starting last january 26, our school (don bosco-canlubang) started to celebrate its 44th foundation week, which would last until the 31st of the same month. i am a member of the head committee, or as the term goes, "steering committee", and mind you, its really not a piece of cake.
for one thing, i am the only representative of the college students, and even though i have some teachers of the department with me, communication with the students was never easy. also, i am under the supervision of my professor (for both cosmology and political philosophy), who is also acting as the chief organizer of the said event.
i would really like to take down all the things that transpired from the start till now, but i really am tired right now. from the beginning of the foundation week, never have i experienced that ill be sleeping because i feel sleepy. instead, some of these nights were sleepless (as in i never slept at all), and also the fact that from the 26th till the day i post this blog, i only eat one meal (breakfast) for each day....
tired...hungry...sleepless...
but somehow happy, relieved, and blessed, nonetheless...
ill post my exhaust of the foundation week next time, but till then...
GOD BLESS EVERYONE!
Monday, January 29, 2007
Thursday, January 25, 2007
What's...
What’s the meaning of doing things out of no reason?
I thought everything’s going on with a purpose or reason
If there is no reason, why do it at all?
Is it because one thinks of nothing, so as to do something out of nothing?
Or it is just because one is too lax not to take to mind one’s reason of doing it?
I think that when one does something with no reason, that’s the true reason at all
What’s to love if you don’t have something or someone to love?
I’m done loving myself, but until now, I do not know who or what to love besides me
Is it that I do not know, or is it I refuse to know?
Love cannot be contained to oneself; it must be directed towards another
If love can’t be directed to another, it is useless…
What’s to live if you have no reason to live at all?
Some say one lives for the other, but when will come a time that one can live for oneself?
Others say one lives for the self, but when will come a time that one can live for the other?
Would it be a waste if one lives for nothing at all?
I don’t say that I feel this way, it’s just I might be able to…
What’s to choose when you have nothing to choose from?
If you only have one, you don’t need to choose anymore
Because when one has to choose, one gets one, and leaves the other
But when one only gets one, one needs not to leave the other, for there is no other to leave in the first place…
But, what’s the point of asking for things to be expressed by reason alone that cannot be answered by reason alone?
Believe…
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
haay...
i had the usual day at school...
start of class by 7:30 in the morning...3 hours of contemporary philosophy
proceeded next to 2 hours of cosmology
had some time to have a break from 1:30 to 3:30
had my class at religion by 3:30, and filipino for the next hour...
but, i just, realized...what's important this day.
i remembered you...as i always do.
though we were not able to see or talk to each other for this day, i am hoping and praying that you are okay...
i love you so much...
start of class by 7:30 in the morning...3 hours of contemporary philosophy
proceeded next to 2 hours of cosmology
had some time to have a break from 1:30 to 3:30
had my class at religion by 3:30, and filipino for the next hour...
but, i just, realized...what's important this day.
i remembered you...as i always do.
though we were not able to see or talk to each other for this day, i am hoping and praying that you are okay...
i love you so much...
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
God’s Foreknowledge and Human Freedom
One’s knowing of the future doesn’t mean that he controls the future. I think that’s the case with God. He knows the future, and to be particular, He knows my future (and everyone else’s). But it doesn’t mean that he is the cause of that future that we place upon ourselves.
I would like to take the position of my classmate, who saw God’s foreknowledge this way: He said that whenever we decide or choose, God already sees all the facets or faces of the decisions we made. And in this case, he knows everything that resulted in our decision. So, he knows our future. But still, because of God’s gift to man (human freedom), he does not cause the future to happen. It is us. And He just looks on…
This is not a weakness, I believe. It is His choice. And, this is His Power, and what he gave to us, His Gift. Use it well…
For those who think that they are restricted by God’s foreknowledge, and thinks that everything is already predetermined, think again…
God Bless everyone!
Saint Agustine of Hippo said: “knowledge can come only from belief”
I understood this as: I believe that everything I know exists, that is why I was and am able to know them. But it doesn’t mean that I entirely believe in what I know. Some may be that I believe in them in the fact that they exist, but the others, maybe because I believe in them in full.
Simple Life…Funny Life
Jokes and jokes…too bad I just knew some of it lately. Would that mean that I am short of having a “happy” life? Just last January 14 and 15, I am treated with so many jokes from not only one, but with the whole family! And I can’t believe that I reached the age of twenty without even hearing those…silly me.
Well, I better share these jokes online, rather than having it said by me, coz I know, I wouldn’t look funny, and wouldn’t sound funny as well. Anyway, here it is:
How would I put an elephant in a refrigerator in three steps?
Simple. Open the fridge, place the elephant inside, and then shut the door of the fridge.
Now, how would you put a giraffe in a refrigerator?
Open the fridge, take out the elephant, place the giraffe inside, and then shut the door of the fridge.
Now, Simba (from the Lion King) called for a meeting, and every animal is asked to attend. Guess who’s not coming?
The giraffe, because it is inside the ref!
Then again, considering that you and your mom live in the jungle with a pharmacy on the other side of a shallow river. Your mother got sick, and you have to cross that river, which is full of crocodiles. What can you do to cross the river?
Just go across. Remember, Simba called all the animals for a meeting, and that includes the crocs!
After some time, you decided to go and stay for sometime in
Simple. The giraffe. Its still inside the refrigerator, remember?
I am really sorry, but I have to admit, I totally lost my composure laughing my heart out because of these. Am I that shallow to just laugh about simple things?
That’s the point. For the longest time I know, I have been trying to focus on things that I can see as deep and worthy of my time and efforts. I think that’s why I lost track of the simple things in life that I can still enjoy. Could I have been too late? Nah, I don’t think so.
What I learned from the jokes that I heard? Simple. Life is really not that complicated for me to forget that there is still time for me to take it easy, sit for awhile, and spend some time laughing and enjoying the simple things life, and especially God, gave me. Also, I realized, the next time I go to that place, I must have some jokes in my pocket!
Movies…
Patch
This is one of the movies that I liked from then till now. And there are times when I ask myself why I like it. Is it because somehow, I am longing for something that I see in it? Or is it because I see myself in one of the people in the movie? Well…I am not sure until now.
When I watched this movie the last time (when I had my retreat last September), I decided to have a scholarly approach in it. I approached the movie in a manner that I looked for things that can be or worthy to be noticed and remembered. I got many, but here is some of it, of which I subject to my reflections.
- Look beyond the problem, see the solution
- See the world anew, life is not so bad so as not to see the goodies in it
- Helping others makes someone forget about one’s own problems
- Anything worth doing is difficult; none great is achieved easily
- Think potential!
- Titles distort one’s vision in life
- Look beyond what is seen…
- We can never be someone without the sweet and better past…
Life is Beautiful
Although this movie is of another language, the message is clear: it is about love that goes beyond life. And for this movie, it is the love of one man towards his family. From this movie, I got some interesting and remarkable thoughts that I can see as relevant not only for me, but for others as well.
- Life is indeed beautiful
- Lying to save? Is it possible? Does the end justify the means?
- Life is what you make out of it…
- There are bad and sad things that happen in our lives. What comes out of it, as well as the road where it leads us depends on our choice.
Pay it Forward
I’ve been hearing lots of things about this movie, and when I had been given a chance to watch it, why not? Very well then, these are what I picked up from the movie:
- Generosity between strangers, is it possible?
- What does the world mean to someone?
- What if the world is just one big disappointment?
- The realm of possibility exists in each one
- Things may be hard, but not impossible
- Think of an idea to change the world and put it into action!
- Ideas are not altogether making someone idealistic
- The power of the will and the choice…it matters
- Reality check: things don’t always go the way we want them to
- All is said and done, but what’s more important is what you do next
- Some people don’t want to see what they need to see. Rather, they only see what they want to see
- Change is need not to be seen, but felt.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Monday, January 08, 2007
Cha...Cha...Cha
I think this is the usual talk of the town not so long ago…Cha-cha. However, I am not a really fanatic either for the government or anti-government. And I decide not to dwell not so much of the issue. Its not that I don’t care, its just that I think, before we think of doing this Cha-cha thing, we opt to think about another Cha-cha (that which is the topic of this blogpost)…Character Change.
First of all, I am someone who thinks that foundations are vital to everything that is founded on them. Without them, how could something stand strong? For example, an educational system with no strong foundation, may it be philosophical, visional/ mission, or structural; is sure to be down the drain. Also, a company with no strong foundation, may it be competent managers or strong workforce, would surely be hurling itself in failure.
Now, back to our topic. Character Change.
Why Character Change?
Simple.
How could people strive and hope for a good government if they themselves are rotten, sometimes to the core?
The system has nothing to do with the failures and inadequacies given to the people; it’s the people running the system that restricts the full capacity of it. In an analogy, its like: “Its not guns that people, it’s the people who kill people with it.”
I have to admit, I think people are not absolutely evil. And vice-versa. They are not also absolutely good. However, they are torn between good and evil, as well as right and wrong; all throughout their temporal existence. And in between life and death, we are also faced with the dilemma of knowing whether what we are doing benefits us or not; moreover, if it benefits other people or not.
Whatever system we have now: government, social, private, and everything that somehow needs and strives to connect people in one way or another, is undeniably imperfect. Why? Could something perfect come out of imperfection?
Anyway, the imperfections of whatever system we have now must not stop us from achieving whatever good is left in those systems. However, it seems that the people handling these systems are questionable. Well, who isn’t?
Ok, ok. Back to our topic.
I see that character formation has a vital role in whatever society asks from people. People cannot guarantee the society and whatever system it has, and even themselves, their full capacity and potential for service and action. Besides, the society is composed of the people, isn’t it?
Somehow, the question is, of which I’ll leave this blog as an open matter, is: “Who decides or who ‘dictates’ that which is and must be followed in character change?”
Ideas on Relationships (for the bf/gf type...pwede na rin sa iba)
I really cannot say that I am an expert in relationships. I admit, I never had one yet. I know things either because people tell me their experiences, or somehow, I just know. I cannot really brag knowledge about it…as I say it: “wisdom comes from experience, and experience comes in age. Therefore, wisdom comes in age” Logically correct, but…is it materially correct? If it is, then why some people in relationships doesn’t learn from it?
I am writing this to present my realizations about relationships. Others may see this as relevant; others may see this as rubbish. As I say it again, I never really had any formal relationships, thus I haven’t really proven this as generally applicable. However, for those who are still starting with their relationships, here it is:
1.) Partnership, not possession.
I see relationships as partnership, not possession. I always say to my friends: “Do not treat your gf/bf as a commodity or property; treat them as partners”. Why? First of all, they are like us. Being in a relationship does not mean one owns the other. And in this patriarchal society of ours, we cannot deny the fact that most of the time, we see the man above the woman. There is the bond of commitment, indeed. However, that bond must not be a bond that restricts or confines one or both. Rather, it should be a bond that permits freedom. After all, love given by both and received by both is free, it was not forced. I say, if you feel that you are somehow restricted or confined in your relationship, think twice…
2.) Respect of Individuality
In line with what was said in the first idea, treat your gf/bf as partners. Well, you cannot be partners with yourself, right? Thus, I speak of the individuality of those involved in relationships. Remember, your partner cannot be you, and you cannot be your partner as well (well, not absolutely…). Though bound by commitment and love with each other, it still is a fact that the two of you involved in the relationship are still two different people.
One cannot force the other to think, act, speak, feel etc. like oneself. Rather than forcing ourselves to our partners, let them understand us, and in progress, have ourselves also on the road of understanding them. Being in relationship, one of which is the bf/gf one, requires understanding between the two, along with the feeling of love and care, respect and trust.
One sad fact in relation to this is, we cannot force them to still love us, even when the love is already gone…
3.) Two-Way Learning
Since both of those included in a relationship are human beings, they are capable of learning. And also, since we are changing, there are unlimited possibilities of learning from and with each other. Try to learn from each other, and in progress, understand them as well. How can you possibly love something or someone without knowing it? It says that: The one who knows more, loves more.
