because of the pattern and I was also entertained by their performance but it went to 5A who was also the over-all champion in the NECES week. Our section won 3rd place tied with 3B in the over-all.

After a tiring day, I went to the PGH to visit my cousin Eman. Early this morning, my sister told me to go there because she'll also be there and we'll just go home together afterwards. When I was already there, at first, I can't figure out where to go because what was given to me was the room number only which is Rm.562. I thought there are several buildings there but later, I found out that it's just one. I asked several guards and I was relieved when I got there. When I got in the room, I saw a dextrose beside Eman's bed plus the Nutriplex that serves as his food because his esophagus is wounded and he couldn't take food using his mouth. I felt sad for him but then I showed no sign of pity so as not to worsen his case. I just talked to him and asked about the province. It took me about an hour and a half before I decided to go home with my sister.

It was already late when we arrived home.

Wednesday, November 22, 2006

Seminar

Waking up early has always been the hardest part of the day for me. I just wanna be on my bed the whole day but that definitely won't happen. Just this morning, I woke up early again. Uncertain of what time to go to school, I just forced myself to move. Actually our class is at 9am. Since there will be a seminar at 8am and the registration is only from 7-8am, I tried to be at the school early. I didn't really know if we are required to attend or it's just optional but I know that there will be a certificate of attendance afterwards and that's very important when we reach our fifth year. Last night, I was waiting for a confirmation of what time to go to school today from our president but I didn't receive any so I just made my own decision to come early.

Inside the train at the Katipunan station, I saw Philip and he was carrying so many stuff. Hanging on the bar were his coat, uniform, pants and long sleeves, all neatly placed inside a plastic covering. I knew that it is the pageant of Chemical Eng'g later that afternoon and he's one of the candidates. He told me that they will have a final practice at the Education Auditorium. We shared different news about everything because it had been a long while since we last bumped into each other. It's really nice to know that somewhere I do meet my friends.

After alighting from the train at the Legarda station, I saw Allan and then I asked him what time the seminar will start and where. I presumed that time that many of our classmates were already there at the Eng'g Conference Hall because it was quarter before 8am. I introduced Philip to Allan but they said they have already seen each other inside their subdivision in Kingsville. However they just know that they are on the same school but now they know each other by name. On the way out, I helped him carry some of his things.

The lobby at the third floor was deserted when I walked into it. From afar, I saw a long table which I knew was where the registration takes place. I saw a familiar face and it was Daniel. He was in charged of assisting those who sign-up for registration. I arrived at the conference hall at 8:05am. Apart from what I was thinking, I was only the third who arrived there. There were no classmates inside the hall yet when Allan and I entered. Anyway, I said to myself that I would just attend the seminar and then go to class when it's 9am. However, Gino said that Ma'am Joy allowed us to stay in the seminar because we wouldn't have a class.

The talk was all about Broadband Communications. It featured one of the leading Telecommunications Company in the Philippines and in the world. It's Smart. At first,
the seminar seemed interesting for me because I really want to know more about communications after having it as my favorite subject for now, plus the fact that most of the speakers are Thomasian alumni. They also emphasized that every after the presentation of each speaker, there will be a game in a sort of question and answer. And the thing is, whoever gets the right answer will get gift packs from them. As the seminar progresses, there were some moments when I feel like not listening anymore especially when the topic is getting farther from what I can really grasp. Using some video clips also did make an impact, however, I guess there were some problems with the audio. The first part of the seminar was indeed focused on the services offered by Smart. The next parts were more of related to what really the talk was about.

The speaker was presenting his introduction about broadband communications when Gino said to us that Engr. Barretto was having a class. We went to the classroom to attend to his class. Anyway, it's our Comms class and it is related to the seminar. I also want to listen to the lecture of our professor because I learn a lot from him.

