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A Bittersweet Ending to a Glorious Battle by Dia Davide

(Click for a larger, clearer picture)

In the end it was Goliath who won but that doesn’t mean David gave up his slingshot.

To everyone who supported Dad all the way: You believed in him because you believed in change. Thank you.

In only a short span of time, the province of Cebu was introduced to Hilario Davide III and his vision for Cebu: a united and transformed Cebu. Ask any volunteer and they’d say that during many of the sorties, the outpouring of support was overwhelming. Not only was the general reception great, but without the efforts of the staff and volunteers, nothing would have been accomplished. Family members and friends too gave their unconditional support in the form of time, skill and resources. As I step back and imagine myself a spectator, it’s clear this wasn’t a one-man battle- it was through the combined efforts of many that Dad was able to emerge the real victor. Really, only honesty and integrity will get you through no matter how dirty the game of politics can get.

While a lot of people my age were dreading the heat of the sun inside their classrooms, I was dreading the heat in a town or city sports complex and sometimes the occasional mountain barangay. Despite the heat and humidity, I count myself as one of the lucky ones because of the whole campaign experience. Last summer it didn’t even occur to me or anyone for that matter that we’d be trailing the whole of Cebu campaigning for Dad. It’s amazing how events turn out and it’s usually life’s unexpected twists that are sometimes the best thing that ever happen to us. For me, it was more than a learning experience; it was an opportunity for growth. 

I’ll miss the roadtrips. I’ll miss the stopovers at Jollibee Carcar. I’ll miss having to hold my pee for as long as I need to. I’ll miss the standing and sitting around during rallies. I’ll miss the sound of the walkie talkies and Bisaya humor that oftentimes I was too slow to get. Lastly, I’ll miss all the great people I was able to meet and meet again in the course of the campaign.

This is the type of contest where we didn’t go home empty-handed. The knowledge, experience and values gained for years to come are definitely better than any consolation prize. I believe we touched many in our fight against corruption and although campaign season and election is over with the respective winners named, the fight is still very much alive. I’m so grateful to be part of such a noble movement. All the people who believed in Dad, believed in change. So it’s disheartening to see many of the volunteers sad and disappointed. One can’t help but share in their disappointment. Yet their passion and hard work throughout the campaign was nothing short of inspiring. Now that we go back to our pre-campaign lives, let’s be proud and say that there is still hope for a united Cebu and it’s important to keep that flame of hope burning in every Cebuano.   

Now, the sight of bulky campaign materials and sample ballots replaced the lively atmosphere of people at the tambayan at home. I still have a few weeks of summer vacation left and I might just grow bored what without any handshaking in the morning and pulong-pulong at night. I’m glad my summer was productive, and memorable at that. Tears were shed. Sighs of relief were let out.  But still that lingering thought of why clouds our mind. Even so, it’s good to know that in the end, we all gained something. And for me, that’s enough.   

[thebluepaje-blog]

David vs Goliath

An exercise of tough love is what I’d like to call the process the whole family went through before finally deciding to join Dad as yet a new challenge unfolds in his life of public service.

  It was tough because (well at least for my part), I feared two things. First, knowing how dirty Philippine politics can get, there was always the fear for Dad’s safety lingering at the back of my mind. We were about to set foot in unfamiliar territory in the sense that this time, the scope was larger, the rival stronger and the financial requirements admittedly higher. We were certainly in for an uphill battle.

  Secondly and more importantly, there was that fear of the possibility of being tangled up in the ins and outs of our [cacique] democracy. And being quite the neophyte compared to the incumbent, this fear of ultimately getting devoured by the culture of corruption (read: dishonesty magnified a trillion times) the government is infamous for cannot be discarded. For really, it is not easy to work against such prevailing systems that have even led others to come to the sad conclusion that once you dip your hands into Philippine politics, there’s nowhere else to go but with the flow.

  I told my Dad I will be his foremost critic (okay, probably next to my grandparents and my Mom) – that the challenge was to be the light in a dark, vast ocean of seasoned politicos so that when I talk about good governance to fellow youth I know I’d still have a Dad whom I can give as an example.

  And I guess the Davidic spirit saw itself through and here we are, the whole family in full force, in support of our beloved Junjun Davide.

