KOLEHIYALA KRONIKELS: Hi I'm Tricia, Nice to meet yah!

I must admit adjusting with how the things work in college is difficult. From the oddly planned schedule down to the tiniest bit like how the books are like in college, I must cope with all those stuffs. And oh, count in the profs who arrive 1 hour late for their classes- if not- absent for the class without even notifying their students.

It is difficult studying in PLM (why waste time for a school which doesn't give school works as burdens, anyway) almost all professors reiterate these words: "PLM students kayo, mga iskolar ng bayan. You ought to apply and uphold the values and knowledge this school imparts to you. Being scholars, you have to exert all your bests to be rightful being called as an iskolar ng bayan". Talk about pressure. Besides the burden our profs put on our backs, it's extremely warm in Gusaling Villegas where we have our classes most of the time. Not because I'm used to air conditioned rooms like how it was like back in my old school. I guess it has something about global warming (ang layo ba?). Bad.

So how was my first week as a freshman college student? IT WAS TIRING, and it was fun at the same time. Tiring because I will have to wake up so early for me not to be late for my first class, and do all the preps on rush, since I am 45 minutes away from PLM (if there's no traffic jam), and literally run my way from the univ's main entrance to my first class. My classes usually end 30 minutes before noon, so that means I will have to walk a mile with the sun's rays directly hitting my face. Also, the competition among the students can be felt. All are smart, attentive and active. It was like the same pilot section I had attended during my freshman year in high school (why should it always be the first year ?) The fun side. Besides being classmates again with Gen and Chiela, I was able to make friends with my new block mates. Most of them are friendly, and loud, so there was hardly any problem with making friends with the people in our block. Blimey, after 2 days, we're like friends who have known each other for ages that we ate in a karinderya near MAPUA and sang our hearts out (thanks to the videoke machine and our liking for singing.) It's just so good to be friends with Erice, Chai (my katukayo), Shiela, Debbie, Marky, Raff, Jam, Jay Anne, Krishell, Von and the others.

So about the classes. Our profs are a treat. All of them are very cheerful, talkative, and friendly. There were no boring profs in our classes. So good. Except that some of them gave us a quiz without even discussing anything yet(like we did in HIST11!But it was more like a review so nothing bad about it) and they give lengthy homeworks! But there's one more prof we haven't met yet- our prof in Soc Sci11. Hope she/he will be as fun as our other profs do.

To the profs, all we need is a pat on the back, and we'll be ok. Haha.

After a week, college isn't that tough, nor that easy. Just have the confidence, study lessons ahead of the class and participate in the discussions, that will give you the ticket to survival. As for making friends, never hesitate to give a bit of yourself, and to show off who you really are even if it's just the first day. As for the profs, here's a bit of advice our prof in English gave us: Study, study, study. And if you think you have studied so much, study some more. I'm pretty sure if you're a diligent student, you won't have any problems with the profs. Plus, of course, the respect for the profs. I would like to state here Ate Agsy of UP College of Law's comment on my recent kolehiyala kronikels post: Love college and it will love you back. That is certainly correct.

THIS BLOG WILL BE IN HIATUS FOR SOME DAYS.

by the way, I'll be taking the ANG PAMANTASAN EXAMINATION or APEX (PLM's School publication exam) on Saturday. Please pray for me that I'll pass both written exam and interview. Would love to be part of the school publication again, but this time, it's going to be big! (Missing Ms. D, my mentor) Thank you!

