Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Today My Life Begins



June 17, 2013.


The most-awaited day finally came! Sobrang excited kong pumasok nito. 3:30AM palang, gumising na ko: naligo, kumain, nagpatuyo ng buhok, and iba pang seremonya ng isang babae. Lol. 5am, umalis na ko dito sa bahay. Si mama kasi mapilit, ipinasabay ako sa dating schoolmate ko sa Alma Mater ko (Cielito Zamora High School), si kuya Mark Fuentes, an upperclassman of AB Literature. Sobrang nakakahiyaaaaaaaa! Yeah, hiyang hiya ako. I was making up scenarios in my head na magiging boring or tahimik yung entire moment na magkasama kami. But he proved me wrong, dinaldal nya ako kaya ayon naging comfortable din ako little by little. He's my crush, back in my second year, pero he's not aware. 

So, sumakay na kami ng jeep. May nakasalubong kaming classmate niya ata, kaya tatlo na kaming magkasama. Nagulat lang ako kasi biglang nag-para si kuya Mark tapos bumaba sya ng jeep, mauna na raw ako. May nakalimutan pala siya. Naawa ako kasi mala-late na siya nun. :)

Pagdating ko sa SM Fairview, sumakay agad ako ng bus na Baclaran since dadaan din yun ng Cubao ibabaw. 5:30 na non. Grabe, 6am na nasa Fairview parin ako. Wagas na wagas yung traffic, parang hindi umuusad. 6:30, Commonwealth palang. 7:20, Kamuning palang. In short, LATE NA LATE NA LATE AKO. Habang naglalakad ako sa Teresa, may nilapitan akong babae kasi napansin ko yung uniform niya which is uniform ng Psychology. I asked her if she could accompany me in our room, good thing she said yes.

Pagdating sa West wing, 6th floor room 18..

7:30 am ang first class ko, 8:30 na ako nakapasok. Bukod sa traffic, naligaw ako. Lumagpas ako ng Altura, ay sos. 

*pasok room*

Ako: Goodmorning po ma'am.
Prof: Iha halika nga dito.
A: (kabado) po?
P: Anong oras ang time natin?
A: 7:30 po.
P: Ba't late ka? Babagsak ka sa subject ko pag ganyan. Taga-san ka ba? (medyo galit)
A: Ma'am, taga-Caloocan po..
P: (biglang nagbago yung mood) CALOOCAN? Ay sus! Mag-LRT ka iha. Kawawa ka naman. Next time agahan mo ang alis. Oh sige na hindi ako galit, maupo kana at ibaba mo na yang pasan-pasan mong bag.

Yeah, PERKS OF LIVING FAR AWAY. HAHAHAHA.Tuwang tuwa ako kasi nakaligtas ako dun. :) Umupo ako dun sa pinakadulo, sa tabi ni Frances. Blessing in disguise narin yun kasi malapit ako "sakanya." Ehem. And, napansin ako ng blockmates ko. Nakilala nila at namukhaan ako. Dahil late ako, wala akong gaanong naabutan sa first subject kaya konting oras lang yung tinagal ni ma'am dun. As soon as she leaves the room, may mga upperclassmen na pumasok sa room and they began introducing themselves and announcing eveeeeeeeerything about PUPPSA. 

While the upperclassmen were announcing..

Frances: Jess, kanina ko pang napapansin na tingin ng tingin sayo si *censored.*
Ako: Talaga? Kanina nga tagal nyang nakatingin.. medyo awkward. Idk. May dumi ba ko sa mukha?

Afterwards.. My new friends and I decided to try out at Peer. Okay naman yung peer, except for stage 2 wherein nakapartner ko yung isang blockmate ko na lalake na medyo.. hmm.. Haha. What's awkward is, the scene. Liligawan niya ako and kailangan mapasagot niya ako sa harap ng aking NANAY at ATE.

*GLIMPSE OF THE SCENE*

Siya:...Nang makita kita, nalove at first sight na ako. Pumayag kana please?

Ako: Bigyan mo muna ako ng tatlong dahilan para payagn kita. *pakipot mode on*

S: Kasi loyal ako. Kasi meron akong lakas ng loob para ligawan ka sa harap ng pamilya mo. Higit sa lahat.. kasi mahal kita at ikaw lang. 

A: *nganga*

Yeah goosebumpppps!!! Hahahaha. Lol. Inaasar kami nung peer na magdate na kami ni scene-mate. LOOOOOOOL. Anyway, nagproceed na kame sa stage 3. Dito naman binigyan ako ng situation wherein magde-decide ako. The situation is, I'll be having an exam that will save me from failing at my major subject (which SUPPOSEDLY is failed) at the same time, I am the most important person in a seminar. 

