Overflown...

Very unexpected...

Last night, tragedy struck at Cagayan de Oro. All roads were flooded. Many people lost their lives. Several people were wounded. Some were missing. Many properties were damaged. Many of my Muslim brethren rushed towards Balulang to pick up their loved ones. 

It was eight days before Christmas and it was the worse Christmas ever. Many people died, several suffered. It was a totally unexpected situation impossible to be forgotten.

Form, Reform, and BE FORMED: The SK Reform Bill

Friends, countrymen, fellow youth of the Philippines, what do you think of our fellow youth leading in our communities. the essence of having leaders is to defend the needs of his fellow people. Such example of need for the Filipino youth the Sangguniang Kabataan, which, by the way, is currently on a limbo stage between reform and abolition as of this point.

Agree... Disagree...

I AGREE...

* The RH Bill is a crime against nature (by philiosophers, religious scholars, and academe).

* Some political pundits are idiots.

* China is gone way out of line with Spratlys, Falun Gong, and religion.
* It's still cool to trick-or-treat, even when when you are a teen
* Journalism is a dangerous job, considering that you'll get assigned to war zones.
* Aung San Suu Kyi should have been a prime minister years ago.
* Agriculture should have been number 1 in the economy.
* SBM got what they deserved after 6 years.
* Ateneans are a LaSallian's worst nightmare.
* Turtles can't scream.


I DISAGREE...


* PNoy did not made a good job as president (well at least he tried).
* Young people can't lead in a government. (Ninoy Aquino was 22, when he became governor)
* Communists view religion as an excuse to scare people. (Well I'm Muslim, so back off Reds!)
* Teenagers can't watch SpongeBob SquarePants anymore. (we're still young, aren't we?)
* It's wrong to be gay. (although it's wrong to marry another guy)
* Black people can't be big. (If Obama and Mandela can do it, why not anybody else?)
* Being atheist solves everything. (try praying for once)
* Jose Rizal attacks Catholic priests. (just the Spanish priests)
* It's wrong to pull anybody's finger for no reason (you know what happens...)
* Alcohol helps you man up. (if you wanna man up to Death)

I learn...

(note: last photography blog post)

How I would learn from my experience in photography is way BEYOND what I was expecting. All the experiences that I've been through, all the troubles I'm enduring, I will really miss every micro-second of my life. Today, I've learned more and I'm very eager to learn more.

We are Aggies

(note: 12th photography blog post)

No matter what happens, no matter what they say, there is one thing in our hearts: WE ARE AGGIES.

Out and about

(note: 10th photography blog post.)

It was a sun-kissed Sunday morning. Only a few of us from our went to the Pelaez Sports Center with Sir Evans, which was the day for the annual intramurals swimming match. 

Darkness within Light...

(note: 10th photography blog post)

During our photo shoot to Cogon, I just wondered "What happened?" I didn't even see this one coming about the condition that lies ahead in this place.

When I was a young boy, I remembered that Cogon used to be the commercial center of the city. Everyday, people from all around come to Cogon to buy and sell goods, from meat to veggies to used clothing, to city folk. Everyday was busy, busy, and more busy. They cannot even themselves be disturbed just for the sake of selling stuff for their families. Today, what a mess.

If you ask me about what happened in Cogon, I'd say that Cogon has lost its original glory. It used to be one the biggest commercial spots in Cagayan de Oro. Now, Cogon becomes a total mess. I wish there was some way that Cogon can be restored to its former glory as a commercial hub in the city.

4 Questions...

(note: 9th photography blog post)


Wednesday morning. The sun is shining. The wind is blowing. The photo wall is now set, and we are now ready to take photos. While we were setting up the photo wall, I had to invite people to come to the photo wall. I had to invite as many people as I can. We had to make 100 shots. Actually, it was very fun because not only did we have a hundred shots but also we get to know anyone's opinion. But what if I got in to the photo wall and someone asks me questions. This is what I know.

Sights and Sounds of Fiesta...

