APPARENTLY

APPARENTLY

Here I sit and lament all alone
while clutching the fragments of my heart
by the breeze; I want my thoughts to be blown
so that I can ponder of means to start

I want to exist in a world where you don’t
because your presence only makes me somber
I want to heal my core but it won’t
I guess it is still you I want to be with forever

I don’t want to live with the promises you’ve made
because I figured out none of those are true
I don’t want to believe in the actions you take
for I don’t want to be fooled again by you

Your leaving took away a great portion of me
I waited but until now, you still haven’t came back
so this is the last poem I will write for thee
because sadly, time, we can’t turn it back

It is too late for you to catch me now, my lover
because I was hurt and had been wounded so badly
I guess between the two of us, everything’s over
and we don’t even have to remember each other, apparently…


*disclaimer: second poem ko pa lang to :]

RAIN

RAIN

The drizzle of the pouring rain
that strides within my mane
intensely reminds me of you
and the things we’ve gone through

It touches my placid face
and clears away my mind’s haze
it reached, too, and spoke with my soul
it planted fire and left it burning like a coal

The volley makes me remember you
your tresses, your visage, and your coo,
also the things we did together,
and the notion of you and I ‘till forever

Everything, I strived very hard to forget
being desperately in love with you I now regret
I may still love you in solitude and silence
but I believe that I will learn to ignore you in stillness

I don’t want to see, hear or speak to you
I resent you because you left my heart black and blue
but deep inside, my soul is aching
it is you I am still wanting

I will be still thinking of you when it rains
And for sure, it will flow again through my veins
And as the rain stopped pouring,
Our love story, too, must meet its ending…

*disclaimer: this is my first poem ever.... :]

Out of Boredom.....believe me!

1) Open up your library (iPod, playlist, iTunes, etc.)

2) Put it on shuffle

3) Press play

4) For each question, type in what song is playing no matter how embarrassing the song is

5) hit next for each question

Begin...

1. What do people assume when they first look at me?
Thinking of you - Katy Perry... sus!

2. What will be a big challenge in life for me?
The First Cut Is the Deepest - Shery Crowe ....nice!

3. Am I a good boyfriend/girlfriend?
Hosanna - Hillsong... wow! I am really good!

4. Do I have a Secret Admirer?
Honey, Honey - Abba ....the lyrics goes like this... "he's/she's a love machine!" hahahahaha!

5. Will I ever become manically depressed in my life?
Cry - Mandy Moore ...tama! iiyak ko na lang yan if ever mangyari.

7. Is someone trying to kill me?
Crush - David Archuleta ...wtf?

8. What is my sexual preference?
Heaven Knows (this angel has flown) - Orange and Lemons (hahahaha!!!)

9. What am I afraid of?
Keep Holding On - Avril Lavigne ...napaka-out of place ng sagot na ito!

10. What will I be doing in a few years?
So Small - Matt Giraud ....SMALL THINGS LANG???? URGH!

11. What is some good advice for me?
Poker Face - Lady Gaga ...gosh! me ganon?

12. What should I do instead of this quiz?
The Point of No Return - Gerard Butler and Emmy Rossum ....grabe to ha! pa-deep!

13. Will you get married?
A Little Too Not Over You - David Archuleta ....what does it mean?

14. What is the story of your life?
All I Really Need Is You - David Cook ...wow naman!

15. How can you get ahead in life?
Decode - Paramore ...hala!

16. What is the best thing about your friends?
The Quest - Bryn Christopher ....maganda to! promise! LSS! hahaha!

17. What song describes you?
To Make You Feel My Love - Josh Kelley ...epal lang....

18. How does the world see you?
The Time of My Life - David Cook ...outstanding!

19. Will you have a happy life?
Realize - Colbie Callait ....aba aba aba! at ako pa ang kelangang mag-isip!

20. How can I make myself happy?
Satisfaction - Adam Lambert ...."i can't get no satisfaction"

21. What should you do with your life?
Jai Ho - PCD ....sumayaw, ganun?

22. Will you ever have children?
Bridge Over Troubled Water - Clay Aiken ....hala! malabo daw!

23. What's your Best Trait?
Almost Over You - Sheena Easton ....nabaliw na ng tuluyan!

24. How will you Die?
Please Don't Stop the Rain - James Morrison .....mamatay sa ulan!

25. What's the best song in my playlist?
Buttercup - Clay Aiken ...talaga?

PERSTAYMS!

Kasabay ng aking pagiging ganap na Iskolar ng Bayan, madami akong bagay na naranasan sa kauna-unahang pagkakataon...


UNANG RALLY. Hindi ko man lubos maisip kung bakit ako napasama dito, pero napasama talaga ako. Wala naman akong pinagsisisihan dahil napakasaya dito. Na-expereience nyo na ba yung fulfillment na for the first time, kahit papano, may nagawa ka para sa bayan? Yung hindi ka lang nakaupo sa bahay nyo habang nagkakagulo na ang lahat sa labas? Ganon! Ganon ang pakiramdam! Napakasaya talaga namin perp pag-uwi ko sa bahay, sobrang sakit ng katawan ko at pagka-gising ko, hindi ako makakilos for 5 minutes! Nakakatawa man, totoo talaga yan!