*glimpse*

Ako: Kapag yung seminar pinili ko, sira ang buhay ko. yung 2 decades na pag-aaral ko, another 3 decades of better living ang kapalit..

Kuya: Uh-huh, that's right.

A: Alright. I'll choose the exam.

K: Good choice, Jessmirah, good choice. Very good! Tama ka... (blah blah blah) Uhm, nagmamadali kaba? kwentuhan muna tayo ha. (kwento) It was nice meeting you Jess! (sabay akbay saken habang papunta kame sa lobby)

After nun, may nakasalubong akong babae na tinanong anong ginagawa namen ni "kuya" sa dulo. Sabay sabing "wag kang maniniwala sa mga sinasabe niya sayo ah, saka wag ka papabola. Hinaharot nya ko." HAHAHAHA. natawa nalang ako. Okaaaaay. Sobrang nakakatuwa kasi inantay pa ko ng new friends ko para maglunch. More than 10 kame, madami kame. 4 boys and the rest, puro girls na. So we headed to the gym, kaso walang prof. Kaya after an hour umuwe na kaming lahat, sabay kami ni Mark as usual. Nauna siyang bumaba since sa litex sya, ako bumaba sa SMF then dun na rin nagpagabi't nagpalamig.

And that, my friends, is my first day in college.

Friday, June 14, 2013

Capital Punishment: An Unconstitutional Form of Justice

Capital punishment, also known as death penalty is punishment by means of death. Since the early 1800s,, the death penalty was used for punishing. Death penalty has also been imposed for serious crimes such as treason, murder, rape, and kidnapping. It has also been widely used during the Medieval Period for crimes against the state and the church.




Many people oppose the death of penalty, mainly because for them it is cruel. On the other hand, others support for their belief that it prevents a person from committing a crime because it threatens one's life. However, criminologists have never really found any relationship between crime rate and the death penalty. 

The imposition and carrying out of the death penalty leads to endless appeals as it also requires additional procedures. Frankly, these appeals and procedures clog our court system. Justice may become limited and out of reach, and if that happens the court has then failed his duty - to not only assist a case, but also to seek justice.

It is unjust because it violates the Bill of Rights. In 1966, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly. Article 6.1 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights states that "Every human being has the inherent right to life. This right shall be protected by law. No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his life." This punishment obviously transgresses the right of a man to live. No man has the right to take away the life of another man by any means or method. We are all covered by this law and no one is considered above nor below it. You are not above the law to take away a life nor below it to be deprived of life. We condemn them but aren't we doing the same? We are punishing a murderer with murder, doesn't it make us a murderer, too?

The court requires jury members. Some of the jury members are reluctant to convict if it means that they are putting someone to death. Therefore, the outcome may be unjust because the conscience cannot bear to take an individual's privilege to live. So from here, one might ask: Where's the justice? The verdict of a jury then becomes a matter of conscience and right -- 50% righteous, 50% conscientious.

As the capital punishment moves forward, the possibility that more innocent people might be put to death is strengthened. A normal citizen is aware that not all convictions are right. Advances in DNA technology in the recent years have exposed astonishing fallacies in the Illinois criminal justice system. Wrongful convictions, mistaken eyewitness identifications, and wrong suspects are profound errors in the midst of the process have deeply shaken people, including supreme supporters of the punishment. In fact, there were reportedly 13 people who have been released from the death row because the evidence proved that they have been wrongfully convicted. Aside from innocent citizens, mentally-ill patients are also at risk. It is highly unconstitutional for the state to sentence an individual to death who is actually mentally unstable.

At present, many people still believe that life in prison is a worse punishment. We all hate murderers, but take a moment to ponder on this question: if you were a criminal, would you rather be sentenced to death or be imprisoned for the rest of your life? Capital punishment kills immediately, while lifetime imprisonment does so slowly. Life in prison without parole is more harsh than death It also means lifetime humiliation and certainly people cannot stand this.


Most of all, the capital punishment does not help in the way that it doesn't bring the victim back to life. The only path to justice then is forgiveness and eventually, the scars will heal. They call it punishment, but the state is actually using murder to punish someone who committed murder, and that doesn't make any sense at all. It is barbaric for any country to murder their citizens, despite the crimes they may do. We condemn them for what they did but we do the same. A mistake can not be corrected by another mistake. Let us eliminate the revengeful idea of "an eye for an eye" in our system if we want to move forward. For if not, we may be stuck in the endless cycle of violence.

So tell me, why do we kill people who kill in order to show killing people is wrong?

