BATCH REUNION...

It has been three months since I had this desire to have a batch reunion for our high school class. As a response to my desire I immediately contacted people whom I know and I believe they can be of help for this pursuit.

This initiative freezed for some reasons. But lately, the campaign went on again and the network is becoming wider. I am happy to know that many are interested for a reunion and I came to realized that this event only needs one person to push through.

Since many are becoming involved I want to help my self up by establishing a data base. First, keep track of the people who already signified their interest. Also, to have a record of who else should I contact. At the same time, this would facilitate the whole event.

I am really getting excited as people sign up. So I started building the data base. One by one I entered the names of my batchmates. As I encode their names, suddenly some of them I recall by name, some I recall by their faces and the experiences I had with them. Since our school is so big and we have a big population, unfortunately, many I cannot remember. But I know during the reunion I will get to know them and so they are. My identity will be revealed.

As I go with the list, I went into a sudden but trembling experience. Let me give a short background. We have a class shirt, where our names were posted; it is located at the back of the shirt. Due to my excitement with the list, I started to write the name of my high school classmates. I am getting confused as I commence the process; I realize that I cannot remember all their names. So I went to my friendster account since I posted the picture of our class shirt where the names are written. To my amazement, even as I looked at the names, still I cannot recall some of my classmates; and to top it all, even my peers and friends I cannot remember.

Thinking through what had happened and why did it happened. I immediately attributed this to the seasonal short term memory loss that I am experiencing. But I really tried to think had, till I ended up admitting the sad truth.

I usually say that college life is the most beautiful experience I ever have. My friends will immediately contradict my statement for they believe that their high school life is the best. As I recall, I rarely share high school events that I had, yes I rarely do.

Honestly, I envy people who have established connections with their high school friends, because I don’t have. I never had. My life in our town is rather different. It is not the same as those of my high school “friends”. I never had time with them. I real fun time like the stories that I have encountered. I don’t have the luxury and liberty of time that they enjoyed.

During my teenage years, these include college days that I spend in our town (I studied away from home), while my batchmates are busy, having grand time with themselves I am at the market, selling, earning a living. While they are inside the malls during weekends, I am attending the house chores and my siblings’ needs. On summer breaks, while they are visiting each others houses, I am in my relatives’ place having vacation. So how can I know them? How will I establish friendship? I remember my friends used to adjust to my schedule by spending time with me in the market while I attend to my responsibility. I really admire those people who never cared about my status in life all they cared for is my value to them.

I never had time for outside friendships; I am busy working out family’s friendship. My priorities went out right. I am glad to still have friends outside the home despite the fact. Meeting my batchmates for a reunion will let me rekindle memories. At the same time, it will give me the chance to know them and establish friendship, which is now more meaningful because we are emotionally mature.

I am not bitter about all these. I never regret any of those. No, not at this point. Maybe I do when I still bear a child’s heart, when still I clamor for “freedom” when I fact I just envy them.

Fruit of my youthhood resulted to stronger ties with my siblings and family. I can never repay those times that I was with them. I treasure moments when I myself witness the sacrifices that each one gave to sustain the family materially. Friends come and go but the family remains. Did I lost my youthhood? Yes, maybe but not my family.

ALANIS MORISSETTE LYRICS

"Thank U"

how bout getting off these antibiotics
how bout stopping eating when I'm full up
how bout them transparent dangling carrots
how bout that ever elusive kudo

thank you india
thank you terror
thank you disillusionment
thank you frailty
thank you consequence
thank you thank you silence

how bout me not blaming you for everything
how bout me enjoying the moment for once
how bout how good it feels to finally forgive you
how bout grieving it all one at a time

thank you india
thank you terror
thank you disillusionment
thank you frailty
thank you consequence
thank you thank you silence

the moment I let go of it was the moment
I got more than I could handle
the moment I jumped off of it
was the moment I touched down


how bout no longer being masochistic
how bout remembering your divinity
how bout unabashedly bawling your eyes out
how bout not equating death with stopping

thank you india
thank you providence
thank you disillusionment
thank you nothingness
thank you clarity
thank you thank you silence
[ www.azlyrics.com ]