UNANG INTERVIEW. Ang tinutukoy ko dito ay ang interview ko sa MKule. Sa awa ng Diyosd, nakapasok naman ako bilang writer pero hindi ko talaga makakalimutan ang interview sakin dito! Grabe talaga! Pero di ko pwedeng sabihin at idetalye kung ano ang nangyari. Sumali na din kayo! Sobrang saya dito!

UNANG SINGKO. Sa History I ito. Pina-enumerate kasi samin ang genealogy ng mga sultan ng Sulu at Maguindanao pati mga nanay at asawa nila. Ayon. Hindi ko naman sila bingyang-pansin sa reviewer. Kala ko wala lang. Singko.

UNANG PILA. Eto na yata ang pinakamahabang pila na naranasan ko sa tanang buhay ko! Ang haba! halos tatlong oras akong nakapila para lang magpa-id sa OUR! Ang masaklap pa niyan, nong mismong magpapa-id na ko, ansagwa na ng hitsura ko. Tagaktak na ang pawis sa mukha. Pero ayos lang, dinaan ko na lang sa isang malaking ngiti para hindi mapansin.

UNANG AWAY. Hindi ko naman siya inaway. At hindi niya rin ako inaway. Casual lang baga. Pero ang masama non, bigla na lang niya kong hindi pinansin nang hindi ko man lang alam kung bakit. Madali lang naman mag-confront db? Pero ok lang yon. Hindi pa rin kami nagpapansinan ngaun. Casual lang baga.

UNANG UNO. Naka-uno agad ako dahil nagperform ako sa harap ng klase gamit ang aking napakabilis na bersyon ng pamatay at gasgas na tongue twister na pinamagatang "Piter Payper". Nang matapos akong magpresent, may nagtanong sakin, "Joke ba yun?" Ameysing!

UNANG OVERNIGHT. Well, bukas ko pa naman mararanasan ito at napaka-excited ko na sa ngayon dahil napakarami daw naming mararanasan! Sabi nga nila....
Magdamagang puyatan.
Magdamagang kwentuhan.
Magdamagang trabaho.
Magdamagang kasabugan.
Magdamagang tawanan.
Magdamagang kape.
Padayon!!

UNANG PAGKAWALA NG ID. Nawala ang Id ko! Oo! Sa Faura! At mula Gab, nilakad ko ang ministop habang nakayuko para lang mahanap ang ID ko, nang hindi ko makita, nagtanong ako kay manong gurad sa OUR. Nasa kanya lang pala! Ingatan ko na daw!

UNANG FRAT. Mali ang iniisip niyo dahil hindi ako sumali sa frat. Na-corner lang ako. Medyo exag lang ang pagkakasulat ko. Well, habang hinahanap ko ang ID ko ng nakayuko, nilapitan nila ko. Tinatanong nila kung gusto kong magpa-orient. Sabi ko next time na lang sabay takbo palayo...

UNANG PAG-IBIG. Blanko pa din ito. Wag kayong epal, may hinihintay pa ko.


....sa ngayon, yan pa lang naman ang first time ko sa UPM. Ugaliing bumisita sa Code Black para sa mga susunod na kabanata. Hanggang sa muli! Paalam!

Great Robberies in IDOL!

I have watched Idol ever since it began and if I miss a single episode or even a performance, I always catch up with it via Youtube. Every season, there are persons who are robbed - either they were voted off the show too early or they deserved to win but did not. And so out of rage, I created this list of Idol finalists who had been robbed by the Americans themselves. Let's start from the very beggining until the latest and you might as well leave your comments or violent reactions regarding this post.

Season 1 - Tamyra Gray

Tamyra's very powerful rendition of 'A House Is Not A Home' created a television frenzy. Even Simon Cowell said that it is one of the best performances he had ever seen on TV. When I watched it on youtube, I thought it was phenomenal. That vocal range of hers was outsatnding. From then on, she became one of the frontrunners of the show and most of the people even thought that she will win. But two weeks after that performance, she got eliminated leaving everyone in the studio stunned. It seemed that she, too, had been petrified by surprise but she wiped her tears off saying, "It's alright" over and over again. She started the shocking moments on 'Idol' which had continued until the latest season. If she'd stayed until the finale, Kelly might not have been the first American Idol at all.


Season 2 - Clay Aiken

Clay should have won, that's it! I often wonder why he just finished as a runner-up to Ruben. In the finale, when Clay sang 'Bridge Over Troubled Water", Simon said that that song will make him win, so undoubtedly, they were expecting Clay to win. Clay was also America's choice. He is the first successful Idol alum who had emerged from the wild card round. Today, Clay is one of the highest-earning idols and he even exceeded Ruben Studdard (who had gone into an unexpected oblivion). That just proves that your rank in the show does not define your success, right?