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Your Blood Type = Your Personality

There exists a common yet unfamiliar belief in Japan and other East Asian countries that a person's blood type or ketsueki-gata, as they call it. (血液型) is linked to his or her personality, temperament, and compatibility with others. This is highly similar to how other countries throughout the world use astrological signs. In Japan, one's blood type plays a much significant role in personality predictions than his zodiac sign.


In 1927, a Psychology professor in Tokyo Women's Teachers School, published a paper entitled "The Study of Temperament through Blood Type" in the journal Psychological Research. He is no other than Professor Furukawa Takeji who made thorough studies about the said belief in high school students. The belief gained popularity tremendously afterwards, and this is the reason behind the privilege given by Facebook to some East Asian users to include blood types in their profile.

So, are you interested to know "who you are" via your blood type?

The Dream Catcher
Type A
Type As may seem calm on the outside, but inside, you’re filled with anxiety and worry. You’re perfectionists and often shy and sensitive. Usually introverted, you’re stable and thoughtful. You make good listeners and are sensitive to color and your surroundings. You like to be fashionable and are up on the latest trends, but never flashy or gaudy. You like romantic settings and often shun reality for fantasy worlds. A is most compatible with A and AB in the love department. Common career choices: accountant, librarian, economist, writer, computer programmer, and gossip columnist.


The Optimist
Type B
You can be very goal-oriented and often complete the ambitious tasks set before you. Outgoing and very charming, you’re good at reading people and providing support. Though critical of appearance (but not your own), you aren’t picky and are unlikely to dwell over the little things. Type Bs are impulsive individualists who often create their own path in life. You are very strong and optimistic. B is most compatible with B and AB lovers. Common career choices: cook, hairdresser, military leader, talk show host, and journalist.


The Focused and Patient
Type AB
Not surprisingly, ABs can be quite dualistic, possessing both A and B traits. You may be shy and outgoing, and hesitant and confident. You often stand out from others, don’t like labels, and are nice and easy going. You are logical and determined to do things correctly. Usually trustworthy, you like to help others. You often speak in a serious manner. Your patience, concentration, and intelligence are admirable. AB can find a soul mate with any other blood type. Common career choices: bartender, lawyer, teacher, sales representative, and social worker.


The Leaders
Type O
Type O's are the social butterflies. Often popular and self-confident, you are very creative and always seem to be the center of attention. You make a good impression on people and you’re often quite attractive. Organized and determined, your stubbornness will help you reach your goals. You make good leaders. Lovewise, O is most compatible with O and AB. Common career choices: banker, politician, gambler, minister, investment broker, and pro athlete. Blood Type O - Tend to be loners or leaders and are intuitive, focused, self-reliant and daring. They handle stress better than other blood types and have strong immune systems, a well developed physique and a physically active nature.



Too bad, I do not know mine.

Sunday, June 9, 2013

Tulong! Paano ba ako makakapili?

Who will you be?



Choosing the best and right course for you is a BIG DECISION as it can impact your future.

I am not saying that I am an expert when it comes to decision-making. In fact, I suck at making decisions. It's a very time-consuming task for me so I allot a day or two for decision-making, and fortunately, 95% of my choices were/are just right, for me.


So mga freshies, eto na mga tips at factors to consider ko para sa pagpili ng course! :)

1. Hilig or interest.
Gusto mo ba? Interesado ka? Kumbaga sa love, mahal mo ba?

For me, this is one of the most important questions to ponder. Choose the work you love and you will never grow tired of it. Kapag mahal mo ang ginagawa mo, napapadali, napapagaan, at hindi ka makakaramdam ng kapaguran. I strongly believe in that. Sa pagpili ng kurso, lagi mong iisipin kung ano yung mga bagay na nakakapukaw sa atensyon mo. Lagi mong isipin yung sarili mo, hindi yung gusto ng mga taong nasa paligid mo. Pero s'yempre, maraming exceptions, gaya ng financial problems and so on.

2. Kakayahan or aptitude. Kaya mo ba?

Now's the perfect time to assess your own capability. Yes, isang major factor to na dapat laging i-consider sa lahat ng bagay. Hindi lang dapat dahil gusto mo eh yun na. That's a big NO my dear. Baka gusto mong mag-take up ng Engineering course gayong alam mo sa sarili mo na mahina ka sa Math. This one of the main reasons why I gave up my dreams of becoming a Chemist. Hindi naman yun pure Chemistry, maraming Math yon at hindi ko sure kung kakayanin ko. Hindi sa sinasabi kong hadlang to pero maaring maging "dahilan" ito ng hindi inaasahang failure mo. Pwede kang mastress and ma-depress kapag hindi mo kinaya ang pakikipagsabayan sa mga taong "kering-keri" ang course na "pinili mo pero hindi ganoon ka-keri." Kung talaga namang mapilit ka at nais mong tahakin ang "di mo kaya," okay lang din yan. Everything can be learned, dagdagan lang ng dedication at kasipagan. Most of all: pray hard, it works. :)

3. What's in and out.

What I mean by this is the "times." Sa ngayon ba, anong patok at in-demand na course? When I was still young, Nursing is the most prominent course. Pero ngayon, Psychology, I.T. and others na ang patok sa market. Importante 'to. Practicality.

