Speaking of Harvard

Does it break my heart?

10 years ago, I dreamt of Harvard. Back in the ranch you will find a box of college catalogues from 1997 and 1998 from various ivy league schools in the US. Yeah, ambisyosa. heheh. But for whatever it was worth, those catalogues would put me to sleep at night. My first bedroom in Loyola Heights during my first year in college (I would ofcourse be doing my first year in college 3 more times after that hahahha), was filled with my future plans. This included posting the Georgetown University poster on my wall. It was the first thing I saw when I woke up.

I never worried I wasn't smart enough for these schools (the key word in acceptance is: DIVERSITY), I just knew that if I do get accepted, I wouldn't be able to afford it. Once again, in that box you will find a letters to the Financial Services of each school, written by a hopeful 16 year old me. Never mailed. Never had the money for the application fee for any of those schools.

But those catalogues were free :-) and they were beautiful. Somehow, I felt, that was enough.

Ah Harvard.

Last night I went to the website of Harvard. The first time in nearly 8 years. And I found out their rules had changed. You know longer need to worry about financing your Harvard Education, even as an international student. Listen to this:

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Harvard Financial Aid Initiative
"Our doors have long been open to talented students regardless of financial need but many students simply do not know or believe this. We are determined to change both the perception and the reality."- President L.H. Summers

The Harvard Financial Aid Initiative (HFAI), announced by university President Lawrence Summers in March 2004, aims to reduce economic barriers to attending Harvard College by significantly expanding financial aid benefits to low and moderate income families. Students have long been admitted to Harvard regardless of their family's financial circumstances. They are chosen on the basis of their outstanding academics extracurricular, and personal qualities, with the hope that they will bring to Harvard the widest possible diversity of life experiences and intellectual perspectives.
Beginning in 2006, parents in families with incomes of less than $60,000 will no longer be expected to contribute to the cost of attending Harvard for their children including room and board. In addition, Harvard will reduce the contributions expected of families with incomes between $60,000 and $80,000.
There is no separate application process for the HFAI. Interested students, including transfers and international students, should instead apply to Harvard through the regular application process by the established deadlines, filling out all applicable financial aid forms. While there is an application fee, waivers are easily available upon request. Harvard College considers students for admission without regard to their ability to pay, guaranteeing to meet the full financial need of every student who qualifies for aid. Accepted students who qualify under the new initiative will therefore automatically benefit should they choose to attend Harvard. Further information on applying to Harvard College can be found at the admissions office website. "
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I almost peed in my pants. Really. And excitedly checked out if I qualified to apply. And with much research, it is highlt possible I don't because of my Associates degree that I will be earning in 2 weeks. But even with that I still went out to check how much it would cost me and the schedules for the SAT and SAT II's. Just in case. :-)

Had I known about this on my first year....If I had just tried reaching for the moon, instead of believing I was already on it.

Ambisyosa. :-) Maybe in a few years. Which reminds me...maybe I should drop by Georgetown University again :-) Who knows? Opportunities change. The doors that were closed before to one dream have been opened. I should not have given hope all those years. Lesson learned. :-) Things change...

If not me, then whoever you are reading this that qualifies...GO FOR IT!!

As for me, I am just happy to go to my DECEMBER GRAD Luncheon today hahahah. Whatever that means.

Politica

And the speech was delivered today. Aside from not having the required survey and missed 2.5 points, I am very happy with the results.
I did take a stand, and it was against Amnesty as a solution to the illegal immigration issue. I know, personally, I should not take that stand because I know a lot of people who can benefit from an Amnesty ruling. But this is not about me and my friends. This is Critical Thinking class. And even though I did start out with the hopes of proving that Amnesty is the best solution, my research proved otherwise. I shall not dwell on facts that will bore you because this a personal, fun blog after all :-), but that was the conclusion that I came to with my research on both sides of the fence. The gist of it all is this: Amnesty has been done before in the Reagan administration: 1986 Immigration Reform and Control Act. It apparently did not solve the situation, for 20 years after, here we are again with the same problem.
And this project has taught me a valuable lesson in reading as much research as I can before making a stand. I just couldn't go about this backwards, could I? Build a case to back the result that I wanted? Oh no Princess Lia, that is not how it works. I learn. Everyday I learn and it is humbling.
But personally I think illegal immigration is just hard to solve :-) Why? It's the human factor. Figure it out.