  In the course of running this campaign, I try to be as actively involved in other ways, refusing to just be the kid who sings during her Dad’s rallies. Because really there is more to us voters than being mere lookers-on to this much awaited democratic “spectacle,” as my Politics and Governance prof RR Raneses would put it. It pains me to see that many are still stuck in such a mindset. The most common example, in my experience, goes something like this: upon handing a flyer, the person asks, “Miss, wa’y pakapin?” (Isn't there anything that comes with this) only to get a “Sorry, dili baya mi tig-hatag ug kwarta” (Sorry, we do not give money) to which they’d rebut “Ay, kalain.” 

You see kalain in Bisaya has a negative connotation - an expression of disappointment or of one feeling bad about something. But if taken literally, it means “different.” Yes, Dad is different. And I trust he cannot afford to screw up and tarnish the good name his grandfather and father have worked hard to build, just as I trust Mr. Aquino to uphold the legacy both his parents had left. (I will deal with issues thrown against Noynoy in my next post)

  After all, every public servant should know very well that public office is a public trust. Thus, Sipag at Tiyaga and Galing at Talino just aren’t enough for government to function properly. Which is why the fight against corruption, a core issue involving public trust (or the apparent lack thereof), is the first big step. And it takes a man of moral courage to slowly but surely restore this trust. Allow me to share my grandpa’s thoughts on this:

  “It is rather unfortunate that the Filipino ingenuity that has produced useful innovations such as the jeepney has also created increasingly complicated schemes of graft and corruption. Some may even find amusement in the intricate complexities that have been invented by unscrupulous civil servants. But this is no laughing matter. The country loses billions of pesos through graft and corruption. This is money that could have very well changed the lives of many of our poor countrymen and put the economy as a model of good governance. Every service rendered by government is now susceptible to being sold to those who need it most. The honorable vocation of public service is now nearly reduced to dishonorable trade. Stealth usually accompanies the commission of graft and corrupt activities and the perpetrators know enough to cover their tracks. In order to prevent detect, and prosecute every instance of graft and corruption, the government must device new strategies.

  The forthcoming elections on 10 May can be a process to reverse its culture of corruption and to install a new regime of honesty and integrity in the government service. The people, in the exercise of their right of suffrage must install leaders who are not just experienced, competent and managerial experts, but men of integrity.”

  On a lighter note, looks like Gen Y is on a roll. I have never been so proud to be part of this generation since Ondoy.  Seeing how many of my friends have come out and spoke their minds and hearts out no matter what their political color makes me just want to tell naysayers “In your face, b****es!” Contrary to what’s always been thrown at us, we are not apathetic. This is the kind of citizenry needed in the PH. I can only hope the hype does not end on 10 May. I pray the energy will be sustained even beyond this elections so that when new leaders are sworn into office, we will remain ever vigilant, ever in the know.

  To end this already long entry, I’d like to echo what I’d written in my previous post:

  Many a time, the youth’s ideals are shattered the moment they get a taste of what the ‘real’ world is like. In a society where injustice, graft and corruption and oppression have become so institutionalized, working for a better Philippines and staying true to one’s principles might seem like a futile endeavor. With society’s pressures felt all around, it is very difficult to think you are not alone. But if there’s one thing I learned during the 1st Cebuano Young Leaders Summit last May it was this: to be a hope warrior.

  There I got to talk to fellow twenty-something’s who have had their share of working for the government (e.g. under the Office of the President, the Senate) and an interesting insight was that a hope warrior would not decide not to work for the government simply because he has lost all trust and respect for it that he has grown apathetic. As a matter of fact, he is saying he has lost all hope. A true hope warrior will take a chance and while there, work hard so as not to get eaten up by the system. And when need be, he will stand up for what he believes in no mater what the cost (in this case, he was asked to vacate the position he held). It is a tough job, but as they say, someone’s got to do it. And it is in knowing that there still are people of this great a moral courage that I find inspiration. Changing a world that refuses to change for the better is one big challenge. But the thought of having others who share your sentiments is reassuring enough to keep you going.

I have not lost hope because it was also in this campaign that I saw how there really are people who care for this lovely country of ours - volunteering, selflessly offering their time and energy all in the name of change. Being surrounded by them just keeps my spirit alive. And for that, I thank them.

