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~:-:insanity killed the cat:-:~
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| The Light of Death |
[02 May 2008|12:46am] |
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Death is inevitable. This realization has occupied most of my idle moments in the hospital. Everyday, as I pass through the Radiology Oncology Department, I see pain and suffering in the eyes of those bald patients in wheel chairs, with an iv attached to their flesh. What was going on in their heads? The reality of death that we healthy beings uncomfortably shove off our shoulders is blatantly and undeniably to them, a cream pie on their faces. Woe will be the day that I too, will have a pie on my face, hearing the C word from my trusty doctor. I live a healthy lifestyle yet how is it that such an event won’t happen to me in absolute certainty? Besides, only 2 out of 10 women will have breast cancer in her lifetime. and that's only one type of cancer.
This hospital internship made me think on how to re-live my life, created for a higher purpose, making the most of every opportunity to make a difference, seeking fortitude rather fortune and the credit belonging to Him alone. I’m excited to see what God has in store for me. “If you know how to die, you know how to live.” – Morrie from Tuesdays with Morrie
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| Be a DISASTER RELIEF VOLUNTEER |
[13 Apr 2008|07:28am] |
What : A training program by World Vision
When: 4 Saturdays of lecture session starting April 26 until May 17, from 8:30am to 12:30pm
Where: Union Church of Manila along Rada St., Legazpi Village (near Greenbelt)
http://www.unionchurch.ph/
There will have a simulation and community immersion on May 23 to 24 (overnight) at the Community Resource Center in Cavite, in one of World Vision's assisted communities.
There are several types of involvement that you could have as a disaster relief volunteer:
1. Staff Care - This person is in charge of ensuring the safety and well-being of volunteers and staff on field.
2. Assessment team member - Part of the Rapid Response Team - within 24 hours of the onslaught of disaster.
3. Validation and Distribution team member - Responsible for validating the list of beneficiaries and making sure that the goods are distributed to the intended beneficiaries.
4. Communications support - Will send updates (stories and photos) on the situation and relief operation to the Communications Team at the National Office
5. Liason support - Will help coordinate with the Local government Officials, Provincial/Municipal Social Workers to faciliate relief goods distribution to areas which have are worst stricken and have not received aid from toehr NGOs yet.
6. Logistical support
a. Warehouse assistants - Will conduct inventory of goods received and distributed
b. Re-packers - Will help re-pack the goods before distribution to the beneficiaries
c. Haulers - Will help load/unload the goods to the trucks
7. Security support
8. Child Friendly Space (CFS) staff - Will provide assistance to the CFS facilitators. MAy also be requested to do storytelling or games for children.
For those who are interested, text me or leave me a pm.
Let's put our faith into action!
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| The Grey Zone (2001) |
[16 Mar 2008|09:37am] |
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“The direction of history and the meaning of our very humanity is ultimately our own to decide; to forget the past is never an option.”
Looking for a coffee table topic? Try Auschwitz. Concentration Camps. Jews. No man dares to dig deep into these subjects of conversation. It brings forth the horrors of history and the infinite possibilities of man’s most heartless capabilities. What happened in Auschwitz did not stay in Auschwitz. The horrifying shrieks of the victims carry on and will continue to haunt history eternally. So many documentaries and films have been made to stir the hearts of all. Movies such as The Pianist, Schindler’s List and The Grey Zone are just hints of the ashes communicating to the modern world today, demanding to be remembered. Acknowledging their invitation is the least we can do for them. To be a Jew is to be a dead man, someone to be murdered. This reality of death is a frequent occurrence to the Sonderkommandos, the Jewish “special units” who would exchange forced labor to buy some time on earth. This self-willed behavior can be further explained by Martin Heidegger, a German philosopher who characterizes human existence as being toward-death therefore marked by a consciousness of mortality and limitations. The Sonderkommandos’ idea of “survival of the fittest” is serving their enemies while going against their own people. In their state, it seems like a rational choice contrary to what is usual since they all know that death is inevitable. It just comes to people in different ways; some slowly and more painful than others. No one can blame them, it’s all about survival. Seeing countless of distorted bodies stacked like piles of laundry is not a very comforting picture. The unimaginable stench of stale air that the film could unrealistically reenact was probably unbearable. Put them all together- the unhealthy environment of ovens, naked bodies, massacres, guns, ashes and stench would obviously lead to insanity. History has a funny way of making us remember. The more blood, the more it sticks to the heads of people. These gruesome memories have a purpose besides catching the attention of the world. It channels pain and grief to more useful measures and brings forth our humaneness. Surprisingly, no one in the film went insane. They were still able to keep their composure and attach themselves to the world. Some factors helped them cope with their distressing situation. Alcohol played a vital role of escapism for both the Germans and the Sonderkommandos. Many times, the film showed how these people drank. It was not for social drinking, nor for merrymaking, but to avoid the horrendous miseries of reality. Gulping glass after