A Cry For Yellow

I woke up at 4:20pm earlier and I was a still a bit buzzed. Today is the 1st of August 2009. Went to get a cup of hot Milo for my first drink, then turned on the TV. It was just then that I realized that Mrs. Cory Aquino, the Mother President, had already passed away earlier today. Right now, the TV Stations here in the Philippines are showing their own tributes to Mrs. Cory, and as I watch and continue writing this post, I started crying, I began feeling pain. First it was just a tear, then I started feeling pain in my heart that it was beating so fast. Many tears fell down continuously and I couldn't help it. I felt so much pain. I felt many people hurting from this passing away. It was then, I realized, I had to write.

As I watch the local tributes on TV, flipping from channel to channel, even on CNN and BBC, I could feel the pain. I guess I was called again by the higher beings to do something too. So this is my tribute to Mrs. Cory Aquino, The President, Tita Cory, The Symbol of Peace and The Mother to her family and to the whole Filipino Nation.

"....RECONCILIATION and NON-VIOLENCE....the moving force for the revolution....Ninoy took the lead, i followed....Give more for what i believe in myself what is good for the country....Be sincere...." - Cory Aquino

Known as Tita Cory in the Philippines and almost all over the world. She was born as Corazon Cojuangco, 4th Child of the family, a Valedictorian at St. Scholastica, studied abroad and started into politics in her province, Tarlac. Tita Cory was a very wise and simple lady who was sincere up to her final moments, still crying for peace and reminding us all that we still have a chance to save our nation. She has become a real inspiration of people power all over the whole world.

For me, I strongly believe that she is the modern lady hero of our time right now, and so I started crying again. I could it feel more, with the weather outside, strong winds, hard rain, the gray skies, it was surely a mourning day today.

I am currently searching on the web on other tributes for Mrs. Cory Aquino, and I am really surprised to see that there are many others! Some have already uploaded their own video tributes, wrote in their blogsites, news pages and many others. This I thought was a good thing. People are truly sincere with their feelings. Here is one video I thought was worth watching and remembering. This was shown on TV last Wednesday, July 8, 2009, on the show, Probe Profiles.

Mrs. Cory Aquino was a strong woman of determination and pure kindness. She is the Epitome of a Real Mother, who truly cares for those who needs care and attention. A real mother who knew what was best. A real mother who was never afraid to fight for what was right and just. A real mother who cried, smiled, laughed, and touched the hearts of many. A real mother who will be remembered throughout the history, not only in the Philippines, but across the globe.

May you Rest In Peace Tita Cory...I wish that someone like you would come up to save our nation again, but I remembered, YOU ARE THE ONE AND ONLY...

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Yesterday I was like a singing bird, soaring freely here and there in the fields. Today I am a SLAVE to fickle Wealth, society rules and city customs, purchased friends, pleasing the people by conforming to the strange and narrow LAWS of men. I was born to be free and enjoy the bounty of life, but I find myself like a beast of burden so heavily laden with gold that his back is breaking. Yesterday I was carefree, sharing with the shepherds all the joys of life; eating, playing, working, singing, and dancing together to the music of the heart's TRUTH. Today I find myself among the people like a frightened lamb among the pack of wolves. As I walk in the roads, they gaze at me with hateful eyes and point at me with scorn and jealousy, and as I steal through the park, I see frowning faces all about me. I have too many secrets. For all these years I've been a speaker for the dead, uncovering SECRETS and helping people to live in the light of truth. Now I no longer tell anyone half of what I know, because if I told the whole truth there would be fear, hatred, brutality, murder, war. The secrets of this earth are not for all men to see, but ONLY for those who will seek them.

CLICK ON "TRUTH" 3X TO REVEAL THE MESSAGE...

Type rest of the post here

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NATURAL HEALERS

BANANAS

- Eating a BANANA during PMS can help the sudden mood swings.

- Eating a BANANA can help those trying to quit smoking.

- Eating a BANANA when stressed can help normalize heartbeat.
- Eating a BANANA can lower both the physical and emotional temperature during hot summers.
- Rubbing a BANANA peel on an insect bite will help reduce swelling and irritation.

STRAWBERRIES

- Legend has it that if you break a double STRAWBERRY in half and share it with someone, you will fall in love with each other.
- It is the symbol of Venus, The Goddess of Love.
- It is the only fruit with seeds on the outside rather than the inside.
- Eating fresh STRAWBERRIES can help ease dyspepsia.
- Rubbing fresh STRAWBERRIES on a badly sunburnt face can help exfoliate the damaged skin.

KIWI

- Eating a KIWI can help protect those who are suffering from respiratory sickness and smokers alike.

- Eating a KIWI can help reduce damage to cells and protect the DNA structure.
- It helps reduce blood clotting and decreases strokes and other heart diseases.

- Eating a KIWI can help reduce the signs of aging.
- Rubbing fresh KIWIs on the face can help tighten the skin pores as it acts as an astringent.

PEACH

- Eating a PEACH can help protect someone from getting stomach cancers.

- Eating a PEACH can help maintain good eye vision, protecting it from cataracts or sensitivity to sunlight.
- Eating a PEACH can help digest food and help prevent constipation.
- It helps prevent the deterioration of the bones and teeth.
- Eating a PEACH can help calm the nerves, prevents anxiety attacks and reduces stress levels.

RASPBERRY

- Eating fresh RASPBERRIES can help prevent diarrhea and is used to treat mild inflammation of the throat and mouth.
- It helps sustain the growth of tumors and other cancer cells.
- Eating fresh RASPBERRIES can help reduce pain during menstrual periods.
- It can help normalize blood sugar levels and can ease pain during labor and delivery.
- Eating fresh RASPBERRIES can prevent anemia and strengthen the kidneys.

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Je Souhaite Que...

Je souhaite que...

Un jour viendra ou je serai en mesure de voler librement partout ou le vent me prend, a un bel endroit eloigne loin des yeux mechants et des abeilles ragots. A cet endroit, je vais creer mon sanctuaire de paix, ou il y'a seulement l'amour et de bonheur, ou toutes les creatures, des lezards aux lions, des crapauds aux baleines, des oiseaux aux dragons, tous sont libres, mais tous vivre en harmonie. Cette terre est rempli de toutes choses magic, ou les fees voler autour des jardins luxuriants que les elfes prendre soin de, et les centaures et wildebeasts garder la terre surs...

Je prends soin de ces creatures, en retour, ils m'en fournir l'amour et de compassion. L'amour et de compassion que j'attends a partir de la les etres humains qui vivent "notre terre". Je voudrais bien savoir pourquoi les gens ne peuvent pas vivre en harmonie avec les autres gens. Vie doit etre vraiment difficile de vivre comme vous ne pouvez pas vivre en paix et juste aide mutuellement au lieu de simplement rendre plus difficile...

Je souhaite que...

Je vais etre en mesure de changer ce qu'est mauvais et rendre les choses droit...

