Book Review: Real Boys' Voices

I’m currently reading a book by Dr. William Pollack, Ph. D., entitled Real Boys’ Voices that I recently bought for only P50 in a super summer sale of a favorite bookstore.

In this book, he explored the profound, painful issues that most teenage boys face on today’s generation. We hear from boys and young men in big cities and small towns in America who share compelling, extraordinarily candid stories about the issues and dilemmas they face everyday ranging from drugs, sex, violence, bullying, sports, girls, parents and so much more.

He discussed about the subconscious Boy Code that society and the media have implanted in the minds of these growing young boys, the mask of masculinity and the gender straightjacket – old rules that favor male stoicism driving them to feel ashamed about expressing weakness and vulnerability in the fear that they will be teased, bullied, humiliated, and beaten up, by other boys if they give voice to their truest feelings.

It’s an eye-opening book, personally. I can’t believe I was not alone all along and that somewhere in the other side of the globe, boys my age are also undergoing the same kind of struggles in their lives.

I may be an upcoming third year college student but you can’t rid of the fact that I’m only 17 and most of the issues discussed in this book perfectly matched what I’ve been through so far. Maybe my personals issues have been resolved but as I devour the pages of that book, I was reminded of all the hurt.

I remember the pain and fear of being called feminine, even though I clearly know inside that I’m not. I remember all the name-calling, being bullied and harassed by other kids when I was only five; the sting of great loneliness and despair when I got no one to talk to about my deepest concerns; the rage and anger that boils up inside me about stereotyping; the pressure to have a girlfriend, to be independent, to take it all in and bottle it all up.

I still remember everything that has caused me great insecurities, the foundation of my low self-esteem, and the root of all my fears. And now I fully understand better why and how I become a victim of society’s expectations.

Home Antics

Spontaneous Flicks

*sigh*

Sometimes I wake up in the morning feeling worn-out and distressed when I should be radiating the exact opposite. I guess I've been wandering off on my own in this world for too long.

It's time for this tortured angel to come back home. It's time for my return to innocence.

Russet-tide Solstice

I had a great time yesterday with some of my friends at Loreland Farm Resort in Antipolo, just a tricycle ride away from Antipolo Church. The mountainside view is breath-taking and the place is a big wow! I'd definitely want to go there again some time. You'll literally find yourself one with nature and pampered in their services. There are loads of cottages, cabanas, umbrellas, and treehouses to choose from for reservations, and swimming pools to dip in!

It sucks that I forgot to get some brochure before we left but I sure had another one of those flicker fest moments with the fair summer weather and a digital camera in my hand. I'll find some time to showcase some of my best shots in that place.

Earth Hour: Vote Earth

I just joined this year's Earth Hour! 

On March 28 you can VOTE EARTH by switching off your lights for one hour. Or you can vote global warming by leaving your lights on.

We all have a vote, and every single vote counts. Together we can take control of the future of our planet, for future generations.

*******
This year, Earth Hour has been transformed into the world’s first global election, between Earth and global warming. For the first time in history, people of all ages, nationalities, race and background have the opportunity to use their light switch as their vote – Switching off your lights is a vote for Earth, or leaving them on is a vote for global warming. WWF are urging the world to VOTE EARTH and reach the target of 1 billion votes, which will be presented to world leaders at the Global Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen 2009. This meeting will determine official government policies to take action against global warming, which will replace the Kyoto Protocol. It is the chance for the people of the world to make their voice heard.

This year, Earth Hour is being taken to the next level, with the goal of 1 billion people switching off their lights as part of a global vote. Unlike any election in history, it is not about what country you’re from, but instead, what planet you’re from. VOTE EARTH is a global call to action for every individual, every business, and every community. A call to stand up and take control over the future of our planet. Over 74 countries and territories have pledged their support to VOTE EARTH during Earth Hour 2009, and this number is growing everyday.

For more information click here!

