In case you didn't know, I am an Anime enthusiast/anime lover/otaku or whatever you call it. Anyway, after the first term, we had a one week vacation before the second term starts and you know what I did, I just watched anime the entire day. I did a Mad House marathon; which is the anime I watched during that week were all created and produced by Mad House Productions. One of the anime that I watched was Parasyte. So the story goes with a parasyte trying to overcome the world by growing into a human brain. Then this one parasyte failed to conquer the mind of the guy named Shinichi and ended up growing into his hands. The parasytes were killing humans for food and Shinichi is trying to save the world with the help of Migi (which actually means right hand in Japanese).

During our EEP Class, at first I didn't know what movie we were watching and everything seems so familiar. Then I asked my professor what was the title and she said it was "Parasyte". I actually hate it every time they make a live action of an anime because it ruins it. The only live action I acknowledged is Rurouni Kenshin. It was really amazing. Every detail, the character choice, the effects, everything is just so good. I heard that the live action of Dragonball and Shingeki no Kyojin were really bad. that's why I didn't even bother watching it. From what I heard, Death Note's live action was good but has a poor character choice. Anyway back to my story, As soon as I found out that it was a live action, I started comparing it with anime as I watched.

Surprisingly, I think they did a pretty great job with this live action. They characters were really similar; how Shinichi looks like, the parasytes. I like the effects, they seem realistic. The only thing I didn't like with it is how many characters from the anime were removed like Shinichi's dad, Suzuki Akiho, and Uda Mamoru. I also didn't like how the scenes were shuffled (you won't understand unless you actually watched the anime) and how it was not as detailed as the anime. But overall, I actually enjoyed watching it. It was amazing. It's almost as good as Rurouni Kenshin's live action. Even though I haven't seen the sequel movie, I am pretty sure it's just as outstanding.

As a girl born with asthma, I really hate it every time someone is smoking near me. I mean, if they want to die early, I just hope that they won't include innocent human beings with them. Just kidding. What I am really trying to say is that pretty much where I go, there's always a person who smokes. I am even seeing kids around 7 - 10 years old smoking which is really shocking because I think the reason why there are doing it is because they see the oldies do it. They think it's "cool" and they think that now that they are smoking, they "fit in" to the society. Some smoke because for them, it a "stress reliever" and there are many more reasons why they do it.

I have seen a documentary about the guy who can no longer talk and has a hole on his throat. It is literally a big hole. It's quite disgusting to look at. I forgot what you call the disease but this guy  got it from smoking. He stated that he smoked a lot. Around 2 - 3 packs of cigarettes a day is really a lot. Whenever he talks, he relies to a talking device and he eats by getting the mixtures pour down his throat. In that documentary, he also stated something like telling the people to stop smoking before it's too late because they can still do something, while he cannot. They must learn from his mistake.

The ironic thing about this is they know how bad smoking is for the heath and that they can get worse diseases like cancer. Actually, my aunt died because of lung cancer. Not because she is smoking, but because she is surrounded by people who smokes. Just because you don't smoke, doesn't mean you are safe.

I also noticed how a lot of students in Asia Pacific College (APC) smokes at the parking lot. I mean, I don't really care since it doesn't really concern me, but I am really impressed that APC is doing something. They launched an anti smoking campaign because they are concern for their staffs, teachers and especially, students.

It's never too late stop until it's too late.

(c) Jillian Valenzuela

Tatay Mong Kalbo is the tagalog rendition of The Bald Soprano. It's a play from the theater of the absurd. We, me along with my block mates, watched this being performed in Asia Pacific College by the Theatre Phileo. And if I have to very honest, after watching the play, I don't know how to feel about it. I am aware that's it's from the theater of the absurd and my mind still thinks logically. At first, I was so lost that I kept asking my classmates what is happening cause I didn't understand it. I thought I was the only one and it was really comforting to know that everyone doesn't understand it as well.

(c) Jillian Valenzuela

A normal play would have a normal story, with normal characters, with normal settings, with normal conversations, a problem to solve and a climax. Well, this play doesn't contain any of it at all. The story went on talking and debating about nonsense things.

The thing that kept me interested is the actors. I really admire their talent in acting. I personally think that they did a great job. They really were on character when the play started. It was just amazing. No words could express how much I appreciate their acting skills. They were like professionals. If it was me, I wouldn't be able to do it. Just the part where the couple hugs each other, I think I would definitely quit if I was part of the play. I couldn't take it when a guy touches me. And as it's part of their character, it doesn't seem to bother them at all, but I am p

retty sure that it was quite awkward at first. The way they talk and the way they laugh, which is something that is hard to fake, looks really realistic.

Overall, I did enjoy watching the play.