Paix...Amour...Harmonie...

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25 Things To Always Remember

• Your presence is a present to the world.
  
• You are unique and one of a kind.
  
• Your life can be what you want it to be.
  
• Take the days just one at a time.
  
• Count your blessings, not your troubles.
  
• You will make it through whatever comes along.
  
• Within you are so many answers.
  
• Understand, have courage, be strong.
  
• Do not put limits on yourself.
  
• So many dreams are waiting to be realized.
  
• Decisions are too important to leave to chance.
  
• Reach for your peak, your goal and your prize.
  
• Nothing wastes more energy than worrying.
  
• The longer one carries a problem, the heavier it gets.
  
• Do not take things too seriously.
  
• Live a life of serenity, not a life of regrets.
  
• Remember that a little love goes a long way.
  
• Remember that a lot - goes forever.
  
• Remember that friendship is a wise investment.
  
• Life’s treasure are people together.
  
• Realize that it is never too late.
  
• Do ordinary things in an extraordinary way.
  
• Have a heart, hope and happiness.
  
• Take the time to wish upon a star.
  
• DON'T FORGET HOW VERY SPECIAL YOU ARE!

It's nice to remember happy thoughts. Being positive attracts more positive things. Being negative attracts more negative things. Take time to look around you. Good things come to those who do good things.

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Just A Little Smile

Here's a story I found as I was browsing. Somehow I felt this story should be shared to everyone to remind them of the simple things in life. With our ever-growing population, things become more complicated. People become too busy and they forget about the simplest things that make them happy. Sometimes they also miss a lot of chances to make things right, only because they become too preoccupied with the pleasures of life that blinds them.

JUST A LITTLE SMILE

Mark was walking home from school one day when he noticed the boy ahead of him had tripped and dropped all of the books he was carrying, along with two sweaters, a baseball bat, a glove and a small tape recorder. Mark knelt down and helped the boy pick up the scattered articles. Since they were going the same way, he helped to carry part of the burden. As they walked Mark discovered the boy's name was Bill, that he loved video games, baseball and history, and that he was having lots of trouble with his other subjects and that he had just broken up with his girlfriend.

They arrived at Bill's home first and Mark was invited in for a Coke and to watch some television. The afternoon passed pleasantly with a few laughs and some shared small talk, then Mark went home. They continued to see each other around school, had lunch together once or twice, then both graduated from junior high school. They ended up in the same high school where they had brief contacts over the years. Finally the long awaited senior year came and three weeks before graduation, Bill asked Mark if they could talk.

Bill reminded him of the day years ago when they had first met. "Did you ever wonder why I was carrying so many things home that day?" asked Bill. 

"You see, I cleaned out my locker because I didn't want to leave a mess for anyone else. I had stored away some of my mother's sleeping pills and I was going home to commit suicide. But after we spent some time together talking and laughing, I realized that if I had killed myself, I would have missed that time and so many others that might follow. So you see, Mark, when you picked up those books that day, you did a lot more. You saved my life."

There are many people in this world that needs help. Sometimes you don't know you've already helped someone, but your good deeds will have it's reward one way or another. Suicide is one of the most difficult things in life that needs special attention. People who have committed suicide will never be understood. The letters and remembrances don't mean so much when you're gone. It is very important for us and the future generation to understand that committing suicide is not the best way to solve any problem. It is actually the beginning of suffering. 

People just need to learn how to really care for other people and everything around them. Of course, learning to care in the most sincere way. If you can touch someone's life today, do so. The days are passing by really quickly. The next thing you know, it might just be too late. 

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Magic!

What is Magic?

People of all civilizations, since the early times of man, have placed their faith in the use of various forms of magical practices. The difference might be seen in the methods, but clearly it is used worldwide up to now.

Magic, as Aleister Crowley defines, is the art of science of causing change to occur in conformity with will. In other words, it is caused by an emotion. Magic was developed into two forms based on emotion:

1) Having a motivation to benefit mankind (White Magic)
2) Having a motivation to injure mankind (Black Magic)

Sadly, Magic has been misunderstood ever since. In the olden days, people who engaged in magical practices, whether White or Black, was called a "Witch" and their practice called, "Witchcraft". Actually, as Magic is defined, anyone may learn and use magic anytime they please and may not call themselves as witches. Witches are not necessarily described as malevolant magicians, but they are also cunning folks, or the wiser beings.

Over the years, Magic has evolved into many different forms. Some branching out to a new age form and some still clinging to the old age practices. Magic is actually everywhere, seen commonly in our very own religions. There is only one thing that binds Magic to the earth users. This is called the Universal Cosmic Law. It is the law that exists by virtue which forms its framework and holds it together.

I believe that Magic is anything created from a fusion of energies and emotions to control and predict the events of the natural world. Magic is developed through science and religion. During the Renaissance, magic was everywhere, it even became an art form, artes liberales and there were 7 Magical Arts that many had dwelt on.

7 artes magicae:

1) Geomancy - refers to using earth's natural elements to produce a shape to be interpreted. (Feng Shui)
2) Chiromancy - also know as pseudoscience, refers to characterizing and predicting future events through lines on the palm. (Palmistry)
3) Pyromancy - refers to using fire as a source of energy to control.
4) Aeromancy - refers to using observations of the atmospheric and weather phenomena to predict and characterize events.
5) Scapulamancy - refers to using an animal's shoulder blade burned to produce cracks to predict the future events.
6) Hydromancy - refers to using water as the source of energy and dropping a natural object onto water to create and predict outcomes.
7) Necromancy - refers to using spirits and souls of the dead to seek for help.

If you notice, these arts are basically produced with the help of nature and its natural elements, only controlled by human. For me, Magic is anything that happens out of the ordinary. Even a simple thing could be of Magic. Here's a story I'd like to share that's also Magic!

There was this Hindu who saw a scorpion floundering around in the water. He decided to save it by stretching out his finger, but the scorpion stung him. The man still tried to get the scorpion out of the water, but the scorpion stung him again.

A man nearby told him to stop saving the scorpion that kept stinging him.

But the Hindu said: "It is the nature of the scorpion to sting. It is my nature to love. Why should I give up my nature to love just because it is the nature of the scorpion to sting?"

Don't give up loving.

Don't give up your goodness.

Even if people around you sting.

This is what Magic is to me...

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4 Noble Truths

LIFE MEANS SUFFERING.
To live means to suffer, because the human nature is not perfect and neither is the world we live in. During our lifetime, we inevitably have to endure physical suffering such as pain, sickness, injury, tiredness, old age, and eventually death; and we have to endure psychological suffering like sadness, fear, frustration, disappointment, and depression. Although there are different degrees of suffering and there are also positive experiences in life that we perceive as the opposite of suffering, such as ease, comfort and happiness, life in its totality is imperfect and incomplete, because our world is subject to impermanence. This means we are never able to keep permanently what we strive for, and just as happy moments pass by, we ourselves and our loved ones will pass away one day, too.