After that class, we had no more classes. We just had a class discussion on what we will be doing in the variety show this coming Saturday. I must admit that I don't have much to contribute except for my participation. At the end of the meeting, I was tasked to download some of the songs in our group.

Monday, November 20, 2006

What an encounter..

What a day it has been for me! So many things happened this day and I'm so tired now that I just wanna sleep but I have to store every good and bad memories that I have so that when I look back on this blog which is sort of a private online journal for me, I'll remember everything.

First of all, let me start at the beginning of the day. It's a Monday today and what I was worrying about early in the morning is that I haven't washed yet my uniform!Waaahh!! All I did a few moments after I got up from bed was I washed my uniforms. I really hate this kind of task because it's really boring and at the same time..tiring, but I have to do it for I can't rely unto others. Just before I finished this task, I heard from ate the condition of Bakekang, our pet kitten. She was very weak that time and doesn't move much so I was thinking maybe it was about time for her to die. I have seen even before that she's really suffering from so much pain right at her stomach part. I guess on the bright side of the incident, she has ended her agony. Goodbye Bakekang..

So much now for the sad part because this day, I said to myself that I'm going to enjoy my day! Before lunchtime, the phone rang. I was the one who picked it up and it was Kuya Joy. He said Ate Gina wants to talk to ate but I said she was busy with something so I was the one who talked to her. It was about their planned gimmick this day which I already know because my ate told about it to me last night. I asked if I can also come because like I said I want to enjoy my day. Ate Gina replied.. Oh sure. I was delighted by her response..hehe.

It was already lunchtime when I started preparing because they agreed to meet at around 3pm at Auntie Marlyn's house in San Andres Bukid, Manila. I also started watching the movie clips that I downloaded in youtube. It is the latest movie of Jeon Ji-Hyun entitled Daisy. At first, I was expecting so much because I've read from some of the reviews about the plot of the movie that it's good. I can't judge it right then because I haven't finished watching the whole film but I was hoping that the story will soon progress because it's kinda lame at the beginning.

We arrived at Auntie Marlyn's house just a few minutes late. When we got there, as if there was no plan agreed upon because Kuya Joy was sleeping on the sofa and everyone also I guess was sleeping before we arrived. However, Ate Gina needed to get an internet connection to check her email so the gimmick had to push thru. After a while, I noticed that it was only Ate Gina, Kuya Joy, Joseph, Ate and I who were ready to go and Jasmin wasn't at all getting ready that time so i wondered why wasn't she coming with us. It was later that day that I found out that she and Ate Gina had misunderstandings and I guess I'm out of it. Just after everyone else was ready, we went out the house and then walked to the corner of the street to look for a taxi cab that will take us to SM Mall of Asia. The street there is full of kids unlike here in our compound in Marikina where there's only a few. It took us a few minutes to take a a cab because almost all were refusing to take us. When we finally had one, we got ourselves into the cab though we were too many to get accommodated comfortably.

At last, when we alighted from the taxi cab, I finally felt comfortable. It was my first time to get there at SM Mall of Asia. It's really that BIG! There's also a wide area for parking. At first we didn't know where to enter because like I've said it's our first time there and Ate Gina wanted to take photos of everything but decided not to do it yet. It was easy to find the entrance because there were also people going into that direction. When we finally got in, the interior of the mall is just like the other malls but of course the difference is that it's new and only a few people are strolling there yet. Maybe in a few years now, it will be flooded with lots of people just like in SM Megamall. There are so many alleys to go to and the shops are expectedly bigger than the usual so we definitely can't roam around the whole mall so Ate Gina decided to go directly to the computer section to look for a hotspot for her laptop. We reached the part of the mall with no aircon and in this portion is where the park is situated and the computer section is also there. Just then, I thought that the hotspots are usually in cafe bars so we then looked for Starbucks. We saw the Manila Bay in one part of the mall. I thought Ate Gina would take photos of us there because it's really a nice spot but we just passed by it. We also passed by the cinema hall and then saw the entrance to the iMax. I really want to try watching here but I guess it wasn't the right time yet. Anyways, there are still so much time to go to Mall of Asia and I'll love it with my barkada.

