Facts ‘Bout Me

Posted on April 13, 2008 at 12:01 pm | 16 Comments
Filed under Random Realities

I decided to rewrite my “About Me” page. I started from scratch again and I come up with an seven-paragraph introduction to myself. I decided to post it here so that it’ll get the attention that it will need. The front page is always the best part where you can put stories that you want your audience to notice.

*****

During the year I started blogging, my answer to the question “What’s your ASL?” was 14/M/Pampanga. Now that almost four years have passed since I first encountered that question, my answer is still the same, except for the age part which you have to add to four (that’s equal to 18). But of course, giving you a two-digit number, a letter that stands for “male”, and the name of a province here in the Philippines is not enough for you to know me. So the purpose of rewriting my short description of myself is for you to visualize me better on your head. Feel free to make your own image of myself. I’ve also provided links to my previous posts, that you can freely read (minus those password protected entries) which can help you know more about myself.

I was born three days after Christmas in the year of 1989. December 28, 1989 was the start of my journey here on earth. Eighteen years later, I’m already 18 years old, obviously. Kidding aside, I think, I’ve achieved a lot of things but there are still many things to conquer. Currently, I’m a college student but I still have to learn how to love my course and I still think that college is synonymous to hell.

Reading books has been my main source of entertainment since sixth grade when I first read JK Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. Since then, I have read more than 50 books which include the whole Harry Potter series, two of Dan Brown’s controversial books, reads by Mitch Albom which are all talking about death, and even books that are more disturbing like Ian McEwan’s Atonement and Khaled Hosseini’s The Kite Runner which is my most favorite book, by the way.

Other forms of entertainment that I enjoy include watching American TV shows especially Grey’s Anatomy, Heroes and The Amazing Race, ridiculing incompetent teachers, sleeping, surfing the Internet, and most recently, listening to indie music by Feist, Death Cab for Cutie, Snow Patrol, The Postal Service, Hellogoodbye, Jack Johnson, and many more. As a matter of fact, because of my obsession to indie music, I named my iPod touch as Gibbard, in honor of Death Cab for Cutie and The Postal Service’s singer: Ben Gibbard. Just visit my Last.fm account to know my listening patterns.

Oh, I forgot to mention that I also love writing. I was actually the news editor of our official student publication for two consecutive years back in high school. But until now, I still don’t know how I was able to get that position because of my faulty grammar. I know, my grammar sucks. And if it were not because of Firefox’s spell checker feature, I would have committed lots of misspelled words. I need an editor, really. Haha. But despite all of those reasons I’ve mentioned, I’m really thankful for my adviser who trusted me. Writing news never gave me pleasure. You have to be specific with the facts and you can’t give your own points and using adjectives is a big no-no.

Now, I want to tell you what I’m not: I’m neither a singer nor a dancer (I suck at both). I’m not also a cellphone and SMS addict, I can leave even without a phone. I hate PE classes (I’m just glad that I will not wear my PE uniform ever). And oh as some of you might already know, I don’t have the ideal body weight (take a guess if I’m overweight or underweight) and I don’t look like an 18 year old student (I look younger… lol).

I’ve got more things to tell you but I guess, I’m already boring you. Just watch out for the next version of this introduction to myself to know more about me. But if you need something or you just want to leave your two cents, feel free to contact me.

*****

DanHellbound and Dre tagged me to post facts about myself. BTW, Mr. DanHellbound tagged me way back in December of last year. Dan says I should post seven facts, and Dre says that I should post eight. But obviously, I broke the rules. Lol. And oh, I didn’t make this post because of these memes. It’s just coincidental. Of course, everyone is invited to post random facts. Yeah, I’m tagging you everyone!

16 Comments

Tagged as • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Ten Books

Posted on February 23, 2008 at 9:35 pm | 21 Comments
Filed under Bulky Books

A Heap of Books Because I cannot think of an experience I had for the past few days that is worth sharing to everyone who visits my blog, I decided to write another blog post about books. This time, I’ll write ten short reviews (and in some cases, with an accompanying synopsis) for ten books.

