Summer Sensation 2

I remember one time that there was already a post that has the same title as this...

During our reg a while ago.. which took like a century because of malfunctioning computers and printers, it was written in my regform...

Nikko Carlo A. Tolentino, 2-BS COMTECH

Oh my... as of April 14, 2007... We are officially sophomores... My God... That was FAST. Real fast. I want to congratulate everyone on surviving the EASIEST year in college life! Good luck sa ating lahat... We're moving closer and closer to oblivion!

Exactly a year ago, I was still mastering the abacus at Liberty Hall... Now, my summer classes would be taking up these three alienated subjects: EC 102, SA 21, and ITM 11... I advanced my subjects because I was planning on taking up a minor in Chinese Studies and a SOM minor... also a minor in Japanese Studies if I have the time.

Hay... For the 2nd time... I fell short of becoming a dean's lister again... 3.32... 0.03 short of 3.35, Ateneo's quota QPI for being a dean's lister... Oh my... need to study really really hard so that I could go and apply for Junior Term Abroad, wherein SOM students have the chance to study abroad for 1 term... Stockholm or Tokyo... Hmm... Wahehe...

As I look back my freshman year (Don't worry, I'll not make a novela unlike Solomon's)... >:)

I realized that so much has happened during my 1st year... I never imagined that my college life would be this rich, wacky, and wild. All that has happened during my first year is like all that has happened in my 4 years of HS combined. Well, from having new acquaintances in the first sem, to having no friends in the 2nd sem, until having friends again in the end of 2nd sem... haha

I cannot imagine that Ateneo has made my college life challenging and fun for me at the same time. Looking back, I didn't regret that I studied here. Even though it is tough to get high grades here, even though a lot happened during my first year, Ateneo has opened up my mind and soul... Ateneo taught me a lesson. Life is not always there served as one wishes it to be. One must adopt and live his/her fullest.

My friends, life can be tough. People in your life might be harsh. Things that happen might be unfair. Just think... God is there. Your family and true friends are there by your side. Think that and have some confidence! I know this post is supposed to be about summer's sensation; however, I greatly think that this statement would help each and every one of us in our future college years!

March Madness

Finally... Finals Week is over! Time to chill and relax our aching brains!

This is the hottest summer yet! It reached 38 degrees and it's only the end of March... My God... Global warming worsens... Damn those chlorofluorocarbons...

I had a great time during the first outing of the summer: R4 Ramble! Thanks mini-R4 for a wonderful time! Pics are up at Multiply!

Just finished canvassing at SM North EDSA's and Megamall's Cyberzones with Steph. After weeks of not eating high-class food, at last, my system digested food from T-Boy, frap from Starbucks, and burrito from Taco Bell. Thanks Steph... Awaiting for my birthday for new laptop... ahihihi...

I'll be leaving tomorrow for Shanghai and Beijing... I won't be back until April 6... Waaa...

Another R4 Ramble at Clara's rest house? Update me! Wahaha!

Bye Lou! Good luck in Canada! Thanks for the friendship and the advices! I'll miss you... =(

April 13, Registration of Summer Classes! My random number: 1699... Good thing there's AISIS...

Next Unean Reunion will be at Mall of Asia, April 15, 2007. Steph and Shir are there. Laptop Canvassing Phase 2 shall happen there! Don't forget, ice skating also!

Oh before I forget... Happy April Fools Day, everyone... Make sure to fool someone tomorrow! Hahaha!

PS... For those who will miss me during my 6-day trip... This can serve as a guide...

Lambdas and Laptops

Hay ay ay! It's just two weeks more before summer vacation. I really cannot believe that we are going to be sophomores already next sem, or unless somebody's retaining or whatsoever. Also, my second sem in the foremost year here in the Ateneo has brought wildness in me... but before we go to that, let us talk about the current events here in the Eagle's Lair.

You see them everywhere. Each one of them has an owner, a student. You see them working with students... cramming with them... playing with their owners. You see them as partners in every student's final presentation in preparation for the finals weeks. You see them scattered in the campus... from the Bellarmine Hall, to the Gonzaga Caf, until the steps of Matteo. You now see them in exponential frequencies, laying themselves whether in the classrooms, corridors, walkways, benches, or the like. They also come in different sizes, class, brands, models, and the like. If you walk in the SEC walkway, you're like walking in a ramp with all of them lined up like some fashion statements. These are the ever-so-famous and popular laptops or portable PCs.

If these laptops are placed on top of other books or folders, people often mistake it for folders/binders/notebooks because of the now sleek design of these gadgets. Back then when I was a child, I was always fumbling on my dad's Acer 17-inch Extenza that was only capable of Windows 98 and had a 2.0GB hard drive space. My goodness... Today's cellphones have those capabilities already! And today's laptops are not considered laptops anymore... They preferred to be called notebooks because of their sleek and compact design. These powerhouses can already hold 100GB of disk space, and not to mention 2MB caches, dual core processors, and Windows Vista-ready capabilities.

My eyes are already vying for a laptop since 4th year high school. However, after Solomon and Shirlina got very sleek and expensive laptops (Fujitsu and Vaio, respectively), and after Rose got her laptop (a MacBook) as her birthday gift, it fueled my desire to really buy a laptop. Steph and I are sooooo bitter with the people who got their laptops as their birthday gifts or just by simple asking from their parents. Our constant pestering are going nowhere. My parents still don't want to buy me one! I reasoned out that laptops are not just a sign of wealth and power. They are already necessities in this ever-changing and ever-demanding college workload. If one doesn't own a laptop, he/she has like so many limitations... One can't present a Powerpoint or Flash presentation because he/she doesn't have a laptop. We also can't trust the Ateneo Complabs or UST's Internet Zone because of the lack of proper software to edit videos and the never-ending viruses that infect the computers. One can also have a good free time by listening to MP3s in his/her laptop, playing games, surfing the net, and the like, to keep him/her from getting bored.

