A day in the life of a Scientist-Philosopher

i love you

2010-04-27T05:52:00.000-07:00

i feel a different kind of joy every time my eyes meet yours
i feel a different kind of contentment every time your hands touch my cheeks
i feel a different kind of peace every time i hear your voice caress my ears

it is just so amazing how we met unexpectedly
it is just so amazing how i saw you in my dreams and became real

the first time i saw you, i knew you were the one.

every moment of my life i give back to you
every breath that i take i dedicate for you
every task i accomplish, i offer to you

i love you, do you love me too?

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam!
Michael Casas
<3

The real world that awaits...

2010-04-19T08:17:00.000-07:00

Your will be done Lord! :) I completely surrender my life to you!

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam!
Michael Casas
<3

Grabe :)

2010-04-17T05:10:00.000-07:00

I really had fun today and yesterday. Well, I had an unexpected win and cash from PIChE Davao's Undergraduate Research Compatition, met a lot of PhD's in the forum and was inspired to do a lot of further studies. Moreover, i enjoyed the food during the competition, started working on the other things that i have to do and went out with my friends (JP, Kring, Vebz, Doning, Elfin, Gil and many more) haha. I thank the Lord for this day! :D Salamat Lord :)

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam!
Michael Casas
<3

Things to be thankful for! (Gratitude is the best Attitude)

2010-04-13T07:46:00.001-07:00

The past four years in college was really a blast! I am very blessed for all the experiences that led me to where i am now and to the people who walked with me in this journey. I really feel that "the world conspires" only if you are sure of where you want to go. Thus, here are the things that i am for, for the four years of formation that i had in college:

1. My school. To be honest, Ateneo is my least preferred school way back in college, because, i feel like my parents can't afford to send me there and my preferred course (which used to be bs materials engineering) is not available in Ateneo. But, it is just so amazing that i am led to this least-preferred-school and end up excelling there. I am more than convinced that everything was planned by God, for all the circumstances which led me in Ateneo de Davao were beyond my control.

2. My family. I just have the most supportive and loving parents in the world! I love you Mama and Papa :). Moreover, I am thankful for the moral and financial support being extended by my grandmother (nanay pisyang) to our family. And i just love my brother and sister too, although we have occasional misunderstandings :D I am doing my best for you. Thanks for helping me scrape those pectin samples for my thesis! Hahah!

3. Awards and Recognitions. My college life was filled with awards and recognitions for the things that i have done. I graduated Valedictorian, Magna Cum Laude and Leadership Awardee. My thesis also bagged the 2nd Runner-up in the BPI Best Project of the Year. I was also awarded the Most Outstanding student for 2 years and Outstanding Club President in second year. These awards are beyond my imagination and i am just living the vision that i told myself before i entered college: "It's payback time."

4. I had a girlfriend. Well, although i am already single at this point, but i feel really blessed for having a girlfriend. And i am thankful for everything!

5. My course. I just appreciate how the detours led me to BS Chem. More than that, i found my calling in chemistry, that is to develop my very own drug. Yes, i really am motivated to go into research about creating a formulation to cure dengue and so on.

6. My friends, teachers and Involvements. I am so blessed, because for the past four years, i had great friends, teachers and joined great clubs which really helped me become better as a person. More than that, i expanded my network of friends and had worthwhile connections with them.

7. My relationship with God. My entrance to a catholic and Jesuit university allowed me to be closer to God! I am thankful for everything that i learned from the Jesuits!

These things will always be in my heart. The Ateneo experience that i had and the four years of college self-searching and formation that i had was really memorable and if i may say truly life changing! I look forward to a more challenging yet, more rewarding life experiences and people ahead! I know that my destiny is already written, i just have to fulfill it. And i know i am successful! May the Lord Jesus Christ be glorified!

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam!
Michael Casas
<3

Just so i know!

2010-04-13T06:46:00.000-07:00

When i met the big (and smartest) guys of Chemistry today (who happened to be Whitten, Skoog, Campbell, McMurry, Atkins and others in my encounter with the books that they authored), i just can't help it but tell myself: "Marami pa akong kakaining bigas." But i tell you, it just motivates me to do more and strive for excellence in Chemistry even more. I am just so fired up, because i know that i am one of them! I declare it! I just have to do my work here and, well, then the details will follow!

I am! :)

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam!
Michael Casas
<3

Valedictory Address of Michael A. Casas

2010-04-12T06:30:00.001-07:00

VALEDICTORY ADDRESS
Ateneo de Davao University Commencement Exercises March 20, 2010

By Michael A. Casas
BS Chemistry, Magna cum Laude
Valedictorian and Leadership Awardee

Rev. Fr. Antonio S. Samson of the Society of Jesus, President of the Ateneo de Davao University; Rev. Fr. Jose Cecilio Magadia of the Society of Jesus, Provincial Superior of the Jesuits in the Philippines; Mr. Paul Dominguez, Chairman of the Board of Trustees; members of the Jesuit community in Davao City, honored guests, university administrators, faculty and staff, our dearest parents, friends, the members of the graduating class of 2010, ladies and gentlemen, a pleasant and wonderful morning to everyone.

On this very day, the graduating class of 2010 gratefully and humbly faces our mentors, friends and beloved parents as we end the 4, 5 or more years toward obtaining our respective college degrees. We are basking in the glow of boundless idealism as we try to review and look back at the memorable and life-changing experiences that led us to arrive at this level of maturity in our relatively young lives. But, my dear fellow graduates, after this very day, after the last applause has been heard, we are mindful that we are yet to continue our quest towards greater self-knowledge and understanding of the world in the biggest university we call LIFE. This realization isn’t new, of course, but it is accompanied by a far greater appreciation of the fundamental values –the necessary essentials –which carried us through this momentous occasion, something which millions of our unfortunate young people can only dream of.

Having said that, we rightfully acknowledge and express our deepest appreciation for the privilege accorded to us being molded according to the philosophy of Jesuit education. It is precisely in this context that we ask where and how to situate ourselves amidst a much bigger world that awaits us, a world that welcomes our collective aspiration enough to change it, transform it, and make us believe that it is our turn now, this time, to contribute towards rebuilding our nation.

As we labored through college life, we lived through the experience knowing that our Jesuit education brings with it a worldview that sees that goodness of the world through the eyes of a loving Creator. We lived out these experiences of fostering a truly holistic, liberating, and altruistic view of education in whatever way possible. After each learning endeavor, whether in the discursive climate of the classrooms or in the sea of poverty that typifies our immersion and exposure areas, we seek the values that we acquire in these experiences and learn to reflect on them to see their implications and contributions to the human person and eventually to society at large. In what we have come to understand as the one crucial principle of Jesuit education, we have imbibed the principle of faith and justice as an overarching theme of the Catholic social teaching on preferential option for the poor. Eventually, we know and understand through so many formative learning experiences that Jesuit education seeks to be interdisciplinary for it attempts to integrate different forms of knowledge as an approach to living life.

Much has been written, by and among Jesuits themselves, about our mode of proceeding as a Jesuit academic institution. Let me attempt to summarize some of these ideals by way of highlighting the important points: that the reason why we are celebrating today –our graduation –far more transcends the goals of monetary reward, popularity, and success; that it is essentially all about having the heart, the will, and the character to address the social cancer in our society and the greater world that awaits us; that we have the desire and the political will to really take a serious look at poverty and conflict in all forms and truly work in finding the appropriate solutions to break these disempowering cycles of violence; that we believe in a cause far greater than ourselves by seeking ways to end all manners of discriminations, as we learn to share our faith with others in total act of charity, and ultimately, in working for an equitable distribution of the world’s resources and our patrimony.

And so, my fellow graduates, the essence and goal of Jesuit education poses a challenge to all of us who have benefited largely from this framework of formation. As bearers of this educational legacy, particularly at this point in our nation’s history, what do we expect of ourselves? Ultimately, in the presence of our mentors and parents who celebrate with us this morning, we ask ourselves what does our dear Alma Mater truly expect of us? How then must we respond and what is the scale of our response? How must we seize the opportunity to make a difference in our nation’s history?

Frederick Buechner offers this reflection, and I quote, “The place God calls you to, is the place where your deep gladness and the world's deep hunger meet.” Unquote. In Philippine society today, we are called to identify a form of that particular hunger that Buechner proverbially speaks of through our collective and unified movement in working for the promotion of justice. For one, we are invited to look at the adverse effects of climate change as a hunger that should be responded to. Further research, but more importantly changing our ways of dealing with our environment, should be done to seriously respond to this call. On another scale of hunger, we have a government whose entanglements in a lot of scandals and unsavory decisions including, among others, the prevalence of warlordism in our political arena, the culture of corruption and the self-serving desires of some officials to perpetually remain in power, have caused serious dissatisfaction among us, eventually questioning the legitimacy and moral ascendancy of some of our government officials and the institutions they represent. And to top it all, the usual political circus that somehow characterized our national and local elections, which, I am sure, some of our senior voters have grown tired and weary of. But more than seeing the usual fare in our electoral process, this crucial first-ever automated election is also a venue of addressing that hunger, that hunger for a clean, honest and orderly conduct of elections, a rallying cry so old and yet so new that it awakens a new sense of awareness particularly among the young.

With these observations, we ultimately find our deepest desires to know the extent of our calling and the scale of our response by first and foremost understanding ourselves. It is a process so crucial that it lays the foundation to understanding LIFE in the grand scheme of things. By knowing who we are, it allows us to discover our place in this world as we eventually assume the position of leadership in society. By way of an example, we can perhaps identify groups and individuals who responded to the hungers of society by listening to their inner calling. For instance, the scientists who actively take part in materializing researches to help address the grave effects of climate change is their response to humanity’s hunger in making this world a far better place to live. The much-loved and respected late President Cory Aquino articulated, to the last draw of her breath, her hunger that all Filipinos unite as one people and pray together as one wounded nation ready to rise again.

In like manner, we are called towards discerning how to go about making a difference in the lives of people by anchoring our life’s sets of values on the essential things. Time and again, experience tells us that this is often difficult perhaps because it challenges us to go inwards. Meaning, that before we can speak of change as a new paradigm, before we see the dignity and self-worth in others being similar to our own, and before we put our lives on the stake in order to dream of a bigger good in the name of heroic and loving service, we need to look within ourselves and listen to the inner calling of God within us.

To my fellow graduates, my fellow Ateneans, I speak from the bottom of my heart when I say that it is such a privilege to speak on your behalf this morning, to carry our voice as members of the graduating class of 2010. And, by your leave, allow me to verbalize these parting words: that we hold on to that imaginative mind; that we keep our expectations low but set our standards high; that we maintain that attitude of humility; that we become a person for others; that we live life to the fullest; that we become the change that we want to see in the world; that we strive to know our purpose in life; that we become a good example to others; that we do ordinary things with love; that we enrich our faith in God; that we love our calling with passion; that we take the risk; that we learn to let go; that we remain still and know that He is God; and most of all, that we never give up, never give up and never ever give up.

Thank you everyone and to God be the glory!

*from: http://www.addu.edu.ph/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=753&Itemid=210

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam!

Michael Casas

The real world

2010-04-12T03:45:00.000-07:00

I should really say that i am super tired today. Really tired. Imagine, i have been going here and there just to get my TOR, apply for the alumni ID, borrow the phy chem book of joey, blah blah blah. This is the harsh real world that they call. And yes, so far so good. Although this day made me really tired, but i really appreciate my experience today, because i feel like i am one of them now. I am not a spectator, but i am part of the people who move in this world. I am now away from my very own comfort zone. Yes! It is both sad and good. Sad, precisely because, things won't be easy now. Good, because i will finally learn how to live in this very competitive world.

In as much as yes, i am entering in this new and complex society, but i believe that i ought to carry with me the sets of values which i have learned beforehand- imagination, dreaming big, respect, integrity, punctuality, excellence, humility, love, gratitude, service, faith. Yes, the world can influence me, but these remains to be my strongholds, my buffer so that i can get hold of myself and be reminded of the necessary essentials just so i can fulfill the personal legend written for me. I know that i can do it! I can fulfill my destiny! I am!

I am thankful that today, i have finished a bunch of things. But, to be honest, this day just opened much more things to do. Well, that is life i guess- your assignments never end, unless it's your time to say goodbye. Sorry if i was somewhat morbid there, but it is a fact that we should all face. While we are still alive, things will come and will continuously come.

The real world is just so real. Like in Physical Chemistry, no "constants" or idealized systems can be employed this time. Every factor is in play and will surely contribute to the outcome of my journey. I know, it won't be easy. Yes, i know that the road will be challenging. But i am sure that i will succeed! I am successful for I am walking with and for the Lord!

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam!

Michael Casas

Updates!

2010-04-11T06:36:00.000-07:00

A lot of things happened after my last blogpost. And, a lot of things are to be expected in the days to come. I should say that the journey up to this point of my life is worth thanking for. I am very grateful for everything that happened to me and for all the experiences that God allowed me to have. More than the experiences, i thank the Lord for the lessons that made me wiser and the people who helped me get through. I am very much thankful also for the achievements and awards which affirmed my efforts. Truly, "the world conspires to help you achieve your dreams" whenever you do your best and your eyes are set on your goals.

I am bringing with me a sense of peace and gratitude at this point in my life. Gratitude, because, i believe that I am very blessed by God despite my sinfulness. The Jesuit saying "sinful yet called (and blessed)" is something which i believe quite accurately describes my state at this point. Well, i should honestly say that everything that happened to me and to my life are things which i never expected. If i may look back, a mere entrance to Ateneo de Davao is a blessing in itself. I did not make it to UP and Singapore, but i was welcomed with open arms in Ateneo de Davao. This is something which i am very thankful for. If the admissions director did not allow me to be enrolled then, i can't imagine where i would be situated at this point. I am thankful for my course. I once wanted to become a materials engineer in UP Dil or in Singapore. But detours led me to enroll in BS Chem Eng in ADDU. And yet, another detour, which is my shifting to BS Chem due to the advise of DOST. Isn't it amazing that no matter how hard and how long the road to BS Chem was, i am still able to excel. Thanks be to God! I am also thankful for my friends. All of them who came to my life really helped me shape my character and in one way or another helped me know who i am. I am thankful for my teachers. Their expertise, experiences and wisdom made me aware of the truths about life. I am thankful for my family. My mama, papa, nanay, brother and sister are always there to help me all th way.

On another side, i am at peace with myself. I am at peace to some extent, because, i have rid of some misconceptions about the world. I am at peace, because, i have known Jesus during the Holy week retreat even more personally. Now, i appreciate love, the cross and my relationship with Him more no matter how sinful i am, for as long as i go back to Him in humble repentance and prayer. I am at peace, because, i found myself. I realized that i have a legend to fulfill, a destiny to make real by just doing what i ought to do. I am at peace, because, i have a clearer vision now, on the look out for what is good and what ought to be done. I am at peace in the arms of God as i go on with my life each day!

It was a meaningful and a great journey after all. It pays to surrender to God everything. The events in my life made me understand the real meaning of surrender and faith. Believe in His perfect plan, because after all, He made this universe beautiful and perfect after all!

At this point, i look forward to a more challenging chapter of my life. But for now, i will be reviewing for the board exams! I hope, i can make it! I will make it! For the greater glory of God! I really do not know what happens after the board exam... I'd just lift it up to Him and allow His grace to lead me to my destiny, towards fulfilling my own destiny.

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam!

Kalamansi won 2nd Runner up! BPI-DOST Best Project of the Year Awards

2010-01-23T19:07:00.000-08:00

The past few days in manila was really memorable and should i say historical. i got the 2nd runner up for this year's best project of the year awards.

all participants were brilliant in their presentation. and the shocking thing is, i have to present first after the draw lots... i was nervous... but really, i presented well (i think) and i am very thankful for the corrections and comments of Maam Agnes Aranas on my powerpoint presentation... thanks maam for the comments, they were very helpful! :). then i went as natural as i can possibly become, although my voice was a bit shaky at the start, but nevertheless, i got through.

i was particularly anxious about Dr. Corazon Menguito (PhD., Biochemistry) of the UST- Chemistry Dept. and Dr. Ramon Miranda (PhD., Biological Chemistry) of the UP-Diliman Institue of Chem and former PSHS Executuve director, because they would most likely ask the more difficult chemistry questions. the other panelists (although i can't remember their names) were Maam Environmental Scientist, Sir Dr. Physicist and a Sir Dr. Microbiologist (sorry maam and sirs if i forgot your names, but i can remember well your faces po...).

My Thesis is entitled: "Optimization of Pectin Extraction from the Peels of Citrus microcarpa (Kalamansi) and Proximate Analysis of the Residue for Selected Parameters"

During the Question and answer portion, i can remember that these questions and (my) answers surfaced...

Dr. Microbiologist

did you arbitrarily choose these acid concentrations?
- no sir, basically, i based it in laterature...

what is your relationship to the company? did they fund you?
- yes, because the company will benefit (in the words of maam chell) :)

Dr. Physicist

only 33% yield? so the 67% will be thrown away?
- actually, no sir, since the second part of the study will take care of that concern by looking for the plausible application where the residue will be used.

Maam Environmental Scientist

can you comment to the idea that if we leave the peels to decay as against the energy needs of your pectin in the processing of the peels?
- IPPA is profiting, so why not our local pectin industry in the future? CO2 is liberated in the degradation of organic matter. we don't want that to happen, so it is better to use kalamansi in pectin extraction before...

Dr. Menguito

you did not purify the pectin?
-no need. 95% ethanol gives a purer product than EDTA, acetone and aluminum chloride.

Why those temperatures? times?
- there were studies who looked into pectin yield vs. temp and time. so we adopted it in this study for kalamansi.

why use 95% ethanol? you should have tried others so we can see.
95% ethanol produces more purified product. other pptng. agent leads to impure product based on literature.

Dr. Miranda
"you have a good presentation Michael, but can you comment on the stability of pectin at different temperatures? and the stability of citric acid in these temperatures?"
-thank you sir. i really do not have readings on pectin stability at different temperatures but the trend in the data explains the strenght of HCl over citric Acid.
(but really, i was beating around the bush and i was super nervous about this question)

then maam Chell A. Jacob (Associate Director of the BPI Foundation and EMCEE of the event) cut the Q&A portion and i went back to my seat. i did not notice that i was crying. yes, it was the release of all the tension and fear that i have ever felt (and managed to hide it- in fairness) during the presentation and the Q&A portion.

Here are the finalists for this year's Best Project of the Year Awards:

>"Moderate Resolution Imaging SpectroRadiometer (MODIS)-derived Aerosol Optical Thickness and Ground-Measured PM2.5 & PM10 concentrations in Manila Observatory: Observations and Analysis"
> Leo Miguel Paolo M. Baylon - BS Physics, Ateneo de Manila University

AdMU. physics. he studies particulate patter (PM) 2.5 and 10 in areas around manila observatory. he created a trend of this data and so on... but it was more of a data collaboration study as he is only looking at the data gathered by NASA... Dr. Miranda points out that his data do not have a pattern, i also do not understand why...

