I haven't been around lately.
Been so very busy.
Well, BTW, I survived my second semester but I nearly failed with my major. Not a great sign perhaps, but I still do not know why I'm staying. This person does not back out from a fight. I plan on taking a second major, (I want History though but I like Psych too) but I'll update you on that by the second semester this year.

Wait, a pause with school.
It's summertime already.
Actually, summer is already ending.
Had a blast.
I did not travel as much though but there could be no replacement with home.
I've been tutoring my little cousins. I hoped they learned something. But I'm grateful, when they give me their beautiful smiles and the other one even begs me to stay late. Children indeed.

Though most of us want rest, I'm really looking forward to school. I miss the place, the people. I have so many plans when I get back. I need to organize more. I wanna decorate our dorm room. And I plan to have fun still. And indeed, I still hope that I can pass my major. And I also look forward to my membership on a camera club at school. Hopefully, I can join.

Toodles for now!

BTW, I may not check on this blog often but you can check out my twitter account, http://twitter.com/#!/jana63114 and my tumblr, http://janagonzalez.tumblr.com/

See you around!




What I learned in Spanish 1. . .
(Did I really learn?)





Greetings

Hello / Hola Goodbye / Adios Good morning/good day / Buenos dias
Good afternoon / Buenas tardes
Good evening/night / Buenas noches
How are you? / Como esta usted?
Very well thank you / Muy bien, gracias See you soon / Hasta luego
That’s all right / Esta bien
Don’t worry / No se preocupe

Useful Statements
I (don’t) like it / (No) me gusta I’m not sure / No estoy seguro
I don’t know / No se
I think so / Creo que si
I’m hungry (thirsty) / Tengo hambre (sed)
I’m tired / Estoy cansado
I’m ready / Estoy listo
Leave me alone / Dejame solo por favor

Just one minute / Un minuto por favor
One moment please / Un momento por favor
Come in / Adelante
It’s cheap (expensive) / Es barato (caro)
It’s cold (hot) / Hace frio (calor)
It’s too much / Es demasiado
That’s all / Es todo
Thank you for your help / Gracias por tu ayuda
Taxi please / Taxi por favor

Questions
Where is(are)? / Donde esta(estan)? When? / Cuando?
Who? / Quien?
Why? / Por que?
What? / Que?
How much is (are)? Cuanto es(son)?
How far? / Que distancia hay?
I want (would like...) / Quiero...
What is the matter? / Que pasa?
Can you help me? / Puede usted ayudarme? Can you show me? / Puede usted enseñarme? Can you tell me? / Puede usted decirme?

Oh . . .Spanish!

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Survival Books and Readings:







Introduction
This article was written by me, Jana Felice Gonzalez. I am currently studying in the University of the Philippines Visayas. This article was assigned by our instructor, Mr. Kevin Piamonte. This is about our view on PNoy's first SONA.


Truth Brings Consequence

Jana Felice P. Gonzalez

The start of change has arrived. Eyes and ears of the Filipinos were all focused on President Benigno Aquino III for his first State-of-the-Nation Address in the joint session of the 15th Congress.
Many were so attuned to the television. It seemed like the whole country paused for less than an hour. I chose to watch in a public viewing so that I can observe the reactions of many people.
I guess the uplifting Inaugural speech of Noynoy made us curious for his first SONA. I remembered that day, June 30. The day when the son of a former president and a hero stepped in office and replaced the most vicious woman I know. Everyone was truly moved on that day. I even had goose bumps after his speech. It was because I did not see a president in him but rather a citizen that would initiate change. He pointed out that he was aware of a lot of things down to the simplest ones. And so together with the rest of the inquisitive Filipinos, I anticipated.
Few minutes before the official SONA, there were already news about him. Though there was traffic in some places, his convoy still followed what he said in his Inauguration, “No to Wang Wang”. There were also reports on known and controversial officials like Imelda Marcos who was present and the abrupt travel of Gloria Arroyo to Hong Kong. When I heard that news, I immediately reacted. Admittedly, I predicted that she would do that. Her absence only proves that the anomalies which Noynoy pinpointed on her were factual.
Many were curious how the SONA would be. Many speculated that his SONA would be different from Gloria for it would focus on the real state of the nation unlike Gloria’s usual boasting of achievements. When Edwin Lacierda, the presidential spokesman was asked on an interview days before PNoy SONA, he stressed that PNoy’s message on the past administration is completely factual. It’s up to us if we say it’s only a criticism or the opposite.