Last time, I was vying for a Vaio or a MacBook... Now... i have no choice but to stoop down and have my eyes on a quite cheap Compaq laptop... or at the worst case scenario... a NEO laptop *shivers*... I have no choice. This is a necessity, not to mention envy also played a part in this obsession in laptops... I have to save up money and pay it monthly I think... If my parents would not want to buy, then I'll have to buy it for myself!

Being a gadget freak, I have a cellphone, a Palm, an iPod, and a camera... All I lack is a laptop... So watch out, SM North EDSA Cyberzone... You might see me canvassing there during the summer break. And I need Mon's, Shir's, and Steph's help... If you guys can accompany me to canvass, the better... and then consider this to be the next Unean Reunion just before my birthday! So what do you say? Nyahahaha...

No Summer Vacation???

Arrgh... I hate Ateneo...

Biro mo naman, March 26-30: Finals Week

March 31: Graduation

So parang April 1 iyong simula ng bakasyon!

Tapos may summer classes pa! April 16 start to May 25!

Then, start of classes ay June 13!

In short, NO REST. ARRGH!

Valentino Ateneo

February 14, 2007 is way much different than February 14, 2006.

Last year, Cupid's day was like any other day. It was just a normal routine... going to morning class, then the afternoon class. I was just making "tambay" at Gum and Mug and was just talking to my close friends...

This year, it's sooo different. Can it be that people are becoming more Westernized? Or is college really just different from high school? Anyway, when I entered the premises of Ateneo, all I see are roses, choclolates, big pink paper bags, boxes, laces, golden ribbons, etc. All I see are numerous couples walking by the walkway, side by side, hugging and tickling and... erm... never mind...

Some of my blockmates even had dates at night... In the middle of the class there was this one girl who received a harana from "anonymous"...

Valentine's Day for me was a hectic one. I just went to my daily routine, and had a date...

with my Calculus book! Wahahaha... (Not funny)

I just read the advance chapters of Integration by Parts (iyong integral ng ln x), since all my other blockmates were busy doing their HWs (I didn't have HW that day, so I was bored to death). I also want to beat Kamote, the Goddess of Integrals, and Sir Byron, the God of Calculus... Ahehe...

I went to Sta. Lucia to pay off my bills in Smart that afternoon. Whoa! The mall was crowded with couples and families... All restaurants were full of people wearing red shirts. Really now, I didn't feel the presence of St. Valentin last year... Now, however, as if love literally was in the air...

Before I'll leave you guys for the day, I just wanted to say that De La Salle University shall have its campus open for non-Lasallians for their Animo Amplified this Friday, Feb. 16! Bands and fireworks are up! Tanong ko lang kung sino pupunta, mga Uneans (Shir, Mon), other Uneans, and Lasallians (Lou, Yan, Nica, etc.). I might join you guys if ever may pupunta...

Valentine's News

For the latest headlines...

Solomon's Secret Sensation
2/9/07 Blue Eagles Digest
Katipunan, QC - While I was in the CTC Comlab chatting with my new friend Yan, I was in for a shock. Apparently, Yan, Solomon's blockmate, told me that somebody has a crush on him! Yes, you heard me right! Somebody, as in SOMEBODY, has a CRUSH (yes, CRUSH) on SOLOMON, yes, the SOLOMON POLICARPIO LIM!!! According to reliable sources, Yan's bestfriend's friend (WOW so exact) has her eyes on my close friend. Apparently, the girl saw Mon's pic and she was in love at first sight!!! Solomon's handsome and cute??? My only guess is: Either the girl's blind or she has the same qualities as the son of the owner of Gum and Mug.

Here's also a tidbit of info! While on the car back from MoA last Saturday, Nikko saw Solomon... replying to this anonymous Sun number!!! It's so obvious that the anonymous person is a Filipino because she used a lot of shortcut words, and her way of speaking is way so different from the upper class... a country girl of some sort. Also, she was like making kumusta to Mon if he had eaten or not... Hmmm... Yan is formulating ways for them to become close with each other... I really cannot imagine a girl falling for a guy like him!!! Zettai ne!

Advice to this unknown girl... I want to see your face... If your face is ugly, then no doubt... If you look beautiful, however, I pity you. The guy your longing for is nothing but an extravagant, spoiled brat!!! Turned off? If not, you're really in love!!! I'm happy for you guys! I thought Mon shall become a celibate forever! Mwahahaha!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Robin, Nikko signed peace treaty
2/9/07 Blue Eagles Digest
Katipunan, QC - Robin Sy, my R3 blockmate, has recently talked to me last Friday. I was still a bit cold to him, but when he explained that he was not going to tease me harshly anymore, I cooled down. I hope what he's saying is true. I don't like enemies, and I also don't like being mistreated. Caution: This peace treaty shall cease to exist if he teases me again.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chaotic Math Class
~/~/~ Blue Eagles Digest
An Unknown Classroom, AdMU - **************************************** *************************
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Post edited by author... Ru guo ni xiang yao original copy, qing gen wo liao liao... Xie xie he zuo!

These are only a few of the major headlines last week... Stay tuned for more!

This is Ravenik, signing off...

Unean Reunion 7: Delve into My House (Updated)

Updated: For those who will be joining the Unean Reunion 8, you will receive a free copy of the raw videos from Ravenik Productions. The videos in the data CD include:

• Tumalikod
• Volcano Run
• A Christmas Blessing from the Philippines
  
• Unean Reunion 6
• Unean Reunion 7
• World Pyro Olympics: Australia
• World Pyro Olympics: Germany
• World Pyro Olympics: Denmark and Canada
• World Pyro Olympics: China

To Shir and Mon (who have their own respective productions), please burn ALL of your works/raw videos, so that I can have a collection of them. The law of equivalent trade in alchemy, that is.