> "Synthesis & Characterization of TiO2 Nanomaterials Deposited on Si by Horizontal Vapor Phase Growth"
> Paul Michael B. Abrasaldo - BS Physics with Specialization in Material Science, De La Salle University

DLSU. physics. he wanted to make titanium oxide something... related to nanotechnology... it was very jargonic. i just understood that he prepared it by heating titanium oxide in a furnace... his study is quite advanced, but has no direct impact to the community...

> "Removal of Chromium from a local Chrome-Tannery Wastewater by Sodium Sulfite Reduction Coupled with Sodium Hydroxide Precipitation"
> Ma. Ivy S. Dela Cruz - BS Chemical Engineering, UP Los Baños

UP-LB. chem eng. her study was about the removal of chromium in a wastewater using sulfide reaction etc... she surpassed one step of the reaction. but i guess, her experimental condition was idealized, not including the natural organic matter and microbial community present in the actual water that she will be treating... i don't know if this is right, but this is what i remember...

> "Genetic Diversity in Representative Accessions of Cultivated Rice Species Using Grain Quality Candidate Genes through EcoTILLING (Targeting Induced Local Lesions in Genomes)"
> John Carlo M. Malabad - BS Biology, UP Los Baños

UP-LB. bio. his study was about rice varieties. i think we would like to develop a rice that would be cooked faster... something like that. he used PCR and so on... i love the complexity of his research, but i think, the comment of one panelist was very valid that we need flood and drought resistant rice and so on...

> "Prevalence and Antibiogram of Community-Acquired Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) among Students of Xavier University"
> Nyttli Ann O. Soriano - BS Biology, Xavier University

XU. bio (Nittly Soriano who became my friend).she wants to study the efficacy of the garlic, pomengranate and mangosteen extracted through soxhlet extraction against a strain of Staph. aureus... her study i believe needs pharma screening first to know the active principle as pointed our by Dr. Menguito.

Location: Executive Lounge of 1851 Club, 20/F BPI Head Office, Makati City

Lunch was soooo good! super delicious and i am thankful i was able to taste those rare cuisine. hahaha. thanks to BPI-DOST... it was an Asian Buffet :D i love the shrimps hahaha :)

then while waiting for the announcement of the results, we (maam simpol, maam aranas, sir fenecios and sir ryan) chatted about the presentation, about the entries and so on... well, i had a great time talking to them... we had fun :D

then, later on, the results were announced... analytical thinking was the focus of the message of the opening remarks (but i did not really get the other things that the speaker said in her message, i was too nervous).

Then Maam Environmental Scientist came to announce the winners...
" and the 2nd runner up goes to the study Optimization of Pectin Extraction from the Peels of Citrus microcarpa (Kalamansi) and Proximate Analysis of the Residue for Selected Parameters. bu Michael Casas, ADDU"

wow! it was bliss and i was so happy that that moment came and that i really won the awards. i really just can't believe it :d i am just so grateful and happy :)

i called mama and we are all happy i feel so blessed and thankful that at least for the first time, a non Luzon junior scientist proved the impact of his study to the BPI-DOST Science Awards... :) and so my thanks goes to the panelists and to the BPI-DOST Science Awards committee for giving my study a chance and such high recognition :) Thank you po! :D

on the deeper things....

i really consider this experience a miracle, because it allowed me to walk on, risk a lot of things, let go of many things and just have faith in my heart that all these things will be worth it... God is really good! and Just! He sees the hardships of His children and rewards them accordingly. it is faith that should keep us going. i am one of the living witnesses of miracles. MIRACLES HAPPEN! :)

on thanking people...

i would like to specially thank the following:
SOYUZ Foods Inc., for sharing their insights and for supplying kalamansi.
Mrs. Evelyn Tan for all the support the Chemistry department gave to me.
Dr. Lourdes Simpol for the expert advice, guidance and motivation.
Dr. Joval Afalla and Mr. Roland Anthony Mindo for providing valuable corrections to my manuscript and guidance in the laboratory.
Ms. Agnes Aranas for helping me in searching for journals and for guiding me in my powerpoint presentations and for lending her laptop!
BPI-DOST Science Awards for recognizing my research and for giving me this very high recognition that i never thought would be possible... THANK YOU VERY MUCH!
To The BPI foundation for sponsoring our Philippine Airlines Airfare, other expenses and Accommodations at El Cielito Inn.
To Ms. Chell Jacob of the BPI Foundation for the warm welcome, guidance and moral support!
Maam Tes, Sir Germs and Maam Carms for helping me in the lab and for the pectin pictures they sent to my elai the day before the defense in the BPI head office.
To sir Bong Eliab and Kalasag for the wonderful pictures of my pectin! :)
Sir Osbry Villasis for his help in the statistical analysis.
Kim, Yna and Elaine for the assistance in the lab.
ADDACS, PIGLASAPAT, SICO, SAMAHAN, CCO, NSM-SEC, ASLA, SUBDOM, Chem/ChE 4 for the friendship and support
Abigail, Ayesha and Archie for the friendship and fun.
My Family-Ms. Simplicia Arquiola, Mr. Edgar Casas, Mrs. Alma Casas, Rap rap and Camille- for the moral support, encouragement and love.
The Almighty Father for EVERYTHING! :)

WITHOUT ALL OF YOU, I WILL NOT GO THIS FAR!

What more shall i say?

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam!
For the Greater Glory of God! :)

Michael "Miko" Casas

New hair :)

2009-12-14T03:11:00.000-08:00

i thank God for barbers. thank you Lord for the haircut that i just had from Rocky's barbershop at G. mall. :). i feel renewed, revitalized and super happy. thank you God.

more than that, i feel motivated to study. but well, i think i'll give myself until 8pm or so to browse the net and after that. go go go study life :D hahaha. thank you God for this day :)

AM+DG!
miko :D

two women...

2009-11-30T04:20:00.000-08:00

Lord, bakit sabay sila? hmmm....

enlighten me God
AMEN!

-miko

a clean and organized room at last

2009-11-28T07:44:00.000-08:00

i feel refreshed and really blessed to have successfully cleaned my room. well, i am loving the feeling of having well organized files, arranged books, mess-free cabinet and so on... blah blah blah.... but really, the cleaning that i am hoping to achieve is beyond what the eyes can see. i mean, i wish to also clean my insides- my soul, my conscience... and strengthen my relationship with God...

i offer all these to you Lord... Amen

AD+DG!
Miko

Happy, Thankful and Overflowing with Joy

2009-11-26T07:13:00.000-08:00

Just yesterday, November 25, 2009 (2 months after my birthday), i had my final defense for my undergraduate thesis entitled "Optimization of pectin Extraction from the Peels of Citrus microcarpa (Kalamansi) and Proximate Analysis of the Residue for Selected Parameters." My thesis adviser is Dr. Lourdes Simpol (Maam Simpol is a Natural Products, Pharmaceutical and Analytical Chemist which i also dream of becoming in the future) and my panelists are Dr. Joval Afalla and Mr. Roland Anthony Mindo. I felt light before, during and after the defense, since i am confident enough about my study and i know for sure that after the defense was more like an improvement to my paper.

it was truly a milestone in my life. i am just happy and blessed to have "top-notcher" and great panelists and supportive mentor. all in all, i felt that, my education in ADDU was worth it. not only because of the recognitions that i had before and this big accomplishment that i am enjoying now, but because, my journey in Ateneo allowed me to know myself better. i was able to find my passion, and love which is science, research and education. i just hope that i would be consistently driven towards spreading the love for science and quality education in our country. Maybe, through these, i can materialize the "ripples of change" that i have been envisioning.

Truly, we have different roles and destinies as individuals. And having been placed in this position makes me blessed, since pursuing all these passions would never be hard, since all the things that i am doing are the things that i love.

AMDG!
Miko :)

happy ko.,,

2009-11-20T04:51:00.000-08:00

:) <---- see!

AM+DG!
Miko

away from the stress-stricken life that i had few weeks ago...

2009-11-19T03:10:00.001-08:00

i am very happy today. i feel thankful that at least today, marks the end of my lab works for thesis. i would like to be honest that state now as a student is far more relaxed as compared to my state a month or few weeks ago. the pressure is finally off my back and i can formally say that i am somehow free of stress. yes, in fact, i had my haircut, came to school at around 11am, returned all my materials and chatted all day long with maam tes and maam carms. it was fun, nice and it made me thankful. at least i would have the time to study for my subjects and be good in them. i just pray that i gain the discipline to work harder and do better in school. i know i can! :)

AM+DG!

Miko

The Inconvenient and Disturbing Truth

2009-11-18T08:21:00.000-08:00

this essay is my reaction paper to the movie the inconvenient truth. i submitted this for my environmental chemistry class.

The truths presented by Former Senator Al Gore were not only inconvenient as the title of his documentary, The Inconvenient Truth, would say it, but the facts he and other scientists presented are disturbing especially that the destruction of the environment that we see and experience can only be pointed back to our humanity. It is a fact that as human beings, we tend to explore beyond what we have at present, thus through technology, researches and invention, we are able to improve our lifestyle. However, for the past fifty years or so, we have gained greater understanding of the universe especially in the dawning of space ships, we have improved our lifestyle through the technologies and researches materialized and we have established sprawling industries which provide for our daily needs all in the expense of our environment. This sad fact has been overlooked by our forefathers, who thoughtlessly made ways to improve the way we live without considering its implications to the environment and to our humanity in the long run. They were too near sighted of aiming for economic gain without considering the other side of the coin- which involves our environment. In effect, Winston Churchill says it well that, “… we are entering a period of consequences.” We are troubled and tormented by the changes happening in our environment. For me, this is a bittersweet reality which we ought to scrutinize- bitter, because we and other species’ existence is at stake with our doings, but at the same time sweet, because it serve as a wake up call so our very own habitat can be salvaged.

Watching the movie again in class, not only created new insights in me, but a greater level of disturbance was implanted in my conscience. I am disturbed with the possibility of losing the ice caps. I am disturbed with the diminishing of exotic species. I am bothered with the typhoons which have pestered the world. I am bothered with the emergence of new and hard to treat diseases. Most of all, I am disturbed by the possibility that all human beings will be gone in a few years time. These and many other pictures which I saw in the documentary really scare me. But, dwelling on these fears and not being able to do something about them is a shame. Thus, I am now looking at the disturbances which hovered in my mind as a challenge so I can help solve the problems that our humanity is facing.
As a junior scientist and chemistry major, I am challenged to look at the bigger picture and see how I can possibly contribute something to alleviate the issue especially in the context of our local and national environmental issue. First, I can possibly contribute in the advancement of environmental protection through research. In fact, my high school and undergraduate chemistry researches are my first steps towards this contribution. In these studies, I have proven that wastes from farms or leading industries may be utilized to boost the economy while preventing the dumping of these same wastes to the environment. Thus, it can truly be proven that environmental care and economic development can both come hand in hand through research. Second, I can start by changing the way I live and becoming a good example for others. This simple and easy to do task is what I think is the most practical and most effective of all. By changing the way I live and becoming a good example by segregating garbage, recycling, proper waste disposal and gardening are simple yet worth emulating ways which I can start today. Lastly, I believe that becoming an active member and leader in the community where I belong will be effective in starting the move towards taking care of the environment. I believe that my involvements are the best way that I can practice social and environmental responsibility by sharing my knowledge to my constituents and doing initiatives together to make the fight against environmental destruction successful. All efforts are more successful when done together by groups, because “more head is better than one.”

The destruction that our humanity caused to the environment can only be reversed first by our humility to accept that the issue has to be addressed as soon as possible. Such will pave the way to avoid skeptics from thinking that environmental problem is not a pressing issue. Moreover, it will be a precursor to a concerted effort from all sectors of society. Moreover, political will, a “renewable resource,” according to Al Gore should actively perform its responsibility in legislation for environmental protection. Laws which are sincerely and properly implemented after they are passed in congress are what we need at this point. We need not wait for the last minute to decide. The urgency of the issue has spoken through the destructive effects that we experience in our living. Thus, we are called to step up as responsible individuals to take action properly so that our great grand children can enjoy a livable world and eventually, they would tell us on our deathbeds “thanks for making this world a better place.”

It is worthwhile to be disturbed by the inconvenient truth!

AM+DG

Michael Casas

on science and national development

2009-11-18T08:17:00.000-08:00

I always believe that maximizing the science and technology capabilities of our country will lead us to progress. We have seen how science propelled the progress of first world countries as they harness the full potential of their science and technology sectors. Such progress can also be attained by our country if we invest enough attention, resources and our own efforts as men and women of science. This is in the knowledge that science and technology are key players of our national development.

I believe that science has three key roles in national development. First, science and technology sets the grounds for innovation and improvement in our country by exploring on new applications of our resources and improving present practices by fabricating new technologies. This role of science gives it an important position in promoting national development by constantly improving the status quo and transforming the way we live through the researches that it produce. Constant improvement leads to progress and a better life for Filipinos. Second, science and technology propels economic progress and environmental care in the country. Scientific research advances our knowledge about our society and gaining such knowledge will move us to translating such knowledge into profitable-income generating ventures. Moreover, researches which look into using waste products of industries expand these industries, add to their income and protect the environment at the same time. Thus, science and technology has the capacity of leading our country towards sustainable development. Lastly, I believe that science and technology is essential in providing relevant and competent education to the Filipinos. Above anything else, it is sustaining and improving the quality of scientists who will continue to work on the scientific advancement in our country which is very important. More than that, it is ensuring that quality science education is brought to the population that makes science not a field limited only to few but a body of knowledge meant to touch the lives of all people.

The three key roles of science explored above can only be carried out by people who are into science and who believes that through it, national development will be achieved. As a junior scientist, I believe that I play an essential role in the advancement of science and technology in the country. First and foremost, I believe that I am responsible in promoting science to my immediate community. It is by helping people appreciate science that it can be spread and understood. By making lay people understand the benefits of science, its concerns, activities and developments in a language which is easily understood by them can science become embedded in the lifestyle of people. Second, I believe that I am given the task of taking further studies in Chemistry. In my case, I intend to major in Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Biochemistry or Natural Products Chemistry because I am passionate in understanding the underlying principles involved in the synthesis of drugs, extraction of novel active components from plants, structure elucidation of new compounds and finding cure to the many diseases that infest the Filipino people. This brings knowledge further by making it tangible and beneficial to people. Other than that, I think, that advancing my knowledge in any of these fields of specialization will make me equipped to become part of the Philippines’ Biochemical team who, apart from the influences of westerners, can formulate its original cure for many forms of diseases and set the stage for medical progress in our country. Third, I can contribute to science through education. I have always been passionate in tutoring fellow students who are having difficulties in understanding Chemistry and Mathematics. I always felt that sense of fulfillment whenever I am able to make some students understand a complex concept in chemistry or mathematics. Thus, I always say to myself that teaching will always be an option for me. Lastly, I think that my biggest role in the advancement of science and technology is to stand by my country no matter what. The idea of going abroad and stay there for good is inviting, but to stay and serve the Filipinos who need my expertise is the best thing that I can do in my life. We can never tell what happens in the future, but the challenge remains, that I stay and serve the Filipino people. I offer this service for the greater glory of God!

Science is a potent body of knowledge. It can transform our society and can serve as a vehicle towards national development. But it only finds its relevance if used to serve a community and in this case, our country which needs it the most. It is by translating science to a tangible, understandable and relevant object can its impact and importance be felt by lay people. Most of all, a passionate scientist ready to undertake continuous improvement through education, research and service is what the Philippines is clamoring. On my part as a junior scientist, I am ready to take on the responsibility and carry them out the best way that I can.
Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam!

Michael Casas

overflowing gratitude

2009-11-18T07:43:00.000-08:00

My research project would never be possible without the support of individuals who extended their support, time and expert advice to me as researcher.

First and foremost, to Ms. Simplicia Arquiola, Mr. Edgar Casas and Mrs. Alma Casas for all the love, support and guidance. Nay, Pa and Ma, thanks for consoling me whenever I cry of despair, hopelessness and pessimism. Thank you for extending your help especially in preparing the samples for my FTIR analysis and for all the love and care that you’ve given to me. I love you very much.

To my brother Raprap and sister Camille, thank you for the encouragement, support and love.

To my mentor, Dr. Lourdes Simpol, for sharing her expertise in research work. Thank you Maam for teaching me to go the extra mile and work harder for me to finish this research project with flying colors.

To Dr. Joval Afalla for extending his help in correcting the manuscript and giving advise and moral support for me to successfully fulfill this scientific paper. To Mr. Roland Anthony Mindo for all his guidance, especially in operating the FTIR and the Nitrogen Analyzer and for his guidance in the making of this paper. Thank you Sir Afalla and Sir Mindo for all your help.

To Mrs. Evelyn Tan, for her guidance, tolerance and understanding of my situation. Thank you Maam for all the support that you have provided to me so I can succeed in this endeavor.

To Ms. Agnes Aranas for sharing her time in providing relevant and helpful journals on pectin which was used in this study.

To Katryna Castro for all the help and support.
To Elaine Joan Cedeno for making me laugh on gloomy days in the lab, for understanding my being busy and caring for me.

To the BPI-DOST Science Awards for recognizing the potential of my research to contribute to national development. Thank you for the trust, the recognition and the high esteem that you have given to me and to my research work.

To my friends in the Chemistry Stockroom, Maam Tes, Sir Germs and Maam Carms, thank you for all the fun, the reflections and sessions that we shared together. Thank you for helping me especially when I felt that I am in a dead end.

To Mr. Osbert Bryan Villasis for the help that he extended in the statistical analysis of the data in the experiment. Thank you sir.

To ADDACS, PIGLASAPAT, SICO, SAMAHAN, CCO, NSM-SEC, ASLA, SUBDOM, Chem/ChE 4 and to all my friends in the organizations and classes where I belong, thank you for the friendship, understanding and support that you have extended all the way.

Most of all, I thank the Almighty Father for the perfect plan that he has laid down for my life. Lord, my heart overflows with joy and thanksgiving as I finish this research work. I bring this back to you for your greater glory!

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam!

Miko Casas

i am back!

2009-11-18T07:33:00.000-08:00

its been so long since i did my last post here in blogger. i think, i neglected this, because first of my busy schedule as a college student and having been enamored by facebook and friendster (in the past) led me to forgetting to post to this blog site. however, i think, it is still nice to be back once more. i am happy typing these texts as my come back post.

most probably, this blog site will not only become a personal-day-to-day journal, but will most likely contain my experiences and exciting insights learned as a chemistry major, some opinions on national situations and of course, spiritual reflections. broadening the scope of the contents of this blog gives me a greater sense of meaning and fulfillment.

i would like to make this blog site, not only a site to contain my thoughts on personal experience, but my learning, opinions and ideas in the fields of science and probably on national situations with the aim that through this, i may contribute something good to the people who might read this blog site.

i am truly excited to divert my attention from facebook to this more meaningful venture!

AM+DG

Michael Casas

priorities...

2009-04-19T06:02:00.001-07:00

now i see something...

well... i think i should prioritize some things over senseless stuff...

thinking...

2009-04-17T07:25:00.001-07:00

You're going to want to watch the action from the sidelines, today -- you need to avoid getting too involved in the games people are playing. Even if the main players want your insight, you don't have to share more than you're comfortable sharing. Saying too much could get you too deep. Besides, there's nothing wrong with holding onto your hard-earned knowledge. Any romance you have is easy-going right now, with low pressure situations that make you comfortable.

well well well...

