The POKEMANIA Strikes Back

It did. And it struck like a lightning.

Way, way back years ago, six years to be exact, I have started the collection of a lifetime. Being a young child is pretty boring most especially if you have nothing to deal with. That reason made me think of other things to do aside from playing, playing, and playing. It’s collecting. Collecting Pokemon Trading Cards to be specific.

The first time I watched Pokemon cartoons on TV, I knew there’s something special about this series because it kept my eyes glued to the screen every time I’m watching it. That led me to the mall to hunt for some Pokemon stuffs. I found some action figures and decided to buy them. I just found myself obsessed with Pokemon starting that day.

However, my Pokemon-action-figures obsession soon faded and it was replaced by my would-be collection that time, Pokemon Trading Cards.

I remember being an elementary boy going to school, carrying a dozen or so Pokemon Cards with the purpose of trading or playing with my class mates. And when I got home, the same routine takes place but this time, I do it with my cousins and neighbors.

That was the story six years ago.

Just last week, however, when I was searching my file cabinet for something, my eyes found a small, rectangular wooden box, which contains the Pokemon Cards I have collected. Suddenly, I found myself browsing through hundreds, or probably thousands, of them in my study table. The memories ran through my head as I slowly gather and recall my life as a young boy playing with them. I realized that many years have gone by, yet my collection still stands as a mute witness to my many jovial experiences during childhood. Those days may be over, but not my collection.

Today, I am now officially back into the business of collecting Pokemon Cards. It may seem weird for a teenage boy to do such things but I believe in the saying “Do what makes you happy”. And collecting Pokemon makes me happy so I intend to continue my hobby till I reach my adult years. I love Pokemons. I really do.

The Philippine Nature at its Best

All of us are probably familiar with the “Seven Wonders of the World” which are chosen due to their unique and exotic characteristics. If I’m not mistaken, these sites are chosen annually. It’s good to know that in this year’s new seven wonders, the Philippines has at least four tourist spots that qualify in the Top 77, as of this posting. Below are descriptions of the places.

The Tubbataha Reef

The Tubbataha Reef. According to an encyclopedia, the word “Tubbataha” is derived from two Samal words meaning “a long reef exposed at low tide”. It’s an underwater sanctuary native to the Sulu Sea that boasts of many wonders endemic only to the place. It is home to over a thousand species of marine wildlife, some of them are already endangered and are being protected and conserved around the globe. The site of manta rays, lion fish, tortoise or Pawikan (as it is known in the place), clown fish, and sharks are some of the wonders that never fail tourists, especially divers, that take a trip at the reef usually during the hot months of March to June. The reef itself is a refuge for underwater animals. In 1993, the United Nations designated Tubbataha as one World Heritage Sites found in the Philippines. Presently, it is one of the candidates of the Philippines for the New Seven Wonders of Nature. As of this posting, the Tubbataha Reef is at the top 3 spot. To vote for it, click here.

The Chocolate Hills

The Chocolate Hills. One of Bohol’s top pride destinations is the Chocolate Hills which is composed of over a thousand cone-shaped hills. Another peculiar characteristic of the hills is the fact that all the hills are almost about the same size. The name “Chocolate Hills” is given to the spot because during dry seasons, the green grass that builds up the hills turn completely brown thus making the hills like chocolates. The hills became the first tourist attraction in Bohol, long before the white beaches in the island became famous. As of this posting, the Chocolate Hills in Bohol is at the top 4 spot. To vote for it, click here.

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. Recently, the site gained its fame when the house mates of Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition Plus took a trip here. According to Wikipedia, it “features a limestone karst mountain landscape with an 8.2 km. navigable underground river”. A cave in the area also added fame to the place because the water runs through this cave before directly flowing through the South China Sea. Stalactites (mineral that hangs from the ceiling or wall) and stalagmites (mineral found in the bottom) are also present in the cave. This underground river is considered to be the the longest in the world. As of this posting, the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is at the top 8 spot. To vote for it, click here.

The Mayon Volcano

The Mayon Volcano. One of the famous volcanoes in the world, the Mayon Volcano in Albay City never fails to attract tourists because of its perfect cone shape exclusive only to this particular volcano. Having erupted 47 times over the past 400 years, this volcano also earned the reputation of being the most active in the Philippines. It is also part of the Pacific Ring of Fire. As of this posting, the Mayon Volcano is at the top 10 spot. To vote for it, click here.

You have just witnessed some of the pride of the Philippines when it comes to tourism. This list is very, very incomplete. There are still many huge names associated with the Philippine Tourism. There are so many of them that I, as a Filipino, can be proud of.

P.S. Aside from the Philippine top pride nature destinations, there are also some places outside the Philippines that are nominated for the New Seven Wonders of Nature. To view the complete set of nominees, go to the website of the New Seven Wonders.

The Graven Image

“Who’s your idol?” is just an ordinary question we used to hear way back to our toddler years. Frequently, we reply with numerous names of action stars, comedians, and other popular personalities we used to watch in TV or in movies. But as we mature, we slowly start to realize the true meaning of the word “idol”. We are now starting to unfold and comprehend the true characteristics that build up the word. Our childhood discernment, we’ll soon realize, is wrong after all.

For me, an idol is someone worthy of emulation. He must have done something important, not only for himself, but also for the sake of the people around him. It may seem funny, but my real idol is not really a person. He’s an anime character. He is Naruto.

I have watched the Naruto series since it was first shown on TV. If my memory serves me right, I think I am in first year high school when this particular anime caught my attention. I have been inspired to find out that the main character, despite his temporary inabilities, has tried to accomplish a difficult task. In other words to say, I have seen myself on him.

Just like Naruto, I also like to try new things and sometimes, I do face failure. But the most important part in failing is the lesson you have learned in the process. I have learned many good things from him that I’m slowly trying to comprehend. A simple anime character has made little but significant changes in my life.

All in all, there are no things needed to qualify as an idol. An idol can be someone, or even something as long as he (or it) is worthy of the title. You do not really have to search or find your true idol. Just listen to your heart and you’ll find the answer. Who knows, he might just be around you. Perhaps the real idol can be you.

Friends Forever

They say high school life is the best. Well, they have said it right. In high school, you’ll feel all emotions - happy or sad, excited or afraid. For me, it’s the so-called climax in your school life.

The video below is a tribute to the graduate class of St. Mary Magdalene School in the S.Y. 2007-2008. This video was viewed last Apr. 4, 2008, on the occasion of SMMS’s 33rd Commencement Exercises. Enjoy watching!

P.S. This video was made possible by the combined efforts of Rob (that’s me!), Marikay, and Jeanalyn.

First Year, First Semester Schedule

No big deal here. I just want to share my first college schedule in Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM). Here it is:

P.S. I am very lucky to have a half day class almost everyday. I can still spend the other half of my day to do anything.