Wala lang... See ya' all in the Unean Reunion 8!

The Unean Reunion Concept

You hear it in our daily conversations, texts, IMs, etc. You even see it in our Multiply sites. The term "Unean Reunion" is not new to me and my circle of friends. What is the hidden truth behind this? Let us delve deeper on the concept of the "Unean Reunion."

Unean Reunion (n.) (YOO-ni-yən re-yoo-nyən): Full name: Uneans Batch 2006 Nikko's Circle of Friends Reunion; a reunion wherein Nikko and his group of friends (Uneans) would meet after their high school days; occasion varies (birthday, shopping, dancing, skating, IMAX, inaguration of a new mall, wala lang)

Where the word originated: After Nikko, his friends, and other batchmates graduated from high school, they must find a way so that their friendships will remain strong. That's why, after a stressful week, they would chill out in the mall... Unean, since all the participants are Uneans... Reunion, meeting again after some time...

The word was first used by me, of course... I was the Unean Reunion Propagator... Solomon was next, because of his Multiply site... Since Unean Reunions were becoming more frequent, we had to number them so that each and every Unean Reunion was well distinguished. There were still problems, however. There were already countless times that I encountered Uneans (ex. Tennis with Shirlina, Kathy and Steph toured me to UST, etc.), which tells us that it's quite confusing if we consider every meeting a "Unean Reunion." Also, since Solomon does not always attend Unean Reunions, he has a different way to number it. So, we had to set some rules and prerequisites so that a "reunion" is formally called a Unean Reunion.

For a "reunion" to be officially called a "Unean Reunion":

1) Must be composed of at least 3 people.

2) Participants must be graduates of Uno High School Batch 2006. Also, no blockmates of any sort. There will come a time wherein there will be a special kind of reunion for them, after we graduate from our own respective universities. So, if Nicolo came, sorry... it shall not be considered a Unean Reunion.

3) Must be at least 5 hours long. Time starts when all the participants meet, and ends when all of the participants arrive at their respective homes.

4) The reason of the reunion must be of leisure or no serious business. I didn't count the House Blessing as a Unean Reunion 6 because it is family business...

5) The venue must be of a high-class place (MoA for now), unless otherwise stated by the Propagator. All 5 Unean Reunion took place at MoA. The 6th, on Dec. 21, 2006, shall of course, still happen at MoA.

6) If Greenbelt 5's, Trinoma's, and SM North EDSA's constructions are done, then they are possible candidates for Unean Reunion venues. Other candidates include Eastwood, The Fort, Ayala Malls, and Rockwell.

7) At least one person must have a camera with him/her. If all of the participants forgot to bring cameras, sorry... we could say that no "Unean Reunion" took place. No proof also that one ever happened. That's why I would not consider my birthday party at Greenbelt (Da Vinci Code Bonanza) as my first Unean Reunion, since no one brought cameras for that day.

8) There must be at least 50 pictures posted in the participants' Multiply sites. By 50 pictures, I mean that in Solomon's and Nikko's Multiply, there must be a sum of at least 50 pics. That would not be a problem, since I alone could take more than 70, and Solomon, more than 100.

9) If the Propagator didn't join a particular outing or meeting, that would not be considered a Unean Reunion. if the participants wanted to consider that a "Unean Reunion", they must ask the Propagator's permission; or else, they would be committing plagiarism, and I could sue them for it.

10) The outing must be planned early so that it could be officially called a Unean Reunion. Planning early means it has to be planned at least 5 days or 120 hours before the actual date. Sudden outings will not be tolerated.

11) Expenses must reach at least a sum of 1000 pesos for all the participants. The excuse of having no money, or saving up money in whatever sort, will not be tolerated.

12) Lastly, if force majeure (accident, unnatural phenomena, weather problems, death in the outing, reunion, etc.) happens within the outing, the Propagator has the right to not call it a Unean Reunion, or more importantly, cease to remind this outing, as if it didn't exist at all.

So far, 5 out of the 6 planned reunions happened already. 2 out of these reunions are named differently by Nikko and Solomon. Good thing the numbering balanced, and you will see why later on.

Unean Reunion 1: Steph's Treat and AJMA's Shindig (Nikko)
(Solomon didn't counted this because he was not included)
When: September 23, 2006
Who: Nikko, Steph, and George
Where: MoA

Unean Reunion 2: MoA (Nikko) / Unean Reunion - Phase One (Solomon)
When: October 24, 2006
Who: Nikko, Solomon, Steph, Lisa, Joanie
Where: MoA

Unean Reunion 3: Halloween (Nikko) / Unean Reunion - Phase Two (Solomon)
When: October 31, 2006
Who: Nikko, Solomon, Lisa
Where: MoA

* Unean Reunion - Phase Three (Solomon)
I didn't count this, because there were only 2 Batch 2006 Graduates (prerequisites 1 and 2); it only lasted for 3 hours (prerequisite 3); the venue was only at SM Manila (prerequisite 5); there were only 20 pics available (prerequisite 8); lastly, expenses didn't reach 1000 pesos (prerequisite 11).
When: November 4, 2006
Who: Nikko, Solomon, Nicolo
Where: SM Manila

Unean Reunion 4: Shir's Treat / Unean Reunion - Phase Four
When: November 26, 2006
Who: Nikko, Solomon, Shir, Steph
Where: MoA

Unean Reunion 5: IMAX and Mega-Reunion / Unean Reunion - Phase Five
When: December 1, 2006
Who: Nikko, Solomon, Shir, Steph
Where: MoA

Unean Reunion 6: X-mas Break, IMAX 3D (SOON...)
When: December 21, 2006
Who: Nikko, Steph, Shir, Dianne... (open slots)
Where: MoA

Because of a popular demand, Unean Reunion 7 shall be a bit different from the other URs...

