Isang Ordinaryong Araw

Sinimulan ang unang oras ng araw ng napakaraming pagbati mula sa aking FB wall.  Laking pasasalamat ko na lamang dahil nariyan ang FB upang paalalahanan ang mga kaibigan ko.  Ngunit nagpapasalamat pa rin naman ako dahil kung wala ang FB, hindi ako mapapaalalahanan ng mga kaarawan nila.  Kaya ayun, quits lang.

Sumunod ang isang tawag na hindi pumapalya sa loob halos ng sampung taon.  Meron nga lang mga pagkakataon na delayed ngunit hindi pa rin nakakalimot.

Natulog ng alas kwatro ng umaga.

Nagising ng pasado alas otso.  Hindi pa man buhay na buhay ang diwa ay may isang tawag na naman.  Hindi ko nakilala ang boses.  Dahil ilang beses niyang nasambit ang “leche ka!” tiyak akong close ko ito.  Ngunit sino? Bakit? Paano?  Sigurado nga akong close ko ito ngunit hindi ko talaga mahuli kung kaninong boses ito.  Clue.  Magkababata daw kami.  Ayun, naisip ko rin!  Paano ba naman ay siguro magtatatlong taon na rin nang huli kong narinig ang boses niya sa telepono. 

Nag-ayos.  Pumasok sa trabaho.

Umupo sa isang pagpupulong.  Isang tawag na naman.

Bumili ng tanghalian sa labas.  Inilibre ang sarili ng zagu dahil isang linggo nang nag-cacrave sa halo-halo.  Salamat nga pala sa nagbigay ng tirahang ito kay Chewy.  Tutal, sa inyo din naman galing si Chewy!

May nag-text. 

Kung sakaling mabasa mo man ito, bahala ka na kung magrereak ka.  Judge me kahit hindi ako book.  Pero tandaan mo, birthday ko.  Kahapon.

Hayaan mo ng kiligin ang mga makakabasa nito.  Kahit punong-puno ng charantia ang supposedly reply ko.

P.S.  Inaantay ko na ang imbitasyon para sa kasal mo.

Inantok matapos kumain ng tanghalian.  Tinulugan ang isa pang pagpupulong.  Pagkagising ay panibagong pagpupulong na naman.

Pumunta sa dentista.  Umupo halos dalawang oras para sa pagpapatuloy ng root canal.  Ikalawang linggo ko na ito.  Alas otso na ng gabi yata nang makauwi ako.  Masakit pero rock.

Pagkatapos maghapunan, sinimulang tingnan ang libo-libong larawan na nakaimbak kay Macky.  Nagnilay-nilay.  Nagmuni-muni.

Natapos na naman pala ang isang taon.  Sabi ko ilang taon na rin yata ang nakakalipas, dapat bago ako umabot sa tatlumpo, tapos na ako ng masterado.  Nagawa ko ito labing-anim na araw bago ako nag-dalawampu’t siyam.

Ngayong nadagdagan na naman ng isang numero ang mga guhit sa aking palad, may mga bagong tahakin na naman.  Dalangin ko ay matagumpayan ang matagal nang sinimulang mga kasulatan.  Dapat bago umabot ng tatlumpu ay naisakatuparan na ang lahat ng ito.

Hindi ko alam kung ano pa man ang idudulot ng bukas.  Nakakatakot.  Walang kasiguraduhan.  Ngunit isa lang ang nasisigurado ko, gagabayan Niya ako sa lahat ng oras.  Salamat po sa dalawampu’t-siyam na taon! 

Salamat sa mga luha, tawanan, pagkabigo at muling pagbangon.  Salamat sa mga talento, pagpapala, at pag-gabay.  Salamat sa panibagong taon.

Flashback.

I told myself, 4 years ago, that being online distracts me more from juggling my studies and my work.  I ended up with a very, very long hiatus; I dubbed this as a cyber-hibernation.  For this reason, it took me 40 months before I was able to write again for this blog.  I miss this so badly.

  

Tomorrow I will be graduating for the fifth time.  It was my dream to obtain my master’s degree before the age of 30.  In God’s favor, I will be able to do it 18 days before I turn 29.  What took me writing 32 hours before I receive my graduate degree is an out spurt of vivid memories of my college graduation. 

Frustrations.  Expectations.  Excitement.  Thrill.  Anxiety.  I think I’m just stressed out.

Frustration.  Way back in college I really wanted to win the best student teacher award.  Without any reservations, I asked my supervising teacher if he could nominate me for the said award.  He then asked me to draft the letter and he will just check it.  I did what he told me and so I was shortlisted for the award. 