And Tatay kong Baduy

I REMEMBER one cold morning at school, together with my father and my classmate lined up to pay our tuition fees for the exams on the same day. I remember that day, when my classmate told me she had never seen a daughter and a father close with each other like me and my father do, so close that my father still has the time to kid around despite the pressures of the exams my being senior high school student brought about. She told me she envied me, and that I am so lucky for having a friend in my father. “Should I be really proud of my father? If she only knew” was the first thing I thought of after hearing those words from her.
Being a teenager, I came to this stage of being rebellious. Not that I’m-not-going-back-to-this-house type of drama, but that I-hate-things-about-my-dad type. He’s short-tempered, sloppy, and he snores so loud when he sleeps. I so hated a lot of things about my father that I once wished I was born with another father who deserves all the respect- not bash- in the whole wide world. A father so decent that when you just look at his cleanly shaved beard, nicely done tie, and austere bearing, you will know he is not the type whom you want would mess around with. I hate the way he dresses up. He loves buying stuffs in ukay-ukay. I abhor his being comical to people of total strangers. I hate it when he picks garbage on the street when we walk together, thinking that it can still be reused- if not- repaired. I can’t bear his sermons about relationships, telling that I should at least reach forty before I get myself a boyfriend. I hate it whenever he gives his juicy comment on showbiz clutters out of temper- this I grant an exception; because I heard somewhere that aging people are short-tempered in nature (no offense.)
If you’re through or at the same age as mine, you should have gone through the same problem. I was ashamed of my father that whenever I needed to go somewhere, it’s my mother-at my disposal- who accompanies me. My father does foolish things when we are out together, like picking flowers where a signage tells him not to pick them, or buy substandard home tools along the city sidewalks, which- in my mom’s point of view-is impractical. Those are just some of the things that make my father happy. On the flipside, his happiness was once my nightmare. I was embarrassed of my simpleton father-that’s what I thought of him before. Am I an evil daughter?
I was suddenly struck by a bolt of contemplation. I realized that the things I hated about my father are the exact things why I should be really proud of him. He prefer buying clothes in ukay-ukay because he thinks, instead of spending money on flashy clothes, he could buy them in the price of a single item in malls which would mean a minus to my mom’s bad budgeting. He cracks jokes to people so that he will be able to draw a smile on their faces and to make them realize that life isn’t just about stresses and problems, it’s about making the most out of our one chance existence. He picks up rubbish so that street sweepers wouldn’t have much work to do, considering that they stand in the streets for hours in exchange of small amount of money. My father hated watching showbiz talk shows because he believes television must be a source of entertainment, and entertainment doesn’t mean drawing beings to public humiliation in expense of high ratings and high paying advertisements. About reaching the age of forty for future relationship/s, with that I haven’t found any logic at all.
My father is blessed with so many things-intelligence, charisma, artistry, and-well, good looks (that’s what he says.) I may have hated the way my father dresses, the way he talks and the way he acts, but there’s one thing I hated most about my father- that is, the reality that the things I hated about my father will wither along with time, and in a halt, everything will be forever gone once God says it’s time for him to go. But one thing will never change: I will always be the daughter of my baduy father.

Happy Father's day to all dads out there!

Kolehiyala Kronikels: First Day!

