Once Upon a Wretched Country...

Long absence does not mean I died!

2005-10-15T12:50:00.000-07:00

How many days has it been since I last ventured in the network? Ha! you thought I was dead already eh? Well, the damn internet is not working so I have to log-in in Blogger using my cousin's pc! I am rather having a boring and annoying life.

Anyway, I decided to move my blogging duties here!. I was getting somewhat tired looking at this blog. Please pardon my nomadic tendencies...

For the whole and strictly-no-advertisements entry about my lousy life, please click the link above. It was supposed to be a 1001 thoughts but I think I will merge it with the journal type entries so the main issues are still not lost.

Anyway, my fellow bloggers and writers' blogs and journals are quite updated and flowing with fresh entries whilst mine is already rotting in its lateness.

Finalized

2005-09-30T17:45:00.000-07:00

Promise, last na 'to.

I deleted a few of the entries before this due to some...*cough*...reason. Anyway! This is the last entry about my shounen-ai story, the following days would be entirely dedicated to my academics. Cut me some slack! I also NEED to study.

I promise this is the finalized appearance of uhm...a particular character--the main character to be exact, who is not yet named permanently and with no complete profile yet. He went through a lot of drafts, trying to make him look immaculately impassive yet silently troubled (deep inside)and um, pretty...but I know I did not do any justice to his rendering, but please bear with me, I've been trying this past weeks to improve my drawing skills, and so far yet this is the result:

I'll stop the SHOUNEN-AI project forawhile while I concentrate on my studies. I'll be back on work by sem-break. But during that time, I'll be totally erratic, anxiously expecting to be either de-barred or kicked-out. Poor me ='(
*sigh*

PS: I might move the shounen-ai files somewhere else. So don't be surprised if I stopped posting the nonsensical things.

Plans

2005-09-26T14:54:00.000-07:00

This is Takano Shin from my very own shounen-ai story DUEL (weeeehhhh...pffftt!). This is how he looks but some of the appearance are subjected to change depending on my whim.
I created this drawing Sunday night (Sept. 25) and scanned in Epson-perfection and made some editing and cleaning of the image through Photoshop. It is copyrighted of course (as if someone would even bother to look...).

As you can see, I just made slight changes in the pic but Shin-sama looked better in black and white than colored. When i colored him I instantly regretted it because he looked even more ugly. But no matter how ugly he is, I still love him, I still have to improve in my coloring skills though.

LABOR: I had to move the file to Image Cave hosting site because my server/host Ripway is undergoing lots of technical reformatting so they cannot host the pic from theirs. Phew, it was not really in my plan to get another hosting server...but then it's okay, Image Cave looks cool (and has a thumbnail feature, that would make it easier for me)although I'm still new to the controls. Thanks to them for hosting Shin-sama!

Coming Next: I don't know exactly when but estimately I'll try to post HIM by sem break. HIM is, of course, Shin-sama's partner Kaino Yukio - his name means "gets what he wants" and it was tongue-in-cheek in relation to my story, but regarding the story he is not a selfish, pompous, brat-ass like "some" guys in other yaoi manga(s), I made it sure that he will love earnestly and honestly...hehe...
I had trouble deciding what Kaino-sama's name should be. I found this japanese name generator and tried it, but it only made me laugh (I tried it with my name, the result is below). I typed in "Chris", contrary to what you might be thinking, I did not base Kaino-sama's name to our Korean classmate at the university. Anyway,so there, what the generator concluded cracked a laugh from me: Chikafusa Chikamatsu - I was intently looking for a suitable name that sounds handsome but this name sounded so cute but sissy! I can't bear reading or hearing this name that should portray a handsome guy! But anyhow, that was fun! So there, I settled on Yukio but I'm open to changes especially when the taste and need calls for it.

Here is my japanese name:

My Japanese name is Chisato Kanesaka.
Take The Kawaii Japanese Name Generator by Shuichigami today!
Created with Rum and Monkey's Name Generator Generator.

From then on you shall address me as Kanesaka-sensei and you shall bow to me! Bwahahahahahahahaha!!!!!!

Hehe...just kidding! Cry Peace ^.^V mwehehehhehehe...

Pathetic sickness

2005-09-19T13:19:00.000-07:00

I feel bad today...

Not because someone annoyed me. I'm not well. My allergic rhinitis caught me off-guard again and I'm crying buckets here. If you don't know how and what Allergic Rhinitis is, it is allergic reaction also called as Hay Fever. It is the overreaction of the immune system to fight harmless substances like dust or pollen as though they are harmful. I sniff some dust mites here and then I'll start sneezing. if I sneeze 3 to 7 times in a row that is the cue for my upcoming Allergic Rhinitis. This overreaction (allergic reaction) causes inflammation, My head would start aching, my nose irritated and painful, my eyes abnormally teary; it really is bad.
It is also somewhat related to Asthma, but not close.

I tell you, it is a curse! I'm cursed in inheriting this sickness because in our family I have a few cousins who are also suffering this. It runs in the family.

By the time I rode in the fx going home, I felt so bad I can't wait to jump from one transportation to another so I could tend myself at home. The people inside the jeepney I was riding were looking at me. I knew I looked pathetic with my stuffy, red nose, my (left) eyes puffy and red too, and my pallid complexion; they were pitying me, or rather, trying not to get close to me.

Right now, I even have the guts to sit before my computer and type this entry. My allergy is better now but I think I will need to take some forty-winks just to alleviate my aching, paranoid immune system. I just hope this will not proceed to a serious fever I usually have after most of my allergic assaults. It's all because of this damn, erratic weather.

A Sign of Intelligence

2005-09-18T20:23:00.000-07:00

The promise of Intelligence in this kid...

Here is my one year old cousin caught up in the latest phone technology

1 year old cousin engrossed in cellphone

I bet she knows how to make a prank call...

I bet she knows...

She knows...

Sorry, I have to provide the link to the pics here because it is too large for my blog to accomodate in its frame, anyhow, it would have been cute if you saw the pics directly, unfortunately I'm too lazy to edit it in the Photoshop.

A HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY BEAUTIFUL COUSIN, ISABEL, TURNING FROM 13 TO A BLOOMING 14. NYAK!