I was the President of a national organization during that time.  We organize and conduct science camps every summer for high school students.  That year, we went to Davao City for the annual event.  In the middle of the camp, I received an SMS that I have to be in the college the following day to do a demo teaching.  As much as I wanted to fly back to Manila, I have to give up the demo teaching.  I have to give up my dream.

It was very disappointing because it was my only chance to make my mom proud during my graduation day.  I was a ‘pasaway’ student during my undergrad years.  I have 19 units of 5.0 and 7 units of 4.0.  Because of that, I have to extend for another year so it took me 5 years to finish my course.

The best student award also has a cash prize.  Another reason why I badly wanted to win the award is because I needed the money so I can enroll in a review center for the board exams.  We were in financial constraints during that time and I know that my mom can’t send me anymore to a review center.  She would always tell me, “Kaya mo yan!  Hindi mo na kailangan ng review center.” 

And so, I was not able to enroll in a review center.  Worse, I did not review for the board.  Right after taking the exam sometime in August 2006, I called my mom.  I told her since I did not review, I am not confident with my answers.  I thought I would fail.

I did not fail.  

I passed.  I even placed 10^th among the 17,377 successful passers out of 59,457 examinees in the elementary level.  I was crying when I told my mom the good news over the phone.  How did I do it?  I don’t know.

Expectation.  Because I was born to be an achiever, receiving an award during graduation day is not a new thing for me.  I was 3^rd honors in kindergarten, with honors in grade school, and valedictorian in high school.  Maybe that is why I was so frustrated to graduate in college without any award I can bring home.  I lose my competitiveness in the academe that day.  Instead, that competitiveness was channeled to my students every time we compete in a science contest.  In the past six years, I ended up pushing all of my trainees to do their best. 

Nevertheless, I still exerted all my best to complete the requirements of my MA subjects.  I think that effort paid well.  January this year, I was invited to be a member of an international honor society.  Invitation to this organization is highly dependent on the academic standing of a student.  Hence, he/she should belong to the upper 10% of the graduating class.

The invitation made me compute for my general weighted average (GWA).  To my surprise, my GWA is 1.125, without the thesis grade.  I honestly don’t know where did this grade come from.  All this time, I thought only ‘halimaws’ could produce this kind of grade.  But no, I am not a ‘halimaw.’  Up till now, I am still haunted by my 5.0’s in Math 53, Chem 17, 28, 28, and 31.

Because of the 1.125 GWA and the honor society invitation, I don’t know if I will receive an academic excellence award tomorrow.  Though honestly, I am expecting to receive it.  Maybe that is why I feel stressed out right now.   I just hope my guts are right this time.  I hope so.

Another reason why I feel stressed out is because my paper was nominated for best thesis award.  When I went home two weekends ago to attend the wedding of my high school classmate, the twin sister of the bride got into an accident while we were traversing the ATV trail at the foot of Mayon Volcano.  The same day, I received a message from my thesis adviser that I should be in the college the following Monday because they will nominate my paper for the best thesis award.  I was still in a post-traumatic state from the accident that happened in the morning and then I received overwhelming news about being nominated for best thesis in the afternoon.  Just imagine my emotional dilemma that Saturday night.  I was a total wreck.

Tomorrow my suffering will end.  I will finally know if I will receive the academic excellence award, IF they call my name; at the same time, I will know if I won the best thesis award, also, IF they call my name.  For now, I think my gastrointestinal tract will suffer for the next 32 hours.  My functional dyspepsia is a manifestation of a psychosomatic condition when I am subjected to stress.  I think I can feel it right now as I write this post.  Or I don’t know, maybe I’m just hungry because it’s 2 am already.

(c) UP Lakan

Stress.  I am thrilled of what tomorrow will bring me.  I am excited.  I am also anxious.  Or maybe I am just stressing myself.

While exchanging text with an officemate earlier this evening, I suddenly realized that no matter how the graduation ceremonies would end up tomorrow, there is one more thing that I should be more excited about.

What will happen to me after graduation?  What should I do next?  Where will the Lord lead me now that I am done with my graduate degree?

The good Lord works in His own perfect timetable.  All of these things happening to me did not happen by any chance.  Or even by good fortune.  There was no ritual or repetitive prayers required.  No charms to hold on to or idols to worship.  Everything was just between God and me.  

In the past four months that I have been writing my thesis, I knew everything would push through smoothly.  This is because I knew He is my rock, my refuge, and the source of my strength.  All I have to do is let Him take the wheel.

What road should I take now that I’m done with my work here?  I don’t know.  That will be my next prayer item.  And then after five years, or ten, or maybe 20, I will go back to this page and reflect once again on how great the Lord had been to me.  And surely, have another flashback. 

Holiday gifts and more!

Why do I receive more gifts during Christ’s birthday than my actual birthday?

Not that I’m complaining about this fact, but rather, I’m just asking a hypothetical question.