Unean Reunion 7: Delve into my House (SOON...)
When: X-mas Break (tentative)
Who: Nikko...
Where: My House

We are also expecting a Unean Reunion 8...
Unean Reunion 8: Solomon's Treat (SOON...)
When: January 2007
Who: Nikko, Solomon... (haha, expect na expect...)
Where: TBA

What are we waiting for? More Unean Reunions to come!

God is Good

I cannot believe that God is so good… The weekend I thought that would be a fiasco turned out to be a successful opportunity for me and my friends to meet and have a good time.

I was like cursing myself and the weather last Wednesday. I was really in a bad mood. First, we had an exposure trip on December 2 for INTAC (Introduction to the Ateneo Culture). Failure to attend shall incur 3 cuts for the student. Our house was going to be blessed on Dec. 2, so I tried to coordinate with the coordinators if they can move me to another group or something. They said they can’t and I really had no choice but to accept the 3 cuts imposed, since it was the rule anyway. My heart was down for my futile attempt. So, I just sacrificed my INTAC for the house blessing.

Second… Metro Manila was said to receive a direct hit from super typhoon Reming on Dec 1. I cannot believe what I was seeing on the news. Malacañang declared no classes on Nov. 30 because of the arriving typhoon. I was also angry at that time because all the homework and tests shall get piled up on Monday! Anyway, I suggested moving our Unean Reunion 5 on Nov. 30, since we might not get out on Dec. 1 because of the supposedly harsh weather. Shirlina and Solomon had meetings on Nov. 30, so we were to stick on the original schedule of Dec. 1. I just said to them: “Good luck nalang sa atin, na sana hindi tayo tangayin ng alon, hangin, at hindi mawala ang kuryente sa IMAX.” Since I reserved and paid the tickets already on IMAX last Tuesday, it would be a waste if there would be a blackout or if we would not come.

Nov. 30, 2006, I was just in the house doing nothing. I was aslo angry since it was sunny and Gloria declared no classes. Hay grabe… I tried to update myself on Reming’s course. I can’t sleep that night because I was afraid on what might happen… During the night I heard rain pouring heavily… Oh my God…

Dec. 1, 2006, 6AM… I quickly turned on my computer and looked at the online news. God was really good… Metro Manila was spared from a direct hit because God had put a high-pressure area above Metro Manila, and that pushed Reming down to the Batangas and Mindoro area. When I looked out the window, it was cloudy and windy, but the wind's not strong and there were no signs it will be raining later. Woohoo! Praise the Lord!

Me and my friends were ice skating in MoA, when suddenly, Lisa texted me… She said that her INTAC trip shall be moved to Dec. 2 (originally hers was Dec. 9, so she could come to my house blessing). I was fuming with anger again… I was cursing INTAC for ruining my schedules again… First the 3 cuts, then my friend cannot come because of that **** INTAC… ARRGHH!

I was still in a bad mood when… Lisa texted me again… I was shouting in the rink, because all Dec. 2 INTAC trips were CANCELLED! I was shouting and screaming… God was really good… Lisa can come to my house blessing again… and best of all… No more 3 cuts for me!!!

From a ruined schedule, God made it look like a jigsaw puzzle, wherein the pieces fitted perfectly. Thank you Lord Almighty… Thank you…

Lessons Learned

Today is the last day of my 26-day semestral break. I would go back to this hellish Ateneo and its surroundings... I tried my best to use up this time to reflect on my decision: whether to transfer or not. During this time, I had learned some lessons, in which some of them I never expected it would come from someone else.

Note: I also tried my best to use my sem break... er I mean money, wisely collecting Starbucks Stickers. 10 more to go~! Thanks to me, my mom, Shir, and Solomon for contributing! Starbucks Planner... Starbucks Planner... Starbucks Planner...

Lesson 1: Envy & Contenment
Last Thursday, I went to "the Tigers' Lair." Since Thomasians already started their 2nd sem, Steph, George, and Kathy decided to tour me in their free time at UST. Well, it was coincidential that they were free at 12PM onwards. So I went there after my driving lessons and ate at KFC AMV Building Carpark. We met Em at USTe. We met up with Steph after, then ate at Cerealicious (try it, much better than Ice Monster). After that, they toured me to the Arch, Benavidez Park, Sports Complex, Main Building, Central Lib, their MVP center counterpart, their "TARC", and much more. Too bad I did not brought my camera... Grrrr...

When I went to USTe, I saw a glimpse of how their college lives were. We jokingly tried to distinguish each student's course just by looking at their uniforms. They were walking at the beautiful park outside the Main (USTe's parks are much prettier). Seeing the surroundings, the students' "bustlingness", the problems they face during lunch break, the freedom they had in entering the campus, made me feel envious in that university, just like when I entered La Salle for Celadon and CCS about 2 weeks ago. I always had the thought of: "Why does this not happen in my school?" People in other colleges seem to be happy and contented. However, I thought: If I toured my friends to Ateneo and they saw our own lifestyle, will they also get envious of me? When I said to them that I was envious in UST or La Salle, I received the same reply: "Wala namang espesyal a, bakit ka naiingit?" Would I retort the same reply if they said they were envious of me? The reason maybe is that I am so tired of my college life that I had the tendency to feel bored and that I want to try a new lifestyle. Well, it seems that would happen to other people also. Should I not get envious and be contented with what I have?