  --

P.S. Dad, I haven’t seen you grow more white hair in a very short span of time than now. I haven’t seen you grow as much as a leader and as a person in wisdom, courage, diligence and discipline in the last five months either. For that I am so proud. Know that Team DVD is right behind you.

[thebluepaje-blog]

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Rethinking Options

Last Saturday's Pabaon was yet another opportunity to hear Bam Aquino, social entrepreneur and youth advocate, speak. And I must say, he never fails to inspire. I'd been a follower of the Breakfast gang ever since high school and have always admired how they work for causes they are truly passionate about.

What was interesting during his talk was when he shared how while his peers were all heading for a rat race in corporate Makati, he opted to join government and work for the National Youth Commission. I had the privilege of meeting another NYC commissioner, Mike Lopez, during the Cebuano Young Leaders Summit last year and I can never forget what he said - that no matter how much others criticize the government for all the graft and corruption, its flaws and shortcomings, that doesn't mean you should do away with plans of working for it altogether. Truly, it takes courage to get into the system without getting eaten up by it. It takes a man of character to bring change into a society that has institutionalized social injustice.

While talking to some friends about life last week, I was told that maybe, just maybe, a career in public service is for me. And after giving it some thought, I realized that the only way I can hold on to this youthful idealism is to be surrounded by and keep on working with the youth because I'd like to think youth empowerment is one way we can ensure hope is not lost for the PH.

Bam Aquino shared how he made sense of happiness through a Venn diagram - finding that thing at which we excel, doing what we love and seeing how it will help the country. And this is where all that talk of [social] entrepreneurship comes in. I'm amazed at how I just seem to stumble upon things that somewhat have the answers to a lot of questions on my mind. Today is no exception. Cito Beltran's article on Philippine Star was very enlightening. Check it out here. 

It seriously made me rethink my options. Because when Tony Meloto himself offers you the chance to help rebuild a nation, how can one resist? It's like everything's just coming together.

And although I'm no class valedictorian/summa cum laude like Mr. Aquino, I wanna be that lawyer/social entrepreneur/youth advocate/thespian... in His time. 

[thebluepaje-blog]

Guess What? I'm Graduating!

<< Status: P for PASSED! This is final na right? 

WOOT! I hope what was posted on AISIS is final because if so, am finally graduating! A little backstory: I was so scared I wouldn't make it especially after my Philo orals last week and my super delayed submission of the last two requirements for my Comm elective all because the week before that was just so stressful. Juggling 24 units, org work and a play this past semester was beyond tough. Am just thankful I survived. 

 WEW HUH. Whattawidesmile! >>

Dad&Mom, I guess you can breathe a sigh of relief at this point. 26 March, here we come! 

Thank you, Ateneo! ANIMO! 

[thebluepaje-blog]

Got Extra Love?

 blueREPERTORY's 

ZANNA, DON'T!

is now on its final week. 

03-05 March | 8pm

06 March | 2pm & 8pm

Don't miss it.

For tickets, contact me or Cassie at 0917.8969797.

Photo by Mark Tiu

[thebluepaje-blog]