ALANIS MORISSETTE LYRICS "Head Over Feet" I had no choice but to hear you You stated your case time and again I thought about it You treat me like I'm a princess I'm not used to liking that You ask how my day was You've already won me over in spite of me And don't be alarmed if I fall head over feet Don't be surprised if I love you for all that you are I couldn't help it It's all your fault Your love is thick and it swallowed me whole You're so much braver than I gave you credit for That's not lip service You've already won me over in spite of me And don't be alarmed if I fall head over feet Don't be surprised if I love you for all that you are I couldn't help it It's all your fault You are the bearer of unconditional things You held your breath and the door for me Thanks for your patience You're the best listener that I've ever met You're my best friend Best friend with benefits What took me so long I've never felt this healthy before I've never wanted something rational I am aware now I am aware now You've already won me over in spite of me And don't be alarmed if I fall head over feet Don't be surprised if I love you for all that you are I couldn't help it It's all your fault [ www.azlyrics.com ]

ALANIS MORISSETTE LYRICS

"Ironic"

An old man turned ninety-eight
He won the lottery and died the next day
It's a black fly in your Chardonnay
It's a death row pardon two minutes too late
And isn't it ironic... don't you think

It's like rain on your wedding day
It's a free ride when you've already paid
It's the good advice that you just didn't take
Who would've thought... it figures

Mr. Play It Safe was afraid to fly
He packed his suitcase and kissed his kids goodbye
He waited his whole damn life to take that flight
And as the plane crashed down he thought
"Well isn't this nice..."
And isn't it ironic... don't you think

It's like rain on your wedding day
It's a free ride when you've already paid
It's the good advice that you just didn't take
Who would've thought... it figures

Well life has a funny way of sneaking up on you
When you think everything's okay and everything's going right
And life has a funny way of helping you out when
You think everything's gone wrong and everything blows up
In your face

A traffic jam when you're already late
A no-smoking sign on your cigarette break
It's like ten thousand spoons when all you need is a knife
It's meeting the man of my dreams
And then meeting his beautiful wife
And isn't it ironic...don't you think
A little too ironic...and, yeah, I really do think...

It's like rain on your wedding day
It's a free ride when you've already paid
It's the good advice that you just didn't take
Who would've thought... it figures

Life has a funny way of sneaking up on you
Life has a funny, funny way of helping you out
Helping you out



[ www.azlyrics.com ]

ALANIS MORISSETTE LYRICS

"Hand In My Pocket"

I'm broke but I'm happy
I'm poor but I'm kind
I'm short but I'm healthy, yeah
I'm high but I'm grounded
I'm sane but I'm overwhelmed
I'm lost but I'm hopeful baby
What it all comes down to
Is that everything's gonna be fine fine fine
I've got one hand in my pocket
And the other one is giving a high five
I feel drunk but I'm sober
I'm young and I'm underpaid
I'm tired but I'm working, yeah
I care but I'm restless
I'm here but I'm really gone
I'm wrong and I'm sorry baby

What it all comes down to
Is that everything's gonna be quite alright
I've got one hand in my pocket
And the other one is flicking a cigarette
And what it all comes down to
Is that I haven't got it all figured out just yet
I've got one hand in my pocket
And the other one is giving the peace sign
I'm free but I'm focused
I'm green but I'm wise
I'm hard but I'm friendly baby
I'm sad but I'm laughing
I'm brave but I'm chickenshit
I'm sick but I'm pretty baby

And what it all boils down to
Is that no one's really got it figured out just yet
I've got one hand in my pocket
And the other one is playing the piano
And what it all comes down to my friends
Is that everything's just fine fine fine
I've got one hand in my pocket
And the other one is hailing a taxi cab

[Harmonica solo]


[ www.azlyrics.com ]

Lord why am i going through what am i going through right now? it seems i am losing the horizon. You are pointing me to lead others but why can't i lead myself? i know that all things work for the good of those who love You, i am holding on to that promise. I know You keep your promises.

Lord can you please cause me to hold a little more and be a little patient with life? during these times i don't need dream stealers and brain corruptors. Lord can You please lead to people who will teach me to love You in spite of and despite of? Lord can You please shut my ears to the whispers of dream stealers and mind corruptors?