Season 3 - Jennifer Hudson

Let me repeat that. Ehem. Season 3 - The Great Jennifer Hudson. Almost three years ago, Jennifer had won every award in America except the Nobel, but before the glitz and glamours of her Hollywood superstar life, she also suffered the 'being voted off stage' in the show too. She just finished seventh. Well, let me repeat that again. She just finished seventh and yet, she is the second highest-earning Idol alum, even going beyond the gross earnings of the five past winners of American Idol. This just proves my theory regarding the season 2 results; I am right.


Season 4 - Constantine Maroulis

When the fourth season started, Constantine was just a typical Idol hopeful but when he sang 'Bohemian Rhapsody' by Queen, everyone was in awe. After that performance, Simon even told him that he would win the competition hands-down and from then on, he became an instant favorite. But when he sang that 'This Is How You Remind Me" song by Nickelback, (one of my favorites!) he was eliminated. Why? His performance was - uhm - never mind! But he still deserves to have another chance. Now, he has moved on with his life and switched to the theather side where, for me, he truly belongs. He even earned a Tony nomination for his performance. Way to go!


Season 5 - Chris Daughtry

Unquestionably, his elimination IS the MOST shocking moments on Idol history. Katharine and Chris were the bottom two the night he was eliminated and everyone was expecting that Kath would be eliminated, but a shocker occured and the bald rocker was cut off from the show. But that night would not stop him from soaring into becoming one of the rock legends of today's generation. When he released his first album with his newly-formed band, it was a huge huge huge success. If you'll ask me, It should have been a Katharine McPhee-Chris Daughtry finale because they had the best vocals in that season. He is the person who had been really really really ROBBED in Idol history.


Season 6 - Melinda Doolittle

Since her audition, she had been one of the early favorites. Maybe because of her bashful personality but she proved that she's more than just charm. In the eliminatin rounds, she slayed the song 'My Funny Valentine' and everyone is in their feet doing standing ovations even before she finished her performance of that song. Consistently, she delivered great performances week after week after week after week. She even nailed a Whitney Houston song! In the top 3 round, Ryan Seacrest asked Simon as to who does he think shall go to the finale, then Simon replied that he would like to see his 'darling' Melinda in the finals. The day after, she got voted off and I had been depressed for I can't accept the fact that America had let go of such an incredible and amazing singer. Just recently, she released her first album entitled 'Coming Back To You' and as far as I have heard, it's doing really good in the charts. Melinda will always be one of my favorite singers of all time. She's my favorite Idol contestant and I believe that she's the greatest Idol America never had.


Season 7 - Michael Johns and Carly Smithson

All I can say is that these two had been gone before their time. Michael's swan song, 'Dream On', is way too good to be true. It's amazing and I can't believe that Simon didn't like it. After their Idol Gives Back show, he got booted off the show, leaving the audience and the viewers really stunned. Even so, Michael is still one of the best in season 7.

Carly, on the other hand, delivered a stellar performance of her swan song, 'Jesus Christ Superstar'. Simon even told her that it is one of his favorite performances of the night. The night after, she was eliminated. Kiss of death, Simon. Kiss of death.

Well, kudos to these two because they are both doing good in their fields right now.


Season 8 - Adam Lambert

He is the new addition to the 'should-have been club' and he should have REALLY REALLY REALLY REALLY won! Brandished as the early favorite, he wowed America with the way he sings and interprets songs. With his screeches and charm, he had won the hearts of Americans in the very start of the contest. He is consistent, he is stellar, outstanding, worth of standing ovations, a ROCK GOD and all of the great adjectives that can describe his stage presence, his vocals and his performances all in all. Now, everyone's calling him an 'also-ran'. Why was he just ranked second to Kris? he's the best vocalist and the most talented contestant in the history of Idol and no one, not even the winners of AI had conquered the stage like the way he does. As far as I can remember, he is the only contestant Simon Cowell had given a standing ovation. His performances are haunting, most especially his rendition of the song 'Mad World'. Like Melinda, he's also the greatest Idol we never had. But I won't be frustrated like in the case of Doolittle because I know that he will do great in the future. I'm ready to buy his albums and I won't be shocked if I hear the news that he is the highest-earning Idol alum in the near future. Standing O Adam!



See???!!!! Every season, there are great robberies that are happening in American Idol. Stay tuned for the newest addition next season!

Last Film Saw, Last Book Read and A Lot of Kudos To Give!

Last Film Saw: "Angels and Demons"

To tell you honestly, before we entered the movie house, I was really feeling excited - no, not excited - exuberant. Why? Angels and Demons by Dan Brown is one of my favorite novels of all time. The book is gripping and, like what the say, 'unputdownable'. The action and drama in the book really hooked me up. But did my enthusiasm paid off? Well, not really.

The movie started with a scene that is not in the book. Followed by another, and another, an so on. Don't get me wrong. I know why should scriptwriters do their film adaptation of a story. But it doesn't make any sense at all. In the movie, the murdered scientist is Vittoria's 'partner', but in the novel, it was her father. Can somebody tell me what made them change the concept?

