Rhea-lize!

It's the end of a decade, the beginning of a new one.

There are too many things to be thankful for, not only for the year that just passed, but for the decade that, I must say, has been my most precious and memorable one so far. There are also a wide gamut of things to look forward to, not just this coming year, but also this coming decade. But alas, in this tug-of-war moment when most people's minds are either lingering on what has been or are anxious for what will be, I choose to just press play :)

If I'd be asked to come up with one major rhea-lization, it's that THINGS ALWAYS END WELL, BECAUSE GOD IS THAT AWESOME!The message is simple and has been taught in tales as old as time: live every moment. Every. Single. Moment.

So let's press play. The music is enchanting!

a modern fairy tale

2010-12-31T02:16:00.001+08:00

a modern fairy tale by rhealeth featuring ballerina shoes

keep calm and party on

2010-12-31T01:57:00.001+08:00

keep calm and party on by rhealeth featuring bridal clutches

peacocking

2010-12-31T00:12:00.001+08:00

peacocking by rhealeth featuring an ankle strap sandal

Lolita

2010-12-30T23:53:00.001+08:00

Lolita by rhealeth featuring a slip on dress

adaptation

2010-12-30T23:44:00.001+08:00

adaptation by rhealeth featuring rhinestone hair accessories

lana lang + red kryptonite

2010-12-30T23:24:00.001+08:00

lana lang + red kryptonite by rhealeth featuring drop earrings

sweet days

2010-12-30T22:59:00.001+08:00

sweet days by rhealeth featuring messenger bags

galax-sea

2010-12-30T22:49:00.001+08:00

galax-sea by rhealeth featuring a vintage tote

off to the beach !

2010-12-30T21:41:00.001+08:00

off to the beach ! by rhealeth featuring boatneck dresses

Untitled

2010-12-30T21:10:00.001+08:00

Untitled by rhealeth featuring leather gloves

Letters to Juliet

2010-12-30T20:50:00.001+08:00

Letters to Juliet by rhealeth featuring a botkier satchel

Friends in LBDs

2010-12-30T19:52:00.001+08:00

Friends in LBDs by rhealeth featuring black dresses

Rhea (that's me), the girly one who loves frocks and everything sweet and dainty.

Mia, our friend who's also somewhat like a mother to us, the classic chic.

Dors, the one who loves all things edgy and sexy.

pretty + fierce

2010-12-30T18:20:00.001+08:00

pretty + fierce by rhealeth featuring a colorblock dress

powder room

2010-12-29T23:09:00.001+08:00

powder room by rhealeth featuring a suede necklace

christmas girl in pink and yellow

2010-12-29T01:44:00.001+08:00

christmas girl in pink and yellow by rhealeth featuring silk evening dresses

rhealeth 2011

2010-12-28T23:55:00.001+08:00

rhealeth 2011 by rhealeth featuring high heels shoes

a mixture of leather and chiffon, of studs and of pearls.

me, in 2011 :)

First attempt at Polyvore :)

2010-12-21T00:13:00.001+08:00

First attempt at Polyvore :) by rhealeth featuring a suede shoulder bag

Photo Speak

2010-12-20T19:36:00.003+08:00

Here are a few shots taken from the time I took a break from the law school up to the present. Key word: FEW :)

At my cousin's debut :)

Camwhoring. It's a staple ;p

Me with one of our business partners during the Thanksgiving Party

Laidback days with my bf <3

At our company's mid-year anniversary celeb and awards night :)

22, I feel her, too.

2010-12-20T17:50:00.000+08:00

I have always been one to rant about not having enough time to do all the other things I want because of school. Now that I’m taking a break from school, I still find that I don’t have enough time to do everything. Errr. I guess that’s me trying to spread myself too thinly. (Although a little voice at the back of my head is saying “what part of ‘you and I have infinite potential’ don’t you understand?”).

You see, I love planning; it fuels my drive. But at the same time, I treasure spontaneity and being able to do whatever bewitches me at the moment. And so all my plans pile up, and then I decide to come up with a new one. The thing is, I don’t know whether I’d like to change that or not. Take planners, for example. Buying a new planner is something that always gets me excited when a year is about to end. And with all my heart, I really do intend to fill my planner and use it at all times. But then there always comes a point when writing on it or taking it with me becomes a burden. Heehee. But I will still definitely get a planner for 2011 :D

What I need is to learn how to focus on the present before something else comes along to divert my attention. I look up to people who get to do so many things and still manage to look fabulous. I’m trying to work on that :) As one of my baby steps, one mental exercise would be to rid my mind of negative thoughts and just focus—on the things I have to do, and the things I want to do. I haven’t heard yet of a genuinely happy and satisfied person who rants about “running out of time.” And so I shan’t :)

I am a big fan of the small things.

2010-08-10T07:02:00.001+08:00

They say you should always start the day right. Which is true, of course. On my part, I think I’m blessed because lately, each time I wake up, I don’t really have to force myself to feel good. I just do, and not without a little help from the people around me :)

I just feel blessed because these days, I always wake up to simple things that help me start the morning right, like being told that the work I shared is very much appreciated, or seeing something I don’t usually see, or hearing from someone I haven’t heard from in a long time, or being told by a member of one of my favorite bands that I can get their newest albumsfor free (hehe thanks Snowmagnet and I will see you soon!) ^_^

I’m a big fan of the small things. Shouldn’t we all be? Basic stuff like politeness, courtesy, kindness, warmth, generosit, remembering, and all the other mundane (or supposedly mundane) things that the world doesn’t get to see a lot lately. A heartfelt “thank you,” a showing of sincere concern, a smile, a pat on the back.

Friends, if you’re reading this, THANK YOOUUU :)

You help make my mornings beautiful. And that means a lot lot lot <3

On blogs and blogging

2010-07-31T00:36:00.002+08:00

I just noticed that I have a tendency to create new online accounts during midterm/final exams season. My tumblr and twitter accounts, for example, were revived and created (respectively) just a few months back, when finals was drawing near.

Now, I have this urge to create yet a new one. I just feel like I need a new space. After all, it has been over four years since I created this blog. And things have changed. Then again, maybe I just need a new layout. Or not. We'll see. I still have a livejournal account which I haven't opened since forever. Maybe I should revive that, too?

See, I don't really have a bunch of followers commenting here and there. But I do write for a specific audience: myself, at the present, and myself, in the future. I do like seeing my bits and pieces of my life by simply scrolling down. It gives me almost the same feeling that I get when I catch myself (as in my self and not just my reflection, if you know what I mean) in the mirror and, for a brief moment, I see, in order, my different younger selves, doing the exact same thing: looking at the mirror, amazed at how everything seems so recent and so long ago at the same time. I treasure those moments. I never induce them; they just happen. And I do feel good when they do. It's like getting a pat on the back from my younger self--because despite all my mistakes and misgivings along the way, and the many many times I've done things my younger selves would have frowned upon, during those moments, I get the reassurance that yes, I am treading the road I've always set my heart to explore.

So anyway, new blog or new layout? We'll see. Still got loads to study.

Oh, update!

Just a few weeks back, my stylish blockmate Pearl suggested that we (she, another blockmate, and I) start a fashion blog. Lately, I've been browsing a lot of other fashion blogs and I can't help but feel so ordinary. When I'm rich (and I'll be soon! I'm claiming it!), I'll go shopping as often as I could. How come some girls have new outfits everyday? That's just insane. (Though I'm not saying I don't want that kind of never-ending closet for myself :p). Anyway, I don't know if the fashion blog will push through. But if it will, I think that will be a good venue for me to explore things I love other than the law.

But for now, I have a love affair with the law. Gotta get busy.

(P.S. I realized the body of this blog isn't really reflected in the title but WTH)

Well hello there, Labor day

2010-05-01T10:18:00.000+08:00

I just realized that we’d still have to work during the weekend—but I don’t really mind. Well, I just remembered last night that we told Sir Jerry we’ll start conducting the research after the Summer Camp. And then, we told Sir Richard that we’d present our proposed revision of the Life Skills Module by Wednesday or Thursday next week. So yeah. Hello, work! Haha.