Dream Team

I'm no beauty expert. But for our thematic omnibus (a final requirement) for Mr. de Vera's class, I decided to give it a try and came up with this: -- Team Morena By Paje Davide WHILE Caucasians would give anything (going as far as battling it out for hours under the scorching heat of the sun) just to have our color, Filipinas on the other hand have, for the longest time, always longed for a fairer complexion even though for some, it always ends up being a bad case of “uneven skin tone” to say the least. Our lovely country is abound with pristine beaches that are just waiting to be (sun)bathed in and it’s a shame that they are not put to good use all because we dread getting ourselves baked. So fellow morena, instead of spending a fortune on whitening products and other bleaching treatments, do yourself a favor: go out there, let loose and for once, be happy with the skin you are in. Here are five beauty essentials – what I’d like to call “The Dream Team,” to help bring out that sun goddess within. On top of the list is Neutrogena’s Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock with SPF 55 because before anything else, what we want to achieve is a healthy tan, lest we end up looking all dry and burnt. Its Helioplex technology is all it takes to give you “complete, long-lasting UVA/UVB protection” while helping maintain your skin’s radiance without going overboard with the shine. The sweat-proof and waterproof formula is well-suited for an active lifestyle while its light, oil-free base keeps you feeling fresh throughout the day. It really does work wonders for any skin type as it locks in just enough moisture for a healthy, dewy look. (Complexion Enhancing Factor: 5/5) Aside from the face, the rest of the body needs special attention too. Daily exposure to ever-rising temperatures calls for additional sun care. Spraying on some Beach Hut Clear Sunblock does the trick. Packed with SPF 36, it provides lasting protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays of the sun. A proudly Pinoy innovation, this is definitely not your ordinary sunblock. As a matter of fact, it’s not even lotion. Personally, I prefer using this to regular lotion for daily application because not only do I get adequate sun protection, it leaves literally no visible residue because it is transparent. Finally, you can say goodbye to excess white substances springing up from areas you might have missed. Applying it liberally on your arms, shoulders and legs just gives them that beautiful sun-kissed glow. Plus, it is hypoallergenic so almost anyone can use it. And unlike other sunblock lotions, it is less messy, greasy and sticky although the smell is still quite strong for me. (Complexion Enhancing Factor: 4/5) The only lightening product that made it to the list is Garnier’s Brightening Eye Roll-On, for obvious reasons. After all, we shouldn’t get carried away by all this “brown is beautiful” talk because we wouldn’t want to be dark in all the wrong places now would we? I mean the last thing we would like to happen is for dark under eye circles to accumulate because of all that stress. This relatively new product is a more convenient alternative to say, laying cucumber on your peepers. Enriched with caffeine that boosts micro-circulation to get rid of puffiness, you wake up looking refreshed and more radiant. The metal roller leaves a cool, invigorating feel below the eyes and you get all this in a compact stick that is convenient enough to take just about anywhere. (Complexion Enhancing Factor: 4.5/5) The lips are to be cared for as well for these are most susceptible to chapping under prolonged sun exposure. A great find is C.O. Bigelow’s Mentha Lip Tint in Magenta Mint, available from Bath and Body Works. What’s unique about it is that it functions almost like toothpaste. It’s infused with 2% peppermint oil which gives that cooling, menthol sensation while providing long-lasting breath freshness. No kidding. So lips are kept hydrated for hours. Another interesting factor is that this lip tint solves the problem of finding that perfect lip color to complement our bronzed bodies. Since it comes in a shade of purple, it actually extends our list of options that are usually just limited to colors such as peach, coral and other warm tones. (Complexion Enhancing Factor: 5/5) Speaking of warm tones, Bare Escentuals’ bareMinerals line offers a substitute to regular blush. They call it Warmth, an all-over face color that does justice to our complexion, as it comes in a rust hue that blends effortlessly with medium to dark skin tones. Since it’s mineral makeup, it is so sheer that it feels ultra light on the face and even allows your skin to breathe. Coverage is not an issue because just a few strokes on the cheeks, forehead, nose and chin is enough, helping you avoid the heavy feeling other blushes give. Hence achieving that natural look is made much easier. Another benefit is that it does not easily smudge and can stay on for hours. It is fragrance-free and because it is all-natural, it is ideal for even the most sensitive skin. By these standards, this definitely is a keeper. (Complexion Enhancing Factor: 4.5/5) It really is good to know that there are products out there that cater to the specific needs of women of color and that instead of covering up these so-called imperfections, they enhance our natural beauty. It is high time we embrace our color, find ways to improve our skin and work our way to clearer, healthier and more radiant complexions instead. I’m from Team Morena and am proud of it.

[thebluepaje-blog]

Crossroads

I missed the Baliklaya Medical/Dental Mission today because I didn't wake up. And I feel really bad. I was an hour late for our last day of Leadership class on Thursday because again, I didn't wake up. I hate how oversleeping knows "perfect timing." 

Anyway, not going to Bilibid made me decide to go home and while there, caught two really good 90s movies on Star Movies - Jack (circa '96, with a star-studded cast - Robin Williams, Fran Drescher and Jennifer Lopez to name a few) and Anywhere But Here (circa '99, starring Susan Sarandon and a very young Natalie Portman). They were both tear-jerkers that had beautiful, not to mention timely, messages. Here's one that really hit hard:

"As we come to the end of our school years, we find ourselves remembering the good times, and trying to forget the bad times. And as we start to look ahead, we start to worry. We think "What am I going to do? Where am I going to be in ten years?" But I say to you, "Hey, look at me!" Please, don't worry so much. Because when you get right down to it, none of us have very long on this earth. Life is fleeting, like a shooting star in the sky. Whenever you see a shooting star light up the sky with its brilliance, think of me, and try to make each and every moment of our lives as spectacular as possible. I know I did." -Jack

It suddenly felt like I was destined to watch them now, especially since I've just finished all my academic requirements and am crossing my fingers, waiting for graduation. I also realized how not having to worry about papers and presentations really gives you time to reflect. Haha. 