Lord cause me to maintain a positive outlook in life. i am so overwhelmed with my life today and i must admit i am so vulnerable. caused me to put on the armor of life and press on to the job that You have commissioned me. Remind me always that "You must become greater and I must become less". may i also be reminded that "to live is Christ and to die is gain."

in the midst of this temporal universe caused me to focus on eternity. protect me from all kinds of temptations and cause me to flee from temptations. i submit my thoughts to You for i know all my sinful tendencies dwell in my mind. cover me with Your blood that i may present my self worthy.

IN THE ABSENCE OF GRAVITY

i am in a very devastating point in my life.
i am reduced into a very materialistic view point
i get so dumb and lonely
nothing amaze me anymore

i let feelings overpower me
i go where my sensations lead me
i am a prisoner
a captive of my own destruction

i am totally dispersed
and i am having difficulty to unify myself
i can't contain it
i fail to gravitate

i long to be stabilized
i have to, it's a must
it's getting late
i'm running out of time

FORGIVING

I have been watching Spiderman sequels. I rarely watch a film on the silver screen. I am not choosy on films but I treasure almost every peso I spend because I am very particular with my financial stewardship since I was raised in scarcity. Every time I enter a cinema for a movie I see to it that the memory of my stay will linger.

Spiderman sequel is one of those films that I really wanted to spend time with. The story is not just about heroism. It is a story of wisdom; a film with a life of its own.

Since I watched Spiderman sequel I look forward to Spiderman III to come summer of 2007 due to the observed show date of the first two; and it did not fail me. I really waited for the show date, only to find out that I can not afford to watch my much-awaited film. It was shown for a month yet chance was so scarce.

Fortunately, last August 27, I was able to watch it. Late but just in time… in time with what I am going through right now.

Spiderman III is a story of friendship and forgiveness. So far, it’s the best.

Sorry, a common term for all. Its familiarity supersedes its meaning. We say sorry to, originally, ask for forgiveness but nowadays sorry conveys compliance, maybe to social norm; it’s ought to be done; thus, the essence of forgiveness was robbed. Following this path, the current condition may breed bitterness because the act lacks sincerity and truthfulness.

The word sorry is commonly responded it’s OK or its fine, which may symbolize vagueness.
Spiderman’s release of forgiveness brought freedom to Sandman. Although, Sandman did not directly beg for forgiveness (meaning did not say sorry) the expression of remorse was sincere and it touches the soul.

I envy the scene. Sometimes, the perceived shallowness of the mistake makes asking for forgiveness compliance to the prevailing norm and the response was literally a response. Asking for forgiveness and releasing forgiveness are the two most difficult things to do in life, especially when the situations have devastated the inmost being; events that caused bitterness, resentment and/or anger. Nevertheless, asking for and releasing forgiveness brings freedom and empowerment to an individual.

I SEE MYSELF (click to view video)

DOES ANYBODY HEAR HER?
by Casting Crown

She is running
A hundred miles an hour in the wrong direction
She is trying
But the canyon's ever widening
In the depths of her cold heart
So she sets out on another misadventure just to find
She's another two years older
And she's three more steps behind

Does anybody hear her? Can anybody see?
Or does anybody even know she's going down today
Under the shadow of our steeple
With all the lost and lonely people
Searching for the hope that's tucked away in you and me
Does anybody hear her? Can anybody see?

She is yearning
For shelter and affection
That she never found at home
She is searching
For a hero to ride in
To ride in and save the day
And in walks her prince charming
And he knows just what to say
Momentary lapse of reason
And she gives herself away

Does anybody hear her? Can anybody see?
Or does anybody even know she's going down today
Under the shadow of our steeple
With all the lost and lonely people
Searching for the hope that's tucked away in you and me
Does anybody hear her? Can anybody see?

If judgment looms under every steeple
If lofty glances from lofty people
Can't see past her scarlet letter
And we've never even met her

If judgment looms under every steeple
If lofty glances from lofty people
Can't see past her scarlet letter
And we've never even met her

Never even met her


Does anybody hear her? Does anybody see?
Or does anybody even knows she's going down today
Under the shadow of our steeple
With all the lost and lonely people
Searching for the hope that's tucked away in you and me

Does anybody hear her? Does anybody see?
Does anybody even know she's going down today?
Under the shadow of our steeple
With all the lost and lonely people
Searching for the hope that's tucked away in you and me
Does anybody hear her? Does anybody see?