New creature, New Keyboard, New disasters

2005-09-17T21:40:00.000-07:00

This afternoon, I saw for the very first time, my nephew. He is so tiny with a blessed straight nose and fair complexion. Whenever he attempts to cry, his face would be so distorted it looks so funny! My mother told me while cradling her grandson that I looked exactly like him, fair; plump; and small (ooowwwss...?)but now I had grown to a living nightmare: ugly, stubborn and obnoxious.

~~~~~~~

I came late in our Geography class and was able to catch a couple of seconds before our "uber-sensitive" prof who I admire for her intelligence despite her vehement attitude, even gave the questions. It was humiliating of course, not only to the peeps but to myself as well. I was never late in a class back in high school. I might be growing backwards, or else I really am getting worst.

This morning when I was finishing my Saudi Arabia government and economy report my keyboard died on me. I literally went into hysterics and had to summon my poor cousin from his bed at an ungodly hour just to borrow his keyboard. I am damned, I knew it. Whoever god or goddess presiding over my luck must have been harboring a deep hatred with me. Just this early evening, I was forced to buy a brand-new keyboard, which right now I am using. It got lots of button which I'm pretty sure are just useless. I wish I had chosen more wisely.

Nothing really happened today, just heard a bunch of narrow-minded guys close to our table at McDonalds babbling about marriage and commitment.
Augh...that's bullshit.

Currently Listening to: Escaflowne the Movie soundtrack and Alternative Women

Popping out

2005-09-16T23:33:00.000-07:00

My Mother is unusually calm today--not that I'm saying she always rave every single day but she did not scold me upon seeing her obnoxious daughter sitting before the computer at such a late hour.
There is something "happily-anticipating" in her face. Her eyes seems bright, she's not smiling wide but she's not frowning either. Yep, I could see it. I could see right through her.

I wonder how my sister is doing in the hospital. She is to give birth to her first child any hour now. And my mother is excited deep inside. yes, that's what i could feel--her jumbled emotions inside, that's why she is unusual today.

Man, the geography report is killing me! I'm working my ass here before the computer and my eyes are ready to roll down in exhaustion. It is my fault I know, but I didn't know it could be so hard and heavy.

So here I am, surfing through the net and trying not to doze off on the desk. I want to sleep now but I'm pretty sure my mother is going to be wide awake the whole midnight. Anyway, she is asking me if I can go straight to the hospital after the classes. I don't know...I mean I don't know the way there.

Hmmm...*taps finger against the desk* any hour now, a certain room inside a certain hospital will soon be filled with the wailing cries of a newborn creature.

eek! my nephew...

zzzZZZZZZZ uurrmmm -_-; I'm cold and tired and stressed.

Uh...what?

2005-09-15T07:00:00.000-07:00

I had the special company of Pia on my way home, we even got into the same fx and talked alot about anime, prof De Castro, assignments, quizzes, and anime--uh, sorry...did I mentioned it already???
What a bore.

Anyway, before we even get to our fx, we talked about "Rain", yes, folks, Rain, as in water-form precipitation (courtesy of Ma'am geography, as I fondly call her). Pia clearly expressed to me that whenever it rains and coincidentally she is at home she feels inspired to write or do whatever she really like to do. *Au contraire, whenever it rains and I'm at home, I feel really blue and deflated. Like a glue feeling depressed and exhausted (exactly like *Kyo-kun!). But whenever I'm out of the house and it rains, I feel strangely spiritual and poetic. I will start muttering and thinking about transcendental things, our main purpose in life, the source of rain, where is heaven, and mystical things! Creepy, aren't I? But dude, that's just the way it goes. Kinda like the commercial of I think...Jolibee? or was it McDonalds?...aaarrggghhh! whatever fastfood it was...
Imagine me with my eyeglasses glinting and lightning splitting the sky behind me.
Pretty corny huh? of course, Pia found it funny.

Anyway, I accompanied my mother to the grocery, said she was going to shop briefly for a chemical called Asuntol??? says it will blast the freaking fleas off our garage where our dogs had been dislodging them. If there is any insect that is as equally disgusting as a cockroach for me, that would be FLEAS, ladies and gentlemen, those cursed blood-suckers raising the hair on my skin whenever I see them slowly crawling and f*cking fat and loaded with...blech...blood.
Anyhow, back to our topic, It was hard looking for the said chemical and we had to ask for a male clerk's assistance, he looked ignorant of the goods stacked on the area he ambled away to seek a fellow clerk to help us poor people (my mother and I). Fortunately, she knew that it was out-of-stock. My mother nodded and in turn asked another product she saw, a somewhat Hygienic collar for dogs with fleas.
The clerk--or saleslady to be exact glanced at it and then explained, "Um, yan po yung nilalagay sa leeg ng aso..."

Yes, we know what a collar is.

And then she looked uneasy, obviously, she didn't know what the product does. And she began to talk in the air, muttering something incomprehensible, mumbling away.

There is really no reason why I wanted to share this nevertheless boring story. I just felt I wanted to type it, I just noticed it and I recalled it.

Mitch, if you are reading this entry, Mochi had released the last chapter of Rin! 0.o oh, god, last chapter? it's finished!?, and oh, it's their second anniv. you might want to greet the good guys.

*French for "On the contrary" I hope my spelling is right...
*A Character in one of my favorite anime Fruits Basket

"Ai no Kusabi"

2005-09-14T17:42:00.000-07:00

Warning: This is an incredibly long entry concerning the yaoi video Ai no Kusabi. Now that you know it, you'd better navigate away from this entry especially if Homosexual sexual intercourse/interaction disgusts you.

Now that's a disclaimer.

Ai no Kusabi by ??? (based on a novel and radio station drama, as indicated)

Watching this anime was not a waste. Although the first part really confused me and I really didn't feel the futuristic theme, however, the story revealed itself gradually with dramatic beauty--now, if only I could resist the futuristic theme...

If I'm not mistaken, Mitch said it was the most er...how should I put this...famous? beautiful? yaoi ever made (so far). The animation/ drawing is quite good as long as they look handsome (although the body was a little too broad and muscular, but never mind.)
THe story/plot is excellent. I like the story. Like I said, the first part gave me the wrong impression that it will not be in favor with my taste. Well, I guess I was wrong. The idea of master-pet affair is good, really is something. The story coupled with handsome faces really carries it through big time.
Anyhow, regarding the story, the time itself just really irks me. The costume is er...um...not-so-lovely to look at and the world they are inhabiting is not exactly what I have in mind when you say "futuristic", who will I blame? no one, because the anime was created somewhere earlier than 1999 and well views and insights about "an advanced world" is different then, so this issue is somewhat trivial. The plot, the conflict and the ending is beautiful. Although I did not cry, the ending was touching and sad. But I can't stop giving side-comments how stupid some of them are. For example, Guy (see characters below) has this issue of worsening situations, why can't he understand the main character, Riki, after having punched him and kicked him? Why can't he accept the reality and shrug it off? Later, the light was shed and perhaps, mayhap, maybe...he was actually gay! and he's very possesive of Riki. take note that this is anime is crawling with males, no leading females here folks, you'll harldy see them here except for a couple of times. Gosh, I exclaimed inwardly, this anime is full of gays! All of them are gays, I bet'cha!

Although I will not say that they are gays, I refer to them as bisexual people. It sounds more sophisticated and scientific-like.

Another one is: I can't believe they are walking through the building?! I mean, they are ambling with a carefree and the-devil-may-care pace! God! Why don't you all run? can't you see that you are inside a building that is rapidly going down??? Riki is not an exception! Run, leap, sprint, jump, fly! whatever! i don't care! for goodness sake just hurry up before someone loses a limb or two...oops! those were my thoughts while I was watching 'em.

Over all, the story revolves around a somewhat love-triangle. About possession, lust and well, love between two entirely opposite people. THe futuristic setting is satisfactory for me, because I knew that a setting like this is needed to put a culture that is obsolete, obscene and requiring technology to emphasize the point. There are also bed scenes that are, shall we say, very passionate. It is not disgusting, in fact it was fascinating (or have I lost my mind?)and sultry (just please lessen the muscular details, and...nice hair, Iason, flipping it while...). Plot is simple but wonderful, dramatic and passionate, over-indulged and scandalous. THat's what is all about, Iason's scandal about his relationship with his wild pet, Riki.

The characters are...so far good. The main characters/lovers are Iason and Riki. Iason is an elite, high-class, genetically engineered to be perfect in all aspect human who holds a high place. Riki is a roguishky handsome man and categorized as a "mongrel" meaning he is of low status. Iason had a scandalous affair with his pet Riki for three years, he let Riki out for awhile but is intent on taking him back to be his lover, and when Riki did not return promptly, Iason Mink devised a plan to break down Riki's gang and retrieve him to be his pet once again. THese two can be compared to a master taming a wild wolf or leopard/jaguar who wants to run away for freedom. Iason is quite a possessive man.
It is prohibited for Iason's race to touch or much less, have a direct sexual intercourse with their pet. But what really was beautiful in this story was Iason's admittance of his love for his mongrel pet. He made love to him and did everything for the sake of Riki even if it means bringing his reputation down. He even wants Riki to be free and do all the things he want as long as he stay loyal to him as a pet should. He's just overly possessive with Riki.
Meanwhile, Riki is one undecisive person. Or maybe I just can't grasp his true feelings. He loves his bestfriend Guy but I don't know if it is more-than-friends type of love. I understand that he hates Iason but at the same time he's willing to submit himself to Iason. I guess he just won't admit it.