Anywhere But Here is a must-see for every mother and daughter, by the way. 

In the mean time, allow me to bask in this temporary freedom - from academic stress and all those nasty pimples that come with it. Haha.

Dia and I celebrating my last day of class >>

OH YEAH! 

[thebluepaje-blog]

Almost There

Wew. Finals Week. I can't believe it's already here. Just took my final Theo oral exams yesterday which means am done with 4 of my 8 subjects. The feeling is bittersweet. I'd been wanting to get the stress that all those hell weeks/months/sems bring over and done with but it's those quiet moments around campus when everyone else is in class that made me realize how I'm gonna miss college and everyone who's made it one awesome adventure. 

The past week was a real waker-upper about the future and how scary it can be especially when you see one of your dreams slip away. Last Saturday, as I was about to take the Ateneo Law exam, I found out I didn't pass the UP LAE.  

Talk about bad vibes. But then again, you win some, you lose some right? And although I was more than sad when I heard the news, am thankful for the people who helped me see it in a different light. 

Anywaaaay, yearbook group pix are out! 

Audi '08

Baliklaya

blueREP Seniors

And speaking of blueREP, our season finale, ZANNA DON'T! is now on it's second week. So friends, come out and watch it. You're in for something pretty, witty and gay! 

Photo by Mark Tiu

We are almost there! One. More. Week. ONE. LAST. PUSH.

[thebluepaje-blog]

Dreaming of Coppertone

In between papers, presentations, meetings, rehearsals and more papers, daydreaming about this makes me happy...

I can already imagine the sun on my face, the sand on my feet

 ...and the smell of Coppertone!

Ok, back to work.

[thebluepaje-blog]

When In Doubt

Got this from Bianca Gonzalez's blog (http://superbianca.blogspot.com/)

--

question of ben cabigas: "In principle, is it OK to abstain for the position of President? Pa'no pag hindi buo ang loob mo sa boto mo?" reply of st anthony enriquez tiu: "Ben, para sa akin, wala naman talagang perpektong binoboto e. Meron lang perpektong boto - yung botong pinag-aralan, pinag-isipan, at handang panindigan sa loob ng 6 na taon. Kung hindi pa buo ang loob mo, ibig sabihin kulang pa ang ginugugol mong panahon upang pagtibayin ang iyong kaalaman at paninindigan. Sa loob ng 5 buwan, imposibleng maging perpekto ang isang kandidato. Pero sa loob din ng 5 buwan, kaya mong kumbinsihin ang sarili mo kung sino ang mas karapat-dapat na iluklok sa pwesto. Sino ba ang dapat?"

[thebluepaje-blog]

Effin

Feeling like a failure.

Fast-forward February please.

[thebluepaje-blog]

Senior Syndrome Kicking In

WOW. So maybe I'm getting senti. But this was such a nice read. Repost from fb.