4. Money!

How much will I be needing for this course? How much will I invest? Iha at iho, h'wag natin masiyadong pahirapan parents natin lalo na kung 'di kaya dahil tayo/kayo rin ang mahihirapan kapag nag-stop kayo. Nakakaulungkot mang isipin pero money will dictate what course you can afford and cannot. Parang love lang 'yan, hindi sapat na "mahal" mo ang isa't isa, kasi hindi kayo bubuhayin ng pagmamahalan niyo. Kakalam at kakalam ang sikmura.

5. Are you ready for commitments?

Oh yes, commitments! Kung mag-AB Literature ka, handa ka bang maging almost-full-time-bookworm slash voracious reader? Bawat course ay may patutunguhan at may kaakibat na "obligasyon." Parang relationship lang yan. :>

6. Schedule

Kaya mo bang pumasok ng 6 times a week? Kaya mo bang umuwi ng ganitong oras? Eh pumasok ng ganitong oras? Your schedule depends on your course, of course. May mga course na may mas mahahabang oras kaysa sa iba, at mas madalas ang pasok. Once na mag-enroll ka sa course na napili mo, hindi ka pwedeng umangal sa ibibigay na sched sa'yo. Mas mahirap maging irregular no.

7. Feedbacks or reviews

Besides guidance counselors, family and friends, you may also want to ask other people for their opinions regarding the matter. You might also want to do a bit of research regarding your choices. Mahalaga 'to sa kadahilanang magkakaron ka ng background at overview sa napupusuan mong kurso. Makakatulong 'to in a way na marerealize mo ang mga bagay-bagay, like, "Ay! Ganon pala 'to. Kaya ko kaya? Hmm." Hindi ka naman siguro sasabak sa gera ng walang warm-up diba? :)

8. Career

May trabaho ba ko dito? Sulit ba ang tuition fees na ibinayad ko sa apat/lima/anim na taon ko sa kolehiyo? Higit sa lahat, gusto ko ba ang magiging trabaho ko pag natapos ko ito? Ito ang pinakamabigat na tanong na maeencounter mo during decision-making sa kukunin mong kurso. The easiest way to find out what course should you take is to ask yourself this: "What do I want to do in my life?" Kung gusto mong maglingkod sa kapwa, baguhin ang iyong mga nakikita in political terms, then go for Public Ad and Governance or PolSci. Siyempre, i-konsidera mo din yung magiging kinabukasan naman ng "bulsa" mo niyan. Practicality.

9. Significance

What I meant by the keyword "significance" is your "role" in the society. May mga tao kasing sapat nang makagraduate, makahanap ng trabaho at mamuhay ng tahimik. On the other hand, there are also human beings who reach the peak of their satisfaction by helping and improving the society they live in -- perfectly sums me. I chose Psychology over my other options because watching others improve through and with me will absolutely make me happy. Yun ang gusto ko sa buhay, makatulong. Ikaw, 'yun din ba? :)


Bottom line: We all have our own preferences in choosing a career. Iba't  iba ang hilig, kakayahan at pangarap natin sa buhay. Always keep in mind that whatever you pick, it will certainly influence or maybe, mold your future. So go for whatever makes you happy with the consideration of what makes the people that surround you happy. Ang pagpili ng kurso ay hindi lang pagpili ng propesyon, kung hindi pagpili rin kung "sino" ka. Mahalagang ang kursong pipiliin mo ay sakto sa pagkatao mo.

 Most of all, kapag pinasok mo na ang isang bagay, do not try to finish it. DO FINISH IT. 

We are but children.




