how to be insomniac...
I just want to share that this morning, someone from the National Youth Commission called on my mobile phone, informing and congratulating me for I was chosen to represent the Philippines to the 35th Ship for South-East Asia Youth Program (35th SSEAYP). I was one of the 28 delegates across the country who will be cruising the south east asian countries on October 21, 2008 - December 25, 2008.
There will be a Pre-Departure Activities (PDA) organized for the chosen delegates which will start on July 15-25, 2008 at Tagaytay city but this will be in conflict to my TOSP activities which will culminate on July 17, 2008. Attending to both of these activities will be a big loss in my studies. I'm weighing right now what my heart is beating and is best.
I was excited but not sure to accept the program because I have a scholarship contract in a full-time graduate student status in DOST; and also I don't have yet a passport. Hai. Hope I'll not choose to go online casinos gambling to get my consolation for not choosing SSEAYP.
What I am planning rigth now is to finish the TOSP/malacañan experience and talk to the SSEAYP secretariat that I will make up to the activities after TOSP. Regarding my studies and long exam in line, I'll be multi-tasking, will try to juggle all these things. But hey, I'm not superman. Hope that everything will be alright.
Thanks to God for all these opportunities and blessings.
527 DOST-SEI scholarship slots granted
Masters and PhD degrees.
signing of the scholarship contractDOST Secretary Estrella F. Alabastro said the government is very determined to establish a pool of science researchers, engineers and educators, with MS and PhD degrees in the country in the contract signing ceremony of the scholar-grantees.
Dr. Ester B. Ogena, Director of the DOST-SEI, said the qualified graduates underwent rigid selection, both by the screening committee and the DOST’s sectoral Councils.
“For the Philippines to be at par with our regional partners in terms of science and engineering we need more graduates taking up MS and PhD courses,” she added.
From left (fellow scholars in UPD): moi, Claude Ceniza (from USC-Talamban Campus - taking MS Biology), and Nilo Bait (from UP - taking MS Biology)Under the Accelerated Science and Technology Human Resources Development Program and the Engineering Research and Development for Technology Program 521 applicants were qualified with 413 going to MS and 108 to PhD courses.
I was granted this scholarship program which enables me to pursue my MS at University of the Philippines – Diliman. This scholarship program of the Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) through PCASTRD covers actual tuition and school fees, monthly stipend of 12,000.00pesos, transportation allowance, book allowance, and thesis project budget of PHP30,000.00.
halo halo this summer
We had a really wonderful time visiting with my friends at
Last Saturday was a fun day. The volunteers had a teambuilding activity and I was invited to be one of their facilitator. It was kind of a surprise, really. It was a two-day activity Sandra and Kix planned for the new core members of the T’nalak Youth Group.
Will surely miss these guys here. We finally finished our college, guys! God bless in your career and hope that we will find a happy life out there. I going to miss all our bonding and our struggles. Just keep in touch always.
Hope you are having a lovely summer!
graduation day
52nd Commencement Exercise (Notre Dame of Marbel University) 2008
I was just wondering why time flies so fast. Yesterday was my last day as a student. Allow me to congratulate myself for a job well done. I want to thank first and foremost the Almighty God and all the people who have shown their support and affection during my life as a student. Thank you Notre Dame of
from left: Jomae, Moi, and Mary ahn (my classmates)
Center: Nanay and bestfriend ronnel imposing my gold medallion
I thank all the people who went to our house to celebrate with us the fruit of the hardworks of my parents in sending me in college. To my pathways family, volunteers, and friends for unending support to all my endeavors. Special thanks to Ate Sandra, te Kix, Yaku, te leann, and many more.
friendsTo all the graduates:
We have dreams to follow not dreams to dream of. We should not give up by the sufferings we are facing through life because without those we wouldn't be having a happy life. Our parents should be thanked for the years of support for our education, patience for our financial demands, and pride for every diploma, medals, and certificates we bring home. They were always there to understand us, so in the graduation day we must thank them.
Our graduation is a tribute to our parents; for their hardworks and sacrifices.
Congratulations! Soar high and help cultivate the future!
God bless us all!
change now
Is it only for the people who too lazy to change? Why people fuss over it during the new year's day? When one can have resolutions any months to work-on and live during.