We went to Starbucks and then Ate Gina got her email checked. He just sent message to her boss about where she is already and how she's doing. She also showed the website of the library that she's working in. It is the Palmesrton North Library. When she was done with everything, she let us check our email but it was only Ate who did it because I don't expect any important message from anybody. Just then, we saw that Kuya Stephen has a message to her. Ate said, she hasn't replied yet to it so we told her to scribble anything so that we'll make use some of the remaining time. However, ate refused because she said she wants to do it when she's alone. Then we laughed. Ate Gina started to type in some words to greet Kuya Stephen and then put in there that we are at SM Mall of Asia. When we no longer have anything to send email to anybody, we decided to stroll around. The next shop that we got into was Bench. Ate Gina told us to get anything we like because she'll be giving it as her gift this coming Christmas. I picked one and it's a perfume. RED Series Edition is the name. I find it friendly to the nose because there's like only a few content of the ethyl alcohol and the scent is somewhat unique. It's a bit costly though but Ate Gina didn't mind it anyway.

Afterwards, we decided to eat at KFC. Ate Gina ordered a bucket meal for us. What I like in KFC is the coleslaw and I keep coming back there because of it. Just like in UST, whenever we eat chicken at KFC inside UST, I also order coleslaw. That is when I'm not in a tight budget. The drinks were also upsized so we had tumblers. It's Happy Feet. I forgot to get my tumbler from Joseph so I didn't have a souvenir when we ate with Ate Gina.

Our day in SM Mall of Asia was about to end after eating but before we left the place, we had photos of ourselves inside the mall. We had it infront of the giant Christmas tree. I forgot that I was wearing a red polo shirt that time so maybe the color of my shirt blended with the background..haha. I'll post it here when we already get the copy from Ate Gina. There were also shots taken from different parts of the mall and what Ate Gina wanted to have a shot of was the globe outside but it can't be seen when captured in the digicam because it's already night although the globe has light which changes from different colors like blue, green, red, yellow and violet.

Just then, we decided to go home to San Andres because they will be leaving for Luna, La Union later that night. We were supposed to ride in a taxi cab again but the drivers refuse to take us because there can't be five passengers in a cab so we decided to take the FX. The four of us, Ate Gina, Ate, Joseph and I were seated at the back and Kuya Joy was at the middle seat. It took about 20 minutes before the FX left because the seats should be complete with passengers first. That time, I was feeling like about to urinate but I just controlled it because the mall is too far and at any time a passenger may come to complete the seats so the FX may go. When the FX was already running at great speed and we were in the middle of Roxas Boulevard, I was feeling sick already because I was just controlling my pee. They said use my mind to control it like mind over matter but I felt like my bladder was gonna explode. I really don't want to be placed in that situation because I don't know what I'm gonna do. They were making fun of me like telling me to just pee in the tumblers that we got at KFC. I also laughed but the more I moved my body the more I was feeling that it's gonna come out so I just concentrated. When we were in Quirino Ave. I already gave up. When the FX was at a stop and we were infront of a gas station, I opened the backdoor of the car and rushed to the public toilet. I didn't think of anything that time other than myself getting rid of that really bad situation.

After I've released it out of my system, I went back to the road and then expected to see that they were already gone. I decided that time to just take a cab because I was new in that place. All I knew is that it's the intersection of Qurino Ave. and Taft Ave. I also saw the LRT station in Quirino. I wanted to get to Radium street that time immediately because I didn't want them to worry about me so I didn't take the option of riding a jeepney along Taft which was the only route that I knew how to get there. Without thinking about anything, I just crossed Taft Ave. then I saw the street name plate with San Andres in it so I thought maybe if I just go straight ahead I'll get to where I'm supposed to go. I also saw some pedicabs so I asked one of the drivers if Dagonoy market is just near. A couple of drivers instructed me to take a jeepney in the street that one of them was pointing then I'll just alight at 7 11 in Onyx. I immediately rode into the jeep that first passed by me. In just less than 15 minutes, I reached the place where I'm familiar already so I just walk briskly to Radium street. When I was finally at Auntie Marlyn's house, I was relieved. It was my first time to see Auntie Marlyn so I paid due respect. They said I was fast because it was only a few minutes after they've arrived when I got there too.