Peace.Love. Dream. Try your mighty best to follow the law. Goodnight.

PostScript: The way I blab about issues and such, it sounds like I am going to school in Harvard or something, when the truth is, I am in a fashion school for crying out loud. Man, must I be so darn serious? Let's just look cute! Lets.

BIGGER FAMILY = MORE LAUGHTER

Once again I should be asleep already, but have been chatting with my brother-in-law Carl and he showed me the photos of their trip to Bukidnon. Always fun chatting with Carl, he is going to be legally my brother-in-law on January 27!!!! Yes, my sistah and him have finally set a date and I just have to announce it to my side of the spectrum ahhaha. I cannot wait! I am so excited for the wedding!!!! Our family is getting bigger!!! Yay!!! We love Carl, because he has always been like another brother to us, he has a sense of humor, he loves our sister, he is hard-working, and he loves FAMILY.

This is the first wedding in our family and we have no idea what to expect! Hhahaha. Thank you God for family moments such as these!

Here are some photos from Papa Carl:

Papa Carl, Laika and the men of the ranch enjoy some Manny Pacquiao!!!! (i love the fact that at the very same time I was screaming my lungs out at Tep's, they too were watching back home!)

Laika engulfed by her two aunties hehehehe.Our baby girls!!!!! Amaya and Laika hanging out in the montalVAN.

Angela and Laika in front of The House of Dreams (and Papa's Love Birds ahhaha).

I miss all my sisters and baby Laika. My pride is bursting all over the room as presiding Ate over such a funny, witty bunch of Little Women. Truly. And I laugh just thinking of them hehehe.

And I shall end this post with a video of my favorite Philippine artist singing a song close to my heart (thank you to my brother Emman for this link):

'Wag mong itigil ang Laban.

Illegal Immigration and the International Student

I am up all night and ready to finish off tomorrow morning my final forum speech for Critical Thinking class. Princess Lia is going to take a stand on immigration reform and still deciding up to this time whether to focus on the side of The McCain-Kennedy Bill or The Cornyn-Kyl Bill. Ahhh I hope tomorrow it shall be clearer. Sleeping on an issue is sometimes a good thing. Either way, I know the greatest problem on reform is implementation. Tsk. Tsk. And how do I answer that critical question? It would be so easy to say,

"And that my dear audience, is beyond my power and we can only leave it in the hands of God."

Sigh. Sigh. Sigh. It may just be a class, but boy is it learning.

ATOMIKAI: I am done with school in a few weeks and I leave sometime in January :-) Excitement. heheheh. Magpakita ka naman oy!
TERESA: hi dai! will call you ugma, need some information for my next project. I need to know how much an accountant costs for a business hehehe your specialty. And will get your Joey wallet ready for when I see you. Hope work is fun now that you're back!

Click here for photos from The Art and Sound Bazaar

We actually made some sales!! So happy ofcourse because it has been a labor of love to make all these things. Thank you so much to all who supported us (and bought our stuff!).
The event was a great success and it was a wonderful way to kick-off the Thanksgiving weekend. The music, the food, the people...it all came together. CoughSyrupSociety still knows how to spread the love vibes. I am going to miss everyone in the collective for sure.

Thank you.

Come one Come All!!!

If I were....