But I believe in making resolutions. It’s a beautiful expression of a desire to change for the better, not because the calendar demands it, but because the person finds in him the need to.
"To do what one has accomplished to do, he must realize, at the very onset, that he is unable. Yes, this is the irony—realize you are unable, and then you become able–because the strength ultimately comes from God. It is God who effects the change in us. Man can only do so much. By realizing his need, a person must come to the One who is able, ask for His grace, and, if He so wills it, He will provide the means for some form of change."We shouldn’t wait for another year to change our bad habits or to do something glorifying to God.
If we must change, then it must be now.
It’s a great year ahead of us. God bless.
the last 365 days
2007 has barely started and it's now an end. Too many things have happened to me--both bad and good--and this is perhaps the best time to write about them as find and retrieve my self again this year of the rat.
I cannot recall everything with precision; but I can, however, create a clear picture of the events that have transpired. What is clear is that I will only write about the most important and significant ones. If I have, for the record, forgotten some very monumental events, then blame it to my being stolen.
- Received a Domain as a birthday gift from Jehzeel Laurente. Thanks to him, now I have aethen.com :p
- Celebrated the 3rd year of Pathways in Mindanao and organized a Concert.
- Was tagged by Mrs. Magallanes [my instructor in Differential Calculus] as “Little Leithold"
- I was granted a scholarship from DOST-SEI (RA 8637 Junior Level Assistance Program).
- Participated the 4th National Pathways Youth Congress , "Forging ties at five" in Ateneo de Manila University.
- Been to the virgin islands and white beaches in Gumasa, Glan, Saranggani.
- I became a registered voter and practiced my right to suffrage. My first vote.
- I had my apprenticeship training at MUTI Motors as Programmer.
- My mother sees me naked at the age of 19.
- Biboy was in the spotlight.
- Made a rushed system project proposal.
- Reflected and listed the changes I wanted to effect.
- Lead the T'nalak Youth Group and organized its projects and programs for the whole year. Implemented the GeneKewel and series of Volunteers' babad for the growth of the volunteers.
- Was qualified to the National Search of Outstanding Volunteers 2007 (SOV) for the Youth - Individual Category.
- Became alone.
- Started writing a series of posts about the T’nalak Festival.
- Was mistaken as a McDonald product endorser and a look-a-like of Tim Yap? Hehe.
- Wrote a review of The Order of the Phoenix, a series of Harry Potter.
- I got my new blog card from Ayel.
- Wrote the first partnership post with Ayel.
- Attended the 1st Asian Marist Youth Congress at Tagaytay City.
- Loaded and been committed to many activities.
- Reviewed the A Love story.
- Joined the Essay Writing contest of WIKA 2007. Submitted an entry titled, taste the Philippines.
- Two things I learned from my blogger friends.
- Celebrated my 20th birthday, twice. And treated my friends.
- Conducted and spoke on team-building activities and leadership seminars.
- Joined the 1st Mindanao Bloggers Summit at Davao City.
- Received 52k from my scholarship for reimbursement of school expenses.
- Had a crazy trip to Cotabato city with Ayel for a scheduled SOV interview.
- Organized the 3rd Mindanao Volunteers Convention at Lake Sebu.
- Got my AdSense pin and received our (my partner kuya jhez) first AdSense Payment worth $313.08.
- Received my first payment from Blog4Bucks for sposored posts.
- Had a chicken pox that's why I'm not online for a two weeks last December.
- Started reading the Touchstones.
I hope more of wonderful experiences and memories this 2008. The past year has taught me a lot of things and I pray that I will be better with all these learnings and experiences.
Thanks to God and for the blessings he gave me. :)
In the best and highest sense, I wish you all a happy new year.
hs klsm8s reunion and etc
unplanned meeting for the party
Herman (wearing an orange colored shirt) in the company
classmates wearing the friendship band given by Ryan during the get-to-gether party/reunion at Del Rio splash resort
The party ended at 2am. We had a tiring but a wonderful day. I really missed them and I can't wait to see them soon successful.