2009-04-15T05:07:00.000-07:00

You've been running around, booked solid for weeks now. It may have been fun, it may have been overwhelming -- but it all finally ends today. The trend now will be for unexpected cancellations, delays and last minute rescheduling. It won't all be welcome news, but the time it frees up will prove invaluable. One thing to watch out for would be hasty decision making -- don't do it if you don't have to. But this freedom should loosen you up and help you relax.
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i am generally thankful for my life today. in as much as i am imperfect, i am learning my lesson through the experiences that i encounter each day.

i am thankful for the holy week that transpired, for it allowed me to count my blessings and finally sort out things in my life. thank God... :)

and now... i am appreciating my DALINC OJT experience... wow! it is very great. i really learned a lot from it and i am enjoying the work :) the new instruments inspires me to do well as a chem major. Go! i have a bright bright and super bright and super great future ahead of me. God is Good! and He wills this bright future to happen to me :)

i am also appreciating my relationship with my family... the love, the care and the communication is more intensified and more intimate than never. praise God! :)

truly... life is beautiful!
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as chemists we do what we write and we write what we do. :)
AMDG!

owws?

2009-04-10T16:08:00.001-07:00

Here is the analysis:
You desire a love that will last forever. You are quite serious about finding this type of love, and that's why you think carefully about the men that you meet before deciding whether you could really love them. You don't just develop a crush on someone overnight: you look at a person's personality and other aspects of their life before deciding to form an attachment. If a guy doesn't meet your expectations, you would rather be alone. Your love has to be perfect. Be careful though, you could be missing out on some worthy relationships because your standards are so high.

Personality Test

2009-04-10T16:00:00.000-07:00

Your view on yourself:
You are down-to-earth and people like you because you are so straightforward. You are an efficient problem solver because you will listen to both sides of an argument before making a decision that usually appeals to both parties.

The type of girlfriend/boyfriend you are looking for:
You are a true romantic. When you are in love, you will do anything and everything to keep your love true.

Your readiness to commit to a relationship:
You are ready to commit as soon as you meet the right person. And you believe you will pretty much know as soon as you might that person.

The seriousness of your love:
You like to flirt and behave seductively. The opposite sex finds this very attractive, and that's why you'll always have admirers hanging off your arms. But how serious are you about choosing someone to be in a relationship with?

Your views on education
Education is very important in life. You want to study hard and learn as much as you can.

The right job for you:
You're a practical person and will choose a secure job with a steady income. Knowing what you like to do is important. Find a regular job doing just that and you'll be set for life.

How do you view success:
You are confident that you will be successful in your chosen career and nothing will stop you from trying.

What are you most afraid of:
You are afraid of things that you cannot control. Sometimes you show your anger to cover up how you feel.

Who is your true self:
You are mature, reasonable, honest and give good advice. People ask for your comments on all sorts of different issues. Sometimes you might find yourself in a dilemma when trapped with a problem, which your heart rather than your head needs to solve.

Here is the analysis:

1. You've got great self-confidence and you're full of charm. Most guys/girls who get to know you will be attracted to you. You are far from sweet and proper; your intriguing personality fascinates them. Most guys/girls find it easy to fall for a girl/boy like you.
2. You really care about other people's feelings and are quite serious about the issues that affect your life. You are sincere, and your concern for the well-being of others makes many people want to be your friend.
3. You strictly follow rules, and you expect other people to be the same as well. People can get tired of you easily, as you can make them feel a little guilty about themselves. You always make decisions on your own, and can be dismissive of other people's advice. You like to be the leader in groups, but can forget to be concerned about the people you are with.
4. Guys/Girls see you as being a thinker and a careful person. They will be really attracted to this quality in you, but you need to learn to speak your mind, otherwise people will find you too shy and quiet. Learn to relax and lighten up--it's okay to have fun sometimes. When you learn to develop your fun-loving side, guys are going to flock to your side.
5. Your boyfriend/girlfriend believes that you are a strong and independent person. Your confidence and cheerfulness make you an attractive person to be around, but sometimes you need to pay more attention to what other people, including your boyfriend/girlfriend, are thinking.

gaining strength from the past... looking forward for a bright future!

2009-04-08T07:34:00.000-07:00

looking back at my third year in college required a lot of guts from me. why? because, i cannot accept a lot of things that happened this year especially when it comes to my grades... but looking deeper into this very unique experience, i found that i gained more in another aspect of my life- which awakened me to the real dimension of existence.

as i reread my previous blog entries, i could not help but say that yes "those were the happy and sweet moments of my college life" simply because i get to have good grades, i could cope with stress and i heave this heart of thanksgiving at all times. feel thankful for having read those entries once more. i just realized that indeed i am blessed by the Lord in these years of my life. and for that i am very thankful to God... :)

if i look back into my third year in college...

February 2008
-i won in the elections. i am the new Samahan Treasurer!
- bigger responsibilities... more pressure. hmp!

April 2008-May 2008
-i was busy tutoring Amie Lou Cisneros with public speaking and english language proficiency. i earned a lot, but hey, i lost the time- the private times (which are supposedly used for pesonal rest, review and etc.) in exchange of the earnings that i had. nevertheless, it was beneficial to me. i gained a new friend and in a way, i refined my english speaking skills.

May 2008
-ASEP! Maragusan baby! grabe. i love the experience of being one with nature. and to experience the life in the country side. honestly, it was fun living with the people in Brgy Tupas in Maragusan. they were all nice and very warm/. i love gulay! and the water falls made me worship God for His greatness :). Len Len, Audrey, Shin Shin, Ate Mae, Kuya Agner, Nanay Naty and Tatay Sising... Memorize ko pa!! :) miss oyu all :)
- the love affair started here... hmmm. well, it was a learning experience though :)
-AFYOP! walang kapaguran. so blessed to have X1, Y2 and 1A as my class. matatalino silang lahat and they all have the life to participate and be oriented well in the AFYOP! i love you all guys. and i love the work too... :)

June 2008
-Pasukan na. nagkaroon ba ako ng bakasyon? hmmm. tanong na ang sagot ay hindi. hindi ako nakapagbakasyon dahil sa napakabusy kong buhay :) hahahaha

July 2008
-SAMAHAN rush. preparations for fiesta, prelim exams

August 2008
-prelim exams, fiesta. stress... but fun. we had a special part during the cheerdance competition. i was a torch bearer then. hahaha. nice one...
-during the Gawad awards night, i was awarded as the most outstanding sophomore and the highest WPA awardee. Praise God for these awards... Education should be done for the Greater Glory of God! it was ahumbling and at the same time a super blessed experience... :)

September 2008
-Midterms? Gosh!
-Birthday :). i am already 19! :) more mature and more prepared with life... :)

October 2008
-ASLA7. it is one of the most memorable experiences that i ever had this year. well. i learned a lot from the self, to others to the nation, to God. ASLA was a defining moment and really, it moved me to do things which i could not imagine. my standard went high, but a change in my character and personality set in... when the passion and the high somehow normalized and equilibriated, i realized that i have changed... in some ways for the worst... too bad... the manila journey was refreshing, antipolo was great, fresh air... and manila is a shopping haven,,, :)

November 2008
-super stressed. prelims are up... budget crunch. we dont have a moderator in samahan... so ako pa talaga ang gumawa ng paraan. sobra! hahahah :((

December 2008
-EXAMS!!! so little time to study!

January 2009
- grades confronted me- they are not that high... below my expectations and aim... too bad... nevertheless, i remained hopeful for midterms...
-ELECTIONS, planning period... pressure...
-too much extra curricular, too much academics, too much work, too little time...

February 2009
- campaign... stress, friendship, pressure
- Elections, i lost. mixed emotions...
- midterms... time to study... meron pa ba?
- low low low grades... :(

March 2009
- finals!
- you are fired- maam tan :(
- expectations are rising, performance is getting low... so sad. i've never been this mediocre before :(

April 2009
-fixing things
-rest
- what went wrong?
- what ought to be done?

actually, my third year was more of an adventure... i actually forgot that i am a college student aiming to graduate with honors. a student who forgot that he is a chem major- a course which requires a lot of hardwork, attention, concentration and focus! well, i thank the Lord for this wake- up call... and as the book 7 habits of highly effective teens would say it- BE PROACTIVE! i am the force and i can change the course of my life for the better. i know that things will be better for as long as i prioritize the important things in my life... although my third year was a perfect imbalance, but i should say that i learned a lot from it. it was a learning experience and it is something worthy to be treasured. i learned to work under pressure and stress. to stretch it beyond the limits up to the point of exhaustion, depression and defeat... but in this instance, i learned to grow as a person and recognize my limits and know how to manage myself

above all the experience made me closet to my God... well, i appreciated His plans more and more each day... and i realize that it is just i who is so impulsive and hardheaded in this life... so i'd better listen to Him and allow Him to direct my life... :)

:)

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam!

Michael Casas

2009-04-08T07:25:00.000-07:00

Take time to ...
Take time to think, it is the source of power;
Take time to play, it is the secret of perpetual youth;
Take time to read, it is the fountain of wisdom.
Take time to pray, it is the greatest power on earth.
Take time to be friendly, it is the road to happiness.
Take time to laugh, it is the music of the soul;
Take time to give, it is too short a day to be selfish.
Take time to work, it is the price of success.
Take time to do charity, it is the key to heaven.
Take time to love and be loved, it is a God given privilege.
Mother Theresa of Calcutta

from: http://www.reflexiones-online.net/en/reflections.php

a good site to visit for reflection: http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/Lent/holyweek2.html

the best lessons in life are those that come unexpectedly. God allows them to arrive into our senses when we least expect it. God is Good all the time :)

i dont want to become a hypocrite...

2009-04-02T08:00:00.000-07:00

i hate myself...

and that hurts... but i htink it is just but right for me to hate myself so that i would find time to know my value as a person. i mean, i have been doing a lot of stupid things in life...

i wish to have FOCUS in life...
and learn to PRIORITIZE what is essential :)
i hope that i could UNLEARN BAD HABITS
and EMBRACE the authentic ones...
i want to LIVE beyond the conventional
and SHARE the PASSION for EXCELLENCE!!!
most of all, i would like to MAKE GOD SMILE
in everything that i do...

the more essential thing in life is that which is invisible to the eyes :)
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read between the lines :)

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Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam!!!

philosophy...

2009-04-02T06:19:00.000-07:00

Budhha told his disciples: whoever makes an effort can attain enlightenment in seven days. If he can't manage it, certainly he will attain it in seven months, or in seven years. The young man decided that he would attain it in one week, and he wanted to know what he should do: "concentration" was the reply.

The young man began to practice, but in ten minutes he was already distracted. Little by little, he began paying attention to everything that distracted him, and though that he was not wasting time, but was getting used to himself.

One fine day he decided it was not necessary to arrive at his goal so fast, because the path was teaching him many things.

It was at that moment that he became an Enlightened one.

when the sun kisses the moon. :)

2009-04-01T10:49:00.000-07:00

Today, take a second look at recent events and see them for what they really are -- proof that you rock! You were being flattered and flirted with and you didn't even know it! Stop kicking yourself and start trying to salvage what someone was trying to start! Contact the person who was heaping all the good vibes on you and find out what they are up to tonight. If you're both available, then you should meet up. Big things could start happening very soon. (come on!) this is a joke right?

whenever i come across love, i used to eagerly open my ear, listen to the experiences of people and try to learn from them as much as possible. that was when i myself was not a recipient of that feeling that we used to call love. however , now that i myself experienced this, i realized that love is something which a person should not limit into something that is romantic. well, probably the notion of the common people on love has been very limited. and yes it i very limited to the point of making one blind of the true essence of love. limiting love to a romantic sense makes it very unrealistic. primarily because, love is not only romantic. more often than not, the love that we experience is non-romantic, like those that we have with our friends, family and colleagues. however, just as it is, we should not leave behind romantic love alone, because it is also a form of love. the point of stressing that romantic love is not the only form of love is to ascertain that we do not limit ourselves into it and that we make sure that we are able to explore the totality of what it is really...

my experience on loving and being loved is quite complicated. in a way, the experience taught me a lot of things for it has really been unique and very providential. providential in a sense that it taught me a lot of lessons on how i ought to deal with things in life especially those relating to love...

metaphorically, i should say that my experience of loving and being loved was like the sun kissing the moon. yes, you got the picture right. it is like the familiar eclipse that we usually notice on earth. when we see the eclipse, we are sometimes made to believe that these two heavenly bodies are united. they are thought ot be one. however, we never know that they are miles away from each other. thus the sun could never kiss the moon. however, we are made to believe that they kissed each other. that they were once united. probably yes, in the eyes of imperfect human beings but not in the eyes of our perfect God. (its up for you to interpret this and relate this to my love story- too complicated if i elaborate). hehehe

one thins is for sure... to love is something which every person should not take for the sake of fulfilling one's own desire, desperation or longing. sometimes, love should be sought out of faith. yes, faith should be an ingredient which one should invoke so that it may be said that the realtionship is official. i may sound preachy but it is a reality which every person should face. faith and the realization that things happen according how they should happen should be a solid proof that a relationship is indeed something which one should be thankful for.

i may sound desperate when it comes to this thing, but let me clarify myself... i may end up a jesuit 10 years from now, but at least when i look back to these memories, i could surely say that i have experienced how it is to love, rationalized about this comlicated topic and enjoyed the feeling with some people who are worth it. :)

*please don't get me wrong... i would never choose to become a jesuit as a last resort. if ever i would enter into the order, i would make it my first choice!!! but wait, i am still open to the possibility of getting married :) who does not want to have a child right?

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam

the samahan central board exit conference

2009-03-28T23:29:00.000-07:00

i feel so blessed last march 28, 2009. for so many things.

1. i was able to enjoy the beach after a long time. hahaha. thank you Lord!!!. i really love the sea. i love swimming as it will improve my posture and respiratory system and as advised my my doctor i should swim often. and i just enjoyed the waters yesterday... the clear, cold and relaxing sea in mergrande...

2. i had the chance to bond with the SCB. it was fun.:. the amazing race was fun as ever. hahaha... and nanalo kami!!! hahahha :). go TEAM BANGAN!!! hehehe

3. i saw the stats!!! i feel so inspired whenever i see a starry night. then i would try to identify constellations, the brightest stars, locate proxima centauri, orion, hyra and etc. hahahha. so inspiring. the stars makes me think that there is something more in this world. there is more to life than just this. :)

4. i had the chance to talk to friends who really are inspiring. to ate sei, thanks for imparting to me your story. yes i should never give up. thanks for making me realize that all people are really challenged to give in to the temptations of giving up, but winners never quit and i owe you something. and yes, optimism sahll always be with me!!! to kring and lloyd, we had some sort of chat about love, relationships and all. i really appreciate your insights and your listening to my story. hahaha... and yes, love is a leap of faith. we never know when the right person will come for us, but what is for sure is that we should prepare ourselves anytime... so that when that person comes, we would truly give the love that we should share... philosophers of love!!! hahahaha. and yes, i will pray for our love life :)

5. i could now rest from so many things. thanks be to God...
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If someone confuses you today, you should avoid them like the plague -- no matter how beautiful or handsome you may find them to be. People who send mixed messages, play head games and just aren't clear about who they are in general have nothing of any real value to add to your life. Like a bad cold, they will bring you nothing but restless nights and an overwhelming fatigue. Right now, you should stick to known territory and the people you know that you can always count on.

when the sun kisses the moon: a reflection of my junior year

2009-03-28T20:01:00.000-07:00

all this time, life has been very magical for me. magical in the sense that things happen not because i willed them so, but they happen just as they should happen. for the longest time, my junior year affirmed this reality that sometimes, one need not plan, impose or be rigid about things, because the unexpected, yet the best will come. by saying that something it is the best would not mean that it is always a good, more often than not, the best are those bad things, failures and falls that we experience in life which destroys our pride and reforms our character where we find more meaning and value.

i would like to be blatant in saying that my junior year was stormy. yes it was. i really regret about a lot of things this year while i am moved and shaken inside. phrases like "i wish i did" or "i wish i did not" would populate my mind whenever i think about the year that was. which really makes me sad. probably, it is not so apparent to other people because i am good at hiding my feelings. i am just bothered by the way the busy schedule, so much responsibilities, high expectations from people and the character of people whom i wok with shaped, destroyed and strengthened my character. i mean, it was a painful process. i never thought that these things, although part of life, would cause so much heartache, pain and anxiety to me. all the while, i thought that life would go normally having experienced these same things in the past. nevertheless, these same things also caused a lot of good things to come my way in my third year...

although my junior year was really challenging, i should still say that it allowed me to have a glimpse of eternity. probably, the experiences of pain, desperation and failures are instrumental for me to realize and experience the more encompassing and the more essential things in life. first, my third year experience allowed me to know the REAL people that i should value in my life. my family, best friends, some colleagues and mentors are among them. i mean, they nurtured and challenged me in my journey and with that, i should thank them. second, the experienced allowed me to realize once and for all my limitations and weakness as a person. it is painful and liberating at the same time whenever you know that this is who you are. knowing yourself, your limitations and weakness makes you humble and above all it reminds you of the truth that hey miko, these are not yours... it was just loaned to you. but really, i am happy that i have failed, experienced rejection, doubts and confusions in the past school year because through them i saw the authenticity of things and the reality that i cannot do it all alone. the experience allowed me to succumb into the fact that i am only michael casas. that i am in no position to be boastful about anything, i have no right to be proud of myself and i have no right to show off anything because all these came from my God. this leads me to my final realization that life is not all about me, but it is more about God... it is how his name is worshiped, praised and lifted.

aside from the learning experiences, i should also say that my third year is a memorable year for some other things. well, my love life flourished that year. i felt mature about it and as of now, i am more careful about wishing for relationships because i don't want to hurt people just as i don't want to be hurt by them. yes, loving, admiring or liking someone is part of growing up and tell you it is a very nice experience. moreover, the experiences of admiring someone has become a big part of my third year days and i should admit it helped me go on with the stormy junior life. however, it also taught me lessons, it made me more mature and it helped me realized that love is not something which i should be anxious about. it should not pressure me. seeing sweet couples somewhere should not move me to hasten the process of finding my future partner. i feel so affected about this issue, because really, the aspect of loving and being loves especially in the past year formed my person. siguro masasabi kong masyadong mataas ang standard ko, or better said, gusto ko magkaroon ng ideal, perfect and happy relationship. i mean i want to fall in love with a girl, get to know her more, before i make the appropriate move. i have learned from my previous relationships. i am thankful and i feel blessed about them. and honestly i will treasure them. but i have to move on so i could grow.
i think this would be the last time that i would talk about this... unless someone, and i pray the right one, would come too soon...

moreover, my junior year helped me go back in a way to my favorite hobby- singing. yes i love singing and i think i could sing fairly din naman... i really love music. if you give me CDs of relaxing songs, reflective music, love songs, senti songs, celtic woman, josh groabn, air supply then i will surely love you. hahaha... i just love music... i find healing in it and i find rest in it as well. for me music is the language of the soul. it moves the spirit to action for it is alive. music is alive and it invigorates a dead spirit. and experience has revealed to me that it is one way i recover from pain and failures... i simply love music... but wait, i consider the sounds in nature as the best music. the chirping of the birds, the sound of the waves and the whispers of the wind gives me the assurance and affirmation that God is the originator and the true God of music.