“The Red String of Fate is an East Asian belief originating from Chinese legend.  It is based on the premise that the Gods tie a red string around the ankles of those who are destined to be soul mates and will one day marry each other.” According to Wikipedia.

 

There’s an old story in Chinese folklore about a magical connection between two people that are destined to be soul mates, called ‘the red string of fate’.

It’s not the kind of connection we’re used to thinking of, where you fall in love with your soul mate and feel an intense connection to them.

In Chinese folklore, the red string of fate is an actual object… a string that’s red, but also invisible at the same time. It’s tied to a pinky finger of every person on earth and stretches all the way out to the pinky finger of their soul mate wherever that is, regardless of time and space. Legend says that the string can get very tangled up but it will never break.

One good example of this is the movie we watched in school entitled as "Turn Left, Turn Right". It didn't talked about the Red String of Fate itself, but they story was about a two persons being destined for each other that no matter what happens, it's still them in the end.

They are always at the same place at the same time, but never really crossed path. They say the same thing at the same situations and same problems occur in their lives. Everything about them is almost the same, I think that's what they call it "your other half".

To make the long story short, there was a time where they actually crossed paths. They were spending time together, chatting and doing all those stuffs. While they were chatting, they were really happy to actually found out that the person in front of them is the person they liked in middle school whom they lost contact with. I rained really hard and there's something they have to do, so they exchanged contact numbers and went on with their lives. As soon as they arrived on their individual homes, the paper they wrote on has nothing but a smudge writing of numbers because it got wet by the rain. A lot of trials and circumstances happened and in the end, before they leave the country, they were able to find each other.

If you're watching this movie just for pass time, I think it's okay. It's somehow interesting and intriguing. I think the author's idea and imagination is really marvelous. He was able to create a really cute story that would entertain all ages. But if you are a type of person who is easy to get influenced by people or media, I suggest that you should not watch it. You ask why? Well, that's because if you watched it, you'll start believing in "destiny". You'll start believing that maybe somewhere out your "soul mate" is looking for you. You'll start thinking that what if that soul mate is someone who's riding the same bus as you or he is on the room below or across you. If you're in a relationship and you had an argument with your boyfriend, you might start doubting that maybe it's because it's not meant to be. He is not the one destined for me. 

I don't believe in destiny. I don't believe in finding your other half and it'll make you whole as a person. Actually, I used to believe in all those fairy tales. I am glad that I stopped. 

When it comes to the "finding your other half" issue, I think it's so wrong to be engage in a relationship when you're not whole yourself. As a half, you are not complete yourself. You lack a lot of things and still needs to grow more. You'll just destroy each other if you're a half being in a relationship with another other half. I think that's why most relationships fail. And no person can make you whole except for Jesus. He cannot only make you whole, but He can make your heart overflow with love. Only Jesus and Jesus alone can.

When it comes to the "destiny" issue, I think that you don't have to live life waiting for that person. Because I'm pretty sure there's none. Before you get into a relationship, make you the both of you are whole individuals and pray for that person. Ask God for wisdom in decision making and just be the "perfect" person for each other. 

The experience I gained from this competition is not comparable to the things I experienced in the past. To be very honest, I had a really hard time at first that I was just starting to not care at all. I was telling to myself that the stress the Cheers & Chants is giving me is really not worth it. I don't care if we don't win. I just don't want our block to be laughing stock in front of the entire SOAB. So, these thoughts of mine were repeating in my head no matter what I do or where I go. It keeps on hunting me and I am really trying my best to runaway from it.

I felt really bad that I was the assistant leader, but I gave up on the position because handling my classmates gives me a really hard time. Whatever you tell them, it just won't sink in to them. The pressure my vocal cords gets whenever I shout just to shut everyone out is really painful and not worth it. they would be silent for the first 5 seconds and everything will be back to normal. You know that as an inspiring singing, my vocal cord is important. I was told by my vocal coach in high school to refrain from shouting as much as I can and talk soft if I can in order to protect my vocal cords. That's why I gave up. Because I think it was just not worth it.

Days went on as three of my classmates were very diligent and helped our leader with the cheers and with handling the section. And just like what you expect, I really tired my best not to help with handling the section, but I am trying my best to help with the making of the cheers. As a person who's really bad at it, I can't really suggest something that has a wow factor in them. The best thing I can do is to follow their lead, do my best in every practice and suggest things if I think something is off.

As the day of the competition begins to arrive, the aura within the classroom gets heavier each day. The people who are serious with the practice are also getting mad with the non serious ones. Every heads were exploding. We are losing so much time scolding and lecturing each other. I try my best to be silent and just cooperate. When we were practicing, I learned that if I shout "3, 2, 1, GO!", everyone will start doing the chant even if they were talking to each other. Since then, I stopped getting mad for I know that it is useless to them and started shouting the countdown whenever we are starting.

