What Is Essential Is Invisible to the Eye

It hurts when a person very close to your heart leaves you all of the sudden. In my part, I can't accept it since tomorrow's going to be my birthday. I know within the past few days my family has been experiencing the most painful event of our lives. The tragedy that struck us was really unexpected.


It was really hard.



And know I've realized a few things.


One, life is indeed short and full of surprises. If it's already our time, then we have no choice but to accept it, anyway it's already listed on God's huge planner.

Two, cherish every moment of life, no matter how insignificant it seems. But there's no such thing as insignificant moments, it's just... we human beings fail to see and appreciate life. We opt to concentrate with caprices and vices instead of the most important ingredient of our life, our family.

and lastly this quote from The Little Prince touched me.

"Voici mon secret. Il est très simple: on ne voit bien qu'avec le cœur. L'essentiel est invisible pour les yeux.

Here is my secret. It is very simple: It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.

Kuya Yayo, wherever you are, I hope you're happy.
Remember when I visited your house two weeks before your sudden demise?
You said that you're already tired.
It's so sad that you left us all of the sudden.



We will miss you, really. =(


This is going to be the most memorable birthday of my life.


Cheers to the 19 years of my existence, well in the less than an hour.

The Making of a Psychopath

I always think that the Junior life in college is more demanding than the Sophomore life. But I didn't think that it was a million times HARDER. Damn it.


It's almost three in the morning, and yet I'm still awake. There were lots of changes that occurred during the last few weeks.



I'm not getting enough sleep.
I sleep only 5 hours a day, or worse less than that.
For the first time, schedules of making lab reports, study periods, outline won't fit in my planner anymore. Time is insufficient.
I'm suffering from nightmares - terrifying and realistic scenarios from school, some sort-of-a bad premonition.


AND MOST OF ALL...

because of these, I can't sleep well. :((


Oh yeah, no more weekends for me since I'm going to start working with my thesis starting the second week of August. God, this is terrifying.


This is killing me.

Long time no blog.
Pardon if all of my entries since June were all stress-related.


Alright, I have to sleep. I still have to go to the Vanishing Island, still thesis-related.


It seems that I'm getting stressed instead of enjoying myself with the picturesque view of it whenever I go to the beach . But I don't have a choice. I have to deal with it.



There's no turning back; a point of no return.
Time is crucial.



Oh yeah, a big good luck to me. Four exams starting Monday and will end on Thursday. On Friday, I should start passing the first draft of my report in Molecular Biology. Plus, I think the practices in cheerdance would be, uhmmm, more tedious than I expect.

Ang buhay ng Iskolar ng Bayan. Bow. RAAAAR!

Eye to Eye Through The Storm

Fiiiiiinnnnaaalllllyyyy.



I can't believe that I actually survived this week, hell week to be precise. I think I need to detoxify my body. Stress is toxic, you know. I need..uhhhhh.. no... I HAVE to watch Half-Blood Prince tomorrow. Damn. Great, I have so many things in my mind.


I have to talk with that BFAR Guy or to my aunt regarding my thesis.
I have to gather lots of journals about my thesis. Crap.
I have to talk with Mamayko's RAs (research assistants) because I want to start with my experiment.
I have to pass the second draft of my outline even if I'm not enrolled with BIO200a.
I have to memorize the skeletal system of the ff: Chondrichthyes, Osteichthyes, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals.
I have to study Plant Ecology Lec/Lab, Molecular Bio, and Biochem too! Damn it.


But despite these stressful activities, we still smile in front of the camera. Nice.

Anyway, I have just noticed that a LOT of people in school were sick. Last week I got sick but recovered after a few days. Moreover, people are getting paranoid with the notorious A(H1N1) virus!!! What the hell. This virus isn't that deadly compared to SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory System). Pandemonium is not necessary. Tsktsk. =/


By the way, this week, I really had an itch to read something, aside from those nerdy books from hell. I borrowed Dyan's Diary of Wimpy Kid. The first book was really funny. In fairness it was a good read. Dyan, pahiram ng second book ng Wimpy Kid! HAHAHAHA. Two weeks ago, mom finally completed the Harry Potter series (books). Scholastic had finally released the paperback edition of the last HP book (Deathly Hallows). Mom didn't hesitate to buy it despite its price - Php 575.00! Quite expensive for a paperback book. Tsk. But yeah, I'll probably start reading it this week. Well, IDK. Natatanggal lang talaga pagod ko pag nakababasa ako ng mga novels.

By the way...

Did you know that....

I signed up for the cheerdance almost a month ago. HAHAHAHAHAHA. Whatever.
Anyway, I still have lots of things to do.

The weather is killing me, literally. Have a sappy...ooopps, uhhh, HAPPY weekend everyone!

Long Week

There are few things that I have to consider...things that made my week longer than I anticipated.


