Lolo Kit

I haven’t been talking about it, I even went to school the day I found out. People were asking if we expected it, my answer was that well, it crossed our minds, but to say that we expected it, for me, would be an admission that we have given up when in fact, we didn’t. I didn’t. Until the end, I was optimistic about it, thinking that someone so good, well-loved and pure will not be taken away from a world that is desperately in need of someone to whom it can look up to. My Lolo was just that.

If I will be compelled to describe him in one word, I will describe him to be CONTENTED. He wanted things, he appreciated their beauty but he was genuinely happy with what he had. He was that welcoming smile every time we will visit them in Navotas. I had the privilege of living with him a few years when I was still a kid, I must admit that I didn’t have a lot of memories. I can only describe him through what my young mind can remember at that time. The smell of his pillow is still vivid. The smell that was caused by his “pomade” reminds me of that time when I would sleep in lolo’s and lola’s room for siesta. I can vividly remember how he would curse and not mean it, how it was an empty utterance for him that would have to accompany his words to emphasize his point. He was the quiet and reserved one, he wouldn’t talk unless you talk to him first. But when you start talking to him, he’ll be more than glad to entertain you with his own stories. In our visits to Navotas, I would always hear my Lolo talk about the people that he used to help. He did simple things that have big effects on people. I wouldn’t be surprised if people we don’t even know are also grieving for his death.

I had to find out about his death the worst possible way, it was like Lolo didn’t want us to wake up at five in the morning [time of his death]. In the oddest of moments, all of our phones were being charged and were turned off. It was only when it was already nine in the morning that we received the news. I was awakened by my Mom’s scream of grief and disbelief. I rushed to her and I knew. It was a cry that was meant for the saddest of moments. My Mom was repeatedly saying, “Ang Daddy… ang Daddy.” I felt numb, I couldn’t cry because I knew my mom needed me to be strong. While my Dad was hugging her, whispering words of encouragement that I know will never comfort her at that time, my heart was literally breaking. I called my Tito and asked where we should go for the wake. I felt pain, anger and emptiness. I silently prayed and asked God to be with my Mom and Lola. If I am feeling all these things, it will be incomparable to what they would be feeling. When everyone left, and I was alone at home, strength escaped me. I crawled back to bed to cry. I kept saying, “Lolo… lolo” as if it could convince God to give him back to us.

If there is one thing I regret, it will be that I wasn’t able to spend more time with my Lolo in his last days. It seemed like I wasn’t meant to grieve, a lot of things were happening, school started, I have my thesis to take care of, events to attend to and this, arguably, is my busiest year yet. It could be that it was meant to be that way, because if I wasn’t doing a lot of things, I don’t know if I could’ve survived with a lot of time to think and reflect on his death. My Lolo even saved me a lot of times last week. I knew. I couldn’t be more thankful.

Lola Seng told me that Lolo Kit was so proud of me when he was alive. He would always tell people that his apo will become a lawyer soon. It still pains me to think that he wouldn’t be there when I finally become a lawyer. He would’ve been so happy. While I was saying goodbye to him last Sunday, I promised him that I will be the best that I can be for him. I wouldn’t let him down. He can brag about me to Jesus.

I don’t really believe in goodbyes, as cliché sounding as it may sound, I know that my Lolo and I will see each other again. In the meantime, I can close my eyes and remember the smell of his pomada, hear how he would curse to stress a point, see his smile and the way he would lay contently on his tumba-tumba, relive how he would excitedly open the gate for us and ask, “Kamusta?”

Lolo Kit, kami na ang bahala. Relax ka na lang dyan kasama ni God. Di mo na kailangan tumaya sa Lotto, pwede mo na itanong kay God kung ano ang tatamang numero...

Pareto

Jared: Magbigay ka nga ng name ng economist...
Euns: John Nash.
Jared: Sino pa?
Euns: Pareto
Jared: Anong first name nya?
Euns: Di ko alam e... CLAUDINE? Claudine Pareto?
Jared: Di ba Francine? Francine Pareto?

Running to Myself

"You musn't give your heart to a wild thing. The more you do, the stronger they get, until they're strong enough to run into the woods or fly into a tree. And then to a higher tree and then to the sky."