Where is Maximilian Kohler? I repeat, WHERE IS MAXIMILIAN KOHLER???? Oh, i'm sorry, I had been swept away by my raging emotions or whatever you shall call it. Maximilian Kohler IS one of the most important character in the novel. He helped unravel the truth behind the lies of Camerlengo. From the start of the movie until midway through, I was expecting his character to appear but I was greatly disappointed when none who goes by the name 'Maximilian' or 'Kohler' showed. 'D'oh!

Langdon should be in that helicopter ride with Ewan! Really, he should be. He should have also fell from the chopper. He should have been fighting against Ewan! That is suspense and drama! Suspense can hardly be felt, I barely did. You know what I felt? I felt pee rushing in my bladders but I thought better of it so I ignored notions of peeing.

I'm not saying that the movie is a mess. I'm just saying what I witnessed. Oh well, I'm just a college student who have READ the actual book. Anyway, kudos to Tom, Ewan, Nikolaj, and Ayelet for stupendous acting performances.



Last Book Read: "KAPITAN SINO"


After watching Angels and Demons, I started reading the newest addition to Bob Ong's magnum opuses - Kapitan Sino. At dahil Filipino and ginamit ng awtor sa pagsulat ng kanyang akda, hayaan ninyong Filipino rin ang gamitin ko. Joke. I'll stick to English.

Bob Ong expansively uses words to describe someone or something and it merely becomes an exaggeration. But no one can ever notice it because most of the time, it is funny. Well, it really is but unfortunately, I've noticed it. So I wrote it down. Exaggeration is good. Exaggeration is great. As a writer, if you want to describe something that had never been described before or if you want to describe something that had been described before but you want to describe it in a whole different manner, use everything you've got to describe it, even if you have to exaggerate.

Like he usually does, this novel is also a satyr to the society wherein every single one of us belongs to. He writes his books not just to earn or to entertain, but to open our eyes and to make us see things that are happening in our country, most especially, in our government. Like what he said in Kapitan Sino, "hindi natin alam kung kelan tayo bulag (we don't know when we are blind)". And that is very very very true and I agree with him.

In the end, someone died. Unfortunately, it is one of the main antagonists in the story. Why did he write that? I don't know. But why did he kill the character who had been enlightened of the truth of this world? Does he think that those who knows truths are being silenced? And even if the hero died, why are there people still continuing his advocacies? What's the matter with Mr. Ong?

There are two ways on how to read a "Bob Ong." First, read it as it is. Grab the humor and follow the plot - presto! - you will think of it as a feel-good story. The second one is: don't be swept away by the comedy. Instead, dig deeper, read between the lines and you will find something that will make your view to the society different.

Is Kapitan Sino a good read? Yes, definitely! Is it his best so far? Nah, i don't think so. I think Bob had already proved that he is way better than that. I don't know why he wrote that, I don't know what his intentions are but we should read it for Bob Ong is one of the pillars of our society's literary world today and we should know what are his reactions and his stands regarding the occurences - whether pressing or not - in the modern Philippines even if he uses exaggerations.

Kudos Bob!

Stepping the Steps

Note: This is my editorial in our "unpublished" school paper.

“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”

- Chinese proverb

It had been ten long years since I first stepped into that walled, roofed structure with a stunning hue scheme of the color cream. Painted on one of its outside walls are the screaming letters, “LPCA”.

It had been ten years… Time really flies fast because our batch is just waiting for several months for our high school graduation (sigh!).

Don’t get me wrong. Graduation means expanding my horizons and discovering my untarnished potentials, but it also means leaving. Leaving the home that became my refuge for ten years. Thoughts of stepping in a new and foreign building make my stomach churn violently. It sure shakes the hell out of me. In other words, it makes me feel bad. It makes me feel sad. It makes me cry.

I’m scared of entering a new school. Scared of the things that might happen to me there. I’m dead scared.

But then I realized: am I really scared of new things or just being plain silly? Am I scared to enter a place even if it could do something good to me? That’s it! I’m scared of the unknown. I’m scared to play with chances; I’m merely playing safe. Gosh! I didn’t know that. It’s a good thing I realized that early.

We should not be afraid of opportunities – all of them are blessings in disguise, some just reveal their true forms earlier than the others. Like that one occurrence in my childhood, I knew that I should never be scared because if I was, I would not be here today. I might not acquire all the knowledge I gained from entering my school. I might not be enjoying what I am and have right now. We should not be afraid of the things we don’t see. Instead, we should take them as challenges. If I already stepped into the next level and fail, then at least I tried and I would know what to do next time.

There are no reasons to be afraid of stepping into fields of chances, Even if the next step is still foggy, just step on it. We should have faith in what we are stepping on. I believe that even if I could not see it, even if it is impossible, there would be another step that I would and could make after this one. Never let the feat overcome you and what you could be in the future. In life, it just takes one single step and everything would follow after.

It had been ten years. Ten long years. And from all those years, LPCA has not just taught me the academics and the activities. I’m pretty sure and I could still remember that it also taught me that I should never let opportunities just pass me by without doing anything. I should not be conquered by my fears in those times. And one thing more! I’m now ready to enter college.

