A Bruneiyuki’s Emotional Baggage!

          Normally, exchanging smiles and saying thank you are enough to show one’s appreciation to someone. However, this time, before the year officially ends, with few hours left before the year of the rat lands, allow me to thank those people who have made my life robust, colorful,and really memorable. I must admit, without them, my life would definitely be dull or even lifeless. Also, let me thank those individuals who for a short span of time made an impact in my life.By writing on this list those names, I would not only show them how thankful I am. I would immortalize these inspiring individuals who gave me direction, reason to live, reach for my dreams, fight for what I believe is right, and most especially, live my life to the fullest.

            So, before everyone goes gaga over their media noche and last minute shopping of fireworks (which the government doesn’t support), let me now present to all of you the people whom I really, certainly, and from the bottom of my heart, want to thank!

            First on the list, definitely, my father or Papa. Thank you Papa for all the support, for the understanding, for the moral support, and for the financial help especially in the lowest point of my career. You are very generous in providing me and my brothers the things we need and sometimes what we want. In short, you are a very responsible father. You always provide not only the materials things we need to cope in this mundane world, but also, the love, care, and comfort in times of despair and sadness. Plus, when mom died two years ago, you showed us how to fight, be strong, and slowly accept mom is already happily reunited with our dear Lord. It was in those moments that I idolized you and even up to now. You will always be my source of inspiration and I promise to make you proud of me. Thank you very much for all the things you’ve done. In fact, I’m very thankful to God he gave me you as my father.

            Mama. Thank you mama for guiding me and giving me the strength I need especially in times of giving up or simply losing hope. I know you are already happy and in peace with our Lord. You will always be here in my heart.

            Kuya. Though we never talk that much, keep in mind that I’m always thankful you are my brother.  Thank you for bringing joy by simply cleaning and maintaining our cars (which you always do except now that Bunso has already learned the art of cleaning). You know that I’m not really into cars but of course, you can depend on me on cleaning our house and rearranging it. Thank you for being a strong person especially when you had your break-up. In fact, I am proud of becuse instead of locking yourself inside your room because of the shattering event in your life, you stand up and fight. I”m even more happier when you finally got a job which we all now a blessing from God and a way for you to prove that you can land in job if you will only persevere. Goodluck and I wish you the best! More power Kuya!

            Bunso. Thank you for always making me smile. Thank you for all the jokes you throw on me even sometimes I am in my most harrassed and monster state. Thank you also for handling all my computer-related needs such as fixing the computer whenever it is infected with viruses, reformatting the PC because I need it badly, for guiding me in buying the best laptop I could ever get (but you know, the price of the laptop is killing me!hahaha), and for recovering all my files which you know I can’t live without. With all of those help, thank you very much! Plus, thank you for listening with all my whining and problems. Thank you very much!

            Manang. Thank you preparing my lunch, for making sure my clothes are clean and well-ironed, for preparing breakfast, for cleaning the house, and most especially (the part which I enjoy most) for sharing with us the latest chika or chismis about our neighbors here in Lagro. The buzz or showbiz central should hire you because you really have the talent in getting information! In fact, even before a gossip explodes in our neighrborhood, you already know it! Unbelievable! You’re proving everyone that time management is the key to a gossip-packed lifestyle! Above all, thank you for delivering the things we need at home!

            Sheree. My pinsan. Thank you for being my church buddy every Sunday, my shopping buddy every after mass, and my official secretary  and chika mate in updating me on what is happening to every member of the family. Thank you for bringing job inside our house because of all your funny and sometimes out-of-this-world statements. Thank also for your patience in my mood swings (which mostly happens all the time) and for understanding every member of the Cabalquinto family. Thank you for preparing the dining table, for washing the dishes, and cooking midnight snacks . Thank you also for all the adjustments you made especillay living with our family and in your job as an administrative assistant in a perfume company. Plus, I will never forget our divisoria get-away. 

            Auntie Susan. You know that from the beginning, I’ve already treated you as my mom. Thus, this time, I would like to thank you for providing us the warmth and care a mother would give to her children. Thank you for being strong and for heloing me cope with Mama’s passing. I know it’s been hard for all of us but through our phone conversations, I was able to recover from such depression and sooner, I slowly accepted Mama’s passing. Thank you for all the inspiration and help.

            Lotlot. My pinsan. Thank you for all our lakwatsa and meryenda at Ortigas. It helped me to  dream again and be happy. It also taught me to balance life by working hard and learning to relax.