There is no life - no life without its hunger;
Each restless heart beats so imperfectly;
But when you come and I am filled with wonder,
Sometimes, I think I glimpse eternity.

above all these things, i still find myself victorious despite the fall. i think the fall became sweeter because it revealed a gem which i never imagined that would be in my hands... and for that, i am thankful to the Lord, for all these experiences... for all these love... for all the gifts... for everything :)

Fly High!!!

2009-03-25T07:54:00.000-07:00

the purpose of everything

2009-03-24T05:11:00.000-07:00

it all boils down to the issue of reinventing oneself.

to reinvent oneself is such a complex issue. it involves all aspects of the human person... it should encompass all the aspects of a person to truly qualify that an object has been successfully reinvented...

so i shall reinvent myself... i will... i willl... with the Lord... everything is possible :)

reinvent... RE- INVENT!!!

it is all over

2009-03-23T10:04:00.000-07:00

exams are over

extra curricular stuffs and the very problematic room shall now be the next preoccupation which i will attend to. hahahha... atleast the lighter things :)

Thank you Lord :)

i just realized

2009-03-20T21:55:00.000-07:00

how blessed i am
even though i am so busy

how people love me
even though i am imperfect

how rich i am
even though i am financially poor

how handsome i am
even though i have a lot of critics

how lucky am
even though i have so many problems

how blessed i am
because God blessed i am...

BECASUE GOD LOVES ME SO MUCH :)

AMDG :)

i am back

2009-03-20T21:52:00.000-07:00

after sometime... i am back... hahahaha... i will update this blog and as susual be more vocal about my feelings and reflections here... hahahaha... it is nice to be back :)

AMDG
MIKO

Lingaw mabuhay!!!

2008-05-12T00:37:00.000-07:00

i love this life!!! =D sana wala lang masyadong aberya after sometime. excited na ko magASEP!!! Keep me safe Lord...=D

Praise the Lord!!!
Miko

my state as of the moment...

2008-05-12T00:20:00.000-07:00

i can't fully express my feelings in this blog. i just feel so happy even though the situation is not really that perfect for me and for someone. i am just happy because i am at peace with my God, with my soul and with almost everything... the thing that i am dying to have for years has come to me. well o well, i should say it is with me as of the moment and hopefully it will continue until the end of time. Bliss and peace altogether!!!

Praise the Lord!!!
Michael Casas

upcoming events

2008-04-26T05:16:00.000-07:00

tutorial sessions
budget proposals and insurance updating
aboitiz future leaders business summit interview
samahan central board orientation
samahan central board taping
ateneo student exposure program- 17 days program
ateneo first year orientation program- 4 days orientation
samahan central board long range planning
start of classes- june 9

so help me God...

Michael Casas
Praise the Lord!!!

new stuff...

2008-04-26T05:14:00.000-07:00

nakapalit ko og something from my salary. wahahaha... it is so fun and lingaw gud kay maka inspire... i am just so happy and thankful about it. thank you Lord!!!

i decided

2008-04-26T04:56:00.000-07:00

whenever i would see a girl in her full bloom, most of the time i would stop, stare and wonder... may bf na ba to? sounds cliche-ic but it happens to me and to all other men in this planet. but of course i really have that instinct not to get too attached kasi mahirap nang magmahal. bugo jud baya ko when it comes to those things. i mean bugo might sound so inappropriate, pero siguro immature pa ako... never the less pareha ra na sila... hahaha... anyways, nag decide ko na whenever i would encounter a sexylicious (sorry sa term) girl, i will not look at her na she is a prospective girlfriend. takot akong ma in love... gago ko no? pero wala kay mahimo ana kay ako man jud na... i would rather treat the woman as my sister. ate, kapatid, etc. sister. kung pwede gani lola para respetado kaayo nako siya... hahaha... hormones down muna ako now kay murag na over ko atong hormone in the past months, so better decrese it now... hahaha... pero i will never close my doors naman din... i will entertain girlfriends after graduation? k? deal ha... so better wait than never... hehehe...=D

MIchael Casas
Praise the Lord!!!

the sem that was.

2008-04-02T03:33:00.000-07:00

this semester was fun. though academically medyo hindi ako masyado nagfocus nang 100% sa aking mga subjects, but i should say that i was able to manage. it feels so good to be balanced. to do well in the academe, in the social involvement arena, in the religious life and in your personal-family-friend life. but it does not mean that i perfect. duh! nobody is perfect. pero atleast you got to have a taste of almost all aspects of life and be able to engage in all of these para di ka maging ignorante. well, i am very thankful of my ateneo education. Thank you God for putting me here.

Personal EVALUATION:

1. Academics- not as good as last sem, but it is satisfactory. nakontento na rin ako. but as an atenean why settle for less? i would love to practice MAGIS all the time!
2. Extra curricular- i won in the elections. more loads and more responsibilities. i will do my best for the greater Glory of God!!!
3. Personal life- lingaw!!! basta God knows why... hehehe

BUT... prepare for the upcoming sem... challenging na to tol!!! 3 chem lectures plus 2 chem laboratories. hehehe. kaya ko to. with God all things are possible! AMEN> alleluia..=D

Praise the Lord!
Michael Casas

blessings from heaven and becoming a blessing to others.

2008-04-02T03:12:00.000-07:00

i really feel blessed today. i woke up with a good mood and i am just up for today. i felt excited, because for a fact, i would be starting my 16-day tutorial with a stranger. but of course kanina hindi na siya stranger sa akin. well, she is amilou. a nice person na willing maturuan ng english, public speaking, debate and thesis defense skills. well, i feel fit for the job with my experiences (char) and proficiency. so today, medyo nag leveling off kami today and i gauged her in terms of her speaking skills. this tutorial thing is one of those few moments na narealize ko na i am really gifted by God with talents na kakaiba, that i am really trusted by people na may alam ako and that i have become a blessing to others. i feel fulfilled today... somehow, i am considering research and development plus teaching as a strong career path for me. well, pwede diba? hahaha. professor Michael Casas. hahaha. pangarap. anyways, nagandvance payment si amilou sa akin so medyo tiba tiba tayo ngayon. hahaha. praise the lord kaayo uy... pero i feel pressured na mas pagbutihin pa ang aking teaching. and i am considering to use more teaching aids. gi career na jud? hahaha. well, that's what you call a dedicated teacher. =D.

after i was blessed by God in the morning. i also shared my blessing to others. kung sino man sila secret nalang yun... alam na yun ni Lord... hehehe.

nilibre pala ako ni archie sa jaltan kanina... nagbonding na pud mi, updating and all... so fun. then mag tutor na pud ko sa akong kapatid... i just love it...=D

basta lingaw mabuhay if you are of help to others. =D

Praise the lord!!!
Michael Casas

on love...

2008-03-23T02:29:00.000-07:00

hahahaha... stupidity has its price... well, i am not the stupid one, but my actions... in short stupid ko... hahaha... libog no? anyways, i realized and finally decided to let go... i mean let God and let go just like it was before... diba mauch better? well, wala paman pud ko nanguyab diba and so i am very free from any responsibility from that woman... well, SINGLE BLESSEDNESS na pud akong drama... pero i know that there would come a time that i would find the woman for me... at the right time, at the right place and at the right age... well, i think hindi pa hinog ang bunga so dapat muna siyang pahinugin (duh!!!) well, i am happy i realized this... well, i think that person only enjoyed admiration from me, not really love... hahaha =D Amen Brother Michael... hahahaha... pwede na ba? =D

Praise the Lord!!!
Michael Casas

LOVE... 101

2008-03-18T23:20:00.000-07:00

my heart began to beat for someone once more... hahaha... i love it... thank God kasi di pala ako mananatiling bibata forever...=D... i love her so much... its not mere infatuation...nor puppy love... siguro love at first sight pero it is very genuine...=D

VACATION!!!!

2008-03-18T22:56:00.000-07:00

i am so happy at last nakablog na jud ko and vacation na... so obvious ba na patay patay ko a few weeks ago... wahaha... grabe ang mga requirements and expectations from me but thank God parin kasi natapos ko ang lahat successfully...=D

moreover, nagcelebrate ang aming english 21 class for our successful play... march 14 ni siya...of course nagvideoke kami, nag eat and nagsaya... hahaha... i made new friends with people... haha. friendly jud ko no? anyways that was a funfilled and memorable night...=D

pagkasaturday march 15, nag celebrate ang aming anal chem class sa bahay ng aming teacher... well nagvideoke na pud and eat... well of course busog jud diba... nagmovie marathon pud mi... hahaha... lingaw ang mga chipmunks... wahaha. basta nag enjoy ko ato na day... nagpalibre pa jud si jam og pamasahe... hahaha...

then march 18, nag team building ang samahan. nag amazing race, then mga games then eat nasad. pero nagbonding jud mi... guess what nafulfill ang desires sa akong heart that day... i held the hand of my crush... love you so much... but im a bit confused kasi theres a girl na nagalapit lapit sakin pero ATE lang talaga tingin ko sa kanya... anyways friend ko man siya... pero so unusual lang ang damoves niya that day... hehehe... basta naka white akong crush that evening... wahaha... tama na...=D... sana bigyan mo ako ng chance... =D

that is my vacation so far... lingaw and mejo natanggal na akong stress... hopefully next week mag refresh ko og mga chem stuff and magfind og topics for thesis... so help me God...

Praise the Lord!!!
Michael Casas

The 2008 SAMAHAN General Elections

2008-01-20T01:42:00.000-08:00

the samahan 2008 general elections is fast approaching. guys, i need your support and help. please vote for me, MICHAEL "MIKO" CASAS for SAMAHAN TREASURER. my platform is to establish the SCB Treasurer's Pool which would: 1. be composed of willing and able university students who would like to take part in the apporpriation, liquidation and research of samahan funds. 2. provide visibility on the SAMAHAN funds especially at the start and end of each semester. 3. intensify the information campaign on the student's insurance policy and assist them to avail the insurance policy.

guys, let us end the apathy that has long inflicted addu... please vote. sana more than 50% plus 1 ang voter's turn out this year... and again please vote for me... MICHAEL CASAS (BS chemistry 2) for SAMAHAN Treasurer, GALE EVARISTO (BS industrial engineering 4) for PRESIDENT and LAWRENCE LIMJUCO (BS chemical enineering 4) for Secretary General.

Thank you and God bless us all... =D

AMDG!!!

the prelim that was

2007-12-23T04:45:00.001-08:00

prelim of this semester was such a big bulk of challenge on my part. i really stumbled and sort of searched for who i am? what is my purpose and why are all these things happening to me?

let me enumerate them here...
1. we had this family problem. my mother had a mayoma and she had to undergo an operation. actually, i could choose to ignore her, but hey she is my mother... so i really went out of my way to visit her in the hospital and be the in charge of the house for almost a month. well my academics was affected, not to mention that it is becoming more and more intense and demanding... but we survived... she survived and she is recovering... praise God...

2. the ever increasing expectations, requirements and exams from our teachers... well, as expected, as you go higher you should expect a more difficult load... but it is just so unusual because i think the level of difficulty of all the subjects is quadrupled compared to last sem's... well, that means that my school is competent, but i hope i could still keep up with it...(sigh)

3. i think, i had 4-5 hours of sleep on the average for this semester... but you know miraculously, my eye bags have not grown that much... cute parin... hehe. but sometimes, i find myself sleepy inside the classroom... i don't drink coffee kasi even though it claims to contain antioxidants... anyways... im trying to recharge once more...

4. time management is in question... granting that i have this family problem (my mother operated last november) and a bulk of academic subjects... i also have a lot of extra curricular involvements right? (o, i remember, i still have to write an article for the SICO magazine, anyways.) this means that ehem... i am short of time and i am very confused of what to prioritize... but as the CCO president says it... "you are STUDENT-leaders, you are students before you became leaders, so you have to first prioritize your studies bewfore anything else..."

5. no time for self. as a result of the lack of time, then it follows that i also don't have time for myself. so you see this poor blog, unupdated not until today. but of course i'm trying to make up with myself this christmas break. i really need this break before i break... (get it?)

well, all i can say is... thank you Juseus for being born to this world... because of your birth, we now have this celebration called Christmas which gives us some time out from out usual loads and get to celebrate the season.

Praise the Lord!!!
Michael Casas

christmas... whats the point?

2007-12-23T04:39:00.000-08:00

i pondered about why we celebrate christmas? well most people lose sight of the real celebrant. they usually resort and focus on parties, gifts, foods and merrymaking... well that is very fine... but come on... come on...

personally, i have indulged in almost all of the above mentioned pleasure invoking activities but i don't find satisfaction in them. though i expereince a certain level of 'joy' i am really not fulfilled...

i think that in any activity, we need to transcend beyond what we think is absolute. go beyond the superficial and go for the subtle yet true meaning of the occasion... after all it is not our birthday anyway... it is Christ's birthday...

Praise God!!!
Michael Casas

wag maliitin ang mga maliliit...

2007-12-23T04:35:00.000-08:00

wala lang... those who are above will fall of their pride and arrogance... sana lang marealize ninyo ang ginagawa ninyo...

ang tamaan GUILTY... =D

at last

2007-11-23T01:39:00.000-08:00

i survived this hell week. thank God!!!

and i feel Christmas in the air...=D

Praise the Lord
Michael Casas

...Love...

2007-11-17T01:33:00.000-08:00

love is like a rose
enticing, very tempting
but when you are naive
you bleed... and get hurt

copyright michael casas.=D

it was all for fun
but now, i just can't run
i thought i was done
i want her gone...

cry, your eye said
kneel your legs beg
why did you do it? brain asks
but you just don't know how you got there and last.

sin it is to play with love...
intentions must be as pure as a white dove.
otherwise, the one from Above,
would take away true love.

copyright MAC=D.

GRABE NA TO!!!!

2007-11-17T01:29:00.000-08:00

i love my teachers this sem... they are all competent... wahoo. na pressure na jud ko... graber, hay ambot.... i think i am dying... but i wll live pa naman siguro... hehehe. anyways... basta killer questions on the side plus killer exams... OMG... i think this is the start of it all. but i am not yet starting... hehe pamati. di bitaw, lisod na kaayo ang mga teachers... plus my full pachked extra curricular life... hay naku... no problem i am sacrificing naman for a very good cause eh... FOR THE GREATER GLORY OF GOD!!! amen

Praise the Lord!!!!

Reflection...

2007-11-17T01:27:00.000-08:00

Look at me
You may think you see
Who I really am
But you’ll never know me
Every day, is as if I play apart
Now I see
If I wear a mask
I can fool the world
But I can not fool
My heart
Who is that girl I see
Staring straight back at me?
When will my reflection show
Who I am inside?
I am now
In a world where I have to
Hide my heart
And what I believe in
But somehow
I will show the world
What’s inside my heart
And be loved for who I am
Who is that girl I see
Staring straight back at me?
Why is my reflection
Someone I don’t know?
Must I pretend that i’m
Someone else for all time?
When will my reflection show
Who I am inside?
There’s a heart that must
Be free to fly
That burns with a need
To know the reason why
Why must we all conceal
What we think
How we feel
Must there be a secret me
I’m forced to hide?
I won’t pretend that i’m
Someone else
For all time
When will my reflections show
Who I am inside?
When will my reflections show
Who I am inside?

second sem na...=D

2007-11-03T00:22:00.000-07:00

timer flies so fast talaga. as in... second sem na and that means malapit na akong mag graduate...hehehe. anyways, before this very day,a lot of ver7y fun and memorable things transpired.

first off, the SICO basic orientation seminar
second, the reunion of the ever lingaw na fantastic 4
then, teetin's birthday
tapos, all souls day and all saints day
then, enrollment hehehe
then, club planning and bulletin board making
tapos, ang NS and math division day planning. hehehe

and marami pang ibang singit singit na kaganapan na lingaw.

pero here i am facing yet another semester. the first semestewr was fun and really rewarding. sana ang seciond sem ganun din. hehe... hanggang dito nalang muna and God bless me sa second sem...=D

Praise The Lord!!!
MIchael Casas

yippie...=D

2007-10-26T02:37:00.000-07:00

i just accessed the my account feature of the addu website and i saw my grades... wala lang nalipay ko...=D thank you Lord... i feel so blessed...AMEN AMEN AMEN...

anyways, last oct 24, 2007. nagreunion kami nila archie, ayek and abi... nakakahiya kasi ako na naman ang late ningabot... anyways nanlaag mi sa mall (gaisano). and as usual nagtanaw mi og sine NO RESERVATIONS ang title... well, it was nice... maka in love...=D with all the cooking and the kissing hehehe. then nag videoke kami. i sang fixin a broken heart, one sweet day and i write the songs... hehehe... wala lang nalipay ko. then, nangaon mi sa mandarin... treat ni yek... then nagkaon mi ice cream, wahaha... tapos nag muni muni for a while sa rizal park... then nag-uli na. it was such a blissful moment. lingaw makasama ang imong mga real loyal and forever gfood friends one more...

Praise the Lord for everything!!!
Michael Casas

SICO Basic Orientation Program

2007-10-17T23:35:00.000-07:00

the Social Involvement Coordinating Office of the Ateneo de Davao University conducted its Basic Orientation Seminar Last Oct 16-17, 2007 for its new batch of volunteers. and of cours i am one of those chosen few na nakasali sa volunteers ng sico this year. many applied but only 13 were accepted... it is a great honor and achievement na makasali sa group na yun na pinili after thorough screening and all.

anyways, the event was a two day formation program. we first watched a movie entitled Hero starring Jet li... lingaw ang movie... the essence of oneness with the universe and putting your heart into what you do were some of the insights that i gained after watching the movie. then, we had lunch ang sarap ng food, free pa talaga. then we had our first seminar, the social involvement mandate of a jesuit university. i was struck with what the speaker Dir. Eliab said... "Why hope? Why do all these things?" somehow i was puzzeled because i thought of myself doing all those things not really sure kung bakit ko ginagawa ko ang lahat. pero anyways, i was able to figure everything out... Thanks to her reflective and moving manner of speaking. then we had our seminar on Authentic Christian Humanism Given by Maam Arcena. She was a super lingaw na speaker... wala lang, i learned a lot from her and i really felt her conviction to service... she also had a very clear and firm stand that doing good things should be of utmost consiceration provided that the very reason of doing everything is to emulate the example of Christ into our lives... well naminaw jud ko diba... then we had our break kaon na pud... then, we were given time to prepare for the socials and ang theme chilgren's party. wahaha nagsuspenders ko na nagmukha kong buang... pero it was fun... after dressing up we had dinner... then, we waited for sometime then mga 7:30 gipablind fold mi sa mga senior vols... kulba na exciting... it weas some sort of an initiation na walang paddle... hehehe... then may mahiwagang tanong ang mga senior vols sa aming lahat and we have to answer it in an iniro way... as in pacornihay daw... hahaha. katawanan jud akong gihimo... secret nalang. anyways, after some time of waiting sa iabang vols nagstart narin atlast ang party... it really was a children's party... lingaw with all the ablloons, decoration etc...=D. then nagpresent kami ng mga wierd things as in sayaw with singing, breakdance etc. makatanggal price sya pero lingaw... we also had our competition... pagandahan daw ng sayaw and all... nalingaw ko sa among gihimo hay mura mi og mga bata... as in...=D then special awards were given, give aways were given tapos the night ended... sige lang mi og katawa for the rest of the night...=D. it was really soul enriching. then natulog mi sa f201 mga 12:00 na...=D

next day, naligo kami of course... =D alangan manatili kaming mabaho diba... hehehe. after doing our personal stuff we had our breakfast then we had our morning praise as well. then we had our seminars on Faith, Justice, Culture and Dialogue. lingaw sya... then we had another seminar on Volunteerism and Alternative lifestyle... daghan ko og natun-an especially on simplicity (living according to what we have) and solidarity (to be one with the community where you are immersed). and a lot more... basta insightful kaayo ang mga speaker... sana magawa ko yung mga tinuro nila. i hope and pray that i could become the person whom i ought to be... that i would be a full grown selfless volunteer. then we had lunch, kaon na pud...

then after having our lunch, we had the closing activity na super lingaw... we were asked kung ano natutunan namin, then the senior volunteers also said tyheir expectations and hopes for our batch... then Sir Osbry and the senior volunteers gave us our certificates and tokens para daw may remembrance kami sa aming orientation. then kumain na naman kami ng ice cream... =D. hahaha. well, basta enjoy siya na experience and i am looking forward to working with the office in its activities and programsd in the future...