--

1. Your friends will change a lot over the next four years. Let them. 2. Call someone you love back home a few times a week, even if just for a few minutes. 3. In college more than ever before, songs will attach themselves to memories. Every month or two, make a mix cd, mp3 folder, whatever - just make sure you keep copies of these songs. Ten years out, they’ll be as effective as a journal in taking you back to your favorite moments. 4. Take naps in the middle of the afternoon with reckless abandon. 5. Adjust your schedule around when you are most productive and creative. If you’re nocturnal and do your best work late at night, embrace that. It may be the only time in your life when you can. 6. If you write your best papers the night before they are due, don’t let people tell you that you “should be more organized” or that you “should plan better.” Different things work for different people. Personally, I worked best under pressure - so I always procrastinated… and always kicked ass (which annoyed my friends to no end). ;-) Use the freedom that comes with not having grades first semester to experiment and see what works best for you. 7. At least a few times in your college career, do something fun and irresponsible when you should be studying. The night before my freshman year psych final, my roommate somehow scored front row seats to the Indigo Girls at a venue 2 hours away. I didn’t do so well on the final, but I haven’t thought about psych since 1993. I’ve thought about the experience of going to that show (with the guy who is now my son’s godfather) at least once a month ever since. 8. Become friends with your favorite professors. Recognize that they can learn from you too - in fact, that’s part of the reason they chose to be professors. 9. Carve out an hour every single day to be alone. (Sleeping doesn’t count.) 10. Go on dates. Don’t feel like every date has to turn into a relationship. 11. Don’t date someone your roommate has been in a relationship with. 12. When your friends’ parents visit, include them. You’ll get free food, etc., and you’ll help them to feel like they’re cool, hangin’ with the hip college kids. 13. In the first month of college, send a hand-written letter to someone who made college possible for you and describe your adventures thus far. It will mean a lot to him/her now, and it will mean a lot to you in ten years when he/she shows it to you. 14. Embrace the differences between you and your classmates. Always be asking yourself, “What can I learn from this person?” More of your education will come from this than from any classroom. 15. All-nighters are entirely overrated. 16. For those of you who have come to college in a long-distance relationship with someone from high school: despite what many will tell you, it can work. The key is to not let your relationship interfere with your college experience. If you don’t want to date anyone else, that’s totally fine! What’s not fine, however, is missing out on a lot of defining experiences because you’re on the phone with your boyfriend/girlfriend for three hours every day. 17. Working things out between friends is best done in person, not over email. (IM does not count as “in person.”) Often someone’s facial expressions will tell you more than his/her words. 18. Take risks. 19. Don’t be afraid of (or excited by) the co-ed bathrooms. The thrill is over in about 2 seconds. 20. Wednesday is the middle of the week; therefore on Wednesday night the week is more than half over. You should celebrate accordingly. (It makes Thursday and Friday a lot more fun.) 21. Welcome failure into your lives. It’s how we grow. What matters is not that you failed, but that you recovered. 22. Take some classes that have nothing to do with your major(s), purely for the fun of it. 23. It’s important to think about the future, but it’s more important to be present in the now. You won’t get the most out of college if you think of it as a stepping-stone. 24. When you’re living on a college campus with 400 things going on every second of every day, watching TV is pretty much a waste of your time and a waste of your parents’ money. If you’re going to watch, watch with friends so at least you can call it a “valuable social experience.” 25. Don’t be afraid to fall in love. When it happens, don’t take it for granted. Celebrate it, but don’t let it define your college experience. 26. Much of the time you once had for pleasure reading is going to disappear. Keep a list of the books you would have read had you had the time, so that you can start reading them when you graduate. 27. Things that seem like the end of the world really do become funny with a little time and distance. Knowing this, forget the embarassment and skip to the good part. 28. Every once in awhile, there will come an especially powerful moment when you can actually feel that an experience has changed who you are. Embrace these, even if they are painful. 29. No matter what your political or religious beliefs, be open-minded. You’re going to be challenged over the next four years in ways you can’t imagine, across all fronts. You can’t learn if you’re closed off. 30. If you need to get a job, find something that you actually enjoy. Just because it’s work doesn’t mean it has to suck. 31. Don’t always lead. It’s good to follow sometimes. 32. Take a lot of pictures. One of my major regrets in life is that I didn’t take more pictures in college. My excuse was the cost of film and processing. Digital cameras are cheap and you have plenty of hard drive space, so you have no excuse. 33. Your health and safety are more important than anything. 34. Ask for help. Often. 35. Half of you will be in the bottom half of your class at any given moment. Way more than half of you will be in the bottom half of your class at some point in the next four years. Get used to it. 36. In ten years very few of you will look as good as you do right now, so secretly revel in how hot you are before it’s too late. 37. In the long run, where you go to college it doesn’t matter as much as what you do with the opportunities you’re given there. The MIT name on your resume won’t mean much if that’s the only thing on your resume. As a student here, you will have access to a variety of unique opportunities that no one else will ever have - don’t waste them. 38. On the flip side, don’t try to do everything. Balance = well-being. 39. Make perspective a priority. If you’re too close to something to have good perspective, rely on your friends to help you. 40. Eat badly sometimes. It’s the last time in your life when you can do this without feeling guilty about it. 41. Make a complete ass of yourself at least once, preferably more. It builds character. 42. Wash your sheets more than once a year. Trust me on this one. 43. If you are in a relationship and none of your friends want to hang out with you and your significant other, pay attention. They usually know better than you do. 44. Don’t be afraid of the weird pizza topping combinations that your new friend from across the country loves. Some of the truly awful ones actually taste pretty good. Expand your horizons. 45. Explore the campus thoroughly. Don’t get caught. 46. Life is too short to stick with a course of study that you’re no longer excited about. Switch, even if it complicates things. 47. Tattoos are permanent. Be very certain. 48. Don’t make fun of prefrosh. That was you like 2 hours ago. 49. Enjoy every second of the next four years. It is impossible to describe how quickly they pass. 50. This is the only time in your lives when your only real responsibility is to learn. Try to remember how lucky you are every day. -Anonymous