THE ORIGIN OF SUFFERING IS ATTACHMENT.
The origin of suffering is attachment to transient things and the ignorance thereof. Transient things do not only include the physical objects that surround us, but also ideas, and -in a greater sense- all objects of our perception. Ignorance is the lack of understanding of how our mind is attached to impermanent things. The reasons for suffering are desire, passion, ardour, pursuit of wealth and prestige, striving for fame and popularity, or in short: craving and clinging. Because the objects of our attachment are transient, their loss is inevitable, thus suffering will necessarily follow. Objects of attachment also include the idea of a "self" which is a delusion, because there is no abiding self. What we call "self" is just an imagined entity, and we are merely a part of the ceaseless becoming of the universe.

THE CESSATION OF SUFFERING IS ATTAINABLE.
The cessation of suffering can be attained through Nirodha. Nirodha means the unmaking of sensual craving and conceptual attachment. The third noble truth expresses the idea that suffering can be ended by attaining dispassion. Nirodha extinguishes all forms of clinging and attachment. This means that suffering can be overcome through human activity, simply by removing the cause of suffering. Attaining and perfecting dispassion is a process of many levels that ultimately results in the state of Nirvana. Nirvana means freedom from all worries, troubles, complexes, fabrications and ideas. Nirvana is not comprehensible for those who have not attained it.

THE PATH TO THE CESSATION OF SUFFERING.
There is a path to the end of suffering - a gradual path of self-improvement. It is the middle way between the two extremes of excessive self-indulgence (hedonism) and excessive self-mortification (asceticism); and it leads to the end of the cycle of rebirth. The latter quality discerns it from other paths which are merely "wandering on the wheel of becoming", because these do not have a final object. The path to the end of suffering can extend over many lifetimes, throughout which every individual rebirth is subject to karmic conditioning. Craving, ignorance, delusions, and its effects will disappear gradually, as progress is made on the path.

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Still Thoughts by Dharma Master Cheng

THE GOAL OF LIFE

Life lasts but a few decades, whereas wisdom is eternal. Just as we give life to our children, we should also provide them with wonderful memories and an education with love. In this way, we can make our wisdom immortal. The reason the world, the nation, society and families cannot achieve a peaceful and friendly state is because we only fight to survive, but fail to discover the significance of survival.

THE SPIRIT OF RELIGION

All human affairs are reciprocal. Our lives will be filled of truth, goodness and beauty, if we treat other people with sincerity and consider things with an open mind. To be really free, we must have a religious spirit and a true goal in life.

LOVE AND ROMANCE

If a person indulges in excessive self-love, he can hardly avoid conflict with others. He thinks that others are making fun of him, and he is afraid of what they might do to him. Being so suspicious and insecure, he feels that his life is only misery. If you want to lead and inspire others, you must first light up your heart. A true leader must be sincere and hardworking, not just capable. You must accommodate others with an open heart and give your love to all living beings. A river of love can be as dangerous as a tidal wave; an ocean of lust can be as treacherous as a hurricane. It is painful when you fail to attract the one you love, yet it is even more unbearably painful when you succumb easily to other temptations after winning the one you love.

True love does not distinguish time, place religion or race. No matter when or where people are suffering, if we can see, hear and reach them, we should do our best to help them without asking for anything in return. We should offer our pure love even to people with whom we do not have a special relationship, and we should have the compassion to share in the unhappiness of others. The desires of ordinary people can never be satisfied. The desires for material comforts and carnal pleasures in life are like waves, coming one after another. This is the source of unhappiness.

ACTIONS ARE WORTH MORE THAN WORDS

We must be careful about what we are going to say. We must make sure our words will be reasonable, inspiration and helpful. You should always keep your mind free from anxiety, cultivate healthy concepts of life, conquer worry, and shun the material desires of this world. When you have, do not be greedy for more; when you have not, do not be frustrated. This is the way to achieve mental and spiritual freedom. We can never rely on others to help cultivate our morality. We can only enjoy the fruits of enlightenment by our own efforts.

We should not forget: "No Pain, No Gain."

MONEY AND FINANCE

Our wealth is like fire: in winter, it can keep you warm; but if you get too close, it can be dangerous. If you can't let go of it, it will be like holding a piece of hot iron: you will surely get burned. Worldly fame and fortune are like ice: it looks beautiful, and it can keep your tea cool in summer; but if you hold it too long in your hands, you will suffer frostbite. People are confused: they know that fame and wealth can be dangerous, yet they are willing to be hurt. For fame and wealth, most people dishonestly flatter others. You must know that it is painful when people cannot be honest with each other. If you don't want this pain, turn your greedy heart into an honest heart. Earn your money honestly and use it in meaningful activities for the good of all. In this way, you will be happy and free. Money can hurt people, but it can also save people. We should use money to help others, and not be used by it. If the rich and powerful cannot learn to limit their desires, they will have nothing but unlimited anguish. If people cannot let go of fame and wealth, their spiritual lives will become corrupt and everything will be meaningless.

HEALTHY YET USELESS

We must always walk on the road of justice. If a person only walks on the road of evil, he is more pathetic than a person with no feet. A devil is one who blocks the road of justice, prevents people from doing good things, and breaks their commitments. The devil outside of you is not as horrible as the one inside your heart. The inner devil can disturb your sense of peace and love so that you harm others and ruin yourself.

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Real Beauty Grows Naturally

If looks can be deceiving, so they say... 

then take a look at this...

Look closer... 

what do you see?

Is it an illusion?

Who would have thought that onions could fly?

Or mountains be as soft as dough...

And peas float on the red sea...

And peppers as tall as trees...

Natural beauty... is grown from nature itself... 

you only need to take a closer look to see what is real... 

a beauty so natural is what's REAL...

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Square Watermelons

Lessons of the Square WATERMELONS

Japanese grocery stores had a problem. They are much smaller than their US counterparts and therefore don't have room to waste. Watermelons, big and round, wasted a lot of space. Most people would simply tell the grocery stores that watermelons grow round and there is nothing that can be done about it. That is how I would assume the vast majority of people would respond. But some Japanese farmers took a different approach. If the supermarkets wanted a square watermelon, they asked themselves, "How can we provide one?" It wasn't long before they invented the square watermelon..

The solution to the problem of round watermelons wasn't nearly as difficult to solve for those who didn't assume the problem was impossible to begin with and simply asked how it could be done. It turns out that all you need to do is place them into a square box when they are growing and the watermelon will take on the shape of the box.

This made the grocery stores happy and had the added benefit that it was much easier and cost effective to ship the watermelons. Consumers also loved them because they took less space in their refrigerators which are much smaller than those in the US meaning that the growers could charge a premium price for them.