Lesson 2: Smile & Stand Up
(Warning: Spoilers below.)
I had really enjoyed watching Fruits Basket during the break, thanks to Kamote's constant badgering. Furuba (Fruits Basket) tackled some topics that can be applicable to me. For example, Honda Tohru was always stupidly smiling even though she's in a pinch. That's why many people were like ridiculing her. Like me, I am a shallow person. I laugh whenever I could. That's why my blockmates often tell me: "Bakit ka ba tawa nang tawa wala namang nakakatawa???" For Tohru, she had Yuki, Kyou and Shigure Sohma to back her up. In the end, there were people caring for her and accepting her for who the way she was. I would just think: When I'm feeling down, I would try to remember that someone out there, esp. my close friends, are there to help me.

Another thing I like about Tohru is her strong will and determination. She strongly wants to know about the Sohma family. Even though Akito didn't like the idea, she still pursued it. She learned Hatori's, Momiji's, and Ayame's bad pasts. Hatori and Momiji had to lost a loved one by erasing their loved one's memories because they were "cursed." Kyou also had its true "cat-form" exposed to Tohru. Nevertheless, Tohru sympathized for them and even wanted more to become friends with them, despite their abnormalities. Tohru's indeed a good friend! How I wish I would meet someone like that...

Lesson 3: Be a Mirror
Yesterday was Gum and Mug's 11th anniversary. There was a massive celebration with another Unean Reunion: DK, Jua, Nicolo, Solo, and me. We also passed by Uno and saw a lot of our batchmates. One particular thing about this celebration was about shouting things in front of Robin's House... "Paderanga, CATCH ME!" or "Robin, mas mukha ka pang driver kaysa sa akin!" or "Robin, ang lakas rin ng sa iyo, MAGPABANGO ka nga!" One thing I realized was that: I became much bolder and more confident with myself. I can shout all of these without realizing it. I had mustered up enough courage to shout these things, especially that it was embarrassing to shout on the streets or even in front of his house. And to add it all up, the guard was watching us and Robin and his orange-shirt guy friend watching us, and... ah basta!!! Wow, I have hidden courage pala!

One thing I also learned was from Robin himself, unexpectedly. I cannot believe that this bitchy blockmate of mine taught me a lesson. Yesterday, I wanted him to feel the same way as to what I felt during the 1st sem by retorting all those statements. In short, gusto ko siya mapikon. However, Joanie saw the difference between me and that person. She noticed it that he was not the type of person who falters easily by just throwing harsh statements at him. She whispered to me: "Nikko, hindi siya pikunin... tumatawa lang siya kanina." I see... If I can be like him, a mirror who reflects all of the bad things thrown to me, would I be a much happier person?

If that would be the case...

Then I decided...

To give Ateneo a second chance...

Dance to the Rhythm 2

Note: It has a "2" in it because there was a post named "Dance to the Rhythm" about a year ago...

Two titles, one topic. Dance Maniax!


It was Teacher's Day 2005 then. Off to SM San Lazaro with the 5 pioneers: Steph, Solomon, Nikko, DK, and Shirlina. Off we played then. We were just neophytes then. Let me tell you about the stages the three of the five former pioneers had undergone, as they became the "BIG THREE": Steph, Solomon, and Nikko.

Stage 1: Maiden Dance
Maiden Dance with Solomon. We didn't know the cheat wherein one could choose songs freely. So we played the normal one, and died at Stage 3.

STAGE CLEARED.

Stage 2: Second Dance with Steph. We played the course mode, and finished up to Stage 5! Well, I only used my hands, and my hand positions were awkward.

STAGE CLEARED.

Stage 3: During our sem break, I went almost every day to SM San Lazaro to play DM. One reason is that so that I could gain self-confidence while playing, and second, so that I could master and try out the cheat for the first time! All mild songs then, and I placed my hands in a particular position so that it would not be awkward-looking and it would be my future trademark.

STAGE CLEARED.

Stage 4: After weeks of playing alone, I tried playing with the BIG THREE, including some new neophytes, Joanie, Nicolo, Lisa, and Kamote. First tried out Wild songs such as Locomotion, In my Dreams, etc. Barely living, but still alive! For the first time, I tried out 1.5x speed. Also tried out Dance Revo and Para Paradise, and still, no one can replace Dance Maniax!

STAGE CLEARED.

Stage 5: Mustered up enough self-confidence to play. I was certain that people will not laugh at me anymore. Promoted myself to 2.0x speed. Tried out other mild songs and new wild songs. tried out Heaven is a 57' Metallic Grey. Steph and I managed to make an album of favorites: Locomotion, In My Dreams, Butterfly, I Will Follow Him, etc.

STAGE CLEARED.

Stage 6: Still using my hands in playing. More new wild songs. tried out many variants. Tackled up new and tricky songs. My hands were becoming more flexible and quicker when it comes to fast songs. Combos can reach up to 200 or more. Perfected Locomotion (Wild), In My Dreams (Wild), I Will Follow Him (Wild), working my way in Butterfly (Wild).

STAGE CLEARED.

Stage 7: First time to try out feet in playing. Always failed back then because the sensors were not sensing my feet. Promoted myself to 2.5x speed. Anyway, got an S in more Wild songs like Boom Boom Dollar, Tubthumping, Cat's Eye, Petit Love, Boys, etc.

STAGE CLEARED.

Stage 8: Got enough experience to known which DM machines are okay, or old, or defective. Timezone Greenhills' and Eastwood's were the best so far. SM San Lazaro's, Greenbelt's, and Glorietta's were good. SM Manila's machine was defective on the right side. Gateway's and Robinsons' were the worst... Dance Freaks (the old version of DM)!!! Did you know that an old or defective machine can be a hindrance to a person's potential in dancing?!?

