More reminiscing

I know I should have done this earlier, but I finally came home to my former alma mater, Stella Maris.

Saw some of my former teachers. Among them are the current High School principal (who was then high school coordinator), former Filipino, Chemistry and Biology teachers, and my Grade 6 adviser, now the Grade School principal.

Who was I then? Mrs. Santos, my Grade 6 adviser told me that I stood up straight and was prim and proper. She indirectly referred me as the meek and silent one. I know that I was painfully shy then. Mrs. Ilagan, the current high school principal told me that I was a little slimmer back then. Ha! But they still remember my mom, who served as PTC/PTA president for so many years.

I wish I could tell them how I breezed through college, found my way to law school and struggled through the Bar Exams. But that involved a lot of drama. Plus, they were all very busy.

I love my alma mater. Problem is, I didn't have a lot of friends then. And the few friends I had in grade school "branched out". It was only in fourth year high school when I had a "barkada", and to them I am grateful, wherever they are. But I was always fond of my teachers, who are primarily the reason for my visit. Unfortunately, a lot of them have already retired. I will visit them again, maybe when I have work.

My Bible Sharing

Published in the June issue of the the OLCP newsletter.

Matthew 21:22 - Whatever you ask for in prayer with faith, you will receive.

I always believed in the power of prayer. But I did not realize how powerful it is until I prepared for the Bar Examinations last year.

One of the lecturers in my review school said that the preparation for the Bar Exams is an individual journey. And indeed it was. Unfortunately, it was also one of my most intense and saddest experiences that I had to go through.

It was not my first time to take the Bar. I could not get back my focus during the first months of preparation. I had to come up with a different battle plan. I revised my schedule for the subjects that I am supposed to review. I also realized that I have to include time for prayer. So that was my strategy, to study and pray. I allotted my Thursday mornings to go to the chapel of St. Jude, even if my time would be better utilized in studying. I also continued to serve in the Lector's Guild even though at that time, I already contemplated resigning my commission as lector. Most of all, I tried to stay positive.

Come, the four Sunday mornings of September, my family and I went to the OLCP Adoration Chapel before proceeding to the venue of the exam. Almost every exam question was accompanied with a prayer. And while waiting for the results, I was hopping from one church to another. This time, I let God take control of my future, whether as a lawyer or not.

On the night before the scheduled release of the results, I literally got all my novenas and prayer booklets and read them one by one. And I repeatedly prayed the rosary. I continued my prayers until a neighbor relayed to us that the exam results were already released. I passed.

I agree with what Fr. Ren said in our Bible Sharing with the Lector's Guild that prayers come hand in hand with work. But I also think that God answers prayers in His own time and there is a reason why my prayers were not answered previously. Now, I am just filled with gratitude with this gift that God has given me. It is all worth the wait.

Saks Fifth Havaianas

Very beachy!!! I'm not a blue person but I think these are still nice pairs.

Might buy one of these, but I'm using all my will power not to. Had a hard time picking one anyway. So there. =)

Havaianas Inventory and Comments

Inventory:
1. Rosa Branco - will retire this pair right now
2. Christmas Greetings White - why can't I sell this one? any takers?
3. Style Pink/Light Blue - I will probably give this one to somebody who needs it.
4. MYOH 2007 - lavender top sole, pink strap, star pin, really cute
6. Small Flowers Pink - another cute pair I was pursuing last year
7. Strawberry Pink with White Logo - a partial birthday gift
8. MYOH 2008 - see picture

So there. My updated list. I guess some sense has gotten into me and could not reach 10 pairs. I still have the Havs love though I do not have that hype anymore. So if ever a nice (and pink) pair comes along, I'm still there. Otherwise, I'm just happy browsing around the All Flip Flops Store.

Got Carrie-d Away

The Sex and the City movie is definitely a must-see for fans of the television show.

I love this movie. Although it would be nice if they didn't cut some scenes. I mean, what's the point of the title of the movie? Anyway, my fave scenes are probably towards the end when everything is alright with New York. And I love the ones with all the girls walking together to where they're going.


It was nice to see the girls again. I could easily relate to Charlotte. She seemed so positive and hopeful, too hopeful sometimes. But I would like the get some of the traits of Carrie, who always sees the big picture, and a bit of sarcasm in Miranda, who is probably the opposite of Charlotte. And I bow to Samantha, still the epitome of girl power, I mean, woman power.

I also love the supporting cast, particularly the leading men. While I rooted for Carrie and Big at the finale, Miranda and Steve have always been my fave couple.