glass is a strong indication of depression. No one could blame them for craving a moment of euphoria in their bleak situation. I also noticed another form of escapism in the film. This was when Jews arrived by train and musicians who were wearing filthy clothes played beautiful, encouraging music to them. The German’s intentions were to maintain peace and order; to convince them that everything will be okay. Little do the Jews know that they were welcoming them to their death straight into the gas chambers. The nameless fourteen-year-old Jewish girl who survived the gas chamber gave the Sonderkommandos a purpose, a reason to live, but at the same time a worrying responsibility. She overcame feelings of guilt for the men offering assistance to the Nazis and served as an affirmation that “they are not murders”, that “we don’t kill people”. She symbolized a beacon of hope to all of them. How so? Part of being human is to live for something despite the recognition of inevitable death. These people are not motivated by what is true since truth seemed depressingly ugly for their situation. And judging from history, truth is never 100% objective, it is subjective. Therefore, what motivated them are their subjective perceptions of what is true and noble. Such a belief guides the lives of millions of people today and helps shape many of their actions. This fictitious need neither be true or false but has a powerful influence on people. This is clearly seen in the film when Hoffman found the girl miraculously breathing after the gas attack. When he told his fellow Sonderkommandos about her, they all agreed to save the girl, save one life even at the expense of all their lives. Now the doctor, who revived the girl, comes into the picture. Among the Jews, the doctor has the most number of privileges. These include access to any section of the camp, freedom to wear own clothes and able to work in a quiet environment. Occasionally, he would have the privilege of a drink or two with the sergeant. But underneath the mask of a fortunate Jew is a dying soul who has been infected by ceaseless feelings of guilt and despair. To better understand his situation, try putting yourself in his shoes. “ I am a Jew, helping Germans kill other Jews and my own people don’t even trust me anymore.” “What have a become?” “I am not a murderer, I’m only trying to save my family.” These never-ending debates lead to anything but beneficial. Such thinking only undermines parsimonious energy since there is no real solution. Try and try to rationalize but never succeed. The dreadful curse and irony of the doctor is his survival of the holocaust. His emotions under the sink will continue. These memories live on. Yes, he got his wish to live but he carried with him the grey color of life. He knew and did nothing. He probably battled daily against regret and guilt and a feeling that somehow he could redeem himself until his death. No amount of escapism will ever be enough since it is increasingly obvious and impossible that the Holocaust cannot be ignored. Suddenly, what seems fortunate is tragedy in reality. The doctor’s fate is not so different from the German sergeant’s. They are both just doing their job by force, before they die. Moreover, I doubt that they actually believed in what they were doing, especially the German sergeant. He tried to escape his fate with alcohol. Headaches became the byproducts. His road to perdition expressed speedily as he poured all his angst to the Jews. “We will exterminate as many of you as we can before they exterminate us”, he said. He knew his sad fate. He knew how pathetic of him to leave that kind of legacy. But who can blame him? He was just following orders, to survive even for a little longer. It is only human instinct to think this way. So what’s next? History seems to be so cruel. But if they weren’t then it would be boring and we can never learn from them. It is there for a purpose and we are all part of it, never merely a spectator to the action. We are but only human, trying to relate to storytellers of the past and understanding how things came to be. And it is our job to listen and learn from them. All these memories are personal. They connect us at a different level. The word Auschwitz will forever send chills down my spine, what more to the Jews. I have always wondered if they still abhor Germans up to today. In general, if they have accepted them to be called “Sons and Daughters of God” as well. I’m sure about one thing though, the last thing they want to do is to hate for it is against the Talmud. Therefore the question of up to what degree can love overcome hate? enters the picture. Blind hatred is not the solution. Although one cannot blame if there are still some Jews who carry this heavy burden within them. After all, they are also human. History shows man’s capabilities to the very extent. It shows both the humanity and inhumanity of man. Despite unavoidable circumstances and challenges we face, our freedom of choice rests in us. We should remember that whatever happens in this not so black-and-white world, we have control over it, if we choose too. We are not robots, programmed by their masters, but human beings remembering our forefathers times while pressing on to the future. The journey of life is a bumpy road towards a goal. Learning from those who have experience is only wise. To move forward is the key, it would be a crime to turn our backs on the past, but acknowledge it. The present is the history of the future. There is a clean slate right now, waiting to be written by us, the characters. We are all part of history, the two are inseparable. No matter how insignificant you think you are, you can actively participate in history, work yourself towards an aspiring world while remembering the past. Understanding and accepting history will lead you to the only thing that matters in the end: finding peace and happiness within us. And as our spirits leave our bodies, the next generation will remember us; learn from us for a better and brighter future for them. And so the legacy is passed on...
