Recent, Current and Will-be Reads

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam

Since I've got no topic to talk about as of this moment, and since these are the things running in my mind as of now, the following are my recent, currently reading and will-be reading books. I don't like thick books that much unless I really like it. I really get turned off by thick books like the Twilight Saga (sorry, I'm anti-Twilight). I'm also not that big of a fan of fiction, I'm more of a Bible, religious book, textbook, trivia book, history book, general knowledge book, classic book, bargain book (XD) reader. If I'm on the mall I'd probably be at National Book Store or Book Sale looking for good (and cheap!) reads. I took the pictures unless stated otherwise.

Anyway here goes:

1.) Our Daily Bread

It's my second year reading Our Daily bread along with my Bible. It's a good companion to the Bible. It's become a part of my night. I don't think I'll get a good night's sleep without reading this and my Bible.

Both pics from NationalBookStore.com 2010 Edition pic from here. 2009 Edition Pic from here.

2.) Looking Back By Ambeth R. Ocampo

Ambeth R. Ocampo's compilation of his essays. I started reading his essays at the Philippine Daily Inquirer. I tried to catch his essays every now and then ,but I just couldn't seem too. I didn't hesitate to buy this book immediately as I saw it on the shelves of National Bookstore.

Picture from NationalBookStore.com. Image source and my review on this book here.

3.) The Merchant Of Venice by William Shakespeare; A gift I got for Christmas.

The sticker and white stuff on the cover is sticker residue from NBS's Cut-Price; bargain book, for short.

This is one of the books on my to-read list. Got it last Christmas and I'm currently at the foreword and stuff. I guess this will be my starter course on Shakespeare. Never really read anything by Shakespeare, so this would be the first. It's relatively thin ,so I'm not too challenged by this.

4.) Discovering Dinosaurs by Valerie Wilding; Another Christmas gift that came with The Merchant of Venice, haven't read it yet.

Maybe I'll read it sometime this summer after reading my other books. I've read A LOT of dinosaur books in my elementary and pre-school, so this one ain't really my priority.

5.) Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens; A book from the author of A Christmas Carol is a Christmas pabili

After reading and watching Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, I got fascinated by his writings. The theme of changing, of rags to riches stories (if I read Wikipedia right), bah humbug! It's just difficult to explain. I liked A Christmas Carol. It was my first classic book to read (and as of date the only one I watched on TV). I guess I liked the classic genre since A Christmas Carol compared to modern-day Twilight (yes, I don't like you Twilight, you are not worthy of my italicization) Titles such as Hard Times, Great Expectations, A Christmas Carol(only one I've read) and Oliver Twist spark my interest in the classical fiction genre. I've read fiction before ,but never got the hang of it, until now that is. Since this is a 53-chapter book I plan on reading it this summer vacation.

6.) Selected Stories and Poems by Edgar Allan Poe; found at the bargain book section

Okay, okay, I wasn't actually going to buy this. I was just curious because once I read somewhere this question, 'Kaano ano ni Edgar Allan Poe si Fernando Poe Jr.? (Is Edgar Allan Poe related to Fernando Poe Jr.?)'. Anyway, I went to the mall with my family, during the 3-Day Sale; we didn't go for the sale, but for other purposes. We went over to National Bookstore and dug up (yes, dug up) books from the pile of sale and bargain books. I came across this book (there were about 3 of them). We were about to leave the bookstore as I texted my English teacher, and asked her if E.A. Poe was a good author. She said, E.A. Poe was a good author and that the price was fair, so I bought the book for PHP 49.50. The books of good quality, maybe a little yellowing on the inside cover, but the outside cover and inside pages still look like new. Anyway, I'm still reading it and haven't finished it. I've read: A Tell-Tale Heart, The Cask of Amontillado, The Masque of Red Death, Ulalume, and a few other poems. It's full of short stories and poems. To tell you the truth I don't like it that much, but I guess I do appreciate it. Maybe it's just that I'm not that used to reading tales and stories of horror and macabre. I guess this book will be my starter in the horror and macabre genre. I have to admit I do get creeped out while reading his stories. Well, I'll give you a better review when I've read the whole thing. 'Til then.