<<>>

Praise God!!!
Michael Casas

tapos na ang exams...

2007-10-13T02:37:00.000-07:00

praise GOD!!! rest at last... tapos na ang mga exams...=D

inspiring myself...

2007-10-09T01:56:00.000-07:00

FREE INSPIRATIONAL ESSAYS
Allen W. Smith, Ph.D.
Contemplating Life

Note: For more than 10 years, I have been writing essays for a weekly self-syndicated newspaper column. I have put together a collection of 101 of these essays in e-book format. Below are the first ten essays of the collection. THEY ARE FREE so please download them if you wish.

INTRODUCTION

This book is a collection of 101 short essays that borrow bits of wisdom from throughout the ages. The essays are designed to inspire and comfort readers, as well as to stimulate some deep thinking about some very ordinary ideas.
The essays, which were previously published as installments of my weekly syndicated newspaper column, Contemplating Life, tend to reflect the following fundamental beliefs of mine: 1) Every individual is important and special; 2) Each of us has a responsibility to try to make the world a better place and to increase the happiness of those around us; and 3) One of the best ways to find happiness for ourselves is to seek to bring happiness to others.
The essays can be read in any order since each one stands alone. Readers who are looking for something specific can get a general idea of the content of each essay from its lead quotation. A list of the theme-setting lead quotations is provided at the beginning of the book. Readers not looking for something specific are invited to skim the book and choose individual essays at random.

Allen W. Smith
ONE

"Learn the sweet magic of a cheerful face--not always smiling, but at least serene."--Oliver Wendell Holmes

We all have our share of troubles in life, and keeping our spirits high on a consistent basis is very difficult for most of us. But there are things we can do to help us maximize our happiness in the face of adversity. Positive thinking has long been recognized as a valuable aid for coping with life. But sometimes it is hard, if not impossible, to think positively. What can we do to make our quest for a positive outlook on life easier?
One of the most effective things that many of us can do is to follow the advice of Oliver Wendell Holmes. We need literally to learn the sweet magic of a cheerful face. There is indeed a certain kind of magic in training ourselves to maintain a cheerful face consistently. Of course, there are times when we face such tragedy that none of us can maintain a cheerful face. And certainly we cannot wear a smile at all times. But, if we can't smile, couldn't we at least maintain a serene expression on our face?
Some people claim that it is physically impossible to remain sad while we are smiling. Is there something about the physical act of forcing ourselves to maintain a cheerful face that actually makes us feel better? If we consciously work to keep a pleasant expression on our face as much of the time as possible, might it not eventually become almost natural to do so? Some people who have tried it believe that the answer to both questions is a resounding yes.
None of us can be happy all the time. During times of great adversity it is natural and even beneficial to grieve, but what about the rest of the time? What about all those times when we are faced with only minor problems? Isn't it possible that during such times we can actually influence our moods by thinking positively and maintaining a cheerful face as much of the time as possible?
And what about the effects of our cheerful faces on other people with whom we come into contact? Can enthusiasm for life and a cheerful attitude be contagious? Is it possible that, in addition to making ourselves feel better, we also make others feel better when we are cheerful? Suppose it were possible to convince every individual in a town, a country, or even the world, to participate in a week-long experiment in which they simultaneously forced themselves to appear cheerful for an entire week? What would happen at the end of the experiment? Would things go back to normal? Or, would there be a permanent change?
Copyright 2004 Allen W. Smith

TWO

"Be careful how you live. You may be the only Bible some person ever reads."
—William J. Toms

We are all influenced by other people, and our actions and words often have a profound influence on people who are observing us. People choose role models for a variety of reasons, and we never know who might be looking to us for that purpose. Certainly parents are usually role models for their children, and people who have any degree of celebrity status are often imitated. But sometimes people who have been chosen as models to follow by others may have no idea that they are having such a strong influence on other people.
Our behavior can have a bigger impact on society than we ever imagine. Some of us, who consider ourselves just ordinary people, may not be so ordinary in the eyes of some small child who decides to imitate us. Our behavior may serve as a model for the child who tries to copy our personality traits. If that happens, our behavior may affect that child and everyone he or she comes into contact with throughout life. Even the thought of such an awesome possibility should cause us to reexamine the way we are living our lives.
How can we avoid having a negative impact on others who might be trying to imitate us? The answer to that question is easy. If we live the kind of lives that we know we should be living, we won't have to worry about having a negative impact on anyone. We all have basic instincts that tell us how we should live. The problem is that many of us do not want to live that kind of life. We are torn between what our higher selves tell us we should do, and what our lower selves tell us that we want to do. Most of us are urged by our higher selves to live exemplary lives. But our lower selves nag at us to look out for number one. It is up to us to make the choice as to which urges we will follow. Basically, we choose the kind of life we live.
Certainly external forces often affect the choices available to us, but still we can choose to serve humanity in addition to ourselves, or we can follow our selfish urges and live as if our sole purpose in life was to seek self gratification. Which choice would we like those around us to make? Do we have any right to make a choice different from that which we think others should make?
Copyright 2004 Allen W. Smith

THREE

"Each day the world is born anew for him who takes it rightly."--James Russell Lowell

Each day is the first day of the rest of our lives and offers us the opportunity for a new start. We must learn to live each day to the fullest, and we can do that only if we learn to live in the present. Too many of us consider individual days as little more than stepping stones towards goals in the distant future. We think of them as rungs on a ladder that will move us a little closer to the top. That is no way to live our lives. What if we reach the top of the ladder only to realize that the ladder is against the wrong wall?
Happiness and success are journeys--not destinations--and we can never find happiness or success at the end of any road. Instead, we must travel a road where these conditions exist along the route every step of the way. If we can't find happiness and success in the present, we will never find them in the future. Those who find true happiness pursue the goal of achieving as much success, and finding as much happiness, as possible each and every day of their lives.
One of the great paradoxes of our time is that so many people seem to believe that the surest routes to happiness are the accumulation of material wealth and the attainment of social status. "If I can just become rich and famous, I will be truly happy," so many of us think. But life just doesn't work that way. Since the hunger for fame and fortune is never satisfied, the more fame or fortune a person attains, the more he or she craves.
We must find happiness within ourselves--not in the external world. For many people, happiness comes from the simple things in life and from trying to make others happy. Happiness is contagious, and the more of it we give to others the more we will have for ourselves. Each day we have a new opportunity to find happiness; and unless we are able to learn to be happy on a day-to-day basis, we will probably never find true happiness. Certainly there are times, such as after the loss of a loved one, when we are hurting so much that we cannot find happiness in the immediate future. But, during those periods when we have not recently suffered a major loss, all of us should be able to find at least some happiness in each and every day. If we can't, perhaps we are traveling the wrong road.
Copyright 2004 Allen W. Smith

FOUR

"It is helpful to look at your life and ask: 'If I had one more year to live, what would I do?' We all have things we want to achieve. Don't just put them off--do them now!”--John Goddard

Far too many of us live life as if it were going to go on forever. We put off things until tomorrow when we can never be sure there will be a tomorrow. Suppose we all knew for sure that we had only one more year to live. How would we spend that year? Would we continue to live very much the way we are now living? If we can answer yes to this question, then we are probably doing a pretty good job of living our lives already. But, if we would behave very differently during the next year if we knew we had only one more year to live, then we are probably traveling the wrong road.
When we are young, time seems to pass so slowly that "the rest of our life" seems almost like an eternity. We feel that we have so much time left that we can afford to squander it. But, as we grow older, the pace of life seems to accelerate at an ever-increasing speed so that we become increasingly aware of our own mortality. As we move into our senior years, some of us begin to panic. We have so much yet to do and so little time in which to do it. We begin to see the importance of each and every single day and try to get as much out of each day as possible.
Isn't it a shame that we can't take a more mature attitude toward life while we are still young? Wouldn't it be so much better if we could all understand the limited nature of life in our youth and start trying to make the most of each day in our life? Some people have done exactly that, And they have accomplished so much during their lifetimes that we wonder how they ever found enough time. They simply saw time as a precious gift that should never be squandered no matter how long we think we are going to live.
Some of us believe that our purpose on earth involves more than just trying to accomplish things we want to accomplish for ourselves. We believe we have a duty to try to make life better for those around us and to try to make the world a better place for future generations. Those who share these views realize that we should never squander time. Any time we have, in excess of the time we need for ourselves, should be spent trying to make this a better world. If we all shared this view and behaved accordingly, wouldn't this be a very different world?
Copyright 2004 Allen W. Smith

FIVE

"A friend may well be reckoned a masterpiece of nature."--Ralph Waldo Emerson

Friends are priceless gems that enrich our lives beyond measure. Without friends, there would be nobody with whom to share our joys and our heartaches. There would be nobody with whom to communicate our most private thoughts. A life without friends would be a very empty life.
Thomas Jefferson wrote, "The happiest moments of my life have been in the flow of affection among friends." Few people in the history of mankind have had the superb talents and accomplishments of Jefferson. Yet, this very extraordinary man considered the times he spent with friends the happiest moments of his life. Is the same not true for all of us?
If we all sat down to make a list of our most important and valuable assets, many of us would be inclined to put material things like possessions and careers at the top of the list. Some of us might even forget to include friends among our assets. But some people contend that, "Friends are everything." Perhaps, in a large sense, they are.
Robert Louis Stevenson wrote, "A friend is a present you give yourself." John Keats confessed, "I would not live without the love of my friends." Friendship is an asset that is not related to one's financial wealth. Some of the "poorest" people have very close friends, and financial wealth is more likely to be a hindrance than a help in developing true friendships. Unlike other assets, friendship is within the reach of every living person. It takes time and work to develop good friendships, but everything worth having requires effort.
Perhaps it behooves us all to take inventory of our friends. If we are well blessed with good friends, shouldn't we be careful not to take them for granted? And, if we feel that we have too few friends, wouldn't it make sense to work just a little harder at developing friendships? Maybe one of our major goals in life should be to strive to enjoy the company of our fellow human beings as much as possible.
Friends come in all sizes and ages. We need not restrict our attempts to develop new friends to people our own age. Some of the best and most productive friendships are between the very young and the very old. Each age group has so much to offer other age groups. The wisdom of the elderly can enlighten their juniors, and the enthusiasm of the young is a source of rejuvenation for seniors. And we must never forget that our very best friends are often members of our own family.
Copyright 2004 Allen W. Smith

SIX

"Behold the turtle: He makes progress only when he sticks his neck out."--James Bryant Conant

It is human nature to be reluctant to take chances. Most of us prefer the security of the status quo over the gamble of taking chances that might lead to success, but also might lead to failure and embarrassment. But how much progress can we make either as individuals or as a society if we are not willing to stick out our necks occasionally? Eugene O'Neill wrote, "Happiness hates the timid! So does Science!" Was he right? Does timidity reduce our happiness and impede progress?
Of course, there is a difference between timidity and reasonable caution, but the line between the two is indeed a very fine line. According to an old Malaysian proverb, "Fear to let fall a drop and you spill a lot." Too much caution can be just as bad as too little. Helen Keller wrote, "Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. The fearful are caught as often as the bold." How many of us settle for a less enjoyable life than we could have if we were less afraid to take chances? How many of us are too afraid to cultivate friendships for fear we might be rejected? How many of us are afraid to try new things because of our fear of the unknown?
Some of us exaggerate the consequences of having something we try not work out. We have an unhealthy fear of failure. Perhaps if we tried more things we would discover that it is not as bad to face failure occasionally as it is to be afraid to try new things. In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, "Do not be too timid and squeamish about your actions. All life is an experiment."
The problem for all of us is to strike the right balance between caution and boldness. We all know people who are not cautious enough. Some people risk their own lives as well as the lives of others because they are not fearful enough of the dangers that face us all. In matters that could pose a real threat to our lives and safety, most of us would rather err on the side of being too cautious than not being careful enough. That seems to be only common sense.
But what about those situations where the worst that can happen to us if we fail is embarrassment? Is the threat of embarrassment, or even total humiliation, sufficient reason for us to forego trying things that might enrich our lives? In the words of Logan Pearsall Smith, "What is more mortifying than to feel that you have missed the plum for want of courage to shake the tree?"
Copyright 2004 Allen W. Smith

SEVEN

"This time like all other times is a very good one if we but know what to do with it."--Ralph Waldo Emerson

How many of us spend much of our lives wishing for better times? We may wish we could turn back the pages of time to an earlier period that now appears to have been much better than the present. Or we may wish to move forward in time to some hoped-for happy moment in the future. It is the present that most of us have trouble living in. Yet that is the only time period in which we can ever live.
Is it possible that the "good old days" weren't as good as we remember them? Are we remembering only the good parts of the past and blocking from our memories the unpleasant parts? Are we focusing too much on the negative aspects of the present and ignoring some pretty good aspects of our current lives?
Walt Whitman wrote, "To me, every hour of the day and night is an unspeakably perfect miracle." Most of us cannot even come close to this level of positive thinking. But if we really try, can't we almost always find something good about almost every day, or at least every stage, of our lives?
Certainly we all face times of great tragedy, such as the loss of a loved one, during which our grief prevents us from seeing the positive things that are going on around us. But, aside from such difficult times of life, isn't there something good about all phases of our lives?
Growing older, having our children grow up and leave home, and retirement are examples of things that bring about major changes in our lives. Many of us find that as we grow older we are forced to give up some activities that we enjoyed so much in our younger years. But aren't there new activities available to us that can replace the lost ones? And if our children who get married and leave home provide us with grandchildren, isn't that at least partial compensation for our losses?
Even such tragedies as the unexpected loss of a job can sometimes have a happy ending. Often people who lose their jobs enter new even more-rewarding careers. We must be careful in making such generalizations, though. Many people who lose their jobs have to settle for less-rewarding jobs, and we must try to understand why these people often justifiably feel bitter.
But perhaps our biggest challenge is in knowing how to adjust to change. Maybe Emerson was right that this time is also a good time if we know what to do with it.
Copyright 2004 Allen W. Smith

EIGHT

"Never exchange a good conscience for the good-will of others or to avoid their ill-will."--Charles Simmons

We all like to please, and sometimes we are tempted to compromise our principles just to avoid conflict. But we must be careful that we don't bend too far. It is better to offend someone than to behave in a way that we will later regret. None of us have to win any popularity contests, and most of us who truly stand by our convictions will at times experience the anger of others. But, making someone else angry may be a small price to pay for being able to live according to our own conscience.
This does not mean that we should be confrontational about most things. Most of the time our disagreements with others are over such minor things that it may be best to keep our mouths shut. All of us are entitled to our opinions, and just because the opinions of others are different from our own doesn't necessarily mean that they are wrong and we are right. Often it is best just to agree to disagree with others.
There is, however, an important difference between matters of principle and matters of taste. In the words of Thomas Jefferson, "In matters of principle, stand like a rock; in matters of taste, swim with the current." Differences in tastes are a natural part of life. We are all unique individuals, and we each have our own set of tastes. We should usually not question or criticize the tastes of others so long as they are indeed tastes that do no harm to others. It is in matters of principle, where actions can create pain and suffering for others, that we must stand like a rock.
We should all be concerned about justice and injustice in life. And when those around us are advocating action that we believe will lead to the suffering of others we should stand tall and firm even if it means that we will lose the good-will of some people. In the words of Henry Ward Beecher, "Expedients are for the hour, but principles are for the ages." We don't have to be crusaders to make a difference. All we have to do is be willing to stand up and be counted when the principles we strongly believe in are being violated.
There is much virtue in being diplomatic and trying to avoid needless arguments. And there is no need to alienate those around us when our differences are nothing more than matters of taste. In such situations it is probably best to heed Jefferson's advice to "swim with the current." But, in matters of principle shouldn't we "stand like a rock?"
Copyright 2004 Allen W. Smith

NINE

"We should gain more by letting ourselves be seen such as we are, than by attempting to appear what we are not."—Francois de La Rochefoucald

We cannot successfully hide our true selves from others no matter how hard we try. Even if we are brilliant in our efforts, the most we might do is to fool some of the people some of the time. It is a serious mistake to try to bluff our way through life by pretending to be someone other than our true selves. Each one of us is special with our own unique set of talents and experiences, and we should work hard at developing our talents and being our unique selves to the best of our ability.
There is a tendency for many of us to be too self conscious. We imagine ourselves unattractive. We think we are deficient in talents. In short, we tend to put ourselves down. This is a terrible mistake. God created us as individuals for a purpose, and we should be proud of who we are and make the most of God's creation. Some of the most famous people in history once had low opinions of themselves and were judged poorly by others.
Abraham Lincoln grew up in poverty with almost no formal schooling. His mother died when he was only nine years old. He was extremely tall for his age and quite awkward. No doubt other boys made fun of young Abe and caused him much heartache and self-doubt. During most of his adult life Lincoln was not very distinguished in the eyes of his contemporaries, and he probably suffered from self-doubt much of the time. The first woman he asked to mary him, Mary Owens, turned him down. He ran for Congress in 1842 and lost. He was elected in 1846, but his two years in Congress were so undistinguished that he was not re-nominated by his party. He ran for the U.S. Senate in 1858 but was defeated. Even when he was elected President in 1860, many people ridiculed him for his lack of formal education and cultural sophistication. They believed that he was so lacking in administrative and diplomatic skills that he would be an incompetent president.
Yet, Abraham Lincoln brought to the presidency such an uncommon degree of personal integrity, intelligence, and humanity that he has become one of the most revered and beloved leaders of all time. In every age, there are people who seem ordinary to themselves and those around them. However, when some of these people are faced with the proper challenge, they distinguish themselves as extraordinary people. So don’t we just be ourselves and see where that takes us?
Copyright 2004 Allen W. Smith

TEN

"Take care that old age does not wrinkle your spirit even more than your face."—Michel de Montaigne

None of us can avoid the physical aging process that eventually wrinkles our skin. It is an inevitable part of growing old. But we don't have to allow it to wrinkle our heart and spirit as well. As we grow older our physical capacity gradually diminishes, but our mental capacity and our emotions need not be affected.
Some people are just as sharp mentally when they are 90 years old as they were in their youth. And many have an even brighter outlook on life than people half their age. Our mental and emotional capacities do not have to diminish as we grow older, but they often do simply because we allow them to do so. Everybody seems to recognize the value of physical exercise in keeping our bodies in shape. But many fail to recognize the need to work at maintaining our mental and emotional capacities. We need to practice sound mental and emotional health right up to the day we die.
Every stage of life has both positive and negative aspects. When we are young, we have the enthusiasm of youth and, since our whole lives are ahead of us, the sky is the limit as to our dreams. But there is also much insecurity in youth. We worry about such things as finding the right person to marry and choosing the right career. We worry that we will lose our jobs or become incapacitated and be unable to earn a good living, and there are so many other uncertainties.
In our senior years most of these worries are behind us. We have had our failures along with our successes, but we have survived them. If we have children and grandchildren they can be a source of much joy, and we have the time to enjoy life. Once we are retired, we can spend time doing things we have always wanted to do but for which we never had sufficient time before.
Some seniors find their last years the happiest, whereas others are miserable during their last years because they have allowed the aging process to wrinkle their heart and spirit. Many things are beyond our control. Some of us have more serious health problems than others, and these factors are bound to influence our attitude. But, if our only major problem is just that we have become old, we can continue to find happiness if we maintain the proper attitude.
Copyright 2004 Allen W. Smith

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from:http://www.allenwsmith.com/id12.html

strengthened and determined

2007-10-09T01:43:00.000-07:00

life is really complicated...