Indeed, the reality is this: you cannot love absolutely everything about the other. There will be instances wherein we become sad of the fact that our partners have their iniquities and inadequacies. Well…reality checks again: so are we. Yet learning from each other helps us see those that would fill those that lack in us. Love. Learn. Understand. Accept. Love even more. I believe, that when this cycle stops, the relationship is worse than dead and dry.
Some say that what one knows about the other is enough to love the other….But, why would you stop in knowing the other? Do you fear that somehow, something would cause you to stop loving the other? Just asking…
4.) Happiness of Both
Just checking…Are you still happy with your relationship? Is the other? Both of you? I see this as this…staying in a relationship also asks that the relationship is grounded on love; love that seeks the happiness of the other, even over one’s own. I have to admit, and we have to admit that: Our lives are not all happy. So is our relationship. But would that stop you from searching happiness for the one you love? And even more, searching happiness with the one you love?
I think happiness in relationship lies in the decision of both inside that relationship to see the good things in life, in spite of all that had, may, or will come in their lives. The fact that both of them stayed through the times are that their relationships progressed and still grow. When both see happiness in whatever their lives and relationship bring them…that relationship is sure is to grow.
5.) Look at the Reason
Can you still remember why you are in that relationship the first place?
If not, why stay?
If not, why don’t you try to remember?
Was it Love? Impulse? Want? Need? Caprice? Lust?
A building with strong foundations is sure to stand the test of time. And in relationships, I believe that the strongest foundation would be love. Love your partners. Make them feel that they are loved. Love for the other is useless unless expressed and felt. Don’t regret it when it is already lost.
6.) A hand offered, not a chain tied
Imagine…treating your partner like an animal, tied with you. Does it feel good for you? How about the other? What does the other feel? As for me, I see relationships in the image of a hand.
Why hand? A hand, I believe is a great sign for relationship. It opens, closes, gets a hold of something, and it also lets go. The choice of both inside the relationship can be seen in the hands. They hold one another, rests one over the other, gets a hold of things and matters between them, and it sometimes asks to let go. If these are restricted in a relationship, I think that relationship is going down.
Each one involved in a relationship has a choice…to remain, to rest for a while, to stay, and to let go. Don’t withhold them. If one loves the other, one strives to see, feel, and understand the other’s happiness.
These are only ideas unless lived and used...
Saturday, December 16, 2006
The Dash of Life
I am Kristoffer Afable…I was born on May 19, 1986, and as of this writing, I am 20 years old. If I’ll die, my tombstone would have the dates of my birth and death together, right? Let’s say, May 20, 1986-___________...
Its not that I’m in a hurry to die, and I’m pretty sure of myself that I don’t want to die soon, especially now that I’m seeing life in a whole new way, and I now have more reasons to live. What I am trying to focus myself on right now is what the “dash” between a birth date and the death date.
I heard this from my philosophy professor, and she told us that the dash for her is called the “dash of life”. Indeed, I agreed to what she said. It is indeed a dash that shows the beginning of life, the life itself and the end of it of a person.
I am pretty sure that everyone considers their birth as important and special. It is through the grace of God, with the intervention of our parents, that we are born. That’s why its so special, isn’t it? And along with this, I am also pretty sure that we consider death as something, somehow “inevitable”, in the sense that we know it to come, and its coming would signal the end of us (well…us in the physical world, that is).
But that is not the center of this short reflection. Our birth has already past, and our death can come sometime later. What is more important is where and what we have at present…here and alive. I think that is what the dash represents: the gap between the beginning and end of life: our life itself.
At this point, I would like to post this question: “How is my/your life right now?”
Of course, we don’t know the time when we will die, right? However, as we course through our lives right now, let us remind ourselves that what we do now is more important than the things that we’re gonna do when we are nearing death. I just hope that there will be less, if inevitable, remorse to the fact that we did less when we’re still young, when we approach death.
Life is indeed what we make out of it. It’s up to us, largely up to us, what happens to our lives. If we want to say that life is indeed beautiful, we have to work for it. Gone maybe are the times that we, “in a snap of a finger”, have beautiful or comfortable lives. What we do in our lives, or even with our selves, determines the future that ourselves and our lives will meet.
Indeed, I say that both birth and death are important. Yet that which is in between: life, which matters the most. Why? Because I think, in the end of our journey in this life, we will face our God and Creator and he will ask: “How did you use the life that I handed to you?”
Was my life at this point wasted?
How can I use this gift wisely?
There are many ways…and man, with the unlimited possibilities and potentialities given to him, has his whole life in front of him to see it. And as man journeys, he does not only learn what to do in life…he shares it with others. He does not only share, he is also shared with what others has.
--------------
Life is indeed short, and negligence of it is inexcusable. Some may see that they’re still young to be too serious about life. But being aware of life and everything in it does not take into consideration on how old or young someone can be.
Ei, I would like to invite you to look into your life this time…and see, maybe there are things that we need to change. Or improve. Or remove. Or anything. The dash of life is our bridge between our birth and death. If it is not strong, we may fall too soon.
GOD BLESS EVERYONE!
THE SUN AND MAN
The sun…
Up in the sky
Shining so bright
Gives light and heat to everything
Man…
Down here
Stays in the dark
Brings gloom and coldness to others…
I can say that somehow, you would agree with what I say about the sun, but not of man. I know…and I am just being sarcastic. But hey, isn’t it true that sometimes, man is like that? I am a man, so sometimes I am just like that.
But there is one thing that I would like to look at this point. There is one similarity among many between the sun and man…as seen and said by my philosophy teacher. (thanks, ma’am!)
“The sun has its spots, but it doesn’t make the sun less brighter…”
What am I talking about here?
Imperfections, that is…
We are aware that all of us have imperfections, right? And these imperfections make us human. If we are perfect, we are like GOD. But we are not.
Frailty, shortcomings, sins, and things similar to these are things that we don’t share with GOD. We, humans as such, have these. But how do we see these? What do we do about it?
As I see it, don’t let our imperfections get the best of us. Are we so weak so as to let ourselves be swallowed by the darkness of our imperfections? I think not. Because along with our imperfections, GOD gave us many things for us to bring ourselves closer to him, and closer to the perfection that he has. Let’s face it, we can never be like GOD, but having the thought of us sharing His glory, makes us happy within, and without.
I would now like to ask you to look at the sun. (Hey, not like that? You might get blinded! Don’t be like Galileo, ok?) Imagine the image of the sun. It is so bright, isn’t it? Yet, science proved that though the sun is so bright, there are many dark spots in it, emitting less or no heat at all. Yet somehow we still find it difficult look at it directly.
I think, this is the time that we aim to be like the sun (not in everything, ok?) it is bright, although with some spots in it. Shine like the sun for others, but do not blind them. Give light to others. And though we have our imperfections in us, being aware of them, understanding them and using them as challenges and means to help others; makes us shine…
Shine for ourselves…shine for others…shine for GOD.
Up in the sky
Shining so bright
Gives light and heat to everything
Man…
Down here
Stays in the dark
Brings gloom and coldness to others…
I can say that somehow, you would agree with what I say about the sun, but not of man. I know…and I am just being sarcastic. But hey, isn’t it true that sometimes, man is like that? I am a man, so sometimes I am just like that.
But there is one thing that I would like to look at this point. There is one similarity among many between the sun and man…as seen and said by my philosophy teacher. (thanks, ma’am!)
“The sun has its spots, but it doesn’t make the sun less brighter…”
What am I talking about here?
Imperfections, that is…
We are aware that all of us have imperfections, right? And these imperfections make us human. If we are perfect, we are like GOD. But we are not.
Frailty, shortcomings, sins, and things similar to these are things that we don’t share with GOD. We, humans as such, have these. But how do we see these? What do we do about it?
As I see it, don’t let our imperfections get the best of us. Are we so weak so as to let ourselves be swallowed by the darkness of our imperfections? I think not. Because along with our imperfections, GOD gave us many things for us to bring ourselves closer to him, and closer to the perfection that he has. Let’s face it, we can never be like GOD, but having the thought of us sharing His glory, makes us happy within, and without.
I would now like to ask you to look at the sun. (Hey, not like that? You might get blinded! Don’t be like Galileo, ok?) Imagine the image of the sun. It is so bright, isn’t it? Yet, science proved that though the sun is so bright, there are many dark spots in it, emitting less or no heat at all. Yet somehow we still find it difficult look at it directly.
I think, this is the time that we aim to be like the sun (not in everything, ok?) it is bright, although with some spots in it. Shine like the sun for others, but do not blind them. Give light to others. And though we have our imperfections in us, being aware of them, understanding them and using them as challenges and means to help others; makes us shine…
Shine for ourselves…shine for others…shine for GOD.
TANGA…ANGAT
Last November 25-28, 2006, I attended the PACSA, or the Philippine Association of Campus Student Advisers Seminar and Student Leaders Workshop on Student Leadership. I was chosen from our school, being the VP-Internal, with the President and the Student Affairs’ Officer, to attend the said event.
Generally, I can say that the experience in Baguio was good, well…except for the fact that there were many “ehem” there…You see, I am not much comfortable with those calling themselves the “third sex”. But that doesn’t mean that I despise them.
But that is not the point of my blog here. I would like to focus on the title…Tanga…Angat. I came across these two words on the first topic on the second day of the seminar. Our speaker is Sir Al Ian Barcelona. It was a topic on REAL Leadership.
He said in one point of the discussion that, “Look at the words tanga and angat. They have the same set of letters arranged differently, right? But look here…I can say that, ‘Kaya maraming tanga, dahil konti lang ang nag-aangat!’” Upon hearing this, the whole population in the said seminar agreed and clapped their hands in amazement.
I, for my part, was amazed as well. And along with it, I was given an opportunity to reflect on this. Indeed, I think he is right in saying that.
Maraming tanga…konting nag-aangat.
Isn’t it true nowadays?
Maybe.
But I cannot deny the fact that these can be one of the reasons why some of us are feeling down, or even alone. Because they feel that no one cares for them. Or no one gives a damn about them. Isn’t it true that nowadays, people are just living for themselves? I know this is generally seen, yet, somehow, it is true. People nowadays seem to care more about their welfare that that of others. And since I am a person who belongs to the people, I cannot make myself an exception. I admit, sometimes I am only seeking for my own happiness and comfort.
I know…the issue of practicality. Well, others may say that, “How can I give something to someone if I don’t have it in myself?” “Nemo dat quod non habet”. Right. However, how long will you be concentrating on yourself until the time comes that you can say that you can already give to others?
I would like to call on for others who are a stranger to another to cease being a stranger. I would like to call on friends of particulars to spread out and touch those who are left out. Sir Al also said that, “…we are meant to touch another person’s shoulder”. How many times have we done that? How many times have we left our comfort zones to reach out in unfamiliar lands?
Which is greater, those times that we lifted people up, or those times that we push people down? Tayo ba ang nag-aangat, o tayo ang gumagawa ng mga tanga?
This goes out to all…think. Are we the ones who lifts people, or buries them? There is still time to change that. Remember, what we do to other people may consciously or unconsciously affect them, in one way or another. And that goes for ourselves too.
First, let us think…are we those who are the “nag-aangat”, or those belonging to the “tanga”?
Then…let us think, and act in necessity, “Have I been able to lift others, or have I become someone who pushes them down?”
We can never live alone. Who you are is somehow caused by them, and vice-versa.
GOD BLESS EVERYONE!
Generally, I can say that the experience in Baguio was good, well…except for the fact that there were many “ehem” there…You see, I am not much comfortable with those calling themselves the “third sex”. But that doesn’t mean that I despise them.
But that is not the point of my blog here. I would like to focus on the title…Tanga…Angat. I came across these two words on the first topic on the second day of the seminar. Our speaker is Sir Al Ian Barcelona. It was a topic on REAL Leadership.
He said in one point of the discussion that, “Look at the words tanga and angat. They have the same set of letters arranged differently, right? But look here…I can say that, ‘Kaya maraming tanga, dahil konti lang ang nag-aangat!’” Upon hearing this, the whole population in the said seminar agreed and clapped their hands in amazement.