People say it is better to give than to receive. But guess what, I’m always excited every time I open a gift. So more or less, I enjoy opening gifts rather than wrapping them. Har har. I’m just being human.

But don’t worry, it’s not only me who benefits from the gifts given to me. Everyone else does! *wink*

So if ever you gave me something for this holiday season, check out the list below that I checked twice.


I’m sending my sincerest gratitude to everyone else who shared their blessings to me this holiday season:

Mom for the Wade shoes; Teni for the 500 Php SM gc that contributed very much to my new Diesel shoes; Gabbie and Mai for the Simpson and Adidas shirts, respectively; Caitlin, Diwa, and Elena for the bags; Marielle and Pauline for the hankies, Zion for the hand towels, and Alex for the bath towel; Jack for the ‘Rayban’ shades; Nathan for the cute watch, Abbey and T. Joy for the bracelets, and Inna for the wrist band that I really love; Sam and Aiah for the key chains and T. Marie for the bling bling; Mike for the purse; Adina for the wood carved pangkamot; and Myla for the pillow.

To those who are very concerned with my hygiene:

Reisa for the Soap Factory soap specials; and Diwa and Mia for the soaps and shampoos.

I really felt Mia’s concern because the shampoo she gave me has a label that says:

“The way your hair look’s can tell a lot about you.”

Come on Princess Mia!

Diwa for the toothpaste and Jotham for the night mint toothgel that I will really enjoy; Gina and Clarisse for the M&S hand wash; and Khaim for the hand sanitizer and bug spray.

Two days before our Christmas Party, my green mug which was a gift from the UPIS Student Council suddenly turned into mugs. Because of that incident, my broken mug was replaced by four new mugs courtesy of Miggy, Kiana, Kaye, and PSYSC who gave me a UP centennial mug.

Thank you also to Marielle for the travel mug and Mrs. Yu for the water bottle I won during the Faculty Party. And also to a donor I don’t know who sent green charcoal also for the Faculty Party.

Gobs for the lovely picture frame; Toni and Misha for some CDs; Abbey for the 2010 desk calendar; DOST-SEI for the planner; Pauline for the planner and notepad; T. Rose Ann for the notebook; Ara for the post it; T. Joji for the cute crocodile stapler; Frances for the laser pointer; Wawu for the faber-castell pencils; Pangilinan Family for the led book light; Kyla, Miko, Marco, Jornales Family, Mr. & Mrs. Gutierres, and Pastor Mike & T. Francie for the enthusing books you gave.

I was really amazed why I received only one toy this Christmas! Haha! Thank you Miguel!

They say that the best way to a man’s heart is thru his stomach. I’m now opposing this saying since last December 12, I was diagnosed by my ENT to be suffering from laryngospasm resulting to coughing and shortness of breathe. She said acid reflux is causing my laryngospasm and heart burn. For that, I was advised to stay away from acidic food including those which are sour and spicy; caffeinated drinks: soda, iced tea, coffee; food with tomato sauce; and chocolates!

So now, I’m thankful for those who made me suffer this holiday season for giving me food which I am abstaining from eating. Thank you very much for making me drool as my friends and family members savor the gifts you gave me:

Jigger and Ayie for the M&S dark chocolate all butter biscuits and Belgian milk chocolate biscuits, respectively; Shauna for the Droste Pastilles; Luigi for the Ghirardelli Peppermint Bark; Andrea and Marielle for the chocolates; Eloisa and Enzo for the chocolate bars; Andy for the cookies and Hans and Zeb for the brownies; and Nathan for the Chokolate de Bohol.

Let me introduce a new saying that goes:

The best way thru the Urban gurU’s heart is thru his larynx!

Thank you also for the scrumptious pastries you gave me:

Aiah for the lemon squares and T. Rafael for the lemon square cake; Manette for the macaroons; Ty and Josh for the pastries; Gaea and Kha-el for the tarts; Caparros Family for the Snowballs; and David for the M&S all butter Scottish shortbread fingers.

Thank you also to whoever gave the candy cane I found in my table; Marco for the queso de bola; and Christel for the sparkling red grape juice cocktail.

Finally, T. Fe for the Php 300 cash I won during the Faculty Party; and Mom for the Php 10,000 cash wherein half of it turned into a 29” flatron TV with the help of my other siblings.


From last year’s 75 gifts, there was a slight decrease into 72 I received this holiday 2009. But above all of these gifts, this is the most important one that all of us should be rejoicing…

'Til next year!

Misono Surprise

During the first quarter of the year, we talked about the palatability of Yoshinoya’s gyudon. After almost nine months, here is another scrumptious discovery I had from Yoshinoya’s menu:


Yoshinoya’s beef misono had its system-wide launch just last November 16, 2009. With a beef cut thicker than gyudon’s, beef misono is a pan-grilled short plate beef which was marinated with a very special sauce. Yet, if you really want the opulent beef taste to surge, dip it in a teriyaki sauce rather than its usual tempura sauce cohort.