***
God has been so gracious as to give me this most wonderful time with my family and friends for Christmas. There are still many things to do. Projects for the PMYC, programs in the department council, pathways tutorial which will finally be possible this year because the LGU of Polomolok gave us already the budget amounting to 90K and 20k from LGU of Banga for the implementationof the academic enrichment program (yepey!) ...and finish two case studies in Ethics and review two books for computer networks due this coming back to school.
***
Does anyone of you have read the books, "The Cathedral and Bazaar" by Eric S. Raymund and "The History of the Future: Origins of the Internet" by John Noughton?
I am soliciting some of your ideas or you can give me some insights regarding the books. I have to review these books as a requirement in Computer Networks. I have read the two books already but I want to hear your from other readers their reviews also. :)
3rd MINCON and LET 2007
Pathways to Higher Education-Mindanao has been empowering college students as instruments in fulfilling the dreams of intellectually gifted but financially underprivileged public high school students to enter college. And as part of the community development they continually embrace the mission of Pathways in creating a society where there is equity to higher education and in molding future Filipino leaders. Currently, there are seven Pathways Youth Groups in various universities and colleges through out Mindanao.
- Ateneo de Davao Univeristy
- Ateneo de Cagayan Univeristy - XU
- Ateneo de Zamboanga Univeristy
- Fr. Saturnino Urius University
- Notre Dame of Marbel University
- Notre Dame of Dadiangas University
- Notre Dame of Tacurong College
- Holy Cross of Davao College
- AGUIRRE, JOHN RYAN CARIGANDA
- BACALING, MARICEL DULACA
- BATILLER, SHIRLY SUCAYAN
- DAUS, LEANN JESTER CABRIDO
- GARDOSE, IAN NEIL MAGTULIS
- LALISAN, ARIEL CENTENO
AMYS
The 4 days and 3 nights summit of the Youth of Asia and the Marist Brothers of the General Council concluded last September 25, 2007 at Mariapolis, Tagaytay city. It was an enriching experience for us to share, talk, think, and discuss about the Christian life and Marist vocation today. Purposely the activities was designed to get a clear picture of the Asian reality, and to understand how Asian Youth face the realities today and to share our role and commitment as young Christians within the Church in the Asian context and finally to share about Marist vocation as one way to respond to this Asian reality.
We arrived one day ahead before the meeting at MAPAC and we were welcomed by the whole community during the dinner together with Bro.Sean Sammon, FMS, the Superior General. There I first met personally, Bro. Vince Celeste, FMS of the IamBalong blog. He was a good person, he accompanied us in Marikina. 
We have explored the center of Marikina and bought some personal items at S Mall. Marikina was indeed a clean city, the colored pink fences and posts made the place more attractive. It was like a little Hong Kong in the Philippines.
29 youth from different part of Asia participated; 20 from Philippines, 4 from Malaysia, 3 from Hong Kong and 2 from Korea. Delegates from the Philippines were from Notre Dame of Marbel University, Notre Dame of Dadiangas University, Notre Dame of Kidapawan College, Notre Dame of Cotabato, Marist School of Marikina, Buda in Bukidnon and Marcellin Homes in Gen. Santos City. The activity was attended also by the Superior General of the Marist Brothers, Sean Sammon, FMS and his General Council from Rome; Brothers Luis Sobrado, Maurice Bequet, Peter Rodney, Anotnio Ramalho, Emili Turu, Pedro Herreros and Theoneste Kalisa.
The program started with a welcome mass. The message of the homily of that mass struck me personally. It was about Matthew the tax collector and God as the center of his life. It made me cry as I relate it with my experiences and my constant search of my self and happiness in life. After that, we had dinner and I was full and satisfied by the food served. We also had a getting-to-know activity and each one of us was expected to share something about ourselves and our country. Everyone is also encouraged to talk and express in English since the gathering is an International event.
That night was the start of my nose-bleeding experience. In some moments I prayed to have an out-of-the-body experience so that I can survive in that place. But language and culture difference was not really a factor that creates gap between participants in communicating to each other. In fact, the delegates from South Korea brought an Interpreter to convey their ideas and as well as to understand the talks and sharings in English.The following days were great, we had shared about our own experience of Marist life and discussed about the Asian reality and the problems of faced by the Youth today and on how we respond to that reality. Also, we have talked about the Marist vocation and our ideas about it. Actually, they would encourage the young if they have a calling for the vocation but I personally told them that, This is not my world. I am to live a married life and to have a family. But I have a calling for it then I’ll discern for it. If God wanted me to be an instrument of His love for others then I won’t hesitate to enter in this vocation.