But like I said, I don’t mind that much. They say that when you love what you’re doing, it doesn’t really feel like work. It’s more of fulfilling something you’ve always wanted to do. In my case, to apply the things I’ve learned from school to something that would be of good use to society, so matter how small it might be. But also, like I’ve said before, it still overwhelms me. The research, for example: we only have three weeks left. I would first want to do pre-tests, but I still have to ask Sir Jerry if there’s time for that. My problem is that the main question they want answered (why is there an increasing number of first time youth offenders and reoffenders) is a big issue to grapple with. And yet, at the same time, we were told that this research is not really something big. When we were first told about it, I was thinking of doing a comprehensive research and of using lots of different data gathering methods; I was also thinking of including a good number of sub-issues to deal with. Then again, we were asked to keep it as simple as possible. Hmm. I’ll probably be spending the morning pondering on how to go about it. I hope I won’t have a hard time. In college, we faced similar dilemmas. Maybe it’s just that it has been more than a year since I last worked on a research project.

Definitely, we have to have some questions ready by Tuesday. I’m not going to be the one constructing the research instruments—Sir Jerry wants it to be a collaborative effort, which I don’t mind at all. But just like in all the other group research projects we’ve done in college, I have to come to that meeting prepared.

I wonder where I can stay to think about things without having to spend much. I’m on a budget. Haha!

Happy Labor Day! ^_^

(On a side note: Super Happy Birthdayyyyyyyyyyy to Joseph Andrew Nicholas, my good friend since elementary :) )

On getting easily attached and emotional

2010-05-01T10:15:00.000+08:00

April 30 entry

I get easily attached and emotional. Yesterday, when we went home early from the summer camp, I realized that I miss them already. And then I thought, if I get more attached to them, I’d probably be crying on our last day with them, when we bid them goodbye. Of course I miss home. I miss my family immensely. But I will definitely, definitely miss those “kids” as well.

I’m looking forward to learning to play the guitar again, care of them. To group dynamics that would double as bonding sessions. To being an older sister and a friend. To helping them realize their potentials. To being closer to them.

I love how they smile at us and greet us maayong buntad / maayong gabii. How they say, ate, mangaon ta. How they ask for their pictures to be taken, shamelessly (hahaha). How they turned us into “package counters” at the beach while they were engaged in different team activities with kids from other NGOs. How open they are to pointing us who their crushes are. How they can joke around with us without showing disrespect. In a nutshell, I love how they make me feel needed, important, and special.

Inasmuch as possible, I don’t want to be too attached. It’s hard, especially since Cebu is not exactly some place I could visit regularly, given the distance and given the time constraints brought about by law school.

I can only hope that we could maximize our 5-week internship by being able to contribute valuable things to our host agency, and more importantly, by being able to make a difference in the lives of those young boys. So help us, God.

On living within one's means

2010-05-01T10:10:00.001+08:00

April 30 entry

Jori and I have been talking about how we both don’t know how to live within our means. The Ateneo Human Rights Center gave us P2000/week as allowance for our basic living expenses, and yet there were days when we spend over a thousand bucks. Thank you, extra allowance from parents. Haha! We both agreed, though, that we should both learn to live within our means. We’re both used to spending more than what was given to us as allowance for the internship. But then again, that’s because the allowance from HR is really just to cover basic living expenses. Hahaha, those who know me and/or Jori would agree that our “basic” necessities are not so basic, after all.

But I must say, I’m also quite proud of us. We regularly eat in carinderias. We walk daily to and from work. And we’re really trying our best to save. Maybe we spent too much on the first week because we were still trying to adjust to a new environment, and we had to buy quite a number of other things we need. I’m hoping that in the days to come, we’d be able to spend less.

I suppose that aside from learning more about the law and the situation of the CICL’s and trying to be of help in any way we can, this internship is also an opportunity for us to learn how to live simple lives. To not be bratty. To get out of our comfort zones. To be more independent. To learn how to deal with situations we are not used to. To grow.

I’m hoping that the money I asked from my parents yesterday would be the last that I’ll ask until next sem. And yes, I am claiming that I’m still going to be a law student next sem ^_^

April 27 entry

2010-05-01T10:03:00.001+08:00

Today, it’s official. I think I’m becoming more and more of an introvert. The thought partly bothers me—I love being an extravert; and at the same time, it doesn’t—I’m appreciating the fact that I find contentment in being alone, that I can amuse and preoccupy myself with various things. It is somewhat a liberating feeling---you know, not needing to be in a crowd, or being the center of attention.

Just a while ago, I was sitting by the window. It was raining. Raindrops were trickling down the roof of the nipa hut in front of ours, in a singsong fashion. The waves below were hitting the shores like crazy. The breeze was both cold and humid, like the evaporated salt water is sticking to my skin. Then, I focus my gaze on the different shades of blue water, dancing merrily, and the different shades of the blue sky, pouring endlessly. A medium-sized spider was spinning a web. I was reading The Time Traveler’s Wife. When not engrossed in the love story of Clare and Henry, I was either: (a) thinking about my own future, both with a sense if security and mystery, (b) thinking of how much of an introvert I’m slowly becoming (and reassuring myself, from my psych lessons, of the advantage of introverts, teehee), or (c) just living at the moment, marvelling at the simple things I’m witnessing and noticing, which, put all together, are Awesome personified. Reminiscing the past and planning for the future—these are two of my favorite activities. That’s why I consider it such a blessing to just be at the present time—taking in various stimuli through various senses, and being able to pay attention to them.

This is good. I think I’m slowly becoming comfortable in my own skin. I used to always seek reaffirmation from the people around me, but I don’t feel that need now. I am me. I am here. And I am enjoying.

If you ask my old self, she would probably say that the Rhea now is boring. Right now, I can still here her, scolding me now, for spending time alone instead of mingling with the staff. Well, I did try to visit the “kids,” but one of the staff said some of them are changing clothes, so I was forced to go back to our room. But right now, I want to write. I will spend time with the staff later. But right now, I want to contemplate and write. And that’s what I’m doing. I used to try so hard to please everybody, sometimes even to the point of being who I’m not.

So yay, cheers to me! For slowly gaining more and more of that confidence to be just who I am and do what I want to do. For (almost) not feeling the need to please people. I’m still in the process. But I like the progress :)

Things I live for.

2010-04-29T21:02:00.002+08:00

Yesterday, I was walking along the shore when one of the kids from another NGO (Share a Child)said, "Ate, ang ganda mo naman." So I turned around (ang kapal eh noh, feeling ako yung sinasabihan, hahaha), and I saw this really charming little girl with long wavy hair. Her name, I found out later, is Cathy. Another little girl from the same NGO came to me. Her name is Maria Cristina. We chatted for a while, and then, they hugged me. I melted. Right then and there. A little while later, some of the other kids from Share a Child approached us as well.

I love how outgoing they are, how they are not afraid of strangers, and how easy it is for them to give out a hug. Many good things happened this week, but that moment is undoubtedly the topnotcher. Not because I received praise, but because I got hugged. By kids who barely know me. Last night, while the different teams were presenting, I saw them again. And they recognized me. And hugged me, for the second time around. The third one was this morning. I hope to visit their center one of these days, before I leave for Manila.

I'll post their picture next time. You'll see how adorable they look. And they know how to strike a pose, mind you. You'll see :)

I don't get to be with kids their age. The "children" under Freelava's care are not really kids anymore. Their ages range from 13-18. But during the four days that I have been with them, I have grown to love them. I have two younger brothers, and now, I feel like I have 20+ of them. I'm really looking forward to our next bonding session with them. Jori (my co-intern) and I already have a cool activity for them in mind.