If I were a BOTANIST:

I would find a way to turn our garbage and "smoky mountains" into a new rainforest.
I would find ways to let plants evolve in such a way that it can grow in a non-biodegradable environment. I would begin by studying underwater plants and creatures that grow on man-made reefs. I would practice with my own garbage. I will experiment if a balete tree can "eat-up" (or engulf in its rooting system) a pile of trash.I will cross-breed different plant species. I will envision a plan with my army of plants to take over trash. I will work with leading oligochaetologists to breed the ultimate earthworm: one that can consume plastic and turn it into degradable castings (I would love to have it in the form of soil, please Mr. Worm). I will pay close attention that these plants and worms do not take over the world. Hhahahhahahaha.

I will dream.

Oh I know, one day, this will be true.
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Botanist: a scientist who studies botany.
Botany: Botany is the scientific study of plant life. As a branch of biology, it is also sometimes referred to as plant science(s) or plant biology. Botany covers a wide range of scientific disciplines that study the growth, reproduction, metabolism, development, diseases, and evolution of plants.
Oligochaetologists: people who study earthworms

Crony capitalism

So I finally learned the word to use in describing our economy.

I asked my teacher a question today that he actually wanted to give me an answer to, but couldn't (although I sense he will try to find out since it greatly disturbed him that he didn't know of specific cases in history. He started mumbling words to himself, looking up at the ceiling...mentioning a REVOLUTION, no...that didn't necessarily work he said...hmmm he'll have to think some more...but no, he had no answer):

"Is there a cure for extreme corruption?"

No, I was not trying to be a smart ass by asking that question.

I asked that because I WANTED TO KNOW. And I was sad. None of my classmates know I am from the Philippines. They probably think, "Oh my God, she's so like, like into this class and shit." Hahhahahahha. And I am back exactly at square 1.

I'm afraid I shall loose my mind trying to find cures for ailments that is not in my control. The world will turn. Everything happens for a reason. But Oh! the joys of finding an ANSWER. Any answer! I shall never stop.
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Crony capitalism: Used to describe a capitalist economy in which government or corporate officials and insiders provide lucrative opportunities for their friends and relatives.

All crafted out

The show is tomorrow. I'm all crafted out. Fun but super burn-out na. I have 5 joeys for sale only, because I would really rather make them made-to-order. I will post photos tomorrow, as soon as I get them all pretty set-up. Ryan did the set-up tonight, and it looks nice. We didn't see Steve so we are not sure about the product stand so we are just making do with what we have. It's crazy, back in the day, my mother could fill up a whole booth hhahahah. I am struggling to fill up a little basket. But my greatest excuse is a good one: I have school :-) As soon as I graduate I think I can fill up a booth with Summerday goodies heheheh. Right. Hay naku. I hope people order some stuff. I pray.
Hope everyone is doing well, wherever you are.
Peace.Love. Dream.Goodnight.

Monday with Marie

I'am at Marie's.

Oh Mr. Rockwell

"I paint life as I would like it to be. If there was sadness in this creative world of mine, it was a pleasant sadness. If there were problems, they were humorous problems."

-Norman Rockwell

Manny makes my heart go *boom* *boom*

Yeah!!!! Manny Pacquiao makes me so proud. Thanks to TepTep for inviting the whole gang over for her dad's birthday and catching the fight too. There's nothing like being in a room and watching a boxing match with all your friends and screaming at the top of your lungs with every punch by our PacMan.

And then spend the rest of the night dancing away to the music of Tep's dad's band, "The Old Reliables" :-) Such a beautiful night.


To end the night, we headed off to the Valiente house at which we had way too much Tequila. That's what happens when you don't see friends for a long time :-) So today I woke up so sick and asking Ryan, "I had fun last night, right? This is all worth it." Crazy Lia, getting older.

Click here to see Tep's photos from last night.

And today I got to see the people I love on webcam, live from Burgos Street.

Peace. Love. Dream. Goodnight world.

To our friend Osvaldo, may you rest in peace.

I know I know

I know I was suppose to go to bed already, but I couldn't help go thru my photos from when I went home last March and post these (since tomorrow I will forget what I wanted to do right now. Thus, why I blog):

Ompong and me. Hhahaha I love my Filipino Roman god.
Emman and Boboi getting ready for a nightcap in 711. (I love Boi's tee! It says Medicine & Nursing! ahhahaha love it).

