First Semester AY 2009 - 2010

Last Tuesday's launching of the DCS website and Course Evaluation for UPV ITTC was the official semester ender for the computer science seniors of UPVCC. I'd like to call it official because I hate to admit that the first semester ended way over last week.

Of course, being a senior is a scary role by itself. But most super seniors can attest that it is only during the first semester wherein one can experience the essence of being a true computer science senior.

In my case, it was indeed one hell of a ride. A lot of firsts happened during this semester which were truly unexpected (in no particular order):

• starred in a music video

• played for our division's soccer team

rightmost gal is me

• had a part on building (actually, just enhancing) a real website (e.g. the website is live!)

L-R: project leader, coder and analyst/coder | background: website

L-R: Charisse Pelayo (Project Leader, Quality Advisor and Configuration Controller), Pauline Wade (Adviser), Anne Marie Gocotano (Analyst, Tester and Coder) and Jan Richie Yu (Designer and Coder)

During the Sipser Show

• had proper food and a "permanent" place to rest during Cook Out

Food! That's me beside Mr. Jefferson Delos Santos. The other girls are Irene, Angel and Anya.

Tent! Abe, Jerson and Irish.

Cook Out stage and the crowd. Nice spot we got, eh? :D

The twins. Jefferson Delos Santos and Jerson Cantoneros. They're not even related!

Those were just some highlights of my first semester. Seems fun and all, but we did all those things (and more) in a short span of time. I couldn't dare take a picture of myself just to prove how stressful this semester has been. Hint: weeks of sleepless nights + skipping meals (just to meet deadlines). I had to skip some classes just to catch some sleep. :(

And as if I would forget this one important and happy detail of my first semester, here it is:

it would really be sad if you don't get what I mean.. :D

This semester, I shall never forget. Whatever the outcome (i.e. grades) may be, I know I did my best and gave my all. So if I fail any subject, my teachers are at fault. Hahaha. Kidding!

Lastly, a nice video that probably best captures the feel of our first semester for AY 2009-2010. Enjoy!

Read more »

The Real Pressure

I have become too busy with school. It's unexplainable. On most times, I wanted to die just to escape from all the hype. School is killing me. And it's not even finals week yet.

I still have loads of things to do, but I'm doing this post because I'm tired. Really tired. Like I said, I'm desperate for an escape. I never thought things would wind up this way! What I have gotten myself into? I have no idea. But I'm sure that this is one hell of a ride. A ride that is so hard to control and would really hurt if I decide to stop and rest even for a while.

What I'm really concerned about is this: I know I've done everything that my body is capable of doing just to meet deadlines and study my butt off for examinations, but it seems that I still have not done enough. Enough that would keep me from failing another subject. I'm skipping classes just to code, when I'm not even the assigned coder for our group. It has taken so much of my time and energy that for the past few weeks, I've been blowing some classes off.

I'm pressured. Very pressured. My parents are hoping that I would be able to graduate on time and I can't wait to finally be able to support my family and be rid of hell that is school. Okay I don't mean that. But I am really tired. And stressed. And tired. And stressed.

But amidst of it all, I am touched with the unending support of my family. Of the way my parents allow me to stay overnight in my classmate's house. My mom not complaining about me not fixing my bed anymore. My dad always scolding me if I'm almost late for class, but he stills takes me to school anyway. My older brother for not buying ice cream for his birthday, just to use the money to buy me medicine (i.e. Vitamin C, Bactidol, Advil and Pharmaton). My younger brothers for allowing me to use the laptop whenever I WANT to (or maybe because we have a pc). And of course, my pregnant sister, who never misses to text me words of encouragement, and praying for my success (which I rarely do so myself).

And non family members' love and support are not gone unnoticed. My close friends understand the times when I'm not with them as often as I used to be. So no matter how I "hate" our dance practices for our Sipser Show (because it's almost always on days when I wasn't able to sleep the previous night), I still would want to attend. For my group mates who acknowledge every single development I have built and for understanding my tantrums. And for this special someone, who refuses to go home when I'm still in school (not an instance when I ordered him to wait for me). For "always" checking up on me. And basically just for being there for me (but not to the point of slowing me down with my school activities) and for relieving my stress almost always.

Basically, the pressure is not about me graduating on time. The real pressure is these people who have directly and indirectly affected me positively, and inspired me to do better and made me brave enough to take a load of sleepless weeks. They have no idea of how their little actions affect me greatly. So it would really kill me inside if I end up failing.

God (whether He exists or not, I do believe that He does) knows of my struggles and my worries. The God I believe in won't allow me to fail, but only when I've done my part. He knows of my capabilities and He also gives me everything I need. And the above people that I have mentioned may just be everything I need to help me surpass this great obstacle.

As of this moment:

1. I'm not yet done with my compiler
2. ITTC and Course Evaluation still not deployed
3. Haven't studied for any exams yet (number of exams: four)
4. Haven't fully memorized the dance steps

Now I want to puke.. So help me God! And Lord Jesus!

Photo Credit: OPTIMUSCRIME

Read more »

Eiga Sai 2009: Japanese Film Festival

Yesterday was the start of Eiga Sai 2009: Japanese Film Festival. Organized by the Consular Office of Japan in Cebu in cooperation with the Japanese Association in Cebu, Inc., Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry in Cebu, Inc. and Ayala Center Cebu, the event showcases unique films from Japan which will be shown in Ayala Center Cebu Cinema 4. And yesterday's film was the movie titled, Always.

Always - Sunset on Thrid Street (Always San-chome no yuhi, 2005) is directed by Yamazaki Takash. The story takes place in post-war Tokyo (1958) and involves a teenage girl named Mutsuko who arrives in Tokyo to work in Suzuki Auto. She thought that the company is a major automotive company but to her dismay, Suzuki Auto is actually a small auto repair shop owned by Mr. Suzuki. The story then focuses on Mr. Suzuki's neighbors and their relationship with them as well.

The movie allowed the viewers to see how Japan used to be, and their perseverance to move beyond the shadow of war. The determination, hardwork and teamwork of the characters in the film clearly explains Japan's great success today.

What I liked about the film is the amount of drama and laughter it brings to the audience. I did laugh a lot on some parts, and kept quiet as I tried to fight back some tears on the dramatic parts. But all-in-all, it was an excellent movie. A film that is very entertaining and has great content as well.

What adds up to the impact of the movie was seeing how vulnerable and simple Japan used to be, and the way how the characters dealt with their post-war life. Just like in our country, war leaves a scar to the ones who have experienced it, and affects on how they live their life. Also, the effects of war is almost the same in all parts of the world and the only difference is on how we move on and pick up the pieces to try and stand on our own.

I would really like to view the rest of the films, but I think I have to miss out on today's (Wednesday) film because the circumstances I am in right now won't allow me. :)

The other films are:

July 29 – Wednesday - (7 pm) THE MILKWOMAN

July 30 – Thursday - (7 pm) TURN OVER

July 31 – Friday - (7 pm) TONY TAKITANI

Aug 1 – Saturday - (4 pm) MIND GAME; (7 pm)MEMORIES OF TOMORROW

Aug 2 Sunday (4 pm) KAMOME Diner; (7 pm)MEMORIES OF MATSUKO

Special thanks to Justine (for her influence on all things Japanese), Catherine and Jenny (for the food), Jean (for being "late" hehe), Jefferson and company (just for being present). :)

To those who plan to watch the other films, kitakits! ;)

Credits: Philstar and laag cebu

Read more »