THere are a bunch of secondary characters but I won't mention them here except for the attractive hunk Katze, who took my attention altogether even if he is just a secondary character. He's handsome, mysterious and aloof but what troubles me is... *suspicious* He's also gay? . Who was he crying for at the end of the film? for Iason, his master? or for his friend Riki? I'm convinced that he is crying for the two doomed lovers.

Anyway, overall, I give this anime six stars out of seven. It is good, the animation may be a little old-looking and realistic but it somehow took me in its sad story. Oh man, why did they have to...

mmmfff...no more talking.

I said I'm going to make a review of THe Devil does exist, I guess I have to move it tomorrow. Even the Rin! and Kiss Scandal reviews are delayed for sometime. Pfft...sorry.

Currently listening to 1997 Anime's best collection cd and plotting my very first attempt on shounen-ai manga entitled...

Wait, I don't know yet.

Hey, friendster has new features...hmmm...better check it out.

Mad, mad, mad cheska!!!

2005-09-12T19:05:00.000-07:00

I dug all of my japanese books and tutorial ek-ek. I decided to review (and recall) the Japanese language again. I already forgot half of the hiragana characters. This is all because of Yaoi/shounen-ai manga(s) and the anime Tsubasa. Dash it!

I must be mad.

P.S.
I'm having a predicament over the domain I bought/ordered, due to some circumstances and other "people" I decided to cancel it and postpone my plan in creating a website (I need a web designer to partner me, although I already know someone who could do that for me, but we have to wait for the right time). The possible date of getting a hosting site may go as far as December or in summer, a hectic schedule and a "uber-sensitive prof" is hindering my path of progress. It will take some while until I've gathered all the elements but rest assured that I will have a domain, at some time...

Caught Up

2005-09-11T00:13:00.000-07:00

I found the large (larger than my hand) clam shell I smuggled from the divinely beautiful beaches (islands) of Palawan this past summer that
(I think it's illegal to ship out shells from Palawan) I seriously forgot to clean and set off with patience to brush its white shell to
an outstanding pristine white.

Yesterday, I was thinking about buying my own domain in the net. Maybe later this day I will really buy one. But I'm curently thinking of a domain name.

I'm so caught up with RIN. Finally, Only the Ring Finger Knows has its equal!

So, Pacquiao won against Hector Velasquez. Just five minutes ago before I typed this entry. Everyone here in the house is happy.

Oh boy...

2005-09-09T15:50:00.000-07:00

Mitchie-san gave me another round of yaoi mangasssss copied into the CD.

*ecstatic* Oh boy! Oh boy! Oh boy! Oh boy! Oh boy! Oh boy! Oh boy! Oh boy! Oh boy! Oh boy! Oh boy! Oh boy! Oh boy! Oh boy! Oh boy!

*grins* Expect reviews and comments in coming days. Haha! ^_^

Html

2005-09-08T16:20:00.000-07:00

This is my very first, decent attempt in webpage (html) making.

Cassini on the hot run.

2005-09-05T12:15:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, while my mother drove her cart to the cashier in the grocery I picked up an open mag of I-dearly-forgot-the-title-of-the-magazine for the latest Science and Technology. I flipped through the pages out of boredom, but thank God when my eyes fell on the Cassini's mission on Saturn (that's not the exact title of the article.) and was so engrossed with the topic (I've always loved Science as equally as I love Lit). The article was about the spacecraft Cassini-Huygens who was launched in October 15, 1997 (that's...hmmm...seven years ago???)to explore Saturn's rings and one of Saturn's moons Titan (its atmosphere). It was so amazingly interesting that I visited the website suggested in the article. I found amazing stuffs (for me) like these:

In September 26, 2005: Cassini is supposed to study (one of) Saturn's moon Hyperion at the range of 628 miles. SInce its already September 5, I dunno where he is--the probe/spacecraft I mean.

Currently, Cassini's present position is shown in the site's domain where computer rendered pics are shown to visualize how close Cassini is. From Cassini, Saturn is 436, 947 km away (if I'm not mistaken, please tell me if I'm wrong) Saturn's moon Titan (which is the main target of Cassini aside from Saturn) is a staggering 1, 636 mil km. Of course these distances may change and vary while Cassini moves closer (it intends to move really close) so the site updates the pics at least once a day so you really know where Cassini is whenever you would like to know and check. Meanwhile, our very own Mother-earth is like a dot on the pics shown, that's how far we are from Cassini...er...Saturn's territory.

I was tempted to check even Cassini's CURRENT, EXACT position in the sky but the instrcution looked meandering I decided to just check it some other time when I have lots and lots of free time.

There are also pictures of what Cassini occassionally beam back home, of what Cassini-Huygens spacecraft looks like and other scientific information for Science-buffs like me (in some areas only). If you would like to know the site of which I visited, leave me a "complaint" and I'll promptly give you the URL. I did not post any pics here, I'm sorry to tell you that, It just so happens that I'm using the Library computer and there would be complications if I did, just see the site for yourself and navigate through, you'll see them.

Otherwise, I'll leave you with a "good day" and happily be on my way.

Poor cat

2005-08-27T16:27:00.000-07:00

This is funny, but I absolutely sympathize with the cat.

*Sigh* the poor cat...

The Trip to Bilibid Prison

2005-08-26T08:58:00.000-07:00

I made a very long entry here about Our Trip to Bilibid Prison. I don't want my readers to get bored or something so I decided to provide the permalink here for those who are interested and who has the patience to read a looong post. Otherwise, just ignore this.

My experience in Bilibid Prison Medium Security, Camp Sampaguita

If you will notice, the time below the Bilibid entry is wrong, let me tell you that I did it deliberately so my other entries will not be affected if I configured the posts to 1. The correct date should be: Aug 26, 2005; 8:35 AM.

Thanks!

Currently not functioning.

2005-08-24T15:45:00.000-07:00

If you catch my blog in its odd form (white all-over) it's that my host/server is undergoing a system rebuild--installing security patches and doing last minute maintenance rendering my files unaccesible. So don't be alarmed--as my server assures us...I hope so.
I was planning to change my template but you know me, sometimes I could be a real lazyass (zzzzzz -_-;) I decided to leave it as it is until my host/server could finally get back on track and work properly. But honestly, I did surf the net for simple and cute templates and ended up jammed in someother's blogs and sites.

Currently slobbering all the chocolates in the house. My mother busted me. She now kept all the chocolates hidden and refused to give me a single bar, so whenever I catch her eating one stealthily I steal the remaining portion while she happens to be out of sight.

And whenever she catches me eating a whole bar, she snatches it away from my hands even before you could blink an eye and she would eat it all up with a triumphant laugh.

Talk about chocolate crazed mother and daughter.

Sports Fest

2005-08-23T08:40:00.000-07:00

Wondering why I'm here at this early hour? Well, unexpectedly the UST is holding the SPorts Fest where Faculty members are participating, therefore, logically, we have no classes until 10:30. Surely Ma'am De Castro will give lectures about Arctic and Mt. Everest, don't expect her to go dribbling some ball or serving a shot in volleyball because the image is startling, If she did she would be using her geographical skill and apply them in her games, interestingly.

The same goes for Dr. Galang.

Currently being DENSE, can't think straight because I'm endlessly worrying about my British Literature report: Robert Burns' To A Mouse. Could anyone help, help, help ME????

Gays and Writers

2005-08-22T13:00:00.000-07:00

Gay people make the best writers.

Who will agree with me on that?

As for me, life is getting more and more hectic, I don't know how'll I manage...

projectsreportsprojectsreportsarticlesquizzesprojects--

If these go on until next week, I doubt I'll have any sanity left in me.

guys, the forum is undergoing a somewhat mental breakdown, if the link doesn't work or it directs you to a different page (it should directly link you to the DAMNED SOULS Page)promptly inform me, I'm planning to close the board for awhile and do some little action about it. You'll see.

Looking at my blog, it somewhat resemble a cemented pavement with candies strewn over it...did you get the image?
Ah, well, forget it. I just got involved in a huge circle of sites that is so remarkably sweet to behold--cute sites that is.

If Dogs Could Also Walk

2005-08-21T18:05:00.000-07:00

To cap this lazy afternoon, I downloaded to different yaoi/shounen-ai scanlations.
The first one was an incomplete Menkui volume 3 series. The other one is Inu Mo Arukeba or in english "If Dogs could also walk" Now you got an idea? It seems oddly disturbing to have that title for a yaoi manga. Well, it is, let me tell you that.

Inu Mo Arukeba by Kazusa Takashima:
I first found this in a site explaining what this is all about along with other yaoi mangas (of which one was a super-interesting shounen-ai titled "Thief and Detective" which I regretfully failed to download the complete series, if anyone of you have a manga of this or even scanlations please notify me at once!).
Anyway, upon reading its three available parts all I can say is--it is weird. It is weird to have a human who is actually a dog make love to you. The thought that you are making out with a dog-turned-human somewhat ruins the romance of it, but somehow the drawing/animation veiled that oddity. The drawing and animation is remarkable--almost human-like but still cute. THe expression of the dog is indeed hilarious. The main characters are Ukyou and Kuro by the way, and let me tell you that they seem to be the only two characters playing the major roles, there are no secondary characters--only the policeman who caught them in their passionate acts of love, the neighborhood old lady, and some ocassional schoolmates of Ukyou (Kuro is the dog). There are explicit sex scenes which can be a little...distasteful but done artfully (the scenes made me feel a combination of laughter and disbelief) phew* at least the artwork and a little value saved it.
If you are interested to see it, just leave a "complaints" and I'll decide whether I'll give you the direct site or upload it in my host site where you can access it.