What does this have do with anything besides square watermelons? There are a few lessons that can you can take away from this story which help you in all parts of your life. Here are a few of them:

Don't Assume: The major problem was that most people had always seen round watermelons so they automatically assumed that square watermelons were impossible before even thinking about the question. Things that you have been doing a certain way your entire life have taken on the aura of the round watermelon and you likely don't even take the time to consider if there is another way to do it. Breaking yourself from assuming this way can greatly improve your overall life as you are constantly looking for new and better ways to do things.

Question habits: The best way to tackle these assumptions is to question your habits. If you can make an effort to question the way you do things on a consistent basis, you will find that you can continually improve the way that you live your life. Forming habits when they have been well thought out is usually a positive thing, but most of us have adopted our habits from various people and places without even thinking about them. It's a never ending process, but by doing this, you can consistently strive toward making all aspects of your life more enjoyable instead of defaulting to what you have now.

Be creative: When faced with a problem, be creative in looking for a solution. This often requires thinking outside the box. Most people who viewed this question likely thought they were being asked how they could genetically alter water melons to grow square which would be a much more difficult process to accomplish. By looking at the question from an alternative perspective, however, the solution was quite simple. Being creative and looking at things in different ways in all portions of your live will help you find solutions to many problems where others can't see them. It's a learned art and builds upon itself.

Look for a better way: The square watermelon question was simply seeking a better and more convenient way to do something. The stores had flagged a problem they were having and asked if a solution was possible. It's impossible to find a better way if you are never asking the question in the first place. Get into the habit of asking yourself, "Is there a better way I could be doing this?" and you will find there often is.

Impossibilities often aren't: If you begin with the notion that something is impossible, then it obviously will be for you. If, on the other hand, you decide to see if something is possible or not, you will find out through trial and error.Take away the lessons from the square watermelons and apply them to all areas in your life and you will find that by consistently applying them, you will constantly be improving all aspects of your life.

*Just received this from email, Mom sent it. Thought it'd be good to share. Besides, it's a great lesson for all of us. Hahaha, SQUARE WATERMELONS!!! That's cool!

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People Power Revolution Memories

Since today, 22 years ago, is the first day of the People Power Revolution, I would like to share the memories that has been left behind from the past events. Those who have this copy, I know you remember this. Here are the summary of events that took place in 1986, where the people from all walks of life gathered to cry out,

For the first time, poor Filipinos and rich Filipinos, Communists and Church leaders, classes which would never have associated in the past, gathered together in national unity and put their lives at stake to fight for a common cause.

Former President Ferdinand Marcos’ declaration of Martial Law and the assassination of Marcos’ main opposition leader, Former Senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino, sparked the beginnings of the revolution, but it was not until the fraudulence of the 1986 Philippine Presidential Elections was discovered, that the movement really began its momentum. This led to Mrs. Corazon Cojuanco-Aquino, wife of "Ninoy" assuming the presidency, while Ferdinand Marcos was made to leave the country.

1986

The Year of Promise

This is the Declaration of Participation made, to legalize you had been part of the 

People Power Revolution of 1986.

Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino was assassinated at the airport right after his plane landed. He was to return after his exile for the Presidential Elections, but never had the chance. People gathered around the airport with their yellow shirts, and yellow ribbons and streamers tied all over the place. This symbolized the "Hope" of his return. This color continued to rest in the hearts of the people, to those who had endured the long waits and the battle against the government they had to bring down. The mother of this historical revolution is none other than, Former President Cory Aquino, who had touched the hearts of the people who cried, "Tama Na!"

Will "History Repeat Itself" today? Will we ever hear the cry of the people once more? Will tomorrow be a brighter, "Yellow" day? Or is it just another day to be forgotten?

What is the importance of democracy, when there is no freedom and peace? How long will the people find the right candidates to help build a better nation for all? Where do we start?

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Walang Nga Bang Kapayapaan?

Ang aking mga pangarap
Ang mga munting pagasa
Sa ikabubuti ng bayan
Para din sa kabataan
Di ko lang nga maintindihan
Kung ganito ba talaga
Ang buhay...
Ang buhay...

Dapat bang tayo'y magkaisa
Kung puro away lang nga talaga
Ano ba ang katotohanan
Sino ang may kasalanan
Di ko lang nga maintindihan
Kung ganito ba talaga
Ang buhay...
Ang buhay...

Sana naman magkasunduan
Tayo'y lahat naninirahan at namumuhay
Di na natapos ang katwiran
Puro na lang katiwalian at kaguluhan
Wala nga bang kapayapaan...wala nga...
Wala nga bang kapayapaan...wala nga...

Paano na ang ating kinabukasan
Lahat naman ay nagsisisihan
Sino nga ba ang karapat dapat
Mamahala ng ating bayan
Di ko lang nga maintindihan
Kung ganito ba talaga
Ang buhay...
Ang buhay...

Di na ako makapaniwala
Sa lahat ng nagkakasala
Pwede naman magkasunduan
Dapat lahat makinig ng tunay
Di ko lang nga maintindihan
Kung ganito ba talaga
Ang buhay...
Ang buhay...

Sana naman magkasunduan
Tayo'y lahat naninirahan at namumuhay
Di na natapos ang katwiran
Puro na lang katiwalian at kaguluhan
Wala nga bang kapayapaan...wala nga...
Wala nga bang kapayapaan...wala nga...


I wrote this just now, thinking of making a musical composition. I never thought it would be that easy to write a song. I guess when you are really inspired, everything goes smoothly. I hope this reaches the souls of those who feel the way I feel. Isn't it too much already? We should protect our minds from the poisons of greed, anger and delusion. We should actively protect the world from disasters and pollution and keep society free from violence.

What is the truth? Why do we keep ourselves from the goodness of living a good life, free from the guilty pleasures that molds the society that only adds lust, greed, dishonesty and war between people? Why must our children suffer any longer? Aren't we supposed to build a brighter future for them, instead of building up the problems that they will have to face in the later years to come?

Must we run, when we can walk?
Must we weep, when we can smile?
Must we hate, when we can love?

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My Response

This is a response that I have written to those who commented on my article, "Yet Another Controversy of a Crying Nation"


Greetings to mschumey07 and A Simple Life!

I am very thankful for a wiser being like you to comment on my article, "Yet Another Controversy of a Crying Nation". It is indeed helpful for me and for the youth to understand why things are they way they are, especially in the midst of this chaotic government we are supposed to look up to. Nobody really knows what is right when wrong is committed and otherwise. Everything seems the same, and as far as I know, "History IS Repeating Itself" and forever will be. Unless, we all accept "Change" and conceive "Change" as a "Good Thing", rather than a "Root of New Problems".