Exactly 7 days ago, I felt this odd feeling around my upper palate. It was irritatingly itchy. But I didn't care about it and still continue to do things related to my major subjects. But hell, things get worse last Monday, right after the cheerdance practice. I can't breathe. It's like there are hundreds of hands squeezing my lungs. Breathing is supposed to be a necessity since we living things need oxygen. Instead, it was a torture. When I got home I took a bath (because I was all sweaty and had this weird sticky feeling at that time), ate dinner and had myself nebulized for about 25 minutes. Gaad, it was a relief. I slept for almost 12 hours.


Time is running out. I promised myself not to cram with my ZOO113 Lab exam. So little by little I started to memorize things starting to the unimaginable parts of Amphioxus (Branchiostoma lanceolatum) to the carapace and plastron of the poor turtle. At least I have answered all of the questions... but... I'm... not.... quite.... sure.... if I hit the right answer. Pffft. Damn it.

Anyway, I am getting annoyed with this creature because this creature is supposedly to be extinct. Uggghhhhh. The creature's physical looks are terrible.


Speaking of terrible, mom brought this scary mask from my godmother last night. She said these masks came all the way from Bali, Indonesia. These masks remind me of something spooky. But heck, I think it's cool.

I and brother fooling with those scary-lookin' masks. HAHAHAAHA We looked like a twin here. Lol :))))

Last week was very long and the following weeks would be longer - more demanding, and more sleepless nights to consider. But yeah, weekends are supposedly to be nerd-free - as in non-acads day. So I decided to watch Ice Age 3. Man, it was surely entertaining.

Okay, so now, I'm feeling better. Better than Monday. For three days, my voice had changed due to my sickness.




So, how's you're week? Hope you're doing fine.



Stressed yet happy,
Renz. :)

It's been a while.

Brother's not here, so as dad. Brother's attending some youth camp at UIC. But duh, he's just there because his palalabs is there too. That's what lovers are for. Bitter? Naah. I don't care.


Yeah, a lot of things have occurred in the past few weeks.

The King of Pop is dead.
Michael Jackson is dead.
The event organizer (or sponsor?) of MJ's concert will soon face bankruptcy due to MJ's sudden demise.
Only one survived an Airbus A310 Yemen-based aircraft crashed near the Indian Ocean (or not?).
Heal the world, make it a better place.
The adminstration pipz of UPMin requires students to wear ID due to incoherent reasons.

Forgive me if the headlines were not that accurate. I rarely watch the idiot box. I haven't watched a single episode of May Bukas Pa, Only You, Tayong Dalawa, SNN, Bandila and the late night documentary shows. You see, I'm getting used with this behavior since the moment I've entered college.

Bro!
Bes!
Bok, walang talu-talo!
Showbiz news buuuuwkwaaassss!
Oo, Crizzzy, Euh-heh-heh-heh-heh

Ayshizzzzz.

Two weeks ago, I saw something in the National Bookstore, my favorite tambayan. The serial killer of the serial killers is already out in NBS! But wait there's more! Dexter's three books were fused to one book and cost around 795 pesos (compared to the price if you buy the three books individually, at 315 pesos per book). I should buy that book. YES. Gad, if only I had enough time. Sige lang.


Moving on...

Apparently, I am beginning to appreciate the sheer ugliness of my schedule. I used to hate it because every TTh, my class starts at 1.00pm and ends at 7.00pm and every WF, it will start at 8.30am and ends at 1 in the afternoon. Pffft. But heck, I just realized that I have enough time to sleep. As in SLEEEEEEPPPPPP.


Oh yeah, I have to admit that I have a hard time on writing something in Tagalog. It's not that I'm bobo in Tagalog, or not used to it (heck I speak Tagalog in the house all the time)... it's just... uhm... it's been three years since my last composition in Sulating Pangwakas. What a lame excuse, but SRSLY. I'm getting used with the English language. I write in English. I seldom write an entry in Tagalog. I am more comfortable with English than in Tagalog I found the latter to be more difficult when it comes to translating or associating things with words...errr...something like that.

I thought FIL1 wouldn't be that significant to our life. But yeah, I (or we) should take this course whether I (or we) like it or not. Various professors from the Math, Bio and Chem departments do not use Tagalog as their primary language on teaching. My God! I can't imagine if Biochem and Organic Chem would be taught in Tagalog. Yak no, It's not that I don't uphold the state of being Nationalistic per se, but it's very difficult. Translate cholesterol, amino acids, Ketone, Adenosine Triphosphatase in Tagalog please, and you'll know the reason why. Pffft. Anyway, we'll perform something during the Linggo ng Wika. Hmmm.


Good news for everyone, especially for my schoolmates - we're going to have the Torch Night and the Freshmen Night!!! Yahoo! I'm 75% certain about this, let's just wait for the final verdict guys.



YESSSSS! No NSTP2 tomorrow!!!