As you might notice, we're not really doing much of the law-related stuff. But at least, we get exposed to their situation. As for me, I just want to enjoy this summer, whether or not I get enough exposure to alternative law practice. The research we're tasked to do and the life skills module revision are more psych-related than law-related. I'm actually pressured since they are expecting a lot, after they found out I graduated with a degree in Psychology. Honestly, it bothered me at first. I want to do more law-related stuff. But during the summer camp, I came to the realization that this is not about me. This is about them. On my part, I just ought to learn as much as I could from the experience, no matter what they may be.

PS
During the summer camp, I enjoyed teasing the boys about their crushes. At the same time, I cherished the fact that they were opening up. It also made me feel good that our being there to watch them during their basketball games and other activities made them feel good. And I loved volunteering to serve them, whenever they line up for their food. I would love to share more about those boys, but the internet shop is about to close. In a nutshell, I am enjoying being their "ate" :)

Jampacked

2010-04-24T13:04:00.002+08:00

It's been more than two weeks since I left home for this internship. Four days in Tagaytay for the basic orientation seminar (BOS, a week with the Iraya Triba in Oriental Mindoro, the sendoff dinner at Ateneo, and then, this internship.We got home around 10 or so in the evening last Sunday. Then, after less than 12 hours, I left for Cebu. I barely got to spend a day with my family. That was unfortunate, but growing girls need time to be away and get out of their comfort zones, right?

So many rhealizations since Day 1 of the BOS. Especially during the week-long immersion. A lot of rich experiences, as well. I don't really have much time now. In less than two hours (it's past 1 in the afternoon, as I am typing this), we will be meeting with our friend here in Cebu. He said he knows the supplier where the people who participate in bazaars get their stuff, and that we can buy what we want, even if we're not wholesale buyers. Isn't that awesome? :D

I'll tell you guys about what happened during the BOS, immersion, and the first week of internship some other time. For now, I'll share what we'll be doing in the next few days :) Tomorrow, even if there's no work, we'll be visiting Balay Pasilungan (it's a center/shelter for children in conflict with the law), as per the request of our boss. We've bonded with a couple of them, but there are still a good number of them who we haven't met yet since they were allowed to go home for a vacation. Sir said it's better if we take the time to get to know them this Sunday, since on Monday, we'll be joining them on our way to Badjan (beach/falls), for the week-long summer camp. We won't have much to do next week other than to process the activities the kids participate in (note: don't be fooled; when we say "kids," we mean 13-18 year old teens), bond with the kids and with the staff of our host agency (Freelava), and chill. But instead of staying there for a week, we'll leave early (on the fourth day) to accompany two of the boys back home since they have to attend a hearing the following day. Jori (my co-intern) and I volunteered to attend the court hearing with them, and to help them out in whatever way we can. Tomorrow we'll ask Ate Tata (the resident social worker at Balay Pasilungan) regarding the case of those two boys so we can read up on relevant info. And then, we'll also be part of a research project :D Hello, Psych 118. You are v. much useful here. I love Psych and I love the fact that I get to use my psych background in my work now, as a law intern. We'll also be working with Lore, the intern from Belgium who has a Masters Degree in Criminology. And then, we'll also revise the Life Skills module of LiSu. LiSu is a program under Freelava, initiated by CICLs and CAROs themselves (CICL = children in conflict with the law; CARO = children at risk of offending). Just a while ago, we attended a meeting with the LiSu project manager and the youth leaders of LiSu. Sir Richard (the project manager) wanted some OD work. I suggested and explained the household structure I learned from YFC. I think it is very much apt for the children in LiSu, especially the one-on-ones, for follow-up purposes, and also so that their organization would be more personal in character. In this way, it will be easier for the children to identify themselves with the organization and the organization's goals, and also share their experiences and what they are going through. It also serves as a way for the leaders to monitor what's happening to the members and, inasmuch as possible, remedy the situation when they see that a member seems to be falling back to his or her old ways, or is tempted to commit an offense. Luckily, one of the founding members of LiSu who was present at the meeting is also a member of Youth for Christ. He agreed that the household system would indeed be a good addition to LiSu's structure. Come to think of it, the things we do per se are actually normal stuff. Research? We did a lot of that in college. Organizational Development? I had three orgs in college, and we discuss that from time to time. But what makes this one feel special and a lot more challenging is the fact that it affects the lives of so many other individuals who are considered vulnerable members of society.

In some way, I'm also saddened by the fact that I know I can contribute so much more,if only I could properly remember everything I learned in college and put them all together to apply to the real-life situations we are facing now. I wish I have my Psych books and reading materials with me now.

As for the law-related stuff, we haven't done anything which is at least paralegal in nature yet. But yesterday, during the Board Meeting, Atty. Paredes (the Chairperson of the Board) asked us if we could help critique new laws. She only mentioned it in passing. But I would very much love to do more law-related stuff. It was the first time we met her yesterday. I don't know when we'll meet her again. But I hope she tells Sir Toni (our big boss at the office) about that.

Admittedly, I'm overwhelmed. Freelava, small as our office is, does a lot of big projects that affects a lot of people. FYI, some parts of the Juvenile Justice Act was patterned after some of the works of Freelava. By the way, Freelava is an NGO that advocates children's rights; more specifically, it caters to children in conflict with the law.

We have spent a number of days at Balay Pasilungan. And you know, despite the cases pending before them and their past, I never felt that I was around criminals. More than anything, I sensed the kindness in their hearts. It's hard to understand, I know. But feelings are not really meant to be understood. They are just felt.

Anyway, I'll fly home on May 8 for the long weekend, and so that I can exercise my right to vote. I miss my family so much. Yesterday, my dad sent to me my 9-year-old brother's first oil painting masterpiece. It was like the work of a professional, I tell you. I'm so proud of him. Too bad I'll be away on his birthday, on the 30th, like I was on my 20-year-old brother's birthday last April 21.

It's not easy being away from my comfort zone. Aggravated by the fact that it's not really that comfortable here. But I'm not complaining. I'm all for experiencing new things, from both sides of the spectrum.

Have a nice summer. I miss you all sooooo much! Here's to hoping that I'd still be eligible to enroll next school at Ateneo Law :)

By the way...

2010-03-30T09:16:00.005+08:00

I'm not confident I'll pass all my subjects. I'm not confident that I'd still be eligible to enroll next sem at the Ateneo.

I remember last year, when people found out I didn't pass the UP LAE and that I'm going to Ateneo Law instead, many told me, "okay lang yan, Ateneo lang yan, kayang-kaya mo na yan. Hello!"

Haha, Ateneo "lang" my foot.

It was in Ateneo Law where I was first unsure of my standing as a student. It was in Ateno Law where I first experienced hoping to get at least a 75 as a FINAL GRADE. It was in Ateneo Law where I first felt so inadequate. It was in Ateneo Law where I first felt like I have such a low I.Q.

The first ever lesson I got from Ateneo Law was not even law-related. It was something more basic: humility. My first week? It was a very humbling experience, I must say.

If I fail in more than two subjects or if I don't meet the required QPI, then I would have to say goodbye to Ateneo. If that happens, I'll either take a year off and work first (for experience), or I'll just go to another law school. Ateneo made me realize that if you really want to be a good lawyer, no prior rejection should hinder you from pursuing your dreams and for working hard to earn them. If I get kicked out of Ateneo, that's sad. But life will go on. I'll still go to law school. We'll be studying the same laws and jurisprudence anyway. Only difference, I guess, lies in the environment, the exam questions, and/or the workload. But pretty much, everything's the same. So life shall and will go on. And I'll still be a lawyer :)

To me, the "[*insert school here*] or nothing" mentality is twisted. What do you really want in life anyway? To be a student and graduate of [*insert school here*], or to be a/an [*insert profession here*]? The former is just the means, the latter is the end. Sure, it can be argued that some schools offer a certain kind of formation that others don't. And if that's what you want MORE than the latter, then by all means, subscribe the "[*insert school here*] or nothing" mentality :)

Fight, fight, fight!

I was not prepared AT ALL

2010-03-30T08:40:00.004+08:00

But the Crim exam was surprisingly v. much answerable. Haha, this Finals, it was the first time I felt sure I'd pass an exam.