I, myself have experienced the 1986 People Power Revolution, at a tender age of 5. Yet, I remember everything that happened, and it still strikes me until today. Early morning of February 24, 1986, we were taken from my house to a safe place up north, when the clashes between the loyal government troops and the reformists began heating up right in front of my eyes. I remembered the "Huge" Tank that ran over the road we just played on and the roaring sounds of the "Tora Tora" planes flying above our house. My brothers, our little neighbors and I were playing at the garden when everything started to happen. I always have that "Deja Vu" whenever I watch those War Movies, when they pan on a neighborhood, alarmed by the coming of the war, where the children look up to see the fighter planes flying across the skies, and the mothers would take them inside the house for safety. In our case, we were all taken, the children and the women, inside the powder room in the ground floor of the house. Little did my dad know that my youngest brother, who has 11months then, was still outside in the garden. He came back with my brother and shut the door. We waited for some time, I think that must have been an hour, all stuck in the powder room, praying...praying...praying...

That was then...I remembered watching the news on TV instead of playing, being a 5 year old then, it should have been another fun day. Not that day, I watched as the people here and there, violently and peacefully together, praying and ranting at the same time, armed men marching helplessly and preparing for battle, the sounds of the bells of the churches and the roaring fighter beasts flying above the skies...those were crystal clear in my mind as I was annoyingly insisting for answers to my questions back then, and until today, I feel it...as strong as it did back then, when 3 years before that, before my other brother was born in 1983, I saw in the newspaper, Senator Benigno Aquino was shot dead. I didn't know who that was, but I heard his name over and over again. I just saw the photo and I knew that was the same man I kept hearing and hearing...

Then I heard..."People Power"

What is People Power, I thought...what did it mean? If this definition gives the meaning of it, then why, have we not felt it and why has the government let the voices fade away? Has it been 22 years since then?

People Power is true democratic power, providing the basis for all citizens to participate in governing ourselves.

I have yet to know what will happen, but I am aware of what might happen. What people don't know is that we all have power, it is only up to us how and why we use the power we have over the things around us. I Advocate Change, only if it means to live in a brighter, dignified and peaceful world. Let's start with our country. Let's show the world that we are not a developing country anymore, but a country seeking its place where the good people are.

Thank you for shining your lights upon me. I have been blessed to see the world as it is and was given the chance to make it a better place where UNITY and TRUTH crosses paths.


Sincerely,
Dewi Magenta

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Yet another Controversy of a crying Nation?

For the past weeks, my country, The Philippines, has been experiencing major setbacks that is making everything seem to be incredible and almost absurd! I'm not political, but in terms of voicing out my opinion, I am aware of my rights. As a citizen of a nation, one must be aware of the things around them, not only to the extent of my interests, but for the sake of others as well.

Here are the details of my story:

On February 5, 2008 at 4:40pm, a man named Rodolfo Noel I. Lozada, Jr. has step foot on Manila International Airport aboard Cathay Pacific Flight CX 919 from Hong Kong, only to be taken by men whom he didn't have any recollections of knowing. For travelers, we know that as soon as you get down from the plane, we usually go on que for Immigration to have our passports stamped upon arrival. Then we go claim our baggages and head for the Arrivals Exit to meet those who we know would be there to see us, like friends or family. That is the usual procedure, right?

This was not the case for the man I have mentioned. Upon his arrival, coming out of the tube where it connects the plane and the terminal, 5 men met him at the terminal. One of them carried his baggages (laptop and small suitcase), two men escorting him alongside, and two other men walking in front of him. This was shown on the CCTV camera of the airport. He was taken to a different route, other than what I have mentioned on arrival procedures. This man was taken to the Departure Area and down to the Tarmac, where only VIPs are taken. He was then escorted to a new group of men at the Tarmac and was made to ride a civilian car, a Toyota Altis, Plate UJJ 556. While this was happening, his family and friends were waiting at the Arrivals, but did not even see him. Apparently, Sen. Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III and the Senate Sgt.-at-Arms, was also there because he had a Senate Warrant of Arrest. This man, also called, Jun Lozada is the star witness on this controversial multimillion ZTE Broadband Deal between the government and China's ZTE Corporation, a case that has been sweeping up the newstands and on TV and Radio all over the country for the past year. The whistleblower of this controversy, Joey De Venecia, who testified in the Senate last year, came up to tell the whole nation that there are anomalies in the government. This year, Jun Lozada is set to reveal the mysteries that has yet to be unfold about the government.

For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV

From the Tarmac, Jun Lozada was turned over to Senior Superintendent Paul Mascariñas, PSPO deputy director, and they took off, leaving the airport. This time on, started the so-called "abduction" that became a media frenzy, making Lozada's family worry to the point of filing a Writ of Amparo. The Media, the Senate, and all those concerned were up to their heads trying to locate the whereabouts of Jun Lozada. As reported, he was driven around the metropolis up to Los Banos, Laguna and back to Quezon City, because the Media was becoming "In Heat" already.


For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV

Here is the exclusive interview made by GMA7's Mike Enriquez on Jun Lozada's expose.


For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV

Upon watching the news, listening to the radio, and reading the newspapers for the past year, ever since this ZTE-NBN Controversy broke out, I have not taken any sides on any matter. I do not need to take sides, because what I want is the whole story. For people who are not aware of this controversy, you can also visit this site for more information:

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/images/news/microsites/zte-nbn/index.html

In my opinion, as it should matter, I represent the voice of the youth. I believe that it is my responsibility to voice out what matters and what makes sense. What is my talent for, if I do not make use of it? So, I am starting to make sense out of what I have learned while growing up. Let me tell you stories from the past, the present, and the coming future, for it matters to be of great help not only to those you are close to, but also to those who have been trying to make our world a better place to live in.

Let's fight for our rights to speak! Let those who needs to speak up, SPEAK UP! It is the right of the Philippine Nation to know the truth. How else can we move on if we continue to overshadow the truth? Let's not make what is right, wrong and what is wrong, right...

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Zen Koans

I have stumbled upon some Japanese parables called Koans, that I really like and these are a few of them. Koans are tools that Zen masters use to teach their students to break down the barriers to proper enlightenment. For soul searching, find what is best for you when things go otherwise. Be brave and stand up for your principles, because after all, you alone, is living your life...

My Heart Burns Like Fire
Soyen Shaku, the first Zen teacher to come to America, said:

"My heart burns like fire but my eyes are as cold as dead ashes."

He made the following rules which he practiced every day of his life:
1) In the morning before dressing, light incense and meditate.
2) Retire at a regular hour. Partake of food at regular intervals. Eat with moderation and never to the point of satisfaction.
3) Receive a guest with the same attitude you have when alone. When alone, maintain the same attitude you have in receiving guests.
4) Watch what you say, and whatever you say, practice it.
5) When an opportunity comes do not let it pass by, yet always think twice before acting.
6) Do not regret the past. Look to the future.
7) Have the fearless attitude of a hero and the loving heart of a child.
8) Upon retiring, sleep as if you had entered your last sleep. Upon awakening, leave your bed behind you instantly as if you had cast away a pair of old shoes.