By the power of rating bestowed upon me by none other than lady Liberty, I rank this online manga a 3 and 1/2 stars out of seven. Thanks to the wonderful artwork and intriguing plot.

Menkui by the way appears promising in plot and artwork. I will be looking after it when I have the time. On the other hand, Thief and Detective reminds me of something--like steam detective or something.

Damned Computer!

2005-08-21T09:40:00.000-07:00

Man, i've been surfing the net from 4:00 in the wee morning up to now! I must be odd...

Just downloading yaoi/shounen ai scanlations and nosing around. Usually, nosing around has its own rewards: Viruses

Arrrggghhhh!!!

Currently examining a website that is cute! Later on I might link it here for everyone to see.

THe countdown box looks oddly stained against my blog, maybe I should change its color...hmmmm...exactly...

And oh! I created a forum! Kindly visit it: http://forum.cbj.net/talksofbay.htm this forum is dedicate to Filipino book-lovers, anime/manga-lovers, lit-lovers, and movie-lovers. Please don't give your *aherm* moderator a hard time, okay? I'm just starting.

I think my Pc caught a flu...er...virus. Blogger is not working quite well. Does anyone have the latest Norton Antivirus? I desperately need it.

Hmmm...taste like water

2005-08-18T19:42:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, there are fastfood services that really suck. Earlier this day my mom and I went to a fastfood restaurant and ordered the usual (It doesn't mean we always eat there, no.)I ordered a supposedly delicious soup while my mom happily ate her delayed food without any trouble. Mine though tasted like water when it was supposed to taste like a chicken soup (i mean, it should be.). Aside from being totally tasteless the soup was "malabnaw" as we complain in tagalog ( I will look for its english counterpart)and there were small undiluted clumps of the chicken-soup-powder settling at the bottom of the styrofoam bowl that tasted nasty.

Judging the soup (with a grimace): It was like eating a bowl of warm water with bad-tasting pieces of bread swimming distastefully.
It tasted like horseshit.

I believe this fastfood restaurant would dazzingly qualify for the category "Inefficiency" as our Economics Prof told us.

I'm out of sorts today, as you will notice my english kinda slacked or something(well, I have never written english so perfectly well-rendered). I'm a little excited though for our Parish fieldtrip. Yes, I have a fieldtrip tomorrow and guess what? the company I'm to keep with are old ladies and old men, no children, no teenagers (I guess I'm the only one). I never really saw the fun in going with oldies but I can get along perfectly with people their ages, as long as they don't start asking me boring questions about my personal life and personal deeds. Tomorrow I go Church hopping. I love old churches. I will bring my camera. I will take a soak in the hot spring there. The destination is Pansol, Laguna. Uh...what? did you expect a far and grander destination? perhaps in Davao or in Spain?

Oh, great, my internet connection was cut off. The phone's ringing...hold a sec.

There, I was invited to go to a concert in UP. I refused of course, given that I promised to be as diligent and hardworking as a student should be, especially when her grades is hanging on a balance, ready to be tipped off in the edge, to plummet to a staggering grade of singko.
Thanks though for my cousin to cut my connection, it was thoughtful of him to ask me about the concert.

Wait...I'll just connect my internet...

Ah, there. Later then dears, I'll just go wandering for a while in the net to search for sites worthy of appreciating eyes.

A slow Torture!

2005-08-16T14:23:00.000-07:00

I so hate my P.E. absolutely, definitely, irrevocably. The weather today sure is moody, I kind of appreciate it, it reflects my inner emotions about my academics.

You know what I mean.

I update my blog through the library, I haven't bought myself an internet load since the one I usually purchase is not so easily found in stores, I daresay it's uncommon--unlike ISP bonanza, but it is just as similar to its features (only a couple of points faster than ISP though).
Anyway, internet load is not the topic here, come to think of it, there is no particular topic here.

I love digressing.

I'm strongly tempted to go home and leave P.E. sessions to the rest of the damned world. Eversince in the primary and secondary years I hated P.E. like hell. I even dared to fail it in my card but my teacher took pity on me (unsolicited but gratefully accepted, thank you) and asked me to pass her a special project. I got a passing line-of-seven grade.
I am willing (with pleasure) to ace major subjects but when it comes to P.E. I start cursing the world and feeling damned about my life. I hate it. I hate it. I hate it.

Oh, I can't wait for the semester to end.

Not Good...

2005-08-15T11:32:00.000-07:00

I feel worst, absolutely worst. How do one feel when a screaming 69 faces you this early morning? How do one cope with the cursed world when you have 76 flung to your face? I'm sure I'm the one person who can tell you exactly what it feels: shit,WTF...?!

As for the daily tortures: I have a project and a report to go home to, at the earliest possible time. I have many 60s and 70s to face tomorrow and I have yet to keep myself from sinking to the ground in utter frustration. Maybe I'll hit some sedatives today--to keep me from splitting my head open or to keep me from pulling my hair out--that would be a nasty sight...

*sigh* I lost it...

No, no, no...

2005-08-13T22:36:00.000-07:00

I feel totally upset and uneasy today upon receiving the news (from my aunt) that my pocketbook: By The river Piedra I sat down and wept by Paulo Coehlo is nowhere to be found. That can not be! That would be too terrible!

I pray desperately to God and to all deities of precious things and missing possessions that my book is in safe hands, or rather that it be found whole and unscathed, I value that book.

To distract me from my over-worrying, I wonder if Rachel has her own blog by now...

I watched "Untold Scandal". It is starkingly identical to "Cruel Intentions" (which was starred by Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ryan Phillipe (ugh, I don't know how to correctly spell his surname!)and Reese Witherspoon (Ryan's wife, by the way.)), Untold Scandal is based from Dangerous Liaisons and I'm pretty sure Cruel Intentions is based on it too. Anyway, forget it. Dangerous Liaisons has a movie, now THAT is what I'd like to see. Does anyone have a video copy of it???

I noted. How many days has it been since I saw the sun? What happened to it???????

What more...

2005-08-12T17:40:00.000-07:00

*Grumble...grumble...dammit...* Now my blasted CD drive (:F) is not working. Just how worst could my PC get? if not the frickin' mouse, what then would break down???

Ah, enough of this. As I mentioned earlier, I have another yaoi manga in my hands and before the sky darken I finished it with mixed opinions. If I get a couple of yaoi manga again, I won't be surprised to start my own string of "Yaoi Manga Review".

Ahem...ahem...anyway, not too long ago I read the wonderful "Only the Ring Finger knows", "Selfish Love" for me could not compare to this category: "OTRFK" has exquisite animation/drawings while Selfish love's animation would be something I call "nothing-to-worry-it's-fine" animation. Let's leave it at that.

In plot, Selfish Love is a typical yaoi story (popular guy inlove with ordinary boy)the only thing I'm worrying about is the characterization. It's a bit astounding to have a TALL, serious-looking guy go emotional over the other guy to the extent that you begin to wonder if someone like him really exists. His emotional capacity is somewhat contrasting to his appearance and aura he ends up looking pathetic or something...I don't hold anything against "orito" of Selfish Love nor do I have any grudge against the author of the manga, but the plot was too fast-forwarded, too bland, too loose...The main character Orito admits his feelings for ryuya with so much ease, he expresses his emotions with a somewhat surprising ardor and he just bounces back confidently as if he did nothing but tease the guy. I mean, he got nerves, man! A lot of it.
Soon enough, I expect him to really act like a sentimental, mellow gay. I sort of hate that.

Meanwhile, Ryuya's character is good. But the funny thing is, he falls in love so abruptly, just all of a sudden (like he bumped his head) you begin to wonder how did that love immediately sprout in him. It popped out like daisies! just because Orito kissed him, the result is--it appears insincere--like he was just forced to believe it for himself, at first, it looked truly uncovincing.

But altogether, the story is good, as good as Desire (actually Desire is a couple of inch better) but not as neatly dramatic as OTRFK. there were no disgusting bed scenes (Desire's bed scenes are alright, nothing to be scandalized about) only too-explicit frenchies are shown and the rest is cute.

Also, I noticed Orito is so unlikely sweet and affectionate towards Ryuya--that made me smile.Unfortunately though, he is too aggressive--but that could be considered.

If I were to give stars: this would be rated as 2 and 3/5 stars out of five. Haha! as if I have any right to.

Unfortunately though, the three (I counted three)separate stories were too perverted to me. It was disappointing to read because it was somewhat tasteless--there was no real value in it except sex and sex and sex with the same sex. Thank god Selfish Love is still worth the read than the last 3.

Hehe, no offense Mitchie-san! ^_^;

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!

Stupid answers...

2005-08-12T10:31:00.000-07:00

Instead of feeling "fine and dandy" this morning, I feel wretched. This is the day for our last prelims and upon finishing the wretched exams of Sociology and Philosophy I feel utterly bad. I put lousy answers and misplaced correct ones. I'm pretty sure I'm going to be kicked out of the this school by the end of the semester.

Anyhow, I'm in the library and on the hunt for the books I'm dying to read. To the peeps of Lit-I of UST, I am open to lend books I have with a few conditions and am desperately, willing to borrows yours, especially good ones.

Mitchie-san lent me another yaoi, says it's not good, or at least that's what I heard. I'd say no yaoi manga yet has crossed my fingers that was worthy a praise as Only The Ring Finger Knows. I have high expectations for the yaoi manga I'm planning to buy: II Gato Sul G*. You got an idea? you don't??? ...good, don't even try.

*I hope to God my spelling is correct.

Too costly...I lament.

2005-08-11T15:32:00.000-07:00

Too costly...I lament!

This entry are for those complete fanatic of Bill Watterson's Calvin and Hobbes (like me). If you are not a fanatic, or you do not have a clue who and what Calvin and Hobbes is, go away............haha! just kidding!