Weekend Seminar

I had a truly blessed time with the staff and the rest of the PREX 37 class of St. Paul the Apostle Parish last weekend as we sponsor and make preparations for the next class and weekend seminar with PREX 38. I slept 2 in the morning for three consecutive days (I had 4 cups of coffee in my first night! yikes!) and I'm telling you, though it's tough, it is nevertheless fulfilling.

I guess the greatest part of the whole event was meeting new faces and getting to know more about my fellow parishioners, especially those of my age but more excitingly,the oldies in their forties and sixties. Why the oldies? Well, I love listening to their stories and I've always had this thought that mingling with the 'mature ones' gives me a sense of responsibility as I go over my priorities and dreams in life based from the experience of those who have gone far beyond and are now going back. Oh, I remember hanging out with some of them in the registration table giggling and exchanging jokes as if they were only teenagers!

Though I have minimal requirements to be submitted on Monday, I had managed to go to school to take care of some stuff and back to church where the seminar is being held. It wasn't at all easy so I must give credit to the grace of God that had kept me fired up for the whole 3 days. It was the first time I ever get to clean a bathroom, mop a floor and even serve food and drinks just like an ordinary janitor or waiter doing their humble jobs as part of the service crew; a big lesson I realized that it's in the simplest things you can find genuine happiness.

Overall, that three-day seminar has been really great. We give thanks to all those who helped us in the sponsoring class, to the wonderful speakers and lead couple from Good Shepherd Parish in Fairview, and most importantly to God, who guided us and gave us strength all throughout that experience.

Lent

I am a little bit saddened by a favorite priest leaving our parish. I will miss him so much and truly going to mass every Sunday won't be the same without him. But then again, I know someone great will take his place in our beloved parish. I just know it.

Creative Juice #004: Final Plate

Hitsura nung isa kong friend pagkatapos magpuyat ng magdamag sa isang plate. How scary!

Ugh! Nakakapagod yung huling plate namen sa Design 4. Grabeh. Hapet na naman. So ayun, pinapasa sya kanina. Hinde ako masyadong na-satisfy sa gawa ko, pero in fairness, na-enjoy ko rin ng onti yung dalawang araw na nagkulong ako sa kwarto para sumubsob sa drafting table. Parang nabunutan ako ng tinik sa huling plate na yun pero ang iniisip ko naman ay yung grade na makukuha ko.

Marami rin akong napagmuni-munian sa dalawang araw na yon. Naalala ko na naman kase yung isa kong kaibigan na nagsabing settled na daw sya sa course nya pero hinde sya ganun ka-passionate sa landas na tinatahak nya. Hmmm... Ganun rin kaya ako?

Kinakailangan kase ng sandamakmak na oras at pag-iisa ang paggawa ng plate. Parang artist ba, zero ang social life at nabubuhay sa sariling mundo, which ayoko namang mangyari sa'kin dahil interaction is a big part of my life.

Napapadasal na lang tuloy ako minsan. Nagtatanong kung ito nga ba ang pinlano Nya para sa buhay ko. Sa sobrang pagod kase minsan, hindi naman sa gusto ko nang sumuko (duh! this is not a singing contest...), napapaisip lang ako if all those time I spend in my plates are really worth spending my life for, and if all those moments I spend alone in my room really matters in the long run.

Sobrang busy kase minsan na halos nakakalimutan ko na yung mga bagay that really matters most in life. Haaay...

MadMusic#010: EXILE

It's been quite a while since I adhere to some foreign band. I'm starting to like this 7-member Japanese pop music band called EXILE. I'm never gonna love J-pop like this one! Cool voice, catchy melodies, emotion-filled lyrics... What more could I ask for!

Creative Juice #003: CAFA Exhibit 2009

*******

*sigh* I'm so exhausted from all the work I've put up in our historic display for this year's college exhibit. Completions, final plates and exams and departmental exams are so next next week! It seems there's no end in all these school requirements. Ugh.