What a hilarious movie.
H and I watched this last night, eschewing our original purpose in going to the mall, which was getting groceries. The movie didn't disappoint, leaving us laughing all along the way.
It helped that Dustin Hoffman and Robert de Niro are two of my favorite actors, and seeing them together, in a comedy, no less, was such a kick.
Thursday, January 27, 2005
Tuesday, January 25, 2005
Requiem - Luke Lising
When I came in this morning, I was greeted with some sad news: Luke Lising, one of our students died of an aneurysm the night before. An aneurysm is caused by the weakening of the wall of a vein, normally found in the brain. Swelling occurs and if the aneurysm should burst, it would cause a brain hemorrhage, causing death.
I didn't really know Luke; he wasn't one of my students. I probably had passed by his classroom, or bumped into him in the corridors. What I do know from his teachers was that he was a good student, and the world is poorer for his loss.
What is sad is that Luke was a senior, and was set to graduate in a few weeks. How does one process his death with his classmates, who will go up the stage this March knowing that they're short one classmate? I guess one just has to trust in God and His plan.
If there's a bright side, I heard from Luke's moderator that his class had just completed their weekend spiritual retreat, and that today was their class mass. I am gladdened by the fact that Luke went to God prepared to be with Him.
Requiem in pace, Luke.
I didn't really know Luke; he wasn't one of my students. I probably had passed by his classroom, or bumped into him in the corridors. What I do know from his teachers was that he was a good student, and the world is poorer for his loss.
What is sad is that Luke was a senior, and was set to graduate in a few weeks. How does one process his death with his classmates, who will go up the stage this March knowing that they're short one classmate? I guess one just has to trust in God and His plan.
If there's a bright side, I heard from Luke's moderator that his class had just completed their weekend spiritual retreat, and that today was their class mass. I am gladdened by the fact that Luke went to God prepared to be with Him.
Requiem in pace, Luke.
Monday, January 24, 2005
'Blade Trinity'
Last Saturday, H and I watched 'Blade Trinity' at SM North Edsa. It was pretty good; we're both fans of Wesley Snipes' brand of martial arts. He's fluid and graceful in combat,
The story had some holes in it, although they didn't detract much from the action. There was some snappy patter from Ryan Reynolds' rendition of vampire hunter Hannibal King, as well as some good fight scenes from
Jessica Biel. But, of course, the main attraction was Blade, played by Wesley Snipes. It's amazing how a minor character in the Marvel Universe could become such a screen hit; 'Daredevil' and, although I haven't watched it, 'The Hulk,' who are more major than Blade, didn't quite successfully translate well to the big screen.
Next stop, "Meet the Fockers," and "Elektra."
The story had some holes in it, although they didn't detract much from the action. There was some snappy patter from Ryan Reynolds' rendition of vampire hunter Hannibal King, as well as some good fight scenes from
Jessica Biel. But, of course, the main attraction was Blade, played by Wesley Snipes. It's amazing how a minor character in the Marvel Universe could become such a screen hit; 'Daredevil' and, although I haven't watched it, 'The Hulk,' who are more major than Blade, didn't quite successfully translate well to the big screen.
Next stop, "Meet the Fockers," and "Elektra."
Thursday, January 20, 2005
Which Tarot Card Are You?
You are the Moon card. Entering the Moon we enter
the intuitive and psychic realms. This is the
stuff dreams are made on. And like dreams the
imagery we find here may inspire us or torment
us. Understanding the moon requires looking
within. Our own bodily rhythms are echoed in
this luminary that circles the earth every
month and reflects the sun in its progress.
Listening to those rhythms may produce visions
and lead you towards insight. The Moon is a
force that has legends attached to it. It
carries with it both romance and insanity.
Moonlight reveals itself as an illusion and it
is only those willing to work with the force of
dreams that are able to withstand this
reflective light. Image from: Stevee Postman.
http://www.stevee.com/
Which Tarot Card Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla
Okay, I admit it. I'm a Quizilla fan.
Wednesday, January 19, 2005
Addendum to Previous
Okay, so I was wrong. The student came to practice in uniform. Apparently, he wanted to get a second uniform as a backup; of course, the question, "Why can't you buy it yourself?" comes to mind. Ah well.