We thought we are the middle of the cosmos, in fact long before we even gasp our first breath everyone is looking ahead of us. We captured your awareness. When we whimper everyone seems to come dashing. We coo and we chuckle then all of you start smiling. Everyone appreciates us. We are formidable during the time of total vulnerability. We are fussed over, calmed down, provided and every wish is granted. It was a stage of juvenile despotism. But this blissful state is not perpetual and we realized it with amazement. We are expected to learn everything. To walk, talk, tricks, including toilet discipline. As time goes by new demands arise. As we learn one skill we are ask to learn another and more. Then the world begins to be entangled by no-nos. Do'nts resound in the air. What happened to the glorious times when we could do anything we want? When we were constantly adored? Our hands are hit when we stretch them out to touch something forbidden. People frowned or shout at us because we are stubborn. Why? We had this love and adulation then suddenly it was gone and what are left are countless expectations and prohibitions. We need to stop playing because we need to obey. As we grow older, the world becomes scary with no guarantees. We are push onto the juncture of life without having the option to run through the line. The once adoring parents are now fearsome and redoubtable silhouettes after our back. Mom aborted our siblings. Dad becomes irresponsible. We are not even sure how life would supposed to turn out for us. Where have all the fun and bliss gone? The vows of the once indulgent parents? Listen to us. We want to feel significant. We are rejected and suppressed of the universal longing to be heard, to be loved and to be free. To be unbound against poverty,child labor,abuse and ignorance. We thought we are the center of your universe . . . but we are just CHILDREN.


Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,
The fruit of the womb is a reward.
Psalm 127:3

Sunday, June 2, 2013

An Incoming College Student's Dilemma

After high school, of course you're about to move to the next chapter of your life: the college life. But wait, have you decided what course are you going to take yet? I'm telling you, this will put you in the real "state of confusion." Source: My experience.

Bago ako makagraduate, buong-buo na yung desisyon ko na magiging Chemist ako, therefore BS Chemistry ang kukunin kong course. I have such intense passion for this branch of science. Kayang kaya ko siyang pag-aralan ng buong taon nang hindi nakakaramdam ng kahit kurot ng pagkainip. Pero ika nga nila, expect the unexpected. At eto, pagkagraduate ko napaisip ako: Chemistry nga ba talaga ang dapat kong kunin?Naalala ko si second choice. Before highschool introduced Chemistry to me, I've always dreamed of studying Psychology. Yes, Psychology is my first love. Madalas nakikipagdebate ako sa mga kaklase ko in terms of Psychology. I am very fond of studying the human behavior and mind, and just like Chemistry, it never bores me. Hindi nagtatapos sa Chemistry at Psychology ang options ko, nadagdagan pa yan. Meet my third choice: Political Science. I was influenced by a close friend who happen to be a year older than me. 

I spent the whole month of April and March thinking. Ano bang kukunin ko? Naman kasi, tatlong choices iba't ibang fields pa. So nagbawas ako, unang una: Chemistry. Kahit sobrang masakit to para sa'kin, inalis ko siya sa choices ko. I have to be practical and of course realistic. Kaya ko ba 'to? May maganda ba akong kinabukasan dito? Makakatulong ba ako dito
1. Kaya ko ang Chemistry, alam ko yun. 

2. Chemistry majors are absolutely guaranteed to have bright futures but not here. Wala akong planong umalis ng bansa. Pinagaaral ako ng gobyerno ng Pilipinas kaya nararapat lang na pagsilbihan ko rin ang bansa ko. Hindi matutumbasan ng pera yung saya na maglilingkod ka sa bansa mo.

3. Hindi sa sinasabi kong hindi ka makakatulong kapag ito ang pinili mong course, pero mamulat ka sa katotohanan. Kapag naging chemist ka, more on cosmetics, wines, researches, and non-medical products ang tiyak na pupuntahan at tututukan mo.

 Hindi ako sure kung anong pipiliin ko sa natitirang choices ko. Makakatulong ako kahit anong piliin ko sa dalawa. Gusto kong maging PolSci major kasi mahilig ako sa mga debate at lagi akong may pinaglalaban. Bagay yun sa pagkatao ko. Sabi kasi nila mas kailangan daw ng mundo yung ganitong mga tao, yung may lakas ng loob para manindigan. On the other hand, I want to be a Psychology major to understand everybody. At eto ang nagbigay-linaw sakin kung anong dapat kong piliin. Bigla kong naisip, masyado nang maraming nagsasalita hindi lang sa Pilipinas, pati narin sa buong mundo. Sabay-sabay silang nagmumungkahi bagamat iba't iba ang mga minumungkahi. I think what my country needs is someone who will listen.

Pero wala parin akong katiyakan hanggang sa pagpunta ko sa unibersidad na papasukan ko, hanggang sa pagpila ko, hanggang sa pagpunta ko sa administration office. Yung mga paa ko nalang ang pumili para sakin, dinala ako nito sa College of Social Sciences and Development para ma-interview.

Then voila! I am now officially a Psychology Student.