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you really can't understand how it would go on... it is really upredictable...

life shattered me
it broke me...
it made me cry....

i know i will and i will!!!

Bahala na...
Father into your hands i surrender my life...

Praise the Lord
Michael Casas

at last

2007-10-09T01:40:00.000-07:00

natapos na rin ang lahat... 4 subjects down and one more to go... at least di na masyado stressful no... salamat lord tapos na ang ana chem, physics, calculus and stat xams... at least makapagpahinga na ako... =D

Praise God!!!
Michael Casas

birthday wishlist ko...

2007-09-20T04:36:00.000-07:00

Sana magkaroon ako nang.....

1. 8 hours of sleep
2. happy family with mama, papa, rap, camille and nanay
3. good grades
4. more friends...
5. full body massage...
6. uyab... hehehe... soon
7. maging all around person as in super wholistic ang development.
8. chocolates... tama tama lang ag dami...
9. watch... para di ko malate...
10. simple party... para naay food...
11. time in the chapel to pray...
12. write in my journal/ have a new journal...
13. i pod and loptop... mga gadgets para lingaw ang life...
14. book related to "how to be happy"
15. smiles from all people, and a happy soul and self...=D
16. a peace and safety from all sorts of trouble and problems and accidents...
17. vacation to an island... grabe sarap siguro niyan...
18. time with God... hehehe... para closer mi...=D

wala lang... sana matupad lahat nang nasulat ko dito and all the other good wishes in my heart...

With God all things are possible...
Michael Casas

The other side of Analytical Chem

2007-09-20T03:58:00.000-07:00

anal chem is so anal... i mean so analytical. grabe. add the stress in the lab and perfect! pamatay na subject... well, swerte parin yata ako kasi yan palang ang chem na subject ko this sem... how much more next year... org chem + ana chem 3... makaya pa kaya na? ehem ehem... well that is the common misconception of students... and in a way my misconception noon...

i thought i really though before that chem would be that supercalifragilisticespialidocious type of subject na kahit gaano mo idigest with all the enzymes and complex chemical specie to digest it di jud masabtan. but wait... you could always cut it into super cali fragile listic espi ali docious... though you understand nothing atleast you have divided it into sub "words" to make you "internalize" what it should mean... well, ana chem is a super powerful subject. as in maka knock down...

but well thats life... you sweat out a lot in the love before you get good results, you sleep so late at night to study chemical equations but it always pay off... sige lang kaya ko to... i'll be a chemist after 2 and a half years... thats a long way to go... kaya na....

With God All things are possible...
Michael Casas

i want to breath some fresh air...---> reflections on college life

2007-09-06T03:48:00.000-07:00

i never thought that the level of stress would come this high...

i never thought that it would engulf the remaining positive energies in my mind, body and soul...

i never thought that college life would be this harsh...

i never thought that it would happen this way...

but i never thought of giving up as well...

but i think i still can

i can...

even though my back is aching... i still can

even though my eye bags are growing... i still can...

can i?

will i?

i am only me...

should i ever go on? or give up...

but i believe that i have gone this far, because i always thought from the very start that i can...

and i did...

i passed harsh people and situations before...

why not now...

i know i can...

i know...

somehow, i will go somewhere...

someday somehow i will be somewhere...

i will move mountains...

i will

i CAN!!!

Praise God!!!
Michael Casas

hahaha... the first AdDACS chemistry challenge

2007-09-06T03:39:00.000-07:00

the chemistry club of addu headed by me... hehehe deld its first chemistry quiz show. i thought at first that it would be neglected that it would not have any participants at all but i'm very happy to say that the participants overflowed in our testing room... hahaha... i was very happy that day... i mean pumatok ang quiz show namin... hehehe... anyways the stress is not yet done because yesterday was just the elimination day of the cham challenge. tomorrow would be the moving lab exam... pero atleast it is not so stressful na rin in a way because the chem department and my members especuially kuya carl and kuya jeeve kave been helping me out. hay salamat thursday na... hehehe...=D

19 days to go before my birthday.,.. hehehe =D

Praise God
Michael Casas

greater responsibilities...

2007-09-02T00:52:00.000-07:00

aside from becoming super busy in my academics, i am also as busy in my extracurricular activities... well, kapoy maging club president and member ng other clubs... pero it pays naman din kasi you get to meet many many people and have so many friends as well... ang sakit lang kay hutdon pud and time... well hutdon jud... satinuod lang i still have 3 exams next week-physics, calc and chem. pero well, i chose to relax here and do my blog para somehow macondition brain ko... pero sana ok lang exams... help me Lord... hay nako... sige lang... i can if i think that i can... hehehe...

tama BER na diay... hapit na pasko... =D

Praise God!!!
MIcahel Casas

nalingaw ko sa chem... hehehe...

2007-08-26T01:14:00.000-07:00

eversince i started my chemistry (anal chem) this year, i really felt stressed out and really tired, because of the many concepts, many experiments and tiring lab works. but well mas naapreciate ko na chem now... wala lang... it really is a hard course yet excieing din pala siya later... i mean mas exciting pa kasi its like the world would depend upon chemists in policy making (e.g. global warming themes), product development (pharmaceuticals, ets) and economic progress... hay nako pero marami pa akong kakaining bigas... sige lang kaya to!!!

anyways... God bless sa mag mga magtake og midtems...

Praise the Lord!!!
Michael Casas

the 7th best speaker of the 3rd Loyola Cup...

2007-08-09T03:42:00.000-07:00

debating is fun et ehausting, but i guess there is more of the reward than that of the detriments... just last sunday, august 5, 2007, the Ateneo debate community held the finals round of the 3rd loyola cup. actually i was hpeless if i would be able to break even into the semi finals, but i keep up with a positive attitude towards it...

anyways so there goes the 5th round, and we ranked 2nd in it which means that our accumulated score is 7/12 points in the first five rounds... THEREFORE WE BROKE... BELLARMINE B ROCKS!!!

me with ate flora, my partner... hahaha

i think we actuall rock, i go for the first speaker then she is the second speaker... i lay down the case and its foundation and she gives further substantiation... what a team... anways... so in the semis we were first... Gosh... we made it .... hahaha imagine swiping the other best speakers... hehehe.... but of course we remained humble... we just can't believe the fact that we qualify for the finals round... hahaha...=D... but in the finals round we only were 4th... anways its okay at least we have proven that we are among the top 4 teams of the ateneo debate cmmunity neophtes...

moreover... i won the 7th best speaker award... nice one...=D... it was a surprise and a rewally great thing to end the debate with... =D

PRaise God

Michael Casas

The Spiritual Exercises

2007-08-02T03:40:00.000-07:00

The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola are a month-long program of meditations, prayers, considerations, and contemplative practices that help Catholic faith become more fully alive in the everyday life of contemporary people. It is set out in a brief manual or handbook: sparse, taciturn, and practical. It presents a formulation of Ignatius' spirituality in a series of prayer exercises, thought experiments, and examinations of consciousness—designed to help a retreatant (usually with the aid of a spiritual director) to experience a deeper conversion into life with God in Christ, to allow our personal stories to be interpreted by being subsumed in a Story of God.
These Exercises are usually made in one of three different ways: first, extended over approximately thirty days in a silent retreat away from home, which was its original form; or second, as condensed into a weekend or an eight-day retreat based on Ignatian themes; or third, in the midst of daily life, while living at home, over a period of several months.
The Spiritual Exercises are divided into a series of four "weeks"—not literally seven 24-hour-day weeks, but "movements" or “stages”—with accompanying prayer, visualizations, reflections, and spiritual exercises for each week. These four movements include consideration of God's generosity and mercy and the complex reality of human sin; an imagining of the life and public ministry of Jesus, his proclamation of the gospel, his sayings and parables, his teachings and his miracles; and of Jesus' last days, his arrest and interrogation, whipping, public mockery, passion, crucifixion and death; and then, of Jesus’ Resurrection, his Ascension, and the pouring-forth of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, and Christ’s continued life in the world through the Spirit today and in the Messianic People called and missioned to his cause.
This cause is, at its root, the cause of freedom, a letting-go-free of persons who, up to this time, have lived in captivity, a captivity often completely taken for granted, sometimes no longer remembered to be captivity, and not able to be acknowledged as captivity— a “Redemption.” During the Spiritual Exercises, focused through the key meditations of the Second Week, with their demanding ascesis, we attempt to get out of God’s way in our hearts, deepen our sense of interior freedom from the hero-system of popular secular society, and allow God’s own impelling Spirit to lead us in taking action, out of this new freedom, which is authentically emancipatory for other men and women.
Usually retreatants will meet regularly in private with a spiritual director to discuss their experiences of prayer and reflection, and to receive guidance in praying with the Exercises, in thinking about what they are doing, and in the interpretation of what is happening to them.
In the Oregon Province there are a number of places that offer the Spiritual Exercises in Everyday Life (SEEL), in which someone can "make" the Exercises over the course of a eight or nine-month period. In a province-wide ministry co-sponsored by our universities, our secondary schools, our parishes, and our new spirituality centers, the SEEL Programs usually begin in the Fall. In addition, the text of the Spiritual Exercises is made available here, along with an on-line guide to the Exercises that can be used in daily life (“Daily Ways to Pray”).

From: http://www.nwjesuits.org/JesuitSpirituality/SpiritualExercises.html

Saint Ignatius...

2007-08-02T03:36:00.000-07:00

Early Life of St. Ignatius
Inigo de Loyola was born in 1491 in Azpeitia in the Basque province of Guipuzcoa in northern Spain. He was the youngest of thirteen children. At the age of sixteen years he was sent to serve as a page to Juan Velazquez, the treasurer of the kingdom of Castile. As a member of the Velazquez household, he was frequently at court and developed a taste for all it presented, especially the ladies. He was much addicted to gambling, very contentious, and not above engaging in swordplay on occasion. For a number of years he went about in the dress of a fighting man, wearing a coat of mail and breastplate, and carrying a sword and other sorts of arms.
Eventually he found himself at the age of 30 in May of 1521 as an officer defending the fortress of the town of Pamplona against the French, who claimed the territory as their own against Spain. The Spaniards were terribly outnumbered and the commander of the Spanish forces wanted to surrender, but Ignatius convinced him to fight on for the honor of Spain, if not for victory. During the battle a cannon ball struck Ignatius, wounding one leg and breaking the other. Because they admired his courage, the French soldiers carried him back to recuperate at his home, the castle of Loyola, rather than to prison.
His leg was set but did not heal, so it was necessary to break it again and reset it, all without anesthesia. Although he was told to prepare for death, on the fest of Saints Peter and Paul (June 29) he took an unexpected turn for the better. The leg healed, but he was left with one leg shorter than the other. For the rest of his life he walked with a limp.
Conversion of St. Ignatius
During the long weeks of his recuperation, he was extremely bored and asked for some romance novels to pass the time. Luckily there were none in the castle of Loyola, but there was a copy of the life of Christ and a book on the saints. Desperate, Ignatius began to read them. The more he read, the more he considered the exploits of the saints worth imitating. However, at the same time, he continued to have daydreams of fame and glory, along with fantasies of winning the love of a certain noble lady of the court. The identity of this lady has never been discovered but she seems to have been of royal blood. He noticed, however, that after reading and thinking of the saints and Christ he was at peace and satisfied. Yet when he finished his long daydreams of his noble lady, he would feel restless and unsatisfied. Not only was this experience the beginning of his conversion, it was also the beginning of spiritual discernment, or discernment of spirits, which is associated with Ignatius and described in his Spiritual Exercises.
The Exercises recognize that not only the intellect but also the emotions and feelings can help us to come to a knowledge of the action of the Spirit in our lives. Eventually, completely converted from his old desires and plans of romance and worldly conquests, and recovered from his wounds enough to travel, he left the castle in March of 1522.
He had decided that he wanted to go to Jerusalem to live where our Lord had spent his life on earth. As a first step he began his journey to Barcelona. He first proceeded to the Benedictine shrine of Our Lady of Montserrat, made a general confession, and knelt all night in vigil before Our Lady's altar, following the rites of chivalry. He left his sword and knife at the altar, went out and gave away all his fine clothes to a poor man, and dressed himself in rough clothes with sandals and a staff.
The Experience of Manresa
He continued towards Barcelona but stopped along the river Cardoner at a town called Manresa. He stayed in a cave outside the town, intending to linger only a few days, but he remained for ten months. He spent hours each day in prayer and also worked in a hospice. It was while here that the ideas for what are now known as the Spiritual Exercises began to take shape. It was also on the banks of this river that he had a vision which is regarded as the most significant in his life. The vision was more of an enlightenment, about which he later said that he learned more on that one occasion that he did in the rest of his life. Ignatius never revealed exactly what the vision was, but it seems to have been an encounter with God as He really is so that all creation was seen in a new light and acquired a new meaning and relevance, and experience that enabled Ignatius to find God in all things. This grace, finding God in all things, is one of the central characteristics of Jesuit spirituality. Ignatius himself never wrote in the rules of the Jesuits that there should be any fixed time for prayer. Actually, by finding God in all things, all times are times of prayer. He did not, of course, exclude formal prayer, but he differed from other founders regarding the imposition of definite times or duration of prayer. One of the reasons some opposed the formation of the Society of Jesus was that Ignatius proposed doing away with the chanting of the Divine Office in choir. This was a radical departure from custom, because until this time, every religious order was held to the recitation of the office in common. For Ignatius, such recitation meant that the type of activity envisioned for the Society would be hindered.
He finally arrived at Barcelona, took a boat to Italy, and ended up in Rome where he met Pope Adrian VI and requested permission to make a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Once he arrived in the Holy Land he wanted to remain, but was told by the Franciscan superior who had authority over Catholics there that the situation was too dangerous. (At the time, the Turks were the rulers of the Holy Land.) The superior ordered Ignatius to leave. He refused, but when threatened with excommunication, he obediently departed.
The Return to School
By now he was 33 years old and determined to study for the priesthood. However, he was ignorant of Latin, a necessary preliminary to university studies in those days. So he started back to school studying Latin grammar with young boys in a school in Barcelona. After two years he moved on to the University of Alcala. There his zeal got him in trouble, a problem that continued throughout his life. He would gather students and adults to explain the Gospels to them and teach them how to pray. His efforts attracted the attention of the Inquisition and he was thrown into jail for 42 days. When he was released he was told to avoid teaching others. (In the eyes of Inquisitors, anyone who was teaching and was not ordained was suspect.)
Because he could not live without helping souls, Ignatius moved on to the University of Salamanca. There, within two weeks, the Dominicans had thrown him back into prison again. Though they could find no heresy in what he taught, he was told that he could only teach children and then only simple religious truths. Once more he took to the road, this time for Paris.
At the University of Paris he began school again, studying Latin grammar and literature, philosophy, and theology. It was also in Paris that he began sharing a room with Francis Xavier and Peter Faber. He greatly influenced a few other fellow students directing them all at one time or another in what we now call the Spiritual Exercises. Eventually six of them plus Ignatius decided to take vows of chastity and poverty and to go to the Holy Land. If going to the Holy Land became impossible, they would go to Rome and place themselves at the disposal of the Pope for whatever he would want them to do. They did not think of doing this as a religious order or congregation, but as individual priests. For a year they waited, however no ship was able to take them to the Holy Land because of the conflict between the Christians and Muslims. It was during this time of waiting that Ignatius was ordained a priest, but he did not say Mass for another year. It is thought that he wanted to say his first Mass in Jerusalem in the land where Jesus himself had lived.
The Company of Jesus
Ignatius, along with two of his companions, Peter Faber and James Lainez, decided to go to Rome and place themselves at the disposal of the Pope. It was a few miles outside of the city that Ignatius had the second most significant of his mystical experiences. At a chapel at La Storta where they had stopped to pray, God the Father told Ignatius, "I will be favorable to you in Rome" and that he would place him (Ignatius) with His Son. Ignatius did not know what this experience meant, for it could mean persecution as well as success since Jesus experienced both.
When they met with the Pope, he very happily put them to work teaching scripture and theology and preaching. It was here on Christmas morning, 1538, that Ignatius celebrated his first Mass at the church of St. Mary Major in the Chapel of the Manger. It was thought this chapel had the actual manger of Bethlehem, so, if Ignatius was not going to be able to say his first Mass at Jesus' birthplace in the Holy Land, then this would be the best substitute.
During the Lent of 1539, Ignatius asked all of his companions to come to Rome to discuss their future. They had never thought of founding a religious order, but now that going to Jerusalem was out, they had to think about their future--whether they would spend it together. After many weeks of prayer and discussion, they decided to form a community, with the Pope's approval, in which they would vow obedience to a superior general who would hold office for life. They would place themselves at the disposal of the Holy Father to travel wherever he should wish to send them for whatever duties. A vow to this effect was added to the ordinary vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. Formal approval of this new order was given by Pope Paul III the following year on September 27, 1540. Since they had referred to themselves as the Company of Jesus (in Latin Societas Jesu), in English their order became known as the Society of Jesus. Ignatius was elected on the first ballot of the group to be the superior, but he begged them to reconsider, pray and vote again a few days later. The second ballot came out as the first, unanimous for Ignatius, except for his own vote. He was still reluctant to accept, but his Franciscan confessor told him it was God's will, so he acquiesced. On the Friday of Easter week, April 22, 1541, at the Church of St. Paul Outside-the-Walls, the friends pronounced their vows in the newly formed Order.
The Years As Superior General
Ignatius, whose love it was to be actively involved in teaching catechism to children, directing adults in the Spiritual Exercises, and working among the poor and in hospitals, would for the most part sacrifice this love for the next fifteen years. From his election as superior general until his death he would work out of two small rooms, his bedroom and next to it his office, directing this new society throughout the world. He would spend years composing the Constitutions of the Society and would write thousands of letters to all corners of the globe to his fellow Jesuits dealing with the affairs of the Society and to lay men and women directing them in the spiritual life. From his tiny quarters in Rome he would live to see in his lifetime the Society of Jesus grow from eight to a thousand members. The Jesuits would found colleges and houses all over Europe and as far away as Brazil and Japan. Some of the original companions were to become the Pope's theologians at the Council of Trent, an event which played an important role in the Catholic Counter Reformation.
The Jesuits and SchoolsPerhaps the work of the Society of Jesus begun by Ignatius that is best known is that of education. It is interesting that he had no intention of including teaching among the Jesuits' works at the beginning. As already mentioned, the purpose of the first members was to be at the disposal of the Pope to go where they would be most needed. Before 1548 Ignatius had opened schools in Italy, Portugal, the Netherlands, Spain, Germany, and India. These schools, however, were intended primarily for the education of the new young Jesuit recruits. Ten such colleges built within six years indicated the rapid growth of the Jesuits. But in 1548 at the request of the magistrates of Messina in Sicily, Ignatius sent five men to open a school for lay as well as Jesuit students. It soon became clear by requests from rulers, bishops and cities for schools that this work was truly one of the most effective ways to correct ignorance and corruption among the clergy and the faithful, to stem the decline of the Church in the face of the Reformation, and to fulfill the motto of the Society of Jesus, "Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam,"--to the greater glory of God.
This was clearly in keeping with one of Ignatius' first principles in choosing apostolates: all other things being equal, choose those apostolates that will influence those who have the most influence on others. Maybe the best expression of this idea was in a letter he wrote about the founding of colleges in December of 1551:
From among those who are now merely students, in time some will depart to play diverse roles--one to preach and carry on the care of souls, another to government of the land and the administration of justice, and others to other callings. Finally, since young boys become grown men, their good education in life and doctrine will be beneficial to many others, with the fruit expanding more widely every day. From then on, Ignatius helped to establish Jesuit schools and universities all over Europe and the world.
Ignatius the PersonIt is probably true that the picture of Ignatius that most people have is that of a soldier: stern, iron-willed, practical, showing little emotion -- not a very attractive or warm personality. Yet if this picture is exact, it is hard to see how he could have had such a strong influence on those who knew him. Luis Goncalves de Camara, one of his closest associates wrote,
He (Ignatius) was always rather inclined toward love; moreover, he seemed all love, and because of that he was universally loved by all. There was no one in the Society who did not have much great love for him and did not consider himself much loved by him.
We regard a number of saints as great mystics but never think of Ignatius as one of them. We have recounted a few of the many visions and mystical experiences in his life. His holiness, however, did not consist in such, but in the great love that directed his life to do everything A.M.D.G., for the greater glory of God.
Last IllnessEver since his student days in Paris, Ignatius had suffered from stomach ailments and they became increasingly troublesome in Rome. In the summer of 1556 his health grew worse, but his physician thought he would survive this summer as he had done others. Ignatius, however, thought that the end was near. On the afternoon of July 30th he asked Polanco, his secretary, to go and get the Pope's blessing for him, suggesting by this to Polanco that he was dying. Polanco, however, trusted the physician more than Ignatius and told him he had a lot of letters to write and mail that day. He would go for the Pope's blessing the next day. Shortly after midnight Ignatius took a turn for the worse. Polanco rushed off to the Vatican to get the papal blessing, but it was too late. The former worldly courtier and soldier who had turned his gaze to another court and a different type of battle had rendered his soul into the hands of God. Ignatius was beatified on July 27, 1609 and canonized by Pope Gregory XV on March 12, 1622 together with St. Francis Xavier. Ignatius' feast day is celebrated by the universal Church and the Jesuits on July 31, the day he died.