Hopefully, he'll stay the course and finish with a flourish.
But you'll excuse me if I remain a tad cynical.
Hopefully, he'll stay the course and finish with a flourish.
But you'll excuse me if I remain a tad cynical.
Rant - Malingerer
It's rare that I get really ticked off at one of my students. But sometimes, I guess, it just had to happen.
The student in question is a member of my Judo Club in the high school. The trouble with him began during the first grading period, when he asked permission to be excused from training, because he had tutoring which was going on at the same time as the club practice. Since he told me that it was a contracted thing, I allowed him to be excused, with the condition that, once the contract expires at the end of July, he would begin training with us.
When July ended, he promptly disappeared from training. I was told by his classmates later on that he had gotten sick. I probably should've been more alert even then. Why wasn't I given an excuse letter, or why didn't he approach me during class hours to inform me of his situation?
The first grading period ended, and, during the second grading period, he practiced for a grand total of two sessions (out of about 8 or 9). Most of the time, when he would show up, he would be without either uniform or P.E. attire. My irritation began to grow during this time, because I wondered what was his point of being in the club if he wasn't training? Did he enjoy the presumed prestige of being part of a martial arts club, without having to be responsible for training? I really don't know.
In December, at the start of the third grading period, I had a long talk with him about his attitude and his lack of commitment. At the end of the talk, I thought that I had laid down the law, and that he would shape up.
The next training session, he arrived once more without a uniform only to ask me if he could be excused from training, because he was failing in several subjects (should I be surprised?). At the time, I allowed him the freedom of choice. But at the same time, I wondered about how I could give him any sort of grade if he wasn't training.
Two weeks ago, the news of his non-activity in the club reached his mother, who met with me, and pleaded for consideration. I told her that it would depend on her son's performance for the remainder of the grading period. That was a Monday before our regular Wednesday practice.
Come Wednesday, he once more arrived without uniform, with an excuse letter from his mother. The letter stated that he didn't have a uniform, and he would have one by the following week.
My reaction was (pardon me) "What the fuck?" I asked him why he hadn't gotten a uniform. He reminded me that he had, but that it was too small. Then, why, I retorted, didn't he get it replaced? He had no answer. By then, I had already dismissed him from any consideration, considering that he didn't even have the commitment to obtain a uniform. That was last week.
A while ago, at lunch time, he paged me, and when I went to meet him, he asked me if I could buy the uniform for him (giving me money to buy it, of course. He wasn't that obtuse.). I looked him square in the eye, and coldly said, "No." And went back into the workroom without waiting for his response.
Inside the workroom, I was fuming. What is the matter with that sort of student? I went and talked to his homeroom teacher, and joked that if the student wanted to get a passing grade, he would have to beat me in judo sparring to do so. Otherwise, he shouldn't waste time by attending training.
About 30 minutes ago, my co-teacher told me that the mother of the student had called, requesting a return call. I don't think I will be responding; what else can she tell me to mitigate her son's laziness?
Maybe my co-teacher had relayed what I told him to the student, who probably took it seriously, and went running off to tell mama. Ah well. I'll probably just tell the boy to stay away from practice from here on, as I am totally fed up with his lack of interest.
The student in question is a member of my Judo Club in the high school. The trouble with him began during the first grading period, when he asked permission to be excused from training, because he had tutoring which was going on at the same time as the club practice. Since he told me that it was a contracted thing, I allowed him to be excused, with the condition that, once the contract expires at the end of July, he would begin training with us.
When July ended, he promptly disappeared from training. I was told by his classmates later on that he had gotten sick. I probably should've been more alert even then. Why wasn't I given an excuse letter, or why didn't he approach me during class hours to inform me of his situation?
The first grading period ended, and, during the second grading period, he practiced for a grand total of two sessions (out of about 8 or 9). Most of the time, when he would show up, he would be without either uniform or P.E. attire. My irritation began to grow during this time, because I wondered what was his point of being in the club if he wasn't training? Did he enjoy the presumed prestige of being part of a martial arts club, without having to be responsible for training? I really don't know.
In December, at the start of the third grading period, I had a long talk with him about his attitude and his lack of commitment. At the end of the talk, I thought that I had laid down the law, and that he would shape up.