I was/am taking a brief half-an-hour internet surfing before i plunge on Sociology and Philo.
And before I log off and out of your life I happened to stumble upon one of the most covetous thing in my life: The Complete Calvin and Hobbes

I nearly keeled over in frustrated joy, especially when I saw the price: what?! A staggering 150.00 bucks--I mean dollars?! Dude, I haven't got that much money! I can't shell something as close to this value, let alone 150 bucks! That's a King's ransom (well for me, that is...)!
But however astounding is that, I'm already planning how I could get my hands on that. because i definitely want it.

*sigh* alas, I'm not born rich.

*Yes, yes, as you can see folks I stole the image from the site...can't help it.

Oh...the horror of it?!

2005-08-08T15:40:00.000-07:00

I was frustrated about the speakers connected to the PC, they won't work. I wanted to try our other speakers but I wanted to be sure what voltage I have to plug it in so I barged in unannounced to my sister's room, expecting the two having their usual reading sessions. I wished they had the door closed and locked if they planned to do some necking. I was mildly horrified to witness a scene of two people entwined together like mating eels or boas (I've seen in National Geographic Channel), canoodling in their bed. I know I interrupted some sacred ritual of Loooove from the mixture of annoyance and guilt in their faces, I asked without so much as an apology or excuse what the voltage of the speakers are and with a ghost of a knowing smile I went on my merry way, snickering inwardly. But I certainly wish they don't go osculating someplace they thought was private when in fact everybody could sashay in publicly and behold the spectacle of osculation. I wonder why my sister is like that...choosing places where everybody could come walking in normally, places where when she gets carried away by her passion with someone is a place for the world to see. I don't know...I guess I wish for the sake of privacy--they could be a little discreet around the house, it's not like everyday that I see someone snogging (vocabulary from Harry Potter 6th book)somebody else's face and go unabashed in their presence (like in Paris). We filipino act funny whenever this happens (unlike in Paris). ^_^;

Anyway, 'nuff said.

I did...

2005-08-07T22:16:00.000-07:00

When I arrived at the table to eat dinner:

me (eyeing the noodles with mild shock ): i did overcook the noodles...

my mom (with a bored look): I'm not surprised...

me: what does that mean...???

my mom (rolls her eyes ): you overcook everything.

Haha, well yeah, thank you for stating my patented negligence and ineptitude in the kitchen. ^_^

A fine book in a dreary weather...

2005-08-07T17:56:00.000-07:00

My sister asked me (through a text message I ironically received myself after gleefully stealing my mother's cellphone away) to cook the noodles for her spaghetti sauce. I tried to ignore it and be obnoxious about it but ended up cooking it myself. I was planning to overcook it just for the fun of it, to see their faces complaining about their thwarted pleasures. Anywaym, being the boring girl I am, I just obediently cooked it.

I had the guts to pick up Breathing Room by Susan Phillips and read it even through this dampening weather and risky time. I enjoyed reading it ^_^. The dialogues were witty and the humorous, childish banter between the wicked Ren Gage and uptight (as gage would tease her) Isabel Favor cracked me up. In addition to that, reading a book set in a beautiful place in Tuscany, Italy while nestled in the comforts of our uncolonized living room while listening to my favorite radio channel 88.3 made me feel blissful amdist the foul weather.

until my sister--Jian the usurper came sauntering in. I had to postpone my reading and get back to reality--that is, adding finishing touches to my blasted CWG take-home quiz and poking my nose in Economics 101, Sociology and such...

Like a wet rug

2005-08-06T10:28:00.000-07:00

I look miserable here in the UST library. Like a wet cat I trudged in Humanities, my jeans splattered with water and the bottom completely drenched. Good thing my sneakers aren't squeaking with water.

Sadly, I returned the Hpotter book to my dear friend Kathleen (who complained I did not introduced her in my blog as elaborately), we both proposed that--somehow--there is that hope that Dumbledore and Snape are just actually playing pretentious roles--that snape and dumbledore agreed on pretending to be killed and pretending to be a traitor. But then again, we could be proved wrong...

I'm in the library currently because I'm to research for our take-home quiz about the Treaty of Tordesillas, I already made a few advances on researches through the net, but I'm finding it hard to look for the LORENZO catalog in the library, when I tried Spanish History, the catalog presented me a single book aged almost three centuries old in the Rare Books section...what the heck??? I don't know but aren't students restricted in the rare books section??? I'm being stupid...

Anyway, I can't prolong our lovely conversation here. Time is gold and I'm homeward bound by 2. I must start my search for the legendary Treaty of Tordesillas, elusive as my fair lady is.

Ouch...

2005-08-05T17:39:00.000-07:00

Drat! I can't walk properly because of my horrible knee injury. I was supposed to attend the Eco 101 class today but decided against it since whenever I stand too long or bend my knee sharp pain kept on pricking forbidding me to sashay gracefully or even do pirouettes--haha! just kidding! I mean I can't crouch, let alone flex my knee without the needle-like pains.

I finished Harry Potter. If I didn't feel like reporting to my blog every single day I would be left pondering nostalgically at the book's ending. Sure, it was such a bitter loss to have Dumbledore die and the Hogwarts school of Wizardry closed...not to mention the locket. But Harry's plans for the future (visiting Godric's Hollow, the search for the four Horcruxes, Snape...)is becoming more and more interesting to me, to know that the 7th book would be focusing on an entirely different milieu--I mean the atmosphere will become more graver and Harry is going to places where he hadn't been before or for such a long time. The 6th book sadly reminded me that the next book is the last of the Harry Potter series, meaning, we won't be seeing Harry and his gang for a very, very long time (unless Miss Rowling changes her mind). I will kind of miss it too, the happy world of Hogwarts and Wizardry...it really is saddening.

Don't expect me to lengthen this to a review, because I'm not going to...judging someone's work is quite hard for me.

II. I wonder what happened to the Eco 101 class??? Joanna informed me that Sir Manapat did not arrive. On the other hand, I need to go to UST tomorrow to return the book and make my research about the Treaty of Tordesillas, that is if I can walk properly by that time.

Am I?

2005-08-04T19:43:00.000-07:00

I took the Blogging Personality Quiz at About Web logs and I am...

The Daily Grinder
I love blogging because it's like therapy. I can write about anything and everything that happens to me - from the food I ate to what I was doing when I heard the latest 'breaking news'. Being able to communicate with my friends (online and/or real life) through my blog is important to me.

Am I??? Haha!

Sometimes laughter is the best medicine...

2005-08-04T17:47:00.000-07:00

Sometimes Laughter is the best medicine...

Indeed it is. It will certainly not matter how I admire Ma'am de Castro's extensive knowledge in her field and how willing I was in her discussion when the moment arises where your stomach seems to be holding a world war III in your stomach (due to the combined forces of ulcer and abdominal cramps from...well..you-know-what!)and there's nothing you could do but have your lovely scowl and resist doubling over. I believe I lost track in her historical topic by 1/3. I apologized to Roxanne saying I can't accompany her to the main building with a matching ugly smile and a pale face.
However, when Dr. Galang sauntered in and began his usual introduction by cracking us up, I can't help but chortle (ah, an appropriate word no?)and laugh and forget for a minute the horrible songbirds of pain in my abdomen. He can really make me laugh just by making his eyes like dinner plates, laugh that terrible laugh, mention boobah (with h), cuss sharply than any notorious delinquent, and make that maniacal face that would have granted him the title as a DOM (surely, you know what a DOM is???), but still you can't help admire him by his sharp wits and surprising wisdom eventhough his students seems to fail in his subj.

Meanwhile, the invalid (oh...my injured knee~!)is trying to finish Harry Potter. I'm beginning to think that the 6th book would be off better as a young adult romance, but then it does not, it's just sweetening the plot. Anyway, it is good, good book, I prefer it than the 5th book, haply because I can't remember the plot clearly.

Don Quixote

2005-08-03T16:29:00.000-07:00

It's the last day for the free film showing of the 400 year celebration of Cervantes' Don Quixote. although I strived to stay and watch the whole black-and-white, confusingly dubbed film we still decided to cut it short and leave. My head was killing me because my stomach was achingly hollow and empty. I slightly regret it, but then I was close to fainting...hahahehe...*nervous laugh* but it was a privilege to just even catch a portion of it rather than not.

The exhibit is not that grand or something. Just well put and simple with four tables showcasing old and rare editions of Don Quixote. The oldest there was a facsimile of the 17th century edition book, next would be the huge 1700s books with the pages peppered with ugly, perfect holes the size of your pimples and blackheads and short open rivulets the bookworms had eaten through.The most fascinating were the other three (I think 3)tables showing handsome covers of old books in leather and cloth with gold gilts and elaborate embellishings. There were also two books so small their size ranges from approximately four and a half inches to six inches in height, their widths would be four to three and a half inches with their thickness reaching about two to three and a half inches. That is small for a long literature as Don Quixote de la Mancha.
There were paintings and interesting facts and historical descriptions for Don Quixote, but I noticed there is a very handsome figurine inside a glass box showing Don Quixote and his companion Sancho Panza in fine molded bronze, well carved ivory set on a huge slab of marble. The detail of the handiwork is finely done, not to mention the (sentimental) value it has because it was given by some general or whatever high ranking title there is from Spain to Pres. and Mrs. Macapagal.