But if you are looking for a side dish, the Japanese fried chicken is the best finger food that would make your day.


Marinated for 12 extensive hours, the Japanese fried chicken is best dipped in its sauce which is a mixture of vinegar, sugar, carrots, and onion leeks that will definitely give you a sweet and sour taste complimenting the chili tang of the chicken.

Moreover, if you are really into beef bowls and seafood, the best plate for sharing is the gyudon + ebi tempura jumbo plate. Do not forget that seven spices and red ginger (beni shoga) compliments best the gyudon while teriyaki sauce is a must for the ebi tempura. Just make sure you have these condiments before you leave the counter!


To cap it all, all of these dishes are best served with green tea that boasts a novel taste of citrus extract.

The beef burger and beef yakiniku are other beef dishes that will surely bring your appetite to nirvana.

So, are you ready now to experience the beef misono surprise?

Colloquium on Understanding the Tropical Storm Ondoy

Everyone is invited to listen and participate in the National Institute of Geological Sciences (NIGS) Colloquium entitled:

Understanding Tropical Storm Ondoy:
A Forum on the Meteorology and Hydrology of a Massive Flood Event

On September 26, 2009, Tropical Storm Ondoy hit the country, primarily affecting Regions III, IV and the NCR. A relatively small tropical cyclone with maximum winds of only 85 kph when it made landfall in Aurora, no one expected that it will bring in an unprecedented amount of rain - 367mm in 6 hours. It caused massive flooding in the Marikina River Basin as well as in areas surrounding Laguna de Bay. To date, more than 300 people have died due to the floods. Understanding such event from a meteorological and hydrological standpoint will hopefully shed some light on why such tragedy occurred; and hopefully aid us in anticipating and preparing for similar events in the future.

image source

A Panel of Experts will come from the following organizations:

• Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, Department of Science and Technology
• National Hydraulics Research Center, UP College of Engineering
• National Institute of Geological Sciences,UP College of Science
  

October 6, 2009, 3-5 PM
NIGS Audio Visual Room
College of Science, UP Diliman

*The Urban gurU received this email from an alumnus of the National Institute of Geological Sciences. As part of the academe, let me invite everyone who are interested in knowing the scientific milieu of the said natural phenomenon.

Seeing Corazon C. Aquino the First and the Last Time

I woke up on a gloomy morning on the first day of August with an SMS in my phone saying:

“Former President Cory Aquino died of cardio-respiratory arrest at 3:18 am today. She was 76.”

It was a message from a friend who has been watching the news since early that morning.

Despite saddened, my day went on just like any Saturday morning. I went to my review class in school and ended up in Trinoma having dinner with my students and watching The Half Blood Prince. What was not normal there was the fact that I’ve watched already that movie in silver screen, hence, the waiters and waitresses at TGIF sang me a birthday song despite I already had my birthday three months ago. Nice one Abbey…


And thank you for the dessert!

(That reminds me, I still have to add your Dad on Mafia Wars).

From Trinoma, to Gateway, and soon I was at UP Ayala Technohub to catch a group of plurkers who had been to a death-defying-sumptuous-meal at Kanin Club. To wrap things up, some of us ended in California Berry in Tomas Morato to partially detox ourselves employing the powers of nonfat frozen yogurt. Well of course, the night won’t be complete without synthesizing what’s happening and what happened lately in our beloved Plurklandia.

Past 1 am we decided to go to La Salle Greenhills to visit the wake of the late President Aquino.

On the way, I was anxious.

Not that am still outside my room that late at night, but because, in my 25 years of existence, I’ve never seen anyone inside a coffin. Yes, it’s a big issue for me. Almost all of my relatives are in the province, since I’m staying in the Metro, I’m always absent in that kind of family affairs. And so, I took a deep breathe and pretended that everything will be okay.

After a few minutes of driving, our carpool reached Ortigas Ave. Around 1:30 am, it was still full of parked private cars stretching to a kilometer long. We crossed the street and found ourselves in a line that started at the school’s inner gate. Flowers filled the corridors leading to the gym. Approximately 300 meters of falling in line, we’ve reached the place.


Fifteen feet. Ten feet. We were three feet away from her coffin…

To my amaze, all of my qualms were released the moment I saw her face. It seems she was telling me: don’t worry; I am very much happy where I am right now.

She was at peace, very much at peace.

I remember Karen telling me while we were still on our way to La Salle when I told her I’ve never seen anyone inside a coffin, “Don’t worry, she still looks like Corazon Aquino.”