The next training session, he arrived once more without a uniform only to ask me if he could be excused from training, because he was failing in several subjects (should I be surprised?). At the time, I allowed him the freedom of choice. But at the same time, I wondered about how I could give him any sort of grade if he wasn't training.
Two weeks ago, the news of his non-activity in the club reached his mother, who met with me, and pleaded for consideration. I told her that it would depend on her son's performance for the remainder of the grading period. That was a Monday before our regular Wednesday practice.
Come Wednesday, he once more arrived without uniform, with an excuse letter from his mother. The letter stated that he didn't have a uniform, and he would have one by the following week.
My reaction was (pardon me) "What the fuck?" I asked him why he hadn't gotten a uniform. He reminded me that he had, but that it was too small. Then, why, I retorted, didn't he get it replaced? He had no answer. By then, I had already dismissed him from any consideration, considering that he didn't even have the commitment to obtain a uniform. That was last week.
A while ago, at lunch time, he paged me, and when I went to meet him, he asked me if I could buy the uniform for him (giving me money to buy it, of course. He wasn't that obtuse.). I looked him square in the eye, and coldly said, "No." And went back into the workroom without waiting for his response.
Inside the workroom, I was fuming. What is the matter with that sort of student? I went and talked to his homeroom teacher, and joked that if the student wanted to get a passing grade, he would have to beat me in judo sparring to do so. Otherwise, he shouldn't waste time by attending training.
About 30 minutes ago, my co-teacher told me that the mother of the student had called, requesting a return call. I don't think I will be responding; what else can she tell me to mitigate her son's laziness?
Maybe my co-teacher had relayed what I told him to the student, who probably took it seriously, and went running off to tell mama. Ah well. I'll probably just tell the boy to stay away from practice from here on, as I am totally fed up with his lack of interest.
Interesting Day
Yesterday was interesting due to the number of happy announcements.
One - one of my friends asked if G could be a flower girl at her wedding.
Two - one of my co-teachers announced that she was engaged.
Three - one of my friends texted me, and told me that she was expecting.
Ah, l'amour.
One - one of my friends asked if G could be a flower girl at her wedding.
Two - one of my co-teachers announced that she was engaged.
Three - one of my friends texted me, and told me that she was expecting.
Ah, l'amour.
Tuesday, January 18, 2005
Rant - Hubris
I was reading The Philippine Star yesterday, and my attention was drawn to an article in the World section; looking for the article on the Net, I found a similar one here. Apparently, Dubya Bush is working under the delusion that, because he was reelected, he and his administration are no longer accountable for misleading the US about Iraq's having weapons of mass destruction. The fact that he was reelected, in his mind, means that the people approve of what he did.
I'm still trying to figure out the logic of that statement. If that were the case, then almost half of the voters didn't agree with what he did. So they don't matter anymore because they lost? That's still more than 40 million people who voted for Kerry. Their opinion is no longer important?
I'm appalled by the arrogance of this jerk. People may admire him for being a strong leader, but what I see is a big bully, a self-righteous, narrow-minded one, at that. Even if there were no weapons of mass destruction found in Iraq, instead of apologizing for the mistake, he justifies his war policy by saying that Hussein was a tyrant who needed to be removed anyway. Who gave him that right to decide?
The world has become a worse place with Bush as US President.
I'm still trying to figure out the logic of that statement. If that were the case, then almost half of the voters didn't agree with what he did. So they don't matter anymore because they lost? That's still more than 40 million people who voted for Kerry. Their opinion is no longer important?
I'm appalled by the arrogance of this jerk. People may admire him for being a strong leader, but what I see is a big bully, a self-righteous, narrow-minded one, at that. Even if there were no weapons of mass destruction found in Iraq, instead of apologizing for the mistake, he justifies his war policy by saying that Hussein was a tyrant who needed to be removed anyway. Who gave him that right to decide?
The world has become a worse place with Bush as US President.
Ahhh, love...
Two of my friends, T and J, have decided to take the next step of their relationship. Here's their wedding blog.
Monday, January 17, 2005
Pre-preschool Scouting Report
Last Saturday, H and I spent the morning scouting for a possible preschool for G.