The exhibit is small but would be staying up until 25 I guess, so I could just visit it again whenever I feel like it.

Prelims: I have that anxious feeling that the prelims wouldn't be so easy as one would think when they were back in their highschool days. We do not have any classes on Friday nor in Monday, of course that would be dedicated wholly for reviewing.

I just visited Comic Quest in SM North to ask hopefully for a Shounen Ai manga unfortunately, they do not have one, I was a little hesitant to blurt out "Eeeh, Meron po kayong Yaoi na manga???????" so I resolved to leave and plan to take a look at another one in Megamall.

Only the ring finger knows

2005-08-02T22:30:00.000-07:00

Mitch lent me another manga--shounen ai, is the appropriate term I think. Although I was really planning to postpone all books that I am reading and will read, the moment she showed me the graphic novel I gladly entertained it (with my whole heart! haha). THe animation is divine, I shall say! The plot itself is cute at first, but then at the middle of it--especially the part where Wataro gives his ring away made me practically hyperventilate. It was dramatic I felt I could share his agony (urk!), but then a phone call interrupted me and saved me from having a heart attack. The part where Kazuki was shocked to find that Wataro got rid of the ring and the scene where they had their er...aherm...first kiss--that really killed me!
I guess of all that genre that I've read so far, this manga was the only one I truly, truly, truly like (unless I read another one as beautifully subdued as this). Aside from the kissing scenes that is really thrilling, there were no bed scenes to gawk or ogle about. And surprisingly, the manga carried itself passionately till the end with no more than lips and meaningful glances being shared. But whatever the package the yaoi manga is (whether explicitly rendered or implicitly)I'd still love reading it.
By the end of the manga though, I noticed that Kazuki is the emotional one, I mean, he really does own up to his feelings.Unlike Eiri Yuki who he reminds me of (in appeal, movements, and of course, appearance)he conceals his emotions pretty successfully and then quite suddenly he fesses up so confidently and easily he sometimes look so vulnerable to Wataro and to me that I can't believe he can actually be rude and intimidating (like Eiri yuki)--which is exactly why he hit me hard on the chest and made me begin to wish how I would love to have a Kazuki Yuichi in my life!

Haha! just pulling your leg! But I'd say I really like them both. ^_^)

Anyway, I didn't know a classmate of mine which I haven't talked to yet by the name of Pia also appreciate yaoi, I mean, she bought an expensive Gravitation cd (I mean cds--in the plural sense)! It just delights me how a mild looking girl could have been reading such manga! haha!

Unpleasantries:Meanwhile...
Jesus, blood (thick teardrops of it)is trickling down my knees...(while I'm typing this entry)

Alleluia!

2005-08-01T17:30:00.000-07:00

Alleluia! my PC got resurrected! That's so good to hear...

My desktop is fairly swarming with programs (mostly antivirus or antispyware) I installed from K-ann's generous cds, configuring all of its settings was making me absolutely dizzy, so far they are working just fine, too fine I think.

The audio hardware is not working, I wonder why...

I'm halfway through HPotter but I'm finding it hard to budget my time. I slept this whole afternoon and I woke up feeling disturbed. Troubled at something.

I recalled earlier that when I was riding in the FX, particulary at the front and alone with the driver (get your mind off the gutter, please.) I had the sensation that he was looking at me surreptitiously, of course, being the paranoid that I am I grew eyes on the side of my head. Maybe the reason was that I dozed off earlier and perhaps I was snoring and it irritated him, or maybe I was drooling...or maybe I was talking in my sleep...maybe...
whatever it is I wanted to put him in his right place by shotting him a you-don't-have-the-right-to-look-at-me glare.

But of course I didn't.

But one thing is clear: I pray to God that my life is not a candidate for a rape case.

Ah, I found out that Animax is showing an anime from Alexandre Dumas' Count of Monte Cristo. the idea that they there is an anime for such a literature surprises me, in a good way. I'm going to watch it.

Believe-It prison

2005-08-01T08:35:00.000-07:00

I wasn't able to blog last night after the trip to Bilibid prison due to exhaustion. I was planning to put an entry here about my experience there and so here it is: for your sake, readers, I shall make it brief but I doubt if I can make it unbiased.

MAXIMUM SECURITY
First of all, my intitiate reaction was fear and anxiety. We first dropped off to the castle-looking prison of Maximum security. When we say maximum-it literally means that the inmates there are notoriously kept with critical security and who has done larger-than-life crimes and sentenced from 20 years (or 25) to a lifetime (until your rot there). When I stepped out into the open barricaded roof and for the first time saw these inmates looking up at us with amused and cold faces I felt I was looking down at a zoo with a mixture of dread and...thrilling excitement. Please don't give that look, ladies and gentlemen, I do not mean to say that I'm satanic or something but that odd feeling made itself known to me the moment I saw those highly dangerous people with decieving smiles looking up at us just several meters away like they are some dangerous, exotic animals enticing us and only a few people are privileged to actually see them.

MINIMUM
We only looked at them--maximum security. On our way out we occassionally see inmates from minimum security walking freely around to run errands inside the prison. These people wearing brown shirts with INMATE MINIMUM stamped on the right-front are those who committed a crime that is of small consideration compared to the maximum and medium, they are sentenced from I think...an approximation of of 5 or 6 years and they are usually oldies. They do the works assigned them and you can usually see them walking around like freemen inside the huge acres of untamed land where the Bilibid prisons are.

MEDIUM SECURITY
Of course, we, students of UST went to the Medium security, a few kilometers away from the maximum security where we are actually to be for interaction with the inmates. And when i say Interaction that means we are to be mixed with selected inmates inside the auditorium-like room and interview them in a casual way (Hey! How do you do? How's life??? Why did you get in the jail in the first place? Really? did you eat the brains of those you killed? How many did you killed? yakkity yakkity yak). At first me and my classmates were totally scared and nervous when we arrived there bringing our two packed lunches (one for you, one for the inmate you are partnered to.). We were suprised when we heard a band playing a welcome song for us and it took our fears slightly away, we are still wary of course. After being inspected, we proceeded inside (Oh my god! this is it...)and were greeted by friendly looking young men in black shirts withh SOCIOLOGY printed across the front. Later I found out that those "young men in black sociology shirt" are inmates already, gee, first contact.
We walked inside what looked like an ordinary provincial community with the inmates looking at us (we were only three when we walked there, the rest left behind a little too long)from left to right, there were no fences, nor barricades to separate us from them (what if an inmate suddenly lunges at you or what), there were only several feet, roaming guards, and an inmate for an escort between all of us and it even heightened our apprehensiveness. The inmates were looking at us amused, like we were some alien creatures from a distant kingdom parrading before them in the open space.

There was a local, orchestral band to greet us. Students were seated on the first half front and the inmates who are leaders of their groups (12 groups overall) were seated behind us with a respectable distance.

The program started with lots of performances from the inmates (Teatro Sampaguita, er...the dancers)and we were greatly astonished how talented they are! By the middle of the warm and prepared performances/numbers we (not only I)noticed that we were slowly feeling comfortable inside and almost forgot that those inmates in front of us were those who did crimes (that is sentenced 20 years and below or 15 to 25 years). Teatro Sampaguita performed a well-rehearsed collection of Songs (interpretation?), a funny play, and a couple of impressive Prison Songs (songs they composed themselves and derived from the hope and sorrows they feel inside the camp). The dancers...which I did not catch the name did amazing dance numbers with exhibitions ( i call somersaulting, cartwheeling, even harlem Exhibitions)that, forgive me,I really did not expect from them. It was truly enjoyable.

Interaction with...
Then come the time for the Interaction. I was one on one and assigned to an inmate named Michael. He is 29 and had been imprisoned for killing someone (Homicide I think)from a rival frat. Yes, he is from a frat and their aim was to establish peace and order in UST. YES, YES, HE was FROM UST, a thomasian no less. He got kicked out of the school and was not able to finish his fourth year in highschool. When another frat came and to him (he is the founder of their frat, wow, so I met the founder himself)they threatened the peace and order they strive to keep. So Mr. Michael took all of the responsibility with him and did what he knew the other group asked for and the um, occasion wanted of him, so... he did what he did and killed someone, then off he go, carted to Bilibid prison. He was 14 when he arrived in Bilibid (very young , eh?)and has been there for 15 years. He joined in riots there and has found himself stabbed for a number of times, but he assured me that riots nowadays inside is not so frequently occuring like those old days. I asked him when was he expecting to be released, he said that it might be this coming december, if not, he was planning to escape. Umm, okaaaay....

I asked cautiously how his family is. He says, unaffectedly (don't expect him to cry , he looks tough enough)that for the most of 15 years his family have not visited him. He looks calm. He says his mother is old and from Batangas and he does not want her to go this far to visit him, his brother for whom he answered a blame or somethin g had stopped visiting him, Mr. Michael did not want him [his brother]to be bothered to anyway. His father died within the course of his 15 years in bilibid and he was not able to go to his funeral. This all he said with unaffected concern and he went on yakking about moral lessons, and what he learned in life which was pretty vast and impressive. He finished his highschool and collegiate education inside Bilibid (yes, there is a school inside.)and has their own band of which he is the vocalist. He is also a somewhat supervisor in a certain group inside their building.