“The point is,” I blurted out, “I’ve never seen her before. In fact, I haven’t seen any Philippine president in my entire life.”

To President Corazon C. Aquino,

Seeing you for the first and the last time was a great honor for me. Your love for the country, our country, will always be remembered as untiringly genuine and persistently authentic. As you finally unite with our Father, the Filipino people will eternally remember your greatness of restoring to us our rights —most importantly our freedom.

“He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn,
the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.”
– Psalm 37:6

Thank you very, very much!

By the way, I’m grateful to Manolo for giving me his commemorative pin of the late president, and oh, not to mention the chocolate bar he gave us when we ambushed him inside the La Salle gym.

Internet Withdrawal Syndrome Explained.

All of a sudden I opened my MS Word, and started writing. Again.

I’ve been away for quite some time.

For a span of one month, I’ve let go to a lot of bloggable thoughts, side dish stories, and one-liner-quotes that would make a thousand-word-post.

Plurk Angst.

Alas! I can finally claim that I’m internet withdrawal syndrome free! Although there are still moments that I would sneak up thru our office wifi, I’ve managed to live a life without internet connection for the past 20 days. Just imagine how much karma points I’ve lost before I froze it last June 20. Grrrr. I will never reach 100. And so I admit, I envy my blogger friends who were there since early this year. Boo me!

Oh well, I’d just brag about my record of being the 5th plurker in the Philippines with the most responses, hence 42nd in the world. Now, please don’t ask me for proofs! Plurkerati is not loading the past weeks. But heck, that was a long time ago, and since I don’t have internet connection when this post was written, I, obviously, can’t verify my own claims. So again, boo me!


To my plurk friends, lovers, and haters, I miss you too! I know, life at plurk is not complete without a daily dose of negativity. So here it goes… avada kedavra!

Disconnection explained.

A tornado hit our community last June 4. I didn’t even know that it occur until a plurker posted a link to the Philippine Daily Inquirer article relating what happened. My dad was so concerned upon hearing it on the news. Okay, I was exaggerating, “he was concerned,” rather.

What’s interesting is that my broadband antenna went down the next day. Cool, huh? And so I waited the entire day to be connected until I went outside the house around 2 o’clock in the afternoon only to find out that my antenna is gone! The screeching sound of the GI sheets that woke us up early in the morning that day should have been my clue that my broadband was disconnected already… FOREVEEEEEEEEEER!

If you’re wondering how it fell down, I have no idea either. My gut feeling is telling me that we should blame global warming.

The same day, I reported the incident to the Smart Wireless Center since I was already at the mall. They assured me that they will connect it the following weekend, June 13. And so I promised myself that if ever they will not call me for the final scheduling of my reconnection, I will permanently disconnect my broadband. I gave them until June 11, Thursday.

Surprisingly, Smart was very cooperative. THEY DIDN’T CALL!

By June 14, Sunday, I went to the mall again to pay my final fees so I can have it permanently disconnected. Guess what, I still have to pay a thousand pesos, Php 999.00 to be exact, for the June dues! To think, I was only able to use my internet from June 1-4. Four days people! Four effing days!

The lady explained that my money would still be reimbursed for the days I was not able to use my connection, I just have to wait for my next billing statement. Blah! Blah! Blah! Okay fine, whatever! I will pay whatever amount just be sure that you will permanently disconnect my effing broadband!

They promised to withdraw the antenna and wires and other stuff on the 27th. How I wish they will be here before lunchtime. I have work this coming Saturday, smart people! If I’m not here, better luck next time.

Am I bitter? Obviously, I am not.

I’ve been a loyal customer for the past two years. All I ask is immediate action to the needs of your customers. So again, and again, boo me!

Sun. Globe. Smart?

I’m still undecided what wireless internet connection should I purchase. I still need internet connection, especially when I’m at home. I can’t stay overnight at my office just to leach wifi. I just have one question bothering me this time, should I still consider a smart choice?

Disconnection Explained Further.

For the past two weeks, I utterly fought my internet withdrawal syndrome. The tornado, falling antenna, bills, global warming, and everything else paved the way for my broadband to be finally disconnected. I actually have a better purpose, rather than those mentioned earlier.


After three long years, I’m going back to school. Okay, that would be redundant. I’ve been working in a school for the past three years!

I mean, I’m going to school not as the teacher but rather a FRESHMAN student! (Please notice the emphasis on the word freshman).

Since mid-2007, I’ve been very visible online. Social networking sites, forums and YM chatting were my first addictions until I gave birth to the Urban gurU in March 2008. In one day, I spend more time online than sleeping. That’s why way back then when people ask me of my job, I often ask them, “At what time of the day?” And then I will continue, “10am-6pm: I’m a Science geek; 6pm-3am: I’m anywhere online; 3am-9am: I’m kinda sleeping then; 9am-10am: I’m taking a bath.”