He is running a hundred miles an hour in the wrong direction

what a reflection of who am i. it's exactly what i feel; and exactly what others feel.

GINISING NG KALIKASAN

isang malakas na kulog ang pumunit sa aking pagmumuni-muni. pakiwari ko ba'y tumagos ito sa aking kaluluwa ginising ang aandap-andap kong isipan...

aking napagtanto buti na lamang ako ay nasa silungan. pano na sila?silang ang silungan ay ang kalagitnaan ng ulan.

I AM HIS (click to view video)

CASTING CROWNS LYRICS

"Who Am I"

Who am I, that the Lord of all the earth
Would care to know my name
Would care to feel my hurt
Who am I, that the Bright and Morning Star
Would choose to light the way
For my ever wandering heart

Not because of who I am
But because of what You've done
Not because of what I've done
But because of who You're

I am a flower quickly fading
Here today and gone tomorrow
A wave tossed in the ocean
A vapor in the wind
Still You hear me when I'm calling
Lord, You catch me when I'm falling
And You've told me who I am
I am Yours, I am Yours

Who Am I, that the eyes that see my sin
Would look on me with love and watch me rise again
Who Am I, that the voice that calmed the sea
Would call out through the rain
And calm the storm in me

I am Yours
Whom shall I fear
Whom shall I fear
'Cause I am Yours
I am Yours

My heart's desire is to bring glory to my life giver. Praise God, for He chose me. He can choose you to. He is waiting.

LOVE SONG (click to view video)

I PROMISE
(Jaci Velasquez)

Lord You know my heart
And all my desires
And the secret things
I never tell
Lord You know them well

Though I maybe young
I see and understand
That at time like sheep
We go astray
And things get out of hand

CHORUS:
So I promise to be true to You
To live my life in purity as unto You
Waiting for the day
Till I hear You say
" Here is the one I have created,
Just for you."

Until then Oh, Lord
I will be content
Knowing that true love will come someday
It will only come from You

Cause I have seen
The suffering that loneliness can cause
When we choose to give our love away
Without a righteous cause

(REPEAT CHORUS)

Engagement in a romantic relationship is an emotional investment that we cannot easily take back. If we fail, we can only shed tears but the pain it causes will continually remind us.

I love loving, it's one of the noblest things an individual can do. But i hate the pain it brings when we don't deserve the experience.

ON CULTURAL SENSITIVITY

Coming across this very image I felt so furious.

This person, whoever he is, happen to view my Friendster profile, looking at his displayed picture my curiosity was fueled that led me enlarge the image just to totally see the whole thing. The man seems so overjoyed with what he is doing. And to top it all, he commented: "xenxa na- nadala ako weh!(sorry, i was carried away). For verification check on: http://www.friendster.com/photos/30566064/0/412769083

This place is in Baguio City, which happened to be situated near our office. The man is apparently a tourist, a visitor in one of the most culturally rich place in the Philippines. A place where many have considered a hub, especially during summer due to its low temperature and other appealing tourists' spots.

Maybe most tourist have viewed Baguio only as a vacation place. An area of freedom where nobody knows them and they can do everything that they wanted. But not to us who have dwelt here for a relevant period of time and who have learned to respect Cordilleran culture, which is totally unknown to us.

Unfortunately, the statue that the man is trying to disrespect represents a particular group here in the Cordillera region. In Baguio, these statues are symbols that earn respect. They represent people who have labored to defend and live out their culture.

I am writing to call sensitivity for all of us, especially those who visit other places. Yes, we have all the liberty to go anywhere so long as our capabilities allow us. But nobody can ever stand up and say that we have the freedom to rob due respect.

We are all humans, bestowed with minds driven by rationalities. This is never new to all of us, we only need somebody to get so furious and serve as a reminder.