We started within our own subdivision, and had an enlightening talk with the head of the school, who turned out to be the mother of one of my choirmates. We then headed for Hands at Play at Mira-Nila subdivision, and talked to Teacher M, who appeared to be the owner of the school. We then went to UP, to check out the day care center across the College of Science building, and the Child Development Center (CDC), but both were closed. After UP, we decided to have lunch and shop a bit at SM North Edsa. On our way home, we checked out Kinderheim, which is located along the road to our subdivision.
After much discussion, it is likely that we will probably enrol G in Hands at Play, as it is the closest to my parents' house, where G spends the day, and, more importantly, the emphasis, or more correctly, the pressure on excelling is not yet imposed. What we want is that G be eased into the school setting, and not be expected to perform at a certain standard. We want her to enjoy going to school, and not traumatize her by placing so much pressure.
Another advantage that Hands at Play has over the other schools that we visited is that there is ample room for G to roam and run, which is something she does often enough.
We will still look at CDC within the week, and check whether enrolling G there will increase her chances of entering UPIS, which is one of the possible target schools that we'd like her to attend.
Hopefully, we will make the cut, as Hands at Play only accepts 15 students for each level. This means, of course, that we have to reserve a slot for G, as soon as possible.
We started within our own subdivision, and had an enlightening talk with the head of the school, who turned out to be the mother of one of my choirmates. We then headed for Hands at Play at Mira-Nila subdivision, and talked to Teacher M, who appeared to be the owner of the school. We then went to UP, to check out the day care center across the College of Science building, and the Child Development Center (CDC), but both were closed. After UP, we decided to have lunch and shop a bit at SM North Edsa. On our way home, we checked out Kinderheim, which is located along the road to our subdivision.
After much discussion, it is likely that we will probably enrol G in Hands at Play, as it is the closest to my parents' house, where G spends the day, and, more importantly, the emphasis, or more correctly, the pressure on excelling is not yet imposed. What we want is that G be eased into the school setting, and not be expected to perform at a certain standard. We want her to enjoy going to school, and not traumatize her by placing so much pressure.
Another advantage that Hands at Play has over the other schools that we visited is that there is ample room for G to roam and run, which is something she does often enough.
We will still look at CDC within the week, and check whether enrolling G there will increase her chances of entering UPIS, which is one of the possible target schools that we'd like her to attend.
Hopefully, we will make the cut, as Hands at Play only accepts 15 students for each level. This means, of course, that we have to reserve a slot for G, as soon as possible.
Thursday, January 13, 2005
What Lego Shape Are You?
Clear blue round 1x1
You're a clear blue 1x1 round peg. You're very rare
and very cool looking, and a lot of you would
make for some very pretty designs. A building
made of you would look dark, mellow, moody and
just plain awesome. However, no one owns more
than two of you, from that one police station
set.
What Lego piece are you?
brought to you by
----
Weird. For some reason, the link to quizilla seems to be broken. Does anyone know how to fix this?
Wednesday, January 12, 2005
Spirit Wings
The second time the faculty choir sang at the University Service Awards, this is the song we sang:
Spirit Wings
Some birds live in cages,
they never learn to fly
And like those birds
I never found my wings
But Lord your love released me,
so I could see the sky
and now my heart rejoices as I sing
Chorus:
Spirit Wings, you lift me over all the earth bound things
And like a bird my heart is flying free
I'm soaring on the song your Spirit brings
Oh Lord of all (Oh Lord of all)
You let me see (You let me see)
A vision of (A vision of)
Your Majesty (Your Majesty)
You lift me up (You lift me up)
And carry me on your Spirit wings.
When I'm feeling lonely,
I just look to you
And soon my heart is soaring high above
Everything seems clearer, from your point of view
Lifted up on Spirit wings of love
( Repeat Chorus )
Spirit Wings
Some birds live in cages,
they never learn to fly
And like those birds
I never found my wings
But Lord your love released me,
so I could see the sky
and now my heart rejoices as I sing
Chorus:
Spirit Wings, you lift me over all the earth bound things
And like a bird my heart is flying free
I'm soaring on the song your Spirit brings
Oh Lord of all (Oh Lord of all)
You let me see (You let me see)
A vision of (A vision of)
Your Majesty (Your Majesty)
You lift me up (You lift me up)
And carry me on your Spirit wings.
