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“But he trusted in the old man, who had said that, when you really want something, the universe comprises in your favor” (quoted from “The Alchemist”)

“ ‘So your adventures are over?’
‘No. To live. To live is another great adventure.’” (quoted from the movie “Hook”)

Ever wondered why I’ve been putting these quotes or excerpts as an introduction for my entry? I love remembering them every time I watch a movie or read a book. I tried jotting them in my small notebook or saving them in my cellphone. And now, I want to share these quotes with you as a good start of my entry. I’m not really a writer but, at least, you’ll read something profound in the beginning of my essay.

Imagining oneself being in a far-off place, away from reality, with magical creatures and magnificent scenery seems to be everyone’s favorite fantasy. As a child, I loved watching “Hocus Pocus”, “Never Ending Story” and, of course, “Hook”. Every time I would go to my grandmother’s house, my cousin and I would pretend to be the characters from the movie “Hook” and would just watch it over and over again. Dreaming beyond your wildest imagination seems to be so easy when you’re a kid.

Learning how to fly begins with remembering one’s happy thoughts. Peter Pan, who was portrayed by Robin Williams, forgot his childhood, his adventures with the lost boys and tinkerbell when Captain Hook (Dustin Hoffman) kidnapped Peter’s children to attain revenge and redeem his dignity. So Peter had to recall being that little kid that he used to be. Little did he know that he is not only saving his own children, he is also saving himself from the man who only yearns for wealth and success to the young boy who gives laughter and inspiration to every child who feels lost and alone.

Unconscious to peoples’ minds, society has strongly influenced us to become an individual that is favorable to everybody (hope that I got my lesson from socio 10 class right though). For example, some students rank intellectual abilities according to their courses or rate of financial income once they graduate. And because of that, instead of choosing something one truly wants, he/she opts for the path which is beneficial not only for the society but most especially for himself/herself. I think everyone, in one level or another, felt as if they were an orphan..a lost child as Peter Pan did. But being lost is not really a bad thing. Like Peter, instead of mourning or sulking about the terrible things that happened, he just continued to hold his head up high, to fly as fast as he can, and to fight anyone who stopped him and his friends from having fun, from being a kid. Reliving the spirit of the child in each and every one of us can boost one’s energy to become motivated and inspired. Awakening that spirit can make one realize that nothing can ever be impossible if he/she truly aspires for it. And if only one can hold on to his/her happy thought strongly, maybe someday, he/she can also be able to fly.

Being an Ictusian

"Sometimes you have to meet the wrong people to get the right ones” (quote from Saj Ocampo, an active ictusian and an amazing friend)

During my first year in UP, I was too enthusiastic about my studies. Sure, I had good grades but there was something missing in my college life. I kept on going to the library (although I still continue doing that…hehe) just to prepare in advance for any exams, homeworks, and papers. I didn’t join any organizations because I thought that I still can’t balance academics and co-curricular activities during my first year. So….I had a few friends. Sometimes, I ate lunch alone in the cafeteria. I was so desperate to look for friends so I tried knowing my classmates in my general and major subjects. Was I successful? Hmmm….not that much. As I’d said in my first entry in this blog, “…you can't get all the people whom you want to be friends with all the time. I, myself, weren't accepted by others.” It was so depressing. Though I’m still fortunate of meeting two classmates from my Philo 1 class. Not only did I appreciate philosophy, I enjoyed and learned a lot from the subject…thanks to these people. They are truly nice and humble friends. For almost two years, we’d just text each other just to know that we’re doing okay. Nevertheless, my quest for true friends went on.

Then, ICTUS (In-Christ Thrust for University Students) came into my life. I enjoyed most of the apostolates in the org. I got to interact with students from the fifth-sixth grade, and I also had the opportunity to tutor them. I really enjoyed the times when I read a story for them (that’s why I want to apply as a storyteller for Adarna Books this semester). I also had the chance to interact with patients in the Philippines Children’s Medical Center (PCMC). I was so happy of sharing wonderful conversations, and of playing gameboards with them. At least for 1 ½ -2 hrs, I made someone happy. I love the service that I’ve been giving to other people and I have to thank ICTUS for making it possible.

And, of course, I couldn’t enjoy these activities without the ictusians that I’d been with. I’ve finally found people whom I can share my thoughts, talents, laughters….the list goes on. I feel very blessed because not only do I gain good friends but we also serve together for God’s greater glory.

As I continue to discover and to accept myself and my purpose in life, going out of the UP campus and serving other institutions (i.e. hopefully Cupertino, Adarna Books, and UPSEC) is another beginning. Change is inevitable, as one of my closest friends once said. But as I embark on this new journey, becoming a true ictusian is a part of me that I can never forget.

Nothing without faith. Never without passion. Always for Kuya Jess.

Where do I begin?

“At times, the world can seem an unfriendly and sinister place. But believe us when we say that there is more good in it than bad. All you have to do is look hard enough. And what might seem to be a series of unfortunate events may in fact be the first steps of a journey.” (excerpt from the movie “A Series of Unfortunate Events”)

‘Why do we fall, Master Bruce?’
‘So we can learn how to pick ourselves up.’ (excerpt from the movie “Batman Begins”)

Wow. It’s been a while since I updated my blog. I don’t know. I’ve been looking for an inspiration…for a reason to write something relevant in my blog. Have I found it? Hmm…not exactly…but I guess writing once again is a good start. I’ve been in my “nerdy” mode (aka Kuya Mark mode) ever since classes started. Though I’ve been focusing on my studies more compared to my last semester, sometimes my motivation to study hard is slowly diminishing. That there’s something missing in what I’m doing. As for now, I’ll just keep looking for it and hopefully regain my cheerful self again.

We had this discussion during my edfd 120 (philosophical foundations of education) class. I really enjoyed listening to my prof. Although most of the people think that being a teacher is as easy as it seems to be, my professor made me realize that learning & applying the psychological theories, and preparing lesson plans for the students can become complicated. For example, BF Skinner’s behavioral theory generally entails that the environment can be controlled in order to achieve desirable behaviors. However, this can also imply that if one is controlling a person’s environment…isn’t it the same as controlling the thinking of the person? It’s not that I’m against his theory. It’s just that I never thought of the implications that some of these theories can bring. I don’t know if I’m making any sense but, after our discussion, I start to have this strange yearning for knowledge. I want to reread all of the psychological theories that I’ve already studied. Hehe…that’s a lot of catching up to do.

I like hanging around with people who are inspiring. Making me feel good about myself and the world in spite of the things that’s been happening. Last Saturday, I had lunch with Maite del Rio (one of my closest friends in high school). I really enjoyed the conversations we had. From recalling our highschool memories to wondering about our future professions, the laughter that we shared is priceless. I wish I could reunite with my other highschool friends as well. I miss them so much…


Well, I guess I’ll be heading back to reality. I should start designing my application form for my other org, looking for sample resumes (please email me or send me a message in friendster if anyone of you knows how to make one…I really have no idea), making a letter of request for another volunteer work, AND preparing for my subjects tomorrow. Don’t know how long will it take to write another entry in my blog. Just hope that I’ll start making sense by the time comes.