-Holly Golightly

"You know what's wrong with you, Miss Whoever-you-are? You're chicken, you've got no guts. You're afraid to stick out your chin and say, 'Okay, life's a fact, people do fall in love, people do belong to each other, because that's the only chance anybody's got for real happiness.' You call yourself a free spirit, a "wild thing," and you're terrified somebody's gonna stick you in a cage. Well baby, you're already in that cage. You built it yourself. And it's not bounded in the west by Tulip, Texas, or in the east by Somali-land. It's wherever you go. Because no matter where you run, you just end up running into yourself."

- Paul Varjak
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They have it all figured out in 1961. Breakfast at Tiffany's is my untamed biography.

Judicial Council Announcements

The Judicial Council would like to announce that there are 4 openings for the following positions
1) Clerk of Court
2) Deputy Clerk of Court
3) Sheriff
4) Deputy Sheriff

All students, especially the freshmen are highly encouraged to join.
This will give you all a chance to be active in school and participate in the activities of the Judicial Council.
For questions and inquiries please feel free to ask Mr. Gelo Cunanan; you can send them at gelocunanan@ gmail.com

For the applicants we need the following
1) Resume
2) Letter of intent

Email everything to gelocunanan@ gmail.com by July 11.

Thank you,

For the Judicial Council,
Jose Angelo V. Cunanan

A Guide To The 13th French Film Festival

by Philbert Ortiz Dy

posted on Tuesday June 10, 2008

Sacré bleu! The Alliance Français du Manille is once again holding its annual French Film Festival at the Shangri-La plaza, starting June 11. Here’s a quick look at some of the films that the festival is featuring.

FEATURED FILMMAKER: EMMANUEL MOURET

Un baiser s’il vous plait (Shall We Kiss, or A Kiss, Please)

Written and directed by Emmanuel Mouret
Synopsis: A story about how a seemingly simple and harmless kiss can have unforeseen consequences.


Changement d’adresse (Change of Address)

Written and directed by Emmanuel Mouret
Synopsis: A shy, awkward musician moves to Paris for the first time. He falls in love with his young student, all the while finding a encouragement from his passionate roommate, Anne.

Why you should see them: Emmanuel Mouret is becoming a real star in French cinema. He’s been described as the new, French Woody Allen. Like Allen, he writes, directs and stars in his own films, which are often about a funny, socially awkward person trying to deal with the little quirks of love and relationships. His films have a pretty simple aesthetic, concentrating on the strength of dialogue and story rather than artistic gimmickry. Un baiser s’il vous plait is interesting for a rather well done story-within-a-story conceit. Changement d’adresse is sharp and terribly funny, and Francophiles will really appreciate some clever tricks of language.

Screenings: (Un baiser s’il vous plait) June 11, 7:30 P.M.
Screenings: (Changement d’adresse) June 12, 12 NN. June 13, 8 P.M. June 15, 8 P.M June 16, 5:30 P.M. June 17, 3 P.M. June 18, 5:30 P.M. June 20, 12:30 P.M.

THE FILIPINO CONTINGENT

Serbis
Directed by Brillante Mendoza, Written by Armando Lao and Boots Agbayani Pastor
Synopsis: The Pineda family operates and resides in a run down theater in the province that shows sexy double features. We follow the family as they deal with each other’s sins and vices.

Now Showing
Written and directed by Raya Martin
Synopsis: A young girl completely immersed in popular entertainment tends to her aunt’s pirated DVD stand, all the while dealing with a mother hungry for her affection, a sexually frustrated boyfriend, and a missing father who she can barely remember.

Why you should see them: There really doesn’t need to be much reason other than these two are Filipino films, and we should support our local filmmakers. But there’s more to it than that, of course. Serbis was in competition at Cannes, and got praise from this year’s jury chairman, Sean Penn. It’s a pretty brave film, one that doesn’t make any compromises. A wider theatrical release is impending, but this might be the best chance to see it as a whole. Now Showing was featured in the Director’s Fortnight, where the likes of Werner Herzog, Martin Scorsese, and Jim Jarmusch were introduced to the world. At 4 hours and 40 minutes, it will certainly test the patience of many moviegoers, but Raya Martin has incredible vision, and his films always end up affecting audiences.

Screenings: (Serbis) June 12, 4:30 P.M.
Screenings: (Now Showing) June 12, 7 P.M.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:

La Môme (La Vie En Rose)

Directed by Olivier Dahan, written by Olivier Dahan and Isabelle Sobelman
Synopsis: The triumphs and tragedies of the “Little Sparrow,” singer Edith Piaf.
Why you should see it: Marion Cotillard. It doesn’t really get much simpler than that. This was one of the best performances of last year, and Cotillard got an academy award for it. Personally, I don’t think the film is as good as may people say it is, but Cotillard’s performance alone makes up for any of the film’s weaknesses. As Piaf, she is endlessly compelling, a picture of living tragedy and a bottomless well of heartbreaking grief. It’s terribly moving stuff.