--

FIVE. MORE. WEEKS. 

[thebluepaje-blog]

Starbucks

This week we were asked to review food. The challenge was to describe how delicious (or bad) the food was without really saying it outright. -- Holiday Hangover By Paje Davide JUST a couple of minutes away from its busy counterpart (yes, the one beside Cantina) along the Katipunan strip is a quaint and certainly quieter Starbucks coffee shop right next to Rustan’s Supermarket. Being the smallest of already three branches in the area alone (there’s one more in Petron across the road), the scene here is more intimate and less distracting. And as in any Starbucks, the smell of that warm cup of coffee and the cozy ambiance people are after is ever so present. Through the years, Starbucks has become home not only to coffee lovers but to non-coffee drinkers and a growing number of “sweet teeth” as well, thanks to its delectable, quality selection of pastries and cakes – something one would not normally find in most cafés. Their dessert line gets even sweeter at Christmastime when they bring back well-loved classics everyone looks forward to each year and introduce soon-to-be favorites, most of which are great complements to their holiday drinks or are just as good when eaten on their own. It’s no secret that Starbucks’ chocolate cake is sheer bliss for chocoholics – dense on the outside, rich and creamy on the inside with just the right amount of moist and sugar and a light, velvety icing on top. Now imagine this with a little more tang to it and you get the Starbucks Chocolate Truffle Cheesecake. Those who aren’t exactly cheesecake fanatics shouldn’t be turned off. This is far from your typical cheesecake cheese overload. First of all, it’s an all-brown ensemble from top to bottom. Here is a holiday treat that creatively combines the best of both chocolate and cheesecake and more. You’ve got a tightly packed piece of cake made of soft cheese sandwiched in between alternating layers of creamy milk chocolate with a crumbly crust, all covered in icing that is moist to perfection. The slice is then topped off with a thin, square-shaped piece of dark chocolate truffle drizzled with a bit of white and gold that adds to its classic, elegant look. Decadent yet reasonably priced, this gastronomic masterpiece is truly one of a kind. It can shift from being exceptionally smooth and silky with its fudge icing, to being incredibly thick and crumbly when flipped over. It is cheesecake but not exactly. On the first bite, one would immediately taste that rich, creamy chocolate truffle but at the same time, know at the back of his mind that the cheesecake is hidden somewhere in there. Hints of its taste make it all the more enticing. And because it’s literally brown all over, you’re in for a tangy surprise. No wonder they suggest you pair it with yet another zesty offering for the holiday, their Honey Orange Latte or Honey Orange Mocha. Although I must say, this particular cake is hard to match since it is so rich that the only beverage you’ll be needing is something that is thin and less overpowering. Nonetheless, it’s definitely value for your money. At Php120, one slice is enough to fill two empty tummies. Or if you’re a certified sweet tooth, you may opt to have it all to yourself. A little warning though – it can get a bit too heavy for dessert so perhaps you’d rather have it for say, an afternoon snack. So if you’re tired of anything that’s same old same old, if you want to get away from bustling crowds cramped up in coffee shops but still long for that authentic Starbucks experience, this other Starbucks-Katipunan is the place to be. And while you’re at it, try to find a new twist to your chocolate cake as well. Starbucks’ Chocolate Truffle Cheesecake is a breath of fresh, sweet Christmas air that leaves you stuck in the moment and keeps you wishing the holidays didn’t have to end so soon. This little Starbucks store can be found at the Ground Floor of Golan Plaza, 333 Katipunan Avenue, right beside Rustan’s Fresh.