One day before the competition, we have decided to stay in school until 6 pm and that was the day that the choreography of our chants were made and taught. By the time that everyone was starting to get serious and starting to enjoy the practice, we were told that we have to go home at 5:30. There was a feeling in my heart that was relieve for I know that at least we won't be able to be a laughing stock tomorrow.

On the day of the competition, we had an agreement that we will attend school at 6 am in order to practice. Setting my alarm on 3 am to prepare, but when the alarm rang, I can't lift my body, my throat feels itchy and I am not feeling well in general. I texted my classmate that I will attend school at 7:30 am. I left home at 7:10 and guess what, there's a heavy traffic. I usually drive to school for like 10 to 15 minutes, but on that special day, I arrived around 7:50 am. That morning, things weren't going my way already and I couldn't think of anything worse that could happen.

I fixed myself. I wore the costume, putted make up and fixed my hair. After that, we started practicing again. mastering the actions and placing, but just like the common rehearsals we had, the majority were not cooperating. They kept on talking and the leaders will scold us then start a serious practice for a minute then they'll be talking again. Fortunately, there are three upperclassmen who gave us their opinion and helped us. To make the long story short, they were a great helped. The only thing that is left now is for us to perform.

We went to the mph1 and sat where we are supposed to sat. I can hear the pounding of my heart as I look at everyone. I can feel my hands getting colder as the event starts. I can feel my knees trembling as our performance gets closer. When we performed, something happened that was not part of the plan and I panicked. literally. my heart and mind were panicking and my body started moving on its own. I committed 3 mistakes which scared me more cause I am in the middle front. As we go back to our place, I kept telling myself that it's doomsday. We lost. As the awarding takes place, I feel sadder and ashamed for it'll be very embarrassing if we weren't able to get a single award with just 4 competitors. When we are called as the first runner up, I don't know how to explain how I felt. I am just so happy. It is something I never expected based on our rehearsals. But we did it.

This is a bittersweet experience and a very memorable indeed. This is one of the things I will never forget in my college life. I am hoping to have more memorable experiences and enjoy the journey as I go.

credits to the owner of the photo

To be very honest, as a person who is not really into history, I really enjoyed watching Heneral Luna. For your information, Heneral Luna (English: "General Luna") is a 2015 Filipino historical biopic film depicting General Antonio Luna's leadership of Philippine Revolutionary Army during the Philippine-American War. Before, I don't even know much of the people who played a big role in the history of the Philippines besides Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio and Emilio Aguinaldo. And I am really ashamed to tell you that. Cause as a Filipino, I should know more about my own country's history to be able to love it deeper and to be more proud of it. I can honestly say that the reason why I am now more informed about the Philippine History because of my first term in college. We had to take that subject and honestly, I didn't like it because I don't like history, but my professor has so much passion in teaching history. It is just hard not to listen. The way he teaches is like he is telling a narrative story and he shows us videos of Xiao Chua, who is

a history professor as well and a historian. I wasn't really planning to learn that time. That is how much I am not into history. I just want to pass the subject, but as time passes by, my intention changed. I am really glad that I learned a lot.

I just learned about Antonio Luna just recently. And if you are wondering why I watched the movie when I am not into history, well that is because of my curiosity. The production (is that how you call it?) of Heneral Luna visited our school and they talked about the movie. After that, they showed us a trailer which is a cliffhanger that triggered my curiosity more. So to be able to satisfy my curiosity, I watched the movie with my friend. So, today I will talking about the things that make you love and hate Heneral Luna (2015) based on my experience.

Let us start with the positive things.

Things that make you love Heneral Luna:

1. It triggers something on every Filipinos' heart. It triggers a sense of realization and nationalism to the people. Filipinos, in general, tend to play the blame game all the time. They blame the growth of the economy on the government alone. They blame the government for they are poor because they expect the government to supply their every single need. They blame the current president for the problem he just inherit from the past presidents. They blame the current president that his ways are horrible and the past president, who they used to blame and bash, is better. They just keep on blaming. Another is that, sadly, Filipinos have a crab mentality. Even way before as we have seen the movie. Aguinaldo was afraid that Luna might steal his position which Luna is capable of, but he wouldn't for his intention is to give freedom to the Philippines.  Aguinaldo surely saw how great Luna was, that why he decided to kill Luna before he could even go higher that than what Aguinaldo expected. Another bad attitude of Filipinos is lack of nationalism. As shown at the movie, Filipino businessmen care about their businesses than the freedom of the country and the lives of many Filipinos sacrificed. They betray fellow Filipino in order to protect their business.
One of the powerful phrases I heard from the movie is "Hindi ang Amerikano ang ating mga kalaban, kundi ang ating mga sarili" (Our enemy is not the Americans, but our own selves). It is a single phrase that covers a lot of things. The movie is like telling me/us that it is not too late to change. We don't have live up the "traditional attitude" of the Filipinos that we know of. The battle that we are talking about here is not just the physical battle, but the battle of the mind; how we think produces how we act. By battling with our own individual minds, every individual can be the best they can be which can produce a better nation. It's not right to blame the entire nation to a single person because every single individual makes up the nation.