STAGE CLEARED.

Stage 9: After months of slumber, I played DM again. Tried out the hardest songs available. Quickening, Afronova Primeval, Dam Dariram, Happy Hopper, and other "infamous" ones. We died... hahaha. Second try with Solomon, got a D... barely living, but alive. Nakayanan!

STAGE CLEARED.

Stage 10: The BIG THREE (Steph, Solo, me) becoming over-confident and arrogant at times. Ok lang maging mayabang... may maipagmamayabang... ahahaha! Criticizing people who were playing. If then we wanted no one watching us, now we want multitudes of crowd watching us play! We started practicing the technique of "mass credits", wherein for we to play wihtout any disturbance, we must put a fairly large amount of credits to declare that we are the next ones who will play. The largest so far: 30 credits, put by me and Solomon.

STAGE CLEARED.

Stage 11: After constant practicing at Greenhills last week, I learned the technique on how the sensors would sense my feet. Just give it a little kick, like in taekwondo. Kick feet forward, not sideways (Dati kasi pa-sideways ako sumipa, kaya pala hindi nasesense!).

STAGE CLEARED.

Stage 12: Using my feet more frequently. Got my first S in Quickening, a very infamous song. Learned more techniques such as criss-crossing, hand-foot alternation, one-hand movement, fast-hand coordination, hand alternation in "All My Love", head-banging, clapping, snapping, and "THE TURN", as Steph and I called it, wherein you turn 360 degrees during pauses... A 100% crowd-pleaser. I showed the new tricks to Solomon, He made gaya, and he went off-balanced!

STAGE CLEARED.

Final Stage: Improving more and more. Nobody can stop us. Nobody can ever make our hearts falter. No thing in the world can diminish our interest in playing DM. The BIG THREE, continue to step forward, acquire more techniques, master new songs, and become Dance Maniax Champions. Our trump card, my friends, shall be in our hearts, err... I mean hands and feet... FOREVER!

STAGE CLEARED!

Blottery

Recap of my Ramadan and Post-Ramadan...

Ramadan: Unean Reunion at MoA. SoloJua, Lisa, Steph, and me. Lisa's Car. Archer very late. Teriyaki Boy. Ice skating. Cafe Breton (my mom's treat). 18 credits of Dance Maniax. Shakey's. Fully Booked. http://darkhitsugaya.multiply.com. Pictures are worth a thousand words.

Post-Ramadan: Went to La Salle. Englicom toured us. Saw Kamote, Jester, and so many Uneans. Well blended in La Salle. Ate at Z^2. So many games. Treasure Hunt. Met up with Kamote again. So much fun.

Life is sure hard in Ateneo...

Since I became a full-fledged eaglet, I can't help but think... am I among the 2,105 "eaglets" lost in this new nest? Some freshmen can cope up easier than others. Some are shy, and prefers to be alone. However, from my experience, it is not the shyness or the attitude that counts. It's your block.

A block is like a section that you are in, so it is like you're "home" for the next 2 years of my college life... (4 years for some universities). You don't choose your block. The administration sets it for you. The block you are in is like being in lotteries. Blottery (block lottery) happens to all college freshmen. You are placed in a block, along with other people. In the start of classes, you would be in a realm of mysteries. You don't know what will happen to you or who will be your future college companions. It is up to you to make decisions for you to make friends.

In my case however, it is not me who's to blame anymore. It's the block's fault already. So more than 4 months, all of my close friends in La Salle have already found new friends. Their blocks are well united. My block, sad to say, is so UNRULY. Our block is kind of diversed. Some people are so plastic, and some people, ESPECIALLY one of them, LIKES to "downgrade" me, so or to say, laging pinapahiya sa harap ng mga tao. That's why up until now, I'm still a lost one, constantly searching for people who shall accept me as to who I am.

I have a definition of a real friend. It is someone who accepts you the way you are. He/she shall accept you, no matter how weird you are, no matter how stubborn you are, and no matter how different you are. On the eyes of a real friend, you are normal. Steph, Solomon, Shirlina, DK, Lisa, Joanie, George, Kathy, Kamote, and others... no matter how weird I laugh, or how corny I am, or how stubborn I am, or how weird my statements are, or how weird I say "HELLOOOO", or how different my points of views are, they accepted me as their friend. Some people from our block, however, are so plastic, seriously. They're like, saying something on my back, and so obvious pa! Hello, taga-Uno ako. Hindi ako tatanga-tanga tulad ng mga ibang schools diyan. At isa pa, my tao talaga sa block namin na sobrang manlait, sa harap pa ng maraming tao at pasigaw pa siya kung manlait! Sa kanyang mga mata, lahat ng ginagawa ko either mali, wala sa uso, pambakla, or pambata, o konserbatibo, o whatsoever... iiyak na ako e... Sobra na siya e... pinipigil ko nalang ang sarili ko... Talaga lang...

Kung hindi niyo matanggap kung sino ako, anong gagawin ko? Will I change myself for your preferences? Well, uto-uto rin ako, at sumunod sa kanila. Lahat ng panlalait na tinapon sa akin, sinubukan kong baguhin. I just realized that I was merely playing in the palm of their hands. I was wrong. I did not see the essence of a real friend in their souls. I must be bad in Blottery na napunta ako sa block na ganito...