The Stingy Artist
Gessen was an artist monk. Before he would start a drawing or painting he always insisted upon being paid in advance, and his fees were high. He was known as the "Stingy Artist." A geisha once gave him a commission for a painting.

"How much can you pay?" inquired Gessen. "Whatever you charge," replied the girl, "but I want you to do the work in front of me." So on a certain day Gessen was called by the geisha. She was holding a feast for her patron. Gessen with fine brush work did the painting. When it was completed he asked the highest sum of his time. He received his pay. Then the geisha turned to her patron, saying:

"All this artist wants is money. His paintings are fine but his mind is dirty; money has caused it to become muddy. Drawn by such a filthy mind, his work is not fit to exhibit. It is just about good enough for one of my petticoats."

Removing her skirt, she then asked Gessen to do another picture on the back of her petticoat.

"How much will you pay?" asked Gessen.

"Oh, any amount," answered the girl. Gessen named a fancy price, painted the picture in the manner requested, and went away. It was learned later that Gessen had these reasons for desiring money. A ravaging famine often visited his province. The rich would not help the poor, so Gessen had a secret warehouse, unknown to anyone, which he kept filled with grain, prepared for those emergencies. From his village to the National Shrine the road was in very poor condition and many travelers suffered while traversing it. He desired to build a better road. His teacher had passed away without realizing his wish to build a temple, and Gessen wished to complete this temple for him. After Gessen had accomplished his three wishes he threw away his brushes and artist's materials and, retiring to the mountains, never painted again.

In The Hands Of Destiny
A great Japanese warrior named Nobunaga decided to attack the enemy although he had only one-tenth the number of men the opposition commanded. He knew that he would win, but his soldiers were in doubt. On the way he stopped at a Shinto shrine and told his men:

"After I visit the shrine I will toss a coin. If heads comes, we will win; if tails, we will lose. Destiny holds us in her hand."

Nobunaga entered the shrine and offered a silent prayer. He came forth and tossed a coin. Heads appeared. His soldiers were so eager to fight that they won their battle easily.

"No one can change the hand of destiny," his attendant told him after the battle. "Indeed not," said Nobunaga, showing a coin which had been doubled, with heads facing either way.

Zen Dialogue
Zen teachers train their young pupils to express themselves. Two Zen temples each had a child protégé. One child, going to obtain vegetables each morning, would meet the other on the way.

"Where are you going?" asked the one. "I am going wherever my feet go," the other responded.

This reply puzzled the first child who went to his teacher for help. "Tomorrow morning," the teacher told him, "when you meet that little fellow, ask him the same question. He will give you the same answer, and then you ask him: 'Suppose you have no feet, then where are you going?' That will fix him."

The children met again the following morning. "Where are you going?" asked the first child. "I am going wherever the wind blows," answered the other. This again nonplussed the youngster, who took his defeat to the teacher.

"Ask him where he is going if there is no wind," suggested the teacher.

The next day the children met a third time. "Where are you going?" asked the first child. "I am going to the market to buy vegetables," the other replied.

The Moon Cannot Be Stolen
Ryokan, a Zen master, lived the simplest kind of life in a little hut at the foot of a mountain. One evening a thief visited the hut only to discover there was nothing to steal. Ryokan returned and caught him. "You have come a long way to visit me," he told the prowler, "and you should not return empty-handed. Please take my clothes as a gift."

The thief was bewildered. He took the clothes and slunk away. Ryoken sat naked, watching the moon. "Poor fellow," he mused, "I wish I could have given him this beautiful moon."

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Little House in the Prairie

One night as I lie in bed, my mind begins to wander me off to a place where fantasies are made. I close my eyes...a faint sound of a cool breeze is gushing through my ears. As it gets louder and closer, I feel a chill down my spine transporting me to a new dimension where senses come together...Eyes shut, I see bright white light flashing and I feel being lifted up, floating in thin air. Then I feel that I am falling, physically feeling the pain as I dropped down on the ground. I open my eyes. In front of me, an iron gate is leading me in. I look further, I see a little house. It looks very inviting, like those in the fairytale books. I wonder. After all, this is my adventure.

I enter the gate, following the dark path with lavish greenery and fragrant flowers that glows in the dark. I look up, the moon is round and full of power, that I feel its vibrations through the hairs on my skin, flowing around my whole body.


I reach out to touch the fresh hanging leaf. A tingle. A drop of water falls down the leaf, falling to my finger. I taste the water, so sweet...so fresh...the midnight dew...

The flowers, so tempting, I reach out to touch it. To feel its softness and smell its fragrance. I wander around. The rose bushes, the violet and orange flowers, the vines crawling around the trees and the plants that have grown high above me...A night filled with magnificent flora and fauna of small bugs and crickets and the other nocturnal creatures that lurks around...





Then I come across this huge yellow flower that is lying so luminously on the ground. I pick it up, smell it and put it behind my ear. It is big and yellow, almost covering my face. The garden at night, is as beautiful as the day. With psychedelic colors ranging from color to color, that lures my eyes and sends me to a deep trance. I dance. I dance in the sweet fresh rainy night with the moon so high above shining down on me. It is so peaceful.


The coldness within, is bringing me deeper into the night. Walking towards the house, I hear the chimes ringing closer and closer as I enter into the darkness. I see more hanging vines, with blue flowers and lush green leaves.



As I come closer to the door, I could see through the window. A picture hanging on the wall is shining. I come closer, peeking right through the window, the picture is of a fairy sitting on a tree in a bright moonlight night. I see and I wonder of fairies in my dreams. Wait, is this the house in my dream? I turned around to the garden, to the path that led me to this door. They all look familiar now. I have seen them before.

It suddenly hit me. I am in her garden. I am breaking its peace for I have let myself in. The gate is open. It does not have any "NO ENTRY" sign. I start to wonder, should I open the door that is standing in front of me? I am interested to find out what is inside the house. Have I not shown myself enough? But yet, I think, I am here for a reason. As I reach out my hand to touch the handle, I feel a cold gush run through my hand up to my shoulders. I touch it. It is as cold as frozen ice. I let go and turn away. Walking back towards the path...

As I walk back, not looking behind me, I feel that I am not alone anymore...I close my eyes...a faint sound of a cool breeze is gushing through my ears. As it gets louder and closer, I feel a chill down my spine transporting me to a new dimension where senses come together...Eyes shut, I see bright white light flashing and I feel being lifted up, floating in thin air. Then I feel that I am falling, physically feeling the pain as I dropped down on the ground. I open my eyes...and I am back...

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Dapur Babah

During my recent visit to Jakarta, I had dinner with my mom and my mom's friends. They took me to Dapur Babah Elite. At first, it didn't look like any fancy restaurant from the outside (not that it mattered where I was being taken), because it was located in a small street, just off the Central Merdeka Square. Its location is within the historical 1940's shop houses during the old Batavia era. As I entered, I was transformed into a different dimension, like as if I was brought back into the past.