Mike and Arvin with Manny Pacquiao hahahahhaha.

Emman, Diego and Dos (yeah, move that sign why don't you! I dunno why he did that! Well, Emman and Diego seem so engrossed that they do look like they would just have continued walkign right thru that sign. Yay for Dos!)

"Hello dai? Abrihi sa palihug." Hi-tech doorbell system.

Meeeeeenn! We may be older, but we sure haven't changed that much.

Haaaayy

Thanksgiving weekend coming up and I am looking forward to that. I dunno why. But I am. Was suppose to go camping with Marie but since I am below low budget right now, can't make it. So it's most likely Thanksgiving with Ryan's family. We were there last year and I had a wonderful time. Their pastor does some readings from the bible and it's really quite beautiful, so I'm looking forward to that.

I am definitely looking forward to not having Thursday night class. Hooray for me. I love the class, but now that it gets dark so quick over here, it's a nice break.

It's 2:43 a.m. and I am calling it an early night. I've been a good girl today. I got home from class and heated up my soup, watched the news (somebody got stabbed in NoHo today, and then tonight somebody got shot to death) and then watched some "Married with Children" while cutting up cloth pieces for my "Joey" wallets that I shall stitch tomorrow. Then I had a beer and made 4 of our "Take your Pick" pick holders (with Ryan cutting up the pieces and putting on the snaps). The show is on Wednesday already, and so far I have finished my brown-bag packaging, one-of-a-kind buttons (finished a LOOOONG TIME ago) and the button cards. It's like gradeschool all over again around here! I haven't seen Steve so I don't know how my stand is progressing. But all in all I feel confident I shall be ready on time. Designing products and patterns is one thing, making them OVER and OVER again is a whole different ball game. Man, I wish I was back home and just have someone else sew them all!!! Hahhaha. So it's a whole weekend of sewing for LiaLai. And some beers. And a lot of soup.

We live. We learn. We have fun. (And occassionaly loose our marbles).

Peace. Love. Dream. Goodnight ya'll.

Sanosee Family

Title: SanoseeSong

Artists: Badiday and Digidong

Directed By: Iso M.

This was done early this year when my family was over the first time. And this was done in complete sobriety. How it happened, who knows! But my mom really is great at directing whacked-out videos. Nuts. We are nuts. Heheheheh. Enjoy!

Seaching for the Holy Grail

If I were President of the Philippines:

I would go back to school.

Hahhahahahahha. Trully.

My favorite class is American Political and Economic History. Very interesting. It's a great insight if you are from the Philippines. After all, our country is an American experiment on democracy. So, if we want to know where we are going, we have to study and comprehend where we came from. It makes sense now.

I have noticed that every new president we get, their first order of business is to create a slogan for their presidency. Let's see: Cory was definitely an off-shoot of "People Power", Ramos' was "Philippines 2000" (assisted with Flavier's "Let's DOH It!"), Erap was "Erap para sa Mahirap" and Gloria...well...she has quite a few, the most notable one that sticks in my head was the more recent "Million Jobs" campaign with then DA Secretary Luisito Lorenzo. The purpose of all this is ofcourse to grab our [short] attention and garner support to make their presidency THE PRESIDENCY that will bring us to the next [maxhimuhm] level in the economic stage.

Aside from the quintessential slogan, their is an outpour of mga programang pang-gobyerno sprouting out of our ears with each appointment and electoral result. All very good programs I might add, if only we all knew about them. I mean, we do know about them (right?), but do we apply it to ourselves? Do we go out of our way to discover the jobs, assistance, welfare and medicare that is available to us as citizens of the Philippines? Do we know our benefits for simply being a Filipino citizen? [On a different note, do you, as a Filipino even know your rights?]

My memory needs to be refreshed. Have I grown up so jaded with politics that all I can remember people doing was complain about the hardships of living in our country? Of having no job? Of having no money?