The Weirdest Book

For me, the weirdest book I had read is “The Dogs of Babel” by Carolyn Parkhurst. It’s the weirdest because in the story, the main character tries to teach his dog how to speak like a human being. Yes, you read that right. Paul Iverson, a linguist, decided to teach his dog how to speak because he wanted to know the real reason why his wife died. At first, I didn’t like it much, but on second thought, I realized that it’s really a good book. The ending of the book was nicely written. Actually, it was one of the New York Times Notable Fiction & Poetry books of 2003. You can read my full review of the book here.

The Most Intriguing Book

Dan Brown’s “The Da Vinci Code” will surely stir your faith especially if your faith’s foundation is very weak. The story revolves around the secrets of the Holy Grail. Robert Langdon, the protagonist in the book, with Sophie Neveu tries to decipher the chain of clues while they try to get away from the cops. The author is good in intertwining facts and fiction. The reader should be careful in separating the facts from the creations of the author’s imagination. In my case, even though I enjoyed reading the book, it still remains as a fiction. Period.

The Funniest Book

I guess, everyone who had read Bob Ong’s “ABNKKBSNPLAko?!” will agree with me that it’s the best book out in the market if you’re looking for a way to relieve your stress. Since I’ve read this way back during my sophomore year in high school and my copy is missing I had already forgot most of the details of the book. What I can only remember is that it is a story of the misadventures of a pupil who goes to a public school. Though the book is really filled with humor — actually, I cannot remember not laughing every after reading a few paragraphs — the reader can still learn something from the book.

The Saddest Book

Chinese Cinderella is the autobiography of Adeline Yen Mah, an unwanted daughter. Practically, the story revolves around Ms. Mah who was always maltreated by her step-mother, father, and even her siblings. And wouldn’t it hurt you if your own father forgot your name? That’s how unimportant Adeline was to his parents. But no matter how many hurdles in life Adeline had encountered, she was able to prove to herself that she can do something. As a matter of fact, she is currently a doctor. A full review written by me is available in Choice.

The Much Awaited Book

Among the books that I had read, it’s “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” by JK Rowling that I really waited for. I read the first installment of Harry Potter way back in 2001 and it was only six years later later that the final book in the series was published. I was lucky enough to get the book on the day it was released. In the last installment, Harry, Ron and Hermione try to find a way how to vanquish You-Know-Who. Rowling ended her famous tale impressively. The only bad thing is that there were only few pages left after the climax. But of course, I won’t tell you who died and survived.

The Most Entertaining Book

“Youngblood3” edited by Jorge V. Artura and Ruel S. de Vera is an anthology of articles that were published in the Philippine Daily Inquirer under the column Youngblood. The essays were written by twenty-something and below that’s why I was able to relate with their stories. The book was entertaining because the essays didn’t just focus on one topic. There was an essay about solitude, a student who fell in love with her teacher, a battered wife, and many more that really glued my eyes on the book.

The Most Disappointing Book

Christopher Priest’s “The Prestige” really disappointed me. It was adapted into a movie back in 2006 and I had seen the trailer of it (just the trailer, not the movie) and I was impressed with it. So the first time I saw a copy of it in a local bookstore, I didn’t hesitate to buy it. But after reading it, I find the book neither good nor interesting. Actually, the ending gave me the creeps. Okay, I need to shut up, I hate talking about this book.

The Most Interesting Book whose Theme is Death

I had read a number of books that has something to do with death. Three of them are by Mitch Albom, and I can say that his “The Five People you Meet iin Heaven” is the most interesting book that I had read whose theme is death. In the story, Eddie dies because of an accident in Ruby Pier, the amusement park where he works. In heaven, and as what the title suggests, he meets five people who has in one way or another had a connection with his life. My full review.

The Book that Left me Devastated for Days

Nicholas Sparks’ “A Walk to Remember” left me out of my mind for days because of the very tragic ending of the love story of Landon Carter and Jamie Sullivan. Actually, because this book left me devastated, I even posted an entry entitled “A Walk to Forget“But of course, I’m pleased that I read such good novel. Indeed, it’s a very tragic story. For those who want to read a tragic tale, you should read this, I’m sure you’ll be thinking of ending your life after reading it because the resolution of the book was really depressing. Okay, I’m exaggerating.