I, for my part, was amazed as well. And along with it, I was given an opportunity to reflect on this. Indeed, I think he is right in saying that.
Maraming tanga…konting nag-aangat.
Isn’t it true nowadays?
Maybe.
But I cannot deny the fact that these can be one of the reasons why some of us are feeling down, or even alone. Because they feel that no one cares for them. Or no one gives a damn about them. Isn’t it true that nowadays, people are just living for themselves? I know this is generally seen, yet, somehow, it is true. People nowadays seem to care more about their welfare that that of others. And since I am a person who belongs to the people, I cannot make myself an exception. I admit, sometimes I am only seeking for my own happiness and comfort.
I know…the issue of practicality. Well, others may say that, “How can I give something to someone if I don’t have it in myself?” “Nemo dat quod non habet”. Right. However, how long will you be concentrating on yourself until the time comes that you can say that you can already give to others?
I would like to call on for others who are a stranger to another to cease being a stranger. I would like to call on friends of particulars to spread out and touch those who are left out. Sir Al also said that, “…we are meant to touch another person’s shoulder”. How many times have we done that? How many times have we left our comfort zones to reach out in unfamiliar lands?
Which is greater, those times that we lifted people up, or those times that we push people down? Tayo ba ang nag-aangat, o tayo ang gumagawa ng mga tanga?
This goes out to all…think. Are we the ones who lifts people, or buries them? There is still time to change that. Remember, what we do to other people may consciously or unconsciously affect them, in one way or another. And that goes for ourselves too.
First, let us think…are we those who are the “nag-aangat”, or those belonging to the “tanga”?
Then…let us think, and act in necessity, “Have I been able to lift others, or have I become someone who pushes them down?”
We can never live alone. Who you are is somehow caused by them, and vice-versa.
GOD BLESS EVERYONE!
I AM A HOMO…
I am a homo…a man.
And man, as seen generally, is…
A homo viator…
A man on journey.
Journey of life.
Through its ups and downs, successes and falls, happiness and sadness…
In short, everything.
A homo faber…
A man on work.
Work of life.
Working to live for self, working to live for other people, working for life..
A homo socialis…
A man on society.
Society of man.
A man living in a society of those similar to him…
Sharing the same life, even if there are different dreams, aspirations, or state of living..
A homo sapiens…
A man of thought.
Thought given by God to use well
To think, to decide, to feel, to live…
Man is a compendium or collection of all these, and so much more…But, are we…really?
“Good, philosophically defined, is that which acts or is acted upon according to its essence, and thus fulfilling its essence.”
Are we fulfilling our essence? If not, we can be rightly called animals, right?
Just a thought…
And man, as seen generally, is…
A homo viator…
A man on journey.
Journey of life.
Through its ups and downs, successes and falls, happiness and sadness…
In short, everything.
A homo faber…
A man on work.
Work of life.
Working to live for self, working to live for other people, working for life..
A homo socialis…
A man on society.
Society of man.
A man living in a society of those similar to him…
Sharing the same life, even if there are different dreams, aspirations, or state of living..
A homo sapiens…
A man of thought.
Thought given by God to use well
To think, to decide, to feel, to live…
Man is a compendium or collection of all these, and so much more…But, are we…really?
“Good, philosophically defined, is that which acts or is acted upon according to its essence, and thus fulfilling its essence.”
Are we fulfilling our essence? If not, we can be rightly called animals, right?
Just a thought…
KNOW…NOT KNOW
“The more I know…the more I do not know”
Somehow, I believe this. Why?
I don’t want to imply that I know so much, yet the capacity and “amount” of what I know pushes me to know more. To know more that is still beyond my reach. David Hume said that somehow, when we think about one thing, others spring about and thus, information and knowledge becomes wider and wider.
Let’s place it simply as this: Somehow, when we are able to know or understand something, we also have that equal or greater desire to know more of what we know. This is exemplified by our continuous search of knowledge. However great the knowledge did the world know, those who are living in it is in their unending search for knowing more and knowing better.
However, one question is asked: With everything that the world knows now, does it change them? Or placing it in a particular level, how am I changed by the things that I know?
We are not to deny the fact that the world changes us in one way or another. We are of the world…I am of the world. But that doesn’t mean that the world owns me, and would decide with what I make up of my life. By the way, when I say “world” here, it means everything in it: especially the other man besides oneself.
I admit that the world changes me…it changed me and continuously changes me, that somehow completes the me now. However, the world doesn’t decide on what I would get to do with my life. I still have my own somehow…What I think is more important here is that what we do of the changes that the world gives to us…whether we have it as something that would make us, or break us...
The more I gain the intellectual union of the subject and object (knowledge)…the more I do not know of it…
There goes man’s continuous path of learning…never ending, always fruitful…
Somehow, I believe this. Why?
I don’t want to imply that I know so much, yet the capacity and “amount” of what I know pushes me to know more. To know more that is still beyond my reach. David Hume said that somehow, when we think about one thing, others spring about and thus, information and knowledge becomes wider and wider.
Let’s place it simply as this: Somehow, when we are able to know or understand something, we also have that equal or greater desire to know more of what we know. This is exemplified by our continuous search of knowledge. However great the knowledge did the world know, those who are living in it is in their unending search for knowing more and knowing better.
However, one question is asked: With everything that the world knows now, does it change them? Or placing it in a particular level, how am I changed by the things that I know?
We are not to deny the fact that the world changes us in one way or another. We are of the world…I am of the world. But that doesn’t mean that the world owns me, and would decide with what I make up of my life. By the way, when I say “world” here, it means everything in it: especially the other man besides oneself.
I admit that the world changes me…it changed me and continuously changes me, that somehow completes the me now. However, the world doesn’t decide on what I would get to do with my life. I still have my own somehow…What I think is more important here is that what we do of the changes that the world gives to us…whether we have it as something that would make us, or break us...
The more I gain the intellectual union of the subject and object (knowledge)…the more I do not know of it…
There goes man’s continuous path of learning…never ending, always fruitful…
THOUGHTFUL THOUGHTS…LA LANG!
1.) We fear what we don’t understand
2.) Si fallor ergo, sum…If I err, I am.
3.) Just a question…what motivates us in the things we do?
4.) Do we end up saying at times, “Neither did I know it then…nor do I know it know”?
5.) Our lives can change with every breath that we take…(from the movie Where the Heart is)
6.) The more intelligent you are, the more sensitive you are.
I got these with what I read, I heard, or from other people sharing their thoughts with me, most of them are my classmates in philosophy. Well, I just hope I can really understand the totality of these things. But for now, I think I’ll settle for what I understood. I can’t force truth to come out in an instant, right?
GOD BLESS EVERYONE!
2.) Si fallor ergo, sum…If I err, I am.
3.) Just a question…what motivates us in the things we do?
4.) Do we end up saying at times, “Neither did I know it then…nor do I know it know”?
5.) Our lives can change with every breath that we take…(from the movie Where the Heart is)
6.) The more intelligent you are, the more sensitive you are.
I got these with what I read, I heard, or from other people sharing their thoughts with me, most of them are my classmates in philosophy. Well, I just hope I can really understand the totality of these things. But for now, I think I’ll settle for what I understood. I can’t force truth to come out in an instant, right?
GOD BLESS EVERYONE!
Critics and Life…
For the first semester of my stay here in Don Bosco Canlubang, I was asked in one of my philosophy subjects to present a synthesis paper of our course. I just want to share this one. I know this is not that comprehensive or full, however, I hope this can be seen as a means to subjecting ourselves in thinking, and understanding that everyone of us are into these issues that we have to see.
1.) Knowledge and Truth
“Knowledge is the cognitive union between the subject and the object, or it is between the intellect and reality.”
“Truth, on the other hand, is the relation of conformity between the subject and the object.”
People need not to be philosophers, or in our case, students of philosophy, to see what both knowledge and truth have to do with our everyday lives. How so? Ever since we are born, we are already flooded with so many amounts of knowledge and information from different sources, like our families, media and many more. Information and knowledge also comes from a wide variety of classes and divisions. Thus, as we grow (older and wiser), we tend to absorb whatever knowledge has been given available to us.
Culture, education, tradition, communication…these are some sources from where our knowledge comes from. These, however, if subjected to critical reflection (to be discussed later), would be questionable. Are these things that we know, as we know it, true?
Whatever information or knowledge that has been transmitted or given to us by the sources given above are not altogether true. I think that is why there is the need of knowing truth.
How can we know that what we cognitively unified has a relation of conformity?
Sometimes, we tend to fall into “false knowledge” leading us to “false truths”. Still, how do we know that what we know is either true or false?
In my own experience, I know that what I know is based on what the world offered me to know. I cannot deny the fact that all of the knowledge that I gained, from the time I first started to learn, is based on the sources available. Besides, how can anyone know anything if it is not available for knowing? (such in the case of divine knowledge?)”
Indeed, knowledge is really just around. Especially in this age of technology and where information is just in one touch of a button, there is really need to question both the validity of knowledge and its conformity to truth.
Man, in his nature, is in constant search of knowledge. However, he searches not only knowledge. In this time and situation, man is also in search for truth. Actually, being a philosopher or a student of philosophy is not a prerequisite for one in search of truth.
2.) Critical Reflection
In the first chapter of our study in Critics, I learned that knowledge is validated using the mind. And knowledge is in the mind. So, knowledge in the mind is validated using the mind itself.
However, there is a real known danger to it. It is the fear and danger of being biased. Our mind, in its continuing process of accepting, processing and giving away information (or knowledge) tends to adhere to a specific “foundation” or principle, where from it, it derives whatever it accepts and believes in. it is also from this foundation wherein one decides that a particular knowledge is to be accepted, or rejected.
It sounds quite absurd, however, it is explained that there is no other way to validate the mind instead with the use of the mind itself. How so? It is with the use of critical reflection, of which philosophers, or students of philosophy, love to do. Why? It is because they seek wisdom and truth.
Critical reflection, as I understood it, is the process wherein one subjects knowledge in the mind into an unbiased process wherein the result would be the unbiased critique of whatever knowledge we have, and it answers whether our knowledge conforms to our criterion of truth.
If asked, “What would be its use in our everyday life?”, the answer is simple, and needs not to be complicated. Critical reflection can be used to know if what we know conforms to truth.
As I said earlier, we live in the times wherein information and knowledge; as well as “truth”, is made available in one touch of a button. It is not that I despise or ignore easy-sought and easy-found information. It is just but unreliable to gather these kinds of information these days, wherein knowledge is mixed with personal views and biased; furthermore endangering the very nature of knowledge. The internet, for example, is a mixture of both knowledge and information. Sometimes, people tend to believe whatever is written or stated in the Internet. But sometimes, people ask whether the given information is a source of knowledge, or just a bunch of garbage.
If critical reflection is to be made as the criterion or means to arrive to real knowledge and real truth, it would really help people, and even I myself to understand and accept whatever falls as true.
Just as one of the questions posted in every Lion’s Club monument is asking: Is it the truth?, I would base it on my critical reflection from now on.
3.) Certitude
Certitude is the state of the mind wherein one judges without the fear of committing error, or that state of the mind where the subject is really sure that his answer or knowledge is 7really true.
One of the kinds of certitude would be that of the spontaneous certitude, wherein one is certain over things that needed not to be explained or proved. Just like life. No one can deny that he lives (for those who are living, that is).
Knowledge and Truth are determined by Critical Reflection that is expressed in Certitude.
How can man be certain over things that he knows and believes? Sometimes man tends to believe everything that is given to him. Some men believe blindly over things that they think they know as true. Some believe like this to the extent that whatever comes as contradictory to what he is certain of…negates the possibility of the contradiction.
Some people are certain over things that are needed not to be explained, while others rely on the fact that to arrive at certitude, one has to subject it to proof-finding. If one cannot be proved, it is not true. And furthermore, it cannot be ascertained.
Certitude is needed in our everyday lives for the fact that we sometimes fall in doubt over our decisions and answers.