THE LIFE OF COFFEE I HAD

i started drinking coffee when i get to college because they say it awakens. then, i got hooked and i am leading others to get hooked as well.

i still remember i used to nag my mom about coffee drinking because she drinks a lot. but now, i already surpassed her coffee drinking ability. the average i could is four cups in a day all having teaspoonful per batch and i rarely drink water.

my brothers used to chat about my coffee drinking behavior. i somehow sense that the family is alarmed about the coffee drinking behavior.

nevertheless, i can't stop drinking coffee because i treasure the memories brought by coffee drinking. coffee is my witness to the relatively saddest and happiest points of my life. i also used coffee as a vessel in my relationship building.

yes, i have influence many to drink coffee but at the same time my influence went beyond that. as we enjoy sipping our coffee, we enjoy the moment together. we enjoy the time as we share life. we enjoy the coffee as we savor the passing of time.

many says coffee is bad. maybe i should agree but whenever the thought of those relationships and fellowships i made i cannot discount the relevance of coffee in my life. even as i write this, beside me is a pitcher of coffee.

as i sip my coffee, it reminds me to build meaningful relationships that would create an impact in the society. i am but a single individual crying for a battle to recreate because i am hopeful for a better society.

hope i could sit with you with a cup of coffee.

THE MAKING OF A VILLAIN

What is a villain? Who is a villain? How do we respond as we encounter a villain? How do we perceive a villain? Where do we usually find villains? Where do villains arise? Are we willing to understand a villain my probing at it own circumstances? If yes, how far? If otherwise, why not?

Villain is usually defined this way:

· a wicked or evil person; someone who does evil deliberately

· the principle bad character in a film or work of fiction
wordnet.princeton.edu/perl/webwn

In a sense we thought of villains in a negative way. We may perceive them as bad, dangerous and somebody to be afraid of.

But have we ever thought of the creation of villains. Have we ever wondered how a villain develops and progresses?

Let me start with a story of a man whom i meet almost everyday. Before our story ends I would like to make sense of his history. Let me hide him in the persona Ronald.

Ronald is a lover. Not of mine but of somebody else. However, his special someone, Melanie, does not seem interested at him. Mainly because he is a happy go lucky guy who doesn't seem to care about his world or no world at all.

Nonetheless, determined to pursue his love for Melanie, Ronald decided to shift his way of life in a , lets say, more directed one. And as other love stories, he has his luck.

The two always had a great time together; they share their inmost thought and dreams to each other, which fueled their relationship all the more.

As most relationships, the two don't spend time in a 24/7 basis of schedule, they still need to proceed to their homes and face their families.

Melanie's family is closed to ideal although her "mother" is just the second wife of his father still their relationship is still in accord.

On the contrary, Ronald' home was not the ideal set up of a home. Yes, there exists a father, a mother and a sister but the interaction, which determines their behavior towards each other, is not encouraging.

Ronald's father is a prominent business magnate. He is well known for his brilliance and success in the business world. He is regarded for his achievements.

Ronald's mother is a woman who chose to stay home. She has of the same position with her husband for she is the Chief-Executive -Officer inside their home. Her major and relevant tasks are to supervise house cleaning, cook, delegate shopping for house needs and wait to all other members of the family who most of the time spends their time outside the home. While waiting for other family members she lures herself in watching telenovelas, which made her a very devoted fan wherein she made transference of concepts in her everyday life. She uses these telenovelas to give advice to other people and most of the time relate the telenovelas to what is happening around. Not bad actually, isn't it?

Ronald's sister is a typical teen-ager. She spends most of her time with peers and she has the latest fads in town. Well, no wonder her father has all the purchasing power.

Ronald, ever since he started expressing his love for Melanie, has become one of the best students in class. Even before that, he used to show great concern for his mother.

However, Ronald is his father's greatest nightmare. All his achievements were not acknowledged. For his father, Ronald is one big mistake of his lifetime. Ronald is a dumb man who knows nothing about life and success.

i'll finish when i get back

REVIVALS

I would like to reminisce the moment blogging made sense to me.
(click the title)

ROUND TABLE

We used to have a rectangular dining table. Whenever we eat we proceed to our "proper seat". Our location will depend on who will eat with us. And who among the family members are present for dining.
Many times i get a little confused, because the positions somehow signified a hierarchical organization. I mean you cannot sit there because someone is supposed to be there. The seats represent "power" in a subtle form. We even developed the terms "head" and "tail", upon which complicated my mind all the more.
Lately we were blessed with a round table from a friend. The first time I saw it placed as our new dining table I was so excited. I don't seek to defy hierarchy, (because I never ignored authority, especially inside a home.) rather I desire to escape from the discomforts caused by that rectangular dining table.
The round dining table brought ease and comfort. It has lessen the connotation of power laid by the rectangular dining table. It has maintained equality not in authority nor power but in enjoying meal due to the comfort and ease.