Our poverty rate as of a study by AusAid is moving at a fast rate, increasing from 27 million to 31 million people living with less than $1.00/day. According to their reports, we also have the highest level of income inequality in Asia, with the poorest 20% of the population accounting for only 5% of the total income or consumption. The Philippines National Statistics Office reports our unemployment at 8% as of July 2006. Not that bad right? Pretty workable. But what do you do with the UNDERemployed population that comprises 23.5%? Sure they have jobs, but are they getting paid enough to help the economy?

Our Exports are at $4.160Billion as of September 2006. Good for us! We make amazing products, and the world thinks so too. So can you explain why our IMPORTS are at $4.886Billion? You mean we buy more than we sell? What? I admit, economics is still very unchartered territory in my brain, but if I use my logic: I know that I cannot buy more than I sell, right? Oh well, it's economics after all! We have to spend, spend, spend and spend some more if our economy is not doing well.

So let me break down some more, so I will get this. What are we importing exactly? Once again, with the help of the NSO, I find out our top ten imports are:

• Metalliferous Ores and Metal Scrap
• Transport Equipment
• Mineral Fuels, Lubricants and Related Materials
• Organic and Inorganic Chemicals
• Electronic Products
• Plastics in Primary and Non-Primary Forms
• Cereals and Cereal Preparations (<----i was surprised!!!)
• Iron and Steel
• Industrial Machinery and Equipment
• Textile Yarn, Fabrics, Made-Up Articles and Related Products

And what country do we mostly pay the bill to? The USA takes up 15.3% of our Import bill. We must still be really obsessed with "Imported".

Our balance of trade is in no surprise in the negative ofcourse. I dunno, I'm a normal Indai, is this okay? Man, should we cut down on the Cereal imports? I dunno! Maybe the Organic and Ingorganic Chemicals? Should we slow down on the Industrial Machinery and Equipment? I dunno, you know just in case it might displace workers and our unemployment rates get higher. I dunno, just wondering.

What kind of economic strategy does the Philippines follow anyway? I never knew. Now I want to know. Forgive me for my ignorance and taking so long to get this. Are we a capitalist? Or a socialist? Hahhaha I know we are not communist!?!

All countries they say are run/should be run on the laws of economics. Yes, economics makes our world go round, regardless of what they taught you in grade school. The law of supply and demand is what puts food on our tables, what guarantees our jobs and dictates our life. Sad. Top that with natural forces that surprises us like a punk, what are we mere mortals suppose to do? We have no choice but to put our faith in our governments; in these super mortals who make decisions for the good of all.

If you care to follow my journey in understanding the "why" to know the "how", you can start off with reports such as this and this. This site is also interesting for me as how the Americans dealt with The Great Depression greatly interests me, specially FDR's "The New Deal" solution. An idealistic, socially-conscious plan that is so appealing (with the benefit of already knowing it's weaknesses). How can you go wrong when you implement it along with the motto, "We have nothing to fear, except fear itself." Such hopeful words in such a trying time.

If you know of any other sites that would be help me on my quest, I would really appreciate it.

I choose to not even dive into issues such as graft and corruption or the peace & order situation of my lovely Mindanao. Your Mindanao. OUR Mindanao. Not 'Nao. Maybe later. Hhahahahah

google me beta

Man I love Google. Can I just say that a hundred times? On-line domination man oh man. I love the new beta features (organization to the next level), and being able to log-in using my google account. I love google tabs, google desktop, google widgets, google You Tube and my favorite Google Labs.

Call me Google Eyed. I am impressed.