25 Random Things About Me That You Still Don't Know

Whenever I visit accounts of the rich and famous (blogger, myspace, etc.), I always see an entry called "25 Random Things About Me." And so to make my short story even shorter, I've decided to make my own, not that I belong to the elite group but I think it is really fun and exciting at the same time. These are very big revelations so be steadfast! WHOO! So here are the 25 random things about me that you still don't know.

I / I am ....

1.) don't wear underwear at home.

2.) really really really really want to be a singer but I have stage fright.

3.) not into any ball games!

4.) don't have any vice.

5.) into music.

6.) love watching American TV Series, talk shows and reality shows esp. American Idol!

7.) am planning to take up law after I graduate from college.

8.) Everyday, i put on the following: shampoo, conditioner, liquid body soap, moisturizer, facial wash, hand soap moisturizer and lotion.

9.) have complicated dreams and goals in life.

10.) love being in the spotlight.

11.) got depressed when my favorite actor of all time, Heath Ledger, died!

12.) an EX-swimmer.

13.) adore movies of all sorts.

14.) really want a LAPTOP this year.

15.) am a bookworm and a bibliophile.

16.) an evangelical Christian.

17.) always have mood swings and throw tantrums.

18.) love the subject English! It is my forte.

19.) hate cleaning my dog's poop.

20.) think I have lots of talents.

21.) broke my Lebron 3 when I was Grade 6. It costs Php 7,000.

22.) haven't kissed a girl yet.

23.) use the computer and cellphone a lot!

24.) am fond of talking and chatting.

25.) am frank but not straightforward (understand the paradox).

Valedictory Address

VALEDICTORY ADDRESS

by Jeo Angelo Chico Elamparo

Distinguished guest, Dr. Aurora de Jesus, division supervisor 1 Malabon and Navotas; Mrs. Narcisa S. Angeles, School Director; Dr. Sony Q. Gonzales, Institutional Principal; Rev. Fr. Ricardo Aliwalas, Spiritual Adviser, faculty, staff, parents, visitors, awardees, co-graduates, good evening!

“All things are possible to him who believes…Amen”

Ten years ago, I started my education in LPCA. I entered its gates with fear and without confidence. You see, my grades when I graduated from pre-school were almost seventy-five percent, so my self-esteem is also below average. But when I ranked second honor in grade one, I saw my parents’ faces overflowing with happiness. And from then on, I promised myself that I will do my very best just to be a consistent honor student. Fortunately, all throughout my elementary days, I made it always on top of my class and I feel fulfilled everytime I bring home the bacon. They are so proud of me for I am an honor student.

In my first three high school years, I was a consistent first honor student. But during this senior year, many disappointing things happened. Frustrations went on and on just like a usual occurrence. But even so, my friends and my family who were there when I was on top were still by my side when I was distressed. That was the time when I felt that I am blessed with the people in my life. I had figured out that my family and friends do not just like me because I excel in school; they love me for who I am as a person; they love me because I am Jeo and not because I am an honor student.

Though I have to admit that those disappointments had affected me seriously, I did not lose hope. Through the Christian life, God spoke to me through his words in the scriptures that I should always walk with faith in my heart. One of my favorite verses is Mark 9:23 and during the times of frustrations it helped me regain confidence and to bravely continue the fight against the odds. That verse is Jesus’ promise to all of us that if we keep our faith in Him, nothing will ever be too difficult to anyone. That verse states “All things are possible to Him who believes”, and I believe in Him.

Those are just some of the things I have learned in LPCA. Although the academics are significant, I value more the lessons in life that I have experienced which made me a better person. Learning is a process, and in that process, I have learned that one’s milestones are not measured by his titles and achievements, but of trying and taking risks, and of living each day with acts of kindness and of love. I have learned to love other people because if you don’t have love, you don’t have anything at all.

Yes, I am the valedictorian, the epitome of the school’s vision and mission, the face of my batch, the top student of this year. But being valedictorian does not mean that I should encompass perfection. I make mistakes, I commit faults, I fall in love with the wrong person over and over again, I get angry easily, and my looks are not over the top. My other classmates could be here and can speak their own speeches, maybe even better than what I am saying right now. This is just a spot, this is just a medal, and my name is just a moniker. Anyone can be on this spot because all of us have our will to be the best. But I believe that I deserve to be here because it is God’s will for me to be here. There may be just a few reasons why I was called to deliver this speech but the most important is that God made me His own instrument tonight for He wants me to tell everyone in here that He is real, He is alive, He will come very soon, and His promises are true to those who believe in Him. Still, I am aware that being valedictorian is not just a name. Despite my imperfections, I promise LPCA that I will perform my very best not just in college but in the outside world. I will use what I have learned from my Alma Mater.

I did not achieve this spot all by myself. Life is a journey that a person must travel along with other people. For me, it was fast and exhausting but along with the people whom I give importance to, it is a journey worth travelling. And with that, I would like to take this opportunity to express my overflowing gratitude to everyone who took me by the hand and showed me the way whenever I’m in crossroads. Through them, I have learned that even if something is difficult, it does not mean that it is impossible to be achieved.