Unlike when my Ate and I first arrived there in the afternoon, the house was already full of people. The whole Doroteo family was already there except for Uncle Benjie. They were waiting for us to arrive so that we'll have dinner all at the same time but Ate Gina told them that we are already done so they decided to eat. While Ate Gina, Joseph and Kuya Joy were packing their things, Ate and I were just watching TV in the sala. I wasn't able to talk to my third degree cousins but I understand. Of the four brothers, I had once become a company of Benson when we were in Rimos 1. The three of us --Joseph, Benson and I were buddies that time. Bryan, the eldest is also a Thomasian. He's currently a freshman taking up Journalism. The two younger brothers are Benjo and Benedict. When Uncle Benjie came to the scene, I also showed respect.

It was not too long when they were all packed up. They put all their baggages in the van and then made themselves get ready to leave. It was my first time to ride in their van. Ate has already ridden in it I guess twice already when they went to the province. I also remembered that it's the same van that Tatang used to ride when they go to La Union. The destination then was at the Fariñas bus station along Lacson. I know it because it's near our school. The trip wasn't that long because it's just near so when we reached it, they all said their goodbyes. I got a hug from Ate Gina and a goodbye from Jasmin. I wished them all a happy trip. As for Ate and I, we explained to Auntie Marlyn that our way going home is in España so they let us ride in their van again. While in the van, Auntie Marlyn was talking to us about stuff and I must say that it's a good way to have no dead air..hehe. When we reached the corner of España and Lacson, we said our thank you and goodbye to Auntie Marlyn and Uncle Benjie.

From there, we rode a jeepney going to Cubao. Then another one going to SSS Vill. It's already past 11pm when reached our house.

Sunday, November 19, 2006

Proud to be a Filipino

I'm back again. It's a Sunday. It's a great day to relax after a tiring week. My sister woke me up early this morning for the reason that we supposedly be going to San Andres Bukid, Manila to see Ate Gina there who has just arrived from New Zealand yesterday. I decided not to go for some personal reasons and one of them I should say is that I have to wash my clothes so that I would lessen the things that I have to do like to review my notes for the quizzes this coming week. I should say I wasted half of my day in doing non sense things but I did get away from procrastinating after I've eaten my lunch.

I turned on the computer and launched the TVR at around 2:30pm in our clock to watch the long-time awaited third match of Pacquiao and Morales. I wasn't that much excited to see the match although i really am interested to see it because I already received a spoiler from my classmate that Pacquiao's going to win by a knock-out on the fifth round. I still want to experience the feeling of solidarity as a Filipino takes home pride and honor to his homeland. I wasn't able to catch the beginning of the main event when Sarah Geronimo sang the Philippine national anthem and it's a bit disappointing but I immediately thought that it can be downloaded in you tube anyways. While watching the match, I really am proud of how Pacquiao threw his blows on to Morales because it indeed is highly destructive to his opponent. Truly it was, because right in the second round, Morales was knocked down due to the strong blow of Pacquiao close to his ear which the commentator said is very damaging because it has something to do with the balance. In the earlier part of the third round, Morales was again down on his butt, one more then he would be out of the limelight of his career. Destiny has been good for Pacquiao for he has taken all the energy in the third round. Right before the round ended, Morales was down for the third and the last time. I then realized that the spoiler was wrong because it wasn't on the fifth but on the third round. It was really sad to Morales' part but he has to accept that he has finally reached the turning point of his career in boxing. To Pacquiao, good job! Filipinos are truly proud of you. Mabuhay ang Pilipino!!!