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| Flamenco Summer Workshop @ Clara Ramona Centro de Danza Flamenca |
[15 Mar 2008|07:03am] |
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May 1 – 29, 2008 Intensive Summer Workshop with Clara Ramona Classes are limited …..Please sign up by April 28 | MONDAY | TUESDAY | WEDNESDAY | THURSDAY | FRIDAY | SATURDAY | | Flam Intro – 1 1:30 – 2:45 | Flamenco for Kids 1:30 – 2:30 | Flam Intro – 1 1:30 – 2:45 | Flamenco for Kids 1:30 – 2:30 | Flam Intro – 1 1:30 – 2:45 | Flamenco for Kids 12:00 - 1:00 | | Sevillanas 2:45 – 4:00 | | Sevillanas 2:45 – 4:00 | | Sevillanas 2:45 – 4:00 | Flam Elem - 2 1:00 – 2:15 | | Clasico 6:30 – 7:45 | Flam Elem – 2 6:30 – 7:45 | Clasico 6:30 – 7:45 | Flam Elem – 2 6:30 – 7:45 | Andaluzi 6:30 – 7:45 | Clasico 2:15 – 3:30 | | Flam Int – 3 7:45 – 9:00 | Andaluzi 7:45 – 9:00 | Flam Int – 3 7:45 – 9:00 | Andaluzi 7:45 – 9:00 | Flam Int – 3 7:45 – 9:00 | | Level Choreography Fees: Flamenco Introduction – 1 :Garrotin w/ fan Single Class – 800 Flamenco Elementary – 2 :Tientos Class Card of 12 – 4,500 Flamenco Intermediate - 3 :Solea Por Bulerias 2 Class Cards of 12 – 8,000 Sevillanas :w/ and w/o castanets Additional Class – 500 Clasico Español :La Vida Breve w/ castanets Childrens Class Card of 12 – 3,800 Andaluzi :w/ veil Performance Production Fee: 1,000 Children Ages 8-12 :Rumba Flamenca including 1 souvenir program **Cards must be consumed only for this workshop period. Student’s Performance: Sangre Flamenca II at Spotlight For Sale: Castanets, Flamenco shoes, fans, skirts, and tops… Please order shoes 1 week before the workshop. Our Address: 5917 Alger St., Brgy. Poblacion, Kalayaan Ave., along Rockwell Drive, Makati City Tel. Nos.: 890-8030/899-1346 Email : info@clararamona.com Website : www.clararamona.com
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[19 Jul 2007|11:59pm] |
The Future of Boris, my lovie!
Danny is going to train him to skateboard like tyson, woohoo! And Bor Bor is competing in a dog show soon. I'm so excited.
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| YOu're all Invited! |
[26 May 2007|11:15pm] |
Hello friends!
I'll be on stage like more than half of the show so that would be interesting. There will be lots of palmas, guitaristas, kahoneros, bulerias, etc...
Buy your tickets now at ticketworld.com.ph! See ya there! =p
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[10 Jan 2007|08:43pm] |
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"Mika! What happened to you?" - Teacher Cindy
yes...I'm back to Pilates and this is how my teacher greeted me. She wasn't interested on how i've been really, she just got so shocked at how much i've gained at my core! i could barely do the roll-ups. hahahaha I love her though. She's gonna get me back into shape and strengthen my back. Having scoliosis is so disheartening. thanks to my lovely teacher, gone are the back pains that have annoyed me since i got this thing.
As for flamenco, we're now learning contratiempos and fancy footwork. Clara choreographed something new yesterday. with lotsa practice and dedication, it's gonna be gorgeous.
It's so good to be back. Excercise makes me happy. endorphins are my friends.
I was in Polo with Kuya Chi, studying for Chem, when Kuya Mon called me up and told me he was in Polo as well. He just flew in this afternoon and we had a little chat before his interview at the lobby. He's leaving tomorrow and it was just a blessing that i got to talk to him. i truly admire his dedication in all facets of his being. He knocked some sense into me while we were having Pepitos and fries. For some reason, i grow whenever i get to talk to him.
It's amazing to see how things just fall into perspective if you put Him first.