6.) Intimations of Immortality  by William Wordsworth; A hand-me-down book

It's a relatively small and thin book, which one of the reasons why I started reading it. It's nothing close to new since it's a hand-me-down from my uncle. The pages are all yellowed and aged, but the contents are still interesting. It's a book of poems which I currently read. Poems such as Lucy Gray and others I can't remember, are real good. I like William Wordsworth style in making poems. I might incorporate his style into my own poems, soon. I continually read it and I'm liking his style and poems. Compared to that of Edgar Allan Poe, I like William Wordsworth's poems better, but, I can't really compare them since their genres are different, very different really, yet I still think they're both good authors. Anyway, William Wordsworth is definitely worth-words note.

I'll give full and solo reviews book by book when I've read them. I'll probably read, or have read some of the aforesaid books. I've got other books but, the aforesaid are some of my recent reads. 'Til next time. . .

Thanks for reading!

God bless.

AMDG

Belated 3rd Monthsary to my Blog!

Happy 3rd monthsary to my blog! I've added the AMDG to my blog title. If any of you noticed my previous blog posts you'll know what it means.

Thanks and God bless!

A Few of My Dreams

I actually have dreams which seem to be wild, odd, and totally nonessential. I just like them and I don't think I have a serious intention of achieving such dreams unless indicated. But hey if ever I am able to achieve these dreams then thank you very much God! I'm already blessed, we all are. Most of list below are nothing but a matter of fun and leisure.

1. Help others.                                                                                                                                            Compared to the next few this is actually something which I'd like to pursue and something which I have an intention of pursuing. I think I'd start helping others through the simplest ways I can before aspiring for large scale help efforts. Why would I want to pursue this dream? Simply because, God always helped me, and I'd like to share my blessings from Him.                                                     
2. 
   
   Invest in the stock market and my stock prices go BOOM! up! up! up!                                                              One of my weird dreams include investing in the stock market. I don't actually know why ,but ever since I played the stock market game at Neopets, I've been fascinated by the earnings, the losses, the drama and all that. I want to use a portion of the money to help others and for other dreams. And when I get a huge BOOM from my investments I plan on helping even more less fortunate people.                             
   Just a weird little dream.
   http://www.marketitem.com/images/view/4383/marketonlinestocktradingsystemthumbnailjpg.html
3. Using the money from my stock market boom I'd like. . .                                                                     My own private island in Palawan, Philippines. I was just fascinated at PrivateIslandsOnline.com. The idea of owning your own island, your own plot of paradise just fascinates me. However, the price tag is far from anything I could ever afford.                                                       Green Paradise Island, Palawan with a price tag of US$ 1.3 M.
4. Have my own restaurant with the name : "Plato"                                                                                   I don't know how or why, but I seem to want to make my own restaurant with the name 'Plato', which is literally 'plate' in Filipino. Why plate? 'Saan tayo kakain?' sarcastic Filipino answer, 'Sa plato'. In English, "Where are we going to eat?" sarcastic Filipino answer, "In a plate." I want to make my own restaurant with this name , so that every time someone gets hit with this sarcasm he/she will not be humiliated.     

"Plato" (pluh-toh) or "plate".

http://www.nest.co.uk/product/alessi_platebowlcup_soup_bowl

Anyway, I don't think I'd be serious in pursuing these dreams except for Dream No. 1. Maybe I'll blog more next time. Wild Dreams No. 2-4 are all a matter of wild dreams I have come up for fun and I'm pretty much content of what God has given me.

Thanks for reading , God bless!

AMDG

Of Taking Responsibility

At school, I always seemed to dislike people who couldn't take responsibility for their actions. To tell you the truth I was like that before; passing the blame and so forth, but I guess over the years I got over that habit and learned to take responsibility.

What is it with passing the blame? I noticed that most of the guys in my class would likely say, "It was _____." But, in reality it was them. I never got the sense of passing the blame. They seem to be the type of people and classmates who ruin my day. I actually consider this type of behavior cowardice and feeble. ugh...

I don't know why they can't adapt to an attitude like that of Pinoy Big Brother Double Up's Princess

I said what I said, I did what I did.

Face the consequences of your actions; of your words . . .

I can't elaborate such a topic. . . argh. . . [writer's block] . . .

I don't want to remember this which ruined my day. . .

ARGH!

Thanks for reading . . .

God bless...

AMDG . . .

Another Poem by Me; "Happiness and Cheer"

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam; For the Greater Glory of God

“Happiness and Cheer”

By: Me

Happiness and cheer,

I sought and found,

All through the years.

Happiness and cheer,

Find I from friends,

Far and near.

Happiness and cheer,

Everywhere can be felt and heard,

Especially in laughter!

Happiness and cheer,

Even in the midst,

Of a world with every-now-and-then fear.