And can I just add that until I shifted to Beta, I had no idea that people were leaving comments on my posts! Thanks everybody.

weddings and friends

Click here or on photo for Jay and Rolyn's online album

Congratulations to Rolyn!!! I cannot believe she is really, really, really married ahhaha. You look so beautiful dai, and the gown fits you so perfectly :-). And I loved your make-up, and the cake, and the photos, and the church, and everything!!! Believe gyud ko nimo. Period.

grabbed this photo from Rolyn's Friendster account (L-R): Jannie, Ruvy, Rolyn, Kristine, Maya and Dottie in front

I just had to grab this photo because the girls in the photo are our friends from way back in the day of Stella Maris (to thee we pledge our loyalty) and the Oroquieta life. My memories of them all really make me laugh and cry at the same time hahaha. Love these girls. I have not seen some of them in a long time, and yet when I saw this photo, it was comforting that they all still have the same smiles. I take that as a good sign of a life that has been kind to us all. (Now I can't wait to go home and dig up our old photos hahaha).

All my love to you Rolzy-Rolz and may you have a trippy and wonderful married life! Mwah!

Peace.Love. Dream. Goodnight.

WHattawhatta

I spent an hour the other night chatting with Arvin, a super friend from Fine Arts. It was so great catching up and talking about what everyone else is up to. I super super miss them all. Another thing to look forward to in going home (that and eating meals at mamaRaens pretty home!).

So glad that Saturday classes are over. I need the extra time. It's weird, three years flew by fast and these last months seem like forever. Trully beautiful. Cannot wait!!! Gotta keep the momentum up hahha. The plan is to get a job (oh yes!) and then see what happens from there. Being based in Manila for work is fine, like Ben said, career muna and then hometown dreams. Well said from someone who knows.

On other news, if you know anyone who is near the L.A. area, please tell them to go to our CSS show at the Tribal Cafe on Nov. 22! I will be selling my crafty creations for the first time so I would really appreciate the support! Will be posting more info later on as the date closes in. Fun!

Steve-o, my ever reliable talented neighbor is making my product stand :-) I am quite excited as to how it will come out. He came over tonight and I showed him my products and my requirements and he kept nodding and mentioning specs so I pressume he got what I wanted. Hahha Steve always gets it, no matter how vague I can be.

I am so blessed with such amazing people around me!!! Ang galing-galing!!!

On that note, goodnight. Peace. Love. Dream.

Day 1: Pilates

So yeah. I have finally opened my Pilates DVD. After 6 months I think hahahah. I did my first work-out tonight and can proudly say I finished the whole thing. I was sweating like a jock and breathless like a debutante. Day 1. THis time it has to last :-)

Last time I tried any form of working out was doing yoga years ago after I was going to therapy for my slip disc. One notable thing of that stint was doing yoga with Paola drunk of our asses. It was very relaxing and nauseating at the same time. Figure that out. Ah I miss 21-F Burgandy. The whole few months stint did result in some form of flexibility.

I have been interested in Pilates for quite awhile because when my back problems were bad years ago, my mom's friend gave me this whole copy of a Pilates work-out book. It's still probably in one of my boxes. Then I saw my aunt last Christmas and she was looking great as a result of Pilates. Then I saw my brother's photos from a beach trip and one of his friends has this amazing body as a result of Pilates once again. So many real results. Time to see for myself.

Heheheh so hope this works. I am not getting any younger, or healthier, and gravity seems to be working overtime I notice. The race is on.

Mother and Child

Just got back from having dinner and some beers at Mark and Teray's lovely home. I couldn't resist taking a papparazi shot of the sleeping mother and child. Baby Vaughn is now all grown up and so cuddly as cuddly can get. And as much as I was controlling not to make "baby talk", I couldn't really help myself. No photo will ever do justice to a baby. Honestly.
Thank you so much to Mark and Teray (and Gary who has taken my place as their first child) for the wonderful barbecued ribs dinner.

Math makes me giddy

I just got home from my final exam in Merchandise Planning & Control. Pages and pages of numbers to solve!!! It took me 3.5 hours to finish the whole thing. I could not believe it. But now I can breathe and celebrating by drinking ginger ale and watching "The Royal Tenembaums."

School Bukol

Tomorrow is my last day of Saturday class!!!!! Yes, that is worth blogging about hahaha. I am so glad to have my weekends back. And there is now internet in the ranch!!! woot woot!!!