            Joy. My pinsan. Thank you for showing me the beauty of life. I will  never forget our chitchat moments on your lovelife and your sister’s. I wish you more love and happiness in your new love life.

            Stacey. My brother’s girlfriend. Thank for being so humble and cheerful. Thank you for embracing our family with all your heart. And most of all, thank you for making my brother contented.

            Now, let me thank my loud and sparkling friends.

            Liza. Thank you very much for always being there whenever I needed someone who will share with me my high and low moments. Thank you for pushing me to believe in myself, work hard, and show the world that I can be the brightest star I could ever wish for. I will surely miss our night outs! Thank you for being genuine!

            Peluch. Thank you for having a golden heart. Your words really inspire me especially in those times I needed encouragement. Through our chatting and simple lunch get-together, I was able to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Thank you for believing in me and tapping my shoulder whenever I feel like crying. Thank you very much and God bless!

            Ces. Thank you for joining our night out and sharing with me your soon-to-be bestselling “love story”. I salute your frankness , your strong personality, and of course, bravery!

            Joh and Joy. Though we may not see oftenly, both of you are always there to keep me smiling by mere sending text quotes or writing a comment on friendster. I hope we could meet before I leave and work abroad.

            Elmi. My chika partner, divisoria buddy, and my EDTECH 201 classmate! Our personality really blend! Thank you for laughing at my jokes though it may sound “korny,” for introducing me my Ugly Betty which later turned to be an addiction for me, for our strolls in SM north, food trip at the Block (My family love Frostings’ cup cakes!), for some late night preparations for our EDTECH 201 reporting which turned out to “outshine” the rest (yabang!), for our Divisoria adventure, the job hunting in the internet during our EDTECH 201 class, our okrayan kay Ms. Tapia, our dinner cum chismisan at Jollibee or in some food carts in UP, our tambays in your house, our laugh trip with your sister and my Mam Elyrah, my fortune telling session with your Mama, and most especially, for being a clown and sending me many laughters  in the most unexpected moment. Thank you very much boogie! Thank you for being a real friend! I will surely miss everything!

            Alpha Philcoa: norms, biboy, angel, tina, joem,lynda, and diana. Thank you for making my first semester in UP wonderful and unforgettable. I will surely miss our dinner at any Philcoa fastfood. Thank you also for making me laugh and learn. I really enjoyed every reportings, class discussions, games, etc. Diana and Lynda, I will surely miss our chismisan on our way home. Please keep me updated with your “love life.”

            Media 210 adn 220 class. Thank you for making my first semester in graduate school manageable, enlightening, and enjoyable. Thank you very much Mam Betsy and Mam Armi for demystifying myths, breaking false consciousness, and making me critical/literate in digesting my mass media diet. 

Ate ja. Thank you for helping me process my papers for my certificate of employment especially in signing memos and documents. Thank you also for inviting me to attend the christmas party of At Home Ka dito. Sobrang enjoy! I just love the cam whoring part of the parteeeee!

Tet, Ana, Ate hervie, Ate izah, and dhee. Thank you for sharing with me your precious time amidst your hectic schedules. Thank you for digesting my thoughts, listening to my ideas, and comforting me in times of sadness, and laughing with me in times of losing my sanity.

Jen. Thank you for all the “rakets.” Thank you for having kilometric patience.

            School of Saint Anthony. Thank you for continuously recognizing my efforts and inspiring me to give nothing but my best. I promise to continuously share my god-given talents and always keep my feet on the ground.

            Jill. Thank you very much for all the “rakets” and your sweet words. I’m very grateful I was able to work with you. I learned a lot from you and you proved me that there are “real” people in this industry and that is you.

            Bheng, Pia, and Froi. Thank you for all your text quotes which brighten my day. A sheer hello, kamusta, and good night really touch my heart. I feel every appreciated and valued!

            Anya, Agatha, April, Kyke, and Ethel. Thank you for bringing bundle of joys, hope, and strength.

            Asian Center for Foreign Languages. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to work with your school.

            IM Graphics Design Studio. Thank you for believing in me and hiring me as a copywriter. I’m just excited working there in Brunei.

            Socorro. As early as now, let me thank you for all the sweet and exciting words. I’m looking forward working with you in Brunei.I’m sure, we’ll blend!

            Karol. Thank you for guiding me in all the requirements needed for my document processing in Brunei. I hope someday we can meet so I can personally thank you!