*****


Another thing that I was anticipating this night was the performance night of The Philippine Idol. It was a good timing because the show has just started when I scanned the channel to 5. I didn't know who the guest judge was going to be. I was surprised to see that it was Lea Salonga. I've already read from the forums of peyups that the idols are soon be doing some sort of a theatrical performance and it was during this night. Lea is the best guest judge for this theme of the performance night of course because of her experiences as Miss Saigon. This night, the idols were good although it didn't worked for Miguel, I should say. Lea is really good in judging though she said that she has never done that before. She said everything that she saw in the performance of the idols and she didn't care about how the fans would react. I really am amazed in Lea's judging because she is that good and I hope that she'll be given the chance to be back there again. Tomorrow, Lea will be doing a number and I'm looking forward to it. If I would be asked, my choices of idols to be included in the final three are Mau, Gian and Pow. I should say, this night, Mau did nail her performance.

Oh well, right now, I'm watching Pinoy meets World. It's late again. Be back next time..

Thursday, November 16, 2006

Ideal prof??

It's blogging time again..hehe. Unlike yesterday, I am able to start scribbling my thoughts here late at night because the server was down a while ago. I don't know what's the problem with our broadband connection because we already configured the modem but something failed in the process. Oh well, I guess we must get used to this especially that it often happens. It's already 11:15 in our clock. I should be sleeping by now because my class tomorrow is at an early 9am. Anyway, I always wake up early since the start of the semester. I just hope it won't break.

What a day for me today..I should say. First of all, I'm still not over with this illness that I have. My left index is still swollen. Actually, I have just finished my hot compress on it a while ago and now it's covered with handkerchief after I applied white flower. It's difficult for me to type but I'm just in the mood to scribble my thoughts now. Ideas just keep running in my head and I'm just typing whatever pops in my head.

Well, my day started ok when I left the house early in the morning. I wasn't in a rush because I have moved quickly. It's different this day because the jeepneys were not full of passengers yet when I was waiting across DC Arcadia. I was able to catch the first jeep that passed and only few were inside. It's really nice to travel early in the morning because the morning breeze is just so refreshing. When I arrived at the LRT, I finally got to meet a classmate in high school and it was Leo. We shared stories of course it has something to do about what we are taking up because we're both ECE students plus news about our classmates. He's already advanced in the subjects that he has already taken up because Mapua is quarterm unlike in UST which has 2 semesters per year. We weren't able to talk much while inside the train because it's full of passengers, mostly students.

When I reached Rm. 210, I saw a only 3-4 classmates. Marc said he came second after our prof in ECE205, Engr. Barretto. It's unusual that the professor comes earlier than his students but I guess it should be that way when one is new in his work, to make good impression. But I guess, in the case of Engr. Barretto, he's just committed to his work because I can see his passion in teaching to the point of optimizing the time allotted for the subject in purely discussing the topic plus a answering a few questions from the students. I also noticed that he's really giving every bit of information relevant to the questions raised. He's that good!

After Comm1, SCL9 followed. We just had recitation this day. Obviously I wasn't able to answer a question or even attempted to answer. Nothing much happened in this subject. The discussion was about marriage. The subject that followed was ECE207 with Ma'am Asilo. We had note taking and a then discussion of the lecture plus a few ice breakers..hehe.

Early this morning I was trying to guess who our professor in Comp304L would be because it was the only subject left that we haven't met yet our professor. I was thinking that we are going to deal with computers again because of the subject itself then I realized that maybe there was something wrong with the room assignment because what's written in our reg. form is in ECE Lab A. However, ECE Lab A is an electronics lab so I thought maybe I was wrong that it was going to be like the DSP Lab. Aside from this, I wasn't expecting that Engr. Barretto is again our professor. I said to myself that it's going to be a good sem because we have good profs.