We talked also about how the Marist brothers influenced the Youth today and shared on our views of the life they lived. The summit was loaded also of mass, morning praises, prayers, and reflections. It was like attending a retreat in a relaxing and very perfect place. Also, on the last night, we showcased the diverse but rich culture of our country. We had this halo-halo cultural dance presentation. The delegates from Buda portray how Christianity was established in our country followed by a Muslim dance, Maskara festival dance, Kalilangan dance, Kembot dance and Kabataang pinoy dance which was participated by all delegates from Philippines. The Brothers from the general council was stunned and entertained by our performance. While the other delegates have their own presentations also. The delegates from Malaysia rapped and danced with their traditional music and also the delegates from South Korea. the Hong Kong talked about their tradations and sung a song in their langauage. They brought a Moon cake and they have shared it among the other delegates. It was my first time to taste that cake. The Brothers also gave us a presentation, they sung Santa Lucia. The entertaining night ended with never-ending picture taking.
On our last day, we had a light sharing and an open forum. This was the moment that we were about to say our Goodbyes to each other. Though it was hard but we have to, unless, we have extra money to stay. Parting was never easy specially if you established friendship and close relationship to each other. I will miss you all guys. 
We stayed one more day at Taguig after the summit and before we went home. We went to MOA, Market Market, Baclaran church, and walked on the streets. I went also in Cubao for an invitational dinner at Dencio’s with Kuya Jay, Ate Ria, Ate Aya, and ate Emz, JVPs based on Ateneo de Manila University. It was also my first time to ride on MRT going to cubao and it was fun. 
I met also Jehzeel Laurente, he waited at the Domestic Airport to see me. He was very thoughtful, he gave me a book of Bob Ong entitled, Mac Arthur. We did not talked long because we were late for our check-in. We were I rush because we might not meet our flight schedule. But only to find out that our flight was delayed for 3 hours. If I knew earlier that it would happen, I might be able to thank him and even talk to him formally. But anyway, It was very nice meeting him, he was a very good person. I hope we can talk more longer next time we’ll meet.
[I will be posting more pictures soon]
etc.
AYMC 2007 Button Pin DesignI went to Cotabato City, again, last Thursday to attend the meeting of the finalist of the National Search for Outstanding Volunteers. I got an average of 92.64% rating based on the evaluation and assessment of the panel of my volunteering work in Pathways to Higher Education. I was nominated in the Youth Category and will represent Region XII in the National level. The other finalists were: “Lalay” Castillo, the Municipal councilor of Isulan for the Adult Category and The Foundation of Bro. Crispin Betita, FMS for the Organization Category. Hope that we can win the National. Pray.
To Ayel, who is now working at Alabel National Science High School as teacher, God bless your career and more patience!
Buddy, I will always remember our great times and great laughs. I know we will have more of it soon.
God bless everyone!
on sunday
I am not well bonded with my father because we have opposing character and attitude. We always result to debate and argument and he stands every time correct. I am not competing with him against in his principles and philosophies in life, I just would like him to listen and understand us. But his superiority does not take away my respect for him. Sometimes, to avoid such situation, I just keep my mouth shut and quiet in the corner. I understand him because he also wants to feel our presence and love in the house. The case is that, I am having difficulty in disclosing some feelings to him because he is too hard to penetrate though I become so loving and nice in my approach. Maybe fathers are just like that.
We are okay now and we have some time to talk often though there is that tension or feeling that made us hard to open and express ourselves. The wall between us still standing and hinders us to disclose. And also he became so supportive and considerate in dealing with us in decision, actions, and move that involve the whole family. He deliberately and lovingly share and express himself to us. He did advice me more often of my mischievous behavior and I love him because of that.
The beach day will also serve as a treat for my stressful week. Hope I won’t get sun-burned.
Enjoy the weekend, everyone!
