The Archdiocese Campus Ministry

Out of the blue I found myself involved with the U.V. Campus Ministry thus my involvement with the archdiocese Campus Ministry. It was a nice event to see students doing things for the love of God and not in it for a passing delight like say a grade. I never realized that even if I am the biggest sinner in the world, I can still make a difference. Granted that I do handle some 'bible sessions' at the campus ministry for free, as I wanted to share my experiences and pains in hopes of encouraging the youth of today.

Sr. Milla Roco has done a wonderful job at the Campus Ministry and she deserves more than just a certificate, I feel humbled that she had to share the lime light with us, who are totally unworthy of such an event.

The good Eminence Cardinal Vidal took a special time to spend it with the various campus ministry volunteers/faculty members. At least, I know how many people do it for the love of God.

I will continue to serve, not for the interest of my sanctification, but for my love of serving people.

La Sona Petite Presidente

Annually the President releases the state of the nation. The new SONA strikes me as odd as it is filled with promises like a 5centavo per text messaging, allowing the poor to acquire more loans from the government.

I agree that people need money but I hope that you will agree with me when I say that financial wisdom is the main need of society today. Anyone can earn but the ability to budget the earnings to one's need requires more than just 'testicular fortitude'.

I asked my students to listen to the statement of the President, which lead some to sleep in a little as 5minutes from the start of the speech.

Again, pictures say more than just words so I will the pictures do the talking and yes REAL MEN WEAR PINK!

UV CAS acquaintance party

Every year each school has an acquaintance party. UV College of Arts and Sciences was no different from all other schools except only to the fact that the students are granted total freedom to determine the venue.

I regret that I can not post each and every photo that I had on my cellphone but suffice to say I had a lot of fun. It reminded me of the years that I took for granted. Time is such a sissy thing, when you don't take it seriously it flies so fast.

I am sure these students will be successful in their lives in the future.

group sharing

I got my sociology class 3-4pm (at University of the Visayas) experience what it was to be in an Alcoholic's Anonymous meeting.

I know none of them were alcoholic's but I pray that they got close to their classmates better. I believed that we all have a monster inside of us.

We can only live if we can manage to open our hearts and pains to people in hopes that we can encourage and learn from each other.

Although the 'session' was shorter than I wanted it to be due to time constraints, I hope they had fun.

So here's your pictures and have fun reading this post of mine.

Death in the family

My entry title is taken from the batman issues #426-429 where Jason Todd as Robin dies at the hands of Joker.

Death is hard to accept specially when you think that person does not deserve it. I received a text from my Tita Luz that Tita Dalia died, I was having my class then and I can not help but shed a tear. How was I supposed to reply with a news like that?

I thought that I could have done better in treating aunt Dalia. She would often lend an ear to my family problems with my father; she would offer words of encouragement. I still remember it how she wanted to receive the holy Eucharist, albeit to celebrate my becoming a lay minister at a church.

Candelaria Torres Dublin died at a young age of 46, she was an inspiration to all of us. We will forever remember you!

www.aljoriz.blogspot.com

I tried surfing using the address http://aljoriz.blogspot.com and lo and behold the site was about some bible and koran stuff.. Weird.

Hypocrisy: part of society?

Go to Church and you see a lot of them.
Go to School, you often see them.

We are actually hypocrites, all of us.
In one way of another, we live dual lives.

The Philosopher Plato once said that man is a dual creature.
Everyday I try hard to live up to expectations of friensd,
colleagues, and family. At times, they are too high that the idea
of dying comes across.

Hypocrisy is a funny word, its almost as funny as modesty. The moment you say you are modest, you are not. Hypocrisy is like that but living with the crosses that we bear is all part of the deal.

What keeps people smiling? What keep them going?
Too much lipovitan, would not even cure depression.
I guess we have weekends for that, to relax... go over my days.
What makes students smile even if the days seems bleak?

I am almost 30, with 5years of teaching experience. Heck, when I said that I wonder where did that five year went through. I know that one day I will die and I can only hope that by living, I have inspired people.

For me, that is a man's worth... measured by the people he has inspired!
Excuse me while I watch Semi-Pro.

Summer and watches

With payday around the corner, I decided to get a watch that I can really call my own and not some hand me down gifts from my folks. So i decided to get myself the latest shock resist watch from Timex. I got it for 30% less than the usual price, all thanks to a friend whose sister works in the Timex Factory in Lapu-lapu.