I just remembered another thing that can be used as an example for this topic. The game shows we see on TV, like “Game Ka Na Ba?”, “Deal or No Deal”, “Laban o Bawi” and the like are testing people, or their contestants whether: first, if they know the answer, and second, if they are sure or certain of their answers. Sometimes, its just sheer luck or by instinct (or just because they are running out of time to pick an answer) that they get it right. Sheer luck it may be, most often that the winners are sure and certain that their answers are based according to what they know.
However, back in the real world, certainty, or even simple assurance or state of being sure is needed. Being certain that what a person does is right, or what the person is avoiding as wrong.
Looking at one point, I can say that this life that we are living right now is like a game show (which came first, the show or life? Do I need to answer that?) Or rather, game shows are like our lives, we need to be certain, to judge without fear or error, in order to continue in this cycle of life.
4.) Prejudice/ Idols
Racist and those people who are biased in one way or another are clear examples of those who exercise prejudice. In our local setting, we have our own biases, such as attitudes of people from different places.
Furthermore, we tend to impose in ourselves ideas about these things prior to judgment. Thus, we end up “boxing” whatever we think. That wouldn’t be right.
I think that all of us are biased, in one way or another. Sometimes, it is hard to draw a line between prejudice and certitude. Why? It is because I think that in some way, when a person is certain or judges on one side over the other, he becomes biased. Also, simply placed, when one sides on one portion, he tends to leave the other. He becomes biased.
How can I see the difference between being prejudiced and being certain? Knowledge and Truth are determined by Critical Reflection that is expressed in Certitude. However, Certitude is often clouded by Prejudice, though it has been subjected to Critical Reflection. Our decisions or whatever we know can still be affected by the “idols” that is present in this world even if we subject it to our critical thinking.
This may be caused through the process of critical reflection, wherein I have to inherit a certain set of rules to guide my process of critical reflection. In doing so, I am already in a state of bias. Is there in any way that I can lose myself from bias? If there is, it may be if I leave judgment behind. If knowledge and truth is to be aborted, there is a chance that I can rid myself of bias, since I would no longer need critical reflection to be certain on things.
However, this posts a problem on the side of philosophy. If one is to reject knowledge, what becomes of man’s desire to know? What would happen to man’s dreams of achieving wisdom?
If knowledge and truth is to be rejected, and critical reflection be set aside, because of fear of becoming biased, man’s search for wisdom and truth ends. And in doing so, I think that man cannot fulfill his nature and capacity. What is rationality in man if man would not use it?
Therefore, I believe that it cannot be helped that man, philosophers or not, cannot escape from prejudice/ idols/ or even our plain biases in our search for truth and knowledge. It is a fact that when one judges, he judges or chooses one over the other. What is to choose if there is nothing to choose, anyway?
However, when one chooses, I hope that he chooses because he is already in the light of knowledge, truth, and certitude, with the use of critical reflection. Not with prejudice alone.
5.) Knowledge and Relativity
From the discussion on the topic at the first part, I would like to repeat the definition of Knowledge. Knowledge is the intellectual or cognitive union between the subject and the object, or between the subject and reality.
Relativity, or relativism, is a form of relativism, wherein one is against the absolute value or nature of truth, inasmuch as it denies the absolute value of knowledge.
We know that knowledge has a transcendental value, which also implies that knowledge has an absolute value. All men, according to the notes, are spontaneously certain that true knowledge or truth id independent from the empirical conditions of man. It further adds that what is true is true for all times, all places, and all men. And so on…
The empirical conditions of man such as tastes, laws, habits, and even customs change. However, it is said that the absolute nature of truth is not affected by these conditions.
It is not to be mistaken that the absolute value of truth is equivalent to what truth is as we know it. Even I have the difficulty of acknowledging the absolute value of truth.
Knowledge must conform to Truth, and both are subjected to Critical Reflection to arrive at Certitude, that is somehow affected still by Prejudices. Furthermore, due to the empirical conditions of man, the knowledge and truth produced from the earlier processes are affected by Relativity in some way.
I admit to the presence of Relativity in man. However, I deny the possibility of its absoluteness, since no one and there is no way where man can deny the absolute value of truth.
What is the use of Relativity, or how is Relativity present in our daily lives? Man, affected by the empirical conditions of life, have different perspectives on things that are in touch with them. Their cultures, religions, law, habits and others contribute to the different perceptions of man about what is known, what is known as true, what is known as true to be certain etc. However, in the degrees of truth, I believe that only the minor truths are somehow affected by the relativistic ideas based on empirical conditions. The major or absolute truths, however, remains the same.
Though man is enveloped in a society of different views, perspectives and beliefs, the absolute value of truth still remains in everyone. Though men, since many, are different in one way or another, there are still truths that bind them as one…absolute truths. Materially considered, truth has divisions, where relativity affects the minor, but nor the major.
I think the absolute value of truth works in a similar way.
6.) Error
Error is the positive absence or privation of truth.
Error can be seen many times in our lives, in form of mistakes. Mistakes in class, mistakes in exams, mistakes in decisions and many more are just some of those moments when we see error in our lives. How can this be?
In another topic, a philosophical system proposes that everything is just a projection of the mind. Therefore, everything is just according to the ideas and self-projections made by the mind.
If I would take the position of that system, I would think that everything around me is a projection of myself. And therefore, I know all of them.
If that’s the case, why do I make mistakes in exams or in decisions that I make? Why can I not remove any worry or uneasiness that I may fail my exam? Isn’t it absurd?
Error is one unavoidable fact that everyone experiences. May it be at work, in school, at home, or in oneself…error cannot be denied. I do not say that everyone always makes errors. However, everyone has mistakes or commit errors.
Going back to the absurdity of self-projection, it just came to me that one excuse can be that one just wants to make mistake. Would I want that, if that’s possible?
What is now the relevance of error in our everyday life? I would like to quote from the movie Batman Begins. Alfred asked Bruce Wayne, “Why do we fall?” of which the answer is, “So that we could learn to pick ourselves up”.
Error is inevitable. It comes in our lives. But we can use it to learn more. In terms of life, we commit mistakes but learning from them is better than just sitting and crying over it. Error in one way contributes in our desire to know. If we fail, that means that the road we took is not the right road for us to take. Error teaches us, in one way, to redirect ourselves and try to reach knowledge and truth, and further, to certitude.
Indeed, error is the absence of truth. However, it leads us to truth and certainty.
However, it is still within the power of the subject whether he acts according to the lesson learned from mistakes.
7.) Evidence and Motive of Certitude
The Motive of Certitude is “that which compels towards and assent”. For every proposition, there can be a motive compelling towards an assent. The motive into which all motives are resolved is called the ultimate or supreme or universal motive of certitude.
Evidence on the other hand is the “splendor of truth seizing the assent of the mind”. Evidence can also be seen as something needed to further strengthen an assent or certainty of a given proposition or judgment. It can be seen in two ways, either in the light of the object or in the light of the subject.
Knowledge is tried to be seen in the light of Truth, with the use of Critical Reflection to reach Certitude, somehow affected by Prejudice. Certainty has a view of Relativity that sometimes leads man to error. However, Certitude can be strengthened by Evidence. And Certitude is pointless if there is no “motivating force” for assent or reaching Certitude.
What makes man push to reach Certitude? I believe it is still man’s desire to attain knowledge and to achieve truth. Man is not contented with what he sees as knowledge. He tries to see it as true and certain. And this drives him to reach certitude.
Evidence, on the other hand, is the “added weight” for determining whether the knowledge known is true and certain. In analogy, evidence in court moves the judge according to it. If one is tried as guilty of any charge he is accused with, and is found as to be the one who did it because of the evidence at hand, he is charged as guilty. Evidence is like that, I believe and understood. If one is motivated to reach certainty, evidence is like a helping hand to further reach it.
What does it have to do in man’s everyday life? Just as man is in his constant journey towards knowledge and truth, he is unconsciously or consciously guided by his motives to reach it. He tends to find proofs or evidences along the way, and it helps him reach certainty.
Reaching truth is man’s motivation and certainty. Man is helped by evidence in reaching truth about things.
In one angle, I can see that the trial court is like life in general. Seems that since our life always has to deal with information, and decisions sometimes are needed to proceed. We are motivated to solve one case and another, and with help (evidence), we are assured to reach every end of a court case. And when decisions are made, its time to move to another…just like man’s desire to know…
Unending…continuous…fruitful.
“As for me, I wish not to take pride in anything except the cross of Christ”
Gal. 6:14
1.) Knowledge and Truth
“Knowledge is the cognitive union between the subject and the object, or it is between the intellect and reality.”
“Truth, on the other hand, is the relation of conformity between the subject and the object.”
People need not to be philosophers, or in our case, students of philosophy, to see what both knowledge and truth have to do with our everyday lives. How so? Ever since we are born, we are already flooded with so many amounts of knowledge and information from different sources, like our families, media and many more. Information and knowledge also comes from a wide variety of classes and divisions. Thus, as we grow (older and wiser), we tend to absorb whatever knowledge has been given available to us.
Culture, education, tradition, communication…these are some sources from where our knowledge comes from. These, however, if subjected to critical reflection (to be discussed later), would be questionable. Are these things that we know, as we know it, true?
Whatever information or knowledge that has been transmitted or given to us by the sources given above are not altogether true. I think that is why there is the need of knowing truth.
How can we know that what we cognitively unified has a relation of conformity?
Sometimes, we tend to fall into “false knowledge” leading us to “false truths”. Still, how do we know that what we know is either true or false?
In my own experience, I know that what I know is based on what the world offered me to know. I cannot deny the fact that all of the knowledge that I gained, from the time I first started to learn, is based on the sources available. Besides, how can anyone know anything if it is not available for knowing? (such in the case of divine knowledge?)”
Indeed, knowledge is really just around. Especially in this age of technology and where information is just in one touch of a button, there is really need to question both the validity of knowledge and its conformity to truth.
Man, in his nature, is in constant search of knowledge. However, he searches not only knowledge. In this time and situation, man is also in search for truth. Actually, being a philosopher or a student of philosophy is not a prerequisite for one in search of truth.
2.) Critical Reflection
In the first chapter of our study in Critics, I learned that knowledge is validated using the mind. And knowledge is in the mind. So, knowledge in the mind is validated using the mind itself.
However, there is a real known danger to it. It is the fear and danger of being biased. Our mind, in its continuing process of accepting, processing and giving away information (or knowledge) tends to adhere to a specific “foundation” or principle, where from it, it derives whatever it accepts and believes in. it is also from this foundation wherein one decides that a particular knowledge is to be accepted, or rejected.
It sounds quite absurd, however, it is explained that there is no other way to validate the mind instead with the use of the mind itself. How so? It is with the use of critical reflection, of which philosophers, or students of philosophy, love to do. Why? It is because they seek wisdom and truth.
Critical reflection, as I understood it, is the process wherein one subjects knowledge in the mind into an unbiased process wherein the result would be the unbiased critique of whatever knowledge we have, and it answers whether our knowledge conforms to our criterion of truth.
If asked, “What would be its use in our everyday life?”, the answer is simple, and needs not to be complicated. Critical reflection can be used to know if what we know conforms to truth.
As I said earlier, we live in the times wherein information and knowledge; as well as “truth”, is made available in one touch of a button. It is not that I despise or ignore easy-sought and easy-found information. It is just but unreliable to gather these kinds of information these days, wherein knowledge is mixed with personal views and biased; furthermore endangering the very nature of knowledge. The internet, for example, is a mixture of both knowledge and information. Sometimes, people tend to believe whatever is written or stated in the Internet. But sometimes, people ask whether the given information is a source of knowledge, or just a bunch of garbage.
If critical reflection is to be made as the criterion or means to arrive to real knowledge and real truth, it would really help people, and even I myself to understand and accept whatever falls as true.
Just as one of the questions posted in every Lion’s Club monument is asking: Is it the truth?, I would base it on my critical reflection from now on.
3.) Certitude
Certitude is the state of the mind wherein one judges without the fear of committing error, or that state of the mind where the subject is really sure that his answer or knowledge is 7really true.
One of the kinds of certitude would be that of the spontaneous certitude, wherein one is certain over things that needed not to be explained or proved. Just like life. No one can deny that he lives (for those who are living, that is).