God bless us all!
call to volunteer
Kuya Jay fowarded a message in Yahoo! Mail, inviting all young men to be a Jesuit Volunteer of the Philippines. To volunteer and serve with heart is an all giving dedication for a one year experience of making a change to the lives of other people. In the year 2005, Kuya Jay and Joe, were the JVPs who were first assigned to the Mindanao Pathways as Youth Organizing officers. They spent their ten-month volunteer experience in helping the young leaders in South makes paths for a better Mindanao. The following year, another pair of JVPs, were assigned to Pathways. In that year, two young ladies were given the slot as Youth Organizers. They were Ate Aya and Ate Ria, they made the bridges built by the young stronger and firm. They have spent their term in Mindanao productively. This year, 2007, one one was assigned to the office, a passionate lady who volunteer her self for the same cause. Ate Kix, was that person. She was from Naga and been assigned here in Mindanao to assist us, young leaders, who continue to make a change.
I have seen their experience as Jesuit Volunteer of the Philippines, and how that experience gave joy in their hearts as they whole-heartedly share their gifts to less fortunate and in advocating change and progress.
They have invited me to join this year's batch of volunteers. I don't know yet my decision. I have a lot of things to be consider. I'll discern for it. I hope it would be my calling. And I hope I would be able to answer it. :)
i need a call
1.jpg)
Look at those wrinkles and the weary eyes. Exhausted but still positive.
Yes, I still do sleep, but not enough. I need more than 24 hours a day to accomplish my tasks. And it is not like that I don’t manage my time effectively. It just happens that I got involved in these activities. I can’t stop myself in committing to these things that I can’t have enough time with my self. I don’t know but I enjoy doing it: the cramming, when the deadline is near; the adrenaline that rush in my veins when I am so active with it; the feeling of joy, when I complete and realize a thing; and the people I get along with in doing these things I am busy with right now.
It is not that I don’t say “NO” to other tasks. I am just passionate about it and I get pleasure from doing it. I divide tasks also with other people involved, delegating them to work in the same objective.
But sometimes, I feel like retiring. I got tired also specially, when I reach my limitation and stressed out my self too much. Regaining of energy takes time for me because I really need to secure my health. Though I recover slowly, I get better in learning these things out.
Who want to go with me for a break? I feel like I need it. I need to relax away from pressures and demands. I want somebody to zap these negativities I am feeling right now. It take someone to neutralize these unhealthy stresses I have had.
Good thing, blogging is here, this is one of the activities I do in channeling some anxieties and tensions out of my system. But it seems like I fail to do so. I hope I could have more free time to spend in this online community. I missed you all, guys!
God bless us all!
which bridge?
Two bridges diverged in a rural area,
And I could not take both
To be a one traveler, long I stood
I can’t decide to what path to cross
The wooden or the steel bridge
Then I took the wooden, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was hard and can stand still
Though as for that the passing there
I had worn them really about the same,
Feeling meek and modest is another
Though the other is strong and hard
I still took to pass through the other
And had Navigate the roads there,
That seems to be less chosen by other
Every step I made,
Is a step I never regretted
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I never doubted the trail
For I am happy to have taken it
Though the other is tough and fortified,
And mostly seems to take to cross over it
I still choose the less traversed
For only few go over through it,
And made a change.
bday [again]
John Yrick and Aethen [again] celebrates there birthday. I was lucky to only have that clerical error. How much more if the gender was change to Female instead of Male? I have one classmate in engineering class whose gender on his birth certificate is opposite to what he has. He decided to change it and undergone legal process that is costly. In my case, I’ll maybe change it also when time comes that I’ll be financially stable. I just enjoy having two birthdays every year but not going older twice.
Until now, I am using August 13, 1987 as my birthdate in filling out legal and official documents which requires such personal information. But I celebrate my birth day on earth every August 8 of the year but sometimes both and always everyday.
The difference of five days on the dates of my birthdays is not important to what date to celebrate the special day. The date does not matter, everyday should be considered significant to our life because God continue to let us embrace the morning sunshine. Life must be celebrated everyday.