Early cleavage stage.

Today is Friday, free day. But heck, tomorrow, I should start memorizing those improtant terms. Hay, hopefully di ako mauubusan ng dugo sa ZOO113. Next week's gonna be our first laboratory exam in ZOO113 (Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy).

....and it's a moving exam.


Pusikatmemeng, I hate moving exams.


Bio students of UPLB, sinong tumetake ng ZOO113 this sem? HAHAHAHA. Aja aja aja.


Ta-ta-ta for now.

XX-XX,
you know I love her.

(Sa makagets lang. :P)

Do you remember these?

Seeing the innocent faces of fresh meats made me realize that I'm old. We're old. Their unending corny jokes (criiik-criiik-criiik), gazillion stories to tell and unlimited bonding moments reminds me of something.



Things do not move in a constant motion.
Things change as time goes by.
There is no such thing as permanent.
We have to move on.



Padayoooooooon.


PS: Oh yeah, welcome back Leizel!!! :)) HAHAHAHA

Let's Celebrate - BioGenesis 2009

Okay, the first two weeks of school was pretty tiring. Haggard. ZOO113 (Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy) really tested my memory skills. BOT150 (Plant Ecology) Lab tested my priorities in life. BIO101 (Molecular Biology) challenged my 20-20 vision, thanks to the eye-straining and nerve wracking assignments. Most of all, I'm going to start with the second draft of my thesis.


But despite all these, we have to move on and look on the brighter sides. Besides, for two years, I'm getting used with the stressful environment of this holistic institution, the only institution where bright minds and ideas meet. Yabang eh no. Lol


Anyway, we had our acquaintance party, the BioGenesis yesterday and I really enjoyed it. Also, I'm glad that a LOT of freshies participated in the activities prepared by the seniors, and they really enjoyed it. Here are some pictures, courtesy of Mon Abpi.

I took this shot. :)

Lots and lots of balloons.

The creative committee. :)

The fresh meats are here!

Ate Macel and Kuya Modda - the emcees.

Gimmmmeee fooooooood!

Lost.... and FOREVER LOST. joke lang Kring! HAHAHA

HAHAHA. I love this!!! :)) Like father like daughter. Bastian-y smile.

GROUP 4!!! HAHAHAHA.

Go KWATROOOOOO!!!! :))))

Trip to Jerusalem... with a twist. Tae. Trip to hell na ata to. :))

The BioFresh 2009. Yak Yuri joiners. Hahahahhaa

Isa pang Yak. HAHAHAHA. DOGGGG SHOOOOOOWWWWWW!

Ate Sasha!!! WOOOHOOO!!! Bro!!!

BIOS POWER, You can't conquer, we're no losers, 'coz we're fighters!

---


Party's over. Let's get back to work.

Third First Bloc Encounter

Yesterday was UPMin's annual event, the Freshmen First Bloc Encounter. However, it was already their nth time to meet as one team... as one course. Pffft. This particular event was originally set on the FIRST day of school, last June 15. But due to the Madam Chancy's trip to Diliman, the event was moved a week after the scheduled date. Anyhow, that's not my point.

According to the Department Chair of BSES (Biological Science and Environmental Studies) there were at least 54 freshmen qualified on the BS Bio degree here in UPMin base on the UPCAT 2009 result. The department as well as the students DID NOT expect the number of students enrolled in our program. Usually, about 30 will confirm their enrolment. Last year, there were only 19 of them. In my time, we're almost 35.


Batch 2009 was different. VERY DIFFERENT.


They were only divided into two blocs. The total number of Bio freshies reached 42 (if I'm not mistaken). Funny thing was, there were only 10 boys regardless of their sexual preference. No offense. Hmmm. At least I and Anj were able to attend the first bloc encounter as the student facilitator. We were a bit worried since classes were not suspended on that day (talking about the prof's prerog...)


But anyway, we had fun on sharing our insights about the course, our experience for the last two years. Those experiences made us stronger and we eventually learn from our mistakes.


The Dark Past. Whatever.


Anyhow, I am quite annoyed with the internet connection. Damn it. I don't know. This is so annoying. Argh.


Enough of this. I still have to study Biochem. Last semester, I studied the same topic, memorizing all 20 natural amino acids (their complicated structures and the one letter and three letter nomenclature)... and then I woke up late, ONE HOUR LATE. And that was the start of my bittersweet demise. And this semester, the unlucky saga will not continue. Hindi na dapat.

...and the list goes on with reports and assignments on Plant Ecology, Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy and Molecular Biology.



So much for this. Just updating this page of mine...


I'm still alive and I have still a life, just so you know.

----

Oh, I can already see C's, T's, A's and G's. Agggh.
I feel the adenine moving through my veins. Spotlight on me and I'm ready to break.


Makalipong ang assignment sa Molecular Bio. Hahaha