Screenings: June 22, 8 P.M.

MOST MUSICAL

Chansons d’amour (Love Songs)

Written and directed by Christophe Honoré
Synopsis: Ismael is in a three-way relationship with Alice and Julie. There are many complications in their relationship, but they seem to be getting by. But when tragedy strikes, Ismael is left to explore his own passions.
Why you should see it: Chansons d’amour is going to be an easy crowd pleaser in this year’s festival. A cast of gorgeous young people sings songs in a pop style, exploring the complexities of love and relationships in a very modern world. Louis Garrel is a name that girls will probably remember after watching this film. Honoré also happens to be a pretty good filmmaker with a knack for pretty striking images. The Jacques Demy influence is pretty obvious, and much appreciated.

Screenings: June 20, 5:50 P.M. June 21 5:30 P.M. June 22, 12:30 P.M.

UNDERAPPRECIATED GEM

Clean

Written and directed by Olivier Assayas
Synopsis: Emily is married to Lee Hauser, a rock star. Together, they lead a decadent life filled with drugs. When Lee suddenly dies, Emily is sent to jail. She has to get her life back together and reconnect with her son, all the while dealing with her demons.
Why you should see it: Clean hasn’t been seen by a lot of people, but it’s a pretty good film. First of all, it stars Maggie Cheung, in a fantastically brave trilingual performance. Cheung is probably already one of the greatest actresses to have come out of Asia, and this movie only serves to reinforce that idea. The story isn’t anything we haven’t seen before, but Assayas has enough talent to keep you interested anyway.

Screenings: June 13, 12:30 P.M. June 14, 3 P.M. June 15, 5:30 P.M. June 17, 12:30 P.M. June 22, 5:30 P.M.

THE BEST OF THE REST

BEST FOR A MIDLIFE CRISIS: Qui m’aime me suive (If You Love Me, Follow Me)
Screenings: June 13, 3 P.M., June 14 5:30 P.M. June 15, 3 P.M. June 19, 5:30 P.M. June 20, 3 P.M.

FOR PEOPLE LOOKING FOR A THRILLER: Roman de Gare (Crossed Tracks)
Screenings: June 17, 5:30 P.M. June 21, 12:30 P.M.




FOR PEOPLE WHO WANT TO SEE MORE MARION COTILLARD, BUT IN A LESS TRAGIC LIGHT: Ma vie en l’air(Love is in The Air)
Screenings: June 13, 5:30 P.M. June 15, 3 P.M. June 18, 5:30 P.M. June 19, 8 P.M. June 21, 3 P.M.

FOR EASY LAUGHS: Ah! Si j’étais riche! (If I Were a Rich Man)
Screenings: June 14, 12:30 P.M. June 15, 12:30 P.M. June 16, 8 P.M. June 18, 8 P.M. June 19, 3 P.M. June 22, 3 P.M.

BEST FOR CONTROL FREAKS (AS THERAPY): Je crois que je l’aime (Could This Be Love?)
Screenings: June 12, 2 P.M. June 14, 8 P.M. June 16, 12:30 P.M. June 20, 8 P.M. June 21, 8 P.M.

The 13th French Film Festival runs from June 11 to 22, 2008 at the Shang Cineplex of Shangri-La Plaza, Mandaluyong City

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Does anyone know the ticket price? I am definitely watching!

Post "Falling / Diving down the Stairs" Story

[nagkkwentuhan, nagtatawanan tungkol sa pagkahulog ko sa hagdan ng UST Hospital]
Mom: Anak, mag-ingat ka kasi. Dapat pagbumababa ka sa stairs, kumakapit ka...
Euns: [sa isip] Wow, concerned.
Mom: Alam mo naman madalas ka talaga madadapa, kasi malaki ka.
Euns: [sa isip] Salamat Mommy ha.
Mom: [to Dad] Parang si Humpty Dumpty who had a great fall.
Euns: [sa isip] Di na lang talaga Jack and Jill, nag-fall din naman un. Itlog pa talaga ang kinumpara sa akin.