The experiment that we had was about getting familiar with the Trainer which is a logic circuit placed inside a briefcase. I guess it's donated by the CHED to UST-ECE for being a COE. Maybe next week I'll be able to post here the picture of the Trainer. Then the next experiment is the Inverter. Unlike the previous labs, I guess this will be easier.. I hope. Anyway, I enjoyed the experiments this day. I also brought home an IC which was rejected by our group because Ralph assumed that it's defected. It's a 74LS04 IC. The experiments turned out to be fine because we were able to answer everything.

It's already late..I must end this here now. Be back sooner.

Here is the photo of the Digital Trainer


This was taken during our secong experiment in Comp304L. We had circuit on OR Gate. -112306

Wednesday, November 15, 2006

Itchy finger..waahh

I woke up early this morning at around 6:00am because I set the alarm of my phone at that time however it's weird that I often wake up even before my phone alarms. As usual, I immediately turned on the radio to listen to Morning Rush in RX 93.1. I know for a fact that I wouldn't get to listen to Chico and Del because Del isn't around but I really do not know the reason why. My sister said that she's on vacation. It's my habit to listen to Morning Rush so I just tuned in whoever the jocks are. For the case a while ago and for the remaining days of the week, it will be Chico and Jake--the 2006 radio idol winner. It was not the happy and funny Morning Rush that I get to listen though.

One thing that I didn't bother to give my attention to was the mosquito bites in my left hand. I saw it the moment I got up from bed, but I just scratched it whenever it felt itchy. It was weird though that when I was taking a bath, I couldn't bend my pointer finger and it was unusually larger than my right pointer. I didn't mind it again because I knew that it will be back to normal after a while.

I went to school, as usual I was rushing again because the time in our clock is already 8:30 but it's 20-30 minutes advanced and our first class is 9am in Comp304 plus our professor is Ma'am Poblete who never fails to check the attendance. I don't want to be late so I moved quickly. I then realize that it's during that time in the morning when it's hard to commute because the jeepneys are always full of passengers. After two jeepneys full of passengers passed by, I luckily got to ride in a jeep that just needs one passenger because one is about to alight.

When I got to LRT, it was just like the other days, nothing new. Since the semester started, I haven't seen anyone I knew yet in the train like my friends, classmates in high school in college and schoolmates in UST. The song inside the train is nice. I really like listening to Jose Mari Chan's Christmas songs. They're really soothing to the ears. However, every time the train leaves or arrives to a station, the music gets interrupted to give way for the recorded voice and sometimes the announcement of the train operator.

When I reached the classroom in Rm.302, obviously the bell hasn't rang yet. That's how good I am..haha! After a while, Ma'am arrived. It was only few of us then but the lesson has to start right away. We had our first lesson for the semester and it was about Number Systems. It was during that time when I began to notice the changes in my left hand. My pointer started to swell and slightly numb. The skin at the back of my hand has patches of red and it's noticeably not normal. My classmates even joked on me and said that it's elephantiasis. I hope it's not cause I'm starting to get scared especially that it has not yet return to normal. Anyway, I know it will get well sooner.

After our Comp304, we had ECE205:Communications 1. It was our first time to meet our professor because he was absent for the whole week last week. Our professor is Engr. Armando V. Barretto and he said we can call him Ding.."Ding ang bato!"..hehe . He's new in the academe but was working in the industry before. He's also an alumni of UST with a major in ECE in the batch 81. Ma'am Poblete said he was the classmate of Ma'am Lot--the current ECE Department head. We listened to his lecture for two hours. He seems to be good and it really looked like he knows well about the topic he was discussing. We'll know more about him and his teaching styles as the semester goes on. After his subject, we had Strength of Materials with Engr. Yap. It's not the kind of subject that I like but as always, I needed to listen to get better grades.