Well, like any other first days I went through in my thirteen years of going to school, it was BOOOOOOORIIIING. Everyone in my block are quiet since we don't know each other yet. And this day was just about giving the prof our class cards, never-ending I am blah blah from blah blah, and the very elementary not to do any stupid things inside the campus, and guess what, HOMEWORKS!
I had a hard time sleeping so early the day before. Not because I was excited about the opening of classes, but of my sleeping at 2:00 am, and waking up at 10:00 am habit. I started my attempts of sleeping early at 9:00 am. I did everything that could possibly give me a nice sleep, like shutting all the lights off, played some music, and played Loco Roco on PSP, hoping that it could somehow tire me out. It was a bad choice. I could have, at least, thought of it first that playing would make me stay up late more.
At 2 in the morning, it was heaven. My eyes finally tired out and my mind finally decided to shut down. At 5, the alarm rang. I gave this excuse that it’s too early, I still have more spare minutes to sleep. At 5:10, I saw a flash of image of me getting scolded by a prof because I was late considering that it’s the first day of classes. I panicked. I literally ran my way from my bed to the bathroom. A quarter before 6, I headed off to the place where Chery and I agreed meeting.
Gusaling Villegas Rm.211
I was looking for the venue of my first subject. I swiftly walked a long stretch of classrooms, and it was tiring since everyone was outside the corridor, chattering as if it wasn’t the first day. Room 208…209….210. Shoot. I was lost. I was looking for Room 211 but there’s no room as such. Then I saw this room with hardly any signage or anything that could inform me that it was the room I was looking for. I braved the embarrassment of getting into the wrong room, then I saw Chiela, a classmate during my sophomore year. I was delighted to see her, since I haven’t known anyone in my block yet. The first thing I did was asking her if I got in the right room and that we’re in block 29. Confirmed. I stumbled upon the room which I struggled looking for. Then I saw Genesis, my classmate last year who seemed bothered of looking for GV 211. Hahaha. Alas, we belong in the same block. So 2 old classmates. Not bad.
First Subject: Natural Science 12
Professor: Vincent Ng
Everyone was still silent and shy, except the three of us. Then came our prof. He’s probably at 25 or thirties. A geeky guy, but he seems to be friendly. Not bad for a Science teacher. Of course we were informed that we have to maintain our grades for our scholarship and, no cheating, blah blah, and the common rules and regulations. And our first class was ended with homework. Feisty.
Second Subject: Filipino 12
Professor: Marie Grace Anselmo
A bubbly professor. Probably 25 years old. She does the talking most of the time. She likes joking around, but hates "pilosopo." She’s very kind. She toured us around the campus. I think she’s a professor best to be friends with.
Third Subject: History 11
Professor: Carmelita Kastiri
She’s a cool professor! Although the age difference between our age is huge, she can still ride with us. She’s a joker, too. She’s a graduate of PLM. Her personality is just different from any other history professors I’ve had before.
Although the describe-your-self was annoying and the first day sermons were boring, it somehow left me an impression I will be holding on for the coming years. PLM is a good university with good students and great professors, and I’m pretty sure I will have great time learning in this institution.

Three important things to learn in PLM:
1. Never be late.
2. Wear comfortable shoes.
3. Always bring with you a bottled water.

cheers for college!

Saw (and heard) the Sound of Music

The hills are alive with the sound of music With songs they have sung for a thousand years The hills fill my heart with the sound of music My heart wants to sing every song it hears...lalalala...

My grandma loves it, my parents love it, my teachers love it, so with my ate and kuya. (I wonder why the 90s babies like myself doesn't have much liking for this film.) Since everybody loves it, I got curious about Julie Andrew's 1965 hit film. Finally, my sought-after desire of watching Sound of Music happened. Blimey, the Von Trapp family singers got me singing the whole day. No wonder why everybody loves this aged film.

Though the film wasn't in good quality like those we see in big screens nowadays, the storyline and the music presented in this film are just superb! (of course, for kids, childlike, childish, young at heart, and simpleton persons, I guess)
The story is about a young woman named Maria (Julie Andrews), who is failing with her duties as a nun. In the convent where she stayed, Captain Von Trapp (Christopher Plummer) asked for the nun's help to look for a governess who can handle his seven kids when he's away. Maria was given the job. Since the Captain's wife is dead and he's often away from home, he runs the house the way he does on the ship he sails. The Captain kept hiring governesses from time to time, because the children play tricks to the governesses to make them tire out their job, and eventually, making their father stay. When Maria arrived at the Von Trapp's house, she was met with the same hostility, but her understanding, kindness and sense of fun made the kids love her, and eventually-the Captain himself. Maria was able to bring back the music in the family that was once lost when the kid's mother died. The Captain was engaged with a baroness, but this was overshadowed by his love for Maria, drawing them to marriage. During those times, Germany was at large in Austria, forcing Captain Von Trapp to be allies with them through leading Germany's Navy against his own country. To this, the captain doesn't agree, therefore making the German set up plot of capturing the whole family. The whole family escaped after a performance in a festival, climbing mountains of Switzerland on foot.

I just love the songs in this movie. It reminds me of my late lola. Sound of Music is something every home must have a copy. It is an epitome of a movie made in music, harmony, and the subtlety. Every kid (and kid at heart) in the world must see this classic film.

Compare and Contrast
Watch both videos and tell me which is better. (:


Maria-before


Maria-Now



For another movie classics adventure, watch Somewhere in Time starred by Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour. It's another great film.