So go get your girlfriends, drink some cosmos (optional), and relive the lives of Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda in this reunion movie.

UPDATE: Sex and the City broke box office sales in opening weekend with $55.7 million, followed by the Indiana Jones movie with $46 million.

UPDATE 2: I'm doing a SATC series marathon starting today.

A late rant

About my grades...

As expected, I didn't meet the normal passing rate. Why? Because I got low grades on the three killer subjects. Grrr... One particular subject is, I think, the silent killer.

Funny that my lowest grade is on Civil Law, the subject that I found the easiest in this whole ordeal called the Bar Exams. AS IF?!? It was one of the subjects I reviewed over and over again, along with Remedial Law, Taxation, and Legal Ethics. And I got passing grades in all three subjects. So, a big DUH. As for the other two subjects, Labor and Criminal Law, I would understand a bit because as I emphasized my review on the others subjects, I only did two readings max on these subjects. Although I think I deserve a higher grade, lol.

What does this leaves me? Nothing, except that I'm glad that this ordeal is so over. And then another one begins...

Oh well. Bring it on!

One more rant. Unlike some of my batchmates, I'm proud to be a 2007 BAR passer, simply because I endured THREE killer subjects, unlike in the previous exams which only have one or two. So to the naysayers, this batch will prove you that we are as deserving to be granted the privilege to use that appellation, ATTY.

To all the 2007 BAR passers, YOU ROCK!

One year to go...

It was Mama's birthday yesterday, a few hours ago, actually. One year before turning six decades. She celebrated her big day attending early mass, getting her face "done", and afterwards, having dinner out with me and bro. But the celebration doesn't end there. Tomorrow, I mean, later, Mama and I along with some family and friends will be heading to Pansol (Laguna) for a much needed R&R.

On my part, I'm glad I finally gave that gift to Mama. Well, besides that Cross pen. Now if only I could find a job that suits me well, but I'm getting there.

Happy Birthday Mama. From your forever little helper.

The End.

I'm officially out of the job. Which brings me to the end of my non-legal career. Lovely. My leaving was voluntary, though. Earlier than expected. I have to say that I'm quite sad that I left without "things" being settled or my task being accomplished. In those aspects, I felt that I "failed". But definitely at least one good thing came out from my work experience in that company: I got my self-confidence back. I came to the job pretty sad and so much aloof and quiet, I'm coming out of it still quiet and aloof. But not sad anymore. If I didn't pass the bar I would have left without even informing the boss. But I did, and over the last few weeks I was faced with the dilemma on whether I should stay at my current job while looking for work or start job hunting full time at the risk of losing funds again. I chose the latter.

I really thought it was time to leave. As my boss said, I'm bigger than my job. I truly believe that. The only thing that was good about my last day is that I was able to talk with the boss briefly about what's in store for me. And for him I'm truly grateful, and to the associate editor who took a chance of hiring me under the circumstances. I would have loved to stay, but as fate would have allowed it (finally), the job is not for me anymore. Good luck to the new case digest specialist.

Almost Over...

... the sad chapter of my life, that is.

I am finishing some stuff from work and then I'm on a clean slate again. Too bad things didn't work out for me in the workplace, but it was bound to happen sooner or later. I kinda like my job and was planning to stay for a year. But things happened and they do happen for a reason, and I knew I have to leave.

Don't let this monkey deceive you...

This Zoobie Pet is a stuffed toy, pillow, and a blanket in one cute package. Great for kids and kids at heart.

I think I've reverted back to my childhood. Bad. What the heck, I'm adding this little guy to my wish list. If anybody cares.

More Oath Taking Pics

This time, from the "official" photographer

Make Your Own Havaianas '08

Waited in line for about 4 hours just to get this baby...


... but it sure is pretty!

Atty-at-last!!!

Just some significant pics taken earlier to complete everything.

Patting myself on the back

I took the oath last April 29. Can't believe it finally happened.

While I will not dwell anymore on that En Banc session (which lasted for less than an hour), I would like to share some positive thoughts.

Finally I get to be happy for me.

I love my life. I love my family. I love my friends. I love God, most of all.

Despite what had happened, I still have high hopes to make it in the profession.

I just want to post my two favorite pics taken before the oath taking and my party afterwards.


Without the pointed hat


My family!

Tomorrow I will sign the attorney's roll and become a full fledged lawyer. Woo-hoo!

Journey's End... Or Is it?