Knowledge and Truth are determined by Critical Reflection that is expressed in Certitude.
How can man be certain over things that he knows and believes? Sometimes man tends to believe everything that is given to him. Some men believe blindly over things that they think they know as true. Some believe like this to the extent that whatever comes as contradictory to what he is certain of…negates the possibility of the contradiction.
Some people are certain over things that are needed not to be explained, while others rely on the fact that to arrive at certitude, one has to subject it to proof-finding. If one cannot be proved, it is not true. And furthermore, it cannot be ascertained.
Certitude is needed in our everyday lives for the fact that we sometimes fall in doubt over our decisions and answers.
I just remembered another thing that can be used as an example for this topic. The game shows we see on TV, like “Game Ka Na Ba?”, “Deal or No Deal”, “Laban o Bawi” and the like are testing people, or their contestants whether: first, if they know the answer, and second, if they are sure or certain of their answers. Sometimes, its just sheer luck or by instinct (or just because they are running out of time to pick an answer) that they get it right. Sheer luck it may be, most often that the winners are sure and certain that their answers are based according to what they know.
However, back in the real world, certainty, or even simple assurance or state of being sure is needed. Being certain that what a person does is right, or what the person is avoiding as wrong.
Looking at one point, I can say that this life that we are living right now is like a game show (which came first, the show or life? Do I need to answer that?) Or rather, game shows are like our lives, we need to be certain, to judge without fear or error, in order to continue in this cycle of life.
4.) Prejudice/ Idols
Racist and those people who are biased in one way or another are clear examples of those who exercise prejudice. In our local setting, we have our own biases, such as attitudes of people from different places.
Furthermore, we tend to impose in ourselves ideas about these things prior to judgment. Thus, we end up “boxing” whatever we think. That wouldn’t be right.
I think that all of us are biased, in one way or another. Sometimes, it is hard to draw a line between prejudice and certitude. Why? It is because I think that in some way, when a person is certain or judges on one side over the other, he becomes biased. Also, simply placed, when one sides on one portion, he tends to leave the other. He becomes biased.
How can I see the difference between being prejudiced and being certain? Knowledge and Truth are determined by Critical Reflection that is expressed in Certitude. However, Certitude is often clouded by Prejudice, though it has been subjected to Critical Reflection. Our decisions or whatever we know can still be affected by the “idols” that is present in this world even if we subject it to our critical thinking.
This may be caused through the process of critical reflection, wherein I have to inherit a certain set of rules to guide my process of critical reflection. In doing so, I am already in a state of bias. Is there in any way that I can lose myself from bias? If there is, it may be if I leave judgment behind. If knowledge and truth is to be aborted, there is a chance that I can rid myself of bias, since I would no longer need critical reflection to be certain on things.
However, this posts a problem on the side of philosophy. If one is to reject knowledge, what becomes of man’s desire to know? What would happen to man’s dreams of achieving wisdom?
If knowledge and truth is to be rejected, and critical reflection be set aside, because of fear of becoming biased, man’s search for wisdom and truth ends. And in doing so, I think that man cannot fulfill his nature and capacity. What is rationality in man if man would not use it?
Therefore, I believe that it cannot be helped that man, philosophers or not, cannot escape from prejudice/ idols/ or even our plain biases in our search for truth and knowledge. It is a fact that when one judges, he judges or chooses one over the other. What is to choose if there is nothing to choose, anyway?
However, when one chooses, I hope that he chooses because he is already in the light of knowledge, truth, and certitude, with the use of critical reflection. Not with prejudice alone.
5.) Knowledge and Relativity
From the discussion on the topic at the first part, I would like to repeat the definition of Knowledge. Knowledge is the intellectual or cognitive union between the subject and the object, or between the subject and reality.
Relativity, or relativism, is a form of relativism, wherein one is against the absolute value or nature of truth, inasmuch as it denies the absolute value of knowledge.
We know that knowledge has a transcendental value, which also implies that knowledge has an absolute value. All men, according to the notes, are spontaneously certain that true knowledge or truth id independent from the empirical conditions of man. It further adds that what is true is true for all times, all places, and all men. And so on…
The empirical conditions of man such as tastes, laws, habits, and even customs change. However, it is said that the absolute nature of truth is not affected by these conditions.
It is not to be mistaken that the absolute value of truth is equivalent to what truth is as we know it. Even I have the difficulty of acknowledging the absolute value of truth.
Knowledge must conform to Truth, and both are subjected to Critical Reflection to arrive at Certitude, that is somehow affected still by Prejudices. Furthermore, due to the empirical conditions of man, the knowledge and truth produced from the earlier processes are affected by Relativity in some way.
I admit to the presence of Relativity in man. However, I deny the possibility of its absoluteness, since no one and there is no way where man can deny the absolute value of truth.
What is the use of Relativity, or how is Relativity present in our daily lives? Man, affected by the empirical conditions of life, have different perspectives on things that are in touch with them. Their cultures, religions, law, habits and others contribute to the different perceptions of man about what is known, what is known as true, what is known as true to be certain etc. However, in the degrees of truth, I believe that only the minor truths are somehow affected by the relativistic ideas based on empirical conditions. The major or absolute truths, however, remains the same.
Though man is enveloped in a society of different views, perspectives and beliefs, the absolute value of truth still remains in everyone. Though men, since many, are different in one way or another, there are still truths that bind them as one…absolute truths. Materially considered, truth has divisions, where relativity affects the minor, but nor the major.
I think the absolute value of truth works in a similar way.
6.) Error
Error is the positive absence or privation of truth.
Error can be seen many times in our lives, in form of mistakes. Mistakes in class, mistakes in exams, mistakes in decisions and many more are just some of those moments when we see error in our lives. How can this be?
In another topic, a philosophical system proposes that everything is just a projection of the mind. Therefore, everything is just according to the ideas and self-projections made by the mind.
If I would take the position of that system, I would think that everything around me is a projection of myself. And therefore, I know all of them.
If that’s the case, why do I make mistakes in exams or in decisions that I make? Why can I not remove any worry or uneasiness that I may fail my exam? Isn’t it absurd?
Error is one unavoidable fact that everyone experiences. May it be at work, in school, at home, or in oneself…error cannot be denied. I do not say that everyone always makes errors. However, everyone has mistakes or commit errors.
Going back to the absurdity of self-projection, it just came to me that one excuse can be that one just wants to make mistake. Would I want that, if that’s possible?
What is now the relevance of error in our everyday life? I would like to quote from the movie Batman Begins. Alfred asked Bruce Wayne, “Why do we fall?” of which the answer is, “So that we could learn to pick ourselves up”.
Error is inevitable. It comes in our lives. But we can use it to learn more. In terms of life, we commit mistakes but learning from them is better than just sitting and crying over it. Error in one way contributes in our desire to know. If we fail, that means that the road we took is not the right road for us to take. Error teaches us, in one way, to redirect ourselves and try to reach knowledge and truth, and further, to certitude.
Indeed, error is the absence of truth. However, it leads us to truth and certainty.
However, it is still within the power of the subject whether he acts according to the lesson learned from mistakes.
7.) Evidence and Motive of Certitude
The Motive of Certitude is “that which compels towards and assent”. For every proposition, there can be a motive compelling towards an assent. The motive into which all motives are resolved is called the ultimate or supreme or universal motive of certitude.
Evidence on the other hand is the “splendor of truth seizing the assent of the mind”. Evidence can also be seen as something needed to further strengthen an assent or certainty of a given proposition or judgment. It can be seen in two ways, either in the light of the object or in the light of the subject.
Knowledge is tried to be seen in the light of Truth, with the use of Critical Reflection to reach Certitude, somehow affected by Prejudice. Certainty has a view of Relativity that sometimes leads man to error. However, Certitude can be strengthened by Evidence. And Certitude is pointless if there is no “motivating force” for assent or reaching Certitude.
What makes man push to reach Certitude? I believe it is still man’s desire to attain knowledge and to achieve truth. Man is not contented with what he sees as knowledge. He tries to see it as true and certain. And this drives him to reach certitude.
Evidence, on the other hand, is the “added weight” for determining whether the knowledge known is true and certain. In analogy, evidence in court moves the judge according to it. If one is tried as guilty of any charge he is accused with, and is found as to be the one who did it because of the evidence at hand, he is charged as guilty. Evidence is like that, I believe and understood. If one is motivated to reach certainty, evidence is like a helping hand to further reach it.
What does it have to do in man’s everyday life? Just as man is in his constant journey towards knowledge and truth, he is unconsciously or consciously guided by his motives to reach it. He tends to find proofs or evidences along the way, and it helps him reach certainty.
Reaching truth is man’s motivation and certainty. Man is helped by evidence in reaching truth about things.
In one angle, I can see that the trial court is like life in general. Seems that since our life always has to deal with information, and decisions sometimes are needed to proceed. We are motivated to solve one case and another, and with help (evidence), we are assured to reach every end of a court case. And when decisions are made, its time to move to another…just like man’s desire to know…
Unending…continuous…fruitful.
“As for me, I wish not to take pride in anything except the cross of Christ”
Gal. 6:14
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
thanks...for bloggin!
i can say that my friends' blogs are good...why? for different reasons...
for one, i can see what they're doin...
second, some are well, posting eye-openers...of which i am really thankful
and, it keeps me on the ground and conscious of whatever is happening to me or around me...
also, it helps me to relax...
and many more...
so this goes out to my friends: joca, gino, zenda, laine, jenny, victor, jai, and for those others who are bloggin too...thanks for sharing your life with me...
for one, i can see what they're doin...
second, some are well, posting eye-openers...of which i am really thankful
and, it keeps me on the ground and conscious of whatever is happening to me or around me...
also, it helps me to relax...
and many more...
so this goes out to my friends: joca, gino, zenda, laine, jenny, victor, jai, and for those others who are bloggin too...thanks for sharing your life with me...
upset? yah...
i am upset...right now.
i have been upset in the past, but silly me, i just dismissed it coz i don't want others to see of even bug me why.
what am i upset of?
who am i upset with?
hmmm...
i have been upset in the past, but silly me, i just dismissed it coz i don't want others to see of even bug me why.
what am i upset of?
who am i upset with?
hmmm...
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Appreciation…
One time, I asked my friends in the youth ministry this question: “Which came first? the Chicken or the Egg?” Though I was unable to hear for their answers, considering that we don’t have much luxury of the time, I guess I just have to spill the beans of what I think are the points of that question. I just want to share, that’s all…
Actually, I really don’t care much about the answer, whether the chicken or the egg came first. What I care about most in these questions lies in what people see in it: the idea of appreciation.
Appreciation? It seems kind of far off the question. Well, I just thought that since we have the time to have ourselves answer that question, I would like to assume that we somehow appreciate the presence of both the chicken and the egg. Besides, who would have the idea of talking about something that is not relevant or in any matter important to them? Whatever we have right now, or whatever we are talking about now is seen as an object of our appreciation.
Now…a question. How much do we appreciate? Either may it be things or people, events or others, we appreciate them, in one way or another. Since my audience of this question is my co-members in the ministry, I would like to put it in an analogy, with relevance to our lives in the ministry.
I know we are all aware of the presence of each and everyone of us in the ministry. I know you are aware that I am a member, and so am I, coz I am aware that each and everyone of us are members of this ministry. However, awareness is not the only thing to boost ourselves in the communitarian life in the ministry. We also need to show appreciation for each and everyone, and everything that we have in our lives as youth ministers.
Hey…I know that we appreciate the presence and efforts of each and everyone of us in the ministry. However, do we show it? Now don’t tell me that it doesn’t need to be shown…what we think or say to another means a lot.
I would like to take this opportunity to ask you…since it’s the season of Christmas. Show your appreciation to our co-members, however big or small they may have. A tap on the shoulder, a smile from you, a gentle word…it’s up to you. Each of us is important in this ministry, so we have to have good relationships with them. May it be you are on “top”, or not…Without good relationships with our “team”, how can we suppose to have a good work going?