Haayy, after a long while I finally have time to scribble my thoughts here again. I just hope that I can do this regularly so that I can store good memories.

Saturday, January 29, 2005

Cool Tests

I am still awake at this very hour. I checked on my email and edited our groups. I went over this email that my classmate sent. It's pretty cool.. here's the link to it.. http://www.blogthings.com/

Here are some of the tests that I've answered..





You Have A Type A- Personality



A-





You are one of the most balanced people around
Motivated and focused, you are good at getting what you want
You rule at success, but success doesn't rule you.

When it's playtime, you really know how to kick back
Whether it's hanging out with friends or doing something you love!
You live life to the fullest - encorporating the best of both

worlds








Your Dominant Intelligence is Logical-Mathematical Intelligence





You are great at finding patterns and relationships between things.
Always curious about how things work, you love to set up experiments.
You need for the world to make sense - and are good at making sense of it.
You have a head for numbers and math ... and you can solve almost any logic puzzle.

You would make a great scientist, engineer, computer programmer, researcher, accountant, or

mathematician.








Your Element Is Fire



Your passion and emotion are as obvious as the brightest flame.
You make sparks fly, and your passion always has the potential to burst out.

You are exciting and creative - and completely unpredictable.
You sometimes exercise control, and sometimes you let yourself go.

Friends describe you as sensitive, spirited, and compulsive.
Bright and blazing with intensity, you seem mysterious and moody to many.









Your EQ is


100


50 or less: Thanks for answering honestly. Now get yourself a shrink, quick!

51-70: When it comes to understanding human emotions, you'd have better luck understanding

Chinese.

71-90: You've got more emotional intelligence than the average frat boy. Barely.

91-110: You're average. It's easy to predict how you'll react to things. But anyone could

have guessed that.

111-130: You usually have it going on emotionally, but roadblocks tend to land you on your

butt.

131-150: You are remarkable when it comes to relating with others. Only the biggest losers

get under your skin.

150+: Two possibilities - you've either out "Dr. Phil-ed" Dr. Phil... or you're a dirty

liar.








You Are Not Scary

Not Scary!

Everyone loves you. Isn't that sweet?








You Are 21 Years Old



21





Under 12: You are a kid at heart. You still have an optimistic life view - and you look at

the world with awe.

13-19: You are a teenager at heart. You question authority and are still trying to find

your place in this world.

20-29: You are a twentysomething at heart. You feel excited about what's to come... love,

work, and new experiences.

30-39: You are a thirtysomething at heart. You've had a taste of success and true love, but

you want more!

40+: You are a mature adult. You've been through most of the ups and downs of life already.

Now you get to sit back and relax.




Haaayyy.. I still have to sleep. My class is at 7am. And guess what.. our first class is Philo 5.. and it's a 2-hour period.. haaayyyy..

Tuesday, January 25, 2005

STAR STUDENT.. I'm a Champ!!

I woke up early this morning to fix something in our yahoogroups. I've placed a password protection in the homepage of our groups and I've forgotten to post the username and password. I'm really proud of what I've done because from then on our yahoogroups is improving for the better.

I moved very slowly because I know our professor in Computer Lab will be late again. I left the house at around 6am.

On the way to the entrance of the LRT2 Katipunan station, I met Jona in the line of the bag inspection. It has been a long while since I last saw her. We talked about different news about what's been up to in our lives.. about our classmates.. and the Koreans.. =) The trip to Legarda was just very fast because we talked too much about anything.

When we passed through the Valencia Dormitory (a clock hanging in front of its gate serves as my clock).. I saw the time and it was already 7:15. We scurried a bit because we didn't wanna be late for our class. I reached the second floor lobby and voila!... they were still there. My classmates were waiting at the benches. Just after minutes passed, our professor came and we entered the laboratory.