            And to God. Thank you very much for giving me a life to live. Thank you for giving me a supportive family and friends. Thank you for this wonderful year. Thank you for helping me dream again, believe in myself, and fight! Thank you for inspiring me, showing me the light, and most especially, giving me a purpose in life. Thank you very much!

            They are the wind beneath my wings.They give me strength to fly. They are the reason why I dream and fight. They are my source of inspiration and they make life worth living!

      

Before a new year ushers, let me share with all of you some of my most-thought about new year’s dreams, fantasies, and desires. In short, my new year’s resolution!

            For sure next year, I’ll now be working as an OFW. For those who still don’t know about my newest career move, I’m already hired as a copywriter in an Ad Agency in Brunei and I’m just waiting for my contract visa to be sent this end of December and all my processing is expected to finish on the last week of january which means my plane ticket will be given to me on the first week of Febraury. So obviously, the remaining weeks of my stay here will be allotted for my family, friends, relatives. The despidida party is still under negotiation. Actually, I don’t plan to have a full blown despidida party. I just want to make it segmentized. Meaning, an intimate dinner with my family and relatives, night out with some of my closest friends, and more night outs. I think this will be the best and practical(thinking of the expenses) way to at least lessen the feeling of “missing” those people whom I will left behind as I embark on a new journey called bruneiyuki.

            Well, next year, I plan to sustain my healthy lifestyle – eat less and more exercise. Nothing beats exercise! Simply put, take good care of myself!

            In terms of my personal love life, we’ll let’s see. I’m not searching because I know there’s someone out there meant for me! (wishing!)

            With my finances, I plan to spend less and save more. I trying to be serious on having my first million before I hit 30. Hopefully that happens because this blog immortalizes that promise to fulfill. No pressure at all!Hahaha. Beyond that, I promise to help my family especially now that my Father is retiring from work.

            Internalize and apply the advantage of haggling or finding the best buys – hot items at rock-bottom prices!

            I promise to never ever ever ever (infinity) to be late again. Of course I should not because in Brunei,3 consecutive late mean salary deduction (as stated in the job offer emailed to me by my employer).

             Establish constant connection among family and friends through chat, friendster, multiply, or any website that may aide me in achieving this goal. I’m sure this will help me combat “homesickness.”

            I also plan to learn a new skill especially now that I’m venturing into advertising. Perhaps, graphics design or computer animation can be an option.

            Master the nitty-gritty of client presentation especially in powerpoint or any kind of presentation that may solicit oh’s and ah’s!

            If there’s a time, revise the theatre play I’m writing. It’s about my favorite topic: the decaying system behind the sugar-coated and glorified mass media.

            Donate some money to charity as a way of thanking the Lord for all the blessings he have provided me and my family.

            Share my talent – singing, acting, dancing, writing, everything!

            Forgive the people who hurt me in 2007 (actually zero percent because I’m no longer working in a television network!hahahaha)

            Pursue my recent interest in photography. Exploring the beauty of Brunei is a brilliant idea but taking pictures of myself is more brilliant as a take-off point of this new found career in photography!hahahaha!

            Hopefully, If I’m already adjusted in my work, have a short course in directing.

            Work harder and pray harder. Be good in everything I do and lessen expectations.

            Focus and Fight!

Always thank God!

            Lastly, one thing I wish is good health for me and my family.

            I’m just keeping everything simple, manageable, and doable. As long as I have God, my family, and my friends with me, everything will be all right! Happy new year to all!

           Most of my friends know that I was in the lowest point of my life last year. First, I was still mourning on the passing of my mom. I missed my mom very much and all I can do was stare at her pictures and talk to her through prayers.  It was in those lonely nights that I seeked her embrace, her kisses, and her sweet words that so powerful and inspiring. However, reality bites, she’s no longer “physically present” to comfort me. Its just now that I’ve slowly started to accept that though she’s physically gone but will always be with me spiritually- here inside my heart.Likewise, our good memories will always be my source of inspiration in striving for the best in life.

            The second root of my depression was landing jobless. Actually, half jobless.  Here’s the story. Last year I was doing freelance writing. For everyone’s information, freelance job is very different from the standardized office job. If an office job has an eight to five working hours, freelance job gives the freelancer the benefit or luxury (for some) the power to manipulate his/her own working hour. A freelancer can work anytime and anywhere to finish a project. However, there are also client meetings, deadlines, and revisions on the project to deal with. Another fact about freelance jobs is that it is very dependent on connections. Simply put, if you want to venture into a job carefree as a bird, you must know your connections or those people you’ve worked in the past that may aide you in finding bigtime clients and thus raking in profit. Talent, creativity, and focus are just important elements in becoming successful in this business, however, one must also be “madiskarte” in finding clients, delivering requirements, and producing best quality outputs. Banking on that capability, a freelance may be assured to support oneself especially in dry seasons. Likewise, master the art and science of saving money and being thrifty. In my case, thanks to some of my friends in the industry, I was able to survive in my “real” job hunting months. But of course, what is frustrating about handling a freelance job is the feeling of like begging for alms in dry season and the discrimination thrown by some bitches and bastards that “freelance job” is synonymous with being a “BUM.” I’m sorry but I don’t care what these people have to say. What is important is my doing my best to embellish my resume, hone my craft in writing, practice dealing with various clients, and producing the best script I can. Afterall, I will benefit all of these experiences and not those people who looked down on me. Oh, before I forget, especially now in this information age and globalized world, for freelaners like me, the use of technology in tracking clients is very efficient. Cellular phones have even revolutionized my capacity to reach many clients and be updated all the time. It also aided me in scavenging “rakets” and future connections. Sadly, though freelance writing may sound so sweet and interesting, sadly, its not I expected it to be.

            As series of depressing events piled up, I started to blame myself and made self pity. With all my achievements in college and what experiences I earned from work, I started to be hard on myself. I was feeling that I don’t deserve to end up “half-jobless” because I was not irresponsible and incompetent. Then it hit me the most when I diverted my attention on sending resumes  to different companies via internet. I was back in the streets of makati and Ortigas distributing my resumes like hot pan cakes. Believe me, If i’ll total all the resume I gave in those days, probably, I’ll have more that a hundred. It was really painful. Then came all of these left and right job interviews. Some companies were offering me competitive packages plus a promising career path, however, I declined in most offers because my priorities had changed. It was in november last year that I promised myself to pursue my long overdue plan of taking up my masters degree. Thus, the only farthest point I reached in some of my application to different companies was on the final interview. My school’s schedule was the biggest consideration in taking jobs which were mostly an 8 to 5 job. If we all know, master classes start at either 4 or 5:30 pm and if I’m coming from Makati, I would be so late in class. In the end, I said no to most companies.My father became my constant adviser in dealing with job offers, salaries, and pushing me to have more patience and believe that God will give me the perfect job in the right time.

            Resigning on Philippine Idol was another root of my last year’s anger. I don’t know if I was so immature then or just stupid to not consider the fact that I needed a job or literally money to survive in this materialistic world. Everyone knows I love production or mass media as much as myself. However, that view had changed and for a time diminished when I realized I was no longer happy and felt like harrassed in a very unsystematic program in a small network. Of course I had a lot of friends in that company but the system and the people running the business were enough reasons for me to fight for what I believe was true. Sadly, that “belief” pushed me to live a life without a career. Literally, I was off tracked. Instead of writing scripts, I was writing sad narrations on journal.  Instead of viewing VTRs, I was viewing how to direct my life and achieve back my dreams in life. And instead of living my dream of becoming a successful director or writer someday, I was inhaling the life of a house buddy or a bum which I never imagined would happen in my life. Realizations strike me, maybe it was time for me to slow down a bit and reflect on what I really like to do in life. I know in a way I had proven what I really got and what I can do, but it was in those depressing moments that I felt I was useless in this world. Thank God, committing suicide did not enter my mind not even once. Instead, I helped myself stand up and found myself in my own race. Sooner, I was back in my old self – passionate, driven, and focused.

            2006 ended and I was so certain that I will take my masters degree in UP in 2007, no more, no less. Starting my masters degree was my top priority. God heared me. I took action. Sooner, I was back in the comforting yet challenging arms of the academe.

            January, I was doing freelance writing and I was so engrossed in hunting a job. Sadly, my dream jobs didn’t hunt me such as working in a big ad agency. But I never lost hope. I was 24/7 searching for a job in the internet and was even out as early as 8 am in Makati and Ortigas giving my resumes. The experience was like doing a job of a sales agent in malls distributing flyers to sell condo units or houses. Of course, sometimes I felt like giving up. Its like I’m degrading myself. And sometimes, to ease the pain, all I would do was text my friend saying that “napapagod na ako. Kailan ba ako makakahanap ng trabahong para sa akin.” Then she would reply, “ano ka ba herbs. Huwag kang susuko. Makakahanap ka rin.” Then came afternoon, I’m so exhausted sitting in the bus. And you know, I must admit, I was afraid that some of my batchmates would see me and will ask me the simple question of “kamusta” followed by the hard-hitting “san ka ngayon” which we all know must be answered with the name of your current company (should be bigtime. Multinational level) plus your position (must be leveled on your age and experience. In short supervisorial level). Thank God, my batchmates were all busy carving their own supervisorial careers in their bigtime companies. And here I am in the a bus stucked in traffic reflecting which way I want to go.

            The month of love, February, came in. I was excited yet anxious. I took up the entrance examination at the College of mass communication UP Diliman. I took up Masters in Media Studies, major in Broadcasting. Then, I said to myself, finally, I’m going back to my comfort zone and I’ll be on track again. I was very focused and desperate in taking the test. I even read some books on mass media, advertising, and popular culture few weeks before the examination date.

            Luckily,I passed the entrance test and I had my panel interview. Then, I started to process my entrance papers in April up to May. The flame of hope sparkled and I said to myself, I will dream again and make that dream happen.

            As the flowers of May bloom, I was ripe for the school opening.  Though I knew that I don’t have a stable job to support my finances in school, I’m confident that my savings and the money I got from my mom would be sufficient enough to have my first semester done. I was constanly checking my bank accounts and budgetting everyday expenses that should last for five months if ever I won’t have rakets.

            It was also in May that I had a job interview at Dusit Hotel. The company was named IM graphics design studio and I was applying for a copywriter post. I was surprised because I never thought that the company was not a local one but based in Brunei. So if ever i’ll be hired, its going to be direct hire. No agencies needed to mediate between me and my employer. The interview ended and I went home. Though I’m confident that “hopefully” I’ll make it, I just left everything to God. I know that I gave my best and I have presented all the best portfolio of scripts I had produced over the past years.

            I was back in UP in June. I was living the university life again. I was doing research in the library, reports in class, weekly reflection papers, and finals. The experience was worth it because I realized that afterall the depression, I still possess the passion, dedication, and driving spirit that I thought was corrupted in the past. Happily, all of those “strengths” that made me succeed in my college years were again reincarnated - alive and kicking. Likewise, I trashed my anxieties and self pity, and now moving forward to a a more meaningful ball game.

            On the side, in the month of July, as a birthday gift,my father treated us to Palawan. It was such a relaxing get away. And to double the ecstacy, days before we went to Palawan, I got a call from Asian Center for Foreign Languages telling me that they are hiring me as a part-time language instructor and will be starting on July 9. I jumped for joy because finally, I’ll have a “job” which is flexible to fit not only with my freelance writing, but will also suit my masters classes schedule.

 

            Without batting an eyelash, fresh from Palawan, the next day, I conducted my classes in Asian Center for Foreign Languages. My first student was a chinese named Michael Chien. He’s a business man.  It was a very different job. I was not holding a camera, not writing scripts, not conducting interviews, writing press releases, booking sponsors, marketing a show, or mingling with stars, instead, I was called teacher Earvin, holding a book, a white board marker, making exams, checking exams, grading a student, and respected not harrassed. Sooner, I embraced this job and I did not noticed,  now, I’m almost 6 months with ACFL. Well, one thing that I love about teaching is the fact that teaching is like performing on stage. My student is my spectator and I am the performer who has the infectious and animated actions to sustain entertainment and interest!

            

In UP, I became close with some of my classmates. We even formed a group dubbed as “alpha philcoa” because of our frequent dinner and chit chat sessions at any Philcoa fast food chains after class. It was in those moments that I realized it was so fulfilling to make people happy by just sharing to them what you’ve gone through and what efforts you’ve made to combat such death-defying and sanity-gripping challenges. Plus, endless laughters sweetened every conversation. I will really never forget Alpha Philcoa!

            Because of my media theory and media literacy class, all of my anger on mass media and the people behind it healed. At first, I was breathing hate. I was despising various television programs – kapamilya, kapuso, mostly locals! But through theories and its proper applications, I was able to compose my thoughts on how to be critical in analyzing my mass media diet. The various class discussions enkindled on me my dream to further work hard and hopefully become a professor of mass communication in future. Actually, I was inspired when one of my classmates in our theory class told me that I should teach mass comm because I would not be the typical teacher/ professor who would sugar coat the decaying and filthy industry. And you know, that was my intention why I would want to teach mass comm. I know that I can share my talent, passion, and creativity, but on top of that, I can be powerful to enlighten and crack mass media’s myths – be it on or off cam, as far as ethics is concerned. We can’t deny that beyond creativity and commitment, our mass media are business enterprises. Simply put, thanks to the hundreds of theoriests who enlightened me and made me critical “again.”