Happiness and cheer,

May be felt,

Even after sadness and fear.

Happiness and cheer,

May you be with,

Year after year.

But happiness and cheer,

In utter quintessence,

Feel I when through prayer I’m near,

God’s omnipotent presence.

No happiness and cheer,

Compares to that I feel,

When I’m near the Father’s presence.

To be with Him in Heaven,

I must wait,

But through His creations,

 Do I find joys innate.

So smile and be filled,

With happiness and cheer!

Be thankful with it we’re blessed!

I wish you happiness and cheer,

Year after year!

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam; For the Greater Glory of God

Thanks for Reading, God bless!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

NO MORE WORDS CAN BE SAID,

HOW I WANT YOU TO BE WELL FED,

WHAT I JUST SAID,

MUCH SENSE MAY NOT HAVE BEEN MADE,

BUT ANYWAY,

HAVE A BLESSED NEW YEAR!

MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS YOU IN HIS WAYS, 

YEAR AFTER YEAR!

My New Year's Resolution for 2010

Well to kick start the year I'll lay down my New Year's Resolution for 2010. Hopefully I'd stick to it. I've got lot's to do and change, hopefully I'd get this done.

1. Do more Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam (AMDG) or in English; Do more For The Greater Glory of God.
1. I want to do more because I know I can.
2. I must be less selfish.
1. Whether you agree or disagree I think I'm getting on the fishy side and I know that's pretty wrong. I  know I must!
3. Think less about myself.
1. Yes, it's almost the same as number 2 but still, I want to count that as a separate item.
4. Be more ___________.
1. I think I'll keep this one to myself. XD :)
5. Procrastinate must be turned to zero!
1.  I'm a procrastinator, Mamayana Procrastinator, I really have to stop this habit if I'm to progress.
6. Reduce my time online and increase time offline.
1. I really really need to reduce my online time.
7. Set my priorities effectively.
1. I have to set my priorities.
1. Add to my priorities school work.
8. I have to learn from mine and other's mistakes.
1. From a quote from I-Diamond, (2009-2010) "A wise man learns from the mistakes of others, a fool by his own."
9. I have to read books I buy.
1. Most of the books I buy are just hanging around, I should read more often.
10. I must do more this 2010.
1. Since I can't think of anything else. I'd just wrap it up this way. I must do more this 2010.

I'll probably need to do a lot more this 2010. But anyway here's my partial resolution. Hopefully I'll stick to it.

Thanks for reading and God bless!

HAVE A BLESSED NEW YEAR, EVERYONE!

As the Year Ends . . .

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam; "For the Greater Glory of God"

As the Year Ends . . .

by: Me

As the year ends,

May you be showered with blessings from end to end,

Not just this year,

But year after year.

As the year ends,

May your happiness tenfold,

May it never end,

Maybe even a gazillion-fold!

As the year ends,

May your wishes be true,

Even when it doesn't end,

May you never be in sadness grey or blue.

As the year ends,

May God bless you,

Not only when it ends,

But everyday 'cause He sure loves you!

As the year ends,

May memories never fade,

Retain it end to end,

For it's for your fate.

As the year ends,

Forget a few things,

But never friends,

For they are there with you laughing or crying.

As the year ends,

May joy fill your heart,

Not sadness nor pain,

But joy from the world's every part.

As the year ends,

May memories retain,

Not be forgotten,

Nor flushed down the drain.

As the year ends,

May your faith in God strengthen,

May vanity end,

And may the love of God in the corners of your heart broaden!

As the year ends,

May you be not in anger,

Your temper extend,

And be not in hunger.

As the year ends,

May gladness and cheer multiply,

Sadness end,

And the beauty of God's works, may be seen by thy eyes!

I won't make it longer,

There's still so much to ponder,

But to wrap it up is easy,

I say God bless thee!

God bless thy family, may you be filled with cheer,

And have a blessed new year!

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam.; For the Greater Glory of God.

Thanks for Reading God bless and have a Blessed new year!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." 

- Luke 2:11

"Behold a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a Son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God is with us."

- Matthew 1:23

"And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger."

 - Luke 2:12

The ultimate example of humility the birth of Christ. Not born in palaces, mansions, castles not even a home nor inn named King of Kings but born in a manger.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

GOD BLESS YOU, YOUR FAMILY AND THE WORLD!

 

Christmas Eve Thoughts

Feliz Navidad!

Maligayang Pasko!