Now, if ever anyone would ever ask me what I’m currently doing in my life, I plan to answer back, “I just made it more complicated,” then continue, “just check out this blog entry.”





Written June 23, 2009, 11pm-1am while suffering from colds and crossing my toes that classes will be suspended the next day. And oh! It’s already raining outside! Hurray!


PPS: It had been two consecutive days of suspension of classes. Double hurray!

post-blog-anniversay-post-birthday post

More than two months after celebrating the Urban gurU's blog anniversary...


I finally decided to change into a new skin...

Welcome to the new Urban gurU!

That reminds me, happy new year to me!

*it's just am too effed up to write a 'sensible' post. thus, i pity my eyebags... o.O

FinalS

Dear Lord,

Please let Adam and Kris compete in the finals next week. I will be very sad on my birthday if that wont happen.

Ktnxbai!


Love lots,
Me.

Cause I can't do this on my own
I'm letting go

From the Lab to iBlog

After four days of intensive laboratory exercises at the Institute of Biology, University of the Philippines Diliman for the 2009 National Science, Math and Engineering (SME) Camp, I had a chance to take a break from dissecting ICR mice, pipetting, extracting DNA from E. coli, and a lot more geekiness.

SME Subcamp Biology participants handling ICR mice

For now, I am live blogging at the iBlog 5: The 5th Philippine Blogging Summit being held at the Malcolm Theater, UP College of Law, Diliman, Quezon City.

Dir. James Jimenez, COMELEC-EID Director, giving his talk about Preparing Bloggers for the 2010 Elections

By tomorrow, I am headed to Bataan for the field activities of the SME.

Whoa! What a jam-packed week. See you all soon!

Pacquiao vs. Swine Flu

May 2 is getting closer. And as expected, crime rates will be lowered by this coming Sunday as Manny Pacquiao tries to snatch Ricky Hatton's Ring Belt and IBO Light Welterweight Belt during the biggest fight and the most anticipated boxing event of the year.

As the two prepare for the momentous boxing brawl, the entire world is threatened by the soon to be pandemic swine flu. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. Swine flu viruses have been reported to spread from person-to-person, but in the past, this transmission was limited and not sustained beyond three people.

How the swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is spreading is the same way as how seasonal flu spreads. More or less, anyone might be susceptible to it. As of press time, several countries had released already confirmed swine flu cases and travel guidelines that will serve as precautionary measures for the public to abide by. It just so happened that I was fascinated by the link posted on facebook by jenijenjen about USA Today's swine flu cases and precautions around the world post.

Well of course the Philippines wont be left behind! On the map, text read as:

The Philippines health chief appealed to dozens of Filipino legislators to abandon plans to visit Las Vegas to cheer for boxing idol Manny Pacquiao even though Las Vegas is more than 300 miles from the Mexican border.

Now, I feel sorry for Manny. His avid supporters are restrained by the Department of Health not to watch his fight. Tsk. Tsk.

~ paradigm shift ~

But don't fret Manny, the battle is on!




We're still here to cheer for you in your biggest battle!

The Real Low Pressure Area

Despite the supposed-to-be-shinning-shimmering-splendid summer all of us enjoying right now, the country is currently exposed to its third tropical cyclone for this year. As of 10 pm today, PAG-ASA reported that Tropical Depression "Crising" has remained almost stationary. It is located 290 km West of San Jose, Occidental Mindoro giving a public storm signal number 1 warning over Palawan, Cuyo Island, Calamian Group of Islands, Occidental Mindoro, and Lubang Island.

On the other hand, a soon-to-be-tropical-depression was estimated in the vicinity of Albay. This Low Pressure Area (LPA) was estimated at 40 kms East of Virac, Catanduanes, and therefore will cause panic and depression, again, to my Mom who is in our house in Albay.


Image provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). An image of the Philippine loop is also alavailable here. Please visit the PAG-ASA weather bulletin for updates about Tropical Depression Crising. Next bulletin will be out at 5am of May 1.

Low Pressure Area

Here are signs that the Urban gurU is in a Low Pressure Area:

1. he can't finish any job. in the first place, he don't have any idea how to start any task.
2. he has thoughts of deleting an/some online account/s. or maybe not.
   
3. he enjoys fighting in the arena with his brute. and of course robbing at mafia wars.
   
4. he can't start any AI post. and thinks that the judges are way too biased lately.
   
5. he tries to kill time by micro-blogging thru plurk. despite several blog posts he had started already but never finished anything.
6. he doesn't mind eating his dinner. not unless his tummy demands it.
   
7. he is just waiting for the subpoena from Smartbro since he haven't paid his internet bill for the past 3 months. same is true for his other bills.
   