When I'm feeling lonely,
I just look to you
And soon my heart is soaring high above
Everything seems clearer, from your point of view
Lifted up on Spirit wings of love
( Repeat Chorus )
Choir Practice
I didn't realize how much I missed attending choir practice.
The last time the faculty choir sang as a group was at the wedding of a co-teacher about three years ago. Since then, people have moved on and those of us who stayed have gotten deluged in so much school work that gathering the choir together was an impossible task.
Until yesterday.
Yesterday, the faculty choir formally re-formed, to prepare for a number for the upcoming University Service Awards. Coincidentally, one of the songs that we will be singing was a song which I sang the first time I joined the faculty choir 12 years ago. The song's title is "We Will Serve Him," a religious song, and a very triumphant one at that.
The first time we sang it at the University Service Awards, the performance was so acclaimed that we sang twice more that school year: at the Christmas Program of the high school, and at the Glee Club's Musicfest, which was then held at the Meralco Theater. Of course, back then, we were ably supported, as there were about 4 members of Bukas Palad, as well as several former members of established choirs.
Yesterday's practice was awesome, as we were able to sing the song together as a choir, on our first day of practice, at that. I am well and truly excited about the upcoming presentation, although part of me is hoping that the choir will stick together past the Awards day, and continue to make beautiful music together.
The lyrics of "We Will Serve Him":
Here in the presence of the Lord.
Here in this holy place,
giving Him thanks for all He's done,
quietly seeking His face.
So many times we've seen His hand,
guiding each step of the way.
God put us here to take a stand,
to serve Him ev'ry day.
We will serve Him for the rest of our days,
we will serve Him with the highest of praise.
We'll be His witness no matter the cost.
We'll be His beacon, His light to the lost.
We will serve the Lord our God for the rest of our days.
He is the light at break of dawn,
He is the one true way.
He is our strength when hope is gone,
He shepherds us when we stray.
God gave to us His only Son,
the selfless sacrifice.
How can we pay for all He's done
when Jesus paid the price?
We will serve Him for the rest of our days,
we will serve Him with the highest of praise.
We'll be His witness no matter the cost.
We'll be His beacon, His light to the lost.
We will serve the Lord our God for the rest of our days.
We will serve Him for the rest of our days,
we will serve Him with the highest of praise.
We'll be His witness no matter the cost.
We'll be His beacon, His light to the lost.
We will serve the Lord our God for the rest of our days.
The last time the faculty choir sang as a group was at the wedding of a co-teacher about three years ago. Since then, people have moved on and those of us who stayed have gotten deluged in so much school work that gathering the choir together was an impossible task.
Until yesterday.
Yesterday, the faculty choir formally re-formed, to prepare for a number for the upcoming University Service Awards. Coincidentally, one of the songs that we will be singing was a song which I sang the first time I joined the faculty choir 12 years ago. The song's title is "We Will Serve Him," a religious song, and a very triumphant one at that.
The first time we sang it at the University Service Awards, the performance was so acclaimed that we sang twice more that school year: at the Christmas Program of the high school, and at the Glee Club's Musicfest, which was then held at the Meralco Theater. Of course, back then, we were ably supported, as there were about 4 members of Bukas Palad, as well as several former members of established choirs.
Yesterday's practice was awesome, as we were able to sing the song together as a choir, on our first day of practice, at that. I am well and truly excited about the upcoming presentation, although part of me is hoping that the choir will stick together past the Awards day, and continue to make beautiful music together.
The lyrics of "We Will Serve Him":
Here in the presence of the Lord.
Here in this holy place,
giving Him thanks for all He's done,
quietly seeking His face.
So many times we've seen His hand,
guiding each step of the way.
God put us here to take a stand,
to serve Him ev'ry day.
We will serve Him for the rest of our days,
we will serve Him with the highest of praise.
We'll be His witness no matter the cost.
We'll be His beacon, His light to the lost.
We will serve the Lord our God for the rest of our days.
He is the light at break of dawn,
He is the one true way.
He is our strength when hope is gone,
He shepherds us when we stray.
God gave to us His only Son,
the selfless sacrifice.