The first thing I noticed when I entered, was the traditional "Es Campur" machine. I grew up in Indonesia and I've seen countless of historical artifacts all over the archipelago. However, those artifacts were either in museums and other historical places, not so much in restaurants.

A Javanese woman showed us to our table, but I wanted to look around, because I was amazed to see the fusion of modern and classic art incorporated into this masterpiece.

Along with Dapur Babah Elite, was an extension, a bar called, Tao. The room was decorated in bold mixed pastel and crayon combination from walls to ceilings, table cloths to chairs and pillows, with massive wood columns dividing the room spaces and large Hindu and Buddha Gods and Goddesses stone statues.

Of course, I had a guide named 'Tio', dressed in traditional Javanese outfit, who gave me a quick tour and shared a few historical facts. One thing amazed me about this guide, was his ability to speak a few Tagalog words, which he then told me that he met plenty of Filipinos while growing up. His name is actually Tagalog he said. Nice huh?!

This attraction is believed to be of "Babah" culture. A culture of a distinct group that emerged during the Dutch Colonial era, wherein the Chinese migrants married local Javanese women. In historical facts, Chinese migrants had one local wife and many concubines who controlled the kitchen and prepared meals. It also showed the different classes of society, and their significance during the Colonial era.

As we went along with my short tour, I was taken to this room, with a long table overlooking the garden patio. This room was said to be where President Megawati Soekarnoputri holds her dining pleasures with friends and family.

Overlooking from the Megawati room, is a semi-open terrace that was inspired by the Babah Oei family kitchen, with a kitchen goddess statue and antique traditional cooking paraphernalias during the era.

My tour was cut short when Mom called me to eat. Hehe! The menu was in old Javanese language, which they seldom use now. The menu comprised of the different traditional recipes fused from the Chinese, Dutch and Javanese heritages. Yum!!!

As we ate our dinner with endless talks, the room was filling in more guests and more delicious delicacies with different fragrant aromas were flowing from one table to another. This just made me feel even more at home, as we relaxed ourselves and let the night take us away into the past. History was indeed enjoyed to the fullest!

For more historical facts about Dapur Babah Elite and Tao, please visit:
http://www.tuguhotels.com/taojakarta/index.html

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What the @#$%!!!!!

Just this week...it happened just like that...

At around past midnight, we went to drop off my brother's son. Everything was fine, until we made a U-turn to go home. There was a checkpoint, and we stopped. Then we got pulled over. One cop was talking to my friend, the driver, and the other cop was making my brother, who was sitting behind me, come out of the car. With his window open, the cop just quickly shoved his hand inside the car and scrambled into my brother's pockets. My brother got out of the car and the cop wanted to search his pockets. To our surprise, my brother took out his wallet and cellphone, and found this small plastic with a white thing inside. Then the cop was asking him what it was and my brother started ranting that it wasn't his. My brother, who was getting agitated, suddenly swore at the cop and the cop got even more persistent, that he was saying,

"bakit ka nagmumura? Pare, nagmumura 'to!"

The cop was flinging the little white plastic and pretended to open it and search for the content while saying,

"RP 'to ah..RP 'to diba?! San galing 'to?"

First, it was suspicious enough that there was this little plastic inside my brother's pocket. Then when he said RP, which is Rolling Paper for short, I was shocked to see what was happening! My friend and I were shouting at my brother to get in the car, but the cop was holding him back. Why, in the first place, did the cop shove his hand in the car, and why did he make my brother come out of the car? I knew there was something fishy about it. So I looked straight hard at the cop who was holding my brother, while my brother was trying to get loose. When the cop was pretending to search the content of the little plastic, he pulled out the white thing, which was just a cotton ball. It was such a commotion, that two other cops arrived. When they arrived, the cop who was harassing my brother, flicked the little plastic back to my brother and I didn't see him after. The two new cops asked us,

"hinaharass ba kayo? Mga bago na yung mga police ngayon, at pwede natin tanggalin."

Somehow we felt relieved that the two cops arrived, but we didn't say anything to them that we were being harassed. We just didn't want the worse to happen. So we pretended that it was ok, but I knew my brother was traumatized. They let us go.

My question is...do they even have the right to poke their hand inside the car? Do they even have the right to make my brother get out of the car to search him? Don't you need a search warrant? I am aware that the cop can just visually search the car, but not insist on making any passenger get out. Why did the cop pretend that my brother had something? Why did he even plant that thing and threw it back to my brother when the two new cops arrived?

My brother was indeed harassed! I know that was wrong, but my perception of the police changed after that incident. I have the little plastic bag. It's an evidence, but we are not filing any reports. In the first place, I don't even know how to file a report on cases like this. I've heard many stories about cops like them, but I didn't expect it to happen to us! I know that there are bad cops, but there are also good ones who serve and protect righteously.

Why should these things happen? What kind of police are there in Quezon City? How do you know you're REALLY safe? How do you know when a cop is really a cop, when they are lying?

How horrible!!!

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Mentor and Student

"Tell the child,
"Look, I love you, I believe in you.
I know you are going through a lot of upset
and you need to tell me to go to hell
with every other breath these days,
which I'm quite willing to accept;
the only thing that counts
is that in the long run,
you find out who you are and you live it."

This is hard for parents to say genuinely.

-Rollo May

It is indeed hard for parents to say this to their children. I have my own experiences to relate to this quote. The road that I have taken made it extremely difficult for my parents to understand what I was going through while growing up. I am a child of many dreams, wishes and philosophies. I believe in what I believe. I have taken a step beyond what is common in our society and I am not standing back just like that. I have made mistakes and caused many heartaches for different people I have met along the way. No regrets, but I do ponder on thoughts that people have made and will make about me and my life. So what!?! It is my life after all, and I know I am the only one living it.

You can say that I am a very difficult child, because I do not follow the rules. I break them, because of what I believe. There are times when I know I am right and I fight for it. I am not scared to show people who I am. What I am outside is what I have inside. Some people cannot even follow me in my world, because I have restricted them to be part of my life. There are people who have taken a chance to understand me, but they do not think of my thoughts. Only what they see outside of me, is what matters to them. What matters to me, is the inside.

I have met countless of people from different walks of life, from different parts of the world, from different occasions and time. Many have stayed with me, many have left. All of them have been in my collection of people that mattered. You are free to choose who you want to be with. Well, at least for me, that is. We are all good and bad, nobody is perfect, after all. If anyone thinks they are perfect, make me believe!!!

Many people have come into my world, thinking that they can change me to become like them. These people did not know I have already thought about their purposes of why they were with me. Although, there are several people I had given the privilege to be part of my life. These people are what I call, mentors, for I am a student yearning to learn more until my head can not take any more space for all things in life.

Children experience different things than that of the adults and likewise. There are plenty of things that children do not understand and likewise again. There are plenty of things that adults do not understand that children have lavished themselves with much learning. Chaos!