--->From: http://www.luc.edu/jesuit/ignatius.bio.html

miracles happen

2007-08-02T02:56:00.000-07:00

today, at this very time... i feel so exhausted as in grabe...

bakit kapoy maging college student?

1. we are trained for real life...
2. professors have to do their work...
3. we don't have much time to do so much work
4. we are limited as persons...
5. it is nherent to be like it... kapopy talaga...

lets face it... and i will face it too that all these things are true... pero i'm still thankful, because even though life is tough, God places some secret doors to escape... doors to survive... MIRACLES...

i really love this word... i mean it is a big gift to us humans from God...

there can be miracles when you believe... =D

but miracles don't happen unless we do our share too...=D

Praise The Lord!
Michael Casas

MIdterm rush

2007-08-02T02:14:00.000-07:00

prelim has passed and midterm is at hand... well my friends what do you expect? an easier load? of course not!!! hay nako... grabe... anal chem palang pamatay na... not to mention calculus... anyways... though ok ang grades ko, but the coming grading period means another set of stress!!! hay nako sana maka graduate na ako para work na then money na... hahay that would be two years from now pa no... anyways... God is still Good... because he plans out events in favor of his people... Amen...

Praise The Lord
Michael Casas

=D a striking message =D

2007-07-24T02:33:00.000-07:00

=DLive Life to the Fullest... =D

but at the end of the day it is still a striking cliche.

A Battle with time

2007-07-24T02:22:00.001-07:00

we usually hear the cliche that time is gold. but do ou get to appreciate time if you have it as a luxury?

lately, since i made myself super busy with extracurricular activities, i felt time all the more. i mean in the past years i wasn't too busy and i don't have so much to do except with my academics so, i slack, waste my time and all those things. but now i appreciate 15 minutes of nap, 5-6 hours of sleep, 1 hour study time for major exams etc etc.

but of course i see how problematic it would be if you make time an enemy... so i just tried to master it so that i may make even a minute very productive.

help me Lord in this battle... i pray that i may win... Amen

Praise The Lord!!!
Michael Casas

Debate---> The 3rd Loyola Cup of the Ateneo Debate Community

2007-07-24T02:07:00.000-07:00

"this house believes that..." this phrase continues to rule over my system up to this very moment. why? simply because i am into debating.

debating they say is the art of persuasion, but i say it is the art of becoming sophisticated. why? because when you debate ou are challenged to become the most sophsticated debater in the house.

anyways, last sunday (july 22, 2007), the 3rd Loyola Cup was held in ADDU. of course i joined because i am a newbie of the club and in a way it was a requirement to see how far we have learned about the prnciples of debating. i am belong to bellarmine block specifically bellarmine b. i am paired with ate flora.

anyways, the event was generally fun in a sense that sacrificed one whole day of studying calculus and physics just to join the one whole day debate tournament. so joined the debate.

there were four rounds in the debate and generally it was fun. we won first place in the first debate, but we became fourth in the next two rounds while the fourth round was a slent round so the results were not given to us.

well, i love debating na. i mean it is mind stimulating and sometimes you get to bluff yourself ands the members of the house just to make the case work for you and you get to use thoser sophisticated words and all.

basta wala akong masabi...

Praise The Lord!!!
Michael Casas

Life Life and more about real life.

2007-07-12T03:43:00.000-07:00

each day passes with a new opportunity. each day brings new possibilities. sometimes it is what you expect and hope for, but sometimes they do not. for the past weeks of my second year life, i learned a lot of thing, but not all things about myself and about life as a whole. well after some time, i got these few reflections:

LIFE:

1. life is a mirror. what you get/see is who you are.
2. life is a roller coaster. it brings thrill and anxiety to the people riding in it all in one ride.
3. life is a library. it is full of wonders and secrets.

ME:
1. i am a chemical specie. i was once pure but now nearly impure.
2. i am a meter stick. i am limited.
3. i am just me, because i am unique.

Michael Casas
Praise God!!!

EMO mode...=D

2007-07-12T03:33:00.000-07:00

There are places I remember all my life,Though some have changedSome forever, not for betterSome have gone and some remain.All these places have their momentsOf lovers and friends I still can recallSome are dead and some are livingIn my life I loved them all.And with all these friends and loversThere is no one compares with youAnd these mem'ries lose their meaningWhen I think of love as something newAnd I know I'll never lose affectionFor people and things that went beforeI know I'll often stop and think about them.In my life I loved you more.And I know I'll never lose affectionFor people and things that went beforeI know I'll often stop and think about them.In my life I loved you moreIn my life I loved you more

Break away by kelly Clarkson---> lingaw.

2007-07-12T03:12:00.000-07:00

[Intro:][×2]Da da da'd da daDa da da'd da daDa da da'd da da da da[Verse 1:]
]Grew up in a small town
And when the rain would fall down
I'd just stare out my window
Dreamin' of what could be
And if I'd end up happy I would pray
Trying hard to reach out
But when I tried to speak out
Felt like no one could hear me
Wanted to belong here
But something felt so wrong here
So I prayed I could breakaway [chorus]
I'll spread my wings and I'll learn how to fly
I'll do what it takes till I touch the sky
And I'll make a wish, take a chance, make a change
And breakaway Out of the darkness and into the sun
But I won't forget all the ones that I love
I'll take a risk, take a chance, make a change
And breakaway
Da da da'd da daDa da da'd da daDa da da'd da da da da

[Verse 2:]
Wanna feel the warm breeze
Sleep under a palm tree
Feel the rush of the ocean
Get on board a fast train
Travel on a jetplane, far away
And breakaway [chorus]
I'll spread my wings and I'll learn how to fly
I'll do what it takes till I touch the sky
And I'll make a wish, take a chance, make a change
And breakaway
Out of the darkness and into the sun
I won't forget all the ones that I love
I gotta take a risk, take a chance, make a change
And breakaway

[Bridge:]
Buildings with a hundred floors
Swinging round revolving doors
Maybe I don't know where they'll take me
But, gotta keep moving on, moving on Fly away, breakaway [chorus 2]
I'll spread my wings and I'll learn how to fly
Though it's not easy to tell you goodbye, gotta
Take a risk, take a chance, make a change
And breakaway
Out of the darkness and into the sun
But I won't forget the place I come from
I gotta take a risk, take a chance, make a change
And breakaway
BreakawayBreakaway...

BREAKAWAY from all the evils of this world... BREAKAWAY

Making Stress A Friend---> Sarcastic gamay...hehehe

2007-07-03T02:52:00.000-07:00

im feeling the reality.
i now experience the truth.

life is not as familiar as one two three...
it actually is as complicated as a boulder that we don't want to see.

life is a bit painful
stressful and full of all those "fulls"

it is a bit challenging
this changed everything

life is challenging
it makes me feel excited and even more excited.

it makes me go through...
i love it.

hahaha. just forget about those lines above. iam just stressed with the experiment that we just had in analytical chemistry. well indeed life is super dooper kapoy. and i think we all would agree to that. but beyond the stress is the challenge to manage time and make the stress work for me. well besides my academics na medyo nagiging mas mahirap na as the days go along, i have increasing responsibilitiwes in the clubs as well which doubles thestress(or perhaps raises the stress to the power of 4).

but let us accept this fact, it is part of life.

for the past three or four weeks of my second year first sem defined how life in college goes on. but it gave me the chance to know my limits and my strengths as well. KAYA KO PALA!? i would often tell myself even though sometinmes i do something half well but i still manage to 'recognize' my personal efforts.

though stress gave me bache aches, headaches, heartaches and all iother sorts of aches, i would still like to conclude my blog by saying that YOUR WORST ENEMY IS YOUR BEST FRIEND!!!
hahaha. sounds optimistic right? compared to the statement YOUR BEST FRIEND IS YOUR BEST ENEMY. =D. well stress like in industrial processes refines, redefines, reforms and strengthens any raw materials... well thast is all that i can say... basta stress is working in my favor... hahaha. i am just keeping a positive paradigm...

you will when you believe... there can be miracles... when you believe... hahaha...

With God All things are possible...=D

Michael Casas
Praise The Lord

bigger responsibilities

2007-06-26T04:04:00.000-07:00

becoming a second year student exposed me to greater responsibilites. first and foremost, i am now an active member in clubs.

Clubs as of today:
1. Ateneo debate community
2. Subdom 7 Choir
3. NS and math Core group (Publications Committee)
4. Ateneo de Davao Association of Chemistry Students (Club President)---> actually nabigla ako about this and quite reluctant in accepting the responsibility but i think i have to do this yata... for some great reason...=D

not to mention the very essence of university life---> ACADEMICS. hay nalang...

WITH GOD ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE.

May God Do Great Things For others Through me. AMEN
Michael Casas

GRABE!!! Mao na jud ni...

2007-06-21T03:03:00.000-07:00

this past few weeks, i felt that college life is really fun!!! but lets accept the premise that there are stresses, pressures and challenges along the way. never the less after after each day i still would conclude that, learning should is fun.

well, we had our first LOOOONG and tiring session in Ana. Chem--- qualitative analysis of cations. it is super kapoy as in... standing for three hours in the laboratory, finding out if a certain anion is present then maglinis pa and all that... whew... BUT!!! its fun for me in the sense that i hasve a competent teacher na grabe.... idol tika maam aranas... i think i am in good hans in chem... then the fact that you witness chemical reactions and conduct chemical operations is already fun in itself... so what can i say...this fun does not only apply in my chem lab class but also in my other classes as well.

second, i finally joined clubs and organizations. first, the Subdominant 7 (Ateneo Choir), the natural science and mathematics division family, ateneo debate community, ateneo de davao association of chemistry students, the GKK youth Org in our place and more organizations to go. the catch and challenge in here is for me to manage my time so well. well, i think it wuld be a very hard task, but i thin k i will make it. then, more than joining in these organizations, i also aim to develop my other talents and gain many many many friends. =D

third, i think i am just getting mature these days. somehow i observe myself to be more prudent and patient now... i thank God for these...

and lastly, nakakataba ng puso na while i am passing through the corridors of the school, my AFYOP students from S1 and N3 would approach ma and say "hello kuya, kumusta na?" nakakataba ng puso and inspiring na soimehow naremember ka ng mga taong iyon...hehehe... miss you guys...=D

all these things are part of the journey called life. and i say that college life is fun. mao na jud ni... GRABE!!!... =D.

Thank God...
Praise God
Michael Casas

I Accept the challenge!!!

2007-06-14T19:43:00.000-07:00

the first week of classes in ADDU went quite well, but personally, i am feeling this strange thing na ewan ko kung ano ang reason. could it be the subjects? (College Physics lec/Lab, Analytical Chemistry lec/lab, elementary analysis 2, elementary statistics+ other minor subjects) could it be my teachers? or could it be me? i just can't explain the stange feeling that i have but i think time will help me figure out.

i think i am just so overwhelmed by the bulk of subjects that i am taking for this semester. pagsabayin ba naman ang dalawang physics, dalawang chem at dalawang math... oh come on... it really is a challenge on my part but it should not remain a challenge!!!

last night, i thought about this:
mountain climbing is tiresome but in the process you get to be aquainted with the beauty of nature with the flora and fauna that you encounter. scuba diving is also stressful, but sooner or later, you get to realize that it is relaxing because of the cold water where you flat and swim.
similarly academics is a realm full of pressures, but along the way you learn though sometimes you fall but you stand up, you gain new friends, and hopoefully you become an expert in your chosen field.

anyways, pressures, challenges, terror teachers, over loaded schedule and other stressors are inevitable in a university life. but hopefully i could cope up. I THEREFORE TAKE THE CHALLENGE. i will face this semester and the semesters to come with PMA (Positive mental attitude), competence, hardwork and diligence, prayerfulness and complete surrender to the will of the Lord. AMEN...

Praise The Lord!!!
Michael Casas

AFYOP Party

2007-06-03T18:26:00.000-07:00

June 2, 2007 (Saturday 7:00 pm)

After two batches of first year students na gi-orient namin sa mga school rules and regulatiuons, Sir Rikki announced na may party daw para sa mga AFYOP facilitators... well it was exciting kasi you know party na gud na diba... (hehehe=D)... pero dapat may talent show ang bawat batch as in sayaw, kanta or skit...

so siyempre magpapatalo ba ang mga sophomores na AFYOP? hehehe=D

so nag practice kami it was a practice full of fun and laughter... makabuang jud ming tanan... besides the fact na corny yata ming tanan sa Sophomores group, game na game pud mi na magsayaw magkanta and do all the stunts...

siyempre nagsayaw pud ko, nag ballet (kuno) and kanta kanta... well our poresentation was fun and guess what kami ang nanalo sa presentation... lingaw man gud ang flow... and katawanan jud siya...=D

of course dinner was served, lingaw lingaw and nag chat chat kami while eating. then Nina sang songs to us... mga love moves in mysterious ways, through the fire, foolish heart etc... then nag karaoke singing din kami... hahaha... nayabag gud ko... hahaha.... =D

tapos nag disco and picture picture pud... and the nice thing about the party was the bonding na naform within us... as in lingaw gud... new friends and all...=D

then at the last part of the program, sir Rikki gave us a memorable souvenir... the AFYOP '07 picture... char... i was so touched and thankful... lingaw jud ang experience... sabi ni sir "hindi daw kami kayang bayaran ng pera"... but for me the experince itself was the compensation and the fulfillment of our task... thanks sir, thanks AFYOP fellows and most especially, thank you God!!!=D

Michael Casas
Praise God

At Last...=D

2007-06-03T18:02:00.000-07:00

AT LAST summer is over... the idle days are now gone and here comes the fully packed semester. but i still have one more week to have fun and enjoy... hahaha... atleast i could reward myself after the stressful and hectic summer that transpired.

AT LAST STUDY NA PUD OG TODO... BUT it is VERY okay...=D...
According to Sir Rikki... "learning should be fun," and i agree with him, because based on experience i learn more when i enjoy as i learn. well that is a great paradigm to start with for this new shcool year...

AT LAST ENrollment na pala ngayon... so, pila na naman... well well well its part of the university life...

AT LAST BS CHEMISTRY NA COURSE KO... wala lang... i love chemicals... and hopefully mag bonding kami for four years... hehehe=D

AT LAST SECOND YEAR NA AKO>>> i'm getting older na... shuks... sige lang its part of life...=D

AFYOP Facilitator... (Ateneo First Year Orientation Program)

2007-05-26T00:20:00.000-07:00

When i was informed that i am one of the chosen ones for trhe AFYOP facilitation, then i really felt excited... i thought of becoming an amature teacher ... hehehe... but it is not quite easy just like what i expected.

first and foremost, let me quote "With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility"

and it applies... i mean it is the nature of becoming an AFYOP facilitator...
first you have tyo make visual aids...
second, you must be eloquent and confident in delivering the script and all that
third, you must be jolly to make your subjects and everyone comfortable
and finally you must dance...
=D

these were all unexpected things, but really i think that they would all be stressful on my part, but fulfilling at the same time...

imagine....
becoming the first "teachers" of the first year students
then becoming a full grown dancer and teracher
and breaking the antisocial attitude...
also, gaining new friends...