As I end this, let’s think about this: “Ei…it’s good that we thought about this…after all, now I know that fried chickens and eggs are important to me!” Zykes! I just hope we see the message, k? God bless everyone!
Actually, I really don’t care much about the answer, whether the chicken or the egg came first. What I care about most in these questions lies in what people see in it: the idea of appreciation.
Appreciation? It seems kind of far off the question. Well, I just thought that since we have the time to have ourselves answer that question, I would like to assume that we somehow appreciate the presence of both the chicken and the egg. Besides, who would have the idea of talking about something that is not relevant or in any matter important to them? Whatever we have right now, or whatever we are talking about now is seen as an object of our appreciation.
Now…a question. How much do we appreciate? Either may it be things or people, events or others, we appreciate them, in one way or another. Since my audience of this question is my co-members in the ministry, I would like to put it in an analogy, with relevance to our lives in the ministry.
I know we are all aware of the presence of each and everyone of us in the ministry. I know you are aware that I am a member, and so am I, coz I am aware that each and everyone of us are members of this ministry. However, awareness is not the only thing to boost ourselves in the communitarian life in the ministry. We also need to show appreciation for each and everyone, and everything that we have in our lives as youth ministers.
Hey…I know that we appreciate the presence and efforts of each and everyone of us in the ministry. However, do we show it? Now don’t tell me that it doesn’t need to be shown…what we think or say to another means a lot.
I would like to take this opportunity to ask you…since it’s the season of Christmas. Show your appreciation to our co-members, however big or small they may have. A tap on the shoulder, a smile from you, a gentle word…it’s up to you. Each of us is important in this ministry, so we have to have good relationships with them. May it be you are on “top”, or not…Without good relationships with our “team”, how can we suppose to have a good work going?
As I end this, let’s think about this: “Ei…it’s good that we thought about this…after all, now I know that fried chickens and eggs are important to me!” Zykes! I just hope we see the message, k? God bless everyone!
Inadequacies…
Man is indeed not contented…
And since I am a man…I am not contented
With what?
With everything…
Coz, why do I bother to ask if I’m already contented?
Why think if I’m contented of what I know?
Why love if I’m already contented of the love that was given to me…?
Why do everything that I’m doing if I’m already contented with the life I have now?
Man is indeed seeking perfection…
And since I am a man…I am seeking perfection
Perfection of what?
Perfection of the inadequacies and imperfections that we have in life…
Can I obtain it?
And if I obtained it, would I be able to understand it?
And if I understood it, would I be able to live in accordance to it?
And if I live in accordance to it, would I inspire others to do the same?
Or would I just bring them, as well as myself, to fall into the sea of more confusion?
Man…
Not contented…
Seeking Perfection…
Always asking questions…
Confused…
But, though man is as is, we have a GOD to back us up
God is man’s goal of contentedness…
God is man’s goal of perfection…
God ends man’s search for answers…
God ends man’s confusions…
GOD BLESS EVERYONE!
And since I am a man…I am not contented
With what?
With everything…
Coz, why do I bother to ask if I’m already contented?
Why think if I’m contented of what I know?
Why love if I’m already contented of the love that was given to me…?
Why do everything that I’m doing if I’m already contented with the life I have now?
Man is indeed seeking perfection…
And since I am a man…I am seeking perfection
Perfection of what?
Perfection of the inadequacies and imperfections that we have in life…
Can I obtain it?
And if I obtained it, would I be able to understand it?
And if I understood it, would I be able to live in accordance to it?
And if I live in accordance to it, would I inspire others to do the same?
Or would I just bring them, as well as myself, to fall into the sea of more confusion?
Man…
Not contented…
Seeking Perfection…
Always asking questions…
Confused…
But, though man is as is, we have a GOD to back us up
God is man’s goal of contentedness…
God is man’s goal of perfection…
God ends man’s search for answers…
God ends man’s confusions…
GOD BLESS EVERYONE!
Actuality and Potentiality…
These are philosophical terms, which I think everything has...even man. In simple understanding, actuality for example is what man is now, and potentiality is what man may become. And since everything in existence is in the constant journey of change, man is not an exemption. Yes, both you and I are a mix of actuality and potentiality. We can never be pure actuality, or even pure potentiality.
Placing it simply, I just want to express this one: We change, no matter what happens. No one is stranded in one phase of his existence; we are always changing. The who we are in the what was then determined the who we are in the what is now that furthermore determines the who we are in the what may come.
But maybe, one of the questions may be: To which way do we gear ourselves for change? For better, or for worse?
Just remember, in some way, we control the way where we’re going…choose wisely.
Placing it simply, I just want to express this one: We change, no matter what happens. No one is stranded in one phase of his existence; we are always changing. The who we are in the what was then determined the who we are in the what is now that furthermore determines the who we are in the what may come.
But maybe, one of the questions may be: To which way do we gear ourselves for change? For better, or for worse?
Just remember, in some way, we control the way where we’re going…choose wisely.
Monday, December 11, 2006
my apologies...
for those who i offended, in word or deed...
for those who i thought of negatively...
for those who i forgot over time, or by circumstance...
for those who i lied to...
for those i hide my real self...
for those who see me negatively...
for those...for those...
for those who i thought of negatively...
for those who i forgot over time, or by circumstance...
for those who i lied to...
for those i hide my real self...
for those who see me negatively...
for those...for those...
Saturday, December 09, 2006
The reason behind why I don’t want to have a girlfriend yet…
Simple…
I only love one person, and she knows it.
She told me that I have to wait, so I wait.
I don’t care how long it would take me…
Love takes time, and it must not be in a hurry, right?
Baby, I love you so much, and I know that we have our priorities right now. I understand. No matter what happens, I will always be here for you, no matter what happens. If I’ll have to wait for so long, I’ll do it. It is because I love you, and I sincerely and truly love you. I love you so much…
I only love one person, and she knows it.
She told me that I have to wait, so I wait.
I don’t care how long it would take me…
Love takes time, and it must not be in a hurry, right?
Baby, I love you so much, and I know that we have our priorities right now. I understand. No matter what happens, I will always be here for you, no matter what happens. If I’ll have to wait for so long, I’ll do it. It is because I love you, and I sincerely and truly love you. I love you so much…
Sadness…
I am sad…really.
I have been sad for the longest time that I know.
Why?
Coz I’m a liar.
Liar to someone I really love.
But I cannot tell her.
Why?
I am afraid…
Afraid of what?
Afraid of what she may say…
Say that may be the end of what could have been good without this.
To someone I really love,
I am really sorry for keeping this to you. Ever since I met you, I’ve felt that I love you so much. And I still do. Yet I cannot say this to you because I don’t want to lose that one thing that connects us, with or without each other’s presence. I love you, and I really, really do. I don’t know how to say this to you but this I am sure, that I am and will always be here for you. I just wish that I can be with you. I love you, yet I am just not sure about myself. I am afraid to hurt you. And I don’t want to see you hurt. So, maybe until that time comes that I can tell you how much I really love you, I’ll just be around the corner, suffering, and waiting for that day that you’ll see…
I love you, and I will always do.
I have been sad for the longest time that I know.
Why?
Coz I’m a liar.
Liar to someone I really love.
But I cannot tell her.
Why?
I am afraid…
Afraid of what?
Afraid of what she may say…
Say that may be the end of what could have been good without this.
To someone I really love,
I am really sorry for keeping this to you. Ever since I met you, I’ve felt that I love you so much. And I still do. Yet I cannot say this to you because I don’t want to lose that one thing that connects us, with or without each other’s presence. I love you, and I really, really do. I don’t know how to say this to you but this I am sure, that I am and will always be here for you. I just wish that I can be with you. I love you, yet I am just not sure about myself. I am afraid to hurt you. And I don’t want to see you hurt. So, maybe until that time comes that I can tell you how much I really love you, I’ll just be around the corner, suffering, and waiting for that day that you’ll see…
I love you, and I will always do.
La lang…
Who am I right now?
Sometimes, I feel like I am too spread wide that I cannot distinguish who I really am. Yet, I feel that if I constrict myself to a few, I am limiting the capacity of my being. I know I can do many things, and I can do things that I do not know yet if I’ll be given the chance to learn about them. I am seen as a different person by each person that I know. And I am seen differently in comparison to the places that I’ve been into.
Was I the only one who made these?
And now, I feel that the burden is somehow taking its effect on me, and I don’t like it (as if I have the choice)…
Yet, this does not stop me from achieving the things that I need and have to do. And the things that I do, I do not for myself, but for something or someone else.
Sometimes, we, and I in particular seem to set aside things that are to be given consideration and importance, in one way or another. Start from oneself, or myself, I say. Why? I cannot give or be someone to others without giving to myself.
If I can, that would be mere and lowly hypocrisy, which I really ticks me off.
Sometimes, I feel like I am too spread wide that I cannot distinguish who I really am. Yet, I feel that if I constrict myself to a few, I am limiting the capacity of my being. I know I can do many things, and I can do things that I do not know yet if I’ll be given the chance to learn about them. I am seen as a different person by each person that I know. And I am seen differently in comparison to the places that I’ve been into.
Was I the only one who made these?
And now, I feel that the burden is somehow taking its effect on me, and I don’t like it (as if I have the choice)…
Yet, this does not stop me from achieving the things that I need and have to do. And the things that I do, I do not for myself, but for something or someone else.
Sometimes, we, and I in particular seem to set aside things that are to be given consideration and importance, in one way or another. Start from oneself, or myself, I say. Why? I cannot give or be someone to others without giving to myself.
If I can, that would be mere and lowly hypocrisy, which I really ticks me off.
Frustrations and Dreams
Being in the Student Council is fun, however, it is not always fun. It is not also always work, or serious, or anything in relation to it. First and foremost, I am not eligible (if the qualifications are to be taken into consideration) for the position, who is asking a student who already studied in our school for almost a year. I had stayed here in less than that. Actually, I was only here in this school for two months prior to my election and appointment. So, sometimes, I ask, “Am I really capable of handling things here in this school? How am I supposed to execute the things I need to do if I don’t know how to?”
Was it because that I am an ex-seminarian that they thought I can lead them? What were the reasons that I was nominated in the first place? What were their intentions in voting for me for this position? I, until now, am still in confusion.
I have to admit; sometimes I am “o.p.” (Out of place) since there are some matters that I don’t know. Yet these things challenge me to exert more effort on co-leading the students of the school. I am not a perfect leader, I know. But I can strive to be one. I do not have the ideal characteristics of a leader. But I can learn to be one.
I just hope that as I am in this position and term, I can do the best I can for them, and not for myself. I also hope that I can grow together with them as we go on this school year. Somehow, I know that I am growing. But I can’t take it if I am the only one growing.
Being a person in this position taught me many things; to be a better person, a better student, a better friend, a better co-worker…and a better leader.
I just hope that I can be more…yet I thank the Lord that I am made an instrument for service for other people…
Was it because that I am an ex-seminarian that they thought I can lead them? What were the reasons that I was nominated in the first place? What were their intentions in voting for me for this position? I, until now, am still in confusion.
I have to admit; sometimes I am “o.p.” (Out of place) since there are some matters that I don’t know. Yet these things challenge me to exert more effort on co-leading the students of the school. I am not a perfect leader, I know. But I can strive to be one. I do not have the ideal characteristics of a leader. But I can learn to be one.
I just hope that as I am in this position and term, I can do the best I can for them, and not for myself. I also hope that I can grow together with them as we go on this school year. Somehow, I know that I am growing. But I can’t take it if I am the only one growing.
Being a person in this position taught me many things; to be a better person, a better student, a better friend, a better co-worker…and a better leader.
I just hope that I can be more…yet I thank the Lord that I am made an instrument for service for other people…
A Friend Returns
August 16, a day that I can somehow remember where I found a friend…again. As I had in my previous blog, I lost a friend because of me… (well, of course!)
But that is not the topic now…to date, this day (Aug. 16) is the birthday of that person. Though we are not in good terms, it doesn’t mean that I would forget about her special day. So, days before this, I decided to buy her a gift. I went to Festival to buy her something that she could somehow use in her studies…so I bought for her a flash drive.