I still maintain that I was not prepared in the real sense of the word. It was God's Grace at work :) I only focused on our professor's book (a lot lot thinner than RPC Book 2 of Reyes), on the elements of the major crimes, and on the comparison of similar crimes. So I was hoping those are the only things he'll ask. And lo and behold--- the answers to the first 15 items can be found in his book (30 points right there yeah!), then for the next ten items (another 30 points), we were just asked to differentiate certain crimes, and then for the last part, we were asked to solve some problems, which, I must say, were not as complicated as the ones we were asked to answer before.

I still made a number of mistakes. But I'm not complaining. I'd be happy just to pass, considering I was not seriously focusing on studying a day before the exam.

When I saw the questions, I felt like I heard Him say, "o, ayan na ang wish mo ha!"

Last night's exam was just a proof that everything, really, is God's grace. Whatever we do, let's always remember to give thanks to Him. After all, even the work of our hands are really nothing but a manifestation of His amazing grace at work :)

THE "A" YEAR IS ALMOST OVER! JUST ONE GROUP PAPER (a critique of any Supreme Court decision, applying everything we've learned in our Legal Technique & Logic class) AND THE "A" YEAR IS DONE :) Here's to hoping I'd still get to be an Atenean law student for the 1st and 2nd "T" years, and for "Y" year. And then, the "." year a.k.a. "preparing for and passing the Bar Exam."

:)

Prayer for the day

2010-03-26T08:56:00.001+08:00

Lord, I humbly ask you to please bless me today with a calm heart, a sharp mind, and a fighting spirit.

I can’t lose this battle; it’s crucial to the war.

Love,

Rhea

:)

Dear Finals,

2010-03-16T04:33:00.005+08:00

I really, really, really want to still be an Ateneo law student next sem. Universe, work with me ;)

Anyway, I just want to share my favorite case so far: DECS v. San Diego. Attached below is a digest of that case, which I made :) It's about a student who failed the NMAT five times. My future doctor friends would appreciate this much, I suppose ;) But like Justice Cruz said in that case, "this is true of any other calling in which public interest in involved." So I guess, this goes for all my friends who are still pursuing a degree at the moment ;) For the non-law schoolers, I promise this is worth reading :)

DECS V. SAN DIEGO (1989)
• The issue before us is mediocrity. That is the opening line of Justice Cruz as the ponente of this case.
• The question is whether a person who has thrice failed the National Medical Admission Test is entitled to take it again.
• DECS contend that he may not, under its 3-flunk rule. Private respondent insists that he can on constitutional grounds.
• So who is the private respondent in the first place? He is a graduate of the University of the East with a degree in BS Zoology. After failing the NMAT thrice, he applied to take it again but petitioner rejected his application.
• Pending his original petition invoking his constitutional right to academic freedom and quality education, he was allowed to take the NMAT again, subject to the outcome of his petition. Actually, according to a footnote in the said case, he had taken the exam four times and is actually applying for his fifth exam, which he also failed.
• In his amended petition, he challenged the constitutionality of the 3-flunk rule.
• The respondent judge ruled in favour of private respondent, stating that he was deprived of his right to pursue a medical education.
• The Supreme Court reversed that decision.
• It noted that in Tablarin v. Gutierrez, the Court upheld the constitutionality of the NMAT as a measure intended to limit the admission to medical schools only to those who have proved their competence and preparation for a medical education.
• It noted that the question is most usefully approached by recalling that the regulation of the practice of medicine has long been recognized as a method of protecting the health and safety of the public. Thus, legislation and administrative regulations requiring those who wish to practice medicine must first take and pass board examinations have long ago been recognized as a valid exercise of governmental power.
• The regulation of access to medical schools is closely related to that.
• Hence, in Tablarin, the Court ruled that the government is entitled to prescribe the NMAT as a means of “upgrading the selection of applicants into medical schools” and of “improving the quality of medical education in the country.”
• So anyway, going back to the case at bar, the Court said that there is no reason why the rationale in the Tablarin case cannot apply to the case at bar. The issue raised in both cases is the academic preparation of the applicant.
• As earlier discussed in this class, the proper exercise of police power requires the concurrence of a lawful subject and a lawful method.
• As to the subject, it is undeniably the right of the State to insure that the medical profession is not infiltrated by incompetents to whom patients may unwarily entrust their lives.
• As to the method, the challenged rule is not irrelevant to the purpose of the law. It is intended to insulate medical schools and the medical profession from the intrusion of those not qualified to be doctors.
• The Court, thus, made an important distinction: while every person is entitled to aspire to be a doctor, he does not have a constitutional right to be a doctor. This is true of any other calling in which the public interest is involved. The closer the link, the longer the bridge to one’s ambition.
• The right to quality education is not absolute, but is, rather, subject to fair, reasonable and equitable admission and academic requirements
• As to the issue that the rule violates the equal protection clause, the Court also held that contention to be untenable, there being a substantial distinction between medical students and other students not subjected to the NMAT and the three-flunk rule. This is because the medical profession directly affects the very lives of the people, unlike other careers which do not require more vigilant regulation.
• Also, the Court feels that it is not enough to simply invoke the right to quality education: one must show that he is entitled to it because of his preparation and promise.
• Quotable, also, is the Justice Cruz’s comparison which goes like this: While his persistence is noteworthy, to say the least, it is certainly misplaced, like a hopeless love.
• The Court stressed that it is for the appropriate calling that he is entitled to quality education for the full harnessing of his potentials. Otherwise, as Justice Malcolm notes, we may be swamped with mediocrity, not because we are lacking in intelligence but because we are a nation of misfits.

DISCLAIMER: That is not the proper way of making a case digest haha but I structured that in such a way that that is what I plan to exactly recite if I do get called to recite on that case. (I didn't, unfortunately.)

-----

Reading the quotables from that case never fails to remind me why I'm here in the first place. Some might see that case as having a discouraging tone but to me, it's something that keeps me on my toes ;)

HAPPY STUDYING! :)

Now now now

2010-03-03T23:14:00.003+08:00

how do I unlearn my phobia in terrestrial animals?

————————————————————————

I’m both scared and excited. 70% and 30%, respectively.

Here’s the sched:

April 8-11: Basic Orientation Seminar (Tagaytay)

April 12-18: Immersion (somewhere in Mindoro, with the Mangyans). In preparation for this, I need to condition my body for the 4-hour hike and, most important of all, my mind, for the possibility that I might be sleeping with animals—-and *gasp*, be surrounded by animals 24/7. But who knows? Maybe my passion for doing this might cure my phobia? So help me God.

April 19-May 25: Internship Proper. I still don’t know where I’ll be assigned. During the interview, the three sectors I chose were in this order: children, indigenous peoples, peasants.

And one week either in Bohol or Boracay for an all-expense paid R&R :)

It’s pretty daunting, I realized. I was so sure about it before applying, but after the interview, I started having doubts. Can I manage? Anyway, God gave me this opportunity. That in itself must be a sign that I can do it, right? :) If I survive this whole thing, I feel like I’m going to be a changed person after. If. Please do pray for me :) And seriously, I have to get rid of my phobia!!!

I just want to say...

2010-03-02T22:08:00.000+08:00

...that I have sucha wonderful roommate <3

Very few know my true feelings about a lot of things. It's quite easy to open up. In fact, I share a lot about myself, my life. But for most people, I share very limited things, filtered versions. Not exactly lies, just not the entire story. I guess it can be somehow likened to a horcrux. Different people know different things about me.

It only occurred to me today in histo-rhee--*gasp* I'm apparently a very reserved person. Despite the fact that I explain myself too much and that I rant and rave a lot, I just realized that only a few people, maybe less than 5, really knows me well enough.

And all along I thought my life is almost like an open book. It's only today that I rhealized... I have actually been hiding in a shell.

ILLUMINATE

2010-02-18T07:04:00.002+08:00

"If your body is full of light with no part of it in darkness, it will be bright all over, as when a lamp shines on you with its brightness." - Luke 11:36

With what I am going through, this is such a meaningful verse for me.