8. he still can't decide whether to pursue his postgrad this coming semester. the college secretary would surely kill him.
   
9. he keeps on thinking which memorial plan he should take. cremation is topping his list.
   
10. he tries to write a post that would make sense, at 2 in the morning. but thinks he's an epic phail!
    

Summer gurU

It's official, cyberhybernation is over!

After almost a month long of blogging hiatus, 25 days to be exact, the Urban gurU is back!

However, since am melting because of this scourging heat, am back as the Summer gurU! Yey! o.O


So what happened to the Urban, I mean, Summer gurU for the past 25 days?

*flashback*

• March 23-24 - finals! I have to finish the last 4 exams I'm supposed to give for this school year.
• March 26 - honors deliberation. Have to finish the graduating class' grades and finalize the honors lists.
  
• March 27 - Candlelight Ceremonies of the graduating class at Loyola Grand Villas. I have to shop my attire an hour before the event. Bwahaha!
• March 31 - Graduation Rites. Have to finalize the audio-visual presentation needed that day and that took me an entire day to finish! Praise God it went well!
  
• April 3 - Graduating Class' Retreat at Camp Explore, Antipolo, Rizal. Went home exhausted. And just like any other retreat, no one wanted to go home... *sigh*
  
• April 4 - Departure for Balanga City, Bataan for PSYSC's National Science Camp
• April 5-9 - Camp Bataan. For the record, this is my 7th Camp! Whew!
• April 10-12 - rested at home for the Holy Week.
  

Am not that busy, right?

But no, here's the deal, got more things happening this summer:

• April 13-24 - Log_on. It's a refresher course am giving at school for those who are taking high school entrance exams next school year.
• April 27-30 - Curriculum Refresher Course. I'll be giving a workshop for teachers about integrating Science in the elementary level. (details will follow soon)
• May 9 - iBlog5. I'll be riding an Ikot jeep and head to Malcolm Hall for the 5th Philippine Blogging Summit.
• May 11-29 - School Workshops. We will be preparing this time for the next school year!

Whew! What a jam-packed summer! Is this what they call vacation?

I don't think so...

Let's just enjoy the heat of the sun!!!

Credits go to 12 years old Just for the new Urban gurU graphics!

Googling Gyudon

One time, I thought of googling the word gyudon. Flabbergasted by the results, my inquisitiveness brought me to these sites:


Yoshinoya’s history dates back to 1899 when a Japanese named Eikichi Matsuda crafted a scrumptious recipe of beef and rice known as gyudon. Gyudon is from the Japanese terms gyū which means "cow" or "beef", and don is short for donburi, the Japanese word for "bowl".



For the past 110 years, Yoshinoya has grown to be an imperative brand name in Japan as asserted by more than 1,000 outlets. In Metro Manila, they can be found in the following strategic locations: SM Megamall, SM North EDSA, SM Mall of Asia, Robinsons Galleria, Sta. Lucia East Grand Mall, Binondo, Park Square 1, and Greenhills. Hence, making it one of the biggest fast-food chains in Japan and Asia.

The first time I visited Yoshinoya, I was not that stunned with their cuisine. If I recall it right, that could be almost two years ago. Late last year, when I visited again one of their stores, I was finally convinced of the palatability of their gyudon. Quoting my best friend whom I am with that time, “this is the best gyudon I had ever tasted.” Since then, we often drop by the nearest Yoshinoya to our place.


Gyudon is best served with seven spices and red ginger (beni shoga). Seven spices add a little bit of an exquisite chili flavor to the beef; at the same time, the red ginger makes it savory juicier. By the way, the first serving of red ginger is free.

Aside from the gyudon, the chicken teriyaki and fish katsudon are both must try dishes in any Yoshinoya store. Their chicken teriyaki is favorable to those who are health conscious since it is cooked with minimum amount of oil. To boot, the fish katsudon boasts a sumptuous cream dory cooked in tempura sauce, topped with an egg. Mouth watery, isn’t it?

So the next time you think of googling the word ‘gyudon,’ try heading to Greenhills Yoshinoya instead. I guarantee you, they serve Japan’s No. 1 Beef Bowl!





Yoshinoya Greenhills accepts:

• orders for delivery at a minimum order of Php 300.00
• bulk orders of at least 20 orders of rice bowls/noodles/jumbo plates will be free of delivery charge plus FREE BEEF GYUDON for every P1000 purchase
  
• KDO coffee sticks of box of 12 are available, Buy 1 Take 1, for only Php 45.48

For any queries, you may contact them at (02) 725 7789 or (02) 725 1736.

Good vs. Evil Drama

The battle for the final two commenced last night!

It was a sweet tussle between idols Adam Lambert and Danny Gokey.