On her birthday, I decided to have someone have it to her, instead of myself, because somehow I am afraid of what she may say. So I gave it to our common friend and I left. He gave it to her and somehow, she saw me passing her way and said thank you. I decided not to take that chance yet to talk to her, but she insisted in talking to me. I obliged, and there it goes…we are ok again!
Oh well…I am just really thankful that our misunderstanding and gap is over.
But that is not the topic now…to date, this day (Aug. 16) is the birthday of that person. Though we are not in good terms, it doesn’t mean that I would forget about her special day. So, days before this, I decided to buy her a gift. I went to Festival to buy her something that she could somehow use in her studies…so I bought for her a flash drive.
On her birthday, I decided to have someone have it to her, instead of myself, because somehow I am afraid of what she may say. So I gave it to our common friend and I left. He gave it to her and somehow, she saw me passing her way and said thank you. I decided not to take that chance yet to talk to her, but she insisted in talking to me. I obliged, and there it goes…we are ok again!
Oh well…I am just really thankful that our misunderstanding and gap is over.
A Friend Returns
August 16, a day that I can somehow remember where I found a friend…again. As I had in my previous blog, I lost a friend because of me… (well, of course!)
But that is not the topic now…to date, this day (Aug. 16) is the birthday of that person. Though we are not in good terms, it doesn’t mean that I would forget about her special day. So, days before this, I decided to buy her a gift. I went to Festival to buy her something that she could somehow use in her studies…so I bought for her a flash drive.
On her birthday, I decided to have someone have it to her, instead of myself, because somehow I am afraid of what she may say. So I gave it to our common friend and I left. He gave it to her and somehow, she saw me passing her way and said thank you. I decided not to take that chance yet to talk to her, but she insisted in talking to me. I obliged, and there it goes…we are ok again!
Oh well…I am just really thankful that our misunderstanding and gap is over.
But that is not the topic now…to date, this day (Aug. 16) is the birthday of that person. Though we are not in good terms, it doesn’t mean that I would forget about her special day. So, days before this, I decided to buy her a gift. I went to Festival to buy her something that she could somehow use in her studies…so I bought for her a flash drive.
On her birthday, I decided to have someone have it to her, instead of myself, because somehow I am afraid of what she may say. So I gave it to our common friend and I left. He gave it to her and somehow, she saw me passing her way and said thank you. I decided not to take that chance yet to talk to her, but she insisted in talking to me. I obliged, and there it goes…we are ok again!
Oh well…I am just really thankful that our misunderstanding and gap is over.
Elevation in Timeline
I feel that my life here in Don Bosco is so fast…so fast that whatever is happening to me is so unusual for a student who is new at this school.
First, I inquired here the 28th of May this year, and immediately, I was reserved a spot for the enrollment, without even having an admission exam. They just looked at my documents, and poof! I am now a student of Don Bosco-Canlubang.
Ok, so I arrived here June 2006, after almost 5 days of Orientation and back-and-forth travel. But now, I stay in a dorm inside the dorm, and I go home in weekends. Somewhat the same as my former life…but I never actually missed that.
Now, fast forward to last week of July, I was invited by the Student Affairs’ Officer if I can join the Leadership Training Camp in Don Bosco Tabor House in Los Baños. I gladly accepted it, since I thought that this would be a chance for me to know new people from the school, since I am only a newbie. That is what I thought. Yah, it came true, but with some other extras with it.
The LT Camp was fun and interesting, and it really helped me reach other students. The activities are not only mere activities, but we found out later that through these activities, the facilitators are already eyeing for those potential leaders.
Here came the last day of the activities, where before we go home, we would have to decide who would run for the elections for the Student Council for that year. Who would have thought that I would join those people? I can still remember someone who asked me, “Would you like to be nominated?” I jokingly answered, “Kayo na ang bahala dyan, baka magsisi kayo!”
Nomination began, and to my surprise, I ended up as one of the nominees or candidates for the Student Council Elections of our school…
A week after, I won in the election for Vice-President for Internal Affairs. And a week after that, I swore into office.
Time flies…
First, I inquired here the 28th of May this year, and immediately, I was reserved a spot for the enrollment, without even having an admission exam. They just looked at my documents, and poof! I am now a student of Don Bosco-Canlubang.
Ok, so I arrived here June 2006, after almost 5 days of Orientation and back-and-forth travel. But now, I stay in a dorm inside the dorm, and I go home in weekends. Somewhat the same as my former life…but I never actually missed that.
Now, fast forward to last week of July, I was invited by the Student Affairs’ Officer if I can join the Leadership Training Camp in Don Bosco Tabor House in Los Baños. I gladly accepted it, since I thought that this would be a chance for me to know new people from the school, since I am only a newbie. That is what I thought. Yah, it came true, but with some other extras with it.
The LT Camp was fun and interesting, and it really helped me reach other students. The activities are not only mere activities, but we found out later that through these activities, the facilitators are already eyeing for those potential leaders.
Here came the last day of the activities, where before we go home, we would have to decide who would run for the elections for the Student Council for that year. Who would have thought that I would join those people? I can still remember someone who asked me, “Would you like to be nominated?” I jokingly answered, “Kayo na ang bahala dyan, baka magsisi kayo!”
Nomination began, and to my surprise, I ended up as one of the nominees or candidates for the Student Council Elections of our school…
A week after, I won in the election for Vice-President for Internal Affairs. And a week after that, I swore into office.
Time flies…
Pain
This blog was supposed to be posted last July, but silly me, I always forget to post this one….
Anyway, from my recent post, I’ve written about those silly-minded actions I made with a friend, and true enough, that parting that I wrote is still going on…and it is not easy for me. The memory of what I did gives me the gloom every time I remember.
Still, many questions roam in my mind, like: “Why did I do that? Why can’t I mend the brokenness I feel? Why can’t I forgive? Why can’t I be forgiven?”
I still see her in the school, but every time that I do, I just look down, and during many times, I walk away; trying to avoid those painful memories again…
When will this pain go away?
Anyway, from my recent post, I’ve written about those silly-minded actions I made with a friend, and true enough, that parting that I wrote is still going on…and it is not easy for me. The memory of what I did gives me the gloom every time I remember.
Still, many questions roam in my mind, like: “Why did I do that? Why can’t I mend the brokenness I feel? Why can’t I forgive? Why can’t I be forgiven?”
I still see her in the school, but every time that I do, I just look down, and during many times, I walk away; trying to avoid those painful memories again…
When will this pain go away?
A Friend lost…
I really never thought that what I had would be lost. And for this case, I lost a friend, just because of my selfishness and conceitedness.
But at one point, I asked myself, was I the one at fault? Or was the other person? I never really saw that coming. We were very good friends the moment we knew each other and I was sure then that it would not change. But I was wrong…
I met her when I attended the Orientation for new students in my new school, Don Bosco- Canlubang. She was my group mate for the whole 4 days that I came and went home. She called me Kuya, and true enough, she’s just a fresh graduate from high school, unlike me who had just transferred there. Those four days were wonderful, I learned from her, and vice-versa. She was beautiful, in her own respect, and she is wonderful in many ways.
Then here comes the beginning of the school year. We were the same; the only difference is that she has more friends now than before. I felt left out, but she assured me that everything was ok between us, and that she is not avoiding me in any way.
But silly me…I kept on being arrogant and closed-minded about things…to keep the story short, we parted ways, without me being able to know the whole picture.
Sometimes, it really takes someone to be lost in one’s life to know how stupid he has become…just like me.
But at one point, I asked myself, was I the one at fault? Or was the other person? I never really saw that coming. We were very good friends the moment we knew each other and I was sure then that it would not change. But I was wrong…
I met her when I attended the Orientation for new students in my new school, Don Bosco- Canlubang. She was my group mate for the whole 4 days that I came and went home. She called me Kuya, and true enough, she’s just a fresh graduate from high school, unlike me who had just transferred there. Those four days were wonderful, I learned from her, and vice-versa. She was beautiful, in her own respect, and she is wonderful in many ways.
Then here comes the beginning of the school year. We were the same; the only difference is that she has more friends now than before. I felt left out, but she assured me that everything was ok between us, and that she is not avoiding me in any way.
But silly me…I kept on being arrogant and closed-minded about things…to keep the story short, we parted ways, without me being able to know the whole picture.
Sometimes, it really takes someone to be lost in one’s life to know how stupid he has become…just like me.
Saturday, November 26, 2005
damn...do i still know you? (for a friend that i know no more...)
i dont know you anymore...
you were, at one time, like this...then suddenly becomes another at another time...
you were like sunshine to my eyes, only to find out later that you had become more of a void in the darkness...
you were my friend some time ago...but by the fact that you're acting that way, can i still call you like that?
you said that you'll be there, but in times that i needed you, where were you?
i hate to think that youre making a fool out of me...but are you?
you said you miss your friends...but you are too busy with your new ones...
i dont know you anymore...
i just hope, that sometime...ill see the friend i once knew....
this is @* &$#&@*! dreaming of things that may never happen anymore...
would that happen? tell me...
TELL ME!
you were, at one time, like this...then suddenly becomes another at another time...
you were like sunshine to my eyes, only to find out later that you had become more of a void in the darkness...
you were my friend some time ago...but by the fact that you're acting that way, can i still call you like that?
you said that you'll be there, but in times that i needed you, where were you?
i hate to think that youre making a fool out of me...but are you?
you said you miss your friends...but you are too busy with your new ones...
i dont know you anymore...
i just hope, that sometime...ill see the friend i once knew....
this is @* &$#&@*! dreaming of things that may never happen anymore...
would that happen? tell me...
TELL ME!
Thursday, September 29, 2005
my immersion experience
I feel different kinds of emotions right now…
I cannot predict if what I feel now would still be the same…in a few hours, in a few days…and so on…
But what I can make sure of…is that what happened to me that day…September 24, will change my life forever…
I can recall a few weeks back before our immersion, I felt excited and anxious about it. I even prepared a small talk for the group that we will be with for that day, just as what my classmate asked me to do. (Sadly, though, I was not able to give it to them, due to time constraint). We were also asked to prepare something to give to the children of the SOS Children’s Village. All I had were some holy cards (stampitas) as well as a rosary. I thought that would be enough…but I was wrong.
I had been materialistic that time, in the sense that I was only thinking about the externalities that I may give to them. But two days before that date, I had a “reality check” (thanks to a co-seminarian), and realized some things that I would late be using in the immersion.
I understood that what we would do is not mandatory or obligatory, just because it is in our schedule, but it is more of a SERVICE.
I understood that when I will talk to them, I should remember that I cannot be in front of Him…He is the one we are trying to share, not ourselves.
I also understood that I must be the one who must go down to their level and understand them, not them to go up to understand me.
I also understood that I can never give them something that I myself do not have…if I do not have God in me, how can I give Him to them?
I understood that I am a vessel of God’s message to others, and I have to do it, not because of obligation; but because of love.
These are only some of what I understood back then.
The day came and before we left the seminary, our Prefect, Fr. Jay, gave us some guidelines and advices for what we will be doing the whole day. He reminded us that we must not take pride of who is speaking in front of the group. But above all, it is Him that we should give to the children, His Word and His Love. We are the messengers of God; we are the vessels of His Word.
I forgot to tell…I had some presumptions of what I would be seeing in the place where we will have our immersion. But some of those were wrong. Anyway…
I have to admit…I feel sorry for myself.
Also, I have to admit, I feel blessed as well because I was given the chance to share my life with them…
I feel sorry for myself that I was not able to get along well with them. I was so sad that I cannot completely commiserate with them. I feel so guilty that I cannot feel the pain that they had shared, just because I was not able to feel those when I was young. I never felt that I was rejected by my parents, or even abandoned. I was not able to feel the cruelties of the adults, or being someone who’s begging in the dangerous streets, where passing vehicles passed by. I was not able to feel extreme poverty and hunger…I wasn’t able to feel the pain and sorrow that they had felt.