I looked at my watch and it was 3: 55 pm, Noynoy’s convoy was really near the Batasang Pambansa. The newscasters were stating their opinions and some other facts regarding the rallies. I wasn’t listening much on them because I focused on the screen and in the middle of those chatters which I regarded as noises; I saw a very touching scene on the screen.
There were small children jumping for joy and excitement when they saw the presidential convoy. That was touching for me since even small children who were ignorant and unaware of their surroundings were glad to see the convoy pass that only prove that Noynoy brings them hope.

Admittedly, I was one of the persons that did not trust the abilities of Noynoy during the campaign. I thought he was just bearing the name of his parents. Yes, he was a Senator. But for me he was unable to make laws. In my mind, he was one of those so called legislatures not really doing their jobs. So, I was rooting for Gibo, Gloria’s bet. He maybe with the disliked administration but his wisdom was beyond belief. When I heard, Noynoy won I felt defeated.
And I had the impression that the people made the wrong choice. But I was wrong.
Now I could see that he wasn’t the man that I thought he was. He was silent for years but not for long. I am amazed by his effort to make the Philippines better. He works for what he promised. I just hope that his works would make things better. And I hope he wouldn’t ruin my new impression on him. Trust is hard to gain.

When PNoy entered the Batasang Pambansa, he was welcomed with Militrary Honors and was greeted by the Senate President Enrile and Speaker Belmonte. There were several representatives shaking his hand smiling and formally greeting him. It was inconvenient for me to watch those people because they seem so plastic. Maybe not all of them but I knew the fact that those persons were part of the corruption of the former administration. That brings me back with the idea of him being surrounded by people with hidden agenda. And they may under him.
The clock turns to 4:07 pm. PNoy officially entered the session hall. All the people inside were rushing to him. When he stood in front of all the Senators and the Representatives, all were in awe. Silence was evident. I don’t know though if all were happy or were only pretending to be.
Yes, the event started with the usual singing of the National Anthem. But what made all in order was the National Prayer. It may have been present before but I haven’t noticed it. I guess that only brings me to the thought that Noynoy is associated with religion. He is certainly unlike Gloria.
He started his speech with his campaign slogan “Para sa tuwid na daan”. For me, he started rapidly. But the words were concise. And what captured my attention was his choice to use the Filipino language. He made me feel proud to be a Filipino. I noticed many international officials were there. How would they understand him? It made me realize that it didn’t matter for him because he was addressing the speech to the Filipino citizens not to them.
Well, the speculation that he would talk on the anomalies of Gloria’s administration was right. He did. And all were shocking. He talked bravely, unafraid of these people. He stated how much money we have lost. He even highlighted that the money for Calamity Fund went to Pampanga, the place of the former president instead of Pangasinan. He even uttered some of the organizations with dubiously actions. And allow me to again say, those were shocking!
He continued his speech with what he did together with his Cabinet members on those anomalies. He also shared what he will do. Moreover, he started to tackle tax evaders and smugglers and what effects these people gave us. He said they will be punished. I hope so.
He said that his first Executive Order will be on the construction of the Truth Commission and this will be headed by Hilario Davide. Honestly, I hated it. I thought to myself how could a Truth Commission be headed by a questionable person. I’ve always doubted him. I suspect that he had no stand. But I really can’t make any initiative on it. So, I guess I’ll give him a chance. Remember, not all impressions are correct.
He also stated some projects that he will be working on. I was again shocked but somehow amazed for in this short duration of time being the president, he thinks of those things. But he talks with confidence. I guess those things will eventually be true. I hope.
He then talked about his trust on his Cabinet members. He praised them. He said they are hard-working. But I find it hard to believe. I don’t know why. But I guess having a new administration hasn’t hit me yet. But he gave humor to that topic when he asked, “Ang Kongreso, maasahan ba?”
I could see his desire to make the Filipinos one. He wanted an agreement of peace with the rebels in Mindanao. I hope he can. But the mere thought that he wanted was very touching for a president. All he wants is peace. “Itigil na ang putukan!.”
He pointed out that we Filipinos though hard to do must sacrifice especially leaders. He encouraged the officials to sacrifice. With sacrifice he meant, to think of others first rather than their own. He said that his mission is for God and the Filipino people.
He encouraged the Filipinos to dream again because it’s now the time to. He persuaded all with his famous quote, “Tahakin natin ang matuwid na daan!”
I looked at my clock and it is 4:45 pm. Minutes had elapsed. PNoy already ended his speech. Were the Filipinos moved? Or are they still in doubt? Is now the start of change? Is it? Let’s see.