LET ME STRESS...

KAPOY pero LINGAW...

madasmi din pala siyang benefits...
hehehe.... whatever you call it... kahit paano mo pa iyan i describe...

IT IS AN EXPERIENCE WORTH EXPERIENCING...

God bless sa lahat ng AFYOP and to me also...=D

Praise The Lord!!!

KPKK---> Kapunongan sa mga Pangulo sa Kadautan sa Kalibutan; by Melchor Morante

2007-05-16T23:38:00.000-07:00

another entry. yesterday was one of the most memorable day of my life, because i was able to overcome my stage freight and all that stuff... because i played one of the lead roles of the musical play in our Literature class entitled KPKK---> Kapunongan sa mga Pangulo sa Kadautan sa Kalibutan; by Melchor Morante

i palyed the role of Kabangis, the evil and so barbaric leader of KPKK... well it was a challenge on my part, because, i am not an innate bad and wild person and to think, i have to shout out my lungs so that i could play the role very well. so i have to do it....

i memoriezed the lines naman eh... but the problem was about my voice... i had a cough in the past week, pero wala na ngayon, and i might not deliver my lines so well... so i was not in my right self... and i thought na hindi ko talaga makaya... so nagpray nalang ako...

then on the night of performance, okay naman ako pero what was stressful was the setting up of the stage... the previous group did not really arrange the stage, they were so negligent. makalagot as in... i thought that installing the backdrop, the props and all would be a breeze, but, sup[er kapoy... imagine, nagkarga ko og mga kahoy, bangko, sako na bug-at and to think, i should relax and condition myself for the upcoming drama, pero hindi... I WAS STRESSED... so, i used that stress to internalize my role and be more barbaric on stage... so what i did? i shouted my lines as if i would be killing my co actors on stage (joke) and stun the audience at the same time. and i did not expect my voice to actually cooperate. hahaha... and the somehow makakunsensiya na part is nung pinasakitan ko si Gugma, played by my classmate Johanna de Castro. as in naawa ako sa kanya kasi parang napasobrahan ko yung pagpapasakit sa kanya pero i think medyo okay naman kasi all throughout the paly, the audience reacted positively on our play. its as if kasali silang lahat sa amin. so, naghiyawan, nagulat and pumalakpak sila... may iba ngang teary eyed na eh... hehehehe. it was like another victory =D... thank God jud...

so there it was, we had our play... so somehow i was relieved, kasi tapos na ang lahat... =D... many good comments and praises were given to the grtoup and of course masaya ako... thank God jud kaayo kay at least nakuhaan na ko ug usa ka tunok... =D

Amen...
Michael Casas

that's it

2007-05-10T18:48:00.000-07:00

so tapos na ang free internet access ko sa library...

asta lavista na sa aking blog...

i'll update later na naman... some time soon...

Praise God!!!
Michael Casas

Bigger responsibility

2007-05-10T18:41:00.000-07:00

my second year in college allows me to acces greater horizons in life. that is why... i believe that i have a greater responsibility to:

engage in as many activities as i can

but the challenge her is:

to keep a balanced and weel managed time.

and

a healthy spiritual and social and family life.

and most importantly...

NOT TO OVERWORK MY---BODY---MIND---SPIRIT---HEART

hahaha... with God all things are possible

Praise GOD!!!
Michael Casas

DISEDERATA---> resemblance of life

2007-05-10T18:35:00.000-07:00

Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant, they, too, have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons. They are vexations of the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about; for in the face of all aridity and enchantment, it is perennial as grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars, you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace with your soul. With all its sham and drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy.

This masterpiece has touched me because ryuly it resembles life and to some extent nagpapatama din siya sa akin at sa mga OFFENDERS ko.

in a way, this article is a good reminder that life is someting that should be cautious about, because of the possible treachery of the people whom you consider "FRIENDS."

moreover, this piece challenges me and all of us to live life according to what GOD has meant it to be. and that decision is all in our hands...

MAY GOD BLESS ME AND THE PEOPLE WHOSE HEARTS ARE CLEAN FROM EVIL PLANS AND DESIES FOR OTHERS... AMEN

Praise God

Michael Casas

Free internet

2007-05-10T18:31:00.000-07:00

inaabuso ko ang free internet access ko dito sa library. kaysa mag expire ito by the end of summer classes, buti pang ubusin ko na ito... hahahah...

buti nalang medyo maka save ko gamay...

Priase God!!!

Elections

2007-05-10T18:26:00.000-07:00

Vote wisely my friends... think of our future okay... though di pa ako makavote... the country counts on you...

DAHIL MAY BOSES ANG ISA MONG BOTO...=D

Praise God
Michael Casas

Summer---> makes me high...

2007-05-10T18:11:00.000-07:00

hahaha... from the very start, i felt that summer classes would be stressful. and guess what i am right... though dalawa lang ang subjects na nakuha ko ngayon, kapoy parin kasi i was used to the comfortable and relaxed mode that i used to have in the past years. and tell you after summer classes may writer's workshop pa, may AFYOP workshop pa, may choir practices pa, hay ambot.

but the stress pays off well naman din for me. i get quite decent grades, gained new friends, had some fun and nice kasi the teachers were going the next level so i was mentally challenged along the way. never the less ok lang pero STRESSFUL jud siya... sundays lang ang day off ko so wala talagang pahinga...

and tama may musical play pa jud kami... hahay... i got one of the lead roles so kailangasn ko na namang mag memorize, back drops pa and all the stage design...

grabe...

GRABE---> that's all i can say.

pero i think this is a nice training ground para i can condition myself on the realities in life...
that life is STRESSFUL yet FULFILLING
that life is HARD yet REFRESHING
that life is NOT A SPOON FEEDING REALM but A REALM OF HARDWORK...

and speaking of hardwork... medyo naging part na siya ng system ko and maybe on the next level na rin siya. hehehe... GRABE ANG TRAINING NG ADDU...

and itsa something i am thankful for...

THANBK YOU LORD FOR PUTTING ME IN THIS PLACE...=D

Praise the Lord!!!

MIchael Casas

new evens: victories and tragedies

2007-04-12T22:55:00.000-07:00

the past 2 weeks brought blessings and trials to me. everything was very super fast. and bilis tumakbo ng oras...

Monday: April 2, 2007

well, this day was not stressful, no problem at all, everything went normally. so, i just prepared myself, my money and other stuffsa for the enrollment tomorrow... though it would be another battle, i have no choice but to have summer classes so that i would be a regular student pag second year na ako.

Tuesday: April 3, 2007
Enrollment

KAPOY!!!! it was so tiring... kapoy!!! enrollment was literraly challenging my patience and strength. especially that i applied to chnge my course, i had to go to more offices and that means falling in a line of NUMEROUS students. i was able to finally shift to BS chem from chem eng. it was so sad, because my prof/terachers in engineering division were sad about it. well, it was really not my fault, it was because of DOST's endorsement for me to shift. well, i think, i can do nothing about it... i'll just have to go on with life, bringing the name of my new division, the natural science and mathematics divison with a new course-BS CHEMISTRY.

but, i was not yet able to enroll myself, because of the pilllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllla of people all over ther campus.

Wednesday:April 4, 2007
Enrollment part 2

then i went back to addu to enlist the three subjects that i have missed in the bs chem curriculum- lit 1, hist 111 and theo 12. ok, at least i am assured of these subjects and next tuesday, i'll be starting to redo my craft- studying...=D

but it was really not thart easy to finally enroll myself. i first went to NS division to get my white form, then to the finance office for the payment. and it was in the finance office that really really tested my patience. then after some hours, i mean wasted hours, i was finally enrlled but i still have to validate my ID. but, i decided to go home fi9rst to take my lunch, because it was almost 12 noon already.

in the afternoon ID validation time... but on my way to the mini auditorium, i saw students read the issue of the FYEYE, the first year publicarion of ADDu. i was intrigued, so i went to the samahan office and had my own copy of te issue. then, i went to the mini aud for ID validation... and guess what it was a long liiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiine of people. super dooper dooper dooper dami ng tao. i have no choice, alangan mag-back out pa ako, baka magkapenalty ako sa OSA noh. so i was at the tail of the line but later on, more people were coming and the line was moving.

it was actually a boring time, but i remembered that i am holding a magazine during those times, so i read.... it was so inviting to read, because it concerns me and ther students- firsat year students in ADDU. anyways, i've read a number of articles already until i came across an article entitled "Take A bow- Getting to Know the Most Outstandign First Year Student." so i was somehow interested about it, because i was IT. as i was reading the article, it was inspiring and heart warming that the editorial board cared to feature me, my story and experiences in the magazine. well, it was really a blessing. and my picture was there which made me feel shy, because people who mght read the article would know me... ulaw daw... hehehe... and i read some more articles and finally, i got my ID validated. i shared the story to my parents and they were happier than i wasd when they heard the story.

Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun:April 5,6,7,8 2007
HOLY WEEK MOMENTS

during these days, i had some sort of personal chatting... journalling, reflection, meditation or whatever yu may call it.
and i learned to renew myself... the torn me... and be thankful for the new me... AMEN

Monday: April 9, 2007
Araw ng kagitingan

nothing special today... it was just that i prepared my things for tomorrow and conditioned myself for the upcoming battles fof the rest of my cololege life... Study na pud!!!=D

Tuesday: April 10, 2007

everything started today... i woke up with all smiles and optimism... finally i would take the subjects so that i would become a regular second year student next year. yehey...

so i went to school, with some sort of extraordinary positive energies within me... i first visited the chapel for some morning praises... than i went to the theology division to ask about the room for the theo 12 class... but before i asked about anything, a note was posrted on the door saying:

the 12 classes

7:40-9:10

DISSOLVED

my goodness.... i felt that it was the end of my life... IRREGULAR NA AKO THIS SECOND YEAR.... pagkanalang.......but no choice, they closed the subject because only 5 students enrolled for it... so i went to my other class... lit 1. well, there was a teacher and she is a Ph D. i felt secured that i would learn a lot from her, but nervous at the same time, because for sure, she would be having great expectations from us... and then and there we had our firs quiz, during the first day of classes. tignanmonganaman... i said it right, she had high expectations...so it was it. i went home firs because i had 4 hours bereak between the two subjects...

when i went back to school at a super early time, i met Jaques and ate Kai... at firs i did not see them, because of some light things and effects, but whern i saw them, i felt so happy, because i saw them,... then we chatted about things and all, but they have to leave kasi Jaques will still buy plane tickets for manila... good luck Jacques

then, it was time, i went to class, but there was no teacher. WHAT!? another ground for me to become an irregular student, then i had no choice but to leave and go home.

when i went home, i told mama everything and she said i-drop nalang nak kay sayang bayad sa isa ka subject... hay nalang... so i don't know what to do... i called up DOST davao, DOST bicutan and all but it was so frustrating, no one can answer my question... why will i shift? then mama made me t calm down... and i gathered my thoughts, but the tension and the fear that i might not graduate on time was still there... and hay nalang, GIKALIBANGA KO... but mama and papa and my siblings were there comforting me... and thank you for that CASAS family...=D

so, i had no choice, but to prepare for my Lit quiz part 2 tomorrow and all that and hope that the hist teacher would come...

to you Lord, i place my trust... you are my help, and to you i lift everything...amen

Wednesday: April 11, 2007

i was hoping for the best... so i went to chool prepared, we had a sort of introduction in class and all that... so it was so fun and all. then all of a sudden..."Get one half crosswise..." SHEEEETOOOOX!!! she did not discuss anything, but she gave a reading assignment and here it is again... Quiz number 2..... it is another quiz... so i had no choice but to give some educated guesses to some numbers and use some stored knowledge during my pisay days...

then i have to rush to Assuption, because it was the recognition day of my sister Camille... thank God, she is the second honors... and i am proud of her... =D... so i rode a route 10 jeepney and hoping that i could catch up... when i went down, i was just on time... the emcee already called the first honors and yehey i was thankful because i was really on time... TIMING jud!!! hehehe... then, i went up the stage... had pictures taken and there you have it,.. my sister was so happy and smiling with my presence...=D... then i met past teachers and said out hello and some stuffs in life... hahaha. i felt young again being in my rade school. hehehe=D. then we ate at kuya ed magallanes... their food were better and the ambiance was okay... but my stomach is not yet well, so after eating, we directly went home and i tooot... Success... hehehe... then i hurried tio school for my history class and finally our teacher was there... praise the Lord... and i was just amazed with her, because she's so fluent, composed and witty. grabe... mga issues ginaungkat iya to the smallest detail...=D...after the class, the secretary in the NS Division fetched me and we went to the division, for some documents... and that was my day...

hay salamat Lord... nakarecover somehow akong life... though the worry and the uncertainty of what might happen is still there, at least things were getting better this time=D...

thank you Lord for hearing my prayers and ansering them the best way they are now. Amen

Thursday: April 12, 2007

oh no... our teacher will be giving anotehr long test today... shatong na naman to. but befroe that she promised that we will be having a film viewing related o the lesson... so there it was... PANITIKAN... it was interesting, because it explicitly showed everything about Phil Lit. then when the film ended, she asked us.. "Class, are you prepared for a quiz tday?"... and alangan mapakaipokrito mi na 'yes maam' so we all said no... and thank God she did not have a quyiz, burt she promised a longer quiz tomorrow... then, i went home and prepared for my hist assignment... cramming? procrastinating? hehehe... then, i rad some chapters on precolonial accounts of the country... and it was ok... pero medyo boring ang history... then i went to school, and we had a lecture,..hehehe... i was somehow amazed to her way of teaching, because she did not make any of our classmates doze to sleep... her voice was powerful that we were all cnvinced to really listen well... then, it ended...

then, i felt like going to the chapel, but unconciously, my feet is leading me to the NS division once more... for what? then iu decided to stay idle for 5 minutes and appreciate the beauty of ADDU, though small, but POWERFUL!!! =D. anyways... i finally realized that i was supposed to drop theo12 because it was dissolved. so, i did. then i went to the office/room of the chairman for hewr signature... (The NS chairman is also a chem teacher)... so i gave my form to Dr. Lourdes Simpol and she signed it. i also asked... "Maam, di ko baya nakuha ang theo12, so irreg na ako maam noh!?" but, instead of saying the expected yes, she said:

"Michael, do not worry, i have contacted the program coordiantor fr Chem (Dr. Afalla) and we will make sure that yuregular and take the theo 12 next sem. pinrogram ka na namin... bast just remind him pag enrillment okay..."

oh my.......... it was more than what i have expected, actually, super dooper more than what i expected... =D. grabe si Lord, he is so Great that he made my seemingly hopeless situation have hope... thanks to NS division fr that...=D

the day ended...

thank you Lord for the extraordinary new hope and light that you have given me... please continue to be with me as i continue to do your will. amen.!!!!

Friday: April 13, 2007

happy na sana ang lahat, pero may pasok pa buhkas...

we had our Lit long test and thank God nakabawi na ako finally after my 2 previous quizzes na nakakaawa... and then, wala ang teacher namin sa history dahil sa meeting niya... so, i decided to go to the library and avail of the free internet service... hehehe.. that is why nakapagpost ako ngayon ng medyo mahaba habang blog entry... thanki GOD!!!

Praise the Lord For Everything

Michael Casas

General Cleaning

2007-03-23T23:22:00.000-07:00

after the very day of the exams, i am finally free to do whatever i want to do...

but before that... i cleaned my room...

as in kalat jud siya kaayo... but the cleaning was all worth it...

at least limpyo and refreshing na ang surroundings... hehehehe... thank God!!!

i am so happy na at least nawala na ang mga kalat sa akong buhay... hehehe...

praise the Lord!!!

Michael Casas

SUMMER NA!!!

2007-03-23T02:13:00.000-07:00

ano bang magandang gawin this summer besides having summer classes?

matulog nang matulog...

kain...

nood tv...

laag sa mall...

internet galore...

magsimba...

magsurvey og mga thesis... (Char)

mag adto sa beach...

mag update og blog...

magreflect...

magpaka-active sa church...

maghimo og program...

mag autocad...

mag read og books...

mag advance study? no way...

mag party with batchmates...kung meron...

magreunion sa fantastic 4...

mag afyop...

magdula og DotA...

mag muni muni...

mag chika chika...

magpakatao...

hay kadaghan pwede buhaton...

PRAISE GOD!!!
Michael Casas

blessings... of SY. 2006-2007

2007-03-23T01:13:00.000-07:00

my first year in ADDU has been a blessing for me. it has allowed me to discover new things within me, have new friends and regain what was stolen from me...

indeed, God works for the good of those who trust in Him.

this year,
i was enrolled and accepted in ADDU despite my late enrollment...
i had new friends in section 1-W...
i became the class secretary... and beadle...
i was given a hard hat... during the engineering and architecture day...
i became more active in school activities and happenings...
i joined a math contest... third place mi sa elimination round...
i had my job... an earned some amount...
i was able to help my mother and father with my job...
i helped my sister and brother i imprving their academis standing... by tutoring them...
i joined the students who were interviewed by the PAASCU team...
i was given the most outstanding student award despite all the odds and pressures...
i am one of the AFYOP(Ateneo First year orientation program facilitator) for this year...
i am closer to GOD...
i am free...
i feel blessed...
i am thankful for everythig...

indeed this year had been a blessing to me... hope its also a blessing for you too...

PRAISE GOD!!!
Michael Casas

the end

2007-03-23T00:51:00.000-07:00

finally... everythig was finished... im moving forward to second year... yehey!!!

but before that... i will be having my summer classes in history111, theo12 and lit1... hopefully they would be offered this summer... but its ok...

after the exam in english 13, diff cal, anal geom, and chem lec/lab... im finally FREEEEEE... hahaha makatulog na ju ko og maayo...=D...

yehey!!!

PRAISE GOD!!!
Michael Casas

almost there

2007-03-16T00:28:00.000-07:00

after some time, finally, nagdecide na ko na mag-update. the past week was so tiring... sleeping at 11 pm everyday, then may mga exams everyday, may dalawang thesis paper na ginawa, tapos...grrrrrrrrrrr. KAPOY!!! but somehow, a big bulk of the first year stress was over... exam week nalang and magsecond year na.,.. shucks... mag-summer pa man diay ko... but atleast... medyo makarest parin... life offers stressful events, but if we hold through... we will surely succeed.

i declare a fruitful... colorful and successful undergraduate, graduate and post graduate studies that i would hopefully be completing in the future... i CAN do it... with GOD... all thigs are possible...

Michael Casas

blogging

2007-02-24T02:29:00.000-08:00

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so, ito nalang ginawa ko.
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corny noh?!
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Good luck sa akong trabaho ugma....HAHAY...
..................WITH GOD ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE!!!

hectic

2007-02-24T02:16:00.000-08:00

whooooooooooo.......... grabe ang college life, after college days which was a relatively light week, tapos nagtambak ang mga exams and all... hay nako... stress is part of life na yata... sige lang i can do ti... we can do it...