I think this will make a good theme for a YFC conference, too, don't you think? ILLUMINATE :)

I want to be that girl again.

2010-02-16T23:55:00.003+08:00

That Girl (OST, Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen)

There was a girl I knew
who always wanted to be the one to stand out from the crowd
Always believed that she was gonna live her dreams
That what went down was gonna come around
For all the doubters, non-believers, the cynicals that once were dreamers
One of these days you'll open up your eyes
And you'll realize

[Chorus:]
That girl was a one time teenage drama queen
A hot, tough everyday wannabe
But she'll have changed her destiny
Now she's a somebody
That girl was a wild child dreamer but she found herself
'Cause she believes in nothin' else
And you'll look back and you won't believe
That girl was me

Armed with an attitude that she knows how to use
She's gonna get there any way she can
Now she knows what she wants
No one is gonna stop her
Nothing's ever gonna hold her down
For all the doubters, non-believers the cynicals that once were dreamers
One of these days you'll know that you were wrong (who would've know)

[Chorus]

[Spoken]
Life is a work of art- you gotta paint it colorful
Can make it anything you want
Don't have to stick to any rules
You don't need a high IQ to succeed in what you do
You just gotta have no doubt just believe in yourself

Doubters, non-believers, once were dreamers
One of these days you'll open up your eyes
And you'll realize

[Chorus 2X]

+++++++++++

It's quite surprising and disturbing HOW QUIET I am in law school. The people who knew me in high school and college would probably be surprised.

I miss how I used to be described by the people around me as sweet and perky. How I used to be one who knows almost everyone. How I used to burst with so much energy. How I used to be that girl.

Dear Lord, I want that girl back. Please and thank You :)

Hot and Cold versus Lukewarm

2010-02-15T07:17:00.002+08:00

The shower at the boarding house is kind of erratic: one moment the water’s cold, then a few seconds later it’s hot. Sometimes, it’s partly hot and partly cold (I don’t know how that’s possible hahahaha). Then I realized that hot and cold is better than lukewarm. It’s quite a somatosensory experience—feeling hot water and cold water at the same time as they both trickle down your body :)

And I suppose it applies to other aspects of life, too :)

Hello there, Fr. B!

2010-02-13T11:23:00.002+08:00

(Photo credit: Marvin Haduca)

BECAUSE FR. BERNAS IS THE COOLEST EVER! :)

For those who don’t know him, he is:

-one of the people who drafted the present Constitution!

-the most sought after constitutionalist by the media

-the former head of all the Jesuits in the Philippines (I forgot the title haha)

-the former president of the Ateneo de Manila University

-the author of the books almost all (if not all) law schools use for Consti [yes, even in UP ;) ]

-one of the most cited (if not the most cited) amicus curiae (friend of the court; usually when the Supreme Court is faced with a tough case, they consult an amicus curiae) in SC decisions

-the present Dean Emeritus of the Ateneo Law School

-and our beloved Constitutional Law I professor last semester <3

He’s the coolest ever. And I think this photograph of him shows just how cool he is! :)) We love him, sobra. I feel so blessed to have been his student. And I’ll forever treasure the funny moments I had with him outside of class.

Anyway, the photo above was taken last night, during Mr. Law School, held at the Ateneo Professional Schools’ Roofdeck. Awesome venue, I must say. Great bands + lots of stars in the evening sky + a good view of the city and of sleek skylines <3 And!!! The men of Boys’ Night Out were just two feet away! There was also free-flowing beer. But I don’t like beer. Haha.

Law school, apparently, knows how to let its students unwind and stay away from the feet-high piles of cases, after all :)

Because I'm not exactly known for being concise.

2010-02-12T08:14:00.002+08:00

In front of me is The Ateneo Human Rights Center application form. It has been there for the past hour and I have yet to fill some of the most important parts. I initially planned on submitting this form today. However, I just can't seem to find the right words to say.

For starters, it's a pretty short form with only six parts: personal information, academic standing, educational background (and work experience), talents and skills, health (HAHA it includes a space for phobias! :)) I hope they won't reject me because of my terrestrial animals phobia), and essay. I find the essay part a tad hard. But not because I don't know what to say. The problem, actually, is that I don't know how to write my answer for each question in only three lines.

You see, I really want to be part of the Human Rights Center.I guess I just want my application form to reflect my genuine desire to be of service. And because I'm not exactly known for being concise, thinking of how I can best express myself and my advocacies in such a limited space may take me over an hour. Pray for me. I want this badly :)

Nigel to Andy, The Devil Wears Prada

2010-02-11T23:12:00.002+08:00

These lines touch me deeply as an Ateneo Law student.

Andy, be serious. You are not trying. You are whining. What is it that you want me to say to you, huh? Do you want me to say, "Poor you. Miranda's picking on you. Poor you. Poor Andy"? Hmm? Wake up, six. She's just doing her job. Don't you know that you are working at the place that published some of the greatest artists of the century? Halston, Lagerfeld, de la Renta. And what they did, what they created was greater than art because you live your life in it. Well, not you, obviously, but some people. You think this is just a magazine, hmm? This is not just a magazine. This is a shining beacon of hope for... oh, I don't know... let's say a young boy growing up in Rhode Island with six brothers pretending to go to soccer practice when he was really going to sewing class and reading Runway under the covers at night with a flashlight. You have no idea how many legends have walked these halls. And what's worse, you don't care. Because this place, where so many people would die to work you only deign to work. And you want to know why she doesn't kiss you on the forehead and give you a gold star on your homework at the end of the day. Wake up, sweetheart.

Lightbulb moment :)

Plebiscite!

2010-02-03T00:10:00.002+08:00

February 2, 2010. First time ever to exercise my right to vote!

There was a plebiscite held for the conversion to cityhood of my hometown, Binan.

On a nerdy sidenote: When my parents told me there's a plebiscite, the first thing that came to my mind was the case we tackled in Consti I & II regarding the same :))

I hope the 'yes' vote wins. It's about time.

Because psychsoc is family :)

2010-01-27T02:17:00.002+08:00

It just feels good that even if we're now in graduate school, my ates in psychsoc still look after me. Some things just don't change. And that's very comforting. Simple things do mean a lot, sometimes :)

Since I can't stay put in Rockwell during exam week, today (or more appropriately, considering the time right now, yesterday) I went to Robinson's Ermita to study. Partly because I miss the place (high schooool!), and partly because many psych graduates are in PGH (UP College of Medicine). I stayed, I think, for around 12 hours :)) Which also means I spent more than two days' worth of allowance. Cafe/resto-hopping :))

But some things are just more important. Like being reminded of what you were like 5-9 years ago, and how you've changed or stayed the same. And like being in touch again with people who matter. And the good vibes you take home with you. Those things are just immeasurable.

P.S.
*As I'm typing this right now, I'm palpitating BIG TIME. Exagg! Haha. Must be coffee overdose.

Huwayld.

2010-01-23T16:09:00.001+08:00

I don’t like studying in Rockwell during exam week. Especially a day before the exam itself. Or being around too many law students for that matter. You can just feel the tension in the air. When I’m studying for an exam, I cherish taking my time. I DO NOT WANT TO FEEL PRESSURED. I try to push myself, but that’s different, you see. So anyway… for me the ideal studying place is where barely anyone else is studying. It feels a lot more relaxing. Haha, besides, I feel more diligent that way. I know, I might then be bordering on overestimating my preparation, but psychological considerations are important, you know. The moment I feel I might not make it, I start FORGETTING everything. And that spells disaster.

So anyway, this entry is not really about my studying preferences. But it’s very much related to that.

So last Thursday, I decided to go to Greenbelt to study. I thought it would be perfect for me. About 95% of the people who hang out at the coffee shops there are not students. So perfect. Haha. And I was not disappointed. A note though: not all coffee shops there are conducive for studying. There are those cramped with too many chatty people, which is not good for someone who wants to study, either. Besides, when a coffee shop is jampacked, I feel uneasy staying. I feel compelled to keep on buying something, or to not stay for too long. But I found the perfect spot :D And for all intents and purposes, I was indeed able to study.