How can we pay for all He's done
when Jesus paid the price?
We will serve Him for the rest of our days,
we will serve Him with the highest of praise.
We'll be His witness no matter the cost.
We'll be His beacon, His light to the lost.
We will serve the Lord our God for the rest of our days.
We will serve Him for the rest of our days,
we will serve Him with the highest of praise.
We'll be His witness no matter the cost.
We'll be His beacon, His light to the lost.
We will serve the Lord our God for the rest of our days.
Tuesday, January 11, 2005
"Ocean's 12"
Having watched and enjoyed 'Ocean's 11,' I thought that the sequel would be at least as entertaining.
I was wrong.
Maybe I was too tired to appreciate it, or maybe I wasn't in the right mood. Whatever the reason, I found the sequel to be too messy: the moving camera shots made me dizzy, and it was apparent that various characters weren't properly utilized. Bernie Mac, for example, was lost for much of the flim, and never really played a big role. The movie looked like it was hastily put together, and it showed. Much of the comical timing that made the first movie enjoyable was off; the inside jokes about Julia Roberts, for me, fell flat.
Considering that the Oscars are just around the corner, though, I expect the quality of movies I will be watching in the near future to improve.
I was wrong.
Maybe I was too tired to appreciate it, or maybe I wasn't in the right mood. Whatever the reason, I found the sequel to be too messy: the moving camera shots made me dizzy, and it was apparent that various characters weren't properly utilized. Bernie Mac, for example, was lost for much of the flim, and never really played a big role. The movie looked like it was hastily put together, and it showed. Much of the comical timing that made the first movie enjoyable was off; the inside jokes about Julia Roberts, for me, fell flat.
Considering that the Oscars are just around the corner, though, I expect the quality of movies I will be watching in the near future to improve.
Monday, January 10, 2005
Green Patio
I was having lunch with a friend of mine yesterday, and I discussed the post I made about dead restaurants. In the course of the conversation, I realized that I had forgotten yet another restaurant I used to frequent.
Green Patio restaurant was located on the other side of the parking lot across Shoppersville, and it had the best fresh lumpia I had ever tasted. And the lumpias were huge!
Green Patio closed down several years ago. Now, nothing exists on that spot, as Greenhills management is making a large-scale renovation of the area.
Green Patio restaurant was located on the other side of the parking lot across Shoppersville, and it had the best fresh lumpia I had ever tasted. And the lumpias were huge!
Green Patio closed down several years ago. Now, nothing exists on that spot, as Greenhills management is making a large-scale renovation of the area.
Friday, January 07, 2005
End of another week
Well, I'm alive, if a little woozy, at the end of this week.
I really don't feel as if I'm really in synch after coming back from the long break. Mostly, I feel more tired and stressed. I'm taking a restful weekend, and hopefully, it'll be restful.
On a side note -
Wade Boggs and Ryne Sandberg, two of my favorite baseball players, have been elected to the Hall of Fame! Something good this week. :D
I really don't feel as if I'm really in synch after coming back from the long break. Mostly, I feel more tired and stressed. I'm taking a restful weekend, and hopefully, it'll be restful.
On a side note -
Wade Boggs and Ryne Sandberg, two of my favorite baseball players, have been elected to the Hall of Fame! Something good this week. :D
Tuesday, January 04, 2005
Long Break
My family and I are headed home this afternoon from Iloilo, and I'm ready and raring to go.
My physical system bogged down over the weekend, and I was once more bed-ridden for about two days with high fever and chills. I'm still a little woozy as it is, but I'll get over it. It's one of those fatigue/stress-driven things, considering that I hadn't really rested over the break: simbang gabi, Christmas shopping and parties, driving to Roxas from Iloilo and back, etc. When I'm better, I'll write about it a bit at a time.
Happy new year to all.
My physical system bogged down over the weekend, and I was once more bed-ridden for about two days with high fever and chills. I'm still a little woozy as it is, but I'll get over it. It's one of those fatigue/stress-driven things, considering that I hadn't really rested over the break: simbang gabi, Christmas shopping and parties, driving to Roxas from Iloilo and back, etc. When I'm better, I'll write about it a bit at a time.
Happy new year to all.
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