-jana. . . .



The Cry of the Water
Jana Felice P. Gonzalez



I’ve always feared Pakistan. When I hear the word “Pakistan”, I always associate it with chaos, war, terrorism, death and fear. Just thinking about it makes me tremble. Imagine, being awoken by the sound of explosions, will you not be afraid? Pakistanis especially those in the North, have encountered all these from Taliban-and al-Qaeda violence.

Now it worsened. Here comes a destructive flood that affected more than 12 million people across the country. Heavy monsoon rains caused such phenomenon. And this flood claimed the lives of more than 1,500 people. The flood damaged many houses and possessions of the villagers in Peshawar, Mehmud Kot and Nowshera. It’s no longer waking up with explosions outside. It’s discovering you have nothing left. Well, that is if you survive. At least explosives are created by people who want chaos and these people can be negotiable, but not calamities. Nature can never be controlled.


It’s very hurtful to see how the Pakistanis would effort in searching what’s left of them. They would already be fortunate if they could recover their goats, shoes and sewing machines. Furthermore, the flood ravaged the residents’ sources of income. It has ruined the country’s farming heartland. You could imagine how much loss it is for Pakistan.

Problems continue during the evacuation. One of these is convincing the villagers to leave their homes. These homes are theirs, no matter how ruined these are, so they find it so hard to let go. Another dilemma is the risk of public health disaster that triggered the citizens’ anger to the government. They felt abandoned by them. I know many would want to help evacuate them, but how can we, knowing that even helicopters bringing emergency supplies cannot do so because of the stormy weather. The flood they have encountered is probably the most terrible. I realized it’s no longer fear that I felt for Pakistan. It’s compassion.






















taken from: http://www.google.com.ph/imglanding?q=flood+in+pakistan+2010&um=1&hl=en&biw=1301&bih=520&tbs=isch:1&tbnid=DJWNSyraNX2feM:&imgrefurl=http://arafiqui.wordpress.com/2010/09/07/the-flood-pakistan-2010/&imgurl=http://arafiqui.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/rafiqui_stern_pakfld_190810_171.jpg&zoom=1&w=950&h=633&iact=hc&ei=gMzDTK6CJM3JcdralNgL&oei=gsvDTNGQBYS3cbG11MwN&esq=6&page=1&tbnh=119&tbnw=181&start=0&ndsp=20&ved=1t:429,r:11,s:0


In my view, it is never shocking to hear news on floods. Floods are common. But I can never explain why every time a flood happens, I always feel pity. I may barely know the place where the flood happened, but that reaction is always constant. I could not bear to see people crying for help and wanting their lives to be saved. And what hurts the most is when the people who are saved would look for their loved ones, but they can’t find them. Floods may be usual, but their effects are always hurtful.




I guess it is nature’s way of telling us that the world has changed. It has become more unpredictable and uncontrollable. Therefore, let us take care of the environment. Let’s be involved! We never really know what lies ahead for Earth and for us! Now that we can still act, we should!



Once upon a time, there was Geli. . .

The Pulchritude of Rebel










Once upon a time, there was Gia. . .

The Allure of Hippie










Once upon a time, there was Sheena. . .

The Charm of a Musician