The real story I want to share here, though, started when I left the coffee shop, around 00:45am. And all of them happened in less than 5 minutes or so (except for the last).

Incident #1: Two drunk and very merry guys almost bumped into me
Incident #2: One seemingly happy woman made a motion, as if to slap me or something, only to stop midway and grin in a very mischievous manner. Haha, I thought that was a tad crazy!

Well I shouldn’t really be surprised. What can I expect? Greenbelt, afterall, is teeming with bars.

Oh and that’s not all.

Incident #3: After leaving the taxi stand, it was only then that the cab driver told me he’s going to charge me a fixed rate (which, by the way, is almost triple the actual cost of a cab ride from Greenbelt to Rockwell). YOU DO NOT argue with a cab driver if you’re alone at night. At least girls like me shouldn’t, unless equipped with kickass self-defense skills, which I’m not (hmmm… mental note: learn self-defense sometime!). Well, I did try to reason out a bit. I still paid a bit more than the actual cost, but at least I didn’t pay triple. I thought it was very unsafe to argue with him since I was alone, and it was past midnight. Life >>> property.
Incident #4: When I handed him the fare, he held my hand a few microseconds longer. Not really long enough because hello, that would have been stupid of me not to take my hand right away. But long enough to freak me out and make me feel something’s wrong. Good thing one of the helpers in the boarding house was still chatting with the guard so at least I felt safe. T_T

People with passion.

2010-01-23T16:01:00.000+08:00

Those who have so much heart.
Be it for a Cause, a Dream, a Liking.
For the world, the nation, the family.
For peace. For friends. For oneself.
For being true.

I can’t help but admire these people. They just have this power to keep you believing. And loving.

You just know. They’re so full of love that you can feel it, even if they’re miles away from you. I’m grateful to have met some.

Some of those I know may even have conflicting views with each other. Or with me, even. But such differences are irrelevant. To me, heart is the measure, and they all fare well. Thank you.

I’m a silent, avid fan.

(Note: silent only applies to those people who I admire but am not really that close to, or those who don’t know me. Haha, those I’m close to and feel comfortable with enough to tell them I admire them know that already anyway. I make it a point to tell them :) )

GISELLE SANCHEZ FOR THE WIN!

2010-01-20T02:10:00.001+08:00

on LV bags, snotty brand managers, and defending OFWs.

read the story here

i’ve always liked giselle sanchez for her wit and charm. and now i admire her even more.

trivia: did you know she graduated summa cum laude from up diliman? <3

Just an observation

2010-01-20T01:37:00.002+08:00

While walking home from Starbucks a few minutes before midnight, I kept praying, "Lord sana wala yung mga pusa sa tapat ng door. Lord sana walang pusa. Please sana walang pusa."

Then I suddenly realized. "SHET, naglalakad ako maghahatinggabi na, kahit pa Rockwell area to, gabi pa rin for goodness' sake at mag-isa lang ako. At imbis na ipagdasal kong, 'Lord, sana walang mangyaring masama sakin,' talagang yung mga stray cats ang inisip ko."

=)) then I just laughed at myself.

tsktsk. ramos, priorities mo!

N.B.
--> those cats really freak me out. they're in a band, aggravating circumstance yon! haha. there are four of them and they're fat and stubborn and they're blocking my way :|

Acquired taste

2010-01-15T09:40:00.003+08:00

Non-diet-related rhealizations from my diet breakfast meal:

A bit of this

credit: http://fairprice.com.sg

plus a few spoons of this

http://www.flaircandy.com

and one serving of this

credit: http://www.dole.com

= my current breakfast staple.

When I started going on a diet about a month ago, I loathed this. To me, the cereals were bland. The oranges--- i love them. The fact though that now I'm limiting myself to one serving is sadomasochistic. Haha, I used to eat about two or three before because they're just too yummy. I was used to eating heartily and not having to worry about gaining weight. So when I started limiting my food choices and intake, it was a struggle indeed.

Anyway, I used to do it just because I felt forced. But now, I'm actually enjoying my breakfast staple meal. And though I'm still having it because I want to maintain my diet, I'm also doing so because I actually love it.

During the last few weeks of 2009, I was quite... hmm, I don't know. I can't find the perfect adjective. But there were a lot of things I was unsure of. Myself, among others. Then I started to make a deal with myself. For a different reason, which, I think is actually pretty childish. But then as the days go by, I found myself actually enjoying what I'm doing. And later on, I was already doing it not because of the former petty reason I did it for, but for something else, something better.

There's this adage in psych that goes: do the motion and later on, you'll feel the emotion.

Starting is always the hardest part. But while you're already at it, you might find out that what you used to loathe may be one of the best things that could actually happen to you. And I'm no longer talking about breakfast ;)

Aviation fuel.

2010-01-15T00:28:00.001+08:00

Much needed.

Obligations & Contracts exam on monday - 5 effin’ units!!! I’ve read the book twice, read the codal provisions over and over (though I really haven't started actually memorizing anything), and still, when i answered one of the sample exams, i felt lost. Well, not really lost. I somehow knew what to answer, but I just couldn’t pinpoint the specific legal provisions to justify my answer. And sometimes, I just don’t know how to properly assess the case XD MUST. NOT. FAIL. MUST. EXCEL. MUST. READ. MORE.

Theology & Social Teachings of the Church on tuesday.

Constitutional Law (Bill of Rights) on Friday.

Criminal Law II two mondays from now.

Legal Technique two wednesdays from now.

Legal Writing two saturdays from now.

Back in college, I wouldn’t be panicking at this time. Haha. I usually study three days before—at the most :)) But here in law school, nothing is ever enough! Ever!

But one of my favorite professors last semester, Atty. Mario Bautista, one of the best litigants in the country at present, taught us more than just the subject matter he ought to taught us (criminal law I). Haha, actually, he really barely taught us the law, said we ought to learn the law on our own. But he did teach us about being a good lawyer. About what happens in practice. And best of all, he inspired us to dream. And he taught us this beautiful concept of aviation fuel.

——-

Whatever you may be busy with right now, I hope you, too, would find where to get your own dose of aviation fuel :)

Yaaaay for todaaaay :)

2010-01-06T01:08:00.004+08:00

(Or yesterday, more appropriately)

I. I finally got my college diploma <3

II. I got to do a number of things during my short visit to Diliman:
1. I got to talk to the following people, individually :D

a. Bea Alfonso, who's one of the girls in my home org who has been dear to me ever since :) I'm really happy for you---you've finally made up your mind that you really want to go to med school and im so excited for what's in store for you. And yes, you're right: don't dismiss Ateneo just because they're new. Jesuit education is precious <3 Love you lilsis!

b. Edison Balagtas, one of my close psychs/psychsoc batchmates who I haven't had a face-to-face conversation with for a long time. I'm also happy for you that you decided to go to law school :)Just don't persuade Marge to NOT consider Ateneo Law. You're biased :P And though I might be biased, too, because I'm in Ateneo Law now, the difference is that I'm also from UP (and you know how much I love being UP). But Ateneo, really, is a very good choice. You might want to consider it, too ;)

c. Paolo Ong, I'm happy we finally got to talk again! I missed our very random conversations before. And, thank you for reminding me about the blue marlin in chinatown. Haha. I missed that and I'm happy I had that for lunch kanina :))

2. I got to visit UP LAW!
-Thanks to Carla Badi and Faye Celso for the "tour" :)) Even if I've been there before anyways hahaha. I'm just happy I got to see you two!
-Charles Icasiano! Upload our pictures, ok? Haha, and thank you! For the brotherly advice and brotherly love sans being overprotective and for being supportive about many things(HAHAHAHA shhhh).