--------------------

Sa Hospital habang naghihintay kay Lolo

Tito: [to Tita na nakahiga at nagpapahinga sa kama] Ayos a, parang Cleopatra pa pagkakahiga mo...
Euns: [sa isip] Ang sweet naman.
Tito: May Cleopatra bang balyena?
Euns: [magkakamag-anak talaga kami]

When...

... you feel like you are at your lowest, God's power and love will see you through.

The short-term suffering that you must endure is just a prelude to the long-term happiness that you will be rewarded with if only you'll stick around, hang on and continue to have faith. Never ever let go, never ever doubt, He will never let you down. The situations that we get into over which we have no control are opportunities for us to experience God in our lives. It's when He will take the wheel and speed through the race track that is life and bring us to the finish line.

It's not a theory, it's a fact. I can never be grateful enough.

To everyone who prayed and expressed their support, "Thank you. You are God's little angels in my life... God has anwered not only my prayers but yours as well."

Nate, My Immortal Beloved

Though still in bed, my thoughts go out to you, my Immortal Beloved, now and then joyfully, then sadly, waiting to learn whether or not fate will hear us - I can live only wholly with you or not at all - Yes, I am resolved to wander so long away from you until I can fly to your arms and say that I am really at home with you, and can send my soul enwrapped in you into the land of spirits - Yes, unhappily it must be so - You will be the more contained since you know my fidelity to you. No one else can ever possess my heart - never - never - Oh God, why must one be parted from one whom one so loves. And yet my life in V is now a wretched life - Your love makes me at once the happiest and the unhappiest of men - At my age I nedd a steady, quiet life - can that be so in our connection? My angel, I have just been told that the mailcoach goes every day - therefore I must close at once so that you may receive the letter at once - Be calm, only by a clam consideration of our existence can we achieve our purpose to live together - Be calm - love me - today - yesterday - what tearful longings for you - you - you - my life - my all - farewell. Oh continue to love me - never misjudge the most faithful heart of your beloved.
ever thine
ever mine
ever ours

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Happy birthday sweetie. I know you'll LOOOVE this... To a lot of people, you're Nate now but to me... you're MY ATOY! =P

Yuck.

My mom and my dad have decided that my marrying age should be 28. They confronted me about it while we were eating our "Palitaw" merienda. There was awkwardness, yes. There was disbelief on my part. Tawang-tawa talaga ako e. Ni wala pa akong kaplano-plano talaga. Ang labo. Di ko nga naiisip e, sila pa nag-isip. LABO men.

Nagbabasa nanaman ako ng Peyups.com kagabi at may thread na, "Of Pseudorelationships and Disappearing Acts" Natawa nanaman ako. Parang swak na swak! At ang nasabi ko na lang ay,

"Siguro after sometime, you realize that if someone decides to disappear, they're not worth the sorrow. Kaya gusto ko un line na, "We don't have tomorrow but we HAD yesterday." Panalo e. Kung ayaw, masakit pero dapat mag-move on. Ganun e.

Un namang pseudo-relationships at almost love stories... ganun din. Just be thankful for what once existed and don't feel bad for "what-might've-been." At, i learned not to doubt what i had with someone, kahit it didn't turn out to be perfect. The worst thing to do is to doubt those moments where you felt happy and contented with someone whom you once loved and made you feel loved."

PLEASE VOTE FOR MY CBTL ENTRIES

CHAI[n?] TEA[r?] LATTE[r!]

Dress Code

Vote and comment na. Ang di mag-vote at mag-comment mac-curse ang sex life. =D

Of Lies and Delusions

“Practically all the relationships I know are based on a foundation of lies and mutually accepted delusion.”

- Samantha Jones

I hate it when people lie, especially when they have the nerve to look directly into my eyes, smile and flawlessly deliver the dishonest monologue. It’s just that sooner or later, I do find out the truth and nothing is ever the same anymore. Practically everything that will be said by the “one time liar” is doubted and it burdens me. I am a very trusting person, when I get disillusioned, I suffer.

The most painful are the most innocent ones. The unexpected lies brought upon by something so shallow, not worth lying for. These are lies like “I can’t make it to dinner because something really important came up.” when it really means, “I can’t make it to dinner because I’m tired and I am not in the mood to hangout with you.” They can be statements like, “I would really love to stay but I can’t” when it really means, “I don’t really want to stay so I won’t.” They are the most disappointing because they affirm what that tiny voice inside your head has been saying over and over again. “You’re not good enough. Get over it.”

Now I know why they hurt most. It’s because they cut deep.