Of course, he can also be making up this story or altering it a bit. But I do not know, and I don't think I should be bothered by it.

This is getting pretty loooong.

END
He also explained to me what Mayors and Governors are inside the building (the leaders I aforementioned above)and from what group he was. However, we finished untimely, the lunch time was not enough to cover all of his biography and lessons from life he seems willing to offer. After we parted and said our thank-yous we returned to our seats and continued the performances with a new group of highsschool and elem students from Holy Name joining us briefly. The performing inmates did a number of presentation and again until by 3:45 we had to say our farewells and thank-yous. It was a lot of fun really and and we were deeply touched by their farewell messages. By the time we were escorted outside, there was this feeling of sadness that we are to leave and go on with our life freely while they remain there in that place serving their sentences.

Generally, it was fun, the atmosphere was different, from that heavy, dangerous feel is drastically or imperceptibly became lighter and comfortable. For a moment it was odd imagining that you are inside Camp Sampaguita with those inmates with you, you can't even think how you socialized with them thinking they did crimes that once utterly disgusted you or repelled you, but after being in that place there is that large experience, memorable that would change your insights towards peolple. towards humanity, ek-ek.

I can't explain the feeling I got when I try to look back at the time when I was there. It is not so large an impact but it certainly has something that bites in you. It made feel troubled and fascinated at the same time.

I'm going to run out of internet load if I continue to elaborate on all details. I promised this would be brief but it appears not, especially when what you are talking about plays a part in life, when it is somewhat vital. When what you are talking about is not simply where you can go and immerse youself everyday. It was a privilege, an opportunity.

How lazy...

2005-07-30T10:15:00.000-07:00

I recalled my mother's eyes popping out like Garfield's upon seeing her daughter clutching a manga, more so when the cover itself blatantly printed DESIRE on the front. I think she thought I was reading some porn comic, well...no, actually it's a yaoi (if you are clueless about "yaoi" click here to know more about it by asking a friend of mine, Mitch; but do ask kindly, okay?

I'm a little hassled today, aside from homeworks and reviews to be done, I need to have my PC fix and finish Harry Potter and the half-blood prince. Yes, Kath lent me. So far the story is good, gradually rising to an even more interesting story. J.K Rowling had said she preferred the 6th book than the 5th so I guess that would mean the Half-blood prince (which is lying on my lap right now) will satisfy us with greater "utility" as our economics professor so lovingly puts.

Anyway, the prelims are nearing, I'd better study or else it's my head on the chopping block, and I can't afford that luxury.

I'm looking forward for the books by Bienvenido Santos (did I get his name right?), like I said, books are being thrusted to my face just when the prelims is nearing. I wonder where is he, the one who generously gives me advices, encouragement and suggestions about my career (as a lit student), maybe eyeing some hot dude and smoking his cigarette casually as he goes about his work. I like him nevertheless.

I'm itching to ditch the p.e. practice...grrr...

out of sorts...

2005-07-28T19:00:00.000-07:00

i hadn't blog for days because I'm a bit out of sorts today. mitch lent me another yaoi manga that at least cheered me up.

As I promised: yes, this monday i finished The Virgin Blue by Tracy Chevalier and is (still) halfway through Kimberly Cates' Crown of Dreams.
I dare say my conclusion for The Virgin Blue is so-so, not too bad not her best either. it is a part detective part historical novel that focuses on two main women: Ella Turner (later becomes Tournier) and Isabelle du Moulin Tournier (nee du Moulin). Ella is intrigued about her french ancestors and sets out to research about them. one of those ancestors would be isabelle, called la rousse.
The point of views vary since the novel tells two story: ella's side is somewhat bland with her love affair with jean-claude--the librarian who is helping her into unravelling her ancestors-- adding a spice (yes, she has a love affair...) sometimes I began to think that the main plot of this story is about Ella's infidelity with her husband Rick...anyway, it might be a little confusing but their stories are told by chapters and you would identify it immediately since ella's side of story uses the first person point of view.
isabelle's side somewhat borders on mysticism and grimness. her milieu is 16th century france (400 years before ella). her side tackles about the time of calvinism and the Truth and her miserable life after she was forced to marry the inhumane Etienne (the bastard...). She has three children of which jacob i like the best. isabelle's ending was the most intriguing (not to mention grim) especially what happened to her daughter marie...(i won't tell, i won't tell)
ella and isabelle seemed to share a single thread of fat: aside from the obvious derivation of her name ella from isabELLE and the color of the hair, the characters also seemed to repeat itself like rick who was supposed to represent the horrible etienne (only kinder) and jean-paul as the shepherd paul who seemed to harbor some secret affection for isabelle.

this was not actually a review because i know i'm inferior at writing one. this is an insight to what you would expect if you are planning to read this, otherwise it is just my rambling.

aside from the plot the story is also full of french dialogues. sooner or later, i'll be punctuating and embellishing my statements with alors, viens, n'est ce pas, bien sur... haha...that would be droll...
i also observed that that the novel is rich with pregnant women.
ah, well, enough of this.
one last statement: chevalier's familiar poignancy (that i haven't tasted from other authors) in the virgin blue reminds me of girl with the pearl earring...she really has that touch.

iii. joanna lent me breathing room by susan elizabeth phillip. she says its a fun to read.

for those who are still wondering where my post a comment are...i'm truly sorry if its taking too long but the damn computer picked the right time to malfunction.

IV. I almost forgot: rachelle ann go who i hadn't seen for almost a decade showed up on our door (gate actually) and reacted as if I were a long lost relative she lost in a war (I almost expected her to burst into tears...hehe...just kidding) she changed a bit: more pretty and gawd! a boyfriend beside her! (he is genius-looking) i was delightfully surprised.

tis the season for flus and dengues. a couple of my mates in our class were sneezing their way through the course discussions I wouldn't doubt if i would catch one soon--preferably colds.

it's papa jo's b-day, we dropped by the cemetery, as usual the cemetery feels oddly serene.

Mediocrity at its best...

2005-07-26T12:01:00.000-07:00

My PC is no longer insane. I think it cracked its head open. Ian was trying to comfort me by assuring me that the mouse itself is the one which is malfunctioning. I wish it's true, otherwise I doubt.

Monday: I finished The Virgin Blue by Tracy Chevalier and is now halfway in Kimberly Cates' Crown of Dreams.
My evaluation of The Virgin Blue is so-so. The plot is focused on two women: Ella Turner (who later changes her surname to Tournier) and Isabelle Tournier (nee Du Moulin). I left my review of the book at our house and I can't simply rattle away here confidently. And since my time is running out I have to update this entry somehow later. So check this post again until five pm.

Anyway, my stomach is swimming in waves of pain during the class that my toes curled in enduring it.

Do I love learning...

2005-07-23T09:40:00.000-07:00

I'm one of the earliest people here in the Library, specifically in Humanities. THe time of our class in Miss. De Castro's Geo will not start till eleven. I'm here by eight-fifty and I have a couple of hours to spend on the library.

I will try to look for the book I've seen once in lower shelves of the library. Meanwhile, I'm thinking about reading a short paperback novelette here right after I finish blogging, although I brought The Virgin Blue with me.

Victory is nearing: Our dismissal is 12:30. If I get home earlier than two I'll be preparing to re-format my PC. Obviously, I'm using the UST Internet, which is a way lot better (surfing) than mine (whose cursor keeps on doing dances of its own and making its disappearing acts)

I'm carrying with me my LARGE Atlas again for the Geo, at least that's the only thing I'm tagging with me besides the small backpack. I'm pretty sure I'm going to need to buy a smaller version of my atlas someday sooner until after I had acquired scoliosis or Ma'am De Castro had reprimanded me.

What else...
I guess there's nothing worthy or unusual to type about except that while I was riding in the FX on the way to UST at eight o' clock, I suddenly felt the sentiment of nostalgia: I felt I loved learning (learning and studying differs a lot as Natalie Portman pointed out--anyway, I really like her, she's beauty with brains.). gack! where did that come from??? was it the effect of the inspiring, bright sunlight shining down on me? Or was it truly from my soul? I guess I'd say that was truly me--from my soul ( geez, how cheesy do I get...)

A Mashed Potatoed day

2005-07-22T16:25:00.000-07:00

I recalled the FX driver beside me singing nostalgically some song two hours ago as we sped along the quezon ave:

Till deeth (death) we wel never part~blah blah la la la well et (it)~! and then a fellow car suddenly swerved next to us making him blurt Anak ng pitong kuting...!

When I arrived at SM North, I automatically headed to the bookstore to look for any interesting book. I chanced upon a book by Tracy Chevalier--one of the authors who I like best because she write in simple words, nothing flowery. Among the rejected books stacked on the table I found The Virgin Blue by Tracy Chevalier--a somewhat "treasure to find", priced a hundred bucks.

Although the condition of the book was a little ugly, I tried to polish it up to look good (if not immaculately good). I had read Ms. Chevalier's bestselling novel Girl with the Pearl Earring (which I think was made into a movie) and is immediately caught up with her writing style. The story itself is poignant but beautiful in its own way, some readers, though, may find Girl with the Pearl Earring abrupt and confusing--the ending would make the unsuspecting reader hanging in the air in disappointment.