3. I got to walk around the campus again. Well, not really around the entire campus :)) BUT, I like walking in Diliman. At least I got to do a bit of that today :)

4. I also got to drop by the YFC and the PsychSoc tambayans <3

III. Our theo group meeting was finished by 6pm as scheduled. Yay for efficiency!

IV. Another barkada dinner at mongkok. I really love that chinese resto. Great food at suuuuper affordable prices! Today I had vegetable meat pao and it's really good. Plus my favorite custard roll. But the best part of the dinner: laughtrip moments with Dors, Estelle, and Dianna :D

V. Dors and I saw our balikbayan grade school batchmate Camille Corcuera in Powerplant. Aaaand. We'll see her again this Friday when we go out one last time before Camz leaves again for Canada :)

VI. I feel productive :) I'm almost done with my first reviewer for oblicon :D Tomorrow ko na sisimulan ang consti :D

So there. Yay for today and for the next days to come :)

I really have no realization to share in this entry.

2010-01-04T21:35:00.002+08:00

BUT I JUST WANT TO SAY I MISSED MY BLOGGER SO MUCH!!!

Warning: this is just a rant and rave post more appropriate for my tumblr buuuuut. I just missed this blog so much :)) Dont bother reading unless you like me that much to waste time reading nonsensical stuff.

Anywayyyy. I still dont get it why i cannot access gmail and blogger at home (in laguna). So yeah. Frustrating, much. Sooo as you can see, my last post here was on my birthday, which was also the last day I was here in makati.

HAPPY NEW YEAR! :)

(For my traditional January 1 goal-setting post, I just posted it at my todayinhisto-rhee blog).

About today:
Got called in both classes!

About this week:
monday - law school barkada dinner for the first night of law school in 2010 :D
tuesday - i'll be in up diliman to get my diploma. am really looking forward to see old, familiar faces :) updaaaaate me!
wednesday - dinner with psychsoc seniors of 2009 :D
thursday - tahilan w/ diana?
friday - high school barkada reunion!!! at long last!!!

AND YES. I'M GOING TO START REVIEWING FOR MIDTERMS THIS WEEK. Haha, kumusta naman sa mga lakad :)) Pero yes, I shall. I must. I will. (I hope HAHA).

December 18, 2009

2009-12-19T12:35:00.000+08:00

Thanks everyone <3

*Woke up 4 in the morning to study for Crim II. Haha! That’s how we do it in the law school. Still studying even if it’s Christmas already.
*Checked my FB account and saw lots of greetings <3
*The traditional birthday breakfast with the family.
*Long ride conversations with Daddy, who dropped me off to Rockwell first before going to Bataan.
*Had my hair and nails done :)
*Checked my FB again and saw even mooore greetings. Didn’t have time na to reply, though.
*NO CRIM II!!! =))
*Almost cried with my housemates’ letter and surprise. They gave me Nina Garcia’s The Little Black Book of Style (which I super super super want) and yummy cream puffs :D
*Mongkok with Dors and Estelle. I love their seafood roll and their red bean cheesecake! And best of all, their price! I only paid 360 for everything na. Super cheap!
*Laughtrip moments with the two while waiting for a cab
*LANTERN PARAAAAADE!
*Saw my YFC and PsychSoc families <3 YFC and PsychSoc will ALWAYS be family to me. I got lots of hugs, greetings, aaaaand they sang for me. Haha. It just felt so good seeing friendly, familiar faces. And really, those two orgs have a way of making you feel really, really loved :) Too bad I wasn’t able to stay for long. Looking back now, I wish I stayed for at least 30-45 minutes more with each of the two. Super kulang talaga yung time. Anyway, to my batchmates, I’m sooooooooooo happy I saw you. To my ates and kuyas, thank you, too. I still look up to all of you. Always have, and I guess, always will. And to the younger batches, I love you all <3 Haha. I never thought I’d relish being called “Ate Rhea.” In my earlier years in college, I loathed the idea. Because I loved being the baby. But really, I’d like to thank you for making me realize a lot of things about myself, for giving me an opportunity to step up and take on responsibilities for sucha big family. Thank you for the trust. And I must say, I’m soooo proud of you guys :)
*Dors and I spent some time with Norman, my best guy friend in elementary. Woohoooo. I love elementary days! I had a very happy childhood, thankyouverymuch. Haha!
*Central with BLOCK A! I had fun! Thank you for coming :D And I went home very much sober! Woke up very much sober as well. Haha. Thanks to Ernie who drove for us home! And thank you all for half a year of memorable law school moments :)

Family dinner later! So maybe this is the first time I’m gonna celebrate my birthday with my family on a day other than my birthday, but I don’t want to be sucha drama queen about it na. Haha. I had lots of fun yesterday with elem friends, college friends, and the block naman :)

I feel bad though that I didn’t get to hear mass :( Lord, sorry. And superrr thanks for granting my wish :) It was a happy day, after all! On the way to Central, Dors and I were talking about how sometimes things don’t really go according to the way you planned it, but ultimately, what matters is that at the end of the day, you’ll discover that God’s plans are actually way better than yours :)

Another year older, but not necessarily wiser. For my 21st year, I pray that I may be more mature AND more child-like at the same time :)

“Hearts need a mind. Like a clock needs the time. Like white needs black. If you leave I hope you’ll need to come back… You got so much love in you. You got so much love in you. I’m amazed that I’m talking to you. You look like the songs that I’ve heard my whole life coming true.”
-So much love, The Rocket Summer. One of my favorite songs of all time. This is for all my friends. You all amaze me in different ways. And I’m blessed to have all of you :) Listen to that song, listen to that song! It’s a happy song and it’s my song for you! :)

Christmas spirit, where art thou?

2009-12-11T01:09:00.003+08:00

Paramdam ka na, ha? :) Right now, I'm drowning in acads-related stuff. Not that I'm complaining because I actually like what we study. But DECEMBER IS MY FAVORITE MONTH. At the very least, even if I can't party as much, I want to feel the Christmas spirit naman! That warm, fuzzy, super feel-good feeling. Which I don't really feel right now. Maybe next week. Hopefully, at the very latest, early next week!

-----

I'll be turning 21 in a week and I still haven't shopped!
On the brighter side of things, I'm finally shedding unwanted fats :D

It's Christmas two weeks from now and I still haven't bought a single gift!!!!!
And I think I kinda overspent haha. How in the world will I buy gifts now? :))

Next week = PARTY EVERYDAY. One Christmas party for every prof. Kumusta naman yon diba. Hahaha!

-----

I'm still 7 cases away from reaching my quota for our Consti class tomorrow (22 cases). And though I'm done reading for Crim, I haven't memorized the articles yet :o

Lord, gusto ko na po ng stellar recit :) Thank You! :)

We like uncertainties, don't we?

2009-12-08T21:27:00.002+08:00

Half-sarcastic, half-true.

Hahahahaha :))

--------------------------

Half-sarcastic, because really, uncertainty sucks.
Then again, half-true.
Because sometimes, we're actually afraid to know the truth.

--------------------------

Legally Blonde's soundtrack and Glee's Don't Stop Believeing is keeping me away from emo sh*t right now <3 My emotions are easily suggestible.

No muna to my favorites JEW and DC on Tuesday nights and Wednesday mornings (before the deadly Wednesday BIG THREE).

Besides, bad for recits ang emo-ness.
So no to emo!

BAD DAYS.

2009-12-04T15:56:00.002+08:00

Rhealization for the day:

Bad days?
They don't happen to break you.
They happen to make you :)

Strike 2 :|

2009-12-03T14:29:00.002+08:00

Sorry, pass :|

--------------

Why? :( I was prepared to recite today, except for two Re: ACA cases. I was relieved that I wasn't the one called to recite on the first. But lo and behold, I had to be called on the second.

I don't know what's happening to me. I study, I really do. And I know that I know more than what I have shown in our Consti class so far.

Hay.

It's just frustrating.

Grabe, sobrang loser lang ng feeling. Hay.

Because we have an extra long weekend.

2009-11-28T16:29:00.004+08:00

Half my college life, there was this one person who was always my instant date. When I have spare time to just chill and be happy. When I just want to snuggle. When I want to gaze at the stars. When I want to pigout. When I have the impulse to buy clothes (and oh how patient you were, considering how long I shop; and you never complained!). When I feel down and in need of someone who'll be strong for me. He was there. Always. (Almost).