To the alumni, thank you because you were one of the people who guided me when I entered high school. You are one of the role models whom I look up to with respect. Thank you very much

To the sections Emerald, Quartz, Granite, Sapphire and Amethyst, thank you for your support. Always keep in mind that we are the youth and soon-to-be front-liners of the next generations to come, so we have to learn how to balance fun and education. I will always be your Kuya Jeo.

To my elementary and former teachers, the learning started from you. You were our first nanays and tatays. Thank you for escorting us in our attempts at discovering and exploring the world wherein everything is indefinite. Thank you ma’am and sir.

To my present teachers, thank you for you brought twists and completed our learning experience in LPCA. Even if we’ve just spent a year together, we will surely treasure every moment we’ve shared.

To my Alma Mater and the people whom I look up to, Madame Narcissa Angeles, Rev. Fr. Ricardo Aliwalas and most especially, Dr. Sony Q. Gonzales, I will not forget all the lessons you’ve taught me all throughout my stay in LPCA. I will never ever forget this school.

To the person or persons who did not believe in me and in my capabilities, thank you for your criticisms for it taught me how to be strong and to do what I believe is right. I may not be the best valedictorian there is, but still, I will hold on to my dreams and to God’s promises and that will be enough for me.

To the IV-year Diamond and Jade, thank you for bringing color to my life as a high school student. This ceremony marks the end of our high school days but not our friendship. I am so thankful that you are my classmates and batch mates for my high school days would never be this great without all of you. I will always be here for all of you

To Divine Villareal, Mavigail Sarmiento, Shane Francisco, Gerbin Bautista, Jake Lacson, and Nico Karl Porquez, thank you for changing my views and opinions on some things. Everytime I see you and your faces, I see genuine portraits of how my very close friends love me unconditionally.

Marc Allen Leongson, thank you for being a good influence to me and thank you for drawing me near to God. You will forever be my one and only male best friend. Love you, Len.

Ma. Christina June Hilario, one of my best friends, thank you. You taught me that I cannot please everyone even if I try to. There are still many things that I should be thanking you for but thank you for I would not be the Editor in Chief of the Paragon if you would not have given it up for me. You are a true friend and I love you.

To the person whom I believe also deserves to be delivering her valedictory address right now, one of my best friends too, Burvie Mei Cardenio, thank you. Thank you for being my best friend ever since Grade one. Don’t worry best friend, I know God has already set a bright future ahead of you, just be patient and keep your faith strong. I love you too.

To my family and relatives, the Elamparos and Chicos, thank you for the everlasting love and support you always give me and in return, I promise that this medal shall start the history of our names.

Jao, my brother, let me thank you for being just the perfect brother for me. Thank you for the encouragements and helps everyday. No matter what happens, you will always be my baby brother and the best swimmer. Though you have more than what I have tonight, I share these medals to you.

To my parents, I would not be here if not for you. I owe to you what I am today. Mom and dad, this is what we dream about, but I still have one question in my mind, do I make you proud? Mom, thank you for all your sacrifices for our family. Dad, everyday, you are doing your job just to earn and provide for us. I thank both of you for that. I am so blessed to be your son. You are the best parents a child could ever have. I’m sorry for my mistakes and I sincerely love you. I dedicate these medals to you.

Last and the most important of all, I thank our great God for His love and for His sacrifices. I thank Him for letting His most amazing grace pour on each and every one of us who are gathered here tonight. Lord, all of me is Yours and only to Your will shall I surrender myself.

Where do I go from here, I still do not know. I am also uncertain if I’m in an ending or on a threshold. I am not sure if I wanted to graduate or not for when I think of the times I’ve spent in LPCA, I feel sad for this institution had truly been my shelter, refuge, and second home away from home. But weeks ago, a text message answered my doubts, and I would like to share it with all of you before I end. “Every journey has its ends. But there is always a new beginning for every ending. Because, when the sun sets, after some hours, it will surely rise. So it’s not the end yet, we are just approaching the new beginning. We have to say goodbye to the events of our past and welcome the adventures of our future. But memories and experiences will help us stand the coming days, let us not forget the struggles that we had because it may lead the right way for us.”

Thank you, good night, and to God be all the Glory!

My Persons of the Year 2008

2008

Okay. I admit. I got this magnificent idea from the Time Magazine and from Bianca Gonzales' blog (which is really fantastic!). I will now present to you several people who completed my previous year. I have decided to do this to give back and to pay homage to the people that made my year last 2008. I will introduce them one by one and i will tell to you, dear readers, how they affected my life. And so without further ado, here they come...


16.) Mikko Santiago


When Mikko entered LPCA, I really thought of him as the "maangas" and "mayabang" type. But he definitely proved me wrong.

When I met him personally, I had always been saying that Mikko is my brother from another family, that's why I call him "bunso" and he calls me "kuya". We had been very cl ose with each other since the day I sent him an SMS to introduce myself formally. I had discovered that Bunso is extremely nice, kind and thoughtful.

At school, we don't talk to each other that much. It's as if we communicate better as textmates and chatmates. I believe in Bunso's writing prowess. His poetry skills is really outstanding for his age. He is also the "shy" type but most of the times, he is a big revelation (remember the trashion show?).