Noong pumunta ako sa La Salle twice last week, nakita ko sina Kamote, Shirlina, at Solomon, na napakasaya sa kanilang block. Wow naman, ang galing sa Blottery... Kamote's block is cool. Even though most of her friends are guys, they tease me and Kamote, but I don't mind. They're sooo friendly. Pati nga ung 21st floor sa Andrew Hall, binuking ko si Kamote, ahahaha! I haven't seen Shir's block, but from her accounts, hers is one of the most coveted blocks in Metro Manila. Ang daming issues, grabe... Solomon's block is the most prized possession of all. Noong Saturday, kasama ko si Solomon and Nica, his blockmate, sa La Salle. Wow grabe, ang friendly, kahit taga-Ateneo ako. Wow grabe, as in, in na in pa sila sa Pokemon! Hitmonlim, Nicachu, wahahah! Sobrang compatible ang block ni Solomon sa akin... Alam niyo ba, kapag pumunta sila, or any anime lovers sa block ko, baka lang bansagan silang weirdos. Kaya nga e... Sobrang hirap na hirap na ako... One conclusion... People in La Salle are MUCH MUCH better than people in Ateneo...

After much thought in my block's kabahuan and my friends' blocks being utopias, I had the thought of transferring to La Salle... Maraming nagulat noong sinabi ko ito sa mga tao. Don't think that I'm that shallow... My reason... Who can study well and pass with flying colors if people that surround you are always degrading you? If you're not happy, then you would not do well. Mas masaya sa La Salle. I just can't stand Ateneo's conforming socitey. Wala akong mapapala sa Ateneo kapag magpapatuloy ito... I'm really disappointed. Nagsisi ako why I even bother choosing this school. I should've chosen La Salle...

Ateneo did not change me... I changed for Ateneo.

Sembreak Sensation

Yes! Tuesday was the start of my sem break! Now... what to do... Last updated my blog... October 5?!? Need some catching up...

What to do in 26 days of my break... Nyahahaha...
First: Play tennis!
Second: Take up driving lessons!
Third: Read good novels!
Fourth: Go to my blockmates' debuts!
Fifth: Mall-hopping with my batchmates!
Sixth: Make testimonials for my friends and blockmates!
Seventh: Organize a yearbook meeting (Kathy's idea)!
Eighth: Hopefully continue my "Chronicles of Takehiro!"
Ninth: Invite my close friends at my new house!
Tenth: Of course, visit our deceased relatives!
Eleventh: Keep up with Bleach and Naruto episodes!
Twelfth: Hopefully tour my close friends in the Ateneo campus!
and Lastly... update my blog!

The Eagles' Last Stand

The Eagles' Last Stand
by Nikko Tolentino
Ateneo de Manila University
Last updated 3:47PM (Manila time)

Thousands of Ateneans' hearts were crushed when the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers once again mauled the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles overtime, 76-74, for the final fight for the UAAP Season 69 Championship last Monday at the Araneta Coliseum. Each team had 1 win and 1 loss. In Game 1, Ateneo won by the final second, 73-72. UST took its revenge in Game 2, 87-71. The blue-blooded members from Katipunan just stood there on one side of the coliseum, watching with tear-filled eyes, as the other side of the dome, primarily the yellow-and-black supporters from España, shouted on the top of their voices.

The 4th quarter score before the overtime was 64-64. The three reporters (Nikko Tolentino, Lisa Janine Lao, and Romelle Don Mendoza) were cheering nervously on Upper Box B for the last 12 seconds of the overtime game. For the last 12 seconds, Blue Eagles' coach Norman Black called for the final timeout. The score was 75-74, in favor of the Tigers. Ateneo fans were cheering wildly, including for our three reporters, because there might be a deja vu in Game 1. Recall that in the final second, Black also called for a timeout, then Doug Kramer shot the "Hail Mary Shot" (as called by Ateneans) and bagged Ateneo's first win. They didn't know it was going to be their last win for the season.

As the timer ticked for the final second, the ball was in the hands of the Ateneo team. When JC Intal was about to do a lay-up, he was charged of an offensive foul by the referee. With 4.6 seconds to spare and Dylan Ababou free-throwing , we knew that it was over. Ateneo fans put down their banners and sat down in shock. These blue-eagle aficionados just stood there disbelieving that the UAAP crown, in a fraction a second, was taken from them. "It was so near..." Lisa Lao whispered to me. When Ababou's second free throw went in, we knew it was too late. Thomasians cheered: "Go USTe, Go USTe, Go USTe, Go! Go! Go! Go! Go USTe..." Their favorite cheer boomed throughout the Big Dome, at the same time shattering the Eagles' pride and dignity from the other side of the dome.

As the timer unleashed its final buzz of UAAP Season 69, Thomasians cheered wildly. "We are the Tigers, the mighty mighty Tigers..." As the Growling Tigers approched the center of the court hugging each other, the Blue Eagles stood on the side, with Intal, Macky Escalona, Kramer, and Chris Tiu, crying. As this scene was shown on the big screen in front of us, one by one, the blue audience finally had their tears flowing too.

I and Lisa's only comfort was the singing of the Ateneo alma mater song. The statement "Win or lose, it's the school we choose!" was the most audible. The UST students clapped their hands after our song, and we knew that it was sincere. The audience from the Ateneo side also clapped, congratulating the Growling Tigers as they bagged the season crown after three games of nonstop excitement and action, and 10 years of failure. Santo Tomas last won the championship in 1996, Ateneo in 2002.

Another reporter and a friend of mine, Nicolo Marvin Quieng, reported that the UST people were not as sincere as they looked. He sat on the yellow side, observing the Thomasians' every move. He reported that on the Ateneo's "Win or lose" statement, the UST people yelled back: "Win or lose it is still a LOSS!!!" Also when the blue-blooded fans first departed the coliseum, these black-gold-black-white fans were deliberately going to the other side of the dome tearing Ateneo's leftover banners and placards. Quieng also said that there were also some rumors scattering upon the UST side about the Ateneo team reserving The Fort for a mega-party that night and their production of 20,000 pesos worth of T-shirts proclaiming the Eagles as UAAP 2006 champs. They just ridiculed and made fun at the matter.