THE WINNING OF BRUCE QUEBRAL

Last night (June 26, 2007) was the eleventh eviction night of Pinoy Big Brother. Prior to this event I was contemplating to write about one of their contestants named Bruce Quebral who happened to be so proud of being a UPan (a student or alumni from the University of the Philippines). I believe this is an opportune time for me to write about Bruce because the writing will not be packaged as a propaganda against him, since he is already evicted, but rather an analysis of his joining and winning and its possible implications into the psyche of many lives that are witnesses of Pinoy Big Brother.
I must admit that I did not have the luck of viewing all the episodes of Pinoy Big Brother so as early as now I claim for all the correction as long as the misconceptions of this article. My only purpose is to have an intellectual grasp of the vivid happenings inside the house.
I don't exactly know the purpose(s) of Bruce Quebral upon his entry inside Big Brother's house. I also don't know much about the objectives of Pinoy Big Brother competition. One thing is clear in my mind, contestants represent the Filipinos, whatever value they bring inside the "house". Knowing that many people are watching them not only in the Philippines but all over the world makes their roles very sensitive. In this instance, I want to discuss two very revealing insights of mine.
During the feud between the three remaining girls inside the "house", I saw how Bruce made Wendy feel so special. He's always there to serve as Wendy's comfort and should I say protection. However, due to Bruce's deep affection for Wendy he seemed to forget the idea of objectivity. I saw him becoming powerless, being subdued by his emotions for Wendy. I commend the program for reminding Bruce about this instance.
Last night, upon Bruce's exit from Big Brother's house Toni Gonzaga asked him if his purpose(s) upon entry inside Kuya's "house" were served. (Forgive me if I wasn't able to deliver the exact words). Bruce proudly answered yes to Toni and the manifestation of the achievement was the meeting with Wendy. Though I am not familiar with Pinoy Big Brothers program objectives I don't believe that that is the only reason of each and every individual who auditions for this competition. I trust that there is a deeper reason apart from meeting someone "special" to your eyes that motivates joining in the Pinoy Big Brother Contest.
I was saddened by these observations. Again, I have nothing about this person that I am writing about but I have something with his acts.
How do these observations may affect the psyche of the viewers, especially those young minds who are so indwelt in this television program?
The view on the dynamics, both of development and progress, of intimate relationship will be affected. People will keep on believeing on love at first sight which brings false hopes to people. At the same time, there is a subtle approval on two-timing, since Bruce has a girlfriend outside the house and yet he is deeply engaged with Wendy. This puts fidelity among Filipinos in question. Finally, power relation was very revealing. Bruce being allowed to be overpowered by Wendy in the name of "love". But the real dynamism is there exist a power domination that subdued Bruce Quebral.
More so, the creation and conception of philosophy is also in trouble. For more than one hundred days of stay inside the "house", Bruce simply accomplished one thing, that is to meet Wendy, no more, no less. After all the hardships, the efforts, the tears that you have given up for the competition you will end up telling "I met her"; when in the first place during the audition the psyche was not that. Pinoy Big Brother is an opportunity to learn in life, to achieve personal improvement. What a pity to hear a statement such as that!
The winning of Bruce Quebral would be very controversial not only among the viewers but also to others who will analyze the event.