A child has the right to explore what he wishes. A parent has the right to nurture the child who wishes to explore and guide them in their exploration. This does not only tighten the bond between parent and child, but it creates a new bond, mentor and student. It is not only in school that a child is a student, it is at home where the child expands his learning, becomes a student as well. He does not leave his student awareness in school, but he yearns to remain a student even at home. This is what most people do not take in consideration. I have taught myself a lot more at home than in school, because it is at home where I completely immerse myself into deep thinking. But sadly, most of the things I know are self-taught. My parents had given me independence at such an early age. I had wished I had learn more from my parents when I was younger, that they were not too busy with work. Yes, my parents did send me to fantastic and expensive schools, but that did not matter when I was still a child. What mattered to me then, was being with them while I experience the wonders of life as I grew up. Sigh...

To conclude...

"We can help a person to be himself by our own willingness to steep ourselves temporarily in his world, in his private feelings and experiences. By our affirmation of the person as he is, we give him support and strength to take the next step in his own growth."

-Clark Moustakas

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Now playing on iTunes: Peter, Bjorn & John Feat. Victoria Bergsman - Young Folks
via FoxyTunes

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Batik Art from IndoLand

"If there is one single art form that captures the essence and spirit of Indonesia, it's BATIK..." (Batik Popiler II)

I fell in love with Batik since I was young. I had the privilege to live in Indonesia for quite some time, enough time to make me feel that I've become one of them. Indonesia is very rich in culture, and because of its diversity, I was able to experience the different ways of life of the many cultures all over the islands. Over the years, I've taught myself how to make clothes and anything else you could think of, with using this traditional craft. Here are some of my designs, which are also featured in my collection site: Dewi Magenta

Batik, it is everywhere in Indonesia, as much as in Malaysia, Singapore, India, Thailand, Philippines, and many more across the globe. It is an artform that is very much respected by many artists and enthusiasts all over the world. I've been to many Batik processing factories, big and small, museums, artshops, all over Indonesia.

One thing that amazed me, is the combined passion of the people who makes them. It does not take one day to make a Batik cloth. It takes months and months!!! This is what many do not know so they just think Batik is just like that. Yes, there are machines being used now to make Batik textiles, but that's not what I'm making people see here...I want to show you that this artform takes only a very skilled worker to create a wonder..

So, I'd like to share with you guys what Batik is all about, and I hope you'll be able to appreciate it the way I do...

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Flying

As I was looking through some old stuff, I saw our Middle School 1995 Bard's Babble. I remembered every bit of it and found one of my favorite pieces. It is a poem by my good friend, Maya Dehner whom is now married to a wonderful husband, Kalsang.

I'd like to share this poem to everyone, because I know at least, at some point of our lives, we feel the same for different circumstances.

Flying
By Maya Dehner 8B

I am lying on the grass,
staring into the sky,
my mind drifts for a moment,
and I wonder how it would be to fly...

"'Lift me up
into the sky,
into the blue,
I shall fly.'

'Rising higher every moment,
until at last I turn,
to look back at our little earth,
which is no longer a concern.'

'No more people,
today or tomorrow,
with foolish comments,
bringing sorrow.'

'I have no more
burdens to carry,
no longer,
must I be wary.'

'Lift me up
into the sky,
into the blue,
I shall fly."

As I stare into the sky,
thinking of escape,
without realizing it,
a smile forms upon my face.

This is her reflection:

The poem "Flying" is about someone who feels trapped in by the pressures of everyday life on our earth. They, just like anyone else, imagine what it would be like to be free, and they do this by imagining that they are flying, therefore escaping their troubles. -Maya Dehner

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The Sirens

In Reflection...(1995 Middle School Bard's Babble)

This piece of writing is a parody of one of the Greek Myths we have studied in Literature Class. I decided to write about the battle of The Argonauts with The Sirens. In the myth, a great musician defeated The Sirens singing by using his lyre. I changed this myth to a modern story about a typical guy in school who loves playing flute and who suddenly gets a revenge against what you might call, "The Sirens of the Modern World". I got the idea of writing this from my Language Teacher, Mr. Simon. I would like to thank him for giving me this idea.

The Sirens
By MT 8A
Copyright ©1995

"Zombie, zombie..." Amy sang melodically as she put her books in her locker. Her two other friends, Sarah and Sammy, sang a different song. They loved to sing distracting songs over and over again. The guys in school were so enchanted with their voices that they could recognize them anywhere. Wherever the girls went the guys would stop what they were doing and look at them.

One day, while Amy and the other two were walking down the locker hall, Orphy ran past them accidentally, causing their books to fly from their hands. Everybody in the locker hall suddenly stared at the scene. Orphy stopped and picked their books up since it was his fault. The three girls looked at each other and then glared at Orphy.

"I'm really sorry. I was just in a hurry. Here are your books." Orphy apologized and quickly left.

"That stupid maniac! He just left like a 'hit n' run,' Ugh!!!" Sarah fixed her golden brown hair.

"Oh don't you worry, Sarah. He'll never do that again or else he'll get into major trouble with the guys in school." Sammy giggled.

When the three girls entered Mr. Beekman's Language Class, the guys looked at them. Sarah saw Orphy and gave him an ominous look. He sat next to Jason and his buddies. Orphy and Jason had been very good friends since they were in third grade. Orphy was a very studious guy, but not the nerdy type. He loved playing a flute that he got when he was seven. He was tall and slender.

"Well..well..what do we have here, girls?" Sarah said addressing Orphy as she sat down on the chair beside Jason. Jason ignored her because he knew that she would just flirt with him.

"Uhm...well, it's Orphy. The guy who pulled a great stunt this morning," Amy responded.

"Will you just buzz off, and stop picking on him. He didn't mean to bump you guys anyway." Jason tried to defend his poor friend.

Sammy, Amy and Sarah stared to move and fix their stuff. They gave Orphy a quick menacing glare and went to their seats, because Mr. Beekman had just arrived.

When school was finally over, the three girls went to their lockers and hung out there. Orphy and his friends were walking down the hall when they heard them singing. They quickly covered their ears. They did not want to be wooed by the voices. The three girls' voices grew louder and louder, but became fainter as Orphy took his flute and began whistling a tune. His music was interrupting the girls' voices. They got so mad, they sang even louder. The locker hall was filled with music. Orphy took a long deep breath and blew harder and louder. This time, the girls' voices were like an out of tune violin, and they sounded pathetic. The crown looking surprised, could not believe what was happening. They had never heard them sing like that. Orphy was feeling a little good now since he had saves his friends. While he kept on blowing as hard as he could and kept the music in tune, the three girls' voices cracked and faded away.

Finally, they stopped. They felt ashamed, and hurried to the bathroom. He knew that he would defeat them. His friends cried a loud cheer, and lifted him up. The other people in the hallway also cheered. He was no longer the guy with a flute, but the big guy around campus and no one would ever try to mess around with him, no more.

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