(note: 8th photography blog post)

Kagay-an Festival, the happiest time of the year. Every August it's the same thing. Colors flying, the sun shining, and the music get louder all around. People go outside dance, scream, and shout to the tunes. Everybody always enjoys to the sights of sounds of all colors that go around the city. I guess that's what I like about Cagayan de Oro being my home. It's just that you'll never have enough fun while you're here. You can have fun anywhere and you don't have to regret it. However, it's fiesta that has the most fun all around the city. Here are all the details.

Journey to Medina

(note: 7th photography blog post)

We went on a three-day journey to Medina, Misamis Oriental. It was part of our requirements in our subject in photography. We went on that journey riding a bus for four hours, knowing what lies ahead. When we arrived in Medina, we saw the place as very quaint. The place is described by its natural scenery. The town has many beaches, which is part of their town's economy. The people are described in this town are very friendly that helps visitors to become very accommodated. Aside from the town being a tourist magnet, it is also the ancestral home of the Pelaez clan, whose ancestral house can be located near the coast. In general, the town is a very booming community with a thriving industry and rich history. But despite all of these treasures, how do the people live their lives in Medina?

So many colors...

(note: 6th photography blogpost)

When I think about what picture I'm going to take, I think of what interests me. When I learned about composition in photo, I begin to see the world in other ways. I see various colors, different things, different backgrounds, perspectives... everything.

When you see a big world ahead of you, lots of colors await just itching to be immortalized.

Lighting... DSLR... Click!

(note: 5th photography blog post...)

How does it feel to take all the action? Well, I for one think that although this is exciting, it can be also strenuous because of when you take that action shot, it suddenly goes totally wrong.

However, sometimes it really is kind of very nice because you were able to experience expert photography in action. You were able to know how photographers do on the go that they never stop for anything. 

I hope that I would have more of that action...

and.... PRINT!

A whole new world...

(note: 4th photography blog post...)

When we were going to have our photography trip to Lapasan (the deeper bleak side), we were all wondering on what's gonna happen during the trip. We were waiting and waiting and waiting for the jeeps to Lapasan to show up while testing out the DSLR camera my friends were carrying. When we finally got on the jeep, we were having a lot of talking and having while riding.

When we finally arrived at Lapasan right near the barangay hall and we were gather at the bleachers at the covered court that was under construction. Sir Jett instructed us to follow the instructions on the handouts while visiting our host family. I was with JJ, Mich, Patty, and Claudette when we were distributed to our host family. 

While we were taking pictures for our outdoor laboratory exercise, we also had fun and go to know the surroundings better and even got to see the rare side of Lapasan for the first time.

In the end, it was a very good experience. We had so much fun while learning depth of field and distance with the DSLR camera.

I wonder what will be our next experience?

Picturing a tiny world...

(note: 3rd photography blog post...)

When we got introduced to light tent photography, I thought to myself, "tiny pictures".

After we made the box for the lab session, we also bring out tiny stuff for the class. I brought a jade elephant, a little golden hat, a tiny ukelele, and other stuff. As we took our turns in taking pictures, we each made different stories. Mine is about two elephants playing a ukelele. 

But in the end, it was a very, very fun activity because we were able to experience taking pictures with little stuff. We  even learn that there is something that we can take pictures of, big and small.

SLR and Me

(note: second photography blog post...)

When I got introduced to the SLR camera, I thought that it would be easy for me to use it... but it's not.

At first, it was difficult because of first, that the film would be destroyed when the camera opens, also that subjects are very limited. No flowers, no trees, no cars, no classmates, no groupmates, and definitely... NO SIR EVANS!

However, despite of this, we were able to learn how to use it over time because we knew that it's not the camera that is the problem, it's how you take. That's what I learned when i saw the outcome of the pictures. And boy, do I learn my lesson???

But then again, I was able to learn how to use it, and I learned that always know where you're taking it because a picture cannot be erased for a lifetime.

*click*

Home

(note: this is my first blog assignment for photography...)

This photo above is about a man lying asleep in a street in Thailand. I chose this photo as a good photo about photography about poverty because you can see that it has an emotional appeal to the masses about the problem with poverty in a developed country.

You see form this photo that its very difficult to find a home where no one really welcomes you with a warm heart. Therefore, this photo exhibits a remarkable opinion on what poverty is definitely illustrated.

source: http://www.digital-photography-school.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/poverty-11.jpg

"Bohemian Rhapsody": The GREATEST Rock Song in the World...

"Anyway, the wind blows..." 

My Top 10 Favorite Lines from "Kick-Ass"...

10.  "As a great man once said... 'Wait till they get a load of me.' " - Red Mist/Chris D'Amico


9. "Good call, baby doll." - Big Daddy/Damon MacCready


8. "How come nobody's ever tried to be a superhero?" - Kick-Ass/Dave Lizewski


7. "Comic books had it wrong. Any ordinary person can be a superhero." - Kick-Ass/Dave Lizewski


6. "He should call himself 'Ass-Kicked' instead..." - Big Daddy/Damon MacCready


5. ''So you wanna play?" - Hit Girl/Mindy MacCready

On Kick-Ass and Hit Girl...

Kick-Ass/Dave Lizewski

- Dave is like some average kid who loves comics, and has a hard time attracting girls, especially his crush and love interest Katie Deauxma. However, he wondered: "How come nobody gets to be a superhero?" So, he had an idea, bought a scuba suit, and became Kick-Ass. At first, it was difficult for him to fight crime, considering that he got stabbed and ran over by a car. However, he was able to learn from that mistake and soon developed to improve himself as a superhero. When he had that chance to save the day, he became an Internet phenomenon, and thus, a superhero. While he has his very own chance of fame as a real superhero, he will soon get involved in a super mess, when he meets father-daughter duo Big Daddy and Hit Girl. During and after a series of events that happened to Dave, he questions that has he been a superhero and realized he did. Even though he didn't do well or didn't kill as much bad guys as Hit Girl, in the end, he was able to achieve something. He was able to inspire many people who become superheroes. He still lived up to the expectations of comic book readers and movie viewers everywhere. Now that is an achievement to look by.

I can't fly... but I can KICK your ASS.

(my first movie review)

Imagine living in a world full of real life superheroes, roaming the streets wearing costumes fighting crime. That is what I visualize and what I really love watched the 2010 action hit movie "Kick-Ass". It's got real and total gut-busting action that will literally blow you away. It is based on the comic book of the same name created by Mark Millar about a teen who became a real life crime-fighter. Now this film had hit the box office charts with its blockbusting action and special effects, an all-star cast that includes the famous Nicholas Cage, which in my opinion, is his best role yet. The movie had scored a whopping $106 million in the box office as well as many awards.

William and Kate: A modern fairytale

Once upon a time, there were two people who met on a fateful day, and fell in love, and they ended up together forever.

Ladies and gentlemen, the tale of Prince William and Kate Middleton became known to the world as a modern fairytale being watched over on a global scale. The story of who they were, how did they met, and how did they fell in love became the center of people's imagination both in the United Kingdom and the rest of the world. This love story even became the biggest since Prince Charles and Lady Diana. What really attracted the world to this modern-day love tale is about Kate's status as a commoner, being that Kate was born in a quaint little town somewhere in England. Nevertheless, the saying always goes... Love conquers all...

A College Student's 6th Grade Memory

Last week, my batchmate from the 6th grade returned to Cagayan de Oro to attend the CFC Youth for Christ International Leaders' Conference, which was held in the city. I was so excited to see my   friend Yla again, that I personally went to her house to see her. However, when I got there, she wasn't there. I soon found out when I called form her that she was staying near the conference venue. On sunday night, we gathered to one of my batchmate's house for a mini-reunion. We had a heck of a good time and we were really happy to see each other again.

The Unknown Voice: A Muslim's view of the RH Bill

Brothers and sisters, let me just say for all of us that we are now facing a greater situation unimagined that might alter the course of cultural impact... the Reproductive Health (RH) Bill. According to supporters of said bill, they claim that this "piece of unpublished legislation" would alleviate the nation's economic woes by teaching people about safe sex and contraception. 

To last year...

Dear Last Year,

I know it's soundly odd, but I want to say that it's been fun knowing you. 

3 Idiots: What I like about them...

Ranchoddas Chanchad

- With a carefree attitude, Rancho had a full confidence of life amidst the arduous pressure of college life. He never cared about how much life is pulling down on him, as long as he has the courage to stand up to ViruS for himself, his friends, and Pia. He also has a passionate mindset of things. His wisdom on pursuing one's passion really hits everybody a lot. Sometimes, I ask myself how was Rancho able to top at his class while maintaining a carefree attitude. Simple, he loved engineering so much that he was able to gain himself from it. He always helps a friend when it is needed.

My Top 10 Favorite Lines from "3 Idiots"...

(note: All lines listed are translated into English.)




10. "Meet Kilobyte, Megabyte, and their mother Gigabyte. Have a click, this family doesn't bite..." - Millimeter (introducing the dogs to Farhan)


9. "I'm fine with Fafda or Khakhra, but your name 'Ranchoddas Shamaldas Chanchad'. Yuck!" - Pia


8. "Pray undress, or he'll do 'urine-expulsion' on you..." - Chatur


7. "I didn't do it... Raju?" - Chatur


6. Chatur: I'm Vice-presdient of Rockledge Corporation and he... A for Apple, B for Ball
     Raju: D for Donkey

The curious case of an LSS teen

It's been a real issue in us, even me. The fact that we always remember the same song over and over when we think of something or someone proves that it is very inevitable. It's even almost uncontrollable that we feel that we can't able to move ourselves with all the emotion commotion going on. 

China's Human Rights Issue

According to the Constitution of the People's Republic of China, the people are guaranteed with freedom of speech, freedom of the press, the right to a fair trial, freedom of religion, universal suffrage, and property rights.

Youth Act Now!

The thing about in Sangguniang Kabataan today is that it now turns into a pestering flop. I mean what really happened to the youth leaders of today’s Philippines. Last time I know, it was about young people with a vision to serve fellow youth, and then next thing I know, it turns into a flop!

The Joy of Travel

Imagine you’re in a place that you’ve never seen before, and then you see the cool stuff inside it and begin to want the adventure of a lifetime. Travelling to another place is like going to a whole new world where it can be reached in a stone’s throw. There a lots of places around to see: New York, Hollywood, Paris, Phuket, the Maldives, or even the sandy deserts of the Middle East or the safari of East Africa. The choices are endless when you’re gung ho to the challenge of a lifetime.

Everyday is murder in Libya

Everyday the same thing...

Guns, bombs, many people get killed in protests. It has become a usual scenario in Libya ever since Hosni Mubarak was out of Cairo, and it became a central spark for other Middle East countries to stand up against their own dictatorships.

A Letter to Egypt

To the people of Egypt,

On behalf of the people of the Philippines, let me just say that we are most proud of your efforts to regain democracy in your land. May those who risked their lives to free your country be ever remembered throughout time.

My Time Has Come

Some of you may have wondered why I intend to run for a position in the Agriculture Student Council. I also presume that you have mixed reactions about it. Some of you think that it is odd for me to run for a student office. Some (of you) might think that I am making some kind of a joke, that I am creating a mockery out the Ateneo student political system. Some (of you) might think that I have no ability of being a leader, therefore no chance of winning the election.

I Long to See the First Star at Night

I long to see the first star at night.
When I sit down at the front porch,
Whether raining or otherwise,
When all things are getting bleak,
There will be a star that I see
Twinkling through the clouds,
My sadness flows away.

Let Freedom Ring...

I was browsing around in the Internet in my laptop and I stumble on to this video, which is a digitally-remastered remix of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have a Dream". When I watch the video, besides the fact that it has a catchy tune, it reminded to me that the war against discrimination and oppression is not over yet and we must act now to defend the rights of every man. We must oversee that every man of every color has every right bestowed by God with pomp and dignity. I could have even cried of his message of hope for the future.

If you won't pay your taxes, shut you down!

If you won't pay your taxes, shut you down! 

If you won't pay your taxes, shut you down!

If you won't pay your taxes...

If you won't pay your taxes...

IF YOU WON'T PAY YOUR TAXES SHUT YOU DOWN!!!