The Best Book

Khaled Hosseini’s “The Kite Runner” is the best book I had read so far. It’s about two Afghan boys — Hassan and Amir — as close as brothers whose friendship was destroyed because of a very tragic event that happened during their teenage years. Years later, it’s in Amir’s hands if he want to be good again. This book really captivated me. I learned that friends are really precious things here on earth and we had to take care of them. If you are looking for something to read, this is the book that you should try! I have no regrets on asking my Uncle to buy this book for me.

Oh, yes, those books on the photo (you can click on it to see a larger version, Lightbox supported) are all mine. XD As much as possible I don’t call them as my collection because I buy books not to collect and put them on display but to read them, leisure myself, and learn something from them. Reading has been my hobby for years and I guess, it would be very hard for me to remove it from my system. Though others say that reading is boring especially if the book is only pure text (no illustrations), I find it fun and enjoyable… as long as the text is interesting enough.

21 Comments

Tagged as • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Library Encounter

Posted on March 1, 2007 at 6:03 pm | 7 Comments
Filed under School Sabotage • Site Stuff

This morning, we were asked to go to the library and look for a thesis (written in Tagalog) for our Filipino subject. As the main library building (where the Filipiniana section is located) is about ten minutes away by foot from where we were, we (I and my blockmates) decided to go to the CBA library where we usually go during breaks to review for Chemistry only to find out that we needed to go to the main library. Isn’t that annoying?

So I and my blockmates entered the thesis-slash-dissertation room to look for what we were supposed to look for. A few minutes had passed, and I was able to look for a thesis written in Tagalog. Nice. And here comes the librarian, she said “Ay, hindi kayo puwede diyan.1” I don’t know the real reason why but we obeyed her. I suppose those theses and dissertations are for the graduate students. She said that the theses that we were looking are at the Filipiniana section.

After an exhausting journey with four flights of stairs to climb, we found out that there were only four theses written in our vernacular. Wow. I was not expecting that our library has only that number of theses written in Tagalog intended for the use of undergrad students like us.

*****

Aside from the internet services (which I abuse), an excellent place to study, newspapers that are replenished everyday, and a computerized system of the books that our library has, I can’t think of any other services of our library that I frequently use. I don’t borrow books every now and then.

Whenever I review for Zoology and Chemistry, I can’t help but go to the newspaper stand to read the current events. And whenever I feel so bored from reviewing, I go to the internet room and surf the internet. Lol. As I have said, I abuse it. Lol. Actually, tomorrow, I’m planning yet again to abuse it as I have two hours for break. Isn’t that great? Lol. What I don’t like is that the browser that we use at school is IE which I really abhor.

Back in high school, I thought that I could borrow more excellent reads as universities have bigger libraries. I was wrong, a simple search of the books that I want to read in the catalog of the library would yield you a zero result. What they only have are the known books of today, like Harry Potter and Dan Brown’s, or those books that were published decades ago that have stinking smell. Well, I suppose, I’ll just buy those books that I want to read.

According to my friend, even though our school have tons of books, it’s not reliable, because most of the times, the library would fail you. I simply agree. Last February, we needed to research something about divorce for our debate in Filipino. There were a few books that discussed that topic, but it was not the data the we needed. Or was it we were only lazy to read? Haha. I ended up with Wikipedia’s own article about divorce. I suppose, the next time we need to research, I’ll just surf the internet. Haha.

And as I’m blogging about our library, I’m currently reading a boring and a very philosophical book called “Sophie’s World” by Jostein Gaarder for a book review that I need. And I still have not finished reading “Youngblood 2.0″ and there are books that I’ve already bought but have not the time to read them yet.

Oh, do you know a public library near San Fernando, Pampanga? I want to visit one.

PS: I’ve almost forgot to tell you that I have a new hostee by the name of Jhed. Visit his site, won’t you? And to anyone who wishes to be hosted here, please don’t be afraid to ask me, I don’t bite. Just be sure to read the rules.

  1. Translation: You’re not allowed there. [↩]

7 Comments

Tagged as • • • • • • • • •

After all, it’s only fiction

Posted on April 7, 2006 at 7:27 am | 13 Comments
Filed under Potter Phenomenon • Random Realities

Teachers effect eternity.

But will you agree with me if I’ll say writers can also effect eternity?

Children hates books. But thanks to JK Rowling, she had convinced many children to read books with the help of Harry Potter. But as what many says (including me), no one can please everybody. I saw some news in the local programs where anti-HP (sad to say, some religions hate HP) burn Harry Potter books. They say HP teaches children (and even grown ups) sorcery and it’s exposing satanism.

Wow! Those people have a brighter and more imaginative brains than JK Rowling! I congratulate them!

I think I’m not violating any rules set by our Lord. As long as we don’t praise Harry Potter, practice sorcery and exposing satanism we’re not out of bounds. Duh! HP is only a fictional character who’s only living behind pages, chapters, books and in the big screens.

After reading the HP Books (even Dan Brown’s the Da Vinci Code and Angels and Demons) I still go to church to listen to the teaching of our savior and the likes.

Next week is going to be Holy Week. If Christmas is the season of giving (and its true meaning is sharing), Lent is the season where we do sacrifices.

I suppose we should not blog, surf the internet nor open our computers next week. Seriously, I will be doing this. I think this is the biggest sacrifice we can make (I’m talking to blog, internet and computer addicts). Come on, this won’t last. I’ll would only take some days or a week and after that you can turn your computers on again.

I don’t care if you’ll call me stupid or say that I’m too religious because you’re the one who’s stupid.

13 Comments

Tagged as • • • • • •

2005: Summarized

Posted on December 31, 2005 at 3:40 pm | 14 Comments
Filed under Bulky Books • Daily Dose • Site Stuff • Venomous Vernacular

2005 is having its last hours here on earth. Parang mamamatay na… hehe Welcome 2006! This year, there are so many new things that happend to me. They are listed below.

  • It’s my first time to buy a domain. I applied for this site last February 2 but it was only paid and activated by February 3. Now, I don’t know when I’ll celebrate Asteeg.Net’s first year anniversary. Lol. Btw, I already renewed my site, my host had already confirmed it.
  • It’s my first time to attend a JS Prom. Of course, in our school. Lol. At first, almost everyone in our batch does not want to have a JS Prom. And in the end we enjoyed it. Though I did not danc and the food is not delicious. Tama bang pakainin kami ng Bread Sticks for appetizer?
  • It’s my first time to witness a conclave (on CNN).
  • It’s my first time to run for the SC. And I ran for the position of president. Lol. And I was the one who covered the SC Elections for the our school’s official student publication. I wrote there my failure. Lol
  • It’s my first time to be the top 03. I did not expect it. And now, I’m being pressured.
  • It’s when I read many books. That will include Dan Brown’s DVC and A&D. I read DVC first befor A&D… lol. And will somebody explain to me why A&D’s title is A&D? I also read Mitch Albom’s The Five People you Meet in Heaven and JK Rowling’s HP HBP. Btw, I’m still reading Tw7sted by Jessica Zafra and I’m going to give back my classmate’s copy of Memoirs of a Geisha… I don’t like Golden’s style of writing (and even Pauolo Coehlo’s).

The list can go on but I’ve got to stop. And now, presenting my resolutions.

  • I have to stop eating junk foods and cup noodles. They’re bad for my health. And that’s why I’m still skinny until now. I’ve got to eat a lot of vegtables (I’m learning to love them), fruits and fish! Yeah, fish! Haha! Stop eating prok!
  • Post more sensible thoughts here.
  • Try to love my stupid classmates. Actually, we will be having our retreat on the 4th day of 2006.
  • Time management is what I really need.

Happy 2006 to all!

Read the rest of this entry »

14 Comments

Tagged as • • • • • • • • • • • •

« Previous Entries