I enjoy using it specially at night, the Indiglo feature is charming sight to behold. As you can see, I have included a picture taken with some of my students last summer.

This picture should remind me to lift weights often

I had an enjoyable class with them; it was really flattering when a student suggested the foto op. It made me feel like some huge bellied mascot from some fast food :)

Bar Result

I just got my Record of Ratings from the Supreme Court of the Philippines. All I can say is that: it was not that bad.

Political law= 75
Labor / Civil = 50
Taxation = 70
Mercantile Law70
Criminal 57
Remedial 71
Legal Ethics 84

Now my score in legal ethics and practical exercises made me laugh. I guess I didn't suck as much as I thought I did what not with a weighted average average of 64.7 oh most bar examinees fear legal ethics!

At least I didn't get an average of 74.99% which would be a failure.

This made me feel I want to give it another try but I'm taking a doctorate degree.

A friend is a friend forever.

A friend of mine was able to reach me through this blog. It has been approximately 8years or so since we last spoke to each other. 8years ago I was not half the man I used to be.

8 years ago..
I a shallow hall of man,
I put premium on my own satisfaction,
I was selfish,
I don't drink alcohol.

8 years ago..
I almost died with grief,
I had TB,
A friend who listend,
A friend who cared.

8 years ago..
I was a delinquent Catholic,
I used to borrow porn (now I own some)
I have no clue what I wanted to be.

8 years is a long time to meet a friend again.
A long time to catch up on the stories,
the laughters, the chick problems of men
and how our personal relationship with our family changes us.

Few people can touch the lives of people and make a difference. I am glad to have meet my friend again. Thank you Chad Arendain for the memories, for teaching me the rhythm method (though unreliable I don't use it, I user my rubber ducky) but most importantly for teaching me that no one is too poor or too rich to have a friend and to become one.

I raise my glass of Brandy and gives a loud cheer to my Friend. Thank you, Chad!

Our lady of Fatima

These are the photos taken during the visit of the the pilgrim image of the immaculate heart of Mary, our lady of Fatima.

The first picture from the left was taken after the holy sacrifice of the mass in her honor. I was together with Cebu's Auxiliary Bishop and Parochial Pastor of Sto. Rosario Parish Julito B. Cortes and I was flanked by fellow lay minister whose name escapes me as of the moment.

I didn't expect to help carry the pilgrim image, it was a wonderful experience. I attest that I am a habitual sinner but somehow the event made me realize how little my sins were in the eyes of God.

I am still trying to move away from sins. At times, I am successful then at other instances I am not. I can only pray after my death all my sins will be forgiven.

Truly the secrets of our lady of Fatima is without controversy. She made an apparition to 3 kids: Jacinta, Francisco and Lucia. in which she gave three visions to them.

a. The vision of Hell
b. How to save the world through sacrifice, penance and communion on first Saturday of the month
c. A vision of the death of the pope during their time. The third secret was revealed on June 26, 2000. Some suspect that the released secret is not the entire one as the third secret started with the words: "In Portugal, the dogma of the Faith will always be preserved etc." as written in Sister Lucia's memoirs.

Nonetheless, I must continue to do good and perform penance. After all I am no different from the inmates of BBRC, who are forced to dance to Michael J's Thriller.

Funny titles for a news

Before you continue reading please look at the message below and follow the link:

great tits coping well with global warming.

What an amusing title.

I saw that on my RSS, like most hot blooded male I clicked on the link thinking about how huge breasted women can cope well during global warming, I was actually expecting something on the class of a Kinsey report but after reading it ... I laughed out loud.

I checked the DIC-tionary and tits was defined as
1. [vulgar] Either of two soft fleshy milk-secreting glandular organs on the chest of a woman
2. The small projection of a mammary gland
3. Small insectivorous birds

BIRDS. Its as if BBC was pulling a joke on its readers either that or my carnal knowledge is way too much. But any good natured male with misconstrue the subject title anyway.

Here's to BBC making me laugh for a day.

It's a dogs life.

Isn't it so fun to dress your favorite pet? As if you are dressing your own child? I do love dogs, but I am not as fond of kids. Maybe when I do get a child of my own I would learn to appreciate their quirks and ADHD.