Bunso's hunk personality gave me an insight of what people like him thinks and he taught me not to judge a book by its cover alone. BUNSO, where's my poem? haha!



15.) Jake Bryan Lacson


So Jake and I had a clash of personalities last school year especially whithin the last quarter of our junior year. But this 2008, Jake and I had been really close with each other because his relationship with my bestfriend had reached the next level.

Jake certainly holds the title of the most fashionista in the school (just look at his picture above!!! see???) but his name is also associated with the word "babaero". Jake plays the guitar very well and sometimes, he is my singing mentor.

Jake always gives me advice in practicality, in love, in music and in fashion. Just recently, he lend me his wardrobe because I was one of the actors of our school play. He really is one of my closest male friends even though we still have that clash-of-personality-turned-petty-arguments most of the times.



14.) Edward Cullen and Isabella Swan


I love that picture!!

At the start of 2008, I already knew Twilight more than anyone else in LPCA. I am aware of the love story of a brunette-haired girl named bella and a gorgeous vampire boy named Edward. Their love story never failed to wake me up in the middle of the night just to read their unputdownabble books and also their love story taught me to contemplate such crazy things (like finding a vampire and letting him transform me like one of them).

And to completely top it all, I had spent all my summer days of 2008 reading the Twilight, New Moon, and Breaking Dawn but I never ever regret doing it because it is worth it.


13.) Bossing Edgardo Casimero


I met Bossing at the Boys and Girls Week during the last quarter of 2008. I was appointed to be his junior counterpart for three days for me to learn and to experience what it is like to be a government official and to tell you honestly, it really is stressful and not an easy task to do. He, along with his staff, treated me like a prince during my three days stay in their office in the City Hall. Though most of the times, i was not doing anything but to sit down, blink and breathe, I really enjoyed the experience with them.

Bossing is an extraordinary guy. He told me some parts of his life briefly. His struggles and glory taught me that perseverance will eventually bear its fruit and before you know it, it is way better than what you had expected.

I will never forget bossing. He is a great and noble person.



12.) Mr. Marc Angel Egipto


I cannot find a picture of Sir Egipto, but with or without it, he still made it to my list.

Sir Marc is one of my most favorite teachers of all time (no jokes!). His wit and intellect made me even more like him as a teacher and as a person. He never needed to shout to m ake the class turn its attention to him. Sir Marc is relevantly youthful in many ways (especially the way he talks and acts when he is outside the classroom). I always turn to him if I need advices for my career in college and I also always enjoy his talks even if our topic is really boring.

Sir Marc is not an eye-catcher, yet he mesmerized us with the way he speak with conviction and with full authority. It is from him whom I learned all my prerogatives as a leader and a student. Even though I am not that interested in Economics, he made me like it (I don't know how, but he definitely did). It is from him and from his teaching whom and where I learned how to use my full potential as the master economist of my daily life.

Thanks Sir Marc!



11.) Pastor Dave Sobrepena


Literally, I, along with my family, have spent almost all our Sundays listening to Pastor Dave's powerful preachings of the word of God. His sermons, helped my family and I to have a closer and better relationship with our Creator.

We adore Pastor Dave for he had surpassed many obstacles in his life just to spread Jesus' promises with the Divine Lord's intercession. Pastor Dave is also witty - he mixes his sermons with funny jokes, but he can also be harsh when he needs to be - of course, he needs to be the disciplinarian type for he promotes vital formations of a person for his growth in the spiritual aspect.

To know if i'm telling the truth or just creating a fabricated story, just visit Pastor Dave every Sunday at Word of Hope Christian Family Church, he's always there. And I encourage you all to be Christians for Christians are the salt of the Earth (I got that from pastor Dave).



10.) Marc Allen Leongson


Marc Allen Leongson is my ultimate male best friend. Like Jake, we were once an extremely incompatible individuals due to my bullying skills. But when we understood each other one time, the rest came naturally between the two of us and we just saw ourselves being super close to each other and we share our deepest and darkest secrets.

Allen, I must say, is a very good guy. He is like a living saint. He is a true-blue sakristan and does not plan to do anything that may cause harm to other people in his environment. Allen is mischievous too - but in a very different way. He's sort of funny and his corny jokes can be really unpleasant to someone's ear.

Allen is intelligent and smart but some kind of a passive person too. I'm glad that he had already found the love of his life last year. I hope they will stay forever (see Class Prophecy for more hints and details.)

Allen really changed my life by being a very good influence and sticking up with me even if I have problems. Thanks, man!



9.) Divine Rose Villareal

Two years ago, I had this very big crush on Divine. But now, I prefer that phenomena to be called as just a part of my childishness and childhood. Today, Divine and I are really close friends. She taught me everything I have to learn on how to be a kind person to other people. She also taught me that beauty comes along with kindness and of the purity of the heart.

Divine is always willing to learn and be taught of anything that she thinks could help her in all aspects of life. She's not only beautiful, she is also very talented; she can sing, she can act, she can play musical instruments, and to top it all, she's a born-again Christian, just like me.

To tell you honestly, my mom wants me to court Divine. I always tell her that I have standards. haha!