[thebluepaje-blog]

Make It Happen, 2010!

Late post. But I didn't wanna break my "tradition" of blogging on New Year's. Haha.

2009's been one inspiring year. The highlights? Maybe first, meeting people who truly inspire - a lot during the Cebuano Young Leaders Summit, Ondoy, mentors in school, my immersion foster parents, people you see in a day that just make you stop and be grateful you chanced upon them. Then there's bonding with family and friends. Am just happy to be surrounded with a bunch of people who truly care. And the bond just gets stronger every year. 

This 2010, I pray for ENERGY - the energy to do things (no more oversleeping, more exercise!) and to go out, learn and live life even more.

This 2010, let's make things happen! Cheers! 

[thebluepaje-blog]

Rizal Is My President: 40 Leadership Tips from Jose Rizal

The fourth review is on any book by a Filipino author that must have been published in 2008 or 2009. -- Rizal Reminiscin’ By Paje Davide STAYING true to his advocacy for patriotic leadership, Napoleon G Almonte offers this timely book-cum-manual he dubs “Rizal Is My President: 40 Leadership Tips from Jose Rizal.” He sheds a different light on our national hero and other heroes, for that matter, as he uncovers their other, more human side. The book is divided into two main parts. The first part takes the reader on a journey through time and back where Rizal, along with Marcelo del Pilar, Apolinario Mabini, Gabriela Silang and others of their period happen to live under one roof with fellow Marangal, Ninoy Aquino, in a place called Bahay ng Marangal at Bayani situated on top of a hill. They are very much updated with the latest goings-on in their beloved homeland and are saddened with what they see. Ninoy then comes up with this idea of using their one chance to come back to life, so to speak, and tries to talk Lolo Jose into returning to the Philippines once more and perhaps, even run for president. The second part is proof of Rizal’s unwavering relevance to this day as Almonte shares straightforward, practical tips from dissecting our national hero’s letters to his contemporaries. An additional activity section designed for reflection and application comes with the book as well. This narrative-primer-workbook combination makes perfect sense. It is a well thought of approach to reintroducing an appreciation for Philippine history, Rizal and leadership in one short and sweet package, digestible by even high school students. And although the storyline tends to get a bit confusing towards the end with all the time travel hullabaloo, this does not discount the fact that there is a significance behind every detail that comprises it. Credit should be given to the author for coming up with a well-researched piece packed with actual excerpts and sharp-witted remarks. Nationalistic tones dominate Almonte’s work for obvious reasons. Yet his ability to infuse some light humor into it could even possibly make Bonifacio loyalists let out a giggle. Symbolism, too, runs all throughout the book – from cover page to the elements of the story itself. It seems as though Almonte himself breathes life into Ninoy Aquino, campaigning for Rizal’s presidency and the creation of the Rizal tip book on leadership. From amusing titles that are often witty wordplay such as “Restrain Your ‘Bonifacio,’” “Bond With A ‘Blumentritt” and “Praise Your ‘Plaridels,’” to poignant ones as “Rise Above the Heartbreak,” “Face the Bullet” and “Know How to Say Goodbye,” the forty tips should impress on any Filipino a thing or two not only about leadership but life as a whole. It is a fusion of past, present and future in many aspects, jargon included. And with brief yet concise chapters articulately put together, Almonte’s work is an easy read where one can get bits and pieces of useful information from cover to cover. It definitely is worth looking into as it offers really good insights on Philippine society today. Its publication is very timely with the May elections coming up – a must-read for every Filipino, voters and aspiring candidates alike. Voters most especially should take it from history so as not to give in to the weakness of uninformed choices and fall prey to committing the same mistakes yet again. Inspiring. Eye-opening. Touching. “Rizal Is My President: 40 Leadership Tips from Jose Rizal” reminds us “that we can become present-day heroes without distancing ourselves from those who inspire us." For still, the Filipino is worth living and dying for. So whether in the nineteenth, twenty-first or thirty-first century, Lolo Jose’s works will continue to influence the lives of people across time and age. With this book, Almonte succeeds in reawakening that sense of patriotism… well, at least for me he did.