Sung Tan Chuk Ha!


Mapagpalang Pasko!


MERRY CHRISTMAS!


I am ecstatic at the fact that it's Christmas! I am still in shock that it's already Christmas. It seems like yesterday when school started but, it's already Christmas break and no classes until the 4th of January; yes we do have two assignments but whatever I'm spending this Christmas vacation while it lasts. And yes our family will be together for Christmas! Wahaha! Christmas!

I feel like Tom Cruise on Oprah! ! !

Photo from: http://www.superphotospace.com/images/thumb/TomCruise-Oprah_4811d0cd0f2cb-t.jpg

Oh! It's almost Christmas! I don't plan on making a wishlist. I don't want to wish for something luxurious. I already consider myself blessed and lucky this Christmas my family together and thanks to God we're all safe and sound unlike the other families I'd like to pray for those affected by the Mayon Volcano, the fire in Pasay and Makati and those others whom are too many to mention. I'm still thankful even though I may not be able to receive a luxurious gift tomorrow. My life's already a gift from God, then my family too. And the greatest present that I received and am reminded of every Christmas is the everlasting gift of God; love and salvation.

As we commemorate and celebrate the everlasting gift of God that's love, as we celebrate the birth of Christ let us remember the true essence of Christmas: the birth of the Savior, the Prince of Peace, and the Son of God, Jesus Christ. Thank you God for your Son whom you've sent to save all of us from sin.

Let's not only celebrate Christmas for the gifts and Santa Claus. But let's celebrate it for its essence, its spirit, its true meaning, the birth of the Son of God and evidence of His everlasting love.

Merry Christmas!

God bless you, your family and the world!

Peace be to all mankind!

Recommended Christmas Album: Celebrating Christmas by Hillsong

Oh dear...

Oh

 dear 

it's 

Christmas

again

what

 four

 days?

May the true spirit and meaning of Christmas be always in our hearts.

Is Time Speeding Up?

I can't believe it's Christmas already. It feels as if it was just yesterday that I added my birthday countdown and Christmas countdown widget. In reality, time is slowing down that's why there's a leap second , yes it exists there's not just a leap year but now a leap second because according to a TV show I've seen the earth is turning at a slower rate so they had to add an extra second every now and then 24 leap seconds so far. Whatever I'm not here to give a lecture on physics or chemistry or quantum physics or whatever.

Anyway. It's just that I feel that a second, minute, hour, and day are passing by all to quickly. Sometimes it's like I just went off to school yet I'm on my way home. sigh. . . Oh what irony. It's like I don't get to spend the seconds meaningfully. Since things have changed time has sped up, at least in my point of view. I can't deny the facts: a second is still a second, a minute still a minute, a hour still a hour, a day still a day, a week still a week and a month still a month. I can't believe this feeling. I guess time ain't waiting for me. I have to catch up with time. I'm only given 24 hours a day I guess the best thing I can do is use it wisely. sigh. . . It seems that the time with my friends seem so fast. sigh. . .especially my sleep time. . . Anyway I must, I need to, and I will try my best to catch up with time!

Thanks for reading my sudden feeling / urge to blog. God bless

Teachers' Day S.Y. 2009-2010

"A teacher affects eternity;

he can never tell where his influence stops."

 -Henry Adams, The Education of Henry Adams

Well here's a post about Teachers' Day in this school. Above is a quote for teachers. Anyway, I won't go straight to the point. I want to go on U-turns and detours before I tell you the story. Here goes...


So, I woke up this morning and did as usual ate, bathe, dressed up, brushed my teeth and went off to school. I arrived at school at sometime around 7:40 - 7:45 am. While I was on the way, I kept reminding myself ugh you'll be late again (I was late yesterday). But hey, today was to be Teacher's Day and the Division Head probably wouldn't mind. When I arrived at the class room there was really no order and just the usual student commotion. I put my bags where it was supposed to be and then we lined up to go downstairs down to the gym. As we headed down the gym the cold breeze started to pass us. With the breeze came dust from someone sweeping the dust which was heading our direction, really gray cement-like dust.


Then we arrived at the gym. As expected there were no chairs, like they could seat all of us. Then H. Lady Gaga (from hereon shall be called H.L.G. for this post) started talking. She told us to sit down if we wanted to then CL of 2NE1 commanded us to sit. As H.L.G. started blabbering about the supposed unplanned Teachers' Day celebration we of coursed backfired side comments which are to be heard by us and the people around us. At the start, we did as usual prayer, National Anthem, Pledge of Allegiance, Cavite Hymn, "Ang Bayan Ko", Atheneum Hymn and the Atheneum Credo.


