EP 20: The Christmas Entry

Remembering what Christmas was like in the Philippines, and right off the bat I can safely say that the holiday here is completely different to that of my homeland. Except for being both commercially oriented, Christmas here in Canada is basically boring compared to its said counterpart.

Christmas in the Philippines is literally "brighter" than here in Canada - every single house is lit with hundreds and hundreds of Christmas lights.

Furthermore, the crowds are more rambunctious over there than here. This shows the tremendous passion the people have for Christmas over there compared to the people here.

And of course, the spirit. Christmas is more than just a holiday in the Philippines, it's a tradition. A strong family-oriented tradition. A time when families reunite under one roof and celebrate. A time when people transcend the notion of gift-giving, and embody the very spirit of love and care.

Thanks to my family, I still had an amazing holiday season this year.

Ep 19: The Birthday Entry

Just a couple of days ago I had my birthday and turned 23. Yes, I am that old. I am 23 and I SHOULD not even have the time to write this. I SHOULD be too busy pursuing my career now. I SHOULD be busy analyzing data, traveling the world, reading this unearthly humongous textbook, or sleeping because I'm too tired. But no.

On a lighter note, I would like to thank every single one of you who greeted me. And if you haven't it's never too late - there's a shout-box below, or just click on my facebook profile page link below to greet me there! I'm talking to you, yes you!

It's an amazing feeling to find out how many people actually care about me considering that I have been staying home for almost half a year already - you'd think that they'd completely forgotten about you - it's nice to be proven wrong sometimes. That goes the same for the people a thousand miles away - you'd think that distance has taken its toll, but again I was proven wrong.

I would like to especially thank my girlfriend for her planned surprise for me during my birthday. I have never been surprised on my birthday so this is indeed a huge thing for me. For that, I thank her genuinely.

Happy Birthday to me.

EP18: Home Boy

Recently I've been appearing to have too much time on my hands. It's annoying. The Semester's done (which didn't really take much of my time anyway), I quit my job, and I lost the will to go out. What do all these equate to? Yes, a Home boy. Term defines itself.

I believe it has been at least 5 months now since the transition of my lifestyle from someone who goes out all the time, to someone who stays home all the time. Yes, for 5 months the only reason I left the house was school (I even skipped most of the time) - almost literally as I ditched MOST parties and outings with friends.

Such a change in lifestyle had its benefits, as I was able to reestablish my health and sanity; however, such a change also has its toll.

As boring as it sounds, my girlfriend has been really supportive of me. On the other hand, I feel that I have been failing to (lack of a better word) "perform" my obligations as a boyfriend. This probably explains why she's been lately going out with her friends a lot more, because her friends are able to give her the time she wants out, the time I couldn't even provide. Although, we do hang out at my place a lot, I genuinely feel that I'm ridding her of the time she deserves to get out there.

She deserves more than a home boy.

Ep 17: Who's there?

Finals week - the dreadful week that makes students like me(those who skip a lot) quiver with fear. Oh yes, it actually stresses me a whole lot just thinking of them, let alone writing the tests!

Times like these basically bring about pressure - huge pressure. Unlike in my homeland (most), the finals here hold a very crucial part of your final grade. In the Philippines, the finals were more of a test to basically find out how much you've learned during the course of a course (no pun intended); and it's basically some sort of a last ditch effort to pull up your grade a bit. Whereas over here, the finals are MOSTLY your grade! Ranging from 30 to 50 percent of your final grade, the finals are definitely forces to be reckoned with! Something to be pressured about indeed.

On a lighter note:

Who's that someone, who offered to come with me to the library, to study for hours under her own free time and will?

Who's that someone, who woke up earlier than usual, just to make it to the bus that goes to my school?

Who's that someone, who spent her "vacation" days as if she had finals of her own?

Who's that someone, who literally braved through the storm, got soaked by the rain, and was chilled by the piercing winds just to pick me up?

Who's that someone, who waited outside for hours, until I finish the very test she helped me prepare for in the first place?

And, who's that someone, who literally devoted all her time, just to see me through the finals?

The finals were indeed a huge load; however, it wasn't as dreadful as I initially portrayed it to be because of none other than that someone.

This entry is dedicated to her; although she may very well deserve more than just this entry, she, at the very least deserves my aforementioned gratitude.

Ep16: Thanksgiving

Back when I was in my homeland I've always heard of "Thanksgiving" from cable movies and cartoon shows. ALL I knew then was that there was this Turkey to be slaughtered and to be served for dinner. That was basically IT.

Moving here, I've finally experienced (not celebrated) first hand what and where those TV shows were based from. Not much more to know about it besides the fact that such an occasion actually had two different histories, and are thus celebrated separately in the United States, and in Canada. This explains the occurrence of it twice in North America. It's more of a common name of a holiday for 2 countries, rather than a single holiday celebrated by 2 countries.

Recently I have discovered that people back home have been "celebrating" this said event. I mean, what the fuck? Why celebrate something that DOESN'T even have any roots in a country's history? I did my research on the matter; and Thanksgiving is celebrated in the US and Canada, because of certain respective episodes in their respective HISTORIES.

I mean, it's understandable to admire and look up to a certain country, but to actually emulate their very culture as if it's one's own is just (for want of a better word) sickening.

I mean, I admire Japan and all, but you don't see me wearing Kimonos or celebrate Kamikaze day or something.

I wouldn't mind if we really had our OWN thanksgiving, but to celebrate it at the exact same date as in other countries? Actually, doing more research, we DO have Thanksgiving in the Philippines, and it's on the 21st of September (NOT on the fourth Thursday of November), too bad no one knows about it!

I'm not trying to sound all Mr. Patriot here, it's just that I don't quite understand, or maybe I do (cough, colonial mentality, cough), and I just want to rant about it.

Don't even get me started on Halloween!

Episode 15: What the F?

I got my essay back for my critical analysis essay of a novel. The novel's name doesn't matter just as much as it isn't known. I got a Big Fat F.

At that very moment I wanted to strangle my professor senseless. As much as I respect him and his accomplishments, I strongly believe that his grade is questionable. I'm not being narcissistic at all, although at times I can be. It's just that I put in a lot of effort doing this assignment of his and I really don't feel I deserve a measly "F."

Reading the novel alone was an arduous task considering that I don't really read novels of any kind. And coming up with a thesis only made matters worse. I won't even bother talking about the whole time-consuming process of completing the paper. Bottom line is, I worked my ass off.

This is a big blow to myself, to my ego, my self-esteem, and everything that lies in between. I like to write, I love to write. I have a passion for writing. Although I'm no writer, and I didn't take any formal education in writing whatsoever, I express myself through writing more than anything.

But as cliche as it sounds, and in the words of the great Tupak Shakur: "life goes on." And continue writing I shall.

I know I shouldn't be complaining, but what the F?!

Episode 14: Left Behind

Every time I check on my friends back in the Philippines I can't help but feel left out.

Most of them have already finished school and/or are starting with their respective careers already, whereas I, have to redo post-secondary schooling all over again.

It's not that I envy them or anything of the sorts. If anything, I'm genuinely happy for them. It's just that reality is kicking in slowly and painfully as I realize how far behind I am.

I know I shouldn't be comparing myself to my peers, or to anyone for that matter.

I know I shouldn't, but not doing so doesn't necessarily alter the way I feel about things.