I miss that person now. On days like this, when I have nothing much to do, we usually head to the mall, eat until we can't take in anything anymore, watch a movie, eat some more after. And/or do any of the other things we like doing. Like taking long walks without saying anything, etc.

But then again, I have to be fair. Do I miss him, or do I just miss having someone, in general?

Anyway, you know who you are and I'm sorry I was such a mess when you called last night.

Hay.

2009-11-25T17:43:00.003+08:00

From a mediocre oblicon recit, to a borderline bad crim recit, to a HORRIBLE HORRIBLE HORRIBLE consti recit :(

I can't believe I forgot the SHORTEST CASE. And I can't believe it had to be in a class where we have classmates from other blocks :(

I was already preparing for the next case when our professor called out my name.

"Same question."

Me: What question?
Sir: Same question.
Me: Sorry sir. I didn't hear the question.
Sir: But you're nearer to me.
Me: (helpless and wanting to just disappear)
Sir: Okay just recite the case.
Me: What case?

:|

As soon as I remembered that he was pertaining to Perez v. LPG, I desperately tried recalling what it was about. But for the life of me, all I could remember were the phrases "any act" and "on a per cylinder basis." Realizing it was already a futile attempt, I finally resigned my case.

"Sorry sir. Pass."

I swear. That was the worst thing that ever happened to me in law school. So far.

I don't know what's wrong with me lately. But certainly, this isn't the Rhea I know.

I'm sorry if I rant too much. I just need to let it out. In a while, I'll be fine and perky again. I hope :)

They say that when you've hit the ground, there's no way to go but up :)

I want to keep this feeling :)

2009-11-23T20:05:00.002+08:00

Today's a light and happy day.

Nothing groundbreaking or heartwarming happened. Today's just an ordinary day, really. I don't know why I'm so chill and composed and not my usual frantic self today. It's been quite a while since I last felt this good.

Maybe it's God's way of saying "I love you." Well Lord, I love you, too :)

Thank God for ever-reliable friends :)

2009-11-18T01:37:00.002+08:00

In a time when I feel like crying over very simple matters (to give you a clue: i was moved by some of the cases / ponencia, i felt like crying! haha. or when i actually bawled in front of my dad after overhearing our helper murmur, "tumabataba na si rhea, tumataba na!)"), it's comforting to know that there are people who actually think your feelings are very much valid.

(talking about a different topic)
charles icasiano: understandable
charles icasiano: there, there
charles icasiano: *hug*

haha. and i thought THAT BIT (which NO ONE, as in absolutely no other person knows about) is too embarassing to admit and too petty for someone my age. haha. now whether my friend was just sleepy and needed to end the conversation (which was just filled with my rants anyway) or whether he actually really understands (and presumption shall be in favor of good faith on the part of a friend), i just feel relieved.

Why?

2009-11-16T23:59:00.000+08:00

No matter how many times I talk to people about this, I still end up not knowing what to do. And feeling terribly awful about it. Why does it have to affect me so much in the first place? Well, I think I already know what to do. But I’ll give it one more chance.

I know you already said it’s okay. But when we talked, I also felt how sad it will make you feel :’( I hate what-ifs, but I don’t want to be a leaver either.

By Friday, I’ll decide.

Tsktsk.

2009-11-10T19:17:00.003+08:00

I never had to go on a diet. EVER. Because no matter how much I eat, I don't gain considerable weight anyway. And even if I do, I'm still thin.

But that's not the case anymore!!!

Since sembreak, I started lessening my food intake. A LOT of the people I know (especially the ones who haven't seen me for months/years)have been telling me that I'm obviously gaining weight in law school.

While preparing my clothes for this week, I somewhat had difficulty selecting which clothes to bring because some of my clothes just don't fit well anymore :(

I'm hungry. But I already ate dinner-- bread + tuna.

I said though in the previous entry that EVERYTHING (save for the few exceptions i mentioned, and the rule is exclusio unius est exclusio alterius)shall be subordinate to the more pressing and important demands of the law school. And that includes my figure concerns. So I better stop sulking now. Back to work.

FOCUS

2009-11-09T22:47:00.004+08:00

"The key to staying in law school is FOCUS."
-Dean Candelaria

And focus, I shall. I'm here to become a lawyer. All other things in my life, inside or outside law school, except for God and family and trueblue friends, shall be of subordinate importance to my study of the law.

----------

Love? That will come. In time. Probably just not while I'm in law school.

(Although the prospect of staying single for four years seems kinda harsh hahaha. But we'll see).

Edit: it IS harsh :))

Because He is the best <3

2009-11-03T18:47:00.005+08:00

My general weighted average this sem is the LOWEST I ever got in my entire life, yet ironically, dito rin ako pinaka-sumaya. My heart has never JUMPED FOR JOY because of grades the way it did tonight. My entire life as a student, I only feared failing math,a mediocre general average, or not making it to the top 10 (in grade school and high school) or the cs/us list (college). In law school, for the first time, I prayed to just at least pass (75) and meet the qpi (78). So even if my qpi now is what I would consider disheartening and mediocre before, I'm still very much thankful to the Lord for it.

And you know what's even more beautiful? This morning, one of the verses I got from the Bible said: "Do not let your heart be troubled. Trust in God, and trust in me" - John 14:1. Sakto. Ang galing galing lang Niya :)

I'll remember my first sem, first year in law school forever <3 The nervewracking intro to law days when there was no minute that passed when we weren't holding on tight for dear life, the tension brought about by the first few times we were called to recite, the first memories with the people in the block, the first midterms week, the first finals week, and alas--the moment of truth (when we finally saw our grades).

To my blockmates: I'm happy to have spent what would perhaps be one of the semesters I'll remember forever with you :) Here's to hoping we have 3.5 more years to spend with each other in the law school.

I'm also really very grateful that I ended up in Ateneo Law :) Now it is my DUTY to do better next semester. Nerdy as it may sound, but I'm looking forward to start yet another 5 months of torture. After all, diamonds are made under pressure. Despite my lackluster performance this sem, I'm very much eager to rise up and redeem myself. With God's help, of course :)

P.S.
Dear Ace,
thank you for describing me as such. it lifted up my spirits. it's also some sort of a reminder. so, from the bottom of my heart, thank you.
-->My friend Ace was asked, "What is Rhealeth's idea of a great movie?" and she answered: "a story about getting beat up by life's challenges and rising back up again... done with an awesome pair of high heels... :)"

<3

Do you still believe in love?

2009-11-02T12:43:00.002+08:00

Despite everything, I still do. Someday, it will come.

Countless books (The Alchemist, among the best convincers) tell us what we’re looking for has been right in front of us all along. But I refuse to buy that, no matter how true it may be. Because if we resort to that belief and settle for what’s here and now, we’ll always be bothered by many what ifs. This is one case when vicarious learning is not applicable. We may end up with the same conclusion later on, but the point is that we were the ones who actually came up with such conclusion. That makes all the difference.

I used to like to play it safe. Maybe I was too afraid to lose. But then later on it hit me that I’m being selfish.

On January 1, 2009, I wrote this.

If you don’t have the time to bother reading, in a nutshell, I told myself that this year, I’d be bolder and take more risks. Looking back at the things I’ve done this year, it can be said I stayed true to that, only most of those actions were not things I could be proud of. The year’s almost about to end, but perhaps it’s not too late. This time around, I’ll make sure the risks I take are the ones in line with what is right.

Ang first year, first sem law school grades, para lang...

2009-11-01T02:26:00.002+08:00

Nandiyan ka nga,
wala naman akong mapala.
Ano ba,
ayoko na ng suspense ok.
Ang sakit mo sa puso,
grabe.
Matutulog na ko,
hindi na kita iisipin.
Tutal, darating ka rin naman diba?
Mag-iintay na lang ako.

Grades. First sem, first year, law school.

Parang pag-ibig lang eh noh.