Anyhow, my mom and I tried the new restaurant The Old Spaghetti House. If only I was not so full with mashed potato and tacos the classic lasagna (terribly oozing with cheese) would have tasted good to me. Alas, for the first time in my history--I ate the lasagna with the pace of a turtle. I was trying to squeeze it all into my already full stomach I thought I was going to retch it all out in "umay". But since the staffs and waiters were hovering about I politely pursed my mouth while my mother frowned at how bland (tasteless) my lasagna is.

The truth is T.O.S.H specialty is obviously the spaghetti. I would guess it tasted heaven there. But out of curiosity we tried other dishes at the expense of my bad tummy. My mother was fine with her spaghetti dressed and tossed and sauteed in olive oil while I regretted having eaten the damned mashed potatoes.

No mayhem occcured in our class today with the exception of my seatmate's mouth continually bragging in all its innocence.

Unnaturally natural

2005-07-21T19:08:00.000-07:00

Prof De Castro is unnaturally in her good mood. She did not scold us nor remind us of our sufferable incivility inside the room. Instead, she mildly clucked away and showed us great images from her books about the things of antiquity. She even expressed advising prof Perena about the 400 years celebration of the greatest literature in Spain: Don Quixote. A large matter for us Lit students.

II. Quixote: The celebration of Don Quixote is indeed a treat for Literature lovers. Without fee: there are five versions of Don Quixote movies to be shown in I'm-not-sure-date (how humiliating...) and an exhibit to be held for a short time in the UST library. I'm surely never going to miss it.

III. I was a little wistful about the play from Artistang Artlets by Little Saints production. I was planning on watching their play but the time was not actually the time I'm comfortable with. I needed to get home because I have to go to the hospital to visit my poor cousin who is recovering from dengue. So I guess I just missed the opportunity of watching Sarah's play.

IV. It is confirmed that I like Prof De Castro and her subject despite her mood swings. I'm also greatly amused with Prof. Galang in philosophy because he is so honest and true you just can't help feel a bubble of laugh in your throat whenever he performs in front to demonstrate his beliefs.

Remember: Ignorance costs a lot. Is that clear?

They are fun to be with.

2005-07-19T14:27:00.000-07:00

I. I wasn't able to blog earlier using the FREE UST INTERNET since the internet in humanities is fully loaded with people. But before that, I accompanied Sharyn, Joan, Akie, and Leo to the library to search for the material Sharyn needs for the Brit Lit. The search was unsuccessful but I had fun being with them. Joan and Leo is so kalog you'll definitely laugh when they're around and together. They are fun people to be with.

II. Change partners: I met Camille at the Colayco park and gorged (exaggerated) myself to a bowlful of mashed potato smothered with tasty-looking gravy while Camille narrated to me her guild-winning prose. I congratulated her as being the only one who passed into the Writer's Guild. thinking about it--after eating the passable mashed potato my tummy is somewhat feeling funny, I don't know if it's the thought that I was too late to pass an entry to the Writer's Guild (so i have to try in second year) or the food itself...

III. Sadly, the rare books section is closed. Confirming to me that it is off-limits to people like me.

IV. Generally, I'm not feeling well.
For those who are wondering where my "post a comment" are...hehe...I'm sorry about the problem (the template originally didn't have one) but I'll try to fix that as long as my time would allow me. (and as long as my sister is not usurping my throne in the front of the computer--um, correction: my computer ^_^)

Not a good day as I define a "good" day...whatever that means...

2005-07-18T14:35:00.000-07:00

I. I failed to ace my LIT 101. Not that I'm bragging my intelligence but at least I should have the intelligence to do so. It's a little frustrating that I got a mediocre 20 out of 30.

II. Another depressing thing: I only got 5 in Philosophy--now that is making me feel an "idiot". Absolute idiot.

III. A certain person is annoying me gradually (slowly but surely), although he amuses me, he can really irk me.

Upon seeing the new Harry Potter book in the hands of my classmate, he suddenly brags, saying something like It is nothing compared to the book he was reading. Tell that to a Harry Potter fan and I'm pretty sure he/she'll smack you in the face.

Another thing: UPON seeing the The DaVinci code, (take note: he haven't read it yet)he says the similar thing: it is nothing compared to a book he knows (which seemed non-existent to me)! Why would you comment such a thing as that when you haven't read the book?! And a controversial book at that! I wish he would say that to a book critic!

Right then and there I wanted to break his nose.

There were a lot of things he did that annoyed me. But I could always ignore his deeds and just go about my life screwing up my quizzes and recitation. But the fact that he keeps on bragging and stating his opinions like it was the most precious truth, is exactly what got him into a heated argument that is still unsettled up to this very moment.

All I know is just whenever he opens his mouth, he somehow grates on my nerves.

Really...???

2005-07-18T06:59:00.000-07:00

Your Japanese Name Is...

Maeko Karasuma

What's your Japanese Name?

Soaking Wet

2005-07-17T12:00:00.000-07:00

The front of my skirt is wet! When we went out of our beloved building we were greeted cheerfully with the rain. We attempted to plod our way to the library so I can post this infernal post, but at what cost?

Lesson/Observation: entering the (aircon centralized) library is a no-no for someone who is bombarded by the cursed rain, it is uneasy when you crouch by the shelf to see the books because your thighs are cold.
Not that I mind the cold to see the books ^_^

Currently: I don't have plans to borrow a book from the Library even though it is so tempting to do. Meanwhile, I just love foraying through the shelf. I couldn't find an ancient-looking book that id somewhat a collection of beautiful poems dedicated to the Virgin Mary. I regret having forgotten where it was stacked.

Taho

2005-07-16T09:45:00.000-07:00

Nothing beats a warm taho in an early, damp morning (as nothing beats a warm chocolate in a rainy and cold afternoon. Aside from its sweet taste and funny appearance, my mother pleasantly informed me (while drinking her taho) that it is somewhat nutritious. The plump soy-bean extract (tofu) is a healthy alternative for meat. It provides protein without the annoying fat like meat do (although meat is advantageous in taste). And then mixed with the white substance is the warm, sugary syrup and the little sago (or whatever they are)mixed for taste and preference. Not to mention, it is cheap (its never dirty I guess because the tofu wouldn't solidify if there are bacterias around.) Are there any objections and added information???

ah, books of antiquity...

2005-07-15T21:40:00.000-07:00

After I dashed off from the Humanities section, I hurried down to proceed to the section I've been longing to trespass: The "Rare and Old books" section. In the past weeks I was a little reluctant to go inside because I have this silly thought that AB students aren't allowed inside. But I had to so I gathered courage and went inside the hall, only to end up at the Science Section. I realized then that I had passed an eerie-looking room (there wasn't a label on the door...) I walked backtrack and peered inside. It looked so quiet and unperturbed I thought it was an office. I stuck my head in and breathed the air of antiquity, I was suddenly filled with both excitement and dread. Excitement because the antique books I've been longing to lay my eyes on forever were there. Dread, because I'd be caught nosing around--I have the tender belief that its off-limits. Regretfully, my dread got the better of me. But I SINCERELY, DEFINITELY, ABSOLUTELY plan to go back, whether it be my ass on the fire or not (hehe, that's too much).

My mom and sisi complained i slept the whole afternoon. What's so wrong about it? God, I was tired~! The moment I touched the bed I dozed off quickly because I was zonked out!

Lessons to be learned...

2005-07-15T11:29:00.000-07:00

"While it is in the nature of the man to err, only the fools persevere in it..." An english/British saying given to us by our Lit 201 prof due to some glitch in the reporting event.

I need to prepare in advance...

Dom left the XP installer, now how the heck am I going to re-format my PC??? I have to endure the weekends with my PC going nuts.

What writer am I...? Nice.

2005-07-14T18:00:00.000-07:00

You are a descriptive writer. An avid reader of
Robert Frost, perhaps, you LOVE to use flowery
words and use the paper and pen as your canvas
and paintbrush. You prefer to paint a mental
image rather than simply toy around with
people's minds. A very inspired person, you
love to be in nature and usually are a very
outdoorsy type of person. A writer with a
natural green thumb, perhaps?

What's YOUR Writing Style?
brought to you by Quizilla

Ramblings

2005-07-14T17:32:00.000-07:00

I suspect I scored zero in Contemporary World Geography essay exam today since I realized too late I was rambling in my essay. Complete nonsensical rambling.

Currently, trying to finish Songbirds of Pain, for World Lit 201.

Light Frustrations.

2005-07-13T16:00:00.000-07:00

Where are my members??? (wala pa rin ako mga myembro...)

Anyway, there was an article in the newspaper about Neil Gaiman's popular visit to Phil. At one of the long (very long) paragraphs, the writer wrote about writers meeting with each other and exclaiming "Where were you when Neil Gaiman arrived?!?!?"

Suddenly there was a slight pain in me. WHERE WAS I??? I began to wonder hysterically.

"I was stranded in Taytay..." I answered myself dejectedly.

Each day that passes...

2005-07-11T11:20:00.000-07:00

We were dismissed earlier than expected by our Lit 201 prof due to some meeting or conference of some sort they have to attend to. My classmates were ebullient at the news.
But do you realize, as I have realized nearly an hour ago what this might be trying to signify? I'm being a complete pessimistic here but I'm gradually noticing (for an indifferent student) how each and every day that passes, pregnant fear and doubt is slowly but surely escalating to a frightening degree. An upheaval is on the way.
I'm being nostalgic today. Pardon me. but I wrote a whole, unfinished paragraph about it minutes ago in my main blog. Don't check it out. It'll either dampen your spirits or realize just how "black" I am today. It'll ruin your mood, believe me.