After that stuff, we had the program (finally). I'm not quite sure about the order of things because I don't think I paid that much attention. A few pupils Taylor Swift's "Love Story". Grade six students danced something. There was a group that danced Michael Jackson's "Thriller". I think they were from grade 4, the choreographer turned out to be a pretty energetic student.  Another group of students danced Michael Jackson's "Beat It". As with the other dance numbers each one had a dancer who stood out from the rest making the others back-up dancers.

There was a dance number with MJ's hit Thriller.

Image from: www.pupia.tv

There was also a short skit or play from I-Sapphire that was rudely interrupted by H.L.G. Yes, rudely interrupted by her hindness er...highness H.L.G. So basically the three-day rehearsal efforts of I-Sapphire were flushed down the throne er...toilet by H.L.G. 

Down, down, down, goes I-Sapphire's efforts.

Photo from: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bluecanary/428896673/

After that awfully rude interruption the other First year students had their performances which included singing a few lines for every teacher and giving that teacher, to which the song is dedicated, a rose. And guess what, Ms. Vidal got a bouquet from the first year students! Ms. Vidal, deserved it she's been in this institution for quite sometime now. It made her smile a lot and happy.

Ms. V. was in smiles as she received her bouquet and was even invited to go up the stage.

Photo from: Fr.TrekEarth.com

There were also Second Year students and a First Year student which danced Korean songs, which I don't know which is which.  Most of the Division I and II students were moving back there class rooms by this time. Third year students also had a song number, as they went up the stage we were like: "Tagalan niyo...tagalan niyo...(Make it last long.)" We pretty much didn't want to have classes and wanted our teachers to relax instead of discussing lessons. After the program, the students gave the teachers gifts. We had representatives for each teacher to bring the gift (read, tumbler) and a necklace with flowers on the end. The third year students even bought cake for their advisers!

What happened next was pretty much unexpected and uncalled for...

...

...

...

H.L.G. in tears while receiving her gift...

...

...

...

I have no idea if she was touched / moved, or maybe her conscience was bugging her, or maybe she felt guilty for rudely interrupting I-Sapphire. I had no idea. She still went for a picture though. 

No, H.L.G. / Queen Amilaida didn't cry like this. Teary eyes maybe. Though this would've been nice.

Photo from: ManiacWorld.com

After the program the teachers ate pancit palabok (I think), which helped prolong our vacant time (YAY!). Anyway the comfort rooms at the gym were locked once again and were rendered inaccessible once again (being the best and underused comfort room in the room by my standards so far).

When classes were to be resumed. We had nothing but emancipation (read, free time) ,yay!!! Ms. Ynah brought her book but, ended up just sitting down and announcing the much awaited free time. Ms. Carla wrote a figure on the chalkboard for Geometry though the free time signal was not officially announced we got the message anyway. Ms. Kris announced free time and so did Sir Alvin and Sir Vincent. Ms. Anne announced the favorite emancipation. So the day was pretty much a day-off for teachers and students alike. Although some teachers did have classes if I'm not mistaken.

Anyway Teachers' day is still Teachers' day no matter how many months late. And yes it's almost Christmas so the gifts for the teachers were like pre-Christmas gifts. And H.L.G. / Queen Amilaida wasn't able to get a single singkong-bulag (five cent coin) from any of the Division III classes. And instead of memo pads with insects and cheap ballpens the teachers received much more personalized gifts. So anyway 

HAPPY TEACHERS' DAY!!!!!!

 (at least in this institution)

Thanks for reading and God bless.

God bless the teachers!

Of the Maguindanao Massacre

Recently the Maguindanao Massacre has occurred in Ampatuan, Maguindanao, Philippines. I would like to express my condolences and sympathy to the families and relatives of the victims. About 57 were murdered civilians, journalists and those who were to enter in politics. May justice be served. May our justice system be active in seeking those responsible for this crime. May God give the families of the victims strength and courage. I humbly request my fellow bloggers, readers, and everyone to pray for the families, relatives and victims. To know about it click here.

Photo from Facebook.

God bless to those who'll pray,
God bless too even to those who'll not.

Congratulations to Efren Penaflorida!

I'd like to congratulate fellow Cavitenyo and Filipino, CNN Hero of the Year Efren Penaflorida!

God bless us all!