Ciann, a volunteer at the Pathways office who ate a large portion of my cake, and Aethen. ; )
Thank you to all who greeted me this day. I love you all. :)
Have a blessed day, everyone!
***
I am excited tomorrow because I have a scheduled interview with the University president about my participation to the 2007 Asian Marist Congress at Tagaytay this September. I'll be meeting Bro. Vince Celeste there.
I hope I can do well with him. Pray for me guys!
[learning] from them
Our study is mainly focused on the culture of people there. It’s part of our curriculum. My classmates surprised me with there planning to have the study one day before they told me about it. I was not prepared of the schedule they have set. Rushed. It was for the reason that our [soon to be] documented study will be displayed in the PAASCU Level III accreditation of the University on September. That was the demand of our instructor to the group I belong. With what they have decided, I checked my schedule and discerned to cancel some of my activities in conflict with the conduct study.
It was an overnight activity, but we did not stay at the site because it feels the place is hostile at night so the group decided to sleep-over in the house of a friend near the poblacion. The next day [that was today], we woke up early [I woke up them, early] to have the interview and documentation done. I have to hurry also because I have another activity after that in the afternoon. I tried to organize everything in having that study so that our time will not get wasted.
I have enjoyed very much the community and the study. It somehow immerses us with the kind of life of the indigenous people in South. I feel their wanting to be educated to lessen the discrimination that they are experiencing. They believe that if they are educated [know the things in the world] or looked like a cultured person they can move on for development and acceptance for society.
But I explained that they don’t need to act and look like a learned or educated person to be accepted and to have greater developmental opportunities. They will still be accepted by the society, by the world for being such. I reminded the chieftain, one of the elders of the tribe to preserve their culture and tradition for that is the only treasure of their ethnicity.
The world will be complete if you have harmony and we live in solidarity with them. To be sensitive is not only the concern; it is to be in one of them. Respect is not only what they want; Love is what they need.
With this, I hope that discrimination, difference, inequality, and perception on them will be positively changed in order to have an integral society.
it's my birthday and i got this
I got a birthday gift from Jehzeel Laurente just this morning. And guess what he gave me for my birthday, today? A Domain for my blog. After the propagation process, my blog will be launched as www.aethen.com. To update my link to my blogger friends is my next move but I'll let you know if it will be officially set-up.
[click the picture to enlarge]
Thanks, Kuya Jhez! I never expect this. Thank you, thank you, my brother. :)
stipend, and days to come
A Yahoo! Messenger offline message I received from Claire Quintos, the DOST-SEI XII Scholarship staff, answered my financial problem in school. The message says that I am one of the DOST scholars who successfully will receive stipend for the month of June and July. It was just right in time that I badly needed money to pay my tuition for midterm. I was very happy to have been included in the disbursement list of stipends this month. I thought that our stipends will be delayed again because that’s how government institution works today. Although, I received my stipends, I am still disappointed for I don’t have yet my refund for the last school year benefits I should have enjoyed. It was accumulated until this year and had reached to the amount of 52,000.00 pesos. I planned already to where I’ll use the money; part of it will go to my parents, and to my material wants. Anyway, I have to content my self to the stipend I received and besides my parents are still there to support me no matter what will happen. I love them very much and I owe then the person I am right but I still have to learn more things in life. I have to be stronger and be more mature.
***
Today is the 2nd day of August and it seems that time was fast pacing and I am left behind. I was seemly slow in catching with time and been doing a lot of things without a purpose. I am becoming disoriented of what I really wanted to do. I easily get tired of overdoing things – maybe I have not enjoyed doing it. I need motivation, peaceful mind and heart, and supportive friends.
I hope I can still cope up with the activities and important things that yet I have to do.
***
Six days from now, I will be turning twenty years old. Whaah! I am getting older, I am in line of two already, but I am still emotionally young and weak.
On the 7805th day of my existence on earth, I look into the following dreams and wishes I want to make real:
I wish I can face the realities of life in more open and mature manner. I hope that I will be more human that before. I wish also that God will answer the prayers of those who pray for me. [hindi halata na selfish ako, noh? Arili ko lng iniisip ko. Hehe]
Addition to the list, I wish more blessings in life, good health, and a better Philippines.
God bless us all!
life and etc.
From left: