Archived Glimpses of Ephemeral Thoughts

10 Epiphanies During My Stay in Manila

EPIPHANY, a sudden, intuitive perception of or insight into the reality or essential meaning of something, usually initiated by some simple, homely, or commonplace occurrence or experience.(source = http://dictionary.reference.com/search?r=2&q=epiphany)

While I visited Manila for a very important engagement, I made a personal promise. To see to it, that I observe the people, the lifestyle, the surroundings and gain some culture upgrade. Though, I wasn't able to visit the Philippine Museum, I got to taste Manila's life and culture.

• I've realized that I'm not that short. Yes, I've always viewed myself as vertically challenged, probably because of all the media hype and the sensationalism.  Somehow, even with my immense intellectual prowess and potentialities (Hell, Yeah!), I still sell myself short. Well, not anymore. The taller ones are just mutants that experienced a genetic aberration. I'm normal. I'm a Pinoy after all. It shouldn't bother me. I don't need the additional height to succeed. I've seen a lot of people in Manila who had the same height as me and I've seen them strut themselves exuding with all the confidence.
• The length of the road changes depending on the day. A 15-minute drive on a Sunday can take more than an hour on a weekday. Yes, it pays to be early.
• Time flies fast in Manila. Time simply flowed too fast in Manila, it was upbeat, up tempo. I loved it. When I returned to Zamboanga, time slowed down. People are so laid back here.
• A shortcut is great in Makati. Usually they are the dim lit districts and drives and are the quietest (well, probably exclusive to Makati). I love them because on late evenings they can spell a reduction on Taxi fares.
• A five and ten-centavo coin is very vital. It is used in Manila extensively. Here, they just throw it away. So the next time someone throws it away or simply ignores it, I'm going to pick it up. I don't intend to waste your money dude!
• Friends are immeasurable. The company they give by far saves a lot of moolah and the moments are priceless. I've spent my time chatting with my friends and realized that was already 3 AM.
• Money flies. 100 pesos is just your fare and every move you make in the metro costs money. But it was tolerable as long as you have the iron will to maintain on budget and the discipline on money spending. For instance, riding a jeepney and the train is a godsend.
• Sales are commonplace in the metro. They are everywhere. I've noticed people are still spending their money in time of crisis. I find it so weird that people complain that they don't earn money and yet the malls are filled with people shopping and spending their money. I wouldn't want to have headaches and heart attacks when my credit card bill arrives.
• I can wake up early and sleep late. By some weird phenomenon, I sleep around past midnight but end up waking up around 6 or 7 in the morning. Totally off my circadian rhythm. I usually sleep for 7 to 8 hours on any given day. My philosophy is, sleep is my rest; my sanctum, so don't disturb my slumber. 
• A chapel, shrine, or cathedral is like a second home for me. I can get my Zen through the peace and serenity on a Holy ground. I can find tranquility amidst the chaos of a bustling city. Thank you Catholic training.

I may have more, but right now these are my top ten.

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Life in Manila ver. 1

It is around 4 AM and I want to sleep. I was locked out of my room, and it's nobody's fault. Probably a force of habit by one of my roommates. So I'm here in an internet cafe blogging so that I wouldn't sleep. I always wanted to document my experiences and feelings here in Manila. And thus here it is.

In my eyes, life here can be challenging if not daunting but I can see the appeal of being independent and free. It must be hard to be alone and without the familiar friends and lifestyle.

If A is a success in life, then A equals x plus y plus z. Work is x; y is play; and z is keeping your mouth shut. Albert Einstein.

Being away made me realize two things. Firstly, I need to compartmentalize how I see myself in the future. I certainly do have big dreams, but right now, I have to take it slow and start low. I was struck by a friend's comment, he stated, I had to start low and sacrifice a little. Well, he was right, but not entirely. For one thing, we don't belong to the same profession and most definitely, do not have the same pie when it comes to salary. I think he misread the fine print.

Secondly, everybody looks at me differently. It just might be me and maybe it isn't. Being delayed for a year is such fucked up moment in my life since I've always valued time and put a premium on finishing on time without any failures. But as luck would have it, I would have to extend my academic life without failing any subject. That was a major bummer. And then there was the fiasco of Nurse Licensure 2006. This was the bomb; because of the event, I had to  waste an entire year. My parents are understanding and supportive but "some" are not. Gazing at me, as if I'm an economic leech. When I have my chance, I'll make sure to slap their faces with the success I have achieved. For now, I'll just be mummed about it.

Life's lessons are hearty. I think they are meant to beat us down to a pulp and push us into submission until such a time, we learn to push back and stand up.

~

It's 4 AM. I want to sleep. I want to talk to Emmy and probably she's mad at me right now. I'm so sorry Swity, I will call you soon!

Money Maladies

    Life is so hard if financial freedom is not achieved and you are unable to manage resources effectively. Crap! I'm on a mission to see to it that this doesn't happen to me. Too many sacrifices were made and failure is not an option. NCLEX here I come. I can do this! This is not impossible.

    I'm 24 years old and I'm still young. I had obstacles and have a lot of shit in my life but I'm certain I can overcome them all. I can certainly do that! Got to help my family, soon and fast. Nobody imposed that burden on me, I always knew it was mine.

    Two nights ago, Rocky Balboa aired on Star Movies. I heard it was a good movie, critics raved over it, and it was supposed to be just another Stallone flop. But it didn't. Even I was moved. It's all about the message.

~~~>

Rocky Balboa: The world ain't all sunshine and rainbows. It is a very mean and nasty place It will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me or nobody is going to hit as hard as life. But it ain't about how hard you hit, it is about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward, how much can you take and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done!

~~~>

It's a good thing blogging is such a wonderful tool to vent. I feel much better now.

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Rest in Peace Auntie Er

    The most enduring memory I have of Auntie Erna was this one specific day that she took care of me. Among all other days, I distinctly remember that I was watching a cartoon show, "Pirates of the Dark Water", it was a marathon and was indeed special for me. I think it was a Chinese festival of sorts, I couldn't remember what it was. I even absent myself from class, I figured, I could always learn the lesson for the day and I just can't miss the opportunity of finding out the finale of the cartoon (This is probably one of those rare occasions that the child in me won over the scholarly and academic pursuits, haha!).

    I was watching the show on the second floor while Auntie was in her room. I think she was cross-stitching. It was such a fad those days, I remember.

    That being said, it was already noon and I was a bit hungry, however, I made it a point not to miss any valuable scenes in the show. Don't blame me, I was around 8 or 9 then. Grumblings of the stomach is nothing compared with the agony of missing the show. When suddenly, almost instantaneously, Auntie called and asked me what I desired for lunch. Of course, I replied in a whim, "Maskin cosa lang auntie." (rough translation = whatever is available auntie) and immediately focused back my attention to the television.

    A few minutes later, I heard the plates and silverwares are being prepared as well as the sound of oil fizzing. "Ahhh, something yummy is being prepared", I thought. It was then I realized, I should be helping my auntie. Even if, it's just setting up the table. Of course, I chose the easier option and opted to watch the show. I'm not proud of it but she was there. Hey, it's no excuse, but I was young then, I'm a better guy now (I think!).

    What was most memorable was, she didn't complained instead she invited me to eat my lunch with a warm smile. That really touched me and made me happy.

    A few years later she migrated to New Jersey, USA, together with some of my other Aunts and Uncles. I never saw her again but we talked sometimes on the phone and kept our connections.

    May you rest in peace Auntie Erna. I know that you are in heaven now and somehow, still taking care of all of us, praying and interceding for our safety and success. I love you.

    She left her mortal life on July 7, 2008 at 2:35 AM (NY Time).

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My First Blog Post -- Ever!

Tags: Ellery Ivan, Debater, Debate Life, Life as a Debater

I'm in nostagia mood and I wanted to read my first blog entry. When I actually found my abandoned blog, I decided to repost my first blog entry.

My first blog entry was in blogger, before it was acquired by google. Back then, I just wanted to give weblogging a try and blogger provided free services as well as fully customizable interface.

Here it is:

   

Debate is a part of my life. One of my extracurricular activities. NO, Im not a nerd, jackass...unlike you i just want to see things on different perspectives.

Competition is tough. And right now, im demoralized!!! My performance is shitty...hell... not the regular debatin' me!!!

Oh, hell blame it to poor matter... and lack of sleep... (is this rationalization or what?! )

So, I'm here matter loading 'til I experience information overload....hahaha

I just hope that all I read would be relevant...

Wish me luck!

The original entry can be found here. It was posted on a Tuesday, November 30, 2004 at 2:59 PM. I preserved every detail. The entry talks about me being frustrated with my performance during the 2004 Ateneo Fiesta Debate Championships. I don't remember who won the championships so don't bother asking me who won. I wish I could post some images relating to that event but unfortunately, back then digital cameras were still considered a high-end luxury good so I wouldn't have one, would I?

And how about, wind-up cameras then El? You might asked. Well, I didn't have one either. So if any of you reading out there have some images relating to that event, feel free to submit or email them to me. Credits will be given, of course.

I leave you with a quote by Paul Valery,

   

"The best way to make your dreams come true is to wake up."

'til the next blog entry then.

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What does INRI mean?

Tags: Catholic, INRI, Crucifix, Cross, Jesus, King of the Jews, Ellery Blog

I've always known what INRI is, it means Jesus, King of the Jews. I, however don't know the etymology or even the circumstances surrounding the word. Well, up to now that it. I stumbled upon an article in the web and it did wonders for my faith. I wish to share it with you or at least keep it for posterity's sake.

At the time of Jesus when a criminal was crucified, the reason or charge was placed on the cross. The Gospel of Matthew 27:37 tells us in the case of Jesus, “They placed over his head the written charge against him: This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.” Mark 15:26 reads, “The inscription of the charge against him read, ‘The King of the Jews.’”

The author of John relates, “Pilate also had an inscription written and put on the cross. It read, ‘Jesus the Nazorean, the King of the Jews.’ Now many of the Jews read this inscription, because the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, Latin and Greek” (John 19:19-20).

In Latin the inscription would read, “Jesus Nazarenus, Rex Judaeorum.” In Latin, the letter J can always be represented by I, so the letters INRI are the first letters of those words—a kind of abbreviation that is meant to remind us of the inscription and can fit the narrow confines of the crucifix.

John goes on to say that the Jews wanted Pilate to change the inscription to read, “He [Jesus] said, ‘I am the King of the Jews.’ Pilate answered, “What I have written, I have written” (verses 21-22).

In conclusion, INRI really translates into "Jesus, King of the Jews".

~---

"Even if we have thousands of acts of great virtue to our credit, our confidence in being heard must be based on God's mercy and His love for men. Even if we stand at the very summit of virtue, it is by mercy that we shall be saved." (St. John Chrysostom, Bishop and Doctor of the Catholic Church)

"I think if the devil doesn't exist, but man has created him, he has created him in his own image and likeness". (The Brothers Kamarazov, by Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky)

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Riding Public Transportations These Days

    This afternoon was supposed to be a - well, a mundane one, but instead turned into a not-so good day. While I was on the way to the pueblo, naturally (being the occasional thrifty one), I rode a Jeepney and I was surprised to see a notice plastered on the panel separating us from the driver. It states "Minimum fare 7 pesos; Putik 7.50". I find it appalling considering the minimum fare was 6.50 pesos. Now, let's be pragmatic here, it may be just 50 centavos per passenger (which can accrue as the number of trips and passenger increases) but the act itself was sacrilege in my eyes. That act was supposed to be illegal and was plain rude;  just because life is hard these days and fuel costs sky rockets almost weekly doesn't give the driver the pleasure of jacking up fare rates at his own discretion. I wanted to say to the old driver, "There's government regulation for fare rate increases, you asshole!". Yes, I was that mad.

    However, people simply complied. Yes, there was the occasional smirked and grumbling. I should say that this was the most appalling of all. We simply complied. Yes, I yelled at the driver, "de Guiwan yo Nong, 6.50 lang". It fell on deaf ears. And I complied. Shit, that was a stupid moment.

    Shit, that really was stupid, Ellery.

    Memo to self, when I will complain, I will make sure that I will do something about it. 

~

A Spanish sentence for you...

Nadie se anima a dar su opinión. - Nobody dares to say what they think.

last edited on May 14, 2008

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To Review Alone

To review alone is cumbersome at times,

to read pages without friends nearby makes the time flow slowly.

It seems twice as hard to journey alone.

But I have to overcome these feelings, what is most important is for me to take the examination and passing it; the sooner the better. What I need to remember is the fact that I need to advance.

~

rationale is pronounced rash-uh-nal. Why did our clinical instructors pronouned it differently?!

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