After spending two hours in the lab for just accomplishing some of the unfinished exercises in the manual, we spend the other hour to watch the match between Engineering and Commerce Basketball Team. We went to the UST Gym. Minutes passed by and still the game hadn't started yet because of the training in basketball with Norman Black. As we were about to leave the gym, the bell rang and signaled the start of the game. We left the gym after a point was made by the Eng'g team.

We arrived at the Roque Ruaño bldg just in time.. actually Ma'am Capati wasn't sill there. During our Filipino class we just checked the papers. I'm really not into good condition when I see our professor. She's indeed an irritant! I received my paper from our teacher and with special mention because I wrote a long essay but she said it was just flowery. She made my work an example for those wrote flowery essays. For that she gave me 0.. there's really an injustice!!.. grrr! In the test I got 51/75.. 82%

The final subject was Calculus. When Ma'am Roque entered the class with the bundle of test papers, I knew that it was going to be my judgment of what I got in the exam. The preliminary exam made me depressed for about a day because of not putting +c in the integrated answer. I wrote about this in my previous blog. We had first a discussion for the first and second hour. It was a new lesson so I had to listen. Minutes before the bell rang, she distributed the papers.. I heard from Elaine that I was the highest but I didn't believe it unless I heard it. When Ma'am Roque was about to give the paper of the student with the highest score... She said Lester Varela.. waaah!!! My classmates applauded. I really can't believe it.. I didn't expect that much especially in Calculus!.. Thank God!

To make matters even better, a ribbon made of carton was pasted in the upper left corner of my paper with this inscription.. "STAR STUDENT".. woaahh!! astig!! and in the upper right corner beside my perfect score of 100 (wo.. i'm really humble.. hahaha) these were written.. "Keep it up! Champ!".. Wo!.. that really made my day!! =)

Tuesday, January 18, 2005

Stupid mistake

It's the start of our prelim week this day. I am really preparing for it very much because I want to have better grades this semester.

I woke up early and started reviewing my notes in Calculus while listening to my favorite radio station, RX 93.1.. =) I also practiced on our previous exercises because I don't want to miss any topic. It was already 10:30am when I started preparing to go to UST. I left the house at 11:15am and hoped to arrive there at 12noon because our exams is at 1pm and I want to be half an hour or even an hour early.

While I was in the train, between Betty-Go-Belmonte and Gilmore station, an unexpected incident occurred. The train at its great speed suddenly stopped. Passengers were pushed forward. As for me, I was standing and holding on to the hand rails. The train didn't move for about five minutes. I thought we were gonna be stuck there for a long time and I would be late for the exams... whew!! If that happened, I'm not gonna ride in that train again.. =/

I arrived at UST at an early time of 12:15. I found no one there yet at the second floor near Rm. 207. I browsed my notes and review for the remaining minutes before the exam.

The test wasn't that difficult. I even had time to review my answers but after the exams... I found out that I had a FATAL ERROR(exaggerated).. waaaahhh!!.. I forgot to put + c at the integrated form!.. waahh!!.. really STUPID MISTAKE!! grr..

Sunday, January 16, 2005

Good to be back..

After a veeerrry long time.. here I am.. I'm back for good.. =)

It's a Sunday.. usually it's a working day for me in the house.. I planned to review today for our prelims on Tuesday. However, I just can't focus on what I'm reading with someone nagging around.. I quitted first on my reviewing and did my chores.

I didn't open my notes after that because I wanted to show him that I won't study and if I fail.. it's his fault.. too bad, but that's the way it should be.. tsk.. tsk..

I slept after eating lunch to make myself relaxed. After an hour and a half of sleeping, I watched a DVD.. White Valentine, by Park Shin Yang and my all-time favorite.. Jeon Ji Hyun. It was good the second time around because the first time I watched it.. I fell asleep. This time, I watched fully the move and I found it very nice.. It somehow moved me.

So, maybe next time that I drop by in this site.. I have a lot of things to say.. I'm just not in the mood to talk much.