"Auditioning" for CWTS

For five consecutive days, I was out on the streets. My feet are killing me, my eyes, tired, and my mind wasn't in its working condition and the only thing that made me forget about last minute fixes before college was to read a good book which gives me the ticket to a good night sleep.

Last Saturday (as you noticed, that was ages already!) Phyllis, Mylene, AJ and I agreed that we should meet 5 in the morning sharp in a convenience store near our school to enroll for CWTS (Civil Welfare Training Service) as part of our NTS (National Training Service) since only 500 students will be allowed to enroll for the subject, and the rest are forced to take ROTC instead as their NTS. Since the scheduled time for the enrollment was 8 a.m., I decided to set my alarm at 5:30. At 6 in the morning, I received a phone call from Phyllis and she asked me if I still want to go with them. I told them not to wait for me anymore since I was just about to have my breakfast, and I was confident that I'll still make it even if I stayed longer since I still have three loose hours to spend. At 6:30, I decided to go, took the quickest ride to get to the school just to make sure I'll make it, even if it pays double, or triple in the case of taking LRT rather than a jeepney ride. I arrived in PLM at around 7:00 in the morning, and the first thing I saw was a huge crowd with students carrying brown envelopes and a very long line that extends to the soccer field. Crap. I was late. I was looking for Phyllis, but she was nowhere to be found. I found a number of colleagues lined up near the person first in the line, but I didn't have the guts to slink in. Seconds turned into minutes, and minutes-to an hour; I was still near the end of the line, immobile, crazy as if I was about meters away from my deathbed. Then somewhat a divine intervention took place: Phyllis and Mylene saw me, grabbed my backpack, and dragged me to their place. "Good Lord!" I said, thanks to Raphael and Ysabel who saw me. I was sneaking in the line, and blimey, I felt guilty. I was a few steps away from enrolling for the subject which would save me from asthma attacks and sun burns, and Rosario suddenly asked me about the id picture needed for the enrollment. Then Phyllis recalled the requirements needed: 2 id pictures, registration form, money, and a photocopy of the reg form. shoot. I didn't have the photocopy of my reg form. Since I badly want the subject, I ran almost a kilometer just to find a place where I could photocopy my reg form. I was tired, sweaty, and hungry since I didn't have the chance to have a proper breakfast when I finally found a computer shop. "Finally" was the first thing I uttered upon reaching my destination. I got inside the internet cafe. The day was not made for me. I would still have to fight my way through a line to get myself a photocopy of my reg form. I was really hopeless. Then a staff came rushing down the stairs and shouted "akyat kayo may xerox sa taas!" Yehey! I ran as fast as I could, and still having the luck, I was 3rd in the line. After having my reg form photocopied, I ran again as fast as I could, so fast that I got lost. What a day. I took a wrong turn, and it was scary because there is this warehouse where men are lined outside. As I pass by. they were staring at me, and there is this person who points his finger on me. Good thing I reached the end of the street and I saw "MURALLA ST." on the wall, which tells me that I am a few blocks away from PLM. Finally, I was able to get back to the school just in time.
I was successful, but not all felt that same sense of fulfillment. There were parents running towards the security officers because they couldn't agree on the process, there were wailing and shouting, and believe it or not, there was crying. It was like auditioning for American Idol. If you have presented yourself with a good song, then you're opt to fly to Hollywood. In this case, if you have the requirements completed, and you reach the quota, then you'll be one of the lucky people who could escape the scorching heat of the sun and the killing body pains (not to mention the burden of heavy ROTC uniform) ROTC brings. Ysabel was one of the unfortunate people. 2 id pictures are required, she just brought one. She was disqualified from the subject. The sad news reminded me of the person who originally owns my slot since I am situated in a place where reaching the quota is an impossible thing to happen. I feel guilty.

To the person who truly owns my slot, I am really sorry. I just really need it. I hope you understand. ):

The Good
1. No sun burns
2. No physical activities that could cause asthma attacks
3. No mud stains on uniform

The Bad
1. No same classes with Chery
2. Same faces, almost everyone who made it in the quota are my highschool mates.

The Ugly
1. GUILT.