I can recall one boy who shared his story with us. He said that when they were young, they were not poor. Eventually, they dropped and his mother left them, while his father ended up begging in the streets. We asked him if he still wants to see his parents, and he answered that he only want to see his father. How about his mother? He told us that he hate his mother! I felt a stab in my heart hearing that. I understand that he felt that because his mother left them and had another family, but hating won’t change it. However, I do not want to sound like a hypocrite to him, so I just listened, and deep inside, I can only say, “I understand…I am here…God is here…”
On the other hand, I feel blessed that I had the chance to see and feel what it’s like to be with them, and to be somewhat like them. Those hours that we spent in the SOS Children’s Village were so meaningful and fruitful. We had our share of laughs, joys and jokes. But we also had times when we had to sit down, be quiet and reflect on God’s Word.
With that immersion, I came to realize that this is what I would do in the future. I will serve God and the other, in any way I can, and in every opportunity I have. Just like the house aunts and uncles are doing to their “children”, I would also do to the children of God. This is just a preview of what I hope to be. Oh! How I long to see the day when I can be a PRIEST!
This immersion we had gave me the strength to persevere in my vocation. It would be hard, I know. But with the help of God, as well as memories such as our immersion, I know I can make it. I just hope, at present, that I was able to impart to them Christ, because they have given a lot to me!
Monday, August 22, 2005
my experiences in a timeline...(what happened to me these past few days...)
July 29...i got home for my short home visit.
July 31...i visited some friends in muntinlupa...and on my way back...i was robbed
...my cellphone and money were taken away...but i'm glad i'm still alive
August 19...our linggo ng wika presentation here in the seminary...
...i got included in the production number...i sang "manila" and "noypi" (kinaya ko yon?)
...that was also the time when i had to spit gas on a torch...creative dance, flame-thrower effect...(i drank almost half of that kerosene i put in my mouth!)
...i was awarded 3rd place for the essay writing competition..(first time? yah...)
August 21...community jogging...woke up by 4:30 in the morning and came back by 7:30
...my body ached all over...
i'll be updating...
July 31...i visited some friends in muntinlupa...and on my way back...i was robbed
...my cellphone and money were taken away...but i'm glad i'm still alive
August 19...our linggo ng wika presentation here in the seminary...
...i got included in the production number...i sang "manila" and "noypi" (kinaya ko yon?)
...that was also the time when i had to spit gas on a torch...creative dance, flame-thrower effect...(i drank almost half of that kerosene i put in my mouth!)
...i was awarded 3rd place for the essay writing competition..(first time? yah...)
August 21...community jogging...woke up by 4:30 in the morning and came back by 7:30
...my body ached all over...
i'll be updating...
Monday, July 25, 2005
what and why?
what is love?
what is life?
what is pain?
what is justice?
what is truth?
why is there suffering?
why is there crime?
why is there evil?
what is....what is...why is...why is...
i always ask these things in this changing world...but lately, i have asked myself...
WHO AM I?
"not yet understanding life, how can you understand death?" -Confucius
what is life?
what is pain?
what is justice?
what is truth?
why is there suffering?
why is there crime?
why is there evil?
what is....what is...why is...why is...
i always ask these things in this changing world...but lately, i have asked myself...
WHO AM I?
"not yet understanding life, how can you understand death?" -Confucius
Sunday, July 24, 2005
hiding...and showing...
Lies…and Light
Should I hide myself
to someone I do not know?
Should I continue to live a lie
that someday would finally show?
How long shall I conceal myself
under the dark room of secrecy?
Am I just afraid of the truth?
Am I living inside my fantasy?
I know…people know me
A different me in every place
But how if they fin’lly know who I really am?
Should I still be able to live…in shame?
I need to get out…out of this misery
For I fear…that this would break me.
I need to face myself…face what is right
And I pray that…the truth will be my light!
Should I hide myself
to someone I do not know?
Should I continue to live a lie
that someday would finally show?
How long shall I conceal myself
under the dark room of secrecy?
Am I just afraid of the truth?
Am I living inside my fantasy?
I know…people know me
A different me in every place
But how if they fin’lly know who I really am?
Should I still be able to live…in shame?
I need to get out…out of this misery
For I fear…that this would break me.
I need to face myself…face what is right
And I pray that…the truth will be my light!
poem of a sad person in love...and lost...(that's me!)
My Friend…I’m Sorry
I want to go back
To the moment you said “Hi!”
But my heart doesn’t want
Coz’ I’ve hurt you so much
And made the deepest wounds inside
All that I had expressed
Is everything that I feel
But…hope turned to fears
Laughter turned to tears
And broke my heart… to pieces
I had this feeling
I never thought I could have
Those memories I kept
That made my lonely days bright
Are replaced by clouds bringing fear
I know, people come and go
Fall, spring and winter flow
My days turned to gray
But my friend, I would like to tell you this…
I’m sorry…Goodbye…
“Til then…
I want to go back
To the moment you said “Hi!”
But my heart doesn’t want
Coz’ I’ve hurt you so much
And made the deepest wounds inside
All that I had expressed
Is everything that I feel
But…hope turned to fears
Laughter turned to tears
And broke my heart… to pieces
I had this feeling
I never thought I could have
Those memories I kept
That made my lonely days bright
Are replaced by clouds bringing fear
I know, people come and go
Fall, spring and winter flow
My days turned to gray
But my friend, I would like to tell you this…
I’m sorry…Goodbye…
“Til then…
Thursday, July 21, 2005
an angry moment...
it seems like the people around me are so....pessimistic!
ok...i admit, i am a strict kind of person, but i only do it when i had to...
who on earth would be happy if you know that some of the people around you are not following you?
i am a chairman of one of those committees in the seminary that is both tempting...and difficult to handle. that is because, i handle the computers around here...
i do not like to happen what happened in the past year...
can't they see that?!
okay, i'll try to leave them and do what they want for a while...and i'll see what comes of them...
would they be happy, or would they get messed up?
oh well....
ok...i admit, i am a strict kind of person, but i only do it when i had to...
who on earth would be happy if you know that some of the people around you are not following you?
i am a chairman of one of those committees in the seminary that is both tempting...and difficult to handle. that is because, i handle the computers around here...
i do not like to happen what happened in the past year...
can't they see that?!
okay, i'll try to leave them and do what they want for a while...and i'll see what comes of them...
would they be happy, or would they get messed up?
oh well....
Monday, July 18, 2005
Very busy....
whew!
ever since i made it back in the seminary after my summer vacation, i can't help but wonder...
will i have a chance to take some time off?
well, i'm not complaining though...
you see, since i came, my superiors has given me many tasks to accomplish...with so little time.
I can, i am always saying to myself, even to the point that even my body is exhausted and my mind cannot even think of a concrete decision...
But now, i finished my job...and i need to take some rest, 'coz i know this would not last long...
"it is not only me who works everytime i use all my faculties, because someone up there, is my guide..."
ever since i made it back in the seminary after my summer vacation, i can't help but wonder...
will i have a chance to take some time off?
well, i'm not complaining though...
you see, since i came, my superiors has given me many tasks to accomplish...with so little time.
I can, i am always saying to myself, even to the point that even my body is exhausted and my mind cannot even think of a concrete decision...
But now, i finished my job...and i need to take some rest, 'coz i know this would not last long...
"it is not only me who works everytime i use all my faculties, because someone up there, is my guide..."
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
Celebration…Post-Birthday Celebration!
My birthday is May 19 and unfortunately for me, that date fell on a Thursday this year. There are some reasons why I am sad that day, and though it may refresh those sad things again, I would like to share those reasons on why I was sad then.
First thing might be the fact that I am celebrating my birthday in a new and different place. I can still remember that I had my birthday last year in our former home in Muntinlupa, and for this year, it is quite lonely for me to spend that day away from those I have known for so long. Ok, I admit that some of them sent me messages via mobile phones, and some have sent me messages through their e-mail…but I feel that there is still something lacking from it. I was also sad because of the reason that the people that I had expected to remember my natal day was unable to remember it. In fact, when I called them about four days later and asked them if they had forgotten something, they told me nothing. That just broke me!
Another reason that I felt quite sad on that day was because of my guilt and sorrow on something that I did days earlier than my birthday. I blew up something important and I admit that I was not quite ready for doing that sort of thing. I do not like to share that matter anymore…that makes me much more sorrowful in it.
--------------------------------
I asked my parents if they would allow me to celebrate my birthday in our new home. They asked me on who am I going to invite, and thank God, I already have friends here…I just remembered that then. I remembered that I was already part of our parish Youth Ministry. And no need to say, they were the ones I decided to invite on that occasion. Of course, that doesn’t mean that I forget my pals back on my former home. I called some of those of which I still have contacts with, and asked them if they would like to come. But unfortunately, among those that I had invited, merely a fraction of them came…but I am still grateful for that.
--------------------------------
Two days after my birthday, that is, May 21, I decided to have that little celebration. Luckily, that was also the day when our Youth Ministry decided to have a little splash on cool waters. In the afternoon of that same day, we met at our usual meeting place and went to Tropical Palace. We spent some time cooling off on the pool and at around 6 in the evening, we decided to pack up and proceed to our next destination: our house!
We arrived and waited for our other co-members and started partying at about 7. Dinner as usual and some singing in the Magic Sing…while my friend Gino and Joe prepare something to heat up the bit of showery evening (because there was some rain back then). Later in that evening, my co-celebrant Cyndee arrived with her yummy pasta. Shortly after her, my good friend Tis arrived, just from work.
Some of those who were present back then were as follows: Ate Jai, Ate Mishy, Ate Tis, Ate Cyndee, Jenny, Joe, Martin, Matt, Gino, Fatima, Ate Jho, D.A., Kuya Bryan (from the Youth Ministry), Majing, Ate Bem and Kuya Ron (from my former choirmates in Muntinlupa).
We ended up at around 3 in the morning…quite tired, but in general, I felt that I was happy!
First thing might be the fact that I am celebrating my birthday in a new and different place. I can still remember that I had my birthday last year in our former home in Muntinlupa, and for this year, it is quite lonely for me to spend that day away from those I have known for so long. Ok, I admit that some of them sent me messages via mobile phones, and some have sent me messages through their e-mail…but I feel that there is still something lacking from it. I was also sad because of the reason that the people that I had expected to remember my natal day was unable to remember it. In fact, when I called them about four days later and asked them if they had forgotten something, they told me nothing. That just broke me!
Another reason that I felt quite sad on that day was because of my guilt and sorrow on something that I did days earlier than my birthday. I blew up something important and I admit that I was not quite ready for doing that sort of thing. I do not like to share that matter anymore…that makes me much more sorrowful in it.
--------------------------------
I asked my parents if they would allow me to celebrate my birthday in our new home. They asked me on who am I going to invite, and thank God, I already have friends here…I just remembered that then. I remembered that I was already part of our parish Youth Ministry. And no need to say, they were the ones I decided to invite on that occasion. Of course, that doesn’t mean that I forget my pals back on my former home. I called some of those of which I still have contacts with, and asked them if they would like to come. But unfortunately, among those that I had invited, merely a fraction of them came…but I am still grateful for that.
--------------------------------
Two days after my birthday, that is, May 21, I decided to have that little celebration. Luckily, that was also the day when our Youth Ministry decided to have a little splash on cool waters. In the afternoon of that same day, we met at our usual meeting place and went to Tropical Palace. We spent some time cooling off on the pool and at around 6 in the evening, we decided to pack up and proceed to our next destination: our house!
We arrived and waited for our other co-members and started partying at about 7. Dinner as usual and some singing in the Magic Sing…while my friend Gino and Joe prepare something to heat up the bit of showery evening (because there was some rain back then). Later in that evening, my co-celebrant Cyndee arrived with her yummy pasta. Shortly after her, my good friend Tis arrived, just from work.
Some of those who were present back then were as follows: Ate Jai, Ate Mishy, Ate Tis, Ate Cyndee, Jenny, Joe, Martin, Matt, Gino, Fatima, Ate Jho, D.A., Kuya Bryan (from the Youth Ministry), Majing, Ate Bem and Kuya Ron (from my former choirmates in Muntinlupa).
We ended up at around 3 in the morning…quite tired, but in general, I felt that I was happy!
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