I have decided to leave the company. The one that gave me a little bit of hope when I had almost none. Been contemplating this for quite some time. Glad the boss understands. Hopefully Mama will too. Anyway, I still have enough time--a month--to get the job done.

Glad that's over and done with.

Officially migrated to my room...

...to surf the net!!!

Last week, Mama bought me a laptop PC and a digicam. On the same day. Woo-hoo! No more sending MMS from my camera phone. And no more using my bro's PC in the basement. And the best of all.. more blogging!!! How did I get the connection? Thru a very long cable that connects to the LAN.

Life is good nowadays.

First project: Make an impressive resume.

P.S.

My heartfelt thanks to my UST profs and to the bar review lecturers for generously imparting your knowledge of the law. So sorry that I have not mentioned you previously.

Busy Girl Lately

That is my status on my Facebook account. I have been doing stuff, however insignificant they were. Last night I partied for the first time without any worries. And it felt good!

I have been going back to places I've been to, perhaps to seek closure to one of the saddest chapters in my life. This weekend I went back to Rockwell, where I spent much of the summer last year studying (and feeling lost) until September. At that time, I didn't know which direction I should take. And at times I was not absorbing what I read anymore. One time I was reading a Tax book and I spent the whole afternoon crying my heart out. And nobody cared. At least not one human being. I spent a lot of sleepless nights contemplating about my life and wondering how did I end up where I was last year.

But out of isolation I found comfort that I can still talk to somebody who cares and loves me unconditionally. He was my last hope. And I prayed. Really prayed. Out of the blue I began to think that everyday is a new adventure. I began to enjoy the commutes, the silence, and even the isolation. I don't have to go far to find myself. I just needed to leave my comfort zone just to find out if I can survive. And I did. Not on my own though, I had a lot of support. But taking the bar, as one of my lecturers said, is an individual journey. And I went so far that I thought I could lose my own sanity.

So as I went back to my old familiar spot in Rockwell, I can't help but feel that I was beaten up so badly that I might not recover fully. I mean, I'm very happy that I made it, but at the same time, I'm not completely happy. Am I crazy? Do I need therapy? How can I channel this experience in a positive way...

Anyway, I'm relieved. I love my life now, finally. And I'm so damn lucky. In a few days, I will be taking the oath and signing the roll of attorneys. I do hope that I get to work in a firm or government agency that will utilize what I've learned for so many years. And I hope I will be a successful lawyer. Finally I had my chance to prove myself worthy of the appellation.

By the way, Rockwell is still very nice. I've always loved the place. I don't know if I'll get the chance to work in one of those high-rise buildings, but I'll hang out at Powerplant sometimes.

It's been one week since...

And I have to make important decisions! Anyway, the plan for this month is to celebrate BIG. And try to work as much as I can. And finish my task. And maybe, rest as much as I could.

Already processed my clearance. Oath-taking is on April 29, signing of rolls on May 2. After that, God knows where I'll go...

Alma Mater

I am feeling positive again.

Which is good. Very good.

I went back to my two alma maters, UST (my law school) and Miriam College, just to see my profs and tell them the good news. Glad that most of them still remember me.

Talked with one of the law profs who asked about my insights about the Bar Exam in Remedial Law. Told him that except with the outrageous ones, much of the questions were covered in the lectures. Of course the degree of difficulty was expected, even those out of this world questions were expected. What was not expected was the "unusually strict" corrections and the eventual lowering of the passing rate in order to raise the passing percentage. In other words, I was just plain lucky.

My college profs wanted me to speak before a general assembly of IS students. I shared with them what happened to me ever since I graduated, including those years when my future seemed to be so uncertain. I can see that they were really proud that I finally made it. Anyway, I think what impressed them was that I was just an ordinary student who just persevered. Told my profs that I was not a speaker nor a debater, but I write, which became my tool when I eventually decided to take up law. Take note that the only school writing/editing experience that I have is the departmental publication, ISsues. Oh, I was text editor of the Chi-Rho Annual. Formal writing experience included news work three years ago, and my present job summarizing Supreme Court cases. Not bad, but not really that impressive either.

Anyway, the important thing is that I made it, and I was given that assurance by my profs.

Those trips really lifted up my spirits. I still have to take a further trip down memory lane... to Stella Maris, where I spent my formative years until high school. Maybe next week.

I can't wait to take that oath!!!

UPDATES:
1. I am now a licensed attorney.
2. I got invited to speak for the IS students.
3. I already went back to Stella Maris.
4. I am presently looking for a lawyer job.