            Came September, while busy finishing some reports and papers in school, I received a shocking email stating that IM graphics design studio had decided to hire me as a copywriter. Thus, after reading offer and with my father’s approval, without hesitation, I immediately replied YES to them. And so, I became so very busy in processing all my papers needed for my employment abroad. It was in those moments I thought God was offering me an option. It’s just up to me wether to take this road he’s showing or pursue the road I set. With the help of my father and some professors saying that opportunities knock only once, I took the road God had showed me – fo a change, be a copywriter in Brunei.

            In October, I was in Quezon City processing my NBI clearance. I was back in the frontyard of ABS-CBN and ABC-5 running after to some bosses whose signature is as valuable as gold as a prerequisite for my certificate of employment. Then I renewed my passport. Finally, I was able to finish every document my employer was asking from me before the deadline. Thus, upon completion, I paid 915 pesos and sent all my papers to Brunei. Sooner, my employer informed me they already recieved my documents and would be processed immediately.

            The first semester ended and came November, I filed my LOA. It was my first time to file an LOA. I have to file an LOA because my contract in Brunei is two years and thus if ever I plan to finish my masters, I can still continue it. However, I have to renew my LOA after a year. Well, maybe I’ll just ask my brother to do it for me (with talent fee for doing a favor!hahaha).

            In November, I went full time in my teaching job. Aside doing everyday class discussion,the enjoyable part was the immersion activities we had. I was able to visit Corregidor, Intramuros, Villa Escudero, Banaue Rice Terraces, Baguio, and Sagada. It was in those trips I fully understand the richness our culture and traditions as Filipinos. Of course these immersion activities were all free and I was even paid for the “time” I was assisting my student in immersing himself in various places. You can visit my multiply site for more detailed and evidences of these immersion escapades.

            The cold December month stepped in and I received an email saying that my papers in Brunei were approved. My employer told me that they would be able to email my papers on the late next week. My emotions are mixed. I am happy because I feel blessed. With all the sacrifices, job hunting, depression, and self pity, here I am, given a very rare and once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to prove myself once again. On the other hand, I feel sad because a month from now, I’ll be leaving my family and friends behind. Of course, the only motivation I have is that I’m doing this for them and for my own growth – to be independe and earn my first million before I hit 30(as if!).But honestly, I’m really looking forward to living an independent life and so I may become more mature and tough in facing life’s obstacles. I know that this blessing is God given and so I must be grateful. As soon as I get my contract visa, i’ll offer a thanksgiving mass. I promise that.

            Besides the glorious events in my life, there were also some sad events that shook me. First is the passing of Ana’s mom. Ana is one of my closest’s friends in ABS-CBN. I was totally saddened because I was very close to her mom.  Plus, two of my best professors in UP passed away. They were sir Monico Atienza, my professor in FIL 155 (Wika, Kultura at Lipunan) and Sir Rene Villanueva, my professor in MP 174 (Pagsulat ng Dula). But I know, they are now happy and at peace reunited with our dear Lord. I know how it feels to lose someone and I offer my sincerest prayers that may aide their journey towards eternal life.

            This year, I’ve been very grateful also to accept an award from my highschool alma mater. As part of my highschool alma mater, School of Saint Anthony’s 25^th Foundation Celebration, I was recognized as one of the 25 alumni who excelled in their chosen fields. I received an award titled “Outstanding Alumni in the field of Music Media.” And I offer this award to my family and friends who have always believed in me and supported me all the way.

             Truly, life is unpredictable and all what we can do best is learn to adjust to life’s erratic nature. Though we may be bombarded with sadness, frustrations, misery, or even depression, we must not let all of these evil elements pull us down. Rather, we must fight for ourselves by believing we can champion whatever kind of obstacles block our way towards success. Plus, we must not forget God and thank him for continuously providing us strength and guiding us in this battle called life. Also, our family and friends who are always there in our sad and happy times.

            And as year 2008 ushers, as long as my faith to God is with me, I have nothing to fear. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from all those experiences, that is proving that ain’t no mountain is high enough as long as we dream, take action, and fight to reach our dreams.Likewise, we must never lose hope and must always believe in God. Thanks to my family and dear friends for bringing back the roaring and soaring Earvs!So be it!