This 2008, our bonding moments together had reached its maximum level because of our musical play production, "The Phantom of the Opera." Truly, Divine is one of the persons who could change the life of another.



8.) Ms. Rosario Crispina Aquino

Ms. Rosario Crispina Aquino or Ma'am Che is my current English teacher and adviser. She is also the adviser of the Paragon which I work as Editor in Chief. We had only been together for less than a year but even so, I treat her like my own mom and she treats me like her own kiddo. Ma'am Che is definitely the kalog type of person but she is also strict if the situation wants her to be.

Ma'am Che always support me and my classmates in all of our endeavors. She also always teaches and reminds us of the importanat and valuable things in life that we should remember when we go to college and outside the real world.

Today, I can say that Ma'am Che is one of my English influences through speaking and writing.

I love Ma'am Che, not because I love English but because she reminds of the title, "The Portrait of a Lady."



7.) FLASH Swimming Team


Even though I did not excelled as a swimmer, I never regret joining in the Malabon Flash Swimming Team because personally, I believe that it transformed me into a better person with oozing discipline. Okay, that was an exaggeration. What I just wanted to say is that Flash Swim Team taught me how to have a total control of myself.

I would like to thank my Swimming Team dudes: Rie, Molie, Milca, Ada, Mayel, Fia, Raffy, Leo, Marc, Ruth, Jaymi, Rizza, Jan, Jairus, Jonas, Boon, Rjay, Baby Ruth, Jao, Kim, (sorry if I forgot the names of the other swimmers) parents and most importantly, our beloved Coach, Coach Ding!



6.) Roselle Ortigas


Roselle had been a very vital part of me last year. We used to have something very special between us and I am very thankful that she came into my life.

Our relationship had its ups and downs and in the end, we've decided that we cannot handle the pressure anymore, and so we decided to go on our separate ways.

Roselle is a very gentle girl. She's vibrant and extraordinary in her own little ways. Well, i can't say anything anymore because i'm always speechless whenever she is the topic. ha!



5.) David Archuleta


I don't personally know this guy but I really like him! Gosh, I wanted to be like him, I want to sing his songs and I want to live his life. I really thought he will win American Idol's last season but David Cook got the title.

When he released his first album, I immediately bought it (costs 450 pesos, estimation only) and I played all the tracks on it all day long (which lasted for over a week).

David Archuleta speaks on behalf of the youth who have dreams and talents and who wants to reach and inspire other people through the gifts which God has blessed them. Archie has set a very good example for me last year, and more importantly, I discovered that I really wanted to sing whenever I see him singing.

Right now, he is one of my ultimate idols and he is the one who I look forward seeing someday...

Archie, if you are reading, meet me. LOL.



4.) Heathcliff Andrew Ledger




I had been depressed when Heath Ledger, my favorite actor died last January of 2008. I was shocked and his death had occupied my thinking for almost three straight months. I love this actor.

Ledger's passion in his acting craft made me realize that I can also be an actor and that I also wanted to be an actor (as much as I wanted to be a singer). I absolutely liked every movie he did and I am stunned by the way he plays every role that is given to him because he definitely gives his everything.

Just recently, even after his death, he received an OSCAR for his stupendous acting skills in his portrayal of a schizophrenic joker in the Dark Knight. That moment for me was so glorious, I even shouted and clapped my hands in a very noisy manner when the host announced his name. I almost cried while his family reads their speech for their beloved family member.

Heath, may you rest in peace!...



3.) Nico Karl Porquez


Nico and I met under an unpleasant situation. He is the guy who I never thought I'll be really close with. But destiny had put us under occurrences which draw us closer to each other - like real best friends.

All throughout my fourth year days, Nico had been really really supportive in everything that I do. I was surprised when he appeared to support me in the swimming contest which I joined last December. Because we are close to each other, he told me almost everything about the history of his family and I liked him even more as a person.

I am always fascinated by this boy and he never fails to always dazzle me. In return, I am always his encouraging "Kuya" who backs him up in everything he does. Like what I've stated, Nico and I had been under hostile positions but we always make up in the end.

Right now, we still remain super very close friends and we always keep in touch with each other.

Thanks, PORK!



2.) POPSICLES ULTD.

I always consider POPSICLES ULTD. as my second set of family. POPSICLES ULTD. is a group which consists of me, Burvie and its founder, Christina.

I decide to put ourselves in only one entry for even there are three of us, we move and think as one.

All of us were classmates and best friends since the first grade and we always help each other in times of difficulties. We almost share the same problems - love, family, career, money, life, etc. - so we always resolve it with the help of one another.

Though we undergo arguments and quarrels some times, we still work things out and we just think of those as God's obstacles and challenges to test our friendship and bond. We treat each other as sibs and we know one another's deepest and darkest secrets..

I know that until the end, the three of us will still be the best of friends and I know that our friendship will endure the tests of time.

KUDOS POPSICLES! Mwah!



1.) Elamparo Family


I had been very blessed because I am with the best mom, best dad and best little brother in the world (and best dog also).

All I can say is that, I love my family and I am so damn lucky to be loved by them in return.