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[06 Jan 2007|01:04pm] |
"The truth shall set you free"
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[28 Nov 2005|10:40pm] |
I consumed a lot of fat at the tea buffet a while ago. I had two or three servings of lasagna and 10 pieces of bbq chicken(not kidding). I forgot to mention the cheese pancakes and the sandwiches i had before that. I felt sick afterwards. I couldn't even suck my stomach in anymore. It was protruding through my white tee. It was gross.
After that, I went to Polo to jog. Ü I just had to. Stacy and Jan were supposed to go with me but Jan was asleep and Stacy didn't have a car. even if i was alone, i had to go coz my tummy was shouting at me a while ago. I heard it saying, " You've got to move your fat ass today or else you'll look fat in La union this weekend." hahaha And so i did.
After 5 laps of jogging at the Z Field, i went to Promenade to meet up with Diego, Thom and Ly in Teriyaki boy. Thom = baboy. He ate so much it's not even funny anymore. I didn't even eat anything. I wasn't hungry at all. They wanted to watch Exorcism of Emily Rose but i said no. I don't like watching horror movies. The images of ghosts and scary people haunt me at night. I sleep alone with no night light on so i'm not planning to watch any horror movies for the next ten years of my life. I love sleep too much that i'm not letting any freaky images interrupt it. If ever i do watch, i'll watch it with earplugs, a blanket and friends.
Thom and i passed by Ly's house to borrow some DVds. Les Miserables and 13 going on 30 are the two movies that i'm dying to watch tonight. yey! I'm so excited. My first class tom starts at 1:30 anyway so i have plenty of time tonight. He wanted to watch Laguna Beach but my vcds are still with Tj. Which reminds me, i better get them back soon.
I broke the ipod of my brother when i was jogging a while ago. I have one day to fix it before he kills me. I've gotta go to Apple center asap. Maybe tom.
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| filtered... |
[16 Nov 2005|03:58pm] |
Hey Guys! I'm planning a fat-ass, swimming with sushi, barbecue and steak party on December. Probably on the 10th. You can call it a pre-christmas potluck dinner. LEt's all be FAT! Come on people!
SAVE THE DATE! =p
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[13 Nov 2005|11:13pm] |
Felicity in Shangri-la is such a pretty store. They’ve got a rare collection of mirrors, jewelries, furniture, bags and lots of vintage stuff that you’ll never see elsewhere. Jan and I bought Stacy’s gift there. And we’re both going back with our parents to buy ourselves something.
Turned out Tito Romy and Tita Marcia were at Fish and co. so we headed there for their specialty, the fish and chips. The fish was really soft and the batter was just delicious. When the waitreses said that they use Dory fish, the image of a frightened Dory from Nemo popped out of my head.  Sorry, you're much better served on a plate than just being useless swimming on water. hehe it's so good!
Before this, Jan and i went to ISM to watch Claire host and perform. I have to give it to her, with only a few hours of practice, she was able to survive the dance without looking gawky. hahaha It was really fun watching her in a good way. =p Go claire! Let's see that wave thing again. 
After a really FAT dinner, Jan drove all the way from Shang to Greenmeadows. I had my seatbelts fastened in case you know, anything happened. hahaha I don't know much about driving because i don't know how but she did a pretty good job. I know you could have done better without your dad nagging you to do THIS and THAT. Ü I don't know how you do it but you handled him well.
Suddenly, i feel sleepy. Continuation on Stacy's birthday tomorrow. night!
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[10 Nov 2005|09:05pm] |
Happy birthday bros! have fun in hongky Ü
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[09 Nov 2005|08:38pm] |
A decision has been made. I'm going to take flamenco seriously MEANING 4 times a week with clara ramona including Sevillanas, Classico, and the use of castanets. I want to learn how to dance like clara. She looks so passionate all the time doing even the simplest steps. Oh yeah, my partner a while ago was Lucy Torres! hahaha She's so white! As in, Datu puti white. She's really nice even though people think otherwise.
Anyway, it's Rom and Rob's birthday tomorrow, and they're leaving for hongkong tomorrow. They had an advance birthday party at mezze last Saturday which was pretty fun, but i'm really going to miss them. They'll be gone for 2 weeks to meet up with my other brother, Mon. Ack. I'm gonna be lonely at home. I have no one to bug.
i won't be able to board for 2 weeks. Sucks.
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[25 Oct 2005|08:32pm] |
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Anyone going to highlands this weekend, let me know. Anyone who wants to go with me, please text me. thanks
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[11 Oct 2005|09:08pm] |
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Anyone going to Palawan this December? I'm going with my folks right after christmas. I'll be needing a friend in that island.
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sugar_plum's journal
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