The piercing sorrow that I felt in our loss was much more intense than in my past games in the Tiong Lian held in my alma mater. The Tiong Lian season and the UAAP season were absolutely incomparable. The intenseness of the games, the joy, the sorrow, and the tears were very very different. When the Uno Team lost back then, I just felt bad for a couple of hours. When the Eagles Team lost, I was in the extent from crying and mourning for 2 consecutive days. Was it because it was the Final Game to determine the champions? Or was it because I loved Ateneo more than Uno? Will the Tigers also feel the same way if we won?

As a final conclusion on this matter, I would like congratulate the Tigers for the championship. I would also like to congratulate the Eagles for a nice game. I would lastly like to praise the UAAP sponsors and they successfully managed to make a new rivalry, since Ateneo-La Salle games were out for the season. I would surely say that the Ateneo-UST rivalry is ripe and fresh. Will it stand over the years, just like Ateneo and La Salle's 50+ years of rivalry? Only time will tell.

Do not be downhearted, fellow Eagles! Next year shall be a new and bright year to soar up high. Animo Ateneo, One Big Fight!

Copyright 2006 Ateneo de Manila University. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcasted, rewritten or redistributed.

Milenyo's Misery

I have to point this out because this storm was the worst ever to ruin my schedules...

~~~09.27.2006, Wednesday~~~
I had my usual class in Ateneo. After class, I ate lunch, then had a ping-pong duel with Robin. After that, seeing that the weather was still fine, I decided to go to Recto and have my usual dose of tennis-playing. I also have to give Shirlina the UAAP ticket that her blockmate ordered. I accidentally took Robin's umbrella. Sorry pa rin! Anyway, as I arrive at Recto, it started drizzling. Talk about the fickle-minded weather... As I arrived at the court, the weather worsened. I knew it was Milenyo, the current typhoon that shall soon enter the Philippine area of responsibility. I saw it on the news last Tuesday. I had no choice but to cancel my appointement with my coach. Shirlina also cancelled her appointment and just met up with me and took the ticket. Oh, and I returned Robin's umbrella... hehehe... We went straight home. It was pointless to play on wet courts.

I had a hard time going home because the rain was pouring harder than ever. As I arrived at my house, I received several IMs and texts that classes were suspended the next day. Yehey! I was overjoyed. However, I was about to realize that I was very very wrong in wishing for that...

~~~09.28.2006, Thursday~~~
As I woke up, my maid screamed: "Walang kuryente!" I suddenly jerked up and tried the switched. It was really a power outage. I also received text that the Ateneo vs. UST game got postponed. What the hell?!? It shall be a very boring day, I said. As I looked out the window, winds gushing and heavy downpour of rain were in sight. Also because of Globe's Unlimitxt, I just texted several people to "keep" me company. Sigh...

During lunchtime, I sensed that something's wrong. As I looked out the window again, winds gushed harder and rain poured harder. Suddenly, I heard bangs and crashes. Oh My God... Trees were uprooted, and banners flew wildly. Frogs got squished by the trees and cars... What a horrible sight. Our house was covered by leaves and grass that were flying madly around the vicinity. Our windows leaked. What the?!? Good thing I immediately brought up pails to prevent water from further gushing in my room. I read Chasing Vermeer and had an afternoon nap just to forget all there unfortunate events.

As I woke up, the winds and rain subsided, but I saw so many debris that this Milenyo had left us. There's still no power. I texted my friends, and they all replied: "Still no power." Oh my gulay... It shall going to be a dark night. Good thing it was not too hot and there's a candle beside my bed. I finished Chasing Vermeer before I went to sleep.

~~~09.29.2006, Friday~~~
I woke up expecting that there was already electricity. To no avail, there's still no power!!! I don't want to repeat the boredom I experienced yesterday, so I decided to go out. Since the weather was "clear", I brought my racket just in case. As usual, I texted my Globe friends so that I would escape the boredom pouring inside me.

When I arrived at LRT Santolan, another bad news arose. NO LRT. Darn... I had to resort to other things. I do not want to return to my boring house. So, I took a FX from Santolan to Cubao, then a jeep from Cubao to Divisoria. What a lengthy ride... By the way, I bought On Beauty by Zaide Smith at Fully Booked Gateway (our 2nd book report). As I was on the jeep, I had observed the surroundings. Milenyo's devestation can be seen throughout Metro Manila. Fallen billboards and uprooted trees were just some.

When I arrived at the tennis court, it was still not raining. So, I had managed to play about an hour. Shirlina only managed to play about 20 minutes because it rained again. Damn you, Milenyo! Anyway, we had no choice but to forfeit our tennis practice again... As we were passing by Alvarado, it seemed like the Swedish invaded the Philippines! Steel skeletons can be seen stuck in the middle of the road. Another of Milenyo's devestations... Sigh...

We decided to go home. I rode the jeep again from Recto to Cubao. Good thing my parents were going to fetch me up there, so that I would not have a hard time commuting home. As I arrived home, I cannot believe that we were still deprived of electricity!!! George and Shirlina already had electricity! Another bad event: my cellphone's out of battery. Fuming, I sat down and ate dinner under the candelight, cursing at the darkness. Imagine, no internet for 36 hours! After dinner, I began reading On Beauty under the candlelight. After three consecutive hours of reading. My neighbor screamed. YEHEY! ELECTRICITY had returned. The time was 9:57PM. So, I also screamed and immediately turned on the computer and made this super lengthy post about my anger at Milenyo. I was angry at this storm, because it was the only storm that made me bored for 48 hours!