A few days ago I had my students watch THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION. Its among my favorite films, years ago it made me cry and it still manages to make me cry after more than 5times of watching it. Most of my male students shed a tear while watching it; who ever said boys don't cry must be a nut. The timing for the film showing to my class was impeccable; as I was depressed on account of meeting a successful batch mate who is now a lawyer. He works for the commission on audit.

Just like in the movie, we never know what the future has in store for us yet that is not an excuse not to plan ahead and have a positive outlook in life.

As a teacher, I can only pray that I was able to influence and touch the life of other in a more special way.

Comic Review: Trese: Murder on balete drive

The Philippines is not replete of great writers and artist. When it comes to the field of comic book writing Carlo Caparas, Mars Ravelo does come to mind. But as of late there are only a handful of great writers and artist. I have decided to add Budjette Tan and Kajo Baldisimo's Trese to my own collection of pinoy comic books; which isn't tha tmuch as I only own the following: Arnold Arre's Myth Class, ZsaZsa Zathurna, Love is in the bag.

If I were to classify the comic book trese it would fall along the lines of a horror/noir comic book. We rarely see a comic that tries to stand on its own and making its own universe believable as in Trese. What makes read worth it is the price. At 140pesos, it does not come as expensive as the compiled Myth Class of Arnold Arre; my only gripe to that book is the shoody binding of the book after 5-10 readings the pages come off.

For Trese, the binding is ok. The art is in a class of its own. If you love stories of John Constantine and some shades of Sandman. This book is perfect for you. Don't expect a laugh out loud stories, this is not a funny book nor does it try to be.

Do yourself a favor and support our home grown talents like Tan and Baldisimo. You can buy a copy at National Bookstore, I got mine from the SM Cebu City branch; its a walking distance to my residence around a good 15-20min walk.

You can also visit their blog

The law of Attraction

I read the purpose drive life but due its one chapter a day policy, I was so enamored by the slow reading concept that it took me months to just to finish reading the secret by Rhonda Byrne.

As for the book itself the packaging alone and the marketing makes this book a runaway success. I just love the concept of positive thinking. The oddest thing about this book is how people perceive it.

Some thought of it as a new age religion, which obviously meant they haven't read the book.
Some thought of it as a great and inspirational read.
Some though the dvd is indeed boring, well a book can't bore you specially if it is expensive.
To some, it is just a quick rich scheme by the publisher/author.

In reality, the book does not present anything new. But the way it is written, as if the author is actually speaking to you makes it worth the purchase. Do yourself a favor and buy a copy of the book.

Family problems

Family problems are ever so hand to handle. They say its the kids that gives the parents some problem but as time passes by its the other way around. My tale is of the latter. The parents now gives trouble for their kids. I realized that coming from a broken family isn't all that its cracked up to be. From my parent's separation, I realized that you always had a choice.. a choice to do right or just go berserk on everything.

Most of my choices in life were good and some were not to be proud of. I am now a college teacher with almost 5years of experience whereas my sister is now a call girl (not a prostitute but a girl who works in a call center).

My sister's birthday is coming up on the 30th of April, hence her name is that of the month. My mom owns/operates a club in Luzon, that kind of club that you have girls dancing on the floor with bikinis on and teasing the audience using a pole. A business replete with the temptations of the flesh. Prior to that kind of business my mom used to be a recruiter of Filipino entertainers for Japan. When things went sour for her, she turned to local club operating. It has often been our argument for her to enter into a legally sound business, the concept of which is almost alien to her; after all Illegal dealings came with big and easy money.

I am based in Cebu, just minding my stuff. When my sister came knocking to my room bringing her cellphone with a SMS (text) from my mom informing her that the local electric company found out that they placed a jumper and is asked to pay 1million. My mom said to the effect of going into hiding. She said she didn't wanted things to go this sour and apologized for her specially that my sister's birthday is coming.

My sister kept on crying even in her bed. I did something that I have never done to her. ..

I hugged my sister, told her that things will be fine and mom can fend for herself. Hoping that things will be brighter for all of us. I kissed her cheeks a couple of times saying 'its ok to cry'

I know I have not been a brother to her many a times and I have miserably failed in this department. I just hope to make it up to her somehow, I can only pray and believe in the promise of better things are just ahead of us.

Filipino's are always happy even if they are facing the biggest burden of their lives. That's how I will be: Happy!!!