2. Sense of Humor. The jokes were really easy to reach, but not predictable. This makes the movie alive, amusing and most importantly, not boring.

3. Characters. The characters were amazing because each character represents the characteristics of the majority of the Filipinos. It's easier to relate or understand where they are coming from and it's easier to reflect on ourselves to change for the better. If you know that you have a crab mentality, which I know you wouldn't admit publicly, you will be able to see the result of a situation if you're working on pulling people down.

When it comes to the things I hate about it, there is only one.

Thing that make you hate Heneral Luna:

1. Not being too realistic. I think this most apply to the part where they slaughter Heneral Luna. He was shot and stab a million times, yet he can still stand up and utter sentences. I am not really against it, I mean if it is just for entertainment, why not, right? This is just my personal opinion about it.

If you have seen the movie, you can comment down below your thoughts and idea about the movie, I would love to read them. AND if you haven't seen the movie, you should. Really. You're really missing out a lot.

If you're reading this, I am pretty sure it's because you want to feel better about yourself or you just feel like reading this blog of mine since you got curious about the topic. Whatever your reason may be, I would appreciate it if you would read it until the end. I may be able to impart something for you that might help you or prevent you from doing this things.

The tips that I will be imparting with you are the things that I experienced and learned through the years. I was able to overcome the feeling of "not-good-enough" in late 2014. I don't even know when it started, but ever since I was a little kid, this  awful feeling is following me around. I hope I am not the only one who felt this. I hope someone was on the same boat with me. 

How To Instantly Improve How You Feel About Yourself

1. Stop comparing yourself to others. Whether it be your skin color, height, weight, talents, skills or whatever you compare yourself to others, you should just stop. I know that it is not easy as it sounds, but this way, you won't feel bad about yourself. If you start comparing, you will not see anything but the good in them and the bad in you. The only reason why you think you're bad as a person in general is because you know your own weakness and everyone has one. don't worry. Rather than focusing on the things you hate about yourself, why not start facing the morning everyday appreciating the things you love about yourself and gradually start loving the things you hate about yourself. One by one. don't force it. It will take time.

When it comes to talent and skills, never compare their page 45 to your page 5. They might have started earlier than you and they might have practiced longer everyday that's why they progress faster. I am not saying that you should force yourself to practice 10 hours a day if you don't want to, but what I am saying is just be the best of you can be. 30 minutes of practice a day is better than nothing. A slow progress is better than not progressing at all. A person may be skilled in music, but not in sports. Or a person may be born to be academically good but not born to be a great one. Everyone has something that they are good at and bad at. Rather than focusing of the things you can't do, focus on the things you can do. Remind yourself that someone will always be better but they can never be you.

2. Nobody is great from the start. If there's someone who you think is so amazing and you will never reach that level, you have to remind yourself that nobody is that great from the start. If they were able to reach that level, you can too. And if you lose into a competition, I want to tell you and let you know that it's okay to lose, because it only means that you can get better.

3. Don't Hate. Appreciate. If you saw a person that is better than you and the type of person who you dream to be, a normal person tends to get jealous or envious and it will start making them bitter about that person. Instead of getting envious, start appreciating them. Tell them directly your compliment and how you really feel about it. Let it all out.Trust me. Based on experience, this works. Not that it will only make you feel better, but it will make that person feel better as well. You don't know if she's riding the same boat of "not-good-enough" and that compliment will definitely lift her up and help her overcome that feeling. Even the most beautiful girl we could think of surely felt that she's not as beautiful as you think she is. She might even felt she's not beautiful because there's someone who she thinks is beautiful and compares herself to that person. So what I'm saying is that for sure, every human being felt this kind of feeling regardless if you're a celebrity, you're popular or whatsoever.

4. Know your identity in Christ. If you know who you are in Christ, you will always feel better about yourself. His every "I Am" is our "In Him". If He says that this is who He is, we can proudly say that we are like that as well in Him. He will also free you from every bondage that you are encountering in life. You are a conqueror and an overcomer in and through Jesus Christ.

I hope that this was able to inspire you or impart few things to you that you might be able to impart to others as well. If you are still overcoming this kind of feeling, you can comment down below. I would like to inspire and help you overcome it as well. Honestly, there are still times that this feeling comes back, but since I was able to overcome it before with the help of Christ, I just remind myself the things and person that helped me overcome it. If you were able to overcome it, you can comment down your story below. I would love to read them.