INSIGHTS ON THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS

My memories are still vivid upon my first encounter with the concepts such as global warming and greenhouse effect. I was just in elementary then, being raised in a public school, the concepts are really vague in my appreciation. I do not seem to fantasize and spend my imagination about these environmental issues.
Nowadays, we notice several changes in the environment like weather, temperature, humidity and other natural occurrences. Since the start of the new millennium we have been inundated with all the latest forecast about the atmospheric changes.
These atmospheric highlights exposed me once again to the concepts of global warming and greenhouse effect. Alliances between countries is observed to combat this alarming situation of our environment. Write ups after write ups comprised most journals, magazines and newspapers to call attention in saving the environment. National leaders, environmental advocates and other concerned social figures could be seen on national television lecturing on how to protect the environment. This prevailing scenario express urgency and alarm to each and every thinking creature on this earth.
I am not writing for us to find out the major culprit in this environmental concerns that we are facing. I am writing for us to reflect on thoughts that are not new to us but neglected maybe because we have so much baggages. I also want to remind us about one thing that I believe most of us overlooked because we are so presumptuous.
I consider my self a social animal. I love places surrounded by people like jeepneys, cafeteria, market place, malls and other places where I could have the freedom to listen to people's expression of their ideas.
During the alarming "emergence" of the global warming and its consequences I was given the privilege to observe a number of reactions from listeners, viewers and readers. Fortunately, I was able to converse with a handful of them. Here are some of their possible reactions:

• caught their attention at first then immediately went back to their lives;
• gave an inquisitive look;
• if the media is not on their language they don't seem to care;
• gives a comment like "iba na talaga ang panahon"; or
• does not care at all

I don't want to be conclusive to the point of saying that the "common" people do not care with what is going on in the environment. Going back to my previous encounter with the words global warming, there is ambiguity. I believe media is not enough to educate people on the regarding the danger that the environment is going through which will eventually affect humankind. But this is not just the case there is a greater panic that should greatly alarm us.
One of the ways proposed as a combative measure is Proper Waste Management. Campaigns on waste segregation is all around. Many of us are familiar with the words reduce, re-use, recycle and composting. As an evidence, some places, for instance here in Baguio City, the government installed trash cans with corresponding label to manage the waste. Surprisingly, I seem to notice that people, I hope not everybody, cannot manage the trash at all. Every time I walk along Session Road I really look through the trash cans and to my amazement you will never observe the difference among and between the trash cans with respective labels.
These I cannot confine in my thoughts. Sometimes, I see that the case is really fathomless. The trash cans alone conveys a message and the user of this vessel is supposedly a thinking creature. How do advocates expect results in alleviating the environmental condition if "simple" task are overlooked by many? Lucky are we in Baguio because we are in a mountainous area but this does not mean we are spared from the consequences of the global warming. All of us, not even one will be spared, will be victims of these massive atmospheric alteration.

THE SOCIAL CATALYST

In the book of Ecclesiates it is written.. "Of making many books there is no end, and much study wearies the body." ( 12:12b)

Man is in a continuum in its search for knowledge. Researchers and scientist never retires in digging for knowledge. As they pass away, their endeavors will be kept by their survivors and again the search continues. Books, journals, newspapers and magazines...almost everything has been exposed; nevertheless the thirst for knowledge is unceasing.
But why is this tenacity? After all the researches to come are simply verifications to existing theories; nothing new just affirmation to the folks undertakings. And yet the passion never losses it value.
Some of the objectives of researches are (1.) achieve social order; (2) experience social justice; and (3.) sustain equality, all these may eventually lead to development.
Lucky are we in this generation for much of the explanations that we might need are available to our disposal; just a few minutes of browsing a book, internet or any form of technological advancement that will provide us with the needed data. We are exposed extensively to our rights and people are actually fighting for these rights maybe for preservation purposes.
After all the researches and exposition of results, why are the objectives not achieved? Why society is still experiencing distress?
Going back to what i quoted, indeed, the writing of book is endless; the intellectual discourse is limitless, only the physical bodies will hinder us to press on. But observations will lead us to conclude that all the efforts are in vain. The knowledge are going nowhere simply because goals are not attained.
So why SOCIAL CATALYST? it is an effort to utilize the publication to induced change in the society. Living in a fast paced society we tend to look at published papers simply as commodities; exist to profit us monetarily but not intellectually. Knowing that the acquisition of published articles requires our resources we should respond to them with great relevance resulting into personal and social improvement.
In economics, mismanagement of resources is a failure. We have all the needed resources as far as technology is concerned the problem lies in the utility of these resources. Hence, attainment of research purposes could be touched.