University + nursing students?

Cebu City

The school where I work for has been included in some controversy surrounding a video regarding some rectal operation on a gay to remove a deodorant rammed on his anus after a drinking binge with his lover.

As a teacher for the institution, I standby our school. Although it is true that some nursing students indeed give most teachers some headaches; I can not just lump all of them as bad. I pity those nursing students who spend their nights burning their brains just to achieve their dream of working as a nurse; after all a reputation has to count.

I am not privy as to the degree of participation of our student. For the record let me state that I handle classes for the Arts and Sciences Department, usually first years and not fourth year students. As a person, I am sure that our school authorities from the President down to the faculty members have exercised the degree of diligence and supervision required of them.

The current news regarding the mess of a successful operation on the gay where someone poked fun at him, and violated his privacy is that he wants 6million pesos as indemnification. The amount might seem to high and unreasonable, but a damage to one's reputation is often incapable of pecuniary estimation.

We can not put a real value to the humiliation of a person. Tempting as it might be to ridicule that gay. I have to look inside my own sins and face that reality that I am no different from that gay. I am a sinner, far more than anyone. If my sins were counted I would have gone to the depths of hell.

I can only try to live my life to pay for my sins of the past. Those little transgression that I have done and hope to live a life worth emulating.

I pray that we can live a life worth living and imitating.

Sphere of Influence

I was on my way to class yesterday. When a former nursing student of mine in Philippine Constitution approached me to inform me that she has decided to shift to Political Science. I starred blankly at the floor after that, I wondered if I was a factor in her decision.

I am not sure if I have influenced her to shift courses. Being a teacher is tough, its like acting tough when deep inside you're as soft as a toilet paper.

Today I discussed the deviant behaviors on Sociology. Things like Prostitution, Drug Addiction and stuff. It is shocking to know that the youth these days are a tad wilder with things going on like f*ck Buddies, Sex Eye Ball. Things like that makes prostitution seem like elementary.

We all do have our needs. Be it sex, food, and spiritual needs. We are human beings try our best to fill such a void. In reality Deviant behaviors makes the world more fun, it shows people can change for the better if given the chance. The world would be a bleak, boring and generic place if not for them. They just need some affection, they are not any different from us.

Students glee with delight when things like sex are discussed but when I discussed why some people go into a form of addiction, they see an image of them inside it. We have all been an addicts to some particular form. It can be an object or any physical urge but that challenges us to stand up and do our best to change.

Change does not happen instantly, it takes a lot of time. I pray that I would also mature to become a far better person that I am now.

A year after can dreams still exist?

It has been so long since my last blog. I was filled with trying to fulfill my dreams to become a lawyer.

After graduation from Law school, I didn't want to take the bar exam immediately. I wanted to rest for a year or so but my parents prod me to take it. I gave up a job, had a fight with my father (as he wanted to get married again despite a valid pre-existing marriage with my mother, at a church just beside our ancestral home). All of those occurred whilst I was reviewing for the bar exams.

When the results came out, I felt a lump of sorrow down my throat. I felt the pain of going through studying for 8hours a day and only to fail. For some odd reasons, I heard J. Timberlake's song 'Cry Me a River'

I used to work for Royal Christian College and our slogan was 'make your dreams into a reality' sadly mine didn't.

Looking back them I am just thankful. After the bar exams, finding a job during the October, of last year, is among the most difficult times for employment what not with the up coming Christmas. I am just happy that I was able to land another dream job, teaching in an actual University. I landed a teaching job at my alma matter (University of the Visayas), teaching college students is a joy and at the same time a frustration. Last year, I can still imagine how those student can easily back stab someone who is doing a good job. I still teach Philosophy but now I also handle sex education... Crazy as those books I kept buying like the Joy of Sex is indeed useful.

I also can't believe I have a girl already. True, I shouldn't compare an ex to a current gf. Marriage plans? I am not so keen as I want to see how things would go. I am tired of being in a relationship, dream of marrying and just when things are going great BAM! your go your separate ways cue in a song entitled 'Tell me where did I go wrong?'

With this post I want to renew my commitment to blogging and posting my thoughts, here's to me coming back!

Philosophy has never been fun...

I really thought that Philosophy was a boring subject but I was proven wrong.. what made it interesting is not the history but rather the social interaction that you can have with you students.