Adam, singing Johnny Cash’ “Ring of Fire” represented the evil, hot flaming, falsettoing, Nine Inch Nail inspired contestant. On the other hand Danny, belting Carrie Underwood’s “Jesus Take the Wheel,” was the good-boy, heaven sent contingent. My jaw literally dropped after their performances.



Even it didn’t really sound like country for Adam’s rendition, it doesn’t really matter. Changing the song into something that fits him well, worked out very, very fine. If Kara thinks it was strange and she kinda likes it, I think it was indeed strange, and I kinda love it. ‘Twas hot, intense, sweet.



Danny took the good side last night. Accompanied by the bright white lights while he was performing, it seems like angels were all over the stage raising him up!

Piercing. It was just like piercing your soul.


Dark Horses of the Apocalypse

If there would be dark horses, these three guys would be it:

• Anoop Dawg was “from zero to hero,” as Simon said it. After nailing “You’re Always on My Mind,” Anoop is back again in the competition. Welcome back dawg!
• Tender Dawg Kris Allen sang “To Make You Feel My Love.” For Paula it was a “vulnerable performance.” And yes it was. It was soothing and flawless.
• Matt Giraud. The jazzy JT did it again after singing “So Small.” And well, even he’s not a front runner in the competition, he’s definitely adding spice to it.
  

Better watch out for them in the forthcoming weeks!

Since girls are already outnumbered on the second week of performance night, I am picking Megan Joy and Allison Iraheta as the best female performers. Megan was awesomely lovely to the nth degree! Singing “Walking’ After Midnight,” she proved that she deserves to be in the Summer Tour after making it to the top ten. Caw! Caw!


Allison, who was part of the bottom three, still managed to be the sweet-young-rockstar as she was, during the performance night. Unluckily, she did not impress the judges, who persuasively convinced America not to vote for her. As a result, she’s down there. Sigh.

I predicted that Michael, Alexis, and Scott to be in the bottom three today. And yes, even Lil. Their performances were kinda weak and there's nothing impressive about them. I even predicted Michael to be out today, just like most people think, but nah… dirty Alexis heads home rather.

In the end, there will only be three girls in the summer tour, accompanied by the seven guys.

The search is on!

Everyone was enthralled upon hearing that they will have 13 finalists in this year's season of American Idol. Proportionally, the more choices, the more votes; the more votes... ka-ching!


Because of my excitement to go home today to watch AI, I even fought for my human rights over the tv just to watch the first performance night of the finalists. So finally, here are my top picks:


Adam reminded me of my 3rd grade mass demonstration at Tinuigiban, Puerto Princesa City. LOL. That was so 15 years ago! Despite the overwhelming foundation he has today, he's still my idol. Allison and Alexis are rockstars of their own. Well done for both of these girls! Yey!


I was amazed also of Matt and Kris' performance tonight. Hence, am placing them on my top half list together with Lil and Danny who are both consistent since day one.

Despite the variety Megan is giving to the competition, am really worried that she might belong to the bottom three together with Jorge and Anoop. Jasmine should also be worried for rendering an unripe version of "I'll be there."

Scott's voice is improving while Michael was also impressive tonight. Nevertheless, I don't see them singing in the final performance night. It's an Adam-Danny head-on-competition!

The Urban gurU is one-year-old!

Happy First Year Anniversary

Urban gurU !!!

Paula makes sense tonight

Here's a short note for the third round:


Am picking Lil Rounds for her consistency. She's very solid from auditions up to tonight's performance.

Felicia Barton was a "WOAH!" She really proved her worth in the top 36. Hence, she deserves to be in the final round.

Von Smith picked the right song. Thus, gave him the rights to be in the competition. Got a random question, "Is Marvin Gay?"

How about Clay? o.O

Although Ju'Not was also a choice, 'Delilah' is definitely not a song that will bring him to the finals. But am telling you, he has the talent.

My second choice of best performers would be:

• Ju'Not Joyner
• Kendall Beard
• Jorge Nunez
  

And Scott...

He has a chance. We'll see tomorrow if America will let him be in the finals.


Generally:

• this is the worst group, ever.
• they always reserve the best singer for the last performance. it's a hint already.
• Paula makes sense tonight.
  

Now, where am I in my dream...

If you're gone.

I think I've already lost you. I think you're already gone. I think I'm finally scared now.

I think you're already leaving, feels like your hand is on the door. I thought this place was an empire but now I'm relaxed, I can't be sure .

I think you're so mean, I think we should try. I think I could need, this in my life. I think I'm just scared, I think too much.

I know this is wrong it's a problem I'm dealing...

If you're gone, maybe it's time to go home. There's an awful lot of breathing room, but I can hardly move.

If you're gone, God, I need to come home. Cuz there's a little bit of something me, in everything in you.


*sigh*